The following provisions shall apply to signs in residential districts:
(a) Permitted Signs. The following signs shall be permitted.
(1) Multi-Purpose Sign: One sign per building is permitted, not to exceed four (4) square feet in surface area.
(b) Signs for Non-Residential Uses.
(1) For a use other than a dwelling or dwellings, one (1) sign which may include a changeable message sign is permitted, with a surface area not exceeding twenty (20) square feet. If the non-residential use is on a corner lot, two (2) such signs are permitted. One additional sign, with a surface area not exceeding twenty (20) square feet, may be located on the front wall of the building. An electronic message display may be permitted with approval of the Planning Commission and shall be subject to the following:
A. Displays shall contain static messages only and shall not have movement or the appearance of movement, flashing, scintillating, fading, dissolving, travelling, scrolling, or varying of light intensity or color;
B. Each message on the sign shall be displayed for a minimum of eight (8) seconds;
C. Changes to messages, copy, or images shall be accomplished in not more than three (3) seconds.
D. No sign shall be of such intensity as to create a distraction or nuisance for motorists.
E. Displays shall not emulate traffic control devices.
F. Signs shall contain a default design function that will freeze the display in one position or cause it to go dark if a malfunction occurs.
G. All electronic message centers shall be equipped with sensors or other devices that automatically determine the ambient illumination and are programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions.
(c) Subdivision Entrance Sign. One or permanent freestanding sign may be located on a lot common area at each public entrance to a subdivision, as defined and approved under the Subdivision Ordinance. A subdivision entrance sign surface area shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet, not including pilasters or other elements of the structure supporting the sign. A perpetual agreement, approved by the Law Director, shall be established for the maintenance of such sign prior to issuing a zoning certificate.
(d) Temporary Signs. Zoning certificates are not required for these signs:
(1) Temporary Signs.
A. One (1) temporary sign with a commercial message is permitted per lot.
B. Temporary signs communicating non-commercial messages.
C. Temporary signs shall have a surface area not greater than six (6) square feet if one sign face, or up to two sign faces back to back not exceeding six (6) square feet each.
(2) Sign Displayed During Construction. One sign per lot shall be permitted during the period of active site development and building construction for a use other than a single family or two family dwelling. The surface area of such sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet. The zoning certificate for a sign permitted by this subsection (d)(2) shall be issued for a period of no more than one year and may be extended for up to twelve (12) months at a time.
(3) Sign Displayed During Subdivision Development. One freestanding sign shall be permitted on a single lot or common area within and near each entrance of a subdivision as defined by the Subdivision Ordinance. Such sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area. The zoning certificate for a sign permitted by this subsection (d)(3) shall be issued for a period of no more than one year and may be extended for up to twelve (12) months at a time.
(e) Special Residential District Regulations. The following provisions shall apply to all signs in residential districts.
(1) Location and Height. Signs in residential districts shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, shall not be located closer to a public right-of-way than ten (10) feet, and shall not be located closer to any other lot line than five (5) feet.
(2) Illumination Prohibited. Signs in residential districts shall not be illuminated except by approval of the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 21-72 AC CMS. Passed 11-15-21.)