The primary function of signage, as it relates to this chapter, is to identify a particular use of a parcel of property. It is not the intent of this chapter that the open spaces and lines of vision created by public rights-of-way be used for unrestricted advertising through the use of signage. Signs will be allowed in a manner so as to provide those similar uses in similar zones the opportunity for identification exposure regardless of parcel size, although the location and size of buildings will influence the amount of signage permitted. This consistent approach is necessary to remove the need for the types of signs that compete for attention of the motorist, thereby creating traffic hazards as well as creating visual blight. It is, therefore, within the health, safety and welfare responsibility of the township that this section is promulgated.
(A) Sign definitions. The following definitions (see also “Sign Types Illustrated”) are related to signs. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DECORATIVE DISPLAY. A decorative, temporary display designed for the entertainment or cultural enrichment of the public and having no direct or indirect sales or advertising content.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS. See division (B)(3) below.
ERECT. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, affix or paint.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign, other than a ground sign or portable sign, which is not attached to a building and is capable of being moved from one location to another on the site on which it is located.
GROUND SIGN. A permanent display sign supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces or mounted directly in and upon the ground surface and having a height not in excess of six feet. Also included within this definition is a mounted corporate or business flag.
MARQUEE SIGN. A sign on or attached to a permanent overhanging shelter that projects from the face of the building and is supported entirely by the building.
NAMEPLATE. A wall sign stating the name of a person, firm or name or description of a certain permitted use.
POLE SIGN. A display sign supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces in the ground surface and having a height in excess of seven feet. Also included within this definition is a corporate or business flag(s) on a pole.
PORTABLE SIGN. A sign and sign structure that is designed to facilitate the movement of the sign from one zoning lot to another. The sign may or may not have wheels, changeable lettering and/or hitches for towing. A sign shall be considered PORTABLE only if the sign is manifestly designed to be portable to facilitate its movement from one zoning lot to another. Signs capable of being moved, other than from one zoning lot to another, shall be considered freestanding signs under this chapter.
PROJECTING SIGN. A sign that is affixed to any building or structure, other than a marquee, and any part of which extends beyond the building wall or structure more than 15 inches.
SIGN. Any announcement, declaration, display, billboard, illustration and insignia when designed and placed so as to attract general public attention. SIGN shall include any banner, bulbs or other lighting devices, streamer, pennant, inflated or deflated membrane device, propeller, flag (other than the official flag of any nation or state) and any similar device of any type or kind whether bearing lettering or not.
SIGN, ACCESSORY. A sign whose content has relevance to the principal use of the premises. (See also the definition of “directional sign”.)
SIGN ALTERATION. The changing, enlarging or relocating of any sign, excluding routine maintenance and also excluding the changing of movable parts of an approved sign that is designed for such changes or the repainting or reposting of original display matter, shall be deemed an ALTERATION.
SIGN AREA. The entire area included within the single continuous perimeter of a regular geometric form or combination of forms which encloses the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, and including the area within any illuminated border. An AREA so created shall include all solid surfaces as well as openings. Supporting framework, bracing, structural members or decorative fence or wall that is clearly incidental to the display itself and not bearing copy or display material shall not be included in computation of SIGN AREA. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all of the area, including that between sections or modules shall be included in the computation of SIGN AREA. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where the two faces are placed back to back, parallel to one another, and not more than 18 inches apart, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area. For internally illuminated awnings or canopies, the entire surface of the canopy is included in the calculation.
SIGN, NON-ACCESSORY. A sign whose content does not have relevance to the principal use of the premises. (An example is shown in the illustration of sign types above.)
TEMPORARY SIGN. A display sign, banner or other advertising device constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, plastic or other light temporary material (including pennants, streamers and flags other than the official flag of any nation, state or organization respectfully displayed), inflated devices with or without a structural frame, or any other sign intended for a limited period of display, but not including decorative displays for holidays or public events. Portable signs (in the definition above) also fall under this definition of TEMPORARY SIGN.
WALL SIGN. A display sign that is painted on or attached directly to the building wall. Also included within this definition is a wall mounted corporate or business flag.
(B) General requirements for all signs. The following conditions shall also apply to all signs erected or located in any use district.
(1) All signs shall conform to all codes and ordinances of the township and where required to conform with the building code shall also be approved by the Building Inspector and a building permit issued.
(2) No sign, except those established and maintained by the township, county, state or federal governments, shall be erected, located or placed in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement.
(3) Signs of a utilitarian nature with no advertising intended to provide orientation and to direct traffic and pedestrian movements. The signs are for the purpose of promoting safety and ease of ingress, egress and use of site facilities and services. Because directional signs are of a noncommercial, aid-to-the-public nature, they shall be permitted in all use districts subject to Planning Commission approval in those cases requiring site plan review and subject to Zoning Administrator approval in all other instances. Directional signs are to be of an appropriate size and character to accomplish their aid-to-the-public objective.
(4) No sign otherwise permitted shall project above or beyond the maximum height limitation of the use district in which located and provided further that no freestanding sign, where permitted, shall exceed three feet in height.
(5) No sign above a height of two feet shall be located within, project into or overhang the triangular area formed at the intersection of street right-of-way lines by a straight line drawn between the right-of-way lines at a distance along each line of 25 feet from their point of intersection.
(6) Accessory signs shall be permitted in any use district and may be located in the required front yard except as otherwise provided herein.
(7) Except as provided by division (D)(1) below (involving prohibited signs), non-accessory signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district in the township, except that non-accessory signs pertaining to real estate development located within the township and designated to promote the sale of lots or homes within a subdivision located within the township may be permitted on a temporary basis in any use district, but shall not be located upon subdivided land, unless the land is part of the subdivision being advertised for sale and shall be subject to the requirements and conditions of all codes and ordinances of the township.
(8) Illumination of signs shall be only by means of white light at constant intensity. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated, however, all illumination shall be shielded, directed or shaded downward so as not to interfere with driver visibility, become hazardous to traffic or the vision of persons on adjacent streets or property. Flashing, animated or intermittent type signs shall not be permitted.
(9) Signs used for advertising land or buildings for rent, lease and/or for sale shall be permitted on the land or building intended to be rented, leased and/or sold.
(10) Any sign, including framing, now or hereafter existing, which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product or entertainment, service or commodity offered or sold on the lot, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which the sign shall be found within 30 days after written notice from the Zoning Administrator. Notice shall be sent to the property owner of record, as indicated in township tax rolls, by certified mail. The owner may petition the Zoning Board of Appeals for temporary approval to install blank sign faces when it can be demonstrated that the sign structure is likely to be reused within one year by a future business and the sign framework is in sound structural condition.
(11) Connections to an energy source for lighting shall be in accord with all codes of the township and shall not be exposed in any way that may constitute a safety hazard to the public.
(12) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, non-commercial messages shall be permitted on any sign on which commercial messages are permitted.
(13) No sign shall include language or graphics referring to either specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities.
(C) Permitted signs by zoning district. All plans for the erection of signs shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for review and approval and shall be further subject to all codes and ordinances of the township.
(1) A/R-Agricultural/Residential, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2-Single and Two-Family Residential, and MHR-Manufactured Home District and RM Multiple-Family Residential Districts, sign types allowed.
(a) For each dwelling unit, one nameplate not exceeding two square feet in area, indicating the name of the occupant.
(b) For structures or uses other than dwelling units, one identification sign not exceeding ten square feet.
(c) For churches, one accessory sign not to exceed 18 square feet, except when located on a major thoroughfare or on a roadway with a posted speed of 45 MHP or greater, in which case the size, may be increased to 32 square feet.
(d) For rental and/or management offices in a multiple housing development, an identification sign not exceeding six square feet.
(e) For lawfully permitted home occupations, one nameplate not exceeding four square feet in area indicating the name of the lawful home occupation.
(2) O Office District, GB General Business District, sign types allowed. Ground or pole (not both), temporary and wall signs as defined in this section and subject to the following conditions:
(a) Ground sign.
1. One ground sign having a sign area of not more than 72 square feet for a single face and 144 square feet for a total of all sign faces shall be permitted. The sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
2. Not more than one ground sign may be erected accessory, to any one development, regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties, tenants or uses contained therein, except that when any single development is located on a parcel of land that abuts on two or more streets, one ground sign may be erected along each street frontage.
3. The distance measured between the principal faces of any ground sign shall not exceed 18 inches.
4. Ground signs shall be setback from the planned right-of-way line in accordance with the following schedule (except that along State Hwy. M-25, the sign shall be setback two feet outside of the existing right-of-way).
Maximum Height of Sign | Minimum Setback from Proposed R.O.W. |
2 feet | 6 feet |
2-1/2 feet | 8 feet |
3 feet | 10 feet |
4 feet | 14 feet |
5 feet | 16 feet |
6 feet | 20 feet |
5. Ground signs shall be utilized only for identification of the uses allowed in the zoning district and shall not be utilized to advertise products for sale.
6. Ground signs may be illuminated as required by divisions (B)(8) and (B)(11) above.
7. Time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
8. All ground signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected upon an approved foundation extending at least 42 inches below the material surface of the ground.
9. All letters, figures, characters, items or representations in cutout or irregular form maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure. Loose or missing letters, figures, characters or items shall constitute a maintenance violation.
(b) Pole signs.
1. Not more than one pole sign may be erected accessory to any one development, regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties, tenants or uses contained therein.
2. It shall be unlawful to erect any pole sign to a height greater than 18 feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces. The vertical distance from all points on the bottom of the sign face to the nearest point on ground shall be not less than seven feet, and the sign shall be so erected as not to obstruct traffic vision.
3. Pole signs may be illuminated as required by divisions (B)(8) and (11) above.
4. Time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
5. All pole signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected upon posts and standards at least 42 inches below the material surface of the ground and shall be embedded in concrete. Wood or wood products shall be of wolmanized or equal treatment.
6. All letters, figures, characters, items or representations in cutout or irregular form maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure. Loose or missing letters, figures, characters or items shall constitute a maintenance violation.
7. The distance measured between the principal faces of any pole sign shall not exceed 18 inches.
8. Sign height, setback (all portions of sign) and size for pole signs.
Maximum Height (See division (C)(2)(b) “Pole Signs” above for method of measuring height (in feet)) | Minimum Setback** Required from edge of proposed R.O.W. (in feet) | Maximum Area* of Single Sign Face (in square feet) |
Maximum Height (See division (C)(2)(b) “Pole Signs” above for method of measuring height (in feet)) | Minimum Setback** Required from edge of proposed R.O.W. (in feet) | Maximum Area* of Single Sign Face (in square feet) |
14 | 12 | 60 |
15 | 14 | 60 |
16 | 16 | 60 |
17 | 17 | 60 |
18 | 19 | 60 |
*In those instances where more than one sign face is proposed, the maximum area of all sign faces shall not exceed two times the area prescribed for a single-faced sign (See division (A)(6) Sign area for calculation of permitted sign area) | ||
**Except that along State Hwy. M-25, the sign shall be setback two feet outside of the existing right-of-way | ||
(c) Temporary signs.
1. Portable sign: there shall be no more than one portable sign on any one zoning lot. The portable sign shall be licensed as a temporary sign for periods not to exceed seven days in a 30-consecutive-day period and not to exceed 28 days in any one year. Each face of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed six feet in height. In no instance shall the sign be located so as to obstruct or occupy parking spaces or automobile or pedestrian travel lanes. The signs shall not flash or be located so as to obstruct traffic vision, and lighting shall be of a type so as not to be confused with traffic controls and not to cause distraction to vehicle drivers.
2. For sale or rental of individual units, there shall be no more than one like sign, except that on a corner lot two signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. No like sign shall exceed six square feet in area for each side of the sign. All the signs shall be removed within one week after a lease or sale contract has been signed.
3. Signs advertising buildings under construction may be erected for the period of construction and shall not exceed a face area of 32 square feet for each side of the sign. The signs shall be erected on the building or lot where the construction is being carried on and shall advertise only the architect, contractor, subcontractor, building or materials and equipment used. There shall be no more than one such sign per individual contractor or supplier. All the signs shall be removed at the point an occupancy permit is granted or at project completion if no occupancy permit is required.
4. One temporary sign may be displayed for any new business or owner for a period of time not to exceed 28 consecutive days.
5. No temporary sign may have a single face area greater than 32 square feet nor be of greater height than the top of the wall to which it is attached. If the temporary sign is not attached to a wall, the sign shall be attached so the bottom edge of the sign is not less than seven feet six inches above grade and shall not exceed 12 feet in overall height.
6. No temporary sign shall be strung across any public right-of-way, nor shall any temporary sign project beyond the property line, except as part of an authorized public event.
7. Temporary signs shall be removed promptly at the end of the display period provided for above.
8. Temporary signs found by the Zoning Administrator to be in a torn or damaged condition must be removed by the owner within three days after his or her receipt of notice to do so from the Zoning Administrator. Temporary signs found to be unsafe shall be removed immediately upon receipt of notice from the Zoning Administrator.
(d) Wall signs.
1. Wall signs may be provided on all street sides, front sides or parking lot sides of a building, and the total surface area of all wall signs shall not exceed 10% of the area of the front elevation (including doors and windows) of the principal building or three square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage, or 100 square feet, whichever is less. Where a single principal building is devoted to two or more businesses or commercial uses, the operator of each use may install a front wall sign. The maximum area of each sign shall be determined by determining the proportionate share of the front face (including doors and windows) of the principal building occupied by each such use and applying the proportion of the total sign area permitted from the front wall of the building; or the percent agreed to by the occupants, total not to exceed the above area limitations. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the required information when applying for a sign permit.
2. The sign may be illuminated as required by divisions (B)(8) and (11).
3. Time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
4. All wall signs of a greater area than 50 square feet shall have a surface or facing of noncombustible material.
5. Limitation on placement: no wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached.
6. No wall sign shall have a greater thickness than 12 inches measured from the wall to which it is attached to the outermost surface. Wall signs may project over the public right-of-way not to exceed 12 inches, provided clearance of not less than seven feet six inches is maintained below the sign if the sign projects more than four inches. The sign shall not project above the roofline.
7. All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to structural members of the building by means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails. The method of attachment shall be stated on the permit application.
(3) RCC Recreation, Conservation and Cemetery Districts sign types allowed. All sign types allowed and as controlled for the O and GB Districts.
(4) I Industrial Districts sign types allowed. All sign types allowed and as controlled for the O and GB Districts.
(5) Permitted signs accessory to churches, schools or nonprofit institutions; sign types allowed (all use districts). Churches, colleges, schools, buildings housing governmental functions and utilities of the township, county or state or any subdivision thereof are permitted to erect signs. The signs, when of a permanent nature, shall meet all the requirements of this chapter and other ordinances of the township except as provided herein and may include ground, portable, pole, temporary and wall signs as defined in this chapter. Temporary signs advertising special events may be allowed for periods not to exceed two weeks.
(D) Prohibited signs. Any sign type that is not defined within this chapter shall be subject to review and approval by the township. The following signs are prohibited within the township, except as otherwise provided for in division (C)(2)(c) above (Temporary Signs):
(1) Non-accessory signs, except along a state highway provided that they shall conform to all requirements for signs by sign type (i.e., ground, pole, wall and the like) for the zoning district in which they are located, including but not limited to: number, area, height, lighting and setback. The number and area of the signs shall fall within, and shall not be in addition to, the limits provided for each sign type for the district in which located;
(2) String lights used in connection with business premises for commercial purposes, other than holiday decorations;
(3) Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained;
(4) Signs on any fencepost, tree, utility pole or similar object;
(5) Any sign or banner erected upon or across any public right-of-way or dedicated public easement except as otherwise provided within this section;
(6) Signs that incorporate flashing lights in any manner;
(7) Any sign or other advertising structure upon which is displayed any obscene, indecent or immoral matter. Any sign that includes language or graphics referring to either specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities;
(8) Signs which move, rotate or have any moving or animated parts or image, whether movement is caused by machinery, electronics, wind or otherwise, including swinging signs;
(9) Strings of flags, streamers or pennants;
(10) Inflated or deflated membrane devices;
(11) Signs on park-type benches;
(12) Freestanding signs;
(13) Any sign on the roof of any building;
(14) Marquee signs;
(15) Projecting signs; and
(16) Vehicles used as signs: Any sign on a motor vehicle or trailer which is parked in front of or at a business, or in a manner so that it is visible from a public street or from a residential zoning district, which is used primarily for the purpose of advertising a business, product or service is prohibited.
(E) Nonconforming signs.
(1) All signs which were in existence as of November 20, 1996, and which were permanently affixed to real property that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to continue until a time as they are removed or until any structural or configuration changes are necessary, at which time they shall conform to the provisions of this chapter. The provisions of this division (E) shall not apply to electrical maintenance, repainting or changing of the message.
(2) A property that is a nonconforming use of land under § 154.022, shall not be permitted to add additional signs to the buildings or property, other than those already existing at the effective date of this chapter. Signs on nonconforming uses shall be maintained in good repair or be removed, and the removal shall be conditional to divisions (F) and (G) below.
(3) No permits for the installation, erection or placement of any new signs shall be issued while a nonconforming sign or an unlawful sign remains in use upon the same premises.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a lawful nonconforming accessory pole sign existing at the effective date of this chapter and located within a GB District, may (within 90 days of the date of casualty) be replaced or reconstructed if damaged or destroyed by wind, fire, flood, vehicles or by other casualty, provided the replacement or reconstruction will not create a greater nonconformity than existed prior to the damage or destruction.
(F) Unsafe or damaged signs. Signs shall be subject to inspections, and when the condition of a sign is questionable, the owner or occupant shall obtain a professional engineer’s report, certifying the condition of the sign. Failure to submit the report and make any specified corrections is a direct violation which will result in court action and order for the sign removal.
(G) Sign maintenance. All signs, including those for which a permit is not required, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be maintained in good working order; and when not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion resistant, noncombustible materials shall be painted when necessary to prevent corrosion. The exteriors of all signs, supporting members, painted surfaces, advertising materials and lettering shall be kept painted and in good repair so as to present a neat and orderly appearance and so as not to create visual blight within the township. All bulbs or component parts of the sign, including the electrical switches, boxes and wiring used in the illumination of the sign, must be well maintained and in good repair. Loose or missing letters, figures, characters or items shall constitute a maintenance violation. Signs that lack maintenance shall be removed. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner or lessee of every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign in a clean, sanitary and healthful condition.
(H) Sign permits required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, replace, repair (if cost of reconstruction or repair exceeds 50% of the reproduction cost of the sign), alter or relocate any sign within the township, as defined in this section, without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Administrator, with the exception of the following.
(1) Signs that are not subject to regulation under this chapter.
(a) Wall signs used as nameplates, not exceeding two square feet in area; occupational signs denoting only the name and profession of the occupant in a commercial, public or other institutional building and not exceeding two square feet in area;
(b) Message boards not over 20 square feet in area for governmental, educational and religious institutions when the same are located on the premises of the institutions; provided, however, if the signs are electrically illuminated, an electrical permit must be obtained;
(c) Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or aluminum;
(d) Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, danger and temporary emergency or non-advertising signs;
(e) Signs advertising the rental, sale, lease or open house of the property upon which they are located;
(f) Flags of recognized federal, state, county or township governments, but not including corporate or business flags;
(g) Decorative displays, except for those that occupy a public right-of-way as regulated by this section;
(h) No hunting signs, no fishing signs, no trespassing signs; and
(i) Political signs relating to the election of a person to public office, relating to a political party, or a matter to be voted upon at an election called by a public body, provided:
1. They are placed outside the highway or road right-of-way and in no way create a traffic hazard due to reduced vision of motorists or pedestrians;
2. Permission has been obtained from the property owner or occupant; and
3. That the signs are erected no earlier than 60 days prior to the election and are removed no later than ten days after the election.
(2) Application for sign permit. Applications for permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Zoning Administrator or other designated official and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant and landowner;
(b) Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or erected;
(c) Position and location of the sign or other advertising structure in relation to nearby buildings or structures;
(d) Two blueprints or drawings of the sign showing specifications and methods of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground;
(e) Name of sign company, person, firm, corporation or association erecting the structure;
(f) In all cases where wiring is to be used in connection with the structure, it shall comply with the Township Electrical Code. The Electrical Inspector shall approve and affix his or her signature to the permit if it is deemed necessary by the Electrical Inspector; and
(g) Other information as the Zoning Administrator shall require to show full compliance with this section and all other ordinances of the township.
(3) Sign permit fee. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or alter any sign, except those signs specifically exempted herein, unless a permit shall first have been obtained from the Zoning Administrator for the erection or alteration and a permit fee paid to the township according to the schedule as shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Township Board.
(4) Sign permit revocable at any time.
(a) All rights and privileges accrued under the provisions of this section or any amendment thereto are mere licenses and may be revoked upon the violation of any of the conditions contained herein. If the work authorized under an erection permit has not been completed within six months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void and a new permit shall be necessary to continue the project.
(b) Partially completed signs, if abandoned, shall be removed by the erector upon notice from the Zoning Administrator, an opportunity for the permit holder to respond and a final determination by the Township Board.
(5) Permit number. Every sign shall have placed in a conspicuous place thereon, in letters not less than one-half inch in height, the date of erection, the permit number and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection therewith.
(Ord. passed 6-28-2006) (Ord. passed 10-20-2008) Penalty, see § 154.999