(a) Location. No sign shall be placed in public rights of way, except for those properties within the Central Development Overlay District and except as provided in Section 1199.03. No sign shall be placed in public parks or any other public property or on utility poles, trees or natural objects. No sign shall be located in such a way that it obscures traffic control signs, obstructs the view of approaching or intersecting traffic, or interferes with the visibility or safety of vehicles or pedestrians entering, leaving or crossing public rights of way. No sign shall be located in any residential district, except as specified in Sections 1199.03, 1199.06, 1199.07 and 1199.08(b).
(b) Size. Sign area shall include the face of all the display area of the sign not including the bracing, framing and structural supports of the sign, unless such support members are made part of the message or face of the sign. When all faces of the sign shall be included in determining the area of the sign. Unless two display faces are joined back to back, are parallel to each other and not more than twenty-four inches apart. For spherical signs, the size shall be defined as the area of the bisecting plane. The area of a sign consisting of individual letters or symbols, either free-standing or attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or regular geometrical shape which encompasses all the letters and symbols. Temporary signs shall not exceed 8 square feet.
(c) Design.
(1) Signs shall not resemble by design, color, shape or other characteristics any common traffic control device, or directional or warning signs directed or maintained by the State, Municipality or by any railroad, public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of public health or safety.
(2) Any multi- faced sign shall consistently display the name and message on all used faces.
(3) Reverse sides of signs shall be unobtrusive and blend with the surroundings.
(4) Colors. No more than four colors may be incorporated into the design of the sign, including black or white.
(5) Test. The sign copy (text) of permanent signs shall relate only to the name and/or nature of the business. Permanent signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, etc. shall not be allowed.
(d) Lighting. (See also Chapter 1197) A sign, if illuminated, shall be illuminated only by the following means:
(1) By a steady, stationary light of reasonable intensity, such that it does not create a light trespass, directed solely at the sign and shielded or otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent properties or streets.
(2) By an interior light of reasonable intensity with logos and/or letters lit or silhouetted on an opaque background. No additional background lighting shall be permitted.
The level of illumination emitted or reflected from a sign shall not be of an intensity sufficient to constitute a demonstrable safety hazard to air traffic or to vehicular traffic on any street from which the sign may be viewed.
(e) Construction. All signs shall be properly constructed and maintained to insure that no hazard is created and shall be able to withstand a wind pressure of thirty pounds per square foot. All electrical wiring, fittings and materials used in the construction and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall conform to the specifications of the National Electric Code. All signs and related surroundings shall be properly maintained and shall not be allowed to fall into a state of obvious disrepair or neglect.
(f) Additional Restrictions. The following signs or similar devices are prohibited: pennants, streamers, spinners, bench signs, portable signs, mobile placards, marquee type signs with changeable message, flashing or blinking signs, and animated signs or signs with moving or movable parts (excepting barber poles).
(Ord. 5-14. Passed 8-25-14.)