The purpose of this section is to coordinate the type, placement, and physical dimensions of signs within all unincorporated areas of Dare County; to recognize the commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business community; to promote both renovation and proper maintenance of signs; and to guarantee equal treatment under the law through accurate record keeping and consistent enforcement. The general objectives of these standards are to promote the health, safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of the public, and in part, to achieve the following:
(A) Safety; to promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
(1) Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, decay, collision or abandonment;
(2) Do not obstruct fire, police or other emergency services; and
(3) Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists, or by impairing the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, obstacles or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs.
(B) Communications efficiency; to promote the efficient transfer of information in sign messages by providing that:
(1) Those signs which provide messages and information most needed and sought by the public are given priorities;
(2) Businesses and services may identify themselves;
(3) Customers and other persons may effectively locate a business or service;
(4) No person or group is arbitrarily denied the use of the sight lines from the public right-of-way for communication purposes; and
(5) Persons exposed to signs are not overwhelmed by the number or size of messages presented.
(C) Landscape quality and preservation; 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) Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way;
(3) Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by their brightness, size, height or movement;
(4) Are not detrimental to land or property values; and
(5) Contribute to the special character of particular areas of the community.
(Res. passed 5- -2004)