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(B) Unless otherwise specified in a Master Sign Plan, the structural supports and foundation of principal ground signs shall match the principal material found in the principal structure(s) on the site.
(C) Background material of principal ground signs shall match the primary material found in the principal structure(s) or be architecturally compatible in style and color (e.g., materials such as synthetic wood and other similar materials may be considered).
(D) Materials such as metal, PVC, and acrylic may be used for individual letters and raceways.
(E) Changeable copy shall be allowed only on signs permitted in accordance with Section 9.2.5 for theaters, service stations, and for property with an institutional use provided that:
(1) A theater with a marquee may display changeable copy on the marquee. A theater without a marquee may display one (1) changeable copy sign on each wall permitted to have wall signs.
(2) A service station may use up to one-half (½) of the area of its principal ground sign or one-half (½) of the area of any wall sign for changeable copy.
(3) A property with an institutional use may have changeable copy on up to fifty percent (50%) of the principal ground sign and/or the entire area of Directional signs. When used on a principal ground sign, the materials must follow the standards for principal ground signs stated in this chapter.
(A) Number of Colors
(1) Permanent signs may incorporate a maximum of four (4) colors, including background color, and excluding colors found in logos and trademarks allowed per Section 9.2.3(B).
(2) The text of the primary message shall be a single color, except where a second color is used to create an outline or shadow effect.
(3) The color of the text of the primary message may be altered up to twelve (12) times per year, provided the following requirements are met:
(a) The wall sign is located on a single-tenant building five (5) stories or taller; and
(b) All portions of the primary message display a single color at any given time;
(c) The frequency of change is no shorter than eight (8) hours; and
(d) A palette of up to twelve (12) sign colors for the primary message text is approved as a component of the master sign plan for the development. Such palette may not include high intensity or fluorescent colors.
(B) Color Options
(1) The following sign colors are allowed:
(a) black;
(b) white;
(c) colors found in the approved development plan and present in the same building segment where the sign is displayed;
(d) one (1) color found in the approved development plan and present in another building segment of the same development plan;
(e) one (1) color option to the Master Sign Plan that is not found in the development plan but is of a similar hue and intensity as the development plan color palette; and
(f) other colors in logos or trademarks provided that the size of the logo does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the allowable sign area. The size of the logo may be increased to seventy-five percent (75%) of the allowable sign area provided the following standards for the logo are met:
(i) May not be internally illuminated;
(ii) Shall be three (3) dimensional;
(iii) Shall be made of carved or simulated carved wood, stone, or metal; and
(iv) Colors used shall not be high intensity or fluorescent.
(C) Prohibited Colors
The use of high intensity colors or fluorescent pigments, except as part of a logo or trademark that does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the allowable sign area, is prohibited on permanent signs.
(A) Uniformity
Lighting on permanent signs shall be consistent throughout a project, and no permanent sign or portion thereof shall be illuminated differently from any other permanent sign, unless provided for with an approved Master Sign Plan and Development Plan in which there is variety in façade design or building type.
(B) External Illumination
Exterior illumination of permitted permanent signs shall be allowed except where prohibited for specific sign types in Section 9.2. Such lighting shall be directed only upon the sign face and architectural elements of the sign structure, and shall be directed to prevent off-site glare.
(C) Internally-illuminated Cabinet Signs
Internally-illuminated cabinet signs shall be allowed as provided below:
(1) Principal Ground Signs: A single enclosed internally-illuminated cabinet containing all sign text, logos and symbols may be incorporated into a principal ground sign subject to the following:
(a) Only the sign text and logos may be illuminated.
(b) The total area of the logo(s) shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the allowable sign area.
(c) Background material shall be opaque and meet requirements of Section 9.2.2.
(2) Wall Signs:
(a) A single enclosed internally-illuminated cabinet containing a logo may be incorporated into a wall sign subject to the following:
(i) The total area of the logo cabinet shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the allowable sign area.
(b) Internally-illuminated enclosed cabinets (such as pill signs) may be permitted as a component of a wall sign subject to the following:
(i) the principal sign message consists of internally-illuminated channel letters attached directly to the building wall, or on a raceway;
(ii) the background of the cabinet-type sign component is opaque, except where the sign message is a logo or trademark; or the sign is a theatre marquee sign or poster box per Section 9.2.5(L)(4).
(iii) the combined area of such cabinet component shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total area of the wall sign;
(iv) such signs are included in and comply with an approved uniform sign plan, where such plan is applicable; and
(v) construction methods and materials are consistent with the associated channel letters.
(3) Pedestrian-oriented directional ground signs may be internally-illuminated.
(4) All other internally-illuminated cabinet-style ground and wall signs shall be prohibited.
The following sign types are permitted on property located in all zoning districts, except lots or parcels containing a single-unit residence or duplex. Permanent signs shall be permitted in accordance with Table 9.2-1, subject to the applicable standards of this Section 9.2.5 and the provisions of any Master Sign Plan applicable to the site.
Sign Type | Sign Permit | Conditions | |
Sign Type | Sign Permit | Conditions | |
Awning Sign | Required | 9.2.5(A) | |
Directional Sign | Vehicle-oriented Directional Ground Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (B)(1) |
Wall-Mounted Directional Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (B)(2) | |
Pedestrian-oriented Directional Ground Sign | Not Required | 9.2.5 (B)(3) | |
Permanent Flagpoles With Flags | Not Required | 9.2.5 (C) | |
Incidental Sign | Not Required | 9.2.5 (D) | |
Drive-through Lane Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (E) | |
Principal Ground Sign | Required | 9.2.5(F) | |
Entry Monument Alternative to Principal Ground Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (G) | |
New Construction Alternative to Permanent Ground Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (H) | |
Projecting Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (I) | |
Suspended Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (J) | |
Verandah Sign | Required | 9.2.5 (K) | |
Wall Sign | Buildings with 3 or Fewer Floors | Required | 9.2.5(L)(1) |
Buildings with More Than 3 Floors | Required | 9.2.5(L)(2) | |
Multi-family or Institutional Buildings in Residential Districts or PDDs | Required | 9.2.5(L)(3) | |
Theatres | Required | 9.2.5(L)(4) | |
Mixed-use Buildings | Required | 9.2.5(L)(5) | |
Façade Renovation Alternative to Permanent Wall Sign | Required | 9.2.5(M) | |
New Business Alternative to Permanent Wall Sign | Required | 9.2.5(N) | |
Window Sign | Not Required | 9.2.5(O) | |
Mailbox Sign | Not Required | 9.2.5(P) | |
(A) Awning Sign
Awning signs shall be allowed, provided that:
(1) On a single-occupant property, one (1) awning sign may be allowed only in lieu of all other signage otherwise permitted on the wall to which the awning is attached.
(2) On a multi-occupant property, one (1) awning sign may be allowed over each occupant entrance, in lieu of other wall signs, and if so shown on the Master Sign Plan.
(3) The maximum area of an awning sign shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total awning face front and side area.
(4) Awning signs may be illuminated only with direct surface lighting and not with any form of backlighting.
(5) Awning signs may project over a public right-of-way provided that no element of the sign hangs lower than seven (7) feet above the ground or pedestrian walkway.
(B) Directional Sign
(1) Vehicle-oriented Directional Ground Signs
Vehicle-oriented directional ground signs shall be allowed in addition to Principal Ground Signs near each principal entrance to a parking area or at principal intersections within the parking area of a development project, or as shown on an approved Master Sign Plan. Such signs shall be located at least fifty (50) feet away from any public right-of-way in a manner that drivers can conveniently pull up to and read the sign without impeding traffic on any driveway or entrance serving the development.
(a) Vehicle-oriented directional ground signs shall be allowed as follows:
(i) Vehicle-oriented directional ground signs may have a maximum height of five (5) feet, a maximum sign area of ten (10) square feet, and a maximum letter height of four (4) inches that shall not be legible from the public right-of-way.
(2) Pedestrian-oriented Directional Ground Signs
Pedestrian-oriented directional ground signs shall be allowed within multi-tenant sites in accordance with the following:
(a) Such signs shall not be legible from the public right-of-way or private street or drive aisle;
(b) Such signs shall have a maximum sign area of fifteen (15) square feet;
(c) The sign structure shall have a maximum height of seven (7) feet; and
(d) The location and design characteristics of such signs shall be included in the uniform sign plan for the development.
(3) Wall-mounted Directional Signs
(a) General
Wall-mounted directional signs shall be permitted for buildings with multiple tenants and shall be allowed in addition to Primary Wall Signs provided that the total size of the wall-mounted directional sign does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total wall area to which the sign is affixed.
(b) Additional Requirements in the Town Center
(i) The sign shall be located next to the principal entrance.
(ii) The sign shall not project outward from the wall more than six (6) inches.
(iii) The sign shall not extend above the parapet, eave or building facade.
(iv) All area over three (3) square feet shall be considered as part of the property's overall allowed sign area.
(v) The sign shall not be illuminated separately.
(C) Permanent Flagpoles with Flags
Permanent flagpoles with flags shall be allowed in accordance with the following:
(1) Sites Not Showing Flags and Flagpoles on Development Plans
In a non-residential or multi-family residential site not showing flags on an approved development plan, there shall be no more than three (3) flagpoles and two (2) flags per pole. Poles for such flags shall be located on the principal building wall on the site or within twenty (20) feet of the main building entrance.
(2) Sites Showing Flags and Flagpoles on Development Plans and Master Sign Plans
Flags may be included on a development plan and located as shown on that development plan, provided that:
(a) Flagpoles shall be limited to three (3) per principal building or multi-family residential complex;
(b) Flags are limited to two (2) flags per pole; and
(c) Flagpoles shall be located outside of the public street right-of-way.
(3) Flagpole Height and Flag Size
Flagpoles shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height, and flags shall not exceed five (5) feet by eight (8) feet in size, except for:
(a) Venues for recreational and entertainment uses that provide structured spectator seating to support spectator viewing. Such sites are allowed one (1) flagpole up to fifty (50) feet in height displaying flag(s) no larger than ten (10) feet by fifteen (15) feet, provided that the flagpole meets a setback from the property line of two (2) feet for every one (1) foot of flagpole height.
(b) Non-residential buildings are allowed two (2) flagpoles extending up to twenty-five (25) feet above the height of the building, displaying flag(s) no larger than eight (8) feet by twelve (12) feet, provided that the building is setback from a thoroughfare by a minimum of three hundred (300) feet or the building contains a minimum of three (3) stories.
(4) Memorial Parks
Public parks that serve as a memorial to a particular event, individual(s) or group(s) may contain more than three (3) flagpoles; however, the total number of flags displayed may not exceed six (6).
(5) Public Athletic Fields/Complexes
A total of two (2) additional flags shall be allowed for each playing field containing permanent seating for spectators; the additional flags may be displayed on separate poles or on the same pole; the additional flags may be displayed at such field(s) only while used for games.
(D) Incidental Sign
Incidental signs shall be allowed provided that they contain no logo or commercial message and do not exceed two (2) square feet in area, except that signs providing notice that cars parked illegally may be towed may comply with provisions of North Carolina statutes that require that such notice be four (4) square feet in area. Incidental ground signs shall not exceed three (3) feet in height.
(E) Drive-through Lane Sign
Drive-through lane signs shall be allowed only as an accessory use to a use having a drive- through window, provided that:
(1) Such signs shall not exceed forty-two (42) square feet in area and five (5) feet, six (6) inches in height.
(2) Such signs shall not be legible from a public right-of-way or adjacent residential property.
(3) There shall be no more than two (2) such signs per drive-through lane.
(4) The color of the back and side frames of such signs shall have ties to the main building or other signage for the project.
(5) Businesses within the Town Center may substitute one (1) permitted A-frame sign for a drive-through lane sign but shall not use both.
(F) Principal Ground Sign
Principal ground signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following:
(1) Such signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side or sixty-four (64) square feet total in area, and fifty-four (54) inches in height. In the Town Center, any sign area in excess of sixteen (16) square feet in total shall be counted as part of the property's total allowed sign area. Where the height of the sign exceeds forty-two (42) inches, one (1) square foot of landscape area for each square foot of sign area shall be provided in the vicinity of the sign. At least fifty percent (50%) of the plant material shall be evergreen. Both sides of a two (2) sided ground sign shall be identical with regard to materials and design.
(2) Setbacks shall be adequate to protect the clear sight triangle, in accordance with the Town's Standard Specifications and Details Manual.
(3) For a single-occupant property, there shall be only one (1) principal ground sign per entrance to the project, provided that no two (2) ground signs shall be within three hundred (300) feet of each other.
(4) For a multi-occupant project, there shall be only one (1) ground sign per entrance from a public street or a private street which meets the Town's Site Design Standards provided that no two (2) ground signs shall be within three hundred (300) feet of each other, except as provided in Section 9.2.5(F)(6) below.
(5) Outparcels in shopping centers shall not be allowed principal ground signs.
(6) Principal ground signs for residential or non-residential subdivisions, general shopping centers, and multi-family developments may be allowed on one (1) or both sides of each principal entrance. Where placed on both sides of a principal entrance, such signs shall be placed on an entry wall and/or column like features which are identical in design and materials and approved on a development plan.
(7) Principal ground sign(s) at the entrance to a residential or non-residential subdivision shall be located:
(a) in common open space, on dedicated sign easements, or, in the absence of an owner's association, on private property within the subdivision; or
(b) in the median strip of a public or private street right-of-way provided that:
(i) the median strip is at least fifty (50) feet in length and ten (10) feet in width, unless this requirement is reduced by the Planning Director; and
(ii) the sign is located at least ten (10) feet from the right-of-way line when projected across the entrance; and
(iii) if in a public right-of-way, the sign location is approved by the Director of Transportation and Facilities based upon traffic safety considerations and the location of utilities.
(8) A principal ground sign displaced due to road widening projects may be replaced with an interim ground sign located on the same property during the duration of the road widening project. Such interim sign shall be located on private property and shall not be subject to Section 9.2.2 (Materials). After completion, such interim ground sign shall be replaced with a permanent ground sign meeting the provisions of this Chapter 9.
(G) Entry Monument Alternative to Principal Ground Sign
An entry monument meeting requirements of Section 7.2.7 of this Ordinance may be approved in lieu of a permitted principal ground sign for residential subdivisions, non-residential subdivisions and general shopping centers with a minimum of sixty thousand (60,000) square feet of non-residential floor area, and non-residential parcels fifteen (15) acres or greater, with frontage on a road classified as a collector avenue or higher on the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
(1) Verification of location must be demonstrated on a survey or development plan.
(2) A minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the monument structure shall be constructed of masonry material that is compatible with materials found in the principal buildings on the site.
(3) The height of the entry monument structure and the amount of signage visible from any vantage point shall not exceed the following:
HEIGHT AND SIGN AREA LIMITS FOR ENTRY MONUMENT ALTERNATIVE TO PRINCIPAL GROUND SIGN | ||
Max. Height of Monument | Max. Sign Area Visible From Any Vantage Point | |
Non-residential subdivisions and general shopping centers (excluding outparcels) with over 130,000 non-residential square feet of floor area. | 16 feet | 50 Sq. Ft. |
Non-residential subdivisions and general shopping centers (excluding outparcels) with between 100,000 and 130,000 square feet of floor area | 14 feet | 40 Sq. Ft. |
Non-residential subdivisions and general shopping centers (excluding outparcels) with between 60,000 and 99,999 square feet of floor area and non-residential parcels 15 acres or greater | 12 feet | 32 Sq. Ft. |
Residential subdivisions | ||
(4) One (1) square foot of landscape area for each square foot of sign area shall be provided in the vicinity of the sign. At least fifty percent (50%) of the plant material shall be evergreen.
(5) No more than one (1) Entry Monument Alternative to Principal Ground Sign is allowed along each street frontage with the exception of general shopping centers with over one hundred thirty thousand (130,000) square feet of non-residential floor area which may have one (1) additional monument sign along a public street.
(H) New Construction Alternative to Principal Ground Sign
Signs associated with new subdivision development or site construction shall be allowed on sites with a Town-approved development plan provided that:
(1) Such signs shall be permitted in addition to, and in the same location and subject to the same size and other conditions applicable to, a "principal ground sign," per Section 9.2.5(F) except that limitations on the color shall not apply to this type of sign.
(2) Such signs shall be removed the earlier of two (2) years from the date of approval of the sign permit, or upon the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for seventy-five percent (75%) of the development phase or development plan, whichever occurs first.
(3) In single-unit residential districts, including planned development districts allowing single-unit residences, a single sign shall be permitted as an accessory use to a subdivision real estate sales office, as long as such office is permitted in the LDO and is actually used. Such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area and forty-two (42) inches in height.
(I) Projecting Sign
(1) Projecting signs shall be allowed under canopies or along pedestrian arcades, provided that:
(a) Such signs shall not exceed one (1) per tenant in a multi-tenant building entrance.
(b) Such signs shall not be separately illuminated.
(c) The height of the top edge of the signboard or bracket shall not exceed the height of the wall from which the sign projects.
(d) Projecting signs may project over a public right-of-way provided that no element of the sign hangs lower than seven (7) feet above the ground or pedestrian walkway.
(e) Such signs shall be mounted and attached to buildings in a secure manner. The sign, brackets and mounting devices shall be maintained in good repair for both safety and appearance. Such signs shall be mounted so that the method of installation is concealed to the extent practical.
(f) The signboard or the bracket shall not project more than thirty-six (36) inches from the wall.
(g) In all zoning districts except the Town Center, such signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet per side.
(h) In the Town Center Zoning District, such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per side.
(2) Projecting signs shall be allowed as an alternative to a wall sign for vertically mixed-use buildings provided that:
(a) Such signs shall not exceed forty-five (45) square feet per side.
(b) No element of the sign hangs lower than nine (9) feet above grade.
(c) The signboard or bracket shall not project more than six (6) feet from the wall.
(d) A projecting sign placed on a building corner when the building corner abuts the intersection of two (2) streets may intersect with a forty-five (45) degree angle to the corner of the building.
(e) No projecting sign is allowed to extend above the roof line or the parapet wall.
(f) No projecting signs may be located higher than the second story or twenty-four (24) feet, whichever is less.
(g) Such signs shall be mounted and attached to buildings in a secure manner. The sign, brackets and mounting devices shall be maintained in good repair for both safety and appearance. Such signs shall be mounted so that the method of installation is concealed to the extent practical.
(J) Suspended Signs
(1) Suspended signs shall be allowed under canopies or along pedestrian arcades, provided that:
(a) Such signs shall not exceed one (1) per tenant in a multi-tenant building entrance.
(b) Such signs shall not be separately illuminated.
(c) The height of the top edge of the signboard or bracket shall not exceed the height of the wall from which the sign projects.
(d) No element of the sign shall hang lower than seven (7) feet above the ground or pedestrian walkway.
(e) Such signs shall be mounted and attached in a secure manner. The sign, brackets and mounting devices shall be maintained in good repair for both safety and appearance. Such signs shall be mounted so that the method of installation is concealed to the extent practical.
(f) Where mounted to a wall, the signboard or the bracket shall not project more than thirty-six (36) inches from the wall.
(g) In all zoning districts except the Town Center, such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area.
(h) In the Town Center zoning district, such signs may be larger than four (4) square feet in total area, but all area over two (2) square feet shall be considered as part of the property's overall allowed sign area.
(2) In the Town Center, suspended signs shall also be allowed to hang vertically from upright posts that are securely anchored in the ground. Such suspended ground signs are allowed provided that:
(a) Only one (1) suspended sign is permitted per street frontage.
(b) Such signs shall only be permitted if the buildings or structures housing the principal use(s) on the property are set back at least ten (10) feet from the abutting street right-of-way.
(c) Such signs shall only be hung from decorative upright posts, and may not be hung from other objects such as trees or be attached to a wall.
(d) Such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet of display area, and may be two (2)-sided.
(e) No portion of the sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in height. No portion of the supporting post shall exceed ten (10) feet in height.
(f) Suspended ground signs used in lieu of a principal ground sign shall not be deducted from a property's overall allowed sign area. If a suspended ground sign is used in addition to a principal ground sign, then the display area of the suspended ground sign shall count as part of the property's total allowed sign area.
(g) Such signs may not extend or protrude into a sidewalk or a pedestrian walkway.
(K) Verandah Sign
Shall be allowed as an alternative to a permitted wall sign when located above the outer fascia of a verandah or balcony as long as the sign face does not project above the highest portion of the facade.
(1) The combined area of all verandah signs visible from a given vantage point shall not exceed one and one-half (1.5) square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(L) Wall Sign
Wall Signs are allowed on principal buildings and accessory buildings as provided below:
(1) Buildings with Three or Fewer Floors
(a) General Wall Sign Area Limitations
(i) One (1) wall sign is allowed for a single-tenant building or a multi-tenant building space with an individual entrance, with additional signs allowed on a second wall facing a street right-of-way that contains a door or a window, except where additional signage is allowed pursuant to Section 9.2.5(L)(1)(b).
(ii) Except where additional sign area is allowed pursuant to Section 9.2.5(L)(1)(b), the combined area of all wall signs visible from a given vantage point shall not exceed one and one-half (1.5) square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(b) Wall Sign Limitations for Commercial Buildings Containing Architecturally Distinct Building Segments
Additional signage is allowed for single-tenant buildings or individual tenant spaces in multi-tenant buildings with district architectural segments that incorporate at least three (3) of the following:
(i) Façade which projects above and outwards from the primary building wall plane;
(ii) Vertical and horizontal design elements;
(iii) Different surface materials and textures to distinguish the storefront from the remainder of the building wall;
(iv) Windows (whether false or otherwise) to give the appearance of an individual storefront; and
(v) Building side provides functional access to customers and the public.
Signage is allowed on tenant spaces meeting the above requirements as provided below:
(i) Two (2) wall signs are allowed on each architecturally distinct building segment in a general shopping center. One (1) wall sign is allowed on each architecturally distinct building segment on other commercial buildings or tenant spaces.
(ii) For general shopping centers, wall signs may not exceed two (2) square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(iii) For commercially-used single tenant spaces with a building footprint of at least one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, the combined area of all wall signs may not exceed three (3) square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(iv) No individual sign may exceed sixty percent (60%) of the available wall area on the architecturally-distinct building segment to which it is attached.
(v) The amount of sign area visible from any given vantage point may not exceed the allowable sign area.
(c) Office Buildings
Multi-tenant buildings serving primarily office uses are allowed signs on two (2) separate walls of the building, and more than one (1) sign per façade may be permitted provided the facade is divided into architecturally distinct segments with more than one (1) principal entrance serving interior offices or businesses.
(2) Buildings With More than Three Floors
(a) Multi-story buildings with more than three (3) floors shall be allowed a maximum of one and one-half (1.5) square feet in area for each linear foot of building frontage and may have a maximum of four (4) signs across the building facade provided that the total square feet of all signs combined does not exceed the maximum of one and one-half (1.5) square feet in area for each linear foot of building frontage and all signs are arranged so they share a common horizontal centerline along the facade.
(b) For buildings displaying more than one (1) sign, one (1) of the following criteria shall be met:
(i) Signs shall be spaced evenly across the building facade; or
(ii) Signs shall be separated from all other signs a minimum of two times (2X) the length of the longest sign by facade.
(3) Multi-family or Institutional Buildings in Residential Zoning Districts and PDDs
Multi-family residential or institutional uses located in residential zoning districts, including planned developments designated for such use, shall be permitted one (1) wall sign per public entrance, provided that:
(a) Such sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area; and
(b) Each such sign may be illuminated only by direct, external illumination.
(4) Theatres
In addition to other permitted walls signs, marquee signs with internally-illuminated or back-lit changeable copy, and internally-illuminated or back-lit poster boxes may be allowed on theatres subject to the following:
(a) Changeable copy on marquee signs shall be limited to three (3) lines of text, and shall not be subject to total wall sign area limits.
(b) Poster boxes shall not exceed thirty-six (36) by fifty-four (54) inches each in size, shall not extend more than ten (10) feet above ground, and shall be permanently mounted to the building wall.
(5) Vertically Mixed-Use Buildings - Upper Story Signage
In lieu of the signs permitted by Section 9.2.5{L)(1)-(4), wall signs are allowed on the second floor and above of vertically mixed-use buildings as provided below:
(a) Vertically mixed-use buildings shall be allowed a maximum of one and one-half (1.5) square feet in area for each linear foot of building frontage.
(b) A maximum of one (1) sign is permitted per façade.
(c) Such signs must be located on the second floor or higher.
(d) Sign area for ground floor tenants is permitted in addition to the signage defined in this section and shall be calculated separately based on the individual tenant frontage pursuant to Section 9.2.5(L)(1).
(M) Façade Renovation Alternative to Permanent Wall Sign
One (1) banner shall be allowed for a business undergoing a façade change or exterior renovation, as an alternative to a permitted permanent wall sign allowed pursuant to Section 9.2.5(L), provided that:
(1) Such signs for businesses undergoing a façade change or exterior renovation shall be limited to a maximum of ninety (90) days. The Planning Director shall have the authority to extend the duration of the temporary sign permit for businesses undergoing exterior renovation for up to a maximum of sixty (60) additional days.
(2) Such signs shall be attached to and parallel with a wall of the building on which wall signs are permitted and shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet or half (½) the size of a previously-permitted sign removed in order to construct the façade replacement, whichever is greater.
(N) New Business Alternative to Permanent Wall Sign
(1) One (1) banner shall be allowed for a new business provided that:
(a) Such banner for new businesses shall be limited to a duration of thirty (30) days within the first sixty (60) days after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for that location.
(b) Such banner shall be attached to and parallel with a wall of the building on which wall signs are permitted and shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in surface area.
(a) only one (1) of the two (2) banners is visible from any given vantage point; and
(b) both banners are approved for display during the same time period.
(O) Window Sign
Signs shall be allowed on the inside or outside of window glass provided that they cover no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the glass area of each individual window pane and they are not separately illuminated. Signs permanently affixed to the external side of windows shall be a medium or premium grade vinyl, digital image using solvent coloring, or other similar type material and shall be maintained in good order.
(P) Mailbox Sign
Signage on mailboxes shall be limited to individual name(s) and the address of the property served by the mailbox, as allowed by the US Postal Service.
The following sign types are permitted on property located in the Town Center and Mixed Use Overlay Districts, except lots or parcels containing a single-unit residence or duplex. Permanent signs shall be permitted in accordance with Table 9.2-2, subject to the applicable standards of this Section and the provisions of any Master Sign Plan applicable to the site.
(A) Wall Sign at Entrance to Restaurant or Café
In addition to other signage, restaurants and cafés in the Town Center and MUOD shall be allowed one (1) wall-mounted display. The sign shall be located at or near the main entrance, and shall not exceed two (2) square feet in size. These additional signs shall not be calculated as part of the site's overall allowed sign area.
(B) Neon Signs
One (1) neon sign may be permitted for each business in the Town Center and MUOD based upon the following:
(1) The sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
(2) The sign shall be illuminated only during business hours.
(3) The sign shall be located on the interior side of a window.
(4) The sign shall meet safety requirements by having a backing and self-contained transformers. All components shall be UL approved.
(5) Text, logos and color are not restricted.
The following sign types are permitted in all zoning districts on property containing a single-family residence or duplex. Permanent signs shall be permitted in accordance with Table 9.2-3, subject to the applicable standards of this Section and the provisions of any Master Sign Plan applicable to the site.
(A) Permanent Flagpoles with Flags
There shall be no more than three (3) flagpoles and two (2) flags per pole. Flagpoles shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height, and flags shall not exceed five (5) feet by eight (8) feet in size. Flags shall contain no commercial message.
(B) Wall Signs
One wall sign is allowed on a single-unit residential unit (whether unit is attached or detached). The wall sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area, shall not be separately illuminated, and shall not contain any commercial message.
(C) Incidental Sign
Incidental signs shall be allowed provided that they contain no logo or commercial message and not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
(D) Window Signs
Signs shall be allowed on the inside or outside of window glass provided that they cover no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the glass area of each individual window pane, are not separately illuminated, and contain no commercial message. Signs permanently affixed to the external side of windows shall be a medium or premium grade vinyl, digital image using solvent coloring, or other similar type material and shall be maintained in good order.
(A) Required
A Master Sign Plan approved by the Planning Director is required for all residential subdivisions, multi-family and townhouse developments, planned developments, non-residential subdivisions, and all multi-building or multi-occupant commercial developments before any permanent signs for such development may be erected.
All owners, tenants, subtenants and purchasers of individual units within the development shall comply with the approved Master Sign Plan.
Residential developments that only have one (1) entrance monument and have no other signage requests shall not be required to submit a Master Sign Plan.
(B) Relation to Other Sections of This Ordinance
Requirements of the Master Sign Plan may be more restrictive, but not less restrictive, than the applicable requirements of Chapter 9.
(C) Elements
The master sign plan shall at a minimum address sign location, materials, size, color, and illumination.
(2) Consistent sign types, color patterns, and materials shall be used on buildings with a uniform façade. Font styles may vary, subject to property owner's approval.
(3) Two (2) sign style and/or color options may be introduced on buildings with architecturally-distinct building segments. Signs within each sign style shall be constructed of similar materials.
(4) Principal Ground Signs and other ground signs within a multi-occupant development plan project shall incorporate one (1) or more unifying elements, including, but not limited to, features such as style, illumination, colors, and materials.
(D) Allocation of Sign Area in Multi-tenant Developments
Unless specified otherwise in the Master Sign Plan, permanent sign area for a multi-tenant development shall be allocated in proportion to the frontage each tenant controls on the applicable wall.
(E) Amendment Procedures
A Master Sign Plan may be amended by filing a new master plan and application with the Planning Director.
(1) The application may be filed only by the owner of the land affected by the proposed change, or an agent, lessee or contract purchaser specifically authorized by the owner. Before filing the application, all land owners affected by the proposed change must give written authorization. If a governing board for the property affected exists, then the governing board may provide written authorization for all landowners affected.
(2) Any new or amended Master Sign Plan for non-residential developments (including those for planned developments) shall include a schedule that requires bringing all permanent signs not conforming to the proposed plan into conformance within ninety (90) days. This shall apply to all properties governed by said plan.
(3) Unless restricted by a zoning condition PDD master plan, residential neighborhoods or institutions within PDDs may submit an application to amend the Master Sign Plan for their individual subdivision entry feature or principal ground signs by proposing new criteria that calls for masonry material for structural supports, foundations and/or background material or by proposing criteria that meets the requirement for architectural compatibility between the principal ground sign and the principal building.
(F) Effect
After approval of an amendment to a Master Sign Plan, no permanent sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained except in accordance with such plan, and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter. In the case of any conflict between a provision of a lawfully-approved Master Sign Plan and one (1) or more provisions of this chapter, the Master Sign Plan shall control.
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