[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Board of the Charter Township
of Chesterfield 9-22-2020 by Ord. No. 183.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 52,
Signs, adopted 8-21-2006 by Ord. No. 129, §§ 1.00 through
10.00 and 14.00, as amended.
Signs may be erected or maintained within Chesterfield Township
only as permitted by this chapter and subject to other restrictions
contained in this chapter. The sign regulations of this chapter are
intended to ensure that signs are located, designed, sized, constructed,
installed, and maintained in a way that protects and promotes safety,
health, aesthetics, and the public welfare while allowing adequate
visual communication.
The following municipal interests are considered by the Township
to be compelling government interests. Each interest is intended to
be achieved in a manner that represents the least restrictive means
of accomplishing the stated interest, and in all events intended to
promote an important government interest that would not be effectively
achieved absent the regulation. Regulating the size and location of
signage in the most narrowly tailored manner represents the least
restrictive means of addressing the targeted government interests
of avoiding nuisance-like conditions while maintaining and improving
pedestrian and vehicular safety and efficiency; character and quality
of life; economic development and property values; and property identification
for emergency response and wayfinding purposes.
(a)
Pedestrian and vehicular safety.
(1)
Maintaining pedestrian and vehicular safety are predominant and compelling
government interests throughout the Township, with a particular emphasis
on the safety of pedestrians. Sidewalks, paths, and crosswalks provide
facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the Township,
even in automobile-oriented commercial areas. The Township recognizes
that pedestrian traffic in the commercial areas serves a variety of
business, entertainment, government, and residential uses in the commercial
areas. In addition, the Township also accommodates automobile-oriented
businesses and other land uses that generate motor vehicle trips.
(2)
Since most signage is intended and designed to attract the attention
of operators of motor vehicles, thereby creating distractions from
vigilance for traffic and pedestrian safety, this chapter is intended
to regulate signs such as to reduce such distractions and, in turn,
reduce the risk for crashes, property damage, injuries, and fatalities,
particularly considering the rate of speed at which the vehicles are
traveling in these districts which can lead to an increased rate of
pedestrian fatalities.
a.
The Township encourages signage that will inform pedestrians regarding
their desired locations without conflicting with other structures
and improvements in these districts, while concurrently allowing effective
signage for motorists. These interests are legitimately supported
by limiting the maximum size (area and height) of signage, providing
setbacks where relevant, and specifying minimum-sized characters for
efficient perception by motorists and pedestrians, while minimizing
distractions that could put pedestrians at risk.
b.
In some circumstances, adjusting the size, setback, and other regulations
applicable to signage may be important to avoid confusion and promote
clarity where vehicular speeds vary on commercial thoroughfares.
c.
In multitenant buildings and strip centers, it is compelling and
important to provide distinct treatment with a gradation of regulation
for individual tenant identification depending on base sign size,
amount of road frontage, and the like, all intending to provide clarity
to alleviate directional confusion and thus additional traffic maneuvers,
provide a minimum size of characters to allow identification, and
maintain maximum-sized overall signage to prevent line-of-sight issues.
d.
Maximum size and minimum setback of signage is compelling and important
to maintain clear views for both traffic and pedestrian purposes.
(b)
Character and quality of life. Achieving and maintaining attractive,
orderly, and desirable places to conduct business, celebrate civic
events, entertain people, and provide for housing opportunities is
directly related to the stability of property values needed to provide
and finance quality public services and facilities within the Township.
This chapter intends to allow signs that are of sufficient, but not
excessive, size to perform their intended function as necessary to
provide and maintain the Township's desired character and support
neighborhood stability. Signs that promote the potential conflict
between vehicular and pedestrian targeted messages, hinder sight distance,
and distract from the pedestrian experience will be prohibited in
an effort to preserve the character and unique experience within the
Township. Also, the intent of this chapter is that signs will reflect
the character of unique districts as may be established by the Township's
Master Plan, other adopted plans, or the Zoning Ordinance.
(c)
Economic development and property values. It is found and determined
that there is a clear relationship between the promotion of a set
of specifications and restrictions for signage and the promotion of
economic development, recognizing that unregulated and haphazard determinations
concerning the size, location, and other characteristics of signs
has a realistic tendency to result in an unsightly appearance that
reduces economic development, and, in the long-term, property values.
In addition, the establishment of the restrictions in this chapter
has a direct relationship to creating stability and predictability,
allowing each private interest to secure reasonable exposure of signage,
and thus promote business success. The application of the restrictions
in this chapter allows businesses to reasonably command attention
to the unregulated content and substance of their messages while concurrently
allowing the promotion of other visuals, including types of business,
landscaping, and architecture, all promoting economic development
and property value enhancement.
(d)
Avoidance of nuisance-like conditions. Due to the concentration of
people and activities, there is a potential for, and it is a compelling
interest to avoid, blight, physical clutter, and visual clutter in
the Township, recognizing that such conditions tend to create nuisance-like
conditions contrary to the public welfare. The result of these conditions
leads to diminished property values, reduced attractiveness of the
community, and reduced quality of life within the districts. Minimum
regulations that substantially relate to signage are compelling and
important, and are necessary for the maintenance and well-being of
positive conditions, good character, and quality of life in the Township.
Ultimately, these regulations are compelling and important for the
protection of all police power values.
(1)
An excessive number of signs in one location creates visual blight
and clutter, as well as public confusion. Thus, limiting the number
of signs on properties, and establishing setbacks from property lines
is a compelling interest that can be directed with minimum regulation.
(2)
Signs that are too large and not properly spaced can lead to confusion,
undermine the purposes of the signs, and ultimately lead to physical
and visual clutter. Establishing maximum sizes and locations can be
the subject of clear and effective regulations that address this compelling
and important interest.
(3)
Requiring minimum construction and maintenance specifications for
signs can minimize the creation of blight and clutter due to the deterioration
of signs that are not durable or otherwise well-constructed. These
requirements can be enforced with efficient and low discretion application
and review.
(4)
This chapter is designed to prevent blight and protect aesthetic
qualities by preventing visual clutter and protecting views. There
is a compelling governmental interest that signs avoid glare, light
trespass, safety, and skyglow. A framework that enables the selection
of proper fixture type(s) and location, use of supportive lighting
technology, and control of light levels in a reasonable fashion is
consistent with regulations that are narrowly tailored to achieve
the Township's interests.
(e)
Property identification for emergency response and wayfinding purposes.
Locating a business or residence by emergency police, fire, and other
emergency responders can be a matter of life and death, and thus it
is a compelling interest to ensure that proper, understandable, unambiguous,
and coordinated signage be permitted and required, and specifications
for such purposes can be accomplished in a simple and narrow manner.
Wayfinding for vehicular and pedestrian purposes is also a compelling
interest to avoid confusion in public rights-of-way, and unnecessary
intrusions on private property, and sign specifications for such wayfinding
can be coordinated with property identification for emergency purposes.
(f)
Protection of the right to receive and convey messages. The important
governmental interests contained herein are not intended to target
the content of messages to be displayed on signs, but instead seek
to achieve non-speech objectives. In no respect do the regulations
of signage prohibit a property owner or occupant from an effective
means of conveying a desired message. Nothing in this chapter is intended
to prohibit the right to convey and receive messages, specifically
noncommercial messages, such as religious, political, economic, social,
philosophical or other types of speech protected by the First Amendment
of the United States Constitution.
The following signs are prohibited:
(a)
Any sign that is not specifically permitted by this chapter is prohibited.
(b)
Any sign that gives the appearance of motion, including moving, scrolling,
animated, or flashing elements. This includes changes of illumination
levels and color, except as approved by special event permit. See
Section 52-5(b)(10) for standards relating to changing electronic
message signs.
(c)
Exterior pennants, spinners, inflatables, feather signs, and streamers.
(d)
Any sign which is structurally or electrically unsafe.
(e)
Any sign erected on a tree, street furniture, wall surfaces (except
permitted wall signs or projecting signs) or utility pole.
(f)
Rope light, string light, neon, or similar lighting attached to,
surrounding or otherwise drawing attention to a sign unless expressly
permitted in limited applications within this chapter.
(g)
Any sign erected on or projecting into the public right-of-way, except
signs expressly permitted in the right-of-way in this chapter.
(h)
Signs that limitate a traffic control device.
(i)
Cloth signs.
(j)
Changeable copy signs, except as part of a permanent sign as provided
in this chapter.
(k)
Signs mounted on, painted on, projecting from, or otherwise located
on the roof of a building.
(l)
Signs that are created as a result of an illuminated projection.
(a)
General rules for reading and applying the chapter language.
(1)
Reading and applying the chapter. Literal readings of the chapter
language will be used. Regulations are no more or less strict than
as stated. Application of the regulations that are consistent with
the rules of this chapter are nondiscretionary actions of the Ordinance
Officer to implement the chapter. The action of the Ordinance Officer
is final.
(2)
Situations where the chapter is silent. Where the chapter is silent,
or where the rules of this chapter do not provide a basis for concluding
that a sign is allowed, said sign is therefore prohibited.
(3)
In cases where an applicant does not agree with the interpretation
or application of chapter language from the Ordinance Officer, the
applicant may request an interpretation by the Planning Commission.
(b)
Defining words. Words used in the chapter have their dictionary meaning
unless they are listed and described otherwise.
(c)
Tenses and usage.
(1)
Words used in the singular include the plural. The reverse is also
true.
(2)
Words used in the present tense include the future tense. The reverse
is also true.
(3)
The words "shall," "must," "will," and "may not" are mandatory.
(4)
"May" is permissive.
(5)
When used with numbers, "up to x," "not more than x," and "a maximum
of x" all include x.
(d)
Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
following conjunctions have the following meanings:
(e)
Lists. Lists of items that state "including the following," "such
as," or similar language are not limited to just those items. The
lists are intended to provide examples, but not to be exhaustive of
all possibilities.
(a)
Sign area.
(1)
For permanent signs, except projecting and hanging signs, sign area
shall constitute the entire area within a rectangle or the sum of
rectangles enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation,
emblem or any figure of similar character, regardless of opacity or
missing space within the extreme limits. Any single row of text shall
be grouped into one continuous rectangle.
(2)
For nonilluminated freestanding signs, background and support structure
area shall not exceed three times the calculated sign area as described
in Section 52-5(a)(1) above, provided that Section 52-5(a)(3) below
is met.
(3)
When an internally or externally illuminated sign has a nonreflective, black background, the area that is outside the extreme limits described in Section 52-5(a)(1) above shall not count towards sign area (See Section 52-6 for limits of freestanding signs). Otherwise, the entire illuminated background shall be included in the sign area calculation.
(4)
For temporary signs and all projecting, window and hanging signs,
the extreme limits of the sign, including all background elements,
regardless of opacity, are included in the calculation of sign area.
(5)
In the case of a wall sign where there is no frame or other material
forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such
sign from the background against which it is placed, the rectangle
envelope(s) shall be around the letters, logos, emblems, figures,
pictures, etc. See Figure 1. Also, for any wall sign with a background
light that projects on the wall behind the sign (halo or glow light),
the illuminated wall shall be included in the sign area calculation.
(6)
In the case of an awning or canopy sign, where there is no design
or envelope forming an integral part of the display which differentiates
the sign from the background of the awning material or color, the
rectangle envelope(s) shall be around the letters, logos, emblems,
figures, stripes, etc. In the case of transparent or translucent awnings
or canopies which have internal lighting, the entire surface of the
awning or canopy shall be considered as the sign.
(7)
For a single-faced sign, the area shall be computed as the total
exposed exterior surface in square feet.
(8)
The area of a double-faced freestanding sign shall be computed using
only one face of the sign, provided that the outline and dimensions
of both faces are identical and that the faces are back-to-back so
that only one face is visible at any given location.
(9)
In the case of double-faced or multifaced signs that are arranged
so that the faces are greater than 24 inches from one another, or
signs with any two faces that form a "V" in plan, where the angle
of the "V" is greater than 15°, the area shall be computed by
totaling the sign area of all faces of the sign. The area of a cylindrical
sign shall be computed by measuring the total area of all signs on
the cylinder.
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Figure 1
Sign Area Calculation
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|
Figure 2
Sign Area Calculation
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(b)
Sign illumination.
(2)
The source of illumination may be internal or external. The source
of the light shall not be exposed except for lighting that is integral
for the use of an electronic message sign, which is regulated herein.
(3)
Glare. Glare control for sign lighting shall be achieved through
the use of full cutoff fixtures, shields, and baffles, and appropriate
application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming angle, and
fixture placement.
(4)
Luminaire design. All sign luminaires shall be shielded to direct
light to only the sign and shall contain shields, baffles or other
appropriate elements to prevent direct light from extending above
a horizontal plane extending from the top of the light source. No
luminaire shall be aimed or directed such as to cause light from the
luminaire to be directed toward residential buildings on adjacent
or nearby land or public ways.
(5)
Mounting of external sign lights. Lighting fixtures used to externally
illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign
structure unless there is some other barrier, such as an extended
soffit, that will keep light from spilling beyond the sign face or
into the night sky. All such fixtures shall comply with the shielding
requirements of this chapter.
(6)
Outdoor signs of the following types do not require shielding: 1)
signs constructed of translucent materials and wholly illuminated
from within, 2) signs with a halo-type design, where the lighting
source is blocked by the opaque letters, numbers or other sign content.
Note, when halo lighting is used, the illuminated wall area is included
in the sign area calculation: See Section 52-5(a)(5). For signs with
translucent panels, dark backgrounds with light lettering or symbols
are preferred to minimize glare and excessive light output.
(7)
Architectural enhanced lighting, mounted on the exterior of a building,
such as neon accent lighting or exposed neon tubing, may be permitted
by the Planning Commission upon a finding that all of the following
conditions are met: 1) the proposal is in character with the use and
area and 2) the accent lighting or tubing is obscured from view by
an opaque or translucent material. Notwithstanding the above, one
two-square-foot exposed neon or LED tube sign may be permitted within
one window of any commercial business located in a C-1, C-2, C-3 or
C-4 District. The area of this sign shall count towards allowable
total window sign area.
(8)
All electric signs and outline lighting shall be installed in accordance
with all applicable codes and laws adopted by the Township. Every
electric sign of any type, fixed or portable, shall be listed and
installed in conformance with that listing, unless otherwise permitted
by special permission.
(9)
Light from illuminated signs shall comply with the light trespass
provisions enacted in the Chesterfield Township Zoning Ordinance.
(10)
Electronic message signs.
a.
An electronic message sign may serve as one partial component
of a permanent freestanding sign and is permitted up to a maximum
of 25% of the total permanent sign area per sign face.
b.
Electronic message signs shall not emit more than 3,000 nits
in full daylight and 150 nits at nighttime, which commences no later
than one hour after sunset and extends through no earlier than sunrise.
The displays shall transition smoothly at a consistent rate from the
permitted daytime brightness to the permitted nighttime brightness
levels. All electronic message signs shall have functioning ambient
light monitors and automatic dimming equipment which shall at all
times be set to automatically reduce the brightness level of the sign
proportionally to any reduction in the ambient light. In order to
verify compliance with this chapter or other applicable law, the interface
that programs an electronic message sign shall be made available to
Township staff for inspection prior to operation during the permitting
process and upon request. If the interface is not or cannot be made
available upon the Township's request, the sign shall cease operation
until the Township has been provided proof of compliance with the
Chesterfield Township Sign Ordinance.
c.
Electronic message signs shall not change messaging more often
than once per 30 seconds.
d.
Electronic message signs shall not, and shall not appear to,
flash, scroll, travel, undulate, pulse, blink, expand, contract, bounce,
rotate, spin, twist, or otherwise move. Transitions from message to
message shall be done in an instant.
e.
All electronic message signs shall default to an unlit black
screen when more than 50% of the light source fails or if the light
source otherwise is not displaying properly.
(11)
Changeable copy signs (nonelectronic message signs). A nonelectronic
message sign may serve as one component of a permanent freestanding
sign and is permitted up to a maximum of 33% of the total permanent
sign area per sign face. The sign may be internally or externally
illuminated in accordance with the regulations of this chapter.
(12)
Hours of operation. All sign illumination shall be extinguished
between 10:00 p.m. or one hour after the close of business, whichever
is later, and 6:00 a.m. or one hour before the opening of a business,
whichever is earlier.
(13)
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(c)
General location standards.
(1)
No sign shall be located in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way
or dedicated public easement unless otherwise expressly permitted
herein. (See projecting and hanging signs in Table 6A.) Signs that
are located in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way or
dedicated Township easement may be removed by the Township without
notice. Before any sign that has been removed by the Township is returned
to the owner, a fee in the amount of established by resolution of
the Township Board shall be paid to the Township Treasurer for costs
associated with the removal and storage of the sign.
(2)
No sign shall interfere with the clear vision sight triangle at driveways
and intersections, as established under corner clearance in the Chesterfield
Township Zoning Ordinance, Section 76-69, and other applicable laws
and regulations.
(3)
All signs shall be affixed to a building or to the ground.
(4)
No signs shall be located so as to impede pedestrian or automobile
traffic.
(5)
In no case shall any sign be closer than 10 feet to any property
line, road right-of-way or road easement except for permitted projecting
and hanging signs (See Table 6A.) and temporary signs.
(6)
All signs shall meet the following minimum setbacks as measured in
feet from the center line of each road right-of-way (ROW) in accordance
with the Township's Master Plan:
|
Road Type
(See Master Plan)
|
Setback Distance in Feet
|
|---|---|
|
Regional (204-foot ROW)
|
112
|
|
Regional or Major (150-foot ROW)
|
85
|
|
Major (120-foot ROW)
|
70
|
|
Secondary (120-foot ROW)
|
70
|
|
Collector (86-foot ROW)
|
53
|
|
Local (70-foot ROW)
|
45
|
|
Local (60-foot ROW)
|
40
|
|
Freeway1
|
20
|
|
Private roads2
|
20
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Setbacks for signs along freeways shall be measured from the
established right-of-way lines.
|
|
2
|
Measured from the road easement or common usage line.
|
(d)
Safety/maintenance.
(1)
Signs, including the face, framing and all supports thereof, shall
be kept and maintained in a safe condition, shall be adequately protected
against corrosion and shall conform to all the provisions of this
chapter.
(2)
Signs which are broken, torn, bent or whose supports are broken,
bent or damaged, and signs that are not reasonably level and plumb
shall be repaired and reinstalled in a manner prescribed by the Building
Official or his/her designee.
(3)
A sign shall have no more than 20% of its surface area covered with
disfigured, cracked, rippled or peeling paint, poster paper or other
material for a period of more than 30 successive days.
(4)
A sign shall not stand with bent or broken sign facing, with broken
supports, with loose appendages or struts, or more than 15° from
vertical for a period of more than 30 successive days, unless determined
by the Building Official or his/her designee to pose a safety hazard,
in which case immediate action may be required.
(5)
A sign shall not have weeds, vines, or other vegetation growing upon
it for a period of more than 30 successive days.
(6)
An internally illuminated sign shall not be allowed to stand with
only partial illumination for a period of more than 30 successive
days.
(7)
Any sign erected or displayed without a permit, unless expressly
exempt from a permit by the Township ordinances, or any sign which
does not comply with the provisions of this chapter may be deemed
a hazard to the safety of the public and declared to be a public nuisance
per se.
(8)
All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance
with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this
chapter. Failure to comply with this section may result in action
by the Building Official or his/her designee. If, upon inspection
by the Building Official, a sign is found to be unsafe, insecure,
corroded or otherwise poorly maintained, then the owner shall complete
any necessary reconstruction, repairs, painting or other improvements
in accordance with the following timetable, unless the sign is required
to be removed by the nonconforming sign regulations herein:
a.
If the Building Official determines that the sign is an immediate
threat to the safety of persons or property nearby, all required action
to correct the defect shall be taken within 48 hours (two working
days) from the time of notification in writing from the Township,
provided that the sign can be cordoned off or adequately secured during
the intervening time so as to remove any immediate threat to safety.
If such sign cannot be cordoned off or secured so as to eliminate
any immediate threat to the safety of persons or property, then all
required action to correct the defect shall be made forthwith.
b.
If the Building Official determines that the sign is not an immediate
threat to the safety of persons or property, all required action to
correct the defect shall be made within 30 days after notification
in writing from the Township. The Building Official may extend the
thirty-day timetable if temperatures below 32° F. prevent painting,
or if the defects involved are minor, not generally noticeable to
the public, and not a hazard to public safety (such as replacement
of burned out light bulbs).
(9)
Any sign structure now or hereafter existing which no longer conveys
a message or contains a sign shall be removed.
(e)
Addresses. Addresses shall be visible and legible from the public
right-of-way. Addresses 12 inches or less in height in residential
districts and 24 inches or less in height in nonresidential districts
shall not be included in the calculation of total sign area and may
be illuminated without time restrictions.
(f)
Substitution. Noncommercial messages shall be permitted on any sign
constructed or erected in compliance with this chapter.
(a)
Permanent signs table in nonresidential districts. Permanent signs
in nonresidential districts shall be regulated as follows. The total
maximum permitted sign area for all signs shall not exceed the maximum
sign area permitted for wall signs:
|
Table 6A
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Signs by District
| ||||
|
Nonresidential Districts
| ||||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
Maximum Height
|
Placement
|
Maximum Number of Signs
|
|
Projecting and hanging signs
|
See maximum number of signs.
|
Projecting and hanging signs: minimum 8 feet above grade
Projecting signs: maximum 30 feet above grade but not above
the top of the building's highest wall plate
|
Projecting signs: The outside edge of the sign shall not project
more than 4 feet from a wall of a building.
Hanging signs: under a first floor canopy, awning or other similar
projecting above an entryway
|
1 per business facade, provided that the total sign area does
not exceed the total permitted area for wall signs
|
|
Freestanding signs
|
1 square foot/linear foot of street frontage up to 64 square
feet with a 20-square-foot minimum1
|
8 feet
|
See Section 52-6(c)
|
1 per street frontage, provided there is 200 feet of diagonal
spacing between freestanding signs
|
|
Driveway signs
|
3 square feet maximum per sign
|
42 inches
|
Adjacent to driveway(s), at least 10 feet from property line
and driveway
|
1 per driveway that intersects with public road
|
|
Wall signs3
|
1 square foot/linear foot of ground floor building frontage
or 24 square feet, whichever is greater4
|
Shall not project more than 12 inches horizontally beyond the
wall5
|
3; the total of all signs shall not exceed the maximum sign
area for wall signs. One sign shall equal at least 50% of total provided
sign area of all wall signs.
| |
|
Awning and canopy signs
|
No more than 25% of the awning or canopy area
|
No higher than the top of awning.
For canopies and other building projections that located are
above building entryways, no higher than top of projection2
|
Awnings: on the awning surface; placement on drip edge is preferred.
Canopies and other building projections located above building
entryways: on face of canopy or projection
|
1 per business facade, provided that the total sign area does
not exceed the total permitted area for wall signs
|
|
Notes to Table 6A:
| ||
|
1
|
The following also applies:
| |
|
a.
|
Permitted uses with over 80,000 square feet of floor area and
over 300 feet of road frontage on a single road shall be permitted
two freestanding signs. The signs shall be evenly spaced along the
frontage. If the Planning Commission determines that the architectural
features of the sign, such as stone or brick framing, are in harmony
with the surrounding area and the principal structure, the architectural
features shall not count as part of the sign area.
| |
|
b.
|
Shopping centers, strip centers, and permitted uses with over
300 linear feet of building facade facing a road may be permitted
an additional 1 square foot of sign area for each additional 1.5 linear
feet of building facade above the 300 feet noted above. In no case
shall a freestanding sign be larger than 125 square feet, regardless
of building length.
| |
|
c.
|
The maximum height of freestanding signs that are over 64 square
feet in area shall be 12 feet.
| |
|
2
|
Individual metal letters, numbers, and similar content, up to
12 inches high, may be placed above the top of the projection or canopy.
| |
|
3
|
Uses with permitted freestanding canopies, such as gas stations,
shall be permitted one sign on the facia of the canopy that is street-facing
(canopy facia sign), with one sign permitted per street frontage,
with a maximum area of 10 square feet per sign. The sign shall be
placed on a canopy facia with a solid color.
| |
|
4
|
Maximum area shall be 160 square feet, provided that businesses
with storefronts that are set back from the road a distance greater
than 200 feet are permitted to modify the maximum sign area (X) by
a factor of 2.5 times X, up to a maximum of 400 feet.
| |
|
5
|
Wall signs shall placed as follows: One-story building: Between
the top of the ground floor windows and the bottom of the cornice
or other element that defines the top of the building or to the side
of ground floor windows. Two-story building: Between the top of the
ground floor windows and the bottom sill of the second-floor windows.
Three stories or more: Same as two- story building or, alternatively,
shall be placed above or alongside the upper floor windows below the
bottom of the cornice or other element that defines the top of the
building.
| |
 |
(b)
Permanent signs table in residential districts. Permanent signs in
residential districts shall be regulated as follows. The total maximum
permitted sign area for all signs shall not exceed the maximum sign
area permitted for wall signs:
|
Table 6B
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Signs by District
| ||||
|
Residential Districts
| ||||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
Height
|
Placement
|
Maximum Number of Signs
|
|
Wall signs: single- and two-family dwellings
|
2 square feet
|
Shall be below the eave line for the ground floor1
|
Entire sign within 4 feet of the front door
|
1 per dwelling
|
|
Wall signs: multiple-family dwellings (3 or more units)
|
12 square feet per building
|
See2
|
See2
|
1 per building
|
|
Wall signs for permitted nonresidential uses
|
20 square feet
|
See2
|
See2
|
1 per building
|
|
Freestanding signs: multiple-family dwellings and permitted
and special land uses that are nonresidential
|
32 square feet per parcel containing 5 or more dwelling units
or a permitted or special land use
|
8 feet maximum
|
10 feet minimum from all property lines
|
1 per parcel
|
|
Awning and canopy signs for nonresidential permitted and special
land uses
|
No more than 25% of the awning or canopy area, provided that
the sign area shall count towards the total allowable wall sign area.
|
No higher than the top of awning.
For canopies and other building projections that are located
above building entryways, no higher than top of projection, provided
that individual metal letters, numbers, and similar content, up to
12 inches high, may be placed above the top of the projection or canopy.
|
Awnings: on the awning surface; placement on drip edge is preferred.
Canopies and other building projections located above building
entryways: on face of canopy or projection. Individual metal letters,
numbers, and similar content, up to 12 inches high, may be placed
above the edge of the projection.
|
1 per business or institutional facade
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
For single-story dwelling, signs shall no higher than two feet
above front door.
|
|
2
|
Wall signs shall placed as follows: One-story building: between
the top of the ground floor windows and the bottom of the cornice,
eave or other element that defines the top of the building or, for
single- and two-family dwellings, within four feet of the front door.
Two-story building: between the top of the ground floor windows and
the bottom sill of the second-floor windows or, for single- and two-family
dwellings, within four feet of the front door. Three stories or more
(where permitted): same as two-story building or, alternatively, shall
be placed above or alongside the upper floor windows below the bottom
of the cornice or other element that defines the top of the building.
|
(c)
Additional permanent sign regulations for all districts. Permanent
signs shall be regulated by the following additional requirements:
(1)
All projections into right-of-way and sidewalk areas from wall, hanging,
marquee, awning or projecting signs shall have an eight-foot minimum
clearance to the sidewalk or similar surface below.
(2)
The changeable copy portion of a sign shall not exceed 33.3% of the
total sign area.
(3)
Changeable copy signs shall only be permitted as part of a freestanding
sign.
(4)
If a changeable copy sign is electronic, the standards in Section
52-5(b)(10) also apply.
(5)
Signs shall not have a width-to-length or length-to-width ratio that
exceeds 4:1 except that wall signs shall not exceed an 8:1 ratio.
(d)
Outdoor advertising (OA) signs. Outdoor advertising signs shall meet
the following:
(1)
Outdoor advertising signs shall be located only within 100 feet of
the 1-94 right-of-way. In addition, the OA sign shall be located in
one of the following districts: C-3, C-4, RT, M-1, and M-2 or on Township-owned
property.
(2)
No OA sign shall be within 1,500 feet of another such sign structure.
Also, no OA sign shall be located within 5,000 feet of another such
sign on the same side of the 1-94 freeway. OA signs shall not be adjacent
to or within 500 feet of an interchange, road or highway crossing
on the same side of the highway, nor shall such sign be located within
200 feet of a zoning district boundary.
(3)
No OA sign shall be located within 500 feet of a single-family residential
zoning district.
(4)
No OA sign shall block or restrict visibility of other uses or buildings,
whether on- or off-site.
(5)
OA signs shall be of a single- or two-pole construction. All poles
will be wrapped in brick, stone or cultured stone to create the appearance
of a stone build. If a single pole is used, it shall be located at
the extreme end of the sign face and a second stone build column will
also be provided at the opposite end of the sign face, even though
it may or may not provide support for the sign face. When two poles
are used, they will be located at opposite ends of the sign face.
Additionally, the sign face shall be wrapped in the same or complementary
brick, stone or cultured stone material. (See Figure 4.)
(6)
Maximum height shall be 25 feet. (See Figure 4.)
(7)
Maximum sign area shall not exceed 300 square feet. In the case of
back-to-back signs, each side shall not exceed 300 square feet in
area.
(8)
V-shaped billboards shall not exceed an angle of 30°. Each side
shall not exceed 300 square feet in area.
(9)
Outdoor advertising signs shall be constructed in such a manner that
they will withstand wind forces of 90 miles per hour (minimum). Signs
shall be properly maintained and shall not be allowed to become unsightly
through disrepair or action of the elements.
(10)
When electronic message signs are provided as part of an OA
sign face, they shall not emit more than 3,000 nits in full daylight
and 150 nits at nighttime. All electronic OA signs shall have functioning
ambient light monitors and automatic dimming equipment which shall
always be set to automatically reduce the brightness level of the
sign proportionally to any reduction in the ambient light. In order
to verify compliance with the Sign Ordinance or other applicable law,
the interface that programs an electronic message sign shall be made
available to Township staff for inspection during the permit process
(prior to first operation) and upon request. If the interface is not
or cannot be made available upon the Township's request, the
sign shall cease operation until the Township has been provided proof
of compliance with the Chesterfield Township Sign Ordinance. Electronic
message signs shall not change messaging more often than once per
30 seconds. Electronic OA signs shall not, and shall not appear to,
flash, scroll, travel, undulate, pulse, blink, expand, contract, bounce,
rotate, spin, twist, or otherwise move. All electronic OA signs shall
default to an unlit black screen when more than 50% of the light source
fails or if the light source otherwise is not displaying properly.
(11)
The area around and beneath the OA sign shall be landscaped
with a combination of low height vegetation. Examples include ornamental
grasses, shrubs, and annual and perennial flowers.
|
Figure 4
The figure below represents a ten-foot-high by thirty-foot-wide
300-square-foot digital OA sign with brick surrounds and columns.
It is 25 feet high, which is the maximum height for an outdoor advertising
sign.
 |
(a)
Window signs in residential districts are permitted in ground floor
and second floor windows. The total window sign area shall not exceed
three square feet per dwelling unit.
(b)
Window signs in all other districts shall not exceed 15% of the total
window area of any given facade.
(c)
Applied or etched lettering or designs that are within the lower
eight inches of any ground floor window shall be permitted and shall
not be considered part of the total area of window or wall signs,
provided that they do not exceed 80% of the width of any ground floor
window to or on which they are placed. Additionally, the total area
of applied or etched lettering shall not exceed 0.5 square foot per
linear foot of building frontage.
(d)
Window signs may be illuminated subject to Section 52-5(b) and shall contain a static message and shall not flash, scroll or otherwise give the appearance of movement or intermittent change. Rope light, string light, neon, or similar lighting attached to, surrounding or otherwise drawing attention to a window or sign shall be prohibited.
(a)
Temporary signs shall be permitted as follows:
|
Table 8A
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Area per Sign Face, Maximum Height, and Allowed Temporary
Signs
| ||||
|
District
|
Permitted Types
|
Maximum Area of All Temporary Signs by Type
|
Maximum Area of Any Individual Sign
|
Maximum Height (freestanding)
|
|
Residential
|
Freestanding
|
0.2 square foot (sf) of sign area per linear foot of street
frontage for the lot, provided that the maximum allowable total area
shall not be less than 15 square feet nor more than 35 square feet
|
6 square feet
|
5 feet
|
|
Wall1
|
3 square feet per building in single-family residential districts;
12 square feet per building in multiple-family residential districts
|
3 square feet in single-family districts; 12 square feet per
building in multiple-family residential districts
|
Cannot extend higher than the roof eave or bottom of other building
top such as a cornice
| |
|
Nonresidential
|
Freestanding
|
0.5 square foot of sign area per linear foot of street frontage
for the lot, provided that the maximum allowable total area shall
not be less than 30 square feet nor more than 50 square feet
|
20 square feet
|
6 feet
|
|
Wall1
|
20 square feet per building
|
20 square feet
|
Cannot extend higher than the roof eave or bottom of other building
top such as a cornice.
| |
|
NOTE:
| |
|
1
|
The display period for temporary wall signs, including banners, shall be limited to a total of 28 days per calendar year. Such signs shall not be displayed for any continuous period greater than 14 days. After this time expires, the sign shall be removed. See Section 52-10 for permit requirements.
|
(b)
The following additional regulations also apply to temporary signs.
(1)
Freestanding temporary signs shall be setback five feet from all
property lines.
(2)
Three square feet of temporary freestanding or temporary wall sign
area is allowed on each zoning lot at any time and without expiration
of display time. No permit is required for this sign.
(3)
In addition to the three-square-foot temporary sign that is always
allowed, other temporary freestanding signs may be erected for a maximum
display time of 30 days for up to two times per year. (See Table 8A.)
Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, all temporary signs require
a permit from the Building Official when located in a nonresidential
district. In all cases, the sign area limits in the Table 8A shall
apply.
(4)
During a period of active construction on a new residential subdivision
or condominium, any new multifamily residential development or any
new nonresidential building, one additional twenty-square-foot temporary
freestanding sign, six feet maximum height, shall be permitted for
the duration of construction.
(5)
In addition to the above-permitted freestanding signs, the Township
will establish up to four display periods per year, commencing prior
to an election where there is at least one ballot item listed, where
temporary signs may be displayed without a permit for up to 65 days,
commencing 60 days prior to an election and concluding four days after
the election. After this time expires, the sign(s) shall be removed.
In all cases, the regulations in the Table 8A shall apply except that
temporary sign permits shall not be required.
(6)
When all or a portion of a building or land area on a zoning lot
is listed or advertised for sale or lease, the maximum display time
for temporary signs shall be the duration the building, building unit
or land is listed or advertised for sale or lease. Once a building
unit is leased or sold, the sign shall be removed if it has been displayed
for more than 65 days. In all cases, the sign regulations in the Table
8A shall apply.
(7)
Temporary signs shall be constructed of durable, all-weather materials
and designed to remain in place and in good repair so long as they
remain on display; provided, however, that each zoning lot may have
one temporary freestanding sign up to three square feet constructed
of any nonilluminated material. All temporary freestanding signs larger
than three square feet shall have a frame or rigid border or be of
a rigid material.
(8)
Temporary signs shall be subject to the maintenance standards of
this section.
(a)
Unless otherwise provided in this chapter or other applicable law,
nonconforming signs may be used, maintained, or repaired in the same
form and type as they existed at the time they became nonconforming.
(b)
No nonconforming sign:
(1)
Shall be changed to another nonconforming sign.
(2)
Shall have any change made in the structure, shape, size, sign type,
design, or mechanical or electrical equipment of the sign unless the
change brings the sign into compliance with this chapter; however,
the Building Official may order repair of a nonconforming sign for
safety.
(3)
Shall be reestablished or maintained after it is abandoned for 90
days or longer.
(4)
Shall be repaired or erected after being damaged if the repair or
erection of the sign would cost more than 50% of the cost of an identical
new sign.
(5)
Shall have any change made that would result in different type of
or greater illumination of the sign or change a nonluminescent sign
to a luminescent sign.
(6)
Shall have any change made to add mechanical or electronic features,
except monitors to regulate brightness in accordance with this Code.
(c)
If the owner of a sign or the premises on which a sign is located
changes the location of a sign or changes the use of a building so
that any sign on the premises is rendered nonconforming, such sign
must be removed or made to conform to this chapter.
(d)
Any sign erected in a residential district that is a nonconforming
sign shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person
within 48 hours after written notice from the Township.
(e)
Any nonconforming sign that is abandoned shall be taken down and
removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of
the building, structure or land within 60 days from the date of written
notice from the Township. Where such a sign structure and frame are
typically reused by the current occupant or other user, the building
owner shall not be required to remove the sign structure and frame
in the interim periods when the building is not occupied, provided
that the sign structure and frame are maintained in accordance with
this chapter and other relevant Township ordinances and codes, and
provided, further, that the time period of non-use does not exceed
90 days.
(f)
Any sign in office, business and industrial districts which is nonconforming
as to size, projection, location, number of signs, position, material
or construction shall be taken down, removed, repaired, rebuilt or
replaced in such a manner as to bring the sign into compliance by
the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building,
structure or land by March 30, 2027.
All signs regulated by this chapter, except temporary signs
in residential districts, window signs, and freestanding temporary
signs in nonresidential districts, that are erected, altered, relocated
or maintained are subject to a permit from the Township in accordance
with the following regulations:
(a)
Application for sign permit. Application for sign permits shall be
made upon forms provided for by the Township and shall contain or
have attached thereto the following information:
(1)
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2)
Location of building, structure, or lot to which the sign is
to be attached or erected.
(3)
Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures
and property lines.
(4)
Copies of the drawings of the plans and specifications and method
of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground.
(5)
Copy of stress sheets and calculations, if deemed necessary,
showing the structure as designed for dead load and wind pressure
in accordance with regulations adopted by the Township.
(6)
Name and address of the person, firm, corporation or association
erecting the structure.
(7)
Insurance policy or bond as required herein.
(8)
Such other information as the Township may require showing full
compliance with this and all other applicable laws of Chesterfield
Township and the State of Michigan.
(9)
When public safety requires it, the application containing the
aforesaid material shall, in addition, bear the certificate or seal
of registered architect or engineer as a condition to the issuance
of a permit as determined by Planning and Zoning and Building Department
requirements.
(10)
Permit applications for illuminated electronic signs shall include
a copy of the manufacturer's specifications for luminance.
(11)
The number of plans to be submitted shall be established by
resolution of the Township Board.
(12)
The Planning and Zoning Administrator or his/her designee shall
be the approving body for all signs except outdoor advertising signs,
which are subject to Planning Commission approval. Additionally, following
approval the Planning and Zoning Administrator, Building Department
approval is required for all signs as required by the Township to
satisfy building, electrical, fire and other related construction
codes.
(b)
Permit fee. The fees for sign permits shall be established by resolution
of the Township Board.
(c)
No permit shall be required for ordinary servicing, repainting of
existing sign message or cleaning of a sign. No permit is required
for change of message of a sign designed for periodic message change
without change of structure, including a bulletin board or billboard.
(a)
The Planning Commission may vary dimensional provisions of this chapter
upon a finding of all of the following:
(1)
There are special circumstances or conditions, such as the existence
of buildings, topography, vegetation, sign structures, lot dimensions,
or other matters on the lot or on adjacent lots or within the adjacent
public right-of-way, which would substantially restrict the effectiveness
of the sign in question; provided, however, that such special circumstances
or conditions must be peculiar to the particular business or enterprise
or lot to which the applicant desires to draw attention, and do not
apply generally to other businesses or enterprises. Any variance shall
be granted only to the extent of rendering equity with the rights
granted by this chapter to others with similar uses in similar districts.
(2)
Strict enforcement of the provisions of this chapter would serve
no useful purpose.
(3)
The type of sign structure and the location proposed would not
pose a significant risk to the public health, safety and welfare.
(4)
The benefit of the sign to the general public and/or applicant
under the circumstances outweighs any risk to traffic safety and the
Township's desire to eliminate the accumulation of visual clutter
in accordance with the stated purpose of this chapter.
(5)
A variance would be in the interest of the Township and not
against the spirit and intent of this chapter.
(b)
In issuing a variance from the strict letter of the provisions of
this chapter, the Planning Commission may grant a variance of any
dimensional sign requirement and may place reasonable conditions or
restrictions upon issuance of a permit to protect the health, safety
and welfare of the Township. The Planning Commission may grant a lesser
variance than the one requested.
(c)
In no case shall the Planning Commission grant approval of a sign
not otherwise permitted in this chapter for the applicable use and
district in which it is located.
(d)
Decisions of the Planning Commission shall be final. No appeal process
is available through the Township.
(a)
Inspections. A person who owns or controls a sign and a person who
owns or controls the property where a sign is located shall make the
sign available for Township staff to inspect for compliance with Township
code or ordinances or other applicable law upon the Township's
request.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, maintain,
enlarge, alter, move or convert any sign in Chesterfield Township,
or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation
of any of the provisions of this chapter. A violation of any of the
provisions of this chapter shall be a civil infraction punishable
with a fine of not more than $500 and not less than $100, plus costs
and all other appropriate remedies. Each day that a violation continues
shall be deemed a separate violation. Any sign constituting an immediate
hazard to health and safety shall be deemed a nuisance and may be
removed by the Township, without notice, at the expense of the owner
of the sign and assessed under the provisions of this Code. In addition,
except for those signs which may be removed and destroyed or otherwise
disposed of by the Township in accordance with this chapter, any unlawfully
erected, altered or maintained sign may be removed by the Township
at the expense of the sign owner and assessed under the provisions
of this Code after said sign owner has been ordered in writing to
remove said sign by the Township and has refused to do so without
providing justification for so refusing at a hearing to be held by
the Planning and Zoning Administrator. The Township Attorney may apply
to a court of appropriate jurisdiction for an order requiring the
removal of a sign in violation of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A permanent structure for human occupation.
Any legal use of a building, other than for a home occupation,
or residence by a person, firm or corporation. Although contained
in the same building as another business and owned by the same person,
an activity may be treated as a separate business if it is physically
separated from, uses different personnel than, and provides different
products or services than such other related business.
A roof structure, free of enclosing walls, that is freestanding
or extends from a building for the purpose of providing shelter over
an entryway.
That portion of a sign that is designed or used to display
characters, letters, words, or illustrations that can be readily changed
or rearranged by manual, mechanical, or electronic means without altering
the face of the sign.
Light emitted directly from a light source.
A sign with a fixed or changeable display or message composed
of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means.
Any sign other than an interior sign.
The assembly that houses the lamp or lamps and can include
all or some of the following parts: a housing, a mounting bracket
or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or mirror, and/or
a refractor or lens.
Any and every sign erected on or affixed to the land and
any and every exterior sign that is not attached to a building.
The portion of a building facing a street that is occupied
by a single business, measured in linear distance.
The portion of a lot abutting a street, measured in linear
distance
A fixture that meets the standards of the Illuminating Engineering
Society of North America (IESNA), which means that the luminous intensity
(in candelas) at or above an angle of 90° above nadir is zero,
and the luminous intensity (in candelas) at or above a vertical angle
of 80° above nadir does not numerically exceed 10% of the luminous
flux (in lumens) of the lamp or lamps in the luminaire.
Light emitting from a luminaire with intensity great enough
to reduce a viewer's ability to see and, in extreme cases, causing
momentary blindness.
A sign that hangs perpendicular to a building wall and is
supported by or attached to the underside of a structure canopy, structure
arcade, covered entrance, awning or marquee.
Lighting of a sign by any type of artificial light, whether
by emission or reflection.
A sign within the walls of a building.
The component of a luminaire that produces light.
Light falling over property lines that illuminates adjacent
grounds or buildings.
A single tract of land, located within a single block, which
at the time of filing for a sign permit is designated by its owner
or developer as a tract to be used, developed or built upon as a unit,
under single ownership or control.
A complete lighting system, which includes a lamp or lamps
and a fixture.
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting above the entrance
to a place of assembly, attached to and supported by the building
and projecting beyond the wall of the building.
Any sign attached to a marquee.
The distance from grade to the highest edge of the sign surface
or its projecting structure.
The distance from grade to the lowest edge of the sign surface
or its projecting structure.
A measure of luminance equal to one candela per square meter
A sign that was lawfully permitted at the time it was erected
but is not permitted under current law. This does not include any
temporary sign, banner, or placard, including signs affixed to the
interior or exterior of windows.
A sign other than an on-premises sign.
A sign which advertises only goods, services, facilities,
events, or attractions on the premises where located.
The Chesterfield Township Building Official or his/her designee.
A freestanding sign with a sign area in excess of 125 square
feet.
The contiguous land in the same ownership or control which
is not divided by a public street.
A sign other than a wall sign, which is perpendicularly attached
to, and projects from a structure or building wall not specifically
designed to support the sign.
For purposes of this chapter only, all public streets, highways,
sidewalks and alleys.
Any sign erected, constructed, and maintained upon or over
the roof of any building and projecting above the roofline.
A temporary sign regulated per Section 52-8 of this Code.
Any display or object which is primarily used to identify
or display information about or direct or attract attention to a person,
institution, organization, business, product, event, location or otherwise,
or any religious, political, social, ideological or other message,
by any means, which is visible from any public street, sidewalk, alley,
park, or public property and is otherwise located or set upon or in
a building, structure or piece of land. The definition does not include
goods displayed in a window.
Light from a luminaire that is emitted above the horizontal
plane that passes through the lowest part of the luminaire.
A display sign, banner or other advertising device constructed
of cloth, canvas, fabric, plastic or other light temporary material,
with or without a structural frame, or any other sign intended for
a limited period of display that is not permanently anchored to the
ground or building.
A structural element, usually horizontal, situated along
the top of a wall at the level of the eaves for bearing the ends of
joists of a ceiling or rafters or trusses of a roof. "Plate height"
is the distance, measured vertically plumb, between the highest point
on the top of the uppermost wall plate of the exterior wall that bears
the building's highest roof structure and the existing grade
directly below that point.
A display which is painted on or attached directly to the
building wall or door.
A sign that is applied, painted, posted, displayed, or etched
onto a glazed surface, regardless of opacity or perforation, including
those placed or posted inside and located within 20 feet of the window
that are visible and legible from the exterior as determined by the
Planning Director or authorized designee.
