Definition of "Temporary Lighting" for Purposes of this Section. For purposes of this section, the term "temporary lighting" shall mean and include any of the following: (i) any light or lights not constructed and/or rated to be permanently installed; (ii) "strand lights" (two or more light bulbs connected along any length of wire and not contained in conduit or other rigid enclosure); or (iii) any light or lights that require an extension cord or similar nonpermanent rated means of supplying power. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any temporary lighting that has been expressly approved for any of the uses regulated herein pursuant to any other provision of this Code shall not be subject to the provisions of this section. For the purpose of regulation of signage, the term "sign" or "signs," as those terms are defined in this title, shall not include temporary lighting.

Permit Required. No temporary lights shall be displayed on the exterior of any building in any commercial or industrial zone, on the inside of any window of such building which is visible to the public, or, on landscaping in any commercial or industrial zone, without first obtaining a temporary light permit from the City. A permit shall be administratively issued by the City's Code Enforcement Department if the temporary lighting installation will be in compliance with the terms of this section. Conditions may be imposed by the Code Enforcement Department to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section. Decisions to grant or deny any such permit may be appealed to the Planning Commission by any person pursuant to the provisions of Article 19 of this chapter.

Limitation on Duration of Display. Subject to the provisions of this section, the display or use of temporary lighting is permitted for one period per year consisting of no more than 90 consecutive days. For purposes of this subsection, a "year" shall mean any 365 day period.

Limitation on Number of "Strands" Permitted. When "strand lights" are utilized, only one strand is permitted to be placed or hung on each façade wall or eave of a building, and only one strand is permitted to be placed or hung around each window and door of a building.

Limitations on Amount of Façade Area Covered by Temporary Lighting. No temporary lighting may extend more than three feet below the top edge of any front or side façade or eave of any building, except that such lights may be located around windows and doors of the buildings as otherwise specified in this section.

No Exemption from Other Regulations. Nothing herein shall be deemed to authorize the use or display of temporary lighting where such use or display is otherwise prohibited by this Code or any State or Federal law or regulation.

Public Property and Public Right-of-Way. Nothing herein shall be deemed to permit the installation of temporary lighting for any period of time within, across, or on any publicly owned property or public right-of-way, and the same is prohibited absent prior written consent from the City.

Policy Statement on the Use of Exposed Neon Lighting. It is the policy of the City to ensure that signs and building façades create an attractive appearance, do not negatively impact neighboring properties and improve the aesthetic character of the City. To accomplish this goal, the use of exposed neon lighting as part of a sign or as an architectural accent shall be used in moderation and only when other means of signage, illumination and architectural embellishment cannot achieve the overall architectural design for the building and necessary signage for the business. In considering whether to approve or disapprove the use of exposed neon lighting for signs or as an architectural accent, the applicant shall adhere to the following standards, and the Planning Commission shall find that the proposal conforms to the general limitations and standards specified in this section.

General Limitations and Standards. Any use of exposed neon lighting for signs or as an architectural accent shall conform to the following limitations and standards:

Procedure for Approval of the Use of Exposed Neon Lighting for Signs and Architectural Accents. Any exposed neon lighting used for signage or as an architectural accent on the exterior of any building shall be subject to design review approval by the Planning Commission pursuant to procedures contained in Article 20 of this chapter of the Artesia Municipal Code, except that the standards and criteria for approval of the signage or architectural accents shall be the general limitations and standards set forth in Subsection (b) of this section, rather than as set forth in Section 9-2.2005. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, window signs incorporating exposed neon lighting shall be subject to administrative review and approval by the Planning Director as provided in Section 9-2.1204(e), and shall conform to the general limitations and standards provided in subsection (b) of this section.