In addition to the design, size, type and location of signs, all signs shall meet the following standards:
(a) Illumination (See pictorial examples in Appendix). Signs shall be permitted to be illuminated as provided in the following:
(1) External Illumination: All signs that are permitted to be illuminated shall be externally illuminated, except as otherwise permitted in subsection (2) below. External illumination shall comply with the following.
A. Only direct lighting from an external source shall be used to illuminate the sign.
B. The source of light shall not be visible from the street or adjacent property.
(2) Internal illumination:
A. Internal illumination of signs may be permitted by the Planning and Zoning Commission for uses in all Commercial and Industrial Districts provided that only reverse pan channel, or halo-lighted letters, characters or graphics are permitted.
B. Internally illuminated cabinets may be permitted by the Commission provided such cabinets shall consist of a solid opaque background with "knock-out" areas for copy, graphics and embellishments.
(3) Signs shall not include animated, flashing, moving or intermittent illumination in which any part of the message changes at a rate of more than once per day.
(4) No temporary sign shall be illuminated.
(b) Location of Signs and Construction Standards.
(1) No sign regulated by any of the provisions of this Section shall be erected in the right-of-way, or at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape, or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign signal or device as defined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices; or which makes use of the words "STOP", "LOOK", "DANGER", or any other work phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, or confuse traffic.
(2) No sign shall be attached to a utility pole, tree, trash receptacle, bench, or any other structure not intended or approved as a sign support
(3) No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any window, door, fire escape, balcony, platform stairway, ladder, vent or other means of egress or ingress of any building
(4) The construction, erection, safety and maintenance of signs shall comply with the Ohio Building Code.
(5) Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as to pose no threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(6) Permanent signs shall be constructed and erected to withstand wind pressures of at least 30 pounds per square foot of surface, and shall be fastened, suspended or supported so that they will not be a menace to persons or property.
(7) Permanent signs shall be fabricated of materials that are of good quality and good durability.
(8) Temporary signs shall be durable and weather-resistant and fastened or anchored sufficiently, whether attached to the building or positioned in the ground.
(9) No temporary sign shall have moveable lettering or lettering capable of being moved or replaced.
(c) Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained as follows:
(1) The property owner, occupant, or other person responsible for the sign shall maintain the sign in a condition fit for the intended use and he or she shall have a continuing obligation to comply with all building code requirements.
(2) If the Zoning Inspector finds that any sign is unsafe, insecure, or a menace to the public, notice shall be given in writing by the Zoning Inspector to the owner. The owner of the business shall, within 48 hours of such notification, correct such unsafe condition or remove the sign.
(3) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, refurbishing, or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or any payment of fees provided that all of the following conditions are met:
A. There shall be no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure, the location of the sign does not change and the materials and illumination do not change.
B. The sign shall be accessory to a legally permitted, conditional or nonconforming use.
(4) The Zoning Inspector may order any sign to be painted or refurbished whenever needed to keep the sign in a neat and safe condition.
(Ord. 25-2011. Passed 9-20-11.)