Legal Documents of Mountain City

All signs designated in this section shall conform to the standards established herein, in addition to those applicable standards set forth elsewhere in this chapter.

1. Signs allowed in all zoning districts. The signs listed below are allowed in all zoning districts, provided that such signs are on private property unless otherwise provided; that such signs are maintained in a manner that does not create a safety hazard; and that the specific restrictions set forth for each type of sign listed below shall apply wherever such a sign is erected, displayed or maintained.
   1. An official sign or notice issued or required to be displayed on private property by any court, governmental entity, or public office, whether permanent or temporary.
   2. Traffic and directional, warning or information signs authorized by a governmental entity, whether permanent or temporary.
   3. A private street or road name sign located at an intersection that does not exceed two (2) square feet per face and does not advertise any commercial name, message or logo.
   4. Incidental signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area per face. Such signs proclaiming "no trespassing," "no hunting," "no parking," "entrance," "exit," "loading only," "phone," "ATM" and the like shall be considered incidental to the use of property.
   5. Temporary window signs that do not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the area of the window or glass door to which they are attached. All window signs shall be in conformance with all applicable safety and electrical codes.
   6. Permanent window signs that do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the window or glass door to which they are attached. All window signs shall be in conformance with all applicable safety and electrical codes.
   7. Signs denoting a property as historic. Such signs shall be authorized by a recognized historical agency and shall not exceed three (3) square feet per face nor exceed six feet (6') in height. Such signs are not permitted in public rights-of-way.
   8. Noncommercial flags/government flags/civic flags, limited to sixty (60) square feet per face, displayed in a noncommercial manner; provided that planning commission approval shall be required for supporting flag poles erected on property zoned for commercial or service-institution uses and for flag poles exceeding thirty feet (30') in height in any zoning district.
   9. Decorative flags (noncommercial). One (1) decorative flag, whether temporary or permanent, may be displayed on any lot provided that it does not contain any commercial message, logo or symbol. No flag pole shall exceed thirty feet (30') in height.
   10. Building marker. Any permanent building marker, limited to four (4) square feet of sign face and composed of materials compatible to the identified building.
   11. Holiday/seasonal. Temporary signs or displays of a seasonal or holiday occasion may be displayed on any lot for a period of up to sixty (60) days, provided that they do not contain any commercial message or logo and do not create a sight visibility hazard.
   12. Noncommercial art. Any outdoor artwork, mural, sculpture and the like may be displayed on a lot, provided that it does not contain any commercial message, logo, statements, words, pictures or representation of an obscene nature, as defined by the United States Supreme Court and does not create a sight visibility hazard. Where such outdoor art is part of a site that is subject to the planning commission's jurisdiction, the outdoor art shall be considered part of the development plan that is subject to the planning commission's review and approval.
   13. Real estate signs. Freestanding real estate signs may be erected for any property that is offered for sale, rent or lease. The area for such signs shall count toward the total allowable area for temporary signs on the property and shall comply with other applicable size and height restrictions for temporary signs. Open house notification may be incorporated within the maximum sign area of the real estate sign or on a separate sign, provided that if such notification is on a separate sign, it shall also count toward the allowable area for temporary signs on the property. The signs shall not be located within a public right-of-way and shall not create any sight visibility hazard.
   14. Athletic field signs (temporary). Such signs shall be limited to sixty (60) square feet each; shall not be visible from a public road; shall be mounted to the interior athletic field fence in a safe and secure manner; and shall be erected at the beginning of the athletic season and removed within seven (7) days of the final season game.
   15. Scoreboards associated with athletic fields.
   16. Banners, pennants, festoons and balloons, provided the height of these objects does not exceed the maximum height of ten feet (10'), as measured from the ground surface to the highest extent of the balloon. Each individual balloon shall be singularly affixed to a string, rope, ribbon or other source of anchoring that is securely affixed to an object firmly to the ground.
2. Signs permitted in residential districts (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4 and M-R).
   1. Signs listed in subsection (1) herein.

   2. Permanent multi-family or planned residential development signs. Such signs shall be located at the primary entrance(s) to a development as identified on a final site development plan approved by the planning commission. Such signs shall be maintained by an established Home Owners' Association (HOA).

      Specifications: Sign area shall be maximum eighty (80) square feet per sign per entrance, which may be divided among not more than two (2) freestanding sign faces (no single sign face shall exceed forty (40) square feet); with a maximum placement at three (3) entrances per development; sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum; setback shall be ten feet (10'), minimum.

   3. Subdivision temporary development sign. One (1) such sign may be erected on-site for the purpose of advertising the development of a subdivision or planned residential development, and the sale of included lots. The sign may remain until sale of eighty percent (80%) of the subdivision lots is completed. No other temporary development signs shall be allowed, including individual builder signs. The names of participating builders may be included on the subdivision temporary development sign.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be thirty-two (32) square feet per sign maximum, one (1) sign face maximum; sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum.

   4. Permanent planned residential development informational sign. One (1) such sign may be erected by the home owners' association for the purpose of displaying information regarding the association. The sign shall be located on dedicated common open space or private property only and maintained by a private home owners' association.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be twenty (20) square feet maximum, which may be divided by two (2) sign faces; sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum.

   5. Bed and breakfast sign. One (1) permanent identification sign may be erected at the entrance to a permitted bed and breakfast lodge for the purpose of identifying the use. The sign shall be compatible in design with the historic elements of the site and shall not be internally or externally illuminated.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be eight (8) square feet total, to be contained on a maximum of two (2) sign faces, no one (1) sign face containing more than four (4) square feet; sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum.

   6. Residential personal identification signs. One (1) personal identification sign per residence to be located near the front entrance of the residence for the purpose of identifying persons living at the residence.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be two (2) square feet maximum and contain no commercial advertisement.

   7. A home occupation shall be limited to one (1) wall mounted sign, mounted flat against the structure.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be two (2) square feet maximum with no illumination, flash, glimmer, flutter, or movement by electronic, wind or other means on said sign.

   8. Temporary signs. In addition to the other signs identified in the subsection, temporary, freestanding, noncommercial signs may be posted on any lot in a residential district at any given time. This category includes, but is not limited to: real estate signs; political preference signs; garage sale signs; noncommercial baby announcements; lost pet signs; social/special event announcements; or any other noncommercial message. Any such signs announcing a social/special event shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after the event.

      Specifications: Signs are for lots of five (5) acres or less and shall be twenty (20) square feet maximum, which may be divided into a maximum of five (5) signs, provided that no single sign may exceed eight (8) square feet in area. Sign area for lots exceeding five (5) acres shall be thirty-two (32) square feet maximum, which may be contained on one (1) sign or multiple signs not to exceed ten (10); sign height for all lots shall be six feet (6') maximum. Where a temporary sign contains two (2) back-to-back sign faces, the sign area shall be computed using only one (1) of the sign faces.

3. Signs allowed in B-1.
   1. Signs listed in subsection (1) above.
   2. Signs listed in subsection (2)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) above.

   3. In addition to those listed above, all professional offices, medical and/or commercial uses are allowed one (1) permanent freestanding monument sign.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be forty (40) square feet maximum for each sign face with a maximum of two (2) sign faces; freestanding sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum.

   4. All residential property in these districts may post temporary signs in the size and number as is provided in subsection (2)(h) above.

   5. All professional offices, medical and/or commercial uses may post temporary signs, including banners which do not cross a public road or right-of-way, as follows: Temporary freestanding signs shall be limited to two (2) per lot at any given time. Such signs include, but are not limited to, construction signs, political preference signs, real estate signs, and social/special event announcements. One (1) construction sign may be maintained for the duration of the construction project, from the issuance of the building permit to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Real estate signs may remain if the property is for sale, lease, or rent. Other temporary freestanding signs shall be limited to a period not to exceed sixty (60) days in any calendar year. Any signs announcing a social/special event shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after the event.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be thirty-two (32) square feet maximum, which may be divided by a maximum of two (2) sign faces; sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum. When a temporary sign contains two (2) back-to-back sign faces, the sign area shall be computed using only one (1) of the sign faces.

   6. Wall signs. All professional offices, medical and/or commercial uses may post wall signs, mounted in a flat faction, which are limited to ten percent (10%) of the building elevation at which they are installed, and may be illuminated but may not be animated or include a reader board.

      Specifications: Sign area shall be forty (40) square feet maximum, using a maximum of three (3) wall signs. For the purposes of this chapter, painted wall signs and canopy signs shall be calculated and deducted from the total allowable wall sign area. In no event shall canopy signage exceed thirty (30) square feet.

   7. Gasoline trade signs.

      1. Freestanding signs. Premises that dispense retail bulk petroleum products by pump shall be allowed to display the pricing of such products within a single freestanding sign.

         Specifications: Sign area shall be eighty (80) square feet maximum, which may be divided by a maximum of two (2) sign faces (no single sign face shall exceed forty (40) square feet); sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum.

      2. Canopy signs. When an enclosed principal structure exists, all canopy signs shall be calculated and deducted from the total allowable wall sign area. In the absence of an enclosed principal structure, for the purposes of this subsection, canopy signage shall be allowed in addition to the allowable freestanding sign. With the exception of the measurable area for placement of the canopy sign, no internal illumination or back lighting of the outside canopy area or canopy roof line shall be allowed.

         Specifications: Sign area shall be thirty (30) square feet maximum divided between not more than three (3) canopy signs (no single sign shall exceed ten percent (10%) per facade).

   8. Menu boards, as defined herein, and if used in connection with a permitted use, may be used in conjunction with a restaurant providing drive-through or curb-side service, provided that:
      1. Such structures shall be included in the development site plan as approved by the planning commission and shall be contained within the buildable area of the site.
      2. Restaurants providing drive-through but not curb-side service may have no more than two (2) boards, not to exceed thirty (30) square feet in total size and six feet (6') in height.
      3. Restaurants providing curb-side service may have no more than one (1) menu board per bay, not to exceed six (6) square feet per sign face for each menu board.
4. Signs allowed in B-2.
   1. Signs listed in subsection (1) above.
   2. Signs listed in subsection (2)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) above.
   3. Signs listed in subsection (3)(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) above.
   4. In lieu of a permanent freestanding monument sign, a property in the Central Business District may display one (1) projecting sign, per front facade, not to project more than three feet (3'), six inches (6") from the building.

   5. In the Central Business District, one (1) sandwich board sign per front facade.

      Specifications: Sign area of six (6) square feet per sign face maximum with two (2) faces maximum, and a maximum width of thirty inches (30"), height of forty feet (40') maximum. There shall be a minimum distance of five feet (5') between the sandwich board and the front of the building to create an unobstructed passage that meets current ADA clearance standards.

5. Signs allowed in B-3, B-4, M-1 and M-2.
   1. Signs listed in subsection (1) above.
   2. Signs listed in subsection (2)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) above.
   3. Signs listed in subsection (3)(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) above.
   4. In addition to those listed above, the following freestanding signs are allowed in these zoning districts:

      1. One (1) permanent freestanding development complex sign at each primary entrance to a development complex (maximum of three (3) entrances), and shall be located upon private property or within the common open space. Each sign face shall be forty (40) square feet maximum with a maximum of three (3) sign faces. The height for the freestanding sign shall be six feet (6') maximum. The sign shall be maintained by a private owner or entity.

         No permanent freestanding development complex sign is allowed if a "shopping center sign," as provided below, exists and is approved by the building inspector.

      2. Professional offices, medical, commercial (other than shopping centers) and industrial uses are allowed one (1) freestanding sign on each parcel.

         Specifications: The sign face is not to exceed one (1) square foot per linear street frontage for the first one hundred (100) linear feet of street frontage, plus one (1) square foot of sign area for each ten (10) linear feet over one hundred feet (100') of frontage, not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet in area per sign face, with a maximum of two (2) sign faces, back-to-back maximum height no greater than twenty-five feet (25').

      3. Shopping centers, as defined herein, are allowed to erect one (1) of the following freestanding permanent sign arrangements (provided that no development complex sign exists or is approved by the building inspector):
         1. One (1) permanent freestanding sign within the development which must be identified on the site development plan or subdivision plat. The sign shall be located on private property or within the common open space as approved by the planning commission. The size of the shopping center sign per sign face shall not exceed one (1) square foot of area per linear street frontage; and no such sign shall exceed three hundred (300) square feet per sign face. The maximum height of the sign, above grade, shall not exceed twenty-five feet (25'). The minimum height clearance, from ground level to the bottom edge of the sign face, for the sign is ten feet (10'); and

         2. Each parcel, out-parcel, leased property, or lot which is created as part of the shopping center, as shown on the subdivision plat or site development plan, shall be allowed one (1) monument sign. The maximum height of the sign shall be six feet (6') high. The maximum sign area per sign face is fifty (50) square feet. A reader board, as defined in this chapter, may be used on the out parcel monument sign, but it must be included in the fifty (50) square foot maximum area sign face;

            Or:

         3. A monument sign at each main entrance which must be identified on the site development plan or subdivision plat. The total sign area per sign face for each monument sign at each main entrance is fifty (50) square feet. The maximum height for any monument sign is six feet (6'); and
         4. Each parcel, out-parcel, leased property, or lot that is created as a part of the shopping center, as shown on a site development plan and/or subdivision plat, shall be allowed one (1) monument sign. The maximum height for the monument sign is six feet (6'). The maximum sign area per sign face is fifty (50) square feet. A reader board, as defined in this chapter, may be used on the out-parcel monument sign, but it must be included in the fifty (50) square foot maximum area sign face;
         5. A reader board must meet the following requirements for display in these zoning districts:
            1. They shall be permissible only in monument signs which are permissible in these zoning districts.
            2. The electronically activated message section shall be located within the lower one-third (1/3) of the sign area.
            3. The electronically activated message section shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the permitted sign area.
            4. Each intermittently lit display of text, numbers, characters or other graphic means of advertising shall constitute one (1) message. Each electronically activated message:
               1. Shall not change more frequently than once every eight (8) seconds with a maximum change time of two (2) seconds; and
               2. Video, continuous scrolling messages and animation are prohibited; in correlation and pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, § 54-21-119 as it may hereafter be amended.
            5. The area surrounding the sign base shall be landscaped with appropriate planting materials.
            6. Reader board luminance levels shall not exceed the following standards:
               1. For daylight hours, the maximum luminance level for digital signage should be similar to what the luminance of an identical sign would be if it was printed out and installed on a static advertising structure. In other words, the digital sign would appear no brighter, no more intense, than the printed sign next to it, or the landscape surrounding it. In practice, setting a limit of five thousand (5,000) units (setting the sign's intensity so that an area on it displaying full-brightness while has no higher luminance than that figure) ends up delivering a surface brightness similar to landscape illuminated by sunlight during daytime hours and 0.3 foot-candles limit of light trespass onto adjoining property similarly zoned for commercial purposes.
               2. All self-luminous outdoor signs shall be subject to surface luminosity limits, both during the daytime and nighttime hours. During the daytime, based on normal daylight illumination, a maximum limit of five thousand (5,000) units will keep luminous signage balanced with the surrounding landscape. During the nighttime hours, a luminosity limit of one hundred fifty (150) units will provide a surface brightness for digital signs which is comparable to the nighttime signage which is widespread across this nation, and is in line with the sign illumination level recommendations of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).
                  1. If the nighttime luminance setting and limit is based on the sign in question being set to display full white, full brightness field, a limit as high as two hundred (200) units for this method of calibration and testing is suitable.
                  2. Incremental luminance limits between the nighttime limit and the full sunlight limit may also be specified for overcast or foggy days, or for dusk; or the building official shall require of the sign owner an automatic control of sign luminance based on the ambient lighting condition, to throttle the sign luminance between the sunny-day and night maximums.
               3. Surface luminosity measurements shall be made directly with a calibrated luminosity meter, following the instrument manufacturer's instructions. Readings should be taken from the area (generally of roadway) where the sign in question will be visible from, and which is closest to being directly in front of the sign (where the luminosity output is most focused).
               4. Outdoor signage shall obey light trespass regulations.
                  1. Into areas zoned for any type of residential occupation, a trespass limit of 0.1 foot-candles shall be enforced at the property line.
                  2. Properties zoned for commercial purposes shall utilize a trespass limit of 0.3 foot-candles or less at the property line.
                  3. The above light trespass limits are based on considerations of "light trespass," as developed in a report (IESNA TM-11-00 Light Trespass: Research, Results and Recommendations), wherein a recommended "brightness" limit and measurement technique is presented.
                  4. The technique uses an illuminance meter ("foot-candle" meter) held at a height of five feet (5') above the ground and a distance of between one hundred fifty feet (150') and three hundred fifty feet (350') from the sign under consideration, depending on the size of the sign, and aimed at the sign.
                  5. The illuminance level with the sign lighting on is compared with a measure made with the sign off: if the value differs by 0.3 foot-candles or less it is at an acceptable level.
                  6. This method effectively limits the luminance of signage from three hundred (300) to three hundred fifty (350) units.
               5. Reader boards shall not be located any closer than fifty feet (50') from any intersecting right-of-way.
               6. All monument sign structures, including reader boards, must be reviewed by the building official and the applicant be advised of conformance prior to construction.

            7. Directory signs. Such signs shall be located at driveway intersections within a development, and shall be limited to one (1) freestanding sign per driveway entrance from a public street. The signs may be located in a joint user access easement or private platted sign easement abutting the nearest public road, if specifically approved by the planning commission prior to construction.

               Specifications: Sign area shall be sixteen (16) square feet maximum; sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum.

            8. Temporary signs for office, commercial, and industrial use. Temporary freestanding signs shall be limited to five (5) per lot at any given time. Such signs including, but are not limited to, real estate signs, construction signs, political preference signs, notices, such as "now hiring" or "grand opening," and social/special event announcements. One (1) real estate sign may be maintained while the property is available for sale or while ten percent (10%) or more of the rentable space is available for lease. One (1) construction sign may be maintained for the duration of the construction project, from the issuance of the building permit to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Other temporary freestanding signs shall be limited to a period of not to exceed sixty (60) days in any calendar year. Any signs announcing a social/special event shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after the event.

               Specifications: Sign area shall be thirty-two (32) square feet maximum, which may be divided by a maximum of two (2) sign faces; sign height shall be six feet (6') maximum. When a temporary sign contains two (2) back-to-back sign faces, the sign area shall be computed using only one (1) of the sign faces. If commercial flags are being displayed, there may only be three (3) temporary signs.

            9. Wall signs. Wall signs shall be mounted in a flat fashion and shall be limited to ten percent (10%) of the building elevation at which they are installed. For the purposes of this chapter, painted wall signs and canopy signs shall be calculated and deducted from the total allowable wall sign area. In no event shall canopy signage exceed thirty (30) square feet.

               1. One-story nonresidential building or multistory nonresidential building with single tenant. The primary entrance to the enclosed space shall be considered the front facade.

                  Specifications: Sign area shall be one (1) square foot of signage per linear foot of front facade space used in the building maximum, provided that no single sign shall exceed sixty (60) square feet with a total signage limitation of three (3) signs and one hundred eighty (180) square feet per business.

               2. Multi-story nonresidential building with multiple tenants.

                  Specifications: Sign area shall be forty (40) square feet maximum and three (3) wall signs maximum.

               3. Retail or service use/individual principal entrance. The primary entrance to the occupied space shall be considered the front facade.

                  Specifications: Sign area shall be one (1) square foot of signage per linear foot of front facade space for the building maximum, provided that no single sign shall exceed ninety (90) square feet with a total signage limitation of three (3) signs and two hundred seventy (270) square feet per business.

               4. Retail or service use/common principal entrance. Each business of a retail or service nature sharing a common entrance shall be allowed to have at least one (1) wall sign.

                  Specifications: Sign area shall be twenty (20) square feet per sign maximum.

            10. Commercial flags/nongovernmental flags.

                Specifications: Flag area shall be thirty-six (36) square feet per face maximum, and may only have two (2) commercial flags per business. (Ord. #1332, July 2013, as amended by Ord. #1388, Aug. 2014, modified, and Ord. #1860, Nov. 2023)