(a) Zoning Certificate Required. A zoning certificate shall be required prior to the erection, display, relocation, replacement, reinstallation, or alteration of any sign, including temporary signs, except as otherwise specifically exempted by this Chapter.
(1) In the event a zoning certificate is required under this Chapter, it shall be obtained by the owner of the lot on which the sign will be located, or by his/her authorized representative. The owner or representative shall submit a zoning certificate Application, fee as required by City ordinance, and such other information as required to determine and document compliance with the ordinances of the City of Oberlin.
(2) When any sign that is subject to the provisions of this Section is erected, displayed, relocated, replaced, reinstalled, or altered prior to obtaining a zoning certificate, the required fees shall be tripled.
(3) A zoning certificate shall not be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to establish or maintain an unlawful sign nor constitute a defense in action to abate an unlawful sign.
(b) Exempted from Zoning Certificate. A zoning certificate shall not be required for the following signs in all Districts provided such signs conform in all respects with the provisions of this Chapter:
(1) A sign or signs on one lot, having a total sign surface area of four (4) square feet or less.
(2) A temporary window sign.
(3) A notice sign related to public safety matters (e.g., trespassing, caution, private driveway, or similar information) is allowed for each 100 feet of frontage on a street or bikeway, provided such sign is non-illuminated and does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
(4) Governmental, Public Utility Signs. A zoning certificate shall not be required for a sign erected by any governmental unit or public utility for the purpose of protecting or promoting public health, safety, and general welfare, including regulatory signs, warning signs, public facility identification signs, directional signs placed by the City in the public right-of-way for the safety and general welfare of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, and municipal corporate boundary signs, provided that such signs are otherwise consistent with this Chapter and with state and federal laws.
(Ord. 21-72 AC CMS. Passed 11-15-21.)