[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Spencerport 9-3-2020 by L.L. No. 4-2020.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building code administration and enforcement — See Ch. 125.
Flea markets — See Ch. 157.
Site plan review — See Ch. 263.
Zoning — See Ch. 340.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law repealed former Ch. 259, Signs, adopted 7-13-2005 by L.L. No. 2-2005 (Ch. 105 of the 1988 Code), as amended.
This chapter shall be known as the "Sign Law."
The purpose of these regulations is to:
A. 
Protect the public health, safety and welfare by regulating the number, location, construction, installation, illumination and maintenance of all signs in the Village.
B. 
Establish standards to permit adequate identification of the use of property, to provide for free speech, to protect property values, to avoid visual and lighting pollution, to create an attractive economic and business climate, and to enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community.
C. 
Reduce physical obstructions which may contribute to vehicular and pedestrian accidents.
D. 
Recognize that the Village was formed on the banks of the Erie Canal and its development was tied to early nineteenth-century waterborne transportation and that the Village wishes to celebrate the best elements of that early time and to build on the architectural heritage and historic patterns of development.
E. 
Require that all signs shall be legible, attractive and compatible with the sign's surroundings. The appearance, character and quality of the community is affected by the location, size, construction and graphic design of its signs. Therefore, such signs should convey their information clearly and simply to enhance their surroundings.
A. 
Permits required. Except as otherwise provided, all signs shall require a sign permit to be issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter prior to erecting and maintaining such sign in the Village.
B. 
Permitting authority. The Zoning Board of Appeals is responsible for the issuance of sign permits where a sign is not located in the Architectural Review District. The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for sign permits where the sign is located in the Architectural Review District, requiring a sign package approval.
C. 
Sign permit expiration. A sign permit shall be valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance. If said sign is not erected within the time period specified, said sign permit shall become void and the owner shall apply for a new sign permit, which shall be subject to these regulations and the payment of a new sign permit fee.
D. 
Sign permit applications.
(1) 
All applications for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms prescribed and provided by the Code Enforcement Officer, shall include payment of the application fee, and shall contain the following information:
(a) 
Name, address and telephone number of the owner and a letter from the owner authorizing the application.
(b) 
The location of any building or structure upon which the sign is to be erected.
(c) 
A detailed drawing or print to a scale not exceeding one inch equals one foot, showing the construction details of the sign (including dimensions, shape, size, colors, materials and name of sign maker), the lettering and/or pictorial matter and the position of lighting or other extraneous devices; and a location plan drawn to a scale not exceeding one inch equals 20 feet, showing the position of the sign on any building or structure, including building elevation, any private or public street or highway adjacent to the site.
(d) 
The zoning district in which the sign is to be placed and reference cited to the sign requirements as contained in this chapter.
(e) 
Photographs of all other signs on the same land and notation whether those other signs are conforming, nonconforming, or legally nonconforming.
(f) 
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or on which the sign is to be erected.
(g) 
The applicant's signature attesting to the accuracy of the application.
(2) 
The Code Enforcement Officer's review of all sign permits shall be based upon the completed application form, any accompanying photos, drawings and a site inspection.
A. 
B and C Districts. Except as otherwise provided herein, all signs in the B and C Zoning Districts shall comply with the following design guidelines:
(1) 
Initial considerations.
(a) 
Fit the sign in the sign space. Many of Spencerport's nineteenth-century commercial buildings on Union Street were designed with a horizontal lintel sign space stretching across the top of the storefront. A horizontal wall sign may be secured in the sign space or letters may be painted or applied directly to the lintel surface. Although there are square-foot limitations for wall signs, the proportions of the building with the sign and with the neighboring buildings and signs will determine the appropriate size.
(b) 
Where no sign space exists. If the horizontal sign space does not exist on the building, there may be adequate wall area for a wall sign with a vertical character or for a projecting sign. Both of these sign types are limited to a maximum of nine square feet in area, except in areas where the abundance of signs and their proximity to one another necessitates a smaller sign format.
(c) 
Do not cover architectural details. In studying the architecture of your building, whether it is old or new, it is important to notice, respect, and retain the cornice lines, lintels, door frame details, et cetera. Be sure that your proposed sign does not cover, obscure, or become inharmonious with existing architectural features and proportions.
(d) 
The basis for decisions on sign type, sign size, and sign location should come from architectural concerns which complement the best of nineteenth-century architecture.
(e) 
The details of the sign will also need the careful attention of the applicant, perhaps a designer, and the sign builder. Whoever works out the details will need to produce a drawing, to scale, of the proposed sign, including the lettering type, layout, artwork, colors, et cetera.
(f) 
In general, the sign represents the shop or the company in the best manner possible.
(g) 
The guidelines for details include the following:
[1] 
Lettering with an historic precedent is preferred. Lettering that is too bold, harsh in its simplicity, or trendy is not permitted.
[2] 
A carefully thought-out color scheme of somewhat subdued colors is encouraged. There is no specific limitation on the number of colors used in order to allow creative artwork. The use of black and white alone is discouraged.
[3] 
While Spencerport's earliest signs were often simple rectangular shapes, decorative variations are preferred. Variations to the rectangular signboard became popular in the late 19th century, and curved and oval shapes were introduced. Often the lines of the lettering were curved to follow the shape of the sign board.
(h) 
If the proposed sign is to be projecting from the building, special attention should be given to the design of the bracket. Historically, brackets were constructed of wood or wrought iron. The design of the bracket should reflect the shape of the sign and should enhance, not dominate, the sign.
(2) 
Signs located in the ARD shall also comply with the Architectural Design requirements of Chapter 340 and other applicable law.
A. 
Wall signs.
(1) 
Definition. A "wall sign" is a sign securely affixed to a wall, or painted on a wall, and not projecting beyond the building face fronting on a street or parking lot, and not above the highest line of the building to which it is attached.
(2) 
Size and format restrictions.
(a) 
Horizontal format signs shall not exceed two feet in height.
[1] 
A wall sign with a horizontal format for a first-floor establishment shall have a square footage not exceeding one square foot per linear foot of building face, not exceeding 20 square feet. The "building face" is the primary entrance facade.
[2] 
On a sign with a horizontal format, the maximum allowable height for lettering shall not be more than 3/4 of the total height of the sign.
(b) 
Vertical format signs shall not exceed six square feet.
(3) 
Placement.
(a) 
A wall sign must be located at or near a public entrance.
(b) 
A wall sign is permitted for each public entrance of a business.
(c) 
A wall sign is permitted for each building side of a business when it is located on a corner lot with a maximum of two signs.
(d) 
The location of a wall sign shall not obscure any architectural elements of the building on which it is placed, including but not limited to windows, transoms, cornices, trim, et cetera.
(4) 
Combinations.
(a) 
A wall sign may be used in combination with symbol sign and/or menu box, window sign, or awning sign.
(b) 
A wall sign may be used in combination with a projecting sign that does not exceed two square feet except in residential neighborhoods.
(5) 
Signage for second-story business.
(a) 
Total wall sign area allowed for a business establishment located on an upper floor shall not exceed 1/2 square foot per linear foot of building face nor more than 10 square feet in the area above the first-story window trim, cornice, or lintel. A building face may have up to 15 square feet of total sign area for two or more businesses located on upper floors, provided each business has its own entrance (building face for second-floor establishments to be measured at second floor, for third-floor establishments at third floor, etc.).
(b) 
If one business is located on an upper floor served by its own entrance, a wall sign not to exceed one square foot in size may be used at the first-floor entrance.
(c) 
If two or more businesses are located on the upper floor(s), sharing the same entrance, the applicant must use a directory sign.
B. 
Projecting signs.
(1) 
Definition. A "projecting sign" is supported by a building wall and projects from the wall.
(2) 
Size. The maximum total area of a projecting sign on a one-story building shall be no more than 16 square feet per sign face.
(3) 
Placement.
(a) 
A projecting sign must be located at or near the public entrance.
(b) 
One projecting sign shall be allowed for each entrance door or set of entrances of a business establishment.
(c) 
A projecting sign, as measured from its closest point to the sidewalk, shall be not less than seven feet six inches above the sidewalk.
(d) 
A projecting sign shall be separated from the building face from which it projects by no less than three inches and shall project not more than four feet from that face or 2/3 of the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(e) 
The highest point of a projecting sign and its supporting frame shall be no higher than the top of the second-story windowsills of the building from which the sign projects.
(f) 
All projecting signs over a public way, such as a sidewalk, come under the jurisdiction of the Code Enforcement Officer and require its approval.
(4) 
Sign support.
(a) 
No sign shall project beyond the bracket on which it is hung.
(b) 
A projecting sign or its supporting bracket shall not extend above the top cornice line of the building from which the sign projects.
(5) 
Combinations.
(a) 
A projecting sign may be combined with a window sign or a menu box.
(b) 
A projecting sign that does not exceed two square feet may be used in combination with a wall sign except in residential neighborhoods.
(c) 
A projecting sign may incorporate a symbol sign.
C. 
Symbol signs.
(1) 
Definition. A "symbol sign" is a three-dimensional representation of a product or service that a business sells.
(2) 
Size. The area of a symbol sign shall be no more than 1/2 the allowable area for a projecting sign. The area shall be calculated by measuring both the front view and one side view of the object. The front and side views are considered to be those which will fit into a rectangle or other geometric shape.
(3) 
Placement. See Projecting signs, § 259-5B.
(4) 
Sign support. See Projecting signs, § 259-5B.
(5) 
Combinations.
(a) 
A symbol sign may be used in combination with one of the following: wall sign, window sign, or menu box.
(b) 
A symbol sign may be incorporated as part of a projecting sign.
D. 
Window signs.
(1) 
Definition. A "window sign" is a sign affixed to, and inside, the glass of a window or door of a business or that is visible through a window or door and placed on a permanent basis within one foot of the glass. For the purposes of this definition, "permanent basis" shall be defined as any time longer than 30 days.
(2) 
Size. The area of window signs shall not exceed 30% of the window area visible from the exterior, or 30% of the glass area of any required exit door. Such 30% limit shall include all permanent, special sale or event signs employed as window signs.
(3) 
Combinations. Window signs may be used in combination with one of the following: projecting sign, wall sign, symbol sign, menu box, or awning sign.
E. 
Flag signs.
(1) 
Definition. A flag, with the exception of a national or state flag, bearing information relating to or identifying a business is defined as a "flag sign."
(2) 
Size. None; flag signs are prohibited.
F. 
Awning signs.
(1) 
Definition. An "awning sign" is a sign painted or sewn directly on a rooflike covering of canvas that is often adjustable. It is supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and located over a window or door to provide protection against the sun, rain, and wind. Attaching a patch of fabric that has the sign painted or sewn onto it to an existing awning is not permitted. An awning sign is located on an awning that has received prior and separate approval from the Code Enforcement Officer. Umbrella-style awnings are not permitted.
(2) 
Size. There shall be no advertising on any awning, except that the business name may be painted on the vertical portion of the apron which is parallel to the building front. No such sign shall extend beyond the limits of said awning or have a total area in excess of 1/2 square foot for each linear foot of the front of the awning. Such awnings shall be nonilluminated and nonelectric.
(3) 
Placement.
(a) 
The lowest portion of any awning bearing an awning sign shall not be less than seven feet six inches above the level of a sidewalk or public way.
(b) 
An awning sign for each of two awnings shall be permitted for each business on the first floor of a commercial structure.
(4) 
Combinations. An awning sign may be combined with a wall sign, window sign, or menu box.
G. 
Directory signs.
(1) 
Definition. A "directory sign" contains listings of two or more commercial establishments that share a common entrance.
(2) 
Size and placement.
(a) 
One directory sign will be permitted at the entrance of a building with multiple commercial establishments and one common entrance.
(b) 
A directory sign for two businesses may be either a wall sign or a projecting sign mounted near the common entrance that does not exceed four square feet. A directory sign for three or more businesses shall be a wall sign mounted near the common entrance that does not exceed six square feet.
(c) 
When two tenants occupy a symmetrically designed building with adequate and appropriate space for the display of two separate signs, two signs, symmetrically placed on the building, will be permitted. These signs may either be wall signs or projecting signs and shall not exceed four square feet each.
(3) 
Combinations. No combinations are permitted.
H. 
Menu boxes.
(1) 
Definition. A "menu box" is a weathertight box constructed of wood with a glass or Plexiglas® front and is used to display signs, bulletins, photographs, or other information.
(2) 
Size. The menu box shall be no larger than four square feet.
(3) 
Construction. The menu box shall be constructed of wood or adequate weather-resistant simulations thereof. The front of the box shall use safety glass or Plexiglas®.
(4) 
Placement. A menu box shall be placed on a structure and may not be freestanding.
(5) 
Combinations. A menu box may be used in combination with one of the following: wall sign and/or symbol sign, projecting sign, window sign, or awning sign.
I. 
Traffic/directional signs.
(1) 
Definition. "Traffic/directional signs" are signs that are necessary for the safety and direction of residents, employees, customers and visitors, whether in a vehicle or on foot.
(2) 
Size; contents. The following traffic/directional signs are permitted:
(a) 
A horizontal sign that shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(b) 
Traffic/directional signs shall not carry the name of any business or product.
J. 
Portable signs.
(1) 
Definition. A "portable sign" is a freestanding sign not permanently affixed, anchored, or secured to the ground or a structure on the lot it occupies, or any sign mounted on wheels, excluding signs affixed to or painted on a vehicle whose primary purpose is other than to be a sign; includes sandwich boards and blackboards.
(2) 
Size. The maximum allowable size is 36 inches in height and 30 inches in width. The sign stand shall not exceed 42 inches in height.
(3) 
Placement.
(a) 
Permitted in the B-1, B-2 and B-3 Districts only.
(b) 
No more than one portable sign is permitted for a business establishment.
(c) 
Each portable sign must be placed so as to permit an unimpeded pedestrianway of a minimum of five feet in width. Portable signs shall be located, to the extent practicable, on the sidewalk adjacent to the business establishment in the B-1 and B-2 Districts.
(d) 
Portable signs may be displayed only during the hours of operation, and shall be maintained in a safe and sound condition.
(4) 
Combinations. A portable sign may be used in combination with one of the following: wall sign and/or symbol sign, projecting sign, menu box, window sign, or awning sign.
K. 
Monument sign.
(1) 
Definition. A "monument sign" is a freestanding sign no higher than five feet above approved grade.
(2) 
Size and format restrictions.
(a) 
Monument signs shall not exceed five feet in height.
(b) 
Monument signs shall not exceed sixteen square feet.
[Amended 2-2-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]
(3) 
Placement.
[Amended 2-2-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]
(a) 
Only permitted in the ARD and shall require a sign permit pursuant to § 259-3B.
(b) 
Monument signs may not block vehicular or pedestrian traffic sight lines.
(c) 
The monument sign shall be used to advertise a business on the property where it is located.
(4) 
Combinations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, monument signs, when approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals in the ARD, may be used in combination with any other commercial speech sign which has previously been approved by the Code Enforcement Officer.
A. 
No sign may be positioned on a structure so that it obscures any architectural feature, including, but not limited to, the cornice, window trim, door trim, or porch railings, et cetera.
B. 
A sign may provide the name of the business, or facility, the nature of the business or service conducted on the premises, the street number of the premises, the year the business was established, a slogan and telephone number.
C. 
A sign is permitted for each business located in a building where the first floor is substantially above street grade and the basement level is only partially below street grade, provided that the aggregate square footage of the signs on a facade does not exceed the area described in § 259-5A, Wall signs.
D. 
A sign shall not interfere with or obstruct any official traffic sign, signal or marking for any reason, such as its location, shape, size, color, or design.
E. 
A sign may be illuminated for a business operating after sunset, provided that the source of illumination shall be shielded and directed solely at the sign.
F. 
Hold harmless and indemnify the Village. If any sign is located on, over, in, under or anywhere near Village property, the Village disclaims any and all legal liability or responsibility for said sign. It shall be a condition of all sign permits, whether stated on the permit document or not, that the permittee shall hold the Village of Spencerport harmless and indemnify the Village for any and all costs or damages relating to any litigation or dispute involving the sign permit and the underlying sign related to said permit.
G. 
Signs shall be made of wood except as required by state or federal law or permitted by § 340-88A(6). No plywood, particle board, plastic, or baked enamel on metal shall be used. Medium-density overlay plywood or marine plywood may be used, but must be edge-banded.
H. 
Sign brackets and standards shall be made of wrought iron or wood. The sign bracket shall extend the full length of the sign.
I. 
Prohibited signs. The following signs shall not be permitted, constructed, erected, or maintained:
(1) 
Signs with flashing, moving, or intermittent lighting of any kind.
(2) 
Portable signs, except as otherwise permitted in the B Districts.
(3) 
Signs that are erected in such a way as to obstruct a door, window, or fire escape of the building to which the sign is affixed.
(4) 
Signs that are backlighted.
(5) 
Signs that are electric or neon to the extent that such signs are visible from a traveled way. (However, neon window signs are permitted in the B and C Districts.)
(6) 
Signs that are temporarily tacked, posted, or painted to poles, benches, barrels, buildings, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs, rocks, or any structure.
(7) 
Off-premises signs.
(8) 
Vending machine signs.
(9) 
Roof signs.
(10) 
Banners.
(11) 
Flag signs.
(12) 
Signs affixed to the exterior of a window or door glass.
(13) 
Abandoned signs.
(14) 
Any sign on wheels.
(15) 
Portable signs which are illuminated.
J. 
Exempt signs. The following signs are exempt from the requirement of a sign permit:
(1) 
Except as elsewhere provided for herein, signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing property numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises.
(2) 
Signs required under the Americans With Disabilities Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
(3) 
A single flag or insignia of any government.
(4) 
Legal notices, identification, informational or directional signs erected or required by governmental agencies.
(5) 
Private-owner merchandise sale signs for garage sales and auctions, not exceeding four square feet. Signs shall be erected no sooner than 72 hours prior to the sale and removed within 24 hours after such sale. In no case shall the total sale period exceed 10 consecutive days.
(6) 
A nonilluminated temporary sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in area, announcing the erection of a building, the architect and the builder, may be erected for a period of 60 days, plus the time of the construction period.
(7) 
Real estate signs, advertising the sale, lease or rental of improved premises or unimproved land upon which the sign is located shall be allowed, one for each frontage. The area of the sign shall not exceed nine square feet. In the case of residential property, the height of the sign shall not exceed seven feet. The height of the sign shall not exceed six feet above grade.
(8) 
One freestanding "open house" type sign shall be permitted only during those hours when such property is actually open for inspection and on such property.
(9) 
One nonilluminated sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area for each church or educational institution on a tax parcel but not more than two such signs on a tax parcel. Such signs may be freestanding and may not be more than six feet above grade. Larger signs will require a variance and special use permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(10) 
One nonilluminated political campaign or ballot measure sign, not to exceed nine square feet in area for each face of the sign, may be erected up to 30 days in advance of the election date and must be removed within seven days after the election date.
(11) 
Noncommercial message signs expressing the opinion or philosophy of the owner or occupant of the property regarding religious, social or economic causes, not to exceed nine square feet in area for each face of the sign.
K. 
Temporary sign permits from the Building Inspector. The following signs shall require a sign permit from the Building Inspector without review by the permitting authority:
(1) 
Temporary signs announcing special public or institutional events sponsored by a religious or other community service organization may be erected for a period not exceeding 14 days prior to the event. Such signs must be removed within three days after the end of the event.
(2) 
A temporary commercial pennant or banner advertising a special sale or event, not to exceed two per location, and not to exceed 15 square feet each, may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days.
L. 
Sign package. An approved sign package shall be required for any parcel of land containing two or more commercial speech signs. This shall include, but not be limited to, shopping centers and multitenant buildings.
M. 
Maximum square footage. In the B and C Districts, the total square footage of all signage permitted on a building shall not exceed 32 square feet.
A. 
On-premises signs or other advertising devices lawfully erected before the effective date of this chapter may continue to be maintained, unless any such sign is enlarged, reworded, redesigned, or altered in any way, including repainting in a different color; if, however, the sign cannot be continued to be maintained pursuant to the foregoing, then immediate application must be made for a sign permit.
B. 
All signs and all parts thereof, including but not limited to framework, supports, background, anchor and wiring system, shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with the applicable Building, Electrical, and Fire Prevention Codes.
C. 
Any sign that is moved to another location, either on the same structure or to other premises, shall be considered a new sign, and a permit shall be secured for any work performed in connection therewith.
D. 
Enforcement of all sign regulations shall conform to the general enforcement powers conferred by law upon the Zoning Board of Appeals and Code Enforcement Officer.
E. 
All signs are presumed to be new signs.
The words listed below shall have the definitions listed below when those words are used or referred to in these rules and regulations:
ABANDONED SIGN
Any sign advertising a business, other than a seasonal business, which has ceased to operate on the premises for a period of more than 180 days.
AGGREGATE
Square footage; the total or collective amount of square footage.
AWNING SIGN
A sign painted or sewn directly on a rooflike covering of canvas that is often adjustable. It is supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and located over a window or door to provide protection against the sun, rain, and wind. An awning sign is located on an awning that has received prior and separate approval from the ARB.
BRACKET
The supporting frame of a sign.
BUILDING FACE or FACADE
The side of a building where the main entrance is located. The length along a ground-floor building front, parallel or substantially parallel to the lot line of a street or traveled way accessible from a street which is occupied by a separate and distinct use, or the length along a building side, parallel or substantially parallel to the line of a street or a traveled way accessible from a street that is occupied by a separate and distinct use, or by the same use that occupies the front of said building.
CORNICE
Any continuous molded projection that crowns or finishes the part to which it is affixed, such as a wall or door opening; most notably, the exterior trim of a structure at the meeting of the roof and wall; in classical terms, the upper projecting part of the entablature. The entablature is the horizontal member carried by the columns.
DIRECTORY SIGN
Any sign that contains listings of two or more commercial establishments that share a common entrance.
FLAG SIGN
Any sign that is constructed of fabric (except for the flags of the United States of America and other governmental authorities immune from regulation by the Village).
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign which is attached to or part of a completely self-supporting structure, other than a building.
FRONT ENTRANCE
The entrance on the side of the building where the primary entrance is located.
LINTEL
A horizontal architectural member supporting the weight above an opening such as a window or a door.
MENU BOX
A weathertight box constructed of wood with a glass or Plexiglas® front used to display signs, bulletins, photographs, or other information.
MONUMENT SIGN
A freestanding sign no higher than five feet above approved grade.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A sign that advertises or announces a use conducted or goods available elsewhere than the lot or building where the sign is located. This definition includes but is not limited to signs which refer to a business or service conducted from a lot or building other than that where the sign is located, such as but not limited to a real estate agent or office, architect, or a contractor.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign that advertises or announces a person occupying the premises, a use conducted, or goods available on the lot or in the building where the sign is located.
PERMANENT SIGN
Any sign, as defined above, intended to be erected and maintained for more than 30 days.
PERMITTING AUTHORITY
Refers to the Code Enforcement Officer or the Zoning Board of Appeals when such individual or Board is charged with the review of a sign permit application.
PLYWOOD
Permitted plywood types for sign construction when edge-banded include APA medium-density overlay (MDO) (plywood manufactured with a smooth, opaque, resin-treated fiber overlay providing an ideal base for paint on one or both sides) or APA marine plywood.
PORTABLE SIGN
A freestanding sign not permanently affixed, anchored, or secured to the ground or a structure on the lot it occupies, excluding signs affixed to or painted on a vehicle whose primary purpose is other than to be a sign; includes sandwich boards and blackboards.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign supported by a building wall, and not parallel to it, that projects from the wall.
RESIDENTIAL SIGN
A sign, other than the name and address of the resident, that identifies the residential premises on which it is located.
ROOF SIGN
Any sign erected, constructed, and maintained upon or over the roof of any building, or which extends above any point in the roof.
SIGN
Any privately owned, permanent or temporary structure, light, color scheme, letter, word, model, banner, pennant, insignia, trade flag, or representation, or any other device used to advertise, inform, or attract the attention of the public and which is designed to be seen from outside a building, including any sign in windows or on doors but excluding window displays of merchandise and informational material incidental to the display or sale of merchandise (such as price tags and similar informational matter).
SIGN AREA
A. 
The area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework, decorative framing, or bracing that is incidental to the display itself.
B. 
For a sign painted upon or applied/attached to a building, the area is considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs or symbols together with any background of a different color than the natural or primary color of the building.
C. 
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle that encompasses all of the letters or symbols.
D. 
Only one side of a double-faced sign will be counted in computing the area of that sign.
E. 
The area of a sign consisting of a three-dimensional object (such as a symbol sign) shall be no more than 1/2 the allowable area for a projecting sign. The area shall be calculated by measuring both the front view and one side view of the object. The front and side views are considered to be that which will fit into a rectangle or other geometric shape.
F. 
The area of a flat, irregularly shaped sign shall be the smallest rectangle that will wholly contain it.
SIGN PACKAGE
A master plan for signs. The master plan shall establish the standard size, shape, materials, color, lighting, location and the maximum number of signs. The plan shall integrate the signs and their lighting, into a unified architectural statement for a site.
SYMBOL SIGN
A three-dimensional representation of a product or service that a business sells.
SYMMETRICALLY DESIGNED BUILDING
A building designed with the same architectural features and fenestration on one side of the front facade as can be found on the other side of the same front facade. Typically, a symmetrically designed building has a central door entrance.
TEMPORARY SIGN
Any sign, including its supporting structure, intended to be maintained for up to 30 days.
TRAVELED WAY
A road, public way, public path, or public body of water.
USE
The purpose for which land or building is arranged, designed, or intended and for which either land or a building is or may be occupied or maintained.
VENDING MACHINE SIGN
Any sign displayed on or part of a vending machine.
WALL SIGN
A sign securely affixed to a wall, or painted on a wall, and not projecting beyond the building face fronting on a street or parking lot, and not above the highest line of the building to which it is attached.
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign affixed to the surface of the glass or visible through a window on a permanent basis within one foot of the glass.
The permitting authority may waive one of more of the standards contained in this chapter if the permitting authority finds that the proposed sign advances the purposes of this chapter.
Any person aggrieved by an interpretation of the Code Enforcement Officer of this chapter may appeal therefrom to the permitting authority in the same manner as is provided for zoning appeals under the New York State Village Law.
Any person convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $250 or 15 days' imprisonment, or both. Each violation of a section or subsection of this chapter, and each day that a violation continues, shall constitute a separate offense.
The application fee for a sign application shall be established by the Board of Trustees from time to time by resolution.