The purpose of this article is to regulate signs, to minimize
outdoor advertising, and to protect public safety, health and welfare;
minimize abundance and size of signs to reduce visual clutter, motorist
distraction, and loss of visibility; promote public convenience; preserve
property values; and enhance the aesthetic appearance and quality
of life within the City. The requirements contained herein are intended
to be content neutral. The following objectives are accomplished by
establishing the minimum amount of regulations necessary concerning
the size, placement, construction, illumination, and other aspects
of signs in the City in order to:
A.
Protect the public right to receive messages, including religious,
political, economic, social, philosophical and other types of information
protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
B.
Maintain and improve the image of the City by encouraging signs of
consistent size which are compatible with and complementary to related
buildings and uses, and harmonious with their surroundings.
C.
Recognize that the proliferation of signs is unduly distracting to
motorists and nonmotorized travelers, reduces the effectiveness of
signs directing and warning the public, causes confusion, reduces
desired uniform traffic flow, and creates potential for accidents.
D.
Recognize that the principal intent of commercial signs, to meet
the purpose of these requirements and serve the public interest, should
be for identification of an establishment on the premises, and not
for advertising special events, brand names or off-premises activities,
as these can be advertised more appropriately by other methods.
E.
Eliminate potential conflicts between business signs and traffic
control signs, which could create confusion and hazardous consequences.
F.
Enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without
excessive difficulty and confusion by restricting the number and placement
of signs.
G.
Prevent placement of signs which will conceal or obscure signs of
adjacent uses.
H.
Prevent off-premises signs from conflicting with other land uses.
I.
Prevent signs that are potentially dangerous to the public due to
structural deficiencies or disrepair.
J.
Prohibit portable commercial signs in recognition of their significant
negative impact on traffic safety and aesthetics.
A sign of the following type shall be permitted on all parcels
in the City without the issuance of a sign permit, subject to all
other requirements of this article:
A.
Device signs. Permanent signs on vending machines, ATMs, gas station
pumps, or other containers indicating only the contents or purpose
of such devices, provided that the sign area of each device shall
not exceed three square feet and there are no more than one sign per
device.
B.
Directional signs. The sign shall bear no advertising other than
logos.
C.
Flags. Flags, provided there shall be no more than three flags per
lot, the maximum size of each flag shall be 50 square feet, and the
flag poles comply with relative height limitations.
D.
Employment signs. "Help wanted" signs soliciting employees for the
place of business where posted, provided that the maximum area for
all such signs shall not exceed six square feet.
E.
Enclosed signs. Any sign that is located completely within a building
and is not visible from the outside.
F.
Historical signs. Plaques or signs designating a building or premises
as a historic structure or premises not to exceed six square feet.
G.
Identification signs. Signs for the sole purpose of designating an
assigned house number, owner name, occupant, or building name. Identification
signs shall not be counted in the total sign area allowed on the premises;
however, such signs in excess of one square foot in surface display
area may be allowed as part of the total sign area otherwise allowed
by this chapter.
H.
Incidental signs. Small signs, emblems, or decals informing the public
of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises. The total
of all such incidental signs shall not exceed two square feet.
I.
Nonconforming signs. Legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective
date of the adoption of the chapter. Removal of the sign shall constitute
an elimination of the nonconforming status.
J.
Noncommercial message sign. Consistent with the other requirements
of this chapter, any permitted sign may contain a lawful noncommercial
message. This does not apply to traffic signs, railroad crossing signs,
danger or other emergency signs, and directional signs.
[Amended 12-7-2015; 12-19-2022]
K.
Public signs. Public signs, authorized signs by a government body
or public utility, including traffic signs, legal notices, railroad
crossing signs, warnings of a hazard, and similar signs.
The following regulations shall be applicable to all temporary
signs placed or situated at any place other than inside a "building"
as defined in this chapter. All temporary signs shall be in accordance
with Table 7.17.1.
A.
Projection into right-of-way. No temporary sign shall be strung across
any public right-of-way nor shall any temporary sign project beyond
the property line except as authorized by the City Commission.
B.
Removal. Temporary signs shall be removed promptly at the end of
the permitted period in Table 17.17.1.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
C.
Damaged signs. Any temporary sign found by the Building Official
to be in a torn, damaged or unsafe condition shall be removed by the
owner within three days after receipt of notice to do so from the
Building Official.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
|
Table 7.17.1: Temporary Sign Regulations
| |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type of Sign
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Maximum Number
|
Permitted Duration and Other Requirements
| |||
|
Temporary Signs Not Requiring a Permit
| |||||||
|
Garage sale signs in residential districts
|
5 square feet
|
4 feet
|
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
|
Shall be erected no more than 10 business days before and removed
within 1 business day after the sale
| |||
|
Small temporary signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, RM-1, or RM-2 districts
|
5 square feet
|
4 feet
|
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
|
Signs advertising a residential property for sale or lease may
remain until the property is sold or leased. The sign must be removed
within 14 days of all units or lots being sold or leased.
| |||
|
Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit
| |||||||
|
Banners and pennants
|
Discretion of the Building Official and considering the following:
|
May be erected 2 times per calendar year, for a maximum of 30
days each time
| |||||
|
•
|
Must be securely attached to a building or structure
| ||||||
|
Signs on an active construction site
|
64 square feet
|
15 feet
|
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
|
1.
|
Shall be removed from premises within 30 days after issuance
of the occupancy permit or temporary occupancy permit.
| ||
|
2.
|
In the case of renovations (e.g. addition to a building) or
maintenance or repair (e.g. roofing or siding), rather than the construction
of a new building, the sign may have a maximum sign area of 16 square
feet.
| ||||||
|
Temporary wall signs in the OS-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, CBD-1, I-1,
or I-2 zoning districts
|
16 square feet
|
Wall sign not higher than building
|
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
|
May be erected for a maximum of 30 consecutive days every 6
months
| |||
|
Large free-standing temporary signs in the RM-1, RM-2, OS-1,
B-1, B-2, B-3, CBD-1, I-1, or I-2 zoning districts
|
64 square feet
|
10 feet
|
1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (1 facing each street)
|
May be erected for 6 months in any one year period. Signs advertising
a property for sale or lease may remain until the property is sold
or leased. The sign must be removed within 7 days of all units or
lots being sold or leased
| |||
|
Table 7.17.2: Prohibited Signs
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Any sign not expressly permitted.
| ||
|
String lights. Spinners, strings of light bulbs,
pennants, or streamers, hung overhead to draw attention to a business
or its merchandise on display. In no case does this restrict the use
of string lights for holidays or religious events.
| ||
|
Moving or animated signs. Except as otherwise expressly
provided, no sign shall contain any moving or animated parts nor have
the appearance of having any movement or animation. No sign shall
employ any flashing, moving, oscillating, blinking, or variable-intensity
light or intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily
used in traffic signals, or police, fire, ambulance, or rescue vehicles,
or lights so bright as to be blinding or distracting to a vehicle
driver.
| ||
|
Inflatable signs. Signs that are comprised in part
or wholly of a balloon or any other inflated object or character.
| ||
|
Obsolete signs, as defined.
| ||
|
Off-premises signs (other than billboards), as
defined.
[Amended 5-17-2012] | ||
|
Pole signs, as defined.
[Amended 5-17-2012] | ||
|
Portable or movable signs, as defined, except where
expressly permitted in this article.
| ||
|
Signs that obstruct access. Signs which obstruct
free access or egress from a required door, window, or other required
exit.
| ||
|
Signs that obstruct view of road signs. Signs that
obstruct any approved traffic control device, road sign, or signal
from view; interfere with sight distance necessary for traffic safety;
or distract from visibility of existing traffic signs or devices.
| ||
|
Signs that confuse traffic.
| ||
|
1.
|
Any sign which makes use of the words "stop," "look," or "danger,"
or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner
as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
| |
|
2.
|
Signs which in any way simulate or could be confused with the
lighting of emergency vehicles or traffic signals; there shall be
no red, yellow, or green illumination on any sign located in the same
line of vision as a traffic control system, nor interference with
vision clearance along any highway, street, or road or at any intersection
of two or more streets.
| |
|
Illegal signs. Any sign unlawfully installed, erected,
or maintained.
| ||
|
Snipe signs. Signs attached to a utility pole,
fence or affixed to a tree except as may otherwise be permitted by
this article.
| ||
|
Roof signs. Signs shall not be erected on any part
of a building's roof unless there is no practical available wall area
on the front of the building to permit the allowed wall sign, in which
case the Planning Department may grant an administrative waiver.
| ||
|
Road furniture signs. Signs on street furniture,
such as benches and trash receptacles, not including commemorative
plaques or engravings not larger than 1/2 square foot.
| ||
|
Fire hydrants. Any sign not attached to a building
and erected within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
| ||
|
Signs in public right-of-way or on City-owned property. Unless otherwise provided in these regulations, no sign, except
those established by the City of Lapeer, Lapeer County, state or federal
governments shall be located in, project or overhang into any public
right-of-way or dedicated easement, or elsewhere on City-owned property
except with the consent of the City.
| ||
|
Motor vehicle signs.
| ||
|
1.
|
It shall be unlawful to park, place or store a vehicle or trailer
on which there is a motor vehicle sign on private or public property
for the purpose of advertising a business or products or for the purpose
of directing people to a business or business activity.
| |
|
2.
|
Presumption. There shall be a presumption that this subsection
has been violated if the motor vehicle sign is visible from a street
and one or more of the following circumstances exist:
| |
|
a.
|
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that
is unregistered or not operable;
| |
|
b.
|
The motor vehicle sign is larger in any dimension than or extends
beyond any surface of the vehicle or trailer to which it is attached;
| |
|
c.
|
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that
is parked or stored in a public right-of-way or an area not designed,
designated, or commonly used for parking;
| |
|
d.
|
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that
is regularly parked or stored in a "front yard" or "side yard," as
such terms are defined in this Zoning Ordinance, that abuts a street,
when there are other areas of the property designed, designated, or
available for the parking or storage of the vehicle or trailer that
are not visible from the street or do not abut streets; or
| |
|
e.
|
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that
is regularly parked or stored within 50 feet of a street, when there
are other areas of the property designed, designated, or available
for the parking or storage of the vehicle or trailer that are more
distant from the street or not visible from the street.
| |
|
3.
|
Rebuttal of presumption. The presumption set forth in Subsection
2c in this table, above, may be rebutted by evidence showing all of
the following:
| |
|
a.
|
The vehicle is temporarily parked in a particular location in
the course of conducting personal activities or business activities
that involve the loading or unloading of goods for customers, providing
services to off-site customers, conducting off-site business, or engaging
in work breaks;
| |
|
b.
|
The activities in Subsection 1 in this table, above, are being
actively undertaken during the period of such parking;
| |
|
c.
|
The activities in Subsection 1 in this table, above, require
the presence of the vehicle for purposes of transporting equipment,
people, supplies and/or goods necessary for carrying out such activities;
and
| |
|
d.
|
The activities in Subsection 1 in this table, above, are not,
other than incidentally, related to advertising, identifying, displaying,
directing, or attracting attention to an object, person, institution,
organization, business, product, service, event or location.
| |
|
Unsafe signs. Any sign or sign structure which
the Building Official has determined:
| ||
|
1.
|
Is structurally unsafe;
| |
|
2.
|
Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate
maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment;
| |
|
3.
|
Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of blocking
views;
| |
|
4.
|
Is capable of causing electric shock to a person who comes in
contact with it;
| |
|
5.
|
Is unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained;
| |
|
6.
|
Is located in public street or utility right-of-way, except
where expressly permitted herein;
| |
|
7.
|
Is not kept in good repair, such that it has broken parts, missing
letters, or nonoperational lights; or
| |
|
8.
|
Does not meet applicable requirements of any adopted City Building
Code.
| |
|
Search lights, as defined.
| ||
[Amended 9-26-2013; 4-17-2017; 12-19-2022]
The following table includes regulations for permanent nonresidential
signs:
|
Table 7.17.3: Schedule of Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type of Sign
|
Maximum Area
|
Height
|
Illumination
|
Number Permitted/
Other Provisions
|
|
Wall sign (see § 7-17.06A)
|
Total surface area of all wall signs placed on the front, side
or rear of a building shall not exceed the lesser of 10% of the area
of the front face of the building or tenant space, or 3 square feet
for each lineal feet of building frontage or tenant space
|
Must not exceed maximum building height in district.
Must not be higher than wall upon which it is attached.
Bottom of sign must be at least 8 feet above ground level or
sidewalk.
|
Permitted
|
Must not extend beyond the ends of the wall on which it is attached.
Sign may not be more than 12 inches thick, measured from the
wall on which it is attached.
|
|
Awnings and canopies
|
Lettering shall not project above, below or beyond the physical
dimensions of the awning or canopy.
|
Bottom of awning or canopy must be at least 7 feet above ground
level or sidewalk.
|
Not permitted under awning or canopy, except for gas station
canopy.
Building-mounted lighting may indirectly illuminate the area
above or below the awning or canopy.
|
Individual letters shall not be larger than 15 inches from top
to bottom.
|
|
Directional signs
|
4 square feet per sign
|
4 feet maximum
|
Permitted
|
Determined by City Building Official
|
|
Monument signs (see § 7-17.06B)
|
Areas zoned CBD-1: 20 square feet per side; 40 square feet total.
Other areas: 56 square feet per side; 112 square feet total.
|
8 feet maximum
|
Permitted
|
1 per each side of parcel facing a street
|
|
Poster panel signs (sandwich signs, A-frames) (see § 7-17.06C)
|
7 square feet per side;
14 square feet total
|
3.5 feet maximum
|
Not permitted
|
–
|
|
Business center sign, including multiple tenant commercial or
shopping centers and multiple tenant office buildings
|
64 square feet per sign face;
128 total square feet for both sides
|
Areas zoned CBD-1: 10 feet maximum.
Other areas: 16 feet maximum.
|
Permitted
|
1 per business center.
Individual businesses are not allowed to have individual monument
signs. Must meet sign requirements.
|
|
Window signs
|
Not more than 25% of surface of window
|
N/A
|
Not permitted, except for LED sign
|
N/A
|
|
Projecting signs (see § 7-17.06D)
|
8 square feet per side;
16 square feet, total
|
Must not be higher than wall upon which it is attached.
Bottom of sign must be at least 8 feet above ground level or
sidewalk.
|
Permitted
|
Only permitted in the CBD-1 zoning districts.
1 per business, provided not within 20 feet of another projecting
sign.
|
|
Rear entry signs
|
Wall sign: 6 square feet;
Projecting sign: 6 square feet per side;
12 square feet total.
|
Bottom of sign must be a minimum of 8 feet above the ground
or sidewalk
|
Permitted
|
1 per business
|
|
Marquee signs (see § 7-17.06E)
|
10% of the wall, up to maximum of 100 square feet
|
Must not exceed building height in district.
Must not be higher than building.
Bottom of sign must be at least 8 feet above ground level or
sidewalk.
|
Permitted
|
1 per parcel
|
|
Billboards (see § 7-17.06F)
|
175 square feet per side;
350 square feet total
|
See § 7-17.06F(2).
|
Permitted
|
Only allowed in the I-2 Zoning District.
Must be on property fronting an expressway or state trunk line
highway.
|
|
Interstate corridor signs (see § 7-17.06G)
|
200 square feet per side (total signage = 400 square feet) with
a maximum of 2 sides permitted.
250 square feet for two businesses and an additional 50 square
feet for each business (tenant) thereafter and not to exceed 400 square
feet each side.
|
20 feet for single tenant.
30 feet for multiple tenant
|
Permitted - internal and concealed only.
Spotlighting is not permitted.
|
1 per every 1,000 linear feet, up to 2 sign structures per lot/parcel
within 200 feet of I-69.
Must be on property which is adjacent to the I-69 right-of-way.
|
|
Electronic or manual changeable message signs (see § 7-17.06H)
|
24 square feet
|
Per type of sign as listed above
|
Permitted
|
1 per parcel
|
A.
Wall signs.
(1)
Materials required. All wall signs of a greater area than 50
square feet shall have a surface or facing of noncombustible material.
(2)
Limitation on placement. No wall sign shall cover wholly or
partially any wall opening.
(3)
Supports and attachments. All wall signs shall be safely and
securely attached to structural members of the building by means of
metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws. In no case shall any wall
sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails.
B.
Monument signs.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
(1)
Material required. Every monument sign over 50 square feet in
total surface area shall have a surface or facing of noncombustible
material.
(2)
Letters, etc. to be secured. All letters, figures, characters
or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in conjunction
with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and
securely built or attached to the sign structure.
(3)
Anchorage and support. All monument signs shall be securely
built, constructed and erected upon posts sunk at least 42 inches
below the surface of the ground and embedded in concrete. A lightning-grounding
device shall be provided.
(4)
Base. A monument sign must be mounted on a solid base constructed
of masonry or other similarly durable material that matches or complements
the material on the main building. The base must be at least 75% of
the sign width, not to exceed 12 feet wide by three feet thick.
C.
Poster panel (sandwich board, A-frames) signs. Poster panel signs
may be placed only within the CBD-1 and CBD-2 Zoning Districts at
the public entrances to retail, personal service or restaurant businesses,
on either private property or the public sidewalk, subject to the
following requirements:
(1)
Clearance for pedestrians. The sign shall be located a minimum
of two feet from the edge of the curb and must be located so that
at least a five-foot wide sidewalk is maintained between the sign
and the building wall for pedestrian traffic flow and safety.
(2)
Number. There shall be only one sign permitted for each building
address for which there is provided a separate entrance, regardless
of the number of tenants in the building.
(3)
Storage. Each sign shall be placed outside only during the hours
when the business is open to the general public, and shall be stored
indoors at all other times. Any sign which is found to be not in compliance
with this requirement may be confiscated by City Code Enforcement
officials. A second violation will result in loss of the sign permit
for a period of one year.
(4)
Hazard. A portable sidewalk sign shall not occupy or obstruct
the use of any fire lane or required off-street parking. Any sign
which creates a visual or safety hazard may be ordered to be removed
by the Police Chief.
(5)
Maintenance. All sign frames shall be constructed of a weatherproof
material and shall be kept in good repair.
(6)
Businesses not fronting on Nepessing Street. Directional poster
panel signs for downtown businesses not fronting on Nepessing Street
are permitted to be placed on Nepessing Street corners subject to
the following provisions:
(7)
Permit. No poster panel sign shall be placed on display without
the owner first obtaining a permit from the City of Lapeer.
(8)
Quality. Hand-lettered or stenciled sign faces are prohibited,
with the exception of restaurant daily specials. All sign faces shall
be professionally created in conformance with the specifications for
sidewalk signs adopted by the City of Lapeer Downtown Development
Authority.
D.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Construction. Every part of a projecting sign, with a total
surface area greater than 10 square feet, shall be constructed of
noncombustible material.
(2)
Movable parts to be secured. Any movable part of a projecting
sign, such as the cover of a service opening, shall be securely fastened
by chains or hinges.
(3)
Thickness limitation. The distance measured between the principal
faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed 18 inches.
(4)
Projection over public property. No projecting sign may project
beyond the property line unless approved by the City.
(5)
Bracing, anchorage and supports. Projecting signs of a greater
total surface area than 10 square feet or 50 pounds in weight shall
not be attached to nor supported by frame buildings nor the wooden
framework of a building. All projecting signs shall be thoroughly
secured to the building by iron or other metal anchors, bolts, supports,
rods or braces.
E.
Marquee signs.
(1)
Material required. Every marquee sign, including the upright
supports and braces thereof, shall be constructed entirely of noncombustible
materials.
(2)
Bracing, anchorage and supports. Every marquee sign shall be
thoroughly secured to the building by iron or metal anchors, bolts,
supports, rods or braces.
F.
Billboards.
(1)
Minimum lot size. Such signs shall be allowed on premises with
a minimum total area of one acre and a minimum dimension of 200 feet
on any one side (based on the deed or recorded legal description).
(2)
Height. Such signs shall comply with the height limitations
and with the front, rear, and side setback provisions of the I-2 zoning
district.
G.
Interstate corridor signs (ICS).
[Added 4-17-2017]
(1)
Placement. All Interstate Corridor Signage (ICS) must be located
along Interstate-69 (I-69) and shall be no closer than a distance
that is equal to or greater than the height of the sign (20 feet to
30 feet) and set back from the interstate right-of-way (ROW). An ICS
20 feet tall or less must maintain a minimum distance of 20 feet from
the I-69 ROW. The interstate ROW includes all entrance and exit ramps
on to I-69. Setbacks from the I-69 ROW may be more restrictive as
deemed necessary by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
An ICS must be within 200 feet of the property line that borders the
interstate ROW unless deemed otherwise by MDOT.
(2)
Additional permitting. MDOT may require permitting for any sign
structures that are within 3,000 feet of an interstate, freeway, or
highway; as regulated by the Michigan Highway Advertising Act (Act
106). It is recommended that such permitting be applied for through
MDOT before applying for a sign permit through the City of Lapeer.
If MDOT does not require a permit for the proposed sign, documentation
stating such shall be provided and submitted with the sign application
to the City of Lapeer.
(3)
Location. An ICS can only be applied for on properties that
are zoned B-2. The property must border the I-69 ROW. An ICS is an
additional sign structure for properties that meet the standards of
this section and are not considered to be part of a cumulative total
for overall signage allowed on an applicable piece of property.
(4)
Setbacks. An ICS must be more than 300 feet from all residentially
zoned properties, including properties adjacent to the subject parcel
and/or across a public ROW.
(5)
Proximity. An ICS shall be a minimum of 1,000 feet apart from
each sign with no more than two per lot. ICS placement must maintain
a minimum of 500 feet apart from all other ICS structures on adjacent
properties or across a public ROW.
(6)
Accessory. All ICS and sign structures are accessory to a building
or use on the same property. At least one building or structure that
houses a principal business or use must be located on the same property
as the interstate corridor sign.
(7)
Multi-tenant. A ICS that advertises two or more businesses.
Square footage and height may be increased on an ICS (per Table 7.17.3)
by allowing multiple tenants to advertise. The following requirements
apply to signs hosting third-party tenants:
(a)
Participating tenants of an existing or proposed ICS structure
must apply for a sign permit through the Building Department with
a valid lease for signage space and/or written permission from the
CIS structure owner.
(b)
The tenant of an ICS must be advertising a business or use of
a location for a legal licensed business on property within the City
of Lapeer and adjacent to the I-69 ROW property line, except as prohibited
in this section. Tenants on adjacent properties that do not share
a property line along the I-69 ROW must be all of the following:
[1]
A legally licensed business or use in the City of Lapeer, no
more than 3,000 feet from the I-69 ROW.
[2]
A business or use that shares a property line with the property
the sign is located on. The following areas have been designated to
allow for tenant signage and not to advertise or promote a business
that is separated by a public ROW from the ICS structure. Signage
of a business on an ICS must be located in these quadrants on a structure
within the same quadrant as listed below:
[a]
South of Turrill Road, north of I-69, and east
of M-24 up to 3,000 feet from the ICS within the City limits.
[b]
North of I-69 up to 3,000 feet from the ICS within
the City limits, west of Baldwin Road and east of the country drain,
Farmers Creek.
[c]
South of I-69 up to 3,000 feet from the ICS, east
of M-24 up to 3,000 feet of the ICS within the City limits.
(c)
Tenant signage of an ICS must be designated for a separate business.
A business or product sold within a building sharing a common entrance
without any separation from the primary business does not constitute
a permitted tenant for additional signage. For example: a store that
sells a brand may not advertise that brand separately outside of the
two-hundred-square-foot requirement.
(d)
The closest ICS structure must be used whenever possible or, if no space is available, an ICS structure within 3,000 of the tenant's business can be used for the tenant's sign as it complies with the quadrants depicted in § 7-17.06G(7)(b). It is required that businesses sharing a common vehicular entry should share an ICS structure whenever possible to limit confusion of the particular location of the business.
(8)
Design. ICS shall only be one or two-sided. V-shaped signs,
similar to typical billboard designs, are permitted, given both sides
are visible and legible from the interstate ROW and not exceeding
a ninety-degree angle. The void/back of a V-shaped sign and the back
of a one-sided sign must be of acceptable materials that match the
base or exterior/visible materials of the main sign structure. Supporting
structure (poles, beams, cross-bracing, etc.) for the ICS shall be
enclosed within the sign structure and material cladding.
(9)
Proportions. An ICS shall not be less than five feet in height
and cannot exceed more than 30 feet in width, as measured across the
face of the sign.
(10)
Base. Any ICS structure that has signage more than 18 inches
above grade must provide a designated base between the bottom(s) of
the display signage that extends to grade. The base shall be clad
with permitted materials that match or complement the main building(s)
that the sign structure is designed to be used for. The base must,
at a minimum, meet the width of the display signage.
(11)
Materials. Noncombustible, durable materials are required on
all ICS structures. Materials similar to finished metal, stone, brick
or a combination of such are examples of materials that meet this
requirement. Materials that rust, stain, fade, oxidize, peeling and/or
crack as a result of the natural environment shall provide information
and apply such prevention measures as necessary or be discouraged.
(12)
Protrusions. Lettering and other materials to be secured to
an ICS shall be designed to deter the buildup of debris, snow, bird
nests, and other foreseen maintenance issues that could cause obstructions
or safety issues and compromise the stability and functionality of
the sign and sign structure over time. Curved surfaces of protruding
elements are required. Any vertical or horizontal surface attached
to the face of an ICS shall protrude no more than two inches beyond
the face of the sign structure or surface.
(13)
Safety. A business advertising on any ICS is prohibited to use images, colors, lighting and/or materials that would be considered to be a distraction to motorists and other types of transportation. Materials that are susceptible to variations of fatigue [as noted above in Subsection G(11), Materials, and Subsection G(12), Protrusions] pose a safety hazard, and it is required that documentation of preventive measures be listed as part of the submission of the ICS permit as it pertains to wind speeds, snow load, corrosion and/or other engineering and stability factors.
H.
Changeable message signs.
(1)
Such sign shall be part of a monument sign only and shall be
subject to the area, height, and placement requirements for a ground
sign in such location as otherwise permitted under this chapter.
(2)
Changeable message signs are not allowed on property in a residential
zoning district or on property zoned Central Business District.
(3)
The changeable message portion of such sign shall not exceed
24 square feet, and the remainder of the sign shall be of a permanent
character as otherwise required under this chapter.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
(4)
In addition to the general requirements for sign maintenance,
all changeable copy signs shall bear a legible message, other suitable
display or be left blank. Electronic devices, when not in use, are
to be left blank and unlighted. Any lighted or electronic changeable
message sign in which the electrical or lighting components are operating
in an erratic, broken or damaged fashion shall be turned off or removed.
(5)
The sign shall not include animation and the message on the
sign may change a maximum of four times per minute. At all other times
the sign message and background must remain constant.
(6)
Exceptions:
(a)
Reader boards owned by government entities, public agencies, and community organizations displaying community information are exempt from the area limitations set forth in Subsection H(1) above. Such signs must comply with all other applicable provisions in this chapter.
(b)
Electronic signs of private and parochial schools (public schools
are exempt by statute) shall be exempt from the above provisions.
A.
Signs in residential areas not requiring a permit. Ground and wall
type signs are permitted in residential zoning districts as defined
in this chapter without a permit and subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of the property upon
which it is located, subject to the following conditions:
(a)
[1]No sign may be erected within a public right-of-way, nor
in such manner on private property as to create a sight restriction
for automotive traffic.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(1)(a), regarding height
restrictions for signs, was repealed 12-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-05.
This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection A(1)(a) as Subsection
A(1)(b).
(2)
Dwelling nameplate. For each dwelling unit, one nameplate not
exceeding two square feet in area indicating name of occupant. Such
sign shall not contain advertising of any nature.
B.
Signs in residential areas requiring a permit. Ground and wall type
signs are permitted in residential zone districts as defined in this
chapter with a permit and shall satisfy the following conditions:
(1)
Sign advertising the lots and/or buildings erected in any subdivision
or multiple-family development. It shall be permissible for a real
estate broker or builder to erect one sign not to exceed a total surface
area of 64 square feet nor an overall height of 10 feet, the lower
edge of which shall not be less than 18 inches above the surrounding
ground level, to advertise the lots and/or building erected in any
one subdivision, provided that said real estate broker or builder
owns, has listed for sale or has the owner's permission to sell a
minimum of 10 lots in said subdivision. No such sign or billboard
shall be erected or maintained within 100 feet of any occupied residence
unless the written consent of the owner and occupant of such residence
is first obtained.
(2)
Single-family and multiple-family residential developments. Any person owning or operating any single-family or multiple-family residential development may erect a monument sign in accordance with the provisions of § 7-17.06B, bearing the name of the development, such sign not to exceed 24 square feet in area and not to exceed an overall height of six feet above the ground level, which sign shall be made of noncombustible material and may be lighted during the hours of darkness, and which shall contain no advertising or information other than the name of the residential development and status of occupancy. No more than one sign may be erected for each development entrance.
[Amended 9-26-2013]
(3)
Signs accessory to churches, schools or nonprofit institutions.
[Amended 9-26-2013]
(a)
Churches, colleges, schools, buildings housing governmental functions and utilities of the City, county or state or any subdivision thereof, are permitted to erect a monument sign in accordance with the provisions of § 7-17.06B. Such signs, when of a permanent nature, shall be constructed of noncombustible material and shall meet all the requirements of this chapter, except as provided hereafter:
[1]
There shall be not more than one sign.
[2]
Such signs shall be set back from the lot line at least 1/3
of the distance from the lot line to the nearest building, but need
not be set back more than 100 feet from the property line.
[3]
No sign shall exceed 20 square feet in area, unless the sign
is located more than 50 feet behind the property line, then said sign
may be increased by five additional square feet for each additional
10 feet of setback, but in no event shall such sign exceed 50 square
feet in area.
[4]
Maximum height shall be eight feet.
(b)
In the case of such signs in nonresidential zoning districts,
the signs must comply with the requirements for the district in which
they are located.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 7-17.08, Parking area signs,
was repealed 12-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-05.
A.
Wind pressure and dead load requirements. Ground, projecting, wall
and marquee signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a
wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of surface
area and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required elsewhere
in the City Building Code.[1]
B.
Illumination. All illumination shall be concentrated on the area
of the sign or landscape feature so as to prevent glare upon the street
or adjacent property. No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical
means or devices, and wiring shall be installed in accordance with
the National Electrical Code. Any signs shall be of a wattage of not
to exceed 60 watts per bulb. No lights shall be permitted in excess
of 60 watts per bulb, and in no instance shall such light be located
as to be hazardous to traffic.
C.
Obstructions to doors, windows and fire escapes. No sign shall be
erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from
any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached
to a stand pipe or fire escape.
D.
Signs not to construct a traffic hazard. No sign shall be erected
at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct
free and clear vision or at any location where, by reason of the position,
shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be
confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which
makes use of the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger" or any word, phrase,
symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or
confuse traffic.
E.
Clear vision area. No sign shall be located within, project into, or overhang the corner clearance area as defined in § 7-14.05 of this chapter.
F.
Face of sign shall be smooth. No nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted
to protrude from the front of any sign. This shall not exclude, however,
the use of block letters, electrical reflectors, or other devices
which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structure.
G.
Measuring sign height.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
 |
(1)
The permitted height of all signs supported by the ground shall
be measured from the level of the ground, finished surface, adjacent
to the sign.
(2)
Sign height shall not be measured from an area of the ground
that has been built up or constructed in a manner that would have
the effect of allowing a higher sign height than permitted by these
regulations (e.g., the height of signs erected on a berm shall be
measured from the finished grade adjacent to the berm).
H.
Measuring sign area.
[Amended 9-26-2013]
 |
(1)
Sign area shall be measured as the square footage of the sign
face and any frame or other material or color forming an integral
part of the display or used to differentiate it from the background
against which it is placed. The measurement of the sign shall include
the entire graphic the sign is located on.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
(2)
When a sign consists solely of lettering or other sign elements
printed, painted or mounted on a wall of a building without any distinguishing
border, panel or background, the calculation for sign area shall be
measured by enclosing the most protruding edges of the sign elements
within a parallelogram or rectangle.
(3)
The area of a double-faced monument sign shall be computed using
only one face of the sign, provided that: the outline and dimensions
of both faces are identical; and the faces are back to back so that
only one face is visible at any given time.
(4)
Window
sign regulation shall not include season drawings or other graphics
not related to signage.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
I.
City
official may periodically inspect signs for compliance.
[Added 12-19-2022]
A.
Any sign legally existing at the time of adoption of these regulations
which does not comply with all provisions shall be considered a legal
nonconforming sign and may be permitted to continue if the sign is
properly maintained and not detrimental to the health, safety and
welfare of the community.
[Amended 5-17-2012]
B.
Subject to exceptions below, any legal nonconforming signs may be
continued in operation and maintained after the effective date of
these regulations, provided that the signs shall not be:
[Amended 5-17-2012]
(1)
Structurally altered so as to extend their useful life;
(2)
Expanded;
(3)
Moved to another location on the original site or on a different
site;
(4)
Reestablished after damage of more than 50% of the value at
the time of such damage or destruction;
(5)
Modified in any way that would increase the degree of nonconformity
of such sign.
C.
When a sign or sign structure is removed or destroyed, replacement
signs and sign structures must comply with the current standards,
except for the purpose of sign maintenance or repair:
[Added 5-17-2012]
(1)
A nonconforming sign or sign structure may be removed temporarily
to perform sign maintenance or sign repair, not to exceed 50% of the
current market value of the existing sign structure.
(2)
In order to preserve the nonconforming sign status, the person
removing the sign must inform the Building Official in writing before
the sign is removed. If the responsible party fails to provide written
notification, any re-erected sign will be considered a new sign.
D.
Abandonment or obsolescence of a nonconforming sign shall terminate
immediately the right to maintain such a sign.
(1)
An obsolete sign and its supporting structure shall be removed
by the property owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign
is located when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted
on the premises within 10 days after written notice from the Building
Official.
(2)
A sign which is in conformity with the other provisions of these
regulations may remain in place if such sign is obscured by the use
of a blank panel attached within the frame of the sign and shall be
permitted to remain for a period not to exceed 120 days.
(3)
Where a successor to an inactive business agrees, within 30
days of the date of written notice by the Building Official, to maintain
the sign as provided for by these regulations, this removal requirement
shall not apply, provided that the existing sign and structure conforms
to all current sign requirements.
E.
All portable signs, except those specifically permitted by these
regulations, that exist on the effective date of these regulations,
shall be removed immediately upon the enactment of these regulations.
F.
Any illegal nonconforming signs that exist on the effective date
of these regulations shall be removed immediately upon the enactment
of these regulations and shall be replaced by signs that conform to
these regulations.
A.
No sign, permanent or temporary, shall be erected, structurally altered
or relocated, except as otherwise provided in these regulations, without
review and approval from the City of Lapeer Building Department.
B.
Application. The application, on a form provided by the City of Lapeer
Building Department, shall contain the proposed location of the sign,
the name and address of the sign owner and of the sign erected, the
name and address of the owner of the business and of the property
if different from that of the sign owner, drawings and/or sketches
showing the design and location of the sign, the estimated cost of
construction and any other information as the Building Official may
require to ensure compliance with these regulations and with other
ordinances of the City.
C.
Staking of signs proposed location. The location of a proposed sign
shall be staked by the property owner. The Building Department will
use the staked location to determine compliance with required setbacks
set out in these regulations before issuing a sign permit.
D.
Permit required. For all signs requiring a permit, a sign permit
application shall be applied for with the City of Lapeer Building
Official. The Building Official will approve a sign permit application
that clearly conforms to the requirements of these regulations. If
the sign is situated in the public right-of-way, the applicant must
obtain a license from the City and must possess adequate liability
insurance.
E.
Fees. All permit fees for signs shall be as established by the Lapeer
City Commission.
F.
Nullification. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work
for which the permit was issued has not been completed within six
months after the date of the permit.
G.
Exceptions. The following shall not require a sign permit:
(1)
The changing of the advertising copy or message on an approved
painted or printed sign, on a theater marquee and on similar approved
signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.
(2)
Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or
repair of a sign or a sign structure, unless a structural change is
made.
H.
Certificate of compliance. All signs shall require a final inspection
and the issuance of a certificate of compliance from the Building
Department. The property owner shall notify the Building Department
immediately upon erecting the sign to request the final inspection.
[Amended 12-19-2022]
Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Building Official in connection with any dimensional or location provision of these regulations may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 30 days of the decision or order (See § 7-22.06).
