Sheffield City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 1121

Sign Regulations

1121.01 PURPOSE AND INTENT.

It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to establish reasonable regulations which preserve the health, safety, and general welfare of the public while protecting each person's constitutional right to freedom of speech, as indicated by the following objectives:

(a) To provide reasonable and appropriate methods for locating goods, services, and facilities in all zoning districts by relating the size, type, and design of signs to the size, type, and design of the uses and districts;

(b) To control the design of signs so that their appearance shall be aesthetically harmonious with an overall urban design for the area;

(d) To limit the visual dominance of signs without unconstitutionally restricting the information conveyed;

(e) To prohibit signs which pose an unreasonable risk to public safety;

(f) To promote traffic safety by preventing obstructions within public rights-of-way, minimizing visual distractions to motorists, ensuring that sign size and height are appropriate to their location, and preventing conflicts with public safety signs and police and fire protection;

(g) To promote well-designed and placed signs that are consistent with the intent, purposes, standards, and criteria of these sign regulations. More specifically, encouraging signs that are designed with the following principles:

(1) Lettering should be large enough to be easily read but not overly large or out of scale with the building or site;

(2) The number of items, letters, symbols, and shapes should be consistent with the amount of information that can be comprehended by the viewer; reflect simplicity; avoid visual clutter; and improve legibility;

(3) The shape of a sign should be simple and not create visual clutter, and the sign should be consolidated into a minimum number of elements;

(4) A ratio between the message and the background should permit easy recognition of the message;

(5) The sign should complement the building and adjacent buildings by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture;

(6) Signs should have an appropriate contrast and be designed with a limited number of colors and harmonious use of such colors;

(7) Signs, if seen in series, should have a continuity of design with the style of sign generally consistent throughout the building or block;

(8) Visible frames or supports for projecting signs should be artistic in nature; and

(9) A sign should be constructed with a minimum of different types of material so as to provide a consistent overall appearance.

(h) To promote the public right to receive religious, political, economic, social, philosophical, and other First Amendment-protected messages.

The Village does not intend to infringe on the rights of free speech as protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Chapter I, §11 of the Ohio Constitution. All regulations in this chapter are to be construed, whenever possible, in favor of vigorous political debate and accommodation of the rights of persons to speak freely.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.02 APPLICABILITY.

(a) It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person to erect, place, relocate, expand, modify, maintain, or otherwise alter a sign in the Village except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The construction, erection, safety, and maintenance of all signs shall be in accordance with the Ohio Building Code.

(c) Unless otherwise provided, this chapter shall apply to any sign over which the Village has authority to regulate. Additionally, this chapter shall apply to any sign, in any zoning district, that is visible from the public right-of-way or from property other than the property on which the sign is located.

(d) Any sign already established on the effective date of this chapter or future amendment thereto, and which sign is rendered nonconforming by the provisions herein, shall be subject to the nonconforming sign regulations of Section 1121.13.

(e) All signs shall require zoning compliance review unless otherwise exempted below or as specifically stated in other sections of this chapter.

(f) The Mayor shall sign off on all building permits related to any permanent sign that requires a permit pursuant to this chapter.

(g) Zoning Compliance Review Exemptions. The following signs are subject to the requirements of this chapter and are allowed in all districts but do not require any special zoning review but may still be subject to applicable building permits. Additionally, any sign area for these signs do not count toward the sign area allowances specified in this chapter for all other permitted signs.

(1) Signs and/or notices issued by any court, officer, or other person in the performance of a public duty. Any such sign shall be removed no later than seven days after the last day it is required to be displayed;

(2) Signs that are an integral part of the original construction of vending or similar machines, fuel pumps, automated teller machines, or similar devices that are not of a size or design as to be visible from a street or by any person other than those using the machine or device;

(3) Any sign that is located completely inside a building that is not visible from the exterior;

(4) Signs that are located within a stadium, open-air theater, park, arena, or other outdoor use that are not intended to be visible from a public right-of-way or adjacent property and can be viewed only by persons within such stadium, open-air theater, park, arena or other outdoor use;

(5) Sign face changes where the sign structure is designed with interchangeable panels and one of the panels is replaced, provided the sign face change does not alter the total sign structure;

(6) Changes of copy on signs with changeable copy, whether manual or digital;

(7) Certain temporary signs, as established in Section 1121.11;

(8) No more than four flags located on flagpoles or on wall-mounted posts provided that the following shall apply:

A. In the R District, the maximum height of a flag pole shall be 35 feet, with a maximum flag size of forty (40) square feet.

B. For all other zoning districts, the maximum height of flag poles shall not exceed the maximum building height for structures in the subject zoning district. The maximum size of an individual flag attached to a flag pole shall be related to the height of the pole, as established in Table 1121-1 below:

TABLE 1121-1: MAXIMUM FLAG SIZE ON FLAG POLES
Flag Pole Height (Feet)	Maximum Sign Area per Flag
Less than 6.0	15 Square Feet
6.1 to 20.0	24 Square Feet
20.1 to 25.0	40 Square Feet
25.1 to 35.0	60 Square Feet
35.1 to 45.0	96 Square Feet

C. The maximum projection for a wall-mounted flag post is six (6) feet, with a maximum sign area of fifteen (15) square feet per flag.

D. There shall be a maximum of one flag pole permitted on each lot.

E. Flag poles may be subject to building permit regulations.

(9) A single wall sign mounted flush on the facade of an individual dwelling unit that is not illuminated and does not exceed two (2) square feet in area;

(10) Signs that are an integral part of the historic character of a structure that has been designated an official landmark or historic structure by any agency or body of the governments of the United States, State of Ohio, or Lorain County;

(11) Any signs located on umbrellas, seating, or similar patio furniture, provided they are located outside of the right-of-way and comply with any other applicable standards of this chapter;

(12) Any sign on a truck, bus, or other vehicles that are used in the normal course of a business (e.g., deliveries or fleet vehicles for contractors) for transportation (See also Section 1121.03.) or signage required by the State or Federal government;

(13) Signs installed or required by a governmental agency, including Sheffield Village, Lorain County, the State of Ohio, and the United States, including local and regional transit agencies;

(14) Any warning signs or traffic safety signs required by public utility providers;

(15) Hand-held signs not set on or affixed to the ground;

(16) Any address numbers required by Sheffield Village or the U.S. Post Office;

(17) Any signs, including illuminated signs or related decorations erected in observance of religious, national, or state holidays which are not intended to be permanent in nature and which contain no advertising material; and

(18) General maintenance, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or any sign structure unless a structural change is made.

(Ord. 2897. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.03 PROHIBITED SIGN TYPES.

The following types of signs are specifically prohibited within the Village:

(a) Unless otherwise specifically allowed, signs that are applied to trees, utility poles, benches, trash receptacles, fences or walls, newspaper vending machines or boxes, or any other unapproved supporting structure or otherwise placed in the public right-of-way;

(b) Any sign or sign structure which, in the opinion of the Village Administrator, after consultation with the Chief Building Official, is structurally unsafe or constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment;

(c) No sign shall be installed, erected, or attached in any shape, manner, or form to block a fire escape or to any door or window that is required ingress and egress for fire safety;

(d) Pennants, streamers, and other similar type devices;

(e) Signs that employ any parts or elements which revolve, rotate, whirl, spin, or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention except for electronic message centers permitted in accordance with this chapter;

(f) Balloon signs and air-activated graphics;

(g) Laser lights, beacons, and searchlights, except for emergency purposes;

(h) Motor vehicles, tractor trailers, or similar vehicles with signs painted on, attached to, supported by, or otherwise affixed to the vehicle shall not be parked or stored for a time period exceeding forty-eight (48) hours;

(i) Any signs that utilize illumination by means of bare bulbs, flames, or both;

(j) Any signs which imitate or resemble official traffic or governmental signs that are designed or used in a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse drivers along streets;

(k) Blade or feather signs;

(l) Roof signs;

(m) Any signs that contain obscenity;

(n) Any sign that violates the intersection visibility requirements of Section 1113.02;

(o) Any sign located in a public right-of-way except as specifically provided for in the chapter; and

(p) Any other sign type that is not specifically allowed by this chapter.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.04 CALCULATION AND MEASUREMENTS.

(a) Sign Setback. All required setbacks for signs shall be measured as the distance in feet from the applicable lot line or other stated point of measurement to the closest point on the sign structure.

(b) Sign Height.

(1) The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade (average grade at the base of the sign) to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. The normal grade shall be construed to be the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely undertaken for the purpose of locating or increasing the height of the sign.

(2) The filling of a hole or depression to create an average grade at the same level as that surrounding the hole or depression is permitted, provided such filling is allowed by other ordinances.

(3) In cases where the normal grade is below grade at street level, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public or private street. See Figure 1121-A.

Figure 1121-A: Illustration of the measurement of sign height when the grade

at the bottom of the sign is below the grade of the adjacent street.

(c) Sign Area. The surface of a sign to be included when computing the maximum allowable square footage of sign area shall be calculated as established in this section.

(1) The calculation of sign area shall not include any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall unless such structural support is determined to constitute an integral part of the sign design by means of text or other commercial message, as determined by the Village Administrator. See Figure 1121-B.

(2) For sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel, cabinet, or surface distinctively painted, textured, lighted, or constructed to serve as the background for the sign copy, the sign area shall be computed by means of the total area of the sign face that encompasses the extreme limits of the background panel, cabinet, or surface. See Figure 1121-B and Figure 1121-C.

Figure 1121-B: Illustration of sign area calculation for a freestanding sign

with a copy on a distinct, rectangular cabinet. The brick structural support is

not included in the sign area calculation.

Figure 1121-C: Illustration of computing the sign area for wall signs

with a background panel or cabinet.

(3) For sign copy where individual letters or elements are mounted on a building facade or window where there is no background panel, cabinet, or surface distinctively painted, textured, lighted, or constructed to serve as the background for the sign copy, the sign area shall be computed by means of the single smallest regular geometric shape (i.e., circle, ellipse, triangle, square, rectangle, trapezoid, pentagon or hexagon), or combination of regular geometric shapes, that encloses all the letters, elements, and open space associated with the sign. See Figure 1121-D.

Figure 1121-D: Illustration of sign area calculation for wall signs with individual letters.

(4) In cases where there are multiple signs or elements of sign copy on the same surface, any areas of sign copy that are within two (2) feet of one another shall be calculated as a single sign area that shall be computed by means of the above measurements in Paragraphs (2) and (3). See Figure 1121-E.

Figure 1121-E: Illustration of sign area calculations for multiple sign areas on a window sign.

(5) When two (2) identically sized, flat sign faces are placed back-to-back with no more than twelve (12) inches in separation so that both faces cannot be viewed from any one point at the same time, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the sign faces. The twelve (12)-inch separation distance shall not apply in cases where the two (2) faces are part of a single sign cabinet or structure that is fully enclosed. If the two (2) faces are unequal, the sign area shall be calculated based on the larger of the two (2) faces.

(6) Freestanding and projecting signs shall only be permitted to have two (2) sign faces mounted back-to-back.

(7) Facade Measurements.

A. When calculating the permitted sign area based on the width of any facade, such calculation shall be based on viewing the facade from a ninety (90)-degree angle (i.e., straight on) from the adjacent street, regardless of facade insets, offsets, or angles.

See Figure 1121-F.

Figure 1121-F: Illustration of facade width measurement on varied facade shapes.

B. For multi-tenant buildings, the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single occupant or tenant shall be considered a building unit. See Figure 1121-G.

Figure 1121-G: The above image shows independent buildings (1 and 4) as well

as a multi-tenant building in between. The multi-tenant building has two

building units, as identified as 2 and 3 in the image.

(8) The primary facade shall be the portion of a frontage that serves as the main access point to a building or building unit. A site or building will be considered to have secondary facades when any of the following site/building characteristics are present (See Figure 1121.04 H.):

A. The subject site is a corner lot;

B. The primary parking area is not located adjacent to a public street; or

C. The building or unit has walls with public or customer entrance points that do not face the public street.

Figure 1121.04-H: Common examples of the location of primary and secondary facades.

(9) When a site has a primary and secondary facade as defined herein, the Village Administrator shall determine which wall shall be the primary building facade and which wall(s) shall be the secondary building facade. Only one outside wall of any business shall be considered its primary facade. (Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.05 GENERAL REGULATIONS.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the following regulations shall apply to all signs within the Village:

(a) No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private or public property without the consent of the owner or agent thereof.

(b) All signs shall be subject to the intersection visibility standards established in Section 1113.02.

(c) Permitted permanent signs should be designed so as to be similar in character with regard to materials, color, and size to signs designed or located on the same building and on adjoining buildings in order to equalize the attention they are meant to attract and to produce an overall unified effect and in accordance with the standards set forth in this section.

(d) The back side of all permanent signs that do not contain a second sign face and structural supports shall be completely enclosed.

(e) Construction Standards.

(1) All signs shall be professionally manufactured or of equivalent quality. Permanent signs shall be fabricated with rigid materials that are of good quality and good durability.

(2) Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as to pose no threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(3) The construction, erection, safety, and maintenance shall comply with all applicable building and electrical codes. In the event there is a conflict between the provisions of this section and the provisions of any applicable building or electrical codes, the provisions of the more restrictive code shall govern.

(4) The lowest member for all signs, which project or are supported on posts, shall not be less than eight (8) feet above the finished grade of a sidewalk or any other pedestrian way. If located over a pavement used for vehicular traffic or within eighteen (18) inches of the vertical projection of the edges of such pavement, the lowest member of the sign shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet above the finished pavement.

(5) Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting members or connections.

(6) Signs shall be structurally designed to withstand a wind pressure of thirty (30) pounds per square foot in any direction.

(f) Signs in Rights-of-Way.

(1) Signs shall be prohibited in the right-of-way with the exception of the following:

A. Signs installed by Sheffield Village, Lorain County, the State of Ohio, the federal government, or public transit agencies;

B. Any warning signs or traffic safety signs required by public utility providers; or

C. Sidewalk signs as allowed in Section 1121.10(c)(5).

(2) The Village Administrator may remove or cause to be removed any unlawful sign in the public right-of-way.

(g) Illumination. Unless otherwise specifically stated, signs shall be permitted to be illuminated in compliance with the following:

(1) Where illuminated signs are permitted, such illumination may be through internal or external lighting sources.

(2) Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent buildings and streets and shall be focused exclusively on the sign.

(3) Lights shall not be of such brightness so as to cause glare that is hazardous to pedestrians or motorists or cause reasonable objection from adjacent residential districts.

(4) Not be flashing, moving, or intermittent so that any part of the message changes at a rate of more than once every two (2) minutes.

(5) An illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ only light of constant intensity.

(6) Electronic message centers are a permitted form of illuminated sign for permitted freestanding signs, subject to the following requirements:

A. The sign area of the electronic message center shall not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the total sign area.

B. All electronic message centers shall be set back a minimum of 300 feet from a residential dwelling unit.

C. Any message changes shall be a static, instant message change.

D. Messages can only change once every eight (8) seconds or longer.

E. The transition time between messages shall be less than one (1) second.

F. All electronic message centers shall contain a default mechanism that will cause the sign to revert immediately to a black screen if the sign malfunctions.

G. The electronic message center shall come equipped with an automatic dimming photocell, which automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on ambient light conditions.

H. Illumination shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting conditions when measured at fifty (50) feet in any direction from an electronic message center sign.

I. Audio emissions from electronic message center signs shall be prohibited.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.06 SIGNS PERMITTED IN PUD DISTRICTS.

(a) All development in a PUD District shall be subject to the standards of this article unless otherwise modified through the PUD review and approval process. In general:

(1) Single-family residential uses and public and institutional uses in a PUD shall comply with the sign requirements of the R District.

(2) Multi-family residential uses in a PUD shall comply with the sign requirements of the M-1 District.

(3) Commercial and office uses in a PUD shall comply with the sign requirements of the C-3 District.

(4) Industrial uses in a PUD shall comply with the sign requirements of the I-1 District.

(b) This section shall apply to both permanent and temporary signs.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.07 PERMANENT ON-PREMISE SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

The following are permanent signs permitted in the R and M-1 Districts:

(a) Signs at Entrances. Two (1) wall signs or one (1) permanent freestanding monument sign may be permitted for any subdivision or multi-family dwelling development that contains ten units/lots or more, provided that the signs meet the following requirements:

(1) General Standards.

A. Each sign may have a maximum sign area of thirty-two (32) square feet.

B. No such sign or any portion of the structure shall exceed six (6) feet in height.

C. The sign may only be illuminated through an external light source.

D. The sign shall be an on-premise sign.

(2) Monument Sign.

A. A maximum of one freestanding monument sign may be permitted for each entrance to the subdivision or development on a collector or arterial street, as determined by the Village Administrator.

B. The sign may be located on private property or within an island of a boulevard entrance. If located in a boulevard entrance, the Village shall be held harmless for any liability related to the existence of such sign.

C. In all cases, the sign shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from any right-of-way and twenty-five (25) feet from any adjacent intersection of two (2) streets.

D. The monument sign shall have a maximum of two (2) sign faces, mounted back-to-back.

E. If an applicant proposes to use a monument sign, no wall signs, as allowed in Section 1121.07(a)(3) below, shall be permitted.

(3) Wall Signs on Entry Fences or Walls.

A. A maximum of two (2) wall signs may be permitted for each entrance to the subdivision or development on a collector or arterial street, as determined by the Village Administrator.

B. If two (2) signs are utilized, the signs shall be separated by a minimum of fifty (50) feet.

C. The signs shall be mounted to a decorative wall or fence that generally runs parallel to the street.

D. If an applicant proposes to use wall signs, no monument sign, as allowed in Section 1121.07(a)(2) above, shall be permitted.

(b) Signs for Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zoning Districts.

(1) One permanent freestanding monument sign may be permitted on a lot containing a nonresidential use in a residential zoning district, provided the sign meets the following requirements:

A. In all cases, the sign shall be set back a minimum of eight (8) feet from any lot lines or rights-of-way.

B. The maximum sign area shall be fifty (50) square feet.

C. No such sign or any portion of the structure shall exceed eight (8) feet in height.

D. The sign shall be an on-premise sign and shall only be located on private property.

E. The sign may include a manual changeable copy sign as part of the allowed sign area.

F. The sign may be illuminated or may be comprised of an electronic message center that complies with the operational standards of Section 1121.05(g).

(2) Walls signs shall be permitted with a total sign area equal to one square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage, not to exceed a total of 100 square feet. Such wall signs shall be subject to the sign standards of Section 1121.08(b)(10)A.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.08 PERMANENT ON-PREMISE SIGNS IN NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

The following are permanent signs permitted in the C-2, C-3, C-4, I-1, and P-I Districts:

(a) Window Signs. Window signs do not require zoning compliance review provided they comply with the following standards:

(1) Window signs shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the window area.

(2) Window signs shall be attached to the interior of the window or door.

(3) Window signs may be temporarily or permanently attached to the window surface.

(4) The sign area of window signs shall not be counted as part of any other sign allowance in this chapter.

(5) Window signs are not permitted in any window of a space used for residential uses or purposes unless allowed as a temporary sign in accordance with Section 1121.11.

(6) Window signs shall not be illuminated except when illuminated by an external lighting source.

(7) Decorative edging or other window treatments that are not an integral part of the sign copy shall not be considered a part of the sign for the purposes of this chapter. See Figure 1121-E.

(8) The sign area is based on the total window area, regardless of the presence of an awning. Window areas separated by piers, architectural elements, or similar features that are not glass or window framing or support, and that are more than four (4) inches in width, shall be considered separate and distinct window areas. See Figure 1121-I.

Figure 1121-I: The window area is illustrated within the dashed line area

for the two storefronts in the above image.

(b) Building Signs. Building signs are permitted on all principal buildings or canopy structures in accordance with the following:

(1) The maximum area of all building signs located on the primary facade shall be equal to one and five tenths (1.5) square feet of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage. For buildings where the primary facade is located a minimum of 150 feet back from the right-of-way, the maximum area of building signs located on the primary facade may be increased to two (2.0) square feet of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage.

(2) An applicant may provide additional building signage for all the secondary facades as follows:

A. The maximum total amount of building signs permitted on all of the secondary facades shall be equal to fifty percent (50%) of the amount of signage allowed on the primary facade.

B. The building signage allowed on the secondary facades may not be placed as additional building signs on the primary facade.

C. Buildings signs on secondary facades shall not be illuminated if they are visible from an adjacent lot that is zoned residential or is occupied by a residential use.

(3) See Section 1121.04(c)(7) for the determination of primary and secondary facades.

(4) The building sign area shall include the total amount of all awning, canopy, projecting, or wall signs on the building.

(5) There is no maximum number of building signs, but the total square footage of building signs located on a single façade shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(6) Building signs shall also be subject to any applicable standards for building sign types in Section 1121.08(b)(10).

(7) Building signs shall not extend above the top of the roofline of the building to which it is attached.

(8) Building signs may not be attached to mechanical equipment or roof screening but may be attached to accessory canopy structures (e.g., over fuel pumps).

(9) Building signs shall not include electronic message centers.

(10) Building Sign Standards.

A. Wall Sign Standards. Any wall sign shall comply with the following standards:

i. Wall signs shall be mounted on or flush with a wall and shall not project more than eighteen (18) inches from the wall or face of the building to which it is attached.

ii. A wall sign may be mounted on the facade wall or mounted on a raceway or wireway.

iii. No wall sign shall cover or obscure any wall opening.

B. Awning or Canopy Sign Standards. Any canopy sign shall comply with the following standards:

i. Signage shall not cover more than twenty-four (24) square feet of any individual awning or canopy.

ii. Signage may be mounted above any canopy that extends over a customer entrance, provided that the maximum sign height over the canopy shall be eighteen (18) inches, as measured from the top of the canopy to the top of the sign. Signage may also be mounted below the canopy provided the maximum height of the sign copy shall not exceed twelve (12) inches and the clearance requirements of Section 1121.05 are maintained to the bottom of the sign copy.

iii. Only the area of the sign may be illuminated internally on an awning or canopy. The remainder of any awning canopy shall not be illuminated or may be illuminated by an external source such as gooseneck lighting.

C. Projecting Sign Standards. Any projecting sign shall comply with the following standards:

i. Only one projecting sign shall be permitted for each tenant.

ii. A projecting sign shall be perpendicular to the wall of the building to which it is attached and shall not extend more than four (4) feet from the facade wall to which it is attached.

iii. Projecting signs shall be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the end of the building or party wall.

iv. Decorative supporting structures for projecting signs are encouraged and shall not count toward the maximum square footage of sign area allowed; however, in no case shall the supporting structure exceed six (6) square feet in area.

v. The maximum sign area for a projecting sign shall be twenty-four (24) square feet.

vi. Projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated.

vii. Projecting signs shall not encroach into the right-of-way.

(1) Freestanding signs include pole, ground, and monument signs.

(2) Only one freestanding sign is permitted per street frontage.

(3) The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be eight feet.

(4) The maximum sign area of any freestanding sign shall be fifty (50) square feet.

(5) All freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of eight (8) feet from all rights-of-way.

(6) For lots that have a street frontage longer than 300 feet, the total sign area may be increased by one square foot for every three (3) lineal feet of the street frontage that exceeds 300 feet with a maximum sign area of 150 feet. The maximum height and setbacks shall be adjusted in accordance with Table 1121-2 based on the final sign area.

TABLE 1121-2: FREESTANDING SIGNS ON LARGE LOTS
Sign Area (Square Feet)	Maximum Height (Feet)	Minimum Setback from Rights-of-Way (Feet)
50 to 75	8	8
76 to 100	10	8
101 to 125	12	10
126 to 150	16	10

(7) All freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area equal to or larger than the total sign area of the applicable sign. Such landscaped area may be an area that fulfills any landscaping requirements of this code. The landscaped area shall include all points where sign structural supports attach to the ground.

(8) Exposed sign foundations shall be constructed with a finished material such as brick, stone, veneer, or wood.

(9) The sign may include a manual changeable copy sign as part of the allowed sign area.

(10) All illumination of signs shall be subject to Section 1121.05(g).

(d) Drive-Through Facility Signs.

(1) Drive-through facility signs are only permitted as an accessory to a permitted drive-through facility.

(2) One drive-through facility sign shall be allowed for each waiting lane in a drive-through facility, provided the total aggregate sign area of all freestanding signs associated with each drive-through facility does not exceed seventy-two (72) square feet. In no case shall a single drive-through facility sign exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in sign area.

(3) Such signs shall be oriented so as to only be visible to occupants of vehicles in the waiting lanes of the drive-through facility.

(4) No drive-through facility sign under this section shall exceed six feet in height measured from the grade of the adjacent driving surface to the top of the sign.

(5) Drive-through facility signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Up to one hundred percent (100%) of each sign may be an electronic message center if they comply with the following standards:

A. Any message change shall be a static, instant message change.

B. Only Light Emitting Diodes (LED) technology or similar quality signs shall be permitted for electronic message centers.

C. The electronic message center shall come equipped with an automatic dimming photocell, which automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on ambient light conditions.

D. The electronic message center shall be turned off during the hours when the related business is closed.

(6) There shall be no maximum drive-through facility sign area in instances where the signs are fully screened from view of any public street or adjacent residential use.

(7) The sign area of drive-through facility signs shall not be counted as part of any other sign allowance in this chapter.

(8) Drive-through facility signs attached to a wall of a building shall be calculated as part of the building signage allowance in Section 1121.08(b).

(e) Driveway Signs.

(1) A maximum of two (2) signs shall be permitted for any individual driveway.

(2) Driveway signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from all lot lines, but in no case shall the sign be set back more than twenty-five (25) feet from the edge of the driveway where it intersects with the public street.

(3) Each driveway sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and three (3) feet in height.

(4) Driveway signs may be internally or externally illuminated.

(5) The sign area of driveway signs shall not be counted as part of any other sign allowance in this chapter.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.09 OFF-PREMISE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTERS.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the establishment of a permanent off-premise sign with an electronic message center shall be classified as a conditional use in the C-2, C-3, and I-1 Districts along the 1-90 Corridor. In addition, the regulation of signs along interstate highways shall conform to the requirements of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5516 and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto and ODOT rules and regulations.

(b) Such signs shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Off-premise electronic message centers may not be erected or constructed within fifty (50) feet of any road or highway intersection or railroad grade crossing;

(2) There shall be a minimum setback of ten (10) feet from all road rights-of-way.

(3) The maximum height shall be fifty (50) feet.

(4) Signs may not be located within 8,000 feet of any other off-premise electronic message centers along the same roadway, regardless if that sign has an electronic message center.

(5) All signs must follow the illumination regulations of Section 1121.05(g).

(6) There shall be no more than two off-premise electronic message centers within the Village at any given time, one of which must be located on property owned by the Village of Sheffield.

(7) Off-premise electronic message centers shall be subject to the same standards as on-premise electronic message centers in Section 1121.05(g).

(8) Provision of emergency messaging and community activity shall be permitted cost-free.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.10 SIGNS IN THE I-90 CORRIDOR.

(a) Signs along the US I-90 Corridor are necessary to communicate information for property owners, tenants, and users. Since the corridor is a major gateway along a high-speed interstate, signs may be considered differently than other signs throughout the Village. Additional sign criteria are necessary to accomplish this and are intended to supplement the sign regulations of Section 1121.08 above.

(b) The regulations in this section are applicable to any property that has frontage on US I-90.

(1) All signs along the frontage of US I-90 must be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way

(2) Any lot with frontage along US I-90 may be permitted one pole sign in accordance with this section. An additional freestanding sign may be permitted in accordance with the applicable zoning district, subject to Section 1121.08(c) above, provided that the lot has a second street frontage.

(3) he following shall apply to pole signs allowed in accordance with this section:

A. The maximum height of a freestanding pole sign shall be thirty-five (35) feet.

B. The maximum sign area shall be 150 square feet.

(4) Building signs shall be allowed in accordance with Section 1121.08(b), based on the applicable zoning district.

(5) Electronic message centers are allowed, provided they comply with Section 1121.05(g).

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.11 TEMPORARY SIGNS.

The following are the types of temporary signs allowed in Sheffield Village, including any applicable regulations for each type of sign.

(a) Standards Applicable to All Temporary Signs.

(1) Temporary signs shall not be mounted, attached, affixed, installed, or otherwise secured in a manner that will make the sign a permanent sign.

(2) No temporary sign shall be mounted, attached, affixed, installed, or otherwise secured so as to protrude above the roofline of a structure.

(3) All temporary signs shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent swinging or other significantly noticeable movement resulting from the wind that could pose a danger to people, vehicles, or structures.

(4) Unless otherwise specifically stated, temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

(5) No temporary sign shall require a foundation, support, wiring, fittings, or elements that would traditionally require a building permit or electrical permit.

(6) Temporary signs shall not be affixed to any permanent sign or permanent structure except when a banner sign is permitted to temporaroly cover a permanent sign in accordance with this section or when such sign is attached to the principal building as permitted in this chapter.

(7) No streamers, spinning, flashing, windblown devices, or similarly moving devices shall be allowed as part of or attachments to temporary signs.

(8) Where a temporary sign is designed to have two sign faces (portable signs or temporary yard signs), such sign faces shall be of the same size and mounted back-to-back. In the cases of an A-frame portable sign, the sign faces shall be mounted back-to-back but may have an angular separation between faces to form the A-frame shape.

(9) For zoning compliance review applications related to the establishment of a new use or change of use within an existing building, where there is an existing permanent sign, a banner sign may be approved for up to 60 consecutive days to cover the existing permanent signs. Such banner sign shall not exceed the sign area of the permanent sign and shall require zoning compliance review.

(10) Temporary signs shall be constructed of a material that is substantial enough to withstand typical winds and weather for the duration of the placement.

(11) Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct temporary signs and to avoid the unsightliness of deteriorating signs and all safety concerns which accompany such a condition, temporary signs shall be removed or replaced when any individual sign has deteriorated.

(12) Temporary signs shall not be located in the right-of-way. Where the right-of-way is unknown, the temporary sign shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the edge of any street pavement.

(b) Temporary Signs with No Commercial Speech. Temporary signs that do not contain commercial speech (e.g., political, religious, opinion, etc.) shall be allowed as follows:

(1) Only one large temporary yard, banner, or window sign may be permitted on each lot at any one time. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and six (6) feet in height.

(2) Small temporary yard, banner, or window signs are allowed without limit on the number of signs provided such signs do not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height.

(3) Such temporary signs shall not require zoning compliance review.

(4) Such signs shall be subject to the sign-type standards of Section 1121.11(d).

(1) Table 1121-3 establishes the allowances for temporary signs in all zoning districts where such signs contain commercial speech. All sign types are subject to the general provisions above and the sign-type standards that follow the table.

TABLE 1121-3: TEMPORARY SIGNS WITH COMMERCIAL SPEECH ALLOWANCES
Zoning Districts	R and M-1	C-2, C-3, C-4, I-I, and P-I	C-2, C-3, C-4, I-I, and P-I
Time Limit	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	21 Days per Quarter [1] [2]
Maximum Number of Signs per Lot	2	2	20% of Permanent Building Signage Allowed or 50 Square Feet, Whichever is Less
Maximum Sign Area per Sign	6 Square Feet	32 Square Feet
Maximum Height	4 Feet	6 Feet	6 Feet
Permitted Sign Types	Banner, Window, or Yard	Banner, Sidewalk, or Yard	Banner or Yard
Zoning Compliance Review Required	No	No	Yes
NOTES: [1] In addition to the two signs permitted with an unrestricted time limit in this table, one additional temporary sign is permitted as established in this column of the table. [2] A quarter shall be defined as an evenly timed quarter of the calendar year (January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December).

(d) Sign Type Standards.

(1) Banner Signs.

A. Banner signs shall not be subject to the maximum height requirements of this section, provided they are not attached above any roofline.

B. Banner signs can be affixed to a building but not a fence unless such fence is enclosing an outdoor dining area adjacent to the building.

(2) Sidewalk Signs.

A. Only one sidewalk sign is allowed for each building unit.

B. The sign shall only be permitted on private sidewalks or walkways adjacent to the building.

C. The sidewalk sign shall be limited to an A-frame portable sign or a T-frame portable sign.

D. There shall be no time limitation for sidewalk signs, with the exception that the sign shall only be placed outside during the hours of the establishment's operation.

E. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area with a maximum height of four (4) feet.

F. The sign shall not be placed on pavement used for vehicles (e.g., driveways and parking lots).

G. When placed on a sidewalk or walkway, the width and placement of the sign shall be such of such a design that there shall be a minimum width of four (4) feet of clear and passable sidewalk or walkway for pedestrians.

H. The sign must be freestanding and shall not be affixed, chained, anchored, or otherwise secured to the ground or to any pole, parking meter, tree, tree grate, fire hydrant, or other structure.

I. The sign must not obstruct access to parking meters, bicycle racks, and other features legally in the right-of-way.

J. The sign must not interfere with the opening of car doors in legal spaces or with the operation of wheelchair lifts and ramps, cab stands, loading zones, or bus stops.

K. The sign shall be internally weighted so that it is stable and windproof.

L. Sheffield Village shall be held harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by the placement and/or maintenance of such sign.

(3) Window Signs. Temporary window signs shall not be affixed permanently to the window.

(4) Yard Signs. Temporary yard signs are prohibited in the right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from adjoining lot lines.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.12 MAINTENANCE.

(a) All signs shall be maintained in a safe and good condition at all times to avoid becoming a deteriorated sign, including, but not limited to, the replacement of defective bulbs, parts, or materials, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign and accessory landscaping.

(b) All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in a safe and attractive condition in accordance with the adopted version of the Sheffield Building Code.

(c) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner or other entity having legal control or interest in the property to maintain all signs and sign structures in accordance with this code.

(d) Signs shall be maintained in a manner that prevents the exposure of any internal elements.

(e) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, relettering, or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or any payment of fees provided that all of the following conditions are met.

(1) There is no alteration or remodeling to the structure or the mounting of the sign itself;

(2) There is no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure; and

(3) The sign is accessory to a legally permitted or legally nonconforming use.

(f) Failure to maintain a sign in accordance with this section shall be a violation of this code, subject to Chapter 1127: Enforcement and Penalties.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1121.13 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.

(a) Any sign that was lawfully in existence at the time of the effective date of this code, or amendment thereto, that does not conform to the provisions herein, shall be deemed a legal nonconforming sign and may remain on a lot of record except as qualified in this subsection. No legal nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, extended, structurally altered, or reconstructed in any manner except as allowed for in this section. The nonconforming structure regulations in Chapter 1125: Nonconformities shall not apply.

(b) Legal nonconforming signs shall be maintained in good condition pursuant to Section 1121.12 and may continue until such sign is required to be removed as set forth in this chapter.

(c) A nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its nonconforming designation and must be brought into compliance with these regulations or be removed if:

(1) The sign is structurally altered or replaced, not including the changing of a sign face when the sign is specifically designed for changeable sign faces or when a message is changed on a changeable copy sign or electronic message center;

(2) The nonconforming sign is no longer an on-premise sign for a period of more than ninety (90) consecutive days;

(3) The sign is relocated, except for signs that are required to be moved because of public right-of-way improvements;

(4) The sign is a legally nonconforming temporary sign that is still in place more than one calendar year from the effective date of this code;

(5) The sign is damaged to an extent of greater than fifty percent (50%) of the estimated replacement value;

(6) The sign is not repaired within sixty (60) days after it is damaged or such sooner period as may be required if the damage presents an immediate hazard; or

(7) The sign creates a hazard to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

(d) Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign or the owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located from compliance with the provisions of these regulations regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs, provided; however, that any repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure in any way. All nonconforming signs shall be maintained properly.