The intent of these provisions is to promote and to protect
the public health, safety and welfare by providing comprehensive time,
place, and manner regulations on signage which shall include controls
on size, height, quantity, location, spacing, scale, lighting, motion,
maintenance and appearance. Regulations apply to the physical aspects
of the sign, and not the content. More specifically, the provisions
of this article are intended to ensure that all signs and advertising
features:
A.
Are functional and compatible with the appearance of the building
they are located on, the surrounding areas and the long-term vision
of the City as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan;
B.
Serve to protect and enhance community appearance;
C.
Protect the safety of motorists and pedestrians by reducing the frequency
and magnitude of hazards caused by obstructions and distractions;
and
D.
Preserve and create more attractive business and residential environments.
A.
Upon the adoption of this chapter, any sign or advertising device
which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter in terms
of location, area, illumination, type, or height shall be considered
a nonconforming sign. In addition, no nonconforming sign may be relocated,
enlarged, replaced, redesigned, or altered in any way that increases
its nonconformity.
B.
Upon the adoption of this chapter, all nonconforming signs, except
those granted a variance, shall cease and desist at the time when
there is any one or more of the following:
(1)
A discontinuance of use of the sign for more than two years.
(2)
Destruction, damage, or disrepair of said sign to the extent that
51% of its replacement value must be expended in its repair.
(3)
Creation of a hazard or disturbance to the health, safety and welfare
of the general public as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
C.
For the purpose of these regulations, the term "sign" does not include:
(1)
Memorial tablets or signs and locally designated historic markers
not exceeding two square feet in area.
(2)
Signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any
governmental function, including state or federal historic markers,
traffic control devices, or required by any law, ordinance or governmental
regulation.
(3)
Flags, emblems or insignias of the United States of America, or organizations
of which this nation is a member.
(4)
Posters, flyers, displays or other materials, intended to be temporary,
that are on the interior of windows of establishments.
(5)
A design, image, or expression on the exterior of a building, generally
for the purpose of decoration or artistic expression, including, but
not limited to, paintings, murals, markings, and etchings, which do
not include any on- or off-site advertisement.
Signs are important community features that either serve to
contribute to or diminish the character or appearances of existing
structures and neighborhoods. The goal of these general regulations
is to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and
business climate, and enhance the physical appearance of the community.
As such, the regulations serve to promote and encourage signs that
are compatible with the character of the surrounding area.
A.
No sign shall be permitted in any zoning district except in compliance with these regulations. All new signs, unless otherwise noted, will require a permit and are subject to the requirements of § 300-28.
B.
Any sign or other advertising device with illumination, or with visible
moving or movable parts, or with flashing, animated or intermittent
illumination, and any sign that contains any fluorescent paint or
device, including mirrors, which has the effect of intensifying reflected
light, and any LCD, LED, or other digital signs, are permitted in
the MU-1, MU-2, and C/I Districts and are prohibited in all other
districts in the City.
C.
Signs featuring dual media, vertical louvered blinds, or mechanically
changing or movable materials are permitted in the MU-1, MU-2, and
C/I Districts and are prohibited in all other districts in the City.
D.
Pictorial designs, logos and trademarks shall be permitted, provided
that they are incorporated in and made a part of a permitted sign
face, and the area thereof is included in calculating the total permitted
sign face area allowed under these regulations.
F.
All signs shall comply with applicable provisions of the State of
New York Code, Rules and Regulations.
G.
All signs and all components thereof, including supports, braces
and anchors, shall be kept in a good state of repair.
H.
Every principal building or structure shall have street identification
numbers subject to the Fire Code of New York State. Street numbers
are also required on the back side of the following buildings: Main
Street buildings, odd numbers.
J.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall require the proper maintenance
of all signs, and such signs, together with their supports, shall
be kept in good repair. The display surfaces shall be kept neatly
painted at all times. The Code Enforcement Officer may order the removal
of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter. Painting, repainting, cleaning or repair maintenance
will not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a
permit unless a structural change is made.
K.
Billboards are prohibited in all zoning districts with the exception
of billboards along and facing the I-88 corridor. Such I-88 signs
are permitted by special use permit.
L.
Any sign displayed which has not advertised a bona fide business conducted upon the premises for a continuous period of more than two years shall, upon notification by the Code Enforcement Officer, be taken down or removed within 10 days after such notification, and failure to so comply on the part of the owner, occupant, agent or person having the beneficial use of any building or premises upon which such sign may be found shall subject such person to the penalty provided in § 300-89. In such cases where the Planning Commission or Code Enforcement Officer deems appropriate, a sign may be removed in a manner approved by the Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer may allow the retention of signs that are an original part of the architectural fabric of the structure, such as a date or name of building, without reduction in the number of signs or square footage of signs under §§ 300-21 through 300-27, depending on the district.
M.
No sign shall be erected or allowed to exist so as to constitute
a traffic hazard. No sign or other advertising structure as regulated
by any of the provisions of this article shall be erected at the intersection
of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision;
or at any location where, by reason of position, shape or color, it
may interfere with, obstruct the view or be confused with any authorized
traffic sign, signal or device or makes use of words, phrases, symbols
or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse
traffic.
N.
In addition to the regulations contained in this section, approval
of the display of a sign in these districts shall be granted only
with consideration given to the appearance, size, position, method
of attachment, and design.
O.
Illuminated signs.
(1)
In the case of illuminated signs, all light sources:
(a)
Shall be concealed behind standard opaque glass or other substance
of equal or smaller light transmission factor;
(b)
Shall be concealed by hoods; or
(c)
Shall be concealed by any method of indirect lighting approved by
the Code Enforcement Officer; or
(d)
Shall be shielded so as not to cause direct light onto the street
or any adjacent property.
(2)
To avoid concentration of illumination, signs may have no more than
50 candlepower of lighting per square foot of sign.
P.
Signs not listed as permitted are prohibited.
A.
Off-premises signs are not permitted in any district with the following
exceptions:
(2)
Political signs shall be permitted to be displayed off-premises,
subject to applicable state and federal laws.
(3)
Signs necessary for the direction, regulation and control of traffic,
street name signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings and
other official signs which are similarly authorized or erected by
a duly constituted governmental body.
B.
No sign shall be placed upon a balcony, porch, shed, roof, or parapet
(or similar feature), or placed in any manner so as to conceal any
architectural feature or detail of any building. Signs shall be prohibited
which are attached to or painted upon a tree, standpipe, fire escape,
or utility pole.
C.
No sign or sign structure other than official street, traffic or
highway markers shall be placed upon any street or highway right-of-way,
except sidewalk signs as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
D.
No sign shall be erected at any street intersection in a manner which
will obstruct free vision, or at any place where the position, shape
or color of the sign may interfere with any traffic sign or signal,
or which makes use of the words "stop," "danger" or any other word,
phrase or symbol which may mislead traffic.
The following signs are permitted in any approved district without a permit. All other signs require a permit, subject to the requirements of § 300-28.
A.
A building nameplate, which shall not exceed one square foot in area
on each side and must be attached to the building in some manner.
B.
Signs denoting the name and address of the occupants of the premises
or the building date of the premises, which signs shall not exceed
one square foot in area on each side.
C.
Signs for permitted nonresidential uses, such as bed-and-breakfasts.
No exterior evidence of the establishment shall be allowed, except
for parking and either one attached sign, no larger than two square
feet, or one freestanding sign in the yard no larger than two square
feet. No additional advertising of any kind is allowed on site.
D.
Except in R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts, temporary commercial on-premises
signs shall be permitted, which shall not exceed three square feet
in area, provided that such sign is erected or displayed not less
than five feet from the property line. One sign is permitted per lot,
except that on a corner lot two signs, one facing each street, shall
be permitted. Such signs shall not be posted more than two weeks prior
to the event and no longer than one week after the event. In addition
to temporary signs, signs authorized below are permitted within the
City of Oneonta, and are authorized only under the circumstances and
limitations described.
(1)
Special events. Signs announcing special events, garage or rummage
sales, or auctions may be displayed on the premises not more than
two times a year for each of the types of events described above.
For each particular special event, one sign, not to exceed three square
feet on either side, may be displayed on the premises for a period
not to exceed seven days. In addition, a maximum of six directional
signs may be displayed during the hours of the event. All such signs
must be kept in an attractive and safe condition. No sign is authorized
on City property or in the public right-of-way.
(2)
For-sale signs. When a residence is for sale, one sign per realtor
announcing the sale is permitted at that residence. Such signs shall
not be located on any buildings. The sign may not exceed five square
feet on either side and must not exceed 3 1/2 feet in height. All
for-sale signs must be kept in an attractive and safe condition and
must be removed within seven days of completion of transaction. No
sign is authorized on City property or in the public right-of-way
and no directional signs are authorized.
(3)
Rental signs. When a residence is for rent, one sign announcing the
rental is permitted at that residence. Such sign shall not be located
on any buildings. The sign may not exceed two square feet on either
side and may not exceed three feet in height. All rental signs must
be kept in an attractive and safe condition and must be removed within
seven days of completion of transaction. No sign is authorized on
City property or in the public right-of-way and no directional signs
are authorized.
(4)
Contractors' signs. One temporary sign per contractor performing
services may be displayed on the premises where such services are
being performed and only for a period beginning no earlier than one
month before the performance of such services and ending no later
than one month after the completion of or cessation of such service.
The sign shall not exceed nine square feet on either side. The sign
must be kept in an attractive and safe condition and may not be placed
on City property or in the public right-of-way.
E.
Signs incidental to places of worship, libraries, museums, schools,
and other public uses shall not exceed 12 square feet in area, and
shall be located on the premises of such institution, provided that
signs are located not closer than 10 feet to any property line. One
sign is permitted per lot.
F.
Signs announcing no trespassing, signs indicating the private nature
of a road, driveway or premises, and signs controlling the fishing
or hunting on the premises, provided that the area of any one side
of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot.
G.
Window signs are permitted in MU-1, MU-2, and C/I Districts and prohibited in R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts. They must conform to the definition listed in § 300-4 and must comply with the following standards:
(1)
See-through lettered window signs and opaque window signs that are
intended to be permanent in nature may not cover more than 50% of
the total window area.
(2)
In the case of a door, a window sign that is intended to be permanent
in nature may not cover more than 25% of the window space in which
it is located.
H.
Temporary window signs are permitted in MU-1, MU-2, U and C/I Districts and prohibited in R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts. They must conform to the definition listed in § 300-4, and are limited to a maximum use of 120 days.
I.
Memorials/interpretive markers. Nonilluminated memorial, interpretive
signs or historical signs or tablets displayed by a public or educational
nonprofit agency strictly for the purpose of informing or educating
the public, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed four
square feet, except in R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts where such
signs shall not exceed one square foot on each side.
J.
One temporary sandwich board or A-frame sign is permitted per business,
only during business hours of that business, in which said sign shall
not exceed 10 square feet on each side. Such signs are subject to
the requirements provided in this article. No such sign shall be located
in the street right-of-way, except on public sidewalks, and shall
not create an unsafe hazard for pedestrians.
K.
One home occupation sign shall be permitted for an approved home
occupation, wherever such uses are permitted. Such sign shall be no
larger than two square feet in area; shall not be closer than 10 feet
to any property line; and, if a ground sign, shall not exceed four
feet in height above the natural grade on which the sign is located.
Signs permitted in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Districts are subject to the permitting requirements of § 300-28.
A.
Apartment complexes and housing complexes shall be permitted one
sign identifying the apartment complex or housing complex and one
sign identifying each apartment house. Such signs shall be limited
to one freestanding sign no larger than eight square feet in size,
set back at least 10 feet from side lot lines and no taller than four
feet from the grade level at the sign.
B.
Signs for nonresidential commercial uses shall be limited to the size and location specifications of § 300-22A(1) and (2).
Signs permitted in the R-4 District are subject to the permitting requirements of § 300-28.
A.
Business identifications signs. All businesses in the R-4 District
shall be permitted one wall sign and either one perpendicular sign
or one freestanding sign, subject to the regulations outlined below.
Double frontage parcels shall not be permitted signage on both frontages.
Where a corner building has frontage on a street zoned R-2 and the
contiguous lot on that side street is zoned R-2, no signage shall
be permitted on the side street frontage of that corner building.
(1)
Wall sign. One wall sign, not to exceed 10 square feet. Wall signs
shall be incorporated into the facade at the first floor level parallel
to the front facade, and designed to communicate to pedestrians. No
sign shall be located higher than 15 feet above the sidewalk level,
except where a building is being rehabilitated and the original sign
was designed to be higher than 15 feet; said sign may be reproduced
upon permission of the Planning Commission. Signs flush to the facade
shall not project out from the facade greater than six inches.
(2)
Perpendicular signs. One perpendicular sign no larger than eight
square feet per side in area shall be permitted. Signs shall project
from the wall of a building no more than four feet from the building
line and shall not be nearer than four feet to the curbline of the
street. The proposed sign shall be at least eight feet from the bottom
of the sign above the ground level immediately below and shall not
in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Also, perpendicular signs shall not be erected nearer to the adjacent
property line than twice the number of feet that the sign projects
from the building. The supporting structure of the sign shall not
be included in the calculation of the sign area. The one perpendicular
sign may be permitted on both ends of a canopy.
(3)
Freestanding sign. One on-site freestanding sign near a public highway
stating the property address and/or business name will be permitted.
Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in size per side and shall
not have more than two sides. The highest point of such signs shall
not exceed four feet above grade. Such signs shall not be closer than
five feet to any lot line and shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian
visibility.
Signs permitted in the MU-1 District are subject to the permitting requirements of § 300-28.
A.
Business identification signs.
(1)
All businesses will be allowed to have on each street frontage one of each of the first three sign types listed below: wall sign, canopy or awning sign, and perpendicular sign. If multiple businesses are present on the first floor of the same building, each business will be allowed, on each street frontage, one of each of the first three sign types listed below: wall sign, canopy or awning sign, and perpendicular sign. In addition, businesses will be permitted the signs described in Subsection A(2)(a) and (b) below, not to exceed the maximum allowable signage area listed for each type. Other sign types, except those noted in § 300-20 and the remainder of this section, are expressly prohibited. Permanent window signs shall not count against the allowable square footage or the allowable number of signs.
(a)
Wall sign. On each frontage, one wall sign, not to exceed an
area based on 1 1/2 square feet of sign area per linear foot
of that frontage but not exceeding 80 square feet. Wall signs shall
be incorporated into the facade at the first floor level parallel
to the front facade, and designed to communicate to pedestrians. No
sign shall be located higher than 15 feet above the sidewalk level,
except where a building is being rehabilitated and the original sign
was designed to be higher than 15 feet; said sign may be reproduced
upon permission of the Code Enforcement Officer. Signs flush to the
facade shall not project out from the facade greater than six inches.
(b)
Awning or canopy sign. Awning or canopy signs displaying the
name of a shop, store or bona fide business are permitted upon approval
of a sign permit. The sign area for an awning or canopy sign shall
be that part of the awning or canopy that contains the graphic. The
signs must be an integral part of the awning or canopy in that any
letters or insignia must be flat and parallel to the surface of the
awning or canopy and not project from the awning or canopy surface.
The allowable area for an awning or canopy sign shall be 1/2 square
foot for each foot of occupied building frontage, but not to exceed
50 square feet. The dimensions of the proposed awning or canopy shall
not project more than five feet from the structure face to which it
is attached. The height of the awning shall not be allowed to extend
above the roofline nor above the eave line on pitched or gambrel roofs
or be lower than eight feet above the ground elevation of the wall
face of the structure to which it is attached.
(c)
Perpendicular sign. One perpendicular sign no larger than 12
square feet per side in area shall be permitted. Signs shall project
from the wall of a building no more than four feet from the building
line and shall not be nearer than four feet to the curbline of the
street. The proposed sign shall be at least eight feet from the bottom
of the sign above the ground level immediately below and shall not
in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Also, perpendicular signs shall not be erected nearer to the adjacent
property line than twice the number of feet that the sign projects
from the building. The supporting structure of the sign shall not
be included in the calculation of the sign area.
(2)
In addition to permitting the three signs listed above, each business
shall be allowed one of each of the following signs:
(a)
Upper story business directory sign. In cases where there is
occupancy of a building above the first floor by a separate and bona
fide business or businesses different from the first floor occupant,
one additional sign per business is permitted. The surface area of
such a sign will be no larger than one square foot per business, or
in the case of a directory sign displaying multiple businesses, not
to exceed 12 square feet in total area. This sign shall not be counted
in the square footage calculation for the signage entitlement for
said building.
(b)
Freestanding sign. One on-site freestanding sign near a public
highway stating the property address and/or business name will be
permitted. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in size per
side and shall not have more than two sides. The highest point of
such signs shall not exceed four feet above grade. Such signs shall
not be closer than five feet to any lot line and shall not obstruct
vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
B.
Temporary signs, including advertising and promotional banners.
(1)
No more than five such signs shall be displayed by any business at
one time and no sign permit shall be required.
(2)
Special events. A temporary banner promoting a special event at a commercial establishment may be erected for a period not to exceed 28 days. The size of the banner shall not exceed 30 square feet. Temporary sandwich boards or A-frame signs are allowed in accordance with § 300-20J. Such signs must be located on or adjacent to the commercial establishment's property, must not interfere with normal pedestrian traffic and must be kept in an attractive and safe condition. Directional off-premises signs are permitted.
(3)
Banners for charitable events. Upon registration with the City Clerk,
a charitable, service, educational, religious or not-for-profit organization
may be granted a permit to erect a street banner announcing a coming
event at which at least 100 people may reasonably be expected to attend.
The banner may be placed at a site across a street, as designated
by the Code Enforcement Officer, and kept in place for a period not
to exceed 60 days. The banner must be made of durable material and
must be kept in an attractive and safe condition. It may not exceed
50 feet in width and five feet in height, may not include advertisements
and must be removed no later than 20 business days after the event
terminates.
Signs permitted in the MU-2 District are subject to the permitting requirements of § 300-28.
A.
Business identification signs.
(1)
All businesses will be allowed to have one of each of the following: wall sign, awning or canopy sign, or perpendicular sign. If multiple businesses are present on the first floor of the same building, each business will be allowed one of each of the following: wall sign, awning or canopy sign, or perpendicular sign. In addition, businesses will be permitted the signs described in Subsection A(2)(a) and (b) below, not to exceed the maximum allowable signage area listed for each type. Other sign types, except those noted in § 300-20 and the remainder of this section, are expressly prohibited. Permanent window signs shall not count against the allowable square footage or the allowable number of signs. Where a corner building has frontage on a side street zoned R-2 and the contiguous lot on that side street is zoned R-2, no signage shall be permitted on the side street frontage of that corner building.
(a)
Wall sign. On each street frontage, one wall sign, not to exceed an area based on 1/2 square foot of sign area per linear foot of occupied building frontage but not exceeding 50 square feet. Wall signs shall be incorporated into the facade at the first floor level parallel to the facade, and designed to communicate to pedestrians. No sign shall be located higher than 15 feet above the sidewalk level, except where a building is being rehabilitated and the original sign was designed to be higher than 15 feet; said sign may be reproduced upon permission of the Planning Commission. Wall signs on upper floors for occupancies above the first floor shall be permitted by sign site plan review, as outlined in § 300-28. Signs flush to the facade shall not project out from the facade greater than six inches.
(b)
Awning or canopy sign. Awning or canopy signs displaying the
name of a shop, store or bona fide business are permitted upon approval
of a sign permit. The sign area for an awning or canopy sign shall
be that part of the awning or canopy that contains the graphic. The
signs must be an integral part of the awning or canopy in that any
letters or insignia must be flat and parallel to the surface of the
awning or canopy and not project from the awning or canopy surface.
The allowable area for an awning or canopy sign shall be 1/2 square
foot for each foot of occupied building frontage, but not to exceed
50 square feet. The dimensions of the proposed awning or canopy shall
not project more than five feet from the structure face to which it
is attached. The height of the awning shall not be allowed to extend
above the roofline or above the eaves on pitched or gambrel roofs
or be lower than eight feet above the ground elevation of the wall
face of the structure to which it is attached.
(c)
Perpendicular sign. One perpendicular sign no larger than 12
square feet per side in area shall be permitted. Signs shall project
from the wall of a building no more than four feet from the building
line and shall not be nearer than four feet to the curbline of the
street. The proposed sign shall be at least eight feet from the bottom
of the sign above the ground level immediately below and shall not
in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Also, perpendicular signs shall not be erected nearer to the adjacent
property line than twice the number of feet that the sign projects
from the building. The supporting structure of the sign shall not
be included in the calculation of the sign area.
(2)
In addition to permitting the three signs listed above, each business
shall be allowed one of each of the following signs. Perpendicular
signs, signs on upper floors for occupancies above the first floor
shall be permitted by sign site plan review.
(a)
Upper story business directory sign. In cases where there is
occupancy of a building above the first floor by a separate and bona
fide business or businesses different from the first floor occupant,
one additional sign per business is permitted. The surface area of
such a sign will be no larger than one square foot per business, or
in the case of a directory sign displaying multiple businesses, not
to exceed 12 square feet in total area. This sign shall not be counted
in the square footage calculation for the signage entitlement for
said building.
(b)
Freestanding sign. One on-site freestanding sign near a public
highway stating the property address and/or business name will be
permitted. Such signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in size per
side and shall not have more than two sides. The highest point of
such signs shall not exceed four feet above grade. Such signs shall
not be closer than five feet to any lot line and shall not obstruct
vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
(c)
Freestanding directory sign. One freestanding building directory sign indicating the name of the occupants of the building and the building number in order to direct persons to their proper destination shall be permitted. If more than one business is present on the property, a freestanding directory sign shall not be permitted in addition to a freestanding sign as described in Subsection A(2)(b) above. Signs are to be no larger than 15 square feet in area on each side, including the nameplates of all the tenants or uses.
B.
Temporary signs, including advertising and promotional banners.
(1)
No more than one such sign shall be displayed by any business at
one time and no sign permit shall be required.
(2)
Special events. A temporary banner promoting a special event at a commercial establishment may be erected for a period not to exceed 14 days. The size of the banner shall not exceed 30 square feet. Temporary sandwich boards or A-frame signs are allowed in accordance with § 300-20J. Registration with the Code Enforcement Officer is required for each sign. No more than five registrations per commercial establishment may be issued in a particular calendar year. Such signs must be located on or adjacent to the commercial establishment's property, must not interfere with normal pedestrian traffic and must be kept in an attractive and safe condition.
(3)
Banners for charitable events. Upon registration with the City Clerk,
a charitable, service, educational, religious or not-for-profit organization
may be granted a permit to erect a street banner announcing a coming
event at which at least 100 people may reasonably be expected to attend.
The banner may be placed at a site across a street, as designated
by the City Clerk, and kept in place for a period not to exceed 14
days. The banner must be made of durable material and must be kept
in an attractive and safe condition. It may not exceed 50 feet in
width and three feet in height, may not include advertisements and
must be removed no later than two business days after the event terminates.
(4)
Realty sales or rental property. When a property is for sale or rent,
one sign per realtor announcing the sale or rental is permitted at
that residence, except in the case of corner lots where one sign per
street frontage will be allowed. The sign may not exceed five square
feet on either side. In the case of all realty sales or rental signs,
signs must be kept in an attractive and safe condition and must be
removed within seven days of completion of transaction. No sign is
authorized on City property or in the public right-of-way, and no
directional signs are authorized.
Signs permitted in the C/I District are subject to the permitting requirements of § 300-28.
A.
Business identification signs.
(1)
All businesses will be allowed to have on each street frontage one of each of the first three sign types: wall sign, awning or canopy sign, or perpendicular sign. If multiple businesses are present on the first floor of the same building, each business will be allowed to have on each street frontage one of each of the first three sign types: wall sign, awning or canopy sign, or perpendicular sign. In addition, businesses will be permitted the signs described in Subsection A(2)(a) through (c) below, not to exceed the maximum allowable signage area listed for each type. Other sign types, except those noted in § 300-20 and elsewhere in this section, are expressly prohibited. Permanent window signs shall not count against the allowable square footage or the allowable number of signs. Where a corner building has frontage on a side street zoned R-2 and the contiguous lot on that side street is zoned R-2, no signage shall be permitted on the side street frontage of that corner building.
(a)
Wall sign. One wall sign, not to exceed an area based on one
square foot of sign area per linear foot of occupied building frontage
but not exceeding 100 square feet. Wall signs shall be incorporated
into the facade at the first floor level parallel to the front facade,
and designed to communicate to pedestrians. Where a building has frontage
on more than one street or public right-of-way, one wall sign is permitted
for each street frontage. In the case of multiple street or public
right-of-way frontages, additional signs are subject to the size restrictions
in this section but shall not count against the total number of allowable
signs. Signs flush to the facade shall not project out from the facade
greater than six inches.
(b)
Awning or canopy sign. Awning or canopy signs displaying the
name of a shop, store or bona fide business are permitted upon approval
of a sign permit. The sign area for an awning or canopy sign shall
be that part of the awning or canopy that contains the graphic. The
area of the sign shall be deducted from calculated entitlement area
for signs. The signs must be an integral part of the awning or canopy
in that any letters or insignia must be flat and parallel to the surface
of the awning or canopy and not project from the awning or canopy
surface. The allowable area for an awning or canopy sign shall be
1/2 square foot for each foot of occupied building frontage, but not
to exceed 60 square feet. The dimensions of the proposed awning or
canopy shall not project more than five feet from the structure face
to which it is attached. The height of the awning shall not be allowed
to extend above the roofline or eave line on pitched or gambrel roofs
or be lower than eight feet above the ground elevation of the wall
face of the structure to which it is attached.
(c)
Perpendicular sign. One perpendicular sign no larger than 16
square feet per side in area shall be permitted. Signs shall project
from the wall of a building no more than four feet from the building
line and shall not be nearer than four feet to the curbline of the
street. The proposed sign shall be at least eight feet from the bottom
of the sign above the ground level immediately below and shall not
in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Also, perpendicular signs shall not be erected nearer to the adjacent
property line than twice the number of feet that the sign projects
from the building. The supporting structure of the sign shall not
be included in the calculation of the sign area.
(2)
In addition to permitting the three signs listed above, each business
shall be allowed one of each of the following signs:
(a)
Upper story business directory sign. In cases where there is
occupancy of a building above the first floor by a separate and bona
fide business or businesses different from the first floor occupant,
one additional sign per business is permitted. Such a sign must be
located at the point of street level public access to the second floor
business and must be attached to the building parallel to the front
or side facade, as with a wall sign. The sign material must be complementary
to the building facade materials. The surface area of such a sign
will be no larger than three square feet per business, or in the case
of a directory sign displaying multiple businesses, not to exceed
12 square feet in total area. This sign shall not be counted in the
square footage calculation for the signage entitlement for said building.
(b)
Freestanding sign. One on-site freestanding sign near a public
highway stating the property address and/or business name will be
permitted. If more than one business is present on the property, a
freestanding directory sign shall not be permitted in addition to
a freestanding sign. Such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in
size per side and shall not have more than two sides. The highest
point of such signs shall not exceed six feet above grade. Such signs
shall not contain advertising or other promotional matter except for
gasoline stations, which are subject to the requirements of New York
State law related to advertising gasoline prices. Such signs shall
not be closer than five feet to any lot line and shall not obstruct
vehicular or pedestrian visibility. Each sign and its base shall complement
the existing architectural style of the building it shall serve. Sign
illumination shall be guided by other pertinent sections of these
regulations.
(c)
Freestanding directory sign. One freestanding building directory sign indicating the name of the occupants of the building and the building number in order to direct persons to their proper destination shall be permitted. If more than one business is present on the property, a freestanding directory sign shall not be permitted in addition to a freestanding sign as described in Subsection A(2)(a) above. Signs are to be no larger than 20 square feet in area on each side, including the nameplates of all the tenants or uses, and shall project not more than six feet in height above the natural grade on which the sign is located. The proposed sign's construction shall complement the architectural style and materials of the building it will serve.
B.
Temporary signs, including advertising and promotional banners.
(1)
Only one such sign shall be displayed by any business at one time
and no sign permit shall be required.
(2)
Special events. A temporary banner promoting a special event at a commercial establishment may be erected for a period not to exceed 14 days. The size of the banner shall not exceed 30 square feet. Temporary sandwich boards or A-frame signs are allowed in accordance with § 300-20J. Registration with the Code Enforcement Officer is required for each sign. No more than five registrations per commercial establishment may be issued in a particular calendar year. Such signs must be located on or adjacent to the commercial establishment's property, must not interfere with normal pedestrian traffic and must be kept in an attractive and safe condition. Directional signs are not permitted.
(3)
Realty sales or rental property. When a property is for sale or rent,
one sign per realtor announcing the sale or rental is permitted at
that residence, except in the case of corner lots where one sign per
street frontage will be allowed. The sign may not exceed 50 square
feet on either side. In the case of all realty sales or rental signs,
signs must be kept in an attractive and safe condition and must be
removed within seven days of completion of transaction. No sign is
authorized on City property or in the public right-of-way, and no
directional signs are authorized.
A.
Within 200 feet of the U District boundary, educational institution
signs shall not be erected without first obtaining a sign permit and
shall comply with the requirements in this article. Signs to be located
within 200 feet of the U District boundaries and either larger than
20 square feet in area on either side or projecting more than six
feet in height above the natural grade on which the sign is located
are subject to site plan review. Educational institution signs not
within 200 feet of the zone district boundary are not required to
procure sign permits and are not limited by this chapter.
B.
Signs for all uses not accessory to the educational institution are
limited as follows:
(1)
Apartment complexes and housing complexes shall be permitted one
sign identifying the apartment complex or housing complex and one
sign identifying each apartment house. Such signs shall be limited
to one freestanding sign no larger than eight square feet in size,
set back at least 10 feet from side lot lines and no taller than four
feet from the grade level at the sign.
(2)
Signs for nonresidential commercial uses shall be limited to the size and location specifications of § 300-22A(1) and (2).
A.
The following signs shall be permitted in a Planned Unit Development
District:
(1)
Identification signs for public and semipublic uses.
(2)
Directional signs for the control of traffic and parking and signs
for other public purposes and information.
(3)
One sign, not exceeding 20 square feet, which identifies the complex
or development. Such sign shall not be located closer than 10 feet
to any lot line.
(4)
One sign, not exceeding nine square feet, which identifies each building
or the uses within each building within the development.
(5)
For commercial uses, one business identification sign located in
each separate use or establishment for each separate use or establishment
that fronts on a public street, parking area or mall. The area of
such sign may not be more than one square foot for each lineal foot
of the building frontage which it occupies, not to exceed 30 square
feet.
(6)
Signs other than freestanding signs permitted in this district shall
not project at right angles from buildings, shall be affixed parallel
to the face of the buildings and shall not project a distance greater
than 12 inches from the building face. No sign shall project above
the roofline of any building.
(7)
Illuminated signs shall be so shielded as not to cast direct light
into the street or any adjacent property.
B.
No flashing or rotating signs shall be permitted.
A.
In cases where a single sign permit is required for any given property
or structure, the following procedure shall be adhered to.
(1)
Permit application. Application for the permit shall be made, in
writing, to the Code Enforcement Officer upon forms prescribed by
and provided by the Code Enforcement Officer and shall contain the
following information:
(a)
The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(b)
Location of buildings, structures or land to which, or upon
which, the sign is to be attached or associated.
(c)
A detailed drawing or blueprint showing a description of the
construction details and the sign; position of lighting and other
extraneous devices; and a location plan showing the position of the
sign on any building or land.
(2)
Review of permit. The Code Enforcement Officer shall consider the
application for compliance with this article and either issue or deny
a sign permit. In cases where the Code Enforcement Officer determines
that the sign design, other than dimensional qualities, is not compatible
with the appearance of the building it is located on or with the surrounding
area, the Code Enforcement Officer may defer the authority to approve
or deny a sign site permit to the Planning Commission.
(3)
Appeals. Should an applicant choose to appeal a decision by the Code
Enforcement Officer to deny issuance of a sign permit, an application
for an appeal shall be filled out and submitted along with supporting
documents to the appropriate body for action.
B.
Sign site plan. In cases where a single property or structure requires
more than one sign permit, a sign site plan will be required. All
applications for sign site plan approval are to be submitted to the
Code Enforcement Officer on forms provided. The Code Enforcement Officer
shall process all complete applications in accordance with the following
procedures:
(1)
All sign site plan approval applications to be heard by the Code
Enforcement Officer are hereby classified as "unlisted actions," under
Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) regulations.
All applications for sign site plan approval must be accompanied by
a completed short form environmental assessment for unlisted actions.
(2)
Upon receipt of a complete application, the Code Enforcement Officer
shall, within 30 days, subject to the approval of all other governmental
agencies, approve, modify or deny any application for a sign site
plan. Any modification or denial of a sign site plan shall be accompanied
by a brief statement of the reason for such modification or denial.
(3)
The Code Enforcement Officer may modify a sign site plan application,
provided that such modification does not result in the need for any
variances from these regulations. All sign site plan modifications
must directly relate to the statements of purpose and intent set forth
in this article.
(4)
In cases where the Code Enforcement Officer determines that the sign
design, other than dimensional qualities, is not compatible with the
appearance of the building it is located on or with the surrounding
area the Code Enforcement Officer may defer the authority to approve
or deny a sign site plan to the Planning Commission.
(5)
Issuance of sign permit. Once an application has been approved, the
Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a sign permit. Said permit shall
be valid for a period of 120 days from the date of issuance. The permit
may be extended one time, for a period of 60 days, upon approval of
the Code Enforcement Officer and upon payment of an additional fee,
prior to the expiration of the initial period of 120 days. If a certificate
of sign compliance is not issued within the period of 120 days, or
if applicable, the renewal period for the sign permit, said sign permit
shall expire.
(6)
Certificate of sign compliance. Within seven business days after
the placement of the approved sign, the applicant shall provide a
photograph of the sign to the Code Enforcement Officer. Upon presentation
of the evidence of erection of the sign in compliance with this article
and a sign permit, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate
of sign compliance.
(7)
Lack of compliance with sign permit. Should the Code Enforcement
Officer, upon inspection, find the sign not in compliance with the
sign permit, the applicant shall be so notified by certified mail
within 10 business days of the inspection. The applicant shall have
up to 30 business days from the date of the receipt of the certified
mail notification letter to correct the cited deficiencies and to
notify the Code Enforcement Officer of said change(s). In no event
shall said additional thirty-day period extend the validation period
for the sign permit.
C.
Fees. The fees to be paid to the City of Oneonta for the erection
of each sign and for each of the conforming signs now erected are
listed on the schedule in the City Clerk's office.
