The purpose of this section is to permit and regulate signs of all types in all zoning districts. The intent is to enhance the physical appearance of the township, to preserve scenic and natural beauty and to create an appearance that is attractive to business while preserving the general health, safety and welfare of the township. It is further intended to improve traffic safety by avoiding the distractions from conflicts created by overlapping signs.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2400)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Accessory sign means a sign pertaining to the principal use of the premises.

Area of sign means the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem or any figure of similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display, excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed, provided that:

1.

The necessary uprights or structures used to support a freestanding sign shall be excluded from the calculations of sign area, provided that the surface is not, by definition, a sign and provided further that the area of the support structure does not exceed 50 percent of the area of the sign being supported; and

2.

Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where two such faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than three feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area.

Freestanding sign means any and every sign erected on or affixed to the land and any and every exterior sign that is not attached to a building.

Logo means a graphic symbol or initials accessory to a principal use but not including the name of a person or business.

Nameplate means a sign that may include the name of a single resident or single business, address, phone number, hours of operation, logo or other identifying symbol only.

Nonaccessory sign means a sign that is not pertaining to the principal use of the premises.

Real estate development sign means a freestanding sign that advertises five or more vacant lots in a single subdivision or five or more dwelling units in a single residential development of lots or dwelling units located within the township.

Sign means any words, numerals, figures, devices, designs, pictures or trademarks, painted upon or otherwise affixed to a building, wall, board, plate or any other structure for the purpose of making anything known. The definition of a sign shall not include the following:

1.

Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers or names of occupants of premises;

2.

Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion; or

3.

Legal notices, identification information or directional signs erected by governmental bodies.

Temporary sign means a sign that is not constructed or intended for longterm use or is not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure.

Wall sign means a display that is painted on or attached directly to the building wall, window or door.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2405)

1.

Signs, as defined by this ordinance, are permitted to be erected or located in any use district subject to the conditions of this article.

2.

No sign, except those established and maintained by governmental units, shall be located in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement.

3.

All directional signs required for the purpose of orientation, when established by governmental units, shall be permitted in all use districts.

4.

Accessory signs shall be permitted in any use district.

5.

Nonaccessory signs shall be permitted only in I-1 districts, except as provided in section 2435.

6.

Illuminated signs shall not be of the flashing or intermittent type.

7.

The regulations of this section shall not apply to signs limited solely to providing directions or instructions for vehicular or pedestrian traffic within a zoning lot and which do not advertise or identify a business, except by means of a logo. Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and six feet in height; provided, however that within 25 feet of any street right-of-way, no more than two such signs shall be permitted per driveway entrance or exit.

8.

Temporary signs, unless otherwise provided in this ordinance shall be permitted as follows:

a.

Temporary freestanding or wall signs shall be permitted for any institutional quasi-public, charitable or public use in any zoning district.

b.

Temporary freestanding or wall signs or temporary window signs shall be permitted for any use in the C or I-1 districts.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2410)

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Accessory wall signs are permitted within the various use districts subject to the following conditions:

1.

The number, type and area of permitted wall sign shall be controlled as follows:

a.

Wall signs.

b.

Footnotes to wall signs:

(1)

Street numbers shall not be counted as a sign when attached to or located on a building wall, provided such signs meet all other applicable sign requirements of this section.

(2)

One wall nameplate or one freestanding nameplate permitted for each dwelling.

(3)

One nameplate sign for each exterior building entrance. An exterior building entrance includes only those available for use by customers or patrons and does not include service or employee entrances.

(4)

One wall sign for each building facade, not to exceed a total of four.

(5)

Wall signs shall be permitted on only two facades of each business establishment; provided, however, that such wall signs shall not be permitted on a facade which faces a bordering residential district unless such district is separated from the nonresidential district by a major or secondary thoroughfare.

(6)

Six square feet maximum area per sign to be made up of individual nameplates not to exceed two square feet per office unit or industrial unit.

(7)

Wall signs shall be limited to an area equal to not more than ten percent of the area of the building facade upon which the sign is placed, but not to exceed 50 square feet for any one sign or the total of all such wall signs.

(8)

Same as (7) above but not to exceed 100 square feet in area.

(9)

Two square feet maximum area to be made up of individual nameplates.

(10)

Wall signs shall be limited to an area equal to not more than ten percent of the area of the wall of the establishment upon which the sign is placed.

(11)

Wall signs shall be limited to an area equal to not more than 15 percent of the area of the wall of the establishment upon which the sign is placed.

(12)

Same as (7) above but not to exceed 75 square feet in area.

(13)

Same as (7) above but not to exceed 150 square feet.

2.

Additional wall sign conditions shall be as follows:

a.

Signs may be placed on roofs that are so nearly vertical as to resemble a wall. However, signs attached to such roof shall be vertical to the ground and shall be attached so that the sign does not project beyond or overhang the roof by more than one foot at the bottom of the sign and by more than two feet at the top of the sign, as measured in horizontal planes. The bottom of the sign shall not extend below the roof nor extend to within less than one foot of the top of the roof.

b.

Signs and street numbers shall not be placed on any penthouse or other architectural feature which is located above the highest point of the roof or parapet.

c.

No signs shall project beyond or overhang a wall, or any permanent architectural feature, by more than one foot and shall not project above or beyond the highest point of the roof or parapet.

d.

Permits, as set forth in section 2440, shall be required for all wall signs except sale, lease or rent signs permitted in section 2435 paragraph 1.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2415)

Freestanding accessory signs are permitted within the various use districts and are subject to the following conditions:

1.

Such signs shall be limited to one per zoning lot unless otherwise provided for below.

2.

The location, number, type, area, setbacks and height of permitted freestanding signs shall be controlled as follows:

a.

Freestanding signs.

*See definition of "setback" in section 205

b.

Footnotes to freestanding signs:

(1)

One freestanding nameplate or one wall nameplate for each dwelling unit.

(2)

One freestanding sign for each zoning lot unless the following apply:

(a)

Two such signs may be permitted on a corner lot that has at least 300 feet of frontage on each of two major or secondary thoroughfares, provided that only one sign is oriented toward each thoroughfare.

(b)

Two such signs may be permitted where the zoning lot, not a corner lot, has frontage on two major or secondary thoroughfares and has vehicular access via both such thoroughfares, provided that only one sign is oriented toward each thoroughfare.

(3)

One for each major thoroughfare frontage and one for each freeway frontage, provided that only one sign is oriented toward each thoroughfare or freeway.

(4)

One additional sign shall be permitted subject to the following:

(a)

The sign shall be oriented toward a freeway and shall be located within 50 feet of the freeway right-of-way.

(b)

The requirement for setbacks, height and area indicated under line (c) for the C-4 district shall apply.

(5)

Minimum yard setbacks apply. Setbacks based on formula do not apply.

(6)

The freestanding sign shall be subject to all the standards indicated on line (a) or to all the standards indicated on line (b).

(7)

The height of a sign shall not exceed 30 feet, but in no event shall the height exceed the highest point of the roof or parapet of any building on the lot.

(8)

Freestanding signs not exceeding eight feet in height may contain a maximum of 100 square feet in area. Signs exceeding eight feet in height shall be limited to 30 feet in height but in no event shall the sign project above the highest point of the roof or parapet of any building on the lot nor exceed 50 square feet in area.

(9)

On parcels of five acres or more, a maximum area of 200 square feet shall be permitted.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2420)

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Except as otherwise provided section 2435 paragraph 2, freestanding nonaccessory signs may be permitted only in I-1 districts and only with the approval of the zoning board of appeals, Such approval may be given where the erection or maintenance of the sign will not be detrimental to the use of any adjoining commercial or residential land.

1.

One freestanding nonaccessory sign is allowed per zoning lot. Such sign shall comply with all requirements of article 18 of this ordinance. Such sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height and shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.

2.

Nonaccessory signs shall be constructed in such a manner that they will withstand normal wind forces. Signs shall be properly maintained and shall not be allowed to become unsightly through disrepair or action of the elements.

3.

Permits shall be issued for periods of two years and may be renewed by the building inspector. An inspection fee for each such sign shall be paid at the time application for a permit of its renewal is made. This permit is also conditioned on the requirements of section 2440.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2425)

Entranceway structures, for the purpose of supporting signs which identify developments, part or all of which are served by a minor public or private streets, such as subdivisions, industrial or office parks or multiple-family developments, may be permitted by the building inspector. Such structures and signs shall be approved and a permit issued subject to the following restrictions:

1.

The entranceway structure shall be necessary in order to identify a development in which individual parcels or uses are accessible only by way of public streets which serve more than two zoning lots or by way of private streets or drives which serve more than two separate and distinct principal uses.

2.

Such entranceway structures may be located within a public or private street right-of-way if approved by the governmental entity or property owner having jurisdiction or ownership of the right-of-way area and by the zoning board of appeals.

3.

Such structures shall be located adjacent to a major or secondary thoroughfare or collector street and to the entrance road to a subdivision plat, site condominium, multiple-family development, mobile home park or other planned development.

4.

Such structures may be located within a required setback provided it shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from any street right-of-way, and the location meets the requirements of section 2025, corner clearance.

5.

No part of an entranceway structure, including supporting structures, shall be higher than ten feet nor longer than 20 feet.

6.

Entranceway structures and signs may be located only in yards adjacent to streets entering the development indicated on the sign.

7.

Entranceway structures that are to be located on individually owned parcels, rather than on parcels which are park of an overall development, may be allowed only in a private easement dedicated for such purposes, and provided that appropriate provision has been made to ensure continued maintenance of the structure.

8.

The sign area shall be limited to the smallest maximum area in square feet permitted in the district in section 2420, paragraph 2.a. for freestanding signs; except that in the RSA, RU-1, RMC, RM, MHP and AR districts, the maximum size permitted shall be 32 square feet. The sign area shall be determined by the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem or any figure of similar character.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2430)

The following types of signs are permitted on a temporary basis subject to the conditions applicable.

1.

Sale, lease or rent signs. Signs used for advertising vacant land or existing buildings for rent, lease or sale shall be permitted when located on the land or building to be rented, leased or sold. Such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately after such land or building is rented, leased or sold. Such signs shall be limited to one for each road upon which the zoning lot has frontage and shall not exceed six feet in height. The signs may be permitted in any yard, provided that a minimum setback of five feet is maintained in any yard abutting a private or public street or freeway.

2.

Real estate development signs. Real estate development signs may be permitted subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 below and provided that the following conditions are met:

a.

If located on the premises described, such signs shall be limited to one for each major thoroughfare or collector street frontage and one for each freeway frontage, provided that, only one sign is oriented toward each thoroughfare, collector street or freeway.

b.

If not located upon the premises described, such sign shall be:

(1)

Limited to one for each zoning lot;

(2)

Located on a zoning lot that is vacant; and

(3)

Limited in number to those reasonably necessary to direct the public to the premises on which the development is located.

c.

Such signs may be located within the front yard setback, provided such sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

d.

Such signs may be larger than 32 square feet but shall not exceed 64 square feet in area, provided that such sign complies with all setback requirements of article 18 of this ordinance.

e.

Illumination of such signs shall be permitted in any ORT, OR, C or I-1 district when the sign is located on the premises described and when the lot on which the sign is located abuts a major or secondary thoroughfare or collector street. Such illumination shall not be detrimental or annoying to surrounding property and shall be in accordance with section 2035, exterior lighting.

f.

Such signs may be erected only after final plat approval of a subdivision, final plan approval of a site condominium or after a building permit is issued for a residential development.

3.

Temporary construction signs. Temporary construction signs pertaining to projects under construction in the township shall be permitted only on the zoning lot upon which the construction is taking place, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 below and to the following conditions:

a.

One such sign shall be permitted on the zoning lot for each major or secondary thoroughfare or collector street frontage, provided that only one sign is oriented toward each thoroughfare or collector.

b.

Such signs shall not exceed 64 square feet in area.

c.

Such construction signs need not meet setback requirements.

d.

Temporary construction signs may be erected only after a site plan is approved and such sign shall be removed prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.

4.

Real estate development signs and temporary construction signs. Real estate development signs and temporary construction signs shall be subject further to the following conditions:

a.

A permit shall be required for such signs.

b.

Such signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height.

c.

The construction of such sign shall be such that it will withstand normal wind forces encountered in the area. All such signs shall be properly maintained and shall not be allowed to become unsightly through disrepair or action of the elements.

d.

A cash bond in an amount set by the township board shall be filed with the township treasurer by the applicant to guarantee the proper maintenance of the sign over the period for which the permit is issued and for removal of the sign after the expiration of the permit. If the applicant fails to maintain any sign properly, such bond shall be forfeited and the applicant shall be required to remove the sign.

e.

Permits for such signs shall be for a period of one year and may be renewed by the building inspector upon the same conditions as set forth above. An inspection fee shall be paid to the township treasurer for each sign at the time of the original permit and at each renewal thereof.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2435)

1.

Except for nameplates relating to residential dwellings, no accessory sign or nameplate shall be affixed to the exterior of a building until approved by building inspector, a fee paid and a permit issued. A new permit shall be required if such signs are relocated on the building or are increased in surface area or dimension.

2.

No residential entranceway, freestanding accessory or nonaccessory sign shall be erected or altered until approved by the building inspector, a fee paid and a permit issued. A new permit shall be required if such signs are relocated on the ground or are increased in surface area or dimension. This provision shall not apply to residential nameplates permitted in residential zones or to those signs permitted in section 2435, paragraph 1 and section 2445.

3.

No sign for which a permit has been issued shall thereafter be moved to another location within the township nor shall it be structurally altered in any way without the approval of the official or board that granted the original permit. An additional fee shall be paid at the time of application for permission to move or alter each such sign.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2440)

1.

Political signs. Signs announcing or advertising the candidacy of persons running for public office or issues to be voted upon at any federal, state, county, municipal or school election shall be exempt from the terms of this section and this ordinance, provided that:

a.

Such signs shall not be located within the public street right-of-way.

b.

Such signs shall not be put in place more than 90 days prior to the date of the election and shall be removed within 14 days after the election.

2.

Accessory flags. In the I-1 and OR districts, two flags, accessory to the principal use and each not exceeding 24 square feet in area, shall be permitted per zoning lot, in addition to other signs and flags permitted in the district.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2445)

It is the intent of this ordinance that the continued use of nonconforming signs shall not be encouraged.

1.

A nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its nonconforming designation if:

a.

The structure of the sign is altered in any way which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this ordinance than it was before the alteration;

b.

The sign is relocated to a position making it less in compliance with the requirements of this ordinance;

c.

The sign is replaced; or

d.

On the occurrence of any one of the provisions in subsections a., b. or c. of this section, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this ordinance with a new permit secured therefore, or the sign shall be removed.

2.

Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located from the provisions of this ordinance regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs; provided however, that any repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or copy in any way which does not conform with the provisions of this ordinance.

3.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, any sign that is located on property which becomes vacant or on a building which is unoccupied for a period of 90 days or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of 180 days or more. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises.

(Ord. of 3-21-2005, § 2450)