The objectives, justification, and basis for the various regulations relative to signs and as contained in this section and elsewhere in this chapter are to:

   A.   Direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for the public convenience;

   B.   Provide a reasonable system of controls of signs, integrated within and a part of the Comprehensive Zoning Plan set forth by this Code, and not as a distinct police power exercise separate and apart from the zoning power;

   C.   Encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship, and spacing;

   D.   Encourage a desirable urban character which has a minimum of overhead clutter;

   E.   Enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the regulation of such things as size, location, design, and the illumination of signs;

   F.   Encourage the signs which are compatible with adjacent land uses;

   G.   Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signing; and

   H.   Relate sign area and height to viewing distance and optical characteristics of the eye. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

It shall be unlawful to erect or maintain any sign except as provided for and permitted in this chapter. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Any court action or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, void, or annul any decision of the matters set forth in this chapter otherwise subject to court review, other than those listed in sections 65860 and 65907 of the Government Code of the state, or concerning any of the proceedings, acts, or determinations taken, done, or made prior to such decision, or to determine the reasonableness, legality, or validity of any condition attached thereto, shall not be maintained by any person, unless such action or proceedings is commenced within thirty (30) days after the effective date of such decision. Thereafter all persons shall be barred from any such action or proceedings or any defense or invalidity or unreasonableness of such decision or of such proceedings, acts, or determinations. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:

ALTERATION: Any change in copy, color, size, shape, position, location, construction, or supporting structure.

AREA OF SIGN: The area of one face of the sign, if the sign exposes only one face to view from any one vantage point, and shall mean the maximum width of the sign structure times its height for signs which expose more than one face to view from any vantage point.

ATTRACTION BOARD: A sign advertising only nightclub or cabaret entertainment and so constructed that letters and/or other advertising material can be readily changed.

BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign displaying the name and/or address of a building, which sign is located on the same site as the building.

BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign displaying the name of the business to which it pertains and/or the names of the products or services sold or offered by such business at the site on which the business and sign are located.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN: A sign stating the names of those individuals or businesses directly connected with the construction project, their addresses and telephone numbers.

COURTYARD: Any pedestrian arcade, patio, promenade, or mall, whether covered by a roof or not, within or between any structure or buildings upon which the principal or main entrance to one or more retail businesses therein are located. "Courtyard" shall include buildings with one or more retail businesses having their principal or main entrance off and adjacent to a parking lot or parking facility and with no direct public access to any public street or alley.

EXPOSED TUBE LIGHTING: Any form of lighting that uses electrified gaseous tube lighting such as neon or fluorescent light not shielded from direct view by some other material in a sign or exterior architectural decoration.

FACE, SIGN FACE, OR FACE OF A SIGN: Any plane or other side of a sign which is painted or stained or lighted or has lettering or is illustrated, separately or in combination, to attract attention. In the case of a side other than a plane, the area thereof shall be computed as including only the maximum single display surface which is visible from any one position from which persons might usually view the same.

FLAG, BANNER OR PENNANT: A piece of fabric, canvas or any similar soft material, in any shape, that is attached to a structure, pole or wire.

GRADE: The level of the public sidewalk at the closest distance to the sign.

GROUND SIGN, POST SIGN, OR POLE SIGN: A sign which is supported by one or more uprights or braces in or upon the ground.

ILLUMINATED SIGN: A sign which has the source of light on the surface of the sign or in the interior of the sign itself.

LIGHTED SIGN: A sign which has a source of light located such that the beam of the light falls upon the exterior surface of the sign or a sign which is itself a projected image such as from a slide projector or laser or similar device for projecting images.

MARQUEE SIGN: A sign painted on, attached to, or supported by a marquee or awning.

MURAL: A painting or graphic design applied to and made integral with a wall.

PROJECTING SIGN: A sign which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building with the display surface of the sign in a plane other than the plane parallel to the wall.

REAL ESTATE SIGN (Such As A "For Sale" Sign, "For Lease" Sign, "For Rent" Sign, Etc.): A sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is located, or any portion thereof, is for sale, lease, or rent, and containing any of the following information, and no more: a description of the premises offered for sale, lease, or rent and the name, address, and telephone number of the owner, broker, or other person offering the same for sale, lease, or rent. In addition, the words "sold", "leased", or "rented" may be added to a previously posted sign for one period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The area of the sign shall include the area of any and all riders.

ROOF SIGN: A sign located upon and above the roof of any building.

SIGN: Any writing, name, number, figure, character outline, emblem, graphic, window etching, stained or painted glass, logo, mural, symbol, spectacle, display, delineation, announcement, advertising, billboard, signboard, flag, banner, pennant, device, clock, except analog clock without advertising, appliance, any structure erected for the purposes of supporting a sign, or any other thing of similar nature reasonably likely to attract attention outdoors in or on any face or wall, window, or storefront of any building, and shall include all parts, portions, units, and materials composing the same, together with the frame, background, and support or anchorage thereof.

SITE: All of that contiguous ground area legally assembled into one building or business location.

WALL SIGN: A sign which is affixed to an exterior wall of any building or structure with the display surface of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall.

WINDOW SIGN: A sign which is located on or inside a window of a business or building: a) within five feet (5') of and parallel to the window, or b) if lighted or illuminated, within fifteen feet (15') from the window or within a distance from the window equal to half the width of the courtyard or street frontage of the business, whichever is less, and lower than the top of the windows of the ground floor frontage occupied by the business.

YARD SIGN: A noncommercial sign that is visible from the public right of way. Yard signs may be temporary in nature, and may express a political, religious, or ideological view or opinion. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 88-O-2045, eff. 12-15-1988; Ord. 91-O-2119, eff. 7-5-1991; Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1997; Ord. 00-O-2345, eff. 5-19-2000; Ord. 04-O-2457, eff. 11-30-2004; Ord. 05-O-2459, eff. 1-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2476, eff. 7-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2480, eff. 9-2-2005)

It shall be unlawful to erect, reerect, construct, alter, or maintain any sign except as provided by this code and pursuant to a required permit for the same issued by the building official. Except as hereinafter provided, a permit shall be required for each sign. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for lighted or illuminated signs, and building permits shall be obtained for sign structures. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

The following shall be subject to all the requirements of this chapter even though a permit shall not be required therefor:

   A.   Minor maintenance and repairs to existing signs for which a valid permit was obtained at the time of the initial installation;

   B.   Repainting without the alteration of existing signs for which a valid permit was obtained at the time of the initial installation;

   C.   Signs for the public safety and convenience and required for the enforcement of private property rights, such as "Entrance", "Parking", "Office", "No Trespassing", or "No Parking", provided not more than two (2) such signs are maintained on each street, courtyard, or alley frontage on each site area and provided such signs do not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square inches in area in any residential zone or four (4) square feet in any commercial or industrial zone;

   D.   Public notice signs, such as notices to remove weeds;

   E.   Yard signs as permitted by section 10-4-806 of this chapter, except distribution permits as required by subsection 10-4-806C of this chapter; and

   F.   Flags, banners and pennants as permitted by section 10-4-320 of this chapter, that are not attached to a flagpole but are attached to a building. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996; Ord. 04-O-2457, eff. 11-30-2004; Ord. 05-O-2459, eff. 1-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2476, eff. 7-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2480, eff. 9-2-2005)

Applications for sign permits shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the building official. Such applications shall contain the location by street and number of the proposed sign structure, as well as the name and address of the owner and the person or business erecting the sign. The building official may require the filing of plans or other pertinent information when, in his opinion, such information is necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code, including, but not limited to, chapter 3, article 30 of this title. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

The building official, before granting a permit for the erection, construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration of any sign, shall determine that the proposed sign (with respect to design, construction, location, materials, and character) conforms to all applicable laws and regulations. Any such permit may at any time be revoked should any of the provisions of this chapter be violated. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

The granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other law or regulation. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

No permit shall be valid except to the extent that the work or use which it authorizes is valid. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

The granting of a permit shall not prevent the building official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in the work or from preventing further work being done thereunder when such work is in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any law of the city. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   No sign permit shall become valid until the applicant has paid to the director of finance administration a permit fee for fees in an amount or amounts as may have been established by resolution of the council.

   B.   No fee shall be required for graphics, murals, etchings, or stained or painted glass that has no name, logo, symbol, or commercial identification attached or associated therewith, or for signs for the public safety and convenience, or for the signs described in section 10-4-202 of this article and subsection 10-4-806C of this chapter.

   C.   Whenever any sign for which a permit fee is required pursuant to subsection A of this section has been installed, replaced, or altered without first having obtained a permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected, whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be five (5) times the amount of the permit fee required pursuant to this code and shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 04-O-2457, eff. 11-30-2004; Ord. 05-O-2459, eff. 1-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2476, eff. 7-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2480, eff. 9-2-2005)

   A.   1969 Ordinance: Any lawfully existing sign, including its structural supports, which is nonconforming to the requirements of this chapter as adopted by the council in 1969, shall be removed or made to conform to the requirements of this chapter within a period of five (5) years commencing November 20, 1969.

   B.   1980 Amendments: Any lawfully existing sign, including its structural supports, which conforms to the provisions of the 1969 sign ordinance but which is nonconforming to the requirements of the 1980 amendments to this chapter, shall be removed or made to conform as a condition of, or prior to, the issuance of any sign permit on and after December 5, 1980, for the same business, residence, or location.

   C.   Exception: Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and B of this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to allow a legally nonconforming existing sign to be retained if the nonconforming sign is designated as a city landmark in accordance with chapter 3, article 32 of this title or if the architectural commission finds that such sign is a contributing element of a building that has been designated as a landmark in accordance with chapter 3, article 32 of this title. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

All signs shall be maintained so as to be structurally safe, attractive, and clean. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   Applicability: Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the regulations set forth in this article shall apply to the construction, erection, and maintenance of each sign within the city. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of construction, size, shape, or location of any sign not specifically prescribed provided any such alternate has been approved. The building official or the architectural commission may approve any such alternate provided the material method, size, shape, or location offered is found, for the purpose intended, to be at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this article.

   B.   Exemptions: Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the following shall not be deemed to be included within the definition of a "sign" for purposes of this chapter:

      1.   Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal devices, or warnings at railroad crossings;

      2.   Signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation provided that the total surface area of all such signs on any one lot or parcel does not exceed ten (10) square feet;

      3.   Signs placed by a public utility for the safety, welfare, or convenience of the public, such as signs identifying high voltage, public telephone, or underground cable;

      4.   Signs upon a vehicle provided that any such vehicle and signs thereon are not conspicuously parked or left standing for advertising purposes so as to constitute a device or other type of sign pursuant to the definition of a sign, except when being used for bona fide delivery and other vehicular purposes away from a fixed place of business;

      5.   Signs not more than two (2) in number and noticing or soliciting the sale, lease, or hire of a vehicle to which such signs are attached if such signs are nine inches by twelve inches (9" x 12") or less; and

      6.   Promotional displays or devices located inside a building or structure and otherwise defined as a "sign" where such displays or devices are either: a) not lighted or illuminated, set on a wall, partition or display structure at least five feet (5') away from and perpendicular to the street or courtyard frontage of the business or structure; or b) lighted or illuminated, set back from the street or courtyard frontage of the business a distance greater than half the width of the ground floor street or courtyard frontage of the business or fifteen feet (15'), whichever is less, and higher than the top of the windows on the ground floor frontage occupied by the business.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the regulations set forth in this article shall apply to the construction, erection, and maintenance of each sign within the city. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of construction, size, shape, or location of any sign not specifically prescribed provided any such alternate has been approved. The building official or the architectural commission may approve any such alternate provided the material, method, size, shape, or location offered is found, for the purpose intended, to be at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this article. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 00-O-2345, eff. 5-19-2000)

   A.   Posting On Public Places: It shall be unlawful for any person to post, suspend, print, stick, stamp, tack, or otherwise affix, or cause the same to be done, any notice, placard, bill, card, poster, sticker, banner, sign, advertising, or other device calculated to attract the attention of the public to, over, or upon any street right of way, public sidewalk, curb, curbstone, lamp post, hydrant, tree, railroad right of way, electric light pole, telephone pole, telegraph pole, or upon any future of the fire alarm, police, or telephone system of the city, or upon any public building or utility, unless permission so to do is first secured from the council.

   B.   Posting On Private Premises: It shall be unlawful for any person to post, print, stick, stamp, tack, or otherwise affix, or cause the same to be done, any notice, placard, bill, card, poster, sticker, banner, sign, advertising, or other device calculated to attract the attention of the public to, at, from, or upon any post, fence, wall, building, structure, or any part of any building or structure located in or upon any private premises or property within the city, unless the written consent of the owner, agent, or occupant has first been obtained so to do.

   C.   Projecting Signs: Except as permitted in the C-5 zone, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, install, or maintain a projecting sign within the city except for signs in nonresidential zones indicating the location of emergency medical facilities, public off street parking facilities, or other similar public services and subject to the provisions of this chapter.

   D.   Moving Signs: It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, install, or maintain any sign which, in whole or in part, moves, rotates, flashes, reflects, blinks, or appears to do any of the foregoing, or which simulates motion in any manner. For the purposes of this section, the following signs shall be examples of moving signs: flags, banners, and pennants not otherwise permitted by section 10-4-320 of this article; captive balloons; market quotations; time or temperature recording devices; clocks, except analog clocks without advertising; signs which are constructed of or faced with scotch light or similar material; signs which change color; and signs in which the intensity of lighting changes, or appears to change, including flashers and blinkers. This list of examples is not exclusive. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 88-O-2045, eff. 12-15-1988; Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996)

No sign shall be supported in whole or in part from any public utility installation or any tree on private premises. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   Extension From Building: Where a wall or building is on the property line, no portion of a wall sign shall extend more than twelve inches (12") from the wall of such building or structure to which it is attached where the sign is eight feet (8') or more above the grade, or more than one inch (1") where the sign is less than eight feet (8') above the grade. The same limitations shall apply to signs which do not extend beyond the property line.

   B.   Illumination: Wall signs less than eight feet (8') above the grade shall not be illuminated.

   C.   Parallel To Street: Wall signs shall be placed on a wall parallel to the facing or abutting street, except that if the wall of the structure on which the sign is to be affixed or attached is not parallel to such street, and is less than ninety degrees (90°) from a line perpendicular to the street, such sign may be affixed or attached parallel to such wall. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Permitted projecting signs shall not project from the wall of the building or structure to which they are attached more than thirty inches (30") and shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height. Projecting signs less than twelve feet (12') above the grade shall be prohibited. Permitted projecting signs may project over public sidewalks. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   No marquee, awning, canopy, or similar architectural element which projects more than twelve inches (12") from the face of a building shall be used for advertising purposes except as specifically provided in this section. No wood, paper, cloth, or temporary sign shall be hung or attached to any such architectural element. However, one horizontal line of letters and symbols not to exceed seven inches (7") in height which identifies the name and occupation of the tenant or owner of the building and the street address of the tenant or the building may be painted on or fixed to the architectural element on the face of the element which is parallel to the wall of the building or structure to which it is attached. The letters and symbols shall not extend above the top surface or below the lower edge of such architectural element. No such architectural element, nor any sign mounted on such element shall be illuminated.

   B.   Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subsection A of this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to allow letters and symbols to be painted or fixed in more than one line or exceed seven inches (7") in height if the combined height of the letters and symbols in all lines and the space or spaces between lines does not exceed fourteen inches (14") in overall height, the allowable total area of all other signs shown on the required unified sign plan is reduced by at least fifty percent (50%), and, in addition to the findings otherwise required to grant a sign accommodation, the commission finds that such signs on any marquee, awning, canopy or similar architectural element shall be the principal identification of the building or business.

   C.   Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subsection A of this section, pursuant to article 9 of this chapter, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to permit: 1) one nonilluminated sign, constructed of individual letters that do not exceed fourteen inches (14") in height, above the top surface of a marquee, awning, canopy, or similar architectural element which projects more than twelve inches (12") from the face of a building, provided such sign is parallel to the wall of the building to which the architectural element is attached; or 2) one nonilluminated sign, constructed of individual letters that do not exceed seven inches (7") in height, suspended from such architectural elements, provided such sign is parallel to the wall of the building to which it is attached. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993; Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996)

No sign shall extend above the roof of the building to which it is attached except:

   A.   When it is attached to the side of a penthouse and does not extend above the roof of the penthouse; or

   B.   When it is attached to a parapet wall and does not extend above the top of the parapet wall nor more than three feet (3') above the adjacent roof level. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   No portion of a pole or ground sign or its supports shall project or extend beyond the property line, except as provided in article 6.5 of this chapter.

   B.   No portion of a pole or ground sign or its supports shall project or extend over, above, or beyond a wall or roof of a building or structure. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1997)

When a sign is located on the roof of a building, a minimum of six feet (6') in width and eight feet (8') in height for access to all parts of the roof shall be provided for firefighting personnel and equipment. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

The lettering and other identification markings on all signs within the city shall only include the following: the name and location of the business or building, the nature of the business, a logo, and an identification of the services rendered or the type of merchandise sold. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, signs shall not contain multiple listings of business names, services rendered or types of merchandise. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by law, signs shall contain no references to the prices of merchandise or the prices of services performed. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

   A.   Nonstructural Sign Elements: No person shall permit any sign authorized by the provisions of this chapter, other than the structural parts thereof, to remain in place after the business or activity identified by such sign has ceased discontinued use of the building or premises where the sign is located.

   B.   Structural Parts: In addition to the provisions of subsection A of this section:

      1.   Notices: No person shall permit the structural parts of any sign authorized by the provisions of this chapter to remain in place after the business whose products or services are advertised has ceased or discontinued use of the building or premises where the sign is located for a period of ninety (90) days after written notification from the building official to remove such sign, unless such period is extended by the building official for good cause.

      2.   Reports: Upon failure to comply with the provisions of subsection B1 of this section, the building official may submit a report to the council requesting authorization for the removal of such sign by the building official and that the costs for such removal be levied as a special assessment against the land or building upon which such sign is located.

      3.   Hearings: Upon the receipt of such report, the council by resolution shall fix a time, date, and place for hearing such report and any protests or objections thereto. The city clerk shall cause notice of such hearing to be served by certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the last known owner of the sign. Such notice shall be given at least ten (10) days prior to the date set for the hearing and shall specify the day, hour, and place when and where the council will hear and pass upon the report of the building official.

Upon the day and hour fixed for the hearing, the council shall hear and pass upon the report of the building official, together with any such objections or protests. The council may thereupon, by resolution, order the building official to remove such sign.

      4.   Cost Of Removal: Upon the completion of the removal of the sign, the building official shall submit a report to the council specifying the costs of the removal of the sign to be paid and levied as a special assessment against the land or building upon which such sign is located.

      5.   Hearings On Costs Of Removal: Upon the receipt of such report, the council by resolution shall fix a time, date, and place for the hearing on the confirmation of such report and any protests or objections thereto. The city clerk shall cause notice of such hearing to be served by certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the owner of the sign. Such notice shall be given at least ten (10) days prior to the date set for the hearing and shall specify the day, hour, and place when and where the council will hear and pass upon the confirmation of the report of the building official.

      6.   Confirmation: Upon the day and hour fixed for the hearing, the council shall hear and pass upon the report of the building official, together with any such objections or protests. The council thereupon may confirm by resolution the statement of costs of the removal of the sign contained in the report of the building official and cause the same to be paid and levied as a special assessment against the land or building upon which such sign is located. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996)

   A.   Signs Prohibited: Subject to the exceptions set forth in subsection B of this section, no sign shall be placed upon any vacant lot on which no business is being conducted or on unimproved property.

   B.   Exceptions: Signs dealing exclusively with the sale, lease, or transfer of such property may be permitted subject to any and all of the regulations applicable thereto contained in this chapter and further subject to the following restrictions:

      1.   Such signs shall not be lighted; and

      2.   Such signs shall be located not less than ten feet (10') from the street line. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   Signs shall be limited to not more than three (3) colors. For the purposes of this section, the following rules shall apply to the determination of the number of colors in a sign:

      1.   The color of the lighting or illumination of a sign shall be considered a color of the sign.

      2.   In the case of a sign placed on a building surface without any border and with its background the same color as the building surface, the color of the background shall not be considered as a color of the sign.

      3.   Shades or gradations of color shall each constitute a separate color.

      4.   Black and white shall not be considered colors.

   B.   Notwithstanding the restrictions of subsection A of this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to authorize more than three (3) colors on a sign, including shades of color or gradations of color.

   C.   Murals or similar displays painted or placed on a building or construction barricade, or a rendering of the project under construction placed on a construction barricade, shall be exempt from the color restrictions contained in this section. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 91-O-2119, eff. 7-5-1991; Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

   A.   Any perimeter or flood lighting or other external lighting, whether used for illumination or advertisement, which illuminates private land, buildings, signs, or structures, whether built upon or not, shall be permitted only when such lighting is installed on private property and hooded or shielded so that no direct beams therefrom fall upon public streets, alleys, highways, or other private property. Such lighting shall be subject to architectural review pursuant to chapter 3, article 30 of this title. The reviewing authority shall consider the color, design, and placement of the lighting fixtures and the color, design and intensity of the lighting.

   B.   Except as provided in subsection C of this section, any projected light display or exposed tube lighting element, such as neon, on the exterior of any building or structure that is not subject to regulation as a sign under article 6 of this chapter shall be subject to architectural review pursuant to the criteria set forth in section 10-3-3010 of this title, the architectural commission shall be the reviewing authority for purposes of such review.

   C.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, existing exposed tube lighting which is otherwise subject to regulation under subsection B of this section, but which can be documented to have been a feature of a building prior to November 20, 1969, is exempt from regulation pursuant to this article and may be refurbished or maintained without architectural review.

In addition, except as provided in this subsection, any exposed tube lighting element, such as neon, or projected light display on the exterior of any building, or any such lighting element or display in the interior of a building which is visible from a public street or alley, shall be subject to architectural review as a sign pursuant to chapter 3, article 30 of this title and shall be considered a sign, or a portion thereof, for the purposes of this article.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, existing exposed tube lighting which can be documented to have been a feature of a building prior to November 20, 1969, is exempt from regulation pursuant to this article and may be refurbished or maintained without architectural review. Furthermore, restoration of exposed tube lighting which is not existing but which can be documented to have been a feature of a building prior to November 20, 1969, is exempt from regulation pursuant to this article, but requires architectural review as a sign pursuant to chapter 3, article 30 of this title. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993; Ord. 00-O-2345, eff. 5-19-2000)

   A.   No sign shall be permitted which, by virtue of the intensity, direction, or color of its lighting or illumination, shall interfere with the proper operation of, or cause confusion to the operator of, a motor vehicle on the public streets.

   B.   No sign which is lighted or illuminated to an intensity in excess of that of a public street light shall be constructed or maintained within two hundred feet (200') of and facing property in a residential zone. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   No person shall erect, construct, maintain, or use any real estate sign or construction sign within the city without having permanently affixed thereto in a conspicuous place on the front thereof a self-adhering tag issued by the director of finance administration indicating the year of the permit and such other information as may be deemed to be necessary.

   B.   Permanent signs shall have plainly marked in a conspicuous place thereon the name and address of the person, firm, or corporation having the permit for the erection, construction, or maintenance of such sign.

   C.   Any sign advertising the lease, rental, or sale of real estate to which it is attached, or upon which it is attached, or upon which it is located shall indicate whether the name placed thereon belongs to the owner or the agent of the owner of such real estate. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   No person shall erect, install, maintain, or use any construction sign on any premises, unless the required permits for the construction have been obtained from the city.

   B.   Construction signs shall be removed prior to the final inspection. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

No attraction board shall be constructed, erected, or maintained, except as where permitted by other sections of this chapter. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Notwithstanding any other restriction contained in this chapter, pursuant to article 9 of this chapter, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to authorize the installation of a mural, or similar environmental graphics, if such mural or environmental graphics consist of architectural and landscape features, such as trompe l'oeil. Any mural or environmental graphics which identify a business or building by logo, trademark or slogan, shall be included in the calculation of the business or building identification sign area. (Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

   A.   Residential Uses: Each one-family residence, "small family daycare home", "large family daycare home", and multiple-family occupancy as defined in chapter 3 of this title, may display a total of two (2) flags, banners or pennants. No such flag, banner or pennant shall exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.

   B.   Other Uses: Each use not specified in subsection A of this section may display a total of two (2) flags, banners or pennants per fifty feet (50') of street frontage or part thereof. No flag, banner or pennant displayed pursuant to this subsection shall exceed twelve (12) square feet in area unless reviewed by the architectural commission. In nonresidential zones, such flags, banners or pennants shall not be suspended from flagpoles less than twelve feet (12') or more than forty feet (40') in height.

   C.   Mounting: Flags, banners and pennants shall be mounted in accordance with regulations proscribed by the architectural commission.

   D.   Public School Zone: Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, banners may be posted or otherwise affixed upon fences located within the public school zone. A permit shall not be required for such banners. No such banner shall exceed the dimensions of four feet by two and one-half feet (4' x 21/2'). A maximum of five (5) banners shall be permitted upon any one school property. (Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996; amd. Ord. 02-O-2413, eff. 12-6-2002)

The regulations set forth in this article shall apply specifically to single-family residential zones. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Real estate signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square inches in area, including all riders. Signs with more than one face shall not be permitted. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Building identification signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square inches in area. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Construction signs shall not be permitted. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Lighted or illuminated signs shall not be permitted, except for building identification purposes. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Not more than one real estate sign, one building identification sign, and one security protection sign shall be permitted on any site area, unless such site is abutted by more than one street, in which case one of each such signs may be erected, installed, or maintained on each street frontage. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Signs inside a building or structure attached to any window or opening with the sign copy visible from the outside or otherwise so located so as to be conspicuously visible and readable without intentional and deliberate effort from outside the building or structure shall be considered part of the allowable sign area permitted. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Subject to other applicable regulations set forth in this chapter, ground signs shall not be permitted, except for real estate signs, yard signs, and building identification or address signs. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 04-O-2457, eff. 11-30-2004; Ord. 05-O-2459, eff. 1-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2476, eff. 7-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2480, eff. 9-2-2005)

No sign shall be located less than ten feet (10') from a street line; provided, however, if an established setback, wall, hedge, precipitous slope, or shrubbery exists, and such setback is less than ten feet (10'), or such wall, hedge, slope, or shrubbery is more than three feet (3') high and nearer the street line than ten feet (10'), a sign may be placed in front of and against the structure, wall, hedge, slope, or shrubbery. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Signs indicating that the premises, including any accessory buildings, are protected by a security system shall be permitted. Such signs shall not exceed sixty (60) square inches in area and may be freestanding. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

The regulations set forth in this article shall apply specifically to multiple-family residential zones. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Real estate signs shall not exceed five hundred (500) square inches in area. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Building identification signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Construction signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Lighted or illuminated signs shall not be permitted, except for building identification purposes. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Not more than one real estate sign, one building identification sign, and one security protection sign shall be permitted on any site area, unless such site is abutted by more than one street, in which case one of each such signs may be erected, installed, or maintained on each street frontage. Not more than one construction sign shall be permitted on any one site area. Signs pertaining to dining facilities shall not be permitted. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Occupants of multiple-family housing may display up to five (5) noncommercial signs visible from a public right of way in windows or on property in their possession. These signs are allowed in addition to other signs allowed in multiple-family residential zones, but shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square inches in size. Window signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square inches or cover more than twenty five percent (25%) of a window area, whichever is smaller. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 04-O-2457, eff. 11-30-2004; Ord. 05-O-2459, eff. 1-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2476, eff. 7-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2480, eff. 9-2-2005)

Ground signs shall not be permitted, except for real estate signs, yard signs, construction signs, and security protection signs. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 04-O-2457, eff. 11-30-2004; Ord. 05-O-2459, eff. 1-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2476, eff. 7-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2480, eff. 9-2-2005)

No sign shall be located less than five feet (5') from a street line, except that if an established setback exists which is less than five feet (5'), a sign may be placed in front of or against the structure. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

One sign, not larger than one square foot in area, may be located on or adjacent to the gateway through a construction barricade, stating the name and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency. No other sign shall be maintained on any construction barricade. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Signs indicating that the premises, including any accessory buildings, are protected by a burglar alarm system shall be permitted. Such signs shall not exceed sixty (60) square inches in area and may be freestanding. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Any use conditionally permitted in the R-4 zone pursuant to section 10-3-1203 of this title, and any nonconforming use in the R-4 zone may construct, erect or maintain signage in excess of that otherwise permitted by this article by obtaining either: a) a sign accommodation from the architectural commission in accordance with article 9 of this chapter; or b) a conditional use permit from the planning commission in accordance with chapter 3, article 38 of this title. Such additional signage shall not exceed the standards that would be applicable to signage for a similar use in a nonresidential zone. (Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996)

The regulations set forth in this article shall apply specifically to any nonresidential zone, including commercial and industrial zones. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

One real estate sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area may be located on each street frontage of a building, parcel, or lot. However, where a building contains leasable or salable ground floor space, one real estate sign may be placed for each leasable or salable ground floor space in lieu of the one real estate sign normally allowed for each street frontage of the building, parcel or lot. The real estate signs so placed may contain a minimum total area of twelve (12) square feet, but where the street frontage of the building, lot or parcel exceeds one hundred twenty (120) linear feet, the real estate signs advertising leasable or salable ground floor space may contain a total of up to one square foot per ten (10) lineal feet of frontage. No such sign shall be located except as provided for herein. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 91-O-2119, eff. 7-5-1991)

   A.   For the purposes of determining allowable sign location and size, a building shall be considered as facing or abutting one street only.

   B.   For the purposes of determining allowable sign location and size, a building or business shall be considered as facing or abutting the street upon which the main entrance or address of such building or business is located, unless such business shall be located within a courtyard with its main public entrance fronting on the courtyard, in which case the business shall be considered as facing or abutting such courtyard. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, any business identification sign which does not comply with each and every regulation set forth in this section shall be unlawful. Business identification signs shall comply with each and all of the following regulations:

   A.   Location Of Signs: Business identification signs for ground floor businesses shall be affixed to that portion of an exterior wall which abuts the business or shall be located inside the space occupied by the business. Except as specifically provided in subsection B3 of this section, business identification signs for ground floor businesses shall also be limited to those sides of the building directly fronting on a public street. No such sign shall face abutting alleys or private property except as allowed pursuant to subsections B3 and D1 of this section. In addition, no such sign shall be located more than twenty five feet (25') above grade.

   B.   Number And Area Of Signs For Ground Floor Businesses: The following business identification signs for ground floor businesses may be erected:

      1.   A ground floor business with street frontage may erect a business identification sign which is located on the same street face of the building as the main entrance or address of the business and which does not exceed two (2) square feet in area for each one foot (1') of ground floor street frontage that such business occupies within the building. However, in no event shall such sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

         a.   A ground floor business with street frontage may also have a business identification sign located on a street face of the building other than the face that contains the main entrance or address of the business. Such sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area for each one foot (1') of ground floor street frontage that such business occupies within the building. However, in no event shall such sign exceed thirty (30) square feet in area.

         b.   Businesses having their main entrance or address on or abutting a courtyard shall not be permitted to have a business identification sign except as provided in section 10-4-608 of this article.

      2.   For each fifty feet (50') of ground floor street frontage that a business occupies along a face of a building, that business may have one business identification sign in addition to the signs permitted by subsection B1 of this section. The sign may only list the business name, address, operating hours, and other business locations. Such sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet in area.

      3.   A ground floor business with street frontage shall also be entitled to a business identification sign adjacent to an entrance of the business if such entrance is from a public right of way and through a wall of the building not permitted to otherwise contain a business identification sign pursuant to subsection A of this section. Such sign shall be below a height of eight feet (8') above grade. Such sign shall not be lighted or illuminated if it faces a residential zone, including a residential zone that is located across an alley, parking lot, or other such visually open area from said additional sign. Such sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area.

      4.   A business located on a corner of two (2) public streets and having a public entrance located at such corner so that such public entrance directly faces neither street shall be permitted one business identification sign at and parallel to such entrance in lieu of one business identification sign located on a street face of the building.

      5.   In addition to the standards set forth in subsections B1 through B4 of this section, all illuminated signs defined as "window signs" in accordance with the definition set forth in section 10-4-104 of this chapter and not otherwise exempted by subsection 10-4-301B of this chapter or subsection 10-4-608C3 of this article shall meet the following requirements:

         a.   No more than two (2) illuminated window signs shall be permitted for a business with a ground floor street frontage of less than thirty feet (30') in length.

         b.   The top edge of any illuminated window sign less than five feet (5') behind a street frontage window shall be set at the fixed height of seven feet (7') above sidewalk grade on all sites.

         c.   When used as a business identification sign as permitted by subsection B1 of this section, the total area of all illuminated window signs shall be the lesser of: 1) twenty five percent (25%) of the area otherwise allowable for a given frontage; 2) ten percent (10%) of the glazed area of a given frontage; or 3) fifteen (15) square feet.

         d.   The maximum character height within an illuminated five (5) square foot additional business identification sign for phone numbers, web sites, other locations and hours of operation, as permitted by subsection B2 of this section, shall not exceed three inches (3").

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, if a proposed sign is the only illuminated window sign to be located at a business or establishment and such sign does not exceed a maximum dimension of three feet (3'), a maximum area of three (3) square feet, contains two (2) colors including white, and otherwise complies with the provisions of this section, including, without limitation, subsections B1 through B4 of this section, then such sign may be approved by the city's planning official without architectural commission review, provided the approval of such sign does not defeat the objectives of chapter 3, article 30 of this title and meets the criteria set forth in section 10-3-3010 of this chapter. The decision of the planning official may be appealed to the architectural commission by filing an appeal petition with the city planning official no later than fourteen (14) days after the official's decision. The petition shall be on a form designated by the city planning official.

   C.   Businesses Located On A Floor Other Than The Ground Floor: A business located above or below the ground floor of any building and not having its main entrance or address on or abutting a courtyard shall be permitted one business identification sign, or a portion thereof, at each ground floor entrance to such building. The sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area. The sign shall be shared by all such businesses desiring signage. For those businesses not located on the ground floor and having their main entrance or address on or abutting a courtyard, section 10-4-608 of this article shall govern the permissible signage for the business.

   D.   Accommodation: Notwithstanding the requirements contained in this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to the requirements contained in subsections A, B, and C of this section as follows:

      1.   Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subsection A of this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to allow a sign to be located on a wall abutting an alley or private property and not abutting a public street, if the sign is affixed to that portion of an exterior wall which abuts the business and the sign area does not exceed seventy five percent (75%) of the area otherwise permissible if the wall abutted a public street.

      2.   Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subsection B1 of this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to allow ground floor businesses located on a corner lot adjacent to two (2) public streets to increase the size of a business identification sign permitted by subsection B1 of this section and located on a nonentry street frontage if such sign does not exceed one hundred (100) square feet, the total combined sign area of the signs does not exceed one hundred thirty (130) square feet, and the total combined sign area does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the vertical surface area of that portion of the wall below twenty feet (20') in height and occupied by the frontage of the business.

      3.   Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subsections B2, B3, B4 and B5 of this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to allow multiple business identification signs in place of the individual signs otherwise permitted by those subsections if the total area of all business identification signs does not exceed the lessor of: a) one hundred (100) square feet, b) the total business sign area otherwise permitted by this section, or c) ten percent (10%) of the vertical surface area of that portion of the wall below twenty feet (20') in height and occupied by the frontage of the business. In addition to limitations a) through c) of this subsection D3, the maximum permissible area for all illuminated window signs permitted by accommodation under this subsection D3 is fifteen (15) square feet for the first fifty feet (50') in length of street frontage, with additional square feet permitted for each additional amount of street frontage thereafter up to a maximum of five (5) square feet for every additional fifty feet (50') in length of street frontage, and the total sign area for all other business identification signs within any unified sign plan that includes any illuminated window sign shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of what would otherwise be allowable by accommodation. For a business with a ground floor street frontage of less than thirty feet (30') in length, the maximum number of illuminated window signs permitted at such business by accommodation or otherwise is two (2).

      4.   Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subsection C of this section, with respect to businesses located above or below the ground floor, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to allow one freestanding or wall mounted business directory sign to be located at a building's street or courtyard entry if the size of such business directory sign is not greater than fifty five (55) square feet.

      5.   Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10-4-305 and article 6.5 of this chapter, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to allow projecting signs in place of the individual signs otherwise permitted by subsection B of this section if the total area of all business identification signs does not exceed the lesser of: a) one hundred (100) square feet, b) the total business sign area otherwise permitted by this section, or c) ten percent (10%) of the vertical surface area of that portion of the wall below twenty feet (20') in height and occupied by the frontage of the business. However, no more than two (2) projecting signs may be erected for any business and no projecting sign may have a dimension greater than four feet (4') nor an area greater than eight (8) square feet. Furthermore, there shall be at least eight feet (8') of clearance between the bottom of the projecting sign and the grade below.

      6.   Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, with respect to ground floor tenants whose primary entrance is located on an alley, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to allow one projecting business identification sign adjacent to that entrance in addition to any other signs authorized by this chapter. The projecting sign shall be located at least fourteen feet (14') above the grade of the adjacent alley and no more than twenty five feet (25') above such grade. The sign shall project no more than four feet (4') from the side of the building to which it is attached and shall not exceed six feet (6') in height as measured from the bottom of the sign. The sign shall not be illuminated after ten o'clock (10:00) P.M.

If a projecting sign authorized by this subsection encroaches over the public right of way, then such sign shall require a location approval from the city, as provided in section 10-4-657 of this chapter. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993; Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996; Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996; Ord. 00-O-2345, eff. 5-19-2000)

Except as otherwise specifically permitted in this chapter, building identification signs shall be subject to each and all of the following regulations:

   A.   Location Of Signs:

      1.   No building identification sign shall be permitted below twenty five feet (25') in height above grade except for a monument sign otherwise permitted by this chapter and one sign not to exceed five (5) square feet in area adjacent to any public entrance to a building that provides access to more than one business. Any building identification sign adjacent to a public entrance shall have identical text as any sign erected pursuant to subsection A3 of this section.

      2.   Except as permitted in subsections A3 and C of this section, building identification signs shall be restricted to those sides of a building directly fronting on a public street. No such sign shall face an abutting alley or private property.

      3.   When a building equals or exceeds one hundred feet (100') in height above grade, in addition to the signs permitted by subsection A2 of this section, one building identification sign shall be permitted on each side of the building not fronting on a public street. Any such sign shall be located above a height of seventy five feet (75') above grade.

When a building is greater than forty five feet (45') in height but less than one hundred feet (100') in height, one building identification sign may be erected on the side of a building not fronting on a public street in lieu of erecting an otherwise permitted building identification sign provided that such sign is located above a height of twenty five feet (25') above grade, does not exceed seventy five percent (75%) of the allowable size and area of the otherwise permitted building identification sign, and does not face a residential property line that is located within two hundred feet (200') of the sign.

   B.   Number And Area Of Signs: The total building identification sign area on any one side of a building shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the vertical surface area of such side, excluding penthouse walls. Except for the five (5) square foot business identification sign permitted in subsection A of this section, no more than one building identification sign shall be permitted on any one side of a building and no more than four (4) such signs, in total, shall be permitted on any building.

   C.   Accommodation: Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subsection A1, A2, and B of this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation to allow a greater number of building identification signs or to allow such signs to be located in areas other than those otherwise permitted, provided that the signs located on any one side of a building do not exceed two percent (2%) of the vertical surface area of that side, excluding penthouse walls. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

(Rep. by Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996)

Lighted or illuminated signs shall not be permitted, except for building and business identification signs. Such signs shall conform to the requirements of section 10-4-315 of this chapter. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   Each business having its main public entrance fronting on a courtyard shall be permitted one square foot of business identification sign area for each one lineal foot of that store frontage to a maximum sign area of eight (8) square feet. Such signs shall be uniform and architecturally integrated with the courtyard structure and appearance. Businesses fronting on a courtyard shall not be permitted any other business identification sign, except to the extent provided for it in subsection 10-4-604C of this article.

   B.   In addition to those signs permitted by subsection A of this section, courtyards shall be permitted the following signs:

      1.   Ground or wall signs naming the courtyard and/or containing its address. The number and area of such signs shall be determined pursuant to section 10-4-604 of this article, provided that for the purposes of determining the number and area of such signs, any part of the first story street frontage which has been used to compute allowable business identification signs for any business contained in the courtyard shall be excluded from the computation of the first story street frontage occupied by the courtyard; and

      2.   One ground sign or one wall sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area containing a directory of businesses located within the courtyard. Courtyards containing entries separated by a portion of the building, or by another building, shall be permitted one such ground sign or wall sign per entry to the courtyard.

   C.   Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to allow a courtyard sign for an individual business to exceed eight (8) square feet in area provided that:

      1.   The total area of business identification signs for a business which fronts on the courtyard does not exceed one and one-quarter (11/4) square feet for each linear foot of courtyard frontage,

      2.   The total area of building identification signs along any one wall of a courtyard does not exceed two-thirds (2/3) of a square foot for each linear foot of that wall, and

      3.   If the courtyard sign is an illuminated window sign that is visible from and less than fifty feet (50') from any public street, alley, sidewalk or other public right of way, such illuminated window sign shall, in addition to the requirements of subsections C1 and C2 of this section, comply with the limitations for comparable street front signs as set forth in section 10-4-604B5 of this article.

If the courtyard sign is an illuminated sign that is not visible from or is more than fifty feet (50') from any public street, alley, sidewalk or other public right of way then, notwithstanding any provision of subsection 10-4-604B5 of this article to the contrary, it shall be exempt from the requirements of said subsection 10-4-604B5 of this article, but shall still comply with subsections C1 and C2 of this section.

   D.   Notwithstanding the prohibition against moving signs set forth in section 10-4-302D of this chapter, flags and banners may be permitted in a courtyard if the flags or banners are at least twenty feet (20'), measured horizontally, from the nearest public right of way, the flags or banners are used solely to identify the courtyard and/or its seasonal activities, and the flags or banners do not identify any specific business, the product of any business or any event not specifically associated with the activities of the courtyard. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993; Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996; Ord. 00-O-2345, eff. 5-19-2000)

Signs located inside a building or structure and not otherwise excluded from the definition of a sign shall not obstruct more than twenty five percent (25%) of the view or light through an opening of a building, such as a window or showcase. Such signs shall not be calculated as part of the otherwise allowable sign area or number and, notwithstanding any other provision of this code, shall not be subject to approval as to design by the architectural commission and only if limited to the following:

   A.   Where merchandise is physically displayed behind shop windows or otherwise in view of the public from the street, the price of each separate item of such merchandise may be indicated in letters or numbers not exceeding three-fourth inch (3/4") in height attached or in near proximity to the displayed item.

   B.   Where goods, services, rentals, or sales are not on physical display to the public, information concerning such goods, services, rentals, or sales may be indicated by one sign facing each street frontage, not to exceed eighteen inches (18") by twenty four inches (24") in letters, and numbers not to exceed three-fourths inch (3/4") in height. Such signs shall not be affixed to the window.

   C.   While a sale of goods or services is being conducted or while a store is being relocated, temporary "sale", "coming soon", "closing out sale", or similar signs may be displayed facing each street frontage provided the aggregate area of such signs does not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the area permitted for a business identification sign pursuant to section 10-4-604 of this article, no letter or number exceeds twelve inches (12") in height, and no prices are advertised. A permit for such signs shall be obtained, and any such signs shall not be maintained for more than thirty (30) days in any consecutive one hundred eighty (180) day period.

   D.   Announcements, such as, but not limited to, available parking, acceptability of credit cards, trade association memberships, and the like, with letters or numbers not exceeding three-fourths inch (3/4") in height, may be displayed. Such announcements shall be limited to a total one hundred fifty (150) square inches facing each street frontage. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 00-O-2345, eff. 5-19-2000)

   A.   General: Notwithstanding the provisions of the definition of "area of sign", section 10-4-104 of this chapter, pole or ground signs shall not exceed fifty five (55) square feet in area. Such signs shall be restricted to the street that the business or building represented by such sign has as its main entrance or address. Not more than one pole or ground sign shall be maintained on any one site area, unless such site area is abutted by more than one of the streets designated in this section, in which case one such sign may be maintained on each street frontage. A pole or ground sign with more than one face shall be considered as a single sign.

   B.   Height: The maximum height of any portion of a pole or ground sign, including its supporting member or members, shall be twenty feet (20'). Pole or ground signs shall also conform to the requirements for business identifications signs and building identification signs where such requirements are applicable.

   C.   General Restrictions: In addition to the provisions of subsection A of this section, the following restrictions shall apply:

      1.   No pole or ground sign shall be erected except on commercially zoned sites along La Cienega Boulevard, Robertson Boulevard, Doheny Drive, Olympic Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, and Sunset Boulevard. This restriction shall not apply to courtyards, gas stations, or parking facilities.

      2.   Visual interference, such as awnings, marquees, or street trees which interfere with the view of the site of a building or business, shall not be grounds to qualify a building or business for a ground or pole sign.

   D.   Sign Accommodation: Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in this section, the architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to allow a ground sign to be located on streets other than those set forth in subsection C of this section.

   E.   Combining Directories: Such ground signs as permitted under subsections 10-4-604D4 and 10-4-608B of this article, for business directories and courtyard directories, may be combined within a single sign structure provided the total sign area does not exceed fifty five (55) square feet. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993; Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996)

Except as provided in article 6.5 of this chapter regarding parking facilities signs, no sign shall be located so as to face in the direction of and be visible to property in a residential zone when such sign would be less than two hundred feet (200') from such residential property, unless such sign faces and is parallel to a street. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

   A.   Definition: For the purpose of this section, the term "construction barricades" shall include both temporary construction barricades constructed of wood or other material and construction fences.

   B.   Construction Signs: Construction signs shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area except that such signs may contain up to fifty five (55) square feet in area when the extra footage is necessary to display specific health, safety and welfare information including, but not limited to, construction purposes such as seismic safety upgrade, historic preservation and asbestos removal. Renderings of the project under construction may be included on construction signs. Not more than one such sign shall be permitted on any one site, and any such sign shall face the street upon which said site fronts. If said site fronts on more than one street, one such sign shall be permitted on each street frontage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where construction signs are placed on construction barricades covering frontages exceeding seventy five feet (75'), one construction sign may be placed every fifty feet (50') along the construction barricade.

   C.   Construction Barricade Signs:

      1.   Emergency Contact Sign: One sign, not larger than one square foot in area, shall be placed on or adjacent to the gateway through the construction barricade stating the name and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency.

      2.   Permitted Signs: The following signage may be painted or placed on construction barricades. The total area of such signage, including the emergency contact sign required by subsection C1 of this section, shall not exceed sixty two (62) square feet.

         a.   Large Business Identification Sign: Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, when a business remains open while remodeling its premises, and a construction barricade is required, one large business identification sign may be placed on the construction barricade adjacent to the entrance to the business. Such sign shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and may contain only the name of the business, a company logo and the fact that the business remains open while remodeling. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the business identification sign may also contain an advertisement for a new business coming to the site. An advertisement for a new business may contain only the name of the business, a company logo and the opening date of the business. If a large business identification sign contains an advertisement for a new business, no real estate sign shall be allowed in front of the building, lot or parcel, or placed on the construction barricade.

         b.   Small Business Identification Signs: Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, small additional business identification signs may be placed on the sides of the construction barricades, perpendicular to the street facade for the convenience of pedestrian traffic. Such signs may state only the name of the business and the fact that it is open for business while remodeling. One sign of two (2) square feet in area shall be permitted on each side of the construction barricade facing a sidewalk or other pedestrian access through the barricade.

         c.   Construction Sign: One construction sign may be placed on a construction barricade in accordance with the regulations set forth in subsection A of this section.

         d.   Real Estate Signs: Real estate signs may be placed on a construction barricade in accordance with the regulations set forth in section 10-4-602 of this article.

      3.   Murals: Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, murals or similar displays may be painted on a construction barricade subject to the approval of the architectural commission.

      4.   Posters Prohibited: No posters shall be permitted on a construction barricade. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 91-O-2119, eff. 7-5-1991; Ord. 96-O-2268, eff. 10-18-1996)

   A.   It shall be unlawful for a restaurant to have more than one (1) menu board for each street frontage upon which such restaurant abuts. One (1) attraction board shall be permitted per street frontage. No such attraction board may exceed twelve inches by eighteen inches (12" x 18") in area, nor shall it be considered as part of the total sign area permitted. Lettering on attraction boards shall not exceed one inch (1") in height.

   B.   A nightclub or cabaret shall be permitted one (1) attraction board for each street frontage upon which such nightclub or cabaret abuts. Such signs shall not exceed five (5) square feet in area and shall not be considered as part of the total sign area permitted. Copy shall be limited to coming and current entertainment only. Rates and prices shall be prohibited. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   Each pushcart or other nonmotorized conveyance used for the sale of merchandise or services shall be permitted a maximum of two (2) business identification signs, each not to exceed two (2) square feet in area. No more than one (1) such sign shall be allowed on any one (1) side of the pushcart or other nonmotorized conveyance, nor shall any such sign be located on any umbrella attached to or used in connection with the pushcart or other nonmotorized conveyance.

   B.   In lieu of those signs permitted pursuant to subsection A of this section, a maximum of two (2) business identification signs shall be permitted to be located upon any umbrella attached to or used in connection with a pushcart or nonmotorized conveyance used for the sale of merchandise or services provided the letters and numbers used on such signs shall not exceed four inches (4") in height. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Notwithstanding any other restriction contained in this chapter, an additional sign or signs may be placed or affixed on commercially zoned property fronting Wilshire Boulevard while the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority constructs the Westside Purple Line Extension subway project in the City, provided that construction obstructs the visibility of a substantial portion of the property or building entrance and the requesting business is otherwise permitted to display business identification signage pursuant to section 10-4-604 or 10-4-608 of this chapter. Such signage shall be subject to approval by the Director of Community Development or his or her designee provided that the signage satisfies the requirements of this section and comports with design guidelines approved by the City Council. Any sign placed or affixed pursuant to this section shall immediately be removed at such time when construction no longer obstructs the visibility of the property or building entrance. (Ord. 17-O-2731, eff. 5-21-2017)

Except as specifically provided in section 10-4-651 of this chapter, the regulations set forth in this article shall govern signage related to parking facilities in nonresidential zones. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

In a residential zone which allows parking as a primary use of a property, if a parking lot or structure or other approved parking use is the primary use of the property, then one (1) wall sign or one (1) ground sign on each street frontage of the property shall be permitted. The area of each sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet for each sign face. Such sign shall be limited to the name of the parking facility owner or operator, validation information, a City approved "park and shop logo", directional information to a parking entrance on the site, and any other information required by law. In order to determine sign area for the purposes of this section, a multi-faced sign shall be subject to the provisions of section 10-4-610 of this chapter. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

One (1) sign that does not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area on each face may be erected adjacent to each garage entrance from a public street or alley for the purpose of identifying the garage entrance. Except as provided in this section, the sign shall be limited to the name of the parking facility owner or operator, validation information, a City approved "park and shop" logo, directional information to a parking entrance on the site, a directory of no more than five (5) ground floor tenants served by the parking, and any other information required by law. The sign may be either a wall sign, ground sign or projecting sign. The highest element of such a sign shall not exceed twenty feet (20') above the level of the adjacent street.

The Architectural Commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to authorize a sign permitted by this section to vary from the City's parking sign guidelines and to authorize additional tenants and tenants above the ground floor to be listed on the sign.

   A.   Alley Signage: The City Council may authorize the placement of a sign identifying an alley if the Council finds that such sign is necessary to preserve the safe flow of traffic along a street or alley by helping vehicle drivers locate an off street garage entrance or approved off street valet area. Such sign shall resemble a street name sign and if such sign is located in the public right of way, then such sign shall require a location approval from the city, as provided in section 10-4-657 of this article. Prior to any approval of such sign by the city council, the planning commission shall review the application for the sign and shall make a recommendation to the city council regarding the placement of the sign and the name used to identify the alley.

   B.   Public Right Of Way: In addition to any other sign permitted by this section, one ground sign that identifies a parking entrance, does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and meets the city's parking sign guidelines may be erected in the public right of way adjacent to a parking facility provided that the owner of the sign obtains a location approval from the city to maintain the sign in the public right of way, as provided in section 10-4-657 of this article.

The architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to authorize a sign permitted by this subsection to vary from the city's parking sign guidelines. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

In addition to any other sign permitted by this article, one ground sign that meets the city's parking guidelines may be erected along each street frontage of a building to direct traffic from a street to a garage entrance or valet parking station that is on an alley or otherwise not readily visible from the street. The face of such sign shall not exceed one and one- half feet (1.5') in width and two feet (2') in height and the sign shall not exceed fifty inches (50") in height. If the sign is placed in the public right of way, then such sign shall require a location approval from the city, as provided in section 10-4-657 of this article. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

One sign that meets the city's parking sign guidelines may be placed over each driveway ramp of a parking garage indicating the proper use or direction of such ramp. The lettering of any sign erected pursuant to this section shall not exceed eighteen inches (18") in height.

The architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to authorize additional directional signs in a parking garage and to authorize signs permitted by this section to vary from the city's parking sign guidelines. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

One movable ground sign or wall sign that meets the city's parking sign guidelines may be placed within a parking facility and outside of the public right of way for the purpose of identifying parking rates or indicating that a parking lot is full. The face of the sign shall not exceed one and one-half feet (1.5') in width and two feet (2') in height and a ground sign shall not exceed fifty inches (50") in height.

Additionally, two (2) signs which meet the city's parking sign guidelines shall be permitted in each parking facility for the purpose of providing information regarding the parking facility operation to patrons of the parking facility. Such information may include, but is not limited to, warnings concerning potential tire damage, disabled access information, and signs indicating the location of ticket machines or payment booths. Each face of these signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and a ground sign shall not exceed fifty inches (50") in height.

The architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to authorize signs permitted by this section to vary from the city's parking sign guidelines and to exceed four (4) square feet in area. However, in no event shall the commission authorize the face of a sign permitted by this section to exceed ten (10) square feet in area. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

In conjunction with each valet parking station approved by the traffic and parking commission, one movable ground sign that identifies the availability of valet parking and meets the city's parking sign guidelines may be located in the public right of way. The face of the sign shall not exceed two feet (2') in width and two and one-half feet (2.5') in height and the sign shall not exceed fifty inches (50") in height. Prior to placement of the sign in the public right of way, the sign owner must obtain a location approval from the city as provided in section 10-4-657 of this article. The sign shall only be visible from the public right of way during hours that the valet parking is in operation.

   A.   Frontage On Two Streets: In addition to any sign otherwise authorized by this section, if a business has frontage on two (2) streets, then an additional movable ground sign that meets the city's parking sign guidelines may be placed along the second street frontage to direct drivers to valet parking. The second valet parking sign shall be subject to the same restrictions set forth in this subsection and applicable to the first valet parking sign.

   B.   Parking Meter Signs: In addition to any sign otherwise authorized by this section, an additional sign that identifies the availability of valet parking and meets the city's parking sign guidelines may be placed on a parking meter located in the valet parking zone authorized by the traffic and parking commission. The sign shall not exceed one square foot in area.

   C.   Sign Accommodation: The architectural commission may grant a sign accommodation pursuant to article 9 of this chapter to authorize signs permitted by this section to vary from the city's parking sign guidelines. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

A location approval shall be required for any sign that encroaches into the public right of way. A location approval shall be issued only if the city engineer determines that the sign will not interfere with safe pedestrian and vehicular travel in the right of way. As a condition of granting the location approval, the city may require the owner of the sign and the owner of the property benefited by the sign to enter into a recordable covenant holding the city harmless and indemnifying the city from any damages that may result from the placement of the sign in the public right of way. Additionally, if required by the city, the applicant shall maintain a bond, or equivalent security satisfactory to the city, and insurance for the period during which the approval is effective. The city shall require the hold harmless and indemnification agreement, the security, and the insurance as the city determines is necessary to protect its interests.

   A.   Security: The security, if required, shall be in an amount established by the city engineer and in a form satisfactory to the city attorney. The security shall be provided for the purpose of securing the removal of the sign and the repair of the public right of way in the event that the applicant fails to comply with the conditions of the location approval or fails to remove the sign and repair the public right of way upon termination of the business or activity identified by the sign.

   B.   Insurance: The insurance, if required, shall be in an amount satisfactory to the city's risk manager and shall comply with the requirements set forth in title 3, chapter 4 of this code. The insurance shall name the city as an additional insured and shall insure the applicant and the city against injuries to persons or property as a result of the placement of the sign in the public right of way. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, signs governed by the city's parking sign guidelines and erected in compliance with those guidelines shall be exempt from the architectural review requirements of this code. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

The architectural commission shall adopt parking sign guidelines for the purposes of this article and such guidelines shall remain on file in the department of planning and community development. The director of planning and community development shall consult, as necessary, with the city engineer concerning the application of the guidelines. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996; amd. Ord. 09-O-2576, eff. 1-15-2010)

   A.   Commercial And Industrial Zones: In commercial and industrial zones, all signs and their supporting members shall be constructed of incombustible materials, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.

   B.   Multiple-Family Residential Zones: In multiple-family residential zones, all signs and their supporting members shall be constructed of incombustible materials, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.

   C.   Single-Family Residential Zones: In single-family residential zones, signs and their supporting members may be constructed of any material, subject to the provisions of this chapter.

   D.   Real Estate Signs: Real estate signs may be constructed of compressed wood particle board or other material of similar or greater fire resistivity.

   E.   Construction Signs: Construction signs may be constructed of compressed wood particle board or other material of similar fire resistivity.

   F.   Internally Illuminated Signs: Internally illuminated signs may be faced with plastics which comply with the Building Code and the Electrical Code.

   G.   Glass: Glass in all signs shall be shatter resistant.

   H.   Signs Within Buildings: Signs located completely inside a building or structure may be of any material not prohibited by other requirements of this code.

   I.   Wood: Wood in contact with the ground shall be foundation grade redwood, foundation grade cedar, all heartwood cypress, or any species of wood which has been pressure treated with an approved preservative. Trim and backing strips may be of wood.

   J.   Wall Signs: Wall signs with an area of twenty (20) square feet or less may be constructed of wood. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Signs shall be constructed as building elements or structures in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

All electrical installations in connection with any sign shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Electrical Code. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   Theaters shall not be subject to the limitations of section 10-4-305 of this chapter.

   B.   For the purposes of a theater, a product or service sign may include the name of the production, the names of the people associated with the production (such as stars, producer, director, etc.) the type of performance (such as premiere, reserved, seat, etc.), the duration of the production, and the time of the performances.

   C.   If no production is in progress, a product or service sign may include the name of the next production and the date such production shall be open to the public. Such sign shall not be installed or maintained more than fourteen (14) days prior to the date when such production shall be open to the public.

   D.   For the purposes of this section, the term "theater" shall include multiple theaters contained in the same building or structure being operated as a single business. In such circumstances, the multiple theaters shall be deemed to be only one "theater". (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

   A.   Hotels in multiple-family residential zones shall be permitted building or business identification signs not to exceed twenty (20) square feet for each sign face. For the purpose of determining sign area for this section only, a multi-faced sign shall be subject to the provisions of section 10-4-610 of this chapter.

   B.   Hotels in multiple-family residential zones fronting on La Cienega Boulevard, Robertson Boulevard, Doheny Drive, Olympic Boulevard, or Wilshire Boulevard shall not be subject to the limitations of section 10-4-508 of this chapter. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

(Rep. by Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

   A.   Business Identification Signs: Business identification signs for gasoline service stations shall be limited to:

      1.   One identification ground sign which shall not exceed thirty six (36) square feet in area on each face and height not to exceed twenty feet (20'). A ground sign shall be limited to two (2) faces; and

      2.   One identification wall sign which shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area.

   B.   Price Signs: One price sign not to exceed ten (10) square feet in area shall be posted in such a fashion as to be clearly visible from any street adjacent to such gasoline service station. Such sign shall clearly and plainly indicate the actual price per gallon, including all taxes, at which each grade of gasoline or other motor fuel is currently being offered for sale or sold. Such sign shall not exceed a width of three feet (3') nor a height of four feet (4') and shall not be illuminated. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

In addition to the signs allowed in this chapter, when new and used cars are being sold by the same owner or operator from separate areas of a single business location, the used car sale operation shall be allowed one additional sign indicating "Used Cars", such sign not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in area. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980)

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the following regulations shall apply to yard signs:

   A.   Purpose: Yard signs tend to be impermanent, flimsy, and vulnerable to the elements. Because of the tendency of yard signs to proliferate, creating litter, visual blight, and traffic safety hazards, the council hereby adopts the regulations set forth in this section. It is the purpose and intent of the council to provide minimal regulations regarding the posting, display, maintenance, and removal of yard signs in order to protect the first amendment rights of persons posting yard signs on their property while protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the general public and maintaining the aesthetic qualities of the city.

   B.   General Provisions: The general provisions of article 1 of this chapter and the provisions of sections 10-4-302 through 10-4-309, 10-4-314, 10-4-315, 10-4-409, 10-4-509, and 10-4-611, of this chapter shall apply to yard signs. In addition, the following restrictions shall apply solely to yard signs:

      1.   No person shall maintain more than five (5) yard signs, measuring a maximum of one hundred fifty (150) square inches in area, on any one lot or site area, whichever is larger, in any single-family or multi-family residential zone. Two (2) signs placed back to back shall count as one sign.

      2.   No person shall maintain more than three (3) yard signs, each measuring a maximum of five (5) square feet in area, on any one lot or site area, whichever is larger, in any nonresidential zone. Two (2) signs placed back to back shall count as one sign.

      3.   Freestanding signs shall not exceed four feet (4') in height from the ground.

   C.   Voluntary Sign Approval And Distribution Permit:

      1.   Voluntary Sign Approval: Any person who wishes to post yard signs in the city may, at his or her option, bring a sign or signs to the building officer to review the signs for conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

      2.   Any person wishing to distribute more than ten (10) yard signs to property owners in the city must first apply for and receive a permit from the building official. The permit application shall contain an actual sized prototype of the sign and the name, address, and telephone number where the person may be reached by the building official or police chief or the respective deputies responsible for the enforcement of these provisions. The permit application shall be approved unless the sign does not meet the size requirements set forth in this section. The decision to grant or deny a permit shall be made within four (4) hours after submission of the application. One permit shall govern all signs of each type distributed to property owners in the city.

   D.   Maintenance And Removal:

      1.   Yard signs must be maintained, on a continuing basis, in good repair, and must be securely attached or grounded so that the yard sign will not be dislodged by the elements. Yard signs need not comply with the structural requirements pertaining to more permanent signs.

      2.   Yard signs specifically advertising or pertaining to an event, such as an election, must be removed within ten (10) days immediately following the event.

   E.   Violations: The violation of any of the provisions of this chapter regulating yard signs which may result in the conditions described in either section 3479 or 3480 of the California Civil Code is hereby deemed a public nuisance which may be abated by the city in the manner prescribed by law. If the building official, the police chief, or their authorized representatives, after inspection, find that a yard sign has been posted at a location which is in violation of this section or that a yard sign has become unsafe, insecure, or is a menace to the public safety, such official shall take action as follows:

      1.   If the yard sign has been posted on private property or on property owned by another public agency, such official of the city shall give forty eight (48) hours' written or oral notice to the property owner or tenant on whose property the sign has been posted, to remove, relocate, repair, or alter such sign.

      2.   If the sign has not been removed, relocated, repaired, or altered within such period of time, or such other further time as agreed to by such official of the city, the official may remove such sign, and the property owner or tenant responsible for the sign shall be liable to the city for the city's actual costs of removal. Such costs of removal shall be deemed a civil debt due and owing the city which may be collected by appropriate legal means.

      3.   Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a city official may summarily and without notice remove any yard sign posted on property owned or controlled by the city. In addition, a city official may summarily remove any yard sign which poses an immediate danger to persons or property. In addition, any yard sign, regardless of where posted, left posted after the tenth day following the event to which such sign specifically relates shall be deemed abandoned by its owner and may be summarily removed without notice. (Ord. 80-O-1775, eff. 12-5-1980; amd. Ord. 04-O-2457, eff. 11-30-2004; Ord. 05-O-2459, eff. 1-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2476, eff. 7-5-2005; Ord. 05-O-2480, eff. 9-2-2005)

Notwithstanding any other restriction contained in this chapter, prior to the opening to the general public of a retail building larger than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet, or prior to the reopening to the general public of such a building if a substantial portion of the building is closed to the general public, flags or banners may be erected announcing the opening or reopening of the building. The flags or banners may also identify the principal occupant of the building. Such flags or banners shall be removed no more than three (3) months after they are erected or within fourteen (14) days after the opening or reopening, whichever occurs first.

Any flag or banner erected pursuant to this section shall be considered a sign for the purposes of chapter 3, article 30 of this title and therefore shall require architectural review as a sign pursuant to that article.

In addition to the above requirements, any flag or banner erected pursuant to this section shall meet the following requirements:

   A.   The flag or banner shall be mounted on a wall of the building which fronts directly on a public street and does not front directly on an alley; and

   B.   If the flag or banner exceeds forty (40) square feet in area, the flag or banner shall not be erected except pursuant to a building permit issued pursuant to title 9 of this code. (Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the erection of any sign required by state or federal law. Examples of such signs include, but are not limited to, signs indicating whether smoking is permitted within a building and signs warning of the presence of certain designated substances. Signs issued by a governmental agency for the purpose of aiding compliance with state or federal law shall not require architectural review pursuant to this code. (Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

   A.   Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, upon application by a property owner pursuant to this article, sign accommodations to the following sign regulations may be granted as provided within this chapter:

      1.   Section 10-4-209 regarding nonconforming signs;

      2.   Section 10-4-306 regarding signs on marquees and awnings;

      3.   Section 10-4-310 regarding context of signs;

      4.   Section 10-4-313 regarding the color of signs;

      5.   Section 10-4-319 regarding murals and similar environmental graphics;

      6.   Section 10-4-512 regarding nonconforming and conditional uses;

      7.   Section 10-4-604 regarding business identification signs;

      8.   Section 10-4-605 regarding building identification signs;

      9.   Section 10-4-608 regarding courtyard signs;

      10.   Section 10-4-610 regarding ground signs;

      11.   Section 10-4-652 regarding parking entrance identification signs;

      12.   Section 10-4-653 regarding ground directional signs;

      13.   Section 10-4-654 regarding building directional signs;

      14.   Section 10-4-655 regarding informational parking signs; and

      15.   Section 10-4-656 regarding valet parking signs. (Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993; amd. Ord. 96-O-2257, eff. 5-10-1996)

Applications for a sign accommodation shall be made on a form approved by the director of planning and community development and shall be accompanied by a proposed unified sign plan, as described below:

   A.   Building Identification Signs: An application for an accommodation that relates to a sign which identifies a building shall be accompanied by a proposed unified sign plan that shows all signs that will identify the building or that concern the operations of the buildings.

   B.   Business Identification Signs: An application for an accommodation that relates to a sign which identifies a business shall be accompanied by a proposed unified sign plan that shows all signs that will identify the business or that concern the operations of that business.

   C.   Multiple Business Identification Signs: An application for an accommodation that relates to a business identification sign that identifies multiple businesses within a building or courtyard shall be accompanied by a proposed unified sign plan that shows all signs that identify, or concern the operations of, each business represented on the sign and all signs that identify the building or the courtyard. (Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

The approval authority for a sign accommodation shall be the architectural commission. (Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

Noticing shall be completed in accordance with chapter 3, article 2.5 of this title and the city's public notice guidelines. (Ord. 14-O-2661, eff. 6-20-2014)

The architectural commission shall approve a sign accommodation application if the commission finds that the unified sign plan submitted with such application utilizes colors, materials and other design features which are architecturally compatible with the subject building and the commission finds that:

   A.   The unified sign plan is in conformity with good taste and good design and, in general, contributes to the image of Beverly Hills as a place of beauty, spaciousness, balance, taste, fitness, broad vistas, and high quality;

   B.   The unified sign plan indicates the manner in which the signs will be reasonably protected against external and internal noise, vibrations and other factors which may tend to make the environment less desirable;

   C.   The proposed signs are not, in their design and appearance, of inferior quality such as to cause the nature of the local environment to materially depreciate in appearance and value; and

   D.   The proposed signs are in harmony with proposed development in the area of the subject property, with the general plan for Beverly Hills, and with any specific plans governing the subject site.

The architectural commission may impose such conditions on an accommodation approval as it deems necessary to make the findings required by this section or as it deems appropriate to protect the public health, safety and general welfare. (Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)

The applicant or any person aggrieved by any decision regarding a sign accommodation may appeal such decision to the city council as provided in title 1, chapter 4, article 1 of this code. (Ord. 93-O-2181, eff. 11-19-1993)