The following are general limitations for all signs and sign structures, including signs exempt from the sign permit process:
(A) Location.
(1) No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private or public property without the written consent of the owner or agent thereof;
(2) No sign or sign structure, other than official highway signs, shall be placed upon, over or in any street or highway right-of-way which includes sidewalks. The right-of-way dimension shall be as determined by the Street Department;
(3) No sign or sign structure shall be erected at any location where it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device;
(4) No sign or sign structure shall be located in such a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection, or in such a manner as to materially impede the view of the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad grade crossing.
(5) No sign shall be permitted which is placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, electrolier, hydrant, bridge, tree or other surface located on a public property, except as otherwise expressly authorized by this chapter;
(B) Mimicking traffic signs and signals prohibited. No rotating beam, beacon, or flashing illumination resembling any emergency lights shall be used in connection with any sign display, nor shall any sign make use of the words “Stop,” “Look,” “Danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to suggest, interfere with, mislead, or confuse motorists;
(C) Improper signs prohibited. No sign shall bear or contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, pornographic, immoral character, or which contain advertising matter that is untruthful or that offends public morals or decency.
(D) Sign size. No sign shall have an aggregate surface size greater than five square feet for each foot of width for the principal structure, unless otherwise specified in § 153.097, Specific Signage Standards, below. Where no principal structure exists, the foregoing limitations shall be computed as though there were such a structure of maximum size permitted on such lot by the applicable zoning district.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)