SIGNAGE AND BANNER ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate the placement, size, maintenance, and display of signs and banners within the Town of Paleto Bay in order to promote traffic safety, preserve community character, protect scenic views, and allow businesses, organizations, and residents to communicate effectively through responsible signage.

The Town encourages attractive and well-maintained signage that complements the rural heritage and small-town atmosphere of Paleto Bay.

Section 2. Definitions 

Sign means any device, structure, display, placard, lettering, symbol, or other visual representation designed to advertise, identify, inform, direct, or attract attention.

Banner means any temporary sign constructed of fabric, vinyl, mesh, or similar material intended for short-term display.

Portable Sign means any movable sign not permanently attached to the ground or a structure.

Political Sign means any sign supporting or opposing a candidate, ballot measure, or political issue.

Temporary Sign means any sign intended for display for a limited period, including grand opening, event, sale, or construction signage.

Section 3. General Standards 

All signs and banners within the Town shall:

1. Be maintained in a safe and structurally sound condition.

2. Be kept clean and legible.

3. Not obstruct visibility for motorists or pedestrians.

4. Not interfere with traffic control devices or emergency signage.

5. Not create hazards due to deterioration, collapse, or improper installation.

Signs that become unsafe or abandoned shall be repaired or removed.

Section 4. Prohibited Signs 

The following signs are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Town:

• Signs placed within public rights-of-way without permission;

• Signs attached to utility poles, traffic signs, or public trees;

• Signs that imitate or resemble official traffic control devices;

• Signs containing flashing or strobing lights visible from public roads, except approved public safety displays;

• Signs that obstruct sidewalks, intersections, or emergency access;

• Signs installed in a manner that creates a safety hazard.

Section 5. Business Signs 

Businesses may display permanent identification signs on their property provided the signs:

• Are proportionate to the building or site;

• Do not project into public rights-of-way;

• Are securely installed and maintained;

• Comply with any applicable permitting requirements.

The Town encourages signage constructed from materials that complement the architectural style and character of Paleto Bay.

Section 6. Temporary Signs and Banners 

Temporary signs and banners may be displayed for:

• Grand openings;

• Community events;

• Festivals;

• Fundraisers;

• Seasonal promotions;

• Construction projects;

• Civic announcements.

Unless otherwise authorized, temporary signs shall not remain in place for more than sixty (60) consecutive days and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the event or promotion concludes.

Section 7. Political Signs 

Political signs are permitted on private property with the consent of the property owner.

No political sign shall be placed on public property or within public rights-of-way except where expressly authorized by law.

Political signs shall be removed within fourteen (14) days following the applicable election.

Section 8. Community Banners 

The Town may authorize banners spanning public streets or displayed on Town property to promote:

• Festivals;

• Civic celebrations;

• Holiday events;

• Veterans recognition;

• Nonprofit activities;

• Community announcements.

Such banners shall be installed and removed under the direction of the Town or its authorized representatives.

Section 9. Portable and Sidewalk Signs 

Portable signs and sandwich boards may be permitted for businesses provided they:

• Do not obstruct pedestrian travel;

• Remain on private property unless specifically authorized;

• Are removed during non-business hours if required by permit;

• Do not create hazards during adverse weather.

Section 10. Illumination 

Illuminated signs shall:

• Be designed to avoid glare affecting motorists or neighboring properties;

• Not utilize flashing or rapidly changing lights except as specifically authorized;

• Be maintained in proper working order.

Digital displays shall operate in a manner that minimizes distraction to drivers.

Section 11. Maintenance 

Property owners are responsible for maintaining all signs in good repair.

Faded, damaged, abandoned, or structurally unsafe signs shall be repaired or removed within thirty (30) days after notice from the Town.

Section 12. Removal of Unauthorized Signs 

The Town may remove signs located within public rights-of-way or otherwise installed in violation of this ordinance when:

• The sign presents an immediate safety hazard;

• The owner cannot reasonably be identified;

• Notice has been provided and compliance has not occurred within the prescribed period.

Reasonable efforts shall be made to preserve removed signs for retrieval when practical.

Section 13. Exemptions 

The following are generally exempt from permit requirements, provided they comply with safety standards:

• Government traffic signs;

• Address numbers;

• Historic plaques;

• Memorial markers;

• Holiday decorations displayed seasonally;

• Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of property;

• Directional signs approved by the Town.