In all zoning districts, no sign may be erected
or maintained other than signs of the character, size and construction
expressly authorized by this article and other ordinances and regulations
of the Town Council of Georgetown under authority of the Town Manager
of Georgetown relating to the erection, alteration or maintenance
of signs and similar devices.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
To advise, announce, apprise, command, give notice of, inform,
make known, publish or call to the public attention by any means whatsoever.
Any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position
by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of
such movement.
A sign affixed to or integral with the surface of an awning
or canopy, retractable or fixed shelter constructed of fabric, cloth,
or plastic on a supporting framework that projects from the exterior
wall of a building.
For the purpose of this article, a structure for the permanent
display of off-premises advertising attached to the ground by means
of poles, pylons or posts.
A sign that shows a product or service, such as fuel or hotel/motel
rates as an unchanging element of the sign and only the price is changeable.
A center or campus comprised of retail, wholesale, shopping
center, business, commercial, institutional or mixed-use center with
two or more principal structures located on one or more contiguous
properties, under common management and operation, and is interconnected
by parking areas, streets, sidewalks or other means.
A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of
poles, standards or any other type of base on the ground. A detached
sign may be double faced with equal sign area on both sides as permitted
by the district or use regulations for the particular sign. Detached
signs may include:
GROUND SIGNA sign suspended or supported by one or more uprights or braces anchored to the ground.
MONUMENT SIGNA freestanding sign that is affixed to a base that is equal to or wider than the sign itself. The height of the sign is measured from the finished grade to the top of the sign. Such signs shall be situated so as to have the longer dimension oriented horizontal, and to have the shorter dimension oriented vertical.
POST OR PYLON SIGNA sign which is attached to the ground by means of one or two poles or a base which is narrower than the face of the sign.
An electrically activated sign whose message content, either
in whole or in part, may be changed by means of electronic programming.
These signs shall include those displaying time, temperature, and
messages of a public or commercial nature.
The front of a building or any face that is given special
architectural treatment.
[Added 11-14-2022 by Ord.
No. 2022-08]
An illuminated sign on which the artificial or reflected
light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color.
Any sign which revolves or moves, whether illuminated or not, shall
be considered a "flashing sign."
A sign that is designed to be filled with air to form a three-dimensional
shape which is designed to be anchored to the ground.
For the purposes of this article, an institutional use shall
be a facility operated by a federal, state or local government, public
or private school, or college, church, fire company or EMS station,
hospital or emergency care facility, senior and community centers.
A sign conveying instructions with respect to the premises
on which it is maintained, such as "entrance," "exit," "no trespassing,"
"danger," "no parking," "loading only," and similar signs, the total
sign area not to exceed eight square feet.
A sign attached to or hung from a marquee. For the purpose
of this section, a "marquee" is a covered structure projecting from
and supported by the building with independent roof and drainage provisions
and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against
the weather.
A sign consisting of letters or symbols incorporated into
or attached to a large mural or form of artwork presenting a commercial
message or advertisement, painted on a surface, building, canopy,
awning, wall or window. For sign area calculation purposes, the area
shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle or other geometric
shape encompassing all of the letters or symbols.
A sign containing glass tube lighting in which a gas and
phosphors are used in combination to create colored light and tubing
is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.
A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service
or entertainment not exclusively related to the premises where such
sign is located or to which it is affixed.
A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service
or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the same premises
as those upon which the sign is maintained.
A sign which has a permanent location on the ground or which
is attached to a structure having a permanent location and which meets
the structural requirements for signs as established in the Building
Code. When individual letters are mounted directly on a building,
square footage shall be determined by the space from the left-hand
side of the first letter and ending on the right-hand side of the
last letter multiplied by the height of the largest letter.
A temporary sign utilized for the purpose of proposing or
opposing the election of a candidate or ballot measure in connection
with an official Town, school district, county, state or federal election
or referendum.
A sign attached to and projecting out from a building face
or wall, generally at right angles to the building.
A freestanding temporary sign, with no moving parts or lights,
displayed outside a business during business hours.
A structure, display or device, including but not limited
to a flag, windblown display, or balloon, that is arranged, intended,
designed or used as an advertisement, announcement, identification,
description or direction.
The entire face of a sign including the advertising surface
and any framing, trim, or molding, but not including the supporting
structure.
A sign which is erected for a time limit not to exceed 30
consecutive days.
Any electronic sign with a transition frequency in excess
of 8-1-8 and using multiple colors to depict images, photos, and flashes.
A sign attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a building.
The total lettering on one facade of a building or structure shall
constitute one wall sign.
Any temporary banner, flag, pennants, balloon or commercial
flag, whether or not conveying a message through the use of words,
letters and/or symbols. For the purpose of this article, any windblown
display shall be considered a temporary sign.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
A sign that is physically applied to or attached to the exterior
or interior of a window.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District
or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
A.Â
Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises
upon which they are erected, when erected by the owner or by a broker
or other like person interested in the sale or rental of such premises,
may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such
sign is not in excess of six square feet and no more than two such
signs are placed upon any property held in single and separate ownership,
unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event
no more than two such signs may be erected on such frontage. Such
signs shall be removed within one week after the sale or rental.
B.Â
Signs advertising the sale or development of the premises
upon which they are erected, when erected in connection with the development
of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other like
person interested therein, may be erected and maintained, with Town
Manager approval, provided that the size of any such sign is not in
excess of 20 square feet and no more than two such signs are placed
upon any property, unless such property fronts upon more than one
street, in which event no more than two such signs may be erected
on each such frontage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
C.Â
D.Â
Signs of contractors or artisans providing a service to the parcel
or residence may be erected and maintained during the period such
persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are
erected, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess
of six square feet and such signs are removed promptly upon completion
of the work, and provided, further, that no more than one such sign
may be erected or maintained by each contractor or artisan on the
premises on which such work is being performed.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
E.Â
Signs advertising that furnishings or other equipment
have been installed or placed on the premises may be erected and maintained
on such premises, provided that the size of any such sign is not in
excess of six square feet and any such sign is removed promptly upon
occupation of the house as a residence.[2]
G.Â
Signs used for permanent advertising of a development or project
at its entrance, provided that no more than one is located on either
side of each entrance and the size of any such sign is not in excess
of 64 square feet.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No.
2022-08]
H.Â
Such signs shall be located no less than 10 feet from the public
right-of-way.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
I.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in MR1 Multifamily Residential District or MR2 Townhouse Residential
District:
A.Â
Any sign permitted in UR1 Urban Residential District,
UR2 Medium Residential District or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
B.Â
Signs used for permanent advertising of a development or project
at its entrance, provided that no more than one is located on either
side of each entrance and the size of any such sign is not in excess
of 64 square feet.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
C.Â
Such signs shall be located no less than 10 feet from the public
right-of-way.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
D.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in a UB1 Urban Business District:
A.Â
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District,
UR2 Medium Residential District, UR3 Neighborhood Residential District,
MR1 Multifamily Residential District or MR2 Townhouse Residential
District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
B.Â
Signs advertising the maintenance and conduct of a
business of the kind authorized for the district, or the sale, purchase,
rental or use of commodities, articles or facilities in connection
with or incidental to the business or of the premises on which the
business is conducted, but no others.
C.Â
Total sign area of all canopy, marquee, and wall signs shall not
exceed 48 square feet or measure more than 10 feet in length, nor
exceed eight feet in height. Total sign area of projecting and ground
signs shall not exceed 32 square feet or measure more than 10 feet
in length, nor exceed eight feet in height. Signs may be internally
or externally illuminated with the exception of electronic message
board signs where allowed.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
D.Â
Signs may be located on a canopy, marquee, wall, projecting or ground
sign(s), but may not project from a building into the public right-of-way.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
E.Â
Ground or monument signs shall have a minimum setback of 1/2 the
distance from the public right-of-way line to the as-built building
line.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
F.Â
No more than two signs are permitted per permitted use, only one
of which may be a ground sign. A corner lot may have one additional
detached, on-premises sign adjacent to a second entrance or one wall
sign. Such wall sign shall not exceed a maximum of 32 square feet
or 10% of the wall area.
[Amended 3-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-4; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
G.Â
Signs for schools, colleges, churches, hospitals and
other institutions of a similar nature, relating exclusively to the
institutions erecting the same, may be erected and maintained, provided
that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 48 square feet
and no more than two such signs are placed on a property held in single
and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than
one street, in which event no more than two signs may be erected on
each frontage. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated with
the exception of electronic message board signs where allowed.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
H.Â
One sandwich board per street frontage is allowed as follows:
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
(1)Â
Any sandwich board sign shall not exceed two linear feet in
width with a maximum height of 42 inches. Within these specified maximum
dimensions, creative shapes that reflect the theme of the business
are encouraged.
(2)Â
The sign must be constructed of materials that present a finished
appearance; rough-cut plywood is not allowed. The sign frame shall
be painted or stained wood or anodized aluminum or metal; plastic
signs are prohibited. Stenciled or spray-painted painted signs are
prohibited. Sign lettering should be professionally painted or applied.
Chalkboard signs shall be permitted. Windblown devices, including
balloons, may not be attached or otherwise made part of the sign.
The written message of the sign should be kept to the minimum necessary
to communicate the name of the business or special message, and should
be small enough to not be legible from traffic on the street.
(3)Â
The signs may be placed on the sidewalk directly in front of
the associated establishment. The sign must not interfere with or
obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic; however, a minimum of five
feet of passage must be maintained on the sidewalk between the street
and the sign. Signs may not be anchored to the sidewalk or attached
to poles, vending boxes or other structures.
(4)Â
Signs shall be removed at the end of the business day and only
displayed during regular business hours.
(5)Â
Signs may be externally illuminated, but the source of illumination
must be arranged so that no direct rays of light are projected into
any single-family residential district or any public street.
I.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001; 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 3-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-4; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in a UB2 Neighborhood Business District:
A.Â
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District,
UR2 Medium Residential District or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
B.Â
One detached on-premises sign or combination of signs, with total
signage not to exceed 24 square feet of area, nor eight feet in height,
identifying the permitted business uses on the premises. Said sign
may be externally illuminated, but the source of illumination must
be arranged so that no direct rays of light are projected into any
single-family residential district or any public street. A corner
lot may have one additional detached, on-premises sign adjacent to
a second entrance or one wall sign. Such wall sign shall not exceed
a maximum of 20 square feet or 10% of the wall area.
C.Â
Ground
or monument signs shall have a minimum setback of 1/2 the distance
from the public right-of-way line to the as-built building line.
D.Â
Signs may be located on a canopy, wall projecting or ground, but
may not project from a building into the public right-of-way. Signs
shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
E.Â
Sandwich board signs as permitted in UB1 District.
F.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design criteria.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001; 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in a UB3 Professional Business District:
A.Â
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District,
UR2 Medium Residential District or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
B.Â
One on-premises sign not exceeding 24 square feet of area identifying
a permitted professional use on the premises and not exceeding eight
feet in height shall be permitted. Said sign may be externally illuminated,
but the source of illumination must be arranged so that no direct
rays of light are projected into any single-family residential district
or any public street. Signs shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian
visibility.
C.Â
Ground
or monument signs shall have a minimum setback of 1/2 the distance
from the public right-of-way line to the as-built building line.
D.Â
Signs may be located on a wall or ground, and projecting signs shall
not extend more than five feet into a required building setback and
shall be a minimum of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the
walking surface and no part may extend beyond the roofline.
E.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design guidelines.
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in HC Highway Commercial District:
A.Â
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District,
UR2 Medium Residential District, UR3 Neighborhood Residential District,
MR1 Multifamily Residential District, MR2 Townhouse Residential District,
UB1 Urban Business District, UB2 Neighborhood Business District or
UB3 Professional Business District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
B.Â
Permitted sign types are marquee, canopy, projecting, wall and detached.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
C.Â
One internally or externally illuminated or unlighted detached sign,
limited to a maximum of 96 square feet in area. The sign may not exceed
25 feet in height. A corner lot may have two ground signs, the combined
area of those two signs not to exceed 96 square feet and 25 feet in
height.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
D.Â
All detached signs shall have a minimum front setback of 25 feet
if along a state-maintained roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained
road or accessway. A clear sight triangle should be provided at all
corner lots with signage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
E.Â
Each structure is allowed one internally illuminated or unlighted
wall, awning, projecting or marquee sign not to exceed 18% of the
building façade.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No.
2022-08]
F.Â
[1]Detached signs located along US 113 are limited to a maximum
of 150 square feet in area. The sign may not exceed 30 feet in height.
[Added 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection F, regarding electronic
message board signs, added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6, was repealed 6-28-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04.
G.Â
Changeable price sign. For any sign which includes a changeable price
sign, the following provisions apply:
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
(1)Â
Each changeable price sign on a parcel shall be counted toward
the total allowable signage allowed per parcel.
(2)Â
Changeable price signs shall be integrated into a detached on-premises
sign or be placed on a canopy or wall in accordance with these regulations.
(3)Â
Changeable price signs shall be limited to four per detached
sign structure or four per building or canopy face.
H.Â
Complexes.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
(2)Â
A complex may have one detached sign, internally illuminated
or unlighted sign, along each arterial or collector road on which
the parcel abuts. The top of such sign shall not exceed a height of
25 feet from grade; shall be set back 25 feet if along a state-maintained
roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained road or accessway.
A clear sight triangle should be provided at all corner lots with
signage. Such detached sign shall include the street address, the
name of the center, and may include the name of the anchor unit and/or
a directory of included units.
(3)Â
Each freestanding unit on a pad site or outparcel (with its
own tax parcel identification number) within such a complex may have
one internally illuminated or unlighted detached sign displaying the
name of the business or use, not exceeding 96 square feet, and may
have one internally illuminated or unlighted wall, awning, projecting
or marquee sign not to exceed 18% of the building façade.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
(4)Â
A unit that is part of a larger structure within such a complex
may have one internally illuminated or unlighted wall, awning, projecting
or marquee sign not to exceed 10% of the front of the unit to a maximum
of 200 square feet.
(5)Â
Each such structure may also have one wall, projecting, awning
or marquee sign, internally illuminated or unlighted, on each facade
of the structure, each of which shall not exceed 18% of the building
façade.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
I.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in a LI1 Limited Industrial District:
A.Â
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District,
UR2 Medium Residential District, UR3 Neighborhood Residential District,
UB1 Urban Business District, UB2 Neighborhood Business District, UB3
Professional Business District or HC Highway Commercial District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
B.Â
Permitted sign locations are marquee, projecting wall
and detached.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
C.Â
All detached signs shall have a minimum front setback of 25 feet
if along a state-maintained roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained
road or accessway.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
D.Â
All detached signs may be internally or externally illuminated. All
wall, awning, projecting or marquee signs may be internally illuminated
or unlighted.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
E.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in LI2 Light Industrial District:
[Amended 9-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in an HD Historic District:
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The following signs may be erected and maintained
in ED Education District:
A.Â
Permitted
sign types are canopy, projecting, wall and detached.
B.Â
Athletic
field fence signs no larger than 32 square feet, including advertising
banners, flags, and pennants. Vehicle-mounted signs and portable signs
are prohibited. No strobe lights, flashing lights, or search lights
are permitted.
C.Â
Signs
for schools, colleges, churches, hospitals and other institutions
of a similar nature, relating exclusively to the institutions erecting
the same, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of
any such sign is not in excess of 48 square feet and no more than
two such signs are placed on a property held in single and separate
ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street,
in which event no more than two signs may be erected on each frontage.
Signs maybe internally or externally illuminated, with the exception
of electronic reader board signs where allowed.
D.Â
All detached
signs shall have a minimum front setback of 25 feet if along a state-maintained
roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained road or accessway.
A clear sight triangle should be provided at all corner lots with
signage.
E.Â
The Town
of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for
sign design criteria.
The following signs are prohibited in all districts:
A.Â
Flashing signs.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
B.Â
Animated signs.
C.Â
Signs which produce noise or sounds, emit visible
smoke, vapor, particles or odor.
D.Â
Signs with intermittent lights resembling or seeming
to resemble the flashing lights customarily associated with danger
or such as are customarily used by police, fire, ambulance vehicles,
or for navigation purposes.
E.Â
Signs located and so illuminated as to provide a background
of colored lights blending with traffic signal lights to the extent
of confusing a motorist when viewed from normal approaching position
of a vehicle at a distance of 25 feet to 300 feet.
F.Â
Signs in any location which obstruct motorists' vision
of traffic control signals.
G.Â
Signs attached to tress or utility poles.
H.Â
Signs attached to any vehicle parked primarily for
display purposes.
I.Â
Off-premises signs.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
J.Â
Spinners, feather flags, streamers and inflatable signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No.
2022-08]
K.Â
Billboard signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
L.Â
Neon tube signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
M.Â
Video board signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The following signs are permitted in all districts:
A.Â
Signs erected by any governmental agency for purposes
of direction, safety or convenience of the general public.
B.Â
Instructional signs, nonilluminated.
C.Â
Signs in conjunction with doorbells or mailboxes,
not exceeding 12 square inches in area.
D.Â
Name and address signs, no more than one for each
principal building or use on a premises and exceeding two square feet
in area.
E.Â
Signs which are attached or which are an integral
part of gasoline pumps or other dispensing or servicing devices, provided
that such signs do not extend beyond the area of the pump, dispensing
or servicing device to which they are attached, and provided that
such activities or services are legally established uses.
F.Â
Signs displayed on shelters at bus stops limited to
two signs per shelter, and the sign area shall not exceed 32 square
feet per sign. Shelter locations shall be approved by the Town Manager
and the State Department of Public Instruction.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
G.Â
Signs erected by or on behalf of the Town as approved
by the Town Manager.
H.Â
Businesses may have one standard flag, three feet by five feet, with
the word "open" or similar wording on it and mounted on a pole only
during business hours. Flags must have a minimum height clearance
of six feet above grade and must not block the sidewalk or right-of-way
or obscure the visibility of pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Flags
are not counted in the computation of permissible sign area. Display
of flags from the second story is prohibited. This regulation shall
not apply to display of any national, state, county or municipal flag.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 10-8-2014 by Ord. No.
2014-9; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
I.Â
Road and traffic control signs, as approved by Delaware Department
of Transportation and the Town.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
J.Â
Electronic message board signs. For any sign which meets the definition
of "electronic message board sign," the following provisions shall
apply:
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord.
No. 2014-6; amended 6-28-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
(1)Â
The sign category for the zone in which the sign is proposed
must allow for internal illumination of signs.
(2)Â
The maximum sign area for an electronic message board, which
is detached, shall be no greater than 75% of the maximum total allowable
sign area designated by the underlying zone.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
(3)Â
Signs shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 200
cd/m2 (candelas per square meter). Each
electronic message board shall have a light-sensing device that will
adjust the brightness of the message board as the natural ambient
light conditions change.
(4)Â
Only those changing electronic message signs utilizing monochrome
colors such as white, red or amber shall be permitted. No RGB (red-green-blue)
technologies or other multicolored display shall be permitted in an
electronic message center sign in a manner that would create a video
board. This section does not prohibit the use of color in a sign that
is not a video board.
(5)Â
Changing electronic message signs shall maintain an 8-1-8 transition
frequency. "8-1-8" means a message display time of a minimum of eight
seconds, a transition time between messages of a maximum of one second,
followed by a message display time of a minimum of eight seconds,
with all segments of the total message to be displayed within 17 seconds.
(6)Â
All messages displayed on an electronic message board shall
be directly related to the business for which the sign was constructed.
No off-premises advertising signage is permitted.
(7)Â
All changing message signs shall be constructed as an integral part of a permanent sign constructed on site. "Integral" shall be considered to be incorporated into the framework and architectural design of the permanent sign. In all districts except HC, LI1 and LI2, permitted electronic message signs must be incorporated into and be integral to a monument type sign as defined in § 230-164.1, Definitions.
(8)Â
Video boards shall be prohibited.
(9)Â
Each electronic message board sign located on a state-maintained
road must comply with all Delaware Department of Transportation rules
and regulations applicable to electronic message board signs when
not in conflict with this section.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection J(10), which stated, "There
may only be one electronic message board sign per parcel or complex,"
and which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 11-14-2022 by Ord. No.
2022-08.
K.Â
A single sign noting a tenant, store, building, etc., is "coming
soon," which sign shall not exceed 32 square feet. Larger signs may
be approved by the Town Manager, or designee, when the project and
location warrants a larger sign. Within 30 days after completion of
construction or final occupancy, all such signs shall be removed.
[Added 1-23-2019 by Ord.
No. 2018-06; amended 8-14-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-06]
L.Â
Athletic
field fence signs no larger than 32 square feet, including advertising
banners, flags, and pennants.
[Added 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The following general regulations will apply
for all districts:
A.Â
No sign, unless herein excepted, shall be erected,
constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained or relocated except
as provided in this chapter and in these regulations until a permit
has been issued by the Town Manager. Before any permit is issued,
an application especially provided by the Town Manager shall be filed,
together with one set of drawings and/or specifications to fully advise
and acquaint the Town Manager with the location, construction, materials,
manner of illuminating, securing or fastening, and number of signs
applied for, and wording of the sign or advertisement to be carried
on the sign.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
(1)Â
All signs in excess of 32 square feet will be required to be
reviewed by Sussex County for building code compliance and permitting.
(2)Â
The application for any sign exceeding 32 square feet in any
district must be made to the State of Delaware, Outdoor Advertising,
Department of Highways and Transportation. This Department, under
authority of Title 17 of Delaware Code, will govern all signs exceeding
32 square feet in the Town of Georgetown located along state-maintained
roadways.
(3)Â
All signs shall be erected on or before the expiration of 90
days from the date of issuance of the permit; otherwise, the permit
shall become null and void and a new permit shall be required. Fees
for sign permits shall be in accordance with the adopted schedule,
a copy of which is maintained in the Town office with the Town Manager.
B.Â
The following signs may be erected or constructed
without a permit but in accordance with structural and safety requirements:
(1)Â
Signs erected by or required to be erected by any
governmental agency to aid traffic and pedestrian safety.
(2)Â
Changing of the copy on a bulletin board, display
encasement, poster board or marquee.
(3)Â
Nonilluminated signs, no more than six square feet
in area, advertising real estate for sale or lease or announcing contemplated
improvements of real estate, and located on the premises, one such
sign for each street frontage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
(4)Â
Nonilluminated signs no more than six square feet
in area, erected in connection with new construction work and displayed
on the premises during such time as the actual construction work is
in progress, one such sign for each street frontage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
(5)Â
Instructional signs, nonilluminated.
(6)Â
Sign on a truck, bus or other vehicle while in use
in the normal course of business. This section should not be interpreted
to permit parking primarily for display purposes of a vehicle to which
signs are attached.
(7)Â
The following signs are considered temporary signs and valid for
a period of 30 consecutive days.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6[1]]
(a)Â
Temporary signs advertising a special civic or cultural event
such as a fair, exposition, play, concert, fund-raiser or meeting
sponsored by a governmental or charitable organization with approval
of the sign by the Town Manager.
(b)Â
Special decorative displays used for holidays or public demonstrations
or promotion for nonpartisan, civic purposes, not to exceed one on
premises.
(c)Â
Special sales promotion displays in a district where such sales
are permitted, including displays incidental to the opening of a new
business. Only one sign per business.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Subsection
B(8), regarding special decorative displays, and former Subsection
B(9), regarding special sales promotion displays, which immediately
and respectively followed this subsection.
C.Â
Window signs must be comprised of individual letters, logos, or design elements that are not encompassed by a solid opaque background so as not to obscure the view through the window. Window signs shall not cover more than 50% of window area, and shall be permitted in the HC-Highway Commercial and UB1-Urban Business District. The signage area of window signs shall not count towards the total signage allowed in both the HC and UB1 signage requirements specified in §§ 230-170 and 230-167.
[Amended 1-8-1992 by Ord. No. 92-001; 6-25-2014 by Ord. No.
2014-6]
D.Â
Applications for unusual signs or displays which give
rise to questions of interpretation of these regulations may be referred
by the Town Manager to the Board of Adjustment for the purpose of
interpretation by the Board and recommendation for action on the application
by the Town Manager.
E.Â
Except as otherwise provided, these regulations shall
be interpreted to permit one sign of each permitted type, in accordance
with applicable regulations for each road frontage, for each permitted
use on the premises.
F.Â
Signs of permitted types and sign area are permitted on side or rear
walls unless said wall(s) are closer than 100 feet to any single-family
residential district.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
G.Â
The owner and/or tenant of the premises and the owner
and/or erector of the sign shall be held responsible for any violation
of these regulations. Where a sign has been erected in accordance
with these regulations, the sign company shall be relieved of further
responsibility under these regulations after final approval of the
sign by the Town Manager.
H.Â
All signs shall be maintained in good condition and appearance at
all times. All signs shall be kept free of holes or tears or fraying
and neatly painted, including all metal parts and supports that are
not galvanized or of rust-resistant materials. After due notice has
been given as provided below, the Town Manager may order the painting,
repair, alteration or cause to be removed at the owner's expense any
sign which shows gross neglect or becomes dilapidated, damaged or
defective and has not been brought into compliance. The Town Manager
shall remove or cause to be removed at the owner's expense any sign
erected or maintained in conflict with these regulations, if the owner
or lessee of either the site or the sign fails to correct the violation
within 15 days after receiving written notice of violation from the
Town Manager. Removal of a sign by the Town Manager shall not affect
any proceedings instituted prior to removal of such sign.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
I.Â
Any on-site sign remaining on a premises 180 days or more after the
permanent closing and/or relocation of the business establishment
shall be deemed an abandoned sign. The owner, lessee or person in
control of any premises, upon which an on-site sign is present, shall
be responsible for the removal of any sign which refers to a business
or establishment which has permanently closed and/or relocated or
which otherwise no longer operates from the location, together with
all supports, braces, guys, anchors or other fastening devices, within
180 days of such permanent closing, relocation or cessation of operation.
A business or establishment will be considered permanently closed
and/or relocated by written or posted notice to the Town and/or the
public of such closing or relocating, or upon such other indication,
including but not limited to:
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
J.Â
No sign which is not an integral part of the building design shall
be placed on the roof of a building, and no projecting sign shall
extend over or above the roofline or parapet wall of a building.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
K.Â
Political
signs.
[Added 8-26-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-12]
(1)Â
A
"political sign" is any display utilized for the purpose of proposing
or opposing the election of a candidate or ballot measure.
(2)Â
Prohibition
of political signs on public property and in the public right-of-way.
(a)Â
No person shall paint, mark or write on, post, attach, or otherwise
affix, any sign to or upon any public property, including but not
limited to any public building, sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, fence,
wall, public playground equipment, and/or facilities, streetlamp post,
utility pole, hydrant, tree, street or traffic signs.
(b)Â
Additionally, no political sign shall be placed, posted, or otherwise
affixed in the public right-of-way, including parkways (e.g., the
area between curb and sidewalk) or medians.
(c)Â
Exceptions. Political signs may be displayed for the purpose of a
campaign stop, candidacy announcement, rally, etc.; however, these
shall be removed within two hours after said event.
(3)Â
Political
signs on private property. Political signs may be placed on private
property with the consent of the property owner (or person entitled
to possession) or his/her authorized agent, if any, subject to the
following:
(a)Â
They will not be placed in a manner that obstructs either vehicular
traffic (either by physical obstruction or obstruction of sight lines)
or pedestrian traffic. They shall not present a physical danger to
persons or property.
(4)Â
Time
period for display and removal.
(a)Â
A political sign shall not be erected more than 60 days prior to
any contested election and shall be removed within one week (seven
days) after the election or referendum date.
(b)Â
Any sign which is an immediate peril or menace to the public or any
person or is posted on public property or in any public right-of-way
may be removed summarily (without notice) by the Town.
L.Â
Windblown displays regulations. Windblown displays shall be limited
to one sign per business license. Signs shall be secured and should
not obscure the visibility of pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Windblown
displays shall not be placed in sidewalks or rights-of-way, or on
roofs. All signs shall be maintained in good condition.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
(1)Â
Windblown displays used to draw attention to the promotion and
sales of products or special events. Such sign may be displayed for
no longer than 30 days.
M.Â
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed
for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
