HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2019-005 Town Code New Chapter 17-10 of Title 17
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CHAPTER 17-10. SIGNS
Sections:
I. Administration and general ............................................................................... 2
17-10-1 Purpose .................................................................................................... 2
17-10-2 General..................................................................................................... 2
17-10-3 Definitions and sign types .................................................................... 3
17-10-4 Prohibited signs ...................................................................................... 7
17-10-5 Exempt signs ........................................................................................... 8
17-10-6 Permits ..................................................................................................... 9
17-10-7 Sign design and construction ............................................................... 9
17-10-8 Sign measurement ................................................................................ 10
17-10-9 Sign illumination .................................................................................. 11
17-10-10 Sign maintenance ................................................................................. 11
17-10-11 Areas with special sign regulations ................................................... 12
17-10-12 Planned sign programs ....................................................................... 12
17-10-13 Legal nonconforming signs ................................................................ 13
17-10-14 Abandoned signs .................................................................................. 13
17-10-15 Classification; enforcement; removal ................................................ 14
II. Regulations by sign type ................................................................................. 15
17-10-16 Awning signs ........................................................................................ 15
17-10-17 Directory signs ...................................................................................... 15
17-10-18 Drive-through signs ............................................................................. 15
17-10-19 Electronic message displays ............................................................... 15
17-10-20 Flags and flag poles ............................................................................. 16
17-10-21 Freestanding interstate signs .............................................................. 16
17-10-22 Freestanding monument signs ........................................................... 17
17-10-23 Shingle signs ......................................................................................... 18
17-10-24 Sign walkers .......................................................................................... 18
17-10-25 Signs in residential areas ..................................................................... 19
17-10-26 Subdivision entry signs ....................................................................... 19
17-10-27 Vehicle signs ......................................................................................... 19
17-10-28 Wall signs .............................................................................................. 20
17-10-29 Window signs ....................................................................................... 20
III. Regulations for temporary signs ................................................................... 21
17-10-30 Temporary signs—general requirements ......................................... 21
17-10-31 Banners .................................................................................................. 21
17-10-32 Development activity signs ................................................................ 22
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17-10-33 Inflatable and air activated signs ....................................................... 23
17-10-34 Portable directional signs .................................................................... 23
17-10-35 Portable signs ........................................................................................ 24
17-10-36 Quill signs ............................................................................................. 25
17-10-37 Residential subdivision sign program............................................... 25
17-10-38 Roadway construction business identification banners ................. 26
I. ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL
17-10-1 Purpose
This chapter establishes reasonable regulations for the design, place-
ment, construction, and maintenance of all signs within the town, to
protect the public interest and achieve these community objectives:
A. To minimize the risk of personal injury and property damage from
unregulated and improper sign placement, construction, and
maintenance;
B. To balance private and public interests by providing opportunities
for adequate signage for business identification and essential com-
munication while preserving and enhancing the community envi-
ronment, unique character and qualities of the town;
C. To promote the use of signs that are well-designed, of appropriate
scale, and appropriately integrated into the built environment; and
D. To preserve and enhance the streetscape appearance throughout the
town and the general appearance of business corridors.
17-10-2 General
A. No content restrictions.
1. Any sign allowed under this chapter may contain, in lieu of any
other copy, any otherwise lawful message that complies with
applicable size, lighting, dimension, design, spacing, and per-
mitting requirements of this chapter.
2. This chapter is intended to regulate signs in a manner that does
not favor commercial speech over non-commercial speech and
does not regulate non-commercial speech by message content.
3. Any regulation that distinguishes between on-site and off-site
signs applies only to commercial messages, and allows any non-
commercial message.
B. Conformity.
1. No sign shall be installed, placed, or maintained within the town
except in conformance with this chapter or as allowed by a state
or federal law preemption of this chapter.
2. If provisions of this chapter are in conflict with any other provi-
sion of the code, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.
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3. Signs maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter are
declared to be nuisances and may be abated as provided by law.
17-10-3 Definitions and sign types
A. The following definitions supplement those found elsewhere in the
town code and land development code. In the event of conflicting
definitions related to signs, the definitions in this section prevail.
1. Abandoned sign: A sign associated with a business, use, occu-
pancy, product, or activity that has already occurred or has not
existed for a period of 30 consecutive days, for reasons attribut-
able at least in part to the sign-property owner.
2. A-frame: A portable sign typically constructed of wood or plas-
tic that folds out to form the shape of an ‘A’.
3. Animation: The movement, or optical illusion of movement, of
any part of a sign structure, design, or pictorial segment includ-
ing the movement of any illumination, flashing, or variation of
light intensity, and including but not limited to the automatic
changing of all or part of a sign achieved through mechanical,
electrical, or environmental means including motion by activity
such as wind, thermal changes, or other naturally occurring ex-
ternal forces.
4. Awning: An architectural projection or shelter projecting from,
and supported by the exterior wall of, a building and composed
of a covering of rigid or non-rigid materials and/or fabric on a
supporting framework that may be either permanent or retracta-
ble.
5. Awning sign: A sign displayed on or attached to the surface of
an awning.
6. Balloon: An airtight bag filled with helium, hot air, or other gas,
that is anchored to a building or structure with rope, cable or
similar material.
7. Banner: A temporary sign constructed of a flexible material on
which copy or graphics may be displayed.
8. Billboard: A sign not associated with a business, use, occupancy,
product, or activity located or occurring on the sign-premises
and with a sign area 24 square feet or larger.
9. Canopy: A multi-sided overhead structure or architectural pro-
jection supported by attachment to a building on one or more
sides and cantilevered from the building or supported by col-
umns.
10. Change of sign copy: A replacement or modification of the mes-
sage or design of an existing sign face without modifying the
size, shape, framework or structure of the sign.
11. Commercial sign: Any sign that does not fit the definition of
non-commercial sign.
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12. Development activity sign: A temporary freestanding sign con-
sisting of a rigid, durable sign face mounted on wood or metal
posts embedded in the ground without the use of concrete or
other permanent footing material, and conforming to the re-
quirements of subparagraph 17-10-32 (development activity
signs).
13. Directory sign: A monument sign that complies with the re-
quirements of section 17-10-17 (directory signs).
14. Drive-through sign: A sign that complies with the requirements
of section 17-10-18 (drive-through signs).
15. Electronic message display: An electronically activated change-
able message sign.
16. Elevation: An exterior side of a building which includes the
building wall face, parapet, fascia, windows, doors, canopies,
and visible roof structures.
17. Exceptional design: Refers to a freestanding sign with an archi-
tecturally interesting design that complies with the following:
a. At least 50% of all surfaces of the sign structure shall consist
of one or more of the following materials:
i. Brick
ii. Decorative block
iii. Natural or simulated stone
iv. Decorative or treated wood
v. Decorative unpainted or unfinished metal
vi. Other similar materials approved by the planning direc-
tor
b. Except as described in subparagraph c below, the area of the
sign structure must equal or exceed the sign area for each
sign face.
c. If at least 50% of the sign copy is mounted independently
and in relief of the sign face or background and utilizes back-
lighting (halo or reverse channel illumination), the required
area of the sign structure may be reduced by 50%.
d. For purposes of this definition, the sign structure includes
the entire structure of the sign other than the sign area.
e. For purposes of subparagraphs b and c above, the sign struc-
ture is measured as the surface area of the side of the struc-
ture that contains the sign face.
18. Flag: Fabric, vinyl, or similar flexible material typically attached
at one edge to a staff.
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19. Freestanding interstate sign: A freestanding sign that complies
with the requirements of section 17-10-21 (freestanding inter-
state signs)
20. Freestanding monument sign: A freestanding sign that complies
with the requirements of section 17-10-22 (freestanding monu-
ment signs).
21. Freestanding sign: A sign erected or mounted on a self-support-
ing permanent base detached from supporting elements of a
building.
22. Fuel service pump topper sign: A sign affixed to the top or side
of an operable fuel dispensing pump.
23. Government sign: A sign constructed, placed, or maintained by
a government agency or a sign that a government agency re-
quires to be constructed, placed, or maintained.
24. Illuminated sign: A sign that uses artificial light, either project-
ing through its surface (internal illumination) or reflecting off its
surface (externally illuminated).
25. Legal nonconforming sign: A sign that was legally installed in
conformance with all applicable sign regulations and ordinances
in effect at the time of its installation; but that does not comply
with current regulations.
26. Non-commercial sign: A sign containing no message, statement,
or expression related to commercial interests. Noncommercial
signs include, but are not limited to:
a. Government signs
b. Signs expressing political, religious, or ideological views or
positions
c. Signs with information about or announcements of non‐
profit organizations
27. Non-residential area: Any land that is not in a residential area.
28. Polyhedron: A three-dimensional solid figure formed by plane
faces that are polygons.
29. Portable directional sign: A portable sign directing the traveling
public to a real estate open house or to an event.
30. Portable sign: A freestanding, moveable sign not permanently
affixed to any building, structure, or embedded into the ground.
Examples include A-frames and T-frames.
31. Projected image sign: A temporary sign which is projected by an
electronic device onto a building, structure, sidewalk or other
surface.
32. Quill sign: A temporary sign constructed as a banner, typically
in the shape of a feather or sail, attached to a pole assembly em-
bedded in the ground and designed to move in the wind.
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33. Reasonable repairs or alterations: Repairs or alterations deter-
mined by Arizona case law as being consistent with the “reason-
able repairs and alterations” provision of A.R.S. § 9-462.02 (A).
In the absence of case law guidance, reasonable repairs or alter-
ations include repairs or alterations that cost less than half of the
cost to replace the sign.
34. Residential area: All of the following:
a. Land zoned AG, RD-180, R-144, R-80, R-36, R-20, R-16, R-12,
R-10, R-8, R-7, R-6, R-3.5, MR-2, MR-1, RV, and MH.
b. Land zoned A, B, and C, except those portions that have an
existing non-residential use.
c. Portions of land zoned D and E that have an existing resi-
dential use.
d. Land with residential land use designations within specific
plan areas (areas zoned F).
e. Parcels devoted solely to residential, park, or open space
uses.
35. Roadway construction business identification banner: A sign
that complies with the requirements of section 17-10-38 (road-
way construction business identification banners).
36. Shingle sign: A wall mounted or hanging sign, located under a
covered porch, walkway, extended roof or other similar struc-
ture.
37. Sight visibility triangle: An area extending along an intersection
approach leg and across the included corners that must be kept
clear of obstructions that might block a driver’s view of poten-
tially conflicting vehicles or pedestrians.
38. Sign: A name, identification, description, display or illustration
affixed to or painted or represented directly or indirectly on a
building or other outdoor surface that directs attention to or is
designed or intended to direct attention to the sign face or to an
object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization
or business. Does not include anything that meets this definition
but that is located completely within an enclosed building and
is not visible from outside the building. A statue is a sign if it
calls attention or relates to an activity or use located on the sign-
premises.
39. Sign area: The area of a sign determined in accordance with par-
agraph 17-10-8 below.
40. Sign copy: All letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos, and
graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign.
41. Sign face: The entire display surface area of a sign upon, against,
or through which copy is placed.
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42. Sign-premises:
a. In residential areas, the sign-property plus adjacent right-of-
way used by the sign-property owner under a license from
the town.
b. In non-residential areas, the entire shopping center or indus-
trial center where the sign is located plus adjacent right-of-
way used by the sign-premises owner, owners, or owners as-
sociation under a license from the town.
43. Sign-property: The specific lot or parcel of land upon which the
sign is placed or erected. Adjacent lots or parcels under the same
ownership and with the same use shall be considered one sign-
property.
44. Sign walker: A person who carries, holds or balances a sign.
45. T-frame: A portable sign typically constructed of wood or plastic
with a structure in the appearance of an inverted ‘T’.
46. Temporary sign: A portable sign, a sign not permanently em-
bedded in the ground, or a sign not permanently affixed to a
building or permanent sign structure.
47. Tenant space: The area or portion of a building leased by an in-
dividual or entity.
48. Vehicle sign: A sign mounted, painted, attached or affixed to a
truck, car, boat, trailer, or other vehicle or similar equipment.
49. Wall sign: A permanent sign fastened, attached, or connected to,
or supported in whole or in part by, a building or structure.
50. Window sign: A sign affixed to the interior or exterior of a win-
dow, or placed immediately behind a window, and visible from
outside of the building.
17-10-4 Prohibited signs
All signs not expressly allowed under this chapter are prohibited, in-
cluding but not limited to:
A. Billboards.
B. Flashing, blinking, reflective, inflatable or animated signs, including
signs with an intermittent or varying color or intensity of artificial
illumination, whether deliberate or as a consequence of a defect in
the sign or illumination source, except as expressly allowed by the
provisions of section 17-10-19 (electronic message displays) or sec-
tion 17-10-33 (inflatable and air activated signs).
C. Projected-image signs.
D. Ribbons, streamers, balloons, or pin flags, except as expressly al-
lowed by the provisions of section 17-10-33 (inflatable and air acti-
vated signs).
E. Searchlights.
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F. Signs projecting sound, except as expressly allowed by the provi-
sions of section 17-10-18 (drive-through signs).
G. Signs that obstruct free and clear vision of motor vehicle operators.
H. Signs located in a sight visibility triangle, unless approved by the
planning director.
I. Signs placed in any location where by reason of position, shape, or
color may interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic
sign, signal, or device.
J. Signs placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree
or other surface located on public property or over or across any
street or public thoroughfare, or in the public right-of-way, except
as expressly allowed by this chapter.
K. Signs projecting above the top of the wall parapet, or roofline, or
mounted on a roof.
17-10-5 Exempt signs
The following signs shall be exempt from the application and permit
requirements of this chapter. Exempt signs must comply with all other
applicable regulations contained in this chapter, if any.
A. Flags that comply with the requirements of section 17-10-20 (flags
and flag poles)
B. Fuel service pump topper signs.
C. Government signs.
D. Grave markers, headstones, statues, historical markers, and corner-
stones.
E. Hazard warning and parking signs measuring three square feet or
less.
F. Portable signs that comply with the requirements of section 17-10-
35 (portable signs).
G. Portable directional signs that comply with the requirements of sec-
tion n 17-10-34 (portable directional signs).
H. Roadway construction business identification banners that comply
with the requirements of section 17-10-38 (roadway construction
business identification banners).
I. Signs carried or displayed by a sign walker in compliance with the
requirements of section 17-10-24 (sign walkers).
J. Signs integrated into the design of an automated bank teller ma-
chine.
K. Signs relocated as the result of town construction projects.
L. Vehicle signs that comply with the requirements of section 17-10-27
(vehicle signs).
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M. Window signs that comply with the requirements of section 17-10-
29 (window signs).
N. Temporary signs in residential areas that comply with the require-
ments of paragraph 17-10-25 C.
O. Any sign authorized by this chapter that is six square feet or smaller,
unless an application and permit are expressly required by this
chapter.
17-10-6 Permits
A. General.
1. The sign-property owner or the sign-property owner’s repre-
sentative may apply for a sign permit.
2. Except as provided in subparagraph 3 below, a sign permit is
required prior to constructing, installing, placing, altering, or re-
locating any sign within the town.
3. A sign permit is not required for any of the following:
a. Change of sign copy
b. An exempt sign as defined in this chapter
c. A sign allowed by a state or federal law preemption of this
chapter
d. Sign maintenance that does not change the design of the sign
B. Permit fees. Upon approval of an application for a sign permit, the
applicant shall pay the applicable fee assessed in accordance with
the fee schedule adopted and amended from time to time by the
council.
C. Application.
1. A sign permit application shall be submitted for all signs requir-
ing a permit.
2. A sign permit application must be accompanied by all items re-
quired by the sign permit application checklist.
D. Permit suspension or revocation. In addition to enforcement pursu-
ant to chapter 5-7 of the town code, the planning director may sus-
pend or revoke a sign permit issued as a result of the applicant’s
material omission or misstatement of fact. The planning director
shall give notice of any suspension or revocation to the applicant
and to the sign-property owner.
17-10-7 Sign design and construction
A. All signs shall incorporate design elements consistent with the over-
all architectural character of buildings and other improvements on
the sign-premises.
B. Electric raceways and transformers shall be located to minimize vis-
ibility.
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C. All signs shall be designed and constructed in conformance with
current town building codes (see town code title 7).
D. All temporary signs shall be constructed using suitably durable ma-
terials as approved by the planning director.
17-10-8 Sign measurement
A. Sign area shall be measured as follows:
1. Sign copy mounted on or painted on a background panel or area
distinctively painted, textured, or constructed as a background
for the sign copy shall be measured as that area contained within
the sum of the smallest rectangles that will enclose both the sign
copy and the background.
2. Sign copy mounted as individual letters or graphics against a
wall, fascia, mansard, or parapet of a building or other structure
that has not been painted, textured, or otherwise altered to pro-
vide a distinctive background for the sign copy shall be meas-
ured as a sum of the smallest polygon of not more than 12 sides
that will enclose each word and each graphic in the total sign.
3. Signs with multiple faces shall be measured
as follows:
a. The area of all faces shall be included in
determining the area of the sign, except
that only one face of a double-faced sign
shall be considered in determining the
sign area when both faces are parallel
and the greatest distance between faces
does not exceed five feet, or when the in-
terior angle of the
sign faces does not
exceed 45 degrees in
the case of a ‘V’- con-
figured sign. If the
area of one sign face
exceeds the area of
the sign’s opposing
face, the area of the
larger face shall be
used to determine
the sign area.
b. The area of a sign that contains three or more faces shall be
calculated as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces.
c. Spherical, free-form, sculptural, or other non-planar sign
area is measured as 50% of the sum of the areas using only
the four vertical faces of the smallest six-faced polyhedron
that will encompass the sign structure.
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B. Sign height shall be measured as follows:
1. The height of a freestanding
sign shall be measured as the
vertical distance from the fin-
ished grade beneath the sign,
exclusive of any filling,
berming, mounding or land-
scaping done solely for the
purpose of locating the sign,
to the highest point of the
sign. If the sign is proposed
in a location in which the fin-
ished grade beneath the sign
is lower than the grade of the
adjacent roadway surface,
the sign height shall be meas-
ured from the top of the curb,
or crown of the adjacent
roadway surface where no
curb exists. The height of any
monument base or other
structure erected to support
or ornament the sign shall be
measured as part of the sign
height.
2. Wall fascia, mansard, and parapet-
mounted signs shall be measured as the
vertical distance to the top of the sign or
sign structure from the base of the wall on
which the sign is located.
17-10-9 Sign illumination
A. Signs may be illuminated, except where ex-
pressly prohibited in this chapter.
B. All illuminated signs shall be constructed and
operated in compliance with the outdoor light-
ing code.
17-10-10 Sign maintenance
A. Any sign or sign component shall be promptly repaired or replaced
if it:
1. Is damaged or deteriorated,
2. Constitutes a danger or hazard to public safety, or
3. Is reasonably determined by the planning director, by reason of
its appearance as viewed at ground level from the public right-
of-way or from neighboring properties, to:
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a. Be detrimental to property value
b. Be offensive to the senses, or
c. Reduce the aesthetic appearance of the area.
B. Maintenance of a sign shall include all of the following:
1. Periodic cleaning
2. Replacement of defective light sources
3. Repair or replacement of any faded, peeled, cracked, or other-
wise damaged or broken parts
4. Any other activity necessary to restore the sign to compliance
with the requirements of the sign permit issued for its installa-
tion and the provisions of this chapter.
17-10-11 Areas with special sign regulations
A. Special sign districts. Special sign districts may be established by or-
dinance. Special sign districts may have unique regulations applica-
ble to them, which differ from those set forth in this chapter.
B. Specific plans. Sign regulations approved as part of a specific plan
take precedence over this chapter within the specific plan area. Par-
ticular signage elements not addressed by the specific plan sign reg-
ulations shall be governed by this chapter.
C. Planned sign program. Sign regulations approved as part of a
planned sign program take precedence over this chapter. Planned
sign programs shall be reviewed by staff and subject to considera-
tion and approval by the planning commission.
17-10-12 Planned sign programs
A. A planned sign program is available for development projects con-
sisting of multi-tenant buildings, non-residential developments
with multiple buildings or mixed-use developments. The program
shall be reviewed by staff and subject to consideration and approval
by the planning commission. A planned sign program:
1. Is intended to allow flexibility in order to achieve exceptional
project design through architectural integration of the site,
buildings, and signs.
2. Is intended to provide for design compatibility of all signs and
to establish and maintain a consistent design theme within a de-
velopment.
3. Shall be in substantial conformance with the general intent of the
regulations of this chapter, but may establish reasonable and ap-
propriate alternatives to the standard provisions of this chapter.
4. Shall establish design standards, including, but not limited to,
sign types, placement, size, design, colors, materials, textures,
and method of illumination.
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5. Shall provide adequate identification and information for the
development.
6. Shall provide aesthetic appeal, promote traffic safety, and main-
tain consistency with other town regulations.
B. A planned sign program application shall be submitted to the plan-
ning department and must be accompanied by all items required by
the planned sign program application checklist and all applicable
fees.
C. All freestanding signs approved through a planned sign program
and allowed an increase in either area or height above the basic
standards for freestanding signs must be constructed to the stand-
ards of exceptional design as defined in this chapter (see subpara-
graph 17-10-3 A. 17 above).
17-10-13 Legal nonconforming signs
A. Legal nonconforming signs are allowed, subject to the requirements
of this section.
B. Any legal nonconforming sign shall be permitted to remain, so long
as it:
1. Is not increased in area or height and remains structurally un-
changed, except for reasonable repairs or alterations; or
2. Is not relocated, unless at the request or requirement of the town
so as to comply with applicable safety requirements.
C. A legal nonconforming sign shall be rebuilt, repaired, or replaced
only in conformance with the provisions of this chapter if it is:
1. Structurally changed, except for reasonable repairs or altera-
tions;
2. Damaged by half or more of the cost to replace the sign as a re-
sult of fire, lack of maintenance, or other causes; or
3. Temporarily or permanently moved or removed by any means,
including an act of God, except as provided in subparagraph 17-
10-13 B. 2 above.
17-10-14 Abandoned signs
A. The planning director shall, upon determining that a sign is an aban-
doned sign, give notice to the sign owner that the sign is deemed an
abandoned sign.
B. Within 30 days after receipt of the planning director’s notice, the
sign owner shall take one of the following actions:
1. Remove the sign and its supporting structure;
2. Remove the sign face and replace it with a blank sign face; or
3. Reverse the sign face and not illuminate the sign from the inte-
rior.
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17-10-15 Classification; enforcement; removal
A. General. Violation of this chapter is a civil infraction and shall be
enforced pursuant to chapter 5-7 of the town code.
B. Removal of signs by town; notice; fees.
1. A code compliance officer or other authorized representative of
the town may immediately remove or cause the removal of a
sign in either of the following circumstances:
a. When the sign is unlawfully placed in the public right-of-
way.
b. When the sign poses an immediate hazard to persons or
property.
2. If possible, when exercising its right to immediately remove or
cause the removal of a sign, the town shall provide the sign
owner with verbal or written notification of the removal at the
time of the removal. The notice shall include all of the following:
a. The reason or reasons for the removal.
b. The location where the sign owner may claim the sign.
c. Notification that if the sign owner does not claim the sign
within five days of the notice, the town may destroy or reuse
the sign.
3. If a sign is placed in violation of this chapter but does not pose
an immediate hazard to persons or property and is not located
in the public right-of-way, a code compliance officer or other au-
thorized representative of the town shall provide written notice
of violation to the sign owner.
a. The notice shall include all of the following:
i. The reason or reasons the sign is in violation.
ii. Notification that if the sign is not removed within 48
hours of the notice, the town will remove the sign.
iii. The location where the sign owner may claim the sign if
it is removed.
iv. Notification that if the sign is removed and the sign
owner does not claim the sign within five days of the no-
tice, the town may destroy or reuse the sign.
b. The notice shall be delivered either by personal delivery or,
if the town is unable to determine the owner of the sign, by
affixing it to the offending sign.
c. If the offending sign is not removed within the 48-hour pe-
riod, a code compliance officer or other authorized repre-
sentative of the town may remove or cause the removal of
the sign.
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4. The town’s cost to remove or store a sign shall be borne by the
sign owner in the amount set forth in the fee schedule approved
by the council and amended from time to time.
C. Effect. Neither the suspension nor revocation of a sign permit, nor
the removal of a sign by the town, shall be a defense against prose-
cution.
II. REGULATIONS BY SIGN TYPE
17-10-16 Awning signs
A. An awning sign shall be allowed in lieu of, or in conjunction with, a
wall sign.
B. Awning sign area shall be calculated as part of the allowable area
for wall signage for any given elevation.
17-10-17 Directory signs
Directory signs are allowed in non-residential area developments and
multi-family complexes subject to the following:
A. Each sign premise shall be allowed one directory sign at each en-
trance on each street frontage.
B. Sign height shall not exceed eight feet.
C. Sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet.
D. Signs shall be located at least 100 feet from any abutting street right-
of-way unless a building or other structure blocks the sign’s visibil-
ity from the street.
17-10-18 Drive-through signs
A. Drive-through signs may be freestanding or wall-mounted.
B. Drive-through signs shall be limited to two signs per drive-through
lane.
C. Each drive-through sign shall be no greater than ten feet in height.
D. Each drive-through sign shall be located adjacent to a drive-through
lane.
E. Drive-through signs may include electronic message displays sub-
ject to the requirements and limitations of section 17-10-19 (elec-
tronic message displays), except that the display may occupy the en-
tire area of the sign face.
F. Sound emitted by drive-through signs must not be audible from any
residential property.
17-10-19 Electronic message displays
A. Electronic message displays are permitted as an integral component
of either of the following:
1. A permitted freestanding monument sign.
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2. A sign type whose regulations refer to this section, subject to any
additional limitations on electronic message signs set forth in the
regulations for that sign type.
B. Except as provided in section 17-10-18 (drive-through signs), elec-
tronic message displays may occupy up to 50% of the allowable area
of a sign face.
C. Electronic message displays may be full color and shall consist only
of static messages that change not more frequently than once every
7.5 seconds.
D. Electronic message display messages must transition by instant
change method. Scrolling, travelling, flashing, full-motion video,
use of sound, and similar operational effects are prohibited.
E. Electronic message displays shall conform to the regulations of the
outdoor lighting code.
F. An electronic message display visible from an existing residential
use shall be installed a minimum of 150 feet from the property line
of the residential use.
17-10-20 Flags and flag poles
A. Each sign-property may contain one flagpole bearing one or more
flags, except as otherwise permitted under section 17-10-12 (planned
sign programs) or section 17-10-37 (residential subdivision sign pro-
gram).
B. A flag pole shall not exceed a height of 25 feet when accessory to a
residential use. In all other situations, a flag pole shall not exceed the
higher of:
1. 30 feet, or
2. 1.25 times the height of any building within 200 feet of where the
flagpole is to be constructed, but in any event not to exceed 50
feet.
C. The length of a flag shall be no greater than one-fourth of the height
of the flag pole.
D. A flag shall not encroach beyond the sign-premises.
E. A flag shall not create a safety hazard.
F. A flag may be illuminated in conformance with the outdoor lighting
code.
17-10-21 Freestanding interstate signs
Freestanding interstate signs shall be allowed only upon approval by
the planning commission of a conditional use permit or a planned sign
program and shall be subject to the following:
A. A freestanding interstate sign may be allowed for commercial, in-
dustrial, or mixed-use sign-premises that are:
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1. A minimum of one acre in size,
2. Within 250 feet of the interstate right-of-way or within 250 feet
of the railroad right-of-way, and
3. Within 250 feet of the right-of-way of an arterial roadway inter-
secting the interstate.
B. A freestanding interstate sign shall not exceed a height of 65 feet
above the finished grade beneath the sign, exclusive of any filling,
berming, mounding or landscaping done solely for the purpose of
locating the sign.
C. A freestanding interstate sign shall not exceed an area of 300 square
feet.
D. A freestanding interstate sign shall not be located within 500 feet of
another freestanding interstate sign.
E. A freestanding interstate sign shall be a minimum of 500 feet from
the property line of any existing residential use.
F. A freestanding interstate sign may include an electronic message
display component subject to section 17-10-19 (electronic message
displays).
17-10-22 Freestanding monument signs
A. A freestanding monument sign shall be allowed in non-residential
areas subject to the following:
1. One sign shall be allowed per street frontage of sign-premises
provided that the sign-premises has a minimum street frontage
of 100 feet.
2. Two signs shall be allowed per street frontage for sign-premises
with 600 feet or more of street frontage, and more than one en-
trance to the sign-premises on that frontage. One additional free-
standing monument sign shall be permitted for each additional
300 feet of street frontage with an additional entrance.
3. The sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet for a single tenant
sign-premises.
4. The sign area for sign-premises occupied by two or more tenants
shall not exceed 80 square feet.
5. The sign height shall not exceed eight feet.
6. A 25% increase in the area and/or height of a sign will be al-
lowed for a sign of exceptional design as defined in subpara-
graph 17-10-3 A. 17 above.
7. A sign-premises containing two or more tenants shall be al-
lowed an increase in the area and height of one freestanding
monument sign per street frontage subject to the following:
a. One sign of increased area and height shall be allowed for
each sign-premises street frontage exceeding 500 linear feet.
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b. The sign area shall not exceed 150 square feet.
c. The sign height shall not exceed 20 feet.
d. The sign shall be constructed to the standards of exceptional
design, as defined in subparagraph 17-10-3 A. 17 above, and
shall not be allowed an increase in area or height.
8. The width of the base of a monument sign must be equal to or
greater than 75% of the width of the sign face.
9. Signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any road
right-of-way, and 30 feet from any residential area property line.
10. A freestanding monument sign shall be located at least 50 feet
from any other freestanding monument sign.
B. Multi-family residential complex containing 12 units or more, in-
cluding apartments, condominiums, townhome complexes, manu-
factured home parks, recreational vehicle parks, and similar uses,
shall be allowed a freestanding monument sign subject to the fol-
lowing:
1. One freestanding monument sign shall be allowed per street
frontage of the sign-premises.
2. Signs shall not exceed 40 square feet in area and eight feet in
height.
3. A 25% increase in the area and height of a sign will be allowed
for a sign of exceptional design as defined in subparagraph 17-
10-3 A. 17 above.
17-10-23 Shingle signs
A. Shingle signs shall be limited to one per tenant space frontage and
shall be located at a point of public access.
B. Shingle sign area shall not exceed five square feet.
C. A shingle sign shall be located in front of the tenant space it pertains
to and shall be suspended from a covered porch, walkway, extended
roof or similar architectural element.
D. A minimum clearance of eight feet shall be maintained beneath a
shingle sign.
17-10-24 Sign walkers
Sign walkers are allowed subject to the following:
A. Sign walkers are prohibited in parking aisles or stalls, in driving
lanes or driveways, in construction zones.
B. Sign walkers are prohibited from operating in any manner that ob-
structs visibility or movement of pedestrians, motorists or cyclists.
C. Signs displayed by sign walkers shall not include any form of illu-
mination, animation, or attachment.
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D. Signs displayed by sign walkers shall not exceed eight square feet in
area.
17-10-25 Signs in residential areas
Signs are allowed in residential areas subject to the following require-
ments:
A. All signs shall comply with the regulations of this chapter applicable
to the sign type, as further regulated by this section.
B. All signs shall be displayed on the sign-property.
C. Temporary signs in residential areas are subject to the requirements
of section 17-10-30 (temporary signs—general requirements), and
each temporary sign must be clearly labeled with the name and tel-
ephone number of the sign owner.
D. Signs shall not exceed six feet in height unless attached to a wall or
structure.
E. Each single-family residential sign-property shall be allowed a cu-
mulative sign area of six square feet with no limit on the number of
signs.
F. For multi-family uses, each residential unit shall be allowed a cumu-
lative sign area of five square feet with no limit on the number of
signs.
G. Signs have no display period limitations.
H. Signs may not advertise offsite commercial activities.
17-10-26 Subdivision entry signs
A subdivision entry sign, consisting of a wall sign or freestanding mon-
ument sign, may be placed at a main entrance to a residential subdivi-
sion or complex, subject to the following:
A. Subdivision entry wall signs may be mounted on a perimeter or
landscape wall on both sides of a main entrance to a subdivision or
complex. The cumulative wall sign area at each entrance to a subdi-
vision shall not exceed 100 square feet
B. Subdivision entry freestanding monument signs shall be limited to
one sign at each main entrance to a subdivision or complex subject
to the following:
1. The sign area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
2. The sign must be setback a minimum of one foot from any prop-
erty line.
3. The sign may not include an electronic message display.
17-10-27 Vehicle signs
A vehicle sign may be displayed only when all of the following condi-
tions are met:
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A. Signs must be painted on or applied directly to the vehicle and may
not extend beyond the horizontal or vertical profile of the vehicle.
B. Signs shall not be mounted in the bed of a truck.
C. The vehicle displaying the sign must be operable, registered, li-
censed, and driven at least once a week.
D. The vehicle displaying the sign must be parked in a legal parking
space.
17-10-28 Wall signs
A. Wall signs may be mounted flush, angled, bowed, or perpendicular
to the wall.
B. Wall signs in residential areas shall be subject to the following:
1. In addition to an address sign as required by this chapter, a sin-
gle-family residence shall be allowed one wall sign, not to ex-
ceed three square feet.
2. Wall signs on single-family residences shall not be placed higher
than 10 feet above finished grade.
3. Multi-family residences shall be allowed one sign per dwelling
unit, not to exceed three square feet.
4. A multi-family residential complex containing 12 units or more
shall be allowed a maximum of 32 square feet of wall signage
per street frontage.
5. Illumination of signage shall be prohibited with the exception of
multi-family residential complexes containing 12 units or more.
C. Wall signs in non-residential areas shall be subject to the following:
1. Shall be allowed on no more than three elevations of any build-
ing.
2. The allowable sign area shall be calculated at a rate of 1.5 square
feet for each linear foot of building elevation or tenant space
frontage up to a maximum of 200 square feet per elevation.
3. Shall only be placed on the first and top stories of a multi-story
building.
4. Shall be allowed on parapet walls that are structurally integrated
into the original building design, and shall not be placed on par-
apet extensions added to an existing building.
5. Signs up to a cumulative total of 75 square feet of signage per
canopy are allowed on all sides of a freestanding canopy struc-
ture, calculated in the same manner as any other wall sign.
17-10-29 Window signs
A window sign may be painted on, adhered to, or suspended behind a
glass door or window surface, subject to the following:
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A. In non-residential areas, window signs shall cover no more than
40% of the window upon which the sign is displayed.
B. Window signs shall only be displayed on first floor windows.
C. Window signs shall only be internally illuminated.
D. Portions of window signs consisting of electronic message displays
shall be limited to five square feet and shall be subject to the require-
ments of section 17-10-19 (electronic message displays).
III. REGULATIONS FOR TEMPORARY SIGNS
17-10-30 Temporary signs—general requirements
The requirements set forth in this section apply to all temporary signs.
A. Temporary signs shall be constructed of fabric, plastic, wood, metal,
or similar durable weather-resistant materials.
B. Temporary signs shall be maintained free of chipped paint, cracks,
loss of text or graphics, or similar defects.
C. No temporary sign shall be placed upon any other sign assembly,
utility pole, authorized traffic control device, utility box, fence, free-
standing wall, boulder, tree, planter, vehicle, or similar structure.
D. Temporary signs shall be placed in a manner that prevents displace-
ment during adverse weather conditions and does not result in a
safety hazard to the public.
E. Except as expressly allowed by this chapter, temporary signs shall
not be located within the public right-of-way.
F. Temporary signs shall not interfere with the free movement of pe-
destrians, bicycles, or vehicles.
G. Temporary signs shall not include amplified sound, animation, mo-
tion or attachments such as balloons, flags, streamers, pinwheels, or
ribbons, except as specifically authorized by section 17-10-33 (inflat-
able and air activated signs).
H. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated other than by ambient
light present on the property or by existing illumination intended
for other uses.
I. All temporary signs require a sign permit except portable signs (sec-
tion 17-10-35), portable directional signs (section 17-10-34), and tem-
porary signs in residential areas (paragraph 17-10-25 C) (see section
17-10-5, exempt signs).
17-10-31 Banners
Banners are temporary signs which are allowed in non-residential areas
subject to the requirements of section 17-10-30 (temporary signs—gen-
eral requirements) and the following additional requirements:
A. Shall be displayed on the sign-premises.
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B. Shall be limited in quantity to one per business.
C. Building-mounted banners shall not exceed a height of 25 feet or the
top of the parapet, whichever is less.
D. Freestanding banners shall not exceed a height of ten feet above
grade.
E. Sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet.
F. May be displayed up to 21 days, four times per calendar year per
business.
17-10-32 Development activity signs
Development activity signs are temporary signs which are allowed in
non-residential areas subject to the requirements of section 17-10-30
(temporary signs—general requirements) and the following additional
requirements:
A. Signs shall be displayed on the sign-premises.
B. Signs may be displayed at the beginning of the duration of an activ-
ity, and shall be removed within seven days of the completion of the
duration of the activity. The duration of an activity is the period of
time between any of the following:
1. From development plan approval to the earlier of:
a. The completion of the improvements shown on the develop-
ment plan, or
b. The second anniversary of development plan approval.
2. From the issuance of a building permit for a development pro-
ject to the earliest of:
a. The issuance of a certificate of occupancy,
b. The final inspection approval, or
c. The second anniversary of the issuance of the building per-
mit.
3. From the date of listing a property for sale or lease to the earlier
of:
a. The consummation of the sale or lease or
b. The second anniversary of the listing date.
C. No more than three signs shall be allowed per street frontage.
D. Each sign shall not exceed eight feet in height.
E. Each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
F. A development activity sign shall not be permitted on a residential
subdivision that has an approved residential subdivision sign pro-
gram (see section 17-10-37).
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17-10-33 Inflatable and air activated signs
Inflatable and air activated signs are temporary signs which are allowed
in non-residential areas subject to the requirements of section 17-10-30
(temporary signs—general requirements) and the following additional
requirements:
A. May be displayed in conjunction with a special
event or activity.
B. May be displayed for a period of up to three
consecutive days and no more than two display
periods shall be allowed per calendar year.
C. Shall be located on the sign-premises.
D. No more than two signs may be displayed con-
currently on a sign-premises.
E. Shall be setback a distance equal to or greater
than the height of the sign from all property
lines.
F. Shall maintain 18 feet of clearance from over-
head utility lines.
G. Shall be placed and operate in accordance with applicable building
and fire codes including proper anchoring to the ground.
H. Shall not be placed on the roof of any building or structure.
17-10-34 Portable directional signs
Portable directional signs are permitted subject to the requirements of
section 17-10-30 (temporary signs—general requirements) and the fol-
lowing additional requirements:
A. Each sign must be clearly labeled with the name and telephone
number of the sign owner.
B. Each sign may not exceed six square feet in area and 30 inches in
height.
C. No more than eight signs may be placed:
1. Directing the public to any particular real estate open house,
2. Directing the public to any particular event, or
3. With any particular non-commercial message.
D. Signs directing the public to a property or event must be located
within five miles of the property or event.
E. All signs with any particular non-commercial message must be lo-
cated within a five-mile radius of one another.
F. One sign may be placed at each major change in travel direction
along the route leading to the property or event.
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G. On routes with infrequent major changes in travel direction, signs
may be located at each intersection of collector or larger roadways.
H. No sign shall be placed within 20 feet of another sign authorized by
this section.
I. Signs shall only be displayed between sunrise and sunset and must
be removed daily.
J. Signs shall not be displayed more than four days in any week.
K. Signs shall not be placed within a median, sidewalk, multi-use path,
or any location that would create an obstacle for pedestrians.
L. Signs may be placed in the public right-of-way subject to the follow-
ing additional requirements:
1. On curbed roadways, signs within the public right-of-way shall
be placed at least two feet from the back side of the curb and at
least two feet from a sidewalk or shared-use path.
2. On roadways without curbs, signs within the public right-of-
way shall be placed at least six feet from the edge of the paved
surface.
3. Signs shall not be placed between a shared-use path and the
paved surface of the roadway unless there is adequate distance
to maintain a six-foot setback for the sign from the edge of the
roadway and a two-foot setback for the sign from the edge of the
path.
M. For purposes of this section, an event is one of the following:
1. A non-commercial assembly.
2. A yard sale in a residential area.
17-10-35 Portable signs
Portable signs are temporary signs which are allowed in non-residential
areas subject to the requirements of section 17-10-30 (temporary signs—
general requirements) and the following additional requirements:
A. Each sign must be clearly labeled with the name and telephone
number of the sign owner.
B. Shall be limited in quantity to one per business.
C. Must be located within 30 feet of a building entrance on the sign-
property.
D. May only be displayed during hours of operation and must be re-
moved at the end of each business day.
E. Sign area shall not exceed 12 square feet.
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17-10-36 Quill signs
Quill signs are temporary signs which are allowed in non-residential
areas subject to the requirements of section 17-10-30 (temporary signs—
general requirements) and the following additional requirements:
A. Shall be displayed on the sign-premises.
B. One sign per 100 linear feet of street frontage up to six signs per
frontage.
C. A maximum of two signs may be displayed for any business.
D. Each sign shall not exceed ten feet in height.
E. Each sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
F. Each sign shall be no closer than 50 feet to another quill sign.
G. May be displayed up to 21 days, four times per calendar year per
business.
H. Quill signs are not permitted within the downtown neighborhood
(DN) or downtown (DT) zones.
17-10-37 Residential subdivision sign program
Residential subdivisions with a sales office and offering new homes for
sale may submit a proposed residential subdivision sign program to
regulate the use of temporary signs for the subdivision, subject to the
requirements of section 17-10-30 (temporary signs—general require-
ments) and the following additional requirements:
A. A proposed residential subdivision sign program shall be submitted
to the planning director, who shall approve, deny, or require modi-
fication and resubmission based on the proposed program’s compli-
ance with the requirements of this section.
B. A residential subdivision sign program must include:
1. A site plan showing the location of all proposed signs; and
2. A description of the type, number, size, placement, and materi-
als of all proposed signs.
C. The residential subdivision sign program shall expire when the sales
office is permanently closed.
D. All signs shall be removed upon expiration of the residential subdi-
vision sign program.
E. A residential subdivision sign program may include the following
on-site signage:
1. A maximum of 500 square feet of signage per builder.
2. No individual sign may exceed an area of 128 square feet or a
height of 20 feet.
3. Temporary signs, flags (subject to the provisions of 17-10-20,
flags and flag poles), and banners.
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F. A residential subdivision sign program may include off-site direc-
tional signs subject to the following additional requirements:
1. Signs must be located within a reasonable distance of the subdi-
vision, considering its remoteness from major transportation
routes.
2. One sign may be placed at each major change in travel direction
along the route leading to the subdivision.
3. On routes with infrequent major changes in travel direction,
signs may be located at each intersection of collector or larger
roadways.
4. Signs for an individual builder for multiple subdivisions shall be
combined into a single sign; and
5. Signs of multiple builders for any particular master develop-
ment shall be combined into a single sign.
6. If the requirements of paragraphs 4 and 5 above would result in
three or more builders or subdivisions being combined on any
particular sign and if the planning director determines that the
sign cannot provide clear direction to the motoring public, the
planning director may allow a residential subdivision sign pro-
gram to include a separate sign that meets all other applicable
requirements of this section.
G. In addition to the requirements of paragraph F above, residential
subdivision sign program offsite directional signs within the public
right-of-way are subject to the following requirements:
1. Each sign may not exceed six square feet in area and 30 inches
in height.
2. Each sign must be clearly labeled with the permit number and
the name and contact information of the sign permit applicant.
3. The sign owner must comply with right-of-way use permit re-
quirements (see chapter 12-7, construction in town rights-of-
way).
H. In addition to the requirements of paragraph F above, residential
subdivision sign program offsite directional signs on private prop-
erty are subject to the following requirements:
1. Written permission of the sign-property owner is required.
2. Each sign may not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in
height.
17-10-38 Roadway construction business identification banners
A. An existing use within a commercial, mixed-use, or industrial zon-
ing district and within an area subject to long-term or substantial
road construction activity performed by the town or other public
entity or utility company may display one roadway construction
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business identification banner on each adjacent street frontage of
sign-premises.
B. Banners shall be located on the sign-premises.
C. Banners shall not exceed 40 square feet.
D. Banners may be displayed throughout the period of construction.