9-1(a)

Intent. The intent of this article is to establish regulations for devices that are sufficiently visible to persons not located on the lot where such devices are displayed to accomplish either of the following objectives: to attract the attention of such persons or to communicate messages to them. Such devices are defined as signs in this article. It is not the intent of this article to alleviate any requirements of any other government agency regarding the regulation of signs. The regulations herein are established to achieve the following public purposes:

(1)

To preserve and improve the physical appearance of the community, by providing that the functions, dimensions, arrangement, number, and features of signs be compatible with the physical character and intensity of the land-use activities in their surroundings.

(2)

To promote public safety, by providing that signs do not confuse, mislead, distract or obstruct the vision of motorists, and that signs remain safe and secure during extreme and adverse weather conditions.

(3)

To promote the economic welfare of the community, by providing businesses a reasonable opportunity to use signs to communicate, to advertise and to assist potential customers to locate and identify desired products, goods, services, or facilities.

(4)

To protect free speech, by providing that the specific content of sign messages be determined by the sign owner, and that the general content of sign messages be distinguished only for the purposes of determining the appropriate locations for signs based on their functions and features.

9-1(b)

Exempt signs. The following signs are outside the scope of this article and shall be exempt from all provisions of this article:

(1)

Signs that are not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are located or from any public right-of-way.

(2)

Nonilluminated incidental signs under two (2) square feet in area.

(3)

Public signs authorized to be erected under local, state, or federal law which control or direct traffic.

(4)

Signs erected temporarily to warn of danger or hazardous conditions.

(5)

Signs displayed on trucks, buses, trailers, or other vehicles that are being operated in the normal course of a bona fide business or transportation service.

(6)

Signs or other displays that are located inside buildings, sports complexes, or similar facilities, which may be incidentally visible from public rights-of-way, but which are not primarily intended to communicate a message to or attract the attention of people moving about public rights-of-way.

(7)

Temporary traditional displays or decorations, when such are clearly incidental to and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday, celebration or festival.

(Ord. No. 37-2009, § 2, 10-20-2009)