Grimes City Zoning Code

This chapter, providing for the administration and enforcement of sign regulations, shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the SIGN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRIMES, IOWA.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens, to maintain and enhance the visual environment of the City, to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, and to minimize possible adverse effects on public and private property. The provisions of this chapter are intended to permit signs that will not, by reason of their size, location, construction or manner of display, endanger life and limb, confuse or mislead traffic, obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger the public health, safety, and welfare; and further, to regulate such permitted signs in a way to promote development that is not detrimental to the property values and aesthetics of the City. No sign shall be erected or maintained in the City's jurisdiction, except those specifically allowed by this chapter. All signs as permitted by the applicable zoning district regulations in all zoning districts in the City shall comply with the regulations of this chapter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The lawful use of signs existing at the time of the enactment of this chapter may be continued although such use may not conform to the regulations herein. For those signs permitted before the adoption of these regulations, such signs shall be classified as "permitted nonconforming" structures. No permit shall be issued for any lot, tenant, or development after the effective date hereof and not in substantial conformity with the provisions of these regulations. Nor shall any sign, except as herein specified, be erected, substantially improved, converted, enlarged, or otherwise altered without conforming to the provisions of this chapter. Violation of the sign regulations set forth in this chapter shall be deemed a violation of this Code of Ordinances and punishable under Section 12-1-3 of the Grimes Code of Ordinances.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

In all districts, in connection with every industrial, commercial, business, recreational, or dwelling use, and all other uses, signage shall be provided in accordance with all of the following regulations except as elsewhere provided herein.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   The following signs shall not be permitted, erected, or maintained on any property within the City:

   1. A.
      Banners, pennants, spinners, streamers, ribbons, balloons, inflatables, posters, flags or other similar moving devices, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   2. B.
      Billboards.
   3. C.
      Neon lights or signs, not intended to add to the overall architectural theme of the site, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   4. D.
      Building panel signs.
   5. E.
      Hazardous signs, any sign or sign structure which is structurally unsafe, is not kept in good repair, or is capable of causing electrical shock to persons likely to come in contact.
   6. F.
      Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving lights, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   7. G.
      Signs which include visible moving parts, changeable copy or description by electrical or nonelectrical means, or by action of wind currents; except as permitted in this chapter.
   8. H.
      Pole signs.
   9. I.
      Portable or temporary signs, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   10. J.
       Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained in violation of this chapter.
   11. K.
       Any sign displaying any obscene, indecent or immoral matter, as defined by this chapter.
   12. L.
       Roof signs.
   13. M.
       Any vehicle sign parked in such a way to draw attention of people from a public place or street. This shall not include vehicles parked within an approved parking space per the approved site plan.
   14. N.
       Ground-mounted signs in any residential land use, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   15. O.
       Building-mounted signs in any residential land use, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   16. P.
       Manual changeable copy signs.
   17. Q.
       Video message boards.
   18. R.
       Painted wall signs.
   19. S.
       Obsolete signs.
   20. T.
       Projecting Signs, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   21. U.
       Off-premise signs on property without a principal use, except during periods of time when a property is for sale or under development review and except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
   22. V.
       Any signs, except permitted nonconforming signs, not specifically permitted within this chapter. Any other form of sign not specifically mentioned within this chapter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   SIGN FACE EXTENSION. No sign face on a building-mounted sign shall extend horizontally beyond the supporting structure a distance greater than twelve (12) inches.
2. 2.
   ELECTRIC SIGNS.

   1. A.
      All electric signs shall be manufactured to meet UL specifications and shall require an electrical permit.
   2. B.
      Electric signs shall be watertight, with service holes to provide access to each compartment with fitted waterproof covers.
   3. C.
      Any electrical equipment or apparatus of a sign which causes interference with radio or television reception shall not be allowed.
3. 3.
   WIND PRESSURE AND DEAD LOAD REQUIREMENTS. All signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure as regulated by the building code of the City, and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the building code and/or other ordinances of the City. Temporary signs shall be excluded from wind and dead load requirements as required above.
4. 4.
   CLEARANCE FROM ELECTRICAL LINES. A clearance of not less than eight (8) feet horizontally and twelve (12) feet vertically shall be maintained between any sign and any overhead electrical transmission line.
5. 5.
   NUMBER OF FACES. No sign shall have more than two (2) faces. Sign faces shall be parallel, unless determined to be consistent with the architectural character of the building, and approved by the Zoning Administrator.
6. 6.
   LIGHTING OF SIGNS. Signs, if illuminated, must be lit by internal fixtures unless determined to be consistent with the architectural character of the building, and approved by the Zoning Administrator. A constant level of light must be maintained, provided that this shall not be construed to prohibit use of an automatic dimmer to reduce garish effects at night. Lighting shall not flash or move. Sign lighting shall be consistent with the standards set forth elsewhere in the zoning regulations.
7. 7.
   EMISSIONS PROHIBITED. No sign shall emit audible sound, noticeable odor, smoke, or other visible matter.
8. 8.
   OBSTRUCTION OF FIRE EXITS, LIGHT, OR VENTILATION. No sign shall be permitted to obstruct or interfere in any way with free use of any door, window, or fire escape, nor to obstruct or impair operation of any opening required for ventilation.
9. 9.
   TRAFFIC HAZARDS. It is illegal for any sign to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be of such design which may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device; no sign shall imitate an official traffic sign and be placed in a way that will interfere with, mislead, or confuse motorists.
10. 10.
    VISION TRIANGLE. No sign shall be erected, placed, or allowed to be situated in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of two and one-half (2 ½) and ten (10) feet above the centerline grades of intersecting streets or an intersecting street and private driveway in the area bounded by the street or driveway lines of such intersections and a line joining points along said street or driveway lines twenty-five (25) feet from the point of intersection. See Figure 12-14A.
11. 11.
    SIGN COLORS. Sign colors shall be earth tone or neutral colors or match the national franchise or business branding.

Figure 12-14A Vision Triangle

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The area of a sign is determined by the Zoning Administrator using actual dimensions where practical, or approximate dimensions when irregularity of a sign shape warrants. The sign area shall be the sum of the area of all rectangles, squares, or circular shapes that enclose the extreme points or edges of all copy, logos, and symbols of said sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   CUTOUT LETTERS OR FIGURES; COPY AREA LIMITED. All letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed on a ground-mounted sign shall be safely and securely built to or attached to the sign structure and shall comply with all requirements of the "design" and "maintenance" subsections of this chapter. The copy area shall be limited to a single geometric shape unless it emulates the building form or feature.
2. 2.
   SIGN BASE AND SURROUND. All sign bases and surrounds shall be designed and constructed of materials that are similar to those used on the principal building. Sign bases and surrounds shall consist of masonry or similar durable materials, such as brick, stone, block, and other masonry or concrete materials, and shall be compatible with other structures and signs in the development. Metal skirting around a supporting pole shall not be considered an acceptable sign base and surround material. No exposed sign cabinetry or electrical equipment or switches shall be visible from the right-of-way. Sign cabinetry shall be inset within the monument sign. All sign bases shall be at least twelve (12) inches in height, while all sign surrounds shall be at least six (6) inches in thickness. The sign and surround shall not be wider than the sign base. No base consisting of blank, unarticulated area shall exceed ten (10) feet in vertical direction. The sign shall lay directly on top of the base with no space in between. See Figures 12-14B and 12-14C below for additional details.

Figure 12-14B Ground-Mounted Signs Parallel to the Right-of-Way

Figure 12-14C Ground-Mounted Signs Perpendicular to the Right-of-Way

3. 3.
   SIGN AREA. Sign area shall be provided in accordance to Table 12-14D. Eighty (80) total square feet of ground-mounted signage is permitted per lot. A minimum distance of fifty (50) feet shall separate any two (2) ground-mounted signs on the same property, except signs six (6) square feet or less, in which case, a minimum distance of ten (10) feet shall be provided from any other sign. The total area of a sign shall be the actual square footage of one (1) sign face. Double faced signs may be permitted with the maximum square footage permitted on each side. Not more than two (2) sides of a sign structure can display signage.

4. 4.
   SETBACK REQUIREMENT: The minimum setback required for ground-mounted signs shall be five (5) feet. All signs shall have a side setback not less than the height of the sign but in no case less than five (5) feet.
5. 5.
   WIDTH: The maximum width of a ground-mounted sign structure shall be ten (10) feet.
6. 6.
   HEIGHT: The maximum height of a ground-mounted sign structure shall be five (5) feet; provided, however, the maximum height may be increased one (1) foot for each additional one (1) foot of setback over the minimum required setback to a maximum sign structure height of fifteen (15) feet. See Table 12-14D for more information. For the purpose of measuring the height of the sign structure when the sign is placed on a slope, the ground surface at the midpoint between the elevation of the leading and trailing edge shall be considered the point of measurement. Where the street is substantially higher or lower than the proposed sign location, the Zoning Administrator may provide variations on the height requirement as described in this chapter. "Substantially" is defined, in this case, as a change in vertical distance greater than five (5) feet. In Figure 12-14E below, the sign height would be calculated at eight (8) feet in height.

Figure 12-14E Ground-Mounted Sign Height on Slope

7. 7.
   MONOLITHIC OR COLUMNAR LINE: Ground-mounted signs shall have a monolithic or columnar line that maintains essentially the same profile from grade to top.
8. 8.
   MULTI-TENANT SIGNS. All ground-mounted signs that display more than one (1) tenant shall utilize a consistent earth tone or neutral field color for the copy area of the sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   SIGN AREA ALLOWED: The following sign areas shall be allowed.

   1. A.
      One and one-half (1 ½) square feet of sign area may be erected for every linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of five hundred (500) square feet.
   2. B.
      In the case that a tenant has frontage along more than one (1) street, the total sign area shall be calculated off of no more than two (2) street frontages, up to a maximum of seven hundred (700) square feet.
   3. C.
      In the case that a tenant is not oriented towards a street frontage, the maximum sign area shall be calculated off of the building face where the front entrance is located.
   4. D.
      In the case that a tenant within a multi-tenant building is not oriented towards a street frontage and desires to place a sign on the elevation that faces a street frontage, the maximum sign area allowed to be displayed by all tenants on the street-facing frontage shall be one and one-half (1 ½) square feet of sign area per linear foot of building frontage.
   5. E.
      Signs can be placed on any building face. However, no more than one and one-half (1 ½) square feet of sign area per linear foot is permitted on any one (1) building face.
   6. F.
      Any number of signs can be displayed on the building up to the maximum sign area permitted.
2. 2.
   MULTI-STORY BUILDINGS: In the case of a multi-story building, the maximum square footage for each building or tenant sign shall be one (1) square foot of sign area for every linear foot of building or tenant frontage. In the event that a tenant occupies more than one story, they shall only be permitted to count the frontage on one story.
3. 3.
   MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS: In the case of a multi-tenant building, location of tenant signs shall be placed upon the building in a consistent manner. See Figure 12-14F below.

Figure 12-14F Multi-Tenant Sign Location

4. 4.
   LETTERS, SYMBOLS, AND LOGOS: Under no circumstances will a letter, symbol, or logo dimension greater than six (6) feet be allowed. All building signs shall be principally comprised of individual channel letters or push through or routed letters at least one (1) inch in depth. For the purpose of displaying letters, symbols or logos, no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the sign area may be allotted to an awning or capsule sign. A channel letter or push through or routed letter sign is required before a capsule or awning sign can be permitted.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

In the case of a commercial or residential subdivision, when there exists an owners' association that provides for the maintenance of the sign or structures, seventy (70) square feet of sign area shall be granted to the subdivision. All sign dimensions shall be regulated in accordance with Table 12-14D; however, the maximum area for each sign shall be thirty-five (35) square feet. No more than two (2) signs shall be permitted per subdivision. Each sign must be separated by at least fifty (50) linear feet. Such signs shall be extensively landscaped with trees, plantings, and natural features. Such signs may incorporate fountains, fences, or similar features. In the case of a commercial or residential subdivision that is actively under development/construction, thirty-five (35) square feet of sign area shall be permitted for the display of temporary signage.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

City facility signs shall be permitted, provided they are considered to advance the goals and vision established within the Grimes Strategic Plan, as approved by the City Council. City facility signs shall be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by City Council.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   Electronic message boards shall be permitted on ground-mounted signs for fuel stations, schools, churches, community centers, and government uses. A maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the maximum sign area, but not greater than twenty (20) square feet, may be dedicated to electronic message boards for schools, churches, community centers, and government uses. Electronic message boards for fuel stations shall be a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the maximum sign area, but no greater than ten (10) square feet.
2. 2.
   All electronic message boards shall meet the following conditions:

   1. A.
      Electronic message boards may change no more than one (1) time in a 24-hour period and shall not include any flashing, flowing, scrolling, alternating or blinking lights.
   2. B.
      The background of the electronic message board shall be black.
   3. C.
      All text on the electronic message board shall be the same solid color. One (1) color is permitted per 24-hour period.
   4. D.
      Electronic message boards shall be integral to and a part of an approved ground-mounted sign.
   5. E.
      Electronic message boards shall meet the lighting standards set forth in TITLE 12.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Window signs shall be limited to ten percent (10%) of the window area of each individual window when applied to the exterior of the window. Window signs shall not be included in the area permitted for building-mounted signs. Window signs placed within the interior of a building are not regulated by this ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Address letters on any building shall be required and shall meet the minimum standards outlined within the Fire Code; however, they shall not exceed more than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the minimum height. Addresses shall not count toward the permitted wall sign or ground-mounted sign area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

No sign, other than one (1) unlighted sign not over two (2) square feet in area attached flat against the dwelling, shall advertise the presence or conduct of a home occupation. Home occupation signs shall only be permitted with an approved home occupation application.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   FLAGS

   1. A.
      Flags of the United States, the State, the City, foreign nations having diplomatic relations with the United States, and other flags adopted or sanctioned by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction, must be flown in accordance with protocol established by the congress of the United States for the Stars and Stripes. Notwithstanding the above, the following flags shall not be prohibited by this chapter:

      1. 1.
         NUMBER OF FLAG POLES

         1. a.
            All commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties shall be permitted two (2) flag poles. The flag poles can be building-mounted or ground-mounted.
         2. b.
            All residential properties shall be permitted one (1) building-mounted flag pole and one (1) ground-mounted flag pole.
      2. 2.
         COMMERCIAL FLAGS

         1. a.
            All non-residential uses shall be permitted to display no more than thirty (30) square feet of commercial flag area on any one (1) flag pole.
         2. b.
            All residential uses shall be permitted to display no more than fifteen (15) square feet of commercial flag area on any one (1) flag pole.
         3. c.
            Flag poles shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height. Minimum setback from property line shall be the height of the flag pole.
      3. 3.
         NON-COMMERCIAL FLAGS

         1. a.
            All non-residential uses shall be permitted to display no more than sixty (60) square feet of non-commercial flag area on any one (1) flag pole.
         2. b.
            All residential uses shall be permitted to display no more than fifteen (15) square feet of non-commercial flag area on any one (1) flag pole.
         3. c.
            Flag poles shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height. Minimum setback from property line shall be the height of the flag pole.
      4. 4.
         Flags shall be displayed on flag poles only. Flags displayed on light poles, utility poles, etc., except for City-sponsored events, shall be prohibited.
      5. 5.
         Multi-family uses shall be considered non-residential uses and follow the flag regulations for non-residential uses.
2. 2.
   TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES

   1. A.
      The purpose of this section is to allow temporary commercial signage for residential land uses. Signs in this section shall be permitted in all residential districts. Residential properties shall not display more than six (6) square feet of temporary sign area. Temporary signs must be separated by at least ten (10) feet in distance. The maximum height of any residential temporary sign shall be six (6) feet. Under no circumstances shall any residential temporary sign be illuminated. The minimum setback of temporary signs for residential uses shall be five (5) feet from property line. Under no circumstances shall any temporary sign for residential uses be located on public property. During the period of time that a property is actively listed for sale, or for lease, an additional six (6) square feet of temporary sign area shall be permitted for display. The following signs are allowed:

      1. 1.
         Yard Signs
      2. 2.
         Detached Rigid Signs
      3. 3.
         Banners, Detached or Attached
      4. 4.
         Pennants, spinners, streamers, ribbons, balloons, inflatables, posters, flags or other similar moving devices.
   2. B.
      For the purposes of temporary signs, multi-family uses shall be considered non- residential and follow the temporary sign requirements for non-residential uses.
3. 3.
   TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL USES

   1. A.
      The purpose of this section is to allow temporary commercial signage for non-residential land uses. Such signs shall be limited to six (6) periods per year for any one business or tenant space. Each temporary sign event shall last for a period of not more than fourteen (14) days. Non-residential properties shall not display more than thirty-five (35) square feet of temporary sign area during the permitted period. Temporary signs must be separated by at least ten (10) feet in distance. The maximum height of any temporary sign shall be six (6) feet. Under no circumstances shall any temporary sign be illuminated. The minimum setback of a temporary sign shall be five (5) feet from the property line. Under no circumstances shall any temporary sign be located on public property. During the period of time that a property is actively listed for sale, or for lease, an additional thirty-five (35) square feet of temporary sign area shall be permitted. The following signs are allowed:

      1. 1.
         Yard Signs
      2. 2.
         Detached Rigid Signs
      3. 3.
         Banners, Detached or Attached
      4. 4.
         Air Animated Displays and Inflatables, limited to eight (8) feet in height
      5. 5.
         A-Frame Style Signs
      6. 6.
         Bag Signs: Such signs shall be permitted for businesses wishing to cover existing signage until the replacement sign is manufactured. Bag signs shall be made of a canvas or cloth material and may be displayed for a period no longer than forty-five (45) days. Under special circumstances, the Zoning Administrator may authorize to extend this period by an additional thirty (30) days. The square footage of all bag signs shall not exceed the area necessary to cover the existing sign.
4. 4.
   NON-COMMERICAL TEMPORARY SIGNS

   In addition to any permitted commercial sign, all properties shall be granted a maximum of thirty-five (35) square feet of sign area for the display of non-commercial temporary signage. The minimum setback of a non-commercial temporary signs shall be five (5) feet from property line. The maximum height of any non-commercial temporary sign shall be six (6) feet. Under no circumstances shall any non-commercial temporary sign be illuminated or be located on public property.

5. 5.
   TEMPORARY SIGNS ON CITY PROPERTY. Temporary signs are permitted on City property in the areas designated in Figures 12-14G and 12-14H below. No such sign shall be placed within a road median and shall not block visibility of pedestrians and motorists. Temporary signs on City property shall only be placed by schools or school organizations. Temporary signs within the right-of-way shall be limited to six (6) square feet and shall be no taller than four (4) feet in height. Such signs shall be limited to six (6) periods per year. Each temporary sign event shall last for a period of not more than fourteen (14) days. Temporary signs must be separated by at least five (5) feet in distance. Temporary signs on City property are only permitted to be yard signs.

Figure 12-14G Permitted Locations for Temporary Signs on City Property at Waterworks Park

Figure 12-14H Permitted Locations for Temporary Signs on City Property at the South Sports Complex

Effective on: 1/1/1901

It is unlawful for any person to paint, print, or in any way affix any picture, bill, sign, signboard, poster or advertising material on any post, utility pole, fire escape, hydrant, curb, sidewalk, tree, lamppost or other structure of any kind on, or as to overhang or protrude over, any property owned by the City or any easement of the City, except as otherwise permitted elsewhere in this chapter. No sign shall be located on or allowed to extend over public property except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter or expressly permitted by City Council. Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to remove any such sign at the expense of the parties responsible for erection of such signs.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Signs within Planned Unit Developments shall comply with the sign regulations established in this chapter unless otherwise established within the PUD Development Agreement for each development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   Except as otherwise stated in this section, signs within the Governors District shall comply with all other sign regulations established in this chapter.
2. 2.
   PROJECTING WALL SIGNS. Projecting wall signs are permitted within the Governors District and shall comply with the following regulations.

   1. A.
      One (1) projecting sign per building.
   2. B.
      Signs shall project no more than six (6) feet from the building façade.
   3. C.
      Projecting signs must be installed so that the sign face is perpendicular to the building façade.
   4. D.
      Projecting signs shall provide at least eight (8) feet from the bottom of the sign to the grade below.
   5. E.
      Projecting signs shall not be larger than twenty (20) square feet. Only one (1) face of a projecting sign shall be counted towards the allowed wall signage of a building or tenant frontage.
   6. F.
      No projecting sign shall extend above the parapet or roof line.
   7. G.
      If internally illuminated, all projecting signs shall be designed in such a manner that only the text, copy or graphic of the sign is illuminated and the background is opaque.
   8. H.
      Due to the minimal setback of buildings in the Governors District, projecting signs may be allowed over the public right-of-way, but a hold harmless agreement, indemnification of the City, and proof of insurance must be provided.
3. 3.
   A-FRAME SIGNS. One (1) A-frame sign is permitted per tenant and shall be placed in front of the tenant space. Such signs shall be limited to four (4) feet in height. A minimum five (5) foot unobstructed walking path shall be maintained on the public sidewalk. A minimum two (2) foot setback is required from the street curb. A-Frame signs are only permitted to be displayed during business hours. A-frame signs shall be located outside of the vision triangle.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Any permanent sign under two (2) square feet and located upon a non-residential property, is not regulated by this ordinance other than by provisions regarding visibility, right-of-way, maintenance, safety, and obscenity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   PERMIT REQUIRED; PAYMENT OF FEE: It is unlawful for any person to erect, alter or relocate within the City any sign without first obtaining a permit from the Development Services Department and paying the fee required herein unless provided elsewhere. No person shall erect, construct, or maintain any sign upon any property or building without the consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property or building. Application for permits shall be submitted to the Development Services Department.
2. 2.
   PERMIT FEES: Every applicant before being granted a permit hereunder shall pay to the City a permit fee in an amount determined by resolution of the City Council from time to time.
3. 3.
   SIGNS NOT NEEDING PERMIT: The following signs do not require a permit:

   1. A.
      Temporary signs for residential uses.
   2. B.
      Traffic or other municipal signs, City facility signs, civic or service organizations, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger, and such temporary, emergency and non-advertising signs as may be approved by City Council.
   3. C.
      Non-commercial signs.
   4. D.
      Flag poles and flags.
   5. E.
      Private ground-mounted traffic control signs.
   6. F.
      Window Signs.
   7. G.
      Temporary signs in City right-of-way as permitted in this chapter.
   8. H.
      A permit shall not be required for repainting without changing permanent wording, composition, or colors; or for non-structural repairs.
   9. I.
      Any sign under two (2) square feet.
   10. J.
       Addresses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

All construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official or their designee. All such construction or work, including footings and foundations (structural and location), electrical connections, etc., shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes and to schedule and be present for the required inspections. Neither the Building Official nor the City shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal of any material required to allow inspection.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

All signs and parts thereof, including, but not limited to, electrical wiring and fixtures, supports, faces, lighting, and braces, shall be kept in good repair at all times, and shall be kept neatly painted or otherwise treated to prevent rust and similar unsightly deterioration and weathering. The Zoning Administrator, after thirty (30) days' written notice to the sign owner, may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the cost assessed against the property where said sign is located. However, in the case a sign structure becomes a safety hazard as defined in the City Building Code, the Building Official shall require owner of said sign structure to immediately abate the safety hazard as provided in the City Building Code. The Zoning Administrator may cause to be inspected, from time to time as deemed necessary, any sign regulated by this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same is secure, and whether it is in need of removal or repair to be in compliance with this chapter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Where a sign, other than a temporary sign, exists at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this ordinance that could not be built under the terms of this ordinance by reason of restrictions on area, use, height, setback, or other characteristics of the sign or its location on the lot, such sign may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:

No such sign may be enlarged or altered in a way that increases its nonconformity; however, reasonable repairs and alterations may be permitted. Should such sign be destroyed by any means to an extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of its replacement cost at time of destruction, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Any obsolete sign now or hereafter existing shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the building or land upon which the sign may be found within thirty (30) days after written notification from the Zoning Administrator or their designee and, upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign face, and any expense thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or structure to which the sign is attached.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The owner of any sign which is otherwise permitted under this chapter may substitute non-commercial copy in lieu of any other commercial copy. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or favoring of any particular non-commercial message over any other commercial message. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

If any portion of this chapter or any regulation contained herein is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is the intent of the City of Grimes that said portion or regulation is to be deemed severed from this chapter and should in no way affect or diminish the validity of the remainder of the Zoning Ordinance or any other sign regulation set forth herein.

Effective on: 1/1/1901