(A) With the exception of the exempt signs identified below, a sign permit shall be obtained prior to the erection, construction, enlargement, movement, conversion or other improvement of any sign within the jurisdiction of the Crawfordsville Plan Commission. No sign, billboard, or exterior graphic display shall be permitted in any district except as herein provided. Any sign hereafter erected, placed, installed or otherwise established on any property before obtaining a permit as required by this chapter, shall be considered in violation of this chapter and is therefore subject to the penalties set forth in the Enforcement Division of this chapter.
(B) The purpose of the following signage standards and regulations is to set forth provisions governing the installation and construction of signs and other advertising devices. In addition, it is the purpose of and intent of this division to: recognize the function and importance of signs for the business sector and the city; preserve and enhance the character and visual appearance of the city; recognize the integral part played by signs in the overall appearance of the city; provide a reasonable set of controls that will permit and encourage creative and effective signs that adequately identify a business; and, provide standards, guidance and direction for sign users and sign designers as to what constitutes appropriate signage within the jurisdiction of the city.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)