(A) This chapter is in pursuance of the authority granted by the Ohio Revised Code and the Charter of the village to promote the health, safety, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the residents of the village, and to acknowledge and accommodate the legitimate needs of business, to provide every business person with equal opportunity to present such business visually, to protect the community from unsightly visual clutter and abuse, and to retain and increase aesthetic value of the community. It is further intended to reduce sign distractions and sight obstructions that may create or contribute to traffic hazards.
(B) This chapter shall not regulate official traffic or governmental signs; the copy or message of any sign; flags of any nation, government, or noncommercial organization; religious symbols; the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined herein as a sign.
(C) This chapter shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the liability or responsibility of any person owning, operating, controlling, or installing any sign or constructing or erecting any sign, for damage to persons or property caused by any defect in such sign, nor shall the village be held to assume any such liability by reason of the provisions or inspection authorized by this chapter.
(Ord. 96-152, passed 10-7-1996)
Cross-reference:
Certificate of zoning compliance, see § 153.031
Statutory and case reference:
Nonconforming signs as nuisances, see Northern Ohio Sign Contractors Assn. v. Lakewood, 32 Ohio St. 3d 316 (1987)
Power to regulate signs and billboards, see R.C. §§ 713.06 and 715.27