The purpose of this section is to promote and protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed outdoor advertising, outdoor advertising signs and outdoor signs of all types. It is intended 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 distraction and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by unsafe signs, provide more open space, curb the deterioration of the natural environment and enhance community development.

As used in this section unless otherwise expressly stated in this ordinance the following definitions shall apply:

Sign. The term sign shall mean any permanent or temporary device, reproduction, material or structure which is: freestanding, attached to a building or structure or erected, painted, represented or reproduced inside or outside any building, structure or natural object, including window display area, which displays, reproduces or includes any lettered or pictorial matter; which is used to identify the premises or occupant or owner of the premises; to advertise any trade, business, profession, industry service or other activity; to advertise any product or item; to advertise the sale, rental or use of all or part of any premises or item, including that upon which it is displayed; to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic other than public highway markers; and shall also include any announcement, demonstration, display, illustration or insignia used to advertise or promote the interests of any persons or business when the same is placed in view of the general public. In no event shall the word "sign" be construed to mean any sign in the interior of any structure, not visible from the outside, unless specifically set forth in this Ordinance. Excluded from this definition also are pavement markings or driveway directional arrows painted on the ground, which contain no advertising.

Sign, accessory. 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.

Sign, flag or banner. A single flag on a pole or banner attached to a rope or pole or wall-mounted, where such flag or banner is made of material that is not rigid, such as cloth or vinyl.

Sign, freestanding. A sign supported by a pole, uprights, braces or frame on the ground and not supported by any wall, building or similar structure.

Sign, illuminated. A sign designed to give forth artificial light from an artificial source in such a manner as to be an integral part of the construction of the sign, including neon signs and signs illuminated from within.

Sign, indirectly illuminated. A sign illuminated with an artificial light directed primarily toward such sign from an exterior source.

Sign, off-premises. Any sign or advertising device, including a billboard which advertise a use or activity not located on, or a product not sold nor manufactured on the lot on which the sign or device is located.

Sign, off-site directional. Any sign giving directions to the location of any use or activity not located upon the property upon which the sign is erected, and which may contain only the name of the use and necessary information giving directions to the use; provided, however, that no advertising shall be contained in such sign.

Sign, portable. Any sign not attached to a building or structure or attached to the ground and which is capable of being placed upon various locations on a lot. Such signs shall include, but are not limited to, A-frame signs, gasoline price per gallon signs, temporary announcement signs, trailer signs and the like. This definition shall not include freestanding, sandwich board type signs as defined and regulated in this article.

Sign, projecting. A sign erected so as to project approximately perpendicular from the exterior of any building or wall.

Sign, roof-mounted. A sign placed upon the roof of any building or portion thereof, or erected on a vertical framework supported by the roof of a building, except such signs which are an integral part of the construction or architecture of a building.

Sign, sandwich board. A sandwich board sign is a small, freestanding sign constructed in a manner as to form a tent-like shape or upside down "T" shape with no moving parts or lights that is displayed outside a business. Such signs are not intended to be permanent business signage. Standards and regulations for use, placement, dimensions, etc. of sandwich board signs shall be in accordance with the requirements of this article (see section 805.F). Said signs shall not require a building permit.

Sign, trailer. A sign which is mounted or designed for mounting on wheels, or which is mounted or designed for mounting on a self-propelled or towed vehicle. Such signs shall include, but not be limited to, mobile advertising signs attached to a truck, chassis, detachable vehicle trailer or other such mobile signs, but shall not include signs painted or otherwise inscribed on a self-propelled vehicle or towed vehicle which identify the product, service or an activity for which the vehicle is used, unless the principal use of such vehicle is for advertising purposes.

Sign, wall-mounted. A sign erected against, painted on or attached to the wall of any building or structure (except a freestanding sign support) including signs affixed to fences, screens and freestanding walls.

Sign plaza. A grouping of signs in a common location, having uniform size and materials and regulated by the town in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.

(Ord. of 12-13-10(1))

The following signs are permitted without permits issued by the building official, and shall not be counted when calculating the quantity of signs permitted and the total allowable sign area; provided, however, that such signs shall conform to all other applicable regulations, and further provided that such signs shall conform to all other applicable regulations, and further provided that such signs shall be neither illuminated nor indirectly illuminated, except as otherwise specified herein:

A.

Name and address of resident. Name and address of resident shall not include any commercial advertising. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area in any R80, or R40 Districts, or two (2) square feet in any other district, and shall be limited to one (1) such sign per resident, household or use.

B.

No trespassing sign. No trespassing sign or other such signs regulating the use of the property on which it is located, provided such signs do not exceed two (2) square feet in area in any residential zone, or five (5) square feet in any nonresidential zone.

C.

Bulletin boards. Bulletin boards for public or religious institutions when located on the property thereof, provided such signs do not exceed fifteen (15) square feet and bear no commercial advertising. Such signs may be indirectly illuminated.

D.

For sale signs. For sale signs under six (6) square feet in area and which advertise the sale, lease or rental of the real property on which it is located, and which may not be maintained for more than six (6) months. Such signs in place for more than six (6) months shall require a temporary sign permit as specified in section 806.

E.

Instructional or directional signs. Instructional or directional signs identifying on-premises traffic, parking or other functional activity, such as lavatory facilities, telephone sections of a building, entrances, offices, etc. bearing no commercial advertising. There shall be no more than one (1) sign for each applicable activity, and each sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area if wall-mounted and four (4) square feet is freestanding. Such signs may be illuminated or indirectly illuminated.

F.

Signs erected by the town, the state or by the United States of America. Signs erected by the town, the state or by the United States of America pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function, or required by any law, ordinance or governmental regulation. Such signs may be illuminated or indirectly illuminated.

G.

Memorial signs or tablets. Memorial signs or tablets and signs denoting the date of erection of buildings. Signs denoting the date of erection of buildings shall be wall-mounted and shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area.

H.

Signs identifying churches and places of worship or certified nonprofit educational institutions when located on the property thereof. Signs identifying churches and places of worship or certified nonprofit educational institutions when located on the property thereof may be indirectly illuminated, and may not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area.

I.

Election signs or political signs. Political signs shall be constructed of durable material, and shall not be affixed or attached to trees, traffic signs or utility poles, and shall not be located upon any public right-of-way nor upon any public property.

J.

Accessory signs. Accessory signs incidental to a business or a profession conducted on the premises indicating hours of operation, credit cards, business affiliations, and the like, provided the total area of all such signs for a single business does not exceed two (2) square feet per public entrance (noncumulative), and is wall-mounted at or immediately adjacent to the entrance to the building on the premises.

K.

Signs customary and necessary to the operation of gasoline filling stations. The following signs customary and necessary to the operation of gasoline filling stations: Wall-mounted signs displayed over individual entrance doors consisting of the words "washing," "lubrication," "repairing," or words of similar import, provided that there shall be not more than one (1) such sign over each entrance, and that the letters of such sign do not exceed ten (10) inches in height; signs which consist of lettering or other insignia which are structural part of a gasoline pump, consisting only of a brand name, lead warning sign and other matter as required by law; one (1) two and one-half (2½) square foot/side (maximum) sign indicating price per gallon of gasoline to be attached to the pump; also there may be one (1) sign no larger than eight (8) square feet per side using numbers no larger than eighteen (18) inches in height indicating price per gallon of gasoline along highways on which the legal speed limit is less than thirty-five (35) mph, or one sign no larger than twelve (12) square feet per side using numbers no larger than eighteen (18) inches in height indicating price per gallon along highways on which the legal speed limit is thirty-five (35) mph or more, which such sign shall be freestanding and shall have a clearance of at least seven (7) feet from the ground.

L.

Digital clocks, time/temperature clocks. Digital clocks, time/temperature clocks or other clocks which contain no advertising, and which may be illuminated or indirectly illuminated, and may not exceed twenty (20) square feet in surface area.

M.

Window signs. Window signs permanently erected or maintained in the window of any building, which are visible from any public or private street or highway, provided such sign shall not occupy more than thirty (30) percent of the area of said window.

N.

Temporary window signs. Temporary window signs erected or maintained in the window of a building, which are visible from any public or private street or highway, provided such sign shall not occupy more than fifty (50) percent of the area of said window, and shall not be in place more than thirty (30) days.

O.

Awning signs. Awning signs less than ten (10) square feet in area, not to exceed one (1) such awning sign per use.

P.

Sale of produce. Sale of produce raised on land signs shall be no longer than twelve (12) square feet or two (2) signs no larger than six (6) square feet each, and shall not be lighted in any manner.

(Ord. of 2-10-25(1))

The followings signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district:

A.

Signs with moving parts. Signs which have any visible moving parts, including signs which are designed to achieve movement by action of wind currents, or which have mobile or revolving parts or which have animated parts (except time or temperature devices), provided however, that barber poles ordinarily and customarily used in connection with barber shops are allowed if they comply with all provisions of this ordinance.

B.

Flashing signs. Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination, animation or illumination which varies in color. This shall include, but not be limited to: electronic messaging boards/centers (animated or intermittent), LED (light emitting diode) type signs, digital/programmable ink and all other electronic, changeable copy signs.

C.

Hazards to public safety. Any sign or sign support which constitutes a hazard to public safety or health, including signs which by reason of size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of a driver or pedestrian, or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on public streets, and roads or sidewalks; or which obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required exit way; or which make use of words such as stop, look, one way, danger, yield, or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

D.

String lights. String lights or strung light bulbs are prohibited. However, string lights as a part of decorations associated with recognized legal holiday are permitted for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.

E.

Pennants and banners. Searchlights, string pennants, spinners, and streamers are prohibited. However, such signs associated with events of religious, public or charitable organizations are permitted for a period not to exceed ten (10) days or for new business openings for a period not to exceed three (3) days.

F.

Projecting signs. Projecting signs which are erected so as to project approximately perpendicular from the exterior of any building, or wall and which exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, or which project more than four (4) feet from the exterior of said building or wall. Nothing herein shall be construed to permit the erection of any projecting sign over a public way, without the approval of the building official.

G.

Roof-mounted signs. Roof-mounted signs, as defined by this ordinance. No allowable roof-mounted sign shall be erected in such a manner as to increase the maximum allowable building height, nor shall any sign project more than fifteen (15) feet above the roof line of any building.

H.

Off-site directional signs. Off-site directional signs, unless otherwise specified in this ordinance.

I.

Portable signs. Trailer signs or portable signs, excepting sandwich board signs as otherwise specified in this article.

J.

Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs, unless otherwise specified in this ordinance.

(Ord. of 8-16-10; Ord. of 11-12-10; Ord. of 12-13-10(1); Ord. of 5-23-11; Ord. of 7-25-11; Ord. of 11-14-11; Ord. of 2-27-12)

All signs in residential zoning districts are permitted at any distance from the front lot line, and shall be placed no closer than five (5) feet to a side or rear lot line and shall conform to the following regulations:

A.

Identification signs. There shall be no more than one (1) sign, other than a sign identifying the name and address of the occupant as specified in section 810.A., for such residential lot. Such signs may identify the premises and/or identify a permitted customary home occupation, including real estate and professional offices in the home, and shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area in any R80 or R40 Zones, or two (2) square feet in area in any other zone.

B.

Illuminated signs not permitted. Illuminated signs shall not be permitted in residential zoning districts, except as otherwise specified in this ordinance. Indirectly illuminated signs in a residential zoning district may be lighted only by a continuous white light, so oriented that it shall reflect the light away from the adjoining property and away from streets.

C.

Entrance signs. Permanent signs at major entrances to residential developments designed only to identify such developments shall be permitted provided such signs bear no commercial advertising, and do not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area (per side, if freestanding).

D.

Freestanding or wall-mounted sign. One (1) freestanding or wall-mounted sign shall be permitted in any residential zoning district to identify a use permitted by the zoning board of review as a special use permit under the provisions of article 5 of this ordinance provided however, that no such sign exceed twelve (12) square feet in area (per side, if freestanding), in any R80 or R40 zones, or two (2) square feet in any other zone. Signs identifying real estate offices and professional offices in the home shall be governed by subsection A., of this section. There shall be no more than one (1) freestanding or wall-mounted sign which shall not exceed six (6) square feet for each permitted commercial use or special use permit granted in a residential zone.

E.

Signs in Mixed Use (MU) Zoning Districts. For the purposes of this zoning ordinance, signs for permitted residential uses in mixed use (MU) zoning districts shall be governed by the applicable provisions of this section.

All signs in commercial and manufacturing districts shall conform to the following regulations:

A.

Commercial and industrial districts. Signs in commercial and industrial districts may be either wall-mounted, freestanding, projecting signs, or a flag or banner. Flags that indicate a "welcome," "open," or a similar greeting is not counted in the calculation for maximum sign area, provided that such flags shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet.

B.

CN and Mixed Use (MU) Zoning Districts. In CN and Mixed Use (MU) Zoning Districts there shall be no more than one (1) sign for each principal building. If freestanding, the top of such sign shall not be more than eight (8) feet above the ground, and shall have an area of not more than twelve (12) square feet per side. If wall-mounted, such sign shall not exceed a total area of one-half (½) square feet for each lineal foot of the wall on which such sign is located, not to exceed thirty (30) square feet in sign area, nor shall the width of such sign exceed sixty (60) percent of the width of the wall upon which it is attached. Both such freestanding or wall-mounted signs may be indirectly illuminated, but shall not be illuminated. No projecting signs shall be allowed in a CN or Mixed Use (MU) District.

C.

Industrial and commercial districts other than CN and Mixed Use (MU). In industrial and commercial districts other than CN and Mixed Use (MU), there may be one (1) or more wall-mounted signs for each main building other than in shopping centers, provided that the total square footage of such signs does not exceed one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of the building frontage on which the sign is located, or seventy-five (75) square feet total, whichever is greater.

In addition there may be, one (1) freestanding sign for each main building not to exceed forty (40) square feet per side. Freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height above the ground. No such freestanding sign shall be erected in such a manner as to materially impede vision or obstruct access to or from any public street, sidewalk, driveway, off-street parking or loading facility or any other access required by this ordinance.

In place of any allowable wall-mounted or freestanding sign, a projecting sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet per side is permitted.

Wall-mounted signs having an area greater than the above provisions may be allowed on buildings only where the building wall is located more than two hundred (200) feet from any public street from which said wall-mounted sign is visible, in accordance with the following schedule:

D.

Freestanding signs in shopping centers. In addition to permitted wall-mounted signs, there shall be permitted in shopping centers one common freestanding sign identifying all uses. Such freestanding signs shall conform to the following regulations:

Such freestanding signs may be indirectly illuminated in all zoning districts, and may be illuminated in all industrial or commercial districts other than CN. No such freestanding sign shall be erected in such a manner as to materially impede vision or obstruct access to or from any public street, sidewalk, driveway, off-street parking or loading facility, or any other access required by this Ordinance.

E.

Signs in Route 1 Special Management District. Signs in the Route 1 Special Management District shall be regulated by the provisions of section 605 of this ordinance.

F.

Sandwich board signs. One (1) sandwich board sign may be permitted per licensed business premises in the following zoning districts: Commercial Downtown (CD), Commercial Neighborhood (CN), Commercial Waterfront (CW), Commercial Highway (CH), Mixed Use (MU) and Route 1 Special Management District (SMD). Such signs shall be subject to the following standards and conditions.

1.

Sandwich board signs may be placed on private property on the premises where the business is located subject to compliance with the general conditions herein. If placed on private property the sign may not be located in parking areas such that the sign placement causes the parking lot to be out of compliance with zoning requirements.

2.

Such signs may also be located on sidewalks or portions of the pedestrian public right of way provided a minimum three (3) feet of unobstructed sidewalk or pedestrian path is maintained. No sign of this type may be located or displayed in such a way that it impedes or diminishes the ADA compliance of the public right-of-way or business it is intended to advertise.

3.

Signs shall not be permanently anchored to the sidewalk, attached or chained to any utility pole, newspaper box or other structures or appurtenances.

4.

The sign must be displayed on the same parcel or public right-of-way adjacent to the business employing same is situated. In the CH (Commercial Highway) zoning district, sandwich board signs may only be placed on private property, not within or on the adjacent public right-of-way.

5.

The sign shall not exceed twenty-five (25) inches in width or forty-five (45) inches in height (measured from ground level). The sign display shall not exceed a total of six (6) square feet per side.

6.

Where more than one (1) business is present within a building or upon a parcel, a maximum of one (1) sign per licensed business may be displayed.

7.

The signs shall be constructed of materials that present a finished appearance, neatly assembled and remain in good repair.

8.

Such signs shall not be internally lit, contain any electrical component, nor have any moving parts.

9.

Sandwich board signs shall only be displayed during the hours that the business employing same is open to the public.

10.

Businesses may integrate "chalk-board" or manually applied lettering features into sandwich board signs.

(Ord. of 12-13-10(1))

The following temporary signs are allowed in any zoning district provided that they conform to the following provisions, further provided that they are granted a temporary sign permit as required in section 813. Such temporary signs shall be neither illuminated nor indirectly illuminated.

A.

Buildings or other significant construction work. Temporary signs, customary and necessary in connection with the erection of buildings or other significant construction work shall be limited to one sign for each construction project to include only the identification of the project, architect, sponsor or builder. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in any residential district, twenty (20) square feet in any commercial district, or thirty (30) square feet in any manufacturing district, and shall be removed within ten (10) days after the completion of construction.

B.

Auctions and special events conducted by nonprofit organizations. Temporary signs, no larger than twenty (20) square feet which advertise auctions and special events conducted by nonprofit organizations provided such signs shall not be in place more than thirty (30) days. No more than three (3) signs advertising any such event shall be erected or maintained at any one (1) time within the Town of South Kingstown.

C.

For sale signs. Temporary for sale signs which are in place for more than six (6) months, and which advertise in any way the sale, which they are located, shall not exceed six (6) square feet in any residential district, twenty (20) square feet in any commercial district, or thirty-two (32) square feet in any manufacturing district. No such temporary sign shall be maintained more than ten (100 days after completion of the activity advertised.

For subdivisions of ten (10) lots or more, in lieu of individual lot for sale signs, there may be one (1) common sign, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side, advertising the property for sale and not to be in place for more than two (2) years.

The town council may, after an advisory recommendation by the planning board, establish sign plazas as defined in this ordinance and may establish fees for the erection of signs in such plazas. The town council may, after an advisory recommendation by the planning board, establish regulations regarding content, size, shape, color, material, texture and the like of signs to be erected in the plaza, and shall have the right to approve or disapprove the layout and design of the plaza itself, if inconsistent with the intent of this ordinance.

A.

Area. The area of a sign is the total area within a line circumscribing all surfaces or structures used or employed or designated for use as a sign or for sign purposes including spaces between or within letters and/or pictorial matter, slates, panels, and major supports or frames if designed as an integral part of the sign, but specifically excluding spaces between major supports required for clearance between sign and ground as required herein. Provided, however, that structures and supports for signs under ten square feet in area shall not be counted as sign area.

B.

Height. The height of a sign shall be the vertical distance measured from the ground at the base of the sign to the highest point of any portion of the sign or supporting structure.

C.

Setback. The setback for a freestanding sign shall be measured from the lot line to the outermost edge of the sign or supporting structure whichever is closer to the lot line.

D.

Number. For the purpose of determining number of signs, a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing elements organized, related and composed to form a unit. Where matter is displayed in a random manner without organized relationship of elements, or where there is reasonable doubt about the relationship of elements, each element shall be considered to be a single sign.

A sign permit shall be required for all signs thereafter erected, installed or replaced, unless specifically exempted by this ordinance. Such permits shall be issued by the building official and shall be in addition to any other permits required by this or any other ordinance of the town.

Application for sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms prescribed and provided by the building official, which shall include the following information:

A.

Dimensions of proposed sign. The size of the proposed signs, area, height, width, thickness, illumination and material of which is to be constructed.

B.

Detailed drawing of proposed sign. A detailed drawing showing the description of the construction details of the sign and showing the lettering and/or pictorial matter composing the sign, position of lighting or other extraneous devices, and support structures.

C.

Plot plan of proposed sign. A plot plan showing the location of the sign in relation to the building and all property lines and streets. The building official may require any other such information as may be reasonably necessary to administer the provisions of this ordinance relating to signs.

An applicant for a sign permit or temporary sign permit shall, when filing an application, pay to the town the appropriate fee. Said fee shall be established by resolution of the town council from time to time.

In addition to the filing fee, an applicant shall also, where applicable, pay a fee for the erection of a structure. Said fee shall be established by resolution of the town council from time to time.

If the building official finds the proposed sign to be in compliance with this ordinance, he shall issue such sign permit within ten (10) days after the filing of the application.

If the erection or installation of the sign authorized under any such permit has not been started within six (6) months from the date of the issuance of such permit, and diligently pursued until completed, the permit shall become null and void.

Every sign shall bear the sign permit number conveniently and permanently affixed on the face or support thereof, or in such other place as authorized in writing by the building official. Failure to so affix the sign permit number shall constitute cause for revocation of the permit by the building official in addition to any other penalties or remedies provided in this ordinance.

No temporary sign, as described in section 806, shall be erected, installed or maintained without first obtaining a permit thereof. Any such permit may be issued for a period not to exceed six (6) months, and shall provide that any sign authorized by such permit shall be removed at the expiration of said six-month period, or within ten (10) days after the completion of the activity advertised, whichever shall be sooner. No permit for a temporary sign may be extended or renewed, and any temporary sign which remains in place for more than six (6) months shall be deemed a permanent sign, and shall be so regulated, unless otherwise specified herein.

The applicant shall deposit with the building official a cash deposit of fifty dollars ($50.00) per sign to insure removal of such sign at the expiration of the permit, which shall be returned to the applicant upon the removal by him of such sign. If the applicant shall fail to remove such sign, the building official after ten (10) days written notice to the applicant to remove such sign, and after the failure of the applicant to do so, shall cause said sign to be removed and the cash deposit shall be forfeited to help defray the cost of the removal.

No sign, whether new or existing, shall hereafter be erected or altered, except in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance. However, notwithstanding any provisions contained herein, the sign must be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from all hazards such as, but not limited to, faulty wiring, loose fastenings, and must be maintained at all times in such safe condition so as not to be detrimental to the public health or safety.

No sign shall be erected or maintained which advertises a product, use or activity no longer available, for sale or in use on the premises. Such obsolete signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the date they become obsolete. In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing provisions of this section, the ZEO shall give written notice, specifying the violation to the named owner of the sign and to the named owner of the land upon which the sign is erected, sent to their last known addresses as set forth in the records of the town directing them to cause any such sign to conform to the provisions of this ordinance, or to remove any such sign within thirty (30) days from the date of said notice.

Upon failure to comply with the provisions of said notice specified in section 814, the ZEO shall notify the town solicitor of such violation of the ordinance, and request appropriate legal action be taken to obtain conformance or removal of such sign. When any sign is in such condition as to be an immediate hazard and peril to the safety of the public or to property, the ZEO is hereby authorized to cause any such sign to be removed summarily without notice.

Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this ordinance, trailer signs, portable signs, pennants, spinners, banners and/or string lights shall be removed by the owner of the sign or the owner of the property upon which the sign is located.

A.

Off-site directional signs. Off-street directional signs may be authorized by special use permit, upon application to the zoning board of review, where the location of a use requires such signs in order to avoid confusion, traffic congestion or similar inconveniences, and to facilitate travel to such location. No more than two (2) such signs shall be permitted for any one (1) use. The area of any such sign shall be no more than four (4) square feet. The use of sign plazas is encouraged, and in all cases only the minimum number of signs necessary to accomplish any of these objectives may be authorized by the zoning board of review. Off-site directional signs may be indirectly illuminated, but not illuminated.

B.

Logogram or symbol signs. Signs which by their content, design, shape or construction are representations of a trademark, logogram or symbol employed in the advertising of any commercial or manufacturing use may be authorized by special use permit, upon application to the zoning board of review. No more than one (1) such sign shall be permitted for each such use, and may be permitted only in commercial or industrial zoning districts. The area of any such sign may not exceed twenty (20) square feet. Such sign shall only be wall-mounted and may be indirectly illuminated, and shall be in addition to any permitted signs.

Signs existing prior to March 29, 1976, and not conforming to these provisions, but which did conform to previous laws, shall be regarded as nonconforming signs, which may be continued or repaired. Nonconforming signs which are structurally altered, relocated or replaced, shall comply immediately with the provisions of this ordinance.