A.
General Provisions.
(1)
The purpose of this section is to promote the public safety and welfare
by providing adequate standards to control the number, height, size
and location of signs and by providing criteria for the illumination
and design of signs. The provisions and controls of this section have
been formulated to protect against traffic distractions and hazards,
to provide reasonable standards by which permitted uses within the
various zones may relate their function to the public and to aid in
preserving and enhancing the aesthetic and historical values of the
community.
(2)
No sign (see definition) shall be established, constructed, structurally altered or moved except in conformance with these Regulations. Except for those signs specified in § 190-69D, a Zoning Permit shall be obtained for all signs, in accordance with the provisions of § 190-81. In situations where a proposed sign or signs are one component of a comprehensive construction project, the sign authorization may be incorporated into one comprehensive Zoning Permit for the subject construction project.
(3)
Except for directional and traffic control signs, all signs shall
pertain only to goods sold, services rendered and establishments,
activities, persons or organizations on the same lot where the sign
is located.
(4)
In situations where Planning and Zoning Commission approval is required to authorize a proposed land use or proposed land use modification, designs and locations for all proposed signs pertaining to the subject land use shall be submitted to the PZC as part of the permit approval process. Furthermore, any changes or alterations to PZC- approved signs shall require site modification approval, as per the provisions cited or referenced in § 190-86.
B.
SIGN
(1)
(2)
SIGN, ADVERTISING
SIGN, AREA
(1)
(2)
(3)
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
SIGN, IDENTITY
SIGN, PROMOTIONAL
Definitions.
Any structure or part thereof, or any natural object (such as
a tree, rock, shrub and the ground itself), or any device, whether
freestanding or attached to a building, vehicle or structure or painted
or represented thereon, which shall be used to attract attention to
any object, project, place, activity, person, institution, organization
or business, or which shall display or include any letter, word, model,
flag, banner, pennant, insignia, device or representation which is
in the nature of or which is used as an announcement, direction or
advertisement for commercial purposes or otherwise. Signs shall include
billboards, neon or lighted tubes, strings of lights, inflatables,
paintings or similar devices outlining, attached or hung upon any
part of a building, vehicle, structure, or otherwise on a lot, but
does not include the flag, pennant or insignia of any nation or group
of nations, or of any governmental agency.
For the purpose of this definition and these Regulations, the
word "sign" also shall include interior signs if located on a window
or within three feet of a window and if obviously intended for viewing
from the exterior.
A sign, including the type commonly known as a billboard,
which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, political
campaign, or entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than
upon the same lot where such a sign is displayed. Temporary sponsorship
signs/banners, as provided for in the Mansfield Parks Regulations,
shall not be considered advertising signs for the purposes of the
Zoning Regulations.
The area or size of a sign shall be defined and measured
as follows:
For freestanding signs and sign structures that are attached
or mounted upon a building, the sign area shall be the square footage
included within the shortest line that can be drawn around the outside
perimeter of the sign, excluding any structural elements lying outside
the limits of such sign that are clearly of a size, scale and design
that is accessory to the subject sign. Any questions regarding the
structural elements of a sign should be reviewed with the Commission.
For lettering, symbols, flags or other devices painted or independently
attached or mounted upon a building or otherwise displayed on the
property, the sign area shall be the square footage included within
the smallest continuous regular geometric shape enclosing all lettering,
wording, design, flags or symbols, together with any background that
is different from the balance of the wall on which it is located and
obviously related to the sign.
See sign area standards of § 190-69I.
A sign indicating the direction of a route to the subject
project, place, business, person, organization, etc.
A sign depicting the individual name(s) or collective name
of persons, organizations or business conducting a permitted use on
the subject site. In addition to name information, an identity sign
may include supplemental descriptive wording regarding the product/service
offered at the site.
A sign, other than an identity sign, which directs attention to a business commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon or in front of the lot where such sign is displayed. For the purpose of these regulations, window signs as authorized by Subsection D(7) of this section and temporary grand opening signs as authorized by Subsection E(5) of this section shall not be classified as promotional signs.
C.
Prohibited signs. The following signs shall be prohibited:
(1)
Advertising signs as defined.
(2)
Flashing, rotating, moving or blinking signs or optically projected
slide signals which are changed periodically. This provision shall
not apply to clocks or time/temperature signs that have been approved
by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(3)
Signs that are illuminated in a manner or with such intensity or
brightness that they may tend to cause glare, distraction or nuisance
to operators of vehicles, pedestrians, or neighboring property owners,
or signs that are illuminated with a flashing, intermittent or rotating
source of light.
(4)
Signs including structural elements that may tend to endanger vehicular
or pedestrian traffic on a street, driveway or public way by obstructing
or obscuring visibility or by causing confusion with traffic control
signs or signals.
(5)
Signs including structural elements that obstruct any window, door,
fire escape, stairway or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress
or egress from any building or structure.
(6)
Strings of lights or streamers, banners, inflatables or flag-like devices hung from or attached to any part of a building, vehicle, structure or otherwise on a lot for commercial purposes or except where specifically authorized for grand opening events pursuant to Subsection E(5) of this section or except when specifically authorized pursuant to Subsection E(6) of this section.
(7)
Signs that are painted, bolted or otherwise attached to a vehicle,
trailer or similar portable device that is parked or located on the
subject lot in a manner designed to display and promote the viewing
of the subject sign.
(8)
Promotional signs as defined.
(9)
Portable signs, such as sandwich signs or A-frame signs, which are moveable and not permanently attached to a building, structure or the ground, except as may be authorized on a temporary basis for temporary signs pursuant to Subsection D(8) of this section or for Grand Opening events pursuant to Subsection E(5) of this section.
(10)
Any sign not specifically authorized within these Regulations.
D.
Signs authorized without Zoning Permit approval (unless prohibited by Subsection C above). The following signs are authorized without Zoning Permit approval, provided they comply with all other applicable provisions of these regulations and with the specific standards noted below:
(1)
Public signs. Signs erected in the public interest by or on the order
of a local, State or Federal official in the performance of duty,
such as, but not limited to, traffic control signs and identity signs
of public buildings, parks or historical sites, signs for governmentally-funded
projects and temporary sponsorship signs/banners as provided for in
the Mansfield Parks Regulations. This section does not apply to political
signs.
(2)
Residential name plate/home occupation. For any residence, or authorized
home occupation on the premises, one name plate and one home occupation
sign are authorized, provided neither sign is larger than five square
feet in area. Home occupation signs shall not be internally illuminated
and, if lighted externally, the sign shall be lighted only during
the hours open for business.
(3)
No trespassing signs. No Trespassing signs or signs indicating the
private nature of a premises or the restricted use of the premises,
provided that the size of any such signs shall not exceed two square
feet in area.
(4)
Name plates or public convenience signs for authorized commercial
and industrial uses identifying the building occupant, store hours,
or other non-advertising notices, provided the size of any such signs
shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(5)
Traffic control, parking and building identification signs within
a commercial, industrial or multi-family housing project approved
by the Planning and Zoning Commission, provided the size of such signs
shall not exceed three square feet in area.
(6)
Signs displayed in windows or doors of commercial uses indicating
whether the subject use is "open" or "closed," provided the size of
any such sign shall not exceed five square feet in area.
(7)
Interior window signs for authorized commercial uses, provided the signs do not cover more than 40% of the window area. Illuminated window signs shall be subject to the provisions of Subsection K of this section.
(8)
Temporary signs:
(a)
Construction, sale and rental signs. Except as noted below,
one non-illuminated sign not exceeding five square feet in area, pertaining
only to the sale, lease, rental or construction or improvement of
the land or building upon which it is displayed;
[1]
Real Estate "For Sale" signs shall be removed as soon as the
subject property is sold;
[2]
For construction projects, said signs shall only be displayed
during the period of active construction.
[3]
For commercial or industrial projects approved by the Planning
and Zoning Commission, one non-illuminated sign not exceeding 16 square
feet in area, pertaining only to the contractors or professionals
involved in the project may be maintained on the premises where the
work is being performed. Said sign shall be removed prior to the issuance
of any Certificate of Zoning Compliance and Occupancy permits.
[4]
For multi-family housing projects or subdivisions with more
than 10 lots, one non-illuminated sign not exceeding 16 square feet
in area, pertaining only to the name of the project and contractors
or professionals involved with the project may be maintained on the
premises, provided the sign is removed prior to the issuance of Certificates
of Compliance for 50% of the units or prior to the sale of 50% of
the subdivision lots.
[5]
For subdivisions that include the construction of a new road(s)
one non-illuminated sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area may
be maintained on the premises, provided the following conditions are
met:
[a]
Said sign must include a map of the subject road(s)
and lots. Otherwise, the sign shall pertain only to the name of the
project and contractors and professionals involved with the project;
[b]
Said sign shall not be posted until the issuance
of a Zoning Permit for construction of the new road(s) and shall be
removed within one-year of the issuance of said Zoning Permit;
[c]
Said sign shall be in substitution of a sixteen-square
foot sign as provided for in the preceding paragraph. Upon removal
of the temporary 32 square foot sign, a sixteen-square foot sign,
pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, may be posted
on site.
(b)
Special Event Signs for public, charitable, educational or religious
events. One non-illuminated sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area,
for public, charitable, educational or religious events, provided
the sign is posted at the site of the event no sooner than 14 days
prior to the event and provided the sign is removed at the close of
the event. In addition, up to three off-site signs, provided each
of said signs does not exceed eight square feet in area and provided
the signs are posted and removed as per the aforementioned time requirements.
(d)
Political signs.
[1]
Subject to obtaining property owner approval, political signs on private property are authorized. Political signs also are authorized along street rights-of-way abutting private property subject to obtaining the abutting property owners approval. All political signs must be in compliance with the traffic safety criteria of Subsection G of this section.
[2]
Political signs shall not be located on public property or street
rights-of-way abutting public property. To help reduce neighborhood
impact and to help preserve Mansfield's scenic pattern of development,
it is recommended that political signs be limited in size and number,
be non-illuminated and be displayed for a limited period of time.
(e)
Temporary holiday lights, decorations and displays, provided
said lights/displays do not promote a specific commercial use on the
subject site.
(f)
Program registration signs. A maximum of one non-illuminated
sign not to exceed eight square feet may be displayed to advertise
registration for an upcoming program/event. Signs shall not be placed
in the public right-of-way and shall be limited to one sign per property.
Signs shall be posted no sooner than 14 days before the beginning
of program registration and must be removed within seven days of the
close of registration. In no case may such sign be displayed longer
than 60 days.
E.
Signs that may be authorized with Zoning Permit approval (unless prohibited by Subsection C above). The following signs may be authorized with Zoning Permit approval, provided they comply with all other applicable provisions of these regulations and with the specific standards noted below:
(1)
Identity signs for conforming commercial and industrial uses:
(a)
One free standing identity sign per site, regardless of the number of buildings or uses occupying the site, provided the sign is no larger than 32 square feet in area and provided no dimension is larger than eight feet. (See Subsection F for possible variations on this provision.)
(b)
One identity sign for each building occupant, attached onto a front facade of a building, provided said sign does not exceed one square foot of area for each linear foot of the front facade of the principal building or portion thereof in which the subject occupant is located and the subject sign is situated. Where a building occupant has more than one front facade, the identity sign authorized by this section typically shall be located on the facade facing the primary entrance to the site. Any questions regarding the placement of this sign shall be reviewed and resolved with the Planning and Zoning Commission. (See Subsection F for possible variations of this provision.)
(2)
Identity signs for non-conforming commercial and industrial uses:
(a)
One free-standing identity sign per site, regardless of the number of buildings or uses occupying the site, provided the sign is no larger than 18 square feet in area and provided no dimension is larger than eight feet. (See Subsection F for possible variations of this provision.)
(b)
One identity sign for each building occupant, attached onto
a front facade of a building, provided said sign does not exceed one
square foot of area for each linear foot of the front facade of the
principal building or portion thereof in which the subject occupant
is located and the subject sign is situated. Where a building occupancy
has more than one front facade, the identity sign authorized by this
section typically shall be located on the facade facing the primary
entrance to the site. Any questions regarding the placement of this
sign shall be reviewed and resolved with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(3)
Identity signs for multi-family residential and group dwelling uses:
(b)
Building mounted signs. In the PB and I Districts, one building mounted identity sign per frontage is permitted in lieu of a free-standing sign, provided said sign does not exceed one square foot of area for each linear foot of the front facade of the building on which the subject sign is located. Illumination of building mounted identity signs shall comply with the provisions of § 190-25N.
(4)
Identity signs for mobile home parks and churches. One free-standing identity sign per site, provided the sign is no larger than 12 square feet in area (see Subsection F for possible variations of this provision).
(5)
Off-site directional signs [See Subsection D(8)(b) and (c) for directional signs associated with public, charitable, educational or religious special events or agricultural/horticultural sale sites.]: Off-site directional signs may be permitted for an authorized use that is on a site difficult to locate, provided other provisions of these Regulations are complied with and provided the following conditions are met:
(b)
The size of each directional sign is no greater than two square
feet in area.
(c)
Any sign on State or Town property is approved by the State
Dept. of Transportation or other State agency having jurisdiction,
or by the Mansfield Traffic Authority.
(d)
Where a directional sign is on private property, a letter authorizing
the use from the subject property owner shall be submitted with the
Zoning Permit application.
(6)
Grand opening event signs. One free-standing sign no larger than 16 square feet in area, and strings of lights, streamers, banners, inflatables or flag-like devices hung from or attached to a building that would otherwise be prohibited by Subsection C(6) of this section may be temporarily permitted by the Zoning Agent for grand opening events subject to compliance with the following criteria:
(a)
The proposed grand opening event shall be a bona fide opening
of a new commercial or industrial business at the site or a bona fide
change of business ownership at the site. Any questions regarding
qualifications for displaying grand opening event signs shall be reviewed
and resolved with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(b)
All grand opening event signs shall be located on the site of
the subject commercial or industrial business.
(c)
All grand opening event signs shall be displayed on the site
and remain on site for no more than 20 days.
(e)
All grand opening events shall be conducted within six months
of the business opening.
(7)
Strings of lights. The Planning and Zoning Commission may authorize (pursuant to the modification process of § 190-86 or the site plan or special permit provisions of § 190-73 or § 190-74 the use of strings of light that would otherwise be prohibited by Subsection C(6) of this section, subject to compliance with the following criteria:
(a)
The proposed strings of lights shall be located on the site
of an existing or proposed (application pending) commercial use;
(b)
The proposed strings of lights shall be low-intensity and non-intermittent.
The lights shall not result in detrimental neighborhood impacts or
on-site or off-site vehicular or pedestrian safety problems;
(c)
The proposed strings of lights shall be an integral element
of the overall lighting plan for the property and shall enhance site
safety or site aesthetics. The Commission shall have the right to
require the proposed use of strings of lights to be designed by a
qualified lighting or landscape professional if necessary to address
the application requirements and approval criteria of these Regulations;
(d)
The strings of lights may only be illuminated during the hours
the commercial use is open for business or until 11:00 p.m., whichever
time is later;
(e)
The proposed strings of lights shall be installed in a safe,
weatherproof manner and shall meet all other applicable provisions
of these Regulations.
(8)
Table umbrella signs. In locations where outdoor seating areas have
been authorized, table umbrella signs may be used subject to compliance,
with the following criteria:
(a)
Businesses are allowed one Table Umbrella Sign per every 25
square feet of outdoor seating area. Design for all umbrellas should
remain consistent for any one business. A table umbrella alone does
not constitute a sign. Note: The sign will not be counted as a business
identity sign.
(b)
Umbrellas may consist of solid colors or panels of contrasting
colors.
(c)
Lettering, emblems or logos are permitted on the umbrella fabric,
provided that identification does not exceed an area of 36 square
inches and is displayed on a maximum of 50% of the panels.
(d)
Alternatively, the umbrella flap may be used for identification
provided that the flap is no greater than six inches in height.
(e)
The lettering, emblems, and/or logos of the establishment are
allowed on table umbrella signs; other forms of advertising are not
allowed.
F.
Possible variations regarding the number and size of signs.
(1)
Gasoline service stations: In addition to the one freestanding sign
that may be authorized for commercial and industrial uses, gasoline
service stations may utilize one additional sign with Zoning Permit
approval, for price information, provided the sign does not exceed
12 square feet. Provided sightline or traffic safety problems are
not created, the second sign shall be mounted on the same post as
the primary identity sign.
(2)
For shopping centers with five or more separate stores where the
subject buildings are set back a minimum of 150 feet from the highway
clearance setback line, the primary free-standing identity sign may
be increased from 32 square feet to 40 square feet in area, with Zoning
Permit approval.
(3)
Authorized freestanding identity signs may include a dimension greater
than eight feet, provided the Planning and Zoning Commission determines
that the longer sign will not create safety problems and provided
the proposed sign promotes excellence in design.
(4)
Where a commercial or industrial use or multi-family housing project is located on an individual site that has frontage and public access on more than one public street, a second freestanding identity sign may be authorized on the same lot, provided the sign is no larger than 12 square feet in area, provided said sign is located near a public access way and provided the Planning and Zoning Commission determines that said sign will clearly promote traffic safety, the public convenience and excellence in design (see § 190-69J through L).
(5)
Where a commercial or industrial use has a direct principal customer entrance on a building facade that is not the front facade provided for in Subsection E(1)(b) or (2)(b) above, one additional attached identity sign may be authorized, provided the sign is no larger than one square foot of area for each linear foot of facade upon which the subject entrance is located, and provided the Planning and Zoning Commission determines that said sign will clearly promote traffic safety, the public convenience and excellence in design. For the purpose of this subsection, a customer entrance off a common mall entry is not considered a direct principal customer entrance (see § 190-69J through L).
(6)
Where an industrial park development within the IP or RD/LI zones has a number of distinct uses on separate lots but utilizes a collective identity, additional free-standing identity signs may be authorized, provided the Planning and Zoning Commission determines that the proposed signs are appropriately located and designed to promote traffic safety, the public convenience and excellence in design, provided no sign is larger than 32 square feet in size and provided all signs authorized under this subsection for a particular development project are uniform in size, shape and color (see § 190-69J through L).
(7)
For commercial, industrial, multi-family or mobile home park uses, the PZC may authorize one additional identity sign that is composed of evergreen plantings or other natural materials. Said signs shall only be authorized where the applicant provides suitable maintenance plans and where the sign provides excellence in design (see § 190-69J through L).
(8)
For shopping centers with five or more separate stores where such
stores have individual customer entrances in the enclosed interior
of the structure containing the stores, the Planning and Zoning Commission
may authorize one additional free standing sign that complies with
the following criteria:
(a)
The proposed sign shall be utilized solely to announce events
of public interest or store sales and store promotions taking place
on the subject premises;
(b)
The proposed sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area;
(c)
The proposed sign shall promote excellence in design.
(d)
Provided sightline or traffic safety problems are not created,
the proposed sign shall be mounted on the same post or structure as
the primary identity sign;
(e)
The proposed sign shall meet all lighting, location and other
applicable provisions of these Regulations;
(f)
To enhance sign visibility and legibility and therefore promote
traffic safety, the proposed sign shall utilize lettering with a minimum
height of three inches.
(9)
Interior lot directory sign. For shopping centers with five or more
separate stores, the Planning and Zoning Commission may authorize
interior lot directory signs that comply with the following criteria:
(a)
The proposed sign(s) shall be designed and located to serve
potential customers who have entered the site. Interior lot directory
signs shall not be designed to attract potential customers to a site.
(b)
The size, number and location of interior lot directory signs
shall be determined by the number of businesses on the site, site
layout, the location of customer entrances, the need for assisting
potential customers with identifying and locating businesses on site,
and potential impacts on vehicular and pedestrian safety and site
aesthetics.
(c)
All proposed interior lot directory signs shall be compatible
in size, scale, design color and construction with respect to the
architecture of buildings on the site and other signs on the site.
All lettering of interior lot directory signs shall have a maximum
height of four inches.
(10)
For all free-standing identity signs authorized by § 190-69E(1), (2), (3) or F(4) or (6), the Planning and Zoning Commission may authorize, pursuant to the special permit provisions of § 190-74, an increase in the size of the identity sign where, due to the letter height provisions of § 190-69J(2), the names of all on-site uses cannot be listed on the sign. All of the following criteria shall be met.
(a)
The proposed sign shall be limited to the names of the authorized
on-site uses and shall not identify products or services.
(b)
Subject to compliance with other applicable provisions of these
regulations, the size of the sign shall be the minimum square footage
necessary to identify the names of all site uses and any common name
for the site. Where the names of all site uses are to be listed, three
inch letter heights shall be used. Where some, but not all, of the
names of site uses are to be listed, the Commission may authorize
larger letter heights.
(c)
The proposed sign shall be compatible in size and scale with
the site's physical characteristics (frontage, topography, other natural
or man-made features) and with the overall pattern of development
of neighboring properties.
(d)
The proposed sign shall not result in sightline or traffic safety
problems.
(e)
The proposed sign shall comply with all applicable construction/design standards of § 190-69J and shall promote excellence in design.
(f)
The proposed sign shall incorporate applicable provisions of
Mansfield's sign design guidelines.
(g)
The proposed sign shall meet all lighting, location, landscaping
and other provisions of these Regulations.
(11)
For shopping centers with five or more separate stores, the
Planning and Zoning Commission may authorize additional signage to
identify the common name of the shopping center, provided such signage
complies with the following criteria:
(a)
The proposed signage shall be incorporated as an integral architectural
feature of the building or appurtenant structure, and shall be compatible
in size and scale with the building's setting and physical characteristics,
the site's physical characteristics (frontage, topography, other natural
or man-made features) and other site signage.
(b)
The proposed signage shall not name or refer to any specific
site use, product, or service.
(c)
The size and number of signs that may be authorized shall be determined by the Commission based on the provisions of Subsections A, D, E and F of this regulation. Where more than one sign is proposed, the signage shall be identical unless a variation is authorized by the Commission due to building and site characteristics.
(d)
The proposed sign shall comply with all applicable construction/design standards of § 190-69J and shall promote excellence in design.
(e)
The proposed sign shall incorporate applicable provisions of
Mansfield's sign design guidelines.
(f)
The proposed sign shall meet all lighting and other provisions
of these Regulations.
(12)
Where a commercial use has a front facade exceeding 300 feet in length and two principle customer entrances along this facade, a second identical attached identity sign may be authorized, provided the total square footage of both signs is not larger than one square foot of area for each linear foot of facade upon which the signs are mounted, and provided the Planning and Zoning Commission determines said signs will clearly promote traffic safety, the public convenience, and excellence in design and aesthetic character (see § 190-69J through L).
(13)
For shopping centers with five or more separate stores, the
Planning and Zoning Commission may authorize identity signage along
the front facade of the subject shopping center structure for stores
with customer entrances in an enclosed interior of the shopping center,
subject to the following criteria:
(a)
The total square footage of attached identity signage for the shopping center shall be no greater than the total square footage permitted based on the front facade of the building being authorized by § 190-69E(1)(b).
(b)
The proposed signage shall be compatible in size and scale with
the building's setting and physical characteristics and other site
signage.
(c)
The proposed signage shall comply with all applicable construction/design standards of § 190-69J and shall promote excellence in design.
(d)
The proposed signage shall incorporate applicable provisions
of Mansfield's sign design guidelines.
(e)
The proposed signage shall meet all lighting and other provisions
of these Regulations.
G.
Location.
(1)
All signs shall be located so that they do not block traffic control
signs or devices, street signs, street or driveway intersections or
sightlines for existing signs on neighboring property. Wherever possible,
signs shall be set back a minimum distance of 30 feet from any street
intersection.
(2)
Unless specific authority is granted by the State Dept. of Transportation
or the Mansfield Traffic Authority, no sign shall be located within
the State or Town street right-of-way. Wherever possible, signs shall
be set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from any property line.
H.
Height.
(1)
In all residential zones, the top of any freestanding sign shall
not exceed a height of six feet above the average ground level at
the base of such sign.
(2)
In all commercial or industrial zones, the top of any freestanding
sign shall not exceed a height of 20 feet above the average ground
level at the base of such sign.
(3)
No sign attached to a building shall be located upon the building's
roof or shall extend above the top of the building's exterior wall
to which it is attached.
I.
Sign area. For determining the area of a sign, the following standards,
in conjunction with the definition of sign, area, shall apply:
J.
Construction/design.
(1)
Signs shall be constructed of weatherproof material, firmly supported
and maintained in good condition and repair by the owner or lessee
of the subject property. All provisions of the State Building Code
shall be met.
(2)
To enhance sign visibility and legibility, and therefore promote traffic safety, all free standing identity signs defined in § 190-69B and as may be authorized in Subsections E and F shall meet the following letter height provisions:
(a)
All sign wording shall utilize lettering with a minimum height
of three inches, except for wording for a site's common name (addressed
below) and minor accessory wording or symbols ("and, "+" or "&",
etc.), which may have smaller-sized lettering.
(b)
Where site uses are collectively identified with a common name,
the sign wording for the name shall utilize lettering with a minimum
height of seven inches.
|
These letter height provisions may be reduced by the Planning
and Zoning Commission where a smaller size lettering would promote
neighborhood compatibility and not detrimentally affect traffic safety.
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(3)
All signs shall be compatible in scale, design, color and construction with the architectural style of the building(s) or premises to which they refer and with the neighborhood within which they are located. The structural portions of signs (columns, crossbeams, braces, etc.) shall be proportional to the sign panel they are supporting. All proposed signs should consider Mansfield's sign design guidelines (see Subsection O of this section).
(4)
Where more than one attached sign is located upon a building facade,
the subject signs shall be compatible in scale, design, color and
construction with respect to the architecture of the building and
other signs on the site. Any questions regarding sign compatibility
shall be reviewed and resolved with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Signs utilizing federally registered trademark specifications shall
be considered in compliance with this provision.
(5)
Sign colors and letter fonts shall take into account the need to
read or interpret the sign in daylight and, as appropriate, nighttime
periods. Color and font choices are particularly important for directional
signs, public signs, including traffic control signs, and identity
signs.
K.
Lighting. All lighting of signs shall be low-intensity, non-intermittent,
and shielded so that the source of illumination is not visible from
any street or any adjacent lot. All sign lighting shall be designed
to illuminate the sign face and, as appropriate, associated basal
plantings, and not adjacent areas. Externally mounted light fixtures
shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure and aimed downward
unless it can be demonstrated that alternative designs will not result
in light spillover. Except in all business and industrial zone classifications,
illuminated signs shall be lighted only during the hours open for
business. In all business and industrial zone classifications, illuminated
signs associated with a permitted use may be lighted during the hours
open for business or until 11:00 p.m., whichever time is later.
L.
Landscaping. Freestanding signs shall meet the ground in an attractive
manner. The use of appropriate plantings with year-round attractiveness,
mulched with a fine stone aggregate or bark surface treatment shall
be required in conjunction with the approval of a new sign if necessary
for compliance with this section.
M.
Enforcement/sign removal.
(1)
The issuance of Zoning Permits and any necessary enforcement action due to violations of the provisions of these sign regulations shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of Article 12.
(2)
Provided all applicable provisions of these regulations are met,
including color and design requirements for buildings and developments
with multiple signs and provided any previous approval conditions
are met, a separate Zoning Permit shall not be required for the repainting
or alteration of the copy on an approved sign which is specifically
designed for the use of replacement copy. The use of a new sign or
any proposed structural changes to a sign require the issuance of
a new Zoning Permit.
(3)
Signs which become unsafe, unsightly, physically damaged or otherwise
in violation of these regulations shall, upon notice from the Zoning
Agent, be repaired or replaced by the owner or lessee of the property
on which the sign is located within 30 days of said notice.
(4)
Wherever an existing land use is discontinued or terminated, and
an associated store, building or lot area devoted to the use is vacated,
all non-conforming signs associated with said use shall be removed
by the subject property owner or lessee within 30 days of notice from
the Zoning Agent and all conforming signs associated with said use
shall be removed or suitably covered by the subject property owner
or lessee within 30 days of notice from the Zoning Agent.
Once a sign is removed in accordance with this provision, it
may not be repositioned or replaced unless it is in conformance with
the current provisions of the Mansfield Zoning Regulations.
(5)
Whenever a proposed change in use or site modification on a subject
property necessitates Planning and Zoning approval in accordance with
other provisions of these regulations, the PZC shall have the right
to require any non-conforming signs pertaining to said use be altered
or replaced to bring the signs into conformity with the current provisions
of the Mansfield Zoning Regulations.
N.
Signage regulations applicable to all Storrs Center Special Design District (SC-SDD). The provisions of § 190-69A(3), A(4), C(9), E, F, G, H, I and J do not apply to property zoned SC-SDD. All other provisions of § 190-69 apply to property zoned SC-SDD. Additional signage regulations pertinent to SC-SDD zone districts are contained or referenced in § 190-48.
O.
Sign design guidelines general.
(1)
It is the purpose of the zoning regulations to provide adequate standards
to control the number, height, size and location of signs and to provide
criteria for the illumination and design of signs. There are, however,
other considerations which, if incorporated into the design of a sign,
help to optimize the communicative value of on premise signs.
(2)
The value of a sign to its owner depends on a number of factors but
can be broken down to the most basic of "visibility" and "legibility".
Visibility, put simply, is the ability of a sign to attract attention.
Legibility, on the other hand, describes the ease with which a sign's
content can be read and then more importantly, understood within the
time frame available to the passing viewer.
(3)
The Zoning Regulations limit the size and height of signs on a site.
By incorporating the appropriate criteria listed below, a sign's function
as a communicative tool can be maximized within the rules of the regulations.
These considerations are based on the results of in depth research
studies by the United States Sign Council. The full printed studies
are available for review in the Planning Office.
(a)
Use simple fonts.
(b)
"Critical elements" (words/symbols) should be limited. Symbols
are superior to text from a visibility standpoint.
(c)
A combination of both upper and lower case lettering is easier
to read than all upper case. Letter height must be greater to achieve
the same level of legibility if all upper case lettering is used.
(d)
The open or negative space surrounding lines of type or graphic
elements should be greater than the copy space for multiple lines
of copy.
(e)
Color contrast (copy/background) is an important element for
sign visibility. Light colored copy on contrasting, darker background
works best, whether illuminated or non-illuminated. A white or light
colored background is more difficult to read due to the competing
environmental white light sources.
(f)
A well-defined edge or border to a sign adds to its visibility.
