CHAPTER 13

Sign Regulations

SECTION 1301. SIGN REGULATIONS BY ZONING DISTRICT.

(1) GENERAL. The following table presents regulations for permanent signs in each Zoning District identified by this Ordinance. Signs which conform to these regulations are a use by right, but each such sign also requires a land use permit. Only signs as described herein and as may be described under the Temporary Signs and Exemptions will be permitted in each Zoning District.

Historical Notes: Subsection (1) amended by Ordinance 04-05, eff Oct 7, 2004.

The 2004 amendment of subsection (1) changed the words “building permit” in the second sentence to read: “land use permit”.

(2) OMISSIONS. If a new Zoning District is created after the enactment of this Ordinance, no signs shall be permitted therein until this ordinance shall be amended to include said district.

(3) USE BY RIGHT. A use conforming to all requirements of this Ordinance, for which a zoning or building permit may be issued without further delay or processing.

(4) USE BY SPECIAL PERMIT. A use, which may be permitted subject to the application for and issuance of a Special Use Permit by the Tobacco Township Planning Commission in addition to regularly, issued zoning or building permits. This use must comply with the applicable limits for sign size, height and setbacks. Chapter 14 contains additional regulations for some uses requiring a Special Use Permit.

(5) DEFINITIONS. Many terms used in this chapter are defined in Chapter 2 (Definitions), and must be referred to in order to properly interpret the requirements and restrictions specified in this chapter.

Historical Notes: Current subsection (5) added by Ordinance 04-05 , eff Oct 7, 2004.The original subsection (5) was renumbered subsection (6).

(6) TABLE OF REGULATIONS. Please see pages at the end of this chapter.

Historical Notes: Table of Regulations was amended as follows by Ordinance 11-01, eff Apr 30, 2011: Commercial District (Content column: No requirements); Ground sign type: (Max sign size: 50 Sq Ft); (Height: 24 ft); No signs per parcel: 2); (Total sign area per parcel: 100 sq ft).

Subsection (6) was renumbered from subsection (5) to subsection (6) by Ordinance 04-05, eff Oct 7, 2004.

SECTION 1302. TEMPORARY SIGNS.

The following Temporary Signs are allowed anywhere within the Township. Signs shall be confined within private property and shall comply with setback provisions for the Zoning District in which they are located.

(1) CONSTRUCTION SIGNS. Signs, which identify architects, engineers, contractors and other individuals or firms involved with a construction project, but not including advertisement of any product. These signs may be displayed during the construction period, commencing with the issuance of a building permit. The signs shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet for each firm. The signs shall be confined to the site of the construction and shall be removed no more

than 4 days after the beginning of the intended use of the project.

(2) REAL ESTATE SIGNS. Signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which they are displayed, up to a total area of twelve (12) square feet. Such signs shall be removed no more than 4 days after the sale, rental or lease.

(3) POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGNS. Political signs cannot be regulated as to content or length of display time. However, such signs may be regulated the same as other sign types by size and location..

Historical Notes: Subsection (3) amended, Ordinance 15-02, eff Dec 24, 2015.

(4) SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS. Any other temporary signs, subject to the restrictions outlined in the following Table of Special Purpose Sign Regulations and to the location restrictions for permanent signs in the applicable Zoning District. Each such sign shall require a permit if it is to be posted more than three (3) days.

(a) TABLE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REGULATIONS FOR TEMPORARY SIGNS

Zoning District	Maximum Size	Duration of Permit	Permits per Parcel
AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL (Non-Profit)	8 square feet	14 days	2 per year
AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL (All Other)	8 square feet*	2 days	2 per year
COMMERCIAL	32 square feet*	30 days	2 per year
INDUSTRIAL	32 square feet*	30 days	1 per year

* Total area of permanent signs and special purpose signs may not exceed total sign area for the parcel as defined by the Table of Permanent Sign Regulations.

SECTION 1303. OFF-PREMISE COMMERCIAL SIGNS.

Off-premise, freestanding sign advertising an activity, business, product, or services not sold or conducted on the commercially zoned land use is not allowed.

SECTION 1304. EXEMPTIONS.

The following types of signs are exempted from other provisions of this ordinance:

(1) INSTITUTIONAL BULLETIN BOARD. These signs, defined in Chapter 2, may be located on parcels occupied by nonprofit organizations. They may be up to twelve (12) square feet.

(2) ENTRANCE/EXIT. Signs directing traffic movement to or from a parcel, may not exceed two (2) square feet in size or two (2') feet in height.

(3) TEMPORARY LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SIGNS. Signs pertaining to the sale, lease, rent or development of a subdivision, planned shopping center, office building, industrial park or similar land parcel. Such signs are allowed for a period of one (1) year upon issuance of a permit. Said permit may be extended for one additional year. Total number and size of signs allowed shall be controlled according to the following schedule.

LAND SIZE	TOTAL NO. OF SIGNS	TOTAL AREA ALL SIGNS
Up to 4 acres	1	50 sq. ft.
Over 4 acres	2	100 sq. ft.

Such project signs shall comply with height and placement regulations for the Zoning District in which they are located, except that in Residential Districts the maximum height of such signs is six (6') feet.

(4) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. Upon approval of the Zoning Administrator, a Non-Profit Organization may place a non-illuminated portable sign up to 4’ X 8’ in size according to the following conditions:

(a) A Land Use Permit may be issued for up to one (1) year, subject to renewal on A-1/R-1, C-1&2 or I zoned parcels fronting on State Highways and County Primary Roads in the township. The size of the sign will be determined by the conditions existing at the proposed site, such as size of the parcel, location of buildings on the parcel and on neighboring parcels, and other similar conditions.

(b) Signs shall be subject to the property owner’s permission, setbacks stated in Section 1301(6), and Section 1310 (Inspection, Removal, Safety).

(c) Signs must also conform to Section 1306, Prohibited Signs.

(d) For aesthetic reasons such signs must be at least one half (1/2) mile apart.

Historical Note: Subsection (4) added by Ord 13-01, eff Jul 18, 2013

SECTION 1305. NONCONFORMING SIGNS.

Signs not conforming to the provisions of this Ordinance shall be considered to be nonconforming structures and regulated as described in Chapter 11. Note that temporary signs are not considered to be acceptable nonconforming structures.

SECTION 1306. PROHIBITED SIGNS.

Signs, which violate any of the standards listed below, are prohibited in Tobacco Township. Sign permits may not be issued for such signs, and the Zoning Administrator shall have authority to order removal of such signs. Determination of a sign's compliance with these standards shall be made by the Zoning Administrator. Any party feeling aggrieved by the Zoning Administrator decision may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

(1) Signs may not contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character, such as would offend public morals or decency.

(2) Signs may not contain, or be an imitation of, an official traffic sign or signal, nor shall they contain the words: "stop," "go slowly," "caution," "danger," "warning," or similar terms.

(3) Signs may not be of a size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination which may be confused with, or construed as, a traffic control device, nor may signs hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.

(4) Signs may not advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer available on the premises upon which the sign is located.

(5) Signs may not move in any manner.

SECTION 1307. ILLUMINATION. (TEMPORARY REGULATIONS)

(1) Any electrical illumination of a sign shall be done in full compliance with the National Electrical Code as amended and adopted by Gladwin County.

(2) The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity or brightness will not be objectionable to occupants of surrounding properties, and so that no direct rays from the light source are visible from any public right-of-way or from abutting property.

(3) No sign shall utilize moving patterns of light so as to convey an illusion of motion or animation. Beacon lights are not permitted.

(4) No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.

(5) Internal Sign Illumination.

(a) Sign illumination intensity shall not exceed 3 footcandles as measured 10 feet from the sign.

(b) Internally illuminated signs shall be equipped with a reduced intensity nighttime setting activated by photocell or timer.

(c) Sign illumination shall be provided solely by electrical means or devices.

(6) Changeable Copy Area and Video Displays.

(a) A changeable copy area shall be allowed as part of a permitted building-mounted or ground sign, provided that such area shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area. Changeable copy is defined as moveable letters or other forms of sign copy, which can be altered by manual, mechanical or electrical means without replacing the sign copy area, at intervals of no less than once in 30 seconds, except for video displays.

(b) To minimize visual distractions and hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and property, animated copy shall be prohibited. Animated copy is defined as sign copy that flashes, moves, revolves, cycles or is otherwise altered or changed by mechanical or electrical means at intervals of less than 30 seconds.

(7) Application for and Authority to Issue Permit.

(a) Pending adoption of permanent regulations and standards, applications must be approved by the Planning Commission. The Commission may limit the maximum number of and the size of signs, based on the location and other local conditions. After such approval, the Zoning Administrator will issue the appropriate Land Use Permit.

(b) Site Plan. Applications shall include a site plan showing easements, dimensions, location of all structures, and all existing and proposed signs on the parcel.

(c) Sign details. Specifications and drawings showing the materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, and method of illumination.

Historical Notes: Subsection (3) amended, and subsections (5),(6), and (7) were added by Ordinance 11-01, eff Apr 30, 2011.

Prior to the 2011 amendment, subsection (3) read: “No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices, such as changing light intensity, brightness or color. No sign shall utilize moving patterns of light so as to convey an illusion of motion or

animation. Beacon lights are not permitted. This section shall not be interpreted to prohibit electronic message boards as defined in Chapter 2.”

SECTION 1308. STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS.

All signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of the Gladwin County Building and Electrical Codes.

SECTION 1309. OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF MERCHANDISE.

Historical Notes: Section 1309 was moved to Chapter 11 and renumbered Section 1109 by Ordinance 04-05, eff Oct 7, 2004.

SECTION 1310. INSPECTION, REMOVAL, SAFETY.

(1) INSPECTION. Signs may be inspected periodically by the Zoning Administrator and/or building official to assure compliance with this and other codes of Gladwin County.

(2) TAGGING. All signs requiring permits shall display, in a place conspicuous to inspectors the name of the permit holder and the permit number.

(3) MAINTENANCE. All signs and components thereof shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition.

(4) REMOVAL OF SIGN. The Zoning Administrator may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this code. Said order shall be made in writing, delivered personally or by certified mail, and shall allow the person receiving it ten (10) days to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance. Said order shall be served upon the owner of such sign, or to the owner or manager of the building, structure, or premises on which such sign is located. The Zoning Administrator may remove a sign immediately and without notice, at cost to the owner or lessee, if it is the Administrator’s opinion that the condition of the sign presents an immediate threat to the safety of the public.

(5) ABANDONED SIGNS. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it within ten (10) days of the termination of business, the Zoning Administrator, or a duly authorized representative, may remove the sign at cost to the property owner. When a successor to a defunct business agrees to maintain the signs as provided in this code, this removal requirement shall not apply.

(6) TRAFFIC SAFETY. No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct the view of approaching vehicular or pedestrian traffic from any direction or present a hazard to the safe flow of traffic. In the event that any sign violates this requirement, the Zoning Administrator may remove such sign to protect traffic. The owner of the property, or business operator where such sign is located, shall first be notified of its impending removal. The property owner or business operator shall be given opportunity to alter or replace such a sign within 24 hours to make it comply with this Section.

ZONING ORDINANCE SIGN REGULATIONS

ZONING DISTRICTS	CONTENT	SIGN TYPE	MAXI- MUM SIGN SIZE PER PARCEL	HEIGHT	SETBACKS	NUMBER OF SIGNS PER PARCEL	TOTAL SIGN AREA ALLOWED PER PARCEL
AGRICULTURE A-1	Name and Address, Home Occupation, Products produced on premises	Ground: Wall:	25. sq. ft. 25 sq. ft.	12 ft. Top of wall	Front: 10 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 10 feet	1 per parcel	100 sq. ft.
RESIDENTIAL SINGLE, MULTI FAMILY WR, R-1, R-2	Occupant's Name and Address, Home Occupation, Rental and Mgt. Offices (R-B),*	Ground: Wall: Integral:	2 sq. ft. 2 sq. ft. 10 sq. ft.	4 ft. Top of wall Top of Wall	Front: 10 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 10 feet	1 per dwelling	2 square feet per dwelling, except for integral signs.
	Development name	Permanent Development Sign	32 sq. ft.	6 ft.		1 per dev.	32 sq. ft.
COMMERCIAL C-1, C-2	No requirements	Ground: Wall: Marquee:# Projecting;#	50 sq. ft. 50 sq. ft. 32 sq. ft. na	24 ft. Top of wall Top of wall# Na	Front: 3 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 10 feet	2 per parcel	The greater of: . 75 square feet per front foot of building, or 100 square feet.
INDUSTRIAL I	No requirements	Ground : Wall: Marquee:# Projecting:# Roof: Integral:	100 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft. 50 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft. 25 sq. ft.	24 ft. Top of wall Top of Wall 24 ft. # 24 ft. Top of wall	Front:10 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 10 feet	1 only, of any type, per each street front.	No greater than 1 square foot per front foot of building, or . 5 square foot per front foot of parcel, or 100 square feet.

# Must be 15 feet above a driveway.

· Must have 100' setback from R-A zone

Note: Signs may be printed on both sides