Troy City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs
§ 285-92 Philosophy.
This article is designed to regulate the size, placement and other characteristics of signs in Troy for purpose of:
§ 285-93 Definitions.
The following terms, as used in this article, shall have the meanings indicated:
Signs which advise the viewer of an establishment, service, product, merchandise, entertainment or service which is not manufactured, sold, produced or furnished at the property on which the sign is located.
The process of reducing the cost of a particular sign/sign structure to zero over a period of time through the application of business income generated by the sign/sign structure.
Permanently affixed, fastened, connected, secured or united to a building, base or structure in any manner.
Unshielded incandescent, fluorescent or other electrical light bulb but not including neon, argon or other bent-tubing gas bulbs.
The lowest part of a sign/sign structure by which it is conceived to be supported. The horizontal location of the base is a plane connecting the perimeter of the base and the ground surface.
A person, company, corporation or firm that is the principal recipient of financial or other benefit(s) that accrue from the display of a sign.
The lowest edge, surface or frame of the perimeter of a sign.
A sign display usually associated with churches, schools or other nonprofit entities which advertises a periodic calendar of events scheduled to occur on the same property. Such bulletin boards have copy that is changeable at not less than weekly intervals of time.
A pursuit, occupation, trade, profession or calling usually, but not necessarily, operated for gain and conducted by one or more persons, corporations, companies or firms.
A sign which identifies a business conducted at the same property on which the business identification sign is located. A sign is not a business identification sign if it advertises a brand name product such that the brand name covers more than 25% of the surface area of any sign face on the property, unless the brand name is part of the company name of a product manufactured on the site or is the principal product available on the site.
Artificial illumination of a sign or portion of a sign which illumination does not change in type or intensity or location more than one time in any hour.
A more or less horizontal imaginary line that describes the intersection of the plane of the inside face of the curb continued upward and a plane that is parallel to the ground surface and which touches the highest point on the curb. If a street does not have a curb, then the curbline is the extreme edge of any paved portion of the street together with any paved or unpaved shoulder.
An on-premises sign whose function includes, but is not limited to, giving directions or instructions or identifying access points and traffic circulation directions and the like or locating off-street parking areas. Such sign may display a company name and/or logo that is subordinate to the direction given on the directional sign.
Administrative official of the City of Troy who is empowered by law to enforce compliance with this chapter. The Director is also known as the Director of Code Enforcement.
Any sign that contains a list of the names of business establishments located within a shopping center or building.
To make apparent to the eye; to exhibit so as to command or attract attention.
Having or needing electricity for operation.
A temporary sign that is used in conjunction with an emergency.
Having parts assembled and being set upright in the planned position and location.
The condition of being illuminated by an artificial light source from outside of the body of a sign.
The front or chief face of a building.
That portion of a sign on which the message is found, together with any part of the sign frame that is part of the message; a face may have one or more panels.
The lowest story of a building entirely above the level of the ground at the front half of the building.
Artificial illumination of a sign or portion of a sign which illumination changes in type or intensity or location more than one time in any hour.
Attached to a wall of a building in such a way that the sign face is parallel to the wall to which it is attached and no part of the sign projects more than nine inches from the wall.
Sign(s) which advertise only real property for sale, for rent, for lease, to let, etc.
Signs which are attached solely to the ground by means of poles or other supports and which are not attached to any building.
Temporary signs which advertise the sale of private household goods to the public for a period of time not exceeding seven consecutive calendar days at any one time nor exceeding 10 days per calendar year. (Also yard sale, lawn sale, porch sale, etc.)
Signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any purely governmental function or required by any governmental law, ordinance or regulation (e.g., registered auto repair shop/inspection station). Such governmental signs shall be erected and maintained by the appropriate government agency.
The more or less horizontal surface of the earth at the base of a sign structure. Such surface may be of any natural material or man-made material less than nine inches higher than the average ground elevation within a radius of 10 feet from the outer edges of the sign or sign structure.
The point on a sign or sign structure which is higher than any other point on the same sign or sign structure as measured vertically above any point on the adjacent ground.
To give light to by artificial means or to make visible after sunset (also illuminated, illumination).
Illumination whose source is completely enclosed by a sign structure.
To place into permanent position for display, service or use (also display).
The act of keeping a sign structure in proper or repaired condition for use; it includes changing copy, painting, repainting, cleaning and parts replacement, including supports, as long as location is unchanged; face(s), as long as size is not increased; or bulbs, as long as the intensity is not increased. It does not include replacement of a sign structure, a change in the type of illumination, a change in the sign face material or more than one of the following in any one calendar year: support replacement and sign face replacement.
A written communication or presentation of information on a sign face for the purpose of identifying an establishment, product, merchandise, entertainment or service that is available; includes logos, symbols, emblems, building architectural styles or building painting schemes that are used to identify a particular product, service, establishment, merchandise or entertainment and that is recognizable as such by the general public.
See "attached."
A nonelectric on-premises identification sign giving only the name, address and/or occupation of a building occupant and/or group of occupants.
Sign(s) which are made of bent and shaped glass tubes and which are filled with neon, argon or helium gas and are electrified with voltages exceeding 2,000 volts; does not include bent and shaped colored glass tubes or fluorescent tubes.
Any sign which violates any limit or condition of this chapter (enacted on October 6, 1988) but which was legally installed prior to enactment of these code standards or for which permission was granted by the Troy Zoning Board of Appeals after May 1, 1980; does not include signs erected without a permit.
Sign(s) which direct the public to or identify a facility, business, establishment, product, merchandise, service or entertainment not on the property on which the sign is located (also advertising signs).
Sign(s) which direct the public to or identify a facility, business, establishment, product, merchandise, service or entertainment on the same property on which the sign is located (also business identification sign).
The person, firm, corporation, or organization which owns the particular sign or is the major recipient of the benefits of the particular sign.
Any portion of a sign face which is bordered on all sides by a sign frame and which contains a message; there may be one or more panels in a face.
Signs which are permanently attached; does not include temporary signs.
Signs which are freestanding, which are usually displayed at or in the sidewalk area and which are periodically (usually daily) moved on the site (also, sandwich boards).
Extending outward more than nine inches from the place of attachment to the wall to which it is attached and not swinging loosely, unless under 16 square feet each side.
An individual parcel of real property held in single ownership and which is enclosed by property lines that are the only property lines contained in the deed for the parcel.
Legible; able to be read by a person with 20/20 vision.
A path or pavement that is usually parallel to and alongside a vehicular travel way and which is used for pedestrian travel.
An object used to facilitate the recognition of a facility, business, establishment, product, merchandise, service or entertainment through the use of words, letters, numbers, symbols, logos, emblems, building architectural style, or building color patterns.
See "message."
See "face."
See "owner/beneficial user."
A sign together with all footings, supports, frames, faces, panels, electrical circuitry and other related materials necessary for the proper display, attachment and functioning of the sign.
All frames, footings, arms, braces, poles, standards or other structural members that hold a sign in its permanent position for display and to which the sign is connected, either directly or indirectly.
Available, given, offered, exhibited, presented or proffered.
The interval distance between adjacent letters, numbers, characters, figures, emblems, symbols or logos on a sign, as measured in any direction.
Fixed; incapable of being moved, rotated, flashed, swung, or animated.
A passageway for motorized vehicles (also, road, boulevard, avenue, alley, driveway, drive, court).
Any alteration made to a sign support or sign structure which could affect the integrity of the sign structure.
A particular form of composition, construction or appearance.
See "sign supports."
Hung from a projecting support so as to permit free-swinging movement around one axis only.
Signs which are attached for a specified period of time for a specified event; does not include portable/sandwich board signs.
A name given by a manufacturer to designate a proprietary article sometimes having the status of a trademark or of a copyrighted and potential proprietary name.
A sign owned and maintained by a government agency for the sole purpose of regulating, warning or guiding pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
An active electrified device owned and maintained by a government agency for the sole purpose of controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic through the display of internally illuminated color-coded shapes, words or symbols.
Signs which are attached to the underside of a roof overhang or canopy adjacent to an on-premises business and which is intended to be visible from a vehicular way.
A movement or travel space for vehicles; includes streets.
A breaking of any term, condition or requirement of this chapter.
The official authorization of the City of Troy, New York, through the Bureau of Code Enforcement that allows a specified action or activity that is governed by any code, law or ordinance which is administered by the Bureau of Code Enforcement.
§ 285-94 Permit required.
No person, firm or corporation shall hereafter display or maintain any new or altered sign in the City of Troy without a work permit having first been issued by the Director. No such work permit shall be issued by the Director until proper application shall have been made to the Director on forms supplied by the Director and, if necessary, until after Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals approval shall have been granted. Any and all proposed signs that will violate any section, limit or standard of this article shall require the granting of an area variance by the Zoning Board of Appeals before the Director may issue a work permit for the sign to be constructed, displayed or maintained. The following information shall be the minimum information that shall be submitted to the Director at the time that a request for a work permit is made:
A.
A scaled site plan showing all of the information listed in items 1-12 of the site plan elements checklist designating the proposed sign location(s);
B.
A scaled sign drawing detailing sign dimensions, materials, mode of illumination, letter size and style, the message, background, letter colors, and method of attachment; and
§ 285-95 Exemptions.
The following signs and sign activities do not require a request for or issuance of a work permit:
A.
Traffic-control and other governmental signs.
B.
Temporary signs used to warn of danger or to advise of an emergency situation.
C.
All signs permitted by this chapter in the R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts are exempt in all zone districts.
D.
Changing the copy or message on a painted or changeable letter sign or reducing sign size, unless such activity involves a structural change or encroachment upon any public right-of-way (R.O.W.) or private property other than that on which the sign is located.
E.
Painting, repainting, cleaning or maintenance repair activities, unless such activity involves an increase in sign size or a structural change or encroachment upon any public R.O.W. or private property other than that on which the sign is located.
F.
For-sale signs shall not require a work permit as long the following regulations are obeyed:
(1)
No for-sale sign shall exceed eight square feet in area.
(2)
No more than two for-sale signs shall be placed on any single property offered for sale.
(3)
For-sale signs may be located either on the first floor level of any side of the structure facing a public street or on a nonilluminated signpost erected at least 15 feet inside the curbline and 16 feet inside any side lot line.
(4)
For-sale signs shall be removed within seven calendar days of the change in occupancy.
G.
Election campaign signs shall not require a work permit as long as the following regulations are observed:
H.
Garage sale signs shall not require a work permit and may be displayed in any zone on any property at which the sale is to be conducted as long as the following conditions are obeyed:
(1)
Garage sale signs shall not be illuminated and shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
(2)
Garage sale signs may not be displayed more than three calendar days before the sale and must be removed upon completion of the sale and may not be displayed for more than seven consecutive days nor more than 10 calendar days per year.
(3)
Garage sale signs must be displayed only upon the property at which the garage sale is being conducted.
I.
Directional signs clearly identifying access points, traffic circulation directions and location of off-street parking and the like on a site shall be permitted in all zones except R-1 and R-2 in any quantity that is reasonable in the judgment of the Director to adequately and safely perform the identification function. Such directional signs require only the approval of the Director as long as the following conditions are met:
(1)
No individual facing of a directional sign may exceed eight square feet in area.
(2)
No directional sign may display any message such that the direction being identified is smaller than, or subordinate to, all other messages on the sign.
(3)
No brand name or product sold on the premises (e.g., Pepsi, keys, meat) may be displayed on a directional sign.
(4)
The illumination may be internal or external as long as it is constant and the bulb is not visible from any nearby public property or any other nearby private property. The intensity of the illumination shall not exceed the limit for the zone in which the property is located.
(5)
Such directional signs may be flush mounted on any building on, or adjacent to, the site in the same manner as prescribed for any sign in the applicable zone district or may be freestanding in the same manner and locations as permitted in the applicable zone district; except that such signs when freestanding may not exceed five feet in height above the average grade within 10 feet of any of its supports.
(6)
Such directional signs shall be located entirely upon the same property containing the object of the direction (e.g., parking lot, entrance), except that one directional sign per property per street may identify the object of the direction on another separate property (e.g., "parking three doors south").
J.
Temporary signs advertising construction work or advertising grand opening events, flea markets and the like are exempt from this chapter and do not require the issuance of a work permit so long as they meet all of the applicable zone district requirements for signs in the appropriate zone district and are not displayed for more than 60 days for grand openings and 18 months for construction.
K.
Any required New York State inspection station sign or authorized repair shop sign for cars and/or trucks may be displayed per state law. No portion of said sign may be higher than 10 feet above the ground surface adjacent to the building face upon which the sign is displayed. Such sign may be lighted per the standards of their appropriate zone district, and the sign must be flush mounted unless state law expressly requires otherwise.
L.
Fuel price signs required by federal, state or local law.
M.
Historical site markers.
N.
One self-service or one full-service identification sign per pump island at gasoline filling stations or auto service stations. Each such sign face may not exceed two square feet in area.
O.
Street number identification not exceeding two square feet in area per sign face.
P.
Posted/no-trespassing signs.
Q.
Phone identification signs erected by NYNEX or its authorized representative.
R.
Public restroom identification signs not exceeding three square feet in area.
S.
Holiday decorations no more than 60 days prior to and 30 days following the holiday.
T.
Any sign displayed entirely within a structure but which sign is visible from any public R.O.W. or any other private property. If, however, it is the judgment of the Director that such sign is displayed with the intention of being visible from the R.O.W., the Director shall subject the sign to all of the standards for signs in the appropriate zone.
§ 285-96 Required maintenance.
The owner of any preexisting or new sign regulated by this chapter shall properly paint or cause to be painted, at least once every three years, painted parts and supports of the sign, unless the same are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust.
A.
Broken or damaged signs or sign structures shall be removed and/or repaired within 30 days of written notification by the Director. If such signs are not removed/repaired within the thirty-day period, the Director shall remove or cause to have removed any sign that is not properly maintained and for which notice has been given. Any sign or sign structure that is removed under this section shall be retained by the City of Troy and shall be returned to the owner/beneficial user of the sign upon written application by the owner/beneficial user and upon payment to the Director of all removal costs incurred by the City of Troy plus a $2 per day storage fee. Signs/sign structure thus reclaimed shall be picked up by the owner/beneficial user at a time and place as scheduled by the Director. Signs stored by the City in this manner may, after at least one year of storage, be sold by the City at public auction or may be destroyed, at the option of the City.
B.
Safety. If the Director shall find that any preexisting sign or any sign regulated herein is unsafe or is not properly secured, or is in his/her judgment a danger to the public, or has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter, he/she shall personally or by representative deliver a written order for removal or repair to the owner of such sign or sign structure. Such order shall state the time by which the sign must be removed or repaired. In the cases of unsafe, dangerous or insecure conditions, the cited owner shall have until 5:00 p.m. of the following calendar day to satisfy the citation. In other cases, the Director shall allow, at his discretion, a maximum of 10 calendar days for the corrections to be made. Any corrective activities not completed within the time allotted shall be undertaken by the Director, and any cost incurred in such corrective action shall be at the expense of the owner named in the citation. No permits for the property may be issued until the costs are paid. If the peril caused by a dangerous sign condition is so imminent that corrective action must be taken immediately, the Director may initiate such action summarily and without notice, and the fees shall be assessed to the owner of such sign. Signs or property that are electrified and operating without the required electrical inspection shall be considered to be unsafe and are, therefore, subject to the sanctions found in § 285-97C.
C.
Discontinuance. Any sign or sign structure hereafter existing which for any reason no longer advertises or identifies a business conducted, a service rendered or product sold shall be removed by the owner or beneficial user of the building or lot upon which the sign is located. Removal of such a sign shall be accomplished within 30 calendar days after discontinuance of the activity that was advertised/identified by the sign or the owner/beneficial user shall be in violation of this chapter and therefore shall be subject to the sanctions found in § 285-97C.
§ 285-97 General regulations.
The following rules and regulations shall apply to signs regardless of the zone district, use, size or any other characteristic of any property or building on any property within the limits of the City of Troy. No sign may be displayed in the City of Troy unless it conforms with these general regulations. All signs proposed to be erected after the effective date of this chapter shall be subject to this chapter.
A.
Director's responsibilities. Unless otherwise noted in this chapter, the Director shall:
(1)
Be responsible for reviewing all sign proposals for the purpose of issuing permits. All such permit requests shall be made in accordance with § 285-94.
(2)
Within 24 hours of receipt of a completed application for a sign work permit (with all required backup per § 285-94), issue either a work permit or a denial of request for work permit. In considering an application for a sign work permit, the Director shall apply the rules and regulations of this chapter and such discretion as is necessary to reach a reasonable and prudent decision in applications for signs not fully covered by the rules and regulations of this chapter.
(3)
Determine the size (area) of sign.
(4)
Administer this chapter in a conscientious and equitable manner.
(5)
Perform all of the additional duties specified in this chapter.
B.
Appeals. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Director in the performance of his/her duties under this Article VII may make an appeal only to the Troy Zoning Board of Appeals, upon forms supplied for that purpose. Any decision of the Troy Zoning Board of Appeals may then be appealed to the Supreme Court of the State of New York per § 285-43 of this chapter.
D.
Size determination. The area of any sign is the entire area within a continuous perimeter composed of parallelograms, circles, ellipses, trapezoids and triangles, or a combination of no more than two of the above geometric figures per sign face, which enclose the extreme limits of the message (including illustration or insignias but not including the address) together with any frame or condition that forms an integral part of the display. Necessary supports or uprights upon which the sign is placed are excluded from the calculated sign area unless they form a portion of the message. Where a face has two or more panels, the areas of all panels are to be added together and totaled. In addition, the area of each and every sign face shall be considered when calculating the sign area for an individual property (i.e., a double-faced sign/projecting sign has double the area of a single-faced sign). When a sign consists only of individual letters, numerals or symbols and is painted or otherwise attached to a window or other flat surface, the area of such a sign shall be the area within the continuous perimeter of the two geometric shapes listed above. The numerical street number of the property when included on the face of a sign shall not be considered as part of the sign area for the property.
F.
Church/educational identification signs. Bulletin boards or signs of churches or educational uses shall not exceed 16 square feet in area, and one may be located on each principal building on the site or 15 feet inside the curbline. The top of such sign shall be no higher than eight feet above the adjacent ground level when freestanding or 20 feet, if attached to a principal building. Lighting when employed shall be constant and shall not exceed 80 watts fluorescent or 150 watts incandescent.
G.
Corner properties.
(1)
For purposes of this section, a property is considered to be a corner property if it is situated such that two adjacent lot lines of the property are congruent with the R.O.W. lines of two improved public streets not including public alley R.O.W.'s. A corner property is considered to front on both streets that it abuts.
(2)
On-premises signs at corner properties may be displayed on both sides of the principal building on the property that face the R.O.W.'s. Such on-premises signs shall meet the size standards for the zone district for each of the two sides of the property facing the two public R.O.W.'s. The maximum on-premises signs' size permitted on any corner property is, therefor, double the per-property size limit that is generally permitted for properties in the particular zone district. Off-premises signs are unaffected by location of corner properties.
H.
Properties divided by zone district boundaries. Individual properties classified into two or more zone districts by zone district boundary lines may be considered for sign regulation purposes to be entirely within the least restrictive (IND is least restrictive, CON is most restrictive) zone district and will be subject to the sign standards and limitations of such least restrictive zone district. This applies to on-premises and off-premises signs alike.
I.
Freestanding signs. Wherever freestanding signs are permitted by this chapter, the following general requirements shall be met unless otherwise noted in this chapter:
(1)
All supports shall be firmly anchored to the ground, per the approval of the Director.
(3)
The highest point of the sign structure shall not extend higher than 20 feet above the average adjacent ground level for 10 feet in any direction of any sign support if the ground elevation varies more than one foot over the 10 feet in any direction.
(4)
The sign supports that are attached to the ground shall in no event be closer than three feet to any property line.
(5)
The bottom of the sign must be at least 12 feet above any adjacent parking or vehicular passageway or nine feet above any adjacent pedestrianway if the bottom of the sign is higher than three feet above the adjacent ground/surface level. However, if the sign structure is separated by a physical barrier (e.g., fence, wall, shrubbery) that prevents vehicular or pedestrian traffic within two feet of any portion of the sign structure measured horizontally, the sign may be displayed at any height above grade subject only to the maximum height limit of § 285-97O and P or the zone whichever applies. No freestanding business sign may be mounted, anchored, attached or supported such that it obstructs or overhangs any portion of any public R.O.W.
J.
Wind load. All signs, whether on-premises or off-premises, erected after October 7, 1988, shall be able to withstand a wind load of 30 pounds per square foot. Such wind load capability shall be guaranteed by the seal and signature of an engineer licensed by the State of New York on the plans for such signs as required in Subsections 285-94A and B.
K.
Obstruction. No sign may hereafter be displayed that:
(1)
Prevents free access through any door, window or fire escape or which obstructs any door, fire escape or any portion of any public right-of-way from the ground surface to a height of nine feet.
(2)
Obstructs free and clear vision of any traffic-control sign or signal within 150 feet of said traffic-control sign or signal.
M.
Signs on fences. No sign other than temporary signs may be attached to any fence.
N.
Electrical. Any sign or sign structure that is electrified shall have a UL (Underwriters' Laboratories) listed/approved/certified label attached prior to use.
O.
Height above sidewalks or vehicular ways. In general, unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the bottom edge or surface of any sign structure (except supports attached to the ground) shall be at least the following height above the ground surface within 10 feet of the sign in any direction measured horizontally:
P.
Height of signs. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, no part of any sign structure shall be higher than 20 feet above the adjacent ground level, if ground mounted (freestanding), or above the eave line of the principal building.
Q.
Window signs. Signs displayed on or within one foot of the windows of activities conducted in any structure in any zone are permitted subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Such displayed sign may cover no more than 20% of the window area if painted on a background color or illuminated, or 50% if there is no painted background or illumination.
(2)
Such displayed sign area shall not be considered to be part of the sign area on the property as long as the sign conforms to the lighting and letter size standards of the appropriate zone.
R.
Trade names. No sign may be erected which displays a trade name that covers more than 25% of the area of any sign face in any zone unless the trade name product is actually produced or manufactured on the property on which the sign is displayed.
S.
Obscenities. No sign may be erected which displays an obscene word, action or phrase, or which suggests such word, action or phrase.
T.
Suspended/projecting signs attachment. Projecting signs that are displayed in such a manner that allows them to swing loosely on the projecting support area shall be installed according to the following principles:
(1)
Suspended signs are to have a metal perimeter or metal thru-bolt construction.
(2)
Suspended signs shall not be supported by screw eyes in wood.
(3)
Suspended sign shall not exceed 16 square feet per sign facing.
(4)
Suspended signs shall have a design wind load resistance of at least 30 pounds per square foot in accordance with § 285-97J.
(5)
Suspended signs shall not be attached to a projecting support post that is greater than five feet in length.
§ 285-98 Business identification signs.
§ 285-99 R-1 and R-2 Zones.
A.
Size. One nameplate not exceeding two square feet in area.
C.
Illumination. May be internal or external if the bulb is not visible from any public property or any other private property. Such illumination shall not exceed one bulb with wattage greater than 60 watts (incandescent) or 40 watts (fluorescent).
D.
Letter size: Individual letters on business identification signs in the R-1 District shall be of such size, style and spacing as to be readable by the public at a distance of 50 feet.
E.
Other. Any property in the R-1 Zone displaying a business identification sign must also display the street number of the property address such that it is readable by the public at a distance of 50 feet but no farther than 100 feet. The street number may be made part of the business identification sign but is not to be considered to be part of the sign area of the property.
§ 285-100 R-3 Zone.
A.
Size: One stationary sign not exceeding 25 square feet in area.
B.
Location. Either:
(1)
Securely attached to the front face or porch of the first floor area of the principal structure; or
(2)
Securely attached to the front face of an accessory structure in which a professional office or business or home occupation is conducted; or
(3)
On a signpost at least 15 feet inside of the front curbline if the principal structure's front setback is at least 25 feet from the curbline.
C.
Illumination: May be internal or external if the bulb is not visible from any other private property. Such illumination shall be constant and shall not exceed 150 watts (incandescent) or 40 watts (fluorescent).
D.
Letter size: Individual letters or business identification signs in the R-3 Zone shall be of such size, style and spacing as to be readable by the public at a distance of no less than 75 feet (two-inch-high letters) or no more than 150 feet.
§ 285-101 R-4, R-5, B-1 and B-2 Zones.
A.
Size. The maximum total sign area that shall be permitted shall not exceed 100 square feet in area, nor shall it exceed 50 square feet per business, home occupation or office unit conducted on the property.
B.
Location. All business identification signs shall be securely attached to the front facade of the structure in which the business is conducted and must be displayed between the first floor line and the bottom of the second floor window line.
C.
Projection. No more than one business sign may project more than nine inches from the face of the building to which it is attached. The maximum permitted projection of any business identification sign greater than nine inches shall be five feet, but in no event shall it project past a vertical plane parallel to and six inches inside of the nearest curbline. Such projecting signs may be suspended in accordance with § 285-97T. Projecting business identification signs may be displayed at any horizontal angle to the building front face as long as there are not more than two sign faces on the sign and the bottom of the sign is not less than nine feet above any pedestrianway measured vertically.
D.
Illumination. May be internal or external so long as the bulb is not visible from any public property or any other private property. Such illumination shall be constant and shall not exceed 150 watts (incandescent) or 80 watts (fluorescent).
E.
Freestanding. One freestanding business identification sign per property may be erected if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)
The front setback of the principal building on the property must be at least 10 feet greater than the front setback of the principal building on an adjacent lot fronting on the same street, if there is a principal building on either adjacent lot.
(2)
The front setback must be at least 35 feet if the subject property is a corner lot or if there is no principal structure on either adjacent lot.
(4)
The height of the highest point of the sign structure may not exceed 20 feet above the ground level at the base of the sign structure.
(5)
The total sign area on the property does not exceed the total permitted sign area. (See Subsection A.)
(6)
The sign support(s) must be at least three feet inside the nearest property line.
(7)
No portion of the sign structure may project past a vertical plane parallel to and six inches inside of the nearest curbline.
(8)
The bottom of the sign must be at least 14 feet above any adjacent parking or road surface or nine feet above any adjacent pedestrianway if the bottom of the sign is greater than three feet above the adjacent grade level. However, if the sign structure is separated by a physical barrier (e.g., shrubbery, fence, wall) that prevents vehicular or pedestrian travel within two feet of any portion of the sign structure measured horizontally, the sign bottom may be any height above grade subject only to the maximum sign height limit of 20 feet. (See § 285-97O and P.)
F.
Letter size. Individual letters on business identification signs in the R-4, R-5, B-1 and B-2 Zones shall be of such size, style and spacing as to be readable by the public at a distance of no less than 100 feet nor more than 300 feet (nine-inch-high letters).
§ 285-102 B-3 Zone.
A.
Size. The maximum permitted total business identification sign area for any property in the B-3 District shall be calculated at a rate of 150 square feet for the first business and 100 square feet for each additional business operating within the property boundaries. Such sign area may be divided in any way subject to the limits below.
B.
Location:
(1)
For a single business on any property, the sign area may be divided per the needs of the owner/beneficial users of the property except that no single sign may display more than 100 square feet on any single face. Signs so erected may be freestanding, flush mounted or projecting, subject to the limits below.
(2)
For multiple business on any property, the sign area may be divided per the needs of the owner/beneficial user of the property provided that no single sign face may exceed 300 square feet in area. Signs so erected may be freestanding, flush mounted or projecting.
C.
Projection. Business identification signs may project no more than five feet from the face of the building to which they are attached. Such projecting signs may not project above the eave line of the building to which they are attached and may not extend past a vertical plane parallel to and six inches inside of the nearest curbline. Projecting business identification signs thus displayed may project at any horizontal angle to the building front face but there may be no more than two faces on any such projecting sign, and the bottom of the sign shall be not less than 9 feet above any pedestrianway measured vertically or 14 feet above any vehicular travel way measured vertically.
D.
Illumination. Illumination may be internal or external as long as the bulb is not visible from any public property or any other private property. Such illumination shall be constant.
E.
Freestanding.
(1)
One freestanding business identification sign shall be permitted for each property and shall be located as per the requirement of the Planning Board. Such sign shall identify the shopping center, plaza, park or complex name such that the name covers at least 25% of the individual sign faces. The following conditions must be satisfied for a freestanding sign:
(a)
The front setback of the principal building must be at least 50 feet.
(b)
The height of the highest point of the sign structure may not extend more than 20 feet above the ground level at the base of the sign structure.
(c)
The sign area for the property is not exceeded.
(d)
The sign structure post(s) must be at least three feet inside the nearest property line.
(e)
No portion of the sign structure may project past a vertical plane parallel to and six inches inside of the nearest curbline.
(f)
The bottom of the freestanding sign must be at least 14 feet above the surface of any adjacent vehicular travel way or parking area or nine feet above the surface of any adjacent pedestrian accessway if the bottom of the sign is more than three feet above the adjacent ground surface. However, if the sign structure is separated from adjacent pedestrian and vehicular travel ways or parking areas by a physical barrier (e.g., shrubbery, fence, wall) that prevents pedestrian or vehicular access within two feet of any portion of the sign structure as measured horizontally, the sign bottom may be any height above grade subject only to the maximum height limitation of 20 feet. (See § 285-97P.)
(2)
A second freestanding business identification sign may be erected on any property in the B-3 District if all of the following conditions are met:
F.
Other.
(1)
Under-canopy signs are permitted at a rate of one sign per separate, distinct business space. Such signs are not to be calculated as part of the sign area for the property but are permitted only if the following standards are met:
(2)
Directories are permitted subject to Planning Board approval as to the size, locations, numbers and design of the directories and their associated vehicular pull-offs. Every directory shall have an associated pull-off within 10 feet. Such pull-off shall allow easy vehicular movement into and out of vehicular travel ways and shall be completely out of a vehicular travel way or a pedestrian travel way.
§ 285-103 B-4 Zone.
A.
Size. The maximum total on-premises sign area that shall be permitted on any property shall be calculated at the rate of 2.5 square feet per foot of individual business space frontage, not to exceed 100 square feet of sign area for the first first-floor business space. Additional first-floor business spaces may have maximum sign area not to exceed 32 square feet. Business spaces on upper floors may have a maximum of eight square feet of sign area. Such sign areas may be divided in any manner by the beneficial users except that no beneficial user may have more than two sign faces per property.
B.
Location. On-premises signs on any property may be displayed as follows:
(1)
Flush-mounted/facade-mounted signs shall be securely attached to the facade of the building and must be displayed between the floor line and ceiling line of the floor accommodating the use for which the sign is displayed or in the wall area below the bottom of the second-floor window line. Such signs may project no more than nine inches from the facade.
(2)
Projecting signs shall be securely attached to the facade of the building and may be suspended if in accordance with § 285-97T. Projecting signs shall be attached to the facade no higher than the bottom of the second-floor window line or the eave line if there are no upper floors. In addition, projecting signs in this Zone may project no more than five feet from the facade of the building to which they are attached and must be so located that the bottom of such sign is no less than nine feet above any pedestrianway or less than 14 feet above any vehicular way measured vertically.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall be located entirely within the property lines.
C.
Projection:
(1)
There shall be no more than one projecting sign per business space in any principal structure. Furthermore, there shall be no more than one such projecting sign for every 30 feet of continuous building facade and a maximum of four projecting signs per property.
(2)
Projecting signs may project no more than five feet from the face of the building but in no event shall project past a vertical plane parallel to and six inches inside of the nearest curbline. Projecting signs may be displayed at any horizontal angle to the front face of the building as long as there are not more than two sign faces on the sign.
D.
Illumination. Illumination may be internal or external so long as the bulb is not visible from any public property or any other private property.
E.
Freestanding. One freestanding sign per property may be erected on any property if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)
The front setback of the principal building must be at least 10 feet greater than the front setback of the principal building on an adjacent lot fronting on the same street, if there is a principal building on either adjacent lot.
(2)
The front setback of the principal building on the lot is at least 20 feet if the subject property is a corner lot.
(4)
The height of the highest point of the sign structure may not be higher than 20 feet as measured vertically from the adjacent ground level at the base of the sign structure.
(5)
The total sign area on the property does not exceed the total permitted sign area for the property. (See Subsection A.)
(6)
The signpost(s) must be at least three feet inside of the nearest property line. [See § 285-97I(4).]
(7)
No portion of the sign structure may project past a vertical plane parallel to and six inches inside of the nearest curbline.
(8)
The bottom of the sign must be at least 14 feet above any adjacent parking or vehicular travel way or nine feet above any adjacent pedestrianway if the bottom of the sign is higher than three feet above the adjacent ground/surface level. However, if the sign structure is separated by a physical barrier (e.g., fence, shrubbing, wall) that prevents vehicular or pedestrian traffic within two feet of any portion of the sign structure measured horizontally, the bottom of the sign may be any height above grade subject only to the maximum sign height limit of 20 feet. (See § 285-97O and P.)
F.
Letter size. Individual letters on business identification signs shall be of such size, style and spacing as to be readable from a distance of no less than 100 feet and no more than 300 feet (nine-inch-high letters).
§ 285-104 B-5 and IND Zones.
A.
Size. The maximum total on-premises sign area that shall be permitted on any property shall be calculated at the rate of one square foot of sign area for each 10 square feet of floor area, not to exceed 10% of the first-story exterior wall area of the front wall of the principal building or 400 square feet, whichever is greater.
B.
Location. On-premises signs on any property may be displayed as follows:
(1)
Flush-mounted/facade-mounted signs shall be securely attached to the facade of the building and must be displayed between the floor line and ceiling line of the building story accommodating the use for which the sign is displayed or in the wall area below the bottom of the second-floor window line. Such signs may project no more than nine inches from the face of the building.
(2)
Projecting signs shall be securely attached to the facade of the principal building and shall be attached in accordance with § 285-97T. Projecting signs shall be attached to the facade no higher than, and may project no higher than, the bottom of the second-floor window line or the eave line, whichever is lower. In addition, projecting signs may project no more than five feet from the facade of the building to which they are attached and must be located so that the bottom of such sign is no less than nine feet above any adjacent pedestrianway or less than 14 feet above any adjacent vehicular way measured vertically.
(3)
Freestanding signs in these Zones shall be located entirely within the property lines.
C.
Projection. There shall be no more than one projecting sign per business space in any principal structure. Furthermore, there shall be no more than one such projecting sign for every 30 linear feet of continuous building facade measured along the ground surface and a maximum of four projecting signs per property; projecting signs may project no more than five feet from the face of the building but in no event shall project past a vertical plane that is parallel to and six inches inside the nearest curbline. Projecting signs may be displayed at any horizontal angle to the front face of the building to which they are attached so long as there are not more than two sign faces on any projecting sign.
D.
Illumination. Illumination may be internal or external so long as the bulb is not visible from any public property or any other private property. Such illumination shall be constant.
E.
Freestanding. One freestanding sign per property may be erected on any property located in these Zones if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)
The front setback of the principal building must be at least 50 feet.
(2)
The height of the highest point of the sign structure may not extend more than 30 feet above the ground level at the base of the sign structure.
(3)
The sign area for the property is not exceeded.
(4)
The signpost(s) must be at least three feet inside the nearest property line. [See § 285-97I(4).]
(5)
No portion of the sign structure may project past a vertical plane parallel to and six inches inside of the nearest curbline.
(6)
The bottom of the sign must be at least 14 feet above the surface of any adjacent vehicular travel way or parking area or nine feet above the surface of any adjacent pedestrian accessway if the bottom of the sign is at least three feet above the adjacent ground surface. However, if the sign structure is separated from adjacent pedestrian and vehicular travel ways or parking areas by a physical barrier (e.g., shrubbery, fence, wall) that prevents pedestrian or vehicular access within two feet of any portion of the sign structure as measured horizontally, the sign bottom may be any height above grade subject only to the maximum height limitation of 20 feet. (See § 285-97O and P.)
F.
Letter size. Individual letters on signs displayed shall be of such size, style and spacing as to be readable from a distance of no less than 100 feet nor more than 800 feet (27-inch-high letters).
§ 285-105 INST Zone.
A.
Comprehensive signage plan. The nature of large-scale institutional land use is such that identification of the entire institution, its individual constituent structures, parking areas and directions on and off premises and through the institutional grounds are vital to both the continued existence and development of the institution and the safety and convenience of those visiting. As a result, this chapter requires that all institutional property owners submit a comprehensive signage plan with the institution's first application for new or altered signs under this chapter.
B.
Size. No single sign shall exceed 100 square feet.
C.
Location. No sign shall be located or affixed in such a manner as to interfere with safe vehicular flow on public streets.
D.
Projection, illumination, letter size and height. The design and dimensions of all regulated signs within this District shall be a matter of concurrence within the context of the comprehensive signage plan between the applicant and the Commission.
E.
Exemptions. All signs located at distances greater than 200 feet from adjacent residential zones or public streets under 100 square feet and not clearly visible from outside the Institutional District are hereby exempt.
§ 285-106 CON Zone.
A.
Size. One stationary sign per public vehicular access point not to exceed 75 square feet each in area is allowed in this District. Individual structure identification signs no larger than eight square feet are allowed.
B.
Location, projection, illumination, letter size and height. Given the unique nature of conservation-oriented land uses, signs within this District shall be within the context of the existing land use patterns and physical environment of the applicant's property.
§ 285-107 BP Zone.
[Amended 10-4-1990]
Pursuant to § 285-9 of this chapter, the Planning Board shall adopt comprehensive standards and regulations in regard to the size, location, illumination, letter size, material and design of all signs in this District in order to ensure the uniformity of signage within the District and maintain the integrity of the business park nature of the District.
§ 285-108 P Zone.
[Amended 5-4-1989]
A.
General:
(1)
All signs (except traffic-control signs) within this District shall be used to identify individual units, buildings, recreational areas or facilities, and/or planned development entrances.
(2)
Signs (including building of unit number, letters or names) shall be posted at the front and the rear of each residential unit to identify each unit. A sign must be posted on any building containing four or more units where four or more similarly designed buildings exist in a planned development, unless an orderly street numbering system exists to the satisfaction of the City Planning Board.
(3)
Entrance signs shall be provided at all entrances or exits of any planned development to identify said development. All signs denoting recreational areas or facilities shall be posted at the discretion of the property owner, unless specifically called for by the Planning Board.
B.
Location:
(1)
Signs (numbers or letters or names) identifying individual units shall be flush mounted and shall be posted at both the front and the rear of each and every unit. Such signs must be situated either directly on doors, within 18 inches of said door casing, or within 18 inches of the casing of the window with the lowest sill on both the front and rear of each unit the sign is meant to identify.
(2)
Signs identifying buildings shall be flush mounted and situated so as to be easily visible from the likely most heavily traveled street.
(3)
Signs identifying recreational areas shall be located to be easily visible from the likely most heavily used public right-of-way or private easement strip or area.
(4)
Signs identifying planned development entrances or exits shall be situated to be clearly visible from collector streets that service the development, but shall be so situated so as to be outside of the right-of-way area of the collector street.
C.
Size:
(1)
Total signage dedicated to identify individual units shall not exceed four square feet.
(2)
Signs posted to identify buildings shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(3)
Signs identifying recreational areas shall not exceed 16 square feet. Signs identifying recreational facilities shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign nor 100 square feet per facility.
(4)
Signs which identify planned development entrances or exits shall not exceed a total of 50 square feet per face per entrance or exit area, nor more than 100 square feet per entrance area.
D.
Illumination:
(1)
Signs identifying individual units and buildings shall be illuminated by use of the general exterior lighting; said exterior lighting shall be designed so as to also provide adequate illumination for these signs.
(2)
Where other floodlighting exists at recreational areas or facilities, it shall be directed so as to also illuminate recreational identification signs. Where recreational uses or facilities are to be used after sunset, and where floodlighting is not utilized, other adequate illumination for signs shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Planning Board. Where recreational uses or facilities are not to be used after sunset, no sign illumination is necessary.
(3)
Signs identifying development entrances or exits shall be either internally illuminated or illuminated by use of floodlighting fixtures. Where floodlighting is to be employed, said illumination shall be directed away from traffic and residential units and designed so as not to create hazards to motorists nor annoyances to adjacent residents or businesses.
E.
Maintenance. All signs described in this chapter shall be properly maintained to continue to convey intended identification of units, buildings, areas, entrances or exits and facilities. Such maintenance shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property that said signs are situated upon, unless within a public right-of-way. Where signs are posted within a public right-of-way, responsibility for maintenance shall be by either a neighborhood maintenance corporation or otherwise determined through deed covenant acceptable to the Planning Board.
§ 285-109 Outdoor advertising signs.
A.
General. Outdoor advertising signs may hereafter be erected or maintained only in accordance with this section.
B. OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS(1) (2) (3) (4) WALL SIGN
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An outdoor advertising sign with two parallel and directly opposite signs with their faces oriented in opposite directions located not more than 15 feet apart. A back-to-back sign shall constitute one outdoor advertising sign.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNSTwo adjacent outdoor advertising signs on a single structure or separate structures with both faces oriented in the same direction and not more than 10 feet apart at the nearest point between the two faces. A double-faced sign may be referred to as a side-by-side or stacked sign. A double-faced sign shall constitute one outdoor advertising sign.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNSAny outdoor advertising sign erected on a freestanding framework supported and affixed by one or more uprights or braces in or upon the ground.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNSA sign including the supporting sign structure which directs the attention of the general public to a business, service or activity not usually conducted or a product not usually offered or sold upon the premises where such a sign is located. None of the following shall be deemed an outdoor advertising sign:
Directional and other official signs authorized by law.
Signs advertising the sale or lease of property upon which they are located.
Signs advertising services or activities conducted on or products sold on the property upon which they are located.
Signs which have a significant portion of their face area devoted to giving public service information such as, but not limited to, time, date, temperature, weather, or similar information.
Any outdoor advertising sign attached to the roof of a building.
WALL SIGNAn outdoor advertising sign in the shape of a "V" or triangle when viewed from above with their faces oriented in different directions and not more than 15 feet apart at the closest points. A V-type sign shall constitute one outdoor advertising sign.
WALL SIGNAny outdoor advertising sign attached to or mounted to the wall of a building.
D.
Nonconforming signs. Any outdoor advertising sign in existence on the effective date of this chapter which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter may continue in existence and may be rebuilt so long as the size is not increased beyond existing size or square feet per facing, whichever is less.
E.
General provisions:
(1)
No outdoor advertising signs shall be constructed at any location having principal frontage on any street within 150 feet of any property which is used for public parks, elementary and secondary schools, church, courthouse, municipal building, public museum, having its principal frontage on the same street.
(2)
No portion of any outdoor advertising sign may be constructed on or extend over the right-of-way of any street or highway. All outdoor advertising signs shall conform to a front yard setback requirement of 15 feet. If the lot upon which an outdoor advertising sign is to be constructed abuts a residential district, side yard and rear yard setbacks shall be not less than 25 feet.
(3)
No outdoor advertising sign shall be constructed which resembles any official marker erected by the City, the State of New York, or any governmental agency, or which by reason of positioning, shape or color would conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal.
(4)
Except as specifically provided in this chapter, all outdoor advertising signs shall be constructed in accordance with all municipal building and electrical codes.
(5)
All outdoor advertising signs shall be maintained in good and safe structural condition. The painted portions of outdoor advertising signs shall be periodically repainted and kept in good condition.
(6)
No outdoor advertising sign or part thereof shall be located on any property without the consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent or trustee or other party controlling the use of such property.
(7)
The general area in the vicinity of any ground sign must be kept free and clear of sign materials, trash, litter and grass or weeds exceeding six inches in height.
F.
Size of signs:
(1)
In the B-5 and IND Zones, the maximum areas for any one face of an outdoor advertising sign shall be 300 square feet, inclusive of any border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members. In all other permitted zones, the maximum area for any face shall be 72 square feet, inclusive of any border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural materials. Cutouts not exceeding 20% of the aforesaid maximum areas may be added to each face of an outdoor advertising sign.
(2)
The aforesaid maximum areas shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof, which will encompass the entire sign face exclusive of the aforesaid cutouts, and also excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members.
(3)
An outdoor advertising sign may contain one or two faces and may be placed back-to-back, double-faced, or V-type.
G.
Height of outdoor advertising signs; maximum allowable:
(1)
In B-5 and IND Zones, the maximum height for any outdoor advertising sign exclusive of cut-outs shall be 50 feet. In all other permitted zones, the maximum height for any outdoor advertising sign exclusive of cut-outs shall be 40 feet. All measurements are to be taken from the road grade level to which the outdoor advertising sign is oriented.
H.
Spacing of outdoor advertising signs:
(1)
On streets and highways within the jurisdiction of this chapter, no outdoor advertising sign may be constructed within 150 feet of any other outdoor advertising sign, measured on the same side of the same street.
(2)
The above set forth spacing between outdoor advertising signs does not apply to outdoor advertising signs separated by buildings or other obstructions in such manner that only one outdoor advertising sign located within the above spacing distances is visible from the street or highway to which it is directed at any one time.
(3)
The minimum distance between outdoor advertising signs shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the center of the signs along each side of the street or highway and shall apply only to structures located on the same side of the street or highway.
I.
Lighting. Outdoor advertising signs may be illuminated subject to the following restrictions:
(1)
Outdoor advertising signs which contain, include or are illuminated by any flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights are prohibited.
(2)
Signs which are not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays from being directed at any portion of the traveled way of the street or highway and are of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or which otherwise interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle are prohibited.
§ 285-110 Design criteria for all signs.
A.
General purpose. The purpose of this section is to encourage appropriate and compatible graphic design, material, colors, illumination and placement of proposed signs. These guidelines are construed to be review criteria to assist the Commission in its deliberations.
B.
Guidelines.
(1)
Signs should be designed to be compatible with the surroundings and appropriate to the architectural character of the buildings on which they are placed. Sign panels and graphics should relate with and not cover architectural feature, and should be in proportion to them.
(2)
Signs should be appropriate to the types of activities they represent.
(3)
Layout should be orderly and graphics should be of simple shape, such as rectangle, circle or oval.
(4)
No more than two typefaces should be used on any one sign or group of signs indicating one message.
(5)
The number of colors used should be the minimum consistent with the design.
(6)
Illumination should be appropriate to the character of the sign and surroundings.
(7)
Groups of related signs should express uniformity and create a sense of harmonious appearance.