ARTICLE IV.
SIGN REGULATIONS
The Zoning Ordinance for The City of Midway, Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the (“Code”) is hereby amended as follows:
Sections 1-39 of Article III of the Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to add the following definitions:
Abandoned sign: A sign which identifies, describes, directs attention to or gives direction for locating any business, service, or activity no longer properly licensed and in operation, or advertises any product no longer being marketed; or a sign that is not maintained in accordance with Section 1-39 of this ordinance; or a sign for which no legal owner can be found.
Awning and canopy sign: A sign imposed or painted upon any roof -like structure that provides either permanent or temporary shelter for adjacent walkways or entrances to a building or property. Such awning and canopy signs must be entirely supported from the building.
Banner: Any sign of lightweight fabric, paper, canvas, plastic, or similar material on which a message, slogan, or emblem is painted, drawn, or otherwise projected, colored or shaped for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention to a product, object, activity, or facility, to include, but not limited to, such things as trash receptacle covers, tire covers, rack covers, changeable or removable paper, cardboard, cloth, canvas or plastic displays advertising products, services, or facilities obtainable or available on the premises.
Beneficial user: Any person deriving the proceeds or other advantages from the erection or operation of a sign.
Billboard. A Stanchion sign with a total sign area of no more than 300 square feet.
Changeable copy:
• Automatic: A sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lamp bank or through mechanical means, e.g. electrical time and temperature units.
• Manual: A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, e.g. reader boards with changeable letters. Copy shall mean words and numbers.
Eaves: The lowest horizontal line of a sloping roof.
Erect: To build, paint, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix.
Facade: The front or face of a building.
Facing: The surface or plane of a sign upon, against, or through which a message is displayed or illustrated.
Flag, governmental: A piece of cloth, or similar material, usually rectangular, of distinctive color and design, used as a symbol, a standard, a signal, or an emblem, representative of a country, nation, county, city, or federal government, or other legally organized governmental groups.
Flag, streamer, festoons: A cloth, or similar material, a string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, streamers, or pinwheels with colors, patterns, etc., used as a signal.
Flashing/animated sign: Any sign the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use, and which exhibits sudden or marked changes in lighting effect. Such signs may require electrical energy, but shall also include wind-actuated devices including, but not limited to, flags, spinners, banners, aerial devices, inflatable objects, and other attention-getting devices. For the purposes of this Article, illuminated signs, which indicate time, temperature, date, or other public service information shall not be considered as flashing signs.
Illuminated sign: Any sign that has characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes as part of the sign itself. Further, any sign that has light cast upon the sign from a source either internal to the sign or from an external light source directed primarily toward such sign.
Inflatable sign: Any sign, balloon, or similar device that can be inflated with air or gas and mounted or flown over a site.
Mansard sign: A sign imposed, mounted, or painted on a steep roof-like facade architecturally similar to a building wall.
Marquee sign: A sign imposed, mounted, or painted on a permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building.
Mobile sign: Any sign which is attached to, mounted on, pasted on, painted or drawn on any vehicle, whether motorized or drawn, which is placed or maintained at one or more particular locations for the express purpose and intent of promotion or conveying an advertising message.
Monument sign: A freestanding sign mounted directly upon the ground. Such sign may not be attached to or be a part of or supported by the building in or to which the sign applies .
Noncombustible material: Any material that will not ignite at or below a temperature of twelve hundred (1200) degrees Fahrenheit and will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature.
Nonconforming sign: Any sign that did not conform to the provisions of this Article of this ordinance at the date of adoption of same.
Owner: The holder of the title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record.
Parapet sign: A sign imposed, mounted or painted on, and not extending above the top of the extension, false front or wall above the roofline.
Permanent sign: A sign determined to meet the structural and construction requirements for signs according to the City of Midway Building Codes as determined by the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission.
Portable sign: Any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground, or to a structure or building. This definition shall include, but is not limited to, mobile signs; trailer signs; and devices mounted upon parked vehicles in such a manner as to serve the purpose of a sign.
Projecting sign: Any sign that is attached perpendicular to a building or other structure and extends more than six (6) inches horizontally from the plane of the building wall.
Roof sign: A sign that is displayed above roofline of any building; not including mansard signs as previously defined.
Roofline: The highest continuous horizontal line of a roof. On a sloping roof, the roofline is the principal ridgeline, or the highest line common to one or more principal slopes of roof. On a flat roof the roofline is the highest continuous line of the roof or parapet whichever is the higher.
Rotating sign: A sign that is designed to revolve by means of electrical power.
Sign: Every outdoor advertising device, billboard, poster panel, rotating sign, projecting sign, stanchion sign, illuminated sign, sign painted on a wall, window, marquee, awning, canopy, roof, or any other type of sign not otherwise stated herein, and shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, ribbon, banner, illustration used to advertise or promote the interests of any person, business, institution, corporation or entity when the same is placed in view of the general public. This definition shall include signs painted or placed on vehicles, trailers, or other conveyances when such are placed or parked in such a manner as to be viewed or intended to be viewed from public rights-of -way by the traveling public. However, this definition shall not apply to such signs on conveyances when the vehicles are actively being used to transport. For the purpose of determining the number of signs, a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing elements organized, related, and composed to form a unit. Where matter is displayed in a random manner without organized relationship to elements, or where there is reasonable doubt as to the relationship of elements, each element shall be considered to be a single sign.
Signable area: The area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the limits of writing, representations, emblems or any figures or similar characters, together with any frame or other material or color forming any integral part of the display or used to differentiate this sign from the background against which it is placed, excluding the necessary support or uprights on which this sign is placed; provided, however, that any open space contained within the outer limits of the display face of a sign, or between any component, panel, strip or fixture of any kind composing the display face, shall be included in the computation of the area of the sign whether this open space be enclosed or not by a frame or border. For projecting or double-faced signs, only one display face shall be measured in computing sign area when the sign faces are parallel or where the interior angle formed by the faces is 60 degrees or less, provided that it is a common attached structure. If the two faces of a double-faced sign are of unequal area, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of the larger face.
Sign face: The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the message of the sign is exhibited.
Sign height: The overall measurement from the highest part of a sign, including all support structures, to the highest surface of the adjacent public road, sidewalk, parking lot, or unimproved ground. Any earth berms and elevated foundations supporting signs, signposts or other sign supports shall be included in the height of the sign.
Special event: Any activity or circumstance above and beyond the normal day-to-day activities of the business or institution concerned, to include sales, grand openings, going-out-of business sales, relocations, new product announcements, and other temporary service.
Stanchion sign: A freestanding sign mounted on one or more steel poles set in the ground and of sufficient strength and size to support the advertisement portion of such structure that rests upon or is supported by such poles. Such freestanding signs must be in conformance with size and height restrictions imposed elsewhere in this Article.
Structural trim: The molding, battens, capping, nailing strips, latticing, and platforms, which are attached to a signs structure.
Surface: See "Facing".
Temporary sign: Any non-permanent sign erected, affixed, or maintained on a premise used to announce the occurrence of a special event, as herein above defined, or the occurrence of a temporal event or activity.
Temporary Stanchion sign: A non-permanent, freestanding sign mounted on one or more posts or poles set in the ground and of sufficient strength and size to support the advertising portion of the structure. Said sign is used to announce the occurrence of a Special Event as herein above defined, or the occurrence of a temporal event or activity. Such freestanding signs must be in conformance with size and height restrictions imposed elsewhere in this Ordinance.
Temporary Subdivision sign: Any non-permanent sign erected, affixed, or maintained on a site used to announce the future or ongoing occurrence of development.
Vehicular sign: Any sign placed, mounted, painted on or affixed to a motor vehicle, freight, flat bed or storage trailer or other conveyance when same are placed or parked in such a manner as to be viewed or intended to be viewed from the public rights-of-way except that this definition shall not apply when:
• Such conveyances are actively being used to transport persons, goods, or services in the normal course of business;
• When such conveyances are parked in an inconspicuous area;
• When such conveyances are actively being used for storage of construction materials for, and on the same lot with a bona-fide construction project for which building and other applicable permits have been issued and where construction is underway and provided said conveyances are located within designated storage areas;
• This definition shall also not apply to portable signs as defined herein.
Wall sign: Any sign which is attached flat to, painted on, or parallel to the exterior wall of the structure itself, whether front, rear or side of the structure.
SECTION 32
SIGNS IN GENERAL
Sign placement. A sign may be erected, placed, created or maintained in the City only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions, and other requirements of this Article.
32.1.1 Sign construction and maintenance. All signs shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with applicable building and electrical codes, state laws and sound engineering practices. All signs, together with their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and, unless constructed of galvanized or non-corroding metal, shall be given a protective coating as necessary to maintain a clean appearance and safe condition. Defective or broken parts shall be repaired promptly.
32.1.2 Banners across streets. It shall be unlawful for any person to extend or suspend any sign or banner across any street in the City without the proper permit from the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission and the City of Midway.
32.1.3 Federal/state highways. All signs located on sites abutting federal or state highway rights-of-way shall conform to all applicable federal or state regulations. In instances where the sign controls of this Ordinance are stricter, then these regulations shall apply,
32.1.4 Abandoned signs. Abandoned signs are prohibited in all zoning district classifications.
32.1.5 Permit requirements. Except where specifically excluded by other provisions of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to post, display, substantially change, alter or erect a sign in the City without first having obtained all applicable state and local permits.
32.1.6 Obscene display. No sign shall contain any statement, words or pictures that would constitute a violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-120-80, or any other applicable state law.
32.2. Permit Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, replace, restore, alter, or relocate within this municipality any sign or billboard as defined in this Article, without first obtaining a permit from the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission and the City of Midway, no less than forty-five (45) days in advance, in the manner set forth in this section. However, a permit shall not be required for ordinary and necessary repairs and maintenance of signs previously permitted.
32.2.1 Application for permit. Application for permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
32.2.1.1 Name, mailing address, and telephone number of the applicant:
32.2.1.2 Address of building, structure, or lot to whichor upon which the sign or billboard is to
be attached or erected;
32.2.1.3 Position of the sign or billboard in relation to nearby buildings or structures and
property lines:
32.2.1.4 One accurate scale drawing of the plans, specifications, and method of construction and attachment to the building or the ground for the sign or billboard, as well as a scale, drawing of the site showing drives, structures, and any other limiting site features;
32.2.1.5 Sign installation must be certified by a structural engineer as being designed to meet/exceed a 90 m.p.h. wind load unless the request is waived by the City of Midway and the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission;
32.2.1.6 Electrical load calculations and wiring plan must be in accordance with NFPA 70 and other documents, if required;
32.2.1.7 Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the structure;
32.2.1.8 Written consent of the owner of the building or land to which, or on which the structure is to be erected; and Such other information as the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission shall require showing full compliance with this and all other Ordinances of the City.
32.2.1.9 Issuance of permit. Upon the filing of an application for a permit and the payment of all necessary fees as required by this section, it shall be the duty of the City of Midway and the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission to examine all plans and specifications submitted and the premises upon which the structure is proposed to be erected, replaced, restored, altered, or relocated, and if it shall appear that the proposed structure is in compliance with all the requirements of this Article and all other Ordinances and Laws of the City of Midway, the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission shall then issue the permit. If the work authorized under a permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance, the said permit shall become null and void.
32.2.1.10 Display of permit. Every sign or billboard constructed, erected, or maintained for which a permit is required by this Article shall be plainly marked with the permit decal issued for said structure firmly affixed thereon in such manner that the information therein contained shall be readily accessible and durable.
32.2.1.11 Permit fees. On all signs or sign electrical circuits requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required at the time of filing application, in accordance with the schedule of fees and charges maintained and established by the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission.
32.3 Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited throughout the City:
32.3.1 Signs imitating warning signals are prohibited. No sign shall display lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance, or rescue vehicles, regardless of the color; nor shall any signs use the words, slogans, dimensional shape and size, or colors of the governmental traffic signs.
32.3.1.1 No signs, except traffic signs and signals and informational signs erected by a public agency, are permitted within any street or highway right-of-way.
32.3.1.2 It shall be unlawful for any person to tack, post or nail any paper, metal, wood or other signs of any character on any natural features (such as trees or rocks), fence posts, telegraph, telephone, electric or other utility type poles, located in any public right-of-way.
32.3.1.3 Portable signs shall not be allowed within any zoning district classification of the City of Mdway.
32.3.1.4 Signs for business operations located in any residential districts are prohibited.
32.3.1.5 Roof signs and trailer-mounted signs are prohibited.
32.3.2 The provisions of this Ordinance shall not apply to the following:
The Mayor or Council may authorize traffic and other municipal signs, such as railroad
crossing signs, legal notices, and such temporary emergency signs as required.
Signs of Public Utility Companies indicating danger, or which serve as an aid to Public Safety, or which show the location of underground facilities or of public telephones.
"No Trespassing" signs, or other such signs regulating the use of property, such as "No Hunting', "No Fishing", etc. of no more than two (2) square feet in area.
Memorial signs, or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface, or inlaid so as to be part of the building, or when constructed of any bronze or other non-combustible materials.
Signs of historical societies no more than five (5) square feet in area.
Public signs or other signs incidental thereto for identification, information or directional
purposes erected or required by governmental bodies.
32.4 Sign Administration and Enforcement
Sign regulations, as set forth in this Ordinance, shall be administered subject to thE following:
Enforcement.
32.4.1 Notice of Violations. If any sign is erected, installed, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, the City shall give the owner written notice of the nature of such violation, said notice to include a brief statement of the particulars in which such violation is to be remedied. If a sign has been registered with the City of Midway and the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission, written notice shall be to the registered owner or the person or firm receiving the permit. If a sign has not been registered and the owner cannot be determined or located after reasonable attempt to do so, affixing a copy of the notice to the sign, graphic structure, or building shall be sufficient. If a sign has not been registered and the owner can be found, written notice to said owner shall be sufficient.
32.4.2 Time for Compliance. The City shall issue a citation for an ordinance violation for all violations not remedied within thirty (30) days after written notice is provided. If a court finds the sign is in violation of this Ordinance, the Owner shall remove the sign or cure the violation within thirty (30) days of such finding. If the owner does not remove such sign, the City shall remove the sign at the expense of the owner and destroy or otherwise dispose of the same.
32.4.3 Hazardous Signs. If the City determines that any sign is structurally unsafe, a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandon ment, capable of causing electrical shocks to members of the public, or is placed in the right-of-way without a permit, the City shall immediately remove such signs at the expense of the owner. If the owner of said removed sign is known, the City shall provide notice to the owner of the removal of said sign and if such sign is not retrieved from the City within twenty-four (24) hours notice of the removal said sign, the City may destroy or otherwise dispose of the same without incurring any liability to the owner thereof.
32.4.4 Violations and Penalties. When any sign, temporary sign, special event sign or poster or notice attached to a tree, fence post, street light or utility pole which violates any provision of this Ordinance or any sign which is erected, installed or maintained in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, the City shall issue a notice to the person or persons owning said sign, which notice shall require that the violation existing shall be remedied within two (2) days. Should said condition not be remedied within said two (2) day period, the City shall issue a citation and summons to the person owning the sign. Each additional day said condition remains uncorrected shall constitute a separate offense, and each offense shall be punishable by a $100.00 fine. The City may cause any such sign to be removed following notice of two (2) days to the owner, at the expense of the owner thereof, and to destroy or otherwise dispose of the same.
32.4.5 Owner of Property with Unauthorized Sign. Nothing herein shall prohibit the owner of any property or the owner's designee from immediately removing any sign placed thereon without authority of such owner.
32.5 Special requirements, regulations and construction standards; all signs.
32.5.1 Wind pressure and dead load requirements. All signs and billboards shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than forty (40) pounds per square foot of area, and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the Building Code or other Ordinances or Laws of the City of Midway and the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission.
32.5.2 Materials required. All signs and billboards for which this Article requires a permit shall have a facing of noncombustible material; provided however, that combustible structural trim may be used thereon.
32.5.3 Construction requirements for Banners: All Banners for display across public roadways shall not be wider than three (3) feet in width nor more than twenty (20) feet in length and shall be constructed of a weight and material type strong enough to withstand gusting winds and inclement weather. The corners of said banner shall be reinforced for stronger durability.
32.5.4 Surface of signs. All signs or billboards that are constructed within ten (10) feet of a street right-of-way shall have a smooth surface, and no nails, tacks, or wires shall be permitted to protrude therefrom, except electrical reflectors and devices which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structures.
32.5.5 Moveable parts. Chains or hinges shall securely fasten any movable part of any sign or billboard.
32.5.6 Reflectors. Goose neck reflectors and lights shall be permitted on stanchion signs and wall signs; provided, however, the reflectors shall be provided with proper glass lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.
32.5.7 Internal Illumination. The illumination of signs or billboards in which the light source is concealed or contained within the structure itself and which becomes visible in darkness by shining through a translucent surface shall nor exceed sixteen (16) foot candles of incident light measured at a distance of ten (10) feet from such structure. All signs that are illuminated shall use base-mounted fluorescent or mercury vapor lights and shall have photoelectric cells for purposes of activation. No other lighting, including, but not limited to, neon, running lights, or animation, shall be permitted.
32.5.8 Floodlight illumination. Signs or billboards illuminated by floodlights or spotlights shall be positioned in such a manner that none of the light spills over or onto adjoining property or glares or shines into the eyes of motorists or pedestrians.
32.5.9 Fluctuating illumination. Any attraction device or sign that flashes, blinks, is animated, or fluctuates in light intensity shall be prohibited; provided that time, temperature, weather informational signs, official warnings, and regulatory signs shall be exempt from this limitation.
32.5.10 Obstruction to doors, windows, or fire escapes. No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to, or egress from, any door, window, or fire escape; nor shall any sign be attached to any standpipe or fire escape.
32.5.11 Signs not constitute traffic hazard. No sign or other advertising structure as regulated by this Article shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or be placed at any location where by reason of the position, shape, or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device: or make use of the words "STOP:' '"LOOK," "DRIVE-IN," "DANGER," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
32.5.12 Maintenance. All signs regulated by this Article shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from all electrical and mechanical hazards, including, but not limited to, faulty wiring and loose connections, and the premises surrounding same shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a sanitary and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all weeds, rubbish, and debris.
32.5.13 Removal of certain signs. Any sign deemed to be Abandoned, as defined in Section 1.a of this Ordinance, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure, or property upon which such sign may be found within ten (10) days after written notification by certified mail is made by the City.
32.5.14 Historical sites. Signs within three hundred (300) feet of any officially designated historical site or monument shall require a permit approved by the Mayor and City Council. However, signs pertaining to that particular historical site shall not require Special Permit approval.
32.5.15 No advertising signs shall be erected within ten (10) feet of an established road right-of-way line except as otherwise provided herein.
32.5.16 All signs must conform to section 32-6-75(9) of O.C.G.A. (the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Law).
32.5.16.1 Extrusions. No extrusion outside the face of the sign, except for the apron, shall be allowed.
32.5.16.2 Advertising copy. The content of all advertising shall be in compliance with section 32-6-75 of O.C.G.A. (the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Law).
32.5.17 Out of business. Any sign that advertises an activity, business, or product or service no longer produced or conducted shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the date of the discontinuance of said activity.
32.5.18 Stanchion signs and Billboards.
32.5.18.1 Height and signable area limitations. Height and signable area limitations shall be as
prescribed in the section of this ordinance relative to the zone in which the sign is to be erected.
32.5.18.2 Space between sign and ground. Stanchion signs shall have an open space not less than two (2) feet between the base line of the sign and the ground Ievel. This open space may be filled in with a platform or decorative latticework that does not close off more than one-half (1/2) of any square foot of such open space.
32.5.18.3 Distance between signs. No Stanchion sign shall be nearer than twenty five (25) feet to any other sign; and a Stanchion sign which is six (6) square feet or more in area may not be closer than seventy-five (75) feet to any other stanchion sign which is six (6) square feet or more in size, unless otherwise specified in this Ordinance.
32.5.18.4 Erection standards. Stanchion signs and Billboards shall meet all construction standards as specified in the applicable section of the current State of Georgia adopted Standard Building Code governing signs.
32.5.18.5 Setback requirement. No Stanchion sign may be erected on, over, or within twenty-five (25) feet of any public right-of-way.
32.5.18.6 Public parks, etc: No billboard shall be erected within a one thousand (1,000) feet circumference of the nearest property line of any of the following: historic site, school, church, hospital, retirement or nursing home, cemetery, governmental building, public park, playground, recreation area, convention center or any area in which billboards are prohibited.
32.5.18.7 Billboards adjacent to the highway shall meet all federal and state requirements necessary to obtain a permit under the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Law.
32.5.18.8 No billboard shall be located in such a position that it obstructs or obscures the view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in such a manner as to endanger the safe movement thereof.
32.5.18.9 Each billboard shall be set back at least twenty-five (25) feet from any road or street right-of-way line, measured from the closest part of the billboard.
32.5.18.10 billboard shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of any interchange, of any right-of-way of any underpass, overpass, bridge or tunnel, or within one thousand (1,000) feet of any street intersection.
32.5.18.11 l billboards shall be erected in conformity with the front, side and rear yard requirements of the district in which they are located.
32.5.18.12 No billboard shall be permitted whenever property zoned residential would be between the sign and the roadway toward which it is oriented.
32.5.18.13 No part or foundation or support of any billboard shall be placed on, in, or over any
private property without the written consent of the property owner.
32.5.18.14 No part or foundation or support of any billboard shall be placed on, in, or over any public property, including public rights-of-way, or any utility or drainage easement, or upon telephone or utility poles, or natural features such as trees and rocks.
32.5.18.15 No billboard shall be erected or maintained upon or above the roof of any building structure.
32.5.18.16 No billboard shall be constructed on a lot where it obscures or shades the windows or doorways of adjacent buildings.
32.5.18.17 No two billboards located upon, or oriented towards traffic traveling upon, the same side of a public street or road with four (4) or more lanes shall be spaced less than two thousand (2,000) feet apart; on the same side of public streets or roads with less than four (4) lanes, the spacing shall be no less than two thousand (2,000) feet apart. This distance shall be measured along a straight line between the two nearest points of the signs. The minimum spacing requirement shall not apply to two panels viewed from different directions that share a common support structure. Nor shall any billboard be located within a two thousand (2,000) foot radius of any other billboard even though the two billboards are on different streets.
32.5.18.18 .No billboard shall exceed three hundred (300) square feet in total surface display area.
32.5.18.19 Billboards may be single-faced or double-faced but no billboard shall contain more than one face on each side of the display and the surface area shall not exceed a total area of three hundred (300) square feet per structure [face].
32.5.18.20 No billboard shall be permitted which, because of its size, shape, or location, may obscure or obstruct the view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device.
32.5.18.21No billboard shall be permitted which, because of its size, shape, or location, may impair any scenic vista from the highway or a building adjacent to the highway or to the billboard.
32.5.18.22 No billboard shall exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height. This distance shall be measured from the highest point of paved or unpaved highway or road to the highest point of the billboard. Two (2) signs in the same location, whether back-to-back or in a “V” formation, shall be the same height above the surface of the highway.
32.5.18.23 Temporary Subdivision Signs. Temporary signs not exceeding forty (40) square feet in area announcing a land subdivision. Such signs shall be spaced not less than three hundred (300) feet apart. They shall be removed when seventy-five percent (75%) of the lots are conveyed, or within one hundred eighty (180) days, whichever occurs first.
32.5.18.24 Wall signs. Signs on the walls of a building (including signs attached flat against the wall, painted wall signs and projecting signs) shall meet the following requirements:
32.5.18.25 Signs on the front surface of a building. The total area of signs on the exterior front surface of a building shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the front surface of the building so long as the figures does not exceed the total amount of sign area permitted within the zoning district where the sign or signs are to be located.
32.5.18.26 Signs on the side and rear surface of a building. The total area of signs on a side or rear surface of a building shall not exceed the total amount of sign area permitted within the zoning district where the sign or signs are to be located.
32.5.18.27 Combined sign area. The combined sign area on the front, side and rear surface of a building must not exceed the total sign area permitted within the zoning district where the sign or signs are to be located.
32.5.18.28 Erection Standards. Wall signs shall meet all construction standards as specified in the applicable section of the current State of Georgia adopted Standard Building Code governing signs.
32.5.18.29 Placement and signable area limitations. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially cover any wall opening, or project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached, or project away from such wall more than eight (8) inches. The signable area of any one wall sign shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet. In addition, wall signs placed in the space between windows may not exceed in height more than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance between the top of the window and the sill of the window above.
32.5.18.30 Projection above sidewalk. No Wall sign shall be attached to a wall at a height of less than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or ground.
32.5.18.31Illuminated signs. Illumination devices shall be so placed and so shielded that light from the sign itself will not be directly cast into any residential district, sleeping rooms in any district or the eyes of an automobile or vehicular driver.
32.5.19 Projecting signs.
32.5.19.1 Signable area limitations. The signable area of any one projecting sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet each side.
32.5.19.2 Projections. No sign shall project from the wall of a building more than six (6) feet.
32.5.19.3 Projection over public property. Every projecting sign shall be placed at least twelve (12) feet above the public sidewalk over which it is erected, and a distance not greater than two (2) feet from the face of the wall to which it is attached, measuring from the point of the sign nearest thereto; and no sign or part thereof shall extend nearer the curbline than one foot. Projecting signs shall not project over public driveways, alleys, and thoroughfares.
32.5.19.4 Projection standards. Projecting signs shall be in conformance with the requirements as outlined in the current State of Georgia adopted Standard Building Code governing sign construction.
32.5.20 Temporary and Mobile signs.
Size and signable area limitations. Size and signable area limitations for Temporary or Mobile signs shall be as prescribed in the section of this ordinance relative to the zone in which the sign is to be erected.
32.5.20.1 Placement limitations. No Temporary or Mobile sign shall be placed within fifteen (15) feet of the edge of any public right-of-way, nor shall more than one temporary or mobile sign be permitted at any one business location.
32.5.20.2 Erection standards. Each Temporary sign shall meet all construction standards as specified in the applicable section of the current State of Georgia adopted Standard Building Code governing signs.
32.5.20.3 Duration of permits. The City is hereby authorized to issue a permit for a temporary sign advertising a special event to be placed on privately owned properties, where permitted by zoning districts as outlined below, whereby the public will be informed about an upcoming event or directed to the location of an event. Said temporary permit shall allow the signs to be posted no earlier than fourteen (14) days on private property prior to the event nor longer than five (5) days after the event, regardless of the property’s own er ship. No temporary sign shall be posted for more than thirty (30) days, inclusive of pre-and post-event posting. Signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area. The location and size of any sign must be approved by the City of Midway and the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission before a temporary permit is issued.
32.5.20.4 All temporary signs must be removed by the permittee or erector of the sign by the fifth (5th) day after the occurrence of the event, or thirty (30) days after initial posting of sign, including but not limited to any special event, sale or lease of real estate, or the conveyance of seventy-five percent (75%) of the subdivision lots. If such temporary signs are not removed by the fifth (5th) day or thirty (30) days after initial posting, the permittee shall be subject to all applicable remedies as set forth in Section 4.4. Those temporary signs not requiring permits shall be removed according to the provisions of Section 4.4.1.4.
32.5.20.5 Sign lighting. The sign shall not be lighted either directly or indirectly.
32.5.20.6 Sign location. The sign shall be located entirely on the property of the owner.
32.5.20.7 Signs in violation. The City of Midway and the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission shall have the authority to and may, without notice, immediately remove any and all temporary signs that are in violation of this section. The expense incurred by the City for the removal of said signs may be billed to and collected from the individual , special interest group or organization responsible for placement of the sign.
32.5.20.8 Permitting procedures. Normal sign permitting procedures are waived for temporary signs authorized under this item.
32.5.20.9 Temporary signs are prohibited on public property and in the public right-of-way including any public buildings, or fences surrounding public properties, sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs, curbstones, fences, walls, public playground equipment and/or facilities, street lamp posts, traffic light poles, guy lines, horizontal struts, city barricades, hydrants, trees, shrubs, tree stakes or guards, railroad trestles, poles for electric light or power or telephone or telegraph or trolley wire or upon any fixture of the fire alarm or police telegraph systems, public bridges, drinking fountains, street signs or traffic signs, planter strips and in City facilities such as parks, City Hall, libraries, fire stations, and corporation yards. The public right-of-way generally extends behind the sidewalk, if one is present.
32.6 Signs Permitted in R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, and AR-1 (Residential) Districts.
32.6.1 Permitted signs.
32.6.1.1 Temporary sign. For R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, and AR-1 residential districts, one non-illuminated, Temporary sign per lot or parcel, not exceeding four (4) square feet in area or more than five (5) feet in height. A permit from the City of Midway only is required for a Temporary sign as identified in this Section.
32.6.1.1 Residential development sign. Residential development identification structure at major entrances designed to identify residential development. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height or forty-eight (48) square feet in signable area.
32.6.1.2 Temporary subdivision sign. One (1) Temporary Subdivision sign structure per development having a combined sign area not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet nor six (6) feet in height provided that it is spaced not closer than one thousand (1,000) linear feet from any other sign structure on the same side of the street.
32.6.1.3 No signs shall be erected in or within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any Residential District except as otherwise provided in these regulations.
32.6.2 Prohibited Signs:
32.6.2.1All signs not expressly authorized in Section 33 and 34.
32.7 Signs Permitted in 0-I (Office-Institutional) Districts
32.7.1 Permitted signs.
32.7.1.1 Monument Sign. One Monument Sign per lot not to exceed five (5) feet in height and thirty two (32) square feet in size per lot. The sign shall be erected so that no portion of the said sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.7.1.2 Projecting Sign, Wall Sign or Awning sign. Either one Projecting Sign or one Wall Sign or awning sign per wall, per office/institutional use. The total area of the Wall Sign, including any base or supporting structure(s), shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size per office/institutional use.
32.7.1.3 Business signs may be erected on an established road right-of-way line provided that no sign shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of an established street or highway intersection and no sign or any support thereof shall obstruct driver visibility. The owner of the sign shall agree to remove same at such owner’s own expense should any portion of the twenty-five (25) foot setback zone be required for road right-of-way purposes.
32.7.1.4 Number of signs. The number of signs shall be limited to three (3). In addition, one identification sign for a shopping center or other integrated group of stores, commercial buildings or industrial buildings may be added for each street on which the properties front, provided that no such signs shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of any existing principal building or adjoining residential premises on the same side of the street, or opposite land zones for residential purposes on the other side of the street.
32.7.1.5 The maximum size of a sign for a shopping center or integrated group of stores or industrial establishments shall be subject to the following conditions:
32.7.1.6 The surface area shall include the entire face or faces, and if composed of individual letters, figures or designs, the space between and around such letters, figures or designs.
32.7.1.7 Any free-standing or projecting sign within twenty-five (25) feet of a street, right-of-way line shall be placed as to allow clear and ample visual sight lines for driveways leading into a street, for the intersection of two (2) streets, or a street with an alley.
32.7.1.8 Maximum height. No sign shall project above the height limit of structures in the district in which it is located, nor shall it extend higher than the ridge, pitch or peak of the roof, and shall be subject to the height restriction of the district in which the building is located. This includes highway-oriented signs as well.
32.7.1.9 Clearance. No hanging, suspended or projecting sign shall have a vertical clearance of less than fourteen (14) feet over any vehicular public way, nor less than nine (9) feet over any pedestrian public way. Public ways used in this subsection include privately owned sidewalks or drives, customarily used by the public-
32.8 Temporary signs.
32.8.1 Banner. One Banner, not to exceed three (3) feet in width and twenty (20) feet in length, shall be permitted per business or office use for a thirty (30) day period from the issuance date of the permit, and limited to four (4) permits in a twelve (12) month period.
32.8.2 Temporary Stanchion sign. In lieu of a Banner, one (I) Temporary Stanchion sign no higher than six (6) feet and with a signable area no greater than thirty-two (32) square feet may be located for a period not to exceed six (6) months. No portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.9 Prohibited Signs.
32.9.1 All signs not expressly authorized in Section 34.-35.
32.10 Signs Permitted in B-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) Districts.
32.10.1 Permitted signs.
32.10.1.1 Monument Sign. One Monument Sign per lot not to exceed five (5) feet in height and thirty two (32) square feet in size per lot. The sign shall be erected so that no portion of the said sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.10.1.2 Projecting Sign, Wall Sign or Awning sign. Either one Projecting Sign or one Wall Sign or awning sign per wall, per office/institutional use. The total area of the Wall Sign, including any base or supporting structure(s), shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size per office/institutional use.
32.10.1.3 Business signs may be erected on an established road right-of-way line provided that no sign shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of an established street or highway intersection and no sign or any support thereof shall obstruct driver visibility. The owner of the sign shall agree to remove same at such owner’s own expense should any portion of the twenty-five (25) foot setback zone be required for road right-of-way purposes.
32.10.2 Number of signs. The number of signs shall be limited to three (3). In addition, one identification sign for a shopping center or other integrated group of stores, commercial buildings or industrial buildings may be added for each street on which the properties front, provided that no such signs shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of any existing principal building or adjoining residential premises on the same side of the street, or opposite land zones for residential purposes on the other side of the street.
32.10.3 The maximum size of a sign for a shopping center or integrated group of stores or industrial establishments shall be subject to the following conditions:
32.10.4 The surface area shall include the entire face or faces, and if composed of individual letters, figures or designs, the space between and around such letters, figures or designs.
32.10.5 Any free-standing or projecting sign within twenty-five (25) feet of a street, right-of-way line shall be placed as to allow clear and ample visual sight lines for driveways leading into a street, for the intersection of two (2) streets, or a street with an alley.
32.10.6 Maximum height. No sign shall project above the height limit of structures in the district in which it is located, nor shall it extend higher than the ridge, pitch or peak of the roof, and shall be subject to the height restriction of the district in which the building is located. This includes highway-oriented signs as well.
32.10.7 Clearance. No hanging, suspended or projecting sign shall have a vertical clearance of less than fourteen (14) feet over any vehicular public way, nor less than nine (9) feet over any pedestrian public way. Public ways used in this subsection include privately owned sidewalks or drives, customarily used by the public-
32.10.8 Temporary signs.
32.10.9 Banner. One Banner, not to exceed three (3) feet in width and twenty (20) feet in length, shall be permitted per business or office use for a thirty (30) day period from the issuance date of the permit, and limited to four (4) permits in a twelve (12) month period.
32.10.10 Temporary Stanchion sign. In lieu of a Banner, one (I) Temporary Stanchion sign no higher than six (6) feet and with a signable area no greater than thirty-two (32) square feet may be located for a period not to exceed six (6) months. No portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.10.11 Prohibited Signs.
32.10.11.1 All signs not expressly authorized in Section 4.8.1.
32.11 Signs Permitted in B-2 (General Commercial) Districts
32.11.1 Permitted signs.
32.11.1.1 Stanchion or Monument sign. One (1) Stanchion or Monument sign not to exceed twenty (20) feet in height with a total signable area of sixty four (64) square feet which is to be located adjacent to the arterial or collector street from which the primary access to the development is provided. This sign shall be erected so that no portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) from the street right of way.
32.11.1.2 Additional Stanchion or Monument sign. Shopping centers developed in accordance with City of Midway Codes and Ordinances may have an additional Stanchion or Monument sign one-half the size and the height of the Stanchion or Monument sign described in the above paragraph (a) for all other arterial or collector streets from which access to the shopping center is provided. This sign shall be erected so that no portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.11.1.3 Wall, Awning, Mansard, or Projecting sign. Three (3) signs per business of any combination: Wall, Awning, Mansard, or Projecting sign of which the total area of signage cannot exceed ten-percent (10%) of the building front of the business.
32.11.1.4 Business signs may be erected on an established road right-of-way line provided that no sign shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of an established street or highway intersection and no sign or any support thereof shall obstruct driver visibility. The owner of the sign shall agree to remove same at such owner’s own expense should any portion of the twenty-five (25) foot setback zone be required for road right-of-way purposes.
32.11.1.5 Number of signs. The number of signs shall be limited to three (3). In addition, one identification sign for a shopping center or other integrated group of stores, commercial buildings or industrial buildings may be added for each street on which the properties front, provided that no such signs shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of any existing principal building or adjoining residential premises on the same side of the street, or opposite land zones for residential purposes on the other side of the street.
32.11.1.6 The maximum size of a sign for a shopping center or integrated group of stores or industrial establishments shall be subject to the following conditions:
32.11.1.7 The surface area shall include the entire face or faces, and if composed of individual letters, figures or designs, the space between and around such letters, figures or designs.
32.11.1.8 Any free-standing or projecting sign within twenty-five (25) feet of a street, right-of-way line shall be placed as to allow clear and ample visual sight lines for driveways leading into a street, for the intersection of two (2) streets, or a street with an alley.
32.11.1.9 Maximum height. No sign shall project above the height limit of structures in the district in which it is located, nor shall it extend higher than the ridge, pitch or peak of the roof, and shall be subject to the height restriction of the district in which the building is located. This includes highway-oriented signs as well.
32.11.1.10 Clearance. No hanging, suspended or projecting sign shall have a vertical clearance of less than fourteen (14) feet over any vehicular public way, nor less than nine (9) feet over any pedestrian public way. Public ways used in this subsection include privately owned sidewalks or drives, customarily used by the public-
32.11.1.11 Temporary Signs.
32.11.1.11.1 Banner. One Banner, not to exceed three (3) feet in width and twenty (20) feet in length, shall be permitted per business or office use for a thirty (30) day period from the issuance date of the permit, and limited to four (4) permits in a twelve (12) month period.
32.11.1.11.2 Flags, balloons, and similar displays. Flags, inflatable balloons, or other similar type of displays not herein before specifically identified may be permitted for a thirty (30) day period of time upon approval by the City, and limited to four (4) permits in a twelve (12) month period.
32.11.1.11.3 Temporary Stanchion Signs. In lieu of a Banner, Flags, balloons, or similar type of displays, one (1) Temporary Stanchion sign no higher than six (6) feet and with a signable area no greater than thirty-two (32) square feet may be located for a period not to exceed six (6) months. No portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.11.1.12 All other signs, temporary or permanent, as permitted in Section 4.7.
32.11.2 Prohibited signs.
32.11.2.1 All signs not expressly authorized in Section 4.9.1.
32.12 Signs Permitted in I-1 (Industrial) Districts.
32.12.1 Permitted signs.
32.12.2 Stanchion or Monument Sign. Stanchion or monument sign not to exceed twenty (20) feet in height with a total signable area of sixty four (64) square feet which is to be located adjacent to the arterial or collector street from which the primary access to the development is provided. This sign shall be erected so that no portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.12.3 Additional Stanchion or Monument sign. Shopping centers developed in accordance with City of Midway Codes and Ordinances may have an additional Stanchion or Monument sign one-half the size and the height of the Stanchion or Monument sign described in the above paragraph (a) for all other arterial or collector streets from which access to the shopping center is provided. This sign shall be erected so that no portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.12.4 Wall, Awning, Mansard, or Projecting sign. Three (3) signs per business of any combination: Wall, Awning, Mansard, or Projecting sign, of which the total area of signage cannot exceed ten-percent (10%) of the building front of the business.
32.12.5 Business signs may be erected on an established road right-of-way line provided that no sign shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of an established street or highway intersection and no sign or any support thereof shall obstruct driver visibility. The owner of the sign shall agree to remove same at such owner’s own expense should any portion of the twenty-five (25) foot setback zone be required for road right-of-way purposes.
32.12.6 Number of signs. The number of signs shall be limited to three (3). In addition, one identification sign for a shopping center or other integrated group of stores, commercial buildings or industrial buildings may be added for each street on which the properties front, provided that no such signs shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of any existing principal building or adjoining residential premises on the same side of the street, or opposite land zones for residential purposes on the other side of the street.
32.12.7 The maximum size of a sign for a shopping center or integrated group of stores or industrial establishments shall be subject to the following conditions:
32.12.8 The surface area shall include the entire face or faces, and if composed of individual letters, figures or designs, the space between and around such letters, figures or designs.
32.12.9 Any free-standing or projecting sign within twenty-five (25) feet of a street, right-of-way line shall be placed as to allow clear and ample visual sight lines for driveways leading into a street, for the intersection of two (2) streets, or a street with an alley.
32.12.10 Maximum height. No sign shall project above the height limit of structures in the district in which it is located, nor shall it extend higher than the ridge, pitch or peak of the roof, and shall be subject to the height restriction of the district in which the building is located. This includes highway-oriented signs as well.
32.12.11 Clearance. No hanging, suspended or projecting sign shall have a vertical clearance of less than fourteen (14) feet over any vehicular public way, nor less than nine (9) feet over any pedestrian public way. Public ways used in this subsection include privately owned sidewalks or drives, customarily used by the public-
32.12.10.1 Temporary Signs.
32.12.10.1.1 Banner. One (I) Banner, not to exceed three (3) feet in width and twenty (20) feet in length, shall be permitted per business or office use for a thirty (30) day period from the issuance date of the permit, and limited to four (4) permits in a twelve (12) month period.
32.12.10.1.2 Flags, balloons, and similar displays. Flags, inflatable balloons, or other similar type of displays not herein before specifically identified may be permitted for a thirty (30) day period of time upon approval by the City, and limited to four (4) permits in a twelve (12) month period.
32.12.10.1.3 Temporary Stanchion Signs. In lieu of a banner, flags, balloons, or similar type of displays, one (1) Temporary Stanchion sign no higher than six (6) feet and with a signable area no greater than thirty-two (32) square feet may be located for a period not to exceed six (6) months. No portion of the sign shall be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
32.12.10.2 Billboards. Billboards under the following guidelines:
32.12.10.2.1 Must be located on an arterial or collector street and shall be erected so that no portion of the Billboard is less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of -way.
32.12.10.2.2 Cannot be located closer than two thousand (2000) linear feet from another billboard.
32.12.10.2.3 Cannot be located on a lot that is currently developed for any other use.
32.12.10.2.4 No Billboard shall be more than twenty five (25) feet in sign height.
32.12.10.2.5 Any Billboard must be removed in the event of future development and must be removed prior to the issuance of a land-clearing permit for any such development. .
32.12.11 Prohibited signs.
32.12.11.1 AII signs not expressly authorized in Section 4.10.1.
32.13 Nonconforming signs.
32.13.1 Nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs, which met all legal requirements when erected, may stay in place, provided that within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this ordinance, the owner of the nonconforming sign or his designee registers the sign with the City. Such registrations shall contain the information listed in Section 4.2, and shall specify the sign being registered as nonconforming and shall state that the sign was completely installed before the effective date of this ordinance. The payment of a fee is not required for the registration of a nonconforming sign. Nonconforming signs shall be permitted until one of the following conditions occur:
32.13.2 The sign is abandoned should:.
32.13.2.1The permittee or property owner fail to maintain the sign in accordance with Section 32
-33.
32.13.1.1 When 50 percent (50%) or more of the sign structure of any nonconforming sign or conforming sign is damaged or destroyed (including poles, cabinet, or support structure), the sign structure shall be replaced so as to comply with all applicable provisions of the City of Midway Zoning Ordinance.
32.13.1.2 Ninety (90) days has expired from the effective day of this ordinance without the sign being registered.
32.13.1.3 No changes in shape, size, or design, shall be permitted except to make a Nonconforming sign comply with all requirements of this ordinance.
32.13.2 Non-durable signs. Nonconforming signs made of paper, cloth, or other non-durable material, all temporary signs other than those permitted herein, and any signs that are not affixed to a building or the ground shall be removed within twelve (12) months of the date of enactment of this Article.
32.13.3 Replacement of Nonconforming signs. Another nonconforming sign shall not replace a nonconforming sign, except that the substitution or interchange of poster panels, painted boards, or changeable copy on nonconforming signs shall be permitted through the period that expires December 31, 2011.
32.13.4 Minor repairs and maintenance. Minor repairs and maintenance of nonconforming signs, such as repainting, electrical repairs, and neon tubing shall be authorized. Structural repairs or changes in the sign or shape of any sign shall not be allowed except to cause the sign to be brought into compliance with the requirements of this Article.
32.13.5 Removal. All nonconforming signs shall be removed on or before 12:00 midnight, December 31, 2011.
32.14 Political Signs
It is the intent of this section to provide minimum regulations regarding the posting, maintenance and removal of political signs. Political signs are typically temporary signs and, subject to the restrictions on their location contained in Section 4.5.24 (pertaining temporary signs) and the restrictive provisions of this section, are permitted in all zoning districts. Although political signs are temporary signs, temporary sign permits do not have to be obtained. The provisions of this section do not apply to billboards (which are subject to Section 32.5.20) or to political signs inside of a building, even if visible outside the building.
32.14.1 A political sign is a sign announcing, supporting or opposing a candidate or issue in connection with any national, state or local election.
32.14.2 Political signs may be placed on private property with the consent of the property owner (or person entitled to possession) or their authorized agent, if any, subject to the following:
32.14.2.1 They will not be placed in a manner that obstructs either vehicular traffic (either by physical obstruction or obstruction of sight lines) or pedestrian traffic. They shall not present a physical danger to persons or property.
32.14.2.2 Except for legal billboards, no political sign shall be larger than sixteen (16) square feet.
32.14.2.3 Political signs shall not be placed more than ninety (90) days prior to the election to which they pertain. They are to be removed within ten (10) days after the election. In the event that the election is a primary election, or similar preliminary election, the successful candidates for the later election may leave their signs in place to be removed within ten (10) days after the general or run-off election. The City may cause removal of said signs remaining after expiration of the appropriate ten (10) day period.
32.14.2.4 Any sign, which is posted in violation of the Ordinance, shall be subject to removal by the candidate, property owner, or people advocating the vote inscribed on the sign and may be removed without notice by a City employee or authorized volunteer. The person responsible for any such illegal posting shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal thereof. Any removed sign shall be stored for a period of ten days and may be retrieved after payment of the actual cost of the sign removal.
32.15 Section 32.15 Real Estate Signs
32.15.1 A temporary real estate sign not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, indicating the sale or lease of the property on which such sign is displayed, is allowed provided that these parcels of land are offered for sale or lease, and have a road frontage of less than two hundred (200) feet. A sign or signs totaling not more than twenty (20) square feet in area for each two hundred (200) feet of frontage may be posted. The sign shall be removed from the premises within thirty (30) days after the sale or rental thereof.
32.15.2 One temporary sign not exceeding sixty (60) square feet in area in subdivisions containing less than twenty-five (25) lots and located therein, and set back from every street line the distance required for a principal building in the district in which it is located.
32.15.3 One temporary sign not exceeding one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area in subdivisions containing twenty-five (25) or more lots and located therein and set back from every street line a minimum distance in feet equal to the number of square feet of the sign, but such setback shall not be less than the distance required for a principal building in the district in which the sign is located and need not be more than one hundred (100) feet in any case.
32.15.4 Construction advertisements. Building contractors’ and professional persons’ temporary advertisements on or adjacent to buildings under construction, limited to a total area for all such signs of one hundred fifty (150) square feet.
32.16 Exemptions
32.16.1 The provisions and regulations of this Article shall not apply to the following signs.
32.16.1.1 Memorial signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials.
32.16.1.2 Traffic, Municipal, and similar signs. Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, and danger signs, and such temporary, emergency, or non-advertising signs occurring on the public right-of-way as may be approved by the Mayor.
32.16.1.3 Directional Signs.On-site Directional signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area nor more than a maximum height of four (4) feet, and with lettering not exceeding six (6) inches in height, designed to direct and inform the public as to the location of exits, entrances, service areas, loading and unloading areas, or other matter of a similar informational nature. Directional signs shall be limited, however, to no more than two (2) per business to be displayed at any entrance and/or exit.
32.16.1.4 Flags, governmental. The flagpole structure upon which a Governmental Flag as defined herein is displayed shall not exceed thirty-two (32) feet in height or be less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
