A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating signs of all types. It is intended to encourage the use of signs as a means of communication, protect pedestrian and vehicular safety, protect property values, protect and enhance the aesthetic environment, enhance the Town's character and improve the Town's ability to attract sources of economic development.
B. 
Applicability.
(1) 
A sign permit is required for all signs as defined in this section which are placed, erected, constructed, altered, relocated, enlarged, or reconstructed in the Town.
(2) 
Unless specified otherwise herein, signs require review and approval of the Planning Board.
All signs not specifically permitted are prohibited. Prohibited signs include but are not limited to:
A. 
Off-premises signs, including billboards.
B. 
Abandoned signs.
C. 
Roof signs.
D. 
Portable signs or movable signs of any type.
E. 
Neon signs, except when used as an accessory sign.
F. 
Signs with flashing, blinking, intermittent, or moving lights, or any artificial light which does not maintain stationary and constant intensity and color at all times, except those signs that have an electronic message that display a message for a minimum of 15 seconds; and except signs displaying time and/or temperature shall be permitted to display a message for a minimum of four seconds.
G. 
Mounted or portable search lighting used to project moving or stationary overhead light beams.
H. 
Signs that contain or consist of ribbons, balloons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices.
I. 
Signs that contain or consist of banners or pennants, unless such sign is a temporary sign.
J. 
Rotating signs.
K. 
Signs which may obstruct the view of any official traffic sign or signal, the sight distance triangle at any street intersection, or the public right-of-way.
L. 
Posters.
M. 
Sandwich board type signs.
N. 
Feather flag signs.
Exempt signs not requiring a permit.
A. 
Non-illuminated accessory signs located in a window no more than two square feet in size and/or no more than 10% of the glass area or window in which they are displayed.
B. 
Non-illuminated signs displayed on a premises for sale or lease shall be subject to the following:
(1) 
Displayed on the premises for sale or lease;
(2) 
Located on the front wall of a building or, if freestanding, does not exceed six feet in height to its highest point;
(3) 
Not located nearer than 15 feet to any lot line or the edge of pavement of any street;
(4) 
All such signs shall not exceed four square feet in sign area per face;
(5) 
Shall be limited to one per parcel or building; and
(6) 
Shall be removed within seven days of the sale or lease of the parcel or building.
C. 
Signs located on a car, boat, trailer or other similar item of personal property offered for sale, where said sign is single-sided only, is no more than two square feet in size, and is limited to one per parcel.
D. 
Any sign required by New York State law.
E. 
Bulletin boards customarily incidental to a use providing notification of activities, events, and calendar information shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be located on the premises.
F. 
Project signs shall be a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines unless affixed to a building and shall not be illuminated. Project signs shall be removed upon the completion of the project.
G. 
Roadside stands shall require a temporary sign permit. Signage for roadside stands shall be limited to a single sign, not greater than six square feet in sign area per side and located not less than 15 feet from the edge of pavement.
H. 
Political signs shall adhere to the temporary sign requirements of this chapter with the exception that political signs shall be removed within three days after the election.
A. 
The sign shall not be placed so as to cause traffic hazards or obstruction of clear vision and shall be located fully on the property on which the business is being conducted but shall not be affixed to utility poles.
B. 
No temporary sign shall be displayed for more than 60 days except as stated herein.
C. 
The date of issuance of the temporary permit shall be affixed to the sign.
D. 
No individual business establishment may be granted a permit for a temporary sign within 90 days of the expiration of the business establishment's previous permit for a temporary sign.
E. 
Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
F. 
Such signs shall not exceed six feet in height unless affixed to a building.
G. 
Shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines unless affixed to a building.
H. 
Shall not be illuminated.
I. 
Only one temporary sign permitted per parcel.
A. 
Signs allowed in each Zoning District are designated in the Town of Schodack Sign Standards Table (below).
(1) 
An "X" indicates a sign type is not allowed in the Zoning District.
(2) 
A maximum of three signs are allowed per establishment. Only one freestanding sign or monument sign or multi-tenant sign is permitted per parcel.
(3) 
When a multi-tenant sign exists, such sign shall count as one of the three permitted signs allowed per establishment for all the tenants included on the multi-tenant sign. Tenants not listed on the multi-tenant sign are permitted three alternative signs excluding a freestanding, monument or multi-tenant sign.
(4) 
Home occupations shall be permitted one sign denoting the name, address, profession or home occupation of the occupants of the premises on which the sign is located, such sign not exceeding two square feet in area per side.
Sign Standards
District
Wall
(Total)
Window
Awning
Projecting
Freestanding
Monument
Multi-Tenant
RA
32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
X
X
X
X
R
32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
X
X
X
X
HM
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
32 sq. ft.
32 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
CM
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 100 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
100 sq. ft.
C
1 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 100 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
100 sq. ft.
RC
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 100 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
60 sq. ft.
60 sq. ft.
100 sq. ft.
M
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
X
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
MC
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 80 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
X
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
PW
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
X
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
FBC: TC1 Core
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
X
X
42 sq. ft.
(if less than 10 acres)
100 sq. ft.
(if greater than 10 acres)
FBC: TC2 Corridor
1 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
X
32 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
FBC: TC3 General
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
32 sq. ft.
32 sq. ft.
42 sq. ft.
FBC: TC4 Edge
1 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
25% of total glass area of the window on which the sign is displayed
2 sq. ft. per linear foot of building face; max. of 32 sq. ft.
5 sq. ft.
X
X
42 sq. ft.
B. 
Measurement of sign display area.
(1) 
The area of a sign shall be measured from the outer dimensions of the frame, trim, or molding by which the sign is enclosed, where such features exist, or from the outer edge of the signboard where none exist.
(2) 
When a sign consists of individual letters, symbols or characters, or where the overall shape of the sign is irregular, the area shall be computed as the area of the smallest rectangle which encloses all of the letters, symbols, characters or sign area. (See figure.)
(3) 
Only one side of double-faced signs shall be measured when determining the area.
Measurement of sign display
A. 
Design guidance. All signs should comply with the following design guidelines:
(1) 
Whenever feasible, multiple signs should be combined into one to avoid clutter.
(2) 
A sign's design should be compatible with the architectural character of the building on which it is placed and not cover any architectural features on the building.
(3) 
To the extent possible, adjacent signs on the same or adjoining building should be placed within the same horizontal band and be of reasonably harmonious materials and colors.
B. 
General standards.
(1) 
Maintenance. All signs and components thereof shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition.
(2) 
Illuminated signs.
(a) 
Any illuminated sign shall employ only light emitting a constant intensity.
(b) 
No illuminated sign shall be placed so as to permit the beams of light to be directed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk, or any adjacent property so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a nuisance or traffic hazard.
(3) 
Wall signs.
(a) 
The visible edge or border of a wall sign may extend up to four inches from the face of the wall to which it is attached, and may not extend any distance beyond or above the building in any direction.
(b) 
The placement of wall signs must be below the cornice and may not project above the top of the wall.
(c) 
Where the design of an existing building facade incorporates a specific area for a wall sign, the height and length of the sign shall be restricted to the dimensions of this area.
(d) 
A wall sign cannot cover windows or architectural details.
(4) 
Awning signs.
(a) 
Awning graphics should be affixed flat to the surface of the valance and shall indicate only the name and/or address of the enterprise or premises.
(b) 
Only awnings over ground floor doors or windows may contain signs.
(c) 
A maximum of one sign per awning face is permitted.
(d) 
Awnings shall be affixed at a consistent height of eight feet and extend no higher than 12 feet.
(e) 
Awnings shall project at least three feet but no more than six feet.
(5) 
Projecting signs.
(a) 
Projecting signs may not extend above the height of the lowest point of the roofline, and shall have no more than two faces.
(b) 
They shall be securely anchored and shall not swing or move in any manner.
(c) 
Projecting signs must be located at least 10 feet from any other projecting sign.
(d) 
The lowest point of the projecting sign shall be a minimum of 10 feet or a maximum of 15 feet above the sidewalk.
(e) 
Signs shall have a minimum projection of six inches and a maximum projection of five feet from the building face.
(6) 
Freestanding, monument and multi-tenant signs.
(a) 
No more than one freestanding or monument or multi-tenant sign may be located on a lot.
(b) 
Freestanding, monument and multi-tenant signs shall not be placed so as to impair visibility for motorists. A monument or a multi-tenant sign shall not be located within the clear sight triangle at any intersection.
(c) 
No freestanding, monument or multi-tenant sign or its support shall exceed a height of 25 feet except as stated herein.
(d) 
A freestanding, monument or multi-tenant sign shall meet the minimum front and side yard setbacks for accessory buildings, except in no case shall the sign be less than five feet from the front property line and 10 feet from the side property line.
(e) 
The Planning Board may require that landscaping be used at the base of a freestanding or monument sign if such landscaping will make the sign more compatible with the surrounding area.
(f) 
Monument and multi-tenant signs shall be constructed of the same or similar architectural elements and in similar materials and colors as the building(s).
A. 
Sign permit procedures.
(1) 
Any person desiring to procure a permit for a sign shall file with the Code Enforcement Officer a written application on a form prescribed by the Town, including payment of the applicable fee.
(2) 
Temporary signs.
(a) 
All signs of a temporary nature must receive permits before being displayed, except those specified herein. Planning Board approval is not required for temporary signs, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue or deny a sign permit.
(b) 
The permit shall note the date of the first day the sign may be displayed and the date it must be removed.
(3) 
Permanent signs.
(a) 
The Planning Board, upon receipt of a complete application for a sign permit, shall consider the application either independently or in conjunction with site plan review.
(b) 
If the Planning Board conducts an independent review apart from site plan review, it shall approve, approve with modifications, or deny the application within 62 days unless extended by mutual agreement with the applicant.
(c) 
If the sign application is approved, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a sign permit.
(4) 
Replacement "in-kind."
(a) 
Signs may be replaced if there is no change in the construction, size, height, or lighting.
(b) 
The number of panels on existing multi-tenant signs may not be modified.
B. 
Sign permit expiration. A permit issued for an approved sign shall be valid for six months from the date of the permit. If the sign is not installed before the expiration of six months, a new permit shall be required.
A. 
A sign shall be determined abandoned if any such enterprise, for a period of one year, conducts no business or does not offer a product or service.
B. 
Removal.
(1) 
The Code Enforcement Officer, upon determining that any such sign is abandoned or illegal, shall require the sign to be removed by the owner of the premises upon which the sign is located.
(2) 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall give written notice to the last owner of record of the real property where the sign is located as well as the permit holder, if any, at the permit holder's last known address of record, who shall, unless good cause is shown, remove the sign within 30 days from the date of the written notice. If no action is taken by the owner or permit holder within said time period, the Code Enforcement Officer may cause the sign to be removed, without liability to the Town or its agents.
(3) 
If any temporary sign is not removed by the expiration of the time limit noted on the application, the Code Enforcement Officer, after seven days' written notice to the permit holder to remove such sign(s) (computed from the date of mailing), and after failure of the permit holder to do so, will cause said sign(s) to be removed at the owner's expense.
(4) 
Offending signs removed by the Code Enforcement Officer will be stored for a maximum of 30 days.
C. 
Unsafe signs. The Code Enforcement Officer may cause any sign that is unsafe or insecure or is a source of immediate peril to persons or property to be removed, repaired, or made to conform immediately and without notice.
D. 
At the sole discretion of the Town, the reasonable and necessary costs incurred for removal and/or storage of any offending or unsafe sign shall be charged against the real property from which the sign was removed, by adding that charge to, and making it a part of, the next annual real property tax assessment roll of the Town. Such charges shall be levied and collected at the same time and in the same manner as Town-assessed taxes, to be applied in reimbursing the fund from which the costs of sign removal were paid. Prior to charging such assessments, the owners of the real property shall be provided written notice to their last known addresses of record, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of an opportunity to be heard and object before the Town Board to the proposed real property assessment, at a date to be designated in the notice, which shall be no less than 30 days after its mailing.