Any publicly displayed sign, symbol, graphic representation or notice (hereinafter "signs") shall be regulated as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003)

All of the signs addressed in this chapter shall fully comply with the city appearance code 1 , as same may be amended from time to time, and the provisions of this title. In the event of any conflicting provision between same, the more restrictive shall apply, unless waived by motion of the city council. (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003)

A sign permit will be required for the installation of any external sign. Said permit will be issued by the building official/code official, and a certificate of compliance will be issued by the zoning administrator only after the city council authorizes said permit where required pursuant to the provisions of chapter 3 of this title. (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003)

   A.   No advertising sign structure or billboard shall be permitted to be erected in any district. In addition, all nonconforming signs shall be subject to termination provisions as specified in section 11-9-7 of this title.

   B.   No adult entertainment sign or advertising may be placed on billboards, signboards, signs upon vacant property, and/or upon buildings that are within one thousand feet (1,000') of the property boundaries of schools, daycare centers, cemeteries, public parks, or places of religious worship. For purposes of this subsection, "adult entertainment" means and shall include, but not be limited to, entertainment provided by an adult bookstore, striptease club, or pornographic movie theater whose business is the commercial sale, dissemination or distribution of sexually explicit materials, shows, or other exhibition or any other signs or advertising materials promoting shows or other exhibitions that, when considered as a whole, appeal predominantly to the interest in nudity or sex. (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003)

One temporary sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet of gross surface area carrying the name of the contractors, engineers, and/or architects during the construction period will be permitted in all use districts. (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003)

   A.   In an R district, only the following signs shall be permitted:

      1.   For each dwelling unit, one unlighted nameplate not exceeding one square foot in area, indicating the name of occupant.

      2.   For a structure authorized as a "special use", other than a dwelling unit, one identification sign not exceeding ten (10) square feet, except a church bulletin board, which shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet.

      3.   For purpose of orientation, directional signs, when established by the city, not exceeding two (2) square feet.

   B.   No sign appertaining to the lease, hire or sale of a building or premises on which said sign is placed shall exceed four (4) square feet in area. Each such sign shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the lot line of the adjoining premises and any lot line that abuts a street or highway.

   C.   No electrical signs shall be erected in a residential district. (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003)

In a business district, the following regulations shall apply: (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003; amd. 2009 Code)

   A.   Signs attached to a building or premises shall be erected parallel to the vertical wall surfaces and shall not project more than twelve inches (12") from the wall upon which it is attached, nor project beyond the end or top of the wall to which it is attached. Signs must be attached to parapet walls or other wall surfaces made a part of the principal structure. Signs erected on a separate superstructure attached to the roof of the building or to any other part of the building above the roofline shall not be permitted.

   B.   Signs attached to or hung from a marquee or canopy shall be completely within the borderline of the outer edge of the marquee or canopy and shall in no instance be lower than eight feet (8') above the ground or surface over which the marquee or canopy is located.

   C.   Signs, clocks or other advertising devices erected upon standards or separate supports shall be placed so as to be entirely within the property lines of the premises upon which they are located. No part of the sign or standard shall have a total height greater than twelve feet (12') above the level of the street upon which the sign faces, or above the adjoining ground level if such ground level is above the street level. The bottom edge of such sign shall be at least seven feet (7') above the ground level. The surface of any such sign shall not exceed an area of thirty (30) square feet.

   D.   No blinking lights shall be used for the illumination of signs. All primary light sources illuminating the buildings shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the standards of the Illuminating Engineering Society and shall be so placed, designed and used that neither the direct nor reflected light therefrom will adversely affect surrounding property or create a traffic hazard. Building faces, if illuminated for advertising purposes, shall be only such faces as do not front a residential district.

   E.   Traffic or directional signs designating entrances, exits and conditions of use of parking facilities accessory to the main use of the premises may be maintained, provided they are located within the property lines of the subject lot.

   F.   The gross surface area of all business signs on any lot or premises shall conform with the following parameters: Such signs shall be permitted on the front facade, not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the wall area, parallel or most nearly parallel to the public way or one hundred (100) square feet, whichever is less. Signs may be placed in or on windows, however, the size of such sign shall be included in calculating the maximum sign area allowed.

   G.   For integrated shopping centers under single ownership or under unified control, one additional illuminated sign may be erected, provided it does not exceed thirty (30) square feet in area and contains only the name and location of the integrated shopping center and the name and type of business of the occupants of the center. Such signs shall be placed so as to be entirely within the property lines of the premises upon which it is located. The bottom edge of such sign shall be at least seven feet (7') above the level of the ground, and the overall height of such sign shall not exceed twelve feet (12') above the level of the ground. (Ord. 2003-O-15, 3-18-2003)