The purpose of this chapter is to define the types of signs that will be permitted in the various zoning districts and those that will be prohibited, the manner in which sign areas and dimensions will be measured, and the exemption of certain types of signs from this title. It is further the intent of this chapter to encourage the erection of signs which are attractive and compatible with the adjacent property, and which will preserve and enhance property values within the municipality.

(Ord. 322 § 6.1, 1991)

The following regulations shall apply to all signs either accessory or nonaccessory, in all zoning districts regardless of designation.

A.

No sign shall be erected on the roof of any building.

B.

Signs shall not be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving light or lights. The only exception shall be signs which provide a legitimate public service such as the giving of time and temperature.

C.

No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices. Such devices, as well as strings of lights, shall not be used for the purposes of advertising or attracting attention where not part of a sign.

D.

Signs in need of paint, broken signs and signs of vacated buildings shall be removed from the premises or repaired or renovated by the owners of the premises, on order of the administrative official.

E.

Signs pertaining to special events, which refer to particular periods or points of time, such as meetings, sales, exhibitions and vacancy announcements, shall be permitted, provided that such signs shall be removed when no longer applicable in time.

F.

Along streets and roads, no sign shall obscure vision or views of the natural landscape or the larger urban area, nor shall any sign be distracting to motorists or create a traffic hazard.

G.

No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any street or road in such manner as to obstruct clear vision; nor shall any sign be erected at a location where, by reason of its position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any traffic sign or traffic control device.

(Ord. 322 § 6.2, 1991)

In the R-1 and R-2 districts, no sign shall be erected or maintained, except the following permitted signs:

A.

A sign identifying property or the name of the owner or occupant of property provided that such sign is not in excess of two square feet in area, and further that not more than one such sign is erected on any single lot or parcel.

B.

Signs pertaining to the lease or sale of the property on which the sign is located, or any building thereon, provided that such signs do not exceed eight square feet in area per sign, and further that not more than two signs are located on any single lot or parcel.

(Ord. 322 § 6.3, 1991)

In local commercial, highway commercial and industrial districts, accessory signs shall not be erected or maintained except in conformity with the following regulations:

A.

An accessory sign shall identify only the name of the owner, trade name, trademark or product symbol, products sold, and/or the business or activity conducted on the premises whereon such sign is located.

B.

Not more than one sign attached or applied to the building facade or wall and not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of a commercial or industrial use.

C.

No freestanding sign shall exceed twenty (20) feet in height from the surface of the ground, and no attached sign shall project higher than the eve or parapet line of the wall to which it is attached.

D.

Freestanding signs shall be set back and offset a minimum distance of ten feet from the property line.

E.

Freestanding signs identifying individual uses shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area for each one hundred (100) feet of street frontage of the lot or parcel on which the use is located.

F.

Symbolic signs such as a barber pole, mortar and pestle, etc., which are traditional in nature and size shall be permitted. Sign information on retractable awnings and canopies shall also be permitted.

G.

Directional signs, not to exceed two square feet in area, may be erected as needed.

(Ord. 322 § 6.4, 1991)

No outdoor advertising sign, billboard, or other advertising media not directly related to the use of the premises on which it is located shall be permitted in any district, except as a use by review in such districts as is hereinafter provided. Any nonaccessory sign permitted as a conditional use shall be in harmony with the spirit and intent of these regulations.

(Ord. 322 § 6.5, 1991)

The provision of this subsection shall not apply to the signs erected by national, state, county or municipal governmental agencies, including traffic and informational signs.

(Ord. 322 § 6.6, 1991)

Any sign existing on or after the date of enactment of the ordinance codified in this title which identifies a business or activity which no longer exists, or a product which is no longer sold on the premises, shall be removed by the owner of the premises upon written notice of the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator upon determining that such sign exists, shall notify the owner of the premises in writing to remove such sign within six months of the date of the notice or upon expiration of the lease agreement.

(Ord. 322 § 6.7, 1991)