[Amended 12-29-2011 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
A.
Permits required.
(1)
No person, firm or corporation shall hereafter erect, reerect, construct
or structurally alter a sign or sign structure without a permit first
having been issued by the Zoning Office.
(2)
Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by plans
to scale, showing the dimensions of the sign, the structure supporting
the sign, the position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings
or structures, the location of the building, structure or lot to which
or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected, the method of
illumination, if any, and such other information as the Zoning Office
shall require to show full compliance with this and all other laws
and ordinances of the Town of Lowville.
(3)
Consent of the owner of the building, structure, or premises, if
not the same as the applicant, must be shown.
(4)
The Zoning Office shall grant permits to all temporary signs that
conform to the dimensional, locational, and construction requirements
as herein stated. Any permanent sign application shall be referred
to the Planning Board for architectural review if part of the site
plan review process.
(5)
All permanent sign applications are subject to a fifteen-day review
by the Zoning Office. All permits issued are subject to Town Board
objection until 15 days after approval has been granted by the Zoning
Office or Planning Board but not by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(6)
All signage on the building, including but not limited to advertising,
dealership, etc., shall be considered signage for any building as
set forth below.
(7)
All roof signs are prohibited.
(8)
Monument signs are encouraged.
(9)
All signs must have landscaping of a minimum of 18 inches surrounding
the sign.
B.
Plaza signs.
(1)
All new plaza signs shall be reviewed by the Planning Board during
site plan review. Each tenant in a plaza will be allowed one building
sign and one roadside sign that must be contained within one common
tenant freestanding sign. The Planning Board will determine the best
location and size of the common tenant sign during site plan review.
The Planning Board may review and determine permit applications if
the sign is replacing an existing freestanding sign or common tenant
sign. In no case shall a plaza sign in a commercial, business or traditional
neighborhood zoning district exceed 48 square feet.
(2)
A single wall sign may be used to identify more than one on-premises
establishment, such as a sign directory. For buildings with multiple
tenants having storefronts only, the facade rented by the tenant shall
be considered as wall area for a sign and must meet the wall sign
standards in this article.
C.
Illumination and movement.
(1)
Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ only light of
constant intensity.
(2)
No sign shall be placed or be directed so as to permit the sign illumination
to be directed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent
premises so as to cause a safety hazard, danger and or distraction
to drivers or other persons.
(3)
No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of any pennant,
ribbon, streamer, balloons, spinner or other similar moving, fluttering,
or revolving device. Such devices shall be prohibited even if they
have no message or logo on them. The said devices, as well as strings
of lights, shall not be used for advertising or attracting attention
whether or not they are part of the sign.
(4)
No sign or part thereof may rotate or move in any direction.
D.
Location of signs.
(1)
All permanent signs within the Town of Lowville must maintain a setback
off any roadside right-of-way a minimum of 10 feet. All signs must
maintain a minimum side yard setback of 10 feet. Any permanent freestanding
sign must be at least 50 feet from any other. Proof of setback for
right-of-way purposes must be proven by a copy of the deed filed in
the County Clerks' office and submitted with the application.
(2)
No sign shall project into the public right-of-way nor be placed,
painted or drawn upon trees, utility poles, light poles or standards.
E.
Off-premises and billboard signs.
(1)
The Town of Lowville will allow off-premises signs without a permit
that are associated with community activities or any not-for-profit
activity directing the public to such activity, provided that they
do not exceed eight square feet in area and are not permanent. Temporary
signs directing traffic to seasonal agricultural products less than
16 square feet in area will also be allowed without a permit. Such
signs shall not be placed within a public right-of-way.
(2)
Any freestanding sign over 60 square feet will not be permitted in
any place within the Town of Lowville except in shopping plazas as
approved by the Planning Board.
(3)
Any off-premises and/or billboard sign placed on a highway will need
the approval of the New York State Department of Transportation and
proof of approval must be filed with the sign application.
F.
Secondary building signs. On commercial buildings with rear or side
orientation to a plaza or mall parking lot or any other public access
area, a rear- or side-faced sign shall be allowed with the name of
the business and their logo only. Such signs must meet the dimensional
requirements of this chapter.
G.
Multiple residence or apartment developments.
(1)
For multiple residences or apartment developments, one sign advertising
availability of residential units will be permitted not to exceed
four square feet.
(2)
One freestanding sign that identifies the apartment complex or multiple-family
residence will be allowed not to exceed 16 square feet in area or
a monument sign not to exceed 18 square feet in area.
H.
Public utility signs. Signs necessary for the identification, operation
or production of a public utility, not exceeding 18 square feet, may
be erected on the premises of such public utility.
I.
Project signs. For residential subdivisions or projects, one sign
which identifies the project by name and address may be erected near
the entrance. The one sign shall not exceed 18 square feet. The location
of the sign shall be approved as part of the site plan review by the
Planning Board.
J.
Number of signs. Any business establishment within a commercial zone
may have both one wall sign and one freestanding or monument sign.
Each business may also have a temporary sign after an application
is submitted to and approved by the Zoning Office according to the
requirements of this article. Businesses located in a plaza or shopping
mall shall utilize a common tenant sign as reviewed and approved by
the Planning Board.
K.
Fees.
(1)
A fee schedule for permanent and temporary signs across all sign
districts shall be established by resolution of the Town Board. Sign
fees shall be reviewed periodically and may be amended by resolution
of the Town Board.
(2)
Temporary signs not removed at the end of the permit period will
cause the applicant to be charged $25 per day thereafter, as well
as other enforcement provisions of this article.
L.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Every sign not conforming to the regulations of the district in which
it is located at the time of adoption of this article shall be a nonconforming
use.
(2)
A nonconforming sign may not be altered, rebuilt or resumed except
in conformity with the regulations for the district in which it is
located.
(3)
A nonconforming sign, representing a use that has ceased for a consecutive
period of 12 consecutive months, may not be altered rebuilt or resumed
unless in conformity with this article.
(4)
A nonconforming sign may be continued subsequent to adoption of this
article but the sign shall not be changed in any manner that increases
its nonconformity.
(5)
Nothing in this article shall be deemed to prevent the strengthening
or restoring to a safe condition of any nonconforming sign declared
unsafe by a duly designated official.
(6)
A nonconforming sign, when destroyed by fire or Act of God, may not
be rebuilt or resumed unless in conformity with this article.
(7)
Whenever an area is transferred from a zone of one classification
to a zone of a different classification, or amendments are adopted
which change regulatory measures governing signs, the above regulations
shall apply to nonconforming signs created by such transfer.
A.
Creative design is encouraged. Signs should make a positive contribution
to the general appearance of the street and commercial area in which
they are located. A well-designed sign can be a major asset to a building.
The Town encourages imaginative and innovative sign design.
B.
Proportionate size and scale. The scale of signs should be appropriate
for the building on which they are placed and the area in which they
are located. The size and shape of a sign should be proportionate
with the scale of the structure.
C.
Integrate signs with the building. Signs should not obscure architectural
features. Their design should be integrated with the design of the
building. A well-designed building facade or storefront is created
by the careful coordination of sign and architectural design and over-all
color scheme. Signs in multiple tenant buildings should be designed
to complement or enhance the other signs in the building.
D.
Reduce sign impact. Because residential and commercial uses generally
exist in close proximity, signs should be designed and located so
that they have little or no impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods.
E.
Sign placement. Place wall signs to establish facade rhythm, scale
and proportion where facade rhythm does not otherwise exist. On buildings
that have monolithic or plain facade, signs can establish or continue
appropriate design rhythm, scale, and proportion.
A.
Commercial and industrial zones (CB-R, CB, I-1, I-2, I-3). The commercial
industrial districts are designed to encourage high quality development
while maintaining the traditional character of the commercial areas.
Externally illuminated freestanding signs shall match the architectural
style of the structures they identify to promote a classic understated
business corridor.
(1)
Any business within said district may have a freestanding sign that
is architecturally complimentary to the building it is representing.
(2)
All signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any roadside
right-of-way and 10 feet from a side yard lot line.
(3)
Any freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet in height and a
maximum of 12 square feet in area. No sign may be located as to create
visual obstruction or distraction.
(4)
Monument signs shall be no more than 18 square feet in area and must
be located at ground level.
(5)
LED signs shall be prohibited.
(6)
Plaza signs shall be limited to 32 square feet to maintain the character
of the area.
(7)
All signs shall have an eighteen-inch perimeter surrounding the sign
landscaped appropriately.
(8)
Two-sided signs perpendicular to the roadway are encouraged.
(9)
LED or other energy giving bulbs are encouraged.
B.
Residential and agricultural zones. The intent of the zones is to
maintain the Town's high quality residential and agricultural
neighborhoods.
(1)
One freestanding sign not exceeding four square feet or one monument
sign not exceeding six square feet with a maximum height of eight
feet shall be permitted for residences with an approved business or
professional activity conducted on premises.
(2)
Community institutions, such as places of worship, libraries, museums,
social clubs or societies, may erect on such premises one freestanding
sign not exceeding 12 square feet or one monument sign not to exceed
18 square feet.
(3)
Recreational areas, golf clubs, ski areas, farms, and other commercial
or public facilities permitted by this chapter shall be permitted
one freestanding sign not exceeding 12 square feet or one monument
sign not to exceed 18 square feet.
(4)
Agricultural uses may be allowed one freestanding sign not exceeding
eight square feet or one monument sign not to exceed 12 square feet.
(5)
Interior illuminated signs shall be prohibited.
(6)
All signs shall have an eighteen-inch perimeter surrounding the sign
landscaped appropriately.
(7)
Two-sided signs perpendicular to the roadway are encouraged.
A.
Permitted temporary signs.
(1)
Temporary signs are allowed within all zones with a permit from the
Zoning Office. Temporary signs may be a maximum of 12 square feet
in area. Banners or signs constructed of a fabric material are allowed
if securely fastened to a permanent surface or sign structure, otherwise
banners are prohibited. Maximum height on all temporary signs shall
be eight feet.
(2)
All other temporary signs may be permitted if dimensional, locational,
and construction requirements are met for the zone that applies. Said
signs will be granted a time limit of 30 consecutive days. A business
may have a temporary sign for a total of 60 days per year.
(3)
Temporary A-frame signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area
per side. Said signs must be no more than four feet from the building
and can only be used during business hours. One said sign will be
allowed per tenant in a plaza containing more than one commercial
entity. No sign shall be permitted in any roadside right-of-way. An
annual permit will be issued for each sign upon approval of the Planning
Board.
(4)
Temporary roadside signs must be separated a minimum of 50 feet from
each other.
B.
Special event signs.
(1)
Temporary signs may be permitted in conjunction with a special event
for a period not to exceed one week.
(2)
Temporary signs announcing the event must be freestanding and located
so as not to create a visual obstruction and may not be attached to
utility poles, street signs, or existing structures in the right-of-way.
(3)
Not-for-profit, charitable, civic and similar organizations that
do not have a permanent sign may be permitted to place a temporary
sign for a special event for a period of 30 days, provided they meet
the restrictions as set forth in this article.
C.
Commercial event sales. Signs for a commercial event sale must be
approved through the Planning and Zoning Department. Decisions against
any sign permit may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
All signs shall comply with applicable regulations of the New York
State Building Code.
(2)
All electrical signs shall be constructed in accordance with the
standards of the National Electric Code. An electrical certificate
shall be supplied prior to issuance of a certificate of compliance
when electrical connections are made to a sign.
(3)
All freestanding signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand
a wind pressure of not less than 20 pounds per square foot of surface
area.
(4)
All signs, including wall-mounted signs, shall be securely anchored
and shall not swing or move in any manner.
(5)
All signs, sign finishes, supports and electrical work shall be kept
clean, neatly painted, and free from all hazards, such as but not
limited to faulty wiring, and loose supports, braces, guys and anchors.
(6)
All signs shall be maintained in a condition that will enhance or
maintain the aesthetic quality of the surrounding neighborhood.
B.
Materials and colors. Any materials and colors used in the construction
or maintenance of all signs must be of complimentary character to
the principal building and adjoining property. Sign specifications
may be included to govern the construction of signs. All materials
and coloring schemes should maintain or enhance the appearance of
the neighborhood. The sign support structure should be clad in stone
or brick or similar materials to the extent practicable as approved
by the Planning Board. Painting of a sign on a building is prohibited.
C.
Obstruction to safety. No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained
so as to prevent or obstruct free ingress or egress of any walkway,
door, window or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe
or fire escape.
D.
Signs not to constitute traffic hazards.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained in a manner as to obstruct
free and clear vision or distract the attention of the driver of any
vehicle by reason of position, shape or color thereof.
(2)
No sign shall be erected or maintained that could be confused as
a traffic sign, signal, or controlling device.
E.
Mirror or fluorescence. No sign shall in its construction employ
any mirror or mirror-like surface, nor any day-glowing or other fluorescent
paint or pigment.
F.
Wall sign standards.
(1)
Wall signs shall not extend beyond the ends or over the top of the
walls to which attached.
(2)
Wall signs shall not extend more than six inches from the face of
the buildings to which attached except for some electrical wall signs
which are allowed 14 inches.
(3)
One wall sign per establishment shall be permitted unless that establishment
has street frontage on more than one side, in which case one wall
sign will be permitted for each side of the structure that has street
frontage but must not exceed the total square footage allowed for
the establishment.
(4)
The total area for wall signs shall not exceed the lesser of one
square foot per linear foot of building frontage occupied by the establishment
or 100 square feet for commercial or industrial uses.
G.
Freestanding and pole sign standards.
(1)
No permanent freestanding sign may be located less than 50 feet from
any other freestanding sign.
(2)
No freestanding sign shall be more than 18 square feet in area. No
sign shall exceed eight feet in height above finished grade. Other
sign district height restrictions may apply.
(3)
No freestanding sign shall extend into or over the public right-of-way
or any property lines.
H.
Two-sided signs. A sign readable from two sides and having faces
in parallel planes shall be considered one sign. Each side of such
sign shall be permitted the square foot display area hereinafter set
forth and are encouraged.
The following signs do not require permits but must conform
to the requirements as specified below:
A.
Historical markers, tablets, statues, memorial signs and plaques;
names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry
surface, bronze, stainless steel, or similar material; and emblems
installed by governmental agencies, religious or nonprofit organizations;
not exceeding six square feet.
B.
Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection
with commercial promotion.
C.
On-premises directional signs for the convenience of the general
public, identifying public parking areas, fire zones, entrances, exits
and similar signs, internally illuminated or nonilluminated, not exceeding
eight square feet per face. Business names and logos may be allowed
with Planning Board approval. No directional signs shall extend more
than six feet in height above finished grade.
D.
Nonilluminated warning, private drive, posted or no trespassing signs
not exceeding two square feet in area.
E.
Number and name plates identifying residents mounted on house, apartment,
mailbox, not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area.
F.
Lawn signs identifying the 911 address and name of occupant, not
exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area. Such signs shall not be
illuminated except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost
if used as a support, with no advertising message thereon.
G.
Private-owner merchandise sale signs for garage sales and auctions,
not exceeding four square feet for a period not exceeding 10 days.
Such signs shall not be attached to utility poles, trees, or any other
man-made or natural off-premises structure. All garage sale signs
will meet the applicable temporary sign requirements of this law.
H.
Temporary, nonilluminated for sale, for rent, and real estate signs
and signs of a similar nature concerning the premises upon which the
sign is located. Each sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. All such
signs shall be removed one week after the sale, lease, or rental of
the premises.
I.
One temporary sign for a roadside stand selling agricultural produce
grown on the premises in season, providing that the sign does not
exceed 12 square feet in area. Seasonal off-premises signs advertising
agricultural produce may be allowed if under 12 square feet in area
and are freestanding.
J.
Holiday decorations, including lighting, are exempt from the provisions
of this chapter.
K.
At gasoline stations a sign attached to gasoline pumps not to exceed
two square feet in area.
L.
Temporary on-premises directional signs for meetings, conventions,
and other assemblies, not exceeding eight square feet.
M.
One sign, not exceeding 16 square feet in all sign districts, listing
the architect, engineer, contractor and/or owner, on premises where
construction, renovation, or repair is in progress.
N.
Political posters and signs, not exceeding 12 square feet. Such signs
shall not be erected until August 31 of an election year or two months
before a special election or political event. All signs shall be removed
within one week after the election or political event.
O.
Signs erected or required by a governmental entity in order to fulfill
the duties and administration of said entity. Exempt signs may include,
but not be limited to, traffic control devices, including temporary
detour signs, the posting of rules and regulations, directional signs
for governmental offices, and similar such signs. This shall include
vehicle repair garages as required by New York State Department of
Motor Vehicles.
In appropriate cases, the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town
of Lowville may, after a public notice and hearing, vary or modify
the application of this article in harmony with its general purpose
and intent.
A.
Penalties for offenses. Failure to comply with any provisions of
this article shall be deemed a violation, and the violator shall be
liable to a fine. For a first offense, a violator will be subject
to a fine of not less than $100. A second offense and any others thereafter
shall be subject to a fine of not less than $250 or imprisonment for
not more than 15 days. For each day such violation occurs or continues
it shall constitute a separate violation, accruing the given penalty
for each day.
B.
Revocation of permit.
(1)
If a sign authorized under any such permit has not been completed,
erected or placed within one year from the date of the issuance thereof,
such permit shall become null and void, but may be renewed within
30 days of the expiration thereof for good cause shown and upon payment
of an additional fee[1] as set forth in the fee schedule.[2]
(2)
If a sign authorized under any such permit has been completed, erected
or placed other than in conformance with all terms and conditions
of the application and permit, the Planning and Zoning Department
shall give written notice to the owner of the sign, building, or premises
to which it is attached, specifying the violation and directing conformance.
The sign shall thereupon be conformed to the permit or removed within
10 days from the date of such notice. In the event that the sign is
not conformed or removed in 10 days, the Planning and Zoning Department
shall revoke the permit and such sign shall be removed by the owner,
or upon order of the Town Board, by the Planning and Zoning Department
with the owner paying all removal costs.
(3)
All rights and privileges acquired under the provision of this section
are mere licenses and, as such, are revocable for cause by the Town.
All permits issued pursuant to this section are hereby subject to
this provision.
C.
Removal of certain signs.
(1)
Absentee business. Any permanent sign which advertises a business
or operation no longer conducted on the premises shall be removed
by the owner of the premises upon which said sign is located. Written
notice shall be provided by the Zoning Office to the owner of the
premises to remove said sign within 90 days. Upon failure to comply
with this notice, the Zoning Office shall remove or cause to be removed
said sign, and shall cause to be assessed against the property all
costs and expenses incurred.
(2)
Temporary signs erected without a permit on private property will
be granted three days for removal after notice is received by the
business or landowner. Any sign located in a public right-of-way (ROW)
may be removed immediately without notice.
D.
Unsafe or insecure signs.
(1)
If the Zoning Office finds that any sign or other advertising structure
regulated herein is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public,
or is in violation of the construction and maintenance provisions
of this chapter, they shall give written notice to the permitted agent
thereof. Any sign that is unsafe, insecure, or in any way endangers
the public shall be reported to the owner of the premises upon which
such sign is located. If said sign is not repaired in 10 days, the
Zoning Office shall revoke the permit, if any, and may cause said
sign to be removed in the manner provided in above. If the permitted
agent fails to remove or alter the structure to comply with the standards
within 10 days after such notice, such sign shall be removed or altered
to comply with this article at the expense of the permitted agent
or owner of the property upon which it is located.
(2)
The Zoning Office shall refuse to issue a permit to any permitted
agent who refuses to pay costs so assessed.
(3)
Any sign which is an immediate peril to the health or safety of persons
or property is to be removed summarily and without notice. Any expense
incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure
or lot to which such sign is attached.
(4)
Any sign that has been illegally placed within a public right-of-way
may be removed summarily and without notice. Any expense incidental
thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or lot
to which such sign is attached.
For the purpose of this article, the terms used herein are included
in the Glossary of Terms and are defined as follows:
A portable temporary sign of solid construction, connected
at the top and angled down on either side in the shape of an A, usually
with advertisement on two sides. Also called a "sandwich board sign."
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict
action or create a specific affect or scene.
Advertising displayed on an overhanging structure supported
with braces that attach to the main building and that projects over
a walkway for weather protection.
A piece of cloth or material that is a separate entity from
the building that is either attached directly to the building or hung
on posts or poles either blank or bearing a sign outside of the building.
National flags, state or municipal flags or the official flag of any
institution shall not be considered banners.
A sign that exceeds 60 square feet in area, usually located
alongside a roadway, except for plaza signs as approved by the Planning
Board.
A sign that contains a message, text or graphics that can
be changed intermittently, either manually or electronically to display
a different message.
Activities conducted by existing and permitted commercial,
retail and similar uses, located within the commercial and major arterial
zones, which utilize space outside of an approved commercial/retail
building, in the required yard space and/or parking facilities of
such buildings. Such sales shall include, but not be limited to, sidewalk
sales, tent sales, grand openings, going out of business sales, holiday
sales and similar activities.
A freestanding sign designed to accommodate all roadside
signage for plaza tenants and business owners.
A sign that conveys information (e.g., rest rooms, no parking,
entrance) or minor business identification for direction purposes
and designed to be viewed by pedestrians and/or motorists.
A sign located on premises used to direct traffic to a business.
Such signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this article
but shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
A sign constructed to display its message on the outer surfaces
of two identical and opposite parallel planes.
Includes build, construct, alter, display, relocate, attach,
hang, place, suspend, affix or maintain any sign, and shall also include
the painting of exterior wall signs.
Any sign not attached to or part of any building, but separate
and permanently affixed by any other means in or upon the ground.
Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination
is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination
is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination.
Any sign lighted by electricity, gas or other artificial
light, including reflective or phosphorescent light. Such light, when
permitted, shall conform to all requirements of the National Board
of Fire Underwriters.
Light emitting diodes, differing from incandescent bulbs
because a variety of colors can be emitted from the same bulb without
using filters; has the ability to display scrolling or flashing messages
as well as a variety of colors; includes electronic message boards,
liquid crystal displays, digitized sign or sign part, variable electronic
message centers and similar electronic displays.
Any light, string of lights or group or movement of lights
located or arranged so as to cast illumination on and draw attention
to a sign or to a person, activity or business. LED (light emitting
diodes) in solid colors are encouraged, however, they may not in any
way be flashing or scrolling as listed above in "LED sign."
A sign which can be transported to various locations. This
definition shall include signs on vehicles which may not be placed
so as to act as a permanent sign.
A permanent sign of solid construction with dual architecturally
complimentary pillars or posts supporting a sign/advertisement area
between said posts or pillars.
Any building which has received a certificate of occupancy
from the Building Department for its current use.
A sign that is erected for the life of business activities
at a given location.
The permit agency as designated by the Town Board appointed
to review and suggest sign application approval.
Two or more retail businesses and/or commercial operations
having one or more common walls or utilizing the same parking area
or areas, accessways or outdoor lighting systems.
Any sign that is attached to a single pole or similar structure
that conforms with the construction and maintenance section of this
article.
Any sign that is not permanently attached to a structure
or the ground and can be moved with relative ease.
Any sign related to a business or activity conducted or a
commodity or service sold or permitted building per business.
Any sign suspended from or supported by a building, other
structure or sign and which does not lie parallel to or within the
plane of the building, structure or sign structure.
Any state, county, or Town owned land for the purposes of
public transportation.
Any sign related to a business or activity conducted or commodity
or service sold or offered for sale upon the premises where the sign
is located. The secondary sign shall be subordinate to the primary
sign and located at the side or rear of the building on site. Secondary
signs shall only be allowed in instances where a second side of a
permitted building faces a public parking lot, street, highway, or
access. Only one secondary sign is allowed per business that has a
public parking lot, street, highway or access.
Any material, structure or device, or part thereof, composed
of lettered, painted or pictorial information, which when used and
located out-of-doors displays any advertisement, announcement, notice,
directional matter or name, and includes sign frames, illuminated
signs, projecting or ground signs, and includes any illustration or
insignia used to advertise or promote the interests of any person,
activity or business when the same is placed in view of the public
which is either permanent, temporary or portable.
The entire area within a perimeter defined by a continuous
line composed of right angles which enclose the extreme limits of
lettering, logo, trademark, or other graphic representation, together
with any frame or structural trim forming an integral part of the
display used to differentiate the sign from the background against
which it is placed.
Any part of a sign that does not specifically advertise but
may act as a frame, support, guy, brace, pole, or similar structure.
Community-wide events not otherwise associated with a commercial
entity. Such activities shall include but not be limited to craft
fairs, trade shows, circus or carnival events, holiday or seasonal
events, parades, demonstrations and other similar community-wide attractions/events.
Any sign that is erected for a time period not to exceed
30 days that announces a special event, sale or proposed opening of
a business.
A sign readable from two sides and having faces in parallel
planes shall be considered one sign.
A sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or on a window
exposed to public view. An interior sign that faces a window exposed
to public view that is located within three feet of the window is
considered a window sign for the purpose of calculating the total
area of all signage.
