Chapter 10.45
SIGN AND LIGHTING REGULATIONS
Sections:
10.45.030 Definitions and specific limitations.
10.45.040 General limitations.
10.45.050 Location and approval.
10.45.060 Town center zone restrictions.
10.45.070 Professional office zone restrictions.
10.45.010 Purpose.
The purposes of the sign regulations set forth in this chapter shall be to allow a business to publicize in such a way as to eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians; encourage signs that, by their good design, are aesthetically pleasing and integrated with and harmonious to the buildings and sites they occupy and that eliminate excessive and confusing sign displays; preserve and improve the appearance of the City as a place in which to live and work and as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade; safeguard and enhance property values; protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces; encourage strong business and commercial districts; supplement and be a part of the regulations imposed and the plan set forth under the land use ordinance of the City of Syracuse; and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare.
It is also the intent of this chapter to govern the number, size, type, location, and other provisions relating to signs within the various zones of the City as established and designated by the land use ordinance of Syracuse City. [Ord. 12-05 § 1; Ord. 11-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-10 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-07 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 06-27; Ord. 06-17; Code 1971 § 10-9-010.]
10.45.020 Effect of chapter.
The regulations herein set forth shall apply and govern all zones as set forth in this title. [Ord. 12-05 § 1; Ord. 11-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-07 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 06-27; Ord. 06-17; Ord. 02-18; Code 1971 § 10-9-020.]
10.45.030 Definitions and specific limitations.
For the purpose of this chapter, the definitions of the following words and terms are in addition to those stated in Chapter 10.10 SCC:
“Sign” means any device attached to a structure or freestanding, which passersby may view from out of doors, that provides visual communication to the general public, including inflatables, wind flags, and vehicle advertising, but not including any flag, badge, or ensign of any government or governmental agency.
“Sign, advertising” means any sign that directs attention to a use, product, commodity, or service not related to the premises.
“Sign, animated” means a sign that uses mechanical or artificial means to create physical motion or rotation of any part.
“Sign area” means the area of a sign that is used for display purposes, excluding the frame and supports. In computing sign area, only one side of a back-to-back or double-face sign covering the same subject shall be computed when the sign faces are parallel or diverge from a common edge by an angle of not more than 30 degrees. In relation to signs that do not have a frame or a separate background or are of irregular shape, signs shall be measured on the basis of the least rectangle, triangle, or circle large enough to frame the advertisement.
“Sign, electronic message” means a sign with an electronic message or electronic image display.
“Sign, identification” means any sign that directs attention to a use, product, commodity, or service related to the premises.
“Signs, lighted type” means a categorical rating given to a sign according to the type of illumination permitted as follows:
(1) Direct Lighting. An illuminated sign the light source of which is either a visible part of the sign or projects light upon the sign.
(2) Indirect Lighting. An illuminated sign the light source of which is not visible from any angle and is incorporated as part of the sign’s structure.
“Sign, type” means a categorical rating given to a sign according to its type of written message as follows:
(1) Sign, Community Directory. Identification sign that serves as a directional guide to businesses or areas of community importance such as recreational or historical areas, City or state parks, public safety facilities, municipal services, schools, community development projects, or major business entities. Such signs are erected in the public right-of-way and are controlled and maintained by the City.
(2) Sign, Off-Premises. A permanent advertising sign that directs attention to a use, product, commodity, or service not related to the premises. The property owner shall apply for, own the sign, and have remaining square footage from their commercial building frontage calculation. If there is no commercial building frontage on the subject property, one sign shall be allowed per 150 feet of street frontage. The sign shall be for a registered Syracuse City business and no larger than 32 square feet. Property owner is responsible for sign upkeep and maintenance.
(3) Sign, On-Premises. A permanent advertising sign that directs attention to a use conducted, commodity sold, or service performed upon the premises.
(4) Sign, Permanent. Any approved licensed, engineered sign of a permanent nature.
(5) Sign, Political. Informs the public of a candidate running for public office or an issue to be decided in a legal election by public vote.
(6) Sign, Realty. Related to the property on which it is located and erected within the interior of the property boundaries for purposes of offering such property for sale or lease, advertising completed improvements, announcing the name of the builder, owner, realtor, designer, or developer of the project, or warning against trespassing.
(7) Sign, Seasonal Produce. Directs attention to produce or other agricultural products grown and sold on the premises, but may be displayed only during the season of the produce sold.
(8) Sign, Subdivision. Advertisement of lots in a subdivision, for up to two years. At the expiration of two years, applicants may apply for one-year extensions if they still own lots for sale in the subdivision.
(9) Sign, Temporary. Any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertisement intended for display over a limited period of time no longer than 30 days per any 12-month period to advertise a business and/or special events, i.e., yard sales, promotions, etc.
(10) Sign, Temporary Commercial Identification. Any sign, banner, or pennant temporarily affixed to a building for a period no longer than 120 days to identify a business.
(11) Sign, Window. Erected in, attached to, or painted or pasted on a window.
“Structural type” means a categorical rating given to a sign according to its structure as follows:
(1) Sign, Bench. Affixed or painted on any part of a bench or seat surface and placed outside the main structure on the property or adjacent to or on a right-of-way. Benches owned and maintained by a public transit authority are exempt from these regulations.
(a) As defined in this section, bench signs shall not be located on publicly owned land inside street rights-of-way and must conform to the following regulations in order to be displayed in any general commercial, professional office, residential, or industrial zone:
(i) The signs are displayed only at public transportation stops as designated by the City Planning Commission. The conditional use applicant shall provide notice to the public transportation entity of the applicant’s intent to display bench signs near the public transportation stop site and shall provide evidence of such notice as part of the conditional use application.
(ii) No more than one bench sign may be displayed at a designated public transportation stop.
(iii) The square footage of the advertising on the bench sign shall not count against a business square footage limitation or the allowable signs per frontage.
(iv) Each bench sign must have a minimum setback of two feet behind the public sidewalk or City rights-of-way, be located entirely on private property, and maintain a distance of 40 feet from other detached signs.
(v) The sign company shall maintain a current business license.
(vi) The City reserves the right to remove any bench sign that is found to be in disrepair or illegally located within three days after providing notice to the sign owner.
(vii) As part of the conditional use application, the applicant shall submit evidence of written permission from the property owner that expressly allows the applicant to place a bench sign on their premises.
(2) Sign, Billboard. A sign, greater than 32 square feet, and not owned by the party who pays for the message on the sign that is designed for changeable messages which advertise or direct attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than on the premises upon which the sign is located or to impart any message for a fee. The billboard sign may be owned by a commercial company which leases or rents the billboard space for advertising purposes. Billboard signs shall not be permitted in any zone within the City.
(3) Sign, Flat. A sign erected parallel to and attached to, or painted or pasted on, the outside wall or roof of a building and projecting not more than 18 inches from such wall or roof.
(4) Sign, Mobile. A sign mounted on trailer, frame, or other mobile structure, lighted or unlighted, which is not permanently attached to a structure or the ground. All mobile signs are considered temporary.
(5) Sign, Monument. A sign placed upon the ground with no clearance between the bottom edge of the sign and the ground and not to exceed a maximum height of six feet. Monument signs shall include a combination of brick, stone, ceramic tile, masonry materials, or wood fiber/composite siding and designed as to be architecturally compatible with the design theme of the commercial development where the sign is to be located. Signs with exposed cinder block are not permitted. Total signage, excluding sign support structure, shall not exceed 48 square feet in area. Each monument sign within a commercial parcel must be separated from any other detached sign by a minimum of 150 feet and may not be located within 15 feet of any adjacent shared private property line.
(6) Sign, Multitenant Pole or Pylon. Attached to or supported by one or more poles or a pilaster or similar structure that the ground supports. Pole or pylon signs shall include a combination of brick, stone, ceramic tile, masonry materials, or wood fiber/composite siding and designed as to be architecturally compatible with the design theme of the commercial development where the sign is to be located. Signs with exposed cinder block are not permitted. Total signage, excluding sign support structure, shall not exceed 300 square feet in area. Each multitenant pole or pylon sign within a commercial parcel must be separated from any other detached sign by a minimum of 150 feet and may not be located within 30 feet of any adjacent shared private property line. Freestanding pole or pylon signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height. The bottom of such signs shall be no less than 10 feet from the ground, but in no case shall they create a traffic hazard. The height of pole or pylon signs shall be measured from the top of the curb adjacent the nearest public street or nearest public street pavement to the top of the highest point on the sign or sign structure.
(7) Sign, Post. Freestanding and supported by one or more posts or similar structure that the ground supports. This signage may be temporary or permanent with a signage area not exceeding a total of 32 square feet. This sign may be for advertising or identification. Maximum height of this sign shall be eight feet from the ground to the top edge of the structure. The sign must not obstruct the clear view area as described in SCC 10.30.060.
(8) Sign, Projecting. Attached to a building and extending, in whole or in part, more than 12 inches beyond any wall of the building without the aid of any other vertical supports, including any such sign that also rests on or overlaps the roof 12 inches or more.
(9) Sign, Roof. Signs erected partially or wholly on or over the roof of a building, rest on or overlap a roof 12 inches or less, or painted on or designed as a part of the roofing materials.
(10) Sign, Single-Tenant Pole or Pylon. Attached to or supported by one or more poles or a pilaster or similar structure that the ground supports. Pole or pylon signs shall include a combination of brick, stone, ceramic tile, masonry materials, or wood fiber/composite siding and designed as to be architecturally compatible with the design theme of the commercial development where the sign is to be located. Signs with exposed cinder block are not permitted. Total signage, excluding sign support structure, shall not exceed 150 square feet in area. Each single-tenant pole or pylon sign within a commercial parcel must be separated from any other detached sign by a minimum of 150 feet and may not be located within 30 feet of any adjacent shared private property line. Freestanding pole or pylon signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height. The bottom of such signs shall be no less than 10 feet from the ground, but in no case shall they create a traffic hazard. The height of pole or pylon signs shall be measured from the top of the curb adjacent the nearest public street or nearest public street pavement to the top of the highest point on the sign or sign structure. [Ord. 12-05 § 1; Ord. 11-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-16 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-10 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-09 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-11 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-07 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 06-27; Ord. 06-17; Ord. 02-18; Code 1971 § 10-9-030.]
10.45.040 General limitations.
The following provisions affect signs in all zones. No one shall erect, replace, or reconstruct, maintain, enlarge, or move a sign to a new location unless it complies with all the following conditions:
(A) Allowable Area. Sign areas shall not exceed the maximum sizes identified in the Sign Location and Approval Table in SCC 10.45.050.
(B) Clearance. Detached signs shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet between the ground or sidewalk and any part of a projecting sign or pole sign, except where there is less than a 12-inch projection from its support.
(C) Electronic message signs shall be allowed in GC, research park, industrial, professional office, and town center zones. These signs may be an attached or detached type. The square footage of these signs shall be counted into the maximum sign area described in this title. The measured area of the electronic message sign may not exceed 70 percent of the total area of the sign. These signs shall not cause glare or be rapid blinking, nor be so intensely lighted that they may create a nuisance or hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians or adjacent properties. These signs shall have a minimum of three-second intervals between complete screen changes. Any time an electronic message sign is operating between sunset and sunrise, said signs shall be set at not more than 40 percent of the maximum capable light output. Any detached electronic message sign shall be placed perpendicular to the street onto which it is constructed. Electronic message signs may also be allowed with minor conditional use permits for all community uses in any zone, provided the sign shall not be located within 200 feet of any current or future residential use as designated in the City’s general plan, as measured from the base of the sign to the nearest point of the residential property. The community use must also have frontage on an arterial street as designated in the City’s master street plan. A community use shall be identified as but not limited to:
(1) Schools.
(2) Churches.
(3) Libraries.
(4) Community buildings not used for any commercial purpose.
(5) Government buildings and/or government owned property.
(D) Lights and Signs Prohibited on Public Property. No sign, light standard, or pole shall be erected on publicly owned land inside street rights-of-way, or otherwise. No sign, handbill, poster, advertisement, or notice of any kind or sort, whether political or otherwise, shall be fastened, placed, posted, painted, or attached in any way in or upon any curbstone, lamp post, telephone pole, telegraph pole, electric light or power pole, hydrant, bridge, tree, rock, sidewalk, or street right-of-way.
Exceptions: Signs and lights owned and erected by a public agency or its authorized representative are exempt from this subsection.
(E) Lights or Lighted Signs. No one shall install a spotlight, flood light, or any type of lighted or animated sign, or otherwise permit such lights to continue in operation, where the rays of such light penetrate beyond the property on which the light is located in a manner constituting a nuisance or hazard. All signs are subject to approval by the Land Use Administrator.
(F) Maintenance. Every sign shall be kept in good condition as to maintenance and repair. The Land Use Administrator may require owners of dilapidated and/or unsafe signs to renovate such signs. Upon failure of the owner to do so within 15 days of receiving written notice, the City may order the removal or demolition of such signs.
(G) Multitenant Signs. Lots in commercial subdivisions that contain more than one commercial tenant shall be permitted one detached multitenant sign per public street frontage. All multitenant signs shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with the design theme of the commercial development where the sign is to be located. Multitenant signs shall be located as per site plan review.
(H) Multiple Signs. Signs on the same lot shall be located at least 100 feet from each other.
(I) Ownership. The identity of the manufacturer of all signs shall be in plain and public view.
(J) Political Signs. All zones shall allow political signs provided the signs comply with all subsections of this section.
(K) Projection of Signs. No part of any sign shall be attached to any building or other structure or otherwise affixed in such a way that the sign projects across any property line.
(L) Signs and Lights Not to Constitute Traffic Hazard. No light, sign, or other advertising structure, as regulated by this chapter, shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to violate the provisions of SCC 10.30.060(B) or otherwise obstruct free and clear vision. Further, no light sign or advertising structure shall be erected at any location where by reason of its position, shape, or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic signs, signal, or device or which makes use of the words “stop,” “look,” “drive-in,” “danger,” or other similar words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. Signs along unimproved roadways may not be placed closer than 12 feet to the edge of the paved surface. [Ord. 14-09 § 1; Ord. 12-05 § 1; Ord. 11-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 10-10 § 1; Ord. 09-09 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-11 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-07 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 06-27; Ord. 06-17; Ord. 04-20; Ord. 02-18; Code 1971 § 10-9-040.]
10.45.050 Location and approval.
Signs allowed in any zone must comply with the regulations shown on the following table. No advertising sign in an agricultural or residential zone shall be displayed within 660 feet, or one-eighth mile, from another sign of any type. However, notwithstanding the foregoing distance criteria, a property owner does have the right to erect one sign on their parcel of property.
|
Maximum Size Allowed |
Approval Required |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off-Premises Permanent – Must Be a Syracuse City Business |
||
|
32 square feet |
Minor conditional use; permanent signs require building permit |
|
|
Commercial, professional office, and industrial |
The remainder of allowable sign area calculated using the corresponding on-premises formula set forth below, not to exceed 32 square feet |
Minor conditional use; permanent signs require a building permit |
|
On-Premises Permanent |
||
|
32 square feet |
City business license |
|
|
Residential |
Two signs not to exceed four square feet each |
Minor conditional use; permanent signs require a building permit |
|
Commercial, professional office, and industrial |
15 percent of building’s frontage (width x height) on primary side plus five percent of frontage on the secondary side(s) of the building. Total square footage allotment may be apportioned between attached and detached signs |
Site plan; otherwise, minor conditional use |
|
Political |
||
|
All zones |
32 square feet – no limit on quantity |
None required |
|
Realty |
||
|
Agriculture, commercial and industrial |
32 square feet |
Site plan; otherwise, minor conditional use |
|
Residential |
32 square feet |
No approval required |
|
Seasonal Produce |
||
|
All zones |
32 square feet |
No approval required |
|
Temporary |
||
|
All zones. Limit 30 days. If temporary commercial identification sign type, then limit 120 days |
16 square feet |
No approval required |
|
100 square feet |
Minor conditional use |
|
|
Subdivision |
||
|
All zones |
32 square feet |
Final plat; otherwise, minor conditional use |
|
Window |
||
|
Agriculture, residential |
Two signs not to exceed four square feet each |
City business license |
|
Commercial, industrial |
50 percent of window area |
None required |
[Ord. 12-05 § 1; Ord. 11-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-16 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-10 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-11 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-07 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 06-27; Ord. 06-17; Ord. 03-08; Code 1971 § 10-9-050.]
10.45.060 Town center zone restrictions.
The following types of signs or sign components are prohibited within the town center zone:
(A) Exposed neon (except as approved by the Land Use Authority);
(B) Painted lettering;
(C) Animated, flashing, or audible signs, or signs emitting smoke or other matter;
(D) Signs employing unedged or uncapped letters with no returns and uncapped fastenings;
(E) Sign manufacturers’ labels in a location that is visible to the public;
(F) Facade-mounted signs that extend above the roofline. [Ord. 12-05 § 1; Ord. 11-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-11 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-07 § 1 (Exh. A); Code 1971 § 10-9-060.]
10.45.070 Professional office zone restrictions.
The following types of signs or sign components are prohibited within the professional office zone:
(A) Flags, pennants, streamers, or other decorative material used for commercial advertising purposes or to direct attention to a place of business;
(B) Hot- or cold-air balloons, inflatables, or spotlights directed into the night sky;
(C) Flashing, running, scintillating, or similar lights or lighting, excessive light or glare or reflection from signs into pedestrian or traffic ways, or permitted animation or motion;
(D) Portable signs or banners. [Ord. 12-05 § 1; Code 1971 § 10-9-070.]
10.45.080 Enforcement.
The Land Use Administrator, or his authorized representative, shall be charged with the duty of enforcing this chapter and, in the performance of such duty, the Administrator or his representative shall be empowered and directed to:
(A) Determine Conformance. To ascertain that the construction, reconstruction, or modification of all existing and proposed signs is conducted in conformance with the ordinances of Syracuse City.
(B) Legal Action. Institute any appropriate action or proceeding in any case involving a sign that is illegally erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, maintained or used in violation of any City ordinance.
(1) Issue Notices of Violations, Citations, and Information. The Land Use Administrator, or his designee, may issue a written notice of violation to the person having charge, control, or benefit of any sign found to be unsafe, dangerous, and illegal or in violation of this code, particularly when the City is contemplating removal of said sign. Such official may also issue criminal citations and swear to information against violators. The City shall make a reasonable effort to determine the owner of the sign and give notice of its removal either by personal contact via telephone or by mailing a written notice to the owner, if known.
(2) Abate and Remove Unsafe or Dangerous Sign. If the person having charge, control, or benefit of an unsafe or dangerous sign does not repair or make safe said sign within 15 working days after receiving notice of violation, the Administrator or his designee may at once abate and remove the sign. A sign subject to removal is deemed to be a structure as defined in the International Building Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the Building Official may remove the sign pursuant to that code, except that the City shall recover the cost of abatement pursuant to Title 10, Chapter 11, Utah Code Annotated 1953.
(3) Abate and Remove Illegal Signage. A sign located in a public right-of-way is a nuisance per se, and may be removed at any time without prior notice to the owner. City officials may remove illegal signs from public property, including City rights-of-way, park property, or other City-maintained areas in violation of any provision of this chapter.
(a) Nothing in this section shall apply to the installation of a metal plaque or plate or individual letters or figures in a sidewalk commemorating a cultural, historical, or artistic event, location, or personality.
(b) Nothing in this section shall apply to the painting of house numbers upon curbs.
(c) Nothing in this section shall apply to signs posted by the City or other similar public entity for the benefit of the public.
(4) Enforcement Costs and Removal Fee. The person having charge or benefit of the unsafe, dangerous, or illegal sign shall pay to Syracuse City, within 30 calendar days after mailing date of written notice, the costs associated with the removal and detention of such sign. The City Council will establish the enforcement and removal fee from time to time by resolution.
(5) Impounded Signs. The owner, if known, shall be given 14 days from the date of notice to retrieve the sign from the City offices and pay costs of enforcement and removal. The City may dispose of signs not recovered within 14 days of impoundment, in any manner in which the City sees fit. [Ord. 12-05 § 1; Ord. 11-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-07 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-02 § 40; Ord. 06-27; Ord. 06-17; Code 1971 § 10-9-080.]