The regulations contained in subchapter shall apply to signs placed in any and all zoning districts within the village. Divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall not apply to any sign performing a public service function by indicating time, temperature, traffic and/or road conditions, or similar services.
(A) All illuminated signs shall employ a lighting device that only allows for the emission of light in constant intensity; and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving light(s). In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be placed or directed so as to permit the beams and illumination to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance. This division shall not apply to any sign performing a public service function indicating time, temperature or similar service.
(B) No sign shall employ parts or elements which revolve, rotate, whirl, spin or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention. This division shall not apply to any sign performing a public service function indicating time, temperature or similar service.
(C) Signs erected and maintained pursuant to and as required by law, any governmental function, ordinance or governmental regulation shall be excluded from the regulations contained herein.
(D) Regulation of signs along interstate and primary highways shall conform to the requirements of R.C. Chapter 5516 and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(E) No sign shall be placed in any public right-of-way except publicly-owned signs, such as traffic control and directional signs.
(F) Should any sign be or become unsafe or be in danger of falling, the owner thereof or the person maintaining the sign shall, upon receipt of written notice from the Zoning Administrator, proceed at once to put such sign in a safe and secure condition or remove the sign altogether.
(G) No sign of any type shall be installed, erected, or attached in any form, shape, or manner to a fire escape or any door or window giving access to any fire escape.
(H) No sign shall be attached to or supported by a tree, utility pole, trash receptacle, bench or public shelter.
(I) No sign shall be located nearer than eight feet vertically or four feet horizontally from any overhead electrical wires, conductors, or guy wires and shall comply with all safety requirements of the appropriate public utility.
(J) (1) The continuance of an existing sign that does not meet the regulations and requirements of this Zoning Code shall be deemed a legal, non-conforming sign. This status shall remain in effect until such sign has been determined to be abandoned, which occurs when any of the following conditions are present:
(a) The sign is associated with an abandoned use;
(b) The sign remains after a business has been closed to the public for at least 90 consecutive days. Seasonal businesses are exempt from this determination; and
(c) The sign is not maintained and intact and supports, braces, guys and anchors are in a state of disrepair.
(2) The Zoning Administrator shall take into account the above factors when making a determination as to what constitutes abandonment. If, upon finding that the signage is abandoned, the right to maintain and use such sign shall terminate immediately.
(K) No sign legally in existence at the time of the passage of this Zoning Code shall be replaced, changed, or altered unless the new or altered sign conforms to the provisions of this Zoning Code. Any modification, including size, dimensions, location, word, letters, electrification or configuration, shall constitute an alteration or change. However, maintenance of such sign in its exact condition and message does not constitute a change or alteration. This Zoning Code shall not apply to the message content of existing changeable copy signs.
(Ord. 03-04, passed - -2002) Penalty, see § 153.999