This chapter is intended to regulate the size, number, location and manner of display of signs in Watson Township consistent with the following purposes.

1. To protect and further the health, safety and welfare of residents, property owners and visitors.
2. To prevent traffic hazards and pedestrian accidents caused by signs which obstruct vision, distract, or confuse drivers, or are improperly secured or constructed.
3. To conserve and enhance community character.
4. To promote uniformity in the size, number or placement of signs within districts.
5. To promote the economic viability of commercial areas by minimizing visual clutter, and allowing for proper placement of signs to safely direct motorists to their destination.
6. To balance the public's right to be informed and its desire to avoid visual pollution and hazardous conditions with the communication rights of businesses and other non-business uses
7. To recognize that special circumstances or events may create a need for temporary signage for a limited and reasonable period of time.
8. The purpose of this Article does not include the regulation of the content or any information included on the sign.

Signs which contain non-commercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs. The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this Article may substitute non-commercial language in lieu of any other commercial or non-commercial language. This substitution may be made without any approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent an inadvertent favoring of commercial speech, over non-commercial speech, or favoring any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message.

1. "Billboard." A structure larger than signs permitted in Section 1612, 1613 and 1614, designed for the display of content alongside highways and freeways. V-type billboard structures having only one face visible to traffic proceeding from any given direction on a street or highway shall be considered as one billboard. Additionally, billboard structures having tandem billboard faces (i.e. two parallel billboard faces facing the same direction with one face being directly above the other) shall be considered as one billboard. Otherwise, billboard structures having more than one billboard face shall be considered as two billboards and shall be prohibited in accordance with the minimum spacing requirement set forth in subsection 1608 B.
2. "Commercial Establishment." A business operating independent of any other business located in a freestanding building; in a strip mall, a business completely separated from other businesses by walls from the ground up and with a door which may regularly be used by the public for exclusive ingress and egress to that business; in an enclosed structure with a shared climate controlled area, a business completely separated from other businesses by walls from the ground up and with a door or entrance which may regularly be used by the public for exclusive ingress and egress to that business and which may be closed to the public even while the common area is open to the public; and in an office building, a business holding itself out to the public as a single entity, independent of other businesses or persons.
3. "Directional Sign." A directional sign used primarily to give information about the location of either the driver of motorized vehicles or possible destinations. Although this is a content-based distinction, these signs are important to prevent public confusion and facilitate collision-free flow of traffic.
4. "Electronic Reader Board/Digital Display Sign." A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, digital, pictorial, or text information in which alphanumeric characters, graphics, or symbols are defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LED's), fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices within the display area. Such signs can include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic displays, and video display signs.
5. "Festoons." A chain or garland of flowers, leaves, or ribbons, hung in a curve as a decoration.
6. "Freestanding Sign." A sign installed independently upon its own base, foundation, posts, or poles. Types of freestanding signs include but are not limited to ground signs and pole signs.
7. "Government Sign." A sign erected, permitted by, or required to be erected by a government agency.
8. "Ground Sign." A freestanding sign supported by a base or foundation which rests directly on the ground. The width of the base shall be at least 50% of the width of the sign in order to be a ground sign.
9. "Identification Sign." A sign intended to communicate information about services and facilities. Although this is a content-based distinction, these signs are important to prevent public confusion and facilitate collision-free flow of traffic.
10. "Illuminated Sign." A sign that provides artificial light directly (or through any transparent or translucent material) from a source of light connected with the sign, or a sign illuminated by a light shielded so that no direct rays from it are visible from any public right-of-way from the abutting property.
11. "Inflatable Sign." Any three-dimensional object, including a tethered balloon, capable of being filled with air or gas depicting a container, figure, product, or product trademark, whether or not such object contains a message or lettering.
12. "Mansard." A sloped roof or roof-like façade architecturally comparable to a building wall.
13. "Mansard Sign." A sign that is mounted, painted on, or attached to a mansard.
14. "Manual Sign." A sign on which the letters or pictorials are changed by hand.
15. "Mural." A design or representation painted or drawn on a wall.
16. "Pennant." A flag or cloth that tapers to a point.
17. "Permanent Sign." A sign installed on a support Structure, not intended to be moved or removed, but to remain for an indefinite period of time.
18. "Pole Sign." A freestanding sign which is supported by a structure, poles, or braces which are less than fifty (50) percent of the width of the sign.
19. "Projecting Sign." A display sign which is attached directly to the building wall that extends more than 15 inches from the face of the wall and projects in such a way that the message is not parallel to the wall to which it is attached.
20. "Roof Line." The top of a roof or parapet wall, whichever is higher, but excluding any cupolas, chimneys, or other minor projections.
21. "Roof Sign." A sign erected above the roof line of a building.
22. "Rotating Sign." A sign in which the sign itself or any portion of the sign moves in a revolving or similar manner. Such motion does not refer to methods of changeable copy.
23. "Sidewalk Sign." An A-frame sign which is portable and designed to be placed on the sidewalk in front of the use it advertises. This may also be called a "Sandwich Board Sign".
24. "Sign." A device, structure, fixture, or placard that is intended for purposes of attracting attention.
25. "Streamers." A long narrow strip of material used as a decoration or symbol.
26. "Temporary Sign." A sign not permanently attached to the ground, a structure, or a building. Temporary signs may include banners, portable signs, and any other signs displayed for a limited period of time.
27. "Traffic Warning Signs." A sign that indicates a hazard ahead on a road that may not be readily apparent to a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Although this is a content-based distinction, these signs are important to prevent public confusion and facilitate collision-free flow of traffic.
28. "Video Sign." A sign which displays moving images as on a television screen.
29. "Wall Sign." A sign painted or attached directly to and parallel to the exterior wall of a building extending no greater than 1 inches from the exterior face to which it is attached.
30. "Window Sign." A sign installed inside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.

A sign not expressly permitted by this Section is prohibited. Specifically, the following types of signs are expressly prohibited.

1. Any sign, including window signs, which have flashing, moving, oscillating, scrolling or blinking lights This prohibition excludes electronic reader boards and digital display signs, which are permitted.
2. Roof Signs
3. Pennants, streamers, and festoons
4. Rotating signs
5. Searchlights, laser lights, strobe lights, and lights of a similar nature.
6. Signs which are spray painted, unpainted plywood, particle board or in general disrepair.
7. Signs maintained by or for services, businesses, attractions, activities, lessors, owners that are no longer in operation shall not be permitted A sign that remains after the operation ceases shall be considered abandoned and the sign face shall be removed or replaced with a blank face within 60 days after written notification from the Township to the sign owner, the property owner where the sign is located, or any other party having control over the sign.
8. A sign using the words "stop," "danger," or other words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse a vehicle driver. Although this is a content-based distinction, these signs must be prohibited to prevent public confusion, risks to safety, and traffic collisions.
9. Any sign placed within the right-of-way or alley, except as expressly permitted by the Allegan County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, or the Watson Township Board.

The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section. However, Section 16.06 and 16.09 shall apply to all signs, including those listed below.

1. Signs which are 1.5 square feet or less in area. No more than one such sign shall be allowed for every 10 lineal feet of road frontage per parcel. Signs located within the required front yard shall be at least 10 feet apart.
2. Directional, identification, traffic warning, or government signs, provided the size of each sign does not exceed four square feet and three feet in height and each sign is located at least five feet from any lot line.
3. Flags of any nation, state, city, township, government, government authorized agency, or educational institution.

1. All permanent signs require a building permit. All signs using electrical power require an electrical permit.
2. All signs including signs which do not require a permit are subject to the requirements of Sections 16.06 and 16.09 and all other applicable requirements of this Ordinance.
3. All signs including supports and structural members shall be properly maintained as originally approved and shall not be allowed to become unsightly or a safety hazard through disrepair or as a result of the weather.
4. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. The source of the light shall be fully shielded and directed to prevent the source of light from shining directly at traffic or onto adjacent property.
5. A light pole, utility pole, or other support structure not specifically designed as sign support structure shall not be used for the placement of any sign unless specifically approved for such use.
6. A sign shall not interfere with or obstruct the view of drivers or those on foot or bicycle, or create any type of safety hazard or distraction to vehicle drivers.
7. A sign shall not by reason of its position, shape, color or other characteristic, interfere with, obstruct or be confused with an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or constitute a nuisance per se.
8. A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall to which it is affixed or extend above the roof line of a building.
9. A sign and its supporting mechanism shall not extend beyond the lot lines of the property on which it is located.
10. A window sign may consist of illuminated letters including neon lights.
11. Foundation and/or ground signs must not exceed six (6) feet in height as measured from the surrounding grade upon which it is placed.
12. Elevated freestanding signs (such as pole and pylon signs) requirements:
    1. The sign must have minimum clearance height of eight (8) feet.
    2. The sign shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
    3. Front Setbacks. Freestanding signs must be set back the greater distance of:
       1. The minimum height of the sign to any travel lane of a public or private road, or,
       2. five (5) feet from the road right-of-way.
    4. Freestanding signs must be set back a minimum of sign height from side and rear property lines.

1. An electronic reader board shall not consist of more than 75% of the allowable sign area except for signs which are 32 square feet or less in area.
2. The dwell time, defined as the interval of change between each individual messages, shall be at least six seconds and a change of message must be accomplished within one second or less. The dwell time shall not include the one second or less to change the message.
3. An electronic reader board shall not have any flashing, blinking, scrolling, alternating, sequentially lighted, animated, rolling, shimmering, sparkling, bursting, dissolving, twinkling, fade-in/fade-out, oscillating, moving text or images, or simulated movement of text or images.
4. An electronic reader board shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 6,500 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 325 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn as measured at the sign's face at maximum brightness. However, even if the sign complies with the illumination requirements above, the sign shall not be of such intensity or brilliance as to impair the vision of or be a distraction to a motor vehicle driver with average eyesight or to otherwise interfere with the driver's operation of a motor vehicle; or be of such intensity or brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
5. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit for an electronic reader board, the applicant shall provide to the Township Zoning Administrator certification from the manufacturer of the sign that the illumination settings for the sign comply with the maximum illumination requirements of this Section.
6. An electronic reader board shall be equipped with a brightness control sensor that allows for the brightness to be adjusted either manually or automatically.
7. An electronic reader board sign shall not have a white background in order to reduce glare.
8. An electronic reader board is allowed as a window sign and shall comply with the requirements for electronic reader boards as set forth in this Article. Any flashing or strobe type lights within a building or structure which are visible from the exterior of the building or structure are prohibited.
9. Electronic reader boards legally in existence upon the effective date of this Section shall be required to comply with the illumination requirements of this Section and the requirements of Section 16.04 regarding flashing, movement, scrolling and other methods of message display within 60 days from the effective date of this Section.
10. Any premises or parcel on which a changeable message sign is located may also display a temporary sign in accordance with the requirements of this Section.

Billboards may be established upon parcels with frontage upon US131 and M222, subject to the following conditions:

1. Separation Distance. Not more than three billboards may be located per linear mile of highway regardless of the fact that such billboards may be located on different sides of the highway. The linear mile measurement shall not be limited to the boundaries of the Township of Watson where the particular highway extends beyond structures (i.e. structures having back to back billboard faces).
2. No billboard shall be located within on thousand (1,000) feet of another billboard abutting either side of the same highway.
3. Location. Billboards shall be located Subject to the requirements of Section 16.06. L herein.
4. No billboard shall be on top of, cantilevered or otherwise suspended above the roof of any building.
5. A billboard must be constructed in such a fashion that it will withstand all wind and vibration forces which can normally be expected to occur in the vicinity. A billboard must be maintained so as to assure proper alignment of structure, continued structural soundness, and continued readability of message.
6. A billboard established as defined in the "Highway Advertising Act of 1972" (1972 PA 106, as amended) bordering interstate highways, or freeways as defined in said Act shall, in addition to complying with the above conditions, also comply with all applicable provisions of said Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as such may be from time to tie amended.
7. Illuminated Billboards.
   1. A billboard may be illuminated, provided such illumination is concentrated on the surface of the sign and is so located as to avoid glare or reflection on to any portion of adjacent street or highway, the path of oncoming vehicles, or any adjacent premises. In no event shall any billboard have flashing or intermittent lights, nor shall the lights be permitted to rotate or oscillate.
   2. No illuminated billboard shall be located within three hundred (300) feet of an existing residence.
8. Billboards along US131.
   1. The surface display of any side of a billboard along US131 may not exceed 672 square feet. In the case of billboard structures with tandem or stacked billboard faces, the combined surface display area of both faces may not exceed 672 square feet.
   2. The height of a billboard shall not exceed thirty (30) feet above:
      1. The grade of the ground on which the billboard sits, or
      2. The grade of the abutting roadway, whichever is higher.
9. Billboards along M-222.
   1. The surface display area of a billboard shall not exceed 72 square feet In the case of a billboard structure with tandem or stacked billboard faces the combined surface area of both faces may not exceed 72 square feet.
   2. Height Requirements.
      1. The billboard must have minimum clearance height of eight (8) feet.
      2. The billboard shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.

1. The area of a sign is the entire area within a circle, triangle, or parallelogram 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 or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed, excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign is placed. Where a sign has two or more faces, the combined area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where two faces are placed back-to-back and are at no point more than two feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face.
2. The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign to the grade of the adjacent street or the average grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign, whichever is less.

1. Continuance. A non-conforming sign may be continued, and shall be maintained in good condition. A non-conforming sign may receive normal maintenance and its message may be changed, but shall not be:
   1. Replaced by another sign, except one that conforms to the provisions of the Section.
   2. Structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign.
   3. Expanded or relocated.
   4. Re-established after damage or destruction, if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50% of the estimated replacement cost.
2. Removal. A non-conforming sign shall be removed:
   1. If it has been abandoned.
   2. In connection with the redevelopment of the property or expansion of the existing use or building by 25% or more.
   3. If required by the Planning Commission in connection with approval of a Special Land Use Permit for the property.

1. A temporary sign may be installed concurrent with the event and removed upon the end of the event.
2. Signs shall be anchored in a safe and secure manner. The anchoring of signs by tying or attaching weighted objects (such as cinder blocks or tires) is prohibited.
3. The sign shall be located no closer than five feet from the edge of any road or street right-of-way or public or private sidewalk.
4. A sign shall not be displayed if it is torn, bent, faded, not upright, unreadable, or otherwise in disrepair.
5. Temporary signs held by a person shall not be displayed in the road right-of-way and shall not hamper the visibility of a driver on or off the site.
6. An electronic reader board/digital display sign may serve as a temporary sign and shall comply with the requirements of Section 16.07.

1. One Permanent Freestanding or Wall sign per parcel subject to the following conditions:
   1. Freestanding sign maximum sizes:
      1. On parcels over five (5) acres in size: thirty-two square feet
      2. On parcels two (2) or more acres but less than five (5) acres in size: sixteen (16) square feet
      3. On parcels less than two (2) acres in size: eight (8) square feet
   2. Wall Sign maximum sizes shall be the lesser of:
      1. Fifteen (15) percent of the front face of the building or the face of the building or the face of the building upon which it is installed, whichever is smaller or
      2. The maximum permitted size of a freestanding sign as regulated in item 16.12, A above.
2. On non-residential parcels, one additional freestanding or wall sign may be permitted by Special Use with the maximum size to be determined by the planning commission based upon the Special Use criteria in Section 15.02 of the Watson Township Zoning Ordinance.
3. Temporary signs are permitted as follows:
   1. Temporary Signs are permitted, provided that the square footage of a single sign or the total square footage of all temporary signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.
   2. Temporary signs shall comply with the requirements of Section 16.11.
4. Additional Signs. One or two permanent ground signs may be provided at each entrance to a subdivision, condominium or mobile home park. The area of one sign shall not exceed 32 square feet and the total area of two signs shall not exceed 48 square feet. The sign must be setback at least 25 feet from the right-of-way line of any street. No sign shall exceed six feet in height.
5. Billboards, in compliance with Section 16.08.

1. One permanent freestanding or wall sign per parcel in accordance with Section 16.06, subject to the following conditions:
   1. Freestanding signs shall be no larger than six (6) square feet.
   2. Wall sign maximum sizes shall be the lesser of fifteen (15) percent of the front face of the building or the face of the building upon which it is installed, but shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
2. On non-residential parcels, one additional freestanding or wall sign may be permitted by Special Use with the maximum size to be determined by the planning commission based upon the Special Use criteria in Section 15.03.
3. Temporary signs are permitted as follows:
   1. Temporary Signs are permitted, provided that the square footage of all temporary signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
   2. Temporary signs shall comply with the requirements of Section 16.11.
4. Additional Signs. One or two permanent ground signs may be provided at each entrance to a subdivision, condominium or mobile home park. The area of one sign shall not exceed 32 square feet and the total area of two signs shall not exceed 48 square feet. The sign must be setback at least 25 feet from the right-of-way line of any street. No sign shall exceed six feet in height.
5. Billboards, in compliance with Section 16.08.

1. One permanent freestanding sign in accordance with Section 16.06 as follows:
   1. A pole or other elevated sign of not more than 100 square feet in area; or
   2. A ground or other foundation sign of not more than 60 square feet in area.
2. Upon properties with more than 400 feet of road frontage, one additional sign meeting the above criteria may be granted under the following conditions:
   1. Freestanding signs upon the same parcel must be separated by a minimum distance of two hundred (200) feet.
   2. Both signs must be a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the side lot lines.
   3. The total combined area of both signs shall not exceed 1.5 times the permitted area of a single sign, (Example- 1 pole sign of 100 square feet and one ground sign of 25 square feet are permissible. 1 pole sign of 50 square feet and one ground sign of 50 square feet are also permissible. 1 pole sign of 100 square feet and one ground sign of 50 square feet are not permissible).
3. Wall Signs. Each commercial establishment shall be permitted a single wall sign on each wall that fronts on a public or private street as follows:
   1. The maximum sign area permitted is fifteen (15) percent of the front face of the building or the face of the building upon which it is installed, whichever is smaller.
   2. All signs shall be placed flat against the building and shall not project beyond a wall or architectural feature by more than one foot No wall sign shall project above or beyond the roof or parapet to which it is attached.
   3. A wall sign may be illuminated.
4. Temporary signs are permitted as follows:
   1. Temporary signs are permitted provided that the total square footage of all temporary signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area and eight feet in height.
   2. Temporary signs shall comply with the requirements of Section 16.11.
5. Billboards, in compliance with Section 16.08