§ 245-115. Sign regulations., Article XVI. Supplementary Zone Regulations, Chapter 245. Zoning, Code of Ordinances, Federalsburg

The purpose of this section is to prescribe standards for the location, design, color, illumination, height and size of all types of signs within the Town of Federalsburg in order to protect the unique natural beauty and small town character of the Town. This section also intends to promote the following:

(1)

To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication for the convenience of the public by preventing their over-concentration, improper placement and excessive size;

(2)

To maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment while promoting creativity and the Town's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth;

(3)

To minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property;

(4)

To protect and enhance the small town character of Federalsburg by requiring new and replacement signage which is:

(a)

Creative and distinctive;

(b)

Compatible with its surroundings;

(c)

An integral component of the style and character of the building to which it relates;

(d)

Appropriate to the type of activity to which it pertains;

(e)

Expressive of the identity of individual proprietors or of the community as a whole;

(f)

Appropriately sized for its context.

(5)

To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions; and

(6)

To preserve and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.

Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply.

BANNER: Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material.

BUILDING SIGN: Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE: Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.

FLAG: Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols used a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity.

FLASHING SIGN: An illuminated sign on which the artificial or reflected light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use. Any sign which revolves or moves, whether illuminated or not, shall be considered a flashing sign.

FREESTANDING SIGN: A self-supporting sign not attached to any building, wall, or fence, but in a fixed location. This does not include portable or trailer type signs.

INCIDENTAL SIGN: A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the zone lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.

MARQUEE SIGN: Any sign attached to or hung from a marquee. For the purpose of this section, a "marquee" is a covered structure projecting from and supported by the building with independent roof and drainage provisions and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against the weather.

NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this section.

PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

ROOF SIGN: Any sign affixed to or erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building or supported by the roof structure. The roof structure shall also include fake roof structures.

SIDEWALK SIGN: A freestanding sign of six square feet or less designed to convey information to pedestrian rather than vehicular traffic. Such sign shall not extend out from the building line more than three feet and in no case nearer to the curb than six feet; and provided further that no sign having sharp or dangerous projections shall be permitted.

SIGN: A structure or device designed or intended to convey information to the public in written or pictorial form.

STREET FRONTAGE: The linear distance for which a building fronts on the lot line which adjoins a public street, from one lot line intersecting said street to the furthest distant lot line intersecting the same street.

TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign that is used only temporarily and is not permanently mounted.

WALL SIGN: Any sign attached parallel to, but within six inches of, a wall, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.

WINDOW SIGN: Any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.

A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in the Town only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions, and other requirements of this section.

Permits.

(1)

No sign shall be erected, displayed, substantially altered, or enlarged until an application has been filed and until a permit for such action has been issued and the fee for said permit has been paid. Applications shall be on forms prescribed by the Zoning Administrator. At a minimum, all applications shall include a scale drawing specifying dimensions, materials, illumination, letter sizes, colors, support systems, and location on land or buildings, with all relevant measurements. A schedule of fees for such permits may be established and amended from time to time by the Mayor and Council.

(2)

Permits shall be issued only if the Zoning Administrator determines the sign complies or will comply with all applicable provisions of this section and the Town Building Code. Such application may be filed by the owner of the land or building or any person who has the authority to erect a sign on the premises. All signs shall be erected on or before the expiration of 90 days from the date of issuance of the permit.

(3)

Structural and safety features and electrical systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of the applicable codes and ordinances. No sign shall be approved for use unless it has been inspected by the department issuing the permit and is found to be in compliance with all of the requirements of this chapter and applicable technical codes.

(4)

The Zoning Administrator shall act within 30 days of receipt of such application together with the required fee. The Zoning Administrator's action or failure to act may be appealed to the Board of Appeals.

Signs permitted without permits. The following signs may be erected without issuance of a sign permit, provided all other applicable standards of this section are met:

(1)

No more than one temporary sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the premises upon which the sign is located, with the total area of the sign not exceeding four square feet. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days following the sale, lease or rental of the premises.

(2)

Signs relating to political elections and activities, subject to the following:

(a)

That no sign be located upon property owned by the Town of Federalsburg or upon any street or sidewalk.

(b)

That no sign be installed until such time as the owner of the site has given his or her permission, in writing, for the sign to be installed.

(c)

That all such signs be removed within 10 days after the date upon which the election or referendum to which they refer occurs.

(d)

All political signs shall conform to the development standards set forth in this section.

(e)

The total sign area of any political sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.

(3)

Professional nameplates or signs denoting the name and address of the occupants of the premises, which sign or nameplate shall not exceed a total of one square foot in area.

(4)

Banners are permitted, subject to the following standards:

(a)

On-site banners exhibited for nonprofit events or festivals shall not exceed 60 square feet in area. Any such banner may be erected 15 days prior to the event or festival. Banners shall be removed no later than three days after the event or festival.

(b)

Off-site banners exhibited for nonprofit events or festivals shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and are limited to two off-site locations. Those off-site banners shall have the permission of the property owner on which the banner is erected and shall not make those properties be in nonconformance by the addition of off-site banners. Any such banner may be erected 15 days prior to the event or festival. Banners shall be removed no later than three days after the event or festival.

(c)

Off-site banners are prohibited on public property or within any public right-of-way.

(d)

An on-site banner announcing the grand opening of a new business shall not exceed eight square feet in area. Any such sign shall not be erected any sooner than 14 days before the official opening of the business and shall be removed within 30 days of said opening. Only the words "Grand Opening" shall be permitted to appear on such a banner. A grand opening banner may only be erected one time per business.

(e)

An on-site banner announcing the closing of a business shall not exceed eight square feet in area. Any such sign may be erected up to 30 days prior to the closing of the business and shall be removed within two days of the closing of the business. Only the words "Going Out of Business" shall be permitted to appear on such a banner. A going-out-of-business banner may only be erected one time per business.

(f)

There shall be no more than one banner displayed on any commercial or industrial parcel at any one time.

(5)

(Reserved)

(6)

Flags and buntings are permitted subject to the following standards:

(a)

Any business or organization may display one flag which replicates its business name, trademark, or logo.

(b)

Flags and buntings exhibited to commemorate holidays or seasons shall not exceed eight square feet in area for flags and four square feet in area for buntings. Any such flags and buntings may be erected 15 days prior to the holiday or season. Those flags and buntings shall be removed no later than three days after the holiday, festival or season.

(c)

Flags attached to buildings shall not exceed eight square feet in area.

(d)

Flags flown from a pole may be no greater than 60 square feet in area and shall not be flown from a flagpole which exceeds 40 feet in height.

(e)

There shall be no more than four flags and six buntings displayed on any commercial or industrial parcel at any one time.

(7)

Signs erected or posted and maintained for public safety and welfare or pursuant to any governmental function, law, ordinance, or other regulation.

(8)

Directional signs solely indicating ingress and egress placed at driveway locations, containing no advertising material, and where display area does not exceed three square feet or extend higher than four feet above ground level. Such sign will conform in all respects with the requirements of this Code.

(9)

Signs relating to trespassing and hunting, not exceeding two square feet in area.

(10)

"Self/Full Service" signs not to exceed three square feet in area are permitted on each end of each pump island.

(11)

Signs affixed to the top or sides of an operable fuel-dispensing pump shall not exceed three square feet in area and shall only display instructional or price information.

(12)

Construction signage.

(a)

On commercial and industrial properties, no more than one sign per architect, engineer, or general contractor, which shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, and one sign per subcontractor, which shall not exceed 12 square feet in area, may be placed on premises where construction, repair or renovation is in progress. Such sign shall be removed prior to the final inspection for use and occupancy. Supplier signage is prohibited.

(b)

On residential properties, no more than one sign which shall not exceed four square feet in area may be placed on premises where construction, repair or renovation is in progress. Such sign shall be removed prior to the final inspection for use and occupancy.

(13)

No more than one sign advertising a real estate development, commercial development, or subdivision. Said sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be located on the property to be developed or subdivided. Such sign shall be removed when 80% of the initially available property has been sold.

(14)

No more than one sign identifying a sales office. Said sign shall not exceed 16 square feet and shall be located on the same lot as the sales office. Such sign shall be removed when 80% of the initially available property has been sold.

(15)

No more than one sign identifying an estate, subdivision or manufactured home park. Said sign shall be limited to height of five feet and 10 square feet in area.

(16)

No more than one sign identifying a home occupation. Said sign shall be attached to the building and shall not exceed two square feet.

(17)

Incidental signs.

(18)

No more than five temporary window signs for commercial buildings. For each business on a separate property, temporary window signage for each street frontage is permitted with a maximum area of one square foot of signage per one linear foot of street frontage of the building, not to exceed a maximum of five temporary window signs per street frontage.

Prohibited signs:

(1)

Any sign advertising or identifying a business or organization which is either defunct or no longer located on the premises is not permitted after 30 days from when said business or organization becomes defunct.

(2)

Wall signs in excess of 200 square feet.

(3)

Freestanding signs in excess of 100 square feet in area per side.

(4)

No sign, except for a traffic, regulatory, or informational sign, shall use the word, "stop," "caution," or "danger," or shall incorporate red, amber or green lights resembling traffic signals, or shall resemble stop or yield signs in shape and color.

(5)

Sign with exposed electrical wires.

(6)

Strings of bulbs are not permitted, except as part of a holiday celebration.

(7)

No person may erect a sign that constitutes a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic because of intensity or direction of illumination.

(8)

No person may erect, maintain, or suffer to remain a sign which:

(a)

Is structurally unsafe;

(b)

Constitutes a hazard to public safety and health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment;

(c)

Obstructs free entrance or exit from a required door, window, or fire escape;

(d)

Obstructs light or air or interferes with a proper functioning of the building; or

(e)

Is capable of causing electrical shock.

(9)

No sign shall exceed 40 feet in length.

(10)

No sign surface shall exceed a vertical dimension of 15 feet.

(11)

No person may erect a sign which is affixed to a street sign, directional sign, utility pole, or tree, shrub, rock, or other natural object.

(12)

Signs shall not cover architectural details such as, but not limited to, arches, sills, moldings, cornices, and transom windows.

(13)

No attached signs shall project more than 36 inches beyond the building line.

(14)

Electronic message centers that have any motion in the transitioning between messages or that change more frequently than once every eight seconds.

(15)

With the exception of sidewalk signed authorized by Subsection J(3) herein, no signs shall be placed on or about public property or within any public right-of-way except those installed by the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Town of Federalsburg for public safety and welfare or pursuant to any governmental function, law, ordinance, or other regulation.

(16)

Marquee or flashing signs, except as authorized in Subsection J(4)(e) herein.

Nonconforming signs and sign structures may be altered only as qualified below:

(1)

A nonconforming sign may be modified only to reflect a new trade name, different words, letters, or numbers, new design, different colors or different logo, provided that the changes do not increase the degree of nonconformity of said sign and further that such revision is for the purpose of advertising the same business before and after the modification. If the use of a premises changes, all signs for the new use shall be brought into compliance with this section.

(2)

Nothing in the section shall be deemed to prevent keeping in good repair a nonconforming sign, including sign maintenance, repainting, and replacement of broken or deteriorated parts of the sign itself.

(3)

A nonconforming sign or sign structure which is destroyed or damaged by any cause may be restored within six months after such destruction or damage only after the owner has shown that the damage did not exceed 50% of the appraised value of the sign. If the sign or sign structure is destroyed or damaged to an extent exceeding 50%, it shall be removed and shall not be reconstructed or replaced unless such action makes the sign structure conforming in all respects.

(4)

A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall be removed within 30 days if the building containing the use to which the sign is accessory is demolished or destroyed to an extent exceeding 50% of the building's appraised value.

Measurement of sign area.

(1)

Sign measurements shall be based upon the entire area of the sign, with a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the actual sign surface.

(2)

For a sign consisting of individual letters or symbols attached to a surface, building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle, square, triangle, trapezoid, circle or any combination of these shapes which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.

(3)

The area of supporting framework (for example brackets, posts, etc.) shall not be included in the area if such framework is incidental to the display.

(4)

When a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area, except where two faces are placed back-to-back and are at no point more than two feet from each other. In this case, the sign area shall be taken as either face; and if the faces are unequal, the larger shall determine the area.

Measurement of sign height. The height of any sign shall be measured from the surface of the road and/or ground up to the highest point of the sign.

Permitted signs. Only signs which refer to a permitted use or an approved special exception use are permitted, provided that such signs conform to the provisions of this section and are located on the same lot as said use. The following signs may be erected in the Town of Federalsburg after issuance of a sign permit by the Town:

(1)

Building signs.

(a)

Wall signs.

[1]

Wall signs shall not project more than 15 inches from the building surface.

[2]

Wall signs shall not be mounted higher than the eave line or top of the parapet wall of the building, and no portions of the sign shall extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.

[3]

For each business on a separate property, wall-mounted signage for each street frontage is permitted, with a maximum area of one square foot of signage per one linear foot of street frontage of the building, not to exceed a maximum of five wall signs per street frontage.

[4]

If a business has a combination of wall and window signs, the business is limited to a combined maximum of five wall and window signs, excluding an identification sign.

[5]

Buildings which have multiple businesses accessed by separate entrances: each business shall be permitted one building sign for each street frontage, with a maximum area of one square foot of signage per one linear foot of street frontage of the building dedicated to that business.

[6]

When two or more businesses occupy one building with common entrances (i.e., without separate entrances), they shall be considered one business for sign computation purposes. This means that for wall or building signs, buildings of this nature are limited to one building sign per street frontage plus one directory sign per common entrance.

(b)

Awning or canopy signs. Any portion of an awning containing advertising copy shall be treated as a wall or building sign and shall be included in the overall area calculations for such signs.

[1]

Signs may be attached flat against awnings made of rigid materials and shall not project above the awning. Awnings of nonrigid materials (e.g., canvas) shall have signs only appliqued or painted on them.

[2]

There shall be a minimum clearance of at least eight feet between the bottom of the awning and the ground at grade.

(c)

Directory signs. Directory signs may be provided to identify individual businesses or occupants of the same building or building complex, in accordance with the following:

[1]

The display board shall be of an integrated and uniform design.

[2]

No more than one sign panel not to exceed two square feet in area is permitted per directory for each tenant business.

[3]

Directory signs shall be placed in one or more groups nearest the pedestrian entrances adjacent to the building complex only and may be wall-mounted or freestanding signs. Such signs shall not exceed six feet in height.

[4]

The total area of any directory sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.

[5]

Property management companies are allowed one identification sign per building managed, not to exceed two square feet. Such signs shall not count against total allowable directory signage.

[6]

Directory signs shall not contain advertising copy.

(d)

Projecting and suspended signs. Projecting and suspended signs shall be treated as building signs and shall be included in the overall area calculations for building signs.

[1]

The two sides of a projecting or suspended sign must be parallel back-to-back and shall not exceed 12 inches in thickness and 10 square feet in area.

[2]

A projecting sign shall be hung at right angles to the building and shall not extend more than three feet from a building wall.

[3]

Projecting or suspended signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet above grade and shall not project into a vehicular public way.

[4]

The top of the sign, if suspended, should be in line with whichever is the most successful application of scale, linear continuity or visibility as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

(e)

Roof signs. Signs shall not project above the peak of the roof or extend above the top of a parapet wall.

(2)

Freestanding signs.

(a)

No more than one freestanding sign per building lot, not exceeding 50 square feet (per side) in area, the top of which is not more than 10 feet in height, and which contains only the name of the owner, trade names, trademark, products sold, and/or describes the business(es) or activity conducted on the premises whereon such sign is located. Except in the C-1 District, such sign shall be placed on a continuous base that is at least as wide as the horizontal width of the sign it supports. Such sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from any property line. Signs set back a minimum of 100 feet from the property line may be enlarged to not more than 100 square feet.

(b)

A landscaped area equivalent to the area of each side of a freestanding sign shall be maintained by the permit holder. This area shall be kept in a neat and clean condition, free of weeds and rubbish.

(c)

Each building must incorporate its legally assigned street number into its freestanding sign.

(d)

In addition to the above, each gasoline/service station or other business selling automotive fuel is permitted one price sign not to exceed eight square feet in area and eight feet in height and which shall be incorporated into the main freestanding sign.

(e)

No more than one freestanding off-site sign may be permitted only for businesses which are accessed exclusively via an easement such that a sign could not be placed in a manner which respects the setbacks. Such a sign shall require written permission from the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located.

(f)

For commercial properties that are located adjacent to Maryland Route 313, the Planning Commission shall have the authority to waive the height, size and setback provisions applicable to freestanding signs to permit one freestanding sign of sufficient height and size to ensure visibility by automobiles on the highway and to safely direct traffic to the site. In granting such a waiver, the Planning Commission shall make a finding that the requested height, size and/or location is the minimum necessary to ensure visibility and safe access to the proposed business.

[Added 4-1-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]

(3)

Sidewalk signs.

(a)

In addition to permitted wall or building signage, no more than one sidewalk sign, one projecting sign, or one post-mounted sign per lot may be permitted only when an otherwise permitted freestanding sign cannot be erected because it cannot meet the setback requirements. Such signs shall not exceed six square feet in size. Post-mounted signs must be located entirely on private property. The post for such sign may not exceed eight feet in height above grade, and the top of the sign may not exceed seven feet from grade. Such sign may not extend into any pedestrian pathway or obstruct visibility for vehicular traffic. The post for such sign shall have a maximum thickness of four inches.

(b)

One sidewalk sign shall be permitted for each tenant of a shopping center. Such sign shall be located in front of the business being advertised and must provide six feet of unobstructed sidewalk.

(4)

Institutional signs.

(a)

No more than one freestanding sign or bulletin board identifying a school, place of worship, library, museum, or civic, social or fraternal club or society, which sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, six feet in height and shall be located upon the premises of such institution. These signs may also contain other information customarily incidental to said places or organizations. This provision is in place of, rather than in addition to, the standards for freestanding signs outlined in this section.

(b)

No more than one building sign or bulletin board identifying a school, place of worship, library, museum, or civic, social or fraternal club or society, which sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be located upon the premises of such institution. These signs may also contain other information customarily incidental to said places or organizations. This provision is in place of, rather than in addition to, the standards for freestanding signs outlined in this section.

(c)

Signage in excess (either in number or size) of the standards outlined in Subsection J(4)(a) and (b) above may be considered and can be approved by the Planning Commission. Applicants seeking such additional signage shall prepare and submit a comprehensive signage plan to the Planning Department depicting the location, size, materials, etc., for all signs desired on the property. In its review, the Commission shall consider the request in the context of the site (i.e., is the property in a commercial area or a residential neighborhood), the compatibility and consistency of the signs with themselves and with respect to the building they are identifying, safety/visibility concerns, lighting issues, and other neighborhood compatibility issues.

(d)

Signs on scoreboards shall be exempt from these standards, provided that no more than 25% of the scoreboard area is taken up with such advertising signs, and provided further that said signage is oriented to the spectators in the venue in which the scoreboard is located. Signage in excess of 25% of the scoreboard may be considered by the Planning Commission in accordance with Subsection J(4)(c) above.

(e)

Marquee signs, flashing signs and illuminated signs may be permitted by the Planning and Zoning Commission for a property in any district that is used for institutional, civic, religious or governmental purposes (including, by way of example, and not by limitation, churches, schools, Fire Department, or governmental uses); provided, however, that the sign must comply with all other sign regulations set forth in the Federalsburg Town Code. The sign must be placed in a manner that does not create any glare or any other public or private nuisance to an adjacent property.

Development standards. The following restrictions shall apply to permitted signs:

(1)

Architectural compatibility. A sign (including its supporting structure and components, if any) shall be designed as an integral design element of a building's architecture and shall be architecturally compatible, including color, with any building to which the sign is to identify and with surrounding structures as determined by the Zoning Administrator and/or the Planning Commission.

(2)

Clearance from electric conductors. Signs shall not be located with less than five feet six inches horizontal or 10 feet vertical clearance from overhead electric conductors which are energized under 750 volts. Signs shall not be located with less than eight feet six inches horizontal or 11 feet vertical clearance from overhead electric conductors which are energized in excess of 750 volts.

(3)

Component painting. All light fixtures, conduit and shielding shall be painted to match either the building or the supporting structure that serves as the background of the sign.

(4)

Lighting requirements.

(a)

Externally lit signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, shield light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare. Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating a sign shall not be visible from adjacent public rights-of-way or residential properties.

(b)

The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make legible a sign from the adjacent road or closest right-of-way; and the illumination of a sign shall not be obtrusive to the surrounding area.

(c)

The fixtures used to illuminate signs shall not be directed toward nearby residential properties.

(d)

Internally illuminated signs are permitted in certain circumstances as follows:

[1]

Individual backlit letters which are silhouetted against a softly illuminated wall;

[2]

Individual letters with translucent faces, containing soft lighting elements inside each letter; and

[3]

Metal-faced box signs with cut-out letters and soft-glow fluorescent tubes.

(e)

Fluorescent lights shall be allowed for indirect illumination when placed in such a manner that the light tubes are not exposed to view from the public right-of-way or sidewalk.

(f)

All lighted on-site signs shall be illuminated indirectly by either interior or exterior fixtures.

(5)

Location.

(a)

No signs shall be placed on or about public property or within any public right-of-way.

(b)

No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere with free use of all fire appliances, including hydrants, standpipes, automatic fire sprinkler connections, and the like. Fire lanes shall not be obstructed by the placement of any sign or sign structure.

(c)

No sign shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance.

(6)

Sign materials. Sign materials shall be similar to or compatible with the structure they identify.

(7)

Signs indicating the current time and/or temperature are permitted, provided they meet all other provisions of this section.

Enforcement. The Zoning Administrator and/or the Office of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to enforce this section. The Zoning Administrator and/or the Office of Code Enforcement is authorized to order the repair or removal of any sign and its supporting structure which is judged dangerous or in disrepair or which is erected or maintained contrary to this section. Violations of the provisions of this chapter shall be punishable as a municipal infraction as provided in Chapter 1, Article 1. Each day that a violation exists under this section shall constitute a separate offense.

Removal of signs.

(1)

Upon written notice that a sign is not permitted, unsafe, damaged or deteriorated, the owner of the site and/or the owner of the sign shall repair or remove the sign. Immediate action is required for the repair or the removal of unsafe signs. If repair or removal is not achieved within the time period specified in the written notice, the sign shall be repaired or removed by the Town.

(2)

After use is discontinued, all on-site signs shall be removed in 30 days of the termination of the use. If any such sign is not removed within said thirty-day limit, the Town may remove such signs.

(3)

Any sign which has been ordered removed, or is abandoned or discontinued, shall be removed by the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the sign within 30 days of written notice to remove. If any such sign is not removed within said thirty-day limit, the Town may remove such signs.

(4)

Removed signs deemed refuse. Any sign or sign structure removed from public property or within any public right-of-way may be deemed refuse and disposed of by the Town.

(5)

Removed signs to be stored. Any sign or sign structure removed by the Town which is not deemed refuse shall be held not less than 30 days by the Town, during which period it may be recovered by the owner upon paying the Town for the cost of removal and storage, and upon payment of any imposed fine. If not recovered within the thirty-day period, the sign or sign structure is hereby declared abandoned, and title thereto shall be vested in the Town for disposal in any manner permitted by law.