This article shall be known as the "sign ordinance" or "sign regulations" of the city.

A.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings given in this section:

1.

"A-frame sign" means a ground sign which resembles the shape of the letter "A" in profile view. Sometimes designated as "sandwich board," "sidewalk board" or "curb sign."

2.

"Abandoned sign" means a sign which is located on property which becomes unoccupied or unused for a period of six or more consecutive months or any sign which pertains to a business, product, service, event, or purpose which no longer applies shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains unoccupied for a period of time greater than six months. Structural components of abandoned signs may remain while a property is unoccupied but any nonstructural message components shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises where it is located. The structural components shall, during the period of nonuse, be maintained. If said components become unsafe, blighted, or a detriment to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community, the exception provided above shall not apply as said structural components shall be deemed abandoned and a public nuisance as defined in Chapter 15 of this code.

3.

"Alteration: means any change of copy, sign face, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction, or supporting structure of any sign.

4.

"Animated sign" means a sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion. Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as defined and regulated by this code, include the following types:

a.

Electrically activated: Animated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical, or electro-mechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below.

b.

Flashing: Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination. For the purposes of this ordinance, flashing will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds four seconds.

c.

Patterned illusionary movement: Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.

d.

Environmentally activated: Animated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input. Includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings, and/or other devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.

e.

Mechanically activated: Animated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.

5.

"Apartment sign" means a sign containing the name of and/or information about a multi-family dwelling.

6.

"Awning sign" means a cloth, plastic or other nonstructural covering that either is permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building.

7.

"Banner, flag or pennant" means any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material used for advertising purposes attached to any structure, staff, pole, line, framing, not including official flags of the United States, the State of Oklahoma, and other states of the nation, counties, municipalities, and official flags of foreign nations.

8.

"Banner sign" means a sign usually of cloth, paper, plastic, or other nonrigid materials that is enclosed in a rigid frame attached and secured to the ground or mounted to a building.

9.

"Bench sign" means any advertising sign attached to or painted on a bench which is placed on public right-of-way.

10.

"Billboard" means a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment not conducted, sold or offered on the premises where the sign is located.

11.

"Building mounted sign" means a sign which is permanently affixed to the building for which the sign is intended to identify or advertise.

12.

"Bus or transit shelter" means a small structure designed for the protection and convenience of waiting transit passengers that has a roof and usually two or three sides.

13.

"Cabinet sign" means a sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated.

14.

"Canopy sign" means any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy, made of fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door or entrance. A canopy sign is not a marquee and is considered a building mounted sign.

15.

"Certificate of occupancy" means a certificate issued by the code official allowing the occupancy or use of a building and certifying that the structure or use has been constructed or will be used in compliance with all provisions of the Lawton City Code.

16.

"Changeable copy sign" means a sign on which a copy is changed manually in the field.

17.

"Church directional sign, off-premise" means a sign located on streets classified as arterials defined on the most recently adopted Federal Highway Administration Functional Classification Map which directs attention to a church not on the premises where the sign is located.

18.

"Civic event sign" means a temporary sign, other than a commercial sign, posted to advertise a civic event sponsored by a public agency, school, church, civic-fraternal organization, or similar noncommercial organization.

19.

"Common access" means a private driveway serving two or more lots or businesses.

20.

"Copy" means any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service or other business activity.

21.

"Digital billboard" means a sign displaying changeable static images controlled by electronic means regardless of the exact technology used.

22.

"Dilapidated sign" means any sign which is structurally unsound, has defective parts, or is in need of painting or maintenance. Neglected or dilapidated signs shall be manifested by the following: rust or holes on or in the sign or sign structure or broken, missing, loose, or bent parts, faded or flaking paint, non-operative or partially non-operative illuminating or mechanical devices or missing letters in sign copy.

23.

"Directional sign, on-premise" means an on-premise sign designed to be read by a person already on the premises and used only to identify and locate an office, entrance, exit, telephone, or similar place, service, or route.

24.

"Display area" - see sign area.

25.

"Electrical sign" means any sign containing electrical wiring in, on or attached to it or which is intended to be energized by an electrical energy source.

26.

"Electronic message center and display screen" means any on-premises sign or portion of a sign that uses changing lights to display an electronic image, video, or text messages. The rate of change of the messages or images is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED screens, video boards, and holographic displays.

27.

"Facade" means the side of a building below the eaves.

28.

"General business sign" means an on-premise sign which directs attention to a business, product, activity, or service that is conducted, sold, or offered on the premises where the sign is located.

29.

"Grand opening sign" means a promotional activity not exceeding thirty (30) calendar days used by newly established businesses within two months after initial occupancy to inform the public of their location and services available to the community. "Grand Opening" does not mean an annual or occasional promotion by a business.

30.

"Ground mounted sign" means a freestanding sign with a twelve-inch (12″) minimum vertical solid base directly and continuously connected to at least fifty percent (50%) of the sign face width or is borne by two or more supports which are a minimum of twelve inches (12″) but less than eight feet (8′) above grade.

31.

"Height" means the vertical distance from finished grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign, excluding decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign whichever is less.

32.

"Illegal nonconforming sign" means a sign which was in violation of any of the laws of the city governing the erection, placement, or construction of such sign at the time of its erection, and which sign has never been erected or displayed in conformance with all such laws, including this article.

33.

"Illuminated sign" means any sign, except a neon sign, designed to give forth artificial light or designed to reflect light from one or more sources of artificial light erected for the purpose of providing light for the sign.

34.

Illumination, direct" means a lighting by means of an artificial light source, including neon tubing, which is visible either through exposed lighting on the sign face or through transparent or translucent material from a light source within the sign.

35.

Illumination, indirect" means a sign which does not produce artificial light from within itself but which is opaque and backlighted or illuminated by spotlights or floodlights not a part of or attached to the sign itself, or a sign within but with no exposed or exterior bulbs, tubes or other light source which are not visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.

36.

"Intensely lighted sign" means any sign, except time, temperature and date signs, having lights of over forty (40) watts per lamp;

37.

"Institutional sign" means a sign placed on a premise of institution containing the name of and/or information relating to such uses. Uses allowed: public facilities, schools, religious assembly, hospitals, or government-owned facilities.

38.

"Legal nonconforming sign" means any sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the enactment of this article, December 22, 2005, but which does not conform to all the applicable regulations and restrictions of this article.

39.

"Monument sign" means a freestanding sign that has a solid supporting base equal to or greater than the width of the sign face, generally made of stone or concrete, with no separation between the sign and base.

40.

"Multi-tenant sign" means an on-premise sign identifying individual businesses within a commercial building or buildings where the uses share the same lot, access, and/or parking facilities or a coordinated site plan.

41.

"Multi-prism sign" means a billboard made with a series of triangular sections that rotate and stop, or index, to show three images or messages in the same area at different times.

42.

"Mural" means a work of graphic art painted or applied to a building wall(s) which contains no advertising or logos.

43.

"Nameplate" means any sign which designates the name, using plates, of the person(s) occupying the premises.

44.

"Nonconforming sign" means an existing sign that was lawfully constructed or installed prior to the adoption or amendment of this article, December 22, 2005, and was in compliance with all of the provisions of this code then in effect but which does not presently comply with the provisions of this article as they now exist.

45.

"Outparcel" means a portion of a larger parcel of land generally designed as a site for a structure or business separate from the larger tract. An outparcel must be shown on the site plan and must meet the subdivision regulation requirements.

46.

"Pole sign" means a freestanding sign connected to the ground by one or more supports, where any portion of the lower edge of the sign device is separated vertically from the ground by air a distance of eight feet, or greater than twenty-four (24) inches in height as measured from grade.

47.

"Political sign" means a temporary sign larger than four square feet but not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet identifying, either singly or combined, a political candidate, slate of candidates, issue, or party. These signs are used or intended to be used for the display of any announcement, advertisement, or notice of any individual candidate or slate of candidates for any public office or similar political purposes.

48.

"Portable sign" means a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs of A-frame or T-frame or mounted on springs, menu and sandwich board signs, balloons used as signs, umbrellas used for advertising.

49.

"Rigid banner frame" means a rigid structure to which a banner can be attached at several points around the perimeter of the banner.

50.

"Roof" means the exterior surface and its supporting structure on the top of a building or structure; the structural make-up of which conforms to the roof structure, roof construction, and roof covering sections of the International Building Code.

51.

"Roof line" means the uppermost edge of the roof or in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost height of said facade.

52.

"Roof sign" means any sign erected and constructed wholly on and above the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.

53.

"Rotating sign" means any sign that spins or rotates around a fixed point or axis.

54.

"Setback" means the minimum allowable horizontal distance from a given point of line of reference, such as a street right-of-way, to the nearest vertical wall or other element of a building or structure.

55.

"Sign" means all or part of any object, structure, or device intended to be viewed by the public for advertisement or identification of a business, location, object, person, institution, organization, product, service, or event by means of including words, pictures, logos, symbols, colors, motion, illumination, or projected images. The term "sign" may be used in conjunction with other terms; for example, "ground" or "roof" to further define the term and usage.

56.

"Sign area" consists of the entire surface area of the sign on which copy could be placed. The supporting structure or bracing of a sign shall not be counted as a part of the sign face unless such structure or bracing is made a part of the sign's message. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. The area of an irregularly shaped sign shall be computed using the actual sign face surface. Where a sign has two display faces back to back, the area of only one face shall be considered the sign face area. Where a sign has more than one display face, the maximum area that can be viewed simultaneously from any point shall be considered the sign face area. In the case of a freestanding or wall sign whose message is applied to a background which provides no border or frame, sign area shall be the area of the smallest rectangle which can encompass all words, letters, figures, emblems, and other elements of the sign message.

57.

"Sign area measurement"

a.

Sign area, ground mounted, monument, or pole signs. The sign area shall be the extreme outer dimension of the freestanding structure. The supporting base is not used in the calculation of overall sign area unless it is internally illuminated. If the supporting base has a message, the area of the smallest rectangle which can encompass the words, letters, figures, emblems, and other elements of a sign message will be added to the total area.

b.

Sign area, cabinet. The sign area is determined by calculating the measurements of the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding the sign.

c.

Backed (double-faced) signs. When two sign faces supported by the same sign structure are placed back to back or the angle does not exceed forty-five degrees (45E).

d.

Multiple cabinets. For freestanding and projecting signs that contain multiple cabinets on one structure, the area of each module will be figured separately and then added together.

e.

Round or three-dimensional signs. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum visible surface area from any vantage point.

f.

Individual sign elements. When signs are constructed of individual elements, the area of all sign elements, which together convey a single, complete message, shall be considered as a single sign. The sign area is determined by calculating the area of an imaginary rectangle drawn around the sign elements. Sign elements will be measured as one unit when the distance between the elements is less than two times the dimension of each element.

58.

"Sign structure" means any part of a sign, including the base, supporting columns or braces, display surface, or any appendage thereto.

59.

"Sight triangle" is defined in Chapter 18, Section 18-4-1-404.1.

60.

Site plan" means an accurately scaled development plan that illustrates the existing conditions on a land parcel as well as depicting details of a proposed development. Among the features generally required on a site plan are the property boundaries and lot lines, existing streets and impervious surfaces, existing buildings and other structures, major features of the landscape, proposed street and utility networks and planned access points, but can also include any other specific information requested by the code official.

61.

"Street frontage" means the length of the property line(s) or lot line(s) bordering a public road. For corner lots, each streetside property line shall be a separate street frontage. The frontage for a single use or development on two or more lots shall be the sum of the individual lot frontages.

62.

"Subdivision entry sign" means a sign integrated into the entrance treatment (i.e., entrance wall) with the name of the subdivision or planned unit development on one or both sides of each principal entrance. Subdivision entry signs shall be located on private property and shall not obstruct any public right-of-way or easement.

63.

"Survey" means a professional examination of a property. A survey usually will reveal the size of a property, its boundary distances and relationship to surrounding tracts of land, ground contours and where improvements or alterations have been made. It can also show buildings, other improvements, topographic features, utility lines and any other specific information requested by the code official.

64.

"Suspended sign" means a sign suspended from the ceiling of an arcade, marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection as herein defined.

65.

"Swinging sign" means a sign installed on an arm or spar that is not, in addition, permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.

66.

"Temporary construction project sign" means any sign used for the purpose of identifying a new construction project and/or owner, developer, contractor, and architect located on the property where the advertised use is to be located.

67.

"Temporary directional real estate sign" means a sign that directs attention to property not on the premises where the sign is located.

68.

"Temporary real estate sign" means any temporary sign which announces the sale, rental, or lease of property by the owner or real estate company.

69.

"Temporary residential sign" means any temporary on- or off-premise sign of a commercial nature placed on a residential property by a person or business, including but not limited to garage sale sign and auction sign.

70.

"Temporary sign" means any on-premise sign or advertising display which is intended for a temporary period of display and constructed out of cloth, canvas, cardboard, wall board, plywood or other light temporary material with a structural frame.

71.

"V-type sign" means a sign structure which consists of multiple sign facings placed at angles to each other, oriented in different directions and not exceeding ten (10) feet apart at the nearest point to each other.

72.

"Vehicle-mounted sign" means a sign mounted or displayed on any truck, bus, car, trailer, boat or other vehicle which is not in operating condition and not currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets and not actively used as a vehicle.

73.

"Wall sign" means a sign attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building wall.

74.

"Zoning district" means any section of the city for which the regulations governing the use of land and the use, density, bulk, height and coverage of buildings and other structures are uniform for each class of building therein.

B.

When an interpretation is required for a definition that is not included in this article, the code official will make a determination.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(Ord. 2007-54, Amended, 09/27/2007; 2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

A.

The purpose of this article is to:

1.

Protect and enhance the character, property values, and stability of new and existing residential neighborhoods and commercial and industrial districts in the city.

2.

Establish a regulatory framework for the use of signs as an adjunct to economic and social activities of the residents, institutions, and businesses of the community.

3.

Conserve the taxable value of land and buildings.

4.

Reduce sign clutter and to eliminate the potential for the distraction of motorists and the degradation of the appearance of the community that results from an excessive number of signs.

5.

Protect aesthetic values and to establish and maintain standards of community appearance with respect to signs, canopies, and awnings.

6.

Provide standards and procedures for the removal, elimination, or relocation of signs which fail to conform to those standards as established herein.

7.

Establish an administrative framework for the enforcement of the standards and regulations established herein.

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

The provisions of this article shall apply to the manufacturing, installation, alteration, location and maintenance of all signs within the city.

A.

The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this article except as otherwise specifically indicated:

1.

Banners placed by any entity for events co-sponsored by the city. No banner shall be larger than sixteen (16) square feet in size. No banner shall be placed for longer than thirty (30) days in a twelve (12) month period and no person or entity shall place a banner more than twice in the twelve (12) month period. Such banners will be placed on the event site.

2.

Changing the copy of a sign and/or performing maintenance that does not involve structural changes.

3.

Commemorative signs or plaques of historical organizations.

4.

Directional, warning or informational signs required or authorized by law which are erected by federal, state, county, or city officials.

5.

Flag, emblem, pennant, or insignia of any nation, organization of nations, state, county or city; any religious, civic, or fraternal organization; or any educational institution. Additionally, one corporate name or logo-bearing flag not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet in size will be allowed.

6.

Home occupation signs.

7.

Incidental signs showing credit cards accepted, notices of services required by law, trade affiliations, and the like, attached to a freestanding sign structure or to a building, provided that all of the following conditions are met:

a.

The number of signs shall be limited to a maximum of four.

b.

No such sign projects beyond any property line.

c.

No such sign shall exceed five square feet of area per face.

8.

Maintenance or repainting without changing wording, composition, or colors or minor nonstructural repairs.

9.

Murals as defined in this article.

10.

Nameplates, street address signs, and combination nameplate/street address signs containing no advertising provided they are located entirely on the property to which they pertain, do not exceed two square feet in area per face, and are illuminated only by nontermittent white lighting (if illuminated).

11.

"No Trespassing" and "No Parking" and similar warning signs.

12.

Signs displayed on trucks, buses, trailers, or other vehicles which are being operated or stored in the normal course of a business, such as signs indicating the name of the owner or business which are located on moving vans, delivery trucks, rental trucks and trailers, provided that the primary purpose of such vehicles is not for the display of signs and provided they are parked or stored in areas appropriate to their use as vehicles.

13.

Signs that are not intended to be viewed from public streets and/or beyond the premises and are not legible therefrom such as signs in interior areas of shopping centers, commercial buildings and structures, ball parks, stadiums, and similar uses of a recreational or entertainment nature.

14.

Signs erected during the Christmas holidays as identification of temporary sales areas for Christmas trees and other holiday oriented items. Signs shall not be erected before Thanksgiving Day and shall be removed prior to New Year's Day.

15.

Temporary displays of a civic, political, patriotic, religious, or charitable nature.

16.

Temporary window signs constructed of paper, cloth, or similar expendable material provided the total area of such signs shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area. Such signs shall be affixed only to the interior window surface for a period of thirty (30) days to promote a particular sale of produce or merchandise.

17.

Neon signs located in windows of businesses indicating messages, i.e., open, closed, or services on premises.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

A.

The following types of signs shall be prohibited within the corporate limits of the city:

1.

A-frame, wheeled signs.

2.

Abandoned signs.

3.

Animals or human beings, live or simulated, designed or used so as to attract attention to the premises or business or services advertised.

4.

Dilapidated signs.

5.

Illegal signs.

6.

Mirror devices used as part of a sign.

7.

Open flames used to attract public attention to a place of business or to an advertising sign.

8.

Portable signs other than temporary signs as defined in this article.

9.

Revolving, rotating, flashing, or blinking beams or beacons of light shall be prohibited as a part of a sign display including signs in windows or as a device to attract attention. Flashing or blinking lights that are incorporated into an electronic changeable message board may be allowed and are regulated elsewhere in these regulations.

10.

Roof signs.

11.

Swinging or moving signs.

12.

Vehicle-mounted signs.

13.

Signs which conflict with or imitate any traffic control device due to color, wording, design, location or illumination or which interfere with the safe and efficient flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

14.

Signs at intersections.

15.

Signs which obstruct access to or from a door, window, fire escape, ventilation system or other required exit.

16.

Signs that do not comply with the provisions of the sight triangle requirements established by this chapter.

17.

Signs erected upon or projecting into or over any public property, public right-of-way, or public street easement except those signs erected by federal, state, county, or city officials. This prohibition extends to individuals carrying signs and standing upon public rights-of-way, street easements, or public property.

18.

Signs affixed to any structures, trees, or other natural vegetation, rocks, or poles used for utilities or traffic controls.

19.

Signs continuously outlined with individual light bulbs or string of lights including lights that outline property lines, sales areas, or any portion of a structure and are intended to advertise or draw attention to a business or commercial activity, except as follows:

a.

Lights used temporarily as holiday decorations.

b.

Lights or other devices used on a temporary basis on parcels on which carnivals, fairs, or other similar temporary activities are held.

20.

Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor.

21.

Signs erected or maintained without the consent of the owner of the real property or the person or entity in legal possession of the real property.

22.

In addition to those signs specifically prohibited, any sign not specifically allowed under these provisions is prohibited.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, 12/22/2005, 02/17/2006)

A.

Billboards.

1.

Billboards shall be located on streets classified as arterials by the most recently adopted Federal Highway Administration Functional Classification Map.

2.

Billboards may be permitted in C-4 Tourist Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

3.

The maximum area shall be two hundred eighty-eight (288) square feet per face. Double-face signs shall be allowed; however, stacked signs shall not be allowed.

4.

Maximum height shall be eighty (80) feet.

5.

Billboards shall sit a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the property line. Signs that cantilever into the right-of-way shall not be permitted.

6.

Billboards shall be spaced a minimum of nine hundred (900) linear feet between signs. Radial distance between signs shall be a minimum of five hundred (500) feet.

7.

Billboards shall be located a minimum of two hundred (200) feet from any residential district.

8.

Billboards may have direct or indirect illumination.

9.

Billboards shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

10.

Multi-prism sign is a type of billboard and shall be subject to the same requirements.

11.

Billboards located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an interstate or Federal-aid primary highway shall be required to obtain a permit from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in conformance with Title 69, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1271, et. seq.

12.

Digital billboards shall be required to meet the requirements of this subsection and the following requirements:

a.

The static image must remain constant for a period of not less than eight (8) seconds.

b.

The transition between images must fade out/in over a period of one second.

c.

The image displayed shall at no time include animated, flashing, scrolling, intermittent, or full motion video elements.

d.

The brightness of the sign shall be adjusted such that at no time shall it cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the operator of any motor vehicle.

B.

Church Directional Signs.

1.

Church directional signs are to provide directions to churches only and must be located on streets classified as arterials by the most recently adopted Federal Highway Administration Functional Classification Map.

2.

Church directional signs are permitted in all zoning districts.

3.

Maximum area shall be twelve (12) square feet in sign area.

4.

Maximum height shall be eight feet.

5.

Signs shall sit a minimum of ten (10) feet from the property line.

6.

Signs shall be located a maximum of two thousand (2,000) linear feet from the property which it identifies.

7.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

8.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

C.

Temporary Directional Signs.

1.

Temporary directional signs are permitted in all zoning districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be five square feet in sign area.

3.

Maximum height shall be three feet.

4.

No portion of a sign can overhang or extend past the property line.

5.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

6.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

7.

A permit shall not be required for temporary directional real estate signs.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(Ord. 2007-54, Amended, 09/27/2007; 2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

A.

Apartment Signs.

1.

Apartment signs are permitted in R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling, R-4 High Density Apartment, C-1 Local Commercial, C-4 Tourist Commercial, and C-5 General Commercial Districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be eighty (80) square feet of sign area.

3.

Maximum height shall be twenty (20) feet.

4.

One sign per street frontage shall be permitted.

5.

Signs may have indirect illumination.

6.

Apartment signs shall be erected as either ground mounted or wall mounted.

B.

Banner Signs.

1.

For banner signs permanently attached to the ground in a rigid frame:

a.

Signs are permitted in P-F Public Facilities, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

b.

Maximum area shall be forty (40) square feet of sign area.

c.

Maximum height shall not exceed eight feet.

d.

No portion of a banner sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

e.

The maximum number of signs allowed shall be as follows:

f.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

g.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

h.

Signs shall not be subject to temporary sign duration requirements.

2.

For building mounted banner signs:

a.

Signs are permitted in R-3 Multi-Family Dwelling, R-4 High Density Apartment, P-F Public Facilities, P-O Professional Office, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

b.

Maximum area shall be thirty percent (30%) of building facade area.

c.

Maximum height shall not exceed twenty-five (25) inches above the height of the roofline.

d.

Signs cannot extend more than thirty-six (36) inches from the building.

e.

Signs shall be enclosed in a rigid frame.

f.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

g.

Signs shall not be subject to temporary sign duration requirements.

C.

Building Mounted Signs.

1.

Building mounted signs are permitted in R-3 Multi-Family Dwelling, R-4 High Density Apartment, P-F Public Facilities, P-O Professional Office, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be thirty percent (30%) of building facade area.

3.

Maximum height shall not exceed twenty-five (25) inches above the height of the roofline.

4.

Building mounted signs cannot extend more than thirty-six (36) inches from the building. Awning/canopy signs shall not extend from the building more than one-half the awning height.

5.

Signs may have direct or indirect illumination.

6.

Building mounted signs are to be permanently attached to the building.

D.

Directional Signs.

1.

Directional signs are permitted in all zoning districts except R-1 Single-Family Dwelling and R-2 Two-Family Dwelling Districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be fifteen (15) square feet.

3.

Maximum height shall be six feet.

4.

No portion of a directional sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

5.

Signs may have direct or indirect illumination.

6.

Signs are to be erected as wall-mounted, ground mounted, monument, or pole signs.

E.

Electronic Message Center Signs.

1.

Electronic message center signs are permitted in P-F Public Facilities, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be two hundred (200) square feet.

3.

Maximum height shall be fifty (50) feet.

4.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

5.

Electronic message center signs shall be located a minimum of two hundred (200) feet away from A-1 General Agricultural, A-2 Suburban, R-1 Single-Family Dwelling, R-2 Two-Family Dwelling, R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling, and R-4 High Density Apartment Districts unless the sign is:

a.

Sixty-five (65) square feet or less in sign area; or

b.

Separated from said districts by a building or other screening such that the light trespass onto any portion of said districts does not exceed 0.1 foot-candles.

6.

Electronic message center signs shall not exceed a brightness level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the electronic message center sign at the distance determined by the total square footage of the electronic message center sign as set forth in the following table:

For signs with a sign area other than those specifically listed in the table, the measurement distance shall be calculated with the following formula: The square root of the sign area multiplied by ten (10). (Example: 32 square foot sign: √32 × 10 = 57 feet)

7.

Electronic message center signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and can be programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot candle requirement.

8.

Signs shall be constructed as either building mounted, ground mounted or pole signs.

F.

General Business Signs.

1.

General business signs are permitted in all zoning districts except R-1 Single-Family Dwelling and R-2 Two-Family Dwelling Districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be two square feet per one linear foot of street frontage not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet in sign area.

3.

Maximum height shall be fifty (50) feet.

4.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

5.

Maximum number of signs allowed shall be:

6.

Signs may have direct or indirect illumination.

7.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted, pole, or monument signs.

G.

Home Occupation.

1.

Home occupation signs are permitted in A-1 General Agricultural, A-2 Suburban, R-1 Single-Family Dwelling, R-2 Two-Family Dwelling, R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling, and R-4 High Density Apartment Districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be two square feet.

3.

Home occupation signs must be attached to the main or accessory building.

4.

Maximum number of signs permitted shall be one sign per residence except corner lots may have one sign per street frontage.

5.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

6.

A permit shall not be required for home occupation signs.

H.

Institutional Signs.

1.

Institutional signs located on streets classified as arterials as shown on the currently adopted Federal Highway Administration Functional Classification Map:

a.

Signs are permitted in P-F Public Facilities, P-O Professional Office, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

b.

Maximum area permitted shall be one square foot per one linear foot of street frontage not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet in sign area.

c.

Maximum height shall be thirty (30) feet.

d.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

e.

The maximum number of signs allowed shall be as follows:

f.

Signs may have direct or indirect illumination.

g.

Signs shall be constructed as ground mounted, monument, or pole signs.

2.

Institutional signs located on streets classified as collector or local as shown on the currently adopted Federal Highway Administration Functional Classification Map.

a.

Signs are permitted in P-F Public Facilities, P-O Professional Office, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

b.

Maximum area shall be one square foot per one linear foot of street frontage not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area.

c.

Maximum height shall be twenty (20) feet.

d.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

e.

The maximum number of signs allowed shall be as follows:

f.

Signs may have direct illumination.

g.

Signs shall be constructed as ground mounted, monument, or pole signs.

3.

For institutional signs located in any of the following zoning districts: A-1 General Agricultural, A-2 Suburban, R-1 Single-Family Dwelling, R-2 Two Family Dwelling, R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling, and R-4 High Density Apartment Districts, the following regulations apply without regard to the classification of the street on which the institutional activity is located:

a.

Maximum area shall be one square foot per one linear foot of street frontage not to exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area.

b.

Maximum height shall be twenty (20) feet.

c.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

d.

The maximum number of signs allowed shall be as follows:

e.

Signs may have direct illumination.

f.

Signs shall be constructed as ground mounted, monument, or pole signs.

I.

Multi-Tenant Signs.

1.

Multi-tenant signs located in P-O Professional Office, C-1 Local Commercial, and C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center District:

a.

Maximum area shall be one square foot per one linear foot of street frontage not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet in sign area.

b.

Maximum height shall be twenty (20) feet.

c.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past a property line.

d.

There shall be a one multi-tenant sign per street frontage. There shall be a maximum of one sign per business per multi-tenant center sign.

e.

Signs may have direct illumination.

f.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

2.

Multi-tenant signs located in C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts:

a.

Maximum area shall be one square foot per one linear foot of street frontage not to exceed four hundred (400) square feet in sign area.

b.

Maximum height shall be fifty (50) feet.

c.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past a property line.

d.

There shall be no more than one multi-tenant sign per street frontage. There shall be a maximum of one sign per business per multi-tenant center sign.

e.

Signs may have direct illumination.

f.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

J.

Painted Wall Signs.

1.

Painted wall signs are permitted in C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be thirty percent (30%) of building facade area.

3.

Signs may have indirect illumination.

K.

Political Signs.

1.

Political signs are permitted in all zoning districts.

2.

Maximum area shall be thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area.

3.

Maximum height shall be six feet.

4.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past a property line.

5.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

6.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

7.

Political signs may be placed no more than sixty (60) days prior to an election. Candidate shall be responsible for removing signs within thirty (30) days after the election. The property owner shall be responsible for removing political sign if sign is not removed after the thirty (30) day period.

8.

A permit is not required for political signs.

L.

Subdivision Entry Signs.

1.

Subdivision entry signs are permitted in all residential districts.

2.

Maximum sign area shall be sixty-four (64) square feet.

3.

Maximum height shall be ten (10) feet.

4.

Signs must be located on private property. No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

5.

Maximum of two signs per entrance into the subdivision shall be permitted.

6.

Signs must be maintained by a homeowners' association and/or the developer.

7.

Signs may have indirect illumination.

8.

Signs shall be constructed as either fence mounted, ground mounted or monument signs.

9.

Signs shall be identified on construction plats and record plats of subdivisions submitted to the planning commission.

M.

Suspended Signs.

1.

Suspended signs are permitted in R-4 High Density Apartment, P-F Public Facilities, P-O Professional Office, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

2.

Maximum sign area shall be one square foot per linear foot of street frontage not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet per side, each sign having no more than two sides.

3.

Minimum height shall be eight feet above a walkway. Maximum height shall be no higher than marquee, canopy, or architectural projection to which sign is attached.

4.

One sign per street frontage shall be permitted.

5.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

6.

The leading edge shall not project beyond the object to which the sign is attached.

7.

The face of suspended signs shall be perpendicular to the face of the structure to which it is attached, and the minimum horizontal distance between such signs shall be twenty-five (25) feet.

(2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

(Ord. No. 15-23, § 1, 9-8-2015; Ord. No. 17-25, § 1, 8-8-2017; Ord. No. 24-036, § 1, 5-28-2024)

A.

Temporary Construction Project Signs.

1.

Temporary construction project signs are permitted in all zoning districts.

2.

Maximum sign area shall be thirty-two (32) square feet in R-1 Single-Family Dwelling District and R-2 Two-Family Dwelling District and sixty-four (64) square feet in all other zoning districts.

3.

Maximum height shall be ten (10) feet.

4.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

5.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

6.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

7.

Temporary construction project signs for new construction shall not be issued until the building permit is issued for the project and shall be removed prior to issuance of either a temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy, as appropriate.

B.

Temporary Inflatable/Balloon Signs, Laser or Search Lights for Business Promotions.

1.

Temporary inflatable and balloon signs, eye-safe laser lighting or searchlights for business promotions are permitted in all zoning districts except R-1 Single-Family Dwelling and R-2 Two Family Dwelling Districts.

2.

Signs and lights shall not block traffic circulation or create impaired visibility to traffic circulation.

3.

Maximum of one sign per street frontage shall be permitted.

4.

Signs may have direct or indirect illumination.

5.

Signs and lights shall be secured to building or affixed to private real property.

6.

Maximum length of time permitted shall be seven consecutive days, excluding Sundays.

7.

Maximum number of permits shall be five per year. Renewal of permit shall count toward the total number of annual permits.

C.

Temporary Real Estate Signs.

1.

For temporary real estate signs in R-1 Single-Family Dwelling, R-2 Two-Family Dwelling, R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling, and P-O Professional Office Districts:

a.

Maximum sign area shall be eight square feet.

b.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

c.

Signs shall not require a permit issued by the code official.

2.

For temporary real estate signs in A-1 General Agricultural, A-2 Suburban, R-4 High Density Apartment, P-F Public Facilities, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 Planned Neighborhood Shopping Center, C-3 Planned Community Shopping Center, C-4 Tourist Commercial, C-5 General Commercial, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts and vacant land in any zoning district:

a.

Maximum sign area shall be sixty-four (64) square feet.

b.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

c.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

d.

Signs shall not require a permit issued by the code official.

D.

Temporary Residential Signs.

1.

Temporary residential signs are permitted in all zoning districts except P-O Professional Office, P-F Public Facilities, I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehouse, I-2 Industrial Park, I-3 Light Industrial, and I-4 Heavy Industrial Districts.

2.

Maximum sign area shall be six square feet.

3.

Maximum height shall be four feet.

4.

Maximum number of signs permitted shall be one sign per street frontage.

5.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

6.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

7.

Signs shall be permitted a maximum of six days per year.

8.

Signs shall be permitted as part of a residential sales permit.

E.

Temporary Window Signs:

1.

Temporary window signs are permitted in all districts except R-1 Single-Family Dwelling, R-2 Two-Family Dwelling, R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling, and R-4 High Density Apartment, and P-O Professional Office Districts.

2.

The total area of all window signs shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area. This calculation shall include any permanent window sign co-existing with the temporary window sign.

3.

Signs may have indirect illumination.

4.

Signs shall be constructed of paper, cloth, or similar expendable material.

5.

Temporary window signs shall not require a permit.

6.

The maximum length of time allowed for a temporary sign shall be thirty (30) days.

7.

The maximum number of temporary sign permits per business shall be five per year. Renewal of temporary sign permits shall count toward the total number of annual temporary sign permits.

F.

All Other Temporary Signs.

1.

Except as set out above, all other temporary signs are permitted in all districts except R-1 Single-Family Dwelling and R-2 Two-Family Dwelling Districts.

2.

Maximum sign area shall be forty (40) square feet.

3.

Maximum height shall be ten (10) feet.

4.

No portion of a sign shall overhang or extend past the property line.

5.

Maximum number of signs shall be one sign per street frontage.

6.

Signs may have indirect illumination.

7.

Signs shall be constructed as either ground mounted or pole signs.

8.

Signs must be in a rigid frame if display area material is cloth, canvas, vinyl, or similar material and attached to the ground. Signs with display area of rigid material must be ground attached.

9.

The maximum length of time permitted for a temporary sign shall be thirty (30) days.

10.

The maximum number of temporary sign permits per business shall be five per year. Renewal of temporary sign permits shall count toward the total number of annual temporary sign permits.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

Repealed & reserved.

(2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

Repealed & reserved.

(2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

Repealed & reserved.

(2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

Repealed & reserved.

(2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

(98-43, Repealed, 11/10/1998)

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

A.

All signs shall comply with all applicable building codes which are currently in force within the city.

B.

All electrical signs shall comply with the applicable electrical codes which are currently in force within the city. All electrical signs shall be listed and labeled by an approved electrical testing service and shall be installed by a licensed sign contractor or electrical contractor registered with the city. The electrical supply to signs containing electrical components shall comply with the electrical codes currently in force within the city.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

A.

The code official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all provisions of this article. The code official shall appear for and on behalf of the city in all matters regarding the interpretation and application of this article. Upon giving notice to the property owner and upon proper presentation of proper credentials, the code official or his authorized representative may enter at reasonable times any building, structure or premises within the city to perform any duty imposed on him by this article.

B.

The code official shall examine all applications for permits for erection of signs, authorize the use of signs which conform to the requirements of this article, record and file all applications for permits with any accompanying plans and documents, make inspections of all signs in the city, and make such reports as the city may require.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

A.

It is unlawful to display, construct, erect, relocate, or alter any sign within the city without first filing with the code official and obtaining a sign permit, except for signs listed in paragraph B of this section and those exceptions listed in Section 18-9-1-905. When a sign permit has been issued by the code official, it is unlawful to change, modify, alter, or otherwise deviate from the terms or conditions of the permit without prior approval of the code official. A written record of such approval shall be entered upon the original permit application and maintained in the files of the code official.

B.

A sign permit shall not be required for the following signs:

1.

Political signs.

2.

Temporary directional signs.

3.

Temporary real estate signs.

4.

Temporary residential signs.

5.

Temporary window signs.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

A.

The application for a sign permit shall be made by the property owner or a sign contractor licensed by the city. Such applications shall be made in writing on forms furnished by the city and shall be signed by the applicant. If the applicant is a sign contractor, the application shall also be signed by the property owner or a letter of authorization from the property owner must be attached to the application.

B.

The application shall consist of the following:

1.

An application form providing the name, address and telephone number of the owner or persons entitled to possession of the sign and of the sign contractor or erector and the location of the proposed sign structure by address and legal description of the lot or parcel.

2.

A site plan and/or survey, drawn to scale, with the following information:

a.

The location of the building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign or sign structure is proposed to be constructed, erected, replaced, altered, attached, or relocated, including the street address.

b.

The elevation of the building, with dimensions, to which or upon which the sign is proposed to be attached if sign is to be building mounted or painted wall sign.

c.

The total linear feet of site frontage upon which any freestanding sign is proposed to be constructed, erected, replaced, altered, attached, or relocated if sign is a ground mounted or pole sign.

d.

A depiction of the location of all above ground utilities that will be within eight feet of any portion of the sign or sign structure.

e.

The sign, sign structure, and building as they would appear in relation to each other and other signage on the property, including a depiction or description of the number and total area of all existing signs on the property.

3.

A photograph of existing building elevations with signage, preferably in electronic format.

4.

A plan drawn to scale depicting the sign and sign structure shall be required for all signs greater than four square feet.

5.

Technical specifications pertaining to the method of construction and method of attachment or erection of the sign or sign structure shall be required for all signs greater than one hundred (100) square feet or more than thirty (30) feet in height.

6.

Calculations demonstrating that the sign structure is designed to carry all loads in compliance with the International Building Code 2003 and any adopted amendments may be required by the code official.

7.

Structural detail plans for any sign and sign structure greater than one hundred (100) square feet or over thirty (30) feet in height shall be prepared by a professional engineer registered in the state of Oklahoma.

8.

A description or depiction of the method of illumination, including but not limited to a description of the electrical wiring for the illuminated sign.

9.

A statement of valuation;

10.

The required fee as set out in Appendix A, Schedule of Fees and Charges; and

11.

In addition to the aforementioned application requirements, the code official may require such additional information or submittals as may be deemed necessary to verify compliance with this article and all applicable codes.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

A.

The code official shall either approve, deny or return the application required by Section 18-922 for more information if the information supplied is insufficient.

B.

If the application is denied, the code official shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for denial.

C.

If the application is approved, a sign permit shall be issued upon complete payment of all required fees.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

The fee for sign permits shall be the same as set out in Appendix A, Schedule of Fees and Charges.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

A.

If the code official finds that work under any permit issued is not in accordance with the information supplied in the permit application or is in violation of this article or any other applicable provisions of this code, or should he find that there has been any misrepresentation in connection with the application for permit, he shall notify the sign owner or erector of such findings and that the violation must be corrected immediately. If such correction is not made, the code official shall revoke the permit and serve written notice thereof upon the sign owner or erector. No person shall proceed with any part of such work after such notice is received.

B.

If actual work on the sign is not commenced within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of any permit issued, or if substantial building operations under any permit issued are suspended for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days, the permit shall automatically become null and void; however, delays which are not a result of willful acts or neglect of the permit holder, owner or erector shall not be cause for revocation, and the code official may grant a sixty (60) calendar day extension of time in which to start or complete the work. All requests for extension and approval thereof shall be in writing.

C.

When any permit has been revoked under the terms stated in Subsection A or B of this section, permit fees shall not be refunded.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

All signs shall be subject to inspection by the city. Footing inspections may be required on the day of excavation for ground mounted, monument, and pole signs.

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

Each sign erected or remodeled shall have affixed to it a clearly legible identification plate or sticker stating the name of the person responsible for its construction and erection, with installation date and permit number thereon. Electrical signs shall be marked with input amperes at full load input. All electrical signs shall be listed and labeled by an approved electrical testing service and shall be installed by a licensed sign contractor or electrical contractor registered with the city.

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

Every sign, including those specifically exempt from this article in respect to permits, permit fees or other provisions, shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. All signs shall be kept neatly painted, including all metal parts and supports thereof that are not of rust-resistant metals. The code official or his authorized representative shall inspect and shall have authority to order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of any sign which constitutes a hazard to health, safety or public welfare by reason of abandonment, dilapidation, inadequate maintenance or obsolescence.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

Repealed and reserved.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

(2005-90, Repealed & Replaced, 12/22/2005)

No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned by him any sign which is unsafe, dangerous, or defective or on public right-of-way. The city may cause such sign to be removed under the provisions of Chapter 15 of this code.

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

Prohibited signs which at the time of passage of this article, December 22, 2005, were in violation of this code shall not acquire a nonconforming status under the color and authority of this article.

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

Any person aggrieved by the application of any provision of this article may appeal for redress of his grievances through the procedures established in Article 18-2 Board of Adjustment of this code.

(2005-90, Amended, 12/22/2005)

It is a violation of this article for any person to perform or order the performance of any act which is contrary to the provisions of this article or to fail to perform any act which is required by the provisions of this article. In case of a continuing violation, each twenty-four (24) hour period in which the violation exists shall constitute a separate violation.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

Any person or association of persons who violates any provision of this article or fails to comply with any provision of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in Section 1-119 of this code for each twenty-four-hour (24) period that such violation exists. In addition to all other remedies for the enforcement of this article and its provisions, the city may institute any proper action in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent, enjoin, restrain, abate or otherwise correct any violations of this article.

(98-43, Amended, 11/10/1998)

The provisions of this article, in their interpretation and application, shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of public health, safety and general welfare. Wherever any of the provisions or requirements of this article are inconsistent with the provisions or requirements of any other ordinance or laws presently existing or enacted in the future of the city, or any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations, deed restrictions or covenants, the provisions or requirement containing the most restrictive regulation or containing the highest standard shall apply and govern.

It is the intent of this division to set limits on the treatment, positioning and size of signs and eliminate the visual disorientation for both the motorist and pedestrian and the excessive costs to businesses which result from excessive signage. These same limitations are intended to facilitate the functional purpose of signs while allowing for healthful and aesthetic configurations.

A.

Permanent signs shall not exceed computed display areas as follows:

1.

Along any street or thoroughfare, for which the public right-of-way is twenty-five (25) feet or more, attached, projecting or ground signs may be erected the aggregate display area of which does not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of frontage on that right-of-way. Display area of signs along rights-of-way of less than twenty-five (25) feet (e.g., alleys) on property which also abuts a right-of-way of greater width shall be counted against the allowable display area permitted along the right-of-way of greater width;

2.

Aggregate display areas may be increased by thirty percent (30%) for a second story and by an additional twenty percent (20%) for an aggregate increase of fifty percent (50%) when a structure is greater than two stories high;

3.

The following signs shall not be included in the computation of display surface area limitations set forth in 1 and 2 above:

a.

Nameplates attached to a wall which do not exceed two square feet; and

b.

Under canopy signs which do not exceed six square feet and the vertical dimensions of which do not exceed one foot; and

4.

Display area shall be the area enclosed by the outside dimensions of the sign substructure proper, provided:

a.

Modules may be measured and computed separately and then aggregated; and

b.

Supports, arms, poles and cables which serve only to support the sign substructure and perform no functions to decorate, frame, enlarge otherwise enhance the signage functions shall not be included in the computation of display area.

A.

Permitted positioning of permanent signs shall be as follows:

1.

A freestanding sign shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height from the mean grade level to its highest point;

2.

An attached or projecting sign may not extend horizontally beyond the vertical line of the building to which attached more than twenty-five (25) inches; however, signs which are flush with an integral part of marquees or canopies constructed in accordance with the applicable building code are authorized;

3.

An attached or projecting sign shall not extend vertically above the wall, marquee or canopy to which it is attached; however, a sign conveying news of general interest to the public (such as time or temperature) on not less than sixty percent (60%) of its display area may extend above the wall to which attached, including positioning on the roof of the building; and

4.

Except for nameplates, as set out in subparagraph a of paragraph 3 of Section 18-942 of this article, no sign may be positioned less than eight feet from the sidewalk either horizontally or vertically.

The source of illumination shall not emit more than two hundred (200) lumens per square foot of display surface area.

A.

Signs shall be prohibited:

1.

On the roof of any structure, except under the provisions of Section 18-943 A3 of this code;

2.

Which are animated, revolving, intermittent or flashing; however, a sign conveying news of general interest to the public (such as time or temperature) on not less than sixty percent (60%) of its display area may change only the news so conveyed;

3.

Which are nonaccessory (advertising) and thus call attention to an activity, function, product or service not a function of the same lot upon which the sign is erected;

4.

On which more than forty percent (40%) of the display area is devoted to advertising name brand products.

A.

Permits, construction, appearance, functioning and safety of signs shall be governed by the following:

1.

All signs shall comply with the provisions and standards of the current edition of the BOCA Basic/National Building Code; however, where conflict exists between this chapter and the BOCA Basic/National Building Code, the provisions and standards of this chapter shall prevail; and

2.

Signs shall be properly maintained with respect to safety, working condition and appearance. After appropriate notice by the building official that a sign is unsafe, not functioning properly (e.g., lighting malfunctions) or unsightly (e.g., flaking or fading surfaces), the owner shall be held in violation of this chapter unless appropriate corrective action has been taken.

B.

A permit shall be obtained from the building official before installing a new sign, reinstalling an existing sign at a new location, remodeling a sign so as to change its overall appearance, or making additions to existing signs. The building official shall prescribe the procedure and form for permits and for applications which shall as a minimum provide a scaled detailed drawing showing size, material and layout copy.

A.

Temporary signs of reasonable dimensions and longevity shall be permitted for such purposes as:

1.

Signs required by legal proceedings;

2.

Project and construction signs for the duration of the project or construction; and

3.

Outside "For Rent" and "For Sale" signs which do not exceed a face area of six square feet.

Signs exceeding the allowed sizes, positions or treatment of this division shall be permitted in malls or enclosures when the results of which are not to extend beyond any building line and area not to be visible from any public right-of-way except through pedestrian access apertures.

A legal nonconforming sign existing on June 21, 1979, may be continued, maintained and repaired, or replaced by a like sign.