(A) Permit required. Except those specified in division (B) of this section, no signs shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit and without being in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. The sign shall also meet all structural requirements of other applicable codes and ordinances of the county and state statutes.
(B) Signs excepted. All signs must have a building permit, except the following:
(1) Signs over show windows or doors of a non-conforming business establishment announcing without display or elaboration only the name and occupation of the proprietor and not to exceed two feet in height and ten feet in length;
(2) Real estate signs not to exceed eight square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the signs are temporarily located;
(3) Name, occupation and warning signs not to exceed two square feet located on the premises;
(4) Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions not to exceed 32 square feet in area located on the premises;
(5) Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against the structure;
(6) Official signs such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information and notices; and
(7) Temporary signs when authorized by the Administrator for a period not to exceed 30 days.
(C) Signs permitted. Signs are permitted for all commercial and industrial uses subject to the following restrictions.
(1) Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of buildings shall not extend more than six inches outside of building’s wall surface, shall not exceed 300 square feet in area for any one premises, and shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the main centerline street grade.
(2) Projecting signs fastened to, suspended from or supported by structures shall not exceed 300 square feet in area for any one premises; shall not extend more than six feet into any required yard; shall not extend more than three feet into any public right-of-way; shall not be less than ten feet above the sidewalk nor 15 feet above a driveway or an alley.
(3) Ground signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the main centerline street grade, shall meet all yard requirements for the district in which they are located and shall not exceed 300 square feet on all sides for any one premises.
(4) Roof signs shall not exceed ten feet in height above the roof, shall meet all yard and height requirements for the district in which they are located and shall not exceed 300 square feet on all sides for any one premises.
(5) Combinations of any of the above signs shall meet all the requirements for the individual sign.
(D) Signs specifically prohibited.
(1) Signs that display the words “Stop” or “Danger”; and
(2) Signs utilizing flashing lights.
(E) Facing. No sign except those permitted in division (B) of this section shall be permitted to face a residential use within 100 feet of the lot line.
(F) Traffic. Signs shall not resemble, imitate or approximate the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs or devices. Signs shall not obstruct or interfere with the effect of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices. No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape; and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape. No sign shall be placed as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
(G) Existing signs.
(1) Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this chapter may be continued although the use, size or location does not conform with the provisions of this chapter.
(H) Miscellaneous requirements.
(1) The owner, lessee or manager of any ground sign or owner of the land on which the same is located shall keep grass or weeds and other growth cut, and debris and rubbish cleaned up and removed from the lot on which the sign is located.
(2) Any sign or sign structure which may be or may hereafter become rotted, unsafe or unsightly shall be repaired or removed by the licensee, owner or manager of the property upon which the sign stands upon written notice of the Administrator or police officer.
(Prior Code, § 152.079) (Ord. passed 3-9-1976) Penalty, see § 155.999