(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this subchapter is to establish a set of standards for the fabrication, erection and use of signs, symbols, markings or advertising devices within the city. These standards are designed to protect and promote the general welfare, health and safety of persons within the community to aid and assist in the development and promotion of business and industry by providing regulations which allow and encourage creativity, effectiveness and flexibility in the design and use of such devices.
(B) On- and off-site signs.
(1) No private sign shall be erected or maintained which:
(a) Creates a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay or abandonment; or
(b) Creates traffic hazards, by either:
1. Confusing or distracting motorists;
2. Impairing the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, obstacles or other vehicles;
3. Impairing the driver’s ability to see and interpret any official traffic sign, signal or device;
4. Creates a nuisance to persons using a public right-of-way; or
5. Constitutes a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by its brightness, size, height or movement.
(2) Signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Wall signs may be located anywhere on the wall of a building.
(b) Freestanding signs shall not project over public property.
(c) Temporary signs for public or private institutions, school, nonprofit membership organizations and philanthropic institutions that are educational, cultural; religious or recreational in nature, may display temporary on-premises or off-premises signs shall not require a permit provide the following:
1. The size shall not exceed 60 square feet; and
2. The height of the sign shall not exceed eight feet.
(d) Freestanding signs shall not be erected adjacent to a corner of two intersecting streets, unless such signs are constructed to not obstruct the view of said intersection.
(e) Each sign in the incorporated limits of the city shall at least meet the standards established by the State Department of Transportation.
(f) Other than utility fixtures or holiday decorations, no signs, awnings or display shall be suspended, hanged or placed so that the same shall hang over any part of a street or sidewalk, used for vehicular or pedestrian travel unless a written application for a permit is made to the Administrative Official and the said Official grants a permit therefor.
(Ord. passed 7-7-2014) Penalty, see § 154.99