Walden City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Sign Regulations
§ 305-34 Schedule of permitted signs.
The following schedule of permitted signs shall apply to each premises according to the district in which it is located on the Zoning Map, whether it be used for a permitted use or for a special exception use:
Permitted Signs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Land Use Type | Professional Announcement Signs | Identification Signs | Real Estate "For Sale" or "For Rent" Sign or Construction Sign | Temporary Signs |
Residential | 1 on each public street frontage pursuant to § 305-35 | Prohibited | 1 on each public street frontage for single lots or buildings; 2 subdivision signs on each public street frontage for each approved subdivision pursuant to § 305-39A | Pursuant to § 305-39B |
Business B-4 | 1 on each public street frontage pursuant to § 305-35 | 1 wall sign and 1 detached pole or monument sign on each public street frontage pursuant to § 305-36 | 1 on each public street frontage for single lots or buildings; 2 subdivision signs on each public street frontage for each approved subdivision pursuant to § 305-39A | |
Business B-1, B-2, B-3 and MX | 1 on each public street frontage pursuant to § 305-35 | 1 wall sign and 1 monument sign on each public street frontage pursuant to § 305-37 | 1 on each public street frontage for single lots or buildings; 2 subdivision signs on each public street frontage for each approved subdivision pursuant to § 305-39A | |
Industrial and OLI | 1 on each public street frontage pursuant to § 305-35 | 1 wall sign and 1 monument sign on each street from which access is provided pursuant to § 305-38 | 1 on each public street frontage for single lots or buildings; 2 subdivision signs on each public street frontage for each approved subdivision pursuant to § 305-39A | |
§ 305-35 Professional and announcement signs.
A.
Professional signs or announcement signs for home professional offices or home occupations shall bear only the name and profession or occupation of the resident. Such sign shall have a maximum area of two square feet and may be located on the building wall or in the required front yard, provided that it is set back at least 15 feet from all property lines and is not more than six feet above the natural ground level at that point.
B.
A church or other place of worship may have one announcement sign, not over 24 square feet in area, on each public street frontage of its property, either fixed on the main wall of the building or located in the required front yard, provided that it is set back at least 15 feet from the front property line and at least 25 feet from all other property lines.
C.
A parish house, club, school or public or semipublic building may have one announcement sign, not over six square feet in area, on each public street frontage of its property, fixed on the main wall of its building.
D.
Such signs may be double-faced.
§ 305-36 Identification signs in B-4 Business District.
The following supplemental regulations shall apply to identification signs in the B-4 Business District:
A.
The cumulative square footage allowable for all identification signs described below, excluding directional signs, shall be calculated at the rate of three square feet per lineal footage of building frontage.
B.
A wall identification sign shall be attached to or incorporated in the building wall. Such sign shall have:
(1)
A maximum area of two square feet for each horizontal foot of building wall on which it is mounted.
(2)
A maximum width of 75% of the building wall's horizontal measurement, except that, where such horizontal measurement is 20 feet or less, the maximum width may be 90% of such measurement.
(3)
A maximum projection of six inches from the face of the building wall to which the sign is attached.
(4)
Wall signs should be appropriate to the architectural character of the buildings on which they are placed. Sign panels and graphics should relate with and not cover architectural features such as the cornice and lintel and should be in proportion to them.
(5)
Such signs shall only be externally illuminated.
(6)
Wall signs shall be removed within 30 days of a business closing.
C.
A detached pole or monument identification sign may be erected where the building is set back from the street line a distance of 40 feet or more. Such sign shall have:
(1)
A maximum area of 40 square feet.
(2)
A maximum height measured from the ground level of 18 feet.
(3)
At least three feet of clear space between the signboard and the ground, provided that necessary supports may extend through such clear space.
(4)
A setback of at least 20 feet from any property line, except that, where the average front setback of existing buildings within the same block is less than 10 feet, then the average setback so established shall be applied to such sign.
D.
Identification signs may be illuminated externally by shielded floodlights or with gooseneck lamps; provided, however, that red and green lights shall be set back at least 75 feet from the point of intersection of the street lines at a street corner, and further provided that intermittent or flashing lights shall not be used on or in any sign. Interior illuminated signs and/or moving and animated signs shall be prohibited.
E.
Projecting signs shall be permitted by the Village, provided the owner of such signs indemnifies the Village for injury to persons or property and insurance is provided to the Village as evidenced by a certificate of insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. The Village reserves the right to remove projecting signs that are not kept in good repair or which lack proper insurance. The following standards for projecting signs shall apply:
(1)
No more than one projecting sign per storefront facing on a street. If the building has frontage on more than one street, one projecting sign is allowed on each street.
(2)
Projecting signs shall not have more than two faces nor exceed nine square feet.
(3)
The exterior edge of a projecting sign shall extend not more than four feet from the building face or 1/2 the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(4)
No part of the projecting sign shall extend into vehicular traffic areas, and any part extending over pedestrian areas shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(5)
Projecting signs shall not extend above the cornice between the second and third floor of a building nor more than 15 feet above the ground if there is no second floor.
(6)
No projecting signs shall be closer than 15 feet to the corner of a building located at a street intersection.
(7)
Projecting signs shall be made of wood or composite material and hung from metal brackets or braces.
(8)
Projecting signs shall be removed within 30 days of a business closing.
§ 305-37 Identification signs in B-1, B-2, B-3 Business and MX Mixed Use Districts.
The following supplemental regulations shall apply to identification signs in business and mixed use districts:
A.
The cumulative square footage allowable for all identification signs described below, excluding directional signs, shall be calculated at the rate of three square feet per lineal footage of building frontage.
B.
Identification signs may be illuminated externally by shielded floodlights or with gooseneck lamps; provided, however, that red and green lights shall be set back at least 75 feet from the point of intersection of the street lines at a street corner, and further provided that intermittent or flashing lights shall not be used on or in any sign. Interior illuminated signs and/or moving and/or animated signs shall be prohibited.
C.
A wall identification sign shall be attached to or incorporated in the building wall.
(1)
Such sign shall have:
(a)
A maximum area of two square feet for each horizontal foot of building wall on which it is mounted.
(b)
A maximum width of 75% of the building wall's horizontal measurement.
(c)
A maximum projection of six inches from the face of the building wall to which the sign is attached.
(d)
Illumination by an external source.
(e)
Only the business name, address and telephone number.
(2)
Wall signs should be appropriate to the architectural character of the buildings on which they are placed. Sign panels and graphics should relate with and not cover architectural features, such as the cornice and lintel, and should be in proportion to them.
D.
Projecting signs shall be permitted by the Village, provided the owner of such signs indemnifies the Village for injury to persons or property and insurance is provided to the Village as evidenced by a certificate of insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. The Village reserves the right to remove projecting signs that are not kept in good repair or lacking proper insurance. The following standards for projecting signs shall apply:
(1)
No more than one projecting sign per storefront facing on a street. If a building has frontage on more than one street, one projecting sign is allowed on each street.
(2)
Projecting signs shall not have more than two faces nor exceed nine square feet.
(3)
The exterior edge of a projecting sign shall extend not more than four feet from the building face or 1/2 the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(4)
No part of the projecting sign shall extend into vehicular traffic areas, and any part extending over pedestrian areas shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(5)
Projecting signs shall not extend above the cornice between the second and third floor of a building nor more than 15 feet above ground level if there is no second floor.
(6)
No projecting sign shall be closer than 15 feet to the corner of a building located at a street intersection.
(7)
Projecting signs shall be made of wood, composite or other new material and hung from metal brackets or braces.
(8)
Projecting signs shall be removed within 30 days of a business closing.
F.
Sign directories.
(1)
Freestanding off-premises sign directories owned by the Village shall be authorized by the Village Board.
(2)
Sign directories shall contain identification of and direction to several business enterprises in the Village but shall contain no advertising.
(3)
An administrative fee of $20 per business shall be required of all businesses listed on the sign directories.
G.
Awning signs.
(1)
No sign shall project from an awning.
(2)
Awning graphics may be painted or affixed flat to the surface of the front and shall indicate only the name, address, date established and/or phone number of the enterprise or premises.
(3)
Awning graphics shall be a single line of lettering not exceeding 10 inches in height. Such lettering shall be counted toward the maximum allowable square footage of sign area for the building as described in this § 305-36A.
(4)
Awnings should be designed to complement the architecture of the building and should not mask the architectural features such as the cornice and lintel. Architectural details shall not be removed to install awnings.
(5)
All awnings shall be made of a durable canvas or acrylic fiber.
(6)
The color of awnings must complement the building's facade and details.
(7)
No fluorescent colors shall be permitted.
(8)
Painting over existing awnings shall be prohibited.
(9)
Awnings shall be maintained and cleaned at least annually.
H.
A monument sign may be erected where the building is set back from the street line a distance of 30 feet or more. Such sign shall have:
(1)
A maximum sign area of 30 square feet.
(2)
The top of the monument sign shall not be greater than six feet in height.
(3)
No monument sign shall be located within 10 feet of a street line.
(4)
The ground area surrounding the monument sign shall be landscaped with a vegetative cover and maintained year round.
(5)
Where a monument sign is mounted between two wood columns, at least one foot of clear space between the signboard and ground shall be maintained.
I.
A detached pole identification sign may be erected where the building is set back from the street line a distance of 30 feet or more. Such signs shall have:
(1)
A maximum sign area of 30 square feet.
(2)
A maximum height measured from the ground level of 18 feet.
(3)
At least three feet of clear space between the signboard and the ground, provided that necessary supports may extend through such clear space.
(4)
A setback of at least 15 feet from any property line, except that if the front setback of existing buildings within the same block is less than 10 feet, then the average setback so established shall be applied to such sign.
§ 305-38 Identification signs in industrial and OLI districts.
The following supplemental regulations shall apply to identification signs in industrial districts:
A.
One wall identification sign or one detached monument sign facing each street from which access to the lot is provided, announcing the name of the company and address. Such sign may be wholly or partly devoted to a readily recognized symbol, trademark or logo. Such sign shall have:
B.
One identification sign at each point of access to the lot, with an area of not more than two square feet.
C.
Identification signs may be illuminated externally by shielded floodlights or with gooseneck lamps; provided, however, that red and green lights shall be set back at least 75 feet from the point of intersection of the street lines at a street corner, and further provided that intermittent or flashing lights shall not be used on or in any sign. Interior illuminated signs and/or moving and animated signs shall be prohibited.
§ 305-39 Real estate or construction signs.
A.
Real estate or construction signs shall be set back at least five feet from the property line. Such signs shall have a maximum area of eight square feet, except that subdivision signs shall have a maximum area of 24 square feet and shall not be illuminated.
B.
Temporary directional signs indicating the location of a real estate subdivision shall be permitted as special exception uses under the provisions of § 305-52 for periods of one year during the active selling of subdivision properties. Additional periods of one year shall be the subject of an application to the Planning Board.
§ 305-40 Design guidelines for permanent identification signs in business, mixed use, industrial and OLI districts.
A.
All, regardless of size, signs are subject to review by the Architectural Review Board.
B.
Signs should be designed to be compatible with the surroundings and appropriate to the architectural character of the buildings on which they are placed.
C.
Sign panels and graphics should relate with and not cover architectural features and should be in proportion to them.
D.
Signs should be appropriate to the type of activities they represent.
E.
Layout of signs should be orderly, and graphics should be of simple shape.
F.
Colors should complement the building color scheme.
G.
Exterior illumination should be appropriate to the character of the building and the surroundings of the sign.
H.
Groups of signs on a single building with multiple tenants should express uniformity and create a sense of harmonious appearance.
I.
Illumination shall only be by external methods.
§ 305-41 General regulations.
A.
In no case shall any sign be so located that it constitutes a hazard to vehicular traffic.
B.
The outlining by direct illumination of all or part of a building, such as a gable, roof, wall, side or corner, shall be prohibited.
C.
Temporary or permanent signs resting on or attached to vehicles shall not be used as a means to circumvent the provisions of this chapter.
D.
Sign permit required. Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, alter, or relocate any sign without first filing an application, obtaining the approval of the Architectural Review Board
E.
Application procedure. Application shall be made in writing to the Building Inspector on forms prescribed by the Village and shall contain the following information.
(2)
The location of the building, structure or land on which the sign now exists or is to be erected.
(3)
If a sign is to be erected or changed, an elevation plan drawn to scale should be included. In addition, a full description of the placement and appearance of the proposed sign shall be included and shall cover the following:
(a)
The location on the premises, specifically, its position in relation to adjacent buildings, structures or property lines.
(b)
The method of illumination, if any, and the position of lighting and a copy of the electrical permit related to the electrical connections.
(c)
Graphic design, including symbols, letters, materials and colors.
(d)
The visual message, text, copy or content of the sign.
(4)
Written consent, or a copy of the contract made with the owner of the property permitting the sign to be erected or changed, if the applicant is not the owner.
F.
Permit. Upon the filing of a complete application for a sign permit and the payment of the required fee of $50, the Building Inspector shall examine the plans, specifications and other data submitted and the premises on which the sign is to be erected or now exists. The Building Inspector shall refer the proposed sign to the Architectural Review Board for approval. After approval, the Building Inspector shall, within 15 days thereof, issue a permit for the erection of the proposed sign or for an existing sign. The issuance of a permit shall not excuse the applicant from conforming to the other laws and regulations of the Village, and all signage must be kept in good repair. If the erection of, or changes to, a sign authorized under any such permit has not commenced within six months from the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void, but may be renewed within 30 days prior to the expiration, for good cause shown, for an additional six months, upon payment of 1/2 of the original fee.
G.
Registration. Registration of all existing signs is required within six months following the effective date of this article to establish and document all existing conforming and nonconforming signs. The Building Inspector shall notify all affected property owners within 30 days of the enactment of this article.
H.
Inspection. A record of registered and approved signs shall be kept in the office of the Building Inspector. The Building Inspector shall reinspect approved signs and their brackets every three years for deterioration. The Building Inspector shall have the right to ask for the removal of signage that is not kept in good repair.
I.
Nonconforming signs. In the event a sign lawfully erected prior to the effective date of this article does not conform to the provisions and standards of this article, then such signs, except those granted by a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, shall be brought into compliance or be removed upon subsequent applications for site plan approval, amendment, modification or building permit. A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged or replaced by another nonconforming sign.
J.
Penalty for failure to apply for sign permit. Any person who proceeds to erect, reerect, construct or structurally alter any sign without first applying for and obtaining the necessary permit shall be considered in violation of a section or sections of this chapter pertaining thereto and shall be subject to prosecution according to Article X, § 305-65. Further, such person shall be required, upon receipt of a written notice from the Building Inspector, to file an application for the necessary permit or permits and shall be required to pay the fee of $25.
K.
Temporary signs shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Term. A temporary sign or banner shall be allowed for one thirty-day period per year.
(2)
The owner of the business for which the temporary sign is being erected must file for a sign permit with the Building Inspector's office with the date the sign is to be erected and the responsible contact person for its maintenance and removal.
L.
Exempt signs (require no permits). The following types of signs may be erected and maintained without permits or fees, provided that such signs comply with the general requirements of this article and other conditions specifically imposed by the regulations:
(1)
Sandwich board signs. One sandwich board sign is permitted for each business. Said sign shall not exceed six square feet in area or two feet in width and must be removed at the close of each business day. Sandwich signs shall neither impede pedestrian nor vehicular traffic.
(2)
Historical markers, tablets, statues, memorial signs and plaques, names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze, stainless steel or similar material, and emblems installed by governmental agencies or religious or nonprofit organizations, not exceeding six square feet.
(3)
Flags and insignia of any government except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion. Such flags or insignias shall not exceed 150 square feet per face in area.
(4)
On-premises directional signs for the convenience of the general public identifying public parking areas, fire zones, entrances and exits and similar signs, internally illuminated or nonilluminated, not exceeding four square feet per face and four feet in height. Business names shall not be allowed.
(5)
Nonilluminated "warning," "private drive," "posted" or "no trespassing" signs not exceeding two square feet per face.
(6)
Number and nameplates identifying residents, mounted on a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area.
(7)
Private owner merchandise sale signs for garage sales and auctions, not exceeding four square feet, for a period not exceeding seven days.
(8)
Temporary nonilluminated "for sale," "for rent," real estate signs and signs of similar nature concerning the premises upon which the sign is located in accordance with § 305-39.
(9)
Holiday decorations, including lighting, are exempt from the provisions of this article.
(10)
At gasoline stations, a sign attached on gasoline pumps displaying the price of fuel, not exceeding two square feet.
(11)
Temporary on-premises directional signs for meetings, conventions and other assemblies, not exceeding four square feet.
(12)
One sign, not exceeding 10 square feet, listing the architect, engineer, contractor and/or owner on premises where construction, renovation or repair is in progress.
(13)
On-premises analog clocks which do not exceed 24 square feet in area and are mounted on a pole that does not exceed 20 feet in height. Digital time-and-temperature signs are prohibited.
(14)
Political yard signs and banners.
(15)
Customary "open" or "closed" and "out to lunch" signs not exceeding two square feet in size.
M.
Rear building signage. Signage on the rear of buildings may be permitted in cases where the business has a public entrance through the rear of the building. The following standards shall apply:
N.
Prohibited signs.
(1)
Signs with intermittent or flashing lights.
(2)
Signs painted on the side of a building.
(3)
Off-premises billboards.
(4)
Off-premises signs except those specifically permitted by the Board of Trustees.
(5)
Moving or animated signs.
(6)
Internally illuminated signs or awnings.
(7)
Signs which may obstruct Village security cameras.
(8)
Off premises real estate "for sale" signs.
O.
Special event signs.
[Added 8-13-2013 by L.L. No. 5-2013]
(1)
Signs announcing special events shall be permitted subject to the approval of the Village Board.
(2)
Applications for a special event sign must be submitted to the Village Board no later than 30 days prior to the date requested for the placement of the special event sign. Exceptions to this thirty-day requirement may be granted by the Village Board in the event special circumstances are demonstrated by the applicant for such special event sign.
(3)
Upon receipt of the request for the placement of a special event sign, the same shall be referred to the Village Building Inspector and Village Police Department for comment. Written comment shall be provided by the Village Building Inspector and Village Police Department prior to any action being taken by the Village Board.
(4)
The application shall identify the size, number and location of the proposed special event signs, and the organization proposing to erect said signs shall further provide the name and phone number of the contact person who shall be responsible for the installation and removal of all special event signs after the event is held.
§ 305-41.1 Preexisting nonconforming signs.
A.
Preexisting nonconforming signs are permitted, subject to the requirements of this section.
B.
Maintaining and removing preexisting nonconforming signs. Preexisting nonconforming signs may be maintained. Preexisting nonconforming signs which are altered, relocated or replaced shall comply immediately with all provisions of this bylaw.
C.
Records of preexisting Nonconforming signs. The Building Inspector shall maintain files of preexisting nonconforming signs, as follows:
D.
Documentation of preexisting nonconforming signs.
(1)
Permitted documentation. The documentation referenced in Subsection D shall include photographs, plans, drawings, news clippings, correspondence, affidavits, sworn statements or other materials sufficient to establish, to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector, that such sign existed prior to August 13, 2002, or that a sign permit was issued for such sign.
(2)
Responsibilities of sign owners; compliance date. Any person or entity owning or controlling any preexisting nonconforming sign shall be responsible for providing such documentation to the Building Inspector. All preexisting nonconforming signs must be in compliance with Subsections C and D no later than November 1, 2012. Thereafter, any preexisting nonconforming sign which does not comply with Subsections C and D shall be prohibited and must be removed.
§ 305-41.2 Prohibited signs.
[Added 10-15-2019 by L.L. No. 7-2019]
A.
Signs of any kind, including, but not limited to, all signs that are defined in § 305-3 of the Code of the Village of Walden, are prohibited in the Village-owned parks known and designated as Firemen’s Triangle Park located at Scofield Street and Orchard Street and McKinley Monument Park located at Orange Avenue and East Main Street.
B.
The placement of a sign or signs in violation of this provision shall be punishable by the imposition of a fine in an amount not to exceed $250.