(a) The following regulations apply to all Signs within the City of Lancaster:
(1) Unless otherwise exempted, a Zoning Clearance Permit shall be obtained prior to erecting any sign in any District. The following types of signs are exempt from obtaining a Sign Permit:
A. Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area that are customarily associated with a residential use. Signs associated with home occupations and/or special exceptions within said residential Districts shall not be exempt from these regulations.
B. Signs erected by a governmental entity for a recognized public purpose and duly authorized by any law, statute, or ordinance. Such signs include legal notices and traffic control devices, provided such signs carry no supplementary advertising.
C. Signs that are on the inside of a structure or building that are not affixed to the window and are typically not visible from outside the window. This does not include:
D. Signs which are in the nature of cornerstones, commemorative tables and historic designation, provided such signs are less than twelve (12) square feet in size and not illuminated.
E. Signs clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated with a national, local or religious holiday. Such signs shall be of any illumination or animation provided that a safety and/or visibility hazard is not clearly created.
F. Flags or insignias of any governmental entity when not displayed as an advertising device or in connection with any commercial promotion.
(2) In all Districts, except the AG, RE, R-LD, and R-MD, a Comprehensive Sign Package, as defined in Chapter 1161
, shall be provided prior to the issuance of any Sign Permit. A sign shall comply with the Comprehensive Sign Package for said parcel(s) and these regulations in order for a Sign Permit to be issued.
(3) All signage and graphics shall be carefully coordinated with the building and architecture.
(4) Each building and unit, if applicable, shall have an address number that is clearly visible from the public right-of-way. Such signs shall not require a permit.
(5) No sign shall extend into the right-of-way, unless the City Engineer determines, upon demonstration from the applicant, that due to the location of the building or other physical characteristics of the lot, the erection of an alternate sign outside the right-of-way is not feasible. In such cases, said signs shall comply with the City of Lancaster Right-of-Way Ordinance - Chapter 901
Management, Administration, and Control Ordinance Governing the Use of Public Rights-of-Way - and a right-of-way permit shall be obtained.
(7) All signs and parts thereof, including any electrical wiring, shall be erected, constructed, and maintained so as to not constitute a safety hazard. The construction and installation of all signs shall be subject to inspection by the City and/or State of Ohio.
(8) Signs shall be maintained in good repair. Such maintenance and repair including, changes of copy, shall be permitted provided the size and structural shape of the sign is not changed or altered.
(9) Non-conforming signs shall be governed as a non-conforming structure subject to Section 1153
of this Ordinance.
(10) If any sign is found, upon inspection by the City Planner or designee, to constitute a hazard to public safety, such sign shall be subject to immediate removal by order of the City Planner or designee.
(11) No person or company shall install a sign requiring a permit unless the sign installer is a Registered Contractor with the City of Lancaster. The City may revoke a registration for failure to conform to all parts of this chapter. A registration fee shall be required of persons or companies installing a sign that requires a permit.
(12) Enforcement and Penalty - The enforcement and penalty of this Article shall be subject to Chapter 1155
of this Ordinance.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)