(a) Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair. All signs whose exterior is deteriorated, decaying, disintegrating or whose exterior surface has weathered with dirt and grime or has been impaired through peeling or flaking of the paint or other protective coating, shall be repaired, repainted or resurfaced, or removed.
(b) Removal. Whenever any structure or part thereof becomes vacant, the owner or agent shall cause all associated signs and sign structures, which are visible from the exterior, to be removed within 30 days and to restore the exterior appearance of the building to match the existing facade. For freestanding signs, all elements of the sign structure shall be removed and the sign location shall be restored in a manner that is compatible with the premises as determined by the Administrator.
(c) Substitution of Noncommercial Copy. Any sign that can be displayed under the provisions of this chapter may contain noncommercial copy; provided however that such sign shall be subject to the same permit requirements, restrictions on size and type, and other conditions and specifications that apply to the sign for which they are being substituted.
(d) Illumination. Where illuminated signs are permitted:
(1) All illuminated signs shall be so designed, located, shielded and directed so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from artificial illumination upon adjacent streets and surrounding property.
(2) In no instance shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal illumination or external illumination, exceed 75 foot candles when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign.
(3) Signs visible from adjoining residential uses shall not be illuminated except with indirect white light.
(4) Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(e) Sign Supports. Each sign erected, hung or suspended or permitted under the terms of this chapter shall be securely fastened to a building or other structure upon the premises owned or occupied by the applicant. Such sign shall be supported vertically and horizontally so as to prevent the same from falling from its own weight and all superimposed loads. No sign herein referred to shall be suspended from or supported by a cornice or coping. Signs supported by or extending from any building shall be anchored to the supporting wall or structural members of such building. In no case shall the sign be supported by or suspended from the facing wall only of the structure.
(f) Inspection Required. Each sign or marquee erected shall be examined by the Building Official to determine whether the sign or marquee is constructed, erected, hung or suspended in accordance with the application and permit and the provisions thereof.
(g) Historic/design review districts may have stricter regulations associated with approval based on the design standards for the district.
(Ord. 16-19. Passed 9-16-19.)