The following types of signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this title, but shall be in compliance with all other applicable provisions:
A. On Premises Development Or Construction Signs: Two (2) on premises development or construction signs, each no larger than thirty two (32) square feet in area and not exceeding twelve feet (12') in height and which comply with the same size, location, spacing and display period standards as an off premises development sign, may be placed on real property on which new subdivisions or homes are being constructed. These signs must be removed once ninety five percent (95%) of the development has received a city certificate of occupancy.
B. On Premises Real Estate Sign; Small Lots: Lots with less than two hundred feet (200') of frontage on a street may display one on premises sign per lot; provided, that the sign is: securely attached to the ground; advertises only that the home on the lot is for sale or rent, including signs titled "For Rent", "For Sale", "Open House", "For Lease", or similar signs; is no larger than eight (8) square feet in area; and does not exceed six feet (6') in height. "Open house" signs may only be displayed for the duration of the open house or eight (8) consecutive hours, whichever is less, and shall be removed within thirty (30) minutes after the conclusion of the advertised "open house".
C. On Premises Real Estate Sign; Large Lots: Notwithstanding the number limit in subsection B of this section, lots with two hundred (200) or more feet of frontage on a street may display two (2) on premises signs per lot, which are no larger than sixteen (16) square feet in area. The other provisions of subsection B of this section shall apply.
D. Temporary Residential Real Estate, Off Premises And Open House Signs: Off premises open house signs shall only be allowed where property in residential or agricultural zoning districts is being sold or leased, and shall be subject to the following:
1. The size of the sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet;
2. The number of signs is limited to one sign at the arterial street intersection closest in driving distance to the property for sale, and from thence, one additional sign at each intersection leading directly to the property;
3. The signs shall be displayed only during those hours when the realtor or seller or an agent is in attendance at the property for sale or lease;
4. The signs may be placed on private property only with the approval of the property owner/tenant, or in the park strip with the approval of the fronting property owner/tenant; and
5. The signs shall be less than thirty inches (30") in height if located in a park strip or less than forty eight inches (48") high if located on private property.
E. Noncommercial Signs:
1. Noncommercial signs, not exceeding eight (8) square feet in size, located on private property with the owner's permission. For purposes of this subsection, "private property" shall mean the area behind the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, then "private property" shall be the area measured eleven feet (11') from the back of the curb. If there is no curb, then eleven feet (11') from the edge of the asphalt or road base. The definition of private property in this subsection shall not apply to property abutting state rights of way.
2. The city shall not be liable for any signs placed in a state right of way. Noncommercial sign owners shall be solely responsible for verifying the boundaries of any such state right of way.
F. Temporary Sign For Seasonal Commerce: One 32-square foot, temporary sign placed in connection with a Christmas tree lot, fireworks stand or other temporary use that is approved and licensed by the city.
G. Vacant Property Signs: Signs on undeveloped or vacant property, including "No Dumping" or "No Trespassing" signs, provided the sign is eight (8) square feet or less in area.
H. Nameplates: A nameplate sign, provided the sign is no larger than two (2) square feet in area.
I. Directional Signs: Directional signs or signs located only on private property and not exceeding four (4) square feet in area, which serve to designate the location or direction to any use or structure on the premises such as signs titled "Entrance", "Exit", "Parking", "Restrooms", "No Smoking" or "Delivery".
J. Public Necessity Or Regulatory Signs: Public necessity or regulatory signs which warn or inform as required by law, if erected by or in behalf of public agencies.
K. Window Signs: Window signs, including posters, messages or displays painted or mounted on the interior side of a window; provided, that no more than fifty percent (50%) of the total window area on which the sign is located is covered.
L. Garage/Yard Sale Signs: Temporary home production or garage sale signs on private property in residential zones; provided, that the sign is no larger than four (4) square feet in area.
M. Public/Quasi-Public Signs: Flags, banners or pennants of governments, public agencies or institutions.
N. Civic And Nonprofit Events: Signs which announce events, activities or celebrations sponsored by, or conducted in conjunction with, the city, the county or the state.
O. Interior Signs: Interior signs or signs used within buildings and not intentionally positioned to be visible from the outside.
P. Temporary Signs Placed During Holiday Periods: In addition to the display periods specified in subsection 12-3-3O2 of this title, a business may display one banner, securely attached to the building facade, and one freestanding sign during the holiday periods specified below. Freestanding holiday signs shall not be larger than twenty four (24) square feet in size. The sign may be erected in front of the business on private property and shall be securely attached to the ground. One additional banner per business may be permitted for businesses located in a building having a front face of one hundred fifty (150) square feet or more. The holiday periods during which temporary banners and freestanding signs may be displayed are as follows:
Presidents' Day | 4 days before the date of the holiday, on the holiday and 1 calendar day after the holiday. |
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 4 calendar days before the date of the holiday, on the holiday and 1 calendar day after the holiday. |
Memorial Day | 4 days before the date of the holiday, on the holiday and 1 calendar day after the holiday. |
Independence Day | June 30 through July 5. |
Pioneer Day | July 20 through July 25. |
Labor Day | 4 calendar days before the date of the holiday, on the holiday and 1 calendar day after the holiday. |
Columbus Day | 4 calendar days before the date of the holiday, on the holiday and 1 calendar day after the holiday. |
Veterans Day | 4 calendar days before the date of the holiday, on the holiday and 1 calendar day after the holiday. |
Thanksgiving | 1 calendar day before the date of the holiday, on the holiday and 4 calendar days after the holiday. |
Christmas/Hanukkah; New Year's Day | December 15 through January 2. |
Q. Art: Art or art forms that do not contain or imply any commercial message.
R. Temporary Signs During Road Construction: Temporary signs displayed during periods of major road construction, as described in subsection 12-3-3P of this title, or any successor section.
S. Handheld Signs: Commercial handheld signs; provided, that each is no larger than six (6) square feet in size, is displayed only during daylight hours, and is subject to the limitations in subsection 12-3-6B of this title.
T. New Building Construction, Temporary Signs: New building construction, temporary signs, shall be approved for thirty (30) days before the estimated date of certificate of occupancy, and last until fourteen (14) days after the certificate of occupancy is issued. Normal temporary sign ordinances apply. (2001 Code § 89-6-1103; amd. 2009 Code; Ord. 10-09, 2-24-2010; Ord. 12-07, 4-4-2012)