The following words terms and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings ascribed to them except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
DOOR. A swinging or sliding panel that closes an opening in a wall and provides passage through it.
TRANSPARENT. Easily seen through so that bodies, objects and materials situated beyond or behind the glass can be clearly seen.
VACANT. Buildings or individual storefronts that are not open to the public or to clientele for a period of more than 30 consecutive days due to lack of business operation, repair or renovation and/or not being used for the display or merchandising of any product.
WINDOW. An opening in an exterior wall to admit light and/or air typically with glazing in a frame that may or may not be operable.
(Ord. 830, passed 1-28-2019)
All transparent windows and doors in commercial uses that are vacant, which are visible from the right-of-way regardless of floor elevation are required to be screened to prevent the interior of the building from being viewed from the public right-of-way. Decorative window treatments that were in place during the business occupancy such as shutters, shades, curtains, Venetian or vertical blinds may be used if they prevent viewing of the interior of the building from the public right-of-way. Decorative window treatments must have a clean and neat appearance and be kept good repair.
(A) Screening Material Requirements.
(1) Paper. Paper is not to be used unless it is for a temporary basis and the vacancy is for fewer than 30 days. Paper shall be no less than 60 lb. weight. Each piece of screening material shall have a width and a length sufficient to completely screen the opening from its lowest point to a level no less than the height of the window or door opening or a level and have a seamless appearance. Screening material shall be maintained in a clean and neat appearance and be affixed to the interior side of the window or door. Screen material utilizing tape must have a continuous edging.
(2) Blackout/ window masking paint. Screening material for glass surfaces shall include a city approved paint which is specifically designed to provide temporary privacy for vacated glassed areas as an alternative to paper on vacated store windows, or glassed areas under construction.
(3) Artwork/photography. Screening material shall include artwork or photography including but not limited to historical pictures of the City of Etowah, historical post cards of the City of Etowah, artwork of a professional nature, designs or drawings provided by the City of Etowah, and seasonal or promotional pictures and artwork. As an alternative, and if available, windows and doors may be covered by printed materials provided by the City of Etowah.
(B) Timing. Approved window screening material is required to be installed within ten business days of vacancy.
(C) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the placement of otherwise legal signs or screening materials in windows, including, but not limited to, realty/for sale signs, announcing/coming-soon signs, contractor signs, seasonal window treatments, decorative displays of merchandise currently available within the city, merchandise of the future tenant of the vacant store, signage advertising the future tenant, public service displays or festival and current holiday displays.
(Ord. 830, passed 1-28-2019)