This chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the Sign Ordinance of the City of Norwalk, Iowa, and shall apply to all properties within the City of Norwalk.

In the interest of promoting the general welfare and public safety of the city and recognizing the city should be aesthetically attractive as well as financially prosperous, the City of Norwalk desires to regulate signs in such a way as to establish a compatibility of sign usage with the land use patterns and standards for the zoning district, and to permit such signs which will not, by reason of their size, location, construction or manner of display cause an annoyance or disturbance to citizens, detract from the community’s aesthetic attractiveness, create a hazard, confuse or mislead traffic, obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger the public morals, health or safety.

   1.   No sign shall be allowed except as permitted by this chapter.

   2.   No sign shall be located so that the safety of a moving vehicle or pedestrian will be impaired by obscuring a driver’s or pedestrian’s vision.

   3.   Sign shall be properly erected or attached to a structure and kept in good repair. Any lettering, logo, design, and other markings placed upon the sign shall be clear, distinct, and readable and maintained in that condition.

The following signs shall not be permitted, erected or maintained on any property within the City of Norwalk, unless located within the confines of a building, or if not visible from outside the premises of the lot in which the sign is located.

   1.   Moving or Flashing Lights. Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing, pulsating, rotating, beacons, or moving lights, except electronic message displays, as defined in Electronic Message Display Section 175H.15 of this chapter.

   2.   Banners. Except as specified in the Exemptions Section 175H.05 or Temporary Signs Section 175H.14 of this chapter, banners, pennants, spinners and streamers of any size, and local, state, or national flags greater than eighty (80) square feet in area, or numerous flags displayed to draw attention to a business and not to celebrate a national holiday.

   3.   String Lights. String lights used in connection with commercial premises for commercial purposes, other than Christmas decorations used from November 1 to January 15 on a temporary basis.

   4.   Moving Signs. Any sign which has any visible moving part, visible revolving parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, or mechanical means, including intermediate electrical pulsations, or by action of normal wind currents.

   5.   Hazardous Sign. Any sign or sign structure which:

      A.   Is structurally unsafe, or

      B.   Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment, or

      C.   Is not kept in good repair, or

      D.   Is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come in contact with it.

   6.   Traffic Hazard. Signs that constitute a traffic hazard, as noted in Section 175H.23 of this chapter.

   7.   Obstructions. Signs that constitute an obstruction so as to prevent free ingress or egress through any door, window or fire escape.

   8.   Prohibited Attachment. No sign or other advertising structure of any kind shall be attached to a stand-pipe or fire extinguisher.

   9.   Obscene Matter. Signs that display obscene, indecent or immoral matter, or illustrate or state specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities.

   10.   Portable Sign.  Portable signs except as specified in the Temporary Sign Section 175H.14 of this chapter.

   11.   Roof Signs. A roof sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building.

   12.   Billboards. Billboards, except in accordance with Section 175H.10 of this chapter.

   13.   Pole Signs. A free standing sign erected and supported by one or more uprights.

   14.   Signs Projecting Over Public Right-of-Way. It is unlawful to erect or maintain any sign on, over, or above any land or right-of-way belonging to the City of Norwalk or other governmental entity unless specifically allowed by Sections 175H.14 or 175H.24 of this chapter.

   15.   Discontinued Use. On-premises signs that advertise an activity, business, product, or service no longer offered or conducted on the premises on which the sign is located for a period of more than twelve (12) months after such activity, business, product, or service has ceased being offered or conducted.

   16.   High Intensity or Glaring Lights. High intensity lights, strobe lights, or rotating beams shall be prohibited outside of a building or visible from the outside of a building in all zoning districts except when otherwise legally displayed as emergency lights or warning lights. Illumination of signs shall be designed in such a way as to reflect light away from residential properties and motorists’ vision.

   17.   Conflicting Signs. Signs with a format which resembles or conflicts with traffic signs or signals.

   18.   Unlawful Signs. Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter.

   19.   Vehicle Signs. Vehicle signs attached to or painted on a vehicle or trailer which is routinely parked within a public street right-of-way or within one hundred (100) feet of a public street right-of-way and visible from a public street during continuous or repetitive incidents for more than two (2) days or two (2) separate incidents with the intent to advertise or promote the interest of a business on-premises or off-premises.

The following signs shall not require a sign permit.

   1.   Real estate signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which said sign is located only. Such real estate signs shall not be located on public right-of-way and shall be limited to one sign for each street frontage.

   2.   Professional nameplates not exceeding one square foot in area.

   3.   Signs located within the confines of a building.

   4.   Bulletin boards not over eight (8) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions when the same are located on the premises of said institution.

   5.   Directory signs denoting only the name and profession of occupants in a commercial building, public institutional building, or dwelling and not exceeding two square feet in area.

   6.   Memorial signs or plaques, names of buildings, and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible and maintenance free materials, and not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area.

   7.   Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger, temporary off-premises signs for new businesses, and such temporary emergency or non-advertising signs as may be installed on public property and/or approved by the City Council.

   8.   Community Identification, information, or directional signs located on public property, which are owned by the City, identifies the name of the city, advertises community events, new businesses or identifies or directs traffic to public facilities, or landmark neighborhoods and commercial districts.

   9.   Political campaign signs of not greater than twelve (12) square feet in an R District and thirty two (32) square feet in all other zoning districts and shall not be located on public right-of-way.

   10.   The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign, theater marquees and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.

   11.   Painting, repainting, or cleaning of an a billboard or sign shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made or the area of the sign is enlarged.

   12.   Political and real estate signs permitted in accordance with the requirements   of Section 175H.14 of this chapter.

   13.   Signs, referring to lease, or hire, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in   area.

   14.   Construction & Finance Signs located on residential lots in the RE-1, R-1, and   R-2 zoning district that are smaller than twelve (12) square feet in area.

   15.   Name and address changes on directory signs.

   16.   Service signs identifying restrooms, public telephone facilities, first aid stations, emergency shelters and other similar public service facilities.

   17.   National, state, or local government flags which are less than eighty (80) square feet in area for each flag.

   18.   Banners intended to be displayed on a short-term basis (less than seven days) for the purpose of sponsorship for a team involved in organized team athletic events.

The standards and regulations set forth within Sections 175H.07, 175H.08, and 175H.09 shall apply to all on-premises signs, which advertise, identify, and/or direct attention to a profession, business, service, activity, product, campaign or attraction which carried on, sold, offered, or manufactured in or upon the premises.

There shall be permitted one (1) freestanding identification sign for each street frontage of a lot, or one (1) sign for each three hundred (300) feet of street frontage, whichever is greater. Freestanding identification signs shall include monument signs and project identification signs, as defined within this ordinance. Freestanding identification signs shall be constructed of Class 1 or Class 2 materials (as listed in the Architectural Standards, Section 175G.03(2) to match the exterior materials of the existing principal building. If building has exterior materials that do not meet the City’s Architectural Standards, then the sign shall still be constructed with Class 1 or Class 2 materials. The following type, size, height, and setback for free standing identification signs, shall be permitted within the following zoning districts by use.

(a)   The sign area may increase four (4) square feet in area for each additional one (1) foot of setback to a maximum area of eighty (80) square feet. The total area of a multiple sided ground sign’s exposed facings shall not be greater than twice the maximum sign size permitted at the signs proposed setbacks.

(b)   The sign height may increase one (1) foot in height for each additional one (1) foot of setback to a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet.

(c)   Identifies the name of a retail shopping center, or office or industrial complex with more than one (1) tenant on a lot of 100,000 sq. ft. or more and minimum 300 ft. of street frontage.

(d)   Within the C-4 or TC district, if an individual or series of buildings that has a (0) foot front yard setback or no parking between the building and street, no freestanding identification sign is permitted due to the use of building signs in close proximity to the street.

(e)   May be reduced to the building setback, however must be reviewed and approved at time of site plan submittal.

(f)   Permitted only in the C-3 district and within 600 feet of the centerline of Highway 5. An interstate high-rise/billboard sign must be approved through the site plan review process and must adhere to regulations of Subsection 175H.10(2). 

One (1) freestanding bulletin board or one (1) directory sign shall be permitted within the lot of any permitted use in any zoning district, except within the lots of a one and two family dwellings. Bulletin Boards or Directory Signs shall not be greater than thirty-two (32) square feet and ten (10) feet in height, and less than twenty-five (25) feet from a public street right-of-way.

The following standards and regulations shall be applied to Building Signs as permitted by use and zoning district:

   1.   A-R, R, TC, IC, and PC Zoning Districts. Building Signs shall incorporate aesthetic features compatible with the overall character of the zoning district and neighborhoods. All building signs shall be composed of solid individual letters and logos or individual illuminated self-contained letters and logos attached to the building’s exterior wall fascia. Panel signs with letters incorporated or painted upon a panel or wall area shall be prohibited. The following maximum building sign area requirements shall apply to the following uses within the A-R, R, TC, IC, and PC Zoning Districts:

      A.   Combined building signs not in excess of thirty (30) square feet per apartment complex, and for all other uses, except residential, combined wall signs not exceeding five (5) percent of the total square footage of each wall area of the principal building facing the street frontage.

   2.   C-O, C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 Zoning Districts. Building signs shall incorporate aesthetic features compatible with the overall character of the zoning district and neighborhoods. All building signs are encouraged to be composed of solid individual letters and logos or individual illuminated self-contained letters and logos attached to the building’s exterior wall fascia. Open-channel neon signs are permitted, provided the neon does not flash, pulsate, or have a moving light. Panel signs with letters incorporated or painted upon a panel may be used on a building for one occupant, and shall be consistent in design. A uniform panel sign system to identify more than one occupant of a multi-tenant building may be permitted if approved by the City Council, upon receiving a recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and after a determination that the use of a uniform panel sign system maintains the aesthetic quality and character of the development, zoning district and neighborhood. Signs painted upon the building’s exterior wall fascia shall be prohibited. The following maximum building sign area requirements shall apply to the following uses within the C-O, C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 Zoning Districts:

      A.   Combined building signs not in excess of thirty (30) square feet per apartment complex, and for all other uses, except residential, combined wall signs not exceeding five (5) percent of the total square footage of each wall area of the principal building facing the street frontage.   A building set back a minimum of 100 feet from public street right-of-way may have combined signage not exceeding seven and a half (7.5) percent of the total square footage of each wall area facing the street frontage. A building set back a minimum of 250 feet from public street right-of-way may have combined signage not exceeding ten (10) percent of the total square footage of each wall area facing the street frontage. Allowed building signage for a multi-tenant commercial building shall be calculated based upon the individual building frontage for each tenant space and per street frontage for tenants facing multiple public street rights-of-way.

   3.   M-1 Zoning District. Building signs in the M-1 Zoning District shall comply with the following area requirements:

      A.   Combined wall signs shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total square footage of each wall area of the principal building facing the street frontage.

Except as specified in the Exemptions Section 175H.05 and the Temporary Signs Section 175H.14 of this chapter, no off-premises sign or billboard shall be permitted within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any dwelling unit, public parkway, public park, or property line of a public or parochial school site, church site, hospital site, cemetery, similar institution or zoning district not permitting billboards or off-premises signs, and three hundred (300) feet of an R District.

   1.   Permitted Zoning Districts. Billboards which conform with the provisions of this section shall be permitted in the following zoning locations: C-3 Districts that are within 600 feet of the centerline of Highway 5 and M-1 Districts.

   2.   Billboard Setback, Size and Height Requirements. Billboards which conform with the provisions of this section shall be permitted in the following zoning district: C-3 and within 600 feet of the centerline of Highway 5. All billboards shall meet the minimum required setback of the zoning district it is located in. Billboards shall have a maximum height of 35 feet and a maximum of 350 square feet of sign area for a single sided sign and 675 square feet of sign area for a double sided sign.

   3.   Spacing of Billboards.

      A.   On federal and state highways, federal and state regulations for spacing and setbacks shall apply, provided, however, if the regulations of this chapter are found more restrictive, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.

      B.   No billboard shall be established within five hundred (500) feet of any other billboard.

   4.   Construction and Maintenance. Billboards shall be constructed of structurally sound, permanent and low maintenance metal, with a single pole design that is ground foundation mounted. Billboards shall be properly maintained as required of all signs regulated by this chapter, and a maintenance agreement and bond shall be executed with the City prior to issuance of a permit to allow installation of a billboard.

   1.   Application. Projecting signs as regulated by this chapter shall include any sign, other than an awning sign, canopy sign, marquee, or building sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure, and whose message is on a plane which is generally perpendicular to the supporting wall. Projecting signs which extend over public right-of-way shall be permitted only in the C-4 and TC Districts.

   2.   Construction. Every projecting sign, including the frame, braces and supports thereof, shall meet the compliance of the building code of the City of Norwalk, Iowa.

   3.   Thickness Limitation. The thickness measured between the principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed twelve (12) inches.

   4.   Sign Area and Height. Projecting signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet or the maximum square footage permitted for a building sign, whichever is least. The area allocated to a projecting sign shall be applied toward the maximum area allowed for building signs on buildings as permitted in the use in that zoning district. The area of a projecting signs shall be measured from the extreme points of the peripheral encasement. No part of any projecting sign shall be less than ten (10) feet above ground level, except as provided in Subsection 5 of this section.

   5.   Location. Every projecting sign shall be at least ten (10) feet above any sidewalk area over which it is erected, and a distance not greater than two (2) feet from the wall to which it is attached, measuring from the point of the sign nearest thereto. Every projecting sign to be erected over public or private driveways or thoroughfares shall be placed not less than fifteen (15) feet above the level of same.

   6.   Obstructions and Traffic Hazards. Every projecting sign shall be erected in a manner which does not constitute an obstruction or traffic hazard regulated by this chapter.

   7.   Projection over Public Property. It is unlawful for any projecting sign to be located over public property or a public easement unless approval is granted by the City Council of the City of Norwalk, Iowa.

The term “sign” herein shall apply to lettering placed upon a marquee, awning, or canopy when projecting from a wall of a building.

   1.   Sign Area. The area of the letters or logo encompassing the sign message incorporated upon the marquee, awning or canopy shall be applied toward the maximum building sign area permitted for the use in that zoning district.

   1.   Application. Directional signs as regulated by this chapter shall include any sign for the purpose of control of all modes of traffic which is located on private property.

   2.   Traffic Control. The provisions and regulations of Section 175H.16 of this chapter shall not apply to directional signs on private property of a traffic control nature including restricted parking, stop, yield, speed, and signs directing traffic flow, provided; however, said signs shall not be greater than eight (8) square feet in area.

   3.   Access Identification. Two free standing directional signs intended to identify an access into or out of a lot shall be permitted per access, provided; however, said sign is not greater than ten (10) square feet in area and two and one-half (2-1/2) feet in height. The provisions and regulations of Section 175H.16 of this chapter shall not apply to access identification signs.

   1.   Application. Temporary signs shall include any construction, finance, real estate, political, portable sign, banner, pennant, inflatable signs, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a short period of time only.

   2.   Special Permission. Temporary signs except for construction, real estate,   or political signs, may be used for special occasions with Zoning Administrator approval of a sign permit. Temporary signs shall be allowed for the following occasions:

      A.   Special events - there shall be no more than two (2) such occasions per year; duration shall not exceed ten (10) days per occasion. At the discretion of the Zoning Administrator, an extension of no more than twenty (20) days may be granted for the grand opening for a new business.

      B.   Community festivals or other similar events - duration shall not exceed thirty (30) days for each festival/event.

      C.   Signs on Utility Poles - Temporary installation of banners, seasonal decorations, or similar displays that would otherwise be subjected to Chapter 175H may be allowed with Zoning Administrator approval of a sign permit. Such signs may extend into/over a public right-of-way but may not extend past any curb line and must maintain an elevation of at least 12 feet above the finished grade surrounding the pole. No private advertising shall be allowed on signs. Signs shall be limited to those from civic organizations such as the City of Norwalk, Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk School District, or other similar organizations. If allowed, only one such sign shall be permitted per utility pole.

      D.   Recreational Facility Sponsorship - Banners to be displayed on structures for the purpose of sponsorship of recreational facilities hosting organized team sports. Change of copy may occur without the issuance of a new sign permit. Banner size shall be limited to four feet by eight feet.

   3.   Real Estate and Political Signs. Temporary real estate and political signs less than thirty-two (32) square feet in area shall be permitted in any zoning district without the issuance of a sign permit, provided no real estate or political sign greater than twelve (12) square feet shall be permitted on a lot occupied by a single family dwelling in a RE-1, R-1, orR-2 District.

   4.   Construction and Finance Signs. Temporary construction and finance signs shall be permitted in conjunction with any construction project or subdivision. Such signs will obtain a City Sign Permit and meet the following minimum criteria:

      A.    Minimum ten (10) foot setback from property line

      B.    Maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet

      C.    Maximum height of seven (7) feet

      D.    Removal at the end of the project or one (1) year from permit date, whichever is shorter. Additional permits can be acquired for a one (1) year period, provided the sign is removed at the end of the project.

   1.   Application. Electronic Message Display shall refer to any sign utilizing light to display a message and that is changed by an electronic process. Electronic Message Displays are only allowed as part of a monument sign. The size of the Electronic Message Display shall count towards the allowed square footage of the sign.

   2.   Standards. The following standards shall apply to all Electronic Message Displays:

      A.   Electronic Message Displays along State routes shall comply with all Iowa Department of Transportation standards. If an Iowa Department of Transportation standard conflicts with a City standard, then the more strict standard shall apply.

      B.   Electronic Message Displays shall only include only text, logos, and other special characters,

      C.   Electronic Message Displays shall be prohibited from displaying video, multiple pictures or graphics that give the illusion of motion or a video, and moving graphics, this includes travelling or scrolling text messages.

      D.   Electronic Message Displays shall only use LED (Light Emitting Diode) displays.

      E.   Electronic Message Displays are prohibited from using television displays, plasma screens, LED screens, and holographic displays to messages.

      F.   Each message shall remain in a fixed position for a minimum of 8 seconds.

      G.   Each change of message is accomplished in one second or less.

      H.   Lighting must be shielded to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the main travel way of the adjacent roads. The display cannot cause glare or impair the vision of any driver or interfere with the operation of the driver’s vehicle. In no event may an Electronic Message Display exceed a maximum illumination of 5,000 candelas per square meter during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 500 candelas per square meter between dusk to dawn, as measured from the displays face at maximum brightness settings.

It is unlawful for any person to erect, alter, or relocate within the City of Norwalk any sign or billboard except as specified in Sections 175H.03 and 175H.13 without first obtaining a permit from the building department and paying the fee required herein.

   1.   Application for Permit. Application for permits shall be made in such form as required by the building department, and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information unless such information shall be deemed unnecessary by the Zoning Administrator.

      A.   Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

      B.   Location of building(s), structure(s), or lot to which or upon which the sign or billboard is to be attached or erected.

      C.   Position of sign or billboard in relation to nearby buildings, structures, or streets.

      D.   One blueprint or drawing of the plans, specifications, and method of construction and attachment to the building or ground.

      E.   Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing the sign or billboard is designed for live and dead loads and wind pressure loads in any direction in the amount required by this and all other applicable laws and ordinances.

      F.   Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the structure.

      G.   Valuation of cost of construction and sign.

      H.   Such other information as the Zoning Administrator shall require to show full compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances of the City of Norwalk.

   2.   Permit Fees. Sign permit fees shall be in accordance with Chapter 177, Rates and Fees, of this Code of Ordinances.   (Ord. 19-03 – May 19 Supp.)

The Zoning Administrator may inspect from time to time as he deems necessary, each sign, billboard or other advertising structure regulated by this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same is secure or insecure, and whether it is in need of removal or repair.

If the Zoning Administrator shall find that any sign, billboard, or other advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe, insecure, menace to the public, prohibited, or is in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he/she shall promptly give written notice to the permittee thereof or to the owner of premises on which the sign is located. If the permittee or owner fails to remove or alter the sign structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within three (3) working days after such notice, such sign, billboard or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the Zoning Administrator at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it located, however, if the owner of the sign has promptly ordered the necessary parts to repair the sign and has not received them or has promptly ordered the repair work done by an authorized erector and the erector has failed to respond within the three (3) work day period then a further extension of time may be granted upon a verified statement that such delay is not the result of any act of the permittee or owner of the premises. If the Zoning Administrator shall find that any sign, billboard or other advertising structure regulated herein has been constructed or erected in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall promptly give written notice to the owner of the premises on which the sign is located. If the owner fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within three (3) work days after such notice, such sign or billboard may be removed or altered to comply by the Zoning Administrator at the expense of the owner of the property upon which it is located. The Zoning Administrator may refuse to issue a permit to any permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed provided such authority is confined to the premises where the violation occurred.

The owner of any sign as defined and regulated by this chapter shall be required to have properly painted all parts and supports of said sign or billboard unless the same are otherwise treated to prevent rust or decay.

All signs, billboards and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of area, or as further regulated by the building code of the City of Norwalk, Iowa; and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the building code or other ordinances of the City of Norwalk.

All signs, billboards and other advertising structures, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and in proper state of preservation and working order. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. The Zoning Administrator after ten (10) days’ notice to the sign or billboard owner may order the removal of any signs or billboards that are not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the cost assessed against the property where said sign or billboard is located, however, if the owner of the sign or billboard has promptly ordered the necessary parts to repair the sign or other advertising structure and has not received them or has promptly ordered the repair work done by an authorized erector and the erector has failed to respond within the ten (10) days period, then a further extension of time may be granted, upon filing a verified statement of that such delay is not a result of any act of the sign or billboard owner.

No sign, billboard or other advertising structure on private property as regulated by this chapter shall be erected: (i) at or near the intersection of any streets or near a private access to a public street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or (ii) at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or (iii) which makes use of the words “STOP,” “LOOK.” “DRIVE-IN.” “DANGER.” or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse the motoring public. Notwithstanding the general requirements set forth in this section, no sign, billboard or other advertising structure shall be located: (i) on a corner lot in all districts, in such a manner as to impede vision between a height of two and one-half (2-1/2) feet and ten (10) feet above the centerline elevations of the affected street and within an area bounded by the street right-of-way lines of a corner lot and a straight line joining points on said right-of-way lines twenty-five (25) feet from the point of intersection of said right-of-way lines; or (ii) in all districts, except C-4, TC, and one and two family residential lots, if erected within five (5) feet of a public right-of-way and within twenty-five (25) feet of a private access drive or adjoining building site boundary.

Except as specified in the Temporary Signs Section 175H.14 of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any sign or billboard which extends over public property or a public easement. An exception may be granted by the City Council for a marquee, canopy, awning, projecting sign or projection of a building sign in the C-4 or TC District, if the building setback does not provide sufficient space to accommodate same. The posting of adequate insurance shall also be required to protect the City plus a sign permit.

Any sign or billboard in existence at the time of the adoption of this ordinance which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming, and shall be removed, or altered to be made in compliance with this section prior to January 1, 2013. Any alteration or replacement of a non-conforming sign, shall conform to the requirements and standards of this chapter.

The Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permits issued by him upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provisions of this chapter.

The Norwalk Board of Adjustment shall have jurisdiction for any requests for variances involving sign location, sign height, or sign size not consistent with this chapter. The Board shall rule on any request in accordance with Section 175A.20 of this ordinance.