1181.01 Purpose.
1181.02 Definitions.
1181.03 Signs excluded from regulations.
1181.04 Prohibited signs.
1181.05 Sign permits and administration.
1181.06 Signs which do not require a permit.
1181.07 Temporary signs.
1181.08 General requirements - permanent signs.
1181.09 Measurement of signs.
1181.10 Nonconforming signs.
1181.11 Maintenance.
1181.12 Appeals and variances.
1181.13 Remedies.
1181.14 Amendments.
1181.99 Penalty.
The purpose of these regulations is to encourage the proper development of signage systems that promote an economic and business environment while protecting the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Galion. The use of good judgment, in addition to the regulations stated herein, is encouraged in the installation and display of all signs.
(Ord. 2013-39. Passed 5-28-13.)
As used in this Chapter, the following words or phrases shall have the meanings herein:
(a) "Sign" means any device for visual communication which is designed, intended, or used to convey a message, advertise, inform or otherwise direct attention to a person, institution, organization, activity, business, place, object or product. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "sign" shall include any support structures.
(b) Other Definitions
(1) "Awning" means a hood or cover that projects from the wall of a building.
(2) "Banner" means a non-rigid cloth, plastic or canvas sign typically related to a special event or promotion. For the purposes of this Chapter, the term "banner" shall not include official flags of public entities, or civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations.
(3) "Billboard" means an off-premises sign that is more than two-hundred (200) square feet in area.
(4) "Canopy" means a structure separate from, but associated by use with the principal building, which is supported independently by posts or columns, is open on all sides, and is intended only for shelter or ornamentation. A "canopy sign" is a sign that is attached to or a part of the roof of such a structure.
(5) "Changeable copy sign" means a sign in which the material or message composing the sign, in whole or in part, is manually or mechanically changeable. This definition does not include digital display signs.
(6) "Digital display sign" means a sign which uses digital technology to produce a bright clear image which automatically changes on a programmed interval.
(7) "Directional sign" means any sign which indicates the direction or specific location of an institution, organization or business, which does not include advertising or any information regarding product lines or services offered.
(8) "Flashing sign" means a sign or graphic which in any manner, as a whole or in part, physically changes in light intensity or gives the appearance of such change.
(9) "Freestanding sign" means a sign which is wholly independent of any building for support.
(10) "Joint Identification sign" means a sign intended to provide the identity or name, for two or more uses within one building or on one property or the name of the building or its address for property occupied by two or more businesses.
(11) "Marquee" means an awning that has been constructed primarily so as to support a sign. "Marquee sign" means a sign that is attached or mounted to a marquee.
(12) "Mural" means a large picture or graphic generally free of a written message that is painted or attached directly to an exterior building surface.
(13) "Off-premises sign" means any sign that identifies or provides information related to a good, service or event that is not located on the property where such sign is located.
(14) "Permanent sign" means a sign intended to be erected or used, or in fact which is used for time period in excess of ninety (90) days.
(15) "Temporary Portable sign" means a sign designed or constructed in such a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural or support changes and shall include:
A. "Trailer sign" meaning a sign that is constructed on a chassis intended for the mounting of wheels, thereby permitting the sign to be moved.
B. "Illuminated portable sign" means an internally illuminated portable sign similar in design to a trailer sign, but without a chassis or explicit provision for the mounting of wheels.
C. "Folding portable sign" meaning a sign constructed of wood or other durable material which can be folded or collapsed for ease of transport.
(16) "Projecting sign" means a sign which extends outward perpendicular to the building face.
(17) "Roof sign" means any sign erected upon or completely over the roof of any building.
(18) "Temporary sign" means a sign intended to be used, or in fact used, for a time period of ninety (90) days or less.
(19) "Vending machine sign" means a permanent sign installed by the manufacturer on a fuel pump, vending machine, or similar outdoor object.
(20) "Wall sign" means a sign attached to a building face, with the exposed face in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall. Wall signs include painted murals, messages, graphics and other designs painted along with any letters or numerals mounted directly on buildings.
(21) "Window sign" means a sign, graphic, poster, symbol or other identification which is physically affixed to or painted on the glass or other structural component of the window.
(Ord. 2013-39. Passed 5-28-13.)
The following signs are excluded from the regulations and requirements of this Chapter:
(a) Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use and are not of a commercial nature, including address and/or name of occupants of the structure, signs on mailboxes or newspaper tubes, signs posted on property related to private parking, and signs warning against trespassing or danger from animals.
(b) Signs erected by a governmental entity for a recognized public purpose and duly authorized by any law, statute or ordinance. Such signs include legal notices and traffic control or safety devices, provided such signs carry no supplementary advertising.
(c) Signs which are in the nature of cornerstones, commemorative tablets and historic designations, provided such signs are less than nine (9) square feet in size.
(d) Signs clearly in the nature of decorations associated with a national, local or religious holiday.
(e) Flags or insignias of any governmental entity when not displayed as an advertising device, or in connection with any commercial promotion.
(f) Flags or banners not more than fifteen (15) square feet in area associated with an active business indicating "open" or "closed".
(Ord. 2013-39. Passed 5-28-13.)
Signs that are not specifically permitted in this Chapter shall be considered as prohibited. Without restricting or limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions, the following signs are specifically prohibited:
(a) Any sign that contains a light source that flashes or blinks.
(b) Any sign that obstructs any part of a doorway, exit or fire escape.
(c) Any sign that resembles or is intended to resemble a traffic control device, or is located in such a manner so as to obscure or impact the effectiveness of such traffic control device or signal.
(d) Any sign affixed to any utility pole, street tree or otherwise located within the street right-of-way. Such signs may be subject to confiscation at any time by city employees or authorized personnel. Confiscated signs will be stored for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days during which time they may be reclaimed by any interested party. Signs may be reclaimed at the City of Galion Street Department during normal business hours.
(e) Any signs located in such a manner as to create a safety or visibility hazard.
(Ord. 2013-39. Passed 5-28-13.)
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