Signs which are permitted as accessory uses serving a commercial or informational purpose may be permitted subject to the requirements of this section.

(a)

Determination of Sign Display Area. No sign shall exceed the maximum sign display area allowed for a district. The sign display area is to be expressed in square feet, computed to the nearest tenth of a square foot, and shall be computed as follows:

(1)

Single-Faced Sign. The allowable area for a single-faced sign shall be measured by calculating the square footage of the sign face by enclosing the most protruding points or edges of a sign within a parallelogram or rectangle, including any frame.

(2)

Wall Signs. Where a sign consists of individual letters and/or a logo affixed directly to a building, the area of the sign shall be computed by measuring the area of the envelope required to enclose the lettering and logo.

(3)

Double-Face Signs. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of only the larger face shall be considered when calculating maximum size, provided all faces are part of the same structure, back-to-back and are separated by no more than two feet.

(b)

Setbacks. All freestanding signs, unless otherwise provided for, shall be set back as follows. This distance shall be measured from the nearest edge of the sign, measured at a vertical line perpendicular to the ground to the right-of-way.

(1)

For sites located in the unincorporated areas of the county outside of the boundaries of the cities, signs shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from any public road right-of-way.

(2)

For sites located within the boundaries of the cities of La Porte and Michigan City, signs shall be set back a minimum of one foot from any public road right-of-way.

(c)

Design Requirements.

(1)

Architectural Features. All signs shall be placed in a manner that does not obstruct or intrude upon architectural features of a building.

(2)

Materials. Sign materials shall be designed to complement the original construction materials and architectural style of the building facade to promote an overall unified and aesthetic effect as permitted in the various zoning districts. Signs shall not be constructed from materials that are remnants or manufactured for a different purpose.

(d)

Illumination.

(1)

General Requirements. Signs may be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources using approved electrical devices directed solely at the sign, or internal to it. Signage lighting shall be subject to the lighting intensity limits specified in Section 17.05.

(2)

Non-glare, Shielded Lighting. Use of glaring undiffused lights or bulbs shall be prohibited. Lights shall be shaded and/or shielded downward so as not to project onto adjoining properties or thoroughfares.

(3)

Traffic Hazards. Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard shall be prohibited. The characters incorporated into any changeable message shall remain constant and not change in hue or intensity during the automatic changing of the sign's copy area.

(4)

Illumination by Other Sources. Illumination by bare bulbs, luminous tubing or flames is prohibited, except that bare bulbs are permitted on theater marquees.

(5)

Electronic Changeable Message Sign. Electronic changeable message signs illuminated by Light-Emitting Diode (LED) or other similar method shall be permitted, subject to the following requirements:

(a)

Electronic changeable message signs shall only be permitted in non-residential zoning districts.

(b)

Only one electronic changeable message sign shall be permitted per business.

(c)

Electronic changeable message signs that are greater than 12 square feet in area shall not be located with 600 feet any other electronic changeable message sign greater than 12 square feet in area.

(d)

Electronic changeable message signs shall not exceed the following illuminative brightness:

(e)

The message on an electronic changeable message sign shall remain static a minimum of 20 seconds and shall not take longer than one second to change. If the sign is within 500 feet of a residential use or zoning district, the message shall remain static from dusk until dawn.

(f)

Electronic changeable message signs shall not contain any moving, blinking, flashing, scrolling or animated parts nor have the appearance of having any movement or animation. Only static messages shall be displayed. The lettering and/or message components being displayed at any given time shall not change, flash or fade to another color. The changeable message sign shall have a default design that will freeze the sign in a dark or blank position if a malfunction occurs.

(g)

Conversion of an existing sign to a changeable message signs shall require a permit under this article. Electronic changeable message signs may not be added to a nonconforming sign.

(6)

Wiring. Underground wiring shall be required for all illuminated signs not attached to a building.

(e)

Construction Requirements. The following construction requirements apply to all permanent signs.

(1)

Fastenings. All signs must be erected in such a manner and with such materials to remain safe and secure during the period of use and all bolts, cables, and other parts of such signs shall be kept painted and free from corrosion. No sign may be placed upon a tree or utility pole, except signs of a unit of government or utility.

(2)

Support Location. No pole, cable or support of any nature shall be placed on any publicly owned property, road right-of-way, or proposed road right-of-way.

(3)

Sign Safety.

a.

All signs erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered or moved shall be constructed in such a manner and of such materials so that they shall be able to withstand wind pressure of at least 20 pounds per square foot.

b.

All signs shall be erected so that any part including cables, guys, etc. shall have a minimum clearance of four feet from any electrical conductor, electric light pole, road lamp, traffic light, or other public utility pole or standard.

c.

All signs shall be designed to comply with minimum wind pressure and other requirements set forth in the adopted building code. Signs with electrical connections shall comply with electrical code requirements, including the application, inspection, and approval of an electrical permit.

(4)

Safety Triangle. No sign shall be located within, project into, or overhang the triangular area formed at the intersection of any two road right-of-way lines or a driveway approach, as required by Section 15.06.