(A) Flashing signs.
(1) Flashing signs shall not be used in a manner that will create a traffic hazard or where their use may be confused with traffic-control devices or emergency vehicle signals.
(2) The flashing bulb in a flashing sign shall not be larger than a 40-watt incandescent bulb.
(3) The bulb in a traveling light sign shall not be greater than a 40-watt incandescent bulb.
(4) Flashing signs may only be located in a B or CPD District.
(B) Permanent electronic message signs.
(1) Electronic message signs may be incorporated into a single- or multi-tenant sign face such that the electronic message sign face occupies less than 50% of the total area of the sign face.
(2) The sign message shall periodically include information such as time, temperature or other messages of interest to the traveling public.
(3) The sign message shall not consist of flashing, oscillating, chasing or animated lights, and shall not change more frequently than once every two seconds.
(4) The sign structure shall conform to all applicable regulations as specified in this chapter.
(C) Permanent manually changeable copy signs.
(1) Changeable copy may be incorporated into a single- or multi-tenant sign face.
(2) A changeable copy face that has been incorporated into a single-tenant sign face such that the changeable copy sign face occupies less than 50% of the total area of the sign face.
(3) Changeable copy on a sign face shall be proportional to the entire sign face and shall be integrated into the sign face.
(4) Lettering of changeable copy shall be of a single, simple, easily legible lettering style and shall be uniform in color and in size throughout the changeable copy portion of the sign.
(D) Mural sign.
(1) Purpose. The purpose is to encourage art murals on a content-neutral basis under certain terms and conditions. Art murals comprise a unique medium of expression which serves the public interest. Such purposes and benefits include: improved aesthetics; avenues for original artistic expression; public access to original works of art; community participation in the creation of original works of art; community building through the presence of and identification with original works of art; and a reduction in the incidence of graffiti and other crime.
(2) Permitted murals. Mural may be permitted on exterior building walls or permanent wall structures in all non-residential zoning districts and with legal non-residential uses in residential zoning districts.
(3) Paint. Paint for application to brick masonry walls should be durable, easy to apply and have good adhesive characteristics. It should be porous if applied on exterior masonry, thereby permitting the wall to breathe and preventing the trapping of free moisture behind the paint film.
(4) Review. Murals shall require site plan approval by the Development Review Committee. All applicants shall submit the following information for a mural permit to be considered:
(a) Building elevation drawn to scale, and one 8.5 x 11-inch reduction suitable for photo copying, that identifies:
1. The facade on which the mural is proposed;
2. The location of existing and proposed murals;
3. The mural dimensions;
4. The height of the mural above grade; and
5. The location and angle of direction for all lights for the mural.
(b) Written description of the type of mural (painted, mosaic, etc.) and details showing how the mural is affixed to the wall surface.
(c) Murals proposed to be affixed to public buildings, shall have a recommendation by the Development Review Committee considered by the City Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The City Council may, in its discretion, approve, approve with modifications or deny the request.
(5) Prohibitions.
(a) Murals may not extend beyond or project above the vertical or horizontal line of any wall onto which the mural is painted or affixed so as to not create a safety hazard to the public.
(b) Murals in a public right-of-way.
(c) Murals of any material characterized by an emphasis on “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” or which are sexually oriented as defined by Chapter 114 of this code of ordinances.
(d) Murals shall not create a public safety issue, such as a distraction to drivers.
(6) Expiration. If the mural is not completed within six months of issuance of a mural permit, the permit is void, and no further work on the mural may be done at the premises until a new permit has been secured. The Department may extend a permit for one period of six months upon finding that the applicant was unable to commence or continue work for reasons beyond his or her control. A request for permit extension must be in writing and must be received by the Department before the permit expiration date. If an inspection approval has not been granted within this extended time period, the permit is void. A permit may be extended only once under the standards of this division.
(7) Maintenance. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that a permitted mural is maintained in good condition and is repaired in the case of vandalism or accidental destruction. Muralists and building owners are encouraged to consider protective clear top coatings, cleanable surfaces, and/or other measures that will discourage vandalism or facilitate easier and cheaper repair of the mural if needed.
(8) Removal. Any associated materials that were used to affix or secure the mural to the wall must be removed at the time of the removal of the mural. This includes, but is not limited to mounting hardware or brackets, caulk or grout, and adhesives or glues.
(9) Fee. No fee is required for required review or issuance of a permit to install a mural.
(Ord. 10-3277, § 3-3.13, passed 1-4-2010; Ord. 22-3679, passed 8-15-2022)