§ 196-8. Unique and special circumstances.

A. 

Consideration may be given to an application for a sign or sign program that deviates from the fixed criteria allowed under this bylaw. In such cases, the merits of the specific application will be considered relative to the context in which the signage will be located, with particular attention paid to: site distances, visibility, hierarchy, existing and proposed architecture, site and building entrances, neighborhood character, project scale, lighting, and historic appropriateness.

B. 

Approval of signs under the provisions of "unique or special circumstances" shall require a public hearing by the applicable reviewing body, be thoroughly documented, and shall not constitute precedent for similar signage on the same or any other property.

C. 

Public hearing. The applicable reviewing body shall hold a public hearing within 21 days of the receipt of a complete application, and shall take final action within 21 days from the time of the close of the hearing unless such time is extended by agreement between the applicant and the reviewing body. Notice of the public hearing shall be given by publication and posting and by first-class mailings to abutters and abutters to the abutters within 300 feet of the property line of the subject property according to the most recent Assessors' listing, at least seven days prior to the date of the hearing.