(a) Computation of Sign Area.
(1) Wall Signs. In computing the area of any sign, all faces or panels or background areas contrasting with the face of the building on which advertising is displayed shall be considered sign area.
(2) Double-Sided Signs. For projecting signs or pole signs, free-standing signs, or secondary signs that are double sided with identical copy on both sides and if both sides cannot be viewed at one time, only one side will be counted as the total sign area.
(3) Other Signs. For signs containing open spaces or separate letters, words, and/or symbols, either free-standing or attached to a non-contrasting background, sign area shall be determined to be the smallest rectangle enclosing all such advertising.
(b) Any sign covered by this ordinance that would exceed these restrictions or any additional sign requested above the number permitted shall require approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(c) Rear Wall Directional Signs. No signs are permitted on the rear of a commercial or industrial building, unless the sign is intended to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the parking area while on the same premises. Rear wall directional signs can be no larger than four (4) square feet and may only be a wall sign that extends no further than six (6) inches from the wall.
(d) Public Right-of-Way. No sign shall be permitted to encroach upon the public right- of-way, with the exception of projecting signs or wall signs which project from the wall more than six (6) inches and are attached to a building. No portion of these signs shall hang lower than ten (10) feet from the sidewalk or grade.
(e) Wall Murals. W all murals that are created for decorative purposes and painted or otherwise on buildings, fences, or other structures require permission from City Council.
(f) On-Premise Wall Signs. No building wall shall be used to display advertising, except that pertaining to the use carried on within such building.
(g) Removal of Signs. A sign structure that was permitted, constructed, painted, installed, or maintained in conformance with this Zoning Ordinance, or a legal nonconforming sign, shall be removed or brought into conformance with the Zoning Ordinance by the owner of the lot upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) Failure to install, create, erect, or maintain any sign or sign structure according to the requirements of this Zoning Ordinance or in accordance with applicable provisions of the Building Code or other state or model codes adopted in the Municipal Ordinance of Rossford;
(2) Failure to maintain any sign copy on a sign frame;
(3) Failure of the sign to contain lawful advertising copy or which is misleading;
(4) The sign presents a public health or safety hazard affecting traffic or pedestrian safety by means of its size, scale, height, location, material, lighting, color, motion, or legibility;
(5) The sign is determined to be abandoned or a public nuisance.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)