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North Royalton Overview
North Royalton Code of Ordinances
CITY OF NORTH ROYALTON, OHIO CODIFIED ORDINANCES
DIRECTORY OF OFFICIALS (2024)
COMPARATIVE SECTION TABLE
COMPARATIVE SECTION TABLE - ZONING
CHARTER OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH ROYALTON, OHIO
PART TWO - ADMINISTRATION CODE
PART FOUR - TRAFFIC CODE
PART SIX - GENERAL OFFENSES CODE
PART EIGHT - BUSINESS REGULATION AND TAXATION CODE
PART TEN - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE
PART TWELVE - PLANNING AND ZONING CODE
TITLE TWO - Planning
TITLE FOUR - Subdivision Regulations
TITLE SIX - Zoning
CHAPTER 1260 General Provisions and Definitions
CHAPTER 1262 Administration, Enforcement and Penalty
CHAPTER 1264 Board of Zoning Appeals
CHAPTER 1266 Amendments
CHAPTER 1268 Districts Generally and Zoning Map
CHAPTER 1270 Residential Districts (Other Than Senior Citizen and Rural Residential Districts)
CHAPTER 1272 Senior Citizen District
CHAPTER 1273 Rural Residential Districts
CHAPTER 1274 Public Facilities Districts
CHAPTER 1276 Business Districts
CHAPTER 1278 Industrial Districts
CHAPTER 1280 Planned Unit Developments (Repealed)
CHAPTER 1281 Traditional Town Center/Main Street District (TCD)
CHAPTER 1282 Off-Street Parking and Loading
CHAPTER 1284 Signs
CHAPTER 1286 Nonconforming Uses
CHAPTER 1288 Buffering
Appendix I: Illustrations of Yard Regulations for Multifamily Dwellings
Appendix II: Parking Area Design Standards
Appendix III: Illustrations of Yards and Building Line
CHAPTER 1290 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
CHAPTER 1292 Wind Energy Turbines
COMPARATIVE SECTION TABLE
PART FOURTEEN - BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE
PART SIXTEEN - FIRE PREVENTION CODE
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1284.11 SIGNS IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS GENERALLY.
   (a)   Scope. Accessory signs in Research-Office, Commercial Service, General Industrial Districts and Unified complexes or parkways shall follow the regulations described within this ordinance (Chapter 1284 Signs) with the exception of special regulations identified for Industrial Districts.
   (b)   Use Types Permitted. The following use types shall be permitted in Industrial Districts:
      (1)   Directional signs.
      (2)   Identification signs.
      (3)   Nameplate.
      (4)   Real estate and project signs of a temporary nature.
   (c)   Structural Types Permitted. The following structural types shall be permitted in Industrial Districts:
      (1)   Identification Signs - permanent Wall/Panel signs.
      (2)   Freestanding - permanent Ground/Pylon signs.
      (3)   Freestanding - permanent Directional signs.
   (d)   Maximum Gross Area and Number Permitted. Allowable permanent signs shall conform to the structural type, maximum number and area limitations set forth as follows:
      (1)   Permanent Signs attached to Buildings shall comply with Table 1284.11(d)(1).
      (2)   Permanent freestanding ground of pylon signs shall conform with Table 1284.11(d)(2).
      (3)   A unified complex or parkway consisting of three (3) or more buildings served by a common local access road shall be permitted a supplemental freestanding identification sign at the entry to the development and shall conform with Table 1284.11(d)(2).
   (e)   Locating Freestanding Ground or Pylon Signs.
      (1)   Signs in Industrial Districts shall be located so as to maintain the same setback and yards as required for buildings, except that one commercial or industrial ground sign may be permitted within the required yards.
      (2)   In no circumstance shall freestanding signs obstruct the site lines of traffic.
Table 1284.11(d)(1)
Permanent Signs Attached to Buildings in Industrial Districts
Type
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Sign Face Area Allowance
Maximum Area
Table 1284.11(d)(1)
Permanent Signs Attached to Buildings in Industrial Districts
Type
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Sign Face Area Allowance
Maximum Area
Research-Office District
Nameplate
1 per address
Not Applicable
2 square feet (a)
Wall or Panel Sign (b)
1 per building
1 square foot for each linear foot of building frontage.
75 square feet
Commercial Service District
Nameplate
1 per address
Not Applicable
2 square feet (a)
Wall or Panel Sign (b)
1 per building or 1 per each tenant
1-1/4 square feet for each linear foot of building frontage
75 square feet
General Industrial District
Nameplate
1 per address
Not Applicable
2 square feet (a)
Wall or Panel Sign (b)
1 per building or 1 per each tenant
1-1/2 square feet for each linear foot of building frontage
75 square feet
(a)   Area of nameplate sign can be reasonably modified by the Building Commissioner due to sight lines or visibility.
(b)   Buildings that require identification at entrances may be permitted up to 1 additional wall or panel sign but must keep within the square footage allowance for the building.
 
 
Table 1284.11(d)(2)
Freestanding Ground, Pylon or Directional Signs in Industrial Districts
Type
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Sign Face Area Allowance
Maximum Height
Maximum Setback
Ground Sign (a)(c)(d)
1
75 square feet per side
7 feet
25 feet to the edge of the street or pavement (d)
Pylon Sign (b)(c)(d)
1
100 square feet per side
10 feet
25 feet to the edge of the street or pavement (d)
Directional Signs (e)(f)(g)
2 per driveway
4 square feet
6 feet
10 feet from public right-of-way and edge of pavement
(a)   Permitted information: The name and address of the facility and the name(s) of the tenant.
(b)   Permitted information: The name and address of the unified complex or parkway and the name(s) of the tenants located in the unified complex.
(c)   A unified complex or parkway is allowed: 1 sign, either a ground or Pylon Sign.
(d)   Signs shall be located no less than 100 feet from any adjacent Residential District. The distance to Residential District can be modified to 50 feet by the Building Commissioner for lot widths consisting of less than 200 feet.
(e)   Permitted information: indicates direction to specific buildings within the complex as well as ingress and egress routes.
(f)   Letter heights for directional shall be at least 2-1/2 inches.
(g)   Additional Directional Signs may be permitted at the discretion of the Building Commissioner to provide for additional pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
 
(Ord. 1988-175. Passed 10-17-88; Ord. 16-145. Passed 10-4-16.)
1284.12 SIGNS IN TOWN CENTER/MAIN STREET DISTRICTS.
   (a)   Scope. Accessory signs in Town Center/Main Street (TCM) Districts shall follow the regulations described within this ordinance (Chapter 1284 Signs) with the exception of special regulations identified for Town Center/Main Street Districts.
   (b)   Use Types Permitted. The following use types shall be permitted:
      (1)   Directional signs.
      (2)   Identification signs.
      (3)   Nameplate.
      (4)   Real estate, project signs and signs of a temporary nature.
   (c)   Structural Types Permitted. The following structural types shall be permitted:
      (1)   Identification Signs - permanent Wall/Panel signs.
      (2)   Identification Signs - permanent Window signs.
      (3)   Identification Signs - permanent Canopy signs.
      (4)   Freestanding - permanent Ground/Pylon signs.
      (5)   Freestanding - permanent Directional signs.
   (d)   Maximum Gross Area and Number Permitted. Allowable permanent signs shall conform to the structural type, maximum number and area limitations set forth as follows:
      (1)   Permanent Signs attached to Buildings shall comply with Table 1284.12(d)(1).
      (2)   Permanent freestanding ground of pylon signs shall conform with Table 1284.12(d)(2).
      (3)   A unified complex or parkway consisting of four (4) or more buildings served by a common local access road shall be permitted a supplemental freestanding identification sign at the entry to the development and shall conform with Table 1284.12(d)(2).
 
Table 1284.12(d)(1)
Permanent Signs Attached to Buildings in Town Center/Main Street Districts
Type
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Sign Face Area Allowance
Maximum Area
Nameplate
1 per address
Not Applicable
2 square feet (a)
Wall or Panel Sign
1 per building or 1 per each tenant (b)
1-1/4 square feet for each linear foot of building frontage
75 square feet
Window
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
15% or less of the window area
Canopy or Awning Sign
Not Applicable
10 square feet per awning/canopy face
Not Applicable
(a)   Area of nameplate sign can be reasonably modified by the Building Commissioner due to sight lines or visibility.
(b)   Buildings that require identification at entrances may be permitted up to 1 additional wall or panel sign but must keep within the square footage allowance for the building.
 
 
Table 1284.12(d)(2)
Freestanding Ground, Pylon or Directional Signs in Town Center/Main Street Districts
Type
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Sign Face Area Allowance
Maximum Height
Maximum Setback
Ground Sign (a)(c)(d)
1
32 square feet per side
5 feet
25 feet to the edge of the street or pavement (d)
Pylon Sign (b)(c)(d)
1 per each street frontage containing a vehicular access
70 square feet per side
10 feet
25 feet to the edge of the street or pavement (d)
Directional Signs (e)(f)(g)
2 per driveway
4 square feet
6 feet
10 feet from public right-of-way
(a)   Permitted information: The name and address of the facility and the name(s) of the tenants.
(b)   Permitted information: A unified commercial or office complex under a common ownership exceeding 100,000 square feet in gross floor area shall be permitted a pylon sign. The contents of the sign shall be limited to the name of the unified commercial or office complex. Individual store or business signage shall not be permitted on a pylon sign and shall be limited to business signage attached to the building or unit thereof proposed.
(c)   A unified complex or parkway is allowed 1 sign, either a ground or Pylon Sign.
(d)   Signs shall be located no less than 100 feet from any adjacent Residential District. The distance to Residential District can be modified to 50 feet by the Building Commissioner for lot widths consisting of less than 200 feet.
(e)   Permitted information indicates direction to specific buildings within the complex as well as ingress and egress routes.
(f)   Letter heights for directional shall be at least 2-1/2 inches.
(g)   Additional Directional Signs may be permitted at the discretion of the Building Commissioner to provide for additional pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
 
   (e)   Multiple business signs: i.e. signs identifying stores and services located within the same building and/or complex.
      (1)   Shall be designed in such a manner that their appearance will be harmonious and compatible in character regarding their method of construction, materials, color illumination and combined size so as to achieve an overall unified effect.
      (2)   Within a commercial area or development, where multiple storefronts are situated side by side, the level of variety or cohesiveness in the design of the signs should be commensurate with the architecture of the building.
      (3)   Variety in the design of signs among different storefronts should be encouraged when the architecture of the buildings suggests variety.
      (4)   Storefronts with common architectural elements should have signs that share continuity of design so that the design and placement of individual signs contribute to the cohesive appearance created by the common architectural elements.
      (5)   Franchise standard signage located within TCD-1 through TCD-5 may be required to be modified for aesthetic reasons at the discretion of the Building Commissioner.
   (f)   Special Sign District: (to include oversized ground or wall signs), for purposes of creating an integrated sign theme, may be established by ordinance in response to a petition by a majority of sign users within a Town Center/Main Street District. The sign theme must not violate safety standards of the Building and Housing Code of the City and/or other requirements of this Zoning Code (with the exception of size requirements). A detailed plan should be submitted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 1276.13 and 1276.14 for approval. Upon approval, a two-thirds affirmative vote by Council is required to establish a Special Sign District.
   (g)   Nonresidential developments. Proposed in TCD-4 and TCD-5 Sub districts shall submit a sign plan along with the proposed development plan which shall have to be approved by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 1988-175. Passed 10-17-88; Ord. 90-242. Passed 2-5-91; Ord. 16-145. Passed 10-4-16.)
1284.13 PERMITS REQUIRED.
   (a)   Except as otherwise provided in this code it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move, convert, or modify any sign in the city, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Building Commissioner as required by this code. These directives shall not be construed to require any permit for a change of copy on any sign, nor for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not modified in any way. No new permit is required for signs which have permits and which conform with the requirements of this code on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated. Applications for approval of a temporary sign shall be subject to review only by the Building Commissioner without further board review, except for any appeal. The Building Commissioner shall approve or reject the temporary sign application within five business days of filing.
   (b)   Expiration of Permit. Any sign permit issued by the Building Commissioner shall become null and void if installation is not commenced within one hundred and eighty days from the date of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for one hundred and twenty days any time after the work is commenced, a new permit shall be first obtained prior to re-commencement of the work, and the fee required by Chapter 214 shall be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided that no changes have been made in the original plans. Such new permit may not be unreasonably withheld, providing that proper application and payment of permit fees is complied with.
   (c)   Emergencies. In emergency situations, where there is imminent danger of personal injury or harm to property, work may be initiated and completed without first applying for a permit. However, a permit shall be applied for within forty-eight hours after the first working day when work has commenced on the sign.
   (d)   Consent Required. No person shall erect, construct or maintain any sign upon any property or building without the consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property or building if any, or their authorized representatives.
   (e)   Application for Permit. An application for a permit shall be made to the Building Division upon forms provided by the Building Division. The application may be made separately or in conjunction with an application for a building permit.
      (1)   The application shall be accompanied by drawings to scale and shall include such information as may be required to assure compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations of the city including but not limited to the following:
         A.   The design and layout proposed, including the total area of the sign, materials to be used, structural supports, and the size, character and color of letters, lines and symbols;
         B.   The method of illumination, including a description of electrical components, if any;
         C.   The exact location of the sign in relation to the building and property; and
         D.   Details and specifications for construction, erection and attachments, which must meet the requirements found in Section 1284.05.
         E.   Name and address of owner of the sign.
         F.   Name and address of owner or the person in possession of the premises where the sign is located or to be located.
   (f)   Issuance, Denial, Revocation.
      (1)   The Building Commissioner shall issue a permit for the erection, alteration or relocation of a sign within thirty days of receipt of a valid application, provided that the sign complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the City. In all applications where a matter of interpretation arises, the more specific definition or higher standard shall prevail.
      (2)   The Building Commissioner may suspend or revoke in writing a permit issued under provisions of this section whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of material fact or false representation. When a sign permit is denied or revoked by the Building Commissioner, he or she shall give written notice of the denial or revocation to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial or revocation.
   (g)   Effect of Issuance. No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign.
   (h)   Permit Fee.
      (1)   Application for permits shall be filed with the Building Commissioner, together with a permit fee for each sign, provided, however, that the minimum fee for a permit shall be set forth in Chapter 214.
      (2)   If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit, the specified permit fee shall be doubled. However, payment of the doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirements or penalties prescribed in this Zoning Code.
   (i)   Appeals. Any applicant may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals from any decision of the Building Commissioner pertaining to an application for a sign permit, maintenance or removal of any sign. Any such appeal shall meet the requirements set forth in Chapter 1264.
   (j)   Notice of Change of Sign Owner or User. Whenever there is a change in the sign user, owner, or owner of the property on which the sign is located, the new sign user, owner, or new property owner shall promptly notify the Building Commissioner of the change. No new sign permit is required, unless the sign is altered or relocated.
(Ord. 07-103. Passed 4-1-08; Ord. 13-152. Passed 2-4-14.)
1284.14 MAINTENANCE.
   (a)   Every sign in the city, including any sign exempted from normal permit requirements, shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times, and shall be kept neatly painted and in good aesthetic condition, including all parts and structure(s). Defective parts shall be replaced. The Building Commissioner shall have the authority to order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of signs which become dilapidated or are abandoned, or which constitute physical hazard to the public safety.
   (b)   Signs which no longer serve the purpose for which they were intended, or which have been abandoned or are not maintained in accordance with this chapter and other applicable regulations of the City, shall be removed by the latest permit holder or by the City at the expense of such permit holder.
(Ord. 1988-175. Passed 10-17-88; Ord. 07-103. Passed 4-1-08.)
1284.15 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
   (a)   A sign conforming as to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of this chapter, but which does not conform with the regulations of this or a subsequent amendment, shall be construed as a legal nonconforming sign. The Building Commissioner shall keep a list of such non-conforming signs and shall notify the owners of the status of non-conformity. A nonconforming sign may be continued to be used in the following circumstances:
      (1)   Repairs. Normal or ordinary repairs and improvements may be made but shall not require a permit from the Building Commissioner. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, normal repairs shall include ordinary maintenance of the sign or structure including painting and replacement of basic equipment such as substitution of lights or minor wiring. The term shall not include the replacement of structural parts in any nonconforming sign except when required by law to make the sign conforming.
      (2)   Change of use. Where the business use associated with the nonconforming sign at the date of this chapter thereafter changes, such change of use shall require the property owner to bring the sign into compliance with this chapter.
(Ord. 07-103. Passed 4-1-08.)
1284.16 REMOVAL.
   The Building Commissioner may cause the removal of an illegal sign in cases of emergency or for failure to comply with the written orders of removal, maintenance or repair. In the event that any person, firm or corporation shall prevent the removal or assist in the prevention of removal of any sign ordered to be removed pursuant to this chapter, the Building Commissioner and the Law Department are hereby authorized to obtain from the Common Pleas Court of Cuyahoga County a temporary restraining order and a preliminary and permanent injunction, directing the removal of the sign. After removal or demolition of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the owner stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the cost as certified by the Building Commissioner, together with an additional ten percent for inspection and incidental costs.
   If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within thirty days of the notice, it shall become an assessment upon a lien against the property of the sign owner, and will be certified as an assessment against the property, together with a ten percent penalty, for collection in the same manner as the real estate taxes. The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the Building Commissioner, as in the case of a leased sign.
   For purposes of removal, the definition of "sign" shall include all sign embellishments and structures designed specifically to support the sign and all electrical wiring (up to the nearest junction box).
(Ord. 1988-175. Passed 10-17-88; Ord. 07-103. Passed 4-1-08.)
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