Except as otherwise expressly provided for by this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any property owner(s) to erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a sign permit as required by this chapter. The following general sign standards apply to all signs within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission.
(A) Measuring sign area and height. The sign area shall be calculated by multiplying the maximum vertical dimension by the maximum horizontal dimension including the extreme limits of characters, lettering or figures. The sign height shall be measured from the grade at the edge of the adjacent right-of-way to the highest point of the sign, and include any poles or other supports unless otherwise specified in this subchapter. In no case shall sign height be measured from the top of any berm or other artificial grade.
(B) Inspection. Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodically by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee, for compliance with this chapter.
(C) Removal of sign. The Administrative Officer, or his or her designee, may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this subchapter, at the cost of the property owner(s), consistent with the provisions of this subchapter.
(D) Maintenance. All signs and their components shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, attractive, and structurally sound condition as determined by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee. Owners shall repair or otherwise cause any sign not found to be in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, attractive and structurally sound condition to comply with this subchapter within ten days of notice of violation by the Administrative Officer. Owners shall, within 30 days of the removal of a sign, and at the owner's expense, patch and paint damaged areas when signs are removed.
(E) Abandoned sign structures. A sign structure, including all poles, frames, supports, and other structural, electrical, mechanical, and other elements, shall be removed by the owner(s) of the premises, at the owner’s expense, upon which it is located if the property is unused for a period of six months or longer. A sign face is also considered abandoned when the use to which it relates is no longer in existence or operational for a period of at least 30 days. In such a scenario the owner(s) of the sign structure shall have the sign area noting the use no longer in existence or operational removed from the sign structure and replaced with another sign or a sign blank. Under no circumstances shall a sign face be removed and the inside of a cabinet sign be exposed.
(F) Illuminated signs. Internally and externally illuminated signs shall be permitted, provided the illuminated sign complies with the following provisions:
(1) All illuminated signs shall meet the standards as specified in the National Electrical Code. Signs that are only partially illuminated shall meet all electrical requirements for that portion that is illuminated.
(2) All electrical wiring shall be in conduit and not exposed to the elements or external stress.
(3) The full number of illuminating elements shall be kept in satisfactory working condition or immediately repaired or replaced.
(4) Neither the direct nor reflected light from an illuminated sign shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motorized vehicles on any roadway.
(5) The light from any illuminated sign in any zoning district shall be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent spillage onto adjacent properties. In no instance shall the light intensity or brightness exceed 0.3 foot-candles at the property line of any adjacent property located in a residential zoning district, or 0.5 foot candles at the property line of any adjacent property located in a non-residential zoning district.
(6) All illuminated signs shall have a disconnecting switch located in a readily accessible place.
(7) See additional limitations set forth for changeable copy and electronic message board signs in this subchapter.
(G) Enforcement. The enforcement of violations of the provisions of this subchapter shall be as provided by this chapter.
(H) Vacant land. Properties without a primary structure shall not be permitted a permanent sign.
(I) Sign tags/stickers. The Zoning Administrator and/or his or her designee may place tags/stickers indicating a sign is approved and, if the sign is temporary or exempt, the applicable expiration date on any sign within town limits.
(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 041216-A, passed 4-12-2016)