[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Burlington
as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted by Ord. No. 8-1997 (Ch. 15.28 of the 1996 Municipal Code)]
The provisions of this article shall regulate the construction,
erection and maintenance requirements for commercial and political
signs and outdoor display structures which take precedence with respect
to area, location, illumination and other characteristics of signs
in the City. Structural features of signs shall be as specified in
the Building Code.[1]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any circular, handbill, banner, card, statement, advertisement,
poster, printed sticker, painted words or material having reference
to any election or to the adoption or rejection of any public question
of any general, primary or special election.
A sign which is supported by one or more uprights or braces
in or upon the ground.
Those signs which do not meet the criteria of this article
for any reason such as, but not limited to, size, location, construction,
attachment or affixture to a building or the ground. In the historic
district, nonconforming signs are those which have not been reviewed
and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning
Board.
Any person, individual, candidate, firm, partnership, association,
corporation, political committee, citizens' committee, company or
organization of any kind, association or any committee or group of
persons organized at any special, primary or general election.
A movable or mobile sign, including a sign mounted on wheels.
A sign which is affixed to any building wall or structure
and extends beyond the building wall, or part thereof, structure,
building line or property line more than 15 inches.
Any item used for public purposes, including, but not limited
to, traffic signal poles, traffic signal facilities, utility poles,
parking meters, any other type of pole, trees, U.S. mail receptacles,
litter receptacles, benches, bus shelters, vacant buildings, fences
bordering vacant lots, public buildings or any object affixed to or
placed upon the streets or sidewalks for public purposes or for the
use of the public.
A sign erected, constructed and maintained on or above the
roof of any building and attached thereto.
Any material or any structure or part thereof or device attached,
erected or maintained by any person on which is included a letter,
word or figure which attracts or intends to attract attention to itself.
Includes all lettering, wording, coloring and accompanying
designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or
enclosed, but not including any supporting framework or bracing incidental
to the display itself.
A sign which is affixed to an exterior wall of any building,
when such sign shall project not more than 15 inches from the building
wall or parts thereof.
Any sign painted on or display exhibited on the inside of
a building intended to be visible from the outside.
Those areas or districts described in Chapter 207, Land Development, which provide for the orderly development of the City.
A.
It is unlawful for any person to erect or construct within the City
any commercial or political sign, or other advertising structure as
defined above, without first obtaining a building permit from the
Construction Official and making payment of the fee required.
B.
No new sign requiring a permit shall be erected or existing sign
enlarged or relocated until after the required permit is obtained
from the Construction Official. As to any sign located in a historic
district, applications for all such signs shall be submitted to the
Historic Preservation Commission and approved by the Planning Board
as to size, location, color, materials, style, illumination and design.[1]
[Amended by Ord. No. 16-1997]
A.
Sign permits shall not be issued until the fees set forth in Chapter 146, Fee Schedule, have been paid.
B.
The Common Council, by resolution, may waive the permit fee for a
temporary sign that would be charged to a charitable nonprofit organization
which is tax-exempt pursuant to both state and federal law.
No freestanding sign shall be situated in a sight triangle.
Each commercial or industrial use shall be entitled to one freestanding
sign only per separate building. Multiple uses in one building shall
use the same sign. Freestanding signs are not required to meet the
setback requirements for buildings but shall not be closer to any
property line than 25 feet nor shall they be located in any sight
triangle or interfere with any circulation pattern.
A.
Any signs now in existence, the erection or placing of which would
be prohibited hereunder, may be continued on such building, structure,
lot or land so occupied. However, at no time shall such sign be altered,
rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated, unless such action changes
a nonconforming sign into a conforming sign as provided in this article.
Prior to the issuance of a new mercantile license, nonconforming signs
must come into conformance as described herein. The failure to keep
a nonconforming sign painted, illuminated or in good repair for a
period of one year shall constitute abandonment and such sign may
not be reused and must be removed.
B.
If there is a change of ownership of the property, or if a new occupant
undertakes a business on the site, the nonconforming sign must be
brought into conformity.
Illuminated signs shall be arranged to reflect the light and
glare away from adjoining lots and streets. No signs shall be permitted
with a beam, beacon or flashing illumination. All signs with exterior
lighting shall be lighted from the bottom and be shielded from adjoining
lots, streets and interior drives and with the light source angled
no closer to the horizontal than two vertical to one horizontal. All
lights shall be either shielded or shall have a translucent fixture
to reduce off-site effects.
A.
With respect to conforming signs, such signs may consist of removable
letters and a change of same will not constitute construction or reconstruction
of the sign. Likewise, replacing, changing or painting the sign face,
or other maintenance, is specifically permitted, provided the sign
is neither enlarged nor relocated.
B.
With respect to nonconforming signs, the above provisions shall apply
if the change, replacement or painting of the sign face, or other
maintenance, is done by the present occupant who conducts the business
or use on the premises.
A.
Duty to maintain. Any sign that is or shall become dangerous or unsafe
in any manner whatsoever or any sign erected hereafter contrary to
the provisions of this article shall be repaired, made safe, made
attractive and in conformity with this section or shall be taken down
and removed by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of the building,
property or land upon which it is placed or to which it is attached.
B.
Removed by Construction Official. The Construction Official shall
have the power to order the repair or removal of any sign which, in
his/her opinion, is or is likely to become dangerous or unsafe or
is erected contrary to the provisions of this article and to remove
same after notice shall have been given as herein provided. The Construction
Official shall serve written notice upon the owner, agent or person
having control of any sign commanding him/her to repair or to remove
the same, as the case may be, within 24 hours thereafter if, in his/her
judgment, such necessity exists or within a time not exceeding five
days if, in the judgment of the Construction Official, such time is
reasonable or just. In case of failure of such owner or agent or other
person having control as aforesaid to comply with such notice of the
Construction Official, immediately upon the expiration of the time
allowed, the Construction Official shall cause such sign to be removed
and the Construction Official shall have the power to enter upon or
into the lands, house or property upon which such sign, billboard
or fence is erected and to remove same or cause same to be removed.
C.
Recovery of enforcement expenses. The expenses and disbursements
incurred in carrying out this provision of this section shall be recoverable
by the City from the owner, agent or person having control of such
sign in an action at law in any court of competent jurisdiction upon
his/her or their neglect or refusal to pay the same within 10 days
after service of a statement thereof.
A.
Nonconforming signs. Any nonconforming sign now or hereafter existing
which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product
sold shall be taken down and removed, including all supporting structures,
mounting, brackets, wiring, etc., by the permittee, owner, agent or
person having beneficial use of the building or structure upon which
such sign may be found within 10 days after written notification from
the Construction Official. Upon failure to comply with such notice
within the time specified in such notice, the Construction Official
is authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any expenses incident
thereto shall be paid by the permittee or owner of the building or
structure to which such sign is attached.
B.
Conforming signs. Any conforming sign now or hereafter existing which
no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product sold
shall be permitted to remain with respect to the structural portion
of the sign and its attachments. The legend or message on the sign
shall be obliterated by using a solid color on the entire sign face,
which color shall either correspond to the portion of the building
to which the sign is attached or will be harmonious with the site
and property so as to provide a reasonable aesthetic treatment rather
than an eyesore.
C.
Right to nonconforming signs not extended. Nothing contained herein, including Subsection A of this section pertaining to removal upon demand, shall be construed as allowing the use of a sign which is nonconforming under this article by a person or business other than that which currently occupies the premises and is using such sign.
No wall sign shall cover, wholly or partially, any wall opening,
nor project beyond the ends or top of the walls to which it is attached.
In no event shall there be more than two wall or facade signs per
use. Where multiple uses are contained within one building, the overall
limitation of ten-percent coverage on any facade facing a street or
roof, wall or facade and window signs must be met. This limitation
shall be held to apply on a per-building basis not a per-use basis.
No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent
free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
A.
Temporary signs announcing or advertising any educational, charitable,
civic, professional, religious or like campaign or events are permitted
only if erected and allowed to remain for a consecutive period not
to exceed 21 days in any calendar year.
B.
Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election
are permitted only if erected and allowed to remain for a period not
to exceed 60 days prior to the date of the election to which the signs
relate; provided that:
(1)
The size of any such sign is not in excess of 50 square feet on one
side.
(2)
The erector of such signs or authorized agent of the political party or candidate obtains a building permit from the Construction Official and deposits with the Municipal Clerk, at the time of application, a fee as set forth in Chapter 146, Fee Schedule, as a guarantee that all such signs will be removed promptly within 14 days after the date of the election to which the signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the fourteen-day period, the City shall have them removed and retain the full sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred thereby.
[Amended 6-14-2011 by Ord. No. 05-2011]
C.
All campaign material which has been posted shall be removed no later
than 14 days after the election to which the campaign material refers.
A.
No permit
will be required for the following:
(1)
A ground, wall or window sign advertising the sale or rental of the
premises upon which it is maintained when such sign does not exceed
12 square feet of display material in the HC-1, HCO-1 and HC-2 Districts
and industrial zones, and four square feet in all other districts.
[Amended 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 26-2021]
(2)
An occupancy sign such as one used for professional purposes containing
not more than four square feet.
(3)
Traffic or other municipal signs.
(4)
Legal notices.
(5)
Railroad crossing signs.
(6)
Such temporary emergency signs as may be erected by government or
public utility employees in carrying out their official work.
(7)
Names
on mailboxes.
B.
The exemptions permitted in this section shall not relieve the owner
of the sign from the responsibility for its erection and maintenance
in good and safe condition.
A.
The historic district of the City is an overlay district containing
within same portions of various residential districts and portions
of the TC-2 Town Center District. In addition to conforming to the
regulations contained in this article, approval for the construction,
alteration, erection or display of any sign within the historic district
shall be subject to Planning Board review and approval. The Planning
Board shall refer the plans to the Historic Preservation Commission
and take its comments under consideration while conducting the review
of the proposed sign and the plans therefor as they relate to the
appearance, lettering, color, size, position, method of attachment,
texture of materials and design in order to establish that the proposed
sign conforms to the historical and distinctive character of the historic
district and does not injuriously affect same or impair the value
of the adjoining properties, the district in general or those buildings
having architectural and historical worth in the immediate area.
[Amended 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 26-2021]
B.
All applications for sign permits within the historic district shall
be either submitted directly to the Planning Board or forwarded to
same by the Construction Official before a permit therefor may be
issued. The application shall be accompanied by sketches and drawings
showing details of construction, support and attachment, and shall
delineate the size, shape, design, coloring, lettering, lighting and
position in relation to the building from which or upon which it shall
be displayed.
The following kinds of signs will be permitted in all residential
districts, the Waterfront District and the Special Island District:
A.
One wall and one ground sign not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet
each in area, stating only the name and profession of the occupant
or the street address on the premises.
B.
Signs erected by the state, municipal, county or federal government,
as may be deemed necessary for their respective functions.
C.
One wall or ground sign not exceeding eight square feet on the premises
of a church, library, school or other public building, giving only
the name and nature of occupancy and information as to the condition
of use or occupancy. In addition, wall or ground signs not exceeding
one square foot in area may be used for a driveway entrance, exit
or for warning purposes on the grounds of libraries, schools, churches
or other public buildings.
D.
"Sale" or "rent" signs erected only on the property to be sold or
rented, but not placed on trees or utility poles and not exceeding
four square feet.
E.
Temporary ground signs not exceeding one square foot in area erected
for directional purposes for a period not exceeding two days.
F.
Builders', architects', developers' and engineers' temporary signs
erected on the site of construction during the course of any building
or developing operation, not exceeding 12 square feet. The temporary
signs shall be removed upon the expiration of the building permit
or issuance of certificate of occupancy, whichever comes first.
[Amended 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 26-2021]
The following shall apply to signs in NC-1 Neighborhood Center,
TC-2 Town Center, and W-1 Waterfront District:
A.
General. All signs permitted in the residential district are permitted
in these districts.
B.
Professional signs.
(1)
Signs of a professional nature not exceeding six square feet shall
be allowed at right angles, provided they do not extend more than
three feet from the building and are no less than 10 feet above the
sidewalk.
(2)
The support for such signs shall be of wood or suitable metal, with
the design to be in keeping with those designs of historical character
allowed in the historic district. The face of the sign shall represent
the name of the firm, store or establishment or represent the use
or professions practiced therein.
C.
Window signs.
(1)
Two business signs may be painted on the windows and/or doors of
each business bearing the name, street number and/or type of business
of the principal occupant; provided that there shall be no more than
one such sign on each window or door, and the total area of all such
signs shall not exceed 15% per storefront glass or 30% for a corner
property with 15% per exposure to street front.
(2)
Window signs designed to promote the sale of any article or business
activity shall not exceed in total sign area 15% of the total window
area of the first floor or street level of the building involved.
Each individual window sign shall not exceed six square feet in area.
Such signs shall not remain in a window longer than 30 consecutive
days. They shall be removed within two days after the event or activity
has taken place. No fee or permit shall be required.
D.
Facade signs. No facade sign shall project higher than the highest
point of the facade of the building or storefront upon which it is
to be erected. A facade sign shall not exceed in area 10% of the total
area of the first story or ground level of the building on which it
is erected. Facade signs shall be placed in the solid wall spaces
between the heads and sills of windows. In no case shall such signs
project above the top of any window sill or cover any part of such
opening. Facade signs shall be placed on the first story or street
level of each building, with the exception of signs which identify
the occupant of a single-occupant building.
[Amended 6-14-2011 by Ord. No. 05-2011; 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 26-2021]
The following shall apply to signs in HC-1 Highway Corridor,
Highway Corridor Overlay-1, HC-2 Highway Corridor, I-1 Industrial
and IP Industrial Park Districts:
A.
Ground or freestanding signs. One ground sign may be erected near
but wholly inside the front property line and at right angles thereto
and adjacent to the side line of said property nearest to the oncoming
traffic. Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area in a HC-1
Highway Corridor District or Highway Corridor Overlay-1 District.
In a HC-2 Highway Corridor District, I-1 Industrial District or IP
Industrial Park, the sign shall not exceed 1/2 square foot in area
per lineal foot of lot frontage, to a maximum of 100 square feet in
area. Such signs shall not have a display height greater than two
times of the width or, vice-versa, shall be erected so that the overall
distance of the top of the sign shall not exceed a maximum of 24 feet
and the distance of the bottom of the display area shall be not less
than a minimum of eight feet from the ground.
B.
Roof, façade, and window signs. The total combined area for
signs displayed on, above or attached to any one side of a building
shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building face on or above
which it is attached. The "face" means the front side of the place
of business facing the street, and the area shall include the window
and door areas. Business locations facing more than one street may
have roof, facade and window signs on each facade facing a street.
No roof, facade or window signs shall be placed on any face which
does not face a street.
(1)
Roof signs. Signs erected upon or supported on the top of a building
or a ledge or marquee attached thereto are permitted. Said signs shall
not exceed three feet in height.
(2)
Facade signs. Facade signs are permitted, which signs when combined
with other signs displayed on or above said facade shall not exceed
in the aggregate a total of 10% of the area of that face of the building
used in such business at the location in question.
(3)
Window signs. Window signs are permitted, provided they do not exceed
10% of the glass area of any required entrance or exit door or 25%
of the total window area of the first floor or street level of the
building involved and subject to the overall limitation of the area
of signs on any one facade as is set forth above.
C.
Mobile or temporary signs. Mobile or temporary signs are permitted
for the opening of a business or for a special business event. The
use of such signs shall be limited to 30 days total per year, per
current, validly issued mercantile license, with a limitation of 10
days' use at a time. A separate application for each time such a sign
is to be used must be made to the Construction Official. The applicant
must comply with all rules for placement of permanent signs, and no
sign will be allowed which interferes with visibility or creates a
traffic or pedestrian hazard. With respect to the location of the
sign, the Construction Official will make the determination as to
the appropriateness for the location of the sign, and any change of
location shall constitute a violation of this section.
D.
Motor vehicle gasoline service station signs. Motor vehicle gasoline
service stations shall be permitted one freestanding sign in compliance
with the size standard for that zone plus not more than one permanent
sign per road frontage no larger than 10 square feet each for use
as price pods or reader boards advertising fuel prices or automotive
services. Such signs shall be permanently attached to a permitted
freestanding sign or incorporated as part of the same standard. Such
signs shall be limited only to automotive-related products or services.
Signs of the following types, or types closely related to them,
are specifically prohibited:
A.
Billboards and outdoor display structures, including, but not limited
to, temporary signs or displays.
B.
Advertising signs tacked, pasted, painted or otherwise attached on
poles, posts, trees, fences, sidewalks or curbs.
C.
"A" or "sandwich" type signs on sidewalks or other temporary signs
on sidewalks.
D.
Signs on trailers, truck trailers or unregistered motor vehicles.
E.
Animated, flashing or illusionary signs using mechanical and/or electrical
devices to revolve, flash or display movement or the illusion of movement,
except time-and-temperature or barbershop poles.
F.
Illuminated signs using red or green lights when they are situated
within 200 feet of any street intersection;
G.
Any sign, words, symbols, pictures, murals or graphic design directly
painted on an exterior wall of a building or upon any street or sidewalk
or upon any public place or public facility.
H.
Signs advertising goods, services, businesses or uses not conducted
upon or available at the premises upon which the sign is located.
I.
Any sign that uses the word "danger" or "stop" or otherwise presents
or implies the need or requirements of stopping or caution or the
existence of danger or which is likely to be confused with any sign
displayed by public authority.
J.
Pennants, banners, mobiles, except where allowed with the approval
of the Construction Official based upon the same criteria and at the
same locations as mobile signs.
K.
Any illuminated tubing or strings of lights free hanging or outlining
roof lines, doors, windows or wall edges of any building, except Christmas
decorations during November, December and January.
[Amended by Ord. No. 13-1998]
If any person, company, firm or corporation shall be aggrieved
by the action of the Construction Official, appeal may be made to
the Planning Board, in accordance with its procedures, within 65 days
of the Construction Official's action.
[Adopted 1-20-2009 by Ord. No. 04-2009]
A.
The historic district of the City is an overlay district containing
within same portions of various residential districts and portions
of the TC-2 Town Center District. In addition to conforming to the
regulations contained in this article, approval for the construction,
alteration, erection or display of any sign within the historic district
shall be subject to Historic Preservation Commission review and approval.
[Amended 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 26-2021]
B.
All applications for sign permits within the historic district shall
be either submitted directly to the Historic Preservation Commission
Secretary or forwarded to same by the Construction Official for the
review process before a sign permit therefor may be issued. The application
shall be accompanied by sketches and drawings showing the details
of construction, support and attachment, and shall delineate the size,
shape, design, coloring, lettering, lighting, and position in relation
to the building from which or upon which it shall be displayed.
C.
The Historic Preservation Commission or the Commission's designee
shall review the proposed sign and the plans as they relate to the
appearance, lettering, color, size, position, method of attachment,
texture of materials and design in order to establish that the proposed
sign conforms to the historical and distinctive character of the historic
district and does not injuriously affect same or impair the value
of the adjoining properties, the district in general or those buildings
having architectural and historical worth in the immediate area.
D.
The review process will encourage the creation of signs that are
compatible with the architectural style of the building and that will
express the identity of individual properties while being cognizant
of the historic character of the community. No sign in the historic
district shall be placed on a building or structure in such a way
as to obscure or mar any architectural feature deemed to be important
to the architectural integrity of the building or structure.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any sign with action, or changing colors which require electrical
energy. This definition does not include signs which indicate time,
temperature, or date.
A sign painted or printed on the area of the lowest 12 inches
of an awning. A retractable awning is constructed from fabric, typically
canvas, which is supported on a framework that is extended out from
a building facade.
Any sign that is stretched across and hung over a public
right-of-way, is attached to any public or utility poles or a building
and that is a nonpermanent sign.
Indicates the name of a building or a builder or its date
of construction.
Any notice or advertisement, pictorial or otherwise, which
directs attention to goods, commodities, products, services, or entertainment
sold or offered upon the premises.
A sign identifying or urging voter support for a particular
election issue, political party, or candidate for public office.
A sign located on the fascia of a canopy. A canopy is a structural
boxed projection with a flat roof that provides cover over a door
or over a walkway, possibly supported by posts.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations
can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface
of the sign.
Any sign that identifies a nonprofit institution or organization
on whose premises it is located. This may take the form of a sign
with changeable copy.
Any timepiece or thermometer erected outside of any building
for the purpose of advertising the business on the premises on which
it is located.
Any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors
and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site
where the sign is placed, together with other information included
thereon.
The wording or graphics on a sign surface.
A sign that serves as an aid to motorists or pedestrians
using facilities of some establishment, which sign does not itself
advertise the establishment, and which meets the sign requirements
of this article.
A sign which is affixed to an exterior wall of any building,
when such sign shall project not more than 15 inches from the building
wall or parts thereof.
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed,
and in the instance where a double-faced sign is utilized, the area
of both faces shall be included to determine face square footage.
A sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in
intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits marked changes
in lighting effects. Illuminated signs which indicated only the time,
temperature, or date shall not be considered to be flashing signs.
A temporary sign erected only for that limited period during
which an enterprise not theretofore in operation begins its operation
initially or at a new location.
A sign which is supported by one or more uprights or braces
in or upon the ground.
A sign or plaque identifying an historic structure or site
that also provides an explanation about the significance of the structure
or site.
A sign specifically indicating the hours and days of business
or organizational operations.
Signs within a building not attached to a window or door.
A sign on translucent material that is illuminated by an
internal light source.
A sign which is attached to, mounted on, pasted on, painted
or drawn on any vehicle, whether motorized or drawn, which is placed,
parked or maintained at a particular location for the express purpose
and intent of promotion and advertising.
Any sign approved by the Mayor and Council of the City of
Burlington or the City Board of Education for use relating to traffic
control, public information, public access or safety or similar purpose.
Municipal signs shall not require review and approval by the City
Historic Preservation Commission.
A glass tube filled with neon gas that is lit with electricity.
Those signs which do not meet the criteria of this article
for any reason such as, but not limited to, size, location, construction,
attachment or affixture to a building or the ground. In the historic
district, nonconforming signs are those which have not been reviewed
and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning
Board.
A sign indicating the name of an individual or company and
the profession, such as law or medicine, practiced within the premises.
A sign which is affixed to any building wall or structure
and extends beyond the building wall, or part thereof, structure,
building line or property line more than 15 inches.
Any item used for public purposes, including, but not limited
to, traffic signal poles, traffic signal facilities, utility poles,
parking meters, any other type of pole, trees, U.S. mail receptacles,
litter receptacles, benches, bus shelters, vacant buildings, fences
bordering vacant lots, public buildings or any object affixed to or
placed upon the streets or sidewalks for public purposes or for the
use of the public.
A large freestanding sign typically over six feet in height
and wider than tall, which is supported by a visible armature.
A temporary sign erected by the owner or his or her agent
that advertises the real property for rent, lease, or sale.
A sign erected, constructed, and maintained on or above the
roof of any building and attached thereto.
A movable, double-sided sign typically with an A-frame construction.
Any material or any structure or part thereof or device attached,
erected or maintained by any person on which is included a letter,
word or figure which attracts or intends to attract attention to itself.
Includes all lettering, wording, coloring and accompanying
designs and symbols, together with background whether open or enclosed,
but not including any supporting framework or bracing incidental to
the display itself.
Any sign of any material whatsoever that is attached in any
way to a utility pole, tree, or any object located or situated on
public or private property.
A sign of a nonpermanent nature, such as, but not limited
to, a business's "sale" sign or a landscaper's sign.
A sign which is affixed to an exterior wall of any building,
when such sign shall project not more than 15 inches from the building
wall or parts thereof.
Any sign painted on or display exhibited on the inside of
a building intended to be visible from the outside.
The following types of signs, subject to the limitations prescribed
for them, shall be the only signs permitted for residential and institutional
uses authorized in the historic district of the City of Burlington.
The design, color scheme, lighting, and placement shall be subject
to review and approval of the Historic Preservation Commission. The
following kinds of signs will be permitted in all residential and
waterfront zones in the historic district:
A.
Signs erected by the state, municipal, county or federal government,
as may be deemed necessary for their respective functions.
B.
One wall and one ground sign not exceeding 1.5 square feet each in
area, stating only the name of the occupant or the street address
on the premises.
C.
One wall sign or ground sign not exceeding eight square feet on the
premises of a church, library, school or other public building shall
be permitted, giving only the name and nature of occupancy. Directional
signs not exceeding one square foot in area may be used for a driveway
entrance, exit or for warning or directional purposes on the wall
or grounds of libraries, schools, churches or other public buildings.
In addition, one changeable copy sign shall be permitted for those
institutions that have frequent programming changes.
D.
Real estate signs erected only on the property to be sold or rented,
but not placed on trees or utility poles and not exceeding four square
feet. If not attached to a building, said sign shall not exceed five
feet in height and shall be set back at least six feet from the face
of curb or edge of pavement. Real estate signs shall be removed within
seven days of the closing of the sale, rental or lease of the premises
or as determined by the Zoning Officer in the case of multiple lease
or rental spaces in a single project.
E.
Temporary ground signs not exceeding one square foot in area erected
for directional purposes for a period not exceeding two days.
F.
Construction signs such as builders', architects', developers', and
engineers' erected on the site during the course of any building or
developing operation, not exceeding 12 square feet. The temporary
signs shall be removed upon the expiration of the building permit
or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, whichever comes first.
G.
Historical identification signs and building markers may remain on
or be placed on or near an historic building, structure, site or City
property by an accredited historic or civic organization or by the
City of Burlington. They should not exceed two square feet and should
be constructed from cast, cut or etched masonry, metal, or similar
durable material. They may not be installed, removed or altered without
the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.
H.
Temporary banner signs shall be allowed to be placed over a street
by a municipal, nonprofit or quasi-public organization.
I.
Hours of operation signs that are painted on the glass or affixed
to the door and inscribed in a rectangle no larger than 18 inches
by 24 inches shall be permitted for institutions that have regular
open hours.
The following types of signs, subject to the limitations prescribed
for them, shall be the only signs permitted for office and commercial
uses authorized in the historic district of the City of Burlington:
A.
Signs erected by the state, municipal, county or federal government,
as may be deemed necessary for their respective functions.
B.
Real estate signs erected only on the property to be sold or rented,
but not placed on trees or utility poles and not exceeding four square
feet. If not attached to a building, said signs shall not exceed five
feet in height and shall be set back at least six feet from the face
of curb or edge of pavement. Real estate signs may not be placed in
any right-of-way. Real estate signs shall be removed within seven
days of the closing of the sale, rental or lease of the premises or
as determined by the Zoning Officer in the case of multiple lease
or rental spaces in a single project.
C.
Temporary ground signs not exceeding one square foot in area erected
for directional purposes for a period not exceeding two days.
D.
Construction signs such as builders', architects', developers', and
engineers' signs erected on the site during the course of any building
or developing operation, not exceeding 12 square feet. The temporary
signs shall be removed upon the expiration of the building permit
or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, whichever comes first.
E.
Historical identification signs and building markers may remain on
or be placed on or near an historic building, structure, site or City
property by an accredited historic or civic organization or by the
City of Burlington. They should not exceed two square feet and should
be constructed from cast, cut or etched masonry, metal, or similar
durable material. They may not be installed, removed or altered without
the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.
F.
Campaign signs are permitted, provided that no campaign material
shall be painted or affixed upon any public place or public facility
and no campaign material shall be painted or affixed upon any private
property or private fence or private tree without the consent of the
owner.
G.
Hours of operation signs that are painted on the glass or affixed
to the door and inscribed in a rectangle no larger than 18 inches
by 24 inches shall be permitted for offices and stores that have regular
open hours.
H.
Business signs.
(1)
Ground-floor businesses. Each ground-floor occupant of a commercial
building is permitted one facade sign, ground sign or projecting business
sign in addition to window and/or awning signs for each facade, subject
to the following restrictions:
(a)
A facade sign shall not exceed in area 10% of the total area
of the first story or ground-level facade of the building on which
it is erected.
(b)
No facade sign shall project higher than the highest point of
the first-floor facade of the building or storefront upon which it
is to be erected.
(c)
Facade signs shall be placed in the solid wall spaces between
the heads and sills of windows. In no case shall such signs project
above the top of any window sill or cover any part of such opening.
(d)
Secondary entrances. Where the ground-floor occupant has a secondary
side or rear entrance, smaller versions of the sign created for the
front of the building may be installed on or near the secondary entryway.
The secondary sign may be a facade sign, ground sign, projecting business
sign or permanent window sign. The area of the secondary sign must
not exceed 1/2 of the area of the related sign on the main facade
of the building. The sign must be proportional to the space either
above, beside or upon the secondary door.
(e)
Ground signs shall be a maximum of 12 square feet (three feet
by four feet) and shall be situated at least 10 feet from the pavement
edge or curb of a public street or outside the public right-of-way,
whichever is further.
(f)
Projecting signs not exceeding six square feet in area shall
be allowed at right angles, provided they do not extend more than
three feet three inches (39 inches) beyond the facade of the building
and are no less than 10 feet above the sidewalk, as measured from
the bottom edge of the sign. The support for such signs shall be of
wood or suitable metal, with the design to be in keeping with those
designs of historical character allowed in the historic district.
The structural supports for such signs shall comply with all applicable
building construction codes. The face of the sign shall represent
the name of the firm, store or establishment or represent the use
or professions practiced therein.
(g)
Window signs. Two business signs may be painted on the windows
and/or doors of each business bearing the name, street number, and/or
type of business of the principal occupant; provided that there shall
be no more than one such sign on each window or door, and the total
area of all such signs shall not exceed 15% per storefront glass or
30% for a corner property, with 15% per exposure to street front.
(h)
Temporary window signs designed to promote the sale of any article
or business activity shall not exceed in total sign area 15% of the
total window area of the first floor or street level of the building
involved. Each individual window sign shall not exceed six square
feet in area. Such signs shall not remain in a window longer than
30 consecutive days. They shall be removed within two days after the
event or activity has taken place. No fee or permit shall be required.
(i)
Awning signs shall be permitted for individual business located
on the first floor of a commercial building. The awning may have the
name of the business imprinted along the vertical drop of the valance,
subject to the following restrictions:
(2)
Upper-floor businesses.
(a)
Signs permitted for business establishments above the first
floor that do not have a separate exterior entrance shall be a sign
painted on one window in gold, black or white or a combination of
the same and similar lettering on the glass of the corresponding ground-floor
entrance door and/or transom. Each sign shall be limited to two lines,
and each line shall be limited to six inches in height.
(b)
Businesses situated on the second or third floor of commercial
buildings that have an exterior entranceway shall be permitted one
wall sign not to exceed 10% of the total area of the facade of the
upper story or level on which it is erected or a projecting sign not
greater than 12 square feet.
I.
"Grand opening" signs. Notwithstanding other provisions of this article,
a newly established, expanded or relocated commercial business, in
addition to the previously specified sign allotments, may, for a period
of 30 days, display one temporary ground, window, or wall "grand opening"
sign per street frontage. Each allowed sign shall not exceed 20 square
feet in face area. Ground signs shall not exceed six feet in height
and shall be mounted flat on the front of the building.
J.
Sandwich board signs shall be permitted in the historic district,
provided that:
(1)
The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed four feet, and the
maximum area shall not exceed 12 square feet. For purposes of measurement,
only one of the sides of a double-sided sign will be used if both
sides contain identical content.
(2)
The signs do not block public access and are placed in close proximity
to the entryway.
(3)
The signs are taken in at night and are not on the sidewalk when
the establishment is not open during the day.
(4)
The signs are constructed of wood and are designed to be compatible
with the other signage of the same business.
(5)
The signs will be hand painted, with no vinyl or moveable copy permitted.
(6)
Electric lights or devices shall not be permitted.
(7)
The sign must include the name of the business establishment and
may include an area for a slate board or an erasable white board so
as to permit a notation of special sales.
K.
Clock signs and temperature signs shall comply with the following
requirements:
(1)
Clocks and temperature signs shall be permitted, provided that they
do not encompass more than 20% of any allowable sign area for the
type of sign upon which they are placed.
(2)
The time and temperature display may alternate, provided that the
period of time that one display is shown is not less than one second.
(3)
Mechanical clocks are preferred within the historic district.
L.
Interior signs. The display of permanent advertising signs and posters
attached to or otherwise mounted so as to be seen only through the
windows of a business or commercial establishment shall constitute
a sign within the meaning of this provision, and the area of such
signs shall be included within the total permitted above. Signs attached
directly to a window or within three feet of a window may not cover
more than 25% of the window.
Indirectly illuminated signs shall adhere to the following provisions
and restrictions in addition to those stated in the sign requirements
by zone:
A.
Indirectly illuminated signs shall be permitted, with the specific
design of the illumination to be approved by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
B.
All lights shall be either shielded or shall have a translucent fixture
to reduce off-site effects.
C.
Illuminated signs shall be arranged to reflect the light and glare
away from adjoining lots and streets.
D.
No signs shall be permitted with a beam, beacon or flashing illumination
or that have a changing light intensity, brightness or color.
E.
No colored lights shall be used at any location in any manner so
as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.
F.
Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources
shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public
thoroughfares.
G.
Exposed bulbs shall not be used on the exterior surface of any sign,
except when approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.
H.
Exposed neon shall not be allowed, except in such instances where
the Historic Preservation Commission determines that the sign is compatible
with the architectural style and features of the building in question.
In addition to those signs which are prohibited generally in
the City of Burlington, the following signs are specifically prohibited
in the historic district:
