The following provisions shall apply to all signs:
A. Minimum Side Yard Setback: Signs shall not be constructed in or project into any required side yard in any zone. Where no side yard is required, signs shall not be located closer than five feet (5') from the property line.
B. Maintenance: Signs shall be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe and attractive condition. This includes the replacement of defective parts, repainting, cleaning and other acts for proper maintenance. The ground space within a radius of five feet (5') from the base of any sign shall be kept free and clear of all weeds, trash and flammable material. Sign maintenance does not mean altering a sign in any way without a sign permit.
C. Repair Of Building Facade: Any building facade from which a sign is removed or on which a sign is repaired, changed or replaced shall be repaired, if damaged, within thirty (30) calendar days of removing the sign from the building.
D. Highway Frontage: Limited access highway frontage shall not be considered frontage for purposes of this title.
E. Signs In Residential Zones: Signs, other than nameplates and exempt signs, may only be used in residential zones as permitted in section 13-17-2 of this code.
F. Clear Vision Zone: Any sign located in a clear vision area shall maintain required clearances as specified in section 13-8-4 of this code.
G. Minimum Clearance Of Signs: Where pedestrian traffic is anticipated near a sign, minimum clearance of not less than ten feet (10') shall be maintained from the bottom edge of a planned center gateway sign, projecting sign, suspended sign, pole sign, billboard or any similar sign to the final grade beneath the sign. The minimum clearance for signs near driveways or parking areas shall be fourteen feet (14').
H. Construction: All signs shall be constructed of durable, low maintenance materials. The area around all freestanding signs shall be landscaped. All wiring and similar components shall be concealed.
I. Illumination: External or internal lighting or backlighting shall be allowed for illuminated signs.
J. Urban Design Standards: All signs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following guidelines:
1. Signs shall be designed to incorporate colors, materials and architectural design that is compatible with the development that they serve. The supports or base of signs shall complement the overall design scheme or shall be enclosed with architectural coverings;
2. Sign locations should be integrated with other elements on the site and the adjacent streetscape:
a. Signs shall not be located so as to obscure signs on adjacent sites;
b. Signs will not be placed in an area that can confuse motorists and pedestrians and cause potential safety hazards;
c. Traffic directional signs should be placed to promote safe and efficient traffic flow; and
d. Signs should be oriented to promote readability and serve their intended function; and
3. Although landscaping may not initially appear to obscure a sign, it may significantly reduce or eliminate the sign's effectiveness unless taken into account in the planning stage. Signs should be placed so they are not obscured by landscaping when it has reached full maturity. (2001 Code § 89-6-1105; amd. 2009 Code; Ord. 16-50, 11-16-2016)