This chapter provides uniform sign standards that promote the safety of persons and property, provide for an efficient transfer of information in sign messages, and protect the public welfare by enhancing the appearance and economic value of the landscape. Specifically, these standards are intended:

   A.   To regulate, classify, restrict, and control the location, size, type, and placement of all signs and sign structures;

   B.   To eliminate and prevent excessive and confusing sign displays that do not relate to the premises on which they are located;

   C.   To preserve the natural beauty and environment of the county;

   D.   To safeguard, stabilize, and enhance property values;

   E.   To protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces;

   F.   To ensure a consistent and appropriate aesthetic environment; and

   G.   To protect the public health, safety, and general welfare. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

Any sign within the county that is located outside the corporate limits of any city, village, or incorporated town shall be subject to these regulations. All construction, relocation, enlargement, alteration, and modification of signs within the county shall conform to the requirements of this chapter, all state and federal regulations concerning signs and advertising, the international building code, and the national electric code. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

The sign ordinance is intended to establish a comprehensive and balanced system of sign control that accommodates the need for a well maintained, safe, and attractive community and the need for effective communications including business identification. It is the intent of this chapter, to promote the health, safety, general welfare, aesthetics, and image of the community by regulating signs that are intended to communicate to the public and to use signs which meet the county's goals by authorizing:

   A.   Permanent signs which establish a high standard of aesthetics;

   B.   Signs that are compatible with their surroundings;

   C.   Signs that are designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a manner that does not adversely impact public safety or unduly distract motorists;

   D.   Signs that are large enough to convey the intended message and to help citizens find their way to intended destinations;

   E.   Signs that are proportioned to the scale of, and are architecturally compatible with, principal structures;

   F.   Permanent signs which give preference to the on premises owner or occupant; and

   G.   Temporary commercial signs and advertising displays which provide an opportunity for grand openings and occasional sales events while restricting signs that create continuous visual clutter and hazards at public right of way intersections. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the following types of signs, provided, however, they shall remain subject to safe construction and electrical standards as specified by the applicable code(s):

   A.   Official Signs: Government signs, not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet of sign area, that are erected or maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function, whether located on owned or leased property.

   B.   Private Directional Signs: Private traffic control signs that are freestanding, do not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area, and contain no advertising. These signs are intended solely for the purpose of directing the movement of traffic, warning of obstacles or overhead clearances, and/or providing directions to parking areas, entrances, exits, drive-through windows, or similar directions.

   C.   Agricultural Crop Signs: Temporary signs customarily displayed by agricultural seed and fertilizer companies on farms to advertise their products.

   D.   Utility Markers: Utility and hazard signs marking utility or underground communication or transmission lines and hazards.

   E.   Political Signs: All signs containing a political message, such as a campaign or political sign.

   F.   Identification Plaques: Historical and commemorative plaques for recognized historic properties, societies, and organizations, if the signs are less than fifteen (15) square feet in sign area.

   G.   Vehicle Signs: Signs displayed or used on motor vehicles and trailers, unless the vehicle or trailer is located on a property to serve the similar purpose of a permanent sign or portable sign.

   H.   Athletic Field Signs: Signs located on the field side of scoreboards and fences of athletic fields.

   I.   Flags: Flags complying with the provisions below are exempt. Flagpoles, however, are not exempt; they are subject to certain setback provisions contained in this title pertaining to the obstruction of traffic and clear vision. Exempt flags include the following:

      1.   The flag of the United States of America, when displayed in compliance with the U.S. flag code (4 USC 1).

      2.   Flags of foreign, state, or local governments or public agencies mounted on poles, located together on the same premises subject to the following limitations:

         a.   There are no more than four (4) flags displayed at any time.

         b.   Flags shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet of area or a height of forty feet (40').

      3.   No more than two (2) commercial and corporate logo, college, or athletic team flags flown on any premises.

   J.   Small Bulletin Boards: Accessory signs or bulletin boards for places of public assembly or charitable organizations, which do not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.

   K.   Temporary Construction Signs: One construction sign per street frontage of a building that is under construction, structural alteration, or repair announcing the enterprise or purpose for which the building is intended.

      1.   The sign may include names of business entities participating in the construction, structural alteration, or repair.

      2.   The area for each sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in the agricultural residential (AR), planned residential (PR), and residential (R) districts.

      3.   The area for each sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet for all other districts.

      4.   Advertising signs for subdivisions and development projects are not included in this exemption.

   L.   Business Nameplates: One professional nameplate not to exceed four (4) square feet in sign area.

   M.   Brand And Instructional Signs: Outdoor machine, device, or equipment signs that display the trademark, trade name, manufacturer, cost, operating or service instructions, or similar information. This exemption includes signs on coin operated vending machines, fuel dispensing pumps, telephone facilities, automatic teller machines, automotive vacuum cleaners, amusement rides, and similar machines, devices, or equipment.

   N.   Auxiliary Signs: Auxiliary sign attached to a building or canopy or placed in a window indicating general information such as pricing, credit cards, official notices or services required by law, trade associations, or giving directions to offices, restrooms, exits, and similar facilities.

   O.   Holiday Displays: Holiday displays, signs, and lights including Christmas lights that contain only holiday messages and no commercial advertising. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

All signs listed below shall be prohibited under this chapter:

   A.   Encroaching Signs: Signs in the right of way and signs or supports that encroach into the public right of way, other than those required by governmental authority. This prohibition shall not apply to commercial vehicles or trailers lawfully operated or parked in such areas.

   B.   Rotating Or Flashing Signs: Motion signs that flash, revolve, rotate, whirl, spin, or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention. This prohibition excludes flags, pennants, and barbers' poles that have a turning, striped cylinder, which does not exceed forty two inches (42") in height and which otherwise meets the requirements of this UDO.

   C.   Dynamic Display: Signs that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the display, the sign structure itself, or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink", or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays.

   D.   Misleading Or Obstructing Signs: Signs that, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of emergency or road equipment vehicles or which hide from view any traffic or street sign, signal, or device. This category also includes obstructing signs that violate the sight visibility regulations of this title.

   E.   Sound Bearing Signs: Any sign that emits any form of sound or detectable noise.

   F.   Wind Signs: Wind signs are intended to produce attention getting motion and are, therefore, prohibited.

   G.   Obsolete Or Unsafe Signs: Signs that are located on property that becomes vacant and is unoccupied for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more or any sign that pertains to a dated event or purpose that no longer applies. The prohibition also includes deteriorated, dilapidated, or unsafe signs.

   H.   Stationary Vehicle Signs: Signs on motor vehicles or trailers when such motor vehicles or trailers are parked in a manner or position visible to traffic passing along an arterial or collector street. Said vehicles shall not be engaged in, or not imminently awaiting, the loading or unloading of cargo into or from such motor vehicle or trailer, to the end that such motor vehicle or trailer sign is intentionally being used as an advertising device, not a mode of transportation.

   I.   Nonauthorized Signs: Illegal signs that have been or are erected, altered, repaired, or relocated without having received an applicable permit, certificate, or approval, and without being erected, altered, repaired, or relocated in conformance with the applicable building and electrical codes of the county. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Nonconforming Signs: Existing signs which do not conform to the specific provisions of this chapter shall be eligible for the designation "legal nonconforming" provided that:

      1.   The zoning officer determines that such signs are properly maintained and do not in any way endanger the public.

      2.   The sign was covered by a valid permit or variance or complied with all applicable laws on the date of adoption hereof.

   B.   Loss Of Nonconforming Status: A legal nonconforming sign will lose this designation if:

      1.   The sign is relocated or replaced.

      2.   The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way except towards compliance with this chapter. This does not refer to change of copy or normal maintenance. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   On Premises Signs:

      1.   Agricultural Uses: There shall be not more than one sign, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area, for each principal farm dwelling, except on a corner lot where two (2) such signs for each dwelling unit shall be permitted. The sign shall indicate the name of the occupant and any specialized agricultural activities being conducted on the premises.

      2.   Nonagricultural Uses: A single on premises business identification sign not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area is permitted. On a corner lot, two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted.

      3.   Projection And Height Restrictions: On premises advertising signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

         a.   Projection: No sign shall project beyond the front lot line.

         b.   Height: No sign shall project higher than ten feet (10') above grade at the near edge of the roadway pavement.

   B.   Real Estate Signs: "For sale" and "for rent" signs, subject to the following:

      1.   Maximum Area: No sign shall exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.

      2.   Maximum Number Of Signs: There shall be not more than one sign facing each street on which the property fronts.

      3.   Projection: No sign shall project beyond the front lot line.

      4.   Height: No sign shall project higher than ten feet (10') above grade at the near edge of the roadway pavement.

   C.   Outdoor Advertising Signs: Off premises outdoor advertising signs ("billboards") shall only be permitted on parcels of land abutting I-55 and I-80, provided such signs have no moving parts, shall conform with other county codes or ordinances and Illinois statutes, and shall conform with the following regulations:

      1.   Spacing: Along interstate highways, no advertising sign shall be located nearer than two thousand feet (2,000') from another outdoor advertising sign.

      2.   Maximum Area Of Displays:

         a.   Each outdoor advertising sign structure shall contain not more than two (2) display surfaces. Only one item shall be displayed on each surface.

         b.   The structure shall have a length and height of not more than such dimension needed to secure either two (2) standardized fifteen foot by twenty five foot (15' x 25') poster panel displays or a single fifteen foot by fifty five foot (15' x 55') bulletin display on each surface. The overall display surface (both sides) shall not exceed one thousand six hundred fifty (1,650) square feet.

      3.   Location:

         a.   Off premises outdoor advertising signs ("billboards") shall only be permitted on tracts of land abutting I-55 and I-80. No off premises outdoor advertising sign shall be located along other roads or on other parcels in the county.

         b.   No outdoor advertising sign shall be located nearer than fifty feet (50') from a side lot line, nor nearer than one hundred fifty feet (150') from a residential district boundary line.

      4.   Illumination: Illumination shall be subject to the safety and nuisance restrictions contained in section 8-8-3-3, "Public Safety And Public Nuisance", of this title. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

The following sign provisions apply to the agriculture residential (AR), planned residential (PR), and residential (R) districts:

   A.   Real Estate Signs: "For sale" and "for rent" signs pertaining to the sale or rental of property on which they are located shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:

      1.   There shall be not more than one sign on a lot, except on a corner lot or through lot where one such sign facing each street shall be permitted.

      2.   A sign shall not have more than twelve (12) square feet of area, and it shall be located not less than eight feet (8') from the nearest lot line.

      3.   Such a sign, when affixed to a building wall, shall not project higher than ten feet (10') above grade, and a ground sign shall not project higher than five feet (5') above the ground grade elevation below it.

      4.   Such a sign shall not be illuminated.

   B.   Identification Signs For Nonresidential Uses: On premises identification signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:

      1.   Nonresidential uses are allowed one identification sign affixed flat against a building wall and one ground sign. The signs may be illuminated by direct or indirect illumination arranged in a manner consistent with the provisions of section 8-5-6, "Structural And Safety Requirements For Signs", of this chapter.

         a.   Exception: On a corner or through lot, one additional ground sign shall be permitted. Thus, the nonresidential use can incorporate a sign that faces each street.

      2.   Each sign shall contain not more than sixteen (16) square feet of area and:

         a.   When affixed to a building wall, it shall not project higher than ten feet (10') above floor grade at entrance doorways;

         b.   A ground sign shall not be located nearer than eight feet (8') from the nearest interior lot line and not less than one-half (1/2) the depth of the required yard from the nearest lot line adjoining a street; and

         c.   It shall not project higher than ten feet (10') aboveground grade elevation.

   C.   Temporary Signs For Residential Development Projects: Temporary signs for a residential subdivision or development project are permitted in accordance with the provisions of section 8-5-5, "General Design And Placement Of Signs", of this chapter. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

Signs are permitted in the commercial general (CG), and commercial interchange (CI) districts subject to applicable regulations set forth in other ordinances of the county and the following:

   A.   On Premises Permanent Signs: Signs with no moving parts are permitted, subject to the following provisions:

      1.   Permitted Types And Positioning: Ground signs, wall signs, awnings, canopy signs, and marquees are permitted.

         a.   Maximum Height: The height of ground signs shall not exceed twenty feet (20'), except on parcels or tracts located adjacent to an interstate highway, where ground signs oriented to interstate traffic may project up to forty feet (40').

         b.   Maximum Size: The total gross surface area in square feet of all signs on a lot shall not exceed:

            (1)   A maximum area of two hundred (200) square feet, or

            (2)   Four (4) times the number of linear feet in the length of the building wall facing the front lot line. On a corner or through lot, each lot line adjoining a street shall be considered a separate front lot line.

      2.   Mixed Use Developments And Shopping Centers: Individual occupancies in a multi-tenant structure, planned development, or shopping center shall use wall signs only. However, one ground sign facing each street may be provided to identify the name and address of the shopping center; this sign (or signs) may include a bulletin area for advertising special events, promotional sales taking place on the premises, or public announcements.

         a.   Such ground sign shall be not less than ten feet (10') from any lot line, shall have a gross surface area of not more than one hundred sixty (160) square feet, which may be in addition to the maximum gross surface area as permitted in subsection A1b of this section, and shall not project higher than thirty feet (30') above grade.

         b.   When located within fifty feet (50') of a street intersection, the ground sign shall have its lowest level not less than eight feet (8') above the grade below it, and when located within three feet (3') of a driveway or parking area, it shall have the lowest level not less than twelve feet (12') above the grade below it.

      3.   Illumination: Signs may be illuminated. Such lighting shall comply with the requirements of section 8-5-6, "Structural And Safety Requirements For Signs", of this chapter.

      4.   Master Sign Plan Requirements: In new shopping centers and other multi-tenant commercial developments, all individual signs shall be of a similar type and shall have a consistent size, lettering style, color scheme, and material construction. Trademarked signs and corporate logos are exempt from this requirement.

         a.   A master sign plan shall be included in the required development review and approval submittals.

         b.   After approval of a master sign plan, or an amended master sign plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in accordance with such plan.

   B.   Temporary Signs: Temporary signs shall comply with the requirements of section 8-5-5, "General Design And Placement Of Signs", of this chapter.

   C.   Outdoor Advertising Signs: Off premises outdoor advertising signs ("billboards") shall only be permitted on parcels of land abutting I-55 and I-80, provided such signs have no moving parts, shall conform with other county codes or ordinances and Illinois statutes, and shall conform with the following regulations:

      1.   Spacing: Along I-55 and I-80, no advertising sign shall be located nearer than two thousand feet (2,000') from another outdoor advertising sign.

      2.   Maximum Area Of Displays:

         a.   Each outdoor advertising sign structure shall contain not more than two (2) display surfaces. Each surface shall advertise only one item.

         b.   The structure shall have a length and height of not more than such dimension needed to secure either two (2) standardized fifteen foot by twenty five foot (15' x 25') poster panel displays or a single fifteen foot by fifty five foot (15' x 55') bulletin display on each surface. The overall display surface (both sides) shall not exceed one thousand six hundred fifty (1,650) square feet.

      3.   Location:

         a.   Off premises outdoor advertising signs ("billboards") shall only be permitted on tracts of land abutting I-55 and I-80. No off premises outdoor advertising sign shall be located along other roads or on other parcels in the county.

         b.   No outdoor advertising sign shall be located nearer than fifty feet (50') from a side lot line, nor nearer than one hundred fifty feet (150') from a residential district boundary line.

      4.   Illumination: Illumination shall be subject to the safety and nuisance restrictions contained in section 8-8-3-3, "Public Safety And Public Nuisance", of this title.

   D.   Additional Restrictions For The Commercial Interchange (CI) District:

      1.   No sign may be erected that exceeds in area twelve (12) square feet or two (2) square feet per linear foot of building facade.

      2.   No sign may be erected or maintained within one thousand feet (1,000') of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic if it obscures or interferes with a driver's view of the traffic.

      3.   No two (2) sign structures on the same side of the highway shall be erected less than three hundred feet (300') apart, unless as otherwise provided in the Illinois highway advertising control act of 1971 1 . (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

Awnings, marquees, and illuminated business signs with no moving parts are permitted in the industrial (I) district subject to applicable regulations set forth in other ordinances of the county and the following:

   A.   Maximum Sign Area: The gross area in square feet of all signs on a lot shall not exceed four (4) times the linear feet of street frontage of such lot.

   B.   Wall Signs: Wall signs are permitted. Projections shall not extend outward more than twelve inches (12") or higher than five feet (5') above the building.

   C.   Ground Signs: A single ground sign is permitted subject to the following restrictions:

      1.   It shall be at least twenty feet (20') from any lot line.

      2.   The maximum height shall be thirty feet (30') above curb level.

      3.   If located within three feet (3') of a sidewalk or driveway on the lot, it shall have the lowest elevation of the sign face at least twelve feet (12') above the grade of the sidewalk or driveway directly opposite the sign.

   D.   Awnings: Signs on awnings shall be exempt from the limitations imposed by this chapter on the projection of signs from the face of the wall of any building or structure, provided that any sign located on the awning shall be affixed flat to the surface of the awning and shall not be illuminated. Further, no such sign shall extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of said awning.

   E.   Illumination Permitted: Signs may be illuminated. Such lighting shall comply with the requirements of section 8-5-6, "Structural And Safety Requirements For Signs", of this chapter.

   F.   Industrial Park Identification Sign: For industrial parks, one additional sign on each street frontage in addition to those regulated above shall be permitted, subject to the following:

      1.   Content: Such sign shall advertise only the name and location of such industrial park and the name and type of business of each occupant of the park.

      2.   Area: The gross area in square feet of the additional sign on a lot shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet or two (2) times the linear feet of street frontage of such lot, whichever is less.

      3.   Setback: Such a sign shall be set back a minimum of ten feet (10') from the front lot line of such industrial park.

      4.   Height: Such sign shall conform with the regulations in subsection C of this section. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

For purposes of applying these regulations, all signs are defined and classified according to their physical characteristics. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, all signs shall comply with the maximum area, height, setback, and other allowances provided in this section.

   A.   Permanent Signs:

      1.   Wall Signs: The following restrictions apply to signs that are attached to the principal structure:

         a.   Signs shall be mounted flush to the face of the building and not cantilevered away from the structure.

         b.   No sign shall obstruct any window, door, stairway or other opening intended for entrance or exit, ventilation, or light.

         c.   If indirect illumination is provided by separate lighting fixtures, these fixtures shall be mounted to the wall and extend no more than eighteen inches (18") out from the wall.

      2.   Projecting Wall Mounted Signs: Projecting signs include awnings, canopies, marquees, and any other sign that extends out from the wall more than three inches (3"). The following limitations shall apply:

         a.   Projecting signs, except for canopies and awnings, shall not extend more than twelve inches (12") perpendicular from any exterior building face, mansard, awning, or canopy. They shall not project higher than five feet (5') above the building height.

         b.   Canopies and awnings shall not extend more than five feet (5') from the building facade.

      3.   Ground Signs: The following provisions shall apply to freestanding ground, pole, pylon, or monument signs mounted on the ground:

         a.   Pole or pylon signs shall have a minimum height of four feet (4') and a maximum height of thirty feet (30').

         b.   Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the face or any portion of the ground sign shall be set back from any property line at least ten feet (10').

         c.   Monument signs shall have a maximum height of eight feet (8').

         d.   Monument signs shall have a base of masonry or other materials similar to the building(s) constructed on the property and framed on all four (4) sides.

         e.   If a ground sign is taller than six feet (6'), only direct lighting (bulbs inside the sign) shall be used for illumination; use of spotlights is prohibited.

FIGURE 8-5-5A
MONUMENT SIGN

FIGURE 8-5-5B
PYLON SIGN

      4.   Canopy Signs: Canopy signs shall be permitted subject to the following requirements:

         a.   The maximum sign area per canopy face is twelve (12) square feet.

         b.   The vertical edge of the canopy sign shall be a maximum of twenty four inches (24") in height, except for motor fuel station canopies, where the maximum vertical edge of the canopy may be forty two inches (42").

         c.   In no case shall the sign extend beyond the vertical edge of the canopy to which it is attached.

         d.   The sign area used for the computation of sign size shall be deducted from the allowable square footage for wall signs.

FIGURE 8-5-5C
CANOPY SIGN

   B.   Temporary Signs: Temporary signs, where permitted, may be placed on the premises of an occupancy for up to sixty (60) calendar days per year, subject to the following provisions:

      1.   Banner Signs:

         a.   Banners shall be limited to one banner sign per occupancy and used for a special event such as a grand opening.

         b.   No individual banner shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area.

         c.   Banners shall be mounted flat against an outside wall of the principal structure.

         d.   Freestanding or fence mounted banners are prohibited.

         e.   They shall remain in good condition, without torn or tattered portions.

      2.   Portable Signs:

         a.   Any face of a portable sign shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area.

         b.   Portable signs shall not be illuminated.

         c.   They shall not be placed closer than five feet (5') from the right of way.

      3.   Inflatable And Novelty Signs: The following provisions apply to inflatable signs, balloons, tubes, inflated caricatures, blower driven novelty signs, and similar temporary devices:

         a.   They shall not be mounted on the roof of a structure.

         b.   They shall project no higher than eight feet (8') above the ground.

         c.   There shall be no attached flags, pennants, or moving or rotating parts.

         d.   They shall not be illuminated.

      4.   Subdivision Or Residential Development Project Signs:

         a.   Signs shall be located on the premises as identified by a preliminary plat of the subdivision, initial development plan submittal, or master sign plan for a commercial development. They shall be removed within three (3) months after completion of construction of the development, or one year after the first dwelling unit is occupied, whichever is sooner.

         b.   Signs shall only be permitted at the intersection of two (2) collector or arterial streets at the perimeter of the project site. At each intersection, two (2) signs are permitted.

         c.   The sign shall not project higher than thirty feet (30') above grade.

         d.   It shall be set back a minimum of fifteen feet (15') from a property line, except it shall not be nearer than fifty feet (50') from the lot corner formed by the intersection of any two (2) street right of way lines.

         e.   These signs may be illuminated. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Maintenance: All signs shall be maintained in clean and good structural condition.

   B.   Compliance With Other Codes: All signs shall comply with the applicable provisions and requirements of the county building codes and of the county electrical codes if a sign is illuminated.

   C.   Illumination: Illuminated signs shall be located and constructed so as to protect the general welfare of the public and the safety of the traveling public. In particular, illuminated signs shall comply with the following provisions:

      1.   Lights shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so that the light intensity or brightness is neither a nuisance to the surrounding area nor a hazard to the operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.

      2.   Lighting shall not include or consist of exposed reflective or clear bulbs, strobe lights, or incandescent lamps over fifteen (15) watts that expose the face of the bulb, light, or lamp to any public thoroughfare or adjacent property.

      3.   Beacons, flashing lights, or revolving lights are prohibited.

   D.   Obstruction To Pedestrians And Vehicle Traffic: Flagpoles, permanent signs, and temporary signs shall be located so as not to impede pedestrian traffic or motor vehicle visibility at street intersections.

   E.   Headroom Of Projecting Signs: All projecting signs, awnings, canopies, and marquees shall have a headroom of not less than eight feet (8') above any paved or unpaved surface.

   F.   Sign Clearance And Protection: The bottom coping of the face of a pole or open pylon sign must be at least ten feet (10') above ground level. Pole joints shall be at least eight feet (8') above ground level or shall be free of sharp edges and exposed bolts. The first three feet (3') aboveground may be enclosed provided there is an unobstructed clearance of at least seven feet (7') to deter climbing, vandalism, and view obstruction. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Maintenance: Nonconforming signs shall be allowed to be maintained and repaired to ensure that they are in a safe condition and in compliance with all applicable code requirements. Normal maintenance and/or repair shall not alter the nonconforming status of a sign.

   B.   Alterations And Modifications: All signs unless otherwise exempted by this chapter, legally existing prior to the enactment hereof but which shall violate the provisions of this chapter, may continue to be maintained and used subject to the following provisions:

      1.   Sign Panel Repair And Replacement: Nonconforming signs shall be allowed to have their copy changed by repainting or replacement of sign panels to reflect changing business, occupation or other advertising material. However, replacement of copy shall utilize the existing sign structure, which shall not be enlarged or relocated.

      2.   Enlargement: Nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged, expanded, or extended to occupy a greater amount of square footage or height than as occupied on the date of adoption or amendment hereof. Sign expansion includes alterations to the structural materials, in addition to any changes to the sign's width, length, and height.

      3.   Relocation: Nonconforming signs shall not be moved in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot, parcel, or building not so occupied on the date of adoption hereof, except if such sign shall be relocated in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.

      4.   Damage Or Destruction: If the sign is destroyed or suffers more than fifty percent (50%) appraised damage or deterioration, it must be brought into conformance with this chapter or removed. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)