If there is a conflict between the requirements for signage in the CBD, Central Business District in § 154.356(D)(4) and this subchapter, the CBD district standards will apply. The following general standards shall apply to signs in all zoning districts.
(A) Standards of measurement. Dimensional standards and measurements for signs shall be subject to the following:
(1) Sign height. The distance from the average level of the ground or pavement directly below the sign to the highest point of the sign structure, including any supportive or decorative elements.
(2) Sign setback. Setbacks shall be measured from the closest road right-of-way or front lot line to the nearest edge of the sign.
(3) Sign area. The surface area of a sign shall include the total area within any regular geometric figure (circle, triangle, rectangle, and the like) enclosing the extreme limits of letters, symbols or other material forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed.
(a) Where two sign faces with identical sign areas are placed back to back no more than 18 inches apart, then the sign area shall equal the area of one face.
(b) Where two sign faces with different sign areas are placed back to back no more than 18 inches apart, then the sign area shall equal the area of the larger face.
(c) Where two sign faces are placed more than 18 inches apart at any point, then the sign area shall equal the total area of all sign faces.
(B) Construction and maintenance.
(1) All signs shall be constructed or installed in compliance with the State Construction Code, and other applicable building, fire, and electrical codes enforced by the city; shall be maintained in good repair and working order; and shall present a neat and orderly appearance and a professional appearance. Non-galvanized or corrosion-prone materials shall be painted as necessary to prevent corrosion.
(2) All sign faces shall be smooth, and no nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted to protrude from any sign. This shall not exclude the use of block letters, decorative elements or other devices that may extend over the top or in front of the sign structure.
(C) Placement requirements. The following placement standards shall apply to all signs:
(1) No sign may extend above any parapet or be placed upon any roof surface. For purposes of this subchapter, roof surfaces constructed at an angle of 75 degrees or more from horizontal (such as mansard roofs) shall be regarded as wall space.
(2) No sign attached to a building, other than a permitted awning sign, marquee sign, or projecting sign, may project more than 18 inches from the building wall.
(3) Signs shall not be located within nor extend over any road right-of-way, or corner clearance area, except where specifically authorized by this subchapter.
(4) All signs shall be located at least ten feet from any utility pole, overhead wire, transformer or streetlight, except where specifically authorized by this subchapter.
(5) All signs shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, except as otherwise permitted in this subchapter.
(D) Hazards and obstructions. Signs shall not be designed or maintained in a manner that would confuse or mislead motorists or pedestrians, create traffic or pedestrian hazards. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe, fire escape or other means of ingress or egress.
(E) Use. Signs shall not impair the use of adjacent properties. All signs shall be accessory to the principal use of the parcel where the sign is located, unless specifically permitted by this subchapter as a non-accessory sign. Any sign permitted by this subchapter may contain a non-commercial message. A changeable copy area shall be allowed as part of a permitted sign, provided that the changeable copy area shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area.
(Ord. 10-013, passed 1-11-10; Am. Ord. 17-001, passed 7-10-17)