[Amended 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 01-21; 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 05-21; 8-22-2022 by Ord. No. 4-22]
Reference: § 320-214B(2)(i); Table 320-507-1. (Editor's Note: Table 320-507-1 is included in § 320-507.)
A.Â
The purpose of these regulations is to create the legal framework
to regulate, administer, and enforce outdoor sign advertising and
display. These regulations recognize the need to protect the safety
and welfare of the public and the need for well-maintained and attractive
sign displays within the community and the need for adequate business
identification, advertising, and communication. Signs shall also be
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and 2020 Sub Area Plan.
B.Â
No sign shall hereafter be erected, hung, placed, altered, or moved
except in conformity with the regulations of this article.
These regulations authorize the use of signs visible from public
rights-of-way, provided the signs are:
A.Â
Complying with the zoning regulations.
B.Â
Designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in such a manner
they do not endanger public safety or traffic safety.
C.Â
Legible, readable, and visible in the circumstances they are used.
D.Â
Respectful of the reasonable rights of other advertisers whose messages
are displayed.
A.Â
Permits required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct,
enlarge or structurally modify a sign or cause the same to be done
in Greenville without first obtaining a sign permit for each sign
as required by this article.
B.Â
Permits shall not be required for a change of copy of any sign, nor
for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair
of the sign and sign structure.
C.Â
Application for a permit. Application for a permit shall be filed
with the Community and Economic Development Department upon forms
provided by the Department and shall contain the following information:
(1)Â
The name, address and telephone number of the sign owner, the
property owner, where the sign is or will be located and the sign
contractor of the proposed sign.
(2)Â
Clear and legible drawings with description and nominal dimensions
of the proposed sign, the construction, size, dimensions, and kind
of materials to be used in such structure. The site plan shall show
the buildings on the premises upon which the structure is to be erected
and maintained together with locations, setbacks, size, and types
of existing signs on the premises where the proposed sign is to be
located. All dimensions shall be indicated for the sign and the site
plan elements.
(3)Â
Calculations or evidence showing the structure and design meet
the requirements of these regulations for wind pressure load.
(4)Â
Such other information as may be required to show full compliance
with this and all other applicable laws.
D.Â
Construction specifications.
(1)Â
Every sign or advertising structure hereafter erected shall
have marked in a conspicuous place thereon the date of erection, the
manufacturer's name, the permit number, and the voltage of any
electrical apparatus used in connection therewith.
(2)Â
All signs shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 85, the current National Electrical Code, and the additional construction standards hereinafter set forth.
(3)Â
All ground sign structures shall be self-supporting structures
and permanently attached to sufficient foundations.
(4)Â
Electrical service to ground signs shall be concealed wherever
possible.
(5)Â
All signs, except those attached flat against the wall of a
building and those signs of which no portion exceeds a height of three
feet and are no greater than nine square feet in area, shall be constructed
to withstand wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot of the sign and
structure, with correct engineering adjustments for the height of
the sign above grade.
(6)Â
No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices to allow
the sign to swing due to wind action. Signs shall be anchored to prevent
any lateral movement that could cause wear on supporting members or
connections.
(7)Â
Supports and braces shall be an integral part of the sign design.
Angle irons, chain or wires used for supports or braces shall be hidden
from public view to the extent technically feasible.
E.Â
Permit fees. A fee shall be required prior to issuance of permits
and shall be set from time to time by the Board. Signs installed without
a permit shall be removed after proper notice.
F.Â
Permit issuance and denial. The Building Inspector or designee shall
issue a permit for the erection, structural alteration, enlargement,
or relocation of a sign when the permit application is properly made,
all appropriate fees have been made, and the sign complies with the
appropriate laws and regulations. If the sign permit is denied, written
notice of the denial shall be provided to the applicant, together
with a brief statement of the reasons for the denial, along with the
return of all permit fees and papers.
G.Â
Sign permit appeal. In the event any of the requirements herein contained
cause undue or unnecessary hardship on any person, firm, or corporation,
a variance from requirements may be applied for to the Board of Appeals.
An application for a variance must be made within 10 days after receipt
of the notice that the sign involved does not conform to the Chapter.
In the event the appeal is not made in writing to the Board of Appeals
within such ten-day period, a variance shall not be granted. The Board
of Appeals shall take action on any variance request within 60 days
of receipt of the variance application. The Community and Economic
Development Director or designee shall comply with and enforce the
Board of Appeals' decision.
H.Â
Sign exemption. A sign may be determined to be exempt from the sign
regulations herein if it can be shown the sign is necessary for safety
reasons and there are no other alternatives to complying with the
regulations herein. The Community and Economic Development Director
or designee shall make this determination upon a written request from
the applicant stating the reasons for exemption.
I.Â
Indemnification for sign installation and maintenance. All persons
engaging in the installation or maintenance of signs which involves
in whole or in part the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance
of a sign or other sign work in, over or immediately adjacent to a
public right-of-way or public property, when such property is used
or encroached upon, shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify Greenville,
its officers, agents, employees from any and all claims resulting
from erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance of the sign or
any other sign work insofar as this article has not specifically directed
the placement of the sign.
The following definitions shall be applicable in this article:
A sign which no longer correctly identifies or advertises
a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity on the premises
or elsewhere.
Any sign that is displayed between two posts affixed to the
ground or affixed flat against a wall. The banner may consist of the
following materials which are able to be rolled or folded up, all
other materials shall be prohibited: canvas, cloth, fabric, vinyl
and similar materials.
Any sign incorporated into or attached to a canopy, marquee,
or awning.
A sign displaying words, lines, logos, or symbols which can
be changed manually, mechanically, or electronically to provide different
information without altering the face or surface of such sign. Changeable
message signs include, but are not limited to, time and temperature
signs and reader boards.
Any sign limited to providing directions and information
necessary or convenient for visitors or clients coming onto a premises.
This includes, but is not limited to, such signs as those identifying
restrooms, delivery areas, parking areas, entrances, and exits.
Any nonilluminated or illuminated, digital sign located on
the premises of a drive-through use used to communicate information
between buyer and seller and may have an intercom and/or speaker(s).
Any sign containing or using electrical wiring but not including
signs illuminated by an exterior light source.
Any sign that is attached to one post affixed to the ground
or attached to one post that is affixed to a wall. The flag may consist
of the following materials which are able to be rolled or folded up,
all other materials shall be prohibited: canvas, cloth, fabric, vinyl
and similar materials.
Any sign containing an intermittent or flashing light source
or includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means
of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source including
scrolling signs/messages, but excluding changeable message signs.
Any sign for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes,
danger signs, railroad crossings signs, and signs of public utilities,
including danger and aids to service and safety erected by or on the
order of a public officer in the performance of his/her public duty.
A sign, lit by an artificial light source, either directed
upon it or illuminated from an interior source.
Any sign, advertising device, or balloon larger than 18 inches
in diameter that is or can be filled with air or gas. This includes
any three-dimensional ambient air-filled object in the shape of a
container, figure, or product.
Any sign located within the interior of any building or structure
not visible from the public right-of-way.
A sign meeting regulations at the time it was originally
installed but does not conform to the current sign regulations.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and date of
erection, cut into masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of a
building, or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material.
Any permanent, freestanding sign generally having a low profile
with little or no open space between the ground and the sign and having
a structure of masonry, wood, or materials similar in appearance.
Any support structures used to anchor the monument ground sign shall
not be narrower in width than the sign itself.
A sign not in conformance with Code regulations, excluding
legal nonconforming signs.
Any sign which is intended to be permanently affixed to the
ground or structure as permitted in this article and is not a temporary
sign.
Any sign designed or intended to be moved easily and not
permanently embedded in the ground or affixed to a building or other
structure. Portable signs include but are not limited to trailer signs,
menu and sandwich boards, and A-frame signs.
A sign, which may be double-faced, attached to and projecting
horizontally out from a structure or building fascia.
Any official notice posted by public officers or employers
in the performance of their duties as may be required by state statute.
Any sign required as specifically authorized for a public
purpose by any law, statute, or ordinance.
A sign erected upon, against, or above a roof wholly supported
by the roof structure.
A sign installed on an arm, mast, or spar not permanently
fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.
A sign intended or designed for temporary display which is
not a permanent sign as defined in this article.
Any temporary sign displayed on the exterior of a truck,
bus, trailer, or other vehicle, that is parked primarily for the display
of a sign. "Displayed" is defined as a temporary sign that is hung,
taped, stapled or otherwise affixed to the vehicle that isn't
already integrated into the body of the vehicle.
A sign attached to the wall of a building. It shall not project
away from the wall more than 12 inches. This includes signs painted
directly on a wall.
A sign installed in or on a window for purposes of viewing
from outside the premises.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The geometric area in square feet enclosing the sign copy.
The area of a sign determined by the outside perimeter dimensions
of the sign, excluding any necessary supports on which the sign may
be placed. If the sign consists of more than one modular section,
their areas will be totaled. If the modules are formed in the shape
of letters or symbols, the rules for copy area apply.
The vertical distance measured from the average grade of
a sign to the highest point of such sign or structure.
Any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, design, identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, used to advertise, identify, convey information or direct attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, or business of solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise. Signs shall also include all sign structures. Reference: § 320-302, definition of "sign."
Any person, partnership, or corporation engaged in whole
or in part in the erection or maintenance of signs, excluding the
business or entity the sign advertises.
Any combination of letters, numbers, or images intended to
inform, direct, advertise, or otherwise transmit information.
A.Â
Notification of nonconformance. Upon determination a sign is nonconforming,
the Community and Economic Development Director or designee shall
use reasonable efforts to notify, either personally or in writing,
the user or owner of the property on which the sign is located of
the following:
B.Â
Signs eligible for characterization as legal nonconforming. Any sign
located within Greenville on the date of adoption of this article
which does not conform with the provisions of this article is eligible
for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted,
providing it also meets the following requirements:
C.Â
Loss of legal nonconforming status.
(1)Â
A sign loses its nonconforming status if one or more of the
following occurs:
[Amended 10-10-2022 by Ord. No. 7-22]
(a)Â
The sign is structurally altered in any way, except for normal
maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance
with requirements of this article than it was before alteration.
(b)Â
The sign is relocated.
(c)Â
The sign fails to conform to this article regarding maintenance
and repair, abandonment, or dangerous or defective signs.
(d)Â
The sign is destroyed by any means to the extent of more than
50% of its fair market value, except as provided in § 60.61(5m),
Wis. Stats.
(2)Â
On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall
be immediately brought in compliance with this article with a new
permit secured or shall be removed.
D.Â
Legal nonconforming sign maintenance and repair. Nothing in this
article shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign
or the owner of the property in which the sign is located from the
provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance, and repair
of signs.
A.Â
Maintenance and repair.
(1)Â
Every sign, including, but not limited to, those signs for which
permits are required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and
good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective
parts, painting (except when a weathered or natural surface is intended),
repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of
said sign.
(2)Â
The Community and Economic Development Director or designee
may require compliance with all standards of this article. If the
sign is not modified to comply with the safety standards outlined
in this article, the Community and Economic Development Director or
designee shall require its removal in accordance with this article.
B.Â
Abandoned signs. All signs or sign messages shall be removed by the
owner or lessee of the premises upon which an on-premises sign is
located when the business it advertises is no longer conducted or,
for an off-premises sign, when lease payments and rental income are
no longer provided. The Community and Economic Development Director
or designee shall give the owner 60 days' written notice to remove
the sign. If the sign is not removed, Greenville may cause removal
to be executed, the expenses of which will be assessed on the tax
roll to the property on which the abandoned sign is located.
C.Â
Deteriorated or dilapidated signs. The Community and Economic Development
Director or designee shall cause to be removed any deteriorated or
dilapidated signs.
The following signs shall be prohibited within Greenville unless
otherwise permitted:
A.Â
Abandoned signs.
B.Â
Flashing signs. All blinking and flashing signs are prohibited. Changeable-message
signs are permitted by special exception.
C.Â
Portable signs.
D.Â
Signs within the right-of-way other than traffic control signs and
those signs permitted by the Department of Transportation having jurisdiction
over the said right-of-way.
E.Â
Swinging signs.
F.Â
Reflective signs.
G.Â
Roof signs.
H.Â
Unclassified signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(1)Â
Signs imitating or resemble in shape, size, copy or color an
official traffic sign or signal.
I.Â
Vehicular signs on parked vehicles, including but not limited to
cars, trucks, semitrailers, containers or trailers, with the intention
of using as a sign.
[Amended 1-9-2023 by Ord.
No. 8-22]
No sign shall be located within the required vision triangle
or within the right-of-way. The following signs do not require a permit
and are permitted in all zoning districts.
A.Â
Government signs.
B.Â
House numbers and name plates. Each building in Greenville which has a street address shall be in compliance with Chapter 261, Street Address Signs.
C.Â
Interior signs.
D.Â
Memorial signs and plaques not more than four square feet in gross
area.
E.Â
Public notices.
F.Â
Public signs.
|
Table 320-709-1 Temporary Signs not requiring a permit.
| |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Temporary Sign Type
|
Maximum Gross Area per Sign in Square Feet
|
Maximum Height From Average Grade per Sign in Feet
|
Setback in Feet
|
Allowed on Ground
|
Allowed on Building
|
Allowed on Roof
|
Allowed on Vehicles/ Equipment
|
Lighting Allowed
|
Number of Signs
|
Sign Duration
|
Is a Permit Required?
|
|
1.5 Sign
|
1.5
|
10
|
NA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
1 per property line
|
364 days per year
|
No
|
|
4 Sign
|
4
|
10
|
NA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
1 per parcel
|
90 days per year
|
No
|
|
Sign during election campaign period as set forth in § 12.04,
Wis. Stats.
|
11
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
1 per political candidate on the Greenville ballot per parcel
|
Election campaign period
|
No
|
|
Signs on property under construction with a valid Greenville
permit
|
8 square feet for agriculturally and residentially zoned property
32 square feet for all other zoned property
|
10
|
NA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
1 per parcel per road frontage
|
Sign shall be removed within 30 days after construction is complete
or expiration of permit
|
No
|
|
Signs on property for sale or lease when under contract with
a licensed real estate broker
|
8 square feet for agriculturally and residentially zoned property
32 square feet for all other zoned property
|
10
|
NA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
1 per parcel per road frontage
|
Sign shall be removed within 30 days after sale or lease is
complete or expiration of real estate contract with licensed broker
|
No
|
|
Signs on property under construction for a residential subdivision
|
100
|
10
|
NA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
1 for each arterial or collector road adjacent the subdivision/development
|
Sign shall be removed within 30 days after the last parcel within
the subdivision is sold or within 5 years of recording of the final
plat, whichever comes first
|
No
|
|
Table 320-710-1 Permitted Temporary Sign Type and Zoning District
| ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
P = Permitted Use
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Grey Shading = Prohibited Use
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Temporary Sign Type
|
See the Following Section for Additional Regulations
|
AGD
|
AGD-FP
|
OS
|
RR
|
R1
|
R2
|
R3
|
R4
|
MH
|
INST
|
NC
|
GC
|
IND
|
AD
|
Is a permit required Yes/No?
|
|
Banners/ flags
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| ||||||||||
|
Inflatables
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| ||||||||||
|
Signs on property during special event when a special event
permit has been issued
|
Approved through the special event application and approval
process
| |||||||||||||||
|
Table 320-710-2 Permitted Temporary Sign Dimensional Regulations
| |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Temporary Sign Type
|
See the Following Section for Additional Regulations
|
Gross Area per Sign in Square Feet
|
Maximum Height from Average Grade per Sign in Feet
|
Setback in Feet
|
Allowed on Ground
|
Allowed on Building
|
Allowed on Roof
|
Allowed on Vehicles/Equipment
|
Lighting Allowed
|
Permit Required
|
Number of Permits per Year per Property per Use/Business
|
Number of Signs per Permit
|
Permit Duration
|
|
Banners/flags
|
32
|
20
|
N/A
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
4
|
1
|
30 Days
| |
|
Inflatables
|
20 feet x 20 feet
|
20
|
10
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
1
|
1
|
30 Days
| |
|
Signs on property during special event when a special event
permit has been issued
|
Approved through the special event application and approval
process
| ||||||||||||
Diagram 320-710-1 Temporary Signs
Reference: Table 320-710-1. Table 320-710-2.
 |
|
Table 320-711-1 Permitted Permanent Sign Type and Zoning District
| ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
P = Permitted Use
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Grey Shading = Prohibited Use
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Permanent Sign Type
|
See Diagram
|
AGD
|
AGD-FP
|
OS
|
RR
|
R1
|
R2
|
R3
|
R4
|
MH
|
INST
|
NC
|
GC
|
IND
|
AD
|
Is a Permit Required?
|
|
Canopy/ awning signs shall be permitted above doors and windows
|
320-711-1
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| |||||||||
|
Directional signs
|
320-711-1
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| ||||
|
Drive-through signs
|
320-711-1
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| |||||||||||
|
Monument ground signs, non residential, may include changeable-message
signs
|
320-711-2
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| |||||
|
Monument ground signs, residential subdivision/development
|
320-711-2
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| ||||||
|
Projecting signs
|
320-711-1
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| |||||||||
|
Wall signs
|
320-711-1
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| ||||||
|
Window signs
|
320-711-1
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Yes
| |||||||||
|
Table 320-711-2 Permitted Permanent Sign Dimensional Regulations
| |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Permanent Sign Type
|
See Diagram
|
Maximum Gross Area per Side/Face
|
Maximum Copy Area per Side/Face
|
Maximum Height from Average Grade
|
Maximum Width
|
Setback
|
Maximum Number of Signs
|
Sign Material
|
Allowed on Ground
|
Allowed on Building
|
Allowed on Roof
|
Allowed on Vehicles/Equipment
|
Lighting Allowed
|
Electronic Message Sign Allowed
|
Is a permit required?
|
|
Canopy/awning signs shall be permitted above doors and windows
|
320-711-1
|
NA
|
10 square feet per canopy/awning
|
Shall not be less than 8.5 feet above the grade; shall not be
less than 15 feet above a driveway; shall not be above the roof line
|
NA
|
NA
|
1 per door or window
|
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is permitted
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Yes; see § 320-712
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Directional signs
|
320-711-1
|
8 square feet
|
8 square feet
|
6 feet if ground-mounted and 10 feet if wall-mounted
|
NA
|
10 feet
|
Signs located within 20 feet of a driveway entrance connecting
to a public right-of-way: 2
|
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
| |
|
Signs located within required yards shall be 100 feet from each
other
| |||||||||||||||
|
Signs located within parking lots and other open areas of a
parcel: Unlimited
| |||||||||||||||
|
Signs located on buildings: unlimited
| |||||||||||||||
|
Drive-through signs
|
320-711-1
|
75 square feet
|
75 square feet
|
8 feet
|
NA
|
10 feet
|
Unlimited
|
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Yes; see § 320-713
|
Yes
| |
|
Monument ground signs, nonresidential, multiple business/tenant
use
|
320-711-2
|
300 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
|
225 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
|
20 feet
|
15 feet
|
10 feet
|
1 per road frontage
|
Sturdy/durable material; shall match the building material;
fabric is prohibited
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes; see § 320-713
|
Yes
| |
|
Monument ground signs, nonresidential, single business/tenant
use
|
320-711-2
|
150 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
|
100 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
|
12 feet
|
15 feet
|
10 feet
|
1 per road frontage
|
Sturdy/durable material; shall match the building material;
fabric is prohibited
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes; see § 320-713
|
Yes
| |
|
Monument ground signs, residential subdivision/development
|
320-711-2
|
150 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
|
100 square feet (maximum 2 sides)
|
10 feet
|
NA
|
10 feet
|
1 for each arterial or collector road adjacent the subdivision/development
|
Stone/brick/masonry; fabric is prohibited
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
| |
|
Projecting signs
|
320-711-1
|
25 square feet
|
25 square feet
|
Shall not be less than 8.5 feet above the grade; shall not be
less than 15 feet above a driveway; shall not exceed 25 feet above
grade
|
NA
|
10 feet
|
1 per building facade per business/use
|
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
| |
|
Wall signs
|
320-711-1
|
25% of building facade area
|
25% of building facade area
|
NA
|
NA
|
Shall not extend more than 12 inches outside of the building's
wall surface
|
1 per building facade per business/use
|
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Yes; see § 320-713
|
Yes
| |
|
Window signs
|
320-711-1
|
NA
|
25% of the window area, but shall not exceed 9 square feet
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
5 per building or business
|
Sturdy/durable material; fabric is prohibited
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
Yes; see § 320-713
|
Yes
| |
|
Diagram 320-711-1 Permanent Signs
Reference: Table 320-711-1, Table 320-711-2.
 |
|
Diagram 320-711-2 Monument Ground Signs
Reference: Table 320-711-1, Table 320-711-2
 |
Reference: Table 320-711-2 (Editor's Note: Table 320-711-2 is included in § 320-711.)
A.Â
Signs may be floodlighted or internally illuminated, subject to the
following restrictions.
(1)Â
Lighting shall be effectively shielded as to prevent beams or
rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways
of a public right-of-way and are of such intensity or brilliance as
to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor
vehicle, or otherwise interfere with any driver's operation of
a motor vehicle.
(2)Â
Lighting shall be effectively shielded as to prevent beams or
rays of light from being directed at any residential property and
which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause a public nuisance.
(3)Â
No sign shall be so floodlighted or illuminated allowing it
to interfere with the effectiveness of or obscure an official traffic
sign, device or signal.
Electronic messaging signs may be permitted subject to the following regulations, Table 320-507-1 and Table 320-711-2 (Note: Table 320-507-1 is included in § 320-507 and Table 320-711-2 is included in § 320-711):
A.Â
A special exception is required to be granted in compliance with § 320-205, Special exceptions.
B.Â
Time and temperature and gas station price signs are exempt from
these regulations.
C.Â
The changeable messaging sign copy area shall be incorporated into
the design of the gross area of the sign.
D.Â
Setback from residential. The leading edge of the electronic messaging
sign shall be set back a minimum distance of 200 feet from an abutting
residential district boundary.
E.Â
Setback from other electronic messaging signs. Electronic messaging
signs shall be separated from other electronic messaging signs on
adjacent properties by a minimum distance of 50 feet.
F.Â
Orientation. When located within 250 feet of a residentially used
lot in a residential zone, all parts of the electronic changeable
copy sign must be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is
visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that
residential lot.
G.Â
The area of electronic messaging sign copy shall not exceed 33% of
the maximum gross area of the sign to which they are incorporated.
H.Â
No sign shall be erected or maintained or be so placed or illuminated
that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any official
traffic sign, device, or signal, or any official sign as determined
by the Director of Public Works.
I.Â
The sign shall be equipped with a default mechanism that will stop
the messaging or freeze the image in one position when a malfunction
in electronic programming occurs.
J.Â
All signs shall have installed ambient light monitors and shall at
all times allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness
level of the electronic sign based on ambient light conditions.
K.Â
Maximum brightness levels for electronic signs shall not exceed 5,000
nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness
during daylight hours and 500 nits when measured from the sign's
face at its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn.
L.Â
At no time shall the sign be operated at a brightness level greater
than the manufacturer's recommended levels.
M.Â
Electronic sign permit applications must include a certification
from the owner or operator of the sign stating the sign shall at all
times be operated in accordance with Greenville codes and the owner
or operator shall provide proof of such conformance upon request.
N.Â
Electronic sign permit applications must include a copy of the manufacturer's
operating manual, which includes the manufacturer's recommended
standards for brightness, scrolling or traveling speed, and other
display operations.
O.Â
Audio speakers shall not be permitted with any electronic messaging
sign except for drive-through signs.
P.Â
Any form of pyrotechnics is prohibited in association with an electronic
messaging signs.
Q.Â
Electronic messaging displays are defined in four basic levels of
operational modes for message transitions:
(2)Â
Level 2. Static display with fade or dissolve transitions, or
similar transitions and frame effects not having the appearance of
moving text or images.
(a)Â
Minimum display time. The electronic display shall not change
at intervals of less than four seconds.
(b)Â
Operational limitations. Such displays shall contain static
messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions,
or with the use of other subtle transitions and frame effects not
having the appearance of moving text or images, but may otherwise
not have movement, or the appearance of movement, or the appearance
or optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign structure,
designs, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement
of any illumination or flashing, scintillating, or varying of light
intensity.
R.Â
Existing Electronic Message Board Signs. Electronic message board
signs existing prior to adoption of these standards shall comply with
the standards above with respect to audio, lighting and display when
the signs computer programing system is able to be adjusted to meet
these requirements.
