Municipal Code
CHAPTER 1474 Signs and Outdoor Display Structures
1474.01 Purpose.
1474.02 Scope of requirements.
1474.03 Definitions.
1474.04 Plans; specifications; permits.
1474.05 Inspection; maintenance.
1474.06 Removal of obsolete signs.
1474.07 Nonconforming signs.
1474.08 Appeal to Sign Board of Appeals.
1474.09 Conflicts with Zoning Code.
1474.10 Permitted exempt signs.
1474.11 Prohibited signs.1474.12 Temporary signs.
1474.13 Construction and design standards.
1474.14 Illumination.
1474.15 Location.
1474.16 Measurement.
1474.17 Residential District signs.
1474.18 Nameplate and street address signs.
1474.19 Directional signs for religious institutions.
1474.20 Nonresidential District signs.
1474.99 Penalty.
CROSS REFERENCES
Authority of Village re billboards - see CHTR. Ch. II,
§2(6)
Signs for garage sales - see B.R. & T. 830.04
Application of sign regulations to garage sales - see
B.R. & T. 830.07
Temporary signs - see P. & Z. 1244.07(b)(7)
Zoning Code requirements for signs - see P. & Z. 1268.25
1474.01 PURPOSE.
These regulations are intended to permit signs and other
outdoor displays that are needed for the purposes of
identification or advertising, subject to the following
objectives:
(a) By reason of their size, location, spacing,
construction or manner of display, signs shall not
endanger life or limb, confuse or mislead drivers,
obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, or
otherwise endanger public health or safety.
(b) Signs should enhance the aesthetic appeal of the
Village. Thus, these regulations are intended to:
(1) Regulate oversized signs that are out-of-scale with
surrounding buildings and structures; and
(2) Prevent an excessive accumulation of signs that
cause visual clutter.
(c) The placement and design of signs should further the
land use planning objectives of the Village. Signs
should protect neighborhood character and the value of
surrounding properties.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7 14 08.)
1474.02 SCOPE OF REQUIREMENTS.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or
corporation to erect, construct, affix, attach,
relocate, or alter any sign in the Village of Franklin
except in conformance with the provisions of this
chapter, subject to issuance of a permit by the Building
Department, unless as otherwise provided herein.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7 14 08.)
1474.03 DEFINITIONS.
The following definitions shall apply in the
interpretation of this chapter:
(a) AAccessory use@ means any use that is incidental,
subordinate, and auxiliary, to the permitted use of the
premises.
(b) Awning sign means a sign which is painted or printed
on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.
(c) Banner sign means a sign made of fabric, cloth,
paper, or other non rigid material that is typically not
enclosed in a frame.
(d) Billboard means a sign which contains a message
unrelated to a business or profession conducted, or to a
commodity, service, or activity sold or offered, upon
the premises where such sign is located.
(e) Box type sign means an internally lit sign
consisting of a box like framework on or within which is
mounted a plastic or acrylic sign panel.
(f) Community special event sign means a sign that
advertises an event that has community wide interest,
takes places within the borders of Franklin, and
typically is for educational, cultural, or social
consciousness purposes.
(g) Construction sign means a temporary sign identifying
the designers, contractors and subcontractors, and
material suppliers participating in construction on the
property on which the sign is located.
(h) Directional sign means a sign which is intended to
direct the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to,
from and within a development site.
(i) Ground sign means a freestanding sign supported by
vertical posts or braces in or upon the ground.
(j) Historical marker means a sign erected to denote a
significant or aesthetic historic site, building, or
district as designated by the Historic District
Commission.
(k) Historic District Commission@ means the Commission
established by Chapter 1230 of the Codified Ordinances
of the Village of Franklin.
(l) Illegal sign means a sign which does not meet the
requirements of this chapter and which does not have
legal nonconforming status.
(m) Moving sign means a sign in which the sign itself or
any portion of the sign moves or revolves. A rotating
sign is a type of moving sign.
(n) Obsolete sign means a sign that advertises a product
that is no longer made or that advertises a business
that has closed.
(o) Outline tubing sign means a sign consisting of glass
tubing, filled with a gas such as neon, which glows when
electric current is sent through it.
(p) Outdoor sign means any letter, symbol, number, or
combination of these, which is visible from the traveled
portion of a public road.
(q) Painted sign means any sign, which uses paint or
other material directly applied upon the exterior
surface of structure.
(r) Parapet means the extension of a false front or wall
above the roof line. Signs mounted on the face of the
parapet shall be considered wall signs.
(s) Pole sign means a type of freestanding sign that is
elevated above the ground on a single pole or post.
(t) Political sign means a temporary sign relating to
matters to be voted on in a local, state, or national
election.
(u) Projecting sign means a sign, other than a flat wall
sign, that projects more that fifteen (15) inches from
the face of the building or structure upon which it is
located.
(v) Public sign@means a sign erected in the public
interest by or upon orders from a local, state, or
federal public official. Examples of public signs
include legal notices, safety signs, traffic signs,
memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, and
similar signs.
(w) Real estate sign means a temporary sign which makes
it known that real estate upon which the sign is located
is for sale, lease, or rent.
(x) Roof line means the top edge of a roof or building
parapet, whichever is higher, excluding cupolas,
chimneys, and similar minor projections.
(y) Roof sign means a sign that extends above the roof
line or is erected or constructed over the surface of
the roof.
(z) Sign means any device, structure, fixture, display,
or placard, which uses words, numbers, figures, graphic
designs, logos or trademarks for the purposes of
informing, attracting attention, or providing direction.
Unless otherwise indicated, the definition of Asign@
includes interior and exterior signs which are visible
from any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, or public
property.
(aa) Sign Board of Appeals means the Village Zoning
Board of Appeals shall constitute the Sign Board of
Appeal for the purposes of interpreting and carrying out
the provisions of this chapter, except for those matters
over which the Village Construction Board of Appeals has
jurisdiction.
(bb) Temporary sign means a sign that is displayed in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter for a
limited period of time. Examples of temporary signs
include signs which announce a community or civic event
or other special events.
(cc) Total surface area of a sign means, in the case of
a double sided sign, the sum total of both sides of the
sign, including any supports, computed in square feet.
(dd) Wall sign means any sign attached to, painted upon,
or drawn upon an exterior wall of a structure.
(ee) Window sign means signs that are located in or on a
window and that are intended to be viewed from the
outside. Window signs may consist of:
(1) Signs that are applied directly to the inside or
outside surface of a window; or
(2) Opaque, translucent or transparent panels which are
suspended or supported inside a display window and which
are visible from the street.
(ff) Yard sign means a temporary portable sign,
frequently used by the real estate industry to draw
attention to and direct potential buyers to residential
development where there are lots, units, and/or houses
for sale.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.04 PLANS; SPECIFICATIONS; PERMITS.
(a) Permits. It shall be unlawful for any person to
erect, alter, relocate, or structurally change a sign,
unless specifically exempted by this chapter, without
first obtaining a permit in accordance with the
provisions set forth herein. A permit shall require
payment of a fee, which shall be established by the
Village Council.
(b) Application. An application for a sign permit shall
be made upon forms provided by the Building Department
and shall contain or have attached thereto the following
information:
(1) The name, address and telephone number of the
applicant.
(2) The location of the building, structure, or lot on
which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(3) The position of the sign in relation to nearby
buildings, structures, and property lines.
(4) Two (2) copies of plans showing the dimensions,
materials, methods of construction, and attachment to
the building or ground.
(5) The name, address and telephone number of the
person, firm, corporation or association erecting the
sign.
(6) Information concerning required electrical
connections.
(7) Insurance policy or bond, as required by this
chapter.
(8) Written consent of the owner or lessee of the
premises upon which the sign is to be erected.
(9) Other information required by the Building Official
to make the determination that the sign is in compliance
with all applicable ordinances and regulations.
(c) Review of Applications.
(1) Building Official Review. After receipt of an
application and permit fee, the Building Official shall
review said application to determine compliance with the
Village Code.
(2) Historic District Commission Review.
A. If the approval of the Historic District Commission
AHDC@ is required, then approval by the Building
Official shall be subject to HDC approval, and the
Building Official shall refer the sign to the HDC for
its review.
B. All signs located in the Historic District of the
Village of Franklin shall require the approval of the
HDC. Prior to granting approval of a sign application,
the HDC shall consider, among other things:
1. The effect the sign will have on the aesthetic value
of the building or property upon which the sign is to be
erected; and
2. The relationship of the design of the sign to the
exterior architectural features of the structure upon
which the sign is to be erected.
C. HDC approval shall not be required for those signs
deemed necessary for the public health, safety or
welfare by the Village Council or for those temporary
signs erected under the provisions of Section 1474.12.
(3) Issuance of a Permit. Following review and approval
of a sign application by both the Historic District
Commission (where applicable) and the Building Official,
the Building Official shall have the authority to issue
a sign permit.
(4) Validity of Permits. Sign permits issued hereunder
shall be valid for a period of six (6) months from the
date of issuance. If the work authorized under the
permit to construct a sign has not been completed within
six (6) months after the date of issuance, then the
permit shall become null and void. However, upon payment
of an additional forty dollar ($40.00) fee to the
Village of Franklin for an extended permit, the period
of time to construct the sign shall be extended for one
(1) additional six (6) month period.
(d) Exception. A sign shall not be enlarged or relocated
except in conformity with the provisions set forth in
this chapter for new signs, nor until a proper permit
has been secured. However, a new permit shall not be
required for ordinary servicing or repainting of an
existing sign message, cleaning of a sign, or changing
of the message on the sign where the sign is designed
for such changes (such as numbers on a gasoline price
sign). Furthermore, a permit shall not be required for
certain exempt signs listed in Section 1474.10.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.05 INSPECTION; MAINTENANCE.
(a) Inspection of New Signs. All signs for which a
permit has been issued shall be inspected by the
Building Official during the construction phase, and
immediately after the completion of construction to
assure that the sign has been constructed in compliance
with the Village Code. It shall be the responsibility of
the applicant to notify the Building Official of the
date of commencement and the date of completion of the
construction of the sign. The Building Department shall
notify the applicant in writing of any violations of any
chapter of the Village Code in the construction of the
sign. If, within two (2) weeks of written notice, sent
by first class mail, the applicant has failed to take
steps to correct the violation, then the Building
Department may cause such sign to be removed at the
expense of the owner.
(b) Inspection of Existing Signs.
(1) The Building Official may inspect any sign regulated
by this chapter to ascertain whether it is secure and
whether it is in need of painting, repair or removal.
The fee for such inspection, which shall be established
by the Village Council, shall be paid to the Village of
Franklin upon inspection.
(2) If the Building Official does not approve said sign
because it is not secure or is in need of repainting,
repair, or removal, then the Building Official shall
send written notice by first class mail to the owner of
the property stating the reasons why the sign failed to
pass inspection. If, within two (2) weeks of receiving
written notice, the owner has failed to take steps to
correct the violation, then the Building Official shall
send written notice to remove the sign within two (2)
weeks. If, after expiration of the additional two (2)
week period the owner does not comply with the request
of the Building Department, the Building Department may
cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the
owner. The two (2) week period to correct violations may
be extended at the discretion of the Building Official
due to weather related restrictions where repainting is
required.
(c) Correction of Unsafe or Unlawful Signs. When any
sign becomes unsecured, dilapidated, in danger of
falling, or otherwise unsafe or, if any sign shall be
unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation
of any of the provisions of this chapter or any other
ordinances of the Village of Franklin, then the owner
thereof, or the firm maintaining the sign, or the person
in control of the premises, shall make the sign safe and
secure by completing any necessary reconstruction or
repairs or by entirely removing the sign. If actions to
correct the violations are not completed within two (2)
weeks after receiving written notice from the Building
Official, then the Building Department may cause such
sign to be removed at the expense of the owner.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.06 REMOVAL OF OBSOLETE SIGNS.
Any sign that no longer identifies a business that is in
operation, or that identifies an activity or event that
has already occurred shall be considered abandoned and
shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having
use of the building or structure. Within fourteen (14)
days after vacating a commercial establishment, the
proprietor shall be responsible for removal of all signs
in conjunction with the business.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.07 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
(a) Amortization of Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming
permanent signs shall be removed or be brought into
compliance with ordinance requirements by August 1,
2010. Nonconforming temporary signs shall be removed by
August 31, 2010.
(b) Repairs and Maintenance. Nonconforming signs shall
be kept in good repair during the amortization period
specified in the previous division (a). Normal
maintenance shall be permitted, provided that any
nonconforming sign that is destroyed by any means to an
extent greater than fifty percent (50%) of the sign’s
prior fair market value, exclusive of foundation, shall
not be reconstructed. Normal maintenance shall include
painting of chipped or faded signs; replacement of faded
or damaged surface panels; or, repair or replacement of
electrical wiring or electrical devices.
(c) Modifications to the Principal Building. Whenever
the principal building on a site on which a
nonconforming sign is located is modified to the extent
that site plan review and approval is required, the
nonconforming sign shall be removed.
(d) Additional Signs. No additional signs shall be
permitted on a lot or building while a nonconforming
sign exists on the lot or building.
(e) Change in Occupancy or Business License. If, at any
given location, there is a change in the occupancy or
business license, all nonconforming signs shall be
removed.
(f) Fees. There shall be no fee charged by the Village
to an owner who voluntarily removes a nonconforming
sign.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.08 APPEAL TO SIGN BOARD OF APPEALS.
Any party who has been refused a sign permit may file an
appeal with the Sign Board of Appeals. In determining
whether an appeal should be granted, the Sign Board of
Appeals shall study the sign proposal, giving
consideration to any extraordinary circumstances, such
as those listed below, that would cause practical
difficulty in complying with the sign standards.
(a) Permitted signage can not be easily seen by passing
motorists due to the configuration of existing
buildings, trees or other obstructions.
(b) Permitted signage can not be seen by passing
motorists in sufficient time to permit safe deceleration
and exit. In determining whether such circumstances
exist, the Sign Board of Appeals shall consider the
width of the road, the number of moving lanes, the
volume of traffic, and speed limits.
(c) Existing signs on nearby parcels substantially
reduce the visibility or advertising impact of a
conforming sign on the subject parcel.
(d) Construction of a conforming sign will require
removal or severe alteration to natural features on the
parcel, such as but not limited to: removal of trees,
alteration of the natural topography, or obstruction of
a natural drainage course.
(e) Construction of a conforming sign will obstruct the
vision of motorists or otherwise endanger the health or
safety of passers by.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.09 CONFLICTS WITH ZONING CODE.
Whenever any provisions of the Zoning Code (Part Twelve,
Title Four of the Codified Ordinances) imposes more
stringent requirements, regulations, restrictions or
limitations than are imposed or required by the
provisions of this chapter, the provisions of the Zoning
Code shall govern.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.10 PERMITTED EXEMPT SIGNS.
A sign permit shall not be required for the following
signs, which shall be permitted subject to applicable
provisions herein:
(a) Real Estate For Sale or For Rent Signs. One (1)
temporary real estate sign erected to announce the sale
or rental of an individual sale or business, subject to
the provisions specified under Temporary Signs, Section
1474.12. Such signs do not require Historic District
Commission approval.
(b) Real Estate Open House Signs. Portable temporary
real estate open house signs, which are intended to
direct interested parties to properties being displayed
for sale. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square
feet in area, must be placed on the owner’s property
during daylight hours only, and shall not be placed on
the road surface. Such signs do not require Historic
District Commission approval.
(c) Address Numbers. Address numbers with a numeral
height of no greater than six (6) inches for residences
and eight (8) inches for businesses.
(d) Nameplates. Nameplates identifying the occupants of
the building, not to exceed two (2) square feet.
(e) Street Name and Traffic Signs. Signs required by the
Village of Franklin, Michigan Department of
Transportation or the Road Commission for Oakland County
for the purpose of directing or regulating traffic or
identifying streets.
(f) Signs for the Public Health, Safety and Welfare.
Signs deemed necessary for the public health, safety and
welfare by the Village Council.
(g) Vehicle Signs. Signs on a bus, truck, trailer, or
other vehicle while operated and used for transport in
the normal course of business, provided that the primary
use of the vehicle displaying the sign shall not be for
the purposes of advertising a business on the premises
where the vehicle is parked.
(h) Flags. Flags bearing the official design of a
nation, state, municipality, educational institution, or
noncommercial organization.
(i) Help Wanted Signs. AHelp wanted@ signs soliciting
employees for the place of business where posted,
provided that the maximum area for all such signs shall
be three square feet.
(j) Signs Not Visible From Outside. Any sign which is
located completely within an enclosed building and which
is not visible from outside the building.
(k) Historic Markers. A maximum of one historic marker,
in the form of a wall plaque or ground sign, is
permitted to designate a building as a historic
structure, subject to Historic District Commission
approval.
(l) Directional Signs. Signs used to direct vehicular or
pedestrian traffic to parking areas, loading areas, or
to certain buildings or locations on the site, subject
to the following conditions:
(1) Directional signs shall not contain logos or other
form of advertising.
(2) Directional signs shall not exceed four square feet
in area or four feet in height.
(3) Directional signs may be located in the front
setback area, provided they are set back at least ten
feet from the road right of way line.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.11 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Any sign not expressly permitted.
(b) Any sign, which by reason of its position, shape,
wording, location or color, obstructs the vision of
drivers or of pedestrian traffic.
(c) Signs which incorporate flashing, blinking, or
moving lights.
(d) Moving signs, including any sign that has any
visible moving parts, visible revolving parts, visible
mechanical movement, or other visible movement achieved
by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means,
including electric pulsations or movement caused by
normal wind current.
(e) Any sign or structure which:
(1) Is structurally unsafe;
(2) Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason
of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment;
(3) Is capable of causing electrical shock; or
(4) Is not kept in good repair, such that it has broken
parts, missing letters, or non operational lights.
(f) Any sign erected on a tree, fence, or utility pole,
except signs of a government or utility.
(g) Any sign affixed to or painted on any rock or
natural feature.
(h) Obsolete signs, as specified in Section 1474.06.
(i) Portable signs, except were expressly permitted by
ordinance.
(j) Signs affixed to a parked vehicle or truck trailer,
which is being used principally for advertising
purposes, rather than for transportation purposes.
(k) Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or
maintained.
(l) Roof signs.
(m) Projecting signs.
(n) Advertising signs or logos on street furniture, such
as benches and trash receptacles (a company name and
logo are permitted on a dumpster).
(o) Off premise advertising signs and billboards.
(p) Pole signs.
(q) Internally illuminated signs.
(r) Neon and other types of outline tubing signs.
(s) Signs painted directly onto a building surface.
(t) Box type signs.
(u) Banners, pennants, spinners, and streamers, unless
specifically permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
(v) Any sign that is erected, constructed, or maintained
so as to obstruct a fire escape, required exit, or
window or door opening used as a means of access to or
egress from a structure.
(w) Any sign that covers significant architectural
features.
(x) Signs that have cartoons or depictions of food,
animals or people, except that signs with the depiction
of Benjamin Franklin are permitted. However, the
Historic District Commission may approve preexisting
historically based illustrations.
(y) Alley signs (signs that project beyond public alley
lines).
(z) Construction signs (except as necessary to direct
traffic flow).
(aa) Any sign that is attached in a manner that
interferes with an opening required for ventilation,
except that signs may be erected in front of transom
windows when not in violation of the provisions of this
chapter.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.12 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
Temporary signs shall be permitted as specified in table
appearing on the following page.
Click here for
Temporary Sign standards.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08; Ord. 2010 02. Passed 3 8
10.)
1474.13 CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN STANDARDS.
(a) General Requirements. All signs shall be designed
and constructed in a safe and stable manner in
accordance with the Village’s adopted building and
electrical codes. All electrical wiring associated with
a ground sign shall be installed underground.
(b) Building Code. All signs shall be designed to comply
with the minimum requirements set forth in the adopted
building code.
(c) Framework. All signs shall be designed so that the
supporting framework is contained within or behind the
face of the sign or within the building to which it is
attached so as to be totally screened from view.
(d) Freestanding Sign Configurations. The following
types of freestanding signs shall be permitted:
cantilevered style, two post style, vertical ground
mounted style, and horizontal ground mounted style.
Single pole style freestanding signs are not permitted.
(See Figure 1.)
(e) Materials. Signs shall be constructed of wood,
glass, masonry, or cast metal. Plastic and composite
materials are prohibited.
(f) Shape. Sign shapes shall be simple, such as
rectangular, oval, round, or square.
(g) Color. No more than three colors shall be used on a
sign. One color shall be used for the field on a multi
tenant sign.
(h) Design. Signs and supports shall be designed so that
they are compatible with the architecture and color of
the building, and where applicable, with the Historic
District.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.14 ILLUMINATION.
(a) General Requirements. Signs shall be illuminated
only by a steady, stationary, shielded electric light
source directed solely at the sign and obscured from
public view. All electrical devices and wiring shall be
installed in accordance with the requirements of the
Michigan Electrical Code, as adopted in Chapter 1428.
(b) Non Glare. Shielded Lighting. Use of glaring
undiffused lights or bulbs shall be prohibited. Lights
shall be shaded so as not to project onto adjoining
properties or thoroughfares.
(c) Traffic Hazards. Sign illumination that could
distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard
shall be prohibited.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.15 LOCATION.
(a) Within a Public Right of Way. No sign shall be
located within, project into, or overhang a public right
of way, except as otherwise permitted herein.
(b) Sight Lines for Motorists. Signs shall comply with
the requirements for unobstructed motorist visibility.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.16 MEASUREMENT.
(a) Sign Area. Sign area shall be computed as follows:
(1) General Requirements. Where a sign consists of a
generally flat surface or sign face on which lettering
and other information is affixed, the sign area shall be
computed by measuring the entire face of the sign.
(2) Individual Letters. Where a sign consists of
individual letters and logo affixed directly to a
building, the area of the sign shall be computed by
measuring the area of the envelope required to enclose
the lettering and logo.
(3) Ground Sign. The area of a ground sign shall be
computed by measuring the entire vertical surface of the
face upon which the letters and logo are attached. In
the case of a double faced ground sign, each side shall
be measured separately and the sum total of both sides
of the sign, including support posts, shall be the total
surface area of the sign.
(4) Cylindrical Sign. The area of a cylindrical ground
sign shall be computed by multiplying the diameter of
the cylinder by its height.
(b) Setback and Distance Measurements. The following
guidelines shall be used to determine compliance with
setback and distance measurements:
(1) The distance between a sign and the property line
shall be measured along a straight horizontal line that
represents the shortest distance between the sign and
the property line.
(2) The distance between a sign and a parking lot or
building shall be measured along a straight horizontal
line that represents the shortest distance between the
outer edge of the parking lot or building.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.17 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT SIGNS.
The following signs shall be permitted in all districts
zoned for residential use:
(a) Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs shall be
permitted in accordance with Section 1474.12.
(b) Garage Sale Signs. Garage sale signs shall be
permitted in accordance with Section 1474.12.
(c) Signs for a School, Religious Institution, or
Governmental Facility. Any school, religious
institution, municipal or governmental facility, or
other charitable or non profit institution shall be
allowed signage for the purposes of identifying the name
of the institution, organization, or agency, subject to
the following standards:
(1) Number. One (1) sign shall be permitted per
establishment.
(2) Size. The maximum size for each such sign shall be
twenty (20) square feet.
(3) Location. Ground signs may be located in the front
yard, provided that no portion of any such sign shall be
located closer than five (5) feet to the existing or
planned right of way.
(4) Height. The maximum height of such signs shall be
six (6) feet.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.18 NAMEPLATE AND STREET ADDRESS SIGNS.
Nameplate and street address signs shall be permitted in
accordance with Section 1474.10.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.19 DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FOR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
Directional signs for religious institutions located
within the Village of Franklin may be placed on private
property or in the public right of way, subject to
Village Council approval upon making the determination
that such signs are necessary for public informational
purposes. Signs located in the Historic District must
also receive approval from the Historic District
Commission. Such signs shall comply with the following
requirements:
(a) Size. The maximum size of such signs shall be four
(4) square feet.
(b) Height. The maximum height of such signs shall be
four (4) feet.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.20 NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICT SIGNS.
The following signs shall be permitted in districts
zoned for nonresidential use:
(a) Signs for Residential Uses in a Nonresidential
District. Signs for residential uses in a nonresidential
district shall be governed by the sign regulations for
residential district uses set forth in Section 1474.16.
(b) Wall Signs. Wall signs shall be permitted in
nonresidential districts subject to the following
regulations:
(1) Number. For each ground floor business, one (1) wall
sign shall be permitted per street frontage; however,
two (2) signs may be permitted if the allowable square
footage is split between the two (2) signs. For each
upper floor business, one (1) wall sign shall be
permitted per street frontage.
(2) Size. The total area of a wall sign shall not exceed
thirty six (36) square feet.
(3) Location. One wall sign may be located on each side
of a building that faces a street. No wall sign shall be
erected to extend above the top of a wall, or beyond the
ends of the wall to which the sign is attached.
(c) Ground Signs. Ground signs shall be permitted in
nonresidential districts subject to the following
regulations:
(1) Number. One (1) ground sign shall be permitted per
establishment.
(2) Size. The total area of the ground sign, including
supporting posts, when considering both sides, shall not
exceed forty eight (48) square feet. No single surface
area of a sign shall exceed twenty four (24) square
feet. No single dimension (height or width) shall exceed
six (6) feet.
(3) Multi Tenant Buildings. In multi tenant buildings
the sign area may be allocated for use by individual
tenants. Each tenant shall be entitled to use that
portion of the sign that is equivalent to the percentage
of the tenant’s floor space to the total rentable space
in the building.
(4) Location, Setback from the Right of Way. Ground
signs may be located in the front yard, provided that no
portion of any such sign shall be located closer than
five (5) feet to the existing or planned right of way.
Signs shall not be placed on the property of any person
other than the applicant. Signs shall not be located in
a street right of way.
(5) Height. Ground signs shall not exceed six (6) feet
above the average ground level of land upon which they
are located.
(d) Awning Signs. Signs on awnings in nonresidential
districts shall be permitted subject to the following
standards:
(1) Number. One (1) ground sign shall be permitted per
street frontage on each parcel.
(2) Size, Coverage. Lettering on awning signs shall not
exceed eight (8) inches in height. Lettering shall be
permitted on the vertical face of the awning only. No
other advertising, logos, or lettering shall be
permitted elsewhere on the awning.
(3) Projection. Limitations imposed by this chapter
concerning projection of signs from the face of a wall
or building shall not apply to awning signs.
(e) Window Signs. Temporary and permanent window signs
shall be permitted on the inside in nonresidential
districts provided that the total combined area of such
signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the
tenant’s total window area.
(f) Open/Closed Sign. One (1) standard reversible
open/closed sign shall be permitted per business. Said
sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area, which
shall not count against the allowable window sign area.
(g) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted
in accordance with Section 1474.12.
(h) Directional Signs for Religious Institutions.
Directional signs for religious institutions located
within the Village of Franklin may be placed on private
property or in the public right of way, subject to
Village Council approval upon making the determination
that such signs are necessary for public informational
purposes. Signs located in the Historic District must
also receive approval from the Historic District
Commission. Such signs shall comply with the following
requirements:
(1) Size. The maximum size of such signs shall be four
(4) square feet.
(2) Height. The maximum height of such signs shall be
four (4) feet.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
1474.99 PENALTY.
Violations of this chapter shall be municipal civil
infractions subject to penalties, sanctions and remedies
prescribed in Section 202.99 of the Codified Ordinances.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08.)
