§ 220-78. Purpose and intent.

A. 

Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to facilitate efficient identification of, as well safe travel to and from, all types of uses and structures through the use of signage. This article is further intended to distinguish between commercial speech and noncommercial speech and make adequate provisions for both within established limits in order to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare.

B. 

Intent. It is intended, by the provisions of this chapter, to accomplish the following:

(1) 

Protect and enhance Town appearance.

(2) 

Encourage commercial speech signs and graphics to be designed so as to be functional without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the surrounding neighborhoods.

(3) 

Reduce the frequency and magnitude of hazards to motorists and pedestrians caused by sign distractions.

(4) 

Preserve and create more attractive business and residential environments.

(5) 

Conserve the value of buildings and properties and preserve existing neighborhood character.

(6) 

Distinguish, based upon a sign's purpose, commercial speech signs from noncommercial speech signs and regulate each type distinctly so as to further the stated purposes of these provisions without violating rights concerning speech which are guaranteed by law within the United States and the State of New York.

(7) 

Mitigate so far as possible the visual impact associated with numerous signs, unnecessarily large signs and unnecessarily complex signs and limit the reduction in effectiveness of existing signs which results from increased sign density, size and complexity by distinguishing between and regulating distinctly the following three types of commercial speech signs:

(a) 

Signs which identify only the name, address and/or location of a business or enterprise and which are erected on the same parcel as the business or enterprise;

(b) 

Signs which advertise or announce the price or nature of specific products or services which are available at the site upon which the sign is located; and

(c) 

Signs which advertise or announce the availability of products or services at a site remote from the sign.

(8) 

Promote street identification signs for public and emergency vehicle identification.