(A) Intent, application.
(1) This subchapter creates the legal framework for sign regulations that are intended to facilitate an easy and agreeable communication between people. It is recognized that signs serve an important function and, therefore, the reasonable and adequate display of signs is permitted under the provisions of this subchapter.
(2) The intent of these sign regulations is to:
(a) Create a comprehensive and balanced system of sign control that accommodates both the need for a well-maintained, safe and attractive community, and the need for effective business identification and communication;
(b) Encourage signs which, by their design, are integrated with and harmonious to the buildings and sites which they occupy;
(c) Eliminate excessive and confusing sign displays;
(d) Preserve and improve the appearance of the town as an attractive place in which to live and work and as an attraction to non-residents who come to visit or trade;
(e) Safeguard and enhance property values;
(f) Support and complement land use objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and this chapter;
(g) Protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces;
(h) Eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians resulting from signs; and
(i) Promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the town.
(3) The regulations contained in this subchapter shall apply to the location, erection and maintenance of signs in any zoning district regulated by this chapter.
(B) Findings.
(1) The Town Council finds:
(a) The manner of the erection, location and maintenance of signs affects the public health, safety, morals and the public welfare of the people of this community;
(b) The safety of motorists, pedestrians and other users of the public street and property is affected by the number, size, location and appearance of signs that are intended to and result in the diversion of the attention of the groups listed;
(c) The construction, erection and maintenance of signs suspended or projecting from, or placed on the tops of, buildings, walls or other structures may constitute a direct danger to pedestrian and vehicular traffic below. Especially during period of strong winds; and to effective firefighting and other emergency services; and
(d) Uncontrolled and unlimited signs may result in a roadside clutter that impedes the flow of information from businesses to consumers thereby harming the economic health of the community, and that impedes the flow of information from traffic signs and signals creating hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
(2) It is therefore necessary for the promotion and preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the people of this community, as well as to preserve the Zionsville theme, that the erection, connection, location and maintenance of signs be regulated and controlled.
(Ord. 2000-16, passed 8-28-2000, § 6.1)