1335.01 PURPOSE.

   (a)   Criteria. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for and coordinate the use, type, location and size of signs within the various zoning districts of the Municipality as a means to contribute towards the protection of the property values, the creation of a more attractive economic and business climate and the enhancement and protection of the physical appearance of the community. With this purpose in mind it is the further intention of this chapter to authorize the use of signs which are:

      (1)   Compatible with their surroundings.

      (2)   An enhancement towards community development.

      (3)   Aesthetically acceptable to the community.

      (4)   Permanently and safely attached to a structure on the ground.

      (5)   Equitable in standards for all businesses based on the value of fair competition.

      (6)   Effective in providing the motoring public with safe, effective means of reaching and identifying businesses, services, and other points of interest within the Village.

      (7)   Legible in the circumstances to which they are seen.

      (8)   Expressive of the identity of the individual proprietors and of the community as a whole.

      (9)   Designed to mitigate hazards that may be caused by signs hanging or projecting over public right of ways.

      (10)   Regulated on an equitable basis to all individuals, persons, firms or corporations effected by this chapter through accurate record keeping and consistent enforcement.

   (b)   Establishing Regulations. Signs shall be designed, erected, altered, reconstructed, moved and maintained, in whole or part, in accordance with the type, design, size, location, illumination and other provisions as set forth in this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall supercede and have precedence over any other ordinances currently in place regulating signs within the Village. The provisions of this chapter shall also in no manner amend or in any way interfere with other codes, rules, or regulations governing traffic signs within the Village.

   (c)   Governmental Signs Excluded. For the purpose of this chapter, "sign" does not include signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function, or required by any law, ordinance, or governmental regulation.

(Ord. 33-89. Passed 11-28-89.)

1335.02 DEFINITIONS.

   (1)   "Abandoned sign" means a sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity and/or for which no owner can be found.

   (2)   "Animated sign" means any sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene (compare flashing sign).

   (3)   "Area". (See "sign, area of")

   (4)   "Awning" means a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building constructed on non-rigid materials on a supporting framework.

   (5)   "Awning sign" means a sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the surface of a fixed or retractable awning.

   (6)   "Banner sign" means a sign made of fabric or non-rigid material with no closing framework.

   (7)   "Billboard" means an outdoor off premises sign greater than thirty-five square feet in area. An off premises sign. A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished on the property on which such sign is located.

   (8)   "Changeable copy sign" (automatic) means a sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lampbank or through mechanical means; e.g. electrical or electronic time and temperature units.

   (9)   "Changeable copy sign" (manual) means a sign on which the copy is changed manually in the field; e.g. reader boards with changeable letters.

   (10)   "Clearance" (of a sign) means the minimum vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street or sidewalk and the lowest point on any sign.

   (11)   "Construction sign" means a temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, or owner participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.

   (12)   "Copy" means the wording on a sign surface.

   (13)   "Directional/information sign" means an on premises sign giving directions, a facility information.

   (14)   "Electrical sign" means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used.

   (15)   "Face of sign" means the surface of the sign, against or through which the message/copy is displayed or illustrated on the sign.

   (16)   "Flashing sign" means a sign which contains an intermittant flashing light source used primarily to attract attention.

   (17)   "Ground sign" means a free standing sign supported upon a base designed as an integral part of the sign and resting totally or primarily upon the ground.

   (18)   "Government sign" means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the Village, county, state or federal government for traffic direction, or for designation of or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property or facility.

   (19)   "Height" (of a sign) means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of a sign, excluding decorative embellishments to the grade of the adjacent street or sidewalk beneath the sign.

   (20)   "Illegal sign" means a sign which does not meet the requirements of this chapter.

   (21)   "Illuminated sign" means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

   (22)   "Incidental sign" means a small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises; e.g. credit card signs or a sign indicating hours of business.

   (23)   "Off-premise sign" means a sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment which is not sold, produced or manufactured, or furnished at the property on which such sign is located; e.g. "billboards" or outdoor advertising.

   (24)   "Painted wall sign" means any sign which is applied with paint or similar substance to the face of a wall.

   (25)   "Pole sign" means a sign supported wholly by a pole or poles and designed as to permit pedestrian or vehicular traffic beneath.

   (26)   "Political sign" means a temporary sign used in conjunction with a local, state, or national election or referendum.

   (27)   "Portable sign" means any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.

   (28)   "Projecting sign" means a sign other than a flat wall sign which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.

   (29)   "Real estate sign" means a temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.

   (30)   "Roofline" means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding chimney or minor projections.

   (31)   "Roof sign" means any sign erected over or on the roof of a building.

   (32)   "Rotating sign" means a sign in which the sign itself or any portion of the sign moves in a revolving or similar manner. Such motion does not refer to methods of changing copy.

   (33)   "Sign" means any device, structure, fixture or placard using graphic symbols and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishments, product, goods, or services.

   (34)   "Subdivision identification sign" means a free standing or ground sign or wall sign identifying a recognized subdivision, condominium complex or residential development.

   (35)   "Temporary sign" means a sign not constructed or intended for long term use.

   (36)   "Wall sign" means a sign attached parallel to and projecting not more than twelve inches from the wall of a building. This definition includes painted, individual letter and other signs which may be mounted to a wall.

   (37)   "Village" means the Village of Minerva, Ohio

   (38)   "Zoning Inspector" means the Zoning Inspector of the Village of Minerva.

   (Ord. 33-89. Passed 11-28-89.)

1335.03 GENERAL PROVISIONS.

   It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person to erect, place or maintain a sign in the Village of Minerva except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

   (a)   Signs Prohibited. The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:

      (1)   Any sign which no longer advertises or identifies a bona fide business, service, product, or activity within the building or on the property to which the sign is a part herein referred to as an abandoned sign.

      (2)   Any sign located in such a manner or place so as to constitute a hazard to traffic or visibility in any way.

      (3)   Any flashing or animated sign or part thereof which depicts movement or change of lights as a means to depict action. This does not include automatic changeable copy signs such as a time and temperature sign which changes on an alternating cycle.

      (4)   Any billboard or off premises signs in excess of thirty-five feet.

      (5)   Roof signs.

      (6)   Any sign attached or otherwise applied to trees, bus shelters, benches, trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines, vending machines in general, or other unapproved supporting structures.

      (7)   Bare bulb illuminations.

      (8)   Any sign that obstructs or interferes with any windows, doors, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress from any building.

      (9)   Any sign utilizing symbols which imitate or resemble official traffic or government signs or signals such as flashing arrows or words such as stop, go, or slow as may be deemed to constitute a deterrent to traffic flow.

      (10)   Any sign located within any public right of way except as may be otherwise permitted by this chapter.

      (11)   Any moving sign or device designed to attract attention including any part which moves or appears to move by any means, including fluttering, flashing, osculating, or set in motion by atmospheric movements including but not limited to pennants, propellers, or discs, etc. etc.

      (12)   Any sign which utilizes a flame as a source of light.

      (13)   Any portable/temporary free standing sign which is not permanently attached to any building, structure or foundation which can be transported to other locations, including signs painted on or displayed on vehicles or trailers parked in public places and used primarily for the purpose of advertising except as may be permitted in Section 1335.07.

      (14)   Any sign projecting over or located within any public right of way or public sidewalk.

      (15)   Any temporary signs or banners except as specifically permitted by this chapter.

      (16)   Any sign not expressly permitted by this chapter.

      (17)   Strings of lights shall not be used for the purpose of advertising or attracting attention when not part of a sign. The only exception to this provision will be for such illuminations utilized in conjunction with Christmas tree sales during the months of November and December. This does not include Christmas lights.

      (18)   Any sign attached to utility poles.

   (b)   Permits Required. Unless otherwise specified by this chapter, all signs shall require permits and payment of fees described in Section 1335.04 (b). No permit is required for the maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy on painted, printed, or changeable copy signs nor are permits required for the removal of a sign.

   (c)   Signs Not Requiring a Permit. The following types of signs are exempted from permit requirements but must be in compliance with all other requirements of this chapter.

      (1)   Signs used by churches, synagogues, or civic organizations including bulletin boards.

      (2)   Real estate signs.

      (3)   Construction/development signs.

      (4)   Directional/information signs.

      (5)   Political signs.

      (6)   Name plates.

      (7)   Traffic control or other governmental signs.

      (8)   Window signs.

      (9)   Garage, porch, basement sale signs.

      (10)   Auction signs.

      (11)   Holiday or special event declarations.

      (12)   Memorial signs, historical placques or tablets.

      (13)   Incidental signs.

      (14)   Signs erected for public conveniences showing the location of such things as bus stops, telephones and other public conveniences.

      (15)   Re-painting and repairs.

   (d)   Maintenance Requirements. All signs shall be properly maintained. Exposed surfaces shall be kept clean and painted if re-painting is required. Defective parts shall be repaired. The Zoning and Nuisance Inspector, Village Administrator or the Service Director shall have the right under Section 1335.04 (i) to order the repair or removal of any sign determined to be defective, damaged, substantially deteriorated, or abandoned.

      (1)   All signs shall be ridgedly secured permanently to the supporting structure.

      (2)   No sign shall be suspended by non-rigid attachments that would allow the sign to swing in the wind.

      (3)   All free-standing signs shall have self-supporting structures erected on and permanently attached to concrete foundations.

      (4)   All signs shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the Ohio Basic Building Code and the National Electrical Code.

      (5)   No sign shall be constructed in such a manner as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, door opening or openings required for ventilation purposes.

      (6)   Signs shall be located in such a way as to maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with National Electric Code specifications, depending upon voltages concerned.

      (7)   All letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.

      (8)   Wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall be means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws. However, such signs may rest in or be bolted to strong, heavy metal brackets set not more than six feet apart. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or metal.

      (9)   Pole and free standing signs shall be constructed back to back in pairs, so the backs of the signs will be screened from public view or otherwise constructed so that the backs of such signs open to the public view and painted and maintained in a neutral color that blends with the surrounding environment.

      (10)   Billboard of off-premise signs permitted by this chapter shall be maintained in a similar manner. Where the backs of such signs are open to public view such back areas shall be painted and maintained in a neutral color that blends with the surrounding environment. Additionally, all weeds and grass within ten feet of such signs shall be appropriately maintained.

   (e)   Lighting. Unless otherwise specified by this chapter, all signs may be illuminated. However, no sign regulated by this chapter may utilize:

      (1)   Flashing lights/arrows.

      (2)   Bare bulb illuminations.

      (3)   Revolving beacon light.

      (4)   Animated lighting which depicts movement. (not including changeable copy signs.)

   (f)   Changeable Copy. Unless otherwise specified by this chapter, any sign herein permitted may utilize manual or changeable copy.

   (g)   Indemnification. All persons involved in the maintenance, installation, alteration, or relocation of signs near or upon any public right of way or property shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify the Village, agents, and employees, against any and all claims of negligence resulting from work insofar as this chapter has not specifically directed the placement of a sign.

      (Ord. 33-89. Passed 11-28-89.)