The purpose of this article is to promote and
protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing
and proposed on-premises and off-premises signs and signs of all types
within the Town of Poughkeepsie. This article is intended to protect
property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate,
enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, and
preserve the scenic and natural beauty of the Town. It is further
intended to reduce distractions and obstructions that may adversely
affect traffic safety, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs
overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more
visual open space and maintain the generally high level of the community's
appearance and attractiveness. This article is intended to promote
attractive signs that clearly present the visual message in a manner
that is compatible with their surroundings and to ensure that signs
aid orientation and adequately identify uses and activities to the
public. The appearance, character and quality of a community are affected
by the location, size, construction and graphic design of its signs.
Therefore, such signs should convey their messages clearly and simply
to be compatible with their surroundings.
A.
Except as otherwise provided herein, no sign or other
advertising device shall be erected, constructed, displayed, moved,
reconstructed, extended, enlarged or altered except in conformity
with this article and, where applicable, without first obtaining a
permit from the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the procedures
and standards of this article.
B.
Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied
by plans to scale showing the dimensions and area of the sign; the
location of the sign on the building, structure or lot upon which
the sign is to be attached or erected; the colors, materials, lettering,
artwork and other attributes of the sign; the proposed method of illumination,
if any; and statements indicating compliance with applicable building
construction standards.
C.
No sign shall be erected which, in the opinion of
the Zoning Administrator, may cause hazardous or unsafe conditions.
If such signs exist, they shall be removed upon direction of the Zoning
Administrator following notification to the owner. Failure to remove
a sign(s) after notice by the Zoning Administrator shall result in
enforcement of these provisions and the order in accordance with this
chapter.
D.
Substitution clause. Any sign authorized pursuant
to this chapter may contain a noncommercial message constituting a
form of expression in lieu of other copy.
A.
Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing
upon forms prescribed by the Zoning Administrator.
B.
The applicant shall furnish a detailed drawing or
blueprint showing a description of the construction details of the
sign and showing the lettering and other matter on the sign; sign
colors; sign height; type and position of lighting; a location plan
showing the position of all signs in relation to buildings and to
any street, highway or sidewalk, including the location of any sign
or signs on any structure.
C.
Applications require the written consent of the landowner
or an authorized representative.
E.
Issuance of a permit. With the exception of signs
for which site plan approval by the Planning Board is required, or
signs which are required to undergo review by the Director of Planning,
the Zoning Administrator, upon the filing of an application for a
sign permit, shall examine the plans, specifications, locations and
other data submitted as part of said application and approve said
plans if the Zoning Administrator determines that they are in compliance
with all requirements of this section. If the Zoning Administrator
determines that the application is complete and the proposed sign
meets the requirements of this section, the Zoning Administrator shall,
within 10 days of the date said application was received, issue a
permit for the erection of the proposed sign. If the Zoning Administrator
determines that the application is not complete or the proposed sign
does not meet the requirements of this section, the Zoning Administrator
shall, within 10 days of the date said application was received, issue
a written notice to the applicant stating the deficiencies of the
application and the reason for the refusal to issue a sign permit.
In the event that plans submitted do not meet requirements of local
laws and ordinances of the Town of Poughkeepsie, the Zoning Administrator
shall then notify the applicant, in writing, of the reason for refusal
to issue a permit.
F.
Expiration of permit. If the authorized sign is not
erected or installed within six months of the date the sign permit
is granted, the permit shall become null and void.
G.
Revocation of permit. In the event of a violation
of any of the provisions of this article, the Zoning Administrator
shall give written or personal notice, specifying the violation to
the named owner of the sign and owner of the land, to correct said
violation or remove such sign. Correction of violation, by change,
repair or removal, etc., shall be performed within five days from
date of notice.
[Amended 5-23-2012 by L.L. No. 8-2012]
A.
Any sign existing on or after the effective date of
this chapter, which no longer identifies a business conducted or product
sold on the premises due to the cessation or change of the business,
shall be removed by the owner of the premises upon which such sign
is located within 30 days of the cessation or change of business or
use. Any variance granted for any sign removed or required to be removed
pursuant to this section shall be null and void upon the cessation
or change of business or use for which said variance was granted.
The Zoning Administrator, upon determining that any such sign exists,
shall notify the owner of the premises, in writing, to remove said
sign within 30 days from the date of such notice. In the event that
a lease or a contract between the owner of land and the owner of a
sign exists on the date of violation notice, the owner of land shall
notify the owner of the sign of the notice of removal and direct that
the sign be removed. Removal shall include all parts of the sign,
including but not limited to supporting framework, posts, brackets,
enclosures, etc. Failure to comply will result in the proper legal
action being taken by the Zoning Administrator.
[Amended 5-23-2012 by L.L. No. 8-2012; 7-11-2012 by L.L. No.
15-2012]
B.
If the Zoning Administrator shall find that any sign
regulated by this article or any section of this chapter is unsafe
or insecure or is a menace to the public, the Zoning Administrator
shall give written notice to the named owner of the sign and the named
owner of the land upon which the sign is erected, who shall remove
or repair said sign within one day from the date of notice. If notice
to repair or remove is not acted upon promptly, the Zoning Administrator
may take the proper legal action to effect compliance.
C.
The Zoning Administrator may remove any sign which
in the discretion of the Zoning Administrator is in violation of this
provision.
A.
Applications for temporary signs shall be submitted
to the Zoning Administrator for a temporary sign permit.
B.
Applicants for temporary sign permits for signs such
as banners, portable signs, promotional signs and other signs of similar
nature may be granted a temporary sign permit for a period not exceeding
30 consecutive days. Each place of business may be granted temporary
sign permits not to exceed a total of 90 days during the calendar
year. Temporary sign permits shall be valid for not more than two
banners and/or one freestanding sign.
C.
Temporary signs shall not be attached to fences, trees
or utility poles on private property or in any public right-of-way,
and such signs shall not be placed in a position that will obstruct
or impair vision or traffic, or in any manner create a hazard to the
health, safety and welfare of the general public. Other fluttering
devices such as streamers, pennants and balloons are prohibited as
temporary signs.
D.
Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed 40 square
feet in nonresidential zones and 20 square feet in residential zones.
E.
Except as provided in this section, all temporary
signs shall meet the requirements of this section and chapter.
[Amended 11-3-2010 by L.L. No. 24-2010; 5-23-2012 by L.L. No.
8-2012; 7-11-2012 by L.L. No. 15-2012; 8-19-2015 by L.L. No. 11-2015]
The prohibitions contained in this section shall apply to all
signs and all zoning districts, regardless of designation, except
as noted, of the Town of Poughkeepsie:
A.
Prohibited signs.
(1)
The conversion of any billboard sign to an electronic message display
style sign.
(2)
Billboard signs.
(3)
Roof signs.
(4)
Moving signs, including any sign which has visible moving parts,
visible revolving parts, visible mechanical movement, or other visible
movement achieved by electrical, electronic or mechanical means, including
flashing, intermittent, rotating lights and any movement caused by
normal wind current.
(5)
Signs with optical illusion of movement by means of a design which
presents a pattern capable of reversible perspective, giving the illusion
of motion or changing of copy.
(6)
A-frame and sidewalk signs in the R-4A, R-2A, R-1.5A, R-20,000, R-M,
R-NH, and R-MH Districts.
(7)
A sign not located on the premises to which it is associated or to
which it refers. Any such sign shall be deemed to be a prohibited
billboard sign.
(8)
Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are
parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property
so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent
purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity or direct people
to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed
on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as lettering on motor
vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle
or trailer.
(9)
Strip lighting outlining commercial structures and used to attract
attention for commercial purposes, and strings of light bulbs used
in any connection with commercial premises unless the lights shall
be shielded.
(10)
A sign which obstructs any window or door opening used as a
means of egress, prevents free passage from one part of a roof to
any other part, interferes with an opening required for legal ventilation,
or is attached to or obstructs any standpipe, fire escape or fire
hydrant.
(11)
Televisions used for advertising or information, except when
used for indirect illumination and in such a manner as to not be directly
exposed to public view.
(12)
A sign that is designed and/or mounted so as to impair or cause
confusion to the operator(s) of a motor vehicle.
B.
No pennants, balloons, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar
moving, fluttering or revolving devices shall be allowed.
C.
Except for awnings, no permanent sign shall be constructed of paper,
cardboard, canvas or similar materials.
D.
No sign shall be located so as to obscure any signs displayed by
a public agency, nor shall any sign be placed in such a way as to
obstruct proper sight distance or otherwise interfere with pedestrian
or traffic flow. No sign shall overhang onto an adjacent property
or right-of-way.
E.
No temporary sign shall be placed on the front or face of a building
or on any premises, except as provided herein.
F.
The use of fluorescent and/or Day-Glo types of paints is prohibited.
G.
No sign shall be attached to any tree or utility pole or be painted
upon or otherwise directly affixed to any rock, ledge or other natural
feature.
H.
No sign, other than an official traffic sign, shall be erected within
the right-of-way of any public street or highway.
I.
Except for awning signs, the use of cardboard, paper, canvas or similar
impermanent material is prohibited.
The regulations contained in this section shall
apply to all signs and all zoning districts, regardless of designation,
of the Town of Poughkeepsie. Nothing herein shall be construed so
as to allow the placement or installation of a sign on property other
than the parcel or lot associated with the sign or the notice provided
on the sign.
A.
All freestanding signs shall require site plan approval
by the Planning Board prior to installation.
B.
Any modification or alteration (except repairs and
replacement) to a freestanding sign, a wall sign, or a projecting
sign that was previously approved by the Planning Board shall be reviewed
by the Director of Planning for consistency with the Planning Board's
original site plan approval prior to issuance of a permit by the Zoning
Administrator. Within three days of receipt of an application for
a sign permit involving a property for which the Planning Board has
approved a site plan, the Zoning Administrator shall refer said application
to the Director of Planning for review as to the consistency of the
proposed sign with the Planning Board's site plan approval. Within
five days of receipt of the application from the Zoning Administrator,
the Director shall issue a written recommendation to the Zoning Administrator
to approve or deny the application and shall set forth the reasons
for said approval or denial. In the event the Director issues a recommendation
to deny the application, the Director shall refer the application
to the Planning Board for amended site plan approval in accordance
with the requirements of this chapter. Nothing herein shall be construed
as preventing an applicant from withdrawing an application for sign
approval in order to modify the sign to meet the objections of the
Director and resubmitting a new application for a sign permit to the
Zoning Administrator.
C.
Except as provided herein, no freestanding sign shall
exceed 20 feet in height or the height of the principal structure,
whichever is less, and shall be set back no less than 10 feet from
any highway right-of-way boundary.
[Amended 7-11-2012 by L.L. No. 15-2012]
D.
The use of a dark background with lighter color(s)
for lettering is preferred over the use of a white or light-color
background and dark lettering.
E.
All sign lighting shall be shielded and directed in
such a manner that the light source is fixed and is not directly visible
from, and does not cast glare or direct light from artificial illumination
upon, any adjacent public right-of-way, surrounding property, residential
property or motorist's vision. Ground-mounted spotlights used to illuminate
a sign shall be fully shielded. Any device lighting a sign shall employ
only lights emitting a light of constant intensity, and no sign shall
be illuminated by or contain a flashing, intermittent or moving light
or lights. A string of lights consisting of more than three bulbs
shall not be permitted as part of a sign or separate from a sign.
No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00
a.m. unless the lot on which the sign is located contains a nonresidential
use and is open for business.
F.
Wall signs shall be painted on or affixed flat against
the building facade.
G.
No sign shall have more than two sides.
H.
All signs shall be measured in accordance with the
following methods:
(1)
Sign measurement shall be based upon the entire area
of the sign, with a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme
limits of the actual sign surface.
(2)
For a sign painted on or applied to a building, the
area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying
designs or symbols, together with any background of a different color
than the natural color or finish material of the building.
(3)
For a sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window, the
area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other
shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(4)
Essential supporting framework (brackets, posts, standards)
shall not be included in sign area calculations. However, illuminated
embellishments on such essential supporting framework shall be included
in the calculation of sign size.
(5)
For signs with two faces or sides, the area shall
be taken as the area of either face, provided that the faces are either
back-to-back or are attached along at least one side and the angle
of that attachment does not exceed 30°. Where faces are not back-to-back
or are attached at an angle exceeding 30°, each face shall be
measured individually.
I.
Window signage shall not exceed 25% of the glass area
of that part of the building facing the street front.
J.
All illuminated signs shall bear the Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., seal in conformance with U.L. 48 or be inspected
and certified by a Town-authorized electrical inspection company.
K.
All freestanding signs shall be designed and constructed
to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square
foot of surface area.
L.
All signs, including wall signs and projecting signs,
shall be securely anchored and shall not swing or move in any manner.
M.
All signs shall be constructed of durable materials
and shall be maintained in a good condition.
N.
Projecting signs shall have no more than two faces.
The exterior edge of a projecting sign shall extend not more than
six feet from the building face or 1/3 the width of the sidewalk over
which it is suspended, whichever is less. No part of a projecting
sign shall extend into a vehicular traffic area. A projecting sign
suspended over a sidewalk or pedestrian traffic area shall have a
vertical clearance of not less than eight feet. No sign shall project
from an awning.
O.
On multistory buildings, projecting signs shall be
attached to the building above first-story windows and below second-story
windowsills. On one-story buildings, projecting signs shall be attached
above first-story windows and below the roofline. The size and location
of a projecting sign shall complement neighboring signs.
P.
No wall sign shall be higher than the building to
which it is attached.
Q.
All wiring to a freestanding sign shall be underground
and/or concealed within the sign structure.
[Added 5-23-2012 by L.L. No. 8-2012]
Purpose: The regulations contained in this section shall apply
to all electronic message display ("EMD") signs and all zoning districts.
A.
EMD signs are prohibited in all residential districts, center and
hamlet districts, and the BN District.
B.
No more than 30% of the total square footage of any sign may be devoted
to EMD signage.
C.
EMD signage shall contain a static message only, and shall not have
movement, or the appearance or the illusion of movement, of any part
of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment of the sign including
the movement or any appearance of movement of any illumination or
the flashing, scintillating, or varying of light intensity.
D.
With the exception of "time and temperature" messages, any EMD message
shall be displayed for no less than 12 hours without change.
E.
Any change of message shall be completed immediately without pauses
and all parts of the message shall change simultaneously.
F.
No EMD sign shall include any audio message.
G.
One EMD is permitted per site.
H.
A minimum distance of 400 feet shall be required between an EMD and
another EMD.
I.
All EMD signs shall contain a default mechanism that will cause the
sign to revert immediately to black screen if the sign malfunctions.
J.
The owner of the EMD sign must register with Amber Alert and shall
be required to display all Amber Alert messages when requested to
do so.
K.
EMD signs are not permitted as wall, window, or projecting signs.
L.
All copy, characters or other changeable images shall be one color
only with light copy on a dark background.
M.
EMD signs shall utilize automatic dimming technology, as certified
by the manufacturer, to adjust the brightness of the sign relative
to ambient light so that no time shall a sign exceed a brightness
level of 0.2 footcandle above ambient light measured at the nearest
property line.
N.
Enforcement. To assure that light emanating from any EMD does not
adversely affect neighboring properties or visually interfere with
motorists, pedestrians and neighboring property owners, the Zoning
Administrator shall have the authority to require changes to any EMD
device that, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, is malfunctioning
or operated in a manner that causes or creates excessive glare or
intensity of light, visual interference or blind spots. Such changes
may include, but are not limited to, requiring that the EMD device
be turned off, or requiring the installation of lower wattage bulbs,
or requiring that the device be fitted with shields to deflect light,
or such other changes as may be required to eliminate the offending
condition. Failure to implement the changes as directed by the Zoning
Administrator shall be a violation of this section, and of any permit
or approval granted under this section.
[Added 8-19-2015 by L.L.
No. 11-2015]
Where permitted, A-frame and sidewalk signs shall meet the following
standards:
A.
One sign per business is allowed.
B.
Signs shall be one- or two-sided only.
C.
Except as provided in Subsections D, E and F below, signs may be placed anywhere along the exterior frontage of the advertised business outward to the nearest curb edge or to a distance of 10 feet, whichever is less, but in no event shall be placed or located so as to impede lines of sight or safe stopping distances for operators of motor vehicles.
D.
Signs shall be located so as to maintain a minimum of five feet of
unobstructed sidewalk along the storefront so as to not block or interfere
with ADA accessibility nor restrict pedestrian movement.
E.
Signs shall not be placed where they may interfere with any entry
or exit door, loading zone, bicycle rack, sidewalk ramp, wheelchair
ramp or similar public facility.
F.
The size of any one sign shall not exceed three feet six inches in
height and 24 inches in width.
G.
Signs shall be made of durable, weather-resistant materials such
as wood, steel, aluminum and PVC. The use of cardboard, paper, fabric
and nonrigid materials is prohibited.
H.
Signs may consist of a framed chalkboard, whiteboard, tack board
or changeable copy sign.
I.
Signs shall not be illuminated nor contain any type of electronic
message display.
J.
Signs shall be displayed during the advertising entity's business
hours only. Signs shall be brought indoors at the close of business
each day.
K.
Lights, balloons, parasite signs, decorations and other objects shall
not be attached to the sidewalk sign.
L.
A permit is not required for a sidewalk sign.
The following signs are permitted in residential
districts:
A.
Freestanding sign. One freestanding sign per lot of
a maximum area of four square feet is allowed. Freestanding signs
shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any highway right-of-way
and shall not exceed eight feet in height. The base of any such freestanding
sign shall be landscaped as approved by the Planning Board, and the
amount of landscaping at the base of the sign shall not be less than
the square footage of the freestanding sign. The use of exposed "I"
beams and steel beams to support a freestanding sign is prohibited.
B.
Sign attached to building. Two wall signs per lot,
not to exceed two square feet for each business, are allowed.
[Amended 8-19-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020]
The following signs are permitted in ATC, SPC,
CHCO, CHCO (EO), and RRH Districts:
A.
Signs shall be designed in accordance with an overall
comprehensive signage plan in which the size, materials, and color
of wall-mounted signage shall be appropriate to the dimensions and
architectural appearance of the building to which it is affixed or,
in the case of freestanding signs, with which it is associated. For
multiple tenants, signage shall be presented as a unified plan that
is integrated into the overall building design, color, scale, massing,
and shall also be integrated with the site landscaping.
B.
On all nonresidential premises:
(1)
On a single lot, one wall sign or one projecting sign
is permitted. Wall signs shall not exceed an area of 15 square feet.
Projecting signs shall not exceed an area of 12 square feet.
(2)
On a single lot, one freestanding sign not to exceed
12 square feet and a maximum height of 12 feet in height above the
finished grade is permitted, provided the principal structure is set
back not less than 20 feet from the front property boundary. Freestanding
signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any highway right-of-way
or 35 feet from any highway center line, whichever is greater. The
base of any such freestanding sign shall be mounted within a landscaped
monument of stone, brick or other natural material as approved by
the Planning Board, and the amount of landscaping at the base shall
not be less than the square footage of the freestanding sign. The
use of exposed "I" beams and steel beams to support a freestanding
sign is prohibited.
C.
Awning signage not to exceed 12 square feet and limited
to a single line of text not more than eight inches high is permitted.
D.
If two or more businesses share a canopy along the
face of the building, each business is permitted one sign with a maximum
area of two square feet. This sign shall hang under the canopy, perpendicular
to the face of the building.
[Added 8-19-2020 by L.L.
No. 7-2020]
The following signs are permitted in the MHC District.
A.
Signs shall be designed in accordance with an overall comprehensive
signage plan in which the size, materials, and color of wall-mounted
signage shall be appropriate to the dimensions and architectural appearance
of the building to which it is affixed or, in the case of freestanding
signs, with which it is associated. For multiple tenants, signage
shall be presented as a unified plan that is integrated into the overall
building design, color, scale, massing, and shall also be integrated
with the site landscaping. The following standards shall apply:
B.
On all nonresidential premises:
(1)
Permitted signage types:
(a)
Wall-mounted signs, which may be backlit, carved or painted,
maximum two per tenant per building elevation.
(b)
Dimensional building letters individually attached to buildings
and within an architectural sign band where a sign band exists.
(c)
Awning signage : awnings with printed or affixed signage, proportional
to the awning size, no more than 15% of the total awning size.
(d)
Vinyl films, printed or solid color graphics applied to the exterior or interior surface of storefront windows and entry doors in accordance with § 210-123I.
(e)
Projecting signs hung perpendicular to the building face, or hung
on a diagonal at a corner, if the building fronts on two named streets,
with one face of the sign size counted against a single elevation,
at the discretion of the owner.
(g)
An additional wall, or projecting sign or awning sign of up to 10
square feet shall be allowed over a secondary entrance facing a parking
area which identifies the entrance and/or business name.
(2)
Allowable signage dimensions:
(a)
Total building-mounted signage (wall-mounted signs, dimensional building
letters, awning signage, and projecting signs) shall be limited to
1.0 square feet for every one linear foot of building width on a named
(town or state) road, up to a maximum of 100 square feet per elevation,
subject to the provisions below.
[1]
Signage limits shall be specific to an elevation and permitted
signage area cannot be transferred to another elevation.
[2]
Signage shall only be placed on an elevation that abuts a users
occupied space and faces a named (town or state) road.
[3]
For multistory, multitenant buildings, a 50% increase in total
building signage per commercial story is allowed as long as at least
12.5% of the building signage is for each tenant. Signage in a multistory
mixed-use structure shall not be placed higher than the highest commercial
story.
C.
Signage lighting.
(1)
Energy efficient light sources on timers or photocells are required.
(2)
Gooseneck or other building-mounted fixtures are encouraged.
The number and placement of fixtures shall be chosen to provide a
wash of illumination without creating "hot spots" (sharp, high contrasts
in illumination levels).
(3)
Decorative uplights or downlights are encouraged to be 2700 K and shall be no more than 3000 K and provide a wash of illumination without creating hot spots; no more than three feet on center for lighting fixtures and no more than six fixtures in a row. Lighting shall illuminate the sign, and is not intended to wash the building. Pursuant to § 210-81F, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to require changes to the on-site lighting fixtures to minimize and eliminate glare and the splaying of light across property lines, and to ensure continuous compliance with the requirements of § 210-81.
(4)
Awnings that are internally illuminated or fabricated with shiny
or reflective materials are prohibited.
(5)
Reverse channel lettering with LED lighting modules projecting
light back to the building fascia (halo-light letters) are permitted.
D.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
The Town Center shall be allowed one freestanding sign not to
exceed 25 square feet and a maximum height of eight feet in height
above the finished grade identifying the Town Center only. Where a
Town Center is on both sides of a state highway, one Town Center sign
shall be allowed, on each side of the state highway for a total of
two freestanding signs.
(2)
For a lot containing solely commercial uses along a state highway,
one freestanding sign identifying the commercial user not to exceed
25 square feet and a maximum height of eight feet above the finished
grade is permitted, provided the principal structure on the lot on
which the sign is installed is set back not less than 50 feet from
the state highway.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from
any highway right-of-way or 35 feet from any highway center line,
whichever is greater. The base of any such freestanding sign shall
be mounted within a landscaped monument of stone, brick or other natural
material as approved by the Planning Board, and the amount of landscaping
at the base shall not be less than the square footage of the freestanding
sign. The use of exposed "I" beams and steel beams to support a freestanding
sign is prohibited.
[Added 5-5-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021]
Signs in the Historic Revitalization Development District (HRDD) shall be regulated by this section and the other relevant sections of Article IX. To the extent that there is a conflict between this section and any other section in Article IX pertaining to general sign requirements and signs in all Districts, the provisions in the following sections supersede those herein: §§ 210-116 to 210-123.2 and §§ 210-130 to 210-131.
Due to the unique nature of the "Hudson Heritage" project, which
encompasses the entire HRDD and is the subject of a Development Master
Plan approved by the Town Board, permitted signage in the HRDD is
described by particular areas of the project as specified in the subsections
below:
A.
Signs shall comply with any conditions imposed by the Planning Board
during architectural review.
B.
Signs for the walkable "Main Street" (Winslow Gate Road) area commercial
buildings including those identified on Hudson Heritage project plans
as Buildings B, C, D, E, F, I, J, K, L, and N:
(1)
Wall signs: Maximum one wall sign per public business entrance
not to exceed 25 square feet in area with lettering of a maximum height
of 18 inches. Each wall sign shall be located on the same wall as
the public business entrance. A wall sign may include an icon, image,
or symbol. The icon, image, or symbol may be separate or detached
from the related wall sign, provided that the total area of the two
shall not exceed 35 square feet.
(2)
Projecting signs: One two-sided projecting sign per business,
not larger than 10 square feet in area on each side, may be permitted
in addition to the wall sign. Such sign may include an icon, image,
or symbol. Mounting elements of projecting signs shall be consistent
in materials, design and color with the building's architecture and
nearby wall-mounted lighting fixtures.
(3)
Awning signs: Lettering is permitted along the horizontal aspect
of the awning which is perpendicular to the sidewalk provided that
the sign shall only include key words for items or services offered
by an establishment. Awning lettering shall be no higher than six
inches. Such lettering shall not occupy more than 25% of the area
of the horizontal aspect of the awning.
C.
Signs for other commercial (nonresidential) buildings located off
of the "Main Street" area of Winslow Gate Road and along Hudson Heritage
Drive, including those identified on Hudson Heritage project plans
as Buildings A, G, M, and O:
(1)
Wall signs: One wall sign may be permitted for each wall of
a business facing a road or main entry driveway not to exceed a total
of two signs. The area of each sign shall not exceed 25% of the area
of the building facade up to a maximum of 100 square feet, and have
lettering with a maximum height of 36 inches. An icon, image or symbol
may be permitted on the wall sign. The icon, image, or symbol may
be separate or detached from the related wall sign, provided that
the total area of the two shall not exceed the maximum area as permitted
above.
D.
Any signage proposed on any of the six historic buildings and structures
that will be preserved for adaptive reuse in the HRDD shall be reviewed
by the Planning Board in consultation with the Town of Poughkeepsie
Historic Preservation Commission, and with the New York State Office
of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) if required.
The six buildings and structures include the Director's Residence,
the Main Administration Building's main wing, the North Tower, the
Avery Chapel, the Recreation Hall and the Library.
E.
For residential buildings:
(1)
Freestanding sign: On a lot with multiple dwelling units, one
freestanding sign of a maximum area of six square feet and not exceeding
three feet in height is allowed subject to site plan review. Freestanding
signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the front lot
line within a monument of stone, brick or other natural materials
and shall have a landscaped area at the base of the sign which shall
not be smaller than the square footage of the sign. Total height of
the sign and the monument base shall not exceed five feet. On lots
with more than one frontage, a second freestanding sign may be permitted
if a second vehicular entrance exists on that frontage.
(2)
Wall sign: On a building with multiple dwelling units, one wall-mounted
sign of a maximum area of six square feet and not exceeding three
feet in height is allowed.
F.
Directional signs that are not exempt pursuant to § 210-131 are considered freestanding signs and shall be reviewed by the Planning Board. The total sign content area shall not exceed 10 square feet. The sign faces and the structure on which the sign is mounted shall be consistent with the Hudson Heritage Design Guidelines. The sign shall be mounted so that the top of the sign content area shall not be higher than six feet and the top of the structure within which the sign is mounted shall not be higher than seven feet.
[Amended 10-24-2012 by L.L. No. 21-2012]
The following signs are permitted in B-N, B-NH,
IN, and ROMNSC Districts:
A.
Signs shall be designed in accordance with an overall comprehensive
signage plan in which the size, materials, and color of wall-mounted
signage shall be appropriate to the dimensions and architectural appearance
of the building to which it is affixed or, in the case of freestanding
signs, associated with. For multiple tenants, signage shall be presented
as a unified plan that is integrated into the overall building design,
color, scale, massing, and shall also be integrated with the site
landscaping.
B.
Freestanding sign. One freestanding sign with an area not to exceed
50 square feet at each driveway entrance of a site is allowed. The
base of any such freestanding sign shall be mounted within a landscaped
monument of stone, brick or other natural material as approved by
the Planning Board.
C.
Signs attached to buildings. On a site one wall sign for each wall
of a business facing a public road shall be permitted equal to an
area of 25% of the face of the building up to a maximum of 50 square
feet.
D.
Signs where parking is provided primarily to rear of buildings. Where
no parking areas are to be provided in the front of the principal
building and most parking spaces are visually shielded from the road
to the rear of the principal building, one additional wall sign shall
be permitted, provided that such sign does not exceed 25 square feet
and is placed on the wall of the building facing the principal parking
area.
E.
Where two or more businesses share a covered walkway along the face
of the building, each business shall be permitted one sign with a
maximum area of two square feet. This sign shall hang under the canopy,
perpendicular to the face of the building.
[Amended 5-23-2012 by L.L. No. 8-2012; 10-24-2012 by L.L. No.
21-2012]
The following signs are permitted in B-H, SHC,
and FC Districts:
A.
Signs shall be designed in accordance with an overall comprehensive
signage plan in which the size, materials, and color of wall-mounted
signage shall be appropriate to the dimensions and architectural appearance
of the building to which it is affixed or, in the case of freestanding
signs, associated with. For multiple tenants, signage shall be presented
as a unified plan that is integrated into the overall building design,
color, scale, massing, and shall also be integrated with the site
landscaping.
B.
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign with an area not to exceed
50 square feet at each driveway entrance of a site is allowed. The
base of any such freestanding sign shall be mounted within a landscaped
monument of stone, brick or other natural material as approved by
the Planning Board.
C.
Signs attached to buildings. On a site one wall sign for each wall
of a business facing a public road shall be permitted equal to an
area of 25% of the face of the building up to a maximum of 100 square
feet.
D.
Signs where parking is provided primarily to rear of buildings.
(1)
Where no parking areas are to be provided in the front of the principal
building and most parking spaces are visually shielded from the road
to the rear of principal buildings, one additional wall sign shall
be permitted, provided that such sign does not exceed 50 square feet
and is placed on the wall of the building facing the principal parking
area.
(2)
A sign bonus shall be available where there is to be no freestanding
sign. In such case, the sign permitted in this subsection may be a
maximum of 100 square feet.
[Amended 5-23-2012 by L.L. No. 8-2012; 6-4-2014 by L.L. No.
9-2014]
A.
Signs shall be designed in accordance with an overall comprehensive
signage plan in which the size, materials, and color of wall-mounted
signage shall be appropriate to the dimensions and architectural appearance
of the building to which it is affixed, or in the case of freestanding
signs, associated with. For multiple tenants, signage shall be presented
as a unified plan that is integrated into the overall building design,
color, scale, massing, and shall also be integrated with the site
landscaping.
B.
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign which shall advertise the
name of the center only, not exceeding an area of 100 square feet,
is allowed per shopping center. The base of any such freestanding
sign shall be mounted within a landscaped monument of stone, brick
or other natural material as approved by the Planning Board.
C.
Signs attached to buildings.
(1)
For two-story or more enclosed shopping centers:
(a)
Entrance signs are allowed and limited to 25 square feet.
(b)
For each store with a separate public entrance/exit to the outside
of the shopping center, no more than one wall sign per exterior wall
that contains a public entrance/exit. In no case, however, shall the
number of such signs be more than three per store. Such signs shall
not exceed 5% of the wall area on which the sign is located for two-story
walls and 10% of the wall area for one-story walls. In no case, however,
shall any such wall sign exceed 275 square feet.
(3)
For unenclosed shopping centers:
(a)
One wall sign per store. Such signs shall not exceed 25% of
the face of the store (excluding glass) to a maximum of 100 square
feet and shall be secured flat against the face of the building.
(b)
Where no parking areas are to be provided in the front of a
shopping center, one additional wall sign per store shall be permitted,
provided that such sign does not exceed 12 square feet and is placed
on the wall of the building facing the principal parking area.
D.
Where two or more businesses share a covered walkway along the face
of the building, each business shall be permitted one sign having
a maximum of two square feet. Such sign shall hang under the covered
walkway perpendicular to the face of the building.
E.
All shopping center signs shall be approved by the owner of the center.
[Amended 10-24-2012 by L.L. No. 21-2012]
The following signs are permitted in O-R, I-H,
I-L, and Q Districts:
A.
Signs shall be designed in accordance with an overall comprehensive
signage plan in which the size, materials, and color of wall-mounted
signage shall be appropriate to the dimensions and architectural appearance
of the building to which it is affixed or, in the case of freestanding
signs, associated with. For multiple tenants, signage shall be presented
as a unified plan that is integrated into the overall building design,
color, scale, massing, and shall also be integrated with the site
landscaping.
B.
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign with an area not to exceed
50 square feet at each driveway entrance of a site is allowed. The
base of any such freestanding sign shall be mounted within a landscaped
monument of stone, brick or other natural material as approved by
the Planning Board.
C.
Signs attached to buildings. On a site one wall sign for each wall
of a business facing a public road shall be permitted equal to an
area of 25% of the face of the building up to a maximum of 100 square
feet.
D.
Signs where parking is provided primarily to rear of buildings.
(1)
Where no parking areas are to be provided in the front of the principal
building and most parking spaces are visually shielded from the road
to the rear of principal buildings, one additional wall sign shall
be permitted, provided that such sign does not exceed 50 square feet
and is placed on the wall of the building facing the principal parking
area.
(2)
A sign bonus shall be available where there is to be no freestanding
sign. In such case the sign permitted in this subsection may be a
maximum of 100 square feet.
[Amended 7-11-2012 by L.L. No. 15-2012]
Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary
in this chapter, signs for motor vehicle service facilities shall
meet the following additional standards:
A.
Gasoline price lettering affixed to any dispenser
pump in accordance with § 192 of the Agriculture and Markets
Law shall be limited to one sign per dispenser pump and shall not
exceed one square foot in area. In addition, the name, symbol, or
logo of the gas brand may be affixed to any dispenser pump, provided
such name, symbol, or logo is affixed flat to the dispenser and does
not project above any part of the surface of the dispenser.
B.
In addition to any wall sign or freestanding sign
otherwise allowed for the district in which any motor vehicle service
facility may be located, two signs painted on or affixed flat against
the face of any dispenser pump canopy shall be allowed. Such signs
shall not exceed an area greater than 25% of the size of the canopy
face on which the sign is to be mounted. The use of an electronic
message display sign on any canopy is prohibited.
The following signs are exempt from these provisions:
A.
Decorative banners, flags, posters, placards and streamers
on residential premises.
B.
Decorative banners on nonresidential premises not
containing any words, labels, figures or descriptions.
D.
Historical markers, tablets and statues, memorial
signs and plaques, and signs or symbols designated by the Town Board
as historic or as having historical or cultural significance; names
of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface
or when constructed of bronze, stainless steel or similar material;
and emblems installed by governmental agencies, religious or nonprofit
organizations, not exceeding six square feet.
[Amended 7-11-2012 by L.L. No. 15-2012]
E.
Flags and insignia of any government or governmental
agency.
F.
Directional signs for the convenience of the general
public, identifying public parking areas, fire zones, and business
entrances and exits, wherein each individual directional sign shall
not exceed three square feet per face and shall not be mounted higher
than six feet in height.
[Amended 11-3-2010 by L.L. No. 24-2010; 5-5-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021]
G.
A sign of one square foot or less, affixed to the
premises, denoting the name and address of the occupants of the premises.
H.
Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statuary
declaring names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any
masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible
materials, or other remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial
in nature.
I.
Signs which are fully located within the interior
of any building, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building,
which are not visible from the public right-of-way, adjacent lots
or areas outside the building, and signs not to exceed 30 inches by
42 inches, located within the inner or outer lobby, court, or entrance
of any theater, which are intended solely for information relating
to the interior operation of the building in which they are located.
J.
Lawn signs identifying residences, not exceeding one
square foot. Such signs are to be nonilluminated, except by a light
that is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support.
K.
Private owner merchandise sale signs for garage sales
and auctions located on the premises, not exceeding four square feet
for a period not exceeding seven days in any one month.
L.
On-premises "No Trespassing" or "Private Property"
or similar signs.
M.
One temporary nonilluminated "For Sale," "For Rent,"
"For Lease," "Opening Soon," "Coming Soon" real estate sign, or sign
of a similar nature, concerning the vacant or improved real property
upon which the sign is located, provided such sign shall not exceed
six square feet in area in residential districts and in nonresidential
districts shall not exceed 10 square feet per 100 feet of frontage
but not to exceed 50 square feet.
[Amended 9-7-2011 by L.L. No. 21-2011]
N.
Temporary, nonilluminated window signs and posters
not exceeding 10% of the total window surface of a building.
P.
Drive-through menu boards.
R.
Signs identifying real estate, apartment or residential
subdivision developments, not to exceed two signs where each sign
shall not exceed 20 square feet in size and shall advertise only the
name of the development where such sign is located.
S.
A residential building or structure having six or
more units and bed-and-breakfast establishments and boutiques may
have one ten-square-foot sign.
T.
Temporary informational and directional signs for
meetings, conventions and other assemblies displayed only for the
duration of the event.
U.
One sign, not exceeding two square feet in a residential
district or 12 square feet in a nonresidential district, listing the
architect, engineer, contractor and/or owner on premises where construction,
renovation or repair is in progress. Said sign shall be removed upon
completion of construction, renovation or repair.
V.
Signs or bulletin boards customarily incidental to
places of worship, schools, libraries, museums, social clubs or societies,
provided that signs or bulletin boards shall not exceed 15 square
feet in area and shall be located on the premises of such institutions.
W.
Political posters and similar signs.
