(A) Anything in this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, special events banners shall be permitted pursuant to this section.
(B) Permits required. Any person, nonprofit association or corporation, may apply to the Town Planner for a permit to display a special event banner. Any banner which is displayed without the requisite permit shall be in violation of this chapter and shall be considered an illegal sign.
(C) Content. Special events banners may display promotions for nonprofit and community events, which may include fundraising activities and/or promote the Town of Franklin. The names of businesses and for-profit corporate entities may not be included on special events banners, and the use of banners to display commercial messages or promote any particular business or businesses is not permitted.
(D) Location and number. No more than one special event banner may be displayed at any time. Permits shall be issued on a first come, first served basis. The location of the banner shall be as approved from time to time by the Town Planner, but in any case the banner must be located on East Main Street, between the eastern boundary of the Town Hall property and the intersection of East Main Street and Phillips/Iotla Street.
(E) Duration of display. Special events banners may be displayed pursuant to this section for a period of time not to exceed two weeks before the event promoted by the banner. The special event banner must be removed within three days after the conclusion of the event.
(F) Property owner and NCDOT approval. As a condition to issuance of a special events banner permit, the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Town Planner the following: 1) that the applicant has permission from any property owner upon whose property the banner will be anchored or otherwise affixed to attach the banner for the duration that it will be displayed; and 2) that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has given permission for the banner to be displayed, and/or that the banner conforms to all NCDOT regulations regarding banners crossing state roads then in place. In any event, the lower edge of the special event banner shall be at least 20 feet-above the surface of the street.
(G) Liability; insurance. The Town of Franklin shall not be liable for the installation or maintenance of any special event banner displayed pursuant to this section, nor for any cause of action arising from the display of the same. As a part of the application required by this section, the applicant shall sign a statement acknowledging the town’s nonliability, and indemnifying the town, its officers, employees and agents from any liability arising therefrom. The applicant shall provide proof of special event insurance or general liability insurance covering the event promoted by the special event banner, and shall have the Town of Franklin named as additional insured on such policy.
(H) Enforcement. Except as otherwise specified herein, special events banners shall be permitted and enforced pursuant to § 155.15 of this chapter.
(Ord. passed 6-1-15; Am. Ord. passed 4-19-21)