ARTICLE XV
Sign Regulations
§ 165-105. Purpose; intent.
B.
The sign regulations are intended to:
(6) Ensure that all temporary signs erected for directional purposes, for public
information or to call attention to special events are confined to those that are of
general public interest, that such signs shall be limited to the giving of information,
and that such signs shall not hinder vehicular or pedestrian traffic movement.
§ 165-106. Standards by zoning district.
A.
Residential zoning districts.
(1)
R-1 (Low-Density Residential)….
(b)
Wall-mounted and projecting signs….. No projecting sign shall be erected at a
height exceeding 10 15 feet, as measured vertically from the ground to the top
of the sign or supporting structure. No window or part of a window shall be
covered by the sign or its supporting structure. No projecting sign or supporting
structure shall extend above the eave of the roof. roofline
(4)
R-O (Residential-Office District)…. The maximum sign area allotment shall not
exceed 42 32 square feet…. Signs may only be externally lit. Signs may only be
internally lit if an opaque sign face is used with cutout translucent lettering.
(5)
Temporary signs
(a) Signs not exceeding six square feet may be placed twice in a calendar year for
no more than a total of 90 days. No more than two signs may be placed per lot
with a setback of 10 feet.
(6)
B.
Marquee signs. Since the purpose of the marquee is advertising, it shall be
considered a sign. The maximum area is limited to 24 square feet with a height
limit of six feet and a setback of 10 feet from right-of-way. No letters or symbols
other than those for which it was specifically designed to hold shall be permitted
to be attached to a marquee.
Business districts.
(1)
B-1 (Limited Business District)…. The maximum sign area allotment shall not
exceed 50 40 square feet…. Signs may only be internally lit if an opaque sign face is
used with cutout translucent lettering. Projecting or wall mounted signs shall
adhere to regulations in the R0 District. The maximum allowable area for a
freestanding sign may not exceed 32 24 square feet. Such signs shall be limited to
eight feet in height. Only one freestanding sign is permitted per lot with a
setback of 10 feet from right-of-way.
(2)
B-2 (Central Business District) and B-2A….
(a)
Advertising area. The total area of all signs erected on a lot and building shall
be determined by the building frontage. A total advertising area of 16 square
feet plus 1 ½ square feet for each lineal foot of primary building frontage shall
be allowed….
(b)
Types of signs.
[3]
Freestanding sign.
[a]
A freestanding sign is permitted if the property has at least 40 feet of
lot frontage or more. The sign shall not exceed 52 40 square feet….
[c]
Freestanding signs in Shopping centers shall be limited to the
following quantity, area and height. consisting of less than
400,000 square feet shall be permitted a maximum of two
freestanding signs, with n No more than one freestanding sign may
be placed on any major road on which the shopping center fronts.
Shopping center freestanding signs shall be calculated separately
from the advertising area permitted for buildings. not exceed 120
square feet.
Gross Floor Area of
Shopping Center
Total Number of
Freestanding Signs
Advertising
Area per sign
Sign Height
Less than 100,000 sq. ft.
1
120 sq. ft.
15 feet
100,000 to 400,000 sq. ft.
2
200 sq. ft.
20 feet
Greater than 400,000 sq. ft.
3
250 sq. ft.
25 feet
[d]
Shopping centers shall be permitted one marquee sign for a
theater establishment in addition to the freestanding sign(s)
permitted for the center. Theater marquee signs shall not exceed 100
square feet.
[d][e]Temporary freestanding signs and banners
[i] Signs with a maximum advertising area of 12 square feet
advertising available employment positions and/or "coming soon"
may be displayed as needed. Going out of business or grand opening
information may be displayed four times in a calendar year for a
total duration periods not to exceed 60 consecutive days and not
exceeding 90 days in any one year.
[ii] Signs with a maximum advertising area of 36 sq. ft. may be
placed twice in a calendar year for no more than a total of 30
days. Freestanding signs shall be set back not less than 10 feet from
the property line and shall have a maximum sign area of 32 square
feet and a maximum height of six feet. Banners may not exceed the
lineal footage of the primary building frontage. A permit is
required from the Zoning Administrator or designee.
[e][f]Temporary sandwich board signs shall be permitted displayed only
during the business hours a business is open. Signs may not exceed
nine seven square feet and may be no more than four 3.5 feet in
height. Signs must be in good repair and shall not create a hazard to
the public. Signs shall be located so as not to inhibit the normal flow
of pedestrian or vehicular traffic and in front of the specific business
that is being advertised. Only one sign is permitted per business.
Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way or on sidewalks
that are less than five feet wide. Signs shall be constructed of safe,
durable materials and be securely erected so as not to create a hazard
to the public.
[4]
Marquee signs. Since the purpose of the marquee is advertising, it shall be
considered a sign. The maximum area is limited to 24 square feet with
a height limit of six feet and a setback half of the required front yard
setback. and No letters or symbols other than those for which it was
specifically designed to hold shall be permitted to be attached to a
marquee.
[7] Banners. One banner made of fabric or fabric-like material may be
attached to placed on a building no more than four times for a total of
60 days in a calendar year. or freestanding to advertise special events,
including but not limited to grand openings or special sales promotions.
The banner size shall not exceed the lineal footage of the primary building
frontage. Existing signage shall not be a factor in determining banner size
allowed. Banners shall not be displayed for more than 56 days per
calendar year. In the case of multitenant buildings, no more than two
banners shall be displayed on the building or freestanding at any one time.
A banner may be displayed for no longer than 14 consecutive calendar
days.
[10] Hot- and cold-air balloons. Hot- and cold-air balloons may only be
permitted in the case of a grand opening or other special event. T with the
height of any tethered balloon shall be restricted to 30 feet. No more than
one balloon shall be permitted per tenant per calendar year, and limited
to a period not to exceed 15 14 consecutive days.
(3)
B-3 (General Business District), B-3A (General Business Gateway District) and M-1
(Industrial District).
(a)
Advertising area. A total advertising area of 20 square feet plus 2 ½ square feet
for each lineal foot of primary building frontage shall be allowed…..
(b)
Types of signs. Same as in the B-2 District.
[3] Freestanding sign.
[a]
A freestanding sign is permitted if the property has at least 40 feet of
lot frontage or more. This sign shall not exceed 60 square feet….
[c]
Shopping centers consisting of less than 400,000 square feet shall be
permitted a maximum of two freestanding signs, with no more than
one on any major road on which the shopping center fronts.
Shopping center freestanding signs shall not exceed 120 square feet.
Freestanding signs in shopping centers shall adhere to Section
165-106(2) B2 and B-2A District.
[d][e]Shopping centers shall be permitted one marquee sign for a theater
establishment, in addition to the freestanding sign(s) permitted for
the center with approval from the Zoning Administrator. Theater
m Marquee signs shall not exceed 150 square feet.
[e][f]Temporary freestanding signs, banners and sandwich board
signs shall adhere to Section 165-106(2) B-2 and B-2A Districts.
Temporary freestanding signs and banners advertising available
employment positions and/or coming soon or grand opening
information may be displayed for periods not to exceed 60
consecutive days and not exceeding 90 days in any one year.
Freestanding signs shall be set back not less than 10 feet from the
property line and shall have a maximum sign area of 32 square feet
and a maximum height of six feet. Banners may not exceed the lineal
footage of the primary building frontage.
[g]
Temporary sandwich board signs shall be permitted during daylight
hours. Signs may not exceed nine square feet and may be no more
than four feet in height. Signs must be in good repair and shall not
create a hazard to the public. Signs shall be located so as not to
inhibit the normal flow of pedestrian traffic and in front of the
specific business that is being advertised. Only one sign is permitted
per business. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way or
on sidewalks that are less than five feet wide.
[4]
Marquee signs shall adhere to Section 165-106(2) B-2 and B-2A
Districts. Marquee signs. Since the purpose of the marquee is advertising,
it shall be considered a sign, and no signs other than those for which it was
specifically designed shall be permitted to be attached to a marquee.
[5]
Roof signs, awnings/canopy signs shall adhere to Section 165-106(2)
B2 and B2A Districts Roof signs. No roof-mounted sign or supporting
structure shall extend above the parapet wall or roofline of the building to
which it is attached.
[6]
Awning/canopy signs. Such signs are limited to identification or an
enterprise sign consisting of no more than four copy lines. In no instance
shall wording or logos extend either above or below the canopy.
[7][6]Banners and hot/cold air balloons shall adhere to Section 165-106(2)
B2 and B2A Districts Banners. One banner made of fabric or fabric-like
material may be placed on a building to advertise special events, including
but not limited to grand openings or special sales promotions. The banner
size shall not exceed the lineal footage of the primary building frontage.
Existing signage shall not be a factor in determining banner size allowed.
Banners shall not be displayed for more than 56 days per calendar year. In
the case of multitenant buildings, no more than two banners shall be
displayed on the building at any one time. A banner may be displayed for
no longer than 14 consecutive calendar days.
[8]
Lettered or mounted sign area may be included on entrance gates or walls.
[9][7]Gasoline pricing signs shall adhere to Section 165-106(2) B2 and B2A
Districts Gasoline pricing signs. Each retail service station dealer shall be
permitted one permanent gasoline pricing sign on the premises. The
gasoline pricing sign shall not be included in determining sign size
allocation and shall be permitted in addition to the one freestanding sign
per lot permitted in the district. Such signs shall be permanently installed
so as to be readable by the passing motorist. In no case, however, shall
such signs encroach over any public rights-of-way. Signs which are
attached or affixed to the gasoline pricing sign are prohibited. LED signs
for gas pricing which are operated by remote control are permitted. LED
signs must be stationary and only used for gasoline prices; no other
advertisement is permitted.
[10] Hot- and cold-air balloons. Hot- and cold-air balloons may only be
permitted in the case of a grand opening or other special event. The height
of any tethered balloon shall be restricted to 30 feet. No more than one
balloon shall be permitted per event and no more than two (2) permits will
be issued for a single-tenant parcel per year and no more than four (4)
permits will be issued for multi-tenant parcels per year. Display is limited
to a period not to exceed 14 consecutive days.
[11][8]Directory signage. One freestanding directory sign shall be permitted for
each industrial park or office....
§ 165-107. Signs permitted in all zoning districts.
A.
Real estate signs. Temporary Identification and Directional Signs
(1)
Temporary signs for undeveloped parcels offering the sale, rental, or lease of the
property shall be set back at least 10 feet from the road right-of-way and shall not
exceed 10 feet in height above the road grade. One sign shall be permitted for each
road frontage of at least 40 feet.
(a)
(b)
(2)
The maximum sign area shall not exceed:
[1]
Thirty-two square feet for property with less than 250 feet of road
frontage.
[2]
Forty-eight square feet for property with more than 250 feet, but less than
500 feet, of road frontage.
[3]
Sixty-four square feet for property with 500 feet or more of road frontage.
Such signs shall be removed no later than seven days after the execution of a
contract of sale or lease of the property.
Commercial leasing signs in commercial and industrial districts shall be no more than
16 square feet in size, set back 10 feet, and not to exceed 10 feet in height. Residential
real estate signs shall not exceed four square feet in size.
(3)(1)One temporary residential subdivision identification sign not exceeding 32 square
feet in area and located on the property shall be permitted for no more than six
months without approval by the Zoning Administrator. allowed for each
development of 10 dwelling units or more.
(4)
B.
C.
A temporary subdivision directional sign may be erected on private property at an
intersection strategic to or on an approach route to a destination. subdivision or
development of 10 or more dwelling units. Signs shall not be located within a rightof-way area. A maximum of two such signs No more than one sign shall be
permitted with a duration of no more than six months without approval of the
Zoning Administrator. for any one subdivision. Each sign shall be no more than
three feet long and one foot high and shall not exceed four feet in overall height
above grade. No illumination shall be permitted. The content of such signs shall be
restricted to the name of the subdivision, the name of the developer and/or agent, an
identification emblem and a directional arrow. Such signs shall be removed not later
than six months after completion of construction of the subdivision or development to
which they are accessory.
Banners.
(1)
Street banners. Temporary street banners advertising a nonprofit event, may be
erected in compliance with standards established by the Town, may be displayed in
approved locations for 14 days prior to and three working days after the event.
Application shall be made in accordance with the Town banner policy as shown in the
Town of Bel Air Administrative Policy Manual, Policy I.F.6, which requires a banner
permit.
(2)
Decorative banners. Temporary decorative banners may be erected on street lights
in the public right-of-way with the approval of the Director of Public Works with
prior written approval of the utility company and SHA, if applicable, on utility poles
or other appropriate structures to enhance the appearance of commercial districts,
celebrate holidays and special events or help to define the image of a special district,
development, center, etc.
(3)
Public Promotional banners. Temporary banners for community events, Town
promotions or events of general civic interest may be located on public buildings or
on other Town-approved locations for no more than 15 14 consecutive days, nor more
than 60 56 days per calendar year per building. Application shall be made in
accordance with the Town banner policy as shown in the Town of Bel Air
Administrative Policy Manual, Policy I.F.6, which requires a banner permit. Banners
shall not exceed 18 square feet and must allow a minimum vertical clearance of 12
feet near along any roadway. No advertisement shall be included on the face of the
banner.
Permanent identification signs. One signs of a permanent nature setting forth the name of a
destination or community place of worship, service club, civic organization,
development, center or other similar use shall be permitted. Such signs shall not exceed 24
square feet in area and shall not exceed six feet in overall height. Signs shall be set back a
minimum of 10 feet in residential districts and 1/2 of the required front building setback in
business/industrial districts.
§ 165-109. Exemptions.
The following types of signs are exempted from all the provisions of this Part 3, except for
construction and safety regulations and the following standards. Submission of a sign permit is
not required.
B.
Special event signs. No more than two temporary signs may be permitted announcing any
public, charitable, educational or religious event or function. The signs announcing the
event or function shall be located entirely within the premises on which the event or
function will be held and set back no less than 10 feet from the property line and up to a
sign area of 32 square feet. Such signs shall be allowed no more than 30 days prior to the
event or function and must be removed within seven days after the event or function. Such
signs shall not be illuminated. If building-mounted, these signs shall be flat wall signs and
shall not project above the roofline. If ground-mounted, the top shall be no more than six
feet above ground level.
C. B Integral signs. Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations,
commemorative tablets and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or
made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent type of construction and made an integral
part of the structure.
D.
Real estate signs. Temporary real estate signs in the commercial and industrial districts (B1, B-2, B-3 and M-1) not exceeding 16 square feet in area (four feet by four feet in size)
and temporary real estate signs in the residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-O) not
exceeding four square feet in area (two feet by two feet in size) and located on the subject
property a minimum distance of 10 feet from a right-of-way line and limited to one such
sign for each home, lot, parcel, or tract under two acres in area. Such signs shall be
removed no later than seven days after the execution of a contract of sale or lease of the
property.
E.
Political campaign/issue signs. Signs announcing candidates seeking public political office,
issues of political concern, and other data pertinent thereto shall be permitted up to a total
area of six square feet for each premise in a residential zone and 24 square feet in a
business or industrial zone. These signs shall be confined within private property and shall
not be less than five feet from the nearest edge of the pavement and 25 feet from the
nearest curb intersection of any street or road. Signs advertising candidates for public office
shall be removed within seven days after the election.
F. C Homeowner's identification signs. Signs identifying the name, address, and occupation of
residents shall not exceed one square foot. Such signs shall be allowed on mailboxes, but
shall otherwise be set back at least six feet from the nearest property line and shall not be
over five feet above the ground.
G. D Window signs. Temporary signs shall be allowed permitted in a window or interior in a
display of merchandise. There shall be no limit to the number of such signs; provided,
however, that The total area of all window signs shall not exceed 20% of all the window
glass area. An additional 10% of window area may be used on a temporary basis to
advertise nonprofit activities.
H. E Construction signs. Three One temporary signs shall be allowed permitted for all
building contractors, one for all professional firms and one for all lending institutions on
sites under construction, each sign not to exceed 32 square feet overall, with not more than
a total of three such signs permitted on one site. The sign shall be confined to the site of
construction, placed along road frontage, and shall be removed prior to issuance of a use
and occupancy certificate.
I.
A temporary realtor or builder's directional sign may be erected on private property at an
intersection strategic to or on an approach route to a dwelling or development indicating an
open house or a unit(s) for sale. Such signage may be permitted between 6:00 p.m. Friday
and 6:00 p.m. Sunday. No illumination will be permitted. The content of such signs shall
be restricted to the name of the subdivision, the name of the developer and/or agent, if
applicable, an identification emblem, and a directional arrow.
J.
Model home signs. A temporary sign identifying a unit as a model home may be located on
the site of the model home(s) within a subdivision of 12 or more units. The model home
sign may not exceed six square feet in size and shall be located on the subject property a
minimum distance of 10 feet from the right-of-way line(s). Such sign(s) shall be removed
no later than seven days after the execution of a contract of sale or lease of the property. No
more than three model home signs shall be permitted per subdivision; the signage shall be
limited to one per model home lot. Subdivisions with two or fewer remaining lots for sale
shall be required to remove model home signage from the site.
K.
Murals. This includes signs which are painted on any wall. Any wording, logo or insignia
included in the mural shall be calculated against the total sign allocation allotted to the
structure and shall satisfy all pertinent zoning district requirements.
§ 165-110. Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts and shall be removed immediately in
accordance with this Part 3:
F.
Signs which contain or consist of pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, strings of light
bulbs, rotating signs, searchlights, LED light signs and electronic reader boards (except for
gasoline signs) or other similar or moving devices including commercial signs held by
pedestrians. except in the case of such signs posted to celebrate national or religious
holidays. These devices, when not part of any sign, are similarly prohibited.
G.
Signs which are placed on municipal, county, or state property or rights-of-way, except as
provided in § 165-109 of this Part 3.
§ 165-114. Nonconforming signs; variances; administration; violations and penalties.
A.
All signs or other advertising structures lawfully in existence upon the effective date of this
Part 3, or any applicable amendment thereto, which, by reason of their size, height, area,
location, design or construction, do not conform to the requirements of this Part 3 shall
constitute nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the
effective date of this Part 3, or any applicable amendment thereto, may be continued if
properly repaired and maintained as provided in this Part 3, until such time as the use is
discontinued. or the year 2017, whichever is less. A change in the information on the face
of an existing nonconforming sign is allowed. However, any nonconforming sign shall
either be eliminated or made to conform with the requirements of this Part 3 when any
proposed change, repair or maintenance would constitute a physical change to the sign box
or modification to the support structure. If a change to the height, location or advertising
area reduces the non-conformity by 50% then a one-time modification to the box or structure
may be permitted.