The purpose of this subchapter is to promote the public health, safety and welfare through the regulation of placement, type, appearance, servicing, and location of newsracks within and upon public rights-of-way so as to:
(A) Maintain and preserve freedom of the press;
(B) Restrict unreasonable interference with the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic including ingress or egress for any residence or place of business, or from the street to the sidewalk by persons exiting or entering parked or standing vehicles;
(C) Provide reasonable access for the use and maintenance of devices including, but not limited to, poles, posts, traffic signs or signals, hydrants, mailboxes and access to locations used for public transportation purposes;
(D) Relocate and/or replace newsracks that result in a visual blight due to inappropriate placement, lack of maintenance or noncompliance with the provisions of this subchapter;
(E) Prevent excessive space allocation on the public rights-of-way that creates a public hazard;
(F) Ensure removal of abandoned newsracks;
(G) Maintain and protect the values of surrounding properties;
(H) Reduce unnecessary exposure of the public to personal injury or property damage;
(I) Treat all publications equally regardless of their size, content, circulation, or frequency of publication;
(J) Provide for pedestrian and driving safety and convenience;
(K) Address any security issues for facilities adjoining the public right-of-way; and
(L) Ensure the preservation and protection of the unique visual and aesthetic qualities of the city's designated historic districts, and protect the substantial investments in public improvements in those areas.
(Ord. O-3-04, passed 3-1-04)