[Amended 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 01-21; 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 05-21; 8-22-2022 by Ord. No. 4-22]
Reference: § 320-214B(2)(i); Table 320-507-1. (Editor's Note: Table 320-507-1 is included in § 320-507.)
A. 
The purpose of these regulations is to create the legal framework to regulate, administer, and enforce outdoor sign advertising and display. These regulations recognize 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. Signs shall also be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and 2020 Sub Area Plan.
B. 
No sign shall hereafter be erected, hung, placed, altered, or moved except in conformity with the regulations of this article.
These regulations authorize the use of signs visible from public rights-of-way, provided the signs are:
A. 
Complying with the zoning regulations.
B. 
Designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in such a manner they do not endanger public safety or traffic safety.
C. 
Legible, readable, and visible in the circumstances they are used.
D. 
Respectful of the reasonable rights of other advertisers whose messages are displayed.
A. 
Permits required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge or structurally modify a sign or cause the same to be done in Greenville without first obtaining a sign permit for each sign as required by this article.
B. 
Permits shall not be required for a change of copy of any sign, nor for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of the sign and sign structure.
C. 
Application for a permit. Application for a permit shall be filed with the Community and Economic Development Department upon forms provided by the Department and shall contain the following information:
(1) 
The name, address and telephone number of the sign owner, the property owner, where the sign is or will be located and the sign contractor of the proposed sign.
(2) 
Clear and legible drawings with description and nominal dimensions of the proposed sign, the construction, size, dimensions, and kind of materials to be used in such structure. The site plan shall show the buildings on the premises upon which the structure is to be erected and maintained together with locations, setbacks, size, and types of existing signs on the premises where the proposed sign is to be located. All dimensions shall be indicated for the sign and the site plan elements.
(3) 
Calculations or evidence showing the structure and design meet the requirements of these regulations for wind pressure load.
(4) 
Such other information as may be required to show full compliance with this and all other applicable laws.
D. 
Construction specifications.
(1) 
Every sign or advertising structure hereafter erected shall have marked in a conspicuous place thereon the date of erection, the manufacturer's name, the permit number, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection therewith.
(2) 
All signs shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 85, the current National Electrical Code, and the additional construction standards hereinafter set forth.
(3) 
All ground sign structures shall be self-supporting structures and permanently attached to sufficient foundations.
(4) 
Electrical service to ground signs shall be concealed wherever possible.
(5) 
All signs, except those attached flat against the wall of a building and those signs of which no portion exceeds a height of three feet and are no greater than nine square feet in area, shall be constructed to withstand wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot of the sign and structure, with correct engineering adjustments for the height of the sign above grade.
(6) 
No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices to allow the sign to swing due to wind action. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that could cause wear on supporting members or connections.
(7) 
Supports and braces shall be an integral part of the sign design. Angle irons, chain or wires used for supports or braces shall be hidden from public view to the extent technically feasible.
E. 
Permit fees. A fee shall be required prior to issuance of permits and shall be set from time to time by the Board. Signs installed without a permit shall be removed after proper notice.
F. 
Permit issuance and denial. The Building Inspector or designee shall issue a permit for the erection, structural alteration, enlargement, or relocation of a sign when the permit application is properly made, all appropriate fees have been made, and the sign complies with the appropriate laws and regulations. If the sign permit is denied, written notice of the denial shall be provided to the applicant, together with a brief statement of the reasons for the denial, along with the return of all permit fees and papers.
G. 
Sign permit appeal. In the event any of the requirements herein contained cause undue or unnecessary hardship on any person, firm, or corporation, a variance from requirements may be applied for to the Board of Appeals. An application for a variance must be made within 10 days after receipt of the notice that the sign involved does not conform to the Chapter. In the event the appeal is not made in writing to the Board of Appeals within such ten-day period, a variance shall not be granted. The Board of Appeals shall take action on any variance request within 60 days of receipt of the variance application. The Community and Economic Development Director or designee shall comply with and enforce the Board of Appeals' decision.
H. 
Sign exemption. A sign may be determined to be exempt from the sign regulations herein if it can be shown the sign is necessary for safety reasons and there are no other alternatives to complying with the regulations herein. The Community and Economic Development Director or designee shall make this determination upon a written request from the applicant stating the reasons for exemption.
I. 
Indemnification for sign installation and maintenance. All persons engaging in the installation or maintenance of signs which involves in whole or in part the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance of a sign or other sign work in, over or immediately adjacent to a public right-of-way or public property, when such property is used or encroached upon, shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify Greenville, its officers, agents, employees from any and all claims resulting from erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance of the sign or any other sign work insofar as this article has not specifically directed the placement of the sign.
The following definitions shall be applicable in this article:
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which no longer correctly identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity on the premises or elsewhere.
BANNER SIGN
Any sign that is displayed between two posts affixed to the ground or affixed flat against a wall. The banner may consist of the following materials which are able to be rolled or folded up, all other materials shall be prohibited: canvas, cloth, fabric, vinyl and similar materials.
CANOPY SIGN
Any sign incorporated into or attached to a canopy, marquee, or awning.
CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN
A sign displaying words, lines, logos, or symbols which can be changed manually, mechanically, or electronically to provide different information without altering the face or surface of such sign. Changeable message signs include, but are not limited to, time and temperature signs and reader boards.
COMMUNITY SIGN
A temporary sign placed by charities, schools, and community groups that promotes, celebrates, or commemorates a community event, public awareness, community service, holiday season, or similar public function.
[Added 10-9-2023 by Ord. No. 11-23]
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Any sign limited to providing directions and information necessary or convenient for visitors or clients coming onto a premises. This includes, but is not limited to, such signs as those identifying restrooms, delivery areas, parking areas, entrances, and exits.
DRIVE-THROUGH SIGN
Any nonilluminated or illuminated, digital sign located on the premises of a drive-through use used to communicate information between buyer and seller and may have an intercom and/or speaker(s).
ELECTRIC SIGN
Any sign containing or using electrical wiring but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source.
FLAG SIGN
Any sign that is attached to one post affixed to the ground or attached to one post that is affixed to a wall. The flag may consist of the following materials which are able to be rolled or folded up, all other materials shall be prohibited: canvas, cloth, fabric, vinyl and similar materials.
FLASHING SIGN
Any sign containing an intermittent or flashing light source or includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source including scrolling signs/messages, but excluding changeable message signs.
GOVERNMENT SIGN
Any sign for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossings signs, and signs of public utilities, including danger and aids to service and safety erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his/her public duty.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign, lit by an artificial light source, either directed upon it or illuminated from an interior source.
INFLATABLE SIGN
Any sign, advertising device, or balloon larger than 18 inches in diameter that is or can be filled with air or gas. This includes any three-dimensional ambient air-filled object in the shape of a container, figure, or product.
INTERIOR SIGN
Any sign located within the interior of any building or structure not visible from the public right-of-way.
LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign meeting regulations at the time it was originally installed but does not conform to the current sign regulations.
MEMORIAL SIGN/PLAQUE
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection, cut into masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of a building, or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material.
MONUMENT GROUND SIGN
Any permanent, freestanding sign generally having a low profile with little or no open space between the ground and the sign and having a structure of masonry, wood, or materials similar in appearance. Any support structures used to anchor the monument ground sign shall not be narrower in width than the sign itself.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign not in conformance with Code regulations, excluding legal nonconforming signs.
PERMANENT SIGN
Any sign which is intended to be permanently affixed to the ground or structure as permitted in this article and is not a temporary sign.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign designed or intended to be moved easily and not permanently embedded in the ground or affixed to a building or other structure. Portable signs include but are not limited to trailer signs, menu and sandwich boards, and A-frame signs.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, which may be double-faced, attached to and projecting horizontally out from a structure or building fascia.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Any official notice posted by public officers or employers in the performance of their duties as may be required by state statute.
PUBLIC SIGN
Any sign required as specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute, or ordinance.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected upon, against, or above a roof wholly supported by the roof structure.
SWINGING SIGN
A sign installed on an arm, mast, or spar not permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign intended or designed for temporary display which is not a permanent sign as defined in this article.
VEHICULAR SIGN
Any temporary sign displayed on the exterior of a truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicle, that is parked primarily for the display of a sign. "Displayed" is defined as a temporary sign that is hung, taped, stapled or otherwise affixed to the vehicle that isn't already integrated into the body of the vehicle.
WALL SIGN
A sign attached to the wall of a building. It shall not project away from the wall more than 12 inches. This includes signs painted directly on a wall.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign installed in or on a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
COPY AREA
The geometric area in square feet enclosing the sign copy.
GROSS AREA
The area of a sign determined by the outside perimeter dimensions of the sign, excluding any necessary supports on which the sign may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one modular section, their areas will be totaled. If the modules are formed in the shape of letters or symbols, the rules for copy area apply.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance measured from the average grade of a sign to the highest point of such sign or structure.
SIGN
Any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, design, identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, used to advertise, identify, convey information or direct attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, or business of solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise. Signs shall also include all sign structures. Reference: § 320-302, definition of "sign."
SIGN CONTRACTOR
Any person, partnership, or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the erection or maintenance of signs, excluding the business or entity the sign advertises.
SIGN COPY
Any combination of letters, numbers, or images intended to inform, direct, advertise, or otherwise transmit information.
A. 
Notification of nonconformance. Upon determination a sign is nonconforming, the Community and Economic Development Director or designee shall use reasonable efforts to notify, either personally or in writing, the user or owner of the property on which the sign is located of the following:
(1) 
The sign's nonconformity.
(2) 
Whether the sign is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign or is unlawful.
B. 
Signs eligible for characterization as legal nonconforming. Any sign located within Greenville on the date of adoption of this article which does not conform with the provisions of this article is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted, providing it also meets the following requirements:
(1) 
The sign was covered by a proper sign permit prior to the date of adoption of this article.
(2) 
No permit was required under applicable law for the sign in question, and the sign was, in all respects, in compliance with applicable law on the date of adoption of this article.
C. 
Loss of legal nonconforming status.
(1) 
A sign loses its nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:
[Amended 10-10-2022 by Ord. No. 7-22]
(a) 
The sign is structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with requirements of this article than it was before alteration.
(b) 
The sign is relocated.
(c) 
The sign fails to conform to this article regarding maintenance and repair, abandonment, or dangerous or defective signs.
(d) 
The sign is destroyed by any means to the extent of more than 50% of its fair market value, except as provided in § 60.61(5m), Wis. Stats.
(2) 
On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be immediately brought in compliance with this article with a new permit secured or shall be removed.
D. 
Legal nonconforming sign maintenance and repair. Nothing in this article shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property in which the sign is located from the provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs.
A. 
Maintenance and repair.
(1) 
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 when a weathered or natural surface is intended), repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign.
(2) 
The Community and Economic Development Director or designee may require compliance with all standards of this article. If the sign is not modified to comply with the safety standards outlined in this article, the Community and Economic Development Director or designee shall require its removal in accordance with this article.
B. 
Abandoned signs. All signs or sign messages shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which an on-premises sign is located when the business it advertises is no longer conducted or, for an off-premises sign, when lease payments and rental income are no longer provided. The Community and Economic Development Director or designee shall give the owner 60 days' written notice to remove the sign. If the sign is not removed, Greenville may cause removal to be executed, the expenses of which will be assessed on the tax roll to the property on which the abandoned sign is located.
C. 
Deteriorated or dilapidated signs. The Community and Economic Development Director or designee shall cause to be removed any deteriorated or dilapidated signs.
The following signs shall be prohibited within Greenville unless otherwise permitted:
A. 
Abandoned signs.
B. 
Flashing signs. All blinking and flashing signs are prohibited. Changeable-message signs are permitted by special exception.
C. 
Portable signs.
D. 
Signs within the right-of-way other than traffic control signs and those signs permitted by the Department of Transportation having jurisdiction over the said right-of-way.
E. 
Swinging signs.
F. 
Reflective signs.
G. 
Roof signs.
H. 
Unclassified signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(1) 
Signs imitating or resemble in shape, size, copy or color an official traffic sign or signal.
I. 
Vehicular signs on parked vehicles, including but not limited to cars, trucks, semitrailers, containers or trailers, with the intention of using as a sign.
[Amended 1-9-2023 by Ord. No. 8-22]
No sign shall be located within the required vision triangle or within the right-of-way. The following signs do not require a permit and are permitted in all zoning districts.
A. 
Government signs.
B. 
House numbers and name plates. Each building in Greenville which has a street address shall be in compliance with Chapter 261, Street Address Signs.
C. 
Interior signs.
D. 
Memorial signs and plaques not more than four square feet in gross area.
E. 
Public notices.
F. 
Public signs.
[Amended 10-9-2023 by Ord. No. 11-23]
Table 320-709-1 Temporary Signs not requiring a permit.
Temporary Sign Type
Maximum Gross Area per Sign in Square Feet
Maximum Height From Average Grade per Sign in Feet
Setback in Feet
Allowed on Ground
Allowed on Building
Allowed on Roof
Allowed on Vehicles/ Equipment
Lighting Allowed
Number of Signs
Sign Duration
Is a Permit Required?
1.5 Sign
1.5
10
NA
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
1 per property line
364 days per year
No
4 Sign
4
10
NA
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
1 per parcel
90 days per year
No
Sign during election campaign period as set forth in § 12.04, Wis. Stats.
11
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
1 per political candidate on the Greenville ballot per parcel
Election campaign period
No
Signs on property under construction with a valid Greenville permit
8 square feet for agriculturally and residentially zoned property 32 square feet for all other zoned property
10
NA
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
1 per parcel per road frontage
Sign shall be removed within 30 days after construction is complete or expiration of permit
No
Signs on property for sale or lease when under contract with a licensed real estate broker
8 square feet for agriculturally and residentially zoned property 32 square feet for all other zoned property
10
NA
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
1 per parcel per road frontage
Sign shall be removed within 30 days after sale or lease is complete or expiration of real estate contract with licensed broker
No
Signs on property under construction for a residential subdivision
100
10
NA
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
1 for each arterial or collector road adjacent the subdivision/development
Sign shall be removed within 30 days after the last parcel within the subdivision is sold or within 5 years of recording of the final plat, whichever comes first
No
Community sign
8 square feet for agriculturally and residentially zoned property
32 square feet for all other zoned property
10
10
Yes
Yes
No
No, except schools may advertise on a bus for bus drivers
No
1 per parcel per road frontage
30 days per event
No
Table 320-710-1 Permitted Temporary Sign Type and Zoning District
P = Permitted Use
Grey Shading = Prohibited Use
Temporary Sign Type
See the Following Section for Additional Regulations
AGD
AGD-FP
OS
RR
R1
R2
R3
R4
MH
INST
NC
GC
IND
AD
Is a permit required Yes/No?
Banners/ flags
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Inflatables
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Signs on property during special event when a special event permit has been issued
Approved through the special event application and approval process
Table 320-710-2 Permitted Temporary Sign Dimensional Regulations
Temporary Sign Type
See the Following Section for Additional Regulations
Gross Area per Sign in Square Feet
Maximum Height from Average Grade per Sign in Feet
Setback in Feet
Allowed on Ground
Allowed on Building
Allowed on Roof
Allowed on Vehicles/Equipment
Lighting Allowed
Permit Required
Number of Permits per Year per Property per Use/Business
Number of Signs per Permit
Permit Duration
Banners/flags
32
20
N/A
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
4
1
30 Days
Inflatables
20 feet x 20 feet
20
10
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
1
1
30 Days
Signs on property during special event when a special event permit has been issued
Approved through the special event application and approval process
Diagram 320-710-1 Temporary Signs
Reference: Table 320-710-1. Table 320-710-2.
320 Diag 320-710-1 Temp Signs.tif
Table 320-711-1 Permitted Permanent Sign Type and Zoning District
P = Permitted Use
Grey Shading = Prohibited Use
Permanent Sign Type
See Diagram
AGD
AGD-FP
OS
RR
R1
R2
R3
R4
MH
INST
NC
GC
IND
AD
Is a Permit Required?
Canopy/ awning signs shall be permitted above doors and windows
320-711-1
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Directional signs
320-711-1
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Drive-through signs
320-711-1
P
P
P
Yes
Monument ground signs, non residential, may include changeable-message signs
320-711-2
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Monument ground signs, residential subdivision/development
320-711-2
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Projecting signs
320-711-1
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Wall signs
320-711-1
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Window signs
320-711-1
P
P
P
P
P
Yes
Table 320-711-2 Permitted Permanent Sign Dimensional Regulations
Permanent Sign Type
See Diagram
Maximum Gross Area per Side/Face
Maximum Copy Area per Side/Face
Maximum Height from Average Grade
Maximum Width
Setback
Maximum Number of Signs
Sign Material
Allowed on Ground
Allowed on Building
Allowed on Roof
Allowed on Vehicles/Equipment
Lighting Allowed
Electronic Message Sign Allowed
Is a permit required?
Canopy/awning signs shall be permitted above doors and windows
320-711-1
NA
10 square feet per canopy/awning
Shall not be less than 8.5 feet above the grade; shall not be less than 15 feet above a driveway; shall not be above the roof line
NA
NA
1 per door or window
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is permitted
No
Yes
No
No
Yes; see § 320-712
No
Yes
Directional signs
320-711-1
8 square feet
8 square feet
6 feet if ground-mounted and 10 feet if wall-mounted
NA
10 feet
Signs located within 20 feet of a driveway entrance connecting to a public right-of-way: 2
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Signs located within required yards shall be 100 feet from each other
Signs located within parking lots and other open areas of a parcel: Unlimited
Signs located on buildings: unlimited
Drive-through signs
320-711-1
75 square feet
75 square feet
8 feet
NA
10 feet
Unlimited
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes; see § 320-713
Yes
Monument ground signs, nonresidential, multiple business/tenant use
320-711-2
300 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
225 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
20 feet
15 feet
10 feet
1 per road frontage
Sturdy/durable material; shall match the building material; fabric is prohibited
Yes
No
No
No
Yes; see § 320-713
Yes
Monument ground signs, nonresidential, single business/tenant use
320-711-2
150 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
100 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
12 feet
15 feet
10 feet
1 per road frontage
Sturdy/durable material; shall match the building material; fabric is prohibited
Yes
No
No
No
Yes; see § 320-713
Yes
Monument ground signs, residential subdivision/development
320-711-2
150 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
100 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
10 feet
NA
10 feet
1 for each arterial or collector road adjacent the subdivision/development
Stone/brick/masonry; fabric is prohibited
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Projecting signs
320-711-1
25 square feet
25 square feet
Shall not be less than 8.5 feet above the grade; shall not be less than 15 feet above a driveway; shall not exceed 25 feet above grade
NA
10 feet
1 per building facade per business/use
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Wall signs
320-711-1
25% of building facade area
25% of building facade area
NA
NA
Shall not extend more than 12 inches outside of the building's wall surface
1 per building facade per business/use
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
No
Yes
No
No
Yes; see § 320-713
Yes
Window signs
320-711-1
NA
25% of the window area, but shall not exceed 9 square feet
NA
NA
NA
5 per building or business
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
NA
NA
NA
No
Yes; see § 320-713
Yes
Diagram 320-711-1 Permanent Signs
Reference: Table 320-711-1, Table 320-711-2.
320 Diag 320-711-1.tif
Diagram 320-711-2 Monument Ground Signs
Reference: Table 320-711-1, Table 320-711-2
320 Diag 320-711-2 Monument Ground Signs.tif
Reference: Table 320-711-2 (Editor's Note: Table 320-711-2 is included in § 320-711.)
A. 
Signs may be floodlighted or internally illuminated, subject to the following restrictions.
(1) 
Lighting shall be effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways of a public right-of-way and are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle.
(2) 
Lighting shall be effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any residential property and which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause a public nuisance.
(3) 
No sign shall be so floodlighted or illuminated allowing it to interfere with the effectiveness of or obscure an official traffic sign, device or signal.
Electronic messaging signs may be permitted subject to the following regulations, Table 320-507-1 and Table 320-711-2 (Note: Table 320-507-1 is included in § 320-507 and Table 320-711-2 is included in § 320-711):
A. 
A special exception is required to be granted in compliance with § 320-205, Special exceptions.
B. 
Time and temperature and gas station price signs are exempt from these regulations.
C. 
The changeable messaging sign copy area shall be incorporated into the design of the gross area of the sign.
D. 
Setback from residential. The leading edge of the electronic messaging sign shall be set back a minimum distance of 200 feet from an abutting residential district boundary.
E. 
Setback from other electronic messaging signs. Electronic messaging signs shall be separated from other electronic messaging signs on adjacent properties by a minimum distance of 50 feet.
F. 
Orientation. When located within 250 feet of a residentially used lot in a residential zone, all parts of the electronic changeable copy sign must be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that residential lot.
G. 
The area of electronic messaging sign copy shall not exceed 33% of the maximum gross area of the sign to which they are incorporated.
H. 
No sign shall be erected or maintained or be so placed or illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any official traffic sign, device, or signal, or any official sign as determined by the Director of Public Works.
I. 
The sign shall be equipped with a default mechanism that will stop the messaging or freeze the image in one position when a malfunction in electronic programming occurs.
J. 
All signs shall have installed ambient light monitors and shall at all times allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness level of the electronic sign based on ambient light conditions.
K. 
Maximum brightness levels for electronic signs shall not exceed 5,000 nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness during daylight hours and 500 nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn.
L. 
At no time shall the sign be operated at a brightness level greater than the manufacturer's recommended levels.
M. 
Electronic sign permit applications must include a certification from the owner or operator of the sign stating the sign shall at all times be operated in accordance with Greenville codes and the owner or operator shall provide proof of such conformance upon request.
N. 
Electronic sign permit applications must include a copy of the manufacturer's operating manual, which includes the manufacturer's recommended standards for brightness, scrolling or traveling speed, and other display operations.
O. 
Audio speakers shall not be permitted with any electronic messaging sign except for drive-through signs.
P. 
Any form of pyrotechnics is prohibited in association with an electronic messaging signs.
Q. 
Electronic messaging displays are defined in four basic levels of operational modes for message transitions:
(1) 
Level 1. Static display only (messages change with no transition).
(a) 
Minimum display time. The electronic display shall not change at intervals of less than four seconds.
(b) 
Message change sequence. The change of messages shall be accomplished immediately.
(2) 
Level 2. Static display with fade or dissolve transitions, or similar transitions and frame effects not having the appearance of moving text or images.
(a) 
Minimum display time. The electronic display shall not change at intervals of less than four seconds.
(b) 
Operational limitations. Such displays shall contain static messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions, or with the use of other subtle transitions and frame effects not having the appearance of moving text or images, but may otherwise not have movement, or the appearance of movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign structure, designs, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement of any illumination or flashing, scintillating, or varying of light intensity.
(3) 
Level 3. Static display with travel or scrolling transitions, or similar transitions or frame effects that have text, graphics, or symbols that appear to move or change size, or can be revealed sequentially rather than all at once.
(a) 
All Level 3 electronic messaging signs are prohibited.
(4) 
Level 4. Graphic display signs including video, flashing, or full animation.
(a) 
All Level 4 electronic messaging signs are prohibited.
R. 
Existing Electronic Message Board Signs. Electronic message board signs existing prior to adoption of these standards shall comply with the standards above with respect to audio, lighting and display when the signs computer programing system is able to be adjusted to meet these requirements.