(a) The following signs are exempt and do not require a sign permit from the Zoning Inspector. To maintain an exempt status, these signs must comply with restrictions as established in this Chapter.
(1) Political signs or posters concerning candidates for elective office, public issues, and similar matters to be decided by a scheduled public election. The signs shall not be illuminated, and shall not create a safety or visibility hazard, nor be affixed to any public utility pole or tree.
(2) Signs located inside a building and not visible from the outside through a window.
(3) Memorial signs and plaques installed by recognized civic organizations.
(4) Official and legal notices and signs issued by governmental agencies.
(5) Official flags of all governmental and civic/fraternal organizations.
(6) Construction signs when conforming to the conditions set forth under Section 1145.13.
(7) Non-residential directional signs located in the “MUB”, “PO” and “RNC” zoning districts provided that such signs are located on-site, have a maximum area which does not exceed three (3) square feet per sign, have a maximum overall height of four (4) feet above grade, and are mounted on a monument or pole. Such signs may be located in a required building setback area provided that a minimum distance of five (5) feet from any property line is maintained.
(8) Garage and yard sale signs provided they conform to the regulations set forth in this Zoning Code.
(9) Signs clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated with any national, local, or religious holiday, to be limited to 60 days in any one year, and to be displayed not more than 60 consecutive days. The signs may be of any illumination or animation, provided that safety and visibility hazards are not created.
(10) Nameplates, provided that the nameplate does not exceed one and one-half square feet and is flush to the building. Sign material must be appropriate to the face of the building.
(11) Incidental business signs as defined in this Chapter. A maximum of three (3) incidental signs shall be permitted for any single non-residential use.
(b) The responsible party in each of the above instances shall be as follows:
(1) In all cases, the person actually placing the sign.
(2) For political signs, the candidate whose name appears on the sign.
(3) For garage sale and yard sale signs, the owner of the property if he or she resides therein and has an interest in the sale, otherwise the lessee or other occupant of the property who is conducting the sale.
(4) For special event signs, the sponsoring organization shall be the responsible party.