Sec. 59-F-4.1. Generally.

   (a)   Sign area.  Unless otherwise provided in this Article, the total sign area of all permanent signs on any lot or parcel must not exceed the maximum sign area for the zone in which the sign is located.

   (b)   Sign Placement.  Setbacks are measured from the portion of the sign nearest to the property line; height is measured from the portion of the sign which is vertically the farthest from the ground.  Unless otherwise provided in this Article no portion of a sign must:

      (1)   be erected in a manner that places the top of the sign more than 26 feet above the ground, except for a location sign erected in conformance with Section 59-F-4.2(b)(4)(A); and,

      (2)   extend outside the property upon which it is erected except for properties with no building setback; or as provided in Section 59-F-4.2(b)(3)(C) for canopy signs; and,

      (3)   obstruct any building aperture, such as a window, door, ventilation opening, or fire prevention device.

   (c)   Building and Electrical Permits.  A permanent sign erected under this ordinance must comply with the building and construction requirements of Chapter 8 of this Code and the electrical requirements of Chapter 17 of this Code.

   (d)   Color.

      (1)   Interference with Traffic Safety.  A sign must not use color combinations that may be confused with a traffic sign or signal.

      (2)   Non-display Sides of Signs.  In order for the sign back or non-display side of a sign to be excluded from consideration as sign area it must be a single neutral color if the back or non-display side is visible from outside the property lines of the property where the sign is located.

   (e)   Illumination.  When illumination of a sign is permitted it must comply with the following restrictions:

      (1)   Electrical Permit.  An electrical permit must be obtained in accordance with Chapter 17 of this Code.

      (2)   Prevention of Glare.  Sign illumination must use an enclosed lamp design or indirect lighting from a shielded source in a manner that prevents glare from beyond the property line.  Glare is a direct or reflected light source creating a harsh brilliance that causes the observer to squint, shield or avert the eyes.

      (3)   Interference with Traffic Safety.  A sign must not be illuminated in a pattern or lighting combination that resembles a traffic signal.

      (4)   Flashing.  A sign must not contain or be illuminated by flashing, revolving, or intermittent lights, or lights of changing intensity.

      (5)   Near a Residence.  Any sign on a lot or parcel within 150 feet of a residential use must not exceed a sign area of 100 square feet and must be illuminated only during the hours the entity is open for public business, unless the applicant demonstrates that the sign is located so that no adverse impact will affect the residence.

   (f)   Structural Limitations.  A sign must comply with the following structural requirements:

      (1)   Interference with Traffic Safety.  A sign must not be shaped like a traffic sign or traffic signal, or use wording similar to traffic signals, or interfere with traffic safety.

      (2)   Shaped like Humans or Animals.  A sign must not be shaped to resemble any human or animal form, but must conform to a geometric shape.

      (3)   Wind Activated.  A sign must not be wind activated.

      (4)   Moving.  A sign must not have moving parts.

      (5)   Message Replacement.  Signs that have characters which are changed manually or electronically must not be changed more than once each day.  This includes a sign that gives the appearance or illusion of movement for a written or printed message.

   (g)   Historic Preservation Area.  A sign erected in an historic preservation area must comply with the following criteria:

      (1)   Designation.  The Director must verify that the historic site or area is designated in the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation.

      (2)   Historic Preservation Commission Approval.  Before considering a sign permit application, the Director must verify that the applicant has received a historic area work permit under the provisions of Chapter 24A of the code.

      (3)   Aspects of sign.  The Director must consider the following information in issuing a sign permit:

         (A)   size, shape, color, lettering, and location of the sign;

         (B)   compatibility of the sign with the surrounding property, other signs in the area, and the historic nature of the area; and,

         (C)   the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.  No sign permit may be issued unless the applicant has received a historic area work permit from the Historic Preservation Commission.

(Legislative History: Ord. No. 13-76, §1.)