Signs that are not expressly listed as permitted in this chapter are prohibited. The following limitations, obligations and prohibitions apply to all signs.
(A) Any sign for which a permit has not been issued and which is not a “sign authorized without a permit” is prohibited.
(B) Roof signs are prohibited.
(C) Inflatable signs and tethered balloons are prohibited.
(D) No portion of a privately owned sign or its supporting structures, such as poles or cables, shall be placed on or within the air space above publicly owned property, a public right-of-way (such as a street, sidewalk or waterway) or a proposed public right-of-way, except those projecting signs permitted by § 152.04(A) of this code.
(E) Cutting or killing vegetation growing on public rights-of-way (or below the ordinary high water mark of navigable streams) to enhance visibility of a sign is prohibited.
(F) Signs which imitate traffic signals, traffic-direction signs or similar traffic-control devices are prohibited.
(G) Merchandise signs advertising all manner of product inside the business establishment, whether manufactured or available for retail, are prohibited for installation outside the building either on the building or light poles, with the exception of merchandise advertising that may be a part of a special event banner or temporary sign provided for in § 152.04(F) and (G) of this code.
(H) A revolving sign or signs containing flashing, intermittent and moving or revolving parts or text are prohibited.
(I) A sign (other than a traffic sign installed by a governmental entity) shall not simulate or imitate the size, lettering or design of any traffic sign in a manner so as to mislead or confuse the public.
(J) Any sign on a motor vehicle, trailer, farm implement or other mobile equipment which is parked in a position visible to traffic on a public road, waterway or parking area for a period longer than six days in a 60-day period is prohibited. However, signs permanently painted, magnetically attached or otherwise displayed upon a vehicle licensed and operating on the public streets and highways identifying the owner’s occupation, livelihood or employment shall be permitted.
(K) Signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct the visibility of pedestrians and motorists at intersections and driveways.
(L) Permanently affixed or temporary off-premises signs and billboards are prohibited, with the exception of those special event and temporary banners and signs provided for in § 152.03(I) of this code.
(M) The following signs are expressly prohibited:
(1) Signs affixed to trees, rocks, shrubs or similar natural features and signs affixed to light poles, utility poles or other supporting members in the right-of-way;
(2) Any sign or sign structure which is structurally unsafe and constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation and abandonment or is not kept in good repair, as defined in the definition of SIGN, ABANDONED in § 152.02 of this code; and
(3) Any sign or other advertising structure containing any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
(Prior Code, § 152.06) (Ord. 39, passed 1-19-2010) Penalty, see § 152.99