A.
The purpose of this article is to promote and protect the public
health, safety and welfare by providing comprehensive time, place,
and manner restrictions on signage, which shall include controls on
size, height, quantity, location, spacing, shape, scale, lighting,
motion, design, maintenance and appearance. Regulations apply to the
physical aspects of the sign and not the content.
B.
The provisions of this article are intended to ensure that all signs
and advertising features:
(1)
Are functional and compatible with the aesthetic appearance of the
property/building on which they are located, the surrounding neighborhoods
and the long-term vision of the Town as outlined in the Comprehensive
Plan;
(2)
Serve to protect and enhance community appearance;
(3)
Protect the safety of motorists and pedestrians by reducing the frequency
and magnitude of hazards caused by obstructions and distractions;
(4)
Preserve and create more-attractive business and residential environments;
and
(5)
Are harmonious in color, size and material with the building to which
they relate, thereby preserving the existing character of the community.
A.
Each property shall be permitted a maximum square footage of sign
area based on the zoning district in which it is located. The maximum
sign area may be split among permitted sign types.
B.
The following identifies the maximum sign areas by district:
C.
The following permanent signage types are considered permitted signs
in the Town of Williamson which contribute to the total maximum permitted
square footage of sign area, unless otherwise noted in this article:
A.
Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, substantially
modify, relocate or substantially reconstruct any sign without first
obtaining a sign permit from the Building and Zoning Officer.
B.
Existing nonconforming signs may be replaced in-kind if completed
within 30 days from the removal of the original sign.
C.
For the purposes of this article, "substantial modification" shall
mean any change in the configuration, orientation, illumination, or
purpose of the sign. "Substantial reconstruction" shall mean the removal
and replacement of more than 51% of the existing signage surface area
or structural elements.
D.
No sign permit shall be required for the repainting or repair of
a sign in conformance with this chapter.
E.
All signs shall be sited so as not to interfere with a clear view
of intersecting streets and shall be located at least 25 feet from
any property line.
F.
No sign shall impair or cause confusion of vehicular or pedestrian
traffic in its design, color or placement.
G.
When signs are required as part of the site plan review, the Planning
Board shall consider the compatibility of the sign's general
character in context to its location, color(s), lettering, size and
overall design.
H.
Every principal building or structure shall have street identification
numbers subject to Section 505 of the Fire Code of New York State.
I.
The Building and Zoning Officer shall require the proper maintenance
of all signs, and such signs, together with their supports, shall
be kept in good repair. The display surfaces shall be kept neatly
painted at all times. The Building and Zoning Officer may order the
removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter.
J.
The Building and Zoning Officer may allow the retention of signs
that are an original part of the architectural fabric of the structure,
such as a date or name of building, without reduction in the number
of signs or square footage of signs within a district.
K.
Any signage not expressly permitted in this section is prohibited
in the Town of Williamson.
L.
Digital or electronic signs which display constantly moving or flashing
content are prohibited.
M.
Banners, ribbons, streamers, spinners, balloons, or other similar
moving, fluttering, revolving, flashing, smoke-generating or visual
signal generating or animated devices used for the purpose of advertising,
illumination or attracting attention are prohibited.
Unless otherwise specified within separate articles of this
chapter, the following standards apply for permanent signs erected
within any district:
A.
General.
(1)
Signs shall be designed to be compatible with the surroundings and
appropriate to the architectural character of the buildings on which
they are placed or to which they relate.
(2)
All signs, including wall-mounted and projecting signs, shall be
securely anchored and shall not swing or move in any manner.
(3)
All signs, sign finishes, supports and electric 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.
(4)
All projecting, freestanding or wall signs shall employ acceptable
safety material.
(5)
All signs shall be in accordance with the most-current version of
the Building Code of New York State and shall follow all rules and
regulations of such code.
(6)
Total sign area shall be calculated from all sign faces.
B.
Wall signs.
(1)
Wall signs shall not extend beyond the end or over the top of the
wall to which attached and shall not extend above the level of the
second floor of the building.
(2)
Wall signs shall not project more than nine inches from the face
of the building to which they are attached.
(3)
Any part of a sign extending over pedestrian areas shall have a minimum
clearance of eight feet.
(4)
Wall signs are not permitted on residential lots.
C.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
No freestanding sign shall extend over or into a public right-of-way
or driveway, nor shall it overhang a property line.
(2)
Single-pole freestanding signs are not permitted.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall be located five feet or greater from the
property line.
(4)
Freestanding signs shall not be more than six feet in height above
grade.
(5)
Freestanding signs shall include a gap between grade and the lower
edge of the sign panel measuring between 18 and 24 inches. Monument-style
signs are exempt from this provision.
D.
Tower signs.
(1)
Tower signs shall not exceed the height restrictions of the zoning
district in which they are placed and shall have a setback of 1.25
times the height of the tower sign from an adjacent property or road
right-of-way.
(2)
Tower signs shall be permitted only in the C-1, C-2 and I-1 Districts.
(3)
Tower signs shall not exceed the area requirements of the zoning
district in which they are located.
E.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Projecting signs shall not extend further than four feet outward
from the facade, and in no case shall they extend into a public right-of-way
or private drive aisle.
(2)
The edge nearest the building shall be no greater than nine inches
from said wall and the bottom edge at least nine feet above grade.
(3)
Each building shall be limited to one projecting sign per facade
facing a public right-of-way.
(4)
Projecting signs shall have no more than two faces.
(5)
Projecting signs shall have a maximum area of eight square feet per
face and shall be designed to be pedestrian-oriented.
(6)
No projecting sign shall be placed on a building already possessing
an awning sign.
F.
Directory signs.
(1)
Directory signs include building directory signs and plaza directory
signs.
(2)
Directory signs are not permitted in the A-1, L-R and R-1 Districts.
(3)
One building or plaza directory sign indicating the name of the occupants
of the building and the building number in order to direct persons
to their proper destination shall be permitted per multitenant building.
(4)
Building directory signs shall not be more than six feet in height
above grade.
(5)
Each business within a plaza may have no more than one sign within
the directory sign.
(6)
The directory sign shall have no more than two faces and shall not
exceed 25 square feet per face for five or fewer businesses, with
three square feet allowed for each additional tenant, not to exceed
50 square feet in total per face.
G.
Bulletin boards.
(1)
Only places of worship, libraries, museums, social clubs or societies
may erect on their premises a bulletin board sign not to exceed 16
square feet per face.
H.
Subdivision entry or other identification signs.
(1)
One sign identifying the name of a project located at an entrance
of the subdivision or development shall be permitted pursuant to the
following:
I.
Electronic signs.
K.
Awning signs.
(1)
The area of any awning sign shall not exceed 25% of the awning area.
(2)
No sign shall project from an awning.
(3)
Awning graphics may be painted or affixed flat to the surface of
the front or sides and shall indicate only the name and/or address
of the enterprise or premises.
(4)
Awning graphics shall be a single line of lettering; text under six
inches in height shall not be debited against the permitted wall sign
surface area.
(5)
The bottom edge of the awning sign shall be at least nine feet above
grade.
(6)
No awning sign shall be placed on a building already possessing a
projecting wall sign.
L.
Signs in shopping centers and malls.
(1)
Each shopping center or mall may have one double-faced sign no more
than the maximum sign area prescribed by this article on each side,
except that if the sign is single-faced, the area of the sign shall
not exceed than the maximum sign area prescribed by this article.
(2)
Tenants.
(a)
Each tenant of a shopping center or mall shall be allowed a
sign; however, such sign shall not exceed 5% of the facade of the
portion of the shopping center leased by the tenant and shall not
exceed the maximum sign area prescribed by this article. Tenant signs
shall be more than three feet off the ground and shall not exceed
the height of the facade. If a tenant occupies a portion of a shopping
center or mall that provides more than one facade, the tenant shall
be allowed two signs, with one sign occupying each facade, and the
total area of both signs shall not exceed 5% of the total facade area
of the portion of the shopping center leased by the tenant.
(b)
All facade signs shall be of a uniform, harmonious design as
prescribed by this article and shall be affixed to the facade of the
building.
M.
Signage lighting.
(1)
Freestanding ground signs may be illuminated via ground-mounted fixtures
or sign-mounted fixtures.
(2)
External illumination fixtures must be shielded and directed such
that a minimum of light pollution is created.
(3)
Signage accent lighting shall be of a lesser intensity than the illumination
for the sign panel itself.
(4)
Permitted signage lighting fixtures include lanterns, goosenecks,
and shielded, architectural-grade spotlights.
(5)
Illumination of directly/internally illuminated signs shall be of
the diffused lighting type.
N.
Signage materials.
(1)
All signage shall be of professional quality and constructed of robust,
durable, and weather-resistant materials.
(2)
All wood signage components must be sealed and protected from the
elements. Unpainted or unfinished treated and untreated lumber shall
not be permitted.
(3)
Signage materials shall be of like or complementary color, character,
type and quality to those found on the related principal structure.
(4)
Segmental block and/or nonmortared stone is permitted for signage
base materials only if like materials are in use throughout the principal
structure.
A.
Applications shall be made in writing to the Building and Zoning
Officer on forms prescribed and provided by the Town and shall contain
the following information:
(2)
A plan indicating the location of the building, structure or land
upon which the sign now exists or is to be erected.
(3)
If a new sign is to be erected, elevation and plan drawings to scale
shall be included.
(4)
In addition, a full description of the placement and appearance of
the proposed sign shall include the following:
(a)
Location on the premises, specifically its position in relation
to adjacent structures, roadways, driveways, parking lots, vegetation
and property lines;
(b)
The method of illumination, if any, and the position of lighting
or other extraneous devices;
(c)
Graphic design, including symbols, letters, materials and colors;
and
(d)
Written consent, or a copy of the contract made with the owner
of the property upon which the sign is to be erected, if the applicant
is not the owner.
A.
Upon the filing of a completed application for a sign permit and
the payment of the required fee, the Building and Zoning Officer shall
examine the plans, specifications and other data submitted and the
premises on which the sign is to be erected or now exists.
B.
If it shall appear that the sign is in compliance with all the requirements
of this chapter, a permit for the erection of the proposed sign shall
be issued within 15 days of receipt of a complete application.
C.
The issuance of a permit shall not excuse the applicant from conforming
to the other laws and ordinances of the municipality.
D.
If the erection of the sign authorized under any such permit has
not commenced within six months from the date of issuance, the permit
shall become null and void.
E.
An existing sign permit may be renewed within 30 days prior to the
expiration, for good cause shown, for an additional one year, upon
payment of the original fee.
A.
The following types of signs may be erected and maintained without
permits or fees, provided such signs comply with the requirements
of this chapter and other conditions specifically imposed by all other
regulations:
(1)
Historical markers, tablets and statues, memorial signs and plaques;
names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry
surface or when constructed of bronze, stainless steel or similar
material; and emblems installed by governmental agencies, religious
or nonprofit organizations.
(2)
Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection
with commercial promotion.
(3)
On-premises directional signs for the convenience of the general
public, identifying public parking areas, fire zones, entrances and
exits, and similar signs.
(4)
Nonilluminated warning, private drive, posted or no-trespassing signs,
not exceeding two square feet per face.
(5)
On-premises sign, either freestanding or attached, in connection
with any residential building in any district, for permitted professional
offices or home occupations. Such sign shall state the name and vocation
only.
(6)
Number and nameplates identifying residences, mounted on the house,
apartment or mailbox, not exceeding one square foot in area.
(7)
Lawn signs identifying residences, not exceeding one square foot
per face. Such signs are to be nonilluminated except by a light which
is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support, with no advertising
message thereon.
(8)
Integral graphics or attached price signs on gasoline pumps at automotive
service stations.
(9)
Seasonal and holiday decorations, including lighting, are exempt
from the provisions of this chapter and may be displayed in any district
without a permit.
(10)
Murals or similar designs, images, or expressions on the exterior
of a building, generally for the purpose of decoration or artistic
expression, including, but not limited to paintings, markings, and
etchings, and does not include any on- or off-site advertisement for
a commercial, industrial or other nonmunicipal entity, person or corporation.
B.
Unless otherwise specified, all exempt signs shall conform to the
following standards:
(1)
Maximum height: four feet above grade.
(2)
Minimum setback: five feet from the right-of-way line.
(3)
Maximum sign area per face: six square feet in L-R and R-1 Districts;
16 square feet in all other districts, for a total of 32 square feet
per lot.
(4)
Maximum number of exempt signs: four total per property.
C.
Real estate sales signs indicating the property is for sale or lease.
These signs shall be permitted for a total period not exceeding 180
days.
A.
All signs of a temporary nature, except as otherwise provided by
this chapter, shall be permitted for a period not exceeding 30 days
prior to the activity or event nor exceeding four days after the activity,
event or sale of property.
B.
Temporary signs shall not be attached to fences, trees, utility poles,
rocks or other parts of a natural landscape.
C.
The following types of temporary signs may be erected and maintained
without permits or fees, provided such signs comply with the requirements
of this chapter and other conditions specifically imposed by all other
regulations:
(1)
Private-owner merchandise sales signs for garage sales and auctions.
(2)
Temporary signs for a roadside stand selling agricultural produce
grown on the premises in season.
(3)
Real estate sale signs indicating the property is for sale or lease.
These signs shall be permitted for a period not exceeding 180 days
prior to the activity or event nor exceeding 30 days after the sale
of property.
(4)
Directional signs for meetings, conventions, and other assemblies.
(5)
Signs listing the architect, engineer, contractor and/or owner, on
premises where construction, renovation or repair is in progress.
(7)
Real estate development sign.
(a)
A nonilluminated, single-sided real estate development sign
may be erected on commercial or industrial property being sold, leased
or developed.
(b)
Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in the A-1, C-1, C-2,
and I-1 Districts nor 16 square feet in the MU-1, MU-2, L-R and R-1
Districts.
(c)
Such sign shall be erected parallel to the fronting highway
and set back a minimum of 20 feet from the property line.
(d)
Such sign shall be removed upon completion of the project or
sale of property and shall be in place for a period not exceeding
two years.
A.
Upon the adoption of this chapter, any sign which does not conform
to the provisions of this chapter in terms of location, area, illumination,
type, or height shall be considered a nonconforming sign.
B.
No nonconforming sign may be substantially modified, substantially
reconstructed or relocated without the applicant obtaining a permit
from the Building and Zoning Officer.
C.
Upon the adoption of this chapter and in addition to the above, all
nonconforming signs, except those granted a variance, shall cease
and desist at the time when there is any one or more of the following:
A.
Any sign, existing on or after the effective date of this chapter,
which no longer advertises an existing business conducted or product
sold on the premises upon which such sign is located shall be removed.
B.
If the Building and Zoning Officer shall find that any sign regulated
in this chapter is not used, utilized for advertising, is abandoned,
unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, the Building and
Zoning Officer shall give written notice to the named owner of the
land upon which it is located, who shall remove or repair the sign
within 30 days from the date of the such notice.
C.
The Building and Zoning Officer shall revoke any permits issued for
such sign and may invoke fines and/or further court action.
D.
Failure to remove or repair such sign would be considered a violation
of this provision.
