In addition to signs prohibited elsewhere in this code or by applicable state or federal law, the following signs are prohibited:
(a) General Prohibitions.
(1) Signs that violate any law of the state relating to outdoor advertising or in violation of this code.
(2) Signs attached to natural vegetation.
(3) Signs simulating, or which are likely to be confused with, a traffic control sign or any other sign displayed by a public authority. Any such sign is subject to immediate removal and disposal by an authorized City official as a nuisance.
(4) Vehicle or trailer signs.
(5) Freestanding signs more than twenty-five (25) feet in height.
(6) Signs hanging from supports, except against the face of a building.
(b) Prohibitions Based on Materials.
(1) Animated signs. This subsection does not apply the changing of the message content no more often than once every seven seconds.
(2) Flashing signs or other signs displaying flashing, scrolling, or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity, except where such signs are expressly permitted within this article.
(3) Signs consisting of illuminated tubing or strings of lights outlining property lines or open sales areas, rooflines, doors, windows, or wall edges of any building, except for temporary decorations not to exceed three (3) months per year.
(4) Signs that emit smoke, flame, scent, mist, aerosol, liquid, or gas.
(5) Signs that emit sound.
(6) Any electronic sign that is generated by a series of moving images, such as an LED, digital display, or other video technology, whether displayed on a building, vehicle, or mobile unit.
(7) Pole signs less than four (4) feet in height.
(8) Neon signs, except in windows where permitted in a district.
(c) Prohibitions Based on Location.
(1) Off-premises signs, unless specifically permitted by this chapter.
(2) Signs erected on public land other than those approved by the Zoning Officer in writing, required by law without such approval, or permitted under West Virginia law. Any sign not so authorized is subject to immediate removal by the City, with the costs charged to the owner or person having control of such sign, with payment due within 30 days of notice of charges. Removal of the sign under this provision does not preclude prosecution of the person responsible for the sign.
(3) Roof signs. Signs on the roof surface or extending above the roofline of a building or its parapet wall.
(4) Any sign located in the vision triangle formed by any two (2) intersecting streets and alley.
(5) Window signs with an aggregate area on a window or door in excess of twenty-five (25%) percent of the total area of the window or door or located above the first floor unless the related use is only on the floor where the window sign is displayed. (Passed 10-3-17.)