HomeMy WebLinkAboutO - Amended Sign OrdinanceSouth Burlington
Sign Ordinance
Adopted: June 3, 2002
Amended: April 8, 2003
March 8, 2005
November 22, 2005
June 21, 2006
May 6, 2008
June 1, 2009
July 20, 2009
MAY 3, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. Short Title ...............................................................................................................................3
SECTION 2. Purpose and Authority............................................................................................................3
SECTION 3. Definitions..............................................................................................................................3
SECTION 4. Permits Required....................................................................................................................8
SECTION 5. Permit Fees.............................................................................................................................9
SECTION 6. Dorset Street/City Center Sign District..................................................................................9
SECTION 7. Application for Sign Permit.................................................................................................10
SECTION 8. Master Signage Permits........................................................................................................11
SECTION 9. Free-Standing Signs.............................................................................................................13
SECTION 10. Wall Signs..........................................................................................................................23
SECTION 11. Directory and Entryway Signs...........................................................................................26
SECTION 12. Incidental and Directional Signs........................................................................................27
SECTION 13. Signs in Residential Areas .................................................................................................28
SECTION 14. Landscape Feature Signs.................................................................................................29
SECTION 15. Airport Signage...............................................................................................................30
SECTION 16. Perpendicular Signs............................................................................................................30
SECTION 17. Real Estate and Construction Project Signs.......................................................................31
SECTION 18. Miscellaneous Types of Signs............................................................................................32
SECTION 19. Temporary Signs................................................................................................................33
SECTION 22. Regulations for Establishments Selling Gasoline ..............................................................36
SECTION 23. Exemptions.........................................................................................................................36
SECTION 24. Non-Conforming Signs......................................................................................................39
SECTION 25. Unsafe and Unlawful Signs................................................................................................39
SECTION 26. Removal of Certain Signs ..................................................................................................40
SECTION 27. Revocation of Permits........................................................................................................40
SECTION 28. Renewal of Permits............................................................................................................40
SECTION 29. Appeals...............................................................................................................................40
SECTION 30. Enforcement and Penalties.................................................................................................40
SECTION 31. Conformity with State Law.................................................................................................41
SECTION 32. Severability ........................................................................................................................42
SECTION 33. Repeal of Zoning Provisions..............................................................................................42
SECTION 34. Effect. This Ordinance shall take effect from the date of its passage...............................42
APPENDICES
A Dorset Street/City Center Sign District 43
B Description of District Boundaries 44
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 3
AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SIGNS
IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
The Council of the City of South Burlington hereby ordains:
SECTION 1. Short Title
This ordinance shall hereafter be known and cited as the "South Burlington Sign Ordinance".
SECTION 2. Purpose and Authority
The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote the public welfare and safety by regulating existing and
proposed signs. It is intended hereby to reduce sign distractions and obstructions that may contribute to
traffic accidents, to reduce hazards that may be caused by signs in disrepair or of faulty construction, and
to curb deterioration of natural beauty, open space and community environment.
It is intended that in commercial areas now in existence and in proposed commercial and industrial areas
all signs within one complex be coordinated with the architecture and surroundings in such a manner that
the overall appearance is harmonious in color, form and proportion.
It is further intended that the display of signs will be appropriate to the land, building or use to which they
are appurtenant and be adequate, but not excessive, for the intended purpose of identification.
This ordinance is enacted by the City Council under the authority it is granted to regulate signs set forth in
24 V.S.A. Section 2291 and Section 104 of the South Burlington City Charter. This ordinance shall
constitute a civil ordinance within the meaning of 24 V.S.A. Chapter 59.
SECTION 3. Definitions
This ordinance is enacted by the City Council under the authority it is granted to regulate signs set forth in
24 VSA Section 2291 and Section 104 of the South Burlington City Charter. This ordinance shall
constitute a civil ordinance within the meaning of 24 VSA Chapter 59.
(a) “A-Frame” or “Sandwich Board” as used in this Ordinance shall be interchangeable
terms that mean a moveable sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located,
but supported by its own frame and most often forming the cross-sectional shape of an A.
(b) "Action Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the intentional movement of a sign
body or any segment thereof, such as, rotating, revolving, moving up or down or any other type of action
involving a change of position of the sign body or segment thereof, whether caused by mechanical or any
other means.
(c) "Animated Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any lighted sign on an
intermittent or flashing circuit or the movement of any light used in connection with any sign, such as but
not limited to blinking, traveling, flaring or changing degree of intensity.
(d) "Area of Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean:
(1) for cut-out letters, the basis for the area of the sign shall be computed by taking
one-half the area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric figure or figures needed to
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 4
completely encompass all letters, including vertical and horizontal spacings between letters (see
Illustration 10.1). In no case shall the basis for the area of the sign exceed one hundred (100)
square feet.
Illustration 3-1 Area of a Wall Sign with Cut-Out Letters
Calculating the Area of a Wall Sign with Cut-Out Letters
JIM’S
STEAKS
h
w
Area = h x w
PAT’S
T
E
A
K
S
C H ESE
w(1)
h(1)
Area = sum (w x h)
For cut-out letter signs, area is calculated by adding up the area of the smallest regular
geometric features needed to completely enclose the sign. In the example on the
right, the sign area would be the sum of the four rectangles that would be drawn to
enclose all of the letters on the sign.
(2) for signs other than cut-out letters, the area of the sign shall exclude the
supporting structure and shall be computed by taking the total area within the outer edge of the
sign.
(3) signs having two (2) parallel and attached faces shall be considered as one sign,
and the area shall be computed for one side only. In the case of an “A-frame” or “sandwich
board” sign, the area shall be calculated for one side of the “A-frame” or “sandwich board” only.
(4) for signs having more than two (2) sides, the relevant sign area shall be the sum
of all areas on which information and/or graphics are displayed.
(e) "Awning, canopy or marquee sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean logos and
lettering on awnings, canopies or marquees, and graphics associated with such logos and lettering. Such
signs shall be considered wall signs, incidental signs or directional signs for purposes of this Ordinance,
based on the information conveyed, and shall be counted towards the maximum number and area of signs
permitted for a building or property in accordance with the standards for the applicable type of sign. The
area of the signs shall be calculated using the provisions for cut-out letters in (c)(2) above.
(f) "Backlighted Letter" as used in this Ordinance shall mean an illuminated reverse
channel letter with an open or translucent back so that light from the letter is directed against the surface
behind the letter, producing a halo lighting effect around the letter.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 5
(g) "Banners and Pennants" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any advertising device
affixed to poles, wires or ropes, such as banners, pennants, streamers, wind operated propellers, string
lighting or other similar advertising media, but not to include properly displayed governmental flags.
(h) "Billboard Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any structure attached or
detached from any building and bearing a sign which is not appurtenant to any business conducted on the
property where the sign is located.
(i) "Code Officer" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the individual in City Government
designed by the City Council to administer and enforce this Ordinance. The Code Officer may delegate
his authority hereunder to such assistants as may be authorized by the City Council.
(j) "Construction or Project Signs" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any sign or
advertising device erected on a project site prior to or during a new construction project, substantial
renovation project or exterior painting project
(k) "Cut-Out" or "Cut-Out Letters" means letters, numbers, emblems and symbols which
are detached or separately molded from the material from which they were made.
(l) "Depth" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the longest horizontal dimension of a sign
and/or support structure, measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the face of the sign. In the
case of signs with multiple faces, the sign depth shall be the longest of the horizontal dimensions
measured for each sign face.
(m) "Directional Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign designed to direct and
inform the public as to the location of exits, entrances, service areas, loading and unloading areas, and
designated parking spaces or areas, or similar wording of an informational nature.
(n) "Directory Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign that identifies the names
and locations of tenants in a multi-tenant building or in a development made up of a group of buildings,
and may include identification of incidental services or facilities in the same building or development.
(o) "Erect" as used in this Ordinance shall mean to building, construct, attach, hang, place,
suspend or affix, and shall also include the painting of wall signs.
(p) "Florescent Colors" as used in this Ordinance shall mean colors that reflect not only
their own color, but also convert the shorter wave lengths into radiant energy causing them to appear 3 to
4 times as bright as ordinary color. These colors do not reflect light toward its source in the intense
manner that reflectorized materials do, but rather in an amount similar to a white painted surface.
(q) "Free-Standing Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign detached from any
building. Vending machines located outside of a building with images of products for sale that are clearly
visible from the public right-of-way shall be considered free-standing signs and shall be subject to all
provisions of this Ordinance.
(r) "Gross Façade Area" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the gross surface area of all
exterior walls of a building exposed to public view.
(s) "Incidental sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign, generally informational,
that has a purpose secondary to the lot on which it is located, such as “no parking,” “loading only,”
“telephone,” or other similar directives. Additional signs that may be considered incidental include but
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 6
are not limited to “ice,” “bottle return,” “vacancy/no vacancy,” or “service.” Traffic warning signs such
as “Stop” or “Right Turn Only” shall not be considered incidental.
(t) “Interpretive Signage” as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign providing
information that interprets a natural, historical or cultural resource, event or site. Such signs shall be
located only on sites directly related to the information contained in the sign.
(u) “Landscape Feature Sign” as used in this Ordinance shall mean a free-standing solid
wall or solid earthen berm, made of soil or other natural materials as defined in this Ordinance, and not
attached to any building, that has been approved by the South Burlington Development Review Board or
Administrative Officer in accordance with the provisions of the South Burlington Land Development
Regulations, as amended. Fences shall not be considered landscape features for purposes of this
ordinance, irrespective of the material of which the fence is made.
(v) “Logo” as used in this Ordinance shall mean a design that represents goods, identity or
service.
(w) "Lot" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a parcel of land owned by a lot owner, the
boundaries of which are: 1) established by a deed or deeds recorded in the land records of the City of
South Burlington, and the records of any public road right-of-way; or 2) shown on a plat approved by the
South Burlington Planning Commission or Development Review Board pursuant to subdivision
regulations, provided such approval has not expired.
When a lot owner owns a lot which fails to meet minimum lot size requirements under the South
Burlington Land Development Regulations and such lot is contiguous to another lot owned by the same
lot owner, such contiguous lots shall constitute a single lot, except that: 1) contiguous lots which as of
June 7, 1947 were devoted to separate and unrelated uses shall constitute separate lots so long as such lots
continue to be devoted to separate and unrelated uses; or 2) contiguous lots which are devoted to uses
approved as separate uses under the South Burlington Land Development Regulations shall constitute
separate lots provided such uses are conducted in compliance with the terms and conditions of the
approvals granted; or 3) contiguous lots which are shown on a plat approved by the South Burlington
Planning Commission or Development Review Board pursuant to subdivision regulations shall constitute
separate lots provided such approval has not expired.
(x) "Lot owner" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the record owner of fee title to a lot.
(y) "Luminescent" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any light, produced by the action of
electricity in an enclosed gas, such as neon, argon or fluorine.
(z) "Luminous Material" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a material that stores light
and glows in the dark. The glow can be described as a weak soft light.
(aa) "Marquees, canopies or awnings" as used in this Ordinance shall mean building
mounted fabric and frame constructions or free-standing fabric (or other similar material) and frame that
is attached to a building and used for seasonal and/or advertising purposes that do or do not contain
graphics or sign information for a particular establishment.
(bb) "Mural” as used in this Ordinance shall mean a purely decorative treatment on the
exterior wall of a building that does not have the overt intent or effect of advertising a product or service
for sale or an agency, organization or business.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 7
(cc) "Name Plate Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any sign not more than one (1)
square foot in area used to identify the owner or owners of a private residence.
(dd) “Natural Materials” as used in this Ordinance shall mean indigenous materials such as
plants, shrubs, trees, wood that is stained or painted a neutral brown or grey color, unpainted stone,
decorative textured masonry or concrete, and unpainted brick. “Natural Materials” shall not include glass
or smooth (un-textured) poured concrete for purposes of this Ordinance.
(ee) "Off-Premise Signage" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any sign that is not
displayed on the same premises where the goods, entity or services advertised are located.
(ff) "Parapet Wall" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a low wall along the edge of a
roof, and being a portion of the wall which extends above the line of the roof, with the exterior to the
extension forming a continuous plane with the wall below.
(gg) "Person" as used in this Ordinance shall mean and include any person, firm, partnership,
association, corporation, company or organization of any kind.
(hh) "Plate Line" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the point at which any part of the roof
structure first touches, or bears upon, an external wall.
(ii) "Point-of-Purchase Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the signage that
advertises a product at its point of sale, or "point of purchase" location.
(jj) "Principal public façade” of a building, as used in this Ordinance for purposes of
calculating maximum total wall sign area, shall mean the main building façade facing a public street or
another façade that functions as a principal façade with an actively used public entryway, subject to the
approval and discretion of the Code Officer. There shall be no more than one principal public façade per
building.
(kk) "Projecting Sign" or "perpendicular sign" as used in this Ordinance means any sign
attached to a building or other structure and extending in whole or in part more than nine (9) inches
beyond the building line, or more than fifteen (15) inches in the case of raceway signs.
(ll) “Raceway Sign” as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign comprised of channel or
other cut-out figures or letters mounted to an electrical enclosure, with the enclosure being smaller than
the height of the attached letters.
(mm) "Reader Board" shall mean a sign to which letters are not permanently secured or
affixed and/or which is wheeled or otherwise readily moveable. The term “reader board” shall not
include “A-frame” or “sandwich board” signs.
(nn) "Reflectorized" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any material that reflects light
back toward its source in an intensity many times greater than would be reflected by a white painted
surface. Reflectorized materials may include but are not limited to reflective sheeting, glass beads and
glass or plastic reflectors.
(oo) "Residential District" as used in this ordinance shall include the following zoning
districts as defined in the South Burlington Land Development Regulations as presently in force or
hereafter adopted and amended from time to time: Residential 1, Residential 2, Residential 4, Residential
7, Queen City Park, Lakeshore Neighborhood, and Southeast Quadrant.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 8
(pp) "Roof Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any sign erected in any way upon a
building or structure which extends above the roof line of the building or structure.
(qq) "Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean and include every sign, billboard, bulletin-
board, free-standing sign, wall sign, window sign, roof sign, illuminated sign and projecting sign, and
shall include any letter, word, number, model, mural decoration, banner, flag, pennant, clock,
thermometer, insignia, light or combination of lights, used or placed as an announcement or declaration to
identify, advertise or promote the interest of any person when the same is placed in view of the general
public from outside the structure on which the sign is placed.
(rr) "Temporary Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any sign for a limited period of
time for advertising or informational purposes supplementary to or in place of existing permanent signs.
(ss) “Traveled way” as used in this Ordinance shall mean the paved or otherwise surfaced
area of a public street or road intended for use by vehicular traffic, including aprons, shoulders, and
curbing, but not including a sidewalk or recreation path.
(tt) "Wall Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign attached to, painted on, and/or
erected against the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel or
roughly parallel to the face of said wall (including any interior wall) whether attached to windows or
otherwise, which is placed in view of the general public from outside the building or structure.
(uu) "Wall" as used in this Ordinance shall mean the surface area of any major plan unit of
any side or face of a building.
(vv) “Wayfinding” as used in this Ordinance shall mean signs with maps or other graphics
used to convey location and directions to travelers, and not used for any advertising purpose.
(ww) “Window” as used in this Ordinance shall mean the total area of transparent panes within
a single supporting sash structure, excluding muntins. Panes divided by muntins shall not be considered
individual windows; the total area of all panes and muntins within a single supporting sash structure shall
constitute the total area of the window. Transparent panes inside a door frame shall be considered
"windows" for purposes of this Ordinance, subject to the judgment and discretion of the Code Officer.
(xx) "Window Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a sign attached to, painted on, or
erected against the interior or exterior of a window with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel or
roughly parallel to the face of said window.
(yy) When the words "maintain a sign" or words of similar effect are used herein, the same
refers to allowing the sign to continue in existence and shall not be taken to refer to keeping the sign in
good order.
SECTION 4. Permits Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter or relocate within the City of South Burlington, any sign,
as defined in this Ordinance, without first obtaining a sign permit from the Code Officer, in accordance
with all the provisions of this Ordinance. Any sign not expressly permitted by the provisions of this
Ordinance is expressly prohibited.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 9
SECTION 5. Permit Fees
Every applicant, before being granted a permit hereunder, shall pay to the City Treasurer such permit fee
or fees in accordance with the schedule of fees adopted by resolution of the City Council, and as amended
from time to time.
SECTION 6. Dorset Street/City Center Sign District.
(a) Purpose. There is hereby designated and created the Dorset Street/City Center Sign
District, the boundaries of which are shown on a plan entitled, "Dorset Street/City Center Sign District",
dated July 22, 1998, which plan is incorporated into and made a part of this Ordinance as Appendices A
and B.
This special sign district is designated to reflect the long term goal of the City to develop Dorset Street
and the City Center area as an attractive mixed-use, well-designed, integrated focal point for the City.
The area is to be a primarily residential, office, retail and municipal core for South Burlington. This
special sign district is also intended to promote the intended pedestrian orientation for the future of the
district as well as to ensure pedestrian and traffic safety, to encourage the effectiveness and clarity of sign
communication, and to maintain and enhance the aesthetic quality within the district.
(b) Standards for Design Review. The erection, alteration or relocation of any sign, except
for temporary, window and exempt signs, located within the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, as
depicted on the above referenced plan, shall require design approval by the South Burlington Design
Review Committee and Development Review Board. Such design approval shall be required prior to
issuance of a sign permit by the Code Officer. In reviewing an application for design approval, the
Design Review Committee and Development Review Board shall consider the following:
(1) Consistent Design: the design of a sign shall consider and be compatible and
harmonious with the design of buildings on the property and nearby. The design of all signs on a
property shall promote consistency in terms of color, graphic style, lighting, location, material
and proportions.
(2) Promote City Center Goals: signs shall be designed and located in a manner which
reinforces and respects the overall stated goals of the sign district and City Center Plan, including
a high aesthetic quality and pedestrian orientation.
(3) Color and Texture: the color and texture of a sign shall be compatible and
harmonious with buildings on the property and nearby. The use of a maximum of three (3)
predominant colors is encouraged to provide consistent foreground, text and background color
schemes.
(4) Materials Used: signs shall be designed and constructed of high-quality materials
complimentary to the materials used in the buildings to which the signs are related
(c) Directory Signs. In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, the City of South
Burlington will establish a uniform Directory Sign System to be constructed and maintained by the City
in the public right of way at designated locations and designed to serve businesses, offices and entities
which share a curb cut, building or group of buildings. All businesses, offices, services, agencies and
entities which share an entry or property are entitled to participate in this system for a fee as established
and adopted by the City Council and included as part of the Schedule for Permit Fees. The fee will cover
the initial cost of sign panel fabrication for the individual entity, as well as an appropriate percentage of
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 10
the maintenance and management costs for the directory sign. Any business or entity participating in this
directory sign system is allowed to do so without losing any of its total permissible sign area. Signs on
this directory, therefore, will be in addition to the allowable sign area for the participating business or
entity.
(d) Entry Signs. In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, entry signs which contain
the words "enter" or "exit" and or related/similar wording are permitted as ground mounted or post-
mounted signs and are not to exceed three (3) square feet. Included on these signs may be a reference to a
business or office or building only where that business is not directly served by a curb-cut at the property
itself and shares a curb-cut with another or multiple businesses or entities, and when this circumstance
occurs the total area of one side may not exceed four (4) square feet. Such entry signs shall be allowed in
addition to permitted free-standing and directional signs for the property. It is also desirable to coordinate
lettering and design of these signs with the overall signage for the property it serves.
(e) Establishments Selling Gasoline. Establishments selling gasoline located within the
Dorset Street/City Center Sign District shall be subject to all provisions of Section 22 of this Ordinance,
and also shall be subject to the design review standards of this Section 6.
SECTION 7. Application for Sign Permit
(a) Except as otherwise provided, all applications for the Dorset Street/City Center Sign
District shall follow the procedure for Master Signage Permits set forth in Section 8 of this Ordinance.
(b) Applications for all other sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Code
Officer, and shall have attached thereto the following information and such other information pertaining
to the proposed sign as the Code Officer may reasonably require.
(1) Name, address and telephone number of applicant and property owner.
(2) Location of building, structure, or lot to which, or upon which, the sign is to be
attached.
(3) Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
(4) Plans (drawn to scale) and specifications including size and color of the sign and
its various parts, the style of letter, material of which sign is to be constructed, and the method of
attachment to the buildings or in the ground.
(5) A color sketch of the sign and building as they would appear in relation to each
other.
(6) Statement as to method of illumination and intensity of the sign.
(7) If required by the Code Officer, a copy of stress sheets and calculations showing
that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount
required by this and all other laws and Ordinances of the City.
(8) Name, address and telephone number of person erecting the sign.
(9) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, and land to which or on
which the sign is to be erected.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 11
(c) Except as provided in sub-section (d) below, within ten (10) working days after receipt of
all of the foregoing information, together with the permit fee specified in Section 5 hereof, the Code
Officer shall review the application for compliance with this Ordinance and shall render a decision to
approve or disapprove the application. In rendering a decision, the Code Officer shall determine whether
the application complies with the requirements of this Ordinance, is compatible with surrounding
architecture and uses, and does not create an adverse effect on the scenic or aesthetic quality of the area.
In making his determination the Code Officer shall review each application in light of the purposes of this
Ordinance and applicable design standards. When the Code Officer deems it necessary, an architect may
be retained to assist in the review of individual applications, at the applicant's sole cost and expense.
(d) If the Code Officer determines that the application for the sign does not comply with all
provisions of this Ordinance, the Code Officer shall, within the period noted above, notify the applicant in
writing of the decision to disapprove the application, which notice shall include a statement of reasons for
disapproval, and shall refund the permit fee in full. Such statement shall include a description of the
manner in which the application can be brought into conformance with these regulations. If an
application is approved, a permit shall be issued and forwarded to the applicant within the time period
noted above.
SECTION 8. Master Signage Permits
(a) At such time as a new or amended permit is sought after the effective date of this
Ordinance, all properties in the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District seeking a sign permit or permits
and all multi-tenant buildings or multi-building complexes located wholly or partially within the R7-NC
district shall submit a complete, new application for a Master Signage Permit to the Design Review
Committee, irrespective of the status of past approvals. The new Permit shall not invalidate the
provisions of any existing approval, exemption or agreement with respect to signage; rather, it is instead
intended to clarify the approved parameters for signage subject to a Master Signage Permit. Upon
approval of a new Master Signage Permit, permittees shall use the review and amendment procedures set
forth in this Section.
(b) In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, no permit shall be issued for an individual
sign requiring a permit unless and until a Master Signage Permit for the lot on which the sign(s) will be
erected has been approved as conforming with the provisions of this Ordinance. In the case of a planned
unit development (PUD), a Master Signage Permit shall be required for the entire PUD. An owner of a
multi-tenant building or multi-building commercial property located anywhere outside the Dorset
Street/City Center Sign District, and a sponsor of a project involving interpretive signage or wayfinding,
also may apply for a Master Signage Permit as provided herein.
(c) For any lot on which the owner proposes to erect one or more signs requiring a permit,
the owner shall submit an application for a new or amended Master Signage Permit containing the
following information:
(1) An accurate plot plan of the lot, at such scale as the Code Officer may reasonably
require;
(2) Location of buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas on such lot;
(3) Computation of the maximum area, number and height of signs, by sign type
(i.e., free-standing, wall, etc.) allowed on the property under this Ordinance, and computation of
the area and height of each sign proposed for the property;
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 12
(4) The location, size, date of installation, and status of all non-complying signs on
the property, if applicable.
(5) The design parameters for the Master Signage Permit, in accordance with (d)
below, including overall parameters and the design and location of any proposed individual signs.
(6) The location and specifications of all proposed light fixtures and lighting
elements, including cut sheets if applicable.
(7) A proposed general design for any incidental and directional signs on the
property, other than those with designs prescribed by law.
(d) Design.
(1) The initial application for a Master Signage Permit shall establish a consistent set
of parameters for the shapes, materials, foreground and background color schemes, typefaces,
sizes, installations and sign types to be utilized for a property and shall include color illustrations
thereof.
(2) Applicants are strongly encouraged to specify parameters that will lead over time
to creating a strong consistency of shape, foreground and background color scheme, typeface,
size, and installation in order to ensure that all signage on a property is in accordance with the
goals of the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District.
(3) All Master Signage Permit applications shall specify how one or more of these
graphic elements will be used to relate all of the signs to each other visually.
(4) Applicants may request a review and approval of a range of potential sizes for
individual signs, so that an application for an individual sign of approved materials, color and
design that is within an approved size range will require only approval of the Code Officer.
(e) Other Provisions of Master Signage Permits.
(1) The property owner of record shall be the principal permittee for a Master
Signage Permit.
(2) The Master Signage Permit may contain such other restrictions as the owners of
the lots may reasonably determine. These provisions, upon granting of a sign permit to the
applicant, become incorporated into the permit and are applicable for the duration of the permit.
(f) Review and Approvals.
(1) The Design Review Committee shall review the initial application for a Master
Signage Permit, or for an amendment of a Master Signage Permit. Such application must be
made and signed by the property owner. Upon a recommendation for approval by the Design
Review Committee, the Development Review Board shall review and act upon the application for
an initial Master Signage Permit or amendment thereof.
(2) Subsequent applications for individual sign permits pursuant to a Master Signage
Permit may be made by tenants, with a property owner signature required for applications. Such
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 13
applications made pursuant to a valid Master Signage Permit shall not require review by the
Design Review Committee. The Code Officer shall review each application for its consistency
with the approved design and dimensional parameters in the Master Signage Permit, and for
consistency with the applicable dimensional and administrative standards in this Ordinance.
Copies of the Code Officer’s permit or denial shall be sent to the property owner and to the
applicant, and shall become part of the Master Signage Permit.
(g) Amendment. Amendment of a Master Signage Permit, as opposed to approval of signs
by the DRC and Code Officer subject to an existing, effective Master Signage Permit, shall require
approval by the Design Review Committee and Development Review Board in the same manner as for a
new Master Signage Permit.
(h) Existing Non-Conforming Signs on Properties Subject to Master Signage Permits
(1) The non-conforming status of other signs on the same property or subject to the
same Master Signage Permit shall not prevent individual tenants from making applications for
individual sign permits in accordance with a valid Master Signage Permit.
(2) Alteration of Non-Conforming Signs. Where there is any change to a non-
conforming sign, a permit must be obtained from the Design Review Committee and Code
Officer. To gain approval the sign must be brought into full compliance with the provisions of
the Master Signage Permit for the property on which it is located and all other applicable
provisions of this Ordinance. Routine maintenance of non-complying signs may be done
provided there is no change at all to the color, shape, size, lighting, materials, or any other design
or physical feature of the sign.
(i) Binding Effect. An approved Master Signage Permit shall be binding upon and run with
the land. No sign shall be erected, placed, painted or maintained except in conformance with such Permit,
and such Permit may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this Ordinance. In case of any
conflict between the provisions of such Permit and any other provisions of this Ordinance, the Ordinance
shall control.
SECTION 9. Free-Standing Signs
Free-standing signs are permitted only in accordance with the following provisions.
(a) All free-standing signs and the premises surrounding same shall be maintained by the
owner thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all obnoxious
substances, rubbish and weeds. Free-standing signs shall be so designed as to be self-supporting without
the need for guy wires, cables, chains, lines, or other similar ancillary supports.
(b) Number of Signs Per Lot. The maximum number of free-standing signs on a lot shall be
as follows:
(1) Except as provided in Section 23(e) hereof and below, there shall not be more
than one free-standing sign for each separate lot, regardless of how many businesses or
commercial entities are located on such lot.
(2) Lots on which the Development Review Board has granted approval for the
development of the property with two (2) or more separate entrances to a public road shall be
entitled to additional free-standing signs where:
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 14
(i) each entrance is separated from each other entrance by a distance in
excess of three hundred (300) feet, as measured from center line to center line between
the two entrances; and
(ii) the number of proposed free-standing signs for the property does not
exceed the number of public road entrances that meet the standards set forth above; and
(iii) the proposed free-standing signs are located within twenty-five (25) feet
of the approved entrances.
(c) Lots on which a community garden is operated and maintained as an accessory use to a
principal permitted use may have one (1) additional free-standing sign of no more than twenty-four (24)
square feet, so long as such sign clearly advertises the community garden project and does not constitute
an additional sign for the principal permitted use. Such sign may be displayed from May 1 through
November 30 and shall require a sign permit.
(d) Sign Location. No part of a free-standing sign shall be placed in such manner as to
visually obstruct traffic.
(1) No part of a free-standing sign which is forty (40) square feet or less in size shall
be laced closer than five (5) feet to any property line, subject to the following:
(i) Public sidewalk or recreation path exists in public right-of-way:
(A) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is less than five
(5) feet from the outer edge of the public sidewalk or recreation path, no part of a
free-standing sign shall be placed closer than five (5) feet from the outer edge of
the public sidewalk or recreation path. In no case shall a free-standing sign be
placed closer than one (1) foot from the public right-of-way. (see illustration 9-1)
(B) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is five (5) feet or
more from the outer edge of the public sidewalk or recreation path, no part of a
free-standing sign shall be placed closer than one (1) foot from the right-of-way.
(see illustration 9-2)
(ii) No public sidewalk or recreation path exists in public right-of-way:
(A) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is less than
eleven (11) feet from the outer edge of the traveled way, no part of a free-
standing sign shall be placed closer than five (5) feet from the right-of-way. (see
illustration 9-3)
(B) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is eleven (11)
feet or more, but less than fifteen (15) feet from the outer edge of the traveled
way, no part of a free-standing sign shall be placed closer than sixteen (16) feet
from the outer edge of the traveled way. (see illustration 9-4)
(C) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is fifteen (15)
feet or more from the outer edge of the traveled way, no part of a free-standing
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 15
sign shall be placed closer than one (1) foot from the right-of-way. (see
illustration 9-5)
(2) No part of a free-standing sign which is larger than forty (40) square feet in size
shall be placed closer than twenty (20) feet to any property line.
(e) Area of a Free-standing Sign.
(1) The area of a free-standing sign shall be the total area within the outer edge of the
sign, excluding the supporting structure, provided the total area of the supporting structure is within
the limits set forth in subsection (e) below. Any area of a support structure that exceeds the limits
set forth in subsection (e) below shall be counted as sign area (Illustrations 9-6 and 9-7).
(2) A free-standing sign which is located on a lot of less than 40,000 square feet shall
not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area.
(3) Except as provided in this subsection, a free-standing sign which is located on a
lot of 40,000 square feet or more shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in sign area. A free-
standing sign on a lot of 40,000 square feet or more may be eligible for additional sign area in
accordance with the following provisions.
(i) A lot which contains two hundred (200) or more feet of contiguous
frontage on one public street and which contains 10,000 or more square feet of building
area shall be eligible for additional sign area above the forty (40) square foot maximum
established in (3) above. The amount of additional sign area shall be based on lot
frontage and/or building size as indicated in Table 9.1. In no case shall the maximum
size of a free-standing sign area exceed eighty (80) square feet.
(ii) Approval of a sign under this section shall be subject to the requirement
that the lot on which the sign is located together with the building(s) thereon shall
continue to meet the standards on which approval was granted. At the time of any
alteration of lot frontage or building size, the Code Officer shall re-determine the
allowable sign area under regulations then in effect, and, if such regulations require a sign
with reduced sign area, shall direct the property owner to install a sign meeting such
reduced sign area requirement within three (3) months of such determination.
(4) The maximum height of a free-standing sign shall be fifteen (15) feet, measured
from the average finished grade at the base of the sign to the highest portion of any part of the
sign structure.
(5) For lots which contain lawfully more than one (1) free-standing sign as provided
in subsection (b) above and which qualify for a free-standing sign larger than forty (40) square
feet as provided in (3) above, no more than one (1) free-standing sign on the lot may exceed forty
(40) square feet in size.
(6) No sign and/or support structure dimension shall exceed the other by more than
five (5) times. In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, no dimension shall exceed the other
by more than four (4) times.
(7) In all districts, the depth of the sign and support structure shall not be visually
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 16
disproportionate to the other dimensions of the sign.
(8) Area calculations shall exclude planters, provided such planters are no more than
three (3) feet tall, no more than two (2) times the width of the sign, have no advertising or logos
attached, and are used for plants and landscaping. Any area of a planter that exceeds three (3)
feet in height or two (2) times the width of the sign, and any planter that has advertising or logos
attached, shall be counted as sign area.
(e) Free-standing Sign Support Structures. The area of a sign support structure shall not be
included in calculating the area of a free-standing sign, subject to the following limitations and provisions:
(1) Support structures shall not incorporate or include any attachments, lettering,
logos, or graphics. Any support structure that includes attachments, lettering, logos, or graphics,
shall be counted as part of sign area.
(2) No support structure and no part of any support structure shall be internally
illuminated.
(3) For a free-standing sign with two (2) or more independent post supports, outside
the width of the sign area, supports of up to one (1) foot wide each shall be exempt from
calculation of the area of the support structure. If the sign and the support structure are less than
six (6) feet in height at the highest point from the average finished grade, two supports up to two
(2) feet wide each shall be exempt from calculation of the area of the support structure.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of (2) above, for a free-standing sign and/or
support structure with a combined height of up to ten (10) feet at the highest point from the
average finished grade, the total area of the support structure may not exceed one hundred fifty
percent (150%) of the area of the sign. If the support structure of such a sign extends more than
one (1) foot past the edge of the sign, the total area of the support structure shall not exceed one
hundred percent (100%) of the area of the sign (Illustration 9-8).
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of (2) above, for a free-standing sign and/or
support structure with a combined height of more than ten (10) feet at the highest point from the
average finished grade, the total area of the support structure shall not exceed one hundred
percent (100%) of the area of the sign, and shall not extend more than one (1) foot horizontally in
each direction beyond the horizontal edges of the sign (Illustration 9-8).
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 17
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 18
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 19
(g) Additional Standards. All free-standing signs must meet the following additional
standards:
(1) All free-standing signs are to be designed and constructed of suitable materials
and erected and located in a manner which reinforces and respects the overall stated goals of this
Ordinance.
(2) All free-standing signs shall have a base condition that is landscaped in an
aesthetically pleasing or appropriate manner with hardy plant materials and/or elements that will
remain attractive throughout the year, or finished in such a manner, whether in groundcover, lawn
or hard surfaces so as to be appropriate and maintained for the entire year in an attractive manner.
Such landscaping may be planted in the ground at the base, or may be in planters, provided the
planters are fixed to the ground or sign.
Table 9.1 Free-Standing Signs – Additional Sign Area
Criterion Additional Sign Area (In Square Feet)
Frontage: 250' - < 300' 5
300' - < 350' 10
350' - < 400' 15
400' - < 450' 20
450' - < 500' 25
500' - < 550' 30
550' - < 600' 35
600' and more 40
Building Size (square feet):
25,000 - < 50,000 10
50,000 - < 75,000 20
75,000 - < 100,000 30
100,000 and more 40
* Example - A 43,000 square foot building on a lot with 325 feet of frontage would be
entitled to a 60 square foot free-standing sign (40 square foot sign area allowance + 10 square
foot frontage allowance + 10 square foot building size allowance = 60 square feet).
* Example - A 76,000 square foot building on a lot with 210 feet of frontage would be
entitled to a 70 square foot free-standing sign (40 square foot sign area allowance + 0 square foot
frontage allowance + 30 square foot building size allowance = 70 square feet).
(3) Signs or emblems indicating membership in national or regional organizations,
including credit card signs, or informing the public that gifts, trading stamps, or similar
promotional items are available on the premises, shall not be separately fastened to the outer edge
or support structure of the principal sign. Such features shall be displayed against the principal
sign face.
(4) Street names and numbers may be affixed to a free-standing sign or its support
structure and shall be exempt from area calculations so long as the letters do not exceed three (3)
inches in height and numbers do not exceed six (6) inches in height.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 20
Illustration 9-6 Area of a Free-Standing Sign
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 21
Illustration 9-7 Area of a Free-Standing Sign
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 22
Illustration 9-8 Base and Sign Area Ratios
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 23
(5) Free-standing signs may not have changeable message areas unless required by
the nature of the business or other approved land use itself, such as theaters, churches and other
houses of worship, public and independent educational facilities accredited by the State of
Vermont for elementary, secondary and higher education, motels and hotels, and establishments
deriving a majority of their income as venues for the performing arts, and subject to the discretion
and approval of the Code Officer. Any such changeable message area may not exceed eighty
percent (80%) of the allowable sign area, and the dimensions and location thereof must be
specified when an application for a sign permit is made.
(h) Dorset Street/City Center Sign District. Free-standing signs along Dorset Street are to be
located in a sign corridor that begins adjacent to the road Right of Way and runs sixteen (16) feet from the
edge of the Right of Way toward the building face. In those instances where dimensions do not provide for a
two (2) foot setback from the Right of Way before a sign support post can be located, it is permitted to erect a
centered single pole mounted sign of which the road side edge of the sign is directly outside the R.O.W. line.
Free-standing signs in the Dorset Street/City Center District may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in
overall dimensions and may be no higher than twelve (12) feet, measured from the average finished grade at
the base of the sign to the highest point of any part of the sign structure.
(i) Additional free-standing signs for permitted drive-through establishments. Lots
with an automobile service use or a permitted drive-through facility, including car washes, banks, and
drive-through retail and restaurant establishments, may have one (1) free-standing menu board sign in
addition to one (1) free-standing sign permitted in accordance with this Section. A menu board sign shall
not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in overall size, including cladding and support structure, and shall
not exceed six (6) feet in height at any point. The text and graphics on the menu board shall not be
legible from a public roadway. Landscaping or other suitable screening shall be used to screen the menu
board generally from nearby public roadways, paths and sidewalks.
(j) Multi-tenant buildings and multi-building complexes in the R7-NC zoning district.
Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary elsewhere in this ordinance, a multi-tenant building or multi-
building structure under common management and ownership which is located wholly or partially within
the R7-NC zoning district, and which has more than one approved curb cut onto a public roadway, may
have one (1) free-standing sign of up to forty (40) square feet and one (1) additional free-standing sign per
additional approved curb cut onto a public roadway, with any such additional signs not exceeding twenty
(20) square feet in area and twelve (12) feet in height. The sign area of the free-standing signs may be
designed and used in whole or in part as a directory for the tenants or services contained within the
building or complex.
SECTION 10. Wall Signs
Wall signs shall be permitted only in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Number of wall signs. The allowable number and area of wall signs shall be as set forth
in Table 10-1 below.
(b) Area of wall signs.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, the total area of all wall signs
shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the area of the principal public façade of the building or one
hundred (100) square feet, whichever is smaller.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 24
(2) In no case shall any individual wall sign exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the area
of the façade to which it is attached.
(c) In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, wall signs may not project above the roof
or parapet of a building nor below the top of any first floor doorway unless permitted through the
design review approval process.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, maintain or relocate any wall sign that
covers, wholly or partially, any wall opening or to erect, alter, maintain or relocate any wall sign
that projects beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached. A wall opening is any
opening exclusively provided for a window, door or removable panel.
(e) Multi-tenant buildings and multi-building properties
(1) Lots on which there is located commercial development consisting of two (2) or
more distinct and separate businesses ("multi-tenant buildings" or "multi-building properties")
shall be entitled to additional wall signs whose allowable area and number shall be in accordance
with the formula set forth in Table 10-1.
(2) In a multi-tenant building, there shall be a maximum of two (2) wall signs per
individual tenant. The maximum area of an individual wall sign shall be five percent (5%) of the
individual tenant’s storefront area, calculated as shown in Illustration10-1, or one hundred (100)
square feet, whichever is smaller.
(3) Owners of multi-tenant buildings and multi-building properties located outside of
the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District shall have the option to obtain a Master Signage
Permit from the Development Review Board, in accordance with Section 8 of this Ordinance.
Once a Master Signage Permit is obtained, all changes to signage for that property shall be
reviewed in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of this Ordinance. Multi-tenant
buildings for which there is a valid Master Signage Permit may increase the maximum allowable
area of all wall signs and individual tenant signs as provided in Table 10-1. A property owner
choosing this option shall be responsible for allocating the allowable area of wall signs among
individual tenants.
(f) Areas of walls within which paint, lighting or other treatments are used to highlight or
enclose an area of wall on which cutout letters or other signs are installed shall be deemed to be part of
the wall sign for all intents and purposes of this Ordinance, and shall be subject to all applicable
provisions of this Ordinance.
(g) A wall sign shall not project from the wall in excess of nine (9) inches, except for
raceway signs. A raceway sign may project up to fifteen (15) inches from the wall to which it is attached
(h) A lot containing two structures devoted to separate and unrelated uses in existence prior
to February 6, 1995 shall be subject to the following provisions:
1) If the lot does not contain a free standing sign, each structure shall be entitled to
wall signs in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) above.
(2) If the lot contains a free standing sign which identifies the uses located in both
structures, each structure shall be entitled to two wall signs as authorized by subsections (a) and
(c) above.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 25
Table 10-1 Area of Wall Signs
Type of building, signage
and permit
Basis for total area of
all wall signs
Maximum area of an
individual wall sign
Additional regulations for multi-tenant
buildings and multi-building lots
Single-tenant building
with free-standing and/or
landscape feature sign(s)
5% of principal
public façade
15% of façade to
which it is
attached or 100
SF, whichever is
smaller
Up to 2 wall signs per individual
building
Single-tenant building,
NO free-standing or
landscape feature sign(s)
10% of principal
public façade
15% of façade to
which it is
attached or 100
SF, whichever is
smaller
Up to 2 wall signs per individual
building
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot, no
master signage permit,
with free-standing sign or
landscape feature sign(s)
No set limit; max.
area determined by
sum of allowable
individual wall signs
for each tenant
15% of façade to
which sign is
attached, 5% of
individual tenant
storefront area, or
100 SF, whichever
is smaller
• Up to 2 wall signs per tenant
• Signs may be attached to one or
two building facades
• See calculation of storefront
area, Illustration 10-1
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot, no
master signage permit,
NO free-standing or
landscape feature sign(s)
Total area per
building based on
individual tenant
signage
15% of façade to
which sign is
attached, 5% of
individual tenant
storefront area, or
100 SF, whichever
is smaller
• Up to 2 signs per tenant
• Signs may be attached to one or
two building facades
• See calculation of storefront
area, Illustration 10-1
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot with a
master signage permit in
any district, including
Dorset Street/City Center
Sign District, with free-
standing or landscape
feature sign(s)
10% of principal
public façade of
each building
15% of façade to
which it is
attached or 100
SF, whichever is
smaller
• Up to 2 signs per tenant;
• Signs may be attached to as
many façades as have an actively
used public entrance
• Property owner must divide up
signage area among tenants
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot with a
master signage permit in any
district, including Dorset
Street/City Center Sign
District, NO free-standing or
landscape feature sign(s)
15% of principal
public façade of
each building
15% of façade to
which it is
attached or 100
SF, whichever is
smaller
• Up to 2 signs per tenant
• Signs may be attached to as
many facades as have an actively
used public entrance
• Property owner must divide up
signage area among tenants
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 26
Illustration 10-1: Example of the Calculation of Storefront Area.
Projecting overhang areas are included within the calculation of storefront area; signage may be
attached to these areas
(1)
(2) (2)
hh
w
w1
h1
(1) Areas not perpendicular to the ground are NOT included in the storefront area.
(2) Projecting areas perpendicular to the ground ARE included in the storefront area.
(3) Storefront area (shaded) = [(1/2)(w) x (h)] + [(w1) x (h1)]
(4) If the lot contains a free standing sign that only identifies the use or uses located
in one structure, the structure containing the use or uses identified on the free standing sign shall
be entitled to free standing signs as authorized by subparagraphs (a) and (c) above, and the
structure containing uses not identified on the free standing sign shall be entitled to no more than
three (3) wall signs with a total area not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the area of the principal
public façade of the structure. No wall sign shall exceed five percent (5%) of the total allowable
sign area and no more than one (1) wall sign shall be placed on any one (1) façade of the
structure.
SECTION 11. Directory and Entryway Signs
(a) Directory and Entryway Signs Allowed. In instances where it is desirable to list
multiple stores or offices within one complex, or to identify a publicly-used entrance to a shopping center
under single management, one (1) additional directory sign of no more than eight (8) square feet in total
area may be attached to a wall or to the face of a free-standing sign, within the perimeter of the sign, in a
suitable location to allow visitors, once within the property, to receive direction to a particular location.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 27
(i) One (1) entryway sign identifying the a shopping center may be affixed to the wall at
each publicly-used entrance. These directory and entryway signs are not to compete with any
advertising or informational signs designed to be visible from the traveled way.
(b) In multi-tenant buildings or multi-building structures under common management and
ownership located wholly or partially within the R7-NC zoning district, and with more than one approved
curb cut onto a public roadway, one (1) entryway sign may be affixed to the wall at each entrance
identifying the offices or businesses accessible through the entry, or identifying the entryway as “staff
only,” restricted, or such other directional guidance as is necessary for the appropriate function of the
complex. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in size. In addition, one (1) free-standing
directory sign of up to fifteen (15) square feet OR one (1) wall directory sign of up to twenty (20) square
feet may be erected at each active publicly-used entryway. For any such wall signs, the provisions of
Section 11(c) below shall apply.
(c) Directory and Entryway Signs Attached to Walls. The area of a directory or entryway
sign affixed to a wall shall be included in the calculation of the total allowable area of wall signs for the
building or property to which it is affixed, but shall not count against the total number of wall signs
allowed for the building to which it is affixed.
(d) Directory Signs Attached to Free-Standing Signs. Directory signs attached to the face
of a free-standing sign within the perimeter of the sign area shall not be counted as additional sign area.
SECTION 12. Incidental and Directional Signs
(a) Incidental Signs.
(1) Incidental signs may use a typestyle and/or color consistent with the signage of
the business or tenant to which they are related, but shall not otherwise advertise or draw
attention to the business or tenant.
(2) The use of logos or trademarks on incidental signs shall be prohibited.
(3) Incidental signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet each.
(4) Incidental signs attached to the facades of buildings are limited to one (1) sign
per service bay or entry door indicating entry, exit, or other similar service or identification. Such
incidental signs shall not count towards the maximum total number of wall signs allowable for
the building to which they are attached, but shall count towards the maximum total area of wall
signs allowable for the building to which they are attached.
(5) The number, placement and size of incidental signs shall not be, in the
determination of the Code Officer, excessive. Such a determination shall include a consideration
of factors such as, but not limited to, the nature of the business or operation involved, the volume
of traffic to be directed, and the configuration of the buildings and improvements on the site.
(b) Directional Signs.
(1) Directional signs shall generally be exempt from the provisions of this
Ordinance, in accordance with Section 23.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 28
(2) Directional signs may include the name or logo of the business to which they are
related. Applicants are encouraged to use a logo, typestyle and/or color consistent with the
signage of the business or tenant to which they are related.
(3) Directional signs shall not be considered additional wall or free-standing signs.
(4) Directional signs shall be sufficient to direct traffic safely, and shall not, in the
determination of the Code Officer, be excessive. Such a determination shall include a
consideration of factors such as, but not limited to, the nature of the business or operation
involved, the volume of traffic to be directed, and the configuration of the buildings and
improvements on the site.
(5) Lettering on a directional sign shall not exceed six (6) inches in height.
(6) Number and size of directional signs:
(i) For properties of less than ten (10) acres in size, the number, and
placement and size of directional signs shall not exceed one (1) per curb cut or driveway
entrance to a property or a maximum of three (3), whichever is less. No such directional
sign shall exceed three (3) square feet in area. No such directional sign shall be more than
five (5) feet in height.
(ii) For properties ten (10) acres or more in size, the number of directional
signs shall not exceed one (1) per two (2) acres of property area, to a maximum of eight
(8) directional signs. Not more than one (1) directional sign shall be placed within
twenty-five (25) feet of each curb-cut or driveway entrance. No directional sign shall
exceed ten (10) square feet in size, and no more than half (rounded up) of the maximum
allowable number of directional signs shall exceed three (3) square feet in size. No
directional sign less than or equal to three (3) square feet in size shall be more than five
(5) feet in height, and no directional sign larger than three (3) square feet in size shall be
more than ten (10) feet in height.
(7) No directional sign shall be placed closer than five (5) feet from a property line.
No directional sign that is greater than three (3) square feet in size shall be located closer than
fifty (50) feet from a property line.
SECTION 13. Signs in Residential Areas
(a) Non-residential uses in residential zoning districts. There shall be no signs in a
residential district (as so classified under the South Burlington Land Development Regulations as
presently in force or hereafter adopted and amended from time to time), except that one (1) sign may be
erected and maintained for a lot on which a valid non-residential use exists under South Burlington Land
Development Regulations, provided that the sign does not exceed twenty (20) square feet, or thirty (30)
square feet when located on a lot having frontage on Airport Drive, or forty (40) square feet when located
on a lot of at least two (2) acres having frontage on Dorset Street or Hinesburg Road within the Southeast
Quadrant Zoning District.
(b) Multi-tenant or multi-building complexes located partially within the R7-NC zoning
district. For purposes of this Ordinance only and notwithstanding Section 13(a) above, multi-tenant
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 29
buildings or multi-building structures under common management and ownership which are located
wholly or partially within the R7-NC zoning district, and which have more than one approved curb cut
onto a public roadway, shall be considered to be in a non-residential zoning district irrespective of the
zoning of the portion of the property lying outside the R7-NC zoning district.
(c) Educational facilities in the Residential 4 and SEQ zoning districts. Notwithstanding
Section 13(a) above, a public or private educational facility accredited by the State of Vermont to provide
elementary or secondary education may erect and maintain one (1) freestanding sign of with a sign area of
up to thirty-two (32) square feet, which may include a changeable message area consistent with the
provisions of Section 9(g)(5) above.
(d) Home Occupations. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, a sign
identifying a home occupation as defined by the South Burlington Land Development Regulations as
presently in force or amended from time to time in a residential district shall not exceed two (2) square
feet.
(e) Bed and Breakfast Establishments. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the
contrary, a sign identifying a bed and breakfast as defined by the South Burlington Land Development
Regulations as presently in force or amended from time to time in a residential district shall not exceed
four (4) square feet when located on a lot fronting on a street or road having a maximum posted speed
limit of 25 miles per hour or less, or eight (8) square feet when located on a lot fronting on a street or road
where the maximum posted speed limit is in excess of 25 miles per hour.
(f) Signs Identifying Residential Complexes. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the
contrary, one (1) identification sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet for purposes of identifying a
single residential complex is permitted in a residential district.
(g) Signs Identifying Dental or Medical Clinics. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to
the contrary, one (1) identification sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet for purposes of identifying
a dental or medical clinic is permitted in a residential district.
SECTION 14. Landscape Feature Signs
(a) In all districts in the City, a landscape feature sign may be utilized in place of a free-
standing sign on any lot eligible for a free-standing sign. On lots eligible for multiple free-standing signs,
multiple landscape feature signs may be allowed in accordance with the regulations for multiple free-
standing signs.
(b) A landscape feature to which a sign is proposed to be attached must be approved by the
South Burlington Development Review Board (DRB) as part of its issuance of a permit for the lot on
which the sign is proposed. Upon approval by the DRB of a landscape feature, the Code Officer may
issue a sign permit for the use of the landscape feature as a sign in accordance with the dimensional and
administrative requirements of this Ordinance.
(c) Location. No sign may be attached to a landscape feature that is closer than five (5) feet
to any property line at any point. No sign larger than 40 square feet may be attached to a landscape
feature that is closer than 20 feet to any property line at any point.
(d) A landscape feature sign shall consist of either individual cut-out letters and/or a cut-out
logo, or an inset sign, either of which shall be permanently attached to or set into an approved landscape
feature.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 30
(e) The individual cut-out letters and/or logo, or the inset sign, shall not project above the top
of the landscape feature at any point.
(f) The total area of the cut-out letters and/or logo, or the inset sign, may not exceed the
maximum area of a free-standing sign (excluding any support structure) that would be allowable for the
same lot.
(g) No landscape feature to which a sign is attached may exceed six (6) feet in height from
finished grade at any point, or four (4) feet in average height, from the finished grade at the base of the
landscape feature. The Development Review Board may allow up to a maximum of seven (7) feet in
height from finished grade and up to a maximum of five (5) feet in average height from the finished grade
around the base of the landscape feature, upon a finding that the sign as proposed:
(1) Will not appear unduly bulky or massive from any public street, sidewalk, public
land or traveled way,
(2) Will not present a hazard to traffic or pedestrian safety; and
(3) Will be in keeping with the scale and character of other landscaping on the same
and adjacent lots.
(h) A border area without any attached or inset signage must be maintained for a minimum
of six (6) inches in all directions from the outside edge of the cut-out letters and/or logo or the inset
placard sign. The border area shall be at least sixty percent (60%) of the total area of the landscape
feature.
(i) The visual impact of maintenance panels should be minimized.
(j) Backlighted letters and/or cut out logos shall be permitted, provided the installation is
consistent with Section of this Ordinance. Shielded exterior spotlighting shall be permitted, with the beam
spread not to exceed the area of the cut out letters and/or logo or inset sign.
SECTION 15. Airport Signage
(a) Airfield and Air National Guard Signage. Except as provided in (3) below, all signage
on the airfield of Burlington International Airport or property owned by the Vermont Air National Guard
that is installed pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or United States Department of
Defense (DOD) requirements, as applicable, shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance.
(b) Other Necessary Signage. Except as provided in (3) below, all other signage on
Burlington International Airport and Vermont Air National Guard property necessary to safe and efficient
operation of the Airport or National Guard premises shall be determined by the Airport or Vermont Air
National Guard pursuant to FAA or DOD recommended standards, as applicable, and shall be exempt
from the provisions of this Ordinance.
(c) Signs on Airport Property within 20' of Road Rights-of-Way. Signs on Burlington
International Airport property to be located within twenty feet (20') of the edge of the right-of-way of a
public road adjacent to the Airport shall be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and shall require a
sign permit.
SECTION 16. Perpendicular Signs
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 31
Perpendicular signs will be permitted subject to the following conditions:
(a) Where property dimensions create circumstances that do not allow for a free standing
sign, a perpendicular building mounted sign or signs may be permitted.
(b) Any perpendicular sign to be installed must be determined to be properly mounted on the
building from which it is hung in a safe and appropriate fashion relative to the architecture of the
building.
(c) A perpendicular sign may not extend above the top of the building wall or parapet to
which it is attached.
(d) A perpendicular sign may extend no more than three (3) feet from the outside edge of the
wall to which it is attached, and may have a vertical dimension of no more than ten (10) feet The
maximum area of the sign face of a perpendicular sign shall be thirty (30) square feet.
(e) All signs of this type must be designed properly so as to be structurally correct and safe
for pedestrians, traffic and other activities which occur in the vicinity.
(f) Perpendicular signs are subject to the approval of the Code Officer who may seek the
review of an architect, sign and/or engineering expert consultant to assist in his or her determination. All
associated costs for this consultant review are to be borne by the applicant.
SECTION 17. Real Estate and Construction Project Signs
(a) Real estate signs. Signs advertising to the public that the property on which the same
sign is displayed is available for sale, rent or lease shall not require a sign permit, but shall not be
illuminated and shall be subject to the limitations in this Section.
(1) In non-residential zoning districts, each lot shall be entitled to one (1) such free-
standing sign not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet if located within twenty (20) feet of the edge
of the right-of-way, or thirty-two (32) square feet if located more than twenty (20) feet from the
edge of the right-of-way.
(2) In residential zoning districts, each lot shall be entitled to one (1) such free-
standing sign not to exceed six (6) square feet.
(b) Construction project signs. Signs advertising that new construction, or an expansion,
renovation or addition project (including painting, roofing, and siding) is taking place on the property on
which the sign is displayed are subject to the provisions of this Section.
(1) In non-residential zoning districts and in residential zoning districts where a
multi-lot development involving ten (10) or more lots is taking place, construction project signs
shall be limited to one (1) sign per property or multi-lot development, not exceeding thirty-two
(32) square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height and not illuminated. Such signs shall require a
sign permit.
(2) Except as provided above, in residential zoning districts up to two (2)
construction project signs may be displayed simultaneously on a lot. A single construction
project sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet, or three (3) square feet each if two (2) such signs
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 32
are displayed on a single lot. Such signs shall not require a sign permit.
(3) Construction project signs in all districts shall remain only until completion of
the project. Such signs remaining on a lot after the project is completed shall be in violation of
this Ordinance.
(4) Additional signs required to meet safety regulations for construction projects
shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance, and shall not require a sign permit.
(5) Except as specifically provided for residential zoning districts in (2) above,
multiple construction project signs shall not be permitted and shall be subject to removal by the
City.
(c) Display of construction project and real estate signs on the same lot. In all zoning
districts, on lots of 80,000 square feet or less, there shall be no more than two (2) real estate and/or
construction project signs displayed simultaneously. On lots in non-residential zoning districts exceeding
80,000 square feet, no more than three (3) real estate and/or construction project signs may be displayed
simultaneously.
SECTION 18. Miscellaneous Types of Signs
(a) Roof Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate or maintain a roof
sign as defined in this Ordinance. Provided, however, that a sign may be erected on a parapet wall if such
parapet is an integral part of and architecturally consistent with the entire building and is not erected
principally to receive and enhance the visibility of the sign. Any such sign shall not extend above said
parapet wall.
(b) Banners and Pennants - It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, relocate, alter or
maintain banners or pennants as defined in this Ordinance. However, properly displayed governmental
flags shall be permitted, but not in excess of three different flags per lot. In addition, a business may
display one flag, not exceeding six (6) square feet on which is depicted its name, emblem or logo, except
in the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District where such is prohibited.
(c) Projecting Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate or maintain
any projecting sign as defined in this Ordinance, except as specifically allowed in Section 10.
(d) Billboard Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, maintain or relocate
any billboard sign as defined in this Ordinance, except as specifically allowed.
(e) Animated Signs; Action Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, maintain,
alter or relocate any Animated Sign or Action Sign.
(f) Limited Access Facility - No sign may be erected if it is so located as to be primarily
readable from a limited access facility as defined in Title 19 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
(g) Temporary and Paper Signs - Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 19
herein, signs of paper, cardboard or similar material or signs which are temporary or non-permanent are
hereby prohibited.
(h) Window Signs - Window signs including those which are temporary or permanent in
nature are permitted provided the total sign area does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 33
window area to which the sign(s) is attached.
(i) Where a window or windows constitute fifty percent (50%) or more of the area
of an individual building façade, the Code Officer shall have the authority to treat signs
affixed to the window or windows as wall signs in keeping with Section 10 of this
Ordinance.
(ii) A sign or signs painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows shall be
counted against the area of wall signs allowed for the building if the combined area of
such a window sign or signs exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) of the window occupied.
(i) Raceway Signs – Raceway signs, including cans, the metal structure and/or the box
frame, must be made so that the raceway enclosure blends with the exterior wall of the building to which
it is attached. Raceway signs are subject to the provisions of Section 10 of this Ordinance (wall signs).
SECTION 19. Temporary Signs
Unless prohibited elsewhere in this Ordinance, a business establishment or other entity shall be allowed
one (1) temporary sign in accordance with the following conditions:
(a) No "Reader Boards" or similar such changeable wheeled signs are allowed.
(b) Temporary "A frame" or “sandwich board” signs up to eight (8) feet in height and
containing no more than thirty-two (32) square feet in area, and banners up to thirty-two (32) square feet
in area which are permanently affixed for the purpose of advertising the opening of a new retail
establishment or a special sales event on the lot where the signs are located, are permitted.
(c) Temporary signs shall be maintained for a maximum of fourteen (14) consecutive days
once in every two (2) calendar month period, or seven (7) days once each calendar month.
(d) Temporary signs shall be maintained for a maximum of five (5) days in a calendar month
provided the signs are displayed on the same day of the week for the entire month.
(e) Applicants for a temporary sign may choose either (c) or (d) above, but shall not change
their permit within the duration of the permit.
(f) Establishments located on parcels of two (2) acres or more with a principal permitted
business as a hotel and conference center shall be exempt from the limitations in Sections 19(c-e) above;
however, no individual temporary sign may be maintained for a period in excess of fourteen (14)
consecutive days every two (2) calendar month period, or seven (7) days once each calendar month.
Temporary signs in excess of those permitted in Sections 19(c-e) above shall be limited to signs
advertising specific temporary or limited-duration functions taking place on the property, and shall not be
permitted for general advertising of the principal hotel or conference center function.
(g) Notwithstanding Section 19(b) above, temporary signs for non-residential uses in
residential zoning districts shall be limited to a maximum of six (6) square feet in area, with the exception
of temporary signs for places of worship in any zoning district and valid non-residential uses on lots of at
least two (2) acres with frontage on Dorset Street or Hinesburg Road within the Southeast Quadrant
Zoning District.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 34
SECTION 20. General Sign Requirements
The following requirements shall apply to all signs:
(a) No Signs within Public Road Rights-of-Way - No permanent or temporary sign,
including but not limited to signs for real estate sales, product or service advertisement, and political
advertisements, other than those required for governmental purposes, shall be located within a public road
right-of-way.
(b) Maintenance - All signs and other advertising structures, together with all their supports,
braces, guys and anchors, shall be of substantial and sturdy construction, shall be kept in good repair, and
shall be painted or cleaned as often as necessary to maintain a clean, neat, safe and orderly appearance.
(c) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements - Any sign or advertising structure as
defined in this Ordinance shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressures and receive dead
loads as required by recognized engineering and construction practices in the City of South Burlington.
(d) Obstruction to Doors, Windows or Fire Escapes - No sign shall be erected, relocated or
maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign shall
be attached to a stand pipe or fire escape.
(e) Signs Not to Constitute Traffic Hazards - In order to secure and maintain reasonable traffic
safety, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any sign containing reflective materials or
any animated sign or action sign as defined in this Ordinance. No sign shall be erected or maintained in
such a manner as to obstruction free and clear vision or so as to distract the attention of the driver of any
vehicle by reason of the position, shape or color thereof. Pursuant to the foregoing, no sign shall be erected
or maintained in such a manner as to be likely to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with,
any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. Accordingly, no sign or other advertising structure shall make
use of the words "Stop", "Go", "Look", "Slow", "Danger", or any other similar phrase, symbol, or character,
or apply any color in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
(f) Projecting Images - No person or establishment shall project light, logos or images into
any area visible from a public sidewalk or right-of-way.
(g) Design Standards for All Signs - Signs shall be designed and constructed in such manner
and of such materials as to be consistent with the following design standards unless the applicant can
establish to the satisfaction of the Code Officer, that any standards which are not met are inapplicable,
unnecessary, or would create an extraordinary and unreasonable hardship:
(1) No sign shall be located on a tree, or painted or drawn upon a rock, lawn, or the
ground, excluding permitted landscape feature signs as provided herein.
(2) All signs, and the standards and posts supporting them, shall be of substantial and
sturdy construction. Break-away standards and posts are permitted if of substantial and study
construction.
(3) Signs shall not dominate the lot on which they stand or the building to which they
are attached, but shall be compatible with same.
(4) Signs shall contain a minimum amount of lettering which shall be clearly visible to
the public without being distracting to motorists.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 35
(h) No sign may be erected if it is so located as to be primarily readable from a limited access
facility as defined in Title 19, V.S.A.
(i) No display of pornographic or lewd signs shall be permitted.
(j) No sign shall be affixed to a handrail or fence.
(k) No sign shall be attached to a water supply tank, and no sign shall be painted on a water
supply tank except for governmental or operational identifications or notices, which are to be as minimal
in size as practicable.
(l) No sign shall be attached to a utility cabinet other than identification or required
operational signs installed by the owner of the cabinet. No advertising signs shall be installed on any
cabinet.
(m) Off-premise signage shall not be permitted.
(n) The use of parked or stationary motor vehicles to display temporary signs, such as but not
limited to stickers, banners, drapes, and placards, for advertising purposes, shall be prohibited. For
purposes of this sub-section such temporary signs shall include but not be limited to those signs that
would not remain affixed to the vehicle when the vehicle is moving, or that would constitute a hazard to
safe operation of the vehicle, and other similar cases as determined by the Code Officer.
SECTION 21. Lighting
(a) Except as provided elsewhere in this Ordinance, indirect or interior lighting may be used
to illuminate any sign provided that the source of light shall concentrate the illumination upon the area of
the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property. Except in the Dorset Street/City
Center Sign District, fixtures should not be placed any nearer than five (5) feet to the property line.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, maintain or relocate any sign employing
the use of luminescent lights as defined in this Ordinance, except where such luminescent elements are
shielded from direct view by a separate translucent material.
(c) No sign of any kind shall be left illuminated after ten o’clock P.M. (10:00 PM) in any
residential zoning district, and no sign of any kind shall be left illuminated after midnight in any non-
residential zoning district unless the premises are open for business after midnight, in which case, no sign
of any kind shall be left illuminated after the premises are closed for business. Notwithstanding the
above, a wall sign may be left illuminated, if the Code Officer determines that it is necessary for the
protection of the property from theft or vandalism, and such determination is made a part of the permit.
(d) String lighting shall not be allowed except for a non-permanent, seasonal or charitable
business with permit by Code Officer.
(e) In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, internally illuminated signs shall utilize
opaque backgrounds and translucent letters, logos and/or graphics, so as to insure that the lettering, logos
and/or graphics are illuminated rather than the background. Translucent backgrounds utilizing dark
colors may be used with white, clear or other light translucent letters, logos and/or graphics, provided the
Design Review Committee determines that the effect will be consistent with the intent of this provision.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 36
(f) The illumination of flags must conform to the provisions of the South Burlington Land
Development Regulations regarding nighttime illumination of governmental flags. No other upward
illumination of flags is permitted.
(g) The use of integrated neon, LED and fiber optic lighting to illuminate signs shall be
permitted provided the light source is covered with a clear, translucent or opaque material so that the light
source is diffused and no glare is reflected. Exposed neon lighting shall not be permitted.
(h) Except as provided in (g) above, fixtures shall not include bare bulbs, and fixtures shall
not make bare bulbs or other direct light sources visible to persons viewing a sign.
SECTION 22. Regulations for Establishments Selling Gasoline
(a) Wall signs. For establishments selling gasoline, wall signs may be attached to the
principal building and, if applicable, to a structural canopy. There shall be no more than two (2) wall
signs on a principal building with the total area of all wall signs on the principal building not to exceed
fifteen percent (15%) of the gross façade area of the principal building.
(b) Structural canopies. There shall be no more than four (4) advertising and/or brand
identification signs attached to each structural canopy on each lot, with no more than one (1) such sign
attached to each face of a structural canopy and no individual sign to exceed fifteen (15) square feet.
Internal illumination of structural canopies shall be permitted and shall not constitute a sign.
(c) Signs necessary to operations. There shall be no limit on the total number of signs
necessary for the operation of the establishment attached to a structural canopy and gasoline pumps,
including such signs as "restrooms," "self service," or "air," provided no individual sign exceeds six (6)
square feet. The foregoing not withstanding, however, any such sign including the name and/or logo of
the business to which it is attached, other than names or logos integral to a gasoline pump, shall count as a
wall or structural canopy sign and shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this Section and
Ordinance.
(d) Free-standing signs. For establishments selling gasoline, there shall be no more than
one free-standing sign per lot. If a price sign is included as part of the free-standing sign, such
establishments may add up to twelve (12) square feet to the free-standing sign allowance otherwise
applicable to the lot. Such price signs must be an integral part of the one (1) allowed free-standing sign.
The permitted area of the base or support structure of the free-standing sign shall be based on the
maximum area of the free-standing sign applicable to the lot, excluding the additional twelve (12) square
foot allowance for signs that include a price sign.
(e) The total square footage of all signs on the lot, including point-of-purchase signs on
gasoline pumps but excluding signs identified in section (c) above, shall not exceed one hundred (100)
square feet.
(f) The outdoor display of products for sale shall be prohibited, with the exception of vehicle
tires, ice and/or propane.
(g) Temporary signs outside the principal building shall be permitted as per Section 19 of
this Ordinance.
SECTION 23. Exemptions
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 37
The provisions and regulations of this Ordinance shall not apply to official business directional signs and
sign plazas as defined in and erected pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 10, Vermont Statutes Annotated.
The provisions and regulations of this Ordinance shall also not apply to the following signs, provided
however, said signs shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 20, 21 and 25.
(a) Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any
stone or masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and not
exceeding six (6) square feet in total area.
(b) One (1) residential "Name Place Sign" as defined in this Ordinance;
(c) Traffic signs and legal notices;
(d) Signs or billboards approved by the Code Officer that advertise the City of South Burlington,
or any of its departments, or provide a community directory to the recreational and commercial facilities
offered in the City; or advise the public of the location of facilities operated by the City or any of its
departments.
(e) Directional Signs, consistent with the provisions of Section 12 above; provided however,
that the Code Officer may order the removal of Directional Signs upon finding by him that some are
unnecessary, not within the definition set out in Section 3, or are otherwise contrary to the provisions of
this Ordinance;
(f) Bona fide Christmas and holiday decorations displayed during the period from November
15 through January 5;
(g) "Warning", "Danger", "No Trespassing", or similar signs, in size and quantity as
reasonably required to accomplish their intended purpose;
(h) Signs for charitable or political purposes displayed on a wall or window.
(i) Signs attached to electronic scoreboards, provided the following are met:
(1) The scoreboard upon which the sign is attached is located on City owned or
leased land,
(2) The sign advertises a business or organization that made a monetary contribution
towards the scoreboard in question,
(3) The sign includes the words “This scoreboard donated by” or similar words to
that effect,
(4) The maximum size of the sign shall not exceed twenty-one (21) square feet,
(5) The area of the sign shall not exceed twenty-four percent (24%) of the area of the
scoreboard and sign combined,
(6) The maximum height of the sign shall be ten (10) feet, measured from the
average finished grade at the base of the scoreboard to the highest point of any part of the sign,
(7) The sign shall not be illuminated.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 38
(8) The sign shall be covered by an attractive, fitted panel so that it is not visible
during the months of November through March, and
(9) The sign shall require written approval from the City Manager, or his/her
designee, prior to its erection or alteration.
(j) One- or two-sided free-standing signs for post secondary educational institutions which
are used to provide information regarding on-campus activities that are open to the public. Such signs
must be approved by the City Manager or the manager’s designee, may not exceed fifty (50) square feet
per side, must be at least fifteen (15) feet from the pavement of any public road, must not be located
within any public right-of-way, and may not exceed ten (10) feet in height. Such signs may include an
electronic message board not exceeding ten (10) square feet on each side of the sign, which may only be
used between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and midnight. Information may be displayed on the message board
on an intermittent basis, provided each display is at least five (5) minutes in duration. Each institution
shall be limited to one (1) sign.
(k) Signs reasonably necessary for the operation and use of the Chittenden County
Transportation Authority and other public transit services.
(l) Purely decorative murals, as defined in this Ordinance, that in the judgment of the Code
Officer do not have the intent or visual effect of increasing the area of a sign.
(m) All wall and free-standing signs, including those attached to windows and doors, that are
necessary to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, provided such signs do not
interfere with public safety.
(n) Sculptures that do not involve a representation of or reference to a business, service or
good shall not be construed to be signs and shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance.
Sculptures may be subject to the provisions of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, as
amended.
(o) Vermont and Federal government markers of historical sites or places of interest and
Vermont state tourism signs, provided such signs do not interfere with public safety.
(p) One (1) help wanted sign of no more than four (4) square may be attached to permitted
free-standing sign.
(q) Barber poles, in accordance with Vermont statutes.
(r) Wayfinding and interpretive signage. Sponsors of activities requiring bona fide
interpretive signage or wayfinding signs, such as but not limited to signage for a natural area, natural
resource demonstration project, educational initiative, or projects with a focus on historic, natural or
cultural resources, may apply for a Master Signage Permit pursuant to Section 8 of this Ordinance. The
Design Review Committee shall have the authority to determine the appropriate number, sizes, locations,
designs and contents of such wayfinding or interpretive signs, but in no case shall the size of any single
wayfinding or interpretive sign exceed twenty (20) square feet. The Design Review Committee shall
have the authority to require supplemental plans or graphics, to require additional review by the Design
Review Committee or Code Officer for changes or amendments to a Master Signage Permit, and to
issuance of individual sign permits for certain signs approved within a Master Signage Permit.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 39
(s) Signs designated as “historic” by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (or its
successor) or the National Register of Historic Places. Alternations to such signs shall only be permitted if
the entire sign becomes compliant with these regulations or if the proposed alterations are approved as
remaining “historic” by the above-named bodies.
(t) Informational signs affixed to the principal face of a propane gas cage containing safety
information, the manufacturer’s name, the manufacturer’s logo, and/or emergency contact information.
Lettering, numbering, or logos shall not exceed three (3) inches in height.
(u) One (1) restaurant menu not exceeding two (2) square feet in size per restaurant, affixed
to a wall that adjacent to a door that leads directly into such restaurant. No lettering or numbers shall
exceed one (1) inch in height. No such menus shall be internally illuminated. Any other lighting shall be
downcast directly onto the menu.
SECTION 24. Non-Conforming Signs
(a) On or before JUNE 3, 2009, all non-conforming signs shall have been removed, lawfully
replaced, or otherwise altered so as to comply with all applicable provisions of the South Burlington Sign
Ordinance in effect as of that date.
(b) A “conforming sign” shall become a non-conforming sign on the effective date of an
amendment of this ordinance that establishes a standard or requirement with which the sign does not
conform. A conforming sign shall be:
(1) Any sign in existence on June 3, 2009, that on such date was in full compliance
with all requirements of this ordinance as it was then constituted; or
(2) Any sign first constructed after June 3, 2009, in strict compliance with a permit
issued under this ordinance; or
(3) Any sign altered or relocated after June 3, 2009, in strict compliance with a
permit issued under this ordinance.
(c) Within five (5) years of the date a sign becomes non-conforming, it shall be removed or,
following issuance of a permit, be altered or relocated to comply with this ordinance.
SECTION 25. Unsafe and Unlawful Signs
If the Code Officer shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been
constructed, erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, he shall
immediately give written notice to the owner thereof and shall have said written notice served by certified
mail with return receipt requested. If the owner failed to remove or alter the structure, so as to comply
with the standards herein set forth, at the discretion of the Code Officer after receipt of such notices, said
sign or structure may be removed by the Code Officer at the expense of the owner of the sign and owner
of the property upon which it is located, such expense of removal to be the joint and several liability of all
such owners. The Code Officer may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to person or property, to
be removed summarily and without notice.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 40
SECTION 26. Removal of Certain Signs
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer identifies a bona fide use conducted, or a property
sold, on the lot on which it is located, or which is not maintained in a safe and appropriate condition, shall
be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or
structure upon which such sign may be found on the lot on which it is located within ten (10) days after
written notification from the Code Officer, and upon failure to comply with such notice within the time
specified in such order, the Code Officer is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any
expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or lot to which such sign is
attached or is located.
SECTION 27. Revocation of Permits
The Code Officer is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by him upon failure
of the permittee to comply with any provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 28. Renewal of Permits
Upon the expiration of any permits under this Ordinance, the sign for which the permit was issued shall
be removed immediately unless the holder thereof applies for a renewal permit upon payment of the fee
set out at Section 5 hereof and upon the filing of a renewal application on forms furnished by the Code
Officer. Such forms shall include such questions as are reasonably required to enable the Code Officer to
decide whether the renewal permit should be issued. The Code Officer shall act within the number of
days, and in the manner set out at Section 7. Provided, further, that no permit shall be issued to any
applicant if the sign or sign owner is not in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance, as then
amended, except as provided for Master Signage Permits in Section 8.
SECTION 29. Appeals
Any person aggrieved by any action of the Code Officer or Design Review Committee may appeal such
action, or refusal to act, to the South Burlington Development Review Board. Such appeal shall be
lodged with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) days of the Code Officer's or Design Review Committee's
action or refusal to act, and shall be accompanied by an appeal fee in accordance with the schedule
provided under Section 5 of this Ordinance. The fee for such appeal shall be the same as for appeals of
actions of the Administrative Officer to the Development Review Board pursuant to the South Burlington
Land Development Regulations. The hearing shall be held at the time and place set by the Chairman of
the Development Review Board but no sooner than seven (7) days, nor later than twenty (20) days, after
public notice of such hearing has appeared in a newspaper having general circulation in the City. The
Development Review Board may make such order or take such action, including the issuance of a permit
or the revocation of same as is consistent with this Ordinance. Provided, however, in deciding such
appeals, the Development Review Board may not grant variances, exemption, extra-ordinary relief or
otherwise alter, amend, enlarge or modify the provisions of the Ordinance, it being the intent of this
section to merely provide for appeals from the decisions of the Code Officer or Design Review
Committee, and not to provide for variances or exceptions hereto. The Development Review Board may
adopt rules governing the conduct of such hearings, and if such rules are adopted it shall cause a copy
thereof to be furnished to each applicant at the time that the appeal is taken.
SECTION 30. Enforcement and Penalties
(a) Any person who violates a provision of this civil ordinance shall be subject to a civil
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 41
penalty of up to $500 per day for each day that such violation continues. The Administrative Officer or
Assistant Administrative Officer of the City of South Burlington shall be authorized to act as Issuing
Municipal Officials to issue and pursue before the Judicial Bureau a municipal complaint. The
Administrative Officer or Assistant Administrative Officer shall issue a written warning for a violation of
this Ordinance before issuing a municipal complaint for a first offense of this Ordinance in any calendar
year.
(b) Waiver Fee An Issuing Municipal Official is authorized to recover a waiver fee, in lieu
of a civil penalty, in the following amount, for any person who declines to contest a municipal complaint
and pay the waiver fee:
First offense - $25
Second offense - $50
Third offense - $75
Fourth offense - $100
Fifth offense - $125
Sixth offense - $150
Seventh offense - $175
Eight offense - $200
Ninth offense - $275
Tenth offense - $350
Offenses shall be counted on a calendar year basis.
(c) Civil Penalties. An Issuing Municipal Official is authorized to recover civil penalties in
the following amounts for each violation:
First offense - $50
Second offense - $100
Third offense - $150
Fourth offense - $200
Fifth offense - $250
Sixth offense - $300
Seventh offense - $350
Eight offense - $400
Ninth offense - $450
Tenth offense - $500
Offenses shall be counted on a calendar year basis.
(d) Other Relief. In addition to the enforcement procedures available before the Judicial
Bureau, the City Manager is authorized to commence a civil action to obtain injunctive and other
appropriate relief, to request revocation of a license by the City Council or to pursue any other remedy
authorized by law.
SECTION 31. Conformity with State Law
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, this Ordinance shall in no way be construed to permit
the erection or maintenance of any sign contrary to the laws of Vermont, now in existence or hereafter
enacted.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 42
SECTION 32. Severability
Any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be considered severable and, if any provision of this
Ordinance or the application thereto to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall
not effect other provisions or applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid
provisions of application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are declared severable.
SECTION 33. Repeal of Zoning Provisions
Adoption of this Ordinance shall be deemed to repeal such portions of the South Burlington Zoning
Ordinance adopted June 25, 1973 and any amendments thereto, which are inconsistent with the provisions
of this Ordinance.
SECTION 34. Effect. This Ordinance shall take effect from the date of its passage.
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 43
APPENDIX A
South Burlington Sign Ordinance Effective May 3, 2010 Page 44
APPENDIX B
Dorset Street/City Center Sign District
Description of District Boundaries
The westerly boundary of the District follows the Interstate Highway Right of Way from
Williston Road to Kennedy Drive in the south. Kennedy Drive forms the southern boundary of
the District and Williston Road forms the northerly boundary. At Kennedy Drive, the District
boundary follows the School Department Boundary in a northeasterly direction along the stream
bed and then northerly parallel to Woodcrest Drive and 100 feet back from the roadway R.O.W.
The boundary follows the School Department Boundary in a westerly direction for a total of
1336 feet. The boundary then heads in a northerly direction, and parallel to Barrett Street for
1130 feet at which point it turns easterly and follows the Barrett Street alignment and coinciding
with the property lines which are between 110 and 120 feet from the Barrett Street R.O.W. and
coinciding with the property line delineating lands owned by the City of South Burlington. The
District boundary follows this property line as it heads in an irregular fashion to the northwest to
its intersection with the property line of lands owned by South Burlington Realty. At this point
the line then heads in an easterly direction for 1245 feet to the Hinesburg Road R.O.W. The
District then follows Hinesburg Road northerly for 181 feet at which point the boundary then
follows the property for the South Burlington Realty parcel as it abuts the Central School
Property. The District Boundary then heads north along the Central School Property for 84 feet
and west 200 feet to the end of Mary Street. The District Boundary then proceeds westerly
coinciding with the north property line of the properties located at 2 and 6 Market Street. The
District Boundary then heads northerly to Williston Road along the eastern property lines of
properties located at 8 and 100 Dorset Street and 1055 Williston Road.