Williamson Town City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IV
Sign Regulations
§ 178-72 Purpose; intent.
A.
The purpose of this article is to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare by providing comprehensive time, place, and manner restrictions on signage, which shall include controls on size, height, quantity, location, spacing, shape, scale, lighting, motion, design, maintenance and appearance. Regulations apply to the physical aspects of the sign and not the content.
B.
The provisions of this article are intended to ensure that all signs and advertising features:
(1)
Are functional and compatible with the aesthetic appearance of the property/building on which they are located, the surrounding neighborhoods and the long-term vision of the Town as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan;
(2)
Serve to protect and enhance community appearance;
(3)
Protect the safety of motorists and pedestrians by reducing the frequency and magnitude of hazards caused by obstructions and distractions;
(4)
Preserve and create more-attractive business and residential environments; and
(5)
Are harmonious in color, size and material with the building to which they relate, thereby preserving the existing character of the community.
§ 178-73 Permitted signage area by district.
A.
Each property shall be permitted a maximum square footage of sign area based on the zoning district in which it is located. The maximum sign area may be split among permitted sign types.
B.
The following identifies the maximum sign areas by district:
(1)
A-1 District: 60 square feet.
(2)
L-R District: 40 square feet.
(3)
R-1 District: 40 square feet.
(4)
MU-1 District: 100 square feet.
(5)
MU-2 District: 80 square feet.
(6)
C-1 District: 200 square feet.
(7)
C-2 District: 200 square feet.
(8)
I-1 District: 200 square feet.
C.
The following permanent signage types are considered permitted signs in the Town of Williamson which contribute to the total maximum permitted square footage of sign area, unless otherwise noted in this article:
(1)
Wall sign.
(2)
Projecting sign.
(3)
Freestanding sign.
(4)
Tower sign.
(5)
Directory sign.
(6)
Bulletin board.
(7)
Subdivision sign.
(8)
Window sign.
(9)
Electronic sign.
(10)
Awning sign.
§ 178-74 General regulations.
A.
Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, substantially modify, relocate or substantially reconstruct any sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Building and Zoning Officer.
B.
Existing nonconforming signs may be replaced in-kind if completed within 30 days from the removal of the original sign.
C.
For the purposes of this article, "substantial modification" shall mean any change in the configuration, orientation, illumination, or purpose of the sign. "Substantial reconstruction" shall mean the removal and replacement of more than 51% of the existing signage surface area or structural elements.
D.
No sign permit shall be required for the repainting or repair of a sign in conformance with this chapter.
E.
All signs shall be sited so as not to interfere with a clear view of intersecting streets and shall be located at least 25 feet from any property line.
F.
No sign shall impair or cause confusion of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in its design, color or placement.
G.
When signs are required as part of the site plan review, the Planning Board shall consider the compatibility of the sign's general character in context to its location, color(s), lettering, size and overall design.
H.
Every principal building or structure shall have street identification numbers subject to Section 505 of the Fire Code of New York State.
I.
The Building and Zoning Officer shall require the proper maintenance of all signs, and such signs, together with their supports, shall be kept in good repair. The display surfaces shall be kept neatly painted at all times. The Building and Zoning Officer may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
J.
The Building and Zoning Officer may allow the retention of signs that are an original part of the architectural fabric of the structure, such as a date or name of building, without reduction in the number of signs or square footage of signs within a district.
K.
Any signage not expressly permitted in this section is prohibited in the Town of Williamson.
L.
Digital or electronic signs which display constantly moving or flashing content are prohibited.
M.
Banners, ribbons, streamers, spinners, balloons, or other similar moving, fluttering, revolving, flashing, smoke-generating or visual signal generating or animated devices used for the purpose of advertising, illumination or attracting attention are prohibited.
§ 178-75 Design standards applicable to all districts.
Unless otherwise specified within separate articles of this chapter, the following standards apply for permanent signs erected within any district:
A.
General.
(1)
Signs shall be designed to be compatible with the surroundings and appropriate to the architectural character of the buildings on which they are placed or to which they relate.
(2)
All signs, including wall-mounted and projecting signs, shall be securely anchored and shall not swing or move in any manner.
(3)
All signs, sign finishes, supports and electric work shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from all hazards, such as, but not limited to, faulty wiring and loose supports, braces, guys and anchors.
(4)
All projecting, freestanding or wall signs shall employ acceptable safety material.
(5)
All signs shall be in accordance with the most-current version of the Building Code of New York State and shall follow all rules and regulations of such code.
(6)
Total sign area shall be calculated from all sign faces.
B.
Wall signs.
(1)
Wall signs shall not extend beyond the end or over the top of the wall to which attached and shall not extend above the level of the second floor of the building.
(2)
Wall signs shall not project more than nine inches from the face of the building to which they are attached.
(3)
Any part of a sign extending over pedestrian areas shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(4)
Wall signs are not permitted on residential lots.
C.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
No freestanding sign shall extend over or into a public right-of-way or driveway, nor shall it overhang a property line.
(2)
Single-pole freestanding signs are not permitted.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall be located five feet or greater from the property line.
(4)
Freestanding signs shall not be more than six feet in height above grade.
(5)
Freestanding signs shall include a gap between grade and the lower edge of the sign panel measuring between 18 and 24 inches. Monument-style signs are exempt from this provision.
D.
Tower signs.
(1)
Tower signs shall not exceed the height restrictions of the zoning district in which they are placed and shall have a setback of 1.25 times the height of the tower sign from an adjacent property or road right-of-way.
(2)
Tower signs shall be permitted only in the C-1, C-2 and I-1 Districts.
(3)
Tower signs shall not exceed the area requirements of the zoning district in which they are located.
E.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Projecting signs shall not extend further than four feet outward from the facade, and in no case shall they extend into a public right-of-way or private drive aisle.
(2)
The edge nearest the building shall be no greater than nine inches from said wall and the bottom edge at least nine feet above grade.
(3)
Each building shall be limited to one projecting sign per facade facing a public right-of-way.
(4)
Projecting signs shall have no more than two faces.
(5)
Projecting signs shall have a maximum area of eight square feet per face and shall be designed to be pedestrian-oriented.
(6)
No projecting sign shall be placed on a building already possessing an awning sign.
F.
Directory signs.
(1)
Directory signs include building directory signs and plaza directory signs.
(2)
Directory signs are not permitted in the A-1, L-R and R-1 Districts.
(3)
One building or plaza directory sign indicating the name of the occupants of the building and the building number in order to direct persons to their proper destination shall be permitted per multitenant building.
(4)
Building directory signs shall not be more than six feet in height above grade.
(5)
Each business within a plaza may have no more than one sign within the directory sign.
(6)
The directory sign shall have no more than two faces and shall not exceed 25 square feet per face for five or fewer businesses, with three square feet allowed for each additional tenant, not to exceed 50 square feet in total per face.
G.
Bulletin boards.
(1)
Only places of worship, libraries, museums, social clubs or societies may erect on their premises a bulletin board sign not to exceed 16 square feet per face.
H.
Subdivision entry or other identification signs.
(1)
One sign identifying the name of a project located at an entrance of the subdivision or development shall be permitted pursuant to the following:
(a)
Such project has greater than 10 single-family detached or 20 multifamily housing units.
(b)
The sign shall be limited to two faces and shall not exceed 40 square feet total.
(c)
One such sign shall be permitted for each entrance on a different street or highway.
I.
Electronic signs.
(1)
Such signs shall be limited to one per property.
(2)
Such signs shall be prohibited within A-1, L-R and R-1 Districts.
(3)
Signage dedicated to the support of drive-through facilities shall be located in rear or side yards.
(4)
Electronic signs may not have flashing or moving images.
J.
Window signs.
(1)
The area of any window sign shall not exceed 50% of the window area.
(2)
Window signs shall not be considered temporary signage if they are not intended to be changed or replaced within a calendar year from date of installation or text exceeds six inches in height.
K.
Awning signs.
(1)
The area of any awning sign shall not exceed 25% of the awning area.
(2)
No sign shall project from an awning.
(3)
Awning graphics may be painted or affixed flat to the surface of the front or sides and shall indicate only the name and/or address of the enterprise or premises.
(4)
Awning graphics shall be a single line of lettering; text under six inches in height shall not be debited against the permitted wall sign surface area.
(5)
The bottom edge of the awning sign shall be at least nine feet above grade.
(6)
No awning sign shall be placed on a building already possessing a projecting wall sign.
L.
Signs in shopping centers and malls.
(1)
Each shopping center or mall may have one double-faced sign no more than the maximum sign area prescribed by this article on each side, except that if the sign is single-faced, the area of the sign shall not exceed than the maximum sign area prescribed by this article.
(2)
Tenants.
(a)
Each tenant of a shopping center or mall shall be allowed a sign; however, such sign shall not exceed 5% of the facade of the portion of the shopping center leased by the tenant and shall not exceed the maximum sign area prescribed by this article. Tenant signs shall be more than three feet off the ground and shall not exceed the height of the facade. If a tenant occupies a portion of a shopping center or mall that provides more than one facade, the tenant shall be allowed two signs, with one sign occupying each facade, and the total area of both signs shall not exceed 5% of the total facade area of the portion of the shopping center leased by the tenant.
(b)
All facade signs shall be of a uniform, harmonious design as prescribed by this article and shall be affixed to the facade of the building.
M.
Signage lighting.
(1)
Freestanding ground signs may be illuminated via ground-mounted fixtures or sign-mounted fixtures.
(2)
External illumination fixtures must be shielded and directed such that a minimum of light pollution is created.
(3)
Signage accent lighting shall be of a lesser intensity than the illumination for the sign panel itself.
(4)
Permitted signage lighting fixtures include lanterns, goosenecks, and shielded, architectural-grade spotlights.
(5)
Illumination of directly/internally illuminated signs shall be of the diffused lighting type.
N.
Signage materials.
(1)
All signage shall be of professional quality and constructed of robust, durable, and weather-resistant materials.
(2)
All wood signage components must be sealed and protected from the elements. Unpainted or unfinished treated and untreated lumber shall not be permitted.
(3)
Signage materials shall be of like or complementary color, character, type and quality to those found on the related principal structure.
(4)
Segmental block and/or nonmortared stone is permitted for signage base materials only if like materials are in use throughout the principal structure.
§ 178-76 Application procedure for sign permit.
A.
Applications shall be made in writing to the Building and Zoning Officer on forms prescribed and provided by the Town and shall contain the following information:
(1)
Name, address and telephone number of:
(a)
Applicant.
(b)
Owner of the property, if different from applicant.
(2)
A plan indicating the location of the building, structure or land upon which the sign now exists or is to be erected.
(3)
If a new sign is to be erected, elevation and plan drawings to scale shall be included.
(4)
In addition, a full description of the placement and appearance of the proposed sign shall include the following:
(a)
Location on the premises, specifically its position in relation to adjacent structures, roadways, driveways, parking lots, vegetation and property lines;
(b)
The method of illumination, if any, and the position of lighting or other extraneous devices;
(c)
Graphic design, including symbols, letters, materials and colors; and
(d)
Written consent, or a copy of the contract made with the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be erected, if the applicant is not the owner.
§ 178-77 Permit.
A.
Upon the filing of a completed application for a sign permit and the payment of the required fee, the Building and Zoning Officer shall examine the plans, specifications and other data submitted and the premises on which the sign is to be erected or now exists.
B.
If it shall appear that the sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter, a permit for the erection of the proposed sign shall be issued within 15 days of receipt of a complete application.
C.
The issuance of a permit shall not excuse the applicant from conforming to the other laws and ordinances of the municipality.
D.
If the erection of the sign authorized under any such permit has not commenced within six months from the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.
E.
An existing sign permit may be renewed within 30 days prior to the expiration, for good cause shown, for an additional one year, upon payment of the original fee.
§ 178-78 Exempt signs.
A.
The following types of signs may be erected and maintained without permits or fees, provided such signs comply with the requirements of this chapter and other conditions specifically imposed by all other regulations:
(1)
Historical markers, tablets and 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, religious or nonprofit organizations.
(2)
Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
(3)
On-premises directional signs for the convenience of the general public, identifying public parking areas, fire zones, entrances and exits, and similar signs.
(4)
Nonilluminated warning, private drive, posted or no-trespassing signs, not exceeding two square feet per face.
(5)
On-premises sign, either freestanding or attached, in connection with any residential building in any district, for permitted professional offices or home occupations. Such sign shall state the name and vocation only.
(6)
Number and nameplates identifying residences, mounted on the house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding one square foot in area.
(7)
Lawn signs identifying residences, not exceeding one square foot per face. Such signs are to be nonilluminated except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support, with no advertising message thereon.
(8)
Integral graphics or attached price signs on gasoline pumps at automotive service stations.
(9)
Seasonal and holiday decorations, including lighting, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter and may be displayed in any district without a permit.
(10)
Murals or similar designs, images, or expressions on the exterior of a building, generally for the purpose of decoration or artistic expression, including, but not limited to paintings, markings, and etchings, and does not include any on- or off-site advertisement for a commercial, industrial or other nonmunicipal entity, person or corporation.
B.
Unless otherwise specified, all exempt signs shall conform to the following standards:
(1)
Maximum height: four feet above grade.
(2)
Minimum setback: five feet from the right-of-way line.
(3)
Maximum sign area per face: six square feet in L-R and R-1 Districts; 16 square feet in all other districts, for a total of 32 square feet per lot.
(4)
Maximum number of exempt signs: four total per property.
C.
Real estate sales signs indicating the property is for sale or lease. These signs shall be permitted for a total period not exceeding 180 days.
§ 178-79 Temporary signs.
A.
All signs of a temporary nature, except as otherwise provided by this chapter, shall be permitted for a period not exceeding 30 days prior to the activity or event nor exceeding four days after the activity, event or sale of property.
B.
Temporary signs shall not be attached to fences, trees, utility poles, rocks or other parts of a natural landscape.
C.
The following types of temporary signs may be erected and maintained without permits or fees, provided such signs comply with the requirements of this chapter and other conditions specifically imposed by all other regulations:
(1)
Private-owner merchandise sales signs for garage sales and auctions.
(2)
Temporary signs for a roadside stand selling agricultural produce grown on the premises in season.
(3)
Real estate sale signs indicating the property is for sale or lease. These signs shall be permitted for a period not exceeding 180 days prior to the activity or event nor exceeding 30 days after the sale of property.
(4)
Directional signs for meetings, conventions, and other assemblies.
(5)
Signs listing the architect, engineer, contractor and/or owner, on premises where construction, renovation or repair is in progress.
(6)
Political posters, banners, promotional devices and similar signs, provided that:
(a)
There shall be no limit on the number of political signs per lot.
(b)
Political signs may be placed up to the right-of-way line but shall not be placed in public rights-of-way or on public land for any reason.
(7)
Real estate development sign.
(a)
A nonilluminated, single-sided real estate development sign may be erected on commercial or industrial property being sold, leased or developed.
(b)
Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in the A-1, C-1, C-2, and I-1 Districts nor 16 square feet in the MU-1, MU-2, L-R and R-1 Districts.
(c)
Such sign shall be erected parallel to the fronting highway and set back a minimum of 20 feet from the property line.
(d)
Such sign shall be removed upon completion of the project or sale of property and shall be in place for a period not exceeding two years.
§ 178-80 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Upon the adoption of this chapter, any sign which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter in terms of location, area, illumination, type, or height shall be considered a nonconforming sign.
B.
No nonconforming sign may be substantially modified, substantially reconstructed or relocated without the applicant obtaining a permit from the Building and Zoning Officer.
C.
Upon the adoption of this chapter and in addition to the above, all nonconforming signs, except those granted a variance, shall cease and desist at the time when there is any one or more of the following:
(1)
A change in use.
(2)
Destruction, damage, or disrepair of said sign to the extent that 51% of its replacement cost must be expended in its repair.
(3)
Creation of a hazard or disturbance to the health, safety and welfare of the general public as determined by the Building and Zoning Officer.
§ 178-81 Removal of signs.
A.
Any sign, existing on or after the effective date of this chapter, which no longer advertises an existing business conducted or product sold on the premises upon which such sign is located shall be removed.
B.
If the Building and Zoning Officer shall find that any sign regulated in this chapter is not used, utilized for advertising, is abandoned, unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, the Building and Zoning Officer shall give written notice to the named owner of the land upon which it is located, who shall remove or repair the sign within 30 days from the date of the such notice.
C.
The Building and Zoning Officer shall revoke any permits issued for such sign and may invoke fines and/or further court action.
D.
Failure to remove or repair such sign would be considered a violation of this provision.