(A) Signs at the entrance to an area or subdivision from collector or arterial street defined by the City’s Comprehensive Plan shall be allowed; provided that:
(1) Not more than one sign shall be allowed at each entrance from a collector or arterial street;
(2) Area:
(a) For residential districts, the area of each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet; and
(b) For business, industrial or institutional districts, the area of each sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(3) Height:
(a) For residential districts, the maximum height of each sign shall be eight feet;
(b) For commercial districts, the maximum height of each sign shall be 20 feet; and
(c) For industrial districts, the maximum height of each sign shall be ten feet.
(4) Signs shall be located on outlots of sufficient size and area to accommodate the structure. An association or other form of deed restriction and ownership deemed acceptable by the City Council and involving all the properties within the designated area shall be required, which shall own and be responsible for the upkeep, perpetual maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities and other costs associated with the sign(s) and the outlot upon which it is located. The association rules or by-laws, or similar legal document, shall specify how the aforementioned sign responsibilities will be delegated and paid for. The legal document shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney.
(5) Outlots for signs shall be considered and planned for at the time of preliminary plat application and be included in the final plat. The subdivision development contract between the City and the developer shall specify the designated use of the outlot, its ownership and the respective responsibilities regarding the outlot.
(6) The outlot area around the sign shall be landscaped in such a manner to accent and enhance the sign while remaining sensitive to the natural features of the site. Detailed site and landscape plans shall be included with each sign permit application and shall be subject to City Council review and comment.
(7) The design and construction of area identification signs shall be done with the highest quality materials and workmanship to keep maintenance and upkeep costs to a minimum and to minimize the potential for vandalism. Area identification signs are to be aesthetically pleasing when designed and constructed. The sign shall be compatible with nearby structures in the area. Detailed construction plans and a materials list shall be included with each sign permit application and shall be subject to City Council review and approval.
(8) The City reserves the right to require the removal, at the owner’s expense, of any sign when the requirements of this section are not completely followed and adhered to, or if the sign is not properly maintained or falls into a state of disrepair. The City shall not have any obligation or liability to replace any sign when removed by the City.
(B) Additional signs shall be allowed upon approval of a final plat for a subdivision having five or more lots; provided that:
(1) One sign shall be allowed per project or subdivision or one sign for each frontage to a major collector or arterial street, whichever is greater;
(2) The area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet;
(3) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of eight feet; and
(4) The sign shall not be displayed for a period to exceed 24 months from the date a permit is issued for the sign or until building permits have been issued for 85% of the lots or dwelling units within the subdivision, whichever is less restrictive.
(Ord. passed 3-20-2002, § 27, sub. 10)