[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees
of the Village of Pittsford 2-11-1992 by L.L. No. 1-1992. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Zoning — See Ch. 210.
[Amended 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
The sign regulations, controls, and provisions
set forth in this chapter are made in accordance with an overall plan
and program to ensure the public safety; to preserve the distinct
historic character of the Village’s buildings, neighborhoods,
and business districts; to enhance property values; to encourage business
activity; and to protect the general welfare of the Village of Pittsford.
This chapter shall establish standards to ensure commercial signs
and other advertising is compatible with the architectural and historic
significance, visual character, and scale of the Village. It is further
intended here to reduce visual clutter; to limit sign and advertising
distractions that may hamper visibility for pedestrians or motor vehicle
drivers; and to reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging
or projecting over, into, or on public rights-of-way. In enacting
this chapter, the Village recognizes that the general welfare of the
Village community is dependent upon the preservation of the Village’s
unique charm and historic character. No signs other than those expressly
permitted in this chapter shall hereafter be erected or maintained.
This chapter shall hereafter be known and cited
as the "Sign Law."
As used in this chapter, unless otherwise expressly
stated, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any sign related to a business or profession conducted, or
to a commodity or service sold or offered, upon premises where such
sign is located.
See "square footage of a sign."
Any visual message incorporated into an awning attached to
a building.
The linear measurement of a foundation of an elevation.
The inspector empowered, authorized or charged with the duty
to inspect buildings or to enforce zoning and the New York State Building
Code.
The area of the Village including Main Street from the Four
Corners to Lincoln Avenue, State Street from South Street to the Four
Corners and Monroe Avenue from the Four Corners to Washington Avenue.
[Added 1-13-2009 by L.L. No. 2-2009]
Retail establishment, banking establishment, real estate
establishment, dining establishment or personal services establishment
as herein defined.
Two or more structures sharing vehicular access from a public
street, which structures contain commercial establishment and which
may or may not contain offices.
A sign on which the visual message may be periodically changed.
A listing of two or more business enterprises on one sign.
Each outer wall or surface of a building.
To build, construct, alter, repair, display, relocate, attach,
hang, place, suspend, affix or maintain any sign, and shall also include
the painting of exterior wall signs.
A sign announcing a not-for-profit municipal, community,
civic, or organization event held within the Village of Pittsford.
[Added 1-13-2009 by L.L. No. 2-2009]
Contiguous with and sharing a boundary with a public street
or waterway.
Any sign not attached to or part of any building. Included
are pole signs, pylon signs, masonry wall-type signs and sandwich
signs.
Any sign illuminated by electricity, gas or other artificial
light, including reflective or phosphorescent light or fiber-optic
illumination.
Any sign or copy-change sign incidental to places of worship,
libraries, schools or museums.
Any light, string of lights or group of lights located or
arranged so as to cast illumination on a sign.
A single structure that contains two or more commercial establishments
and that may or may not contain offices.
A structure containing two or more offices exclusively.
A plate or sign bearing the name of the person as herein
defined, doing business upon the premises where the nameplate is located.
A sign which is illuminated by means of neon or other gas-filled
tubes.
Clinic or health-care office, or insurance or investment
office, or professional or public office.
See "multiple-office building" and "single-office building."
Two or more structures containing one or more offices exclusively.
Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company, institution or organization of any kind.
Barbershops, decorating studios, dry-cleaning outlets, funeral
homes, gasoline service stations, grooming salons, hair salons, hotels,
motels, motor inns, photography studios, repair shops, tailoring establishments
and travel agencies.
A sign, whether on its own trailer, wheels, motor vehicle
or otherwise, designed to be movable and not structurally attached
to the ground, a building, a structure or another sign.
A sign which projects from the exterior of any building and
is not parallel to the building.
Any material, structure or device or part thereof composed
of lettering, pictorial matter, logo, contrasting colors or the material
upon which colors, lettering, or pictorial matter or a logo is placed,
when located out of doors or on the exterior of any building or inside
a building in view of the general public from a street, way or waterway
for display of an advertisement, announcement, notice, directional
matter or name, and includes awning signs, sign frames, billboards,
signboards, painted wall signs, hanging signs, illuminated signs,
neon signs, pennants, fluttering devices, projecting signs or freestanding
signs, and shall also include any announcement, declaration, demonstration,
display, illustration or insignia used to advertise or promote the
interest of any person or business. Any color(s), color stripe(s)
or material(s) applied to a building or other structure, for the purpose
of identifying or promoting a business, organization, brand, logo,
or insignia, shall be deemed a sign and shall be subject to the regulations
of this chapter.
[Amended 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
An architectural feature, usually a flat, rectangular, horizontal
panel or band, found on many traditional commercial buildings above
a storefront, door or window on which painted signs, signs with raised
lettering, wood sign boards, and signs fabricated of other materials
are mounted or displayed. Sign cornices are usually painted the trim
color of the building to which they are attached. When a sign cornice
is painted a contrasting color for the purpose of identifying or promoting
a business, organization, brand, logo, or insignia, such use of color
shall be deemed a sign and shall be subject to all regulations of
this chapter.
[Added 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
A listing of two or more business enterprises on one sign.
Any frame and/or field of color, material, or texture surrounding
lettering, pictorial matter, or logo that contrasts in color, material,
or texture with the building or structure to which the sign is attached.
[Added 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
A structure containing a single commercial establishment,
and that may or may not contain offices.
A structure containing one office exclusively.
The entire sign surface area, including lettering, pictorial
matter, logo, sign field, and frame, used for the purpose of identifying
or promoting a business, organization, brand, logo, or insignia.
[Added 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
The entire sign surface area within a single, contiguous
perimeter enclosing all elements, which form an integral part of the
sign and are intended for the purpose of identifying or promoting
a business, organization, brand, logo, or insignia. Both faces of
a double-faced sign shall be included as surface area of such a sign.
[Amended 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
A sign related to a single activity or event having a duration
of no more than 30 days.
A sign visible from a sidewalk, street or other public place,
painted or affixed on glass or other window material, or located inside
within four feet of the window.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term "sign"
does not include signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge
of any governmental function or required by any law, ordinance or
governmental regulation.
The prohibitions and regulations contained in
this section shall apply to all signs, regardless of designation,
located in the Village of Pittsford, New York:
A.
A sign located on the fringe only of a roll-type awning
shall constitute the permitted sign for that elevation and shall conform
to all provisions of this chapter.
B.
Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ
only lights emitting a light of constant intensity. No sign shall
be internally lighted, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain
flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving light or lights. In no
event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be placed or directed
so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be directed
or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises
so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard
or nuisance.
C.
No gas-filled tubes (neon) shall be permitted on any exterior elevation of any building. No other gas-filled tube (neon) signs visible from a public street or waterway shall be permitted except as provided in § 168-7F(6).
D.
No projecting sign shall be erected or maintained
from any elevation of a building nor shall any sign be erected or
maintained in or upon any public or private street, sidewalk or other
right-of-way. Unless otherwise provided below, all signs shall be
affixed to a building and must be placed parallel to the building
or elevation and may not extend beyond the sides of the building or
above any roof ridge or solid parapet wall or elevation. Signs shall
not be painted or pasted on the walls of any building.
E.
No signs shall be placed on or attached to any roof
of any building, except that aviation directional signs, painted on
the surface of a roof, will be allowed if they comply with federal
and state regulations.
F.
No portable or temporary sign shall be placed on any elevation of a building or parked or otherwise located on any premises except as provided in § 168-6A(3).
[Amended 1-28-2014 by L.L. No. 2-2014]
G.
No pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other
similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices, as well as strings
of lights with bulbs larger than 2.5 volts, shall be permitted.
[Amended 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
A.
The following signs are permitted without a permit
in all districts:
(1)
Signs denoting that property is for sale, lease or
rental of the premises upon which the sign is located. The square
footage of said sign shall not exceed four square feet if it is a
one-sided sign or four square feet each side if it is a two-sided
sign. Such sign shall not be closer than three feet to any lot line
and shall not be located in or be closer than 18 inches from a property
line abutting a public right-of-way and shall not project more than
five feet in height above grade and shall be removed within 24 hours
after the time of the sale or rental. No more than one such sign is
permitted per street frontage.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by L.L. No. 2-2011]
(2)
Signs denoting the name and address of the residents
of the premises. The square footage of such signs shall not exceed
one square foot.
(3)
Signs denoting the architect, engineer or contractor,
placed on the premises where construction, repair or renovation is
in progress. The square footage of such sign shall not exceed four
square feet if it is a one-sided sign or four square feet per side
if it is a two-sided sign. Such sign shall not be located in or be
closer than 18 inches from a property line abutting a public right-of-way.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by L.L. No. 2-2011]
(4)
Historic signs or tablets and signs denoting only
the date of erection and other historic information of homes and buildings.
Such signs or tablets shall be made of cast metal. The square footage
of such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
B.
Signs permitted without a permit in the B-2 District.
In gasoline service stations or public garages, each fuel pump may
carry lettering indicating the brand name and type of fuel dispensed,
provided that the lettering or any device carrying the lettering does
not extend beyond the extremities of the pump and is not internally
illuminated. In addition, each pump may carry one sign not to exceed
one square foot in size indicating the price per gallon of the fuel
to be dispensed. The square footage of said signs shall not be included
in calculating the allowable square footage of signs. Nevertheless,
the provisions of this subsection shall not be more restrictive than
the applicable provisions of federal, state and county statutes governing
such pricing signs on pumps now in existence or as the same may be
amended from time to time.
[Amended 1-14-2003 by L.L. No. 1-2003; 12-13-2005 by L.L. No.
8-2005; 4-28-2009 by L.L. No. 8-2009]
The following commercial signs are permitted
in any nonresidential district but require a permit as herein provided.
Said signs shall denote only the name of the owner, street address,
trade names, trademarks, products sold and/or the business(es) or
activity conducted on the premises where such sign is located and
may be erected as provided herein.
A.
Single commercial building. Signs shall be permitted
as follows:
(1)
One permanent sign for said commercial establishment
per building elevation facing a public street or waterway. The total
square footage for each sign shall not exceed one square foot per
linear foot of building frontage facing said public street or waterway,
and in no case shall it be greater than 30 square feet on the principal
elevation nor greater than eight square feet on each other elevation
facing a public street or waterway.
B.
Multiple commercial building. Signs shall be permitted
as follows:
(1)
Where an entrance serves a single commercial establishment:
one sign, located on the same elevation as the entrance to said commercial
establishment. The total square footage for the sign shall not exceed
one square foot per linear foot of building frontage of said elevation
occupied by said commercial establishment, and in no case shall it
be greater than 30 square feet.
(2)
Where an entrance services more than one commercial
establishment: one sign per commercial establishment, located on the
same elevation as the entrance to said commercial establishments.
(a)
All such signs shall be located in a group,
the square footage of which shall not exceed one square foot per linear
foot of building frontage of said elevation occupied by said uses,
and in no case shall it be greater than 30 square feet. The total
square footage of each sign within the group shall not exceed one
square foot per linear foot of building frontage of said elevation
occupied by that commercial establishment.
(b)
The individual sign components comprising the
group shall be compatible one with the other in style, materials,
color and lettering.
C.
Commercial complex. Signs shall be permitted as follows:
(1)
One freestanding sign, denoting only the name and/or
the address of said commercial complex. The square footage of each
sign shall not exceed 16 square feet on one side, not to exceed two
sides, shall not exceed five feet in height from grade and shall in
no way obstruct vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
(2)
One directory sign, which sign shall be one-sided
and shall not exceed in size the number of commercial establishments
and offices listed times one square foot. The individual sign components
comprising the directory shall conform to one another in size, style,
materials, color and lettering and shall contain only identification
and direction to several commercial establishments and offices. Said
directory sign may be freestanding; if freestanding, said sign shall
not exceed five feet in height from grade and shall in no way obstruct
vehicular or pedestrian visibility. The location of freestanding directory
signs shall be by approval of the Planning Board.
(3)
One sign per commercial establishment within the complex:
(a)
Where an entrance serves a single commercial
establishment: one sign, located on the same elevation as the entrance
to said commercial establishment. The total square footage for the
sign shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of building
frontage of said elevation occupied by said commercial establishment,
and in no case shall it be greater than 30 square feet.
(b)
Where an entrance serves more than one commercial
establishment: one sign per commercial establishment, located on the
same elevation as the entrance to said commercial establishments.
[1]
All such signs shall be located in a group,
the square footage of which shall not exceed one square foot per linear
foot of building frontage of said elevation occupied by said uses,
and in no case shall it be greater than 30 square feet. The total
square footage of each sign within the group shall not exceed one
square foot per linear foot of building frontage of said elevation
occupied by that commercial establishment.
[2]
The individual sign components comprising the
group shall be compatible one with the other in style, materials,
color and lettering.
D.
(Reserved)
E.
Hotel and gasoline service station. Signs shall be
permitted as follows:
(1)
In lieu of the building-mounted sign permitted by
this chapter, a freestanding one- or two-sided sign may be erected
for the purpose of identifying the name of a hotel or gasoline service
station. Each side of the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in
area per side, and the sign shall have a maximum height of five feet.
F.
Additional allowable signage: commercial. The following commercial signs shall be permitted, with a permit as herein provided, in addition to the signs permitted in § 168-7A through E. The square footage of the signs in § 168-7F shall not be included in calculating the allowable square footage of signs for a location.
(1)
One permanent sign per commercial establishment shall
be permitted at each auxiliary entrance or stairway to an entrance
to said commercial establishment. The square footage of each sign
shall not exceed four square feet.
(a)
Exception. Where an auxiliary entrance into
a single commercial building faces a public street or waterway, only
one sign for said commercial establishment shall be permitted on that
elevation.
(2)
One permanent sign per commercial establishment shall
be permitted upon each glass door of that commercial establishment.
The square footage of each sign shall not exceed 20% of the square
footage of the glass surface to which it is attached or behind which
it is located.
(3)
One permanent window sign per commercial establishment
shall be permitted in one window or behind one glass wall of that
commercial establishment. The square footage of said sign shall not
exceed 20% of the square footage of the glass surface to which it
is attached or behind which it is located.
(4)
One warning sign, clearance sign or notice, having
a square footage of no more than two square feet, necessary for the
safety of the public shall be permitted.
(5)
(Reserved)
(6)
One permanent address sign per street address shall
be permitted. The address sign shall contain numbers and letters and
shall be no greater than six inches in height. Said sign shall contain
a street address only.
(8)
"Open" or "welcome" flags.
[Added 7-22-2014 by L.L. No. 12-2014]
(a)
Cloth flags stating "open" or "welcome" shall be allowed in
commercial districts on a limited basis. The requirements shall include,
but not be limited to, the following:
[1]
The bottom of the flag shall be located a minimum of eight feet
above the sidewalk.
[2]
The flag shall not extend more than two-thirds the width of
the sidewalk, measured from the buildings. Where no sidewalk exists,
the Building Inspector will determine if and where a flag might be
located.
[3]
Flags will only be displayed while the business is open.
[4]
Flags and flagpoles will be maintained in good condition and
will be safely displayed.
[5]
Flags and flagpoles will be subject to any other conditions
required by the Building Inspector.
[6]
The maximum flag size shall be three feet by five feet.
(b)
Businesses desiring to install and maintain an "open" or "welcome"
flag will obtain the approval of the Building Inspector prior to installing,
mounting or displaying such a flag.
(c)
It will be the sole determination of the Building Inspector
to allow or disallow the installation and/or continued use of an "open"
or "welcome" flag.
The following office signs are permitted in
any nonresidential district, but require a permit as herein provided.
Said signs shall denote only the name of the owner, street address,
trade names, trademarks and/or the business(es) or activity conducted
on the premises where such sign is located and may be erected as provided
herein:
A.
Single-office building. Signs shall be permitted as
follows:
(1)
One permanent sign for said office use. The total
square footage for such sign shall not exceed one square foot per
linear foot of the building frontage upon which such sign is erected,
and in no case shall it be greater than 30 square feet.
B.
Multiple-office building. Signs shall be permitted
as follows:
(1)
One permanent sign, naming the office building, the
total square footage of which shall not exceed one square foot per
linear foot of building frontage upon which such sign is erected,
and in no case shall it be greater than 30 square feet.
(2)
One sign per office or professional at the principal
entrance for said use(s). The square footage of each sign shall not
exceed one square foot. All signs at the same entrance shall be located
in a group or in a directory sign. All signs on the same building
shall be compatible with one another in style, materials, color and
lettering.
(3)
A sign permit shall be issued for the multiple-office
building sign plan to include plans for any building name, address
sign and directory signs. Copy changes within directory signs shall
not require a new sign permit.
C.
Office complex. Signs shall be permitted as follows:
(1)
One freestanding sign, denoting only the name and/or
address of said office complex, at each entrance from a public way.
The square footage of each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet on
one side, not to exceed two sides, shall not exceed five feet in height
from grade and shall in no way obstruct vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
(2)
One directory sign, which sign shall be one-sided
and shall not exceed in size the number of offices listed times one
square foot. The individual sign components comprising the directory
shall conform one to another in size, style, materials, color and
lettering and shall contain only identification and direction to several
offices. Said directory sign may be freestanding; if freestanding
said sign shall not exceed five feet in height from grade and shall
in no way obstruct vehicular or pedestrian visibility. The location
of freestanding directory signs shall be by approval of the Planning
Board.
(3)
One nameplate per office or professional. The square
footage of each nameplate shall not exceed one square foot. Nameplates
shall be used only for identification in connection with a professional
or office use conducted on the premises. Such nameplate(s) shall be
attached flat to a wall or door of the structure. Where more than
one nameplate is to appear at an entrance or where several entrances
of a single structure or several structures within a single complex
will have such nameplates, said nameplates shall conform one to another
in size, style, materials, color and lettering.
(4)
A sign permit shall be issued for the office complex
sign plan, including plans for any standing sign, directory sign and
nameplates. Copy changes within the directory sign or upon nameplates
shall not require a new sign permit.
D.
Office in a single or multiple commercial building.
Signs shall be permitted as follows:
(1)
For each office, one sign, affixed next to or upon
the street entrance door to said office, the square footage of which
shall not exceed one square foot in size. All signs at the same entrance
shall be located in a group or in a directory sign. All sign(s) shall
be compatible in style, materials, color and lettering with the commercial
sign(s) located on said building.
(2)
A sign permit shall be issued for any directory sign(s).
Copy changes within a directory sign shall not require a new sign
permit.
E.
Office in a commercial complex. Signs shall be permitted
as follows:
(1)
For each office, one sign, affixed next to or upon
the street entrance door to said office, the square footage of which
shall not exceed one square foot in size. All signs at the same entrance
shall be located in a group or in a directory sign. All sign(s) shall
be compatible in style, materials, color and lettering with the commercial
sign(s) located on said building.
(2)
A sign permit shall be issued for any directory sign(s)
affixed to a building. Copy changes within said directory sign(s)
shall not require a new sign permit.
F.
Additional allowable signage: office. The following office signs shall be permitted, with a permit as herein provided, in addition to the signs permitted in § 168-8A through E. The square footage of the signs in § 168-8F shall not be included in calculating the allowable square footage of signs for a location.
(1)
One permanent sign per office use shall be permitted
at each auxiliary entrance or stairway to an entrance to said office.
The square footage of said sign(s) shall not exceed one square foot.
(2)
One permanent sign per office use shall be permitted
upon each glass door of that office use. The square footage of each
sign shall not exceed 20% of the square footage of the glass surface
to which it is attached or behind which it is located.
(3)
One permanent window sign per office use shall be
permitted in one window or behind one glass wall of that office use.
The square footage of said sign shall not exceed 20% of the square
footage of the glass surface to which it is attached or behind which
it is located.
(4)
One warning sign, clearance sign or notice, having
a square footage of no more than two square feet, necessary for the
safety of the public shall be permitted.
(5)
Two signs indicating or calling attention to traffic
entrances and exits shall be permitted, provided that, if said signs
are illuminated, such illumination shall cease at the close of business
hours or 11:00 p.m., whichever is earlier, and that the square footage
of each sign shall not exceed four square feet. Such signs shall contain
the words "IN," "OUT," "ENTRANCE" or "EXIT" only, shall not be nearer
than five feet to any lot line and shall not project more than five
feet above grade.
(6)
One permanent address sign per street address shall
be permitted. The address sign shall contain numbers and letters and
shall be no greater than six inches in height. Said sign shall contain
a street address only.
One nameplate per use shall be permitted but
shall require a permit as herein provided. The square footage of said
nameplate shall not exceed one square foot. Said nameplate shall be
used only for identification of a profession or business conducted
on the premises. Such nameplate shall be attached flat to a wall or
structure. If more than one nameplate shall be attached to the structure,
all such nameplates shall be located in a group. The individual components
comprising the group shall be compatible with one another in style,
materials, color and lettering.
In any nonresidential district a building which
was constructed prior to 1900 may have one sign indicating the historic
name of said building, but a permit is required as herein provided,
subject to the following provisions and to prior approval of the Architectural
and Preservation Review Board:
A.
The architectural integrity of the building shall
have been maintained or restored.
B.
The historic name shall reflect the name or use of
the building prior to 1900, but in no way shall the historic name
repeat or reflect the name of any current use of the structure.
C.
The style, materials, color and lettering shall relate
to the period reflected by said name.
D.
The total square footage for said sign shall not exceed
1/2 square foot per linear foot of building frontage upon which said
sign is erected and in no case shall it be greater than 15 square
feet, or a total square footage deemed to be architecturally and historically
appropriate by the Architectural and Preservation Review Board.
E.
The architectural integrity of the building and the
architectural and historic appropriateness of the name, size and placement
of said sign on the building as well as the style, materials, color
and lettering are subject to prior approval of the Architectural and
Preservation Review Board.
F.
The square footage of said sign shall not be included
in calculating the allowable square footage of signs for that location.
The following institutional signs are permitted
in any district but require a permit as herein provides:
A.
One sign or copy-change sign customarily incidental to places of worship, libraries, schools or museums, when said institutional use is the only use occupying the structure. The square footage of such sign or copy-change sign shall not exceed 12 square feet and shall be located on the premises of such institution. Said sign need not be attached to the structure. When an institutional use is not the only use occupying a structure, then said sign or copy-change sign shall be attached to the structure as provided in § 168-5.
[Amended 11-14-1995 by L.L. No. 3-1995; 1-13-2009 by L.L. No. 2-2009; 2-22-2011 by L.L. No. 2-2011; 11-13-2012 by L.L. No.
4-2012; 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013; 1-28-2014 by L.L. No. 2-2014; 3-11-2014 by L.L. No. 6-2014]
A.
The Village Board of Trustees supports community events
held within the Village of Pittsford. These events benefit Village
and town residents and Village merchants. In order to allow the announcement
of events in an orderly manner, event signs are subject to the following
regulations.
(1)
Banners.
(a)
Banners shall be limited to announcing municipal
events approved by and held within the Village.
(b)
Banner design, location, and mounting shall
be approved by the Village of Pittsford Building Inspector.
(c)
Banners shall be placed only within the Central
Business District. Banners will require a permit from the Building
Inspector.
(d)
Banners shall be limited to two weeks prior
to an event and shall be removed within two days after the event.
B.
Political signs, which are defined as signs that by
their content promote or support the candidate or candidates for any
public office or which advocate a position on an upcoming ballot proposition,
are also permitted. These political signs shall be nonilluminated
signs, which shall not exceed six square feet in size and shall not
be closer than three feet to any lot line and shall not be located
in or closer than 18 inches from a property line abutting a public
right-of-way, and shall not measure more than six feet in height above
grade level. Such political signs may be erected not more than 90
days prior to the election or proposition to which they relate and
shall be removed by the owner or occupant of the property not later
than seven days thereafter.
C.
Temporary signs as provided for in this section are
permitted without Board approval and without a permit.
[Amended 1-11-2000 by L.L. No. 1-2000; 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
After the effective date of this chapter and
except as otherwise herein provided, no person shall erect any sign
as defined herein without first obtaining prior approval from the
Architectural and Preservation Review Board and a permit from the
Village Building Inspector.
[Amended 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
Application for the permit shall be made in
writing, in duplicate, to the Pittsford Building Inspector and shall
contain the following information:
A.
The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
B.
The location of the building, structure or land to
which or upon which the sign is to be erected.
C.
A detailed scale drawing or blueprint showing a description
of the construction details of the sign and showing the lettering
and/or pictorial matter composing the sign; position of lighting or
other extraneous devices; a location plan showing the position of
the sign on any building or land; the linear measurement of the foundation
of the elevation upon which the sign is to be erected; and the position
of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures and to any
private or public street or highway or waterway.
D.
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure
or land to which or on which the sign is to be erected, in the event
that the applicant is not the owner thereof.
E.
A copy of any required or necessary electrical permit
issued for said sign or a copy of the application therefor.
Fees shall be determined by resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Village of Pittsford, New York.
[Amended 1-11-2000 by L.L. No. 1-2000; 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
It shall be the duty of the Village Building
Inspector, upon the filing of an application for a permit to erect
a sign, to examine such plans, specifications and other data submitted
with the application and, if necessary, the building or premises upon
which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure.
In all cases where it shall appear that the proposed sign is in compliance
with all the requirements of this chapter and other laws and ordinances
of the Village of Pittsford, the Village Building Inspector shall
then submit the application for a sign permit to the Architectural
and Preservation Review Board for approval. Upon approval by the Architectural
and Preservation Review Board, the Building Inspector shall issue
a sign permit. If the sign authorized under any such permit has not
been completed within six months from the date of the issuance of
such permit, the permit shall become null and void, but may be renewed,
within 10 days from the expiration thereof, for good cause shown upon
the payment of an additional fee.
Except as otherwise provided herein, a permit
required by and issued pursuant to any of the provisions herein shall
be valid for a period of five years from the date of such permit.
Prior to the expiration of the five-year period, the owner of such
sign shall apply to the Building Inspector for a renewal of the permit.
If the Building Inspector, after inspection, finds that the sign is
kept in good repair and in accordance with the original permit, he
shall issue a renewal of such permit which shall again be valid for
a period of five years. Application for renewal shall be made every
five years in accordance with these provisions.
A.
No sign, whether new or existing, shall hereafter
be erected or altered, except in conformity with the provisions of
this chapter. However, notwithstanding any provisions contained herein,
the sign must be kept clean, neatly painted and free from all hazards,
such as but not limited to faulty wiring and loose fastenings, and
must be maintained at all times in such safe condition so as not to
be detrimental to the public health or safety.
B.
In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing
provisions, the Building Inspector shall give written or personal
notice, specifying the violation, to the named owner of the sign and
the named owner of the land upon which the sign is erected sent to
the addresses as stated in the application for the sign permit, to
conform or remove such sign. The sign shall thereupon be conformed
by the owner of the sign and the owner of the land within 30 days
from the date of said notice. In the event that such sign shall not
be so conformed within 30 days, the Building Inspector shall thereupon
revoke the permit, and such sign shall be removed by the named owner
of the sign and/or the named owner of the land.
[Amended 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
[Amended 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
A.
Any sign existing on or after the effective date of
this chapter which no longer advertises an existing business conducted
or product sold on the premises shall be removed by the owner of the
premises upon which such sign is located after written notice as provided
herein. The Building Inspector, upon determining that any such sign
exists, shall notify the owner of the premises, in writing, to remove
said sign within 30 days from the date of such notice. Upon failure
to comply with such notice within the prescribed time, the Building
Inspector is hereby authorized to remove or cause removal of such
sign and shall assess all costs and expenses incurred in said removal
against the land or building on which such sign is located.
B.
If the Building Inspector shall find that any sign
regulated by this chapter is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to
the public, the Building Inspector shall give written notice to the
named owner of the sign and the named owner of the land upon which
the sign is erected, who shall remove or repair said sign within 30
days from the date of said notice. If said sign is not removed or
repaired, the Building Inspector shall revoke the permit issued for
such sign, as herein provided, and may remove or repair said sign
and shall assess all costs and expenses incurred in said removal or
repair against the land or building upon which such sign was located.
The Building Inspector may cause any sign which is a source of immediate
peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
All signs which have been erected and are in
existence as of the effective date of this chapter which do not conform
to this new chapter shall be known as "preexisting nonconforming signs."
Such preexisting nonconforming signs need not comply with the provisions
of this chapter except as follows:
A.
A change in the size or location of a preexisting
nonconforming sign displayed by a particular commercial establishment,
office or institution shall terminate the protected status of that
preexisting nonconforming sign.
B.
A change in the type of use in the premises for which
the preexisting nonconforming sign(s) has been maintained shall terminate
each sign's protected status as a preexisting nonconforming sign.
C.
When the use of a preexisting nonconforming sign is
abandoned for a period of six months, its protected status as a preexisting
nonconforming sign shall terminate.
D.
A change in the ownership of a preexisting nonconforming
sign alone shall not terminate its protected status. The owner or
legal possessor of a preexisting nonconforming sign shall have the
right to repair it or restore it, but only to its original condition.
Such repairs or restoration shall not terminate its protected status,
unless the said type of use shall have been abandoned as hereinabove
provided.
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of
Pittsford may, in appropriate cases, after public notice and hearing
and subject to appropriate safeguards, vary or modify the application
of this chapter in harmony with its general purpose and intent to
prevent undue hardship.
[Amended 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the
Building Inspector or the Architectural and Preservation Review Board
relative to the provisions of this chapter may appeal such decision
to the Zoning Board of Appeals as provided in the zoning regulations
of the Village of Pittsford and shall comply with all procedural requirements
prescribed by such Zoning Board of Appeals upon payment of a fee as
determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
This chapter is applicable within the Village
of Pittsford, New York, and shall be construed as an exercise of powers
of such municipality to regulate, control and restrict the use of
buildings, structures and land for outdoor advertising purposes, displays,
signs and other advertising media in order to promote the health,
safety, morals and general welfare of the community, including the
protection and preservation of the property of the municipality and
its inhabitants and of peace and good order, for the benefit of trade
and all matters related thereto.
This chapter will take effect pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the Village Law of the State of New York.
However, to the extent that the provisions of the former Village of
Pittsford Sign Ordinance[1] are the same as those contained in the revised Village
Sign Law, said provisions of the former Sign Ordinance shall be, in
effect, continued and be in full force and effect as of the date of
the adopting of said former Sign Ordinance.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former Sign Ordinance was
adopted 12-11-1973.
It shall be unlawful to erect, alter and/or
maintain a sign in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Expenses
and costs necessarily incurred by the village to enforce said provisions
shall be assessed against the property on which a violation is found
to exist.
[Added 11-14-1996 by L.L. No. 3-1995; amended 4-23-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013; 7-22-2014 by L.L. No. 9-2014]
In addition to the other provisions of this
chapter, newly located or relocated businesses in the Village shall
have the right to announce the location or relocation with a special
permit sign. The following conditions apply to such a sign:
A.
The sign
may be exhibited during a period of time of no more than 90 days commencing
at the time the business temporary sign permit is issued.
B.
The sign
may be a two-sided portable sign or a two-sided freestanding sign,
neither of which shall be located in the public right-of-way. The
sign may be affixed to or parallel to the wall of the building in
which the business is located and in any such case it is to be easily
removable.
C.
The size of the sign shall be no greater that the provisions for sign size in § 168-7 of this chapter, and portable signs shall be no larger that six square feet on each side.
D.
The temporary sign permit shall be issued by the Building Inspector upon written application showing the location of the sign, its size and lettering proposed as well as the name, address and telephone number of the applicant. In issuing such temporary permits, the Building Inspector shall be guided by the legislative intent contained in § 168-1 and § 168-23 of this chapter.
[Added 5-14-1996 by L.L. No. 6-1996]
A.
Criminal penalty. Any person who violates any provision
of this article shall upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine
not to exceed $250 or to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 15
days, or both.
B.
Civil penalties; construal.
(1)
Obedience to the provisions set forth herein may be enforced by criminal information for the penalties herein prescribed, as well as by prosecution of the offender as provided in Subsection A of this section, or by civil action for a penalty or by civil remedy at law or equity by way of injunction or otherwise to abate or prevent a violation of the provision of this article.
(2)
Neither a judgment in nor the pendency of a criminal
prosecution for an alleged violation of the provisions of this article
nor a judgment in or the pendency of a civil action of law or in equity
shall be a bar to the other form of proceeding.
(3)
The imposition of a penalty for a violation of this
article shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue, and
the remedies herein provided for penalties and civil action to enjoin
or abate a violation shall be cumulative.
