A.Â
The purpose of this section is to prescribe standards for the location,
design, illumination, height, size and maintenance of all types of
signs within the Town of Snow Hill to promote public health, safety,
comfort, good order, appearance, morals and general welfare of the
public through provisions that promote a safe environment for vehicular
and pedestrian traffic, minimize distractions to drivers, promote
and protect the Town's natural scenic beauty and small-town character,
conserve and protect property values, and preserve the integrity of
the many historically and architecturally significant structures that
enhance the Town. The intent and provisions contained in this section
shall provide the basis for consideration of all zoning forms of action
as may be required by staff, the Planning Commission and the Board
of Appeals. The intent of this section is to:
(1)Â
Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication
for the convenience of the public by preventing their overconcentration,
proliferation, improper placement and excessive size which diminish
scenic routes and impede revitalization and conservation efforts.
(2)Â
Maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment while promoting
creativity and the Town's ability to attract sources of economic development
and growth.
(3)Â
Minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public
and private property.
(4)Â
Eliminate distractions which are hazardous to motorists and
pedestrians.
(5)Â
Protect and enhance the Town character by requiring new and
replacement signage which is creative and distinctive, compatible
with its environment and surroundings, an integral component of the
style and character of the building to which it relates; appropriate
to the activity to which it pertains; and appropriately sized for
its context.
(6)Â
Enable fair and consistent enforcement of sign regulations to
preserve and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
(7)Â
Control the size and number of signs in order to implement goals
and policies in the Comprehensive Plan.
B.Â
Applicability - effect. A sign may be erected, placed, established,
painted, created or maintained in the Town only in conformance with
the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this
section. The effect of this section is to:
(1)Â
Establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs
in commercial and industrial zones and a limited variety of signs
in other zones, subject to the standards and the permit procedures
of this section;
(2)Â
Allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive and incidental
to the principal use of the respective lots on which they are located,
subject to the substantive requirements of this section, but without
a requirement for permits;
(3)Â
Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this section;
(4)Â
Provide for enforcement of the provisions of this section; and
(5)Â
Require all signs to ultimately comply with the provisions of
these regulations.
A.Â
ABANDONED SIGN
AREA
ATTACHED SIGN
AWNING SIGN (ON-PREMISES)
BANNER
BILLBOARD
BUILDING FRONTAGE
CANOPY
COMMERCIAL
CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT SIGN
DECORATIVE FLAG
DIRECTORY SIGN
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD
EMERGENCY, SAFETY, WARNING or TRAFFIC SIGN
ERECT
FACADE
FACING or SURFACE
FLAG
FREESTANDING SIGN
GOVERNMENT SIGN
HANGING or SUSPENDED SIGN
HISTORIC MARKERS
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN
ILLEGAL SIGN
ILLUMINATED SIGN
ILLUMINATION, EXTERNAL
ILLUMINATION, INTERNAL
INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
MAINTENANCE
MARQUEE SIGN
MENU BOARD SIGN
MESSAGE
MONUMENT SIGN
NEON SIGN
NONCONFORMING SIGN
OFF-SITE or OFF-PREMISES SIGN
ON-PREMISES SIGN
PENNANT
POLITICAL SIGN
PORTABLE SIGN
PREMISES
PROJECTING SIGN
REVERSE CHANNEL WALL SIGN
ROOF SIGN
SANDWICH BOARD
SIGN
SIGN FACE
SIGN OWNER
SIGN, ANIMATED
STRUCTURAL TRIM
SUSPENDED SIGN
TEMPORARY SIGN
WALL SIGN
WINDOW SIGN
WINDOW SIGN AREA
Definitions. As used in this article, unless the context otherwise
indicates, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign which advertises or identifies a business establishment,
product or activity not legally established, that has ceased or that
is no longer in operation.
The number of square feet within the perimeter of one continuous
rectangle enclosing the face of a sign. Except in the case of a wall-mounted
sign, "area" includes the surface of all integral color, framing or
other design feature by which the sign is differentiated from the
structure supporting it or upon which it is erected.
An on-premises sign that is attached to a building wall or
other surface. Awning signs, canopy signs, window signs, projecting
signs, suspended signs and wall signs are all considered attached
signage.
An on-premises attached sign displayed, attached to or incorporated
into the surface of an architectural projection or shelter projecting
from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed
of a covering of nonrigid materials, and/or fabric on a supporting
framework that may be either permanent or retractable. Such sign shall
be considered a wall sign.
A temporary sign made of a flexible material such as canvas,
sailcloth, plastic or waterproof paper.
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity,
service, organization or entertainment conducted, sold or offered
at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
The total length in linear feet of an establishment's portion
of a building that fronts directly on a street, regardless of whether
such portion of the building is functionally the front, rear, end
or side of the building. Buildings with no street frontage shall use
the linear frontage of the building's principal entrance. Buildings
can have multiple fronts.
A structure, either detached from or attached to and extending
from the enclosed portion of a building and used principally to provide
shelter in connection with activities conducted in the principal building.
This definition includes but is not limited to fuel station, bank
and pharmacy canopies. Such sign shall be considered a wall sign.
That which relates to a for-profit business organization
engaging in the sale, rental, lease or exchange of goods, products,
services or properties of any kind.
A sign erected or maintained on the premises temporarily
while undergoing construction by an architect, contractor, subcontractor,
developer or finance organization, or other type of affiliation with
the construction, at which location such individual is furnishing
labor, materials or services and bearing the name(s) of the same.
Such signs shall be considered a temporary sign.
A specific type of flag which is distinguished from the general
definition of "flag" in that it does not relate to any government,
political subdivision or other entity.
A sign, either freestanding or wall-mounted, listing the
location of activities, services, addresses and/or tenants within
a multitenant/multiuse development, incidental to the property it
is located on, but not intended to advertise the use in any manner.
A sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic
image and/or video, which may or may not include text. Such signs
include any sign, or portion of a sign, that uses changing lights
to form a sign message or messages or uses electronic means to change
the sign message. Electronic message boards include but are not limited
to signs also known as "electronic reader boards," "electronic message
center signs," "tri-panel message systems" and "commercial electronic
variable message signs (CEVMS)." Electronic message signs are not
considered flashing signs.
Any emergency, safety, warning or traffic sign installed
by or at the direction of a governmental authority or with its approval.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix,
and shall also include the painting of wall signs.
The entire building wall, including the wall face, parapet,
fascia, windows, door and canopy of an elevation of the building.
The surface of the sign upon, against or through which the
message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.
Any fabric, banner or bunting, containing distinctive colors,
patterns or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision
or other entity.
An on-premises sign, identifying the principal use conducted
on the lot where the sign is located, that is placed on or anchored
in the ground with one or more supports and that is not part of a
building or other structure. Freestanding signs can also be referred
to as ground, monument, pole or pylon signs.
Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained for
any government purposes other than signs placed on the premises of
a publicly owned building or structure or other land use designed
to identify the land use to the public. Examples of government signs
include, but are not limited to, speed limit signs, city limit and
welcome signs, street name signs and traffic signs. Conversely, a
sign placed at a public building such as a library, school or safety
building, which identifies said building, shall not be considered
a government sign.
An on-premises attached sign that is suspended from the underside
of a horizontal plane surface or arm, such as a canopy or marquee,
and is supported by such surface.
Signs approved by the Town Council that explain the historical
facts or events or locations.
A sign used in conjunction with a home occupation that conforms
to home occupation regulations in the Zoning Code. One permanent sign
not exceeding three square feet is allowed.
Any sign placed, erected or installed without proper approval
or permits from the Town or not in compliance with the regulations
set forth in this section.
Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs
or outlines illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes as a
part of the sign proper.
Illumination of a sign face or graphic element from a shielded
light source that is not internal to the sign itself.
A light source concealed or contained within the sign which
becomes visible by shining through a translucent surface, letter or
graphic image.
Any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature
of 1,200° F. and will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature.
The normal and routine cleaning, as needed, painting, repair
or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does
not alter the basic copy, design, size or structure of the sign.
Any sign affixed to a marquee or canopy over the entrance
to a building, extending wholly or in part across the sidewalk and
supported from the building.
A sign displaying the bill of fare of a drive-in or drive-through
restaurant, generally adjacent to the front entry.
A communication, statement or display of information or ideas
through written words, letters, numerals, symbols, images, colors,
illumination or theme comprising the face of a sign. The message may
be distinguishable from the structural and supportive elements of
the sign.
A freestanding sign where the supporting structure of the
sign face is architecturally and aesthetically integrated into the
overall design of the sign. The base of the supporting structure is
embellished to conceal all structural or support members. The perimeter
of said sign is landscaped to enhance the area adjacent to the sign.
Eighty percent of the base supporting structure shall be in contact
with the ground. The sign face should be solid and is not intended
to be a pole-type design.
A sign using neon gas tubing as a light source.
A sign which lawfully existed prior to April 10, 2012, and
does not conform to this chapter.
A sign located, placed other than on the premises or property
of which the copy is intended.
A sign displaying information pertaining only to a business,
industry, activity or profession located on the premises where the
sign is displayed and pertaining only to the name of the business,
type of product sold, manufactured or assembled, and/or service, activity
or entertainment offered on said premises, including business identification
and occupancy signs.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire
or string, usually in a series.
A temporary sign used in connection with a local, state or
national election or referendum.
A sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent
structure, including but not limited to signs with attached wheels,
A-frame signs, umbrellas used for advertising, signs attached or painted
on vehicles parked and visible from a street, unless said vehicle
is used as a vehicle in the normal day-to-day operations of the business
it advertises and is parked on the same zoning lot as the business.
A sandwich board sign as defined by and in conformance with this article
is not considered a portable sign.
A recorded lot or, in the case of a multi-occupant lot such
as a shopping center, office park or industrial park, the total area
of the development under common ownership, leasehold or other assignment
of interest in real property which is used as a unified parcel.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that
its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of
such building or wall.
Individual copy lettering or sign components that are individually
mounted directly on the wall having lighting concealed within the
letter or number so that light reflects off the wall (i.e., reverse
lighting), creating a "halo" effect.
Any sign erected, constructed or maintained upon the roof
of any building.
A single- or double-faced moveable sign that is intended
to be used on a sidewalk or pedestrian way in front of the business
for which the commercial message is intended.
Includes every sign, billboard, ground sign, wall sign, roof
sign, illuminated sign, projecting sign, temporary sign, marquee,
awning, canopy, and street clock, and shall include any announcement,
declaration, demonstration, display illustration or insignia used
to advertise or promote the interests of any person when the same
is placed out of doors in view of the general public.
The portion of the sign on which copy is displayed, and shall
not include the base or foundation of the monument sign.
For the purposes of this section the owner/tenant/person(s)
responsible for the installation, erection, mounting, maintenance
and/or repair of the sign shall be considered the sign owner.
Any sign which flashes, revolves, rotates or swings by mechanical
means or which uses a change of lighting to depict action or to create
a special effect or scene.
The molding, battens, cappings, nailing strips, latticing,
and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
An on-premises attached sign that is suspended from the underside
of a horizontal plane surface or arm, such as a canopy or marquee,
and is supported by such surface.
A sign intended for temporary use with a permitted duration
period.
An on-premises sign affixed to or painted on the wall sign
installed or erected parallel (within six inches of a wall) to the
facade of any building upon which it is attached and designed to be
in proportion to the architectural facade or wall upon which it is
fastened and not projecting or extending above the building's roof
or parapet line. Wall signs shall include all signs such as awning/canopy
signs, marquee signs or any other similar signs, but shall not include
window signs as herein defined. This does not include any sign painted
directly on the wall of any building.
An on-premises sign located within a window or upon the inside
surface or outside surface of the window glass used to attract such
attention located within the premises. Signs which are located within
12 inches of the face of a window opening shall be considered a window
sign. Window sign area shall not include signage displaying business
hours of operation, credit card logos or open/closed designation if
said sign does not exceed two square feet.
The total area of the imaginary rectangles contiguous to
and surrounding each word, picture, logo, logotype, symbol, banding
or graphic, as a percentage of the total ground or second floor window
area of the premises as it may apply in accordance to this section.
B.Â
General regulations.
(1)Â
No sign, sign structure or part thereof shall be erected, enlarged
or altered unless such sign shall be in compliance with the provisions
of this section.
(2)Â
Signs visible from a public road shall not simulate traffic
control or other official signs. No sign, sign structure or part thereof
shall be located so as to obstruct or conflict with traffic sight
lines or traffic control signs or signals.
(3)Â
No lighting of signs shall be permitted which is of a flashing,
rotating or other animated type which could tend to blind or unduly
distract motorists, simulate an emergency vehicle, or which would
shine directly onto any lot in the R or B District.
(4)Â
No sign shall be located on or project into a vehicular public
way.
(5)Â
For the purposes of this section, the area of signs made up
of individual letters, figures or designs shall include the space
between such letters, figures or designs. All backgrounds, edging
and framing shall be included in the sign area, but not mountings.
(6)Â
No sign shall be attached to any tree, utility pole, shrub or
other natural object except for owner-posted "no hunting" or "no trespassing"
signs.
(7)Â
As used in this subsection, "sign" shall include "billboard."
(8)Â
Prior to issuance of a zoning permit, a sign within the Snow
Hill Historic District requires issuance of a certificate of appropriateness
from the Snow Hill Historic District Commission.
(9)Â
Signs shall meet all other federal and state requirements (i.e.,
ADA).
(10)Â
Total signage for a property shall not exceed 100 square feet
cumulatively; unless part of a sign plan approved by the Planning
Commission.
A.Â
Billboards, streamers, pennants, banners, beacons, ribbons, spinners
or other similar devices shall not be constructed, posted or erected
in any zone. Exceptions are the following:
B.Â
Flashing signs, roof signs, and signs containing reflective elements
which sparkle or twinkle in the sunlight are not permitted. Signs
indicating the current time and/or temperature are permitted provided
they meet all other requirements in this chapter.
C.Â
Portable signs, inflatable signs or tethered balloons (commercial
grade) are not permitted.
D.Â
Any sign advertising or identifying a business or organization which
is either defunct or no longer located on the premises is not permitted
after 30 days said business or organization becomes defunct (closes
down business activities/operations).
E.Â
Wall signs in excess of 200 square feet, unless said wall sign has
been approved by the Mayor and Council.
F.Â
Freestanding signs in excess of 100 square feet in area per side.
G.Â
No sign, except for a traffic, regulatory or informational sign,
shall use the words "stop," "caution," or "danger" or shall incorporate
red, amber, or green lights resembling traffic signals or shall resemble
"stop" or "yield" signs in shape and color.
H.Â
No sign may be painted onto any wall or roof, except for the restoration
of historic wall signs in the Historic District, upon approval of
the Historic District Commission.
I.Â
Outdoor advertising displays and off-site signs. Outdoor advertising
displays such as billboards (digital and the like) and all off-site
commercial signs are prohibited within the Town of Snow Hill.
J.Â
Rolling signs. Any sign which is portable in nature mounted on a
movable chassis without having a fixed location also known as "manual
variable message signs."
K.Â
Roof signs.
L.Â
Signs with obscene or indecent content.
M.Â
No part of a sign, or its structural framework or supporting elements,
may obstruct any window or opening intended to provide light or air
to a building or to any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder
or opening giving, or intending to give access to or from a building,
fire hydrant or standpipe.
A.Â
General design or development standards: shall apply to all permitted
signs.
(1)Â
Architectural compatibility. A sign (including its supporting
structure and components, if any) shall be designed as an integral
design element of a building's architecture and shall be architecturally
compatible, including color, with any building to which the sign is
to identify and with surrounding structures as determined by the Town
Planner and/or the Planning Commission.
(2)Â
Clearance from electrical conductors. Signs shall not be located
with less than five feet six inches horizontal or 10 feet vertical
clearance from overhead electrical conductors which are energized
under 750 volts. Signs shall not be located with less than eight feet
six inches horizontal or 11 feet vertical clearance from overhead
electric conductors which are energized in excess of 750 volts.
(3)Â
Signs shall comply with the visions in the Snow Hill Revitalization
Plan and Comprehensive Plan, or most recent update, or any other plan
adopted by Mayor and Council which is applicable.
(4)Â
All light fixtures, conduit and shielding shall be painted to
match either the building or the supporting structure that serves
as the background of the sign.
(5)Â
Signs shall be professionally constructed or rendered rather
than hand-drawn or homemade, unless approved by the Planning Commission
and Historic District Commission, if applicable.
(6)Â
Messages on signs shall have 10 or fewer syllables or symbols
per sign.
(7)Â
The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the
minimum needed to convey the sign's major message and shall be composed
in proportion to the sign face.
(8)Â
Properties within the Snow Hill Historic District must have
approval of the Historic District Commission.
(9)Â
Lighting requirements.
(a)Â
Externally lit signs shall be illuminated only with steady,
stationary, shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without
causing glare. Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating
a sign shall not be visible from adjacent public rights-of-way or
residential properties.
(b)Â
The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary
to illuminate and make legible a sign from an adjacent road or closest
right-of-way, and the illumination of a sign shall not cause glare
or other adverse effect which is obtrusive to the surrounding area
as determined by the local approving authority.
(c)Â
The fixtures used to illuminate signs shall not be directed
toward nearby residential properties.
(d)Â
Internally illuminated signs are permitted in certain circumstances
as follows:
(10)Â
A master sign plan will be required for any proposed shopping
center, business center, industrial park or other commercial business,
institutional or industrial development that requires a site plan,
as well as any property that receives a variance for signage exceeding
the maximum size limit. The following information is required:
(a)Â
Accurate plot plan of proposed development site, at such scale
as required by the local approving authority.
(b)Â
Location of buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped
areas.
(c)Â
Computation of maximum total sign area, maximum area individual
signs, height of signs and number allowed.
(d)Â
An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location
of each sign of any type, whether or not a permit is required, except
incidental signs need not be shown.
(e)Â
Proposed standards for consistency among all signs, to include:
color scheme, lettering or graphic style, lighting, location, material
and proportions.
B.Â
Illumination standards.
(1)Â
No person may erect a sign which flashes.
(2)Â
No person may erect a sign with exposed electrical wires.
(3)Â
No person may erect a sign that constitutes a hazard to pedestrian
or vehicular traffic because of intensity or direction of illumination.
(4)Â
All lighted on-site signs shall be illuminated indirectly by
either interior or exterior fixtures. The lighting shall be flush
mounted, downward directed and shall not emit light above the horizontal
plane.
(5)Â
The light source, whether internal to the sign or external,
shall be shielded from view. Neon signs are discouraged unless they
are appropriate to the period of the architecture or history of the
building and then must be approved by the Planning Commission.
(6)Â
Signs shall not be illuminated after 10:00 p.m. or close of
business, whichever is later, unless specifically allowed at site
plan review by the Snow Hill Planning Commission. Automatic timers
may be used to comply.
C.Â
Safety standards. No person may erect, maintain or suffer to remain
a sign which:
(1)Â
Is structurally unsafe;
(2)Â
Constitutes a hazard to public safety and health by reason of
inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment;
(3)Â
Obstructs free entrance or exit from a required door, window
or fire escape;
(4)Â
Obstructs light or air or interferes with a proper functioning
of the building; or
(5)Â
Is capable of causing electrical shock.
D.Â
Measurement of sign area.
(1)Â
Sign measurements shall be based upon the entire area of the
sign, with a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits
of the actual sign surface.
(2)Â
For a sign consisting of individual letters or symbols attached
to a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be considered
to be that of the smallest rectangle or other shape which encompasses
all of the letters and symbols.
(3)Â
The area of supporting framework (for example, brackets, posts,
etc.) shall not be included in the sign area if such framework is
incidental to the display.
(4)Â
When a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall
be included in determining the area, except where two faces are placed
back to back and are at no point more than two feet from each other.
In this case, the sign area shall be taken as either face, and if
the faces are unequal, the larger shall determine the area.
E.Â
Measurement of sign height. The height of any sign shall be measured
from the surface of the road up to the highest point of the sign.
For the purposes of this section, the following signs shall
not require a permit, provided all other applicable standards are
met:
A.Â
Signs erected or posted and maintained for public safety and welfare
or pursuant to any governmental function, law, ordinance or other
regulation and temporary signs indicating danger.
B.Â
Directional signs solely indicating ingress and egress at driveway
locations, containing no advertising material, and where the display
area does not exceed two square feet or extend higher than three feet
above ground level. Such sign will conform in all respects with the
requirements of this code.
C.Â
Signs posted as warnings related to trespassing, hunting, and danger
from animals, not exceeding two square feet in area. They may be posted
on buildings, fences or structures on property at eye level and may
not serve any advertising purpose.
D.Â
Yard sale signs. An on-premises sign advertising a yard or garage
sale shall not exceed two square feet in size and shall be limited
to one sign per lot. Such signs may be erected seven days prior to
the event and shall be removed within two days after the event. (Lead-in
directional off-premises yard sale signs are permitted from Friday
noon to dusk Sunday.)
E.Â
Home occupation signs. An on-premises home occupation sign shall
be limited to one sign per dwelling unit or principal use and shall
not exceed three square feet, provided the property owner has obtained
a certificate of use.
F.Â
Utility company signs not exceeding two square feet with no advertising
purpose.
G.Â
Political campaign signs provided they meet the following conditions:
(1)Â
Signs shall not exceed four square feet or 42 inches in height;
(2)Â
Sign does not obstruct visibility and is located outside of
the right-of-way.
(3)Â
No sign shall be located on property owned by the Town of Snow
Hill or upon any street or sidewalk.
(4)Â
No sign shall be installed until such time as the owner has
given his or her permission, in writing, for the sign to be installed.
(5)Â
Signs shall be removed within 10 days after the date upon which
the election or referendum to which they refer occurs.
H.Â
Real estate signs.
(1)Â
No more than one temporary sign advertising the sale, lease
or rental of premises upon which the sign is located. The sign shall
not be lighted.
(2)Â
Only one such sign is permitted to face on each street adjacent
to the property. A second sign is permitted if the street frontage
exceeds 400 feet.
(3)Â
Such signs may be single or double faced.
(4)Â
Commercial, Industrial and Highway Commercial Districts may
temporarily post a thirty-two-square-foot sign for one year (date
posted shall be in permanent marker in bottom right corner of the
sign and a legible photo shall be submitted to the Code Enforcement
Officer); at the end of one year, the sign must be replaced with a
sign not exceeding 16 square feet.
(5)Â
Residential properties and any other district not mentioned
above is limited in size to four square feet or less.
(6)Â
All real estate signs shall be removed within 10 days following
the sale, lease or rental of the premises.
I.Â
Construction signs. A maximum of four signs located on construction
sites not exceeding 16 square feet in aggregate while a valid construction
permit is active. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days after
the completion of such construction or issuance of the final occupancy
permit.
J.Â
Security/emergency contact signs not exceeding two square feet.
K.Â
Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones
when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible
material and made an integral part of the building structure.
L.Â
Professional nameplates or signs denoting the name and address of
the occupants of the premises, which signs or nameplates shall not
exceed four square feet.
M.Â
Open flags. Each permitted commercial operation or use may display
up to two flags bearing, but not limited to, the word "open" or "welcome."
Such flag shall not exceed three feet by five feet in dimension and
must be flown so that the lowest portion clears the public way by
at least seven feet.
N.Â
Transit signs. Signs identifying transit stops, facilities, times
and bus routes that conform to requirements of this code.
O.Â
Menu boards at fast-food restaurants. A menu board for a permitted
restaurant with drive-through service shall be located in such a way
as to be viewed from a designated drive-through lane and not located
within the required front, side or rear yard. In no case shall a menu
board exceed 32 square feet in area. The menu board shall be part
of the site plan review process.
P.Â
On-premises temporary special event signs or banners for religious,
charitable, civic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organizations. Temporary
signage for the previously stated groups is allowed, provided:
(1)Â
No more than one sign/banner per street frontage shall be permitted
per event.
(2)Â
The sign/banner shall be erected no sooner than 14 days before
and removed three days after the event.
(3)Â
An off-site sign/banner for an event is not to exceed three
feet by five feet and shall be limited to one per property. Written
permission must be obtained from the owner before posting.
Q.Â
Wayfaring signs. The intent of this type of signage is to feature
key attractions and businesses within the Town as a remedy to off-premises
signs cluttering the Town streets.
(1)Â
The text and format, location and number of the signs shall
be a collaborative effort between Town Hall and any organization the
Town Manager and Mayor include with final approval being granted by
the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill.
(2)Â
The sign structure area of the sign shall not exceed 10 square
feet nor shall it exceed eight feet in height.
(3)Â
Signs may be located on public ways. However, no sign shall
impede vehicular traffic or pedestrian traffic flows.
R.Â
Community master signs. The intent of these signs is to announce
entrance into Snow Hill on major thoroughfares, as well as identify
Town properties such as the parks or other Town-owned facilities.
They may also announce events happening within the Town or at other
Town facilities.
(1)Â
May be monument or freestanding sign and shall be compatible
in design, size, height, weight, material and lighting with existing
Snow Hill signs.
(2)Â
Sign may display the Snow Hill logo.
(3)Â
With written consent of the property owner and/or state highway,
may be placed on private property and in the state right-of-way.
(4)Â
Final approval is granted by the Mayor and Council.
The following signs are permitted, provided they conform to
the following provisions and are located on the same lot as said use
unless exception from this requirement is specifically noted.
A.Â
Awning or canopy signs. Awning signs should be minimized and are
only appropriate if no good alternatives for wall signs, projecting
signs or hanging and suspended signs. They should be solid color or
may be stripe if complementary to the building facade to which they
are attached.
(1)Â
Signs may be attached flat against awnings made of rigid materials
and shall not project above the awning. Awnings of nonrigid materials
(e.g., canvas) shall have signs only appliqued or painted on them.
(2)Â
The sign should not occupy more than 30% of the slope or 65%
of the return or valance of the awning.
(3)Â
Internally lit awnings are not permitted.
(4)Â
Awnings should be compatible with the size, scale and design
of the host building and not be shaped differently than the opening
nor span multiple buildings. Awning frames should fit within the storefront
or window opening to which they are attached and have clearance of
eight feet above the sidewalk if feasible, while the valance should
be a minimum of one foot behind the plane of the street curb.
(5)Â
The portion of the awning containing advertising copy shall
be treated as a wall or building sign and shall be included in overall
calculations for such signs.
(6)Â
They are not allowed for permitted residential uses.
B.Â
Wall signs. Include most types of signage attached to the face of
a building wall. These include channel letters made out of wood, metal
or plastic.
(1)Â
May be painted on a wall or on a board that is attached to a
wall and shall not project more than 15 inches from the building surface.
(2)Â
Wall signs should be placed on a flat building surface and should
not be placed over or otherwise obscure architectural building details
or features, and no portions of the sign shall extend beyond the ends
of the wall to which it is attached.
(3)Â
Signboards are located on the signboard area or "frieze" of
the storefront and should be mounted flush and contain only the name
of the business and its logo, if appropriate. Lettering and logos
should range from eight to 18 inches in height and cover less than
75% of the signboard.
(4)Â
The maximum number of wall signs permitted is two per tenant
space, and they must be located on a building face that has a public
entrance.
(5)Â
Wall signs are allowed for permitted nonresidential uses in
all zoning districts.
(6)Â
A maximum area of one square foot of signage per one lineal
foot of street frontage, with total signage not exceeding 100 square
feet total, unless a variance is obtained and a sign plan is approved
by the Planning Commission.
(7)Â
Changeable copy is not allowed on wall signs.
(8)Â
Buildings which have multiple businesses accessed by separate
entrances shall be permitted one building sign of a maximum of 10
square feet per business.
(9)Â
When two or more businesses occupy one building with common
entrances (i.e., without separate entrances) they shall be considered
one business for sign computation purposes. This means that for wall
or building signs, buildings of this nature are limited to one building
sign per street frontage plus one directory sign per common entrance.
C.Â
Directory signs: may be provided to identify individual businesses
in multitenant buildings, building complexes/centers, planned industrial
parks, provided:
(1)Â
The display board shall be of an integrated and uniform design.
(2)Â
No more than one sign panel, not to exceed two square feet in
area, is permitted per directory for each tenant business.
(3)Â
Directory signs shall be placed in one or more groups nearest
the pedestrian entrances adjacent to the building complex only and
may be wall-mounted or freestanding signs. Such signs shall not exceed
six feet in height. The total area of any directory sign shall not
exceed 12 square feet, and letters shall not exceed six inches in
height.
(4)Â
Property management companies are allowed one identification
sign per building managed, not to exceed two square feet. Such signs
shall not count against allowable directory signage.
(5)Â
Directory signs shall not contain advertising copy.
(6)Â
Directory signs must incorporate the tenant's legally assigned
street or unit number.
D.Â
Freestanding post signs. 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. Freestanding signs are not permitted for permitted residential
uses unless in conjunction with a home occupation which has obtained
a certificate of use.
(1)Â
No more than one freestanding sign per building lot or parcel,
not exceeding 36 square feet (per side) in area, the top of which
is not more than eight feet in height above ground level, and which
contains only the name of the owner, trade names, trademark, products
sold, and/or describes the business(es) or activity conducted on the
premises whereon such sign is located. Such sign shall be set back
at least six feet from any property line.
(2)Â
A landscaped area consisting of shrubs, flowers and/or ornamental
grasses equivalent to the area of each side of a freestanding sign
shall be maintained by the permit holder. This area shall be kept
in neat and clean condition, free of weeds and rubbish.
(3)Â
In addition to the above, each gasoline/service station or other
business selling automotive fuel is permitted one price sign not to
exceed eight square feet in area and eight feet in height and shall
be incorporated into the main freestanding sign.
(a)Â
"Self-full-serve" signs, not to exceed three square feet in
area, are permitted on each end of each pump island.
(b)Â
Signs affixed to the top or sides of an operable fuel-dispensing
pump shall not exceed one square foot in area and signage on the base
of the pump shall not exceed three square feet bearing the brand name
and/or symbol only and shall be approved at site plan review.
E.Â
Monument signs. Monument signs are typically used where setbacks
and orientation or design make it difficult to provide other types
of signage. Monument signs have a solid base that the sign face is
installed upon. These should be designed so that the style of the
sign and its base are consistent with the architecture of the buildings
on the site. Typically, they are perpendicular to the adjacent street
and sidewalk and have a maximum of two parallel sign faces.
(1)Â
Only one monument sign is permitted per premises for permitted
nonresidential use, per street frontage.
(2)Â
Monument signs may be a maximum of 32 square feet unless they
identify a subdivision, multifamily or PDD project. The maximum height
of a monument sign is eight feet.
(3)Â
Where two or more uses are located on the same premises, the
sign area for monument signs must be shared.
(4)Â
If illumination is desired, then external or halo lighting is
preferred.
(5)Â
No more than one monument sign identifying a subdivision, multifamily
or PDD project is allowed and only then if outside of the Historic
District. Such sign shall contain the name of the subdivision/development
and at Snow Hill only. The sign may not exceed 16 square feet and
must be approved by the Planning Commission as part of the site plan
or development review process.
(6)Â
Must be set back from all property lines a minimum of seven
feet.
F.Â
Marquee sign. A sign which utilizes changeable letters or copy and
is restricted to commercial uses for the purpose of advertising dramatic,
musical, entertainment or motion picture events which occur on the
premises on a regular basis, subject to the following standards:
(1)Â
There shall be no more than one internally illuminated change-letter
marquee sign per property.
(2)Â
The area of a marquee sign shall not exceed 48 square feet in
copy area. Such sign shall be incorporated into the main freestanding
sign or may be wall mounted.
(3)Â
Letters or symbols shall not exceed 12 inches in height.
(4)Â
Any portion of a marquee sign incorporated into the main freestanding
sign or building sign shall be treated as such and shall be included
in the overall calculations for such sign.
(5)Â
Marquees and marquee signs may extend to a point two feet back
of the curbline; however, the sign must be, at minimum, 11 feet in
the clear above the level of the sidewalk.
G.Â
Hanging and suspended signs are used to define entries and identify
business names to pedestrians. They are small and can hang over a
building entry if appropriate clearance is provided. They are particularly
useful for storefronts that have multiple tenants.
(1)Â
One suspended or hanging sign shall be permitted per primary
public entrance for a permitted nonresidential use.
(2)Â
The signs shall not exceed 10 inches in thickness and may have
a maximum area of eight square feet. However, in the event there is
an existing historic bracket and hardware in place on a building in
the Historic District which has been historically used for a hanging
sign, the Planning Commission may allow a sign area of up to nine
square feet taking into consideration the scale and placement of the
sign, with concurrence of the Historic District Commission.
(3)Â
Hanging and suspended signs shall have a clearance of eight
feet above the sidewalk and not project into a vehicular public way.
H.Â
Projecting signs. Projecting signs are attached to a building face
and project out perpendicular to the building wall and are restricted
to a commercial or industrial use. 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.
(1)Â
No projecting sign shall extend above the roofline and shall
be hung at right angle to the building, extending not more than three
feet from the building wall.
(2)Â
One projecting sign allowed per tenant.
(3)Â
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 ensure
proper visibility.
(4)Â
Projecting sign must be attached to building facades that have
a public entrance.
I.Â
Sandwich board signs. These can be effective for commercial uses,
such as markets, restaurants or other food establishments that have
changing specials and menus. These signs may have rewritable surfaces,
such as chalkboards or dry-erase boards.
(1)Â
They are prohibited in the public right-of-way and must be placed
on private property.
(2)Â
They may be placed in a front yard or foyer, portico or other
building entry, provided they do not interfere with pedestrian ingress
or egress as required by the Building Code.
(3)Â
One sandwich board permitted per tenant space.
(4)Â
No more than eight square feet per face, not including sign
legs and no more than five feet high.
(5)Â
Sandwich boards should be compatible with design of the storefront
and sturdy enough to withstand wind and light enough to be removed
at night.
(6)Â
Any changeable information should be securely attached to the
Board and be weatherproof.
J.Â
Electronic message centers. Electronic message centers (aka EMCs)
come in different shapes and sizes and typically have a scrolling
message. Some have interactive computer screens.
(1)Â
EMCs may be incorporated into pole signs, mounted or freestanding
pole signs and shall be included as part of the sign area or square
footage allowed for that type of sign. Such signs shall be subordinate
in size and location to the permanent sign.
(2)Â
One EMC is permitted per premises and a permit may only be issued
upon Planning Commission approval.
(3)Â
EMCs are only permitted in B-2 General Business, HC, Highway
Commercial, M-1 Light Industrial, and M-2 Heavy Industrial Districts,
and for permitted uses in the residential district which are not a
residential or agricultural use. Reminder: Applicants within the Historic
District must also have Historic District Commission approval.
(4)Â
An electronic message board sign shall have a maximum area of
20 square feet, and if included as part of a larger sign, it shall
be included in the calculation of the total permitted sign area.
(5)Â
Messages are not permitted to scroll and have a maximum change
rate of once every 13 seconds.
K.Â
Shopping center identification signs should contain elements of the
design theme of the buildings in the center. They may identify multiple
tenants, but larger shopping centers with more than five tenants should
avoid listing individual tenants, other than project anchors, to avoid
sign clutter.
L.Â
Window signs. Window signs should be scaled to the pedestrian and
oriented to window shoppers on the sidewalk. 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 and is only for nonresidential uses.
(1)Â
There is no specific location requirement or limit to the number
of window signs allowed. However, window sign area cannot exceed 25%
of the total window square footage, or 10% of glass entry doors and
signs on display windows and entry doors should be located and designed
not to obscure visibility into the ground floor.
(2)Â
A window sign is a sign that is painted on or attached to a
window and located within 12 inches of the face of a window. Window
signs do not include business hours of operation, credit card logos
or open/closed signs under two square feet in size.
(3)Â
The font, color and style of window signage shall be consistent
with the font, color and style of the other permanent signage on the
premises.
(4)Â
The background of all window signage shall be transparent.
M.Â
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.
N.Â
Barbershop poles. Barbershop poles are permitted in zones where a
barbershop is permitted either by right or by special exception.
A.Â
General requirements. The provisions of Article XIII of Chapter 200 shall apply to all signs already existing as of April 10, 2012, and all signs to be erected, placed or installed thereafter within the Town. Any sign already erected, placed or installed prior to April 10, 2012, which does not conform to the provisions and requirements of Article XIII of Chapter 200 of the Code, shall be removed or brought into full compliance with the provisions and requirements of Article XIII of Chapter 200, in accordance with the amortization schedule set forth in § 200-132B. During the time period in which a legally existing, nonconforming sign may continue to exist in accordance with the amortization schedule set forth in § 200-132B, such sign shall not be altered in any of the following ways:
B.Â
Amortization schedule. Legally existing signs made nonconforming by the provisions of Article XIII of Chapter 200, as adopted on April 10, 2012, shall be removed or brought into compliance within the applicable time period set forth in the table below, which time period shall begin to run on April 10, 2012. Nonconforming signs required to be temporarily removed or moved as a result of governmental action beyond the control of the sign owner may be reinstalled only within the time remaining in the applicable amortization period. Any change to the height, area or structure of a nonconforming sign requiring a sign permit shall require the sign to conform to all standards of this article. These provisions shall be applicable for the duration of the amortization period (outlined in chart below).
Sign Type
|
Time Frame for Removal or Compliance
| |
---|---|---|
Signs requiring permits that are erected without permits, prohibited
signs or signs that are otherwise erected illegally under the provisions
of this article or any other section of the Town Code
|
60 days
| |
Signs permitted without a permit
|
120 days
| |
Window signs
|
180 days
| |
Wall signs and freestanding signs
|
2 years
| |
All others
|
3 years
|
A.Â
Any sign installed, erected, placed or maintained in violation of
the terms of this article shall be an unlawful sign.
B.Â
All signs must be made of rust-prohibitive material or treatment
and shall be maintained in reasonably good condition. If the Code
Enforcement Officer or other designee of the Town Manager determines
that a sign is not being maintained in reasonably good condition,
the Code Enforcement Officer or other designee of the Town Manager
shall provide written notice of such determination to the property
owner. Such notice shall be deemed delivered to the property owner
upon hand delivery, posting at the property or first-class mailing
to the mailing address of the property owner, as reflected in tax
records. Within 30 days from delivery of such written notice, the
property owner shall repair or rehabilitate the sign, such that the
sign shall be restored to reasonably good condition.
C.Â
Any sign, including its supporting structure, which no longer accurately identifies the current occupant or business activity of the property, after a lapse of 60 days, shall be deemed an abandoned sign and shall be removed by the owner of the property on which it is located, upon 30 days' written notice (given in accordance with § 200-133B) by the Code Enforcement Officer or designee.
D.Â
If the Code Enforcement Officer or designee determines a sign to be potentially unsafe, insecure or a potential or actual menace to the public, he/she shall provide written notice (given in accordance with § 200-133B) to the property owner describing the unsafe condition(s) determined and required remedial actions. The property owner shall have five days from delivery of notice to complete required remedial actions. If the unsafe condition of the sign is not corrected within the stated five-day period, the Code Enforcement Officer or designee is hereby authorized to remove the unsafe sign at the expense of the owner.
E.Â
The Code Enforcement Officer shall immediately and without any notice
remove any sign of immediate danger or hazard to persons or property.
No person shall maintain or permit to remain upon any premises owned,
leased or occupied or used by him, with notice thereof, any unsafe
sign or insecure sign liable to injure any person or property.
F.Â
All expenses incurred by the Code Enforcement Officer in taking down
or removing any sign under this article shall be charged to the person
responsible for such sign and shall constitute a lien on the property
upon which such sign was installed as well, which shall be enforceable
as a lien for taxes.
G.Â
Municipal infraction. Any person who shall violate the provisions
of this article and/or shall fail to abide by and comply with notice(s)
from the Code Enforcement Officer or other designee in regard to violations
of this article shall be guilty of a municipal infraction and, upon
issuance of a citation for such municipal infraction by the Town of
Snow Hill Code Enforcement Officer, shall be liable for a fine in
an amount not exceeding $1,000 for each violation. Each day in which
any such violation shall continue shall be deemed a separate municipal
infraction for which a separate citation may be issued against the
offending party and a separate fine (in an amount not exceeding $1,000)
may be imposed. All fines imposed hereunder are payable to the Town
of Snow Hill within 20 calendar days of service of the citation. Citations
issued hereunder shall be served in accordance with Maryland law.
Any person served with a citation hereunder may elect to stand trial
for the infraction by notifying the Town of Snow Hill, in writing,
at least five days prior to the required deadline for payment of the
fine, of such person's intent to stand trial. Upon timely receipt
of such notice, the Town of Snow Hill shall forward to the Worcester
County District Court a copy of the citation and the written notice.
If a person charged in a citation fails to pay the fine by the date
of payment set forth on the citation and fails to deliver to the Town
of Snow Hill the written notice of intent to stand trial, the person
shall be liable for the assessed fine. Citations issued hereunder
shall contain the following: the Code Enforcement Officer's certification
attesting to the truth of the matters set forth therein or that the
citation is based on an affidavit; the name and address of the person
charged; the nature of the infraction; the location and time of the
occurrence of the infraction; the amount of the fine being imposed;
the manner, location and time within which the fine must be paid;
the person's right to elect to stand trial for the infraction; and
the effect of failing to pay the assessed fine or demanding a trial
within the prescribed time period. The enforcement officer shall retain
a copy of the citation to be kept in the records of the Town of Snow
Hill.