The primary purpose of these sign regulations for the Town of Geneseo is to identify the location or occupant for a parcel of land while protecting public health, safety and general welfare. All signs and signing systems are subject to the regulations that follow in this chapter. These regulations also serve to:
A. 
Ensure right to free speech as protected under the Constitution;
B. 
Protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, and protect the physical appearance of the community;
C. 
Provide businesses with effective means of identification while reducing visual clutter through the prevention of excessive and confusing sign displays;
D. 
Reduce traffic conflicts or hazards by minimizing visual distractions or obstacles in or visible from the public rights-of-way;
E. 
Minimize the adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property;
F. 
Avoid personal injury and property damage from unsafe or confusing signs; and
G. 
Establish a clear and impartial process for those seeking to install signs.
A. 
Required conformance. No person shall erect, place, establish, paint, or retain any sign, or cause a sign to be located or retained within the Town of Geneseo unless all provisions of this Sign Code have been met.
B. 
Sign permit required. To ensure compliance with the provisions of this Sign Code, a sign permit shall be acquired from the Code Enforcement Officer for each sign unless specifically exempted by this Sign Code.
C. 
Sign permit application requirements. The following information shall be provided to the Town Office prior to the review or issuance of a sign permit:
(1) 
Name, address, contact information, and signature of the applicant;
(2) 
Name, address, and signature of the building owner (if not the applicant);
(3) 
Dimensions and drawings indicating the size, shape, construct, materials, and layout of the sign(s); and
(4) 
Site plan and elevations indicating the proposed location and size of the sign(s) to scale.
D. 
Sign permit required for alteration. A sign initially approved for which a permit has been issued shall not be modified, relocated, altered, or replaced, nor shall design elements of any building or lot upon which such sign is maintained be modified, relocated, altered, or replaced if any such design element constituted a basis for approval of such sign unless an amended or new sign permit is obtained consistent with these regulations.
E. 
Specific situations requiring sign permit. The following specific situations shall require a sign permit:
(1) 
Installation of a new sign.
(2) 
A change of the face of a sign.
(3) 
Moving or enlarging of a sign.
F. 
Specific situations not requiring sign permit. The following specific situations shall not require a sign permit:
(1) 
The repainting, repairing, changing of parts and preventive maintenance of signs.
(2) 
A change in the message on a changeable copy sign.
(3) 
Repainting of supports and sign area provided no change in sign message.
G. 
Expiration of sign permit. Any sign permit shall expire if the sign for which the permit has been issued is not fully constructed within 180 days from the date of issuance of the sign permit.
H. 
Lapse of sign permit. A sign permit shall lapse automatically if the zoning permit for the premises lapses, is revoked, or is not renewed. A sign permit shall be reviewed as part of the zoning permit renewal for the premises on which it applies. A sign permit shall also lapse if the activity on the premises for which the sign permit was issued is discontinued for a period of 180 days or more.
The following regulations are applicable to all signs within the Town of Geneseo unless specifically stated otherwise within this section:
A. 
Traffic safety. All signs shall be designed, constructed, and located in accordance with the following criteria:
(1) 
No sign shall be erected at or near any intersection of any streets, or alleys, or any railway and any street, in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision.
(2) 
No sign shall be of a shape or color that may be confused with any authorized traffic control device.
(3) 
No rotating beam, beacon, or flashing illumination resembling an emergency light shall be used in connection with any sign display.
B. 
Design and construction. All signs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following criteria:
(1) 
Construction materials. Except for banners, flags, and temporary signs and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this chapter, all signs shall be constructed of permanent, weather-resistant, and durable materials.
(2) 
Sign supports and braces. All permanent signs shall be supported by sign structures that are designed to resist wind pressures, dead loads, and lateral loads in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Building Code. All sign supports shall be reviewed as part of the sign design.
(3) 
Lettering. All sign lettering shall be permanently affixed to the sign. Manual changeable copy signs shall be enclosed and locked.
(4) 
Preferred design and materials. Signs located in any mixed-use district shall utilize relief in detail or letting. It is encouraged that signs in other districts also utilize relief in detail or lettering, such as carved wood signs.
C. 
Location. All signs shall be located in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
Signs shall not be erected within nor project into any public right-of-way, unless otherwise specified within this chapter. Signs must be located on private property and comply with the dimension and setback requirements contained in the Table of Sign Regulations (§ 106-40.11; Table 40-1).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 40-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(2) 
Off-premises signs are prohibited. All permanent signs shall be located on the site being promoted, identified or advertised. Signs for uses in New York State Agriculture and Markets Agricultural Districts are exempt from this provision.
(3) 
No sign shall cover any part of any window unless specifically permitted under this chapter. No sign shall cover any door, or hinder or prevent free ingress to or free egress from any door, window, fire escape, or other required exit way.
(4) 
Altering or covering of architectural details is prohibited. No sign shall cover or cause the removal of architectural details to a building facade, including but not limited to arches, sills, moldings, cornices, and transom windows.
(5) 
All signs, unless otherwise noted within this article, are to be set back at least five feet from any property line or public right-of-way of the state highway.
D. 
Illumination. Any illuminated sign shall be in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
Brightness. Light sources for illuminated signs shall not be of such brightness as to constitute a hazard to pedestrians or motorists and shall be shielded so as not to cast an illumination of more than two footcandles on contiguous properties nor more than 0.1 footcandle on residential properties.
(2) 
Electric considerations. All light fixtures and wiring shall comply with National Electrical Code. Electrified signs shall bear an approved testing laboratory label and all electrical connections shall be approved by an approved inspection agency. All transformers, wires, and similar items shall be concealed and properly protected from the elements. In the case of freestanding signs, all wiring shall be placed underground.
(3) 
Flashing. Intermittent illumination, or illumination which involves movement or causes the illusion of movement resulting from the arrangement of lighting, is prohibited, except as permitted for electronic displays of time and/or temperature.
E. 
Maintenance and repair. All signs shall be maintained in safe and good structural condition, in compliance with all applicable building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this chapter at all times. Such maintenance includes replacement of all defective bulbs, parts, materials, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other acts required for maintenance of such sign. If any sign does not comply with the above maintenance and repair standards, the Code Enforcement Officer shall require its removal.
F. 
Protection of property. Signs shall not be posted in any manner destructive to public property. Signs shall also not be attached or otherwise applied to trees, utility poles, transit shelters, benches, trash receptacles, or newsracks.
G. 
Obsolete signs. Any sign that no longer advertises or identifies the current or permitted use of the property must be removed within 30 days after written notification from the Code Enforcement Officer.
A. 
Sign area.
(1) 
Computation of individual sign area. The area of a sign shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or geometric combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, and/or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed.
(2) 
Computation of multifaced sign area. In the case of a multifaced sign only one side of the sign is considered in determining sign area if:
(a) 
The message is identical on both sides; and
(b) 
The sides of the sign are back-to-back or diverge at an angle of less than 45°.
(3) 
Structural support not included in sign area. The supporting structure or bracing of a sign shall not be computed as part of the sign area, unless such supporting structure or bracing is made a part of the sign's message by including a symbol, logo, or other three-dimensional figure. If such is the case, a combination of regular geometric shapes which can encompass the area of said symbol or figure shall be included as part of the total sign area computation.
(4) 
Combining individual elements. For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, or elements mounted on a wall or wall extension, the area of such sign shall be calculated by determining the smallest geometric form or combination of forms that comprise all the display area, including the space between the elements.
B. 
Sign height.
(1) 
Computation of height of freestanding sign. The height of a freestanding sign shall be calculated by measuring the vertical distance between the top part of such sign or its structure, whichever is highest, to the elevation of the ground directly beneath the center of the sign. The elevation of the ground directly beneath the center of the sign shall be construed to be the lower of the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.
(2) 
Computation of height of building signs. The height of an awning, canopy, projecting, wall, or window sign shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance between the top part of a sign panel or individual letter or character, whichever is highest, to the elevation of the ground underneath such sign.
(3) 
Structural support included in sign height. Any material whose major function is to provide structural support for a sign shall be considered part of the sign for purposes of determining sign height.
C. 
Frontage.
(1) 
Freestanding sign frontage. The term "frontage," as used in calculating freestanding signs, shall refer to the dimension of the lot along the street.
(2) 
Wall sign frontage. The term "frontage," as used in calculating wall signs, shall refer to the building wall dimension facing the street or parking lot.
(3) 
More than one frontage. If a use or structure contains walls facing more than one street line, the number of signs and sign areas will be computed separately for each side of the building facing a different frontage.
(4) 
No direct frontage. For uses or structures having no direct frontage on public roads, as within shopping centers, frontage shall be counted as the intersection of the building line onto adjacent drives or parking areas.
The following types of signs may be erected in the Town without obtaining a sign permit. Although permits are not required for these signs, the signs shall conform to the height, setback and size requirements detailed in this chapter:
A. 
Banners or pennants. Such signs shall not require a sign permit only if all the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) 
There shall be no more than one banner per enterprise at one time;
(2) 
It shall be displayed for no more than 30 days;
(3) 
It shall not have a total face area in excess of 150 square feet nor a height of more than six feet;
(4) 
It shall not extend above the first floor facade of the building or project beyond property lines;
(5) 
It shall not be illuminated; and
(6) 
It must not be placed in such a manner as to impede pedestrian traffic.
B. 
Construction or home improvement signs. No sign permit shall be required for temporary construction or home improvement signs should the following conditions be met:
(1) 
A maximum of one sign is installed and located within the limits of the construction site;
(2) 
The sign area does not exceed six square feet in residential districts, or 12 square feet in all other districts; and
(3) 
The sign shall be displayed for no more than 30 days.
C. 
Decorations. Temporary displays of patriotic, religious, charitable, or civic character with no commercial message, including holiday lights and decorations that are erected for customary periods of time. Winter holiday decorations may be displayed from the weekend prior to Thanksgiving until January 10 of the succeeding year.
D. 
Directional signs. Signs that provide direction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain and contain no commercial message shall not require a sign permit, provided they do not exceed four square feet in area. Directional signs include, but are not limited to, signs identifying public rest rooms, public telephones, walkways or signs providing direction, such as parking lot entrance and exit signs, and those of a similar nature. Such directional signs shall be allowed within the street setbacks and side and rear yards in so far as they do not obstruct free and clear vision to traffic.
E. 
Drive-through signs. Businesses with drive-through facilities may have one sign not exceeding 12 square feet in area or six feet in height for each drive-through lane, provided such sign is oriented solely for the use of patrons utilizing the drive-through lane and is not intended to be visible from adjacent property or the right-of-way.
F. 
Flags. The flags, emblems or insignia of any nation, political subdivision, including those of commercial and noncommercial interest. Flagpoles shall be subject to the height restrictions imposed by each respective zoning district. Commercial flags shall be limited to one per lot.
G. 
Gasoline station price signs. Signs not exceeding four square feet advertising the price of gasoline and indicating self-service or full-service, when attached to a gasoline pump or pump service island.
H. 
Governmental signs. Any official sign, public notice, or warning sign supported by federal, state or local law, including but not limited to signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any government functions. (Example: NYS inspection station or authorized repair shop identification). There are no size requirements for governmental signs.
I. 
Historical signs. Signs that are in the nature of cornerstones, commemorative tablets, and historical signs, provided that such signs are less than nine square feet and not illuminated.
J. 
Home occupation signs. One sign for each legally established home occupation, not to exceed four square feet in area.
K. 
House numbers and nameplates. Address and name of occupant of premises for a residential structure, not including designations as to employment or home occupation, are to be limited in size to four square feet per dwelling unit.
L. 
Incidental signs. Such signs shall have an aggregate area not to exceed four square feet.
M. 
Internal signs. Any sign within a building not legible from the right-of-way or adjacent lots, or any sign within an enclosed outdoor space, such as athletic field, where sign is not legible beyond the property lines.
N. 
Limited signs. Signs and notices advertising an open house, sale, or event displayed for no more than 30 days. These signs must be placed on the property where the open house, sale, or event is being held.
O. 
Noncommercial signs. Any lot shall be allowed up to two signs of any type containing solely noncommercial messages, provided said signs are in conformance with the size, height, setback, and illumination regulations set forth within the Table of Sign Regulations (§ 106-40.11, Table 40-1) for each applicable sign type.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 40-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
P. 
Political and campaign signs. Political and campaign signs on behalf of candidates for public office or measures on election ballots are permitted without permit under the following conditions:
(1) 
Up to two signs of any type per lot in conformance with the size, height, setback, and illumination regulations set forth within the Table of Sign Regulations (§ 106-40.11, Table 40-1) for each applicable sign type;
(2) 
Said signs are not placed more than 30 days in advance of said election or ballot; and
(3) 
Said signs are removed upon closing of the applicable election or ballot.
Q. 
Portable signs. One nonilluminated, two-sided portable sign not to exceed 32 square feet in size and six feet in height in the following situations:
(1) 
New businesses awaiting the erection of a permanent sign, not to exceed a period of 30 days.
(2) 
A business that has lost the use of an existing sign by reason of fire or other catastrophe, not to exceed a period of 30 days.
(3) 
All portable signs must be placed at least 10 feet from all property lines.
R. 
Real estate signs. Up to two signs on any lot or parcel, provided that such sign is located entirely within the property to which the sign applies, is in conformance with the size, height, setback, and illumination regulations set forth within the Table of Sign Regulations (§ 106-40.11, Table 40-1) for each applicable sign type.
S. 
Sandwich board signs or A-frame signs. One sandwich board sign is permitted per use. Said sign shall not exceed six square feet in area. Said sign must be removed at the close of each business day. A sandwich board sign shall not require a sign permit if the following conditions are met:
(1) 
The sign is not more than three feet in height and three feet in width;
(2) 
The sign is not illuminated;
(3) 
The sign is displayed only during business hours; and
(4) 
The sign is not located within the public right-of-way or on public property and is located on the property on which the business is located.
T. 
Works of art. Works of art that do not include a commercial message, logo, or trademark and do not contain any property identification message.
The Table of Sign Regulations, located in § 106-40.11,[1] lists the requirements for different types of permitted signs that may be proposed for installation in the Town. The table addresses each type of sign by zoning category, listing whether each sign type is permitted in each zone, the number of signs permitted per site, and the allowable size, height, setbacks, and lighting requirements.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 40-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
The following types of signs are prohibited:
A. 
Signs for which no permit was issued or for which a permit has been revoked;
B. 
Obsolete signs or signs that are not properly maintained, considered structurally unsound, hazardous or otherwise unsafe;
C. 
Signs that contain words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature;
D. 
Signs that emit audible sounds, odor, or visible matter;
E. 
Signs that may be confused with a traffic control sign, signal or device or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle; or bear one of more of the words "stop" "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning" or other similar words; or hide from view any traffic or street sign, signal or device;
F. 
Signs that interfere with official traffic lights or traffic control devices;
G. 
Flashing, rotating, revolving signs/lights, except barber poles or holiday decorations, which do not violate C, D, E, or F above;
H. 
Signs with unshielded lighting devices or reflectors placed to outline or provide the background of a sign;
I. 
Signs that are animated or use full motion or video technology;
J. 
Signs that utilize electronic changeable copy;
K. 
Signs with mirrors;
L. 
Permanent banner, pennant, windblown or inflated signs. These may be permitted as a temporary sign for a total of 30 days;
M. 
Portable signs attached to or placed on an unregistered vehicle parked on private property for the primary purpose of being viewed by motorists within the right-of-way;
N. 
Pennants not affixed to the face of a building;
O. 
Signs placed on a curb, sidewalk, hydrant, utility pole, trees or other objects located on or over any street or within the public right-of-way unless otherwise permitted;
P. 
Signs, banners, or pennants mounted on or extending above the roof of any building or structure;
Q. 
Signs painted directly on an exterior wall;
R. 
Off-premises signs; and
S. 
Freestanding signs supported by a single pole or post with more than 30 inches clearance from the bottom of the sign to the ground below. Commonly referred to as a "pole sign."
(See the Table of Sign Regulations in § 106-40.11 for sign allowances).
A. 
Residential districts.
(1) 
All signs in any residential district shall be in conformance with the regulations set forth in Table 40-1[1] for Residential (R) Districts.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 40-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(2) 
Up to two signs may be permitted for each public, quasi-public, nonprofit, church, schools, hospital or other similar uses.
(3) 
Uses in the Highway Residential (HR) District may be permitted one freestanding sign as part of the total allotted signage, provided it is no more than 32 square feet in area and six feet in height with a setback of at least 20 feet. Said sign must be landscaped.
(4) 
One nonilluminated freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area and six feet in height shall be permitted at each entrance of an unimproved subdivision for a period of up to one year. If a building permit is not issued within the subdivision for a period of 12 months, or upon completion of the subdivision, such sign must be removed immediately. Such sign may be installed after approval of the Planning Board of the final subdivision plat or when a valid building permit has been issued.
B. 
Nonresidential districts.
(1) 
All signs in any nonresidential district shall be in conformance with the regulations set forth in Table 40-1 for the district in which the sign shall be erected.
(2) 
Two signs per use are permitted for a single business or industry. Where contiguous businesses or industries are located on a single lot, such as, but not limited to, industrial centers, or business parks, each business or industry shall be permitted two signs and the lot may be permitted one additional freestanding sign.
(3) 
Where groups of two or more contiguous stores are located together, two signs per use shall be permitted in addition to a single freestanding sign for the mall or plaza, subject to the Table of Sign Regulations.
C. 
Mixed-use districts.
(1) 
All signs in the Mixed-Use I, Mixed-Use II, Mixed-Use III Districts shall be in conformance with the regulations set forth in Table 40-1 for Mixed Use (MU) Districts.
(2) 
The entrance to any major commercial, residential, or industrial subdivision or development site shall be permitted one freestanding sign.
(3) 
Each individual use within any commercial or industrial subdivision shall be permitted up to two signs, with no more than one wall sign per use at any given time.
(4) 
Signs for individual uses shall compliment the design of the subdivision or development site's freestanding sign so as to portray a cohesive look throughout the development. This may be achieved through the coordinated use of color, lettering, sign structures, or sign types.
A. 
Temporary signs. Temporary signs on private property shall be allowed upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit unless specifically exempted from such permit within this chapter. All temporary signs shall conform to the following conditions:
(1) 
Term. A temporary sign may be placed upon a property or structure for no more than 30 days, with no more than one thirty-day extension.
(2) 
Number. Only one temporary sign is permitted for a property or structure at any given time. A maximum of four temporary signs may be displayed during each calendar year.
(3) 
Illumination. Interior illumination of temporary signs is prohibited. Signs requiring exterior illumination or electricity shall conform to the regulations of § 106-40.3D of this chapter, and those within the Table of Sign Regulations (§ 106-40.11, Table 40-1).
(4) 
Size, height, clearance, and setback requirements. Temporary sign area, height, and setback requirements shall follow the same regulations set forth for any permanent sign of similar type or configuration within the applicable zoning district. See Table of Sign Regulations (§ 106-40.11, Table 40-1).
A. 
Permitted nonconforming signs. Any sign erected prior to the adoption of this chapter that does not conform to the provisions of this article is permitted to remain as a nonconforming sign, provided that the sign:
(1) 
Was erected under an approved sign permit prior to the adoption of this chapter; and
(2) 
Is not an obsolete sign.
B. 
Loss of nonconforming status. A sign characterized as a nonconforming sign shall lose its nonconforming status if:
(1) 
The sign is altered in any way in structure or size (except for routine maintenance);
(2) 
The sign is relocated; or
(3) 
The sign is replaced.
All signs permitted by the Town shall be subject to the regulations set forth in Table 40-1 below,[1] where "P" indicates permitted and "NP" indicates not permitted. The "maximum number permitted" requirement shall not apply to noncommercial signs, political signs, or real estate signs. See § 106-40.5O, P, and R for number of sign types permitted.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 40-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.