All permanent freestanding signs shall require a single continuous landscaped area to be maintained around the base of the sign in accordance with the following standards:
(a) The minimum landscaped area shall be equal to the greater of the total sign area or three feet from the sign face or supporting structure in all directions.
(b) The landscaped area shall include all points where sign structural supports attach to the ground and are visible.
(c) Where the required landscaped area is adjacent to a paved surface accessible to vehicular traffic, a raised non-mountable curb suitable to prevent the encroachment of vehicles into the landscaped area shall be required. The minimum distance between the face of any such required curb and any part of the sign shall be thirty- six (36) inches.
(d) The landscaped area shall include one or more of the following plant materials: shrubs, trees, and/or seasonal varieties permanently located and properly maintained with dead vegetation replaced as soon as weather permits. The use of exposed concrete, asphalt, or any other paved surface inside the required landscaped area beneath the sign is prohibited.
(Ord. 2003-27. Passed 5-5-03.)