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Fulton County Codes for Signage

Fulton County Code of Laws (access through www.municode.com section Online Codes, Georgia, Fulton County…

ARTICLE XXXIII. SIGNS

33.1 Intent.

It is the intent of this article to eliminate excessive and confusing sign displays which do not relate to the premises on which they are located; to eliminate hazards to pedestrians and motorists brought about by distracting sign displays; to prevent the destruction of the natural beauty and environment of the county; and to protect the public health, safety and general welfare. This article shall have the effect of restricting the continued existence of any abandoned or nonconforming signs unless in compliance with the terms of this article. It is the intent of this article that over time all nonconforming signs shall eventually be eliminated. This article is intended to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication; to improve traffic and pedestrian safety; to minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on public and private property and on the sense of sight; and to enable fair and consistent enforcement of these regulations.

This article recognizes the competing interests in signage and the regulations herein are intended to balance these interests to preserve and improve Fulton County's quality of life; and to protect the free speech provisions of the U.S. Constitution. (Amended 9/1/99)

A sign permit shall be required and a fee shall be paid according to the current fee schedule for all signs requiring a permit as provided herein. No permit shall be required for a change of copy on changeable copy signs. Any change in the permanent message shall require a new permit. An electrical permit is also required for all signs using electrical wiring. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit for a sign by the department of environment and community development, the applicant for such a permit must present a photograph of the proposed sign location, and other signs located on the property, a scaled site plan of the site, sign detail and total wall area dimensions for wall signs. The permit sticker must be displayed on every sign. (Amended 04/07/93, 11/03/93, 9/1/99)

33.2 Permit required.

A permit that is issued in violation of this article is void. A permit does not create a vested right to maintain any sign which violates any terms of this article or any other law. A sign permit shall expire six months after the issuance of the permit if installation of the sign has not begun. (Added 9/1/99)

33.3 Prohibited signs.

Any sign not specifically identified in this article as a permitted sign shall be prohibited except where otherwise permitted. Examples of signs which are prohibited are as follows:

A. Banners, flags (other than as permitted in section 33.4.12 B), balloons, streamers, air or gas filled figures. (Corrected 12/4/91)

B. Twirling, sandwich-type, sidewalk or curb-type signs, and portable displays.

C. No series, lines or rows of lights shall be installed, whether supported by cables or other physical means, within a distance of 150 feet of a street.

D. No promotional beacons, search lights or laser lights/images.

E. Except for electronic changeable copy signs, no flashing, blinking, rotating, fluctuating, or otherwise animated signs shall be permitted within 150 feet of a street.

F. No sign shall emit audible sound or emit visible smoke, vapor, particles or odor except for sounds that are caused by normal operation of an electronic changeable copy sign.

G. No signs other than those belonging to local or state governments, public service agencies, railroads and the like shall be located in a public right-of-way.

H. No sign shall be located on a tree or utility pole.

I. No sign shall be located on any part of any roof, nor shall any sign extend vertically above any portion of a roof or parapet of the applicable wall.

J. No sign copy shall be permitted on trash receptacles, vending machines or similar structures, except for copy that indicates product sold or dispensed from within the structure.

K. No sign or advertising device(s) shall be attached to any vehicle or trailer parked so as to be visible from a public right-of way, including vehicles with for sale signs except in a permitted auto sales business and excluding vehicle(s) used for daily transportation, deliveries or parked while business is being conducted on-site. (See Vehicle Sign 33.4.9.B(21)).

L. No sign shall depict nudity, sexual conduct, obscene or pornographic material as defined in the United States and/or Georgia Codes.

M. No sign shall advertise an activity which is illegal under federal, state or local laws.

N. Off premise signs, except as otherwise permitted in this article.

O. Billboards are prohibited except in the M-1 and M-2 Districts.

P. Signs not in good repair, in violation of codes, broken panels, chipped paint, damaged support structures, missing letters or abandoned signs which advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted or available.

Q. Window signs, except as permitted in article 33.4.12.B(14).

R. Any sign not specifically provided for in this resolution is unlawful.(Amended 9/1/99)

33.4 General sign regulations.

This section applies to signs allowed in all use districts except when specifically excluded by conditions of zoning. (Amended 9/1/99)

33.4.1 Noncommercial messages. Any sign, display, or device allowed herein may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit or to a commodity or service for sale, as long as such sign, display or message complies with the size, height and area requirements herein.

33.4.2 Visibility triangle. No sign nor part of any sign shall obscure the minimum sight distance specified in AASHTO standards administered by the county traffic engineer.

33.4.3 Nonconforming signs. Any sign that comes into noncompliance as a result of a change in these regulations is a nonconforming structure and shall be entitled to all rights herein. The following standards apply to nonconforming signs: (Amended 9/1/99)

A. No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, extended, structurally reconstructed, moved, replaced or altered in any manner including the sign face except for normal maintenance as referenced in C below. (Added 9/1/99)

B. Destruction of the sign, by any means, to more than 60 percent of its replacement cost at the time of destruction, shall require that the sign be brought into compliance with the provisions of this article and resolution if reconstructed. (9/1/99)

C. Normal maintenance of nonconforming signs is allowable. Any repair or maintenance to more than 60 percent of the replacement cost, shall require that the sign be reconstructed in conformity with the provisions of this article and resolution. (9/1/99)

D. No sign or advertising device shall be permitted on-site where a nonconforming sign referring to the same business on the same lot exists until the nonconforming sign has been removed or made to conform to the provisions of this article and resolution. This provision shall exclude permits for temporary signage (i.e. banners, streamers, balloons, real estate, and other signage for temporary uses). (Added 9/1/99)

E. Comply with any other applicable provisions of 4.3.1, Nonconforming Lots, Uses And Structures. (Added 9/1/99)

33.4.4 Abandoned signs. Any sign that is located on property which becomes vacant or unoccupied, or pertains to a business which does not currently conduct a business with a valid business license, or pertains to a product no longer being sold on the premises or pertains to a time, event or purpose which has passed or no longer applies for a period of 90 days shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Abandonment does not apply to billboard signs. Abandoned signs shall adhere to the following standards: (Added 9/1/99)

A. Any abandoned sign including canopy or awning signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the property.

B. The frame and support structure of a freestanding abandoned sign may remain for a period of one year from abandonment, if no other ground signs exist on the property, and it conforms to safety standards and all other applicable terms contained in this article and resolution. Within 30 days of the sign being deemed abandoned by the Fulton County Department of Environment and Community Development, the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the sign or property upon which the sign is located shall have the face of the abandoned sign structure replaced with a weatherproof blank face of similar materials of other panels on the structure or materials subject to approval by the department of environment and community development. Should the sign remain abandoned after the one year period, the complete sign structure shall be removed by the owner of the property or sign structure.

C. Any abandoned sign that is inconsistent with any terms of this article and resolution shall immediately be altered to comply with the provisions of this resolution or be removed by the owner of such structure or property within 90 days of the abandonment.

D. Abandoned tenant panel signs shall be removed or replaced in accordance with this article.

33.4.5 Enforcement. Violations of this article and resolution shall be enforced by the department of environment and community development. It shall also be the duty of all officers and employees of the county and especially all members of the police department to assist the environment and community development department by reporting any seeming violation in new construction, reconstruction, alteration or relocation of any signs governed under this article and resolution. Appeal from the decision of the department of environment and community development may be made to the board of zoning appeals as provided in article XXII. (Added 9/1/99)

Nothing herein contained shall require any change in the plans, construction, size or designated use of a sign structure, or part thereof, for which a valid building permit has been granted or for which a sign permit was applied before August 4, 1999, provided that the construction of such sign or sign structure shall have been started within 90 days of August 4, 1999. If any of the above requirements shall not have been fulfilled within the time stated above or if building operations are discontinued for a period of 90 days, any further construction shall be in conformity with the provisions of this article and resolution. (Added 9/1/99)

A violation of this article shall be subject to penalty per Article 29, Violation & Penalty. (Added 9/1/99)

33.4.6 Variance appeals. Appeals from the standards herein shall be considered by the board of zoning appeals in compliance with Article 22, Appeals, section 22.4. A nonconforming sign that is destroyed or damaged by any means to the extent defined in section 33.4.3 (B and C) does not constitute a sufficient reason to grant a variance for reconstruction. In the absence of the factors listed in section 22.4.1, economic or financial hardship alone shall not be sufficient to support a variance. (Added 9/1/99)

33.4.7. Electronic changeable message signs. Electronic changeable copy signs including time and temperature signs shall be limited to 12 read-outs per minute. (Amended 9/1/99)

33.4.8 Identification signs in medians. Identification signs for a development, project or subdivision may be located in a street median of project entrances with an easement and approval from either the Fulton County Department of Public Works or the Georgia DOT as appropriate. (Amended 11/03/93, 9/1/99)

33.4.9 Sign specifications. (Amended 09/04/91, 9/1/99)

Location. All signs shall be located on-site, outside of any public right-of-way except where otherwise specifically permitted off-site by provisions in this article. Any sign placed on public right-of-way except where otherwise permitted by this article shall be deemed to be illegal and shall be immediately removed by the responsible party or be subject to removal by the appropriate enforcement body. Fulton County shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such sign the full cost of its removal and disposal. (Added 04/07/93, Amended 9/1/99)

Setback. Unless a more restrictive setback is specified in conditions of zoning, all signs shall set back at least ten feet from the right-of-way or 20 feet from the edge of pavement if a private street and no sign shall project over the right-of-way.

Height. Free standing signs shall comply with height limits in this article except that such signs located within 300 feet of an interstate highway right-of-way may comply with the maximum building height of the zoning district. Maximums established for sign heights shall, in all cases, refer to the overall structure of the sign (including monument signs) and not just the height of the sign face. (See "Height, Sign" in Definitions, Article 3.3.8.).

Whenever a sign is approved for incorporation into a wall (or mounted upon a wall), the least restrictive of the wall or sign height shall be the permissible height. Column heights (whether structural or nonstructural) shall be allowed to exceed the maximum wall height by three feet. (Amended 09/04/91, 9/1/99)

Area. Sign area is calculated by squaring the area on one side of all sign faces. Signs are entitled to double faces and signs may have more than one single or double faced signs as long as the total area of the single sides do not exceed the maximum sign area allowed. Three and four sided signs are not allowed. Regardless of the geometric configuration of the sign, the sign face shall be calculated by adding the total squared areas of the polygons covering the sign face, including any open space within the polygons. (See "Sign Area" in Definitions, Article 3.3.19 and Illustrations, XXXIII) (Amended 9/1/99)

Size. The maximum size of a freestanding sign structure shall not exceed 3.5 times the sign face area. Any open air space shall be included in calculating the total maximum allowable sign structure size. (Added 9/1/99)

Graphics. Lettering and numerals on signs located next to limited access, arterial and major collector streets shall be at least four inches in height and, next to all other streets, lettering and numerals shall be at least three inches in height.

Safety. No sign shall obstruct or impair the vision of any vehicle operator at the intersection of any public rights-of-way, at any entrance onto or exit from a public road, or any other location where said obstruction could create a traffic hazard. No sign shall be constructed or located where by reason of its position, shape, wording or color, may be confused with an authorized traffic or emergency vehicle device. All signs shall be built in compliance with all applicable building and electrical codes. (Added 9/1/99)

33.4.10 Property numbers. All properties shall be identified by a property number of a minimum size as subsequently identified in this paragraph. All signs including temporary signs and I.D. Monuments on properties which have been assigned a property number (street number) shall display the numbers and/or letters with characters that are at least four inches tall for signs located along limited access, arterial and major collector streets, and three inches tall along minor collector and local streets. The area of the property number shall not be subtracted from the total message area allowed on a sign. (Amended 9/1/99)

33.4.11 Sign lighting. Sign lighting shall not be directed skyward and the source of light shall be effectively shielded from adjacent residential properties and streets. Light intensity shall not exceed 1.1 footcandles measured at all residential property lines.

Sign illumination may be direct or indirect. Direct illumination is projected from within a sign, building etc. Indirect illumination is illumination which is projected onto a sign, building, etc. (Added 9/1/99)

33.4.12 Signs permitted generally. The following regulations apply to signs that are allowed in more than one use district or to signs allowed in all use districts. (Amended 11/03/93)

A. Signs which do require a permit. The following signs may be located in zoning districts where specified unless otherwise restricted by conditions of zoning or other regulations:

1. Identification monuments. Within all zoning districts, identification monuments are allowed as a substitute for other free standing primary signs (except subdivision monument) provided all of the following standards are met: (Amended 9/1/99)

a. No changeable copy (electronic/manual) or reader board configuration shall be approved, except an identification monument sign for a church/ place of worship or school shall be allowed a manual changeable copy, and no pole signs shall be approved. Messages shall be limited to names, address, logos, and trade marks or other identification symbols, or noncommercial messages.(Amended 9/1/99)

b. The height of an identification monument shall not exceed six feet when adjacent to local streets and minor collectors, ten feet when adjacent to major collector or arterial streets. Should a sign exceed the maximum height as specified above, the sign shall not be considered or treated as identification monuments unless other wise provided for below or in this article or resolution. (Amended 9/1/99)

c. The materials used to construct the monument's exterior (except for the sign face) shall be composed primarily of brick, granite, stone, marble, terrazzo, stucco, wood and/or other materials specifically approved by the department of environment and community development. (Amended 04/07/93, 9/1/99)

d. Lighting shall be indirect and shall comply with other restrictions on lighting herein.

e. The total identification monument sign area per face shall not be greater than 1.2 times the district maximum of the primary sign substituted for. The sign face shall be calculated excluding structural support and embellishments (See 33.4.9, Sign Specifications, Size and Illustrations, XXXIII-3). (Amended 05/06/92, 9/1/99)

f. Identification monument signs constructed as part of an entry wall shall comply with the height and setback requirements of an entry wall (See 4.11, Fences And Walls). (Added 9/1/99)

2. Directory. A directory, listing occupants within buildings and/or listing buildings, or displaying maps, within a development or complex may be located in all districts as long as lettering does not exceed six inches in height, the sign is not more than eight feet above ground level, and it does not exceed 30 square feet in area per face and no more than four single faces. Directories shall not be located closer to any street right-of-way than 75 feet.

3. Marquee signs. Marquee wall signs may be substituted for wall signs for uses such as theaters and hotels where their use is customary. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building nor extend more than two feet from the face of the building upon which secured. Allowable sign dimensions shall be the same as for wall signs in the applicable district.

4. Coming soon signs. Businesses, institutions and other new developments may exhibit a freestanding ground sign announcing a future opening (Coming Soon) beginning no more than four months prior to opening. Banner or balloon type signs are permitted for no more than 30 days prior to the business opening. Such signs shall be removed no later than 14 days following the opening or commencement of business and shall not exceed the sign area maximum for the district. (Amended 9/1/99)

5. Grand opening signs. Businesses, institutions and residential developments may exhibit banners, flags, balloons, streamers, or air or gas filled figures within three months of starting the operation of a new business (ownership), location, or change in primary product or service offered. Such signs may be exhibited for no more than one 30 day period and no banner shall be located simultaneously with any other banner for the same business. Banner signs shall not exceed the sign area maximum for the district. (Amended 9/1/99)

6. Promotional signs. Businesses, institutions and residential developments may exhibit banners, flags, balloons, or streamers during a promotional period such as anniversaries, special sales, or special promotions for one event not to exceed 30 consecutive days in a calendar year. Banner signs shall not exceed the sign area maximum for the district. (Added 9/1/99)

7. Event signs. It is the intent of the board of commissioners to foster events that encourage citizens to become involved in their communities. Therefore, public uses such as places of religious worship, schools, community centers, or other institutional uses may exhibit banners, flags, balloons, or streamers for a promotional event not to exceed 14 consecutive days in a calendar year. A maximum of three permits may be allowed in a calendar year. Banner signs shall not exceed the sign area maximum for the district. (Added 9/1/99)

8. Going out of business/moving sale. Businesses, institutions and residential developments may exhibit banners, flags, balloons, or streamers for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days for the same business at the same location. Banner signs shall not exceed the sign area maximum for the district.(Added 9/1/99)

9. Apartment directional signs, provided they are removed within 14 days following the achievement of 90 percent occupancy for a multi-family development. There shall be no more than three such signs per multi-family development which may be located only with the permission of the property owner and outside of the right-of-way as required by section 33.3. Such signs shall be no farther than two miles from the property to which they refer and shall not exceed the sizes given below: (Amended 9/1/99)

a. Sixteen square feet in areas adjacent to arterials and major collectors.

b. Four square feet in area adjacent to all other streets.

c. Signs referring to the same apartment development shall be separated by a minimum distance of 1000 feet measured along the street frontage and shall not obstruct the required sight distance required in AASHTO standards administered by the county traffic engineer.

A permit application for an apartment directional sign shall be accompanied by an affidavit from the apartment owner affirming that the occupancy rate of the advertised apartment development is less than 90 percent. A permit shall be valid for six months, and one additional permit for six months may be issued with the submission of a new application, payment of a sign permit fee and the submission of a new affidavit affirming that the occupancy rate continues below 90 percent. A maximum of three signs shall be permitted for each apartment complex and the permits shall be for concurrent time periods to expire simultaneously. Color-coded dated stickers alternated by time period shall be used by the department of environment and community development to assist in enforcement. Upon expiration of the second six-month period, a waiting period of six months must expire before the permitting process cycle may be reinitiated. (Added 10/2/91, Amended 04/07/93)

10. Temporary signs. Signs for temporary uses permitted under an administrative permit and/or use permit shall comply with sign requirements per the use standards or shall not exceed 16 square feet and shall be affixed to a structure. A permit shall be valid for the period of time for which the temporary use is permitted. (Added 5/6/92, Amended 9/1/99)

11. Weekend directional signs, for real estate sale or lease shall require a permit per sign and said signs shall comply with the following requirements listed below. (Added 04/07/93, Amended 9/1/99)

a. Signs and lettering shall be unilluminated and made of durable weatherproof materials at a maximum of four square feet in area and a maximum height of three feet.

b. Signs shall be located on property with the written permission of the property owner and shall be located outside of the public right-of-way with a minimum setback of 10.5 feet from back of curb or, if there is no curb, setback from the edge of pavement. Said signs shall not obstruct sight distance necessary for public safety as determined by the Fulton County Traffic Engineer.

c. Signs referring to the same subdivision shall be permitted on the same street frontage separated by a minimum distance of 500 feet measured along the street frontage. All signs shall be located within two miles from the subdivision entrance.

d. No more than one sign shall be located within ten feet of any other weekend sign.

e. Signs shall not be affixed to any utility posts, cables, poles or other signs, structures or trees, and shall be posted firmly in the ground.

f. Signs shall not be placed before 12:00 noon Fridays, and must be removed by no later than 8:00 a.m. the following Monday.

g. Signs shall have the permit number, company name and phone number identifying the party responsible for the removal of the signs (including supporting devices) and the name of a officer of the subdivision development being advertised. (Amended 9/1/99)

12. Real estate directional signs, provided they are removed within 14 days following issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the final unit of each phase of a single-family subdivision. There shall be no more than three such signs per subdivision which may be located only with the permission of the property owner and out of the right-of-way as required by section 33.3. Such signs shall be no farther than two miles from the property to which they refer and shall not exceed the sizes given below: (Amended 9/1/99)

a. Sixteen square feet in area adjacent to major thoroughfares.

b. Four square feet in area adjacent to all other streets.

c. Signs referring to the same subdivision shall be separated by a minimum distance of 1000 feet measured along the street frontage and shall not obstruct required sight distance necessary for public safety.

d. Thirty-two square feet in area adjacent to major thoroughfares for kiosk type signs advertising at least four or more subdivisions. (Amended 9/1/99)

13. Unilluminated historical signs. Signs used for the purpose of identifying sites of historic preservation may be placed on the property either as a free standing or wall sign and shall not exceed 16 square feet, one per street frontage and located outside of the right-of-way.

B. Signs which do not require a permit. The following signs may be located without a permit in any zoning district unless otherwise restricted by conditions of zoning or other regulations:

1. Flags, such as the flag of the United States, State of Georgia, or other government, corporate, agency, civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar flag not to exceed more than four per site. Such flag shall be flown from a flag pole and the size of the flag shall not exceed one-half the size of a primary sign for the applicable district. Flags shall not be used for the purpose of advertising or selling any goods or services unless a permit is issued under section 33.4.12(A). (Amended 9/1/99)

2. Traffic, safety and/or emergency signs related to public safety. Includes signs such as parking lot information and directional signs, height limit signs in parking garages, safety signs associated with gasoline pumping, and directional signs associated with hospitals and other emergency care facilities.

Directional and traffic signs associated with hospitals and other emergency care facilities in this category shall be limited to one per street frontage and shall not exceed 20 square feet for emergency directional signs and four square feet for traffic related signs.

On site directional signs indicating directions or information on deliveries, visitor parking, drive-in window (menu boards are not considered signs, but an accessory structure), etc., and including no additional information other than a logo, shall be allowed. Such directional signs shall not exceed three feet in height and four square feet. No more than one exit and one entrance sign shall be allowed per curb cut. (Amended 5/6/92)

3. Seasonal or holiday decorations associated with calendar holidays. These may include but are not limited to Christmas, Hannukah, New Year, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July representations. No commercial message or copy shall be permitted in conjunction with a seasonal display. Each seasonal display may continue for a 15-day period in any one year except Halloween through New Years, where a 61-day period is allowed. (Amended 9/1/99)

4. Noncommercial display signs used in connection with any noncommercial events, including political, civic, health, safety, welfare and similar events, provided all such signs are placed not more than 60 days prior to the event and the sign shall exhibit the date of the conclusion of the campaign or event. Said sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and shall be removed within 15 days following the advertised event's conclusion (See 32.4.12. B(21), Candidate Sign). (Amended 9/1/99)

5. Unilluminated real estate sales and lease signs in all but single-family dwelling districts provided they are removed within 30 days of sale or of being 80 percent leased. Such signs shall be unilluminated and limited to one on-premise sign per street frontage, and shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.(Amended 9/1/99)

6. Unilluminated real estate sales and lease signs in AG-1 and single-family dwelling districts provided they are removed at the owner's expense within 30 days of lease or sale. Such signs shall be limited to one on-premise sign per street frontage and shall not exceed 16 square feet in area along arterials and major collectors, or four square feet adjacent to all other streets. Subdivisions in which fewer than 80 percent of the lots have been sold shall be entitled to one such 16 square foot sign per access-providing street. (Amended 9/1/99)

7. Garage sale or similar signs, provided such signs are located out of the right-of-way as required by section 33.3, and on private property with the owner's consent. Such signs shall be located no farther than one mile away from the property to which the signs refer, do not exceed one square foot in area and are removed within two days following the sale. Garage sale signs are exempt from the minimum lettering-numbering provisions. (Amended 9/1/99)

8. Dangerous animal uniform symbols and signs. Dangerous animal and similar warning symbols and signs may be located wherever necessary to provide sufficient warning to the public. (Amended 9/1/99)

9. Nonresidential construction sign. Unilluminated signs in all but single-family dwelling districts provided they are placed no earlier than the start of construction and removed whenever a certificate of occupancy is issued. Such signs shall be limited to one sign per job site not to exceed 16 square feet per contractor and six square feet per subcontractor. (Amended 9/1/99)

10. Residential construction sign. Unilluminated signs in single-family dwelling districts provided they are placed no earlier than the start of construction and removed within 30 days of issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Such signs shall be limited to one sign per dwelling not to exceed six square feet per contractor or subcontractor. (Amended 9/1/99)

11. Bus shelter and bench sign. Illuminated bus shelter signs or signs on bus shelters/benches shall be permitted in nonresidential districts except AG-1 at designated public transportation bus stops. Such signs shall not exceed 24 square feet of area. When bus shelters and/or benches are proposed to be located in rights-of-way, approvals must be documented from the Fulton County Department of Environment and Community Development. (Amended 03/06/91, 11/03/93, 9/1/99)

12. Notice sign. Any notice or warning required by federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance. Signs for no trespassing on private property allowed, but not to exceed two square feet. (Amended 9/1/99)

13. Any sign inside a building which is not attached to a window or door. (Amended 9/1/99)

14. Window signs temporarily affixed as defined in Article 3, Definitions, of this resolution not occupying in the aggregate more than ten percent of the window area. (Added 9/1/99)

15. Vending and similar signs not visible from a street. (Amended 9/1/99)

16. Nameplates. Unilluminated wall mounted nameplates not to exceed one square foot. (Amended /1/99)

17. Canopy and awning sign. Awnings and canopies may contain the name and logo of a use. Such signs shall be deducted from allocated wall sign area. (Amended 9/1/99)

18. Suspended (hanging) signs. Signs suspended from a porch or similar shelter may contain the name and logo of a use. Such signs shall be oriented for pedestrian use and have no more than three square feet. (Amended 9/1/99)

19. Seasonal agricultural signs. Temporary directional signs for agricultural products grown and/or sold in the AG-1 District or at institutions provided such signs are posted no earlier than the commencement of selling activity and are removed within seven days of the end of the selling season. Such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area, and shall be located only on private property with the owner's permission in compliance with section 33.3 which requires that all signs be located out of the right-of-way. (Amended 9/1/99)

20. Hiring sign. An advertisement sign for employment. Said sign shall be located behind the minimum yard setback and shall not exceed four square feet in size and three feet in height. Only one sign per business is allowed for the location for which the employment is advertised.(Added 9/1/99)

21. Vehicle sign. Sign(s) on a vehicle that is used for daily transportation of person(s), product and or service relating to the business referred to on the sign. Such signage may be the magnetic type or the sign must be permanently affixed to the vehicle and placed so that it does not present a safety hazard during operation. Said vehicle must be operable, have inflated tires, have a valid license plate and tag and not beconsidered as a junk vehicle. Said vehicles shall be parked in a legal designated parking space belonging to the business to which the sign makes reference unless it is being operated to conduct business off-site. No trailer or nonmotorized vehicle will be allowed under this provision.(Added 9/1/99)

22. Candidate sign. Signs whereby the public is to be informed regarding a candidate for political office. Candidate signs shall be allowed 90 days prior to the date of the election to which the sign relates and shall exhibit the date of the applicable election. Said signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area, six feet in height and shall be located a minimum of one foot from any public right-of-way, with permission of the property owner. Candidate signs shall be removed within 15 days following the advertised campaign's conclusion. (Added 9/1/99)

33.5 Sign regulations by zoning district.

The following section consists of regulations governing signs within specific zoning districts. Signs permitted in Community Unit Plan (CUP) Districts shall meet the sign requirements of the zoning district of which the land use of the particular development pod is comparable to. In every case only one of either a free-standing primary sign or identification monument shall be permitted where free-standing signage is specified. (Amended 9/1/99)

A. Agricultural district.

1. One maximum 32 square foot free standing primary sign per business or institutional lot shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has frontage.

2. One, maximum 32 square foot, identification monument sign or two single-faced identification monument signs not to exceed 16 square feet each for each side of a platted single family subdivision entrance. Such sign shall identify only the name of the subdivision. Subdivisions with more than one identifiable section as shown on an approved preliminary plat may be allowed internal identification monuments of 16 square feet on one side of the entrance to each section. (Amended 9/1/99)

Identification monument signs shall comply with the area and height requirements of section 33.4.9 as well as, all other requirements of the section. (Added 9/1/99)

3. Free standing signs shall:

a. Have a maximum height of six feet,

b. Not be directly illuminated, and shall

c. Not have changeable copy.

B. Single-family residential, CUP and NUP Districts.

1. One, maximum 32 square foot, free standing primary sign per property occupied with an institutional use shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has frontage.

2. One, maximum 32 square foot, identification monument sign in lieu of a freestanding sign or two single-faced monument signs not to exceed 16 square feet each for each side of a platted single-family subdivision entrance, identifying the name of the subdivision only.

Subdivisions with more than one identifiable section as shown on an approved preliminary plat may be allowed internal identification monuments of 16 square feet on one side of the entrance to each section.(Amended 9/1/99)

Identification monument signs shall comply with the area and height requirements of section 33.4.9, as well as all other requirements of the section. (Added 9/1/99)

3. Free standing signs shall:

a. Have a maximum height of six feet,

b. Not be directly illuminated, and shall

c. Not have changeable copy.

C. Apartment and townhouse residential districts.

1. One, maximum 32 square foot, free standing primary sign per multi-family property or property occupied with an institutional use shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has frontage. (Amended 9/1/99)

2. One, maximum 32 square foot, identification monument sign in lieu of a freestanding sign or two single-faced monument signs not to exceed 16 square feet each for each side of the development's entrance identifying the name of the apartments/townhouses only. (Added 9/1/99)

Identification monument signs shall comply with the area and height requirements of section 33.4.9, as well as all other requirements of the section. (Added 9/1/99)

3. Free standing signs shall: (Added 9/1/99)

a. Have a maximum height of ten feet,

b. Not be directly illuminated, and shall

c. Not have changeable copy.

D. O-I district.

1. One, maximum 32 square foot, free standing primary sign for each street on which the O-I or mixed use lot has up to and including 500 feet of frontage, with lots having more than 500 feet of frontage allowed 64 square feet if located on an arterial street.

2. Free standing signs shall:

a. Have a maximum height of ten feet,

b. Not be directly illuminated.

3. Wall signs are permitted for the purpose of displaying the name of the institution/business occupying the building on street-facing walls (including windows and doors). Businesses without street frontage that have exterior entrances to the building are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business. Said wall sign(s) shall not exceed the smaller of five percent of the applicable wall area or 180 square feet, confined to the upper 30 feet of the facade. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign. (Amended 9/4/91, 9/1/99)

4. Internal project identification monuments are permitted adjacent to internal entrance drive(s) serving the development. The monument shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and six feet in height and shall be located in compliance with section 33.4.2. (Added 9/1/99)

E. Mixed use district.

1. One, maximum 32 square foot, free standing primary sign for each street on which the nonresidential use has up to and including 300 feet of frontage, with lots having 301 to 1,000 feet of frontage allowed 64 square feet, and lots in excess of 1,000 feet of street frontage allowed 72 square feet if located on an arterial street. (excludes spin sites and out-parcels) (Amended 9/1/99)

2. One, maximum 32 square foot, free standing sign per spin site or out-parcel which is identified on a site plan approved pursuant to a single zoning case. (Amended 9/1/99)

3. Free standing signs shall:

a. Have a maximum height of ten feet,

b. Not be directly illuminated.

4. Wall signs are permitted for the purpose of displaying the name of the institution/business occupying the building on street-facing walls (including windows and doors). Businesses without street frontage that have exterior entrances to the building are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business. Said wall sign(s) shall not to exceed the smaller of five percent of the applicable wall area or 180 square feet, confined to the upper 30 feet of the facade. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign. (Amended 9/1/99)

An anchor tenant that has over 50,000 square feet of net leasable floor space and has independent leased space within a shopping center shall be allowed wall signs not to exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 300 square feet whichever is smaller. (Added 9/1/99)

5. One, maximum 32 square foot, monument sign or two single-faced monument signs not to exceed 16 square feet each for each side of a multi-family development entrance or a single-family subdivision entrance, identifying the name of the development only. (Amended 9/1/99)

F. Commercial and industrial park districts.

1. Billboards are prohibited in the C-1, C-2 and M-1A Districts.

2. One, maximum 64 square foot, free standing primary sign for each street on which the commercial or industrial park zoned lot has up to and including 1,000 feet of frontage, with lots in excess of 1,000 feet of street frontage allowed 72 square feet if located on an arterial street.(excludes spin sites and out-parcels) (Amended 9/1/99)

3. One, maximum 32 square foot, free standing sign per spin site or out-parcel which is identified on a site plan approved pursuant to a single zoning case. (Amended 9/1/99)

4. Free standing signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.

5. Wall signs are permitted on street-facing walls (including windows and doors). Businesses without street frontage that have exterior entrances to the building are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business. Said wall sign(s) shall not exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 180 square feet, whichever is smaller. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign.(Amended 9/1/99)

An anchor tenant that has over 50,000 square feet of net leasable floor space and has independent leased space within a shopping center shall be allowed wall signs not to exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 300 square feet whichever is smaller. (Added 9/1/99)

G. Industrial districts.

1. Within industrial districts (M-1 and M-2), billboards shall not exceed 672 square feet and shall be located according to the following standards:

a. Along, and oriented toward, state-numbered primary routes or national highways only,

b. At least 500 feet from all residential or AG-1 zoning districts,

c. Minimum 100 foot setback from right-of-way,

d. Minimum of 1500 feet from other billboards, and

e. In compliance with applicable height regulations for the district in which located.

2. One, maximum 64 square foot, free standing primary sign for each street on which the industrial zoned lot has up to and including 1,000 feet of frontage, with lots in excess of 1,000 feet of street frontage allowed 72 square feet if located on an arterial street. (excludes spin sites and out-parcels)(Amended 9/1/99)

3. One, maximum 32 square foot, free standing sign per spin site or out-parcel which is identified on a site plan approved pursuant to a single zoning case. (Amended 9/1/99)

4. Free standing signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.

5. Wall signs are permitted on street-facing walls (including windows and doors). Businesses without street frontage that have exterior entrances to the building are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business. Said wall sign(s) shall not exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 180 square feet, whichever is smaller. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign.(Amended 9/1/99)

An anchor tenant that has over 50,000 square feet of net leasable floor space within a shopping center shall be allowed wall signs not to exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 300 square feet whichever is smaller. (Added 9/1/99)

H. Mobile home park district.

1. One maximum 32 square foot identification monument sign or two single-faced monument signs not to exceed 16 square feet each shall be permitted at each entrance to the mobile home park.

2. One maximum 32 square foot identification monument sign per property occupied with an institutional use shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has frontage. (Amended 9/1/99)

3. Free standing signs for nonresidential uses located in a mobile home park shall:

a. Have a maximum height of ten feet,

b. Not be directly illuminated, and shall

c. Not have changeable copy.

4. Permitted nonresidential uses may have wall signs on street-facing walls. Businesses without street frontage that have exterior entrances to the building are entitled to one wall sign on the exterior wall of the business. Said wall signs(s) shall not to exceed five percent of the applicable wall area or 180 square feet, whichever is smaller. Wall signs shall not have changeable copy unless approved as a marquee sign. (Added 9/1/99)