The following signs are exempted from this subchapter with the exception that all signs shall be erected, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the North Carolina State Building Codes:
(A) Government signs including, but not limited to, traffic, warning, regulatory, and informational signs, including building identification, directional, and welcome signs;
(B) A flag or insignia of any government, governmental agency, or charitable, civic, fraternal, patriotic, religious, or similar organization, provided the flag or insignia is not displayed as an advertising device;
(C) Signs that are posted upon property to identify private parking areas, or to warn the public against trespassing or danger from animals;
(D) Signs that give the name and address of the occupant of a building, mailboxes, and similar uses customarily associated with residential and non-residential structures;
(E) Private, unofficial traffic signs indicating entrances or exits, parking, or the direction of traffic on the property, provided that each sign does not exceed 2 square feet in area.
(F) Real estate signs advertising the rental, sale, or lease of the property on which the sign is located, provided that:
(1) A maximum of 1 sign per property for each street frontage is permitted;
(2) For properties containing structures, the sign shall not exceed a maximum area of 12 square feet; and
(3) For vacant properties without structures, the sign shall not exceed a maximum area of 16 square feet. The sign shall not be located closer than 10 feet from the nearest edge of the traveled way of any public or private road or highway, and shall be placed no closer than 28 feet from U.S. Highway 64/74-A.
(G) Construction signs associated with the construction of residential or non-residential structures on the property, or construction of a residential subdivision, provided that no more than 1 such sign is permitted on a residential or non-residential property, or 1 such sign at each entrance to a residential subdivision. Signs shall not exceed a maximum of 16 square feet in area, and shall not exceed a height of 6 feet;
(H) Historic markers, monuments, or signs erected or approved by public agencies. Signs denoting the location of underground utilities;
(I) Signs posted in association with village, county, state, or federal authorities for crime prevention, public safety, and health;
(J) Trade names and graphics which are located on newspaper, soft drink, gasoline pumps, and similar vending devices which are in active use;
(K) Warning signs posted by utility or construction companies;
(L) Signs on operational motor vehicles indicating the name of a business, provided the vehicle is not intended for a display of signs and is not so parked or placed as to act as a sign location;
(M) Signs required by law, statute, or ordinance;
(N) Decorations or displays of a temporary nature that are associated with any national, local, or religious holiday or celebration;
(O) Window signs, neon, or other types denoting hours of operation, emergency telephone numbers, credit card acceptance information, "open" and "closed", and similar informational signage;
(P) Yard sale signs located on the property at which sale is taking place. Yard sales are permitted only 1 per quarter year, with a maximum of 4 sales per year; and
(Q) Flush mounted signs are permitted on buildings but shall not exceed 4 inches in depth as measured from the wall it is mounted.
(Ord. passed 10-19-2004; Am. Ord. passed 12-16-2014; Am. Ord. passed - -)