Signs prohibited by the enactment of this subchapter shall be removed within ten days from the date of notification by the Zoning and Subdivision Administrator or duly authorized code enforcement agent of the town; however, where deemed dangerous or prejudicial the Planning, Zoning and Subdivision Administrator may act in accordance with Chapter 90 of this code of ordinances, the town’s public nuisance regulations. The following signs are specifically prohibited by this chapter:
(A) Snipe signs;
(B) Signs attached to light fixtures, curbs, sidewalks, gutters, streets, utility poles, public buildings, fences, railings, public telephone poles or trees;
(C) Windblown signs not specifically permitted in this subchapter such as pennants, feather, streamers, spinners, balloons, inflatable figures, and similar signs, except as specifically permitted in § 155.206 of this chapter;
(D) Signs which prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape;
(E) Signs erected or displayed in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision at any street, intersection or driveway;
(F) Any sign which interferes with vehicular or pedestrian traffic because of its position, size, shape, movement, color, fashion, manner or intensity of illumination, including signs with the potential to be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device not found in compliance with the provisions of § 155.206 of this chapter;
(G) Signs erected or displayed on or over public street rights-of-way, other than those erected by governmental agencies or for which appropriate encroachment agreements have been executed pursuant to this chapter. Signs specifically protected by the provisions of G.S. § 136-32(b) are not prohibited, provided the requirements of G.S.§ 136-32(b) are met;
(H) Portable signs, except as specifically permitted herein;
(I) Signs that mechanically alter their height, location or size; signs that revolve; or signs that strobe; or any other similarly constructed signs;
(J) Signs attached to the roofs of buildings or are otherwise located above the roofs of buildings or are part of roofing finish and/or materials;
(K) Off-premises billboard signs, including outdoor advertising signs, except those placed by governmental agencies for public purposes. Existing off-premises billboard signs that are non-conforming may be disassembled and replaced with a newer structure upon approval of a permit issued by the Zoning and Subdivision Administrator. The new signage shall be designed to result in no expansion of or increase in the non-conformity; shall not exceed 48 feet in height above adjacent grade; and shall be designed to limit lighting to the sign face. Color renderings or photographic simulations shall be submitted to the Zoning and Subdivision Administrator, who shall have the authority to deny permits for signs that do not meet the provisions of this subchapter.
(Ord. passed 2-20-2012; Ord. passed 3-17-2014; Ord. passed - -2022)
Statutory reference:
Prohibited signs, see G.S. §§ 136-32,136-32.1,136-32.2 and 160A-193