(A) Externally illuminated sign standards. External illumination for signs shall be limited to signs constructed of natural materials and shall conform to all provisions of this zoning code. In particular, such lighting shall be treated as Class 1 lighting and shall conform to the lamp source, shielding restrictions andlumen caps of § 17.5. All upward-directed sign lighting is prohibited.
(B) Internally illuminated sign and neon sign standards.
(1) Illumination of copy and background; colors. The sign face of an outdoor internally illuminated advertising sign must be composed of illuminated text and symbols against an opaque (not illuminated) background. The colors of these elements are not restricted.
(2) Exclusion of lamp outputs. Lamps used for internal illumination of signs shall not be counted toward the lumen caps in § 17.5(C).
(3) Neon signs. Neon signs shall be treated as internally illuminated signs for the purposes of thiszoning code, and shall not have their luminous outputs counted toward the lumen caps in § 17.5(C). Neon lighting extending beyond the area considered to be the sign area (as defined in the Sign Code of this jurisdiction) shall conform to all provisions of this zoning code. In particular, such lighting shall be treated as Class 3 (decorative) lighting and shall conform to the lumen caps and shielding standards of § 17.5.
(4) Non-sign lighting. Other internally- illuminated panels or decorations not considered to be signage according to the sign code of this jurisdiction (such as illuminated canopy margins or building faces), shall be considered decorative (Class 3) lighting, and shall be subject to the standards applicable for such lighting, including, but not limited to, the lamp source, shielding standards and lumens per acre caps of § 17.5.
(C) Curfews. Illumination for all advertising signs, both externally and internally illuminated, shall be turned off no later than the curfew times listed in § 17.5(G). Signs subject to curfews are required to have functioning and properly adjusted automatic shut-off timers.
(D) Curfews for pre-existing signs. Light background (white, off-white, light gray, cream or yellow) internally illuminated signs, installed legally before enactment of this code may continue to be used and illuminated, but must conform to the curfews of § 17.5(G).
(Ord. 2012-04, passed 12-5-2012)