(A) Findings. The city hereby finds as follows:
(1) Exterior signs have a substantial impact on the character and quality of the environment;
(2) Signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages; and
(3) Signs can create traffic hazards, aesthetic concerns and detriments to property values, thereby threatening the public health, safety and welfare.
(B) Purpose and intent. It is not the purpose or intent of these sign standards to regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate any building design or any display not defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from the outside of a building. The purpose and intent of this subchapter is to:
(1) Regulate the number, location, size, type, illumination and other physical characteristics of signs within the city in order to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare;
(2) Maintain, enhance and improve the aesthetic environment of the city by preventing visual clutter that is harmful to the appearance of the community;
(3) Improve the visual appearance of the city while providing for effective means of communication, consistent with constitutional guarantees and the city’s goals of public safety and aesthetics; and
(4) Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations set forth herein under the zoning authority of the city.
(Ord. 332, passed 5-19-2008)