(A) The purpose of this section is to regulate all exterior signs placed for exterior observance so as to protect property values, to protect the character of the various communities in the county, to facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive, and harmonious community, to protect against danger in travel and transportation, to improve and protect the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare, and to further the stated purposes and intent of this chapter.
(B) Any sign erected on a lot or building for the purpose of identification, or for advertising a use conducted therein, or thereon, shall be an accessory use to the principal use.
(C) It is further intended that all signs within a given development be coordinated with the architecture of the principal use in such a manner that the overall appearance is harmonious in color, form, and proportion, and that the signs shall be structurally sound so as to ensure the safety of the general public.
(D) No sign shall be permitted in any district except as herein provided. No sign shall be permitted which creates a safety hazard. No sign, except as specified herein, shall hereafter be erected unless a sign permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator. Applications for sign permits shall include detailed drawings of the construction and design of the sign, and shall be accompanied by such fee as may be established by the Board of County Commissioners.
(E) (1) Signs permitted in all districts. The following signs are permitted in all districts. No sign permit is required for these signs.
(a) One residential identification sign, not to exceed two square feet in area, for each residential dwelling, may be affixed to a fence or structure, or be freestanding. In addition, house numbers not to exceed two square feet depicting the address of the property are permitted. Also, a sign for an allowable home occupation is permitted, as specified in § 155.102.
(b) Signs for the purposes of identifying the name of schools, churches, community buildings, or other public or semi-public institutional buildings, residential subdivisions, apartments, or townhouse developments, or mobile home parks, shall be permitted provided the following conditions are met:
1. The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet;
2. If freestanding or monument, the sign shall be located not less than 15 feet from the road right-of-way. Either sign shall be double-faced or angled so that the vacant side cannot be seen:
a. Freestanding signs, including any structure to which it is attached, shall not exceed six feet in height; and
b. Monument signs including their encasement shall not exceed six feet in height or ten feet in width and must be located within a landscaped area.
3. No sign mounted on a building shall project above the ridge line of a sloping roof nor above the eave line of a flat roof; and
4. The Zoning Administrator may authorize additional signs if a building fronts on more than one street.
(c) One bulletin board, not illuminated except by indirect light and not exceeding 24 square feet in surface area, is permitted with any church, school, or other similar public-semi-public structure.
(d) Permanent off-site directional signs intended for the purpose of directing traffic to such civic or public facilities as churches, schools, or public parks shall be permitted; provided such signs do not exceed one square foot in area and are not placed so as to create a traffic hazard.
(e) Signs erected by a duly constituted governing body or a public utility, such as traffic control and safety signs, handicapped parking signs, railroad signals, entrance and exit signs, signs indicating scenic or historical places, welcome signs, county facilities and public directional signs, and memorial plaques, are permitted.
(f) Show window displays, including displays of merchandise, photographs, drawings, prices, promotional statements, and the like, designed and intended to be viewed by pedestrians passing in front of the show window.
(g) An exterior building directory on a multiple tenancy structure is not to exceed one sign and not to exceed six square feet in area.
(h) Any flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, city, community, organization, corporation, or school are permitted, and up to one decorative flag per property is permitted.
(i) On-site directional signs shall be permitted for the purpose of directing traffic and parking on the same lot as the sign(s). Such signs shall not exceed five square feet, shall not be located in any public right-of-way, and such sign, including any structure to which it is attached, shall not exceed four feet in height.
(j) Signs located on-site warning the public against hunting, fishing, dumping, trespassing, dangerous animals, swimming, or the like, shall be permitted. Such signs may be freestanding or attached to a fence, and such signs shall be no more than four square feet in area.
(k) Names of buildings, dates of construction, commemorative tablets, and the like, when carved into stone, concrete, or similar material, or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of the building or structure.
(l) Signs accessory to an agricultural use located on a parcel of not less than 20 acres for the purpose of identifying such agricultural uses or advertising the products thereof. No such sign shall exceed 30 square feet in area, and all such signs on a given farm shall not exceed 60 square feet in area. No such sign shall exceed eight feet in height or be located closer than ten feet to any street right-of-way.
(m) Signs erected by farm operators on their barns or other accessory buildings giving their name, the name of their farm, and the year of the farm establishment.
(2) Signs prohibited in all districts. The following signs are specifically prohibited in all districts.
(a) Any sign which is in need of maintenance, or which is no longer functional, or is abandoned. Signs shall be considered no longer functional and abandoned when such sign is materially obstructed from view, when its essential elements are no longer readable, when a sign has been left by a business or other use which has ceased to operate, or when a condition of deterioration or dilapidation of the sign face or structure is in evidence. All signs shall be repaired, removed, or relocated in compliance with the regulations of this chapter within a reasonable period of time after official notification by the Zoning Administrator.
(b) Any sign which is constructed, altered, located, or illuminated in any manner which causes undue glare, distraction, confusion, nuisance, noise, or hazard to traffic or to other properties. No sign may be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. if it is located within, or adjacent to, any residential district, except those businesses remaining open beyond that time, in which case illumination shall cease upon closing.
(c) No sign which has a rotating beam, beacon, flashing, or alternating illumination shall be permitted for advertising or identification purposes where no hazard or need for caution exists. This section shall not be construed as prohibiting:
1. Time or temperature devices customarily identified with banks or lending institutions; and
2. Barber poles, provided such devices meet all other applicable provisions of this chapter.
(d) Any sign that is attached to a tree or other living vegetation, utility pole, rock, curbstone, sidewalk, lamppost, hydrant, bridge, highway marker or other sign, except for public informational signs as provided for in division (E)(1)(e) above.
(e) Any sign displayed on a stationary vehicle or trailer when the vehicle or trailer is used primarily for the purpose of and serving the function of an off-site sign.
(f) Any sign so placed that it obstructs any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, opening, or access intended for light, air, ingress to, or egress from any building.
(g) Signs advertising activities which are illegal under federal, state, or county laws or regulations.
(h) Any sign that violates any provision of the state statutes.
(i) Any sign that is not expressly listed in this chapter.
(3) Temporary signs. Temporary signs are permitted within all districts within the county subject to the requirements listed below. No permit is required for these signs.
(a) Temporary real estate signs are permitted on any property being sold, leased, or developed if they are not illuminated, not in any required side or rear yard, and are no larger than seven square feet in any residential or agricultural district, nor 32 square feet in any commercial or industrial district. Such signs shall be promptly removed when the sale, lease, or development of the property has been completed.
(b) Temporary signs announcing such events such as “Grand Opening,” “Under New Management,” or “Going Out of Business.” Such signs may be either freestanding or building-mounted, or a banner, and shall be subject to the following standards:
1. A maximum of 20 square feet in area;
2. If freestanding, not to exceed eight feet in height or located closer than ten feet to any lot line;
3. For a period not to exceed 45 days;
4. Only contain information and/or advertising pertaining to the special event; and
5. On a given property, such temporary sign may be displayed only one time by the same proprietor in a 12-month period.
(c) Any temporary construction sign announcing the names of architects, engineers, contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or development or announcing the character of a building enterprise or the purpose for which the building is intended. Such signs shall be located on the site of the construction work, not to exceed four square feet in any residential district or 32 square feet in any business or industrial district.
(d) Seasonal displays and decorations, for events such as religious holidays and the Fourth of July, not advertising a product, service, or entertainment.
(e) Freestanding, off-site directional sign(s) providing information as to the location of grand openings, private garage or yard sales, and other temporary uses or of real estate that is for sale or for rent. Such signs shall be subject to the following conditions:
1. No such sign shall exceed three square, feet in area or four feet in height;
2. Such signs shall not exceed five in number per use being advertised;
3. Such signs shall not be located in any public right-of-way;
4. Such signs shall not be situated so as to cause an obstruction or distraction to passing motorists; and
5. Such signs shall be removed promptly after the sale or temporary activity is over.
(f) Temporary signs, announcing a campaign, drive, or event of a civic, charitable, educational, historical, or religious organization. Such signs may be either building-mounted or freestanding and shall not exceed 16 square feet in area. If freestanding, no such sign shall exceed six feet in height or be located closer than ten feet to any street right-of-way. Such signs may be located on or off-site, and may be posted prior to the event for a period not to exceed 21, days and must be removed immediately after the completion of the event.
(g) Political campaign signs erected on election day at officially designated polling places.
(h) Temporary political campaign signs may be permitted on-site or off-site in any district subject to the following conditions:
1. No one such sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area, and no freestanding sign shall exceed eight feet in height;
2. No signs shall be erected for more than 45 days prior to the nomination, election, or referendum which they advertise;
3. Political signs shall be permitted during local special events, such as fairs, carnivals, and festivals. Signs must be removed immediately after the completion of the event;
4. All signs shall be removed within 14 days after voting;
5. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to authorize the posting of political campaign signs upon trees, utility poles, traffic control signs, lights, or devices, or in any place or manner prohibited by this chapter; and
6. Any temporary political campaign signs placed on buildings or in building windows which are visible to the outside shall meet the above requirements.
(4) Temporary signs permitted in all districts. The following signs are permitted in all districts subject to the requirements listed below. A permit is required for these signs.
(a) Temporary on-site signs advertising any temporary use specified in § 155.093. The signs may be freestanding or building mounted, shall not exceed one in number per use, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and, if freestanding, shall not exceed eight feet in height. Such signs may be erected only for the duration of the temporary use and. shall be located only as approved by the Zoning Administrator. In addition, there may be off-site directional signs as specified by division (E)(5) below.
(5) Temporary signs permitted in Business and Industrial Districts. The following temporary signs are permitted in business and industrial districts subject to the requirements listed below. A permit is required for these signs.
(a) Portable, mobile, or “tow-in” signs shall be permitted in business and industrial districts to substitute for a permanent sign prior to installation of the permanent sign, to announce grand openings, or to advertise special sales events providing the following requirements are met:
1. These signs may be permitted on the premises for the period of time specified in conjunction with those uses listed in Table H above, or for 45 days if the use is not specified in Table H. Additional days may be permitted by the Zoning Administrator, if the sign is being used in lieu of a permanent sign;
2. No more than four permits shall be issued in any 12-month period for the same enterprise;
3. No sign shall contain information on any event not conducted on the premises, nor advertising for any product not sold on the premises;
4. In no instance shall such signs be permitted in the street right-of-way, nor shall they be placed so as to obstruct the view of oncoming traffic for cars exiting a premises or intersecting street;
5. No such sign shall be permitted to flash;
6. All such signs shall be safely anchored to the ground;
7. No more than one portable, mobile, or “tow-in” sign may be permitted per enterprise;
8. When not in use, all portable, mobile, or “tow-in” signs shall be stored out of public view; and
9. Any portable, mobile, or “tow-in” sign exceeding the above standard would require a special exception approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(b) Inflatable balloons used for the purpose of product or business advertising shall be permitted as temporary signs in any business or industrial district for a period not to exceed seven days. The Zoning Administrator shall determine that no unsafe condition will exist due to the use of the device.
(c) Search lights with a vertical beam may be placed temporarily on the premises for grand openings and other similar special events. The Zoning Administrator shall determine that no unsafe condition will exist due to the use of the device.
(6) Signs permitted in B-1, Convenience Business District. The following signs are permitted in the convenience business district subject to the standards and restrictions set forth herein. No sign permits are required for these signs.
(a) Window signs are signs that are displayed in windows for pedestrian view.
1. Signs are not to exceed 40% of the glass window and/or door area.
2. These signs will not be regulated as temporary signs.
(b) Sidewalk “sandwich board” signs may be placed on the sidewalk of the proprietor’s property, not within the public right-of-way, unless approved by the County Council. There must be a three-foot minimum clearance remaining on any sidewalk for ADA compliance.
1. A sandwich board’s sign face is limited to eight square feet.
2. The sign must also be double-faced or angled so that the vacant side cannot be seen.
(7) Signs permitted in Business and Industrial Districts. The following signs are permitted in business and industrial districts, subject to the standards and restrictions set forth herein. A permit is required for these signs.
(a) One business sign mounted on the building occupied shall be permitted in connection with any legal business or industry, if the following requirements are met.
1. No sign shall contain information or advertising for any product not sold on the premises.
2. The business sign shall not have a surface area greater than two square feet for each foot of frontage of the building and shall not project above the ridge line of a sloping roof, nor above the eave line of a flat roof.
3. No sign shall project over any public sidewalk or right-of-way, unless eight feet above grade and approved by Board of County Commissioners.
(b) The Zoning Administrator may authorize additional business signs if one of the following conditions are met.
1. The business fronts on more than one thoroughfare.
2. More than one business is located in one building. In such instance, the combined total area of the business signs shall not exceed two square feet per front foot of the building.
3. The business has a rear parking lot, in which case one additional business sign may be permitted on the side or rear of the building occupied, provided such sign is constructed to the same standards as are required in the front of the premises.
(c) In addition to an attached business sign (or signs), one single or double-faced freestanding sign may be erected on a business or industrial site; provided the following conditions are met.
1. The sign shall contain only the logotype, trademark, or name of the company, commercial, or industrial center on the property. Only one freestanding sign shall be permitted on each individual business site; however, within commercial or industrial centers, one freestanding or monument sign shall be permitted. In such instances where an individual business site or commercial or industrial center has access on more than one thoroughfare, the Zoning Administrator may authorize such additional signs as are warranted. Additional freestanding signs may be approved as a special exception by the Board of Zoning Appeals, where specific and special circumstances warrant.
2. Freestanding pole sign.
a. The logo sign shall not be larger in total surface area than 25 square feet per face for each half acre of lot area on the premises, or 160 square feet per individual business site, whichever area is less. Commercial and industrial centers may not exceed 300 square feet.
b. Businesses which require the frequent display of special prices and/or events shall be permitted, in addition to a logo sign, one permanent changeable message center sign which does not exceed 20 square feet per face for each half acre of lot area on the premises, or 55 square feet, whichever area is less. Only one message center sign, whether changeable or electronic, shall be permitted on each individual business site; however, in such instances where an individual business site or commercial or industrial center has access on more than one thoroughfare, the Zoning Administrator may authorize such additional signs as are warranted. All such signs shall be mounted on the same pole or structure as the logo or signs.
c. Such sign, including any structure to which the sign is attached, shall not exceed 35 feet in height, shall be set back not less than ten feet from the road right-of-way, and shall not be located less than ten feet from any adjacent property. No sign may impede any line of site.
d. Spacing between a logo and message sign may not exceed four feet.
3. Monument signs. A sign mounted directly to the ground. No poles shall be visible. The maximum height is measured from the ground to the top of the sign including any base construction. Maximum width includes any frame or support structures. Total area represents each face of a sign.
a. To determine required area, height, and width, reference Table I below.
b. No sign shall be located closer than ten feet to any property line or road right-of-way. No sign may impede any line of site.
c. Monument signs must be located within a landscaped area.
Property Frontage (Feet) | Area (Square Feet) | Height (Feet) | Width (Feet) |
Less than 100 | 25 | 6 | 10 |
100-299 | 1)55 | 8 | 10 |
300 or more | 1)65 | 8 | 10 |
1) or 0.33 sq. ft. per linear feet of frontage, whichever is less |
(d) In addition to other permitted signs, gasoline stations may have the following signs:
1. Signs on vending machines, provided that such machines are placed together in a single group against the building;
2. Wall signs, not exceeding six square feet in area for each sign, identifying the special functions of various service bays in the building facade, located above the doorways and containing no advertising;
3. Signs on pump islands and/or canopies relating to self-service or full-service locations, prices (the numerals of which shall be between 12 and 18 inches in height) along local roads (24 inches if located along a limited access highway, and canopies may provide up to 36 inches if viewed from a limited access highway with a setback of more that 500 feet), promotions for products and services, displays of products, fuel availability, and so forth;
4. One sign stating hours of operation, in the form of a wall sign or window sign, not exceeding four square feet in area; and/or
5. A single wall sign not exceeding two and one-half square feet, identifying the owner or manager, the address of the property, and the telephone number.
(8) Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs (as defined) are permitted in the county. Off-premises signs may be either building mounted or freestanding (as defined). For the purpose of this chapter, an off-premises sign shall be treated as a principal land use.
(a) The following standards apply to both building mounted and freestanding off-premises signs:
1. Signs shall be permitted in the following zoning districts: B-4 General Business; AB Agribusiness; I-I Light Industrial; and I-2 General Industrial;
2. The maximum height of an off-premises sign above the road grade from which it is to be viewed shall not exceed 35 feet;
3. Lighting for off-premises signs shall be indirect and non-flashing in nature;
4. No off-premises sign shall be placed so as to obstruct the view of on-coming traffic, or create any kind of traffic hazard; and
5. All signs shall meet the Uniform Sign Code, 1979 Edition, as amended.
(b) The following additional standards apply to freestanding off-premises signs:
1. Each sign face shall contain no more than 300 square feet and no sign structure shall contain more than two such faces facing in the same direction and shall not be separated by more than 12 inches. However, a freestanding sign not exceeding 700 square feet in area per side may be permitted by special exception by the Board of Zoning Appeals;
2. Back-to-back freestanding signs may be separated in the shape of the letter “V” if the greatest point of separation between sign faces does not exceed 15 feet;
3. The distance between legally erected freestanding off-premises sign structures shall be a linear measure taken along right-of-way lines of that side of the street on which the sign is to be located. Freestanding signs shall be at least:
a. Five hundred feet or more from one sign to another on the same side of the street, which need not be met where a physical obstruction exists which prevents viewing two off-premises sign structures at the same time;
b. One hundred feet to any residential zone; and
c. One hundred feet to a church, school, or health care institution.
4. The distance measured at a right angle from the right-of-way line to the leading edge of an off-premises sign structure shall be no less than 15 feet.
(c) The following additional standards apply to building mounted off-premises signs:
1. Each building mounted sign face shall contain no more than 300 square feet, and there shall be no more than one such face on any building wall facing in the same direction;
2. No building mounted sign shall extend beyond the edge of the building to which it is attached;
3. Building mounted signs shall not be located closer than:
a. Two hundred fifty feet from any freestanding or building mounted off-premises sign on the same side of the street or road;
b. One hundred feet to any residential zone; and
c. One hundred feet to a church, school, or institution.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions hereof, a non-conforming, off-premises sign structure may be continued but may not be extended, expanded, replaced, or otherwise increased in non-conformity, except as specified herein, or as permitted by the Board of Zoning Appeals in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Non-conforming, off-premises sign structures may be maintained and repaired subject to the above restrictions.
(9) Operations. The following operations shall not be considered as creating a sign and therefore shall not require a sign permit:
(a) The changing of the advertised copy or message on an approved painted or printed sign, billboard, or a theater marquee, and similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy; and/or
(b) Painting, repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of an approved sign or sign structure, unless a structural alteration is made.
(Prior Code, § 153.074) (Ord. 93-02, passed 2-1-1993; Ord. 2013-5, passed 7-1-2013; Ord. 2014-10, passed 8-18-2014) Penalty, see § 155.999