Merchants occupying 60% or more of the street frontage in feet of properties on both sides of the street in any defined area may petition for the formation of a special Sign District. This might be done for such reasons as to create an area with a particular ethnic atmosphere, to simulate an historic period, theater or entertainment area, or other similar purpose. A group of property owners or persons in the right of possession will be chosen by the merchants to represent them. The group shall not exceed ten members and shall comprise the governing body of the Sign District. This body will draw up the criteria for signs in the district and submit such criteria to Council for approval. Council will instruct the City Clerk to notify all owners or persons in the right of possession within the boundaries of such district ten days prior to the hearing, after which the Council may approve the special Sign District or may veto it. The veto can only be effected by a three- quarters vote of the Council. If the criteria for the special Sign District is approved and becomes effective, the city shall publish them as regulations of a Sign District in the same manner as a code of the city. Special Sign Districts to be established at the request of 60% of the merchants measured by property frontage. (Figure 33).
(Ord. 81-0-8, passed 4-21-81)