HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 6261 SIGN
Augusta Richmond GA
DOCUMENT NAME: O/vd I Y1lr'(C Lo L lJ2 I
DOCUMENT TYPE:
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YEAR: :17-000
BOX NUMBER: ~
FILE NUMBER: ) 4, '0 4
NUMBER OF PAGES:
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ORDINANCE NO. 6261
An Ordinance to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance adopted by the
Board of Commissioners of Richmond County and the City Council of Augusta
effective November 15, 1983, entitled "An Ordinance to Readopt and Reconfirm
the Comprehensive Zoning ordinance adopted March 15, 1963, by the Board of
Commissioners of Richmond County and the City Council of Augusta, by adding
a new Section 28-B to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance entitled "Signs" and
by deleting all references to signs from the current regulations.
THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION-COUNCIL HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION I. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance is amended by deleting the following:
(a) Section 2 (Definitions) page 12:
"SIGN" shall mean any words, lettering, parts of letters, figures, numbers,
phrases, sentences, emblems, devices, designs, trade names, or trademarks by
which anything is known, such as are used to designate an individual, a firm, an
association; a corporation, a profession, a business, or a commodity or products,
which are visible from any public highway and used to attract attention.
"SIGN, OFF-PREMISES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING" shall mean a sign,
single face, double face, or V -type, which directs attention to one or more
businesses, commodit~es, services, or entertainment, and which is primarily, but
not exclusively conducted, sold, or offered off the premises on which the sign is
located.
"SIGN, PORTABLE" shall mean any sign, whether on its own trailer, wheels,
or otherwise, which was originally designed and manufactured so that it could be
transported from one place to another.
(b) Section 3-1 0 (part)
This setback shall not apply to any sign advertising the principal use of the
property on which such sign is erected or placed; provided, however, that no part
of any such sign or its supporting structure shall be placed nearer than ten (10)
feet from the right-of-way line of any road, street, or highway. Off-Premises
Outdoor Advertising Signs as defined in this Ordinance, shall not be thus
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exempted and shall meet all setbacks required for other structures as provided
elsewhere in this Ordinance. No sign of any kind shall be located within any
setback required under Section 3-12 of this Ordinance.
(c) Section 8-5
Sign As An Accessory Use: No billboard, signboard, or advertising sign shall be
permitted as an accessory use, except that a Realtor's sign shall be permitted
where the disposal of a building, structure, or land is involved, provided it does
not constitute a traffic hazard by obstructing the view of motorists.
(d) Section 16-3
Name Plate or Sign: One identification sign not exceeding twelve (12) square
feet in area shall be permitted for multiple-family dwellings. Such signs shall be
located not less than fifteen (15) feet from the front lot line, except where it is
affixed to the wall of the building and does not extend over the sidewalk.
(e) Section 20-1 (e)
Signs: One exterior non-illuminated sign per lot pertaining only to a use
conducted within the building shall be permitted in the P-1 Zone. A sign not
located flat against the building shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area
and six feet in height. Such sign shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of an
R-1 Zone boundary nor twenty-five (25) feet from the intersection of the right-of-
way lines of intersecting streets.
(f) Sections 21-2,3,4
(2) Signs: Any exterior sign display shall pertain only to a use permitted
within the building or upon said lot. All parts of signs including overhang
shall be located at least ten feet from a street right-of-way. Any exterior
sign other than signs flat against the building or structure shall be located
not less than fifty (50) feet from an R-Zone boundary line. In no case shall
a sign project above the roof line unless the structural design has been
approved by the Building Inspector. No sign above the roof line shall be
permitted which will obstruct the view to or from adjoining property.
Signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area for every front foot of
building width. .
(3) Portable signso will be permitted in accordance with the following
regulations:
(a) A permit must be obtained from the Building Inspector prior to
placing a portable sign on the premises;
(b) Portable signs shall not be illuminated by exposed bulbs, or
revolving, flashing, or rotating beams of light;
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(c) Portable signs shall not utilize the colors red, green, blue, yellow,
or any shade or variant thereof for illuminated elements which
might be confused with traffic signals;
(d) DELETED;
(e) Portable signs shall not be placed in a parking space that is
required to meet the minimum parking requirements of Augusta-
Richmond County;
(f) No portable sign may be placed or mounted on a roof;
(g) DELETED;
(h) Within the Urban Services District portable signs shall be allowed
on the premises of a business or institution. or other property for
not more than thirty (30) calendar days which must run
consecutive in any six month period.
(4) Off-premises outdoor advertising. signs shall be permitted within
Augusta in accordance with the following regulations:
(a) Every permit application for a proposed off-premises outdoor
advertising sign or for any repair or replacement of an existing off-
premises outdoor advertising sign shall be accompanied by a plat
prepared by a registered surveyor, showing the distance of the
proposed or existing off-premises outdoor advertising sign to the
nearest off-premises outdoor advertising. sign on the same side of
the roadway, and the distance to the nearest off-premises outdoor
advertising sign on the opposite side of the roadway, and also the
distance to any other structures on the property where the new sign
is to be located. In the event of repair or replacement, the distance
to existing structures on the property shall be shown. The surveyor
shall be required to enter the correct map and parcel number and
complete address for the property for which the permit application
is being submitted, and the plat shall be approved by the Augusta-
Richmond County Planning Commission prior to its submission;
(b) The location of the sign is subject to approval by the Building
Inspector and the Traffic Engineer;
(c) The structural design is subject to approval by the Building
Inspector;
(d) There shall be no more than one (1) off-premises outdoor
advertising sign having more than thirty-two (32) square feet of
surface area for each seven hundred and fifty (750) feet of frontage
on each side of any roadway. No off-premises outdoor advertising
signs shall be located on roadways designated as part of the
Interstate Highway System within 500 feet of an interchange,
intersection grade, or safety rest area. The foregoing 500 foot zone
shall be measured along the interstate highway from the point at
which the pavement conunences or ceases to widen at exits from
or entrances to the main traveled way;
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(e) No off-premises outdoor a,dvertising sign shall be located less than
three hundred (300) feet from any other off-premises outdoor
advertising sign in any direction;
(f) No off-premises outdoor advertising sign shall exceed a height of
sixty (60) feet from ground level measured from the base of the
SIgn;
(g) The maximum area of an off-premises outdoor advertising sign
face shall be three hundred (300) square feet on two lane roadways
and six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet on highways with
more than two lanes, plus temporary embellishments not exceeding
twenty percent (20%) of the permanent sign area. Only one (1)
sign face facing traffic moving in one direction shall be permitted
on an off-premises sign;
(h) Any off-premises outdoor structure lawfully existing on the
effective date of this provision which does not conform to the
regulations herein shall be considered a nonconforming use. Such
nonconforming signs may not be expanded nor enlarged nor may
they be replaced if they are abandoned or removed; and
(i) If provisions of this section conflict with other regulations in this
Ordinance, the more restrictive regulations shall apply.
(g) Section 23-7
Signs: Signage in the Light Industrial (Ll) Zone shall conform to the
requirements of Section 22 of this Ordinance.
(h) Section 25-B in its entirety
25-B-l Statement of Purpose: It is the stated purpose of the governing body in
consideration and adoption of this Ordinance establishing Special Sign
Control Area Districts (SCA Districts) to protect the Augusta-Richmond
County Commission's interest in maintaining the beauty, integrity,
historical significance, and traffic safety within the SCA Districts which
are recommended by the Augusta- Richmond County Planning
Commission as meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 25-B-2
hereof. Should the Commission recommend the establishment of such a
district, and the Commission determine that the establishment of such
district will directly advance the interest and purposes of the governing
body as above stated, then and only then will the Augusta-Richmond
County Commis~ion act affirmatively on such recommendation.
It shall be unlawful to place or erect any sign of any type other than
publiciy-maintained street, directional or directory signs within the SCA
District, except as provided in this section. The SCA District classification
shall be in addition to the district classification of the property at the time
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the SCA District classification is attached and to any use zone change duly
enacted thereafter.
25-B-2 District Requirements. Areas and/or neighborhoods within Augusta-
Richmond County may be considered for designation as SCA districts if
they are deemed to be representative of the following:
(a) having special historical significance; or
(b) having special aesthetic significance attributable to the natural
and/or built enviromnent; or
(c) having special significance as an area or landmark of local, state,
or national stature.
(d) Constituting a district, neighborhood, or other form of spatial unity
where the overall appearance is affected by one or more of the
above criteria and where a significant proportion of the residents
and property owners are in support of designation.
Signs of all types in existence and in place at the time of the establishment
of an SeA District shall be exempt from compliance with this Ordinance,
except that such signs may not be enlarged, replaced, nor repaired to an
extent greater than 50% of their value.
25-B-3AII signs permitted within the SCA (Special Sign Control) District
shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Sign Clearance and Height: Adequate sign clearance shall be
provided to assure that vehicular and pedestrian traffic movements
are not adversely affected. Minimum clearance shall be not less
than ten (10) feet above pedestrian ways nor less than fifteen (15)
feet above areas utilized by motor vehicles.
Maximum sign heights shall be as follows:
(1) Fascia-mounted signs shall not extend beyond the roof line
or parapet wall elevation of the structure.
(2) Freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in
height.
(b) Illumination:
(1) No sign shall be illuminated using exposed lighting.
(2) Lighted signs utilizing an enclosed lamp design shall be
permitted in "B" zones only.
(3) No flashing, animated, exposed neon, or running light
signs, except those containing a changing public service
announcement such as time and temperature, shall be
permitted.
(4) No sign with rotating or revolving beams of light shall be
permitted.
(5) The use of reversed silhouette or "cutout" letters is
encouraged to reduce glare where back lighting is applied.
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(c) Permitted Signs: The following signs shall be permitted in the
SCA (Special Sign Control Area) District. Permitted signs may
identify only the person, establishment, principal product, and/or
service available on the premises which contains the sign.
(1) Public Interest: a sign containing a cautionary message,
such as Beware of Dog or No Trespassing; or an
information message such as Exit or Parking.
(2) Place: a sign identifying a community, residential
development, public facility, or historical site.
(3) Institutional: a sign identifying a club, association, school,
hospital, church, nursing home, or other similar
institutional use.
(4) Real Estate: a sign indicating exclusively the sale, rental,
lease or development of property upon which it stands.
(5) Contractor: a sign identifying the contractor or contractors
doing work on the building or premises. Includes sign
identifying name of institution financing the project and/or
architect or engineering firm involved.
(6) Professional Use: a sign identifying any use permitted in a
P-l (Professional) Zone.
(7) Principal Use: a sign identifying an establishment which
retails a product or provides a service or entertainment to
the general public. Does not include establishments with
signs defined as place, institutional, or professional office.
(8) Supplemental Identification: a sign giving information
about a principal use such as a trade name. or logo.
(9) Announcement: a sign used in conjunction with a principal
use giving emergency information, business hours, credit
cards honored, or other such incidental information related
to business.
(10) Marquee: a sign identifying a specific event which is
subject to frequent change.
(11) Directory: a sign identifying two (2) or more persons,
agencies, or establishments, located in a place or location
common to all.
(d) Number,. Size and Type of Signs Allowed: Permitted signs may be
located in the' SCA (Special Sign Control Area) District as
specified in the Schedule of Sign Regulations and in conformance
with all other provisions of this section.
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PERMITTED
SIGNS
Public Interest
Place
Institutional
Real Estate
Contractor
Professional
Office
Principal Use
Supplemental
Identification
Announcement
Marquee
DireCtory
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SCHEDULE OF SIGN REGULATIONS
MAXIMUM SIZE ALLOWED IN SOUARE FEET
ZONES IN (#1)* (#2)*
WIDCR FREE- FACIA- (#3)* TIME
PERMITTED STANDING MOUNTED WINDOW LIMIT
R and POD 2 2 2 None
All Other 3 3 3 None
All 16 N.P. (#4)* N.P. None
R and POD 12 12 N.P. None
P-1 16 16 N.P. None
B 24 24 N.P. None
Rand PUD 6 N.P. N.P. 14 days after
All Other 12 24 8 close of sale
Rand PUD 6 6 8 14 days after
All Other 12 24 8 completion
P-1 12 24 4 None
B 35 45 4 None
B-1 35 45 4 None
B-2 64 2XWS (#5)* 25% X W A (#6)*
B N.P. 4 4 None
B N.P.
B 32
P-1 24
B 32
*Restrictions on Sign age
(1) Freestanding signs may be a ground sign or mounted on a pole or pylon.
No more than one (1) freestanding sign per lot shall be permitted except
where a lot fronts ori more than one street, in which case, one (1)
freestanding sign per street is permitted. Shopping centers may have one
additional freestanding sign per street for every ten establishments, and the
total permitted freestanding sign surface area (including all freestanding
signs) for a street shall be increased by 35 feet in B-1 Zones and by 64 feet
in B-2 Zones for every ten establishments.
Fascia-mounted signs shall not extend more than twenty-four (24) inches
out from the building facade. Limited to one (1) per lot for individual uses
or one (1) per establishment for shopping centers or professional office
developments: Establishments having frontage on more than one street
may have one (1) facia-mounted sign per street.
Window signs - No more than two (2) windows in any structure may be
used for signs.
(4) N.P. - means Not Permitted.
(5) W.S. - means Width of Structure.
(6) W.A. - means Window Area.
Minimum Setback: No permitted sign shall be located nearer than ten (10) feet
from any public right-of-way line. No sign shall be located so as to inhibit the
visibility of motorists entering or leaving a public road. Signs must adhere to the
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2
N.P.
N.P.
N.P.
None
None
None
None
(2)
(3)
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setback requirements for stmctures found elsewhere in this Ordinance if any
portion except supportive members or pylons occupy any space between three and
one-half (3.5) feet and ten (10) feet above ground level. Supportive members and
pylons shall be designed to minimize visibility obstmction above three and one-
half (3.5) feet.
2S-B-4 Bonus Provisions: To encourage design excellence and enhance the
aesthetic quality of development undertaken in the SCA (Special Sign
Control Area) District, the maximum sign area for certain signs, as set
forth in the Schedule of Sign Regulations, may be increased as provided
for in this Section. A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each
of the criteria and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is
based on the original sign area limitation.
(a) Freestanding signs may be increased as follows:
(1) Twenty percent (20%) when the sign is constructed of solid
wood and the design is compatible with the style, texture,
and the color scheme of the stmcture(s) on the site.
(2) Ten percent (10%) when a directory sign utilizes uniform
coloring and lettering for all establishments listed, except
for the name of the facility containing multiple
establishments. .
(3) Twenty percent (20%) when the sign is installed on the
ground in a landscaped planter having an area four (4)
times the area of the resultant sign.
(4) Twenty percent (20%) if the sign is not designed or used
with illumination.
(5) Ten percent (10%) if the only illumination is back lighting.
(b) Facia-mounted signs may be increased as follows:
(1) Ten percent (10%) when all of the lettering and background
is uniform in style and color for signs in a shopping center
or professional office development or for any three (3)
consecutive separate establishments.
(2) Ten percent (10%) if the sign is not designed or used with
illumination.
(3) Ten percent (10%) if the sign is designed to contain only
identification of the establishment without advertisement of
any products sold on ~he premises.
(4) Five percent (5%) if the sign is made from an unbreakable
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(5) Ten percent (10%) if the only illumination is back lighting.
2S-B-S Application Requirements: An application for approval of any sign,
new or replacement, in an SeA (Special Sign Control Area) district along
with any bonus provision requested shall be made in writing to the
Executive Director. The application shall include scale drawings of the
sign including all pertinent features and color scheme.
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25-B-6 Conflicting Ordinances: If any provision of this Section is found to be in
conflict with any other Section or Ordinance, then the more restrictive
provision shall apply.
(f) Section 26-1 (a) (4)
If the base zoning for the subject property is agricultural, residential or
professional, then only one sign per street front shall be permitted and such sign
shall not exceed 24 square feet in area, nor extend higher than 6 feet above ground
level, nor be lighted internally.
(g) Section 26-1 (c) (6)
No signage shall be permitted.
(h) Section 26-1 (d) (2)
Signage shall conform to requirements for institutional signage in SCA District.
(i) Section 26-1 (e) (5)
Signage shall conform to institutional signage in SCA District.
(j) . Section 26-1 (f) (4)
No signage shall be permitted.
(k) Section 26-1 (g) (2)
No signage shall be permitted.
(1) Section 26-1 (h) (2)
No signage shall be permitted.
(m) Sections 26-1 (I) (7)
Only one sign per street front shall be permitted. Such signs may identify the
business only, not exceed 24 square feet in area, and not extend higher than six
(6) feet above ground level. No such sign shall be internally lighted.
(n) Section 26-1 (j)(4)
If the base zoning for the subject property is agricultural, residential or
professional, then only one sign per street front shall be permitted and such sign
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shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area, nor extend higher than six
(6) feet above ground level, nor be lighted internally.
(0) Section 26-1 (k) (2)
Signage shall conform to requirements for institutional signage in SeA District.
SECTION II. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance is amended by adding the following
new Section 28-B entitled "Signs".
8.. B-1
28-B-2
PURPOSE. The purpose of this Section is to provide fair and comprehensive
regulations that will promote safety by eliminating confusing, distracting and
unsafe signs; assure the opportunity for businesses to advertise in an efficient and
cost-effective manner; and enhance the physical appearance, natural beauty and
historical significance of Augusta. It is declared that the regulation of signs
within Augusta is necessary and in the public interest:
A. To promote traffic safety and protect the general public from damage and
injury caused, or partially attributable to, the distractions or obstructions
impairing motorists' ability to see pedestrians, other vehicles, obstacles or
traffic signs which are caused by improperly designed or situated signs;
B. To protect property values within Augusta;
C. To promote and aid in the tourist industry which is declared to be of
importance to the economy of Augusta;
D. To provide a pleasing overall environmental setting and community
appearance which is deemed vital to tourism and to the continued
economic attractiveness of Augusta;
E. To allow signs appropriate to the planned character of each zoning district;
F. To protect the right of citizens to enjoy Augusta's natural scenic beauty;
G. To improve the legibility and effectiveness of commercial and
governmental 'signs; and
H. To preserve and promote the public health, safety and welfare in the City.
1. To enhance the aesthetics of the community.
DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Section the following definitions will be
used:
. Banner. A sign or outside advertising display' bearing the characters,
letters, illustrations, ornamentations, symbols, colors, or visual
representations applied to cloth, paper, vinyl, fiber, plastic, or like
malleable material with or without frame. The term "banner" shall include
flags, pennants, life rafts, t-shirts, towels, ribbons, spinners, streamers,
kites, balloons, .tethered hot air balloons, inflatable devices, and .similar
objects, or any other material or outside advertising display whether
stationary or fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected
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to movement of the atmosphere or any mechanical device. A banner may
or may not have lettering or other specific identification or advertising
information or graphics.
. Commercial (as used in commercial message or commercial speech).
Related to the promotion or sale of a service or product.
. Flag, Official. A flag of the United State of America, or a flag ofthe State
of Georgia or other governmental entity, or a flag officially adopted by the
person, institution, organization, or corporation occupying a property.
. Message Board or Reader Board. A sign or portion of a sign on which the
message or copy changes automatically on a lamp bank or through
mechanical means. Also known as a Commercial Electronic Variable
Message Sign:
. Non Commercial (as used in non commercial message or non commercial
speech). Not related to the promotion or sale of a service or product.
. Reader Board or Message Board. A sign or portion of a sign on which the
message or copy changes automatically on a lamp bank or through
mechanical means. Also known as a Commercial Electronic Variable
Message Sign.
. Sign. Any device or representation for visual communication that is used
for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of others
which is located on or attached to premises, real property, structures on
real property, or a vehicle.
. Sign, Abandoned. A sign which was properly permitted and erected on
property in conjunction with a particular use which use has been
discontinued for a period of 30 days or more; or a permitted temporary
sign for which the permit has expired.
. Sign, Awning. A sign located on an awning, which is a roof-like cover
providing protection from the weather placed over or extending from or
above any window, door or other entrance to a building.
. Sign, Building Mounted. An on-premises sign painted onto or attached to
a building, canopy, awning, marquee or mechanical equipment located
outside a building.
. Sign, Canopy. A sign located on a canopy, which is a permanent roof-like
structure providing protection against the weather whether attached to or
detached from a building.
. Sign Enforcement Officer. An employee of the License and Inspection
Department who is responsible for enforcement of the provisions of this
Section and is empowered to issue citations, remove certain illegal signs,
and take other actions consistent with this Section.
. Sign, Freestanding~ A sign supported by a structure secured in the ground
and which is wholly independent of any building, fence, vehicle, or other
support.
. Sign, Mansard. A sign attached to the mansard section of a roof, which is
the lower, mostly vertical portion of a roof with two pitches, including a
flat topped roof with a mansard portion.
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. Sign, Marquee. A sign attached to a marquee, which is a permanent roof-
like structure projecting from and beyond a building wall at an entrance to
a building or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall
and generally designed and constructed to provide protection against the
weather.
. Sign, Monument. A freestanding sign which is mounted on or supported
by a structure which is not a simple pole, pylon, or beam system.
. Sign, Non Conforming. A sign which was in existence and was
constructed in compliance with the terms of any prior Ordinance but does
not conform to the provisions of this Section.
. Sign, Off-Premises. A sign, single face, double face, or v-type, which
directs attention to one or more businesses, commodities, services, or
entertainment, and which is primarily, but not exclusively conducted, sold,
or offered off the premises on which the sign is located. This definition
shall not be construed to prohibit non commercial messages on off-
premIses SIgnS.
. Sign, On-Premises. A sign relating its subject matter to the premises on
which it is located, or to products accommodating services or activities on
the premises. This definition shall not be construed to prohibit non
commercial messages on on-premises signs.
. Sign, Pole (or Pylon) Mounted. A freestanding sign which is mounted on
or supported by a simple pole, pylon, or beam system.
. Sign, Political. A sign erected for the purpose of advertising a candidate
or stating a position regarding an issue upon which the voters of the city
shall vote.
. Sign, Portable. A sign which is designed to be transportable (with wheels;
designed to be transported by trailer or wheels; mounted on a vehicle for
advertising purposes, parked and visible from the public right-of-way -
except for normal business vehicles) and utilized at different locations and
is not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building.
. Sign, Projecting. An on-premises sign attached to a building, canopy,
awning or marquee and projecting outward therefrom in any direction a
distance of two feet or more.
. Sign Surface Area. A measurement of the portion of a sign consisting of
the actual. copy, advertisement, or area devoted to identification or
proclamation within the periphery of the smallest circle, triangle,
rectangle, a combination of the foregoing. The sign surface area shall
include any background material, trim, color, or other visual
representations which attracts attention or are used to differentiate a sign
from a building, structure, backdrop surface, or object upon which the sign
is placed. Sign surface area shall not include the sign structures if no
message, symbol, or any of the aforementioned sign face criteria are
displayed on or designed as part of the sign structure.
. Sign, Temporary. A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth,
canvas, fabric, paper, plywood, sheet metal, or another light material
which is designed to be used only temporarily, and which is not
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permanently mounted. Included in this category are banners, portable
signs, retailers signs temporarily displayed such as special sale signs,
special event signs, special product or service promotional signs, and
similar signs.
. Sign, Traffic Directional. An on-premises sign consisting of a simply
message such as "in", "out", "parking" or something similar and an arrow,
logo, but nothing more erected solely for the purpose of vehicular or
pedestrian traffic direction or safety. Such sign shall have no advertising
words or phrases.
. Sign, Window. Any sign or display which is painted on or applied to or
projected upon or within the interior or exterior of a building glass area,
including doors, which can be read from contiguous property or public
right-of-way.
ADMINISTRATION. Administration of this Section shall be the responsibility
of the License and Inspection Department. Administration shall consist of (A)
application and sign plan, and (B) sign permit:
A. Application and Sign Plan. A sign permit may be issued upon the
submission of an application and an approved sign plan, and payment of a
fee. The application shall be on a form provided by Augusta, Richmond
County disclosing the sign owner, property owner, property occupant,
address of the premises where the sign is to be located, together with the
size of the proposed sign and a description of any other signs located on
the premises, other signs for which a permit has been issued and remain
outstanding, and for proposed signs yet to be permitted. In addition, other
information shall be provided as indicated on the form, and other
information needed pursuant to Sections 28-B-6 through 28-B-12 shall be
provided.
Every permit application shall be accompanied by a sign plan. A sign plan
shall show the location of all existing, permitted but not erected, and
proposed signs, all buildings, parking facilities, driveways, curbs and
right-of-way lines immediately adjacent to the property. Also, single-
family residential structures on adjoining properties shall be shown. The
location of the sign(s) for which the permit applies shall be shown. In
addition, the sign plan shall include drawings of all proposed signs
showing dimensions, elevations, height, setbacks, materials and
illumination sources, types, and intensity. Sign plans shall be scaled
drawings with accurate dimensions provided, where appropriate, to show
conformance to this Section. Sign plans need not be prepared by licensed
professionals, unless required elsewhere in this Section, but a certification
of their accuracy shall be placed upon the plan.
Sign plans shall be approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the
License and Inspection Department. Action on a sign plan shall be taken
within five working days of submission or it shall be deemed to have been
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approved. An approved sign plan, an application, and payment of a fee
shall be required to obtain a sign permit.
B. Sign Permit. Except as specified in Subsection 28-B-4 of this Section, a
sign permit must be obtained from the License and Inspection Department
prior to the erection, installation or material alteration of any sign. As
used in the preceding sentence, material alteration shall mean any change
in, a) the height of a sign, b} the surface area of a sign, c) the location of a
sign, d) the supporting structure of a sign, and e) the illumination of a non-
illuminated sign; such terms shall not include routine maintenance and
repair or routine electrical work only. Permits may be obtained from the
License and Inspection Department. Signs t6 be located in locally
designated historic districts (Title 7, Chapter 4 of the Augusta Richmond
County Code), shall be approved by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
A sign permit shall be accompanied by a decal which shall be affixed to
the sign structure before it is erected. A Permit for a temporary sign shall
be accompanied by a decal color coded to the calendar quarter in which
the permit is valid. A decal for a permanent sign shall be valid and remain
affixed to the sign throughout the life of the sign. A sign permit issued
upon the basis of false or misleading information which is material to the
application and granting of a permit, shall be immediately revoked and
such sign shall be removed within 30 days.
EXEMPTIONS. The following are not considered to be signs for the purpose of
administering and enforcing this Ordinance, and permits shall not be required.
A. Official Flags. Except during celebration of officially recognized
holidays, only one of each of the three categories of Official flags may be
displayed on a lot.. Official flags shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in
area, nor be located on flagpoles more than forty (40) feet in height or that
exceed the height limitation of the zoning district. Official flags shall be
flown in accordance with protocol established by the Congress of the
United States for the Stars and Stripes, as applicable. Any flag not
meeting anyone or more of these conditions will be considered a sign and
will be subject to regulation as such.
B. Vehicles regularly and customarily used to transport persons or property
for a business when located on the same property as the business, and used
for normal business purposes other than the display of a message on a lot.
C. Government signs erected pursuant to and in the discharge of any
government function.
D. Signs or plates' on residential structures or premises bearing the name
and/or address of the occupant; mailboxes, paper boxes, and similar uses
customarily associated with residential structures.
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Historical markers, monuments or signs as recognized by local, state, or
federal authorities.
Holiday decorations that do not convey a commercial message.
Any sign or display which is located completely within an enclosed
building and which is not visible from outside the building or beyond the
boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which it is located.
H. Paintings/art work that does not convey a commercial message.
1. Real estate, development, or contractor signs less than six square feet in
area related to the specific property upon which they are located. Such
signs larger than 6 square feet in area shall be regulated as temporary signs
per Section 28-B-6.
J. Political signs when the sign area is 32 square feet or less, provided such
signs are related to a specific local, state, or national election and provided
such signs are removed within ten days after such election. Political signs
larger than 32 square feet shall be regulated as temporary signs per Section
28-B-6.
K. Grave markers,. headstones, memorial statues or similar non-commercial
remembrances.
L. Any sign approved by the Augusta Commission and incorporated into a
bus shelter or bench.
M. Address numbers less than six inches in height.
N. Inside faces of scoreboards or walls on athletic fields.
O. A living display on the ground of flowers or other plants which conveys a
message.
P. Banners when specifically approved as to size, form, location and duration
by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
PROHIBITED SIGNS. The following types of signs are prohibited in Augusta,
Richmond County:
A. Pavement markings or sidewalk markings except those of a customary
traffic control nature or otherwise approved by the City.
B. Signs attached to trees, lampposts, parking meter posts, hydrants, traffic
signs, rocks or other natural features, telephone or utility poles unless
specifically approved as to size, fonn, location, and duration by the
Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
C. Signs mounted, painted, or otherwise displayed on the roofs of buildings.
D. Banners, except that banners may be used as temporary signs.
E. Any sign or outdoor advertising display that depicts any material which is
obscene as defined in The Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 16-
12-80.
F. Any sign or outdoor advertising display which displays nudity as defined
in The Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 32-6-75 (21) (b).
G. Any private or business sign, except as authorized by Augusta, Richmond
County, which restricts or appears to reserve any portion of public right-
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of-way or any public area for the exclusive use or private use of an
individual, tenant, client, guest, or business.
H. Signs which in any way imitate an official traffic sign or signal, or
contains words or symbols displayed in a manner which might mislead or
confuse drivers of vehicles, or signs which any manner may unduly
confuse, distract, or divert the attention of drivers of vehicles.
1. Signs which use flashing lights, strobe lights, blinking lights, or any type
of pulsating or moving light, except moving message boards or reader
boards. .
J. Any sign painted on or attached to a vehicle and used as a stationary sign,
where said vehicle is:
1) not titled or displaying a current license tag, or
2) located in a front yard per this Ordinance
K. Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door,
window, fire escape, or other exitway.
TEMPORARY SIGNS. One temporary sign may be located on a lot, tract, or
parcel in a B 1, B2, LI, or HI zone. Shopping centers or similar properties
containing multiple occupants may have one additional temporary sign for every
ten occupants or businesses. A temporary sign may be located on property for a
maximum of 15 total days during a calendar quarter. A permit shall be acquired
for a temporary sign, and a decal color-coded to the calendar quarter shall be
affixed to the temporary sign before it is erected. The temporary sign shall be
removed when the decal expires. The setbacks and height requirement for
permanent signs shall apply to temporary signs. Temporary signs shall not exceed
40 square feet in area (1 side). Temporary signs shall not be placed or located in
sparking spaces and shall not be an obstruction for sight distance. A sign larger
than 6 square feet advertising the sale of real property upon which the. sign is
located shall be exempted from permitting and the 15 day maximum, but such
sign shall be the only temporary sign located on said property.
SIGNS IN AGRICULTURAL, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, TWO-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, AND MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
ZONES (A, R-l, R-2,AND R-3).. The following signs shall be the only signs
permitted in Agricultural and Residential zones:
A. Entrance Signs For Approved Subdivisions. One subdivision entrance sign
per entrance is allowed for residential subdivisions. Such signs shall not
exceed 24 square feet in area or six (6) feet in height. Such sign must be
located upon the property identified by the sign and illuminated only by
indirect incandescent lighting. The location of such sign shall not
adversely affect traffic safety and the location shall be approved by the
Traffic Engineer.
B. Entrance Signs For Apartment or Condominium Complexes With More
Than Ten Units in Two-family and Multiple-family Residential Zones.
One sign per street front. Such sign shall n.ot exceed 24 square feet in area
or six (6) feet in height. Each such sign shall be located on the property
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identified by the sign and illuminated only by indirect incandescent
lighting. An illuminated sign must be located at least 100 feet from the
nearest existing single-family home. The location of such sign shall not
adversely affect traffic flow and shall be approved by the Traffic Engineer.
C. Signs for Uses Permitted by Special Exception in Sections 15-18 and 26.
When located in Agricultural or Residential zones, signs shall be
prohibited in association with the following uses: family day care homes,
family personal care homes, group personal care homes, transitional
housing and home occupations. When located in any other zone, these
uses shall conform to the Regulations for that zoning classification. When
located in Agricultural or Residential zones, the following uses may have
one non illuminated sign per street front which shall not exceed six square
feet in area or five feet in height: lodging houses or tourist houses,
fraternity or sorority houses, congregate personal care homes, and adult
day care facilities. When located in any other zone, these uses shall
conform to the Regulations for that zoning classification. The following
uses may have one sign per street front in an Agricultural or a Residential
zone; church, private school, hospital (public or private), cemetery,
nursing home~ funeral home, inert landfill, sanitary landfill, or club per
Section 26-1(i). Such signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or six
(6) feet in height. Each sign must be located upon the property identified
by the sign and this may be illuminated only by indirect incandescent
lighting. An illuminated sign must be located at least 100 feet from the
nearest existing single-family home. When located in any other zone
these uses shall conform to the Regulations for that zoning classification.
All signs provided for in this Subsection shall be set back a minimum of
ten (10) feet from a public right-of-way line or fifteen (15) feet from any
curb or edge of pavement.
D. Other Signs. One sign per lot containing non-commercial messages or
commercial messages drawing attention to an activity that is legal on the
premises. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in area, or five (5) feet in
height, and they must. be set back at least two (2) feet from the public
right-of-way. Such signs shall not be illuminated. Permits are not
required for such signs.
ON-PREMISES FREESTANDING SIGNS IN PROFESSIONAL,
COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES.
A. Number of Signs. In P:-1, B-1, B-2, LI or HI zones: One on-premises
freestanding-sign per street frontage (must be oriented toward the street
frontage), plus one for each 300 feet of street frontage or plus one for each
10 businesses in a shopping center or similar multiple occupancy complex.
On-premises freestanding signs on the same property and on the same
street frontage shall be at least 100 feet apart.
B. Sign Surface Area. The maximum on-premises freestanding sign surface
area in the P-1 zone is 12 square feet. In B-1 zones, the maximum sign
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surface area is 100 square feet unless the sign location would be within
100 feet of a single-family residence or single-family residential zone in
which case the maximum sign surface area shall be 50 square feet. In B-2,
LI, or HI zones, the maximum sign surface area is 200 square feet unless
the sign location would be within 100 feet of a single-family residence or
single-family residential zone, or unless the sign would be located within
the Planned Development Riverfront Zone (PDR), or unless the sign
would be located in a national register or locally designated historic
district (Title 7, Chapter 4 of the Augusta-Richmond County Code), in
which case the maximum sign surface area would be 50 square feet. In
the Planned Development Riverfront Zone (PDR) or National Register or
locally desigilated historic districts (Title 7, Chapter 4 of the Augusta-
Richmond County Code), the maximum sign surface area shall be 35 feet
in a B-1 zone.
Freestanding signs may be either monument (completely enclosed base) or
pylon (pole) supported. There shall be no limitation on the size of a
simple pole or beam support system. For a monument sign, the supporting
structure of the sign shall not be included in calculating the area of the
sign permitted by this Ordinance; provided, however, that the supporting
structure shall not exceed 50% of the total combined area of the sign and
supporting structure.
To encourage design excellence and enhance the aesthetic quality of
development, the minimum on-premises freestanding sign surface area set
forth above may be increased in all cases as provided herein. A separate
bonus may be granted for each of the criteria, but in no case may the total
bonus exceed 70%: Bonus provisions shall not apply within the Planned
Development Riverfront Zone (PDR) or in National Register or locally
designated historic districts (Title 7, Chapter 4 of the Augusta-Richmond
County Code).
1) 10% bonus when the sign is constructed of solid wood and the
design is compatible with the style, texture, and color scheme of
the structure(s) on the site;
2) 10% bonus when an area around the base of the sign is at least 4
times the area of the sign surface and the area around the base of
the sign is covered by a landscaped planter;
3) 10% bonus if the sign is unlighted;
4) 50% bonus where a proposed sign would replace an existing sign
that is 100% larger than the current Ordinance would permit,
where the proposed sign location would not be within 100 feet of a
single family residence or zone, and where the proposed sign
would be. the only freestanding sign on the property;
5) 50% bonus if the lot qualifies for more than 1 freestanding sign but
only 1 sign is erected, if the proposed sign location would not be
within 100 feet of a single family residence or zone;
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6) 25% bonus if the proposed sign location is more than 100 feet from
any existing or proposed public street or highway right-of-way, the
proposed sign is the only on-premises freestanding sign on the
property, and the proposed sign location would not be within 100
feet of a single family residence or zone.
C. Height. In P-l zones, the maximum height, including structural elements,
is six feet. In B-1 zones, the maximum height, including structural
elements, is 20 feet. In B-2, LI, or HI zones the maximum height,
including structural elements, is 30 feet. The sign's height shall be
measured from the elevation of the adjoining road grade or from the base
of the sign, whichever is higher.
D. Interstate Sign Overlay Zone (ISO). Properties zoned B-2, LI, and HI and
located within 1500 feet of the centerline of 1-20 or 1-520 (except for that
Section between Doug Barnard Parkway and Laney Walker Boulevard)
shall constitute the ISO. Within the ISO, the maximum number of on-
premises freestanding signs shall be calculated as follows:
. Lots less than 150 feet of width at the street frontage - 1 sign;
. Lots having 150 feet - 300 feet of width at the street frontage - 2
signs; and
. Lots having more than 300 feet of width at the street frontage - two
signs plus one additional sign for each additional 300 feet of street
frontage (i.e. 600 feet = 3 signs). '
Within the ISO, the maximum sign surface area shall be 400 square feet
for one on-premises freestanding sign on a lot and 200 square feet for any
additional signs permitted on the same lot. The maximum height in the
ISO shall be 120 feet.
E. Setback. No part of any on-premisc:s freestanding sign may be closer than
ten feet from any public right-of-way line or fifteen feet from any curb or
edge of pavement whichever is greater. No on-premises freestanding sign
may be located closer than 50 feet from a single-family residence or a R-
zone boundary nor within 10 feet of any property line. No sign shall be
located so as to inhibit the visibility of motorists entering or leaving a
public road.
F. Clearance. Adequate sign clearance shall be provided to assure that
vehicular and pedestrian traffic movements are not adversely affected.
Minimum clearance of pole mounted signs shall be no less than 10 feet
above pedestrian ways and not less than 15 feet above areas utilized by
motor vehicles.
G. Traffic Directional Signs. The area, height, and setback limitations at
Sections 28-B-8-B to 28-B-8-E shall not apply to on-site entrance, exit, or
other traffic. directional signs, provided that no such directional sign shall
exceed 30 inche~ in height nor more than 4 square feet in area. There shall
not be more than two traffic directional signs per driveway entering or
exiting the stre~t frontage. Such signs shall be set back at least 10 feet
from any street curb or edge of pavement but not on any public right-of-
way.
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H. Message Boards and Reader Boards. Shall be permitted in B-1, B-2, LI
and HI zones. They shall count toward the maximum permitted on-
premises freestanding signage set forth in Sections 28-B-8-B and 28-B-8-
D.
1. Freestanding Outdoor Drive Through Menu Boards. If not visible from a
street right-of-way, menu boards shall not count toward the total on-
premises freestanding signage permitted. If visible from a street right-of-
way, then such signs will be considered to be regulated on-premises
freestanding signs.
J. Illumination. Freestanding signs in P-1 zones shall be non illuminated. In
B-1, B-2,LI and HI zones, signs on the same side of a street or across a
street from a single-family residence which is within 100 feet of the
proposed sign location shall be non illuminated. Otherwise, signs in B-1,
B-2, LI and HI zones may be illuminated. To the extent possible,
illumination shall be oriented away from residential areas.
K. Code Conformance. All signs for which a building permit is required
shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with City building
and electrical codes. Plans for all freestanding signs 30 feet or higher, or
greater than 150 square feet, shall be certified as to conformance with all
structural and wind-load resistive standards of the Building Code by a
structural engineer registered in the State of Georgia, or be prepared using
standard drawings prepared by a structural engineer or other qualified
professional meeting or exceeding all requirements of the Building Code.
Freestanding signage that does not require an engineer's seal must include
supporting foundation calculations. All freestanding signage requires a
foundation inspection. Neon exposed or attached to a structure requires a
final inspection. All signage must have a disconnect switch located at the
signage. All signs involving internal lights or other electrical devices or
circuits shall display a label certifying it as meeting standards of the
Underwriter's Laboratories. All signs, together with their supports, braces,
guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and, unless constructed of
galvanized or noncorroding metal, shall be given a protective coating as
necessary to maintain a clean appearance and safe condition.
BUILDING MOUNTED SIGNS IN PROFESSIONAL, COMMERCIAL,
AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES.
A. Number and area of signs permitted. In Professional zones, there may be
only one building attached sign per street frontage per building, or in the
case of attached buildings, shopping centers, or other multiple occupancy
complexes, one building attached sign per individual front facade. The
area of such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet. Building mounted signs
shall not extend above the roofline of the portion of the building where
they are mounted.
In commercial or industrial zones, the number of building attached signs
shall not be limited. The maximum area in B-1 (Neighborhood Business)
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zones shall be one square foot of sign surface area per linear foot of
building width parallel to the street, or in the case of attached buildings,
shopping centers or other multiple occupancy complexes, per individual
front facade, In B-2 (General Business) zones, LI (Light Industrial) zones,
and HI (Heavy Industrial Zones) the maximum area shall be 2 square feet
of sign surface area per linear foot of building width.
If any premises is entitled to use freestanding signs pursuant to Section 28- .
B-8 but chooses not to do so and signs an agreement waiving all rights to
future freestanding signs, then the maximum permitted building mounted
signs surface area may be increased by 25 percent. This bonus provision
may only be applied to attached buildings, shopping centers, and other
multiple. occupancy complexes if there is no freestanding sign on the
entire property, and an agreement is executed whereby future freestanding
sign rights would be waived on the entire property.
Building attached signage in B-2, LI, and HI zones may only be placed
upon the front of a building facing the street upon which the area
calculation is based.
B. Canopy, Marquee, Mansard, and Awning Mounted Signs. Building
mounted signs may be placed flat against a building or on canopies,
marquees, or mansard portions of roofs. Regardless of where such signs
are located they shall be counted toward the maximum building mounted
sign surface area that may be placed on the facade upon which such signs
are located or project from. Such signs shall be affixed flat to the surface
of a canopy, marquee, or mansard or project no more than three inches
therefrom, and they shall not extend vertically above a canopy, marquee,
or mansard. Awning signs must be painted or printed directly on the
awning and they shall also count toward the maximum building mounted
sign surface area that may be placed on the facade upon which they are
located or proj ect from.
C. Projecting Signs. Building attached signage may not project more than
two feet from the building wall upon which it is attached except for
canopy, marquee, or awning mounted signs.
D. Window Signs. Window signs shall not be permitted in Professional
zones. In B-1, B-2, LI, and HI zones, window signs may be permitted, but
they may not occupy more than 20 percent of the area of any window. In
the Planned Development Riverfront Zone (PDR) or National Register or
locally designated historic districts (Title 7, Chapter 4 of the Augusta-
Richmond County Code), no more than two windows in any structure may
be used for signs. .
E. Illumination. Building mounted signs in P-l zones shall be non-
illuminated. In B-1, B-2, LI, and HI zones, signs on the same side of a
street or across a street from a single-family residence which is within 100
feet of the proposed sign location shall be non illuminated. Otherwise,
signs in B-1, B-2, LI, and HI zones may be illuminated.
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F. Code Conformance. All signs for which a building permit is required
shall be conducted and maintained in conformance with City building and
electrical codes. All neon applications shall require a final inspection. All
signage shall have a disconnect switch located on the signage. All signs
involving illumination or other electrical devices or circuits shall display a
label certifying it as meeting standards of the Underwriters Laboratories.
All signs shall be kept in good repair.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNS.
A. Location. Off-premises signs may be located only in B-2 (General
Business), LI (Light Industrial), or HI (Heavy Industrial) zones in
accordance with other provisions of this Section, except in areas and sites
which would not be consistent with the desired overall character of the
City and the information needs of tourists, businesses, and residents. Off-
premises signs are prohibited within the following areas and sites:
. Washington Road from the Calhoun Expressway to River Ridge Road,
1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Calhoun Expressway, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Gordon Highway from Bobby Jones Expressway to 1000 feet past
Gate 1 at Fort Gordon (at Dyess Parkway), 1000 feet from the right-of-
way line;
. Doug Barnard Parkway from Gordon Highway to 1000 feet past
Tobacco. Road, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Bobby Jones Expressway from Doug Barnard Parkway to the
Savannah River, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Jimmy Dyess Parkway, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Riverwatch Parkway, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Berckman Road from Rae's Creek to Washington Road, 500 feet from
the right-of-way line;
. Wheeler Road from Bransford Road to Columbia County, 1000 feet
from the right-of-way line;
. Jackson Road from Wrightsboro Road to Wheeler Road, 1000 feet
from the right-of-way line;
. Walton Way Extension from Wheeler Road to Pleasant Home Road,
1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Davis Road from Pleasant Home Road to Columbia County, 1000 feet
from the right-of-way line;
. Pleasant Home Road from Washington Road to Walton Way
Extension, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
. Wrightsboro Road from Barton Chapel Road to Columbia County,
1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
o Windsor Spring Road from old Louisville Road to Hephzibah City
limits, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
o Tobacco Road, 1000 feet from the right-of-way line;
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. All national register historic districts and all locally designated historic
districts under Title 7, Chapter 4 of the Augusta-Richmond County
Code.
. The Planned Development Riverfront Distric~ (Sec. 25 - A)
. Other areas and sites which may be designated by amendment to the
text of this Ordinance.
B. Separation from single-family residential zone boundaries or uses. Off-
premises signs shall not be located within 100 feet of any single-family
residential zone boundary or the property line of a parcel occupied by a
single-family residence.
C. Setback. The setback requirements for off-premises signs shall be the
same as the setback requirements for principal structures.
D. Spacing between off-premises signs. There shall be no more than one (1)
off-premises outdoor advertising sign having more than thirty-two (32)
square feet of surface area for each seven hundred and fifty (750) feet of
frontage on each side of any roadway. No off-premises outdoor
advertising signs shall be located on roadways designated as part of the
Interstate Highway System within 500 feet of an interchange, intersection
grade, or safety rest area. The foregoing 500 foot zone shall be measured
along the interstate highway from the point at which the pavement
commences or ceases to widen at exits from or entrances to the main
traveled way. No off-premises outdoor advertising sign shall be located
less than three hundred (300) feet from any other off-premises outdoor
advertising sign in any direction.
E. Height. No off-premises outdoor advertising sign shall exceed a height of
sixty (60) feet from ground level measured from the elevation of the
adjoining road grade or from the base of the sign, whichever is higher.
F. Area. The maximum area of an off-premises outdoor advertising sign face
shall be three hundred (300) square feet on two lane roadways and six
hundred seventy-two (672) square feet on highways with more than two
lanes, plus temporary embellishments not exceeding twenty percent (20%)
of the permanent sign area. Only one (1) sign face facing traffic moving
in one direction shall be permitted on an off-premises sign.
G. Certain off-premises signs to be regulated as on-premises signs. Off-
premises signs .smaller than 32 square feet shall be regulated as on-
premises signs for the purpose of this Section, and they shall be permitted
only if they conform to the rules regulating on-premises signs. Off-
premises sign structures shall not be converted to on-premises signs or
vice versa without first securing the proper permits.
H. Code Conformance. All signs for which a building permit is required
shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with City building
and electrical codes. . Plans for all freestanding signs 30 feet or higher, or
greater than 150 square feet, shall be certified as to conformance with all
structural and wind-load resistive standards of the Building Code by a
structural engineer registered in the State of Georgia, or be prepared using
standard drawings prepared by a structural engineer or other qualified
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professional meeting or exceeding all requirements of the Building Code.
Freestanding signage that does not require an engineer's seal must include
supporting foundation calculations. All freestanding signage requires a
foundation inspection. Neon exposed or attached to a structure requires a
final inspection. All signage must have a disconnect switch located at the
signage. All signs involving internal lights or other electrical devices or
circuits shall display a label certifying it as meeting standards of the
Underwriter's Laboratories. All signs, together with their supports, braces,
guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and, unless constructed of
galvanized or noncorroding metal, shall be given a protective coating as
necessary to maintain a clean appearance and safe condition.
1. Plat required. Every permit application for a proposed off-premises
outdoor advertising sign or for any repair or replacement of an existing
off-premises outdoor advertising sign shall be accompanied by a plat
prepared by a registered surveyor, showing the distance of the proposed or
existing off-premises outdoor advertising sign to the nearest off-premises
outdoor advertising sign on the same side of the roadway, and the distance
to the nearest off-premises outdoor advertising sign on the opposite side of
the roadway, and also the distance to any other structures on the property
where the new sign is to be located. In the event of repair or replacement,
the distance to existing structures on the property shall be shown. The
surveyor shall be required to enter the correct map and parcel number and
complete address for the property for which the permit application is being
submitted, and. the plat shall be approved by the Augusta-Richmond
County Planning Commission prior to its submission.
NON-CONFORMING SIGNS. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to
ratify or approve the erection and/or maintenance of any sign which was erected
in violation of any prior Ordinance, and any sign so erected shall be subject to
removal as provided in this Subsection. Signs that were in existence and were
constructed in compliance with the terms of any prior Ordinance but do not
confor:m to the provisions of this Section are hereby designated as legal,
nonconforming signs. Signs which become legal nonconforming uses as the
result of this Section may continue under the general standards for nonconformity
in Section 5. They may be maintained and repaired but they may not be enlarged,
heightened, or illuminated (if not currently illuminated). All signs defined as
temporary signs and attention getting devices or banners which do not qualify for
permitting as temporary signs must be removed within 30 days of the passage of
this Section. Any. existing sign or banner which qualifies for permitting as a
temporary sign must be pemiitted and a decal attached no later than 10 days after
the start of the next calendar quarter after adoption of this Section. Non-
conforming signs (permanent and temporary) not permitted as prescribed above
shall become illegal signs and the License and Inspection Department shall be
authorized to issue citations and/or remove such non-permitted signs per Section
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28-B-12
28- B-13
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28-B-13. All illegal and nonconforming signs shall be removed from a tract or
parcel before any additional signs may be permitted on the same tract or parcel.
ABANDONED SIGNS!. Signs that conform to this Ordinance, or signs that are
made non-conforming as a result of this Ordinance which subsequently become
abandoned signs shall upon abandonment be covered with a weather resistant
opaque material which blocks the total sign surface area (off-premises signs are
exempted). 90 Days after the abandonment of a legal non-conforming sign the
permit for such sign shall automatically expire and all exposed parts of said sign
shall be removed. The foregoing shall apply to all signs including off-premises
SIgns.
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES!. Enforcement of this Section shall be the
responsibility of the License and Inspection Department. An enterprise fund
consisting of revenue from the sale of sign permits shall be utilized to pay all of
the costs of enforcement of the Regulations included in this Section. Fees shall be
sufficient to, at a minimum, offset such costs.
The License and Inspection Department shall make routine inspection of all signs,
and he shall also respond to issues raised by the public and other departments.
Upon ascertaining a violation of the provisions of this Chapter, the License and
Inspection Department shall cause to be served upon the offender, or to his agent,
or upon the owner or his agent, or the occupant(s) of the premises a written notice
to abate which shall:
A. Describe the condition(s) constituting a violation,
B. Demand that the violation be corrected or that the offending sign be
removed,
C. State that an inspection will be made no less than 10 days nor more than
30 days after the notice is issued and at such time, if the conditions which
constitute the violation have not been abated, then a citation will be issued.
If, after the notice has been given and upon an inspection the offending sign has
not been removed, then the License and Inspection Department shall issue a
citation, and if the offending sign is a temporary sign or banner then the License
and Inspection Department shall remove such sign. If the offending sign is not a
temporary sign, then the. offending sign may be removed, or the offending
condition may be corrected by the City at the expense of the offender and/or the
owner and/or the occupant of the premises under direction. of the License and
Inspection Department. The City shall have a lien on the property upon which
said sign is located to secure the amount expended for the abatement and all
unpaid permit fees and delinquent charges due to such sign. Citations shall be
forwarded to Magistrate Court for placement on the earliest possible docket.
Any person who violates arty provision of this Chapter or any person refusing to
comply with any notice to abate or other notices issued by the Department of
License and Inspection within the time allowed by such notice upon conviction
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shall be guilty of misdemeanor. Each day is a separate violation. Each violation
of this Chapter shall be deemed a separate offense and punishable by a fine not
exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment not exceeding sixty
(60) days, either or both in the discretion of the judge having jurisdiction.
SECTION III. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby
repealed.
Done in Open Meeting under the Common Seal thereof this 2 day of
.May , 2000.
APPROVED THIS
2
DAY OF
1 :;t Reading:
4-19-00
2nd R d'')-Z-OO
ea mg.
This petition was published in the Augusta Chronicle, Friday, March 17, 2000 by the Planning
Commission for public hearing on Monday, April 3, 2000.
26