The regulations contained in this Chapter shall apply to all signs in the City of Chardon.
(a) A sign shall only be erected, established, painted, created or maintained in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this Chapter.
(b) Architectural features that are either part of the building or structure are not considered signs and are exempt from these regulations. Architectural features include any construction attending to, but not an integral part of the sign, and which may consist of landscaping, building or structural forms that enhance the site in general. An architectural feature means ornamentation or decorative elements attached to, incorporated into, or projection from the exterior of a building. Architectural features include, but are not limited to, doors, windows columns, cornices, eaves, gutters, fascia, belt courses, sills, lintels pediments, bay windows, chimneys, trim details and decorative ornaments.
(c) The following signs and displays are exempt from the regulations of this Chapter:
(1) Public Signs. A public regulation and information sign, municipal and traffic signs, and a sign displaying a public notice or warning required by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation;
(2) Building Marker, cornerstones, or building plaques;
(3) Flags of any nation, government or non-commercial organizations;
(4) Window sign, provided it does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the window;
(5) A work of art that does not display a commercial message;
(6) A religious symbol that does not display a commercial message;
(7) A decorative religious display and other holiday lights or decorations containing no commercial message when displayed during the appropriate time of the year.
(8) Signs conforming to the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and other government signs for traffic control, public safety and other regulatory purposes.
(9) Incidental Signs located on walls and up to three freestanding signs per property. (Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)