(A) Purpose. It is not the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate any building design or any display not defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from outside a building. The purpose and intent of this chapter is to:
(1) Regulate the number, location, size, type, illumination, and other physical characteristics of signs within the city in order to promote the public health, safety, and welfare.
(2) Maintain, enhance, and improve the aesthetic environment of the city by preventing visual clutter that is harmful to the appearance of the community.
(3) Improve the visual appearance of the city while providing for effective means of communication, consistent with constitutional guarantees and the city’s goals of public safety and aesthetics.
(4) Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations set forth herein under the zoning authority of the city.
(5) Ensure adequate means of expression as allowed by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution and other federal, state, and local laws.
(6) Minimize hazards caused by signs that are structurally unsound, interfere with sightlines or unduly distract drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
(B) Applicability. Any sign visible from a public street erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this ordinance shall conform to the regulations in this chapter.
(C) Interpretation.
(1) The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion and protection of the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
(2) When any condition imposed by any provision of this chapter is either more restrictive or less restrictive than similar conditions imposed by any provision of any other applicable law, Municipal Code provision, statute, resolution, or regulation of any kind, the more restrictive one which imposes higher standards or requirements shall prevail.
(3) Any sign type determined by staff not identified by this code may be considered by the Planning Commission at a regular meeting and its recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for review and action.
(Ord. 806, passed 7-26-2022)