(a) The purpose of these special sign regulations is to promote the protection of nonconforming signs that represent important aspects of the county’s heritage, to enhance the character of the community by encouraging the restoration and retention, of on-premises, nonconforming signs that are historically significant. Once designated as a Landmark Sign, the sign shall be considered to be a legal conforming sign.
(b) All required documents shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the sign submittal policy as established by the Codes Administrator or his/her designee.
(c) Designation criteria:
(1) The Greenville County Historic Preservation Commission shall review and make a recommendation to the Codes Administrator or his/her designee. Codes Administrator or his/her designee may designate an existing on-premises sign as a Landmark Sign if it meets the following criteria:
A. The sign has been in continuous existence at the present location for at least thirty (30) years.
B. The sign is an on-premises sign, which meets at least five (5) of the following criteria:
1. It was expressly designed for the business, institution, or other establishments at that location.
2. It bears a national or local emblem, logo, or other graphic that is unique to the property or the establishment.
3. The sign exhibits unique or rare characteristics that enhance the streetscape or identity of a neighborhood.
4. The sign is significant as evidence of the history of the product, business, or service advertised.
5. The sign is characteristic of a specific historic period.
6. The sign is integral to the building’s design or physical fabric.
7. The sign represents an outstanding example of the sign maker’s art due to craftsmanship, use of materials, or design.
C. The sign complies with the appropriate provisions of the South Carolina State Building and Electrical Codes (S.C. Code § 6-9-130 codes applicable to building inspections).
D. If any portion of the sign is permitted to remain in or over a public right-of-way, a County or State approved encroachment agreement shall be executed.
E. The sign is structurally safe or is capable of being made so without substantially altering its historical significance.
(2) Location. If a designated Landmark Sign is moved on-premises, it shall be subject to the location standards of this chapter.
(3) Should an applicant wish to appeal the Codes Administrator or his/her designee’s decision an appeal may be made to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(Ord. 4926, passed 8-15-2017)