(a) The regulations of this chapter are intended to promote and protect the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the residents of the City of Lorain; to maintain and improve the appearance of the community; to conserve community character; to prevent traffic hazards; to provide safe conditions for pedestrians; and to promote economic development by regulating the construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, size, location and number of signs. It is further determined that to allow signs of excessive number and size in the City would unduly distract pedestrians and motorists, create potentially dangerous traffic conditions and reduce the effectiveness of signs needed to direct the public.
(b) It is the intent of this chapter that signs are as much subject to control as noise, odors, debris and like characteristics of a use. In establishing the purpose and objectives of this chapter, the City has determined that without adequate regulation and design standards, signs could become a nuisance to the City and its citizens. If the appearance of the city is marred by the excessive number, oversized and poorly designed signs, both residential and business property values will be adversely affected.
(c) The general objectives of this chapter include:
(1) Requiring signs to be reviewed for approval prior to installation;
(2) Requiring signs to be properly constructed, installed and maintained;
(3) Controlling the size, location and design of signs so their appearance will be aesthetically harmonious with the surroundings and are appropriate to the zoning districts in which they are located;
(4) Encouraging readable signs;
(5) Reducing visual clutter;
(6) Eliminating any conflict that would be hazardous between private signs and public signs including traffic control signs and devices; and
(7) Ensuring that signs are located and designed to maintain a safe and orderly pedestrian and vehicular environment.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)