The intent of this section is to permit signs that will not, by reason of their size, location, construction, or manner of display, endanger the public safety of individuals, confuse, mislead, distract, obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger public health, safety, and welfare; and to permit and regulate signs in such a way that supports the objectives set forth in this chapter to give people an equal opportunity for signs and minimize clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of signs.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.220), 1997)

The following signs do not require a permit, provided they are not directly illuminated, cast light onto adjacent property or create traffic visibility problems. These signs are allowed in all zoning districts:

A.

Temporary Signs.

1.

Announcing Signs. One sign per street frontage of a building which is under construction or structural alteration or repair announcing the character of the building, enterprise, or the purpose for which the building is intended, including names of architects, engineers, contractors, developers, financiers, and others, provided the area of such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in residential districts or thirty-two (32) square feet in other districts,

2.

Real Estate Signs. One sign per street frontage not exceeding four square feet in residential districts, or eight square feet in other districts, advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which displayed,

3.

Subdivision Signs. One sign per street entrance to the subdivision and located on the property to be subdivided, provided such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. Such sign may not be erected until the subdivision has been approved. Subdivision signs may be displayed for a period of one year from the date of the subdivision approval. The display period may be extended by written approval of the zoning officer for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed one year at any one time,

4.

Special Event Displays. Portable signs and wind signs may be erected on the premises of an establishment having a grand opening or special event, provided that such signs shall be displayed for a period not to exceed seven calendar days within any six-month period,

5.

Political or Campaign Signs. Political or campaign signs on behalf of candidates for public office or measures on election ballots may be located on private property. These signs are limited to a maximum size of sixteen (16) square feet,

6.

Garage sale, yard sale, and other special sale signs are permitted provided they are not posted on traffic signs, street signs, or the posts supporting these signs;

B.

Institutional Signs. One sign or bulletin board per street front, setting forth or denoting the name of any public, charitable or religious institution when located on the premises of such institution, provided such sign or bulletin board shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in sign area;

C.

Public Signs. Signs of a public or noncommercial nature, which shall include community service information signs, public transit service signs, public utility information signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest, and all signs erected by a public officer in the performance of a public duty;

D.

Subdivision or Tract Name Signs. One nonilluminated sign not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area or two nonilluminated signs not to exceed twelve (12) square feet each per exclusive entrance to a subdivision or tract, such signs restricted to the subdivision or tract name;

E.

Flags. Official flags of government jurisdictions, including flags indicating weather conditions and flags which are emblems of on-premises business firms and enterprises, religious, charitable, public and nonprofit organizations;

F.

Plaques. Commemorative plaques placed by historical agencies recognized by the city, county or the state of Montana;

G.

Signs indicating street addresses, occupants' names or home occupations, not exceeding two square feet in area.

H.

A sign or notice having an area of eight square feet or less necessary for the direction, information, or safety of the public.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.221), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)

The following signs are permitted in commercial and industrial zoning districts after submitting an application, approval of the application, payment of permit fees, compliance with sign standards and receipt of a permit:

A.

That such sign shall pertain to the premises upon which it is located;

B.

Any sign advertising an enterprise permitted in a district zoned CBD Central Business District, LI Light Industrial or HI Heavy Industrial shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area and shall advertise only the name of the owner, trade names, products sold and/or the business or activity conducted on the premises where such sign is located;

C.

Any sign advertising an enterprise permitted in a district zoned HC Highway Commercial shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area and shall advertise only the name of the owner, trade names, products sold and/or the business;

D.

No more than three signs shall be allowed for each commercial or industrial activity conducted on the premises which shall in all respects conform to the provisions of city ordinances;

E.

No part of a sign shall be located within two feet of property lines and shall not exceed a height over thirty two (32) vertical feet from: the average elevation of the adjoining ground level; or the established grade; whichever is lower.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.222), 1997)

(Ord. No. 351, § 1(Exh. A), 10-3-2016; Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)

Signs that are proposed to exceed the requirements (height, area, number per lot, or other requirements) set forth in this chapter may be allowed as conditional uses in commercial and industrial districts. An applicant must request a conditional use permit from the city to allow a sign(s) in compliance with Chapter 17.84.

A.

Application for a conditional use permit may be submitted for any sign not specifically permitted in this chapter.

B.

Application for conditional use permit may be submitted for any sign which advertises or publicizes an activity not conducted on the premises upon which the sign is maintained.

C.

If the city council determines that a sign(s) exceeding the requirements of this chapter is appropriate in a specific case, the city council may require landscaping, architectural features, or other mitigating condition(s) of allowing the sign(s).

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.223), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)

A.

Design, materials, construction and maintenance must comply with all applicable codes. A site plan showing sign location in relation to buildings, streets and other improvements; along with a detailed sketch of the sign showing dimensions, height, type of materials, footings and method of attachment are required with the sign permit application.

B.

No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, or door opening intended as a means of egress.

C.

No sign shall be erected which interferes with any opening required for ventilation.

D.

Signs shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all electrical power lines and communications lines in accordance with applicable electrical codes.

E.

Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity, or communications equipment or lines. Furthermore, placement shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface or underground water.

F.

No part of said signs shall overhang any public right-of-way without written permission Montana Department of Transportation or the city of Columbus.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.224), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)

The following signs are specifically prohibited in all zones:

A.

Signs which resemble an official traffic sign or signal, and signs which resemble traffic signs because they predominantly display the words "STOP," "SLOW," "CAUTION," "DANGER," "WARNING," or similar words which are commonly used by agencies of government and construction contractors to draw attention to traffic or roadway hazards;

B.

Signs which are located so as to obstruct the view of traffic control devices or automobiles at intersections or pedestrians at marked crosswalks. Additionally, no sign shall be erected at the street intersection and/or driveway access intersection with the street. Any material placed in these areas shall provide an unobstructed cross-visibility at a level between three feet and six feet above street surface elevation.

C.

Signs located in public rights-of-way, except traffic signs in compliance with the Uniform Manual of Traffic Control Devices, as amended;

D.

Beacons (see definition), flashing signs or revolving signs;

E.

Portable signs (see definition);

F.

Roof signs (see definition);

G.

Inflatable signs exceeding zoning district height limitations;

H.

Billboards are not permitted within the Columbus city limits except as permitted by state or federal law.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.225), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)

Owners or lessees of signs are responsible for maintenance of their signs and removal of unsafe, unmaintained, dangerous or abandoned signs.

A.

Maintenance. All signs and their supports, braces, guys, anchors and electrical equipment shall be kept fully operable and maintained in a safe, neat, clean and attractive condition. Failure to comply with the maintenance provisions of this chapter shall constitute a violation.

B.

Removal—Unsafe or Unmaintained Sign.

1.

The zoning officer shall require the removal of any sign found to be unsafe or unmaintained as required by this chapter. Before bringing such action to require removal of an unsafe or unmaintained sign, the zoning officer shall provide written notice by certified mail to the owner or lessee of the sign or the owner of the premises on which the sign is located. The notice shall specify that within thirty (30) days the sign shall be removed or brought into compliance with this chapter. The notice shall state the reasons for removal, specifying the deficiencies and violations; and such notice shall specify what repairs, if any, will make the sign and its supports conform to the requirements of this chapter.

2.

If the owner or lessee of the sign fails to remove the sign within the allowed time after receiving written notice, the zoning officer is authorized to remove the sign at the owner's expense.

C.

Immediate Removal—Dangerous Sign. If the zoning officer finds that any sign or sign support is in violation of this chapter and that by reason of its condition it presents an immediate danger to the public, he/she shall order either immediate repair or immediate removal. The zoning officer shall remove such sign if the person(s) responsible cannot be found or refuse to repair or remove the sign within ten days. The cost of removal shall be borne by the owner of the signs.

D.

Removal—Abandoned Signs. Any person who owns or leases a sign shall remove the sign within thirty (30) days after it is no longer necessary for the intended purpose or becomes an abandoned sign. If the owner or lessee cannot be located, the city zoning officer may remove such sign. The cost of removal shall be borne by the owner of the signs.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.226), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)