A. Maximum Height:
1. No ground sign shall be erected, constructed, altered, rebuilt or relocated to a height exceeding thirty feet (30') above the ground, but such maximum height for any part of any ground sign shall be further restricted to two feet (2') of height above the ground for each one foot (1') or portion thereof that such part of such ground sign is to be located from the property line of any lot in the residence districts relative to zoning. (Ord. 2131, 2-20-84; 1993 Code)
2. No ground sign for which a permit is required shall be erected to a height of more than twelve feet (12') above the ground unless the face is constructed of sheet metal or other noncombustible facing materials.
B. Bottom of Sign Facing: The bottom of the facing of every ground sign shall be at least thirty inches (30") above the ground, which space may be filled with platform or decorative trim of light wood or metal construction.
C. Supports and Anchors:
1. Generally: Ground signs shall be adequately supported to resist dead load and the wind load specified in subsection 9-8-5A of this Chapter acting in any direction on the sign.
2. Height Does Not Exceed Twenty Five Feet: Ground signs which do not exceed twenty five feet (25') in height may have supports which consist only of vertical posts driven into or set in the soil or which consist of vertical posts rigidly attached to bases embedded in the soil. There shall be two (2) or more vertical posts spaced not to exceed a distance equal to one-half (1/2) the height of the sign above the ground; except, that a sign which does not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area may be supported by a single post.
3. Height Exceeds Twenty Five Feet: All ground signs over twenty five feet (25') in height shall be braced by frames or inclined braces placed in vertical planes, preferably normal to the face of the sign, at intervals not exceeding its height; except, that metal beams of at least six inches by fourteen inches (6" x 14") or wooden poles of at least eight inches (8") in diameter shall be used as braces and set in concrete at a minimum depth below the ground level of five feet (5'). At least two (2) frames or braces shall be provided.
4. Posts Supporting Unbraced Signs: The posts, or bases for rigidly attached posts, supporting unbraced ground signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed upon the soil in either a horizontal or vertical direction shall not exceed safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind load acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance to pull out amounting to a force of twenty five percent (25%) greater than the required resistance to overturning.
5. Wood Anchors or Supports: Whenever anchors or supports consist of wood embedded in the soil, the wood shall be treated under pressure with creosote or other approved preservative before erection. This requirement shall not apply to temporary signs which will not remain in place for more than six (6) months.
D. Soil Used For Backfill; Depth of Anchors and Supports: The soil used for backfill for the dug-in type of anchor or post support shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted. The anchors and supports shall penetrate to a depth below ground greater than that of the frost line.
E. Portable Signs: Portable signs supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to bases shall be so proportioned that the weight and size of the bases are adequate to resist the wind pressure specified in subsection 9-8-5A of this Chapter. Such signs shall not exceed six feet (6') in height.
F. Maintenance of Area Around Sign: The owner of a lot upon which there is a ground sign or the person occupying such lot or both are hereby required to keep such lot and such ground sign clean, sanitary, inoffensive and free and clear of all obnoxious substances and unsightly conditions. (Ord. 2131, 2-20-84)