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(a) Definitions. All terms used in this chapter shall have the definitions provided in Chapter 1191.
(b) Applicability. No sign shall be permitted in any district except as provided in this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all signs of every nature, whether portable, freestanding or attached, except as otherwise provided, either specifically or by necessary implications.
(c) Basic Standards.
(1) All permanent signs must be of a professional character, must be erected by a qualified sign erector, and must comply with the provisions of this chapter. Homemade lettered signs shall not be permitted, whether or not a permit is required, except for wire frame temporary signs.
(2) Signs may be externally or internally illuminated, except as otherwise specified.
(3) Signs shall not detract from the appearance of the general neighborhood in which located or adversely affect property values in the neighborhood.
(4) Signs shall not constitute a traffic hazard or contribute to traffic problems through confusion with traffic control devices, interference with the field of vision of motorists using streets or driveways in the area, or by creating a visual distraction for motorists.
(d) Setbacks. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the following setback requirements shall apply to all signs:
(1) No part of a sign shall be located within fifteen (15) feet of a street right-of-way line, unless otherwise permitted; provided, signs attached to buildings which are located within fifteen (15) feet of a street right-of-way shall be exempt from this requirement.
(2) No part of any sign shall be located closer than one (1) foot from and adjoining lot line.
(3) No part of any sign shall be located closer than ten (10) feet from a residential zoning district.
(e) Clear Vision Triangle. Signs shall not be placed within a clear vision triangle, required by Section 1141.09.
(f) Signs in Public Right of Way. Signs shall not be placed in any public easement, right-of-way, utility easement, clear vision triangle, or no-build zone, except publicly owned signs, such as traffic control signs and City authorized directional signs.
(g) Official Public Signs Exempt. Public notices by governmental bodies, and other official signs and notices are exempt from the provisions of this section. The Zoning Administrator may authorize the erection of other signs reasonably necessary for the regulation of traffic and of parking areas on private property in nonresidential districts. Such signs shall relate only to traffic flow and safety. No such sign shall include advertising material nor shall it be larger than reasonably required for its purpose.
(h) Measurement. Signs shall not exceed the maximum sign area allowed for the district in which located. The sign area is to be expressed in square feet, computed to the nearest tenth of a square foot, and shall be calculated as follows:
(1) Area. The area of a sign shall be measured as the area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any straight line geometric figure which encloses the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, logo or any other figure of similar character, together with any other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed, excluding only the frame and the structure necessary to support the sign.
(2) Double-Faced sign. The area of a sign that has two (2) or more faces shall be measured by including the area of all sign faces, except if two (2) faces are placed back-to-back and are no more than three (3) feet apart at any point, the area of one face shall be counted toward the maximum size requirement. If the back-to-back faces are of unequal size, the larger of the sign faces shall be counted as the one (1) face.
(3) Wall Sign. For a sign consisting of individual letters and/or a graphic affixed directly onto a building without a border, the area of the sign shall be computed by measuring the area of the envelope required to enclose the lettering and graphic.
(4) Height. The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign to the finished grade of the ground or the average grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign, excluding any artificially constructed earthen berms.
(5) Multi-Tenant Buildings. For buildings with multiple tenants, the sign area for wall, projecting, canopy or awning signs shall be determined by taking that portion of the front wall of the building applicable to each tenant and computing the sign requirements for that portion of the total wall.
(i) Illumination and Movement. All illuminated signs shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Except as otherwise specifically permitted in this chapter, signs shall not contain any intermittent, moving, blinking, flashing, oscillating, scrolling, or fluttering lights or animated parts; nor shall any device be utilized which has a changing light intensity, brightness of color or give such illusion, except as specifically required for electronic changeable message signs.
(2) The light source for any externally illuminated sign shall not be directly visible from adjacent streets or property. Exposed neon-type tubing as part of any sign and/or on the building shall not be permitted except in the B-3, Downtown Business District. Backlight silhouetted halo letters shall be permitted, provided the light source is fully concealed.
(3) For all signs, the level of illumination emitted or reflected from a sign shall not be of intensity sufficient to constitute a demonstrable hazard to vehicular traffic or pedestrians on any right-of-way or parking lot from which the sign may be viewed. All illumination must be of reasonable intensity and shall not spill onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way. Signs adjacent to residential buildings and streets shall not be of such brightness to cause reasonable objection from adjacent residential districts or uses nor to spill light and glare onto adjacent residential properties and structures.
(4) Ground signs abutting a residential district or use shall be at least fifty (50) feet from the property line abutting the residential district or use.
(5) Signs illuminated by electricity or equipped in any way with electric devices or appliances shall conform, with respect to wiring and appliances, to provisions of the Building Code relating to electrical installations. All wiring, fittings and materials used in construction, connection and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of the applicable electrical code followed by the City of Lorain.
(j) Safety.
(1) All wiring, fittings, and materials used in the construction, connection and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of the City electrical code and approved by the Zoning Administrator. All electrical signs shall contain an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or a City approval label.
(2) All signs hung and erected shall be plainly marked with the name of the person, firm or corporation hanging or erecting the sign.
(3) Signs shall not closely resemble or approximate the shape, form and color of official traffic signs, signals and devices.
(4) No sign shall be so placed as to obstruct or interfere with a required doorway, other required means of ingress or egress, or traffic visibility.
(5) Signs shall be constructed to withstand a wind pressure as specified by the building code enforced by the City of Lorain and shall be otherwise fastened, suspended, or supported so not to be a menace to persons or property.
(6) No sign shall be attached to the standard of a ground sign, other than the display surface originally constructed as part of the sign. No sign shall be attached to or painted or otherwise displayed on a light standard, gasoline pump, fence, wall, post or other structure, or to any supporting device, except as specifically authorized in this chapter.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)
The following regulations are applicable to all signs exempt from permitting in all zoning districts.
(a) Exempt Actions. The following actions shall not be considered to be creating a sign and shall not be required to have a sign permit, unless otherwise specified.
(1) Maintenance. Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure unless a structural change is involved. The change of sign wording or a sign face is permitted; provided the sign frame and structure do not change.
(2) Re-lettering and Rewording Changeable Copy. The changing of advertising copy or message, either electronically or manually, on an approved or existing nonconforming sign, such as a theater marquee, manual or electronic changeable message signs and similar signs which are specifically designed for use of changeable copy.
Table 1151.03, Signs Exempt from Permitting | |
Type of Sign | Requirements |
Address Sign
| Numeral height no greater than six (6) inches for residences and 18 inches for businesses and other nonresidential uses.
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Barber Pole
| The bottom of the barber pole shall be attached to the building wall and must be at least eight (8) feet from the ground or sidewalk, but the top must be lower than the height of the building. The barber pole must not extend more than 12" from the exterior face of the wall to which it is attached.
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Business Identification Sign
| An identification sign on or near (above or beside) a public entrance or service entrance to a business in a commercial or industrial zone is permitted; provided, the sign states only the street address number and name of the business or building. It shall be mounted flush against the wall and shall not exceed three (3) sq. ft. in area.
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Commercial Construction Sign
| A sign which identifies the architects, engineers, contractors or other individuals and firms involved with the commercial construction project on the premises and/or identifying the project under construction. One (1) sign, not exceeding 48 square feet shall be permitted. The sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way line. The sign may be erected when a building permit is issued for construction and shall be removed within 30 days following issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the building or project to which the sign relates.
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Damaged Signs (replacement)
| A sign, erected under a legally obtained permit, which is subsequently damaged or destroyed by wind, weather, or other accidental event beyond the control of the applicant may be replaced or restored to its original size, shape, and location (as prior to the accident) without obtaining an additional permit; provided, the cost of repair or restoration is less than 30 percent of the cost of replacing the sign. Replacement of a damaged or destroyed sign with a new sign or different size or location from the original sign shall require a permit.
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Device Sign | Permanent signs on gas pumps, vending machines or ice containers indicating the contents of such devices; provided, the sign area of each device shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area and only one (1) sign is permitted per vending machine, gas pump or ice container. |
Table 1151.03, Signs Exempt from Permitting (Cont.) | |
Type of Sign | Requirements |
Directional Sign
| In order to facilitate traffic movement and minimize confusion, one (1) directional sign, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and three (3) feet in height, is permitted at each driveway. The sign shall be set back from the right-of-way line and edge of the driveway at least five (5) feet. Only words such as "enter," "exit," "one way," "do not enter," and similar traffic directions may be displayed, along with a logo or trademark up to one-third of the sign area, but not including a name or commercial message.
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Flag
| Flags or insignia of any nation, state, local government, community organization or educational institution or representing a public issue or political statement.
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Historic Marker
| Historical markers, including plaques or signs describing a property's designation as a historical site or structure, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area; provided, an officially designated state or federal historical marker shall not be subject to a size limitation.
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Incidental Sign
| Incidental signs, indicating acceptance of credit cards, location of restrooms, restrictions on smoking and restrictions on building entrances or describing business affiliations, not exceeding a total of two (2) square feet each. Up to two signs (2) per business may be displayed attached to a permitted sign, exterior wall, building entrance, or window.
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Integral Sign
| Names of building, date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type construction and made an integral part of the structure.
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Interior Sign
| Any sign which is located completely within an enclosed building, and is not visible from outside the building or which is primarily directed at persons within the premises where the sign is located.
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Murals
| Murals not containing any words, logos, products or service representations, except for the artist's name may be permitted in any Business District, subject to approval of the design review board where applicable; provided, any mural that does contain words, logos, product or service representations shall be considered a wall sign and regulated as such.
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Nameplate
| A nameplate which shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area is permitted for each dwelling unit of a single-family, two-family or multi-family dwelling; identifying only the name and/or address of the occupant and/or approved home occupation.
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Parking Signs
| Signs for public access to parking shall be set back three (3) feet from the right-of-way and shall solely identify the availability of and access to a designated parking area. Signs shall be a maximum six (6) feet high and six (6) square feet in area. Such signs shall not obstruct the view of traffic entering or leaving the premises. |
Table 1151.03, Signs Exempt from Permitting (Cont.) | |
Type of Sign | Requirements |
Political Sign
| Rigid frame or wire frame yard signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area may be displayed within 60 days prior to any public vote and shall be removed within seven (7) days following the date of such vote. There shall be no limit to the number of such signs.
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Private Traffic Direction Signs
| Signs directing interior traffic circulation within a premise shall be a maximum of three (3) feet high and six (6) square feet in area. Illumination shall be permitted in accordance with Section 1145.02(h)
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Public Signs
| Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest erected by or on the order of the City of Lorain or other county, state or federal authority.
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Religious Symbols
| Religious symbols incorporated into the architecture on places of worship or structures owned and operated by religious organizations shall not be considered a sign unless accompanied by text.
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Scoreboards
| Used in conjunction with a sports field owned by a governmental unit, school or bona fide sports organization, such as a little league or youth soccer. The scoreboard shall be single sided and have a maximum height of twenty (20) feet to the top of the scoreboard and a maximum area of 100 square feet. Any scoreboard exceeding these height or area dimensions shall require a permit and approval in accordance with the requirements of Sections 1145.07 and 1145.08.
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Sign on Vehicle
| Signs on a bus, truck, trailer, or other vehicle while operated and used for transport in the normal course of business or activity, provided that the primary use of the vehicle shall not be for the purpose of identifying or advertising a business.
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Temporary Window Sign
| The total area of all signs within one (1) foot of the window shall not obscure more than 25 percent of the window area.
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Traffic Control Sign
| Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, danger signs and such temporary emergency or non-advertising signs, or private traffic control signs which conform to the requirements of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and as may be approved by the Zoning Administrator.
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Warning Sign
| Publicly authorized warning signs, such as no trespassing, warning of electrical currents or animals, provided the sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
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Yard Sign, Rigid Frame Temporary
| The signs shall not exceed a size of six (6) square feet in residential districts, nor eight (8) square feet in commercial and industrial districts or on nonresidential properties in a mixed use or residential district. The sign shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from the street right-of-way line. No more than one (1) yard sign shall be displayed per street frontage, unless otherwise specifically permitted by this Ordinance. |
Table 1151.03, Signs Exempt from Permitting (Cont.) | |
Type of Sign | Requirements |
Yard Sign, Wire Frame Temporary
| The signs shall not exceed a size of four (4) square feet and shall not be placed in the right of way. No more than one (1) yard sign shall be displayed per street frontage, unless otherwise specifically permitted by this Ordinance. |
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)
The following signs are prohibited in the City of Lorain:
(a) Any sign not specifically permitted.
(b) Abandoned signs that identify an activity, business, use, product or service no longer conducted or available.
(c) Off-premise signs.
(d) The use of trucks, cars, trailers, aircraft, boats or similar vehicles as signs is prohibited when the vehicle is parked on public or private property within fifty (50) feet of any property line abutting a public street, except for those:
(1) Lawfully parked overnight or during non-business hours in a place not visible from a public street or designated truck parking or loading area;
(2) Making deliveries, sales calls or other customary practices relating to doing business;
(3) Making trips to transport persons or property;
(4) Used in conjunction with active construction operations on the site; or
(5) Passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks and vans containing signs that do not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area painted on or permanently affixed to the doors or integral body panels and such vehicles are of a size that can fully fit within a standard parking space.
(e) Roof signs.
(f) Search lights, "twirling signs", balloons, other gas or air-filled figures, pennants or streamers: provided, this shall not be construed to prohibit decorations related to the observance of traditional national, state or local holidays or special events of national, state or local significance.
(g) Signs that are held by or supported by a person along a public street.
(h) Blade or feather signs.
(j) Miscellaneous signs and posters visible from a roadway that are tacked, pasted or otherwise affixed to the walls of buildings or structures or on trees, poles, posts, fences or other structures.
(k) Signs or any portion of a sign or sign structure which moves or assumes any motion or gives the illusion of movement, unless specifically permitted by this chapter.
(l) Signs bearing or containing statements, words or pictures of an obscene, pornographic, or immoral character.
(m) Signs painted on or attached to any fence or wall which is not structurally a part of a building.
(n) Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)
The following signs shall be allowed at any location within the City of Lorain upon application for and issuance of a sign permit, unless otherwise specified.
Table 1151.05, Temporary Signs | |
Type of Sign | Requirements |
Promotional signs, banners and displays
| Within any business or mixed use district, in accordance with the following requirements:
a. A temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Administrator;
b. The sign may be displayed for a maximum of thirty (30) days;
c. No more than two (2) temporary signs shall be permitted for any business, organization or property within a calendar year and at least thirty (30) consecutive days shall elapse between the end of one (1) permit period and the start of the second.
d. Materials of community interest may be erected within a street right-of-way or across a public street, causeway or walkway; provided, the Mayor approves the display and all materials are erected by a licensed, bonded and insured installer approved by the manager.
e. Materials shall be of a quality, size and installation as to not cause litter, hazard or obstruction.
f. All such signs, banners, displays and material shall remain the responsibility of the permit holder who shall be responsible for any damage, injury, or expense incurred by the City.
g. If damaged or deteriorated, the material shall be removed immediately. |
Table 1151.05, Temporary Signs (Cont.) | |
Type of Sign | Requirements |
Sandwich Board
| a. Within the B-3 Downtown Business District, each business may display one (1) sandwich board sign per street frontage.
b. The sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet per side in area. In addition, the width of the sign may not exceed two (2) linear feet, with a maximum height of four (4) feet. Within these specified maximum dimensions, creative shapes that reflect the theme of the business being advertised are encouraged (i.e. ice cream shop may display a sign in the shape of an ice cream cone).
c. Sandwich board signs shall be displayed only during operational hours of the business being identified and shall not be lighted. These signs must be removed each day at the close of business.
d. The sign shall be placed on a sidewalk directly in front of the associated establishment and the nearest part of the sign structure shall not be separated by more than two (2) feet from the wall of the building. The sign must be placed so as not to interfere with or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic; provided, a minimum of five (5) feet of passage must be maintained on the sidewalk between the street and the sign. Signs may not be anchored to the sidewalk, or attached or chained to poles, newspaper vending boxes, or other structures or appurtenances.
e. The sign must be constructed of materials that present a finished appearance. Rough cut plywood is not acceptable. The sign lettering should be professionally painted or applied; a "yard sale" or "graffiti" look with hand painted or paint-stenciled letters is not acceptable, however, chalkboard signs shall be permitted. |
Subdivision or Multi-Family Real Estate Development Sign
| Within any zoning district, one (1) temporary subdivision or multiple-family development sign may be permitted per street frontage, in accordance with the following requirements:
a. A temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Administrator;
b. Maximum sign area shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of area;
c. Minimum setback distance from any right-of-way and adjoining property line shall be ten (10) feet; and
d. The temporary sign permit shall expire twelve (12) months from the date it is issued or until the project is eighty-five percent (85%) occupied, whichever is greater. |
Non-exempt Yard Signs
| Any rigid frame yard sign exceeding the maximum area specified in Table 1151.03 for such sign shall be required to obtain a sign permit; provided, in any case, rigid frame yard signs shall not exceed a maximum area of twenty-four (24) sq. ft. and shall be set back from any property line at least twenty (20) feet. |
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)
(a) Permitted Signs. The following signs are permitted in combination, unless noted otherwise, in each district, subject to the requirements described in Table 1151.06, issuance of a sign permit and all other applicable regulations.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21; Ord. 184-23. Passed 9-18-23.)
No sign described in this chapter whether permanent or temporary, shall be erected, constructed, altered, relocated, repaired or replaced within the limits of the City by any person, firm or corporation until a permit has been issued by the City Electrical Department and approved by the Zoning Administrator and, if applicable, a written order from the Zoning Board of Appeals that a variance has been granted. All sign permits shall be valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance, and shall be void if the approved sign is not erected within that time period. Written notice of the permit's expiration shall be provided to the property owner. This section shall not apply to those signs specifically exempted in Section 1151.03, unless such sign is illuminated internally or externally.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)
(a) Application Requirements. An application shall be submitted on a form for that purpose, along with a required application fee as established by the City Council. Only applications by licensed sign contractors shall be accepted. All sign applications shall include the following information:
(1) Location of building, structure or lot on which the sign is to be erected or attached.
(2) Detailed colored drawing to illustrate the dimensions, design, materials and structure of each sign.
(3) Site drawing to scale, showing the property boundaries, street right-of-way line, curb line, building location, access drives and location of all ground, directional, menu or other sign proposed to be located on the ground. The setback dimension from the right-of-way line and the curb line to the nearest edge of the sign shall be shown on the site plan.
(4) Photographs of the property or building upon which the sign is to be erected or attached.
(5) Building elevations, illustrating the position of wall, awning, projecting or other signs to be mounted on the building.
(6) Plans, specifications and method of construction for attachment to the building or in the ground.
(7) Name and address of the sign erector.
(8) Any electrical permit required and issued for such sign.
(9) Specifications for electronic changeable message signs, including brightness levels (day and night), automatic dimming mechanism, display colors and other relevant information.
(10) In the case of a billboard, the site plan shall also show the horizontal distance to the nearest existing billboard within 350 feet, horizontal distance to the nearest residential district property line within 350 feet and horizontal distance to the nearest park, playground or public or semi-public building. If any of the above does not exist within the stated distances, it shall be so noted on the plan.
(11) Other information that the Zoning Administrator may require to ensure full compliance with this and all other applicable laws of the city and State.
(b) Approval. The Zoning Administrator shall decide on an application within seven (7) days of submission. The Zoning Administrator shall approve the application and issue a sign permit if it is determined that the application fully complies with the requirements of this chapter.
(c) Fees. Fees to be paid in conjunction with the submission of a sign application may be changed as provided for in the Lorain Codified Ordinance, as may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)
(a) Inspection. The Zoning Administrator shall inspect each sign after it is erected to determine if the sign and its location are in conformance with the permit and the approved sign plan. The Zoning Administrator may also conduct inspections at such times as necessary for the purpose of ascertaining whether the sign remains in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance or is in need of repair or removal. A record of all such inspections shall be kept on file in the office of the Zoning Administrator.
(b) Removal of Signs. The Zoning Administrator may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter. Thirty (30) days' written notice to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance shall be given to the owner of a permanent sign or a notice of such violation placed on the building, structure, premises, or sign in violation. In the case of any temporary sign in violation, the Zoning Administrator may remove the sign immediately. The sign owner shall be notified in writing as to disposition of the sign. Any sign removed by the Zoning Administrator, pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall be held for redemption by the owner. To redeem, the owner shall pay all costs incurred by the City for removal. Should the sign not be redeemed within thirty (30) days of its removal, it may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the Zoning Administrator and the costs incurred for its removal shall be assessed to the owner on the property tax roll. The cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expenses incurred by the City in connection with the sign's removal.
(c) Maintenance. Signs which are no longer functional or are in disrepair for more than sixty (60) days, shall be removed, at the expense of the property owner, within thirty (30) days following notice of non-compliance. The property owner shall be notified by certified mail. Failure to comply will automatically revoke the permit after noncompliance has been determined by the Zoning Administrator and notice has been given to the property owner as reflected by the records of the Zoning Administrator. If the sign is not removed within thirty (30) days, the Zoning Administrator shall cause the sign to be removed and assess the cost of removal against the property.
(d) Obsolete Signs. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located within six (6) months of when the business or use which it identifies is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Zoning Administrator shall give the owner seven (7) days' written notice to remove it. If the owner fails to comply with this notice, the Zoning Administrator shall cause the sign to be removed at cost to the owner. Where a successor to a defunct business agrees to maintain the sign(s) as provided in this chapter, this removal requirement shall not apply. The new sign user shall notify the Zoning Administrator's office, in writing, of this change. No new sign permit shall be required unless the sign is altered or relocated contrary to the provisions of this chapter. The Zoning Administrator shall be notified in any matters relating to sign relocations.
(e) Unsafe Signs. Should any sign be or become insecure or in danger of falling or become otherwise unsafe, the owner or persons maintaining the sign shall, upon receipt of written notice from the Zoning Administrator, proceed immediately to put it in a safe and secure condition or remove it. If the owner or lessee fails to remove or to make the sign safe within seven (7) days after such notice, the Zoning Administrator shall cause the sign to be removed at the expense of the property owner. The Zoning Administrator may cause any sign which is in an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(f) Regular Maintenance. Every sign and all the supports, braces, guys and anchors thereof, shall be kept in repair and, unless made of non-corroding material, shall be thoroughly and properly painted regularly. The Zoning Administrator may order removal or compliance of any such signs that are not, in the judgement of the Zoning Administrator, maintained in accordance with the conditions of this section.
(g) Alterations. No sign shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, and then not until a permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)
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