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HomeMy WebLinkAboutD-64 Sign Permits5274 SIGN ORDINANCE TOWN oF CA~EL, INDIANA ~ BOoK PA~ ORDINANCE NO. ~) ~ 3 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SIGN PERMITS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CARMEL TOWN PLAN COMMISSION, AS A PART OF THE MASTER PLAN FOR THE TOWN OF CARMEL, INDIANA. NOW BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARMEL, INDIANA, UNDER AUTHORITY OF CHAPTER 174, ACTS OF 1947r GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF INDIANA AND ALL ACTS AMENDATORY OR SUPPLEMENTAL THERETO. This [nstrument Recorded. (~l..,~-.z.~ ~ ~ 192~ JUNE M, HEDGES, RECOR~ HAMILTON COUNTY, INDEX Purpose and Scope !Sign Stendards by Zone 2.1 General 2.2 Residential 2.2.1 General 2.2.2 Size 2.2.3 Location 2.2,4 Illumination 2.3 Business General Size Location Content Illumination 2 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.3.4 2.3.5 2.3.6 HighmayTOriented Establishments 2.3.7 Central Business District 2.4 Industrial 2.4.1 General 2.4.2 Size 2.4.3 Location 2.4.4 Content 2.4.5 IllumJ nation 2.5 Non-Conforming Uses 3.' Temporary Signs 3.1 Construction Signs 3.2 Real Estate 3.5 Political Campaign 3.4 Street Banners 3.5 Duration 4. Exemptions 4.1 Public Signs Institutional Integral 4.4 Private Traffic Direction 4.5 Small Signs 4.6 Rental 4.7 Vehicles 4.8 Parking Signs 5. Non-Conforming Signs Prohibited Signs 7. Illumination 8. Permits and Fees 8~I 'Permit Requirements 8.2 Application 8.3 Fees 8.4 Nullification 8.5 Permit Exceptions 8.5.1 Replacing Copy 8.5.2 Maintenance 8.5.3 Temporary Signs g. Inspection, Removal, Safety PAGE 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2&3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5&6 6 6 6 6 6 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? SIGN ORDINANCE PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this code is to regulate ail exterior s~gns so as to protect health, safety and morals and to promote the public melfare. The princical features ara the restriction of advertising to the business of the premises on which the sign is located and the restriction of the total sign are~ permissible per site. In order to maintain the same level of attention, signs have had to become more aggressive, more numerous and more expensive. In some areas they threaten to go and in others have already gone, out of control, thus de,eating the very purpose for which they were created. Accordingly, it becomes necessary to reduce destructive competition between signs. Furthermore, ~ack of control has caused dangerous conflicts betmenn adw~rt~sing signs on the one hand and traffic cont~o! signs and signals on ~he other, thus destroying the effectiveness of both. The great increase in automotive traffic has greatly aggravated this danger. There should be no dispute over the priority in importance ss between traffic controls and advertising signs. Furthermore, outdoor signs suspended from or placed on top of structures and otherwise erected above the ground frequently are dangerous to the public, especially du~ing high winds. Furthermore, the uncontrolled usa of signs and of their shapes, motion, colors, illomination and their insistent and districting demand for attention can be injurious to the mental and physical ~ell-being of the public and can be destructive to adjacent property values and to natural beauty. Accordingly, it has become necessary in the public interest to regulate the signs, location, character and other pertinent features of all exterior signs in the Town of Ca~ms! and Clay Township. 2. SIGN STANDARDS BY ZONE 2.1 General 2.1.1 The following sign standards by districts a~e intended to include every zone in the Tomn of Carmel and Clay Township. The zones are as defined by the zoning ordinance and official zone map.' Only signs as described herein and as may be described under TEMPORARY ~IGNS AND EXCEPTIONS wi1! be permitted in each particular zone. 2.1.2' If any zone is omitted from this ordinance, or if a new zone is created after the enactment of this ordinance, no sign shall be permitted therein until this ordinance has been amended to include this zone. 2.2 Residential 2.2.1 General. This section of the code mill apply to all zones 'designated by the zoning ordinance as 5-1, 5-2, R-i, R-2, R-5, R-4, Multiple Family, Cluster Housing, Condominiums, High-Ris~ Apartments or 2.5 2.2.3 2.2.4 Loch.ion. p~ mitred signs may be anywhere o~..he pre~.~ ~es, except as restricted by the zoning ordinance, except that they may not project beyond any property line and except that, if ground mounted the top shall be not over five (5) feet above the ground and if building mounted, shall be flush mounted, shall not be mounted on any roof of the building and shall not project above the roof line. Illumination. Illumination, if used, shall be what is known as white and pot colored light and shall not be blinking, fluctuating or moving. Light r~ys shall shine only upon the sign or upon the property within the premiseS and shall not spill over the property lines, in any direction, except by indirect reelection. Business 2.5.1 Ceneral. This section of the code shall apply to ~11 zones designated by the zoning ordinance as B-l, 8-2, B-5, 8-4, EC-1, EC-2, Business Convenience Center or professional Office Use. 2.5.2 Permitted Siqn~: Groun~.S___ii~ns an~ Wa!~ Siqn~. Ground Siqns. The sign shall be no greater than five (5) feet in height and twelve (12) feet in length; the sign shall be subject to setbacks as determined in paragraph 2.5.5 but shall in no ~ay be installed as to create a hazard to traffic on adjoining streets or to traffic entering or leaving the premises. A ground sign must be no higher than five (5) feet above ground level except in that area ~here the ground level is below the level of the primary street to which the business on the property aludes; in that instance the ground sign must be no higher than five (5) feet above the level of that street. A ground sign must be no longer than twelve (12) feet in length and subject to lighting codes as determined by the 8uilding Commissioner. ~a!.~ Siqn~. Only one sign shall be permitted per business, such sign being only one (1) square foot for each two (2) lineal feet of building frontage and in no instance shall exceed one-hundred -(100) square feet in area. The wall sign must be on the building surface or mounted not greater than one and one-half (1½) feet from the building face or if mounted on a roof surface, one and one-half (1½) feet from that surface. The sign if lighted shall be subject to the lighting codes as determined by the Building Commissioner. At no time shall such wall sign project above the building roof line. SHOPPING CENTERS: All signs in shopping center, covered by Special ExceptiOns are subject to approval of the Planning Commission. 2.5.5 Location. Signs may be flat wall signs, roof signs or ground :, signs. The minimum setback of signs from street right-of-way shall not be less than those given below nor ai anytime less than twenty (20) feet from the edge of any pavement surface: Area of Siqn Per Face 5 Square Feet or less 5 to 14.9 Square Feet 15 to ~9.g Square Feet ~inimum Setbacks 2 Feet 10 Feet 20 Feet 30 Feet 2.5.4 to.~ch cent? subject to the following: Content. Signs allowed in th~s zone shall be identity signs on)y as defined elsewhere in this code, except for highway oriented establishments. Such Sign shall indicate only the name and'location of such center. The maximum surface area'of such sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot for each five (5) lineal feet of frontage on to a public street, but in no case shall the combined total area of the. sign exceed one hundred (100) feet. Such sign may be i]luminated, but shall be neither flashing, revolving, nor animated. 2.5.5 Illumination. Illuminstion of signs is permitted but in accordance with the rastructions hereinafter especially set forth for illumination. 2 .~ .G Hiqhwsy-Oriented Establishments. Automobile service stations, new and used car lots, garden shops and other such ~hich may be defined as outdoor merchandising or highway-oriented enterprises may be permitted to have, par establishment, one itentity sign, building- mounted, roof-mounted or ground-mounted, ~ith no part closer to a street right-of-way line than twenty (20) feet, except ss may be required by the zoning ordinance. The maximum area for this sign shall be forty (40) square feet for one face or eighty (80) square feet for the two (2) faces of a double-faced sign. Incidental signs indicating services, products or trade information not including product advertising maybe attached to the structure. Sign area shall not exceed three (5) square feet. A gasoline service station may have one sign, identified as a ground other than that identifying its logo; said sign may be fifteen (15) square feet in area, not over five (5) feet in height above the ground level. No products or product containers or signs shall be closer to a street'right-of-wey line than twenty (20) feet. The total sign area, excepting the identity sign, shall not exceed forty (40) square feet. 2.5.7 Central Business District. Geqerat. This section of the code shalI apply to that zone so designated for the purpose of this ordinance as the Carmel Central Business District. [ocation. Only one projecting sign shall be ellowed per business Iocatton: said sign shall be allowed to project perpendicular from the building in either e fixed or a swinging manner. Signs shsI1 be suspended a minimum of eight (8) feet from the sidewalk surface, and shall not encroach closer than two (2) feet from the curb line. Signs shall not project further than six (6) feet from face of building. No sign shall project above the roof line of the buildinq. Industrial 2.4.1 Genere~l. This section of the code shall apply to all zones designated by the zoning ordinance as 2.4.2 2.4.5 2.4.4 2.4.5 Size. There is permitted in this zone, for each industrial ~st~blishment, one (1) identity sign with a maximum area of one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of building street frontage. A ground sign identifying the principal busineSS is permitted as long as the requirements ere followed in Section 2.3.2 under Business Location. Requirements shell be the same as for Business ZoneS. ~ee Section 2.5.3. Content. Signs permitted in this zone shall be identity signs only, except for highway-oriented establishments' The latter shall be in accordance ~th Section 2.3.6. Illumination. Illumination of signs is permitted but in accordance - illumination. with the restrictions hereinafter especially set forth for 2.5 Non-Conforming Uses. Any building or land use not conforming to the zoning ordinance provisions for the zone in which it is located shell, nevertheless, comply ~ith ali the provisions of this sign ordinance for the confo£ming zone. TEMPORARY SIGN~ The folloming signs shall be permitted anywhere within the township and shall be required to have e permit unless specified. 5.1 Construction SignS. Construction signs which identify the architects, .engineerS, contractors and other individuals or firms involved with the construction but not including any advertisement of any product, and signs announcing the character of the building enterprise or the purpose for mhich the building is intended, during the construction period, to a maximum area of sixteen (16) square feet for each firm. The minimum setback shell be twenty (20) feet from the street right-of-way. The sign shall be confined to the site of the construction and shall be removed within thirty (50) days of the beginning of the intended use of the. project. 5.2 Real Estate Signs. Reel Estate Signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises o~ part of the premises on which the signs are displayed up to a total of six (6) square feet, is not required to have a permit. Ail signs larger than six (6) square feet will be required to bbtain a permit. Such signs shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the sale, rental or lease. The minimum setback shall be ten (lO).feet from the street right-of-way for signs of six (6) square feet or less, and twenty five (25) feet for signs in excess of six (6) square feet. Signs shall reflect no advertising or promotional material other than to indicate the party listing the property for sale or lease. 5.5 Political Campaign Signs. Political Campaign Signs announcing the cendidiates seeking public political office and other data pertinent thereto, up to an a~ea of sixteen (16) square feet for each premise. T. hese signs shall be confined within private property end not within the street right-of-way and removed within fourteen (14) days afte~ the election for which they ~ere made, subjec~ to the same setback requirements as stated in Section 3, Paragraph 5.2. 4.1 ~' $ig~.- of a non-commercial nature and ~n the p .ilc intereslt, erected by or on the order of public officer in the performance of his' public duty, such as safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest and the like. 4.2 Institutional. Signs setting forth the nam~ or any s~mpl~ announcement for any publi~ charitable, educational or religious institution located entirely within the premises of t~hat institution, up to an area of twenty- four (2~) square feet. Such signs may be illuminated in accordance with the regulation contained hereinafter- If building mounted, these signs shall be flat ~all signs and shall not project above the roof line. If ground mounted, the top shall be no more than six (6) feet above ground level. 4.3 Inteqral. Names of building, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the llke ~hen carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other pregnant type construction and made an integral part of the structure. ~.4 Private Traffic Direction. Signs directing traffic movement onto a premise or ~ithin a premise, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area for each sign. Illumination of these signs shall be permitted in accordance ~ith the section hereinafter included on illumination. Horizontal directional signs on and flush with paved areas are exempt from these standards. 4.5 Small Siqns. A nameplate ~hich shall not exceed one (~) square foot in area is permitted fo~ each dwelling unit of a single-family or row-structure; such name plate shall indicate nothing other than name and/or address of the occupant, and/or customary home occupation. No other sign shall be allowed. This paragraph shall not be construed to prohibit each d~elling unit from also displaying a house numbering plate for identification. 4.6 Signs on the premises announcing rooms for rent, table board, apartment or house for rent and not exceeding four (4) square feet in area. Also provided that the signs are located twenty (20) feet from the street right-of-way. 4.7 Vehicles. Signs on vehicles of any kind, provided the sign is painted or attached directly to the body of the original vehicle and does not project o~ entend beyond two (2) inches from the original manufactt~red bOdy proper of the vehicle. 4.8 Parkinq Siqns. Signs for public and private parking shall be permitted. ~aid signs shall be subject to a two foot set back from the righ~-of-way, shall not be used for advertising purposes but may show ownership of the lot. Signs shall be no higher than three feet from ground level and no greater than three square feet in area. The signs.must be installed so as to not present a hazard to traffic entering or leaving the premises. NON-CONFORmING SIGNS All signs existing at the time of the enactment of this ordinance and not conforming with ordinance shall be kept Jn good repair, safe, neat, clean and attractive condition. In the event said signs are not kept in said condition or are demolished by any force what so ever to the extent of seventy (70) percent of their use, said signs then must conform with this ordznance. Non-Conforming signs which are structurally altered, r'eloceted, or replaced shall comply immediately with all provisions of this cede. 6. PROHIBITED SIGNS ? Adverti~ ~n act. ~y, business, product or serw on the pr'emises upon which the sign is located. no lot - conducted 6.5 Mov~ in any manner or have a major moving parc. 6.6 Contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or other similarly prohibited, unless they are permitted specifically by other ordinance. 6.7 Ray swing or otherwise noticeably move as a resuIt of wind pressure because of the manner of'their suspension or attachment. 6.8 Are located in such a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection or in such a manner as to materially inpede the view of the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad crossing. 6.9 Other than official highway signs which are located upon, over, or in any street or highway right-of-way, except as permitted under the previsions of this ordinance. 6.10 Are not included under the types of signs permitted in this ordin;¢nce. 6.11 Are portable or movable sign, except as permitted under the provisions of this ordinance. 6.12 Are attached tb the wall of a building and extend more than eighteen (18) inches horizontal&y from such wall. 6.15 Obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway or any opening intended to provide air, egress or ingress for any building or structure. 6.14 Are erected before the adoption and effective date of these regulations shall be altered or expanded in any respect, or relocation, except in compliance with the requirements herein for new signs, other than those - being maintained to their original form and manner. 6.15 Except ss otherwise provided for the tacking, painting, posting or affixing of signs or posters of any kind or description on the walls o? buildings, barns, sheds, trees, utility poles, posts, fences, rocks, wells or other structures of this nature. ILLUMINATION 7.1 The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity or brightness will not be objectionable to the surrounding areas. 7.2 No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, brightness'or color. Beacon lights are not permitted. 7.3 No color lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices. 7.4 Neither the direct, nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thorough- 7.5 No exposed reflective type bulbs and no strobe ~ight or incandescent lamp which exceeds fifteen (15) watts shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of the bulb, light or ~amp to any public street or a~jacent property. 8.5 Nulliffca. on. A ~_gn permit shall become null anw void if ~:e work for -~-~tch the Permit wes issued has not been ~ompleted within e period of six (6) mo~ths after the date of the permit. Permit Exceptions. The following operations shall not be considered as creating a sign end therefore, shall not be required a sign permit. 8.5.'1 ~' The changing of the advertising copy or message on an approved painted or printed sign or on e theatre marquee and similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy. 8.5.5 Maintenance. Painting, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of e sign or a sign structure unless a structural change is made. 8.5.3 Temporary Siqns. Temporary signs, per Section 3 and signs under ~xception, Bec{ion 4 of this code ers also exempt from permit requirements unless specified elsewheref I NSPECTION~ 9.1 RE~OVAL~ SAEET~ Inspsctton. Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodicelly by the building inspector for compliance with this end other codes of the municipality. 9.2 Removal of Siqq. The Building Commissioner mey order the removel.'of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this code. He shall give thirty (~0) days notice in writing to the owner of such sign, or of the building, structure or premises on which such sign is located, to remove ~he sign or to bring it into compliance. The Building Commissioner may remove a sign immediately and without notice if, in his'opinion, the condition of the sign is such as to present an immediate threat to the safety of the public. g.~ Maintenance. All signs and components thereof shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition. Feilure to comply ~ill automatically revoke the permit efter such non-compliance hes been determined by the Building Commissioner, upon notice from the Office of the Building Commissioner. 9.~ Abandoned Siqns. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lesseo of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which it edvertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the building inspector shall give the owner ten (10) days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the building inspector or his duly authorized representative may remove the sign at the cost to the owner. Where a successor to e dufunct business agrees to maintain the signs as provided in this code, this removal requirement shall not apply. IO. ADMINISTRATION AND PENALTIES lO.~ Enforcement ~Buildinq Commissioner~. The Building Commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to enforce ell of the provisions of this code. Upon presentation of proper credentials, the Building Commissioner or his duty authorized rep~esentstive may enter at reasonable times any building, structure or premises in the Town of Carmel and Clay Township to perform any duty imposed upon him by this code. ~0.2 Interpretetion. ~here there is any ambiguity or dispute concerning the ....... · -~:~ ~ ~ nndm. the decision of the~Building Commissioner · -th ~ho violates this code she1 e guilt ~f a ~ . eneltieS. Any pe. Jn . ..... ~ be punishable by a f.~,e of not 0.~ Penet%: -' ~ ,,nnn convlC~luu, ~.~11 less than TenDollars (910.00) nor more than Three Hundred Dollars ($3B0.00) and each day in which any such violation shall occur will be deemed separate offense. 10.6 In addition to or instead of proceeding under section 10.5 above, the plan CommiSsion of the Town of Carmel, Indiana, or any designated enforcement official of this ordinance, may institute a suit for an injunction in the Circuit,Court of Hamilton Count~ to restrain an individual or a governmental unit from violating this ordinance. The Plan Commission or any designated enforcement official may also institute a suit for mandatory injunction directing an individual or governmental unit to remove a structure erected in violation of this ordinance. ll. DEFINITION~ area enclosed by one rectangle, the Surface Area of Siqn. That siqn 11.1 Are____a~ or -- - sides of which make contac~ with the extreme points or edges of the excluding the supporting structure which does not form part of the s~on proper or of the disp]ay. fhe area of a sign composed of characters or ~ords attached directly to e large, uniform building ~all surface shall be the smallest rectangle ~hich encloses the whole group.. 11.2 8u~l__din~ Lin~. The line nearest the front of and across a 16t establishing the minimum open space to be provided between the Front Line of a building or structure and the ~ront Lot Line. 11.3 Loc____at~o__On. A lot, premise, building, wall or any place whatsoever upon ~hlch a sign is located. 11.4 ~argue~· A canopy or covering structure projecting from and attached to a building. 1~.5 Per_~soo. Any individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership and the like, singular or plural. 11.6 Rqof Lin~. This shall mean either the edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, ~hichever forms the top line of the building'silhouette and ~here a building has several roof levets~ this roof or parapet shall be, the one belonging to that portion of the building on ~hose ~all the sign is located. 11.7 S_iq~. Any letters, figureS, design, symbol, trademark or illuminating device intended to attract attention to any subject, place, person~ firm, corporation, public performance, article, machine or merchandise, shatsoever out-of-doors for recognized advertising purposes. HOwever, this shall not include any official court or public notices nor thc emblem or insignia of e government, school or religious group when displayed for official purposes. Interior signs, if located in or on a ~indow end intended to be viewed from the exterior, shall be no greater than twenty (20) percent of the ~indo~ area. , t~.8 Sig~ Advertising. A sign which directs attention to any businesS, product, activity or service: provided, ho~ever, that such sign'shall not be related or made reference to the prima~y use, business, activity, or service conducted on the premises. .... ~ ~ h,~nesS, building 11 ,14 11 11 .16 11 .i? 11.18 Siqn~ Ide~_ ry., A, sign shich carries only the n~,.-~ of th~ ame of the ~irm, the major enterprise or the principle product offered for sale on the premises, or a combi, netion of these. Siqn~ Incidental. A nameplate or sign re]ating to the lot or use therefore end designating accessory uses, direction, identification, information or real estate for sale, rent or lease. Sign~ Temporary,. Any sign or sign structure not perbanently affixed installed and intended for, short-term use. ~iqn~ Roo~. A sign erected, constructed end maintained upon the roof of building. Siqn~ l~all-Flat. One affixed directly to or painted on or otherwise inscribed on an exterior wail and confined within the limits there of any building and shich projects from that surface less then twelve (12) inches at all points. Vehicles. Automobiles, trucks, trailers, railroad cars, construction equipment and other such mobile equipment whose mejor purpose is other than the display of advertising. o o 12. WHEN EFFECTIVE. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage. Passed By The Town Board Of Trustees Of The Town of 1974. Carmel~ Indiana, Thisbe--Day Of __~ .., o o Pof the Town of Carme~, Indl JUNE ~. HEDGES, REC;O~R, HA[VlILTON COUNTY, IND. ~OLLING ~, EADOWS RGLLING THORN BERRY C'T HACKBERRY ROCKBERRY GRANITE GRANITE CT. WAL PLAZA THE ,CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SIGN ORDINANCE RC WI LDWOOD ES1 FLAIl NOF ROAD CARl' WOOD THORNHUR~T= ~ DR' I COOL RIDGE DR. ~HNSOI' C BERT CT. JEMAC CT. ALWYNE DR: SLEEPY RD. DR. :AR of ar el 130 IST AvENUF- $- W. CARME~L- :-: INDIANA pROOF OF POSTING 05DIN~i~_~ O-6[!. Peggy Lou Smith: varily affi~ that she did on the 29th day of ~Y~ 1974. post a copy of the above Ordfinsnce in f~ ([~) places of the T~n of Carmel. ordinance ~64 concerns the issu'auce of sig~ pe~ts ~,f_thin the jurisdiction of the Csrm. el T~n Plan Corm~ssion: as a part of the I(aster plan for the T~m of Carmel ~ Zndiana. The copies of tDn%s Ordinance were placed in the Clerk-Treasurer's office ~ 130 1st Ave. S.%L~ at Union State Bs. nk~. l~ain St. aud Rs~ngeline Road.~. at Union State Ba~k in Keystone Squ~mre Shopping Center on l~6th Street~ .a?~-d at the Library Building, Clerk-Treasurer