Wrightsville Beach City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 155

10 SIGN REGULATIONS

Section 155.10.1 Prohibited Signs.

(A) Spectacular signs which are flashing or intermittently illuminated or moving signs are prohibited in all districts. No strings of electric light bulbs shall be permitted in any district.

(B) No signs shall be permitted advertising or directing persons to services, places, or products not in the town limits. Exception: "For Rent" or "For Sale" signs, located on specific places for rent or for sale, of real estate agents located outside the town limits.

(D) No billboard signs, as defined in Exhibit A, shall be permitted in any district.

(E) Any sign existing prior to adoption of this Ordinance, which under the terms of this section would be nonconforming, shall be considered a conforming sign for the purposes of this section, until/unless said sign is altered.

(F) Portable signs as defined in Exhibit A, except as otherwise permitted herein, shall not be permitted in any district.

(G) No sign shall make use of the words "STOP," "SLOW," "CAUTION," "DANGER," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as is reasonably likely to be confused with traffic directional and regulatory signs.

(H) No sign shall be erected so that by its location, color, nature, or message is likely to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signals or signs, or is likely to be confused with the warning lights of an emergency or public safety vehicle.

(I) No flags, festoons, balloons or banners shall be allowed in any district except as may be allowed as exempt signs under Section 155.10.2.

(J) No sign shall be permitted within the rights-of-way of streets or roads except those designated for the regulations of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and which are approved by the "Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways."

(K) No mobile signs, as defined in Exhibit A, shall be permitted in any district.

(L) No snipe signs, as defined in Exhibit A, shall be permitted in any district.

(M) No wind signs, as defined in Exhibit A, shall be permitted in any district.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1788, passed 11-14-19; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.2 Exempt Signs.

The following signs are exempt from regulation and permit requirements under this section, provided such signs comply with the provisions of Section 155.10.1.

(A) Signs bearing only property identification numbers and names, post office box numbers, names of occupants of the premises on which the signs are located, or other identification of premises not of a commercial nature, provided such signs are not illuminated and do not exceed two signs per zoning lot nor two square feet in area per display surface.

(B) Official government flags and insignia of a government, when flown or displayed in accordance with the patriotic customs set forth in 4 USC Section 510, as amended, with the consent of either the owner of the property on which such flags or insignia are flown or displayed or any person having lawful control of such property and where such flags and insignia do not exceed 100 square feet in area.

(C) Legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic directional or regulatory signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body.

(D) Memorial signs or tablets, and names and construction dates of buildings when cut into any masonry surface.

(E) For all properties zoned R-1 or R-2 Residential District the following signs shall be considered exempt:

(1) Up to a maximum of two signs of no more than four square feet each. All such signs shall be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated. Examples include but are not limited to:

(a) Directional or instructional signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property on which the signs are located;

(b) Signs advertising yard or garage sales; or

(2) For those permitted non-conforming properties located in a R-2 Residential District and containing more than two residential units, the identification sign(s) for the property that is/are in existence as of November 14, 2019 shall be permitted to continue in existence and may be repaired or replaced so long as the size and location of the sign(s) and display on the sign(s) is not altered.

(F) (1) For all properties zoned non-residential (except properties zoned S-1 Shore Zone and P-1 Conservation Zone), each property is allowed no more than two signs of no more than four square feet each. The design of such signs shall be limited to menu and sandwich board signs, sidewalk or curb signs, A-frame signs and yard signs. Signs may be illuminated. Examples include, but are not limited to:

(a) Real estate signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which said signs are located;

(b) Public event announcements;

(d) Directional signs.

(2) Nothing contained in this subsection (F) shall be deemed to limit or restrict other signs permitted for properties zoned non-residential and found elsewhere in this Article 155.10.

(G) Fence wraps displaying signage when affixed to a perimeter fence at a construction site are exempt from zoning regulations pertaining to signage until the earlier of (i) a certificate of occupancy is issued for the final portion of any construction at the site or (ii) 24 months from the date of installation of the fence wrap. If construction is not completed at the end of 24 months from the time the fence wrap was installed, the fence wrap may continue to be affixed to the perimeter fence but the town may regulate said signage. (See N.C.G.S. § 160D-908)

(H) Information bulletin boards erected by or on behalf of a governmental body on public property or rights-of-way in the Town Center districts for the display of handbills or posters of community interest, provided such bulletin boards contain no more than six square feet in area per sign display surface, and a maximum of 72 square feet per bulletin board.

(I) Signs, banners, flags, and pennants used in connection with a group activity function as approved by the Board of Aldermen provided that display of the signage shall not exceed 60 days and the signage is only used on property owned by the town or in the public right-of-way. The Board of Aldermen shall review and approve the signage display as part of the special event permit review process.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1788, passed 11-14-19; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.3 Marquee Signs.

Marquee signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or noncombustible material and may be attached to, or hung from a marquee. Such signs, when hung from a marquee, shall be at least eight feet at its lowest level above the sidewalk or ground level. Further, no such sign shall extend outside the line of the marquee, though the sign may extend the entire length and width of the marquee, provided the sign does not have a vertical dimension greater than two feet on a marquee up to 40 feet in length, nor a vertical dimension greater than three feet on a marquee 40 feet or more in length.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.4 Shore Zone and Conservation Zone Signs Permitted.

(A) One sign not exceeding four square feet in size shall be permitted on properties zoned S-1 Shore Zone without a permit.

(B) One sign not exceeding four square feet in size shall be permitted on the water side end of piers located on property zoned P-1 Conservation Zone.

(Ord. 1788, passed 11-14-19; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.5 Signs Permitted in All Districts Except the S-1 Shore Zone and P-1 Conservation Zone.

(A) The following signs shall be permitted in all districts except the S-1 Shore Zone and P-1 Conservation Zone:

(1) Directional and Informational Signs. Directional and informational signs erected and maintained by public agencies and governmental bodies.

(2) Construction Signs. During the construction, repair, or alteration of a structure, one temporary construction sign may be placed within the lot side of the required yard setback as a ground or a wall sign. The dimensions of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. All construction site signs shall be removed when the building has been approved for occupancy by the UDO Administrator.

(3) Political Signs.

(a) Compliant political signs are permitted during the period beginning on the thirtieth day before the beginning date of "one-stop" early voting under N.C.G.S. § 163-227.2 and ending on the tenth day after the primary or election day. Persons may place political signs in the right-of-way of the state highway system and town streets as provided in this section. The permittee must obtain the permission of any property owner of a residence, business, or religious institution fronting the right-of-way where a sign would be erected. Signs must be placed in accordance with the following and must be removed by the end of the period prescribed above.

1) No sign shall be permitted in the right-of-way of a fully controlled access highway;

2) No sign shall be closer than three feet from the edge of the pavement of the road;

3) No sign shall obscure motorist visibility at an intersection;

4) No sign shall be higher than 42 inches above the edge of the pavement of the road;

5) No sign shall be larger than 864 square inches; and

6) No sign shall obscure or replace another sign.

(b) Any political sign remaining in the right-of-way of the state highway system or in the right-of-way of town streets more than 30 days after the end of the period described hereinabove shall be deemed unlawfully placed and abandoned property and a person may remove and dispose of such political sign without penalty.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1788, passed 11-14-19; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.6 Business and Name Signs.

Business signs and name signs shall be permitted on the premises of the business in districts in which the principal use is permitted subject to the following limitations:

(A) One permanent free-standing sign one-half square foot to each linear foot of lot frontage, not to exceed a maximum of 64 square feet on a lot with single street frontage. Two permanent free-standing signs one-half square foot to each linear foot of lot frontage, not to exceed a maximum of 64 square feet on a lot with double street frontage. Freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet in height above the centerline elevation of the adjacent street right-of-way. It shall be the responsibility of the person applying for the sign permit to determine and verify sign, ground and street right-of-way centerline elevations. Such free-standing sign, for churches only, may be located on a lot within 300 feet of the main entrance of the church and on a lot owned, used and occupied solely by the church.

(B) Individual uses shall be allowed canopy, wall, window, pedestrian, and awning signs, in the total aggregate area per building front of one square foot per linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed a maximum combined sign area of 32 square feet per each individual use. This shall be in addition to sign area allowed for a free-standing signs(s).

(C) Wall signs attached to walls of solid masonry, concrete, or stone, shall be safely and securely attached by means of hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel metal anchors, bolts, or expansion screws of not less than 3/8 inch in diameter and shall be embedded at least five inches. No wooden blocks shall be used for anchorage, except in the case of wall signs attached to buildings with walls of wood. No wall sign shall be supported by anchorages secured to an unbraced parapet wall.

(D) All projecting signs, whether they project from any building wall, canopy, or similar structure shall be positioned so that the farthest extended part of a sign shall be at least three feet from the existing curb line measured from the building side of the curb line. All projecting signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other noncombustible material and securely attached to a building, canopy or similar structure by hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel metal supports such as bolts, anchors, supports, chains, guys, or steel rods.

(E) If suspended the sign shall be placed no higher than one building story and shall hang at least eight feet above the sidewalk levels. Marquees, canopies and other similar type structures shall be placed no higher than one building story nor shall they hang closer than ten feet to any sidewalk level. Marquee signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or noncombustible material and may be attached to, or hung from a marquee, and the signs when hung from a marquee shall be at least eight feet at its lowest level above the sidewalk or ground level, and further, no sign shall extend outside the line of the marquee. Marquee signs may be attached to the sides and front of a marquee, and the sign may extend the entire length and width of the marquee; provided, that the sign does not have a vertical dimension greater than two feet, on a marquee up to 40 feet in length, nor a vertical dimension greater than three feet on a marquee 40 feet or more in length.

(F) Display lighting shall be shielded so as to prevent a direct view of the light source from a residence in a residential district. No intermittent lighting effects may be utilized. A lighted wall sign shall not be located closer than 50 feet to residentially zoned property. No sign within 150 feet of residentially zoned property shall be illuminated between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

(G) Free-standing signs shall not be located less than ten feet from the street lot line. No freestanding sign shall be located in a required side yard or within ten feet of the side property line (refer to State Building Code for construction standards which apply).

(H) Temporary signs, banners, placards, decorations, and the like, constructed of light materials for promotion of civic, political, or charitable enterprises or events may be displayed in any business district for periods not exceeding ten days continuously and totaling not more than 30 days in any one year, except for public holiday decorations. However, no signs may be erected on or affixed to public property.

(I) Where a lot contains more than one principal use or establishment, the provisions of this section shall apply to the lot as a whole, and the owner of the lot shall be responsible for allocating permitted signs and display surface areas among the individual uses or establishments. A sign plan shall be submitted to the UDO Administrator for such lot to show all signs located or proposed thereon and shall be designed so that all signs are in harmony and consistent with each other.

(J) In the C-1 Zoning District, only wall, marquee, window, awning, and canopy signs shall be allowed.

(K) Service stations or any business selling gasoline are allowed additional signs listed below:

(1) Gasoline price and/or self-service signs located at and secured to each pump island and not exceeding nine square feet per sign side.

(2) Each gasoline pump shall be allowed to display only the brand name or emblem of the gasoline and shall not exceed the limits on the face of the pump.

(3) A North Carolina inspections sign shall be permitted on the business site provided said sign does not exceed four square feet per side.

(L) Additional provisions for signs in shopping centers.

(1) All free-standing signs in shopping centers shall have a landscaped area located at the base of the sign. The landscaped area shall equal at least twice the area of the sign. The landscaped material shall be a planting of shrubs and flowers not over three feet in height and covering 50% of the landscaped area. All landscaped areas shall be continually maintained.

(2) Window signs in shopping centers may not exceed 30% of the window or door on which the signs are located and may not be internally lighted.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1715, passed 8-8-13; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.7 Permits.

(A) No sign shall be erected, constructed, altered, or maintained except as provided in this section until after a permit for the same has been issued by the UDO Administrator and the fee paid.

(B) No permit fee shall be required for a single sign over a show window or door of a store or business establishment, announcing without display or elaboration, only the name of the proprietor and nature of business; provided, that the sign is not over six feet square in area.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.8 Unsafe Signs.

Should any sign become insecure or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe in the opinion of the UDO Administrator, the owner thereof, or the person or firm maintaining the sign, shall, upon written notice from the UDO Administrator, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within ten days, secure the sign in a manner to be approved by the UDO Administrator, in conformity with the provisions of this Article or remove the sign. If the order is not complied with within ten days, the UDO Administrator shall remove the sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.9 Maintenance.

All signs for which a permit is required, together with all their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in repair and unless of galvanized or noncorroding metal shall be thoroughly painted at least once every two years. The UDO Administrator may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section. The removal shall be at the expense of the owner or lessee.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.10 Removal of Unlawful Signs.

In case any sign shall be installed, erected, or constructed in violation of any of the terms of this Article, the UDO Administrator shall notify by registered mail or written notice served personally, the owner or lessee thereof to alter the sign so as to comply with these zoning regulations and to secure the necessary permit therefor, or to remove the sign. If the order is not complied with within ten days, the UDO Administrator shall remove the sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.11 Location Restriction.

(A) No outdoor advertising display sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape or any window or door or opening used as a means of egress or so as to prevent free passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof. No sign shall be attached in any form, shape, or manner to a fire escape, nor be placed in a manner as to interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation.

(B) Combustible freestanding signs and roof signs, as defined in the North Carolina Building Code Sections 2301.2(B) and (C), shall not be permitted in Fire District No. I and Fire District No. II.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.12 Structural Requirements.

Structural requirements for signs shall be those requirements found in the North Carolina State Building Code Sections 2302.1, 2302.2, and 2302.3.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.13 Construction of Freestanding Signs.

The following construction requirements shall apply to freestanding signs:

(A) Lighting reflectors may project beyond the face of the sign.

(B) Any person or persons, partnership, firm, or corporation occupying any vacant lot or premises by means of a ground sign, shall be subject to the same duties and responsibilities as the owner of the lot or premises, with respect to keeping the same clean, sanitary, inoffensive, free and clear of all obnoxious substances and unsightly conditions on the ground in the vicinity of the ground sign on the premises for which they may be responsible.

(C) Wherever anchors or supports consist of wood embedded in the soil, the wood shall be pressure-treated with an approved preservative.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.14 Exterior Lights and Signs.

(A) No exterior electric, gas, neon, or other illuminated advertising sign, whether by reflection or otherwise, shall remain burning between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

(B) The illuminating parts of lighting signs or advertisements, where their rays or beams fall upon a residence, shall be so low in power and intensity as not to create a glare or offensive light on the residence. If a business house or boardinghouse desires to have an illumination which would ordinarily create a glare or be a disturbance to a residence of the town, the illumination on the signs or advertising shall be directed, hooded, or shaded so that the full force of the beams or rays from them shall not fall upon any residence within 200 feet of the sign.

(Ord. 1695, passed 11-8-12; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)

Section 155.10.15 Nonconforming Signs.

Any sign existing prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance, which under the terms of this Article would be nonconforming, shall be considered a conforming sign for the purposes of this Article. Nothing in this section shall be construed in any way that will allow the continued existence of any signs found to be unsafe under the provisions of Section 155.10.8 of this Article.