• The purpose of this [article] is to establish standards and limitations for the fabrication, erection, use and maintenance of signs, symbols, markings, and advertising devices within the city.

• This [article] applies to signs which are intended to be viewed from a public right-of-way such as highways and streets, and to signs which are intended to be viewed from outdoor areas of public and private property used for public pedestrian purposes or vehicular access to such property.

• This [article] does not regulate the use of materials such as noncommercial holiday signs and decorations, signs on products, product containers or dispensers, public information and safety signs, any signs required by local, state or federal law, or building design exclusive of any commercial message.

• This [article] does not regulate signs belonging to government entities.

Signs shall not be erected until the person erecting the sign or the property owner has obtained a sign permit from the Planning and Building Department (unless that sign type is specifically exempted in this ordinance). The sign permit shall be available for review at the site of the sign until erection is complete.

6.3.1.

General design standards.

A.

All signs, regardless of whether a permit is required, shall comply with all the pertinent requirements of this ordinance and any building code or other construction codes adopted and in effect in the city.

B.

All permanent signs shall be professionally lettered and constructed of materials complementary to the buildings where the sign is located. Sign materials shall be of durable high quality materials generally recognized as adequate for sign construction. Plywood, cardboard, tin, etc., are not acceptable materials.

C.

Signs shall not be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, fire hydrant, required exit, window, door or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress, or so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

D.

All signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and non-interference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity or communications equipment or lines, and shall not interfere with existing drainage.

E.

No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to interfere with any existing warning or instructional sign.

F.

Electrical signs shall comply with the electrical code adopted by the city. In particular, extension cords shall not be used except in accordance with said code. Clearance from all electrical power lines shall be in accordance with the requirements of the power company.

G.

Signs shall not impair the visibility of motorists or pedestrians.

H.

No sign shall be placed within, or project over, the right-of-way of any street.

I.

The light from an illuminated sign shall not be objectionable to surrounding areas and shall not cause unnecessary glare to be directed toward traffic lanes.

J.

An attached sign shall be no higher than the highest point of the building's roof line.

K.

For the purposes of determining compliance with these regulations, the height of a sign is the highest point on the sign or sign structure. The area of a sign is the square footage available for lettering. Posts, pillars, molding, raised borders, etc., are not considered part of the sign area.

6.3.2.

Specific sign design standards.

No sign shall be erected in the City of Wiggins unless it is in compliance with the design standards shown in Table 6-3 or has been exempted by a variance. In the case of conflicts between Table 6-3 and any other portion of this ordinance, the provisions of Table 6-3 shall govern.

TABLE 6-3 SIGN DESIGN STANDARDS

(A) Only one sign allowed per property in these districts (i.e., two signs not permitted even if different types).

(B) Does not include signs on the opposite side of the street.

(C) Special provisions for properties adjacent to four-lane highways may apply.

(D) Signs over 160 square feet require approval of the LCA and the Planning Commission.

P - Permitted.

C - Requires Conditional Permitted Use Permit and Site Plan for each billboard.

Blank Space - NOT Permitted.

H-1 is a proposed new historic district making up the 100 and 200 blocks of Pine Ave. East and the 100 block of First Street South.

6.3.3.

Special conditions.

A.

Sign Spacing - The Land Code Administrator may grant an exception for a ground sign to be located less than 100 feet but more than 50 feet from another ground sign upon finding that a proposed sign cannot physically meet this requirement solely due to the location of existing signs. No such exception shall be granted when the existing sign is located on the same lot as the proposed sign. In this case, a directory sign is recommended.

B.

Off-Premises Signs - Any commercial sign not located on the premises for which it advertises, otherwise known as off-premises signs, shall require a conditional permitted use permit. It is the intent of this ordinance to limit off-premises signs to a few locations where off-premises directory signs are applicable. Individual off-premises signs are not intended.

C.

Multiple Face Signs - For signs with three or more faces, the maximum size of the largest face shall not exceed 75% of the maximum size as specified in Table 6-3.

D.

Signs Adjoining Four Lane Highways - Signs placed on properties that adjoin a four (or more) lane highway (or that adjoin a frontage road and have no commercial property between the property and the four-lane highway) may be granted a special allowance for size and height by the Land Code Administrator. An allowance up to twice the amount shown in Table 6-3 may be granted if the owner can demonstrate that the increase is needed and that the dimensions are consistent with the area the sign is located in.

6.4.1.

Banners.

A.

Professionally lettered banners attached to permanent structures may be displayed for 45 days (without a permit) provided they otherwise meet this ordinance. Banners containing hand done lettering or attached to posts, stakes or other temporary structures may be displayed for one week (permit not required). Professionally lettered banners attached to permanent structures for display over 45 days require a permit and shall be considered a wall or ground sign.

B.

Banners shall be secured to prevent flapping and becoming airborne or shall be taken down during inclement weather.

C.

Banners must be removed if torn, tattered, and faded, or if the message is no longer in date.

6.4.2.

Sandwich boards.

A.

Sandwich boards shall not exceed 16 square feet per side and must pass through a 3' x 6'8" door.

B.

Sandwich boards must have the header/title professionally lettered.

C.

Sandwich boards must be taken indoors outside of business hours and during inclement weather.

D.

Sandwich boards do not require a permit but shall be maintained as described below under [Section 6.7,] "Maintenance Requirements and Abandoned Signs"

The following types of signs are allowed in addition to the signs permitted above. Miscellaneous signs do not require a permit but are otherwise subject to the requirements of this ordinance.

A.

Directional and Instructional Signs - Signs which provide directions and instructions for the general public, including entrance and exit signs, provided such signs do not exceed 8 square feet in size or 5 feet in height.

B.

Menu Signs - Signs at drive-through windows of restaurants or other food service establishments, provided that such signs shall not exceed 60 square feet in size and shall not be located in a required setback or buffer.

C.

Name and Address Signs - Name and address signs not exceeding 2 square feet in size.

D.

Interior Signs - Signs completely within the premises of a building, provided such signs are not attached to or painted on any windows or exterior doors of the structure.

E.

Incidental Signs - Signs such as credit card, rest room, public telephone and other such signs displayed primarily for the convenience or information of the general public, provided such signs are securely attached to a building or other permanent structure and do not exceed 2 square feet in size.

F.

Public Notice Bulletin Boards - Signs and bulletin boards that provide general information to the public concerning affairs of general interest to the community as a whole, provided such signs do not exceed 32 square feet in size.

G.

No Trespassing/Dumping Signs - Signs posting private property against trespassing or dumping, or for other lawful reasons, provided such signs shall not exceed 8 square feet in size.

H.

Real Estate Signs - Real estate signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in size or 5 feet in height in residential zones and shall not exceed 75 square feet in size or 15 feet in height in all other zones. All real estate signs shall be removed within 7 days after the closing of the sale, lease or rental of premises, or as determined by the Land Code Administrator for multiple lease or tenants spaces in a single project.

I.

Yard Sale Signs - Signs advertising yard sales shall not exceed 8 square feet in size or 4 feet in height. Such signs shall be placed not more than one day in advance of the sale and shall be removed within one day of the completion of the sale.

J.

Public and Semi-Public Signs - Signs advertising public and semi-public affairs such as civic, school, church and similar affairs and events are allowable provided they do not exceed 20 square feet in size or 10 feet in height. Such signs shall not be erected more than two weeks in advance of such event, and shall be removed within one week after such event. Not more than one such sign shall be approved per parcel of land.

K.

Street Banners - Street banners extending above and across streets are allowable for official, civic, or philanthropic parades, festivals or events. Such signs shall not be erected more than two weeks in advance of such event, and shall be removed within one week after such event.

L.

Political Signs - Signs advertising political candidates, referenda or similar issues shall not be placed or erected more than six months in advance of any election, referenda or similar issue and shall be removed within seven days after the election. Political signs over 32 square feet in size require a permit.

M.

Project Signs - Signs required for government projects and the posting of government required notices are allowed up to 32 square feet or as required in the project plans.

A.

A uniform sign plan is required for all Multi-Tenant commercial centers, including any out-parcels at the time of site plan approval. All owners, tenants, subtenants, and purchasers of individual units within the development shall comply with the approved uniform sign plan.

B.

The uniform sign plan shall govern all signs within the shopping center or development with regard to: location, materials, size, letter style, and color. The uniform sign plan shall include drawings, specifications, dimensions, and maps showing the proposed locations of signs and how such locations conform to the requirements of this section.

C.

The uniform sign plan shall be subject to approval by the Planning and Building Department. For shopping centers and other multi-occupant developments, the uniform sign plan must be submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to the issuance of the first sign permit for the development, including any individual establishments therein or out-parcels connected thereto.

D.

A uniform sign plan for the shopping center or development shall not be approved until and unless the Planning and Building Department finds that:

i.

The plan provides that signs of a similar type and function within the development will have a consistent size, lettering style, color scheme and material construction;

ii.

The plan provides for signs which meet the size limitations, location requirements, and other applicable requirements of this section.

E.

Additional allowance for sign size is granted to developments with a uniform sign plan as follows:

i.

Ground signs advertising two (2) businesses may be up to 140% of the allowable size and five (5) feet higher than otherwise allowed.

ii.

Ground signs advertising three or more businesses may be up to 175% of the allowable size and ten (10) feet higher than otherwise allowed.

F.

Existing Multi-Tenant commercial centers are encouraged to submit a uniform sign plan and shall be allowed the additional size and height specified above.

G.

All existing Multi-Tenant commercial centers which do not have an existing ground-mounted common sign shall establish a uniform sign plan prior to approval of any additional ground-mounted signs. Owners should recognize that failure to establish a common ground sign under this provision may prevent some businesses from having a ground-mounted sign.

6.7.1.

General maintenance of signs and premises.

A.

All signs and their supporting structures shall be maintained in a safe, neat, clean, attractive and structurally sound condition. All signs shall be kept neatly painted, including all metal parts and supports that are not of rust-resistant material. Sign faces which are torn, peeling, or faded shall be repaired or removed by the owner.

B.

All damaged or dilapidated signs shall be repaired or removed by the owner. A damaged or dilapidated sign shall be repaired or removed within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Land Code Administrator.

C.

The Land Code Administrator, or his authorized representative, shall have the authority to inspect all signs and order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of a sign because of inadequate design, lack of maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence.

6.7.2.

Abandoned signs.

A.

Any sign that is located on a property which becomes vacant or any sign which pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies shall be deemed to have been abandoned.

B.

Signs applicable to business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless this property remains unused for a period of six months or more.

C.

A sign shall be deemed allowable if the business advertised maintains a privilege tax license in the city.

D.

Sign structures which are in good condition with intact but blank sign faces may be permitted to remain while a property is actively advertised for sale. Such signs are subject to all other regulations, including maintenance.

E.

Signs which are found to be in violation of this section shall be removed by the owner within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Land Code Administrator.

A.

Flashing or Other Distracting Illumination - Signs with flashing lights are prohibited. This shall include signs which simulate a flashing effect through a change in intensity, brightness or color. An electronic reader board that simply changes the message shall not be considered flashing. Neon lettering on signs below 2 square feet in size is permitted to flash.

B.

Portable Signs - Any sign which is designed to be transportable, whether anchored or not, is prohibited. A portable sign may be incorporated into the design of a permanent sign, provided such plans are approved by the Planning Commission.

C.

Resemblance to Traffic Signs - No sign shall resemble or conflict with any traffic control device or sign, or contain the words "stop," "caution," "go slow," "danger," "warning" or any similar words or phrases that may be construed to misdirect or confuse traffic flow.

D.

Vehicle Signs - No sign shall be attached to, suspended from or painted upon any vehicle or trailer which is regularly parked on any street, or on any private property which is visible from any street, which is designed to serve the purposes of a sign as defined in this ordinance. This prohibition shall not apply to vehicles or trailers utilized on a regular basis for deliveries, maintenance and related business purposes, or to a single sign not exceeding 2 square feet displayed on or within a vehicle advertising the availability of said vehicle for sale.

E.

General Prohibited Signs - All other signs not specifically allowed by this ordinance are prohibited unless a variance can be secured in accordance with this ordinance. A variance shall not be granted for a sign specifically listed as prohibited in this section.

F.

Removal - Any prohibited sign erected after the adoption of this ordinance shall be removed within 7 days of receipt of written notice from the Land Code Administrator. Any sign in place at the time of the adoption of this ordinance, which is prohibited by this ordinance, and which was prohibited or nonconforming under the previous ordinance, shall be removed by the owner within 30 days of receipt of written notice from the Land Code Administrator.

A.

All nonconforming signs shall be modified to conform to the regulations set forth in this ordinance or shall otherwise be removed when the nature or the name of the business which the sign advertises is changed. Nonconforming signs shall also be brought into compliance if the sign is to be changed in shape, size, or height.

B.

Any sign not conforming to the provisions set forth in this ordinance, which is destroyed or damaged by more than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost, shall not be repaired or replaced except in compliance with this ordinance.