(a) Purpose of sign regulations. The purpose of this article is to provide sign standards and restrictions which allow for the legitimate needs for identification of residential, office, commercial, industrial and other activities while at the same time promoting signs which do not unduly detract from the overall aesthetics of the community; which reduce intrusions and protect property values; which provide for improved public safety by minimizing undue distraction of the motoring public; which provide standards for the erection and maintenance of signs; which provide for the protection and enhancement of the tourist industry by promoting a more harmonious and pleasing community image; which provide equitably for the nature and scale of the activities to be identified; and which generally enhance and strengthen the economic stability of the City of Asheville.
(b) Scope. The provisions of this article shall apply to the erection and maintenance of all signs and sign structures within the jurisdiction of the City of Asheville as set forth in subsection 7-1-3(a), and it shall be unlawful following the effective date of this article to erect, maintain, or alter any sign or sign structure except in conformance with provisions of this article.
(Ord. No. 2369, § 1, 5-27-97)