Code of the City of Washington, North Carolina
Chapter 27 - Zoning
Article XVI. Signs
Illustrated Sign Ordinance
Section 175: Special provisions for certain signs

(a) Subdivision entrance, subdivision directory, and multifamily development entrance signs. At any entrance to a subdivision or multifamily development, there may be not more than one (1) sign identifying such subdivision or development. A single side of any such sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. In cases where such signs are mounted on decorative functional or nonfunctional walls, the wall area shall not be utilized to calculate total sign surface area. No subdivision directory sign shall be located on any major or minor thoroughfare as shown on the City of Washington Thoroughfare Plan. Such signage shall be allowed in addition to the maximum sign allowance for the lot on which such signage is located.

(b) Grand opening/Going out of business signs. No such sign shall be displayed for more than ten (10) days. No maximum sign surface area requirement shall be established for such signs. Such signs shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 27-177.
(c) Directory signs. Such signs may be allowed provided they do not exceed twenty (20) square feet in display area, six (6) feet in height, and are located no closer than ten (10) feet from the property line. There shall be no more than two (2) directory signs on any lot. Such signs shall contain no commercial advertisement. Such signage shall be allowed in addition to the maximum sign allowance for the lot on which such signage is located.
(d) Restaurant menu reader boards not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in area or six (6) feet in height. Such displays shall be set back not less than twenty (20) feet from any property line. One (1) menu reader board shall be allowed per each drive-through facility, and such display shall contain no commercial advertisement that can be viewed from any adjacent street right-of-way or property line. Such signage shall not be included in the calculation of or count toward the total allowable sign surface area.
(e) Signs displayed in connection with an approved home occupation shall not exceed two (2) square feet in total sign surface area.

(f) A series of banners along the frontage of the B2 General Business District, I1 Heavy Industrial District, and the I2 Light Industrial District are permitted subject to the following development standards:

(1) The spacing between the centerline of each banner shall be a minimum of twenty (20) linear feet installed along the front property line.

(2) The maximum height of each banner shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet.

(3) The maximum size of each banner shall be four (4) feet wide by eight (8) feet long.

(4) The outer edge of the banner, when fully extended, shall not project over any street right-of-way or easement.

(5) No advertisement or wording is allowed on any banner.

(6) When a banner becomes faded and torn, it is the responsibility of the owner to replace the banner or banners in a systematic manner.

(Ord. No. 00-11, 08-14-00)
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