§ 11.1. Objectives and purpose.

This article, which shall be known and may be cited as the Cherokee County Sign Ordinance, is to establish requirements for the placement, installation, and maintenance of signs in order to protect and promote the health, safety, welfare, and general well-being of the citizens of Cherokee County. The zoning regulation of the placement, construction, maintenance of buildings and structures is a valid use of the police power, including the regulation of the placement, installation, and maintenance of signs. Signs must ordinarily be considered structures, and are capable of producing many of the same nuisances as are produced by buildings. The intent of this article to regulate the size, height and number of signs in such a manner as to protect and preserve the aesthetic qualities of the county while promoting traffic safety without causing unsafe conditions.

It is not the intent of this article to apply regulation to signs based upon the message that they convey. It is not the intent of this article to foreclose important and distinct mediums of expression for political, religious or personal messages. Furthermore, it is not the intent of the county, nor any of its boards, commissions, or agents, to regulate, in any manner, the message content of signs, except to the extent of obscenity or other messages prohibited by state or federal law. Accordingly and except as described in the prior sentence, the provisions of this article shall not be construed, interpreted, or enforced so as to regulate signage based upon the content of a sign's message

The planning and land use department will only oversee the number of signs, height, size and placement of signs. Cherokee County makes no determination or permits signs in regard to on-site or off-site locations. With these objectives and purposes in mind, the intention of this article is to authorize the use of signs that are compatible with their surroundings in terms of zoning, existing land use, and architectural characteristics; are legible and compatible with the type of lawful activities to which the signs pertain in such a manner as to express the identity of the individual properties and/or of the county as a whole.

In addition, the regulation of signs within the county is necessary and in the public interest:

(1)

To protect property values within the county.

(2)

To protect the motoring public from damage or injury caused or partially attributable to distractions or obstructions from improperly designed or situated signs.

(3)

To promote the economic well-being of Cherokee County by creating a favorable physical image.

(4)

To improve the legibility and effectiveness of all permitted signs.

(5)

To allow individuals equal and fair opportunity to advertise and promote their products and services without discrimination.

(6)

To eliminate excessive signage.

(7)

To protect the right of citizens to enjoy Cherokee County's natural scenic beauty.

(8)

To encourage economic development within the county.

(9)

To regulate the construction, erection, maintenance and size of signs that may constitute a direct danger to pedestrians and property.

(10)

To preserve and promote the public health, safety and welfare in Cherokee County.

(Ord. No. 2015-O-009, Exh. A, 9-15-15; Ord. No. 2016-O-001; Exh. C, 2-2-16)