(A) Externally illuminated signs.
(1) Only white light is permitted.
(2) Beacon lights, colored lights and illumination by flame are prohibited.
(3) The light which is cast upon any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so as to avoid the creation or continuation of any nuisance or traffic hazard and avoid excessive glare or illumination to adjacent property.
(4) In no case shall the lighting intensity of any sign exceed the limit of 75 foot-candles measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign, whether it be the height or width.
(5) No sign shall be either directly or indirectly illuminated in such a manner as to adversely affect the use and enjoyment of nearby buildings.
(6) Projecting and/or freestanding signs located on or within 12 feet of a mixed commercial and residential use property shall not be illuminated beyond the closing time of the business to which the signs relate, or 10:00 p.m., whichever occurs later except:
(a) Where the sign is located more than 12 feet from the nearest dwelling unit window;
(b) Where the top edge of the sign is below the bottom edge of the sill of any dwelling unit window within 12 feet of the sign; or
(c) Where the affected dwelling units are occupied by the business and/or property owners or their agents.
(7) Size limitations on externally illuminated signs shall be subject to the limitations in this subchapter of the respective type of sign being lighted.
(B) Internal illumination and back-lighting of signs.
(1) Internal illumination and back-lighting of signage shall be employed only on properties zoned Planned Office, Planned Commercial, General Commercial, Planned Industrial, Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial and are located outside the Historic District.
(2) Signs may be illuminated either through the use of back-lighting or internal lighting only in accordance with all provisions of the city Building and Electrical Codes, the underlying zoning district, this section and provided that the following standards are met:
(a) Only one internally illuminated or back-lit wall sign shall be allowed per building.
(b) Internally illuminated and back-lit projecting signage is prohibited.
(c) In instances where a property fronts more than one street, only one freestanding internally illuminated or back-lit sign shall be permitted.
(d) No internally illuminated or back-lit sign shall use more than three colors, with white not considered a color. Bright "day glow" flourescent-type colors are prohibited.
(e) Sign panels, other than font and graphics, if translucent and illuminated, shall not emit light and shall emit a darker color than that used for illuminated font and graphics.
(f) Internally illuminated and back-lit signs shall not be illuminated after a business's normal closing or 10:00 p.m., whichever occurs later.
(g) Two entrance/exit signs are permitted per curb cut. Entrance and exit signs at the entrance to the property may be internally illuminated or back-lit, and shall not exceed three square feet in area nor exceed three feet in height. The setback from the driveway shall be a minimum of three feet.
(Ord. O-05-04, passed 4-11-05)