§ 6.1

Sign Regulations

These regulations are intended to control the size, location and purpose of signs, and to ensure that signs are used for the identification of permitted uses and establishments and not for the advertisement of products and services. The design and location of signs shall be such as to not obstruct the safe and reasonable movement of pedestrians and vehicles, nor obstruct adequate sight distance for entering or exiting any site as determined by the zoning officer. No sign shall hereafter be created, erected, installed or altered except in conformance with this ordinance.

6.1-1 Signs Permitted In All Districts. The signs described below are permitted in all zoning districts.

6.1-1.1 Charitable, nonprofit, religious, or private educational facility signs. Signs identifying charitable, nonprofit, religious, or private educational facilities shall be permitted as follows:

(1) Wall signs not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area shall be permitted.

(2) Off-site directional signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area per side of sign, nor eight (8) feet in height, shall be permitted.

(3) Temporary on- or off-premises free-standing signs or wall signs advertising public social events, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area per side of sign, nor six (6) feet in height, and limited to one (1) sign per parcel shall be permitted. The display of said temporary signs shall be limited to three (3) weeks' duration, and shall not be permitted more than four (4) times in a calendar year.

(4) Free-standing signs, identifying the permitted use, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area per side, nor five (5) feet in height, and limited to one (1) sign per parcel, shall be permitted. Said signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines.

(Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1(D), 10-16-95)

6.1-1.2 Directional signs. Directional signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, nor three (3) feet in height, and not containing letters, words or symbols associated with the identification of a business or the advertisement of products or services, shall be permitted.

6.1-1.3 For Sale, Lease or Rent Signs. On-premises, temporary, non-illuminated, free-standing or wall signs to advertise the leasing, sale or rental of a parcel, lot or premises, not exceeding nine (9) square feet in area, nor six (6) feet in height, and limited to two (2) signs per parcel. Said signs shall be maintained in sound condition, and shall be removed within ten (10) days of the lease, sale or rental of the property to which they are related.

6.1-1.4 Government Agency Signs. Signs identifying, or otherwise relating to, all municipal, state or federal government agencies shall be permitted.

6.1-1.5 Political Signs. Political signs of a temporary nature, not located on utility poles, on public property or within any right-of-way, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area per side of sign, nor six (6) feet in height, limited to two (2) signs per parcel, and set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the public right-of-way, shall be permitted. Said signs shall not be installed sooner than ninety (90) days prior to an election, and shall be removed within ten (10) days following said election.

6.1-1.6 Temporary Construction Signs. Temporary signs customary and necessary in connection with the erection of buildings or other construction work, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area per side of sign nor eight (8) feet in height, and limited to two (2) signs per project site, shall be permitted. Said signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work to which they are related.

6.1-2 Signs Prohibited in All Districts. All billboards, roof signs, two wheel portable signs with a marquee and/or with or without an arrow, strobe lights, light bulb strings, streamers, spinners and devices of a similar nature, and all moving, flashing, rotating or blinking signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts, except that signs indicating time and temperature, and traditional barber poles shall be permitted in conformance with all other regulations of this ordinance, and temporary holiday decorations shall be permitted in all districts for a period of up to sixty (60) days per year. The use of fencing for advertising purposes shall be prohibited in all districts.

(Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1(E), 10-16-95; Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1(H), 9-2-97)

6.1-3 Signs Permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts. The signs described below are permitted in the R-1 Very Low Density Single-family Residential, R-2 Low Density Single-family Residential, R-3 Medium Density Single- and Two-family Residential, and R-4 High Density Single- and Multifamily Residential Districts. Exterior signs shall not be illuminated.

6.1-3.1 Banners. Banners not overhanging the public right-of-way, nor obstructing traffic, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum of two (2) banners per establishment shall be permitted on premises where the predominant, legally permitted use of said premises is nonresidential. Said banners shall be properly maintained at all times, not faded or tattered, and shall be securely fastened at all corners and ends. The occupants of any residential portion of a property upon which a banner is located, and the occupants of any abutting residential property, may object in writing to that banner. Upon receipt of said written objection, the zoning officer shall order the removal of the objectionable banner, and the owner may appeal to the zoning board of review for relief of the removal order. Said banners shall not contain letters or words associated with the identification of the business and in no way shall take the place of a permanent sign; however, logos shall be permitted on said banners.

(Ch. No. 6069, Sec. 1, 5-15-95)

6.1-3.2 Free-standing Signs. Free-standing signs, indicating the name of the owners or occupants, or identifying a permitted nonresidential use, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, nor five (5) feet in height, and limited to one (1) sign per parcel, shall be permitted. Said signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines.

6.1-3.3 Pennant Strings. Pennant strings not overhanging the public right-of-way, nor obstructing traffic, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum of two (2) pennant strings per establishment, shall be permitted on premises where the predominant, legally permitted use of said premises is nonresidential. Said pennant strings shall be properly maintained at all times, not faded or tattered, and shall be securely fastened at all ends. The occupants of any residential portion of a property upon which a pennant string is located, and the occupants of any abutting residential property, may object in writing to that pennant string. Upon receipt of said written objection, the zoning officer shall order the removal of the objectionable pennant string, and the owner may appeal to the zoning board of review for relief of the removal order.

6.1-3.4 Subdivision or Housing Complex Signs. Free-standing signs, identifying subdivisions or housing complexes, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, nor six (6) feet in height, and limited to two (2) signs per subdivision or housing complex, shall be permitted. Said signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines.

6.1-3.5 Wall Signs. Wall signs, identifying a permitted nonresidential use, not exceeding nine (9) square feet in area, and limited to one (1) sign per establishment, shall be permitted.

6.1-4 Signs Permitted in MU-I Districts. The signs described below are permitted in the MU-I Mixed-Use Commercial/ Residential District. Exterior signs, if illuminated, shall be so arranged as to reflect light away from adjoining properties and/or streets, and shall not be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any residential district boundary line.

6.1-4.1 A-Frame Signs. A-frame signs or similar temporary or portable signs, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet per side of sign, nor four (4) feet in height, nor obstructing pedestrian or vehicular circulation or required parking, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum one (1) sign per establishment shall be permitted. Said signs shall be constructed of wood, metal and/or heavy plastic, and shall be so designed and/or fastened as to prevent said signs from being propelled by wind. No A-frame sign or similar temporary or portable signs shall be located more than one hundred (100) feet from the structure with which it is associated.

(Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1(J), 9-2-97)

6.1-4.2 Awning or Canopy Signs. Awning or canopy signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding one (1) square foot per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet per establishment, shall be permitted on, along or extending from the front wall of a building. Awning or canopy signs may be combined with wall signs such that the combined area of all such signs does not exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet per establishment.

6.1-4.3 Banners. Banners not overhanging the public right-of-way, nor obstructing traffic, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum of two (2) banners per establishment for a period of up to six (6) months in any calendar year, shall be permitted. Said banners shall be properly maintained at all times, not faded or tattered, and shall be securely fastened at all corners and ends.

6.1-4.4 Credit Card Signs. Credit card signs, not exceeding one (1) square foot in aggregate area per establishment, which are not illuminated, shall be permitted.

6.1-4.5 Directory Signs. Wall signs, identifying two (2) or more interior permitted uses, not exceeding six (6) square feet in aggregate area per building, shall be permitted.

6.1-4.6 Free-standing Signs. Free-standing signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, nor five (5) feet in height, and limited to one (1) sign per parcel, shall be permitted. Said signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines. (Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1(I), 9-2-97)

6.1-4.7 Information Flags. One (1) information flag, containing the word "Open" and/or the business' logo, not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area per establishment, shall be permitted.

6.1-4.8 Pennant Strings. Pennant strings not overhanging the public right-of-way, nor obstructing traffic, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum of two (2) pennant strings per establishment, shall be permitted. Said pennant strings shall be properly maintained at all times, not faded or tattered, and shall be securely fastened at all ends.

6.1-4.9 Projecting Signs. Projecting signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, nor projecting more than four (4) feet from the building wall, with an unobstructed clearance to a height of ten (10) feet above the ground, not projecting over the public right-of-way, and limited to one (1) sign per establishment, shall be permitted.

6.1-4.10 Wall Signs. Wall signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding one (1) square foot per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet per establishment, shall be permitted. For the purposes of this subsection, signs installed on first-story mansard roofs or mansard facades shall be considered wall signs. Wall signs may be combined with awning or canopy signs such that the combined area of all such signs does not exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet per establishment.

(Ch. No. 6069, Sec. 2, 5-15-95)

6.1-5 Signs Permitted in C-1, C-2, MU-2, I-1 and I-2 Districts. The signs described below are permitted in the C-1 Urban Commercial, C-2 Major Commercial and MU-2 Commercial/Industrial, I-1 Light Industrial, and I-2 Heavy Industrial Districts. Exterior signs, if illuminated, shall be so arranged as to reflect light away from adjoining properties and/or streets, and shall not be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any residential district boundary line.

6.1-5.1 A-Frame Signs. A-frame signs or similar temporary or portable signs, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet per side of sign, nor four (4) feet in height, nor obstructing pedestrian or vehicular circulation or required parking, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum of one (1) sign per establishment shall be permitted. Said signs shall be constructed of wood, metal and/or heavy plastic, and shall be so designed and/or so fastened as to prevent said signs from being propelled by wind. No A-frame signs or similar temporary or portable signs shall be located more than one hundred (100) feet from the structure with which it is associated.

(Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1(J), 9-2-97)

6.1-5.2 Awning or Canopy Signs. Awning or canopy signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding two (2) square feet per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet per establishment, shall be permitted on, along or extending from the front wall of a building. Awning or canopy signs may be combined with wall signs such that the combined area of all such signs does not exceed two (2) square feet per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet per establishment.

6.1-5.3 Banners. Banners not overhanging the public right-of-way, nor obstructing traffic, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum of two (2) banners per establishment for a period of up to six (6) months in any calendar year, shall be permitted. Said banners shall be properly maintained at all times, not faded or tattered, and shall be securely fastened at all corners and ends.

6.1-5.4 Credit Card Signs. Credit card signs, not exceeding one (1) square foot in aggregate area per establishment, which are not illuminated, shall be permitted.

6.1-5.5 Directory Signs. Wall signs, identifying two (2) or more interior permitted uses, not exceeding eight (8) square feet in aggregate area per building, shall be permitted.

6.1-5.6 Free-standing Signs. Free-standing signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area per side, nor one hundred (100) square feet in aggregate area, nor fourteen (14) feet in height, and limited to one (1) sign per parcel, shall be permitted. Said signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines and shall not be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any residential district.

6.1-5.7 Information Flags. One (1) information flag, containing the word "Open" and/or the business logo, not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area per establishment, shall be permitted.

6.1-5.8 Menu Boards. Menu boards, not exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet in area, nor eight (8) feet in height, and limited to one (1) menu board per establishment, shall be permitted. Said signs shall be set back five (5) feet from all nonresidential property lines and ten (10) feet from all residential property lines.

6.1-5.9 Pennant Strings. Pennant strings not overhanging the public right-of-way, nor obstructing traffic, nor interfering with adjoining properties or establishments, and limited to a maximum of two (2) pennant strings per establishment, shall be permitted. Said pennant strings shall be properly maintained at all times, not faded or tattered, and shall be securely fastened at all ends.

6.1-5.10 Projecting Signs. Projecting signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, nor projecting more than four (4) feet from the building wall, with an unobstructed clearance to a height of ten (10) feet above the ground, not projecting over the public right-of-way, and limited to one (1) sign per establishment, shall be permitted.

6.1-5.11 Under Canopy Signs. Under canopy signs, identifying a permitted use, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area per side of sign, with an unobstructed clearance of ten (10) feet above the ground, and limited to two (2) signs per establishment, shall be permitted.

6.1-5.12 Wall Signs. Wall signs, identifying a permitted use, shall be permitted as indicated below. For the purposes of this subsection, signs installed on first-story mansard roofs or mansard facades shall be considered wall signs.

(1) Wall signs, not exceeding two (2) square feet per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet per establishment, shall be permitted on the front wall of a building. Wall signs may be combined with awning or canopy signs such that the combined area of all such signs does not exceed two (2) square feet per linear foot of front wall length, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet per establishment.

(2) Wall signs not exceeding an aggregate of one hundred (100) square feet per establishment, shall be permitted on all other exterior sides of a building combined.

6.1-6 Nonconforming Signs. Any sign, which lawfully existed and was properly maintained as of the date of enactment of this ordinance, may be continued, but shall not be relocated, or removed and reestablished, unless in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance. Maintenance, repair or replacement of the faces of said sign shall be permitted provided that there is no change in the area, height, width, depth or illumination of said sign.

(Ch. No. 6069, Sec. 3, 5-15-95)

“6.1-7 Ground Floor Window Transparency within Downtown Overlay District in C-1, MU-1 and MU-2 Districts. Ground floor windows shall maintain a total area of transparency of 50% or more. This will create a pedestrian-friendly district, which will allow views of indoor nonresidential space or product display areas.

Window signs printed on a transparent film and affixed to the interior or exterior of a windowpane are calculated as individual letters or logos, provided that the portion of the transparent film around the perimeter of the individual letters or logos maintains 100% transparency of the window.

Residential units are not subject to the ground floor window transparency minimum.”

(Ch. 7857, 12-07-2015)