City of Walhalla, SC Sign Regulations

Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

A sign structure that has ceased to be used, and the owner intends no longer to have used, for the display of sign copy, or as otherwise defined by state law.

ANIMATED SIGN

A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion. Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as defined and regulated by this code, include the following types:

(1)

Electrically activated: Animated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical or electromechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted in Subsections (a) and (b) as follows:

(a)

Flashing: Animated signs or animated portions of signs where the illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination. For the purposes of this article, "flashing" will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds four seconds.

(b)

Patterned illusionary movement: Animated signs or animated portions of signs where the illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.

(2)

Environmentally activated: Animated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input. Includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings and/or other devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.

(3)

Mechanically activated: Animated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.

ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION

Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but that does not include signs as defined herein. See also "awning"; "backlit awning"; and "canopy, attached and freestanding."

AWNING

An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.

AWNING SIGN

A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning. See also "wall or fascia sign."

BACKLIT AWNING

An awning with a translucent covering material and a source of illumination contained within its framework.

BANNER

A sign, with or without characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation, applied to cloth, paper, plastic or natural or synthetic fabric of any kind, with only such material for a backing. For purposes of this article, a banner is defined only as a temporary sign when used outdoors.

BANNER SIGN

A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.

BILLBOARD

See "off-premises sign" and "outdoor advertising sign."

BUILDING ELEVATION

The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline, as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.

CANOPY (ATTACHED)

A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See also "marquee."

CANOPY (FREESTANDING)

A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and/or soffit of a freestanding canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.

CANOPY SIGN

A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy.

CHANGEABLE SIGN

A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs which are:

(1)

Electrically activated: changeable sign where the message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices; or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also "electronic message sign or center."

COMBINATION SIGN

A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a building structure.[1]

DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX SIGN

A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

DOUBLE-FACED SIGN

A sign with two faces, back to back.

ELECTRIC SIGN

Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical energy.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN OR CENTER

An electrically activated changeable sign where the variable message capability can be electronically programmed.

EXTERIOR SIGN

Any sign placed outside a building.

FASCIA SIGN

See "wall or fascia sign."

FLASHING SIGN

See "animated sign, electrically activated."

FREESTANDING SIGN

A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground.

FRONTAGE (BUILDING)

The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a single premises orientated to the public way or other properties that it faces.

FRONTAGE (PROPERTY)

The length of the property line(s) of any single premises along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.

GROUND SIGN

See "freestanding sign."

ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated) or reflecting off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).

INTERIOR SIGN

Any sign placed within a building, but not including window signs as defined by this article. Interior signs, with the exception of window signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.

MANSARD

An inclined decorative rooflike projection that is attached to an exterior building facade.

MARQUEE

See "canopy (attached)."

MARQUEE SIGN

See "canopy sign."

MENU BOARD

A freestanding sign orientated to the drive-through lane for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the drive-through window, and which has not more than 20% of the total area for such a sign utilized for business identification.

MONUMENT SIGN

A ground-mounted sign in which the area between the bottom edge of the sign and the ground is substantially filled with a solid architectural material. Solid architectural materials include wood, brick, stone, masonry or hard-coat stucco, but do not include aluminum or similar materials.

MULTIPLE-FACED SIGN

A sign containing three or more faces.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN

See "outdoor advertising sign."

ON-PREMISES SIGN

A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use of, products sold on or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN

A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.

PARAPET

The extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.

POLE SIGN

See "freestanding sign."

POLITICAL SIGN

A temporary sign intended to advance a political statement, cause or candidate for office. A legally permitted outdoor advertising sign shall not be considered to be a political sign.

PORTABLE SIGN

Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building or building surface.

PROJECTION SIGN

A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects more than 18 inches (457 mm) from a building face or wall or from a structure where the primary purpose is other than the support of a sign.

REAL ESTATE SIGN

A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of the property or premises upon which it is located.

REVOLVING SIGN

A sign that revolves 360° (6.28 rad) about an axis. See also "animated sign, mechanically activated."

ROOFLINE

The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.

ROOF SIGN

A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections, such as canopies or marquees, shall not be considered to be roof signs.

SANDWICH BOARD SIGN

A freestanding temporary sign, with no moving parts or lights, which is displayed outside a business during business hours to advertise the business, hours of operation, an event or a promotion. It is not intended as a permanent business sign.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]

SIGN

Any device visible from a public place that displays either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be considered to be signs.

SIGN AREA

The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprises the sign face. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided signs shall be computed as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces of the sign.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]

SIGN COPY

Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of numerals identifying a street address only.

SIGN FACE

The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative trim or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border.

(1)

In the case of panel or cabinet-type signs, the sign face shall include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open space between separate panels or cabinets.

(2)

In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy, the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border or a contrasting surface or color.

(3)

In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building or structure.

(4)

In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the area within the contrasting background, or within the painted or illuminated border.

SIGN STRUCTURE

Any structure supporting a sign.

TEMPORARY SIGN

(1)

A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not intended to be permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground, are considered temporary signs.

(2)

Types of temporary signs.

(a)

GRAND OPENING SIGNA sign that displays the words "Grand Opening" to announce the opening of a new business.

(b)

INTERIM SIGNA sign intended to provide signage while the permanent sign is being fabricated, repaired or prepared for installation.

(c)

TEMPORARY PROMOTIONAL SIGNA sign intended to attract attention to a use or activity for a limited number of events.

(d)

TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT SIGNA sign for special community activities or seasonal events.

UNDER-CANOPY SIGN or UNDER-MARQUEE SIGN

A sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.

V SIGN

A sign containing two faces of approximately equal size, erected upon common or separate structures, positioned in a "V" shape with an interior angle between faces of not more than 90° (1.57 rad), with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (1524 mm) at their closest point.

WALL OR FASCIA SIGN

A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.

WINDOW SIGN

A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from adjacent property.

[1]

Editor's Note: The definition of "copy," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Exempt signs. The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this article and require no permit:

(1)

Traffic, directional, warning or information signs authorized by any public agency.

(2)

Official notices authorized by any court, public agency or official.

(3)

Institutional signs, not to exceed 20 square feet, for any public, charitable, educational, medical or religious institution.

(4)

Building nameplates with related inscription, memorial plaques and cornerstones, when made an integral part of a building or structure.

(5)

Flags and flagpoles.

(6)

On-site directional signs, not to exceed six square feet in area.

(7)

One-time auction signs, not to exceed six square feet in area.

(8)

Private property postings related to trespassing or public safety.

(9)

Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.

(10)

"Open house" signs, not to exceed four square feet in area.

(11)

Temporary unlighted real estate (for sale, rent, lease) signs for residential, not to exceed four square feet in area, or for commercial, not to exceed 32 square feet in area, per property, and not to exceed eight feet in height, are allowed, provided the proper permit or business license has been obtained. The signs shall be removed not later than five days after the execution of a lease agreement or closing of the sale. Banner-type signs are not permitted.

(12)

Political signs, subject to the following limitations:

(a)

Such signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet or a total area of 32 square feet.

(b)

Such signs for election candidates or ballot propositions shall be displayed on public rights-of-way only for a period of 15 days preceding the election and shall be removed within 10 days after the election, provided that signs promoting successful candidates or ballot propositions in a primary election or unopposed primary candidates and certified petition candidates may remain displayed until not more than 10 days after the general election. Political signs may not be displayed in the medians or rights-of-way on Main Street from Ann Street to Tugaloo Street.

[Amended 4-20-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]

(c)

The maximum number of political signs per street frontage will be one every 25 feet.

Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited:

(1)

Strobe or neon lights, and signs containing strobe, LED or flashing lights which are visible beyond the property line. This does not include a storefront stationary lit, open/closed sign.

(2)

Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, except for signs meeting the following conditions:

(a)

The primary purpose of such a vehicle or trailer is not the display of signs.

(b)

The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer, and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.

(c)

The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively used or available for use in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate.

Abandoned signs.

Rooftop signs.

Off-premises signs.

Contractor's signs.

A sign or sign structure which obstructs free and clear vision at intersections, or by its position, shape or color may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

Permitted signs. The following signs are allowed, subject to the permitting requirements of § 330-1.26, Permitting process, and the applicable development regulations of this Part 1.

(1)

Permanent freestanding business identification signs.

(a)

Allowable area: not to exceed 36 square feet in area for a single business, or 120 square feet for multiple businesses on the same panel.

(b)

Number. One freestanding sign is allowed for each developed site, lot or parcel on which a nonresidential use is constructed. Where a site or parcel fronts on more than one street, one freestanding sign is permitted for each street. Where two or more businesses or buildings occupy the same site or parcel controlled by a single owner or landlord (shopping center or industrial park), only one freestanding sign for the aggregate businesses shall be permitted per street frontage.

(c)

Location. No freestanding sign shall:

[1]

Be located nearer than five feet to any property line, nor shall such sign face overhang or extend beyond the property line or in any way impair visual clearance at driveway or street intersections.

[2]

Be set back less than 10 feet from any street right-of-way line.

[3]

Be permitted in the Downtown Development Overlay District unless it meets all Downtown Design Guidelines, is aesthetically appropriate and is approved by City Council.

(d)

Height: not higher than eight feet above finished grade of the ground at the sign base, except a maximum height of 30 feet from the ground (pavement) is permitted in Highway Commercial or Light Industrial Districts only.

(e)

In Office Commercial Districts, a sign may be of berm or solid base design. Application for berm design must be accompanied by a landscape maintenance plan.

(f)

Where average elevation of a lot is lower than the finished grade of the abutting edge of the sidewalk, a pole or support may be permitted to raise the sign to the level allowed by height regulations.

(g)

Sign must be permanently affixed. A solid base sign shall be ground-mounted, solid all the way to the ground and constructed of wood, brick, masonry or similar durable materials.

(2)

Permanent signs attached to buildings.

(a)

Allowable area. The total area of signs on the exterior front surface of a building shall not exceed 25% of the front surface area of the building. The same will be required of signage on the sides and rear surfaces of the buildings.

(b)

Window coverage.

[1]

In the Downtown Development Overlay District, window or door signs may occupy up to 25% of the storefront glass, and are only allowed on the first floor of the building. All window and door signage in excess of the allowable 25% of the storefront glass should be counted against the overall allowed sign area for that side of the building. Windows are not permitted to be covered on the interior or exterior by plastic, tarps, paper or similar materials unless undergoing active renovations or repairs. Coverage is limited to 90 days. Extension may be permitted where required with written request to the Zoning Administrator.

[2]

Outside of the Downtown Development Overlay District, signage in or on windows, inside or outside, shall not exceed 50% of any front-facing window.

(c)

No part of any sign attached to a building, in any manner, shall extend above the uppermost point of each building.

(d)

Signs shall be limited to the use, business or profession conducted on the premises; except that a sign from a previous business, within that structure, that is otherwise significant or of historical value may be displayed, provided it is properly maintained by the present owner.

(e)

Letters, decorations and facings of signs shall be constructed of durable materials approved by the Building Official.

(f)

Restaurants shall be permitted to display one menu (in an enclosed case) or menu board, provided that such shall not exceed nine square feet.

(3)

Awnings/Canopies.

(a)

Awnings/Canopies shall be no closer than 18 inches to a vertical plane at the street curbline and have a minimum height of 8.5 feet above the sidewalk.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]

(b)

Awning/Canopy signs shall consist of the name of the business and numerical address only, with copy area not to exceed an area equal to 25% of the background area of the awning/canopy.

(4)

Temporary signs. Temporary signs are permitted to be erected no more than 30 days prior to such sale or grand opening; provided such exhibits are removed within seven day after the event; and further provided that not more than one extension of 30 days may be granted upon request, and no exhibit shall be re-permitted within six months of the time it, or a similar display, is removed from the premises. In the Downtown Development Overlay District, a maximum of two temporary signs are permitted per property. Maximum sign area is 18 square feet per sign.

(5)

Sandwich board signs.

(a)

Sandwich board signs will be limited to a maximum area of nine square feet in area per side and cannot exceed 42 inches in height. They shall not be placed more than five feet from the front of the primary entrance of the business and be displayed only during business hours of the business utilizing the sandwich board. Only one sandwich board sign per business is allowed; and sandwich board signs shall not be allowed within a roadway or public right-of-way, except in cases where the Zoning Administrator may approve a permit for it to be located within a public sidewalk directly adjacent to a business. In such cases it shall not be placed so as to cause the width of the sidewalk to be reduced below four feet in width, nor shall it prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, or window or fire escape.

(b)

Signs must be stored inside when the business is closed.

Permits.

(1)

Permits required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be obtained from, and approved by, the Zoning Administrator for the erection, alteration, construction, reconstruction, attachment to the exterior of any building, temporary and maintenance of all signs erected or maintained within the City of Walhalla and in accordance with other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all other provisions of this Part 1.

(2)

Construction documents. Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure requiring such permit, construction documents shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator showing the dimensions, materials and required details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the International Building Code.

(3)

Changes to signs. No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged or relocated, except in conformity to the provisions herein, nor until a proper permit, if required, has been secured. The changing or maintenance of movable parts or components of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the changing of copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter, or the content of any sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration.

(4)

Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter or relocate a sign shall be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted within the City of Walhalla.

Development standards. All signs allowed by this article must comply with the following development standards:

(1)

Clearance. Clearances are measured from the grade directly below the sign to the bottom of the sign structure enclosing the sign face.

(a)

Visual clearance. No sign may be located within a vision clearance area as defined by § 330-1.41 of this Part 1, and no support structure for a sign may be located in a vision clearance area unless the diameter is 12 inches or less.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]

(b)

Vehicle area clearance. When a sign extends over a private area where vehicles travel or are parked, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least 14 feet above grade. Vehicle areas include driveways, alleys, parking lots, loading zones and maneuvering areas.

(c)

Pedestrian area clearance. When a sign extends over private sidewalks or walkways, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least 8.5 feet above the grade.

(d)

Required yards and setbacks. The sign face of a sign structure may be erected in required yards and setbacks, but no closer than five feet to any property line.

(2)

Sign measurement.

(a)

Sign face area.

[1]

The area of sign faces enclosed in frames or cabinets is determined based on the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding the sign face. Sign area does not include foundations or supports. Only one side, the largest single face, of a double-faced or V-shaped freestanding sign is counted.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]

[2]

When a sign is on a base material and attached without a frame, such as a wood board or Plexiglas panel, the dimensions of the base material are to be used unless it is clear that part of the base contains no sign-related display or decoration.

[3]

When signs are constructed of individual pieces attached to a building wall, sign area is determined by a perimeter drawn around all the pieces.

[4]

For sign structures containing multiple modules oriented in the same direction, the modules together are counted as one sign face.

[5]

For a round or three-dimensional sign, the maximum surface area visible at one time is counted to determine sign face area.

(3)

Sign design, construction and maintenance.

(a)

All signs, except those protected by transparent cover, shall be constructed of materials which will not rapidly deteriorate, fade, fall apart or otherwise become a hazard to public safety and the general welfare. The sign shall be securely fastened and placed to withstand adverse weather.

(b)

All signs allowed under this article must comply with applicable requirements of the International Building Code, National Electrical Code and other applicable federal, state or local codes.

(c)

All signs shall be kept free from defective or missing parts or peeling paint. The Zoning Administrator shall possess the authority to order painting, repair or alteration of a sign which constitutes a hazard to the public health, safety, general welfare or has lost its visual integrity by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence. Notice of such repair shall be given to the owner by personal service, or registered mail, return receipt requested.

(d)

The immediate premises around a sign shall be kept free from litter and debris.

(4)

Removal of nonconforming signs.

(a)

Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted, or product sold, shall be taken down and removed by the owner of the property, or agent thereof, whereon the sign may be found, unless the sign falls within the exception granted by § 330-1.25D(2)(d) of this article. Such removal is to take place within a period of 30 days following cessation of effective use of the sign or closing of the business.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]

(b)

All signs and sign structures, with the exception of freestanding signs, billboards and monument signs, which are nonconforming to the standards of this article, but which were lawfully erected under the requirement of previously existing regulations, shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the property upon which the sign is erected within 120 days from the effective date of this article. The lawful use of a nonconforming freestanding sign, billboard or monument sign may be continued indefinitely. However, should the cost of any proposed replacement, based on damage or upgrading, exceed 75% of the existing sign value, said sign must be brought into compliance with the requirements of this article. Any improvement or change to signage must meet Downtown Design Guidelines within the Downtown Development Overlay District. Any sign owner or property owner who believes this schedule does not minimize their loss, recoup initial investment or is generally unreasonable, given the specific conditions of that sign or sign structure, may petition for relief. Such requests shall contain sufficient documentation upon which a determination can be made and shall include a copy of the building permit to determine age of the sign, and construction contract to determine initial cost of the sign.