22.3 REQUIREMENTS

All signs allowed, approved or required by this Ordinance within the Town shall comply with the requirements below. In addition (see Section 22.11.1) the building inspector may impose requirements on the construction of signs to satisfy or comply with weight and wind load requirements and safety concerns with regard to materials used. 22.3.1 Material. Signs may be constructed of painted, stained or carved wood; brick or stone; or metal which is painted or anodized, or otherwise treated to prevent reflective glare. Wood signs shall be solid wood, or plywood of, MOD grade or equivalent. Other sign materials, such as plastics, may be approved by the Town Council. 22.3.2 Attachment. No sign shall be suspended by non-rigid attachments that will allow the sign to swing in the wind. 22.3.3 Placement. No sign shall be erected, altered or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, or door opening. No sign shall be attached in any manner which will interfere with any ventilation opening. Signs shall be located so as to maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with Electrical Code specifications. In no case shall a sign be installed closer than thirty-six (36) inches horizontally or vertically from any conductor or wire. 22.3.4 Sign Placement. No sign shall project above the eaves or parapet wall of the building on the premises to which it is appurtenant. 22.3.5 Distractions. No sign shall be revolving, have flashing lights, intermittent lights, or any type of motion either attached to the sign or adjacent to the sign intending to call attention to the sign. 22.3.6 Signs on Town Property. No business signs may be located on Town property, including street rights-of-way, without written approval of the Town Council. Requests for signs on Town property must include a diagram and dimensions of the sign and how the sign will be anchored or fastened. Approved signs on Town property may be removed by the Town following a five (5) day notification. Unapproved signs on Town property may be removed at any time by the Town Official. In general, requests for signs on Town property will not be granted except under extremely unusual conditions. 22.3.7 Lighted Signs. All lighted signs shall comply with the Town’s Lighting Ordinance. An illuminated sign shall not be installed in such a manner which permits the light to penetrate beyond the property so as to constitute a nuisance. 22.3.8 Free Standing Signs. Free standing signs may be considered for approval providing they comply with all requirements of the zone they are in and if: 22.3.8.1 They are replacement signs for the ones listed in this Ordinance and are not additional signs; 22.3.8.2 The signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in total area (four square feet per side for two-sided free standing signs), and the top of the sign shall be no higher than four (4) feet above ground level. The sign shall be located a minimum of eight (8) feet from the public right-of way. 22.3.9 Wall Mounted Signs. Wall mounted signs are to be permanently attached or painted and shall not extend more than three (3) inches from the wall. 22.3.10 Business Lighting Sign Hours. Businesses open to the public during hours of darkness shall be allowed lighted signs approved in accordance with the Town’s Lighting Ordinance. In order for the business to be considered open, the doors shall be unlocked and the owner, manager or an employee shall be physically present. Present by an electronic means in not considered open. All exterior lighted signs associated with a business shall be turned off when the business is closed and in no case shall the light be on after midnight. Lights used for security purposes or for lighting parking areas are regulated by the Town’s Lighting Ordinance. 22.3.11 Traffic Safety Considerations Related to Signs. 22.3.11.1 No sign shall be permitted at a street or driveway intersection which would create a condition that is unsafe for vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or is inappropriate with respect to location, size, time or duration of display, or is maintained in a deteriorated condition. No sign shall be placed near a roadway which would mislead traffic that a road is closed or not open to the public. Signs placed near an intersection shall not make use of the words “Stop”, “Danger”, “Slow”, or other words or phrases ordinarily identified with traffic direction that may cause confusion or interfere with the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Nor shall the illumination of any sign impair the vision of those passing by. 22.3.11.2 No sign shall be located where it may block a driver’s view entering a street. No portion of any sign shall be placed closer to the public right-of-way than eight (8) feet.