§ 22-206. Standards.
(a)
Computation of sign area. The area of a sign shall be computed as the area within the smallest square, rectangle, or portion thereof enclosing, or which would have enclosed, the outer limits of the sign face and sign frame or cabinet, base, text, material, texture or color forming an integral part of the sign or used to differentiate the sign face and frame from the structure upon which it is placed. The calculated area representing the standards/support poles supporting such sign and that open area associated with such supports shall be excluded from such calculation. In the case of monument signs, the area of the sign shall include the entire structure including the area of the sign, base, and any side supports or columns.
(b)
Content . Any sign, display or device allowed under these standards may contain any commercial or non-commercial message, except that such messages cannot be profane, depict obscenity as defined by O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80, nor can it depict sexual conduct or sexually explicit nudity as defined by O.C.G.A. § 36-60-3, nor advertise any illegal activity.
(c)
Embellishments . Sign embellishments, including, but not limited to protrusions or extensions are prohibited.
(d)
Number . For the purposes of determining the number of signs, ground signs shall be equal to the number of sign structures. All other non-ground signs 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 of elements, such elements shall be considered to be a single sign.
(e)
Illumination .
(1)
Residential land uses. Unless otherwise approved by the planning commission, as in the case of subdivision entrance signs, preexisting nonconforming commercial uses and approved conditional uses, no sign shall be illuminated within any single-family residential district.
(2)
For nonresidential land uses. No sign shall be illuminated if located within 100 feet of a residence unless otherwise approved. Such distance shall be measured from the outermost portion of the lighted portion of the sign to the nearest portion of the residential structure, excluding any overhangs or unheated additions which may include porches, stoops, patios, decks, and the like.
(3)
In the PUD and industrial districts all signs over six feet in height, if illuminated, may be internally or externally illuminated utilizing low wattage luminaries designed to reduce light glow.
(f)
Support and stabilization. No signage shall employ the use of guy wires or other external support bracing for stabilization. Whether placed permanently or temporarily, and unless otherwise approved by the planning commission, all ground signs shall be affixed to the ground. However, in the case of hanging signs an external brace/hanger shall be permitted but shall not employ the use of guy wires for stabilization.
(g)
Setbacks . Unless otherwise approved, all ground signs, or portions thereof, shall be setback at least five feet from any public right-of-way or property line. No permanently affixed ground sign shall interfere with any public utility or vehicular line of sight.
(h)
Corner visibility. No sign or sign structure above the height of three feet may be sited within 15 feet of the intersection of the right-of-way lines of opposing streets.
(i)
Fire safety. No sign or sign structure may be erected or maintained which obstructs any form of fire escape or fire lane.
(j)
Overhanging signs. Unless otherwise approved, no exterior free standing sign, or portion thereof, may project or extend over any residential, commercial, or industrial structure, driveway, or parking area.
(k)
Sign review: Design, construction, material, location and placement . The design, construction, material, location, and placement of all signs shall be reviewed and approved by the planning commission. Such review may include the assistance of the city's code enforcement personnel, and, if applicable, the historic preservation commission. Materials and design which are not commonly used in sign construction, are aesthetically inappropriate, are considered unprofessional, or may detract from the zoning district, property, or property value, are prohibited.
(l)
Placement . Unless otherwise approved, facade signs shall be centered within the facade sign band where available, or centered on the building facade. Facade signs shall not cover or interfere with any existing or proposed architectural features.
(m)
Sign height . The height of signs shall be governed by the standards specified within each zoning district as found in Table S1.
Elevation variance: The planning commission may grant an administrative variance regarding the height of a sign when installed immediately adjacent to, or within 100 feet of a right-of-way where the unaltered common grade at the sign base is greater than five feet below the common grade of the roadway as determined by the planning commission.
(n)
Uniformity of design. For all developments or projects under single ownership or development (i.e., PUD, shopping centers, mixed use, multi-family, multi-store front, etc.) or projects incorporating a thematic design, unless otherwise approved, all signs shall incorporate a uniformity or consistency of design.
( Ord. No. 544, 3-11-10 )