(A) (1) It is the purpose and intent of this subchapter to promote the public health, safety and general welfare through reasonable, consistent and non-discriminatory sign standards. The sign regulations in this subchapter are not intended to censor speech or to regulate viewpoints, but instead are intended to regulate the adverse secondary effects of signs.
(2) The sign regulations are especially intended to address the secondary effects that may adversely impact aesthetics, traffic and pedestrian safety. In order to preserve and promote the city as a desirable community in which to live visit, work and play and do business, a pleasing, visually attractive and safe environment is of foremost importance. Further, it continues to be the purpose of this subchapter to promote optimum conditions for serving sign owners’ needs and respecting their rights to identification while balancing the aesthetic and safety interests of the community.
(3) The regulation of signs within the city and its zoning jurisdiction is necessary and in the public interest, and these regulations have been prepared with the intent of enhancing the visual environment of the city and promoting its continued well-being, and are intended more specifically to:
(a) Provide for the registration of permanent sign installers, construction and design standards for permanent signs, and permit requirement for permanent signs and applicable temporary signs;
(b) Accommodate the rights of individuals to freedom of speech, promote equity among businesses and other typical sign users, and enable the fair and consistent enforcement of sign standards;
(c) Recognize the legitimate signage needs of businesses and other interests to communicate messages provide identification, and enable wayfinding throughout the city for tourists and residents;
(d) Ensure that signage contributes to the maintenance of an aesthetically pleasing visual environment by exercising reasonable regulations overtype, size, number, appearance and location;
(e) Protect property values by minimizing the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property;
(f) Promote public safety and general welfare by ensuring that signs are properly constructed and maintained to protect the general public from property damage and personal injury;
(g) Facilitate traffic flow and safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists through enforcement of sight lines and other appropriate sign placement regulations; and
(h) Preserve and promote retention of local businesses and further the economic development goals of the city.
(Ord. 23-09, passed 8-21-2023)