The purpose of this chapter is to protect the safety and orderly development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign structures.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   ABANDONED SIGN. A sign structure that has ceased to be used, and the owner intends no longer to have used, for the display of sign copy or as otherwise defined by state law.

   ANIMATED SIGN. A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion. ANIMATED SIGNS, which are differentiated from changeable signs, as defined and regulated by this code, include the following types.

      (1)   ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED. Animated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical or electro-mechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below.

         (a)   ENVIRONMENTALLY ACTIVATED. Animated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input, includes: spinners; pinwheels; pennant strings; and/or other devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.

         (b)   MECHANICALLY ACTIVATED. Animated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.

      (2)   FLASHING.

         (a)   Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of non-illumination.

         (b)   For the purposes of this chapter, FLASHING will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds four seconds.

      (3)   PATTERNED ILLUSIONARY MOVEMENT. Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.

   ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION.

      (1)   Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but that does not include signs as defined herein.

      (2)   See also AWNING; BACKLIT AWNING; and CANOPY, ATTACHED AND FREESTANDING.

   AWNING. An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non-rigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.

   AWNING SIGN. A sign displayed on, or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of, an awning. See also WALL OR FASCIA SIGN.

   BACKLIT AWNING. An awning with a translucent covering material and a source of illumination contained within its framework.

   BANNER. A flexible substrate on which copy or graphics may be displayed.

   BANNER SIGN. A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.

   BILLBOARD. See OFF-PREMISES SIGN and OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN.

   BUILDING ELEVATION. The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline, as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.

   CANOPY (ATTACHED).

      (1)   A multi-sided overhead structure or architectural projection supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional points.

      (2)   The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached CANOPY may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.

      (3)   See also MARQUEE.

   CANOPY (FREE-STANDING).

      (1)   A multi-sided overhead structure supported by columns, but not enclosed by walls.

      (2)   The surface(s) and or soffit of a free-standing canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.

   CANOPY SIGN. A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or free-standing canopy. For reference, see § 152.03 of this chapter.

   CHANGEABLE SIGN. A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs which are:

      (1)   ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices, or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN OR CENTER; or

      (2)   MANUALLY ACTIVATED. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually.

   COMBINATION SIGN. A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a building structure.

   COPY. Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals identifying a street address only.

   DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX SIGN. A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord, approved in accordance with § 152.51 of this chapter.

   DIRECTIONAL SIGN. Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

   DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. A sign with two faces, back to back.

   ELECTRIC SIGN. Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical energy.

   ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN OR CENTER. An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message capability can be electronically programmed.

   EXTERIOR SIGN. Any sign placed outside a building.

   FASCIA SIGN. See WALL OR FASCIA SIGN.

   FLASHING SIGN. See ANIMATED SIGN, ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED.

   FREE-STANDING SIGN. A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground. For visual reference, see § 152.03 of this chapter.

   FRONTAGE (BUILDING). The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a single premises orientated to the public way or other properties that it faces.

   FRONTAGE (PROPERTY). The length of the property line(s) of any single premises along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.

   GROUND SIGN. See FREE-STANDING SIGN.

   INCIDENTAL SIGN. A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as “no parking”, “entrance”, “loading only”, “telephone” and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the zone lot on which the sign is located shall be considered INCIDENTAL.

   ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated); or reflecting off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).

   INTERIOR SIGN. Any sign placed within a building, but not including “window signs”, as defined by this chapter. INTERIOR SIGNS, with the exception of window signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.

   MANSARD. An inclined decorative roof-like projection that is attached to an exterior building facade.

   MARQUEE. See CANOPY (ATTACHED).

   MARQUEE SIGN. See CANOPY SIGN.

   MENU BOARD. A free-standing sign orientated to the drive-through lane for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the drive-through window, and which has no more than 20% of the total area for such a sign utilized for business identification.

   MULTIPLE-FACED SIGN. A sign containing three or more faces.

   OFF-PREMISES SIGN. See OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN.

   ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use of, products sold on or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.

   OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN. A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or non-commercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.

   PARAPET. The extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.

   POLE SIGN. See FREE-STANDING SIGN.

   POLITICAL SIGN. A temporary sign intended to advance a political statement, cause or candidate for office. A legally permitted outdoor advertising sign shall not be considered to be a POLITICAL SIGN.

   PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building or building surface.

   PROJECTING SIGN. A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects more than 18 inches (457 mm) from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign. For visual reference, see § 152.03 of this chapter.

   REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of the property or premises upon which it is located.

   REVOLVING SIGN. A sign that revolves 360 degrees (6.28 rad) about an axis. See also ANIMATED SIGN, MECHANICALLY ACTIVATED.

   ROOF LINE. The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.

   ROOF SIGN. A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be ROOF SIGNS. For a visual reference, and a comparison of differences between roof and fascia signs, see § 152.03 of this chapter.

   SIGN. Any device visible from a public place that displays either commercial or non-commercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Non- commercial flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be considered to be SIGNS.

   SIGN AREA. The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprise the sign face. The area of any double-sided or “V” shaped sign shall be the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the AREA of a circle. The AREA of all other multiple-sided signs shall be computed as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces of the sign.

   SIGN COPY. Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of numerals identifying a street address only.

   SIGN FACE.

      (1)   The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, non-structural or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border.

      (2)   In the case of panel or cabinet type signs, the SIGN FACE shall include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open space between separate panels or cabinets.

      (3)   In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy, the SIGN FACE shall include the entire area of the surface that is routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border or a contrasting surface or color.

      (4)   In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the SIGN FACE shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building or structure.

      (5)   In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the color of the building or structure, the SIGN FACE shall comprise the area within the contrasting background, or within the painted or illuminated border.

   SIGN STRUCTURE. Any structure supporting a sign.

   SPONSORSHIP SIGN. Any sign displayed on a zone lot owned by an institution such as a fairground, school, park district or similar organization sold to individual or business sponsors of that organization.

   TEMPORARY SIGN.

      (1)   A sign intended to display either commercial or non-commercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature.

      (2)   Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground, are considered TEMPORARY SIGNS.

   UNDER CANOPY SIGN or UNDER MARQUEE SIGN. A sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.

   V SIGN. Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size, erected upon common or separate structures, positioned in a “V” shape with an interior angle between faces of not more than 90 (1.57 rad) degrees with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (1,524 mm) at their closest point.

   WALL OR FASCIA SIGN.

      (1)   A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building; provided, the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.

      (2)   For a visual reference and a comparison of differences between WALL OR FASCIA SIGNS and roof signs, see § 152.03 of this chapter.

   WINDOW SIGN. A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from adjacent property.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   Sign types and the computation of sign area shall be as depicted herein.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   (A)   Permits required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be obtained from the code official for the erection and maintenance of all signs erected or maintained within this jurisdiction and in accordance with other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all the other provisions of this chapter.

   (B)   Construction documents. Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure requiring such permit, construction documents shall be filed with the code official showing the dimensions, materials and required details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the International Building Code.

   (C)   Changes to signs. No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged or relocated, except in conformity to the provisions herein, nor until a proper permit, if required, has been secured. The changing or maintenance of movable parts or components of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the changing of copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter or the content of any sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration.

   (D)   Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter or relocate a sign shall be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted within this jurisdiction.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   (A)   Any of the following shall be a violation of this chapter and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by this chapter, by Ch. 153 of this code of ordinances and by state law:

      (1)   To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone lot on which the sign is located; to install, create, erect or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit; to install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone lot on which sign is located; and

      (2)   To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter, or for which the sign permit has lapsed; or to continue any such violation. Each such day of a continued violation shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this chapter.

   (B)   Each sign installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this chapter.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the International Building Code and of any other ordinance or regulation within this jurisdiction.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within two feet (610 mm) of the lines of any street, or within any public way, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of this jurisdiction or by specific authorization of the code official.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   Signs projecting over public walkways shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height of eight feet (2,438 mm) from grade level to the bottom of the sign. Signs, architectural projections or sign structures projecting over vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the jurisdiction for such structures.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, shape or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   If a premises contains walls facing more than one property line or encompasses property frontage bounded by more than one street or other property usages, the sign area(s) for each building wall or property frontage will be computed separately for each building wall or property line facing a different frontage. The sign area(s) thus calculated shall be permitted to then be applied to permitted signs placed on each separate wall or property line frontage.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   Animated signs, except as prohibited herein, are permitted in commercial and industrial zones only. Changeable signs, manually activated, are permitted for non-residential uses in all zones. Changeable signs, electrically activated, are permitted in all non-residential zones.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   Every sign permitted by this chapter shall be kept in good condition and repair. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the code official, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner thereof or the person or firm using same shall, upon written notice by the code official forthwith in the case of immediate danger and, in any case within not more than ten days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter, or shall remove it. If, within ten days, the order is not complied with, the code official shall be permitted to remove or cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user of the sign.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   Any sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies a use conducted on the property on which said sign is erected must have the sign copy covered or removed within 30 days after written notification from the code official; and, upon failure to comply with such notice, the code official is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign copy, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or ground on which the sign is located. Any sign structure, not displaying a conforming sign face for more than 180 days shall no longer be considered a sign and must be removed upon written notification. Any sign located on any lot or structure, or portion thereof, occupied by a conforming or non-conforming use, which is or hereafter becomes vacant and remains unoccupied by a conforming or non-conforming use for a period of six months shall not thereafter be a permitted sign and must be removed within 30 days after written notification from the code official; and, upon failure to comply with such notice, the code official is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or ground on which the sign is located.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   (A)   General. Except as otherwise provided herein, the owner of any zone lot or other premises on which exists a sign that does not conform with the requirements of this chapter or for which there is no current and valid sign permit shall be obligated to remove such sign or, in the case of a non-conforming sign, to bring it into conformity with the requirements of this chapter.

   (B)   Signs existing on effective date. For any sign existing in the city on 4-9-2013, the effective date of this chapter, an application for a sign permit must be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer before six months after the effective date of this chapter. For any sign on property annexed at a later date, applications for sign permits shall be submitted within six months of the effective date of the annexation or within such period as may be established in an annexation agreement between the city and the landowner. Signs that are the subject of applications received after the applicable date set forth in this section shall be subject to all the terms and conditions of this chapter and shall not be entitled to the protection of this subsection (B). Applications for permits for existing signs submitted before six months after the effective date of this chapter shall be exempt from the initial fees adopted under the authority of this chapter, but not from renewal or subsequent fees.

   (C)   Non-conforming existing signs, permits and terms. A sign that would be permitted under this chapter only with a sign permit, but which was in existence on 4-9-2013, the effective date of this chapter, or on a later date when the property is annexed to the city, and which was constructed in accordance with the ordinances and other applicable laws in effect on the date of its construction, but which by reason of its size, height, location, design or construction is not in conformance with the requirements of this chapter, shall be issued a non-conforming sign permit if an application in accordance with subsection (A) above is timely filed. Such permit shall allow the sign(s) subject to such permit, which were made non-conforming by the adoption of this chapter, to remain in place and be maintained for a period ending no later than ten years after the effective date of this chapter; provided that, no action is taken which increases the degree or extend of the non-conformity. Such signs are also subject to the provisions of this subsection (C). A change in the information on the face of an existing non-conforming sign is allowed. However, any non-conforming sign shall either be eliminated or made to conform with the requirements of this section when any proposed change, repair or maintenance would constitute an expense of more than 25% of the lesser of the original value or replacement value of the sign.

   (D)   Lapse of non-conforming sign permit. A non-conforming sign permit shall lapse and become void under the same circumstances as those under which any other sign permit may lapse and become void.

   (E)   Sign removal required. A sign that was constructed, painted, installed or maintained in conformance with a permit under this chapter, but for which the permit has lapsed or not been renewed or for which the time allowed for the continuance of a non-conforming sign has expired, shall be forthwith removed without notice or action from the city.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this chapter, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: (No sign shall be exempt from § 152.23 of this chapter.)

   (A)   Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety official;

   (B)   Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal governments;

   (C)   Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of non-combustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure;

   (D)   The flag of a government or non-commercial institution, such as a school;

   (E)   Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season;

   (F)   Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain;

   (G)   Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address signs that contain no advertising copy and which do not exceed six square feet (0.56 m2) in area; and

   (H)   Sponsorship signs, as defined in § 152.02 of this chapter.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   (A)   Prohibited signs. The following devices and locations shall be specifically prohibited:

      (1)   Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic;

      (2)   Except as provided for elsewhere in this code, signs encroaching upon or overhanging public right-of-way. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree or any other public facility located within the public right-of-way;

      (3)   Signs which blink flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance;

      (4)   Portable signs, except as allowed for temporary signs;

      (5)   Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, except for signs meeting the following conditions:

         (a)   The primary purpose of such a vehicle or trailer is not the display of signs;

         (b)   The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer, and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle; and

         (c)   The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively used or available for use in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate.

      (6)   Vehicles and trailers are not used primarily as static displays, advertising a product or service, nor utilized as storage, shelter or distribution points for commercial products or services for the general public; and

      (7)   Balloons, streamers or pinwheels, except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion or community event. For the purposes of this subsection, TEMPORARILY means no more than 20 days in any calendar year.

      (1)   Signs which provide directional information to places of worship, less than six square feet;

      (2)   Temporary signs placed in designated right-of-way areas by not-for-profit groups or organizations for community events of a fundraising and/or special event nature. Such signs shall meet the following conditions:

         (a)   Signs shall be limited to a maximum of 32 square feet, or four feet by eight feet;

         (b)   Signs shall be placed only in areas specifically designated by the Code Enforcement Officer;

         (c)   Signs shall be temporary in nature, and shall not be posted for any duration longer than 15 days, including the day of the event;

         (d)   Signs shall be securely anchored, and of such construction to permit a professional appearance for the duration of their posting; and

         (e)   Signs shall not be for the purpose of advertising the sale of commercial products or services to the general public.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 3179, passed 7-10-2018) Penalty, see § 152.99

   Identification signs shall be in accordance with §§ 152.43 through 152.50 of this chapter.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   (A)   Wall signs.

      (1)   Every single-family residence, multiple-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every separate non-residential building in a residential zone may display wall signs per street frontage subject to the limiting standards set forth in Tables 152.43(A) and 152.43(B) of this chapter.

      (2)   For shopping centers, planned industrial parks or other multiple occupancy non-residential buildings, the building face or wall shall be calculated separately for each separate occupancy, but in no event will the allowed area for any separate occupancy be less than three square feet.

   (B)   Free-standing signs. In addition to any allowable wall signs, every single-family residential subdivision, multiple-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every separate non-residential building in a residential zone shall be permitted to display free-standing or combination signs per street frontage subject to the limiting standards set forth in Table 152.43(C) of this chapter.

   (C)   Directional signs.

      (1)   No more than two directional signs shall be permitted per street entrance to any lot.

      (2)   There shall be no limit to the number of directional signs providing directional information interior to a lot.

      (3)   In residential zones, the maximum area for directional signs shall be three square feet.

      (4)   For all other zones, the maximum area for any directional sign visible from adjacent property or rights-of-way shall be 15 square feet.

      (5)   Not more than 25% of the area of any directional sign shall be permitted to be devoted to business identification or logo, which area shall not be assessed as identification sign area, except as in § 152.41 of this chapter.

 

 

 

 

   (D)   Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be in accordance with this section.

      (1)   Real estate signs. Real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations.

         (a)   Real estate signs located on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than three feet in height, six square feet in area.

         (b)   1.   Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots located within a subdivision shall be limited to one sign per entrance to the subdivision, and each sign shall be no greater than six square feet in area, nor three feet in height.

            2.   All signs permitted under this section shall be removed within ten days after sale of the last original lot.

 

 

         (c)   Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of space within commercial or industrial buildings shall be no greater than 15 square feet in area, nor six feet in height, and shall be limited to one sign per street front.

         (d)   Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of vacant commercial or industrial land shall be limited to one sign per street front, and each sign shall be no greater than six feet in height, and 32 square feet for property of ten acres (40 470 m2) or less, or 100 square feet (9.3 m2) for property exceeding ten acres (40 470 m2).

         (e)   Real estate signs shall be removed not later than ten days after execution of a lease agreement in the event of a lease, or the closing of the sale in the event of a purchase.

      (2)   Development and construction signs. Signs temporarily erected during construction to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects, engineers, the nature of the project or anticipated completion dates, shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations.

         (a)   Such signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than four feet in height and 15 square feet in area.

         (b)   Such signs for a residential subdivision or multiple residential lots shall be limited to one sign, at each entrance to the subdivision or on one of the lots to be built upon, and shall be no greater three feet in height, six square feet in area.

         (c)   Such signs for non-residential uses in residential districts shall be limited to one sign, and shall be no greater than three feet in height and six square feet in area.

         (d)   Such signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited to one sign per street front, not to exceed six feet in height and 32 square feet for projects on parcels five acres (20 235 m2) or less in size, and not to exceed six feet in height and 32 square feet for projects on parcels larger than five acres (20 235 m2).

         (e)   Development and construction signs may not be displayed until after the issuance of construction permits by the Building Official, and must be removed not later than 24 hours following issuance of an occupancy permit for any of all portions or the project.

      (3)   Special promotion, event and grand opening signs. Signs temporarily displayed to advertise special information, promotions, events and grand openings shall be permitted for non-residential uses in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial districts subject to the following limitations.

         (a)   Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.

         (b)   1.   Such signs may be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days in any three- month period, and not more than 60 days in any calendar year.

            2.   The signs shall be erected no more than five days prior to the event or grand opening, and shall be removed not more than one day after the event or grand opening.

         (c)   The total area of all such signs shall not exceed six square feet in any single-family residential district, six square feet in any multiple-family residential district and 15 square feet in any commercial or industrial district.

   (D)   Special event signs in public ways. Signs advertising a special community event shall not be prohibited in or over public rights-of-way, subject to approval in writing by the code official as to the size, location and method of erection. The code official may not approve any special event signage that would impair the safety and convenience of use of public rights-of-way, or obstruct traffic visibility.

   (E)   Portable signs. Portable signs shall be permitted only in the C, CR and F1 Districts, as designated in this code, subject to the following limitations.

      (1)   No more than one such sign may be displayed on any property, and shall not exceed a height of six feet, nor an area of 15 square feet.

      (2)   Such signs shall be displayed not more than 20 days in any calendar year.

      (3)   Any electrical portable signs shall comply with the ICC Electrical Code, as adopted in this jurisdiction.

      (4)   No portable sign shall be displayed prior to obtaining a sign permit.

   (F)   Political signs. Political signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations.

      (1)   Such signs shall not exceed a height of four feet, nor an area of 15 square feet, in commercial zoning districts and shall not exceed a height of three feet, nor an area of six square feet in area, in residential districts.

      (2)   Such signs for election candidates or ballot propositions shall be displayed only for a period of 60 days preceding the election and shall be removed within ten days after the election; provided that, signs promoting successful candidates or ballot propositions in a primary election may remain displayed until not more than ten days after the general election, except for political signs displayed on residential property.

      (3)   Such signs may be placed in the public right-of-way but require the permission of the adjacent property owner and are subject to removal by the adjacent property owner at any time and are subject to subsections (F)(1) and (F)(2) above. Such signs shall not obstruct traffic visibility in accordance with § 152.41 of this chapter.

   (G)   Daily “open” signs.

      (1)   Signs temporarily displayed during hours of operation, for identification or promotion, such as sandwich boards are allowed in commercial areas which have no setback from the right-of- way/property line, such as the immediate area around the Greenville square. Such signs may be displayed on the sidewalk adjacent to the building during open hours and must allow a minimum of five linear from the sign to the curb for pedestrian traffic.

      (2)   The total area of these signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in any commercial district and is applicable only to parcels that have buildings on the front property line.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   (A)   The permanently-affixed copy area of canopy or marquee signs shall not exceed an area equal to 25% of the face area of the canopy, marquee or architectural projection upon which such sign is affixed or applied.

   (B)   Graphic striping, patterns or color bands on the face of a building, canopy, marquee or architectural projection shall not be included in the computation of sign copy area.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   (A)   The copy area of awning signs shall not exceed an area equal to 25% of the background area of the awning or awning surface to which such a sign is affixed or applied, or the permitted area for wall or fascia signs, whichever is less.

   (B)   Neither the background color of an awning, nor any graphic treatment or embellishment thereto such as striping, patterns or valances, shall be included in the computation of sign copy area.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   (A)   Projecting signs shall be permitted in lieu of free-standing signage on any street frontage limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance to such an occupancy, and shall be limited in height and area to one square foot per each one lineal feet of building frontage; except that, no such sign shall exceed an area of 10% of the total square feet of the facade of the building front.

   (B)   No such sign shall extend vertically above the highest point of the building facade upon which it is mounted by more than 20% of the height of the building facade.

   (C)   Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any public sidewalk a minimum of eight feet.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   (A)   Under canopy signs shall be limited to no more than one such sign per public entrance to any occupancy, and shall be limited to an area not to exceed 10% of the total square feet of the facade of the building front.

   (B)   Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any sidewalk or pedestrian way a minimum of eight feet.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   (A)   Roof signs shall be permitted in commercial and industrial districts only.

   (B)   Such signs shall be limited to a height above the roofline of the elevation parallel to the sign face of no more than 20% of the height of the roofline in commercial districts, and 20% of the height of the roofline in industrial districts.

   (C)   The sign area for roof signs shall be assessed against the aggregate permitted area for wall signs on the elevation of the building most closely parallel to the face of the sign.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   Window signs shall be permitted for any non-residential use in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial districts, subject to the following limitations.

   (A)   The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 25% of the window area on which such signs are displayed. Window panels separated by muntins or mullions shall be considered as one continuous window area.

   (B)   Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted for other sign types.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   Menu board signs shall not be permitted to exceed 50 square feet (4.6 m2).

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013) Penalty, see § 152.99

   (A)   Master sign plan required. All landlord or single-owner controlled multiple-occupancy development complexes on parcels exceeding eight acres (32,376 m2) in size, such as shopping centers or planned industrial parks, shall submit to the code official a master sign plan prior to issuance of new sign permits. The master sign plan shall establish standards and criteria for all signs in the complex that require permits, and shall address, at a minimum, the following:

      (1)   Proposed sign locations;

      (2)   Materials;

      (3)   Type of illumination;

      (4)   Design of free-standing sign structures;

      (5)   Size;

      (6)   Quantity; and

      (7)   Uniform standards for non-business signage, including directional and informational signs.

   (B)   Development complex sign. In addition to the free-standing business identification signs otherwise allowed by this chapter, every multiple-occupancy development complex shall be entitled to one free-standing sign per street front, at the maximum size permitted for business identification free-standing signs, to identify the development complex. No business identification shall be permitted on a development complex sign. Any free-standing sign otherwise permitted under this chapter may identify the name of the development complex.

   (C)   Compliance with master sign plan. All applications for sign permits for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall comply with the master sign plan.

   (D)   Amendments. Any amendments to a master sign plan must be signed and approved by the owner(s) within the development complex before such amendment will become effective.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)

   Whoever violates any provision of this chapter or other ordinance of the city for which another penalty is not specifically provided shall be fined not less than $100, nor more than $750, for each and every violation thereof, and every day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. 3006, passed 4-9-2013)