The purpose of this article is to create the legal framework to regulate, administer, and enforce outdoor sign advertising and display within the City limits of the City of Lancaster. This article recognizes the need to protect the safety and welfare of the public, and the need for well-maintained and attractive sign displays within the community, and the need for adequate business identification, advertising and communication. This article authorizes the use of signs visible from public rights-of-way, provided that the signs are:
A. 
Compatible with the zoning regulations as set forth in this chapter.
B. 
Designed, constructed, installed and maintained in such a manner that they do not endanger public safety or traffic safety.
C. 
Legible, readable, and visible in the circumstance in which they are used.
D. 
Respectful of the reasonable rights of others and of other advertisers whose messages are displayed.
The Zoning Administrator shall administer this article and is referred to herein as the "Sign Inspector."
A. 
Definitions adopted for reference in this article are as follows:[1]
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which no longer correctly advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product.
AREA OF COPY/GROSS AREA
The entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles which encloses the extreme limits of an advertising message, announcement, or decoration of a wall sign.
AREA OF SIGN
The area of the largest single face of the sign within a perimeter which forms the outside shape, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the signs may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled.
BILLBOARD
See "off-premises sign."
BUILDING FACADE
That portion of a building which is parallel or nearly parallel to the abutting roadway.
BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGN
Any sign which promotes the name and type of business only on the premises where it is located.
CANOPY SIGN
Any sign attached to or constructed in, on, or under a canopy or marquee. For the purpose of this article, canopy signs shall be controlled by the rules governing projecting signs.
CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN
A sign such as a manual, electronic or electric controlled time and temperature sign, message center or reader board, whether electronic, electric, or manual, where copy changes. Any sign may be, or include as a part of it, a changeable message sign.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Any sign which serves to designate the location of or direction to any place or area.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
A sign with copy on two faces, facing in different directions.
ELECTRIC SIGN
Any sign containing internal electrical wiring which is attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
ELECTRIC SIGN CONTRACTOR
A person, partnership, or corporation which, in the normal course of business, frequently installs and maintains electric signs.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN
A changeable message sign whose message is electrically activated, such as with light bulbs or mechanical flip discs.
FLASHING SIGN
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent, flashing, or rotating light by means of animation, or an externally mounted intermittent light source, not including changeable message signs.
GRADE
The elevation or level of the street closest to the sign to which reference is made, measured at the street's center line.
GROUND SIGN
A sign erected on one or more freestanding supports or uprights and not attached to any building.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance measured from the grade at the street right-of-way line where the sign is located to the highest point of such sign.
LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGN
A nonconforming sign that did meet code regulations when it was originally installed.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign that does not meet code regulations.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A sign which advertises goods, products, facilities or services not necessarily on the premises where the sign is located, or directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
Any sign identifying or advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products, or services located on the premises where the sign is installed and maintained, excluding window signs.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, normally double-faced, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building facade. The area of projecting signs is calculated on one face only.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected upon, against, or above a roof.
SANDWICH SIGN
A hinged or unhinged A-frame portable sign which is generally temporary in nature and placed near a roadway.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of commercial establishments planned, developed, owned, and managed as a unit, with off-street parking provided on the property, and related in its location, size, and type of shapes to the trade area which the unit serves.
SIGN
Any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, design, identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, to advertise, identify, convey information, or direct attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise. For the purpose of removal, "sign" shall also include all sign structures.
SIGN CONTRACTOR
Any person, partnership or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the erection or maintenance of signs.
SIGN INSPECTOR
That person charged with the responsibility to see that signage in the community is installed and maintained in compliance with this code. The Zoning Administrator is herein referred to as the Sign Inspector.
SIGN STRUCTURE
Any device or material which supports, has supported, or is capable of supporting a sign in a stationary position, including decorative covers.
SWINGING SIGN
A sign installed on an arm or mast or spar that is not, in addition, permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign that is temporary in nature (not to exceed 30 days in existence).
WALL SIGN
A sign attached to the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane of the building wall. This includes signs painted directly on a wall.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign installed on a window for the purposes of viewing from outside the premises.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also § 455-87, Definitions.
B. 
Zoning districts referenced in this article are:
(1) 
R-A Residential-Agriculture.
(2) 
R-1 Single-Family Residential.
(3) 
R-2 One- and Two-Family Residential.
(4) 
R-3 Multifamily Residential.
(5) 
C-1 General Business.
(6) 
C-2 Central Business.
(7) 
I General Industry.
(8) 
CON Conservancy.
(9) 
U Utility and Government Use.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
(10) 
PUD Planned Unit Development.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Original § 16.09(b)(11), regarding signs in manufactured home parks, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05.
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, relocate or structurally modify a sign or cause the same to be done in the City of Lancaster without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Zoning Administrator as is required by this article. Permits shall not be required for a change of copy on any sign, nor for the repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of the sign and sign structure.
Application for a permit shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator upon forms provided by the Zoning Administrator and shall contain the following information:
A. 
Name, address, and telephone number of the sign owner, the property owner where the sign is or will be located, and the sign contractor involved in the project.
B. 
Identification of the subject location of the sign including zoning district.
C. 
Clear and legible scale drawings with description and nominal dimensions of the proposed sign, the construction, size dimensions, and kind of materials to be used in such structure.
D. 
A site plan showing the building on the premises upon which the structure is to be erected and maintained together with location, size, and types of existing signs on the premises where the proposed sign is to be located.
E. 
Such other information as the Sign Inspector may require to show full compliance with this chapter and all other applicable laws of the City of Lancaster.
F. 
Signature of the applicant and owner, if not the applicant.
G. 
Fee receipt for required permit fees.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
Fees for sign permits shall be as established under the fee schedule ordinance, a copy of which is kept in the office of the City Clerk/Treasurer.
The Sign Inspector shall issue a permit for the erection, structural alteration, enlargement, or relocation of a sign within the City of Lancaster when the permit application is properly made, all appropriate fees have been paid, and the sign complies with the appropriate laws and regulations of the City of Lancaster. If the sign permit is denied by the Sign Inspector, he shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief statement of the reasons for the denial along with the return of all permit fees and papers.
A. 
Appeals may be filed in accordance with § 455-85 of this chapter.
B. 
The Sign Inspector's failure to either formally grant or deny a sign permit within 45 days of the date an application meeting the requirements of this article is filed shall be cause for appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
A. 
All signs shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and the additional construction standards hereinafter set forth.
B. 
All ground and roof sign structures shall be self-supporting structures and permanently attached to sufficient foundations.
C. 
Electric service to ground signs shall be concealed wherever possible.
A. 
Any ground sign or projecting sign within 25 feet of an intersection or 15 feet of a driveway, measured from the point of intersection with a right-of-way, shall maintain a minimum of 10 feet between the bottom of the sign and grade at the right-of-way line or shall be not more than three feet in height.
B. 
Canopy signs shall maintain a minimum vertical distance between the bottom of the sign and the grade at the right-of-way line of eight feet.
C. 
Projecting signs may extend not further than eight feet from the building to which they are attached, nor shall there be less than 10 feet from the bottom of the projecting sign to grade.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
D. 
A sign may extend closer not than two feet to the vertical plane of the street curb or, if no curb exists, not more than eight feet beyond the vertical plane of the Official Map right-of-way line. No sign structure may be located in the right-of-way.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
E. 
A roof sign shall be a conditional use in the district in which it is requested and shall not be granted without Plan Commission approval.
F. 
The gross area of permanent window signs shall not exceed 33% of the gross window area of any given building facade.
G. 
Any sign location that is accessible to vehicles shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 16 feet.
H. 
No sign facing a residential zoned district shall be closer than 25 feet to that district line.
All signs shall be installed and maintained in a workmanlike manner using equipment which is adequate and safe for the task. This article recognizes that one of the greatest perils to public safety is improper performance of sign contractors in the use of inadequate equipment. As such, the Sign Inspector may deny a sign permit if the sign contractor does not have or does not arrange for use of adequate equipment. The Sign Inspector may also cite the sign contractor for a violation of this chapter if he fails to use proper equipment in the maintenance of signs.
A. 
Every sign, including but not limited to those signs for which permits are required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, painting (except where a weathered or natural surface is intended), repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign.
B. 
The Sign Inspector shall require compliance with all standards in this article. If the sign is not maintained to comply with the standards outlined in this article, the Sign Inspector shall require its removal in accordance with this article.
A. 
Abandoned signs. At the termination of a business, commercial or industrial enterprise, all signs shall, within 60 days, be removed from the public view. If more than 60 days are needed, an extension may be requested by applying to the Plan Commission. Responsibility for violation shall reside with the property owner, according to the latest official tax roll listings. If the owner fails to remove the sign, the Sign Inspector shall give the owner 60 days' written notice to remove said sign. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the City of Lancaster may cause removal to be executed, the expenses of which will be assessed to the tax roll listing of the property on which the abandoned sign is located.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 16.09(12)(b), which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05.
B. 
Deteriorated or dilapidated signs. The Sign Inspector shall cause to be removed any deteriorated or dilapidated signs under the provisions of § 66.0413, Wis. Stats.
A. 
Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this article may be continued, although the use, size, or location does not conform to the provisions of this article; however, they shall be deemed nonconforming uses or structures and the provisions of Article X of this chapter shall apply.
B. 
Maintenance and repair. Nothing in this article shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property on which the sign is located from the provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
A. 
The following signs shall be prohibited within the City of Lancaster:
(1) 
Abandoned signs.
(2) 
Swinging signs over 50 square feet in area.
(3) 
Signs which bear or contain statements, words, or pictures of obscene, pornographic or immoral subjects.
(4) 
Signs which are an imitation of, or resemble in shape, size, copy, or color, an official traffic sign or signal.
(5) 
Portable signs that could endanger public safety.
(6) 
Flashing signs.
(a) 
Exceptions: Signs may contain multiple or variable messages, including messages on louvers that are rotated and messages formed solely by use of lights or other electronic or digital displays, that may be changed by any electronic process, subject to all of the following restrictions:
[Added 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
[1] 
Each change of message shall be accomplished in one second or less.
[2] 
Each message shall remain in a fixed position for a least six seconds.
[3] 
The use of traveling messages or segmented messages is prohibited.
[4] 
The Zoning Administrator may prohibit or establish restrictions on the illuminations of messages to a degree of brightness that is greater than necessary for adequate visibility.
(7) 
Semitrailer or trailer signs.
B. 
Business and industrial signs may be internally lighted or illuminated by a hooded reflector; provided, however, that such lighting shall be arranged to prevent glare and no sign shall be lighted by a lighting of intermittent or varying intensity. Animated signs, or signs having moving parts, or signs which may be mistaken for traffic signal devices or which diminish the visibility or effectiveness of such traffic signal devices are prohibited. Any sign with lighting detrimental to traffic visibility or safety is prohibited.
C. 
Advertising vehicles. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way property or on private properties so as to be seen from a public right-of-way which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.
The following signs may be allowed without a permit:
A. 
Construction signs. Two construction signs per construction site, not exceeding 32 square feet in area each, confined to the site of construction. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days after completion of construction or prior to occupancy, whichever is sooner.
B. 
Direction and instructional non-electric signs which provide instruction or direction and are located entirely on a property to which they pertain and do not exceed eight square feet each in area and do not in any way advertise a business. This includes, but is not limited to, such signs as those identifying rest rooms, telephone, parking areas, entrances, and exits.
C. 
Nonilluminated emblems or insignias of any nation or political subdivision or profit or nonprofit organization, less than 10 square feet in area.
D. 
Government signs. Government signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public utilities indicating danger, and aids to service or safety which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his public duty.
E. 
Home occupation signs. Signs associated with a home occupation as defined in this chapter, provided that such signs are nonilluminated signs that do not exceed eight square feet in area and have been approved by the Plan Commission.
F. 
House numbers and name plates. House numbers and name plates not exceeding two square feet in area for each residential, commercial, or industrial building.
G. 
Interior signs. Signs located within the interior of any building or structure which are not visible from the public right-of-way. This does not, however, exempt such signs from the construction, maintenance and safety sections of this article.
H. 
Memorial signs and plaques. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection which are cut into masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of a building or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material, which do not exceed four square feet in area.
I. 
No trespassing or no dumping signs. No trespassing and no dumping signs not to exceed four square feet in area.
J. 
Public notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties.
K. 
Public signs. Signs required as specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.
L. 
Political signs. Political signs are signs used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum. Political signs may be displayed in front, side, and rear yards on a premises in any zoning district only during the following times: commencing with the filing of nomination papers of the candidate for public office with the appropriate governmental office in charge thereof or the placement of an issue on an election ballot and terminating 14 days after the election for the position or issue which is the subject of the referendum.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
M. 
Real estate signs. One real estate sales sign on any lot or parcel, provided such sign is located entirely within the property to which the sign applies and is not directly illuminated, nor shall said sign be located in any vision triangle.
(1) 
In residential districts, such signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days after the sale, rental or lease of the property has been accomplished.
(2) 
In all other districts, such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days after the sale, rental or lease of the property has been accomplished.
N. 
Temporary window signs. In business, commercial, and industrial districts, the inside surface of any ground floor window may be used for attachment of temporary signs. The total area of such signs, however, shall not exceed 50% of the total window area, and signs shall not be placed on door windows or other windows needed to be clear for pedestrian safety. Such signs may not be posted for a period of longer than 30 days.
O. 
On-premises symbols or insignias. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historic agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historic agencies.
P. 
On-premises temporary signs. Temporary signs not exceeding 32 square feet in area pertaining to drives or events of civic, philanthropic, education, or religious organizations, provided that such signs are posted not more than 30 days before said event and removed within five days after the event.
Q. 
Vehicular signs. Truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicle, while operating in the normal course of business, which is not primarily the display of signs.
R. 
Neighborhood identification signs. In any zone, a sign, masonry wall, landscaping, or other similar material and feature may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or subdivision identification, provided that the legend of such sign or display shall consist only of the neighborhood or subdivision name, that it shall not be located within a vision triangle and that it shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator.
The following signs may be allowed with a special permit issued by the Zoning Administrator:
A. 
Subdivision or development signs. A temporary sign in any zoning district in connection with the marketing of lots or structures in a subdivision or development subject to the following restrictions:
(1) 
Such permit may be issued for a period of not more than one year and may be renewed for additional periods of up to one year upon written application at least 30 days prior to its expiration.
(2) 
Signs as used in this section refer to all types of signs except those excepted or prohibited by this chapter.
(3) 
The sign must be located on the property being developed and must comply with all applicable building setback requirements for the district.
(4) 
The sign may not exceed 32 square feet.
(5) 
One sign is allowed for each five acres of the subdivision or development with a maximum of one sign if the subdivision or development is under five acres.
(6) 
The sign may not be allowed in vision triangles.
B. 
Banners and other promotional devices. Banners, pennants, searchlights or balloons shall not be used on a permanent basis. The use of such promotional devices shall require a special permit issued by the Zoning Administrator.
(1) 
In residential districts, such promotional devices may be used by a realtor in conjunction with an open house or model home demonstration for up to five days before the opening of such demonstration and must be removed within 30 days or five days after the close of such demonstration, whichever occurs first.
(2) 
In business and industrial districts, such devices will be allowed for special sale promotions, grand open celebrations, etc., not to exceed a period of 10 days. Such promotional devices must be located on the premises where such promotion or opening is being held.
C. 
Over the street banners. Unlighted event banners for civic events, not exceeding 120 square feet in area, are permissible over a street by special permit from the Zoning Administrator after presentation of specifications to the Zoning Administrator and proof of insurance.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
(1) 
The lowest portion of said banner may not be lower than 16 feet above the traveled portion of roadway over which said banner is located.
(2) 
Banners must be erected no sooner than 30 days prior to event and be removed within two days after the close of the event.
A. 
Residential districts. R-A Residential-Agriculture, R-1 Single-Family Residential, R-2 One- and Two-Family Residential, R-3 Multifamily Residential and manufactured home parks.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
(1) 
Permitted signs.
(a) 
Signs not requiring a permit used in connection with a permitted use or in connection with an approved conditional use, existing legal nonconforming use or public or utility use in the zoning district.
(b) 
Special signs authorized by the Zoning Administrator.
(c) 
Off-premises directional signs for the purpose of directing patrons or attendants to a church, school or other similar nonprofit organization or to historic sites. Such signs shall be limited to an area not exceeding six square feet. Such sign shall not be closer to the ground than three feet and shall not extend higher than six feet. Such signs or symbols shall be appropriate to the type of institution being advertised and shall be in keeping with the mores of the community. Such signs will not be required to meet the requirements of Subsection B(1)(f) of this section.
(2) 
Signs permitted by variance approval by the City Zoning Board of Appeals.
(a) 
Business identification signs for conditional uses or for existing nonconforming uses based on the following:
[1] 
Wall signs and directional signs and one ground sign per street.
[2] 
Area restrictions of 24 square feet for each ground sign and the total area of wall signs is not to exceed one square foot per linear foot of a building facade facing a right-of-way.
[3] 
Height restrictions. Ground signs are not to exceed a height of six feet.
[4] 
Setbacks. All ground signs must be at least 10 feet from interior side or rear lot lines and completely outside the public right-of-way.
B. 
C-2 Central Business District. Also see § 455-55 of this article for general design requirements.
(1) 
Permitted signs.
(a) 
Signs not requiring a permit used in connection with a permitted use or in connection with an approved conditional use, existing legal nonconforming use or public or utility use in the zoning district.
(b) 
Special signs authorized by the Zoning Administrator.
(c) 
Off-premises directional signs for the purpose of directing patrons or attendants to a church, school or other similar nonprofit organization or to historic sites. Such signs shall be limited to an area not exceeding six square feet. Such sign shall not be closer to the ground than three feet and shall not extend higher than six feet. Such signs or symbols shall be appropriate to the type of institution being advertised and shall be in keeping with the mores of the community. Such signs will not be required to meet the requirements of Subsection B(1)(f) of this section.
(d) 
Area restrictions of 50 square feet per side for each ground sign, canopy sign, projecting sign, wall sign and roof sign for a single business and a combined total of 75 square feet per side when one sign structure supports multiple signs advertising different businesses on the same location.
[Amended 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
(e) 
Height restrictions. Ground signs are not to exceed a height of 30 feet.
(f) 
Business identification signs for permitted uses, conditional uses or for existing nonconforming uses based on the following:
[1] 
Wall signs and directional signs and one ground sign per street.
[2] 
Swinging signs under 50 square feet.
[3] 
Area restrictions of 50 square feet side for each ground sign, canopy sign, wall sign, and roof sign for a single business and a combined total of 75 square feet per side when one sign structure supports multiple signs advertising different businesses on the same location.
[4] 
The area of projecting signs may not exceed 50 square feet.
[5] 
Window signs visible from the public right-of-way are not to exceed 33% of the gross window area.
[6] 
Height restrictions. Ground signs are not to exceed a height of 30 feet or the height of the building whichever is less.
[7] 
Setbacks. All ground signs must be at least 10 feet from interior side or rear lot lines and completely outside the public right-of-way.
C. 
Commercial and industrial zoning districts, C-1 General Business and I General Industry. Also see § 455-55 of this article for general design requirements.
(1) 
Permitted signs.
(a) 
Signs not requiring a permit used in connection with a permitted use or in connection with an approved conditional use, existing legal nonconforming use or public or utility use in the zoning district.
(b) 
Special signs authorized by the Zoning Administrator.
(c) 
Off-premises directional signs for the purpose of directing patrons or attendants to a church, school or other similar nonprofit organization or to historic sites. Such signs shall meet the requirements as set forth in Subsection A(1)(c) of this section.
(d) 
Wall, window, marquee, directional, canopy, ground signs, projecting or roof signs, in connection with permitted, conditional or legal nonconforming uses in the zoning district, subject to the following restrictions and regulations:
[1] 
One ground or roof sign per frontage road.
[2] 
The area of ground signs or roof signs may not exceed 1.5 square feet per linear foot of lot frontage to a maximum of 250 square feet.
[3] 
Height restrictions. Ground and projecting signs may not exceed 40 feet in height.
[4] 
Spacing. Projecting signs may be spaced no closer than 25 feet to the nearest projecting sign.
[5] 
Projecting signs must have a minimum of 10 feet from the bottom of the sign to grade and can overhang no more than six feet beyond the front property line and shall not exceed 100 square feet in area.
[6] 
Off-premises signs shall be a minimum of 75 feet from an occupied residential dwelling when facing said residential dwelling. Off-premises signs shall not exceed 300 square feet in area.
[7] 
Off-premises signs may not exceed 40 feet in height from grade to the top of sign structure. Minimum distance from grade to the bottom of the sign is eight feet.
[8] 
Off-premises signs shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
D. 
Shopping center signs shall be subject to the following restrictions and regulations:
(1) 
One shopping center identification sign with the height limitation of 40 feet is permitted. If shopping center is on a corner, either one corner sign or two signs, one on each street, may be permitted. If two signs are installed, they must be placed at least 200 feet from the lot corner of the intersection.
(2) 
Area restriction for shopping center identification signs is based on 1.5 square feet of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage not to exceed 250 square feet.
(3) 
Ground signs including shopping center identification signs and directional signs must be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way line of abutting streets.
(4) 
Tenant wall, window, and marquee signs are permitted. Such signs are limited to six square feet per linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed 300 square feet in area.
E. 
Off-premises signs are permitted subject to the following restrictions and regulations:
(1) 
A maximum of two off-premises signs per property may be permitted, provided that the signs do not face residences located in a residential zoning district or are placed outside the minimum building and landscape setback requirements as required in this chapter for the district in which the sign is located.
(2) 
Off-premises signs may not exceed 300 square feet in area per sign, including border and trim, but not including uprights.
(3) 
Off-premises signs may not be spaced closer than 300 feet apart, facing the same direction; measurements shall be taken along the right-of-way of the abutting roadway.
F. 
Planned Unit Development District. Signage in a planned unit development shall be controlled by the provisions in the plan for the business development, as adopted by the City Plan Commission, but shall not exceed the signage restrictions for the surrounding geographical area.
A. 
Violation or failure to comply with the provisions of this article shall be and hereby is declared to be unlawful.
B. 
Any sign erected, altered, moved or structurally modified without a permit or altered with a permit but in violation of the provisions of this article shall be removed at the owner's expense or brought into compliance within 30 days of written notification by the Zoning Administrator. In the event that the owner does not remove said sign or bring said sign into compliance, the Zoning Administrator may order removal, the expenses of which will be assessed to the tax roll listing of the property on which the noncomplying sign is located. Compliance within 30 days shall also require the payment of double the fees required under § 455-51 of this article.
C. 
This section shall not preclude the City of Lancaster from maintaining any appropriate action to prevent or remove a violation of this article, including issuance of a citation for violation hereof.