The following regulations shall apply to all off-premise signs in the City:
(a) No off-premise sign shall be constructed which resembles any official marker erected by a governmental entity, or which by reason of position, shape or color would conflict with the proper functioning of any official traffic control device.
(b) Off-premise signs shall be constructed in accordance with local and state building and electrical codes.
(c) Off-premise signs shall be regularly maintained in good and safe structural condition.
(d) No off-premise sign shall be located on a property without the consent of the property’s owner or legal representative.
(e) The general area in the vicinity of any freestanding sign on undeveloped property shall be kept free and clear of sign materials, debris, trash and refuse.
(f) Off-premise signs shall be constructed such that messages erected on said signs do not face residential districts.
(g) Off-premise signs shall be taken down and/or dismantled when an advertised business is no longer in business.
(h) Sizes of off-premise signs shall be regulated as follows:
(1) The maximum area for any one face of an off-premise sign shall, except for I-1 District, not exceed seventy-two (72) square feet excluding the base or apron, trim supports and other structural elements. Temporary embellishments shall not be allowed.
(2) Off-premise signs may be back-to-back, double faced and V-type with not more than two faces to each facing and such structure shall be considered as one off-premise sign.
(3) An off-premise sign shall have a maximum height not to exceed twenty (20) feet above grade level of the roadway to the top of the sign face, as measured from the centerline to which the sign is oriented.
(i) Spacing for Off-premise Signs.
(1) No off-premise sign may be established within five hundred (500) feet of any other off-premise sign, measured along the street or highway to which the sign is oriented.
(2) Spacing from directional and official signs, on-premise signs, or from any other sign which does not constitute an off-premise sign shall not be counted nor shall measurements be made from such signs for the purpose of determining compliance with these spacing requirements.
(3) The minimum distance between an off-premise sign and a residential district shall be five hundred (500) feet.
(j) Setback Requirements of Off-Premises Signs shall be as follows:
(1) Front: A minimum setback of ten (10) feet is required from the right-of- way for any off-premise sign, regardless of zone.
(2) Side: A minimum setback of ten (10) feet is required from side lot line for any off-premise sign, regardless of zone.
(3) Rear: A minimum setback of ten (10) feet is required from rear lot line for any off-premise sign, regardless of zone.
(4) Off-premise signs erected on the wall of buildings shall not project more than eighteen (18) inches from the wall to which it is attached and shall not be mounted perpendicular.
(k) Off-premise signs may be illuminated subject to the following restrictions:
(1) Signs that contain, include, or are illuminated by a flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights are prohibited.
(2) Electronic variable message signs giving public information such as, but not limited to: time, date, temperature, weather, or other similar information, and commercial electric variable-message signs which function in the same manner as multiple-faced signs are permitted, provided such signs do not interfere with traffic safety and do not resemble or simulate traffic control or safety devices or signs.
(3) Signs must be effectively shielded to prevent beams or rays from being directed toward any portion of the traveled ways, and must not be of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or otherwise interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle.
(4) No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal.
(l) Contractors; Licensing Requirements. No person may engage in the business of erecting, altering, relocating, constructing or maintaining signs without a valid city of Clyde local zoning certificate and State and Federal licenses.
(Ord. 2002-034. Passed 5-7-02.)