(a) All permanent signs, except for address identification, shall require a permit. Permitted permanent signs shall be classified into one of the three following types: wall signs; window signs; and ground signs.
(1) Wall signs may be erected on a building wall or extension of a building wall which faces a street, parking lot or service drive, and such sign may not extend beyond any building setback lines. Wall signs shall be attached parallel to the building face and extend outward perpendicular from the building face a maximum of ten inches except as follows:
A. Signs may be painted on an awning area provided that no part of such sign may extend above the roof line.
(2) Ground signs, to include pole signs and other types of freestanding signs, may be erected on a lot provided the location, height and other characteristics of the sign meet the regulations of this chapter.
(3) Permanent window signs shall be limited to signs denoting the identification of the occupant, the address of the premises and its use. Except for the Central Business District where a business does not occupy first floor space, such signs shall be limited to use solely on the ground or first floor. Window signs shall be limited to one sign per window and shall not exceed one-fourth of the total area of the window, and in no case to exceed ten square feet.
(b) The following general requirements shall apply for characteristics of permanent signs:
(1) Illumination. The permissibility of illumination is detailed in the regulations for the individual districts. Internal illumination shall be from a concealed or indirect light source and shall not flash, blink, fluctuate, travel, move or in any manner fail to provide constant illumination and shall not create a hazard or visibility problem or interfere with or impair vehicular traffic. The level of illumination emitted from a sign shall not be of an intensity to constitute a demonstrable safety hazard to vehicular movement on any street from which the sign may be viewed. Internally illuminated signs shall illuminate letters, numbers and graphic symbols only. All other elements of the sign and its structure shall be opaque so that the background of the sign shall not be internally illuminated. Externally illuminated signs shall be constructed and maintained so that the source of illumination is shielded or otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent properties or streets.
(2) Animation, message centers and moving signs. Animated, moving, and flashing signs are prohibited. Message centers, changeable copy and time and temperature signs are permitted as follows:
A. Changeable copy area may not exceed fifteen square feet and such area must be included as a part of the total square footage of signage for the site. Changeable copy signs are only permitted in GB, M-1, M-1A and P-1 Districts.
B. Message area may not exceed twenty-four square feet in area and such area must be included as a part of the total square footage of signage for the site. Message centers are only permitted in GB, M- 1, M-1A and P-1 Districts.
C. Time and temperature signs are permitted only in GB, M-1, M-1A and P-1 Districts. The time and temperature display area is limited to six square feet and such area must be included as part of the total square footage of signage for the site.
(3) Pennants, streamers, etc.. No sign shall contain or consist of banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers or similar moving devices.
(4) Construction. The construction of all signs, including any electrical wiring necessary for the operation of illuminated signs shall conform to the National Electric Code. All signs shall be adequately maintained and shall not constitute a safety hazard.
(5) Location.
A. All permanent signs shall be located on the site being promoted, identified or advertised.
B. In no case shall any part of a sign be placed in, over, or extend onto any public right-of-way except for publicly owned signs such as traffic control and directional signs. In no case shall any part of a sign be placed in, over or extend above the roof line of any structure.
(6) Maximum number, height and area of signs. In addition to placement of signs, the height, area and number of permitted signs allowed per use or lot shall be regulated by districts as listed under the Schedule of Sign Regulations of this chapter, except as specifically regulated elsewhere in this chapter. The height of the sign shall be measured from the established grade which shall be defined as that point where the grade line intersects the fronting wall of the building. The height of a sign shall not be artificially increased beyond the height by placement of signage on earth mounds that are created during site development.
(7) Joint identification signs. Joint identification signs shall be limited to wall or ground signs and to premises where there are two or more uses located on a property. Additionally, a second joint identification sign is permitted in the Central Business District if the premises has pedestrian access open to the public from parking facilities both in the front and in the rear of the property.
(8) Billboards. Billboards are prohibited. All existing billboards shall be considered nonconforming uses and allowed to continue to be used as established as of the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance subject to the full provisions of Section 1175.10
.
(9) Roof signs. Roof signs are prohibited.
(10) Permanent residential subdivision identification signage.
A. Such identification shall be permitted and regulated by district as listed under the Schedule of Sign Regulations
of this chapter, except as specifically regulated elsewhere in this chapter.
(c) Prohibited Signs:
(1) Any kind of sign that causes, creates or allows public viewing of any adult material describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas from any sidewalk, public or private right-of- way, or any property other than the lot on which the business is located is prohibited.
(2) Any kind of sign that causes or incites panic.
(Ord. 2018-04. Passed 4-9-18.)