CITY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Effective Date: February 23, 1998

INTENT

The purpose and intent of this ordinance is to establish a set of standards for the design, installation maintenance and removal of signs within the City. The City of Columbus. Georgia wishes to regulate signs within its jurisdictional boundaries under its police powers to accomplish the following goals:

- To promote and protect the general public health. safety, and welfare of the community.

- To promote and protect the community s appearance by regulating the design. location, type, illumination, and maintenance of signs.

- To regulate the use of signs which provide direction and aid orientation for businesses and activities.

- To prevent possible traffic and safety hazards through good signage.

- To revitalize areas of the city by reducing sign clutter and thus improving appearance.

- To provide a pleasing overall environmental setting and community appearance which is deemed vital to tourism and to the continued economic attractiveness of the City.

- To accomplish each of the foregoing goals in a manner consistent with promoting the robust marketing atmosphere of the City and allowing the property owners, retailers, and merchants to continue to adequately advertise their services and products so that any requested variances will be carefully considered taking into consideration the marketing and advertising needs of the citizens of the City as well as the needs of the City in enforcing this Ordinance.

 

DEFINITIONS

Except as specifically defined herein, all words in this ordinance have their customary dictionary definitions. For the purpose of this ordinance, certain terms and words used herein are defined as follows:

ABANDONED SIGN. Any sign that is located on property which becomes vacant and is unoccupied for a period of three (3) months or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event, or service which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned.

ADVERTISE. To inform, to notify, to announce, to attract public attention by emphasizing desirable qualities in order to arouse a desire to purchase or invest.

ANIMATED SIGN. Any sign of which all or any part thereof visibly moves in any fashion whatsoever; and any sign which contains or uses for illumination any light, lights, lighting device or devices which changes color, flash, alternate, show movement, motion, or change the appearance of said or any part thereof automatically.

AWNING or CANOPY SIGN. Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy. or other fabric, plastic. or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.

BANNER. Any sign having the characters. letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to cloth. paper, or fabric of any kind with only such material for backing.

BENCH SIGN. A sign painted or attached to any portion of a bench.

BILLBOARD. A sign with an area of 300 square feet or greater, which is supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces in or upon the ground and is not attached to a building and is not mobile or temporary.

BUILDING OFFICIAL. The Chief of Inspections and Code Enforcement of Columbus. Georgia or his designated representatives.

BUILDING FACE AND/OR FRONTAGE. The length of the single front building elevation in which the primary entrance to the business is located. If more than one business is located in a single building then such length shall be limited to that portion which is occupied by each individual business.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual. mechanical, or electrical means, including time and temperature. A trivision sign is a changeable copy 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.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign erected on the parcel on which construction is taking place, thereby limited to the duration of the construction. This sign shall include the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, or similar artisans, and the owner, financial supporters, sponsors, and similar individuals or firms having a major role or interest with respect to the structure or project.

COPY. The wording or pictorial graphics on a sign surface either in permanent or removable form.

DECORATIVE ELEMENTS/DELUXES/ORNAMENTATION. A sign having the characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to cloth, paper, or fabric of any kind with only such material for a backing. To include pennants, streamers, garland, garnish, rotating and/or fluttering devices designated to attract attention. This does not include banners.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN. Directional messages, principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. such as "one way", "entrance", or "exit."

DIRECTORY SIGN. A sign for listing the tenants or occupants and their suite numbers of a building or center.

DRIVE-THRU MENU BOARD. An outdoor menu for drive-in windows. This is not considered a ground or monument sign.

DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. A single structure designed with the intent of providing copy on both sides.

FACADE. The side of a building below the eaves.

FLAG. Any fabric or banner containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity. This includes official flags of states, counties, municipalities, foreign nations, nationally, or internationally recognized organizations and the official flag of any institution or business.

FLAPPERS/MOVING SIGNS. A sign which swings or bends from a frame which is typically used for advertising, such as oil products, cigarettes, the Lottery, etc.

FLASHING SIGN. A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source or flashing illumination.

GRAND OPENING. A promotional activity used by newly established businesses after occupancy to inform the public of their location and service available to the community. Grand Opening does not mean an annual or occasional promotion of retail sales by a business.

GROUND SIGN. An outdoor sign supported by one or more uprights, posts, poles or bases in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building. Sometimes called a "detached" "freestanding" or "pole" sign.

HEIGHT OF SIGN. The vertical distance measured from grade of the adjacent street or highway to the highest point of the sign or sign structure.

HOLIDAY DECORATION. Temporary decoration for any special religious day or period.

IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign providing the name, address, and logo of a building or establishment on the premises where the sign is located as a mean of identifying said building or establishment.

ILLEGAL SIGN. A sign that does not comply with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and erection. A sign that was legally erected, but whose use has ceased, or the structure upon which the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner, not maintained or not used to identify or advertise an ongoing business for a period of not less than three (3) months; a sign that was legally erected which later became nonconforming as a result of the adoption of an ordinance; asign which is a danger to the public or is unsafe; a sign which is a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the City of Columbus, Georgia.

ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign which emits or reflects, either directly or indirectly, artificial light from any source.

INCIDENTAL SIGN. A small sign limited to information and directions related to the permitted use on the lot or building on which the sign is located, and containing no direct illumination. Examples of incidental signs would include "no smoking", "restroom", "no soliciting", "no trespassing", "open", "closed", signs indicating hours of business, and similar information.

INFLATABLE SIGN. An inflatable balloon, blimp, or object used for advertising.

INTERSECTION SIGHT DISTANCE. The distance measured from a point on the side street at least 15 feet from the edge of the main street pavement and measured from a height of eye at 3.50 feet on the side Street to a height of approaching vehicle height (4.25 feet) on the main street.

LANDMARK. A Structure or site listed in the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Department of Interior, or designated by local ordinance in accordance with guidelines issued by the U. S. Department of Interior.

LOGO. An established identifying symbol or mark associated with a business or business entity.

MARQUEE. Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

MARQUEE SIGN. Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a marquee.

MENU BOARD. A free standing sign usually hinged at the top, or attached in a sandwich manner, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter "A". Such signs are usually designed to be temporary and are not considered permanent signs.

MONUMENT SIGN. An independent sign affixed to the ground and supported from grade to the bottom of the sign with the appearance of having a solid base.

MULTIPLE-SIDED SIGN. Any sign having more than two (2) geometric surfaces upon which copy is placed.

NONCONFORMING SIGN. Any advertising sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the preview of this ordinance and any amendments thereto, and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this ordinance.

NON-ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign which does not emit or reflect artificial light from any source either directly or indirectly.

ORNAMENTATION. A sign having the characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to cloth, paper, or fabric of any kind with only such material for a backing. To include pennants, streamers. garland, garnish, rotating and/or fluttering devices designated to attract attention.

PERMANENT SIGN. A sign permanently affixed to a building or to the ground.

PORTABLE SIGN. A sign mounted on a trailer type frame with or without wheels or skids designed to be transported and not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure.

PREMISES. The space or property defined by the perimeter building structure or parcel of land assigned to a single occupancy.

PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign affixed to a building wall or structural and extending beyond the building wall, structure or building line or property line.

PROMOTIONAL SIGN. A sign erected on a temporary basis to promote the sale of new products. new management, new hours of operation, a new service, or to promote a special sale.

PROPERTY. The real property, as a unit, which contains the premises and occupancies.

REAL ESTATE SIGN. An on-site sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises.

REVOLVING SIGN. Any sign erected or constructed as to periodica1ly change the direction toward which any plane containing the sign surface area is oriented.

ROAD FRONTAGE. Number of linear feet fronting a road with access from property.

ROOF LINE. The juncture of the roof and the perimeter wall of the structure.

ROOF SIGN. A sign erected or constructed above or placed upon or over a roof of a building which is wholly or partly supported by such building. This does not include a mansard or facade sign.

SETBACK. The distance from the property line to the nearest part of the applicable building, structure, or sign, measured perpendicularly to the property line.

SIGN. Any structure, housing, device, figure, statuary, painting display, message placard, other contrivance, or any part thereof, which is designed, constructed, created, engineered, used to advertise, or to provide data or information in the nature of advertising for any of the following purpose: to designate, identify, or indicate the name of the business of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which the advertising display is located; or, to advertise the business conducted, services available or rendered, or the goods produced, sold, or available for sale, upon the property where the advertising display is erected.

SIGN AREA. The entire face of a sign, including the surface and any framing projections, or molding but not including the support structure. Individual channel-type letters mounted on a building shall be measured by the area enclosed by four straight lines or lining each word.

SUBDIVISION SIGN. Any sign designed to identify a subdivision or neighborhood.

TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.

TRADEMARK. A word or name which, with a distinctive type or letter style, is associated with a business or business entity in the conduct of business.

V-SHAPED SIGN. A sign constructed in the form of a "V" with an angle no greater than forty-five (45) degrees and at no point separated by a distance greater than five (5) feet.

VEHICLE SIGN. A sign which is attached to or painted on a vehicle which is parked on or adjacent to any property. the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or an activity or business located on such property.

EXEMPT SIGNS

Except as otherwise provided, the following on-site signs may be erected without securing a permit, subject, however, to the terms and conditions contained herein and meeting all other applicable codes and regulations.

(1) Address or identification sign for residences, estates, farms, and ranches. Such signs must not exceed one (1) square foot in area.

(2) Signs for individual residential lots. Such signs must not exceed one (1) in number, with a maximum size of six (6) square feet; six (6) feet in height, and with a ten (10) foot minimum setback.

(3) Signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of property. Such signs shall be limited to one per street frontage per property not exceeding six (6) square feet in area in residential districts or thirty-two (32) square feet in other districts and must be displayed on the property advertised for sale, lease, or rent. The signs must be removed no later than seven (7) days after the sale, lease, or rental of the property.

(4) Signs indicating the builder s name. Such signs shall be limited to one per Street frontage per property not exceeding six (6) square feet in residential district or thirty-two (32) square feet in other districts and must be displayed on the property advertised for sale. The sign must be removed no later than seven (7) days after the sale of the property.

(5) Signs indicating the architect. engineer, project name, source of financing, and contractors when displayed during the construction period on a construction site. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area in residential districts or sixteen (16) square feet in other districts and must be displayed on the construction site. All signs must be removed seven (7) days after the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.

(6) Permanent ground or monument sign with a sign surface area of fifteen (15) square feet or less in a commercial, manufacturer, or A-O zoned district. (This is not an extra sign, but is ground or monument sign authorized by General Standard section.

(7) Any sign inside a building and any sign attached or painted on a building below roof line in a nonresidential zone. This includes signs on windows, awnings, canopies, walls and includes projecting signs and marquis signs.

(8) Governmental and legal notices, including signs required by federal and state regulations.

(9) Directional signs, with copy not to exceed three (3) square feet in area.

(10) Flags attached to free-standing poles mounted on the ground, or mounted on a building, limited to three (3) in number, provided that such flags shall not be used in such a way as to attract the attention of the public for commercial purposes.

(11) Symbols or insignia including religious symbols. commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies.

(12) Holiday decorations, lights or displays with no commercial messages erected in connection with the observance of holidays.

(13) Incidental signs limited to information or direction related to the permitted use on the lot or building or a directory sign within an office park. industrial park. hospital campus, school campus. or within the confines of any other similar development.

(14) Signs attached to or painted on a licensed vehicle for the purpose of advertising a business or service or advertising the sale of a vehicle by a licensed car dealer.

(15) Banners used in commercial, manufacturing, or A-O-zoned districts. Banners must be attached at all corners to a permanent principal structure or canopy.

(16) Multi-family, Building Identification Signs, Parking lot Identification Signs. Signs that indicate the name and address of the individual building.

(17) Menu boards shall be permitted in C-I and CRD zoning districts. One (1) menu board shall be allowed per business. Said boards shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in size and shall be positioned so as to be adjacent to that business whose menu is listed on the board and be placed in a manner clearly visible to pedestrian traffic. Menu boards shall not be placed in the City right-of-way without permission from the City s Traffic Engineer. All signs shall be removed at the end of each business day.

(18) Drive-thru menu boards set back beyond building line.

 

All signs not expressly permitted under this ordinance or exempt from regulation in accordance with this ordinance are prohibited in Columbus Consolidated Government. Such signs include, but are not limited to the following:

(1) Lights or signs which by color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals.

(2) Unshielded illuminated devices that produce glare or are a hazard or a nuisance to motorists or occupants of adjacent properties such as sealed beam, flood or spot lights.

(3) Signs which produce noise or sounds capable of being heard even though the sound produced are not understandable sounds.

(4) Signs which emit visible smoke, vapor, particles, or odor.

(5) Signs attached to trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features except posted on property or "No Trespassing" signs less than three (3) square feet.

(6) Signs attached to or painted onto an unlicensed vehicle parked on and visible from a street. except on a licensed auto dealership property.

(7) Bench signs in public right-of-way or within thirty (30) feet of street or public right-of-way.

(8) Revolving signs.

(9) Roof signs.

                    (10) Decorative Items/Deluxes/Ornamentation.

                    (11) Flappers/moving signs.

                    (12) Any other sign not authorized as exempt from permitting or otherwise specifically authorized by this ordinance

TEMPORARY SIGNS

A temporary sign may be erected only after obtaining a temporary sign permit from the Inspections and Code Enforcement Division. No temporary signs shall be erected in a residential zoned district. A temporary permit cannot be obtained for the same property within a period of thirty days after the expiration date of a previous temporary permit. If any temporary sign is not removed by the expiration date of the permit, the Building Official may remove it and charge the costs of removal to the individual or enterprise responsible.

(1) Civic Event Signs. Special event signs, banners, and directional signs directing the attention of the public to special events sponsored, in whole or in part, by the city or by religious, charitable, nonprofit or public service groups may be erected on public property with the approval of the city manager or designee. Such signs shall be non-illuminated and shall be allowed thirty (30) days prior to the event and must be removed within five (5) days following the event.

(2) Temporary signs for new businesses. A new business, or a business in a new location with no permanent signs may obtain a temporary permit for a sign for ninety (90) days. The maximum size of said sign shall be thirty-two (32) square feet and must be removed at the end of ninety (90) days or when permanent sign is erected or a permanent permit is issued for the sign.

(3) Inflatable signs and advertising balloons. A temporary permit for fifteen (15) days per property may be granted for the use of on-site inflatable signs/advertising balloons for no more than one (1) time in a six (6) month period. The required setback is twenty (20) feet from the right-of-way.

 

PORTABLE SIGNS

A portable sign may be used only after obtaining an annual permit from the Inspections and Code Division of the Department of Community and Economic Development, and only under the following conditions:

(a) Maximum size of seventy-two (72) square feet.

(b) No flashing illumination

(c) Set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the right-of-way.

(d) Allowed only on non-residential zoned property.

(e) Only one (1) portable sign allowed per street frontage.

(f) Every sign capable of illumination must comply with the National Electrical Code.

Registration with tax office. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any portable sign within Columbus, Georgia. to fail to annually register the portable sign with the tax office of Columbus. Georgia. Evidence that the portable sign has been registered with the tax office shall be required prior to the issuance of an annual permit by the Inspections and Code Division.

SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY

It shall be unlawful to erect. maintain or place any permanent sign upon the right-of-way of any public streets and thoroughfares unless authorized by the City for the following purposes,

(1) Permanent signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, and to convey public information;

(2) Bus stop signs;

(3) Regulatory signs giving notice of traffic laws or regulations;

(4) Warning signs calling attention to conditions on, or adjacent to, a highway or street that are potentially hazardous to traffic operation;

(5) Guide signs showing route designations, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational or cultural information.

(6) Service signs providing travelers with business identification and directional information for essential motorist services.

(7) Recreational and cultural area signs used to direct persons to facilities, structures, and places, and to identify various services available to the general public.

(8) Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.

(9) Flags erected by local, state, or federal officials or their designees.

(10) Authorized entrance and exit signs with no advertising less than 2.5 square feet.

(11) Subdivision, apartment, office park signs, and industrial park signs authorized by City or approved on plat of subdivision, apartment, office park, or industrial park.

Design Standards for Signs in the Public Right-of-way. Design standards for signs erected in the public right-of-way shall be according to the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Violation. Any signs installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this section, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. Event organizers, promoters, or their representatives of specific events advertising on public property, shall be deemed responsible. In addition to other remedies cited in this ordinance, the city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.

GENERAL STANDARDS

The following sign standards specify the number, types, sizes, heights, and locations of ground and monument signs which are permitted in Columbus, Georgia and which require a permit.

Determining the Number of Signs. In determining the number of signs, a sign shall be considered a single sign if the following applies:

a. A single display surface containing elements organized to form a unit.

b. A V-type or multiple-sided sign shall be regarded as one sign as long as the sides are not separated by a distance exceeding twenty (20) feet.

c. With respect to a double faced (back to back) signs, the distance between the backs of each of the sign does not exceed three (3) feet.

Determining Total Sign Surface Area. In measuring the area of signs permitted under these regulations, the entire face of the sign (one side only) and any wall work incidental to its decoration shall be included. A double-faced or V-shaped sign constituting a single sign as identified in Section (PREVIOUS SECTION), where both sides contain lettering or other allowable display, one side only shall be used to compute the allowable size of the sign. With respect to multiple-sided signs, the sign surface area shall be computed by measuring the sum of the area of any two (2) adjacent sides.

If a double faced, V-shaped or multiple-sided sign is separated by a distance greater than that allowed to be considered a single sign, then the signage area is measured as the sum of the area of all sides. Where the sign consists of individual raised letters or a sign face of irregular shape, the sign area shall include the area of the smallest rectangle that can encompass the letters or sign face, exclusive of its supports.

Determining the Height of Signs. The height of a sign erected shall be the distance above the grade level at the foot of the sign structure to the top of the sign or sign structure. In instances where the level of the road or highway is elevated, the maximum height of the sign and its structure shall be the distance above the grade level of the road or highway at the point nearest the sign and its structure.

Minimum Setbacks. All signs and sign structures must be located at least three (3) feet from any property line and outside of all intersection sight distance lines.

Permit. All signs permitted.

GROUND, AND MONUMENT SIGN SIZE AND HEIGHT

(1) A-O and CRD zones

        Ground/monument sign. 150 square feet; 20 feet high

(2) C, Cl, C2, C3, SAC, Ml, and M2 zones

        Ground/monument sign.    1. Lots less than 300 feet road frontage: 1 sign with maximum height of 35 feet with a maximum                                                       of 250 square feet. Lots with road frontage more than 300 feet on one street is allowed one                                                       additional sign. Combined square footage for all signs shall not exceed 300 square feet.

                                                2. Lots more than 300 feet of road frontage on two streets: 2 signs with maximum height of 35                                                       feet and maximum square footage of 300 square feet for both signs combined.

(3) R-l. R-2. R-3, R-3A, and R-4 zones

        Ground/monument sign.    See exempt signs.

(4) H zone

        Section 22-29 (I) of the Code of Columbus is restated and incorporated herein.

Multiple Franchise Business Signs. Businesses having two or more franchises to conduct business on the same parcel of land or business development, shall be exempt from the requirements for Ground and Monument Signs, provided they can meet the following provisions:

a) Signs required by a franchise must be supported with documentation as to the requirement for such signage by the franchiser or licensor;

b) Signs must contain the corporate or franchise logo;

c) Signs must meet the requirements of the zoning classification in which they are located; and

d) All sign applications must be reviewed and approved or denied by the Chief of Inspection and Codes, within five (5) working days of the date of the application.

 

BILLBOARDS

Permitted locations. Billboards are permitted in C-3, M-1, and M-2 zones and are subject to compliance with all other provisions of this ordinance.

Maintaining the aesthetics of the entrances to this community, its gateways, is important. New or larger billboards within six hundred sixty (660) feet shall not be allowed along the following gateways: 2nd Avenue, the J.R. Allen Parkway/U.S. 80/Falline Freeway from the Alabama state line past its intersection with the Columbus Manchester Expressway to its intersection with the west side of Flat Rock Road, and 1-185 north of its intersection with the J.R. Allen Parkway/U.S. 80, except for signs which may be authorized by the Georgia Department of Transportation within the highway right-of-way.

Setback Requirements. Setback requirements for all billboard signs shall be no less than fifteen (15) feet from the right-of-way.

Permitted sign area. Billboards shall be 12 feet x 25 feet, 25 feet x 25 feet, 10.5 feet x 36 feet, or 14 feet x 48 feet and shall not exceed six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet. In determining the square footage, the following extensions are allowed and not included in the six hundred seventy-two (672) foot:

a five (5) foot extension at the top, a two (2) foot extension on each side. and a one (1) foot extension on the bottom.

Determining the Number of signs. In determining the number of signs, the following shall be considered a single sign if the following applies:

a. A single display surface containing elements organized to form a unit.

b. A V-type and tn-face sign shall be regarded as one sign as long as the sides are not separated by a distance exceeding twenty (20) feet.

c. With respect to a double faced (back to back) sign, the distance between the backs of each of the sides does not exceed five (5) feet.

Determining Total Sign Surface Area. To measure the allowable sign area of billboard signs permitted under these regulations, a double-faced or V-shaped sign constitutes a single sign as identified in Section (PREVIOUS SECTION) and is measured by computing the area of one side only. With respect to tri-face signs, the total sign surface is measured as the sum of the areas of any two (2) adjacent sides.

The allowable sign area of signs with equal size and shape for both double-faced (back-to-back) and Vshaped signs is measured by computing the area of only one side of the sign. Both sides of the double-faced and V-shaped sign shall be of equal size. The sign area of sign with three (3) or more side, multiple sided signs, is measured as the sum of the area of any two (2) adjacent sides.

Spacing of signs. No part of any permitted, outdoor advertising structures may be erected within one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) feet on the same side of the street with any other billboard sign.

Structure specifications. All poles and structural members shall be of metal and shall be mounted on a single pole.

Height requirements. The maximum height of the sign and its structures shall be sixty (60) feet above the grade level at the foot of the sign structure to the top of the sign or sign structure. In instances where the level of the highway is elevated, the maximum height of the sign and its structure shall be sixty (60) feet above the grade level of the highway at the point nearest the sign and its structure.

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS

Design and Construction. The design and construction of all signs shall be in accordance with the structural and construction requirements set forth in the Building and Electrical Codes adopted by the State of Georgia and Columbus Consolidated Government.

Maintenance. All signs, including those specifically exempt from this code in respect to permits and permit fees, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be kept in repair and unless of galvanized or noncorroding metal shall be thoroughly painted at least every two (2) years. The Building Official may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section. Such removal shall be at the expense of the owner or lessee.

Should any sign become insecure or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe in the opinion of the Building Official, the owner thereof, or the person of firm maintaining the sign, shall upon written from the Building Official. forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within 10 days, remove such signs or secure the same in the manner to be approved by the Building Official, in conformity with the provisions of this code. If such order is not complied within 10 days, the Building Official may remove such signs in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.

Weeds and grass shall be kept cut in front of, behind, and underneath and around the base of ground signs, no rubbish or debris that would constitute a fire or health hazard shall be permitted under or near such signs.

ABANDONED SIGNS

Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, any signs that are located on property which becomes vacant and is unoccupied for a period of three (3) months or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event, purpose or service which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises.

REMOVAL OF SIGNS

The Building Official may cause to be removed any sign that endangers the public safety, such as an. abandoned, dangerous, or materially, electrically, or structurally defective sign, or a sign installed, erected or constructed in violation of this ordinance. The Building Official shall notify, by registered mail or written notice served personally, the applicant listed on the permit application thereof to alter such signs so as to comply with this ordinance or the building code and to secure the necessary permit therefore, or to remove the sign. If such order is not in compliance within 10 days, the Building Official may remove such signs in accordance with the provisions of this section. Any time periods provided in this section shall be deemed to commence on the date of the receipt of the registered mail or written notice.

For all other signs in which the owner is unknown and the whereabouts cannot be ascertained, the Building Official shall make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of complaint and notice upon such party may be made by publishing the notice once a week for two (2) successive weeks in the newspaper of general circulation published in Columbus, Georgia. A copy of such notice served by publication shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the notice. If the owner of the sign is known, the notice shall be mailed to or delivered to the owner or the occupant of the property. In emergency cases where it reasonably appears there is imminent danger to the life or safety of any person, the Building Official may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice.

Any sign caused to be removed by the Building Official shall become the property of the City and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the City. The cost of removal of the sign by the City shall be considered a debt to the City by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property, and may be recovered in any appropriate court action by the City or by assessment against the property. The cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expense incurred by the City in connection with the sign removal.

NONCONFORMING SIGNS

General. Any sign legally in existence prior to adoption of this ordinance which does not satisfy the requirements of this ordinance is declared nonconforming and subject to the following requirements:

(A) Any sign legally in existence prior to the adoption of this ordinance which does not conform to the requirements set forth in this ordinance may be continued as a nonconforming sign so long as the size and height are not increased beyond the existing as of the effective date of this ordinance. All temporary and portable signs, and banners must be removed and comply with the provisions for temporary and portable signs, and banners by April 13, 1998.

(B) A nonconforming sign shall not be replaced by another nonconforming sign except that the substitution or interchange of poster panel, painted boards or demountable material on a nonconforming sign shall be permitted.

(C) Maintenance and repair of nonconforming signs, including changing of copy, electrical repairs or lettering repairs, and necessary nonstructural repairs which do not further extend or intensify the nonconforming features of the sign shall be permitted. However, no structural repairs or changes in the size or shape of the sign shall be permitted except to make the sign comply with the requirements of this ordinance.

(D) If a legal nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent that fifty percent (50%) or more of its current replacement value, exclusive of the cost of the support structure, the sign may not be rebuilt or used thereafter unless it conforms to all of the provisions of this ordinance. If the damage or destruction of the nonconforming sign is less than fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value, the sign may be rebuilt to its original condition in terms of size and height and may continue to be displayed.

(E) A nonconforming sign shall be removed or altered to conform with the requirements of this ordinance when the nature of the business conducted on the premises changes or the sign is changed or modified either in shape, size, or legend.

(F) A nonconforming sign shall be removed or altered to conform with the requirements of this ordinance when the name of the business changes and the sign is changed or modified either in shape, size, or legend.

PERMIT PROCEDURES

Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, construct, enlarge, relocate or convert any sign in the City of Columbus without first obtaining a sign permit from the Inspection and Code Division of the City of Columbus.

Application. In order to obtain a permit to erect, alter, or relocate any sign under the provisions of this ordinance, an applicant shall file with the Building Official a sign permit application which sets forth in writing a complete description of the proposed sign including:

1. The name. address, and telephone number of the owner or persons entitled to possession of the sign and of the sign contractor erector.

2. The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the lot on which the sign is located if different from those designated above.

3. The location by Street address of the proposed sign.

4. A scaled drawing and an elevation drawing of the proposed sign including the number of sides of the sign.

5. Plans indicating the scope and structural detail of the work to be done, including details of all connections, guy lines, supports and footings, and materials to be used as provided by the erector or builder of the sign.

6. Application, and required information for such application, for an electric permit for all electric signs if the person erecting the sign is to make the electrical connection.

7. A written consent from the owner of the property on which sign shall be erected.

8. Any sign which requires a state permit from the Department of Transportation must provide a copy of such permit prior to the issuance of the local permit.

          9. A site plan showing the following information:

a. Name of applicant or owner, including address and telephone number if such exist.

b. Boundaries and dimensions of the lot.

1) All dimensions shown on site plans related to the location and size of the lot to be built upon shall be based on an actual survey.

c. North arrow.

d. Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures.

e. Dimensions of all yard and setback requirements.

f. All driveways, including the width of each.

g. Location and dimensions of individual off-street parking and loading facilities.

h. All existing and proposed rights-of-way.

i.  All easements.

j. Protective measures as indicated on the plot plan in cases involving rezoning.

k. Other details as may be necessary to ensure conformance with the applicable ordinances and regulations of Columbus, Georgia. or as may be required by the Building Official.

Each application shall contain an agreement to indemnify and hold the city harmless for all damages. demands, or expenses of every character which may in any manner be caused by the sign or sign structure (Standard Form). Each applicant shall present to the Building Official upon request a certificate of business liability insurance prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

Issuance of Permit. It shall be the duty of the Building Official, upon receipt of an application for a sign permit, to examine plans, specifications and other data and if the proposed structure is in compliance with the requirements of this section and all other applicable provisions of this ordinance, the Building Official will have a maximum time of fifteen (15) working days to respond to the application.

Issuance of the permit shall in no way prevent the Building Official from later declaring said sign to be nonconforming if upon further review of newly acquired information, the sign is found not to comply with the requirements of this section or this ordinance.

Decal. All applicants shall be issued a decal identifying the applicable permit by a reference number. The issued decal is required to be affixed to the sign. The decals are not transferrable from one sign to another and must be placed at all times on the sign described and permitted in the corresponding permit application. Failure to have a decal on a sign shall be prima facie evidence that the sign is not lawfully permitted.

Review by the Board of Historic and Architectural Review. All signs requiring a permit that are located in an historic district, have achieved landmark status, or listed on the National Historic Register shall be reviewed by the Board of Historic and Architectural Review (BHAR). The BHAR shall consider the appearance, size, location, structure materials, color, and appropriateness of the sign in relation to the structure on the premises and contiguous area. No permit shall be issued by the Building Official until a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued for the sign by the BHAR.

Signs in the C-1 and CRD Zoning District. All signs located in the Uptown Columbus, Central Commercial District (C-1), or the Central Riverfront District (CRD) must meet all the design requirements set forth by the Uptown Facade Board Guidelines; however, such signs are subject to all other provisions of this ordinance. No permit shall be issued by the Building Official until approval has been obtained from the Uptown Facade Board by the owner of the sign.

Work on Illegal Signs. No person shall erect or assist in the erection, construction, maintenance, alteration. relocation, repair or painting of, or do any work upon any sign for which a permit has not been obtained. Any such sign shall be illegal and may be ordered immediately removed by the Building Official.

Inspection. All signs for which a permit is required by this ordinance are subject to inspection by the Building Official.

Revocation. No permit shall constitute a contract and no vested right shall be acquired by any person, firm, or corporation holding such permits where same was issued upon any misrepresentation, intentional or nonintentional. In such events, such permits may be revoked upon notice in writing given by the Chief of the Inspections and Code Enforcement Division to the person, firm. or corporation holding such permits and such revocation shall be effective immediately upon receipt of such notice.

Permit Fees. Before any permit is issued under the provisions of this section, the applicant shall pay fees as follows:

(a) Portable sign - annual fee

1 to 5 signs $75.00 each

6 to 10 signs $50.00 each

11 or more $20.00 each

(b) Temporary Signs - installation fee $30.00 each

(c) Billboards - installation fee $200.00 per sign face

(d) Ground and monument signs - installation fee $50.00 each

The fees set forth in this section may hereafter be modified as established by the Columbus City Council. Such new or modified fees shall become effective upon publication.

Penalty. If any person actually begins any work for which a permit is required by this ordinance, without having first obtained a permit therefor shall pay, in addition to the fees set forth in Section 1-8. an additional amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of such fees and shall be subject to any penalties described herein. The payment of a double fee for failing to obtain the appropriate permit shall not relieve any person from complying with other provisions of this ordinance.

Time Limitation. A sign permit shall become null and void if the construction of the sign for which the permit was issued is not begun within a period of six (6) months after issuance.

VARIANCES

(A) Where the Board of Zoning Appeals finds that extraordinary hardships or practical difficulties may result from strict compliance with these regulations and/or the purposes of these regulations may be served to a greater extent by an alternative proposal, the Board shall be authorized to grant a variance from the terms of this ordinance where such modification will not be contrary to the public interest where, due to special conditions surrounding such signage, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this ordinance will, in an individual case, result in unnecessary hardship provided that such variances shall not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of the ordinance. Such variances may be granted in such individual case of unnecessary hardship upon the finding of the Board of Zoning Appeals that:

a. The granting of the variance will not cause substantial detriment to the public health, safety, or welfare or injurious to other property or impair the purpose and intent of the Sign Ordinance:

b. The conditions upon which the request for a variance is based are unique to the property for which the variance is sought and are not applicable generally to other property;

c. There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular sign in question because of topographical conditions of the specific property involved, site distance, site distance times due to speed of vehicular traffic, physical surroundings. or shape. that would result in a particular hardship to the owner. as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, if the strict letter of these regulations were carried out;

d. The strict application of the Sign Ordinance to this particular sign would deprive an applicant of reasonable use of the land or would create an unnecessary hardship as distinguished from a mere inconvenience;

e. Such special circumstances are not the result of actions of the applicant taken subsequently to the adoption or amendment of the sign regulation of the Sign Ordinance.

Variances under this ordinance shall be granted under the same procedures and conditions as set forth in Section 22-37(B), with the exception that any appeal of the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals pertaining to the sign request shall be made directly to the Council of Columbus, Georgia.

NON-COMMERCIAL SPEECH PROTECTION

Any sign allowed herein may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit, or to a product, commodity, or service for sale or lease, or to any other commercial interest or activity, so long as said sign complies with the size, height, area, and other requirements of this Chapter.

ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration. The Building Officer shall have primary responsibility for the administration and enforcement of this ordinance and is hereby given full authority to enforce any and all provisions of this ordinance.

Appeals. When the owner feels that he has been aggrieved by a determination of the building official, he shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Any such appeal must be filed with the Board of Zoning Appeals within fifteen (15) days after the issuance of the determination pursuant of this ordinance. The Board of Zoning Appeals may approve, modify, or reject the determination made by the Building Official, but only if a majority of the members of the Board of Zoning Appeals finds that the Building Official abused its discretion in reaching the decision. Appeals from decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals shall be made directly to the Council of Columbus, Georgia but no such appeal shall be allowed until and unless the aggrieved party has exhausted the remedies previously set forth in this section.

Violation. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate or fail to comply with any provision of this ordinance and where the violation of any provision of this ordinance shall be punishable as follows: a first offense shall be punished by a fine not exceeding six hundred dollars ($600.00), or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety (90) days or both such fine and imprisonment; a second offense shall be punished by a fine not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00), and not exceeding six hundred dollars ($600.00), or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety (90) days or both such fine and imprisonment.

SEVERABILITY AND CONFLICT

Severability. This ordinance, and its various parts, are hereby declared to be severable. If any section, clause, provision or portion of this ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of this ordinance as a whole. All parts not declared invalid or unconstitutional shall remain in full force and effect.

Conflict. If any part of this ordinance is found to be in conflict with any other ordinance or any other part of this ordinance, the most restrictive or highest standard shall prevail. If any part of this ordinance is explicitly prohibited by federal or state statute, it shall not be enforced.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.