The regulations set forth in this article are intended to regulate all exterior signs and interior signs placed for exterior observance so as to protect property values; to ensure air, light and open space; to reduce hazards at intersections; to encourage attractive community appearance; and to protect health, safety and general welfare, by governing the location, size and other characteristics of signs in each of the zoning districts established in this chapter. It is the intention of the regulations of this article that, among other things:

(1)

The display of signs shall be appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are appurtenant.

(2)

With respect to signs advertising business uses, excessive competition and clutter among sign displays shall be avoided.

(Code 1991, § 31-191)

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:

Corner triangle means the triangle formed by measuring from the point of intersection of the front and exterior side lot lines a distance of 25 feet along the front and side lot lines and connecting the points so established to form a triangle on the area of the lot adjacent to the street intersection.

Date of erection means the day, month and year on which a sign permit was issued.

Exterior light source means sign illumination resulting from light being directed to the face of a sign from floodlights, spotlights or any other light source which is not located inside the sign itself.

Frontage, building, means the linear length of a building wall facing a public right-of-way. For buildings with more than one wall facing a public right-of-way, the building frontage affording the most sign area shall be used to determine sign area.

Frontage, lot, means the length of the property line of any one premises serving as a public street right-of-way line. For lots having more than one property line serving as a public street right-of-way line, the lot frontage shall be the one which affords the most sign area. For the purpose of determining allowable sign area, the lot frontage may be measured at the required building setback line instead of along the public street right-of-way line.

Illumination device means any apparatus which emanates light either for the purpose of illuminating a sign or drawing attention.

Sign means any form of publicity which is visible from any public way, directing attention to an individual, business, commodity, service, activity or product, by means of words, letters, parts of letters, figures, numerals, phrases, sentences, emblems, devices, designs, trade names or trademarks or other pictorial matter designed to convey such information and displayed by means of paint, bills, posters, panels or other devices erected on an open framework, or attached, or otherwise applied to stakes, posts, poles, buildings or other structures, or supports. Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, including letters or trademarks, fences, walls and works of art which are of a noncommercial nature, are not to be construed as being a sign. For the purpose of removal, signs include all sign structures.

Sign, advertising, means any sign which relates in its subject matter to products, accommodations, services or activities sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises on which the sign is located. Mobile signs and portable signs may be advertising signs, and advertising signs include, but are not limited to, those signs commonly referred to as outdoor advertising signs, billboards or poster boards.

Sign, banner, means a sign erected for a limited amount of time, composed of light-weight material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured and mounted so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere. Such signs shall only pertain to civic, educational or religious drives or events. However, one banner sign will be allowed for each business located in zoning districts permitting banner signs. Such sign may be used for business advertising and shall not exceed 120 square feet nor the maximum sign area requirements for the district in which the business is located.

Sign, business, a sign which directs attention to a business, service, activity or product sold, conducted or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.

Sign, canopy, means any sign attached to or constructed in or on a canopy.

Sign, freestanding, means a sign supported by a sign structure placed in the ground and which is wholly independent of any building, fence, vehicle, or other object other than the sign structure for support.

Sign height means the vertical distance measured from the ground elevation where the sign is located to the highest point of the sign, except as follows: When the ground elevation is lower than the elevation of an existing street, the height of a sign shall be measured from the street elevation at the edge of the paving.

Sign, mobile, means a sign which may be moved from one location to another, is not permanently affixed to the ground, and is differentiated from a portable sign in that it may be equipped for transporting by motor vehicle or other mechanical means and including signs referred to as trailer signs.

Sign, political, means a sign which directs attention to a political campaign on the federal, state, county or municipal level. The term "political sign" does not include signs attached to vehicles.

Sign, portable, means a sign which is movable by a person without the aid of a motor vehicle or other mechanical equipment.

Sign, projecting, means any sign, other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a building.

Sign, roof, means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building.

Sign, temporary, means a sign which is permitted for a specific length of time and which requires a temporary sign permit prior to erection.

Sign, wall, means a sign attached to, erected against or painted on the wall or window of a building with the face in a parallel plane to the plane of the building wall or window.

Sign area means the smallest possible square foot area that can be enclosed within eight or fewer lines that join with each other at right angles around all elements which compose the sign face. Frames or structural members not bearing information or representational matter shall not be included in the computation of sign area. For signs with more than one surface, the area per sign face shall be the maximum area of all display surfaces which are visible from any ground position at one time within the above-described polygon.

Sign structure means a supporting structure erected or intended for identifying/advertising purposes, with or without a sign thereon, situated upon or attached to real property, upon which any sign is fastened, affixed, displayed, applied, or a part of; provided, however, the term "sign structure" does not include a building, fence, flagpole, illumination standard or sailboat mast.

(Code 1991, § 31-192)

(a)

General permit. Permits shall be required under this article as follows:

(1)

Except for those signs listed in subsection (b)(1) of this section and sections 44-382 and 44-385, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, make repairs exceeding 50 percent of the cost of replacement, alter or relocate any sign or other advertising structure as defined in this section without first obtaining a general sign permit from the building official.

(2)

Application for such permit shall be accompanied by drawings and specifications indicating the location, disposition, place of erection, method of fastening, full dimensions of all signs to be permitted and the total area of all signs existing on the property at the time of application.

(3)

Whenever such application, accompanied by all required information, has been submitted, such application shall be examined by the building official or his designated agent, and if the application and specifications comply with all applicable requirements, a permit shall be issued for the erection of such sign or advertising structure, upon payment of a fee established and from time to time modified by action of city council.

(4)

Failure to comply with the drawings and specifications submitted with an approved sign permit application shall constitute a violation of this article.

(5)

If work authorized under a general sign permit is not completed within six months after the date of issuance, such permit shall be deemed null and void.

(b)

Temporary permit. The following signs are permitted for a limited amount of time as provided below:

(1)

Political signs.

a.

A temporary sign permit for political signs shall allow political signs to be erected prior to a city, county, state or federal election and shall require that such signs be removed within 15 days following completion of the election.

b.

Prior to the erection of any political sign, a temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the building official. Such permit shall authorize the erection of all signs pertaining to the candidate or political point of view indicated on the temporary sign permit application. Such application shall also include the dimensions of each sign and the type of materials to be used.

c.

A temporary sign permit for political signs shall be issued at a nonrefundable fee.

(2)

Mobile/portable signs.

a.

Prior to the erection of any mobile/portable sign, a temporary sign permit must be obtained from the building official.

b.

A temporary sign permit for a mobile/portable sign shall permit the use of such sign for a period no longer than 30 consecutive days and shall not be used for at least 60 days thereafter, with a total limit of 90 days per calendar year for any one business.

c.

Upon completion of the temporary sign permit application indicating satisfactory compliance with all applicable requirements of this section, a temporary sign permit shall be issued for the erection of a mobile/portable sign upon payment of a fee established and from time to time modified by action of city council.

(Code 1991, § 31-193; Ord. No. 99-10, § 1, 4-27-1999; Ord. No. O02-28, 9-10-2002)

Any sign which, for a continuous 90-day period, no longer advertises or identifies a bona fide business conducted or a product sold shall be deemed abandoned and shall be taken down and removed in its entirety by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or lot upon which such signs shall be found within 30 days after written notification from the building official. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the building official is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, lot or structure to which the sign is attached. Whenever a bill for such charges remains unpaid for 60 days after it has been rendered, an assessment against the property owner shall become a lien on the property, shall be added to the annual tax levy, and shall be collected by the city in the same manner as the annual property tax. Nonconforming signs deemed abandoned shall also be governed by the following: No such signs shall be reestablished after the activity, business or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for 90 days or longer.

(Code 1991, § 31-194)

(a)

Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to attach, place, paint, print, write, stamp or paste any sign, advertisement or other matter within any public right-of-way of any public street, or upon any sidewalk, overhead sidewalk or curb, or upon any post, pole, tree, tree stake or guard, shrub or fire hydrant in the public right-of-way, or upon any bridge or overpass within the city. Exceptions are as follows:

(1)

Signs of duly constituted governmental bodies, including traffic regulatory devices, legal notices and warnings to railroad crossings;

(2)

Name and address signs on mailboxes;

(3)

Signs on newspaper boxes;

(4)

Nonilluminated directional off-premises signs identifying a religious institution, school or public institution. Signs found in violation shall be removed by the city.

(b)

Penalty. Violation of this section shall subject the violator to a $10.00 penalty for each sign and the building official or any law enforcement officer shall be authorized to issue a citation penalty of $10.00 for each sign in violation against any person responsible for placing such sign or causing it to be placed. If a violator has removed a sign within seven days of receipt of a citation, the building official shall have the authority to declare the citation null and void.

(c)

Removal of signs. In addition to the enforcement described above, authorized city personnel shall have the authority to summarily remove any notice, sign or written material found in violation of this section.

(Code 1991, § 31-195)

(a)

Existing signs in violation. The date of erection of any sign shall be determined from the sign permit for such sign. Any sign erected after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived which is in violation of any of the provisions of this article shall be removed or brought into compliance within 30 days of notification by the building official. Signs erected prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived which are in violation of the provisions of this article shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No nonconforming sign shall be changed to another nonconforming sign.

(2)

No nonconforming sign shall have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is an advertising sign or substantially similar sign specifically designed for periodic changes of message.

(3)

No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, reconstructed, or structurally altered so as to change the shape, size, type or design of the sign, except to bring such sign into conformance with the provisions of this article. Normal maintenance, repair or improvement of a nonconforming sign is permitted provided no other provisions of this article are violated.

(4)

No nonconforming sign shall be reestablished after the activity, business or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for 90 days or longer.

(5)

No nonconforming sign shall be moved on the same lot or to any other lot unless such move shall bring such sign into compliance with the provisions of this article.

(6)

No nonconforming sign shall be reestablished after damage or destruction if the estimated cost of reconstruction exceeds 50 percent of the reproduction cost.

(b)

Signs permitted in conjunction with nonconforming uses. Any nonconforming use in any district may maintain such business signs as would be allowed for such use in the most restrictive district in which the use would be permitted or such signs as are existing at the time the use become nonconforming, whichever is the most restrictive with regard to sign area. All other provisions of subsection (a) of this section as to the continuation of nonconforming signs shall apply.

(Code 1991, § 31-196)

(a)

Signs initiating warning signals. No sign shall display intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance or rescue vehicles, nor shall any sign use the words "stop," "danger" or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in the manner that might mislead or confuse an automobile or other vehicular driver.

(b)

Flashing and pulsating signs. Signs which flash, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, vary in color or use electrical pulsations are prohibited, except for time, temperature, and date signs, traditional barber poles and electronically controlled message centers.

(c)

Placement and shielding. Illumination devices shall be so placed and so shielded that rays therefrom or the sign itself will not be directly cast into any residential district, sleeping room in any district or the eyes of an automobile or other vehicular driver.

(Code 1991, § 31-197)

(a)

Any sign erected within a corner triangle shall be less than six feet in height or the bottom of such sign shall be at least ten feet above the ground. The width of the supporting members shall not exceed 12 inches. Furthermore, no sign shall be erected which obstructs the free and clear vision of pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

(b)

No sign or sign structure shall be erected in a street or highway right-of-way except signs of duly constituted governmental bodies, including traffic regulatory devices, legal notices, and warnings at railroad crossings; name and address signs on mailboxes; signs on newspaper boxes; and nonilluminated directional off-premises signs identifying a church, school or public institution. Signs found in violation shall be removed by the city.

(c)

All those signs not permitted in the street right-of-way shall be set back at least five feet unless attached to a building or structure or unless otherwise permitted in this section.

(Code 1991, § 31-198)

(a)

All permanent signs shall comply with applicable sections of the International Building Code, National Electrical Code, or any other code under adoption by the city.

(b)

All temporary signs shall be constructed under methods approved by the building official but need not exceed the applicable requirements of the International Building Code, National Electrical Code, or any other code under adoption by the city.

(Code 1991, § 31-199)

Signs within 300 feet of any officially designated historical site or monument shall conform to the following regulations:

(1)

Total sign area shall be equal to one foot of sign surface area for each foot of lot frontage. Maximum area shall not exceed 40 square feet for all signs on the lot.

(2)

If illuminated, it shall only be externally illuminated.

(Code 1991, § 31-200)

Signs painted on or attached to trees, telephone or other utility poles or signs painted on or attached to rocks or other natural features or painted on the roofs of buildings are prohibited, with the exception of governmental type and public utility signs placed on utility poles. All other signs shall be set back at least five feet from the right-of-way unless attached to a building or structure which is otherwise permitted in the district. Signs attached to fences count toward total sign area allowances.

(Code 1991, § 31-201)

No sign or other advertising device of any kind may be placed on the property of another without first obtaining permission of the property owner.

(Code 1991, § 31-202)

Signs may be located within required front yard setbacks, provided that signs are not erected in a manner which materially impedes visibility from moving automobiles on or off the premises.

(Code 1991, § 31-203)

In general, the following sign types are exempt from the provisions of this article. Such signs, however, must comply with sections 44-375 through 44-381 and provisions of this section applicable to a specified sign type.

(1)

Signs erected to regulate traffic.

(2)

Any sign that is required by law.

(3)

Any warning signs; utility identification signs for public use; and no trespassing, no hunting, neighborhood watch or other safety signs.

(4)

Nonilluminated directional off-premises signs not exceeding four square feet in sign area or six feet in height limited exclusively to the identification of a church, school or public institution.

(5)

Community bulletin boards and public signs erected at the direction of a governmental agency.

(6)

Nonilluminated temporary signs not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area appertaining to drives or civic, educational or religious events. Such signs shall be posted not more than 30 days prior to such event or drive and shall be removed within seven days after their reason for being has ceased to exist.

(7)

Religious symbols at a place of worship or at a church-owned or -operated facility.

(8)

Institutional signs not to exceed an area of 32 square feet, setting forth the name or any simple announcement for any public, charitable, educational or religious institution, located entirely within the premises of the institution, provided that only one such sign is placed upon each premises.

(9)

Two residential family name and address signs, each not exceeding two square feet in sign area per single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling unit. Such signs shall be allowed on mailboxes but shall otherwise be set back five feet from any property line and shall not be over five feet above the ground unless mounted flush against a building wall.

(10)

Two street number signs, each not exceeding one square foot in sign area in any zoning district. Such signs shall be allowed on mailboxes but shall otherwise be set back at least five feet from any property line and shall not be over five feet above the ground unless mounted flush against a building wall.

(11)

One nonilluminated for sale, for rent or for lease sign per lot frontage, not exceeding six square feet of sign area in residential districts and 20 square feet of sign area in other than residential districts; provided no sign is located less than five feet from any property line unless attached to a building wall.

(12)

One sign displaying the name, address and any other information pertinent to the operation of multiple-family development, condominium development or mobile home parks shall be permitted on each lot frontage of multiple-family development, condominium development, or mobile home parks on a public right-of-way. Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area per sign and shall not exceed ten feet in height when freestanding and shall be exterior lighted only.

(13)

Nonilluminated signs not exceeding 50 square feet in sign area announcing a land subdivision development located on the premises of the land subdivision. Such signs shall be set back not less than five feet from the street right-of-way or from any boundary line of the land subdivision. Such signs shall be placed not less than 500 feet apart and shall be removed when 50 percent of the lots are conveyed.

(14)

One nonilluminated sign not exceeding 60 square feet in sign area, displaying the name of the building, contractors, engineers, architects and similar information located on the premises of any work under construction, alteration or removal. Such sign shall be removed from the site within seven days after the completion of the project.

(15)

Signs of mechanics, painters and other artisans erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected; provided the sign area does not exceed 12 square feet and such signs are removed within seven days after completion of the work.

(16)

Posters, bills, placards, signs, banners or similar devices attached to or painted on windows for the purpose of promoting special activities of a temporary nature conducted on the premises of which such signs are located; provided that such signs are in conjunction with a nonresidential use and the total area of all such signs does not exceed 25 percent of the window surface area on the face of the structure on which such window is located.

(17)

Private traffic directional signs located on the premises for which directions are indicated, not exceeding three square feet of sign area for each sign. Horizontal directional signs on and flush with paved areas shall be allowed unlimited sign area.

(18)

Signs setting forth the names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like, when carved into stone, concrete or similar material, or made of metal or other permanent construction material, and made an integral part of the structure.

(19)

Signs attached to machinery or equipment which is necessary or customary to the business including, but not limited to, devices such as gasoline pumps, vending machines, ice machines, etc., provided that such signs refer exclusively to products or services offered on the premises.

(20)

Signs intended for on-premises viewing, which are not readily visible to vehicular traffic along public roadways.

(21)

Signs on litter receptacles and benches in nonresidential areas on private property, including, but not limited to, signs advertising businesses, services, commodities or entertainment conducted, offered or sold on or off the premises where such signs are located. Such signs shall be an integral part of the receptacle or bench and shall not protrude beyond the edges of such.

(22)

Signs on vehicles of any kind, provided the sign is painted or attached directly to the body of such vehicle.

(23)

Permanent signs painted on any exterior surface of a structure, provided the total area of all signs, including painted signs, does not exceed the area allowed by ordinance.

(24)

Menu reader board signs not exceeding 50 square feet and not over six feet in height. Such signs must meet setback requirements.

(25)

A-frame type signs not exceeding six square feet per sign face placed on public sidewalks, provided such signs are placed immediately adjacent to the building wall and pedestrian traffic is not impeded. Not more than one such sign is allowed per business location.

(26)

One A-frame type sign not exceeding six square feet per sign face, per street frontage, provided such sign is placed at least five feet from the street right-of-way and does not impede vehicular traffic.

(27)

Promotional type gimmicks (e.g., balloons, blow-up figures, play areas, flag streamers, etc.), provided placement of such gimmicks complies with other provisions of this article.

(28)

Not more than two real estate type signs per street frontage, not exceeding four square feet each (double faced permitted), intended for view by the motoring public, provided such signs comply with other provisions of this article.

(Code 1991, § 31-204)

(a)

Advertising signs. No new advertising signs as defined in section 44-370 shall be allowed within the city limits.

(1)

Existing advertising signs that are not regulated pursuant to state and federal standards pertaining to federal aid primary (FAP) highways shall be removed within seven years from written notification of the building official. Such removal shall be the responsibility of the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the lot upon which the sign is located. Existing advertising signs subject to FAP regulations may remain as nonconforming signs until such time the regulations are eliminated, or otherwise modified pursuant to state and/or federal law. Nonconforming advertising signs are subject to all provisions of sections 44-340 and 44-374. Currently, FAP exemption to mandatory removal applies to advertising signs located along Highway 521, Highway 9, Highway 903 and Highway 200.

(2)

Advertising signs shall be permitted on premises where other businesses or permitted uses are established provided such signs are located at least 75 feet from any part of the property occupied by any portion of the established use, including off-street parking areas, are located in zoning districts where such signs are allowed, and the addition of such signs does not cause a violation of the sign area requirements of the zoning district in which the sign is located.

(3)

Advertising signs shall only be erected on lots with frontage of at least 150 feet on a public right-of-way.

(4)

On lots with frontage in excess of 150 feet, one additional sign structure shall be allowed for each additional 200 feet of lot frontage over the first 150 feet; provided no advertising sign is located less than 1,500 feet from another advertising sign.

(5)

The height of any advertising sign shall not exceed one-half the distance from the nearest street centerline or 30 feet, whichever is greater, provided no advertising sign exceeds 60 feet.

(6)

No one advertising sign shall exceed 350 square feet in sign area, nor shall the total sign area of all advertising signs on one lot exceed the sign area requirements for the zoning district in which the lot is located.

(7)

No portion of an advertising sign structure may be located closer than 15 feet from a street right-of-way, nor shall any portion of such structure be located closer than 500 feet from any residence.

(8)

Advertising signs shall be limited to two faces mounted back-to-back. Both faces shall be the same height and width.

(9)

Existing advertising signs which do not conform to the provisions of subsections (a)(1) through (8) of this section may remain as nonconforming structures subject to all provisions of section 44-340 and applicable provisions of section 44-374.

(b)

Business signs. The following regulations apply to business signs:

(1)

Wall signs.

a.

The total area of all wall signs on the front portion of a building shall not exceed 20 percent of the front surface of the building.

b.

The total area of all wall signs on a side or rear surface of a building shall not exceed 25 percent of the exterior side or rear surface of the building, respectively.

c.

Wall signs may not project more than 12 inches from the wall surface to which they are attached.

(2)

Roof signs.

a.

Not more than one roof sign structure may be erected on the roof of any one building.

b.

No roof sign shall extend more than 20 feet above the roof and shall not exceed 300 square feet in sign area.

(3)

Freestanding signs.

a.

No more than one freestanding mounting apparatus per lot shall be installed; however, businesses and churches located on lots with multiple frontage may install a freestanding sign on each street, not to exceed the total sign area restrictions of the zoning district in which the business is located.

b.

Such mounting apparatus shall not support signs that exceed a total of 200 square feet in sign area.

c.

All freestanding signs shall be set back at least five feet from the street right-of-way and at least ten feet from all property lines.

d.

The height of any freestanding sign shall not exceed one-half the distance from the nearest street centerline or 20 feet, whichever is greater, provided no freestanding sign exceeds 60 feet.

(4)

Canopy signs. One canopy sign per building entrance may be mounted under a canopy or awning provided:

a.

The height of such canopy sign exceeds nine feet above the pavement.

b.

The sign area of each canopy sign does not exceed eight square feet.

(5)

Projecting signs.

a.

No more than one projecting sign per lot frontage public right-of-way shall be installed.

b.

Such projecting sign shall not exceed 32 square feet of sign area.

c.

No projecting signs shall project more than 20 feet above the highest point of the roof of the structure to which it is attached.

d.

Projecting signs may project over public rights-of-way only where front yards of less than five feet in depth are provided, subject to the following regulations:

1.

Such signs shall not extend more than four feet over the public right-of-way or more than two-thirds of the distance from the lot line to the curbline or nearest edge of a street surface, whichever is least.

2.

No portion of any such sign shall be less than eight feet above the surface of the street right-of-way.

3.

If the front yard provided is increased by any means to exceed five feet, any such sign projecting over any public right-of-way shall be removed.

(6)

Banner signs. In zoning districts where such signs are allowed, banner signs may be erected over a street upon approval by the building official. Such signs shall be installed not more than 30 days prior to the drive or event to which they pertain and shall be removed within seven days after their reason for being has ceased to exist.

(7)

Political signs. In zoning districts where such signs are permitted, political signs shall be erected under the following provisions; provided, however, that they must comply with section 44-381 as well as any other applicable section of this article:

a.

Political signs shall be made of durable materials adequate to withstand any wind loads which might reasonably be experienced and should be maintained in good condition.

b.

Political signs shall not exceed 25 feet of sign area in residential districts and 100 square feet of sign area in nonresidential areas.

c.

It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove all political signs from his property within the time specified in this article.

d.

In nonresidential zoning districts, political signs shall be set back at least five feet from the street right-of-way. In residential districts, political signs shall be set back at least ten feet from the edge of the street pavement.

(8)

Mobile/portable signs. The following regulations apply to mobile or portable signs:

a.

No more than one sign shall be allowed on a single lot at any one time.

b.

A mobile/portable sign shall not exceed 50 square feet of sign area and the addition of such sign shall not cause a violation of the sign area requirements of the district in which the sign is located.

c.

Mobile/portable signs shall be constructed, erected and maintained in conformance with the applicable requirements set forth by the building official.

d.

Mobile/portable signs shall be set back at least five feet from the street right-of-way and shall not be placed on the top of any building.

(9)

Sign area. The total area of all signs located on one parcel shall not exceed the maximum sign area requirements for the district in which the parcel is located.

(Code 1991, § 31-205; Ord. No. 99-10, § 1, 4-27-1999; Ord. No. O03-32, 10-14-2003; Ord. No. O05-13, 5-24-2005)

Unless specifically provided below, signs shall conform to the requirements of sections 44-382 and 44-383 pertaining to the type, number, area, and illumination of signs.

(1)

Sign provisions in the R-15, R-10, R-6, MF and MHP zoning districts.

a.

Types permitted.

1.

Exempt signs as provided in section 44-382.

2.

Political signs.

b.

Illumination. Unless otherwise provided in this article, signs may be illuminated provided such illumination is supplied by an exterior light source.

(2)

Sign provisions in the B-1 zoning district.

a.

Types permitted.

1.

Any exempt sign under the provisions of section 44-382.

2.

Business signs, all types permitted.

3.

Banner signs.

4.

Political signs.

b.

Allowable sign area. The total area of all signs on one parcel shall not exceed two square feet of sign area per linear foot of building frontage that faces a public right-of-way.

c.

Illumination. All signs may have sufficient illumination so as to be seen from the street abutting the property on which the sign is located.

(3)

Sign provisions in the B-2 and PO zoning districts.

a.

Types permitted.

1.

Any exempt sign under the provisions of section 44-382.

2.

Business signs. The following types of business signs are permitted:

(i)

Wall signs.

(ii)

Freestanding signs.

(iii)

Canopy signs.

3.

Banner signs.

4.

Political signs.

b.

Allowable sign area. The total sign area of all business signs on one parcel of land shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of lot frontage on a public right-of-way; provided, however, that no one sign shall exceed 40 square feet in sign area.

c.

Illumination. All signs may have sufficient illumination to be seen from the street abutting the property on which the sign is located.

(4)

Sign provisions in the B-3, and IND zoning districts.

a.

Types permitted.

1.

Any exempt sign under the provisions of section 44-382.

2.

Business signs, all types permitted.

3.

Advertising signs.

4.

Mobile signs.

5.

Banner signs.

6.

Political signs.

b.

Allowable sign area. The aggregate total of all business, advertising, and mobile signs located on one parcel of land shall not exceed three square feet of sign area for each linear foot of lot frontage on a public right-of-way.

c.

Illumination. All signs may have sufficient illumination so as to be seen from the street abutting the property on which the sign is located.

(Code 1991, § 31-206)

(a)

All signs and supports, braces, guys and anchors thereof shall be kept in good repair, refurbished and repaired from time to time, as necessary, and perpetually maintained in safe condition, free from deterioration, defective or missing parts, or peeling or faded paint, and able to withstand the wind pressure to which it was originally designed. Any sign not in compliance with this provision is hereby declared to be a nuisance.

(b)

The building official may order the repair or removal of any such signs that are not maintained in a safe condition and in good repair in accordance with the provisions of this article. If, within 60 days of written notification specifying the work to be done, no action is taken, the building official is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign and any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, lot or structure to which the sign is attached. Whenever a bill for such charges remains unpaid for 60 days after it has been rendered, an assessment against the property owner shall become a lien on the property, shall be added to the annual tax levy, and shall be collected by the city in the same manner as the annual property tax.

(c)

The building official may, without notice, cause any unsafe or insecure sign to be immediately removed if, in his opinion, the sign presents an immediate peril to life and limb.

(Code 1991, § 31-207)