(a) Existing outdoor advertising displays and billboards shall be permitted to continue as they existed at the time of adoption of this Zoning Code unless voluntarily discontinued for at least two years. However, any expansion of such displays or signs shall meet the following regulations.
(b) Outdoor advertising displays or billboards shall not be located in the Village except by permission of Village Council, after a public hearing (unless determined unnecessary by Council), and when the following requirements are met:
(1) Such displays or signs must be in one of the following districts: R-2 Rural Residential; C-1 Restricted Commercial; C-2 General Commercial; or I Industrial. Other locations such as ball diamonds or similar locations where advertising is often located may be considered.
(2) Such displays or signs must not impose a nuisance or blighting effect on any residential, public or semi-public property.
(3) Such displays or signs shall not be located within twenty feet of any street right-of-way.
(4) Such displays or signs shall not be located so as to interfere with the visibility and safe operation of vehicles entering or leaving the premises or intersecting street.
(5) Such displays or signs shall not exceed 100 square feet on one face and/or 200 square feet on two or more faces, and in no case shall more than 100 square feet of display or sign area be visible from any one point. However, these size limitations may be increased by 100 percent in commercial and industrial areas upon approval by the Council.
(6) Such displays or signs shall in no other way adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare.
(c) A zoning permit is required for all advertising displays and/or billboards, but shall not be granted by the Zoning inspector until after approval by Council.
(d) Larger advertising devices adjacent to interstate and primary highways, as regulated by Ohio R.C. Chapter 5516 and Section 5531.07, as amended, may be permitted in accordance with those State laws. However, Council approval and a zoning permit are also required.
(Ord. 19-83. Passed 4-4-83; Ord. 75-96. Passed 11-18-96.)