(A) Regulated. The sign standards of this subchapter shall be regulated by zone districts as shown on the zone district map. If this zoning code is amended to include a zone district not presently included in this zoning code no sign shall be permitted unless:
(1) By a written interpretation of the Zoning Board of Appeals the new zone district is similar to an existing zone district; or
(2) By additional sign regulations for the new zone district.
(B) Illumination. The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded, or directed that the light intensity or brightness will not be objectionable to surrounding areas and the light rays shall not spill over the property lines into a residential zone except by indirect reflection.
(1) No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or scintillating lights or other illumination device that has a changing light intensity, brightness, or color. Beacon lights are not permitted. This section is not intended to prevent signs showing time and temperature exclusively.
(2) Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.
(3) No exposed lamps or bulbs, which exceed 15 watts, shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of the bulbs, light, or lamp to any public street or adjacent property.
(C) Measurement of sign. All signs shall be measured as shown in the Illustrations section. Measurements shall include all of the area contained within the square shown in the Illustrations section and only structural supports shall be excluded in computing total allowable sign area. When you have sign that is two-sided, and advertising is to be on both sides of the sign, then the maximum size for this sign shall not exceed the maximum allowable in the particular instance. If there is to be advertising on both sides, for instance, on billboard; then the maximum allowable size is a total of 300 square feet for both sides. This would indicate that 150 square feet of sign-area would be allowable for one side. It shall be noted that the maximum allowable sign area for any sign in this subchapter is 300 square feet.
(D) Location. No sign shall be attached to tree or utility pole.
(E) Restrictions. No sign shall be located in any manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct, or physically interfere with motor vehicle operator’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
(F) Content. Except as provided in this division, no sign shall be approved or disapproved based on the content or message it displays. The following content, without reference to viewpoint of the individual speaker, shall not be displayed on signs:
(1) Text or graphics that is harmful to minors as defined by state or federal law.
(2) Text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action, or true threats, as such words and phrases are defined by controlling law.
(3) Text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with traffic control signs.
(4) Signs that provide false information related to public safety (e.g., signs that use the words "Stop," "Yield," "Caution," or "Danger," or comparable words, phrases, symbols, or characters that are presented in a manner as to confuse motorists or imply a safety hazard that does not exist).
(Ord. 2014-18, passed 4-16-2014; Am. Ord. 2020- 02, passed 1-16-2020)