10-9-9: ALLOWABLE SIGNS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE THE ISSUANCE OF A SIGN PERMIT:
The following signs are allowed and do not require the issuance of a sign permit, provided the signs comply with the following conditions and the specifications listed in section 10-9-5 of this chapter, unless otherwise specified.
   (A)   Civic Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "civic sign" is a temporary stake sign that publicizes times or locations of meetings or special events of homeowners' associations, religious organizations or groups, or civic groups. This definition excludes directional signs for regularly scheduled religious events. A civic sign may also publicize times or locations of special events for schools and athletic team registrations.
      2.   Civic Signs Permissible: Civic signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: Civic signs shall be erected no more than seven (7) days prior to the meeting or event and removed no more than forty eight (48) hours after the meeting or event.
               b.   Place: See section 10-9-5, "General Sign Specifications And Design", of this chapter.
               c.   Manner: Civic signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area.
   (B)   Cloud Buster Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "cloud buster sign" is a temporary sign inflated so that it rises into the air and is anchored to the ground, vehicle, structure, or any other fixed object used for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention to a business, activity, commodity, service, sale, or product.
      2.   Cloud Buster Signs Permissible: Cloud buster signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time:
            (1)   A cloud buster sign shall not be erected on a property until the city has issued a certificate of occupancy for a building on the property.
            (2)   A cloud buster sign may be erected on a lot for no more than six (6) 15-day periods per calendar year. In the case of multiple businesses or tenants located on a single lot, each business is allowed to erect a cloud buster sign on the lot for six (6) 15-day periods, provided that no more than one cloud buster sign is located on the lot at any one time and provided a minimum of fifteen (15) days transpires between the removal of a cloud buster sign erected by one business and the placement of another cloud buster sign erected by another business.
               b.   Place:
            (1)   Cloud buster signs shall not be located in required parking spaces, driveways that provide access to parking spaces, or fire lanes, nor shall the sign encroach into a right of way.
            (2)   The minimum setback from the road right of way is ten feet (10').
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   Cloud buster signs shall be securely attached at all times to the ground, parked vehicle, structure, or any other fixed object.
            (2)   Should a cloud buster sign lose its buoyancy and fall to the ground, it shall not be so high, or located in such a position, so that the device or its tether line falls across a power line or public right of way.
   (C)   Construction Identification Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "construction identification sign" is a temporary sign that is generally used to advertise a new building, opening dates, leasing opportunities, and/or to identify the property owner, architect, contractor, engineer, landscape architect, or financier engaged in the design, construction or improvement of the premises on which the sign is located. Construction identification signs are also used to advertise sales and zoning information of properties.
      2.   Construction Identification Signs Permissible: Construction identification signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time:
            (1)   A construction identification sign shall not be erected on a property until a building permit has been issued to build a structure on the property or until the city authorizes the construction of utilities or other amenities on the property.
            (2)   For properties with single- or two-family zoning or future land use plan designation, the sign shall be removed upon the issuance of certificates of occupancy for ninety five percent (95%) of the homes within a single-family or two-family subdivision.
            (3)   For properties with agricultural, multi-family, or nonresidential zoning or future land use plan designation, the sign shall be removed prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for any building on the property.
               b.   Place:
            (1)   A construction identification sign shall be located no closer than fifteen feet (15') to any property line.
            (2)   The minimum distance between construction identification signs is two hundred feet (200').
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   The maximum area of a construction identification sign is ninety six (96) square feet.
            (2)   The maximum height of a construction identification sign is twelve feet (12').
            (3)   A maximum of one construction identification sign shall be placed on a property per street frontage. If multiple construction identification signs are permitted on a tract of land, only one sign shall be placed along each street frontage. A platted single-family or two-family subdivision shall be considered a single property for the purpose of this provision.
   (D)   Flags:
      1.   Definition: A "flag" is a piece of fabric attached to a staff or cord on one end and generally used as a symbol of a nation, state, political subdivision, or organization.
      2.   Flags Permissible: The United States flag is exempt from the following conditions. All other flags are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: A flag shall not be placed on a property until a site plan and/or final plat has been approved by the city for development of the property.
               b.   Place:
            (1)   A flag and its supporting structure shall be located on private property behind the property line.
            (2)   Flags may be placed at parks during social and athletic events.
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   The maximum height of a flagpole or other supporting structure shall be thirty five feet (35').
            (2)   The maximum area of a flag is sixty (60) square feet.
            (3)   A maximum of three (3) flags shall be located on a property.
   (E)   Garage Sale Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "garage sale sign" is a temporary sign used to advertise a garage sale, yard sale, or similar event on a residential property. This definition includes off premises signs for this purpose.
      2.   Garage Sale Signs Permissible: Garage sale signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: A garage sale sign shall not be erected earlier than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon on the day before a garage sale or similar event and must be removed by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon on the day following the garage sale or similar event.
               b.   Place:
            (1)   A garage sale sign shall be erected only on private real property, with the consent of the property owner. In general, a garage sale sign shall be erected no closer than ten feet (10') from the street pavement.
            (2)   Garage sale signs shall not be placed closer than sixty feet (60') from another garage sale sign.
               c.   Manner: Garage sale signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area.
   (F)   Government Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "government sign" is a temporary stake sign used to convey information to the public regarding city, state, or federal government activities and events.
      2.   Government Signs Permissible: Government signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: See section 10-9-5, "General Sign Specifications And Design", of this chapter.
               c.   Manner: No restrictions.
   (G)   Home Improvement Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "home improvement sign" is a temporary stake sign that displays the name of a roofing, fence, pool, paint, landscape or other home improvement contractor currently performing home improvement work at a residential location.
      2.   Home Improvement Signs Permissible: Home improvement signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: A home improvement sign may be erected upon commencement of home improvement work and shall be removed when the home improvement work is completed.
               b.   Place: A home improvement sign shall be erected on the lot on which the home improvement is occurring. In general, a home improvement sign shall not be erected closer than ten feet (10') from the edge of the street pavement.
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   Home improvement signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area.
            (2)   A maximum of one home improvement sign per contractor may be erected on a lot. In the event of multiple contractors working on a lot at the same time, up to three (3) home improvement signs may be located on a single lot at any given time.
   (H)   Human Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "human sign" is a temporary sign held by or attached to a human for the purposes of advertising or otherwise drawing attention to an individual, business, commodity, service, activity, or product. A person dressed in costume for the purpose of advertising or otherwise drawing attention to an individual, business, commodity, service, activity, or product shall also be construed as a human sign.
      2.   Human Signs Permissible: Human signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: All human signs shall be located on private property. In general, a human sign shall not be located closer than ten feet (10') from the edge of the street pavement.
               c.   Manner: No restrictions.
   (I)   Instructional Signs:
      1.   Definition: An "instructional sign" is a sign that provides instruction, information, or direction to the general public. The sole purpose of an instructional sign is to provide such information to the general public that is essential to the health, safety, and public welfare of the community. Instructional signs shall include, but are not limited to, signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, handicap parking spaces, reserved parking spaces, freeze warning, no trespassing, no dumping, no loitering, and construction entrance signs. Signs erected by the city, state or federal government for the purpose of public instruction, warning, street or highway designation, control of traffic and similar uses incidental to the public interests shall be considered instructional signs. An instructional sign also includes signs of a warning, directive or instructional nature erected by a public utility company that operates under a franchise agreement with the city.
      2.   Instructional Signs Permissible: Instructional signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: No restrictions.
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   The maximum area of an instructional sign is sixteen (16) square feet.
            (2)   An instructional sign shall contain no other message, copy, announcement, or decoration other than the essential instruction, information, or direction and shall not advertise or otherwise draw attention to an individual, business, commodity, service, activity, or product.
   (J)   Political Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "political sign" is a temporary sign relating to the election of a person to a public office, relating to a political party, relating to a matter to be voted upon at an election called by a public body or containing primarily a political message.
      2.   Political Signs Permissible: Political signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: A political sign relating to the election of a person running for public office or relating to a matter to be voted upon at an election called by a public body cannot be erected for more than sixty (60) days prior to the election date for which the candidate or matter is scheduled to be held. Signs must be removed within two (2) days after the election.
               b.   Place: Political signs shall be located only on private real property with the consent of the property owner. In general, a political sign shall not be erected closer than ten feet (10') from the edge of the street pavement.
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   Political signs shall not exceed thirty six (36) square feet in area.
            (2)   Political signs shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height measured from the ground to the highest point of the sign.
            (3)   Political signs shall not be illuminated.
   (K)   Real Estate Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "real estate sign" is a temporary stake sign that advertises a home, building, or property for sale or lease. This definition includes off premises real estate signs for directional purposes.
      2.   Real Estate Signs Permissible: Real estate signs, both on premises and off premises, are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place:
            (1)   Real estate signs shall not be located within any public right of way. In general, a real estate sign shall be erected no closer than ten feet (10') from the street pavement.
            (2)   An on premises real estate sign shall be erected on the lot on which the home or property is for sale or lease.
            (3)   An off premises real estate sign shall be erected only on private real property, and only with the consent of the property owner. No more than three (3) off premises real estate signs may be located on any single lot or property.
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   A maximum of one real estate sign per street frontage may be erected on a lot.
            (2)   Residential real estate signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area.
            (3)   Real estate signs on property zoned for nonresidential uses shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area.
            (4)   Real estate signs on agricultural properties shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area. Only properties that are larger than forty (40) acres and that currently produce agricultural products shall be considered to be agricultural properties.
            (5)   All real estate signs shall be located in conformance with the provisions of section 10-9-5 of this chapter. (Ord. 2957, 12-8-2008)
      3.   Open House Real Estate Signs: Open house real estate signs, both on premises and off premises, are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time:
            (1)   Open house signs may only be permitted on the public right of way one hour before and one hour after a scheduled open house. The total time an open house sign will be permitted on the public right of way shall not exceed five (5) hours in one day.
            (2)   No open house sign shall block the access of any public right of way so as to prevent passage by the general public including wheelchair access.
            (3)   All open house signs are to be removed from the public right of way within one hour after the completion of the open house.
            (4)   Open house signs are permitted only during the hours between sunrise and sunset.
               b.   Manner:
            (1)   Real estate open house signs placed on a sidewalk shall have a pedestrian or wheelchair passageway of a minimum of thirty six inches (36").
            (2)   Real estate open house signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area.
            (3)   Real estate open house signs shall not be placed in a manner that would obstruct an ADA sidewalk ramp.
            (4)   Real estate open house signs placed in the right of way will not exceed thirty six inches (36") in height.
            (5)   Real estate open house signs may not be illuminated, either internally or externally. (Ord. 3066, 3-10-2014)
   (L)   Residential Nameplate Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "residential nameplate sign" is a sign that states the name of the occupant of a residential unit.
      2.   Residential Nameplate Signs Permissible: Residential nameplate signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: A residential nameplate sign shall not be erected on a property until the city has issued a certificate of occupancy for a residential unit on the property.
               b.   Place: A residential nameplate sign shall be located on private real property. In general, a residential nameplate sign shall be erected no closer than ten feet (10') from the street pavement.
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   The maximum size of a residential nameplate sign shall be two (2) square feet.
            (2)   The maximum height of a residential nameplate sign shall be seven feet (7').
            (3)   Each household unit may have a maximum of one residential nameplate sign.
   (M)   Scoreboards:
      1.   Definition: "Scoreboards" are signs erected at an athletic field, stadium or court and that are generally used to maintain the score or time expired in an event at the field or stadium.
      2.   Scoreboards Permissible: Scoreboards are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: Scoreboards shall be erected within the limits of and face into the athletic field, stadium or court.
               c.   Manner: No restrictions.
   (N)   Sponsor Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "sponsor sign" is a sign that is mounted or applied to the inside of a fence or wall surrounding an athletic field, stadium or court, such as an outfield wall of a baseball field, and intended to be viewed by spectators of an athletic event at the field or court.
      2.   Sponsor Signs Permissible: Sponsor signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: Sponsor signs shall be erected within the limits of and face into the athletic field, stadium or court.
               c.   Manner: No restrictions.
   (O)   Vehicle Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "vehicle sign" is a sign that is attached to or placed in or on a truck, bus, car, trailer, boat, recreational vehicle, or any other vehicle. Vehicle signs shall exclude bumper stickers, license plates, and inspection and registration stickers.
      2.   Vehicle Signs Permissible: Vehicle signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: Vehicle signs are permitted provided that during periods of inactivity such vehicle is not parked in the right of way or placed in a manner that the sign is readily visible and intended to be read from adjacent public right of way.
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   A vehicle on which a sign is attached cannot be used for the sole purpose of advertising. It is the responsibility of the property owners to provide proof that the vehicle has a legitimate business purpose other than display of the sign.
            (2)   The signs are painted upon or applied directly to an integral part of the vehicle.
            (3)   The vehicle is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets, and actively used in the daily function of the business to which such sign relates.
            (4)   The vehicle is not used primarily as a static display, advertising a product or service, not utilized as storage, shelter or a distribution point for commercial products or services for the general public.
   (P)   Vending Machine Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "vending machine sign" is a sign that is attached to a vending machine, including a gasoline pump, and that generally advertises the products dispensed from the vending machine.
      2.   Vending Machine Signs Permissible: Vending machine signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: Vending machine signs are allowed only in conjunction with a nonresidential use.
               c.   Manner: Vending machine signs shall be directly attached to a vending machine. The signs shall be flat and shall not project from the vending machine.
   (Q)   Wind Device Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "wind device sign" is a sign that is made of cloth, canvas, plastic, or any flexible material that moves or is designed to move freely in the wind, with or without a frame or other supporting structure, used for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention to a business, commodity, service, sale, or product. This definition includes balloons, pennants, streamers, spinners, or similar devices, but excludes inflatable signs, cloud buster signs and flags as specifically defined in this chapter.
      2.   Wind Device Signs Permissible: Wind device signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: A wind device sign shall not be erected on a property until the city has issued a certificate of occupancy for a building on the property.
               b.   Place:
            (1)   Wind device signs are allowed only in conjunction with a nonresidential use.
            (2)   Wind device signs shall not be located in required parking spaces, driveways that provide access to parking spaces, or fire lanes, nor shall the sign encroach into a right of way.
            (3)   The minimum setback from the road right of way is ten feet (10').
               c.   Manner:
            (1)   Wind device signs shall be securely attached at all times to the ground, building, or other structure.
            (2)   The maximum height of a wind device sign, measured from the ground, is the same as the maximum height allowed in the zoning district.
   (R)   Window Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "window sign" is a sign that is visible from a public street or sidewalk and that is posted, attached, painted, placed, or affixed in or on a window or a sign that is located within three feet (3') of the inside of a window.
      2.   Window Signs Permissible: Window signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: Window signs are allowed only in conjunction with a nonresidential use.
               c.   Manner: The square footage of a window sign shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the square footage of the window in which the sign is located.
   (S)   Yard Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "yard sign" is a temporary stake sign that publicizes the arrival of a newborn, the participation of a family member in a school activity or sport, or similar residentially themed event. Yard signs shall also include signs that advertise the presence of a home security system and seasonal or holiday decorations.
      2.   Yard Signs Permissible: Yard signs are permissible subject to the following conditions:
               a.   Time: No restrictions.
               b.   Place: Yard signs shall be located only on lots containing an occupied residential dwelling. In general, a yard sign shall be erected no closer than ten feet (10') from the street pavement.
               c.   Manner: Signs advertising the presence of a home security system shall not exceed one square foot in area.
   (T)   Zoning Signs:
      1.   Definition: A "zoning sign" is a temporary sign erected to publicize the request for zoning or rezoning of a property. (Ord. 2957, 12-8-2008)
      2.   Zoning Signs Permissible: Zoning signs are permissible subject to the conditions set forth in section 10-7-20 of this title. (Ord. 3091, 3-2-2015)