[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
The criteria set forth in this Chapter are applicable to all new,
altered or refaced signs within the City of Greenwood.
B.
Statement Of Intent. The intent of this Chapter is to create the
framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of sign regulations
to facilitate an easy and pleasant communication between people and
their environment and to avoid the visual clutter that is potentially
harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business
opportunities and community appearance. With these purposes in mind,
it is the intent of this Chapter to authorize the use of signs which
are:
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have these
prescribed meanings:
Any device with flashing, blinking, rotating or moving action
or any banner, searchlight or balloons designed or intended to attract
the attention of the public to an establishment or to a sign.
Any sign which displays direct or indirect light from the
back of such sign through a transparent, translucent or open material.
Any sign located on the ground or on a structure located
on the ground and not attached to a building.
Any sign where the source of illumination of the sign is
exposed to the human eye such as, but not limited to, an incandescent
bulb or florescent tube.
A sign which has two (2) display areas against each other
or where the interior angle formed by the display areas is sixty degrees
(60°) or less, where one (1) face is designed to be seen from
one (1) direction and the other face from another direction.
Any sign which is partially or completely illuminated at
any time by a light source which is so shielded as to not be visible
at eye level.
Any sign attached flat against or under the marquee or permanent
sidewalk canopy of a building but not on the upper surface of a marquee
or canopy.
A sign designed to convey readily changeable messages whether
through electronic or physical methods for one (1) or more businesses
or activities.
A detached sign where the width of the base of the sign is
a minimum of one-half the width of the widest part of the sign face
or where the base consists of two (2) or more supports. The materials
of the base of a monument sign shall be one (1) of the following:
masonry, wood, anodized metal, stone or concrete.
A sign structure with more than two (2) sign faces situated
so that each sign face is facing a different direction.
A figure, painting or design professionally applied to and
made integral with a wall or ceiling surface and which does not convey
any commercial information.
A directly illuminated sign which is a free-formed surface
that creates words, numerals, figures, devices, designs, trademarks
or logos and for which the light source is luminescent gas.
The supporting members of the sign such as frame, poles,
brackets or structure by which a sign is mounted on or affixed to
a building or the ground which do not comply with the standards established
in the Building Code.
A commercial sign for a business or activity which is no
longer operated on the premises.
A sign which is supported by one (1) or more poles, uprights
or braces in the ground having a minimum ground clearance of eight
(8) feet.
A sign relating to a candidate, political party, ballot issue
or other political issue to be voted upon in any public election or
relating to the expression or communication of constitutionally protected
speech, other than commercial speech, and excluding any permitted
billboard.
A sign, generally known as outdoor advertising, mounted on
a semi-permanent structure and depicting information not directly
related to the property upon which it is placed. Except where a specific
distinction is drawn, the term "billboard" includes "poster panel".
A sign identifying only a project and developer.
A sign produced by projecting one (1) or more images onto
a building, wall or other surface through the use of light source.
Any sign, including a time and/or temperature instrument
located on the face of the building, extending more than one (1) foot
from the face of the building to which it is attached.
Any sign erected or maintained wholly upon or over the roof
line.
Any sign located on a building face which is uniformly illuminated
over its entire area, including the area of the sign, by use of electricity
or other artificial light.
Any framed, bracketed, free-formed, painted or engraved surface
or projected image which is fabricated to create words, numerals,
figures, devices, designs, trademarks or logos, which is mounted on
or affixed to a building or the ground and which is sufficiently visible
to persons not located on the lot where such device is located to
attract the attention of such persons or to communicate information
to them. "Sign" includes sign supports. Murals shall not be considered
to be signs.
The replacement, enlargement, reduction, reshaping or adding
to a sign, frame, pole, brackets or any supporting member.
The normal care and minor repair that is necessary to retain
a safe, attractive and finished structure, frame, pole, brackets or
surface. Changing copy or logo without increasing sign dimensions
shall be considered maintenance if the information, product or service
depicted remains the same and if the sign is to serve the identical
establishment using the same business firm name as before the change.
Changing or replacing the words, numerals or other surface
of the sign to serve a different establishment or business, or to
create a substantially different visual effect, without altering,
moving or replacing the structure, frame, pole or bracket supporting
the sign.
The supporting members of the sign such as frame, poles,
brackets or structures by which a sign is mounted on or affixed to
a building or the ground.
Any sign of a material such as cardboard, paper, pressed
wood, plastic or metal which is attached to a fence, window, tree,
utility pole or temporary structure or any sign which is not securely
fastened to a building or firmly anchored to the ground.
A sign displaying only time and/or temperature information
with no additional advertising or comments.
Any sign attached to and erected parallel to and within one
(1) foot of the face or wall of a building, including signs painted
on the walls of buildings. Awnings which are backlighted shall be
considered wall signs.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
Other than lawful non-conforming signs, no signs shall be permitted
in any district except in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
Any sign for which a permit is required is allowed to maintain non-commercial
speech in addition to or in lieu of any other speech. Signs placed
in the public right-of-way or on publicly owned land and which are
not in compliance with the regulations of this Chapter are subject
to removal by the City without notice or compensation. Signs placed
on private property that are not in compliance with the regulations
of this Chapter are subject to removal by the property owner or the
property owner's agent without notice or compensation. These provisions
may be applied to the person or business placing such sign, business
or organization advertised in such sign or the owner of the property
or vehicle on which such sign is placed. Violations of this Chapter
are declared to be a misdemeanor.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, no sign shall be installed,
erected or set in place until a sign permit has been issued by the
Public Works Department.
B.
Applications for sign permits shall be filed upon forms prescribed
by the City, accompanied by:
C.
All signs hereafter installed shall have permanently affixed thereto
a label clearly visible at all times indicating the number of the
sign permit issued therefor.
D.
All signs are to be designed, fabricated and installed in a professional
manner by a qualified and City licensed sign professional, except
that temporary banners may also be installed by a business or property
owner.
E.
All materials and finishes are expected to be of high quality with
an anticipated life span of ten (10) years or more. All electrical
signs must have a UL label.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
Except for the provisions of Subsections (A), (B), (C) and (D) of Section 430.110, the following signs are excluded from regulation under this Chapter:
1.
Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area that are customarily
associated with residential use, limited to signs giving property
identification names or numbers, names of residents, signs on mailboxes
or newspaper tubes, signs posted on private property relating to private
parking or signs warning the public against trespassing or danger
from animals.
2.
Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization
of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and
informational signs and traffic, directional or regulatory signs.
3.
Official signs of a non-commercial nature erected by public
utility companies.
4.
Flags, pennants or insignia of any government, institution,
organization or other body when not displayed in connection with a
commercial promotion or as an advertising device and provided that
not more than three (3) flags, pennants or insignia shall be displayed
on any property.
5.
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or
works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain letters,
trademarks, moving parts or lights.
6.
Signs on or adjacent to doors of commercial or industrial buildings
displaying information such as the names and address of the occupant,
the hours of operation or instructions for deliveries. Such signs
shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area, shall not contain letters
exceeding six (6) inches in height and shall not be illuminated. Where
multiple tenants share the same door, the sign may display the names
and address of each tenant.
7.
Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently
licensed motor vehicles, which vehicles are not primarily used as
signs.
8.
Signs of a temporary nature affixed to or painted on the inside
surface of a window, provided that such signs are not illuminated.
9.
Signs at construction sites that are either:
a.
Posted at the entrance to the job site explaining rules for
contractors and others entering the site; or
b.
Signs posted on construction site or painted onto construction
trailers actively being used on the site, provided such signs are
limited to the name, logo, address and phone number of a contractor
working at the site. This provision is not intended to allow any signs
that advertise a particular project, developer, owner or other business,
nor is it intended to allow any sales, leasing or hiring information
to be displayed.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
The
following signs are prohibited except as stated below or as otherwise
specifically provided hereinafter:
1.
Outdoor advertising (such as poster panels, billboards and off-site
promotional signs), except where a special use permit has been obtained
for such sign.
2.
Attention-attracting devices, pennants and streamers; except where a temporary banner/sign permit specifically allowing such devices has been obtained as indicated in Section 430.110(I).
3.
Snipe signs, portable signs or similar signs that are not permanently
affixed to a building, structure or the ground, other than political
signs, garage sale signs and real estate signs as specifically permitted
by this Chapter.
4.
Directly illuminated signs, except when used with fixtures specifically
designed to illuminate signs. All direct lighting must be shielded
and confined to the sign surface and must not be a nuisance to residential
properties.
5.
Electronic message signs, other than time and/or temperature
instruments.
6.
Pole signs.
7.
Roof signs.
8.
Signs in the public right-of-way; except for governmental signs,
traffic signs, political signs as allowed in this Chapter and signs
specifically allowed in the right-of-way by the provisions of this
Chapter.
9.
Obsolete signs.
10.
Abandoned non-conforming signs.
11.
Signs or murals containing statements, words or pictures of
an obscene or indecent character which appeal to the prurient interest
in sex or which are patently offensive and do not have serious literacy,
artistic, political or scientific value.
12.
Signs containing false or misleading advertising.
13.
Signs falsely stating that property is zoned for specified land
uses or signs stating that property will be zoned for specified land
uses in the future.
14.
Signs declaring that property is reserved for or is being held
for a future land use which is inconsistent with the then existing
zoning classification for the land.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
Churches, schools, libraries, community centers or other public/semi-public
facilities shall be allowed two (2) wall signs with not more than
one (1) on a facade. No such sign shall have an overall area exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet. In lieu of one of the wall signs, one
detached monument sign shall be permitted. Such monument sign shall
be located on the premises and not less than ten (10) feet from the
street right-of-way and each sign face shall not exceed fifty (50)
square feet in area. The height of such sign shall not exceed six
(6) feet above the average grade or six (6) feet above the nearest
adjacent street grade, whichever is greater; provided that for each
two-foot setback from the street right-of-way in excess of ten (10)
feet, an additional foot may be added to the height of the sign to
a maximum of eight (8) feet. These institutions shall be exempt from
the requirement of payment of permit fees.
B.
Contractors' identification signs of professional quality identifying
the contractor(s) performing construction, remodeling or property
improvement work are permitted without a sign permit on the property
where the construction work is taking place. Not more than one (1)
detached, non-illuminated sign, not exceeding eight (8) square feet,
shall be permitted for each contractor. Such sign shall only be allowed
while actual work is being performed. Sign permits shall not be required
for such signs.
C.
One construction site identification sign of professional quality
may be permitted during the development of any project. Such sign
may identify the project, the owner or developer, future tenants,
the architects, engineers, realtors, contractors and subcontractors
involved, funding sources and may contain related information including,
but not limited to, sale or leasing information. Such sign shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height or thirty-two (32) square feet in area
per face, with a maximum of two (2) faces, and shall be set back at
least ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way. All such signs shall
be removed prior to issuance of any certificate of occupancy, temporary
or final, for the last building in each phase of the project. Sign
permits shall not be required for such signs.
D.
Upon removal of construction site identification signs, a permanent
sales or leasing sign of professional quality may be constructed or
placed on the property. Said permanent leasing sign shall be non-illuminated,
may be single- or double-faced, shall not exceed six (6) feet in height
and shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of sign surface per
face. Building-mounted signs shall be limited to locations where a
wall sign would be permitted. Such sign shall be set back a minimum
of ten (10) feet from the public right-of-way. Any such signs may
only contain the words "now renting" or "now leasing" or "for sale",
along with the name of the complex, address or location, phone numbers,
development company or owner and directional symbols. In the case
of vacant land, one (1) sign facing each street frontage shall be
permitted advertising the sale of that land. Sign permits shall not
be required for such signs.
E.
One parking lot directional sign shall be permitted at each entrance
to a building site, at key intersections within the site and at each
entrance to a drive-through facility. Ground-mounted signs shall not
exceed five (5) feet in height, shall not exceed four (4) square feet
of sign area per face and may be single- or double-faced. Wall-mounted
signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet of sign area and shall
be single faced. Such signs may indicate entrances, exits, addresses,
direction of traffic flow and the location of loading docks, parking
areas, leasing offices, ATMs, delivery doors, drive-through lanes
and similar facilities. Up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the area
of the sign may be used to display the name or logo of the developer,
building or principal tenant. Sign permits shall not be required for
such signs.
F.
Garage sale and yard sale signs shall be permitted as follows; provided
however, that not more than four (4) such signs shall be allowed per
sale event. Sign permits shall not be required for such signs.
1.
Sign area shall not exceed five (5) square feet per face with
a maximum of two (2) faces per sign;
2.
Sign height shall not exceed four (4) feet;
3.
Signs shall only be placed on private property, provided that
prior permission has been obtained from the owner of the property;
4.
Signs may not be placed in any street right-of-way, median,
highway interchange, public park or at other publicly owned facilities;
5.
Signs permitted by this provision are limited to the days that
the garage sale is in progress; and
6.
Garage sale directional signs are limited to sales of used household
furniture, clothing, appliances and similar household items but not
including the sale of motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats,
new merchandise or any product or service associated with a home occupation.
G.
Off-site real estate directional signs of professional quality are
permitted subject to the following requirements; provided however,
that sign permits shall not be required for such signs.
1.
Sign area shall not exceed three (3) square feet per face with
a maximum of two (2) faces per sign,
2.
Sign height shall not exceed four (4) feet,
3.
Signs shall only be placed on private property, provided that
prior permission has been obtained from the owner of the property,
4.
Signs may not be placed in any street right-of-way, median,
highway interchange, public park or at other publicly owned facilities,
and
5.
Real estate directional signs are limited to individually owned
residential units that are for sale or for rent and cannot be used
to advertise subdivisions, housing projects, model homes, commercial
developments, apartments or vacant land.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
One non-illuminated, detached real estate sign is permitted on any
lot. Such sign shall be not more than eight (8) square feet in area
with a maximum height of six (6) feet above grade. Such signs are
permitted only on property that is actively being offered for sale,
for rent or for lease and such signs shall not contain information
about other property that is for sale, rent or lease. Such signs are
limited to indicating that property is "for sale", "for rent" or "for
lease" and may include the name and phone numbers of real estate agents
or companies and brief descriptions of the property. Sign permits
shall not be required for such signs.
B.
In lieu of any sign permitted under Subsection (A), a structure being used as a residential real estate sales office may be permitted one non-illuminated, detached sign. Such sign shall be not more than twelve (12) square feet in area with a maximum height of six (6) feet above grade and shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way. Sign permits shall not be required for such signs.
C.
In addition to construction site identification signs, each multi-family
project may have one (1) banner-type sign not exceeding fifty (50)
square feet. Such banners may be located only on the roof or walls
of the project clubhouse or on one (1) of the individual multi-family
buildings within the project. Said banner shall be in place for a
maximum time period of sixty (60) days from the issuance of the sign
permit and may not be renewed except that each complex may obtain
additional permits for the above described banners after a three-year
time period has passed from the issuance of previous sign permits
for a banner for the subject multi-family project. Any such banners
may only contain the words "now renting" or "now leasing" or "for
sale", along with the name of the complex, address or location, phone
numbers, development company or owner and directional symbols.
D.
Project identification signs for a subdivision or residential project
may be permitted at each entrance to the subdivision or project. All
project identification signs shall be monument signs and, except as
hereinafter provided, shall be located on the premises. Such signs
shall not exceed six (6) feet in height above the average grade and
the sign face shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area per
face. If not sitting within the landscaped setback, the sign base
shall be located within a curbed landscaped area extending a minimum
of three (3) feet on all sides of the sign base. Where a project is
situated on both sides of a public or private street, one (1) project
identification sign may be located on each side of the street or,
alternatively, one (1) project identification sign may be located
in a landscaped median with the approval of the Planning Commission.
Where a project identification sign is to be located in the public
right-of-way, plans shall be submitted to the Planning Commission
indicating the location, size and design of the project identification
sign as well as a copy of the bylaws or other documentation of the
association which will have permanent responsibility for maintenance
of the sign and required landscaping. In addition to project identification
signs permitted at entrances to the subdivision or project, project
identification signs may be permitted on the premises adjacent to
the intersection of two (2) thoroughfares or the intersection of a
thoroughfare and a collector street.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
To the extent that the residential land use is permitted in a commercial
or industrial district, signs for a residential land use shall be
permitted as in the applicable residential district.
B.
District "C-O".
1.
In District "C-O", not more than three (3) wall signs shall
be permitted on each office building, no more than one (1) sign on
any facade. No such sign shall have an overall area exceeding five
percent (5%) of the area of the wall upon which it is mounted.
2.
In lieu of one (1) of the wall signs, one (1) detached monument
sign for each building shall be permitted. Such sign shall not exceed
six (6) feet in height above the average grade and the sign face shall
not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area per face if located at least
ten (10) feet from the public street right-of-way or private street
curb line. For each additional two-foot setback from the public street
right-of-way or private street curb line over ten (10) feet, one (1)
additional foot may be added to the height of the sign to a maximum
of ten (10) feet. If not sitting within the landscaped setback, the
sign base shall be located within a curbed landscaped area extending
a minimum of three (3) feet on all sides of the sign base.
C.
District "C-B".
1.
Each business or commercial establishment shall be permitted
not more than three (3) wall signs, not more than one (1) on each
business facade. The area of such sign shall not exceed five percent
(5%) of the total area of the business facade on which it is placed.
Alternatively, multi-story buildings may be permitted three (3) wall
signs per building, not more than one (1) sign per building facade,
as indicated above for District "C-O". Such signs shall not extend
above the height of the wall upon which they are mounted. In addition,
one (1) non-illuminated wall sign, not more than nine (9) square feet
in area, may be placed at each major entrance to a multi-tenant building.
2.
In lieu of one (1) wall sign, one (1) projecting sign of the
same area as the wall sign replaced shall be permitted, provided that
no projecting sign shall extend more than three (3) feet from the
face of the building. The lowest point of such sign must be a minimum
of seven (7) feet above the ground or sidewalk.
3.
Except in the case of a shopping center designed as one (1)
unified entity and consisting of one (1) or several buildings, either
attached or freestanding, one (1) detached monument sign shall be
permitted in lieu of one (1) wall sign for each commercial building,
which sign shall conform to the height, size and setback requirements
applicable to monument signs in District "C-O".
4.
In the case of a shopping center designed as one (1) unified
entity and consisting of one (1) or several buildings, either attached
or freestanding, one (1) additional detached monument sign may be
permitted identifying the entire center. Such sign shall conform to
the height, size and setback requirements applicable to monument signs
in Districts "C-O".
5.
For buildings with a non-retractable awning, canopy or covered
walkway along one (1) or more sides of the building, a sign may be
hung or mounted under the canopy or covered walkway identifying each
business with an exterior ground-floor entrance. Such signs shall
be located at or near the business entrance, shall be oriented toward
pedestrians on the walkway and shall not exceed three (3) square feet
in sign area per face. One (1) sign shall be permitted per business
entry.
D.
Districts "C-1", "C-2", "C-P" And Industrial Districts "M-1" and
"M-2".
1.
Each business or commercial establishment shall be permitted
not more than three (3) wall or marquee signs, not more than one (1)
on each business facade, the area of which sign shall not exceed ten
percent (10%) of the total area of the facade upon which it is placed.
Such sign shall not extend above the height of the wall or marquee
on which it is mounted. In addition, one (1) non-illuminated wall
sign, not more than nine (9) square feet in area, may be placed at
each major entrance to a multi-tenant building. Alternatively, multi-story
buildings may be permitted three (3) wall signs per building, not
more than one (1) sign per building facade, as indicated above for
District "C-O".
2.
In lieu of one (1) of the attached signs, one (1) projecting
sign shall be permitted for each establishment, provided that the
area of such projecting sign shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of
the total area of the facade upon which it is attached and shall not
extend above the roof level of the building where the sign is located.
The lowest point of such sign must be a minimum of seven (7) feet
above the ground or sidewalk.
3.
Except in the case of a shopping center designed as one (1)
unified entity and consisting of one (1) or several buildings, either
attached or freestanding, one (1) detached monument sign shall be
permitted for each building in lieu of one (1) wall sign or projecting
sign. Such sign shall conform to the height, size and setback requirements
applicable to monument signs in District "C-O".
4.
In the case of a shopping center designed as one (1) unified
entity and consisting of one (1) or several buildings, either attached
or freestanding, one (1) additional detached sign may be permitted
identifying the entire center. A gasoline service station, designed
as part of the center, may also have a detached monument sign. All
other signs in the center shall consist of wall, projecting or marquee
signs. The detached monument sign shall conform to the height, size
and setback requirements applicable to monument signs in District
"C-O".
5.
Drive-through restaurants and car washes may have two (2) menu
boards located in conjunction with each drive-through lane. Such sign
shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height or thirty-two (32) square
feet of sign area per face. Drive-in restaurants or food service establishments
with walk-up service windows may have one (1) menu board per order
station. Menu boards for drive-in service shall not exceed eight (8)
square feet of sign area per face and menu boards for walk-up service
shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area per face.
All menu boards shall be oriented toward the location of the vehicle
or pedestrian being served and shall not contain lettering that exceeds
six (6) inches in height.
6.
For buildings with a non-retractable awning, canopy or covered
walkway along one (1) or more sides of the building, a sign may be
hung or mounted under the canopy or covered walkway identifying each
business with an exterior ground-floor entrance. Such signs shall
be located at or near the business entrance, shall be oriented toward
pedestrians on the walkway and shall not exceed three (3) square feet
in sign area per face. One (1) sign shall be permitted per business
entry.
E.
Districts "C-1", "C-2", "C-B", "C-P". Where one (1) retail establishment
(the "subtenant") leases space and conducts business within another
retail establishment (the "primary tenant") but does not have an exterior
business facade and an exterior door leading directly to the subtenant
space, one (1) exterior wall sign may be permitted if the following
conditions are met:
1.
The subtenant's business establishment occupies at least one
hundred (100) square feet of floor area and is staffed and open for
business during predetermined hours.
2.
The primary tenant's business establishment occupies at least
twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet of floor area.
3.
The subtenant's business is a separate legal entity from the
primary tenant's business, as opposed to a department, division or
subsidiary of the primary tenant's business.
4.
A sign criteria for the building or shopping center has been
submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission which specifically
provides for subtenant signage, including standards for the sign location,
size, style, color and content. Such sign criteria shall include scale
drawings of the facades of all primary tenants where subtenant signs
are authorized showing the permitted locations for subtenant signs.
5.
The total area for all signs on the same facade does not exceed
the allowable signage area for that district.
F.
The sign permit application for a subtenant sign shall include a
scale drawing of the primary tenant's facade showing the location
and size of the subtenant sign and all other signage on that facade.
The application shall also include a copy of the lease agreement between
the subtenant and the primary tenant or other documentation acceptable
to the City Attorney that the two (2) businesses are separate legal
entities. The provisions of this Section for subtenant signs shall
not apply to businesses within an enclosed shopping mall or to businesses
that are conducted primarily by automated machines.
G.
Interior neon signs or tubes as defined in this Subsection shall
be allowed only in Districts "C-1", "C-2", "C-P", "C-B", "M-1" and
"M-2". If such signs or tubes are within forty-eight (48) inches of
any window or door and visible from outside the building, then such
sign or tubing shall not occupy an area greater than ten (10) square
feet and only one (1) such neon sign area shall be allowed per business;
provided however, that such signs under three (3) square feet shall
not be required to have a sign permit. All such neon signs or tubes
shall not blink, flash or otherwise be used to display intermittent
lighting sequences or to simulate motion. Permitted neon tubes or
signs shall be installed, wired and inspected in accordance with the
adopted building codes of the City of Greenwood. Neon signs shall
not be addressed towards residential areas.
H.
Any neon sign or tubes removed for other than repair shall not be
replaced with any other sign or surface which is not in compliance
with existing laws and requirements.
I.
In districts where automated teller machines (ATMs) are permitted,
up to three (3) signs are permitted, no more than one (1) per machine/canopy
face, identifying the ATM or the bank, financial institution or ATM
network associated with that machine. Such signs shall not exceed
eight (8) square feet in area. In addition, one (1) non-illuminated
sign is permitted per ATM to identify the types of ATM cards accepted
or special instructions to ATM users. Such sign shall not exceed four
(4) square feet in area, shall be mounted flush to the side of the
machine and shall not require a sign permit.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
In the case of special use permit uses, all wall and detached signs
shall be approved by City Council after recommendation from the Planning
Commission, except where private sign criteria have been previously
approved for the development.
B.
The special use permit for signage shall be processed per the provisions of Section 400.210 of the Code.
C.
Where appropriate, the sign regulations of the underlying zoning
district or the most analogous zoning district may be followed.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
No sign may be located such that it substantially interferes with
the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections
or to enter onto or exit from public or private streets or driveways.
No detached sign/ground-mounted sign located on the triangle formed
by two (2) curb lines at the intersection of two (2) streets (public,
private or driveways) and extending for a distance of fifty (50) feet
each way from the intersection of the curb lines on any corner lot
within the City shall be permitted to exceed a height of more than
thirty-six (36) inches above the road level of any street or alley
in order that the view of the driver of a vehicle approaching the
intersection shall not be obstructed.
B.
No sign may be erected such that by its location, color, size, shape,
nature or message it would tend to obstruct the view of, or be confused
with, traffic signals or other signs erected by governmental agencies.
C.
Freestanding signs, other than political, garage sale or real estate
signs permitted by this Chapter, shall be securely fastened to the
ground or to some other substantial supportive structure so that there
is virtually no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure
may be moved by the wind or other forces of nature and cause injury
to persons or property. Sign structures may be required to have a
building permit.
D.
All signs shall be of sound structural quality, be maintained in
good repair and have a clean and neat appearance. Land adjacent to
such signs shall be kept free from debris, weeds and trash. If signs
are not being maintained as described and the Director of Public Works
deems them a public hazard or nuisance, such signs shall be ordered
repaired or removed.
E.
No part of any sign shall be located closer than ten (10) feet from
a side or rear property line.
F.
Time and/or temperature instruments may be permitted provided they
are designed in harmony with the building and are architecturally
compatible. Such signs shall be approved by City Council.
G.
The dimensions of a backlighted sign, canopy or panel shall be measured
by constructing a rectangle from the highest, lowest and widest points
of such object, display or surface which displays a light source,
except that the opaque surfaces immediately related to or a part of
that same sign or panel shall also be calculated in the dimensions
of the sign. Provided further, in calculating the dimensions of a
continuous panel which spans at least eighty percent (80%) of any
one (1) facade of a single or common structure with multiple tenants,
the continuous opaque areas between, over and below the lighted areas
for such independent operations shall not be calculated to determine
the dimensions of the signs, canopies or panels.
H.
The dimensions of a wall sign shall be measured by constructing a
rectangle from the highest, lowest and widest points of such object,
display or surface.
I.
Any temporary banners/signs and attention-attracting devices may
be permitted administratively by the Public Works Department, providing
that all of the following performance standards are met:
2.
No more than one (1) banner/sign and/or attention-attracting
device per location will be displayed.
3.
The size and design of the banners/signs will be appropriate
given the size of the building to which they are attached and/or the
character of the surrounding neighborhood.
4.
The banner/sign will be displayed for a maximum duration of
fifteen (15) days per permit.
5.
No more than two (2) banner/sign permits per calendar year shall
be issued administratively at any location.
6.
Issuance of more than two (2) permits in any calendar year must
be approved by the City Council.
7.
Churches and schools shall be exempt from the requirement of payment of fees as indicated in Section 430.070. Furthermore, up to four (4) banner/sign permits may issued per calendar year by the Public Works Department. Issuance of more than six (6) permits in any calendar year must be approved by the City Council.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
All hotels and motor hotels and shopping centers, business parks,
office parks or industrial parks shall be required to prepare a set
of sign criteria governing all exterior signs in the development.
Such criteria shall be binding upon all subsequent purchasers or lessees
within the development. The size, colors, materials, styles of lettering,
appearance of logos, types of illumination and location of signs shall
be set out in such criteria. In all respects, the criteria shall be
within the regulations set out in this Code and shall be for the purpose
of assuring harmony and visual quality throughout the development.
Final development plans (in the case of a planned zoning district)
or building permits (in the case of a conventional zoning district)
shall not be approved until the Planning Commission has approved the
sign criteria. No sign permit shall be issued for a sign that does
not conform to the criteria. For purposes of this Section, the terms
"shopping centers, business parks, office parks or industrial parks"
shall mean a project of one (1) or more buildings that has been planned
as an integrated unit or cluster on property under unified control
or ownership at the time that zoning was approved by the City. The
sale, subdivision or other partition of the site after zoning approval
does not exempt the project or portions thereof from complying with
these regulations relative to the number of detached signs, harmony
and visual quality of signs to be installed.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
Political signs may be placed on private property only after permission
has been granted by the owner of the property or his/her authorized
agent. Political signs may be placed on the unpaved public right-of-way
adjacent to private property, provided the owner or agent of the adjacent
private property has granted permission and such signs comply with
all other applicable Code provisions. Any such sign placed on public
right-of-way adjacent to private property shall be included within
the maximum number of signs permitted on that adjacent tract of land.
No political signs are permitted on public right-of-way adjacent to
public property.
B.
Political signs shall be non-illuminated.
C.
The maximum permissible area and number of political signs shall
be as follows:
1.
On land that is vacant, regardless of the zoning, or on land that is zoned for industrial, commercial, office or business uses, such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per face with a maximum of three (3) signs per tract. If a tract shall include land meeting the requirements of both Subsections (C)(1) and (C)(2), the entire tract shall be entitled to the maximum number and size of signs as specified in (C)(1).
2.
On land that is platted or developed for residential uses, such
signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet per face with a maximum
of three (3) signs per lot.
D.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place or allow to remain on
any private or public property within the City any vehicle designed
or used for the primary purpose of displaying a political sign in
a stationary manner. A vehicle that is temporarily stationary or in
motion may display political signs so long as such signs, as displayed
when the vehicle is stationary, do not interfere with its ability
to lawfully operate on the public right-of-way. A vehicle shall be
considered temporarily stationary when such vehicle is engaged in
the regular business, transportation or work of the owner, is temporarily
parked or stopped between such usage and is not used merely, mainly
or primarily to display political signs.
E.
No political sign shall be positioned in a manner which may cause
a reduction in intersection sight distances or create any other hazard
to life or safety.
F.
Political signs shall not be placed, painted, marked, written, posted
or otherwise affixed to or on:
1.
Any public building or any public bridge.
2.
Any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, paved portion of any street or
highway or the median strip of any divided street or highway.
3.
Any street sign or any traffic sign or signal or any railroad
sign, signal or trestle.
4.
Any telephone, telegraph, electric light, power, street lamppost
or any other utility pole or line or any fire hydrant.
5.
Any tree or other vegetation on public property including, without
being limited to, those in the right-of-way.
6.
Any public park or open space area, bench, drinking fountain
or other public property.
G.
With respect to political signs relating to a political campaign,
the candidate for such office shall be presumed to be the person responsible
for the posting of such sign, unless written notice has been given
to the City of the name, address, telephone number and signed consent
of such other responsible person. All notices concerning campaign
sign violations shall be given to the candidate at the address listed
on the election records or to the other properly designated responsible
person. Political signs relating to an identifiable group or individual
shall be presumed to be the responsibility of the Chairman of any
organized political group publishing or represented by such sign or
any individual identified on the sign as its sponsor. All other political
signs shall be presumed to be the responsibility of the owner or person
in control of the private property where the sign is located.
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When the Director of Public Works shall determine that any political sign is in violation of the provisions of this Section, he/she shall cause personal, telephonic or written notice of such violation to be given to the responsible party by the most expedient means feasible. All such signs must be abated, removed or made to conform to the provisions of this Section within twenty-four (24) hours after such notice is given and this information must be given as part of the notice. In addition, such notice shall indicate that unless an objection is received from the responsible party within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of that notice, all political signs that remain in violation shall be deemed to have been abandoned and will be subject to removal by the City without further notice or procedure. Provided however, that the City may cause any sign which is in violation of Section 430.130(F) to be removed summarily and without notice. The City may cause any political sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. Nothing in this Section shall be interpreted to make any person liable, criminally or civilly, for any sign posted by persons unknown to him/her or by persons over whom he/she has no control.
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H.
Political Signs.
[Ord. No. 2017-2935 § 1, 10-24-2017; Ord.
No. 2020-2984, 4-14-2020]
1.
Political signs relating to a political campaign shall not be placed
or erected prior to six (6) weeks before the applicable election or
campaign and shall be removed no later than one (1) week after the
general election.
2.
The placement and erection of political signs relating to the June
2, 2020, general municipal election, are permitted from February 25,
2020, through one (1) week after the general municipal election, which
is scheduled for June 2, 2020.
I.
The Governing Body makes the following findings of legislative purpose
and intent:
1.
The expression of political speech is an important and constitutionally
protected right.
2.
Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to restrict
or regulate the time, place and manner of the expression of such speech
in order to advance and protect other significant legitimate interests
of local government.
3.
Political signs have certain characteristics that distinguish
them from many of the other types of signs permitted and regulated
by the City. These characteristics include the fact that many of such
signs, intended to be temporary in nature, do not meet the regular
structural and installation requirements necessary to prevent them
from being affected by weather and other natural forces and presenting
a potential hazard to persons and property. Severe weather conditions,
including, without limitation, thunderstorms with accompanying high
winds, tornadoes, ice accumulation and flooding, are characteristic
of local weather conditions.
4.
The primary purpose of political signs placed along a roadway
is to attract the attention of drivers and distract them from their
primary responsibility of constant attention to traffic and road conditions.
This concern is especially acute in residential areas where young
children present a significant potential hazard for drivers. With
respect to residential areas with their lower speed limits, it is
concluded that a maximum number of three (3) political signs, each
with a maximum area of three (3) square feet, is adequate to convey
most political messages. Although it is recognized that certain individuals
may wish to express political thoughts that require a larger area
to adequately convey them, a greater number of or larger and more
complex messages would further distract driver's attention, presenting
an unacceptable safety risk and there exist in the community adequate
other means of conveying such messages. In non-residential areas motorists
frequently see and reasonably expect to see larger signs, so their
attention is not as easily distracted and higher speed limits, larger
lot areas and competing distractions require a larger size sign to
adequately convey political messages and a larger size sign can be
allowed consistent with safety requirements. Further, since permitted
signage in residential areas is minimal, the aesthetic impact of signs
in residential areas is much greater than in non-residential areas.
5.
In addition to the safety and traffic interests affected by
political signs, the Governing Body concludes that the unrestricted
proliferation of political signs would create visual clutter and blight,
have an adverse effect on the aesthetic quality of the City, with
accompanying adverse economic effects and detract from the desirable
visual environment that the City has made a strong effort to create
through its land use regulations.
6.
The Governing Body concludes that the interests to be protected
by this regulation are sufficiently substantial to justify the content-neutral
regulation of political speech represented by this Section and that
this Section represents a reasonable accommodation of the City's interests
with First Amendment rights.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006]
A.
If a building, structure or premise is vacated for a six-month period
of time, the owner of said property shall be responsible for removing
any commercial sign or signs located thereon with the exception of
advertisements dealing with the sale or leasing of the facility. In
addition, the owner shall be responsible for restoring the facade
of the building, structure or premise.
B.
If the time period set forth in Subsection (A) has elapsed and the sign or signs have not been removed, the Code Enforcement Officer shall send written notification by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the property owner of record indicating that the sign shall be removed. If the sign has not been removed within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the notice, the City may have the sign removed and the cost assessed to the property owner.
C.
Where a sign has been removed by the City pursuant to Subsection (B), the City Clerk shall mail a statement of the cost of removal of said sign or signs to the last known address of the owner of record or person in charge of such property. If such costs are not paid within ten (10) days from the mailing of such notice, the Governing Body shall proceed to pass an ordinance levying a special assessment for such cost against the lot or piece of land and the City Clerk shall certify such assessment to the County Clerk for collection and payment the same as other assessments and taxes are collected and paid to the City.
[Ord. No. 2006-02-13-01 § 6, 2-13-2006; Ord. No. 2016-2915 § 5, 9-30-2016]
Any person violating the provisions of this Chapter shall, upon conviction, be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor and be punished as provided in Section 100.220(E) of the City Code of the City of Greenwood, Missouri. Each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues after notice has been served shall constitute an additional or separate offense.
