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Aberdeen amends UDO to standardize freestanding sign heights and landscaping
Summary
The Town of Aberdeen on Feb. 24 adopted UDO Text Amendment TA-24-05 to simplify freestanding sign height rules and require landscaped bases (minimum 50 sq. ft.), with monument signs capped at 10 feet and post-supported signs up to 20 feet; the measure passed unanimously.
The Aberdeen Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance on Feb. 24 that clarifies freestanding sign heights and landscaping requirements along major corridors.
Assistant Planning Director Chad Hall explained the change (TA-24-05) would simplify Section 5.7 (Signage) by creating four sign types (Business Sign, Business Complex Sign, Retail/Shopping Center Sign, Sidewalk Sign), returning consistent height rules and adding a landscaping requirement at the base of permanent freestanding signs. Under the adopted changes, monument signs are limited to 10 feet in height; signs supported on posts or pylons may be up to 20 feet high provided the bottom of the signboard is located at 10 feet above grade; the planted landscape area at a sign base must equal (height × width)/2 but never be less than 50 square feet unless site constraints apply.
Hall told the Board the Planning Board discussed multiple drafts dating to October 2024 and accounted for a recent change in state law (N.C. Gen. Stat. 160D-912.1) that allows relocation of lawful on-premises signs. The Planning Board ultimately recommended a two-tier approach (10' monuments; post-mounted signs up to 20' with base at 10') and unanimously recommended approval.
Mayor Pro-tem Bryan Bowles moved to adopt the Statement of Reasonableness and the ordinance. The motions passed 5-0.
What will change: permitted sign heights will be clearer and landscaped bases are required; the amendment also updates definitions for "Business Complex," "Retail Center" and "Shopping Center" in Chapter 10. Hall said the landscaping standard requires at least 50 percent evergreen shrubs and 50 percent perennials/groundcover in the planted area.
Next steps: Staff will update the UDO text and tables and apply the new standards to future sign permitting and to lawfully relocated on-premises signs consistent with 160D-912.1.
