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(1) Nonconforming signs. It is recognized that signs exist within the zoning districts that were lawful before this sign chapter was enacted, which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments. It is the intention of this sign chapter that nonconforming signs shall be allowed to continue to exist, but they shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as the grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district. It is further the intent of this sign chapter to permit legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective date of this sign chapter, or amendments thereto, to continue as legal nonconforming signs provided the signs are safe, are maintained so as not to be unsightly, and have not been abandoned or removed subject to the following provisions:
(a) No sign shall be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity;
(b) Should the sign or sign structure be destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50% of its replacement cost and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property was damaged, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter;
(c) Should the sign or sign structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located after it is moved;
(d) No existing sign devoted to a use not permitted by the zoning code in the zoning district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended or moved except in changing the sign to a sign permitted in the zoning district in which is it located; and
(e) When a structure loses its nonconforming status, all signs devoted to the structure shall be removed and all signs painted directly on the structure shall be repainted in a neutral color or a color which will harmonize with the structure.
(Am. Ord. 09-14, passed 11-10-2014; Am. Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)
The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:
(2) Signs within public right-of-way, affixed to public structures or public utility poles or boxes or other public equipment, or on other public property except signs erected or placed by a government entity with proper authority or control. A special exception may be granted by the City Council if road improvements or other public projects include the elimination of an access to a private property. In these cases, a sign giving directions to the new access may be allowed in the right-of-way.
(3) Signs painted on, attached to or affixed to any trees, rocks or other similar organic or inorganic natural matter.
(4) Any sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal. Further, no sign shall be installed, which by reason of position, shape or color would conflict with proper function or interpretation of any traffic sign or signal.
(5) Signs with revolving beacons, flashing signs, zip flashers or similar lighted devices.
(6) Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway or other access of any building or structure.
(7) Portable signs, except as otherwise permitted in § 1010.007.
(8) Projecting signs that extend over public property, except with an encroachment agreement, which the city may agree to at the city’s discretion.
(9) Roof signs including signs mounted on a roof surface or projecting above the roof line of a structure if either attached to the structure or cantilevered over the structure.
(10) Abandoned signs or signs, other than temporary off-premise signs, that advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer available on the premises on which the sign is located.
(11) Pennants or stringers.
(12) Any sign displaying obscene, indecent, immoral, or offensive content.
(13) Any signs not specifically allowed by this chapter.
(Am. Ord. 09-14, passed 11-10-2014; Am. Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)
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