The purpose of this article is to promote and
protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing
and proposed outdoor signs of all types. It is intended to protect
property values; create a more attractive economic and business climate;
enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community; and
preserve the architectural, scenic and natural beauty of the community
by promoting signs which are in harmony with buildings and surroundings.
It is also intended to increase the legibility and effectiveness of
signage by reducing the visual clutter which may hide competing signs
from view. It is further intended to reduce distractions or obstructions
which may contribute to traffic accidents; reduce hazards that may
be caused by signs obstructing the views of drivers entering or exiting
streets; provide more visual open space; and contribute to efforts
to revitalize residential, commercial and industrial neighborhoods.
[Amended 12-23-2008]
Any off-premises advertising signage (including but limited to billboards) which is erected, altered or relocated after the adoption of this article shall comply with the regulations of this article. On-premises advertising, site, facility, and business identification are regulated under Article VII. In addition, prior to the erection, alteration or relocation of any nonexempt sign, a permit shall be obtained from the Building Inspector. All signs shall be regulated by their size, height, setback, number, type and design pursuant to this article. The regulations of this article shall not apply to the erection or placement of any state, county or City traffic control device or sign.
No sign shall impair or cause confusion of vehicular traffic in its design, color or placement. No sign shall be located within the triangular area as depicted in § 300-0205. Nor shall any sign be attached to trees, public utility poles, rocks or other parts of the natural landscape (except the ground), nor be placed in a position that will obstruct or impair traffic or create a hazard or disturbance to the health, safety and welfare of the general public. No sign shall be located on public property without written consent from the controlling jurisdiction.
Applications for sign permits shall be made,
in writing, to the Building Inspector on forms prescribed and provided
by the City of Jamestown and shall contain the following information:
A.Â
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
B.Â
Name, address and telephone number of the owner of
the property.
C.Â
Location of the building, structure and land upon
which the sign now exists or is to be erected.
D.Â
Elevation and plan drawings to scale shall be included.
In addition, a full description of the placement and appearance of
the proposed sign shall be included with the following information:
(1)Â
Location on the premises, specifically its position
in relation to adjacent buildings, structures and property lines;
(2)Â
Area of the building facade;
(3)Â
The method of illumination, if any, and the
position of lighting or other extraneous devices and a copy of the
electrical permit related to the electrical connections;
(4)Â
Graphic design (sketch to scale), including
symbols, letters, materials and colors; and
(5)Â
The visual message, text, copy or content of
the sign.
A.Â
Upon the filing of a completed application for a sign
permit and the payment of the required fee, the Building Inspector
shall examine the plans, specifications and the premises on which
the sign is to be erected. A permit shall be granted, provided that:
(1)Â
Any proposed sign which replaces an existing
conforming sign and does not significantly differ from the existing,
conforming sign in size, placement, area, color or construction shall
be approved by the Building Inspector.
(2)Â
Any proposed sign which is temporary and conforms
to the regulations of this chapter shall be approved by the Building
Inspector.
(3)Â
Applications for new signs or new signs which
replace existing, nonconforming signs associated with existing buildings
shall be forwarded to the Building Inspector who will prepare a report
on the compliance of the proposed sign(s) with regard to the formula
components of this article. Within 30 days of filing a complete application,
said proposal shall be approved, approved with modifications or denied
by the Building Inspector.
(4)Â
The issuance of a permit shall not excuse the
applicant from conforming to the other laws and ordinances of the
municipality. If the erection of any approved sign has not commenced
within one year from the date of issuance, the permit shall become
null and void. Said permit may be renewed within 30 days prior to
the expiration, for good cause shown, for an additional six months.
B.Â
The applicant and the Building Inspector shall consider
the following guidelines:
(1)Â
The sign design, colors, materials and scale
shall be compatible with the character of the area in which it is
proposed.
(2)Â
Signs mounted on buildings should not cover
openings or significant architectural details and should be located
within areas designed for the display of signs, if such exist.
(3)Â
Signs should be located no higher above the
ground than is necessary for viewing from adjacent streets.
(4)Â
Signs should be designed with respect to the
shape and proportion of the space within which they will be located
and the facade to which they will be applied.
(5)Â
The size of signs should relate to the vantage
point of the intended observer and the length of time available for
viewing; signs intended for pedestrians on the sidewalk need not be
as large as those to be seen from passing vehicles.
(6)Â
Signs should include the minimum information
necessary to convey the message so as to avoid clutter and confusion.
(7)Â
Multiple signs should be avoided.
(8)Â
A sign should not obstruct or impair the visual
effectiveness of neighboring signs.
(9)Â
Signs should be integrated with fences, walls
or buildings rather than freestanding if possible.
(10)Â
Signs for businesses in plazas or groups of
zero lot line store fronts should be of complementary design but not
necessarily uniform.
(11)Â
Signs for businesses contained in the same building
should be of concordant design.
(12)Â
Sign material should be durable and require
little maintenance.
The following types of signs may be erected and maintained without permits or fees as an accessory use to the principal use on the premises, provided that the standards in § 300-0711 are met. In each instance, unless otherwise noted, exempt signs shall be at least 10 feet from all property lines.
A.Â
Historical markers, tablets and statues, memorial
signs and plaques; names of buildings and dates of erection when cut
into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze, stainless
steel or similar material; emblems installed by governmental agencies,
religious or nonprofit organizations, not to exceed six square feet.
B.Â
On-premise directional signs identifying public parking
areas and fire zones which do not exceed five square feet per face.
Such signs shall not contain any commercial copy other than business
identification.
C.Â
Nonilluminated warning, private drive, posted or no
trespassing signs, not exceeding two square feet per face.
D.Â
Number and name plates identifying residents and/or
name of structure mounted on house, apartment or mailbox not exceeding
two square feet in area. If constructed as a lawn sign, it may not
be more than four feet in height. Such signs are not to be internally
illuminated nor contain any advertising message.
E.Â
Signs permitted at gasoline and automotive service/repair
stations may not exceed the following:
(1)Â
Integral graphics or attached price signs on gasoline pumps as regulated in Chapter 165 of the City Code;
(2)Â
Three auxiliary signs per station, each not
exceeding six square feet; and
(3)Â
One portable product display sign which is set
back at least 20 feet and does not exceed 12 square feet in area per
face; or three feet in height.
F.Â
Murals may be painted or adhered on any wall of a
structure. Signage and advertising may be erected in conjunction with
murals and shall not exceed 5% of the total area of the mural. Murals
erected in conjunction with signage shall be considered signs for
the purpose of this article, if such murals are clearly separate from
the signage and the content and design of the mural does not represent
specific goods, services or activities offered for sale. Generalized
depictions of types of goods; commonly used symbols other than trademarks,
brand names and logos; and scenes which do not specifically illustrate
commercial activity may be allowed in murals.
[Added 2-28-2005]
All signs of a temporary nature are exempt from the permit process. However, such signs shall not violate or exceed any of the standards or controls outlined below. Failure to meet these standards shall cause such sign to be removed by the Building Inspector pursuant to § 300-0712.
A.Â
General regulations. Except as otherwise provided
by this article, all temporary signs shall be subject to the following
standards:
(1)Â
Such signs shall be erected no earlier than
six weeks prior to the activity or event taking place nor be in place
any later than one week after the activity or event is finished;
(2)Â
Such signs shall not exceed the following area
standards: four square feet in L-C, R-1 and R-2 Districts; 16 square
feet in the R-C and C-1 Districts; 24 square feet in the C-2, C-3,
C-4, C-M, L-M and M Zones;
(3)Â
Such signs shall not exceed the following height
standards: Three feet in L-C, R-1 and R-2 Districts; 10 feet in all
remaining districts;
(4)Â
Such signs shall be set back a minimum of two
feet from the property lines and driveways in all L-C, R-1 and R-2
Districts and 10 feet from the same in the R-C, commercial and manufacturing
zones; and
(5)Â
Such signs shall not carry commercial copy.
B.Â
Specific regulations.
(1)Â
Temporary signs listing the architect, engineer,
contractor, sponsors and/or owner on premises where construction,
renovation or repair is in progress, provided that such project is
limited to one sign per access street; and such signs shall not exceed
32 square feet in area per sign; and such signs shall not exceed eight
feet in height.
(2)Â
Signs placed and sponsored by public sector
agencies, including but not limited to the identification of construction,
housing rehabilitation and economic development projects, shall remain
in place until such time that the sign no longer serves a public purpose.
Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area nor exceed eight
feet in height.
(3)Â
Posters, banners, promotional devices and similar
signs promoting an opinion, cause, candidate or political party. Such
signs shall not be restricted by time or duration.
(4)Â
Posters, banners, promotional devices and similar
signs promoting a noncommercial event shall not be regulated by the
height and area standards outlined above.
(5)Â
Temporary private owner merchandise sale signs
for garage sales and auctions, not exceeding four square feet in area
and provided that such signs not be in place for a period exceeding
seven days.
(6)Â
Temporary nonilluminated "for sale" or "for
rent" real estate signs concerning the premises upon which the sign
is located.
(7)Â
One temporary nonilluminated sign for a roadside
stand selling agricultural produce grown on the premises in season,
provided that such sign be removed during the off-season.
(8)Â
Temporary nonilluminated window signs and posters
not exceeding 75% of each individual window surface on which it appears,
provided that such signs not be used for permanent advertising. Such
signs may contain commercial copy.
(9)Â
Nonilluminated, temporarily displayed commercial
signs which have a changeable copy message area are permitted exclusively
in the C-3 District, provided that:
(a)Â
Only one such sign is permitted per establishment;
(b)Â
Such signs shall be removed at the close of
business;
(c)Â
Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in
area per face;
(d)Â
Such signs shall not exceed five feet in height;
(e)Â
Such signs shall be located within eight feet
on the principle structure; and
(f)Â
When such sign is located on public property
(e.g., sidewalk), an encroachment permit shall be obtained from the
Department of Public Works.
The following signs are prohibited in all districts:
A.Â
No off-premises signs shall be allowed other than
those otherwise permitted in this article.
[Amended 2-28-2005]
C.Â
No sign shall consist of strobe lights, multiple banners,
pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering
or revolving devices.
E.Â
No trailer or vehicle with an advertising message
shall be parked on a premises in a manner to serve as a sign.
F.Â
Double-faced signs are prohibited.
[Added 2-28-2005]
A.Â
Signs on residential buildings which identify a permitted
professional office, accessory home occupation or business use authorized
by variance or special use permit are subject to the following:
B.Â
Wall signs. The following sign types shall be considered
wall signs and shall be subject to the wall sign regulations set forth
in this article:
(1)Â
Projecting signs.
(a)Â
Projecting signs shall not have more than two
faces; however, when a projecting sign serves as a marquee for a theater,
it may have three faces; and
(b)Â
No part of a projecting sign shall extend into
vehicular traffic areas, and any part of a sign extending over pedestrian
traffic areas shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(2)Â
Roof signs. No sign which is erected on a roof
shall extend more than eight feet above the roofline of such building.
C.Â
Freestanding signs.
(1)Â
No freestanding sign shall be located less than
50 feet from any other freestanding sign;
(2)Â
If for any reason the property line is changed
at some future date, any freestanding sign made nonconforming thereby
shall be relocated within six months to conform with the minimum setback
requirements; and
(3)Â
Freestanding signs shall have a minimum of eight
feet of clearance over any pedestrian walkway and shall have a minimum
of 14 feet of clearance over any driveway.
D.Â
Entrance and exit signs for the purpose of directing
traffic on and off the site, in R-C, C and M Districts.
E.Â
Permanent residential subdivision identification signs,
provided that they are nonilluminated, single-sided and the following
regulations are not exceeded:
Permanent Residential Subdivision Identification
Signs
| ||
---|---|---|
Description
|
Use Regulation
| |
Maximum number
|
1 per subdivision
| |
Maximum area
|
24 square feet per sign
| |
Maximum height
|
10 feet
| |
Minimum setback
|
10 feet from property line
|
F.Â
Electronic message displays.
[Added 1-30-2017]
(1)Â
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY (EMD)
DISSOLVE
FADE
FRAME
FRAME EFFECT
(a)Â
(b)Â
(c)Â
(d)Â
SCROLL
SPONSORSHIP
TRAVEL
Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following definitions
shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images
that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic
means.
A mode of message transition on an electronic message display
(EMD) accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where
the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility
simultaneously with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second
message.
A mode of message transition on an electronic message display
(EMD) accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first
message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible
and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point
of legibility.
A complete, static display screen on an electronic message
display.
A visual effect used on an electronic message display applied
to a single frame to attract the attention of viewers.
LEVEL 1Static display only (messages changed with no transition/animation).
LEVEL 2Static display with "fade" or "dissolve" transitions, or similar subtle transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance of moving text or images.
LEVEL 3Static display with "travel" or "scrolling" transitions, or similar transitions and frame effects that have text or animated images that appear to move or change in size, or be revealed sequentially rather than all at once.
LEVEL 4Full animation, flashing, and video.
A mode of message transition on an electronic message display
where the message appears to move vertically or across the display
surface.
The display of the name or logo of an off-premises business
that has contributed to an event or operation of the on-site business.
This does not include the advertisement of a sale or product of the
off-premises business.
A mode of message transition on an electronic message display
where the message appears to move horizontally or across the display
surface.
The following signs are permitted by zoning
district after obtaining a permit from the Building Inspector:
A.Â
In all districts, signs for places of worship, schools, libraries, museums, social clubs or societies are permitted, pursuant to § 300-0709 and the following:
Permitted Signs for Places of Worship,
Schools, Libraries, Museums, Social Clubs or Societies
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Description
|
Use Regulation
| ||
Freestanding signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 sign per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
16 square feet per sign
| ||
Maximum height
|
5 feet
| ||
Minimum setback
|
10 feet from property line
| ||
Wall signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per each access street, not to exceed a total
of two per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
10% of the front facade(s) of the building,
provided that the total area of all wall signage shall not exceed
100 square feet
| ||
Accessory use signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
3
| ||
Maximum area
|
9 square feet per sign
| ||
Maximum height
|
5 feet
| ||
Minimum setback
|
10 feet from property line
|
B.Â
In the L-C, R-1 and R-2 Districts, only one non-internally-illuminated sign is permitted, pursuant to § 300-0709 and the following:
Permitted Signs in the L-C, R-1 and R-2
Districts
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Description
|
Use Regulation
| ||
Freestanding signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
2 square feet
| ||
Wall signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
2 square feet
|
C.Â
In the R-C District, the following types of non-internally-illuminated signs are permitted pursuant to § 300-0709 and the following:
Permitted Signs in the R-C District
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Description
|
Use Regulation
| ||
Freestanding signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
16 square feet per sign
| ||
Maximum height
|
5 feet
| ||
Minimum setback
|
10 feet from property line
| ||
Wall signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
10 square feet per sign
|
D.Â
In the C-1 District, the following types of non-internally-illuminated signs are permitted pursuant to § 300-0709 and the following:
Permitted Signs in the C-1 District
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Description
|
Use Regulation
| ||
Freestanding signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
36 square feet per sign
| ||
Maximum height
|
15 feet
| ||
Minimum setback
|
10 feet from property line
| ||
Wall signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per each business or 1 per each access street
| ||
Maximum area
|
Not to exceed 7% of the front facade of the
building per sign
|
E.Â
In the C-2 and C-3 Districts, the following types of signs are permitted pursuant to § 300-0709 and the following:
Permitted Signs in the C-2 and C-3 Districts
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Description
|
Use Regulation
| ||
Freestanding signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per each access street, not to exceed a total
of 2 per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
72 square feet per sign
| ||
Maximum height
|
20 feet
| ||
Minimum setback
|
10 feet from property line
| ||
Wall signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per each business or 1 per each access street
| ||
Maximum area
|
Not to exceed 10% of the front facade of the
building per sign
|
F.Â
In the C-4, C-M, L-M and M Districts, the following types of signs are permitted pursuant to § 300-0709 and the following:
Permitted Signs in the C-4, C-M, L-M and
M Districts
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Description
|
Use Regulation
| ||
Freestanding signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per each access street, not to exceed a total
of 2 per primary structure
| ||
Maximum area
|
80 square feet if building area is less than
30,000 square feet of gross floor area or 100 square feet if building
area is greater than or equal to 30,000 square feet of gross floor
area
| ||
Maximum height
|
24 feet
| ||
Minimum setback
|
10 feet from property line
| ||
Wall signs
| |||
Maximum number
|
1 per each business or 1 per each access street
| ||
Maximum area
|
Not to exceed 13% of the front facade of the
building per sign
|
G.Â
Electronic message displays (EMDs) are allowable in the following
zones: C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-M, L-M, M, Zoning Districts.
[Added 1-30-2017]
I.Â
Up to 50% of the total allowable area (freestanding or wall signage) may be used for electronic message displays, and cannot be any larger than 144 square feet. Only one EMD is allowed per property, either as a freestanding sign or wall sign, but not both. Freestanding EMDs and wall sign EMDs will follow the same height and setback regulations that are set for the corresponding freestanding and wall signs in § 300-0710.
[Added 1-30-2017]
J.Â
Electronic message displays must be equipped with an automatic dimmer,
and be set not to exceed 0.3 footcandle over ambient light level (measured
at 150 feet). Each message on the sign must be displayed for a minimum
of 15 seconds, transitions must be no longer than one second each.
[Added 1-30-2017]
K.Â
Allowable animation and transition content on EMDs must fall under the definition for Level 1 or Level 2 [defined within § 300-0709F(1)]. Level 3 or Level 4 animations and transitions may be permitted with the approval of a special use permit.
[Added 1-30-2017]
L.Â
Sponsorship usage of electronic message displays is permitted. Off-premises
advertising is not allowable on electronic message displays.
[Added 1-30-2017]
[Added 2-28-2005; 12-23-2008]
Except as otherwise provided by this article,
all off-premises advertising signage shall be subject to the following
standards:
A.Â
Off-premises advertising signage shall be permitted
in the C-M, L-M and M Zones by right.
B.Â
No off-premises advertising signage shall be erected
within 100 feet of distance of any mechanical traffic control device
or sign that regulates the starting and stopping of vehicles.
D.Â
Maximum height for off-premises advertising signage
shall be 24 feet from grade.
E.Â
A minimum clearance of 10 feet shall be maintained
between the bottom of any portion of sign and grade.
F.Â
Separation from other off-premises signage shall be
a minimum separation of 600 feet measured radially.
G.Â
No off-premises advertising signage shall overhang
a public right-of-way or required setback.
H.Â
No off-premises advertising signage shall be mounted
on a rooftop or overhang a rooftop or be affixed to a structure.
I.Â
No off-premises advertising signage shall be located
on or over required parking or drive aisle.
J.Â
Off-premises advertising signs may be illuminated,
provided that the illumination shall be focused upon the sign itself,
so as to prevent glare upon surrounding areas.
K.Â
Flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination,
or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages or
signs with animated parts shall not be permitted.
L.Â
No off-premises advertising signage shall be located
within 150 feet of a residential zone and a park.
M.Â
A front yard setback shall be a minimum of 10 feet
from the front property line.
N.Â
Side yard setbacks shall be a minimum of 10 feet from
the side property line.
O.Â
A minimum of 10 feet shall be required between any
part of an off-premises advertising sign, its support structure and
the face of any building or structure.
P.Â
No part or portion of off-premises advertising signage,
including sign or support structure, shall be erected within the front
yard setback directly in front of the principal building on a site.
All signs shall be subject to the following
construction and maintenance standards:
A.Â
All internally illuminated signs shall be constructed
in conformance with the Standards for Electric Signs (U.L. 48) of
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. If such sign does not bear the Underwriters
Laboratory label, the sign shall be inspected and certified by an
approved electrical inspection company. All transformers, wires and
similar items shall be concealed. All wiring to freestanding signs
shall be underground;
[Amended 2-24-2003]
B.Â
All freestanding signs shall be designed and constructed
as per the Codes of New York State and shall bear the seal of a New
York State registered engineer or architect.
[Amended 2-28-2005]
C.Â
All signs shall be securely anchored and shall not
swing or move in any manner;
D.Â
All signs, sign finishes, supports and electric work
shall be maintained, kept clean, neatly painted and free from all
hazards, such as but not limited to faulty wiring, loose supports,
braces, guys and anchors; and
The enforcement of this article shall be the
responsibility of the Building Inspector. In the event that a sign
is nonconforming, obsolete, unkempt or unsafe, the Building Inspector
shall give written notice to the named owner of the land upon which
the sign is located indicating the date by which said sign shall be
repaired or removed. In the event that the sign is not brought into
compliance within said time period, the Building Inspector shall proceed
with the repair or removal of the sign and, where appropriate, the
revocation of the permit and/or penalization as provided in the City
Code. All costs incurred for said repair or removal shall be assessed
to the owner of the sign or owner of the property, or both.
A.Â
Nonconforming signs. All signs which are not in compliance
with this article shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)Â
A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged or
replaced by another nonconforming sign;
(2)Â
All nonconforming signs shall be permitted to
continue for the life of a business, provided that they are not deemed
obsolete, unkempt or unsafe. However, should any nonconforming sign
come under new ownership, such sign shall be brought into compliance
or be removed within six months;
(3)Â
All portable, changeable-copy message signs
shall be removed within two years after the adoption of this article;
and
(4)Â
All nonconforming billboards shall be removed
by March 1, 2007.
[Added 2-28-2005]
B.Â
Obsolete signs. Any sign, existing on or after the
effective date of this article which no longer advertises an existing
business conducted or product sold on the premises upon which such
sign is located shall be removed within one year after the sign becomes
obsolete. However, the Planning Commission may grant a waiver to allow
such obsolete signs in cases where the Commission finds that the obsolete
sign is of historical, cultural or architectural interest to the community
and is found not to be a detriment to the aesthetic quality of the
area or to have a negative impact on traffic safety.
C.Â
Unsafe signs. The Building Inspector may cause the
immediate removal of any sign which is a source of immediate peril
to persons or property or is a menace to public health or safety.
D.Â
Unkempt signs. Signs that are poorly maintained, illegible,
rusted or faded shall be removed or restored within 90 days after
receiving notice from the Building Inspector.
In their interpretation and application, the
provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements,
adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety and general
welfare. It is not intended to interfere with, abrogate or annul other
rules, regulations or ordinances, provided that whenever the requirements
of this chapter are at variance with requirements of any other lawfully
adopted regulations, rules or ordinances, the most restrictive, or
those which impose the highest standards, shall govern.