A. Intent: It is the intent of this section to provide standards and requirements relating to the location and design of signs and similar advertising structures.
B. Permitted Signs In All Zones: The following accessory signs shall be permitted in all zones, subject to the terms and conditions as may be stated; and provided, that no sign shall be positioned in such a manner as to result in the creation of an unsafe visual clearance at any driveway location or intersection:
1. Signs Not Requiring Permit: The following signs shall be permitted without the necessity of obtaining a permit from the city: (Ord. 97-7-8-8, 7-8-1997)
a. Real estate sales; one sign per street frontage advertising the sale, lease or rental of the premises; provided, that such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in residential zones and eight (8) square feet in other zones. All such signs shall be removed within six (6) months from the date of installation. (Ord. 97-7-8-8, 7-8-1997; amd. 2003 Code)
b. Political signs; signs for the purpose of announcing the candidacy of any person seeking public office; provided, that such signs shall be removed not more than seven (7) days following the election.
c. Identification nameplates; accessory nameplates for professional persons or home occupations. Said signs shall be not more than two (2) square feet in area, be unlighted, and contain no advertising material.
d. Institutional identification signs; one sign or bulletin board per street front denoting the name of any public, charitable or religious institution when located on the premises of the main structure, and provided such sign shall not exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area.
e. Governmental signs; signs erected by a governmental unit for regulatory or informational purposes such as traffic signs, street signs and public notices.
f. Public signs; signs of a nonadvertising nature intended to identify a condition or provide information to the public, such as public utility information signs, safety and danger signs, trespass signs, entrance and exit markers, provided, no sign shall exceed four (4) square feet in area.
2. Signs Requiring Permit: The following signs shall be permitted upon acquisition of a permit therefor:
a. Building and development project identification signs; one sign for each parcel upon which a building or development project is being constructed announcing the character of the activity or the purpose for which the building is intended, including the names of the contractor, engineers, architects, financial providers, etc., and provided the area of the sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. All such signs shall be removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
b. Directional and public service signs; signs which identify or provide direction to scenic or historic sites, sports facilities or signs which serve as community entrance signs or which convey community service information; provided, that the area of the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. (Ord. 97-7-8-8, 7-8-1997)