The intent and purpose of these sign regulations are to:
(A) Urban design and safety standards. Implement the city's urban design and safety standards as set forth in the general plan.
(B) City appearance. Maintain and enhance the city's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, number, type, quality of materials, size, illumination and maintenance of signs.
(C) Pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety. Protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the need for signs which facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic without an excess of signage which may distract motorists, overload their capacity to quickly receive information, visually obstruct traffic signs or otherwise create congestion and safety hazards.
(D) Traffic safety hazards. Eliminate traffic safety hazards to pedestrians and motorists posed by off-site signs.
(E) On-site signage. Generally limit private signage to on-site locations to protect the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of signs, while providing channels of communication to the public.
(F) Communication. Allow the communication of information for commercial and noncommercial purposes without regulating the content of noncommercial messages.
(G) Free speech. Respect and protect the right of free speech by sign display, while reasonably regulating the structure, location and other non-communicative aspects of signs, generally for the
public health, safety, welfare and specifically to serve the public interests in traffic and pedestrian safety and community aesthetics.
(H) Nearby effects. Minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property.
(I) Visual quality. Serve the city's interests in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excess signage.
(J) Protect investment and quality of life. Protect investments in property and lifestyle quality made by persons who choose to live, work or do business in the city.
(K) Residential neighborhoods. Defend the peace and tranquility of residential zones and neighborhoods.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12; Am. Ord. 1397, passed 4-5-17; Am. Ord. 1402, passed 11-15-17)