In accordance with state law, this chapter establishes comprehensive regulations for the control of signs and other street graphics in order to preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare. More specifically, this chapter is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives:

   A.   To authorize the use of street graphics which are:

      1.   Compatible with their surroundings and the zoning district in which they are located;

      2.   Expressive of the image the city desires to project;

      3.   Appropriate to the type of establishment or activity to which they pertain; and

      4.   Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen;

   B.   To foster high quality commercial and industrial development, and to enhance the economic vitality of existing businesses/industries by promoting the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of street graphics;

   C.   To encourage sound street graphics display practices, and to mitigate the objectionable effects of competition in respect to the size and placement of street graphics;

   D.   To enhance the physical appearance of the city by protecting the manmade and natural beauty of the area;

   E.   To protect pedestrians and motorists from any damage or injury that might result from the improper construction, placement, or use of street graphics;

   F.   To protect the public investment in streets and highways by reducing the obstructions and distractions which might cause traffic accidents;

   G.   To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of street graphics with nearby land uses; and

   H.   To protect the physical and mental well being of the general public by recognizing and encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the visual environment. (2010 Code)

This chapter shall be applicable within the corporate limits of the city and within the recognized one and one-half (11/2) mile area surrounding the city over which the city has adopted control. (2010 Code)

Every provision of this chapter shall be construed liberally in favor of the city. Whenever the requirements of this chapter differ from the requirements of the highway advertising control act of 1971, 225 Illinois Compiled Statutes 440/1 et seq., the more stringent standard shall apply. Whenever the requirements of this chapter differ from the requirements of any previously adopted ordinance or regulation, the ordinances or parts thereof that conflict with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed. (2010 Code)

   A.   Except as may be provided otherwise by statute or ordinance, no officer, board member, agent, or employee of the city shall render himself personally liable for any damage that may occur to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his duties under this chapter. (See local governmental and governmental employees tort immunity act, 745 Illinois Compiled Statutes 10/1-101.)

   B.   Any suit brought against any officer, board member, agent, or employee of the city as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his duties under this chapter shall be defended by the city attorney until the final determination of the legal proceedings.

   C.   Nothing in this chapter is intended to create a private cause of action in any person, business or corporation. And, specifically, no consequential damages may be sought for loss of profits or business opportunity. (2010 Code)

In construing the intended meaning of terminology used in this chapter, the following rules shall be observed:

   A.   Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in section 11-12B-2 of this article; terms not defined in said section 11-12B-2 shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in section 11-2-3 of this title; if any term is not defined either in section 11-12B-2 of this article or section 11-2-3 of this title, said term shall have the standard English dictionary meaning.

   B.   Words denoting the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter genders.

   C.   Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense.

   D.   Words used in the singular number shall include the plural number, and the plural the singular.

   E.   The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is discretionary.

   F.   The term "the city" shall mean the city of Jerseyville, Illinois.

   G.   The word "person" means any individual, partnership, copartnership, company, limited liability company, corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, estate, political subdivision, or any other legal entity or their legal representatives, agents or assigns.

   H.   All distances shall be measured to the nearest integral foot; six inches (6") or more shall be deemed one foot (1').

   I.   Reference to sections shall be deemed to include all subsections within that section; but a reference to a particular subsection designates only that subsection.

   J.   A general term that follows or is followed by enumerations of specific terms shall not be limited to the enumerated class unless expressly limited. (2010 Code)

ADMINISTRATOR: The zoning administrator of the city which shall be the building official or his duly authorized representative.

ALTER: To change the size, shape, height, or other similar characteristics of a street graphic.

AMENDMENT: A change in the provisions of this chapter, properly effected in accordance with the procedures set forth in this chapter.

AMORTIZATION: The elimination of nonconforming street graphics over time in accordance with the procedures set forth herein.

APPEAL: A procedure whereby any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the administrator in any matter related to the interpretation or enforcement of this chapter may seek relief from the planning and zoning board.

AWNING: Any rooflike structure made of cloth, metal or other material attached to a building and erected over a window, doorway, etc., in such a manner as to permit its being raised or retracted to a position against the building, when not in use.

BEACON LIGHT: A light or fire commonly on a hill, tower, or pole which is used as a signal for guidance.

BILLBOARD: Any single or double faced street graphic that is permanently fixed or placed on particular premises and that is used for the display of messages or advertising not associated with the establishment located on said premises. A "billboard" typically has provision for changing the message/advertising thereon.

CANOPY: A rooflike structure similar to an awning; except, that it cannot be raised or retracted to a position against the building.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign which has provision for changing the message thereon either manually or electronically, including signs commonly referred to as "sandwich boards" or which the message may be written in chalk, paint, marker, vinyl lettering, or other changeable method on one or both sides of the board.

CORRECTIVE ACTION ORDER: A legally binding order to effect compliance with this chapter, issued by the administrator in accordance with the procedures set forth herein.

ELECTRONICALLY OPERATED SIGN: See definition of Changeable Copy Sign.

ESTABLISHMENT: Either of the following:

   A.   An institutional, business, commercial, or industrial activity that is the sole occupant of one or more buildings; or

   B.   An institutional, business, commercial, or industrial activity that occupies a portion of a building and not a department of the whole; and

      1.   The activity is a logical and separate entity from the other activities within the building and not a department of the whole; and

      2.   The activity has either a separate entrance from the exterior of the building or a separate entrance from a common and clearly defined entryway that has direct access to the exterior of the building.

FLUSH MOUNTED SIGN: Any sign attached to or erected against any wall, awning, canopy, or marquee with the exposed face of said sign in a place approximately parallel to the plane of the wall, etc., and not projecting more than eighteen inches (18"). Such sign shall not be painted directly on any exterior wall or roof.

FREESTANDING SIGN: Any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles, or braces in or upon the ground in a permanent manner.

FRONTAGE: The linear extent of the lot abutting a street or public roadway, or the linear extent of the lot abutting a public parking area if the lot has no street frontage.

LOT: Any tract of land intended as a unit for the purpose (whether immediate or future) of development or transfer of ownership. The term "lot" may or may not be synonymous with "lot of record".

MARQUEE: Any canopy made of durable materials that is a permanent fixture of the building to which it is attached.

MESSAGE: A communication of identification or advertising information visually perceived. Said communication may consist of words, abbreviations, numbers, symbols, pictures, geometric shapes, etc.

MOBILE/PORTABLE MARQUEE: A term commonly used to mean any street graphic not designed to be permanently attached to a building or part thereof or to be anchored to the ground. Such street graphics primarily include, but are not limited to, signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self- supporting poles, etc., but shall not include sandwich boards.

NONCONFORMING STREET GRAPHIC: Any street graphic which existed on the effective date hereof (or amendment hereto), but which does not comply with the regulations set forth herein.

OFF PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN: See definition of Billboard.

PENNANT: A long tapering flag, usually triangular in shape, but can be rectangular or square.

PREMISES: Any lot, plus all the structures and uses thereon.

PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign which is supported by any exterior wall of a building or suspended beneath any awning, canopy, or marquee with the exposed face of said sign in a plane approximately perpendicular to the plane of the wall, etc., and projecting more than eighteen inches (18").

RECONSTRUCT: To erect a street graphic after it has been damaged or destroyed.

RELOCATE: To move a street graphic to another portion of the premises or to a different premises.

REPLACE: To substitute a street graphic for an existing street graphic.

ROOF MOUNTED SIGN: Any sign erected or maintained on the roof of any building.

ROOFLINE: The edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette, on the side of the building where the street graphic is located.

SANDWICH BOARD: A movable sign with changeable copy using chalk, paint, marker, vinyl lettering, or other changeable method on one or both sides to convey the message, usually located on the sidewalk in front of a retail business.

SHOPPING CENTER IDENTIFICATION SIGN: Any sign identifying a building or group of buildings that provides common off street parking facilities, and that is occupied by two (2) or more retail sales establishments.

SIGN: Any object, device, display, structure, or surface, or part thereof, that is used to advertise, identify, display, or attract attention to any object, person, institution, organization, business, project, service, or event related to the premises on which the sign is situated by any means including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, or illumination.

SIGN AREA: The area of the one imaginary square or rectangle that would completely enclose all parts of a sign including the background.

SIGN AREA ALLOWANCE: The total of the areas of all signs that a particular establishment is permitted to display under the terms of this chapter.

SPECIAL STREET GRAPHIC PERMIT: A permit by the city council in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to regulate the design and placement of street graphics in areas of special control.

STREET FRONTAGE: See definition of Frontage.

STREET GRAPHIC: Any on premises identification or advertising sign, or any billboard or off premises advertising sign, visible from the public right of way or from any parking area used by the general public.

STREET GRAPHIC PERMIT: A permit issued by the administrator to regulate the erection, expansion, alteration, relocation, or reconstruction of street graphics in all parts of the city except in areas of special control.

STROBE LIGHT: A device that utilizes a flash tube for high speed illumination.

VARIANCE: A relaxation of the requirements of this chapter that are applicable to a particular street graphic.

WINDOW SIGN: Any sign visible from the exterior of the building which is painted on, affixed to, or suspended immediately behind a window.

Permanent Window Sign: One that is intended to remain on display for thirty (30) days or more.

Temporary Window Sign: One that is intended to remain on display for less than thirty (30) days. (2010 Code)

The building official, referred to herein as the "administrator", is hereby authorized and directed to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. This broad responsibility encompasses, but is not limited to, the following specific duties:

   A.   To review and pass upon applications for street graphic permits;

   B.   To inspect existing and newly constructed street graphics to determine compliance with this chapter, and where there are violations, to initiate appropriate corrective action;

   C.   To review and forward to the planning and zoning board all applications for special street graphic permits, variances, appeals, and amendments;

   D.   To maintain up to date records of said applications and of any official actions taken pursuant thereto;

   E.   To periodically review the provisions of this chapter to determine whether revisions are needed, and to make recommendations on these matters to the planning and zoning board;

   F.   To provide information to the general public on matters related to this chapter; and

   G.   To perform such other duties as the city council may from time to time prescribe. (2010 Code)

   A.   Permit Required: Upon the effective date hereof, no sign, billboard, or other street graphic, except those listed in section 11-12E-2 of this chapter, shall be erected, expanded, altered, relocated, or reconstructed without a street graphic permit issued by the administrator.

   B.   Application For Permit: Every applicant for a street graphic permit shall submit on a city supplied form to the administrator, in narrative and/or graphic form, all the following items of information:

      1.   Name, address, and telephone number of applicant;

      2.   Name and address of the owner of the premises on which the street graphic is to be erected, if different from subsection B1 of this section;

      3.   Location of the building, structure or lot where the proposed street graphic is to be erected, and the zoning district classification of said premises;

      4.   Description of the proposed street graphic indicating proposed location, dimensions, area, overall height, illumination, and method of support/attachment;

      5.   Relationship of the proposed street graphic to nearby traffic control devices;

      6.   Amount of street frontage that the establishment which proposes to display the street graphic has, and the total area of all existing signs on said premises; and

      7.   Such other information as the administrator shall reasonably require to determine full compliance with this chapter. (2010 Code)

A nonconforming street graphic that does not pose an imminent peril to life or property may remain and be maintained by ordinary repairs, but shall not be:

   A.   Altered or enlarged in such a way as to increase its nonconformity;

   B.   Replaced by another nonconforming street graphic (provided, that changing the message on a changeable copy sign shall not be deemed a violation of this subsection);

   C.   Relocated unless it is made to conform with this chapter; or

   D.   Reconstructed after incurring damage in an amount exceeding fifty percent (50%) of its market value at the time of loss as determined by the administrator. (2010 Code)

   A.   Notice Requirements: Whenever the administrator finds, by inspection or otherwise, that any street graphic is in violation of this chapter, he shall so notify the responsible party in writing pursuant to subsection B of this section, and shall order appropriate corrective action. Provided, that this notice requirement shall not apply whenever the administrator determines that any street graphic poses an imminent peril to life or property or whenever such street graphic is strictly prohibited. In situations where the owner of the sign has not been identified, the administrator may notify the person, business, or entity who benefits from the particular sign or the person who placed the sign requesting that appropriate corrective action be taken.

   B.   Contents Of Order: The order to take corrective action shall be in writing and shall include:

      1.   A description of the premises sufficient for identification;

      2.   A statement indicating the nature of the violation;

      3.   A statement of the remedial action necessary to effect compliance;

      4.   Corrective action must be taken seventy two (72) hours after receipt of a corrective action order;

      5.   A statement that the alleged violator is entitled to confer with the administrator if he so desires;

      6.   The date by which an appeal of the corrective action order must be filed, and a statement of the procedure for so filing; and

      7.   A statement that failure to obey a corrective action order shall result in revocation of the street graphic permit and may result in remedial action by the city and/or the imposition of a fine.

   C.   Service Of Order: A corrective action order shall be deemed properly served upon the owner of the offending street graphic if it is:

      1.   Served upon him personally; or

      2.   Sent by certified mail to the last known address of owner and, when practicable, posted in a conspicuous place on or about the affected premises. (2010 Code)

   A.   Whenever the recipient of a corrective action order fails to obey said order within the time limit set forth therein, or in an emergency, the administrator may alter/remove the offending street graphic or take any other action necessary to effect compliance with this chapter.

   B.   Any expense incurred by the city pursuant to authorized street graphic remedial action, pursuant to subsection 11-12C-4A of this article and subsection A of this section, shall be billed by first class mail to the owner of the offending street graphic. If said bill has not been paid within thirty (30) days, the unpaid charge shall constitute a lien upon the real estate where the street graphic is located. The city attorney is hereby authorized to file a notice of lien in the office of the county recorder of deeds to foreclose this lien, and to sue the owner of the real estate, or sign permittee, or their agents, in a civil action to recover the money due for the foregoing services, plus all expenses incurred pursuant to collection efforts including litigation expenses, plus reasonable attorney fees to be fixed by the court. (2010 Code)

   A.   Variances:

      1.   In order that the spirit of this title may be observed and substantial justice done, the planning and zoning board shall, upon application or appeal, after conducting a public hearing and upon making a finding of fact, owing to special conditions, find that a literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter would result in unnecessary hardship, may vary the conditions of this chapter.

      2.   The planning and zoning board shall not grant any street graphic variance unless, based upon evidence presented to them, they determine that:

         a.   The proposed variance is consistent with the spirit and purpose of this chapter and will not cause injury to the area in which the street graphic is located or be detrimental to the public welfare in any way; and

         b.   Strict application of the requirements of this chapter would result in great practical difficulties or hardship to the applicant; and

         c.   The plight of the applicant is due to peculiar circumstances not of his own making; and

         d.   The proposed variance is the minimum deviation from the requirements that will alleviate the difficulties/hardship while protecting the broader public interest; and

         e.   The proposed variance will provide a better aesthetically pleasing look; prevent obstruction of view; or match the design, look and layout of other signs located on the same property on which a previous variance was granted.

   B.   Appeals And Special Uses: The planning and zoning board shall follow guidelines and requirements as stated in chapter 3, article A and chapter 11 of this title, as applicable, when determining requests for variances, appeals or special uses.

   C.   Hearings: The planning and zoning board shall hold a public hearing on each variance, appeal or special use requested. At the hearing, any interested party may appear and testify, either in person or by a duly authorized agent or attorney. Proper notice procedures as in all variance proceedings shall be followed. (2010 Code)

All fees indicated in this section shall be paid to the city clerk. Said fees are intended to defray the administrative costs connected with the processing and enforcement of the listed permits/procedures. They do not constitute a tax or other revenue raising device.

 

 

(2010 Code)

Whenever any violation of this chapter occurs, or is alleged to have occurred, any person may file a written complaint on forms provided by the administrator. The administrator shall record such complaints, promptly investigate, and, if he deems necessary, initiate appropriate corrective action. (2010 Code)

   A.   Any person who is convicted of a violation of this chapter shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), plus costs. Each day that a violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.

   B.   Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the city from taking any other lawful action that may be necessary to secure compliance with this chapter. (2010 Code)

Any sign or other street graphic not expressly permitted by this chapter shall be deemed prohibited in the city. (2010 Code)

   A.   Calculation: The area of every sign shall be calculated as follows:

      1.   If a sign is enclosed by a box or outline, the total area (including the background) within that outline shall be deemed the sign area.

      2.   If a sign consists of individual letters, parts, or symbols, the area of the one imaginary square or rectangle that would completely enclose all the letters, parts, or symbols shall be deemed the sign area.

      3.   In calculating sign area, only one side of any double faced sign shall be counted.

      4.   The area of signs of unusual shapes such as globes, cylinders, or pyramids shall be computed as one-half (1/2) of the total of the exposed surfaces.

   B.   Allowed Sign Area:

      1.   Within the limitations and restrictions as provided in this chapter, the total of the areas of flush mounted signs which a particular establishment is permitted to display shall be computed according to the following formula: Two (2) square feet of sign area per one foot (1') of linear street frontage.

      2.   The total areas of all other signs which a particular establishment is permitted to display shall be computed according to the formula set out in subsection B1 of this section; provided, that no establishment in any zoning district shall display more than three hundred (300) square feet of signs, however, all establishments are allowed to put up a minimum thirty two (32) square foot sign. (2010 Code)

If any establishment has frontage on two (2) or more streets, each side having frontage shall be considered separately for purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of this chapter. However, the sign area allowances shall not be combined so as to allow any such establishment to display on any frontage a greater area of signs than this section would otherwise permit. The side of an establishment adjacent to an off street parking area shall be deemed frontage. (2010 Code)

No sign or other street graphic shall revolve, rotate, or mechanically move in any manner. (2010 Code)

Illumination of signs and other street graphics is permitted, subject to the following requirements:

   A.   Only white directional lighting specifically illuminating the sign is permitted in residential zoning districts and within one hundred feet (100') thereof.

   B.   No red, yellow, green or other colored light shall be used at any location in such a manner as to confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic.

   C.   No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color; provided, that this subsection shall not apply to any message on any electronically operated changeable copy sign. Beacon lights and illumination by flame are prohibited.

   D.   The light from any illuminated sign or other street graphic shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so as to avoid the creation or continuation of any nuisance or traffic hazard.

   E.   No exposed reflective type bulb, and no strobe light or incandescent lamp which exceeds fifteen (15) watts, shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign in such a manner as to expose the face of the bulb, light, or lamp to any public street or to adjacent property. (2010 Code)

   A.   No sign or other street graphic shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent access or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or driveway.

   B.   No sign or other street graphic shall be erected or maintained in such a manner that it interferes with, obstructs the view of, or is likely to be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.

   C.   No sign shall be located so as to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.

   D.   No sign or other street graphic shall exceed a maximum height of twenty five feet (25'). There shall be no minimum height. (2010 Code)

   A.   Every sign or other street graphic shall be designed and constructed in conformity with the applicable provisions of the building code.

   B.   The electrical component of any illuminated sign or other street graphic shall conform to the applicable requirements of the electrical code. (2010 Code)

The following street graphics are strictly prohibited everywhere in the city:

   A.   Mobile/portable marquees.

   B.   Signs attached to trees, fences, or public utility poles, other than warning signs issued by public utilities.

   C.   Signs, including posts and other supports, that advertise or identify an activity, business, or service no longer conducted, which become a nuisance, become hazardous, or fall into ill repair. Said signs must be removed within fourteen (14) days from the date of receipt of a corrective action order from the administrator. The landowner shall be responsible for responding to such corrective action order.

   D.   Signs painted on roofs or walls advertising off premises businesses. (2010 Code)

Every sign or other street graphic enumerated in this section that complies with the indicated requirement may be erected in any zoning district of the city without a permit. The area of said signs/street graphics shall not be debited against the displaying establishment's sign area allowance.

   A.   Construction signs identifying the architects, engineers, contractors, and other individuals or firms involved with the construction, and/or announcing the character or purpose of the building, but not advertising any product. Such signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area, shall be confined to the site of the construction, and shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the project has reached a substantial completion of ninety percent (90%), but prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy by the city.

   B.   Directional and informational signs erected for the convenience of the public, such as signs identifying entrances, exits, parking areas, no parking areas, restrooms, public telephones, walkways, and similar features or facilities. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area.

   C.   Flags of any country, state, or unit of local government, 65 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-80-17.

   D.   Garage sale signs advertising a garage or yard sale on private residential property. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area, shall not be posted for longer than three (3) days and are not allowed to be on street right of way.

   E.   Governmental or public signs such as traffic control signs, railroad crossing signs, legal notices, signs indicating the location of underground cables, etc.

   F.   Holiday decorations such as Christmas lights and ornaments; provided, that such decorations must be removed within a reasonable time after the holiday, unless permanently installed.

   G.   House numbers and/or name of occupant signs located on the lot to which the sign pertains. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area for single-family dwellings nor six (6) square feet in area for multiple-family dwellings.

   H.   Institutional signs for public, charitable, or religious institutions. Such signs shall be located on the premises of the institution, shall not obstruct the vision of motorists, and shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area.

   I.   Integral signs carved into stone or inlaid so as to become part of the building, and containing such information as date of erection, name of building, and memorial tributes.

   J.   Interior signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, provided such signs are not visible from the exterior of said buildings.

   K.   Political campaign signs announcing candidates seeking public office and/or political issues involving public elections or referenda. Such signs shall be confined to private property. Political campaign signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area in all zoning districts; except such signs may be a maximum of thirty two (32) square feet in business districts. Political campaign signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the election to which they pertain.

   L.   Property regulations signs such as no trespassing, no hunting, no fishing, etc. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area.

   M.   Public interest signs publicizing a charitable or nonprofit event of general public interest. In any residential district, such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area; elsewhere, such signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. Public interest signs shall be permitted only for thirty (30) days before and two (2) days after the event.

   N.   Real estate signs indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which they are located. Such signs on residential property shall not exceed six and one-fourth (61/4) square feet in area, and not more than one real estate sign per street front shall be erected on any lot. On other property, such signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet, may be positioned in a "V" shape with an interior angle between the faces of not more than ninety degrees (90°), with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (5') at their closest point. Such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sale, rental, or lease.

   O.   Residential development identification structures at major entrances: 1) designed to identify a residential subdivision, apartment complex, or planned unit development; 2) containing no commercial advertising; and 3) not exceeding forty (40) square feet in actual signage area.

   P.   Street banners advertising a public entertainment or event. Such banners may be placed in locations approved at the discretion of the building official, as long as they do not cause a traffic hazard or a threat to the public health or safety, during the period of thirty (30) days before the event and two (2) days after the event.

   Q.   Utility company signs that serve as an aid to public safety or that show the location of public telephones, underground cables, etc.

   R.   Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material. (2010 Code)

Upon the effective date hereof, no signs or other street graphics, except those listed in section 11-12E-2 of this article, shall be erected in any residential district (see subsection 11-12C-4A of this chapter). (2010 Code)

No establishment located in any business district or in any manufacturing district shall display a total area of signs in excess of its sign area allowance (see subsection 11-12D-2B of this chapter). (2010 Code)

For aesthetic and safety reasons, flush mounted signs are the preferred type of sign in the city. No flush mounted sign shall:

   A.   Project more than eighteen inches (18") from the wall or surface to which it is attached (if such wall/surface is not vertical, the projection shall be measured from the closest point of the wall/surface to the sign); or

   B.   Extend more than four feet (4') above the roofline of the building to which it is attached. (2010 Code)

   A.   No establishment in any zoning district shall display more than one projecting sign on any street front.

   B.   No projecting sign shall:

      1.   Project more than ten feet (10') from the building to which it is attached; or

      2.   Extend more than three feet (3') above the roofline of the building to which it is attached; or

      3.   Project over a street, alley, public sidewalk, or driveway, or closer than two feet (2') to the curb or edge of such vehicular way; or

      4.   Extend below a point ten feet (10') above the ground or pavement. (2010 Code)

Signs mounted flush against any awning, canopy, or marquee shall be considered flush mounted signs and shall comply with the regulations of section 11-12F-1 of this article. Signs suspended beneath any awning, canopy, or marquee shall be considered projecting signs and shall comply with the regulations of section 11-2F-2 of this article. When the message is placed directly on the awning, the sign area shall be the computation of the area of the one imaginary square or rectangle which would completely enclose all the letters, parts or symbols. (2010 Code)

Any establishment may display window signs. Window signs shall cover no more than thirty percent (30%) of any window. Permanent window signs shall be debited against the displaying establishment's sign area allowance, but temporary window signs shall not. (2010 Code)

   A.   A shopping center, as an entity, may erect an identification sign in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. A shopping center identification sign shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet in area. One sign shall be allowed per seventy five (75) linear feet of frontage, not to exceed two (2) freestanding signs per shopping center.

   B.   A shopping center identification sign shall display the range of addresses (numbers only) located within the shopping center, the square footage of such address portion of sign to be exempted from the three hundred (300) square feet of total sign area, with a minimum height of five inches (5"), unless a finished base is provided, then the numbers may appear on the finished base (sign face sides), with a minimum height of five inches (5"). Such range of addresses shall be of a reflective material if not illuminated. (2010 Code)

No more than one freestanding sign shall be displayed on any street front of any lot. All freestanding signs shall comply with the following regulations:

   A.   No part of any freestanding sign shall intrude into or project over any public right of way.

   B.   No freestanding sign shall be located so as to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.

   C.   No freestanding sign shall exceed a total of eighty (80) square feet in area or ten feet (10') in any dimension; provided, that this subsection shall not apply to shopping center identification signs (see section 11-12F-5 of this article).

   D.   When attached to a post or other supports, the top edge of a freestanding sign shall not exceed more than twenty five feet (25') above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right of way or the adjacent finished grade, whichever is greater.

   E.   No exposed supports are permitted; supports are to be encased by vinyl, metal or masonry.

   F.   Street address (numbers only) are to be located on signs, the square footage of such address to be exempted from the eighty (80) square feet of total sign face area, with a minimum height of five inches (5"), unless a finished base is provided, then the numbers may appear on the finished base (sign face sides), with a minimum height of five inches (5"). This section shall not apply if the address on building is clearly visible from the right of way. (2010 Code)

All roof mounted signs are strictly prohibited everywhere in the city. (2010 Code)

Billboards (including all off premises advertising signs) are prohibited in the city and within the recognized one and one- half (11/2) mile area surrounding the city over which the city has adopted control. (2010 Code)

   A.   Any business enterprise consisting of retail sales and/or rendering of services directly to the public shall be able to use mobile portable marquees, signs and banners for promotional activities. These promotional activities may occur not more than once quarterly. Each promotional activity shall not exceed fourteen (14) days in length. Mobile/portable marquees used in accordance with this section shall be confined to property on which the business enterprise is located.

   B.   Any business enterprise consisting of retail sales and/or rendering of services directly to the public shall be able to use a sandwich board on the sidewalk in front of their property as long as its location does not impede public use of the sidewalk or cause a safety hazard to the public. (2010 Code)

   A.   If any business enterprise does not have an existing street graphic, a mobile/portable sign may be used for a period of time not to exceed forty five (45) days pending construction of its permanent sign.

   B.   Political issues not involving public elections or referenda may be installed on private property for a period not to exceed forty five (45) days only pursuant to a temporary street graphic permit. (2010 Code)

One directional sign for tract sales of lots or houses off site is allowable in any business or manufacturing district, or residential district if approved in writing by all adjoining residential lot owners, if the sign meets the following conditions:

   A.   The final plat of the subdivision must contain ten (10) or more lots;

   B.   The sign may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet;

   C.   An approved sign permit has been obtained for the sign;

   D.   The signs must be posted off of public right of way and only with the written permission of the property owner; and

   E.   Signs must be removed when ninety five percent (95%) of the houses and/or lots have been sold. (2010 Code)