(A) Purpose. The purpose of a classic sign designation is to preserve signs that have historic value or particular distinctiveness within the city.
(B) Procedure.
(1) Initiation. A classic sign designation may be proposed by the owner of any property in the city, an individual expressly authorized by the owner in writing, or an official representative of the city.
(2) Action by the Building Director. An application for a classic sign designation shall be filed with the Building Director. Upon determining that the application is complete, the Building Director shall schedule the application for consideration by the Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission.
(3) Action by the Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission. The Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission shall evaluate the application, recommend approval or denial of the application, and forward its recommendation to the City Council.
(4) Action by the City Council. The City Council shall evaluate the application and take action in the form of approval or denial of the application.
(C) Standards for classic sign designation. The City Council, Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission, and Building Director shall evaluate applications for classic sign designations with specific written findings based on the standards of this section.
(1) Age. The proposed sign shall be a minimum of 25 years old.
(2) Significance. The proposed sign shall possess extraordinary significance due to the historic value and/or distinctiveness of the sign.
(3) Use. The proposed sign may relate to a land use no longer located on-site.
(4) Design. The proposed sign shall possess unique physical design characteristics, including, but not limited to, size, configuration, illumination, color, and/or texture.
(5) Maintenance. The owner of the proposed sign shall provide a maintenance or restoration plan to ensure that the sign will not pose a threat to the health, safety, and general welfare of the city.
(D) Exemptions, conformance, and removal.
(1) Exemptions. Signs designated as classic signs are exempt from all of the requirements of this chapter in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2) Conformance. Signs designated as classic signs shall be deemed conforming and may:
(a) Remain on the premises if the sign relates to a land use no longer located on-site.
(b) Be relocated on the same lot or any other lot.
(c) Be restored in the event that the sign is damaged or destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its fair market value.
(3) Removal. Signs designated as classic signs may be removed in accordance with § 1476.03(F)(3) (Removal) if the sign is unsafe, insecure, or a danger to the public.
(Ord. 17-33, passed 9-12-2017)