(A) Free Ingress Or Egress: No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(B) Location: No sign or other advertising structure as regulated by this chapter shall be located near 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; or which makes use of the words "stop", "look", "go", or "danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(C) Unlawful Display: It shall be unlawful for any person to display upon any sign or other advertising device any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
(D) Written Notice: If the superintendent shall find that any sign or other advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe, insecure or not properly maintained in any manner or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within ten (10) days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the city superintendent at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located. The city superintendent shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The city superintendent may cause any sign or other advertising device which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. (1977 Code)
(E) Prohibited: The following signs are prohibited within the city:
1. Any sign affixed to, hung, placed or painted on a fence, tree, public utility pole, radio, television or similar tower, except call letters or decorative emblems on commercial radio or television towers.
2. Any sign across a public right of way, other than official highway signs or as approved by the city council.
3. Any paper posters applied directly to the wall or building or pole or other support and letters or pictures in the form of advertising, printed or applied directly on the wall of a building. Temporary signs may be displayed in or attached to the inside of show or display windows provided the total sign area does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the show or display window area.
4. A permit shall not be required for mere changing or painting or reposting of advertising copy or display matter on signs or theater marquees designed for use of replaceable copy, provided such change does not violate the provisions of this chapter.
5. A permit shall not be required for the following signs, provided they are installed in compliance with the provisions of this chapter:
(a) Real Estate Signs: One nonilluminated real estate sign not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area pertaining to the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is displayed. Such signs may be located on private property and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the completion of the advertised sale, rental or lease.
(b) Construction Signs: One nonilluminated construction sign not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area identifying the parties engaged in the design or construction on a lot or premises where construction or remodeling is in progress. Such sign may be located on private property and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the completion of such work.
(c) Event Signs: Signs announcing a campaign, drive or event of a political, civic, patriotic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization may be displayed no more than ninety (90) days prior, nor later than seven (7) days after the appropriate event.
(d) Decorations: Decorations connected with civic, patriotic or religious holidays may be displayed no more than forty (40) days prior to, nor more than seven (7) working days after the appropriate holiday.
(e) Display Windows: Display window signs on the surface of display windows in business or industrially zoned districts only. Such window sign shall cover no more than ten percent (10%) of the display window surface area.
(f) Painted On Exterior Surface: Signs painted on the exterior surface of a building or structure in business or industrially zoned districts only. Such sign shall not have any raised borders, letters, characters, decorations or lighting appliances.
(g) Bulletin Boards: Bulletin boards not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions. Such bulletin board shall be located on the premises of said institutions.
(h) Traffic Or Other Municipal Signs: Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger and such temporary emergency or nonadvertising signs as may be approved by the city council.
(i) Nameplate: Nameplates as defined, when placed flat against the wall of a building.
(j) Signs Of Special Significance: Because of their key locations and because they provide a public service through the dissemination of information other than advertising, the following are deemed to be signs of special significance in the city and are therefor exempted from the provisions of this chapter:
(1) Main Street clock.
(F) Variations And Appeals: Variations and appeals may be made to the City Council on a form provided by the City. (Ord. 1155, 11-14-1978; amd. Ord. 1760, 3-9-2004; Ord. 2158, 4-26-2016; Ord. 2269, 5-26-2020)