The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:
(a) Abandoned signs and/or sign structures which are determined to be nonconforming with the provisions of this division shall be required to be removed by the property owner within thirty days after receipt of notification, or refusal to accept delivery of notification by certified mail, that such removal is required. Alternatively, the sign panels within the abandoned sign structure may be removed and replaced with sign panels of neutral color and containing no message;
(b) Banners, balloons, cold-air inflatables, pennants, streamers, festoons and searchlights except same shall be allowed as governmental and public purpose signs if the Building Commissioner finds that the sign type meets the following criteria:
(1) The sign type is for a special event,
(2) The special event is for a limited time,
(3) The special event is for a limited frequency, and
(4) The sign type, if allowed for a limited time and frequency, will meet the following purposes to wit:
A. The signs will not conceal or obstruct adjacent land uses or signs
B. The signs will not conflict with the principal permitted use of the site or adjoining sites
C. The signs will not interfere with, obstruct vision of or distract motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians, and
D. The signs will be installed and maintained in a safe manner. Consistent with the general standards as defined in Chapter 1284, the approval or disapproval shall not be based on the content of the message contained (i.e., the viewpoint expressed) on any such sign. The Building Commissioner shall render a decision within ten days after an application is made for utilizing this sign type at a special event. Such a decision shall be deemed an administrative interpretation and any person adversely affected has the right to appeal the decision to the BZA pursuant to Section 1264.04;
(c) Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals;
(d) Snipe signs attached to trees, fences, telephone poles, public benches or street lights, or placed on any public structure, property or right-of-way;
(e) Signs placed or painted on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying such signs;
(f) Billboards, off-premises signs and outdoor advertising signs;
(g) Portable signs that are permanently anchored, affixed or secured to a building;
(h) Roof signs;
(i) Signs of non-durable material, except for signs specifically authorized by this chapter;
(j) Bare strings of light bulbs and similar devices;
(k) Signs projecting over public property or rights-of-way;
(l) Obscene, indecent or immoral matter;
(m) Flashing, animated, rotating or moving signs;
(n) Any sign which is identified by the Building Commissioner as unsafe and a threat to public safety;
(o) Temporary signs of a mobile or movable nature for the purpose of announcing grand openings, special sales, new products, business events or any other use;
(p) Illuminated signs with red or green bulbs which may interfere with the sight lines of a traffic signal;
(q) Any exposed incandescent lamp unless a screen is attached or unless the sign and lamp are placed at least ten feet above the ground;
(r) Pole signs; and
(s) Ground signs in TCD-1 through TCD-5 except for multi-tenant shopping center or multi-family residential complexes. The number of permitted ground signs shall be limited to the equal number of public curb cuts.
(Ord. 1988-175. Passed 10-17-88; Ord. 90-147. Passed 9-4-90; Ord. 06-112. Passed 11-8-06; Ord. 07-103. Passed 4-1-08; Ord. 08-164. Passed 7-15-08.)