Regulation of the size, location, and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services, and facilities without disruption to surrounding areas, to prevent wasteful use of natural resources, to prevent hazards to life and property; and to assure the continued attractiveness of the community.

   1.   Nameplates. Signs bearing only property numbers, postal box numbers, names of occupants of premises, private parking, or other identification of premises are permitted within all residential districts; and

      A.   Shall not exceed two square feet in area.

      B.   Must be attached to a structure.

   2.   Church or Public Bulletin Boards. Permitted in all districts, with a maximum number of one sign per property.

      A.   Signs shall not exceed 35 square feet in area, with the height of any part not to exceed 7 feet from the ground.

      B.   Signs erected according to this section must meet all other requirements for the district in which they are located. No sign may be placed or extended into the area between the lot line and any setback requirement in any district, except as provided for in Section 165.23(2)(C).

      C.   A church or public bulletin board shall be allowed in the setback area only if:

         (1)   The building was built prior to the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance and cannot meet current setback requirements; and

         (2)   Signs shall be placed in accordance with Section 165.25(1) (Visibility at Uncontrolled Intersections); and

         (3)   Signs to be placed in the available setback area shall not be placed closer to the property line than half the distance from the edge of the building foundation to the property line.

   3.   Temporary Signs. Temporary signs include (but are not limited to) political, holiday, for-sale or lease signs, or other signs or advertising intended to be displayed for a short period of time.

      A.   Not to exceed 10 square feet in area in the following districts: A- 1, R-1, R-2, R-4, and C-1.

      B.   Not to exceed 12 square feet in area in the following districts: R- 3, C-2, C-3, I-1, and I-2.

      C.   Not to be placed in street right-of-way in any district.

      D.   All temporary signs must be removed no later than seven days following the accomplishment of activities indicated by such sign (e.g., political election or sale of premises, etc.).

   4.   Billboards or Advertising Signs.

      A.   All persons wishing to erect a billboard or advertising sign in any district must first notify the Zoning Administrator. If the billboard or advertising sign meets the requirement as put forth in this section, the Administrator shall issue a permit for the sign.

      B.   All signs erected according to this section must meet all other requirements for the district in which they are located. No sign may be placed or extend into the area between the lot line and any setback requirement in any district.

      C.   All signs erected according to this section must meet all other applicable Federal and State laws, even though said Federal and State laws may not be exhibited in this code.

      D.   Unrestricted size permitted in A-1 District, provided:

         (1)   They are not within 100 feet of any residential district.

         (2)   They are not within 100 feet of an intersection, highway structure, or residence, or another billboard.

         (3)   They are not within 100 feet of a park, school, cemetery, public, or semi-public building.

         (4)   They are not within 75 feet of the centerline of a City or County road, or 100 feet of State or Federal highway.

      E.   Permitted in C-1 Districts, provided that they are not to exceed 25 square feet in area and are attached to the structure in which the establishment is located and not within 20 feet of any residential district or use.

      F.   Permitted in C-2 Districts, provided that they are not to exceed 100 square feet (maximum 10 feet x 10 feet) in area and are not within 30 feet of any residential district or use. The maximum height of the entire structure shall not exceed 20 feet and there shall be a maximum of one sign per lot.

      G.   Permitted in C-3 Districts, provided that they are not to exceed 50 square feet in area and not within 20 feet of any residential district or use.

      H.   Unrestricted size permitted in I-1 and I-2 Districts, provided:

         (1)   They are not within 50 feet of any residential district or use.

         (2)   They are not within 100 feet of an intersection, highway, structure, or residence, or another billboard.

         (3)   They are not within 100 feet of a park, school, cemetery, or public or semi-public building.

         (4)   They are not within 75 feet of the centerline of a City or County road, or 100 feet of a State or Federal highway.

   5.   Illumination of Signs and Nameplates.

      A.   Shall not exceed 200 watts total and shall be lit only with non- intermittent lighting in the following districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and dwellings in C-1 and C-3.

      B.   Shall not exceed 600 watts per sign or total watts of 700 for the premises and shall be lit only with non-intermittent lighting in a C-2 district.

      C.   No restrictions apply to other districts or uses.

   6.   Maintenance of Signs. All signs and billboards shall be maintained in a neat and presentable condition and in the event their use shall cease, they shall be removed promptly and the surrounding area restored to a condition free from refuse and rubbish.