The following signs are hereby expressly prohibited for erection, construction, maintenance, repair, alteration, location, or relocation within the town, except as may otherwise be exempt in this chapter:

   (A)   Off-premise signs: billboards, posterboards, panels, except as permitted in § 156.096(J);

   (B)   Portable signs;

   (C)   Bench signs;

   (D)   Obsolete signs which advertise a business no longer conducted or a product no longer offered for sale on a premise where the sign is located; however, a sign indicating a move of the business is permitted for a period of time not exceeding 90 days from the date of discontinuance of the business at the location;

   (E)   Exterior banners, pennants, spinners, and streamers, other than a banner or pennant used as a permitted sign as allowed in other provisions of this chapter;

   (F)   Any sign, sign structure, or flag which is determined by the Building Administrator to:

      (1)   Be structurally unsafe;

      (2)   Constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment; or

      (3)   Be capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come in contact with it.

   (G)   Any sign which obstructs the vision of drivers or obstructs or detracts from the visibility of any traffic sign or traffic-control device on public streets and roads by reason of the size, coloring, or illumination of the sign;

   (H)   Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exitway. Signs prohibited by the building regulations in Chapter 151 are also prohibited by this chapter;

   (I)   Signs which make use of a word such as stop, danger, or other similar words, phrases, symbols, or other characters in a manner so as to imply the need or requirement of stopping or the existence of danger;

   (J)   Any sign unlawfully installed, maintained, or erected;

   (K)   Any sign which is constructed or installed in a manner so as to overhang a public street, easement, or road right-of-way line as established by the official thoroughfare plan;

   (L)   Any sign which obstructs vision between a height of two and one-half feet and ten feet, measured from the established street grades, within the triangular area formed by intersection of any street right-of-way lines by a straight line drawn between those right-of-way lines extended along each line 25 feet from their intersection, excluding frontage roads;

   (M)   Any sign on a motor vehicle, semi-trailer with or without a tractor, which can be seen from the street with the primary use for the vehicle being the advertisement of a business, product, or service of a business located on the premises where the vehicle is parked. Trailers used for construction purposes during the course of construction on site are exempt from this section; and

   (N)   Any sign with moving parts or flashing lights.

   (O)   Pole signs:

   (P)   Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter;

   (Q)   Inflatable signs and advertising structures;

   (R)   Signs using reflective material, except governmental signs and name plate signs displaying the address of the occupant;

   (S)   Signs on fences, street lights, utility poles, trees, or flag poles, included painted signs;

   (T)   Signs in the public right-of-way;

   (U)   Signs on any property without the consent of the owner;

   (V)   Animated signs, except in the case of educational institution use; and

   (W)   Roof signs.

(Ord. 23, § 2.50.80, passed 3-19-1997; Am. Ord. 2003-109A, passed 10-8-2004; Am. Ord. 41I, passed 2-15-2010; Am. Ord. 210-A, passed 12-10-2015) Penalty, see § 156.999

   The following types of signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts subject to the provisions of this chapter:

   (A)   Nameplate signs for residential housing units (one per housing unit) identifying the occupancy and address of the premises, not to exceed two square feet in surface area and six feet in height;

   (B)   Building markers;

   (C)   Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, or ice containers indicating only the contents of those devices. The sign area of each device may not exceed six square feet each and the signs shall not be computed in the total allowance of sign area determined in this chapter;

   (D)   Business signs not exceeding four square feet per sign face containing information on credit cards, operating hours, or business affiliations, excluding home occupations;

   (E)   Permanent subdivision signs having an area of not more than 50 square feet total and not more than two in number. A permanent subdivision sign shall have a minimum setback of 25 feet;

   (F)   Garage sale signs, as discussed in §§ 156.098(B) and 156.158;

   (G)   Banner signs may be displayed for uses permitted in this chapter no more than two times per year for a combined total display period of 30 days or less; and

   (H)   Signs approved by the Building Administrator announcing special programs or events, provided that an application for the sign is filed with the Building Department prior to display of the sign. Such approved signs shall be displayed not more than two weeks before the event and shall be removed within two working days after the event being advertised.

(Ord. 23, § 2.50.70, passed 3-19-1997; Am. Ord. 2003-109A, passed 10-8-2004; Am. Ord. 41I, passed 2-15-2010; Am. Ord. 210-A, passed 12-10-2015) Penalty, see § 156.999

         (a)   All signs permitted in § 156.096, except: (C) Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, or ice containers indicating only the contents of those devices. The sign area of each device may not exceed six square feet each and the signs shall not be computed in the total allowance of sign area determined in this chapter; and (D) Business signs not exceeding four square feet per sign face containing information on credit cars, operating hours, or business affiliations;

         (b)   All permanent signs permitted in § 156.082(A).

         (a)   All signs permitted in § 156.096 except: (C) Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, or ice containers indicating only the contents of those devices. The sign area of each device may not exceed six square feet each and the signs shall not be computed in the total allowance of sign area determined in this chapter;

         (b)   All permanent signs permitted in § 156.082(A).

         (a)   All signs permitted in § 156.096 except: (C) Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, or ice containers indicating only the contents of those devices. The sign area of each device may not exceed six square feet each and the signs shall not be computed in the total allowance of sign area determined in this chapter; and (D) Business signs not exceeding four square feet per sign face containing information on credit cards, operating hours, or business affiliations; and

         (b)   One freestanding sign per zone lot.

         (a)   One non-illuminated temporary sign pertaining to the lease or sale of the premises upon which it is placed and not exceeding four square feet in gross surface area, provided that the sign shall be removed within seven days after the consummation of the sale or lease or the termination of the agent’s authority;

         (b)   Special signage for open houses associated with the sale or lease of property in AG, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, PD, and MF zoning districts. A salesperson shall be permitted to place a maximum of three directional signs on public property to inform the public of the location of an open house. Each sign shall not exceed six square feet in gross area, shall be placed within reasonable distance of the open house, and may only be displayed from dawn to dusk on the day of the open house. The salesperson shall be responsible for the prompt removal of these signs. No permit shall be required;

         (c)   One non-illuminated temporary sign bearing only the street number of a new or remodeled structure and the name or names of the general contractor, subcontractors, owner, and/or tenant, during construction work on the premises upon which they are placed, not exceeding 12 square feet in total gross surface area. This sign shall be removed within seven days after substantial completion of the construction work and in no event shall this type of sign be exhibited for more than 12 months. It shall be the responsibility of the general contractor to see that the signage conforms with this code section;

         (d)   Temporary political sign in accordance with § 156.099 of this code;

         (e)   Temporary sign for the sale of motorized vehicles by other than a commercial dealer of new/used vehicles in accordance with § 156.098(C); and

         (f)   Garage sale signs in accordance with § 156.098(B).

      (1)   Apartment or condominium complexes of one to three buildings shall be permitted a single nameplate sign on each building displaying only the building name or management name. The gross area of each sign shall not exceed two square feet.

      (2)   Apartment or condominium complexes of four or more buildings shall be allowed one freestanding sign displaying only the name of the complex in lieu of individual building nameplate signs, and to be constructed to the specifications listed in § 156.082(A).

         (a)   All signs permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts, except that freestanding signs shall not be allowed in a C-1 zoning district;

         (b)   Businesses located in a C-1 zoning district shall be allowed one principal sign for each business with frontage. These signs may be wall signs, monument signs, canopy signs, marquee signs, or mansard signs; and

         (c)   Drive-in or drive-through merchandising businesses shall be allowed one informational (menu, price, and the like) sign not exceeding 15 square feet in gross area.

         (a)   All signs permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts, except that freestanding signs shall not be allowed in a C-2 zoning district;

         (b)   Businesses located in a C-2 zoning district shall be allowed one principal sign for each business with frontage. These signs may be wall signs, monument signs, canopy signs, marquee signs, or mansard signs; and

         (c)   Drive-in or drive-through merchandising businesses shall be allowed one informational (menu, price, or the like) sign not exceeding 15 square feet in gross area.

         (a)   All signs permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts;

         (b)   Businesses located in a C-3 district shall be allowed one principal sign for each business with frontage. These signs may be wall signs, monument signs, canopy signs, marquee signs, or mansard signs; and

         (c)   Drive-in or drive-through merchandising businesses shall be allowed one informational (menu, price, and the like) sign not exceeding 15 square feet in gross area.

(Ord. 23, §§ 2.50.100 - 2.50.160, passed 3-19-1997; Am. Ord. 2003-109A, passed 10-8-2004; Am. Ord. 210-A, passed 12-10-2015) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   Gasoline service station signs.

      (1)   Each service station may select two of the following three types of principal signage:

         (a)   One freestanding monument sign advertising the name of the station and/or principal products sold on the premises, and may include the product brand name, logo, insignia or emblem. This sign shall not exceed five feet in height, eight feet in length, or be more than 24 square feet in gross surface area, and must be contained completely within the vertical projection of the property lines. Display surface area does not include architectural details included in the construction of the sign;

         (b)   Signs attached to a canopy (not the vertical supports of the canopy) constructed to shelter areas of the service station. The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in gross surface area. Two of these signs shall be allowed on a canopy so long as the angle between the extension of the planes of the two signs is 60 degrees or less. The sign may contain only the information allowed in division (A)(1)(a) above; or

         (c)   A wall mounted sign attached to the principal frontage of the service station building. The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in gross surface area and may contain only the information allowed in division (A)(1)(a) above.

      (2)   A service station abutting a second street may also have one of the following signs:

         (a)   A sign attached to an additional face of a canopy as set forth in division (A)(1)(b) above. This sign may be selected regardless of any other canopy signs; or

         (b)   An additional wall mounted sign attached to the side of the service station building most nearly facing the abutting street. This sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in gross surface area and may contain only the information allowed in division (A)(1) above.

      (3)   The following signs shall be allowed to advertise the price of fuels available. These signs may also advertise the price of one other product offered for sale so long as the area of the sign for that purpose does not exceed one-third of the sign area displaying fuel prices.

         (a)   One sign displayed along the principal frontage of the station property. This sign shall be integrated with a freestanding monument sign, but that integration shall not be more than 24 feet in gross display area.

      (4)   If other items, such as groceries, sandwiches, and the like, are sold from a specific area of the station, then up to 40% of a wall mounted sign on the station building may be used as changeable copy area to advertise the availability and price of those items. No changeable copy sign of this type shall be allowed on canopy signs or freestanding monument signs. In addition, one wall mounted sign attached to the building where these other items are sold shall be permitted identifying this service by name only. This sign shall not exceed six square feet in gross surface area.

      (5)   When multiple corporations share one site, the corporate logos shall be located together on the same sign.

      (6)   Signs related to safety, operations, and products are allowable at pump islands but shall be scaled for the visibility of the user.

      (1)   For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

      (2)   Any of this type of sign shall be removed on the last day of the sale. These signs shall be limited to a total gross aggregate area of six square feet. In addition, pennant signs may be placed on the site of the garage sale for the duration of the sale. A resident or permitted institution in a district shall be allowed to hold no more than two sales of used or unwanted personal property on the premises for no more than three consecutive days, per each event, in a calendar year, not to exceed three consecutive days in any six-month period.

      (1)   This section applies to signs offering any type of motorized vehicle for sale by other than a dealer of new and/or used vehicles and applies to all zoning districts.

      (2)   For sale signs or any signage implying that a vehicle is for sale shall be limited to two signs, each a maximum of two square feet in size, and must be securely attached to the vehicle offered for sale.

      (3)   A vehicle when not in use, with for sale signs attached, may only be displayed at the address to which it is currently registered and licensed.

      (4)   For sale signs for motorized vehicles shall not require a sign permit.

      (1)   For single occupant buildings, locate wall-mounted signs at the first floor level only.

      (2)   Wall signs shall identify the individual business, building or building complex by name or trademark only.

      (3)   Changeable copy shall not be incorporated into signs in this division with the exception of gasoline service stations.

      (1)   One monument sign at each vehicular entrance to the property, but not to exceed two such signs for the entire property, and one wall-mounted sign above the primary entrance to the building shall be allowed. All monument signs shall be placed in the front yard of the property;

      (2)   All monument signs shall be limited to five feet in height, ten feet in length, and have a display area of 36 square feet, not including architectural details. All signs shall be constructed of materials that are architecturally compatible with the property they are located on;

      (3)   Signs with interchangeable letters are permitted, provided that they do not exceed 12 inches in height and not more than 20% of the total sign area;

      (4)   An animated sign may be incorporated within the body of the signs, provided that they do not exceed 12 inches in height and not more than 20% of the total sign area.

      (5)   This section does not apply to daycare facilities and schools within churches.

      (1)   Institutions for the purpose of this section shall include churches, hospitals, and nursing homes;

      (2)   One monument sign at each vehicular entrance to the property, but not to exceed two such signs for the entire property, and one wall-mounted sign above the primary entrance to the building shall be allowed. All monument signs shall be placed in the front year of the property;

      (3)   All monument signs shall be limited to five feet in height, ten feet in length, and have a display area of 36 square feet, not including architectural details. All signs shall be constructed of materials that are architecturally compatible with the property they are located on;

      (4)   Signs with interchangeable letters are permitted, provided that they do not exceed 12 inches in height and not more than 20% of the total sign area.

(Ord. 23, § 2.50.170, passed 3-19-1997; Am. Ord. 86, passed 11-21-2000; Am. Ord. 2003-109A, passed 10-8-2004; Am. Ord. 210-A, passed 12-10-2015) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   The town hereby adopts the political sign regulations.

   (B)   The enforcement of this section can be by any town official or his or her agent.

   (C)   Political signs shall be permitted to be placed on premises 30 days prior to a primary or general election and shall be removed within three days after that primary or general election. Political banners are subject to the same time limitations as political signs.

   (D)   Political campaign signs announcing the candidates seeking public offices and other data pertinent thereto, up to a total area of eight square feet for each premises, will not be required to obtain a permit. All signs larger than eight square feet will be required to obtain a permit. Signs of this nature shall not exceed 32 square feet in size, nor eight feet in height. These signs shall be confined within private property and not within the street right-of-way and shall be removed within three days after the election for which they apply. No signs shall be attached to utility poles, trees, or any public or private sign standards.

(Ord. 86, passed 11-21-2000; Am. Ord. 2003-109A, passed 10-8-2004) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   Any lawfully erected sign which is rendered nonconforming by this chapter may continue to be maintained exactly as it exists at the time, subject to the terms and provisions of this chapter.

   (B)   All signs made nonconforming by this provision of this chapter shall be removed not later than seven years from the effective date of this ordinance.

   (C)    No nonconforming sign shall:

      (1)   Be changed to another nonconforming sign;

      (2)   Have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is specifically designed for periodic changes of message;

      (3)   Be structurally altered or repaired to prolong the life of the sign or so as to change the shape, size, type, or design of the sign;

      (4)   Be established after the activity, business, or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for 30 days or longer;

      (5)   Be reestablished after the damage or reconstruction exceeds 25% of the reproduction cost; or

      (6)   Expanded, moved or relocated.

(Ord. 23, § 2.50.190, passed 3-19-1997; Am. Ord. 2003-109A, passed 10-8-2004; Am. Ord. 210-A, passed 12-10-2015) Penalty, see § 156.999

   The following design standards shall be used in reviewing signs and sign plans for consistency with the purpose and intent of this chapter.

      (1)   Items of information should be limited to reduce sign clutter and ensure sign legibility.

      (2)   Items of information shall include: words, initials, logos, abbreviations, groups of numbers, symbols, pictures, photographs, emblems or geometric shapes.

      (1)   Signs located upon a lot with only one main building shall be designed to be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the building. Such visual elements include architectural style, construction materials, color and other design details.

      (2)   Signs located upon a lot with more than one main building or tenant, such as a shopping center or other commercial or industrial area developed in accordance with a common development plan, shall be designed to be compatible with the predominant visual design elements common to all such buildings.

      (1)   Type of construction materials for sign and support structures;

      (2)   Style of letters;

      (3)   Background color of sign;

      (4)   Shape of entire sign and its several components.

(Ord. 210-A, passed 12-10-2015)