(a) Before any person or entity erects, constructs, reconstructs, replaces, or modifies any exterior sign on any building or structure in a Design Review District, said person or entity shall prepare and file an application with the City Building Inspector for review by the applicable Design Review Board, which application shall be accompanied by a full and accurate description of the size of such sign(s), the manner and method by which it will be affixed to the structure or building, the materials which make up said sign, the color and graphics of said sign(s), the method of illumination of such sign, if any, and any other items deemed necessary by the City Building Inspector or such Design Review Board to review said application.
(b) Such Design Review Board shall make its decision approving, denying or denying with proposed modifications, the application submitted to it within sixty (60) days after the application was first considered by the Board at a regular or special meeting. Any denial shall describe the basis for such finding and the person or entity aggrieved by the decision of such Design Review Board may appeal the decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals by giving ten (10) days written notice to such Design Review Board.
(c) No new sign(s), including replacements of existing signs, shall be permitted in any Design District except as follows:
(1) Wall signs. One principal wall sign shall be permitted on the business establishment which it represents. One secondary wall sign is permitted where a business has frontage on another street or where there is a rear or side entrance commonly used by the public. The wall sign shall be proportionate to the size of the face of the building upon which it is attached.
(2) Directory signs. Each building may have one directory sign, in addition to the above wall sign, that shall provide not more than two (2) square feet of area for each building occupant. Directory signs shall be mounted flat against the face of the building like a wall sign.
(3) Projecting signs - special exception. One projecting sign shall be allowed for each business establishment occupying a building subject to the following conditions:
A. Maximum size - ten (10) square feet
B. Minimum clearance to grade - eight (8) feet
C. Maximum horizontal projection from face of building - two (2) feet
D. May not project above the roof line of the building to which it is attached.
E. Each applicant must complete a statement holding the City harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by erection and maintenance of such sign(s) and must provide throughout the time that such sign(s) exist proof of insurance in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).
(4) Awnings.
A. No awning or canopy may extend beyond two (2) feet back of the curb line.
B. All awnings and canopies shall be erected so that their lowest point is at least eight (8) feet above the sidewalk.
C. One double-faced nameplate may be suspended from an awning or canopy perpendicular to the store front, provided the requirements of subsection (3) above are met.
D. Each applicant must complete a statement holding the City harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by erection and maintenance of such sign(s) and must provide throughout the time that such sign(s) exist proof of insurance in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).
(5) Incidental signs. Not to exceed four (4) square feet each and sixteen (16) square feet in total area for any business and which contain no advertising messages.
(6) Temporary signs on public sidewalks. One temporary sidewalk sign may be displayed by any business in any Design District, providing said temporary sign conforms to the following criteria:
A. Maximum sign area dimension: three (3) feet wide and four (4) feet high for any free standing sign.
B. Temporary sign may be used by a new business, a business changing location or to advertise a special sale.
C. Temporary sign may not be used for longer than two (2) weeks.
D. Temporary sign may not be used more than four (4) times each year per business.
E. Each applicant must complete a statement holding the City harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by erection and maintenance of such sign(s) and must provide throughout the time that such sign(s) exist proof of insurance in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).
F. All temporary mobile or portable banners, pennants, streamers and balloons shall be considered temporary sidewalk signs, and shall be subject to the restrictions of subsection (6) above, except for those contained in paragraphs a. and e. thereof.
(7) Prohibited signs. All animated signs, all mobile or portable banners, pennants, streamers and balloons, all signs that interpret movement of any kind and all off-premises signs which identify or provide information related to a good, service or event that is not located on the property where the sign is located are prohibited.
(Ord. 2003-39. Passed 4-22-03.)