The following signs shall be permitted anywhere within the planning jurisdiction and shall not require a permit:
(A) Site Development Signs:
1. One site development sign is permitted for each project.
2. A sign which identifies the architects, engineers, contractors and other individuals or firms involved with a construction project, but not including any advertisement of any product, and signs announcing the character of the building enterprise or the purpose for which the building is intended, during the construction period, with a maximum area of sixteen (16) square feet.
3. The signs shall be confined to the site of the construction, may be placed up to thirty (30) days prior to start of construction, and shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the beginning of an occupancy use of the project.
(B) Real Estate Signs:
1. Signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the signs are displayed:
(a) For properties of one acre or less, the total area of the signage shall not exceed five (5) square feet on one face. A double sided sign may have a total sign surface of ten (10) square feet.
(b) For properties of over one acre but less than ten (10) acres, the total area of the signage shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
(c) For properties over ten (10) acres, the total area of the signage shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
(d) For properties facing the lakefront, the total area of the signage shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
2. Such signs shall be placed only on the property advertised and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sale, rental, or lease is documented and closed, or upon expiration of the listing agreement.
3. "Open House" signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in total area. Open house signs shall be removed upon completion of the "open house" but in no event shall the sign be placed longer than twenty four (24) hours.
4. Illuminated, reflective and Day-Glo® type materials are not permitted on any real estate signs.
5. Signs shall be maintained in good repair. Damaged signs, or signs which have fallen over, etc., are subject to removal by the city (see section 3.9.11 of this chapter).
6. Real estate signs shall not be placed upon or extend over public rights of way.
(C) Political Signs: The following provisions apply to candidates for public office, bond elections, referenda, and initiatives. Prior to any enforcement action, the city shall seek legal advice for each case.
1. Signs announcing the candidates seeking public political office and other data pertinent thereto, up to an area of thirty two (32) square feet for each premises.
2. Such signs shall be confined within private property and removed within seven (7) days after the election for which they were made.
(D) Over The Road Banners: Banners advertising a public entertainment or event are allowed as described by resolution adopted by the city council.
(E) Window Signs: Window signs are permitted, so long as they do not cover more than twenty five percent (25%) of the total window area and shall not result in the property exceeding the maximum allowable signage as calculated for its zone.
(F) New Business Signs: With prior written notice to the administrator and the code enforcement officer, with their written concurrence that the business is new, and upon payment of a fee set by council from time to time by resolution, a new business may display a temporary sign for not more than a total of sixteen (16) consecutive days to announce its opening, which sign shall be on the premises where the business is located. Such a sign is in addition to the permanent sign and shall not be larger than a sign permitted to the business.
(G) Other Signs: Signs which express ideas or comments of a citizen may be displayed with size and duration approved by the administrator, or, if requested by the applicant or by a concerned citizen, by action of the commission and council for a conditional use permit at a public hearing.
(H) Pennants Or Banners On Utility Poles And Light Standards: Pennants or banners sponsored by a public agency or public benefit, nonprofit group are allowed as described by resolution adopted by the city council. (Ord. 922, 5-22-2014)