The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts unless otherwise noted. Any sign located, placed, or allowed to remain in violation of this section may be impounded by the Administrator or his designee. Any sign impounded under this section shall be returned to the owner(s) thereof upon the following conditions: (a) The owner(s) shall provide the Administrator or his designee satisfactory proof of ownership of such sign; and (b) The owner(s) shall pay all applicable penalties assessed on account of such sign. Any such sign not claimed within ten days after its impoundment shall be considered abandoned by the owner(s) thereof and the Town of Swansboro may thereafter dispose of any such sign not reclaimed by the owner thereof within ten days after its impoundment.
(A) Signs which are a copy of or deceptively similar to any official highway sign.
(B) Signs with flashing or moving lights if the sign and/or flashing lights are visible from any residence, or any
or thoroughfare open to vehicular traffic.
(C) Signs that obstruct visibility on any
, highway, or thoroughfare or at any intersection thereof.
(D) Signs which are erected or maintained upon trees, painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features, or attached to utility poles.
(E) Signs that obstruct access to or from any window, door, fire escape, or any other opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress to or from any room or as required by law.
(F) Signs located in or over any
, highway, or any other public
.
(G) Signs which are illegal under state or federal law.
(H) Signs not in good repair.
(I) Signs not securely affixed to a substantial , except for mobile signs allowed as a
in § 152.211.
(J) Signs which are painted on which conduct a use not advertised by said sign.
(K) Signs which are not designed or constructed according to generally accepted engineering practices to withstand wind pressures and load distribution as set forth in the North Carolina Building Code and other applicable codes. Provided, however, that this division shall not apply to prohibit
:
(1) Which have an area less than or equal to 32 square feet per side; and
(2) Which are not more than six feet from the ground to the top of the sign; and
(3) Which are supported by at least two support posts equivalent to two 4" x 4" treated wooden posts, buried at least four feet in the ground.
(L) Signs which do not meet the National Electric Code, when wiring or electrical connections are used.
(M) Primary
which are not
unless the sign is located in the Historic District and is therefore subject to the Historic District Design Guidelines.
(N) Signs commonly referred to as "yard signs" unless related to a town approved festival or non-profit event (see § 152.269 and Figure 152.270.7).
(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005) (Am. Ord. passed 2-19-2013; Am. Ord. passed 6-27-2017; Am. Ord. 2022-O6, passed 4-11-2022; Am. Ord. 2022-O4, passed 5-23-2022)