(A) Application to be designated a sign of special significance shall be filed with the Community Development Department. Upon application by the owner, any sign may be considered by the Design Review Committee and Planning Commission for designation as a special significance sign for its architectural or historic significance, whether local, state or national.
(B) Signs meeting the following criteria may be designated signs of special significance:
(1) Signs having some special significance, either historically or architecturally;
(2) Signs which directly contribute to the distinctive character of the city.
(3) Signs whose design, material(s) and color(s) are consistent with the architectural styles and building types identified in the urban design element of the city's General Plan;
(4) Signs which are integral to a building and/or storefront, whose design, material(s) and color(s) have not been compromised, to the point that the integrity of the original sign/building/ storefront relationship no longer exists;
(5) Signs which have been properly maintained and repaired, if necessary, by the original owner; or faithfully restored, if there is a new owner; and
(6) The sign will not have a significant adverse impact on the purposes of the sign ordinance.
(C) Designated signs of special significance shall not be removed or abated as provided in § 153.331(C)(7). Such signs which are approved by the Planning Commission may be subject to the following conditions:
(1) The basic sign copy may not be changed;
(2) The existing signs shall not be modified;
(3) No new signs shall be added;
(4) Review of such signs by the Planning Commission every five years from the date of approval.
('65 Code, § 9-3.2414) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)