Town of Bethany Beach, DE Article IV Sign Standards

§ 530-6 Area and height measurement.

A. The sign area is calculated by determining the number of square feet of the smallest rectangle(s) within which a sign face can be enclosed. In determining the area of an individual sign that has more than one face (e.g., a monument or projecting sign), the single sign face with the greatest area shall be used. The total sign area is the sum of all individual sign areas.

B. The height of a sign shall be measured from the ground, adjacent to the sign, to the top of the sign and support structure. If the ground under the sign slopes, the height shall be measured from the average grade under the sign itself.

§ 530-7 Setbacks.

Except as provided in this chapter, sign location shall conform to setbacks established in the Zoning Code.[1]

A. Signs taller than three feet may not be located within the visibility triangle depicted in the diagram below. Minor exceptions may be granted for controlled intersections if approved by the Town Building Inspector or the Code Enforcement Officer, if a finding is made that the proposed sign will not affect the line of sight of vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians at the intersection.

B. With Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer approval, traffic directional signs may be placed in the required setback, provided the Inspector or Officer finds that they do not interfere with the visibility required for safe vehicular, bicyclist and pedestrian circulation, especially at street corners.

C. With Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer approval, monument signs may be located in the required setback area, provided the Inspector or Officer reasonably determines that they are outside of the visibility triangle, provide adequate site distance for driveways and meet applicable height and area limits established for the zoning district.

D. The Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer may approve reduced setbacks for signs as long as the Inspector or Officer reasonably determines the sign does not interfere with the visibility required for safe vehicular, bicyclist and pedestrian circulation.

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 425, Zoning.

§ 530-8 Sign location.

All signs that are attached to buildings must be located on a building face that has a public entrance. The Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer may make exceptions to this requirement in circumstances where the purpose and intent of these regulations is maintained and where the orientation of the public entrance to a building is such that the sign would not have sufficient visibility from the public right-of-way to provide for adequate identification of the business use.

§ 530-9 Illumination.

Where illumination of signs is permitted, the following standards shall apply:

A. Lighting for signs shall not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises.

B. The light source, whether internal to the sign or external, shall be shielded from view. This requirement is not intended to preclude the use of diffused exposed neon.

C. Sign illumination for externally illuminated signs shall utilize focused light fixtures that do not allow light or glare to shine above the horizontal plane of the top of the sign or onto any public right-of-way or adjoining properties.

D. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed 100 luxes (10 footcandles) measured at a distance of 10 feet from the sign.

E. Signs located in residential zones may not be illuminated, except directory signs which shall not exceed 10 luxes (one footcandle) measured at a distance of 10 feet from the sign.

§ 530-10 Clearance.

Where permitted, awning, projecting, marquee and suspended signs shall conform to the following requirements:

A. Vertical clearance: The minimum clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade immediately below shall be eight feet for public rights-of-way and private sidewalk areas.

B. Horizontal clearance: The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curbline shall be two feet, the maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be 2/3 the width of the sidewalk or six feet, whichever is less.

§ 530-11 Permitted signs in the residential zoning districts.

The following signs are permitted in the R-1, R-1A and B and R-2 Residential Zoning Districts.

A. One freestanding post sign for each permitted use.

B. One sign per subdivision or Planned Residential Development (PRD) indicating the sale of property within such subdivision or PRD by the developer thereof. This sign shall not be larger than 12 square feet in area nor more than four feet in height above ground and shall not be illuminated. Permission for this sign shall be for 360 days, beginning at the date of recording of the signed plat of the subdivision or PRD. An extension of an additional 180 days may be granted by the Building Inspector but in no case shall any such temporary sign remain or be erected on the property after 540 days from the date of the recording of the signed plat of the subdivision or PRD.

C. No more than two signs or bulletin boards, each not exceeding 12 square feet in area nor more than five feet in height above ground upon the premises of a school, church, synagogue or other institution for the purpose of displaying the name of such institution and other related information.

D. Customary signs and fixed symbols, in conjunction with residential usage, such as mailbox signs and names of residences. No such sign shall exceed 288 square inches in area nor be illuminated.

E. Customary directional signs to public facilities such as schools, playgrounds, churches and parks, not to exceed 288 square inches in area.

F. Parking restriction signs:

(1) One or more parking restriction signs, the number, size and wording to be approved by the Town of Bethany Beach, based on:

(a) Maintaining reasonable conformity of such signs throughout the Town;

(b) Allowing only the minimum number reasonably necessary; and

(c) The particular requirements of each property (e.g., size and number of entrances).

(2) All such signs shall be supplied by the Town Office at cost to the applicant.

G. Noncommercial speech signs: Noncommercial speech signs may be erected or displayed in all residential districts, subject to the following limitations:

(1) Posting more than one sign with the same noncommercial speech message on the property of the same dwelling unit, or in the case of lots upon which no dwelling units are constructed, on the same lot, shall be prohibited.

(2) Noncommercial speech signs shall not be illuminated.

(3) The total sign area of all noncommercial speech signs shall not exceed 288 square inches, and no such sign shall exceed 30 inches in height.

H. Windblown displays may be flown or displayed in residential districts, provided that:

(1) Except as provided in Subsection H(2) below, no windblown display shall be permitted on any lot carrying a commercial message advertising a commercial use or activity occurring on any lot within the Town.

(2) Where flown or displayed upon any lot upon which a nonconforming commercial use or activity is occurring, the following restrictions shall apply:

(a) No more than three windblown displays per lot may be flown or displayed at the same time.

(b) No windblown displays shall exceed 2,160 square inches in area in the aggregate.

(3) Except for flags of sovereign nations, states or municipalities, no windblown display shall be illuminated in any fashion. Flags of sovereign nations, states or municipalities may be illuminated by any conventional method, but:

(a) Revolving, flashing, animated or moving lights shall not be permitted.

(b) All such illuminated flags shall be displayed from the same flagpole, staff or other similar device.

(4) No more than two flagpoles are permitted per premises, subject to the restrictions found in § 530-14N of this chapter.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to apply to or limit windblown displays that are not visible or observable from abutting streets, alleys or other properties.

I. All other signs permitted in the residential districts under § 530-14, Sign standards by sign type.

§ 530-12 Permitted signs in the C-1, C-2 and CL-1 Districts.

[Amended 9-21-2012 by Ord. No. 483; 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509; 6-19-2015 by Ord. No. 514; 7-19-2024 by Ord. No. 568]

A. All signs permitted in the R-1, R-1A and B, and R-2 Zoning Districts.

B. Exterior business signs, provided that:

(1) For each establishment, the number of signs shall not exceed two signs on each street upon which the building fronts, provided that where an alley or parking lot abuts the side(s) (not rear) of the building, each establishment shall be allowed one additional sign on that side(s).

(2) Animated, revolving or moving signs or sound devices shall not be permitted.

C. Interior signs: No interior sign which is comprised, in whole or in part, or which utilizes or is illuminated by flashing, rotating, pulsing, revolving or moving lights, including digital displays, shall be permitted to be displayed in such a manner as to be plainly visible from outside such structure (e.g., displayed in a window or door or in such proximity thereto as to be readily legible from the exterior of such structure).

D. Any commercial sign authorized by this chapter may contain a noncommercial speech message in lieu of any commercial message.

E. Commercial malls: In addition to any signs permitted for the individual establishments located within a commercial mall, the mall shall be authorized one fixed sign identifying the name of the mall on each street on which the mall fronts, the cumulative area of such identification signs not to exceed one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage. For the purposes of calculating the maximum size of mall signs hereunder, each street frontage shall be calculated separately.

F. Windblown displays, including but not limited to any banner, pennant, gas balloon or flag that is designed to inform or attract attention, are prohibited (except for exempt flags and open for business signs as defined). However, temporary event signs, pennants, flags and banners that are used in conjunction with commercial and noncommercial events as well as in-store special sales events may be permitted, but only upon written application to and approval by the Building Inspector and subject to the following limitations:

(1) In addition to any other signs permitted by this chapter, any establishment with street frontage of 20 feet or less shall be allowed to fly not more than two windblown displays, and any establishment having in excess of 20 feet of street frontage shall be entitled to fly not more than three windblown displays. For purposes of calculating the number of windblown displays permitted by this subsection, each street upon which an establishment fronts shall be viewed independently of any other street upon which the establishment fronts.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, no windblown display shall exceed 2,160 square inches (15 square feet) in cumulative area per street front.

(3) Windblown displays shall not project more than five feet beyond the corners, nor more than 10 feet above the highest point of the building or structure to which it is attached, and in no event shall exceed 35 feet above grade. Freestanding windblown displays shall not be displayed or flown more than 20 feet above grade. No windblown display shall be flown or displayed so as to interfere with or obstruct pedestrian traffic.

(4) No more than two flagpoles are permitted per premises, subject to the restrictions found in the sign standards by sign type section.

(5) A "no fee" sign permit for windblown displays is required and is valid for a period no longer than 15 business days, and not more than one permit shall be issued for the same premises more frequently than four times a year for a total of 60 days in a calendar year.

(6) Windblown displays shall be removed within three days of the expiration of the time period. No product shall be advertised on the windblown display unless it is sold in the business.

G. All other signs permitted under § 530-14, Sign standards by sign type.

§ 530-13 Advertisements.

A. Any person hereafter found guilty of keeping, maintaining or posting any private advertisement or poster or sign upon or along any beach or strand or public boardwalk or sidewalk or street or other public way or place within the limits of the Town shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine as set out in Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article I, Penalties, plus court costs.

B. After notice to remove the same by any member of the police force or beach patrol of the Town and failing to do so, the Town Police are hereby authorized to remove the same.

§ 530-14 Sign standards by sign type.

This section is intended to be used in conjunction with other provisions of this chapter, but if there is any conflict between the standards contained in this section and other standards contained in this chapter, the standards in this section shall prevail.

A. Wall signs.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

Signage Guidelines

Wall signs include most types of signage that are attached to the face of a building wall. These include channel letters made out of wood, metal or plastic. Wall signs may be painted on a wall, or on a board that is attached to a wall. Wall signs should be oriented to achieve balanced composition and harmony with other architectural elements of a building facade. Wall signs should be placed on a flat building surface and should not be placed over or otherwise obscure architectural building features.

(1) Location and number: Wall signs may be located on a building face that has a public entrance. The maximum number of wall signs permitted is two per tenant space. In the CL-1 Zoning District, one primary wall sign per building and two secondary wall signs per building are permitted.

(2) Size: Wall signs may be a maximum of 50 square feet or 15% of the building face where the sign is attached, whichever is less. Wall signs with changeable copy are limited to six square feet. In the CL-1 Zoning District, the single primary wall sign per building cannot exceed 260 square feet per sign, and the two secondary wall signs per building can not exceed 70 square feet per sign with the sign lettering not to exceed 30 inches high.

(3) Illumination: Wall signs may be illuminated by any means consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[1] In the CL-1 Zoning District, the primary signs may be externally lit or internally lit, with all internally lighted signs facing away from the surrounding residential structures. The secondary wall signs in the CL-1 Zoning District can be either externally or internally lit.

[1] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: permitted in the C-1, C-2, CL-1 and MORE Zoning Districts and subject to review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

B. Window signs.

Signage Guidelines

Window signs should be scaled to the pedestrian and oriented to window shoppers on the sidewalk, as opposed to vehicles passing by. Window signs should be limited to small graphics and text that serve to frame a window or to provide information. A window sign should not obscure the view into a store or place of business.

(1) Location and number: A window sign is a sign painted on or attached to a window and located within 12 inches of the face of a window. There is no specific location requirement or limit to the number of window signs allowed, and window signs shall not be included in the total number of exterior business signs permitted under § 530-12B. Window displays, including merchandise displays, graphics and text that are located more than 12 inches from the face of a window, are not considered signs.

(2) Size: Window signs are limited to a maximum of 24 square feet or 15% of the window area, whichever is less. Window sign size calculations shall not include the space utilized by the window sign for business hours of operation or "open"/"closed" signs.

(3) Illumination: Window signs may be illuminated by any means consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Window signs are allowed in the C-1, C-2, CL-1 and MORE Zoning Districts and subject to review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

C. Awning signs.

Signage Guidelines

Signs on awnings should be minimized and are only appropriate if there are no appropriate alternatives for wall signs, projecting signs or hanging and suspended signs. Signage should be limited to the skirt of the awning and should not be on the awning face. Signs should only be considered for the awning face if there is no other adequate location for signage on a given storefront or property.

(1) Location and number: Signs may be located on awnings subject to size criteria. One awning sign is permitted per tenant space and must maintain clearance of eight feet above any public right-of-way or private sidewalk. Storefront awnings are discouraged where the bottom of the awning is more than five feet above the top of the street front windows.

(2) Size: Signs on awnings shall not cover more than 25% of the main area of the awning or exceed 25 square feet in size, whichever is smaller.

(3) Illumination: Awnings signs may be externally illuminated consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[3] Backlit, translucent awning signs are prohibited.

[3] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Awning signs may be located in the C-1, C-2 and CL-1 Commercial Zoning Districts. Installation of new awnings is subject to the review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

D. Projecting signs.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

Signage Guidelines

Projecting signs are attached to a building face and project out perpendicular to the building wall. Projecting signs are very effective when oriented to pedestrians on the sidewalk level. Appropriate materials include wood and metal with carved or applied lettering, or any other material that is architecturally compatible with the building that the sign is attached to. Multiple projecting signs should not be installed within 10 feet of each other if on the same property and should be separated from projecting signs on adjacent properties by 10 feet to insure proper visibility.

(1) Location and number: Projecting signs may be attached to building facades that have a public entrance and must maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet above the public-right-of way or private sidewalk area. One projecting sign is allowed per tenant space.

(2) Size: In the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts, projecting signs may have a maximum of 12 square feet. For the CL-1 Zoning District, a maximum of two projecting signs per building and not to exceed 60 square feet per sign and an additional five projecting signs per building not to exceed 12 square feet per sign.

(3) Illumination: Projecting signs may be illuminated by any means that is consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[4]

[4] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Projecting signs are allowed in the C-1, C-2, CL-1 and the MORE Zoning Districts and may be subject to review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

E. Hanging and suspended signs.

Signage Guidelines

Hanging signs, or suspended signs, are used to help define entries and identify business names to pedestrians. They are small and can hang over a building entry if the appropriate clearance is provided. Hanging signs can be particularly useful for storefronts that have multiple tenants.

(1) Location and number: Hanging or suspended signs may be attached to building facades that have a public entrance and must maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet above any public right-of-way or private sidewalk area. One hanging or suspended sign is allowed per tenant space.

(2) Size: Hanging and suspended signs may have a maximum area of 12 square feet.

(3) Illumination: Hanging signs and suspended signs may be externally illuminated by any means consistent with the illumination section of this chapter,[5] although ambient light is usually sufficient to light these small signs.

[5] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Hanging and suspended signs are allowed in all zoning districts and may be subject to review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

F. Monument signs.

Signage Guidelines

Monument signs are typically used where building setbacks, orientation or design make it difficult to provide other types of signage, such as wall signs, that are plainly visible to people that are trying to identify a use. Monument signs have a solid base that the sign face is installed upon. These signs should be designed so that the style of the sign and its base are consistent with the architecture of the buildings on the site. They are typically oriented perpendicular to the adjacent street and sidewalk and have a maximum of two parallel sign faces. Monument signs provide opportunities for landscaping to enhance their appearance.

(1) Location and number: Monument signs may be located in required street yards (i.e., a yard in the front of a property) for any given zone, provided that no sign is located in the public right-of-way, and subject to the approval of the Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer. Only one monument sign is permitted per premises, per street frontage.

(2) Size: In the C-1 Commercial Zoning District, the maximum size of a monument sign is 12 square feet and the maximum height is four feet. In the C-2 Commercial Zoning District, the maximum size of a monument sign is 50 square feet and the maximum height is eight feet. Where two or more uses are located on the same premises, the sign area for monument signs must be shared. The largest single sign face is used to calculate the area of the monument signs.

(3) Illumination: If illumination of monument signs is desired, then external illumination or halo lighting is preferred.

(4) Zoning: Monument signs are allowed in all zoning districts and are subject to the review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Committee.

G. Freestanding post signs.

Signage Guidelines

Freestanding post signs are primarily used to identify office uses, especially where a former residence has been converted into an office. They are similar to monument signs, except they do not have a base other than the support posts, they usually have a single sign face, and they are usually oriented parallel to the sidewalk instead of perpendicular. The colors and materials used for the sign must be compatible with the associated building design. Lettering should be carved, routed or applied as opposed to painted on a flat board.

(1) Location and number: Freestanding post signs may be located in required yards for any given zone, provided that no sign is located in the public right-of-way, and subject to approval of the Building Inspector or the Code Enforcement Officer. Only one freestanding post sign is permitted per premises, per street frontage.

(2) Size:

(a) The maximum sign area for freestanding post signs in commercial districts is 15 square feet. Freestanding post signs shall not exceed five feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign structure. Where two or more uses are located on the same premises, the sign area for freestanding post signs must be shared.

(b) The maximum sign area for freestanding post signs in residential districts is 288 square inches in area and not more than 30 inches in height above ground, and said signs shall not be illuminated.

(3) Illumination: Freestanding post signs may be externally illuminated consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[6]

[6] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Freestanding post signs are allowed in all zoning districts and may be subject to review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

H. Pole signs.

Signage Guidelines

Pole signs are primarily intended to communicate with people in automobiles. The sign structure is typically located on a single pole, but other types of supports may be used.

(1) Locations and number: Immediately effective upon the approval of the amended Sign Ordinance, pole signs are no longer permitted to be constructed in the Town of Bethany Beach. All existing pole signs in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts as of August 19, 2011, are permitted to remain but with the following restrictions:

(a) Upon review and approval by the Building Inspector, existing pole signs can undergo minor repair and/or be maintained if it is determined that the pole sign poses a safety hazard and/or is in a poor state of repair.

(b) Existing pole signs are not permitted to be expanded and/or replaced.

(c) Multitenant pole signs are permitted to be updated but all changes are limited to only reflect changes to the name and advertisement of the new business.

(d) If the Building Inspector determines that a pole sign is extensively damaged, unsafe and/or beyond repair, the Building Inspector shall direct the owner of the pole sign to immediately restore and/or remove the pole sign to its original dimensions.

Note: All pole signs outlined, described and listed in the attached Appendix[7] are deemed to be legal and are considered to be exceptions to the regulations prohibiting pole signs but are subject to all provisions in the ordinance from this date forward and will transfer with the property if a business is sold.

[7] Editor's Note: The List of Pole Signs is included at the end of this chapter.

I. Sandwich-board signs.

Signage Guidelines

Sandwich-board signs can be effective for certain types of uses, such as markets, restaurants or bakeries that have changing specials and menus. These sign may have re-writable surfaces, such as chalk boards or dry-erase boards.

(1) Location and number: Sandwich-board signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way and must be placed on private property. Sandwich-board signs may be located in required street yards (i.e., a yard in the front of a property) for any given zone, subject to the approval of the Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer. They may be placed in a front yard or in a foyer, portico or other building entry, provided they do not interfere with pedestrian ingress or egress. Only one sandwich-board sign is permitted per tenant space.

(2) Size: Sandwich-board signs may have a maximum area of eight square feet per sign face and a maximum height of four feet measured from the ground to the top of the sign structure.

(3) Illumination: Sandwich-board signs shall not be illuminated other than by ambient light from other existing light sources.

(4) Zoning: Sandwich-board signs are permitted in the C-1, C-2 and CL-1 Zoning Districts.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

J. Murals.

Signage Guidelines

Certain building walls present opportunities for murals. Murals should not contain text or any specific commercial message. Murals that do not contain text or any specific commercial message can be considered public art.

(1) Location and number: Murals may be located on any building wall. There is no specific limit on the number of murals permitted.

(2) Size: Murals may be any size, subject to the approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee and the Town.

(3) Illumination: Murals may be illuminated by any means that is consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[8]

[8] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Murals may be located only in the C-1, C-2, CL-1 and MORE Zoning Districts, subject to the approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

K. Electronic message centers.

Signage Guidelines

Electronic message centers (EMCs) come in different shapes and sizes and typically have a scrolling message. Some EMCs have interactive computer screens.

(1) Location and number: Electronic message centers (EMCs) are not permitted in the Town of Bethany Beach. Electronic signs that display only the date, time and temperature may be permitted in the C-1, C-2, CL-1 and MORE Zoning Districts, if approved by the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

L. Shopping center identification signs.

Signage Guidelines

Shopping center identification signs should be compatible with the design theme of the development. They may identify multiple tenants, but larger shopping centers with more than five tenants should avoid listing individual tenants, other than the project anchors, to avoid sign clutter. The sign structure should contain elements of the design theme of the buildings in the center.

(1) Location and number: One shopping center identification sign may be located on each major street frontage of a shopping center or mall. In addition to any signs permitted for the individual establishments located within a shopping center or mall, the shopping center/mall shall be authorized one fixed sign identifying the name of the shopping center/mall on each street on which the shopping center/mall fronts, the cumulative area of such identification signs not to exceed one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage. For purposes of calculating the maximum size of shopping center/mall signs hereunder, each street frontage shall be calculated separately.

(2) Size: The size and height of the sign shall be subject to the review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

(3) Illumination: Shopping center/commercial mall identification signs may be illuminated consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[9]

[9] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Shopping center/commercial mall signs may be located in the C-1 and C-2 Commercial Zoning Districts.

M. Residential subdivision signs.

Signage Guidelines

The purpose of residential subdivision signs is to identify the name of a subdivision, provided the subdivision is not an infill project within an established neighborhood. They are usually monument signs or wall signs placed on a wall feature in a landscaped open space area at the entry of the development.

(1) Location and number: No more than two subdivision signs are allowed at each street frontage of a subdivision. They must be located within a landscaped area that is maintained by the developer or homeowners' or maintenance association.

(2) Size: Each residential subdivision sign may be up to 20 square feet and have a maximum height of four feet.

(3) Illumination: Residential subdivision signs may not be internally illuminated, but otherwise may be illuminated consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[10]

[10] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Residential subdivision signs are allowed in all residential zoning districts upon approval of the Building Inspector in accordance with the standards of this chapter and may be subject to a review and approval of the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

N. Flags.

Signage Guidelines

Flags should be sized appropriately for the height and diameter of the proposed pole.

	Recommended Flag and Pole Sizes Ground Set Poles
	Exposed Pole Height (feet)	Flag size (feet)
	15 to 20	3 by 5
	25	4 by 6
	30 to 35	5 by 8

(1) Location and number: Flagpoles shall be located in the required setback areas. The number of flagpoles permitted per property is subject to the requirements for windblown displays. Additional flagpoles are permitted only upon review and approval by the Building Inspector in accordance with the standards outlined in § 530-15.

(2) Size: The size of the flag shall be commensurate with the height and diameter of the pole, per recommended industry standards. The maximum height of the flagpole is the same as the maximum height for structures in that zoning district, as provided in the Bethany Beach Zoning Code.[11]

[11] Editor's Note: See Ch. 425, Zoning.

(3) Illumination: Flags may be illuminated by any means consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[12]

[12] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Official flags (federal, state, local) may be located in all zoning districts. Flag signs may be located in residential districts, subject to the limitations for windblown displays in residential districts found in § 530-11H. No flag signs shall be displayed in the C-1, C-2 and CL-1 Zoning Districts without prior approval by the Nonresidential Design Review Committee following its review of submitted plans.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

O. Directory signs.

Signage Guidelines

Directory signs are used for multitenant buildings to provide a directory of tenant locations within the building. They may also serve as the address sign for the property. Directory signs are small scale and are oriented to pedestrians.

(1) Location and number: Directory signs may be freestanding or may be fixed on an exterior wall if the building has no setback. One directory sign shall be permitted per building, and a directory sign shall not be included in the total number of exterior business signs authorized under § 530-12B.

(2) Size: Directory signs may be no larger than 15 square feet in area, and individual letters may not exceed six inches in height.

(3) Illumination: Directory signs may be illuminated by any means consistent with the illumination section of these Sign Regulations.[13]

[13] Editor's Note: See § 530-9, Illumination.

(4) Zoning: Directory signs are allowed in the C-1, C-2, CL-1 and MORE Zoning Districts and are subject to review and approval by the Nonresidential Design Review Committee.

[Amended 1-16-2015 by Ord. No. 509]

§ 530-15 Standards used to review signs.

When review of a sign is required by this chapter or by the Bethany Beach Nonresidential Design Guidelines, in addition to the specific standards outlined in this chapter and in the Bethany Beach Commercial Districts Design Guidelines, the following standards shall be used to guide the Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Official, and Nonresidential Design Review Committee in determining whether or not to approve the sign(s). All the standards may not apply in every situation. All viewpoints or messages conveyed by a sign that are protected by the First Amendment shall not be considered during the approval process.

A. Consistency with the general plan and provisions of the Bethany Beach Town Code;

B. Any potential impact on public health, safety, or welfare;

C. Compatibility of the size, shape, color, and placement of the sign with the property upon which it is placed;

D. Compatibility of the size, shape, color, and placement of the sign with the neighborhood and other lawful signs in the area;

E. Legibility of the proposed sign based on its location and the design of its visual elements (lettering, words, figures, colors, decorative motifs, spacing, and proportions);

F. That the location and design of the proposed sign does not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing or adjacent signs;

G. That the location and design of the proposed sign, its size, shape, illumination, and color are compatible with the visual characteristics of the surrounding area so as to not detract from or cause depreciation of the value or quality of adjacent properties; and

H. That the location and design of a proposed sign in close proximity to any residential district does not adversely affect the quality or character of such residential area.