§ 48-283. Signs permitted in residential districts.

Signs permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, SPD-20, SED-80 and SPD-C districts are as follows:

(1)

Temporary signs. Temporary signs, provided that they are reasonably maintained, and provided that they shall be removed when the activity or event associated with the property has ceased according to the criteria listed below. These signs shall not be illuminated.

a.

One non-illuminated sign not to exceed six square feet in area and 36 inches in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign shall be permitted on lots where an active, unexpired building permit has been issued by the Town of Nags Head. Such signs shall be removed within 30 days after the issuance of a certificate of compliance. In lieu of the provisions of this subsection, the property owner may elect to use one 32-square foot, non-illuminated sign, which shall be removed within 30 days after the issuance of the certificate of compliance.

b.

One freestanding, non-illuminated temporary sign shall be allowed up to six square feet in area and 36 inches in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign on a site or property that is actively listed for sale. Where more than one dwelling units exist on a site or property that is actively listed for sale or for lease, the following signs may be erected:

1.

One freestanding sign shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1)a of this section; or

2.

One freestanding sign equal to 1.25 square foot of sign area per unit, which shall include the street address of the property. However, in no case shall the sign exceed 36 square feet; or

3.

One sign not exceeding ten inches by ten inches each shall be permitted to be affixed to the exterior of each detached dwelling unit, individual townhouse unit or individual duplex unit.

c.

At any time when a real estate agent is present on a property that is actively listed for sale, the following additional signs may be allowed:

1.

One additional freestanding sign up to six square feet in area and 36 inches in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign;

2.

A single banner placed on the building (excluding the roof) not exceeding 36 square feet in area; or

3.

A flag sign not exceeding 24 square feet in area.

d.

Signs or banners associated with a special events permit or other use on a designated public events site, are permitted within the designated event site but must be directed internally to the event and not toward the exterior of property or along the beach, sound or roadway. Such signs shall not be located adjacent to the US 158 right-of-way or abutting property lines.

(2)

Permanent signs.

a.

All properties shall be permitted to contain one sign not to exceed six square feet in area to be placed on the wall of the principal structure. Where the principal structure is greater than 100 feet from the public right-of-way fronting the site, an additional sign may be placed in the front yard, meeting the following criteria:

1.

The sign shall not exceed three square feet in area. The frame surrounding the sign face shall not be included as part of the sign area provided that the framing materials are no greater than four-inch by four-inch in thickness.

2.

The sign shall not exceed 36 inches in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign.

3.

The sign shall not create an obstruction to visibility for vehicles entering and exiting driveways.

4.

Amortization. Front yard signs made nonconforming by this subsection shall comply with these regulations by January 1, 2019.

b.

One bulletin board not to exceed 16 square feet shall be permitted for any church, school or other noncommercial institution, which sign or board may be indirectly lighted and shall be set back at least 15 feet from the front property line.

c.

One non-illuminated sign not over one square foot in area and attached flat against the building shall be allowed at a residential property with an approved home occupation.

d.

Noncommercial identification signs. The following signs are permitted, provided that such sign is located on the site it identifies and is reasonably maintained:

1.

One wall-mounted noncommercial identification sign per unit not to exceed six square feet in sign area shall be permitted for single-family and two-family sites.

2.

One freestanding noncommercial identification sign per unit not to exceed three square feet in sign area shall be permitted for single-family and two-family sites.

3.

Two signs, which may be illuminated, may be placed at the primary entrance to a subdivision not to exceed 32 square feet each in sign area.

4.

One sign, which may be illuminated, may be permitted at the site of a multifamily residential property not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area.

5.

Two signs, which may be illuminated, may be permitted at the major entrance to a public park not to exceed 48 square feet each in sign area.

6.

One freestanding sign, which may be illuminated, shall be permitted at the major entrance to a governmental or publicly owned site or designated public events site not to exceed 64 square feet in sign area. Such sign shall not exceed ten feet in height. Where the property has frontage on both US 158 and NC 12 public rights-of-way, one freestanding sign not exceeding 64 square feet in area shall be permitted to be located adjacent to each public right-of-way. Where the property is on a corner lot with frontage on more than one public right-of-way, a maximum of two freestanding signs shall be permitted. One freestanding sign not exceeding 64 square feet in areas shall be permitted adjacent to the public right-of-way boundary of the designated front yard of the property. One freestanding sign not exceeding 24 square feet shall be permitted adjacent to a public right-of-way boundary of a designated side yard of the property. The freestanding sign permitted in the side yard shall be located no closer than 70 feet to the designated front yard public right-of-way boundary and installed so that the sign face is perpendicular to the side yard public right-of-way boundary.

7.

One sign, which may be illuminated, may be placed against the wall of a governmental building (local, state or federal) not to exceed 12 square feet in sign area.

e.

One freestanding sign, which may be illuminated, may be placed on the site of a medical office building not to exceed 24 square feet in sign area and ten feet in total height.

f.

Hospitals may have two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage on US 158 which may be used as wall signs, signs adjacent to internal drive aisle not exceed 20 inches in height, window signs, and one freestanding sign, provided that the freestanding sign shall not exceed 64 square feet in area nor more than 20 feet in height above street grade, and may be illuminated.

(Code 1990, § 22-254(c); Ord. No. 06-04-013, Pt. I, 4-5-2006; Ord. No. 08-07-020, § 1, 7-2-2008; Ord. No. 08-10-035, §§ I, II, 10-22-2008; Ord. No. 12-06-018, Pt. V, 6-6-2012; Ord. No. 14-05-011, Pt. III, 5-7-2014; Ord. No. 16-07-020 , Pt. II, 7-6-2016)