§ 16-590. Temporary signs.

(a)

The following signs of a temporary nature are permitted in all zoning districts:

(1)

One construction sign may be erected on a site during the period of construction or reconstruction of a building or other similar project. The sign may identify the owner and/or developer, architect, engineer, contractor and other individuals or firms and the character or purpose for which the structure or item is intended. The sign shall be un-illuminated and removed within two days after the construction work has been completed. The maximum size of a construction sign shall be as follows:

a.

In residential districts, eight square feet.

b.

In business districts, one square foot of sign area for each five lineal feet of property abutting a public street. In no instance, however, shall any such sign exceed 32 square feet in area.

(2)

Signs, not to exceed eight square feet, for promotional purposes by an individual business may be displayed on the premises for a period not to exceed 28 days during each calendar year.

(3)

Temporary signs painted or displayed on the interior or exterior of commercial building windows, provided, however, such signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the total window area.

(4)

Directional signs advertising a public event and located off-premises may be displayed on private property not more than one week in advance of the event and not more than two days after the completion of the event. No such sign shall exceed six square feet in area.

(5)

Political campaign signs may be posted on private property only after the official campaign period has begun and must be removed within one week after elections. Political campaign signs may be posted in the right-of-way as specified by G.S. 136-2B-E. Such signs shall not exceed six square feet in area.

(6)

Temporary real estate signs. One sign not exceeding eight square feet in area for individual lot/home or one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area for a large project development may be placed on property that is for sale. In addition to a for sale sign, a rental sign not exceeding four square feet in area may be placed on the structure itself. When the property for sale or rent fronts on more than one street or body of water, one for sale sign and an additional rental sign shall be allowed on each street frontage or water frontage. On waterfront property one for sale and one for rent sign shall be allowed to be affixed to a dock, deck or crossover. Real estate signs shall not be illuminated or reflectorized. Real estate signs shall be no closer than ten feet to the edge of the pavement or road surface. Off-premises directional signs are not allowed.

(b)

All real estate signs shall be removed from the property within 30 days after such property is purported to be sold or bartered. For enforcement purposes, the 30-day period shall commence on the date upon which a sign or banner denoting that the property transaction has taken place first appears on the property (i.e., when a "sold" sign or banner appears on a "for sale" sign). All signs or banners denoting that a property transaction has taken place shall be clearly and legibly marked with the date upon which such sign or banner was placed on the property. The date of placement shall be marked clearly and legibly on or about such sign or banner.

(c)

Any sign found to be in violation of these provisions shall be removed by the town immediately. The owner of any sign found to be in violation shall be subject to the provisions of division 3 of this article, enforcement and penalties.

(d)

The owner shall also be responsible for all costs incurred by the town during confiscation of such sign. The owner of any sign found to be in violation of these provisions shall be notified by the town when such sign is confiscated. Any sign not claimed by the owner within 30 days of the date of notification shall be disposed of by the town in any manner it deems appropriate. Any owner so notified shall have the right to reclaim the sign within 30 days of receipt of notification of the confiscation of the sign, upon payment of the costs incurred by the town.

(Ord. No. 95-008, § 15.7, 12-13-1995; Ord. of 8-13-2014)