§ 85-663. Enhanced sign requirements.

A. 

Purpose and intent. The purpose and intent of this section is to: enhance the use of publicly visible displays/signs within the District; to enhance property values and the character of this arterial highway; and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public in use of these roadways. The regulations contained in this section are intended to provide fairness for all uses along the corridor, and permit signs to be clearly visible, while controlling sign clutter, improving the aesthetic appeal of signs, minimizing visual distractions to motorists, promoting convenience for passersby and ensuring a reasonable level of visibility for businesses along the corridor.

B. 

Standards.

(1) 

All signs shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 57A, Signs, § 57A-4, of the Town Code.

(2) 

Applicants for new or replacement signs in the District shall apply to the Planning Commissioner for conformance review prior to submittal for a building permit.

(3) 

Individual rate signs or price signs shall be prohibited. Motor vehicle fuel and service stations shall be allowed to integrate fuel and price information into one freestanding, detached business identification sign.

(4) 

Freestanding portable signs, on or off the premises, are prohibited.

(5) 

Temporary signs are prohibited; however, a special permit for the use of temporary signage for a limited time period may be obtained from the Building Department as per § 57A-9, provided that certain requirements are met and arrangements are provided for removal of the signs.

(6) 

Materials, colors and shapes of proposed or replacement signs shall be compatible throughout the District. Wood or wood-like signs with direct lighting shall be required throughout the District.

(7) 

No new freestanding signs shall be permitted within the District. All existing legally permitted and conforming freestanding signs shall be landscaped with a clustering of plant species.

(8) 

No blinking, flashing, or rotating signs shall be permitted. No wind toys or fluttering devices are permitted.

(9) 

Any sign located on property that is unoccupied for a period of 60 days or more shall be deemed abandoned. The owner of the sign or the owner of the property shall remove an abandoned sign. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the Town shall give the owner 30 days' written notice to remove the abandoned sign. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Town may initiate such action as may be necessary to gain compliance.