(a) Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter shall not govern the display of the following signs:
(1) The American, and Ohio flags and flags of other nations or nationality groups (except where used as part of a sign advertising a product or service);
(2) Governmental signs providing traffic control information and similar public information;
(3) Signs which are part of the original construction of a vending machine, fuel pump or similar device;
(4) Any monument within a cemetery;
(5) Cornerstones and permanent building plaques displaying the date of construction, architect's name, building name, historical information, etc., and not exceeding eight square feet in area;
(6) Signs in nonresidential districts displaying only a street address and not exceeding two square feet in area;
(7) Holiday or seasonal decorations, excluding advertising, displayed for reasonable and customary duration of time;
(8) Signs on vehicles that are regularly and customarily used to transport persons or property for a business;
(9) Works of art that do not include a commercial message;
(10) Special purpose signs including festival banners and decorative banners as defined in Section 1185.03
(d)(2)A. and B. announcing or promoting re-occurring, nonbusiness, public events such as but not limited to county fairs, school festivals, etc., displayed for reasonable and customary duration of time.
(11) Logo flag that is mounted on a flag pole with no other flag on the same pole, containing identification information (logo); not to exceed twenty-four square feet.
(12) Other signs determined to be outside this chapter's scope of regulation with respect to a reasonable and custody interpretation of intent.
(b) Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are prohibited in any zoning district unless specifically permitted by definition or use as provided for elsewhere in this chapter:
(1) Moving, flashing and animated signs of any sort, including revolving signs, banners, streamers, ribbons, pennants, spinners, and/or other similar moving devices; except for temporary banners, streamers, ribbons and pennants used for a length of time not to exceed fifteen days to call attention to initial openings of businesses in B-1, B-2, and B-3 Zoning Districts.
(2) Billboards as defined in Section 1185.03(c)(1).
(3) Roof signs as defined in Section 1185.03(d)(10).
(4) Portable signs as defined in Section 1185.03
(d)(8), except for temporary portable, on-premises signs displayed for a length of time not exceeding fifteen days by charitable or nonprofit organizations, churches or similar; and except for temporary portable on-premises signs displayed by businesses in B-1, B-2, and B-3 Zoning Districts to call attention to initial openings and displayed for a length of time not exceeding fifteen days.
(5) Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs and signals.
(6) Off-premise real estate directional signs (excluding temporary Open House signs in place for a period not to exceed twelve hours).
(7) Signs which create a visibility hazard or impair the future utilization or expansion of public streets.
(8) Any sign that is installed, erected or attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire exit or any door or window giving access to any fire escape unless specifically to identify the fire escape or exit as approved and required by the Fire Prevention Officer.
(Ord. 04-965. Passed 7-6-04.)