Regulation of the size, location, and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services, and facilities without disruption to surrounding areas; to prevent wasteful use of natural resources; to prevent hazards to life and property; and to assure the continued attractiveness of the community.

1.   Nameplates. Signs bearing only property numbers, postal box numbers, names of occupants of premises, private parking, or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations. Such signs are permitted in all districts.

2.   Church Bulletin Boards, Public Bulletin Boards, and Official Community Signs.

   A.   Church bulletin boards and public bulletin boards are permitted in all districts.

   B.   Official community signs, if so designated and approved by the City Council, are permitted in designated districts or for designated properties as authorized and conditioned by resolution of the Council.

3.   Temporary Signs. Temporary signs advertising the lease or sale of the premises, the sale of items on the premises, or special events:

   A.   Shall not exceed 12 square feet in total area in the following districts: A-1, R-1, R-2, C-2, and C-3.

   B.   Shall have no restrictions on size in the following districts: C-1, M-1, M-2.

   C.   Subdivision Signs. Annual temporary sign permits for subdivision signage shall be allowed in any district in which the subdivision has been approved by the Council. There shall be no setbacks required and signs shall be a maximum of 32 square feet. No more than two signs per subdivision are allowed. These subdivision signs will need to be re-applied for annually.

4.   Billboards and Advertising Signs.

   A.   A-1. Unrestricted size permitted in A-1 District, provided that such signs and billboards:

      (1)   Are not within 100 feet of any residential district.

      (2)   Are not within 100 feet of an intersection, highway structure, or residence, or another billboard.

      (3)   Are not within 100 feet of a park, school, cemetery, public, or semi-public building.

      (4)   Are not within 75 feet of the centerline of a City or County road, or 100 feet of State or federal highway.

   B.   C-1. Permitted in C-1 District, provided they are not to exceed 100 square feet in area and shall not be within 20 feet of any residential district or use.

   C.   C-2. Permitted in C-2 District, provided they are not to exceed 25 square feet in area and are attached to the structure in which the establishment is located and shall not be within 20 feet of any residential district or use.

   D.   C-3. Permitted in C-3 District, provided they are not to exceed 16 square feet in area and are attached to the structure in which the establishment is located and shall not be within 20 feet of any residential district or use.

      (1)   Wall signs (signs that lie flat against or parallel to the structure’s wall) shall be attached to the front face of the principal structure and extend no more than eight inches from the structure.

      (2)   Projecting signs (signs that project perpendicular from the structure’s wall) shall measure no more than four feet horizontally and be placed so that the entire sign is between eight and 15 feet above ground level.

      (3)   Pole signs are prohibited in the C-3 District.

   E.   M-1 and M-2. Unrestricted size permitted in M-1 and M-2 Districts, provided that they are not within 20 feet of any residential district or use.

5.   Illumination of Signs and Nameplates. The following regulations apply with regard to the illumination of signs and nameplates:

   A.   Shall not exceed 200 watts total and shall be lighted only with non-intermittent lighting in the following districts: R-1, R-2, C-3, and dwellings in C-2.

   B.   Shall not exceed 600 watts per sign or total watts of 700 for the premises and shall be lighted only with non-intermittent lighting in a C-1 District.

   C.   No further restrictions apply to other districts or uses.

6.   Moving, flashing, and electronic signs are prohibited in the following districts: R-1, R-2, and C-3.

7.   Placement Restrictions. No signs shall be placed in or over any City right-of- way, utility easement, or drainage easement in the C-3 District, except as specifically authorized by resolution of the Council.

8.   Maintenance of Signs. All signs and billboards shall be maintained in a neat and presentable condition and in the event their use ceases, they shall be removed promptly and the surrounding area restored to a condition free from refuse and rubbish.

9.   Permit Required. Permits are required for all permanent signs. The fee for a permanent sign permit is $25.00 and shall be paid at the time the application is submitted.

10.   Political Signs. Such political signs shall comply with State law.