In accordance with state law, the regulations in this subchapter establish comprehensive minimum requirements for the control of signs in order to preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare. More specifically, this subchapter is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives:
(A) To authorize the use of street graphics which are:
(1) Compatible with their surroundings and the zoning district in which they are located;
(2) Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain;
(3) Expressive of the identity of the individual proprietors;
(4) Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen; and
(5) Expressive of the image the city desires to project.
(B) To foster high quality office, commercial and industrial development and to enhance the economic vitality of existing businesses/industries by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of street graphics and encouraging better communication with the public.
(C) To encourage sound sign display practices and to mitigate the objectionable effects of competition in respect to the size and placement of signs.
(D) To enhance the physical appearance of the city by protecting the man-made and natural beauty of the area, and in particular, to further promote a pedestrian oriented atmosphere along Main Street and the entire community.
(E) To protect pedestrians and motorists from any damage or injury that might result from the improper construction, placement or use of signs.
(F) To protect the public investment in streets and highways by reducing the obstructions and distractions which might cause traffic accidents.
(G) To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with nearby land uses.
(H) To protect the physical and mental well-being of the general public by recognizing and encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the visual environment.
(I) To preserve and enhance the natural beauty and unique character of the city.
(J) To promote and aid in the tourist industry which is declared to be of importance to the economy of the city.
(K) To promote convenience, enjoyment and free flow of traffic within the city.
(L) To protect the public's ability to identify uses and premises without confusion.
(Ord. O-05-04, passed 4-11-05)