1147.06 SIGN COMPUTATION.

   The following regulations shall control the computation and measurement of sign area, sign height, and building frontage:

(a)   Determining Sign Area. Sign area shall include the sign face and frame, but shall not include the structural support unless such structural support is illuminated or determined to constitute an integral part of the sign design.

(1)   For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted or otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area of the sign shall be the area of one rectangular shape that encompasses the entire background or frame.

(2)   For a ground or wall sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements, the area of the sign shall be the area of one rectangular shape that encompasses the perimeter of all of the elements in the display, including any open space separating such elements.

(3)   For a window sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements, the area of the sign shall be the area of one or more rectangular shapes that encompass the perimeter of each of the elements in the display, excluding any open space separating such elements.

(4)   One minor extension may be permitted to extend above or below the sign area when the area of the extension is less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the open space created by the extension. For the purposes of this Chapter, only the open space within the sign area shall be included in the calculation.

(5)   The area of a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces. When two identical sign faces are joined back to back, and not more than twelve (12) inches apart or form an angle not more than forty-five (45) degrees, the sign area shall be the area of one of the sign faces.

(6)   Air under a ground sign between supporting posts, air between a projecting sign and the wall to which it is attached, and lighting fixtures and associated brackets shall not be included in the calculation of sign area.

(7)   Street address numerals not exceeding seven inches in height shall not be included in the calculation of sign area. Street address numerals exceeding seven (7) inches in height shall be included in the calculation of sign area.

(b)   Determining Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the average grade at the base of the sign or support structure to the tallest element of the sign structure. Decorative caps, finials, and similar design elements not exceeding twelve (12) inches in height and located on top of supporting posts for a ground sign shall not be included in the calculation of sign height. A ground sign on a man-made base, including a graded earth mound, shall be measured from the lowest point of the base or mound.

(c)   Determining Building Frontage and Building Unit for Wall, Awning, and Canopy Signs. For the purposes of this Chapter, the length of the building wall that faces a street or building wall that contains a public entrance to the uses therein shall be considered building frontage.

(1)   Building frontage shall be measured along such building wall between the exterior faces of the exterior side walls.

(2)   In the case of an irregular wall surface, a single straight line extended along such wall surface shall be used to measure the length.

(3)   A building shall have only one building frontage except as otherwise set forth below.

(4)   A building shall be considered to have a second frontage whenever the lot fronts on two (2) or more streets, or the building has a public entrance on a wall other than the wall that faces the street. The property owner shall determine which wall shall be the primary building frontage and which wall shall be the secondary building frontage. A building shall not be permitted to have a third building frontage.

(5)   For multi-occupant buildings, the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single occupant shall be considered a building unit. The building frontage for a building unit shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the building unit.

         (Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)

1147.07 GENERAL STANDARDS.

   (a)   Setbacks. All permanent ground signs shall be located not closer than ten (10) feet to any side lot line and not closer than five (5) feet to any right-of-way.

   (b)   Illumination.

(1)   Temporary signs shall not be illuminated. Permanent signs may be internally or externally illuminated, except where prohibited in this Chapter. The source of illumination shall not be visible, shall be fully shielded, and shall cause no glare hazardous to pedestrians, motorists or adjacent residential uses and districts.

(2)   External illumination shall be limited to fixtures that use a maximum 150 watt metal halide, tungsten-halogen or incandescent lamp. Such fixtures shall be directed towards and concentrated on the sign face to prevent glare upon adjacent properties and rights-of-way.

(3)   Illumination shall be provided solely by electrical means or devices.

(4)   Internal illumination shall be prohibited for awning signs, as well as for all signs in the M-U District and Historic District.

   (c)   Traffic and Pedestrian Hazards.

(1)   No sign shall obstruct traffic sight lines, traffic sign signals at railroad grade crossings or other safety signs.

(2)   No sign shall be placed, erected or maintained so as to obstruct, in any manner, any fire escape, window, door, entrance to or exit from any building.

   (d)   Design Criteria. The following design criteria shall apply to all signs:

(1)   Signs in series. Signs to be seen in series, (such as signs on multi-tenant buildings) shall be designed with continuity and compatibility in terms of style, materials, color, size, and placement on the building facade.

(2)   Wall sign placement. A wall sign shall be designed to fit within a frame of architectural space specifically intended for signage, and shall not project beyond the ends or top of the building wall to which it is attached.

(3)   Ground sign compatibility and landscaping. A ground sign shall be compatible with the design and materials of the building with which the sign is associated. Approved year-round landscaping shall be provided around the base of a ground sign.

   (e)   Construction. All signs and parts thereof, including cables, guys, braces, supports, etc., shall be securely constructed in conformance with applicable City Building, Fire, and Electrical Codes, and the applicable standards of this Chapter. Wood products should be treated to prevent deterioration. A lightning grounding device shall be provided where required. Letters, figures, and characters shall be securely attached to the sign structure. All signs shall have a surface or facing of materials which are durable for the intended life of the signs. All signs shall be attached by means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws, and in no case shall any sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails.

   (f)   Rights-of-Way. No signs shall be erected, placed or overhung in a right-of-way or supported, braced or guyed from or to a public sidewalk, street, alley or public thoroughfare except those signs provided or approved by the City Engineer or Planning Director. Signs placed within the right of way without the approval of the City Engineer or Planning Director are subject to immediate removal.

   (g)   Accessory Use. A sign shall be accessory to the principal use of the lot on which the sign is located, except as otherwise permitted by this Chapter.

   (h)   Smooth Sign Face. No nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted to protrude from the front of any sign.

   (i)   Changeable Copy. Changeable copy area, permitted for ground signs only (excluding pole signs), shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total sign area of a single sign.

   (j)   Electronic Message Center Signs. Electronic message center signs, permitted for ground signs only (excluding pole signs), shall be conditionally permitted in all districts, except the M-U, Historic, and TC-OV Districts, where such signs shall be prohibited. An electronic message center sign shall meet the following requirements:

(1)   Frequency. Copy change shall not be more frequently than once per thirty (30) seconds.

(2)   Color.  Copy can be single or full color.

(3)   Illumination. The intensity of the lights used in the message center shall not constitute a visual hazard for vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The sign shall be equipped with and shall use photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination. The Planning Director shall utilize reasonable judgment in determining whether the lighting constitutes a visual hazard.
(Ord. 104-15. Passed 8-24-15.)

   (k)   Outline Lighting of the Building or Roof Line. Outline lighting of the building or roof line shall be conditionally permitted in all districts, except the M-U and Historic Districts, where such signs shall be prohibited. Outline lighting of the building or roof line shall meet the following requirements:

(1)   Color. Copy shall be limited to a single color, as determined by the Planning Commission.

(2)   Illumination. An applicant shall provide a photometric plan outlining proposed illumination levels (in foot-candles). Illumination levels shall not exceed one foot-candle, as measured from adjacent rights-of-way and residential uses and districts.

         (Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)

1147.08 SIGN IDENTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.

   All signs, temporary or permanent, including supports, guys, braces and anchors for such signs, regardless of whether or not a Zoning Certificate is required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, repainting, cleaning, and other acts required for the maintenance of such sign. The Planning Director may order any sign to be painted or refurbished at least once each year, if needed, to keep the sign in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition.

(Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)