(A) Exempt signs. The following signs do not require a permit:
(A) Building marker signs. A sign etched into masonry, bronze or similar material on a building;
(B) Identification sign. A pedestrian oriented sign attached to a building to identify the tenant within. Such sign shall contain no advertising other than trade name and/or logotype. One sign is permitted per entrance. Maximum size: six square fee;
(C) Directional signs. Signs that are located on the premise/property to provide directions. Such signs contain no copy other than directional information such as “exit”, “entrance”, “parking”. No more than two signs per entrance or exit shall be permitted. Maximum size: four square feet; maximum height: four feet;
(D) Drive-through signs. Signs that are permitted as either a free-standing or attached wall sign. Such signs may not exceed 28 square feet and should not be visible from the front of the building. No more than two drive-through signs are allowed per location;
(E) Official flags. Per 4 U.S.C. Ch. 1, authorization is granted to fly the United States flag as prescribed in that code and is considered a living symbol. Per G.S. §§144.3 and 144.7, the North Carolina State Flag is authorized to fly at public institutions. Flags or insignia of any nation (United States), organization of nations (United Nations), state (North Carolina), county or municipality (Avery County or Banner Elk.) Flagpoles cannot exceed the 35-foot height restriction;
(F) Government signs. Signs posted or authorized by various local, state, and federal agencies in the performance of their duties such as regulatory signs, welcome signs and traffic signs. Also, Bulletin Boards erected and maintained by the town;
(G) Historical marker. An historic marker may be placed on the premise or property for the expressed purpose of signifying the site or an event that occurred on the site as having historical value. The request should be accompanied with a notation of the historical value of the site or the event or person(s) it is representing. Maximum size: 16 square feet;
(H) Informational signs. Signs displayed for the direction and convenience of the public. Such signs shall not exceed two square feet in area and are to be used to inform the public about a service or function not immediately in view of the public (i.e., “ATM”);
(I) Legal and warning signs. Signs erected to warn of danger or hazardous conditions such as signs erected by public utility companies or construction companies; signs required for or specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance;
(J) Occupant/street number signs. Signs affixed to structures, mailboxes, decorative light posts, driveway entrances and the like, which serve to identify the address of the structure or occupant. All such signs shall be placed in such a manner as to be visible from the street. Maximum size: two square feet;
(K) Temporary signs. Temporary signs are exempt from permit requirements and are allowed in the town’s zoning jurisdiction; provided that, they are displayed for no more than five days cumulative within a two-month period for the same sign. Temporary signs are limited to three per parcel and must be placed at least five feet from the edge of the road without blocking other signs. Temporary signs cannot exceed three square feet or a height of four feet, two and one-half feet in the sight triangle, and must be made of a material that is suitable for the timeframe they are visible without deterioration. A sign that has deteriorated to where it is no longer functional as a sign is prohibited;
(L) Window displays. Merchandise, pictures or models that are incorporated as an integral part of a window display; and
(M) Window signs. Signs temporarily attached or temporarily painted to a window or door, announcing sale or special features; provided, they do not exceed 50% of the area of said window or door. Signs that exceed 50% of the area of said window shall be treated as wall signs. Temporary signs shall be removed within two days after the termination of such sale or special event.
(Ord. passed 3-14-2005; Ord. passed 10-10-2016; Ord. passed 3-14-2019, §607)