The intent of this section is to provide for and regulate the location and safe construction of signs in a manner to ensure that signs are compatible with surrounding land uses, are well maintained, express the identity of individual proprietors and the city as a whole, preserve and protect property value, provide against undue concentrations of signs which distract and endanger traffic safety and traffic flow, and avoid uncontrolled proliferation of signs. All signs, banners and displays requiring a permit shall conform to the city's adopted design guidelines and be subject to review and approval by the city's building inspector or zoning administrator unless otherwise indicated, or where signage is proposed as a master signage plan or modification thereto, in which case the requirements of section 44-999 shall apply. All signs, banners and displays not requiring a permit must nevertheless conform to the requirements of this chapter and the city's adopted design guidelines. The director shall determine the appropriate size, design and placement of signs, banners and displays, whether permanent or temporary, when a permit is not required.

(Code 2004, § 17.0601; Ord. No. 2559, § 23, 8-19-2025)

Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this chapter may be continued even though the use, size, or location may not conform to the provisions of this chapter. Such signs shall be legal nonconforming signs and shall comply with the following regulations:

(1)

Legal nonconforming signs may be repaired and refaced provided they are not relocated, expanded, enlarged, repositioned, or raised in height.

(2)

In the event that any such sign or its supporting structure is hereafter damaged or altered to an extent exceeding 50 percent of the replacement cost of the sign, or is removed by any means, including an act of God, such sign when restored, reconstructed, altered, repaired, or replaced must conform to the requirements of this chapter.

(3)

Any time an application is made to change any or all signs on a site, in dimension or appearance, other than confined to refacing the actual sign area, as a condition of approval, all nonconforming signage on that site shall be eliminated and/or made to comply with the regulations in this section, with the following exceptions:

a.

Changeable copy signs such as bulletin boards and electronic message boards.

b.

Legal nonconforming billboards. Legal, nonconforming billboards that are abandoned shall be condemned and removed by the city. Legal, nonconforming billboards found to be deteriorated to a point where more than 50 percent of the sign's value is required to repair or restore it, shall be ordered removed. No legal, nonconforming billboard shall be enlarged or structurally altered. The director shall make such determinations. New billboard signs are prohibited.

(Code 2004, § 17.0603; Ord. No. 2258, 8-21-2007)

(a)

Sign permit required. No sign shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without first obtaining a permit reflecting conformity with the provisions of this chapter, except for those signs allowed without a permit under this chapter. All sign permits, unless otherwise specified, shall be issued by the building inspector.

(b)

Electrical permit required for illuminated signs. If signs are illuminated electrically, a separate electrical permit shall be obtained as required by the city electrical code.

(c)

Removal of unauthorized signs or signs erected without proper permit. Signs erected without proper approvals and permits shall be removed within 15-day notification from the building inspector, unless the owner of the sign applies for and obtains a building permit within the 15-day period. If the sign is ordered to be removed and is not removed within the allowed 15 days, the building inspector may have the sign removed at the expense of the owner in the manner prescribed in section 44-1005(c).

(Code 2004, § 17.0602; Ord. No. 2258, 8-21-2007)

(a)

Safety. Signs shall not:

(1)

Resemble, imitate, or approximate the shape, size, form, or color of railroad or traffic signs, signals, or devices so as to cause confusion with its official counterpart.

(2)

Obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals, or devices.

(3)

Be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

(4)

Be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility, nor be lighted in such a way as to cause glare or impair driver visibility upon public ways.

(b)

Illumination. All signs may be illuminated internally or externally, unless otherwise specified herein, but shall be nonflashing.

(c)

Nonresidential signs. All nonresidential signs shall be limited to identifying the individual business, building, or building complex only by name, or by name and principal service offered where the name does not in itself identify the principal service offered. It is not intended, however, to restrict the names of manufacturer's of products used by the occupants of the building or premises in carrying on their business, profession, or trade. This limitation shall not include large street numbers used as signs on buildings.

(d)

Signs required by law. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the erection, construction, placement, maintenance, or location of official traffic, fire, and police signs, signals, devices, and markings of the state and the city or other public authorities, or the posting of notices required by law.

(e)

Removal of abandoned signs. Abandoned signs shall be removed by the owner, or the owner of the premises on which the sign is erected. Enforcement of this regulation shall follow the procedures set forth in section 44-1005(c).

(f)

Measuring signs. In calculating the area of a sign to determine whether it meets the requirement of this chapter, the building inspector shall include the sign copy and any border or frame surrounding that copy. Supporting members of a sign shall be excluded from the area calculation. The area of irregular shaped signs or signs containing two or more detached elements shall be determined by the area of the smallest regular polygon that will encompass all elements of the sign.

(g)

Prohibited lighting, movement, and signs.

(1)

Bare light bulbs shall not be permitted. No flashing, blinking, or rotating lights shall be permitted for either permanent or temporary signs.

(2)

No sign shall be permitted which moves by any means, except flags and banners.

(3)

The following signs shall be prohibited:

a.

Distracting signs, including animated, mechanical, audible, and revolving signs; however, copy on time and temperature devices may be cyclical. Electronic message boards are not included in this limitation.

b.

Pennants and streamers, not including banners, flags and other display effects.

c.

Vehicles or trailers used as signs.

d.

Off-premises signs, including billboards. Signs allowed under section 44-996(6) are exempt from this provision.

e.

Roof signs, are prohibited unless the following standards and conditions are met:

i.

Are located within the B-3 Central Business District.

ii.

Are part of a new development approved by the plan commission under section 44-1261.

iii.

Used only for identification of the individual business, building, or building complex only by name. No sign shall be used for advertisements.

iv.

Only sign shall be allowed.

v.

Changeable copy or electronic reader boards are prohibited.

vi.

The sign shall be architecturally integrated into the roof of the principal building. No sign shall be placed on any accessory structure.

vii.

The sign copy shall not exceed eight feet in height and 20 feet in width.

viii.

The overall height of the signage, including the sign copy and any support structures shall not exceed ten feet.

ix.

The total square footage of the roof sign copy shall be counted towards the total allowable area and number of signs as required under section 44-998.

x.

The sign may be illuminated either via up lighting or back lighting but shall not flash, blink or rotate and shall conform to the requirements of subsection (h) listed below.

xi.

Independent ground signs or monument signs shall not be permitted to be used where a roof sign is constructed.

(h)

Intensity. No illuminated sign, whether by external or internal lighting, shall exceed 0.5 footcandle at any lot line, except in districts where a zero street yard setback is permitted and illuminated sign intensity, documented by an approved photometric survey, is shown to be less than the ambient light levels at the abutting public way.

(Code 2004, §§ 17.0604, 17.0605; Ord. No. 2546, § 1, 7-10-2024)

The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts without a permit, subject to the stated restrictions:

(1)

Real estate signs. Single or double-faced real estate signs that advertise the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which the signs are temporarily located are permitted, provided that such signs in residential districts shall not exceed six square feet in area or 24 square feet and six feet of height in nonresidential districts. All real estate signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from front or side lot lines, shall not be illuminated, and must be removed within seven days of sale. Signs for rental or lease shall be limited to a maximum of 60 days. Only one temporary freestanding, wall, or window sign may be placed on each street on which the development abuts. The sign must be placed on the property being sold, leased, or rented.

(2)

Name and warning signs. Name and warning signs not to exceed two square feet located on the premises are permitted.

(3)

Home occupation and home office signs. Home occupation and professional home office signs not to exceed two square feet in area, to be mounted flush against the dwelling and not illuminated are permitted.

(4)

Election campaign signs. Election campaign signs are permitted provided that permission is obtained from the property owner, renter or lessee; and provided that such sign shall not be erected prior to the first day of the election campaign period as defined in Wis. Stats. § 12.04 and shall be removed within seven days following the election. Election campaign signs shall not be illuminated. Wall signs shall not extend above the second floor of any nonresidential building. In residential districts, signs shall not exceed 11 square feet in area unless the sign is affixed to a permanent structure; does not extend beyond the perimeter of the structure; and does not obstruct a window, door, fire escape, ventilation shaft, or other area which is required by the city building code to remain unobstructed. In nonresidential districts, signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and six feet in height. No election campaign sign shall be so located as to cause a traffic or pedestrian hazard, as determined by the chief of police or his designee.

(5)

Rummage and garage sale signs. Rummage sale and garage sale signs are permitted provided that no such signs shall be erected or placed within a public right-of-way and that such signs are removed within 24 hours following the sale. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and six feet in height, and shall not be illuminated. Rummage sale signs may be placed off-site on other residential lots within the city with the property owner's permission.

(6)

Bulletin boards, directional or informational signs and banners for public, civic, charitable and religious institutions. Bulletin boards for public, charitable, or religious institutions are permitted not to exceed 24 square feet in area. Permanent or temporary directional signs, informational signs or banners for the uses defined above may be permitted on structures in the public right-of-way or elsewhere on city-owned property at the discretion of the city and shall meet all requirements attached to such grants of permission as determined by the director and shall in all applicable ways conform to the requirements of this chapter.

(7)

Temporary church and school signs. Temporary church and school signs are permitted.

(8)

Memorial signs and tablets and building name and erection date signs. Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection are permitted when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against a structure.

(9)

Official information signs. Official information signs, such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information, and notices, are permitted.

(10)

Address signs. Address markers and signs are permitted.

(11)

History preservation signs. Historic preservation signs are permitted.

(12)

Driveway and parking lot signs. Driveway ingress/egress and directional signs to identify parking lot entrances and exits, or direct customers to drive-in windows are permitted. Such signs may be placed adjacent to driveways provided that no ingress/egress sign shall be placed in the street right-of-way; and no ingress/egress sign face shall exceed four square feet in area.

(13)

Flags. Display of the national flag of any country, the official flag of any state, or a flag displaying the logo of a business, industry, or recognized organization is permitted in any district without a permit provided that such flag is set back at least ten feet from the street right-of-way in any residential district and is set back ten feet from all other lot lines and provided that display of larger flags or flags with information other than a national or state flag may be permitted only after the issuance of a permit by the building inspector.

(14)

Temporary window signs. Temporary window signs are permitted provided that such signs shall not cover more than 20 percent of the total glazed front window area per business premises, be calculated as part of the total permitted sign square footage, be placed on glass doors or window areas that will impede pedestrian safety or prohibit view by police, be illuminated, or be displayed for longer than 14 days. A permit is not required for temporary window signs.

(15)

Business window and door signs. Open signs placed in the window or door of a business and illuminated or neon signs are permitted. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet. Such signs shall not be calculated as part of the total number of signs permitted or as part of the total square footage of signs permitted.

(Code 2004, § 17.0606; Ord. No. 2062, 6-3-2003; Ord. No. 2267, 6-17-2008)

The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts with a permit, subject to the stated restrictions:

(1)

Permanent real estate development signs. Permanent real estate development signs placed at the entrance to a residential complex, subdivision, or development are permitted provided that they shall contain only the name and/or address of the complex, subdivision, or development, shall have a maximum height of four feet, and shall be not less than five feet from a side or rear lot line. The plan commission may permit a permanent development sign within a street right-of-way or driveway median after determining that the sign will not have an adverse impact on public safety and provision for its maintenance is established. Signs within the vision clearance triangle set forth in section 44-843 shall not exceed 30 inches in height. The plan commission shall determine the appropriate size of the sign based on the design of the sign and its compatibility with adjacent land uses, but in no case shall the sign exceed 32 square feet in area.

(2)

Temporary development signs. Temporary development signs are permitted in accordance with the restrictions provided in section 44-1002.

(3)

Signs advertising seasonal products. Signs advertising the sale of seasonal products, including Christmas trees and pumpkins, are permitted provided that there shall be only one sign per business site, the sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from all lot lines, the sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet, the sign shall not exceed five feet in height, and the sign shall not be posted for more than 60 days in any calendar year.

(Code 2004, § 17.0607)

(a)

Total square footage permitted. Total sign square footage permitted for each business or manufacturing site shall be appropriately scaled to the available street yard and wall elevation supporting the signage. No wall sign shall exceed 15 percent of the exterior wall square footage where the sign is to be affixed or located, with a maximum per sign not to exceed 100 square feet. In mixed use buildings, the wall elevation shall be determined by the extent of the frontage of each commercial occupancy, and shall not incorporate wall area above the first floor if the building is multistory. The total area permitted for all signage per lot shall not exceed 200 square feet, unless otherwise approved under a master signage plan per section 44-999. Multiple occupancies or tenants in commercial and mixed use buildings shall be subject to a master signage plan approved by the city plan commission.

(b)

Total number permitted. Total number of signs permitted for each business or manufacturing site shall not exceed two, except as follows:

(1)

A business or manufacturing site with over 300 feet of lot frontage may incorporate a mix of signage up to three individual signs, however, no more than two ground signs shall be permitted.

(2)

Price signs for gasoline service stations are exempt from the total sign square footage limitation, but shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall be limited to no more than two double-faced signs per business site.

(3)

Signs proposed for multitenant buildings or centers shall be regulated by the provisions of section 44-999.

(c)

Permitted signs by type. The following signs are permitted in all business and manufacturing districts provided all regulations are met:

(1)

Ground signs.

a.

Pole signs and pylon signs. Pole signs and pylon signs shall not be located nor extended closer than five feet from any lot line. Pole signs and pylon signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Pole signs and pylon signs may be double-sided. The maximum square footage of any pole or pylon sign shall not exceed 80 feet per side. The sign face must not be lower than 10 feet above the adjacent grade. Pole signs and pylon signs with exposed footings and or mountings to footing shall include an appropriate landscaping or vegetative screening for aesthetic purposes. Pole signs and pylon signs are prohibited in the Lakeside Commons Overlay District.

b.

Monument signs. Monument signs may be double-sided. The maximum size of a monument sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side, 80 square feet in total. Monument signs in the Lakeside Commons Overlay District may be permitted at the street right-of-way in street yards. In all other districts, monument signs may not be located or extended closer than five feet from any lot line. Only one monument sign is permitted per business site, except on corner lots where one may be permitted on each street frontage. Monument signs shall include an appropriate decorative base, planter or landscaping feature.

(2)

Wall signs.

a.

No wall sign shall exceed 15 percent of the wall square footage. In mixed use buildings, the wall area shall be determined by the extent of the commercial occupancy frontage, and shall not incorporate wall area above the first floor if the building is multistory. Wall signage shall not extend beyond the wall structure or above the roof line, nor shall it obfuscate, cover, diminish or cause to be removed any architectural features of the building. The maximum square footage of wall signage may not exceed 100 square feet in total, per lot, and the maximum square footage of all combined signage per occupancy may not exceed 200 square feet, unless approved under master signage plan per section 44-999. Wall signage must be placed a minimum of ten feet above adjacent grade.

b.

Marquis signs listing multiple occupancies in a professional or commercial building, when attached to a building wall, shall be architecturally compatible with the principal structure in material and design, use uniform colors, font and materials for the name plates, shall not exceed 24 square feet in area, shall be located at least four feet above adjacent grade, shall not protrude from the building wall more than six inches and may be externally illuminated.

(3)

Projecting signs or blade signs. Projecting signs or blade signs fastened to, suspended from, or supported by a building are typically double sided and shall be limited to one sign per business site, and shall not; exceed 24 square feet per face in area for any one premises, extend more than four feet into any required yard, extend more than four feet from the building to which it is attached, be less than six feet from all side lot lines, exceed the lower of a height of ten feet above the mean centerline street grade or extend beyond the height of the roofline, be less than eight feet above the sidewalk nor 15 feet above a driveway or an alley.

(4)

Awning and canopy signs. Awning and canopy signs affixed to the surface of an awning or canopy are permitted provided that the sign does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning or canopy. In addition:

a.

An awning or canopy may extend into the public right-of-way, but shall not extend beyond a point one foot back from the vertical plane formed by the street curb line. An awning or canopy in a shopping center shall not extend beyond a point one foot back from the vertical plane formed by the curb line in the shopping center.

b.

No awning or canopy may not extend more than eight feet from the building.

c.

No awning or canopy sign shall extend into a required side or rear yard.

d.

The maximum height of an awning or canopy shall be limited to the height of the rooftop or parapet wall of the building, or otherwise not exceed 15 feet in height, whichever is the least dimension.

e.

A name sign not exceeding two square feet in area located immediately in front of the entrance to an establishment may be suspended from an awning or canopy provided that the name sign is at least 8.5 feet above the sidewalk.

f.

An awning or canopy sign may be internally illuminated.

g.

Awning or canopy signs shall be limited to one per business site.

(5)

Time and temperature devices. Time and temperature devices may be erected as a wall sign, projecting sign, monument sign, or freestanding sign, and shall meet the requirements of those sign types.

(6)

Window signs. Window signs shall not cover more than 20 percent of the total glazed front window area per business premises. Such signs are permitted in addition to the maximum number of signs allowed per business premises, but the area of the window sign shall be calculated as part of the total permitted sign square footage. Window signs shall not be placed on glass doors or window areas that will impede pedestrian safety or prohibit view by police, must be placed behind clear glazed window openings and not in unglazed openings, and may be illuminated. A permit is required.

(7)

Portable signs. Portable signs are temporary in nature and shall include sandwich board signs, easel signs, and similar movable signs. Portable signs may be used in any business district with a permit subject to the following:

a.

A portable sign may be double-sided but shall not exceed eight square feet per face.

b.

A portable sign shall be limited to one per premises or occupancy, where more than one permitted occupancy is present on premises.

c.

A portable sign may be located partially or entirely on the sidewalk in the public right-of-way only if it does not impinge upon pedestrian traffic or create a hazard or nuisance in any other regard.

d.

A portable sign may be displayed only during the hours of actual operation when the business is publicly accessible. Portable signs must be stored indoors when not in use.

e.

The use of portable signs may be restricted during winter conditions when snow and ice removal and storage become a paramount concern.

f.

Portable signs are not subject to the numerical limitations with regard to the cumulative number of permitted signs in any business district per occupancy or premises.

(8)

Banner, inflatables, displaysand pennants. Seasonal and temporary use of banners, inflatables, displays and pennants used in the promotion of any commercial, civic or institutional use may be approved for use on such premises for up to 30 continuous days by the director without a permit. A minimum interval of 30 days between such temporary or seasonal uses shall be required. Such uses may be denied during winter conditions. The banners, inflatables, displays and pennants approved for temporary or seasonal use must be maintained for the 30-day duration or any part thereof. Any breakage or deterioration must be promptly repaired or replaced or the temporary or seasonal use may be entirely rescinded.

(9)

Changeable copy signs and electronic reader boards. Changeable copy signs, including electronic reader boards, are permitted in any business district. The maximum size shall be 24 square feet per face. If used as a ground sign, the sign may be double faced. Such signs may be illuminated provided that animation, flashing, or distracting features are prohibited. Intensity of illuminated signs shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle at any lot line, except in the Lakeside Commons Overlay District, where signage is permitted at the public right-of-way in street yards. Nevertheless, such illuminated signage shall not be of such intensity as to create a nuisance or hazard for pedestrians, vehicular traffic or neighboring businesses. Changeable copy signs shall be part of a permanent sign and are limited to one per business premises.

(Code 2004, § 17.0608; Ord. No. 2053, 2-4-2003; Ord. No. 2062, 6-3-2003; Ord. No. 2559, § 24, 8-19-2025)

(a)

Definitions. For the purpose of calculating total sign area under this section, the method for determining the maximum square footage allowed per individual occupancy shall be the same as defined in section 44-998(a). Signage for individual occupancies shall be uniform across the building exterior and throughout the center and limited to wall signage, including wall-mounted marquis signage, window signage, portable signage and canopy signage. An individual occupancy in a mixed use building or multitenant center may select no more than one of each of the following sign types for a maximum total of three signs per occupancy: wall signs, window signs and canopy signs. A mixed use building or center includes buildings and centers with a combination of retail and office businesses or a combination of retail, office, or manufacturing businesses.

(b)

Multitenant buildings. In a multitenant retail, office, or mixed use building or center in which each business premises is primarily accessed by an interior door after the building is entered by an exterior door shared with other tenants, only the building shall be identified and only by name and address. A ground sign and a wall sign shall be permitted.

(c)

Master sign program.

(1)

In a multitenant retail, office, or mixed-use building or center, a master sign program shall be used if more than one sign will be erected in conjunction with such building or center.

(2)

Each individual sign proposed in accordance with an approved master sign program must be applied for and permitted separately; approval of a master sign program shall not be deemed permission to construct any particular sign under that program.

(3)

An application for a master sign program shall be made to the director, who shall forward it to the plan commission for review and approval. An application for a master sign program shall include the following professionally prepared components:

a.

A scale drawing or cut sheets of each proposed sign indicating the dimensions, the materials to be used, and the type of illumination, if any.

b.

An elevation of each sign indicating the overall dimensions, the square footage, and height of top and bottom of sign above grade.

c.

A scale drawing or cut sheets indicating the location and position of each sign in relation to the building it is to be attached to, other buildings and signs within the center, and lot lines.

d.

Written policies governing the color, size, style, location, and other features of the proposed signs.

e.

The categories of signs proposed.

(4)

Signs permitted by the plan commission may include some or all of the following:

a.

Master identification signs in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.

b.

Entrance markers.

c.

Traffic directional signs.

d.

Tenant identification signs.

e.

Wall signs.

f.

Other signs as may be requested by the applicant.

(5)

No freestanding sign other than the master identification sign(s) pursuant to this section shall be permitted for any multitenant building or center.

(6)

The maximum sign area of all signs within a multitenant center or building, excluding the master identification sign, entrance markers, and traffic directional signs, shall not exceed 1.5 square feet times the lineal front foot of the building or center. The area of individual signs shall not exceed the maximum size specified in section 44-998(c), for the type of sign proposed.

(7)

The plan commission, at its discretion, will consider the type and location of the building site, the proposed tenant mix, the size of the development, and such other factors as it deems appropriate in the evaluation of a master sign program. In determining the size of signs to be permitted, the plan commission may consider factors such as the building setback from the abutting street and the speed of traffic on that street, which may warrant larger signs; the amount of area to be occupied by each tenant; and the size and shape of the building facade.

(8)

Applications for approval of a master sign program for new buildings or centers shall be submitted with an application for a conditional use permit or site plan review, if required; or with the application for a building permit if such permit or review is not required. Owners of existing multitenant buildings or centers shall submit an application for approval of a master sign program at the time any change in tenancy or ownership involving a change in signage occurs within the multitenant building or center. The owner of an existing multitenant building or center shall have a five-year period from the time the master sign program is approved by the plan commission to bring all signs in the building or center into compliance with the approved master sign program.

(d)

Master identification signs. Master identification signs, as approved under a master sign program for a multitenant retail, office, or mixed-use building or center, shall meet the following requirements:

(1)

Such signs shall not contain the names of tenants of the building or center unless the identification of the building or center includes the name of the principal tenant. However, any tenant, but not more than two, each occupying one-third or more of the building area of any building or center may be identified on such master identification sign.

(2)

The permitted area of master identification signs shall be one freestanding sign per arterial street of no more than 150 square feet each, one monument sign per arterial street in accordance with the requirements of section 44-998(c), or one wall sign not to exceed 200 square feet.

(3)

The plan commission shall not approve any new master identification signs greater than 15 feet in height, modifications to existing master identification signs exceeding 15 feet in height may be approved at the discretion of the plan commission.

(e)

Apartments in multitenant buildings in nonresidential districts. Where apartments exist or are proposed as a part of multitenant buildings or centers, the residential portion of the building or center shall be identified only by the name of the building or center and/or the address.

(Code 2004, § 17.0609; Ord. No. 2053, 2-4-2003; Ord. No. 2559, § 25, 8-19-2025)

The design and location of institutional and park signs shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and approval shall be based on the compatibility of the signs with adjacent land uses and conformance to the design guidelines adopted by the city.

(Code 2004, § 17.0611)

(a)

Signs of historic significance, which make a contribution to the cultural, historic, or aesthetic quality of the city because of their unique construction materials or unique design, unusual age, prominent location within the city, or unique craftsmanship from another period of time may be exempted from any or all of the size, height, animation, lighting, or setback requirements of this section, when the director finds the following conditions exist:

(1)

The sign is of exemplary technology, craftsmanship or design of the period in which it was constructed, uses historic sign materials (wood, metal, glass or paint applied directly to a building) and means of illumination (neon or incandescent fixtures), and is not significantly altered from its historic period. If the sign has been altered, it must be restored to its historic function and appearance.

(2)

The sign is integrated into the architecture of a period building.

(3)

A sign not meeting the criteria listed above may be considered if it demonstrates extraordinary aesthetic quality, creativity, or innovation in design.

(b)

Historic signs are exempt from the requirements of section 44-993.

(c)

The zoning administrator or building inspector shall maintain a schedule of all signs achieving historical status and the city plan commission shall approve additions or deletions to the schedule and any modifications to signs included therein.

(Code 2004, § 17.0612; Ord. No. 2559, § 26, 8-19-2025)

(a)

Temporary development signs for the purpose of designating a new building or development, or for promotion of a subdivision, may be permitted for the duration of construction in any district with a permit. Such signage may be double-sided, shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face, shall be limited to one ground sign per abutting street yard, may not exceed ten feet in height and shall conform to all applicable portions of this chapter.

(b)

Contractor signs used for the temporary purpose of identifying contractors or financial institutions participating in a development project may be permitted for the duration of construction in any district. No such sign shall be illuminated. No permit is required for such a sign. Contractor signs shall not exceed a maximum size of six square feet. Contractor signs may be incorporated with or attached to the development signs referenced in subsection (a) of this section, subject to the restrictions of this section. In the event such consolidation occurs, a sign permit must be obtained. Contractor signs shall be removed within ten days following issuance of the occupancy permit for the building.

(Code 2004, § 17.0613)

(a)

Wind pressure and dead load requirements. All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure of not less than 40 pounds per square foot of area; and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the city building code or other code or ordinance. The design of any sign more than ten feet in height or more than 32 square feet in area shall be prepared and stamped by a professional engineer.

(b)

Protection of the public. The temporary occupancy of a sidewalk, street, or other public property during construction, removal, repair, alteration or maintenance of a sign is permitted provided the space occupied is roped off, fenced off, or otherwise isolated.

(c)

Maintenance standards.

(1)

Maintenance. The owner of any sign shall keep it in good maintenance and repair which includes restoring, repainting, or replacement of a worn or damaged legally existing sign to its original condition; and shall maintain the premises on which the sign is erected in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, weeds, and grass. Restoration or painting which changes the name, size, or location of a sign will require a new permit.

(2)

Painting requirement. The owner of any sign shall be required to have all parts and supports of a sign properly painted as directed by the building inspector, unless they are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust and deterioration.

(3)

Sign owner's responsibility. The sign owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of the sign. If the sign ownership should transfer, the new owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of the sign.

(d)

Construction of supporting members or braces. Supporting members or braces of all signs shall be constructed of galvanized iron, properly treated wood, steel, copper, brass, or other noncorrosive incombustible material. Every means or device used for attaching any sign to a building shall be approved by the building inspector.

(e)

Attachment of signs to fire escapes, etc. No signs or any part thereof or sign anchors, braces, or guide rods shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or standpipe and no such sign or any part of any such sign or any anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be erected, put up, or maintained so as to hinder or prevent ingress or egress through such door, doorway, or window or so as to hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against such building by the fire department of the city, as necessity therefor may require.

(f)

Overhead electrical wiring. Overhead electrical wiring is prohibited and all electric signs shall be listed by a recognized testing laboratory.

(Code 2004, § 17.0614)

Application for a sign permit shall be made on forms provided by the director and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information. Failure to provide this information shall result in a rejected application:

(1)

Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant. Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.

(2)

Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign.

(3)

Written consent of the owner or lessee of the building, structure, or land to which or upon which the sign is to be affixed.

(4)

A scale drawing or cut sheet of the proposed signage indicating the design, colors, copy font, dimensions, the materials to be used, the type of illumination, if any, and the method of construction and attachment.

(5)

An elevation of such sign indicating the overall dimensions, the square footage, and height of top and bottom of sign above grade.

(6)

A scale drawing indicating the location and position of such sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures, and lot lines.

(7)

Copies of any other permit required and issued for the sign, including the written approval by the electrical inspector, in the case of illuminated signs, who shall examine the plans and specifications, reinspecting all wiring and connections to determine if the same complies with the city electrical code.

(8)

Additional information as may be required by the building inspector or city plan commission.

(9)

Sign permit applications shall be filed with the building inspector, who shall review the application for its completeness and accuracy and approve or deny, in writing, the application within 45 days of receipt from the applicant unless the time is extended by written agreement with the applicant.

(10)

Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, the building inspector has the authority to approve sign permits. Where review and approval of signs by the plan commission is specifically called for in this section, the plan commission shall review the sign application and submit its recommendations to the building inspector within the 45 day period set forth in subsection (9) of this section. Signs within the Lakeside Commons Overlay District shall be reviewed by the building inspector in accordance with this article.

(11)

In accordance with the city fee schedule, the applicant shall tender a fee at the time of permit issuance. Permit fees are not refundable. The owner of a legal nonconforming sign, which has been removed or brought into conformance with the terms of this chapter, shall not be required to pay a fee in order to obtain a permit for the replacement or conforming sign.

(Code 2004, §§ 17.0615, 17.0616; Ord. No. 2559, § 27, 8-19-2025)

(a)

The director shall have the authority to order the removal of a sign or revoke any sign permit upon determination that:

(1)

The sign authorized by the permit has been constructed or is being maintained in violation of the permit or the provisions of this chapter.

(2)

The work authorized under the permit has not been completed within six months of the date of issuance.

(3)

The sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or by reason of its location creates a traffic hazard or is dangerous to persons and property as determined by the building inspector.

(4)

The sign does not meet the maintenance requirements of this chapter.

(5)

The sign is abandoned.

(b)

Notice of the decision of the director to revoke a sign permit and the reasons therefor shall be served upon the holders of the permit as follows:

(1)

By delivering personally copies of the notice to the holders of the permit or to one of their officers.

(2)

By leaving a copy of the notice with any person in charge of the premises.

(3)

In the event no such person can be found on the premises, by affixing a copy of the notice in a conspicuous position at an entrance to the premises and by certified mailing of copies of the notice to the post office addresses of the holders of the permit specified in the application for the permit.

(c)

Notice of revocation of permit shall include notice that the sign must be made to comply with this chapter within 15 calendar days or shall be removed. If the holders of the permit, their officers, or person in charge of the premises fails to remove or alter the sign or structure to comply with the standards set forth herein within 15 days, the sign may be removed by the building inspector at the expense of the owner of the property on which the sign is located. The owner shall be provided with a bill to cover the cost of the removal. If such cost or expense is not paid within 15 days from the date of billing, the costs or expenses incurred for such removal shall be assessed against the real estate upon which such sign is located and collected as other taxes are collected on the real estate. The director may cause any sign or sign supporting structure which is an immediate peril to persons and property to be removed summarily and without notice.

(d)

Citation. Following the initial 15-day notice from the building inspector, or immediately, if subsequent violations occur, a citation may be issued. Payment of the scheduled forfeiture does not, however, release the complainant from the responsibility of correcting a code violation.

(e)

Appeals to the decision of the director to revoke a permit may be taken to the board of zoning appeals in accordance with the procedures outlined in article XII, division 2, of this chapter.

(Code 2004, § 17.0617)