Subpart D. Off-Premise Sign Standards
The sign standards of this subpart identify districts in which outdoor advertising signs are permitted and provide requirements and standards therefore. The following standards shall be in effect to provide appropriate outdoor advertising signage (except for those signs which are exempt or prohibited by this Article), and compliance therewith is required for the erection of a new outdoor advertising sign.
Outdoor advertising signs are permitted only in commercial and industrial districts where they are located in the Utility Service Area (USA) as identified by the Comprehensive Plan. Outdoor advertising signs shall be classified based on size and include: Outdoor Advertising Signs Type A, B and C (see Table 7.1).
| Table 7.1 Outdoor Advertising Sign Requirements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Advertising Sign | Square Feet Permitted | Maximum Height (ft.)² | Minimum Setback (ft.)³ | Spacing (linear ft.) |
| Type A | 0 to 72 | 25 | 10 | 1,000 |
| Type B | >72-300 | 35 | 20 | 1,000 |
| Type C | >300-380 | 35 | 20 | 1,000 |
- Signs greater than 380 square feet are considered billboards and are not permitted in the County.
- Maximum height shall be measured from the existing road grade to the uppermost point on the sign structure.
- Minimum setback shall be measured horizontally form the adjacent edge of right-of-way to the nearest edge of the sign structure, provided that no part of the sign or sign structure shall encroach upon a public right-of-way. Where property abuts more than one (1) road, signs shall be set back an equivalent distance from each road no less than the minimum setback required.
Outdoor advertising signs shall be spaced so that such outdoor advertising sign (or its structure) is placed no closer to the next outdoor advertising sign (or its structure) or any existing adjacent residence than the minimum spacing distance required (see Table 7.1). Spacing shall apply to outdoor advertising signs located on either side of a road. The minimum distance between signs or between a sign and a residence shall be measured horizontally between the nearest points on either structure. If, because of terrain, vegetation or practical difficulties, a point-to-point accurate measurement cannot be obtained, the Zoning Administrator may extend any point of measurement to a logical corresponding location and measure from this point. Using the extended measuring method a variation of five (5) percent is acceptable for the purpose of this Article.
The minimum distance between a sign structure and a residence shall not be less than 1,000 feet, except:
- Where the adjacent residence is a nonconforming use;
- Where the sign was erected after the original effective date of this Article (May 21, 1986, as amended) and predates a residence, the sign shall not be nonconforming because of distance from the residence;
- Where the sign was erected prior to the effective date of this Article (May 21, 1986 as amended) and duly registered, the sign shall not be nonconforming because of distance from another sign or a residence; or
- Where the topography obscures the sign from sight by the residents of the dwelling.
The spacing requirement may be reduced by up to 25 percent where the topography obscures the sign from sight by the residents of the dwelling.
