[Amended 1-27-1992 by Ord. No. 92-6; 10-24-1994 by Ord. No. 94-438; 6-12-1995 by Ord. No. 95-146; 8-14-1995 by Ord. No. 95-333; 5-13-1996 by Ord. No. 96-177; 1-13-1997 by Ord. No. 97-56; 1-27-1997 by Ord. No. 97-79; 4-28-1997 by Ord. No. 97-180; 1-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-27; 3-23-1998 by Ord. No. 98-135; 9-14-1998 by Ord. No. 98-335; 9-14-1998 by Ord. No. 98-339; 4-26-1999 by Ord. No. 99-150; 4-24-2000 by Ord. No. 00-156; 8-28-2000 by Ord. No. 00-308; 12-27-2000 by Ord. No. 01-58; 3-14-2001 by Ord. No. 01-141; 4-22-2002 by Ord. No. 02-153; 2-24-2003 by Ord. No. 03-76; 6-26-2006 by Ord. No. 06-225; 1-22-2007 by Ord. No. 07-51; 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 07-325; 11-9-2009 by Ord. No. 09-320]
[Amended 10-22-2012 by Ord. No. 12-328; 5-29-2013 by Ord. No. 13-155]
A. 
Window signs. No more than 20% of any window may be covered by window signs, except as provided in Chapter 71 of this Code for window signs in the Bangor Center Revitalization Area. Window signs shall not be included in the calculation of the number of signs and sign area allowed for a business.
[Amended 1-26-2015 by Ord. No. 15-056; at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
B. 
Traffic directional signs. In addition to signs permitted elsewhere in this chapter, the following signs shall be permitted without the need to be set back from any property line:
(1) 
Entrance/exit signs, not to exceed two square feet in area per sign, designating an entrance or exit to a parking lot. Entrance/exit signs do not require sign permits.
(2) 
Traffic directional signs designating the proper route the public should take to access on-site services or buildings located on a site upon a finding by the City Engineer or their designee that such traffic signs are necessary to ensure the proper control of traffic entering the site and to assist the public in accessing buildings or services located therein.
[Amended 10-12-2022 by Ord. No. 22-333]
(a) 
Such signs shall strictly be used for traffic directional purposes and shall not be used for advertising or to circumvent the district limit on freestanding signs.
(b) 
The City Engineer or their designee shall have final authority over the location, number, and size of all such signs, subject to the overall size limit noted below and subject to a finding by the City Engineer or their designee that the sign is for public safety and health reasons.
(c) 
No traffic directional sign shall be erected without an approved sign permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
(d) 
In the Bass Park District and the Waterfront Development District (WDD), each sign shall not exceed 75 square feet in size, subject to the requirements listed above, 50 square feet in size in all other districts.
C. 
Home occupations. Home occupations are limited to one sign, either wall or projecting, not to exceed six square feet in sign area, either not illuminated or indirectly illuminated, unless the home occupation is located on a property designated as an historic site or landmark or in an historic district.
D. 
Historic sites, landmarks, and districts.
(1) 
Premises lawfully housing a nonresidential use, not to include a home occupation, and designated as an historic site or landmark or which are located in an historic district are limited to one six-square-foot wall or projecting sign only.
(2) 
Home occupations in historic districts, sites, or landmarks are limited to only one nameplate sign not to exceed two square feet.
(3) 
One identification sign, not to exceed eight square feet in surface area, may be placed in each historic district established under Chapter 148, Historic Preservation, of this Code. Said sign shall be located outside of the public right-of-way and may not be placed in a Resource Protection District.
E. 
Time-and-temperature signs. A time-and-temperature sign erected upon the exterior wall of a structure for the convenience of the public may only contain the name of the premises upon which it is erected and a symbol, sculpture or other pictorial, provided that it is integrated into the display's design.
F. 
Arcade signs. One arcade sign is permitted per establishment in integrated shopping centers. The face of the sign shall not exceed 12 inches in height, to be measured at right angles to the soffit or ceiling, and such sign shall not exceed eight feet in length and must be mounted at right angles to the nearest face of the building. Arcade signs shall be included in the calculation of allowable sign area.
G. 
Sale or lease signs. For each separate street frontage of a lot, one sign shall be allowed pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of a structure and/or land, provided that it shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area and shall be nonilluminated, set back at least 10 feet from the public right-of-way line or attached to the principal use building, and not more than 15 feet nor less than two feet above ground.
H. 
Development or contractor signs. In all districts except the Resource Protection District, the following signs are allowed:
(1) 
A nonilluminated sign, for one year or until 30 days after occupancy of the project, whichever is less, advertising a new subdivision or apartment development upon the land where it is placed, provided that such sign does not exceed 96 square feet in sign area, is not more than 15 feet nor less than two feet above ground and advertises only the development where it is located. One such sign may be erected at each public street entrance, and said sign must be set back (from the public right-of-way line) at least 1/2 the building setback as required in the district by Chapter 165, Land Development.
(2) 
One nonilluminated sign identifying an engineer, architect or contractor engaged in the construction of a building, provided that such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area, is no more than 15 feet nor less than two feet above ground, and is removed within 30 days following occupancy of the building. Said sign shall be set back from the public right-of-way line at least 1/2 the building setback as required in the district by Chapter 165, Land Development.
I. 
Projection over public ways. Signs shall not extend over or project into any public way more than 15 inches, except as expressly permitted by this chapter. A time-and-temperature sign erected in accordance with § 260-6E may extend up to 72 inches into the public way.
J. 
Eminent domain. Notwithstanding the setback requirements for freestanding signs set forth in this section, where a freestanding sign must be relocated as the direct result of a compensated public taking or conveyance in lieu of a public taking, the Code Enforcement Officer may:
(1) 
Reduce or eliminate the setback requirement for the freestanding sign. In deciding upon the reduced setback standard, the Code Enforcement Officer shall consider the following factors: fairness to the property owner, the burden on the property owner which would be created by imposing the setback requirement, the threat to public safety from the reduced setback, and the availability of other suitable conforming locations; and
(2) 
Permit the relocation of a legally nonconforming sign pursuant to Subsection J(1) without meeting current standards. In deciding whether to permit a legally nonconforming sign to be relocated without meeting current standards, the Code Enforcement Officer shall consider the following factors: fairness to the property owner, the burden on the property owner which would be created by imposing current standards, and the threat to public safety from the relocation of the nonconforming sign.
K. 
Umbrella signs. Umbrella signs are permitted only when used for providing shade and protection from rain for outdoor seating for a restaurant, bar, tavern, or lounge, as defined in § 165-13. An umbrella sign may be located on a City sidewalk or esplanade only if permitted under an outdoor seating permit or license agreement with the City.
[Added 1-26-2015 by Ord. No. 15-056]
L. 
Murals and artistic signs are exempt from the restrictions of this chapter, including the calculations for allowed signage, provided that:
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 22-023]
(1) 
The mural or artistic sign is public art subject to the City's Public Arts and Monuments Policy;
(2) 
The mural or artistic sign receives approval under Chapter 95 of this Code and the most recently adopted Public Arts and Monuments Policy;
(3) 
The mural will not create an unsafe condition or hazard for drivers and pedestrians; and
(4) 
The appropriate building permit has been issued, if required.
M. 
Historic building signs shall not count towards allowed signage if the following conditions are met:
[Added 6-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-197]
(1) 
The sign is on an historic building as listed in § 148-5, Historic districts, historic sites, and historic landmarks designated or on buildings located in the Bangor Center Revitalization District as shown in § 71-3.
[Amended 10-12-2022 by Ord. No. 22-333]
(a) 
Limited to one building identification sign per street facing façade, identifying building names 50 years or older on buildings located in § 260-6.
(2) 
The sign is located in one of the following locations on the facade:
(a) 
The upper facade area above the first floor.
(b) 
Above or inside the transom.
(c) 
The cornerstone.
(3) 
Sign requirements shall be in relation to its location as outlined below:
(a) 
Upper facade area above the first floor:
[1] 
Lettering shall be no wider than 75% of the width of the cornice.
[2] 
Located below the upper cornice or soffit.
[3] 
Letter height shall be no more than 18 inches.
(b) 
Above or inside the transom or the cornerstone:
[1] 
Lettering shall be no wider than 75% of the width of the transom or cornerstone face.
[2] 
Letter area shall be no more than 50% of the transom or cornerstone face.
[Amended 8-13-2012 by Ord. No. 12-249; 10-22-2012 by Ord. No. 12-328; 5-29-2013 by Ord. No. 13-155]
On-premises signs must meet the standards and limitations of the zoning district in which they are located as laid out herein.
A. 
URD-1; URD-2; M&SD; LDR; HDR; RR&A; P&O.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: one.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 24 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: 24 feet.
(2) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding signs: 15 feet.
(c) 
Freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: 10 feet.
[2] 
Side: five feet.
[3] 
Rear: 10 feet.
(3) 
On-premises wall, projecting, or freestanding signs may be directly or indirectly illuminated, except for signs allowed under § 260-6C, which may not be directly illuminated, or § 260-6D, which may not be illuminated.
B. 
NSD.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: four.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 40 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: four square feet per linear foot of business street frontage, up to 150 square feet. If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(2) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
[1] 
Integrated shopping centers (regardless of the number of buildings that meet the definition of "integrated shopping center" on a single lot or within a planned group development) may have one freestanding sign at each access from a public way. Multiple structures on a lot or within a planned group development that meet the definition of an "integrated shopping center" shall be considered a single integrated shopping center. The maximum area of any one freestanding sign shall be 150 square feet. For those centers which have more than four establishments, an additional 16 square feet of area may be added to the freestanding sign for each additional establishment, up to a maximum of 200 square feet.
[2] 
A property shall be permitted to have two freestanding signs if the signs are on different street frontages and are 500 feet or more from each other.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding signs: 15 feet.
(c) 
Freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: 10 feet.
[2] 
Side: five feet.
[3] 
Rear: 10 feet.
(3) 
Roof signs. A roof sign may be displayed in place of a wall sign and shall be subject to the same area limitation. The maximum allowable height for a roof sign shall be six feet from the point of the roof to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign.
(4) 
Signs on canopies. Where a building is designed with a canopy projecting more than two feet from the face of the building, signs may be erected upon the canopy, provided that the signs do not exceed the sign height for that district and are included in the calculation of the allowable sign area.
C. 
USD.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: four.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 150 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: four square feet per linear foot of business street frontage, up to 800 square feet. If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(2) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
[1] 
Integrated shopping centers (regardless of the number of buildings that meet the definition of "integrated shopping center" on a single lot or within a planned group development) may have one freestanding sign at each access from a public way. Multiple structures on a lot or within a planned group development that meet the definition of an "integrated shopping center" shall be considered a single integrated shopping center. The maximum area of any one freestanding sign shall be 150 square feet. For those centers which have more than four establishments, an additional 16 square feet of area may be added to the freestanding sign for each additional establishment, up to a maximum of 200 square feet.
[2] 
Properties developed as planned group developments pursuant to § 165-69 shall be permitted one freestanding sign per primary use building, provided that the sign is used to advertise a bona fide business conducted, product sold or activity permanently conducted in that primary use building, the sign does not advertise an accessory or support activity, the sign is located within 100 feet of the primary use building, and the sign is located a minimum of 100 feet from any existing freestanding sign.
[3] 
A property shall be permitted to have two freestanding signs if the signs are on different street frontages and are 500 feet or more from each other.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding signs: 25 feet.
(c) 
Freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: 10 feet.
[2] 
Side: five feet.
[3] 
Rear: 10 feet.
(3) 
Roof signs. A roof sign may be displayed in place of a wall sign and shall be subject to the same area limitation. The maximum allowable height for a roof sign shall be six feet from the point of the roof to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign.
(4) 
Signs on canopies. Where a building is designed with a canopy projecting more than two feet from the face of the building, signs may be erected upon the canopy, provided that the signs do not exceed the sign height for that district and are included in the calculation of the allowable sign area.
D. 
DDD. Every on-premises sign that requires a sign permit shall comply with the following regulations:
(1) 
No sign shall be erected until the sign permit has been issued by the Code Enforcement Division and the sign has received all necessary approvals under the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Bangor Center Revitalization Area Ordinance.[1] All such permitted signs may only be placed on the building in which the business (or organization) is located. If the business is leasing a portion of a building and the sign is to be placed on a portion of the building not subject to the lease, the applicant must provide written permission from the property owner to erect the sign.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 148, Historic Preservation, and Ch. 71, Bangor Center Revitalization Area, respectively.
(2) 
Horizontal wall signs.
(a) 
Each business shall be permitted one horizontal wall sign facing on each public right-of-way or public parking area on which it fronts or has a public entrance.
[1] 
Any storefront or business located on the first floor shall place its horizontal wall sign below the second-floor windowsill.
[2] 
Any business above the first floor may place its horizontal wall sign above the second floor windowsill, provided that only one such sign shall be permitted per side of the building.
(b) 
Maximum height: three feet; except that:
[Amended 9-10-2018 by Ord. No. 18-338]
[1] 
High-rise buildings shall be permitted to have a maximum height of six feet for signs placed on or above the seventh floor.
[2] 
Parking garages shall be permitted to have a maximum horizontal sign height of three feet plus one foot for each floor over two.
(c) 
Horizontal wall signs shall be attached to and parallel to the building and shall not be painted directly on the surface of the building.
(d) 
The horizontal use of channel letters is permitted to constitute a horizontal wall sign.
(3) 
Vertical wall signs.
(a) 
In lieu of a horizontal wall sign, a business may erect one vertical wall sign.
(b) 
Maximum width: three feet.
(c) 
Vertical wall signs shall be attached to and parallel to the building and shall not be painted directly on the surface of the building.
(d) 
The vertical use of channel letters is permitted to constitute a vertical wall sign.
(4) 
Projecting signs.
[Amended 9-24-2018 by Ord. No. 18-356]
(a) 
Horizontal projecting signs.
[1] 
Each business shall be permitted one horizontal projecting sign facing on each public right of-way or public parking area on which it fronts or has a public entrance.
[2] 
Maximum height: three feet.
[3] 
Projecting signs shall protrude no more than five feet from the building surface and shall be a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk surface.
[4] 
Horizontal projecting signs shall not be located above the second-floor windowsill.
(b) 
Vertical projecting signs.
[1] 
Vertical projecting signs shall only be allowed to advertise educational or cultural places of assembly, including but not limited to performing arts centers, theaters, concert halls, museums, or the buildings containing those uses.
[2] 
Each building shall be permitted one vertical projecting sign facing on each public right-of-way or public parking area on which it fronts or has a public entrance. A single vertical projecting sign may be located at the corner of a building which has frontage on two streets, in place of an individual sign on each frontage.
[3] 
Maximum sign area: one square foot for every linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed 80 square feet. Sign area is calculated as only one face of the sign.
[4] 
Maximum height: five feet per story, not to exceed 20 feet.
[5] 
Maximum width: four feet.
[6] 
Projection: Sign face shall be a minimum of one foot from the building facade. Signs shall project no more than five feet from the building surface, and no closer to the vertical plane of the curbline than two feet.
[7] 
Minimum height above sidewalk: eight feet.
[8] 
Vertical projecting signs may not extend above the windowsills of the fourth story.
[9] 
Vertical projecting signs shall not extend above the roofline or eaves of a building, except on one-story buildings, where they shall not extend above the roofline more than two feet.
(5) 
Awning signs. A business may have a sign incorporated into an awning in lieu of a horizontal or vertical wall sign.
(6) 
Flags.
(a) 
A ground-floor business shall be permitted to have one or more flags, depending on its amount of linear business frontage facing a right-of-way or public parking lot, in accordance with the following schedule:
Linear Business Frontage
(feet)
Number of Flags
25 or less
1
26 to 50
2
51 to 100
3
Each additional 50
1 more
(b) 
A flag may project no more than two feet from the face of a building at any time, excepting that any portion of a flag which is more than eight feet above the sidewalk may project up to five feet from the face of the building.
(c) 
A flag may not obstruct any window, other than the business's own display window, or obstruct another business's wall or projecting sign.
(d) 
Flagpoles shall be maintained in good condition, and the materials of the flags shall not be faded, torn or frayed.
(7) 
Roof signs are prohibited.
(8) 
Sign area.
(a) 
For businesses located on the first (i.e., ground) floor, the total area of all signs per business on the side of a building facing a right-of-way or public parking lot shall not exceed 1 1/2 square feet per one foot of linear business frontage facing that right-of-way or public parking lot.
(b) 
For businesses located on or above the second floor, the total area of all signs per business on the side of a building facing a right-of-way or public parking lot shall not exceed 1/2 square foot per one foot of linear business frontage facing that right-of-way or public parking lot.
(c) 
The total area of all signs for all businesses on a side of a building shall not exceed 800 square feet per lot.
(d) 
If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(9) 
Directory signs.
(a) 
Notwithstanding the sign area limitations above, one on-premises freestanding directory sign is permitted, provided that the directory sign can meet the required setback. Each planned group development approved by the Planning Board is entitled to a directory sign regardless of the number of businesses in the planned group development.
(b) 
All freestanding signs authorized under this provision shall be subject to the following conditions:
[1] 
Signs may be erected only upon review and approval of the Revitalization Area Design Review Committee (as established in Chapter 71, Bangor Center Revitalization Area, § 71-9, of the Code of the City of Bangor).
[2] 
The applicant shall provide evidence acceptable to the City Engineer that the design and location of such a sign will not constitute a traffic hazard.
[3] 
The sign shall either be not illuminated or indirectly illuminated, and materials and colors shall harmonize with the exterior of the building and with buildings in the surrounding area.
[4] 
Directory signs and parts thereof shall be set back at least two feet from any property line, and no variance will be permitted from this provision.
[5] 
Such signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area or 15 feet in height.
[6] 
Directory signs must conform to the following dimension limits based on building size:
[a] 
Maximum size.
Building Gross Floor Area
(square feet)
Maximum Sign Area
(square feet)
0 to 9,999
12
10,000 to 39,999
36
40,000 or more
50
[b] 
Maximum height.
Number of Stories in Building
Maximum Sign Height
(feet)
0 to 2
8
3 to 5
12
6 or more
15
(10) 
Clocks. Time and/or temperature displays are permitted subject to the provisions of § 260-6E and I. Such displays shall be a minimum of 10 feet from the bottom of the display to the sidewalk and shall not exceed an overall total height of 15 feet.
(11) 
Government buildings. Notwithstanding the restrictions above, buildings entirely occupied by local, county, state, or federal government agencies (or a combination thereof) are permitted to have one sign displaying the agency's seal, crest, logo, or name per side of the building facing a public way or parking lot. Said sign shall not exceed six feet high by six feet wide and may be placed anywhere on the building facade.
(12) 
Contract DDD. Parcels that were previously in the S&PS or GC&S District, but are now in the Downtown Development District pursuant to a contract zone change adopted pursuant to § 165-7 of this Code, shall use the standards and limitations for the S&PS and GC&S districts found in § 260-7H.
[Added 12-27-2017 by Ord. No. 18-043]
E. 
WDD.
(1) 
No sign shall be erected until the sign permit has been issued by the Code Enforcement Division and the sign has received all necessary approvals under the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Bangor Center Revitalization Area Ordinance.[2] All such permitted signs may only be placed on the building in which the business (or organization) is located. If the business is leasing a portion of a building and the sign is to be placed on a portion of the building not subject to the lease, the applicant must provide written permission from the property owner to erect the sign.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 148, Historic Preservation, and Ch. 71, Bangor Center Revitalization Area, respectively.
(2) 
Horizontal wall signs.
(a) 
Each business shall be permitted one horizontal wall sign facing on each public right-of-way or public parking area on which it fronts or has a public entrance.
[1] 
Any storefront or business located on the first floor shall place its horizontal wall sign below the second-floor windowsill.
[2] 
Any business above the first floor may place its horizontal wall sign above the second-floor windowsill, provided that only one such sign shall be permitted per side of the building.
(b) 
Maximum height: three feet for signs placed on the third floor or below; four feet for signs placed on the fourth floor; five feet for signs placed on the fifth floor; and six feet for signs placed on or above the sixth floor. Electronic wall signs: seven feet if placed on the second floor or above; three feet if placed below the second floor.
[Amended 1-8-2018 by Ord. No. 18-063; 6-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-197]
(c) 
Horizontal wall signs shall be attached to and parallel to the building and shall not be painted directly on the surface of the building. Electronic wall signs may extend out from the wall for five feet.
[Amended 6-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-197]
(d) 
The horizontal use of channel letters is permitted to constitute a horizontal wall sign.
(e) 
No part of any wall sign may extend above the cornice.
[Added 6-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-197]
(3) 
Vertical wall signs.
(a) 
In lieu of a horizontal wall sign, a business may erect one vertical wall sign.
(b) 
Maximum width: three feet.
(c) 
Vertical wall signs shall be attached to and parallel to the building and shall not be painted directly on the surface of the building.
(d) 
The vertical use of channel letters is permitted to constitute a vertical wall sign.
(4) 
Projecting signs.
(a) 
Each business shall be permitted one horizontal projecting sign facing on each public right-of-way or public parking area on which it fronts or has a public entrance.
(b) 
Maximum height: three feet.
(c) 
Projecting signs shall protrude no more than five feet from the building surface and shall be a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk surface.
(d) 
Projecting signs shall not be located above the second-floor windowsill.
(5) 
Awning signs. A business may have a sign incorporated into an awning in lieu of a horizontal or vertical wall sign.
(6) 
Flags.
(a) 
A ground-floor business shall be permitted to have one or more flags, depending on its amount of linear business frontage facing a right-of-way or public parking lot, in accordance with the following schedule:
Linear Business Frontage
(feet)
Number of Flags
25 or less
1
26 to 50
2
51 to 100
3
Each additional 50
1 more
(b) 
A flag may project no more than two feet from the face of a building at any time, excepting that any portion of a flag which is more than eight feet above the sidewalk may project up to five feet from the face of the building.
(c) 
A flag may not obstruct any window, other than the business's own display window, or obstruct another business's wall or projecting sign.
(d) 
Flagpoles shall be maintained in good condition, and the materials of the flags shall not be faded, torn or frayed.
(7) 
Roof signs are prohibited.
(8) 
Sign area.
(a) 
For businesses located on the first (i.e., ground) floor, the total area of all signs per business on the side of a building facing a right-of-way or public parking lot shall not exceed 1 1/2 square feet per one foot of linear business frontage facing that right-of-way or public parking lot.
(b) 
For businesses located on or above the second floor, the total area of all signs per business on the side of a building facing a right-of-way or public parking lot shall not exceed 1/2 square foot per one foot of linear business frontage facing that right-of-way or public parking lot.
(c) 
The total area of all signs for all businesses on a side of a building shall not exceed 800 square feet per lot.
(d) 
If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(9) 
Directory signs.
(a) 
Notwithstanding the sign area limitations above, one on-premises freestanding directory sign is permitted, provided that the directory sign can meet the required setback. Each planned group development approved by the Planning Board is entitled to a directory sign regardless of the number of businesses in the planned group development.
(b) 
All freestanding signs authorized under this provision shall be subject to the following conditions:
[1] 
Signs may be erected only upon review and approval of the Revitalization Area Design Review Committee (as established in Chapter 71, Bangor Center Revitalization Area, § 71-9, of the Code of the City of Bangor).
[2] 
The applicant shall provide evidence acceptable to the City Engineer that the design and location of such a sign will not constitute a traffic hazard.
[3] 
The sign shall either be not illuminated or indirectly illuminated, and materials and colors shall harmonize with the exterior of the building and with buildings in the surrounding area.
[4] 
Directory signs and parts thereof shall be set back at least two feet from any property line, and no variance will be permitted from this provision.
[5] 
Such signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area or 15 feet in height.
[6] 
Directory signs must conform to the following dimension limits based on building size:
[a] 
Maximum size.
Building Gross Floor Area
(square feet)
Maximum Sign Area
(square feet)
0 to 9,999
12
10,000 to 39,999
36
40,000 or more
50
[b] 
Maximum height.
Number of Stories in Building
Maximum Sign Height
(feet)
0 to 2
8
3 to 5
12
6 or more
15
(10) 
Freestanding signs.
[Amended 4-11-2016 by Ord. No. 16-126]
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding sign: 25 feet.
(c) 
Maximum sign area per side of freestanding sign: 200 feet.
(d) 
Freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: zero feet.
[2] 
Side: five feet.
[3] 
Rear: 10 feet.
(e) 
Freestanding signs shall only be allowed on parcels 10 acres in size or larger.
(11) 
Clocks. Time and/or temperature displays are permitted subject to the provisions of § 260-6E and I. Such displays shall be a minimum of 10 feet from the bottom of the display to the sidewalk and shall not exceed an overall total height of 15 feet.
(12) 
Government buildings. Notwithstanding the restrictions above, buildings entirely occupied by local, county, state, or federal government agencies (or a combination thereof) are permitted to have one sign displaying the agency's seal, crest, logo, or name per side of the building facing a public way or parking lot. Said sign shall not exceed six feet high by six feet wide and may be placed anywhere on the building facade.
F. 
BPD.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: six.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 150 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: four square feet per linear foot of business street frontage, up to 800 square feet.[3]
[3]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection F(2), Freestanding signs, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 11-13-2013 by Ord. No. 13-349.
G. 
ADD.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: four.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 150 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: four square feet per linear foot of business street frontage, up to 400 square feet. If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(2) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding signs: 25 feet.
(c) 
Minimum freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: 20 feet.
[2] 
Side: 15 feet.
[3] 
Rear: 20 feet.
(3) 
Signs in the ADD District shall comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations, as well as the following:
(a) 
No signs may be erected which, through illumination at night or glare during the day, create a hazard for aircraft or vehicles.
(b) 
The maximum allowable height for a roof sign shall be five feet, measured from the point of the roof to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign.
(c) 
No wall sign shall exceed a sign area of more than 10% of the gross wall surface upon which it is placed.
H. 
UID; S&PS; GC&S; I&S.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: four.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 150 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: four square feet per linear foot of business street frontage, up to 800 square feet. If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(2) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
[1] 
Integrated shopping centers (regardless of the number of buildings that meet the definition of "integrated shopping center" on a single lot or within a planned group development) may have one freestanding sign at each access from a public way. Multiple structures on a lot or within a planned group development that meet the definition of an "integrated shopping center" shall be considered a single integrated shopping center. The maximum area of any one freestanding sign shall be 150 square feet. For those centers which have more than four establishments, an additional 16 square feet of area may be added to the freestanding sign for each additional establishment, up to a maximum of 200 square feet.
[2] 
Properties developed as planned group developments pursuant to § 165-69 shall be permitted one freestanding sign per primary use building, provided that the sign is used to advertise a bona fide business conducted, product sold or activity permanently conducted in that primary use building, the sign does not advertise an accessory or support activity, the sign is located within 100 feet of the primary use building, and the sign is located a minimum of 100 feet from any existing freestanding sign.
[3] 
A property shall be permitted to have two freestanding signs if the signs are on different street frontages and are 500 feet or more from each other.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding signs: 25 feet.
(c) 
Minimum freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: 20 feet.
[2] 
Side: 10 feet.
[3] 
Rear: 10 feet.
(3) 
Roof signs. A roof sign may be displayed in place of a wall sign and shall be subject to the same area limitation. The maximum allowable height for a roof sign shall be six feet from the point of the roof to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign.
(4) 
Signs on canopies. Where a building is designed with a canopy projecting more than two feet from the face of the building, signs may be erected upon the canopy, provided that the signs do not exceed the sign height for that district and are included in the calculation of the allowable sign area.
I. 
G&ISD.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: four.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 150 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: four square feet per linear foot of business street frontage, up to 400 square feet. If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(2) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
[1] 
Integrated shopping centers (regardless of the number of buildings that meet the definition of "integrated shopping center" on a single lot or within a planned group development) may have one freestanding sign at each access from a public way. Multiple structures on a lot or within a planned group development that meet the definition of an "integrated shopping center" shall be considered a single integrated shopping center. The maximum area of any one freestanding sign shall be 150 square feet. For those centers which have more than four establishments, an additional 16 square feet of area may be added to the freestanding sign for each additional establishment, up to a maximum of 200 square feet.
[2] 
A property shall be permitted to have two freestanding signs if the signs are on different street frontages and are 500 feet or more from each other.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding signs: 25 feet.
(c) 
Freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: 20 feet.
[2] 
Side: 15 feet.
[3] 
Rear: 20 feet.
(3) 
Roof signs. A roof sign may be displayed in place of a wall sign and shall be subject to the same area limitation. The maximum allowable height for a roof sign shall be six feet from the point of the roof to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign.
(4) 
Signs on canopies. Where a building is designed with a canopy projecting more than two feet from the face of the building, signs may be erected upon the canopy, provided that the signs do not exceed the sign height for that district and are included in the calculation of the allowable sign area.
(5) 
Farmers’ market signs. Signs in the G&ISD District for farmers' markets meeting the definition of farmers' market in 7 M.R.S.A. § 415, Subsection 1, are not required to meet the setback requirements of this chapter or the Land Development Code,[4] as long as such signs are no more than 15 square feet in sign area per side. One such farmers' market sign may be allowed on a G parcel in addition to the freestanding sign allowed under § 260-7I(2) above.
[Added 4-25-2016 by Ord. No. 16-142]
[4]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Land Development.
J. 
T&S.
(1) 
All signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of signs per business: four.
(b) 
Maximum area per one side of sign: 150 feet.
(c) 
Maximum total sign area for all signs: four square feet per linear foot of business street frontage, up to 400 square feet. If the amount of business street frontage cannot be reasonably determined, the average width of the business shall be used.
(2) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
Maximum number of freestanding signs: one.
[1] 
Integrated shopping centers (regardless of the number of buildings that meet the definition of "integrated shopping center" on a single lot or within a planned group development) may have one freestanding sign at each access from a public way. Multiple structures on a lot or within a planned group development that meet the definition of an "integrated shopping center" shall be considered a single integrated shopping center. The maximum area of any one freestanding sign shall be 150 square feet. For those centers which have more than four establishments, an additional 16 square feet of area may be added to the freestanding sign for each additional establishment, up to a maximum of 200 square feet.
[2] 
Properties developed as planned group developments pursuant to § 165-69 shall be permitted one freestanding sign per primary use building, provided that the sign is used to advertise a bona fide business conducted, product sold or activity permanently conducted in that primary use building, the sign does not advertise an accessory or support activity, the sign is located within 100 feet of the primary use building, and the sign is located a minimum of 100 feet from any existing freestanding sign.
[3] 
A property shall be permitted to have two freestanding signs if the signs are on different street frontages and are 500 feet or more from each other.
(b) 
Maximum height of freestanding signs: 25 feet.
(c) 
Freestanding sign setback:
[1] 
Front: 20 feet.
[2] 
Side: 15 feet.
[3] 
Rear: 20 feet.
(3) 
Roof signs. A roof sign may be displayed in place of a wall sign and shall be subject to the same area limitation. The maximum allowable height for a roof sign shall be six feet from the point of the roof to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign.
(4) 
Signs on canopies. Where a building is designed with a canopy projecting more than two feet from the face of the building, signs may be erected upon the canopy, provided that the signs do not exceed the sign height for that district and are included in the calculation of the allowable sign area.
[Amended 5-29-2013 by Ord. No. 13-155]
A. 
Districts. Electronic signs are permitted in the GC&S, S&PS, USD, WDD, BPD, I&S and G&ISD Districts, and on a freestanding sign in a City right-of-way permitted under § 260-11B of this Code, provided they meet all applicable standards, including those standards applicable to all signs. Electronic signs located in a Government and Institutional Service District may only be located on major arterial streets as defined in § 165-13 of the Code of the City of Bangor. Electronic signs that are wall signs are only permitted in WDD for entertainment and recreational uses as defined in §§ 165-13 and 165-94C(3). In all other districts, electronic signs are prohibited.
[Amended 11-13-2013 by Ord. No. 13-349; 4-11-2016 by Ord. No. 16-126; 6-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-197]
B. 
Location. Only on-premises electronic signs are allowed. Messages identifying or advertising products, services, or events not available, offered, or held on the site of the sign are prohibited.
C. 
Size. The electronic changeable portion of a sign is limited to 50% of the sign area allowed, except in WDD, where the electronic changeable portion of a sign is limited to 80% of the sign area allowed.
[Amended 6-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-197]
D. 
Limitations. One electronic sign is allowed per zoning lot.
E. 
Setback. Electronic signs must be at least 300 feet from the nearest property line of any lot zoned Urban Residence 1 District, Urban Residence 2 District, Multifamily and Service, Low-Density Residential, High-Density Residential, or Rural Residence and Agricultural, except for electronic signs erected as follows:
[Amended 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. 19-276]
(1) 
Electronic signs erected in the Urban Service District must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the nearest property line of any lot zoned URD-1, URD-2, M&SD, LDR, HDR, or RR&A.
(2) 
On the following portions of streets, electronic signs must be located to the side of the primary structure facing that street:
(a) 
Broadway, between Griffin Road and the northbound exit of the I-95 interchange.
(b) 
Hogan Road, between Stillwater Avenue and a point 1,300 feet southerly of Mount Hope Avenue along Hogan Road.
(c) 
Main Street, between the Bangor/Hampden town line and May Street, except for structures containing entertainment and recreational uses in WDD.
[Amended 6-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-197]
(d) 
Stillwater Avenue, between Ridgewood Drive and the I-95 overpass.
(e) 
Union Street, between a point 100 feet easterly of Griffin Avenue along Union Street and a point 200 westerly of Vermont Avenue along Union Street.
F. 
Duration. Each individual message must have a minimum display duration of no less than 20 seconds. Electronic signs erected in the Urban Service District must have a minimum message display duration of no less than 20 minutes.
G. 
Messages. Messages must be static for the duration of each individual message. No part of the electronic sign shall blink, flash, rotate, scroll, change in illumination intensity, or otherwise change in outward appearance except when the electronic message is changed to another message. The transition from one message to another must take one second or less.
H. 
Malfunction. Every electronic sign must be designed and equipped to automatically freeze the sign in a static display if a malfunction occurs. The electronic sign must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions and the automatic device fails to freeze the sign. The sign owner must stop the display when notified by the City that it is not complying with the standards of this chapter. Failure to stop the display within 30 minutes of an attempt by the City to contact the owner shall be considered a violation under this section.
I. 
Contact information. The owner of an electronic sign must provide telephone information sufficient to allow the City to contact, at any day and time, the owner or a representative with the authority and ability to stop an electronic sign display in the event of a malfunction.
J. 
Brightness.
(1) 
No electronic sign may be of such location, intensity, and/or brilliance so as to adversely impact the vision of a motor vehicle driver with average eyesight or otherwise interfere with the driver's operation of a motor vehicle.
(2) 
No electronic sign may be of such location, intensity, and/or brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
(3) 
The message area of an electronic sign may be illuminated by incandescent lamps, LEDs (light emitting diodes), or magnetic discs.
(4) 
Undue brightness is prohibited. For purposes of this provision, "undue brightness" means illumination of any portion of the sign in excess of 7,500 nits during the day or 500 nits at night.
(5) 
An electronic sign capable of producing brightness levels in excess of 500 nits must have a phased proportional dimmer, which must automatically reduce nighttime brightness levels to 500 nits or below. Prior to the issuance of a permit for an electronic sign, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed the levels specified above and that the intensity level is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software or other method as deemed appropriate by the Code Enforcement Officer.
A. 
Quantity. One sign per public entrance shall be permitted per building on the sidewalk in front of the entrance, provided that all dimension and location standards are met. A sign may consist of multiple listings. For purposes of this section, frontage on West Market Square is considered street frontage.
[Amended 12-28-2016 by Ord. No. 17-035]
B. 
Sign dimensions.
(1) 
Single listing.
(a) 
Maximum width: 30 inches, or less if necessary in order to retain five feet of unobstructed sidewalk width perpendicular to the storefront.
(b) 
Maximum height: 40 inches to the top of the sign.
(2) 
Multiple listing.
(a) 
Maximum width: 30 inches, or less if necessary in order to retain five feet of unobstructed sidewalk width perpendicular to the storefront.
(b) 
Maximum height: 48 inches to the top of the sign.
C. 
Locational requirements.
(1) 
Minimum distance between signs: 12 feet.
(2) 
Minimum distance from side street or access drive intersection or side lot line: 15 feet.
(3) 
Under no circumstances shall signs obstruct access to vehicle stops, benches, fire hydrants or other street furnishings.
(4) 
Sign location on sidewalks in the Downtown Development Zoning District, Waterfront Development District, or Urban Service District. Any sign must be located in front of the building, be set back at least two feet from the edge of the street, and leave at least five feet of unobstructed sidewalk width perpendicular to the storefront. Signs in West Market Square must not obstruct travel through West Market Square, and no part of the sign may be further than 22 feet from the storefront.
[Amended 12-28-2016 by Ord. No. 17-035]
(5) 
Sign location on esplanades in the Shopping and Personal Service and General Commercial and Service Districts. Any sign shall be located in front of (or on) the premises on which the enterprise advertised is located, but no sign shall be located within 20 feet of the edge of frontage street pavement.
(6) 
Sandwich board signs shall only be located in the Shopping and Personal Service District, General Commercial and Service District, Urban Service District, Waterfront Development District and Downtown Development District.
D. 
Sign removal. All signs shall be removed nightly, and may not be on the sidewalk between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. The City may at any time require a sign to be removed temporarily or relocated to accommodate an event or work or if the sign is obstructing travel.
[Amended 12-28-2016 by Ord. No. 17-035]
E. 
Permit sticker. No temporary sidewalk sign shall be permitted without approval from the Code Enforcement Division and payment of the City's sign permit fee. A City-issued sticker will be permanently attached to the top of the sign in an easily observable location.
[Amended 12-28-2016 by Ord. No. 17-035]
F. 
Material and graphics. All signs shall be of an A-frame-type design, shall be constructed of durable, weather-resistant material and finish, shall have no moving parts and shall be nonelectrified. All signs shall be maintained in a neat and clean appearance. Sign materials, graphics and finish shall be of a unified design and shall be compatible with local streetscape. All signs shall have horizontal braces spanning each side of the sign to assure rigid support. Lettering shall be legible and consistent.
G. 
Violations. In addition to any other penalty prescribed by this chapter, the City may confiscate any sign found in violation of any provision of this section. Any sign confiscated pursuant to this authority shall be returned upon payment to the City of a fee as prescribed in the Schedule of Fees adopted pursuant to Chapter 109, Fees, of this Code, provided that all other provisions of this section are complied with prior to return of the sign.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
[Added 12-28-2016 by Ord. No. 17-035]
A. 
Location.
(1) 
Sidewalk merchandise displays shall only be located in the Downtown Development District, Waterfront Development District, and Urban Service District.
(2) 
Only first-floor establishments may have sidewalk merchandise displays.
(3) 
Displays must be located in front of the building, and no part of the display may be further than five feet from the storefront.
(4) 
Displays must be set back at least two feet from the edge of the street, and leave at least five feet of unobstructed sidewalk width perpendicular to the storefront. Displays in West Market Square must not obstruct travel through West Market Square.
(5) 
Minimum distance from side street or access drive intersection or side lot line:
(a) 
Downtown Development District: five feet.
(b) 
Waterfront Development District and Urban Service District: 15 feet.
(6) 
Under no circumstances shall sidewalk merchandise displays obstruct access to vehicle stops, benches, fire hydrants or other street furnishings.
(7) 
Displays may not be physically attached to a building.
B. 
Items displayed.
(1) 
A display may only display items sold by or otherwise related to the establishment in front of which the display is located.
(2) 
No unsafe or dangerous items may be displayed.
C. 
Display removal. All sidewalk merchandise displays must be removed nightly, and may not be on the sidewalk between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
D. 
Violations. In addition to any other penalty prescribed by this chapter, the City may confiscate any sidewalk merchandise display found to be in violation of any provision of this section or to protect the public health, safety or welfare. Any display confiscated pursuant to this authority shall be returned upon payment to the City of a fee of $25, provided that all other provisions of this section are complied with prior to return of the display.