Silverton City Zoning Code
§ 153.22
SIGN STANDARDS.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of these sign regulations is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating existing and proposed outdoor advertising signs and outdoor signs of all types. The intent is to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, and preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas. It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, and to prevent signs from reaching such excessive size that they obscure one another to the detriment of all concerned.
(B) Sign definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AWNING SIGN. A permanent sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the surface of an awning.
BANNER. A non-rigid cloth, plastic, paper, or canvas sign typically related to a special event or promotion, that is cultural, educational, charitable, or recreational in its function, under the sponsorship of a for-profit establishment or business, or a public, private nonprofit, or religious organization.
BENCH SIGN. Any sign painted on, located on, or attached to any part of the surface of a bench, seat, or chair placed on or adjacent to a public roadway.
BILLBOARD. An off-premise sign directing attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment or other activity sold, offered, or conducted off-site.
BUILDING SIGN. Any permanent sign attached to any part of a building including awning, canopy, projecting, or wall signs.
CANOPY SIGN. A permanent sign attached to the soffit or fascia of a canopy of a covered entrance or walkway, or to a permanent awning or marquee.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged by mechanical, electronic or manual means without altering the face or surface of the sign.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE OR SPEECH. Any sign, wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.
DRIVEWAY SIGN. A small permanent sign located near driveway access points and/or at the intersection of internal access drives.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER. A sign designed so that the characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged automatically on a lampbank or through mechanical means (e.g., electronic or digital signs).
FLAG. Any fabric or bunting containing the officially recognized and adopted colors, patterns, or symbols used as the official symbol of a government, political, or corporate entity.
FLASHING SIGN. Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign that exhibits changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever.
FREESTANDING SIGN. Any sign supported upon the ground by a monument, pedestal, pole, bracing, or other permanent measure and not attached to any building.
HEIGHT. The height of a sign shall be determined by means of the measurement established in division (E)(2) of this section.
ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign lit by or exposed to artificial lighting either by light on or in the sign or directed toward the sign.
MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A changeable copy sign designed so that the characters, letter or illustrations can be changed or rearranged manually. May also be known as readerboards.
MONUMENT SIGN. A permanent freestanding sign other than a pole sign, not attached to a building, which is placed upon or supported by the ground independently of any other structure, typically on a monument or pedestal structure.
MONUMENT SIGN. A permanent freestanding sign other than a pole sign, not attached to a building, which is placed upon or supported by the ground independently of any other structure, typically on a monument or pedestal structure.
NONCONFORMING SIGN. A pre-existing legal sign which does not conform to the standards set forth in this Zoning Code.
OFF-PREMISE SIGN. Any sign that is not directly related to the business or profession, or commodity or service sold or offered on the site in which the off-premise sign is located. Yard signs are not considered off-premise signs.
ON-PREMISE SIGN. Any sign related to a business or profession conducted, or a commodity or service sold or offered, upon the premises where such sign is located.
PENNANT. A flag or banner longer in the fly than in the hoist, usually tapering to a point.
PERMANENT SIGN. A sign permitted by this code to be located on the premises for an unlimited period of time and designed to be permanently attached to a structure or the ground that is constructed of rigid, non-flexible materials.
POLE SIGN. Any sign supported upon the ground by a pole, poles or braces and not attached to any building or structure.
PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign that is designed to be or capable of being moved or transported, and not permanently affixed or attached to any building, structure, or grounds.
PROJECTING SIGN. A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support or suspended from a pole attached to a building. Such signs must be perpendicular to the building face upon which they are attached.
RACEWAY. An elongated metal enclosure used to mount individual channel lettering and to conceal related transformers and wiring.
ROOF LINE. The uppermost line or point of the facade or parapet of a flat roof structure, or the lower edge of an eve, gable or rake of a sloped roof structure.
SIDEWALK SIGN. A freestanding sign which is ordinarily in the shape of an “A” or an upside down “T” (viewed from the side), or some variation thereof, which is readily moveable, and is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure.
SIGN. A sign is defined as any display that evokes a message including but not limited to any name, number, symbol, identification, description, display, illustration, object, graphic, sign structure, or part thereof, whether permanent or temporary, which is affixed to, painted on, represented directly or indirectly upon, or projected onto a building, structure, lot, or other device, whether mobile or affixed to the ground, and which directs attention to any object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business. A sign may consist of wording, logos or images. This definition includes all signs visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property, including interior signs oriented towards the exterior facade of any building or structure as well as back-lighted translucent panels or strip lighting affixed to any wall or roof where any such panels or lighting serves to identify and attract attention rather than illuminate space for human activity.
SIGN AREA. The entire display area of a sign including the advertising surface located on one or more sign faces and any framing, trim and molding, but not including the supporting structure as measured pursuant to division (E) of this section.
SIGN COPY. Those letters, numerals, and figures, symbols, logos, and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign.
SIGN FACE. The surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message of the sign is exhibited.
SIGN STRUCTURE. The supporting unit of a sign face, including but not limited to frames, braces and poles.
STATIC/INSTANT MESSAGE CHANGE. On electronic message centers, a static or instant message change is when one message changes to another message instantly without scrolling, flashing, or other movement of the message.
STREAMER. A ribbon-shaped or cord-like rope which may have pennants and/or banners attached and which is stretched or hung between two or more supports.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A banner, pennant, poster display or illustration which is affixed to or painted upon or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or piece of land and which directs attention to an object, product, place, person, institution, organization, or business and may be constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard or other like materials and which is intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.
WALL SIGN. A permanent sign attached directly to an exterior wall of a building and which does not extend more than 18 inches from nor above the roof line or beyond the limits of the outside wall, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the building wall. Murals and other painted signs are considered wall signs pursuant to this section.
WINDOW SIGN. Any sign that is applied to the interior or exterior of a window or door, or a sign located near a window or door within a building, for the purpose of being visible and read from the outside of the building.
YARD SIGN. Any temporary sign placed on the ground or attached to a supporting structure, posts, or poles, that is not attached to any building.
(C) Sign permit. These sign regulations shall be administered and enforced by the Zoning Enforcement Officer unless otherwise provided for in this Zoning Code.
(1) Permit required.
(a) After the effective date hereof, no temporary sign, permanent sign or repaired sign, unless exempted by this section, shall be erected, moved, materially or substantially altered, or enlarged in any zoning district except as hereinafter provided or as otherwise permitted. The permits shall be issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer when the conditions of this Zoning Code are met. A sign for which a permit has been issued shall not be modified, relocated, altered or replaced unless a new permit or an amended permit is issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(b) Applications for a permit shall be submitted to the Zoning Enforcement Officer with all fees and application content required pursuant to § 153.02(D) and (E).
(2) Refusal of permit. The Zoning Enforcement Officer may refuse to issue a permit for the erection of any such sign unless details of construction and manner of erection ensure the safety of such signs and signboards when erected.
(3) Review of permit application. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall review permits for signs in the same manner as a zoning permit in § 153.02(G).
(4) Signs not requiring a permit. The following signs are subject to the requirements of this section but do not require a sign permit. Permit-exempt signs may still be subject to building code or other applicable code requirements.
(a) Signs and/or notices issued by any court, officer or other person in 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;
(b) The replacement of sign panels when a sign is designed to have replaceable sign face;
(c) 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;
(d) Any sign that is located completely inside a building that is not visible from the exterior (see also definition of window sign);
(e) Certain temporary signs as established in division (G) of this section;
(f) A single wall sign placed on the façade of an individual dwelling unit that is not illuminated and does not exceed four square feet in area;
(g) 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, Hamilton County or City of Silverton;
(h) Any signs located on umbrellas, seating or similar patio furniture;
(i) Signs painted on or affixed to construction trailers, vans, or other vehicles temporarily in use on a construction site;
(j) Ground signs and markings located completely within the interior of a lot that are not designed to be visible from a public street (e.g., parking space signs, interior traffic signs, etc.);
(k) Tablets, grave markers, headstones, statuary or remembrance of persons or events that do not contain a commercial message;
(l) Address numbers for the purposes of public safety, as required by the City of Silverton, that comply with the following:
1. For residences, such numbers must consist of Arabic numerals, no less than three inches nor more than eight inches in height.
2. For nonresidential uses, the maximum height of the numerals varies according to front setback. If the setback is less than 100 feet, the maximum number height is 12 inches. For setbacks between 100 and 200 feet, the maximum height is 18 inches. For setbacks over 200 feet, the maximum height is 24 inches.
3. All street address signs shall contrast to the color of the surface on which they are mounted and shall be clearly identifiable from the street.
4. Every building is required to post its street address.
(m) Driveway signs that comply with the following:
1. Driveway signs shall not be permitted in residential zoning district except when accessory to an approved conditional use. In all other districts, driveway signs shall be permitted provided each sign complies with the standards of this section.
2. Driveway signs are only permitted for driveways providing access to parking lots with more than ten parking spaces.
3. A maximum of two driveway signs are permitted per individual driveway.
4. Driveway signs shall be located within 30 feet of the right-of-way.
5. Each driveway sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and three feet in height.
6. Driveway signs shall be on-premise signs.
7. Driveway signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
8. While driveways signs may not require a sign permit, they may be subject to building permit review.
(n) Window signs. Window signs in the C-1 and C-2 District, or for nonresidential uses in a PUD District that comply with the following:
1. Only one sign face shall be permitted per window, with the total area of each sign face not exceeding 50% of the area of the window in which it is placed, or six square feet, whichever is less.
2. Window signs shall only be placed only in first floor level windows.
(D) Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(1) Bench signs;
(2) Signs with changeable copy, electronic or manual, except for manual gasoline service station pricing boards that do not exceed eight square feet.
(3) Signs exceeding the roofline or affixed to a roof;
(4) Windblown devices, pennants, streamers, and similar signs that are designed to move by atmospheric, mechanical, electrical, or other means, whether containing words or numerals or containing no message;
(5) Off-premise signs (see also "billboard" signs);
(6) Exposed neon and/or skeleton tubing;
(7) Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, except for signs that are attached by magnetic or static decals or painted upon an integral part of the vehicle or equipment, as originally designed by the manufacturer, and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle;
(8) Any sign that will interfere with proper and convenient protection of property or with public safety;
(9) Mobile or portable signs;
(10) Any sign that copies or imitates a sign installed by any governmental agency or purports to have been authorized by a governmental agency;
(11) Signs that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or are similar in appearance to any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device because of its position, shape, use of words, or color;
(12) Signs that constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate or inappropriate design, construction, repair, or maintenance, as determined by the building official;
(13) Signs that employ any parts or elements which revolve, rotate, whirl, spin, or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention. This shall not include electronic message centers as allowed in this chapter;
(14) Air-activated graphics;
(15) Balloon signs;
(16) Signs that are applied to trees, bus shelters, utility poles, benches, trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines or boxes, or any other unapproved supporting structure, or otherwise placed in the public right-of-way except as otherwise specifically provided for in this code;
(17) Signs that obstruct or substantially interfere with any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress to any building;
(18) Signs which are not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure unless specifically permitted as a temporary sign; and
(19) Any sign not specifically allowed by this Zoning Code.
(E) Measurements and calculations.
(1) Sign setback. All required setbacks for signs shall be measured as the distance in feet from the lot line or right-of-way, whichever is applicable, to the closest point on the sign structure.
(2) Sign height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. 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 sign.
(3) Sign area. The surface of a sign to be included when computing maximum allowable square footage of sign area shall be calculated as established in this section.
(a) 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 message, as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. See Figure L.
(b) 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 smallest square area that encompasses the extreme limits of the background panel, cabinet or surface. See Figure L and Figure M.
Figure L: Illustration of sign area calculation for a ground sign with a copy on a distinct, rectangular cabinet. The brick structural support is not included in the sign area calculation
Figure M: Illustration of computing the sign area for wall signs with a background panel or cabinet
(c) 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 smallest square area that encloses all the letters or elements associated with the sign. See Figure N.
Figure N: Illustration of sign area calculation for wall signs with individual letters
(d) In cases where there are multiple sign elements of sign copy on the same surface, any areas of sign copy that are within two feet of one another shall be calculated as a single sign area that shall be computed by means of the smallest permitted shape, or combination of permitted shapes, that encloses all sign copy within two feet of one another, otherwise the sign area shall be computed for each separate piece of sign copy. See Figure O.
Figure O: Illustration of sign area calculations for multiple sign areas on a window sign
(e) 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 O.
(f) Except for three-dimensional signs, the sign area for a sign with more than one face (multi-faced signs) shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces when the interior angle is greater than 45 degrees.
(g) When two identically sized, flat sign faces are placed back-to-back or at angles of 45 degrees or less, 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. If the two faces are unequal, the sign area shall be calculated based on the larger of the two faces.
(h) In the case of a three-dimensional sign where the sign faces are not mounted back-to-back, the sign area shall be calculated by the smallest permitted shape, or combination of permitted shapes, that encompasses the profile of the sign message. The profile used shall be the largest area of the sign message visible from any one point.
(4) Facade measurements.
(a) When calculating the permitted sign area based on the width of any facade, such calculation shall be based on viewing the façade from a 90-degree angle (i.e., straight on), regardless of facade insets, offsets, or angles. See Figure P.
Figure P: Illustration of facade width measurement on varied façade shapes
(b) 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 Q.):
1. The subject site is a corner lot;
2. The primary parking area is not located adjacent to a public street; or
3. The building or unit has walls with public or customer entrance points that do not face the public street.
Figure Q: Common examples of the location of primary and secondary facades
(c) When a site has primary and secondary facade as defined herein, the Zoning Enforcement Officer 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.
(d) For multi-tenant buildings where each tenant has its own exterior entrance, the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single occupant or tenant shall be considered a building unit. The facade width for a building unit shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the building unit. For uses, such as office buildings, where multiple tenants may locate within the same building and all tenants have interior access to their tenant space, such building shall be considered one building without separate building units.
(e) The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to make the determination of what facades are primary facades and secondary facades for the purposes of this section.
(F) General sign requirements. The following regulations shall apply to all signs in all use districts:
(1) All signs hung and erected shall be plainly marked with the name of the person, firm, or corporation responsible for maintaining the sign;
(2) Glass in any sign shall be either double strength, plate, or wired glass;
(3) All signs that have become insecure must be repaired and made safe or taken down by owner or agent, within 24 hours of notice; and
(4) Sign illumination standards.
(a) Signs shall be externally illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign, except for signs located in the C-2 Highway Commercial District, which may be externally lit as expressly approved by the Planning Commission during site plan review. For sign permits that are not part of a site plan review process (e.g., the permit is strictly for the sign), then the applicant may seek approval of alternative illumination through the same process as site plan review.
(b) Use of glaring, unshielded or undiffused lights or bulbs shall be prohibited. Lights shall be shielded so as not to project onto adjoining properties or thoroughfares.
(c) Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard shall be prohibited.
(d) Illumination by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited.
(e) Illumination resulting from all signs and sign lighting on any property in a nonresidential zoning district shall not exceed one-half foot candles at a height of five feet when measured at any point on property in a residential zoning district or at any point on any road right-of-way.
(f) All permitted external lights illuminating signs shall be oriented and directed toward the ground. Sign lights in the C-2 Highway Commercial District may be exempt from this provision if expressly approved by the Planning Commission.
(g) Electronic message centers. Electronic message centers shall be permitted subject to the following standards set forth below.
1. The electronic message center shall be set back a minimum of 250 feet from the nearest residential dwelling.
2. Any message change shall be a static, instant message change meaning the sign shall not include animation, full motion video, flashing, scrolling, strobing, racing, blinking, changes in color, fade in or fade out in any manor imitating movement, or any other means not providing constant illumination.
3. A message must be displayed for a minimum duration of eight seconds before switching to the next message.
4. Only light emitting diodes (LED) technology or similar quality signs shall be permitted for electronic message centers.
5. The electronic message center should be programmed to "freeze" or go blank if there is a malfunction, so that flashing and other distracting movement does not result.
6. The permitted square footage and setbacks shall be in compliance with permitted number, height, area, and location as outlined in division (I) of this section.
7. All electronic message centers shall be anti-glare and shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer device.
8. An electronic message center shall not face any residentially zoned property (R-1 or R-2).
9. All electronic message centers shall be kept in good operating condition and maintained with good external appearance.
10. The maximum brightness of the electronic message center shall be:
a. The electronic message center shall come equipped with an automatic dimming photocell, which automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on ambient light conditions.
b. The brightness level shall not increase by more than 0.3-foot candles (or 3.23 lumens per square meter or lux) (over ambient levels) as measured using a foot candle meter at a pre-set distance.
c. The procedure and distances for measurement of brightness shall be as established by the International Sign Association’s Recommend Night-time Brightness Levels for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers.
11. Any place where an electronic message center is permitted, such electronic message center may be replaced by a manual changeable copy sign.
(5) Signs in public right-of-way or right-of-way easement prohibited; exceptions.
(a) Signs shall be prohibited in the right-of-way with the exception of:
1. Signs installed by the City of Silverton, Hamilton County, State of Ohio or United States, including local and regional transit agencies; or
2. Any warning signs or traffic safety signs required by public utility providers.
(b) The Zoning Enforcement Officer may remove or cause to be removed any unlawful sign in the public right-of-way. After removal, such sign may be stored in a city facility as directed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer for a minimum of 120 hours and may thereafter be destroyed.
(6) Construction standards.
(a) No part of a projecting sign shall be supported from an unbraced parapet wall. All metal parts used in sign or structure, including pole or pylon, metal, supports and braces, shall be galvanized or of corrosive-resistant material or painted with approved corrosive-resistant paint. When existing poles or structures are used for new sign installation, all parts shall be brought to like-new condition and shall be painted with approved rust and corrosion-resistant paint. Existing pole and installation of pole shall be approved before being used in new sign installation.
(b) When a sign is removed for any reason, a new sign permit for future installation of the sign shall be obtained, or all mast arms, cable, guys of any nature, clips, brackets and all structures of the old sign shall be removed with the sign.
(c) No equipment such as cable to support electric circuits, light fixtures, guys, etc. may be added to sign structure or supports other than as approved by the Building Inspector in the sign permit. Brackets, wires, switches, etc., required to illuminate the sign may be added. When sign structure or supports are used in any manner other than outlined above, certification by a licensed engineer shall be obtained to show the structure is capable of supporting the load.
(d) Projecting signs shall not be installed on a building or structure unless the support has been designed specifically for the purpose of supporting a sign and approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(e) No sign or outdoor display structure shall be of such character or with such inscription or marking that it may be mistaken for a highway sign or marker. No sign of any description shall be installed, erected or constructed in such a manner as to obstruct any fire escape or any door or window giving access to any fire escape, nor shall a sign be attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape.
(f) All electrical signs shall be plainly marked on the bottom edge of the sign using three-fourths inch minimum letters with the erector's name, the voltage, amperes or watts, and the date of installation. All signs shall be grounded.
(g) All wiring, fittings and materials used in the construction, connection and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of the National Electric Code. Electric sign wiring shall be maintained in weather-proof condition during erection or alteration by use of permanent or temporary cover.
(7) Landscaping requirements. A permanent ground-mounted or free-standing pole sign shall require a single continuous landscaped area to be maintained beneath the sign in accordance with the following standards:
(a) The minimum landscaped island shall be at three feet around the perimeter of the base of the sign, including all points where sign structural supports are attached to the ground.
(b) Where the required landscaped area is adjacent to a paved surface accessible to vehicular traffic, a raised, non-mountable curb suitable to prevent the encroachment of vehicles shall be required.
(c) The landscaped area shall include living plantings aesthetically located and maintained. The use of concrete, asphalt, ornamental rocks or any other paved surface inside the required landscaped area beneath the sign shall be prohibited.
(d) The landscape detail and maintenance plan shall be submitted with the sign plan.
(G) Temporary or nonpermanent signs in all districts. The following are the types of temporary signs allowed in the City of Silverton and the applicable regulations for each type of sign.
(1) Standards applicable to all temporary signs.
(a) Temporary signs shall not be mounted, attached, affixed, installed or otherwise secured in a manner that will make the sign a permanent sign.
(b) No temporary sign shall be mounted, attached, affixed, installed or otherwise secured so as to protrude above the roofline of a structure.
(c) Temporary signs shall not be posted in any place or in any manner that is destructive to public property including, but not limited to, rights-of-way, utility poles, public trees, etc.
(d) Unless otherwise specifically stated, temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(e) No temporary sign shall require a foundation, support, wiring, fittings or elements that would traditionally require a building permit or electrical permit.
(f) Temporary signs shall not be affixed to any permanent sign or permanent structure except when a banner sign is permitted to cover a permanent sign in accordance with division (G)(3) of this section or when such sign is attached to the principal building as permitted in this section.
(g) 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.
(h) Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct temporary signs, to avoid the unsightliness of deteriorating signs and all safety concerns which accompany such a condition, temporary signs must be removed or replaced when the sign is deteriorated. The city may remove any deteriorated sign and charge the expenses for the removal to the owner of the property on which the sign is displayed. Any unpaid charges may be assessed in the form of a lien against the owner of the property.
(i) Any temporary sign containing glass in its construction shall use safety or wire reinforced glass.
(j) Temporary signs may be displayed in vacant lots so long as consent of the property owner to display the temporary sign is obtained.
(k) Temporary signs are prohibited in the right-of-way unless allowed as part of a sign permit for a sidewalk sign.
(l) Table 7 establishes the allowances for temporary signs in all zoning districts. All sign types are subject to the general provisions above and the sign-type standards that follow the table.
(2) Temporary signs allowed without zoning permits.
(a) Table 7 establishes the allowances for temporary signs in all zoning districts. All sign types are subject to the general provisions above and the sign-type standards in division (G)(4) of this section.
Table 7: Temporary Sign Allowances | ||
Zoning Districts | Residential | Nonresidential |
Table 7: Temporary Sign Allowances | ||
Zoning Districts | Residential | Nonresidential |
Time Limit | Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
Maximum Sign Area per Lot [1] | 40 Square Feet | 40 Square Feet |
Maximum Sign Area per Individual Sign [1] | 32 Square Feet | 32 Square Feet |
Maximum Height | 5 Feet | 5 Feet |
Permitted Sign Types | Banner, Window, or Yard | Banner, Window, Sidewalk, or Yard |
Zoning Permit Approval Required | No | No |
NOTE: [1] The provisions of this requirement are as stated in the table unless otherwise allowed for in the applicable sign type standards below. | ||
(3) Additional temporary signs allowed with zoning permits. The following additional temporary signs are permitted in the C-1 and C-2 Districts and for nonresidential uses in a PUD provided a zoning permit is approved for the signs:
(a) For zoning permit applications related to the establishment of a new use or change of use within an existing building, where there is 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.
(b) The following temporary signs require a sign permit and are allowed on a restricted time basis in addition to that allowed in Table 7 above, provided the signs are maintained in good condition, as required by this code:
1. The maximum sign area shall not exceed the total building sign area allowed pursuant to division (I)(2) of this section or 16 square feet, whichever is less.
2. Such temporary signage, regardless of size, shall be permitted up to 30 days, three times a year.
3. The signs are limited to yard signs or banner signs subject to the sign-specific standards in division (G)(4) of this section.
4. The maximum height of the sign shall be six feet.
5. The signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any public right-of-way.
(4) Standards for sign types.
(a) Banner signs.
1. Unless otherwise specifically stated, there shall be no maximum number of banner signs provided the aggregate total square footage of all banner signs does not exceed the maximum sign area allowed in this section.
2. Banner signs may be attached to a building, fence or other similar structure. A banner sign attached to posts and mounted in a yard or landscaped area shall be regulated as a temporary yard sign.
3. The maximum height standard for temporary signs shall not apply to a banner sign but such signs shall not be mounted in a manner that extends above the roofline of a building or the top of the structure on which it is mounted.
(b) Sidewalk signs.
1. Only one sidewalk sign is allowed for any one business establishment, at one time, and shall be located within five feet of such business.
2. There shall be no time limit for sidewalk signs with the exception that the sign shall only be placed outside during the hours of the establishment’s operation.
3. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area with a maximum height of four feet.
4. The sign shall only be permitted on a private sidewalk or walkway provided it is placed on pavement and not in any landscaped areas or on pavement used for vehicles (e.g., driveways and parking lots).
5. If the sign is placed on a sidewalk or walkway, the sign can only be placed where the paved sidewalk or walkway width, not including curb top, is at least seven feet wide. The width and placement of the sign shall be such so that there shall be a minimum width of four feet of clear and passable sidewalk or walkway for pedestrians.
6. 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, railing, or other structure.
7. The sign must not obstruct vehicular traffic or access to parking meters, bicycle racks and other features legally in the right-of-way.
8. 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.
9. The sign shall be internally weighted so that it is stable and windproof.
10. The City of Silverton shall be held harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by the placement and/or maintenance of such sign.
11. A sign permit is not required for a sidewalk sign, but such signs are still subject to these regulations.
(c) Window signs.
1. Temporary window signs shall be mounted or placed on the interior of the building.
2. Temporary and permanent window signs in nonresidential districts are regulated in accordance with division (C)(4)(n) of this section.
(d) Yard signs.
1. Unless otherwise specifically stated, there shall be no maximum number of yard signs provided the aggregate total square footage of all yard signs does not exceed the maximum sign area allowed in this section on temporary signs.
2. There shall be a maximum of two faces to the sign, mounted back-to-back.
(H) Permanent signs permitted in R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts. The following permanent signs are permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Districts, or for conditionally permitted uses in the R-1 and R-2 Districts:
(1) Entrance signs. Two wall signs or one permanent monument sign may be permitted for any subdivision or multi-family dwelling development with more than ten lots or dwelling units provided that the sign meets the standards below. For multi-family dwellings that contain four or more units, a wall sign may be permitted in accordance with the standards below.
(a) General standards.
1. Each sign may have a maximum sign area of 40 square feet.
2. No such sign or any portion of the structure shall exceed six feet in height.
3. The sign may only be illuminated through an external light source.
4. The use of electronic message centers are prohibited.
5. A maximum of one monument signs or two walls signs are permitted in accordance with the following regulations.
(b) Monument sign.
1. A maximum of one permanent monument sign may be permitted for each entrance to the subdivision or development on a collector or arterial street, as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
2. Each sign shall be setback ten feet from the public right-of-way and ten feet from any adjacent lot lines. Each sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from any residential use.
3. A monument sign may be placed in a landscaped boulevard within a right-of-way if approved by the City Engineer.
4. If an applicant proposes to use a monument sign, no wall signs, as allowed in division (H)(1)(c) of this section, below shall be permitted.
(c) Wall signs on entry fences, walls, or features.
1. A maximum of two wall signs may be permitted for each entrance to the subdivision or development on a collector or arterial street, as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
2. The signs shall be mounted to a decorative wall, fence, or architectural feature adjacent to the entrance street.
3. The placement of wall signs on architectural features shall only be permitted if such architectural feature is approved as part of a PUD or a subdivision plat. See Figure R.
Figure R: Example of an architectural feature at the entrance of a subdivision
4. If an applicant proposes to use wall signs, no monument sign, as allowed in division (H)(1)(b), above, shall be permitted.
(2) Freestanding signs for conditional uses in residential districts.
(a) One permanent monument sign may be permitted on a lot containing a use approved as a conditional use provided the sign meets the following requirements:
1. The sign shall be set back seven feet from the public right-of-way and 20 feet from any adjacent lot lines.
2. The maximum sign area shall be 36 square feet.
3. No such sign or any portion of the structure shall exceed six feet in height.
4. The sign may contain an electronic message center if in compliance with the provisions of division (F)(4)(g) of this section.
(b) Buildings signs shall be permitted on a lot containing a use approved as a conditional use provided the signs meet the same requirements for building signs in the C-1 District in division (I)(2) of this section.
(I) Permanent signs permitted in C-1, C-2 and R-E Districts. The following on-premise, permanent signs are allowed when accessory to a permitted or conditional uses in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District, C-2 Highway Commercial District, and R-E Recreation Education Districts, or for a nonresidential use in a PUD:
(1) Freestanding signs.
(a) One monument sign may be permitted on any single lot in the R-E District. The maximum sign area shall be 25 square feet with a maximum height of five feet.
(b) One monument sign may be permitted on any single lot in the C-1 District, provided the lot is located with frontage along Montgomery Road and is located outside of the SRD Silverton Renaissance Overlay District. Where allowed, the monument sign shall have a maximum sign area of 25 square feet with a maximum height of five feet.
(c) One monument or pole sign may be permitted on any single lot in the C-2 District. The maximum sign area shall be 36 square feet with a maximum height of ten feet.
(d) Electronic message centers are only permitted on freestanding signs in the C-2 District provided they comply with the standards of division (F)(4)(g) of this section.
(2) Building signs. Building signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following:
(a) The building sign area allowed in this section shall include the total amount of all wall, awning, canopy, and projecting signs allowed on each building. Standards for each individual building sign type are established in this section.
(b) Building signs shall not extend above the top of the roofline of the building to which it is attached.
(c) Building signs may not be attached to mechanical equipment or roof screening.
(d) Building signs shall not include electronic message centers.
(e) Building signs on secondary facades shall not be illuminated if the secondary facade is adjacent to a lot in a residential zoning district.
(f) Building sign allowance.
1. Where there is a building sign allowance for a primary facade, such building sign area shall only be attached to the primary facade. Where there is a building sign allowance for a secondary facade, such building sign area shall only be attached to the secondary facade.
2. There is no maximum number of permitted building signs on any given facade provided the total area of all building signs does not exceed the total amount allowed. In no case shall any individual building sign exceed 30 square feet.
3. There shall be a maximum of 1.0 square feet of building sign area per lineal foot of a primary facade width for each building or building unit frontage on the ground floor, as applicable. Where building signs are allowed on a secondary facade, there shall be a maximum of 1.0 square feet of building sign area per lineal foot of a secondary facade width for each building or building unit frontage on the ground floor, as applicable.
4. For multi-story buildings with separate tenants or uses on upper floors that only have exterior access from the ground floor, a total building sign area of 16 square feet shall be permitted on upper floor facades.
(g) Wall sign standards. Any wall sign shall comply with the following standards:
1. Wall signs shall be mounted on or flush with a wall and shall not project more than 18 inches from the wall or face of the building to which it is attached.
2. A wall sign may be mounted on the facade wall or mounted on a raceway.
3. No wall sign shall extend any closer than 12 inches to either the top or side edges of the surface or wall to which it is attached. No wall sign shall cover or obscure any wall opening.
4. No wall sign shall extend above the parapet of the main building to which it is attached, nor beyond the vertical limits of such building.
5. Wall signs may be internally or externally illuminated except when attached to a facade that faces a residential zoning district, in which case the illumination of the wall sign is prohibited.
6. The wall sign allowance may be used for signs attached to roofed structures over fueling stations or to stand-alone accessory structure such as automated teller machines (ATMS) or detached accessory buildings.
(h) Canopy or awning sign standards. Any canopy or awning sign shall comply with the following standards:
1. Signage shall not cover more than 30 square feet of any individual awning or canopy.
2. Canopies or awnings should not extend more than 36 inches from the facade.
3. Signage may be mounted above any canopy that extends over a customer entrance provided that the maximum sign height over the canopy shall be 18 inches as measured from the top of the canopy to the top of the sign.
4. Only the area of the sign may be illuminated internally on a canopy or awning. The remainder of any canopy or awning shall not be illuminated or may be illuminated by an external source such as gooseneck lighting.
(i) Projecting sign standards. Any projecting sign shall comply with the following standards:
1. Only one projecting sign shall be permitted for each tenant of building space.
2. A projecting sign shall be perpendicular to the wall of the building to which it is attached and shall not extend more than four feet from the facade wall to which it is attached.
3. Projecting signs shall maintain a minimum six-inch clearance from the facade of any building.
4. Decorative supporting structures for projecting signs are encouraged and shall not count toward the maximum square footage of signs allowed, however, in no case shall the supporting structure exceed six square feet.
5. The maximum sign area for a projecting sign shall be 16 square feet.
6. Projecting signs must be suspended from brackets or other supports approved by the building official and contain no exposed guy wires or turnbuckles.
7. Projecting signs shall not encroach into any right-of-way.
8. Projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(3) General provisions.
(a) All sign frames, foundations and other supporting structures in the C-1 and C-2 Districts shall be constructed of wood, stone, brick or other material similar to the principal permitted structures which they identify, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission.
(b) All signs in the C-1 and C-2 Districts shall utilize similar or compatible colors and styles to the buildings which such signs identify.
(J) Maintenance of signs.
(1) All signs and sign structures shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation.
(2) Property surrounding any freestanding sign shall be kept clean, sanitary, and free from obnoxious and offensive substances, weeds, debris, rubbish, and flammable material. All plant materials and other landscaping surrounding a freestanding sign shall be maintained on a regular basis, including pruning, mowing, watering, fertilizing, and replacement of dead and diseased materials.
(3) The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to routinely enter onto property to inspect existing signs for compliance with this section. In conducting such inspections, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall determine whether the sign is compliant with the Ohio Basic Building Code. The sign owner shall be notified of any defects or deferred maintenance requiring corrective action in writing.
(4) If any sign reaches a state of disrepair and is deemed unsightly or unsafe or abandoned by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and is not properly renovated within 30 days, it shall be condemned and an order issued for its immediate removal by the sign erector, owner of the sign, or owner of the land.
(K) Nonconforming signs.
(1) A permanent sign that is nonconforming as to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of this chapter, and that is legally erected in accordance with a valid sign permit, shall be construed as a legal nonconforming sign. A sign conforming as to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of such ordinance, but which does not conform with the regulations of a subsequent amendment to this Zoning Code, shall also be construed as a legal nonconforming sign.
(2) A legal nonconforming sign may be maintained, and structural or electrical parts may be required, replaced or restored to a safe condition, only if required by law. In addition, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, may permit the replacement of the face of a legal nonconforming wall sign if such face is encased in a structure which is consistent in size and appearance with all other such sign structures in a unified shopping area. Otherwise, a nonconforming sign shall not be altered or moved unless it is made to comply with this Zoning Code.
(3) If any legal nonconforming sign, or part thereof, is damaged, destroyed to more than 50% of its reproduction value or is voluntarily taken down, it shall not be rebuilt or relocated unless it is made to comply with the regulations of the district in which it is located.
(4) A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a continuous period of six months or more, shall thereafter conform to this Zoning Code.
(L) Limitation of rights. No right to occupy any part of any sidewalk, street, alley, or public place of the city shall become permanent but all rights may be withdrawn at any time, whereupon any such projection on occupancy shall be removed by owners.
(M) Erection of signs at railroad crossings. Whenever a public street, avenue, road, or highway is crossed by a railroad at the same grade level, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, or maintain any sign that will obstruct the line of sight within the area established by the following description: Beginning at the point of intersection of the border of the public street, avenue, road, and highway 200 feet distant from the intersection and extending thence to a point on the rail 400 feet distant from the intersection of the rail and the border of the public street, avenue, road, or highway and extending thence along the rail to the point of beginning, and all points and measurements herein mentioned are to be those closest to the billboard or signboard. However, nothing herein contained shall apply to signboards, signposts, or danger signals required to be erected and maintained by the railroads under the laws of the state or under the ordinances of the city.
(N) Government signs excluded. These regulations do not apply to signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function, or required by any law, ordinance, or governmental regulation.
(O) Removal and disposition of signs.
(1) Abandoned signs. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any on-premise sign which is located on property which is nonconforming and which use becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to be abandoned. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily vacant because of a change in ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of six months. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises.
(2) Dangerous or defective signs. No persons shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by them any sign which is in dangerous or defective condition. Any such sign shall be removed or repaired by the owner of the premises.
(3) Removal of signs by the city.
(a) The Zoning Enforcement Officer may cause to be removed any sign in violation of this section or a sign for which no permit has been issued. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall prepare a notice which shall describe the sign and specify the violation(s) involved and which shall state that if the sign is not removed or if each violation is not corrected within 30 days, the sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(b) All notices mailed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall be sent by certified mail. The notice shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located as indicated by the most recent Hamilton County Auditor's Office property owner information database. The notice shall also be mailed to or delivered to the occupant of the property. Any conformance time periods provided in this section shall be deemed to commence on the date of mailing of the certified mail.
(c) Any person having an interest in the sign or the property may appeal the determination of the Zoning Enforcement Officer ordering compliance, removal, or compliance by filing a written notice of appeal with the Board of Zoning Appeals, within ten days after receipt date of the notice as determined by the returned certified mail confirmation. In the event the property owner or occupant fail to accept the certified mail announcement, constructive receipt shall be deemed to have occurred after 15 days from the certified notice mailing date.
(d) Any signs found to be placed in the public right-of-way, on public property, or elsewhere where placement is prohibited under this code, may be confiscated by the city and are subject to immediate removal without notification by the Zoning Enforcement Officer or any other city personnel.
(e) Notwithstanding the above, in cases of emergency, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice.
(4) Disposal of signs. Any sign removed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer pursuant to the provisions of this section shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the city. The cost of removal of the sign by the city shall be considered a debt owed to the city by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property, and may be recovered in an appropriate court action by the city or by levying an assessment against the property as hereinafter provided. Each such assessment shall be a lien against each lot or tract of land assessed, until paid, and shall have priority over all other liens except general taxes and prior special assessments. The cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expenses incurred by the city in connection with the sign's removal. Signs may be retrieved at the Silverton Public Works Facility for a period not to exceed 120 hours after removal by the Zoning Enforcement Officer or any other city personnel. After the 120-hour sign holding period, the signs shall be disposed of or destroyed.
(Ord. 2025-10, passed 5-1-25)