This article shall be known as the Sign Ordinance. The purpose of this article is to recognize the need for business and certain other signs, and encourage the effective and equitable use of signs, yet prevent and eliminate the disarray and unsightly clutter which promote degrading conditions and tend to downgrade the community and depreciate economic and social values. It is intended to prevent signing which individually and/or cumulatively contributes to conditions that may subtly promote deteriorating trends due to excessive numbers, excessive size, poor orientation, poor maintenance and other such factors. It is also intended to prevent and eliminate signs and conditions which may be hazardous and distract or confuse the attention of motorists from road hazards. For these reasons, the following regulations are deemed imperative to preserve and protect the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare.
(Prior code § 27-25.1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
A. 
Sign Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided by this article, it is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, alter, paint, relocate, or reconstruct a sign within the City without first obtaining a sign permit from the Planning Division.
B. 
Building Permit Required. In addition to a sign permit issued by the Planning Division, a building permit is required to:
1. 
Place, erect, locate, or structurally modify any ground-supported sign more than seven feet in height;
2. 
Install permanent signs of any kind, other than those painted directly on a building;
3. 
Illuminate signs or install sign lighting devices of any kind.
In the case of doubt as to the requirement for a building permit for any sign, the determination of the Chief Building Official or his or her authorized deputy shall be conclusive.
C. 
Permission of Property Owner. No person shall erect, construct or maintain any sign upon any property or building without the written consent of the owner and person entitled to possession of the property or building.
D. 
Application. Application for a permit shall be made to the Planning Division upon a form provided by the City, and shall be accompanied by such information, including dimensioned, scaled drawings of the sign size, height, and location, the lettering or advertising message, colors, materials, method or type of lighting and such other information as may be required to assure compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations of the City.
E. 
Issuance. The Director or his or her authorized deputy shall issue a sign permit for the erection, construction, alteration, painting, relocation, or reconstruction of a sign within the City whenever an application therefor has been properly made and the sign complies with all appropriate laws and regulations. of the City. Every sign permit issued by the Director or his or her authorized deputy under the provisions of this article shall expire and become null and void if the work authorized by such sign permit has not been completed within 180 days or such time period as may be authorized. The Director may, in writing, suspend or revoke a sign permit issued under provisions of this article whenever a sign permit is issued on the basis of a material omission or misstatement of fact or in violation of any ordinance or any of the provisions of this article.
F. 
Referral to the Planning Commission. The Director may refer signs, which otherwise comply with the standards set forth in this article to the Planning Commission for their review and approval, if he or she determines the signs are not appropriately designed, are improperly located, contribute to sign clutter, or will otherwise be contrary to the purpose and intent of these regulations and cause a detrimental effect on adjacent and surrounding property.
G. 
Effect of Issuance. No sign permit issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain a public or private nuisance, nor shall any permit issued thereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate a nuisance.
H. 
Fees. Sign permits shall be subject to such fees as are established by the City Council.
I. 
Inspection. A recipient of a sign permit shall notify the Planning Department upon completion of the installation of work for which the permits were issued.
(Prior code § 27-25.2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
Except as otherwise provided by this article, signs shall be permitted in the R-H, R-1 and R-2 zones which conform to the following:
A. 
Exempt Signs. As provided by Section 17.03.170.
B. 
Permitted Signs. For each single-family home or duplex, one nameplate containing the address and indicating only the name of a natural person or family in residence, not exceeding two square feet in area for each occupancy; nameplates shall be placed flat against a building or designed as part of an architectural feature, except that signs may be detached if less than six feet in height above finished grade.
C. 
Neighborhood or Permanent Tract Signs. If a permit therefor is granted by the Planning Commission as provided by Section 17.02.250.
D. 
School, Hospital, Church, Etc., Signs. In conjunction with a permitted school, church, hospital, convalescent hospital, mobile home park, or day nursery, two signs for each street frontage, including not more than one detached sign, are permitted, the total sign area for each frontage, is limited to 40 square feet; no part of any sign shall be located in or project into any required setback unless approved by the Director or the Planning Commission as not detrimental to the purposes and policies of this article; and detached signs shall be limited to an overall height of 16 feet.
(Prior code § 27-25.3; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, signs shall be permitted in the R-3 zone which conform to the following:
A. 
Exempt Signs. As provided by Section 17.03.170.
B. 
Permitted Signs. One attached sign of a permanent nature not to exceed one square foot of sign area for each two feet of frontage on a public street, provided that the maximum sign area is restricted to 50 square feet; all signs shall be placed flat against the building or designed as part of an architectural feature, except that signs may be detached if they do not exceed a height of six feet above finished grade nor project into any required setback.
C. 
Neighborhood or Permanent Tract Signs. If a permit is granted by the Planning Commission as provided by Section 17.02.250.
D. 
School, Hospital, Church, Etc., Signs. In conjunction with a permitted school, church, hospital, convalescent hospital, mobile home park, or day nursery, two signs for each street frontage, including not more than one detached sign, are permitted; the total sign area for each frontage is limited to 40 square feet; no part of any sign shall be located or project into any required setback unless approved by the Director or the Planning Commission as not detrimental to the purposes and policies of this article; and detached signs shall be limited to an overall height of 16 feet.
(Prior code § 27-25.4; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
Except as otherwise provided in this article, signs shall be permitted in the C&O, P/O and PF zones which conform to the following:
A. 
Exempt Signs. As provided by Section 17.03.170.
B. 
Permitted Wall Signs. Two wall signs for each main building, limited to a total area of 80 square feet or five percent of the building face for both signs, which ever is greater, but in no event shall any one sign exceed a maximum area of 200 square feet nor a total area of 250 square feet area for both signs.
C. 
Permitted Monument Signs. One low-profile monument type sign not exceeding seven feet in height nor more than 32 square feet in area, located in a planter area adjacent to a street frontage not less than 25 feet from any street corner nor closer than five feet from a street property line.
D. 
Additional Signs for Frontage on Two Streets. If the property has frontage on more than one street, one additional wall or monument sign fronting on the side street shall be permitted, such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and, if a monument type sign, shall be subject to the height, setback, and location limitations specified in subsection C of this section.
E. 
Additional Signs Allowed for More Than Two Uses. If there are more than two separate uses on the property, only one additional wall sign, not to exceed 32 square feet in area, is permitted.
F. 
Copy Area Limited. The copy area of any sign shall not exceed 50% of the background area.
G. 
Prohibited Signs. Painted, roof, motion, and detached or freestanding signs are expressly prohibited; except, monument signs are permitted.
H. 
PF Regulations Supersede Underlying Regulations Except Residential. Sign regulations of the PF zone supersede the sign regulations. of the underlying zones; except, underlying residential zones shall govern signs for a PF zone and permitted uses specified herein.
(Prior code § 27-25.5; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
Except as otherwise provided in this article, signs shall be permitted in the C-1, C-3, C-M, M-1 and M-2 zones, which conform to the following:
A. 
Exempt Signs. As provided by Section 17.03.170.
B. 
Attached Signs. Sign(s) are permitted for each separate use or occupancy, placed on the building, limited in total aggregate area for all such signs to 20% of the building face but not to exceed a maximum size of 150 square feet for any one sign; within a designated shopping or industrial center, the number and/or area of signs permitted may be more restrictive, and shall be subject to limitations established by an approved master sign plan.
C. 
Additional Signs. Sign(s) are permitted for each additional building elevation, located on such elevation, limited in total aggregate area for all such signs to 10% of the building face but not to exceed a maximum size of 75 square feet for any one sign; within a designated shopping or industrial center, the number and/or area of signs permitted may be more restrictive, and shall be subject to limitations established by an approved master sign plan.
D. 
Freestanding and Roof Signs. One freestanding or roof sign for each lot having a minimum street frontage of 100 feet with one additional sign permitted for each additional 150 feet of street frontage.
1. 
The maximum area of any such sign is limited to 150 square feet.
2. 
Roof signs shall be limited to a maximum, overall height of 12 feet above the roof.
3. 
If more than one detached or roof sign is permitted on a lot, the distance between such signs shall be not less than 150 feet.
4. 
Within a designated shopping or industrial center, the number and/or area of signs permitted may be more restrictive, and shall be subject to limitations established by an approved master sign plan.
E. 
Shopping and Industrial Centers. Filing and approval of a master sign plan, as provided by the sign use permit procedure, shall be required.
F. 
Height Limit. The maximum height limit shall be 35 feet above finished grade, or as otherwise determined by an approved Sign Use Permit.
G. 
Billboards. Off-site signs or billboards shall be subject to the issuance, existence, and validity of a sign use permit.
H. 
Automotive Service Stations. In consideration of design, merchandising methods and other unique characteristics customary to service station operations, the following additional signs are permitted:
1. 
One multi-sided price sign, not to exceed 15 square feet of area per panel, provided:
a. 
The sign shall be permanently affixed to the ground, a supporting column of the canopy or to an approved detached sign; and
b. 
No price panels may be maintained on the premises unless continuously used for the posting of gasoline prices.
2. 
One attached service sign not exceeding 20 square feet in area.
I. 
Flags and Pennants. Flags and pennants are subject to the issuance, existence, and validity or a sign permit issued by the Director. Such sign permit shall be valid for a maximum of 120 days, and all flags and pennants so permitted shall be maintained in strict compliance with Section 17.03.190(A).
(Prior code § 27-25.6; Ord. 20-1720 § 2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
A. 
Corner Lot Signs. On corner lots, the amount of sign area permitted for one street front age is not transferable to another. A sign erected at the corner and visible from both streets shall not exceed the maximum area allowed for the longest frontage; and the area of such sign shall be deducted from the total sign area and number of signs permitted on the property.
B. 
Exposed Sign Face Structural Elements Prohibited. All signs, except those placed flat against a wall, building, or architectural projection of a building, shall be double-faced, or the rear of any side of a sign face or cabinet visible to the public shall be provided with a flat surfaced cover to obscure structural members or elements of the sign face or cabinet.
C. 
Focus of Direct Light on Residential Property Prohibited. No artificial light of any kind used to illuminate any sign, nor any reflective material, shall be so placed, erected or constructed as to focus direct light into any structure used for residential purposes.
D. 
Structural Supports Limited. No more than two supporting columns or visible structural supports may be used to support any sign, unless approved by the Director as an architectural or decorative feature.
E. 
Signs Encroaching in Public Right-of-Way. Marquee signs or other signs permitted to encroach over the public right-of-way shall be erected, constructed, or placed in compliance with regulations specified in Chapters 45 and 62 of the Uniform Building Code, as adopted by Title 15 of this code, and all pertinent provisions of this chapter.
F. 
Use of Visible Supports Prohibited. "Angle Iron" or "I Beams" for visible structural supports shall not be used unless covered with decorative material and approved by the Director as an architectural or decorative feature. The use of exposed or visible guy wire supports is prohibited.
G. 
Height Regulations for Signs on Parapet Walls and Sloping and Shed Roofs. A sign may be attached to the face of a parapet wall, to the fascia or surface of a sloping roof, or to the fascia of a shed roof; however, such sign shall not extend above the highest point of the parapet wall, more than four feet above the upper edge of the fascia of a sloping roof, or more than four feet above the lower edge, of the fascia of a shed roof. Such signs are not considered roof signs.
(Prior code § 27-25.8; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
The following signs are permitted in all zones, subject to administrative review by the Planning Division, as noted; provided that building permits are required for ground signs that exceed seven feet in height, any sign(s) affixed to a building or for any sign requiring electrical service. Exempt signs shall not be included in the number and area of signs otherwise permitted.
A. 
Directional or Instructional Signs. Subject to administrative review, on-site signs, not to exceed six square feet in area per sign, which provide only instructions such as identifying hospital emergency entrances, restrooms, public telephones, directories, vacancies, or walkways, or which provide notice that disturbing noise or trespassing are prohibited, and those which provide matter of similar nature; on-site directional signs not to exceed six square feet in area per sign nor more than one sign for each driveway access to a public right-of-way, and restricted to four feet in height unless approved by the Director in order to overcome physical obstructions.
B. 
Flags. The flags, emblems, or insignias of any nation or political subdivision utilized for noncommercial use.
C. 
Interior Signs. Signs located within the interior of any building or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, and signs for and located within the inner or outer lobby, court or entrance of any theater; except, signs on the interior surface of windows shall not be considered interior signs.
D. 
Memorial Signs or Tablets. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of building erection when cut into the surface or facade of the building.
E. 
Nameplates. One nameplate, not exceeding two square feet in area, for each dwelling unit or office.
F. 
Open House Signs.
1. 
One sign allowed on private property during hours of open house;
2. 
Maximum sign area not to exceed six square feet; and
3. 
Prohibited on any street right-of-way or public sidewalks.
G. 
Political Signs. Subject to compliance with the following requirements:
1. 
Signs maybe no larger than 32 square feet in any zone.
2. 
Signs may be erected no sooner than 90 days prior to a general, primary or special election and shall be removed no later than 14 days following the election.
3. 
Signs of primary election winners may remain until the general election.
4. 
Signs placed upon the public right-of-way are expressly prohibited and will be removed by the City. If the sign is placed in such a manner as to obscure traffic signs or signals or obstruct vehicle operators' line of sight they are subject to immediate removal by City staff.
H. 
Project Construction Signs. On-site construction or project signs advertising the architect, builder, financing, sale, lease, or related information if limited to 50 square feet in area for each street frontage, placed more than 100 feet from the street intersection if more than one sign used, and provided such sign is removed within 30 days after "occupancy" is authorized.
I. 
Public Notices and Governmental Signs. Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties; governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety.
J. 
Real Estate Signs. One six square foot, on-site, real estate sign for each frontage on a public street, provided that such sign(s) shall be removed within 30 days following the sale, lease, or disposition of the real property.
K. 
Special Event Signs. Such signs, including seasonal nonpermanent signs, may be approved for a limited time, provided:
1. 
The signs are used as a means of advertising or announcing a parade, community celebration, or similar type of special public event.
2. 
No special event signing may be used without prior review and approval by the Director.
L. 
Subdivision Tract Signs. Subject to administrative review, one on-site tract sign, not exceeding an area of 160 square feet, located within the boundaries of a new subdivision, to advertise directions, price, terms and similar information, provided such advertising display is removed within a period of 18 months after the date of original placement, unless an extension has been granted by the Director.
M. 
Symbols or Insignias. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, provided that no such symbol, plaque, or identification emblem shall exceed six square feet in area; such signs shall be placed flat against the building.
N. 
Temporary Business Promotion Signs. Signs used as a means of publicizing a special business event shall be submitted for review and for approval to the Director. Such signs shall not be displayed for a period exceeding 90 days, shall not exceed a total sign area of 150 square feet, and shall be subject to such other conditions as determined necessary to assure public safety and general compliance with the intents and purposes of this title.
O. 
Window Signs. When used as a means of publicizing a special business event, together with all other window signs, shall not exceed 50% of total window area.
(Prior code § 27-25.9; Ord. 20-1720 § 2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2; Ord. 25-1751, 2/4/2025)
No person shall erect, construct, relocate, maintain or use any of the following type signs:
A. 
Traffic Hazards. Signs which, by color, wording, design, location, illumination or similar characteristics, interfere with or may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or control device regulating the safe and efficient flow of traffic; or which may create a safety hazard by obstructing a clear view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic; or which obstructs access to required parking areas.
B. 
Motion Signs. Except as provided by Section 17.02.250, no motion sign except for the rotation of barber poles, revolving prism of site signs and as noted in the definitions; except that revolving prism units may be used if such parts do not exceed a speed of one complete revolution, including the stationary period of the prism, in a 30 second period.
C. 
Banners. Banners, except when used for authorized events as provided by Sections 17.03.170(K) Special Event Signs, 17.03.170(N) Temporary Business Promotion Signs, and 17.03.170(O) Window Signs.
D. 
Indecent Signs. Signs that display a message or graphic representation that is lewd, indecent, or otherwise offensive to public morals, as determined by the Planning Commission according to established community standards.
E. 
On Public Rights-of-Way. Signs on public property (including signs within the public right-of-way), or on any street lamp post, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, railroad right-of-way, electric light or power or telephone pole, or wire appurtenance thereof, except civic event signs with the prior approval of the Director of Public Services as to the size, number, duration of display, and location of such signs. Any sign found posted, or otherwise, affixed upon any public property or contrary to the provisions of this section may be immediately removed by the Department of Public Services.
F. 
Portable Signs. "A-Frame" and other portable signs of a similar nature.
G. 
Vehicular Supported Signs. Any signs or advertising device attached to or located on a vehicle or trailer, parked on private property or public right-of-way, for the basic purpose of advertising products or services or directing people to a business or activity; provided that this subsection is not intended to apply to standard advertising or identification practice where such signs are painted on or permanently attached to a business or commercial vehicle.
H. 
Balloon Signs. Fixed balloon signs or any lighter-than-air-or gas-filled balloon(s) attached by means of a rope or tether to a fixed location.
I. 
Cabinet Signs. A sign structure comprised of a frame and face(s) with removable plexiglass face, which may or may not be internally illuminated.
J. 
Noise and Matter Emitting Signs. Advertising signs or devices which emit sound, odor, or visible matter.
K. 
Intensely Lighted Signs. Any signs which, because of their intensity of light, constitutes a nuisance or hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, or adjacent properties.
L. 
Miscellaneous Signs. Any signs or posters visible from public view, or otherwise affixed to the exterior surfaces of a building, barn, shed, or on trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures or appurtenances.
(Prior code § 27-25.10; Ord. 20-1720 § 2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
A. 
Maintenance and Repair. Each sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good condition, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other acts required for the maintenance of the sign.
B. 
Abandoned Signs. Any sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of three months or more, or any sign which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or his or her business, or a sign which pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned; except that signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of six months or more. An abandoned sign is prohibited, and shall be promptly removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises by order of the Director or the Planning Commission.
C. 
Dangerous or Defective Signs. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained, on any premises owned or controlled by him or her, any sign which is in a dangerous or defective condition. Any such sign shall be promptly removed or repaired by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises.
(Prior code § 27-25.12; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
Appeals from Decision of Director. Any person dissatisfied with the action of the Director on a request for a sign permit or other action relating to the administration of this article may appeal to the Planning Commission. Upon the filing of an appeal in writing, the Director shall schedule the matter at the first practical date for consideration by the Board at a regular meeting. The Board shall hold a hearing on the appeal, and may affirm, modify, or reverse the action or decision of the Director.
(Prior code § 27-25.13; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
A. 
Purpose. The City has adopted this Special Sign District No. 01 (SD 1) in accordance with the provisions of Chapter Title 17 Chapter 17.02 Article V of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) in order to demolish an existing freeway-oriented freestanding sign and construct a new freeway-oriented freestanding sign that would enhance the economic vitality of the businesses within SD 1.
B. 
Applicability. This Special Sign District applies to 8047-006-910, 8047-006-922, 8047-006-924, 8047-006-925, 8047-006-926, 8047-006-927, 8047-007-136, 8047-007-188, 8047-007-189, 8047-007-190 and 8047-007-191.
C. 
District Boundaries. The boundaries of SD 1 are reflected within the Zoning Map.
D. 
Development Standards.
1. 
One static freestanding freeway-oriented sign up to 100 feet tall shall be permitted.
2. 
Proposed sign may be illuminated or non-illuminated.
3. 
May have a maximum width of 30 feet.
4. 
May have a maximum number of six sign panels for up to six tenants.
E. 
Approvals.
1. 
Relation to Signage Regulations. Any person desiring to erect or place a sign on the new freeway-oriented freestanding sign shall comply with all provisions of Chapter 17.03 Article III Signs of the NMC unless specifically modified herein.
2. 
Location of Businesses Allowed on a Freeway-Oriented Freestanding Sign. The business shall be located within the boundary of SD 1. No other business, product, service or use shall be permitted on the freestanding sign.
3. 
Sign Permit Required. A sign permit as provided in Chapter 17.03 of the NMC shall be required for any sign face change (including new businesses).
F. 
Administration and General Provisions.
1. 
Review of Final Designs. The Planning Commission shall review and approve the final design for any new sign subject to this provision via a sign use permit.
2. 
Other Requirements May Still Apply. Nothing in this Special Sign District section eliminates the need for obtaining any other approval or entitlement required by provisions of the NMC or any local, State or Federal agency.
G. 
Responsibility for Administration. The Community Development Director, or designee, shall be responsible for administering the provisions of SD 1. This shall include the responsibility and authority to interpret any section of the ordinance codified in this section.
(Ord. 24-1750, 10/1/2024)