The following non-illuminated signs shall be permitted accessory to a permitted use in any zoning district, without obtaining a sign permit prior to installation. Such signs shall be subject to all other applicable conditions and standards set forth in this subchapter.
(A) Historic designation. Historic signs designating site recognized by the State Historical Commission or local governmental body or agency.
(B) Address numbers and nameplate. All principal buildings shall display their assigned road number in a manner legible from the road right-of-way. In addition, one nameplate shall be permitted per principal building to provide for the further identification of the building, use or occupants. The nameplate shall not exceed two square feet in area, and shall be attached flat against the building wall.
(C) Regulatory. Traffic safety and control signs that conform to the requirements of the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(D) Building markers. Memorial signs, tablets or markers, and historical plaques cut into any masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material and shall not exceed one square foot in area.
(E) Directional. Signs used to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic to parking areas, loading area, subject to the following:
(1) Directional signs shall not contain logos or other forms of advertising; and
(2) Directional signs shall not exceed two square feet in area or four feet in height.
(F) Real estate. One temporary sign advertising the rent, sale, or lease of a parcel or building not exceeding eight square feet of sign face and six feet in height. Such sign shall not be placed in the public right-or-way and shall be removed within 30 calendar days from the date of rental, lease, or sale.
(G) Community event. Decorations or displays celebrating traditional holidays or events, school or community events that are erected on the property of the sponsor of the display or event. Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet and eight feet in height. A permit shall be required if the sign is displayed over 14 calendar days in a calendar year.
(H) Political. Non-illuminated temporary signs promoting political parties, candidates or proposals. Temporary political signs shall not exceed eight feet in height. All political signs must follow the city’s policy on local campaign guidelines.
(I) Governmental. Signs of duly constituted governmental body; signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule or regulation; signs identifying public access, municipal facilities and similar official markers; and incidental signs displayed for the direction, safety or convenience of the public.
(J) Changeable copy. Changes to sign copy within an approved changeable copy area.
(K) Window signs. Temporary or permanent window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total surface area of the facade windows.
(L) Sign repair. Painting, servicing, cleaning or minor repairs to an existing sign, provided that the sign is restored to its original design and all work is in compliance with applicable structural and electrical codes, and the requirements for such signs specified in this subchapter.
(M) Pennants. Pennants installed with the permission of City Council, or their designated agent, on or over public roads for aesthetic or promotional purposes. Pennants used to advertise or attract attention to a use or event shall be considered a temporary sign for the purposes of the subchapter.
(N) “No signs”. Posting of not more than one “no trespassing,” “no dumping,” “no skateboarding,” and other similar signs per side of a parcel when posted on private property. Each sign shall not exceed three square feet in area.
(O) Incidental signs. Incidental signs on vehicles, trailers, trucks, and similar vehicles used for transport in the normal course of business, provided that the primary use of shall not be for the purpose of advertising on the premises where the vehicle is parked.
(P) Garage sale signs. A temporary sign that must be removed within 24 hours after the end of the sale.
(1) Sign not to exceed four square feet.
(2) One sign permitted on the premises of the sale; two additional signs (not to exceed four square feet per sign) within ½ mile of the sale location and may be placed in the city rights-of way.
(3) Signs must be freestanding and not attached to any poles, trees, fences, and the like.
(Q) Time/temperature/message signs. Time/temperature/message signs shall be permitted in commercial districts and for institutional uses, i.e. churches, schools, government office, and the like, subject to the following:
(1) Frequency of message change. The message change shall not be more frequent than once every 30 seconds;
(2) Size. The area of types of signs shall be included within the maximum sign area permitted on the site;
(3) Number. One such sign shall be permitted per street frontage; and
(Ord. 10-013, passed 1-11-10)