(A) A sign building permit shall be obtained from the city prior to the construction of a new sign, or alteration of the size, shape or location of an existing sign, and/or display of any sign.
(B) All signs shall be constructed and attached, mounted, supported or erected in conformance with the adopted building codes of the city including the electrical code.
(C) All signs and sign structures shall be maintained to a safe condition. If the city determines that a sign is not maintained in a safe condition, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the sign owner to repair the sign within 48 hours. If the sign is not repaired or removed, the City Council may cause the sign to be repaired or removed with the cost of same to be assessed to the sign owner.
(D) Sign area shall be measured as follows:
(1) Each sign may be two-sided and the square footage shall be the measurement of one of the sides;
(2) For three or more faces the sign area shall be 50% of the sum of the areas of all faces. Spherical, free-form, sculptural, or other nonstandard shapes shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator;
(3) Individual letters or words or graphics mounted on a wall shall be measured by summing the rectangles that surround the individual letters, words or graphics; and/or
(4) The square footage of a panel, or background made to appear as a panel.
(E) Except when specifically allowed otherwise, each sign shall be located on the lot for which it advertises, informs or otherwise attracts attention.
(F) When located within a distance of 25 feet of a street and/or two feet of a sidewalk, the minimum height of the sign shall be eight feet above the grade immediately below the sign.
(G) When located above a sidewalk the minimum height shall be eight feet above the grade immediately below the sign.
(H) When located above a driveway the minimum height shall be 14 feet above the grade immediately below the sign.
(I) Except as provided in this chapter, signs shall not project beyond the property lines.
(Ord. 939, passed 3-27-2014)