CHAPTER 153: SIGNS

Section

   153.01   Findings

   153.02   Intent

   153.03   Non-commercial signs

   153.04   Improvement location permits

   153.05   Signs restricted

   153.06   Sign provisions generally

   153.07   Freestanding signs

   153.08   Marquee or canopy signs

   153.09   Projecting signs

   153.10   Roof-mounted signs

   153.11   Temporary signs

   153.12   Revolving signs

   153.13   Permitted signs by district

   153.14   Signs not permitted in any district

   153.15   Unsafe, obsolete or nonconforming signs

   153.16   Alterations to signs

   153.17   Maintenance of signs

§ 153.01 FINDINGS.

   (A)   The Town Council finds:

      (1)   The manner of the erection, location and maintenance of signs affects the public health, safety, morals and public welfare of the people of this community;

      (2)   The safety of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, other users of the public streets and property is effected by the number, size, location and appearance of signs that are intended to and result in the diversion of the attention of drivers;

      (3)   The size and location of signs may, if uncontrolled, constitute an obstacle to effective firefighting and the provision of other emergency services;

      (4)   The construction, erection and maintenance of signs suspended from or placed on the tops of buildings, walls or other structures may constitute a direct danger to pedestrian and vehicular traffic below, especially during periods of strong winds;

      (5)   Uncontrolled and unlimited signs degrade the aesthetic attractiveness of the natural human-made attributes of the community and thereby undermine the economic value of tourism, visitation and permanent economic growth; and

      (6)   Uncontrolled and unlimited signs may result in a roadside clutter that impedes the flow of information from businesses to consumers, thereby harming the economic health of the community, and that impedes the flow of information from traffic signs and signals, thereby creating hazards to drivers and pedestrians.

   (B)   It is therefore necessary for the promotion and preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the people of this community that the erection, construction, location and maintenance of signs be regulated and controlled.

(Ord. 13-93, passed 7-26-1993)

§ 153.02 INTENT.

   (A)   This chapter shall be constructed and implemented to create a comprehensive and balanced system of sign control that accommodates both the need for a well-maintained, safe and attractive community and the need for effective business identification, advertising and communication.

   (B)   It is the intent of this chapter, and it shall be interpreted, to promote the health, safety, convenience, aesthetics and general welfare of the community by controlling signs that are intended to communicate to the public, and to authorize the use of signs that are:

      (1)   Compatible with their surroundings and the historical theme of the town;

      (2)   Designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a manner that does not endanger public safety or unduly distract motorists;

      (3)   Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain; and

      (4)   Large enough to convey sufficient information about the owner or occupants of a particular property, the products or services offered for sale or the activities advertised, and small enough to satisfy the needs for regulation.

(Ord. 13-93, passed 7-26-1993)

§ 153.03 NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNS.

   Any sign allowed under this chapter may be used to convey any non-commercial message or expression in lieu of the message specifically permitted under this chapter. All regulations and restrictions regarding the size, the location, the illumination, the configuration and the number shall remain in effect.

(Ord. 13-93, passed 7-26-1993)