(A) Purpose and applicability. The purpose of this section is to provide procedures by which specific signage within the town can be regulated to promote traffic safety, safeguard public health, facilitate police and fire protection, prevent adverse community appearance and enhance identification and/or direction within the town. Certain sign approvals are required to erect, re-erect, construct, alter or move specific sign types within the town. Sign applications shall also be required as part of a final site plan or final plat submittal or as may be required by the Zoning Administrator.
(B) Sign permit and comprehensive sign plan application process.
(1) Application submittal. A complete application for a sign permit or comprehensive sign plan (see § 152.058 (J)) shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator as set forth in § 152.086(B). All sign permit or comprehensive sign plan applications shall provide information as specified in § 152.058(J)(2) and (3).
(2) Additional application requirements. The application for a sign permit for the erection of a sign in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall include electrical plans and specifications to be submitted to the Zoning Administrator, who shall forward the plans and specifications regarding all wiring and connections to the Building Official. The Building Official shall examine the plans and specifications to determine compliance with the electrical code of the town as a condition of granting the sign permit.
(3) Application review and decision. Upon receipt of a complete sign permit or comprehensive sign plan application, the Zoning Administrator shall review the proposed application and distribute the application to other reviewers as he or she deems necessary. Based on the results of those reviews, the Zoning Administrator shall take final action on the application and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application based on compliance with the requirements of this code (See sign standards in § 152.058).
(4) Appeal. An appeal from any final decision of the Zoning Administrator may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 152.086(K).
(C) Master sign program application process.
(2) Application review and report. Upon receipt of a complete master sign program application, the Zoning Administrator shall review the proposed application and prepare a staff report for transmittal to the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with § 152.086(D).
(3) Planning and Zoning Commission review and recommendation. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review the application in a public hearing, and recommend approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the application, subject to the review conditions set forth in §§ 152.107(C)(7) and 152.108.
(4) Town Council review and action. The Town Council shall review the application in a public meeting and approve, approve with modifications, or deny the application.
(5) Written notification. The decision to approve or approve with conditions or deny shall be communicated in writing to the applicant in compliance with § 152.086(G).
(D) Master sign program required findings. The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve a master sign program as submitted or modified only upon making the following findings:
(1) The proposed sign program only amends provisions in § 152.058 and does not violate any other provisions of this chapter or any other town ordinance.
(2) The appearance, scale, materials, design and graphics, and orientation of signs are in keeping with the character of the site and buildings, and the surrounding neighborhood.
(3) Approval of the master sign program would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare, or materially injurious to persons, property, or improvements in the vicinity in which the project is located.
(E) Revocation. Failure to conform to the provisions of a sign permit, including any conditions and/or stipulations attached thereto by the Zoning Administrator, Commission and/or Council shall render such permit void.
(F) Appeal. Decisions of the Commission may be appealed to the Superior Court pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 152.086(K).
(Ord. 2020-02, passed 4-13-2020)