A.
Purpose. The primary purpose of these sign regulations for the City
of Cortland is to identify the location or occupant for a parcel of
land while protecting public health, safety and general welfare. All
signs and signing systems are subject to the regulations that follow
in this chapter.
B.
Objectives. These regulations also serve to achieve the following
objectives:
(1)
Ensure right to free speech as protected under the Constitution;
(2)
Protect property values, create a more attractive economic and
business climate, and protect the physical appearance of the community;
(3)
Provide businesses with effective means of identification while
reducing visual clutter through the prevention of excessive and confusing
sign displays;
(4)
Reduce traffic conflicts or hazards by minimizing visual distractions
or obstacles in or visible from the public rights-of-way;
(5)
Minimize the adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private
property;
(6)
Avoid personal injury and property damage from unsafe or confusing
signs; and
(7)
Establish a clear and impartial process for those seeking to
install signs.
C.
Applicability. The regulations of this article shall govern and control the erection, enlargement, expansion, renovation, operation, maintenance, relocation and removal of all signs within the City visible from any street, sidewalk or public open space. Any sign not expressly permitted by these regulations shall be prohibited. Regulations concerning the use and termination of nonconforming signs appear in § 300-119 of this article.
A.
Permit required.
(1)
Except as provided in this article, no sign shall be erected
or renovated without a sign permit evidencing the compliance of such
work under the provisions of this article.
(2)
Routine sign maintenance, changing of parts designed to be changed
or changing the content of a sign in any manner which does not change
the physical characteristics, construction, or design of the sign
shall not require a sign permit.
(3)
The Zoning Officer shall issue a sign permit provided the application
proves compliance with all standards and regulations of this chapter.
B.
Application requirements.
(1)
An application for sign permit shall be submitted to the Zoning
Officer, who shall issue a decision within 30 days of receiving said
application.
(2)
The Zoning Officer may refer applications to the Planning Commission
for review and recommendation prior to issuing a decision. Extensions
to the thirty-day review period may be granted for such referral.
(3)
Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by
the following plans and specifications, drawn to scale, indicating
the:
(4)
Sign permit application elements shall be accurately represented
as to size, area, proportion and color. The application shall also
provide a calculation of the total amount of sign area presently existing
on the property, and by the applicant's attestation that the sum of
the areas of the requested sign or signs and the existing signs do
not exceed the maximum allowed by the provisions of this chapter.
A.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall include any frame and all lettering,
wording, designs and symbols, together with the background, whether
open or enclosed, on which they are displayed. The supporting structure
or bracing of a sign shall be omitted in measuring the area of the
sign unless such structure or bracing is made part of the message
or face of the sign.
(2)
Where a sign consists of individual letters, words or symbols
attached to or painted upon a surface, building, awning, wall or window,
the area of such sign shall be calculated by determining the smallest
geometric form or combination of forms that comprise all the display
area and any accompanying background of a color different than the
natural color of the building, awning, wall or window and any frame.
(3)
In the case of a multifaced sign, only one side of the sign
is considered in determining sign area if (1) the message is identical
on both sides, and (2) the sides of the sign are back-to-back or diverge
at an angle of less than 45°.
B.
Sign height. Sign height shall be measured between grade and the
highest point of the highest element of the sign.
C.
Illumination. In no event shall an illuminated sign be placed or
directed so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be
directed or beamed upon any adjacent public or private premises so
as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a nuisance or
traffic hazard.
D.
Wind resistance.
(1)
Signs 20 feet in height or greater shall be capable of withstanding
a wind pressure of 30 pounds per square foot and shall be so certified
by the manufacturer on the design drawings.
(2)
Signs less than 20 feet in height shall be capable of withstanding
a wind pressure of 25 pounds per square foot.
E.
Maintenance. The owner of a sign and the owner of the premises upon
which the sign is erected shall maintain such sign, including its
illumination sources, in neat and orderly condition and good working
order at all times and so as to prevent the development of any corrosion,
rotting or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety
of such sign.
F.
Obstruction of light and air. No sign shall be erected or maintained
within the zone of light obstruction for any window opening into any
habitable room of any residential unit. The zone of light obstruction
is a segment of a cone described horizontally by an arc drawn from
the center line of the window, measured horizontally, extending to
70° on either side of the center line, at a radius of 40 feet;
and described vertically by the space between a plane extending horizontally
from the windowsill and a plane extending from the top of the window
at an angle of 160° to the face of the building (See figure below).
|
G.
Obstruction of window. No sign shall project over, occupy or obstruct
any window surface required for light or ventilation by the applicable
code.
H.
Traffic safety.
(1)
No sign shall be maintained at any location where, by reason
of its position, size, shape, content, lighting or color, it may obstruct,
impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with,
any traffic control sign, signal or device, or where it may interfere
with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(2)
No sign, nor any part of a sign other than a supporting pole
or brace no greater than 18 inches in width or diameter, shall be
located lower than nine feet from the grade at the curb- or street
line within a triangle formed by connecting the centerlines of any
two intersecting streets as herein provided. At any intersection where
at least one of the intersecting streets is a major street or secondary
street as designated on the Official Map of the City, the sides of
the triangle formed by the centerlines of the intersecting streets
shall be 120 feet in length as measured outward from the point of
intersection of said centerlines along such centerlines. At all other
intersections, each of such sides shall be 80 feet in length (see
figure below).
 |
A.
Permitted signs.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021]
(1)
Signs
in the City of Cortland arc permitted based on sign type and the district
in which they are located. Any sign in conformance with the applicable
regulations of this chapter and the district in which it is located
shall be allowed.
B.
Signs that do not require a permit. Except as expressly provided
in this article, the following signs may be erected and maintained
per zoning lot without obtaining a sign permit. Each such sign must
adhere to the requirements of the sign type and zoning district in
which it is located.
(1)
Banners. Up to two banners may be permitted per lot or use provided
the following conditions are met:
(a)
It shall be displayed for no more than 30 days total, per year;
[Amended 9-3-2019 by L.L.
No. 6-2019]
(b)
It shall not extend above the first floor facade of the building
or project beyond property lines;
(c)
It shall not be illuminated; and
(d)
It must not be placed in such a manner as to impede pedestrian
traffic.
(2)
Construction signs, provided it is removed 30 days following
the conclusion of the construction project.
(3)
Community signs. Local religious organizations, governmental
agencies, or other not-for-profit organizations may erect up to two
signs advertising and upcoming event, sale, contest, or promotion
provided the following conditions are met.
(a)
Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the conclusion
of the activity it advertises.
(b)
Such sign is placed on the property owned or rented by the organization
for which it is intended, or with the written permission of the property
owner of the site in which it is proposed to be erected.
(4)
Directional signs. Signs that provide direction and are located
entirely on the property to which they pertain and contain no commercial
message. Directional signs may include, but are not limited to, signs
identifying rest rooms, telephones, and parking lot entrance and exits.
Such directional signs shall be allowed within the required district
setback areas in so far as they do not obstruct free and clear vision
to traffic.
(5)
Flags. Flags, emblems or insignia of any nation, government,
political subdivision, organization, or religion, including those
of commercial and noncommercial interest. Flagpoles shall be subject
to the height restrictions imposed by the zoning district in which
they are located.
(6)
Governmental signs. Any sign, public notice, or warning sign
supported by federal, state or local law, including but not limited
to signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any
government functions. (Example: New York State inspection station
or authorized repair shop identification.) There are no size requirements
for governmental signs.
(7)
Home occupation signs. A home occupation may be permitted one
sign.
(8)
Noncommercial signs. Any lot may have up to two signs containing
a noncommercial message.
(9)
Political and campaign signs. Any lot may have up to two signs
provided they are removed within 30 days of the conclusion of the
ballot for which they are intended to advertise.
(10)
Real estate signs. Any lot may have up to two real estate signs
provided they are located on the lot in which they are intended to
advertise, and they are removed within 30 days of a completed sale.
(11)
Temporary signs. Any lot may have up to two temporary signs
provided they are located on the lot in which they are intended for,
are removed within 30 days, and remain removed for at least 30 days.
(12)
Residential rental signs. Must be building-mounted and no greater
than six feet above grade, no greater than two inches in depth, unlit,
and no greater than three square feet in total surface area. A uniform
shape and size template will be provided by the City of Cortland.
Compliance is required within one year of enactment of this chapter.
[Amended 9-3-2019 by L.L.
No. 6-2019]
C.
Prohibited signs.
(1)
Signs for which no permit was issued or for which a permit has
been revoked;
(2)
Obsolete signs or signs that are not properly maintained, considered
structurally unsound, hazardous or otherwise unsafe;
(3)
Signs that contain words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic
nature;
(4)
Signs that emit audible sounds, odor, or visible matter;
(5)
Signs that may be confused with a traffic control sign, signal
or device or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle;
or bear one of more of the words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger,"
"warning" or other similar words; or hide from view any traffic or
street sign, signal or device;
(6)
Signs that interfere with official traffic lights or traffic
control devices;
(8)
Signs with unshielded lighting devices or reflectors placed
to outline or provide the background of a sign;
(9)
Digital signs, unless a special use permit is obtained;
[Amended 9-3-2019 by L.L.
No. 6-2019]
(10)
Signs with mirrors;
(11)
Permanent banner, pennant, windblown or inflated signs. These
may be permitted as a temporary sign for a total of 30 days;
(12)
Portable signs, except sandwich board signs;
(13)
Signs placed on a curb, sidewalk, hydrant, utility pole, trees
or other objects located on or over any street or within the public
right-of-way unless otherwise permitted;
(14)
Signs, banners, or pennants mounted on or extending above the
roof of any building or structure; and
(15)
Signs painted directly upon any unpainted stone or brick wall.
A.
In an effort to preserve the residential character of the City's
residential districts, the following standards shall apply to all
residential district signs.
B.
Ground signs. Up to one ground sign may be permitted per lot provided
the following conditions are met:
(1)
Maximum height: four feet.
(2)
Maximum sign area: seven square feet.
(3)
Minimum setback: five feet from the sidewalk or front lot line,
whichever is further from the street. Minimum of three feet from all
other lot lines.
(4)
Internal illumination may be permitted in the R-4 District only.
(5)
A lot upon which a nonresidential permitted, specially permitted,
or legal nonconforming use operates within a residential district
shall be allowed one sign no more than four feet in height and 16
square feet in area.
C.
Pole signs. Not permitted.
D.
Wall signs. Not permitted.
E.
Projecting signs and suspended signs. Not permitted.
F.
Awning signs. Not permitted.
G.
Window signs. Not permitted.
H.
A-frame or sandwich board signs. Not permitted.
I.
Illumination. The illumination of signage, both internal or external,
is not permitted.
A.
Signs erected within the PO and NB Districts shall conform to the
following standards in order to limit their impact on the desired
residential character and pedestrian environment of the district.
B.
Ground signs. Up to one ground sign may be permitted per lot provided
the following conditions are met:
C.
Pole signs. Not permitted.
E.
Projecting signs and suspended signs. Up to one sign per use may
be erected provided the following conditions are met:
(1)
Maximum height: three feet.
(2)
Maximum sign area: six square feet.
(3)
No part of any sign shall be lower than nine feet above grade.
(4)
No sign shall extend above the roofline of the building upon
which it is erected.
(5)
No projecting sign shall extend more than four feet from the
building wall.
F.
Awning signs. Any use within a PO or NB District may have an awning
sign provided the sign is limited to the bottommost six inches of
the awning or banner edge closest to the ground.
G.
Marquee signs. Any use may be permitted one marquee sign with Planning
Commission review and approval. The Planning Commission may seek recommendation
from the Historic Commission, if desired.
H.
Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window to
which they are applied, and shall not block any window area required
for light, ventilation, or emergency exit by any applicable code,
nor be in any window higher than the level at which the principal
use takes place. No window sign installed in a window above the ground
floor shall be illuminated.
I.
A-frame or sandwich board signs. Each legally established use may
have one such sign provided the following conditions are met:
J.
Illumination requirements. Internal and external illumination may
be permitted provided there is ample screening to prevent light infiltration
or glare onto adjacent residential lots or uses.
K.
A parking lot use may display one ground sign not to exceed six square
feet in area and four feet in height. Such a sign must be set back
five feet from the sidewalk or the front property line, whichever
is furthest from the public street, and three feet from all other
lot lines.
A.
Signs erected within the CB District shall conform to the following
standards in order to ensure that they positively contribute to the
traditional, pedestrian-scaled development pattern of the district.
B.
Ground signs. One ground sign per lot shall be permitted in the CB
District provided the following conditions are met.
C.
Pole signs. Not permitted.
D.
Wall signs. Up to one wall sign may be permitted per building facade
with street frontage. Such sign area shall not exceed one square foot
per linear foot of such building street frontage. Multiple users of
such lots shall share such signage proportional to their occupancy.
E.
Projecting signs and suspended signs. Up to one sign per use may
be erected provided the following conditions are met:
(1)
Maximum height: four feet.
(2)
Maximum sign area: six square feet.
(3)
No part of any sign shall be lower than nine feet above grade.
(4)
No sign shall extend above the roofline of the building upon
which it is erected.
(5)
No projecting sign shall extend more than four feet from the
building wall.
F.
Awning signs. Any use within the CB District may have an awning sign
provided the sign is limited to the bottommost six inches of the awning
or banner edge closest to the ground.
G.
Marquee signs. Any use may be permitted one marquee sign with Planning
Commission review and approval. The Planning Commission may seek recommendation
from the Historic Commission, if desired.
H.
Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window to
which they are applied, and shall not block any window area required
for light, ventilation, or emergency exit by any applicable code,
nor be in any window higher than the level at which the principal
use takes place. No window sign installed in a window above the ground
floor shall be illuminated.
I.
A-Frame or sandwich board signs. Each legally established use may
have one such sign provided the following conditions are met:
K.
A parking lot use may display one ground sign not to exceed 16 square
feet in area or eight feet in height. Such a sign must be set back
five feet from the sidewalk or the front property line, whichever
is furthest from the public street, and three feet from all other
lot lines.
A.
Signs erected within the GB-1 and GB-2 Districts shall conform to
the following standards in order to ensure that they maintain the
desired aesthetics of the local and regional commercial areas and
limit the potential for visual blight or reduced traffic safety from
excessive or obtrusive commercial signage.
B.
Ground signs. Up to one ground sign may be permitted per lot provided
the following conditions are met:
C.
Pole signs.
(1)
Pole signs shall only be permitted in the GB-1 District. Such
a sign may be erected only where there is a minimum of 50 feet of
front lot line.
(2)
No pole sign shall be located within 300 feet of another pole
sign. In order to determine whether or not a sign site conforms to
this criterion, the proposed sign location shall be the point of origin
for all radii to be drawn. This method of measurement recognizes the
fact that portions of certain properties qualify for sign placement
while other portions of the same properties may not. It is the intention
of these provisions to qualify or disqualify sign sites and not whole
properties when portions of such properties are outside of drawn radii.
(3)
For pole signs lower than 20 feet, the maximum sign area shall
not exceed three times the height of the sign.
(4)
For pole signs 20 feet or higher, the maximum sign area shall
not exceed 100 square feet.
(5)
No pole sign shall exceed 60 feet in height.
(6)
The pole itself, a front mast arm and one uplift cable shall
be the only structural components used to support and stabilize the
sign. All other structural components, including, but not limited
to, side mast arms, stiffening braces and guy wires, are prohibited.
Applicants are encouraged to use permitted support components to form
an integral part of the design.
(7)
Lots located within 800 feet of the exit of a limited-access
highway may be permitted a pole sign per the extended area and height
requirements listed below, provided that the supports and foundations
are designed by a licensed professional engineer, and that the drawings
bear such seal and signature.
D.
Wall signs. Up to one wall sign may be permitted per building facade
with street frontage provided the following conditions are met:
(1)
Maximum sign area: Such sign area shall not exceed one square
foot per linear foot of such building street frontage. Multiple users
of such lots shall share such signage proportional to their occupancy.
E.
Projecting signs and suspended signs. Up to one sign per use may
be erected provided the following conditions are met:
(1)
Maximum height: four feet.
(2)
Maximum sign area: six square feet.
(3)
No part of any sign shall be lower than nine feet above grade.
(4)
No sign shall extend above the roofline of the building upon
which it is erected.
(5)
No projecting sign shall extend more than four feet from the
building wall.
F.
Awning signs. Any use within the GB-1 and GB-2 Districts may have
an awning sign provided the sign is limited to the bottommost six
inches of the awning or banner edge closest to the ground.
G.
Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window to
which they are applied, and shall not block any window area required
for light, ventilation, or emergency exit by any applicable code,
nor be in any window higher than the level at which the principal
use takes place. No window sign installed in a window above the ground
floor shall be illuminated.
H.
A-frame or sandwich board signs. Each legally established use may
have one such sign provided the following conditions are met:
I.
Illumination requirements.
J.
Shopping center sign regulations. In addition to the previously listed
permitted signs in commercial districts, the following signs shall
also be permitted in the case of shopping centers. A shopping center
includes the lot or grouping of lots that include two or more commercial
uses as part of a larger commercial structure or development.
(1)
Shopping centers with less than 35,000 square feet of leasable
area:
(a)
One ground sign, not exceeding 36 square feet in area and 15
feet in height.
(b)
A wall sign, projecting sign, suspended sign, or awning sign
may be placed for each occupant, and the total area of such signage
for each occupant shall be allocated proportionately among the occupants.
The total area of such signage shall not exceed one square foot per
linear foot of building frontage.
(c)
The total area of all signage, including the shopping center
ground sign, shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(2)
Shopping centers with at least 35,000 square feet of leasable
area, but less than 50,000 square feet of leasable area:
(a)
One ground sign not exceeding 100 square feet in area and 20
feet in height.
(b)
A wall sign, projecting sign, suspended sign, or awning sign
may be placed for each occupant, and the total area of such signage
for each occupant shall be allocated proportionately among the occupants.
The total area of such signage shall not exceed one square foot per
linear foot of building frontage.
(3)
Shopping centers with at least 50,000 square feet of leasable
area:
(a)
One ground sign not exceeding 150 square feet in area and 20
feet in height.
(b)
A wall sign, projecting sign, suspended sign, or awning sign
may be placed for each occupant, and the total area of such signage
for each occupant shall be allocated proportionately among the occupants.
The total area of such signage shall not exceed one square foot per
linear foot of building frontage.
A.
Purpose. Notwithstanding the general prohibitions of off-premises
signage contained in this article, it is recognized that there is
an outdoor advertising industry which erects off-premises signage
throughout the State of New York. Although this industry has been
prohibited from various communities and has been significantly regulated
by, for example, the Federal Highway Beautification Act, it is nevertheless
recognized that a legitimate public service is offered by this industry,
notwithstanding the adverse aesthetic effects of such signage. Therefore,
it has been determined that to allow such signage as hereinafter provided
for is consistent with the public interest of the residents.
B.
Location and placement.
(1)
Off-premises signs shall only be permitted in GB-1 Zoning District.
(2)
Off-premises signs may not be erected within 500 feet of any
residence, public or private school, or any park, playground or place
of religious worship.
(3)
Off-premises signs may not be erected on any rooftop or the
wall of any building.
(4)
No off-premises sign may be erected closer than 500 feet to
an existing or proposed permitted off-premises sign.
C.
Size and height.
(1)
All off-premises signs shall have a maximum gross surface area
of 440 square feet per sign face.
(2)
All off-premises sign structures may have a maximum of two sign
faces per structure placed in either a back-to-back or "V" configuration.
(3)
All off-premises sign structures shall be a minimum of 10 feet
off the ground and be a maximum of 35 feet above ground level.
(4)
If the off-premises sign is to be erected on a property which
is depressed below the roadway on which it is intended to be viewed,
the required height shall be measured from a point perpendicular from
curb level to the sign structure.
(5)
The sign area of an off-premises sign shall not count toward
the total square footage of signage permitted on-site in accordance
with this article.
D.
Construction methods.
(1)
All off-premises sign structures shall have a maximum of one
vertical support, constructed of noncorrosive material.
(2)
The structure shall be capable of sustaining a wind load capacity
of 30 pounds per square foot or a minimum of sixty-mile-per-hour winds.
(3)
The off-premises sign faces shall be independently supported
and have vertical supports of metal or galvanized steel or be otherwise
treated to prevent corrosion.
E.
Lighting. All lighting shall use indirect illumination so that it
does not glare onto neighboring properties and shall have a maximum
footcandle power of 1.5 upon adjoining lots.
F.
Landscaping. All sites shall be landscaped at the base of the structure,
which shall be specified by the Planning Commission in its approving
resolution.
G.
Inspection. By applying for and receiving a permit to erect an off-premises
signage structure, the applicant thereby grants permission to the
Building Officer and the Zoning Officer to enter upon the premises
whereon the signage is erected for the purpose of inspecting the signage
for compliance with the New York State Building Codes and the provisions
of this section of law and any permit conditions imposed by the Zoning
Board of Appeals. The Building Officer or the Zoning Officer, without
prior notice or approval, may inspect all off-premises signage structures
at any time.
H.
Liability insurance. All special use permits granted must require
continuing proof of valid liability insurance.
A.
Nonconformance.
(1)
Except as hereinafter provided, any sign erected before the
effective date of the amendments to this chapter, which were adopted
on December 16, 2003, and which were lawful pursuant to this chapter
prior to said amendments, shall be brought into conformity with these
amendments as follows:
(2)
The following particularly identified nonconforming signage
is allowed to continue as presently located and designed and may be
repaired consistent with such design:
|
Tax Map Number
|
Location
|
|---|---|
|
TP#86.58-02-40
|
12-14 Central Avenue
|
|
TP#86.66-01-11
|
96-98 Main Street
|
|
TP#86.58-02-43
|
31 Main Street
|
|
TP#86.58-02-44
|
17-29 Main Street
|
|
TP#86.60-03-02
|
65 East Court Street
|
B.
Penalties.
(1)
Violations of the requirements of this article are subject to the penalties as set forth in Article XVIII.
(2)
The Zoning Officer shall have the authority to enforce the removal
of any signs that are in violation of this chapter. Failure to comply
with any written order within 10 days shall be considered a violation.
