It is the purpose of this Chapter to authorize the use of signs whose size, type, and location are compatible with their surroundings; to ensure signs do not become a public hazard, nuisance, or traffic hazard; to preserve the characteristics of each district; and to protect and enhance the overall appearance of the community. It is not the intent of this Chapter to prohibit any sign, display, or device containing any lawful non-commercial message.

All signs within the Town of Tarboro's jurisdiction shall comply with these regulations and be erected, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

10.2.1 PERMITS REQUIRED

A.

Except as provided in § 10.6 or elsewhere in this Chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or replace any sign without first obtaining a permit from the Town of Tarboro. Sign permits shall be submitted and reviewed in accordance with the procedure outlined in Chapter 15 of this Ordinance.

B.

Additional permits may be necessary pursuant to the regulations in the state building code or other sections of this Ordinance.

10.2.2 ALTERATION OF SIGN FACE

Cleaning, electrical repair, resurfacing, and other maintenance of a sign shall not require a sign permit. The changing of tenant name panels on multiple-tenant development signs and the change of copy on other signs specifically designated for changeable copy shall not require a permit.

10.3.1 COMPUTATION OF SIGN AREA

A.

The area of a sign face shall be the entire area within the smallest polygon that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display on the sign that can reasonably be calculated.

B.

The area shall also include any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed.

C.

Frames or structural members not bearing informational or representational matter shall not be included in the area of the sign face.

D.

All sides of a multi-sided sign shall be included in the computation of the area of the sign face except that the total area of a two-sided, back-to-back sign shall only be calculated as the area of one of the sides.

10.3.2 COMPUTATION OF SIGN HEIGHT

A.

Attached Signs: The sign height for attached signs shall be computed as the distance from the finished grade at the base of the building to which the sign is attached to the top of the highest component of the sign.

B.

Freestanding Signs: The sign height for ground signs shall be computed as the lesser of:

1.

The distance from the base of the sign at the finished grade to the top of the highest component of the sign; or

2.

The distance from the nearest adjacent street grade to which the sign is oriented, and on which the lot has frontage, to the top of the highest component of the sign.

10.4.1 LOCATION

A.

Except where specifically permitted in this Chapter, all signs, including the supports, frames, and embellishments thereto, shall not be located within any public right-of-way, sidewalk clear zone, or sight triangle.

B.

Except where specifically permitted by this Chapter, the subject matter of any sign shall be related to the premises on which the sign is located. When the use or establishment to which a sign is related ceases or is vacated, the sign, including all of its attendant supports, frames, and hardware shall be removed within 180 days of the cessation or vacating of the use or establishment unless such sign is used by a new use or establishment on the premises in conformance with the requirements of this Chapter.

10.4.2 DESIGN AND MATERIALS

A.

All attached signs and sign support frames shall be mounted and attached to a building or the ground in a secure manner, shall not include any wire or turnbuckle guy, and shall be maintained in good repair for safety and appearance.

B.

All permanently installed signs shall be able to resist normal loads from positive and negative wind pressure, snow, and other conditions as required by the current edition of the North Carolina version of the International Building Code.

C.

The Administrator reserves the right to require sign load calculations and attachment design from a state licensed structural engineer, and to require same engineer to certify the sign installation in writing.

Signs erected after the passage of this Ordinance shall conform to the standards set forth herein. All legal nonconforming signs in existence as of the effective date of this Ordinance may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition. Nothing in this Ordinance shall prevent the normal maintenance of an existing, nonconforming sign. However, a nonconforming sign shall not be:

A.

Changed to another type or shape of nonconforming sign; provided, however, the copy, content, or message of the sign may be changed as long as the shape and/or size of the sign is not altered.

B.

Structurally altered, except for normal maintenance.

C.

Physically expanded, enlarged, or extended in any manner.

D.

Reestablished after discontinuance for 120 days.

E.

Reestablished after the sign is removed, except for normal maintenance.

F.

Reestablished after damage or destruction where the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50% of the appraised replacement cost of the sign in its entirety.

The following signs are exempt from permit requirements of this Chapter provided that such signs comply with the provisions below:

A.

Signs bearing only property identification numbers and names, post office box numbers, or other identification of premises not of a commercial nature, provided that such signs are not illuminated and do not exceed two signs per parcel and do not exceed two square feet in area per display surface.

B.

Flags and insignia of a government when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion.

C.

Legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic directional or regulatory signs erected by, or on behalf of, a governmental body.

D.

Memorial signs or tablets, and names and construction dates of buildings when cut into a masonry surface.

E.

Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property on which the signs are located, provided that such signs are not illuminated, or are indirectly illuminated, bear no advertising matter, and do not exceed four square feet in area per display surface.

F.

Political signs not located on any tree, utility pole, publicly-owned property or within a public street right-of-way, except within NCDOT right-of-way according to the standards of NCGS § 136-32.

G.

Official signs of a noncommercial nature erected by public utilities.

H.

Where one or more nonresidential uses are located on a dead-end street, but the street was once an open through street at the time the nonresidential uses were opened for business, then:

1.

Subject to the provisions of this Subsection, a sign advertising the business on the dead-end street may be erected on private property that is commercially zoned and that abuts the right-of-way lines of the dead-end street and the nearest intersecting through street.

2.

Only one such sign shall be authorized for each such dead-end street.

3.

A sign permit for a sign authorized by this Subsection shall be issued in the name of owner of the property where such sign is to be located. At least 10 days prior to submitting an application for such sign permit, the owner of the property where the sign is to be located shall mail or deliver written notice to each business owner on such dead-end street informing such business owner that the applicant intends to apply for such sign, that only one such sign is permitted, and inviting each such business owner to contact the applicant if he or she wished to advertise their business on such sign. The applicant shall submit with the application a written certification that such notification has been provided.

4.

A sign authorized by this Subsection shall not exceed 64 square feet in surface area and is subject to the remaining requirements of this Chapter.

Temporary signs may be located on private property with an approved zoning permit issued in accordance with the standards of Chapter 15 of this Ordinance. Temporary signs shall comply with the requirements below.

10.7.1 TYPES OF TEMPORARY SIGNS

A.

Window Signs: Temporary signs which are affixed to the inside of a window.

B.

Special Event Signs: Signs erected by public or non-profit organizations for promoting special events, such as fundraisers, fairs, festivals, sporting events, etc. Special event signs also include temporary signs announcing the grand opening of new businesses, sales, promotions at commercial establishments, etc.

C.

Other Temporary Signs: Signs erected in conjunction with an active construction project, yard sale, real estate sale, etc.

10.7.2 TEMPORARY SIGN ALLOWANCE

Temporary signs shall comply with the standards in the table below:

The sign types below are not permitted within the Town of Tarboro planning jurisdiction:

A.

Off-Premises Signs: All off-premises signs unless specifically allowed elsewhere in this Ordinance are prohibited.

B.

Animated/Flashing Signs: Except as otherwise approved for time and temperature signs, signs displaying blinking, flashing, or intermittent lights, animation, and moving parts or signs giving the illusion of movement are prohibited. Time and temperature signs that rotate or move are not permitted.

C.

Signs Resembling Governmental Signs: Any sign that imitates an official governmental sign or violates the laws of the State of North Carolina relating to outdoor advertising are prohibited.

D.

Signs Resembling Traffic Signals: The following signs are prohibited:

1.

Any sign which by color, location, or nature may be confused with official highway signs, warning signs, traffic signals, or other regulatory devices.

2.

Any sign that uses the words "STOP", "SLOW", "CAUTION", "DANGER", or any word which is likely to be confused with traffic directional and regulatory signs.

3.

Any sign located in a manner which might constitute a traffic hazard.

E.

Signs on Roadside Appurtenances: Signs attached to or painted on utility poles, telephone poles, trees, parking meters, bridges, overpasses, rocks, other signs, benches, refuse containers, etc., unless specifically allowed elsewhere in this Ordinance.

F.

Pennants, Streamers, Balloons: Signs containing or consisting of pennants, balloons, ribbons, streamers, or spinners.

G.

Signs Obstructing Access: Any sign that obstructs free ingress or egress from a driveway or required window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or other required opening.

H.

Signs Installed on Public Property: Any sign installed or placed on public property or within a public right-of-way, including any sign held or otherwise displayed upon a person. Such sign shall be forfeited to the public and is subject to confiscation and disposal. In addition to other remedies, the Administrator shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such sign the full costs of removal and disposal of the sign.

Internal or external illumination of signage is permitted subject to the standards below:

A.

Prohibited Lighting: No flashing or intermittent illumination shall be permitted on any sign or associated structure. No sign within 150 feet of a residential zone may be illuminated between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

B.

Shielding Required: Any indirect lighting or spot lighting shall require complete shielding of all light sources as to illuminate only the face of the sign and prevent glare off-site or into vehicular travel ways.

C.

Compliance with Chapter 10: All sign illumination shall be in conformance with Chapter 9 of this Ordinance.

10.10.1 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IDENTIFICATION SIGNAGE

No sign shall be erected or displayed in the RD, GR3, GR5, GR10, or MHP zoning districts, or for residential developments in the OI zoning districts, except as provided below.

A.

Development Identification Signs: Signs containing the name and/or logo of a subdivision, multifamily development, or other residential development are limited to one freestanding sign at each principal point of access to the development. Such sign shall be a maximum of 16 square feet in display surface area and a maximum height of 6 feet. Alternatively, two signs mounted on wooden, brick, or stone entry walls are permitted, and such signs shall be a maximum of 8 square feet in display surface area and a maximum height of 6 feet.

B.

Other Signage in Residential Districts: The maximum surface area permitted on any lot in a residential zoning district is 4 square feet.

10.10.2 ATTACHED SIGNS

The following types of attached signs are permitted with a zoning permit approved in accordance with the standards set forth in Chapter 15 of this Ordinance.

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Wall Signs: A wall sign is a sign attached to or painted on a wall or building, with the exposed display surface of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall to which it is attached or painted, and including signs affixed to or otherwise displayed on or through a façade window
Projecting Signs: A projecting sign is attached to and supported by a building and extending beyond the building to which it is attached.
Marquee Signs: Three-dimensional signs projecting from a building which may extend above the roofline and/or incorporate changeable type or lettering.
Awning/Canopy Signs: Signs integrated into traditional storefront awnings that project over a sidewalk from the building façade

 

10.10.3 ATTACHED SIGNAGE STANDARDS

A.

Wall Signs: Wall signs shall comply with design standards below:

1.

Wall signs shall not cover up or interrupt major architectural features.

2.

The message of wall signs shall be limited to the names, trademarks, and service marks of the establishments located on the parcel or the multi-use development located thereon. Additionally, the message of wall signs may include information necessary to direct patrons to the business where the business may not have a direct entrance from the street or pedestrian way.

3.

Wall signs may protrude a maximum of 12 inches from the building wall to which it is affixed.

B.

Projecting Signs: Projecting signs shall comply with the design standards below:

1.

No projecting sign shall extend above the soffit, parapet, or eave line of the building to which it is attached.

2.

The message of wall signs shall be limited to the names, trademarks, and service marks of the establishments located on the parcel or the multi-use development located thereon. Additionally, the message of wall signs may include information necessary to direct patrons to the business where the business may not have a direct entrance from the street or pedestrian way.

C.

Marquee Signs: Marquee signs shall comply with design standard below:

1.

A marquee sign shall not extend more than 10 feet from the building.

2.

A marquee sign may extend no more than two feet above the roofline of the building to which it is affixed.

D.

Awning/Canopy Signs: Awning and canopy signs shall comply with the design standards below:

1.

No metal bar, support, or other frame structure shall be less than 8 feet above the ground or the sidewalk.

2.

A flexible cloth, canvas, or similar skirt may hang a maximum 12 inches below the horizontal bar supporting the awning.

10.10.4 FREESTANDING SIGNS

The following types of freestanding signs are permitted with a zoning permit approved in accordance with the standards set forth in Chapter 15 of this Ordinance.

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Ground Sign: A ground sign is a freestanding sign attached to a contiguous structural base or planter box, which base or box shall be of the same width or greater than the message portion of the sign, and is permanently affixed to the ground. Ground signs do not include freestanding signs supported by poles.

 

10.10.5 FREESTANDING SIGNAGE STANDARDS

A.

Ground Signs: Ground signs shall comply with the design standards below.

1.

The parcel on which the ground sign is located shall be accessible by automobile and contain off-street parking for the principal uses.

2.

If a development is located on a corner lot that has at least 100 feet of frontage on each of the two intersecting streets, then the development may not have more than one freestanding sign along each fronting street.

3.

If a development is located on a lot bordered by 2 public streets that do not intersect at the lots boundaries, then the development may not have more than one freestanding sign on each side of the development bordered by such streets.

4.

If a development is located on a lot that has at least 250 feet of street frontage, then that development may have two freestanding signs that are a maximum of 150 feet apart. Developments meeting this requirement shall not have more than 500 feet of total freestanding signage surface area.

5.

The message of ground signs shall be limited to the names, trademarks, and service marks of the establishments located on the parcel and/or of a multi-use development located thereon.

a.

Ground signs identifying theaters or service stations may also identify the current presentations or fuel prices, as appropriate.

b.

Ground signs identifying places of assembly, such as places of worship, schools, community centers, etc., may provide information related to the activities on the parcel.

10.10.6 OTHER SIGNAGE REQUIRING PERMITS

The types of signs listed below shall require the approval of a zoning permit in accordance with the standards of § 15.5.2 of this Ordinance.

A.

Time and Temperature Signs.

1.

Permitted Districts: CBD, NB, HB.

2.

Surface Area: 12 square feet maximum.

3.

Height: 8 feet maximum.

4.

Number: Time and temperature signs may be incorporated into a permitted wall or freestanding sign only and shall not comprise more than 50% of the primary sign area.

5.

Message Change: The electronic message shall not change in increments of less than 2 minutes and shall not scroll. New messages shall be timed to fade in and out slowly, with no less than 5 seconds between each change of message.

B.

Electronic Message Board Signs.

1.

Permitted Districts: CBD, HB.

2.

Surface Area: Electronic message boards may be incorporated into a permitted wall or freestanding sign only and shall not comprise more than 50% of the primary sign area.

3.

Message Variation: The electronic message shall not change in increments of less than 2 minutes and shall not scroll. New messages shall be timed to fade in and out slowly, with no less than 5 seconds between each change of message.

C.

Drive-Thru Menu Boards.

1.

Permitted Locations: Drive-thru menu boards are permitted only as an accessory use to a restaurant having a drive-through order window.

2.

Square Footage: 32 square feet.

3.

Height: 8 feet.

10.10.7 SHOPPING CENTER SIGNS

Shopping center developments, regardless of the zoning district in which located, shall conform to the following regulations:

A.

Wall signs for individual businesses in shopping center developments shall be calculated as provided in § 10.10.3. The intent of the provisions is to allow each separate tenant to have a reasonable means of identification. Because shopping centers include multiple individual tenant spaces, the cumulative total wall sign area permitted by this Subsection may exceed the total sign area authorized in § 10.10.3.

B.

One wall sign per separate business establishment per street frontage is permitted. Allowable sign area is determined as follows:

1.

Establishments with a building frontage of 100 linear feet or less shall have no sign greater than 50 square feet.

2.

Establishments with a building frontage of 100 linear feet or greater shall have a maximum wall sign area of .5 square feet of signage per linear foot of building frontage or 250 square feet, whichever is less.