Douglasville, Georgia, Code of Ordinances
PART II – CODE, APPPENDIX A – ZONING
ARTICLE III.-RESTRICTIONS OF PARTICULAR USES
DIVISION 4. - SIGN REGULATIONS
Section 3.71. - Purpose of division 4.
Section 3.72. - General regulations.
Section 3.73. - Regulation of signs by land use.
Section 3.74. - Uniform sign plan.
Section 3.75. - Sign permits.
Section 3.76. - Nonconforming signs.
Section 3.71. - Purpose of division 4.
3.71.01. Purpose. This division sets out the requirements and restrictions that apply to all signs that
may be located on properties in the city.
3.71.02. Objectives of sign regulations.
a.
The purpose of the sign ordinance of the city is to recognize that although signs and advertising
are proper and necessary uses of private property, are a means of personal free expression,
and constitute a legitimate business entitled to the protection of the law, such signs and
advertising should be reasonably regulated in the interest of public safety and welfare, and
aesthetic concerns by the establishment of standards for the location, size, district, illumination,
number, construction and maintenance of all signs and advertising structures in the city.
b.
In order to protect the public safety, to assure compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses,
to enhance the business and economy of the city, to protect the public investment in the streets
and highways, to maintain the tranquil environment of residential areas, to promote industry and
commerce, to provide an aesthetically appealing environment, and to provide for the orderly and
reasonable display of advertising for the benefit of all its citizens, the city council hereby
determines that the public health, safety and welfare, and to eliminate visual clutter and blight,
require the adoption of this division.
(Ord. No. O-00-106, § 2, 12-4-00)
Section 3.72. - General regulations.
3.72.01. Applicability.
a.
The requirements of this division shall apply to all properties, regardless of zoning district.
b.
The requirements of this division shall apply to all signs that are visible from a street, public
right-of-way or property in public ownership.
3.72.02. Sites near state, U.S. or interstate highways. All signs located on sites within 660 feet of or
visible from any state, U.S. or interstate numbered highway shall conform to the state outdoor advertising
law (O.C.G.A. section 32-6-70 et seq.) and shall meet all federal and state requirements necessary to
obtain a permit under such code. In instances where the sign controls of this division are more restrictive,
the terms of this division shall apply.
3.72.03. Prohibited signs. The following types of signs shall be prohibited:
a.
Signs imitating warning signals; signs displaying lights resembling the flashing lights customarily
used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance or rescue vehicles; signs using words,
slogans, dimensional shape or size, or colors of governmental traffic signs.
b.
Signs with electric or other lights flashing in series, lines or rows; signs lit with liquid crystal
display (LCD) or otherwise animated; signs lit with neon, except in the historic district.
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c.
Flashing, blinking, or fluctuating signs located within 25 feet of any road right-of-way; signs with
blue, red or yellow lights.
d.
Signs attached to trees or utility poles or boxes; signs painted on or otherwise attached to rocks
or other natural objects; signs, other than those placed by a local, state or federal government,
located within the public street right-of-way or within 12 feet of the curb or closest edge of the
pavement of any public street.
e.
Signs emitting or utilizing in any manner any sound capable of being detected on a public road
by a person of normal hearing.
f.
Signs which obstruct any fire escape, any means of egress or ventilation, or prevent free
passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof; signs attached in any manner to any
fire escape.
g.
Signs placed in or obstructing the view of marshland.
h.
Banners attached to anything other than a structure.
3.72.04. Temporary signs.
a.
Generally. Temporary signs are: flags in quantities of more than two, pennants, banners
attached to structures, fringe, twirling, A-frame, sandwich-type, sidewalk or curb-type signs,
balloons, streamers, portable display signs, air- or gas-filled figures, and other similar temporary
signs. The zoning official shall issue permits for temporary signs in accordance with the
following:
(1) Setback. All temporary signs shall be set back no less than 12 feet from any street right-ofway line, property line, street pavement, curb or gutter.
(2) Maximum number of days, permits. Each temporary permit will be valid for a period not to
exceed 30 consecutive days. No 30-day permit may be issued within 60 days after the
expiration of any other 30-day permit. No individual business in a planned commercial
center shall be allowed to erect a portable sign or be issued such a permit.
(3) One temporary permit for a combination of the listed types of temporary sign may be
issued if all the temporary signs are for a concurrent time period. The permit holder shall
be responsible for the prompt and complete removal of such signs upon the expiration of
any temporary permit.
(4) All temporary signs shall have the date it is first displayed written in the lower right-hand
corner, if such sign fails to have the first display date written in the lower right-hand corner
then it will be presumed that the sign has been displayed for the maximum 30-day period.
b.
Portable display signs. An applicant for a temporary permit to erect a portable display sign shall,
in addition to any fee required, file a bond issued by a licensed surety company in the state or a
cash bond, in the amount of $500.00 to assure the prompt and complete removal of such signs
by the permit holder within 48 hours of the expiration of such temporary permit.
3.72.05. Permanent subdivision signs.
a.
Location, visibility. All permanent subdivision signs shall be no less than 12 feet from any street
right-of-way line, and not more than 30 feet from the intersection of two streets. All signs shall
be located on the side of the entrance to a subdivision, and no sign shall be placed inside any
island between lanes of traffic within the right of way. No sign shall contain any reflective
element. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this ordinance, no sign shall be located so as
to obscure street visibility within 60 feet in any direction from the subdivision entrance for
motorists exiting the subdivision.
b.
Plans. Prints or drawings of the plans and specifications and structural details of construction
shall be submitted to the building official and the zoning official for approval, prior to final plat
approval, for any permanent subdivision sign. Plans conforming to the size and locations
requirements of this ordinance shall be approved.
c.
Maintenance. The city shall not be responsible to maintain any permanent subdivision sign
within or outside of the street right-of-way. If a permanent subdivision sign within an island in the
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street right-of-way is allowed to become dilapidated, the city reserves the right to remove such
sign.
3.72.06. Unused sign structures. No property shall contain any sign structure with the face removed,
if the sign structure is designed to be internally lit or otherwise has wiring or mechanics exposed to the
elements, except face removals of three days or less for purposes of repairs or replacement. No property
shall contain any sign structure covered in whole or in part with cloth, canvas, plastic sheathing or other
material for the purpose of obscuring the sign face or the location of a missing sign face.
3.72.07. Computation of sign area. In order to determine compliance with the maximum allowable
sign areas permitted under this division, the area of a sign shall be considered the area of the sign
structure unless otherwise stated. The area of a sign structure (for freestanding signs) and the area of a
sign face (for building signs) shall be computed as follows:
a.
Area of sign structure (for freestanding signs).
(1) The area of a sign structure shall be computed as the area within the smallest rectangle
enclosing the limits of the surface of a sign whereon the sign face or sign face modules
may be placed, including all portions of a sign structure that provide a background for the
sign face but are not intended to contain any message or idea and are purely structural or
decorative in nature.
(2) Any open space contained within the limits of the rectangle delimiting the sign face, sign
face module, or sign structure shall be included in the computation of the area of such sign
face, sign face module, or sign structure.
Sign Face Area Measurements
(3) For multi-faced signs, when the sign face surfaces are parallel (back-to-back), or where the
interior angle formed by the faces is 45 degrees or less, the area of the sign shall be taken
as the area on the largest side. For all other multi-faced signs, the area of the sign shall be
the total area on all sides that can be viewed at one time from any angle.
b.
Area of sign face (for building signs).
(1) The area of a sign face shall be computed as the area within the smallest rectangle
enclosing the limits of a sign face, or the combination of the areas of all such rectangles
delimiting each sign face module, together with any frame or material, texture, or color
forming an integral part of the sign face or used to differentiate the sign face from the
structure upon which it is placed.
(2) The computation of the area of a sign face shall not include the structure, supports or
uprights on which the sign face is placed or any portions of a sign structure that are not
intended to contain any message or idea and are purely structural or decorative in nature,
other than those portions contained within the rectangle that delimits the sign face or a sign
face module.
(3) For any sign on which the words, letters, figures, symbols, logos, fixtures, colors, or other
design elements routinely change or are intended to be changed from time to time, the sign
face area shall include the entire area within which any words, letters, figures, symbols,
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logos, fixtures, colors, or other design elements may be placed, together with any frame or
material, texture, or color forming an integral part of the sign face or used to differentiate
the sign face from the structure upon which it is placed.
Sign Structure Area Measurements
(Ord. No. O-00-106, § 2, 12-4-00; Ord. No. O-03-17, §§ 10—13, 5-19-03; Ord. No. O-05-09, §§
1, 2, 3-7-05; Ord. No. O-05-67, §§ 11, 12, 12-19-05; Ord. No. O-07-16, §§ 1, 2, 2-19-07; Ord.
No. O-08-016, § 1, 4-21-08; Ord. No. O-2015-20, § 1, 5-18-15)
Section 3.73. - Regulation of signs by land use.
3.73.01. Developed residential property.
a.
High-density residential not included.
(1) Any developed property which is zoned high-density residential (attached residential at six
units per acre density or greater), and is not located within the historic district, shall comply
with the requirements of section 3.73.02.
(2) Any developed residential property which is located within the historic district, shall comply
with the requirements of section 3.73.04.
b.
Any developed residential property which is zoned other than high-density residential, and is not
located within the historic district, may post only such signs as are authorized by this section,
and shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Freestanding signs, wall signs. Such property may contain not more than one freestanding
sign or wall sign, the area of which may be not greater than 16 square feet: any
freestanding sign shall be 12 feet in height or shorter and shall be set back so that their
support members are located no closer than 12 feet from the back of the curb or from the
edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing, and no part of the face is closer than 12
feet to the back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing.
Signs shall not project over property lines. Provided, however, that an unlimited number of
freestanding signs are allowed during a political election, between the date of close of filing
for qualification of candidates and final determination on each ballot issue or candidate.
Except during a political election, all freestanding signs shall be monument signs. No fee
and no permit are required for such freestanding signs.
(2) Standard informational signs. In addition to any other sign authorized by this section, such
property may contain one standard informational sign, without a permit or fee, located so
that the stake is not closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb or from the edge of the
pavement on streets with no curbing, and no part of the placard is closer than 12 feet to the
back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing.
Exceptionally, an unlimited number of standard informational signs are allowed during a
political election, between the date of close of filing for qualification of candidates and final
determination on each ballot issue or candidate.
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(3) Permanent subdivision signs. In addition to any other sign authorized by this section, if
such property is located at the entrance to any residential subdivision, then such property
may contain not more than one permanent subdivision sign.
3.73.02. Other developed property. For properties not located within the historic district, any
developed residential property which is zoned high-density residential and any developed property which
is zoned for any commercial, office, or industrial use may post only such signs as are authorized by this
section. All signs not expressly authorized by this section are prohibited on such properties. Authorized
signs shall comply with the following requirements:
a.
Freestanding signs. Such property may contain one or more freestanding signs in accordance
with the following:
(1) Number of signs, sign area. One freestanding sign, with sign area limited to the greater of
75 square feet or one square foot per linear foot of lot frontage not to exceed 300 square
feet, shall be allowed for each street frontage. Exceptionally, any planned commercial
center may have one freestanding sign with sign area limited to the greater of 100 square
feet or one square foot per linear foot of lot frontage not to exceed 300 square feet, for
each street frontage; no separate freestanding sign other than that permitted by this
subsection will be allowed for an individual business in a planned commercial center.
If the lot frontage for a lot not located in a planned commercial center is greater than 300
linear feet, then one additional freestanding sign with the same area limitations may be
placed on that street frontage. If the street frontage for a planned commercial center is
greater than 300 linear feet, then one additional freestanding sign with the same area
limitations may be placed on that street frontage.
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this subsection, no freestanding sign shall be
closer than 250 feet to any other freestanding sign on any property, as measured from the
closest points of each sign. Provided, however, that an unlimited number of freestanding
signs with faces of 16 square feet or less and 12 feet in height or shorter are allowed
during a political election (between the date of close of filing for qualification of candidates
and final determination on each ballot issue or candidate for a local or state election, or at
any time within the 12 months immediately preceding a presidential election), and during
such period there shall be no requirements for spacing between such signs nor for permits
for the same. Provided further, until September 1, 2009, any developed lot zoned for
commercial or office use and lying adjacent to Westmoreland Plaza or North Cherokee
Boulevard, or for such lots adjacent to Highway 92 and lying west of Interstate Highway 20
and east of Plaza 92 Drive, may contain one more freestanding sign that is otherwise
allowed by this ordinance.
(2) Reader boards, computation of area. Changeable reader boards which constitute no more
than 50 percent of the total sign area of a freestanding sign and are contained wholly within
a permanent freestanding sign shall not be considered in determining the maximum
allowable sign area.
(3) Drive-through menu boards. In addition to any other freestanding signs authorized by this
section, if such property contains a commercial or industrial building or structure where
materials are delivered at a drive-through delivery point located other than on the front side
of the building, then one additional freestanding sign per delivery point shall be allowed to
be located on the property in the side or rear yard; no such sign shall exceed 32 square
feet in area, nor eight feet in height.
(4) Encroachment, required setbacks. Freestanding signs may encroach into front and side
yards provided that their support members are located no closer than 12 feet from the back
of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing, and no part of the
face is closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on
streets with no curbing. Signs shall not project over property lines.
(5) Height restrictions. The height of all freestanding signs at their highest point above the level
of the ground shall not exceed twelve feet, and except during political elections, all such
signs shall be monument signs; provided, however, that a sign located on property
adjacent to or within 500 feet of a federal interstate highway may be any style of
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freestanding sign and may be 70 feet at its highest point; and except that any commercial
lot fronting on the south side of Concourse Parkway may be any style of freestanding sign
and may be 100 feet at its highest point. If the ground is lower than the level of the
adjoining street pavement, then a sign may be raised so as to be no more than the
maximum allowed height above the level of the pavement, the level of the ground shall not
be altered in such a way as to provide additional sign height.
b.
Wall signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, such property may contain
one or more wall signs, provided that the total sign area for all wall signs on any wall frontage
shall not exceed 25 percent of the total area of the wall on that frontage.
c.
Standard informational signs. In addition to any other sign authorized by this section, such
property may contain one standard informational sign, without a permit or fee, located so that
the stake is not closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on
streets with no curbing, and no part of the placard is closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb
or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing. Exceptionally, an unlimited
number of standard informational signs are allowed during a political election, between the date
of close of filing for qualification of candidates and final determination on each ballot issue or
candidate.
d.
Permanent subdivision signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, if any lot
is located at the entrance to any subdivision, then that lot may contain not more than one
permanent subdivision sign.
e.
Directional signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, any such property
may contain not more than two directional signs per street entrance.
f.
Temporary signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, any such property
may contain temporary signs as permitted by this division.
g.
Billboards. In lieu of all freestanding signs authorized by subsection (1), any such property
located within 500 feet of Interstate Highway 20 may contain one billboard which complies with
the following:
(1) All portions of the face and support members of any billboard shall be located within 500
feet of Interstate Highway 20.
(2) All portions of the face and support members of any billboard shall be setback from all
buildings, structures, and property lines at least 75 feet.
(3) Sign area. The sign area of any billboard shall not exceed 12 feet in height and 50 feet in
length with or without trim.
(4) Illumination. All illuminated billboards shall use basemounted fluorescent or mercury vapor
lights and shall be activated by photoelectric cells. Additional lighting, including but not
limited to neon, animation and running lights, is prohibited.
(5) Height above interstate grade. All billboards on property adjacent to the Interstate Highway
20 shall be a minimum of ten feet above the adjacent interstate pavement measuring from
the lowest portion of the sign face.
(6) Extrusions prohibited. Extrusions beyond the face of any billboard, excluding aprons, are
prohibited.
(7) Location and number of signs. Only one billboard shall be allowed per lot. No billboard shall
be placed on any lot which contains any freestanding sign. Billboards shall be no less than
1,000 feet apart measuring from the two closest points and only one sign face shall be
allowed to face the same direction per location. This allows back-to-back or "V" formation
signs but prohibits two signs (side-by-side or over and under) facing the same direction.
(8) Spacing on the interstate. Sign locations on property adjacent to the Interstate Highway 20
shall be no less than 1,000 feet apart, measuring from the two closest points.
(9) Spacing at interchanges. Only three signs shall be allowed per interchange adjacent to the
interstate highway. All billboard at interstate highway interchanges are restricted to an area
1,200 feet long beginning 500 feet from the point where the pavement widens on the main
traveled way to accommodate the longest exit/entrance ramp.
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(10) Height. Billboards shall not exceed 30 feet in height. Two billboards in the same location,
back-to-back or in a "V" formation shall be the same height above the interstate surface.
(11) Marsh area prohibitions. No billboard shall be placed in or obstruct the view of marshland.
3.73.03. Vacant and undeveloped property. Any property which is not occupied on a regular basis
and any property which is not developed property as defined by this division, whether inside or outside
the historic district, may contain only one sign authorized by this section, except during an election period
as provided herein. Such property that is also located within the historic district shall also comply with the
requirements for that district. Vacant and undeveloped properties shall comply with the following
requirements:
a.
Freestanding signs. Such property may contain one or more freestanding signs in accordance
with the following:
(1) Number of signs, sign area. One freestanding sign limited to 32 square feet of sign area is
allowed with a permit. Provided, however, that an unlimited number of freestanding signs
with faces of 16 square feet or less and 12 feet in height or shorter are allowed during a
political election, between the date of close of filing for qualification of candidates and final
determination on each ballot issue or candidate, and permits shall not be required for these
signs.
(2) Encroachment, required setbacks. Freestanding signs may encroach into front and side
yards provided that their support members are located no closer than 12 feet from the back
of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing, and no part of the
face is closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on
streets with no curbing. Signs shall not project over property lines.
(3) Height restrictions. The height of any freestanding sign at its highest point above the level
of the ground shall not exceed 12 feet at its highest point. Provided, however, if the ground
is lower than the level of the adjoining street pavement, then a sign may be raised so as to
be no more than 12 feet above the level of the pavement. The level of the ground shall not
be altered in such a way as to provide additional sign height.
b.
Standard informational signs. In addition to any other sign authorized by this section, such
property may contain one standard informational sign, without a permit or fee, located so that
the stake is not closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on
streets with no curbing, and no part of the placard is closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb
or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing. Exceptionally, an unlimited
number of standard informational signs are allowed during a political election, between the date
of close of filing for qualification of candidates and final determination on each ballot issue or
candidate.
c.
Permanent subdivision signs. In lieu of any other sign authorized by this section, if such
property is located at the entrance to any subdivision, then such property may contain not more
than one permanent subdivision sign.
d.
Billboards. In lieu of any other sign authorized by this section, any such property located within
500 feet of Interstate Highway 20 may contain one billboard, provided that:
(1) All portions of the face and support members of any billboard shall be located within 500
feet of Interstate Highway 20.
(2) All portions of the face and support members of any billboard shall be setback from all
buildings, structures, and property lines at least 75 feet.
(3) Sign area. The sign area of any billboard shall not exceed 12 feet in height and 50 feet in
length with or without trim.
(4) Illumination. All illuminated billboards shall use basemounted fluorescent or mercury vapor
lights and shall be activated by photoelectric cells. Additional lighting, including but not
limited to neon, animation and running lights, is prohibited.
(5) Height above interstate grade. All billboards on property adjacent to the Interstate Highway
20 shall be a minimum of ten feet above the adjacent interstate pavement measuring from
the lowest portion of the sign face.
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(6) Extrusions prohibited. Extrusions beyond the face of any billboard, excluding aprons, are
prohibited.
(7) Location and number of signs. Only one billboard shall be allowed per lot. No billboard shall
be placed on any lot which contains any freestanding sign. Billboards shall be no less than
1,000 feet apart measuring from the two closest points and only one sign face shall be
allowed to face the same direction per location. This allows back-to-back or "V" formation
signs but prohibits two signs (side-by-side or over and under) facing the same direction.
(8) Spacing on the interstate. Sign locations on property adjacent to the Interstate Highway 20
shall be no less than 1,000 feet apart, measuring from the two closest points.
(9) Spacing at interchanges. Only three signs shall be allowed per interchange adjacent to the
interstate highway. All billboards at interstate highway interchanges are restricted to an
area 1,200 feet long beginning 500 feet from the point where the pavement widens on the
main traveled way to accommodate the longest exit/entrance ramp.
(10) Height. Billboards shall not exceed 30 feet in height. Two billboards in the same location,
back-to-back or in a "V" formation shall be the same height above the interstate surface.
(11) Marsh area prohibitions. No billboard shall be placed in or obstruct the view of marshland.
3.73.04. Historic District.
a.
Generally. The Douglasville Historic District is identified and designated as that area within the
city shown and identified on that certain map of the Douglasville Historic District, as now or
hereafter amended, adopted by resolution of the city council. The Douglasville Historic District
includes areas designated as historic sites and may include more than one designated "historic
district" as defined by O.C.G.A. section 44-10-22(5). A copy of such map is on file for inspection
in the office of the zoning official and is hereby incorporated in this section by reference.
b.
Permits. All signs in the Douglasville Historic District, with the exception of standard
informational signs, certain freestanding signs during an election period as provided in this
section, and nonconforming signs as provided for in this division, must be permitted by the
zoning official.
c.
Signs authorized. Any property which is located in the historic district, may post only such signs
as are authorized by this section, and shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Freestanding signs. Such property may contain one or more freestanding signs in
accordance with the following:
(a) Number of signs, sign area. One freestanding sign, with sign area limited to the
greater of 75 square feet or one square foot per linear foot of lot frontage not to
exceed 300 square feet, shall be allowed for each street frontage. Exceptionally, any
planned commercial center may have one freestanding sign with sign area limited to
the greater of 100 square feet or one square foot per linear foot of lot frontage not to
exceed 300 square feet, for each street frontage; no separate freestanding sign other
than that permitted by this subsection will be allowed for an individual business in a
planned commercial center.
If the lot frontage for a lot not located in a planned commercial center is greater than
300 linear feet, then one additional freestanding sign with the same area limitations
may be placed on that street frontage. If the street frontage for a planned commercial
center is greater than 300 linear feet, then one additional freestanding sign with the
same area limitations may be placed on that street frontage.
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this subsection, no freestanding sign shall be
closer than 250 feet to any other freestanding sign on any property, as measured from
the closest points of each sign. Provided, however, that an unlimited number of
freestanding signs with faces of 16 square feet or less and 12 feet in height or shorter
are allowed during a political election, between the date of close of filing for
qualification of candidates and final determination on each ballot issue or candidate,
and during such period there shall be no requirements for spacing between such
signs nor for permits for the same.
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(b) Reader boards, computation of area. Reader board means any portion of a sign
designed for changeable text. A reader board may be incorporated within any
freestanding sign but shall constitute no more than six square feet of the freestanding
sign and no more than 50 percent of the area of any freestanding sign; any reader
board shall not be considered in determining the maximum allowable sign area for any
freestanding sign.
(c) Encroachment, required setbacks. Freestanding signs may encroach into front and
side yards provided that their support members are located no closer than 12 feet
from the back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing,
and no part of the face is closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb or from the edge
of the pavement on streets with no curbing. Signs shall not project over property lines.
(d) Height restrictions. The height of all freestanding signs at their highest point above the
level of the ground shall not exceed six feet, and except during political elections all
such signs shall be monument signs; provided however, that an unlimited number of
freestanding signs of any authorized style with faces of 16 square feet or less and up
to 12 feet in height are allowed during a political election, between the dates of close
of filing for qualification of candidates and final determination on each ballot issue or
candidate.
(2) Wall signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, such property may
contain not more than one wall sign per wall frontage and one wall sign menu board,
provided that the total sign area for all wall signs on any wall frontage shall not exceed 15
percent of the total area of the wall on that frontage; the face of any wall sign shall be not
taller than 2.5 feet. In lieu of all wall signs, such property may contain one or more awning
signs or canopy signs. Such property may contain not more than one wall sign menu board
of not more than six square feet in area, which may be separate from any other wall sign
and may protrude not more than four inches from any wall adjacent to a public sidewalk.
No protruding wall sign shall be placed closer than 12 inches to any other protruding wall
sign. For non-residential buildings which have a cornice or a transom, principal wall signs
may not be mounted in locations other than the cornice or transom. Wall signs mounted on
masonry walls may be attached with bolts at mortared joints, but shall not be attached
through brick, stone, or masonry and shall not be attached with glue or epoxy.
(3) Standard informational signs. In addition to any other sign authorized by this section, such
property may contain one standard informational sign, without a permit or fee, located so
that the stake is not closer than 12 feet to the back of the curb or from the edge of the
pavement on streets with no curbing, and no part of the placard is closer than 12 feet to the
back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement on streets with no curbing.
Exceptionally, an unlimited number of standard informational signs are allowed during a
political election, between the date of close of filing for qualification of candidates and final
determination on each ballot issue or candidate.
(4) Roof signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, any property may
contain not more than one roof sign, which may not protrude beyond the face of the
structure to which it is anchored. Roof signs shall be subject to the height restrictions of the
zoning district and in no event to exceed ten feet in height. The area of any roof sign shall
not exceed five percent of the area of the wall face with which it fronts.
(5) Directional signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, any such
property may contain not more than two directional signs per street entrance, with a permit.
(6) Temporary signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this section, any such
property may contain temporary signs, with a permit from the zoning official.
(7) Projecting or overhanging signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this division,
any such property may contain not more than one projecting or overhanging sign. No
projecting or overhanging sign shall be greater than 16 square feet in area. No projecting
or overhanging sign shall protrude more than six feet from the wall to which it is anchored,
and none shall project past any property line (other than the public sidewalk) nor onto any
driveway. No projecting or overhanging sign shall hang lower than 80 inches from the
ground at its lowest point. No projecting or overhanging sign shall be installed without
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adequate mounting and assembly approved by the zoning official, and plans shall be
submitted for this purpose, prior to approval. All projecting or overhanging signs shall be
required to meet the standards of ANSI and ADA.
(8) A-frame or easel signs. In addition to any other signs authorized by this division, any such
property may contain not more than one A-frame or easel sign per street frontage, for
which each face shall have an area of not more than ten square feet. No A-frame or easel
sign shall be placed on any public sidewalk so as to leave less than five feet of clearance
for pedestrians. No A-frame or easel sign shall remain on any public sidewalk adjacent to
any business at a time when the business is closed to the public. All A-frame or easel signs
shall be adequately weighted or otherwise anchored to prevent accidental movement of the
sign and obstruction of any public street.
d.
Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited within the Douglasville Historic District:
(1) Billboards and permanent subdivision signs.
(2) Reserved.
(3) Folding signs, portable display signs, and similar movable signs.
(4) Signs erected on or located on any street or public right-of-way, curbs, curbstone, hydrant,
lamp post, trees, barricade, temporary walk, public system except public directory and
information signs.
(5) Signs painted directly on the exterior walls of a building or structure, not including graphic
designs.
(6) Signs with revolving or rotating beams of light.
(7) Rotating signs.
(8) Signs placed upon a structure in any manner so as to disfigure or conceal any window
opening, door or significant architectural feature or detail of any building.
(9) Signs with visible elements of plastic or similar manufactured materials, excluding
temporary signs, faces of wall sign menu boards, and standard informational signs.
(10) Signs with visible elements made of interior grade wood.
(Ord. No. O-00-106, § 2, 12-4-00; Ord. No. O-01-38, § 1, 6-18-01; Ord. No. O-03-17, §§
14—18, 5-19-03; Ord. No. O-04-13, § 7, 4-19-04; Ord. No. O-04-48, §§ 12—16, 11-1-04; Ord.
No. O-05-09, §§ 3, 4, 3-7-05; Ord. No. O-05-62, § 1, 11-21-05; Ord. No. O-05-67, §§ 13, 14, 1219-05; Ord. No. O-08-010, § 1, 2-18-08; Ord. No. O-08-016, § 2, 4-21-08; Ord. No. O-2012-52,
§§ 1, 2, 11-19-12)
Section 3.74. - Uniform sign plan.
3.74.01. Planned commercial centers.
a.
A uniform sign plan is required for any planned commercial center, such as a shopping center
with three or more establishments, before any signs for the planned commercial center or the
center's tenants may be erected on the property.
b.
The uniform sign plan shall govern the placement and design of all signs within the planned
commercial center as to their location, materials, size, letter style, and color.
c.
A uniform sign plan shall be submitted and approved as follows:
(1) The uniform sign plan shall consist of such drawings and specifications as may be required
to clearly illustrate the location, materials, size, letter style, and color of all and every sign
to be placed as freestanding and building signs within the development.
(2) The uniform sign plan is to be submitted to the zoning official. The uniform sign plan shall
be approved upon a finding by the zoning official that:
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(a) The plan provides that signs of a similar type and function within the development
shall have a consistency of size, lettering style, color scheme, and construction
materials so as to present a unified design concept while respecting the differences
between tenant types and occupancies.
(b) The signs proposed in the uniform sign plan shall comply with the requirements of this
division, such as number, location, and size restrictions.
d.
Reserved.
e.
All tenants of the planned commercial center, whether an owner, lessee, subtenant, purchaser,
or other occupant, shall comply with the approved uniform sign plan.
3.74.02. Modifications to sign restrictions.
a.
Modifications to the restrictions on signage for a specific property or development may be
requested for administrative approval.
b.
Such requests shall be submitted to the zoning official for review and handling.
c.
A request for modification shall be supported by a uniform sign plan.
(1) The uniform sign plan shall consist of such drawings and specifications as may be required
to clearly illustrate the location, materials, size, letter style, and color of all and every sign
to be placed as freestanding and building signs with in the development.
(2) The uniform sign plan shall establish design standards such that signs of a similar type and
function within the development shall have a consistency of size, lettering style, color
scheme, and construction materials so as to present a unified design concept while
respecting the differences between tenant types and occupancies.
(3) The uniform sign plan is to be submitted to the zoning official. The uniform sign plan shall
be approved upon a finding by the zoning official that:
(a) The plan provides that signs of a similar type and function within the development
shall have a consistency of size, lettering style, color scheme, and construction
materials so as to present a unified design concept while respecting the differences
between tenant types and occupancies.
(b) The plan elements are consistent with the intent and objectives of this zoning
ordinance.
d.
Denial. If the zoning official denies the requested modification, the applicant may appeal to the
board of adjustments and appeals as a special exception, in accordance with the "appeals"
article of this zoning ordinance.
e.
All tenants of the property or development, whether an owner, lessee, subtenant, purchaser, or
other occupant, shall comply with the approved uniform sign plan.
(Ord. No. O-00-106, § 2, 12-4-00; Ord. No. O-04-13, §§ 8, 9, 4-19-04)
Section 3.75. - Sign permits.
3.75.01. Sign permits required.
a.
Except as otherwise exempted as provided in this section, no sign shall be erected,
reconstructed, expanded or replaced without securing a permit from the zoning official. For any
sign requiring a permit, the applicant shall submit an application to the zoning official. Every
such application shall be granted, denied or rejected for incompleteness, in writing, within five
business days of submission of the application. All applications meeting the requirements of this
ordinance shall be granted. If an application fails to meet the standards of this ordinance, the
denial shall identify the standards that are not met by the application. Any application rejected
for incompleteness shall identify the reasons further action cannot be taken.
b.
All nonconforming signs shall be registered with the zoning official within 90 days of the
effective date of this zoning ordinance [December 4, 2000].
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c.
A permit and fee shall be required for the following signs:
(1) Temporary signs, except as exempted in subsection 3.75.02.d.
(2) Directional signs;
(3) Freestanding signs on developed residential property which is zoned other than multifamily and is not located in the historic district;
(4) Freestanding signs (except during election periods as otherwise provided in this division)
on a any developed multi-family residential property or any developed property which is
zoned for any commercial, office, or industrial use;
(5) Wall signs, including but not limited to reader boards, wall sign menu boards, and
protruding signs.
(6) All other signs not exempted under section 3.75.02.
3.75.02. Permit and fee exemptions.
a.
No permit and no fee shall be required for a change of copy on a sign, the customary use of
which involves frequent and periodic changes of copy.
b.
No permit and no fee shall be required for the following:
(1) Standard informational signs in any district;
(2) Freestanding signs on vacant or undeveloped property;
(3) Freestanding signs on developed residential property which is zoned other than highdensity residential, and is not located within the historic district;
c.
A permit but no fee shall be required for all permanent subdivision signs.
d.
A permit but no fee shall be required for: (i) banners attached to structures at any time of year,
and (ii) all temporary signs displayed on developed non-residential property during the 66-day
winter holiday period from November 1 through January 5.
3.75.03. Application. Each application for a sign permit shall be in writing and in the form prescribed
by the zoning official and shall contain the following information:
a.
Name, address and telephone number of the sign erector and sign owner;
b.
Location of building, structure, or lot which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected;
c.
A site plan showing setbacks from all adjacent streets, structures and property lines;
d.
Prints or drawings of the plans and specifications and structural details of construction and
attachment to a building or in the ground (a single submission may be permitted for any
standardized signs). Signs in excess of a height of 50 feet must be accompanied by stamped
engineering drawings;
e.
Any electrical and building permits required for such sign, or certification from the building
official that electrical and building permits are not required;
f.
A performance bond or cash deposit, if for a temporary permit; and
g.
Application fees. An application fee as set by the mayor and council from time to time.
(Ord. No. O-00-106, § 2, 12-4-00; Ord. No. O-03-17, §§ 19, 20, 5-19-03; Ord. No. O-04-13, §§
10, 11, 4-19-04; Ord. No. O-04-48, § 17, 11-1-04; Ord. No. O-05-09, §§ 5, 6, 3-7-05; Ord. No.
O-05-67, §§ 15, 16, 12-19-05; Ord. No. O-2015-20, § 2, 5-18-15)
Section 3.76. - Nonconforming signs.
a.
In all use districts, signs which on the effective date of this zoning ordinance [December 4, 2000]
become nonconforming with respect to the requirements set forth in this division may continue in
existence so long as the size is not increased beyond that existing as of the effective date of this
zoning ordinance; except that no portable display sign shall be considered a nonconforming sign.
Page 12
b.
Existing signs which were legally erected which have become nonconforming and do not meet the
setback requirements of this division due to a road widening project may be moved to meet the
setback requirements of this division but shall not be increased in size, shape or changed in any
manner except as to meet the requirements of this division; provided however, this subsection shall
not allow the relocation of any sign for which the value has been paid to the owner by any
government or government agency in conjunction with a road widening project. No sign shall be
relocated pursuant to this subsection before such time as the sign owner shall provide to the Zoning
Official a signed copy of the purchase contract or condemnation documents showing transfer of the
owner's land for road widening.
c.
In all use districts, signs which were:
(1) Illegally erected or maintained with respect to prior ordinances,
(2) Made of paper, cloth, or nondurable materials (except standard informational signs),
(3) Located in the public right-of-way (except as permitted by this ordinance) shall be prohibited by
this division and shall be removed by the owner. Upon failure to comply with requirements of
this division, the zoning official may cause the removal of such signs at the expense of the
owners.
d.
A nonconforming sign shall not be replaced by another nonconforming sign except that the
substitution or interchange of poster panels, painted boards or demountable material on
nonconforming signs shall be permitted.
e.
Minor repairs and maintenance of nonconforming signs such as electrical repairs or lettering repairs
shall be allowed. However, no structural repairs or changes in the size or shape of the sign shall be
permitted except to make the sign comply with the requirements of this division. Signs damaged by
fire or acts of God may be restored to their original condition.
f.
Existing signs on interstate highways that were legally erected which would become nonconforming
as a result of this division would be allowed to remain until purchased by the state department of
transportation or the city, provided that the sign owner meets the requirements of state laws, rules
and regulations governing such signs.
g.
Each nonconforming sign shall be registered within 90 days of the enactment date of this ordinance
from which this division is derived by the owner, and if it is determined that such nonconforming sign
was legally erected under the prior ordinance or resolution requirements then a sign permit shall be
issued to the sign owner and the sign so marked with the permit decal. Should the owner of a
nonconforming sign fail to register such sign within 90 days from the enactment of this zoning
ordinance, such failure to register shall be deemed a violation of this division, and such person, firm
or corporation shall be subject to citation in the recorder's court of the city.
h.
Existing signs on the property of newly annexed territory that were legally erected under the county
ordinance which would become nonconforming under this section upon annexation by the city will be
allowed to remain. Such signs shall be registered with the city within 90 days of being annexed by
the city.
(Ord. No. O-00-106, § 2, 12-4-00; Ord. No. O-05-67, § 17, 12-19-05; Ord. No. O-07-05, § 3, 116-07)
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