A.Â
Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to promote and protect the
public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed
indoor and outdoor advertising signs of all types in the Town of Charlestown.
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 scenic and natural beauty of designated
areas, preserve or enhance town character and scenic vistas by encouraging
new and replacement signage which is creative and distinctive, compatible
with the surroundings and appropriate to the type of activity to which
it pertains. It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising
distraction and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents,
reduce hazards that may be caused by unsafe signs, provide more open
space, curb the deterioration of the natural environment and enhance
community development.
B.Â
Intent. The intent is to accomplish business and residential signage
that does not detract from the New England village character of Charlestown
while at the same time honoring the farming, fishing, and mill town
heritage of the town. Also, to recognize that today the town is primarily
a residential town with a large transient population of landowners,
and a large tourism trade drawn to our parks, beaches and recreation
facilities, and businesses.
A.Â
Signs Permitted In Any Zoning District. The following new signs are
allowed for legally existing uses with a permit required as issued
by the Building Official. Such new signs shall be neither illuminated
nor indirectly illuminated, except as otherwise specified herein and
meet the setback and sideline requirements for the districts in which
they are located. Signs in existence prior to the effective date of
this Ordinance, are waived the permit fee, but must obtain a permit
number for the sign.
(1)Â
The following signs require a permit:
(a)Â
Awning signs. A legal use business may have awning signs less
than ten (10) square feet in area when such awning is designed to
be used for the walkway or main entrance of a business or legal use.
Individual window awnings shall not contain advertising, but may have
a monogram not to exceed three (3) letters which may occupy no more
than 10% or six (6) square feet, whichever is less, of the window
awning.
(b)Â
Bulletin Boards. For club/service organizations, such as libraries,
churches and schools, when located on-premises, provided such signs
do not exceed 15 square feet total and bear no commercial advertising.
There shall be not more than one bulletin board per site. Such sign
may be indirectly illuminated with downward directed lighting. Where
a bulletin board has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall
be included in determining the area of the bulletin board, except
that where two such faces are placed back to back and are at no point
more than 16 inches from one another, the area of the bulletin board
shall be taken as the area of the larger face.
(c)Â
Analog Clocks and/or Time and Temperature Displays. Only analog
clocks and/or time and temperature displays are allowed if they are
on the property of a legal use. Face displays may not exceed sixteen
(16) square feet and must have no advertising on the unit. The same
setbacks and heights for signs in the zone must be observed and may
use indirect illumination by down-lighting only. Notwithstanding,
the above displays in historic districts shall be regulated by Site
Plan Review.
(d)Â
Farm Operations. Signage must comply with all specifications
and limitations of ARTICLE XI, Signs.
(e)Â
Kiosk. A free standing structure designed to provide advertising
space for two or more businesses on a single premises or group of
contiguous premises as follows:
[1]Â
In areas where the speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour,
the upper sign board of the kiosk bearing the name of the building
or business complex shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet,
and each business in the complex may have one lower sign board under
the kiosk top board with a maximum square footage of six (6) square
feet each. In areas where the speed limit is less than 35 miles per
hour, the overall width of the upper sign board shall not exceed six
(6) feet. By design, the signage of the kiosk is intended to be on
both sides non-cumulative.
[2]Â
In areas with speed limits 35 miles per hour and above, the
top board may be 32 square feet and the lower sign boards may be eight
(8) square feet. In areas with speed limits 35 miles per hour and
above, the overall width of the upper sign board shall not exceed
eight (8) feet.
[3]Â
These kiosks must be configured so that there is at least a
4-foot sight window from grade level to the lowest sign board and
the top edge of the kiosk top sign board must not exceed a twelve
(12) foot height from grade level.
[4]Â
It is further required that kiosks use uniform coloration and
lettering styles for each kiosk allowed. It is not intended to restrict
one style throughout the town, only uniformity of size is sought throughout
town. It is expected that each business complex would have their own
uniqueness.
[5]Â
It may further be required to file a building permit application
and pay an appropriate fee for the sign structure. Unless otherwise
required by this article, no Site Plan Review will be required as
the result of the issuance of a building permit for a sign.
[6]Â
One kiosk may be erected at each major entrance separated by
a minimum of two hundred (200) feet and shall only count as one sign.
(f)Â
Neighborhood or Named Development. A neighborhood or named development
may have a sign at each main road entrance, denoting only the name
of the development. It must be permanently affixed to the ground on
property owned by the development or land donated by a property owner
for such use, be architecturally and historically appropriate and
meet all other specifications and limitations of ARTICLE XI. The sign
shall contain no more than fifteen (15) square feet of signage, per
side if free standing and be elevated no more than one (1) foot above
grade.
(g)Â
Real Estate "For Sale" Signs. Real Estate "For Sale" signs in
industrial or commercial zones which advertise the sale, lease or
rental of the real property on which it is located and which may not
be maintained for more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) month
period.
(h)Â
Signs Customary and Necessary to the Operation of Gasoline Filling
Stations. The following signs customary and necessary to the operation
of gasoline filling stations — wall-mounted signs displayed
over individual entrance doors consisting of the words "wash", "lubrication",
"repair" or words of similar import, provided that there shall be
not more than one such sign over each entrance, and that the letters
of such sign do not exceed ten (10) inches in height; signs which
consist of lettering or other insignia which are a structural part
of a gasoline pump, consisting only of a brand name, lead warning
sign and other matter as required by law; one 2.5 square foot/side
(maximum) sign indicating price per gallon of gasoline to be attached
to the pump; also there may be one (1) sign no larger than eight (8)
square feet per side using numbers no larger than eighteen (18) inches
in height indicating price per gallon of gasoline along highways on
which the legal speed limit is less than 35 mph, or one sign no larger
than twelve (12) square feet per side using numbers no larger than
eighteen (18) inches in height indicating price per gallon along highways
on which the legal limit is 35 mph or more, which such sign shall
be free-standing and shall have a clearance of at least seven (7)
feet from the ground.
(i)Â
Portable Signs. One portable sign is permitted per road frontage,
during business hours only, not to exceed nine (9) square feet per
side.
(2)Â
Signs Permitted In Any Zoning District With No Permit Required. The
following new signs are allowed for legally existing uses with no
permit. Such signs shall be neither illuminated nor indirectly illuminated,
except as otherwise specified herein and meet the setback and sideline
requirements for the districts in which they are located.
(a)Â
Election Signs and Political Signs. Political signs are non-illuminated
and must be incidental to a town, state or federal election or referendum.
Such signs shall be constructed of durable material and shall not
be affixed or attached to trees, traffic signs or utility poles and
shall not be located upon any public right-of-way nor upon public
property. Such signs shall be erected not more than 60 days prior
to such election or referendum. Political signs relating to any election
or referendum shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after said
election or referendum. In all districts, such signs shall not exceed
sixteen (16) square feet in area per side. Signs must have permission
of the property owner to be erected. However, the political party
or candidate is responsible for removal.
(b)Â
Flags. No flag shall contain any advertising. Flags that indicate
a "welcome," "open" or similar greeting are not signs. Such flags
shall not exceed approximately fifteen (15) square feet. These flags
shall be limited to two (2) per business and permitted to fly only
during business hours. The area of the flag is the product of the
hoist and fly. The flag need not be rectangular in shape. The flags
of any nation, state, town, club, service or military organization
are exempt from any restrictions contained in this Ordinance.
(c)Â
Governmental Signs. Signs erected by the Town of Charlestown,
the State Of Rhode Island or the United States of America provided
such signs bear no commercial advertising. Such signs may be indirectly
illuminated with downward directed lighting.
(d)Â
Instructional, Directional and Safety Signs.
[1]Â
Instructional or directional signs identifying parking, or other
functional activity such as bathroom facilities, telephones, entrances,
offices, etc, bearing no commercial advertising. There shall be no
more than one sign for each applicable activity and each sign shall
not exceed two (2) square feet in area, either wall mounted or free
standing. Such signs may be indirectly illuminated with downward-directed
lighting.
[2]Â
Safety. For licensed events in town and the protection of public
safety, traffic control and pedestrian control signs are permitted.
The need for these signs must be approved by the Department of Public
Safety (police) as a temporary measure only with the approval of the
Building Official to interpret the intent of ARTICLE XI.
(e)Â
Lawfully Existing Non-Conforming Use. Signage that at time of
erection conformed to existing Town ordinance and is for a legal use.
(f)Â
Memorial Signs or Tablets. Memorial signs, tablets or signs
denoting the date of erection of buildings shall be wall-mounted and
shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
(g)Â
Name and Address of Resident. Name and address of resident shall
not include any commercial advertising. Such signs shall not exceed
four (4) square feet in area in any Residential zone, shall be limited
to one (1) sign per household and may be elevated as much as one (1)
foot from grade.
(h)Â
"No Trespassing" and the Posting of Land. No Trespassing signs
or other such signs regulating the use of the property on which they
are located, provided such signs do not exceed three (3) square feet
in area in any residential zone or five (5) square feet in any non-residential
zone. Such signs must meet all setback and sideline and or rear line
requirements for the zone they are in. The top of the sign must not
be more than five (5) feet from grade.
(i)Â
Sale of Produce. Sale of produce raised on the premises signs
shall be no larger than twelve (12) square feet or two signs no larger
than six (6) square feet each and shall not be lighted in any manner.
No off-site signs advertising the produce will be permitted.
(j)Â
Service Signs. Accessory signs incidental to a business or a
profession conducted on the premises indicating hours of operation,
credit cards, business affiliations and the like, provided the total
area of all such signs for a single business does not exceed two (2)
square feet per public entrance (non-cumulative), and is wall-mounted
at or immediately adjacent to the entrance to the building on the
premises.
(k)Â
String Lights. A business may use non-flashing holiday-type
mini clear outdoor string lights to enhance landscaping; however,
they must be used in such a way as to not create a public safety,
health or welfare concern and must not detract from the village character
of the town.
(l)Â
Window Signs. A legal use business may have window signs permanently
erected or maintained in one window of their establishment, which
is visible to any public street or highway, provided the following:
(m)Â
Real Estate "For Sale" Signs. Real Estate "For Sale" Signs in Residential Zones shall be permitted on the lot for sale for up to six (6) months in any twelve month period without a permit. Signs maintained in excess of six (6) months shall require a temporary sign permit issued in accordance with § 218-68 of this Ordinance.
B.Â
Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts, Unless Permitted by Special
Use Permit as indicated. The following signs shall NOT be permitted
in any zoning district:
(1)Â
Signs With Moving Parts. Signs which have any visible moving parts,
including signs which are designed to achieve movement by action of
wind currents, or which have mobile or revolving parts or which have
animated parts are not allowed. Exceptions are time or temperature
devices, barber poles ordinarily and customarily used in connection
with barber shops, wind socks, Open flags, and Welcome flags which
contain no advertising are allowed if they comply with all other provisions
of this Ordinance.
(2)Â
Flashing Signs. Illuminated or indirectly illuminated signs which
incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination, animation
or illumination which varies in color.
(3)Â
Hazards to Public Safety. Any sign or sign support which constitutes a hazard to public safety or health, including signs which by reason of size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of a driver, or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads; or which obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required exit way; or which make use of words such as stop, look, one way, danger, yield, or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. No sign shall be placed so as to interfere with clear vision through a sight triangle as described by ARTICLE VI § 218-37F of this Ordinance.
(4)Â
Pennants. String pennants are prohibited. Except for the opening
of a new business, which shall not exceed 14 days.
(5)Â
Search Lights. Search lights are by Special Use Permit only. They
may be allowed for special events.
(6)Â
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs which are erected so as to project
approximately perpendicular from the exterior of any building or wall,
and which exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, or which project
more than four (4) feet from the exterior of said building or wall.
Nothing herein shall be construed to permit the erection of any projecting
sign over a public right of way.
(7)Â
Trailer Signs. Trailer signs, including portable billboards.
(8)Â
Off-Site Directional Signs. Off-site directional signs, including
billboards are not allowed, except by Special Use Permit.
(9)Â
Inflatable Signs/Devices. Not allowed in any zone.
(10)Â
Franchise or Licensed Trademark Signs. All licensed signs or
signs required by franchise agreement as to color, shape, or other
trademark features shall be prohibited unless they shall be installed
in a manner consistent with the restrictions as to number, size, construction
method and materials, location and placement structures as set forth
in this Ordinance. Trade signs displaying corporate logotypes, trademarks,
or mandated to be used under franchise or other form of license shall
conform to this ordinance, or if not conforming, shall be used only
upon issue of a Special Use Permit. An applicant for such a Special
Use Permit for a non-conforming sign shall demonstrate to the Zoning
Board that no other reasonable, conforming alternative is possible.
(11)Â
Roof Signs. All "signs-roof mounted" as defined in ARTICLE I § 218-5, are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(12)Â
Internally Illuminated Signs. All "Signs-Illuminated" as defined in ARTICLE I § 218-5, are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(13)Â
All other signs not specifically authorized by this Ordinance
are prohibited.
A.Â
Standards for New Signs in Residential Zoning Districts.
(1)Â
Setbacks for All Signs.
(a)Â
The setbacks in residential zoning districts are five (5) feet
from the front lot line and fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear lot
line and shall conform to the following regulations.
(2)Â
Standards for new signs for which a permit is required.
(a)Â
Freestanding and Wall Mounted Signs. There shall be no more
than one sign which shall not exceed six (6) square feet for each
permitted commercial use or Special Use Permit granted in a residential
zone. If freestanding, this sign shall not be elevated more than one
(1) foot from the grade level of the site.
(b)Â
Illuminated Signs. Illuminated signs shall not be permitted
in residential zoning districts, except as otherwise specified in
this Ordinance. Indirectly illuminated signs in a residential zoning
district may be lighted only by a continuous white down-light, so
oriented that it shall reflect the light away from the adjoining property
and away from the street(s).
(c)Â
Neighborhood Entrance Signs. Permanent signs at major entrances
to residential developments designed only to identify such developments
shall be permitted provided such signs bear no commercial advertising
and do not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area (per side, if freestanding).
This sign shall not be elevated more than one (1) foot from the grade
level of the site.
(3)Â
Standards for Which No Permit is Required.
(a)Â
Identification Signs. There shall be no more than one sign identifying the name and address of the occupant as specified in this Ordinance for a residential lot. See ARTICLE XI § 218-62A(2)(g).
B.Â
Standards for New Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts.
(1)Â
Setbacks for All Signs.
(a)Â
Setbacks from the front lot line are fifteen (15) feet and no
closer than fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear lot line and shall
conform to the following regulations:
(2)Â
Permitted Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones shall be:
(a)Â
Those sign types permitted in residential and mixed use zones.
(b)Â
Signs displaying the name, activity or service of a permitted
business or industry located on the same lot, provided that the signs
on a lot do not exceed:
[1]Â
If a kiosk is not being used, one (1) freestanding sign not
larger than twenty four (24) square feet in area and no sign shall
exceed twelve (12) feet (top of sign) above finished grade.
[2]Â
One (1) wall mounted, single face sign per establishment, provided
that no such sign shall be higher than two (2) feet or longer than
one half the length of space occupied by the establishment, but only
as noted in [3] below is the square footage of said sign to exceed
forty (40) square feet. No wall sign shall project more than fifteen
(15) inches.
[3]Â
No sign shall exceed the following:
Distance of Sign From Front Lot Line (feet)
|
Maximum Permitted Area Of Wall Mounted Sign
| |
---|---|---|
200 - 299
|
1 sq.ft/lineal foot of building frontage- Maximum area = 100
square feet
| |
300 - 399
|
1 sq.ft./lineal foot of building frontage Maximum area = 150
square feet
| |
400+
|
1 sq.ft./lineal foot of building frontage Maximum area - 200
square feet
|
[4]Â
Any building exposed to a public way and a major parking area
may have two wall signs, one on each opposite face in place of the
one identification sign allowed in [2] above. The second sign in the
rear of the building is limited to twelve (12) square feet. Where
two (2) or more wall signs are affixed to one wall, the gross display
area shall not exceed the allowed total area for signs [two (2) feet
high by half the length of space occupied by the establishment, but
not to exceed forty (40) square feet].
[5]Â
No sign in a commercial or industrial zone shall be placed within forty (40) feet of a residential district boundary or within the sight triangle, described in ARTICLE VI § 218-37F of this Ordinance, or on fences, trees or accessory structures. If the lot configuration does not permit the required setback, the sign shall be placed as far as possible from the lot line and not be illuminated.
C.Â
Standards for New Signs in Mixed Use (MU) Zoning Districts. (Reserved)
D.Â
Standards for Lighting of Signs.
(1)Â
Signs may be lighted only by continuous white downward-directed lighting.
There shall be no illumination of a flashing, intermittent or moving
type. Floodlighting shall be downward directed lighted so that the
source is directed away from adjacent properties and traffic arteries.
(2)Â
Hours of Lighting. Illumination of signs is restricted to hours of
operation; security lights are excluded.
E.Â
Standards for Scenic Roadway. (Reserved)
F.Â
Standards for All Signs in Historic Village District. The setback
from the front lot line is fifteen (15) feet and a sign shall be placed
no closer than fifteen (15) to a side or rear lot line and shall conform
to all district requirements as well as conform to the following:
(1)Â
Signs affixed to the exterior of a building shall be architecturally
compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors, and details
of the building, as well as with other signs used on the building
or its vicinity.
(2)Â
Signs shall fit within the existing facade features, shall be confined
to signable areas, and shall not interfere with floor and window openings,
conceal architectural details or obscure the composition of the facade
where they are located. Signs shall be placed on a facade only in
a manner historically appropriate to the style of the building.
(3)Â
Wherever possible, signs located on buildings within the same block
face shall be placed at the same height in order to create a unified
sign band.
(4)Â
Wood and painted materials shall be used for sign construction. Flat
signs shall be framed with raised edges.
(5)Â
Sign colors shall be compatible with the colors of the building facade.
(6)Â
Signs shall be downward directed lit and light reflection shall be
contained within the sign frame and shall not significantly spill
over to other portions of the building or site.
(7)Â
Signs shall be mounted so that the method of installation is concealed.
(8)Â
The historic village district will require the most restrictive interpretation
of this Ordinance. Newly constructed signage shall require consultation
with the Town Planner.
For new signs requiring permits, as indicated in this article,
an application for a sign permit shall be made in writing on forms
prescribed and provided by the Building Official, and shall include
the following information:
A.Â
Dimensions of the Proposed Sign. The size of the proposed sign, area,
height, width, thickness, illumination and material from which it
is to be constructed.
B.Â
Detailed Drawing of the Proposed Sign. A detailed drawing showing
the description of the construction details of the sign and showing
the lettering and/or pictorial matter composing the sign, position
of lighting or other extraneous devices, and support structures.
C.Â
Plot Plan of Proposed Sign. A plot plan showing the location of the
sign in relation to the building and all property lines and streets.
The Building Official may require any other such information as may
be reasonably necessary to administer the provisions of this Ordinance
relating to signs.
D.Â
Based upon the above information, the Building Official may require
a building permit and appropriate fee for a sign structure. Unless
otherwise required by this Article, no Site Plan Review will be required
as the result of the issuance of a building permit for a sign.
A.Â
The Building Official, on finding a proposed new sign to be in compliance
with this Ordinance, shall issue a permit.
B.Â
The permit for a new sign shall be null and void six (6) months after
issue unless erection or installation of the sign has begun.
C.Â
Every sign shall bear the sign permit number conveniently and permanently
affixed on the face or support thereof, or in such other place as
authorized in writing by the Building Official. Failure to so affix
the sign permit number shall constitute cause for revocation of the
permit by the Building Official in addition to any other penalties
or remedies provided in this Ordinance.
D.Â
Prior to the initial or re-issuance of business licenses, existing
signs must obtain a permit and are waived the fee upon providing the
Building Official with signed and dated photos or whatever documentation
is otherwise required by the Building Official.
The following signs shall require a Special Use Permit:
A.Â
Off-Site Directional Signs. Off-site directional signs may be authorized
by Special Use Permit upon application to the Zoning Board, where
the location of a legal use requires such signs in order to avoid
confusion, traffic congestion or similar inconveniences, and to facilitate
travel to such location. No more than two such signs shall be permitted
for any one use. The area of any such sign shall be no more than four
(4) square feet. The use of sign plazas is preferred and, in all cases,
only the minimum number of signs necessary to accomplish any of these
objectives may be authorized by the Zoning Board. Off-site directional
signs may only be indirectly illuminated with downward directed lighting.
B.Â
Franchise or Licensed Trademark Signs. Trade signs displaying corporate
logotypes, trademarks, or mandated to be used under franchise or other
form of license shall conform to this Ordinance, or if not conforming,
shall be used only upon issue of a Special Use Permit. An applicant
for such a Special Use Permit for a non-conforming sign shall demonstrate
to the Zoning Board that no other reasonable, conforming alternative
is possible. No more than one (1) such sign shall be permitted for
each such use, and may be permitted only in commercial or industrial
zoning districts. The area of any such sign may not exceed twenty
four (24) square feet.
A.Â
An applicant for a sign permit or temporary sign permit shall, when
filing an application, pay to the Town of Charlestown the appropriate
fee. The fee shall be waived until such time as established by Resolution
of the Town Council.
B.Â
In addition to the filing fee, an applicant shall also, where applicable
(e.g., sign plaza), pay a fee for the Town to erect a sign structure.
The fee shall be waived until such time as established by Resolution
of the Town Council.
A.Â
The following temporary signs are allowed in any zoning district
provided that they conform to the following provisions, further provided
that they are granted a temporary sign permit. Such temporary signs
shall not be illuminated nor indirectly illuminated. These signs shall
meet the restrictions and limitations as to lot placement for the
designated district in which they are placed.
(1)Â
Construction Signs on Buildings or Other Significant Work. Temporary
signs, customary and necessary in connection with the erection of
buildings or other significant construction work shall be limited
to one (1) sign for each construction project to include only the
identification of the project, architect, sponsor or builder. Such
signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in any residential district,
twenty (20) square feet in any commercial district, or thirty (30)
square feet in any industrial district, and shall be removed before
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. No sign may be affixed to
a tree or telephone pole.
(2)Â
Auctions and Special Events Conducted by Non-Profit Organizations.
A temporary sign, no larger than twenty (20) square feet, which advertises
an auction or special event conducted by a non-profit organization,
provided such sign shall not be in place more than thirty (30) days.
No more than ten (10) signs advertising any such event shall be erected
or maintained at any one time within the Town of Charlestown.
(3)Â
Real Estate "For Sale" Signs.
(a)Â
Temporary "For Sale" signs which are in place for more than
six (6) months, and which advertise in any way the sale of the property
upon which they are located, shall not exceed six (6) square feet
in any residential zone and twenty four (24) square feet in any commercial
zone. No such temporary sign shall be maintained for more than ten
(10) days after the completion of the sale of property.
(b)Â
For subdivisions of ten (10) or more lots, in lieu of individual
lot "For Sale" signs, there may be one (1) common sign, not to exceed
thirty-two (32) square feet per side, advertising the property for
sale, and not to be in place for more than two (2) years. These signs
should be the customary signs used in the real estate industry and
be made of durable materials.
B.Â
Temporary Sign Permits and Fees.
(1)Â
Any temporary sign will require a cash deposit, amount to be set
by Town Council from time to time. No temporary sign, as described
in this Ordinance, shall be erected, installed or maintained without
first obtaining a permit thereof. Any such permit may be issued for
a period not to exceed six (6) months and shall provide that any sign
authorized by such permit shall be removed at the expiration of said
six (6) months period, or within ten (10) days after the completion
of the activity advertised, whichever shall be sooner.
(2)Â
No permit for a temporary sign may be extended or renewed, and any
temporary sign which remains in place for more than six (6) months
shall be deemed a permanent sign and shall be so regulated, unless
otherwise specified herein.
(3)Â
If the applicant shall fail to remove such sign, the Building Official,
after a ten (10) days written notice to the applicant to remove such
sign(s), and after the failure of the applicant to do so, shall cause
said signs to be removed and the cash deposit shall be forfeited to
help defray the cost of the removal and a fee (set by the Town Council
from time to time) will be assessed to the violator.
A.Â
No sign deemed hazardous shall be maintained or erected in the Town
of Charlestown. Signs must be kept clean, neatly painted and free
from all hazards such as, but not limited to, faulty wiring, loose
fastenings and must be maintained at all times in such safe condition
so as not to be detrimental to the public health and safety.
B.Â
No sign deemed obsolete shall be erected or maintained which advertises
a product, use or activity no longer available, for sale, or in use
on the premises. Such obsolete signs shall be removed within thirty
(30) days after the date they become obsolete. This provision does
not apply to seasonal activities and uses that are closed during regular
periods. Any sign must be located on the premises on which the business
or service is located; except one sign may be erected on a previous
site of a business or service which is relocated for reasons of an
unforeseen disaster (e.g., fire, flood) for a period of fifteen (15)
months.
C.Â
Non-conforming signs which are relocated or replaced, shall comply
with the provisions of this Ordinance.
A.Â
In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing provisions of
this Ordinance, the Building Official shall give written notice, specifying
the violation, to the named owner of the sign and to the named owner
of the land upon which the sign is erected. Said notice will be sent
to the owners' last known address as set forth in the records of the
Town of Charlestown directing them to cause such sign to conform to
the provisions of this Ordinance, or to remove any such sign within
thirty (30) days from the date of said notice.
B.Â
Upon failure to comply with the provisions of said notice specified in Subsection A, above, the Building Official shall notify the Town Solicitor of such violation of the Ordinance and request appropriate legal action to be taken to obtain conformance or removal of such sign. When any sign is in such condition as to be an immediate hazard and peril to the safety of the public or to property, the Building Official is hereby authorized to cause any such sign to be removed summarily without notice.