Sign Bylaw No. 2760, 2013

Courtenay, British Columbia · adopted 2013-10-07

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot 9093c2e10c66 · verified 2026-08-23 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

SIGN BYLAW NO. 2760, 2013 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1 ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................ 4 1.1 Title .................................................................................................................. 4 1.2 Definitions ....................................................................................................... 4 PART 2 GENERAL PROVISIONS ......................................................................................... 8 2.1 Application of Sign Bylaw ................................................................................ 8 2.2 Non-Conforming Signs ..................................................................................... 8 2.3 Sign Maintenance ............................................................................................ 8 2.4 Sign Illumination .............................................................................................. 8 2.5 Changeable Copy Signs .................................................................................... 9 2.6 Signs on Public Right-Of-Ways ........................................................................ 9 2.7 Exemptions ...................................................................................................... 9 PART 3 PROHIBITED SIGNS ............................................................................................. 10 PART 4 SIGNS THAT ARE REGULATED BUT DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT .......................... 12 PART 5 SIGNS THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT LISTED BY LOCATION ........................................ 13 5.1 Downtown ...................................................................................................... 13 5.2 Old Orchard Commercial Area ....................................................................... 16 5.3 General Commercial and Industrial Areas .................................................... 18 5.4 Institutional .................................................................................................... 21 PART 6 APPLICATION REQUIRMENTS ............................................................................. 22 PART 7 ENFORCEMENT .................................................................................................. 22 7.1 Designation of Bylaw ...................................................................................... 22 7.2 Violation of Bylaw .......................................................................................... 22 PART 8 SEVERANCE ........................................................................................................ 23 PART 9 REPEALS ............................................................................................................. 23 3 THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF COURTENAY BYLAW NO. 2760, 2013 A bylaw to regulate the number, size, type, form, appearance and location of signs within the City of Courtenay WHEREAS Council may by bylaw regulate the number, size, type, form, appearance and location of signs, and make different provisions for different zones, for different uses within a zone and for different classes of highways; AND WHEREAS it is deemed desirable: To enable local businesses, institutions, and community organizations to clearly identify themselves and the products or services available to the extent that this bylaw permits; To enhance the appearance and visual character of the community through appropriate signage; and To ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists by ensuring that signs are properly located, minimize distraction, and do not interfere with traffic control devices. THEREFORE, the Council of the Corporation of the City of Courtenay, in open meeting assembled, enacts this bylaw as follows: 4 PART 1 ADMINISTRATION 1.1 Title This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Sign Bylaw No. 2760, 2013". 1.2 Definitions Words and phrases used in this Bylaw shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Abandoned sign means any sign which no longer serves its previously intended purpose, or which is not maintained as required by this bylaw. Signs which are not in use for a period of 6 months or longer will be considered abandoned. Address sign means a permanent sign displaying in letters and/or numbers the civic address of, and/or the name of the owner or occupant of any land, building, structure, business, or establishment located on the same parcel as the sign. Animated sign means all signs that move or depict movement by any means including intermittent, strobe, flashing, or oscillating lights, or mechanical rotation or movement. Animated signs do not include electronic message board signs. Awning means a shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of non-rigid materials except for the supporting framework. Awning sign means a sign painted or affixed flat to the surface of an awning, which does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning. Banner means a sign composed of lightweight, non-rigid material such as vinyl, cloth, canvas or similar fabric whether affixed to a building face or suspended above. Building directory means a sign affixed to a building face near the main entrance which lists only the names and location of individual business premises located within a multi-tenanted building. Building face area means all individual wall areas of a building in one plane or elevation. Bus shelter sign means a sign on a shelter structure or bench intended to serve bus patrons and situated on land which adjoins a bus stop in ordinary use by buses operated by a public transit authority. Business premise means that part of a building or parcel owned or occupied for the conducting of a business or service. Canopy means a permanent hood, cover or shelter projecting from a building face. Awning Building Face Area for multi-tenanted buildings Each of the coloured boxes represents building face area for a different business premise Together, A, B and C make up the building face area for this single tenant building Canopy 5 Canopy sign means a sign that is part of or attached to a canopy, or other structural protective element installed over a window, door, entrance, outdoor service area, port cochere or similar type of entranceway. Changeable copy sign means a sign that facilitates the manual changing of attachable letters and numbers to compose new messages. City means the Corporation of the City of Courtenay. Clearance means the vertical distance between the underside of a sign and finished grade immediately below. Commercial promotional sign means a temporary sign advertising a special event including a sale, business opening, business closing or change in ownership. Community event sign means a sign advertising a community event which is carried on by a not-for-profit organization for the betterment of the community. Community organization sign means a sign directing attention to a religious, community, service club or similar organization. Construction project sign means a temporary sign identifying the nature of the project, owner, general contractor, architects, engineers, sub-trades and others associated with the planning, design, development and financing of the project. Contractor sign means a temporary sign identifying individual contractors or sub-contractors relating to the construction, renovation, or demolition occurring on a parcel. Copy means the letters, characters, numbers or graphics that make up the message on a sign, but does not include background colour. Directional sign means a permanent sign that only communicates information regarding vehicular or pedestrian movement on the parcel on which it is located. Director of Development Services means the Director of Development Services of the City and includes those officials of the City performing their duties under his or her authority and control. Electronic message board means a sign, or portion of a sign, on which the message copy is displayed by means of electronically controlled illumination of lamps, tubes, light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other electronic technology which can by changed through computer programming. Fascia sign means a sign affixed on and parallel to the building face on which it is displayed. Fascia signs do not include banners. Canopy The distance between the bottom of the sign and the sidewalk below is referred to as clearance Changeable Copy Sign The height of the sign is indicated by the arrow Internally Illuminated Sign 6 Farm product sign means a sign advertising farm products for sale but does not contain any other advertising. Fast food menu board means a sign associated with drive-through facilities to provide menu options. Freestanding sign means a permanent sign standing apart from a building supported by an independent structure affixed to the ground. Frontage means the length of the property line of a parcel of land abutting a public street, excluding a lane. Grade means the average natural ground surface elevation at the sign location. Hanging sign means a sign suspended from a canopy or awning and contained entirely under such canopy or awning. Height means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of a sign or supporting structure to the elevation of the grade directly below the sign. Where the sign has been located on a berm, the berm will be included as part of the sign for the purposes of determining the height. Home occupation sign means a sign identifying a home occupation as permitted under the Zoning Bylaw. Identification sign means a sign containing only the specific or generic name of a business, its logo, address, phone number and hours of operation. Illuminated sign means a sign with an internal light source or designed to reflect light from an external source intentionally directed at it. Illuminated sign, indirect means a sign where the light source does not shine directly forward through the sign face from an internal light source. Illuminated sign, external means a sign where the light source is designed to reflect light onto a sign from a lamp or light typically mounted above. Mansard roof sign means a sign attached to a mansard roof. Monument sign means a low profile freestanding sign which is supported by and integrated with a solid base that extends the length of the sign. Mural means an artistic rendering or drawing painted or otherwise applied to a building face which is intended as a public display but has limited text, identification, information or advertising content and is not a fascia sign. Externally Illuminated Sign Indirect illumination refers to externally illuminated signs and signs where the letters and logo are illuminated by reflected light such as the sign above where the light is directed from the back of the sign towards the building wall or reflective surface giving the sign a halo effect For more examples of lighting styles see Schedule C Monument Sign Projecting Sign The purple and blue lines above represent the roofline. The blue lines indicate the main roofline while the purple line indicates the parapet or false roof. 7 Off premise sign means a sign which directs attention to a business, service, activity or product not sold offered or occurring on the parcel on which the sign is located, but does not include bus shelter signs. Parcel means any lot, block or other area in which land is held or into which it is subdivided, but does not include a highway. Pole mounted sign means a freestanding sign attached or mounted to a single pole or mast. Political sign means a sign containing only messages relating to a public election or referendum. Portable sign means a sign not permanently affixed to the ground or a building and can be readily transported. Projected image sign means a temporary sign digitally projected onto a building face by a not-for-profit organization for the betterment of the community. Projecting sign means a sign which is attached to and projects generally perpendicular from a building face. Promotional sign means a temporary sign advertising a special promotion or sale, the opening or closing of a business premise, or advertising a change in use or ownership of a business premise. Real estate sign means a sign indicting that the parcel or business premise on which it is located is for sale, rent or lease. Roof line means the line formed by the intersection of the exterior walls of a building with the roof of the building, including a false roof to a maximum of 2.0 metres above the main roofline (see image at right on page 6). Sandwich Boards The red line indicates sign area. For more examples on how to calculate sign area, see Schedule B. Sight Triangle Roof sign means a sign erected on top of the roof or parapet of a building or structure, or wholly or partly above a roof line of a building. Sandwich board sign means a portable sign consisting of two rigid surfaces attached together at one edge. Sight triangle means a triangular space formed by two lines parallel to the street edge measured 6 metres back from the intersection and a third line connecting them. The area within the sight triangle must be kept clear to maintain visibility for people travelling on one road to oncoming traffic. Sign means any structure, device or visual display which communicates information or attracts the attention of the public to a product, place, activity, person, service, institution, or business. Sign area means the total area within the outer edge of the frame or border of a sign, but where a sign has no frame or border or background, means the area contained within the shortest line surrounding the copy. Where a sign has more than one side, the sign area is the total of the sign area on all sides, unless otherwise specified. In the case of an irregularly shaped sign, sign area shall be the sum of the area of the smallest group of rectangles, triangles or circles within which all letters and other corporate graphics would fit. 8 Subdivision identification sign means a monument style freestanding sign identifying only the name and location of a subdivision or multi-residential development. Window sign means a sign painted on or affixed to the interior or exterior of a window. Zone means premises designated for certain uses according to "City of Courtenay Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2007" and all amendments thereto. PART 2 GENERAL PROVISIONS 2.1 Application of Sign Bylaw 2.1.1 No sign shall be erected, placed, displayed, altered or moved within the City except in conformity with the provisions of this bylaw. 2.1.2 Nothing in this bylaw relieves a person from complying with all other applicable enactments, including Federal and Provincial legislation and all City bylaws. 2.1.3 The application of this bylaw to signs may be affected by a development permit or development variance permit issued by the City. 2.1.4 Unless otherwise provided for by this bylaw, a sign for a business premise must be erected or placed only on that part of the building or parcel occupied by the business or activity to which the sign relates. 2.2 Non-Conforming Signs 2.2.1 Any sign lawfully in existence at the time of adoption of this bylaw, although such sign does not conform with the provisions of this bylaw, may continue to be used as a legal non-conforming sign, provided it is maintained in a clean and safe condition and provided that the sign was legally authorized by issuance of a valid sign permit prior to its installation. 2.2.2 Changes to the copy of a legal non-conforming sign may be permitted by a sign permit provided that the sign shall not be rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated. 2.3 Sign Maintenance 2.3.1 All signs and their supporting structures and electrical equipment shall be maintained in good condition by the owner, or lessee of the parcel or business premise on which the sign is located. 2.3.2 Any sign that poses an immediate safety risk or hazard to persons or property, as determined by the City shall be repaired or removed by its owner within 24 hours of receiving a written notice from the City. 2.3.3 All normal maintenance, including replacement of copy, light bulbs or electrical equipment and refurbishing of signs shall not require a permit provided that the sign is not rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated. 2.4 Sign Illumination 2.4.1 Lighting for illuminated signs shall not shine directly onto neighbouring premises or create a safety concern on adjacent public rights-of-way. 2.4.2 Signs on properties that are directly adjacent to residential uses or environmentally sensitive areas, and are directed towards these areas shall not be illuminated. For clarity, where the properties are separated by a street, this restriction shall not apply. 9 2.4.3 Externally illuminated signs shall use a shielded light source. 2.4.4 Signs that are internally illuminated are subject to the following regulations: a. A sign having individually, incised plastic, metal or glass letters or symbols shall be mounted in a solid opaque sign face or directly onto a building face. b. Rectangular sign cabinets shall have an opaque background with only the letters or symbols illuminated. 2.4.5 All wiring and conduits for illuminated signs shall be concealed. 2.5 Changeable Copy Signs 2.5.1 Changeable copy is restricted to 40% of the sign area except that in the case of fascia signs for theatres it is not restricted. 2.6 Signs on Public Right-Of-Ways 2.6.1 No sign shall be located upon or over any public right-of-way, street or sidewalk or public property, except as permitted by this bylaw. 2.6.2 No sign shall interfere with or obstruct any traffic control device as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 318, or in any other way interfere with visibility from one street to another. 2.6.3 No sign shall be located upon or suspended over a public-right-of-way, street, sidewalk or public place unless the owner of the business premise upon which the sign is located or affixed has entered into an encroachment agreement with the City, in a form acceptable to the City. 2.7 Exemptions 2.7.1 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this bylaw, the following types of signs are exempt from this bylaw: a. Address signs not exceeding 0.3 m2 (3.2 sq. ft); b. Signs on or over City streets for the control of traffic and parking, or for street names, or directions and administered by the City; c. Traffic control devices under the Motor Vehicle Act of British Columbia; d. Notices issued by or required by the City, the Government of British Columbia or the Government of Canada; e. Political Signs; f. Bus shelter signs intended for public convenience and administered by the City; g. Private celebrations or holiday decorations of a temporary or seasonal nature displayed for not more than 60 days; h. Flags and emblems of political, civic, educational or religious organization not exceeding 4.0 m2 (43.1 sq. ft.); i. Murals; j. Display of goods placed inside a window; k. Gravestones, cornerstones, plaques or other markers placed for historical, commemoration or memorial purposes. 10 PART 3 PROHIBITED SIGNS Signs that are not specifically permitted in this bylaw are prohibited. Without restricting or limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following signs are prohibited: a. abandoned signs; b. animated signs or signs equipped with flashing, strobe or oscillating lights, rotating or moving devices or which have emissions whether audible, visual or otherwise; c. wind activated devices designed to attract the attention of the public with movement; d. signs mounted or supported on a balcony; e. balloon signs or other inflatable devices except as described in Part 4 (Community Event Signs); f. electronic message board signs except as otherwise permitted by this bylaw; g. off-premise signs except as described in Part 4 (Community Event Signs) and Section 5.1.6 (Sandwich Boards Downtown); h. roof signs; i. portable changeable copy signs; j. any sign which imitates or resembles an official sign or traffic control device; k. any sign which interferes with the safe use of the street by pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles, impedes traffic or interferes with the use or visibility of any traffic control device or other equipment installed by the City or by a utility company; l. signs which obstruct a parking space or utilize such parking space for purposes of locating a sign; m. signs attached to or located on any vehicle or trailer parked so as to be visible from a street for the principal purpose of advertising. This section does not prohibit any form of permanent signage normally attached to a motor vehicle for the purposes of identifying the owner or operator of the vehicle and goods or services it contains or provides; n. signs that obstruct any part of a doorway, window, passageway, fire escape, walkway, road, lane, sidewalk or similar feature. 11 Prohibited Signs - the images below are examples of some of the signs which are not allowed. This is not an exhaustive list. Some of the signs featured below may be allowed with special permissions as stated elsewhere in this bylaw and these signs have been indicated with and asterix Abandoned Signs Animated Signs (flashing lights) Animated Signs (rotating) Wind Activated Signs Wind Activated Signs Signs mounted on a balcony Digital billboards. Signs on institutional properties may have electronic message boards provided they meet specific criteria Signs attached to parked vehicles for the principle purpose of advertising Roof Signs Portable Changeable Copy Signs Inflatable devices may be allowed for community event, see Part 4. Off premise signs are not allowed with the exception of community event signs, see Part 4. * * * 12 PART 4 SIGNS THAT ARE REGULATED BUT DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT The following signs do not require a sign permit but must conform to all other provisions of this bylaw: a. Farm product sign with a sign area of not more than 3.0 m2 (32.3 sq. ft.) and a sign height not exceeding 2.0 m (6.6 ft.). The advertised farm products must be grown or raised on the property on which the sign is erected. Only one farm product sign is permitted per farm and the sign must not be illuminated. b. Building directory sign with a maximum sign area of 2.0 m2 (21.5 sq. ft.) provided the maximum area allocated for each business premise is not greater than 0.2 m2 (2.15 sq. ft.). Building directory signs must be fascia signs. c. One commercial promotional sign provided it is a banner with a sign area not exceeding 3.5 m2 (37.7 sq. ft.) for a maximum of 30 days up to two times per year. There shall be a minimum of 30 days between each of the two permitted sign events. d. Community event signs located on or over public property provided written permission from the City is first obtained. e. Community event signs on private property provided the sign is installed no earlier than 30 days before the date of the community event and is removed no later than 7 days after the event is held. Community event signs which are fascia, freestanding, banner or portable signs shall not exceed 3.0 m2 (32.3 sq. ft.) in area or 2.0 m (6.56 ft.) in height. Projected image signs and inflatable devices may be permitted at the discretion of the Director of Development Services. f. One home occupation sign per parcel with a sign area of not more than 0.5 m2 (5.4 sq. ft.), and for freestanding signs, a sign height not exceeding 1.2 m (4.0 ft.). Home occupation signs must be either fascia or freestanding signs and must not be illuminated. g. One identification sign with a sign area not exceeding 0.3 m2 (3.23 sq. ft.). Identification signs must be fascia signs and shall be mounted at an entrance of a business premise. h. One construction project sign with a sign area not exceeding 3.0 m2 (32.3 sq. ft.) and not exceeding 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) in height. Construction project signs must be removed within 30 days following issuance of the occupancy permit for the project. i. One contractor sign per contractor per site with a maximum sign area not exceeding 0.5 m2 (5.4 sq. ft.). Contractor signs must be removed no later than 30 days following issuance of the occupancy permit for the project. j. Window signs with a maximum sign area comprising less than 40% of the area of the window in which they are contained. Open/close or vacancy signs displayed in a window are not included in the maximum total sign area for window signs. Farm Product Sign Building Directory Sign Home Occupation Signs Identification Sign Window Sign Community Notice Board Signs 13 k. One open/close or vacancy sign with a maximum sign area of 0.3 m2 (3.23 sq. ft.). l. One non-illuminated temporary real estate sign per strata unit or parcel provided: i. The sign area does not exceed 1.0 m2 (10.8 sq. ft.) and a maximum height not exceeding 1.2 m (3.9 ft.) for residential zones. ii. The sign area shall not exceed 3.0 m2 (32.2 sq. ft.) and the height shall not exceed 2.0 m (6.56 ft.), for all non-residential zones. However, for a parcel exceeding 2.0 ha. (4.94 acres) in area, the sign area shall not exceed 7.0 m2 (75.3 sq. ft.) or 14.0 m2 (150.7 sq. ft.) if the sign is more than one- sided, and shall not exceed 6.0 m (19.7 ft.) in height for parcels with primary uses that are commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential. iii. Real estate signs shall conform to the definition of freestanding or fascia signs. Freestanding signs must be located a minimum distance of 2.0 m from the front lot line and a minimum of 3.0 m from a side lot line. iv. Real estate signs are permitted for a maximum period of 24 months. PART 5 SIGNS THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT LISTED BY LOCATION For the purposes of this bylaw the City has been divided into five sign precincts based on the Zoning Bylaw. 5.1 Downtown (C-1 Zone) The downtown is an integral part of the city's identity and is the heart of the Comox Valley - a vibrant, creative, and artistic community. Signage within the downtown area should reflect this and support the Official Community Plan policy "to ensure innovative and creative design and an attractive street appearance" within the downtown. Accordingly, the intent of the regulations below is to encourage creative, playful, interesting, and one-of-a-kind signage. The following signs may be erected on any parcel or business premise within the downtown provided that a sign permit is first obtained and all other provisions of this bylaw are satisfied: 5.1.1 Fascia Signs a. The combined sign area of all fascia signs plus all canopy signs, awning signs, projecting signs and vertical banners shall not exceed 20% of the building face area for a business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). b. A handcrafted appearance is encouraged. c. No new internally illuminated sign cabinets are permitted. d. For theatre uses, the sign area may be increased to twice the maximum sign area otherwise allowed with respect to one building face on the building in which the theatre is located. e. For multi-residential uses, the sign area shall not exceed 1.5 m2 (16.1 sq. ft.). Fascia sign with handcrafted appearance 5.1.2 Canopy or Awning Sign a. The combined sign area of all canopy signs or awning signs plus all fascia signs, projecting signs, and vertical banners shall not exceed 20% of the building face area for a business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). 14 b. Awning signs shall be an integral part of the awning and not an attachment or addition. c. Where more than one business premise fronts a street under a single awning, there shall be not more than one awning sign for each business. d. An awning sign or canopy sign shall not project within 0.6 m (2 ft.) of any curb line, or extend above the roofline of a building. e. Signs may be mounted on top of a canopy provided that the sign is comprised of individual letters, does not project above the main roofline of the building, and does not obscure upper storey windows. Awning Sign The area of the awning sign and 3 fascia signs must be less than 20% of the building face to a maximum of 9m2 when all 4 signs are added together Hanging Sign 5.1.3 Hanging Signs a. One 0.2 m2 (2.2 sq. ft.) hanging sign shall be permitted at each separate business premise entrance, and shall not project beyond the front edge of the canopy or awning. b. A minimum clearance of 2.3 m (7.5 ft.) is required between the lowest portion of the hanging sign and the sidewalk below. c. Hanging signs shall not be illuminated. 5.1.4 Projecting Signs a. The combined sign area of all canopy signs or awning signs plus all fascia signs, projecting signs and vertical banners shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face for a business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). b. The sign area of a projecting sign shall not exceed 2.5 m2 (26.9 sq. ft.) for each side. c. Only one projecting sign is permitted per business premise or parcel except for business premises located on a corner, then one projecting sign per street frontage is allowed to a maximum of two projecting signs. d. A minimum clearance of 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) is required between the lowest portion of a projecting sign and the sidewalk below. e. A projecting sign shall not project more than 1.5 m (4.92 ft.) from the building face to which it is attached or within 0.6 m (2 ft.) of any curb line, or more than 1.5 m above the roofline of a building. Projecting Signs 15 5.1.5 Freestanding Signs a. The sign area shall not exceed 2.0 m2 (21.5 sq. ft.) per side with a maximum height of 1.2 m (4.0 ft.) and shall be located within a landscaped area at least twice the sign area. b. Freestanding signs should incorporate natural materials in the design of the sign. c. No sign shall be located within 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) of an adjoining property line or within 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) of the property line facing a street and shall not be located within a sight triangle. d. For multi-residential buildings located downtown, freestanding signs shall have a maximum sign area of 1.5 m2 (16.1 sq. ft.) with a maximum height of 1.8 m (6.0 ft.). The freestanding sign may contain only the following information: name and street address of the building, name of the owner, name of the management company and vacancy information. e. For institutional use within the downtown, freestanding signs shall have a maximum sign area of 3.0 m2 (32.3 sq. ft.) and a maximum height of 1.8 m (6.0 ft.), and may incorporate an electronic message board sign provided: i. the electronic message board can be no more than 40% of the sign area ii. the electronic message board must only be used to advertise uses, events and activities occurring on the property or the time and temperature iii. each message must remain static for a minimum of 10 seconds iv. the sign must not use scrolling, fading, flashing or animated display v. the electronic message board must be monochromatic display and must include automatic dimming features to reduce light intensity in lower ambient light conditions vi. the sign must be located in a landscaped area at least 5.0 m2 (53.8 sq. ft.). Buildings in downtown are often set close to the street and reached on foot. Smaller scale freestanding signs are more appropriate for these locations. 16 5.1.6 Portable Signs a. Portable signs shall be sandwich board signs. b. The sign area shall not exceed 0.6 m2 (6.5 sq. ft.) per face and the height shall not exceed 1.0 m (3.3 ft.). c. Only one portable sign is permitted per business premise or parcel. d. Portable signs shall be located entirely on private property with the exception of business premises located within the area shown on Schedule A. Business premises located within the area shown on Schedule A may place a portable sign on the public sidewalk provided it is located along the street edge and maintains a 1.8 m (6.0 ft.) unobstructed walkway between the building face and the sidewalk edge. e. Portable signs must only be displayed during posted business hours for the associated business premise. Examples of Banner Signs 5.1.7 Vertical Banners a. The combined total sign area of all vertical banners plus all fascia signs, projecting signs, and canopy or awning signs shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face for a business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). b. Banner signs must not project above the roofline. c. Banner signs shall be mounted perpendicular to the building face on rigid rods or poles attached to the upper portion of the building wall with a minimum clearance of 2.5 m. 5.2 Old Orchard Commercial Area (C-5 Zone) The Old Orchard Commercial Area is within a neighbourhood recognized for its heritage character and governed by a Local Area Plan which includes guidelines for the designs of signs. The regulations below help to ensure that signage in this area reflect the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. Within the Old Orchard Commercial Area, one sign is permitted per parcel. The sign may be either a fascia sign, awning or canopy sign, or freestanding sign provided it meets the following provisions: 17 5.2.1 Fascia Sign a. Signs shall be consistent with the neighbourhood's heritage character, and shall have a handcrafted appearance. b. Signs shall incorporate the use of natural materials. Signs should not be synthetic or industrial in appearance. c. Signs shall not be illuminated. d. Sign area shall not exceed 10% of the area of a business premise face to a maximum of 1.0 m2 (10.8 sq. ft.). e. The sign shall be located adjacent to the primary business premise entrance. 5.2.2 Canopy or Awning Sign a. Awning signs shall be an integral part of the awning and not an attachment or addition. b. A canopy sign or awning sign shall not project within 0.6 m (2 ft.) of any curb line, or extend above the roofline of a building. c. Sign area shall not exceed 10% of the area of a business premise face to a maximum of 1.0 m2 (10.8 sq. ft.). d. Signs shall not be illuminated. e. The sign must be located adjacent to the primary business premise entrance. 5.2.3 Freestanding Sign a. Signs shall be consistent with the neighbourhood's heritage character and shall have a handcrafted appearance. b. Signs shall incorporate the use of natural materials. Signs should not be synthetic or industrial in appearance. c. The sign area shall not exceed 0.6 m2 (6.5 sq. ft.) per side with a maximum height of 1.2 m (4.0 ft.). d. No sign shall be located within 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) of an adjoining property line or within 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) of the property line facing a street and shall not be located within a sight triangle. e. Freestanding signs shall not be illuminated. Examples of sign materials appropriate for the Old Orchard Commercial Area 18 5.3 General Commercial and Industrial Areas (C-1A, C-2, C-2A, C-3, C-4, MU-1, MU-2, MU-3, MU-4, MU-5, I-1, I-2, CD-8, CD-1F Zone) Many commercial and industrial areas are located at entrances to the city or key corridors through the city. These areas generate the first impressions of a community and are a significant part of our day to day experiences as we move through the city. Improving the attractiveness of signage and the overall appearance of commercial streets can contribute to enhancing the image of the region. The following signs may be erected on any parcel or business premise provided that a sign permit is first obtained and all other provisions of this bylaw are satisfied. 5.3.1 Fascia Signs a. The combined sign area of all fascia signs plus all canopy signs, awning signs, and projecting signs shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face for a business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). b. For theatre uses, the sign area may be increased to twice the maximum sign area otherwise allowed with respect to one building face on the building in which the theatre is located. c. For commercial buildings with a floor area greater than 1,858 m2 (20,000 sq. ft.) the combined maximum sign area of all fascia signs plus all canopy or awning signs and projecting signs shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building face for a business premise to a maximum of 30.0 m2 (322.9 sq. ft.). d. Illumination of signs with a sign area greater than 9.0 m2 shall use indirect lighting techniques. e. For multi-residential buildings, one fascia sign with a sign area not exceeding 1.5 m2 (16.1 sq. ft.) is permitted. Each business premise under an awning is allowed one sign. 5.3.2 Canopy or Awning Signs a. The combined sign area of all canopy signs or awning signs plus all fascia signs, and projecting signs shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face or business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). b. For commercial buildings with a floor area greater than 1,858 m2 (20,000 sq. ft.) the maximum sign area of all canopy or awning signs plus all fascia signs and projecting signs, shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building face for a business premise to a maximum of 30.0 m2 (323.0 sq. ft.). c. Awning signs shall be an integral part of the awning and not an attachment or addition. d. Where more than one business premise fronts a street under a single awning, there shall be not more than one awning sign for each business. e. An awning sign or canopy sign shall not project within 0.6 m (2 ft.) of any curb line, or extend above the roofline of a building. 19 5.3.3 Hanging Sign a. One 0.2 m2 (2.2 sq. ft.) hanging sign shall be permitted at each separate business premise entrance, and shall not project beyond the front edge of the canopy or awning. b. A minimum clearance of 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) is required between the lowest portion of the hanging sign and the sidewalk below. c. Hanging signs shall not be illuminated. 5.3.4 Projecting Signs a. The sign area shall not exceed 2.5 m2 (26.9 sq. ft.) for each side of the sign. b. Only one projecting sign is permitted per business premise or parcel. c. A minimum clearance of 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) is required between the lowest portion of the projecting sign and the sidewalk below. d. A projecting sign shall not project more than 1.5 m (4.92 ft.) from the building face to which it is attached or within 0.6 m (2 ft.) of any curb line, or more than 2.0 m above the roofline of a building. e. The combined area of a projecting sign plus all other canopy signs or awning signs and fascia signs shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face or business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). Projecting Sign Requirements f. For commercial buildings with a floor area greater than 1,858 m2 (20,000 sq. ft.) the maximum sign area of all projecting signs plus all canopy or awning signs and all fascia signs, shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building face for a business premise to a maximum of 30.0 m2 (323 sq. ft.). 5.3.5 Freestanding Signs For parcels with a commercial or industrial use, freestanding signs, must comply with the following: Number of Signs a. Only one freestanding sign is permitted per parcel, except that: i. for a parcel with a site area exceeding 2.0 ha (4.94 acres), two freestanding signs are permitted; ii. where there are two or more vehicular entrances, a maximum of two freestanding signs are permitted provided the signs are located a minimum 50.0 m apart; iii. for a parcel with more than one street frontage, one freestanding sign is allowed per frontage to a maximum of two freestanding signs per parcel. b. Notwithstanding the above, in the case where separate parcels, all of which are zoned for commercial or industrial use, share access from a City street or highway, only one freestanding sign is permitted to a maximum of one per access, rather than one per parcel, despite being separate parcels with separate frontages. 20 Location a. Freestanding signs are permitted only on parcels with a minimum frontage of 30.0 m (98.4 ft.). b. All freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area, which shall be a minimum of 5.0 m2 (53.8 ft.) in area. c. No sign shall be located within 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) of an adjoining property line or within 2.0 m (6.56 ft.) of the property line facing a street and no sign shall be located within a sight triangle. Design a. No sign shall be supported by a single pole. b. Signs shall be coordinated with the building character and site landscaping. c. The use of natural materials is encouraged. Size a. For a parcel less than 3,000 m2 (0.74 acres): i. Sign area shall not exceed 3.0 m2 (32 sq. ft.), or if the sign is more than one sided the sign area shall not exceed 6.0 m2 (64.5 sq. ft.). ii. The sign shall not exceed 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) in height. b. For a parcel 3,000 m2 or larger but less than 2.0 ha (4.94 acres): i. Sign area shall not exceed 4.0 m2 (43.1 sq. ft.), or if the sign is more than one sided the sign area shall not exceed 8.0 m2 (86.1 sq. ft.). ii. The sign shall not exceed 3.5 m (11.48 ft.) in height. c. For a parcel exceeding 2.0 ha. (4.94 acres): i. Sign area shall not exceed 7.0 m2 (75.3 sq. ft.), or 14.0 m2 (150.7 sq. ft.) if the sign is more than one sided. ii. The sign shall not exceed 6.0 m (19.7 ft.) in height. This... Instead of this.... New freestanding signs mounted on a single pole are not allowed. For parcels that have primarily multi-family or institutional uses: a. For institutional uses, the sign area shall not exceed 3.0 m2 (32.3 sq. ft.), or 6.0 m2 (64.5 sq. ft.) if the sign is more than one sided, and the height shall not exceed 2.0 m (6.56 ft.). b. For multi-residential uses, the sign area shall not exceed 1.5 m2 (16.1 sq. ft.) and the height shall not exceed 2.0 m (6.6 ft.). c. Only one freestanding sign is permitted. d. Freestanding signs should incorporate natural materials and shall be coordinated with the building architecture and landscape design. 21 e. All freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area, which shall be a minimum of 5.0 m2 (53.8 sq. ft.) in area. f. No sign shall be located within 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) of an adjoining property line or within 2.0 m (6.56 ft.) of the property line facing a street and no sign shall be located within a sight triangle. 5.3.6 Portable Signs - (See Part 3 for a list of prohibited sign types) a. The sign area shall not exceed 0.6 m2 (6.5 sq. ft.) per face and height shall not exceed 1.0 m (3.3 ft.). b. Only one portable sign is permitted per parcel. c. Signs shall be located entirely on the same parcel as the business premise which it is advertising. Portable signs are not permitted on the City boulevard, sidewalk or within street right-of-ways. 5.4 Institutional (PA-1, PA-2, PA-3, PA-4 Zone) Institutional properties such as schools, community centres and churches often host community activities and events. Electronic message boards allow these organizations to communicate information in a timely fashion. As these properties often have large areas available for landscaping, monument style signage can be accompanied by improved landscaping enhancing the overall look of the streetscape. 5.4.1 Fascia Sign a. Sign area shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.). Electronic message board (shown in pink) can comprise up to 40% of the sign area. 5.4.2 Freestanding Sign a. The sign area shall not exceed 3.0 m2 (32.3 sq. ft.) and the height shall not exceed 2.0 m (6.56 ft.). b. Only one freestanding sign is permitted per parcel. c. All freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area, which shall be a minimum of 5.0 m2 (53.8 sq. ft.) in area. d. Freestanding signs should be monument signs. No sign shall be supported by a single pole. e. Signs shall be coordinated with the building architecture and site landscaping. The use of natural materials is encouraged. f. No sign shall be located within 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) of an adjoining property line or within 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) of the property line adjacent to a street. g. Freestanding signs may incorporate an electronic message board provided: i. the electronic message board can be no more than 40% of the sign area; ii. the electronic message board must only be used to advertise uses, events and activities occurring on the property or the time and temperature; iii. each message must remain static for a minimum of 10 seconds; iv. the sign must not use scrolling, fading, flashing or animated display; v. the electronic message board must be a monochromatic display and must include automatic dimming features to reduce light intensity in lower ambient light conditions. 22 PART 6 APPLICATION REQUIRMENTS 6.1 The applicant for a sign permit shall make written application to the City on the form available therein. Such application for a sign permit should include: a. The name and contact information of the maker of the sign, the owner of the sign and the registered owner of the land on which the sign will be erected; b. A sketch of the sign in colour indicating the proposed graphics, dimensions of the sign structure, dimensions of the copy, materials used, weight of the sign and the proposed method of illumination; c. A current photograph of the building face indicating the proposed location of the sign, the dimensions of the building face where the sign will be located, and the location and dimensions of all existing signs on site which require a permit under this bylaw; d. The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot and required landscaping (for freestanding signs only); e. Clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground below for projecting, hanging, canopy or awning signs. f. Sealed drawings prepared by a Professional Structural Engineer at the discretion of the City; g. Application fees as prescribed by the City of Courtenay Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673, 1992 as amended or replaced from time to time. 6.2 The City may require as a condition of applying for a sign permit that all drawings and specifications, or any part thereof, be prepared, signed and sealed by, and the construction carried out under the supervision of a professional engineer registered in the Province of British Columbia. PART 7 ENFORCEMENT 7.1 Designation of Bylaw 7.1.1 This Bylaw is designated under Section 264 of the Community Charter as a bylaw that may be enforced by means of a Municipal Ticket Information in the form prescribed. 7.2 Violation of Bylaw 7.2.1 Every person who suffers or permits any act or thing to be done or who neglects to do or refrains from doing anything required to be done by this Bylaw, and thereby violates any provision of this Bylaw, is guilty of an offense punishable on summary conviction and shall be liable to the maximum penalties that may be imposed pursuant to the Offence Act for each and every offence, and each day that an offence continues shall constitute a separate offence against this bylaw. 7.2.2 Where any sign has been erected without a valid and subsisting sign permit issued by the City, the permit fees shall be double the amount of the regular permit fee. 23 PART 8 SEVERANCE 8.1 If a portion of this bylaw is held invalid by a Court of competent jurisdiction, then the invalid portion must be severed and the remainder of this bylaw is deemed to have been adopted without the severed portion. PART 9 REPEALS 9.1 Sign Bylaw No. 2042, 1998 and all amendments thereto is herby repealed. Read a first time this 23rd day of September, 2013 Read a second time this 23rd day of September, 2013 Read a third time this 23rd day of September, 2013 Finally passed and adopted this 7th day of October, 2013 Mayor Director of Legislative Services 24 SCHEDULE A Downtown Sandwich Board Areas Business premises located within the shaded area are permitted to have one sandwich board on the City sidewalk provide they can meet the requirements of Section 5.1.6. 25 SCHEDULE B Sign Area Calculations The pink and blue geometric shapes indicate which areas of the sign will be used to calculate sign area. Height of a sign for freestanding signs is always measured to the top of the sign or supporting structure. 26 27 SCHEDULE C Lighting Styles Externally Illuminated Signs Reverse Channel Letters or Halo-Lit Signage Light Box with Push-Through Lettering 28 Neon Illuminated Sign Cabinet with Translucent Face (not allowed) ll ll d h l Illuminated Sign Cabinet with Opaque Face (allowed) external illumination (gooseneck) internally illuminated cabinet with translucent face (not allowed) reverse channel letters (halo) illumination sign cabinet with opaque background (allowed except downtown) photo: Steve Morgan Internally Illuminated Channel Letters