HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2000-28 - Urban DesignORDINANCE NO,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS AMENDING THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN SIGN ORDINANCE, CODIFIED IN CHAPTER 12.10 OF THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO INCLUDE STANDARDS FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URBAN DESIGN ELEMENT OF THE CENTURY PLAN OF THE
CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS WITH REGARD TO THE DESIGN, LOCATION,
CONSTRUCTION AND PERMITTING OF SIGNS, TOGETHER WITH ALL SYMBOLS,
DIAGRAMS, PICTURES AND TABLES IN THE ORDINANCE; MAKING VARIOUS
PROVISIONS AND FINDINGS RELATED THERETO; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
ESTABLISHING A SUNSET PROVISION; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE,
WHEREAS,
Section
216.901 of the Local
Government Code authorizes home rule municipalities to
license, regulate,
control,
or prohibit the erection
of signs or billboards; and
WHEREAS, Section 54.004 of the Local Government Code authorizes home rule municipalities to
enforce ordinances necessary to protect health, life, and property and to preserve the good government,
order, and security of the municipality and its inhabitants; and
WHEREAS, on February 9, 1993, by the approval of Ordinance 93-5, the City did adopt the "Sign
Ordinance of the City of Georgetown", codified as Chapter 12.10 of the Georgetown Municipal Code,
hereinafter referred to as "Sign Ordinance'; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 93-5,
14, 1999, by approval
Section 4,
provides for the sunset of the Sign Ordinance in one (1) year,
unless action is taken to extend
its
application
1996; and
expiration date
and enforcement; and
WHEREAS, on February 13,
14, 1999, by approval
1996, by approval of Ordinance
No. 96-04, the City Council did extend the
Georgetown Sign Ordinance to
a
new expiration date of August 24,
1996; and
WHEREAS, on August 19, 1996,
14, 1999, by approval
by approval of
Ordinance No.
96-33,
the City Council did extend the
Georgetown Sign Ordinance to a
new
expiration date
of December 31,
1999;
and
WHEREAS, on December
14, 1999, by approval
of
Ordinance
No.
99-61,
the City Council did extend the
Georgetown Sign Ordinance to
a new expiration date
of
December
31,
2000;
and
WHEREAS, on July 13, 1999 the City Council created a task force to review and propose modifications
to the land development regulations and the Sign Ordinance in order to maximize consistency with the Urban
Design Element of the Century Plan; and
WHEREAS, on January 12, 2000 the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the
proposed amendments to the Sign Ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN,
TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this ordinance are hereby found and
declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part hereof,
as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that this ordinance implements the following Century
Plan elements:
1. Growth and Physical Development Policy 3.0 which states "Citizens, business owners and
organizations enjoy the benefits of well-planned land usage in which conflicting needs are balanced';
and
2. Urban Design Policy End 11.00 which states "Georgetown's citizens and businesses enjoy an
Sign Ordinance Amendments Ordinance No. 0
Page 1 of 2
attractive community with a unique sense of place and a positive, identifiable image, at a cost which
is consistent with other City social and economic priorities;"
and further finds
that the
enactment
of this ordinance is not inconsistent or in
conflict with any other Century
Plan Policies, as
required
by Section
2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the
Policy Plan.
SECTION 2. The amendments to the Sign Ordinance, codified in Chapter 12.10 of the Georgetown
Code of Ordinances, which were the subject of a January 12, 2000 Punning and Zoning Commission Public
Hearing, are incorporated by reference.
SECTION 3. If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall
be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or application thereof, of this ordinance
which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this
ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
SECTION 4. Sunset Provision. Unless subsequent action extends the application and enforcement of the
amendments contained in the attached regulations, the amendments shall expire six (6) months after the
effective date of this ordinance.
SECTION 5. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this ordinance and the City Secretary to attest.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force and effect in (10) ten days on and after
publication in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the City of Georgetown.
PASSED AND APPROVED on First Reading on the 11 day of April, 2000.
'
ev
i
PASSED AND APPROVED on Second Reading on the day ofApfil, 2000.
ATT E ,T:
City Secretary C p ty J
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Marianne Landers Banks
City Attorney
Signs Ordinance Amendments Ordinance No.OtIJ�/"'
Page 2 of 2
TH CITY OF GEORGETOWN:
t 1
ByMARYELLEN KERSCH
Mayor
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
SECTION I - GENERAL
A. Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide clear regulations for the permitting,
design, location, construction, erection, modification, use, maintenance and
removal of signs in the City of Georgetown and its Extra -Territorial Jurisdiction
(ETJ). The objectives are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of
communication in the City; to maintain and enhance the community's overall
aesthetic environment and the City's ability to attract sources of economic
development and growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize
the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to
enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
B. Applicability and Effect
A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the
jurisdiction only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and
other requirements of this ordinance. These regulations apply to both
commercial and non-commercial messages.
The effect of this ordinance is:
1. To
establish a permit
system
to allow a variety
of types of
signs subject to
the
standards and the
permit
procedures of this
ordinance;
and
2. To prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this ordinance, except as
approved through the appeals process established by this ordinance.
C. Jurisdiction
These regulations shall be applied to all areas within the corporate limits of the
City of Georgetown and those areas within the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction
(ETJ). For those areas within the ETJ, the allowable signage shall be
determined by the regulations from the most restrictive Zoning District in which
the use would be allowed as if within the Corporate Limits,
D. Town Square District
Signs within the Town Square Historical district shall only be subject to the
design guidelines, approval procedures and other requirements of Ordinance
Number 75.12, commonly referred to as the Historic Preservation Ordinance, as
the same may be amended from time to time.
1 Adopted May_, 2000
E. Definitions
1. For the purpose of these regulations certain terms and words used herein
shall be used, interpreted and defined as set forth in this section unless the
context clearly indicates to the contrary:
a. words used in the present tense include the future tense
b. words used in the plural number include the singular and words in
the singular include the plural
c. the word "shall" is always mandatory
d.
the
word "herein" means "in
these regulations"
e.
the
word "regulations" mean
"these regulations"
2. For the purpose of these regulations, certain words and terms herein are
defined as follows:
(Illustrations are provided as representations of various signs and are not intended to be used
exclusive of the written definitions provided.)
Adopted May., 2000
W
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
abandoned sign: A sign that advertises or announces a business or service that has
been closed for 90 days or more; or, the structural supports of a sign with the
advertising face or copy removed for 90 days or more.
advertise: To make something known, to draw attention to.
animated sign: Any sign that uses mechanical movement or change of lighting to
depict action or create a special effect or scene.
banner: Any sign made of fabric, plastic or other non -rigid material designed to
hang from rope or wire or suspended from a pole to advertise a business, service, or
special event and not mounted in a permanent, rigid frame.
beacon: Any light either permanent or portable and either stationary or moving with
one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not
on the same lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate
or move, whose purpose is to attract attention.
building marker: A type of incidental sign placed to commemorate or recognize
significant achievements or styles in architecture or construction technique and made
of or placed in a permanent material.
building sign: Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a
freestanding sign.
canopy: An
awning, canopy, or
other fabric, plastic,
or structural protective cover
over a door,
entrance, window, or outdoor
area.
canopy sign: Any type of building sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of
a canopy.
changeable copy: A sign designed to allow the manipulation of messages through
manual, mechanical, or electrical means, including time and temperature messages,
commercial message: Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly
or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or
other commercial activity.
Director: The City of Georgetown's Director of Development Services or his or her
designee.
electronic message center: Any sign which contains an array of lights which can be
programmed to create an image, either textual or graphic. These lights can be
programmed in a "fixed mode" which remains constant in size, location and
3 Adopted May _, 2000
brightness or in a "traveling mode" which remains constant in size, relative location
and brightness but moves horizontally from right to left at a constant rate across the
display area,
exposed bulb/neon: An illumination system, sometimes used in signage, consisting
of glass tubes or bulbs containing a primarily inert gaseous element and charged by
electric current.
flag: Any fabric,
banner or
bunting containing
distinctive colors, patterns, or
symbols, used as
a symbol
of a government or
political subdivision,
garage sale: A private
sale
of personal
property used to dispose of personal
household possessions.
Not
for the use
of any commercial venture.
Georgetown Sign Board of Appeals: The body, appointed pursuant to State law,
which shall hear cases involving the required relocation, reconstruction or removal of
non -conforming signs.
Georgetown Sign Review Board: Shall be the Planning and Zoning Commission of
the City of Georgetown,
identification sign: An incidental sign of identification or of informational nature
bearing no advertising.
illuminated: A sign utilizing an artificial or a reflective light source illumination,
internal: mounted or operated from the inside of the frame of the sign for proposed
for the purpose of lighting the sign.
illumination external: A sign utilizing an artificial or a reflective light source,
mounted or operated from the outside of the frame of the sign, for the purpose of
lighting the sign.
incidental sign: A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the
use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only,"
"telephone," an address, and other similar directives limited to five (5) square feet.
institutional: see quasi -public
integral roof sign: Any sign which is placed on a sloping roof surface in such a
manner that no part of the sign projects above the highest part of a roof, including
parapet walls. (See for comparison "roof -mounted sign".)
landmark sign: Signs officially designated by the Georgetown Sign Review Board
as meeting specific criteria for community significance.
Adopted May_, 2000 4
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
logo: Any sign that is a trademark or symbol identifying the use of a building or
structure.
low -profile pole sign: A sign that is mounted on one or more freestanding poles or
other support so that the bottom edge of the sign face is not in direct contact with a
solid base or the ground and the height of the sign is no more than six (6) feet tall.
EXAMPLES OF LOW PROFILE SIGNS
marquee: Any permanent roof -like structure projecting beyond a building or
extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed
and constricted to provide protection from the weather. (See for comparison "canopy
sign".)
marquee sign: Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a marquee,
master signage plan: A coordinated program for one or more signs on a property,
identifying the size, height, location and color scheme of all signage proposed for the
location, and based upon total signage allocation established through this ordinance.
menu sign: Any sign which provides information on the selection and or price of
goods offered for sale at a restaurant.
monument sign: Any sign, other than a pole sign or a low -profile pole sign, in which
eighty (80) percent of the base is in contact with the ground and is independent of
any other structure. Monument signs are no taller than eight (8) feet.
N
Adopted May _, 2000
EXAMPLES OF A MONUMENT SIGN
nonconforming sign: Any sign existing on the date of the adoption of this ordinance
and that does not conform to the requirements of this ordinance,
off -premise advertising sign: Any sign advertising a business activity or use that is
not conducted on the property on which the sign appears.
person: Any association, company, corporation, firm, organization, or partnership,
singular or plural, of any kind.
pole sign:
A sign that is mounted on one or more freestanding poles or other support
so that the
bottom edge
of the sign face is not
in direct contact with a solid base or
the ground
and the sign
height is greater than
six (6) feet,
portable sign: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent
structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs
designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T -frames;
sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and
signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-
way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.
principal building: The building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot
on which it is located. Lots with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal
buildings, but secondary uses shall not be considered principal buildings.
principal use: The use which is conducted as the primary activity upon the lot on
which it is located.
projecting sign: Any sign affixed to a wall of a building in a non -parallel manner.
quasi -public: Uses owned or operated by non-profit, religious, or charitable
Adopted May., 2000 6
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
institutions and providing educational, cultural, recreational or similar types of public
programs.
residential sign: Any incidental sign for a residential structure that contains no
commercial message except for legal home occupations.
roof: The top covering of a building. For the purposes of this ordinance, a roof shall
be defined as having a slope of less than 65 degrees. A roof having a slope of greater
than 65 degrees, including mansard roofs, shall be treated as a wall surface for the
placement of signs. (See for comparison "wall surface area".)
roof -mounted sign: Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of
a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest
portion of the roof. (See for comparison "integral roof sign".)
secondary use: Any use that is subordinate and incidental to the primary use.
setback: The distance from the property line to the nearest part of the applicable
building, structure, or sign, measured perpendicularly to the property line.
sight triangle: The area of unobstructed view required at every street intersection
and at the intersection of driveways and streets. Unobstructed view must be
maintained in an area between the heights of three feet and seven feet above the
height of the adjacent roadway in a triangle formed by the intersection's corner and
points on the curb twenty-five feet from the intersection's corner.
sign: Any device or surface on which letters, illustrations, designs, figures, or
symbols are painted, printed, stamped, raised or projected in any manner. Any use of
color, as determined by the Director of Development Services, to create the effect of
calling attention to the business or product, and which comprises more than (1)
percent of any fagade or visible roof face shall be considered a sign. Appeal of the
Director's determination shall be made to the Sign Review Board.
sign area: The entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface and any
framing, trim, or molding but not including the supporting structure or any surface
which is comprised of a masonry material which matches the masonry of the site's
primary building.
strearner: Any light weight plastic, fabric, or other material, suspended from a rope,
wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
street: A public strip of land or right-of-way subject to vehicular traffic (as well as
pedestrian traffic) that provides direct or indirect access to property, including, but
not limited to, alleys, avenues, boulevards, courts, drives, highways, lanes, places,
roads, terraces, trails, or other thoroughfares.
7 Adopted May., 2000
street banner: Any temporary sign hung over or across a city street or other public
right-of-way.
street frontage: The distance for which a lot line of a lot adjoins a public street,
from one lot line intersecting said street to the furthest distant lot line intersecting the
same street,
suspended sign: A type of building sign that is suspended from the underside of a
predominantly horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface,
temporary sign: Any sign that is not intended to be permanent that causes signage to
exceed the total maximum allowed signage in a given district.
vehicle sign: see portable sign.
wall sign: A sign which is parallel to, and fastened to or painted on the wall of a
building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure
for, or forms the background surface of, the sign. Wall signs shall not project more
than eight (8) inches from the building or structure or have more than one sign
surface.
wall surface area: The total vertical wall area, including windows, of a building
when seen in an elevation view of the building. Roofs, including mansard roofs,
having a slope of greater than GS degrees shall be considered part of a wall surface
for the purposes of this ordinance. (See for comparison "roof'.)
window sign: Any sign that is placed inside a window or upon the window or upon
the window panes or glass and is intended to be visible from the exterior of the
window. Merchandise displays shall not be considered window signs.
Adopted May_, 2000 8
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
SECTION II - ALLOWABLE SIGNAGE
1. Zoning District(s):
RS Residential Single Family
RE Residential Estate
A. Sign Types Allowed
All other sign types not listed above are prohibited.
B. Monument Sign(s) or Low -profile Sign(s)
1. Monument Signs
a. Monument signs shall have only 2 sign faces.
b. The structure of monument signs shall be constructed of materials and
colors utilized on the primary building's fagade.
c. Monument signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
I
Adopted May _, 2000
Permit Procedure
Non - Institutional
Institutional
Without Permits
Incidental
Residential
Flag/Flag Pole
Incidental
Flag/Flag Pole
Permits Required
Temporary
Subdivision Entry Features
Temporary
Changeable Copy
External Illumination, along
arterial roadways only.
All other sign types not listed above are prohibited.
B. Monument Sign(s) or Low -profile Sign(s)
1. Monument Signs
a. Monument signs shall have only 2 sign faces.
b. The structure of monument signs shall be constructed of materials and
colors utilized on the primary building's fagade.
c. Monument signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
I
Adopted May _, 2000
Sign Area
MONUMENT SIGN
Masonry material that
matches primary
building facade
Sign Base
2. Low -profile Pole Signs
a. Low -profile pole signs are permitted on any property as an alternative
to permitted pole or monument signs.
b. Low profile pole signs may have only two sign faces.
C, Low -profile pole signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
C. Design Standards by Sign Classification
1. Free Standing Signs
Adopted May_, 2000
10
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
per Sign (sq. ft)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Maximum
Number of
Signs per Lot
Non -Institutional Use:
Monument Sign or
2
5
2
1
Low Profile Pole Sign
2
5
2
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
Institutional Use:
Monument Sign or
32
5
10
1
Low Profile Pole Sign
20
5
10
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
Adopted May_, 2000
10
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
2. Wall Signs
a. One-half (112) square foot of wall signage is permitted for each linear
foot of the primary facade of a non-residential building, excluding
wing walls.
'Residentially Zoned Property,
—` No identification signs
permitted when adjacent to,
and within 100 ft. of a
May be considered t ( residentially zoned property
"primary facade" for
the purposes of
calculating allowed ,
sign area VVall signs permitted on
these facades
s
Street
WALL SIGN
b. Only one building facade with a primary entrance may be used to
calculate wall signage.
c. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except those
directly adjacent to, and within 100' of a residential property line
within a residential zoning district. If the residential zoned property is
developed as a nonresidential use then this restriction shall not apply.
d. Posters or announcements located in window areas not exceeding 50%
of an individual window area shall not be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage. An excess of the 50% will cause the entire
area of the poster or announcements to be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage.
2. Zoning District(s).
A Agricultural
RINI - 1 Multi -Family Residential
11
Adopted May _, 2000
RM -2 Dense Multi -Family Residential
R - P Residential Planned
A. Sign Types Allowed
All sign types not listed above are prohibited.
B. Monument signs or low -profile pole signs are the only permanent freestanding
sign allowed, except on properties with IH 35 frontage, where pole signs are also
permitted.
1. Monument Sims
a. Monument signs shall have only 2 sign faces.
b. The structure of monument signs shall be constructed of materials and
colors utilized on the primary building's facade.
c. Monument signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
W
Sign Area
Masonry material that
matches primary
building facade
• •_��. Sign Base
MONUMENT SIGN
2. Low -profile Pole Signs
a. Low -profile pole signs are permitted on any property as an alternative
Adopted May_, 2000 12
Permit Procedure
Non - Institutional
Institutional
Without Permits
Incidental
Flag/Flag Pole
Residential
Incidental
Flag/Flag Pole
Permits Required
Temporary
External Illumination
Temporary
External Illumination
Internal Illumination
Changeable Copy
All sign types not listed above are prohibited.
B. Monument signs or low -profile pole signs are the only permanent freestanding
sign allowed, except on properties with IH 35 frontage, where pole signs are also
permitted.
1. Monument Sims
a. Monument signs shall have only 2 sign faces.
b. The structure of monument signs shall be constructed of materials and
colors utilized on the primary building's facade.
c. Monument signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
W
Sign Area
Masonry material that
matches primary
building facade
• •_��. Sign Base
MONUMENT SIGN
2. Low -profile Pole Signs
a. Low -profile pole signs are permitted on any property as an alternative
Adopted May_, 2000 12
to permitted pole or monument signs.
b. Low profile pole signs may have only two sign faces.
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
C, Low -profile pole signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
C. Design Standards by Sign Classification
1. Free Standing Signs
2. Wall Signs
a. One (1) square foot of wall signage is permitted for each linear foot of
the primary fagade of the building, excluding wing walls.
b. Only one building fagade with a primary entrance may be used to
calculate wall signage.
c. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except those
directly adjacent to, and within 100of a residential property line
within a residential zoning district. If the residential zoned property is
developed as a nonresidential use then this restriction shall not apply.
183
Adopted May., 2000
Sign Classification Maximum
Area per Sign
(sq. ft)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Maximum Number
of signs per lot
(street frontage)
Non -Institutional
Monument Sign or
32
8
5
1 sign per 500' of
frontage
Low Profile Pole Sign
20
6
5
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
-
Institutional Use:
Monument Sign or
32
8
5
1 sign per 500' of
frontage
Low Profile Pole Sign
20
6
5
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
-
2. Wall Signs
a. One (1) square foot of wall signage is permitted for each linear foot of
the primary fagade of the building, excluding wing walls.
b. Only one building fagade with a primary entrance may be used to
calculate wall signage.
c. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except those
directly adjacent to, and within 100of a residential property line
within a residential zoning district. If the residential zoned property is
developed as a nonresidential use then this restriction shall not apply.
183
Adopted May., 2000
'Residentially Zoned Prope
No identification signs
r
permitted when adjacent to,
• and within 100 ft. of a
May be considered t . „� residentially zoned property
"primary facade" for .
the purposes of
calculating allowed ,
sign area Wall signs permitted on
r these facades
t.
lot
*41
Street
WALL SIGN
d. Posters or announcements located in window areas not exceeding 50%
of an individual window area shall not be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage. An excess of the 50% will cause the entire
area of the poster or announcements to be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage.
3. Zoning District(s).
RM -3 Office & Service Use
A. Sign Types Allowed
All sign types not listed above are prohibited.
Adopted May., 2000 14
Permit Procedure
Non - Institutional
Institutional
Without Permits
Residential
Incidental
Incidental
Flag/Flag Pole
Flag/Flag Pole
Permits Required
Temporary
Temporary
External Illumination
External Illumination
Internal Illumination
Internal Illumination
Banner
Changeable Copy
Banner
All sign types not listed above are prohibited.
Adopted May., 2000 14
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
B. Monument signs or low -profile pole signs are the only permanent freestanding
sign allowed, except on properties with IH 35 frontage, where pole signs are also
permitted.
1
2.
Monument Signs
a. Monument signs shall have only 2 sign faces.
b. The structure of monument signs shall be constructed of materials and
colors utilized on the primary building's fagade.
c. Monument signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
I
L
co
Sign Area
Masonry material that
matches primary
building facade
. Sign Base
MONUMENT SIGN
Low -profile Pole Signs
a. Low -profile pole signs are permitted on any property as an alternative
to permitted pole or monument signs.
b. Low profile pole signs may have only two sign faces.
C, Low -profile pole signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
15
Adopted May., 2000
co Design Standards by Sign Classification
1. Free Standing Signs
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum Number
per Sign (sq. ft)
Height
Setback
of Signs Per Lot
(Feet)
(Feet)
(street frontage)
Monument Sign or
32
8
5
1 sign per 500' of
Low Profile Pole
20
6
5
Sign
frontage
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
-
2. Wall Signs
a. One (1) square foot of wall signage is permitted for each linear foot of
the primary fagade of the building, excluding wing walls.
b. Only one building fagade with a primary entrance may be used to
calculate wall signage.
c. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except those
directly adjacent to, and within 100' of a residential property line
within a residential zoning district. If the residential zoned property is
developed as a nonresidential use then this restriction shall not apply.
Adopted May., 2000
16
May be considered
"primary facade" for
the purposes of
calculating allowed
sign area
' Residentially Zoned Property.
Street
WALL SIGN
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
No identification signs
permitted when adjacent to,
and within 100 ft. of a
residentially zoned property
Wall signs permitted on
these facades
d. Posters or announcements located in window areas not exceeding 50%
of an individual window area shall not be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage. An excess of the 50% will cause the entire
area of the poster or announcements to be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage.
4. Zoning District(s):
RO Residential Office
A. Sign Types Allowed
The following sign types shall be allowed:
1. Without a sign permit:
Residential
Incidental
Flag
2._ Upon issuance of a sign permit:
17
Adopted May _, 2000
Temporary
External Illumination
In accordance with the design standards set forth below.
All sign types not listed in 1 & 2 above are prohibited, except that in
addition to the sign types allowed above institutional uses, as herein
defined, shall be allowed the following sign types upon the issuance of a
sign permit:
Changeable Copy
B. Monument signs or low -profile pole signs are the only permanent freestanding
sign allowed, except on properties with IH 35 frontage, where pole signs are also
permitted.
1
2.
Monument Signs
a. Monument signs shall have only 2 sign faces.
b. The structure of monument signs shall be constructed of materials and
colors utilized on the primary building's fagade.
c. Monument signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
A
Sign Area
Masonry material that
matches primary
building facade
MONUMENT SIGN
Low -profile Pole Signs
a. Low -profile pole signs are permitted on any property as an alternative
to permitted pole or monument signs.
b. Low profile pole signs may have only two sign faces.
Adopted May., 2000
IN
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
C, Low -profile pole signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
B. Design Standards by Sign Classification
1. Free Standing Signs
2. Wall Signs
a. One (1) square foot of wall signage is permitted for each linear foot of
the primary fagade of the building, excluding wing walls.
b. Only one building fagade with a primary entrance may be used to
calculate wall signage.
c. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except those
directly adjacent to, and within 100' of a residential property line
within a residential zoning district. If the residential zoned property is
developed as a nonresidential use then this restriction shall not
19 Adopted May _, 2000
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
per Sign (sq. ft)
Height
Setback
Number of Signs
(Feet)
(Feet)
Per Lot (street
frontage)
Monument Sian or
32
3
20
1 sign per 500' of
Low Profile Pole
Sign
20
3
20
frontage
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
2. Wall Signs
a. One (1) square foot of wall signage is permitted for each linear foot of
the primary fagade of the building, excluding wing walls.
b. Only one building fagade with a primary entrance may be used to
calculate wall signage.
c. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except those
directly adjacent to, and within 100' of a residential property line
within a residential zoning district. If the residential zoned property is
developed as a nonresidential use then this restriction shall not
19 Adopted May _, 2000
'Residentially Zoned Pro
peO
00 ON" "'. _40
,
". No identification signs
permitted when adjacent to,
and within 100 ft. of a
:
May be considered residentially zoned property
.
"primary facade" for I
the purposes of ,
calculating allowed ,
sign area VVall signs permitted on
thesefacades
OWN
(7%
a -
Street
WALL SIGN
d. Posters or announcements located in window areas not exceeding 50%
of an individual window area shall not be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage. An excess of the 50% will cause the entire
area of the poster or announcements to be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage.
D. Installation
1. All signs shall be installed facing and parallel to Williams Drive. Signs
shall be either:
a. Attached to the principle structure below the building eaves; or
b. Installed on an earth berm not greater than 3 ft. above average grade.
Adopted May_, 2000 20
5. Zoning District(s).
C4 Local Commercial
C -2A Commercial First Height
C-213 Commercial Second Height
I Industrial
A. Sign Types Allowed
The following sign types shall be allowed:
1. Without a sign permit:
Residential
Incidental
Flag
2. Upon issuance of a sign permit:
Temporary
Internal Illumination
External Illumination
Banner
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
Changeable Copy
Electronic message centers in fixed or traveling mode (not permitted in
Industrial Districts)
Streamers, for automobile sales uses only
In accordance with the design standards set forth below.
B. Monument signs or low -profile pole signs are the only permanent freestanding
sign allowed, except on properties with IH 35 frontage, where pole signs are also
permitted.
1. Monument Signs
a. Monument signs shall have only 2 sign faces.
b. The structure of monument signs shall be constructed of materials and
colors utilized on the primary building's fagade.
C, Monument signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
21
Adopted May _, 2000
Sign Area
Masonry material that
matches primary
building facade
Sign Base
MONUMENT SIGN
2. Low -profile Pole Signs
a. Low -profile pole signs are permitted on any property as an alternative
to permitted pole or monument signs.
b. Low -profile pole signs may.have only two sign faces.
c. Low -profile pole signs located on the same property must be spaced a
minimum of 80 feet apart.
Adopted May., 2000 22
C. Design Standards by Sign Classification
1. Free Standing Signs
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
** See special Sign Provisions for Highways in Section III.
a. The use of low profile pole signs requires the installation of a
landscaped area equal to twice the area of one face of the pole sign. The
required landscaping shall consist of four (4) healthy, nursery stock shrubs,
five -gallon container size, and ground cover. The required landscaping
shall be located at the base of the pole sign. The owner and subsequent
owners of the landscaped property shall be responsible for the maintenance
of the landscaped area. Maintenance shall be consistent with the
requirements of Section 6.103 of the City of Georgetown Zoning
Ordinance.
b. For properties in excess of 500" of frontage, additional sign square
footage is allowed as determined in the above chart. The cumulative square
footage of allowed signs may be distributed between the maximum number
of allowed signs with no one sign exceeding 90 square feet in size.
23
Adopted May _, 2000
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
Max
Minimum
Maximum
per Sign (sq. ft.)
Height
Setback
Number of
(Feet)
(Feet)
Signs per
Lot
(Street
Frontage)
Monument Sign or
Properties with
8
5
0 to 200' frontage = 32
10 in I
1
>200' to 3 5 00' frontage = 48
Districts
00 ofr
>300' to 375' frontage = 64
frontage
>375' to 450' frontage = 80
See C.l.b.
>450'+ frontage = 96
below
Low Profile Pole
20
10
5
Sign
10 in I
Districts
Pole Signs on
225
28
5
1 sign per
Properties with 1H
600' of 1H
35 Frontage**
3 5 frontage
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24**
---
** See special Sign Provisions for Highways in Section III.
a. The use of low profile pole signs requires the installation of a
landscaped area equal to twice the area of one face of the pole sign. The
required landscaping shall consist of four (4) healthy, nursery stock shrubs,
five -gallon container size, and ground cover. The required landscaping
shall be located at the base of the pole sign. The owner and subsequent
owners of the landscaped property shall be responsible for the maintenance
of the landscaped area. Maintenance shall be consistent with the
requirements of Section 6.103 of the City of Georgetown Zoning
Ordinance.
b. For properties in excess of 500" of frontage, additional sign square
footage is allowed as determined in the above chart. The cumulative square
footage of allowed signs may be distributed between the maximum number
of allowed signs with no one sign exceeding 90 square feet in size.
23
Adopted May _, 2000
I The height of a streamer is restricted to the allowable sign height limits of
the given district. Those streamers with commercial messages shall
constitute a sign and will be counted against the total allowable signage on
a given site.
3. Wall Signs
a. One (1) square foot of wall signage is permitted for each linear foot of
the primary fagade of the building, excluding wing walls.
b. Only one building fagade with a primary entrance may be used to
calculate wall signage.
c. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except those
directly adjacent to, and within 100' of a residential property line
within a residential zoning district. If the residential zoned property is
developed as a nonresidential use then this restriction shall not apply.
' Residentially Zoned Propert
No identification signs
permitted when adjacent to,
and within 100 ft. of a
May be considered residentially zoned property
s
"primary facade" for
the purposes of ,
calculating allowed ,
sign area i Wall signs permitted on
these facades
s.
'I. t' A • •r
.1 Iw
q Y
Street
WALL SIGN
d. Posters or announcements located in window areas not exceeding 50%
of an individual window area shall not be calculated as an element of
Adopted May_, 2000
total allowable site signagti
e. n excess of the 50% will cause the entire
area of the poster or announcements to be calculated as an element of
total allowable site signage.
24
1
IPA
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
SECTION III - SPECIAL SIGN PROVISIONS
Properties with IH 35 Frontage
Special sign regulations are hereby provided to address the signage needs of
properties meeting criteria established herein.
Pole signs are permitted on properties with 1H 35 frontage, and which have
commercial or industrial zoning.
B. Sign location must be no more than 50' from the property line adjacent to the IH
35 right-of-way.
C. Height limit shall be 28 feet.
D. Additional height allowance
1. For signs on properties with IH 351H 35 frontage, additional height may be
allowed.
2. This additional allowance will be determined by measuring the difference
between the elevation of the property at the proposed location of the sign
and the elevation of IH 35.
3. Determination of the elevational difference shall be measured by projecting
a perpendicular line from the center line of the proposed location of the sign
to the main IH 35 roadway section nearest the sign.
4. The allowance will only
apply for properties
and sign
locations that are
determined to be lower in elevation than the
IH 35, as
measured by 3 above.
E. Maximum area of a pole sign shall be 225 square feet per face. Pole signs may
have only two sign faces.
F. Properties with IH 35 frontage may have one pole sign for each 600 feet of
frontage.
G. Poles signs shall be spaced a minimum of 100' apart.
Landmark Signs
To be recognized and designated as landmark signs, an individual sign must be
approved by the procedures adopted by the Georgetown Sign Review Board. To be
considered for designation, these signs shall exhibit such a unique character, design
historical significance to be recognized as such to the community. The specific
25 Adopted May., 2000
criteria are listed in Section V - Administration.
3. Temporary Signs - Any sign that is not intended to be permanent.
A. Private Property
Temporary signs on private property, limited to banners and window signs, are
allowed only upon issuance of a Temporary Sign Permit, which shall be subject
to the following requirements:
1. Term: A temporary sign permit allows the use of a temporary sign for no
more than thirty (30) days within a calendar year.
2. Number: Only one temporary sign will be permitted at a time to the same
business on the same lot.
3. Other Conditions: A temporary sign is allowed only in designated districts
and is subject to all other requirements of that district.
B. Temporary Street Banners
The City Manager is authorized to establish procedures for the permitting and
installation of temporary banners placed in public right-of-way. Such banners
shall be allowed for the following public events upon compliance with the
established procedures:
1. Events of a charitable or humanitarian nature;
2. Events of an educational, scholastic or artistic nature;
3. Other
events of community or public
interest which are non-political in
nature
and are for the benefit
of a non-profit group.
4. Specially Permitted Signs
New signs that, due to a proposed location, size, design or other characteristic fail to
meet the standards established by these regulations. It is the intent of this provision to
allow for and encourage creative signage proposals that, though not meeting a strict
interpretation of these guidelines, provide for appropriate signage given a particular
site and use. Such signs may apply for review by the Georgetown Sign Review Board
and request approval. In granting such approval, the Georgetown Sign Review Board
may impose restriction on size, location, height, color, style, etc. so to insure
compatibility and to satisfy the intent of the ordinance.
5. Exempt Signs
Adopted May_, 2000 26
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
A. Exempt Signs
The following signs shall be exempt from regulation under this ordinance:
1. Any public notice, or warning required by a valid and applicable federal,
state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance;
2. Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, that is not
legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the lot
or parcel on which such sign is located;
3. Works of art that do not include a commercial message;
4. Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message, but only
between November 15 and January 15; and
5. Decorative landscape lighting provided that lights are not displayed in a
flashing mode.
6. Traffic control signs on private property, such as Stop, Yield, and similar
signs, the face of which meet Department of Transportation standards and
which contain no commercial message of any sort.
7. Address and postbox numerals conforming to incidental sign regulations.
8. Government signs erected by the city, county, state, or federal government
in furtherance of their governmental responsibility.
9. Legal notices.
10. Memorial signs or tablets and building markers displayed on public or
private buildings and tablets or headstones in cemeteries.
11. Signs prepared by or for the local, state or federal government marking sites
or buildings of historical significance.
B. Provisionally Exempt Signs
The signs listed below may be erected without a sign permit provided that
standards of this section shall be met.
1. Construction Site: These shall not exceed a total of one hundred (100)
square feet or the total area permitted under Section H. Such signs shall be
removed within one (1) week following completion of the work.
27 Adopted May _, 2000
2. Directional: The sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in sign face area.
The sign(s) may be used to direct vehicles or pedestrians to public facilities
or hospitals/emergency care facilities.
3. "For Sale" signs placed on vehicles, provided that the area of the sign does
not exceed two (2) square feet.
4. "Garage Sale" signs not larger than four (4) square feet on the site of a
garage sale and off-site when not more than 1000 feet from the site of the
sale.
5. "No Trespassing" or "Posted": These signs shall be allowed subject to the
following standards:
a. They shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area.
b. They shall be located on private property.
c. There shall be not more than one (1) per one hundred (100) feet of
property line.
6. Parking and Traffic: These signs shall conform to the Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices, as published by the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Signs shall not exceed
four (4) square feet in area and may be placed on private property to direct
and guide traffic and parking on same private property. Such signs shall not
include advertising visible from any location outside of the property on
which the sign appears.
7. Political: Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for
election may be erected or displayed and maintained on private property
provided that:
a. The
signs
shall
not be erected
or displayed earlier than seventy-five
(75)
days
prior
to the election
to which they pertain.
b. The signs shall be removed no later than one (1) week after the
election.
C, The placement of signs shall have the consent of the property owner.
d. No such signs shall be placed on of within
public rights -of -ways or on public property.
Adopted May., 2000 28
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
8. Real Estate: One (1) on -premises sign is allowed in compliance with the
following standards:
a. Sign is non -illuminated.
b. Sign is removed within fifteen (15) days after property closing.
c. Signs in a residential area do not exceed six (6) square feet in area for
each parcel, property, or structure.
d. Signs in a commercial area do not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
e. One (1)
additional sign in
conformance with
other provisions of this
Section
may be allowed on a site abutting more than one (1) roadway.
9. Service Entrance: An incidental sign for building identification, provided
the sign face area does not exceed four (4) square feet, and is non -
illuminated.
10. Window Signs/Advertising Posters: Posters or announcements located in
window areas not exceeding 50% of an individual window area. An excess
of the 50% will cause the entire area to be calculated as an element of total
allowable site signage.
11. A -frame signs no taller than four feet (4') nor wider than three feet (3') with
a maximum area per side of twelve square feet:
a. Along sidewalks abutting the advertised businesses in retail centers
having at least 20,000 square feet of gross leasable area when the
property manager has approved the sign in writing. The owner of a
business shall be responsible for maintaining a copy of said written
approval on the premises of the advertised building.
12. Signs in the Public Right -of -Way: No signs shall be allowed in the public
right-of-way, except for the following:
a. Permanent signs, including: Public signs erected by or on behalf of a
governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property,
convey public information, and direct or regulate pedestrian or
vehicular traffic;
b. Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company. No advertising is
permitted at bus stops except for a single sign no larger than two (2)
square feet that advertises the bus stop;
29 Adopted May., 2000
C, Informational signs of public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes, or
facilities; and
d. Canopy, projecting, and suspended signs projecting over a public right-
of-way in conformity with the conditions of Section H of this
ordinance.
e. Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public
utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work
within the public right-of-way.
6. Signs Prohibited Under this Ordinance
All signs not expressly permitted under this ordinance or exempt from
regulation hereunder in accordance with the previous section are prohibited
in the city. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
a. Beacons;
b. Portable Signs;
c. Roof Signs above the lesser of the height of the structure or allowable
free-standing sign height within the district in which it is located;
d. Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background,
except those exempt under the previous section;
e. Inflatable signs and tethered balloons greater than 18" in diameter;
f. Flashing, fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise
moving signs;
g. Signs, temporary or otherwise, affixed to a tree or utility pole.
h. Signs violating the "sight triangle" provisions.
i. Off -premise advertising signs.
j. Streamers, except as provided in Section H.
k. Flags/Flag Poles in excess of the maximum height for the specified
zoning district.
Adopted May., 2000
30
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
6. Sign Lighting Standards
A. No illuminated sign which has a sign area of 150 square feet or less shall have
luminance greater than 300 foot candles, nor shall it have luminance greater than
300 foot candles for any portion of the sign within a circle 2 feet in diameter.
B. No
illuminated sign which
has
a sign area greater than 150
square
feet
shall have
a
luminance greater than
200
foot candles for any portion
of the
sign
within a
circle of 2 feet in diameter.
31
Adopted May _, 2000
SECTION IV - NON -CONFORMING SIGNS
A. Definition and Purpose
A non -conforming sign is a sign that was lawfully established prior to the
effective date or applicability of these regulations or subsequent amendments,
but does not comply with current sign regulations. In order to achieve the
purposes of the sign regulations, there is established herein a process for the
removal of non -conforming signs over time.
Be Retention of Non -conforming Signs
Non -conforming signs, except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, may
be continued subject to the following limitations:
1. The owner of a non -conforming sign, upon receipt of a notice of non-
conformity, may register the sign with the City as an existing, non-
conforming sign.
2. Registered, non -conforming signs may be maintained and repaired
with like materials and the sign message may be changed, provided
that there is no extension, enlargement, change in location, or
structural modification to any non -conforming aspects of the sign.
3. When a non -conforming sign is demolished or damaged to the extent
that the cost of repairing the sign is more than 60 percent of the cost
of erecting a new sign of the same type at the same location, such sign
shall be eliminated or made to conform to the current sign regulations.
4. Any non -conforming sign abandoned for more than 90 days shall be
eliminated or made to conform to current sign regulations.
C. Removal of Non -conforming Signs
The following non -conforming signs shall be eliminated or made to conform
to the current sign regulations within 30 days of the receipt of a notice of non-
conformity. Signs subject to this section are those whose characteristics
constitute a public safety hazard.
1. Signs that violate the sight triangle provision.
2 Signs using the words "stop", "slow", "caution", "danger" or any other
word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as is reasonably
Adopted May_, 2000 32
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
likely to be confused with traffic, directional and regulatory signs.
3. Signs erected so that by their location, color, nature or message are
likely to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signals or
signs, or is likely to be confused with the warning lights or an
emergency or public safety vehicle.
4. Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background,
except those exempt under Section III.
5. Signs affixed to trees or utility poles.
6. Temporary and portable signs, except those provisionally exempt
signs listed in Section III, which violate building code provisions for
wind loading, structural stability, electrical wiring or other code
provisions.
D. Removal of Illegal and Dangerous Signs
Except as otherwise provide by this ordinance or by law, the Director shall
cause the removal of.
1. Any sign constructed, erected or placed in violation of the provisions
of this or prior ordinances;
2. Any sign expressly prohibited by Section III;
3. Any sign that represents a clear and present danger to the health or
safety of the public due to its structural condition.
E. Other Signs Forfeited
Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with
the requirements of this section, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to
confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the city shall have the
right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of
removal and disposal of such sign.
33 Adopted May _, 2000
SECTION V - ADMINISTRATION
A. Principles of Sign Area Computations
The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign
height.
1. Computation of Area of Individual Signs: The area of a sign face
(which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one
face) shall be computed as the area of the smallest square, circle,
rectangle, or triangle in a horizontal plane that will encompass the
extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other
display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of
the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the
backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any
supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such
fence or wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is
clearly incidental to the display itself.
2. Computation of Area of Multi -faced Signs: The sign area for a sign
with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the
area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical
sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be
viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are
substantially similar, and when such sign faces are part of the same
sign structure the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of
one of the faces.
3. Computation of Height: The height of a sign shall be computed as the
mean distance from the base(s) of the sign at normal grade to the top
of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be
construed to be the lower of (1) existing grade prior to construction or
(2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any
filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of
locating the sign.
4. Computation of Maximum Total Permitted Sign Area: The permitted
sum of the area of all individual signs shall be computed by applying
the Zoning District formulae contained in Section II, Maximum Total
Sign Area, to the lot frontage, building frontage, or wall area, as
appropriate. Lots fronting on two or more streets are allowed to
calculate both street frontages into the allowable allocation to be
identified by the Master Signage Plan,
Adopted May., 2000 34
B. Permits Required
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
If a sign requiring a sign permit under the provisions of this ordinance is to be
placed, constructed, erected, or modified the owner of the lot shall secure a
sign permit prior to the construction, placement, erection, or modification of
such a sign in accordance with the requirements of Section IV.
No signs shall be erected in the public right-of-way except in accordance with
Section III and the permit requirements of Section V.
No sign permit of any kind shall be issued for an existing or proposed sign
unless such a sign is consistent with the requirements of this ordinance
(including those protecting existing signs) in every respect and with the
Master Signage Plan in effect for the property.
1. Permits Required:
Signs identified in Section II shall be erected, installed, or created
only in accordance with a duly issued and valid sign construction
permit from the Director. Such permits shall be issued only in
accordance with requirements and procedures set forth by this
ordinance.
2. Information Required:
An application for construction, creation, or installation of a new sign
or for modification of an existing sign shall be accompanied by
detailed drawings to show the dimensions, design, structure, and
location of each particular sign, to the extent that such details are not
contained on a Master Signage Plan then in effect for the lot. One
application and permit may include multiple signs on the same lot.
3. Inspection:
The Director shall cause an inspection of the lot for which each permit
for new sign or for modification of an existing sign is issued during
the sixth month after the issuance of such permit or at such earlier
date as the owner may request. If the construction is not substantially
complete at the time of inspection, the permit shall lapse and become
void. If the construction is substantially complete but not in fiill
compliance with this ordinance and applicable codes, the Director
shall give the owner or applicant notice of the deficiencies and shall
allow an additional 30 days from the date of inspection for the
deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies are not corrected by
such date, the permit shall lapse.
35
Adopted May., 2000
C. General Permit Procedures
The following procedures shall govern the application for, and issuance of, all
sign permits under this ordinance, and the submission and review of Master
Signage Plans.
1. Applications
All applications for sign permits of any kind and for approval of a
Master Signage Plan shall be submitted to the Director on an
application form or in accordance with application specifications
published by the Director.
2, Fees
Each application for a sign permit or for approval of a Master Signage
Plan shall be accompanied by the applicable fees, which shall be
established by the governing body of the City from time to time.
3. Completeness
Within five (5) work days of receiving an application for a sign permit
or for a Master Signage Plan, the Director shall review it for
completeness. If the Director finds that it is complete, the application
shall then be processed. If the Director finds that it is incomplete, the
Director shall, within such five-day period, send to the applicant a
notice of the specific ways in which the application is deficient, with
appropriate references to the applicable sections of this ordinance.
4. Action on Plan
Adopted May_, 2000
On any application
for approval
of a
Master Signage
Plan, the
Director shall take
action on the
one
of the following
dates:
a. Ten (10) work days after the submission of a complete
application if the application is for signs for existing buildings;
or
b. On the date of final action on any related application for
building permit, site plan, or development plan for signs
involving new construction.
On or before such applicable date, the Director shall either:
36
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
a. Approve the proposed plan if the sign(s) as shown on the plan
and the plan itself conforms in every respect with the
requirements of this ordinance; or
b. Reject the proposed plan if the sign(s) as shown on the plan or
the plan itself fails in any way to conform with the
requirements of this ordinance. In case of a rejection, the
Director shall specify in the rejection the section or sections of
the ordinance with which the plan is inconsistent.
5. Action on Permit
a. Within five (5) work days of the submission of a complete
application for a sign permit, the Director shall either:
1. Issue the sign permit, if the sign(s) that is the subject of
the application conforms in every respect with the
requirements of this ordinance and of the applicable
Master Signage Plan; or
2. Reject the sign permit if the sign(s) that is the subject
of the application fails in any way to conform with the
requirements of this ordinance and of the applicable
Master Signage Plan. In case of a rejection, the
Director shall specify in the rejection the section or
sections of the ordinance or applicable plan with which
the signs) is inconsistent.
D. Master Signage Plan
No permit shall be issued for an individual sign requiring a permit unless and
until a Master Signage Plan for the property on which the sign will be erected
has been submitted to the Director and approved by the Director as
conforming with this section. If no master signage plan has been submitted
then the City shall allot the amount of signage allowed for each building on a
given lot.
1. For any lot on which the owner proposes to erect one or more signs
requiring a permit, the owner shall submit to the Director a Master
Signage Plan containing the following:
a. An accurate site plan of the lot, at such scale as the Director
may reasonably require;
37 Adopted May _, 2000
b. Location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped
areas on the lot;
C. Computation of the maximum total sign area, the maximum
area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of
freestanding signs allowed on the lot(s) included in the plan
under this ordinance; and
d. An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed
location of each present and future sign of any type, whether
requiring a permit or not, except that incidental signs need not
be shown.
2. Consent
The Master Signage
Plan
shall
be
signed by all
owners or their
authorized agents in
such
form
as
the Director
shall require.
3. Procedures
A Master Signage Plan may be included in any development plan, site
plan, planned unit development plan, or other official plan required by
the City for the proposed development and shall be processed prior to
_ issuance of any permit for construction of any sign on a property.
4. Amendment
A Master
Signage
Plan may be
amended by filing a new
plan that
conforms
with all
requirements
of the ordinance then in
effect.
5. Affect
After approval of a Master Signage Plan, no sign shall be erected,
placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with such plan,
and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any provision of
this ordinance. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such
a plan and any other provision of this ordinance, the ordinance shall
control.
E. Design, Construction, and Maintenance
All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with
the following standards:
1. All signs shall comply with applicable provisions of the City code at
Adopted May_, 2000 38
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
all times.
2. Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs
conforming in all respects with the requirements of this ordinance, all
signs shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be
permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by
direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.
3. All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, in
compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance
with this code, at all times.
4. Any spotlights allowed to illuminate signs or sign illumination shall
be shielded such that their light source cannot be seen from abutting
roads or properties.
F. Georgetown Sign Review Board Created
The City hereby appoints the Planning and Zoning Commission to act in the
capacity of the Georgetown Sign Review Board. The word 'Board" when
used in this and other Sections shall be construed to mean the Sign Review
Board,
G. Jurisdiction
The Board shall have the following powers and it shall be its duty:
1. To hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of this
Ordinance for the erection of a new sign in instances where strict
enforcement of this Ordinance would cause practical difficulties due
to circumstances unique to the individual sign under consideration,
and grant such variance only when it is demonstrated that such action
will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of this Ordinance.
The Board shall meet these requirements by making findings that:
a. The public convenience and welfare will be substantially
served; and
b. The appropriate use of surrounding property will not be
substantially or permanently impaired or diminished; and
C, The applicant has not created the hardship from which relief is
sought; and
39 Adopted May _, 2000
d. The variance will not confer upon the applicant a special right
or privilege not commonly shared or available to the owners of
similar and surrounding property; and
e. The hardship from which relief is sought is not solely of an
economic nature.
Approval of any variance shall require the affirmative vote of a majority plus
one of the Board members attending the meeting at which a quorum is
present and action is to be taken.
The Board may also impose reasonable conditions in the granting of a
variance to insure compliance and to protect adjacent property. A violation of
such conditions shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance.
2, Designate Landmark Signs in a manner described herein:
Adopted May_, 2000
a. Any sign owner may apply to the Georgetown Sign Review
Board for designation of an existing sign as a Landmark Sign.
If a sign is designated as a Landmark Sign it is exempted from
the provisions of this ordinance. An owner of a Landmark
Sign must ensure that the sign is not structurally dangerous nor
a fire hazard, and does not cause electrical shock nor other
hazardous conditions.
b. An application provided by the City must be made by the
owner of the sign. The Georgetown Sign Review Board shall
review the application in a public hearing and it's
recommendation can be appealed to the City Council.
C, To qualify for designation as a Landmark Sign, the sign should
satisfy one or more of the following guidelines, or other
criteria as determined applicable by the Board:
1. Be easily recognizable and well known in the
community; and
2. Have significant levels of community sentiment or
public pride connected with the sign; and
3. Have an owner willing to maintain the sign in good,
operating and safe condition.
M
3. Rule on non -conforming signs
City of Georgetown
Sign Ordinance
4. Make rulings and determinations on Special Sign Permits as provided
for herein:
a. The applicant shall submit an application established by the
City for Board review.
b. The application shall provide the Board an alternative to the
strict enforcement of these regulations that takes into account
specifics of the site, aesthetics and overall compatibility with
neighboring uses.
H. Appeals
Within ninety (90) days of the receipt of a notice of non -conformity, the
owner of the affected sign has the right to:
1. Bring the sign into conformance;
2. Register the sign's continued use with the City.
3. Appeal the staffs determination that the sign is a non -conforming sign
subject to removal or reconstruction under the provisions of these sign
regulations to the Sign Review Board; or
4. File an appeal to the period prescribed for removal or reconstruction
to the Sign Board of Appeals. Under this option, the applicant must
provide the Board of Appeals with specific evidence of the cost and
age of the sign; income derived from the sign; and any other
information relevant to the Board's determination of an appropriate
removal period. The Sign Board of Appeals will be established and
shall make ruling based on the State provisions regarding their
creation.
I. Appeals from Board of Sign Appeals
Any person or persons aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Sign
Appeals may seek review by a Court of record of such decision, in the
manner provided by the laws of the state.
41 Adopted May., 2000