1145.01 INTENT, PURPOSE AND SCOPE.

   (a)    The purposes of this chapter are to regulate all existing and proposed exterior and interior signs as defined herein within the City so as to achieve the following purposes:

      (1)   To protect property values;

      (2)   To enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without difficulty or confusion;

      (3)   To protect and enhance the appearance and character of all areas of the City;

      (4)   To protect scenic views and the visual environment along City streets and limited access highways.

      (5)   To promote the health, safety and public welfare of the residents of the City.

   (b)    These purposes are to be accomplished through restriction of advertising to the business or use of the premises on which the sign is located and restriction of the total sign area per site. Any sign placed on premises for the purposes of identification or for advertising any activity conducted thereon shall be deemed to be accessory and incidental to the land, building or use in connection with which it is displayed. It is intended that the display of signs shall be appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are appurtenant and to be adequate, but not excessive for the intended purpose of identification or advertisement. With respect to signs advertising business uses, it is specifically intended, among other things to avoid excessive clutter among sign displays and excessive competition in their demand for public attention. It is further intended that in developed commercial areas and especially in commercial and industrial areas still to be developed that all signs within one complex be coordinated with the architecture in such a manner that the overall appearance is harmonious in color, form and proportion.

   (c)    It is further intended by this chapter to minimize safety hazards on streets and sidewalks by regulating the erection of signs and providing for the care or removal of insecure or improperly maintained signs. This chapter provides minimal requirements for public safety and is not to be construed to permit any sign that is not permitted by other ordinances now or hereafter in force and effect or by other legislation or regulations of any public authority; nor does this chapter repeal or amend any such legislation except as provided herein.

(Ord. 5-1995. Passed 5-9-95.)