(A) The sign regulations of this subchapter are intended to fairly balance public and private interests. The purpose of this subchapter is to protect public safety, minimize the abundance and size of signs in order to reduce visible clutter, motorist distraction and loss of sight distance. Furthermore, to promote, direct, identify, advertise, advocate, endorse and otherwise communicate information and support and complement the land use objectives as set forth in the 2010-2030 Banner Elk Land Use Plan. Intentions are to prevent obtrusive signage that would negatively impact the town’s streetscape, the surrounding beauty of our area, and the efforts we make every day to protect our environment. While these regulations allow for a variety of sign types and sizes, they do not necessarily ensure every property owner or business owner’s desired level of visibility. It is not the intent or purpose of this subchapter to regulate the message displayed on any sign or the content.
(B) The objectives of this subchapter are:
(1) General. To ensure that signs are located, designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a way that protects life, health, morals, property and the public welfare;
(2) Public safety. To protect the public safety by prohibiting signs that are structurally unsafe or poorly maintained; that cause unsafe traffic conditions through distraction of motorists, confusion with the information on a traffic sign, hindrance of vision and that impede safe movement of pedestrians and/or safe ingress and egress from buildings and sites;
(3) Protect the aesthetic quality of neighborhoods. Prevent blight and protect the aesthetic qualities of the town preventing visual clutter and protecting views;
(4) Free speech. Ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected and to allow signs as a means of communication;
(5) Reduce visual conflict. Reduce visual conflict between signs and light and establish a clear distinction between public and private information systems;
(6) Neighborhood character. Reinforce and support the desired character of each neighborhood classification and zone district in a manner that takes into consideration building scale and massing, lot size, building setbacks, transparency, street dimensions, travel speed and pedestrian presence so that signage contributes to the streetscape element and aids in creating a sense of “place”; and
(7) Identification. Allow for adequate and effective signage for disseminating public information, included, but not limited to, public safety information and notification as required by law.
(Ord. passed 3-14-2005; Ord. passed 10-10-2016; Ord. passed 3-14-2019, § 600)