(A) Permit number displayed. Any sign hereafter erected following passage of this subchapter shall display the sign permit number upon the face of the sign in the lower right-hand corner or as otherwise approved by the Building Inspector. In the case of pole mounted signs, the number shall be incorporated into the base of the sign structure.
(B) Structural requirements.
(1) Generally. All signs shall comply with the pertinent requirements of the Building Code, as adopted by the city.
(2) Freestanding signs; materials. All freestanding sign structures or poles shall be self-supporting structures erected on and permanently attached to concrete foundations. The structures or poles shall be fabricated only from painted steel or other materials as may be approved by the International Building Code, as adopted and incorporated into this code.
(3) Electric signs. All electric signs have a disconnecting switch located in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 54 of this code. The full number of illuminating elements thereof shall be kept in satisfactory working condition or immediately repaired or replaced. Signs that are only partially illuminated shall meet all electrical requirements for that portion directly illuminated. All electrical wiring used in connecting illuminated signs to power source shall be installed in accordance with Chapters 54 and 110 of this code.
(4) Glass. When glass is used for sign letters or transparent panels, it shall be at least double strength thickness for sign areas up to and including 300 square inches. When glass is used for sign letters or transparent panels for sign areas in excess of 300 square inches at least one-quarter-inch wire glass shall be used and the maximum span between supports shall be four feet.
(5) Strength of parapet wall. A parapet wall must have sufficient strength to support any sign which is attached hereto.
(6) Supports and braces. Metal supports or braces shall be adequate for wind loadings (see division (B)(7) below). Wire or cable supports shall be adequate for safe support of the sign. All metal, wire cable supports and braces and all bolts used to attach sign to bracket or brackets and signs to the supporting building or structure shall be galvanized or of an equivalent material.
(7) Wind loads. All signs shall be designed and constructed in conformity to the provisions of materials, loads and stresses International Building Code as adopted and incorporated into this code. The effect of special local wind pressures shall be thoroughly considered in the design, but in no case shall the wind load be assumed less than 30 pounds per square foot of net exposed area for roof signs or ground signs.
(8) Sign anchoring. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting members or connectors.
(9) Use of combustibles. All signs shall conform with the provisions International Building Code as adopted and incorporated in this code regarding the use of combustible materials. Notwithstanding any other requirements or regulations, all signs hereafter located on or at any lot or premises containing a gasoline service station shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
(C) General safety. Any existing sign which is or becomes an immediate danger or hazard to person or property because of being in an unsafe condition, or which obstructs any vehicular traffic view, fire escape, window or door, is subject to immediate removal by the Building Inspector without notice and at the expense of the property and/or sign owner.
(D) Maintenance. Each sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good condition. All existing signs shall be painted except where the sign is of a non-corroding material, galvanized, or otherwise, treated to prevent rust. Broken panels, missing letters, flaking or peeling paint incompletely illuminated (if intended as an illuminated sign) and other visual damage to a sign shall be repaired within 45 days of occurrence or notification by the Building Inspector.
(E) Abandoned signs. Any abandoned sign as defined in this subchapter or other sign or sign structure which advertises a business no longer conducted or service no longer sold on the premises or lot shall be classified an abandoned sign and shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which the sign is located within ten days following written notice by the Building Inspector concerning its removal.
(F) Illumination. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.
(G) State right-of-way requirements. All signs erected within the jurisdiction of state right-of-way requirements shall meet both state and city requirements.
(H) Corner clearance requirement for ground mounted signs. No ground mounted sign shall be permitted within the triangular area formed by the intersection of any street curb lines by a straight line drawn between said curb lines at a distance along the extension of each line 30 feet from the point of the intersection. The Police or Engineering Departments may establish more restrictive corner clearance requirements if conditions warrant.
(1980 Code, § 29.1409) (Ord. 9175, passed 9-7-2010) Penalty, see § 162.999