(a)   Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare by providing for the regulation of the use, location and size of signs within the Village. This section is intended to provide for: the protection of property values; to maintain and enhance the Village's natural and man-made environment; to encourage an attractive and healthy economic environment; to minimize the confusion, unsightliness, and self-defeating consequences of the use of an excessive number of signs or signs of excessive size; and, to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations. It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents.

   (b)   Objectives. It is further the purpose of this chapter to achieve the following signage objectives:

      (1)   To promote clarity and effectiveness in sign communications, by encouraging signs of high quality graphic design that are visible, legible and readable in the circumstances in which they are seen; and

      (2)   To ensure among businesses an equitable distribution of the right to identify a place or activity with a visible on-premises sign by preventing signs which block other signs and cause confusing visual clutter.

      (3)   To protect the general public from damage and injury caused by the distractions, hazards and obstructions caused by signs of excessive size or number.

      (4)   To preserve the value of property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.

   (c)   Findings. The purposes and objectives stated above are based on the following findings concerning signs:

      (1)   That businesses and other institutions located along public and private streets have a need to identify themselves and their activities to motorists and pedestrians by means of signs; and

      (2)   That excessive signs, with respect to size and number, create dangerous traffic conditions, intrude on motorist and pedestrian enjoyment of the natural and man-made beauty of the Village, and as such, are detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare of the Village.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   (a)   Official Signs Excluded from Regulations. All signs erected and maintained pursuant to any governmental function and necessary to the public safety and welfare are exempt from regulation under this chapter.

   (b)   ODOT Permits. All signs within 660 feet of the rights-of-way of Route 224 are subject to regulation by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) under the Ohio Revised Code. Zoning permits for signs within 660 feet of the edge of the right-of-way shall not be issued without evidence that a permit has first been issued by ODOT or notice from ODOT that a state permit is not necessary.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   In addition to the general definitions in Section 1240.01, the following definitions apply specifically to this section:

   (a)   SIGN. Any display figure, painting, drawing, banner, flag, placard, pennant, poster or other device intended to be read from a dedicated right-of-way, which is designed, intended or used to convey a message, advertise, inform or direct attention to a person, institution, organization, activity, place, object or product. A sign may be a message painted or placed on, or attached directly or indirectly to a structure, natural object or vehicle. For the purpose of construction and Zoning Regulations, including abandonment and removal of signs, “sign” includes sign structure.

   (b)   Classification by Use. Refer to Section 1280.07.

      (1)   GARAGE SALE SIGN. A sign used by the occupant of a dwelling unit in any Zoning District to advertise a temporary sale of goods belonging to the owner or tenant and conducted on the premises of the dwelling unit.

      (2)   IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign in a Residential Zoning District indicating the name of a building such as a church, school, governmental facility or recreational facility on the lot on which the sign is located.

      (3)   NAMEPLATE. A sign indicating the name, address or profession of a person occupying a lot or part of a building.

      (4)   OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign that is unrelated, either to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, on the premises where such sign is located.

      (5)   POLITICAL SIGN. A sign advocating action on a public issue or recommending a candidate for public office.

      (6)   PROJECT SIGN. A sign which directs attention to the promotion, development and construction of the property on which it is located and which identifies the architects, engineers, contractors and other individuals or firms involved with the construction.

      (7)   REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises or part thereof on which the sign is displayed.

      (8)   SHOPPING CENTER OR BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL OFFICE PARK SIGN. A free-standing sign advertising the name and/or logo of an integrated grouping of retail, personal service or business and professional office park uses. The center includes common architecture, parking areas, access drives and related design features and may include lesser amounts of offices and other kinds of non-retail commercial uses.

      (9)   TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign of any type, announcing special events or sales announcing the sale, lease or rental of property and designed to be used for a limited period of time.

      (10)   TRAFFIC DIRECTION SIGN. A sign used to assist drivers in entering or exiting a property such as “In” or “Enter” signs.

   (c)   Classification by Structural Type.

      (1)   AWNING, CANOPY OR MARQUEE SIGN. A sign that is mounted, painted, or attached to an awning, canopy or marquee.

      (2)   CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign utilizing letters or pictorial panels which are readily changeable, which are not bolted or otherwise fastened to the sign panel, and which can be changed without the use of tools.

      (3)   FREE-STANDING SIGN. Any non-moveable sign which is not attached to a building, fence or similar structure and which is erected on a free-standing frame, mast or pole.

      (4)   GROUND SIGN. A free-standing sign which has its supporting base designed as an integral part of the sign and which rests totally or primarily on the ground.

      (5)   ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign which transmits light, either by means of either exposed tubing or lamps on its surface or internal light transmitted through sign faces.

      (6)   INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign which reflects light from an external source intentionally directed on it.

      (7)   INFLATABLE SIGN. Any display capable of being expanded by air or other gas and used on a temporary or permanent basis to advertise a product or event.

      (8)   PORTABLE SIGN. A sign not permanently attached to the ground or a structure.

      (9)   PROJECTING SIGN. A sign, other than a wall sign, projects and is attached to a structure or building face.

      (10)   ROOF SIGN. A sign which has its principal support on the roof or walls of a building and which has more than one-half of its vertical dimension above the roof peak or above an extension of the building façade.

      (11)   SUSPENDED SIGN. The sign that hangs down from a marquee, awning or porch. Structure would exist without sign.

      (12)   WALL SIGN. A sign painted on or attached to the exterior face of an exterior wall of a building, parallel with the wall and projecting not more than 12 inches therefrom.

      (13)   WINDOW SIGN. A sign that is applied or attached to the interior of a window or located in such a manner that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure through a window.

   (d)   Other Sign Definitions.

      (1)   ABANDONED SIGN. A sign which no longer correctly identifies any person or advertises a bona fide business or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.

      (2)   FLASHING SIGN. A direct or a indirectly illuminated sign that exhibits changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever.

      (3)   ITEM OF INFORMATION. As it pertains to sign graphics means a word, an abbreviation, a number or price, a symbol or logo or a sign with a geometric shape other than a rectangle, square, circle or triangle.

      (4)   NONCONFORMING SIGN. An advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the enactment of this section and any amendment thereto and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this section.

      (5)   SIGN AREA. The entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding but not including the supporting structure.

      (6)   SIGN FACE. The area or display surface used for the message.

      (7)   SIGN STRUCTURE. A structure which supports, has supported, or is capable of supporting a sign.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   The following regulations shall apply to all signs in the Village:

   (a)   No sign shall be erected unless it is in compliance with the regulations of this section and the County Building Code.

   (b)   No sign shall obstruct or interfere with traffic or traffic visibility, or resemble or imitate signs or signals erected by the Village or other governmental agency for the regulation of traffic or parking.

   (c)   No sign, whether free-standing, ground, mounted or attached to a building or other structure, may project over any public street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way, except as expressly permitted in this section.

   (d)   Any sign in excess of 32 square feet, which is permanently mounted, shall bear, in a prominent position, a clearly legible identification plate stating the name and address of the owner of the sign and the person, firm or corporation responsible for its construction and the date of erection.

   (e)   No sign shall be permitted as the principal use on any premises.

   (f)   No sign shall contain any pictures or written language that is indecent or pictures that are not in keeping with community standards.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   The area of a sign shall be determined as follows:

   (a)   Free-standing. The area of a free-standing sign includes all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but does not include any supporting framework, bracing or other structure incidental to the display. When a sign has two identical sides, back-to-back, the area shall be calculated for one side only. When a sign has more than two sides, the total area of all sides of the sign shall not exceed twice the maximum area for a two-sided sign.

   (b)   Wall Signs and Awning Signs. For a wall sign, the sign area is considered to include all lettering, wording, accompanying designs or symbols and background material, but does not include any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to, or painted on, a building surface, awning, canopy, marquee or window, the area shall be considered to be only the rectangular area of the letters or symbols.

   (c)   Maximum Area. For wall signs, the maximum area is based on the horizontal width of the wall on which the sign is attached.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   A sign, as permitted in various Zoning Districts in the Village, and as described in the Schedules 1280.07.A and 1280.07.C, Basic Design and Regulatory Elements, shall be designed, constructed and maintained to conform to the purposes and objectives of this chapter, as well as the following general design criteria:

   (a)   Items of Information. Permanent signs intended for viewing from a street shall not contain more than eight items of information, except as herein provided. Where a sign has more than one side, the maximum number of items shall apply to each side. This provision does not apply to temporary signs or to letters less than three inches in height. The maximum number of items of information is further regulated by Section 1280.12.

   (b)   Flashing Light and Movement. No sign shall have animation, moving parts, flashing lights or changing colors, except part of a sign, which by means of changes in copy or moving parts, indicates time or temperature. Signs may be illuminated by either external or internal sources of light. However, no illuminated sign shall be permitted where any part of such sign flashes on or off or displays changing degrees of intensity. This regulation applies to signs located outside buildings, and to window signs inside buildings which can be observed from the outside.

   (c)   Visibility at Intersections. No temporary or permanent sign over three and three-quarter feet in height shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of an intersection, as measured from the point of intersection of the right-of-way lines.

   (d)   Horizontal Dimensions. Required setbacks from property or right-of-way lines shall be the horizontal distance between the sign structure and the property or right-of-way line. No portion of the sign shall extend across a right-of-way or property line.

   (e)   Number of Signs. Except as otherwise permitted in this section, any activity or group of activities on a unified site may display one free-standing sign, regardless of the number of activities on the site or parcel. A single use on a large parcel may have more than one free- standing sign if the site has frontage on more than one dedicated right-of-way, and if the signs are at least 500 feet apart, measure directly from sign to sign.

   (f)   Compatibility and Continuity. The design and placement of signs should be complementary to and compatible with the architecture of the building or buildings on the site which it is placed, as well as adjacent buildings and sites. Signs should also have a continuity of design, which means the font type, size and color; background sign color; and materials used should be consistent and harmonious to other signs on the site and surrounding sites.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   All signs are subject to Schedules 1280.07.A. and 1280.07.B., Basic Design and Regulatory Elements, which follow:

 

 

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   Shopping center signs shall comply with the following standards:

   (a)   General. A shopping center or business and professional office park shall display only one free- standing shopping center sign, as defined in Section 1280.03(b). If the shopping center has frontage on more than one dedicated right-of-way, one free-standing sign may be placed adjacent to each right-of-way, provided that such sign is at least 500 feet from other shopping center signs in the same shopping center.

   (b)   Contents. A shopping center or business and professional office park sign may include the name and logo for the shopping center and the logo for up to five shopping center tenants, notwithstanding the limitations of Section 1280.06(a). As used in this subsection, logo shall include only the distinctive, commonly recognized company signature, trademark or identifying symbol as used in company advertising, letterheads or other signage. Changeable copy portions of such signs shall be further regulated by Section 1280.10.

   (c)   Directory Signs. In addition to a free standing identification shopping center or business and professional office park sign(s), a shopping center or business and professional office park may display signs listing names of businesses or services in the shopping center or business and professional office park. Such signs shall be adjacent to major entrances to the site, shall be a minimum of 75 feet from a dedicated right-of-way and shall use a maximum letter size of six inches for the directory listings. Such signs shall be located within curbed, landscaped areas and shall be placed to allow drivers to safely pull off the access street to read the directory so as not to interfere with traffic movement on the site and shall be designed and located to be read only from within the site. Such signs shall not exceed six feet in height or 48 square feet in area.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   All wall signs shall comply with the following standards:

   (a)   General. All wall signs are subject to the requirements of Schedules 1280.07.A and 1280.07.B, Basic Design and Regulatory Elements. Wall signs may be attached flat to, or pinned away from, the wall, but shall not project from the wall more than 18 inches, and shall not extend above or beyond the building wall.

   (b)   Multiple Signs. Where an activity or use has frontage on more than one dedicated right-of-way, such activity or use may display one wall sign oriented to each right-of-way. Where a building has multiple tenants or occupants, each tenant may display an individual wall sign. The maximum sign face for each tenant shall be determined by the horizontal width of the space occupied by the tenant.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   Changeable copy boards may be included as an integral part of a permanent freestanding or wall sign, provided that the changeable copy portion does not exceed 50% of the total area of the sign. The items of permanent information as established in Section 1280.06(a) or Section 1280.08(b) shall be modified according to the following schedule:

 

 

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   Temporary signs and temporary special event signs shall comply with the following standards:

   (a)   Temporary signs and temporary special event signs are permitted in Residential Zoning Districts and Commercial Zoning Districts as provided in Schedules 1280.07.A and 1280.07.B, respectively. Such signs shall be subject to all permitting and requirements of this section; the Ohio Building Code, including the National Electrical Code; and shall be located, used and maintained so as not to result in a hazard or nuisance for motorists or adjacent property owners;

   (b)   Temporary signs and temporary special event signs on a given premises shall be permitted for a period of time not to exceed seven consecutive days;

   (c)   Notwithstanding the signs prohibited in Section 1280.12, the following types of signs are permitted as temporary signs or temporary special event signs:

      (1)   Pennants, banners or streamers;

      (2)   A-frame or sandwich board signs;

      (3)   Signs constructed of non-durable material;

      (4)   Any other type of sign that is not expressly prohibited by this section.

   (d)   The above provisions on temporary or special event signs shall also apply to institutional uses, such as schools and churches, located in Residential Districts.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   The following types of signs are prohibited in the Village:

   (a)   Portable signs or trailer signs;

   (b)   Roof signs;

   (c)   Projecting signs that project more than 18 inches from the surface of a building wall;

   (d)   Signs using flashing lights or moving messages other than time or temperature signs which are permitted to use moving messages;

   (e)   Pennants or banners, except for temporary special event signs and for events sponsored by nonprofit organizations;

   (f)   A-frame or sandwich board signs;

   (g)   Signs resembling traffic control devices or signs;

   (h)   Signs on vehicles parked on any premises, which vehicles are utilized for advertising rather than for the regular delivery of goods or services;

   (i)   Abandoned signs;

   (j)   Miscellaneous signs or posters tacked or posted on poles, walls, fences or other structures;

   (k)   Off-premises signs;

   (l)   Signs constructed of non-durable materials such as paper or cloth, except for temporary signs as specifically authorized by this section;

   (m)   Inflatable, lighter than air, or tethered balloon signs;

   (n)   Merchandise, equipment, products or other items that are placed for attention getting, advertising or identification purposes; and

   (o)   Suspended signs.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   (p)   No person shall place, or have placed, any sign in, over, or across any public right-of-way, or, in, over or upon public property, except for traffic control or other official public notice placed by a public official or employee in lawful performance of their duty. Any sign placed in violation of this section is subject to immediate removal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for special, public events organized by the Village of Westfield Center for general public participation within the jurisdiction of the Village, and which are held within 90 days before a primary, special or general election, the Village will designate an area in which campaign/issue signs may be posted by candidates, supporters or opponents of candidates or issues, or the general public, in a manner which clearly indicates that there is no endorsement of the candidate/issue by the Village or any entity thereof.

   The following signs do not require zoning permits from the Village under this section, but shall meet all other applicable requirements of this section:

   (a)   Nameplates and house numbers;

   (b)   Traffic direction signs;

   (c)   Flags of a nation or political subdivision and flags of similar size, shape and symbolic meaning;

   (d)   Public regulatory and safety signs;

   (e)   Holiday decorations;

   (f)   “No trespassing” or similar signs;

   (g)   Real estate or real estate open house signs; and

   (h)   Political and campaign signs.

   (i)   Special event signs in residential areas.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   (a)   Zoning Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided in this Zoning Code, no person shall erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert a sign in the Village without first obtaining a zoning permit for such sign from the Zoning Inspector. A fee, as established by the Village Council, shall accompany an application for such zoning permit.

   (b)   Zoning Permit Exceptions. The actions in subsections (b)(1) through (3) below do not require a zoning permit for an existing conforming sign. Requirements for changes to non-conforming signs are set forth in Section 1280.14 .

      (1)   Changing of the advertising copy or message on an existing changeable copy sign or a similar approved sign, whether illuminated or non-illuminated;

      (2)   Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes; and

      (3)   Any other operation which does not modify the sign or sign structure for any existing conforming sign.

   (c)   Planning Commission Review. The Planning Commission shall review, as part of a Site Plan Review, all signs proposed for the site.

   (d)   Maintenance. Every sign in the Village, including signs for which a zoning permit is not required, shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. The Zoning Inspector shall inspect and have the authority to order the repair, alteration or removal of signs which become dilapidated.

   (e)   Dangerous Signs. The Village may declare a sign unlawful and order its removal if it endangers public safety by reasons of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment. Any such declaration shall state the reasons of the Village for stating that the sign constitutes a safety hazard to the general public.

   (f)   Removal by the Village. In emergency cases, the Village may instigate the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice. The cost of removal of the sign by the Village shall be considered a debt owed to the Village by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property and may be recovered in an appropriate court action by the Village or by assessment against the property. The cost of removal shall include any incidental expense incurred by the Village in connection with the sign removal.

   (g)   Abandoned Signs. Except as otherwise provided in this Zoning Ordinance, a sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of two months or more, or a sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned and must be removed. All abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be removed by the owners of the signs or the owners of the premises at such owner's expense.

   (h)   Building Code Review. All signs shall be subject to the applicable requirements of the Ohio Building Code. In case of a conflict between any provision of this section and a provision of such Code, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.

   (i)   Violations. In case any sign is erected or maintained in violation of this section, the Zoning Inspector shall notify, in writing, the owner or lessee of the property on which said sign is located to alter the sign so as to comply with this Code. Failure to comply with the written order of the Zoning Inspector shall be punishable as stated in Section 1260.15.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)