Except as specified herein, provisions of this chapter apply to all signs within the town that are displayed, constructed, erected, relocated, altered and/or modified after the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The purpose and intent of this chapter, in authorizing signs in all zoning districts in accordance with the regulations contained herein, are to:

A.

Promote the effectiveness of signs as a visual communication for the public and businesses by providing for the design control of signs, preventing visual discord and clutter from unrestricted proliferation, over-concentration and excessive size of signs.

B.

Protect the public health, safety and welfare by decreasing distractions, or obstructions to vision of motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists and by prohibiting faulty construction or improper placement of signs within the town.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:

A.

"Advertising sign" means a sign that includes any copy and/or graphics other than simple identification relating to any service, product provider, or business.

B.

"Awning" means a movable shelter or shading device supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of non-rigid materials except for the supporting framework.

C.

"Banner sign" means a sign made of fabric or any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework, used to convey to the public the name of a business, the location of the business, and/or the type of product or service sold.

D.

"Business sign" means a sign used to convey to the public the name of a business, the location of the business, and/or the type of product or service sold.

E.

"Canopy" means a permanently-roofed shelter covering a sidewalk, driveway, or other similar area, that may be wholly supported by a building or may be wholly or partially supported by columns, poles, or braces extended from the ground.

F.

"Business flag, pennant or insignia" means a flag, pennant or insignia depicting a corporation logo or design, that may be put on the same flag pole as a municipal, county, state or U.S. flag.

G.

"Development identification sign" means a sign identifying a residential, commercial or mixed-use subdivision.

H.

"Direct lighting sign" means a sign constructed of materials that emit light directly such as neon or fluorescent tubes.

I.

"Directional sign" means any onsite sign that directs the necessary movement of pedestrians or vehicular traffic without reference to the name of the business, products sold or services offered. Directional signs also include signs locating public facilities such as telephones and restrooms.

J.

"Directory sign" means any sign listing the names, uses, and/or location of the various businesses or activities within a building or multi-tenant development to assist persons on the site in finding the same on the site, but not containing any advertising copy for products, goods or services and not used to attract the attention of persons passing by the premises.

K.

"Downtown District" means those properties that have a portion of their frontage on Main Street (State Highway 6), between the blocks of 4th Street and 9th Street.

L.

"Face of sign/display surface" means the surface of a sign upon, against or through which the copy is displayed or illuminated.

M.

"Fascia sign" means a sign that is permanently affixed to the horizontal piece of covering material between the top of the wall and the projecting eaves of the roof.

N.

"Flag" means any municipal, county, state or national flag.

O.

"Freestanding sign" means an identification sign that is erected or mounted upon a self-supporting permanent structure, supported wholly by the ground and detached from any elements of the main building that it identifies.

P.

"Historical sign" means a sign, designated by the board of adjustment, as having historical significance to the town, pursuant to Section 17.60.190.

Q.

"Identification sign" means a sign that includes as copy only the name of the business, place, organization, building or person it identifies and contains no advertising copy relating to goods or services.

R.

"Illuminated sign" means a sign whose surface is lighted internally or externally by a light source that is not directly visible and which is meant only to make the sign visible at night.

S.

"Integral building sign" means a permanent sign that is designed into and a part of the architecture of the building, including, but not limited to, murals, and has the same requirements as a wall-mounted sign.

T.

"Logo" means any picture, design, emblem, object or initials visible from a roadway, alley or public property used to identify a business, premises, establishment, trademark, product or service.

U.

"Mansard and/or parapet sign" means a sign permanently affixed to the building fascia provided that such surface is constructed not more than 20 degrees from vertical.

V.

"Marquee" means a permanently roofed structure attached to and supported by a building and projecting from the building.

W.

"Menu board" means a sign associated with a restaurant, drive-in or drive-thru on the premises with the primary purpose of displaying the bill of fare, prices and related information.

X.

"Modify" or "modification" means any change in or to an existing sign, its face, copy, wording, colors, method of lighting and/or supporting structures.

Y.

"Multi-tenant structure" means a building where more than one business is served by a common entrance, and where some businesses may not be located on the ground floor or otherwise do not have frontage located on a public right-of-way.

Z.

"Non-commercial sign" means a sign whose principal purpose is the display of a political or ideological message and is clearly not a commercial sign advertising a business.

AA.

Non-illuminated sign" means a sign that is not lit at night by a light source, but may have reflective copy that can be seen when lit by headlights of passing vehicles or by general lighting of walkways or parking lots.

BB.

"Off-premises sign" means a sign that directs attention to a business, profession, product, activity or service that is not conducted, sold or offered on the premises where the sign is located. For purposes of this definition, the off-premises sign shall be located on premises with a different address from that listed on a business license, or different from the physical location of the business, activity or service if no business license exists.

CC.

"Person" means any individual, multiple persons, firms, partnerships, corporations or other business entities.

DD.

"Political sign" means a sign used in connection with a local, state, or national political issue, election or referendum.

EE.

"Price sign" means a permanently mounted sign displaying the retail price of products such as gasoline sold on a certain property.

FF.

"Public notice sign" means any sign erected by or on behalf of the town or other governmental entity, advertising a public meeting or type of public information.

GG.

"Real estate sign" means a sign indicating the availability for sale, rent, or lease of the specific lot, building or portion of the building upon which the sign is erected or displayed.

HH.

"Roof line" means the top edge of the roof of a building, or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building or canopy.

II.

"Sandwich sign" means a sign with two faces, hinged at the top, that is typically put near a sidewalk to entice customers into a specific business.

JJ.

"Shopping complex" means a group of two or more retail, wholesale, or professional business establishments occupying a building or group of buildings located on one commonly-owned or controlled parcel of land with privately-controlled and privately-maintained parking area or areas.

KK.

"Sign" means any device for visual communication, including: any display of any letter, numeral, figure, emblem, logo, picture, outline, character, any attention-attracting media such as flags, banners or sculptures; balloons or inflated objects; brightly colored fascia, awning or other architectural elements; any device providing information, identification, advertising, or directional information for a specific business, service, product, event, person, organization, place or building, whether such display be made on, attached to or as a part of any other structure, surface or thing, including, but not limited to, the ground or any rock, tree, or other natural object, vehicle or trailer, when such display is visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel of property on or over which the same is made.

LL.

"Sign face" or "sign panel" means that portion of a sign surface upon, against or through which the message is displayed or illustrated.

MM.

"Temporary sign" means any sign that is neither permanently affixed to any structure on the site nor permanently mounted on the ground; any portable sign including, by way of example, banners, hunting season signs, grand opening signs, or sale signs.

NN.

"Temporary subdivision sign" means a sign that is either used to convey information about the developer, contractor, types and numbers of lots, emergency contacts, real estate company and the like, until such time as the permanent subdivision sign is installed.

OO.

"Total sign area" means the total area of all sign faces determined by measuring the sum area of the surface of each plane, regardless of the shape.

PP.

"Town sign board" means a sign that the town may erect on public or private property, for the purpose of creating smaller sign space on such board that advertises businesses or events within the community, and/or displays public information.

QQ.

"Traffic control sign" means a sign that includes only pertinent information assisting in the flow of traffic and does not contain either identification, advertising copy or announcements.

RR.

"Vehicle sign" means a sign placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or other property.

SS.

"Window sign" means a sign that is painted on, applied or attached to, or located within 15 inches of the interior of a window and that can be seen through the window from the exterior of the structure, but excludes merchandise included in a window display.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

Except as otherwise set forth in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to install, construct, display, erect, relocate, alter or modify any sign unless the person first obtains a sign permit from the town and fully complies with the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, modification of wording shall be allowed on signs properly permitted which employ changeable copy, such as bulletin boards, theater marquees, restaurant menu boards and price signs.

B.

Once a sign permit has been issued, it shall be unlawful to change, modify or deviate from the terms or conditions of the approved permit without written approval from the town administrator or his designee. Any sign permit issued shall be void if the person to whom it was issued fails to comply with this chapter or with any regulations relating to signs established by the town.

C.

The owner, tenant or authorized agent of the property on which the sign is to be placed shall apply for a sign permit. Application shall be made on forms provided by the town and shall be signed by the property owner(s) or the business owner.

D.

Fees for signs shall be imposed as detailed in a board resolution. The board may review this fee annually or more often as necessary.

1.

The fee per sign shall be doubled based on the schedule above if installed prior to approval by the town;

2.

Fees for necessary outside consultants, including plan review and building inspection shall be charged as incurred by the town, plus an administrative fee of 15 percent;

3.

No fee shall be imposed for signs requiring no permit, in conformance with this chapter;

4.

No fee shall be imposed for signs that are relocated upon request by the town; and

5.

No fee shall be imposed for non-structural alterations to signs in conformance with this chapter, when the sign information and sign area per face has not changed.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

Sign Permit Applications. Sign permit applications shall include:

1.

Sketch(es) of the proposed sign(s), drawn to scale and providing adequate information to make a determination of whether the application complies with this code and including:

a.

Elevations (front plane or facade) of any buildings on which the signs will be placed;

b.

The location, dimensions, square footage and orientation, method of lighting, content, construction materials, height, location, translucent and opaque areas, method of mounting and type(s) of all proposed and existing signs on structure;

c.

An inventory of all existing signs on the property;

2.

The applicant's method of calculating total sign area in conformance with this code;

3.

Sketches of all proposed freestanding signs, on a site plan drawn to scale, indicating the boundary lines of the property or site;

B.

Inspection. Before the town issues any sign permit, the town administrator or his designee shall review the application and inspect the building to ensure the sign(s) comply with this chapter and any other sections of this code that may apply.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

The following signs shall be required for the following districts or uses:

1.

Street Number. Every building or group of buildings in all zone districts shall be identified by a street number, visible from the street in an opposing color than affixed material and located on or immediately adjacent to the main entrance of the building or located on or immediately adjacent to the street or driveway, for units that are not clearly visible from the street; and

2.

Unit Designation. Where more than one dwelling or business share a structure, each unit shall be identified at or immediately inside all main building entrances.

B.

The area for required signs under this section shall not be computed as part of the total sign area under Section 17.60.150; however, required signs under this section shall comply with all other provisions of this code.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The illuminated or non-illuminated signs in all zone districts that do not require a permit are as referenced in Appendix A of this chapter.

* Conforming to Chapter 17.61 of the Silt Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The non-illuminated signs in all zone districts that do not require a permit are as referenced in Appendix B of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The illuminated and non-illuminated signs in all commercial zone districts that do not require a permit are as referenced in Appendix C of this chapter.

* Conforming to Chapter 17.61 of the Silt Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The illuminated and non-illuminated signs in all residential zone districts that require a permit are as referenced in Appendix D of this chapter.

* Conforming to Chapter 17.61 of the Silt Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The illuminated and non-illuminated signs in all commercial zone districts that require a permit are as referenced in Appendix E of this chapter.

* Conforming to Chapter 17.61 of the Silt Municipal Code.

** PUD (Planned Unit Development) Guidelines may be more restrictive or lenient.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The illuminated signs in B-2, B-3 and commercial PUD zone districts that require a permit are as referenced in Appendix F of this chapter.

* Conforming to Chapter 17.61 of the Silt Municipal Code.

** PUD (Planned Unit Development) Guidelines may be more restrictive or lenient.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

Signs and structures for signs shall be designed in conformity with the town's adopted building code, including but not limited to consideration for wind loads, seismic loads, allowable stresses, materials, and anchorage requirements. Signs within town limits shall also conform to all applicable federal, state, county or other laws.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

Except for existing signs made nonconforming by this chapter, the following signs, and other signs not specifically allowed by this chapter whether permanent, temporary or portable, are prohibited in all districts.

A.

Signs which blink or flash or are illuminated by intermittent, blinking or flashing lights or operate or employ any stereopticon or motion picture projection or media:

1.

Signs such as described in this subsection that are four square feet or less shall be allowed with a sign permit;

2.

Signs such as described in this subsection that are over four square feet but under 16 square feet may be allowed with a sign exception;

3.

Signs such as described in this subsection that are 16 square feet or larger are strictly prohibited, unless employed by a governmental agency for emergency and informational purposes regarding the community;

B.

Signs that are animated, have visible moving, revolving or rotating parts, other mechanical movement or give the illusion of movement achieved by electrical, electronic or mechanical means, or signs with electrically changing messages except for time, temperature and date signs;

1.

Signs such as described in this subsection that are four square feet or less shall be allowed with a sign permit;

2.

Signs such as described in this subsection that are over four square feet but under 16 square feet may be allowed with a sign exception;

3.

Signs such as described in this subsection that are 16 square feet or larger are strictly prohibited, unless employed by a governmental agency for emergency and informational purposes regarding the community;

C.

Outlining of a building by means of exposed neon tubing, exposed incandescent lighting, or other exposed lighting or signs with direct lighting such as neon or other illuminated tubes on the exterior of a building or sign, except as approved by sign exception;

D.

Signs with back lit translucent backgrounds, including, but not limited to, box signs, back lit awnings, and translucent architectural elements such as fascias, awnings or accent strips, except as approved by sign exception;

E.

Signs that are structurally unsafe or constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance or dilapidation; or that are designed or installed in a manner that does not meet the town's adopted building code, or signs creating unhealthy conditions for existing trees, flowers or shrubs, e.g., due to nails or shading;

F.

Roof-mounted, wall-mounted, projecting or walk-mounted signs that extend beyond or above the eave line or parapet of a building;

G.

Signs, by reason of their shape, position or color, which interfere with or mimic any authorized traffic control device;

H.

Signs emitting odor or visible matter;

I.

Signs or menu boards emitting sound or containing sound or containing communication devices which are audible beyond any property line of the site on which such sign or board is located;

J.

Temporary entrance sign announcing the proposed development of property after installation of a permanent subdivision sign;

K.

Advertising signs in residential zone districts; and

L.

Signs that are mounted, attached or painted on vehicles and/or trailers regularly located or parked near and visible from the public right-of-way on or near the premises of the business advertised by the sign, where the apparent primary intent or purpose is to advertise a product or service related to a business activity on the same or adjoining property.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

Pre-Existing Signs. All signs that are legally existing at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter that do not comply with a provision of this chapter, shall be considered nonconforming and shall not be altered, modified or enlarged without being brought into conformance with this chapter.

1.

Maintenance. Repairs to nonconforming graphics shall be allowed subject to all other provisions of the Silt Municipal Code and all codes adopted by reference, but no expansion or alteration of a nonconforming sign shall be permitted. If a nonconforming sign is more than 60 percent destroyed, and owner desires to replace the sign, it shall be replaced by a graphic sign conforming to all provisions of this chapter;

2.

Modification. Whenever the name of a business changes, the signs on the premises shall be modified to bring them into conformance with these regulations, even though the intended change is a change of sign copy only. This regulation shall not apply to directory signs with interchangeable letters or panels when the change is only to the interchangeable portion of the sign; and

3.

Compliance. No sign permits shall be issued if any sign on the site related to the business applying for a permit (including identification signs for the shopping center complex in which the business is located) is not in conformance with this chapter.

B.

Removal Required. Abandoned, dangerous, defective, illegal, prohibited, nonconforming signs or signs which do not relate to the business currently occupying the premises on which the sign is located shall be removed prior to issuance of a sign permit for any business to be located on said premises. Abandoned, dangerous, defective, illegal, prohibited, nonconforming sign structures, poles, lighting and other related equipment that are not in use for an active business in the building for more than six months shall be removed within 30 days notification by the town to the property owner, owner of the sign and/or the owner of the business.

C.

Removal and Disposition of Signs by Town.

1.

Notice of any abandoned, dangerous, defective, illegal, prohibited, nonconforming sign structures, poles, lighting and other related equipment shall be forwarded by first class mail to the owner of the property, at the owner's address shown on the last assessment roll, or given to the occupant of the property, or their representative, upon which the sign is located. If such owner and address is unknown, notice shall be mailed or delivered to the owner of the sign, if known.

2.

The owner of the sign, or the property owner, may file a special use permit application, requesting a time extension for continued use of the sign, in conformance with Section 17.78 of this code.

3.

Notwithstanding the above, in case of an emergency in which the sign's existence risks public health or safety, the town administrator or his designee may remove the sign immediately and without notice.

D.

Disposal of Sign and Payment of Fees.

1.

Any sign removed by the town pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall become the town's property and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the town. The town's cost to remove the sign shall be considered a debt to the town and may be recovered in an appropriate court action by the town against all appropriate parties or by assessment against the property. The cost of abatement or removal shall include any and all incidental expenses the town incurs in connection with the sign's abatement or removal.

2.

After the town removes a sign, the sign may be disposed of immediately or stored for a period of time at the town's discretion. The sign may be released to the owner of the sign, upon payment to the town of any costs associated with its removal and storage.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

Any property owner may apply to the planning and zoning commission for an exception to the provisions of this chapter, regarding size, height, location and type of sign permitted, but not regarding the allowance of a sign not permitted within a zone district. Additionally, an applicant may appeal a decision or interpretation made by the town administrator or his designee of the provisions of this chapter in accordance with Chapter 17.84 of this code.

B.

An exception may be granted if it will result in a harmonious sign plan, otherwise complies with the intent of this chapter, and is consistent with the following guidelines:

1.

Signs shall be limited to the fewest number reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose for which they are intended.

2.

Signs shall be sized appropriately, considering the purpose of the sign, the distance from which it must be viewed, the size of other signs in the vicinity, the amount of total sign area designated for a similar use, the same use and the speed of passing vehicles. Consideration should also be given to the size of the sign in proportion to the building and the site.

3.

The sign's height shall not negatively detract from the adjacent properties or the surrounding visual corridors.

4.

The sign shall be designed to accommodate the existing topography of the site.

5.

The sign shall not substantially obscure any part of another sign designed for a separate use, whether on the same property or on an adjacent property.

C.

An applicant requesting an exception shall submit to the town a complete sign permit application on a form provided by the town, and a statement by the applicant detailing the type(s) of exception(s) requested, for consideration by the planning and zoning commission, no fewer than 15 days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting. Submittals shall be in conformance with Section 17.60.050 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

All Commercial Districts, Excluding Downtown District. Freestanding signs allowed in all commercial districts, including PUDs, but excluding downtown district, shall adhere to the additional following guidelines:

A.

One freestanding identification sign or joint identification sign per site (not per business), plus one additional freestanding sign for each 300 linear feet of street frontage, which identifies one business, a combination of businesses, or the site or complex;

B.

On buildings located on corner lots, one freestanding identification sign for each street frontage, provided that:

1.

Such signs are located on separate street frontages; and

2.

Such signs are located a minimum of 75 feet from the street intersection or are a minimum of 150 feet apart, as measured along the street frontage.

C.

Freestanding identification signs with a minimum distance from the property line and maximum sign area and height as follows, unless a more restrictive height limit is specified elsewhere in this chapter:

1.

The area of one sign is not transferable to another sign in calculating the total sign area. When a sign is erected at the street intersection corner of a property, and is situated at an angle so as to be visible from both streets, such sign shall not exceed the maximum area for one freestanding sign as permitted above.

2.

The allowed sign area from two street frontages shall not be combined to create a sign larger than the maximum total sign area allowed.

3.

A freestanding sign may consist of more than one sign panel provided all such sign panels are attached to one common integrated sign structure. The total area of all such panels shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area specified for the freestanding sign on the property above. Where a sign consists of separate and individual modules or symbols, each portion of the sign shall not be considered as one sign. In such cases, a single continuous perimeter completely surrounding the sign information shall be used to calculate the allowed sign area on the chart in the table above.

4.

If feasible, the sign height shall be measured from the highest point of the sign to the nearest roadway curb height or roadway centerline, if no curb exists. If this method is not feasible, the town administrator shall determine the method of measuring the height of sign.

5.

Distance to the sign shall be measured from the edge of the sign area nearest the edge of the street right-of-way.

D.

Freestanding signs shall neither be closer than 15 feet from any right-of-way or easement nor closer than 30 feet from any residential zone district, in the town administrator's or his designee's sole opinion.

1.

No freestanding signs, except for directional signs shall be erected or constructed within, or to overhang, the front or side yard building setbacks of the zone district in which such sign is located;

2.

Multiple freestanding signs located on the same premises shall be a minimum of 300 feet apart from each other, if located on the same street, or a minimum of 150 feet apart, if located on intersecting streets; and

3.

A landscaped area shall be provided at the base of any freestanding sign of not less than four square feet for each square foot of sign area.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

The total area of all signs pertaining to any one business (the "Total Sign Area") shall not exceed three-fourths of a square foot of sign area for each linear foot of occupied building frontage as determined by measuring the length of the main entrance side of the business(es). The maximum total sign area allowed for any one business shall be 300 square feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the area of directory signs shall not be included in the total sign area.

1.

Buildings on Corner Lots. The total sign area applicable to buildings on corner lots shall be calculated by measuring only the main entrance frontage of such building. The total sign area allowed on any one street frontage may be transferred to another street frontage provided the total sign area on any one street frontage does not exceed three-fourths of a square foot for each linear foot of building frontage on which it is displayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total sign area for all signs on the building shall not exceed the maximum total sign area, or 300 square feet. When a sign is located at the intersection of two exterior walls of a building frontage and is situated at an angle so as to be visible from both streets on the corner of both frontages, such sign shall not exceed the maximum area allowed for the shortest of any frontage of the building;

2.

Businesses with a Second Entrance and/or a Parking Lot with Access off Alley. One identification sign in addition to that permitted by this chapter shall be permitted for a business with a second entrance on a side of the building which does not face a street frontage, such as a side of a building which faces a pedestrian right-of-way, alley or rear parking lot, provided that the sign area for such sign does not exceed ten square feet. Such second identification sign shall be located adjacent to the second entrance and shall be wall-mounted, projecting or mounted on an awning or entry canopy;

3.

Businesses with Canopies, Porches, Awnings, or Covered Walkways. Areas of signs on canopies, porch frontage, awnings, or covered walkways shall be included in the total sign area.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

Signs with historical value that represent an important aspect of the town's heritage may be exempted from the provisions of this chapter following approval by the board of adjustment. The planning and zoning commission must determine that the following four criteria apply regarding an historic exemption:

1.

Sign has been in place for a minimum of 25 years;

2.

Either (a) the sign represents a community asset, is generally recognized as an historic feature and is worthy of preservation, or (b) the sign has been specifically identified by a legally sanctioned or recognized local historic society or in a state or national historic register as an historic structure in the town;

3.

Sign is not a public nuisance and/or a hazard to public health and safety; and

4.

Sign generally adds to the quality and character of the surrounding neighborhood.

B.

All historic signs approved by exemption shall be maintained in an operable and restored condition that duplicates the original sign as closely as possible. It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner or his designee to restore and maintain an historic sign as requested by the town.

C.

Applications for historic sign exemptions shall be made on permit forms provided by the town and shall include, at a minimum the following:

1.

Name, address and phone number of the sign owner;

2.

A statement identifying why the sign should be considered to have historic value and specifically addressing how the application meets provisions of subsection (A)(1)—(4) of this section;

3.

Any applicable supporting documentation relating to an official historic classification of the sign;

4.

Signature of the sign owner and the applicant; and

5.

Submittal of application fee.

D.

The board of adjustment may approve, deny, or approve with conditions an application for an historic sign exemption. The decision of the board of adjustment shall be documented in writing and a copy shall be included in the exemption application.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

A.

Off-premises signs shall only be allowed in commercial zone districts, and shall be subject to the requirements of each of the zone districts. Any off-premises sign located on a parcel shall be included in the calculation of the total sign area allowed on the property. No more than one off-premises sign shall be allowed for any one business location. The maximum total sign area allowed for such signs shall be 32 square feet. Maximum sign height for freestanding off-premises signs shall be six feet unless further restricted within a zone district.

B.

All proposed off-premises signs (except those described in Section 17.60.110 of this chapter) shall be considered special uses and shall be subject to Chapter 17.78 of this code. Additionally, the following conditions apply:

1.

Proposed sign shall not cause a hazard or obstruct the vision of any vehicle driver or pedestrian;

2.

Proposed sign shall not be illuminated;

3.

Proposed sign shall not be placed within 100 feet of another freestanding sign;

4.

Proposed sign shall not be placed within any public right-of-way, sidewalk or alley;

5.

Proposed sign shall not be located more than 400 feet from the location of the business to which the sign advertises; and

6.

Proposed sign shall adhere to all other provisions of this code.

C.

In addition to the provisions of subsections (A) and (B) of this section, the town or its duly authorized representative may construct one or more off-premises town board signs on one or more sites in the commercial zone districts or on the public right-of-way or other public property within municipal limits to display a limited number of business information or identification signs and public information. Thereafter, following construction of such town board sign(s), applicant may apply for consideration of a smaller advertising or identification sign to be placed on the town board sign in conformance with these criteria:

1.

Applicant shall submit to the town a request for placement of a smaller advertising and/or identification sign on the town board sign on appropriate forms provided by the town;

2.

Proposed advertising and/or identification signs shall conform to a type and size designated by the town;

3.

The town administrator, in his sole discretion, shall approve, approve with conditions or deny requests for placement of advertising and/or identification signs on such marquee;

4.

Permits for such advertising and/or identification signs shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance;

5.

No more than one advertising and/or identification sign on the town board sign shall be allowed per business; and

6.

Applicant shall submit to town a $35.00 non-refundable fee for consideration of request.

7.

The town shall consider annual renewals of permits as new applications.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The downtown district, as defined in this chapter, is an area that has profound importance to the town with regards to economic vitality and historical significance. As such, the town shall only allow signs that meet the following criteria in this district:

1.

No freestanding signs shall be allowed in the downtown district;

2.

Business identification signs hanging from a second level walkway or a canopy structure over the sidewalk shall be limited to two square feet, and placed perpendicular to the street;

3.

Interior window sign(s) shall not exceed 30 percent of the total window area; one interior window sign shall be allowed for each 25 lineal feet of street frontage;

4.

Wall-mounted signs shall be designed so as to complement the western design contemplated in Chapter 17.42 of the Silt Municipal Code;

5.

Wall-mounted signs shall not exceed 16 square feet per business, unless business is located on a corner lot, and in this case wall-mounted sign(s) shall not exceed 24 square feet per business.

6.

High quality and durable materials shall be used to avoid the appearance of weathering.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)

The owner of every freestanding sign or any sign which is placed on or extends over any public way shall be required to furnish the town evidence of liability insurance or bond coverage in compliance with minimum liability amounts established by the Governmental Immunity Act and indemnifying the town from any liability incurred in the event of injury or damage resulting from the collision with or the fall or collapse of such sign by or onto persons or property within the public way. Such indemnification shall be required to be maintained in force as long as the sign exists on or extends over the public way.

(Ord. No. 15-2014, § 1, 2-9-2015)