The purpose of this article is to protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed outdoor advertising. It is intended to improve communications within the community, protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas and provide a more enjoyable and pleasing community. It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more open space and curb the deterioration of natural beauty and community environment.
The following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein:
A-FRAME SIGN
Any sign with a single or double face, erected on a frame in which the supports form a triangle using the ground as the third side of the triangle.
AWNING SIGN and BACKLIT AWNINGS
An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
BANNER
A flexible substrate on which copy or graphics may be displayed.
BANNER SIGN
A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.
BILLBOARD SIGN
See "outdoor advertising sign."
BUILDING ELEVATION
The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline, as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.
CABINET SIGN
A sign constructed in such a manner that the sign face(s) is or are supported by a surrounding framework creating a box-like structure that is capable of being supported or moved as a unit. Such signs may or may not be internally illuminated.
CANOPY (ATTACHED)
A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.
CANOPY (FREESTANDING)
A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and/or soffit of a freestanding canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.
CANOPY SIGN
A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy.
CHANGEABLE SIGN
A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs which are electrically activated or manually activated.
COMBINATION SIGN
A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a building structure.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
A sign identifying individuals or companies involved in design, construction, wrecking, financing or development when placed upon the premises where work is under construction.
DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX SIGN
A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or Planned Industrial Park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord.
DIGITAL SIGN
A sign that can be electronically changed either by changeable copy or images/display.
[Added 4-5-2016 by L.L. No. 3-2016]
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
DIRECTORY SIGN
A sign located next to a main entrance of a building used as a shopping center or for professional offices, under unified control, consisting of two or more occupants. It is designed for the pedestrian and indicates the name and address of the occupants and/or identification of any business or occupation, which may exist on the premises.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
A sign with two faces, back-to-back, designed so that the two sides cannot be viewed from the same point.
ELECTRIC SIGN
Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical power.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix or otherwise cause a sign to be created and shall also include the painting of wall signs
EXTERIOR SIGN
Any sign placed outside a building.
FASCIA SIGN
See "wall sign.
FLASHING SIGN
An illuminated sign on which the artificial source of light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times. Any moving illuminated sign affected by intermittent light shall be deemed to be flashing sign.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground.
FRONTAGE (BUILDING)
The length of an exterior building wall or structure of single premises orientated to the public way or other properties that it faces.
GROUND SIGN
At grade, or built into landscaping.
HOMEGROWN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SIGN
A sign displayed at any residence by the owner or other operator thereof, for the purpose of identifying or advertising homegrown agricultural products for sale.
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN
A sign permitted in association with an occupation conducted on the premises within a dwelling unit occupied by the operator of the business.
HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL GOODS SALES SIGN
A sign advertising the sale of domestic items at a residence, garage or residential parcel.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated); or reflecting off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).
INFORMATIONAL SIGN
A sign designed to contain information exclusively as a public service and of a noncommercial nature, such as signs denoting telephones and rest rooms.
INTERIOR SIGN
Any sign placed within a building, but not including window signs as defined by this chapter. Interior signs, with the exception of window signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.
LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGN
A legal sign existing at the effective date of the adoption of this chapter which could not be built under the terms of this chapter.
MANSARD
An inclined decorated roof-like projection that is attached to an exterior building facade.
MARQUEE SIGN
See "canopy sign."
MENU BOARD SIGN
A freestanding sign oriented to the drive-through lane for a business that advertises services available from the drive-through window, and which has no more than 20% of the total area for such a sign utilized for business identification.
MONUMENT SIGN
A type of freestanding sign that is located on grade rather than on a pole or similar support.
MOVING SIGN
A sign which revolves, rotates, swings, undulates or otherwise attracts attention through the movement of parts.
MULTIPLE-FACED SIGN
A sign containing three or more faces.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
See "outdoor advertising sign."
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products manufactured or sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property on which it is displayed.
POLE SIGN
See "freestanding sign."
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign identifying a political candidate, issue or party.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building or building surface.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to or projects more than 18 inches from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign.
PUBLIC BUILDING SIGN
Signs for religious, school and community centers or public or quasi-public buildings.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of the property or premises upon which it is located.
ROOF SIGN
A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be roof signs.
SIGN
Any device visible to the public that displays either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be considered to be signs.
SIGN AREA
The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprise the sign face. The area of any double sided or V-shaped sign shall be the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided signs shall be computed as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces of the sign.
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to products sold upon the same lot, including "For Sale" or "For Rent" signs relating to the lot on which they are displayed.
SIGN COPY
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of numerals identifying a street address only.
SIGN FACE
The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border.
A. 
In the case of a cabinet sign, the sign face shall include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open space between separate panels or cabinets.
B. 
In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy, the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border, or a contrasting surface or color.
C. 
In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building or structure.
D. 
In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the area within the contrasting background, or within the painted or illuminated border.
SUBDIVISION SIGN
A sign identifying a division, parcel or area of land by the owner or agent, by lots.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground, are considered temporary signs or a sign announcing or advertising a special limited-time offer not normally available on the premises.
V SIGN
Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size, erected upon common or separate structures, positioned in a "V" shape with an interior angle between faces of not more than 90° with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet at their closest point.
WALL OR FASCIA SIGN
A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from adjacent property.
Sign types and the computation of sign area shall be as depicted in Figures 1003.1(1) through 1003.1(4) and Figures 1008.1.2(1) through 1008.1.2(3).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Figures 1003 and 1008 are included as an attachment to this chapter.
A. 
Sign setback. No freestanding sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to project over or above any street. Said sign shall be set back at least 15 feet from any street right-of-way and at least 10 feet from any other lot line.
B. 
Allowable sign area.
(1) 
The total of all signage on a lot shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of the structure or building frontage occupied by each business conducted on the premises. Any sign or wording mandated by federal, state or local law is excluded from this requirement.
(2) 
For rectangular wall signs, the allowable sign area is that area of the smallest rectangle that can be placed over the entire sign, including its lettering, devices, frame and decorative moldings along its edges and background if of different color from the predominant color surrounding the sign.
(3) 
For irregular wall signs, the allowable sign area is that area defined by the edges of a sign, including all lettering, devices, frame and decorative moldings and background if of a different color from the predominant color surrounding the sign.
(4) 
For letters not attached to the frame or freestanding, the allowable sign area is that area defined by the smallest rectangle that can be placed over the series of letters considered as a unit. In the event that both upper- and lowercase letters are used, the area shall be defined by the smallest rectangles that can be placed over the series of lowercase letters, plus the area of the smallest rectangles that can be placed over the individual uppercase letters. In the event that a letter or letters or other pictorial matter is placed as separate units on background boards, the sign area shall be calculated as the sum of the areas of the background boards.
(5) 
Freestanding double-faced signs. The allowable sign area of a flat or two-sided freestanding sign is considered to be the entire surface area of one face of the sign.
(6) 
Buildings facing two streets. The frontage shall be either the side fronting the street providing major access or the side to which the main structure entrance faces. For commercial or industrial uses, the frontage shall not be a primarily residential street. In cases where the front cannot be determined by either method, the Code Enforcement Officer shall designate the front. On corner lots where a building or buildings face more than one street and with more than one principal use, sign area shall be allowed for frontage as indicated in the district regulations and for 1/2 the side street frontage, provided that:
(a) 
The side street frontage is not primarily on a residential block.
(b) 
Each sign is placed only on the frontage from which the sign area is determined.
C. 
Conformance to codes. All signs hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the New York State Building Code and any other local, state or federal ordinance or regulations, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, regulation by the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority.
[Amended 5-21-2019 by L.L. No. 3-2019]
D. 
Fees. A fee shall be paid upon filing of an application for a sign permit pursuant to a schedule of fees determined by the Town Board.
E. 
Maintenance, repair and removal. Every sign permitted by this chapter shall be kept in good condition and repair. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the Code Enforcement Officer, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner thereof or the person or firm using same shall, upon written notice by the Code Enforcement Officer forthwith in the case of danger, and in any case within not more than 10 days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter or shall remove it. If within 10 days the order is not complied with, the Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to remove or cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user of the sign.
F. 
Nonconforming signs. Any sign legally existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered a legal nonconforming use or structure and shall be permitted to continue in such status until such time it is either abandoned or removed by its owner, subject to the following limitations:
(1) 
Structural alterations, enlargement or re-erection is permissible only where such alterations will not increase the degree of nonconformity of the signs.
(2) 
Any legal nonconforming sign shall be removed or rebuilt without increasing the existing height or area if it is damaged, or removed if allowed to deteriorate to the extent that the cost of repair or restoration exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the sign as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
(3) 
Signs that comply with either Subsection F(1) or (2) above need not be permitted.
G. 
Obsolete sign. Any sign that no longer advertises or identifies a use conducted on the property on which said sign is erected shall have the sign removed or covered within 30 days after written notification from the Code Enforcement Officer; upon failure to comply with such notice, the Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or ground on which the sign is located.
H. 
Projection over public ways. Signs projecting over public walkways shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height of eight feet from grade level to the bottom of the sign. Signs, architectural projections, or sign structures projecting over private vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the jurisdiction for such structures.
I. 
Traffic visibility. No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a matter as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, shape or color may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
J. 
Signs in the right-of-way. No signs other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within a street right-of-way, or within any public way, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of the Town or by specific authorization of the Code Enforcement Officer.
K. 
Planning Board. When a request is made which exceeds the legal limits of this section, it shall be referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation for action by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The following signs are hereby expressly prohibited from erection, construction, repair, alteration or relocation within the Town except as permitted in this section:
A. 
Banners, pennants, streamers, balloons and other gas-filled figures, except as a temporary sign.
B. 
Billboards and off-premises signs except within and in accordance with the requirements of the Billboard Overlay District.
C. 
Moving and flashing signs which flash or blink, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate or otherwise attract attention through movement or flashing parts or through the impression of movement or flashing, not to include residential holiday lighting.
[Amended 4-5-2016 by L.L. No. 3-2016]
D. 
Portable signs, except as a temporary sign as provided in this section.
E. 
Roof signs.
F. 
Signs on parked vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer (which is currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets) for use in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate. This is not intended to prohibit "for sale" signs placed inside a vehicle in connection with the sale of that vehicle.
G. 
Signs affixed to a tree or any other living vegetation.
H. 
Signs attached or otherwise applied to utility poles, bus shelters, benches, trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines or other unapproved supporting structure within public property or rights-of-way.
I. 
Signs which imitate traffic control devices or interfere with, obstruct the view of or create confusion with any authorized traffic control sign, signal or other device by its position, shape or color, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
J. 
Signs which obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required exit.
K. 
Signs which contain untruthful or misleading information.
L. 
Signs or sign structures which constitute a hazard to public safety or health.
M. 
Obsolete signs or their supports no longer advertising a bona fide business conducted or product sold. (See provisions regarding obsolete signs in § 200-54, General rules, Subsection G.)
N. 
Illumination of signs in residential districts, except for street address signs, signs indicating doctors of medicine, signs indicating churches or other places of worship, holiday lighting displays and signs necessary for public safety.
O. 
Signs in right-of-way. No signs other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within a street right-of-way, or within any public way, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of the Town or by specific authorization of the Code Enforcement Officer.
P. 
Signs projecting over public ways. Signs projecting over public walkways shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height of eight feet from grade level to the bottom of the sign. Signs, architectural projections or sign structures projecting over vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the jurisdiction for such structures.
Q. 
Vehicles and trailers are not used primarily as static displays, advertising a product or service, nor utilized as storage, shelter or distribution points for commercial products or services for the general public.
The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
A. 
Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety official.
B. 
Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal governments.
C. 
Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into masonry surface or when made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
D. 
The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a school.
E. 
Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate holiday season.
F. 
Works of art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain.
G. 
Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address signs that contain no advertising copy and which do not exceed six square feet.
A. 
Permits required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer for the erection and maintenance of signs erected or maintained within this chapter. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign from the responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner in accordance with all the other provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Issuance of a permit. It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer, upon the filing of an application for a permit to erect a sign, to examine such plans, specifications and other data submitted to him with the application and, if necessary, the building or premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure. If it appears that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this section and other laws of the Town of Van Buren, New York, the Code Enforcement Officer shall then issue a permit for the erection of the proposed sign
C. 
Changes to signs. No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged or relocated except in conformity to the provisions herein, nor until a proper permit, if required, has been secured. The changing or maintenance of parts or components of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the changing of copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter, or the content of any sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration.
D. 
Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter or relocate a sign shall be in accordance with the most current fee schedule adopted by the Town Board.
E. 
Revocation of permit. All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this chapter or any amendment thereto are licenses revocable at any time by the Code Enforcement Officer.
The following signs are allowed in all zoning districts upon the issuance of a sign permit by the Town of Van Buren Code Enforcement Officer:
A. 
Civic announcement signs. Signs of a civic nature shall not exceed 6 1/2 square feet in area and shall be erected no more than 30 days prior to and shall be removed within three days following the event.
B. 
Construction/Contractors' signs. Builders', architects' and engineers' signs no more than 32 square feet in area will be allowed and shall be removed within 14 days of project completion.
C. 
Directional signs. Signs directing traffic on private property bearing no advertising matter are allowed. No more than two directional signs shall be permitted per street entrance to any property. There shall be no limit to the number of directional signs providing directional information interior to a lot. The maximum area and height for directional signs in commercial zoned areas are three square feet in area and six feet in height, and in residential, planned unit development, and agricultural districts two square feet in area and six feet in height.
D. 
Homegrown agricultural products. Signs displayed on a residence by the owner or other operators thereof for the purpose of identifying or advertising homegrown agricultural products for sale no larger than four square feet in area and six feet in height are allowed.
E. 
Informational signs. Signs designed to contain information exclusively as a public service and of a noncommercial nature will not be included in the total allowable sign area and are allowed.
F. 
Public building signs. Religious, school and community center signs for public or quasi-public buildings shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
A. 
Subdivision signs. Signs for housing projects must be approved by the Planning Board prior to placement on the property and shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
B. 
Awning signs. Awning signs are allowed in commercial areas only and are subject to Planning Board approval and the conditions listed herein:
(1) 
No more than one sign per business shall be permitted on each awning.
(2) 
Such sign shall indicate the name or activity conducted on the premises only.
(3) 
The gross area of such sign shall not exceed 50% of the gross surface area of the face of the awning to which it is affixed, and such sign area shall be part of the total allowable signage area.
(4) 
The location and arrangement of all such signage shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board. In no case shall the sign project higher than the top or lower than the bottom of the awning to which it is affixed.
C. 
Canopy/Marquee signs. Canopy signs are allowed in the commercial areas only and are subject to Planning Board approval and the conditions listed herein:
(1) 
No more than one such sign per public entrance to any occupancy, and shall be limited to an area not to exceed eight square feet.
(2) 
Signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any sidewalk or pedestrian way a minimum of 10 feet.
D. 
A-frame signs. A-frame signs are allowed in commercial areas only. The sign is to be placed in front of the business advertised, during business hours, and shall not exceed eight square feet per side and 3 1/2 feet in height.
E. 
Directory signs. A directory sign, if used, shall be located next to the main entrance of a building used as a shopping center or professional offices, under unified control, consisting of two or more occupants. The size and height of directory signs are under specific types of signs and for specific areas of zoning. See "shopping center signs" and "freestanding signs."
F. 
Freestanding signs.
(1) 
In commercial areas zoned General Business, Industrial, and Planned Unit Development, one freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area, and not exceeding 25 feet in height, shall be permitted.
(2) 
In commercial areas zoned Local Business, one freestanding sign not exceeding 20 square feet in area, and not exceeding 25 feet in height, shall be permitted.
(3) 
Monument signs are allowed in agricultural and residential districts upon the issuance of a special use permit, with a total height of no more than six feet and a viewing area of no more than 24 square feet.
(4) 
Freestanding signs are not allowed in zoning districts other than as set forth above.
G. 
Wall signs.
(1) 
All signs shall be confined to the signable wall, which consists of a continuous portion of a building unbroken by doors or by windows, the size of which is calculated as the size of the rectangle of the facade within such area.
(2) 
There shall not be more than one wall sign for each principal building. Where the building abuts two or more streets, additional such signs, one oriented to each abutting street, shall be allowed.
H. 
Projecting signs.
(1) 
Only one projecting sign per business shall be permitted. No projecting sign shall be permitted on property which has a freestanding sign.
(2) 
Projecting signs shall be located on the vertical surface of a building and shall be set back from the street right-of-way at least 15 feet. A projecting sign shall not project more than four feet from the building upon which it is erected and shall be pinned at least six inches from the wall to which the sign is affixed.
(3) 
Projecting signs shall clear grade level below the sign by a minimum of 10 feet and shall not be higher than the top of the wall or 16 feet.
(4) 
The display area shall not exceed 12 square feet in an industrial district and the General Business District and shall not exceed eight square feet in the Local Business District.
I. 
Shopping center signs.
(1) 
Wall signs. There should be no more than one wall sign for each principal tenant or use contained in the shopping center. All signs shall conform to an overall scheme or arrangement design, which shall be subject to approval by the Planning Board. Sign materials, lighting, position on the building and size shall all be specified in such approval. If the shopping center should contain a mall area, a sign no wider than the entrance may designate each entrance to the mall.
(2) 
Freestanding signs. Only one freestanding sign, which bears the name of the shopping center, may be erected on the lands occupied by the center.
J. 
Home occupation signs. Home occupation signs in a residential or agricultural district shall be limited to one sign not to exceed four square feet in area.
K. 
Window signs. No window signs shall be permitted in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial districts (with Planning Board approval), subject to the following limitations:
(1) 
The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 25% of the window area on which such signs are displayed. Window panels separated by muntins or mullions shall be considered as one continuous window area.
(2) 
Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted for other sign types.
L. 
Menu boards. Menu board signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in commercial areas only, and subject to Planning Board approval.
M. 
Directory signs: allowed in commercial areas only, and subject to Planning Board approval.
N. 
Digital signs:
[Added 4-5-2016 by L.L. No. 3-2016]
(1) 
Allowed in business and industrial districts only (LB, GB, IND-A, PCD, IN-P).
(2) 
Require special use permit, with special attention to illumination intensity and changeable copy/display frequency. See § 200-27D.
A. 
Master sign plan required. All landlord- or single-owner-controlled multiple-occupancy development complexes on property exceeding eight acres in size, such as shopping centers or planned industrial parks and planned unit developments, shall submit to the Code Enforcement Officer a master plan, subject to the approval of the Planning Board, prior to issuance of new sign permits. The master sign plan shall establish standards and criteria for all signs in the complex that require permits, and shall address, at a minimum, the following:
(1) 
Proposed sign locations.
(2) 
Materials.
(3) 
Type of illumination.
(4) 
Design of freestanding sign structures.
(5) 
Size.
(6) 
Quantity.
(7) 
Uniform standard for nonbusiness signage, including directional and informational signs.
B. 
Development complex sign. In addition to the freestanding business identification signs otherwise allowed by this chapter, every multiple-occupancy development complex shall be entitled to one freestanding sign per street front, at the maximum size permitted for business identification freestanding signs, to identify the development complex. No business identification shall be permitted on a development complex sign. Any freestanding sign otherwise permitted under this chapter may identify the name of the development complex.
C. 
Compliance with master sign plan. All applications for sign permits for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall comply with the Master Sign Plan.
D. 
Amendments. Any amendments to an approved Master Sign Plan must be signed and approved by the owner(s) within the development complex, and the Planning Board, before such amendment may become effective.
Temporary signs, types, sizes and length of time allowed shall be in accordance with the following:
A. 
Real estate signs: Real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
(1) 
Real estate signs located on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than 6.5 square feet and six feet in height.
(2) 
Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots located within a subdivision shall be limited to one sign per entrance to the subdivision, and each sign shall be no larger than 6.5 square feet and six feet in height. All signs permitted under this section shall be removed within 10 days after sale of the last original lot.
(3) 
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of space within commercial or industrial buildings shall be no greater than 24 square feet and six feet in height, and limited to one sign per street front.
(4) 
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of vacant commercial or industrial land shall be limited to one sign per street front, and each sign shall be no larger than 24 square feet and six feet in height for property of 10 acres or less, and 32 square feet and six feet in height for property exceeding 10 acres.
(5) 
Real estate signs shall be removed no later than 10 days after execution of a lease or rental agreement in the event of a lease or rental, or the closing of the sale in the event of a purchase.
(6) 
Real estate signs shall be placed off the street and shall not be placed on any property without prior permission of the owner or tenant thereof.
B. 
Political signs. Political signs will be permitted in all zoning districts as follows:
(1) 
Each face of a political sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
(2) 
Political signs shall not be attached to public utility poles, street sign poles, etc., and must have the approval of the occupant and/or property owner.
(3) 
Political signs may be placed 60 days prior to the election or referendum and must be removed within 10 days after the election or referendum. Signs promoting successful candidates or referendums in a primary election may remain displayed until not more than 20 days after the general election.
C. 
Household and personal goods sales signs. No more than a reasonable number of off-premises and freestanding double-faced signs, each face of which shall be no larger than four square feet, may be erected 24 hours preceding the sale, and shall be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Said signs shall be placed off the street and shall not be placed on any property without the prior permission of the owner or tenant thereof. Church, school, charitable, community and civic organizations shall be regulated by temporary sign regulations as provided for in this section.
Temporary signs, types, sizes and length of time allowed shall be in accordance with the following:
A. 
Development and construction signs. Signs temporarily erected during construction to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects, engineers, the nature of the project or anticipated completion dates shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
(1) 
Approval by the Planning Board, showing a detailed drawing or blueprints showing a description of the construction details of the sign and showing the lettering and/or pictorial matter, including color scheme, composing the sign; position of lighting or other extraneous devices; a location plan showing the position in relation to nearby buildings or structures and to any private or public street or highway.
(2) 
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or on which the sign is to be erected, in the event that the applicant is not the owner thereof.
(3) 
Signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than 6.5 square feet and six feet in height.
(4) 
Signs for residential subdivisions or multiple residential lots shall be limited to one sign, at each entrance to the subdivision or on one of the lots to be built upon, and shall be no greater than 24 square feet and six feet in height.
(5) 
Signs for nonresidential uses in residential districts shall be limited to one sign, and shall be no greater than 24 square feet and six feet in height.
(6) 
Signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited to one sign per street front, not to exceed 24 square feet and six feet in height for parcels on five acres or less in size, and not to exceed 32 square feet and six feet in height for projects on parcels larger than five acres.
(7) 
Development and construction signs may not be displayed until after issuance of construction permits by the Code Enforcement Officer and must be removed no later than 24 hours following issuance of the last occupancy permit for any or all portions of the project.
B. 
Special promotion, event and grand opening signs. Signs temporarily displayed to advertise special promotions, events and grand openings shall be permitted for nonresidential uses in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial districts subject to the following limitations:
(1) 
Signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.
(2) 
Such signs may be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days in any three-month period and not more than 60 days in any calendar year. The sign shall be erected no more than five days prior to the event or grand opening, and shall be removed no more than one day after the event or grand opening.