ARTICLE 13 SIGNS. North Augusta Development Code 13-1

Transcription

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 13.1 Purpose and Scope Applicability Definition Prohibition Permit Required No Content Restrictions Size and Height of Signs Sign Area Multi-faces Sign Area Sign Height Pedestrian and Vehicular Clearance Signs on Private Property Freestanding Sign Permitted Allowed and Permitted Signs Maximum Total Sign Area Wall Sign Area Permitted Maximum Individual Sign Area Signs on Public Property and Public Rights of Way Non-Profit Street Banners Private Signs on Public Property or Right of Way Temporary Signs Allowable Period Frequency Definition Size Illumination Placement in Right of Way Accessory Signs Accessory Sign Types Accessory Signs Allowed Signs Exempt from Sign Regulations Public Notice Signs Interior Signs Government Signs Public Utility Information Signs Address Signs Prohibited Signs Flashing Signs Portable Signs Signs Attached to Fences, Poles, Trees Roof Signs Fluttering Signs Illuminated Tubing Inflatable Signs Awning and Marquee Signs Reflective Paint and Lighting Interior Lighted Signs Spot and Strobe Lights North Augusta Development Code 13-1

2 Billboards Subdivision Entrance Signs Applicability Standards Subdivision Street and Traffic Signs Location and Standards for Particular Signs Descriptions of Sign Types Column A Use or Zoning District Column B Freestanding Signs Column C Canopy Signs Column D Identification Signs Column E Marquee Signs Column F Wall Signs Column G Projecting Signs Column H Roof Signs Column I Window Signs Column J Banners Column K Flags Column L Portable Signs Column M Electronic Readerboards Column N Flashing Signs Column O Changeable Copy Signs Column P Balloon Signs Column Q Temporary Signs Calculation of Maximum Sign Size All Signs Columns B, C and D Wall Signs Columns E and F Freestanding Signs Columns G, H, I and J Temporary Signs Column K TABLES Page 13-1 Permitted Sign by Type, Use and Zone Maximum Sign Area by Use or Number, Dimension and Location of Individual Signs PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purposes of sign regulations are to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City of North Augusta; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations. These regulations: a. Establish a permit system that allows a variety of types of signs in commercial and industrial zones, and a limited variety of signs in residential zones; b. Allow certain signs that are small and incidental to the principal use of the properties on which they are located without a requirement for permits; and c. Provide for temporary signs in limited circumstances on private property and in the public right of way. North Augusta Development Code 13-2

3 13.2 APPLICABILITY Definition This Article applies to any sign. A sign is any structure or device designed or intended to convey information to the public in written or pictorial form Prohibition A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the City of North Augusta only in conformance with the standards, procedures and requirements of these regulations. All signs not expressly allowed or permitted by this Article are prohibited Permit Required No sign shall be placed, installed, erected or constructed on any property within the City of North Augusta until all the applicable permits, approvals and certificates required for the particular sign have been issued and approved No Content Restrictions Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, no sign shall be subject to any limitation based on the content of the message contained on such sign. Any sign authorized in this Article may contain non-commercial copy in lieu of any other copy SIZE AND HEIGHT OF SIGNS Sign Area The entire area within a continuous perimeter, enclosing the extreme limits of a sign display or structure, including any frame, support structure or border, shall constitute the area of a sign. Curved, spherical or any other shaped sign faces are computed on the basis of actual surface area. The copy of signs composed of individual letters, numerals or other devices are the sum of the area of the smallest rectangle or other geometric figure encompassing each of said letters or devices Multi-faced Sign Area The area of multi-faced signs is computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from one (1) point. When two (2) identical sign faces are placed back to back, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one (1) of the faces where: a. Both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time; b. Such sign faces are part of the same structure; and c. The sign faces are not more than twenty-four (24) inches apart Sign Height The height of a sign is computed as the distance from the top of the curb or edge of the roadway where no curb exists, where the curb is closest to any portion of the sign to the top of the highest attached component of the sign Pedestrian and Vehicular Clearance All signs including Freestanding, Canopy, Marquee, Wall, Projecting and Temporary signs constructed over a public or private pedestrian walkway or area where pedestrians may walk or congregate shall be constructed to provide a clearance of not less than seven (7) feet from the grade level below the sign to the lowest element of the sign North Augusta Development Code 13-3

4 structure. Signs and sign structures projecting over vehicular access and parking areas shall be constructed to provide a clearance of not less than eight (8) feet from the grade level below the sign to the lowest element of the sign structure. (Adopt ; Ord ) 13.4 SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY Freestanding Sign Permitted One (1) freestanding sign per site, lot or parcel may be permitted. Where more than one (1) business or use occupies a parcel, individual signs for individual businesses or uses may be consolidated on one (1) freestanding sign that meets the maximum size limitations for a freestanding sign as provided in Table 13-2, Maximum Total Sign Area by Use or Number, Dimensions and Location of Individual Signs. Provided, however, that a developed through lot which fronts on two arterials, offers site access from both arterials and is not less than three hundred (300) feet deep (the distance between the two arterials) may have two (2) freestanding signs, one located on each of the two arterials. In such cases the second freestanding sign is limited in size to not more than two-thirds (2/3) the area permitted for the first freestanding sign. (Rev ; Ord ) Allowed and Permitted Signs Signs shall be allowed on private property in the city in accordance with Table 13-1, Permitted Sign by Type, Use and Zoning Classification. If the letter "A" appears for a sign type in a column, then the sign is allowed without prior permit approval in the land use type represented by that column. If the letter "P" appears for a sign type in a column, then the sign is allowed only with prior permit approval in the land use type represented by that column. If -- appears for a sign type in a column, such a sign is not allowed in the land use type represented by that column under any circumstances Maximum Total Sign Area The maximum total permitted sign area of all individual signs for a particular parcel of land is established in Table 13-2, Maximum Total Sign Area by Use or Number, Dimensions and Location of Individual Signs, Column B Wall Sign Area Permitted Lots fronting on two (2) or more streets are allowed the permitted wall sign area for each street frontage. However, the total sign area that is oriented to a particular street may not exceed the sign area allowed on that particular street or the maximum total permitted sign area Maximum Individual Sign Area The maximum total sign area of one (1) individual sign for a particular parcel of land is established in Table 13-2, Maximum Total Sign Area by Use or Number, Dimensions and Location of Individual Signs SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY Non-Profit Street Banners Banners advertising events of public interest sponsored by non-profit, non-commercial agencies and which are placed at street locations specifically authorized for display by the City Council may be approved. Permits are required for all such banners on forms provided by the Director. North Augusta Development Code 13-4

5 Private Signs on Public Property or Right of Way Private signs shall not be placed on any public property or right of way without an approved encroachment permit authorizing such sign. The Director may remove signs found to be in violation of this section without prior notification to the property owner TEMPORARY SIGNS Allowable Period Signs announcing or promoting a temporary cause or event may be erected no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to an event and shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours following the completion of the event for which the sign was displayed Frequency Temporary signs may be erected on a parcel in compliance with this Article for no more than thirty-two (32) days in any one hundred eighty (180) day period Definition For purposes of this section, a temporary cause or event means an event that occurs only on a scheduled date or time period and for a specific purpose, regardless of whether the event is for commercial or non-commercial purposes. Examples include elections, grand openings of new businesses, buildings or developments under construction, church revivals and similar types of events Size The allowable maximum size of temporary signs is established in Table 13-2, Maximum Total Sign Area by Use or Number, Dimensions and Location of Individual Signs. The maximum square footage of temporary signs is in addition to the maximum square footage of all signs specified in Table Up to two (2) temporary signs may be placed on a parcel provided the maximum square footage is not exceeded Illumination Temporary signs may not have any illumination Placement in Right of Way Temporary signs may not be placed within any public right of way unless placed in accordance with Temporary signs may be placed on public property by the public jurisdiction that owns the property ACCESSORY SIGNS Accessory Sign Types Accessory signs include signs that provide information, direction, control or other functions incidental and necessary to a use. Accessory signs can include parking lot directional and regulatory signs (in, out, one-way, etc.) and pavement markings consistent with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), most recent edition. Accessory signs may also include instructions and menus at drive-up windows, hours and days of operation information, closed and open signs, address numbers, identification signs for deliveries, loading and unloading, fire exit and others. North Augusta Development Code 13-5

6 Accessory Signs Allowed Accessory signs are allowed without permit where necessary and reasonable and will be included in the calculation of maximum square footage pursuant to Table 13-2, Maximum Total Sign Area by Use or Number, Dimensions and Location of Individual Signs SIGNS EXEMPT FROM SIGN REGULATIONS Public Notice Signs Any public notice or warning issued by the city, county, state or federal government is exempt from these regulations Interior Signs Any sign inside a building and not visible from the exterior of the building is exempt from these regulations. Any sign inside a building and visible from the exterior of the building that is not a window sign shall be considered a wall sign Government Signs Permanent signs erected by or on behalf of the city, county, state or federal government identifying streets or public property, conveying public information, and directing or regulating pedestrian or vehicular traffic are exempt from these regulations Public Utility Information Signs Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities are exempt from these regulations Address Signs The city finds and determines that address lettering that is unreadable creates unsafe traffic situations and inhibits the provision of public services. Address numbering is required on all structures in accordance with this section to be readable from the street. Street numbers shall have the following minimum heights: a. Three (3) inches on the front door or front wall surface of a residential dwelling unit; b. Eight (8) inches on the front door or wall surface of a commercial structure; c. One and three-fourths (1.75) inches on any mailbox located adjacent to the sidewalk, curb or edge of pavement PROHIBITED SIGNS Flashing Signs Any sign which displays intermittent or flashing illumination which changes more than once in any thirty (30) second period is prohibited Portable Signs Any portable sign, except when used as a temporary sign as permitted in these regulations, is prohibited Signs Attached to Fences, Poles, Trees Any sign or advertising device attached to or painted on a fence, power or telephone pole, tree, stone or any other natural object is prohibited. North Augusta Development Code 13-6

7 Roof Signs Any roof sign is prohibited Fluttering Signs Any fluttering ribbon and any banner or similar device is prohibited Illuminated Tubing Any illuminated tubing outlining property lines, open sales areas or parking areas is prohibited. Illuminated tubing that is attached and integral to an original architectural detail of a building is permitted Inflatable Signs Any inflatable sign or sign affixed to a tethered balloon, where such sign is visible from the property line, is prohibited Awning and Marquee Signs Any sign affixed to an awning, marquee, projecting sign, canopy or building facade that is not flush with or integral to the awning, marquee, projecting sign canopy or building facade is prohibited Reflective Paint and Lighting Any sign with day-glow or highly reflecting coloring, paint or lighting or any sign that conflicts or may conflict with traffic flow or the visibility of vehicle drivers or pedestrians is prohibited Interior Lighted Signs (Rev ; Ord ) Any sign that is lighted from the interior with a translucent face or sign panel may utilize daylight bulbs as the light source provided that no more than thirty percent (30%) of the sign face is white or light in color. Sign faces where the amount of white or light colored space exceeds thirty percent (30%) shall utilize cool white bulbs (or equivalent) as the light source. Blank sign faces and panels shall be a dark color regardless of the type of bulb utilized. Pursuant to the provisions of 5.9.2, the Director may authorize minor waivers in the amount of white space or the light source utilized, or both, to provide flexibility to the applicant or to accommodate an established, registered or trademarked logo or graphic. In approving waivers the Director shall also consider the objectives of this Section related to traffic safety, reduction of glare and ambient light, and improved readability Spot and Strobe Lights Any spot light or light that shines into the sky or the clouds, moveable or non-moveable, for the purpose of attracting attention to a location is not permitted Billboards Billboards are prohibited SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE SIGNS Applicability For the purposes of 13.10, a subdivision entrance sign means a sign that identifies a subdivision or neighborhood and is located internal to and visible from the initial point of entry to a subdivision or from surrounding streets. North Augusta Development Code 13-7

8 Standards The size, location and design of subdivision entrance signs shall be included in the application for a preliminary plat approval. If a subdivision sign is requested after the plat has been approved it may be approved in accordance with this section Subdivision entrance signs shall be monument signs and shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or five (5) feet in height Not more than one (1) subdivision entrance sign shall be located at the entry to any subdivision. However, two (2) identical monument signs not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in size or four (4) feet in height may be placed symmetrically on each side of an entry road Subdivision entrance signs may be located in the right of way including a center median but outside of the paved section of the roadway and the required sight triangle. Columns, posts, arches or similar architectural features that support the sign may extend over a sidewalk area, provided that a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet is provided from the bottom of the feature and the ground level of the sidewalk SUBDIVISION STREET AND TRAFFIC SIGNS As new subdivisions are completed, the city will install street name and traffic control signage based on a uniform sign design adopted by the city. The applicant shall remit payment for the signs at the time of final plat application. The cost for such signs shall be determined by the Director of Public Works LOCATION AND STANDARDS FOR PARTICULAR SIGNS The location of signs, by sign type, and the standards applicable to such signs shall conform to Tables 13-1 and 13-2 and the notes thereto, in addition to any other applicable standards of this Article. North Augusta Development Code 13-8

9 TABLE 13-1 PERMITTED SIGN BY TYPE, USE AND ZONE A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q Use or Zoning District Free Standing Canopy Identification Marquee Wall Projecting Sign Roof Sign Window Banner Flag Portable Electronic Readerboard Flashing Sign Changeable Copy Balloon Sign Temporary 1. Single Family Dwelling Units A -- A A A 2. Townhouse, Rowhouse A -- A A A 3. Multi-Family Dwelling Structure A -- A P P P A A 4. Manufactured or Mobile Home (R-MH) A -- A A A 5. Neighborhood Commercial (NC) P P P P P A -- A P A 6. Office Commercial (OC) P P P P P A -- A P P -- P -- A 7. General Commercial (GC) P P P P P A -- A P P -- P -- A 8. Thoroughfare Commercial (TC) P P P P P P -- A -- A P P P -- A 9. Downtown (D) P P P P P A -- A P P -- P -- A 10. Georgia Avenue Overlay (G) P P P P P P -- P -- A P P A 11. Highway Corridor Overlay (HC) P P P P P P -- A -- A P P -- P -- A 12. Neighborhood Preservation Overlay (NP) P P P -- P P A A 13. Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) P P P P P A -- A P -- A 14. Industrial (IND) P P P P P A -- A P P A 15. Critical Areas (CR) A -- P A A 16. Institutional (1) P -- P P P A P P -- A Notes to Table 13-1 a. A means that the sign is allowed without a sign permit. b. P means that the sign is allowed if a sign permit is issued, and is not allowed without a sign permit. c. -- means that the sign is not allowed. d. (1) The term Institutional means uses where general public access is allowed and the uses are located in residential districts. Institutional uses include schools and churches DESCRIPTIONS OF SIGN TYPES Column A Use or Zoning District Zoning district applies to the district as established in Article 3, Zoning Districts. Use is more precise than the zoning district. If there is a conflict between district and use, use shall prevail Column B Freestanding Signs A Freestanding Sign means any sign supported by one (1) or more upright poles, columns or braces placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building or North Augusta Development Code 13-9

10 structure. For the purposes of Tables 13-1 and 13-2, a freestanding sign includes ground and monument signs and does not refer to an off-premise sign or billboard. Freestanding signs are subject to the following additional restrictions: a. Not more than one (1) freestanding sign is permitted for any developed site, lot or parcel except as provided in ; and b. Freestanding signs are not permitted on undeveloped lots or parcels, except as permitted in Within nonresidential districts, a freestanding sign shall contain only noncommercial messages, the address and name of the occupant, or a commercial message drawing attention to an activity legally offered on the premises. Within residential districts, freestanding signs are limited to address signs and temporary signs advertising "property for sale", yard sale, garage sale or signs displaying a noncommercial message. See for home occupation signs. (Rev ; Ord ) Column C Canopy Signs A Canopy Sign means any sign attached to or constructed in or on a canopy Column D Identification Signs An Identification Sign means any wall sign which is limited to the name, address and street number of a building, institution or person and to the activity carried on in the building or institution. Identification signs include nameplates and building name signs. A nameplate means a sign affixed to a building in such a manner as to become an integral part thereof, and which provides the name or address, or both, of the owner or occupant of a building or premises Column E Marquee Signs A Marquee Sign is a sign painted on, attached to or hung from a marquee. A marquee means a hood or awning of permanent construction without pillars or posts which is supported from a building wall and extends beyond the building, building line or property line Column F Wall Signs A Wall Sign means any sign painted on the outside of a building, or attached to, and erected parallel to the face of a building and supported throughout its length by such building. A wall sign may be internally illuminated Column G Projecting Signs A Projecting Sign means any sign affixed to, projecting from, and supported by a building. Such sign shall be extended no more than six (6) feet from the building to which it is affixed. Only one (1) projecting sign is permitted per building frontage, provided, however, that multi-tenant buildings in non-residential districts may include one (1) projecting sign per tenant in addition to wall signs, and provided that such signs are spaced not closer than twenty (20) feet horizontally from another projecting sign Column H Roof Signs A Roof Sign means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or roof eaves, or on top or above the parapet, or on a functional architectural appendage above the roof. Roof signs are prohibited pursuant to For the purposes of this Article, a roof shall be considered to be any building surface where the slope of the surface is less than one and one half to one (1.5:1) relative to horizontal (the rise is one and one half times the run). North Augusta Development Code 13-10

11 Column I Window Signs A Window Sign means any sign installed inside a building within six (6) inches of a window or on the inside surface of a window that is visible from outside the building. This term does not include merchandise located in a window. Window signs are limited in size to ten percent (10%) of the window area through which it is visible Column J Banners A Banner means any sign of lightweight fabric, plastic or similar material mounted at one (1) or more edges to a pole or other structure. National flags, state and municipal flags, and official flags of businesses, institutions or other organizations shall not be considered banners. Banners are prohibited pursuant to However, signs constructed as banners of flexible material may be securely affixed on all four sides to a rigid and stable surface or sign frame and utilized as a temporary sign Column K Flags A Flag means any flag, including a flag of the United States, the state of South Carolina, and any other flag sanctioned by these regulations, provided that such a flag shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area and shall not be flown from a pole more than the maximum height permitted in the district or forty-five (45) feet, whichever is less (see and Table 3-4). Flags must be flown in accordance with the protocol established by the Congress of the United States for the Stars and Stripes or the state of South Carolina for the state flag. Any flag not meeting these conditions shall be considered a banner sign and shall be subject to regulations as such. One (1) flag and flagpole is allowed on a parcel without consideration of total signage allowed. Flags and flagpoles in excess of one (1) shall be included in the maximum square footage of allowable signage. All flagpoles shall comply with the setback requirements for freestanding signs Column L Portable Signs A Portable Sign means any sign not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building, including any sign attached to or displayed on a vehicle that is used for the express purpose of advertising a business establishment, product, service or entertainment, when that vehicle is so parked as to attract the attention of the motoring or pedestrian public. Portable signs may not be lighted and may be used as temporary signs only Column M Electronic Readerboards An Electronic Readerboard means a sign which displays messages in alternating light cycles. Electronic readerboards shall consist of a black or dark background with white, red or yellow letters or numbers. Changes to the light pattern shall occur no more than once in any ten (10) second period and shall not include fading, flashing, scrolling or sliding transitions or moving animation. The changeable message portion of the sign may occupy up to fifty percent (50%) of the area of the sign of which it is a part. (Rev ; Ord ) Column N Flashing Signs A Flashing Sign means a sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source. North Augusta Development Code 13-11

12 Column O Changeable Copy Signs A Changeable Copy Sign, also known as a readerboard, means any sign designated so that letters or numbers attached to the sign can be periodically changed to a different message. Changeable copy signs must be a part of a larger wall or freestanding sign and are allowed to occupy up to thirty percent (30%) of the area of the sign of which it is a part Column P Balloon Signs A Balloon Sign means any lighter than air or gas filled inflatable object attached by a tether to a fixed place Column Q Temporary Signs Permissible temporary signs are specified in Temporary signs include signs advertising property for sale, special events, grand openings and political campaigns. North Augusta Development Code 13-12

13 TABLE 13-2 MAXIMUM SIGN AREA BY USE OR NUMBER, DIMENSIONS AND LOCATION OF INDIVIDUAL SIGNS (Rev ; Ord ) (Rev ; Ord ) All Signs Wall Signs Freestanding Signs Temporary Signs A Maximum TOTAL SF of all signs is the lesser of B, or C, or D Maximum SF is the lesser of E or F Maximum SF is the lesser of G or H Maximum SF B C D E F G H I J K Use or Zoning District Maximum Area (SF) % of Ground Floor Area Total sign area Per Linear Foot of Frontage Maximum Area (SF) % of Wall Area Maximum Area (SF) Freestanding Sign Area per foot of Linear Frontage (SF) Maximum Height (ft) Front/Side Setbacks (ft) Maximum Area (SF) 1. Single Family Dwelling Units / Townhouse or Rowhouse / Multi-Family Dwelling Structure / Manufactured or Mobile Home (R-MH) / Neighborhood Commercial (NC) / Office Commercial (OC) / General Commercial (GC) / Thoroughfare Commercial (TC) / Downtown (D) / Georgia Avenue Overlay (G) (3) / Highway Corridor Overlay (3) (HC) / Neighborhood Preservation (3) Overlay (NP) / Traditional Neighborhood (4) Development (TND) / Industrial (IND) / Critical Areas (CR) / Institutional (1) / Shopping Centers (2) 1, , /10 16 Notes to Table 13-2 (Rev ; Ord ) a. -- means that the restriction does not apply. b. SF means square feet. c. Column A Use or Zoning District Zoning District applies to the district as established in Article 3. Use is more precise than the zoning district. If there is a conflict between district and use, use shall prevail. d. (1) The term Institutional means uses where general public access is allowed and the uses are located in residential districts. Institutional uses include schools and churches. North Augusta Development Code 13-13

14 e. (2) The term Shopping Center is defined in Appendix A, Definitions. (3) f. The maximum size and height of signs in the Highway, Neighborhood Preservation and Georgia Avenue Corridor Overlay districts shall be the more restrictive of the base district and the overlay district. g. (4) Applicable to nonresidential uses in a TND. Residential uses shall comply with the applicable standard by type of residential structure CALCULATION OF MAXIMUM SIGN SIZE All Signs - Columns B, C and D The maximum total square footage of sign area for the entire lot or parcel is the lesser of the maximum square footage in Column B; or the maximum percent of ground floor area of the principal building in Column C; or the maximum square footage per linear street frontage in Column D. The maximum square footage for all signs is the amount allowed for all of the uses on the entire lot, regardless of the number of buildings, businesses or tenants. For TND, PD and mixed use developments, the percent refers to lots designated for non-residential use. Residential lots are subject to the restrictions for residential uses as set forth Wall Signs Columns E and F The maximum total square footage of sign area for all wall signs is the lesser of the maximum square footage in Column E or the maximum percent of wall area in Column F. The wall area in Column F is the total area of the wall, or connected wall sections that are generally parallel to each other, on the side of a building, or lease space within a building, that faces a street, parking area or courtyard or other similar open space. Areas of more than one wall may not be combined to calculate a larger permissible sign area for one wall. The percentage is calculated for the wall of which the sign is a part or to which the sign or signs is most nearly parallel Freestanding Signs Columns G, H, I and J The maximum total square footage of sign area for a freestanding sign is the lesser of the maximum square footage in Column G, or the calculation of maximum square footage per linear street frontage in Column H. Street frontage is calculated on the street where the sign will be located and to which the sign will be oriented. The maximum height of the freestanding sign is provided in Column I. The minimum setbacks of any portion of the sign from front and side property lines are specified in Column J Temporary Signs Column K See 13.6 North Augusta Development Code 13-14