22.1 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

22.1.1 Purpose. Signs have a strong visual impact on the quality and character of the community; they can attract the viewing public, enhance the safety for both pedestrians and motorists and set an overall tone for the community. Accordingly, the Town of Leeds (hereinafter, the Town) adopts these regulations to provide for a healthy community considering safety aspects while maintaining those historical and aesthetic qualities reflective of the natural surroundings. 22.1.2 Goal. The goals to be achieved by these regulations are: 1) stimulating harmony within the community while maintaining protection of property values, to preserve a healthy business environment and a sustainable economy 2) effective identification of each business, and; 3) provisions for the safety of pedestrians and motorists and promotion and protection of the public welfare. 22.1.3 Objective. This chapter establishes standards and guidelines to preserve and enhance the appearance of the community as a place in which to live and work. These standards and guidelines ensure that signage is used as identification, advertising when necessary to the success of the business and not as a notice or attracting device. Furthermore, these standards prevent the installation of an excessive number of signs, avoid visual clutter and eliminate hazards to pedestrians and motorists brought about by distracting signs. 22.1.4 Ordinance Categories. This Ordinance is comprised of three categories of signs: 1) signs that do not require approval by the Town; 2) signs that have to be approved by the Town Official; and 3) signs that are mandatory. All signs in the three categories must comply with the regulations within this Ordinance as well as other applicable Town Ordinances. All requests for approval of a sign must be submitted using the appropriate form and supplying all required information in order to be considered. All signs requiring approval must be approved by the Town Official prior to being installed or before any work is done toward the installation of such sign.