[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016[1]]
A.
It is the intent of this Chapter to regulate and control the location,
erection, number and maintenance of signs and matters relating thereto
within the City of Shrewsbury in order to promote public safety, health
and general welfare of the community, without infringing upon the
rights granted by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United
States of America. These regulations are specifically designed to:
1.
Provide for uniform regulation and orderly development of signs
consistent with established polices and ordinances of the City;
2.
Further the goals and policies of the City Comprehensive Plan;
3.
Prohibit hazardous and dangerous signs; and
4.
Provide a desirable and attractive living and work environment
through harmonious and uniform signage.
B.
The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all signs in the City,
as herein defined, unless otherwise provided by this Chapter. Every
sign shall comply with all other applicable ordinances of the City.
In case of a conflict between provisions of this Chapter and other
applicable provisions, the more restrictive shall govern.
[1]
Editor's Note: Section 1 of this ordinance repealed former
Ch. 545, Signs, adopted 9-22-1998 by Ord. No. 2174 §§1 —
2, as amended.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
The following words, when used in this Chapter, shall have the
meanings set out herein:
Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere
or directed at one (1) or more points not on the same zone lot as
the light source; also, any light with one (1) or more beams that
rotate or move, including strobe lights.
Any sign which is:
Temporary signs used during construction of new buildings
or reconstruction of or additions to old buildings.
A sign whose alphabetic, graphic, or symbolic information
content or display, either whole or in part, composed of electrically
illuminated or mechanically driven changeable segments, may be changed
or altered by means of electrical, electronic or computerized programming.
Any sign erected, constructed or maintained for the purpose
of displaying outdoor advertising by means of posters, pictures, pictorial
and reading matter when such sign is resting on the ground or supported
by one (1) or more uprights, posts, or braces placed upon or affixed
in the ground and not attached to any part of a building.
Any sign not attached to a building and which is supported
by uprights, posts, braces or a solid base not attached to any part
of a building. This category does not include a post sign. There is
no space between the bottom of the ground sign and the ground.
Any sign which is brightened by light sources either mounted
on or in the sign or at some other locations.
A sign which is too small to be legible from a position off
the premises.
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building
or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building,
generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the
weather.
A sign erected by the City for street or other municipal
purposes.
Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this
Chapter.
A sign made of paper, cardboard, posterboard or other type
of paper-based product.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire,
or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including,
but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels;
signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs;
balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs
attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public
right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day
operations of the business.
Any sign not attached to a building or structure and supported
by one (1) or more stationary poles, posts or standards. A post sign
is also known as a "pylon sign" or "pole sign."
A sign which is attached directly to a building wall or other
upright surface and which projects more than twelve (12) inches from
the face of the wall or surface.
A sign affixed to the roof of a building and extending beyond
the highest point of a roof.
Any device, fixture, placard or structure that uses any color,
form, graphic, illumination, symbol or writing to advertise, announce
the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or
to communicate information of any kind.
The total area of the space to be used for advertising purposes,
including the spaces between open-type letter and figures, including
the background structure or other decoration or addition which is
an integral part of the sign.
A cloth sign stretched across and above a City street.
Any sign attached parallel to, but within twelve (12) inches
of, a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined
within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure
which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only
one (1) sign surface.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
The following signs shall be exempt from regulation under this Chapter:
1.
The erection, construction and maintenance of official traffic
signs, signals, and any public notice or warning required by a valid
and applicable Federal, State or local law, regulation or ordinance.
2.
Signs for the control or direction of traffic and other authorized
public purposes related to the promotion of the health, safety and
welfare of the general public as required by the City or other governmental
authority.
3.
Any lot in a residentially zoned area that is on the market
for sale or lease shall be permitted one (1) additional sign of six
(6) square feet per sign face and a maximum of two (2) sign faces.
a.
Institutional uses within a residentially zoned area that are
on the market for sale or lease shall be permitted one (1) additional
sign of sixteen (16) square feet per sign face and a maximum of two
(2) sign faces.
4.
Any lot in a commercial zoned area that is on the market for
sale or lease shall be permitted one (1) additional sign of sixteen
(16) square feet per sign face and a maximum of two (2) sign faces.
5.
One (1) ground sign of six (6) square feet or less in all residential
districts, provided, in each instance, that any such sign is located
on private property with the owner's permission. Additional ground
signs are permitted under this Chapter during the election season,
not to exceed the total number of questions or candidates on the ballot
for the ensuing election.
6.
Ground signs, sixteen (16) square feet or less, are permitted
under this Chapter for commercial and industrial zoning districts
during the election season, not to exceed the total number of questions
or candidates on the ballot for the ensuing election.
7.
Incidental signs.
8.
Traffic control signs on private property, such as stop, yield
and similar signs, the face of which meet Department of Transportation
standards.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
Signs shall be allowed on private property in the City in accordance
with the provisions of this Chapter.
1.
Every property shall have the street address prominently displayed,
in a size which permits reading from the street, at a location immediately
adjacent to or above every entry or exit door. No permit is necessary
for this type of signage.
2.
Permitted signage subject to the size and location limitations
detailed in this Chapter:
a.
Residential district signage.
(1)
A sign up to one (1) square foot in area mounted
on the wall next to the main entry door subject to issuance of a sign
permit (suggested use: home occupation sign).
(2)
Residential subdivision or development
monument signs. Two (2) permanent signs, not exceeding thirty-two
(32) square feet in size per face, shall be allowed per development.
Exception: Where the development has access to two (2) or more streets,
or has more than one (1) entrance on one (1) street, such signs shall
be allowed at each entrance. Such signs shall not exceed eight (8)
feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point of
the sign (suggested use: subdivision or development identification
signage). A sign permit is required.
(3)
Temporary signage. A sign permit
is required.
(4)
On-site construction signs for developments with
one (1) to two (2) lots, with only one (1) such sign per lot not to
exceed six (6) square feet in gross sign area per face with a maximum
of two (2) faces. Such a sign shall not be erected in a public right-of-way
and shall be removed no later than ten (10) days after the receipt
of an occupancy permit for a building or development or ten (10) days
after completion of the work if no occupancy permit is required. A
sign permit is required.
(5)
For developments with three (3) lots or greater,
one (1) sign, not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in gross
sign area per face with a maximum of two (2) faces if placed back
to back. For developments with three (3) lots or greater with two
(2) street frontages, either one (1) forty-eight-square-foot sign
with a maximum of two (2) faces if placed back to back, or one (1)
V-shaped sign with two (2) faces not to exceed forty-eight (48) square
feet per face, located where the two (2) street frontages intersect
are allowed. For developments with three (3) lots or greater, one
additional sign per lot having a maximum size of eighteen (18) inches
by twenty-four (24) inches. A sign permit is required.
b.
Signage for all other zoning districts or uses.
(1)
Ground signs for commercial developments (suggested
use: development identification sign). A sign permit is required.
(3)
One (1) wall sign per commercial street frontage.
A sign permit is required. See Section 545.050(A)(2).
(4)
One (1) ground sign per commercial street frontage.
Under certain circumstances described in Section 545.050(A)(5)(a),
a projecting sign may be substituted for the ground sign. A sign permit
is required.
(5)
Window signage subject to the limitations of Section
545.050(A)(4).
(6)
Incidental signage. A sign permit is required.
(7)
On-site construction signs, with only one (1) such
sign per entire development, not to exceed seventy-two (72) square
feet in gross sign area shall be permitted. Such signs shall be allowed
to have two (2) seventy-two-square-foot faces if placed back-to-back
or in a "V" shape. Such a sign shall not be erected in a public right-of-way
and shall be removed ten (10) days after the receipt of an occupancy
permit for a building or development or ten (10) days after completion
of the work if no occupancy permit is required. A sign permit is required.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
All signs not expressly permitted under this Chapter or exempt from
regulation hereunder in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter
are prohibited in the City. Such signs include, but are not limited
to:
1.
Beacons;
2.
Pennants;
3.
Freestanding residential;
4.
Roof signs;
5.
Portable signs;
6.
Individuals dressed in costume intended to attract attention
as human signs to a business for advertising purposes;
7.
Post signs, pylon signs or pole signs;
8.
Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background,
except those that are decorative and convey no message;
9.
Inflatable signs and tethered balloons excepting balloons in
a residential area which are used for less than two (2) days;
10.
Vehicle signs, except those which are painted on or permanently
affixed flat against the factory surface of a vehicle;
11.
Off-site signage, absent the consent of the property owner;
12.
Signs that falsely advertise that an activity, business, product
or service is sold or conducted on the premises upon which the sign
is located and thereby misdirect traffic. Such signs, including the
sign structures, shall be removed within thirty (30) days of written
notification to the owner of the premises.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
Real Estate Signs On Property For Rent, Lease Or Sale.
1.
Real estate signs are permitted only during the time that a
property is for rent, lease or sale. Such signs shall be unlighted,
twelve (12) square feet or less. Real estate signs must be located
upon property to which the signs refer and located not closer than
ten (10) feet to a side lot line, which signs shall be removed within
seven (7) days of closing upon sale or lease of the property.
2.
Directional arrows shall only be erected if and when the house
or property is available for inspection.
B.
Real estate signs advertising future use or development of property
on which signs are located may be maintained, provided such signs
do not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area or remain longer
than six (6) months. "For Rent" and "For Lease" signs in Commercial
and Industrial Districts for new buildings shall not exceed twelve
(12) square feet.
C.
The sign area of bulletin boards may not exceed twenty-four (24)
square feet in area, excluding base and decorations not an integral
part of the sign. In no case shall the base and decorations exceed
the sign area.
D.
In the "R-3" Planned Residential Districts, there may be one (1)
wall sign attached to a building, projecting no more than twelve (12)
inches, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area and relating
only to the name or use of the building.
E.
In the Commercial and Industrial Districts, there may be freestanding
signs, marquee signs, projecting signs, and wall signs when displaying
no advertising matter, except that pertaining to the business conducted
in the building, or part thereof, on which such sign is placed. The
total square foot area of all signs shall not exceed fifteen percent
(15%) of the total square foot area of the face of the building as
seen from the street on which the building fronts; for buildings facing
two (2) or more streets, each such face of the building shall be computed
separately in relation to signs on or related to that face. There
shall be no more than two (2) signs per street-facing wall. Where
two (2) or more tenants rent a single building, the area of signs
of each tenant shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of that portion
of the face of the building that each tenant rents. There shall not
be more than one (1) freestanding sign for each one hundred fifty
(150) feet of total street frontage for each street on which the property
fronts. No freestanding sign shall extend closer than ten (10) feet
to a side lot line. No part of any sign shall be more than thirty
(30) feet high.
F.
All signs in a "C-2" Planned Commercial District shall be approved,
controlled and regulated as per the special permit issued by the Board
of Aldermen authorizing such Planned Commercial District.
G.
Paper Posters And Billboards.
1.
Paper posters applied directly to the wall or building or pole
or other support are prohibited except as set out hereinafter.
2.
Temporary signs may be displayed in or attached to the inside
of show or display windows, provided the total sign area does not
exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total show or display window area.
Signs or devices which by color, location or design resemble or conflict
with traffic control signs or devices are prohibited.
3.
Billboards are allowed in Industrial Districts or Commercial
Districts located on I-44 upon a special use permit being issued by
the Board of Aldermen. In addition to the general requirements set
forth by ordinance for issuing a special use permit, billboards must
comply with the following requirements:
a.
Billboards must comply with all State and Federal laws.
b.
No billboard shall be erected within one thousand five hundred
(1,500) feet of an existing sign on the same side of the highway.
This distance shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement
at points directly opposite the signs along each side of the highway.
c.
No outdoor advertising sign shall be placed closer than five
hundred (500) feet to an intersection on a dual or proposed dual highway.
d.
No portion of a billboard shall be located within a one-hundred
fifty-foot radius of any point of a residence, nor within a fifty-foot
radius of any point of a building.
e.
No billboard shall have more than two (2) faces on a structure.
f.
The maximum area for any one (1) billboard shall be one thousand
two hundred (1,200) square feet with a minimum height of twenty (20)
feet and a maximum height of sixty (60) feet above the ground level
or the grade level of the adjoining street, whichever is higher, plus
extensions, inclusive of border and trim, but exclusive of base, apron
or supports, and other structural members.
g.
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign
structure, and signs may be placed back to back, double-faced, or
in V-type construction with not more than two (2) displays to each
facing, but each sign structure shall be considered as one (1) sign.
H.
Portable Signs.
1.
One (1) portable sign is permitted on a parking lot when necessary
to the satisfactory operation of the parking lot. Each service station
may have one (1) single or double-faced portable sign not exceeding
twelve (12) square feet per side of sign area restricted solely to
stating the price of gasoline.
2.
Special promotion portable signs are allowed only where stores
front on a parking lot. Each group of stores, either in a Planned
Commercial Development or, if not in a Planned Commercial Development,
then when facing a common street, is allowed to use only one (1) common
sign. A group of stores shall consist of two (2) or more stores (having
separate entrances to the outside) that share a common parking lot.
Such special promotion portable signs may be used by such group of
stores for a special promotion, common to all stores in the group
and may be used no more than two (2) times per year for not more than
seven (7) consecutive days, with at least thirty (30) days in between
each such use. Special promotion portable signs are not to exceed
fifty (50) square feet per face, and shall not be counted as part
of the allowable sign area for the premises.
3.
Authorization for all special promotion portable signs must
be secured from the Board of Aldermen.
I.
Freestanding Signs. The maximum square foot area for each face of a freestanding sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet per face or a total of one hundred twenty (120) square feet for all faces. Service stations may have such a freestanding sign which shall not be included in the calculation of the fifteen-percent area under Subsection (E) of this Section.
J.
Construction Signs. The type, size, number and design
of such signs shall be approved by the Building Commissioner and may
be ordered removed by him/her, provided there is no substantial work
on the project within a sixty-day period.
K.
Municipal Signs. Municipal signs necessary for the
safety and welfare of the City may be installed by the City Clerk
with the approval of the Board of Aldermen.
L.
Street Banners. Street banners shall be at least
sixteen (16) feet above the pavement and securely fastened. Street
banners may be ordered removed by the City Clerk if in his/her judgment
they are, or become, unsafe or a public nuisance. Street banners may
not exceed dimensions of two (2) feet by thirty (30) feet per face.
M.
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs may extend not
more than six (6) feet from the building into the front yard nor shall
they extend into the street right-of-way. Projecting signs shall not
exceed twenty (20) square feet in area per face or forty (40) square
feet for all faces. In no case shall any such sign project to within
five (5) feet of the curb line, nor have clearance of less than seven
(7) feet six (6) inches from ground level.
N.
Wall Signs.
1.
No wall signs shall extend beyond the building more than twelve
(12) inches. No wall sign shall be so erected as to cover the doors
or windows of any building or otherwise prevent free ingress or egress
to or from any window, door or any fire escape of any building.
2.
When a wall of a building which houses a business use faces a parking lot but not a street there may be a wall sign on such wall not exceeding six (6) square feet in area which identifies the occupant of the building. Said wall sign shall not be included in the calculation on the fifteen-percent area under Section 545.030(E).
O.
Traffic Control Signs. Traffic control signs identifying
or directing traffic to entrances or exits of parking areas shall
not, in a shopping center or abutting a Federally designated highway,
exceed twelve (12) square feet of surface area per face. In other
areas, no such sign shall exceed six (6) square feet of surface area
per face. Such traffic control signs shall not be included in the
calculated permitted sign area.
P.
Signs To Be Removed From Premises. Any sign structure
which advertises a business no longer conducted or a product no longer
sold on the premises or lot shall be removed within thirty (30) days
after the business or product is no longer present by the owner, agent,
or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which
the sign is erected.
Q.
No permanent or temporary signs shall be allowed in the public right-of-way
except for the following:
1.
Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body
to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information,
and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
2.
Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company.
3.
Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles,
lines, pipes or facilities.
4.
Signs in place less than three (3) days and as defined by and
in accordance with other existing City ordinances, and with the permission
of the Building Commissioner (recommended use: garage sale and open
house signs).
5.
Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a
public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted
work within the public right-of-way.
R.
Other Signs In The Public Right-Of-Way Forfeited. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance
with the requirements of this Section, shall be forfeited to the City
and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder,
the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person
placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such
sign.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
Except as otherwise provided herein, the owner of any zone lot or
other premises on which exists a sign for which there is not a current
and valid sign permit shall be obligated to either remove such sign
or to bring it into conformity with the provisions of this Chapter.
1.
Non-conforming existing signs, permits and terms. A sign that would be permitted under this Chapter only with a sign
permit, but which was legally existing prior to the enactment of this
Chapter or on a later date when the property is annexed to the City,
and which was constructed in accordance with the ordinances and other
applicable laws in effect on the date of its construction, but which
by reason of its size, height, location, design or construction is
not in conformance with the requirements of this Chapter, shall be
automatically designated as a non-conforming sign.
2.
Such designation shall allow the sign, which was made non-conforming by the adoption of this Chapter, to remain in place and be maintained until one (1) of the events described in Subsection (A)(2)(a) through (c) of this Section takes place. A change in the information on the face of an existing non-conforming sign is allowed; however, no action may be taken which increases the degree or extent of the non-conformity. Every non-conforming sign shall either be eliminated or made to conform with the requirements of this Chapter if one (1) or more of the following circumstances occur:
a.
When any proposed change, repair or maintenance would constitute
an expense of more than fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value
of the sign; or
b.
When there is a change in ownership of the company in whose
name the sign permit was originally issued, whether said change is
accomplished by sale (other than transfer to heirs) or by any other
means (this includes the change in ownership of the majority of shares
of stock if said company is a corporation); or
c.
If rental property, by lessee vacation of the property.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
Except as hereinafter provided, a permit is required for the erection
of a sign or outdoor display structure. An application therefor shall
be filed with the Building Commissioner, and said application shall,
when required by the Building Commissioner, include the plans and
specifications for said sign, including the dimensions, materials
and required details of construction, including weights and methods
of anchorage. In the case of any sign that contains or requires a
footing or electrical wiring or in the case of any marquee sign, projecting
sign or billboard, the application therefor shall include plans and
specifications therefor under seal of a licensed architect or engineer.
B.
The application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the
owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected.
Before the issuance of each required sign permit, a fee of fifty cents
($0.50) per square foot with a fifty dollar ($50.00) minimum for permanent
signs and a fee of twenty-five cents ($0.25) per square foot with
a twenty dollar ($20.00) minimum for temporary signs shall be paid
to the City of Shrewsbury through the Building Commissioner.
[Ord. No. 3023, 12-14-2021]
C.
No sign shall be enlarged or relocated except in conformity with
the provisions of this Chapter for new signs, nor until a permit has
been issued. The changing of movable parts of an approved sign that
is designed for such changes, or repainting or reposting of display
matter, shall not be deemed an alteration, provided that the conditions
of the original approval and the requirements of this Chapter are
not violated.
D.
Street banners may be authorized only by the City Clerk. Approval
may be given by the City Clerk for displays for periods up to thirty
(30) days for announcements of major importance. Requests must be
made six (6) weeks in advance and must include evidence of public
liability insurance carried by the requesting organization and details
of construction and support.
E.
No permit shall be issued for an electronic changeable message sign
or illuminated sign without the approval of the Board of Aldermen.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
A temporary sign shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary
sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements:
1.
Term. A temporary sign permit shall allow the
use of a temporary sign for a specified thirty-day period, except
for construction signs, which may be used during the construction
period and shall be removed no later than ten (10) days after the
receipt of an occupancy permit for a building or development, or ten
(10) days after completion of the work if no occupancy permit is required.
2.
Number. Only three (3) temporary sign permits
shall be issued to the same business license holder on the same zone
lot in any calendar year.
a.
Institutional uses may be permitted one (1) temporary sign not
exceeding fifty (50) square feet in size, provided that the display
of such sign shall be limited to one temporary sign per month for
up to ten (10) days each period. A separate sign permit shall be required
for each event.
3.
Application. Application for approval of a
temporary sign permit shall be made on the forms on file in the Planning
Department and is approved or rejected by the Building Commissioner.
The applicant may appeal a decision of the Building Commissioner to
the Board of Aldermen.
4.
Standards. Allowable height, size, and location
of temporary signs shall be determined in the same fashion as permitted
for permanent signs.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance
with the following standards:
1.
General requirements.
a.
All signs shall comply with applicable provisions of the current
City adopted building and electrical code.
b.
Except for temporary signs and window signs conforming in all
respects with the requirements of this Chapter, all signs shall be
constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached
to the building by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame or structure
in a manner acceptable to the Building Commissioner.
c.
All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition,
in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance
with this Code, at all times.
d.
All signs and related structures shall be maintained in good
repair, free of rust, peeling, flaking, fading, broken or cracked
surfaces and broken or missing letters.
e.
Architectural consistency. Sign installations
shall be consistent with, and not conceal, the architectural detail
of a building.
f.
All signs shall be constructed and lettered to a professional
quality. All elements of the signage shall be secured in such a manner
as to minimize movement and shall be attached to the main building
or structure or other suitable structures to secure the sign. In no
instance shall signs be attached to vehicles unless otherwise permitted
in this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
When a Comprehensive Sign Plan is approved for a proposed or existing
development, to the extent the terms of the Comprehensive Sign Plan
conflict with the general provisions of this Chapter, the Comprehensive
Sign Plan governs. Comprehensive Sign Plans are intended to provide
for flexible sign criteria that promote superior design and are tailored
to a specific development which may vary from general ordinance provisions;
however, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed terms would
encourage and promote established principles within the Comprehensive
Plan. In keeping with the intent to allow flexibility in the design
of developments, the following options may be available for signs
accessory to uses in non-residential district properties subject to:
1.
As an alternative to what would otherwise be allowed, signs
may be permitted in accordance with a Comprehensive Sign Plan subject
to the recommendation of the Plan Commission and approval of the Board
of Aldermen. The Comprehensive Sign Plan shall show the location,
size, height and extent of all proposed signs. In addition, the geographic
limits of the area to be covered by the Comprehensive Sign Plan must
be shown.
2.
Any application submitted for a Comprehensive Sign Plan may
be made by any property owner, owner of an easement, lessee, contract
purchaser or their agent. Such application shall be accompanied by
a statement setting forth the names of the record owners of the properties
upon which such signs are proposed to be located and the notarized
agreement of each record owner to the placement of such signs on his
or her property. When an application requests permission to erect
a sign on property owned by someone other than the applicant, then
such application shall be accompanied by a written and notarized statement
signed by the record owners of such properties which indicates their
endorsement of the application.
3.
When a Comprehensive Sign Plan is proposed, the following must
be submitted:
a.
Location, size, height, construction, material and placement
of signs.
b.
Illumination level, color and type.
c.
The number of proposed signs.
d.
Elevations of all detached signs.
e.
Dimensions, height, square footage of all existing signs or
note that none exist for both freestanding and attached signs (submit
picture of all existing signage).
f.
Material specifications for proposed signs, including sign materials
and colors.
g.
Landscaping of detached signs.
4.
All proposed signs shall be reviewed based on the following
criteria:
a.
Proposed signs are consistent with the purpose of this Chapter.
b.
Proposed signs are compatible with the theme, visual quality,
and overall character of the surrounding area.
c.
Proposed signs are in scale and harmonious with the development
and shall be so located and sized as to ensure convenience to the
visitor, user or occupant of the development while not adding to street
clutter or otherwise detracting from the nature of the development
and adjacent uses and the purposes of architectural and urban design
elements.
d.
The proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan is consistent with and
furthers the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
5.
Submissions for consideration of a Comprehensive Sign Plan shall
be filed with the City Clerk and forwarded to the Plan Commission.
The Plan Commission shall review the application in accordance with
the above criteria and forward a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen
for its final review and approval. When a Comprehensive Sign Plan
is approved for a development, regulations regarding signage shall
be dictated by the provisions of the approved plan.
6.
Amendments to previously approved Comprehensive Sign Plans will
require items necessary for the review of the changes in light of
the previous approval.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
Whenever a commercial sign would be permitted under this Chapter,
subject to the landowner's consent, a non-commercial sign may be installed
in its place, or vice versa, provided it otherwise complies with this
Chapter. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional
approval or permitting. This provision prevails over any more specific
provision to the contrary within this Chapter. The purpose of this
provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech
over non-commercial speech, or vice versa. This provision does not
create a right to increase total signage on a parcel, nor does it
affect the requirements that the sign comply in all other respects
with the provisions of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
A.
Any person, firm or corporation may appeal any order, requirement,
decision, or determination made by the City Clerk or the Building
Commissioner in the enforcement of this Chapter to the Board of Adjustment
of the City of Shrewsbury. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall
be accompanied by a filing fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00).
B.
The Board shall have the power to:
1.
Affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the City Clerk or
Building Commissioner if the Board finds the City Clerk or the Building
Commissioner has made an error in any order, requirement, decision,
or determination in the enforcement of this Chapter.
2.
Permit variations where practical difficulties, unnecessary
hardships, and results inconsistent with the general purpose of this
Chapter result from the strict application of this Chapter. If it
is determined that the applicant for a variance is subject to such
difficulty, hardship, or result then the Board shall also find that
the proposed sign:
a.
Will not be inappropriate to the type of activity to which it
pertains, to the scale of the building to which it is related, or
to the aesthetic environment of the surrounding structures and land
use; and
b.
Will not materially diminish or impair established property
values within the surrounding area; and
c.
Will not in any other respect impair the public health, safety,
comfort, morals and welfare of the City of Shrewsbury.
C.
The continuing penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) per day for the
violation of this Chapter shall be suspended from the date an appeal
is filed up to and including the day that the decision of the Board
of Adjustment is delivered by certified mail to the appellant.
[Ord. No. 2847 §1, 4-26-2016]
Any person, firm, association or corporation who shall violate
any provisions of this Chapter or who shall fail to comply with any
order of the City Clerk or the Building Commissioner issued pursuant
to the terms of this Chapter within the time therein specified, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable
by a fine not to exceed twenty dollars ($20.00). Each day that a violation
continues shall be deemed a separate offense.
