5.1

General provisions.

5.11

Permit required. Except as otherwise specifically authorized, no Sign shall be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or structurally altered within Sawyer County until a permit has been issued by the Sawyer County Zoning Administrator. No permit shall be issued for a Sign not in conformity with the size, type, number, location, and use regulations affecting each zone district. Approval must be obtained by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for any Sign that is to be located on a State highway.

5.12

Exceptions. A permit shall not be required for the following classes of Signs:

1)

Class A Signs. Official traffic control Signs and informational or directional notice erected by federal, State, or local units of government.

2)

Class B Signs. On-premises real estate Signs, residential identification, warning, and similar Signs not greater than four square feet in area.

5.13

Prohibited characteristics of Signs.

1)

No Sign shall resemble, imitate, or approximate the shape, size, form, or color of railroad or traffic Signs, signals or devices, except required Signs on multiple use trails.

2)

No Sign shall be so located as to interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of any official traffic Sign or signal, or with driver vision at any access point or intersection.

3)

No Sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape and no Sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

4)

No Sign shall contain any rotating or moving parts, or be illuminated by flashing lights.

5)

No Sign shall exceed the maximum height limitation of the district in which it is located.

6)

No Sign shall be located on a Lot so to reduce the required dimensional setback and Side Yard requirements of the district in which it is located.

5.2

Classification of Signs requiring a permit.

5.21

Class C Signs. On-premises Signs which advertise a business activity or service performed on the property.

1)

Type 1. Signs advertising a permitted Home Occupation or professional office. Such Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area, and no more than one such Sign for each highway upon which the property faces shall be permitted.

2)

Type 2. Signs or bulletin boards for public, charitable, or religious institutions. Such Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area, and no more than one such Sign for each highway upon which the property faces shall be permitted. Such Signs may be placed at the right-of-way line of the highway.

3)

Type 3. Signs advertising a business activity or a service available in a commercial or industrial area. Such Signs shall not exceed 80 square feet in area when nonlighted, and if illuminated, shall not exceed 40 square feet in area. Not more than one such Sign for each story may project more than six feet beyond a Building when attached thereto or be higher than four feet above the top of the roof line. Free standing Signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the ground. (Amended July 20, 1995)

4)

Type 4. Signs advertising the sale of farm products that are produced on the premises. Such Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, and no more than three non-lighted Signs advertising produce may be erected within 100 feet of the stand.

5)

Type 5. Signs advertising a Resort or recreational business activity or product available. Such Signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and no more than one such Sign for each highway upon which the property faces shall be permitted. Free standing Signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height from the ground.

5.22

Class D Signs. Signs or billboards which advertise a general brand of product, an area of interest, a business activity, or a service available which is not in direct relation to the Use of the premises on which it is located. Such Signs shall not exceed 300 square feet in area. Free standing Signs shall be erected outside a line parallel to and 50 feet from the right-of-way line of the highway and shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the ground or be located within 300 feet of an existing residence. Such Signs shall only be visible from a U.S. or State trunk highway. Signs shall be located a minimum of 300 feet apart along the highway.

5.23

Class E Signs. Off-premises directory Signs in the specific interest of the traveling public which advertise a business activity, an area of interest, or a service available.

1)

Type 1. Recreational directory Signs indicating the direction to a cottage, Resort, residence, or similar Use. Such Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area. When a common posting is provided, all such Signs shall be attached thereto. Recreational directory Signs may be placed at the right-of-way line of the highway provided they are not within 300 feet of an existing residence. Information on such Signs may be of reflective material. Such Signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the ground and shall be located a minimum of 300 feet apart along the highway.

2)

Type 2. Signs advertising a business or activity conducted, area of interest, or service available. Such Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area, and no more than two such Signs relating to any one Use shall be permitted in the approaching direction along any one highway. A larger number of Signs and a greater distance from the premises may be permitted by the Zoning Committee by a Conditional Use permit finding it necessary for directing the traveling public. Signs shall not be within 300 feet of an existing residence; shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the ground; and shall be located a minimum of 300 feet apart along the highway.

5.3

Class and type of Signs permitted in various zone districts.

5.4

Nonconformance. Signs lawfully existing before the date of enactment of this ordinance may be continued although the Use, size, or location does not conform with the provisions of this ordinance. However, permits shall be obtained for all Signs erected before such date, and such Signs shall be deemed a Nonconforming Use or Structure; and the provisions of Section 10.0 shall apply.