Code of the City of Washington, North Carolina
Chapter 27 - Zoning
Article XVI. Signs
Illustrated Sign Ordinance
Section 176: Sign Illumination

(a) Unless otherwise prohibited by this Chapter, signs may be illuminated if such illumination is in accordance with this section.
(b) No sign within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a residential zone may be illuminated between the hours of 12:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M., unless the impact of such lighting beyond the boundaries of the lot where it is located is entirely inconsequential.

(c) Lighting directed toward a sign shall be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into a public right-of-way or residential premises.
(d) Subject to subsection (f) below, illuminated tubings or strings of lights that outline property lines, sales areas, roof lines, doors, windows, or similar areas are prohibited.
(e) Subject to subsection (f) below, no sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity, except signs indicating the time, date, or weather conditions.

(f) Subsection (d) and (e) above do not apply to temporary signs erected in connection with the observance of holidays.

(g) Internally illuminated signs shall not be permitted in any residential zone. Signs illuminated by flood light may be allowed in residential zones provided the light falls within the boundaries of the sign face.

(Ord. No. 99-18, 12-13-99)
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