§ 218-63

Standards for New Signs in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Historic Village District and Mixed Use Zones.

§ 218-63. Standards for New Signs in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Historic Village District and Mixed Use Zones.

- - (a) The setbacks in residential zoning districts are five (5) feet from the front lot line and fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear lot line and shall conform to the following regulations.

- - (a) Freestanding and Wall Mounted Signs. There shall be no more than one sign which shall not exceed six (6) square feet for each permitted commercial use or Special Use Permit granted in a residential zone. If freestanding, this sign shall not be elevated more than one (1) foot from the grade level of the site.

- - - (b) Illuminated Signs. Illuminated signs shall not be permitted in residential zoning districts, except as otherwise specified in this Ordinance. Indirectly illuminated signs in a residential zoning district may be lighted only by a continuous white down-light, so oriented that it shall reflect the light away from the adjoining property and away from the street(s).

- - - (c) Neighborhood Entrance Signs. Permanent signs at major entrances to residential developments designed only to identify such developments shall be permitted provided such signs bear no commercial advertising and do not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area (per side, if freestanding). This sign shall not be elevated more than one (1) foot from the grade level of the site.

- - (a) Identification Signs. There shall be no more than one sign identifying the name and address of the occupant as specified in this Ordinance for a residential lot. See ARTICLE XI § 218-62A(2)(g).

- - (a) Setbacks from the front lot line are fifteen (15) feet and no closer than fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear lot line and shall conform to the following regulations:

- - (b) Signs displaying the name, activity or service of a permitted business or industry located on the same lot, provided that the signs on a lot do not exceed:

- - - [1] If a kiosk is not being used, one (1) freestanding sign not larger than twenty four (24) square feet in area and no sign shall exceed twelve (12) feet (top of sign) above finished grade.

- - - [2] One (1) wall mounted, single face sign per establishment, provided that no such sign shall be higher than two (2) feet or longer than one half the length of space occupied by the establishment, but only as noted in [3] below is the square footage of said sign to exceed forty (40) square feet. No wall sign shall project more than fifteen (15) inches.

- - - [3] No sign shall exceed the following: Distance of Sign From Front Lot Maximum Permitted Area Of Wall Line (feet) Mounted Sign 200 - 299 1 sq.ft/lineal foot of building frontage- Maximum area = 100 square feet 300 - 399 1 sq.ft./lineal foot of building frontage Maximum area = 150 square feet 400+ 1 sq.ft./lineal foot of building frontage Maximum area - 200 square feet

- - - [4] Any building exposed to a public way and a major parking area may have two wall signs, one on each opposite face in place of the one identification sign allowed in [2] above. The second sign in the rear of the building is limited to twelve (12) square feet. Where two (2) or more wall signs are affixed to one wall, the gross display area shall not exceed the allowed total area for signs [two (2) feet high by half the length of space occupied by the establishment, but not to exceed forty (40) square feet].

- - - [5] No sign in a commercial or industrial zone shall be placed within forty (40) feet of a residential district boundary or within the sight triangle, described in ARTICLE VI § 218-37F of this Ordinance, or on fences, trees or accessory structures. If the lot configuration does not permit the required setback, the sign shall be placed as far as possible from the lot line and not be illuminated.

- (1) Signs may be lighted only by continuous white downward-directed lighting. There shall be no illumination of a flashing, intermittent or moving type. Floodlighting shall be downward directed lighted so that the source is directed away from adjacent properties and traffic arteries.

- (2) Hours of Lighting. Illumination of signs is restricted to hours of operation; security lights are excluded.

F. Standards for All Signs in Historic Village District. The setback from the front lot line is fifteen (15) feet and a sign shall be placed no closer than fifteen (15) to a side or rear lot line and shall conform to all district requirements as well as conform to the following:

- (1) Signs affixed to the exterior of a building shall be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors, and details of the building, as well as with other signs used on the building or its vicinity.

- (2) Signs shall fit within the existing facade features, shall be confined to signable areas, and shall not interfere with floor and window openings, conceal architectural details or obscure the composition of the facade where they are located. Signs shall be placed on a facade only in a manner historically appropriate to the style of the building.

- (3) Wherever possible, signs located on buildings within the same block face shall be placed at the same height in order to create a unified sign band.

- (4) Wood and painted materials shall be used for sign construction. Flat signs shall be framed with raised edges.

- (6) Signs shall be downward directed lit and light reflection shall be contained within the sign frame and shall not significantly spill over to other portions of the building or site.

- (8) The historic village district will require the most restrictive interpretation of this Ordinance. Newly constructed signage shall require consultation with the Town Planner.