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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-19-2015 - C219 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND PLANNING BOARD QUARTERLY PUBLIC HEARING ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 19, 2015 Action Agenda Item No. C.2 SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment - Sign Regulations DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) Yes ATTACHMENT(S): 1. Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Outline Form - Sign Amendments (UDO /Zoning 2015- 01) 2. Future Land Use Element Map 3. Matrix of Sign Regulations 4. Proposed UDO Text Amendment(s) INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Harvey Planner 111,(919) 245 -2597 Craig Benedict, Director, (919) 245 -2585 PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing on Planning Director initiated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments regarding sign regulations. BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Outline Form (Attachment 1) for this item at its January 22, 2015 regular meeting. There has been an increase in inquires and interest with respect to development of large -scale commercial operations within the county. Staff is concerned current sign regulations do not offer a suitable distinction between allowable signage for projects developed in urbanizing areas versus rural areas and do not take into consideration the size of the parcel being developed or the amount of road frontage the parcel has. There is also a noticeable lack of clarity within the UDO addressing the development of large - scale properties with multiple tenants necessitating the need for a larger, freestanding sign, advertising local businesses, and on what constitutes a blinking /flashing sign leading to enforcement concerns. The proposed amendment seeks to address these concerns. For more background information please refer to Section B.1 of Attachment 1. Staff has provided a table outlining how other surrounding jurisdictions address signage in Attachment 3. Proposed amendments are contained in Attachment 4. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Please refer to Section C.3 of Attachment 1. 20 RECOMMENDATION(S): The Planning Director recommends that the Board: 1. Receive the request, 2. Conduct the Public Hearing and accept public, BOCC, and Planning Board comments. 3. Refer the matter to the Planning Board with a request that a recommendation be returned to the BOCC in time for its April 7, 2015 regular meeting. 4. Adjourn the public hearing until April 7, 2015 in order to receive and accept the Planning Board's recommendation and any submitted written comments. Attachment 1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN / FUTURE LAND USE MAP AND UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) AMENDMENT OUTLINE UDO / Zoning- 2015 -01 UDO Text Amendment(s) clarifying the allowable sign area for projects in identified Activity Nodes and regulations governing the use of electronic signs A. AMENDMENT TYPE Map Amendments ❑ Land Use Element Map: From: To: ❑ Zoning Map: From: To ❑ Other: Text Amendments ❑ Comprehensive Plan Text: Pection(s): ® UDO Text: ❑UDO General Text Changes ❑UDO Development Standards ❑UDO Development Approval Processes Section(s): 1. Section 6.12 Signs and 2. Article 10 Definitions. ❑ Other: B. RATIONALE 1. Purpose /Mission In accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 Zoning Atlas and Unified Development Ordinance Amendments of the UDO, the Planning Director has initiated text amendment(s) to modify existing regulations governing allowable signage. There has been an increase in inquires and interest with respect to development of 1 21 �A 22 large -scale commercial operations within the County, with an emphasis on property located within the: a. Commercial Transition, b. Commercial - Industrial Transition, and c. Economic Development Transition Activity Nodes (please see Attachment 2 for a copy of the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan for additional detail). Current sign regulations limit the total allowable square footage for freestanding and wall signs for most non - residential general use zoning districts to 32 square feet (8 feet by 4 feet in size) regardless of the properties location (in or outside of an Activity Node), size of parcel, or amount of road frontage. There is a concern that current regulations do not offer a suitable distinction between development within various identified Activity Nodes (i.e. more urban areas of the County) and rural areas allowing for a sign of suitable size to accommodate a non- residential project on a larger parcel of property. The `one -size fits all' sign limit may, in fact, be a deterrent to non - residential development in the aforementioned Activity Nodes. There is also a noticeable lack of clarity within the UDO addressing the development of large -scale properties with multiple tenants necessitating the need for a larger, freestanding sign, advertising local businesses and on what constitutes a blinking /flashing sign leading to enforcement concerns. The proposed amendment(s) seek to address these concerns. 0 Analysis As required under Section 2.8.5 of the UDO, the Planning Director is required to: `cause an analysis to be made of the application and, based upon that analysis, prepare a recommendation for consideration by the Planning Board and the Board of County Commissioners'. The amendments are necessary to address current concerns over advertising needs for development within the urban areas of the county (i.e. the Commercial Transition and Commercial - Industrial Transition Activity Nodes) and clarify the prohibition on the use of blinking /flashing signage by incorporating new definitions into the UDO. Staff will also be using this amendment process to incorporate an interpretation relating to the use of digital displays by gas stations. Historically gas stations have displayed gas prices through an internally /externally illuminated reader board. These displays create unnecessary glare for motorists. We have allowed gas stations to incorporate digital reader board displays to advertise gas prices, reducing glare and eliminating issues of light trespass either through cracked message boards allowing undiffused light to escape or misaligned external light fixtures creating glare for motorists. 3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles, Goals and Objectives) Land Use Goal 4: Land development regulations, guidelines, techniques, and /or 2 incentives that promote the integrated achievement of all Comprehensive Plan goals. 4. New Statutes and Rules I N/A d. PROCESS 1. TIM EFRAME /MILESTONES /DEADLINES a. BOCC Authorization to Proceed January 22, 2015 — The BOCC authorized staff to proceed with the amendment. b. Quarterly Public Hearing February 19, 2015 c. BOCC Updates /Checkpoints January 26, 2015 — Planning Board members were sent the proposed amendment via e -mail for review and comment as there was no January 2015 Planning Board Ordinance Review Committee meeting. February 19, 2015 — Quarterly Public Hearing. April 7, 2015 - Receive Planning Board recommendation. L d. Other N/A 2. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM Mission /Scope: Public Hearing process consistent with NC State Statutes and Orange County ordinance requirements a. Planning Board Review: January 26, 2015 — Planning Board members were e- mailed the amendment packet for initial review and comment. March 4, 2015 — Recommendation. b. Advisory Boards: N/A c. Local Government Review: N/A 3 23 d. Notice Requirements Legal advertisement published in accordance with the provisions of the UDO. e. Outreach: ❑ General Public: ❑ Small Area Plan Workgroup: ❑ Other: 3. FISCAL IMPACT Modification of existing language will not require the outlay of additional funds by the County. Processing of the amendment shall be handled by staff utilizing existing budgeted funds. e. AMENDMENT IMPLICATIONS The amendment will allow for larger freestanding and wall signs for projects in identified Activity Nodes where there is adequate road frontage necessitating the development of additional advertising space and clarify what constitutes a blinking /flashing sign to aid in enforcement efforts. f. SPECIFIC AMENDMENT LANGUAGE Please refer to Attachment 4. Primary Staff Contact: Michael D. Harvey Planning (919) 245 -2597 mharvey @orangecountync.gov 4 24 Attachment 2 Future Land Use Map of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan g RD Caswell Coun D E M - - - -� __--=----------- -___ -- RD / i� I Person County as H I a hLr kiver4IN - �'� . ° ,ry .Cre• K�irIV Y2 hedf• •�� N R Fiat River atrsh a II I '� 4 �•• � � , y' �� .:' �' ��� �' J � _�� � �yO<< �•� ° \, 'JIB 6 /' ¢ ••.'- %IA'W�Y.I sR \f �:1►. j Lf 2A f r' Iai' o �� '� ° ` � ° i •f - � z X4'1 .z• r " h � c� y °�^� � ,yam °. r yn • • r � o '� - � � TT�F RI I� - �y +� •� �O. B G k e . o� R � ➢6 r o ' SAN "� , d'� t. 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R °y r . ,\� ' �■ i� 9 sf �; _M 20 Year Transition z'RD �`'°I Rural Residential m < C Nd R r R t �d oI f l Rural Buffer � . s,+••, « —I• �; _ _ � •- Agricultural Residential ° �•• p ,� a i,s I ' -a 's I �' Y �' :fi _+ I City Limits .o " J / �i AAA oQ t ° r�. ��' ETJ s R ° J, Activity Nodes TA O z 1. FRr ^Sf R s " nvER oq /Rig , I Rural Neighborhood RD 5s Commercial Transition c9 I i p r s qr 1 Chatham County -- - - -- -- Commercial- Industrial Transition Economic Development Transition Rural Community TFSO ePHESUSa Rural Industrial R m HURCHRb del Hill I yO �° 5� 0 1 2 3 4 I RD i Miles I' 1 in = 2.75 miles Orange Countyand Plann ng and Inspe t ns Oeparlmeni- Th- s copy i f., tl O.. be 18 2814 - Map- sforreference ne ly `�I Contact Plann -ng staff forverif t noftlaia- Attachment 3 26 Jurisdiction Number of Permitted Free- standing Signs Free - standing Sign Size limit(s) Free - standing Sign Setbacks Free - standing Sign Height Limits Number of Permitted Wall Signs Wall Sign Size limit(s) Other Wall Sign Regulations Orange 1 sign per • Most Non- • 10 ft. setback • 24 ft. from 1 sign per 1 square foot of Sign shall not County property per residential property finished building sign for every '/2 protrude 12 street front' districts sign is line /right -of -way elevation at wall /facade per foot of building inches from the limited to 32 sq. base of sign to street fronts length facing a fact of the ft. in area, top of sign. public street building. • Buckhorn and • Buckhorn/Eno • Most non - Eno EDD2 EDD: height residential districts can have limit of 12 ft. districts sign is sign up to 75 sq. limited to 32 ft. in area. • Hillsborough sq. ft. in area EDD: height • Hillsborough limit based on • Buckhorn and EDD based on size of sign as Eno EDD acreage of site follows: districts can for have sign up to ground /monumen 1. 50 sq. ft. has 75 sq. ft. in t sign as follows: sign a height limit area. 1.50 sq. ft. sign of 6 feet, . Hillsborough area for EDD wall sign property less 2. 100 sq. ft. limited to 32 sq. than 5 acres, sign has a ft. unless height limit frontage 2.100 sq. ft. of 8 feet, exceeds 64 ft. sign area for 3. 150 s q ft. hl this case you property 5 -20 has get '/2 additional acres, sign a height limit sign area with 3.150 sq. ft. of 10 feet the ultimate cap sign area for on the wall sign being 100 sq.ft. property over 20 acres 1 For parcels having frontage on 2 streets /roadways we would allow for an additional free - standing sign (Section 6.12.12 (A) (4) (a) of the UDO) Z EDD stands for Economic Development District 3 As with free - standing signs, we allow multiple wall signs on building facades that have frontage along 2 streets /roadways. 27 Jurisdiction Number of Permitted Free- standing Signs Free- standing Sign Size limit(s) Free - standing Sign Setbacks Free - standing Sign Height Limits Number of Permitted Wall Signs Wall Sign Size limit(s) Other Wall Sign Regulations Durham 1 per For non - residential • Sign 32 sq. ft. or • Non- 1 sign per • Minimum wall • Sign shall County property /per land uses in non- less, minimum five residential building sign is 25 sq. ft. not extend street front residential zoning ft. setback from districts - 16 wall /facade per (i.e. for more than 12 districts: property line, ft. height street front buildings with inches from • 32 square feet in q . Sign exceeding 32 limit. less than 167 the wall of area when the sq. ft., minimum • Non- sq. ft. of wall area) building, frontage is less 10 ft. setback, residential • Sign may than 150 feet, • When adjacent to uses in • Sign cannot extend up to • 80 square feet in residential residential exceed 15% of 12 inches area when the property, minimum district — 12 the total wall into a public frontage is 150 12 ft. setback ft. area on which it right -of -way. feet or more. required in all • 40 ft. sign ht. is mounted For non - residential instances. allowed land uses in based on residential zoning property districts: location and land use. • For lots with a frontage of less than 150 linear feet, the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. For lots with a frontage of 150 linear feet or more, the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. W Jurisdiction Number of Permitted Free- standing Signs Free- standing Sign Size limit(s) Free - standing Sign Setbacks Free - standing Sign Height Limits Number of Permitted Wall Signs Wall Sign Size limit(s) Other Wall Sign Regulations Wake Maximum of 2 • For non- Cannot be located • 30 ft. from You are allowed 2 100 sq. ft. Depends on County 4 signs per residential land within an identified site finished signs per district. individual use uses 100 sq. ft. of triangle — location elevation at property /project. (this includes a sign area allowed. varies per district and base of sign to 1 of these can be a wall and . For residential adjacent property use top of sign for wall sign. freestanding (i.e. residential) a pole sign. sign) (i.e. uses subdivision sign) Typical requirement in yh q • 12 ft. for a 32 sq. ft. of sign commercial area: 50 ft. ground sign area allowed. from a residence (100 ft. if illuminated). • Signs for non- residential land uses located in a residential zoning district, limit is 32 sq. ft. of sign area allowed. 4 Wake County is currently in the process of revising existing sign regulations Attachment 4 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (H) The design of light fixtures and structural supports must be compatible with the architecture of the principal buildings) and identification signs. (1) here building faces are illuminated, lighting fixtures must be integrat within the ar "tectural design of the buildings. (J) Ground- unted lighting fixtures must be weather -proof and ndal resistant. (K) Hillsborough D In addition to the sta ards established above, th ollowing standards shall apply within the Hillsborough EDD: (1) Lighting must be high iciency ting systems and lighting levels must be reduced during non -use h o promote energy conservation. (2) (3) 12:1 minimum /maxim Maximum 6.12.1 Purpose and Inte The purpose ,Pfllhis Section is to regulate the type, placement and physical biQensions of all signs in t>Kinterest of public health, safety and welfare, while recognizing the n d for signs within e business community. the intent of this section to regulate signs on a per lot basis in conjunction with the zc designation of the lot as described on the current tax roll weather a sign is directly visible street right -of -way or not. 6.12.2 Off - Premise Commercial /Outdoor Advertising Signs' The provisions of this Article establish standards and review criteria relating to the location, erection, maintenance, lighting, setbacks, and use of signs. This includes regulations pertaining to off - premise commercial also known as outdoor advertising (i.e. Billboards) sianaae. The regulation and permitting of outdoor advertising is also subject to State requirements, including the State Outdoor Advertising Control Act, and Federal requirements. In cases where there is a conflict between County regulations and State or Federal regulations, relating to the location, erection, maintenance, lighting, setbacks and use of outdoor advertising signage, the corresponding State or Federal law shall take precedent. In cases where there is no applicable State /Federal standard, then existing County regulations shall be enforced. 6.12.3 General Requirements (A) No sign of any type nor any part thereof shall be erected, painted, posted, reposted, placed, replaced, or hung in any zoning district except in compliance with these regulations. (B) No person shall erect or maintain a sign, and no property owner shall allow a sign to be erected or maintained on his property except in conformity with these regulations. (C) A Zoning Compliance Permit approved in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance shall be required prior to erecting a sign, unless otherwise permitted. ' Staff is adding language to ensure terminology is consistent within the UDO when referencing billboards, which we currently define as `Off - premise Commercial' signs. We are also adding a definition of Outdoor Advertising, referencing our local classification, in Article 10. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -76 c Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (A) Signs erected by a governmental agency to regulate, control, or direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic; Legal notices, warnings, regulatory or informational signs erected by a public a ency; (C) \ee required by law; (D) espassing" signs, not exceeding six square feet in area; (E) state signs, not exceeding four square feet in area; (F) emblems or insignia of any national, state or political subdiv' ion; (G) rt number signs not exceeding two square foot in area a bearing only address ers premises or other identification of premises not h ing commercial tation (H) y decor ions in season that do not contain or disp y a commercial message; (1) on trash re ptacles, indicating the owner or pa y responsible for maintenance; (J) dous chemical entification /notification signs n residential and non - residential ures; (K) Signs on newspaper boxe (L) Private drive signs, one per 've entrance of exceeding two square feet in area, with the message content limited to e words Private Drive" and the address of any residences utilizing the private ro wa , (M) Security and warning signs posted o private property warning the public against trespassing, or similar messages, ro i ed that any such sign does not exceed two square feet in area; and (N) Political Signs, in accordanc ith the follo ing standards: (1) Political Signs are Ilowed in all zonin istricts. (2) A Zoning Com lance Permit shall not be quired to allow for the placement of a political sign private property. (3) There sha be no limit to the number of politics signs that can be placed on private operty so long as the placement of the signs complies with the provis' ns of this Ordinance and the signs do not c ate a public safety hazard. (4) Wi in residential zoning districts, political signs shall t exceed nine square feet i area or four feet in height. (5) Within non - residential zoning districts, political signs shall n t exceed the maximum allowable sign area permitted for freestanding sign ( Political signs shall only be erected 90 days prior to the establis d date of a general election, school board election, referendum, special electi , primary, or other similar political activity. (7) Political signs shall be removed within 21 days after an election. (8) Political signs shall be allowed within rights -of -way of the State highwa\sytem only in accordance with State law. / (9) Political signs shall not be allowed on telephone poles, utility poles, trees, other\ similar natural objects, and other signs or sign structures. 6.12.6 Prohibited Signs The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts: (A) Advertising signs resembling traffic signals, traffic signs, emergency vehicles' flashing lights, non - governmental sanctioned signs utilizing the words `stop', `slow', `caution', Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -78 30 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs `danger', or any sign that is likely to be misconstrued by the traveling public as being official governmental signs or emergency warnings or which by their distracting nature create a hazard to motorists; (B) Signs, except for off - premises signs allowed under this Section, advertising an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located. Such signage shall be removed within 90 days from the date of termination of such activity. Upon failure of the owner to remove such signs within the prescribed time, the Planning Director shall take appropriate legal action to have such sign removed; (C) Flashing, blinking, pulsating, signs or signs with moving parts e., ^en+ f„r °inn° sh ^,•,inn b iciness activity OR a paFGGI of PFOP"; 2 (D) Signs with electronic moveable copy, scrolling messages, or other similar electronic displays designed to change /display different advertising message(s) more than once an hour or a maximum of 6 times in a 24 hour period. The use of electronic displays in off - premise commercial signs is specifically prohibited except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (E) Signs, other than traffic, governmental, street name signs, political signs erected in accordance with State law, or other official governmental or public agency sign, shall not be permitted within any street right -of -way; (F) Roof signs; (G) Snipe signs; (H) Beacon lights, animated signs, trailer signs and snipe signs; (1) Portable signs, unless approved for a special event in accordance with Section 6.12.11(D); (J) Signs supported in whole or in part by water, gas, air, or could otherwise be designated as inflatable signs; Individuals erecting an inflatable sign shall be subject to an immediate notice of violation and shall be required to remove the sign within the time frame it would normally take to deflate the sign, unless approved for a special event in accordance with Section 6.12.11(D); (K) Signs mounted on a single pole or mast; (L) Signs that contain rotating sign panels or objects; (M) Signs that obstruct ingress and egress to any door, window, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or other opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress for any room or building; and (N) Signs that violate any provision of any law of the State of North Carolina relative to outdoor advertising. (0) Signs erected on telecommunication facilities or support structures other than safety notification(s) and those required by State or Federal regualtions.5 z On advice from the County Attorney's office we are deleting this language to address a concern existing language is not content neutral. You cannot specific the content of a sign even if it is just `time /temprature'. 3 We need a standard as to what constitutes changeable copy to ensure proper enforcement while allowing some opportunity for said advertising display to be altered during the course of a day. 4 Section 6.12.2 establishes the County's limitations with respect to the regulation of off- premise /outdoor advertising (i.e. billboards). We will continue to ban the use of electronic outdoor advertising so long as said ban is consistent with applicable State and Federal regulations in accordance with NCGS 136- 131.2. 5 From time to time staff has received requests to place advertising signs on telecommunication facilities. To date we have forbidden such placement. Staff believes it is necessary to amend the UDO to include a specific prohibition to avoid uncertainty. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -79 31 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (a) Sites shall be limited to one portable sign per right -of -way frontage. However, there shall be no more than two portable signs permitt on- site at one time. (b) Signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area, per sign fac . (c) Signs shall be located in accordance with Section 6.12.3 5) Inflatable Signs (a) No more than one inflatable sign shall be permitted n -site at one time. (b) Inflatable signs shall not exceed 25 feet in heigh Signs shall be located a minimum of 25 feet fr m all property lines. (6) Sp ial Event Displays may only be erected for a t o week period and must be remo ed within five days following the event. (E) Signs Advertis g Agricultural Products Produced n the Premises (1) Shall not e eed 32 square feet. (2) Shall be limite to two signs per parcel. (F) Temporary Constructio and Financial Ins tution Signs (1) Shall not exceed 24 uare feet in rea, per sign; (2) May not to exceed two 'gns p building site; (3) Signs shall be erected onl er a Building Permit authorizing construction on- site has been issued; and (4) Signs must be remove ithin ven days after construction work has been completed and the ce ificate of o cupancy has been issued. (G) Directional /Informational igns (1) May be display on parcels of propert utilized for non - residential purposes. (2) May not exc d two square feet in area. (3) May cont n corporate logos or other similar aphical displays so long as they provide ome necessary information to patrons i.e. entrance and exit locations, one- w y entrance ways, drive through entrancew s, ATM location, etc.). (4) A aximum of three directional /informational signs y be displayed on a non - r idential parcel of property. (H) Temp rary Real Estate Signs, in excess of four square feet in rea (1) One sign shall be permitted per building site, not to exceed square feet in area. (2) Signs shall not be placed within any public street right -of -way. (3) Signs must be removed after property has been transferred. Landmark Signs Signs shall be erected only after the historical significance of the particular site has een verified and that proposed location of the sign has been approved by the Orange Co ty Planning Department and all other related agencies (i.e. NC Department of Transportation). 6.12.12 Signs Permitted in Specific Zoning Districts The following signs shall be permitted in the zoning districts indicated, in accordance with all other provisions of this Section and specific standards for each sign established herein: Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -82 32 Article 6: Development Standards 33 Section 6.12: Signs (A) On- Premise Commercial Signs (1) These signs shall comply with all state and county building codes and the National Electric Code. Clearance of signs is required from high voltage power lines and signs shall be located in such a way that they will maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with the National Electric Code specifications, provided that no sign shall be installed closer than ten feet horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guy wire. (2) On- premise commercial signs shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: LC -1, NC -2, CC -3, GC -4, EC -5, 01, E1, 1 -1, 1-2,1-3, AS, MPD -CZ, MHP- CZ and all of the Economic Development zoning districts. (3) Ati -eOn- premise commercial signs shall be setback a minimum ten feet from t4e all property lines sand the edge of any existing or projected street right -of- -way line Signs greater than 32 square feet, as allowed herein, shall be setback an additional 5 feet. In cases where a property abuts a residential zoned parcel of property, the side or rear yard setback requirement shall be doubled. (4) Number of Signs Permitted (a) One on- premise commercial sign shall be permitted per parcel. However, one additional on- premise commercial sign may be permitted for parcels with frontage on more than one right -of -way in accordance with the provisions of this Section. (b) Under no circumstances shall more than one three - dimensional sign be permitted on -site. (c) For multi- tenant buildings and /or sites permitted as a conditional use or conditional zoning district, additional on- premise commercial signs or sign area may be permitted by the Board of County Commissioners with the approval of a master sign plan. (5) Height of Signs (a) Pole signs shall be limited to a height of 24 feet with a mandatory ground clearance of eight feet from the normal or finished grade elevation of the property at the base of the sign. Pole signs shall be mounted on 2 posts or masts. 7 (b) Ground signs shall not exceed six feet in height from the normal or finished grade elevation of the property at the base of the sign (6) The allowable area for on- premise commercial signs shall be determined as follows: (a) Single or double -faced signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, per sign face except for parcels zoned CC -3, GC -4, 0/1, 1 -2, 1 -3, AS, and MPD -CZ that: (i) Are larger than 40,000 square feet in area, and (ii) Has more than 300 feet of linear frontage along a NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) maintained roadway 6 Staff is recommending the imposition of a larger setback in those instances were a larger free - standing sign is allowed. This requirement is currently referenced within the definition section of the UDO. We are moving it here as regulation(s) are more appropriate within the various, applicable, sections rather than being contained within definitions. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -83 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs In these instances signs shall not exceed 64 square feet in area per sign face. (b) For parcels within Economic Development district(s), allowable sign area shall be in accordance with Section 6.12.14 of this Ordinance. {�L(I Three- dimensional signs shall not exceed a maximum volume of 54 cubic feet with no dimension exceeding six feet. Figure 6.12.12.A.6: Three - Dimensional Sign Allowable Volume NOTE: L x W x H may not exceed 54 c is feet with no di nsion exceeding 6 feet. (7) An on- premise c5olmercial sign may con ta a changeable copy sign as defined in this Ordinan However, the total sign are including the area of changeable copy, shall n exceed the maximum allowable a a established in Section 6.12.12(A )(a) above. (8) No on- emise commercial sign shall be oriented is suc a manner as to be dire y visible from a major transportation corridor as esta 'shed in this 0 inance. (B) Off-Pr ise Commercial Signs (1 These signs shall comply with all state and county building codes and e National Electric Code. Clearance of signs is required from high voltage wer lines and signs shall be located in such a way that they will maintain horizo I and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with the National Electric Code specifications, provided that no sign shall be installed closer than ten feet horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guy wire. 8 This would only allow larger signs on property located in the `urban' areas of the County (i.e, along US Highway 70, the Efland- Mebane - Buckhorn area, Hillsborough and Eno EDD's) and would not include rural nodes (i.e. Rural Neighborhood, Industrial, etc.). The typical width of a non - residential general use zoning district (i.e. amount of road frontage) is approximately 75 feet. A larger sign shall only be allowed if the project is located within an identified Activity Node, where we encourage large -scale non - residential development, and the lot has sufficient road frontage to accommodate a larger sign yet be proportional to the property. 9 We are establishing the necessary reference(s) to the provisions of the UDO regulating allowable sign area within our various Economic Development districts. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -84 34 (C) Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (2) Off - premise commercial signs (billboards) shall be permitted within the G EC -5, 1 -1, and 1 -2 zoning districts. (3) No electric tap outs allowing for an independent light source to recei e power shall be allowed. Off - premise commercial signs shall be considered the princi I use of property. There shall be no additional principal uses allowed on the ame parcel. Off - premise commercial signs shall not be permitted as ac ssory uses. (5) off - premise commercial sign shall be located cl er than 200 feet to the right - of-w of major thoroughfares (i.e. US 70, NC 8 , NC 40, and NC 57) and 600 feet to e right -of -way for all other thoroughf s and streets. (6) The height an off - premise commercial 'gn shall not exceed 25 feet from the grade of the ri t -of -way or surface gr a beneath the sign, whichever is less. The clearance o off - premise sig all not be less than eight feet from the grade of the right -o - ay or surfa grade beneath the sign, whichever is less. (7) Off - premise commercial ' n shall be limited to 480 square feet of sign area. (8) In no case shall an off -pr i commercial sign be located closer than 1,000 feet to an existing off -pre i e com rcial sign. (9) Off - premise com rcial signs are p hibited within the Major Transportation Corridor (MTC) verlay district. (10) No person ay, for the purpose of increasi or enhancing the visibility of any off -prem es commercial sign, damage, trim, stroy, or remove any trees, shrub , or other vegetation in the following Iocati s: ( Within the right -of -way of any public street or ad, unless the work is done pursuant to the express written authorizati of the North Carolina Department of Transportation; (b) On property that is not under the ownership or control the person responsible for such work, unless the work is done pursua t to the express authorization of the property owner where the veget 'on is located; and, (c) In any area where such vegetation is required to remain under a pe it issued in accordance with this Ordinance. Wall Signs (1) Shall either be mounted or painted on a building. (2) Wall signs may be internally illuminated and shall comply with all applicable state and county building codes and the National Electric Code. (3) Wall Signs shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: LC -1, NC -2, CC -3, GC -4, EC -5, 01, E1, 1 -1, 1-2,1-3, AS, MPD -CZ and all of the Economic Development zoning districts. (4) All wall signs shall be offset a minimum of ten feet from the corner of the building on which it is mounted. (5) Wall signs shall not protrude more than 12 inches from the face of building on which it is mounted. (6) Number of Signs Permitted (a) Only one wall sign shall be permitted per building facade. In cases where a building is located on a corner lot, an additional wall sign may be permitted on the building wall facing the second street right -of -way, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -85 35 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (b) For multi- tenant buildings permitted as a conditional use or conditional zoning district additional wall signs may be permitted by the Board of County Commissioners. (7) The allowable sign area shall be determined as follows: One square foot of sign area for every 1/2 foot of building length facing a public right -of -way, not to exceed 32 square feet except for parcels zoned CC -3, GC -4, 0/1, 1-2,1-3, AS, and MPD -CZ that: (i) Are larger than 40,000 square feet in area, and (ii) The structure has more than 100 linear feet of building length facing a public right -of -way, and (iii) Has more than 300 feet of linear frontage along a NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) maintained roadway In these instances signs shall not exceed 64 square feet in area per sign face. (8) A changeable copy sign may be utilized as a wall sign. (9) Wall signs shall not extend above the soffit, parapet, or eave line of the building to which it is attached. (10) For parcels within Economic Development district(s), allowable sign area shall be in accordance with Section 6.12.14 of this Ordinance. (D) Projecting Signs (1) Projecting signs shall be mounted on a building. \(2) Projecting signs may be internally illuminated and shall comply all applicable state and county building codes and the National Electric Co (3 Projecting signs shall be permitted within the following zgKng districts: LC -1, NC- 2, CC -3, GC -4, EC -5, 01, E1, 1 -1, 1 -2, 1 -3, AS, MPD -C nd all of the Economic velopment zoning districts. (4) Proje 'ng signs shall adhere to the minimum back requirements established for all st tures within the zoning district in ich it is located. (5) Only one prod ting signs shall be per ' ted per building facade even in cases of a building locate n a corner lot. (6) The allowable sign ar shall b determined as follows: (a) One square foot o gn area for every 'h foot of building length, facing a public right -of- , no o exceed 32 square feet in area. (7) Projecting signs sh clear sidewa and pedestrian paths by a height of at least ten feet above fi shed grade. (8) Projecting si ns shall not extend above the ffit, parapet, or eave line of the building which it is attached. (9) Pro' ting signs shall not be located at the corner o building except at right Ies to the building facade. (E) Win w Signs k,t) Window signs shall be permitted within the following zoning distr s: LC -1, NC -2, CC -3, GC -4, EC -5, 01, E1, 1 -1, 1 -2, 1 -3, AS, MPD -CZ and all of the E omic Development zoning districts. (2) Window signs shall be limited to a maximum of 30% of the total window are where the sign is to be located. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -86 36 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (3) Window signs may be utilized for advertising specials or sales within the business, or displaying the name and other pertinent business infor ion associated with the principal use. (4) Signs may be etched, painted or otherwise attached to be m e a permanent addition to the pane of glass. (F) Awn Signs (1) A ing signs shall be permitted within the follow' g zoning districts: LC -1, NC -2, CC- , C -4, EC -5, 01, E1, 1 -1, 1-2,1-3, AS, MP -CZ and all of the Economic Develop nt zoning districts. See Sectio .12.14(E) for additional standards for Awning i ns located in Economic velopment Districts. (2) Awning Signs sh be located ab the main entrance to a nonresidential land use and shall contain e nam f the use. (3) Awning Sign area shall be i ited to a maximum of 50% of the total awning area erected over the entra of onresidential land use. Where an awning sign is utilized at a multi -us developme the amount of sign area shall be computed as part of the ov 11 sign area allott to wall signs, not to exceed 50% of the total awning a. (G) Drive - Through nu Signs (1) App i ants must establish to the satisfaction of the anning Director that a drive - t ough menu sign is considered a customary access use to the principal business on the property and is necessary for the normal erations of the commercial operation. (2) Signs shall be limited to 32 square feet in area. \ (3) No external illumination shall be permitted. / (4) A land use that utilizes such a sign shall also be permitted an independent speaker box, no greater than 12 square feet in area with a height no greater tha four feet. 6.12.13 Sign Standards for Specific Uses In addition to the requirements contained herein, the following land uses shall adhere to these additional standards: (A) Changeable Copy Signs Utilized by Churches or Public Entities (1) Shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. (2) Bulletin boards /reader boards may be internally illuminated. (B) Service Stations /Gas Station (1) Signs may be erected above gas pumps subject to the following standards (a) No internal or external illumination shall be permitted; (b) Signs shall be limited to four square feet in area; and (c) Signs must advertise items for sale on the property. Under no circumstances may a sign advertise a sale, activity, business, or product not associated with the principal use of property. (2) Signs may be erected on the canopy covering gas pumps subject to the following standards: (a) Advertising material shall be limited to trademarks, logos, and the name of the service station or other similar display. (b) Such displays shall be limited to six square feet of area. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -87 37 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (i) Rules and regulations g erning the operation of the facility; (ii) Educational information ide ifying unique aspects of the facility, the property itself, or signific\construe ronmental features that are located on the property; and (iii) Identification of sponsors or rivate partnerships that are responsible for the developmep, and maintenance of existing recreational ameniti While some of this information could true as being advertising material, the County views such si gnntifyin hose responsible for the existence of the facility and al recognit n of entities that have entered into partnerships with tator of the cility to provide local residents with recreational oppos. (2) Applicability The regulations included herein govern the erection of signs at the follo ing: (a) Parks, Public and Non - profit, (b) Recreational Facilities, Non - Profit, (c) Recreational Facilities, Golf Courses, and Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -88 W (3) The advertisement of pas prices may be displayed electronically as part of an approved on- premise sign. (C) Yard Sales /Garage (1) Signs shall be erected on the property where the sale is taking place. (2) Signs shall be limited to four square feet of area. (3) No off -site displays shall be permitted. (4) Signs shall be removed no later than sunset of the day the even ccurs. (D) Institutional Uses and Private Parks Located within Residential Z ning Districts 1) One ground and one wall sign shall be permitted; (2) Maximum sign area shall be 32 square feet per sign fac , and (3) No ground sign shall exceed six feet in height. (E) Home O cupations (1) The ome Occupation shall have a valid Zoning ompliance Permit issued by Oran County; (2) There s II only be one sign limited to eight quare feet in area and four feet in height; (3) Such sign sh I not be illuminated by a means; (4) Sign shall not b ocated within any blic street right -of -way, sight visibility triangle, easemen , vehicular area r other similar area; and (5) The sign message sh 11 be limit to the business name and telephone number. (F) Parks, Public and Non - profit; cr tional Facilities, Non - Profit; Recreational Facilities, Golf Courses; and Re ational Facilities, Profit (1) Purpose and Intent (a) Unlike signs f non -res ential development(s), signs for recreational land uses ar intended to erve a different function and purpose. Signs within thes types of land u s are intended to provide essential informati n concerning: (i) Rules and regulations g erning the operation of the facility; (ii) Educational information ide ifying unique aspects of the facility, the property itself, or signific\construe ronmental features that are located on the property; and (iii) Identification of sponsors or rivate partnerships that are responsible for the developmep, and maintenance of existing recreational ameniti While some of this information could true as being advertising material, the County views such si gnntifyin hose responsible for the existence of the facility and al recognit n of entities that have entered into partnerships with tator of the cility to provide local residents with recreational oppos. (2) Applicability The regulations included herein govern the erection of signs at the follo ing: (a) Parks, Public and Non - profit, (b) Recreational Facilities, Non - Profit, (c) Recreational Facilities, Golf Courses, and Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -88 W Article 6: Development Standards 39 Section 6.12: Signs (viii) An informational kiosk may contain the name, logo, or gan of a sponsor that is responsible for the development/upkeep /maintenance of the recre "onal amenity subject to the following limitations: a. The name and /or logo of a sp sor shall not take up more than 20% of the tota osk area. b. No other advertising m erial shall be permitted on the kiosk. (e) Dir tional Signs (i) all be allowe an effort to provide information to visitors on the ation recreational amenities or offices located on the propert . (ii) Dir tonal si shall be limited to six square feet in area. (iii) irectional signs s I not include any advertising material. All directional signs shal ground mounted signs not exceeding seven feet in hei (v) All directional signs shall be locat a minimum of five feet from any active recreational activity field oNQe feet from any established nature or man -made trail, an hall be set back a minimum of ten feet from all property lines, (f) Scoreboards (i) One scoreboard, not to exceed 144 square feet, shall b permitted for each athletic field 6.12.14 Additional Standards for Economic Development Districts In addition to the overall sign standards established herein, the following specific standards shall apply in the Economic Development Districts: (A) General Standards (1) A sign plan must be submitted and approved as part of the comprehensive site plan or master plan. (2) For multiple use sites or buildings, unified directional /informational signs and the use of coordinated individual wall signs is the preferred approach to business identification. (3) Sign colors must not be overpowering but must accent the building which the sign identifies or on which it is mounted. (4) The light from an illuminated sign must not be permitted to shine into any road right -of -way or across property lines. (5) In addition to the prohibited signs in Section 6.12.6, the following types of signs are prohibited in the Economic Development Districts: off premises advertising signs, billboards, inflatable, and portable signs. (B) Identification Signs (1) Frppstandmng IdentifiGati nOn- premise Commercial Signs 10 io Staff is modifying existing language to ensure we are using consistent language throughout the UDO when identifying a sign. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -91 Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.12: Signs (a) Only one #888tandiRg commercial sign is permitted for each development. However, a second sign may be permitted where a site has more than one vehicular entrance on different sides of the building. (b) A #886tandiRg idpAtifiratigp n- premise commercial sign must be placed perpendicular to approaching vehicular traffic so that it is clearly visible and does not obstruct the view of any other identification or information sign. (c) A fFeestandiRg OC184f,Gati,,n n- premise commercial sign must be located at least 10 -feet from any property line or driveway. (2) Buckhorn EDD & Eno EDD Only The following criteria shall govern the number, size, and height of identification signs in the Buckhorn and Eno EDDs: (C) Directional /Informational Signs In lieu of the requirements contained in Section 6.12.11(G), the following require t: shall apply to Directional /Informational signs located in Economic Developricso istric (1) Information signs must be placed perpendicular to approaching that t hey are visible and legible. (2\ Signs must be located outside of the site visibility trian (3) I mation signs must be positioned to avoid co sing backgrounds, partk rly when they are intended to direct icular traffic on or to- and -from the site. (4) Information sig may be placed n oser than six feet to the edge of a road or drive, and, in no ca may the e located within a street right -of -way unless they are erected by a g er entaI agency. (5) Information signs ma of ex ed four feet in height. (6) Information sign ay not contain vertising material or exceed six square feet in area. (D) Temporary Sys (1) porary signs may be used for construction an al estate information, and future tenant identification, in accordance with the prov "ons of this Section. (E) wnings (1) The form and color of the awnings must be consistent. (2) A minimum eight -foot vertical clearance must be maintained. " We are keeping the height of signs erected within our Economic Development Districts the same. From our standpoint there was a conscious decision by the County to have different allowable signs heights for projects in and outside of Economic Development districts and we are going to preserve this distinction. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -92 M TABLE 6.12.14.B.3: BUCKHORN AND ENO bk 4wc�� ION SIGN DD IDENTIFICAT STANDARDS Maximum Number of Signs 3 per use Maximum Number of Fr°° °^thing On- premise Commercial Signs 1 per use Maximum Total Square Footage of All Signs 200 sq. ft. Maximum Size of Any Sign 75 sq. ft. Maximum Height of Any Sign 12 ft. (C) Directional /Informational Signs In lieu of the requirements contained in Section 6.12.11(G), the following require t: shall apply to Directional /Informational signs located in Economic Developricso istric (1) Information signs must be placed perpendicular to approaching that t hey are visible and legible. (2\ Signs must be located outside of the site visibility trian (3) I mation signs must be positioned to avoid co sing backgrounds, partk rly when they are intended to direct icular traffic on or to- and -from the site. (4) Information sig may be placed n oser than six feet to the edge of a road or drive, and, in no ca may the e located within a street right -of -way unless they are erected by a g er entaI agency. (5) Information signs ma of ex ed four feet in height. (6) Information sign ay not contain vertising material or exceed six square feet in area. (D) Temporary Sys (1) porary signs may be used for construction an al estate information, and future tenant identification, in accordance with the prov "ons of this Section. (E) wnings (1) The form and color of the awnings must be consistent. (2) A minimum eight -foot vertical clearance must be maintained. " We are keeping the height of signs erected within our Economic Development Districts the same. From our standpoint there was a conscious decision by the County to have different allowable signs heights for projects in and outside of Economic Development districts and we are going to preserve this distinction. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -92 M Article 10: Definitions Section 10.1: Definitions O Burning Of Trees, Limbs, Stumps And Construction Debris Associ d With The Pe fitted Activity The disposa limbs, stumps and construction debris associated with the permitted ivity by means of outdoor fires. Open Space - (flexib evelopment) "Primary Conservation Areas" a "Secondary Conservation Areas" s defined in Section 7.13, which are preserved through conservation sements or other restrict' s in a flexible development subdivision. Open Space - (land use intensity) A. Open space is the total horizontal area > overed open space plus half the total horizontal area of covered open space subject to ' itatio set forth below. B. Uncovered open space is total gr land area not vered by buildings, plus open exterior balconies and roof areas impr ed as recreation space. C. Covered open space is u le open space closed to the sky, ut having two clear unobstructed open or partially ope des. Partially open sides is to be cons tr as 50% or more. Examples of covered space e covered balconies, covered portions of improv oof areas, or space under buildings sup rted on columns or posts or cantilevered. The square fooMge countable as covered gon space shall not exceed the square footage of the open space sTdes. Open ace Ratio The nimum square footage of open space required for each square foot of gross land area. This udes parking and vehicular access areas and it can also include balconies, and roofs improved for recreation. Outdoor Advertising See Sign, Off - premise Commercial r Advertising Industry iizations that provide outdoor displays or display space on a lease or rental basis Outdoor ' hting Installation of I ' g equipment, whether attached to poles, building structures e earth, or any other location to allow for illumination of a building and exterior area(s) within t confines of a defined property line. Included a open air spaces on a property, which are un a roof or other cover and not fully enclosed such as a can pavilion, drive - through bay, or parki deck. Outdoor Lighting, Cutoff Fix %aanner A fixture shielded or constructed in s that n ore than 2 ' /z% of the total light emitted by the fixture is projected above the horoft fixture. Outdoor Lighting, Direct Light Light emitted directly from the lamp, off of e reflector diffu or through the refractor or diffuser lens, of a luminaire. Outdoor Lighting, Fixtu The assembly that houses e lamp or lamps and can include all or some of following parts: a housing, a mounting br et or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector o irror, and /or a refractor or lens. Outdoor ghting, Flood Lamp A form ighting designed to direct its output in a specific direction with a reflector formed from th env pe of the lamp itself. Such lamps are so designated by the manufacturers and are typically us Widential outdoor area lighting. Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 10 -29 41 Article 10: Definitions 42 Section 10.1: Definitions ign structure advertising an establishment, merc ise, service, or entertainment that is not sold, produced, factured, or furnished at the property on which said sign cated. This definition includes billboards and other simi tdoor advertising mechanisms. ■ Example of an off - premise commer ign includes: Sign, Off - Premise gious A sign located off property of a religious facility intended to provide directional in tion as to the location of a cific religious facility. Such signs shall only be erected at major roadway in ctions and co n the name and address of the facility as well as a directional arrow to provide motorists i of which road is necessary to access the facility. Sign, On- Premise Commercial A sign that pertains to the use of the premises where it is located and can include pole mounted and /or ground;monument siqns. On- Premise Commercial Signs can contain changeable copy or a reader board so long as the total square footage allowed for the sign is not exceeded. 12 • Examples of on- premise commercial signs include: !braug ign person recorded as such on official reco f ro erty on which a sign is located �is esumed to be the ow n unless facts to the contrary are o other entio n of the Planning Director (e.g., a sign leased from a sign company). Sign, Pole A sign that is elevated above the ground by ()Re- er mere upright supports placed upon the ground and not attached to any part of a building. Political For the purpos referendum. a sign used in conn , or national election or 12 Standard moved to Section 6.12.12 (5) (a) Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 10 -44