The city finds:
(A) Exterior signs have a substantial impact on the character and quality of the environment;
(B) Signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages;
(C) Signs can create traffic hazards, aesthetic concerns, and detriments to property values, thereby threatening the public health, safety, and welfare; and
(D) The city’s zoning regulations have historically included the regulation of signs in an effort to provide adequate means of expression and to promote economic viability of the business community, while protecting the city and its citizens from a proliferation of signs of a type, size, location, and character that would adversely impact upon the aesthetics of the community and threaten the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The regulation of the physical characteristics of signs within the city has had a positive impact on traffic safety and the appearance of the community.
(Ord. 2018-10-3, passed 10-9-2018)