The following temporary signs are permitted within all zoning districts of the city subject to these conditions:
(A) Temporary real estate signs are permitted on any property being sold, leased, or developed if they are not illuminated, or located between the sidewalk and curb, or in any required side or rear yard setback. They shall be no larger than seven square feet in any residential district. These signs shall be promptly removed when the sale, lease or development of the property has been completed. A sign permit is not required.
(B) Temporary signs announcing events such as "Grand Opening", "Under New Management" or "Going out of Business", may be either freestanding or building-mounted and shall be subject to the following standards.
(1) Only one sign is permitted with a maximum of 20 square feet in area.
(2) If freestanding, the sign is not to exceed eight feet in height or be located closer than ten feet to any lot line, and 15 feet from any street right-of-way.
(3) The sign is not to be located for a period more than 60 days except for a "Going out of Business" sign which shall not exceed 120 days.
(C) Any temporary construction sign is permitted which announces the names of architects, engineers, contractors, other individuals or firms involved with the construction, alteration or repair of a building or development. The sign may also announce the character of a building enterprise or the purpose which the building is intended. These signs shall be located on the site of the construction work, and not more than 32 square feet in area. A sign permit is not required.
(D) Seasonal displays and decorations are permitted for events such as religious holidays and the Fourth of July, but they cannot advertise a product, service, or entertainment. A sign permit is not required.
(E) Temporary on-site signs advertising any temporary use specified in § 155.140 are permitted. These signs may be freestanding or be building-mounted, and shall not exceed one per use, and shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. Freestanding temporary signs shall not exceed eight feet in height. Such signs may be erected only for the duration of the temporary use and shall be located only as approved by the Building Inspector. In addition, there may be off-site directional signs as specified in division (F) below.
(F) Freestanding, off-site directional signs providing information for the location of grand openings, private garage or yard sale, other temporary user, or real estate that is for sale or for rent. These signs do not require a permit but shall be subject to the following conditions.
(1) These signs shall not exceed six square feet in area or four feet in height.
(2) No more than five signs per site for this purpose are allowed.
(3) These signs shall not be located in any public right-of-way.
(4) These signs shall not be situated to cause an obstruction or distraction to passing motorists.
(5) These signs shall be removed promptly after the sale or temporary activity has ended.
(G) Banners or flags announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, charitable, educational, historical or religious organization are permitted. Such signs may be mounted on a building or freestanding and may be on or over public property or right-of-way with the approval of the governing body. These signs do not have to be located at the site of the event, and may be erected for a period not more than 60 days. A sign permit is not required.
(H) Political signs.
(1) Political campaign signs erected on Election Day at officially designated polling places are permitted.
(2) Each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, and a freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(3) A sign shall not be erected for more than 30 days before the primary election, general election or referendum which they advertise.
(4) All signs shall be removed within five days after the election or referendum.
(5) This provision shall not authorize the posting of political campaign signs upon trees, utility poles, traffic-control signs, street lights, or in any place prohibited by this subchapter.
(6) Any temporary political campaign signs placed on buildings or in building windows which are visible to the outside shall meet above requirements.
(7) The political party and candidate shall be responsible for the prompt removal of signs within the required five days.
(8) There shall be no limit to the number of signs appropriately displayed.
(9) No sign permit is required.
(I) Signs displayed on private property which express a political, religious, social, or similar message, shall be permitted in any district subject to the following.
(1) The sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, and the freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(2) No sign shall be erected for more than 30 calendar days.
(3) No more than two such signs on any property per calendar year are permitted.
(4) A sign permit is not required.
(J) Inflatable hot-air or gas-filled balloons used for the purpose of product advertising shall be permitted as temporary signs in a business district for a period from the Building Inspector who shall determine that the usage of the balloons will meet safety standards.
(K) Search or spot lights placed temporarily on the ground for grand openings or special promotions are permitted provided the devise has a vertical beam and it does not create an air traffic hazard. A sign permit is required from the Building Inspector who shall determine that safety standards are met.
(L) Portable signs are permitted in commercial and industrial districts and up to 30 days per year in residential areas. There shall be only one sign per business or residence. Sign permits are required and the following standards apply:
(1) The sign must be at least 15 feet from the right-of-way and at least ten feet from any adjacent property line.
(2) In residential districts, the sign shall not display any product advertising.
(3) The sign shall not obstruct the view of traffic from any driveway.
(4) There shall be no flashing lights or any moving parts.
(5) The sign shall be anchored to the ground and shall meet applicable electrical codes.
(6) No portable signs shall be permitted on any public right-of-way sidewalks. Sandwich style signs, two feet by three feet, are permitted on right-of-way sidewalks, during the businesses operating hours and do not interfere with normal pedestrian travel.
(M) Temporary signs on local government property shall be installed to meet the standards as specified in this section.
(Ord. CO-90-2, passed 3-26-90; Am. Ord. CO-07-19, passed 12-10-07; Am. Ord. 11-03, passed 4-25-11)