1. Territorial Application. This Sign Code shall apply to all structures, land, and uses within the corporate limits of Hiawatha, Iowa.
2. General Prohibition. No sign or sign structure, now or hereafter existing, shall be established, altered, moved, divided, or maintained in any manner except in accord with the provisions of this Sign Code.
3. Existing Nonconforming Signs. Existing sign structures in place on the date of the passage of this Sign Code which do not comply with the regulations of this Sign Code shall be allowed to continue subject to the provisions of Section 166.34 of this chapter relating to nonconforming uses.
4. Covenants. Certain property in the City of Hiawatha may have a covenant recorded against the property which affects signage and sign structures located thereon. It is hereby noted such covenants constitute a private party agreement. The City does not have the power or obligation to enforce such covenants. If the City is a party to a recorded covenant, then the City has the authority to enforce the provisions of that covenant.
5. Sign Permits Issued Prior to Effective Date of Sign Code Ordinance. Where a sign permit for building, structure, or property was issued in accordance with law prior to the effective date of this Sign Code, and provided that construction of the sign or sign structure is begun within six months of issuance of the sign permit and diligently prosecuted to completion, said sign or sign structure may be completed, subject to the provisions of Section 166.34 of this chapter relating to nonconforming uses in accordance with the approved plans of the sign permit issued, even if said sign or sign structure is nonconforming under the terms of this chapter.
6. Private Agreements. This Sign Code is not intended to abrogate, annul, or otherwise interfere with any easement, covenant, or other private agreement or legal relationship. However, where the regulations of this Sign Code are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements than such easements, covenants, or other private agreements or legal relationships, the regulations of this Sign Code shall govern.