(A) Generally. This section identifies sign types and characteristics, materials, design elements, and locations that are prohibited in the city.
(B) Prohibited sign types and characteristics.
(1) Abandoned signs;
(2) Damaged or broken signs;
(3) Wall signs on single-family or duplex units, except that one wall sign not exceeding one square-foot shall be permitted on each single-family dwelling or duplex unit;
(4) Wall, pylon, or monument signs that functions as an advertising sign, except as expressly provided in this article;
(5) Signs that obstruct the view of bicyclists or motorists using any street, approach to any street intersection, or which interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any traffic sign, device, or a signal;
(6) Signs with flashing or intermitted lights or lights or reflective devices of changing degree in intensity or color that do not comply with § 156.G.005, Sign Illumination;
(7) Portable signs except as permitted in § 156.G.006, Temporary Signs, of this article;
(8) Vehicular signs; and
(9) All off-premise advertising signs and other signs not expressly permitted by this Zoning Ordinance.
(C) Prohibited design elements. The following design elements, regardless of sign type, are prohibited:
(1) Traffic hazards. Signs that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device because of its position, shape, or color;
(2) Safety or health. Signs that constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair, or maintenance;
(3) Confusion. Signs that use the words "stop," "look," "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses pedestrians or traffic;
(4) Glare. Signs that are illuminated with lights that cause a glare into or upon surrounding property or that distract operators of vehicles or pedestrians on a public right-of-way;
(5) Lighting. Signs that contain reflectors, lights, or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity or color, or use intermittent electrical pulsation;
(6) Moving parts. Except for changeable copy signs that otherwise comply with the requirements of this section, signs that have visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any kind, achieved by electrical or mechanical means;
(7) Nuisance. Sound, smoke, heat, or odor emitters;
(8) Back-lit awnings. Awnings that are back-lit and/or made of plastic or vinyl, excluding substitute materials;
(9) Unfinished wood. Unfinished wood support structures, except that stake signs may use unfinished stakes; and
(10) Bare or flashing lights. Bare light bulbs and flashing lights, except on holiday displays which are exempted from regulation by § 156.G.002(C), Signs Not Requiring a Permit.
(D) Prohibited sign locations. A sign, regardless of sign type, is prohibited from being in the following locations:
(1) Closed businesses. Signs that advertise a business or product that is no longer in existence;
(2) Blocked ingress or egress. Signs that prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or any other exit way required by the Building Code or Fire Code of the city or by any other ordinance;
(3) Signs in right-of-way. Any permanent signs and supports that are located on the public right-of-way, except permanent signs and supports required by a governmental authority. The public right-of-way includes, but is not limited to, public streets, alleys, medians, and parkways.
(4) Street intersections. Signs that are erected or maintained at the intersection of streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of the intersection;
(5) Roof signs. Signs that are placed on the roof of any building;
(6) Outdoor amenities. Snipe signs or signs attached to or located upon outdoor exposed amenities such as trees, street signs, or utility poles that are visible from any street;
(7) Vehicles. Signs that are painted on or attached to a motor vehicle unless:
(a) The vehicle is operable and has current registration and tags;
(b) The sign is an accessory sign;
(c) The vehicle is legally parked within a parking space; and
(d) The display of the sign is incidental to the vehicle use.
(8) Encroachment. Except for marquee signs, projecting signs, and hanging signs that comply with the standards of § 156.G.004, Permanent Signs, signs that are located on, or project or extend over, any public right-of-way or other public property;
(9) Semis and storage. Signs that are painted on or attached to semi-trailers, shipping containers, or portable storage units except for the brand name of the semi-trailer, container, storage unit; and
(10) Consented locations. Signs that are placed on private or public property without the consent of the owner or authorized agent thereof.
(Ord. 15039, passed 4-11-2022)