In order to maintain the character and the aesthetic quality within the City of Marion, the following signs are prohibited:
A. Signs which contain words or graphics which are obscene, as that term is defined in G.S. Chapter 15.
B. No sign shall be erected or maintained where by reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device.
C. Any sign which obstructs ingress or egress, is located within a clear-sight triangle, creates an unsafe distraction for motorist, or obstructs the view of motorist entering a public road or highway.
D. Signs, whether temporary or permanent, within any street or highway right-of-way, with the exception of governmental signage.
E. Signs attached, maintained, painted, or drawn on utility poles, towers, telephone poles, trees, bridges and overpasses, rocks or other natural features, benches, or other signs.
F. No signs located in a manner which are designated to be visible from any road, street or highway, or portion thereof, which is designated a scenic corridor by the city council shall be permitted.
G. Vehicles used for the sole purpose of displaying signs, and/or any sign designed to be placed and/or transported on wheels.
H. Signs located on or attached to the roof of a structure, except as expressly permitted herein.
I. Spectacular signs, flashing arrow signs, or any sign advertising copy with changeable letters to display a message or advertise, except as expressly permitted herein.
J. Signs including but not limited to billboards, "snipe" or "bandit" signs, or those that include people wearing costumes and/or holding temporary signs, except as expressly permitted herein.
K. Abandoned signs, dilapidated signs, or signs that advertise an activity or business no longer conducted on the property on which the sign is located.
L. Signs that incorporate flashing, blinking, strobe lights or signs with moving parts or parts which simulate movement.
M. Inflatable signs, aerial signs, or balloons (excluding standard latex party balloons) that direct attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity conducted, sold, or offered on a permanent or temporary basis.
N. Permanent or temporary signs placed on property without permission from its property owner or agent.
O. Any sign or form of lettering attached to, rather than printed on, an awning.
P. Any printed and/or translucent canvas awnings with internal illumination.
Q. Any sign attached to gas pumps or gas pump islands that can be read from off the property.
R. Portable signs or any other sign having the potential to be relocated, and which is not permanently installed or permanently anchored to either the ground, pole, canopy, or other structure except as expressly permitted herein.
S. All other signs that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. No. O-21-06-15-5, §1, 6-15-21)