(1) Purpose.
(A) The purpose of this section is to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the residents of the city, and maintain high property values by:
1.) Providing reasonable, yet appropriate, conditions for identifying businesses or services rendered in nonresidential zoning districts;
2.) Controlling the size, location and design of permanent signs so that the appearance of such signs will be aesthetically harmonious with their surroundings;
3.) Eliminating any conflict that would be hazardous between business or identification signs and traffic-control signs and devices;
4.) Ensuring that signs are located and designed to maintain a safe and orderly pedestrian and vehicular environment; and
5.) Reducing sign clutter.
(B) In establishing the objectives in division (1)(A) of this section, the city has determined that, without adequate regulation and design standards, signs are a nuisance. The number of signs in the city is excessive and unduly distracting to motorists and pedestrians, creates a traffic hazard and, in some places, reduces the effectiveness of signs needed to direct the public. As the appearance of the city is marred by the excessive number, oversized and poorly designed signs, both business and residential property values are adversely affected. Therefore, the number of such distracting signs ought to be reduced and signs permitted shall conform to the standards of this Code in order to reduce these effects. All signs not conforming with the provisions of this section are declared a nuisance. It is further declared that the regulations contained in this section are the minimum regulations necessary to abate the nuisance(s) and to achieve the purposes of this Code.
(2) Applicability. A zoning permit is required to erect any sign (except as otherwise provided in this division (2)), and no permit shall be issued until such signs have been reviewed according to the following.
(A) The PZC shall have the responsibility to review and make decisions on freestanding signs.
(B) The Zoning Division shall have the responsibility to review and make decisions on attached signs, directional signs and temporary signs.
(C) The Zoning Division shall authorize the issuance of a permit for such sign when the Zoning Division determines that the sign complies with all provisions of this section. The Zoning Division may refer the decision on any of the above signs to the PZC for consideration if the Zoning Division determines that the sign, as proposed, is more appropriately the responsibility of the PZC.
(D) For multi-tenant buildings in business or industrial districts, and for individual buildings located in business and industrial parks, the PZC may approve with the development plans for new buildings, or at the time a specific sign request is made for a tenant identification sign in an existing building, basic sign parameters as to the location, size and style of each tenant sign, and authorize the Zoning Division to specifically approve the subsequent individual tenant signs upon specific application when such proposed signs comply with the parameters established by this Code.
(3) Calculating sign area and height.
(A) Sign area.
1.) For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted and otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area dimensions shall include the entire portion within such background or frame.
2.) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements on a wall or similar surface, or an irregularly shaped freestanding sign, the area of the sign shall encompass a regular geometric shape, or a combination of regular geometric shapes, which forms or approximates the perimeter of all the elements in the display. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign, but the elements are separated by open space, the area shall be calculated by determining the geometric form, or combination of forms, which comprises all the display area, including the space between the elements.
3.) The sign area shall include the frame, but shall not include the pole or other structural support, unless such pole or structural support is illuminated or otherwise so designated to constitute a display surface or device.
(B) Clearance from electrical lines. Signs shall maintain a minimum horizontal clearance of eight feet in addition to the fall radius and a vertical clearance of at least eight feet from electrical lines and in accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code, as revised.
(C) Double-faced signs.
1.) A freestanding sign shall have no more than two display surfaces.
2.) Display surfaces may be arranged back-to-back and parallel to each other or in a V shape.
3.) A V-shaped sign is permitted; provided that it does not exceed ten feet in height from the average grade, it has identical display surfaces in terms of size, color and copy, and its display surfaces do not exceed a 90-degree angle to each other.
(D) Height for freestanding signs. The height of a sign shall be measured from the average grade under the sign to the top of the highest element of the sign or support structure.
(E) Determination of building and tenant frontage. The length of the building or unit of the building which faces the principal street, or the length of the wall of the building or unit which contains the main entrance to the uses therein, shall be considered the building frontage. In the case of an irregular wall surface, a straight line extended along such wall surface shall be used to measure the length. Only one exterior wall of any business shall be considered its frontage. The portion of a building which is owned or leased by a single tenant shall be considered a building unit. The length of a unit is that portion of the building so occupied by a single activity and calculated proportionally in the same manner as the building frontage.
(4) General sign standards. In addition to ensuring compliance with the numerical standards of this section, the PZC, when approving signs, shall consider the proposed general design, arrangement, texture, material, colors, lighting, placement and appropriateness of the proposed sign in relationship to other signs and other structures, both on the premises and in the surrounding area, and approve only signs which are consistent with the intent, purposes, standards and criteria of this section. Specific standards for determining the appropriateness of the sign shall include, but not be limited to, the following.
(A) The size, style and location of the sign shall be appropriate to the activity of the site as prescribed elsewhere in this Code.
(B) The sign shall complement the building and adjacent buildings by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture.
(C) A sign should be constructed with a minimum of different types of material so as to provide a consistent overall appearance.
(D) All signs shall be made, constructed and erected in a professional and workmanlike manner and with materials which are durable for the intended life of the sign.
(E) Signs shall be placed at the grade approved by the PZC.
(F) Signs in the right-of-way; obstructing vision or traffic.
1.) No signs shall be placed in any public right-of-way, except publicly-owned signs, such as traffic-control signs, city identification signs and directional signage as permitted in this section.
2.) No sign or other advertising structure as regulated by this section shall be erected:
a.) At the intersection of streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or
b.) At any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with traffic, obstruct the view of traffic or be confused with the use of words, such as stop, danger or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(G) Illumination. The light from any illuminated sign or from any light source shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing residential districts, or adversely affect the safe vision and operation of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas. Light shall not directly shine or reflect on or into residential structures.
(H) Message changes.
1.) Changeable copy may be included as part of the sign message. Changeable copy may be in the form of manually-operated reader boards or electronic message centers. The maximum height limit shall be 12 inches on electronic message copy and a limit of 50% of the total signage may be used for changeable copy with manually-operated copy.
2.) All freestanding signage featuring electronic message centers shall be ground-mounted with a maximum height of ten feet. The display area of an electronic message center shall not exceed 50% of the total sign face area of the sign. For any site that qualifies for a sign area bonus, pursuant to divisions (8)(B)4.) or (8)(B)6.) of this section, the display area of any sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
3.) The electronic display area for a fuel price at a gasoline station shall not exceed 3.3 square feet per fuel type. The total display area of all electronic copy shall not exceed 20 square feet.
4.) Electronic message centers shall be legible and shall not move or flash in such a manner (i.e., in speed or intensity) so as to be a distraction or disturbance to passing pedestrians or motorists or to adjacent residential districts.
5.) Applicants shall provide a certain percentage of time to be allotted to community/civic related messages.
6.) Electronic message centers with commercial messages shall be limited to sign copy only (text only) and shall not include any graphics, unless it is completely stationary and does not move or flash in such a manner so as to be a distraction or disturbance to passing pedestrians or motorists or to adjacent residential districts.
7.) No moving or flashing parts are permitted on any sign within the city.
(I) Address signs. All proposed freestanding identification signs shall incorporate the site or building address number, in a legible manner, to assist the general public and emergency response personnel. The area of such address number shall not be calculated toward the total permitted sign face area of the sign.
(J) Required landscape area for signs.
1.) Unless otherwise provided in this section, all permanent freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area with a minimum area equal to the total sign area.
2.) The landscape area for permanent freestanding signs shall consist of shrubs, flowers and/or ground cover. This area shall be in addition to any landscape or screening areas required in § 157.136.
(5) Prohibited signs. The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:
(A) Abandoned signs:
1.) Any sign existing that no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted on the premises or a product sold on the premises for a period of six months shall be deemed abandoned;
2.) Such a sign shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure within 30 days after notification to the owner from the Zoning Division; and
3.) All signs shall be in conformance with division (10) of this section;
(B) No sign shall contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar moving devices for the purpose of advertising or attracting attention for commercial or advertising purposes, except where otherwise permitted in this section;
(C) Air activated graphics or balloons used for commercial or advertising reasons shall not be permitted, except where otherwise permitted in this section;
(D) No persons shall erect any additional attractions, devices or objects, or continue in the operation of such signs for the purpose or result of which is to attract attention to a business or business services and/or which serves to divert the attention of the public whether such devices or objects are stationary, mobile, or otherwise revolve, rotate, or move;
(E) Signs shall not be placed on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying such signs. This does not apply to portable signs or lettering on buses, taxis or vehicles operating during the normal course of business;
(F) Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or governmental signs or signals;
(G) No person shall display upon any sign or other advertising structure any obscene, indecent or immoral matter;
(H) Signs that consist of lights that revolve or flash are prohibited in all districts with the exception of electronic information signs;
(I) Bench signs;
(J) Snipe signs;
(K) Graffiti;
(L) Roof signs; and
(M) Off-premises sign.
(6) Signs not requiring a zoning permit. The following sign types shall be exempted from zoning permit requirements, but shall be in conformance with all other requirements of this section:
(A) State, federal, institutional or other patriotic flags;
(B) Any sign authorized by a governmental agency may be installed as provided by applicable law;
(C) One nonilluminated nameplate in a residential zoning district or planned residential district with a maximum sign area of two square feet;
(D) Commemorative plaques placed by recognized historical or park agencies;
(E) Mailbox identification when such is an integral part of such mailbox;
(F) Warning signs, including no hunting, no trespassing, keep off grass, no dumping or signs of a similar nature; provided that they do not exceed four square feet in area;
(G) Garage sale signs (which term shall include the terms yard sale, porch sale, house sale, toy sale or similar terms) in a house, garage or yard; provided:
1.) There is a maximum of two signs on the property holding the sale;
2.) The signs shall not be displayed more than two days in advance of the sale;
3.) All signs must be removed on the last day of the sale; and
4.) The signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way or on utility poles.
(7) Signs permitted in residential zoning districts. The following signs may be permitted in an R-R, R-1, R-2 or for residential uses in a PD District.
(A) Permanent signs. Permanent ground-mounted signs for a subdivision, multi-family dwelling development, public/institutional use or commercial enterprise permitted in a residential zoning district (bed and breakfast, kennel, riding stable and the like); provided that the sign meets the following requirements:
1.) The sign(s) must be reviewed and approved by the PZC through the site plan review process;
2.) One permanent freestanding sign may be permitted at each entrance to the subdivision, development or use unless otherwise approved by the PZC;
3.) The sign shall be a ground-mounted sign;
4.) The sign shall be set back a minimum 15 feet from the public right-of-way and 20 feet from any adjacent property lines;
5.) The sign face does not exceed 20 square feet in area on a single side. The total sign face area may be distributed into two signs at each entrance as approved by the PZC;
6.) No such sign or any portion of the structure shall exceed eight feet in height;
7.) The sign may only be illuminated through external lighting;
8.) The applicant obtains a zoning permit for the sign after PZC approval;
9.) Additional signs may be authorized by the PZC through the subdivision review process or as part of a planned development; and
10.) For multi-family dwelling developments or institutional uses, the PZC may approve greater sign areas than specified above if it determines that, because of the large size of the facility or its site, the proposed larger sign will be consistent with the objectives, intent and criteria of this section.
(B) Temporary signs.
1.) Temporary signs not requiring a permit. Up to two temporary signs may be permitted at any given time on any one parcel. These temporary signs may be displayed for an unspecified amount of time; provided:
a.) These signs do not contain any commercial messages, except for the sale or leasing of the property on which the sign is located;
b.) The temporary signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign area;
c.) The signs shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the right-of-way and 20 feet from all lot lines; and
d.) The signs do not exceed four feet in height.
2.) Temporary signs in residential districts. Temporary signs may be permitted with a zoning permit.
a.) One temporary sign may be displayed on a vacant site or for a project that is under development; provided that the sign area does not exceed 32 square feet in area for a new subdivision or 20 square feet for development on a single-family lot. Such signs shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of the development or construction project.
b.) One temporary sign may be displayed on site used for public or institutional uses under the following provisions.
i.) The temporary sign shall be displayed for not more than 30 days per zoning permit and not to exceed 90 days per year.
ii.) There shall be a limit of one sign per parcel and such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet per side with a maximum of two sides.
iii.) The sign shall not be illuminated, unless authorized by the BZA through the variance process.
(8) Signs permitted in nonresidential zoning districts. The following signs may be permitted in all zoning districts, except the R-R, R-1 and R-2 Districts, and except for residential uses in the PD Districts.
(A) Maximum area of all permanent signs.
1.) The maximum sign area for all permanent signs in a nonresidential district shall be equal to two square feet per each lineal foot of building or tenant frontage.
2.) The maximum area for all permanent signs shall include the sum of the areas of all freestanding (ground or pole mounted) signs, directional signage and attached signage; provided that window signs that occupy less than 10% of the window area shall be exempt from this calculation.
3.) Additional allowances in business and industrial districts.
a.) For any use which is on a corner lot or has a customer entrance facing a parking lot (when such parking lot does not face the main street), the maximum allowable area for signs may be increased for each such additional frontage.
b.) The increase for each such frontage shall be equal to 40% of the allowable sign area if the additional frontage is considered the principal frontage. However, no sign area on any bonus frontage shall exceed one square foot per linear foot of frontage.
(B) Freestanding identification signs.
1.) Freestanding signs are only permitted when the principal building is set back from the street right-of-way a minimum of 25 feet and the parcel has a minimum lot frontage of 100 feet.
2.) One freestanding sign with a maximum area of 40 square feet per sign face, or 30 square feet per sign face if V-shaped, is permitted per project or development. The freestanding signs can be ground-mounted or pole-mounted.
3.) The maximum height of all freestanding signs shall be 16 feet.
4.) Bonus for freestanding signs on large lots.
a.) The allowable area of any freestanding sign may be increased by ten square feet of sign area for every 100 lineal feet of lot frontage, or fraction thereof, greater than 300 lineal feet.
b.) The total allowable sign area of freestanding signs, according to the provisions of this section, may be distributed to one freestanding sign for each 250 feet of the lot frontage, or fraction thereof.
c.) The maximum area of a single freestanding sign shall, however, in no case, exceed 60 square feet per sign face.
d.) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the total allowable sign area for all signs shall comply with division (8)(A) of this section.
5.) No portion of any freestanding sign shall be closer to the street right-of-way than a distance equal to the height of the sign or ten feet, whichever is greater. A freestanding sign shall also be a minimum of 90 feet from any residential zoning district and a minimum of ten feet from any side property line.
6.) One additional freestanding sign may be permitted for a corner lot; provided:
a.) The corner lot has a total frontage, on both street frontages, of at least 300 feet;
b.) The second freestanding sign is clearly located to provide identification along the secondary street;
c.) The total area of both freestanding signs shall not exceed 70 square feet;
d.) Two signs may only be utilized when spaced a minimum of 200 feet apart as measured along the street right-of-way; and
e.) The two signs may be aggregated into a single sign at the corner; provided that the area of the single freestanding sign face shall not exceed 60 square feet if arranged back-to-back and 50 square feet if arranged in a V-shape.
7.) When a freestanding sign is permitted on a site with more than one tenant, it is the property owner’s responsibility to determine if the allowable area shall be devoted to the identification of the building or the project, be a directory for a select group of tenants, or all tenants, in the project, or be for project identification or a tenant directory in combination.
(C) Directional signage. Directional signage shall be permitted as follows:
1.) Directional signage shall be permanent and ground-mounted with a maximum height of three feet;
2.) The sign may be located within ten feet of the intersection of a public street and a private driveway or within a vehicular use area but not within the right-of-way; and
3.) The signs may not exceed four square feet in area.
(D) Attached signage.
1.) Attached signage shall include all types of signage that are attached to the principal building, including wall signs, window signs (over the 10% allowed by division (8)(A)2.) of this section), projecting signs, fascia signs, awning signs, canopy signs and marquee signs.
2.) Awnings, canopies, fascia or marquees shall be designated as permanent parts of the building and shall meet all of the requirements of all applicable building and electrical codes.
3.) Attached signs shall not extend more than 18 inches from the building as measured from the face of the building.
4.) Projecting signs shall provide a minimum clearance of eight feet when projecting over a sidewalk or other right-of-way.
(E) Temporary signs in nonresidential districts.
1.) Temporary signs not requiring a permit. One temporary sign may be permitted at any given time on any one parcel. This temporary sign may be displayed for an unspecified amount of time provided:
a.) The sign does not contain any commercial messages, except for the sale or leasing of the property on which the sign is located;
b.) The temporary sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area;
c.) The sign shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the right-of-way and 20 feet from all lot lines;
d.) The signs shall not exceed ten feet in height; and
e.) If the lot is a corner lot, there may be one additional sign on the secondary frontage; provided it meets the same standards as identified above and there is a minimum separation of 200 feet as measured along the street right-of-way line.
2.) Temporary signs requiring a zoning permit. The following temporary signs may be permitted only after applying for and receiving a zoning permit.
a.) One temporary sign may be displayed on a vacant site or for a project that is under development; provided that the sign area does not exceed 32 square feet in area and ten feet in height. The sign shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of the development or construction project.
b.) Temporary promotional signs, banners, pennants or flags (other than institutional, state, federal or other patriotic flags) intended to promote or advertise special events shall be reviewed by the Zoning Division and may be denied if considered excessive.
(9) Special sign districts.
(A) Arlington Road/I-77 Sign District.
2.) Freestanding signs in the Arlington Road/I-77 Special Sign District may exceed the sign height; provided for in the underlying zoning district, but shall in no instance exceed 45 feet in height.
3.) The maximum sign area shall be 120 square feet, per sign face.
4.) In this special sign district, signs shall be set back 15 feet from the right-of-way and any side or rear property line.
5.) Electronic message centers shall meet the standards as outlined in this section for electronic message centers, but in no case shall be permitted on freestanding signs intended for highway visibility.
(B) Greensburg Area Sign District.
2.) Freestanding identification signs in the Greensburg Area Sign District shall have a maximum overall height of eight feet.
3.) For residential structures legally converted for commercial uses and new commercial buildings designed with a residential character, simple design elements are encouraged for all freestanding signs and their support structures. This includes the use of a limited number of shapes, colors and materials in order to complement the building being identified. Materials, including, but not limited to, vinyl, foamboard, high-density urethane, PVC or other type of durable product that enhance the style and character of the district are considered appropriate. In all other cases, the requirements of § 157.137(6) shall apply.
4.) Freestanding signs may only be illuminated through external lighting, which must meet the shielding requirements of this Code.
5.) The display area of an electronic message center shall not exceed 12 inches in height and 20% of the total sign face area.
6.) Freestanding identification signs shall have a minimum setback of ten feet from the public right-of-way and any side or rear property line.
7.) The maximum area of freestanding identification signs shall be 40 square feet per sign face.
8.) The provisions of division (8)(B)1.) of this section shall not apply within the District. Any freestanding sign identifying a principal building that is set back less than 25 feet from the public right-of-way and/or is situated on a parcel with less than 100 feet of public street frontage shall be permitted if it is set back a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way and has a maximum area of 30 square feet per sign face.
(10) Maintenance.
(A) The owner of the property on which the sign is located is required to maintain the sign in a condition fit for the intended use and in good repair.
(B) A sign in good repair shall be free of peeling or faded paint, shall not be stained, shall not show uneven soiling or rust streaks, shall not have chipped, cracked, broken, or bent letters, panels or framing, shall not otherwise show deterioration, and shall comply with all other applicable maintenance standards of the city.
(C) If the sign is deemed by the Zoning Division to be in an unsafe condition, such sign shall be considered an unsafe structure, and all applicable codes for the repair and removal of such sign shall be adhered to.
(D) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to this section, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, relettering or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or any payment of fees provided that there is no alteration or enlargement to the structure or the mounting of the sign itself, and that the sign is accessory to a legally permitted or nonconforming use.
(11) Alteration and removal of nonconforming signs.
(A) Consistent with the purposes of this Code, every graphic or other sign in violation of any provision of this section shall only be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform to the provisions of this section and this Code, and any sign which, on the effective date of this Code, or any amendment thereto, does not comply with the regulations provided in this section and this Code, shall be deemed nonconforming.
(B) Nonconforming signs shall be removed, and any subsequent modification or replacement (excluding routine maintenance pursuant to division (10) of this section) shall conform to all requirements of this section:
1.) When more than 50% of the value of the sign has been destroyed or been removed;
2.) When the use for which the nonconforming sign is accessory is vacant for 90 consecutive days; or
3.) Following five years from the date of the adoption of this section, or five years from the date of any amendment to this section, which made the sign nonconforming.
(C) A nonconforming sign shall not be altered, modified or reconstructed other than to comply with this section, except:
1.) When the existing use has new ownership which results in a change of the name of the use or the business on the property;
2.) When the space is reoccupied by a similar use and the new occupant requires no external building or site renovation; and
3.) When such replacement sign pursuant to division (11)(A) or (B) of this section may be accomplished without any alteration or change to the structure, framing, erection or location of the sign, unless such changes conform to this section.
(Prior Code, § 1229.06) (Ord. 2009-21, passed 10-27-2009; Ord. 2012-19, passed 9-25-2012; Ord. 2015-10, passed 7-14-2015)