The following special signs are permitted, subject to the provisions of this article and other applicable provisions of this section:
(1) Project signs. One non-illuminated sign may be permitted on the premises subject to the following conditions:
a. The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet per sign face if for a multifamily or nonresidential development. If the sign is for the contractor of a single-family residence, the sign may not exceed four square feet per sign face.
b. The sign shall not be erected prior to issuance of a building permit, and must be removed when a certificate of occupancy is issued; provided, however, if the sign is erected as permitted hereunder and if construction is not commenced within 30 days after the permit is issued or if construction is not continually progressed to completion, the sign shall be removed by the owner or be subject to removal pursuant to this article.
c. The signs shall be located on the premises being developed.
(2) Rear entrance sign. When a building has a rear entrance or remote parking area on premises, one flat sign per occupancy, not exceeding 12 square feet in sign area, shall be permitted at the rear building entrance.
(3) Special event sign and special event directory sign.
a. One sign directing the attention of the public to a special event or function of a business shall be permitted on the premises of said event for a period not to exceed 15 consecutive days, shall not exceed 40 square feet per sign face, and shall not exceed seven feet in height. Said signs may include banners, pennants, and flags, but not balloons. A temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the zoning administrator before said sign is erected.
b. One sign directing the attention of the public to a special event or function of civic or nonprofit organizations shall be permitted on the premises of said event for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days, shall not exceed 40 square feet per sign face, and shall not exceed seven feet in height. Said signs may include banners, pennants, and flags, but not balloons. A temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the zoning administrator before said sign is erected.
c. Special event directional signs for civic or nonprofit organizations, including banners but not pennants, flags, or balloons, are permitted provided that a temporary permit is obtained from the zoning administrator. The signs shall be located at points specified by the zoning administrator for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days.
d. Special event temporary signs shall be permitted only two times in a calendar year.
(4) Town directory signs. The town may erect directory signs for the benefit of visitors, on which may be listed institutional names, churches, and points of interest. Civic organizations and churches may be granted permission to place their insignia thereon.
(5) Town off-premises directional signs. The town may erect off-premises directional signs for the benefit of the traveling public. The cost of manufacture, erection, and maintenance of the signs shall be charged to those requesting the sign at a rate established by the town.
a. Off-premises directional signs are permitted for the following types of businesses: natural phenomena; scenic attractions; historic, educational, cultural, scientific, and religious sites; outdoor recreational areas; and establishments providing motor fuel, lodging, and/or meals for the general public.
b. Off-premises directional signs may be located at the intersection of a major thoroughfare (U.S. Highway 64/74, Buffalo Shoals Road, Buffalo Creek Road, and N.C. Highway 9) with the side street leading to the business or activity. One additional off-premises directional sign may be located at the intersection of the street leading to the business or activity with the street providing access to the establishment.
c. Off-premises directional signs shall be 18 inches by 48 inches per sign face, one sign face per directional flow of traffic, and two sign faces per sign structure. Not more than two off-premises directional signs shall be permitted for the same business or activity.
(6) Other directional signs. Churches and civic organizations located within the boundaries of the town may display one directional sign to be located at the discretion of the zoning administrator. Such signs shall not exceed five square feet per sign face.
(7) Natural, scenic or cultural business attractions.
a. Any business known as a natural, scenic or cultural attraction, thereby developing and attracting tourism for our community and located on property consisting of at least 75 acres, shall be categorized under this subsection (7).
b. Any on-site existing signs in place along a public thoroughfare as of the date of adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived not exceeding 50 square feet per sign, shall be deemed legally permitted signs and shall be subject to the annual license fee structure in section 36-340.
(8) Marina signs. Recognizing that marinas need signs that can be seen and read from the lake, as well as an on-premises sign for the highway, the town will permit signage on the marina building, "business designation" and/or "additional signage." The town will also permit a second "business designation" sign on the highway, not to exceed 50 square feet in sign area. Only one annual business designation fee shall be charged. The total signage for a marina shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(Code 1989, § 92.158; Ord. of 9-28-1993; Ord. of 9-28-1994; Ord. of 8-8-2006)