[Amended 4-11-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012; 7-12-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017]
A. No illuminated signs or outdoor illumination shall direct light in
a way which would create a traffic hazard or nuisance or be unreasonably
detrimental to adjoining or neighboring properties.
B. No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to confuse or obstruct
the view of any traffic sign, signal or device.
C. No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of banners, posters,
pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar fluttering devices.
D. No sign shall consist of animated or moving parts.
E. No sign shall be attached to fences, utility poles or trees.
F. No sign or sign support shall be erected or maintained above the
peak of the roof of any building or structure.
G. No sign which obscures visibility at elevations between three and
seven feet above street level shall be placed or maintained within
25 feet of the intersection of the street or highway lines.
H. No motor vehicle, mobile home or trailer on which is placed or painted
any sign shall be parked or stationed in a manner primarily intended
to display the sign.
I. No sound amplifiers, public address systems or other sound devices
shall be used as a means of advertising or to attract attention to
a sign.
J. No off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted other than as permitted under the exempt sign provisions of §
290-98 and directional signs as provided for in §
290-101A.
K. No advertising message shall be extended over more than one sign
placed along a street or highway.
L. Electronic changeable message signs are prohibited within the Historic
District but are otherwise permitted, subject to the following limitations:
(1) The maximum brightness of the sign shall be 0.3 footcandle above
ambient light as measured using a footcandle (lux) meter. All electronic
changeable message signs shall come equipped with automatic dimming
technology which automatically adjusts the sign's brightness
in direct correlation with natural ambient light conditions at all
times. No electronic changeable message signs shall exceed a brightness
level of 0.3 footcandle above ambient light as measured using a footcandle
(lux) meter at a preset distance depending on sign area. Prior to
the issuance of any permit, the owner shall provide the Village with
a certification from the sign manufacturer stating that the sign is
capable of complying with the above brightness provisions.
(2) Electronic changeable message signs must be designed and equipped
to freeze the device in one position if a malfunction occurs. The
displays must also be equipped with a measure to immediately discontinue
the display if it malfunctions.
(3) The images and messages displayed must be static, and the transition
from one static display to another must be instantaneous, with no
special effects, or the transition may provide a black screen for
at least one second.
(4) Each line of copy and graphics in an electronic changeable message
sign must be at least six inches in height.
(5) Electronic changeable message signs shall not include animation,
full-motion video, flashing, scrolling, strobing, racing, blinking,
or changes in color, fade in or fade out in any manner imitating movement,
or any other means not providing constant illumination.
(6) Each message shall be illuminated for at least 10 seconds before
transitioning to a new message, except for electronic changeable message
signs within 250 feet of an interchange, an at-grade intersection
not controlled by a stop sign or stop light, a signed curve, or a
pedestrian walkway, then each message shall be illuminated for at
least 30 seconds before transitioning to a new message.
(7) The images and messages displayed must be complete in themselves,
without continuation in content to the next image or message or to
any other sign.
(8) Electronic changeable message signs must be constructed perpendicular
with the road in all residential zoned districts, whether single-family,
multifamily, townhouse, or mixed use where residential housing is
permitted, except for corner lots where the electronic changeable
message sign shall not be located within 25 feet of the point of intersection
of the curb or edge of two intersection streets and the placement
of said sign can be arranged so that the sign can be read from the
intersection. The electronic message in all residential zoned districts
shall not be displayed between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
The following signs may be erected and maintained
without permits and fees, provided that such signs comply with the
general requirements of this chapter and other conditions specifically
imposed by the regulations, rules and laws of the Village of Albion:
A. Historical markers, tablets and statues, memorial
signs and plaques; names of buildings and dates of erection when cut
into masonry surface or when constructed of bronze, stainless steel
or similar material; and emblems installed by government agencies
or religious or nonprofit organizations. Such signs shall not exceed
six square feet in area.
B. Flags and insignia of any government, except when
displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
C. Any sign placed by any governmental agency for public
purposes or any nonadvertising sign identifying underground utility
lines.
D. On-premises directional signs for the convenience
of the general public, identifying public parking areas, fire zones,
entrances and exits and similar signs, internally illuminated or nonilluminated,
not exceeding two square feet per face and six feet in height. Business
names and personal names shall be allowed, excluding advertising messages.
E. Nonilluminated warning, private drive, posted or "no
trespassing" signs, not exceeding two square feet per face.
F. Number and nameplate identifying residents, mounted
on house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding two square feet per
face.
G. Private-owner merchandise sale signs for garage sales
and auctions, not exceeding four square feet for a period not to exceed
seven days.
H. Temporary nonilluminated "For Sale," "For Rent," real
estate signs and signs of a similar nature, concerning premises upon
which the sign is located: in a residential zoning district (R-1,
R-2, R-3, R-MH, R-C), one sign not exceeding six square feet in area
per side; in a business, commercial or industrial zoning district
(CBD, GC, PC, LI), one sign not to exceed 24 square feet in area,
set back at least 10 feet from all property lines. All such signs
shall be removed within three days after the sale, lease or rental
of the premises or property.
I. Holiday decorations, including lighting, in any district.
J. Integral graphics or attached price signs on gasoline
pumps at gasoline stations.
K. Directional signs for meetings, conventions and other
assemblies.
L. One sign, not exceeding six square feet in the residential
zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MH, R-C) nor 16 square feet in
area in the business, commercial or industrial districts (CBD, GC,
PC, LI), listing the architect, engineer, contractor and/or owner,
on premises where construction, renovation or repair is in progress.
M. Temporary, nonilluminated window signs and posters
not exceeding 16 square feet in area or 25% of the window area, whichever
is smaller.
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this
article, noncommercial speech signs may be displayed without a permit
subject to the following regulations:
A. Noncommercial speech signs, residential districts
(R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MH and R-C). Noncommercial speech signs may be permitted
in any residential district without a sign permit, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) The maximum number of noncommercial speech signs per
lot shall be two, excepting posted or preserve signs erected pursuant
to the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York.
(2) Of the total number of signs, only one shall be a
window sign. No window sign shall exceed 25% of the total window opening
or two square feet, whichever is smaller.
(3) A building-mounted sign may not exceed two square
feet in total area. Any building-mounted sign shall be located in
proximity to an exterior entrance.
(4) A freestanding sign, unless otherwise specified herein,
shall:
(a)
Not exceed six square feet in sign area;
(b)
Not exceed four feet in height above grade;
(c)
Maintain a minimum ground clearance of two feet;
(d)
Not be closer to any lot line than 1/2 of the
required setback;
(e)
Not interfere with vehicle site distances either
from, along or to a public way; and
(f)
Not be illuminated, except indirectly.
B. Noncommercial speech signs, business and industrial
districts (CBD, GC, PC, LI).
(1) Noncommercial speech signs associated with nonresidential
uses may be allowed in any business or industrial district without
a sign permit, subject to the following conditions:
(a)
The maximum number of noncommercial speech signs
per lot shall be two, excepting posted or preserve signs erected pursuant
to the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York.
(b)
Such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in
area.
(c)
Freestanding noncommercial speech signs shall
not be closer to any lot line than 1/2 of the required setback.
(d)
Freestanding noncommercial speech signs shall
not exceed six feet in height above grade level.
(e)
Building-mounted noncommercial speech signs
shall be located on the first-floor front facade of the structure.
(f)
Noncommercial speech signs shall not be illuminated,
except indirectly.
(2) Noncommercial speech signs associated with a residential use in a business or industrial district shall comply with the standards specified above in Subsection
A.
Within any zoning district, a sign permit may
be granted for erection or alteration of the following types of permanent
signs, provided the number and total area of signs shall conform to
the regulations in this article:
A. Off-premises directional signs for the convenience
of the general public and for the purpose of directing persons to
a business, activity, service or community facility may be erected,
provided that such signs do not exceed 10 square feet per establishment
or not more than two such signs per establishment. The message shall
be limited to the name or identification, arrow or direction and distance.
Advertising messages shall be prohibited.
B. Nonilluminated, single-sided real estate development
signs, including signs for industrial and commercial development,
residential subdivisions or construction signs denoting the architect,
engineer and/or contractor, not exceeding 32 square feet in the business,
commercial and industrial districts (CBD, GC, PC and LI) nor 16 square
feet in residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MH and R-C), may be
erected on property being sold, leased or developed. Such sign shall
be erected parallel to the fronting street or highway and shall be
set back a minimum of 15 feet from the property line or attached to
the face of the building. Such sign shall be removed upon the completion
of the project and shall be in place for a period not exceeding two
years.
C. For residential subdivisions, multiple-family dwellings
or developments or townhouse developments, one sign identifying the
name of the development not exceeding 16 square feet shall be permitted.
One such sign shall be permitted for each entrance on a different
street or highway.
D. Signs or bulletin boards customarily incident to places
of worship, libraries, museums, social clubs or societies may be erected
on the premises of such institutions. One such bulletin board, not
exceeding 16 square feet in area, may be erected for each entrance
on a different street or highway.
E. Recreation areas, day camps, golf clubs and other
similar facilities permitted in this Zoning Chapter shall in all zones
be permitted one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area.
F. Signs necessary for the identification, operation
or production of a public utility, not exceeding 16 square feet in
area, may be erected on the premises of such public utility.
Within business, commercial and industrial districts
(CBD, GC, PC and LI), the following provisions shall apply:
A. The total number of permitted signs on a single business,
commercial or industrial lot shall not exceed two, of which only one
may be freestanding.
B. The total cumulative area of all signs permitted on
such lot shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of building
front, plus 1/4 square foot for every foot the principal building
is set back from the street line, up to a maximum of 120 square feet.
However, each lot shall be permitted a minimum cumulative sign area
of 32 square feet.
C. Representational signs shall not project in any direction
more than four feet beyond the principal structure to which they are
attached and shall not exceed 15 square feet in area. Only one such
sign per establishment shall be permitted, with the area of such sign
structure included within the total sign area permitted.
D. Illuminated signs which indicate the time, temperature,
date or similar public service information shall not exceed 32 square
feet in area and shall not employ less than 60% of the total sign
area, each side, for said public service information.
E. Gasoline service stations shall additionally be permitted
two price, product or promotional signs each, not exceeding 12 square
feet or six square feet per side, if located on the pump island or
set not closer than 0 feet from the edge of the pavement, not exceeding
eight feet above grade nor situated so as to impair visibility for
pedestrians or motorists.
[Added 7-23-2014 by L.L. No. 3-2014]
A. One
nonilluminated monument sign, either solid base or suspended between
two poles.
B. Dimensional
requirements.
(1) Minimum setback from curb of 15 feet.
(2) Maximum height of five feet.
(3) Maximum 16 square feet of area per side or 32 square feet in total
combined surface area for a two-sided sign.
Notwithstanding the standard governing the total area of signs permitted to be erected or maintained on any parcel of real property as set forth in §
290-102 above, the following standards shall guide the regulation of all signs associated with projects when more than one principal building or business use or activity is proposed to be conducted upon a single parcel of real property, such as in the case of a shopping center, plaza or mall or other multiple-commercial-use facility or industrial park.
A. A single freestanding sign of up to 48 square feet
in area and not more than 20 feet in height may be erected which identifies
the name of the center or facility as a whole and does not advertise
any individual business activity.
B. Freestanding signs advertising individual businesses
within a shopping center or joint development project shall be prohibited.
C. One sign identifying individual businesses or uses
may be erected for each separate principal activity. Individual business
signs may be attached to the face of the building. Such signs shall
not exceed the lesser of one square foot of area for each linear foot
of store frontage or 20% of the surface area of the building face
on which the sign is to be attached.
D. In a multiple-commercial-use facility or industrial
park, there may be one directory sign at any location therein which
shall not exceed 12 square feet for each acre of land in such commercial
area or industrial park, provided that no such sign shall exceed 64
square feet in area. In addition, at each point of entrance and exit
for vehicular traffic into such multiple-commercial-use facility or
industrial park, one other directory sign shall be permitted which
does not exceed two square feet for each acre of land in such multiple-commercial-use
facility or industrial park. Such signs shall not exceed a total area
of 12 square feet.
E. An overall sign design plan for any such center or
facility shall be submitted with the application for the site plan
approval. The sign design plan shall include plans for each principal
activity therein and shall reflect a reasonable uniformity of design,
lettering, lighting and material.
A new business or a business in a new location,
awaiting installation of a permanent sign, may utilize a portable
sign for a period not more than 60 days or until the installation
of a permanent sign, whichever occurs first. Such portable sign shall
conform to all of the construction standards of the Village of Albion.
A separate permit for such portable sign shall be required.
In the event that a sign lawfully erected prior
to the effective date of this chapter does not conform to the provisions
and standards of this chapter, then such sign shall be modified to
conform or be removed according to the following regulations:
A. If a nonconforming sign includes features that area prohibited pursuant to §
290-95, General regulations, then such sign shall be modified by its owner to comply or be removed within 30 days after the owner receives written notice from the Code Enforcement Official to so comply.
B. A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged or replaced
with another nonconforming sign. Any maintenance, repair or alteration
of a nonconforming sign shall not cost more than 50% of the current
depreciated value of the sign as of the date of the alteration or
repair.
Any sign, existing on or after the effective
date of this chapter, which no longer advertises an existing business
conducted or product sold on the premises upon which such sign is
located, shall be removed.
A. If the Code Enforcement Official shall find that any
sign regulated in the Village is not used, is abandoned, unsafe or
insecure or is a menace to the public, the Code Enforcement Official
shall give written notice to the named owner of the land upon which
such sign is located, who shall remove or repair the sign within 30
days from the date of the notice. If the sign is not removed or repaired
within said time period, the Code Enforcement Official may remove
or repair the sign and assess the owner for any cost incurred for
such service.
B. The Code Enforcement Official or Fire Marshal may
cause any sign which is a source of immediate peril to persons or
property to be removed immediately without notice.