(A) Certain types of signs shall only be allowed by a special use permit granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals upon having reviewed and approved of the characteristics of the proposed signs. Such special use permits are required because these categories of signs are of such a nature that their construction and operation may give rise to unique problems with respect to their impact upon neighboring properties.
(B) The following types of signs will be allowed by special use permit only:
(1) Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical plaques and similar designations displayed for non-commercial purposes;
(2) Projecting signs;
(3) Residential wall and ground signs;
(4) Electronic message signs, subject to the following provisions:
(a) 1. Electronic message signs are only permitted as a special use in nonresidential sign
districts.
2. Except for as provided in § 157.198(G), electronic message signs are prohibited within residential sign districts and the historic sign districts.
(b) No more than three lines of copy are permitted to be shown at one time;
(c) All lighting on the sign must change instantaneously and concurrently at no less than 15-second intervals;
(d) An electronic message signs shall not exceed 40 square feet in total area;
(e) The sign message must be turned completely off between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m;
(f) No electronic message sign may be located within 200 feet from a residential structure;
(g) No electronic message sign shall be permitted within 400 feet of an existing electronic message sign;
(h) Only one electronic message sign shall be permitted for each single or combined use. For purposes of this division (B)(4)(h), COMBINED USE shall include uses such as commercial shopping centers, institutional campuses and similar uses, which incorporate multiple parcels or uses under common ownership and/or have unified, integrated development such as shared roof, facade, parking or similar facilities; and
(i) Other reasonable terms and conditions that may be imposed by the Board of Zoning Appeals in accordance with law.
(C) Special use permit standards. The following standards shall be the criteria by which the Board of Zoning Appeals evaluates the suitability of proposed signs to be granted by special permit:
(1) The proposed location does not block the view of other signs in the area;
(2) The size does not unduly infringe upon the health, safety or welfare of persons occupying or moving through the surrounding area;
(3) The sign does not detract from the "historic fabric" of the town; and
(4) The sign is materially consistent with the objectives of this subchapter.
(D) Administration of special use permit. Regulations for procedures and hearings shall be the same as that outlined for § 157.050.
(Ord. 2021-03, passed 10-13-2021)