1189.03 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
   (a)   Height: No part of any sign shall exceed an above grade height of fifteen feet (15'). The maximum height of a sign is to be interpreted to mean that the signs may be no more than thirty feet (30') above the main roadway level.
   (b)   Movement: No sign shall incorporate movement or the illusion of movement. Flashing signs shall not be permitted.
   (c)   Illumination: Internally illuminated signs shall be constructed to allow illumination of letters, numbers, or other identifying symbols only on the display surface. Internally illuminated signs shall not exceed eight hundred (800) milliamp ere fluorescent tubes mounted not closer than twelve inches (12") on the center. External illumination shall be effectively shielded so as not to cast light onto adjoining property. No external light source shall be located or arranged to create confusion or conflict with traffic control signals.
   (d)   Signs by Public Right-of-Way: No signs, except exempted signs, shall be placed on or above the public right-of-way.
   (e)   Directory Signs: All directory signs shall be wall-mounted signs.
   (f)   Construction or Subdivision Signs: Signs used to advertise the erection of a building or subdivision including such information as the architect, builder, engineer, etc., shall not exceed thirty-two square feet (32 s.f.) and shall be permitted for a period of not more than thirty (30) days plus the construction period. There shall be only one (1) sign per project. Such signs shall not be closer than fifteen feet (15') to any public right-of-way. Signs larger than sixteen square feet (16 s.f.) shall not be allowed unless attached to the face of a structure.
   (g)   Political Signs: Political signs pertaining to the election of one (1) or more persons to public office or to one (1) or more public issues shall be erected not sooner than forty-five (45) days prior to the general or special election at which the office is to be filled or issue decided. Political signs shall not be greater than sixteen square feet (16 s.f.) in sign area as defined in Section 1189.09 (a) and may not be located closer than ten feet (10') to any public right-of-way. The signs shall be removed within one (1) week following the election.
   (h)   Marquee Signs: A sign shall be permitted to be mounted as a marquee as specified in Section 1133.01 (82). A sign underneath a marquee shall be permitted, but shall not exceed four square feet (4 s.f.) per side or face with a maximum of two (2) faces. The sign shall be a minimum of eight feet (8') above the sidewalk surface.
   (i)   For Sale, Rent, or Lease Signs: Signs not exceeding sixteen square feet (16 s.f.) in area advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which a sign is located, shall be permitted on any property. Signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the property may be located only on the property for sale, rent, or lease. Signs advertising the sale of real estate shall not remain longer than one (1) week following the closing of said property. Real estate open house signs shall be permitted only when the property is open for inspection and shall be permitted only on the property open for inspection.
   (j)   Incidental Signs: Incidental signs shall be excluded in the computation of sign area and shall not exceed twelve square feet (12 s.f.) of total area for all such signs. Placement of public utility locational signs shall be held to a minimum.
   (k)   Window Signs: Window signs shall be displayed only on the inside of windows and shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the available window area.
   (l)   Temporary Signs: Banners, pennants, and other decorative materials or innovative signs, and other devices shall be permitted if such banners, signs, and decorative materials are not displayed for more than three (3) days preceding the event and removed within three (3) days thereafter. Signs associated with the opening of a business may be displayed fifteen (15) days prior to the opening and fifteen (15) days thereafter. In no case shall a temporary sign be placed or extended on public right-of-way, except for publicly-owned signs. The level of illumination emitted or reflected from a temporary sign shall not be bright enough to constitute a safety hazard to vehicular movement on any street from which a sign may be viewed. Illuminating signs shall be constructed and maintained so that the source of the illumination is shielded from beaming directly into adjacent lots or streets. Also, temporary signs shall be properly constructed and maintained to ensure that no hazard is created. Banners larger than sixteen square feet (16 s.f.) shall not be permitted unless attached to the face of a structure.
   (m)   Roof Signs: Signs that project above the parapet wall or angle of a mansard roof or placed on the top of a building shall be prohibited.
   (n)   Portable Signs: Portable signs larger than eight square feet (8 s.f.) on one (1) side shall be prohibited in all zoning districts.
   (o)   Maintenance: All signs shall be reasonably maintained as needed.
   (p)   Traffic Visibility: No sign shall be erected in any manner to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian safety.
(Ord. 2001-35. Passed 7-17-01.)