Any public displayed sign, symbol or notice on a premise to advertise the business or activity there transacted, or name of person or firm conducting said business or activity on premises, or directing to some other locale, shall be regulated as follows.
(A) All plans for the erection of signs shall be submitted to the city’s Engineering and Building Department for review and approval and shall be further subject to all codes and ordinances of the city.
(B) Prior to the erection of a sign in a public right-of-way or overhanging a public right-of-way, the sponsor of such sign shall receive the approval of the proper governmental agency (city, county or state) having jurisdiction over such right-of-way. The city may require a bond to be provided for any sign in or overhanging a public right-of-way.
(C) After the effective date of this chapter, all new signs within the city shall conform to the city’s Building Code and this chapter.
(D) Existing signs in need of repair may be repaired provided the cost of repairs does not exceed 50% of the replacement cost for the entire sign (in the judgment of the Building Official). If it does, then the sign must be replaced and must conform to code.
(E) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
“A” FRAME TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign other than a ground sign or portable sign which is not attached to a building and is capable of being moved on the same zoning lot and is only allowed to be displayed during hours of operation and is capable of being moved by one person. (Fig. 2)
AWNING SIGN. A sign on or attached to a temporary retractable shelter that is supported entirely on the exterior wall of a building. (Fig. 17.)
CANOPY SIGN. A sign on or attached to a permanent overhanging shelter that projects from the face of the building and is supported only partially by the building. (Fig. 19.)
CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign. When any particular type of sign is also an electronic message sign, the requirements and restrictions for electronic message signs take precedence. In addition, the size of the electronic sign shall be based upon the type of sign being utilized (example: wall, ground and pole).
CONSTRUCTION SIGNS. A sign which is not of a permanent nature and is utilized during the construction of a new building or major remodeling.
DECORATIVE DISPLAY. A decorative, temporary display designed for the aesthetics or cultural enrichment of the public and having no direct or indirect sales or advertising content. (Fig. 1.)
GROUND SIGN. A permanent display sign mounted directly and permanently in and upon the ground surface and having a height not in excess of six feet. (Fig. 16)
MARQUEE SIGN. A sign on or attached to a permanent overhanging shelter that projects from the face of the building and is supported entirely by the building. (Fig. 5)
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign that advertises activities, goods, products and the like that are available elsewhere than within the building or on the lot where the sign is located. (A billboard, for example Fig. 11.)
POLE OR PYLON SIGN. A display sign supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces set a minimum 42 inches below ground surface and having a height in excess of eight feet. (Fig. 3.)
PORTABLE SIGN.
(a) A sign and sign structure which is designed to facilitate the movement of the sign from one zoning lot to another.
PROJECTING SIGN. Projecting sign means a sign which is affixed to any building or structure, other than a marquee, and any part of which extends beyond the building wall or structure more than 15 inches. (Fig. 8.)
ROOF SIGN. A display sign which is erected, constructed and maintained on or above the roof of the building and supported on the building roof. (Fig. 6.)
SIGN.
(a) Any device (including, but not limited to, letters, words, numerals, figures, emblems, pictures or any part of combination) used for visual communication to attract the attention of the public and visible from the public right-of-way or other properties.
(b) The term SIGN shall not include any flag, badge or insignia of any governmental unit, nor shall include any item of merchandise normally displayed within a window of a business.
SIGN AREA MEASUREMENTS.
(a) The total sign area shall be the area within a single, continuous perimeter of the sign surface composed of any rectilinear line or geometric figure which encloses the extreme limits of the sign.
(b) If the sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall, awning or mansard roof as the background, the total sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area within the perimeter of each symbol or letter and the combined area of the individual figures shall be considered the total sign area. (See Fig. 20 “Common Geometric Shapes and Formulas to Determine Sign Area”.)
(c) Buildings with more than one occupant may prorate the sign area for the total building to each building occupant, but not to exceed the total allowable sign area for the building.
SIGN FRONTAGE. The length in feet of the ground floor level of a building front or side facing a street that is occupied by a business or businesses.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A display sign, banner or other advertising device constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, fabric, plastic or other light temporary material, inflated devices with or without a structural frame. (Fig. 10.)
(F) (1) CBD Central Business Districts sign types allowed and standards:
(a) Wall signs. Wall signs which project no more than 15 inches from the building face, nor extend higher than whichever of the following is lowest:
1. Twenty-five feet above grade;
2. The sills of windows located above the first story; or
3. The lowest point of a gable, hip or shed roof.
(b) Projecting signs.
1. Projecting signs must project at right angles to the building, shall have no more than two faces and project no more than five feet from the face of the building. Only one projecting sign will be allowed at each entrance to a business establishment and that business must occupy a minimum of 18 feet of frontage.
2. The bottom of the sign must be at least ten feet above ground level and its top may not extend higher than whichever of the following is lowest:
a. Twenty-five feet above grade;
b. The sills of the first level of windows above first story; and
c. The lowest part of the roof.
3. No projecting signs shall be attached to roofs, chimneys, smokestacks, elevator towers, penthouses and the like.
4. The area of each sign may not exceed 24 square feet for each sign face.
5. No exposed guy wires or turnbuckles are allowed on a projecting sign.
(c) Window signs. A permanent sign on the inside of the glass of a window shall not exceed 30% of the window area on the section of the building front occupied by the business the sign advertises. Any permanent sign in ground floor windows must be included in calculating the total area of signage for that building.
(d) Painted-on signs. Painted on signs shall not be allowed on the sides of buildings. Painted on signs must be applied to the front of the buildings and will be included in the total area of signage for that building. Sides of buildings abutting streets or parking lots shall be treated the same as building fronts.
(e) Awning, canopy and marquee. Letters may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible awning, canopy or marquee subject to the following regulations.
1. Lettering or letters shall not project above, below or beyond the vertical drip of the awning or canopy.
2. Lettering on a marquee shall not extend beyond the geometric figure which encloses the sign message.
3. No awning, canopy or marquee sign shall extend below a minimum height of seven feet six inches.
4. The area of such sign shall be limited as part of the total sign area for all signs permitted.
5. Backlighting of an awning or marquee shall be prohibited.
(f) Temporary signs. Temporary window signs are allowed only on the inside of the window for no more than 15 days. They shall occupy no more than 30% of the area of the window in which they appear.
(g) “A” frame temporary signs. “A” frame temporary sign provided they do not exceed six square feet of sign area per sign face and shall be located so as to not obstruct pedestrian traffic. One sign shall be allowed per business. A hold harmless agreement must be obtained through the Engineering and Building Department by the property owner, tenant and any occupant. Such sign shall be securely anchored to prevent movement by wind forces.
(h) Attention-getting devices. Attention getting devices including searchlights, balloons, banners (provided payment of the required fee for the banner is made, and the banner may not be placed on outdoor café enclosures)and similar devices or ornamentation designed for purposes of attracting attention, promotions or advertising, are allowable. A banner or multiple banners, shall be allowed on each street, parking lot or alley side of the building, and shall not exceed 24 square feet in area per banner or 24 square feet total for all banners on each side of building, except only one banner shall be allowed on the front of the building and shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. All banners and signs cannot exceed 10% of the wall area. A maximum two banners on any wall, except the front wall, and no more than five banners shall be allowed at one time. Attention-getting devices, except banners as described above, shall be allowed for up to three separate 30-day periods in a calendar year. Feather banners are not permitted.
(i) Changeable message signs.
1. Changeable message signs are permitted on buildings that are located on the following streets:
a. East side of First Street between Elm Street and alley north of Oak Street;
b. East side of Second Street between Sycamore Street and alley north of Oak Street; and
c. Third Street between Eureka Avenue and alley north of Elm Street.
2. Changeable message signs shall only be permitted as a wall sign that is facing First Street, Second Street or Third Street in the locations set forth above.
3. An electronic changeable message sign shall be limited to the electronic display of a non-flashing or non-moving message that shall remain unchanged for at least five continuous seconds before it is replaced by another message. Electronic changeable messages shall be part of the total square footage of display area permitted for the sign even if the message is contained in a separate cabinet, except the face of the message shall not consume more than 60% of the total permitted display area of the sign.
(j) Standards for all CBD signs.
1. For all new construction or remodeling of buildings, the name of the owner and date of construction or the historic name and date of construction shall be indicated on the building above the highest building window or on the cornerstone of the building.
2. Lighting: signs shall be lighted only with a continuous light. Flashing lights are prohibited.
3. Motion: all signs must be stationary.
4. Supports: no supports for a sign may extend above the cornice line of the building to which it is attached.
5. Maximum allowable sign area square footage:
Multiply Building Frontage | By | Centerline of Street |
Building frontage | x 2 | 0—99 feet |
Building frontage | x 4 | 100—399 feet |
Building frontage | x 5 | 400 or more feet |
NOTES TO TABLE: If a use has less than 25 feet of building frontage and the building front is 99 feet or less from the centerline of the street it faces, it is allowed a maximum of 50 square feet of permanent sign area. The distance of a sign on or under a canopy, marquee or awning from the centerline of the abutting street should be computed as if the sign were on the building face to which the canopy is attached. | ||
6. Abandoned sign: sign support structures abandoned and no longer supporting a sign shall be removed by the building owner within 30 days after receiving notice to do so from the city. Should the owner fail to comply, the city shall proceed with §190.999 of this chapter.
7. Sign abatement: notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the city shall require the abatement of the following signs or sign devices within five days from the date of notification: temporary, transitory and portable signs.
(2) O-S, B-1, B-2 Districts sign types allowed: wall, awning, canopy, freestanding, ground, marquee, projecting, pole, window, vehicle and temporary (except on outdoor café enclosures) as defined in this chapter and subject to the following conditions.
(a) Ground sign.
1. One ground sign shall be permitted having a sign area of not more than 40 square feet for each sign face. On corner lots, two such signs are permissible where business fronts both streets. Such sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
2. Not more than one ground sign may be erected accessory to any one development regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties, tenants or uses contained therein. On corner lots, two such signs are permissible where business fronts both streets.
3. No ground sign shall be located nearer than five feet to any existing or proposed right-of-way line.
4. Ground signs may be illuminated with a continuous light only.
(b) Pole.
1. To be allowed only when a ground sign cannot be erected due to building location or other site constraints and upon approval of the Planning Commission.
2. One pole sign may be erected accessory to any one development regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties, tenants or uses contained therein.
3. It shall be unlawful to erect any pole sign to a height greater than 30 feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces. The distance from the ground to the bottom shall be not less than eight feet and shall be so erected as to not obstruct traffic vision. The area of such sign shall not exceed 120 square feet for each sign face.
4. Signs may be illuminated with a continuous light only.
5. All letters, figures, characters, items or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.
6. Loose or missing letters, figures, characters or items shall constitute a maintenance violation.
7. All pole signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected upon posts and standards at least 42 inches below the material surface of the ground and shall be embedded in concrete. Wood or wood products shall be of wolmanized or equal treatment.
(c) Projecting.
1. One projecting sign may be erected at each entrance to a business or office establishment.
2. Projecting signs must project at right angles to the building and have no more than two faces, and project no more than five feet from the face of the building.
3. The bottom of the sign projecting must be at least ten feet above ground level and its top may not extend higher than whichever of the following is lowest:
a. Twenty-five feet above grade;
b. The sills of the first level of windows above first story; and
c. The lowest part of the roof.
4. No projecting signs shall be attached to roofs, chimneys, smokestacks, elevator towers, penthouses and the like.
5. The area of each projecting sign may not exceed 24 square feet for each sign face.
6. No exposed guy wires or turnbuckles are allowed on a projecting sign.
(d) Wall.
1. Wall signs may be provided on all street sides, parking lots sides or alley sides of a building. The total sign area of wall signs on any one wall shall not exceed 10% of the wall surface of such wall. Where a single principal building is devoted to two or more business, offices or commercial uses, the operator of each such use may install a front wall sign. The maximum area of each such sign shall be determined by determining the proportionate share of the allowed signage for the principal building occupied by each such use and applying such proportion of the total sign area permitted for each tenant or the per cent agreed to by the occupants, the total not to exceed the above area limitations for the district in which such building is located. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide the required information when applying for a sign permit. In those instances where a change of tenancy occurs which presents a hardship in providing signage based on this requirement, the Zoning Board of Appeals may vary these provisions.
2. Signs may be illuminated with a continuous light only. Illuminated signs shall not be permitted on the alley side of a building.
3. Materials required: all wall signs of a greater area than 50 square feet shall have a surface or facing of non-combustible material.
4. Limitation on placement: no wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached.
5. Projection and height: no wall sign shall have a greater thickness than 12 inches measured from the wall to which it is attached to the outermost surface. Wall signs may project over the public right-of-way not to exceed 12 inches; provided, a clearance of not less than seven feet six inches is maintained below such sign if such sign projects more than four inches. Such sign shall not project above the roofline.
6. Supports and attachments: all wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to structural members of the building by means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails. The method of attachment shall be stated on the permit application.
(e) Awning, canopy and marquee. Letters may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible awning, canopy or marquee subject to the following regulations.
1. Lettering or letters shall not project above, below or beyond the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy.
2. Lettering on a marquee shall not extend beyond the geometric figure which encloses the sign message.
3. No awning, canopy or marquee sign shall extend below a minimum height of seven feet six inches.
4. The area of such sign shall be limited as part of the total sign area for all signs as provided in division (F)(2)(d)1. above.
(f) Window. Window signs shall not exceed 30% of the glass area of the window area on the section of building front occupied by the business at that location.
(g) Temporary, transitory or construction signs.
1. There shall be no more than one such sign; except that, on a corner lot, two signs with one facing each street, shall be permitted. No such sign shall exceed six square feet in area for each sign face of such sign. All such signs shall be removed upon occupancy.
2. Construction signs for buildings under construction may be erected for the period of construction and shall not exceed a face area of 64 square feet for each sign face of such sign. Such signs shall be erected on the building or lot where such construction is being carried on.
3. Temporary window signs are allowed only on the inside of the window lasting no more than 15 days. They shall occupy no more than 30% of the area of the window in which they appear.
4. No temporary sign shall be strung on a building exterior or on a sign structure or across any public right-of-way, nor shall any temporary sign project beyond the property line, except as authorized by the City Council.
5. Temporary signs found by the Building Official to be in torn or damaged condition must be removed by the owner within three days after receipt of notice to do so from the Building Official. Temporary signs found to be unsafe shall be removed immediately upon receipt of notice by the city.
6. “A” frame temporary signs; provided, they do not exceed six square feet of sign area per sign face and shall be located so as to not obstruct pedestrian traffic. One sign shall be allowed per business. A hold harmless agreement must be obtained through the Engineering Department by the property owner and operator of the business being advertised. Such sign shall be securely anchored to prevent movement by wind forces.
(h) Billboards. Billboards not exceeding 200 square feet per sign face are permitted only in B-2 Districts on Fort Street and shall be located no nearer than 3,000 feet between such billboards with a maximum height of 30 feet. Billboards shall not be animated and lighting shall be continuous.
(i) Attention-getting devices.
1. Attention getting devices including searchlights, balloons, banners (provided payment of the required fee for the banner is made, and the banner may not be placed on outdoor café enclosures) and similar devices or ornamentation designed for purposes of attracting attention, promotions or advertising, are allowable. A banner or multiple banners, shall be allowed on each street, parking lot or alley side of the building, and shall not exceed 24 square feet in area per banner or 24 square feet total for all banners on each side of building, except only one banner shall be allowed on the front of the building and shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. All banners and signs cannot exceed 10% of the wall area. A maximum two banners on any wall, except the front wall, and no more than five banners shall be allowed at one time. Attention-getting devices, except banners as described above, shall be allowed for up to three separate 30-day periods in a calendar year.
2. Feather banners are not permitted.
(j) Changeable message signs.
1. Changeable message signs shall only be permitted as ground, wall or pole signs.
2. An electronic changeable message sign shall be limited to the electronic display of a non-flashing or non-moving message that shall remain unchanged for at least five continuous seconds before it is replaced by another message. Electronic changeable messages shall be part of the total square footage of display area permitted for the sign even if the message is contained in a separate cabinet, except the face of the message shall not consume more than 60% of the total permitted display area of the sign.
(3) PD District sign types allowed: sign types and uses allowed for the uses designated for the area as portrayed in the master plan for future land use shall be allowed provided the Planning Commission may make a determination as to sign size and type most suitable to the promotion of the objectives of the PD District. Signs located in the Design Review District (§ 190.320 of this chapter) shall require design review.
(4) I-l, I-2, I-3, IRO Districts sign type allowed: all sign types allowed and as controlled for O-S, B-I and B-2 Districts.
(5) P-1 Parking Districts sign types allowed: pole and wall signs are permitted in parking districts subject to the following conditions:
(a) One entrance and one exit sign for each access way to the parking lot shall be allowed and one conditions of use sign for each parking lot shall be allowed;
(b) Signs shall not exceed nine square feet in area for each sign face of such sign, nor an overall height above ground of nine feet; and
(c) Signs as required by the Building Code.
(6) RA-RU-RT Districts sign types allowed: wall, transitory, temporary and construction signs, as defined in this chapter; provided, such signs shall not be illuminated unless otherwise provided for in this chapter and subject to the following conditions by sign type:
(a) Wall signs. Dwelling nameplate: for each dwelling unit, one nameplate not exceeding one square foot in area; and
(b) Temporary signs or transitory signs.
1. Not exceeding ten square feet in area for each sign face of such sign. Signs shall not be placed on public property between the sidewalk and street curb.
2. Construction signs. For building or remodeling of non-residential buildings, such as, but not limited to, churches and schools, not more than one sign shall be allowed not to exceed 32 square feet in total surface area for each sign face of such sign and shall be located on the premises being utilized for such construction. For residential buildings, not more than one sign shall be permitted not exceeding ten square feet per sign face. Such sign shall be removed within 15 days of completion of the project.
(7) RM-1, RM-1A, RM-2, RM-3 Districts sign types allowed: wall, real estate, ground and temporary signs as defined in this chapter and subject to the following conditions by sign type and subject to design review when located in the Design Review District: (See § 190.320 of this chapter.)
(a) Wall sign. Dwelling nameplate. For each dwelling unit, one nameplate not exceeding one square foot;
(b) Temporary sign or transitory sign.
1. One sign not exceeding ten square feet in area for each sign face of such sign. Signs shall not be placed on public property between the sidewalk and street curb; and
2. Signs for new developments. It shall be permissible to erect one sign not to exceed a total surface area of 32 square feet for each sign face of such sign.
(c) Ground signs. Multiple-family residential units. Any person owning or operating any multiple-family residential dwelling, with six or more units may erect one sign, such sign not to exceed 32 square feet for each sign face of such sign and not to exceed an overall height of six feet above the ground level and may be lighted during the hours of darkness.
(d) Temporary signs.
` 1. Banners and pennants. Banners and pennants may be allowed for periods not to exceed 30 days and must be securely fastened and any torn or damaged units must be repaired or removed.
2. Construction signs. For building or remodeling of residential and non-residential buildings, such as, but not limited to, churches and schools, not more than one sign shall be allowed not to exceed 32 square feet in total surface area for each sign face of such sign and shall be located on the premises being utilized for such construction. For residential buildings, not more than one sign shall be permitted not exceeding ten square feet per sign face. Such sign shall be removed within 15 days of completion of the project.
(8) Permitted signs accessory to churches, schools, non-profit institutions or historical markers on buildings in the CBD sign type allowed (all districts): churches, colleges, schools, buildings housing governmental functions and utilities of the city, county or state or any subdivision or historical markers on buildings in CBD thereof, are permitted to erect a sign. Such signs, when of a permanent nature, shall meet all the requirements of this chapter and other ordinances of the city, except as provided hereafter and may include ground, portable, transitory and temporary signs as defined in this chapter and subject to the following conditions.
(a) Wall signs. Wall signs may be provided on all street sides, parking lot sides or alley sides of a building. The total sign area of wall signs on any one wall shall not exceed 5% of the wall surface of such wall.
(b) Ground signs.
1. There shall be no more than one sign.
2. Such signs shall be set back from the lot line at least one-third of the distance from the lot line to the nearest building, but need not be set back more than ten feet from the property line.
3. No sign shall exceed 30 square feet in area, for each sign face of such sign, unless the sign is located more than 50 feet behind the property line, then said sign may be increased by five additional square feet for each additional ten feet of setback, but in no event shall such sign exceed 50 square feet in area for each sign face of such sign.
4. Illumination of signs shall be permitted.
5. An electronic changeable message sign shall be limited to the electronic display of a non-flashing or non-moving message that shall remain unchanged for at least five continuous seconds before it is replaced by another message. Electronic changeable messages shall be part of the total square footage of display area permitted for the sign even if the message is contained in a separate cabinet, except the face of the message shall not consume more than 60% of the total permitted display area of the sign.
(c) Portable signs.
1. There shall be no more than one portable sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area for each sign face of such sign. Such portable sign shall be permitted as a temporary sign for periods not to exceed seven days in a 30-consecutive-day-period on any one zoning lot and not to exceed 28 days in any one year. In no instance shall such sign obstruct parking spaces or automobile or pedestrian travel lanes or occupy a parking space unless sufficient additional parking space is available on the site.
2. Connections to an energy source for lighting shall be in accord with all codes of the city and shall not be exposed in any way that may constitute a safety hazard to the public.
(d) Temporary sign or transitory sign. One sign not exceeding ten square feet in area for each sign face of such sign. Signs shall not be placed on public property between the sidewalk and street curb.
(G) The following signs are prohibited within the city:
(1) No sign or banner shall be placed upon or across any public right-of-way, except by permission of the City Council;
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to display upon any sign or other advertising structure any obscene, indecent or immoral matter;
(3) Signs which incorporate in any manner flashing lights;
(4) String lights used in connection with business premises for commercial purposes, other than seasonal decorations;
(5) Any sign unlawfully installed erected or maintained;
(6) Signs on trees or utility poles, whether public or private;
(7) Signs on benches (Fig. 18); and
(8) Roof top signs.
(H) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, paint, alter or relocate any sign within the city, as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a permit from the city’s Building Department with the exception of the following.
(1) Signs for which a permit is not required.
(a) Wall signs not exceeding four square feet in area;
(b) Bulletin boards when the same are located on the premises of said institutions; provided, however, if said signs are electrically illuminated, an electrical permit must be obtained;
(c) Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, danger and such temporary emergency signs as may be approved by the city;
(d) Temporary signs and transitory signs ten square feet or less;
(e) Flags of recognized federal, state, county or city governments;
(f) Temporary window signs;
(g) Signs of civic and non-profit organization displayed for not more than 90 days within any 12-month period and not to exceed 32 square feet per sign face;
(h) Emblems, badges and insignias;
(i) Holiday decorations not exceeding 32 square feet;
(j) Non-illuminated signs pertaining to the construction or repair of buildings or property on which they are located. Such signs shall be removed upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy; and
(k) Off premise directional signs. Such signs shall be confined to one signpost per corner and shall not exceed a sign area of four square feet per sign face.
(2) Application for sign permit. Applications for permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Building Department and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant;
(b) Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or erected;
(c) Position and location of the sign or other advertising structure in relation to nearby buildings or structures;
(d) Two blueprints or drawings of the plans and specifications and methods of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground;
(e) Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting structure;
(f) Written consent of the owner where the sign is to be erected on vacant land;
(g) In all cases where wiring is to be used in connection with the sign an electrical permit shall be obtained in compliance with the city’s Electrical Code. The Electrical Inspector shall approve and affix his or her signature to said permit if it is deemed necessary by the Electrical Inspector; and
(h) Such other information as the city shall require showing full compliance with this and all other ordinances of the city.
(3) Sign permit fee. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or alter any sign, except those signs specifically exempted herein, unless a permit shall first have been obtained from the Building Department for such erection or alteration, and a permit fee paid to the city according to the schedule as may be established from time to time by resolution of the City Council.
(4) Sign permit revocable at any time. All rights and privileges accrued under the provisions of this chapter or any amendment thereto are mere licenses and may be voided upon the violation of any of the conditions contained herein. If the work authorized under a sign or electrical permit has not been completed within six months after date of issuance, said permit shall become null and void and a new permit shall be necessary to continue the project. Partially completed signs, if abandoned, shall be removed immediately by the erector upon notice from the city.
(I) All existing signs that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to continue as non-conforming signs until such time as they are removed or until there is a change in occupancy, at which time they shall conform to the provisions of this chapter. The provision of this division (I) shall not apply to maintenance and repainting.
(J) This chapter shall be enforced by the Building Official or an employee designated by the City Council.
(K) (1) Maintenance. All signs for which a permit is required, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be maintained in good working order, and when not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion-resistant, non-combustible materials, shall be painted when necessary to prevent corrosion. The exteriors of all signs, supporting members, painted surfaces, advertising materials and lettering shall be kept painted and in good repair, so as to present a neat and orderly appearance. All bulbs or component parts of the sign, including the electrical switches, boxes and wiring used in the illumination of the sign must be well maintained.
(2) Housekeeping. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner or lessee of every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign in a clean, sanitary and healthful condition.
(L) (1) Signs shall be subject to inspections and when the condition of the sign is questionable, the owner or occupant shall obtain a professional engineer’s report, certifying the sign condition. Failure to submit the report and make any specified correction will result in an order for the sign to be removed.
(2) Sign support structures abandoned and no longer supporting a sign shall be removed by the building owner within 30 days after receiving notice to do so from the city. Should the owner fail to comply, the city, at the owner’s expense, may order the work done on the owner’s behalf and the cost will be assessed against the property.
(Prior Code, App. A, § 2408) (Ord. 1277, passed 4-2-2007; Ord. 1343, passed 3-14-2011; Ord. 1351, passed 8-8-2011; Ord. 1365, passed 7-23-2012; Ord. 1373, passed 10-8-2012; Ord. 1391, passed 2-10-2014; Ord. 1398, passed 5-12-2014; Ord. 1409A, passed 3-16-2015; Ord. 1440, passed 12-5-2016)