The intent of this article is to regulate the location, size,
construction, and manner of display of signs and outdoor advertising
in order to minimize their harmful effects on the public health, safety
and welfare. While this article recognizes that signs and outdoor
advertising are necessary to promote commerce and public information,
failure to regulate them may lead to poor identification of individual
businesses, deterioration and blight of the business and residential
areas of the Township, conflicts between different types of land use,
and reduction in traffic safety to pedestrians and motorists. To achieve
its intended purpose, this article has the following objectives:
A.
To prevent the placement of signs in a manner that will conceal or
obscure signs or adjacent businesses;
B.
To keep the number of signs and sign messages at the level reasonably
necessary to identify a business and its products;
C.
To keep signs within a reasonable scale with respect to the buildings
they identify;
D.
To reduce visual distraction and obstructions to motorists traveling
along, entering or leaving streets;
E.
To promote a quality manner of display which enhances the character
of the Township;
F.
To prevent the proliferation of temporary signs which might promote
visual blight;
G.
To eliminate the potential for any adverse affects on the neighboring
properties.
A.
Location. All signs must advertise a business or service on the premises
upon which the sign is located and to which the sign is accessory,
unless otherwise specified herein.
B.
Illumination.
(1)
No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means.
(2)
The light from illuminated signs shall be directed and shielded
in a manner that will not interfere with vehicular traffic or the
enjoyment and use of adjacent properties.
(3)
No sign may be erected which flashes, rotates, has moving parts
or messages generated by discrete lighting elements.
(4)
Internal illumination shall be permitted under the following
circumstances:
(5)
Only indirectly illuminated signs shall be allowed in any residential
district.
(6)
Internally illuminated plastic signs with dark-colored detachable
letters shall be strictly prohibited in all districts.
(7)
Gas-filled light types (fluorescent) shall be allowed for indirect
illumination and when placed in such a manner that the tubes are not
exposed to view from any point along the roadway or sidewalk.
(8)
Rear-illuminated (backlit) awnings are prohibited.
C.
Safety.
(1)
All signs shall be erected and maintained in compliance with
all applicable building code, and other applicable ordinances governing
construction within the Township. In the event of conflict between
this article and other laws, the most restrictive shall govern.
(2)
All signs shall be so placed as to not interfere with the visibility
or effectiveness of any official traffic sign or signal; driver vision
at any access point or intersection; or, pedestrian movement on any
public sidewalk.
(3)
No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to obstruct
firefighting or prevent free access to any door, window or fire escape.
D.
Signs prohibited in all districts.
(1)
Roof signs.
(2)
Signs containing flashing, intermittent or moving lights, digital/electronic
signs, signs with moving or revolving parts, or reflecting parts which
may distract drivers. This prohibition does not extend to those signs
that give the time or temperature, provided that no other animated
messages are displayed. Exceptions to this restriction may be permitted
by the Planning Commission based upon good justification; for example,
the historical significance of signage. Digital/electronic signs may
be considered for the display of gas prices at automobile filling
stations and on menu boards located outside of the Central Business
District, but only through the special land use process.
(3)
Signs affixed to trees, rocks, shrubs or similar natural features,
except, signs denoting a site of historic significance.
(4)
Signs which imitate traffic signals, traffic direction signs,
or similar traffic control devices, and signs which make use of words,
including but not limited to "Stop," "Look," "Danger," or any other
words, phrases, symbols or characters, in such a manner as to interfere
with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(5)
Temporary signs mounted upon trucks, vans, or other wheeled
devices, except for political signs. Signs permanently painted on,
or, otherwise permanently displayed upon a vehicle, licensed and operating
on the public streets and highways, identifying the owner's occupation
or livelihood, shall be permitted.
(6)
Signs other than those erected by a public agency which are
located within or overhang the public right-of-way or on public property,
unless otherwise specified herein.
(7)
Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public
health and safety due to inadequate maintenance.
(8)
Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained.
E.
Signs permitted in all districts.
(1)
Nameplates containing only a residents name and address, and
not exceeding two square feet in size.
(2)
Political signs shall be permitted on all lots, regardless of
zoning, provided such sign is located and placed with the permission
of the owner or lawful occupant of the lot or parcel where such sign
is located, and provided that such sign does not violate any other
provision of this chapter. No more than one sign may be erected on
a lot within the Township for each candidate and/or ballot proposal
and all such signs shall be removed within five days following the
election.
(3)
On-premises directional signs which indicate the direction of
pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on private property. Directional
signs shall not exceed two square feet in size, shall contain no advertising,
and may be illuminated.
(4)
Street numbers.
(5)
No hunting, no fishing, no trespassing signs unless less than
two square feet in area and spaced no less than 100 feet apart.
(6)
Historical markers.
(7)
Signs in the interior of a building, with the exception of window
signs.
(8)
Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest,
erected by, or on the order of, a public officer in the performance
of his public duty, including but not limited to directional signs,
regulatory signs, and information signs.
(9)
Names of buildings, dates of erection, monument citations, commemorative
tablets, and the like, when carved into stone, concrete, or similar
material or made of other permanent type construction and made an
integral part of the structure.
A.
General requirements.
(1)
One ground sign shall be permitted per premises which has frontage
on only one public road.
(2)
Two ground signs shall be permitted per premises which has frontage
on two public roads (excluding I-275 frontage). One sign shall not
exceed the area requirements set forth herein. The second sign shall
not exceed 50% of the area requirements set forth herein.
(3)
A ground sign shall have a setback of 15 feet from a public
road right-of-way and a setback distance equal to the height of the
sign from all other property boundaries.
B.
Specific requirements. Ground signs shall be permitted by district
in accordance with the following requirements:
|
District
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Maximum Sign Message Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Sign Structure Area
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
B-2 Districts
|
8
|
50 per side, not to exceed a total of 100
|
1.5 times the sign message area as calculated per side
| |
|
OP and B-1 Districts
|
6
|
20 per side, not to exceed a total of 40
|
1.5 times the sign message area as calculated per side
| |
|
I-1, I-2 and SP Districts
|
6
|
30 per side, not to exceed a total of 60
|
1.5 times the sign message area as calculated per side
| |
|
AG, RR, R-1, R-2, R-3 and RM Districts
|
6
|
20 per side, not to exceed a total of 40
|
1.5 times the sign message area as calculated per side
| |
|
MHP Districts
|
6
|
20 per side, not to exceed a total of 40
|
1.5 times the sign message area as calculated per side
|
C.
Ground signs requiring special land use approval. The Planning Commission may consider a sign that is greater than the maximum height and area requirements or less than the minimum setback requirements as a special land use. All signs within the I-275 interchange overlay district shall also be subject to the same regulations. In review of a special land use, the Planning Commission shall consider the standards set forth in § 530-11 and the following:
(2)
The size, shape, and topography of the property;
(3)
The relationship of the sign to neighboring properties and signs;
(4)
The relationship to and visibility from the public street where
the property is located; and
(5)
Under no circumstance shall the sign in the I-275 interchange
overlay district exceed 100 feet in height, nor shall the sign area
exceed 300 square feet.
A.
General requirements.
(1)
No wall sign shall be erected to extend above the top of the
wall to which it is attached, nor extend beyond the ends of the wall
to which it is attached. Signs erected on the vertical portion of
the mansard roof are considered to be wall signs.
(2)
All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the
building by means of metal anchors, bolts, or expansion screws, and
in accordance with the Building Code. In no case shall any wall sign
be secured with wire, straps of wood or nails.
(3)
For buildings with distinct and separate uses, separate wall
signs shall be permitted for each such use. However, the total allowable
square footage shall not exceed the maximum allowable square footage
specified for each district.
B.
Specific requirements. Wall signs shall be permitted by the district
in accordance with the following requirements.
|
District
|
Maximum Sign Message Area
(square feet)
| |
|---|---|---|
|
B-2 Districts
|
1 for each linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed a
total of 100
| |
|
CBD, OP and B-1 Districts
|
1 for each linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed a
total of 40
| |
|
I-1, I-2 and SP Districts
|
1 for each linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed a
total of 50
| |
|
AG, RR, R-1, R-2, R-3 and RM Districts (nonresidential uses
only)
|
1 for each linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed a
total of 20
|
A.
Projecting and suspended signs shall be permitted in CBD Central
Business Districts.
B.
The surface area of the projecting or suspended sign shall not exceed
six square feet on each side, or a total of 12 square feet. The total
square feet of signage (both sides) shall be subtracted from the total
allowable wall signage square footage for the district.
C.
The bottom of the projecting or suspended sign shall be a minimum
of eight feet above the surface of the sidewalk or ground area, or
otherwise be located so as not to interfere with pedestrian traffic.
The following temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance
with the regulations herein:
A.
Garage sales, rummage sales, estate sale and similar activities.
(1)
One nonilluminated sign used for advertising a garage sale,
rummage sale, estate sale or similar activity shall be allowed for
a period not to exceed three consecutive days and shall not exceed
two per year.
(2)
Up to three additional nonilluminated off-premises signs may be erected, provided they are not erected on utility poles and they comply with the time frame provisions of Subsection A(1) above.
(3)
Each sign shall be no more than six square feet in area and
four feet tall.
(4)
All signs located within the right-of-way shall require a county
permit, or they will be removed by Wayne County.
(5)
All such signs may be posted no more than 24 hours before the
sale and shall be removed within four hours following the sale.
B.
Portable signs. Portable sidewalk signs are only permitted within
the CBD Central Business District. Portable signs are permitted for
ground floor commercial uses to identify the store/business, indicate
that it is open, its hours of operation, to show restaurant menus
and daily specials, to advertise sales and special deals or service.
Additionally, the following provisions shall apply:
(1)
No more than one portable sidewalk sign shall be permitted per
business that is located on the ground floor.
(2)
The sign shall be removed when weather conditions create potentially
hazardous conditions.
(3)
The maximum area of a portable sidewalk sign is six square feet
per side with no dimension greater than four feet (not counted towards
total sign area), with a maximum of two faces per sign.
(4)
The sign shall be located directly in front of the building
it represents. The sign shall also be located on the building side
of the sidewalk in such a manner that it is not in the pedestrian
clear path of travel area.
(5)
The sign shall not unreasonably interfere with the view, access
to, or use of adjacent properties.
(6)
The sign should be of durable materials that complement the
materials of the building such as overlay plywood painted with enamel
paint, stainless or other weather-resistant steel, laminate plastic,
slate chalkboard, or marker board. The lettering may be permanent
or temporary.
(7)
Paper signs, wind-activated items (such as balloons, windsocks,
and pinwheels), and nonrigid changeable areas shall not be used as
or attached to a sign.
(8)
The sign shall have no sharp edges or corners. All surfaces
shall be smooth and be free of protruding tacks, nails and wires.
All parts, portions, and materials of a sign shall be kept in good
repair. The display surface shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and
free from rust, corrosion, and graffiti. No glass, breakable materials,
or attached illumination shall be allowed.
(9)
No sign shall be permitted referring to off-premises locations.
(10)
The primary colors of such signs shall be compatible with the
colors of the buildings within the area.
(11)
Sidewalk signs shall be removed daily at the close of business
hours.
(12)
Sidewalk signs within the road right-of-way shall require approval
by the applicable agency.
C.
Promotional banners.
(1)
In all districts, the Zoning Administrator may allow a new business,
as part of its startup phase, to use a one-time-only temporary sign
for up to a forty-five-day period. All temporary signs permitted under
this provision shall otherwise comply with all requirements pertaining
to height and area for the zoning district in which the sign is located.
(2)
Permission to display a promotional banner or sign for civic
or charitable activity may be authorized by the Zoning Administrator.
Appropriate conditions can be placed on the granting of the permit,
including but not limited to duration, size, location, etc.
(3)
Within the CBD, B-1 and B-2 Districts, one promotional banner
is permitted per premises for a duration not to exceed two weeks and
no more than four times per year. Only those businesses with direct
pedestrian access from the public right-of-way shall be permitted
to have a promotional banner. The temporary promotional banner shall
not exceed 20 square feet in area. Neither the height nor the width
of a temporary promotional banner shall exceed 10 feet. Temporary
promotional banners shall not be located in a public right-of-way,
must be affixed to the principal building of the business and shall
be located and designed to avoid interference with or distraction
to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(4)
All promotional banners which are not properly maintained shall
be removed at the order of the Zoning Administrator.
(5)
All other promotional banners (i.e., streamers, flags, etc.)
are strictly prohibited.
D.
Real estate signs (on-site).
(1)
In all zoning districts, one nonilluminated ground sign shall
be permitted to advertise individual lots, land or buildings for rent,
lease or sale (including weekend open house signs), provided that
such signs are located on the property intended to be rented, leased
or sold. Corner lots are permitted to have two signs. Such signs shall
not exceed an area of six square feet and a height of four feet in
all residential districts (RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, RM and MHP), and an
area of 32 square feet and a height of 12 feet in all other districts.
(2)
In all zoning districts, one nonilluminated ground sign shall
be permitted listing persons or firms connected with construction
work being performed. Corner lots are permitted to have two signs.
Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and a height of
12 feet.
(3)
For all residential projects involving the sale of individual
lots and/or dwelling units, one nonilluminated freestanding sign shall
be permitted per each entrance to the project advertising the sale
of such lots and/or dwelling units (including weekend open house signs).
Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and a height of
12 feet.
(4)
For all residential projects involving the rental or leasing
of dwelling units, one nonilluminated freestanding sign shall be permitted
per each entrance to the project advertising the rental or leasing
of such units (including weekend open house signs). Such signs shall
not exceed 32 square feet in area and a height of 12 feet.
(5)
All signs advertising the rental, lease or sale of a property
or dwelling unit shall be removed within 48 hours after the property
is no longer available for rent or lease, closing on the sale or completion
of construction work.
(6)
All weekend open house signs may be posted no more than 24 hours
before the open house and shall be removed within four hours following
the open house.
(7)
All signs located within the right-of-way shall require a county
permit or they will be removed by Wayne County.
(8)
All permitted real estate signs shall otherwise comply with
all other standards for freestanding signs set forth in this article.
E.
Weekend open house real estate signs (off-site).
(1)
For a residential dwelling within an established neighborhood
in Huron Township, no more than two freestanding signs shall be permitted.
(2)
For a new development in Huron Township with multiple dwellings
being listed for sale, no more than three freestanding signs shall
be permitted. However, additional freestanding signs may be permitted
by the Zoning Administrator when circumstances exist that are unique
to the property and not self-created. Approval for the additional
signs shall be for up to six months, at which time another permit
would have to be sought.
(3)
Such signs shall not exceed an area of six square feet and a
height of four feet.
(4)
All signs located within the right-of-way shall require a county
permit or they will be removed by Wayne County.
(5)
All such signs may be posted no more than 24 hours before the
open house and shall be removed within four hours following the open
house.
(6)
All permitted weekend open house real estate signs shall otherwise
comply with all other standards for freestanding signs set forth in
this article.
B.
Spacing.
(1)
Not more than three billboards may be located per linear mile of highway regardless of the fact that such billboards may be located on different sides of the highway. The linear mile measurement shall not be limited to the boundaries of Huron Charter Township where the particular highway extends beyond such boundaries. Double-faced billboard structures (i.e., structures having back-to-back billboard faces) and V-type billboard structures having only one face visible to traffic proceeding from any given direction on a highway shall be considered as one billboard. Additionally, billboard structures having tandem billboard faces (i.e., two parallel billboard faces facing the same direction and side by side to one another) or stacked billboard faces (i.e., two billboard faces facing the same direction, with one face being directly above the other) shall be considered as one billboard. Otherwise, billboard structures having more than one billboard face shall be considered as two billboards and shall be prohibited in accordance with the minimum spacing requirement set forth in Subsection B(2) below.
(2)
No billboard shall be located within 1,000 feet of another billboard
abutting either side of the same highway.
(3)
No billboard shall be located within 300 feet of a residential
zoning district and/or existing residence. If the billboard is illuminated,
this required distance shall instead be 500 feet.
(4)
No billboard shall be located closer than 75 feet from a property
line adjoining a public right-of-way or 10 feet from any interior
boundary lines of the premises on which the billboard is located.
C.
Height. The height of a billboard shall not exceed 30 feet above
the level of the road upon which the billboard faces or to which the
message upon the billboard is directed. In the event that the billboard
is situated upon two roads having different levels, the height of
the billboard shall be measured from the higher road.
D.
Surface area. The surface display area of any side of a billboard
may not exceed 300 square feet. In the case of billboard structures
with tandem or stacked billboard faces, the combined surface display
area of both faces may not exceed 300 square feet.
E.
Illumination. A billboard may be illuminated, provided such illumination
is concentrated on the surface of the sign and is located so as to
avoid glare or reflection onto any portion of an adjacent street or
highway, the path of oncoming vehicles or any adjacent premises. In
no event shall any billboard have flashing or intermittent lights,
nor shall the lights be permitted to rotate or oscillate.
F.
Construction and maintenance.
(1)
No billboard shall be on top of, cantilevered or otherwise suspended
above the roof any building.
(2)
A billboard must be constructed in such a fashion that it will
withstand all wind and vibration forces that can normally be expected
to occur in the vicinity. A billboard must be maintained so as to
assure proper alignment of structure, continued structural soundness
and continued readability of message.
A.
Signs for outdoor sales of automobiles or vehicles. No advertising
signs may be placed on-site other than the permitted maximum wall
and/or ground signs as per this article. The prohibited signs include
banners, flags and digital/electronic signs.
B.
Signs for automobile filling stations, automobile repair garage,
automobile service stations, automobile washes, and automobile dealerships.
No advertising signs may be placed on-site other than the permitted
maximum wall and/or ground signs as per this article. The prohibited
signs include banners and flags, and digital/electronic signs for
the display of gas prices may be permitted under the following circumstances:
(1)
The Planning Commission may consider a digital/electronic sign for automobile filling stations as a special land use. In review of the special land use, the Commission shall consider the standards as set forth in § 530-11 and the following:
C.
Menu board signs for drive-in and drive-through businesses.
(1)
The Planning Commission, in its sole discretion, may approve
up to two menu boards upon determination that it is integral to the
nature of the business.
(2)
Each menu board shall not exceed seven feet in height.
(3)
One menu board (in stacking lane) shall not exceed 16 square
feet and the other (at the speaker) shall not exceed 32 square feet
in area.
(4)
The area of the menu board is exclusive of the structures framing.
(5)
All menu boards shall be single-sided.
(6)
No menu board may be located within the required front yard
and between 20 feet and 40 feet from any parcel perimeter.
(7)
Only up to four square feet of the menu board shall include
digital/electronic signage.
D.
Changeable copy signs. Manual changeable copy signs shall be permitted
when incorporated into a permitted wall or ground sign, provided that
the area devoted to changeable copy does not exceed 20% of the permissible
sign area.
(1)
Lettering used on manual changeable copy signs directed to local
or collector streets shall not exceed three inches in height.
(2)
Lettering used on manual changeable copy signs directed to secondary
or major arterial streets shall not exceed least six inches in height.
(3)
Lettering used on manual changeable copy signs directed to pedestrians
shall be at least two inches in height.
E.
Off-premises directional signs. Off-premises directional signs directing
vehicular traffic to a church, governmental building, public parks
and recreational facilities, public hospitals or educational institution
may be permitted in all districts, subject to the review of the Planning
Commission and the following standards:
(1)
No more than two signs per use shall be permitted.
(2)
The size of an off-premises directional sign shall not exceed
two square feet in size.
(3)
The height of an off-premises directional sign shall be no less
than three feet nor exceed six feet. However, variations in height
may be granted by the Planning Commission to accommodate vehicular
visibility to avoid obstruction to visibility.
(4)
Illumination shall not be permitted.
(5)
Permission of the property owner where the proposed sign is
to be located must be provided.
F.
Historic markers.
(1)
If a structure within the Township has been designated a State
Historical Site or listed in the National Register of Historic Places,
then a marker designating that fact, obtained from the appropriate
state or federal agency, shall be permitted in addition to any other
sign or signs which may lawfully be placed on the structure or the
property on which the structure is located.
(2)
Anyone wishing to place a historic marker on a structure or
property shall complete and file a sign permit application with the
Zoning Administrator. No fee shall be charged for a historic marker
application. The Zoning Administrator shall review and approve all
such applications, but always reserves the right to send the request
to the Planning Commission for their consideration.
G.
Interior window signs.
(1)
Window sign means any sign, excluding the posting of hours of
operation and/or street and building address, which is painted or
mounted onto a window pane, or which is hung directly inside the window
with the purpose or effect of identifying any premises from the sidewalk
or street.
(2)
Window signs shall not exceed more than 30% of each window area
in which they are displayed.
(3)
Nontemporary signs hung inside windows shall be made of clear
materials, including but not limited to transparent plastic, with
lettering painted or attached to them, with all hours of operation,
credit card and address signs being exempt.
(4)
Window signs do not require sign permits, nor count in the calculation
of total building signage permitted.
(5)
Permanent and/or illuminated window signs require a permit and
application.
H.
Mural signs. When a mural or graphic includes identification of an
establishment or specific services, goods or products, or a representation
of the types of services, goods or products provided on the site,
the mural area will count towards the total permitted wall sign area.
Murals are subject to special land approval and the following standards:
(1)
No mural may be placed on any building or structure that includes
nonconforming signs.
(2)
Only one wall, facade, or surface of a building or structure
may be used for a mural.
(3)
A wall, facade, or surface that is used for a mural pertaining
to the business on which it is located shall be counted as one sign.
A mural will count towards the total wall signage allowed for the
business; however, the Planning Commission in its sole discretion
may permit murals of larger size. Larger murals shall be permitted
when determined to demonstrate at least one of the following:
(4)
The owner of record of the building or structure on which the
proposed mural is to be placed shall, in writing, consent to the placement
of said mural on the property, and shall agree to restore the wall,
facade or surface upon which the mural is placed to its prior existing
condition if and at such time the mural is not maintained by the applicant.
The permit application shall include a statement detailing the applicant's
plans for the maintenance of the mural.
(5)
In the review of the special land, use the Planning Commission
shall grant approval only if the following criteria are met:
(a)
The placing of the proposed mural at the location selected by
the applicant would not constitute a significant traffic safety hazard.
(b)
Neither the mural, nor the placement of the mural, would endanger
the public health, safety, or general welfare.
(c)
Neither the mural, nor the placement of the mural, would be
injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate
vicinity of the proposed location.
A.
It shall be unlawful to display, erect, relocate, or alter any sign
without obtaining a sign permit, except where otherwise noted within
the chapter.
B.
A permit shall be issued by the Zoning Administrator only if the
proposed sign meets all requirements of the chapter, provided if an
alteration of an existing sign is limited to the information communicated
on the sign without increasing its size, structural modification of
the sign shall not be required.
C.
When a sign permit has been issued by the Township, it shall be unlawful
to change, modify, alter, or otherwise deviate from the terms or conditions
of said permit without prior approval of the Building Official. A
written record of such approval shall be entered upon the original
permit application and maintained in the files of the Township.
D.
The application for a sign permit shall be made by the owner or tenant
of the property on which the sign is to be located, or his authorized
agent, or a sign contractor. Such applications shall be made in writing
on forms furnished by the Township and shall be signed by the applicant.
E.
The application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by the following
plans and other information:
(1)
The name, address, and telephone number of the owner or persons
entitled to possession of the sign and of the sign contractor or erector.
(2)
The location by street address of the proposed sign structure.
(3)
Complete information as required on application forms, including
a site plan and elevation drawings of the proposed sign, caption of
the proposed sign, and such other data as are pertinent to the application.
(4)
Plans indicating the scope and structural detail of the work
to be done, including details of all connections, guy lines, supports
and footings, and materials to be use.
(5)
The application, including all required information, for an
electrical permit if the sign will have an electrical connection.
(6)
A statement of valuation.
