[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Port Chester 11-17-2003
by L.L. No. 11-2003. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Signs and billboards — See Ch. 272.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Ch. 336, Weeds and Grass, adopted 6-20-1966,
as amended in its entirety 4-26-1989 by L.L. No. 11-1989, was repealed 11-3-1997
by L.L. No. 17-1997.
The Board of Trustees hereby finds that the unregulated presence of
merchandise in storefront windows is not conducive to a pleasing streetscape,
is not in keeping with the aesthetic character of the village, and poses a
threat to the public safety in that emergency personnel are curtailed in their
ability to monitor the security of the premises. The Board further finds that
business owners have the need to display samples of their merchandise to attract
customers and promote the commerce of the village. With this local law, it
is the intention of the Board of Trustees to seek a balance between these
competing interests by adopting reasonable regulations with respect to this
matter.
First-floor display windows and glass entry doors for commercial premises
are hereby regulated as follows:
A.
DISPLAY CASES
STOREFRONT DISPLAY
Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A window display case(s) that is located on either side of a central
entranceway leading to a commercial establishment used for the display of
sample wares, merchandise and stock-in-trade.
A window display or other area in the front or along the interior
entrance of a commercial establishment that is solely dedicated to the display,
for advertising purposes, of samples of products for sale on the premises
of such establishment.
B.
Regulations.
(1)
Storage of merchandise, stock-in-trade or other wares
may be permitted within three feet of the storefront window, provided it is
screened by an interior or exterior panel consisting of a solid finished material.
Such storage of merchandise, stock-in-trade or other wares shall not exceed
five feet in height as measured from the sidewalk immediately adjacent to
the storefront window. Those portions of the storefront window located above
five feet shall be kept clear and unobstructed to ensure unfettered visual
access into the establishment from the adjacent sidewalk.
(2)
When there is no screening provided by an interior or
exterior panel consisting of a solid finished material, storage of merchandise,
stock-in-trade or other wares shall be set back at three feet back from the
storefront window. Merchandise shall be stored no more than five feet in height
and shall provide unfettered visual access into the commercial establishment
from the adjacent sidewalk.
(3)
Window displays or display cases shall be permitted,
provided that they are set back a minimum of 12 inches from the storefront
window. Such display shall not exceed five feet in height as measured from
the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the storefront window.
(4)
For commercial establishments that have a wall which
is at least four feet in height before the start of the storefront window,
storage shall be allowed, provided it does not exceed the height of the wall
where it meets the window. Those portions of the storefront window located
above five feet shall be kept free and unobstructed.
(5)
For commercial establishments that have existing permanently
installed equipment backing up against the storefront window, such equipment
shall be screened using an interior or exterior panel consisting of a solid
finished material. Those portions of the storefront window located above the
equipment shall be kept clear and unobstructed.
A violation of this chapter shall constitute an offense punishable by
a fine not exceeding $250 or by imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both.
