[Amended 1-10-2019 by Ord. No. 19-01]
This article regulates all signs within the Town of Rome that
are visible from the public right-of-way, visible from navigable waterways,
or visible from another parcel. This section is designed to ensure
the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Rome,
particularly regarding the implementation of the desired overall character
of the community, and its constituent zoning districts. The purposes
of this section are to:
A.
Safeguard a major natural economic asset of the Town of Rome, which
is the natural beauty of the land and the scenic country roads, woodlands,
and waters.
B.
Protect property values and public and private investments in property.
C.
Provide area businesses effective and efficient opportunities for
identification by reducing competing demands for visual attention.
D.
To restrict off-premises signage to reduce visual clutter, thereby
helping to prevent unsafe traffic conditions.
E.
Provide uniform information and direction to travelers passing through
the Town.
F.
Promote quality signage through the use of design review, to emphasize
that attractive signage of appropriate scale and numbers is a business
asset.
G.
Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
A sign, and all of its components, which no longer correctly
directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor,
owner, product or activity conducted, or product available.
Changes to the exterior appearance of any part of the frame,
supporting structure, or lighting of a sign; including material, size,
height, or location of a sign. Alteration does not include the normal
maintenance of a sign or changing the face of a sign by the current
sign permit holder.
A sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict
action or create a special effect or scene. An electronic variable
message display shall not be considered an animated sign.
The area of the largest single face of the sign within a
perimeter which forms the outside shape including any frame that forms
an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports
or uprights on which the signs may be placed. If the sign consists
of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. Any
irregular-shaped sign area shall be computed using the actual sign-face
surface. In the case of wall signs, the area of copy will be used.
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is
mounted to a building or other permanent structure by its edges. National
flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution
or business, shall not be considered banners.
See "off-premises sign."
That portion of a building which is parallel or nearly parallel
to an abutting roadway.
Any sign displaying information relative to events relating
to the community, sponsored by the Town or other organization.
A sign erected on a lot where construction is taking place
and contains information regarding the construction, management, leasing,
or future tenants of the building, as well as the development of a
new subdivision.
The advertising message, announcement or decoration on a
sign surface.
Any sign which serves to designate the location or direction
of any place or area.
A sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images
that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic
means.
Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors,
patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political
subdivision, or other entity
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light
source, or which includes the illusion of flashing, light by means
of animation, or an externally mounted intermittent light source,
not including electronic variable message display signs.
The length of the property line of any one premises parallel
to and along each public right-of-way it borders. Said public right-of-way
may be known as a "frontage road."
A sign supported by structures or supports placed on, or
anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building
or other structure. The area of ground signs is calculated on one
face only.
[Amended 1-19-2023 by Ord. No. 23-01]
The vertical distance measured from the grade at the street
right-of-way line where the sign is located to the highest point of
such sign.
A sign in which a source of light, either internal or external,
is used to make the message legible.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary
to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking,"
"entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives.
No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the
lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
An object that is inflated with air or gas utilized to attract
attention to a use or business activity being conducted.
A sign mounted on a base or platform. The base shall be constructed
out of a solid material such as stone, brick or poured concrete, and
its dimensions shall be proportionate to those of the sign. The bottom
of the sign shall be located within six inches of the base. All other
freestanding sign types not meeting the definition of a monument sign
shall be either a ground sign or a pylon sign.
A sign indicating the name and/or address of the building,
tenant of the unit or manager of the property that is located upon
a premises where the sign is displayed.
A sign, including billboard, which advertises goods, products,
facilities, or services not necessarily located on the premises, or
directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.
A temporary sign used in connection with a local, state or
national election or referendum, or to represent a political or philosophical
position.
Any sign designed to be moved intact or on its own trailer
or carriage, including vehicle-mounted signs, and any other sign not
permanently attached to the ground and designed to be moved from one
location to another.
A freestanding sign in excess of eight feet in height that
is detached from a building and is supported by one or more structural
elements which are architecturally similar to the design of the sign.
A temporary on-site sign that advertises the sale or lease
of a property.
A sign erected upon, against or above a roof.
Any identification, description, illustration, or device
illuminated or nonilluminated which is visible from any public place
or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which
directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person,
institution, business, or solicitation, including any permanently
installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner,
pennant, placard, or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify
or convey information with the exception of window displays and flags.
For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.
Any structure or material, which supports, has supported,
or is capable of supporting or helping maintain a sign in a stationary
position, including decorative covers.
A collection of signs intended to be displayed for a specific
event and for a restricted time frame. Examples of events include
grand openings, store closings and sidewalk sales.
A sign advertising display intended to be displayed for a
limited period of time. If a sign display area is permanent but the
message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall
not be considered as temporary.
An area, formed by any two existing or proposed intersecting street right-of-way lines and a line joining points on such lines as calculated under § 320-25, where no obstructions, including signs, shall be permitted between the height of 2.5 feet and 10 feet above the grade of the adjacent right-of-way.
A permanent sign attached to or erected against the wall
of a building with the face parallel to the plane of the building
wall. A wall sign shall not project more than 18 inches from the surface
of the wall.
A sign designed to communicate information about an activity,
business, commodity, event, sale, or service that is placed inside
a window and is visible from the exterior of the premises.
A sign that is used to advertise yard, garage, rummage, estate
or other similar sales.
Except as provided in § 360-124, no person shall erect, relocate, reconstruct, alter or cause the aforementioned within the Town any signs without first having obtained a sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator. Permits shall not be required by a change of copy on a sign under the same business, nor for repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure.
A.
Mobile or portable signs within the Town shall require a sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator and shall be approved pursuant to § 360-124. Attached banners are prohibited. Portable sign use is limited to not more than 30 days at a time; nor more frequently than three times per year; nor more than once every 90 days at a given location. A new permit shall be required for each use. Portable signs shall not be used as permanent signs.
B.
Permanent subdivision signs are permitted one per subdivision entrance.
The individual sign copy area is limited to 16 square feet.
C.
One multi-tenant sign per building shall be used to identify multiple
tenants in a business or industrial complex. There shall be no other
freestanding signs permitted on the premises. The maximum sign copy
area of the multi-tenant sign shall be 10 square feet per tenant.
In addition, each tenant shall be allowed one wall sign, a maximum
of six square feet in area, located above or adjacent to the entrance
to the tenant's space, which shall be excluded from total sign copy
area calculations.
Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon
a form furnished by the Town.
A.
The applicant shall submit to the Zoning Administrator all information
deemed necessary, including a drawing to scale showing the size, height,
and location on the property where the sign is to be erected. Said
drawing shall also contain a brief description of the type of materials
that are to be used for the sign, color scheme, lettering or graphic
style and lighting. Off-premises signs shall require proof of permission
granted by the property owner submitted at time of application.
B.
A fee as set by the Town Board shall be paid to the Zoning Administrator
by the applicant at the time the sign permit application is submitted.
C.
Each sign shall require a separate permit and is valid for the life
of the sign.
D.
The applicant shall, upon completion of the installation, relocation,
or alteration of a sign, notify the Zoning Administrator, which will
inspect to ensure that the sign complies with the regulations of this
chapter.
E.
The permit shall automatically become void if actual work on erecting
the approved sign(s) is not commenced within 120 days from the date
the permit is issued. Periods of delay that are not a result of willful
acts or neglect of the contractor, owner or person obtaining the permit
shall be excluded from this time limit.
F.
A sign permit issued in error or under a misrepresentation of fact
by the applicant shall be null and void, and any signs erected there
under shall be considered illegal signs
A.
A sign permit shall be issued when the application is properly made,
all fees have been paid, and the proposed sign is found to be in compliance
with all appropriate laws and regulations of the Town, including design
requirements of this article. If the sign permit is denied, written
notice of the denial shall be given to the applicant, together with
a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial.
B.
The holder of a denied permit who feels their permit was incorrectly
denied shall be entitled to an administrative appeal before the Town
Board. Prior to consideration of the appeal of the requested permit,
the Board shall forward the permit to the Plan Commission for review
and recommendation as to approval or disapproval, together with reasons
for such recommendation. The Plan Commission shall have 60 days in
which to make such recommendation.
Some signs are temporary in nature, others are intended to communicate
and direct, and not used to identify a business or for advertising.
Still others are so small that they are not obtrusive and will not
affect the public welfare. Such signs will not require a sign permit;
however, those used on a temporary basis shall adhere to a specific
time limit for their use. Unless indicated herein, no sign may be
placed inside the right of-way for a public road.
A.
Signs with time limits. The following signs, although not needing
a permit have the following restrictions:
(1)
Political signs. Signs may not be erected earlier than the beginning of an election campaign period as defined in § 12.04, Wis. Stats., In the event the sign is not tied to an election the sign shall not be in place for longer than 60 days. Signs in the road right-of-way shall not interfere with traffic, shall conform with requirements under § 320-20 and be displayed for a period not exceeding seven days prior to a primary election and 14 days prior to a general election, and must be removed within 24 hours after the election.
(2)
Real estate signs. Signs in residential and nonresidential districts
are limited to one sign that shall not exceed 12 square feet and shall
not be illuminated. Lots in any district with more than one frontage
are permitted one additional sign of the same dimensions. All signs
shall be removed within 30 days after sale, rental or lease of the
property.
(3)
Construction and renovation signs. Signs shall be limited to
one nonilluminated sign identifying an engineer, architect, contractor,
company, or product engaged in or used in the construction of a new
building or development. Said sign shall not exceed 12 square feet
per face and not more than 10 feet in height. Lots with more than
one frontage are permitted one additional sign of the same dimensions.
Said sign shall be removed when the development is completed or upon
the granting of an occupancy permit for the building or upon the completion
of renovation work. In no case shall a renovation sign be in place
for more than 90 days.
(4)
Yard sale and open house signs. Signs in the road right-of-way shall not interfere with traffic, shall conform with requirements under § 320-20 and be displayed for a period not exceeding 72 hours. Yard sale signs on private property may be placed no more than 14 days prior to the event and shall be removed within 24 hours after said event.
(5)
Civic event signs. Signs advertising civic events shall require written approval of the Zoning Administrator and may be placed not more than 14 days prior to an event and must be removed within 24 hours after the event. Signs in the road right-of-way shall not interfere with traffic, shall conform with requirements under § 320-20 and be displayed for a period not exceeding 14 days prior to an event and must be removed within 24 hours after the event.
(6)
New subdivision development signs. For each new residential
subdivision that has been approved by the Town, two subdivision development
signs are permitted to be located on some portion of the subdivision.
Each sign shall not be more than 32 square feet in area, and no more
than 10 feet in height. No illumination is allowed. Signs established
under this subsection may remain within the subject subdivision until
80% or more of the lots in the subdivision have been sold, at which
time all temporary subdivision identification signs shall be removed.
Such signage shall be reviewed every six months.
(7)
Special event signs. Signs advertising special events may be
placed not more than 14 days prior to an event and must be removed
within 24 hours after the event.
B.
Signs without a time limit.
(1)
Signs established by, or by order of, any governmental agency,
including plaques and markers identifying buildings or properties
on federal, state or local historic registers.
(2)
Directional signs. Signs shall be located entirely on the property
to which they pertain, and not exceed four feet in height and two
square feet in area. The number of directional signs permitted per
property shall be the minimum necessary to provide adequate information
for safe pedestrian and vehicular movement.
(3)
Flags. Signs shall not contain a commercial message.
(4)
Address numerals, nameplate and identification signs not exceeding
four square foot in area. Nameplate signs for a dwelling group of
five or more units may not exceed five square feet in surface area.
(5)
Incidental and auxiliary signs. Signs shall be located entirely
on the property to which they pertain and not contain a commercial
message visible off of the property.
(6)
Name and activities/services identification signs for church,
school, hospital, sanitarium, club, library or similar institutional
uses, not to exceed 32 square feet in area and may be illuminated
but not flashing.
(7)
Public notices or warnings required by a valid and applicable
federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance, or court order,
or other warning signs indicating possible public hazards.
(8)
Neighborhood watch signs and related government authorized signs
located within a public right-of-way.
(9)
Memorial signs and tablets displayed on public property or in
cemeteries.
(10)
Signs indicating personal property protections shall be located
entirely on the property in which they pertain and not exceed greater
than two square feet in area.
(11)
Point-of-sale signs. Signs shall be located within 10 feet of
the building entrance, or outside ordering area.
(12)
Community message boards for display of information of temporary
interest to the general community regarding upcoming events or activities.
(13)
Signs or letters carved into a building that are an integral
part of the building.
(14)
Decorations, buntings or pennants exhibited to commemorate national,
state or local holidays.
(15)
Government-related and quasi-government-related off-premises
wayfinding and directional signs to give sufficient public notice
of the location of governmental facilities and individual destinations,
unincorporated areas, and nonprofit facilities.
C.
Special exceptions. Subject to review and approval of the Town Board
upon recommendation from the Plan Commission, the following sign types
may be granted a special exception permit allowing specific and documented
deviation from this section, provided such sign does not possess any
of the characteristics of a prohibited sign.
The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all
signs in all districts.
A.
Prohibited signs. Some specific signs and classes of sign provide
little value in identifying a specific business, promoting advertising
for a business or communication for a business, and may only harm
community aesthetics and/or the public welfare. The following signs
shall be prohibited within the Town:
(1)
Signs that resemble any official marker erected by a governmental
agency.
(2)
Signs that contain or are composed of pennants, ribbons, streamers,
or spinners.
(3)
Inflatable or tethered-type balloon signs.
(4)
Roof signs and roof-mounted signs.
(5)
Signs containing or composed of any animated part.
(6)
Signs that are illuminated with radiating, revolving, intermittent
or flashing lights, or are illuminated in such a manner as to shine
or reflect into any residence or onto any highway. This does not include
electronic variable message displays.
B.
Sign location restrictions.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained which projects across
property lines, except for official traffic control, parking, and
directional signs, or as otherwise specified in this chapter.
(2)
No sign, temporary or otherwise, shall be affixed to a tree
or utility pole or other natural features.
(3)
No signs shall be permitted that obstructs any window, door,
fire escape, stairway, or opening intended to provide light, air,
ingress or egress for any building or structure.
(4)
No sign shall be permitted that is located above buildings.
(5)
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where
by reason of its position, proximity to the street right-of-way, wording,
illumination, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure,
interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic
control sign, signal or device.
(6)
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where
by reason of its position, proximity to the street right-of-way, wording,
illumination, size, shape, or color creates a safety hazard for pedestrians
or the operators of motor vehicles.
(7)
No sign or sign structure may be located or placed on Town-owned property or adjacent road right-of-way without written approval of the Town Administrator, after receiving an application for proposed placement of a sign. Restrictions for signs in the road right-of-way shall be as provided in § 320-20. Under no circumstances shall signs be located to obstruct the vision clearance area.
C.
Sign design standards. The intent of this section is to encourage
creative, distinct and effective signs which are appropriate for the
individual premises, yet meet the community design standards. Sign
design review is limited to the aesthetic and appropriateness of sign
appearance. The following concepts and standards will be used to review
signs for design approval:
(1)
Identification of businesses from moving cars must be balanced
with the visual impact of signs on the rural landscape. Restraint
in sign design can aid in identification, since small simple signs
identify businesses with less confusion, limit counterproductive sign
competition and protect the quality of the landscape.
(2)
Every sign shall be designed so as to complement the design
elements of the building and site to which it principally relates,
and where appropriate to the woodlands character, and shall be compatible
with signs on adjoining premises.
(3)
Simplicity is the key factor to good design and readability.
An effectively designed sign utilizing bold, easily recognized symbols
and clear, crisp lettering will identify a business or activity efficiently
and attractively, enhance the area in which it is located, and complement
the general appearance of the Town. Pictures, symbols and logos can
add individuality and character to signs, in addition to making them
easier to read. The most common problems in commercial areas are an
overabundance of signs that are often excessively large, all of which
contributes to sign overload. This creates a visually chaotic situation
in which no one sign gains the advantage, since the competing signs
tend to cancel each other out in an unsuccessful bid to catch the
buyer's eye.
(4)
No sign shall use any word, phrase, symbol, shape, form or character
in such manner as to interfere with moving traffic, including signs
which incorporate typical street-type and/or traffic control-type
signage designs and colors. Signs may not depict nudity, sexual activity,
illegal activity or anything of an obscene nature.
D.
Sign construction and installation standards.
(1)
All signs, except those attached flat against the wall of a
building, shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials to withstand
wind loads in accordance to the most recent version of ASCE-7. Signs
over 12 feet in height shall provide calculations signed and sealed
by a licensed engineer showing compliance with ASCE-7.
(2)
All signs shall be installed and maintained in a workmanlike
manner using equipment which is adequate and safe for the task. A
sign permit may be denied if the sign contractor does not have or
does not arrange for use of adequate equipment.
F.
Electronic variable message displays.
(1)
In general. In addition to regulations imposed by this chapter,
on-site electronic variable message displays shall be permitted in
business zoning districts only with a conditional use permit, and
are subject to the following restrictions, and minimum standards set
by Outdoor Advertising Regulations under § 84.30(4)(bm),
Wis. Stats., whichever is more restrictive.
(2)
Standards for electronic variable message displays.
(a)
Electronic portion size.
[1]
The electronic portion of the sign fronting the road shall not
exceed 50 square feet per side and a total of 100 square feet on both
sides. Sign characters must have a minimum height of six inches, with
recommended character heights outlined in the following table, as
established using letter height guidelines established by the USSC
Foundation.
|
Distance from Center Line to Sign
(feet)
|
Recommended Sign Character Height
(inches)
|
|---|---|
|
40
|
6
|
|
50
|
7
|
|
60
|
9
|
|
100
|
18
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|---|---|
|
*
|
All signage intended to be viewed from State Highway 13 shall
utilize characters with a minimum height of seven inches.
|
(b)
Length of messages. Each message shall remain in a fixed position
for a minimum of six seconds.
(c)
Transition of message. The transition time, or the time it takes
to change the message, shall be accomplished in one second or less.
Only frame effects of fading and dissolving shall be allowed. Any
change of pictures or information shall not produce the illusion of
blinking, flashing, expanding or contracting shapes.
(d)
Brightness. No electronic message unit shall be illuminated
to a degree of brightness greater than necessary for adequate visibility
or a maximum of 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk
and dawn, 5,000 nits during daylight hours, or the minimum standards
set by the Federal Highway Administration, whichever is more restrictive.
All electronic message units shall come equipped with automatic dimming
technology that automatically adjusts the sign's brightness in direct
correlation with ambient light conditions. Signs found to be too bright
will be adjusted to meet these standards after notification by the
Town.
(e)
Spillover light exceeding 0.2 footcandle, as measured at a residential
property line, is prohibited.
(f)
Electrical regulations. All on-premises electric signs shall
be manufactured and installed in compliance with NFPA 70, the National
Electric Code (NEC).
(g)
Freeze of display when malfunction occurs. Such signs shall
include a default designed to freeze a display in one still position
if a malfunction occurs.
(h)
Prior to issuance of a conditional use permit, the applicant shall
submit a signed letter from the manufacturer or retailer certifying
that the sign has the ability to be programmed to comply with the
above requirements to the satisfaction of the Plan Commission.
(3)
Permitted locations for electronic variable message displays.
(a)
Maximum number of electronic variable message signs per site.
No more than one electronic message units is allowed per site. Two
sides of such sign are considered one electronic message unit.
(b)
Distance between electronic message signs. The distance between
electronic message signs shall be a minimum of 200 feet throughout
the street frontage, unless the street frontage is under 200 feet,
where one electronic message unit sign shall be allowed.
(c)
Granting a conditional use permit for an electronic variable
message sign under this chapter may be subject, but not limited to,
consideration of traffic volume, speed limit of the area, or accidents
in the requested area of placement, through reference to traffic counts,
if available, or police reports.
(d)
Sign messages must be directed to a state or federal highway,
or a designated connecting highway, as mapped by the Wisconsin Department
of Transportation in accordance with § 84.02(12), Wis. Stats.
(4)
Hazard abatement.
(a)
If the Public Works Department or designee finds that an electronic
variable message sign is causing interference with the visibility
or effectiveness of a traffic signal or control, the sign shall be
turned off without delay.
[1]
The electronic variable message sign shall not attempt, or appear
to attempt, to direct the movement of traffic or contain wording,
colors, shapes or likenesses to official traffic control devices.
(b)
If the Public Works Department or designee finds that an electronic
variable message sign is malfunctioning in a fashion that creates
a hazardous glare or other traffic hazard, the sign shall be turned
off without delay.
(c)
The Public Works Department shall be provided with the means
to turn off an electronic variable message display in the case of
hazardous glare, interference with the visibility or effectiveness
of a traffic signal or control, or other traffic hazard caused by
the sign.
[1]
In such situations, the owner of the sign must then meet with
Town staff to determine how to rectify the situation, and the sign
shall not be turned back on without written approval by the Town Chairperson
or designee.
[Amended 4-16-2020 by Ord. No. 20-04; 1-19-2023 by Ord. No. 23-01]
Zoning districts, by definition, encourage and allow different
uses and types of development. Therefore, the requirements for permitted
signs in the districts also differ as related to types of signs, their
height, area of coverage and setbacks.
A.
Signs in R-1, R-IC, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, LD Districts. Residential
districts normally do not require the use of signs; however, certain
higher-density uses and nonresidential uses create special situations
that require limited signage. No signs shall be erected except the
following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall sign, residential
nameplate, and permanent subdivision signs.
(2)
Area restrictions. Wall signs and residential nameplates for
single-family lots and lots containing four dwelling units or less
(including home occupations) are limited to two square feet in area.
Wall signs and residential nameplates for more than four dwelling
units or other nonresidential uses are limited to 12 square feet in
area.
(3)
Permanent subdivision signs are permitted one per subdivision
entrance. The individual sign copy area is limited to 16 square feet
and shall not be located within the setback area.
B.
Signs in the RTC District. This district encourages compact development
consisting of buildings that contain both single and multitenant uses.
Businesses located in this district tend to rely less on passing traffic
than other commercial districts. Permanent sign designs in the RTC
District shall require approval by the Plan Commission. The size,
scale and materials used in signs shall be complementary to the vision,
guidelines and objectives identified in the Rome Town Center Design
Plan. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground
signs, monument signs and hanging signs. Banners may be permitted
by the Zoning Administrator on a temporary basis. No off-premises
signs shall be allowed in the RTC District unless approved by the
Town Board upon recommendation by the Plan Commission. Municipal signs
are exempt from the off-premises sign requirements. Ground signs and
monument signs shall be placed to ensure a clear vision triangle/clearance
area.
(2)
Area restrictions. The area of all permanent signs shall not
exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building
frontage, with an additional one square foot per one lineal foot of
the building on a corner lot. In the case of a multitenant business,
each tenant shall be allowed two square feet of sign area per lineal
foot of tenant space frontage. No individual sign in any sub-district
shall be greater than 48 square feet.
(a)
Area shall be calculated, generally, as the entire area of a
sign on which copy may be placed, but only one side of a double-faced
sign shall be included in the area calculation. Area calculations
for painted or individual letter signs shall be calculated on the
basis of the smallest rectangle that will enclose the entire copy
area of the sign and shall include the areas between letters and lines
as well as the area of any devices (whether illuminated or nonilluminated)
that are intended to attract attention.
(b)
For purposes of determining frontage for buildings on corner
lots, the side with the longest width shall be used.
(c)
Area restrictions for permanent signage shall not include directional
or safety signs; however, the total directional and safety signage
shall not exceed 50 square feet with no individual directional or
safety sign greater than six square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this article,
the maximum height of the following sign types shall be as follows:
No wall sign shall exceed 20 feet in height and shall not project
higher than the building. Hanging signs shall be no higher than the
directly adjacent porch/building soffit it is attached to. Ground
signs shall not exceed nine feet above the street pavement or sidewalk
grade nearest to the sign.
(a)
Projections and details such as architectural appurtenances
shall not be included in sign height calculations, provided the projections
and details do not include a logo or advertisement.
(4)
Sign illumination. Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall
employ only one light emitting a light of constant intensity, and
no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent,
rotating or moving lights, except as an approved electronic variable
message display. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting
device be directed or beamed on a public street, highway, sidewalk
or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute
a traffic hazard or nuisance as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
C.
Signs in B-1 and B-2 Districts. This district encourages auto-related
businesses and features properties with both single tenants as well
as multiple tenants. Businesses in this district tend to rely heavily
on passing traffic. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground
signs, special event signs monument signs, billboards, and mobile
or portable signs.
(2)
Area restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this chapter, the
maximum sign area allowed per sign for any sign permitted in a business
district other than billboards shall not exceed 40 square feet for
single tenant signs. Multi-tenant sign area shall not exceed 60 square
feet. The maximum sign area for billboards permitted in the business
district shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. No ground sign shall project higher than
20 feet or six feet above the height of the building, whichever is
less. Monument signs shall not exceed nine feet as measured above
surrounding grade. No billboard shall project higher than 20 feet.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign, monument sign, special event sign,
and mobile or portable sign shall be closer to the side or rear lot
line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line) than the total height
of the sign. In no case shall any portion of a ground sign, monument
sign, special event sign, and mobile or portable sign be closer than
five feet to any lot line. Billboards shall be placed with the closest
edge of the sign within 10 feet of the right-of-way. In no case shall
any portion of a billboard be closer than five feet of the right-of-way.
D.
Signs in the PSP District. These districts are designed for certain
public uses and do not rely on traffic for business. No signs shall
be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Sign types in the PSP District are permitted
only upon approval of the Plan Commission.
(2)
Area restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 square feet in area
unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
(3)
Height restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 feet in height
unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
E.
Signs in the SP District. These districts are designed for uses that
tend to present a special problem or hazard to health, safety and
general welfare of the public, and do not rely on traffic for business.
No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground
signs, monument signs, billboards, and mobile or portable signs.
(2)
Area restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this chapter, the
maximum sign area allowed per sign for any sign permitted in the SP
District other than billboards shall not exceed 40 square feet for
single tenant signs. Multitenant sign area shall not exceed 60 square
feet. The maximum sign area for billboards permitted in the SP District
shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. No ground sign shall project higher than
20 feet or six feet above the height of the building, whichever is
less. Monument signs shall not exceed nine feet as measured above
surrounding grade. No billboard shall project higher than 20 feet.
F.
Signs in A-1 and A-2 Agricultural Districts. This district is designed
for uses which rely on signs mainly for identification and not for
pulling in traffic and business. No signs shall be erected except
the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground
signs and billboards.
(2)
Area restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this chapter, the
maximum sign area allowed per sign for any sign permitted in agricultural
districts other than billboards shall not exceed 40 square feet for
single tenant signs. Multi-tenant sign area shall not exceed 60 square
feet. The maximum sign area for billboards permitted in agricultural
districts shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. No ground sign shall project higher than
20 feet or six feet above the height of the building, whichever is
less. No billboard shall project higher than 20 feet.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign shall be closer to the side or rear
lot line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line) than the total
height of the sign. In no case shall any portion of a ground sign
be closer than five feet to any side and rear lot lines. Billboards
shall be placed with the closest edge of the sign within 10 feet of
the right-of-way. In no case shall any portion of a billboard be closer
than five feet of the right-of-way.
G.
Signs in CV and FR Districts. These districts are designed for open
space uses with limited commercial activity. No signs shall be erected
except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs providing directions or information about
natural, historic, scientific features are permitted upon approval
of the Plan Commission.
(2)
Area restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 square feet in area,
unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
(3)
Height restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 feet in height
unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign shall be closer to the side or rear
lot line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line) than the total
height of the sign. In no case shall any portion of a ground sign
be closer than five feet to the side and rear lot lines.
H.
Signs in the Gateway Overlay District. The Gateway Overlay District
is designed to maintain a higher quality of design with more restrictive
sign regulations. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground
signs and monument signs. Only one monument sign per lot shall be
permitted.
(2)
Area restrictions. The maximum sign area per business of all
permanent signs in the Gateway Overlay District shall not exceed 80
square feet. No individual permanent sign in the Gateway Overlay District
shall exceed: Single-tenant ground signs and monument signs shall
not exceed 40 square feet and multitenant ground signs and monument
signs shall not exceed 60 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. Ground signs and monument signs shall not
exceed nine feet in height as measured from the surrounding grade.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign or monument sign shall be closer to
the side or rear lot line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line)
than the total height of the sign. In no case shall any portion of
a ground sign or monument sign be closer than five feet to the side
and rear lot lines.
All signs within the jurisdiction of this article, including
but not limited to those signs for which a permit is required, shall
remain in a state of proper maintenance.
A.
Proper maintenance shall include cleaning; the removal of loose materials
such as peeling paint, plastic, paper or other material; the replacement
of missing, damaged or defective parts; the prevention of excessive
rust, the prevention of excessive vibration or shaking; and the maintenance
of the original structural integrity of the sign, frame and other
supports, its mounting and all components thereof.
B.
Any signs which may be or may hereafter become unsafe, unsightly,
or improperly maintained shall be repaired or removed by the owner
or lessee of the property upon which the sign stands upon notice of
the Zoning Administrator.
C.
If the sign is damaged, the owner shall have 90 days in which to
repair or remove the sign.
D.
The entire area located within a minimum of 10 feet of any part of
any on-premises and off-premises sign shall be maintained and/or mowed
as appropriate and kept free of weeds and debris.
E.
All signs shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises
upon which the sign is located when a business which it advertises
has not been conducted for a period of four months or when, in the
judgment of the Zoning Administrator, such sign is so old, dilapidated
or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous or unsafe, whichever
occurs first. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Zoning
Administrator may remove the sign at cost to the owner, following
30 days written notice.
To maintain and enhance property values, aesthetics, and safety
and to improve the uniformity of design in the Town of Rome, this
section of the Zoning Ordinance is intended to eliminate all individual
signs, groupings of signs and accumulations of signs that do not comply
with the regulations of this article and other provisions of this
chapter. To accomplish this objective, stringent requirements for
the removal of nonconforming signs have been established. These regulations
have been formulated with the understanding that the magnitude of
hardships likely to be encountered by sign owners as a result of adherence
of this article should not be great since most signs have a relatively
short physical and economic lifespan.
A.
Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment
of this article, and were previously permitted, which do not conform
to the provisions of this article, may be continued although the use,
size, or location does not conform to the provisions of this article.
However, it shall be deemed a nonconforming use or structure and no
changes may be made in number, size, copy or subject matter. Normal
maintenance and repair of a nonconforming sign is permitted. Normal
maintenance and repair does not include the alteration of a sign and
is limited to painting and/or replacement of nonsupporting members
such as the facing material or cross-bracing.
B.
The following situations shall result in the loss of nonconforming
status for signs:
(1)
Placement of new signs. New signs, not to exceed the maximum
allowable aggregate sign area, may be erected only upon the complete
removal of all nonconforming signs of the same category existing on
the property at the time of adoption of this chapter;
(2)
Alteration of signs. The sign is structurally altered in any
way, except for normal maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes
the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this article
than it was before alteration;
(3)
Change of location. Relocation of a nonconforming sign is prohibited,
except in the case of a sign which is nonconforming only in relation
to a setback and the new location is more compliant with the required
setbacks;
(4)
Damage to sign. In the event the nonconforming sign is damaged
to such an extent that the cost to repair or reconstruct the sign
exceeds 50% of the value of the sign;
(5)
Cessation or change of business or activity to which the sign
pertains; and
(6)
Failure to maintain. Failure to comply with the maintenance,
repair, construction standards, or abandoned sign regulations of this
article.
C.
Upon the occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be brought into compliance with this article within 30 days of receiving a written notice of noncompliance from the Town and a new permit shall be secured. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Town may cause removal to be executed pursuant to § 360-129.
D.
Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a legal
nonconforming sign or the owner of the property on which the sign
is located from the provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance,
and repair of signs.
E.
Notwithstanding
any other provision of this chapter, a nonconforming sign or sign
structure damaged or destroyed by violent wind, vandalism, fire, flood,
ice, snow, mold or infestation after March 2, 2006, may be restored
to, or replaced at, the size, location, and use that it had immediately
before the damage or destruction occurred, and no limits may be imposed
on the costs of the repair, reconstruction, or improvement of said
sign or sign structure.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions,
Art. II)]
A.
All signs constructed or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this article are hereby declared public nuisances within the meaning of this Code. Any person who shall violate or cause to be violated any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in accordance with § 1-3, General penalty.
B.
If, upon inspection, the Zoning Administrator finds that a sign or
sign structure is in violation of this article, the Zoning Administrator
shall issue a written order to the owner or operator of the premises
upon which the sign or sign structure is located stating the nature
of the violation and requiring repair, removal, or conform the sign
or sign structure within 30 days of the date of order. The Zoning
Administrator may order the immediate removal of a sign or sign structure
deemed dangerous or unsafe. The Zoning Administrator may bring an
action to abate a sign deemed a nuisance in the manner set forth in
the Wisconsin State Statutes. When it becomes necessary for the Zoning
Administrator to remove or cause to be removed, or take down a nonconforming,
abandoned, obsolete, defective, unsafe or dangerous sign or sign structure,
the cost thereof may be placed on the tax roll as a special assessment
and become a lien against the benefitted property, unless paid sooner.
C.
Prohibited signs or sign structures in the road right-of-way or on
public property may be removed and destroyed by the Zoning Administrator,
Public Works Department or Police Department without notice.
