(A) Location.
(1) All signs must advertise a business or service on the sites upon which the sign is located and to which the sign is accessory, unless otherwise specified herein.
(2) All signs shall be so placed as to not interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of any official traffic sign or signal, or with driver vision at any access point or intersection.
(3) No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape or prevent ventilation.
(4) No signor associated landscaping shall be erected, placed or allowed to grown on corner lots so as to impede the vision between a height of two and one-half and ten feet above the centerline elevation of the intersecting streets within an area bounded by the right-of-way lines and a line joining said right-of-way lines 50 feet from their point of intersection (see diagram).
(5) Setbacks shall be measured from the street right-of-way to the nearest surface or point of the sign to the right-of-way.
(B) Illumination.
(1) No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means and all wiring shall satisfy Township Electrical Code.
(2) The light from illuminated signs shall be shielded at its source in a manner that will not shine light on adjacent properties or into abutting public streets.
(3) Flashing, rotating or moving lights shall be prohibited, except time and temperature signs.
(4) No portion of the sign shall have a luminance greater than one foot candle measured at four feet perpendicular to any surface.
(3) It is strongly recommended that all signs with internal illumination provide a dark background with lighter colored message units.
(C) Safety.
(1) All signs shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable building codes, and other applicable ordinances governing construction within the township. In the event of conflict between this subchapter and other laws, the most restrictive shall govern.
(2) All signs shall be designed, located, erected and maintained in a manner which shall:
(a) Avoid hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay or abandonment;
(b) Not obstruct firefighting or police surveillance; and
(c) Avoid traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists, or by impairing the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, obstacles or other vehicles, or to read street signs.
(D) Communications efficiency. All signs shall promote the efficient transfer of information by giving priority to the messages and information most needed and sought.
(E) Landscape quality and preservation. In the application of this chapter, it is the intent to protect the public welfare and to enhance the appearance and economic value of the landscape by providing that signs:
(1) Do not interfere with scenic views;
(2) Are not detrimental to land or property values;
(3) Contribute to the special character and historical significance of particular areas or districts in the township;
(4) Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public right-of-way; and
(5) Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent property by their brightness, size, height, or movement.
(F) Signs prohibited in all districts. Signs that are not specifically listed are prohibited. Examples of such signs include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Roof signs;
(2) Signs containing flashing, intermittent or moving lights or with moving or revolving parts. This provision is not intended to exclude those signs which give the time or temperature, provided no other animated messages are displayed;
(3) Signs affixed to trees, rocks, shrubs or similar natural features, provided, signs denoting a site of historic significance may be allowed;
(4) Signs which imitate traffic signals, traffic direction signs, or similar traffic control devices;
(5) Temporary signs mounted upon trucks, vans, or other wheeled devices that do not identify the owner’s occupation or livelihood. Signs permanently painted or otherwise permanently displayed, including magnetic signs, upon a vehicle, licensed and operating on the public streets and highways, identifying the owner’s occupation or livelihood, shall be permitted;
(6) Signs in the public right-of-way or on public property, unless specifically approved by the Township Board;
(7) Any sign or sign structure which:
(a) Is structurally unsafe;
(b) Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment;
(c) Is not kept in good repair; or
(d) Is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come in contact with it.
(8) Signs which make use of words such as “stop”, “look”, “danger” or any other words, phrases, symbols or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic;
(9) Any sign or other advertising structure containing any obscene, indecent or immoral matter; and
(10) Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained.
(G) Signs permitted in all districts.
(1) (a) Nameplates and house numbers not exceeding two square feet in size; memorial signs or tablets may be up to six square feet in size.
(b) Historical markers and cemetery stones to be excluded from square foot requirement.
(2) Political signs advocating or opposing candidates for public office or issue to be determined by election may be erected 45 days prior to an election. Such signs shall be erected on private property only and no less than 100 feet from any entrance to a building in which a polling places is located. All such signs shall be removed five days following Election Day;
(3) Directional signs which indicate the direction of traffic flow. Directional signs shall not exceed two square feet in size, shall contain no advertising and may be illuminated; and
(4) Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state or municipality; educational institution or service organizations may be displayed providing they not exceed the size and height provisions of this section. All American flags flown after dusk must be illuminated.
(Ord. 1, passed 11-13-2000, § 4.4)