(A) Signs are not to constitute traffic hazards.
(1) No sign shall encroach into a public right-of-way, except that a projecting sign attached to a building facade may project a maximum of six feet away from the building facade and the lowest part of the sign is at least eight feet above the sidewalk surface.
(2) No sign or other advertising structure, as regulated by this chapter, shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where, by reason of the intensity, position, shape, or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view, or be confused with any traffic sign, signal or device.
(3) No sign, as regulated by this chapter, shall be erected which makes use of the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
(B) Measurement of sign area.
(1) Areas refer to the total area of the sign which would customarily be used for presenting information or attracting attention, including any border.
(a) The area of regular geometric shapes, such as cabinet signs, shall be calculated using standard formulas. (See Chapter 98, Appendix A, Figure 2)
(b) Where channel letters or awning signs are used, the area shall be measured as the area of the smallest polygon which will completely enclose all figures, letters, designs and tubing which are part of such sign. (See Chapter 98, Appendix A, Figure 3)
(c) Each side of an awning or canopy shall be considered a separate face, except that the continuous signage on all sides of an awning shall be considered a single sign.
(d) The area of a spherical, cylindrical and other three-dimensional sign shall be measured by calculating the area of an elevation drawing of the sign.
(e) When two or more separate items in a sign (such as a word and a logo) are separated horizontally or vertically by less than twice the width or height of the largest item, the items shall be considered a single sign, and the area shall be determined by measuring the area enclosed by a perimeter enclosing all of the items. (See Chapter 98, Appendix A, Figure 4)
(f) When two or more separate items (such as a word and a logo) are separated horizontally or vertically by more than twice the width or height of the largest item, the items shall be considered separate signs, and the area of each item shall be determined individually. (See Chapter 98, Appendix A, Figure 5)
(g) Double-faced (back-to-back) signs shall be regarded as a single structure if the distance between each sign face does not exceed two feet at any one point. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be measured when determining maximum allowable area except for off-site billboards.
(h) Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.
(C) Measurement of sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the sign to the average grade immediately below and adjoining the sign.
(D) Sign copy.
(1) The copy (text of permanent signs) shall relate only to the name and/or nature of the business.
(2) Permanent signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, etc. shall not be allowed.
(3) No sign shall be allowed which advertises activities that are illegal under federal, state, city or county laws.
(4) With the exception of misleading information and profanity, the city does not intend by any provision of this chapter to regulate the content of any sign.
(E) Illumination of signs.
(1) The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties.
(2) External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.
(3) The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will create a negative impact on adjoining properties in direct line of sight to the sign.
(4) Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illuminating devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness or color.
(5) Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices.
(6) Reflective type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed 15 watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property.
(F) Any sign that is placed directly under or within ten feet of any power line must be approved by the affected utility in addition to obtaining local approval.
(G) Signs required by law to be a specific size, composition, or location may be permitted by the Zoning Administrator.
(H) Sign maintenance.
(1) Signs and supporting hardware, including temporary signs and time/temperature signs, shall be structurally safe, clean, free of visible defects and functioning properly at all times.
(2) Repairs to signs shall be equal to or better in quality of materials and design than the original sign.
(I) Painted wall signs shall be permitted in addition to signs made of brick, metal, or wood. All painted wall signs shall conform to all other requirements of the sign code for wall signs, including, but not limited to size location, illumination, lettering, style, and color.
(J) Permit fees. Every applicant, before being granted a permit hereunder said permit, shall pay to the city a fee as set by ordinance.
(K) The zoning administrator has the authority to issue a sign permit so long as the said sign complies with the provisions outlined in this chapter.
(L) The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have the right to grant a variance in the terms of this chapter with regard to size, location, or placement of any sign in any district.
(M) Changeable copy by non-electronic means may be utilized on any permitted sign commonly known as reader or message board.
(Ord. 07-2604, passed 1-7-08; Am. Ord. 11-2670, passed 5-2-11) Penalty, see § 98.99