(A) Signs imitating traffic or emergency signals. No sign shall be permitted which imitates an official traffic sign or signal; or contains words or symbols displayed in a manner which might mislead or confuse drivers of vehicles; or displays intermittent lights resembling the color, size, shape, or order of lights customarily used in traffic signals, on emergency vehicles or on law enforcement vehicles, except as part of a permitted private or public traffic control sign.
(B) Audible signs. No sign shall be permitted which emits or utilizes in any manner any sound capable of being detected on a public road or adjoining property by a person of normal hearing.
(C) Flashing signs. No sign shall be permitted which utilizes flashing, blinking, or strobetype lights, or any type of pulsating or moving lights.
(E) Signs attached to or painted on selected features. No sign shall be permitted which is attached to a utility pole or street sign; or is attached to or painted on tree trunks, rocks, or other natural objects.
(F) Portable signs. No portable sign shall be permitted, except in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
(G) Discontinued signs. Signs which advertise a discontinued product, place, activity, person, institution or business shall be removed by the owner within 30 days from the date of termination.
(H) Signs confusing, distracting or diverting motorists. No sign shall be permitted which in any manner may unduly confuse, distract or divert the attention of drivers of vehicles.
(I) Obstructing signs. No sign shall be permitted which interferes with free passage from or obstructs any fire escape, downspout, window, door, stairway, ladder, or opening providing light or air or intended as a means of ingress or egress. No sign shall obstruct the view of roads from a pedestrian walkway.
(J) Home occupation signs. Home occupations are not permitted to display any sign pertaining to the commercial activity in the dwelling.
(K) Neon filled tubes. Exposed neon filled tubes or other tubes having the appearance of exposed neon tubes are prohibited on signs or trim or the exterior of a business. Any material used to cover the tubes must not have the appearance of exposed neon filled tubes.
(L) Roof signs. Roof signs and signs that project above the rooflines are prohibited.
(M) Vehicle signs. Signs on vehicles either attached to or painted on vehicles or any type which are conspicuously parked in close proximity to the right-of-way and are obviously parked in a way to advertise any business to the passing motorist or pedestrian are prohibited.
(N) Fluorescent signs. Signs containing fluorescent colored letters and/or background are prohibited.
(O) Bench signs. Bench signs are prohibited.
(P) Searchlights. Searchlights are prohibited.
(Q) Flashing and pulsating signs. Signs which contain a high intensity illuminating device causing it to blink, flash, pulsate, fluctuate or animate are prohibited.
(R) Inflatable signs. Signs that require air or other compressed gas, whether contained or blown, to keep and maintain its shape or which cause it to inflate or move are prohibited.
(S) Signs in the public right-of-way. Any sign placed on or in the public right-of-way is prohibited.
(T) Windblown signs. All windblown signs are prohibited with the exception of banners permitted and exempted in § 158.166(H).
(U) (1) Balloons and gas-filled figures used to draw attention to a business or event are prohibited.
(2) Exceptions.
(a) Balloons used to announce a birth and displayed on the residential property.
(b) Helium-filled balloons to be sold or given to patrons at special events approved by the Council or special sales events.
(c) A temporary sign made of helium-filled balloons used for special events. The sign cannot be used for more than three (3) days and a sign permit must be obtained.
(d) Gas-filled figures used as a display for similar items for sale by the establishment or for seasonal decorations. The figure must be located near the establishment’s storefront, cannot interfere with traffic, and cannot be used as a sign on the road. The figure must be properly secured.
(V) Animated signs. “Animated sign” means any sign of which all or any part thereof visibly moves in any fashion whatsoever; and any sign which contains or uses for illumination any light, lights, lighting device(s) which change color, flash, alternate, blink, fluctuate, scintillate, show movement or motion, whirl, or change the appearance of said or any part thereof automatically. This includes moving message boards.
(W) Abandoned or dilapidated signs. All abandoned and dilapidated signs are prohibited.
(1985 Code, § 9-127) (Am. Ord. 2019-11, passed 12-10-2019; Am. Ord. 20-22, passed 10-20-2020) Penalty, see § 158.999