(A) General. It is recognized that businesses need and have a right to advertise through the use of sign displays. It is the intent of this chapter to encourage creative and imaginative design and use of signs in order to create a more attractive economic and business climate. It is further the intent of this chapter to foster and improve the economic vitality of the community by enhancing and protecting the physical appearance of the community. In order to accomplish this purpose, it is necessary to regulate the size, location, construction and manner of display of signs as set forth in this chapter.
(B) General provisions.
(1) All signs shall be constructed, connected, operated and maintained according to the specifications of the Building and Electrical Codes of the state.
(2) All signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair. Painted faces or structural members shall be repainted whenever peeling or fading occurs. Neon tubes, lamps, ballasts and transformers shall be kept in a good state of repair and in safe condition. The town may order the removal of any sign which becomes a public hazard due to lack of maintenance or repair.
(3) The following provisions shall apply to freestanding on-premises signs.
(a) The sign, pole or structure shall not extend beyond the property line or into the public right-of-way.
(b) Freestanding signs shall be designed so that all framework for the lateral support of the sign shall be contained within the body of the sign or within the structure to which it is attached and shall be visible. Exposed guy wires, chains or other connections shall not be made a permanent part of the sign.
(c) Freestanding signs shall not project higher than the provisions of the height and area district in which the sign is located or 60 feet, whichever is less.
(4) The following provisions shall apply to marquee or canopy signs.
(a) One sign shall be permitted for each entrance.
(b) The display area of such signs shall not exceed eight square feet per sign face; except that, individual letters or symbols painted, stenciled or otherwise applied to awnings and not exceeding three inches in height shall not be included in this provision.
(c) No sign shall extend beyond the outer edge of the marquee or roofed structure.
(d) There shall be at least an eight-foot six-inch clearance between the grade of the sidewalk and the lowest point of the sign.
(5) The following provisions shall apply to roof-mount signs.
(a) The supporting members of roof-mount signs shall appear to be free of any extra bracing, angle irons, guy wires or cables.
(b) Supports shall appear to be an architectural and integral part of the building.
(c) Supporting columns of round, square or shaped steel members may be erected if required bracing visible to the public is minimized or covered.
(d) Roof-mount signs shall not project higher than the provisions of the height and area district in which the sign is located, or 60 feet, whichever is less.
(e) The backs of roof-mount signs shall be concealed by another sign, shall be screened by suitable architectural treatment or shall be painted to blend with the surroundings and kept so painted.
(6) Signs may be illuminated by direct or indirect lighting sources; provided that, the beam from an indirect source shall be effectively concealed from view, and further provided, may be illuminated only during normal business hours.
(7) Window signs shall not exceed 40% of the window area and shall be used only to identify and advertise the products and services available on the premises.
(8) Temporary signs shall be permitted; provided, however, that:
(a) A temporary sign shall not exceed one-half the display area of a permitted permanent sign; and
(b) Temporary signs shall be for temporary use only and shall not exceed any of the following:
1. A total of 90 days of use, per location, in any one calendar year;
2. More than three intervals of use, per location, in any one calendar year; and
3. Any one single interval of more than 30 days continuous use per location.
(1982 Code, Title II, Ch. 11, § 3) (Ord. passed 6-10-1991) Penalty, see § 152.99