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Canton Overview
Codified Ordinances of Canton, OH
CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CANTON, OHIO
CERTIFICATION
OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF CANTON
COMPARATIVE SECTION TABLE
PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
PART THREE - TRAFFIC CODE
PART FIVE - GENERAL OFFENSES CODE
PART SEVEN - BUSINESS REGULATION CODE
PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE
PART ELEVEN - PLANNING AND ZONING CODE
TITLE ONE - Planning
TITLE THREE - Subdivisions
CHAPTER 1111 Platting Rules and Regulations
CHAPTER 1121 Preamble
CHAPTER 1122 Repeal and Validity
CHAPTER 1123 Policy Statement
CHAPTER 1124 Zoning Districts and Maps
CHAPTER 1126 Minimum Standards
CHAPTER 1127 Multiple Standards
CHAPTER 1128 Prohibitions
CHAPTER 1129 Meanings Generally
CHAPTER 1130 Terms and Words Defined
CHAPTER 1131 Definitions
CHAPTER 1132 Applicability
CHAPTER 1133 Nonconforming Uses, Approach to
CHAPTER 1134 General Provisions
CHAPTER 1135 Exceptions and Modifications
CHAPTER 1136 Purpose - Residential Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1137 Bulk and Area Requirements - Residential Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1138 Permitted Uses - Residential Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1139 Permitted Accessory Buildings and Structures
CHAPTER 1140 Permitted Accessory Uses
CHAPTER 1141 Public Utilities in Residential Districts
CHAPTER 1142 Garage Sales in Residential Districts
CHAPTER 1143 Repair of Motor Vehicles
CHAPTER 1144 R-5 Planned Unit Development District
CHAPTER 1145 Purpose - Business and Industrial Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1146 Bulk and Area Requirements - Business and Industrial Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1147 Permitted Uses - Business and Industrial Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1148 Special Provisions for Business and Industrial Uses
CHAPTER 1149 Accessory Uses
CHAPTER 1150 Outdoor Storage
CHAPTER 1151 Outdoor Merchandise Display in Business Zones
CHAPTER 1152 Drive-Thru Windows
CHAPTER 1153 Outdoor Dining Areas and Sidewalk Cafes
CHAPTER 1154 Purpose and Intent
CHAPTER 1155 General Requirements
CHAPTER 1156 Submittal Process
CHAPTER 1157 Review Criteria
CHAPTER 1158 Bulk and Area Requirements
CHAPTER 1159 Permitted Uses
CHAPTER 1160 Accessory Uses and Structures
CHAPTER 1161 Required Parking and Loading, On-Site and Off-Site
CHAPTER 1162 Purpose - Special Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1163 Permitted Uses - Special Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1164 Bulk and Area Requirements - Special Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1165 Accessory Uses - Special Zoning Districts
CHAPTER 1166 Flood Hazard Zoning District
CHAPTER 1167 Urban Garden District
CHAPTER 1168 Live-Work Overlay District
CHAPTER 1169 Purpose and Intent
CHAPTER 1170 Permitted Uses
CHAPTER 1171 General Requirements
CHAPTER 1172 Submission Requirements
CHAPTER 1173 General Development Plan
CHAPTER 1174 Parking Demand and Management Study
CHAPTER 1175 Review Criteria
CHAPTER 1176 Target Investment Zones
CHAPTER 1177 Traditional Neighborhood Design Standards
CHAPTER 1178 Pedestrian Overlay District
CHAPTER 1179 Urban Form Overlay District
CHAPTER 1180 Purpose
CHAPTER 1181 Intent
CHAPTER 1182 Sustainable Development
CHAPTER 1183 Landscape Requirements
CHAPTER 1184 Off-street Loading and Parking Requirements
CHAPTER 1185 Outdoor Illumination
CHAPTER 1186 Refuse Storage
CHAPTER 1187 Signs
CHAPTER 1188 Wall Murals
CHAPTER 1189 Windmills and Wind Turbines
CHAPTER 1190 Solar Energy Systems
CHAPTER 1191 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
CHAPTER 1192 Satellite Dish Antennae
CHAPTER 1193 Sexually Oriented Businesses
CHAPTER 1194 Enforcement
CHAPTER 1195 Administrative Agencies and Duties
CHAPTER 1196 Zoning Amendments
CHAPTER 1197 Appeals and Variances
CHAPTER 1198 Conditional Uses
PART THIRTEEN - BUILDING CODE
PART FIFTEEN - FIRE PREVENTION CODE
PART SEVENTEEN - HEALTH CODE
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1187.10 SIGN REGULATIONS BY TYPE: LIMITED DURATION SIGNS.
   (a)   Limited duration signs in Section 1187.02 Definitions, located on private property are subject to the regulations set forth below. Limited Duration signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a Property. (Note: Regulations of this chapter do not apply to banners displayed in the public right-of-way).
   (b)   Size and Number.
      (1)   Non-Residential Districts:
         A.   Large Limited Durations Signs: One (1) large limited duration sign is permitted per Property in all non-residential districts. If a Property is greater than five (5) acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one (1) additional large limited duration sign may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between the two (2) large limited duration signs.
            i.   Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
               •   Banner
            ii.   Area: Each large limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of 16 sq. ft.
            iii.   Height: Large limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
         B.   Small Limited Duration Signs: In addition to the large limited duration sign(s) outlined above, one (1) small limited duration sign is permitted per Property in all nonresidential zones. If a Property is greater than five (5) acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one (1) additional small sign may be permitted.
            i.   Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
            ii.   Area: Each small limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) sq. ft.
            iii.   Height: Small limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.
      (2)   Residential Districts:
         A.   Large Limited Duration Sign: One (1) large limited duration sign is permitted per Property so long as the Property is greater than five (5) acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area.
            i.   Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
               •   Banner
            ii.   Area: Each large limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of 16 sq. ft.
            iii.   Height: Large limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
         B.   Small Limited Duration Sign: One (1) small limited duration sign is permitted per Property.
            i.   Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
               •   Wall sign
            ii.   Area: Each small limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) sq. ft.
            iii.   Height: Small limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.
         C.   Installation and Maintenance.
            i.   All limited duration signs must be installed such that in the opinion of the City of Canton building official, they do not create a safety hazard.
            ii.   All limited duration signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.
            iii.   Limited duration signs that are frayed, torn, or broken will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
         D.   Illumination: Illumination of any limited duration sign is prohibited.
Table of Sign Regulations by Type - Limited Duration Signs
 
Type
Non-Residential Districts
Residential Districts
Large Limited Duration Signs (max. area 16 sq. ft.)
Number: 1 per property, 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area.
Height: Maximum 8 ft.
1 per property if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area.
Height: Maximum 8 ft.
Small Limited Duration Signs (max. area 6 sq. ft.)
Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area.
Height: Maximum 6 ft.
Number: 1 per property
Height: Maximum 6 ft.
(Ord. 25-2019. Passed 2-25-19.)
1187.11 SIGN REGULATIONS BY TYPE: TEMPORARY SIGNS.
   (a)   Temporary signs, defined in section 1187-02, located on private property, are exempt from standard permit requirements. Temporary signs that comply with the requirements in this sub-section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a Property. (NOTE: Regulations of this chapter do not apply to banners displayed in the public right-of-way).
   (b)   Size and Number.
      (1)   Non-Residential Districts:
         A.   Large Temporary Signs: One (1) large temporary sign is permitted per Property in all non-residential districts. If a Property is greater than five (5) acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one (1) additional large temporary sign may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between the two (2) large temporary signs.
            i.   Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
               •   Banner
            ii.   Area:
               •   Each large temporary freestanding, window, or wall sign shall have a maximum area of 16 sq. ft.
               •   Each large temporary banner shall have a maximum area of 32 sq. ft.
            iii.   Height:
               •   Large temporary signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
               •   Banners shall hang at a height no greater than 24 feet.
         B.   Small Temporary Signs: In addition to the large temporary sign(s) outlined above, three (3) small temporary signs are permitted per Property in all non-residential districts. If a Property is greater than five (5) acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area, one (1) additional small sign may be permitted.
            i.    Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
            ii.   Area:
               •   Each small temporary sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) sq. ft.
               •   Height: Small temporary signs shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.
      (2)   Residential Districts:
         A.   Large Temporary Signs: One (1) large temporary sign is permitted per residential Property so long as the Property is greater than five (5) acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area.
            i.   Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
               •   Banner
            ii.   Area:
               •   Each large temporary freestanding, window, or wall sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet.
               •   Each large temporary banner shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet.
            iii.   Height:
               •   Large temporary signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
               •   Banners shall hang at a height no greater than 24 feet.
         B.   Small Temporary Signs: Three (3) small temporary signs are permitted per residential Property.
            i.   Type:
               •   Building or Wall sign
               •   Freestanding Pole, Monument or Ground sign
               •   Window sign
            ii.   Area: Each small temporary sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) sq. ft.
            iii.   Height: Small temporary signs shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.
   (c)   Duration.
      (1)   Temporary signs may be displayed up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days, two (2) times per year.
   (d)   Permission: The party posting the temporary sign is solely responsible for obtaining the permission of the Property owner before posting their temporary sign.
   (e)   Municipal Notification: Temporary signs are exempt from the standard permit requirements but the date of erection of a temporary sign must be written in indelible ink on the lower right hand corner of the sign.
   (f)   Installation and Maintenance.
      (1)   All temporary signs must be installed such that in the opinion of the City of Canton's building official, they do not create a safety hazard.
      (2)   All temporary signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.
   (g)   Illumination: Illumination of any temporary sign is prohibited.
Table of Sign Regulations by Type - Temporary Signs
 
Type
Non-Residential Districts
Residential Districts
Large Temporary Signs (max area: 32 sq. ft. for banner, 16 square feet for all other signs)
Number: 1 per Property; 2 if Property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage, or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height:
Ground: Max 8 ft.
Banner: Max. 24 ft.
Number: 1 per Property if Property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage, or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height:
Ground: Max 8 ft.
Banner: Max. 24 ft.
Small Temporary Signs (max area: 6 sq. ft.)
Number: 3 per Property; 4 if Property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage, or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height: Max 6 ft.
Number: 3 per Property
Height: Max 6 ft.
(Ord. 25-2019. Passed 2-25-19.)
1187.12 SIGN REGULATION BY TYPE: PORTABLE SIGNS.
   (a)   General Provisions.
      (1)   Illumination: Illumination of any portable sign is prohibited.
      (2)   Hours of Display.
         A.   Signs shall not be displayed on any premises before 6:00 AM and shall be removed each day at or before 10:00 PM
         B.   All portable signs must be taken in during inclement weather.
   (b)   Sandwich Board or A-frame Signs. Sandwich board signs that comply with the requirements in this sub-section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a Property.
      (1)   Number: One (1) sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment. For the purposes of this subsection, a parking garage or parking lot shall be considered an establishment.
      (2)   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven (7) sq. ft. per sign face.
      (3)   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of three and one-half (3.5) feet.
      (4)   Sign Placement.
         A.   If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
         B.   The sign must be located within 12 feet of the primary public entrance, of a legally-permitted business establishment. For the purposes of this subsection, a public entrance includes a vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
         C.   Portable signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
      (5)   Manual Changeable Copy.
         A.   Manual changeable copy signs are permitted when integrated into a sandwich board sign.
            (Ord. 25-2019. Passed 2-25-19.)
1187.13 SIGN REGULATIONS BY TYPE: ELECTRONIC MESSAGE UNITS (DIGITAL DISPLAY).
   (a)   The sign permit applicant should include manufacturer affidavit verifying that the sign has been factory pre-set not to exceed 5,000 nits ( candles per square meter) in the daytime and 250 nits in the evening.
   (b)   The sign should include an automatic light sensing device and should autodim during evening hours.
   (c)   Only one EMU per site where permitted.
   (d)   All requirements as set fmth within General Requirements, Digital Display and all other requirements herein.
   (e)   Electronic Message Units (EMU's) shall be allowed in B-3 General Business through I-2 Heavy Industrial Districts subject to the following requirements:
      (1)   When located as pait of a free standing sign, EMU signs should be situated on the lower or middle third of a monument sign with a brick or masonry base.
      (2)   Display must remain on for ten (10) seconds minimally.
   (f)   EMU's shall be allowed in Community Service Districts subject to the following requirements:
      (1)   Twenty (20) feet from a property line abutting OS, CS, and/or 5 Residential Zoning Districts.
      (2)   Signs in the premises of institutional uses (schools, houses of worship, etc.) should use only monochromatic, amber or red text on a black background.
      (3)   Digital signs should not have direct sight-lines to windows of existing residences.
      (4)   An EMU shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area nor eight (8) feet in height.
      (5)   An EMU shall be placed as a ground/monument sign.
         (Ord. 164-2020. Passed 9-14-20.)
1187.14 SIGN REGULATIONS BY TYPE: AERIAL BANNERS ACROSS STREETS.
   (a)   Aerial banners across streets shall be allowed after first having permission of the Property owner, road and a zoning permit issued.
   (b)   Temporary banners made of canvas or other sturdy, flexible material, not exceeding 4 feet in depth may be suspended over and across the public right of way only in locations which have been equipped with banner connectors and approved by the City for that purpose. Access shall be granted to nonprofit, educational, charitable or civic organizations to carry announcements of public events or fund raisers serving a public purpose in the City. No banner will be displayed which contains political material, or seeks to influence the outcome of an election or the determination of public policy.
   (c)   Banners shall be installed and removed by sign contractors with a valid City of Canton sign contractor's license. In the event that a banner remains on display after the expiration of the permit, City employees may remove such banner at the expense of the applicant organization. City employees may install and remove banners at the request of the organization, provided that an additional fee to reimburse the cost to the City shall be charged for each such banner. (Ord. 25-2019. Passed 2-25-19.)
1187.15 SIGN REGULATIONS BY TYPE: STREET BANNERS.
   (a)   Street banners across streets shall be allowed after first having a zoning permit issued.
   (b)   Special Event Banners announce non-profit events or community activities of public interest and may identify a sponsor in accordance with the guidelines on sponsorships.
   (c)   Identification Banners specifically identify the location of a particular geographic area or institution and may include other information in accordance with the guidelines on "contents".
   (d)   Contents:
      (1)   Banner shall display graphics, which may be supplemented by lettering, for the purpose of identifying and presenting information regarding a geographic district within the City or non-profit institutions or community facilities or for the purpose of announcing special events of a cultural, civic or community nature. Banners may not be used to display Alcohol-related or tobacco-related content any other type of information.
      (2)   More specifically, banners shall display no information which identifies or advertises for-profit businesses, except for permitted "sponsorship" information, or which seeks to gain competitive advantage for any organization or business, either for-profit or non-profit, through the use of language regarding sales, prices, phone numbers, or any statements or slogans which claim or imply that one organization or entity is "better" than other similar organizations.
   (e)   Commercial institutions, corporations and/or foundations that are sponsors of an event may be credited (and occupy no more than 10% of the total banner) on a 12-inch section of the Special Event banner; usually measured from the bottom hemline. Company names and logos may be acceptable to signify sponsorship; however, no addresses, telephone numbers, or other forms of advertising are permitted. Such entities may not be credited with sponsorship on an Identification Banner.
   (f)   Banners shall be constructed of high-quality, flame retardant awning fabric (no vinyl).
   (g)   Dimensions for single-hung banners shall be between 31 by 72 inches minimum and 31 by 99 inches' maximum when measured flat and shall be printed on both sides. Dimensions for double-hung banners shall be 31 by 72 inches each, measured flat and each shall be printed on both sides.
   (h)   The graphic content of banners should enhance the attractiveness of the surrounding area and should symbolically represent the subject matter. The background of a banner should be a single primary color (red, green, blue, etc.). A white background is not recommended.
   (i)   Location:
      (1)   Banners shall be hung so they do not obstruct traffic signals, signs or railroad signals.
      (2)   No cross-street banner shall be hung within 150 feet of a traffic signal.
      (3)   The minimum clearance below a banner hung over a sidewalk is 10 feet. The minimum clearance below a banner hung over a street is 18 feet.
   (j)   Length of Exposure:
      (1)   The minimum length a banner may be displayed is 30 days.
      (2)   The maximum length a banner may be displayed is 60 days. Under special circumstances, generic banners may be allowed to be displayed for up to one year.
      (3)   Special Event banners must be removed within seven days of the conclusion of the event.
   (k)   Defective or damaged banners must be removed as soon as possible.
   (l)   Applications for a permit shall be made by the organization sponsoring the event to the Director of Public Safety. A permit fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be charged regardless of the number of banner sites.
(Ord. 25-2019. Passed 2-25-19.)
1187.16 SIGN REGULATIONS BY TYPE: NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION VERTICAL BANNERS.
   (a)   Neighborhood association vertical banners shall be allowed after first having a zoning permit issued.
   (b)   Vertical banners may be suspended from lampposts or other utility poles in City neighborhoods for the purpose of identifying that specific locality in the City. Access to lampposts or utility poles in the City's right of way may be granted to nonprofit, neighborhood associations provided the owner of the pole gives written permission to the City.
(Ord. 25-2019. Passed 2-25-19.)
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