A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to permit the use of signage within the City of Lockport, while also promoting and protecting the health, welfare, and safety of the public. The intent of this article is to achieve the following objectives:
(1) 
Ensure right to free speech as protected under the United States Constitution;
(2) 
Establish a clear and impartial process for those seeking to install signs;
(3) 
Protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, and protect the physical appearance of the community;
(4) 
Provide structures and uses with effective means of identification while reducing visual clutter through the prevention of excessive and confusing sign displays;
(5) 
Reduce traffic conflicts or hazards by minimizing visual distractions or obstacles in or visible from the public rights-of-way;
(6) 
Reduce the adverse effects of signage on the desirable aesthetic of the City and on the general environment of the community; and
(7) 
Curb the deterioration of natural beauty in the community's environment.
B. 
Applicability.
(1) 
The regulations of this article shall govern and control the erection, enlargement, expansion, renovation, operation, maintenance, relocation, and removal of all signs within the City visible from any street, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or public space.
(2) 
The provisions of this article shall not apply to safety signs, road signs, historical markers, highway directional signs, or signs erected by governmental agencies.
(3) 
This article shall in no event be construed or employed in any manner to prohibit the customary decoration of premises in any district during religious, patriotic or holiday seasons.
A. 
Permit required. Apart from the signs listed in § 190-34.13, no sign shall hereafter be erected, enlarged, altered, rebuilt, extended, relocated, or used within the City of Lockport unless a permit for such sign is first obtained from the CEO.
B. 
Exempt actions. The following actions shall not require the issuance of a new sign permit provided such maintenance, changes, or alterations do not in any way alter the physical size, design, or nature of the sign.
(1) 
Normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structure changes, including, but not limited to, repainting, repairing, changing of parts, or cleaning.
(2) 
Changes to the content or message of a sign, provided no change is made to the type, size, design, illumination, location, or other physical sign feature. The issuance of a building permit shall be required in accordance with Article 41 to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(3) 
Changes in the sign user, owner, or owner of the property on which the sign is located.
C. 
Exempt signs. The following signs shall be exempt from regulation under this article and shall not require a building permit for a sign:
(1) 
Signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function;
(2) 
Signs prohibiting trespassing;
(3) 
Integral, decorative or architectural features of building, except letters or trademarks;
(4) 
Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, that is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the lot or parcel on which such sign is located.
D. 
Signs requiring permits. Sign permits are required for certain sign types, depending upon its location, design, or size. The table below indicates permit requirements by sign type.
Sign Type
Permit Required
Sign Regulations
Address
No
§ 190-34.13A
Awning or canopy
Yes
§ 190-34.17A
Directional
No
§ 190-34.13B
Flag
No
§ 190-34.13C
Gasoline/charging station
No
§ 190-34.13D
Governmental
No
§ 190-34.13E
Ground
Yes
§ 190-34.17B
Incidental
No
§ 190-34.13F
Internal
No
§ 190-34.13G
Lawn
No
§ 190-34.13H
Marquee
Yes
§ 190-34.17C
Neon
No
§ 190-34.13I
Pole
Yes
§ 190-34.17D
Projecting
Yes
§ 190-34.17E
Suspended
No
§ 190-34.13J
Wall
Yes
§ 190-34.17G
Window
No
§ 190-34.13K
Temporary
Yes
§ 190-34.17F
E. 
Alteration. Any sign for which a permit has been issued shall not be modified, relocated, altered, or replaced, unless an amended or new sign permit is obtained from the CEO.
F. 
Expiration. A sign permit shall expire if the sign for which the permit has been issued is not fully constructed within 180 days from the date of issuance of the sign permit. The CEO may grant an extension provided the applicant submits a written request with sufficient reason for the delay in construction, upon payment of 75% of the original fee.
G. 
Revocation. The CEO, at any time for a violation of this article, may issue a notice of violation. A written notice of the violation including all reasons for the violation shall be mailed to the property, building, and/or sign owner. Said violation must be corrected within 30 days of the date of notice, otherwise the sign permit shall be revoked and the sign in question shall be required to be removed.
H. 
Variances. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, upon application to the Zoning Board of Appeals, that Board may vary or adopt the strict application of any of the requirements of this article.
I. 
Failure to obtain a permit. Signs requiring a permit but erected without a permit will incur a penalty in the amount of twice the permit cost per the City of Lockport Fee Schedule.
A. 
Application submittal.
(1) 
Sign applications shall not be processed until all required materials have been submitted to the CEO.
(2) 
Incomplete applications will not be processed. The CEO shall provide written or electronic notice of application deficiencies to applicants. If such deficiencies are not corrected within 30 days of notice, the application will be considered withdrawn.
B. 
Application requirements. The following shall be provided in all sign permit applications. The CEO may require application materials to be prepared by a licensed engineer or sign professional if deemed necessary for adequate review of the proposed sign.
(1) 
Name, address, contact information, and signature of the applicant.
(2) 
Name, address, and signature of the building and/or property owner (if not the applicant), and a statement of consent for the applicant to seek such sign permit.
(3) 
Dimensions and drawings indicating the size, shape, construct, materials, and layout of the proposed sign(s).
(4) 
Site plan and elevations indicating the proposed location and size of the sign(s) drawn to scale.
(5) 
Color illustrations and/or photographs of the proposed sign and sign area.
(6) 
Proposed illumination system, if any, and the type of lighting to be used.
(7) 
Plan for removal of the sign(s) and restoration of the building facade, ground, or other feature to which the sign(s) is proposed to be attached.
(8) 
Any additional site and/or sign information deemed necessary by the CEO for the proper review of such application.
(9) 
The required sign permit application fee as set forth in the City of Lockport Fee Schedule.
A. 
Review criteria. The approval of sign permit applications shall be based upon the following criteria:
(1) 
The sign is not confusing or distracting, nor will it create a traffic hazard or otherwise adversely impact public safety;
(2) 
The sign follows the design guidelines outlined in § 190-34.19 to the greatest extent practicable; and
(3) 
The sign is otherwise compliant with this article and all other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
B. 
Standard review procedures.
(1) 
The CEO is hereby authorized to review, approve, approve with modifications, or deny a sign application in accordance with this article.
(2) 
The CEO may, at their discretion, refer any sign application to the Planning Board for review and issuance of an advisory opinion. Such review may occur at any regularly or specially scheduled Planning Board meeting.
(3) 
The CEO may utilize the opinion of the Planning Board in the issuance of their decision to approve, approve with modifications, or deny a sign application.
(4) 
Any person aggrieved by a decision for a sign permit by the CEO may submit an appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Such appeal must be made within 30 days of the date of decision.
C. 
Site plan or special permit review. Developments subject to review and approval under this chapter may have proposed signage reviewed and approved as part of the special permit or site plan review process. In the event of such review, all required sign permit application materials shall be provided as part of the special permit or site plan application.
A. 
Sign area.
(1) 
Single sign face. The area of a sign shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or geometric combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, graphic, and/or other display, together with any material, backdrop, or structure on which it is placed. See Figures 34-1 and 34-2.
FIGURE 34-1: SINGLE SIGN FACE AREA
FIGURE 34-2: INDIVIDUAL LETTER SIGN AREA
(2) 
Multifaced signs. In the case of a multifaced sign only one side of the sign is considered in determining sign area if the sides of the sign are back-to-back or diverge at an angle of 45° or less. Otherwise, the sign shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point.
B. 
Sign height.
(1) 
Freestanding sign. The height of a freestanding sign shall be calculated by measuring the vertical distance between the top part of such sign or its structure, whichever is highest, to the elevation of the ground directly beneath the center of the sign. See Figure 34-3.
FIGURE 34-3: FREESTANDING SIGN HEIGHT
(2) 
Other signs. The height of an awning, projecting, suspended, wall, or window sign shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance between the top part of the sign face to the bottommost edge of the sign face.
A. 
No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to obstruct free egress from a window, door, or fire escape or to become a menace to life, health or property.
B. 
No sign shall be erected at or near any intersection of streets, alleys, or railways in a manner that obstructs free and clear vision for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
C. 
No sign shall be of a shape or color that may be confused with any authorized traffic control device.
D. 
No rotating beam, beacon, or flashing illumination resembling an emergency light shall be used with any sign display.
E. 
The erection of any sign and its supports, including any wiring and/or electrical components utilized therein, shall be consistent with generally accepted standards and requirements of the New York State Building Code.
F. 
The erection of any sign, its supports, wiring, or other structural and/or electrical elements may be subject to inspection and approval by the CEO.
A. 
All signs shall be constructed of permanent, weather resistant, and durable materials, except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs otherwise in conformance with this article.
B. 
Where applicable, signs shall be supported by sign structures that are designed to resist wind pressures, dead loads, and lateral loads in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the New York State Building Code. All sign supports shall be reviewed as part of the sign design.
C. 
No sign may be constructed of untreated, unfinished, or unpainted wood, sandblasted metal, or other unfinished materials. All wood components of signs must be sealed and protected from the elements.
D. 
All electrical signs shall be constructed in accordance with the standards of the National Electric Code and be UL listed.
E. 
All signs must be installed by a contractor licensed to do business in the City of Lockport pursuant to § 66-22 of the City of Lockport Code.
A. 
In no event shall any illuminated sign or lighting device be placed so as to direct the beams and illumination therefrom upon a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises that would cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
B. 
All lighting fixtures shall be dark sky compliant and directed so as not to cast an illumination of more than two foot-candles on adjacent nonresidential properties or more than 0.1 foot-candle on adjacent residential properties.
C. 
All illumination shall be a steady, continuous burning of bulbs or lights. The flashing, blinking, oscillating, rotating or intermittent turning on and off of any illuminating device is prohibited.
D. 
Overhead wires or exposed wires on a sign or its supporting members are prohibited.
E. 
Permitted lighting fixtures include, but are not limited to, lanterns, goosenecks, and shielded spot lights. Single bar fluorescent tube fixtures are prohibited.
F. 
Channel lettering and reverse channel lettering may be utilized in districts where illumination is permitted.
G. 
The full number of illuminating elements of a sign shall be kept in working condition or immediately repaired or replaced.
A. 
No sign shall be posted on public property or within a public right-of-way without express approval by the Common Council.
B. 
No sign shall obscure, alter, or cover the architectural features of any building.
C. 
Off-premise signs are prohibited. All signs shall be located on the site of the use being promoted, identified, or advertised.
D. 
All freestanding signs, unless otherwise noted within this article, shall be no closer than three feet from the inner edge of the public sidewalk or 10 feet from the inner edge of the public roadway, whichever is greater.
All signs shall be maintained in safe and good structural condition, in compliance with all applicable building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this article at all times. Such maintenance includes replacement of all defective bulbs, parts, materials, painting, repainting, cleaning, replacement of copy, and other acts required for maintenance of such sign. If any sign does not comply with these standards, the CEO may require its removal.
A. 
Any sign that becomes obsolete, meaning the business, product, service, event, or other such topic to which it relates ceases operation or is no longer applicable, must be removed within 30 days of such termination. An extension may be granted by the CEO upon written request by the sign owner.
B. 
The removal of signs shall be the sole responsibility of the sign owner and/or sign permit holder. If said sign is not removed within 30 days of the date of written notice by the CEO, the CEO is authorized to effect its removal.
C. 
The removal of signs shall include the removal of all sign elements and related structural supports, returning the building, site, or structure to its original state.
D. 
The CEO may remove any sign that is found to be in violation of this chapter. The property and/or sign owner shall subsequently be given written notice of such sign removal. If the sign is not claimed within 10 days of written notice, the CEO may dispose of said sign.
E. 
Any costs incurred for the removal of a sign shall be fully reimbursed to the City of Lockport by the sign owner and/or sign permit holder upon written request of the CEO. All expenses incurred by the City in removing such sign shall be a charge against the property and shall be added to the next taxes assessed against the property if not paid within 30 days after request of said charge is delivered to the owner by certified mail or equivalent means.
The following types of signs may be erected in the City without obtaining a sign permit. Although permits are not required for these signs, they shall conform to all other requirements of this chapter or may be subject to removal by the CEO in accordance with § 190-34.12.
A. 
Directional signs. Nonilluminated direction signs do not require a permit provided the following conditions are met:
(1) 
Such signs are located entirely on the property to which they pertain.
(2) 
No sign exceeds three feet in height and six square feet in area, and the cumulative area of all signs on the lot does not exceed six square feet in a residential district or 12 square feet in a nonresidential district.
(3) 
Such sign does not extend above the first floor of any given structure or project beyond property lines.
B. 
Flags. Flags shall conform to the following standards:
(1) 
There shall be no more than two flags per lot.
(2) 
No flag shall exceed 12 square feet in area.
(3) 
Flags shall be removed when tattered, torn, or faded.
(4) 
Flags bearing a commercial message shall not be permitted.
C. 
Gasoline or vehicle charging station signs. Signs attached to a gasoline pump or vehicle charging station shall not require a permit provided the total area of fuel pump signs does not exceed two square feet per fuel pump. Operational and payment instructions on the face of the pump shall be exempt from this limitation.
D. 
Governmental signs. Any official sign, public notice, or warning sign authorized by federal, state or local law, including but not limited to signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any government functions. (Example: New York State inspection station or authorized repair shop identification).
E. 
Incidental signs. Incidental signs shall conform to the following standards:
(1) 
Incidental signs shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(2) 
Such sign shall be used to direct and guide traffic and parking on private property.
(3) 
Such sign shall not bear any advertising.
F. 
Internal signs. Signs within a building not legible from the public right-of-way or adjacent lots, or any sign within an enclosed outdoor space, such as an athletic field, where such sign is not legible beyond the property lines.
G. 
Lawn signs. Lawn signs shall be in conformance with the regulations below.
(1) 
No sign exceeds three feet in height and six square feet in area, and the cumulative area of all signs on the lot does not exceed 12 square feet.
(2) 
No sign is displayed for more than 60 days in a 365-day period.
(3) 
No sign is illuminated.
H. 
Neon signs. Neon signs shall not require a sign permit provided they conform to the following:
(1) 
Such sign is located within a nonresidential district and erected on the interior of the building's window area.
(2) 
There is no more than one sign per window, covering no more than 25% of the window area.
I. 
Suspended. A sign attached to and supported by the underside of a horizontal plane shall not require a sign permit provided they conform to the following:
(1) 
Only one hanging sign shall be permitted per customer entrance.
(2) 
The bottom edge of such signs shall be located a minimum of eight feet above the finished grade.
(3) 
Such sign shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(4) 
Such sign shall have a maximum vertical dimension of 18 inches.
J. 
Window sign. No window sign shall occupy more than 30% of an individual window area, as delineated by the window frame, and shall not be illuminated.
A. 
Certain sign types are prohibited in the City, as indicated in the table below.
Prohibited Sign Types
Roof signs
A-frame signs
Signs mounted on wheels
Banners, posters, pennants, streamers, spinners, balloons, or tear drop style flags
Signs that emit audible sounds, odor, or visible matter
Signs employing vertical louvered blinds, mechanically changing, or movable materials
Digital or electronic signage which displays animated content
Signs that contains words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature
Beacons
B. 
In addition, signs with the following characteristics are prohibited:
(1) 
Any sign for which no sign permit was issued, for which a sign permit was revoked, or any other sign not explicitly authorized herein.
(2) 
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 any sign which hides from public view any traffic or street sign, signal, or device.
(3) 
Any sign that flashes, blinks, rotates, or revolves, or utilizes unshielded lighting devices, mirrors, or reflectors to outline or provide the background of a sign.
(4) 
Any sign that is not properly maintained, considered structurally unsound, hazardous, or otherwise unsafe.
(5) 
Any sign prohibited within a residential district that is located in an adjacent nonresidential district and is not set back at least 10 feet from the adjacent residential district property line.
(6) 
Any sign that is located off-premise from the use and/or structure to which it serves, unless otherwise permitted by this article.
(7) 
Any sign that is obsolete or abandoned, advertising an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted or available. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days after abandonment of the use or premises.
(8) 
Any sign placed on a curb, sidewalk, hydrant, utility pole, tree or other object located on or over any public street unless otherwise permitted by this article.
(9) 
Any signs on motor vehicles that:
(a) 
Are inoperable;
(b) 
Do not display a current vehicle inspection sticker or license plated;
(c) 
Are not principally used as a mode of transportation for business purposes; or
(d) 
Are conspicuously parked or located on a lot or public right-of-way for 24 hours.
A. 
The following table indicates the number and types of signs permitted in the City of Lockport by zoning district.
(1) 
A "•" indicates that the sign type is permitted and may be illuminated.
(2) 
A "○" indicates that the sign type is permitted but may not be illuminated.
(3) 
A "-" indicates the sign type is prohibited.
Zoning District
LDR, MDR, MR
MU-D
MU-GC
MU-N/MO
MLI, GI
Max # of sign types
(per use)
1
2
2
1
2
Awning or canopy
-
•
•
○
•
Ground
○
•
•
•
•
Marquee
-
•
•
-
•
Pole
-
-
•
-
•
Projecting
-
•
•
•
•
Temporary1
○
○
○
○
○
Wall
○
•
•
•
•
NOTE:
(1)
Temporary signs shall not count towards the maximum number of signs per use.
A. 
Due to the unique identification needs of residential and multi-tenant commercial developments, additional signage may be permitted in accordance with the table below. All signs must be in conformance with § 190-34.17, where applicable.
Configuration
Permitted Sign Type and Standards
Single- or Multifamily Residential Development
Per entrance1
One additional ground sign, in conformance with § 190-34.17 B
Campus Style Development
Per entrance1
One additional ground sign, no more than 40 sf. in area and 10 ft. in height
Mixed-Use or Multi-Tenant Commercial Development
Per use or tenant
Up to 2 sign types in conformance with § 190-34.17
Per entrance
One ground or pole sign not exceeding 60 sf. in area
Multistory, Mixed-Use or Multi-Tenant Commercial Building
Per first-floor use
Up to 2 different sign types in conformance with § 190-34.17
All upper floor uses
One shared wall, projecting, or suspended sign in conformance with § 190-34.17
NOTE:
(1)
The additional signage Shall only apply to entrance points from public streets.
B. 
Coordinated sign plans.
(1) 
Coordinated sign plans shall be required for newly proposed multitenant developments.
(2) 
The purpose of this plan is to detail the standards for uniformity which the development proposes to live up to, and to state the manner in which the design criteria and standards for uniform sign set forth in this section shall be met.
(3) 
Building permits for signs for individual businesses within the development (and therefore subject to the coordinated sign plan) shall be approved by the Commissioner of Building, following coordinated sign plan approval.
(4) 
All signs shall conform to the approved coordinated sign plan on file with the City. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of the development to ascertain that the most updated version is on file for purposes of this article.
A. 
Awning sign. A sign that is part of or attached to an awning.
(1) 
All awning or canopy signs shall be in conformance with the standards of the following table:
Max number
1 per awning/canopy structure
Max area
50% of valence area
Max height
-
Min ground clearance
9 ft
(2) 
Additional regulations.
(a) 
Awning signs shall be limited to the valence area.
(b) 
A single use may utilize no more than two awnings for signage. Where a single use has more than one awning, each awning shall match in color and style.
(c) 
Where an awning relates to more than one use, each use shall be entitled to one sign on such awning provided the color and style of the signs are the same.
(d) 
Awnings upon which a sign is to be placed shall be comprised of high-quality, weather-resistant materials designed for exterior use.
B. 
Ground sign. A sign not attached to any building or structure, which may be flush with the ground or supported by two columns or posts provided the distance between the ground and bottommost edge of the sign is no greater than three feet.
(1) 
All ground signs shall be in conformance with the standards of the following table.
Zoning District
LDR, MDR, MR
MU-D, MU-GC, MU-N, MO
MLI, GI
Max number
1 per lot
1 per building
1 per building
Max area
6 sf
24 sf
40 sf
Max height
3 ft
6 ft
10 ft
Min separation between signs on same premises
-
-
50 ft
Min setback
5 ft
5 ft
15 ft
(2) 
Additional regulations.
(a) 
No ground sign shall be permitted where the principal structure on the lot has a front setback of less than five feet.
(b) 
All ground signs must be sufficiently secured to prevent movement from wind.
(c) 
Ground signs and pole signs may not be used in combination on the same premises.
(d) 
All ground signs shall have a landscaped area at the base of the sign. The landscaping shall fully surround the sign and utilize appropriate plantings so as not to obscure the visibility of the sign.
(e) 
All plantings shall be properly manicured and maintained as the season may require. Dead or decaying plant material shall be replaced within 30 days of written notice by the CEO.
(f) 
External lighting fixtures may be mounted on the ground or on the sign. Lighting fixtures mounted on the ground shall be shielded and directed to illuminate only the sign face.
C. 
Marquee sign.
(1) 
No building or use may have more than one marquee sign.
(2) 
Marquee signs shall not extend beyond the top or the sides of the building.
(3) 
Marquee signs shall not be oriented towards any residential district.
(4) 
Marquee signs shall not project into any adjacent right-of-way, unless approved by the appropriate federal, state, county, or local highway official.
(5) 
The ground clearance shall be a minimum of nine feet.
D. 
Pole sign. A sign not attached to any building or structure, which may be supported by one or two columns or posts where the distance between the ground and bottommost edge of the sign is greater than three feet.
(1) 
All pole signs shall be in conformance with the standards of the following table.
Building Frontage Width
<30 FT
30-60 FT
60+ FT
Max number
-
1
2
Max area
-
120 sf
120 sf
(60 sf each)
Max height
-
12 ft
15 ft
Min separation between signs on same premises
-
-
50 ft
Min setback
-
5 ft
5 ft
NOTE:
(1)
Maximum height shall include the distance from the ground.
(2) 
Additional regulations.
(a) 
No sign shall be permitted where the principal structure on the lot has a front setback of less than 10 feet.
(b) 
Nothing shall be painted on or affixed below the required ground clearance.
(c) 
No pole sign shall be located so as to create a visual obstruction from or within a public right-of-way.
(d) 
Pole signs shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from an adjacent residential lot line.
(e) 
The pole support for such signs shall be fully encased or skirted.
(f) 
A pole sign with a single support shall have a minimum support width of 20% of the width of the sign face.
(g) 
A pole sign support with a double-pole support structure shall have a minimum support width of 10% of the width of the sign face.
(h) 
All pole signs shall have a landscaped area at the base of the sign. The landscaping shall fully surround the sign and utilize appropriate plantings so as not to obscure the visibility of the sign.
(i) 
All plantings shall be properly manicured and maintained as the season may require. Dead or decaying plant material shall be replaced within 30 days of written notice by the CEO.
(j) 
External lighting fixtures may be mounted on the sign only.
E. 
Projecting sign. A sign which is wholly dependent upon a building for support and which projects more than 12 inches from such building.
(1) 
All projecting signs shall be in conformance with the standards or the following table.
Zoning District
MU-D, MU-GC, MU-N, MO
MLI, GI
Max number
1 per use
1 per use
Max area
1 sf per ft of building frontage
1 sf per ft of building frontage
Max height
2 ft
3 ft
Min ground clearance
9 ft
9 ft
F. 
Temporary sign. A sign which is not intended to be used for a period exceeding 30 days and is not attached to a building, structure, or ground in a permanent manner.
(1) 
Dimensional requirements of temporary signs should conform with the sign type most closely aligned with the style of the temporary sign.
(2) 
No more than two temporary building permits for signs shall be issued within any calendar year for any business on the premises.
(3) 
Temporary signs shall not be displayed for more than 30 days in a 120-day period. This may be extended for up to two additional 30-day periods upon written request to the CEO setting forth the special circumstances requiring such extension.
G. 
Wall sign. A sign fastened to the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for or forms the background surface of the sign and which does not project outward more than 12 inches from such building or structure.
(1) 
All wall signs shall be in conformance with the standards of the following table.
Zoning District
LDR, MDR, MR
MU-D, MU-GC, MU-N, MO
MLI, GI
Max number
1 per structure
1 per facade1
1 per facade1
Max area
4 sf
10% of facade or 100 sf2
20% of facade or 100 sf2
Max height
2 ft
4 ft
5 ft
Min ground clearance
5 ft
5 ft
5 ft
NOTES:
(1)
All wall signs on any given facade shall be considered as one collective sign provided the cumulative area of signage does not exceed the maximum area allowable.
(2)
Whichever measure for minimum area is less.
(2) 
Additional regulations.
(a) 
Wall signs shall not extend beyond the ends of the wall surface.
(b) 
Wall signs shall not project more than 12 inches from the exterior supporting wall.
(c) 
Painted wall signs may be permitted with Planning Board approval.
(d) 
The maximum size requirements may be exceeded with Planning Board approval.
The following requirements shall apply to any sign utilizing digital technology.
A. 
The use of digital sign technology shall be limited to districts where illumination is permitted and where the property has direct frontage on the following streets:
(1) 
Transit Street from the City line to Main Street;
(2) 
West Avenue from the City line to Transit Street;
(3) 
Park Avenue; and
(4) 
Lincoln Avenue.
B. 
The extent of sign face area utilizing digital sign technology, including any screens or other display area, shall not exceed 50% or 32 square feet, whichever is greater.
C. 
Digital technology shall not be utilized in any wall sign, projecting sign, suspended sign, awning sign, or window sign.
D. 
Digital signs shall display static messages with no animation, no effects simulating animation, and no video.
E. 
Changes in copy, message, or graphics shall occur no more than once every 20 seconds.
F. 
Each transition shall be accomplished immediately with no fade, scroll, flash, spin, revolve, or shake or include any other type of movement or motion.
G. 
Digital signs shall be equipped with photosensitive equipment that is programmed to automatically adjust the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination.
H. 
The illuminance of a digital sign shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure footcandles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be measured with the digital sign off, and again with the digital sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable sign, or a solid message for a single-color sign. All measurements shall be taken at a height of at least five feet and a distance determined by the following calculation. All fractions shall round up to the nearest foot.
Measurement Distance = √(Area of Sign in Square Feet x 100)
I. 
The difference between the digital sign measurements when off and when displaying a solid-message (using the digital sign measurement criteria) shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles, regardless of ambient lighting conditions.
J. 
All digital signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 footcandle measurements.
K. 
Digital signs shall be programmed or set in such a manner that the display will turn dark and emit no light in case of malfunction.
L. 
No digital sign shall be located within 50 feet of a residential district or use as measured in a straight line from the location of the sign to the nearest residential property line.
The following sign design guidelines are intended to provide applicants, the CEO, and the Planning Board with guidance for best practices in addressing issues related to sign compatibility, legibility, placement, and color.
A. 
Compatibility.
(1) 
Signs should be constructed of high quality materials that are compatible with the building form and the desired character of the area in which they are located.
(2) 
Signs should be appropriately scaled for the building or site upon which they are located, so as not to dominate the facade or streetscape.
(3) 
Signs on buildings that have a monolithic or plain facade should be used to create visual interest through appropriate sign design features, scale, and proportions.
(4) 
Signs should be designed to include relief in the lettering or sign face to create shadows and provide depth and visual interest.
B. 
Legibility.
(1) 
Hard to read, intricate typefaces should be avoided.
(2) 
Letters and words should not be spaced too closely together.
(3) 
Large areas of blank spaces should be avoided. Generally, 50% or more blank area should be avoided for boxed sign areas or framed signs.
(4) 
Strangely shaped or unnecessarily narrow signs should be avoided. If an unusual shape is not symbolic it is more likely to be confusing.
C. 
Placement.
(1) 
Signs should be so located to respect and compliment a building's facade, utilizing logical signage areas created by existing architectural details or ornamentation.
(2) 
Signs should be placed at or near the public entrance to a building to indicate the most direct access.
(3) 
Signs located on a building facade should be located in the sign board area.
D. 
Color.
(1) 
Signs should feature substantial contrast between the color and material of the background and text or symbols.
(2) 
Sign colors should complement the materials and colors of adjacent buildings, including accent and trim colors, where applicable.
(3) 
Use of color and color combinations utilized for signs should be limited. Generally, a sign should not utilize more than three colors, including accent colors.
(4) 
Day-glo or fluorescent colors are prohibited.