(A) Types of signs permitted: Outdoor advertising signs.
(B) Size of signs:
(1) Multi-tenant signs.
(2) The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign structure; and signs may be placed back-to-back, side-by-side or in V-type construction with not more than two displays to each facing, and such sign structure shall be considered as one sign.
(3) Side-by-side signs shall be structurally tied together to be considered as one sign structure.
(4) V-type and back-to-back signs will not be considered as one sign if located more than 15 feet apart at their nearest points.
(C) Spacing of signs.
(1) Signs may not be located in such a manner as to obscure, or physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device; obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
(2) No two sign structures shall be spaced less than 500 feet apart.
(3) No sign structure may be located adjacent to or within 500 feet of an interchange, intersection at grade or safety rest area. Said 500 feet to be measured along the highway from the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.
(4) The foregoing provisions for the spacing of signs do not apply to sign structures separated by buildings or other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign facing located within the above spacing distances is visible from the highway at any one time.
(5) Official and on-premises signs and structures that are not lawfully maintained shall not be counted nor shall measurements be made from them for the purposes of determining compliance with spacing requirements.
(6) The minimum distance between sign structures shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the signs along each side of the highway and shall apply only to structures located on the same side of the highway.
(D) Lighting of signs-restrictions:
(1) Signs which contain, include or are illuminated by any flashing intermittent or moving light or lights are prohibited except those giving public service information, such as time, date, temperature, weather or similar information.
(2) Signs which are not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the travel ways of the highway and which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare and to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or which otherwise interferes with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle are prohibited.
(3) No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal.
(4) All such lighting shall be subject to any other provisions relating to lighting signs presently applicable to all highways under the jurisdiction of the State of North Carolina.
(5) Illumination shall not be added to non-conforming signs or signs conforming by virtue of the grandfather clause.
(E) Location of signs near residential areas: No sign structure shall be located within 75 feet to a residential structure or a residential zone boundary.
(F) Height of sign above highway or grade level: The top of a sign structure shall not be in excess of 40 feet in height above the highway or natural grade level, whichever is higher. However, an outdoor advertising sign may be extended to a height not to exceed 80 feet provided that the size of a sign exceeding 40 feet in height shall not be larger than 200 square feet in area.
(G) On-premise signs: The provisions of this section shall not apply to on-premise signs.
(Ord. passed 11-3-1970; Am. Ord. passed 7-3- 1972; Am. Ord. passed 7-19-1988)