The following shall apply to signs in all zoning districts:
A. Location And Projection: All sign structures shall be on private property except as otherwise allowed in this chapter for temporary signs. No permanent sign structures shall be placed within any easement, right of way or projected future right of way as determined by the city engineer.
1. Projection Over Right Of Way: No sign shall project over the right of way within fifty feet (50') of the intersection of the projected future curb lines of intersecting streets. Signs located outside of intersection areas that are to project over public right of way shall not project beyond a point within twenty four inches (24") of a line drawn perpendicularly upward from the back of the projected future curb line as determined by the city engineer, provided no sign projects more than six feet (6') over the public right of way, and it is determined by the city engineer that said projection shall not constitute a future traffic hazard or conflict with existing or future utilities or street signing.
2. Projection Over Sidewalk Or Ground: Signs that are to project over public right of way shall be twelve feet (12') from the sidewalk or ground, except a marquee which may be eight feet (8') from the sidewalk or ground to the bottom of the marquee.
3. Vision Triangle: No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct the vision triangle of an intersection unless exception is granted in accordance with other applicable city ordinances. In no case shall the bottom side of any sight obstructing sign surface or structure located in the vision triangle be lower than twelve feet (12') from the sidewalk or ground. Exception may be allowed for small ground signs not extending more than three feet (3') in height above the projected future gutter line road elevation.
4. Drive Approaches: No sign shall be located in such a manner as to hinder the safe vehicle use of a drive approach by unduly restricting vision of traffic.
B. Blanketing Of Signs: To prevent blanketing the following shall apply:
1. No signs shall be erected in the same horizontal plane with other signs unless spaced the following distance apart, measured center to center:
a. Signs projecting from sign structures three feet (3') or less, spacing ten feet (10').
b. Signs projecting from sign structures three feet (3') to four feet (4'), spacing twenty feet (20').
c. Signs projecting from sign structures four feet (4') to six feet (6'), spacing twenty five feet (25').
d. Signs projecting from sign structures more than six feet (6'), spacing thirty feet (30').
2. Any sign erected at a shorter distance apart than required above shall be erected above the top edge or below the bottom edge of the adjacent sign.
C. Criteria: Size, height, number, illumination and spacing as provided in the schedule by zoning use districts in section 5-10-5 of this chapter.
D. Attachment:
1. Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the frame of the building over which they are constructed and erected.
2. Marquee signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed as part of a marquee. Such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements for a marquee as specified in any adopted, applicable building code.
3. Temporary cloth signs shall be supported and attached with wire rope of three-eighths inch (3/8") minimum diameter. No strings, fiber ropes or wood slats shall be permitted for support or anchorage purposes. Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated over at least ten percent (10%) of their area to reduce wind resistance.
E. Electrical: The enclosed shell of electric signs shall be watertight, except that service holes fitted with covers shall be provided into each compartment of such signs. Electrical equipment shall be installed in compliance with any adopted, applicable uniform electrical code. Every electrical sign projecting over any street or alley or public place shall have inscribed on the surface of the sign the name of the sign erector, the listing label, and the date of manufacture.
F. Interstate And Primary Highway Signs: Signs along interstate and primary highways shall conform to federal and state transportation department regulations.
G. Abandoned Signs: All abandoned signs shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises within six (6) months of abandonment.
H. Sign Maintenance And Repair: Nothing in this chapter shall relieve the owner or user of any sign or owner of property on which a sign is located from maintaining the sign in a safe condition and in a good state of repair. Ground area surrounding freestanding signs shall be kept free of rubbish and weeds. (Ord. 527, 3-14-2005)