The purpose of this article is to promote and
protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing
and proposed outdoor advertising signs, and outdoor signs of all types.
It is intended to protect property values, promote economic and business
climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community,
preserve the scenic and natural beauty and provide a more enjoyable
and pleasing community. It is further intended hereby to reduce sign
or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to
traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging
or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more visual open
space, and curb the deterioration of the community's appearance. This
article is intended to promote signs that clearly present the visual
message in a manner that is compatible with their surroundings. The
appearance, character and quality of a community are affected by the
location, size, construction, and graphic design of its signs. Therefore,
such signs should convey their messages clearly and simply to enhance
their surroundings.
A. Definitions. As used in this article, the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN
A sign which directs attention to an occupation being carried
on wholly within a dwelling unit or in a building or other structure
accessory to a dwelling unit.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A sign which directs attention to a person, business, profession,
product, home occupation or activity not conducted on the same lot.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign, which directs attention to a person, business, profession,
product or activity conducted on the same lot. A "For Sale" or "For
Rent" sign relating to the lot on which it is displayed shall be deemed
an on-premise sign.
SIGN
Includes any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof
or any device attached, painted or represented directly or indirectly
on a structure or other outdoor surface that shall display or include
any letter, word, insignia, flag or representation used as, or which
is in the nature of, an advertisement, announcement, visual communication
or direction or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject
to the attention of the public.
B. Permit requirements; compliance required.
(1) All on-premises signs over six square feet in area
and all off-premises signs, regardless of size, shall require the
issuance of a zoning permit before erection or replacement. Off-premises
signs shall not be permitted in the Residential District. All signs
must comply with all regulations contained herein, irrespective of
whether a permit is required. This subsection shall not apply to governmental
signs.
(2) All on-premises signs with a total area of six square
feet or less and all home occupation signs not larger than four square
feet in area shall be allowed without a permit.
(3) The total area of all on-premises and off-premises
signs on the same lot shall not exceed 48 square feet.
(4) Signs directing patrons, members or an audience to
temporary exhibits, shows or events shall only be allowed upon issuance
of a permit and shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
No sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area.
(b)
Signs shall be removed within two weeks after
the date of the exhibit, show, event or election.
(c)
No permit shall be issued for the erection of
such signs until a deposit shall be made with the Village Clerk in
accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the Board of Trustees to
guarantee removal within the time prescribed. Not-for-profit organizations will receive a permit without
paying a fee.
(d)
No such sign shall be posted earlier than two
weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates.
(e)
All signage on state DOT rights-of-way must
conform to New York State regulations. The applicant must inform the
Village of Fair Haven upon state approval prior to erection of signage.
(5) Official traffic signs and other official federal,
state, county, Village or town government signs are permitted.
C. General regulations. The following requirements shall
apply to all signs unless noted otherwise:
(1) No sign shall have visible moving or movable parts
of flashing, animated or intermittent illumination.
(2) No sign shall project over a public street or sidewalk.
(3) In the Residential, Bay Front, and Agriculture Districts,
no sign shall be located within 10 feet of any side property line.
(4) The height of all signs in all districts shall not
exceed 20 feet.
(5) All signs shall be constructed of durable material
and shall be kept in good condition and repair.
(6) Any replacement sign shall conform to the provisions
herein.