(a) Compliance with this Section. No person shall erect, locate, move, alter, or replace a sign or cause a sign to be erected, moved, altered or replaced, except in compliance with this Chapter.
(b) Substitution of Noncommercial Copy. A sign that can be displayed under the provisions of this chapter may contain non-commercial copy; provided however that such sign shall be subject to the same permit requirements, restrictions on size and type, and other conditions and specifications that apply to the sign for which it is being substituted.
(c) Sign Concept Plan. For multi-tenant buildings and development projects with multiple buildings, the Planning Commission may approve the location, size, color, and style of each tenant sign when the Planning Commission reviews the development plans for new buildings. When evaluating sign concept plans, the Planning Commission shall consider the criteria in Section 1149.19 (a) - (j). Whenever the Planning Commission has approved a tenant sign concept plan, the Community Development Administrator shall require that a subsequent tenant sign complies therewith.
(d) An overall sign plan may be submitted by a property owner for consideration of a unique or creative sign proposal that deviates from the requirements of this Chapter. Such sign plan shall be considered by the Planning Commission utilizing the criteria in subsection (e) below. After a sign plan has been approved, an application for a new or replacement sign shall be approved administratively when the Community Development Administrator determines that the proposed sign complies with the approved sign plan.
(e) A proposed sign that is not in compliance with the requirements in this Chapter may be reviewed by the Planning Commission. When considering deviation from the sign requirements herein, the Planning Commission may approve such sign when it determines that:
(1) The size and scale of the sign is appropriate for the size of the building and the proportion of the building (panel, fascia, wall, and other architectural features) and/or lot on which the sign will be placed.
(2) The proposed sign is the minimum relief necessary to assure it is visible to the intended viewers, typically passing motorists.
(3) The additional sign, additional sign area, alternative location, and/or the design will not adversely impact the adjacent residential areas, or otherwise compromise any other public interests.
(f) Application, Administrative Review, and Approval of Signage Proposals.
(1) A sign permit application shall be reviewed administratively by the Community Development Administrator for compliance with the design criteria, construction standards, maintenance, and all other applicable regulations in this Chapter.
(2) A Sign Permit shall expire one (1) year after the date of issuance if the sign has not been installed.
(3) The Community Development Administrator may approve a minor alteration to an existing Sign Permit without requiring the submittal, review and approval of a new Sign Permit application.
(4) Upon approval of a Sign Permit Application, the Community Development Administrator shall issue a Sign Permit.
(g) Schedule 1149.25 - Administrative Requirements.
(h) Status of Prior Violations. A violation of the sign regulations in effect upon the adoption of this Chapter shall continue, unless in compliance with this Chapter, and penalties and enforcement remedies available to the City shall continue in full force and effect. The City may continue to pursue imposition and collection of penalties for the violations that occurred prior to the effective date of this Chapter.
(Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)