Source: https://www.ecode360.com/26881850
Timestamp: 2018-11-17 00:03:06
Document Index: 48672655

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 407', '§ 117', '§ 117']

Village of Corinth, NY Signs
§ 407-1 Title.
§ 407-2 Purpose.
§ 407-3 Definitions.
§ 407-4 Sign permits.
§ 407-5 Penalties for offenses.
§ 407-6 Appeals and variances.
§ 407-7 Freestanding signs.
§ 407-8 Flush-mounted signs.
§ 407-9 Projecting signs.
§ 407-10 Soffit signs.
§ 407-11 Safety.
§ 407-12 Location.
§ 407-13 Existing signs.
§ 407-14 Lighting.
§ 407-15 Moving or revolving devices or signs.
§ 407-16 Special categories of signs.
§ 407-17 Exempt signs.
§ 407-18 Prohibited signs.
§ 407-19 Nonoperational businesses.
§ 407-20 Projection of light.
§ 407-21 Compliance with other laws.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Corinth 9-25-2006 by L.L. No. 5-2006 (Ch. 117 of the 1983 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 426.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Village of Corinth New York Sign Law."
This chapter recognizes the importance of signs to inform the public and as an aid to local businesses in attracting customers. It also recognizes that neither the traveling public nor local business are well served by unlimited signs. The purpose of this chapter is to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare by regulating existing and proposed signs and display graphics of all types. It is intended to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the Village of Corinth, preserve the scenic and natural beauty of the Gateway to the Adirondacks and the shores along the Hudson River and provide a more enjoyable and pleasing community for residents of and visitors to the Village of Corinth. It is further intended to reduce sign and display distractions and obstructions that may pose a traffic or pedestrian hazard caused by signs overhanging, projecting into or in close proximity to the public right-of-way. Moreover, it is the purpose and intent of this chapter to permit only those signs which are:
Compatible with their surroundings and environment.
Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain.
Expressive of the identity of the individual proprietors and of the community as a whole.
A legally permitted occupant of land or premises, which is found or located within its own separate, physical space and with its own separate entrance.
A parcel or group of contiguous parcels of land under the same ownership which is occupied or may become occupied by one or more principal buildings and the accessory buildings or customarily incidental uses.
A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, commodity, service or entertainment that is not carried on, sold or offered on the same premises. Posters as defined below, and special signs defined in § 407-16, are not considered off-premises signs for the purposes of this chapter.
A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, commodity, service or entertainment carried on, sold or offered on the same premises.
A temporary, off-premises sign, exhibited no more than four days, and not exceeding three square feet in area, printed, lettered, or drawn on nonpermanent cardboard or paper, advertising a specific event or occurrence at a particular time and place.
The lot, building, or set of related buildings comprising the location of one or more businesses or other ventures.
A sign, not more than two square feet in area, for identification purposes.
Any structure, wall display, device or representation which is designed or used to advertise or call attention to or direct a person to a business, association, profession, commodity, product, institution, service, entertainment, person, place or thing, or activity of any kind, and is visible or audible from a highway or other public right-of-way. It does not include the flag of any nation or state on a single pole.
SIGN, FLUSH-MOUNTED
A sign attached to and mounted parallel to the face of a building or structure, or where architectural features (covered entryways, awnings, or other building elements except where otherwise prohibited) are clearly designed to accommodate a sign mounted parallel to the building face.
A sign supported by one or more poles, columns, or supports placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building or structure.
A sign attached to and projecting away from the face of a building or structure.
SIGN, SOFFIT
A sign hung from and within an overhang, which is attached to a building or structure, and which covers a walkway serving that building or structure.
Any sign affixed to the inside of a window or door, or a sign placed within a building so as to be plainly visible and legible through a window or door. Small signs incorporated into a window display of merchandise and measuring no more than 100 square inches shall not be considered window signs.
An open space between the building and the street, extending the full width of the lot, or in the case of a corner lot, extending along all streets.
An open space between the building and the rear lot line, extending the full width of the lot.
Before the alteration, construction, or installation of any sign, a sign permit shall be secured from the Building Department. Through the design review process, the Village Planning Board shall review and regulate size, location, design, color, texture, lighting, and materials of all exterior signs within its purview. Applications for sign permits shall be made on a form prescribed by the Building Department, and a standard fee, as determined by the Village Board, shall be charged for processing the application. Charitable organizations are exempt from the payment of fees. Action on the application shall be taken by the Code Enforcement Officer within seven business days of filing.
Penalties. Violations of any provision or requirement of this chapter or a violation of any statement, plan, application, permit or certificate approved under the provisions of this chapter shall be considered an offense.
Conviction of a first offense is punishable by a fine of not more than $350 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.
Conviction of a second offense, committed within a five-year period of the first, is punishable by a fine of not less than $350 nor more than $700 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.
Conviction of a third or subsequent offense, committed within a five-year period of the first, is punishable by a fine of not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.
The owner, general agent or contractor of a building, premises, or part thereof where such a violation has been committed or does exist and any agent, contractor, architect, builder, corporation or other person who commits, takes part in or assists in such violation shall be liable for such an offense. All such penalties shall be collectible by and in the name of the Village. Each week that any such violation continues after notification that such violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. Such notice shall be given in writing by the Code Enforcement Officer and shall be served by certified mail or personal service.
Court action. The imposition of penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the Village or any person from instituting appropriate legal action or proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent an unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance, or use or to restrain by injunction, correct or abate a violation or to furthermore prevent the illegal erection, installation or repair of any sign.
[Amended 5-6-2009 by L.L. No. 1-2009]
Appeals and variance applications. An interested person may appeal any determination or action taken by the Building Department under this chapter by filing an appeal or variance application with the secretary of the Zoning Board of Appeals, or the Village Clerk if a secretary has not been elected. The appeal or variance application shall be made on a form prescribed by the Village and shall be accompanied by the application fee established by the Village. The appeal or variance application shall be filed and thereafter processed by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the provisions contained in Article VIII of Chapter 500 as applicable. The variance standards to be applied by the Zoning Board of Appeals are set forth in Subsection B herein.
Variance standards. When a variance from the provisions of this chapter is the relief requested, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the power, upon appeal from a decision or determination of the Code Enforcement Officer, to vary or modify the sign criteria or requirements of this chapter.
In making its determination, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall take into consideration the benefit to the applicant if the variance is granted, as weighed against the detriment to the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood or community by such grant. In making such determination the Zoning Board of Appeals shall also consider whether:
An undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of the variance;
The benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method, feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than a variance;
The requested variance is substantial;
The proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district; and
The alleged difficulty was self-created, which shall be relevant to the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals but shall not necessarily preclude the granting of the variance.
The Zoning Board of Appeals, in the granting of a sign variance, shall grant the minimum variance that it shall deem necessary and adequate and at the same time preserve and protect the character of the neighborhood and the health, safety and welfare of the community.
The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the authority to attach such conditions to any variance that the Zoning Board of Appeals deems necessary and appropriate to preserve and protect the character of the neighborhood and the health, safety and welfare of the community.
One freestanding, pedestal, or post-supported sign is allowed per lot. The only exceptions are that an additional freestanding sign may be placed on a lot:
If the lot has at least 650 feet of frontage on a Village, county or state road, and the two signs will be at least 350 feet apart; or
If the lot is located within the Village Business (VB) Zone and has at least 300 feet of frontage along a single major street from which vehicular access is gained; if so, then an additional freestanding sign may be permitted for each additional 300 feet of road frontage or partial increment thereof on that single major street, under the following conditions: the additional sign(s) must be placed at separate, existing entrance driveway(s) accessing the lot from that single major street.
Where real estate or contractors' signs are allowed, as described elsewhere in this chapter.
If a landowner chooses to have additional freestanding signs as described herein, then each freestanding sign on that lot shall be limited to the standard maximum size permitted in that zone.
Side design. Freestanding signs shall only have two sides, which are parallel to each other and no more than six inches apart.
Sign material. There are a wide variety of sign materials available and new materials become available frequently. It is the intention of this chapter to establish a sign design that reflects the heritage and image of the community. Signs shall be constructed of a durable material resembling wood that is carved, engraved or otherwise replicates a wooden sign with lettering and designs either carved or engraved recessed or applied to the surface.
The intent of design guidelines, as described here, is to provide the sign applicant, Code Enforcement Officer and the Planning Board standards for determining if a proposed sign meets the intent of this chapter and conforms to the Village of Corinth Master Plan.
Proposed signs that do not meet these guidelines are subject to the variance application process as described elsewhere in this chapter.
Maximum allowable size of freestanding signs.
Village Residential I and II (VR-I and VR-II)
Village Business (VB)
Gateway Corridor (GC)
Secondary Gateway Corridor (SGC)
Height. The bottom of a freestanding sign shall not restrict the visibility of vehicles entering or leaving any intersection or driveway, Village, county or state highway, or private road. Maximum allowable height is 12 feet, measured from grade level to the top of the sign or any part of its structure.
Setback. Freestanding signs and their associated support structures shall be set back at least three feet from the inner edge of sidewalks; where sidewalks do not exist, the setback shall be at least eight feet from the traveled way or edge of pavement of the street or highway.
Businesses without frontage on a public road. In cases where a business is located on a parcel which does not have frontage on a public road and is served by a legally deeded right-of-way through a parcel which does have such frontage, said right-of-way shall be considered as a part of the business's lot for purposes of an allowable freestanding sign. However, any such sign must be shared with the front parcel. This subsection shall not be interpreted to increase the number or size of freestanding signs allowed on any parcel or lot.
Business directory signs.
If the Planning Board finds that a shared roadside information sign is appropriate and necessary to inform the public of the location of multiple businesses, in addition to any freestanding sign that may be permitted, there may also be permitted a single freestanding sign that shall be shared by all businesses which share a single access road off of a major public road. This sign shall be subject to all other sections of this chapter (for example, design review) and shall be no larger than the largest sign otherwise allowed in that particular zoning district in the Village. To maximize the effectiveness of this sign, consideration should be given to a single "place name" rather than simply a list of land uses or businesses.
This provision is limited to those lots which do not have frontage on a public road, i.e., those uses on rear lots where the otherwise allowed sign would not be visible to the traveling public. This provision shall not be interpreted to interfere with the rights of the underlying landowner (over whose land the access road traverses) to have his own separate sign under this chapter.
Number. If there is no freestanding sign on the lot, then two flush-mounted signs per business are allowed on the building where the advertised activity exists. If there is a freestanding sign on the lot, then each business is allowed one flush-mounted sign on the building where the advertised activity exists. In addition, one three-square-foot flush-mounted sign may be permitted at the rear entrance of each business on a lot, provided that:
This rear entrance is a direct access from a rear parking lot which is located in the rear yard as defined in this chapter.
This rear entrance is in addition to a front or side entrance.
The sign is not illuminated in any manner.
Size. The maximum allowable size of flush-mounted signs in the Village Business (VB) and Industrial (I) Districts is 60 square feet. Flush-mounted signs in the Village Residential I, Village Residential II, Gateway Corridor, Secondary Gateway Corridor, and Suburban Residential Districts shall be no larger than eight square feet, unless otherwise regulated in this chapter. The dimensions shall be defined by the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblems, or physical structure of the sign, whichever is largest. Where mounted on a wall, these signs shall protrude no more than six inches from the wall.
Projecting signs may be substituted for allowable flush-mounted signs on a one-for-one basis. These signs shall not exceed eight square feet in size and shall not extend further than four feet away from the building. For safety reasons, the lowest part of the sign or its support structures shall be at least eight feet above the sidewalk or grade directly beneath the sign.
Where a covered walkway exists on a building with more than four tenants in separate business, each tenant may have one two-square-foot sign which is hung from the soffit. This sign shall be hung in front of the entrance to the business which it advertises and hung in a direction perpendicular to the walkway so that it is legible to pedestrians on the walkway. Soffit signs are permitted in addition to any other sign allowed in this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer may require the adjustment or relocation of any sign to help ensure vehicular and pedestrian safety.
No sign may be attached to, placed upon, or painted upon utility poles, rocks, or other natural features. Flush-mounted signs shall be mounted in traditional locations which fit with the architectural design of buildings, such as over entrance doors. No sign may be placed on the roof of any building or structure.
Signs existing or approved at the time this chapter is enacted shall not be subject to the conditions of this chapter until such time as one or more of the following conditions occur:
The business changes ownership.
The existing sign is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be in a state of disrepair creating a public safety hazard.
Change in the type of business requiring Planning Board approval.
If one or more of the above conditions exist, all requirements of this chapter shall apply.
Internally illuminated signs are prohibited except where permitted for indoor internally illuminated window signs as provided in §§ 407-14E and 407-16D(3).[1]
Lighting on any sign shall be directed and shielded so that the light shines only on the subject sign and to prevent glare off site, into the sky, or onto adjoining properties or roads and highways. All bulbs shall be shielded or hooded. All ground-mounted fixtures shall be screened by bushes or other appropriate means; all fixtures mounted on the sign itself shall blend in with the background color of the sign or its surroundings, as deemed appropriate for the site. Lighting on any sign shall be limited to a total of 150 watts of incandescent light or its equivalent, unless otherwise authorized for unique site- or sign-specific reasons. Where a sign or its lighting fixtures are being replaced or substantially altered, then lighting shall be brought up to these standards. Applicants must demonstrate that lighting fixtures will satisfy these standards and are appropriate for site-specific needs and circumstances.
Internally illuminated signs existing on the date of adoption of this chapter may remain "as is," even if minor changes to such signs (such as changing business names or sign faceplates) are proposed. However, more significant changes to these signs (such as changes in location or to the physical size or structure) will require complete compliance with the local law in effect at that time.
The Code Enforcement Officer may require the adjustment or relocation of any sign lighting in order to prevent glare and to ensure vehicular and pedestrian safety. No luminous sign, indirectly illuminated sign, or lighting device shall be placed or directed so as to cast glare or diffused beams of light upon any public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises, or otherwise to cast glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or public nuisance. No sign shall in its construction employ any mirror or mirror-like surface, nor any day glowing or other fluorescent paint or pigment. No sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights. All luminous signs, indirectly illuminated signs, and lighting devices shall employ only white/clear lights emitting light of constant intensity.
Indoor internally illuminated window signs may be displayed, and may cover up to 25% of the total window area per business.
No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of any banner, pennant, ribbon, streamer, balloons, spinner or other similar moving, fluttering, or revolving device. Such devices shall be prohibited even if they have no message or logo on them. Said devices, as well as strings of lights and projecting laser beam signs, shall not be used for advertising or attracting attention whether or not they are part of any sign. No sign or part thereof may rotate or move back and forth.
Subdivision or housing projects. Subdivisions or housing projects are permitted one freestanding sign for identification purposes, and not exceeding eight square feet. The intent is that these signs not be internally illuminated.
Gas station signs. The following signs are permitted:
Gasoline price signs shall be confined to the pump island. The signs shall be limited to one square foot in area and one per pump.
Gasoline prices may be incorporated into the single freestanding sign allowed on the lot, provided that this freestanding sign is located near the pump island.
Signs announcing an auction, sale, or special entertainment event may be allowed up to four times per calendar year per business. These signs shall:
Be located on the premises where the event is taking place.
Not exceed six square feet in area.
Not be displayed for more than four consecutive days.
Not be displayed more than once in any two-week period.
Window signs may be displayed, and may cover up to 25% of the total window area per business on the side of the building where such signs are located.
Window stenciling or lettering, placed on the inside of a window, is allowed as a part of a business's total window coverage. This shall be measured in the same way as other signs, by drawing an imaginary polygon around the outside edge of all letters or emblems as if they were a single sign and then measuring the size of that polygon.
Open/closed signs are not to be considered window signs for calculation of window coverage. Indoor internally illuminated window signs may be displayed, and may cover up to 25% of the total window area per business.
Contractors' signs and real estate signs.
Such signs may be placed as described below or installed as a freestanding sign in addition to any other signs lawfully permitted on a lot. Otherwise, all requirements of this chapter shall be satisfied (permits, design review, number and type of signs allowed, prohibitions, etc.).
The physical structure of such signs shall be no larger than eight square feet, not including support posts, which shall be proportional with the size of the sign.
Signs are removed immediately upon completion of construction or the sale or lease of the advertised real estate. Contractor signs must not exceed one year.
Notwithstanding other sections of this chapter related to window signs, signs placed in windows advertising the sale or lease of real estate are limited in size to a maximum of three square feet (but not in addition to or in excess of the twenty-five-percent coverage rule governing window signs).
Signs for civic, religious, fraternal, political, nonprofit, or charitable groups.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to issue a permit for display of signs, banners, or other advertising displays of any nature, on a temporary basis (not to exceed six months), to any civic, religious, fraternal, political, nonprofit, or charitable group. Proof of such status may be required. Applications and permits shall specify the location or locations of such signs and devices, the starting and expiration dates of such use, and the responsibility for removal.
Bona fide civic organizations may each be permitted a single sign up to eight square feet in size at the Village line at each entrance to the Village along state highways (Route 9N), signifying the existence of a local chapter of that organization and its regular meeting time and place. These signs shall all be placed upon a single signboard, no more than 32 square feet in size, and approved through the design review process.
Vending machines. Vending machines which are traditionally located outside of commercial buildings, such as those which house or dispense soda, ice, windshield wipers, propane gas cylinders and the like, may incorporate unilluminated sign(s) advertising the product being sold. No vending machine may be internally illuminated. All vending machines shall comply with this requirement; vending machines existing on the date of adoption of this chapter shall comply within 90 days of that date.
Temporary signs. One temporary sign per business, made of rigid material and up to eight square feet in size, may be permitted by the Code Enforcement Officer and may be displayed for no more than 30 days, under the following circumstances:
A permit has been issued for a new land use or business;
A certificate of occupancy has been approved for that use or business;
A complete sign application has been submitted for a permanent sign for that use or business; and
The Code Enforcement Officer finds that the temporary sign conforms to this chapter and to generally accepted practices and/or any adopted design guidelines; otherwise, this sign may be reviewed through the design review process.
The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this chapter except § 407-18, Prohibited signs:
Signs located on or in a rolling stock of common carriers, provided that such rolling stock is not regularly parked near a highway in such a way that the rolling stock becomes the functional equivalent of a prohibited or nonconforming sign.
Signs on registered and inspected motor vehicles except those which are determined by the Building Inspector to be circumventing the intent of this chapter.
Signs with an area not more than 260 square inches identifying stops or fare zone limits of common carriers by motor bus.
Posters as defined in this chapter. The general intent is to allow noncommercial individuals or not-for-profit organizations a reasonable opportunity to advertise events such as yard sales or charitable events or to place directional signs for special events, not to allow commercial entities to post additional signs not otherwise permitted in this chapter. Any person erecting a poster is responsible for its removal immediately upon the conclusion of the advertised event or after four days, whichever is sooner. The name and telephone number of the person responsible for removal of the poster shall be on the poster so as to be visible upon inspection.
Political signs must be removed within 10 days after the election is held. The name and telephone number of the person seeking election, as the person responsible for removal of the poster, shall be on the poster so as to be visible upon inspection.
Signs erected by the Village of Corinth and/or its School District.
Signs erected by the State of New York or any of its boards, agencies or departments.
Small on-premises signs, no more than two square feet in size, which are necessary for and displayed for the direction, instruction, or convenience of the public, including signs which identify rest rooms, freight entrances, posted areas, or the like. Up to two such signs per lot are exempt under this provision; the Building Department may issue permits for additional signs, upon filing of a sign application and a demonstration of the necessity for those signs. The clear intent of this provision is to allow for small signs providing information. Lettering shall be generic and advertising or logos (including business names) are prohibited on directional signs placed in the front yard of a lot. These signs shall not be illuminated. Where freestanding, these signs shall not be more than three feet high and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular safety or circulation. Where building-mounted, these signs shall be placed in appropriate locations related to safety issues and architectural design.
Residential signs as defined in this chapter.
Informational signs up to 16 square feet in size, on lands which have been conserved by easement or other permanent, protective measures.
[1]No sign may be installed or maintained along and visible from a street or highway which:
Interferes with, imitates, or resembles any official traffic control sign, signal or device, or attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic.
Prevents the driver of a motor vehicle from having clear and unobstructed view of official traffic control signs and approaching or merging traffic.
Contains, includes or is illuminated by any flashing, intermittent or moving lights or contains or consists streamers or spinners, or other moving devices, or has any animated or moving parts, except traffic control signs. Commercial holiday decorations or displays are specifically excluded from this restriction from one week before Thanksgiving until January 31. Seasonal lights employing customary strings of white lights are specifically excluded from this restriction during the "dark season" as defined by Eastern Standard Time (from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April) that part of the year when Eastern standard time is in effect in the Village.[2]
Contains any lighting that is not shielded to prevent light from being directed off site, or at any portion of the traveled highway or street, or is of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or otherwise to interfere with the operation thereof.
Is fraudulent or misleading, or is in violation of or at variance with any federal law or regulation, including one containing or providing for conditions to or affecting the allocation of federal highway or other funds to the benefit of the state or any subdivision thereof.
Advertises activities which are illegal under state or federal law.
Is not clean and in good repair.
Is not securely affixed to a substantial structure.[3]
Editor's Note: Original § 117-11J, regarding signs internally illuminated or containing fluorescent paint or neon, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
Editor's Note: Original § 117-11A, which immediately preceded this subsection, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
No signs or advertising shall remain on a nonoperational business premises more than 30 days after the business has closed. A thirty-day extension may be granted by the Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer may allow sign structures without advertising messages to remain in place where appropriate and usable by a subsequent business.
The projection of an image on the side of a building is prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to private residences displaying seasonal messages or images on said residence.
Nothing in this chapter shall exempt any applicant for a sign permit from full compliance with all other applicable state or local laws.