Article 14 — Signs, Chapter 14-1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS

The city intends to adopt and implement regulations which are content-neutral. Any sign allowed in the Article may contain any lawful non-obscene message so long as the sign complies with the size, height, area and other requirements of this Article and of the ULDC

As used in this Article, the following words and terms shall have the meaning ascribed to them below:

A-frame sign. A sign that typically consists of two faces connected and hinged at the top, intended for view by pedestrians, and which can be moved by a person.

Accessory freestanding sign. An accessory freestanding sign is a permanent, ground-supported sign of limited height and size that provides supplemental identification for a business or property. Unlike a primary freestanding sign which might be larger and placed for high visibility along a road, an accessory freestanding sign is typically smaller and placed at points of entry or egress, or along internal driveways to direct traffic to different parts of the property. It is subordinate to the principal use of the site and its purpose is clearly incidental to that main use.

Advertising device. Any structure or device erected or intended for the purpose of displaying advertising situated upon or attached to real property or intended to attract attention by whatever means. For purposes of this Article, an advertising device is a “sign.”

Air-blown device. Any device not otherwise specifically defined in this Article, that is designed to inform or attract, whether or not such device carries a message, and which all or part of the device is set in motion by mechanically forced air. This definition specifically includes but is not limited to those devices referred to commercially as “air puppets” and “air dancers.” For purposes of this Article, air-blown devices are advertising devices.

Animated sign. A sign that emits or utilizes in any manner any sound capable of being detected on any traveled road or highway by a person with normal hearing; or any sign that emits smoke, vapor, particles, or odors.

Awning. A roof-like cover that projects from the wall of a building for the purpose of shielding a doorway, walkway, or window from the elements. Awnings are often made of fabric or flexible plastic supported by a rigid frame and may be retracted into the face of the building.

Awning, back-lit. An awning comprised of covering material exhibiting the characteristic of luminosity obtained by means of a source of illumination contained within its framework.

Awning sign. An awning that contains letters, numbers, symbols, pictures, logos, or visual display, or other communication, attached, painted on, or made an integral part of an awning. Awning signs are “wall signs” for the purposes of this Article.

Banner. A sign with or without characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentation applied to cloth, paper, plastic, or natural or synthetic fabric of any kind with only such material for a backing, whether installed on a building or structure or attached to poles or other supports and freestanding. For purposes of this Article, a banner is a “sign.”

It is characteristic of a banner that, even though tied to a support, there is some movement in the wind (i.e., a wind-blown device).

Billboard. A freestanding sign that exceeds the maximum allowable area or height, or both, for principal use freestanding signs authorized in this Article, and which is authorized subject to specific limitations. A billboard is typically, though not required to be, erected by the outdoor advertising industry; and a billboard is typically regulated by and requires a permit for outdoor advertising from the Georgia Department of Transportation. The provisions authorizing a billboard are in addition to other sign allowances of this Article, A billboard existing on the effective date of this Article may or may not comply with the provisions of this Article, and to the extent any such existing billboard does not conform to all requirements of this Article it is considered a nonconforming sign.

Building frontage. The width in linear feet of the front exterior wall of a particular building in which an establishment is located, usually facing a street. Leased building frontage is that portion of the total building frontage containing space owned, leased, or rented to an individual establishment.

Canopy sign. A sign attached, painted on, or made an integral part of a canopy, whether that canopy is attached to a building or structure or freestanding. Canopy signs, whether attached, painted on, or made an integral part of an attached canopy (including suspension underneath an attached canopy), are wall signs for the purposes of this Article.

Changeable copy sign, electronic.

A sign on which the sign copy (words, numbers, images, etc.)

changes or can be changed by electronic means. This definition includes any sign which results in the illuminated display of messages or information by the use of a matrix of electric lamps, for example, digital, LED (light emitting diode) or similar or refined display technology, or other electric methods, which allows the message change to be actuated by an electronic control mechanism. It is characteristic of such signs that the sequence of messages and the rate of change can be electronically programmed and modified by electronic processes. Electronic changeable copy signs are also “internally illuminated” signs.

Changeable copy sign, manual. A sign on which the sign copy (words, numbers, images, etc.)

changes or can be changed manually on the sign itself, such as by replacement of letters, or in the case of a chalkboard which can be erased and the message rewritten.

Changeable copy sign, mechanical. A sign on which the sign copy (words, numbers, images, etc.) changes or can be changed by movement or rotation of panels or slats.

Derelict sign. A sign that is dilapidated, is in such condition as to create a hazard or nuisance, is unsafe, or fails to comply with the International Building Code and/or the National Electrical Code adopted by the city in Code Section 9-16-1, or any other code relating to safety.

Discontinued sign. A freestanding or building sign that has not been used by a business, establishment, or person, for 6 months or more. A sign may be deemed discontinued by the Community and Economic Development Director when there is clear evidence that a business or activity has vacated the building or grounds for 6 months or more. A sign permitted by an establishment that still exists on a site where said establishment has not operated for 6 months or more, as evidenced by a lack of current (annual) business license, shall be considered prima facia evidence of a discontinued sign.

Directory sign for multi-tenant development. A sign, distinguished from a project entrance sign, which is allowed on a premise with more than one building or more than one tenant or occupant of a building, It may be freestanding or a building (wall) sign. Such signs are not visible from the public street right-of-way which provides initial access to the property, but rather are located within the development, along a driveway, access way, or parking aisle. This type of sign is not regulated by this Article.

Fall zone. An area equal to 100% of the height of the billboard in every direction from the billboard.

Feather banner. A vertical portable sign, made of lightweight material that is prone to move in the wind, and that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into the ground for support or supported by means of an individual stand. This definition includes such signs of any shape including flutter, bow, teardrop, rectangular, shark, feather, and U-shaped.

Flag. A device made of cloth, plastic, or natural or synthetic fabric, with or without characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentation applied to such surface, and which is designed to move in the wind. For purposes of this Article, except as specifically authorized, a “flag” is a “sign.” It is defined separately from wind-blown device.

Flying sign. A blimp, hot air balloon, or any other device designed to be or capable of being kept aloft, motionless or in motion, at a height of 35 feet or more from the ground by mechanical, wind, chemical, or hot air means, and not secured or attached to the ground or building.

Freestanding sign. A sign or advertising device which is wholly independent of a building or structure for support, usually anchored in the ground. Includes monument signs, pole signs, menu boards, and wayfinding signs. A freestanding sign may contain more than one sign face, and it is typically double-faced.

Hand-held sign. A sign affixed to, carried by, or physically or electronically controlled by a person. A kite used for advertising devices is a hand-held sign.

Holiday decoration. Signs or displays including lighting which are a non-permanent installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons (also known as seasonal decorations).

Incidental sign. A sign, emblem, decal, or other message, designed and sized to be read only from close range (i.e., 5 feet or less), attached to or integrated into a device or structure more than 25 feet from the right-of-way of a road, and not readily legible from any public rights-of-way. Examples include business hours, directional and open/closed signs.

Inflatable sign. Any sign, apparatus, or balloon that is or can be filled with air or gas. This includes any three-dimensional ambient air-filled apparatus in the shape of a container, figure, or product. For purposes of this Article, inflatable signs and balloons are considered signs.

Interior sign. Any sign erected within a building, including product displays, more than two feet inside an exterior window within a business or establishment and which is not intended to be seen from outside the business or establishment in which the sign is located.

Monument sign. A freestanding sign in which the entire bottom of the sign face is in contact with a solid and continuous structure which is attached to the ground and made of brick, stone, or other material architecturally compatible with the principal building on the lot to which it pertains.

(dimensions shown are illustrative only).

Typically, a monument sign has a base at least 18 inches in height. Includes hanging monument signs, where a column is provided with a perpendicular projecting sign.

Mural. A picture or image (including but not limited to painted art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/ or symbols.

Multi-faced sign. A sign structure that contains two or more sign face surfaces that are located on different sides of the structure and are separated from each other at their nearest point by no more than three feet.

Multi-tenant development. A single office, commercial or industrial property that is designed or intended for occupancy by two or more businesses, or a multi-family residential development.

Nonconforming sign. A sign that was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this Unified Land Development Code, and which by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this Unified Land Development Code.

Official sign. Any sign placed by a governmental body, governmental agency, or public authority for a public purpose, erected and controlled by such governmental body or on its behalf, whether or not located within a public right-of-way; and signs erected by private individuals per federal, state, or local law requirements.

Pennant. A small, triangular or rectangular flag or multiples thereof, made of lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, individually supported or attached to each other by means of a string, rope, or other material and meant to be stretched across or fastened to buildings, or between poles and/or structures, and which is designed to move in the wind.

For purposes of this Article, pennants are signs and windblown devices. This term does not include a “banner” or a “flag” as defined and regulated by this Article.

Pole or pylon sign. A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or poles, columns, or similar support such that the bottom of the sign structure is not in contact with the ground along the entire portion of the sign face and there is open area underneath the sign face above the ground. A pole or pylon sign is distinguishable from a monument sign.

Portable sign. Any sign whether on its own trailer, wheels, or otherwise, which is designed to be transported from one place to another. It is characteristic of a portable sign that the space provided for advertising messages may be changed at will by the replacement of lettering or symbols (i.e., a changeable copy sign). Even if the wheels or supports of such sign are removed and the sign converted and attached, temporarily or permanently, to the ground or other structure, said sign shall remain a portable sign for purposes of this Article. An “A-frame” sign, defined separately, shall not be considered a portable sign for purposes of this Article.

Source: United States Sign Council. 2011.

Model Code for Regulation of On-Premise Signs.

Principal use ground sign. A notice or advertisement secured to the ground, which is permitted by this Article in conjunction with a principal use or principal building located on the property.

For purposes of this Article, principal use ground signs are considered permanent signs.

Project entrance sign. A sign located at a discernible entrance into a particular subdivision, multi-family residential development, or office or industrial park. For purposes of this Article, project entrance signs are considered permanent signs.

Projecting sign. A sign affixed to a wall extending more than 18 inches from the surface of such wall, usually perpendicular to the wall surface. Includes blade signs.

Revolving sign. A sign that has the capability to revolve about an axis.

Roof sign. A sign projecting to a greater height than the front building wall, or any sign supported by or attached to a roof, including a sign painted on or adhered to a roof. A sign placed on the fascia portion of a mansard roof is not a roof sign.

Scoreboard. A sign contained within an athletic venue and which is directed so as to be visible to the attendees of an athletic event.

Sign. Any structure, display, or device that is used to advertise, identify, direct, or attract attention to a business, institution, organization, person, idea, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design characteristics, symbols, logos, fixtures, colors, movement, or illumination. The term “sign” shall specifically include but not be limited to “banners,” “balloons,” “flags,” “pennants,” “streamers,” and “windblown devices”.

Furthermore, the term “sign” includes the sign structure, supports, lighting system, and any attachments, ornaments, or other features used to draw the attention of the observers.

Sign face. That portion of the surface of a sign structure (area) where words, letters, figures, symbols, logos, fixtures, colors, or other design elements are or may be located in order to convey the message, idea, or intent for which the sign has been erected or placed. The sign face may be composed of two or more modules on the same surface that are separated or surrounded by portions of a sign structure not intended to contain any advertising message or idea and are purely structural or decorative in nature.

Sign structure. All elements of a freestanding sign, including the sign face, background or decorative elements related to the presentation of the sign’s message, and the structural supports or sign base.

Sign height. The distance in vertical feet from the average grade at the base of the sign, or from the elevation of the adjacent public street to the highest point of any portion of the sign.

Any earthen berms and elevated foundations supporting signs, signposts or other sign supports shall be included in the height of the sign.

Sign in need of maintenance. Any sign that includes any of the following or similar conditions as identified by the city: lettering or other elements of the sign have become detached or have fallen off the sign or become misaligned; painted surfaces on the sign or sign structure have begun to peel, flake over a significant portion of the sign, or have faded or oxidized to an extent that the sign no longer displays the message as originally intended; a significant number of the bricks, stones, or other materials on the structural base of a sign have become detached or have fallen off, or have become misaligned; or one or more illumination devices are not working and have not been replaced.

Streamer. A long, narrow strip of fabric or other material. A streamer is a “wind-blown device.”

Suspended sign. A sign attached to the underside of a canopy, awning or the cover of a walkway or beneath a support extending from a building. This term does not include any freestanding signs.

Temporary freestanding sign. A sign of a nonpermanent nature and erected for a limited duration. This term includes signs constructed from cardboard, coated paperboard, or corrugated plastic and which are either attached to a wooden post or stake in the ground, or set with a wire metal frame in the ground.

Traffic control sign. A sign erected by or under the regulation of the City or State, on private or public property, and which meets the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the Federal Highway Administration.

Uniform sign plan. Coordinated drawings and specifications that establish a unified design concept with regard to the location, materials, size, letter style, and color of all signs to be placed on a property or development.

Vehicular sign. Any sign placed, mounted, painted on or affixed to a motor vehicle, freight, flatbed or storage trailer or other conveyance when same are placed or parked in such a manner that can be viewed from the public right(s)-of-way; provided, however, that this definition shall not apply when (1) Such conveyances are actively being used to transport persons, goods or services in the normal course of business; or (2) such conveyances are actively being used for storage of construction materials for, and on the same parcel where a construction project for which building is underway and required permits have been issued.

Signs on vehicles are permitted so long as the vehicle is currently being utilized for a properly licensed business and, whenever parked and not utilized for said business, is parked at a Source: United States Sign Council. 2011.

Model Code for Regulation of On-Premise Signs.

designated service/loading and unloading area or at the furthest-available parking space from the right-of-way. Alternatively, such a vehicle may be parked behind the business to which it relates if to do so minimizes the view of the portable sign by the public. Even if the wheels or supports of such sign are removed and the sign converted and attached, temporarily or permanently, to the ground or other structure, said sign shall remain a vehicular sign for purposes of this Article.

Wall sign. A single-sided sign with one visible face applied to or mounted to the wall or surface of a building or structure, in a parallel fashion, and which does not project more than 18 inches from the outside wall of such building or structure. Includes marquee signs and signs attached to a mansard roof.

Wind-blown device. Any device, that is designed to inform or attract, whether or not such device carries a message, and which all or part of the device is set in motion by wind. Such devices include banners (except as may be specifically authorized), pennants, streamers, ribbons, or long narrow strips of fabric, plastic, or other pliable material designed to move in the wind. A “flag” is defined separately and is not considered a “windblown device” for purposes of this Article. See also “air-blown device,” which is defined separately.

Window sign. A sign that is placed on a windowpane or a glass door and intended to be visible from the exterior of the building. Does not include displays interior to a building which show products or depict services sold on the premises.

All signs shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.

Compliance with the terms of this Article shall not relieve any individual, corporation, or other entity of any other duty imposed by law. Where state sign law and/or regulations apply, and there is conflict or overlap with this ordinance, the more restrictive requirements shall govern.