Policy regarding use of Signs in Sorrento Skies

Properties in Sorrento Skies are subject to deeded restrictions.  One of those restrictions is regarding the use of signs.  In general, signs in Sorrento Skies are not allowed, but there are a few exceptions. 

The restriction related to signage is as follows:

“No sign of any kind shall be displayed to the public on any lot with the exception that one sign, of not more than four square feet, may be displayed to advertise the property for sale or rent, or one sign used by a builder or architect may be displayed to advertise the property during construction or in a sale period thereafter for a reasonable time, which time shall be determined by the Association.”

In addition to the deeded restrictions, Sorrento Skies is governed by the NC Planned Community Act and Watauga County Ordinances.  Our restrictions cannot prohibit actions allowed by Law or local ordinances. 

The Board of Directors has established the following policy to consolidate all these rules and provide clarification by way of definitions and examples.

Definitions

Sign is any object or writing intending to send information or instruction.  Signs may be in the form of flags, banners, plaques, be free-standing or attached to a structure or tree.  Signs may include words, symbols and/or designs.  They may be of any material including metal, cloth, wood, plastic, and cardboard.  A small (not to exceed 3×5’) house or garden flag occasionally displayed (e.g. seasonal, game day or holiday) is considered a decoration and not a “sign” for the purpose of this policy.

Displayed to the public means visible from any community-owned or member property.  This includes signs posted inside windows that can be seen from the outside.

Signs are not allowed in Sorrento Skies POA with the following exceptions:

One (1) United States and one (1) North Carolina State Flag:

  • No greater than four (4) by six (6) feet in size. 
  • Be in compliance with the US Flag Code.

Builder (Contractor)/Architect signs:

  • One (1) sign per property
  • Only after the project has received ARC approval
  • Must be removed within one week of construction being completed. 
  • May not be larger than 4 square feet.

For Sale/Rent signs

  • One (1) sign per property is allowed
  • Posted on the property that is for sale
  • May not be larger than 4 square feet.

Political signs

  • A sign that attempts to influence the outcome of an election.  Must support a current issue or candidate.
  • Temporary signs during the election period may be displayed.  This period for display is the same as defined in the Watauga County Ordinances.  Currently, that period is described as “begins on the 30th day before the beginning date of one-stop early voting and ends ten days after any election conducted”
  • Not to exceed 24” x 24” in size.
  • A maximum of 4 signs per Member is allowed.
  • Signs must be respectful and not contain profanity or foul messages.
  • Signs must be posted within Member’s property limits.

Cautionary Signs

  • Hazardous warning signs should be used when appropriate.  Conditions where tree trimming is being done or it is necessary to park vehicles in the road would be examples of hazardous conditions.  Signs should be removed when hazard no longer exists.
  • Children playing signs may be used when kids are outside playing as a reminder to drivers to slow down.  Signs must be placed on the Member’s property and removed within an hour after the children are no longer outside.

Flag poles

Flag poles may be no longer than 8 feet in length and must be attached to a structure or tree.  Freestanding flagpoles are not allowed.