The purpose of this Sign Code is to promote the general safety and welfare of the citizens of the City through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and non-discriminatory sign standards and requirements. The purposes also include the preservation and promotion of traffic safety, preserve and promotion of the aesthetic appeal of the City, reduction in visual clutter, and ensuring all signs installed in the City are compatible with the unique character and environment of the City and in compliance with the provisions of City ordinances and the following specific purposes:
(a) To require all graphics, including signs, to be properly constructed, installed and maintained and to prevent property damage, personal injury and litter from signs which are improperly constructed, poorly maintained, or of inadequate or flimsy materials;
(b) To encourage signs that are readable;
(c) To balance public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both commercial and non-commercial messages. To permit public and private signs that are compatible with their surroundings, aid orientation, identify activities, advertise or promote the interests of persons, products or services, express local history and character, allow for freedom of expression, or to serve educational purposes;
(d) To recognize free speech rights by regulating signs in a content-neutral manner;
(e) To encourage public and private signs that are appropriate to the zoning districts in which they are located;
(f) To reduce visual clutter by controlling the number, size and location of signs;
(g) To regulate signs so that they do not obstruct vision or interfere with the functions of drivers and to promote the free flow of traffic and protect pedestrians and motorists from injury and property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting and/or illegible signage;
(h) To protect the aesthetic beauty of the City's environment;
(i) To protect property values, the local economy, and the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape.
(Ord. 29-16. Passed 11-15-16.)