The following general provisions shall apply to display and outdoor advertising signs.
(A) (1) Nothing in this chapter shall require the removal or discontinuance of a legally existing sign that is not altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated and the same shall be deemed a non-conforming use under the terms of this chapter; provided, however, the following signs shall be made to conform with the provisions of this chapter or shall be removed by the owner upon written notice of the Zoning Administrator, forthwith in the case of the immediate danger and in any case within not more than 30 days following said notice:
(a) Any sign which is in a state of serious disrepair or is no longer functional;
(b) An obsolete sign that advertises an activity, business, product or service which is no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located, or any other sign which has been abandoned;
(c) Any sign which is in violation of the provisions of divisions (B) and (C) below;
(d) Any sign which swings or otherwise noticeably moves as a result of wind pressure because of the manner of their suspension or attachment;
(e) Any portable sign that is not permanently anchored or secured to either a building or the ground; and
(f) Any sign that becomes insecure, in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe; or any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained.
(2) If, within 30 days, said order is not complied with, the Zoning Administrator may cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner.
(B) No sign shall closely resemble or approximate the shape, form and color of any official traffic sign, signal or device. No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason of its size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination, constitute a traffic hazard or a detriment to traffic safety by obstructing the vision of motorists, by detracting from the visibility of any traffic control device. No rotating beacon, beam or flashing illumination resembling an emergency light shall be used in connection with any sign or be visible for any adjacent street. Lights resembling an emergency light or such words as “Stop”, “Look”, “Danger” or any other words, phrases, symbols or characters, which in any manner interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic shall not be used in connection with any sign.
(C) No sign other than an official traffic, street or related sign approved for placement by the County Engineer or other public officer in the performance of his or her public duty, shall be placed on or over any street or public property.
(D) Off-site signs are prohibited in all districts except as specifically permitted in this chapter; provided, however, such signs may be permitted by the Board when unusual or compelling circumstances may require.
(E) Two or more signs may be mounted on the same sign standard or structure; provided that, the combined surface areas of such signs shall not exceed the maximum area permitted for a single sign, except as specifically permitted in this chapter.
(F) (1) Illuminated signs shall not be of an intermittent flashing type and shall not display any direct or focused illumination such as photo flood lamps, reflector lamps or lamps with an optical reflector located in the rear of same.
(2) All illumination from any lamp or over 25 watts rating shall be through a diffusing lens or frosted envelope, excepting indirect illumination.
(3) In case of indirect illumination, all reflected or directed illumination must be focused on said sign so that same cannot be seen from any direction in adjacent areas.
(G) Signs which are displayed inside or upon a window facing the outside and which are intended to be seen from the exterior shall be permitted subject to the same conditions and restrictions as wall signs.
(H) These regulations shall not apply to any sign that is visible only from the premises upon which it is erected, such as on walls of courts or malls in shopping centers.
(I) These regulations shall not apply to signs which are accessory to the use of any kind of operable vehicle; provided, the sign is painted or attached directly to the body of the vehicle.
(J) Outdoor advertising signs and billboards shall comply with all state and federal regulations
(Ord. passed - -2010)