The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, will have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned sign means any on- or off-premises sign in an obvious state of neglect or one which advertises a business no longer in operation for which the owner is unknown.

Awning/marquee means any fixed or collapsible frame structure or device of any kind otherwise known as a marquee or an awning erected or placed over any sidewalk and attached to a building or structure for the purpose of providing shelter from wind, sun, rain or any other element of weather or upon which advertising is shown, painted or displayed.

Billboard means any sign with a surface area of 150 square feet or more, supported by posts set into the ground, which is used to display printed or painted advertising matter.

Direct illumination means illumination by light sources which are a part of the sign.

Direction sign means signs containing information about public places owned or operated by federal, state or local governments, publicly or privately owned, educational, historic or cultural sites and areas of natural scenic beauty deemed to be in the interest of the traveling public.

Freestanding ground sign means standing alone on its own foundation free of architectural or supporting frame or attachment.

Identity sign means any sign which carries only the name of the firm, the major enterprise or the principal product offered for sale on the premises or a combination of these.

Indirect illumination means illumination which is derived from light sources which are not part of the sign.

Official signs mean signs or notices of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or on the order of a public official in the performance of his public duty. Safety signs, memorial plaques or signs marking historical sites may be considered official signs.

Off-premises sign means a sign which directs attention to a business, product, service or entertainment not conducted, sold or offered upon the property where such sign is located.

On-premises sign means a sign which directs attention to the name of the building or the name of the building management firm or to a business, principal product, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the property where such sign is located.

Projecting sign means a sign, other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure.

Roof sign means a sign located on or above the roof of any building.

Roofline means either the edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette; and, where a building has several roof levels, this roof or parapet will be the one belonging to that portion of the building on whose wall or roof the sign is located.

Service club and religious signs means signs or notices relating to meeting of nonprofit service clubs, charitable associations or religious services.

Sign or graphic means any letters, pictorial representation, symbol, flag, emblem or illuminated devices, displayed in any manner whatsoever, which directs the attention of persons off the premises on which the sign is displayed to any object, subject, place or business. However, this will not include any official flag, emblem or insignia of a government, school or religious group when displayed for official purposes.

Sign, mall means a directory listing a number of similar identity signs, directional signs or both, located in one central location and viewed by pedestrian traffic.

Temporary sign means a banner, pennant, poster or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard, wallboard or other like materials and not intended to be permanent.

Unused sign means any on- or off-premises sign in an obvious state of neglect but for which the owner is known.

Wall-flat sign means one affixed directly to or painted on or otherwise inscribed on an exterior wall and confined within the limit of any building and which projects from that surface less than six inches at all points.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(3); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

Signs are an important part of the city. They serve as a visual form of communication between places of business and the public. Unattractive, garish signs and ones that detract from the city's scenic and historic values threaten harm to its character. This unique character includes several identifiable elements: peacefulness, an unhurried feeling, Northwood's atmosphere, natural scenic beauty, quaintness and charm. It is the intent and design of this article to provide guidelines for the construction, placement and maintenance of signs so that these values are preserved.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(1); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

The goals of this article are to:

(1)

Protect the aesthetic character of the city.

(2)

Contribute to the order, unity and beauty of this character through controls in visual communication.

(3)

Make visual communication among places of business and the public easy and pleasant.

(4)

Promote traffic safety by eliminating distracting graphics.

(5)

Provide graphics that give the traveling public direct, pertinent information without clutter.

(6)

Provide restrictions at each zoning level.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(2); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

No sign will, after the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived, be located, erected, moved, constructed, extended, converted or structurally altered without being in conformity with the provisions of this article and a permit from the building inspector.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the zoning administrator relating to signs may appeal to the board of appeals by filing with the zoning administrator and with the board a written notice of appeal specifying the grounds. The zoning administrator will immediately transmit to the board all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. The board will fix a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days, for the hearing of appeals and give public notice to the parties in interest and will decide the case within an additional 30 days unless just cause is shown why it should take more time.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(11)(d); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

Applications. A sign permit application will contain:

(1)

The location of the sign structure;

(2)

Name and address of the sign owner and of the sign erector;

(3)

Drawings showing the design, size and location of the sign; and

(4)

Such other pertinent information as the zoning administrator may require to ensure compliance with the ordinances of the city.

(b)

Fees. Fees for sign permits will be set by the council.

(c)

Permit exceptions. The following operations will not be considered as creating a sign and therefore will not require a sign permit:

(1)

The changing of the advertising copy or message of an approved painted or printed sign or on a theater marquee and similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.

(2)

Painting, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or a sign structure unless a structural change is made.

(3)

Temporary signs.

(4)

Signs erected by the public works department and the state highway department.

(5)

Single- and two-family dwellings.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(7); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

Inspections. Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodically by the zoning administrator for compliance with this article and other ordinances of the city.

(b)

Maintenance. All signs and their components will be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition. Compliance will be made within 30 days.

(c)

Removal of sign. The zoning administrator may order the removal of any sign erected in violation of this article with a ten-day written notice. The zoning administrator may remove a sign immediately and without notice if the condition of the sign is such as to present an immediate threat to the safety of the public or is on public property without council approval.

(d)

Abandoned signs. Signs should be removed by the owner or lessee of the business when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the zoning administrator will give the owner a 30-day written notice to remove it. The city will pursue appropriate corrective action if the property owner fails to comply with this section.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(8); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Additional regulations of signs are set forth for each zoned area to coincide with this article.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(9); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Signs within the city will be categorized into eight basic types:

(1)

On-premises signs.

(2)

Off-premises signs.

(3)

Directional signs.

(4)

Official signs.

(5)

Service club-religious signs.

(6)

Temporary signs.

(7)

Nonconforming signs.

(8)

Awnings/marquees.

(9)

Electronic message unit signs.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(a); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

On-premises signs will be located on the property where the advertised activity is conducted. Size restrictions for these signs are listed according to the zone in which they are located. Signs displayed behind the window or door of the building or structure are exempt from this code.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(b); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Off-premise signs are allowed by a conditional grant. Sizes are controlled by each zoning classification.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(c); Ord. No. 459, 3-11-2008; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Directional signs are excluded from control.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(d); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Official signs are excluded from control, except that such signs may not exceed 16 square feet in area.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(e); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Temporary signs do not require a permit.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(f); Ord. No. 462, § 1, 4-8-2008; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Nonconforming signs are signs already existing on August 25, 1993, but which do not conform to the requirements listed in this article.

(1)

No structural repairs or alterations of nonconforming signs will be allowed unless a sign conforming to this article results.

(2)

Any nonconforming sign that is either abandoned or unused for one-year should be removed.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(g); Ord. No. 362, § 1, 8-10-1999; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Indirect lighting of signs is allowed.

(1)

The light source will be exterior to the sign and shielded so it will not cast a direct beam toward vehicular or pedestrian traffic on any street or sidewalk.

(2)

Any sign which is so placed that the bottom of the sign is at least ten feet above the ground will be illuminated in such a manner so as to minimize light spillover from the sign itself.

(3)

No moving, flashing, flashing neon, strobe or colored lights will be used to illuminate any sign.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(i); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

No sign with direct illumination may cause illumination upon an adjoining property nor cause illumination to be directed onto a street which would interfere with the operation of vehicular traffic.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(j); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

New awnings or marquees and existing awnings or marquees requiring repairs or alterations will be required to be moved back two feet from the curb and will require a revocable occupancy permit if they extend into the city right-of-way.

(b)

When new awnings or marquees are installed or when the sidewalk below the awning or marquee is repaired or replaced the City may require special conditions regarding public safety and storm water management.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(5)(k); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021

(a)

Such signs may be used only to advertise activities conducted on the premises or to present public service information.

(b)

Segmented messages must be displayed for not less than six seconds.

(c)

The time required to change a message will be one second or less.

(Ord. No. 467, 8-12-2008; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

For single-family homes:

(1)

One permanent sign per dwelling not to exceed two square feet in area with a two-foot setback from the property line or a city sidewalk.

(2)

Indirect illumination only.

(b)

For churches, community living, public utility structures, agricultural and gardening, home occupations, schools and service clubs, excluding parks:

(1)

One permanent sign for each unit on the subject premises, not to exceed 20 square feet in area per sign.

(2)

One directional or traffic control sign per entrance not to exceed two square feet in area and not to exceed three feet in height at the top of such sign; with a two-foot setback from any city sidewalk and the property line.

(3)

Indirect illumination only.

(4)

Park regulations will be addressed separately.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(a); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

For single- and two-family dwellings:

(1)

One permanent sign per family unit not to exceed two square feet with a two-foot setback from the property line or a city sidewalk.

(2)

Indirect illumination only.

(b)

For family day care, elderly and child care:

(1)

One permanent sign not to exceed 20 square feet with a two-foot setback from the property line or a city sidewalk.

(2)

Indirect illumination only.

(c)

For churches, public buildings, community living, schools, service clubs, public utility structures, home occupations, same as in single-family.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(b); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

For single-family, two-family, family care, churches, schools, community living, service clubs, public utility, agricultural and gardening uses, as set forth previously in the single- and two-family residential districts.

(b)

For multiple-family dwelling units:

(1)

One sign per building advertising the name of the complex not to exceed 20 square feet in area with a two-foot setback from the property line or a city sidewalk.

(2)

Indirect illumination only.

(3)

One directional or traffic sign per entrance or exit not to exceed two square feet in area and not to exceed three feet in height at the top of the sign.

(c)

For boardinghouses and lodging houses, philanthropic and charitable institutions, private clubs, fraternities and lodges, art galleries, museums, libraries and cultural institutions:

(1)

One sign advertising the name of the complex not to exceed 20 square feet in area with a two-foot setback from the property line or a city sidewalk.

(2)

One directional or traffic control sign not to exceed two square feet area and not to exceed three feet in height at the top of the sign per entrance.

(3)

Indirect illumination only.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(c); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

For single- and two-family dwellings, libraries, art galleries, museums, cultural institutions, clubs and lodges, churches, family care and hospitals, as previously set forth in the multiple-family residence district.

(b)

For uses permitted by right or conditional use in Office/residence districts:

(1)

One sign per complex advertising the name of the business or use, not to exceed 32 square feet in area with a two-foot setback from the property line or a sidewalk.

(2)

One directional or traffic control sign per entrance or exit not to exceed two square feet and not to exceed three feet in height at the top of the sign.

(3)

Indirect illumination only.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(d); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

Direct or indirect lighting is allowed.

(b)

Protruding signs will be a minimum of eight feet above the ground.

(c)

No signs will be allowed on any sidewalk.

(d)

Signs placed on any roof will not be flashing and will not extend beyond a maximum height of ten feet above the roof.

(e)

One freestanding sign per street frontage with a maximum size of 40 square feet, a maximum height of 30 feet, with the exception of directional signs.

(f)

Wall-flat signs will not exceed 40 square feet or seven percent of the wall surface area, whichever is less.

(g)

All signs which overhang city property will have minimum liability insurance as set by the council explicitly covering the sign. Proof of insurance will be placed on file annually with the clerk.

(h)

No sign with lighting will illuminate an area occupied as a single-family residence.

(i)

No sign will be between three feet and ten feet from the ground at an intersection and within 25 feet of an intersection.

(j)

Electronic message unit signs require a conditional use permit for installation on the exterior of or protruding from the building or on the roof or free standing and must comply with all other signage requirements established by this section.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(e); Ord. No. 495, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 508, 9-13-2011; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

No part of a sign will overhang a property line.

(b)

No sign which is within 25 feet of an intersection of a street will obstruct the vision at the intersection.

(c)

Signs placed on any roof will not be flashing and will not extend beyond a maximum height of ten feet above the roof.

(d)

No sign will move, flash or make noise, with the exception of a time or temperature sign.

(e)

Freestanding signs will not exceed a maximum height of 30 feet or a total size of 500 square feet.

(f)

Only one freestanding sign per frontage will be allowed, with the exception of directional signs.

(g)

Wall and flat signs will not exceed 500 square feet.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(f); Ord. No. 405, § 1, 11-11-2003; Ord. No. 420, 3-9-2005; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Cross reference— Businesses, Ch. 22.

(a)

Generally. In industrial districts, sign uses permitted in the highway commercial districts are permitted with the exception of the Tamarack Business Park.

(b)

Tamarack Business Park. Tamarack Business Park properties will comply with the following regulations:

(1)

Free standing signs. One illuminated free-standing sign no more than eight feet in height including the base with a maximum total area of 40 square feet will be allowed per the real estate owned by the owner. Freestanding signs will be located perpendicular and adjacent to Commerce Loop only.

(2)

Wall signs. Wall signs totaling a maximum of 500 square feet or six percent of the square footage of the wall upon which the sign is to be placed, whichever is less will be allowed per the legally described real estate. Illumination of the wall signs may be allowed and wall signs will only be located upon a wall of the building facing Commerce Loop.

(3)

Directional or traffic control sign. One direction or traffic control sign with a maximum area size of six square feet will be allowed per entrance and exit with a height not to exceed four feet. Illumination may be allowed.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(g); Ord. No. 421, § 1, 3-9-2005; Ord. No. 513, 9-11-2012; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Cross reference— Businesses, Ch. 22.

All signs in park and recreation districts will have a conditional use permit, be subject to approval by the plan commission, and conform to the aesthetics of the surrounding property.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(10)(h); Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Cross reference— Parks and recreation, Ch. 62.

The following temporary signs will be permitted anywhere within the city and will not require a permit. No other portable signs will be used.

(1)

Construction signs which identify the architects, engineers, contractors and other individuals or firms involved with the construction, including any advertisement of any product and signs announcing the character of the building enterprise or the purpose for which the building is intended, during the construction period. The signs will be confined to the site of the construction and will be removed within 14 days at the end of construction. Construction signs will not exceed 32 square feet in area.

(2)

Real estate signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the signs are displayed, up to a total area of eight square feet. Such signs will be removed within 14 days of the sale, rental or lease of the premises or portions advertised.

(3)

Political campaign signs announcing candidates seeking public office and other pertinent data are allowed. The sign(s) will be removed within 72 hours of the date of the election for which the sign was posted by property owners/residents or by granted permission.

(4)

Street banners and other portable signs advertising a public entertainment or nonprofit organizational event if specially approved by the council and only for locations designated by the council, during and for ten days before and three days after the event. Proof of liability insurance in the amount set by the council will be provided to the clerk prior to the construction of the street banner.

(5)

Show window signs in a window display of merchandise when incorporated with such a display. They need not be related in content to the display.

(6)

Garage, flea market and rummage sale signs, removed on a nightly basis.

(7)

Banners, posters and advertising displays constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic sheets, cardboard and other like materials, and which are not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground will only be displayed upon the premises at which promoted items are sold or distributed and/or site of promoted event, unless specifically exempted by action of the city council. Emergency permit approval may be authorized upon concurrence of mayor, police chief and either city clerk or city administrator.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(6); Ord. No. 413, 9-10-2004; Ord. No. 422, 3-9-2005); Ord. No. 458, 4-8-2008; Ord. No. 499, 9-9-2010; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

(a)

Signs will not resemble, imitate or approximate the shape, form or color of traffic or railroad signs, signals or devices or use such words as "stop," "look," "danger," "go slow," "caution" or "warning." Signs will not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of traffic or railroad signs, signals or devices. No sign will be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape; and no sign will be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.

(b)

Permanent signs affixed to or painted upon rocks, trees, utility poles or other such structures are prohibited.

(c)

No advertising signs will be designed and erected so as to be intentionally seen or read from any water area unless authorized by a conditional permit.

(d)

No signs on glass doors over one square foot are permitted.

(e)

No sign or advertisement of any sort will be affixed to any municipal property of the city without written permission from the city council.

(Code 1972, § 17.19(4); Ord. No. 362, § 2, 8-10-1999; Ord. No. 466, 10-14-2008; Ord. No. 567, 1-12-2021; Ord. No. 568, 1-12-2021)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 466, adopted October 14, 2008, deleted subsection (a) of section 106-761. To preserve the style of this Code, and at the editor's discretion, former subsections (b)—(f) have been renumbered as subsections (a)—(e).