Summersville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 1383
Signs
1383.01 PURPOSE AND INTENT.
It is the purpose of this article to set out regulations and control of signs within the corporate limits of the City, and to support the use of signs to aid the general public in identification of business and other activities and to assist the public in direction within the City. Further, it is the intent of this article to protect the public from the objective effects of excessive advertising; from danger of unsafe signs and from harm of the aesthetic quality of the City. These regulations hereby promote the public health, safety and general welfare through a system of reasonable, non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory control of placement, character, size and illumination of signs.
This article shall apply to all signs erected, displayed, painted, maintained, altered or installed in every zoning district of the City which are designed or intended to be seen by or attract the attention of the general public. No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with the regulations for the zoned area in which it is located and no sign shall be erected or continued in operation in any manner constituting a nuisance because of glare, focus, animation or flashing. (Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.02 DEFINITIONS.
As used in this article, the following terms shall be defined:
(1) BILLBOARD. A sign which is larger than thirty-two (32) square feet in display area on one face of the sign, and which advertises a product, service, profession or business, the subject of which advertisement is not present on the property that includes the location of the sign.
(2) BUILDING FRONTAGE. The developed length of that portion of the building, which faces a right of way or which faces a public parking lot containing not less than twenty (20) parking spaces and serving the building.
(3) BULLETIN BOARD. Bulletin boards for community, charitable or religious organizations which are not illuminated, the display area of which may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
(4) CANOPY SIGN. A sign affixed to a canopy, awning, eaves or extended roof of a building, which identifies the business conducted in said building, provides a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from the lowest point of the sign to the ground beneath it.
(5) COMMUNITY BANNERS. Temporary banners associated with school activities, rallies and seasonal events or with community social, cultural or religious activities; provided that banners for single event are not in place for a period exceeding thirty (30) days.
(6) CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A sign pertaining to the construction, alteration, rehabilitation or remodeling of real estate, either in progress or intended.
(7) DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction and placed on the property to which or on which the public is directed. This definition includes, but is not limited to, entrance and exit signs to a parking lot or area and signs stating the regulations for use of a parking lot.
(8) DIRECTORY SIGN. A wall-mounted sign listing the businesses or the activities conducted within a building or group of buildings.
(9) DISPLAY AREA. The area of a sign or advertising device that can be enclosed or measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof, which will encompass the entire sign or advertising device; excluding trim, frame, apron, posts, uprights, braces or other structural members which support it. Where a sign is double-facing and only one face can be viewed from a single location on a roadway, the display area shall be the area of one sign face. Where a sign has two (2) or more faces which can be viewed from a single location, the display area of all such faces shall be included in determining the total display area of the sign.
(10) ELEVATED SIGN. A General Business Sign that is freestanding and placed atop or affixed to structural supports, including poles, posts, uprights and braces, and which provides minimum eight (8) feet of clearance between the lowest edge of the sign and the surface of the ground, parking lot, street or alley directly beneath it; the display area of which is not greater than three hundred (300) square feet.
(11) ERECT. To build, construct, install, attach, hang, place, inscribe, suspend, affix, paint or repaint.
(12) FLASHING SIGNS. A sign which contains an intermittent flashing light source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Also, any sign in which any part of the light source varies in intensity and/or hue and flashes or appears to flash or turn on and off; or a sign in which a message constantly flashes or turns on and off, or alternates with other copy by means of rotating or otherwise moving portions of the sign.
Illuminated signs which indicate the time, temperature, weather, or other similar information shall not be considered flashing signs, provided that the total area of such sign is not greater than sixteen (16) square feet, the vertical dimension of any letter or number is not greater than twenty-four (24) inches, and the color or intensity of light is constant except for periodic changes in the information display, which occur not more frequently than once every ten (10) seconds.
(13) FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign supported wholly by upright braces, or posts in or upon the ground. The posts or other supporting structures shall be considered as part of the sign, except that they shall not be included in computing the sign display area. A freestanding sign is a ground sign, elevated sign or any other sign independent of a building or any other structure.
(14) GENERAL BUSINESS SIGN. A sign pertaining only to the use of the premises on which the sign is located and displaying information, which may include the name, symbol or logo of the owner, occupant, management, business or the building; an address, the type of business, profession, service or activity conducted on the premises; and descriptive information about the products and services offered. The maximum display area of such a sign shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.
(15) GRADE LEVEL. The finished elevation of the lot upon which the sign is located.
(16) GROSS AREA. The gross area of a sign is the display area of the sign, plus trim, frame and apron, but not including structural supports.
(17) GROUND SIGN. A General Business Sign that is a freestanding sign or a wall with a sign permanently attached to it or a decorative wall that incorporates a sign. Said sign may display any message displayed on a General Business Sign, but may not exceed eight (8) feet in height or one hundred (100) square feet in display area.
(18) HAZARD SIGNS. Signs warning of construction, excavation or similar hazards so long as the hazard exists.
(19) SIGN MEMORIAL. That sign or signs, tablet or plaque memorializing a person, event, structure or site.
(20) HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. Temporary holiday decorations, provided that decorations for a single holiday or season are not in place for a period of exceeding sixty (60) days. This limitation applies also to decorations, placed by the City.
(21) INCIDENTAL SIGN, BUSINESS. A permanent information sign located in other than residential zoning districts, which pertains to a particular service or commodity offered or facility available on the premises on which the sign is located. Such signs may indicate address, hours and days of operation, whether a business is open or closed, credit card information, operating instructions for self-service gas pumps, emergency address and telephone numbers and other similar information. An Incidental Business Sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in the display area.
(22) INCIDENTAL SIGN, RESIDENTIAL. A permanent information sign located in a residential zoning district, which pertains to the display of the name, address, hours of operation, activities and services conducted in permitted community and religious uses and in non-conforming uses or structures. An Incidental Residential Sign may not exceed ten (10) square feet in display area.
(23) INTERNAL SIGNS. Signs not intended to be viewed from public streets and located to be not visible from public streets or adjacent properties, such as signs in interior areas of shopping centers, commercial buildings and structures, ball parks, stadiums and similar uses of a recreational or entertainment nature.
(24) LOT FRONTAGE. The length of the property line of any one premises along each legally accessible public right-of-way it borders.
(25) MAINTAIN. To permit a sign, sign structure, or any part of each to continue, or to repair or refurbish a sign, sign structure, or any part of each.
(26) MAXIMUM HEIGHT. The maximum height of signs shall be determined in accordance with restrictions of all zoning districts.
(27) NAMEPLATE. A non-electrical sign identifying only the name and occupation or profession of the occupant of the premises on which the sign is located.
(28) OBSOLETE SIGN. A sign which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.
(29) OFF PREMISES SIGN. A sign that advertises an activity conducted at a location other than on the lot or parcel of land on which the sign is located, and encloses a display area of not more than thirty-two (32) square feet.
(30) OFFICIAL FLAGS. Official federal, state or local government flags, emblems and historical markers.
(31) OFFICIAL SIGNS. Official federal, state or local government traffic, directional and informational signs and notices issued by any court, person or officer in performances of a public duty.
(32) ON PREMISES SIGN. A sign that advertises an activity conducted on the lot or parcel of land on which the sign is located.
(33) OPEN LETTER SIGN. A sign consisting of a logo or symbol, individual letters or connected lettering not mounted on any type of background other than a building or the surface of an integral architectural element which is a part of a building. The surface which forms the background for the letters shall not be illuminated from behind, but individual letters may be illuminated. The display area of an open letter sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet, which shall be calculated as follows: the area shall be the number of square feet in the smallest, single rectangle within which all the letters of the sign can be enclosed, multiplied by a factor of two-tenths (0.2). The area of a logo or symbol shall be the number of square feet in the smallest, single square, rectangle or circle within which it can be enclosed multiplied by a factor of nine-tenths (0.9).
(34) PAINTED GRAPHICS. Any mosaic, mural, painting, graphic art technique, or combination thereof placed on a wall and containing no copy, advertising symbols, lettering, trademarks or other references to the premises or to the products and/or service offered for sale on the premises.
(35) PERMANENT SIGNS. A sign that is not temporary.
(36) POLITICAL SIGNS. Temporary signs promoting the campaign of an individual for public office or of any political issue that is to be voted upon by the voting public.
(37) PORTABLE SIGNS. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground, to a building, or to a supporting structure that is permanently attached to the ground or to a building, which said sign may not exceed forty (40) square feet.
(38) PROHIBITION SIGNS. "No Trespassing", "No Parking" and similar warning signs.
(39) PROJECTING SIGNS. A General Business Sign located above the ground, permanently affixed to the exterior wall of a building or other structure, extending beyond said building or structure more than twelve (12) inches and located, not less than eight (8) feet above the ground or the finished surface of a sidewalk, street, driveway or alley directly beneath it; the display area of which is not greater than one hundred (100) square feet.
(40) PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE SIGN. An electronic or electrically controlled public service message sign which conveys only information such as time, date, temperature, atmospheric conditions, or general news information where different alternating copy changes are shown on the same lamp bank matrix without giving the appearance of directional movement. The display area of a public service message sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
(41) READER BOARD. A General Business sign in the form of a structure or framework on which notices are posted in the form of removable letters or posters pertinent to the business on the premises, the display area of which is not larger than one hundred (100) square feet. Such signs may be freestanding, projecting, wall, roof or ground signs.
(42) REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of real estate.
(43) ROOF SIGN. A sign erected on or above a roof, parapet, or roof eaves and installed in a manner such that no portion of the sign extends beyond the limits of the exterior surface of the walls of the building upon which it is placed. A roof sign may not exceed the height limitations for the zoning district in which it is located, regardless of the height of the building upon which it is placed, and may not enclose a display area greater than three hundred (300) square feet.
(44) SIGN. Any display, name, identification, description, illustration, device, building, or building treatment which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public view and which directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, service, institution, profession, business or solicitation. A sign may have more than one advertising face and more than one advertising face may be mounted on the same supporting structure.
(45) SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. A structure marking an entrance to a residential subdivision, office park or industrial park. A subdivision identification marker may contain no advertising other than the name of the owner or developer of the subdivision, office park or industrial park.
(46) SIGN HEIGHT. The vertical distance measured from grade level to the highest point of the sign.
(47) TEMPORARY SIGN. Any sign, which is not illuminated, and is not permanently attached to the ground, to a building or to a supporting structure that is permanently attached to the ground or to a building. Temporary signs are generally those made of paper, poster board, wood or other materials that deteriorate rapidly when exposed to weather; such as, political campaign signs or posters, sales of personal property such as garage, yard, porch or moving sale signs.
(48) TEMPORARY PROMOTIONAL DISPLAY. A temporary sign or signs made of paper, poster board, wood or other materials that deteriorate rapidly, and displayed so as to attract attention to the sale of merchandise or services, or a change in policy or in the status of a business; including the display of banners, pennants and decorative materials in conjunction with a grand opening, carnival, fair, bazaar or similar event.
(49) WINDOW SIGN. Any sign painted on, attached to or displayed in a window so as to direct attention of persons outside the building to a product or activity of the institution or business on the premises.
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.03 EXEMPT SIGNS.
(a) Exempt signs are allowed without a sign permit and are not to be included in determinations of the allowable numbers, type and area of signs that require a sign permit. Nothing in this section shall exempt an individual who desires to erect a sign from the necessity of obtaining a building permit, should such be required by the Building Code. The signs identified in the remainder of this section are exempt from the requirement for a sign permit.
(b) COMMUNITY DECORATIONS.
(c) CONSTRUCTION SIGNS. Two signs up to a combined total of thirty-two (32) square feet and not exceeding a height of eight (8) feet above ground level; identifying parties involved in construction on the premises and future activity for which the construction is intended. Such signing is not to include the advertisement of any product. Removal is required within fourteen (14) days following completion of construction.
(d) DIRECTIONAL SIGNS. Parking lot and other private traffic directional signs, each not exceeding five (5) square feet in area. Such signs are to be limited to guidance of pedestrian or vehicular traffic within the premises on which they are located, and are not to display a logo or name of a product, establishment, service or any other advertising.
(e) DIRECTORY SIGNS. One sign or directory which does not exceed twenty (20) square feet on any single building wall, and not more than four (4) such signs for any group of buildings, and does not include general business signs as described in Section 1383.01
(14).
(f) HAZARD SIGNS.
(g) HOLIDAY DECORATION.
(h) HOUSE NUMBERS.
(i) INCIDENTAL SIGN, BUSINESS. The aggregate display area shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet on any one premises.
(j) INCIDENTAL SIGN, RESIDENTIAL. The aggregate display area shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet on any one premises. This category of sign includes those indicating the existence of a "neighborhood watch" or like groups.
(k) INTERNAL SIGNS.
(l) NAMEPLATE. The display shall not exceed two (2) square feet.
(m) OFFICIAL FLAGS.
(n) OFFICIAL SIGNS.
(o) PAINTED GRAPHICS. When located in other than residential zoning districts. Painted graphics are prohibited in residential districts.
(p) POLITICAL SIGNS. Temporary political signs not exceeding twenty (20) square feet total for each property, provided that campaign signs are not to be posted more than sixty (60) days preceding the election, and are to be removed within fourteen (14) days following the election. Signs shall not be placed in such a manner as to create a safety hazard.
(q) PROHIBITION SIGNS. Two (2) signs per property, with not more than four (4) square feet of display area.
(r) PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE SIGN.
(s) REAL ESTATE SIGNS.
A. FOR SALE SIGNS. Temporary signs indicating the property on which the sign is located is for sale, rent or lease. Only one sign is permitted to face each street adjacent to the property. Such signs may not exceed six (6) square feet.
B. MODEL HOMES. Temporary signs, banners and decorations attracting attention to a model home and sales office within a new subdivision, provided that the aggregate area of such signage is not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
C. OPEN HOUSE. Temporary signs or banners attracting attention to an open house, with signage having a maximum aggregate area of thirty-two (32) square feet, to be in place a maximum of seven (7) days.
(t) SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION MARKER. A single structure at the entrance to any subdivision or office or industrial park may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in display area, nor may two or more, such structures at one entrance exceed an aggregate total display area of one hundred-fifty (150) square feet.
(u) TEMPORARY PROMOTIONAL DISPLAY. Such signs and decorative materials are not to be posted more than thirty (30) days preceding the event and are to be removed within seven (7) days following the event.
(v) WINDOW SIGNS. Window signs are exempt on business premises in business districts, but are prohibited in all residential zoned areas.
(w) TEMPORARY SIGNS. Such signs, excluding political signs, shall not be placed in any street right of way or on property of any other person other than the person or persons holding the sale. Said signs shall be removed on the day of the sale or the following day after the sale.
TABLE I
SIGNS THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM A SIGN PERMIT
SIGN DESC. | NUMBER | DISPLAY AREA IN SQ. FT. | ZONING DISTRICT | REMARKS |
Bulletin Board | 1 | 32 | All | No advertising, intended for community messages |
Construction | 2 | 32 | All | Display area is the aggregate allowed. Must be removed within 14 days after completion |
Canopy Signs | Not limited | 32 | Commercial uses as permitted in all districts except DD-H and NC | No encroachment on public right of way, except as provided in Section 1383.02(4) |
Community Decoration | Not limited | 32 | All | Limited to 30 days per event |
Directional | Not limited | 40 | All | No advertising. Each sign limited to not larger than 5 sq. ft. of display area |
Directory | 1 | 20 | Commercial uses as permitted in all districts | One 20 sq. ft. sign for one building and not more than 4 signs for a group of buildings |
Directory | 80 | Multiplexes and apts. as permitted in all districts | One 20 sq. ft. sign for one building and not more than 4 signs for a group of buildings | |
Hazard | Not limited | Not limited | All | Only for duration of hazard from construction, excavation or the like |
Holiday Decorations | Not limited | Not limited | All | Limited to 60 days per holiday season |
Incidental, Business | Not limited | 32 | Commercial uses as permitted in all districts, except NC, DD-H; industrial uses as permitted in R and I | Display area is aggregate per premises |
Incidental, Residential | Not limited | 32 | Residential and institutional uses as permitted in all districts | Display area is aggregate per premises |
TABLE I
SIGNS THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM A SIGN PERMIT
(Cont.)
SIGN DESC. | NUMBER | DISPLAY AREA IN SQ. FT. | ZONING DISTRICT | REMARKS |
Internal | N/A | N/A | All | Must not be visible for any public way |
Nameplate | 1 | 2 | All | Non-electric sign limited to name and profession only |
Official Flags | N/A | N/A | All | Limited to signs or flags erected, placed or installed by Federal, State or local government |
Official Signs | N/A | N/A | All | Limited to signs or flags erected, placed or installed by Federal, State or local government |
Painted Graphics | N/A | N/A | Any nonresidential use as permitted in all districts | No advertising |
Political | 1 | 32 | All | Limited to 60 days before election and 14 days after |
Prohibition | 2 | 4 | All | Permanently mounted, not tacked to a tree, post or other such object |
Public Service Message | 1 | 32 | Any nonresidential use as permitted in all districts | |
(a) For Sale, residential | 1 | 4 | All | |
(a) For Sale, other | 1 | 32 | All | |
(b) Model Home | 1 | 32 | All | Model home lot only |
(c) Open House | 1 | 150 | All | “Open House” lot only |
Subdivision | 3 | 150 | All | No advertising. Any one sign display area may not exceed 100 sq. ft. gross display area per entrance |
Temporary Promotional Display | Not limited | Not limited | All | Duration limited to 30 days prior to and 7 days following event |
Window Sign | Not limited | Not limited | All nonresidential uses as permitted in all districts | |
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.04 PROHIBITED AND ILLEGAL SIGNS.
(a) In addition to any sign or advertising device that is not specifically permitted by these regulations, the signs identified in this section are prohibited in all zoning districts in the City. No variance shall be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission in regard to any of these signs.
(b) Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(c) Any sign, located in a zoning district other than the commercial district or the rural district, that directs attention to a business, service, product or entertainment not sold or offered on the premises on which the sign is located. This provision shall be limited to billboards and other off-premise outdoor advertising signs with a display area greater than thirty-two (32) square feet.
(d) Signs consisting of any moving, rotating, flashing or otherwise animated light or component, except for time and temperature displays and barber poles.
(e) Any sign or sign structure identifying a previous use or activity that has not occupied the site for a period greater than ninety (90) days.
(f) Strips or strings of lights outlining property lines, sales area, roof line, doors, windows, wall edges or other architectural features of a building. Such lighting is not prohibited alone or in combination with community or holiday decorations or a temporary promotional display.
(g) Any sign, other than official traffic control devices or highway identification markers, which are erected within the right of way lines of any street or alley. Any sign that is erected or maintained outside the right of way and interferes with visual clearance along any street, road or highway between the heights of three (3) and ten (10) feet above ground level.
(h) Signs visible from a public right of way that use the word "stop" or "danger" or otherwise present or imply the need or requirement of stopping, caution, the existence of danger, or which for any reason are likely to be confused, with any sign displayed or authorized by a public authority.
(i) Signs attached to trees, utility poles or similar structures and signs painted on or attached to rocks and other natural features.
(j) Signs installed, erected, enlarged or structurally altered in violation of the provisions of this article.
(k) Signs judged to be dangerous because they are not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure.
(l) Signs that have become deteriorated or damaged to an extent that the cost of the reconstruction or restoration of such signs is in excess of fifty (50) percent of its replacement value exclusive of foundations.
(m) Signs lettered in crude or amateurish fashion.
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.05 PERMITS REQUIRED.
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter, relocate, paint, repaint, replace the face of or change any of the workings of any general business sign, or any sign determined to be non-exempt, within the City without first obtaining a sign permit, which has been duly issued by the City Recorder. This provision shall not apply to signs exempted by Section 1383.03.
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.06 MAINTENANCE.
All signs and components thereof shall be maintained in good repair, free of rust, peeling, flaking, fading, broken or cracked panels and broken or missing letters. All signs, components, supports and their surroundings shall be maintained in a safe, clean and attractive condition.
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.07 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL SIGNS.
(a) Projections. No sign shall project beyond a property line or into a public right of way, except as specifically permitted herein. (See Section 1383.02
(39).)
(b) Building Code Requirements. All signs shall comply in every respect with the Building Code of the City, whether exempt or permitted by this article.
(c) Obstruction to Exit Ways. No sign shall be erected, displayed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, any required exit way, window or door opening used as a means of egress or to obstruct any other means of egress required by the Building Code of the City.
(d) Obstruction of Ventilation. No sign shall be erected, displayed or maintained in a manner that interferes with any opening required for ventilation under the Building Code of the City.
(e) Illumination Devices. Devices that illuminate a sign or signs shall be placed and shielded so that the direct light rays therefrom, or from the sign itself, shall not be cast into the eyes of any passing motorist. (Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.08 GENERAL BUSINESS SIGNS.
(a) It shall be unlawful to erect, permit the erection of, display or permit the display of any general business sign in any zoning district unless such sign is expressly permitted by this section, subject to all of the limitations and provisions stated herein.
(b) Signs permitted by Section 1383.03 are exempt signs and may not exceed the size, height or setback requirement set forth herein. Neither shall they be added to the maximum total display area of general business signs permitted on any lot, parcel or premises. In the case where an exempt sign exceeds the display area specified in Section 1383.03 for such sign, the sign shall be considered a general business sign and shall be subject to every requirement of this article governing such signs.
(c) General business signs may be reader boards, canopy signs, ground signs, projecting signs, off-premises signs, elevated signs, roof signs, wall signs, portable signs, subject to the limitations set forth in this article. Each general business sign may communicate an advertisement for more than one product, service or subject. Off-premises signs and portable signs shall be counted against the maximum total display area of general business signs permitted on the lot, parcel or premises, on which it is located.
(d) In the commercial district, C-1, C-2, C-3, and industrial districts, the maximum total display area of all general business signs on any single lot or premises may not exceed five hundred (500) square feet, plus one additional square foot of display area for each foot of setback beyond the setback required by the district in which the development is located. In the shopping center, the center is entitled to the full display area of signage and each separate business in the shopping center is likewise entitled to the same aggregate display area of signage. Furthermore, this allowance is applicable to office and industrial buildings that house more than one business, service or manufacturing operation. However, there shall be no more than one (1) freestanding sign per road frontage for the entire shopping center or multi-occupancy building. An out parcel at a shopping center may also have one freestanding sign per street frontage.
(e) No freestanding sign permitted by this article shall exceed the maximum height allowed for all principal structures in the district in which it is located. Hence, when a building is erected to the maximum height allowed in a district, a roof sign may thereby be prohibited.
(f) In no case shall any sign or signs, whether exempt or a general business sign, be permitted in a zoning district that exceeds the size, height and setback requirements established by this article. Furthermore, these limits shall not be considered the subject for variance from the terms of this article.
TABLE 2 GENERAL BUSINESS SIGNS
Billboard | Off-premises advertising sign of greater than 32 square feet in display area, shall not be permitted in the corporate limits of any zoning district |
Canopy Signs | Greater than 2 square feet per sign, but not to exceed 50 square feet per sign. See Section 1383.02(4) |
Elevated Signs | Not to exceed 300 square feet per sign. |
Ground Sign | Not to exceed 100 square feet per sign. |
Off-premises sign | Not to exceed 32 square feet per sign. |
Open Letter Sign | Not to exceed 200 square feet per sign calculated in accordance with Section 1383.02(33). |
Portable Sign | Only one (1) such sign per lot, lot-of-record, parcel or premises. Not to exceed 40 sq. ft. per sign. Permitted only C-1 district. |
Projecting Sign | Not to exceed 100 square feet per sign. |
Reader Board | Not to exceed 100 square feet per sign. |
Roof Sign | Not to exceed 300 square feet per sign. |
Wall Sign | Not to exceed 300 square feet per sign. |
Exempt Sign | |
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.09 PORTABLE SIGNS.
Portable signs are permitted in the C-1 Commercial District only. They are limited, by definition, to forty (40) square feet, or less, in display area and may be illuminated, but not flashing. A portable sign permit is good for one hundred eighty (180) days, at which time the sign must be removed from the permitted lot, parcel or premises, unless the permit is renewed as provided in Section 1383.11(c). All displayed portable signs must obtain a portable sign permit within ninety (90) days from the effective date of this section, or be removed from the premises.
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.10 NONCONFORMANCE OF EXISTING SIGNS.
(a) All existing signs that are not specifically permitted or that do not comply with all the provisions of this article shall be considered nonconforming signs and may not, after the effective date of this section, be enlarged, structurally altered or extended unless such signs shall be made to comply with all the provisions of this article.
(b) Normal repairs and repainting of nonconforming signs is permitted. However, when a nonconforming sign is structurally repaired, damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of its actual cash value at the time of loss, exclusive of foundations, it shall not thereafter be restored, unless such sign shall be made to conform to all the provisions of this article.
(c) All existing billboards located in any zoning district, shall be considered non-conforming.
(d) All existing portable signs located in any zoning district, except in the Commercial Conservation District, shall be considered nonconforming and shall be removed no later than ninety (90) days from the effective date of this section.
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.11 FEES.
(a) Signs permitted under Section 1383.03 do not require a sign permit and do not require the payment of a fee. However, the sign and its supporting structure may require a building permit, which requirement is not waived.
(b) Each application for a general business sign or signs shall be accompanied by a check made payable to the City of Summersville, or cash in the amount of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for signs of less than thirty-two (32) square feet in display area, and Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for signage greater than thirty-two (32) square feet in display area. This fee shall be to defray the cost of processing and shall be in addition to any building permit fee or any other fee associated with the approval of a proposed or existing development.
(c) Portable sign permit applications shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each sign. The permit shall be for a duration of not longer than one hundred eighty (180) days. Upon expiration of said permit the sign must be removed from the lot, parcel or premises, unless permit is renewed or re-issued for a like period and upon payment of an additional fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
(Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.12 APPROVAL OF PLANS AND ISSUANCE OF SIGN PERMIT.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any firm, corporation, company or individual to construct or alter any sign without first securing a building permit as outlined in this article. The City Recorder shall, therefore, require a plan of the proposed sign that indicates the scale of the drawing or is property dimensioned.
(b) In order to satisfy himself as to the conformity of the proposed sign with this article, the City Recorder may also require the submission of a survey of the lot or parcel upon which the sign is to be placed and which indicates its proposed location on the lot; the general location of existing and proposed buildings and other structures on the lot and the setbacks of said structure; and the existing and intended use of any and all structures, whether existing or proposed.
(c) If the proposed sign as set forth in the application, is in conformity with all the provisions of this article, and other City ordinances, the City Recorder shall issue a sign permit. If, on the other hand, the application for a sign permit is not approved, he shall state in writing on the application the cause for his disapproval, and return a copy of the same to the applicant, regular mail. (Ord. 10-25-99.)
1383.13 CHAPTER 10 OF 2009 EDITION OF INTERNATIONAL ZONING CODE ADOPTED.
EDITOR’S NOTE: On February 24, 2014 Council enacted an ordinance adopting Chapter 10 from the 2009 Edition of the International Zoning Code, (Sign Regulations) regulating and governing the development, erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, conversion, use, height, area, and maintenance of all buildings, structures and lots in the jurisdiction of the City of Summersville; providing for the issuance of all required permits, other ordinances and parts of other ordinances in conflict therewith. Copies of the ordinance are on file in the City of Summersville Recorders Office.
1383.99 PENALTY.
Any person, persons, firm, corporation, or association violating any of the provisions of this article or failing to comply with any of its mandatory provisions shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00), nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), and each person or persons, firm, corporation or association shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which a violation of any provision of this article is committed, continued or permitted by such person.
In addition, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of the provisions of this article shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be abated by appropriate legal action of the City of Summersville. (Ord. 10-25-99.)