(A) The following signs are prohibited under this chapter.
(B) Temporary exceptions to certain prohibited signs are noted in this section:
(1) Signs or billboards that advertise a commodity or service that is not available on the premises on which the sign is located;
(2) Roof signs;
(3) Projecting wall signs exceeding eight square feet in area;
(4) Abandoned signs, including the related sign structure. Once determined to be abandoned, structures supporting these signs cannot be reused unless they are brought into compliance with the sign regulations.
(a) Owners of abandoned signs shall be responsible for removing the sign’s message.
(b) If the status of an abandoned sign is challenged, it is the obligation of the owner or lessee to provide to the Zoning Enforcement Officer documentation that a business is still being conducted on the premises.
(c) Proof that a business exists on paper is not sufficient proof for this chapter that the business is operating on a particular site.
(5) Signs using such words as “stop”, “danger” or similar words, phrases, symbols or characters, in such a manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse the public in matters of public safety as determined by the city;
(6) Portable signs and temporary signs will be prohibited in these situations:
(a) Signs that fail to meet the height and setback requirements that apply to ground signs will be prohibited; and
(b) Electrified portable/temporary signs when the power source is not in compliance with safety requirements as deemed applicable by the City Inspector will be prohibited.
(7) No signs, except those established and maintained by the city, county, state or federal governments, shall be located in, project into or overhand a street right-of-way or dedicated public easement. This regulation includes railroad rights-of-way;
(8) Signs that block the required clear vision areas for intersections; and
(9) Electronic message signs when placement is judged by a public safety officer and City Administrator to be a public safety concern.
(Ord. passed 11-2-2005)