The purpose of these sign regulations is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare through the provision of size, type, placement, design, brightness, operation, maintenance, and other standards for existing and proposed signs as set forth herein and more specifically to:

   (a)   Maintain and enhance the quality of life and property values by protecting the aesthetic character and visual appearance of the community by reducing and preventing sign distraction, confusion, clutter and proliferation.

   (b)   Promote the safety of persons and property and maintain a safe and orderly vehicular and pedestrian environment by eliminating the hazards to drivers and pedestrians caused by signs that are distracting, confusing, illegible, or which obstruct sight lines.

   (c)   Recognize that signs are as much subject to control as noise, odors, debris, and other similar characteristics of land use that, if not regulated, can become a nuisance to and depreciate the value of adjacent properties or the community in general. It is further declared that the regulations contained in this chapter are the minimum regulation necessary to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

   (d)   Provide review procedures that enable the City to comprehensively evaluate the appropriateness of a sign to the site, building, and surroundings.

(Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16; Ord. 2024-18. Passed 8-21-24.)

   For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning herein indicated.

   (a)    Sign- means any visual communication including letters, words, designs, colors, symbols, images, pictures, emblems, drawings, illustrations, banners, placards, flags, posters, fixtures or other similar item which is affixed to or integrated into a building, structure or land, or otherwise situated on a lot, and which is intended to identify, describe, direct or attract attention to announce, or promote a product, place, activity, person, idea, institution, entity or business.

   (b)    Wall Sign- means any sign attached to, painted on, or integrated into the wall of any building and located in a plane parallel to the wall and supported by the building. Wall signs shall also include signs on awning or canopies.

   (c)    Free-standing Sign- means a sign that is supported from the ground by means of a free-standing wall, monument, poles, or other structural support system and not attached to any building

   (d)    Window Sign - means a sign, that is attached or affixed to, painted on, or located within two (2) feet inside of a window or door of a building and which is legible more than five (5) feet beyond the face of the window or door on which such sign is located.

   (e)    Temporary Sign- means a sign constructed of cloth, paper, wood, fabric, or other temporary material, with or without a structural frame, and which is intended or designed for a limited period of display and removable without special handling.

   (f)    Sign Structure- means the sign face(s) and walls, foundations, poles, pillars, brackets, framing, and other materials supporting, adjacent to or above the sign face(s).

   (g)    Changeable Copy Sign- means a sign designed to display multiple or changing messages whether by manual, mechanical or electronic means. Such signs are characterized by changeable letters, symbols or numerals that are not permanently affixed to the structure, framing or background allowing the letters, characters, or graphics to be modified from time to time manually or by electronic or mechanical devices. Electronically changed signs may include either electronic message boards or digital displays.

   (h)    Permanent Sign - means a sign permanently affixed or attached to the ground or a structure and which cannot be removed without special handling, such as removing or dismantling a foundation, fasteners, adhesives or similar materials providing support or structural integrity for the sign.

(Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16; Ord. 2024-18. Passed 8-21-24.)

   The following shall be the basis for determining sign area, sign height, and building or tenant frontage.

   (a)    Sign Area or Dimension. Sign area shall include the entire face of the sign from edge to edge, including any sign structure, provided however that a proportional base, framing or similar structure that is adjacent to the sign face and does not display any message may be excluded by the Architectural Review Board in calculating the sign area.

      (1)    For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements on a wall or similar surface of a building or structure, or an irregular shaped freestanding sign, the area of the sign shall be the area of not more than three (3) adjacent regular geometric shapes that encompasses the perimeter of all the elements in the display. Regular geometric shapes are squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, triangles, and trapezoids.

      (2)    When separate elements are organized to form a single sign, but the elements are separated by open space, the area of the sign shall include the space between the elements.

      (3)    For free-standing signs:

         A.   The sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one (1) of the faces when two (2) identical display faces are joined, are parallel or are within 30 degrees of being parallel to each other and are at no point separated by a distance that exceeds two feet.

         B.    No more than two display faces shall be permitted.

         C.    The portion of a solid sign base, up to a maximum height of two (2) feet, may be excluded from the calculated sign area provided such base is adequately screened by landscaping as determined by the Architectural Review Board.

      (4)    Air between a projecting sign and the wall to which it is attached, and detached lighting fixtures and associated brackets shall not be included in the calculation of sign area.

   (b)    Sign Height. The height of a free-standing sign shall be measured from the average natural grade at the base of the sign or support structure to the tallest element of the sign structure. A free-standing sign on a man-made base, including a graded earth mound, shall be measured from the average site grade prior to any grade change in the area of a sign.

   (c)    Building Frontage and Building Unit. For the purposes of these sign regulations, the length of the building wall that faces a public street other than a limited access highway or that contains a public entrance to the uses therein shall be considered the building frontage.

      (1)    The building frontage shall be measured along such building wall between the exterior faces of the exterior side walls.

      (2)    In the case of an irregular wall surface, a single straight line extended along such wall surface shall be used to measure the length.

      (3)    A building is considered to have two frontages whenever the lot fronts on two or more streets, or the building has a public entrance on a wall other than the wall that faces the street. The property owner shall determine which wall shall be the primary building frontage and which wall shall be the secondary building frontage. Only one outside wall of any business shall be considered its primary frontage and only one additional wall considered its secondary frontage.

      (4)    For multi-occupant buildings, the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single occupant shall be considered a building unit. The building frontage for a building unit shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the building unit.

(Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16; Ord. 2024-18. Passed 8-21-24.)

   (a)    All signs shall be of substantial construction so as to withstand weather conditions, such as rain, snow, wind, and freezing and thawing, without deterioration of the sign or its structure. Cloth, paper, or any other temporary materials shall not be permitted on permanent signs.

   (b)   No signs, except as herein provided, shall be permitted.

   (c)    No sign shall be audible or emit sounds of any type.

   (d)    No sign shall have flashing, moving, intermittent, blinking, or changing lights or other illumination, or any moving parts.

   (e)   All signs, including temporary signs, shall at all times be maintained in good condition and repair and be operated in accordance with this chapter. Upon determination that a sign is not being maintained or is in poor condition or repair or is not being operated in accordance with this chapter, the Building Inspector or his or her designated agent may order such sign to be brought into compliance or removed within a specified time period. Should the property owner fail to bring the sign into compliance as directed, the Building Inspector may institute injunction, mandamus, abatement, or any other appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, enjoin, abate, or remove such violation.

   (f)   Where illuminated signs are permitted, signs may be internally or externally illuminated as follows:

      (1)   Signs may be internally illuminated with LED's or similar technology inside or incorporated into the sign face provided that the sign shall be factory set so that the luminance of the sign shall not exceed a maximum of three foot candles measured ten feet from the sign's face at maximum brightness. Internally illuminated signs shall be equipped with a device activated by photocell, timer or other method that automatically reduces the sign's light intensity when there is less natural ambient light.

      (2)   External illumination of signs is limited to a white (color temperature between 3200 to 5600 Kelvin) stationary light directed solely at the sign and shall be designed and shielded so as to prevent glare and minimize light trespass onto adjacent properties and to prevent view of the light source from any property other than that on which the sign is located. In no instance shall the intensity of the light exceed twenty foot candles at any point on the sign face.

      (3)   Signs may use back lighting or halo lighting where the Architectural Board of Review approves the use of such techniques.

      (4)   Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

      (5)   All illumination of free standing signs, whether internal, external, or changeable copy, shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

   (g)   Electronic changeable copy signs are prohibited.

   (h)   The following signs shall be exempt from these regulations:

      (1)   Any public purpose/safety sign and any other notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or resolution.

      (2)   Any sign inside a building, including those attached or near windows except as regulated in Section 1269.09(e).

      (3)   Signs which are not visible from off the premises.

   (i)   Any sign which was legally in existence prior to the effective date of any provision of this chapter or any amendment to this chapter which prohibits such sign, but which does not conform to this chapter shall be considered a legally nonconforming sign provided such sign complies with all safety regulations and is operated and maintained as required by this chapter. Normal maintenance and repairs, repainting, and/or the replacement of tenant panels and electronic component upgrades and replacements shall be permitted. Any alteration to the size, structure, or location of a legally nonconforming sign, the removal of such sign, or the loss or damage of more than fifty percent of the value of such sign shall cause the sign to lose its legally nonconforming status.

   (j)   Free-standing signs greater than twelve square feet in area shall be:

      (1)   Placed on a full continuous masonry wall or foundation of a full continuous monument base; or,

      (2)   Have a full continuous enclosure between the bottom of the sign and finished grade.

   (k)   All signs shall be erected entirely on private property with no part of said sign extending over the public street or right-of-way.

   (l)   Temporary signs shall not be displayed for longer than either sixty days or for the period during which the activity, event, or function to which the sign refers is occurring, whichever time period is shorter.

   (m)   Buildings that are contiguous shall constitute a single building.

(Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16; Ord. 2024-18. Passed 8-21-24.)

   (a)    One permanent free-standing sign not more than two (2) square feet in area nor four ( 4) feet in height.

   (b)    Two permanent free-standing signs, neither of which shall be more than one (1) square foot in area nor three (3) feet in height.

   (c)    One temporary free-standing sign not exceeding six (6) square feet in area nor four (4) feet in height.

   (d)    One temporary free-standing sign not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet in area nor six (6) feet in height may be erected during active construction of a residential subdivision development, provided that no such sign shall be displayed for longer than two (2) years.

   (e)    No sign permitted by this section shall be illuminated.

   (f)    No sign shall be erected closer than twenty (20) feet from the pavement of a street or within six (6) feet of any property line. If, due to the topography, existing foliage or other similar conditions existing as to a particular property, conformance with the setback requirement herein would impair the visibility of the sign, the Building Inspector may permit an exception to the set-back requirement. (Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16.)

   (a)   One (1) permanent free-standing sign not greater than twelve (12) square feet in area nor six feet (6') in height shall be permitted at each entrance to a townhouse development.

   (b)   Two permanent free-standing signs, neither of which shall be more than one (1) square foot in area nor three (3) feet in height.

   (c)   One temporary free-standing sign not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet in area nor that no such sign shall be displayed for longer than two (2) years.

   (d)   One temporary free-standing sign not exceeding six (6) square feet in area nor four feet (4') in height.

   (e)   No sign permitted by this section shall be illuminated.

   (f)   No sign shall be erected closer than twenty (20) feet from the pavement of a street or within six (6) feet of any property line.

(Ord. 2017-14. Passed 8-16-17.)

   (a)    The total area of wall signs shall not be greater than one square foot in area for each two lineal feet of building frontage.

   (b)   Each building shall be permitted one permanent free-standing sign not to exceed twenty-four square feet in area nor six feet in height. Each permanent freestanding sign shall be designed and constructed of such materials as to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal building. The base and foundation of each free-standing sign shall be landscaped with plant material as approved by Architectural Review Board.

   (c)   No more than two permanent free-standing directional signs shall be permitted at each access drive to the site. Such directional signs shall not exceed three square feet in area and three feet in height.

   (d)   On a campus containing multiple buildings, free-standing directional or wayfinding signs within the site may be permitted in such number, sizes and locations as may be approved by the Planning Commission as part of the approved final site development plan.

   (e)   Signs in U-2 Districts may be illuminated only in conformance with Section 1269.04(f).

   (f)   One temporary free-standing sign not more than twelve square feet in area nor six feet in height.

(Ord. 2020-25. Passed 12-23-20; Ord. 2024-18. Passed 8-21-24.)

   (a)    The total area of wall signs shall not be greater than one (1) square foot in area for each two (2) lineal feet of building frontage.

   (b)    Each building shall be permitted one permanent free-standing sign not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area nor six (6) feet in height. Each permanent free-standing sign shall be designed and constructed of such materials as to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal building. The base and foundation of each free-standing sign shall be landscaped with plant material approved by the Architectural Review Board.

   (c)    No wall sign shall extend above the coping or cornice of the building.

   (d)    No more than two (2) permanent free-standing signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in area and having a height not more than three (3) feet above grade shall be permitted at each access drive to the site.

   (e)    One temporary free-standing sign not more than twelve (12) square feet in area nor six (6) feet in height.

   (f)    Signs in U-3 Districts may be illuminated only in conformance with the provisions of Section 1269.04(f).

(Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16.)

   (a)    The total area of wall signs shall not be greater than one (1) square foot for each one (1) lineal foot of building frontage provided, however, that when a building has a second frontage, pursuant to Section 1269.03(c)(3), the above maximum area may be increased by fifty percent (50%).

   (b)    Wall signs shall be confined to the front wall of the building or tenant space, except where an additional fifty percent is authorized, in which case such additional signage area shall be used only on a secondary frontage. In no event shall the sign area on any eligible building frontage exceed one (1) square foot per lineal foot of building frontage.

   (c)    No wall sign shall extend above the coping or cornice.

   (d)   In addition to wall signs a stand-alone retail building shall: (1) Be permitted one free-standing sign provided that such sign shall not be more than thirty-two square feet in sign face area nor more than six feet in height; and (2) be permitted not more than two permanent free-standing signs not exceeding three square feet in area and located not more than three square feet above grade at each access drive to the site. All such signs shall be designed and constructed of such materials as to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal building and landscaped at the base and foundation with plant material.

   (e)    Window Signs:

      (1)    The total area of all window signs, inclusive of both permanent and temporary, shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the area of a single window.

      (2)    Illuminated signs shall not be greater than five percent (5%) of a single window.

      (3)    For the purposes of this section, a single window shall include the entire area of glass with a separation between the glass panes less than four inches (4").

   (f)    Signs in U-4 Districts may be illuminated only conformance with Section 1269.04(f).

   (g)    One temporary free-standing sign not more than twelve (12) square feet in area nor six (6) feet in height.

(Ord. 2017-30. Passed 11-15-17; Ord. 2024-18. Passed 8-21-24.)

   (a)    One (1) permanent free-standing sign not greater than twelve (12) square feet in area nor six (6) feet in height shall be permitted at each entrance to a Planned Development.

   (b)    One permanent free-standing sign not more than two (2) square feet in area nor four ( 4) feet in height.

   (c)    Two permanent free-standing signs, neither of which shall be more than one (1) square foot in area nor three (3) feet in height.

   (d)    One temporary free-standing sign not more than six (6) square feet in area nor four (4) feet in height.

   (e)    No sign permitted by this section shall be illuminated.

   (f)    No sign shall be erected closer than twenty (20) feet from the pavement of a street or within six (6) feet of any property line.

(Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16.)

   (a)    A building permit shall be required for all, with the exception of:

      (1)    Signs that are two (2) square feet in area or less located in U-1 Single Family Dwelling Districts;

      (2)    Window signs, and

      (3)    Temporary signs that are not more than six (6) square feet in area nor more than four ( 4) feet in height.

   (b)    No person shall construct, erect or install a sign in the City without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Building Inspector. The Building Inspector shall approve a sign permit, only when the Inspector determines that the sign is in compliance with these regulations. The property owner shall indicate approval of the proposed sign, and sign the permit application form, prior to the application being submitted to the City. In non-residential districts, the application for the permit shall be accompanied with plans for the sign, showing the location, size and materials used to construct such sign.

   (c)    Permanent signs to be erected in any District other than a U-1 Single Family Dwelling District or a U-lA Townhouse District shall require approval of the Architectural Review Board prior to obtaining a building permit.

   (d)    Any proposed sign that is not in compliance with this Chapter shall be referred by the Building Inspector for review by the Planning Commission. When reviewing the appropriateness of such deviation from the regulations herein, the Planning Commission shall approve such sign only when it determines that:

      (1)    The sign is of such size and scale to be appropriate for the size of the building and the portion of the building (panel, fascia, wall, etc.) on which the sign will be placed.

      (2)    The proposed sign is the minimum necessary to assure it is legible to the intended viewers which are typically the passing motorists.

      (3)    The additional sign, the additional sign area, the alternative location that is proposed, and/or the design of the proposed sign will not adversely impact the adjacent residential areas or, otherwise, compromise any other public interests.

   (e)    In advance of a specific sign application being submitted, an overall sign plan may be submitted by a property owner to the Planning Commission. Such overall sign plan shall be considered by the Planning Commission utilizing the criteria in subsection (b) above. Once a sign plan has been approved for a property, then individual signs for such property, whether new or replacement signs, may be approved administratively when the Inspector of Buildings determines that the proposed new or replacement sign and its installation is in compliance with the approved overall plan and this Chapter.

   (f)   City Council shall establish fees for sign permits and may adjust such fees from time to time as Council determines to be appropriate.

(Ord. 2015-34. Passed 5-25-16.)