[Amended 8-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-02; 7-27-2012 by Ord. No. 12-06]
P = PERMIT NEEDED
NP = NO PERMIT NEEDED
Permit
RA (Residential)
Signs Permitted Within District
1)
Building or development identification. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
P
2)
Directional sign. Allowed as dictated under § 58-15(6) and (8) of this ordinance and as allowed under Chapter 34 (Environment) Article V, Garage Sales, § 34-120 through § 34-124 of the Corunna City Code Book.
NP
3)
Construction signs. Allowed as dictated under § 58-15(2) of this chapter
NP
4)
Flags. Permitted of any country, state, unit of local government, institution, organization, educational or ornamental. Must not cause a vision obstruction. May not exceed the maximum principal building height or 25 feet (whichever is less).
NP
5)
Name plate. Allowed if less than 2 square feet.
NP
6)
Election signs. Must conform to § 58-15(5) of this chapter.
NP
7)
Garage sale sign. See Chapter 34 (Environment), Article V, Garage Sales, § 34-120 through § 34-124 for regulations.
NP
8)
Festoon signs, balloons, and inflated objects. Allowed during any holiday season for a maximum of 45 days prior to the official date of the holiday and must be removed within 1 week after the last official date of the holiday season (example: Thanksgiving's official start and end date would be one in the same whereas Christmas Day would be the official start day and New Year's Day would be the official end day of the Christmas season). Residentially occupied property events other than seasonal may display such signs a maximum of one week prior to the event and must remove such sign(s) within one week after the event.
NP
9)
Religious institutions, schools, libraries, community centers outside of the RC (recreation/conservation) district, similar institutions. Signage allowed as dictated under the RO district within § 58-24 of this chapter.
NP
RM (Multi-Family)
Maximum number of total square footage of all signs on a zoned RM lot of record except building markers, directional, identification, banner, and festoon signs shall be 32 square feet. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
1)
Building marker. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
2)
Freestanding. Allowed with a maximum of 32 square feet. Height must not exceed 6 feet. Setback shall be a minimal of 5 feet from the road right-of-way. One sign allowed per each 200 feet of road frontage. Lots fronting on 2 or more streets are permitted the allowed signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
P
3)
Directional. Allowed as a building or development identification. No commercial message allowed. Must not exceed 10 square feet.
NP
4)
Banner sign. A banner which depicts an announcement of a grand opening or vacancy in building occupancy is permitted and may run no longer than 15 consecutive days and no more than four times in one calendar year. Maximum size shall not exceed 24 square feet.
P
5)
Building identification. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
6)
Flags. Permitted of any country, state, unit of local government, institution, organization, educational or ornamental. Must not cause a vision obstruction. May not exceed the maximum principal building height or 25 feet (whichever is less).
NP
7)
Festoon signs, balloons, and inflated objects. Allowed during any holiday season for a maximum of 45 days prior to the official date of the holiday and must be removed within one week after the last official date of the holiday season (example: Thanksgiving's official start and end date would be one in the same whereas Christmas Day would be the official start day and New Year's Day would be the official end day of the Christmas season). Multifamily zoned property events other than seasonal may display such signs a maximum of four times a year and may not exceed 14 consecutive days each time.
P
8)
Construction signs. Allowed as dictated under § 58-15(2) of this chapter.
NP
RO (Residential Office)
Maximum number of total square footage of all signs on a zoned RO lot of record excepting building markers, directional, identification, banner, and festoon signs shall not exceed the lesser of these standards:
a)
100 square feet for maximum number of square feet.
b)
4% of ground floor of main building.
c)
2 square feet of signage per lineal foot of street frontage.
1)
Building marker. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
2)
Freestanding (ground mounted). Allowed with a maximum of 32 square feet. Height must not exceed 6 feet. Setback shall be a minimal of 5 feet from the right-of-way line. One sign allowed per each 200 foot of road frontage. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
P
3)
Directional. Allowed as a building or development identification. No commercial message allowed. Must not exceed 10 square feet.
NP
4)
Banner sign. A banner which depicts an announcement of a grand opening or vacancy in building occupancy is permitted and may run no longer than 15 consecutive days and no more than four times in one calendar year. Maximum size shall not exceed 24 square feet.
P
5)
Building identification. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
6)
Flags. Permitted of any country, state, unit of local government, institution, organization, educational or ornamental. Must not cause a vision obstruction. May not exceed the maximum principal building height or 25 feet.
NP
7)
Wall signs. Permitted but not to exceed 15% of the building face of the first floor. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
P
8)
Festoon signs, balloons, and inflated objects. Allowed during any holiday season for a maximum of 45 days prior to the official date of the holiday and must be removed within one week after the last official date of the holiday season (Example: Thanksgiving's official start and end date would be one in the same whereas Christmas Day would be the official start day and New Year's Day would be the official end day of the Christmas season). RO zoned lots of record events other than seasonal may display such signs a maximum of four times a year and may not exceed 14 consecutive days each time.
P
9)
Projecting signs. Allowed but with surface display area not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each lineal foot of the building frontage up to a maximum of 50 square feet. Minimum clearance from the ground to the base of the sign shall be nine feet with a maximum height of 15 feet (not including the support apparatus) and must project on a 90° angle to the building to which it is attached.
P
10)
Construction signs. Allowed as dictated under § 58-15(2) of this chapter.
NP
11)
Window sign. Maximum size allowed is 25% of the total window.
P
C-1 (Commercial)
Maximum number of total square footage of all signs on a zoned C-1 lot of record excepting building markers, directional, identification and festoon signs shall not exceed the lesser of these standards:
a)
100 square feet for maximum number of square feet.
b)
2 square feet of signage per lineal foot of street frontage.
c)
1% of ground floor of principal building.
1)
Building marker. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
2)
Freestanding (ground mounted). Allowed with a maximum of 40 square feet. Two different signs are allowed:
P
a)
Short sign: Total height of sign cannot exceed six feet.
b)
Tall sign: Sign must begin a minimal of six feet off the ground and may not exceed a total height of 25 feet. Setback shall be a minimal of five feet from the right-of-way. One sign allowed per each 200 feet of road frontage. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
3)
Directional. Allowed as a building or development identification. No commercial message allowed. Must not exceed 10 square feet.
NP
4)
Banner sign. A banner which depicts an announcement of a grand opening, vacancy in building occupancy, festival, or event is permitted and may run no longer than 15 consecutive days and no more than four times in one calendar year. Maximum size shall not exceed 24 square feet.
P
5)
Building identification. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
6)
Flags. Permitted of any country, state, unit of local government, institution, organization, educational or ornamental. Must not cause a vision obstruction. May not exceed the maximum principal building height or 25 feet (whichever is less).
NP
7)
Canopies. Allowed but must not project any more than 5 feet from the building and where a canopy projects into the public right-of-way, issuance and continuation is conditioned upon the owner having a current liability insurance policy with the appropriate amount of liability coverage as deemed necessary by the City. A current valid insurance certificate must be on file with the City Clerk.
P
8)
Wall signs. Permitted but not to exceed 15% of the building face of the first floor. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
P
9)
Projecting signs. Allowed but with surface display area not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each lineal foot of the building frontage up to a maximum of 50 square feet. Projecting signs that extend into the City right-of-way may not extend any further than 12 feet from the face of the building (including all support apparatus) or beyond the width of the sidewalk whichever is less. Signs projecting into the right-of-way also require the owner to carry a current liability insurance policy with the appropriate amount of liability coverage as deemed necessary by the City. A current valid insurance certificate must be on file with the City Clerk.
P
10)
Marquee sign. Allowed but sign shall not exceed the surface display area permitted for wall signs.
P
11)
Portable/temporary. Allowed but shall not be located any closer than 5 feet from the right-of-way and shall not exceed 32 square feet in display area. No portable sign shall be allowed for a business more than 4 times a year and shall not exist more than 15 consecutive days each time.
P
12)
Festoon signs, balloons, and inflated objects. Allowed during any holiday season for a maximum of 45 days prior to the official date of the holiday and must be removed within one week after the last official date of the holiday season (example: Thanksgiving's official start and end date would be one in the same whereas Christmas Day would be the official start day and New Year's Day would be the official end day of the Christmas season). C-1 zoned lot of record events other than seasonal events may display such signs a maximum of 4 times a year and may not exceed 14 consecutive days each time.
P
13)
Window sign. Maximum size allowed is 25% of the total window.
P
C-2 (Commercial)
Maximum number of total square footage of all signs on a zoned C-2 lot of record excepting building markers, directional, identification and festoon signs shall not exceed the lesser of these standards:
a)
300 square feet for maximum number of square feet.
b)
8% of total ground floor area of principal building.
c)
2 square feet of signage per lineal foot of street frontage.
1)
Building marker. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
2)
Freestanding (ground mounted). Allowed with a maximum of 60 square feet for a single store front. One freestanding identification tall sign stating the name of a shopping center or commercial development, and major tenant therein, may be erected for a shopping center or other integrated group of store or commercial buildings of which the sign area shall not exceed one square foot per front foot of building, or buildings, for which it is erected; however, such sign shall not exceed 250 square feet in area. If the lot fronts on two or more collector or arterial streets, one such sign may be permitted for each such frontage. A sign under this provision only counts as 60 square feet towards the maximum 300 square feet listed under the provisions of a) above. Two different signs are allowed:
P
a)
Short sign: Total height of sign cannot exceed 6 feet.
b)
Tall sign: Sign must begin a minimal of 6 feet off the ground and may not exceed a total height of 25 feet. Setback shall be a minimal of 5 feet from the right-of-way. One sign allowed per each 200 feet of road frontage. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
3)
Directional. Allowed as a building or development identification. No commercial message allowed.
NP
4)
Banner sign. A banner which depicts an announcement of a grand opening, vacancy in building occupancy, festival, or event is permitted and may run no longer than 15 consecutive days and no more than 4 times in one calendar year. Maximum size shall not exceed 24 square feet.
P
5)
Building identification. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
6)
Flags. Permitted of any country, state, unit of local government, institution, organization, educational or ornamental. Must not cause a vision obstruction. May not exceed the maximum principal building height or 25 feet (whichever is less).
NP
7)
Canopies. Allowed but must not project any more than 5 feet from the building and into the public right-of-way.
NP
8)
Wall signs. Permitted but not to exceed 15% of the building face of the first floor. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
P
9)
Projecting signs. Allowed but with surface display area not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each lineal foot of the building frontage up to a maximum of 50 square feet. Projecting signs may not extend into the City right-of-way nor be placed any further than 12 feet from the face of the building (including all support apparatus). Minimum clearance to the base of the sign from the ground level shall be nine feet with a maximum height of 15 feet (not including support apparatus) and must project on a 90° angle to the building.
P
10)
Marquee sign. Allowed but sign shall not exceed the surface display area permitted for wall signs.
P
11)
Portable/temporary. Allowed but shall not be located any closer than 5 feet from the right-of-way and shall not exceed 32 square feet in display area. No portable sign shall be allowed for a business more than four times a year and shall not exist more than 15 consecutive days each time.
P
12)
Festoon signs, balloons, and inflated objects. Allowed during any holiday season for a maximum of 45 days prior to the official date of the holiday and must be removed within one week after the last official date of the holiday season (Example: Thanksgiving's official start and end date would be one in the same whereas Christmas Day would be the official start day and New Year's Day would be the official end day of the Christmas Season). C-2 zoned lot of record events other than seasonal events may display such signs a maximum of 4 times a year and may not exceed 14 consecutive days each time.
P
13)
Window sign. Maximum size allowed is 25% of the total window.
P
C-3 (Commercial)
Maximum number of total square footage of all signs on a zoned C-3 lot of record excepting building markers, directional, identification and festoon signs shall not exceed the lesser of these standards:
a)
300 square feet for maximum number of square feet.
b)
10% of ground floor of principal building.
c)
Two square feet of signage per lineal foot of street frontage.
1)
Building marker. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
2)
Freestanding (ground mounted). Allowed with a maximum of 80 square feet for a single store front. One freestanding identification tall sign stating the name of a shopping center or commercial development, and major tenant therein, may be erected for a shopping center or other integrated group of store or commercial buildings of which the sign area shall not exceed one square foot per front foot of building, or buildings, for which it is erected; however, such sign shall not exceed 250 square feet in area. If the lot fronts on two or more collector or arterial streets, one such sign may be permitted for each such frontage. A sign under this provision only counts as 80 square feet towards the maximum 300 square feet listed under the provisions of a) above. Two different signs are allowed:
P
a)
Short sign: Total height of sign cannot exceed 6 feet.
b)
Tall sign: Sign must begin a minimal of 6 feet off the ground and may not exceed a total height of 25 feet. Setback shall be a minimal of 5 feet from the right-of-way. One sign allowed per each 200 feet of road frontage. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
3)
Directional. Allowed as a building or development identification. No commercial message allowed.
NP
4)
Banner sign. A banner which depicts an announcement of a grand opening, vacancy in building occupancy, festival, or event is permitted and may run no longer than 15 consecutive days and no more than four times in one calendar year. Maximum size is 24 square feet.
P
5)
Building identification. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
6)
Flags. Permitted of any country, state, unit of local government, institution, organization, educational or ornamental. Must not cause a vision obstruction. May not exceed the maximum principal building height or 25 feet (whichever is less).
NP
7)
Canopies. Allowed but must not project any more than 5 feet from the building and into the public right-of-way.
P
8)
Wall signs. Permitted but not to exceed 15% of the building face of the first floor. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
P
9)
Projecting signs. Allowed but with surface display area not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each lineal foot of the building frontage up to a maximum of 50 square feet. Projecting signs may not extend into the City right-of-way nor be placed any further than 12 feet from the face of the building (including all support apparatus). Minimum clearance to the base of the sign from ground level shall be 9 feet with a maximum height of 15 feet (not including support apparatus) and must project on a 90° angle to the building.
P
10)
Marquee sign. Allowed but sign shall not exceed the surface display area permitted for wall signs.
P
11)
Portable/temporary. Allowed but shall not be located any closer than 5 feet from the right-of-way and shall not exceed 32 square feet in display area. No portable sign shall be allowed for a business more than 4 times a year and shall not exist more than 15 consecutive days each time.
P
12)
Festoon signs, balloons, and inflated objects. Allowed during any holiday season for a maximum of 45 days prior to the official date of the holiday and must be removed within one week after the last official date of the holiday season (example: Thanksgiving's official start and end date would be one in the same whereas Christmas day would be the official start day and New Year's Day would be the official end day of the Christmas Season). C-3 zoned lot of record events other than seasonal events may display such signs a maximum of four times a year and may not exceed 14 consecutive days each time.
P
13)
Window sign. Maximum size allowed is 25% of the total window.
P
I (Industrial)
Maximum number of total square footage of all signs on a zoned I lot of record excepting building markers, directional, identification and festoon signs shall not exceed the lesser of these standards:
a)
300 square feet for maximum number of square feet.
b)
10% of ground floor of principal building.
c)
Two square feet of signage per lineal foot of street frontage.
1)
Building marker. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
2)
Freestanding (ground mounted). Allowed with a maximum of 80 square feet. Two different signs are allowed:
P
a)
Short sign: Total height of sign cannot exceed 6 feet.
b)
Tall sign: Sign must begin a minimal of 6 feet off the ground and may not exceed a total height of 25 feet. Setback shall be a minimal of 5 feet from the right-of-way. One sign allowed per each 200 feet of road frontage. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
3)
Directional. Allowed as a building or development identification. No commercial message allowed.
NP
4)
Banner sign. A banner which depicts an announcement of a grand opening, vacancy in building occupancy, festival, or event is permitted and may run no longer than 15 consecutive days and no more than four times in one calendar year. Maximum size allowed is 24 square feet.
P
5)
Building identification. Maximum size allowed is 6 square feet. No commercial message allowed.
NP
6)
Flags. Permitted of any country, state, unit of local government, institution, organization, educational or ornamental. Must not cause a vision obstruction. May not exceed the maximum principal building height or 25 feet (whichever is less).
NP
7)
Canopies. Allowed but must not project any more than five feet from the building and into the public right-of-way.
P
8)
Wall signs. Permitted but not to exceed 15% of the building face of the first floor to which it is attached. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed the permitted signage for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
P
9)
Projecting signs. Allowed but with surface display area not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each lineal foot of the building frontage up to a maximum of 50 square feet. Projecting signs may not extend into the City right-of-way nor be placed any further than 12 feet from the face of the building (including all support apparatus). Minimum clearance to the base of the sign from ground level shall be nine feet with a maximum height of 15 feet (not including support apparatus) and must project on a 90° angle to the building.
P
10)
Marquee signs. Allowed but sign shall not exceed the surface display area permitted for wall signs.
P
11)
Portable/temporary. Allowed but shall not be located any closer than five feet from the right-of-way and shall not exceed 32 square feet in display area. No portable sign shall be allowed for a business more than four times a year and shall not exist more than 15 consecutive days each time.
P
12)
Festoon signs, balloons, and inflated objects. Allowed during any holiday season for a maximum of 45 days prior to the official date of the holiday and must be removed within one week after the last official date of the holiday season (Example: Thanksgiving's official start and end date would be one in the same whereas Christmas day would be the official start day and New Year's day would be the official end day of the Christmas Season). Industrial zoned lot of record events other than seasonal events may display such signs a maximum of four times a year and may not exceed 14 consecutive days each time.
P
13)
Window sign. Maximum size allowed is 25% of the total window.
P
[Amended 8-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-02]
Characteristic
RA
RM
RO
C-1
C-2
C-3
I
INS*
Animated
N
N
N
P
P
P
N
N
Changeable copy
N
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
Illumination, internal(a)
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Illumination, external(a)
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Illumination, exposed bulbs
N
N
N
N
N
P
N
N
Rotating
N
N
N
N
N
P
P
N
Flashing
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
P — allowed only with sign permit
N — not allowed
* Institutional
(a) 
No direct light or significant glare from the sign shall be cast onto any adjacent zone lot that is zoned and used for residential purposes nor shall any illumination have a significant enough glare as to create a nuisance or safety hazard on any property located within or adjacent to the City limits.
[Amended 8-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-02]
Signs not specifically permitted by this chapter are prohibited in the City. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
(1) 
Abandoned signs.
(2) 
Banner signs extending over public property, except as authorized by the City.
(3) 
Roof signs, except mansard roof signs which are regulated as wall signs.
(4) 
Signs with flashing, blinking, moving or exposed incandescent lights, except moving message boards and moving lights that may be allowed in other sections of this chapter.
(5) 
Search lights and beacons, except as authorized by the City.
(6) 
Signs attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, streetlights, or placed on any public property, or public right-of-way, except signs of any political subdivision of the state.
(7) 
Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign except as authorized under § 34-120 thru § 34-124 (garage sales) of the Corunna City Code Book.
(8) 
Any sign structure or frame no longer containing a sign and classified as abandoned.
(9) 
Signs indicating a home occupation, including child care.
[Amended 8-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-02]
It is the intent of this chapter to encourage eventual elimination of signs that, as a result of the adoption of this chapter, become nonconforming. It is considered as much a subject of health, safety, and welfare as the prohibition of new signs in violation of this chapter. It is the intent, therefore, to administer this chapter to realize the removal of illegal nonconforming signs and to avoid any unreasonable invasion of established private property rights.
A nonconforming sign may be continued, and shall be maintained in good condition, but shall not be:
(1) 
Replaced by another nonconforming sign.
(2) 
Structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign.
(3) 
Expanded.
(4) 
Re-established after damage or destruction if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50% of the estimated replacement cost.
[Amended 8-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-02]
The standards of this chapter may be exceeded for certain provisions when exceptional sign treatment related to the objectives listed in § 58-3, Purposes, are achieved. These standards are:
(1) 
Bonus for symbolic presentation. Projecting signs using symbolic rather than alphabetic or numerical message presentation are permitted an additional size allowance of up to 20% over the maximum size allowances provided that the total symbolic presentation comprises at least 75% of the total sign area used.
(2) 
Bonus for use of upper and lower case letters. In the case of signs composed of individual letters or words mounted upon a wall or other architectural surface not in itself a sign, the calculation of overall square footage shall be the product of the overall height of the letterforms and the overall length. In the case of signs consisting of upper and lower case letterforms, calculation of overall square footage shall be the product of the height of the lower case letter forms only and the overall length.