§ 1412. Hi-rise interstate signs.

1412.01 Signs permitted. Hi-rise interstate signs may be located only in the HB—Highway Business district subject to the following restrictions:

a.

A single side of a hi-rise interstate sign may not exceed 400 square feet in surface area. However, in no case may the total surface area of three- dimensional and multi-sided signs exceed 800 square feet in surface area.

b.

A hi-rise interstate sign may be located within 2,000 feet of interstate I-95 exit ramp's outer intersection with a state road (US, NC or SR) or within 600 feet of any other interstate right-of-way line. This type and dimension sign shall be allowed for businesses or developments determined to be interstate related only, as determined by the planning director.

c.

Hi-rise interstate signs shall observe a setback requirement of 20 feet from all interstate right-of-way, road/street right-of-way or lot boundary lines.

d.

The maximum height of a hi-rise interstate sign shall not exceed 80 feet measured from the average finished grade at the sign or the mean centerline street grade to the top of the sign. The minimum height to the bottom of the sign shall be 45 feet above grade.

e.

No hi-rise interstate sign may be located within 200 feet of a residence within the same block or on the same side of the street.

f.

Hi-rise interstate signs shall be supported solely by a steel monopole.

g.

Except as authorized by this section, no business or development may have more than one hi-rise interstate sign on a parcel of land. All hi-rise interstate signs shall be constructed on the parcel on which the business and/or development is located.

1412.02 Sign exceptions.

a.

Due to the unusual character and topography of lands where these signs may be located, it is not prudent to establish inflexible application of subsection (a) and d. above concerning area requirements and height for such signs. Therefore, the permit issuing authority may permit deviations from the presumptive requirements of this section and may allow deviations that allow a larger or higher sign, whenever it finds such deviations are more likely to satisfy the standard set forth in this section.

b.

Without limiting the generality of subsection a., the permit-issuing authority may modify the presumptive sign requirements for interstate related businesses or developments if:

1.

There exists a significant difference in grade separation between the property on which the sign is to be located and the adjacent Interstate highway;

2.

There is significant screening of property on which the sign is to be located caused by its close proximity to an interchange overpass;

3.

There are any particular unusual features unique to the parcel of land on which the sign is to be located itself;

4.

There are any existing features unique to adjoining properties which adversely affect a parcel of land on which the sign is to be located.

c.

Whenever the permit-issuing authority allows a deviation from the presumptive requirements set forth in this section, it shall enter on the face of the permit the requirements that must be met and the reasons for allowing the deviation.

(Amend. of 11-7-05)