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

Balloon sign means a temporary sign consisting of an envelope inflated with pressurized or heated air, or a lighter-than-air gas. Unlike inflatable signs, balloon signs ca be suspended in midair, independent of any structure other than that which keeps the device from floating away.

Banner sign, flag sign and flutter flag sign mean a temporary sign of fabric, plastic, or other non-rigid material without an enclosing structural framework which may or may not be attached to a pole, building or structure.

Billboard means a sign that advertises an establishment, product, service or activity not available on the lot on which the sign is located. Also called an off-premises sign.

Commercial establishment means a business operating independent of any other business located in a freestanding building; in a strip mall, a business completely separated from other businesses by walls from the ground up and with a door that may regularly be used by the public for exclusive ingress and egress to that business; in an enclosed structure with a shared climate-controlled area, a business completely separated from other businesses by walls from the ground up and with a door or entrance that may regularly be used by the public for exclusive ingress and egress to that business and that may be closed to the public even while the common area is open to the public; and in an office building, a business holding itself out to the public as a single entity, independent of other businesses or persons.

Directional sign means any sign used primarily to give information about the location of either the driver of motorized vehicles or possible destinations.

Estate sale or auction sale means a sale of real estate and/or personal property conducted by a person or company retained by the owner of the real estate or personal property and who is paid by the owner for this service.

Exempt sign means a sign for which a sign permit is not required.

Freestanding sign means a sign not attached to a building or wall, supported by one or more poles or braces or resting on the ground or on a foundation resting on the ground.

Government sign means a sign erected or required to be erected by the city or the state or federal government.

Ground sign means a freestanding sign supported by a base that rests directly on the ground and the top of which is not more than six feet above the ground. The width of the base shall be at least 50 percent of the width of the sign in order to be a ground sign.

Identification sign means any sign intended to communicate information about services and facilities.

Inflatable sign means a temporary sign consisting of flexible material that takes on a three-dimensional shape when filled with air/gas and is commonly used to draw attention to a site.

Marquee means a permanent structure constructed of rigid materials that projects from the exterior wall of a building.

Marquee sign means a sign affixed flat against the surface of a marquee.

Nit means a unit of illuminative brightness equal to one candela (12.5 lumens or 1.16 footcandles) per square meter, measured perpendicular to the rays of the source.

Pennant sign means any geometric shaped cloth, fabric, or other lightweight material normally fastened to a stringer and which is secured or tethered so as to allow movement of the sign by the atmosphere.

Permanent sign means a sign installed on a support structure which is not intended or designed to be moved or removed but to remain for an indefinite period of time.

Pole sign means a freestanding sign supported by a structure, or poles, or braces less than 50 percent of the width of the sign and located more than six feet above the ground.

Portable sign means a temporary sign that is not affixed to a building or structure and by its nature may be or is intended to be easily moved from one location to another such as a sign supported on a metal chassis and may include copy that can be changed manually through the use of attachable characters.

Post sign means a temporary sign constructed of unbendable materials firmly attached to one or more wood, metal, plastic or other rigid posts or supports placed into the ground without permanent footings.

Projecting sign means a double-faced sign attached to a building or wall that extends more than 12 inches from the face of the building or wall.

Reader board means one of the following:

1. Manual: A sign on which the letters or pictorials are changed manually; or
2. Electronic message board: A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, pictorial or text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic, or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, lightbulbs, or other illumination devices within the display area. Such signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic displays, and video display signs.
3. Multi-vision sign: Any sign composed in whole or in part of a series of vertical or horizontal slats or cylinders that are capable of being rotated at intervals so that partial rotation of the group of slats or cylinders produces a different image or images.

Roofline means the top of a roof or parapet wall, whichever is higher, but excluding any cupolas, chimneys or other minor projections.

Roof sign means a sign erected above the roofline of a building.

Sidewalk sign means a temporary A-frame sign which is portable and designed to be placed on the sidewalk in front of the use which the sign advertises.

Sign means a device, structure, fixture or placard that may or may not use graphics, symbols and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying an establishment, product, service or activity.

Streamers means a long, narrow strip of material used as a decoration or symbol.

Temporary sign means a sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time, and which is not permanently attached to a building wall or to the ground.

Traffic warning sign means a sign that indicates a hazard ahead on a road that may not be readily apparent to a driver.

Vehicle sign means a vehicle primarily located or used to serve as a sign rather than as transportation. This includes semitrailers either attached or detached from a truck tractor.

Video display sign means a sign that changes its message or background in a manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery of a television quality which may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion, including, but not limited to, the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding or contracting shapes. Video display signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings or other objects.

Wall sign means a sign painted or attached directly to and parallel to the exterior wall of a building extending no greater than 12 inches from the exterior face of a wall to which it is attached.

Window sign means a sign installed or placed inside of a building, close to and facing a window so it is clearly visible from outside of the building.

Wire frame sign means a temporary sign made of corrugated plastic, vinyl, cardboard, poster board or similar material which is supported by or attached to a metal frame.

(Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.81), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 333, § II, 5-29-01; Ord. No. 334, § I, II, 5-29-01; Ord. No. 433, § I, 12-22-08; Ord. No. 462, § I, 11-22-10; Ord. No. 495, § III, 5-13-13; Ord. No. 534, §§ 1.A—C., 6-27-16; Ord. No. 543, § I, 6-26-17)

Cross reference - Definitions generally, § 1-2.

1. This article is intended to regulate the size, number, location and manner of display of signs in the city in a manner consistent with the following purposes:
   1. To protect and further the health, safety and welfare of residents, property owners and visitors.
   2. To prevent traffic hazards and pedestrian accidents caused by signs that obstruct vision, distract or confuse drivers, or are improperly secured or constructed.
   3. To conserve and enhance community character.
   4. To promote uniformity in the size, number or placement of signs within districts.
   5. To promote the economic viability of commercial areas by minimizing visual clutter, and allowing for proper placement of signs to safely direct motorists to their destination.
   6. To balance the public's right to be informed and its desire to avoid visual pollution and hazardous conditions with the rights of businesses and other nonbusiness uses to communication.
2. It is further recognized that special circumstances or events may create a need for portable signage for a limited and reasonable period of time.

(Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.80), 2-10-97)

The following signs shall be exempted from the provisions of this article except for the regulations of section 90-966:

1. Permanent signs which are 1.5 square feet or less in area.
2. Directional, traffic warning and identification signs erected by a government agency when located within the street right-of-way.
3. Flags of any nation, state, city, township, government, or government authorized agency.

(Code 1970, § 3.81; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.82), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 318, § I, 3-22-99; Ord. No. 433, § II, 12-22-08; Ord. No. 462, § VI, 11-22-10; Ord. No. 534, § 2, 6-27-16)

1. Ordinary maintenance of signs such as painting, cleaning and light replacement.
2. Alteration of sign message.
3. Temporary signs as permitted and regulated by the zoning district within which the sign is located.

(Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.83), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 534, § 3, 6-27-16)

1. Permits required. A sign permit shall be required for all signs which are proposed to be over 20 square feet in size except those signs exempted by section 90-963 herein.
2. Application. An application for a sign permit shall be made to the building inspector along with a fee as required by the council. The application, at a minimum, shall include the following:
   1. Name, address and telephone number of the applicant and the person erecting the sign.
   2. Address or permanent parcel number of the property where the sign will be located.
   3. A sketch showing the location of the building, structure or lot upon which the sign is to be attached or erected, and showing the proposed sign in relation to buildings and structures along with setback from lot lines.
   4. Two blueprints or drawings of the plans and specifications, method of construction and attachment to structures or ground, stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of area.
   5. Any required electrical permit, attached to the application.
   6. The zoning district in which the sign is to be located.
   7. For a pole sign that is to be 20 feet or higher, design plans sealed by a professional engineer, submitted with the application.
   8. Any other information the building inspector may require in order to demonstrate compliance with this article.
   9. Signature of the applicant or the person erecting the sign.
3. Electrical signs. All signs requiring electrical service shall be reviewed for compliance with the city's electrical code. Approval of electrical signs shall be noted on or attached to the sign permit.
4. Issuance of sign permit. The building inspector shall issue a sign permit if all provisions of this article and other applicable city ordinances are met. A sign authorized by a permit shall be installed or under construction within six months of the date of issuance of the sign permit or the permit shall expire. A new permit may be issued upon filing of a new application and fee.

(Code 1970, § 3.80; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.84), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 534, § 4, 6-27-16)

1. All signs shall be properly maintained and shall not be allowed to become unsightly through disrepair or damage.
2. Sign supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be maintained in such a manner as not to cause a hazard.
3. Signs shall be constructed to withstand all wind and vibration forces that can be normally expected to occur in the vicinity.
4. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. The source of the light shall be enclosed and directed to prevent the source of light from shining directly onto traffic or residential property.
5. Signs shall not be placed in, upon or over any public right-of-way, alley or other place, except as may be otherwise permitted by the city, county road commission, or state department of transportation.
6. A utility pole, or street sign pole or other supporting member shall not be used for the placement of any sign unless specifically designed and approved for such use.
7. A sign shall not be erected in any place where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color or other characteristics, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or constitute a nuisance per se.
8. All outside signs shall not have any flashing, blinking, scrolling, alternating, sequentially lighted, animated, rolling, shimmering, sparkling, bursting, dissolving, twinkling, fade-in/fade-out, oscillating, moving text, moving images, or simulated movement of text or images except that traditional barber pole signs are permitted.
9. A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall to which it is affixed, and no wall sign shall extend above the roofline of a building.
10. A sign and its supporting mechanism shall not extend beyond any lot lines of the property on which it is located.

(Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.85), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 462, § II, 11-22-10)

1. All wall, window and freestanding signs may include reader boards.
2. Any pole sign, including awnings to which signs are affixed or displayed, shall maintain a minimum clear space of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the ground.
3. Vehicles and semi-trailers intended to function as a sign may be permitted subject to all other applicable regulations of this article as a freestanding sign. Commercial vehicles that bear signs may be parked on the site provided they are located in such a manner that they do not function as signs.
4. Directional signs are permitted for each parcel provided the size of each device does not exceed four square feet and three feet in height and each device is located at least five feet from any lot line.
5. Temporary signs are allowed in all zoning districts subject to the following regulations:
   1. Temporary signs, including signs held by a person, shall be located outside of the public right-of-way and shall not hamper the visibility of a driver on or off the site.
   2. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated in any fashion.
   3. Temporary signs shall be anchored in a safe and secure manner. The anchoring of temporary signs by tying or attaching weighted objects (such as cinder blocks or tires) is prohibited.
   4. A temporary sign shall be located a minimum of five feet from the edge of any road or street right-of-way or public or private sidewalk except for sidewalk signs as regulated herein.
   5. A temporary sign shall not be displayed if it is torn, bent, faded, not upright, unreadable or otherwise unsightly.
   6. Prohibited temporary signs. The following types of temporary signs are prohibited:
      1. Searchlights, laser lights, strobe lights, and lights of a similar nature.
   7. Temporary signs shall meet the following dimensional requirements, except as regulated herein:
      1. Wire frame signs: Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and 30 inches in height.
      2. Post signs: Each sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area and four feet in height.
      3. Banner, flag and flutter flags shall not exceed 20 square feet in size and eight feet in height.
      4. Portable signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
6. Except as otherwise provided herein, no sign shall be placed in any required side yard or located upon a roof, and no sign shall exceed a height of 28 feet above ground level.
7. Off-premises signs which provide directions to hospitals and schools are permitted in any zoning district subject to the following regulations:
   1. Such sign may be allowed on any city-owned property subject to approval by the city.
   2. Such sign or signs may also be permitted within the road right-of-way provided approval is granted by the city or the Michigan Department of Transportation depending on the applicable jurisdiction.
8. Electronic message boards are allowed in all zoning districts subject to the following regulations:
   1. An electronic message board shall not consist of more than 75 percent of the allowable sign area except for signs which are 35 square feet or less in area.
   2. The dwell time, defined as the interval of change between each individual message, shall be at least five seconds and a change of message must be accomplished within one second or less. The dwell time shall not include the one second or less to change the message.
   3. An electronic message board sign shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 5,000 nits during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 150 nits between dusk to dawn as measured at the sign's face at maximum brightness.
      Prior to the issuance of a sign permit for an electronic message board, the applicant shall certify to the zoning administrator that the illumination settings for the sign comply with the maximum illumination requirements of this subsection 90-967(h)(3).
      However, even if such signs comply with the nit requirements above, such signs shall not, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, be brighter than is necessary for clear and adequate visibility, be of such intensity or brilliance as to impair the vision of a motor vehicle driver with average eyesight, or to otherwise interfere with the driver's operation of a motor vehicle, or be of such intensity or brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
   4. An electronic message board shall be equipped with a brightness control sensor that allows the brightness to be adjusted either manually or automatically.
   5. Electronic message board signs legally in existence upon the effective date of this subsection 90-967(h) shall be required to comply with the illumination requirements of this section and the requirements of subsection 90-966(h) regarding flashing, movement, scrolling and other methods of message display within 60 days from the effective date of this section.
   6. Electronic reader board signs which do not face a public street or land zoned or used for residential purposes and when such signs are used for drive through restaurants, gas stations and similar establishments serving motorists then such signs are exempt from the requirements of this subsection 90-967(h).
9. Window signs are permitted in all zoning districts subject to the following regulations:
   1. The sign or signs shall cover no more than 25 percent of the total area of the windows.
   2. A window sign may consist of illuminated letters including neon lights.
   3. An electronic reader board is allowed as a window sign and shall comply with the requirements for electronic reader boards as set forth in subsection 90-967(h). Any flashing or strobe-type lights within a building or structure which are visible from the exterior of the building or structure are prohibited.
10. Any sign allowed by this article may contain a non-commercial message.

(Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.86), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 427, § I, 9-22-08; Ord. No. 432, § I, 12-22-08; Ord. No. 455, § I, 3-22-10; Ord. No. 462, §§ III, IV, 11-22-10; Ord. No. 495, §§ I, II, 5-13-13; Ord. No. 534, § 5, 6-27-16; Ord. No. 543, § I, 6-26-17)

1. Every legal permanent sign that does not conform to the height, size, area or location requirements of this article as of the date of the adoption of the ordinance from which this article was derived is hereby deemed to be nonconforming.
2. Nonconforming signs may be maintained and repaired so as to continue the useful life of the sign. If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed, resulting in a loss of 60 percent of its replacement value by fire, flood, wind or other such calamity, its reconstruction shall be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Any such restoration must be started within a period of one year at the time of such damage and diligently prosecuted to completion. For the purposes of this section, maintained shall be defined as to remain unaltered except to clean, paint, or other such activity with the objective of retaining or restoring the sign in or to a state in which it can perform its required function that does not increase the extent of the nonconformity, and repaired shall be defined as to make whole, good, or strong without increasing the extent of the nonconformity.
3. Nonconforming signs may be changed as long as the sign is not enlarged or the nature of the nonconformity increased.
4. For the purposes of this article, a nonconforming sign may be diminished in size or dimension, or the copy of the sign amended or changed without jeopardizing the privilege of nonconforming use.
5. A sign accessory to a nonconforming use may be erected in the city in accordance with the sign regulations for the district in which the property is located.

(Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.87), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 446, § I, 7-27-09)

1. The area of a sign shall be measured as the area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any straight line geometric figure that encloses the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, logo, or any other figure of similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed, excluding only the structure necessary to support the sign.
2. The area of a freestanding or projecting sign that has two or more faces shall be measured by including the area of all sign faces; except if two such faces are placed back-to-back and are of equal size, and are no more than two feet apart at any point the area of the two back-to-back faces shall be counted as one face. If the two back-to-back faces are of unequal size, the larger of the two sign faces shall be counted as one face.
3. The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign to the grade of the adjacent street or the average grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign, whichever is less.

(Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.88), 2-10-97)

Unless otherwise provided in this article, no signs, except those identified in sections 90-963 and 90-967(g) shall be located within the public right-of-way. All signs located in the city shall be erected, altered and maintained at the risk of the owner thereof, who shall assume full responsibility for consequences of damage caused thereby. Any sign erected, altered or maintained shall be removed by the owner within 24 hours of receipt of notice from the building inspector stating that such sign is unsafe or not properly maintained and shall be removed unless such condition is corrected. Upon failure to remove or correct such conditions within 24 hours of notice, the building inspector shall take such action as is necessary to have the sign removed as a public nuisance. Any signs located within the public right-of-way may be immediately removed by the building inspector.

(Code 1970, § 3.82; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.89), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 443, § I, 5-26-09; Ord. No. 455, § II, 3-22-10; Ord. No. 534, § 6, 6-27-16)

In the R-R, R-S, R-1, R-2, R-D and R-M districts, only the following signs are permitted subject to the dimensional requirements in section 90-967 or as allowed herein:

1. One permanent ground sign may be permitted per parcel subject as part of an application for and approval of a special land use permit. The sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height and may be an illuminated non-flashing type.
2. The following temporary signs are permitted:
   1. No more than four wire frame signs per parcel.
      1. During the time period where the property is actively listed for sale, one temporary sign per parcel may consist of a post sign.

(Code 1970, § 3.83; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.90), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 305, § 1, 10-27-97; Ord. No. 525, § I, 4-27-15; Ord. No. 534, § 7, 6-27-16; Ord. No. 543, § I, 6-26-17)

The following signs are permitted:

1. In the A-1, A-2, A-O zoning districts one permanent ground sign per parcel not to exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
2. In the B-5 zoning district:
   1. One ground sign per parcel, but not a pole sign, up to a maximum size of 24 square feet. Such sign shall not exceed a height of four feet above grade as measured to the top of the sign. Ground signs shall be setback a minimum of five feet from the front and side lot lines, but in no case shall a sign be placed where it might obstruct the vision of a motorist.
   2. Each lot is also permitted to have one wall sign per street frontage to be placed on that side of the building which faces the street up to a maximum size of 50 square feet per sign.
   3. For buildings containing more than one office establishment the size of the ground sign and wall sign(s) may be increased by 50 percent.
   4. Projecting signs shall be allowed according to the requirements of subsection 90-973(e).
   5. Awnings, canopy and marquee signs are permitted in lieu of a permitted wall sign.
   6. Ground and wall sign materials shall reflect the architectural character and materials of the building facade.
   7. For externally lit signs, the lighting fixture shall be mounted on the top of the sign only and the fixture directed downward so that the light does not present a glare to any person.
3. The following temporary signs are permitted in A-1, A-2, A-O and B-5 districts subject to the dimensional requirements in section 90-967 or as allowed herein:
   1. One post sign per parcel not to exceed eight square feet in area and four feet in height or one post sign up to 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height. A permit is required.
   2. Wire frame signs not to exceed four per parcel.
   3. Banner, flag and flutter flags not to exceed four such signs per parcel in total. Banner, flag and flutter flag signs may be displayed indefinitely provided they are properly maintained and shall be removed if they become torn, faded, unreadable or otherwise unsightly.
   4. Pennants and streamers are allowed provided they are properly maintained but shall be removed if they become torn, faded, unreadable or otherwise unsightly.
   5. One portable per parcel shall be permitted for any 30 days within a period of 120 days; but the sign shall not be closer than five feet to the front street right-of-way line nor closer than 20 feet to any curb, rear lot line, side lot line or intersection of streets right-of-way. If the sign is illuminated, there shall be an electrical outlet installed in accordance with the electrical codes for the city and state within five feet of the sign. The sign permit shall designate the 30 days in the 120-day period, as requested on the application for a sign permit.

(Code 1970, § 3.84; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.91), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 334, § III, 5-29-01; Ord. No. 534, § 8, 6-27-16; Ord. No. 543, § I, 6-26-17)

1. Only the following signs are permitted in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 and B-6 districts:
   1. Wall signs. One or more signs may be attached parallel to and flat against the face of the building and may project 14 inches from the building if they are ten feet above ground level. These signs may extend across 90 percent of the width of the building and may have a height equal to one-fourth of the height of the building.
      The maximum square footage for a single wall sign or the cumulative total of all wall signs shall not exceed ten percent of the square footage for each wall of the principal building which directly faces or fronts upon the public street or off-street parking area.
      The sign or signs as permitted in the preceding paragraph above shall only be placed on that wall of the principal building and/or accessory building that directly faces or fronts upon the public street or any off-street parking area provided there are no buildings in between the principal and/or accessory building and the street.
      For a principal or accessory building on a corner lot a single wall shall not contain a sign or signs greater in size than ten percent of the total square footage of that wall which is to contain the sign or signs.
   2. B-1 district ground signs. Ground Signs shall be permitted in the B-1 district according to the following requirements:
      1. One ground sign per parcel not to exceed 35 square feet in area, except that historical plaques shall not be included in the calculated area.
      2. The height of a ground sign shall not exceed six feet above grade.
      3. A ground sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from all lot lines and in the opinion of the zoning administrator shall not be placed so as to create an unsafe situation for those persons using the driveway to the site or traveling on an abutting road or sidewalk.
      4. Ground signs in the B-1 zone shall be constructed primarily with wood, brick, stone, wrought iron, glazed tile, or other similar decorative material.
      5. Parcels with nonconforming pole signs shall be allowed a ground sign only upon the removal of all nonconforming pole signs from the property.
   3. B-2 district ground signs. ground signs shall be permitted in the B-2 district according to the following requirements:
      1. One ground sign per parcel except as may be allowed by subsection 90-973(b)(6).
      2. The size of the ground sign shall be as set forth in the ground sign below:
         GROUND SIGN TABLE

         Parcel Frontage Width	Sign Area	Sign Height	Sign
         Less than 100 ft.	35 sq. ft.	6 ft.	10 ft.
         100 to 299 ft.	65 sq. ft.	8 ft.	12 ft.
         300 ft. or more	80 sq. ft.	10 ft.	12 ft.

      3. The height of the ground sign shall include the base and the height shall be measured from the natural grade on which the base rests to the top of the sign.
      4. The width of the sign shall include the frame or support structures.
      5. A ground sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from all lot lines and in the opinion of the zoning administrator shall not be placed so as to create an unsafe situation for those persons using the driveway to the site or traveling on an abutting road or sidewalk.
      6. For parcels with more than 300 feet of road frontage or for parcels with road frontage on more than one street, one ground sign may be permitted for each driveway which serves the parcel. The sign shall be placed within close proximity to each driveway while maintaining adequate separation between signs. The size of each sign shall be as set forth in the ground sign table of this section.
      7. For multitenant parcels, the permitted size of the ground sign may be increased by 25 percent. For purposes of this section, a multitenant parcel shall be defined as a parcel or a building which contains more than one commercial establishment.
      8. For abutting parcels which share a common property line and a driveway onto a public road, the commercial establishments on each parcel may share one ground sign. The size of the sign shall then be determined by the total amount of road frontage of the two parcels in accordance with the ground sign table contained in this section. The owners or operators of each commercial establishment shall provide an appropriate operation and maintenance agreement to the city before a sign permit will be issued.
      9. Street numbers shall be prominently displayed on all ground signs in a conspicuous location approved by the building inspector. The characters to be used for such purpose shall be not less than eight inches in height and shall be of a color that contrasts with the color of the background to which they are affixed. The street numbers shall not be in script. The street numbers will not be calculated as part of the allowed square footage of the message. It shall be unlawful for any person to display any street number other than the official number upon any ground sign.
      10. Parcels with nonconforming pole signs shall be allowed a ground sign only upon the removal of all nonconforming pole signs from the property.
   4. Marquees and canopies. Marquees and canopies constructed as an integral part of a building may be construed as the face of a building on which the permitted attached signs may be placed along the front edge; the area of such signs may be computed based upon the actual size of the building wall. All such signs shall be parallel to the face of the building. (See subsection 90-504(f)).
   5. Temporary signs: The following temporary signs shall be permitted subject to the dimensional requirements in section 90-967 or as allowed herein: 
      1. Banner sign, flag sign, or flutter flag sign. No more than four banner, flag or flutter flag signs shall be permitted per parcel. Banner, flag and flutter flag signs may be displayed indefinitely provided they are properly maintained and shall be removed if they become torn, faded, unreadable or otherwise unsightly. Temporary signs. The following temporary signs shall be permitted subject to the dimensional requirements in section 90-967 or as allowed herein:
      2. Balloon sign or inflatable sign. One balloon sign or inflatable sign shall be permitted per parcel.
      3. Pennant sign or streamers. No more than four pennant signs or streamers per parcel shall be permitted per parcel. Pennant signs and streamers may be displayed indefinitely provided they are properly maintained and shall be removed if they become torn, faded, unreadable or otherwise unsightly.
      4. Portable sign. One portable sign shall be permitted per parcel for any 30 days within a period of 120 days; but the sign shall not be located closer than five feet to the front street right-of-way line nor closer than 20 feet to any curb, rear lot line, side lot line or intersection of street right-of-way lines. If the sign is illuminated, there shall be an electrical outlet installed in accordance with the electrical codes for the city and state within five feet of the sign. The sign permit shall designate the 30 days in the 120-day period, as requested on the application for a sign permit
      5. Post sign. One post sign shall be permitted per parcel and shall not to exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
      6. Sidewalk sign. One sidewalk sign per storefront is permitted in the B-1 District and shall not occupy more than nine square feet of sidewalk nor exceed four feet in height. Sidewalk signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
         1. May be displayed only during hours a business is open.
         2. Must be placed in front of the storefront holding the permit for the sign.
         3. Shall be located a minimum of two feet from the curb and allow 5 feet of unobstructed sidewalk.
         4. Shall be placed 20 feet from each other.
         5. Shall not be placed on snowbanks.
         6. Shall be weatherproof and sturdy enough to withstand typical winds without flipping over.
         7. Loose paper faces are prohibited.
      7. Wire frame sign. No more than four wire frame signs shall be permitted per parcel.
   6. Projecting signs subject to the following regulations:
      1. One projecting sign shall be permitted for each entrance of a business or separate commercial establishment within a building provided the sign is placed on the same plane as the building entrance.
      2. The maximum size of each sign shall not exceed six square feet.
      3. Each sign shall not project more than four feet from the building and be shall pinned away from the wall by a minimum of six inches.
      4. Each sign shall project from the wall at an angle of 90 degrees.
      5. Each sign shall not be higher than the window sill of the second-story window.
      6. Each sign shall maintain a minimum clearance from the ground of eight feet.
      7. Each sign shall be mounted to the building by a single mounting bracket (support chains shall be prohibited); and no support material shall project below the sign.
      8. A projecting sign shall be at least five feet from any adjoining building.
      9. Each sign shall relate only to the use on the premise containing the sign.
      10. The installation plans for the sign shall be approved by the building inspector who shall also inspect the sign after installation.
      11. Signs shall not be internally lighted. External lighting of signs is permitted but the source of illumination shall not cause glare.
      12. The use of wrought iron as a frame for signs is encouraged.

(Code 1970, § 3.85; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.92), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 333, § I, 5-29-01; Ord. No. 334, § IV, 5-29-01; Ord. No. 432, § II, 12-22-08; Ord. No. 438, § I, 3-23-09; Ord. No. 446, § II, 7-27-09; Ord. No. 462, § V, 11-22-10; Ord. No. 486, § I, 6-25-12; Ord. No. 525, §§ II, III, 4-27-15; Ord. No. 534, §§ 9, 10, 6-27-16; Ord. No. 542, § I, 5-22-17; Ord. No. 543, § I, 6-26-17)

Signs for the D-1 district shall be the same as signs permitted in the B-1 district per section 90-973. Signs for the D-2 district shall be the same as signs permitted in the B-2 district per section 90-973.

(Code 1970, § 3.86; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.93), 2-10-97; Ord. No. 304, § 1, 10-27-97)

Editor's note - Ord. No. 534, § 10, adopted June 27, 2016, repealed § 90-975 in its entirety. Former § 90-975 pertained to portable signs, pennants, and streamers and derived from Code 1970, § 3.87; Ord. No. 301, § 5(3.94), adopted Feb. 10, 1997; Ord. No. 334, §§ V—VII, adopted May 29, 2001; Ord. No. 525, § IV, adopted April 27, 2015.