The purpose of this chapter is to regulate all signs in the City of Hayden that are visible from the public rights of way, public facilities, public pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and navigable waterways. Signs provide an important medium through which individuals and businesses may convey a variety of noncommercial and commercial messages. Depending on their size, number, and design, signs may attract or repel visitors, affect the visual quality of the community, affect the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and impact, positively or negatively, the character of the community. Aesthetic considerations impact economic values as well as public health, safety, and welfare. Therefore, it is the intent of these regulations to establish standards for the following purposes:
A. Recognize and protect the rights of individuals and businesses to convey their messages through signs and the right of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs;
B. Further the objectives of the City’s Comprehensive Plan;
C. Maintain and enhance the visual quality (aesthetics) of the community;
D. Improve pedestrian and motorist safety by minimizing distractions, obstacles and visual clutter, and to ensure clear views of the roadway and directional or warning signs;
E. Protect and enhance economic viability by ensuring that Hayden will be a visually pleasant place to visit and/or reside;
F. Protect property values and public/private investments in property;
G. Protect views of the natural landscape and sky;
H. Avoid personal injury and property damage from unsafe signs;
I. Provide businesses with effective and efficient opportunities for identification by reducing competing demands for visual attention; and
J. Ensure fair and consistent enforcement of sign regulations. (Ord. 619, 4-13-2021)