(a) All permanent signs shall require a permit. Permitted permanent signs shall be classified as either wall signs, window signs, awnings, projection signs or ground mounted signs. However, no signs are permitted within a public right of way or easement, unless otherwise approved in this chapter.
(1) Wall signs may be erected on a building wall or extension of a building wall which faces a street, parking lot or service drive, and such sign may not extend beyond any building setback lines. Wall signs shall be attached parallel to the building face and extend outward perpendicular from the building face a maximum of ten inches except as follows:
A. Signs may be painted on an awning area or attached to a canopy, marquee or roof which projects beyond the building provided that no part of such sign may extend above the roof line, canopy or marquee.
B. Projecting nameplates, provided that:
The nameplate does not exceed four square feet in size; is placed not less than ten feet above the sidewalk or ground level; and projects no more than three feet outward from the building face; and
(2) Permanent window signs and graphics shall be limited to signs denoting the identification of the occupant, the address of the premises and its primary use. Window signs shall be limited to one sign per window and shall not exceed one-fourth of the total area of the window, and in no case shall exceed ten square feet.
(3) Ground mounted signs shall be limited to signs denoting the identification of the occupant, the address of the premises and its primary use, and the business phone number. Ground mounted signs shall be limited to one sign per property, regardless of the number of buildings or business establishments on such property. The size of the sign shall not exceed eight feet in height and shall not exceed a total of twenty-five square feet. There shall be permanent landscaping planted at the base of the sign, as described in Section 1322.10(e).
(Ord. C-16-99. Passed 5-3-99; Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)
(b) The following general requirements shall apply for characteristics of permanent signs:
(1) Illumination. Illumination shall be from a concealed or indirect light source and shall not flash, blink, fluctuate, travel, move or in any way fail to provide constant illumination and shall not create a hazard or visibility problem or interfere with or impair vehicular traffic. The level of illumination emitted from a sign shall not be of any intensity to constitute a demonstrable safety hazard to vehicular movement on any street from which the sign may be viewed. Illuminated signs shall be constructed and maintained so that the source of illumination is shielded or otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent properties or streets.
(2) Animation, Message Centers and Moving Signs. Message centers, flashing signs, moving signs and the animation of signs are prohibited.
(3) Construction. The construction of all signs, including any electrical wiring necessary for the operation of illuminated signs shall conform to the specifications of the City Building Code. All signs shall be adequately maintained and shall not constitute a safety hazard.
(4) Location.
A. All permanent signs shall be located on the site being promoted, identified or advertised.
B. In no case shall any part of a sign be placed in, over, or extend onto any public right of way except for projecting nameplates on lots where no front yard exists and for publicly owned signs such as traffic control and directional signs. In no case shall any part of a sign be placed in, over or extend above the roof line of any structure.
(5) Maximum number, height and area of signs. In addition to placement of signs, the height, area and number of permitted signs allowed per use or lot shall be regulated by Section 1138.28 entitled Schedule of Sign Regulations. The height of the sign shall be measured from the established grade which shall be defined as that point where the grade line intersects the front wall of the building. The height of a sign shall not be artificially increased beyond the permitted height by placement of signage on earth mounds that are created during site development. The maximum height is eight feet.
(6) Joint identification signs. Joint identification signs shall be limited to wall or ground signs and to premises where there are two or more uses located within the same building on a property having frontage on at least one public street. A second joint identification sign is permitted if the premises has pedestrian access open to the public from parking facilities both in the front and in the rear of the property. The size of a joint identification sign shall not exceed a total of twenty-five square feet.
(Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)
(7) Billboards. Billboards are prohibited.
(8) Roof signs. Roof signs are prohibited.
(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)