The intent of this code is to promote the public health, welfare, safety and community identity while improving the quality of the visual environment. The provisions of the Sign Code are not intended to and do not restrict, limit or control the content or message of signs. The Sign Code has the following specific purposes:
(A) To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication;
(B) To protect, conserve and enhance property values;
(C) To enhance the attractiveness and economic well being of Ellettsville as a place to live and conduct business;
(D) To encourage creative and well-designed signs that contribute in a positive way to the town’s visual environment, express local character, and help develop a distinctive image in the town;
(E) To recognize that signs are a necessary form of communication and provide flexibility within the sign review and approval process to allow for unique circumstances;
(F) To encourage and, to the maximum extent feasible, require that all signs within the town be brought into compliance with the terms of the Sign Code;
(G) To reduce visual clutter;
(H) To discourage light pollution from improperly illuminated signs;
(I) To reduce traffic and safety hazards as to not distract motorists or create a hazard to vehicular and pedestrian traffic; and
(J) To prevent the proliferation of off-premises commercial signs which obscure the legitimate effort of local businesses to reasonably identify the location and nature of their business.
(Ord. 03-05, § 832-05, passed 5-27-2003; Am. Ord. 10-07, passed 5-24-2010; Am. Ord. 2017-06, passed 6-12-2017)