(a) It is the purpose of the sign regulations to enhance and protect the physical appearance and safety of the community, to protect property values and to promote the preservation of Springfield's areas of natural, historic and scenic beauty. It is further intended to reduce distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs projecting over public rights of way, provide for a reasonable opportunity for all sign users to display their messages without interference from other signage, and to provide for fair and equitable treatment of all sign users. This code addresses the current advertising, communication, and identification trends and needs of sign owners, sign viewers, and the community. This sign code is intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare and be consistent with applicable legal requirements. These regulations are intended to reduce visual clutter, unsafe distractions to the traveling public, and provide visual organization of sign structures by arranging sign types into approved sign districts that order property by context, land use, and thoroughfare characteristics.
(b) No sign shall be erected or altered in any manner without compliance with the regulations stated herein.
(c) These regulations are structured within the two general categories of temporary and permanent signs. Temporary signs are governed by the provisions of Subsection 1155.08(e) and are permitted in addition to permanent signs permitted under this Chapter. Permanent signs may be either off premises or on premises signs. Off premises signs are governed by the provisions of Subsection 1155.04(a)(6). All on premises signs are governed by the regulations of the sign district in which they are located.
(Ord. No. 10-242. Passed 8-3-10.)