[Added effective 6-28-1985]
The following regulations pertain to signs on private property. Signs on streets and public rights-of-way are regulated by city ordinance; see Chapter 21, Articles I and II. It is the purpose and intent of these sign regulations to permit such signs that will not, by their aggregate number, size, location, construction or manner of display, confuse or obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety or otherwise endanger public health, safety and morals and to regulate signs in such a way as to protect property values, to improve the physical appearance of commercial areas and to preserve and enhance the aesthetics of the community.
As used in this regulation, the following words shall have the
following meanings:
Any sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict
action or to create a scene or which contains an intermittent or sequential
flashing light, except for a time-temperature device in an otherwise
nonanimated display; also any sign which is set in motion by movement
of the atmosphere, such as pennants and flags, revolving or moving
signs, spinners, special promotional signs, A-frames or other eye-catching
devices, except for national or state flags.
[Added effective 2-2-1990]
A sign displayed on a bus shelter structure and used for
advertising a public service, merchandise, establishment, entertainment,
events, etc., to support the cost of the shelter and which is fully
enclosed within the frame of the structure.
[Added effective 10-28-1988]
A ground sign or portion thereof on which the copy, character,
or illustration changes automatically on a lampback or through mechanical
means, except that the portion of a permitted sign providing time
and temperature information only shall be exempt from this definition.
[Added 7-28-2017]
A sign on which copy is changed manually, e.g., readerboards
with changeable letters.
A sign which copy depicts the name of the building to which it is attached or, in the alternative, the name of a corporate tenant located within the building as permitted by § 118-1294B(5).
[Added effective 2-25-2005]
Any sign giving directions, instructions or facility information
and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no
advertising copy, e.g., parking or exit and entrance sign.
A wall-mounted sign, affixed to a building, used for the
purpose of advertising a public service or off-site community event,
or retail tenant, merchandise, establishment or event related to the
building or property to which it is affixed. This may be in the form
of dynamic digital display equipment comprising an electronic video
screen. The copy displayed on such sign may be in the form of electronic
changeable copy or a static image, provided that the interval between
sign content changes shall be no less than 12 seconds.
[Added effective 11-25-2016]
A permanent sign supported upon the ground by poles or braces
and not attached to any building.
[Amended effective 9-13-1985]
A sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a
building, institution or person and/or the activity or occupation
carried on or located on the same lot or plot.
A sign located on a permanent canopy over the entrance of
a facility used for displaying the names of featured entertainment,
movies, principal performers, events that will occur in the facility
on which the copy, character, or illustration changes automatically
or through mechanical or digital means.
[Added 10-27-2017]
[Added effective 12-27-2002]
An image is obscene if:
Taken as a whole, it predominately appeals to the prurient interest;
It depicts or describes in a patently offensive way a sexual
act that is prohibited by the laws of the State of Connecticut; and
Taken as a whole it lacks serious literary, artistic, educational,
political or scientific value.
Whether an image is obscene shall be judged by ordinary adults
applying contemporary community standards.
A sign advertising an establishment, merchandise, service,
entertainment, etc., which is not sold, produced, manufactured or
furnished at the property on which said sign is located, e.g., billboards
or outdoor advertising, including roof signs erected over or on the
roof of a building.
A sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, structure
or the ground, e.g., a sandwich sign.
A sign attached to a building which projects from the building
wall and is intended to be read from the side.
A sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is
located as being for lease or sale, or signs offering lots for sale
within approved subdivisions on the premises.
Includes any fabricated sign or outdoor display structure
consisting of any letter, figure, character, mark, point, plane, marquee
sign, design, poster, pictorial picture stroke, stripe, line, trademark,
reading matter or illuminating device, constructed, attached, erected,
fastened or manufactured in any manner whatsoever, so that the same
shall be used for the attraction of the public to any place, subject,
person, firm, corporation, public performance, article, machine or
merchandise whatsoever and displayed in any manner out of doors for
recognized advertising purposes.
The area of the building face above first-floor windows but
below the sills of second-story windows or the cornice, whichever
is lower.
A structure which supports one sign face or two sign faces
placed back to back and enclosed in a frame not to exceed 30 inches.
[Added effective 9-13-1985]
A sign constructed or intended for use during a limited period
of time, e.g., a grand opening sign or a seasonal sign.
A sign providing the names of tenants in a multi-tenant building of 250,000 square feet or more, subject to § 118-1294E(1).
[Added effective 10-29-2010]
Artwork painted on a building or affixed to the exterior
of a building (including mosaic, tile and other textural materials)
or structure which contains no logos and no advertising of a product
for sale or services rendered on the premises. The name of the sponsor
and artist may appear, provided that they are clearly accessory to
the mural and subject to the approval of the Norwalk Arts Commission.
A wall mural may not (a) contain images or text that are obscene,
discriminatory or offensive or (b) permanently damage an historical
landmark or resource.
[Amended effective 12-27-2002; effective 6-28-2019]
A sign attached parallel to and extending not more than 12
inches from the wall of a building, except for electronic video screen
(EVS) signs that may extend up to 24 inches from the wall of a building.
This definition includes painted, individual letter and cabinet signs.
[Amended effective 11-25-2016]
A sign installed on a window and intended to be viewed from
outside the building.
[1]
Editor's Note: A former definition of "changeable copy
sign (automatic)," as amended, was repealed effective 2-25-2011.
A.
Permits.
[Amended effective 8-28-1998]
(1)
No sign, except as provided herein, shall be erected, altered or
otherwise changed, except for normal maintenance, unless a zoning
approval has been issued by the Zoning Inspector and a building permit
has been issued by the Building Official. No zoning approvals or site
plans shall be approved if the signage indicated is not in conformance
with these regulations.
(2)
Wall murals, including those permitted as part of an approved
sign manual, shall be allowed as artwork and may obtain a zoning permit
after approval by the Norwalk Arts Commission.
[Added effective 6-28-2019]
B.
Unless otherwise authorized in the regulations, animated and changeable
copy signs whose copy, character, or illustration changes automatically
on a lamp back or through mechanical means are prohibited and shall
not be permitted on any type of signs or in any zoning district. Only
national and state flags and those of charitable and religious organizations
are permitted.
[Amended effective 2-25-2011; effective 11-25-2016; effective 7-28-2017; effective 10-27-2017]
C.
Illumination. Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ
only lights emitting a light of constant intensity and shall be designed,
located, erected and maintained to confine or direct all illumination
to the surface of the subject sign and away from adjoining premises
or the street upon which it fronts or faces.
D.
Maintenance. All signs, together with their supports, shall be kept
in good repair and in safe condition. The owner of the premises on
which a sign is erected shall be directly responsible for keeping
such sign and premises in a safe and neat condition.
E.
Nonconforming signs. Existing signs of a size and type not permitted
in the district in which they are situated or which do not conform
to all the provisions of these regulations are nonconforming signs
under this section. No nonconforming sign shall be altered or changed
in any way unless it is made to conform to these regulations. A new
name shall not be deemed to be a change, provided that the letter
size complies with the sign regulations described herein. A change
shall not include the changes on a theater marquee or changeable copy
(manual) sign, gas pricing sign, bus shelter advertising nor copy
on billboards and shall not include normal maintenance activities.
No signs described above shall be relocated, unless such relocation
results in eliminating or reducing the nonconformity.
[Amended effective 12-24-2010; effective 2-25-2011]
F.
Repair of nonconforming signs. If a sign suffers damage to the extent
of 50% or more (replacement value), it must be brought into conformance
with these regulations or removed.
G.
Abandoned signs. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily
suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business
for a period of six months or more or an off-premises sign which ceases
to identify or advertise a bona fide business, service, owner, product
or activity for a period of six months or more shall be deemed abandoned.
Such signs shall be removed by the owner of the premises on which
the abandoned sign is located.
H.
Measurement of sign area.
(1)
Sign area is that area enclosed by one continuous line connecting
the extreme points or edges of a sign. This area does not include
the main supporting sign structure but shall include multiple signs
attached to a single-sign structure.
(2)
Except for off-premise signs, when a sign is double-faced, only
one face shall be counted in computing the sign's area.
[Amended effective 3-26-1993]
I.
Letter size. Lettering shall be no larger than 18 inches in height,
except as otherwise permitted by these regulations.
[Amended effective 12-27-1991]
Signs permitted in all districts. Bus shelter signs are permitted
in any district without the necessity of a permit and shall be exempt
from the sign area limitations for that district. The following signs
are permitted in any district, without the necessity of a permit,
provided that they are set back a minimum of 10 feet from the street
line and do not exceed a height of six feet, if a ground sign, nor
the height of the first story, if a wall sign:
A.
Any nameplate not exceeding two square feet, giving the name and/or
business of the owner or occupant of the premises on which the sign
is located.
B.
Construction signs not exceeding 12 square feet. Such signs may be
in place only until a certificate of occupancy is issued.
C.
Any sign or source of illumination erected by any branch or department
of the town, state or federal government, relating to traffic safety
or identifying town property or landmark.
D.
Any directional signs which identify entrances or exits, parking
areas, traffic flow or hazards, provided that such signs are of a
strictly informational nature and which do not exceed two square feet
in area and four feet in height.
E.
Public signs or notices or any sign relating to an emergency.
F.
Real estate signs not exceeding six square feet in area. Such signs
may be in place for the period of the offering. Real estate "sold"
signs shall be prohibited.
G.
Incidental signs not exceeding one square foot in area.
H.
Temporary special occasion banners; such banners shall be removed
immediately after occasion.
I.
Museum signs permitted in all districts. All signs related to public
museums or maritime centers which are located on the property of said
institution or within 1,500 feet thereof shall be subject to administrative
review and approval by the planning and zoning staff and to the issuance
of a building permit by the Building Department.
[Added effective 10-5-1990]
[Amended effective 9-13-1985; effective 3-14-1986; effective 12-27-1991; effective 1-29-1993]
The following signs and those permitted in § 118-1293 shall be permitted on each property with buildings thereon. All other signs are expressly prohibited.
A.
General standards.
[Amended effective 2-25-2005]
(1)
Sign area and number of signs. The total area of all on-premises
signs, except for ground signs, shall not exceed one and a half (1.5)
square feet in area for each linear foot of building frontage. No
one (1) business use or tenant shall have more than two (2) signs
on the premises, except that one (1) additional sign shall be allowed
on one (1) side wall of a structure facing two (2) streets and computed
at one (1) square foot for every two (2) linear feet of side wall.
In addition, one (1) wall identification sign shall be permitted at
a secondary business entrance facing a parking lot, not to exceed
one (1) square foot in area for every four (4) linear feet of secondary
wall frontage. For buildings of one hundred thousand (100,000) square
feet or more, one (1) additional wall identification sign shall be
permitted at a secondary business entrance facing or directly across
the street from a parking lot which is utilized to comply with the
required parking for that building, not to exceed one (1) square foot
in area for every four (4) linear feet of secondary wall frontage.
[Amended effective 10-27-2006]
(2)
Letter heights. Lettering on signs in business and industrial
zones shall be no larger than 24 inches in height.
B.
Wall signs. All wall signs shall comply with the following requirements:
(1)
Standards for wall signs. No sign shall project more than twelve
(12) inches from the wall to which it is attached, nor shall it extend
beyond the corners of a building or above the cornice of a one-story
building. Signs should be placed in the sign frieze area and shall
not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet from the ground to the top
of the sign. However, in the case of a tall one-story building or
a wall sign on a building in excess of five (5) stories, such sign
shall be placed in the sign frieze area, shall not exceed a height
of thirty (30) feet from the grade directly below the sign's
location on the building to the top of the sign and shall be below
the sills of second story windows, subject to approval by the Commission.
[Amended effective 2-25-2005; effective 12-21-2007]
(2)
A retail store having a minimum gross floor area of 80,000 square
feet or more and located a minimum of 150 feet from the street line
may have lettering no larger than 36 inches in height on a wall sign
and, where located a minimum of 250 feet from the street line, may
have lettering no larger than 48 inches on a wall sign, provided that
the maximum wall sign area does not exceed one square foot for each
linear foot of building frontage.
(3)
Window signs. Window signs located within first floor (street
level) uses shall not exceed 25% of the glass, with the remainder
of the glass being transparent. Each unit of occupancy above the first
floor may display a sign on the inside of one (1) window serving such
unit, provided that such sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet
in area and shall be computed in the total sign area.
[Amended effective 6-13-2019]
(5)
Cornice signs. In lieu of otherwise permitted wall signs specified in Subsection A(1) herein, buildings in excess of five (5) stories shall be permitted one (1) cornice sign which shall be located within ten (10) feet of the main roofline directly above the sign and one (1) building street number sign not to exceed twenty (20) square feet. Such cornice sign shall consist of letters or logo no larger than thirty-six (36) inches in height and a total sign area calculated at one and one-half (1.5) square feet in area for each linear foot of building frontage on one street, not to exceed two hundred and fifty square feet in area regardless of the size of the building, and may be installed on two (2) sides of such building. Such cornice sign shall not project more than twelve (12) inches from the wall to which it is attached, nor shall it extend beyond the corners of the building or above the cornice of the building. Such sign may be illuminated, but shall not be flashing, animated or have the capacity for changeable copy. Cornice signs shall be permitted only by site plan review or modification of same, as per § 118-1451.
[Added effective 2-25-2005]
C.
Projecting or hanging signs. Projecting or hanging signs shall comply
with the following requirements:
(1)
Signs may project from the face of the building or hang from
a roof canopy, provided that such signs shall not exceed six square
feet in area, shall not project more than 40 inches from the building
and shall provide a minimum clearance of eight feet from a sidewalk
or public walkway.
D.
Ground signs. All ground signs shall comply with the following requirements:
(1)
One ground sign shall be permitted on a lot, provided that it
has at least 75 feet of street frontage on one street.
(2)
Standards for ground signs. All ground signs shall be set back
a minimum of 15 feet from any property line or at the building setback
line, whichever is less. Ground signs shall not exceed 75 square feet
in area. No dimension of a ground sign shall exceed 20 feet. The maximum
height to the top of any ground sign shall not exceed 15 feet, nor
shall it extend above the lowest part of the main roofline, whichever
is lower.
(3)
A ground sign shall identify the name of each business occupying
the lot and shall include the street address number of the property
at least four inches in height.
(4)
In lieu of permitted wall signs, one (1) ground sign a maximum
of eight (8) square feet in area shall be permitted on lots with less
than seventy-five (75) feet of street frontage located in a Neighborhood
Business Zone. No internally illuminated signs shall be permitted,
and no dimension of such sign shall exceed four (4) feet. Such ground
sign shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from any property
line, and the maximum height to the top of such sign shall not exceed
four (4) feet.
[Added effective 1-25-2011[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: This amendment also renumbered former
Subsection D(4) as Subsection D(5) and (6), respectively.
(5)
Gas station signs. Gas stations may have one product pricing
sign attached to a permitted ground sign. Said pricing sign shall
not exceed six square feet in area and shall be exempt from the total
sign area computation.
(6)
Portable signs shall be prohibited.
E.
Additional standards for unified shopping centers and multi-tenant
buildings.
(1)
In multi-tenant buildings, the total sign area permitted shall be prorated among the individual building tenants on an equitable basis; such as the amount of gross floor area of each unit, the number of units or the facade area attributable to each unit. In addition to the ground sign permitted in § 118-1294D above, multi-tenant buildings of two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) square feet or more may increase the size of the nameplate and directional signs permitted in § 118-1293 to no more than eight (8) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height as measured from the average elevation of the centerline of adjacent driveway, and may install one (1) tenant directory sign not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height, subject to the submittal of a coordinated directory sign plan for the entire property and the approval of such plan by the Commission.
[Amended effective 10-29-2010]
(2)
Signs for individual occupants of a unified shopping center
shall comply with a coordinated signage plan for the entire property.
Such signs shall be uniform in at least two (2) of the following respects:
letter size, letter type and style, or the coordination of sign colors
and locations.
(3)
Signage plans for unified shopping centers must be submitted as part of any site plan review application filed for a new shopping center or for the substantial renovation of an existing shopping center, subject to the requirements of § 118-1451, Site plan review, and to approval by the Commission. The Commission may waive one (1) or more aspects of these sign regulation standards, up to a maximum of twenty percent (20%), where such a waiver is deemed necessary to improve the overall appearance of the signage plan.
(4)
Ground signs on lots with one hundred (100) feet of frontage
or more on one (1) street and with a shopping center of twenty thousand
(20,000) square feet or more shall not exceed one hundred (100) square
feet in area. Ground signs for unified shopping centers with a gross
floor area of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or more shall
not exceed one hundred and fifty (150) square feet in area. No ground
sign shall extend more than twenty (20) feet from the ground to the
top of the sign. Such ground signs shall be located a minimum of twenty-five
(25) feet from any property line or at the building setback line,
whichever is less, and shall otherwise comply with these regulations.
F.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall comply with the following
requirements:
(1)
Signs temporarily affixed to a window or door are permitted,
provided that they do not exceed 33% of the area of the window or
door and are in place for not more than 30 days.
(2)
Special advertising devices for new businesses, such as banners,
pennants and streamers, are permitted for not more than 30 days in
any twelve-month period.
(3)
Signs or banners for a special event (such as a community or
nonprofit festival or celebration) shall be permitted on buildings
or as a freestanding sign for not more than thirty (30) days, provided
that such sign or banner is removed immediately following that event,
should it occur prior to the thirty-day limitation.
[Amended effective 6-27-2008]
(4)
Real estate signs for a commercial building may be in place
for the period of the offering. The size of the sign in a mixed-use
or multi-tenant retail building shall be limited by the number of
square feet available for lease. The size of the sign in all other
commercial buildings shall be limited by gross floor area.
Schedule for Real Estate Signs
| ||
---|---|---|
Gross Floor Area or Square Feet Available for Lease
|
Permitted Sign Area
(square feet)
| |
Under 20,000 sq. ft.
|
12
| |
20,000 — 100,000 sq. ft.
|
24
| |
Over 100,000 sq. ft.
|
45
|
G.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
The maximum sign area for both faces of an off-premise sign
shall not exceed 600 square feet. This area shall include the border
and trim but shall not include the base or apron support and other
structural members.
[Amended effective 3-26-1993]
(2)
No individual sign face of an off premise sign may exceed a
measurement of twelve by twenty-five (12 x 25) feet.
[Amended effective 3-26-1993]
(3)
All off-premises signs shall be affixed to the surface of an
off-premises sign structure and may not be painted directly on any
exposed surface, such as a building wall. The sign structure may extend
forward up to eighteen (18) inches from the wall to which it is attached,
if any. No part of such a sign shall project in front of any setback
line.
(4)
All roof signs shall maintain a minimum clearance of six (6)
feet between the roof and the bottom of the sign and shall be constructed
of approved and noncombustible materials.
(5)
No roof sign shall be permitted within fifty (50) feet of a
residence zone.
(6)
There shall be no more than one (1) roof sign per business or
commercial building.
(7)
The minimum distance between off-premises signs on the same
side of the street shall be three hundred (300) feet, except that
those off-premises signs erected to be visible from any interstate
highway shall be subject to a minimum distance of five hundred (500)
feet from any other off-premises sign structure on the same side of
the street and facing in the same direction.
(8)
Setback requirements shall be the same as the setback requirements
for all structures within the zone in which the off-premises sign
is located.
(9)
Sign structures shall have a height not to exceed thirty (30)
feet. Sign height shall be measured from the center line of the street
towards which the sign is oriented.
(10)
The exposed back of all off-premises signs shall be shielded
from view from the road by an adjacent building, by the painting of
such exposed back by the sign owner, in a neutral color, or by another
sign face.
(11)
Off-premises sign structures, if illuminated, shall be illuminated
in such a way that no glare is perceived in any adjoining property.
(12)
Before any off-premises sign is constructed or relocated, a
sign permit issued by the Building Inspector shall be required in
addition to any required state permit.
(13)
The total number of off-premise sign structures, whether conforming
or nonconforming to these regulations, within the City of Norwalk
shall not exceed thirty (30). After the limit of thirty (30) structures
is reached, new permits shall not be issued until previously existing
sign structures, whether conforming or nonconforming to these regulations,
have been permanently removed. An applicant for a new sign permit
may be allowed to receive such a permit in excess of the limit upon
the applicant's agreement, written on said permit, to dismantle
an existing sign structure over one hundred (100) square feet, owned
by the applicant. Such a permit shall be automatically voided by the
Zoning Inspector if the applicant has not removed said sign structures
within thirty (30) days of being granted the new permit. Any off-premises
sign in existence at the time of adoption of this amendment and located
in a zoning district which permits off-premises signs is hereby declared
to be in conformance with the requirements of this subsection, provided
that if such structure is destroyed by fire, explosion, act of God
or act of public enemy to an extent exceeding fifty percent (50%)
of its assessed value, it may be reconstructed, only if the height,
bulk, location and use of structure is substantially as it had previously
existed, subject to approval by the Director of Planning & Zoning,
except as modified to conform with the Flood Hazard zone and Coastal
Area Management provisions of these regulations. The owner of such
sign structure shall document by A-2 Survey or other means, the height,
bulk, location and use of the sign structure as it had previously
existed and shall obtain a permit to rebuild said sign within 60 days
from the date of its destruction.
[Amended effective 2-25-1994; effective 4-19-1996; effective 6-28-2019]
H.
Signs in development parks. Anything to the contrary in these sign
regulations notwithstanding, the following signage relating to office
buildings within a development park shall be permitted.
[Added effective 9-28-2001]
(1)
Signage plans for buildings within a development park must be submitted as part of any site plan review application, or modification of same, filed as required by the provisions of § 118-1451. The Commission may waive one or more aspects of these special standards under this § 118-1294H pertaining to buildings within a development park up to a maximum of 20% of any dimension, where such a waiver is deemed necessary to improve the overall appearance of the signage plan.
(2)
Signage plans for individual buildings shall comply with a coordinated
signage plan for all buildings within the development park, including
a comparable location on each building. Such signs shall be uniform
in at least two of the following:
(3)
Individual buildings in excess of five stories shall be permitted
one identifying corporate name and/or logo or a building name and/or
logo per building which may be located on not more than two (2) of
the four (4) or more sides of the building within 20 feet of the roofline.
Such sign shall consist of letters or logo no taller than 48 inches
in height, provided a minimum of 70% of the lettering/logo is not
taller than 36 inches in height. Such signs shall not exceed one (1.0)
square foot in area for each linear foot of the building side on which
the sign is located. The name and/or logo may be illuminated, but
may not be flashing, animated or have the capacity for changeable
copy. In no case shall such sign be above the roofline.
(4)
One identification/street number/building number sign shall
be allowed on each building, the top of which sign shall not be higher
than the top of the fascia area between the first and second stories,
such stories being measured from the center-line elevation of an adjacent
development park private way. Such signs shall not exceed one (1)
square foot in area for every four (4) linear feet of the building
side or building front on which the sign is located. Sign letters
shall not exceed 36 inches in height.
(5)
Individual buildings shall be entitled to erect one or more
pylon or ground signs as follows:
[Amended effective 3-29-2013]
(a)
Ground signs less than 36 inches in height and 12 square feet
in area. One such ground sign shall be permitted on any parcel within
a development park on which a building is located or adjacent to any
common entryway to and from a public way serving such office building,
provided same is setback at least five (5) feet from any property
line. For development parks with more than thirty (30) tenants, such
ground sign may be increased to eight and one-half (8.5) feet in height
and forty-eight (48) square feet in area, provided that all such signs
are setback a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) feet from the street
and shall list only the major tenants in each building, not to exceed
ten (10) per sign.
(b)
Ground signs more than 36 inches in height and 12 square feet
in area. Such ground signs shall be permitted subject to the following
standards: One such ground sign shall be permitted for each building
and shall be located adjacent to a common entryway from a public way
serving such office building, whether within the building's parcel
or not, provided same is setback at least five (5) feet from a public
way. Such ground signs shall not exceed sixty-five (65) square feet
in area. No dimension of such a ground sign shall exceed twenty (20)
feet. The maximum height to the top of any such ground sign shall
not exceed ten (10) feet measured from the center-line elevation of
an adjacent development park private way as deemed herein. When a
coordinated sign plan is submitted which reduces the number of such
ground signs by thirty-three percent (33%) or more, each of the remaining
ground signs may be increased to fifteen (15) feet in height, measured
from the highest adjacent ground surface, and one hundred (100) square
feet in area, provided that no additional waivers are requested.
(c)
Location of ground sign. A ground sign located anywhere within
the development park identifying a building within the development
park shall not be deemed an off-premises sign. Such ground sign may
be located at the street line with no setback required, provided that
a site plan is submitted demonstrating that the sign will not interfere
with vehicle sight lines and that such plan is certified by a licensed
land surveyor or civil engineer.
I.
Signs in industrial development parks. Anything to the contrary in
these sign regulations notwithstanding, the following signage relating
to buildings in an industrial development park shall be permitted.
[Added effective 10-26-2001]
(1)
Sign area and number of signs. The total area of all on-premises
signs for each building (including name identification signs and logos),
except for ground signs, shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area
for each linear foot of building frontage. No one (1) business use
or tenant shall have more than two (2) signs on the building, except
that one (1) additional sign shall be allowed on one (1) side wall
of a structure facing two (2) streets and/or development park private
way and computed at one (1) square foot for every two (2) linear feet
of side wall. In addition, one (1) wall identification sign shall
be permitted at a secondary business entrance facing a parking lot,
not to exceed one (1) square foot for every four linear feet of secondary
wall frontage.
(2)
One identification/street number/building number sign shall
be allowed on each building within an industrial development park,
the top of which sign shall not be higher than the top of the fascia
area between the first and second stories, such stories being measured
from the center-line elevation of an adjacent industrial development
park private way. Such signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot
in area for every four (4) linear feet of the building side or building
front on which the sign is located. Sign letters shall not exceed
thirty six (36) inches in height.
(3)
Letter height and sign location. Lettering on signs on buildings
in an industrial development park shall be no larger than thirty-six
(36) inches in height. No sign shall project more than twelve (12)
inches from the wall to which it is attached, nor shall it extend
beyond the corners of a building or above the cornice of a building.
Signs should be appropriately placed on the building, but shall not
exceed a height of thirty (30) feet from the ground to the top of
the sign.
(4)
Ground signs. Anything to the contrary in these sign regulations
notwithstanding, the following ground signs shall be allowed in industrial
development parks where the total acreage of the individual industrial
development park or the total acreage of adjacent industrial development
parks exceeds fifty (50) acres and is located in one of the City's
industrial zones.
(a)
One (1) ground monument identifying the total industrial development
park of fifty (50) acres or more shall be permitted within the perimeter
of the total industrial development park, provided such monument complies
with the setback requirements of the zone in which it is located.
The monument shall not exceed twenty five (25) feet in height from
the ground to the top of the sign, and no dimension of such sign shall
exceed thirty (30) feet Sign letters shall not exceed thirty six (36)
inches in height and may be illuminated, but may not be flashing,
animated or have the capacity for changeable copy. The total area
of signage permitted on a ground monument sign shall not exceed one
hundred seventy-five (175) square feet If the lettering on a monument
sign is not contained within a frame or other geometric configuration,
the sign area shall be calculated as though it is enclosed by one
(1) continuous line connecting the extreme points or edges of lettering.
(b)
One (1) ground sign shall be permitted for the entire industrial
development park. The dimensions of such sign shall not exceed four
(4) feet in width and twelve (12) feet in length. The maximum height
to the top of any such ground sign shall not exceed six (6) feet and
shall not be closer than ten (10) feet from any common park entryway
to the industrial development park. Letter height of this ground sign
shall be limited to twenty-four (24) inches.
(c)
One (1) ground sign shall be permitted for each individual building
on each industrial development park parcel. The dimensions of such
sign shall not exceed four (4) feet in height and twelve (12) feet
in length. The maximum height to the top of any such ground sign shall
not exceed four (4) feet, and shall be located no closer than ten
(10) feet from any common park driveway into the industrial development
park. Letter height of this ground sign shall be limited to twenty-four
(24) inches.
(d)
A ground sign located anywhere within the development park identifying
a building within the development park shall not be deemed an off-premises
sign.
(5)
Signs indicating height of entry into enclosed parking areas
shall be exempt from these regulations.
(6)
Signage plans for buildings within an industrial development park must be submitted as part of any site plan review application, or modification of same, filed as required by the provisions of § 118-1451. The Commission may waive one or more aspects of these special standards under this § 118-1294I pertaining to buildings within an industrial development park up to a maximum of 20% where such a waiver is deemed necessary to improve the overall appearance of the signage plan.
(7)
Signage plans for individual buildings within an industrial
development park shall comply with a coordinated signage plan for
all buildings within the industrial development park, including a
comparable location on each building. Such signs shall be uniform
in at least two of the following:
A.
Signs in Residence Zones AAA, AA, A, B and C.
[Amended effective 5-26-2000]
(1)
The following nonilluminated signs and those permitted in § 118-1293 shall be permitted on each lot, provided that they are setback a minimum of 10 feet from the street line and do not exceed a height of six feet, if a ground sign, nor the height of the first story, if a wall sign:
(a)
One sign, a maximum of two square feet in area, identifying
a profession or occupation permitted as an accessory use on the lot.
(b)
One sign, a maximum of 12 square feet in area, having the name
and announcement of uses permitted by special permit on the lot.
[Amended effective 7-28-2017]
(c)
One sign, a maximum of 12 square feet in area, advertising the
presence of a nonconforming use located on the premises.
[Amended effective 7-28-2017]
(2)
One (1) changeable copy (automatic) sign may be permitted on
the premises of a public high school, with a student population of
at least 1,000 students, provided that:
[Added effective 7-28-2017[1]]
(a)
The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed twenty-four
(24) square feet; with no more than thirty-two (32) square feet of
sign area when static portions of the sign are included; and
(b)
The total square footage of the sign, including columns, does
not exceed forty-two (42) square feet in area; and
(c)
The sign is set back from the property line so as to not obstruct
visibility within the public travel way, therefore, zoning setback
distances do not apply; and
(d)
The sign does not exceed a total height of six (6) feet; and
(e)
Lettering height does not exceed eighteen (18) inches; and
(f)
Any changeable copy shall display only text which identifies
school events or public service notices; and
(g)
Said changeable copy text shall rotate not more than once every
thirty (30) seconds and content shall not change more than once per
hour; and
(h)
Said changeable copy must be turned off between the hours of
9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
[1]
Editor's Note: This enactment also renumbered former
Subsection A(2) as Subsection A(3).
(3)
All other signs are expressly prohibited.
[Amended effective 11-27-2009; effective 2-25-2011]
B.
Signs in Residence D Zone. The following unlighted signs, those permitted in § 118-1293, and those listed in Subsection A, shall be permitted on each lot, provided that they are set back a minimum of 10 feet from the street line and do not exceed a height of six feet, if a ground sign, nor the height of the first story, if a wall sign, except as noted in Subsection B(2) and (3) below. All other signs are expressly prohibited:
[Amended effective 5-30-1997; effective 6-26-2015]
(1)
One sign, a maximum of eight square feet in area, identifying
the name of a multifamily dwelling.
(2)
Banners, of durable fabric construction, not to exceed a maximum
of four banners, each no more than 25 square feet in size. Such banners
shall be securely affixed below the roofline to a structure a minimum
of two stories in height and shall constitute an integral part of
a school signage program, with no commercial or corporate advertising
permitted, subject to review and approval by the Commission and to
the submission of annual inspection reports.
(3)
One (1) additional banner, a maximum of one hundred (100) square
feet in area, announcing the designation of a school award. Such banner
shall be securely affixed below the roofline, shall contain no commercial
or corporate advertising and shall be limited to a period not to exceed
one (1) year.
C.
Signs in planned residential developments and conservation developments. The following nonilluminated signs and those permitted in § 118-1293 shall be permitted on each lot, provided that they are set back a minimum of 10 feet from the street line and do not exceed a height of six feet. All other signs are expressly prohibited:
(1)
One sign per public entrance, which sign identifies the name
of the residential development, provided that such sign does not exceed
eight square feet in area.
D.
Signs in East Avenue and District. The following nonilluminated signs and those permitted in § 118-1293 shall be permitted on each lot, provided that such signs are located a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the front property line and do not exceed a height of six feet, if a ground sign. A wall sign shall not extend above the lower sill of a second-story window nor above the cornice of a one-story building. All other signs are expressly prohibited:
[Amended effective 11-28-2003; effective 1-28-2010; effective 9-24-2010; effective 12-24-2010]
(1)
One wall sign a maximum of eighteen (18) inches in height and
not exceeding 1/2 the length of the front wall of the structure identifying
the occupant(s) of the premises. Wall signs shall not project more
than 12 inches.
(2)
One ground sign a maximum of 10 square feet in area identifying
the occupant(s) of the premises.
(3)
All signs in the East Avenue Village District shall use only
black letters mounted on a wood surface; plastic, metal and other
types of sign materials are not permitted.
(4)
One (1) village district sign a maximum of twenty (20) square
feet in area identifying the presence of a Village District shall
be located on a designated parcel within the district, subject to
approval by the Commission.
E.
Signs in Washington Street Design District. Signs in this district
shall maintain and enhance the symmetry of the building facade, shall
be aligned with and compatible to signage pertinent to other businesses
in the same or adjacent buildings and shall avoid covering or overlapping
architectural features of the building, subject to the following provisions:
(1)
The design, proportion and location of the signs shall conform
to the guidelines for signs set forth in Sections 4 and 5 of the Washington
Street Urban Design Study, June 1978.
(2)
Wall signs shall not exceed in area of one square foot for each
one foot in width of the facade which fronts a street or off-street
parking facility, shall not project more than 12 inches from the structure
to which it is attached and shall not extend above the sill of the
windows of the second floor.
(4)
Projecting signs or symbols are permitted but shall not exceed
an area of six square feet and shall not project more than forty (40)
inches from the building, shall provide a minimum of ten (10) feet
of clearance from a sidewalk and shall not extend above the sills
of the windows on the second floor.
(5)
Off-premises signs shall be prohibited.
[Amended effective 9-13-1985]
F.
Signs in Reed-Putnam Design District. The signs permitted in § 118-1293 and in § 118-1294 A, B, C, D and E shall be permitted subject to the following provisions:
[Added effective 9-13-1985[3]]
(1)
Wall signs shall maintain and enhance the symmetry of the building
facade and shall be compatible to signage pertinent to other businesses
in the same or adjacent buildings.
(2)
Off-premises signs shall be prohibited.
(4)
In lieu of the sign regulations herein, signs associated with
mixed use retail shopping center developments located in Subarea A
shall comply with the Exterior Signage Manual approved by site plan
review by the Commission and with the following additional standards:
[Added effective 11-25-2016]
(a)
In accordance with the approved Exterior Signage Manual, electronic
video screen (EVS) signs shall be permitted on up to two (2) wall
signs in a mixed use retail shopping center development, provided
that:
[1]
EVS signs which directly abut Interstate 95 shall
change no more often than once every twelve (12) seconds and shall
change by fading to the next sign and shall not include any animation,
bursts, scrolling, blinking, or flashing. The electronic video screen
(EVS) signs shall be programmed to change simultaneously. Unless modified
by the Commission, the EVS signs shall depict the same content on
each sign, at all times.
[2]
Standards for luminance: All EVS signs shall be
equipped with a functioning mechanism to automatically reduce the
luminance of the EVS signs during nighttime hours (1/2 hour before
sunset through 1/2 hour after sunrise); and in response to abnormal
ambient conditions occurring during daylight hours so that brightness
shall be properly adjusted in order to reduce the time for dark adaptation
by the driving public. The brightness of all EVS signs shall be calibrated
at the lowest intensity possible to allow for ease of viewing safely
from the highway and shall be subject to review and approval by the
Commission; and
[3]
Standards prohibiting animation or special effects:
Animation, flashing, and special effects are prohibited in order to
minimize distractions that would otherwise cause a driver to divert
attention away from the road ahead; and
[4]
Standards for changeable, electronic copy: EVS
signs shall change no more often than once every twelve (12) seconds.
Each image or block of text shall dwell on the display for a minimum
of twelve (12) seconds before changing. The transition to the next
image or block of text shall be instantaneous and without special
effects (such as dissolving or fading out or in). The display of specific
prices and percentage discounts on an EVS sign shall be prohibited.
(b)
Any modifications to the approved Exterior Signage Manual shall
require review and approval by the Commission.
[3]
Editor's Note: This amendment also provided for the redesignation
of former Subsection F as Subsection E and former Subsection E as
Subsection G.
G.
Signs in Research and Development Zone. The following nonilluminated signs and those permitted in § 118-1293 shall be permitted on each lot, provided that such signs are located to the rear of the front setback line and do not exceed a height of six (6) feet, if a ground sign. All other signs are expressly prohibited.
[Amended effective 9-13-1985]
H.
Signs in Restricted Industrial Zone. The following signs and those permitted in § 118-1293 shall be permitted on each lot, provided that they are set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the street line. All other signs are expressly prohibited.
[Added effective 9-13-1985; amended effective 10-26-2001]
(1)
One (1) sign per public entrance, which identifies the name,
address and products of the company or companies which occupy the
premises, provided that such sign does not exceed thirty (30) square
feet in area.
(2)
One (1) wall sign, which identifies the name of the company
or companies which occupy the premises, provided that such sign does
not exceed forty (40) square feet in area and twenty (20) feet in
length.
I.
Signs in Central Business District. Signs in this district shall comply with the standards set forth in §§ 118-1293 and 118-1294A through E, subject to the following provisions:
[Added effective 10-1-1987; amended effective 8-24-2007; effective 8-29-2008; effective 2-25-2011; effective 6-26-2015; effective 4-29-2016; effective 10-27-2017; effective 6-13-2019]
(1)
Wall signs shall not exceed an area of one (1) square foot for
each one (1) foot in width of the facade which fronts a street or
parking facility or through-block arcade, shall not project more than
twelve (12) inches from the structure to which it is attached and
shall not extend above the sill of the windows of the second floor.
In a Design District Development Park, an additional wall sign shall
be permitted for each portion of the tenant's facade along a
through-block arcade, not to exceed an area of one (1) square foot
for each one (1) foot in width of the tenant's facade along the
arcade.
(3)
Banners of durable fabric construction and affixed to the structure
so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic nor project more than thirty-six
(36) inches from the building are permitted as permanent signs subject
to the approval of the Zoning Inspector.
(4)
In lieu of an otherwise permitted ground sign, a projecting
sign is permitted for each tenant in a multitenant building not to
exceed an area of six (6) square feet and shall not project more than
forty (40) inches from the building, shall provide a minimum of ten
(10) feet of clearance from a sidewalk and shall not extend above
the sills of the windows on the second floor. In a Design District
Development Park, an additional projecting sign shall be permitted
for each portion of the tenant's facade along a through-block
arcade or fronting a second street.
(5)
Off-premises signs shall be prohibited.
(6)
In lieu of the sign regulations herein, signs in Design District
Development Parks shall comply with the Exterior Signage Manual approved
by the Commission. Any modifications to the approved Exterior Signage
Manual requires review and approval by the Commission.
(7)
Subject to site plan approval from the Commission, historic
theaters located within the Central Business District, which are also
within a nationally recognized historic district and whose primary
function is the performance of music and performance arts for an audience,
may erect the following signage in lieu of the sign regulations listed
herein:
(a)
One (1) marquee sign, provided that:
[1]
The total square footage of signage does not exceed
two hundred fifty (250) square feet in area;
[2]
Said marquee sign does not include more than three
(3) panels, two (2) of which may contain digital signs advertising
the historic theater to which it is attached, events taking place
therein and may contain the owners and/or investors of the property;
[3]
Said digital portion does not exceed twenty-five
(25) square feet in area (casing included);
[4]
All digital changeable copy text on a marquee sign
is programmed to change simultaneously and the interval between sign
content changes shall be no less than once every six (6) hours; and
[5]
Any marquee sign that extends beyond the property
line and into the public right-of-way obtains permission of the Department
of Public Works.
(b)
One (1) projecting sign, provided that:
[1]
Such sign does not exceed eighty (80) square feet
in area;
[2]
Does not extend more than ten (10) feet above the
roof or highest wall of the building;
[3]
Provides a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet from
a sidewalk or public walkway; and
[4]
Any projecting sign that extends beyond the property
line and into the public right-of-way obtains permission of the Department
of Public Works.
J.
Signs in Marine Commercial District. Signs in this district shall comply with the standards set forth in §§ 118-1293 and 118-1295A through E, subject to the following provisions:
[Added effective 4-29-1988]
(1)
Wall signs shall not exceed an area of one square foot for each
one foot in width of the facade which fronts a street or parking facility.
(2)
Banners of durable fabric construction and affixed to the structure
so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic nor project more than 36
inches from the building are permitted, subject to the approval of
the Zoning Inspector.
(3)
Off-premises signs shall be prohibited.
L.
Signs in Silvermine Tavern Village District. The following nonilluminated signs and those permitted in § 118-1293 shall be permitted on each lot, provided that such signs are located to the rear of the front setback line and do not exceed a height of six (6) feet, if a ground sign. A wall sign shall not extend above the lower sill of a second-story window nor above the cornice of a one-story building. All other signs are expressly prohibited:
[Added effective 6-27-2008]
(1)
One (1) wall sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in area,
identifying the occupant(s) of the premises. Wall signs shall not
project more than twelve (12) inches.
(2)
One (1) ground sign a maximum of ten (10) square feet in area
identifying the occupant(s) of the premises.
(3)
One sign per building or per public entrance a maximum of two
(2) square feet in area, identifying a profession or occupation permitted
as an accessory use on the lot.
(4)
One sign announcing the presence of the Village District, not
to exceed ten (10) square feet.
(5)
Historic markers and information plaques, not to exceed five
(5) square feet.
M.
Signs in Golden Hill Village District. The following signs and those permitted in §§ 118-1293 and 118-1294F shall be permitted on each lot, provided that such signs are located to the rear of the front setback line and do not exceed a height of six (6) feet, if a ground sign. A wall sign shall not extend above the lower sill of a second-story window nor above the cornice of a one-story building. All other signs are expressly prohibited.
[Added effective 4-30-2010]
(1)
One (1) wall sign a maximum of twenty-four (24) inches in height
and not exceeding two-thirds (2/3) the length of the front wall of
the structure or storefront identifying the occupant(s) of the premises.
Wall signs shall not project more than twelve (12) inches. For buildings
located on a corner lot, a second wall sign may be installed not exceeding
one-half (1/2) the length of the side wall of the structure.
(2)
One (1) projecting sign is permitted not to exceed an area of
six (6) square feet and which shall not project more than forty (40)
inches from the building, shall provide a minimum of eight (8) feet
of clearance from a sidewalk and shall not extend above the sills
of the windows on the second floor.
(3)
One (1) village district sign a maximum of twenty (20) square
feet in area identifying the presence of a Village District shall
be located on a designated parcel within the district, subject to
approval by the Commission.