[Amended 3-6-2012 by L.L. No. 1-2012; 5-7-2013 by L.L. No. 5-2013; 5-20-2014 by L.L. No. 5-2014; 9-6-2016 by L.L. No. 4-2016; 2-1-2022 by L.L. No. 2-2022]
The primary purpose of these sign regulations in the Village of Johnson City is to identify the location or occupant for a parcel of land, promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by providing comprehensive restrictions on signage, which shall include controls on height, quantity, location, spacing, shape, scale, lighting, motion, design, maintenance, and appearance. Regulations apply to the physical aspects of the sign, and not the content or message. These regulations also serve to:
A. 
Ensure right to free speech as protected under the Constitution;
B. 
Protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate and protect the physical appearance of the community;
C. 
Provide businesses with effective means of identification with signs that are harmonious in color, size, and material with the building to which they relate, thereby preserving the existing character of the community and providing visual continuity across districts;
D. 
Reduce traffic conflicts or hazards by minimizing visual distractions or obstacles in or visible from the public rights-of-way;
E. 
Minimize the adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property;
F. 
Avoid personal injury and property damage from unsafe or confusing signs; and
G. 
Establish a clear and impartial process for those seeking to install signs.
The following apply to all signs in the Village of Johnson City, which are erected or installed after the effective date of this chapter:
A. 
All signs must be constructed in accordance with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, shall be maintained in good condition, shall be kept free of defects or hazards and shall not be allowed to become dilapidated or deteriorated.
B. 
Signs cannot be located on a public right-of-way or public property. Signs may be placed on public property subject to a license or lease with a governmental entity. Except for off-premises signs, signs must be located on the property on which the business is located;
[Amended 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
C. 
No sign shall obstruct the view at the intersection of any streets or be confused with traffic management signs or signals, and signs shall be located at least eight feet from any property line.
D. 
No sign shall impair or cause confusion of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in its design or color. Placement of signs shall not be permitted within a sight triangle as defined by § 300-53.14, Visibility at intersections, of the Village of Johnson City Zoning Code. No sign shall be located on a property or public right-of-way that advertises or promotes a business not located on the subject property; unless otherwise herein specifically allowed.
[Amended 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
E. 
Every principal building or structure shall have street identification numbers subject to § 505 of the Fire Code of New York State.
F. 
If the property/structure contains walls facing more than one public street, the number of signs and the sign areas will be computed separately for each face of the building facing a different public street.
G. 
When signs are required as part of the site plan review, the Planning Board shall consider the compatibility of the sign's general character in context to its location, color(s), lettering, size and overall design.
H. 
Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, substantially modify, relocate or substantially reconstruct any sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Code Enforcement Office.
I. 
For the purposes of this article, "substantial modification" shall mean any change in the configuration, orientation, illumination, or purpose of the sign. "Substantial reconstruction" shall mean the removal and replacement of more than 50% of the existing signage structural elements.
J. 
No sign permit shall be required for the repainting or repair of a sign in conformance with this article.
K. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall require the proper maintenance of all signs, and such signs, together with their supports, shall be kept in good repair. The display surfaces shall be kept neatly painted at all times. The Code Enforcement Officer may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this article.
L. 
Any signage not expressly permitted in this article is prohibited in the Village of Johnson City.
M. 
Any on-premises sign that no longer advertises the use of the property must be removed within 60 days after written notification from the Code Enforcement Officer.
[Amended 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
The following types of signs may be erected in the Village of Johnson City without obtaining a permit. Although permits are not required for these signs, the signs shall conform to the height, setback and size requirements detailed in this chapter.
A. 
Official sign, public notice sign, or warning sign supported by federal, state or local law (example: New York State inspection station or authorized repair shop identification);
B. 
Any sign within a building not legible from the street or adjacent lots;
C. 
Any sign within an enclosed outdoor space, such as an athletic field, where the sign is not legible beyond the property lines;
D. 
Works of art.
[Amended 10-4-2022 by L.L. No. 16-2022]
(1) 
Works of art not displaying a commercial message in all areas, except those owned by the Village: Such works of art are subject to size regulations via wall signs as detailed in Tables 52-5 and 52-6.
(2) 
Works of art not displaying a commercial message on Village-owned property: Upon recommendation of Planning and Zoning staff, such works of art are permitted with Village Board approval and are exempt from size regulations.
E. 
Banners not displaying a commercial message;
F. 
Holiday decorations not displaying a commercial message;
G. 
Decals, logos, or emblems that identify the name of a business under 64 square inches.
H. 
Light pole banners on private property are allowed as follows:
(1) 
Light pole banners shall not display a commercial message.
(2) 
Light pole banners are permitted for light poles in private parking lots and must be mounted so that they are held taut between support posts.
(3) 
Light pole banners are limited to a maximum area of six square feet per banner.
(4) 
Light pole banners must be mounted to project perpendicular from light poles.
(5) 
Light pole banners must not be used as a temporary off-premises sign.
I. 
Directional signs: signs which provide direction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain and, with the exception of a logo, do not advertise a business and do not exceed four square feet in area. Directional signs include signs identifying public rest rooms, public telephones, walkways or signs providing direction, such as parking lot entrance and exit signs, drive-up lanes, store/office/facility entrances, and those of a similar nature and do not exceed the following:
(1) 
In residential districts, four square feet.
(2) 
In CB, CO, OO, and NC Districts, eight square feet.
(3) 
In GC and IN Districts, 12 square feet.
(4) 
For multi-tenant commercial developments, mixed-use developments and shopping centers in GC and PUD Districts, over 500,000 square feet in building area, a monument sign of a maximum of 14 feet in height and 120 square feet in area is permitted along interior roadways at the intersection of entrance roads from public streets.
J. 
Flags of any nation, state, municipality, or political subdivision, flags officially designated as a national, state, or local symbol, or flags of fraternal, religious, and civic organizations. Flags may be freestanding or wall-mounted.
(1) 
Poles for freestanding flags are limited to the maximum height of the zoning district or 30 feet, whichever is less.
(2) 
Poles for freestanding flags must be set back a minimum of eight feet from any lot line and may be within front yard areas.
(3) 
Wall-mounted flags may not extend over the public right-of-way.
K. 
Gasoline service station price signs: signs not exceeding three square feet advertising the price of gasoline and indicating self-service or full-service, when attached to a gasoline pump or pump service island.
L. 
Government signs: signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any government function. There are no bulk requirements for government signs.
M. 
Government-installed or legally established signs that control or direct traffic. Signs must conform to standards prescribed in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and any other relevant state guidelines. Such signs can be placed in the public right-of-way.
N. 
Home occupation signs: limited to one sign for each dwelling unit, not to exceed two square feet in area, indicating the name, location or identification of a home occupation. All home occupations signs must conform to the regulations permitted in the underlying zoning district.
O. 
House numbers and nameplates: house numbers and nameplates, not exceeding two square feet in area for each dwelling unit.
P. 
Memorial signs: memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other similar noncombustible material; historical markers erected by any government body or with a government permit. There are no bulk requirements for memorial signs.
Q. 
"No Trespassing" and "No Dumping" signs: "No Trespassing" and "No Dumping" signs not to exceed two square feet in area per sign. Such signs shall be permitted within the street setback and side and rear yards.
R. 
Signs advertising for public, quasi-public, nonprofit, church, schools, hospital or other similar uses shall be located on the same premises as the use.
S. 
Temporary signs.
(1) 
No temporary sign is allowed for more than 30 days with no more than one thirty-day extension.
(2) 
Any temporary sign that advertises for an event/happening at a specific date in time, must be removed within 10 days following such date. The ten days removal period is not included within the thirty-day or any thirty-day extension.
(3) 
Each property location is limited to three temporary signs at one time.
(4) 
The size of each temporary sign is regulated by the provisions in these regulations, but shall not be in excess of the size permitted for any permanent sign of similar type or configuration within the specific zones.
(5) 
Any temporary sign requiring electricity must conform to requirements for permanent signs requiring electricity under this chapter.
(6) 
No temporary sign is allowed to be erected in such a manner as to constitute a roof sign.
(7) 
No sign is authorized on Village property or in the public right-of-way.
(8) 
A temporary sign may be placed upon any legally existing off-premises sign structure, but not so as to add another face to the already existing sign.
(9) 
If any a property owner, tenant or other party wishes to install more than 10 temporary signs during the same thirty-day period within the boundaries of the Village, a security deposit of $350 for each thirty-day period must be submitted to the Village Clerk's office. Failure to pay such security deposit is a violation of this Chapter. Failure to comply with provisions of this Chapter including but not limited to timely removal shall result in the Security Deposit being forfeited to the Village and removal of signs.
(10) 
Violations of this chapter are subject to any and all enforcement proceedings and all other civil and criminal remedies available to the Village.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection T, Political signs, as amended 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022, and Subsection U, Long-term temporary signs, which immediately followed this subsection, were repealed 3-21-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023.
The following regulated permanent signage types are considered permitted signs in the Village of Johnson City, unless otherwise noted in this article:
A. 
General regulations. The following general regulations apply to each sign type. Additional regulations are provided in this article by zoning district.
(1) 
All signs must be located on private property except for off-premises signs and comply with the dimension and setback requirements contained in this section.
[Amended 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
(2) 
No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
(3) 
Sign area.
(a) 
The area of a sign will include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols with the background area, but will not include any supports, framework, or bracing.
(b) 
The area of a sign applied to a building will include all lettering, wording and designs/symbols with the background area.
(c) 
When a sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, the area will be considered to be the smallest rectangle that encompasses all letters/symbols.
(4) 
Signs projecting over walkways or sidewalks must have a minimum clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground of 10 feet. Signs projecting over a traffic area, such as a driveway or parking lot aisle, must have a minimum clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground of 15 feet.
(5) 
Digital messaging is allowed on monument signs and freestanding pylon signs only as outlined herein and must comply with additional regulations provided in this article per zoning district.
[Amended 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
B. 
Wall sign. The following regulations apply to wall signs:
(1) 
No portion of a wall sign may project above the roofline or above the parapet wall of a building with a flat roof.
(2) 
A wall sign may not cover windows or architectural details.
(3) 
Wall signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
(4) 
Signage area, as depicted below, is calculated by multiplying the height of the sign by the length of the sign:
C. 
Awning sign. The following regulations apply to awning signs:
(1) 
Awning signs may not extend outside the awning.
(2) 
Signs are allowed on ground-floor awnings only.
(3) 
Awning signs may be externally illuminated only.
(4) 
Signage area, as depicted below, is calculated by determining the total area of rectangular spaces around sign messaging:
D. 
Canopy sign. The following regulations apply to building-mounted canopy signs:
(1) 
Canopy signs may not extend outside the surface area of the canopy.
(2) 
Signs are allowed on ground-floor canopies only.
(3) 
Canopy signs may be externally illuminated or, if internally illuminated, provide sufficient downlighting onto the sidewalk.
(4) 
Canopy signs shall not exceed 1 1/2 feet in height or the height of vertical thickness of the canopy, whichever is greater.
(5) 
The sign area of a canopy sign shall be counted toward the total allowable wall sign area of the parallel face to which the marquee is attached.
(6) 
Signage area, as depicted below, is calculated by multiplying the sign height by the sign width:
E. 
Freestanding canopy sign. The following regulations apply to freestanding canopy signs:
(1) 
Canopy signs may not extend outside the surface area of the canopy and shall be designed to be compatible with the design and colors of the primary associated building and surrounding area.
(2) 
Signage is limited to a total area not to exceed 24 square feet per side. Total signage on canopy must not exceed 35% of the total canopy area.
(3) 
Signage may be located on as many sides of the canopy as desired, but shall at no time exceed the total permitted area, as defined above.
F. 
Window sign. The following regulations apply to window signs:
(1) 
Window signs shall not be considered temporary signage if they are not intended to be changed or replaced within six months from date of installation, or text exceeds six inches in height.
(2) 
Signs hanging from a ceiling or post that are not affixed to the glass of the window but within 12 inches of the window shall be considered as a window sign.
(3) 
Signage area, as depicted below, is calculated by determining the total area of rectangular spaces around sign messaging:
G. 
Projecting/Perpendicular sign. The following regulations apply to projecting/perpendicular signs:
(1) 
No portion of a projecting sign may be higher than the top of the building.
(2) 
No portion of a projecting sign may be located higher than the top of the second floor of the building.
(3) 
Any part of a sign extending over pedestrian areas must have a minimum height clearance of 10 feet.
(4) 
The projecting sign may not project more than three feet from the building line and shall not be nearer than four feet to the curbline of the street.
(5) 
The signpost or bracket is not included in the signage calculation.
(6) 
Signage area, as depicted below, is calculated by multiplying the sign height by the sign width:
H. 
Freestanding pylon sign. The following regulations apply to freestanding pylon signs:
(1) 
A freestanding pylon sign may be located only on a site frontage adjoining a public street.
(2) 
Signage area, as depicted below, is calculated by multiplying the sign height by the sign width. The signpost or bracket is not included in the signage calculation.
(3) 
Sign height is as follows (See allowable heights in Tables 52-7 and 52-8.):
Two-post freestanding pylon sign
Single side post freestanding pylon
Single center post freestanding pylon
(4) 
Digital messages or graphics are only permitted on freestanding pylon style signs in the General Commercial Zoning District and Industrial Zoning District. Digital messages are prohibited on all other sign types and in all other zoning districts and in the i-District Overlay. Digital messages signs are allowed on all Village-owned property in all zoning and overlay districts.
[Added 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
(a) 
The message shall change no more than once per day and shall consist of a single color.
(b) 
Digital message signs shall not be located within 500 feet of a residentially zoned property as measured along the street line on which the sign is located.
(c) 
The illumination from a digital message sign shall be controlled so as not to be visible from or cast light or shadows onto adjacent properties or cause unwanted glare in accordance with Article 55.
(d) 
The use of any digital messages on a site shall result in an overall reduction in the allotted sign area of 25%.
I. 
Monument sign. The following regulations apply to monument signs:
(1) 
One monument sign is allowed for each frontage along a primary or secondary street.
(2) 
Must be set back at least 12.5 feet from the front property line and in no case may interfere with safe vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
(3) 
May not be closer than 80 feet to any other monument sign located on the neighboring lots on the same frontage.
(4) 
Digital messages or graphics are only permitted on monument-style signs in the General Commercial Zoning District and Industrial Zoning District. Digital messages are prohibited on all other sign types and in all other zoning districts and in the i-District Overlay. Digital messages are allowed on all Village-owned property in all zoning and overlay districts.
[Amended 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
(a) 
The message shall change no more than once per day and shall consist of a single color.
(b) 
Digital message signs shall not be located within 500 feet of a residentially zoned property as measured along the street line on which the sign is located.
(c) 
The illumination from a digital message sign shall be controlled so as not to be visible from or cast light or shadows onto adjacent properties or cause unwanted glare in accordance with Article 55.
(d) 
The use of any digital messages on a site shall result in an overall reduction in the allotted sign area of 25%.
(5) 
Signage area, as depicted below, is calculated by multiplying the sign height by the sign width [See § 300-52.4A(3).]:
J. 
Signs in multi-tenant commercial developments. The following regulations apply to multi-tenant commercial signs:
(1) 
"Multi-tenant commercial developments" refers to a mixture of five or more stores, shops, offices, restaurants or similar businesses offering a variety of goods and services and residential housing, occupying adjoining structures, whether attached or detached, having a common interrelated parking, loading and site circulation system with consolidated access to public roads, regardless of whether portions of the development are owned by separate entities, provided that deed restrictions and cross easements are reviewed and approved by the Village Planning Board.
(2) 
Each multi-tenant commercial development may have one single- or double-faced monument sign, per entrance. The monument sign may be used as a multi-tenant directory sign indicating the name of the occupants of a building or multiple buildings. Each business may have no more than one reference as part of the monument sign.
(3) 
Tenants.
(a) 
Each tenant of a multi-tenant commercial development shall be allowed a sign; however, such sign shall not exceed 5% of the portion of the total area leased by the tenant and shall not exceed the maximum sign area prescribed by this article.
(b) 
All facade signs shall be of a uniform, harmonious design as prescribed by this article and shall be affixed to the facade of the building.
K. 
Subdivision entry or other identification sign. The following regulations apply to subdivision entry signs:
(1) 
One sign identifying the name of a project located at the entrance to a development that has:
(a) 
Greater than 10 single-family detached or single-family attached, 20 townhouses, or 20 multifamily housing units.
(b) 
One such sign shall be permitted for each entrance on a different street or highway.
L. 
Drive-in facilities. The following regulations apply to drive-in facility signs:
(1) 
Businesses with drive-in facilities are limited to one sign, not exceeding 24 square feet for each drive-in lane. The sign shall be located adjacent to the drive-in lane and shall be easily visible to motorists using the lane. If the drive-in lane or facility is removed or not operating for a period exceeding 60 days, the sign must be removed.
(2) 
Such signs shall only provide information which will assist the motorist in using the facility. Such signs may include but shall not be limited to video menu boards, menus, banking instructions, manual car wash instructions and other signs of a similar character. Advertising of products not offered at the facility is not permitted on these signs.
M. 
Off-premises signs.
[Added 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
(1) 
Off-premises signs (nondigital and digital) shall only be permitted within the General Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts in the Village of Johnson City and within a distance of not greater than 500 feet of the right-of-way of NYS Route 17/Interstate 86 and NYS Route 201. Off-premises signs are allowed on all Village-owned property in all zoning and overlay districts. Off-premises signs (nondigital and digital) are not allow in the i-District Overlay.
(2) 
There will be a one-time fee payable to the Village of Johnson City of $20,000 for each new digital sign and a one-time fee payable to the Village of Johnson City of $10,000 for each new nondigital sign. In the event the applicant for the proposed new off-premises sign (nondigital and digital) desires as part of the permit application to permanently remove existing off-premises signs at a ratio of two existing nonconforming off-premises signs to the installation of one new off-premises sign in the Village of Johnson City, and on the condition that the minimum square feet of said two existing nonconforming off-premises signs are a combined total square feet of at least 75% of the square footage of the proposed new off-premises sign, then there will be the payment of a one-time fee to the Village of Johnson City of $10,000 for each new digital sign and a one-time fee payable to the Village of Johnson City of $5,000 for each new nondigital sign.
(3) 
Yearly license fees for off-premises digital signs shall be $1,000, payable by the owner to the Village of Johnson City on a calendar basis. Yearly license fees for off-premises nonditigal signs that are not already licensed by a Village or other government entity shall be $500 for a nondigital sign larger than 55 square feet and $250 for a nondigital sign that is 55 square feet or smaller. Failure to submit payment within 45 days of December 31 will result in an additional administrative fee of 10% of said overdue payment.
(4) 
No more than one off-premises sign structure is permitted on a lot or parcel. The structure cannot have more than one digital sign face facing the same direction (e.g., stacked sign).
(5) 
Except for those signs on Village property, no off-premises sign shall be located within 500 feet from another off-premises sign facing the same direction, nor, as measured along the street line on which the sign is located, within 100 feet of any residential zoning district boundary, nor within 500 feet of the property line of a public or parochial school, library, church, hospital or similar institutional use fronting on the same street.
(6) 
The size of the off-premises nondigital freestanding pylon sign shall not exceed 300 square feet, shall not exceed 30 feet in height above the elevation of the nearest highway shoulder, and shall have a minimum setback of eight feet from any property line. The size of the off-premises nondigital monument sign shall not exceed 150 square feet, shall not exceed 12 feet in height above the elevation of the nearest highway shoulder, and shall have a minimum setback of eight feet from any property line.
(7) 
The size of the off-premises digital freestanding pylon sign shall not exceed 450 square feet, shall not exceed 30 feet in height above the elevation of the nearest highway shoulder, and shall have a minimum setback of eight feet from any property line. The size of the off-premises digital monument sign shall not exceed 150 square feet, shall not exceed 12 feet in height above the elevation of the nearest highway shoulder, and shall have a minimum setback of eight feet from any property line.
(8) 
The digital sign must be located in accordance with the federal and state regulations from the nearest off-premises sign. Distance between digital signs shall be in accordance with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and federal regulations and requirements.
(9) 
The digital messaging shall remain static for at least eight seconds prior to changing to the next message, which messaging change shall be performed as quickly as possible (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in) or otherwise in accordance with federal and state regulations.
(10) 
The illumination and all other aspects of a digital sign shall otherwise conform to all requirements of the NYSDOT and federal regulations.
N. 
Digital message centers for governmental uses, including schools, fire districts, fire companies and senior citizen centers.
[Added 8-2-2022 by L.L. No. 13-2022]
(1) 
Signs are permitted in any zoning district on property owned by the entity.
(2) 
Signs are permitted to be monument-type signs.
(3) 
Maximum height is 10 feet.
(4) 
Maximum size is 60 square feet in area.
(5) 
Emergency messages such as weather/AMBER/emergency alerts can change every 10 seconds. Signs cannot flash.
(6) 
Nonemergency messages cannot change more than once a day and shall consist of no more than two colors.
A. 
Maximum signs and sign area by district. Each property shall be permitted a maximum square footage for each sign type based on the zoning district in which it is located, as prescribed in Tables 52-5 and 52-6. In no instance, exclusive of a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals Administration and Enforcement, no business or organization may exceed the maximum square footage as follows:
B. 
Permitted signs by district. The following signs are permitted in each district as defined below.
Table 52-1: Residential Districts
RR
USF
SSF
UTF
UMF
SMF
Wall sign
P
P
P
P
P
P
Awning sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Canopy sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Window sign
P
P
P
P
P
P
Projecting sign
P
P
P
P
P
P
Freestanding pylon sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Monument sign
P
P
P
P
P
P
Multi-tenant commercial sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Drive-in facility sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Table 52-2: Commercial/Nonresidential Districts
NC
CB
GC
CO/OO
I
PUD
i-District Overlay
Wall sign
P
P
P
P
P
Please refer to specific signage requirements as noted within PUD approval and overlay districts.
Please refer to signage regulations in Article 57.
Awning sign
P
P
P
P
P
Canopy sign
P
P
P
P
P
Window sign
P
P
P
P
P
Projecting sign
P
P
P
P
P
Freestanding pylon sign
NP
NP
P
NP
P
Monument sign
P
NP
P
P
P
Multi-tenant commercial sign
P
NP
P
P
P
Drive-in facility sign
P
P
P
P
P
C. 
Maximum number of signs based on the zoning district in which it is located. Each district is permitted a maximum number of sign types per the following regulations. The maximum number of signs may be split among permitted sign types and number, with a maximum of three sign types permitted per use in nonresidential districts and a maximum of two sign types permitted in residential districts, unless indicated otherwise. A maximum of two sign types shall be permitted within the i-District Overlay Zone. The number of sign types shall exclude directional and directory signs.
Table 52-3: Residential Districts
RR
USF
SSF
UTF
UMF
SMF
Wall sign
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
Awning Sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Canopy sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Window sign
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
Projecting sign
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
1 per structure
Freestanding Pylon Sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Monument sign
1 per lot
1 per lot
1 per lot
1 per lot
1 per lot
1 per lot
Multi-tenant commercial sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Drive-in facility sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Table 52-4: Commercial/Nonresidential Districts
NC
CB
GC
CO/OO
I
PUD
i-District Overlay
Wall sign*
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
Please refer to specific signage requirements as noted within PUD approval.
Please refer to signage regulations in Article 57.
Awning sign
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
Canopy sign
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
Window sign
No max
No max
No max
No max
No max
Projecting sign
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
1 per use
Freestanding pylon sign
NP
NP
1 per 400 feet of frontage
NP
1 per 300 feet of frontage
Monument sign
1 per lot
NP
1 per 400 feet of frontage
1 per lot
1 per 400 feet of frontage
Multi-tenant commercial sign
1 per entrance
NP
1 Per entrance
1 Per entrance
1 per entrance
Drive-in facility sign
1 per lane
1 per lane
1 per lane
1 per lane
1 per lane
Note:
* If a business is located in a building with two street frontages, a total of two wall signs may be permitted for a total number of four signs.
D. 
Maximum square footage. The maximum sign area is indicated below.
Table 52-5: Residential Districts
RR
USF
SSF
UTF
UMF
SMF
Wall sign
24 square feet
24 square feet
24 square feet
24 square feet
24 square feet
24 square feet
Awning sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Canopy sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Window sign
15% of window area
15% of window area
15% of window area
15% of window area
15% of window area
15% of window area
Projecting sign
6 square feet
6 square feet
6 square feet
6 square feet
12 square feet
12 square feet
Freestanding pylon sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Monument sign
12 square feet
6 square feet 12 square feet (religious institutions)
6 square feet 12 square feet (religious institutions)
6 square feet 12 square feet (religious institutions)
20 square feet
12 square feet
Multi-tenant commercial sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Drive-in facility sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Table 52-6: Commercial/Nonresidential
NC
CB
GC
CO/OO
I
PUD
i-District Overlay
Wall sign
25% of wall area; not to exceed 48 square feet
50% of wall area; not to exceed 48 square feet
***25% of Wall area not to exceed 100 square feet
25% of wall area not to exceed 80 square feet
25% of wall area not to exceed 100 square feet
Please refer to specific signage requirements as noted within PUD regulations.
Please refer to signage regulations in Article 57.
Awning sign
15% of canopy surface
25% of canopy surface
25% of canopy surface
20% of canopy surface
20% of canopy surface
Canopy sign
Maximum 15% of canopy surface
Maximum 25% of canopy surface
Maximum 25% of canopy surface
Maximum 20% of canopy surface
Maximum 20% of canopy surface
Window sign
Maximum 25% of window area
Maximum 25% of window area
Maximum 25% of window area
Maximum 25% of window area
Maximum 25% of window area
Projecting sign
6 square feet
20 square feet
20 square feet
15 square feet
20 square feet
Freestanding pylon sign
NP
NP
80 square feet
NP
80 square feet
Monument sign
40 square feet
NP
80 square feet
24 square feet
80 square feet
Multi-tenant commercial sign
40 square feet*
NP
80 square feet**
24 square feet
80 square feet
Drive-in facility sign
24 square feet
24 square feet
24 square feet
24 square feet
24 square feet
Notes:
*
In NC Zone, maximum of 40 square feet for the first four tenants; each additional tenant shall have 15 square feet, not to exceed 200 square feet.
**
In GC Zone maximum of 80 square feet for first four tenants and 20 square feet for each additional up to 300 square feet. For multi-tenant developments over 500,000 square feet in building area, 200 square feet for first four tenants/uses and an additional 24 square feet for each additional tenant/use up to a maximum of 400 square feet.
***
For buildings located more than 100 feet from street or front line, one square foot of additional wall signage is permitted per foot over 100 feet from street or front line to a maximum of 300 square feet, not to exceed 25% of wall area.
E. 
Maximum sign height is based on zoning district in which it is located.
Table 52-7: Residential Districts
RR
USF
SSF
UTF
UMF
SMF
Wall sign
P
P
P
P
P
P
Awning sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Canopy sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Window sign
P
P
P
P
P
P
Projecting sign
P*
P*
P*
P*
P*
P*
Freestanding pylon sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Monument sign
10 feet
8 feet
8 feet
8 feet
8 feet
12 feet
Multi-tenant commercial sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Drive-in facility sign
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Note:
*
Maximum height: 8 feet above grade.
Table 52-8: Commercial/Nonresidential Districts
NC
CB
GC
CO/OO
I
PUD
i-District Overlay
Wall sign
P
P
P
P
P
Please refer to specific signage requirements as noted within PUD approval and overlay districts.
Please refer to signage regulations in Article 57.
Awning sign
P
P
P
P
P
Canopy sign
P
P
P
P
P
Window sign
P
P
P
P
P
Projecting sign
9 feet vertical clearance
9 feet vertical clearance
9 feet vertical clearance
9 feet vertical clearance
9 feet vertical clearance
Freestanding pylon sign
NP
NP
30 feet
12 feet
16 feet
Monument sign
16 feet
NP
30 ft
10 ft
16 feet
Multi-tenant commercial sign
24 feet
NP
30 feet
12 feet
16 ft
Drive-in facility sign
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
10 ft
A. 
Signs shall be constructed from weather-resistant and durable materials (i.e., metal, lumber/wood, plastic, etc.).
(1) 
All wood signage components must be sealed and protected from the elements. Unpainted or unfinished treated and untreated lumber shall not be permitted.
(2) 
Signage materials shall be like or complementary to color, character, type, and quality to those found on the related principal structure.
(3) 
Segmental block and/or nonmortared stone is permitted for signage base materials only if like materials are in use throughout the principal structure.
(4) 
All sign posts and brackets shall be constructed of robust, durable, and weather-resistant materials.
B. 
Wind pressure and load requirements. All signs and other advertising structures shall be designated and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot.
C. 
Lettering:
(1) 
Shall be permanently affixed to the sign; or
(2) 
Changeable copy shall be enclosed and locked.
D. 
Construction specifications.
(1) 
Compliance with the NYS Uniform Code and other applicable codes and regulations;
(2) 
Light fixtures and related wiring will comply with the National Electrical Code, and all electrified signs shall bear an approved testing laboratory label, and all electrical connections shall be approved by an approved inspection agency;
(3) 
Transformers, wires, and similar items shall be concealed;
(4) 
All wiring to freestanding signs will be underground;
(5) 
All signs and related items will be kept in good repair and safe condition;
(6) 
A sign may not obstruct a fire escape;
(7) 
All signs requiring a permit will display the name and operating telephone number of the person/organization responsible for the sign; and
(8) 
No sign shall be located within six feet of an electrical conductor, light pole, streetlamp, traffic light, or other utility pole.
E. 
Illumination.
(1) 
Light sources shall be shielded to avoid glare/light pollution beyond property lines and to prevent disturbance to motorists;
(2) 
No illuminated sign located on a lot adjacent to or across the street from any residential district, zone or use shall be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the use to which the sign pertains is open for business during those hours;
(3) 
Freestanding or ground signs may be illuminated via ground-mounted fixtures or sign-mounted fixtures;
(4) 
Signage accent lighting shall be of a lesser intensity than the illumination for the sign panel itself;
(5) 
Permitted signage lighting fixtures include lanterns, goose-necks, and shielded, architectural-grade spot lights;
(6) 
No flashing, rotating, intermittent or moving light sources are permitted; and
(7) 
Messages that display the time and temperature can be displayed for not less than four seconds.
F. 
Landscaping.
(1) 
The area surrounding any freestanding sign will be landscaped with plant materials to integrate the sign with the development on the parcel; and
(2) 
The area surrounding any freestanding sign will be free from weeds, rubbish, and flammable material.
G. 
Maintenance and removal of signs.
(1) 
Maintenance and repair. Every sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times by the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting and other acts required for the maintenance of the sign.
(2) 
Abandoned signs. Any sign which is located on a property which becomes vacant for a period of 60 days or more shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Permanent signs applicable to a business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of 60 days. An abandoned sign is prohibited, and the sign, including all structural support to grade level, shall be removed by the owner of the premises upon which the sign is located.
(3) 
Any sign found to be broken, damaged, or unsafe upon inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer must be repaired or made secure by the applicant, sign owner, or property owner. The Code Enforcement Officer will give notice by either certified mail or personally served, to any of the above-named persons to repair or remove the unsafe sign within five days of receipt of said notice. If the sign is not repaired, made secure, or removed within 30 days, or within any additional time, the Code Enforcement Officer will revoke the sign permit and remove the sign.
(4) 
Removal of signs.
(a) 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause to be removed any sign, including all structural support to grade level, that endangers the public safety, such as abandoned, dangerous or defective signs, signs for which no permit has been issued and is required or a sign posted on the public right-of-way or on public property. The CEO shall prepare a notice which shall describe the sign and specify the violation(s) involved, and which will state that if the sign is not removed or the violation not corrected in a set period of time, the sign shall be removed by the Village of Johnson City. All notices shall be either personally served or mailed by certified mail.
(b) 
For all other signs, the notice shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located.
(c) 
Notwithstanding the above, in cases of emergency, the Code Enforcement Officer may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous sign without notice. For any sign removed by the Code Enforcement Officer, the cost of the sign removal by the Village shall be considered a debt owed to the Village by the owner of the property and may be recovered by an assessment against the property.
H. 
Enforcement. Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer determines that there has been a violation of this article, written notice will be served upon the applicant, sign owner, or property owner either personally served or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the person's last known address. The notice will specify the alleged violation, provide a reasonable time frame within which the violation is to be corrected and state what legal remedies will be imposed upon failure to correct the violation. The notice of violation will automatically become a final order if the violation is not corrected within the time allowed or if an application for appeal is not submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer within seven days from receipt of the notice.
The following types of signs are prohibited:
A. 
Any sign for which no permit was issued or for which a permit has been revoked;
B. 
Any sign that has been abandoned/obsolete or is not properly maintained, is considered structurally unsound, hazardous or otherwise unsafe;
C. 
Any sign that advertises an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted or available on the premises on which the sign is located;
D. 
Any sign that contains words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature;
E. 
Any sign that emits audible sounds, odor, or visible matter;
F. 
Any sign that may be confused with a traffic control sign, signal or device or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle or bears the words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning" or other similar words or hides from view any traffic or street sign, signal or device;
G. 
Signs that interfere with official traffic lights or traffic control devices;
H. 
Flashing, rotating, revolving signs/lights, except barber poles or holiday decorations;
I. 
Any sign with unshielded lighting devices or reflectors placed to outline or provide the background of a sign;
J. 
Animated signs;
K. 
Signs with mirrors;
L. 
Permanent banner, pennant, windblown or inflated signs. These may be permitted as a temporary sign to communicate the opening of a new business for a total of 10 days;
M. 
Any portable sign attached to or placed on an unregistered vehicle parked on private property for the primary purpose of being viewed by motorists within the right-of-way;
N. 
Pennants not affixed to the face of a building;
O. 
Roof signs which are designed and erected on and supported by the roof of the building or structure;
P. 
Notices, placards, bills, posters, cards, stickers, banners, signs, advertisings, or other devices designed to attract the attention of the public that are posted or otherwise affixed upon any street, street furniture, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, hydrant, tree, alley, telephone pole, public telephone, or lighting system, or other public alarm or communication system;
Q. 
Full motion or video signs; and
R. 
Signs located and installed on the surface of a fence.
A. 
Signs permitted to remain; replacements.
(1) 
Any sign erected prior to the adoption of this chapter which does not conform to the provisions of this article is permitted to remain as a nonconforming sign, provided that the sign:
(a) 
Was erected under an approved sign permit prior to the adoption of this chapter; and
(b) 
Advertises an existing business still in operation.
(2) 
Replacement of an existing sign face or faces for a new business or advertiser or change in existing business or advertiser logo without altering the sign structure is permitted and will not result in a loss of nonconforming status.
B. 
Loss of nonconforming status. A sign characterized as a nonconforming sign shall lose its nonconforming status if:
(1) 
A change in use;
(2) 
Creation of a hazard or disturbance to the health, safety and welfare of the general public as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer;
(3) 
Nonconforming signs may not be structurally or electrically expanded or altered unless such alteration brings the sign into conformance with the provisions of this article;
(4) 
Nonconforming signs may not be reestablished after discontinuance for 30 consecutive days;
(5) 
The sign is altered in any way in structure or size (except for normal maintenance). See § 300-52.9 of this article;
(6) 
The sign is relocated; or
(7) 
The sign structure is replaced.
The following operations shall not be considered as creating a sign insofar as requiring the issuance of a permit, but the signs shall be in conformance with all other ordinances and regulations of the Village of Johnson City:
A. 
Changing the advertising copy or message of an existing approved painted or printed sign, manually changeable copy sign or similar approved sign, whether illuminated or nonilluminated, painted message, which are all specifically designed for the use of manually replaceable copy.
B. 
Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes. Replacement of the plastic face will be included as an exempt operation, provided that it is due to a change caused by breakage and/or deterioration of the face, but not for the substitution of a new or different advertiser.
All applicants for sign permits shall complete a Village of Johnson City sign permit application and submit the following:
A. 
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant. If applicant is not the building owner, provide a statement from the building owner acknowledging their approval to install the sign(s) on their building.
B. 
Location of building or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.
C. 
Name of the business to be included on the sign(s).
D. 
Name of the person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign.
E. 
Plans and specifications indicating methods of construction and how sign is proposed to be attached to the building or the ground.
F. 
For signs 150 square feet or more, one copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure.
G. 
If the sign is to be illuminated, plans and specifications shall be submitted. Once constructed the sign shall be inspected for compliance to NY State Fire Code and regulations.
H. 
Such other information as the Building Official shall require to show full compliance with this chapter and any other ordinance of the Village of Johnson City.
If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within 90 days of issuance, the permit shall become null and void, unless otherwise extended in writing by the Code Enforcement Officer, prior to the original expiration date, for a single ninety-day period.
The fee for a building permit for any sign requiring a permit is listed in the adopted Fee Schedule for the Village of Johnson City.
If the Code Enforcement Officer or other designated official shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure or constitutes a menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of this article or applicable ordinances, he or she shall have the owner of said sign cited in violation by written notice. From the date of such written notice or from such date as may be designated, said person in violation shall have 10 days to comply with the requirements of this article or any ordinance.