1. Permit Required. Except as provided in Section 167.05 of this chapter, a sign permit, signed by the owner and tenant, and approved by the administrative official, shall be required before the erection, construction, alteration, placing or locating of all signs conforming with this chapter.
2. Plans. A copy of plans and specifications shall be submitted to the administrative official for each sign regulated by this chapter. Such plans shall show sufficient details about size of the sign, location, and materials to be used and such other data as may be required for the administrative official to determine compliance with this chapter.
3. Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair, including (but not limited to) the structural components, the lighting if any, the portion attaching the sign to the ground or structure, and the surface features.
4. Nonconforming Signs. Where a sign exists at the effective date hereof or amendment of this chapter that could not be built under the terms of this chapter by reason of restrictions on area, use, height, setback, or other characteristics of the sign or its location on the lot, such sign may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:
A. No such sign may be enlarged or altered in a way that increases its nonconformity; however, reasonable repairs and alterations may be permitted.
B. Should such sign be destroyed by any means to an extent of 50 percent or more of its replacement cost at time of destruction, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
5. Electric Signs. All electric signs shall be manufactured to meet UL specifications and be approved by the administrative official in accordance with the City Electrical Code.
A. Electric signs shall be watertight, with service holes to provide access to each compartment with fitted waterproof covers.
B. Any electrical equipment or apparatus of a sign which causes interference with radio or television reception shall not be allowed.
6. Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure as regulated by the Building Code of the City, and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the Building Code and/or other ordinances of the City. Temporary signs shall be required to be securely anchored to prevent any and all motion.
7. Illumination. Signs shall be illuminated by internal fixtures or externally with a constant level of light maintained throughout the sign. Reflectors shall be provided with proper glass or plastic lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the sign as to prevent glare upon the street of adjacent property. Illumination shall be no greater than one foot-candle in intensity when measured from the property bounds, and all ground lighting shall be concealed from view by landscape plantings.
8. Emissions Prohibited. No sign shall emit audible sound, noticeable odor, smoke or other visible matter.
9. Visibility at Intersections in Any District. On any corner lot in any district, no sign shall be erected, placed, or allowed to be situated in such a manner as materially to impede vision between a height of 2½ and 10 feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the street lines of such corner lots and a line joining points along said street lines 25 feet from the point of intersection of right-of-way lines.
10. Obscene Matter Prohibited. No obscene, indecent, or immoral matter shall be displayed on any sign.
11. Traffic Hazards. It is illegal for any sign to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be of such design which may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. No sign shall imitate an official traffic sign or include the words “stop,” “look,” “caution,” or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse motorists.
12. Appeal. Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the administrative official to approve or disapprove a sign permit, as provided by this chapter, may appeal such decision to the Board of Adjustment.