§ 134-318.1. Reduction in number of off-premises signs.

(a)

Purpose. The board of commissioners finds that all off-premises signs in unincorporated Cobb County are legal nonconforming uses, and consistent with the provisions of section 134-346, nonconforming signs, it is the desire of Cobb County that such nonconforming uses be permitted to continue, but that they be reduced over time. Despite this intent, the number of legal nonconforming off-premises signs has not been materially reduced in a significant fashion. The board of commissioners further finds that the development of electronic signs provides a valuable opportunity to enhance the utilization of existing signage within Cobb County, although such electronic signs must be properly regulated to insure they do not constitute a traffic hazard or otherwise negatively impact the aesthetics of Cobb County. As such, the board of commissioners finds that the modification of a limited number of existing legal nonconforming static signs to electronic signs, in exchange for a reduction in the overall number of nonconforming off-premises signs constitutes a benefit to Cobb County in regard to traffic safety and aesthetics.

(b)

Exchange ratio and permitting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, any existing legal nonconforming off-premises sign face(s) or panel(s) existing on the date of adoption of this article amendment and not located within 500 feet of a residence may be modified to an electronic sign face(s) or panel(s), provided that the applicant remove from within Cobb County (including both incorporated and unincorporated areas) not less than three legal nonconforming off-premises sign face(s) or panel(s) of equal or greater square footage to that sign being converted to an electronic sign. Any existing legal nonconforming off-premises sign face(s) or panel(s) existing on the date of adoption of this article amendment that is located within 500 feet of a residence may be modified to an electronic sign face(s) or panel(s), in accordance with all other applicable criteria listed above subject to:

(1)

Approval by the board of commissioners as an "other business" agenda item, including applicable posting, certified mailings to residents within 500 feet and public hearing requirements. When determining the appropriateness of modifying an existing legal nonconforming off-premises sign to an electronic sign if located within 500 feet of a residence, the board of commissioners will consider whether or not the electronic sign face will be visible from the residence(s) that is within 500 feet; whether or not electronic sign faces visible from the residence(s) are properly buffered and screened from lighting cast from the sign; whether or not there are other existing or changing conditions that would give supporting grounds for either approval or disapproval of the requested modification.

(c)

Determination criteria. Provided, in determining the exchange ratios:

(1)

Multiple sign panels may be combined to satisfy the necessary sign face or panel removals;

(2)

Two sign faces or panels not less than 300 square feet shall equal one sign face or panel of 672 square feet in size;

(3)

For purposes of the installation an electronic sign face or panel 672 square feet in size, the applicant may remove five sign panels not less than 300 square feet in size to comply with the removal requirements.

(d)

Eligibility criteria. In order to be eligible for exchange credit, the entire above-ground sign structure upon which the sign faces/panels to be exchanged are located must be removed. The applicant will be issued a provisional permit to upgrade the designated sign to an electronic sign upon identifying the locations to be removed and otherwise showing compliance with the provisions of this section relating to electronic signs, but shall not be issued a building permit to complete the upgrade until such time as the exchanged sign(s) are actually removed.

(e)

Construction. The final permit shall provide that except for the replacement of the sign face(s) with the electronic sign panel, and any associated structural improvements or reconstruction required by current building codes for such signs, the designated sign shall not be moved to another portion of the property, increased in size or height, or otherwise modified in a manner which increases the nonconformity of the structure unless a variance is first obtained to permit such modification.

(f)

Regulation. In addition to the provisions of subsection 134-313(o)(1) of this chapter, each off-premises electronic sign shall conform to the following:

(1)

Each individual static message must be displayed for not less than ten seconds.

(2)

Off-premises electronic signs may not operate at brightness levels of more than 0.30 footcandles (under measurement conditions) above ambient light levels as measured at the following distances:

Elec. Sign sq. ft.	Feet Distance
< 100 sq. ft.	100'
101 sq. ft.—300 sq. ft.	150'
> 300 sq. ft.	250'

 

(3)

The owner of said electronic off-premises sign shall arrange for an annual certification of the light intensity showing compliance by an independent contractor and provide said certification to Cobb County.

(4)

No electronic off-premises sign shall be located within 5,000 feet of another electronic off-premises sign on the same side of the road (pole to pole), nor shall any electronic off-premises sign be located within 1,000 feet of another electronic off-premises sign facing the same direction.

(5)

Where located on a state-controlled route, each off-premises sign must comply with all Georgia Department of Transportation rules and regulations applicable to electronic changeable message signs where not in conflict with this chapter.

(g)

Public service. Owners of off-premises electronic signs are encouraged to coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public including, but not limited to Amber Alerts or emergency management information.

(Ord. of 9-8-09; Amd. of 2-22-11; Ord. of 2-28-12; Amd. of 7-26-16)