A.

It is declared that the aesthetic and safety interests of the city are reasonably promoted by the provisions of this chapter. Accordingly, it is the intent and purpose of this chapter to provide for the orderly and harmonious display of signs within the city; to avoid the erection of displays which produce deleterious and injurious effects to adjacent properties and to the natural beauty of the environment; to provide for the safety of the traveling public by limiting distractions, hazards and obstructions; to minimize visual clutter and encourage a positive visual environment within the city; and to promote the mental and physical health, safety and welfare of the public.

B.

The regulations and requirements set forth in this chapter shall be the minimum requirements to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the public, and to protect the character of the city.

C.

The purpose and intent of these regulations is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signage to improve and enhance the aesthetic environment of the city, and to avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and to the appearance of the community. The city council finds that the regulations set forth in this chapter will improve the visual appearance of the city by limiting the number and size of signs within the corporate limits, consistent with constitutional guarantees, while continuing to provide an effective means of communication.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

The following words and terms used in this chapter are defined and interpreted as follows:

"Animated signs" means signs that flash or move or otherwise change at intervals more frequently than once each six seconds.

"Awning sign" means any sign attached to, in any manner or otherwise made a part of any awning or awning-like structure which projects beyond a building or extends along and projects beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather. Awnings shall comply with the requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code.

"Banner sign" means a sign either enclosed or not enclosed in a ridged frame and secured or mounted to allow movement caused by the atmosphere. Flags are not banners.

"Billboard" means a sign larger than two hundred square feet in area.

"Building area" means the area of the face of a building (height x width), not including the roof.

"Building frontage" means the side of the building on the primary roadway.

"Canopy sign" means a sign affixed to, superimposed upon, or painted on any roof-like structure, which extends over a sidewalk, walkway, vehicle access area or outdoor service area, excluding marquees.

"Construction sign" means a temporary sign erected on premises where construction is taking place.

"Directory sign means any sign located on premises with exits, entrances, driveways or off-street parking.

"Discontinued sign" means any sign which no longer identifies an activity conducted or present upon the premises where the sign is located.

"Door sign" means a sign that is applied or attached to the exterior or interior of a door or located in such manner within a building that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure through a door.

"Electronic message board" means any sign that uses changing lights or colors to form a sign message or messages or creates a picture, scene or design wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.

"Facade sign" means any wall, awning, marquee, directory or window sign.

"Flag" means a cloth with colors and patterns which does not meet any other sign definition under this chapter.

"Flashing sign" means a sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits marked changes in lighting effects. Illuminated signs, which indicate only the time, temperature or date, any combination thereof, and properly permitted electronic signs as defined in Section 17.120.090(C), shall not be considered as flashing signs.

"Free standing sign" means a sign supported by any structure or support placed in or anchored in the ground and not attached to any building or structure.

"Ground sign" means any sign supported by one or more uprights, posts or bases placed upon or affixed in the ground and not attached to any part of a building.

"Height" means the distance in vertical feet from the elevation of the ground level at base of sign to the highest point of the sign structure. The ground shall not be altered for the sole purpose of providing additional sign height.

"Illuminated sign" means a sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source.

"Inflatable sign" means any sign inflated or supported by winds, air or pneumatic noncombustible pressure.

"Marquee sign" means any sign attached to, in any manner, or otherwise made a part of any permanent roof-like structure which projects beyond a building or extends along and projects beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

"Monument sign" means any ground sign supported totally with a solid base of masonry, brick or other material, which is of a finished or decorative type construction.

"Motor vehicle sign" means a sign mounted, placed, written or painted on a vehicle or trailer whether motor-driven or not.

"Nit" means a luminescence unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays of the light source.

"Pennant" means any long, narrow flag, which does not meet any other sign definition in this chapter.

"Portable sign" means any sign which is not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, including, but not limited to, signs attached to vehicles, trailers, securely anchored into the ground or any sign which may be transported or is designed to be transported. Such signs include, but are not limited to, "A" and "T" type, sidewalk, sandwich, trailer signs, curb type signs, banners, balloons or other commercial advertisement attached to vehicles when the "sale" is to occur. Exceptions: Signs which are painted, bolted, screwed or magnetically attached to the top, sides or rear of the vehicle. Signs, which are placed in the bed of a truck or trunk of an automobile or a banner attached to the vehicle regardless of the information contained thereon or method of attachment, are not included in this exception.

"Premises" means a designed parcel, tract, lot or area of land, together with improvements located thereon, if any, established by plat, subdivision, or as otherwise permitted by law, to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.

"Primary roadway" means the public right of way which is identified as the address of the premises.

"Projecting sign" means a sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and which projects more than twelve inches from such building.

"Road frontage" means the distance, measured in a straight line, from the two furthest property corners located on the same public right-of-way, excluding out parcels.

"Roof sign" means any sign erected or installed upon the roof of any building of structure.

"Sign" means any surface, fabric, device or display which bears letters, numbers, symbols, pictures or sculptured matter, whether illuminated or unilluminated, designed to identify, announce, direct or inform, and that is visible from a public right of way. For purposes of this chapter the term "sign" includes all structural members.

"Sign area" means the area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face), computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof, that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when said fence or wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.

"Snipe sign" means any sign of any material whatsoever that is attached in any way to a utility pole, tree, or any object located or situated on any public road right-of-way, easements or alleys.

"Subdivision" has the same meaning as defined in the development code and zoning regulations of the city.

"Subdivision sign" means any sign located in a subdivision or planned unit development.

"Surface area" means the entire area within a continuous perimeter, enclosing the extreme limits of sign display, including any frame or border, but excluding any supports. Curved, spherical or any other shaped sign face shall be computed on the basis of actual surface area. The copy of signs composed of individual letters, numerals, or other devices shall be the sum of the area of the smallest rectangle or other geometric figure encompassing each of said letter or device, as well as spaces between each letter, words, lines or device. The calculation for a double-faced sign shall be the area of one face only where the sign faces are parallel or whether the interior angle formed by the faces is sixty degrees or less. The area of the larger side shall be computed in cases in which the two sides do not coincide. For multiple sided signs, the sign area of all sides shall not exceed twice the maximum permitted sign area.

"Temporary sign" means a display, informational sign, banner or other advertising device with or without a structural frame, not permanently mounted and intended to be displayed for ninety days or less.

"Wall sign" means any sign painted on or attached to a wall of a building or structure and in the same plane as the wall.

"Window sign" means any sign placed inside or upon the windowpanes or glass of any window or door.

"Zoning districts" means the zoning districts defined in this title.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-018, § 1, 10-7-10; Ord. No. 13-005, § 1, 7-11-13)

The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts of the city:

1.

Flashing sign;

2.

Portable sign except in accordance with Section 17.120.070 of this chapter;

3.

Roof sign;

4.

Signs attached to any street sign or marker, traffic control sign or device, or attached to or painted on any utility pole, post, tree, rock, shrub, plant or other natural object or feature;

5.

Motor vehicle signs per definition in Section 17.12.020;

6.

Signs on public right-of-way;

7.

Temporary signs except as allowed in Section 17.120.070 of this chapter.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-018, § 2, 10-7-10; Ord. No. 13-005, § 2, 7-11-13)

A.

The following types of signs are permitted and regulated within the R-MD, MH, RM-8, AG, R-100, R-100CZP and PUD Residential zoning districts:

1.

Signs located on property where the premises are for sale or lease;

2.

Subdivision signs;

3.

Directory signs in accordance with Section 17.120.060 of this chapter.

B.

The following types of signs are permitted and regulated in the O-I, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1 and M-2 and nonresidential PUD zoning districts:

1.

Any sign allowed in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts;

2.

Awning sign in accordance with Section 17.120.060 of this chapter;

3.

Banners in accordance with Section 17.120.070 of this chapter;

4.

Canopy sign in accordance with Section 17.120.060 of this chapter;

5.

Directory sign;

6.

Freestanding sign in accordance with Section 17.120.060 of this chapter;

7.

Temporary sign in accordance with Section 17.120.070 of this chapter;

8.

Wall sign in accordance with Section 17.120.060 of this chapter;

9.

Window sign;

10.

Billboards in accordance with Section 17.120.090(F) of this chapter.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-018, § 3, 10-7-10)

A.

The following types of signs are exempt from the requirements of this chapter unless otherwise expressly prohibited under Section 17.120.030 of this chapter. These signs shall meet height and setback requirements of this chapter; however no permit is required for their use:

1.

All permanent signs in place outside road right-of-way as of January 16, 2003;

2.

Construction sign with a maximum area not to exceed thirty-two square feet;

3.

Directory sign;

4.

Window sign and door sign;

5.

Signs not visible from public thoroughfares;

6.

Signs within a business, office, mall or totally enclosed area;

7.

Flags or pennants.

B.

In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection A of this section, the following regulations shall also apply:

1.

Setbacks. All signs must be located out of right-of-way or at least ten feet from the back of the curb or edge of pavement of the adjacent street, whichever is greater. Signs located on a corner lot within fifty feet of the intersection of rights-of-way must be out of right-of-way or at least fifteen feet from the back of the curb or edge of pavement of the adjacent streets, whichever is greater.

2.

Multiple Signs. In order to erect multiple freestanding signs, the use must have frontage on two or more publicly dedicated streets. In those instances where one of the street frontages is on a local street serving a residentially zoned subdivision, a second sign shall be prohibited and the sign area shall not be combined. If any applicant has an existing sign that does not conform to the city's sign regulations, the sign in violation shall be brought into conformance prior to a permit being issued for multiple signs. If a lot contains multiple frontages and the sign area is combined pursuant to Section 17.120.060(A)(l) of this chapter, then the cumulative total square footage for all freestanding signs on the lot shall not exceed two hundred square feet.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-018, § 4, 10-7-10)

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

_____

A.

Temporary Signs.

1.

The only temporary signs allowed are the following: banners, portable signs and temporary signs.

2.

The number of temporary signs allowed per business is one sign for each public walk-in entrance, as defined by the applicable state building code.

3.

Location. Temporary signs are allowed in commercial, office and industrial zoning districts.

4.

Placement. Temporary signs must be set back at least ten feet from the property line or right-of-way. The placement of a temporary sign in a parking space, which is required to meet the minimum parking requirements for the premises, is prohibited. The placement of a temporary sign in the public right-of-way is prohibited and will be cause removal of the sign, and citation for violation of this chapter. Display of temporary signs shall only be allowed from Friday, twelve noon to the following Monday, eight a.m.

5.

Maximum Height and Area. The sign area of temporary signs shall not exceed the exterior measurement of five feet in height or ten feet in length, and shall not exceed a maximum of thirty-two square feet in area per face.

6.

Fastening of Sign and Locking of Wheels. Each portable sign, when in use, shall, in some manner be securely fastened to a permanent structure or to the ground; further, each trailer sign shall have its wheels locked so that only the person renting, leasing, owning or providing the sign shall have the capability of unlocking the wheels.

7.

Lighting. All incandescent bulbs in, on or attached to any temporary sign shall be P.A.R.-rated outdoor lamps of not more than one hundred watts; however, spot-type bulbs are prohibited. Animation is prohibited on all temporary signs.

8.

Required Label. Each temporary sign shall have permanently affixed and prominently displayed the name, business address and/or phone number of the owner of the sign.

9.

Number. No more than one portable sign is permitted per premises.

B.

Banners, Pennants, Balloons and Streamers.

1.

Pennants, balloons and streamers are allowed one time only for a change in use or change in occupancy of the premises from two weeks prior to the change in use or occupancy until one month after the change in use or occupancy.

C.

Inflatable Signs. Inflatable signs shall be allowed only one time per year per premises, and for not more than seven consecutive days. The inflatable sign shall not exceed a height of thirty feet nor exceed a maximum of three hundred square feet of sign area and be securely attached to the ground or structure meeting building codes.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-018, § 5, 10-7-10; Ord. No. 13-005, § 3, 7-11-13)

Editor's note— Sec. 6 of Ord. No. 10-018, deleted § 17.120.080, off-premises directional signs which derived from Ord. 275, 2003.

A.

Setback Distance. Setback distance for all signs is the shortest horizontal distance from the property line to the nearest point of the sign, or its supporting members, whichever is nearest to the property line.

B.

Maintenance Standards. All signs must be properly maintained in a state of good repair such that they do not create a threat to public safety.

C.

Lighting. Sign lights must be focused, directed and arranged so as to avoid becoming a nuisance or a traffic or safety hazard. Flashing or pulsating lights are not permitted. All electrical signs shall comply with the requirements of this subsection.

For purposes of this subsection, "multiple message sign" means a sign, display, or device which changes the message or copy on the sign electronically by movement or rotation of panels or slats.

Applicants proposing the use of a multiple message sign shall supply specifications describing illumination intensity, light path and image change cycle.

Sign Operators installing, testing, or maintaining multiple message signs shall comply with the following requirements:

(a)

The dwell time, defined as the interval of change between each individual message, shall be at least ten seconds, and a change of message must be accomplished within one second or less. The dwell time shall not include the one second or less required to change a message. Electronic signs displaying time, date and temperature only shall be exempt from these timing controls.

(b)

The multiple message sign shall contain a default mechanism that will freeze the sign in one position if a malfunction occurs.

(c)

The multiple message sign may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the driver, or result in a nuisance to the driver.

1.

Digital sign light intensity exceeding the following intensity levels (nits) constitutes "excessive intensity or brilliance": "excessive intensity or brilliance":

2.

Prior to the issuance of a permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory pre-set not to exceed seven thousand NITS and that the intensity level is projected from end-user manipulation by password- protected software or other method as deemed appropriate by the building inspector or building official.

(d)

Digital signs shall not be configured to resemble a warning or anger signal or to cause a driver to mistake the advertisement for a warning or danger signal.

(e)

No multiple message sign shall be placed within five thousand feet of another multiple message sign on the same side of the street or highway. Electronic signs displaying time, date and temperature only shall not be considered in calculating the distances between multiple message signs.

D.

Appeals. Any person aggrieved by any order, requirement, decision or determination of the administrative official in the implementation or enforcement of this chapter may file a written appeal to the zoning board of appeals within ten calendar days after rendition of the order, requirement, decision or determination by the administrative official to which the appeal is directed. The procedures for such an appeal are contained in Chapter 17.48.

E.

For purposes of review of appeals from this chapter, the Auburn zoning board of appeals shall have forty-five days in which to make a decision regarding the appeal. The zoning board of appeals shall have the authority to approve, deny or remand the order, requirement, decision or determination by the administrative official. Any person aggrieved by any order, requirement, decision or determination of the zoning board of appeals shall have thirty days in which to appeal such decision to the superior court of Barrow County by writ of certiorari. Consistent with the decision of the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, an appeal from the zoning board of appeals shall not be de novo and the records below shall be binding on all parties to the appeal.

F.

Signs shall not be affixed in any manner to trees, street or utility poles, or other signs and sign structures.

G.

Discontinued Signs. The owner of any sign which is a discontinued sign for a period of ninety or more consecutive days shall remove the sign not including the sign structure, by painting over the sign area or replacing the sign area with a blank insert.

H.

Billboards shall be allowed only in C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1 and M-2 zoning districts under the city's zoning classifications and provided that the billboard location and application meet the following requirements:

1.

Billboards shall only be allowed within the city along major roads. Major roads include only Highway 8 and Highway 324 as those state routes traverse the city limits.

2.

The height of any sign is limited to thirty feet.

3.

The maximum sign face on a billboard shall be six hundred square feet. No billboard shall rotate or have any moving parts.

4.

No billboard shall be located within one thousand five hundred feet of another billboard or within three hundred feet of any residentially zoned property or one thousand five hundred feet of any residential subdivision, whichever is greater.

5.

In order to construct a billboard under the standards of this provision, the applicant is required to own a fee simple property interest in the site large enough for a fall zone. A "fall zone" is defined as an area large enough and set back far enough from any buildings, structures or property lines equal to one hundred thirty-three percent of the height of the entire structure in every direction. Within the fall zone, no buildings or other structures may be constructed.

6.

The dimensions of the sign shall not exceed twelve feet in height and twenty-five feet in length with or without trim.

7.

Each billboard site shall have a designated driveway access point, which is shown on the site plan presented with the application. The applicant shall have a property interest specifically providing for ingress and egress to the site. The ingress and egress driveway shall be paved, and two additional paved parking spaces shall be provided for inspection, maintenance and supervision of the billboard.

8.

All billboard construction must meet engineering standards, which are capable of withstanding one hundred twenty-five mile per hour wind velocity.

9.

All illuminated billboards must use base mounted florescent or mercury vapor lights and shall be activated by photocells. Any additional lights, including, but not limited to, neon, animation or running lights is specifically prohibited by this chapter.

10.

Any structure extending beyond the face of any billboard, excluding the aprons is specifically prohibited.

11.

Except as specifically modified by this chapter, the rest and remainder of this title remain in full force and effect.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-018, § 7, 10-7-10; Ord. No. 13-005, § 4, 7-11-13)

Any sign which conformed to the existing sign regulations when initially erected and subsequently became or becomes nonconforming due to the initial enactment of the 1980 zoning ordinance of the city or any subsequent amendment thereto, including the ordinance codified in this chapter, may continue as a lawful nonconforming sign subject to the following provisions:

A.

Alteration or Repair. Lawful nonconforming signs shall not be moved or structurally altered. A lawful nonconforming sign shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter if it is damaged or destroyed and the cost of reconstruction or repair is fifty percent or more of the depreciated value of the sign structure at the time it is damaged or destroyed. A change in copy, logo, or color that does not entail any change in the sign's dimensions or location shall not constitute an alteration.

B.

Signs Subject to Immediate Removal. Any sign erected without a required building permit is unlawful and must be removed by the owner thereof.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-007, § 1, 4-1-10)

A.

Permits Required. One sign, six square feet or smaller, shall be allowed for each business that does not require a permit. No person shall erect, alter, repair or relocate any sign that requires a permit without first obtaining a building permit for such work from the city. No permit shall be issued until the city determines that such work is in accordance with the requirements contained in this chapter, and the city determines such work will not violate any building, electrical or other adopted codes of the city.

B.

Applications. All required building permit applications shall be filed on forms supplied by the city. The application shall contain the information and documents required in subsection C of this section, below, and shall be accompanied by the required building permit fee.

C.

Permit Contents. The completed application for a building permit for a sign shall include the following applicable information:

1.

The name, address and telephone number of the property owner;

2.

The name, address and telephone number and registration number of the engineer;

3.

The name, address, telephone number and license number of the sign contractor/manufacturer;

4.

The address and name of the business where the sign is to be erected. The zoning district, the building frontage of the tenant space and the road frontage of the parcel is also required;

5.

The types of sign, square footage, height and location of all signage currently displayed on the site;

6.

The type of sign, square footage, height and location of the sign or signs proposed to be erected on the site. If the sign is to be electrically lighted, additional information is to be provided regarding the testing laboratory or the ETL number, and the name and address of the electrical contractor;

7.

A fully dimensioned site plan showing the lot frontage, building frontage, parking areas and location of all existing and proposed signs. For ground signs, the sign plan must show the distance from the right-of-way and edge of pavement, and the street corner visibility calculations must be made to insure that the sign location does not block pedestrian traffic visibility;

8.

Sign plan (does not apply to temporary signs). The application shall:

a.

Provide a summary table listing location type and area of any existing and proposed signs,

b.

Provide fully dimensioned elevation drawing of any proposed sign, showing sign type, height and copy area,

c.

For facade signs, provide an elevation of the building, showing placement of any sign.

9.

The type of construction, sign supports, electrical details;

10.

Wind load calculations and footer details as required by the city's adopted building code.

D.

Investigation/Time Limits. Upon the receipt of a completed building permit application and upon payment of the appropriate building permit fee by the applicant, the city shall promptly conduct an investigation of the application, the proposed sign and the premises. The city engineer or his/her designated representative of the department of planning and zoning of the city shall grant or deny the building permit application within thirty days from the date the completed application with application fee was filed with the city.

E.

Issuance or Denial of Permit.

1.

If, after review and investigation as required herein, the city engineer or his/her designated representative determines that the application meets the requirements contained in this chapter and determines the proposed sign will not violate any building, electrical or other adopted codes of the city, the city engineer or his/her designated representative shall issue the permit.

2.

If, after review and investigation as required here, the city engineer or his/her designated representative determines that one or more reasons for denial exist, the permit shall be denied and the city engineer or his/her designated representative shall make a written report of the denial and the reasons therefor. A copy of the report shall be sent by certified mail to the designated return address of the applicant on the application. The application for a permit shall be denied if one or more of the following conditions are found to exist:

a.

The application does not comply with the requirements of this chapter; or

b.

The application would violate any building, electrical or other adopted codes of the city.

F.

Sign Permit Fees. The building permit fee for signs shall be determined pursuant to the building permit fee schedule established by separate ordinance.

H.

Appeals. Any person denied a building permit for signs may file a written appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals within ten calendar days after rendition of the denial pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.150.070

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 10-001, § 1.a., 10-1-09)

Every sign, including those specifically exempt from this code in respect to permits and permit fees, shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. All signs shall be produced by a commercial sign company and shall be kept in good repair including metal parts and supports thereof that are not galvanized shall be painted with a rust resistant paint. The city engineer or his/her authorized representative shall inspect and shall have the authority to order the painting, repair, alteration, or removal of a sign which shall constitute a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence.

1.

Abandoned Signs. Any sign that is located on property which becomes vacant or is unoccupied for a period of six months or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of six months or more. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises.

2.

Dangerous or Defective Signs. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him any sign, which is in a dangerous or defective condition. Any such sign shall be removed or repaired by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises.

3.

Removal of Signs. The city police or code enforcement officer shall cause to be removed any sign in any road right of way which violates this chapter or endangers the public safety, such as a dangerous, or materially, electrically or structurally defective sign for which no permit has been issued.

4.

Site Clean-Up. All debris from changing sign faces shall be removed immediately from the site. Violation of this provision shall be punishable by fine not to exceed one thousand dollars per violation.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 09-026, § 1.c., 9-3-09)

Violations of this chapter shall be punishable by the issuance of a citation and summons to municipal court. Any person found guilty of violating this chapter shall be fined an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars and/or probation or community service. If the prohibited sign is not removed or corrected within ten days of the disposition of any citation in municipal court, the owner or occupant shall be subject to multiple citations and fines in municipal court until the sign is removed or brought into compliance with this chapter.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)

For purposes of the ordinance codified in this chapter, all noncommercial speech shall be deemed to be on premise. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to regulate the content of the message displayed on any sign. All signs may display a noncommercial message in addition to, or in lieu of, any other message.

(Ord. 275 § 1 (part), 2003)