(a) Location. All signs shall be located on the premises to which the sign is accessory, unless otherwise specified herein.
(b) Safety.
(1) All signs shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable building codes, and other applicable ordinances governing construction within the City of Howell. In the event of conflict between this section and other laws, the most restrictive shall govern.
(2) All signs shall be placed so as to not interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of any official traffic sign or signal, motorist or pedestrian.
(3) No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to obstruct firefighting or prevent free access to any door, window or fire escape.
(c) Sign Illumination.
(1) General Standards.
A. No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means.
B. The source of illumination may be internal or external.
C. All external lighting fixtures used to illuminate a sign shall be shielded to direct light towards the sign.
(2) Sign Illumination Standards – The illumination of all signs, including EMS, shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles above ambient light levels based upon illumination measurement criteria set forth in Table 7.02(c) and Section 7.02(c).
Table 7.02(c) Sign Area Versus Measurement Distance | |
Area of Sign Sq. ft. | Measurement Distance (ft.) |
Table 7.02(c) Sign Area Versus Measurement Distance | |
Area of Sign Sq. ft. | Measurement Distance (ft.) |
10 | 32 |
15 | 39 |
20 | 45 |
25 | 50 |
30 | 55 |
35 | 59 |
40 | 63 |
45 | 67 |
50 | 71 |
*For signs with an area in square feet other than those specifically listed in this table (e.g., 12 sq. ft., 400 sq. ft., etc.), the measurement distance may be calculated with the following formula: Measurement Distance =  | |
(3) Illumination Measurement Criteria – The illumination of a sign shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure footcandles accurate to at least two decimals. Illumination of an EMS shall be measured with the EMS off, and again with the EMS displaying a white image for a full color-capable EMS, or a solid message for a single-color EMS. All measurements shall be taken as close as practical to a point that is perpendicular to the sign face at the distance determined by the total square footage of the sign as set forth in Table 7.02(c) Sign Area of a Sign versus Measurement Distance.
(d) Signs Prohibited in All Districts.
(1) Roof signs.
(2) Signs containing flashing, scrolling, blinking, intermittent or moving lights, or signs with moving or revolving parts.
(3) Signs affixed to trees, rocks, shrubs or similar natural features, but not when an integral part of or carved out of such features.
(4) Signs that imitate traffic signals, traffic direction signs, or similar traffic control devices.
(5) Temporary signs mounted upon trucks, vans, or other wheeled devices. Signs permanently painted on, or otherwise permanently displayed upon a vehicle, licensed and operating on the public streets and highways, identifying the owner's occupation or livelihood, shall be permitted.
(6) Permanent signs other than those erected by a public agency that are located within or overhang the public right-of-way or on public property.
(7) Any sign or sign structure which:
A. Is structurally unsafe; or
B. Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment; or
C. Is not kept in good repair; or
D. Is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come in contact with it.
(8) Signs that make use of words such as "Stop", "Look", "Danger" or any other words, phrases symbols or characters, in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(9) Any sign or other advertising structure containing any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
(10) Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained.
(11) Signs considered to be abandoned in accordance with section 7.10(e).
(e) Signs Permitted in All Districts.
(1) Wallplates in the R-1, R-2 and RT Districts not exceeding two (2) square feet in size.
(2) On-premises directional signs that indicate direction of traffic flow shall be permitted, subject to the following:
A. On-premise directional signs that are intended exclusively to direct traffic flow into a site from a public street in the interest of public safety are permitted in all districts. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height, shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any property line and shall be positioned in a manner which will not obstruct the vision of motorists and/or pedestrians.
B. On-premise directional signs which are intended to direct traffic flow within a site shall be permitted in all districts for the following permitted and special uses: schools, hospitals, offices, parks, governmental facilities and other similar uses. Such signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height, shall be located a minimum of fifty (50) feet from any property line and shall be positioned in a manner which will not obstruct the vision of motorists and/or pedestrians.
C. On-premise directional signs may be illuminated.
D. The Planning Commission may vary the size and location of an on-premises directional sign in order to facilitate traffic flow and safety.
(3) Signs that do not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area in non-residential districts or four (4) square feet in residential districts, denoting a site of historic significance shall be permitted in all districts.