The purpose of this article is to regulate signs, to minimize outdoor advertising, and to protect public safety, health and welfare; minimize abundance and size of signs to reduce visual clutter, motorist distraction, and loss of visibility; promote public convenience; preserve property values; and enhance the aesthetic appearance and quality of life within the City. The requirements contained herein are intended to be content neutral. The following objectives are accomplished by establishing the minimum amount of regulations necessary concerning the size, placement, construction, illumination, and other aspects of signs in the City in order to:
A. 
Protect the public right to receive messages, including religious, political, economic, social, philosophical and other types of information protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
B. 
Maintain and improve the image of the City by encouraging signs of consistent size which are compatible with and complementary to related buildings and uses, and harmonious with their surroundings.
C. 
Recognize that the proliferation of signs is unduly distracting to motorists and nonmotorized travelers, reduces the effectiveness of signs directing and warning the public, causes confusion, reduces desired uniform traffic flow, and creates potential for accidents.
D. 
Recognize that the principal intent of commercial signs, to meet the purpose of these requirements and serve the public interest, should be for identification of an establishment on the premises, and not for advertising special events, brand names or off-premises activities, as these can be advertised more appropriately by other methods.
E. 
Eliminate potential conflicts between business signs and traffic control signs, which could create confusion and hazardous consequences.
F. 
Enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without excessive difficulty and confusion by restricting the number and placement of signs.
G. 
Prevent placement of signs which will conceal or obscure signs of adjacent uses.
H. 
Prevent off-premises signs from conflicting with other land uses.
I. 
Prevent signs that are potentially dangerous to the public due to structural deficiencies or disrepair.
J. 
Prohibit portable commercial signs in recognition of their significant negative impact on traffic safety and aesthetics.
A sign of the following type shall be permitted on all parcels in the City without the issuance of a sign permit, subject to all other requirements of this article:
A. 
Device signs. Permanent signs on vending machines, ATMs, gas station pumps, or other containers indicating only the contents or purpose of such devices, provided that the sign area of each device shall not exceed three square feet and there are no more than one sign per device.
B. 
Directional signs. The sign shall bear no advertising other than logos.
C. 
Flags. Flags, provided there shall be no more than three flags per lot, the maximum size of each flag shall be 50 square feet, and the flag poles comply with relative height limitations.
D. 
Employment signs. "Help wanted" signs soliciting employees for the place of business where posted, provided that the maximum area for all such signs shall not exceed six square feet.
E. 
Enclosed signs. Any sign that is located completely within a building and is not visible from the outside.
F. 
Historical signs. Plaques or signs designating a building or premises as a historic structure or premises not to exceed six square feet.
G. 
Identification signs. Signs for the sole purpose of designating an assigned house number, owner name, occupant, or building name. Identification signs shall not be counted in the total sign area allowed on the premises; however, such signs in excess of one square foot in surface display area may be allowed as part of the total sign area otherwise allowed by this chapter.
H. 
Incidental signs. Small signs, emblems, or decals informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises. The total of all such incidental signs shall not exceed two square feet.
I. 
Nonconforming signs. Legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective date of the adoption of the chapter. Removal of the sign shall constitute an elimination of the nonconforming status.
J. 
Noncommercial message sign. Consistent with the other requirements of this chapter, any permitted sign may contain a lawful noncommercial message. This does not apply to traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, danger or other emergency signs, and directional signs.
[Amended 12-7-2015; 12-19-2022]
K. 
Public signs. Public signs, authorized signs by a government body or public utility, including traffic signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, warnings of a hazard, and similar signs.
The following regulations shall be applicable to all temporary signs placed or situated at any place other than inside a "building" as defined in this chapter. All temporary signs shall be in accordance with Table 7.17.1.
A. 
Projection into right-of-way. No temporary sign shall be strung across any public right-of-way nor shall any temporary sign project beyond the property line except as authorized by the City Commission.
B. 
Removal. Temporary signs shall be removed promptly at the end of the permitted period in Table 17.17.1.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
C. 
Damaged signs. Any temporary sign found by the Building Official to be in a torn, damaged or unsafe condition shall be removed by the owner within three days after receipt of notice to do so from the Building Official.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
Table 7.17.1: Temporary Sign Regulations
Type of Sign
Maximum Size
Maximum Height
Maximum Number
Permitted Duration and Other Requirements
Temporary Signs Not Requiring a Permit
Garage sale signs in residential districts
5 square feet
4 feet
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
Shall be erected no more than 10 business days before and removed within 1 business day after the sale
Small temporary signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, RM-1, or RM-2 districts
5 square feet
4 feet
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
Signs advertising a residential property for sale or lease may remain until the property is sold or leased. The sign must be removed within 14 days of all units or lots being sold or leased.
Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit
Banners and pennants
Discretion of the Building Official and considering the following:
May be erected 2 times per calendar year, for a maximum of 30 days each time
•
Must be securely attached to a building or structure
Signs on an active construction site
64 square feet
15 feet
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
1.
Shall be removed from premises within 30 days after issuance of the occupancy permit or temporary occupancy permit.
2.
In the case of renovations (e.g. addition to a building) or maintenance or repair (e.g. roofing or siding), rather than the construction of a new building, the sign may have a maximum sign area of 16 square feet.
Temporary wall signs in the OS-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, CBD-1, I-1, or I-2 zoning districts
16 square feet
Wall sign not higher than building
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
May be erected for a maximum of 30 consecutive days every 6 months
Large free-standing temporary signs in the RM-1, RM-2, OS-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, CBD-1, I-1, or I-2 zoning districts
64 square feet
10 feet
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
May be erected for 6 months in any one year period. Signs advertising a property for sale or lease may remain until the property is sold or leased. The sign must be removed within 7 days of all units or lots being sold or leased
Table 7.17.2: Prohibited Signs
Any sign not expressly permitted.
String lights. Spinners, strings of light bulbs, pennants, or streamers, hung overhead to draw attention to a business or its merchandise on display. In no case does this restrict the use of string lights for holidays or religious events.
Moving or animated signs. Except as otherwise expressly provided, no sign shall contain any moving or animated parts nor have the appearance of having any movement or animation. No sign shall employ any flashing, moving, oscillating, blinking, or variable-intensity light or intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals, or police, fire, ambulance, or rescue vehicles, or lights so bright as to be blinding or distracting to a vehicle driver.
Inflatable signs. Signs that are comprised in part or wholly of a balloon or any other inflated object or character.
Obsolete signs, as defined.
Off-premises signs (other than billboards), as defined.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
Pole signs, as defined.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
Portable or movable signs, as defined, except where expressly permitted in this article.
Signs that obstruct access. Signs which obstruct free access or egress from a required door, window, or other required exit.
Signs that obstruct view of road signs. Signs that obstruct any approved traffic control device, road sign, or signal from view; interfere with sight distance necessary for traffic safety; or distract from visibility of existing traffic signs or devices.
Signs that confuse traffic.
1.
Any sign which makes use of the words "stop," "look," or "danger," or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
2.
Signs which in any way simulate or could be confused with the lighting of emergency vehicles or traffic signals; there shall be no red, yellow, or green illumination on any sign located in the same line of vision as a traffic control system, nor interference with vision clearance along any highway, street, or road or at any intersection of two or more streets.
Illegal signs. Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.
Snipe signs. Signs attached to a utility pole, fence or affixed to a tree except as may otherwise be permitted by this article.
Roof signs. Signs shall not be erected on any part of a building's roof unless there is no practical available wall area on the front of the building to permit the allowed wall sign, in which case the Planning Department may grant an administrative waiver.
Road furniture signs. Signs on street furniture, such as benches and trash receptacles, not including commemorative plaques or engravings not larger than 1/2 square foot.
Fire hydrants. Any sign not attached to a building and erected within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
Signs in public right-of-way or on City-owned property. Unless otherwise provided in these regulations, no sign, except those established by the City of Lapeer, Lapeer County, state or federal governments shall be located in, project or overhang into any public right-of-way or dedicated easement, or elsewhere on City-owned property except with the consent of the City.
Motor vehicle signs.
1.
It shall be unlawful to park, place or store a vehicle or trailer on which there is a motor vehicle sign on private or public property for the purpose of advertising a business or products or for the purpose of directing people to a business or business activity.
2.
Presumption. There shall be a presumption that this subsection has been violated if the motor vehicle sign is visible from a street and one or more of the following circumstances exist:
a.
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is unregistered or not operable;
b.
The motor vehicle sign is larger in any dimension than or extends beyond any surface of the vehicle or trailer to which it is attached;
c.
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is parked or stored in a public right-of-way or an area not designed, designated, or commonly used for parking;
d.
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is regularly parked or stored in a "front yard" or "side yard," as such terms are defined in this Zoning Ordinance, that abuts a street, when there are other areas of the property designed, designated, or available for the parking or storage of the vehicle or trailer that are not visible from the street or do not abut streets; or
e.
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is regularly parked or stored within 50 feet of a street, when there are other areas of the property designed, designated, or available for the parking or storage of the vehicle or trailer that are more distant from the street or not visible from the street.
3.
Rebuttal of presumption. The presumption set forth in Subsection 2c in this table, above, may be rebutted by evidence showing all of the following:
a.
The vehicle is temporarily parked in a particular location in the course of conducting personal activities or business activities that involve the loading or unloading of goods for customers, providing services to off-site customers, conducting off-site business, or engaging in work breaks;
b.
The activities in Subsection 1 in this table, above, are being actively undertaken during the period of such parking;
c.
The activities in Subsection 1 in this table, above, require the presence of the vehicle for purposes of transporting equipment, people, supplies and/or goods necessary for carrying out such activities; and
d.
The activities in Subsection 1 in this table, above, are not, other than incidentally, related to advertising, identifying, displaying, directing, or attracting attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location.
Unsafe signs. Any sign or sign structure which the Building Official has determined:
1.
Is structurally unsafe;
2.
Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment;
3.
Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of blocking views;
4.
Is capable of causing electric shock to a person who comes in contact with it;
5.
Is unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained;
6.
Is located in public street or utility right-of-way, except where expressly permitted herein;
7.
Is not kept in good repair, such that it has broken parts, missing letters, or nonoperational lights; or
8.
Does not meet applicable requirements of any adopted City Building Code.
Search lights, as defined.
[Amended 9-26-2013; 4-17-2017; 12-19-2022]
The following table includes regulations for permanent nonresidential signs:
Table 7.17.3: Schedule of Sign Regulations
Type of Sign
Maximum Area
Height
Illumination
Number Permitted/
Other Provisions
Wall sign (see § 7-17.06A)
Total surface area of all wall signs placed on the front, side or rear of a building shall not exceed the lesser of 10% of the area of the front face of the building or tenant space, or 3 square feet for each lineal feet of building frontage or tenant space
Must not exceed maximum building height in district.
Must not be higher than wall upon which it is attached.
Bottom of sign must be at least 8 feet above ground level or sidewalk.
Permitted
Must not extend beyond the ends of the wall on which it is attached.
Sign may not be more than 12 inches thick, measured from the wall on which it is attached.
Awnings and canopies
Lettering shall not project above, below or beyond the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy.
Bottom of awning or canopy must be at least 7 feet above ground level or sidewalk.
Not permitted under awning or canopy, except for gas station canopy.
Building-mounted lighting may indirectly illuminate the area above or below the awning or canopy.
Individual letters shall not be larger than 15 inches from top to bottom.
Directional signs
4 square feet per sign
4 feet maximum
Permitted
Determined by City Building Official
Monument signs (see § 7-17.06B)
Areas zoned CBD-1: 20 square feet per side; 40 square feet total.
Other areas: 56 square feet per side; 112 square feet total.
8 feet maximum
Permitted
1 per each side of parcel facing a street
Poster panel signs (sandwich signs, A-frames) (see § 7-17.06C)
7 square feet per side;
14 square feet total
3.5 feet maximum
Not permitted
–
Business center sign, including multiple tenant commercial or shopping centers and multiple tenant office buildings
64 square feet per sign face;
128 total square feet for both sides
Areas zoned CBD-1: 10 feet maximum.
Other areas: 16 feet maximum.
Permitted
1 per business center.
Individual businesses are not allowed to have individual monument signs. Must meet sign requirements.
Window signs
Not more than 25% of surface of window
N/A
Not permitted, except for LED sign
N/A
Projecting signs (see § 7-17.06D)
8 square feet per side;
16 square feet, total
Must not be higher than wall upon which it is attached.
Bottom of sign must be at least 8 feet above ground level or sidewalk.
Permitted
Only permitted in the CBD-1 zoning districts.
1 per business, provided not within 20 feet of another projecting sign.
Rear entry signs
Wall sign: 6 square feet;
Projecting sign: 6 square feet per side;
12 square feet total.
Bottom of sign must be a minimum of 8 feet above the ground or sidewalk
Permitted
1 per business
Marquee signs (see § 7-17.06E)
10% of the wall, up to maximum of 100 square feet
Must not exceed building height in district.
Must not be higher than building.
Bottom of sign must be at least 8 feet above ground level or sidewalk.
Permitted
1 per parcel
Billboards (see § 7-17.06F)
175 square feet per side;
350 square feet total
See § 7-17.06F(2).
Permitted
Only allowed in the I-2 Zoning District.
Must be on property fronting an expressway or state trunk line highway.
Interstate corridor signs (see § 7-17.06G)
200 square feet per side (total signage = 400 square feet) with a maximum of 2 sides permitted.
250 square feet for two businesses and an additional 50 square feet for each business (tenant) thereafter and not to exceed 400 square feet each side.
20 feet for single tenant.
30 feet for multiple tenant
Permitted - internal and concealed only.
Spotlighting is not permitted.
1 per every 1,000 linear feet, up to 2 sign structures per lot/parcel within 200 feet of I-69.
Must be on property which is adjacent to the I-69 right-of-way.
Electronic or manual changeable message signs (see § 7-17.06H)
24 square feet
Per type of sign as listed above
Permitted
1 per parcel
A. 
Wall signs.
(1) 
Materials required. All wall signs of a greater area than 50 square feet shall have a surface or facing of noncombustible material.
(2) 
Limitation on placement. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening.
(3) 
Supports and attachments. All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to structural members of the building by means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails.
B. 
Monument signs.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
(1) 
Material required. Every monument sign over 50 square feet in total surface area shall have a surface or facing of noncombustible material.
(2) 
Letters, etc. to be secured. All letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.
(3) 
Anchorage and support. All monument signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected upon posts sunk at least 42 inches below the surface of the ground and embedded in concrete. A lightning-grounding device shall be provided.
(4) 
Base. A monument sign must be mounted on a solid base constructed of masonry or other similarly durable material that matches or complements the material on the main building. The base must be at least 75% of the sign width, not to exceed 12 feet wide by three feet thick.
C. 
Poster panel (sandwich board, A-frames) signs. Poster panel signs may be placed only within the CBD-1 and CBD-2 Zoning Districts at the public entrances to retail, personal service or restaurant businesses, on either private property or the public sidewalk, subject to the following requirements:
(1) 
Clearance for pedestrians. The sign shall be located a minimum of two feet from the edge of the curb and must be located so that at least a five-foot wide sidewalk is maintained between the sign and the building wall for pedestrian traffic flow and safety.
(2) 
Number. There shall be only one sign permitted for each building address for which there is provided a separate entrance, regardless of the number of tenants in the building.
(3) 
Storage. Each sign shall be placed outside only during the hours when the business is open to the general public, and shall be stored indoors at all other times. Any sign which is found to be not in compliance with this requirement may be confiscated by City Code Enforcement officials. A second violation will result in loss of the sign permit for a period of one year.
(4) 
Hazard. A portable sidewalk sign shall not occupy or obstruct the use of any fire lane or required off-street parking. Any sign which creates a visual or safety hazard may be ordered to be removed by the Police Chief.
(5) 
Maintenance. All sign frames shall be constructed of a weatherproof material and shall be kept in good repair.
(6) 
Businesses not fronting on Nepessing Street. Directional poster panel signs for downtown businesses not fronting on Nepessing Street are permitted to be placed on Nepessing Street corners subject to the following provisions:
(a) 
One directional sidewalk sign is allowed per corner, representing multiple businesses if necessary.
(b) 
The sign shall be placed in a location that does not interfere with other signage or features in the vicinity.
(c) 
All other provisions of the Sign Ordinance shall be complied with.
(7) 
Permit. No poster panel sign shall be placed on display without the owner first obtaining a permit from the City of Lapeer.
(8) 
Quality. Hand-lettered or stenciled sign faces are prohibited, with the exception of restaurant daily specials. All sign faces shall be professionally created in conformance with the specifications for sidewalk signs adopted by the City of Lapeer Downtown Development Authority.
D. 
Projecting signs.
(1) 
Construction. Every part of a projecting sign, with a total surface area greater than 10 square feet, shall be constructed of noncombustible material.
(2) 
Movable parts to be secured. Any movable part of a projecting sign, such as the cover of a service opening, shall be securely fastened by chains or hinges.
(3) 
Thickness limitation. The distance measured between the principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed 18 inches.
(4) 
Projection over public property. No projecting sign may project beyond the property line unless approved by the City.
(5) 
Bracing, anchorage and supports. Projecting signs of a greater total surface area than 10 square feet or 50 pounds in weight shall not be attached to nor supported by frame buildings nor the wooden framework of a building. All projecting signs shall be thoroughly secured to the building by iron or other metal anchors, bolts, supports, rods or braces.
E. 
Marquee signs.
(1) 
Material required. Every marquee sign, including the upright supports and braces thereof, shall be constructed entirely of noncombustible materials.
(2) 
Bracing, anchorage and supports. Every marquee sign shall be thoroughly secured to the building by iron or metal anchors, bolts, supports, rods or braces.
F. 
Billboards.
(1) 
Minimum lot size. Such signs shall be allowed on premises with a minimum total area of one acre and a minimum dimension of 200 feet on any one side (based on the deed or recorded legal description).
(2) 
Height. Such signs shall comply with the height limitations and with the front, rear, and side setback provisions of the I-2 zoning district.
G. 
Interstate corridor signs (ICS).
[Added 4-17-2017]
(1) 
Placement. All Interstate Corridor Signage (ICS) must be located along Interstate-69 (I-69) and shall be no closer than a distance that is equal to or greater than the height of the sign (20 feet to 30 feet) and set back from the interstate right-of-way (ROW). An ICS 20 feet tall or less must maintain a minimum distance of 20 feet from the I-69 ROW. The interstate ROW includes all entrance and exit ramps on to I-69. Setbacks from the I-69 ROW may be more restrictive as deemed necessary by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). An ICS must be within 200 feet of the property line that borders the interstate ROW unless deemed otherwise by MDOT.
(2) 
Additional permitting. MDOT may require permitting for any sign structures that are within 3,000 feet of an interstate, freeway, or highway; as regulated by the Michigan Highway Advertising Act (Act 106). It is recommended that such permitting be applied for through MDOT before applying for a sign permit through the City of Lapeer. If MDOT does not require a permit for the proposed sign, documentation stating such shall be provided and submitted with the sign application to the City of Lapeer.
(3) 
Location. An ICS can only be applied for on properties that are zoned B-2. The property must border the I-69 ROW. An ICS is an additional sign structure for properties that meet the standards of this section and are not considered to be part of a cumulative total for overall signage allowed on an applicable piece of property.
(4) 
Setbacks. An ICS must be more than 300 feet from all residentially zoned properties, including properties adjacent to the subject parcel and/or across a public ROW.
(5) 
Proximity. An ICS shall be a minimum of 1,000 feet apart from each sign with no more than two per lot. ICS placement must maintain a minimum of 500 feet apart from all other ICS structures on adjacent properties or across a public ROW.
(6) 
Accessory. All ICS and sign structures are accessory to a building or use on the same property. At least one building or structure that houses a principal business or use must be located on the same property as the interstate corridor sign.
(7) 
Multi-tenant. A ICS that advertises two or more businesses. Square footage and height may be increased on an ICS (per Table 7.17.3) by allowing multiple tenants to advertise. The following requirements apply to signs hosting third-party tenants:
(a) 
Participating tenants of an existing or proposed ICS structure must apply for a sign permit through the Building Department with a valid lease for signage space and/or written permission from the CIS structure owner.
(b) 
The tenant of an ICS must be advertising a business or use of a location for a legal licensed business on property within the City of Lapeer and adjacent to the I-69 ROW property line, except as prohibited in this section. Tenants on adjacent properties that do not share a property line along the I-69 ROW must be all of the following:
[1] 
A legally licensed business or use in the City of Lapeer, no more than 3,000 feet from the I-69 ROW.
[2] 
A business or use that shares a property line with the property the sign is located on. The following areas have been designated to allow for tenant signage and not to advertise or promote a business that is separated by a public ROW from the ICS structure. Signage of a business on an ICS must be located in these quadrants on a structure within the same quadrant as listed below:
[a] 
South of Turrill Road, north of I-69, and east of M-24 up to 3,000 feet from the ICS within the City limits.
[b] 
North of I-69 up to 3,000 feet from the ICS within the City limits, west of Baldwin Road and east of the country drain, Farmers Creek.
[c] 
South of I-69 up to 3,000 feet from the ICS, east of M-24 up to 3,000 feet of the ICS within the City limits.
(c) 
Tenant signage of an ICS must be designated for a separate business. A business or product sold within a building sharing a common entrance without any separation from the primary business does not constitute a permitted tenant for additional signage. For example: a store that sells a brand may not advertise that brand separately outside of the two-hundred-square-foot requirement.
(d) 
The closest ICS structure must be used whenever possible or, if no space is available, an ICS structure within 3,000 of the tenant's business can be used for the tenant's sign as it complies with the quadrants depicted in § 7-17.06G(7)(b). It is required that businesses sharing a common vehicular entry should share an ICS structure whenever possible to limit confusion of the particular location of the business.
(8) 
Design. ICS shall only be one or two-sided. V-shaped signs, similar to typical billboard designs, are permitted, given both sides are visible and legible from the interstate ROW and not exceeding a ninety-degree angle. The void/back of a V-shaped sign and the back of a one-sided sign must be of acceptable materials that match the base or exterior/visible materials of the main sign structure. Supporting structure (poles, beams, cross-bracing, etc.) for the ICS shall be enclosed within the sign structure and material cladding.
(9) 
Proportions. An ICS shall not be less than five feet in height and cannot exceed more than 30 feet in width, as measured across the face of the sign.
(10) 
Base. Any ICS structure that has signage more than 18 inches above grade must provide a designated base between the bottom(s) of the display signage that extends to grade. The base shall be clad with permitted materials that match or complement the main building(s) that the sign structure is designed to be used for. The base must, at a minimum, meet the width of the display signage.
(11) 
Materials. Noncombustible, durable materials are required on all ICS structures. Materials similar to finished metal, stone, brick or a combination of such are examples of materials that meet this requirement. Materials that rust, stain, fade, oxidize, peeling and/or crack as a result of the natural environment shall provide information and apply such prevention measures as necessary or be discouraged.
(12) 
Protrusions. Lettering and other materials to be secured to an ICS shall be designed to deter the buildup of debris, snow, bird nests, and other foreseen maintenance issues that could cause obstructions or safety issues and compromise the stability and functionality of the sign and sign structure over time. Curved surfaces of protruding elements are required. Any vertical or horizontal surface attached to the face of an ICS shall protrude no more than two inches beyond the face of the sign structure or surface.
(13) 
Safety. A business advertising on any ICS is prohibited to use images, colors, lighting and/or materials that would be considered to be a distraction to motorists and other types of transportation. Materials that are susceptible to variations of fatigue [as noted above in Subsection G(11), Materials, and Subsection G(12), Protrusions] pose a safety hazard, and it is required that documentation of preventive measures be listed as part of the submission of the ICS permit as it pertains to wind speeds, snow load, corrosion and/or other engineering and stability factors.
H. 
Changeable message signs.
(1) 
Such sign shall be part of a monument sign only and shall be subject to the area, height, and placement requirements for a ground sign in such location as otherwise permitted under this chapter.
(2) 
Changeable message signs are not allowed on property in a residential zoning district or on property zoned Central Business District.
(3) 
The changeable message portion of such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, and the remainder of the sign shall be of a permanent character as otherwise required under this chapter.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
(4) 
In addition to the general requirements for sign maintenance, all changeable copy signs shall bear a legible message, other suitable display or be left blank. Electronic devices, when not in use, are to be left blank and unlighted. Any lighted or electronic changeable message sign in which the electrical or lighting components are operating in an erratic, broken or damaged fashion shall be turned off or removed.
(5) 
The sign shall not include animation and the message on the sign may change a maximum of four times per minute. At all other times the sign message and background must remain constant.
(6) 
Exceptions:
(a) 
Reader boards owned by government entities, public agencies, and community organizations displaying community information are exempt from the area limitations set forth in Subsection H(1) above. Such signs must comply with all other applicable provisions in this chapter.
(b) 
Electronic signs of private and parochial schools (public schools are exempt by statute) shall be exempt from the above provisions.
(c) 
Time and temperature displays are exempt from Subsection H(1) above.
A. 
Signs in residential areas not requiring a permit. Ground and wall type signs are permitted in residential zoning districts as defined in this chapter without a permit and subject to the following conditions:
(1) 
Sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of the property upon which it is located, subject to the following conditions:
(a) 
[1]No sign may be erected within a public right-of-way, nor in such manner on private property as to create a sight restriction for automotive traffic.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(1)(a), regarding height restrictions for signs, was repealed 12-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-05. This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection A(1)(a) as Subsection A(1)(b).
(b) 
No such sign shall be lighted or otherwise artificially illuminated.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsections A(1)(c) and A(1)(d), regarding restrictions for signs, were repealed 12-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-05.
(2) 
Dwelling nameplate. For each dwelling unit, one nameplate not exceeding two square feet in area indicating name of occupant. Such sign shall not contain advertising of any nature.
B. 
Signs in residential areas requiring a permit. Ground and wall type signs are permitted in residential zone districts as defined in this chapter with a permit and shall satisfy the following conditions:
(1) 
Sign advertising the lots and/or buildings erected in any subdivision or multiple-family development. It shall be permissible for a real estate broker or builder to erect one sign not to exceed a total surface area of 64 square feet nor an overall height of 10 feet, the lower edge of which shall not be less than 18 inches above the surrounding ground level, to advertise the lots and/or building erected in any one subdivision, provided that said real estate broker or builder owns, has listed for sale or has the owner's permission to sell a minimum of 10 lots in said subdivision. No such sign or billboard shall be erected or maintained within 100 feet of any occupied residence unless the written consent of the owner and occupant of such residence is first obtained.
(2) 
Single-family and multiple-family residential developments. Any person owning or operating any single-family or multiple-family residential development may erect a monument sign in accordance with the provisions of § 7-17.06B, bearing the name of the development, such sign not to exceed 24 square feet in area and not to exceed an overall height of six feet above the ground level, which sign shall be made of noncombustible material and may be lighted during the hours of darkness, and which shall contain no advertising or information other than the name of the residential development and status of occupancy. No more than one sign may be erected for each development entrance.
[Amended 9-26-2013]
(3) 
Signs accessory to churches, schools or nonprofit institutions.
[Amended 9-26-2013]
(a) 
Churches, colleges, schools, buildings housing governmental functions and utilities of the City, county or state or any subdivision thereof, are permitted to erect a monument sign in accordance with the provisions of § 7-17.06B. Such signs, when of a permanent nature, shall be constructed of noncombustible material and shall meet all the requirements of this chapter, except as provided hereafter:
[1] 
There shall be not more than one sign.
[2] 
Such signs shall be set back from the lot line at least 1/3 of the distance from the lot line to the nearest building, but need not be set back more than 100 feet from the property line.
[3] 
No sign shall exceed 20 square feet in area, unless the sign is located more than 50 feet behind the property line, then said sign may be increased by five additional square feet for each additional 10 feet of setback, but in no event shall such sign exceed 50 square feet in area.
[4] 
Maximum height shall be eight feet.
[5] 
The sign may include an electronic message board area in accordance with § 7-17.06H, provided that the sign is located along arterial streets as shown in the master plan.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
(b) 
In the case of such signs in nonresidential zoning districts, the signs must comply with the requirements for the district in which they are located.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 7-17.08, Parking area signs, was repealed 12-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-05.
A. 
Wind pressure and dead load requirements. Ground, projecting, wall and marquee signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of surface area and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required elsewhere in the City Building Code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 8, Buildings and Building Regulations.
B. 
Illumination. All illumination shall be concentrated on the area of the sign or landscape feature so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property. No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means or devices, and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Any signs shall be of a wattage of not to exceed 60 watts per bulb. No lights shall be permitted in excess of 60 watts per bulb, and in no instance shall such light be located as to be hazardous to traffic.
C. 
Obstructions to doors, windows and fire escapes. No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a stand pipe or fire escape.
D. 
Signs not to construct a traffic hazard. No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger" or any word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
E. 
Clear vision area. No sign shall be located within, project into, or overhang the corner clearance area as defined in § 7-14.05 of this chapter.
F. 
Face of sign shall be smooth. No nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted to protrude from the front of any sign. This shall not exclude, however, the use of block letters, electrical reflectors, or other devices which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structure.
G. 
Measuring sign height.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
007 Sign Height.tif
(1) 
The permitted height of all signs supported by the ground shall be measured from the level of the ground, finished surface, adjacent to the sign.
(2) 
Sign height shall not be measured from an area of the ground that has been built up or constructed in a manner that would have the effect of allowing a higher sign height than permitted by these regulations (e.g., the height of signs erected on a berm shall be measured from the finished grade adjacent to the berm).
H. 
Measuring sign area.
[Amended 9-26-2013]
007 Sign Area.tif
(1) 
Sign area shall be measured as the square footage of the sign face and any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate it from the background against which it is placed. The measurement of the sign shall include the entire graphic the sign is located on.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
(2) 
When a sign consists solely of lettering or other sign elements printed, painted or mounted on a wall of a building without any distinguishing border, panel or background, the calculation for sign area shall be measured by enclosing the most protruding edges of the sign elements within a parallelogram or rectangle.
(3) 
The area of a double-faced monument sign shall be computed using only one face of the sign, provided that: the outline and dimensions of both faces are identical; and the faces are back to back so that only one face is visible at any given time.
(4) 
Window sign regulation shall not include season drawings or other graphics not related to signage.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
I. 
City official may periodically inspect signs for compliance.
[Added 12-19-2022]
A. 
Any sign legally existing at the time of adoption of these regulations which does not comply with all provisions shall be considered a legal nonconforming sign and may be permitted to continue if the sign is properly maintained and not detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the community.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
B. 
Subject to exceptions below, any legal nonconforming signs may be continued in operation and maintained after the effective date of these regulations, provided that the signs shall not be:
[Amended 5-17-2012]
(1) 
Structurally altered so as to extend their useful life;
(2) 
Expanded;
(3) 
Moved to another location on the original site or on a different site;
(4) 
Reestablished after damage of more than 50% of the value at the time of such damage or destruction;
(5) 
Modified in any way that would increase the degree of nonconformity of such sign.
C. 
When a sign or sign structure is removed or destroyed, replacement signs and sign structures must comply with the current standards, except for the purpose of sign maintenance or repair:
[Added 5-17-2012]
(1) 
A nonconforming sign or sign structure may be removed temporarily to perform sign maintenance or sign repair, not to exceed 50% of the current market value of the existing sign structure.
(2) 
In order to preserve the nonconforming sign status, the person removing the sign must inform the Building Official in writing before the sign is removed. If the responsible party fails to provide written notification, any re-erected sign will be considered a new sign.
D. 
Abandonment or obsolescence of a nonconforming sign shall terminate immediately the right to maintain such a sign.
(1) 
An obsolete sign and its supporting structure shall be removed by the property owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises within 10 days after written notice from the Building Official.
(2) 
A sign which is in conformity with the other provisions of these regulations may remain in place if such sign is obscured by the use of a blank panel attached within the frame of the sign and shall be permitted to remain for a period not to exceed 120 days.
(3) 
Where a successor to an inactive business agrees, within 30 days of the date of written notice by the Building Official, to maintain the sign as provided for by these regulations, this removal requirement shall not apply, provided that the existing sign and structure conforms to all current sign requirements.
E. 
All portable signs, except those specifically permitted by these regulations, that exist on the effective date of these regulations, shall be removed immediately upon the enactment of these regulations.
F. 
Any illegal nonconforming signs that exist on the effective date of these regulations shall be removed immediately upon the enactment of these regulations and shall be replaced by signs that conform to these regulations.
A. 
No sign, permanent or temporary, shall be erected, structurally altered or relocated, except as otherwise provided in these regulations, without review and approval from the City of Lapeer Building Department.
B. 
Application. The application, on a form provided by the City of Lapeer Building Department, shall contain the proposed location of the sign, the name and address of the sign owner and of the sign erected, the name and address of the owner of the business and of the property if different from that of the sign owner, drawings and/or sketches showing the design and location of the sign, the estimated cost of construction and any other information as the Building Official may require to ensure compliance with these regulations and with other ordinances of the City.
C. 
Staking of signs proposed location. The location of a proposed sign shall be staked by the property owner. The Building Department will use the staked location to determine compliance with required setbacks set out in these regulations before issuing a sign permit.
D. 
Permit required. For all signs requiring a permit, a sign permit application shall be applied for with the City of Lapeer Building Official. The Building Official will approve a sign permit application that clearly conforms to the requirements of these regulations. If the sign is situated in the public right-of-way, the applicant must obtain a license from the City and must possess adequate liability insurance.
E. 
Fees. All permit fees for signs shall be as established by the Lapeer City Commission.
F. 
Nullification. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has not been completed within six months after the date of the permit.
G. 
Exceptions. The following shall not require a sign permit:
(1) 
The changing of the advertising copy or message on an approved painted or printed sign, on a theater marquee and on similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.
(2) 
Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or a sign structure, unless a structural change is made.
H. 
Certificate of compliance. All signs shall require a final inspection and the issuance of a certificate of compliance from the Building Department. The property owner shall notify the Building Department immediately upon erecting the sign to request the final inspection.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Building Official in connection with any dimensional or location provision of these regulations may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 30 days of the decision or order (See § 7-22.06).