As used in this chapter:

   (a)   "Identification sign" means a publicly displayed notice that designates a building name or a development. Such a sign shall be permitted only with the approval of the City Planning Commission.

   (b)   "Political sign" means any sign that has as its purpose the endorsement, support or advocacy of, or opposition to, a candidate for political office, a cause and/or an issue, at any general, primary or special election, at all levels of government.

   (c)   "Sign" means a stationary, non-mechanical, publicly displayed notice, message or design, including, but not limited to, an illuminated facia on a building, structure or premises, including any portion of the exterior surface of a structure, or visibly readable through any transparent portion of a building, to advertise and/or identify any business or service, whether or not it is transacted in or on such building, structure or premises, or the name of the person or firm conducting the business, or goods sold or services rendered in or on such building, structure or premises, or a political sign. The use of characters, logos, trademarks, insignias, emblems, devices or other symbols in the face area of any permanent sign may be part of the sign, provided that such items are included (and calculated) within the total, permitted, useable sign face area. Line illumination of buildings, portions of buildings, fascia or other outline lighting is prohibited.

   (d)   "Temporary sign" means a sign which is intended to be displayed for a limited time only. Such signs shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, political signs, real estate availability signs, construction signs, special events signs, holiday decorations, signs and banners announcing grand opening events, for sale signs and other temporary signs as may otherwise be described herein. Temporary signs are permitted in residential districts subject to the provisions of Section 1191.02(b). Subject to the provisions of this chapter, temporary signs shall be permitted for the reasons stated above, but shall not be permitted to propose or promote a commercial transaction or product.

   (e)   "Directional sign" means a sign containing directional information about public or private attractions of interest to the traveling public.

   (f)   "Changeable copy sign" means a sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual, electric or electronic means. Changeable copy signs include the following:

      (1)   Manually activated: signs whose alphabetic, pictographic or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered by manual means.

      (2)   Electrically activated: signs whose alphabetic, pictographic or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered on a fixed display surface comprised of electrically illuminated or mechanically driven changeable segments. This includes the following two types:

         A.   Fixed message electronic signs: signs whose basic informational content has been pre-programmed to include only certain types of information projections such as time, temperature or other events subject to prior programming.

         B.   Computer controlled variable message electronic signs: signs whose information content can be changed or altered by means of computer-driven electronic impulses.

   (g)   "Digital sign" means a sign usually consisting of (or has a portion comprised of) a computer or playback device connected to a large, bright digital screen such as a liquid crystal, light emitting diode, computer, plasma, or similar display. Such signs sometimes also utilize electronic changeable copy.

(Ord. 1997-21. Passed 8-6-97; Ord. 2004-26. Passed 11-8-04; Ord. 2013-17. Passed 11-25-13.)

   The following types of permanent and temporary signs, and no others, are permitted in the City:

   (a)   Permanent Signs. Permanent signs include building wall signs, including fascia, and free-standing wall signs (ground).

      (1)   Changeable copy may be installed on permanent signs pursuant to the provisions and restrictions set forth below:

         A.   As part of a directory sign. A directory sign may contain changeable copy if located within the signable area of the building wall and within six feet of the building entrance door. Letters within the sign shall be no more than five inches in height.

         B.   As part of a place of worship identification sign. Changeable copy may be permitted as part of a place of worship identification sign, whether installed as a monument or a wall sign. Letters within the sign shall be no more than five inches in height.

         C.   As part of a governmental sign. Changeable copy may be permitted as part of a governmental sign, whether installed as a monument or a wall sign. Letters within the sign shall be no more than five inches in height.

         D.   As part of an educational institution identification sign. Changeable copy may be permitted as part of an educational institution identification sign, whether installed as a monument or a wall sign. Letters within the sign shall be no more than five inches in height.

         E.   As part of a gasoline service station's identification sign. Changeable, non-digital copy may be permitted only indicating the price of gasoline products sold therein, installed as a permitted monument sign only. Such changeable copy shall not exceed three lines of information. Letters or numbers within the sign shall be no more than five inches in height.

(Ord. 2013-17. Passed 11-25-13.)

      (2)   No signs shall be permitted in the public right-of-way, except for the following:

         A.   Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body, when approved by the City, to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

         B.   Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company;

         C.   Information signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities; and

         D.   Awning, marquee and projecting signs projecting over a public right-of-way in conformity with the conditions set forth in Section 1191.06.

(Ord. 1997-21. Passed 8-6-97.)

      (3)   Such permanent signs shall be constructed of either burnt clay brick, stone or precast panels and/or other suitable materials as approved by the Architectural Board of Review.

(Ord. 1999-8. Passed 4-12-99.)

   (b)   Temporary Signs.

      (1)   Window signs in U-4 or U-4-A District. Inside window signs in a U-4 or U-4-A District shall be permitted, provided, however, that if such signs are neon-illuminated, tubing shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter. Such signs shall contain no opaque or translucent backing and shall not exceed thirty percent coverage of the display window as determined by measurement of the entire sign area.

      (2)   Window signs in residential districts. Temporary signs in residential districts installed or placed as window signs shall be no greater than six square feet in area. The combined total surface area of all temporary window signs shall be no greater than twelve square feet.

      (3)   Lawn signs.

         A.   Size. Temporary signs in residential districts installed as lawn signs shall be no greater than six square feet in area and no greater than four feet in height. The combined total surface area of all temporary lawn signs shall be no greater than twelve square feet.

         B.   Location. Temporary lawn signs in residential districts shall be located a minimum of five feet from the nearest edge of the sidewalk and shall not be placed within the side yard setback. No temporary signs shall be permitted in the public right-of-way.

         C.   Height and location exceptions. If, due to the topography, the existing foliage or another similar condition existing as to a particular property, conformance with the size and height regulations set forth herein would impair the visibility of a temporary lawn sign as observed from the street, then the Director of Buildings may grant exceptions to the size and location regulations set forth above, pursuant to the following:

            1.   The height area requirements above may be increased by a factor of no greater than fifty percent.

            2.   A lawn sign may be placed within twenty feet of the sidewalk or within the side yard setback.

      In determining whether to grant an exception, the sole standard to be used by the Director of Buildings is the visibility of the sign from the street. No sign shall exceed that height, area or distance which is reasonably necessary to render the sign visible when observed from the street.

         D.   Political signs. Temporary political signs shall be permitted in residential districts as follows:

            1.   No political sign shall be placed in a lawn prior to thirty days from the date of the election for which the sign is intended.

            2.   On any residential property, there shall be a limitation of one political sign per candidate and/or one political sign per issue appearing on the ballot.

            3.   All political signs in residential districts shall be displayed for no more than ten days after the election, after which time they must be removed.

         E.   Temporary availability signs. Temporary availability signs shall be permitted as follows:

            1.   Temporary availability signs, which include signs such as "for sale," "vacancy," "for rent" or "for lease" signs, may be permitted to announce the sale, rental or lease of the lot on which the sign is displayed, or to announce the sale, rental or lease of one or more structures or a portion thereof located on the lot. Such signs may indicate the owner, realty agent, telephone numbers or open house information. Such signs shall:

               a.   Not exceed twelve square feet in area;

               b.   Be located on the lawn, or upon or within any building or portion of a building occupied or to be occupied by any single business enterprise;

               c.   Only advertise the rental, lease or sale of such building or portion thereof; and

               d.   Meet or exceed the front yard setback established within the zoning district.

      Parcels which abut a highway with an "I" designation will be permitted to post a sign in the rear yard, as well as a sign in the front yard, in compliance with the regulations stated herein.

            2.   All availability signs shall be removed upon the sale, lease or rental of the property or premises. The sale of the property shall be deemed to have concluded when title transfers or when the property is withdrawn from the market. Signs indicating that the premises have been sold or leased and/or rented shall not be displayed in any fashion following the successful sale or lease of the property, including, but not limited to, an overlay on the "for sale," "for lease" or "for rent" sign.

(Ord. 1997-21. Passed 8-6-97.)

         F.   Illumination. No window sign or lawn sign, as permitted in this section, shall be illuminated in any manner or contain any blinking or flashing lights.

         G.   Yard sale and garage sale signs. All yard sale or garage sale signs shall be displayed for a maximum of four days. All yard sale or garage sale signs shall be removed within twelve hours after the sale is concluded.

         H.   Special occasion signs. Religious and other holiday lights and decorations containing no commercial message are exempt from the above regulations and shall be permitted during the appropriate time of the year. Portable temporary signs containing a special greeting message, such as "Happy Birthday" or "Congratulations," shall be permitted as long as the signs comply with Articles 305 and 600 of the National Electrical Code. Such a portable sign shall be permitted to be posted for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four hours.

(Ord. 1997-21. Passed 8-6-97.)

      (4)   Political signs in nonresidential districts. Temporary political signs shall be permitted in nonresidential use districts as follows:

         A.   A political sign may be displayed only during a period beginning thirty days prior to the date of the election for which the sign is intended and ending ten days after the date of such election.

         B.   Political signs shall be displayed only inside of windows and shall be no greater than six square feet in area, with a combined total area of all temporary political signs on any parcel being not greater than twelve square feet.

         C.   Political signs shall not be displayed without prior permission of the property owner or tenant.

(Ord. 1998-20. Passed 7-20-98.)

      (5)   Maintenance and repair. All temporary signs must be maintained and kept in good repair.

   (c)   For Sale, For Rent or For Lease Signs.

      (1)   A "for sale" sign, a "for rent" sign, a "for lease" sign, or any combination thereof, shall be permitted in all use districts.

      (2)   In other than U-1, U-2 and U-7 Districts, a "for sale" sign, a "for rent" sign, a "for lease" sign, or any combination thereof, shall be permitted to be displayed inside a window at the first floor level. If that is not possible, a sign may be permitted on the building wall, not higher than eight feet above the existing grade. No such sign shall exceed four square feet in area.

      (3)   In vacant lots, in all use districts, one sign parallel to the right-of-way and not closer to the property line than 25 feet shall be permitted to be erected. No sign shall be higher than eight feet above the existing grade or exceed 12 square feet in area.

      (4)   In U-7 districts, one "for sale" sign, "for rent" sign, "for lease" sign, or any combination thereof shall be permitted to be displayed. The sign shall not be higher than six feet above grade or exceed 12 square feet; the sign shall be placed no closer than 25 feet from the right-of-way and 25 feet from intersecting roads, access roads and/or any driveways.

   (d)   Temporary, Special Event and Grand Opening Banners.

      (1)   Banners announcing grand openings of new businesses, special events and holiday decorations, occasions or events shall be permitted in all districts, with the exception of U-1 and U-2 Districts.

      (2)   Prior to the implementation of said banner, a request for approval of the display of said banner shall be filed with the Building Department.

      (3)   The applicant will provide evidence that public liability insurance in the minimum amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per person / three million dollars ($3,000,000) per occurrence has been obtained, with the City being named as an additional insured.

      (4)   The Building Director will determine whether the event proposed by the applicant falls within the parameters of grand openings, special events or holiday occasions. The Building Director's decision may be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

      (5)   The size of the proposed banner shall never exceed two square feet per lineal foot of store frontage.

      (6)   The proposed banner shall be permitted for up to 30 days, three times per calendar year, or until the special event/holiday has ceased, whichever occurs first.

(Ord. 1997-21. Passed 8-6-97; Ord. 2006-35. Passed 11-27-06; Ord. 2009-14. Passed 4-27-09; Ord. 2014-19. Passed 9-8-14.)

   (a)   No person shall erect, construct or alter a permanent sign in the City without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Director of Buildings or his or her authorized representative.

   (b)   All permanent sign permit applications shall be accompanied by two black and white sketches and one color sketch of the proposed sign showing the dimensions, the layout and design and the color of letters and lines of the sign, together with the following information:

      (1)   The setback of the building from the centerline of the street it fronts on;

      (2)   The lineal frontage of the building or unit;

      (3)   The total area of any sign now on the building or property;

      (4)   The elevation of the building showing the proposed sign on it;

      (5)   A photograph of the building showing any existing sign; and

      (6)   For a free-standing wall sign, a site plan of the property and the proposed location of the sign.

   (c)   An application for the erection or alteration of a permanent sign under this Zoning Code shall be submitted to the Director of Buildings and may be approved by any two of the following City officials: the Director of Buildings, the Public Safety Director, the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission and the Vice-Chairperson of the Commission.

   (d)   A denial of a permit may be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals, as if the decision had been made solely by the Director of Buildings.

(Ord. 1997-21. Passed 8-6-97.)

   (a)   The aggregate area of all signs, in any use district, shall not exceed the following limits, determined on the basis of the set-back distance of the building and the horizontal store frontage:

      (1)   For buildings erected with a setback of zero to 125 feet, the aggregate area of all signs shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of store frontage.

      (2)   For buildings erected with a setback greater than 125 feet, but not more than 250 feet, the aggregate area of all signs shall not exceed three square feet for each lineal foot of store frontage.

      (3)   For buildings erected with a setback of 250 feet or more, the aggregate area of all signs shall not exceed four square feet for each lineal foot of store frontage.

   (b)   Set-back distance shall be measured from the centerline of the principal thoroughfare that provides direct customer access to the building and that abuts the parcel of land on which the building is erected or the shopping center of which the building is a part.

(Ord. 1985-29. Passed 10-14-85.)

   Store frontage shall be limited to one side of a building. The total area of a sign includes all visible faces of a permanent panel, the area within the perimeter of a built-in architectural sign, a permanent or temporary sign placed upon the surface of a building or upon a window or door and a sign within the building visible from any public street as well as any characters, logos, trademarks, insignias, emblems, devices or other symbols. No sign or other advertising matter shall be painted directly on the exterior of a structure. Signs displayed, attached to or painted on the inside of a show or display window shall not exceed twenty percent of the total show or display window area. Each window or glass area separated by a door, mullion or structural or architectural appurtenance shall be deemed a separate window area. The size of such signs shall be determined by a measurement of the entire sign area.

(Ord. 1987-10. Passed 4-13-87; Ord. 2004-27. Passed 11-8-04.)

   (a)   A sign shall be located on a building wall adjacent to a major street and may be placed on a wall adjacent to a parking area, if there is a direct customer entrance between such street and/or parking area and such building. Any sign permitted at a secondary public entrance to a building shall be limited to six square feet in area. A sign shall not extend higher than the top of the parapet wall of a building or project more than thirty-six inches in front of the established building line. Signs may be permitted on a canopy or awning only in such instances where a wall sign is not practical or possible, and then only with the approval of the Planning Commission. Where two or more adjacent stores on the same parcel have a similar or continuous marquee, canopy, mansard, permanent awning or building face, all signs shall be substantially similar in design and color. All signs shall be limited to three colors, excluding any one background color. For purposes of this section, black and white shall be considered colors.

(Ord. 1995-14. Passed 4-24-95; Ord. 2004-28. Passed 11-8-04.)

   (b)   In addition to any other type of permitted sign, one free-standing wall per parcel, having a height of not more than five feet and a width of not more than twelve feet, may be erected, with the total sign area not to exceed thirty square feet on each face, provided that planting is placed around such free-standing wall. Unless the sign is used exclusively to identify the building or shopping area, proportionate space shall be made available to more than one tenant on any such sign.

   Such wall shall be constructed of either burnt clay brick, stone or precast panels, and/or other suitable materials as approved by the Architectural Board of Review.

   Such wall shall be located in front of the setback building line, shall be perpendicular to the public street and shall be at least five feet in back of the dedicated portion of the public street.

   In the event that the free-standing (ground) wall sign portrays or includes more than one (1) tenant in the subject parcel, each individual tenant's sign thereon shall be substantially similar in size, shape and color to the others.

   All signs shall be limited to three colors, excluding any one background color. For purposes of this section, black and white shall be considered colors.

   (c)   In U-4 and U-4-A Districts, parcels having more than 400 feet of frontage and containing more than four separate businesses or mercantile occupancies may be permitted to construct one free-standing wall. Such wall shall not be permitted in conjunction with any other wall, nonconforming pole or other sign on the premises. Such wall shall be constructed of either burnt clay brick, stone or precast panels, and/or other suitable materials as approved by the Architectural Board of Review. Walls shall not exceed five feet in height and twenty feet in width. All signs shall be mounted on the wall face and shall not exceed forty-eight square feet per face. Unless the sign is used exclusively to identify the building or the shopping area, proportionate space shall be made available to more than one tenant on any such sign. In no case shall any tenant sign exceed thirty square feet per face.

   All walls shall be located in front of the setback building line, shall be perpendicular to the public street and shall be at least five feet in back of the dedicated portion of the public street.

(Ord. 1999-9. Passed 4-12-99.)

   (d)   In U-4 and U-4-A Districts, lots having detached annex buildings or any free-standing business or mercantile building located in the rear or behind buildings fronting on the main street and located on the same parcel shall be permitted one identification or directional sign. Such sign shall be mounted on a structure of material as outlined for free-standing walls in subsection (c) hereof. Signs shall conform to all other provisions of this chapter and must be approved by the Planning Commission.

   The total area of signs permitted on such structure shall not exceed eight square feet.

   (e)   Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 1191.05 and 1191.06(a), (b), (c) and (d), buildings in U-4, U-4-A and U-4-B Use Districts, with customer parking and a customer entrance located in the rear of such buildings, shall be permitted a sign. Any such customer entrance shall provide for unrestricted ingress and egress at the building. In addition, the customer entrance shall be similar in architectural features of glass, show windows, doors and other building materials, and be in substantial proportion to the main entrance.

   In addition to the provisions of Section 1191.04, signs shall be permitted to be two square feet in area per linear foot of the rear of such building, but in no case larger than twenty-four square feet in area.

   (f)   In all zoning districts, except U-1 and U-2 Districts, no directional signs shall be permitted unless the same have been approved by the Planning Commission.

(Ord. 1995-14. Passed 4-24-95; Ord. 2012-21. Passed 1-14-13.)

   (EDITOR'S NOTE: Section 1191.07 was repealed by Ordinance 1997-21, passed August 6, 1997. See Section 1191.14.)

   Illuminated signs shall not have light sources of excessive brightness which might be hazardous to pedestrians or motorists and shall be shielded and directed away from adjacent residential districts and streets. Illuminated signs shall substantially conform to the surrounding area and shall maintain the existing characteristics of the City. Illumination is permitted only on ground (monument) signs as specified in Section 1191.02(a)(1) and in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter.

   (a)   Illuminated signs shall comply with the following:

         A.   Flashing signs - a directly or indirectly illuminated sign, or portion thereof, that exhibits changing light or color effect by any means, so as to provide intermittent illumination that changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts and creates the illusion of intermittent flashing light by streaming, graphic bursts showing movement, or any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling, or sparkling. The only exception is a monument sign which provides time and temperature, provided that the interval between the change is a minimum of ten seconds. Flashing or changing of illuminated time and temperature designations shall be restricted to numerals and letters only. The sign shall not move or revolve;

         B.   Spinning signs;

         C.   Rotating signs;

         D.   Electronic moving message/digital display signs; and

         E.   Video signs - imagery produced by signs that have the capability of processing up to 30 frames per second.

         A.   All digital displays shall be illuminated at a level no greater than 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light levels for location and time when measured at the recommended distance based on the digital display size, and shall employ light cut-off devices, such as but not limited to louvers, in order to minimize light escaping above a horizontal plane.

         B.   All digital displays must be equipped with both a dimmer control and photo sensor, which will automatically adjust the display intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.

         C.   Digital displays may not display light of an intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair vision of the operator of a motor vehicle.

   (b)   All illuminated signs and parts thereof shall be securely constructed in conformance with applicable City building, fire and electrical codes, and with the applicable standards of this chapter. All illuminated signs shall have a surface of facing materials which are durable for the intended life of the sign. All illuminated signs shall be attached in compliance with applicable local and state codes. The electrical connections shall be concealed, and the electrical conduits shall be installed below grade, where not in conflict with the most recently adopted edition of the national electrical code.

   (c)   All illuminated signs shall be approved by both the Architectural Board of Review and Planning Commission prior to the building permit being issued. The applicant shall provide to the Architectural Review Board and Planning Commission a photometric plan outlining the proposed illumination levels (in foot-candles).

(Ord. 1985-29. Passed 10-14-85; Ord. 2004-29. Passed 11-8-04; Ord. 2013-17. Passed 11-25-13.)

   (EDITOR'S NOTE: Section 1191.09 was repealed by Ordinance 1997-21, passed August 6, 1997. See Section 1191.02(b)(3)D.)

   No temporary or permanent sign shall be mounted upon a utility pole or tree, except those placed for traffic control purposes or for identification purposes by utility companies. Signs and banners placed to celebrate, commemorate or memorialize a person or idea may be placed on a utility pole with the prior written authorization of the utility company and the Public Safety Director. Signs placed for traffic control or other purposes and authorized by the Public Safety Director are not subject to this Zoning Code.

(Ord. 1985-29. Passed 10-14-85; Ord. 2019-9. Passed 4-22-19.)

   (a)   Determination of Nonconformity. A sign which is nonconforming on the effective date of this Zoning Code (Ordinance 1985-29, passed October 14, 1985), which does not conform with the provisions of this Zoning Code, as amended, shall be deemed a nonconformity.

   (b)   Purpose. The purpose of this section, in addition to providing specific standards for the design, construction and erection of every new sign, is to cause every sign in violation of this chapter to be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform with this chapter.

   (c)   Authority to Continue Existing Nonconformities. Any permanent sign, other than a temporary sign, which is deemed to be a nonconformity, and which was erected pursuant to a City permit and in place on the effective date of this Zoning Code (Ordinance 1985-29, passed October 14, 1985), and which remains or becomes a nonconformity upon the adoption of this Zoning Code, as amended, may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:

      (1)   Repairs. Ordinary repairs and nonstructural alterations may be made to a nonconforming sign. No structural alterations shall be made in, to or upon such nonconforming sign, except those required by law to make the sign conform to this chapter.

      (2)   Additions and enlargements. A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to this chapter.

      (3)   Moving. No nonconforming sign shall be moved, in whole or in part, to any other location unless such sign, and the use thereof, are made to conform to this chapter.

      (4)   Restoration of damaged nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign which is destroyed or damaged by fire or other cause, to the extent that the cost of restoration will exceed sixty percent of the original cost of such sign, shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to this chapter or any subsequent amendment thereto. If such damage or destruction is less than sixty percent of the original cost of such sign, no repair or construction shall be made unless such restoration is started within six months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion.

      (5)   Discontinuance of use of nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for thirty days, shall thereafter conform to this chapter.

      (6)   Change of use of nonconforming signs. Where the business, use or identity associated with the nonconforming sign at the time of the adoption of this Zoning Code (Ordinance 1985-29, passed October 14, 1985) thereafter terminates or changes, such termination or change of use shall require termination of the nonconforming sign, and the use of such sign shall thereafter conform to this chapter.

      (7)   Conformity date. All signs rendered nonconforming by this chapter and permitted to continue shall be removed, altered or remodeled to conform to this chapter not later than January 1, 1993.

      (8)   Application of regulations. When a structure and/or use is nonconforming and the signage restrictions for the district in which it is located would cause hardship, the regulations of the district most compatible with the current and/or proposed use shall be used.

   (d)   Continuation of Certain Signs. Any sign, graphic or numeral display embossed, etched, engraved or otherwise an integral part of the original building's masonry architecture, which was in existence prior to the effective date of this subsection (Ordinance 1987-43, passed December 14, 1987), may be continued, provided that such sign, graphic or numeral display is maintained as originally designed and intended.

(Ord. 1987-43. Passed 12-14-87.)

   In addition to any sign that may be permitted by Section 1191.01(a), one free-standing wall sign per parcel, having a height of not more than five feet above normal grade and a width of not more than twelve feet, may be erected in a U-7 Headquarters or Executive Offices Park District, with the total sign area not to exceed thirty square feet on each face, provided that planting is placed around such free-standing wall sign.

   Such wall shall be constructed of either burnt clay brick, stone or precast panels, and/or other suitable materials as approved by the Architectural Board of Review.

(Ord. 1999-10. Passed 4-12-99.)

   Any sign or other object placed, displayed, erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered or permitted to remain on any premises in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of the Building Code, and any "sign" heretofore erected, constructed or displayed without legal authorization, are hereby declared to constitute a nuisance, and in addition to any penalty provided in these Codified Ordinances for such a violation, the nuisance may be abated in the manner provided now or in the future by the Ohio Revised Code or in the manner provided by these Codified Ordinances. The procedural requirements of these alternative abatement remedies shall not be cumulative, and only the procedures of the abatement remedy implemented shall be required.

(Ord. 1994-8. Passed 6-13-94.)

   (a)   The following signs are hereby designated as exempt signs and, as such, are subject only to the regulations contained in this section:

      (1)   Signs used for safety purposes relating to the repair or maintenance of streets, sidewalks or utilities in a public right-of-way, provided such signs do not exceed a size mandated by State law or regulation.

      (2)   Nameplates, not to exceed one square foot in area, placed not less than ten feet from any lot line.

      (3)   Address numbers, not to exceed two square feet in area, placed a minimum of ten feet from any lot line or painted on the curb.

      (4)   Paper notices placed on information kiosks maintained by governments.

      (5)   Signs and public notices erected or required by governmental bodies or authorized for a public purpose by law, statute or ordinance. Such public signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location or illumination as authorized by law, statute or ordinance.

      (6)   Public information signs identifying telephones, rest rooms and similar facilities, not to exceed two square feet.

      (7)   Parking control signs and fire lane signs intended to prohibit or impose conditions upon parking, pursuant to the Traffic Code or State law, not to exceed four square feet.

      (8)   Memorial plaques and cornerstones, not to exceed two square feet in area, designed, intended or used to preserve the memory of a person, place or event, including landmark plaques and historical plaques, which must be constructed of noncombustible material and permanently affixed to the building or premises to which they relate.

      (9)   Matter appearing on gasoline pumps, newspaper vending boxes, automatic teller machines and other vending machines, as purchased or installed.

      (10)   Matter appearing on or adjacent to entry doors, including the words "push," "pull," "open" or "closed," not exceeding one square foot in area per establishment.

      (11)   Matter appearing on display windows or doors to retail service establishments, denoting the hours of operation, credit cards accepted and similar information, not exceeding a cumulative total of one square foot in area per establishment.

      (12)   For residential dwelling units, safety and/or security signs, in addition to the permitted nameplate, as follows:

         A.   On the inside of a window or the glass portion of a door, or in the front yard of a dwelling, one sign not more than 144 square inches in area, containing a brief statement directly relating to the physical safety and security of the occupants of the premises, examples of such a statement being "block watch," "beware of dog," or "protected by electronic security system," provided that no sign shall be placed within the minimum front yard setback. No security sign that is placed within the front yard of a dwelling shall have a height, including the supporting stake or pole, that exceeds thirty inches.

         B.   On the inside of a window or the glass portion of a door, a sign of not more than sixteen square inches in area, containing a basic statement directly relating to the physical safety and security of the occupants of the premises, examples of such a statement being "block watch," "beware of dog" and "protected by electronic security system." Only one sign shall be affixed to each door or window. The signs authorized by this paragraph shall be permitted in addition to the single sign permitted above.

   (b)   The following signs are hereby designated as prohibited signs in all districts:

      (1)   Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fascia, parapet or chimney of a building or on a fence.

      (2)   Roof signs.

      (3)   Signs which imitate traffic signs. Signs which use the words "stop," "look," "danger," "go slow," "caution" or "warning" are deemed to be within this category, unless such words are part of the name of a business. This category does not include signs which are accessory to parking lots.

      (4)   Portable or wheeled signs, except for temporary one-day special greeting signs as permitted in this chapter.

      (5)   Signs placed on parked vehicles or trailers where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or to direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.

      (6)   Inflatable images, such as balloons, beer cans, etc.

      (7)   Pole signs.

(Ord. 1997-21. Passed 8-6-97.)