The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the following types of signs, provided, however, they shall remain subject to safe construction and electrical standards as specified by the applicable code(s):
A. Official Signs: Government signs, not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet of sign area, that are erected or maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function, whether located on owned or leased property.
B. Private Directional Signs: Private traffic control signs that are freestanding, do not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area, and contain no advertising. These signs are intended solely for the purpose of directing the movement of traffic, warning of obstacles or overhead clearances, and/or providing directions to parking areas, entrances, exits, drive-through windows, or similar directions.
C. Agricultural Crop Signs: Temporary signs customarily displayed by agricultural seed and fertilizer companies on farms to advertise their products.
D. Utility Markers: Utility and hazard signs marking utility or underground communication or transmission lines and hazards.
E. Political Signs: All signs containing a political message, such as a campaign or political sign.
F. Identification Plaques: Historical and commemorative plaques for recognized historic properties, societies, and organizations, if the signs are less than fifteen (15) square feet in sign area.
G. Vehicle Signs: Signs displayed or used on motor vehicles and trailers, unless the vehicle or trailer is located on a property to serve the similar purpose of a permanent sign or portable sign.
H. Athletic Field Signs: Signs located on the field side of scoreboards and fences of athletic fields.
I. Flags: Flags complying with the provisions below are exempt. Flagpoles, however, are not exempt; they are subject to certain setback provisions contained in this title pertaining to the obstruction of traffic and clear vision. Exempt flags include the following:
1. The flag of the United States of America, when displayed in compliance with the U.S. flag code (4 USC 1).
2. Flags of foreign, state, or local governments or public agencies mounted on poles, located together on the same premises subject to the following limitations:
a. There are no more than four (4) flags displayed at any time.
b. Flags shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet of area or a height of forty feet (40').
3. No more than two (2) commercial and corporate logo, college, or athletic team flags flown on any premises.
J. Small Bulletin Boards: Accessory signs or bulletin boards for places of public assembly or charitable organizations, which do not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
K. Temporary Construction Signs: One construction sign per street frontage of a building that is under construction, structural alteration, or repair announcing the enterprise or purpose for which the building is intended.
1. The sign may include names of business entities participating in the construction, structural alteration, or repair.
2. The area for each sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in the agricultural residential (AR), planned residential (PR), and residential (R) districts.
3. The area for each sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet for all other districts.
4. Advertising signs for subdivisions and development projects are not included in this exemption.
L. Business Nameplates: One professional nameplate not to exceed four (4) square feet in sign area.
M. Brand And Instructional Signs: Outdoor machine, device, or equipment signs that display the trademark, trade name, manufacturer, cost, operating or service instructions, or similar information. This exemption includes signs on coin operated vending machines, fuel dispensing pumps, telephone facilities, automatic teller machines, automotive vacuum cleaners, amusement rides, and similar machines, devices, or equipment.
N. Auxiliary Signs: Auxiliary sign attached to a building or canopy or placed in a window indicating general information such as pricing, credit cards, official notices or services required by law, trade associations, or giving directions to offices, restrooms, exits, and similar facilities.
O. Holiday Displays: Holiday displays, signs, and lights including Christmas lights that contain only holiday messages and no commercial advertising. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)