§ 157.077  OFF-PREMISE COMMERCIAL SIGNS; RESTRICTIONS.
   (A)   For the purpose of this title, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
      OFF-PREMISE COMMERCIAL SIGN.  A structure or accessory usually elevated above ground’s surface, which communicates the availability of goods, services, or ideas not necessarily available on the premises on which the sign is located.
   (B)   (1)   Off-premise commercial signs are permitted only in AB, GB, LB, I, and IR zoning districts and only along state, interstate, and federal highways.
      (2)   No off-premise advertising signs shall be located or placed on any county road.
   (C)   Off-premise signs shall not exceed 672 square feet per facing, extensions not to exceed 328 square feet, and shall contain no more than one sign per facing (two advertising faces total per structure) on the I-80/90 Toll Road and I-94.  Off-premise signs along all other highways shall not exceed 300 square feet per facing and shall contain no more than one sign per facing (two advertising faces total per structure).  No side-by-side or deck structures shall be allowed on the I-80/90 Toll Road or I-94, or any other highways.  No rotating signs shall be permitted.
   (D)   The maximum height of an off-premise sign shall not exceed 50 feet to the top of the sign.  The height shall be measured from the center line of the street or highway from which it is to be viewed.  From grade to bottom of sign, the distance shall be 21 feet minimum.
   (E)   Off-premise sign structures shall be back to back or a “v” design; 20 feet maximum for a “v” design on the I-80/90 Toll Road and I-94.  Off- premise signs on state highways shall be back-to-back only.
   (F)   The distance between lawfully erected off- premise sign structures shall be a linear measure taken along the center line of the street or highway on which the sign is to be located.
      (1)   Separation of one off-premise sign to another off-premise sign shall be at least 1000 linear feet, along the way (in either direction) of the Toll Road or Interstate 94.
      (2)   Separation of one off-premise sign to another off-premise sign shall be at least 1,320 feet, along the way (in either direction) on all state highways.
      (3)   No off-premise advertising sign shall be placed closer than 500 feet from an on-premise advertising sign as measured on the same side of the roadway.
      (4)   Separation from an off-premise sign to any platted residential district or recorded subdivision shall be 500 feet.
      (5)   Separation from an off-premise sign to any school or church shall be 300 feet.
   (G)   A building permit is required for all off- premise signs in the county.  Off-premise sign permits will need to include a plat of survey performed by a registered land surveyor, indicating all buildings, sign location, dimensions, elevations, and proposed location of sign with measurements from other placed signs, schools, churches, and any residential development in unincorporated areas of the county.  A lease, signed by the property owner and giving permission to erect an outdoor advertising sign, must also be furnished.
   (H)   Sign owners’ nameplate shall appear on signs in a visible place.
(`88 Code, § 8-16)  (Ord. 98-20, passed 11-10-98; Am. Ord. 2000-14, passed 6-13-00)