The Michigan Basic Building Code, as adopted by the Board of Trustees, is the code of the township for the engineering, design, construction and installation specifications for signs regulated by the terms of this subchapter.
(A) Measurement of allowable sign area.
(1) The allowable area for signs shall be measured by calculating the square footage of the sign face as measured by enclosing the most protruding points or edges of a sign within a triangle, circle, parallelogram or rectangle including any frame.
(2) Where a sign has 2 or more faces, the area of only the larger face shall be considered when calculating maximum size, provided all faces are part of the same structure, back-to-back, the same size, contain the same message and are separated by no more than 2 feet.
(3) For the purposes of calculating sign area allowed as wall sign, the wall sign square footage shall de determined by measuring a parallelogram (box) that includes the portion of the canopy that contains a message symbol and/or logo.
(B) Height.
(1) The permitted height of all signs supported by the ground shall be measured from the level of the ground adjacent to the sign if the finished grade is level.
(2) If the ground adjacent to the sign is not level, the height of the sign shall be measured from the average elevation of the ground in the general area surrounding the sign.
(3) The permitted height of signs shall not be measured from an area of the ground that has been built-up or constructed in a manner that would have the effect of allowing a higher sign height than permitted by this subchapter(such as, the height of signs erected on a berm shall be measured from the finished grade adjacent to the berm).
(C) Location. No sign, except those established by the township, county, or state or federal governments shall be located in, project or overhang into any public right-of-way or dedicated easement.
(D) Sign setbacks.
(1) All permanent signs, shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any public street right-of-way line, except residential identification signs allowed by this subchapter that are not required to set back from the public or private street right-of-way. The required setback distance for all other signs shall be measured from the nearest edge of the sign, measured at a vertical line perpendicular to the ground to the street right-of-way.
(2) Side yard setbacks for signs shall be the same as that required for the main structure or building, provided that all non-residential signs shall be setback at least 100 feet from any residential district.
(E) Design and construction.
(1) Signs shall not have light reflecting backgrounds but may use light reflecting lettering.
(2) All ground signs must be planted with a combination of low shrubbery and perennial/annual plantings.
(3) The maximum distance between parallel sign faces on a double-faced sign shall be 20 inches.
(4) The background of a multiple tenant commercial or shopping center signs, including individual sign panels within the sign, shall be 1 color. However, individual businesses may have different colored lettering or advertising.
(5) All portable signs shall be constructed and maintained by the owner in such a manner and of such materials so that they withstand environmental conditions.
(F) Materials. As permitted in the various zoning districts, signs shall be designed to be compatible with the character of building materials and landscaping to promote an overall unified and aesthetic effect in accordance with the standards set forth herein. Signs shall not be constructed from materials that are remnants or manufactured for a different purpose. Natural materials, such as wood and natural stone are encouraged.
(G) Illumination.
(1) Signs shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign or internal to it.
(2) Use of glaring undiffused lights or bulbs shall be prohibited.
(3) Lights shall be shaded so as not to project onto adjoining properties or thoroughfares.
(4) Underground wiring shall be required for all illuminated signs not attached to a building.
(H) Safety. Every sign shall be constructed and maintained in a manner consistent with the applicable building code provisions; maintained in good structural condition at all times; and of such materials so that they shall be able to withstand wind pressure of at least 20 pounds per square foot, and able to withstand other environmental concerns. All signs, including any cables, guy wires or supports shall have a minimum clearance of 4 feet from any electric fixture, street light or other public utility pole or standard. All signs shall be kept neatly painted, stained, sealed or preserved including all metal, wood, plastic, and other parts and supports.
(I) Clear vision zone. In order to ensure adequate sight distance for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, a minimum clear vision area shall be maintained between a height of 2 feet and 6 feet within a triangular area measured 25 feet back from the point of intersection of public or private road right-of-way lines or at a commercial driveway or private road. Greater clear vision areas may be required by the Michigan Department of Transportation or the County Road Commission in particular areas. Furthermore, signs shall not be permitted where they obstruct motorist vision of regulatory signs, traffic control devices of street signs.
(J) Change of sign message or business. The Zoning Administrator may authorize a change in the lettering or business advertised on a sign if no additional surface area or change in location is proposed for an existing sign.
(K) Bonus. The Planning Commission may permit up to a 10% increase in the maximum permitted free-standing sign area, at the sole discretion of the Commission, if extensive landscaping and a decorative base, consistent with the materials of the principal building or overall site plan, are provided.
(Ord. 434, passed 7-10-2008)