In order to accomplish the purpose of this subchapter, the following general restrictions apply:
(A) Allowable sign area.
(1) Calculation. Sign area shall be calculated as the area within an imaginary rectangle which, when drawn, would completely enclose all the letters, parts or symbols of the sign.
(2) Freestanding and projecting signs. Within the limitations and restrictions as further provided in this subchapter, the total sign area of any freestanding and/or projecting signs which any establishment is permitted to display, shall be computed in accordance with the following formula:
(a) One and one-half square feet of sign area per every one foot of street frontage for the first 100 feet of such frontage; plus one square foot of sign area per each additional one foot of such frontage in excess of 100 feet; provided, however, that, no establishment in any district shall display more than 250 square feet of sign area on any street front with the exception of those listed in division (A)(2)(b) below.
(b) Properties on which particularly large buildings are constructed shall be allowed a maximum sign area subject to the following:
1. Buildings that are 50,000 to 100,000 square feet in size shall be allowed a maximum sign area of 250 square feet, plus 10% or 275 square feet.
2. Buildings that are 100,000 to 150,000 square feet in size shall be allowed a maximum sign area of 250 square feet, plus 20% or 300 square feet.
3. Buildings that are over 150,000 square feet in size shall be allowed a maximum sign area of 250 square feet, plus 30% or 325 square feet.
(c) In calculating the sign area of a proposed sign that contains more than two faces, the Zoning Administrator shall determine the sum of the areas of each face and divide by two, assuring that the result does not exceed the allowable sign area for the property.
(d) The total allowable sign area shall include the sum of the areas of all freestanding and projecting signs.
(3) Flush-mounted signs. Within the limitations and restrictions as further provided in this subchapter, the total sign area of any flush-mounted, wall or window sign which any establishment is permitted to display shall be computed in accordance to the following formula:
(a) Single tenant buildings. One square foot of sign area per every one linear foot of primary street frontage; provided, however, that, no establishment in any district shall display more than 375 square feet of sign area;
(b) Multi-tenant buildings. For multi-tenant retail (strip centers) or mixed-use buildings one square foot of sign area per every one linear foot of primary store frontage. For multi-tenant office buildings, one square foot of sign area per every one linear foot of street frontage; provided, however, that, no multi-tenant office building in any district shall display more than 375 square feet of sign area; and
(c) Inclusions. The total allowable sign area shall include the sum of the areas of all flush-mounted, wall and window signs.
(B) Sign illumination. Unless restricted otherwise in this chapter, illumination of signs is permitted, subject to the following requirements:
(1) No sign shall employ red, yellow or green lights in such a manner as to confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic.
(2) Electronic message boards shall only use lights of a single color on a contrasting background.
(3) No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or any other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, brightness or color.
(4) The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that it creates neither a nuisance to adjacent property nor a traffic hazard.
(C) Dynamic display signs. Unless restricted otherwise in this chapter, dynamic display signs shall be permitted, subject to the following requirements:
(1) No animation or movement of any content is permitted.
(2) The dynamic display portion of any sign constructed after May 1, 2018 shall be a maximum of 25 square feet and must be placed on the lower half of the sign structure.
(3) Each displayed message must remain visible for at least ten seconds before being replaced with another message.
(4) Signs with dynamic displays are to be located at least 200 feet from any residentially-zoned property or, if placed at a distance of 200 feet or less, meet the following criteria:
(a) Be a flush-mounted sign placed on the building or a free-standing (monument style) sign structure;
(b) The maximum dynamic display sign area shall be 15 square feet and must be placed on the lower half of the sign structure. Free-standing sign structures with a dynamic display shall have a maximum dynamic display height of six feet; and
(c) Be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
(5) The light from any dynamic display sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that it creates neither a nuisance to adjacent property nor a traffic hazard.
(6) Dynamic display signs shall be allowed no greater than 5,000 candela per square meter (NITS) during daylight hours and 350 candela per square meter (NITS) from dusk until dawn.
(7) Compliance amnesty. Existing dynamic display signs which cannot immediately comply with division (C)(3) above shall be allocated 30 days from April 16, 2018, to take the necessary steps ensure that the dynamic display portion of the sign adheres to these performance standards. If not in conformance by this date, the portion of the sign which contains the dynamic display shall be turned off or otherwise be non-operational until the owner of the sign can make the necessary changes to the sign and demonstrate conformance with division (C)(3) above.
(8) No person or contractor shall install or alter a dynamic display sign that, because of its position, shape, movement or color, interferes with the proper functioning of a traffic sign, signal or that constitutes a traffic hazard.
(9) Dynamic display sign locations shall be marked on the subject property prior to installation and demonstrate that they adhere to the distance requirements of this division (C).
(D) Sign movement. Any sign that revolves, rotates or mechanically moves in any manner is strictly prohibited.
(E) Sign location and maintenance.
(1) No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free access or egress from any door, window, fire escape or driveway.
(2) No sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner that it interferes with, obstructs the view of or is likely to be confused with any authorized traffic-control device.
(3) Every sign shall be designed and constructed in conformity with any applicable provisions of the adopted building codes.
(4) Every sign shall be maintained in a safe, neat and attractive condition by its owner.
(5) Signs at vacant businesses, including the posts or other supports thereof, may remain, but shall be maintained in a safe and neat condition, free of loose parts and peeling paint.
(Prior Code, § 20-1405) (Ord. 1564, passed 2-16-2010; Ord. 1637, passed 3-5-2012; Ord. 1699, passed 3-17-2014; Ord. 1819, passed 4-16-2018) Penalty, see § 154.999