SECTION 28 – 1101 SIGN REGULATIONS

28 – 1101.1 PURPOSES

The purpose of this section is to prescribe standards for the location, design, color, illumination, height and size of all types of signs within the Town of Easton in order to protect the unique natural beauty and small-town character of the Town.  This section also intends to promote the following:

A.    To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication for the convenience of the public by preventing their over-concentration, improper placement and excessive size;

B.     To maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment while promoting creativity and the Town’s ability to attract sources of economic development and growth;

C.     To minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property;

D.    To protect and enhance the small-town character of Easton by requiring new and replacement signage which is:

1.      Creative and distinctive;

2.      Compatible with its surroundings;

3.      An integral component of the style and character of the building to which it relates;

4.      Appropriate to the type of activity to which it pertains

5.      Expressive of the identity of individual proprietors or of the community as a whole, and;

6.      Appropriately sized for its context

E.     To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions, and;

F.      To preserve and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.

28 – 1101.2 APPLICABILITY-EFFECT

A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in the Town only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions, and other requirements of this Section.

The effect of this Section as more specifically set forth herein, is:

A.    To establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs in commercial and industrial zones and a limited variety of signs in other zones, subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this Section;

B.     To allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive, and incidental to the principal use of the respective lots on which they are located subject to the substantive requirements of this Section, but without a requirement for permits;

C.     To prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this Section;

D.    To provide for the enforcement of the provisions of this Section; AND

E.     To require all signs to ultimately comply with the provisions of these regulations. 

28 – 1101.3 ADMINISTRATION

A.    PERMITS

1.      Except for signs which are permitted without a permit, no sign shall be erected, displayed, altered, or enlarged until an application has been filed, and until a permit for such action has been issued.  Applications shall be on forms prescribed by the Zoning Administrator.  At a minimum, all applications shall include a scale drawing specifying dimensions, materials, illumination, letter sizes, colors, support systems, and location on land or buildings, with all relevant measurements.

2.      Permits shall be issued only if the Zoning Administrator determines the sign complies or will comply with all applicable provisions of this Ordinance and the Town Building Code.  Such application may be filed by the owner of the land or building, or any person who has the authority to erect a sign on the premises.

3.      The Zoning Administrator shall act within thirty (30) days of receipt of such application together with the required fee.  The Zoning Administrator's action or failure to act may be appealed to the Board of Appeals under the provision of Section 28 – 1303 of this Ordinance.

B.     FEES

A schedule of fees for such permits may be established and amended from time to time by the Mayor and Council. 

C.     ENFORCEMENT

The Zoning Administrator and/or the Office of Code Enforcement are hereby authorized to enforce this Ordinance.  The Zoning Administrator and/or the office of Code Enforcement are authorized to order the repair or removal of any sign and its supporting structure which is judged dangerous, or in disrepair, or which is erected or maintained contrary to this Ordinance.

D.    REMOVAL OF SIGNS

1.      Removal of a nonconforming sign or replacement of a nonconforming sign with a conforming sign is required when:

a.       A nonconforming sign, or a substantial part of a nonconforming sign, is blown down, destroyed, or for any reason or by any means taken down. As used in this subsection, “substantial” means 50 percent or more of the entire sign structure; or

b.      The condition of the nonconforming sign or nonconforming sign structure has deteriorated without maintenance as required by this section; or the nonconforming sign structure or building it is mounted on is destroyed or damaged by a fire, flood, windstorm, or similar abnormal event; and the cost of restoration of the sign to its condition immediately prior to such deterioration or event exceeds 50 percent of the cost of reconstruction of the sign structure; or

c.       The use of the nonconforming sign, or the property on which it is located, has ceased, become vacant, or been unoccupied for a period of [180] consecutive days or more. An intent to abandon is not required as the basis for removal under this subsection.

2.      Any sign which has been ordered removed, or is abandoned or discontinued, as specified in subsection 1 above, shall be removed by the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the sign within thirty (30) days of written notice to remove.  If any such sign is not removed within said thirty (30) day limit, the Town may remove such signs.

3.      Removed Signs deemed Refuse: Any sign or sign structure removed from public property or within any public right-of-way may be deemed refuse and disposed of by the Town.

4.      Removed Signs to be Stored:  Any sign or sign structure removed by the Town, which are not deemed refuse, shall be held not less than thirty (30) days by the Town during which period it may be recovered by the owner upon paying the Town for cost of removal and storage, and upon payment of any imposed fine.  If not recovered within the thirty (30) day period, the sign or sign structure is hereby declared abandoned and title thereto shall be vested in the Town for disposal in any manner permitted by law.

E.     VARIANCES FOR SIGNS 

The Board of Zoning Appeals may hear and decide applications for variance from these Sign Regulations in accordance with the provisions of Section 28 – 1303.5 (C) of this Ordinance.  However, as ample provision for premises identification have been made herein and whereas design issues are a central theme of the Town of Easton Comprehensive Plan, the Board shall examine all options when hearing applications for Variances, in order to provide adequate identification, yet be sensitive to design considerations (For example, this may mean granting an extra building sign, rather than granting a height variance for a freestanding sign).  For Variances from the Sign Regulations, there is no presumption of an entitlement to any particular type of signage.

28 – 1101.4 GENERAL

A.    PROHIBITIONS

1.      Billboards, streamers, pennants, beacons, ribbons, spinners or other similar devices shall not be constructed, posted, or erected in any zone.

2.      Flashing signs and signs containing reflective elements which sparkle or twinkle in the sunlight are not permitted.

3.      Portable signs, inflatable signs or tethered balloons are not permitted.

4.      Wall signs in excess of two hundred (200) square feet. 

5.      Freestanding signs in excess of fifty (50) square feet in area per side.

6.      No sign, except for a traffic, regulatory, or informational sign, shall use the words "stop," "caution," or "danger," or shall incorporate red, amber, or green lights resembling traffic signals, or shall resemble "stop" or "yield" signs in shape and color in any fashion that imitates official traffic control signs.

7.      Signs with exposed electrical wires.

8.      The addition of strings of bulbs to signs or sign structures is not permitted.

9.      No person may erect a sign that constitutes a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic because of intensity or direction of illumination.

10.  No person may erect, maintain, or suffer to remain a sign which:

a. is structurally unsafe;

b. constitutes a hazard to public safety and health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment;

c. obstructs free entrance or exit from a required door, window, or fire escape;

d. obstructs light or air or interferes with a proper functioning of the building; or

e. is capable of causing electrical shock.

11.  No sign shall exceed forty (40) feet in length.

12.  No sign surface shall exceed a vertical dimension of fifteen feet.

13.  No person may erect a sign which is affixed to a utility pole, or tree, shrub, rock, or other natural object.

14.  Signs shall not cover architectural details such as, but not limited to arches, sills, moldings, cornices, and transom windows.

15.  No attached signs shall project more than 36" beyond the building line.

16.  Electronic message centers that have any motion in the transitioning between messages or that change more frequently than once every twelve (12) seconds.

17.  Other than legally permitted Sidewalk Signs, no signs shall be placed on or about public property or within any public right-of-way except those installed by the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Town of Easton for public safety and welfare or pursuant to any governmental function, law, ordinance, or other regulation.

B.     NON-CONFORMING SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES

Non-conforming signs and sign structures may be altered only as qualified below:

1.      Nothing in the Section shall be deemed to prevent keeping in good repair a non-conforming sign, including sign maintenance, repainting, and replacement of broken or deteriorated parts of the sign itself.

2.      Change and modification. A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall be brought into conformity with this ordinance if it is altered, reconstructed, replaced, expanded, or relocated. A mere change in copy is not an alteration or replacement for purposes of this subsection.

3.      A non-conforming sign or sign structure shall be removed within thirty (30) days if the building containing the use to which the sign is accessory is demolished or destroyed to an extent exceeding fifty percent (50%) of the building's appraised value.

4.      An electronic reader board may not be incorporated into a nonconforming sign.

C.     MEASUREMENT OF SIGN AREA

1.      Sign measurements shall be based upon the entire area of the sign, with a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the actual sign surface.

2.      For a sign consisting of individual letters or symbols attached to a surface, building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle, square, triangle, trapezoid, circle or any combination of these shapes which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.

3.      The area of supporting framework (for example brackets, posts, etc) shall not be included in the area if such framework is incidental to the display.

4.      When a sign has two (2) or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area, except where two faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two (2) feet from each other.  In this case, the sign area shall be taken as either face, and if the faces are unequal, the larger shall determine the area.

D.    MEASUREMENT OF SIGN HEIGHT

1.      The height of any sign shall be measured from the surface of the road up to the highest point of the sign

28 – 1101.5 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

A.    The following restrictions shall apply to permitted signs:

1.      Architectural compatibility: A sign (including its supporting structure and components, if any) shall be designed as an integral design element of a building’s architecture, and shall be architecturally compatible, including color, with any building to which the sign is to identify and with surrounding structures as determined by the Town Planner and/or the Planning and Zoning Commission.

2.      Clearance from Electric Conductors:  Signs shall not be located with less than five feet six inches (5’6”) horizontal or ten feet (10”) vertical clearance from overhead electric conductors which are energized under seven hundred fifty (750) volts.  Signs shall not be located with less than eight feet six inches (8’6”) horizontal or eleven feet vertical clearance from overhead electric conductors which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) volts.

3.      Component Painting:   All light fixtures, conduit and shielding shall be painted to match either the building or the supporting structure that serves as the background of the sign.

4.      Lighting Requirements:

a. Externally lit signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare.  Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating a sign shall not be visible from adjacent public rights-of-way or residential properties.

b. The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make legible a sign from the adjacent road or closest right-of-way; and the illumination of a sign shall not be obtrusive to the surrounding area (in accordance with exterior lighting standards promulgated by the Town Engineer).

c. The fixtures used to illuminate signs shall not be directed toward nearby residential properties.

d. Internally illuminated signs are permitted in certain circumstances as follows:

i.            individual back lit letters which are silhouetted against a softly illuminated wall;

ii.            Individual letters with translucent faces, containing soft lighting elements inside each letter; and

iii.            Metal-faced box signs with cut-out letters and soft-glow fluorescent tubes.

e. Fluorescent lights shall be allowed for indirect illumination when placed in such a manner that the light tubes are not exposed to view from the public right-of-way or sidewalk.

f.  All lighted on-site signs shall be illuminated indirectly by either interior or exterior fixtures.

5.      Location:

a. Except for legally permitted sidewalk signs, no signs shall be placed on or about public property or within any public right-of-way.

b. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere with free use of all fire appliances; including hydrants, standpipes, automatic fire sprinkler connections, and the like.  Fire lanes shall not be obstructed by the placement of any sign or sign structure.

c. No sign shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance.

6.      Sign Materials:   Sign materials shall be similar to or compatible with the structure they identify.  

7.      Visibility Triangle: Signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 28 – 1008 of this Ordinance pertaining to the obstruction of vision at intersections.

8.      Signs indicating the current time and/or temperature are permitted provided they meet all other provisions of this Ordinance.

9.      No more than 75% of the display area of any sign may be devoted to a reader-board (whether electronic or manual).

10.  Noncommercial content may replace the message of any permitted sign provided the sign otherwise remains in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

28 – 1101.6 SIGNS PERMITTED WITHOUT PERMITS

The following signs may be erected without issuance of a sign permit, provided all other applicable standards of this Ordinance are met:

A.    Temporary Signs in accordance with subsection 28-1101.8 below.  

B.     Professional name plates or sign denoting the name and address of the occupants of the premises, which sign or name plate shall not exceed a total of two (2) square feet in area.

C.        FLAGS

1.   All Flags shall meet the following standards:

a.    In addition to any flag encompassed by the definition of “Flag” or “Decorative Flag” (see Article II, Definitions – under “Signs”), any business or organization may display a flag which replicates its business name, trademark, or logo.  Any other flag not covered by these definitions shall be governed by the rules of sections 28 – 1101.4 (A) 1 and 28 – 1101.6 (D).

b.    Flags exhibited to commemorate holidays or seasons shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area.

c.    Flags attached to buildings shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area.

d.    Flags flown from a pole may be no greater than 60 square feet in area and shall not be flown from a flag pole which exceeds 40 feet in height. 

e.    There shall be no more than four (4) flags displayed on any commercial or industrial parcel at any one time.

f.    No more than four (4) flags or decorative flag per residential unit.  Such flag shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area and must be flown via a flagpole attached to the residence or on a freestanding flagpole not exceeding 40 feet in height.

D.       Signs erected or posted and maintained for public safety and welfare or pursuant to any governmental function, law, Ordinance, or other regulation.

 E.     Directional signs solely indicating ingress and egress placed at driveway locations, containing no advertising material, other than the business name or logo, and where display area does not exceed three (3) square feet or extend higher than four (4) feet above ground level.  Such sign will conform in all respects with the requirements of this code; and

 F.      Signs relating to trespassing and hunting, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.

 G.    “Self/full Serve” signs not to exceed three (3) square feet in area are permitted on each end of each pump island.

 H.    Signs affixed to the top or sides of an operable fuel dispensing pump shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area, and shall only display instructional or price information, and shall not include advertising copy pertaining to any product, sale or promotion.

28 – 1101.7 SIGNS PERMITTED AFTER ISSUANCE OF SIGN PERMIT

The following signs may be erected in the Town of Easton after issuance of a sign permit by the Town:

Only signs which refer to a permitted use or an approved Special Exception use as set forth in Article II of this Ordinance are permitted, provided that such signs conform to the provisions of this Section, and are located on the same lot as said use.

Signage within shopping centers shall be developed in accordance with an approved General Signage Plan as per Section 28 – 1007.2 (A) 26 (C) of this Ordinance.

A.    BUILDING SIGNS

1.      Wall Signs

a. Wall signs shall not project more than fifteen inches (15”) from the building surface.

b. Wall signs shall not be mounted higher than the eave line or top of the parapet wall of the building and no portions of the sign shall extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.

c. For each business on a separate property, wall-mounted signage for each street frontage is permitted with a maximum area of one square foot of signage per one lineal foot of street frontage of the building.

d. Buildings which have multiple businesses accessed by separate entrances each business shall be permitted one building sign for each street frontage with a maximum area of one square foot of signage per one lineal foot of street frontage of the building dedicated to that business.

e.  When two (2) or more businesses occupy one (1) building with common entrances (i.e. without separate entrances) the permitted wall signage shall be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission during the site plan review process, or as an item from staff by the Planning and Zoning Commission if site plan approval is not required.

2.      Awning or Canopy Sign: Any portion of an awning containing advertising copy shall be treated as a wall or building sign and shall be included in the overall area calculations for such signs.

a. Signs may be attached flat against awnings made of rigid materials, and shall not project above the awning.  Awnings of non-rigid materials (e.g. canvas) shall have signs only appliquéd or painted on them.

b. There shall be a minimum clearance of at least eight (8’) feet between the bottom of the awning and the ground at grade.

3.      Directory Signs:   Directory signs may be provided to identify individual businesses or occupants of the same building or building complex, in accordance with the following:

a. The display board shall be of an integrated and uniform design.

b. No more than one sign panel not to exceed two (2) square feet in area is permitted per directory for each tenant business. 

c. Directory signs shall be placed in one or more groups nearest the pedestrian entrances adjacent to the building complex only, and may be wall-mounted or freestanding signs.   Such signs shall not exceed six (6’) feet in height.

d. The total area of any directory sign shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet or ten (10) square feet within the CBD Zoning district.

e. Property management companies are allowed one (1) identification sign per building managed not to exceed two (2) square feet.  Such signs shall not count against total allowable directory signage.

f.  Directory signs shall not contain advertising copy.

4.      Marquee Sign: is a sign which utilizes changeable letters or copy and is restricted to commercial uses for the purpose of advertising dramatic, musical, entertainment, or motion picture events which occur on the premises on a regular basis, subject to the following standards:

a. There shall be no more than one internally illuminated change-letter marquee sign per property.

b. The area of a marquee sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in copy area.  Such sign shall be incorporated into the main freestanding sign or may be wall-mounted.

c. Letters or symbols shall not exceed twelve (12”) inches in height.

d. Any portion of a marquee sign incorporated into the main freestanding sign or building sign shall be treated as such and shall be included in the overall calculations for such sign.

5.      Projecting and Suspended Signs: Projecting and suspended signs shall be treated as building signs and shall be included in the overall area calculations for building signs.

a. The two sides of a projecting or suspended sign must be parallel back to back and shall not exceed twelve (12”) inches in thickness, and ten (10) square feet in area.

b. A projecting sign shall be hung at right angles to the building and shall not extend more than three (3’) feet from a building wall.

c. Projecting or suspended signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8’) feet above grade and shall not project into a vehicular public way.

d. The top of the sign, if suspended, should be in line with whichever is the most successful application of scale, linear continuity or visibility as determined by the Town Planner.

6.      Roof Signs:

a. Signs shall not project above the peak of the roof or extend above the top of a parapet wall.

B.     FREESTANDING SIGNS:

1.      No more than one free-standing sign per building lot, not exceeding fifty (50) square feet (per side) in area, the top of which is not more than ten (10) feet in height, and which contains only the name of the owner, trade names, trade mark, products sold, and/or describes the business(es) or activity conducted on the premises whereon such sign is located.  Except in the CBD Zoning District, such sign shall be placed on a continuous base that is at least as wide as horizontal width of the sign it supports.  Such sign shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from any property line.  Signs setback a minimum of 100 feet from property line may be enlarged to not more than one hundred (100) square feet. 

2.      A landscaped area equivalent to two and one-half square feet for each square foot of the area of each side of a freestanding sign shall be maintained by the permit holder.  This area shall be kept in a neat and clean condition, free of weeds and rubbish. The landscaped area shall contain living landscape material consisting of native shrubs, perennial ground cover plants, or a combination of both placed throughout the required landscape area and having a spacing of not greater than three feet on center. Where appropriate, the planting of deciduous or evergreen trees installed in a manner which frames or accents the ground graphics structure is encouraged.

3.      Each building must incorporate its legally assigned street number into its freestanding sign.

4.      In addition to the above, each gasoline/service station or other business selling automotive fuel is permitted one price sign not to exceed eight (8) square feet in area and eight (8’) feet in height and shall be incorporated into the main freestanding sign.

5.      No more than one (1) freestanding sign identifying a subdivision, multifamily or Planned Development (PR, PUD, or HC) project.  Such sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area or ten (10) feet in height.   The location of such sign shall be indicated on required site plans or subdivision plats.

6.      No more than one (1) freestanding off-site sign may be permitted only for businesses which are accessed exclusively via an easement such that a sign could not be placed in a manner which respects the setbacks.  Such a sign shall require written permission from the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located.

7.      Premises with excessively long frontages, 300 feet or more, may be allowed an additional freestanding sign for each increment of 300 feet.

8.      Multiuse buildings. A multiuse building may have one freestanding sign facing each street or highway on which the building has frontage. The maximum size restriction for such freestanding sign may be increased by up to 50 percent if three or more occupants share the same sign.

C.     ADDITIONAL OPTIONS FOR PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED SETTINGS

1.      In addition to permitted wall or building signage, no more than one (1) sidewalk sign, one (1) projecting sign, or one (1) post mounted sign per lot may be permitted in the CBD Zoning District only when an otherwise permitted freestanding sign cannot be erected because it cannot meet the setback requirements.  Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size.   Post mounted signs must be located entirely on private property.  The post for such sign may not exceed eight (8) feet in height above grade and the top of the sign may not exceed seven (7) feet from grade.  Such sign may not extend into any pedestrian pathway or obstruct visibility for vehicular traffic.  The post for such sign shall have a maximum thickness of four (4) inches.

2.      One sidewalk sign shall be permitted for each tenant of a shopping center.  Such sign shall be located in front of the business being advertised and must provide six (6) feet of unobstructed sidewalk.

3.      Sidewalk signs shall be removed daily upon the close of the business for that day.

D.    INSTITUTIONAL SIGNS

1.      No more than one (1) free standing sign or bulletin board identifying a school, place of worship, library, museum, civic, social or fraternal club or society, which sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, six (6) feet in height and shall be located upon the premises of such institutions.  These signs may also contain other information customarily incidental to said places or organizations.  This provision is in place of, rather than in addition to, the standards for freestanding signs outlined in Section 28 – 1101.6 B above.

2.      No more than one (1) building sign or bulletin board identifying a school, place of worship, library, museum, civic, social or fraternal club or society, which sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area and shall be located upon the premises of such institutions.  These signs may also contain other information customarily incidental to said places or organizations.  This provision is in place of, rather than in addition to, the standards for freestanding signs outlined in Section 28-1101.6 A above.

3.      Signage in excess (either in number or size) of the standards outlined in subsections (1) and (2) above, may be considered and can be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Applicants seeking such additional signage shall prepare and submit a Comprehensive Signage Plan to the Planning Department depicting the location, size, materials, etc., for all signs desired on the property.  In their review, the Commission shall consider the request in the context of the site (i.e. is the property in a commercial area or a residential neighborhood), the compatibility and consistency of the signs with themselves and with respect to the building they are identifying, safety/visibility concerns, lighting issues, and other neighborhood compatibility issues.

4.      Signs on scoreboards shall be exempt from these standards provided that no more than 25% of the scoreboard area is taken up with such advertising signs and provided further that said signage is oriented to the spectators in the venue in which the scoreboard is located.  Signage in excess of 25% of the scoreboard may be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with subsection (3) above.

E.     ELECTRONIC SIGNS

In addition to the requirements prescribed above for the applicable sign type (i.e. freestanding, building, and/or institutional), electronic or digital signs shall comply with the following supplementary standards for such signs:

1.      Electronic or digital signs are only permitted as electronic reader boards (note: this standard is not intended to prohibit internally illuminated signs that are otherwise in conformity with the Town’s sign regulations).

2.      Electronic signs shall be prohibited in the Historic Overlay District.

3.      Electronic signs shall not change messages more frequently that once every twelve (12) seconds.

4.      There shall be no transition effects in the changing of messages, nor any animation, flashing, blinking or similar effects utilized in the display of messages.

5.      Electronic signs shall be equipped with an automatic dimming photocell which adjusts the display’s brightness based on ambient light conditions.

6.      Brightness levels shall not increase by more than 0.3 foot candles (or 3.23 lumens per square meter or lux) (over ambient levels), measured within 100 feet of the sign.

7.      Electronic signs located on a lot adjacent to any residentially-zoned parcel shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

8.      Video Boards shall not be permitted on any portion of an electronic sign.

28-1101.8 LIMITED DURATION SIGNS

A.    Limited Duration Signs, located on private property, are subject to regulations set forth below.   Limited duration signs that comply with the requirements of this sub-section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.  

B.     Size and Number.

1.      Non-Residential Property:

a.       Large Limited Duration Signs:  One (1) large limited duration sign is permitted per property on non-residential property.  If a property is equal to or greater than five (5) acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage one (1) additional large limited duration sign may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between the two (2) limited duration signs. 

i.            Type:   Freestanding sign or wall sign.  

ii.            Area:  Each large limited duration freestanding or wall sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet or if the property is large enough for an additional large temporary sign, then the two 16 square feet signs may be replaced by one 32 square feet sign.

iii.            Height:  Large limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.  

b.        Small Limited Duration Signs:  In addition to the large limited duration sign(s) outlined above, two small limited duration signs are permitted per property on all non-residential properties.   

i.            Type:   Freestanding sign or wall sign. 

ii.            Area:  Each small limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) square feet. 

iii.            Height:  Small limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.  

c.       Mesh-type Banner.  In lieu of the Large and Small Limited Duration Signs, a property owner may have one mesh-type banner attached to construction fencing.  

i.             Area:  The mesh-type banner may be up to 200 square feet 

ii.            Replacement.   Such mesh-type banner shall replace all other large and small limited duration signs for the property.    

2.      Residential Property:   

a.         Large Limited Duration Signs:  If a property is equal to or greater than five (5) acres and has at least 400 feet of street frontage, one (1) large limited duration sign is permitted per property on residential property.  

i.            Type:   Freestanding sign or wall sign

ii.            Area:  Each large limited duration freestanding or sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet.

iii.            Height:  Large limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.  

b.       Small Limited Duration Signs:  In addition to the large limited duration sign outlined above, two small limited duration signs are permitted per property on all residential properties.  

i.            Type:   Freestanding sign or wall sign.

ii.            Area:  Each small limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) square feet.  

iii.            Height:  Small limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.  

C.     Permit Requirements

1.       A permit for a limited duration sign is issued for one (1) year and may be renewed annually.  

2.      An application for a limited duration sign permit must include:

a. A description of the sign indicating the number, size, shape, dimensions, and colors of the sign, and the expected length of time the sign will be displayed;

b. A schematic drawing of the site showing the proposed location of the sign in relation to nearby building and streets;

c. The number of signs on the site.  

D.    Installation and Maintenance.

1.       All limited duration signs must be installed such that in the opinion of the Town, they do not create a safety hazard.  

2.      All limited duration signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.  

3.      Limited duration signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.  

E.     Illumination:   Illumination of any limited duration sign is prohibited.  

28-1101.9 TEMPORARY SIGNS

A.    Temporary Signs, located on private property, are exempt from standard permit requirements.  Temporary signs that comply with the requirements of this sub-section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.  

B.     Size and Number.

1.      Non-Residential Property; 

a.       Four small temporary signs are permitted per property on all non-residential properties. 

i.            Type:  Freestanding sign or wall sign.

ii.            Area:  Each small temporary sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) square feet.   

iii.            Height:  Small temporary signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.  

2.      Residential Property:  

a.  Four small temporary signs are permitted per property on all residential properties. 

i.            Type:  Freestanding sign or wall sign.

ii.            Area:  Each small temporary sign shall have a maximum area of six (6) square feet.   

iii.            Height:  Small temporary signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.  

C.     Duration and Removal 

1.      Temporary signs are not subject to a time limitation.  

2.      The Town or the property owner may confiscate signs installed in violation of this chapter.  Neither the Town nor the property owner is responsible for notifying sign owners of confiscation of an illegal sign.  

D.    Permission:  the party posting the temporary signs is solely responsible for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting their temporary sign.  

E.     Municipal Notification:  Temporary signs are exempt from the standard permit requirements.

F.      Installation and Maintenance.

1.      All temporary signs must be installed such that in the opinion of the Town, they do not create a safety hazard.  

2.      All temporary signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.  

3.      Temporary signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.  

G.    Illumination:  Illumination of any temporary sign is prohibited. 

H.    For Sale or Rent

a. In addition to the temporary signs provided for in this Section 28-1101.9, two additional temporary signs may be located on a property when:  

i.            The owner consents and that property is being offered for sale or rent through a licensed real estate agent or if for sale or rent by owner though public advertising; and 

ii.            For a period of fifteen (15) days following the date on which a contract of sale has been executed or an agreement of lease has been executed by a prospective purchaser or tenant.

b.The additional temporary sign provided for in this Section 28-1101.9 G shall apply to both non-residential and residential propertie

c. The duration standard provided in Section 28-1101.9 C shall not be applicable.