1. The purpose of the sign regulations set forth in this chapter shall be to encourage signs, which, by their good design, are aesthetically pleasing and integrated with and harmonious to the buildings and sites which they occupy; to preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place in which to live and work and as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade; to effectively index the environment; to safeguard and enhance property values; to protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces; to supplement and be a part of the regulations imposed and the plan set forth under this title; to implement those portions of the general plan relating to signage; and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare.
   
2. It is also the intent of this chapter to govern the number, size, type, location and other provisions relating to signs within the various zones of the city as the zones are established and designated by this title. No signs shall be allowed in these zones unless exempt under this chapter or expressly permitted by this title, or unless said signs comply with the regulations established in MCC 10.28 relating to legal nonconforming uses. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
   

The following words and phrases when used in this title shall be construed as defined in this section:

AVERAGE GRADE OF FRONT PROPERTY LINE: The average elevation or average of the finish grade at the front property line.

CAMPAIGN SIGN: A sign urging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office, or urging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure, but does not mean or include any billboard owned or maintained by a commercial firm or advertising company.

CLEAR VIEW AREA¹: An area bounded by lines drawn from a point on the centerline of the driveway, set back fifteen feet (15') from the front property line to points on the centerline of the street in front of the property forty feet (40') either side of the centerline of the driveway. Within this area no view obstructing object may be located with a height over three feet (3') from average grade at property line.

COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT: Any C-G, C-C and C-H zoning districts as defined in this title.

FREEWAY: The main traveled portion of the traffic way, all land situated within the right of way, and all ramps and appurtenant land and structures.

FREEWAY CORRIDOR: An area of the city where, due to the proximity to Interstate 84 and major highways, and the intensity of retail uses, freestanding signs are allowed to be a maximum height as described in the map attached to the ordinance codified herein and on file in the city office.

FRONT FOOTAGE OF BUILDING OCCUPANCY: A single lineal dimension measured horizontally along the front major entrance of a building, which defines the limits of a particular occupancy at that location.

FRONTAGE: The distance between the two (2) side lot lines of a parcel measured along the street, or streets of a corner lot, which the parcel is allowed access. No state or federal highway to which no access is allowed shall be considered as frontage.

HEIGHT OF SIGN: The vertical distance measured from the average grade of the front property line to the highest point of said sign.

M ZONING DISTRICT: Any M-D zoning district as defined in this title.

OCCUPANCY: A separate use of property carried on at all or a portion of a building or parcel.

OUTLINE LIGHTING: Outlining of a building by means of exposed neon tubing, exposed incandescent lighting or other artificial lighting, or an equivalent effect.

R ZONE: Any A, R-R, R-1-8, R-1-12, R-1-20, RM-7, R-MH, RM-15 zone, as defined in this title.

SETBACK: The shortest horizontal distance between the boundary line of a lot and the building or structure or part thereof. For the purposes of this title, "setback" for signs shall be from the leading edge of the sign.

SIGN: Means and includes every advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, merchandise display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in view of the observer thereof, for identification, advertisement or promotion of the interests of any person, entity, product or service, and shall include the sign structure, supports, lighting system and any attachments, ornaments or other features used to draw the attention of observers. "Sign" does not include any flag, badge or ensign of any government or governmental agency erected for and used to identify said government or governmental agency.

SIGN, AREA OF: The entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles which enclose the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space of a similar nature, together with any frame or other material, color or condition which forms an integral part of the display and is used to differentiate such sign from the wall or background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed. Where an on premises sign has two (2) or more faces which are not parallel, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that only one face of a double faced on premises sign shall be considered in determining the sign area, provided both faces are parallel and the distance between faces does not exceed two feet (2'). Further, where a sign consists only of individual letters, numbers, symbols or other similar components and is painted on or attached flat against the wall of a building, and where such individual components are without integrated background definition and are not within a circumscribed frame area, the total area of the sign shall be the sum of the areas of the square or rectangles surrounding each individual sign component.

SIGN, ATTACHED: A sign which is fastened, attached, painted, connected or supported in whole or in part by a building or structure.

SIGN, BILLBOARD: A detached or attached sign located on property within the city designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product or service that is not sold, offered or existing on the property where the sign is located. For the purpose of this definition, bus benches shall not be defined as a billboard.

SIGN, BILLBOARD EXISTING: A billboard which was constructed, maintained and in use or for which a permit was issued for construction of a billboard prior to the adoption of this title.

SIGN, BILLBOARD NEW: A billboard for which a permit to construct is issued after the adoption of the ordinance codified herein (April 2, 2002).

SIGN, BILLBOARD NONCONFORMING: An existing billboard which is located in a zoning district or otherwise situated in a way which would not now be permitted by the provisions of this title.

SIGN, CIVIC, INSTITUTIONAL OR PHILANTHROPIC: A sign erected by a public or nonprofit agency, service club, etc., for civic or public information.

SIGN, CONSTRUCTION: A sign related to the property upon which it is located and offering such property for sale or lease, or advertising contemplated improvements, or announcing the name of the builder, owner, designer or developer of the project.

SIGN, DETACHED: Any sign not supported in whole or in part by a building or structure other than by a sign structure which is supported wholly by the ground.

SIGN, DIRECTIONAL: Any sign which serves wholly to designate the location or direction of any place or area.

SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE: A sign that has an electronic message display.

SIGN, HOME OCCUPATION: A sign associated with a legally approved home business.

SIGN, IDENTIFICATION: A sign which serves to tell only the name, address and lawful use of the premises upon which it is located. A bulletin board of a public, charitable or religious institution used to display announcements relative to meetings held on the premises shall be deemed an identification sign.

SIGN, LOW PROFILE: On premises or identification signs having a maximum height of six feet (6').

SIGN, MEMORIAL: A sign or tablet that states the names of buildings or the date of the building's erection and cut into the surface or facade of a building.

SIGN, NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTIFICATION: A permanent sign that only designates the neighborhood or tract name.

SIGN, NONCONFORMING: A sign legally existing at the time of its erection or the effective date hereof which does not now conform with use regulations of the district in which it is located.

SIGN, OFF SITE: Any sign not located on the premises of the business or entity indicated or advertised by said sign. This definition shall include billboards, poster panels, painted bulletins and other similar advertising displays.

SIGN, ON SITE: A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered on the premises on which the sign is maintained.

SIGN, PERMANENT: A sign which is permanently affixed to the ground with a footing designed to meet the requirements of this chapter and the building code.

SIGN, PORTABLE: Any sign not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure on the premises it is intended to occupy.

SIGN, REAL ESTATE: A sign related to the property upon which it is located and offering such property for sale or lease.

SIGN, TEMPORARY: Any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, cardboard, wallboard, plastic or other light materials, with or without frame, where the sign is not permanently affixed to the ground or structure. Spotlights shall also be considered a temporary sign. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code; Ord. 05-18, 10-11-2005) 

Footnote 1: See also MCC 10.20.080A.

1. Permit Required: Except as otherwise provided in this title, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate, direct, or order a person to erect, alter or relocate a sign within the city without first obtaining a permit or permits from the building and planning departments. A fee for the permit will be charged in accordance with the current fee schedule adopted by the city council.
   
2. Permission Of Property Owner: No person shall erect, construct or maintain any sign upon any property or building without the written consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property or building, if any, or their authorized representatives.
   
3. Illegal Signs: No person shall erect, maintain or permit to be erected or maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him any sign that does not comply with the provisions of this title.
   
4. Application: Application for a permit shall be made to the building and planning departments upon a form provided by the city and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to assure compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations of the city, including a vicinity plan, drawings to scale indicating the location, dimensions, construction, electrical wiring and components, method of attachment, and character of structural member to which attachment is to be made, where applicable. All necessary construction and engineering specifications must be submitted as required in MCC 10.32.040 prior to the issuance of any permit. The building and planning departments may also require, at its discretion, additional engineering information if there is a concern for the health or safety of the general public.
   
5. Issuance; Term: The building and planning departments shall issue a permit only to a sign contractor properly licensed in the state for the erection, alteration or relocation of a sign within the city when an application therefor has been properly made and the sign complies with all appropriate laws and regulations of the city. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code)
   

1. Inspections Required: A footing and final inspection shall be required for all signs.
   
2. Building Code Compliance: All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the building code relating to design, structural members and connections. All metal, wire cable supports and braces shall have engineering provided by an engineer licensed in the state. Signs shall also comply with the applicable provisions of the electrical code and the additional construction standards as set forth in this code. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

1. Moving Or Relocating: No existing sign may be moved or relocated to any other parcel, building, structure or portion thereof, unless said sign complies with all other provisions of this title, or is altered so as to comply therewith. No existing sign may be moved or relocated on the same parcel, building, structure or portion thereof, unless said sign also complies with all other provisions of this title, or is altered so as to comply therewith.
   
2. Altering: No existing sign may be altered unless said sign, after alteration thereof, complies with all other provisions of this title. Alteration shall be deemed to include a change of message or sign legend, or portion thereof, except where such change is a normal increment of the sign function common to signs such as a billboard, theater marquee, reader board, bulletin board or other similar sign. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
   

Each sign shall be maintained in safe, presentable and good condition, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, cleaning, and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign. The building official shall require compliance or removal of any sign determined to be in violation of this section in accordance with the provisions of MCC 10.32.200B. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

In any zone, a sign, masonry wall, landscaping and other similar materials or features may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or tract identification. If said sign is to be a freestanding structure it must be a low profile sign and must comply with the provisions set forth in MCC 10.32.130. Any sign or display must be located so it is not in the clear view area. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

Low profile signs are encouraged in all commercial and industrial zoning districts and shall be allowed in conformance with the following provisions:

1. Low profile on premises or identification signs will be allowed in all commercial, professional and manufacturing zoning districts; provided, that these signs:
   
   1. Must have a minimum front setback of five feet (5').
      
   2. Must have a minimum setback from any driveway or traffic access as required.
      
   3. Must be incorporated into a landscape design scheme or planter box with a minimum of a two to one (2:1) ratio of landscaping to sign area.
      
   4. Shall be limited to a maximum of six feet (6') in height from the average grade of front property line.
      
   5. Must be separated from any other detached sign by a minimum of seventy five feet (75') unless all of the following criteria apply:
      
      1. A business or businesses do not have direct exposure on an arterial; and
         
      2. The minimum separation is seventy five feet (75'); and
         
      3. The business or businesses shall have no other sign exposure on an arterial street; and
         
      4. All other provisions of this section are complied with.
         
2. Square footage shall be counted towards the maximum area allowed on the parcel as specified in MCC 10.32.140.
3. There shall be no changeable copy. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
4. Off premise low-profile signs may be approved by the City with the following conditions:

a. A record temporary and revocable sign easement is required to allow the off-premise sign.

b. The sign and sign easement may be removed by the landowner.

c. Only one low-profile sign per property.

d. The off-premise business/property must be adjacent to property where the sign is proposed and must be within 250 feet of the sign.

Within the C-G, C-C and C-H commercial zones, and M-D, manufacturing zone, signs are permitted as follows:

1. Area Requirements:
   
   1. One detached on site sign for each developed parcel not exceeding one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of street frontage within the first ten feet (10') of setback, not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet of total sign area; or
      
   2. One detached on site sign containing one and one-half (11/2) square feet of sign area for each linear foot of street frontage behind the first ten feet (10') of setback, not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet of total sign area. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
      
   3. Where a developed parcel has an excess of three hundred (300) linear feet of street frontage, one additional freestanding sign may be allowed as a conditional use. (Ord. 11-01, 2-22-2011)
      
   4. There shall not be more than three hundred (300) square feet of detached sign area per parcel.
      
   5. Where a developed parcel is permitted to have more than one detached on site sign under these regulations, the distance between said detached signs on the parcel shall be not less than two hundred (200) linear feet. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
      
   6. Where a parcel does not have frontage on a public street, one detached sign may be allowed on site as approved by the planning commission; or one detached sign may be located on an adjacent parcel with frontage on a street, upon approval by the land use appeal authority after receiving proof of acceptability by the adjacent parcel owner. The allowable square footage of the sign shall be determined by the width of the parcel at the front setback line of the building applying for the sign. One square foot of sign area is allowed for each linear foot of parcel width up to a maximum of three hundred (300) square feet for a single business and up to four hundred (400) square feet in aggregate for more than one business. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. Ord. 12-05, 4-10-2012)
      
2. Height Limits: The maximum height limit for detached signs shall be as follows: (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
   
   1. In the C-G and C-C zones, thirty feet (30') above average grade of the front property line except at locations designated in the "freeway corridor" area. Signs in these locations may be a maximum of fifty five feet (55') in height.
      
   2. In the C-H and M-D zones, thirty five feet (35') above average grade of front property line except for areas determined to be in the "freeway corridor". Within the "freeway corridor" area signs may be a maximum of fifty five feet (55') above average grade of front property line (see map attached to the ordinance codified herein and on file in the city office). (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code)
      
3. Number Of Panels: A detached sign may consist of more than one sign panel, provided all such sign panels are attached to one common integrated sign structure, and any additional panels must meet minimum clearance as designated in subsection F of this section. The total area of all such panels shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area specified for a detached sign on said parcel. Where a sign message consists of separated or individual letters, modules or symbols, each portion of said sign message shall not be considered as a one sign panel. In such cases, a single continuous perimeter completely surrounding the sign message shall be utilized to determine its sign area.
   
4. Corner Lots:
   
   1. On corner lots, a single sign is permitted and a second sign may be permitted with conditional use approval. The total area for all detached signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet. Said maximum allowances, however, are not transferable either in whole or in part from one street frontage to another.
      
   2. When a sign is erected at the street intersection corner of the parcel, or at the intersection of a building front, and is situated at an angle so as to be visible from both streets or both frontages, said sign shall not exceed the maximum area allowed for the longest front footage of building occupancy or street frontage. The area of such sign shall be deducted from the total area and number of signs permissible on said property.
      
5. Required Setbacks: No detached sign shall project over a public right of way. Detached signs shall have a two foot (2') setback from all property lines. The two foot (2') setback is determined from the leading edge of the detached sign. Where a detached sign has a two foot (2') or more base width from ground level to a height of ten feet (10'), the base of said sign shall be located a minimum of ten feet (10') from any front property line and shall not be located in any clear view area. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
   
6. Minimum Clearance: A detached sign shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet (10') between the ground surface and the bottom of the sign; provided, that the building and planning departments may reduce this clearance if the sign is not illuminated with exposed neon tubing and is located in an area not accessible to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or if an acceptable site feature is constructed to protect said pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The minimum clearance shall not be reduced where a traffic hazard may be created. In no case shall this clearance be reduced to less than six feet (6'). (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code)
   

Attached signs shall be allowed as follows:

1. Area: Attached signs are not to exceed a total area of three (3) square feet of sign area for each front foot of building occupancy (see definition of "sign, area of" in MCC 10.32.020). Said signs may be placed flat against a building may be projecting or nonprojecting signs and may be located on an architectural projection.
   
2. Flat Signs; Location And Depth: Signs placed flat against a building may extend no more than eighteen inches (18") from the wall of such buildings. Said signs may project over a public right of way a distance not exceeding said eighteen inch (18") depth. The minimum heights shall be ten feet (10') or more above the sidewalk.
3. Height Regulations For Signs On Parapet Walls, Sloping And Shed Roofs: The following regulations shall apply to the location and height of signs on parapet walls and various roof structures:
   1. Parapet Wall: A sign may be attached to the face of a parapet wall. The sign projection above the top of the parapet wall may not exceed one-fourth (1/4) of the sign height or a maximum of four feet (4').
      
   2. Sloping Roof: A sign may be attached to the fascia or located on the sloping roof of a structure but may not be located so as to extend more than four feet (4') above the lower edge or the fascia of said sloping roof to the top of the sign.
   3. Shed Roof: A sign may be attached to the fascia of a shed roof of a structure but may not be located so as to extend more than four feet (4') above the lower edge of the fascia of said roof.
   4. Height Limit: No height limit is specified for signs placed flat against the wall of a building or for other attached signs provided all other provisions of this chapter are complied with.
4. Signs On Architectural Projections: The following regulations shall apply to all architectural projections. The maximum projection of a sign shall not exceed eighteen inches (18").
   1. Projection: No sign attached to or which is an integral part of the face of an architectural projection shall extend above or below the face of such projection.
      
   2. Height: A sign erected on top of an architectural projection shall not exceed a maximum height of two feet (2') above the upper edge of said projection. If illuminated, said sign shall be of internal illumination only.
   3. Support By Architectural Projection: A sign may be placed entirely below, and may be supported by an architectural projection of a building when such architectural projection is designed to carry the additional weight of such signs. If illuminated, said sign shall be of internal illumination only. Such sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet (8') between the bottom of the sign and finished grade.
5. Signs On Awnings Or Canopies: Awnings or canopies, including awning signs, may be placed on buildings in any C-G, C-C, C-H and M-D zone. Awnings or canopies shall be mounted a minimum of eight feet (8') above the ground surface. The area of any logo, insignia message shall be calculated and shall comply with the provisions outlined in subsection A of this section.
6. Signs For Other Than Ground Floor Uses: In any C-G, C-C, C-H or M-D zoned property where there are businesses above the ground floor of a building and such businesses are different from the ground floor uses, one additional sign per building placed flat against the building may be erected for all such uses. Said signs shall not exceed one square foot of sign area for each two (2) linear front feet of building frontage.
7. Attached Signs In Agricultural Zoning Districts: Attached signs in agricultural zoning districts shall be a conditional use and shall have the additional following requirements:
   1. Size: Size shall be determined by one square foot of sign area for every one linear foot of building frontage at the main entrance not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
      
   2. Illumination Prohibited: Said sign shall not be illuminated. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

Electronic message signs shall be allowed in C-G, C-C, C-H and M-D zones only. These signs may also be located in any other zone, on public property in conjunction with a public use, such as public schools, recreations facilities, and government centers and operations, as a conditional use in that zone. Said signs may be attached or detached signs. The square footage of these signs shall be counted into the maximum sign area described in MCC 10.32.140 and MCC 10.32.150. Said signs must be located a minimum of ten feet (10') above ground level. The placement and operation of these signs shall be dictated by the general location and done so to avoid conflicts, such as with traffic safety, negative impacts on residential properties, etc. (Ord. 15-05, 3-10-2015)

The following regulations shall apply to sign clearance and sign illumination:

1. A And R Zones: All illuminated signs in the A (agricultural) and R (residential) zones shall be indirectly illuminated except when granted as a conditional use by the planning commission.
   
2. Other Zones: In all other zones, illuminated signs may be of direct or indirect illumination subject to the provisions of subsection C of this section.
   
3. Outline Lighting: Outlining of a building by means of exposed neon tubing, exposed incandescent lighting or other artificial lighting, or an equivalent effect may be allowed subject to conditional use review and approval by the planning commission. All applicants wishing to use exposed outline lighting must provide elevations showing the extent of the outline lighting.
   
4. Clearance: No permit for any sign shall be issued and no sign shall be constructed or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the laws of the state or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.
   
5. Electrical Code Compliance: All provisions of the electrical code as adopted by the city shall be complied with. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

Businesses may, with a special permit issued by the planning commission, use flags or banners on any number of parking area light poles or separate poles in conjunction with special sales events. The planning commission shall use the following criteria for approval/revocation of temporary signs, flags or banners: (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code)

1. The applicant shall present to the planning commission drawings, representations or other types of visual aid to ensure that what is approved will accomplish the intent of the planning commission.
   
2. The applicant shall provide sizes and numbers of all flags or banners.
3. The proposal must be in harmony with neighboring development in terms of size, color and volume.
4. Temporary signs shall not be in any landscaping, affixed to any utility pole, boundary fence, or object, within a public right of way except as allowed in this title for public service signs.
5. The planning commission has the right to revoke the permit if the applicant has misrepresented any aspect of the proposal or the flags/banners become tattered or discolored, or the applicant has violated any provisions of this code. Appeals of a determination shall be heard by the planning commission. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)
6. Campaign signs shall meet the following requirements:
   1. Posting On Public Right Of Way: It shall be lawful for any person to post a campaign sign in the area between the sidewalk and curb and gutter or if no curb, gutter, and sidewalk, within any right of way not closer than five feet (5') of roadway of any public street except that no sign over two feet (2') in height may be placed in any clear view area. No campaign sign may be attached to any utility pole within a public right of way. No campaign sign may overhang the travelway or sidewalk in a public right of way.
      
   2. Posting Time Limits: It shall be unlawful for any person to post a campaign sign more than sixty (60) days prior to the election for which the sign is posted, and it shall be unlawful to fail to remove a campaign sign within five (5) days after the election for which the sign is posted.
   3. Limitation Of Campaign Signs: In any R (residential) zone, said campaign sign, or combination of said signs, shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area, per lot, and in any A (agricultural) zones, said campaign sign, or combination of said signs, shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area per parcel. If detached, said signs shall not exceed six feet (6') in height in residential zones and twelve feet (12') in height in agricultural zones. In C (commercial) and M (manufacturing) zoning districts campaign signs or a combination of said signs, shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area per lot, nor shall any such sign exceed twelve feet (12') in height.
   4. Removal Of Illegal Campaign Signs: Any authorized agent of Morgan City shall be authorized to remove any campaign sign found posted within the corporate limits of the city when such sign is in violation of the provisions of this section. For the purpose of removing campaign signs the authorized agents are empowered to take all steps necessary to remove the unauthorized sign, including, but not limited to, enlisting the aid or assistance of any other department of the city, and to secure legal process to the end that all such signs shall be expeditiously removed from any property where posted.
   5. Notice: Upon discovery of the violating sign, the authorized agent shall immediately notify by telephone, the candidate, committee or person responsible for posting of any sign in violation of this section, the location of the sign and that the sign must be removed within five (5) working days. If the address or phone number of the person responsible for the violating sign is not known, the sign shall be removed under the provisions as set forth in subsection F4 of this section.
   6. Storage And Return: If after five (5) days of notice given under subsection F5 of this section, any political sign has not been removed, the authorized agent shall remove said campaign sign and keep a record of the location from which the sign was removed. He/she shall store the sign in a safe location for at least thirty (30) days. The authorized agent shall return any campaign sign upon payment of the fee provided in subsection F7 of this section.
   7. Removal Of Sign Charge: The city shall be entitled to receive the sum of five dollars ($5.00) for every campaign sign removed by the authorized agent to cover the expense of removal, notice and storage. In cases where unusual effort is needed to remove a sign additional fees may be charged.
   8. Persons Responsible: In a campaign for political office, the candidate for such office shall be deemed the person responsible for posting of campaign signs, unless he/she first notifies the city recorder of another person who is responsible. In such case, the candidate shall provide the name, address, telephone number, and signed consent of such other responsible person. In a campaign regarding a ballot measure, the president of the committee supporting or opposing such ballot measure shall be deemed responsible, unless he/she first notifies the city recorder in the manner described above. The candidate, or in the case of a ballot measure, the committee president or other responsible person if so designated, shall be liable to pay any fees or costs for the removal and storage of illegal signs, as set out herein. Further, such candidate, committee president, or other designated person, shall be subject to prosecution for any violation of this chapter.
   9. Illegal Signs, Public Nuisance: Campaign signs in violation of this section are hereby declared to be public nuisances, and may be abated as such by the city. The collection of removal fees shall not preclude the city from prosecuting any person for violating this chapter.
   10. Appeal: Any person deemed responsible under this subsection shall have a right to appeal any civil penalty levied under subsection F7 of this section to the city council. (Ord. 05-18, 10-11-2005)

1. Purpose And Intent: It is the purpose and intent of this section to limit the number of billboards to the total number of existing billboards. This chapter further provides for the reasonable regulation of billboards with the intent of limiting negative impacts, enhancing the aesthetics of existing and new billboards, and implementing goals and policies promoting safety, the protection of property values, aesthetics, the maintenance of gateways, views and vistas that enhance the city and further the applicable elements of the general plan.
   
2. Cap On Number Of Billboards: The number of billboards allowed in the city shall be limited to the total of existing billboards. Six (6) billboards exist in the city as of the adoption of the ordinance codified herein.
   
3. Permitted And Prohibited Locations: Billboards will be allowed only in C-H (highway commercial) and M-D (manufacturing and distribution) zoning districts.
   
4. Removal Of Nonconforming Billboards: Prior to the removal of any nonconforming billboard, the following requirements must be met:
   
   1. Permit Required: Billboards that are nonconforming due to any reason may be removed by the billboard owner only after obtaining a permit for the demolition of the nonconforming billboard.
      
   2. Application: Application shall be made by obtaining a permit provided by the building and planning departments.
      
5. Relocation Of Billboards:
   
   1. Approved Location: The owner of a billboard may remove the billboard from a nonconforming site to an approved location only after a permit is obtained as set forth in this chapter and other provisions of this chapter are complied with.
      
   2. Conformance: Billboards moved to approved locations shall conform with all sign requirements of the new location.
      
   3. Time Limit: Billboards moved from nonconforming locations must be installed to a new approved location within twenty four (24) months, with not more than two (2) extensions of one year each being granted by the building and planning departments. If the billboard is not moved within this time frame, the ability to relocate said billboard is forfeited.
      
6. Size, Height, Spacing And Setbacks: In the C-H or M-D zoning districts, billboards may be allowed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Said signs are limited to six hundred seventy two (672) square feet. Billboards must be a minimum of five hundred (500) linear feet from any other billboard on the same side of the street and seventy five (75) linear feet from any on premises sign on the same site. Billboards shall meet the setbacks for other detached signs in the respective zoning districts. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code)

Any person, firm or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise, violating, causing or permitting the violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor and shall be subject to penalty as provided in MCC 1.08.010. In addition to a fine or jail sentence, the violator may be ordered to abate the condition, which is a violation, or the violator may have his/her business license suspended or revoked. Such person, firm or corporation who violates this chapter shall be deemed to be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any portion of any violation of this title is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm or corporation, and shall be punished as provided in this chapter. The following provisions shall apply where signs are removed by the city's designated representative:

1. Removal Of Signs By Enforcement Officer:
   
   1. The enforcement officer of the building and planning departments shall remove or cause to be removed any abandoned, dangerous, defective, illegal or prohibited sign maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Prior to the removal of the sign, the enforcement officer shall prepare and serve a notice which shall describe the sign, specify the violation involved and shall state that if the sign is not removed, or if the violation is not corrected, within fifteen (15) days, the sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Notice of violations is deemed to have been given when notice is mailed or given to the property owner or occupant of the property upon which the sign is located. Notice to the property owner shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located as shown on the last equalized assessment roll. If known, the notice may also be mailed or delivered to the owner of the sign and the occupant of the property. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code)
      
   2. Any person having an interest in the sign or the property may appeal the determination of the enforcement officer by filing a written notice of appeal with the building and planning departments within fifteen (15) days after the date of mailing the notice. The land use appeal authority shall hear the appeal. If there is not an appeal filed within the fifteen (15) day period or the land use appeal authority upholds the determination of the enforcement officer, the sign may be removed. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code; Ord. 12-05, 4-10-2012)
      
   3. Notwithstanding the above, in cases of emergency, the city officer may without notice cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign or signs located within a public right of way that are not permitted.
      
2. Disposal Of Signs; Fees:
   1. Any sign removed by the officer pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the city. If a cost assessment is confirmed by the city council, costs shall be assessed to the property owner or other responsible party and collected in any manner provided by law. The cost of abatement or removal shall include any and all incidental expenses incurred by the city in connection with the sign abatement or removal.
      
   2. If the costs are to be assessed against the property, a hearing to confirm the said cost shall be held before the city council. At such hearing, the owner of the property or other interested person may appear and object to the proposed assessment. Notice of the hearing shall be given at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the hearing to the property owner by mailing a notice of the hearing to the address of said property owner as shown on the last equalized assessment roll. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)