A.   The purpose of the sign regulations set forth in this chapter shall be to encourage signs, which by their good design, are aesthetically pleasing and integrated with and harmonious to the buildings and sites which they occupy; to preserve and improve the appearance of the City as a place in which to live and work and as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade; to effectively index the environment; to safeguard and enhance property values; to protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces; to supplement and be a part of the regulations imposed and the plan set forth under this title; to implement those portions of the general plan relating to signage; and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare.

   B.   It is also the intent of this chapter to govern the number, size, type, location and other provisions relating to signs within the various zones of the City as the zones are established and designated by this title. No signs shall be allowed in these zones unless exempt under this chapter or expressly permitted by this title, or unless said signs comply with the regulations established relating to legal nonconforming uses. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall be construed as defined in this section:

CAMPAIGN SIGN: A sign urging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office, or urging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure, but does not mean or include any billboard owned or maintained by a commercial firm or advertising company.

COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT: Any C-1 and C-2 Zones as defined in this title.

FRONT FOOTAGE OF BUILDING OCCUPANCY: A single linear dimension measured horizontally along the front major entrance of a building, which defines the limits of a particular occupancy at the location.

FRONTAGE: The distance between the two (2) side lot lines of a parcel measured along the street, to which the parcel is allowed main access. No State or Federal highway to which no access is allowed shall be considered as frontage. Frontage on a corner lot shall be limited to one street only.

HEIGHT OF SIGN: The vertical distance measured from the average grade of the front property line to the highest point of said sign.

MANUFACTURING ZONE: Any C-3 Zone as defined in this title.

OCCUPANCY: A separate use of property carried on at all or a portion of a building or parcel.

OUTLINE LIGHTING: Outlining of a building by means of exposed neon tubing, exposed incandescent lighting or other artificial lighting, or an equivalent effect.

RESIDENTIAL ZONE: Any A-1 and A-2 Zones as defined in this title. Any R-1-11, RE-15, RE-18.5, RE-20, RE-30, and RE-40 Zones, as defined in this title.

SETBACK: The shortest horizontal distance between the property line of a lot and the building or structure or part thereof. For the purposes of this title, "setback" for signs shall be from the leading edge of the sign.

SIGN: Means and includes every advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, merchandise display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in view of the observer thereof, for identification, advertisement or promotion of the interests of any person, entity, product or service, and shall include the sign structure, supports, lighting system and any attachments, ornaments or other features used to draw the attention of observers. "Sign" does not include any flag, badge or ensign of any government or governmental agency erected for and used to identify said government or governmental agency.

SIGN, ANIMATED: A mechanical sign with moving parts used for the purpose of attracting public attention.

SIGN, AREA OF: The entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles which enclose the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space of a similar nature, together with any frame or other material, color or condition which forms an integral part of the display and is used to differentiate such sign from the wall or background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed. Where an on premises sign has two (2) or more faces which are not parallel, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign except that only one face of a double faced on premises sign shall be considered in determining the sign area, provided both faces are parallel and the distance between faces does not exceed two feet (2'). Further, where a sign consists only of individual letters, numbers, symbols or other similar components and is painted on or attached flat against the wall of a building, and where such individual components are without integrated background definition and are not within a circumscribed frame area, the total area of the sign shall be the sum of the areas of the square or rectangle surrounding each individual sign component.

SIGN, ATTACHED: A sign which is fastened, attached, painted, connected or supported in whole or in part by a building or structure.

SIGN, BILLBOARD: A detached or attached sign located on property within the city designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product or service that is not sold, offered or existing on the property where the sign is located. For the purpose of this definition, bus benches shall not be defined as a billboard.

SIGN, CIVIC, INSTITUTIONAL OR PHILANTHROPIC: A sign erected by a public or nonprofit agency, service club, etc., for civic or public information and/or activities.

SIGN, CLEAR VIEW TRIANGLE: On property at any corner formed by intersecting streets, it shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant to install any sign of obstruction to a clear view to a height greater than three feet (3') above the level of the center of the adjacent intersection within the triangle of land formed on the corner of the lot by measuring a distance of fifteen feet (15') along each lot line from the street property line intersection (see diagram below).

SIGN, CONSTRUCTION: A sign related to the property upon which it is located and offering such property for sale or lease, or advertising contemplated improvements, or announcing the name of the builder, owner, designer or developer of the project.

SIGN, DETACHED: Any sign which serves wholly to designate the location or direction of any place or area.

SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE: A sign that is capable of displaying a changeable electronic message or image (to be prohibited in residential zones).

SIGN, HOME OCCUPATION: A sign associated with a legally approved home business.

SIGN, IDENTIFICATION: A sign which serves to tell only the name, address and lawful use of the premises upon which it is located.

SIGN, LOW PROFILE: On premises or identification signs having a maximum height of six feet (6').

SIGN, MEMORIAL: A sign or tablet that states the names of buildings or the date of the building's erection and cut into the surface of the facade of a building.

SIGN, NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTIFICATION: A permanent sign, that only designates the neighborhood or tract name.

SIGN, NONCONFORMING: A sign legally existing at the time of its erection of the effective date hereof which does not now conform to use regulations of the district in which it is located.

SIGN, OFF SITE: Any sign not located on the premises of the business or entity indicated or advertised by said sign. This definition shall include billboards, poster panels, painted bulletins and other similar advertising displays.

SIGN, ON SITE: A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered on the premises on which the sign is maintained.

SIGN, PERMANENT: A sign which is permanently affixed to the ground with a footing designed to meet the requirements of this chapter and the Building Code.

SIGN, PORTABLE: Any sign not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure on the premises it is intended to occupy.

SIGN, REAL ESTATE: A sign related to the property upon which it is located and offering such property for sale or lease.

SIGN, TEMPORARY: Any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, cardboard, wallboard, plastic or other light materials, with or without frame, where the sign is not permanently affixed to the ground or structure. Spotlights shall also be considered a temporary sign. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013; amd. Ord. 2018-02, 1-4-2018, eff. 1-4-2018; Ord. 2019-01, 1-3-2019, eff. 1-4-2019; Ord. 2019-02, 1-3-2019, eff. 1-4-2019; Ord. 2025-04, 2-20-2025)

Business signs, identification and information signs, and specialty signs are considered as major sign types for the purpose of this title. All signs will be classified as belonging to one of the major sign types for regulatory measure. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

   A.   Conformity And Safety: If a sign does not conform with the requirements of this chapter or if the construction, design, manner of use or method of anchoring or supporting any sign makes such sign unsafe, the chief building official shall proceed in any manner he deems necessary to cause the removal of the sign or the rebuilding of the sign to conform with the requirements of this chapter or to remedy the defects therein. All signs must meet the requirements of the Building Codes and safety regulations of the City.

   B.   Clearance: There shall be a minimum clearance of ten feet (10') between the finished grade of the bottom of a projecting sign, with the exception of public necessity signs, nameplates, and monument signs.

   C.   Copy Area: Copy area of building facade signs or multiple copy signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the background facing to which it is applied.

   D.   Height Of Signs: No sign shall exceed the height limitations established for each zone as set forth in section 10-12-10 of this chapter.

   E.   Lighting Of Signs: Signs may be illuminated by indirect lighting, floodlights or luminous tubes only. No lighting shall be installed in any way which will permit direct rays of such light to penetrate onto any adjoining property used for residential purposes, or in any manner constituting a nuisance. Animated signs are prohibited except as expressly provided herein.

   F.   Location Of Signs: No part of any sign shall be permitted to extend across any property line or located in any required front or side yard except as follows:

      1.   Business and identification signs attached to a building may project into a required front or side yard not more than two feet (2') and not less than ten feet (10') above the ground or sidewalk.

      2.   Ground business signs, including all portable type signs for conforming uses only, shall not be located closer than ten feet (10') to a front or side property line for that portion of the sign lower than ten feet (10').

      3.   Property identification and service signs shall not be located closer than three feet (3') to any property line.

      4.   Nameplates may be located anywhere on the property.

      5.   Any church, school, public building, or park, which does not have frontage on a main street, may apply for a conditional use permit. The permit will allow a sign to be erected according to ordinance on a shared property line with the written permission of said property owner.

   G.   Maintenance Of Signs: Signs regulated by this chapter shall be maintained in good visual appearance and structural condition at all times. The City and its agents shall in no way be liable for negligence or failure of the owner, or the person responsible for maintaining any sign, to keep such sign in good condition, or be responsible for any damage caused by defective conditions.

   H.   Misleading, Fraudulent, Obscene, Immoral, Indecent Or Signs Of Unsightly Character Prohibited: No signs shall be erected or maintained, or be permitted to remain publicly displayed, which are misleading, fraudulent, obscene, immoral, indecent or unsightly in character.

   I.   Noise Prohibited: It shall be unlawful to use in connection with any sign or to use for advertising purposes any radio, phonograph, whistle, bell or any other sound or noisemaking or transmitting device or instrument for the purpose of commercial advertising.

   J.   Permit Required: It shall be unlawful to erect or maintain or remodel any sign upon or over public or private property within the city until a sign permit with respect to such sign has been obtained from the chief building official. The chief building official may at his discretion request the planning commission to review a sign application.

   K.   Refusal Of Owner To Remove Dangerous Signs; Removal By City: Where immediate action is deemed necessary to protect limb, life or property and where the owner of a sign or the owner of the property on which the sign is erected fails to remove such a sign pursuant to notice from the chief building official within a specified time fixed in such notice, the chief building official may proceed in any manner deemed necessary to cause the immediate removal of such sign. The chief building official shall certify a statement of the expenses incurred in such removal to the city treasurer who in turn shall assess and charge the same against the real estate upon which the sign was erected, and unless said assessment is paid within ninety (90) days after and from the date of notice thereof the same shall, when recorded in the offices of the county clerk and city recorder, become a lien upon the real estate whereon the sign was erected and collectible in the same manner as general taxes.

   L.   Removal Of Conforming Signs: Any person occupying a building or portion of a building, who owns or maintains a sign in connection therewith shall, upon vacating the premises, or discontinuing the business advertised, cause the sign to be removed. Any person who owns and maintains a sign which is maintained for the benefit of another person who occupies a building or part of a building whereon the sign is located shall cause the sign to be removed if the person for whom the sign is maintained vacates the premises. Failure of the owner of the sign or of the person responsible for maintaining the same to remove the sign within thirty (30) days after notice from the chief building official shall be considered as a violation of this chapter and shall subject the owner of the sign and the owner of the property to the penalties herein provided.

   M.   Removal Of Nonconforming Signs:

      1.   Any sign not in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and which was erected or installed without a permit, shall be removed within thirty (30) days upon notification from the chief building official.

      2.   Signs for which permits were previously issued and which are made nonconforming by the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to remain in accordance with section 10-12-9 of this chapter. Under no circumstances shall such nonconforming signs be remodeled or replaced. The provision of subsection K of this section shall apply to such nonconforming signs.

      3.   Any existing sign, conforming to the provisions of this chapter relative to size and location, but nonconforming as to structure requirements shall be removed or replaced within one year upon written notice from the city. However, if they are deemed to be a hazard or more than fifty percent (50%) damaged, they shall be removed or repaired in accordance with the structural requirements of this chapter, within ten (10) days after receiving notice from the city.

      4.   Any sign on a building determined to be abandoned shall be removed within thirty (30) days of notification by the chief building official to the property owner and/or owner of the business advertisement and/or owner of the sign.

   N.   Sign Inspection: The chief building official shall inspect each sign for which a permit has been issued and shall require the proper maintenance of all signs subject to the provisions of this chapter. No sign regulated by this code shall be located on a corner lot at the intersection of any street within the clear view triangle as defined.

   O.   Not To Cover Windows, Doors Or Similar Openings: No sign shall cover a window, doorway or other opening providing light, ventilation or exit facilities which are required by the building code or which are deemed by the fire department to be necessary to give the fire department access to the building, or to afford fire protection in the event of a fire; provided however, that flat signs, wall signs, cloth signs and projecting signs shall be permitted to cover transom.

   P.   Sign On Private Property: It shall be unlawful for any person to fasten or attach, paint or place any "sign", as defined in this chapter, upon any private wall, window, door, gate, fence or sign, or upon any other personal property, without the consent of the owner or lessee, or someone authorized to act on behalf of such owner or lessee.

   Q.   Sign On Public Property: It shall be unlawful for any person to fasten or attach, paint or place any sign, handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind or sort, whether political or otherwise, or to cause the same to be done in or upon the curbstone, lamppost, telephone pole, electric light or power pole, hydrant, bridge or tree, or in or upon any portion of any sidewalk or street. It shall be unlawful to paste, place, paint or attach any "sign", as defined in this chapter, on any building, street or property of the city. No sign shall be erected on or project over public property. The city reserves the right to remove the signs installed on public property.

   R.   Sign Over Streets Prohibited: It shall be unlawful to erect and/or maintain any sign over any street or alley, except as herein expressly provided.

   S.   Sign Setback: For purposes of this chapter, the entire sign must comply with the specified setback regulations.

   T.   Signs; Zones Permitted And Controls: It is unlawful for any person to erect or otherwise install a sign having a size or height greater than allowed in this chapter. It is unlawful for any person to erect or otherwise install a sign located on a site or in a zone in violation of the regulations specified in section 10-12-10 of this chapter.

   U.   Violations A Misdemeanor: Any person who shall fail to comply with, or shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter, or any rules or regulations promulgated hereunder, shall be deemed guilty of a class C misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to penalty as provided in section 1-4-1 of this code. The penalty provided herein shall be in addition to any suspension or revocation of any license or permit issued hereunder. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

   A.   Animated Signs: No animated signs shall be erected or maintained in the city limits.

   B.   Blanketing: To prevent blanketing, no projecting or marquee sign shall be erected to project more than twenty four inches (24"). Projection shall be measured from the facing of the building and/or structure to which the sign is attached.

   C.   Cloth Signs: Permits may be issued by the chief building official upon approval by the city council for hanging of display banners or other cloth decorations for special occasions, such as religious, charitable, civic or festive occurrences, or for Christmas decorations, or in celebration of some event of religious, national, state or civic significance or in honor of a visit from a person or persons of note. It is specifically prohibited to incorporate in any such decorations any political advertising or advertising of a commercial nature. The chief building official may permit such signs to be hung over public streets or walks after proper approval. Permits issued pursuant to this subsection may be issued without charge of any fee, but shall specify a period of time, not to exceed forty five (45) days, during which such signs shall be permitted to be used.

   D.   Electric Signs: All signs which utilize or are illuminated by electricity shall comply with the adopted electrical code and fire prevention code of the city.

   E.   Marquee Signs: Marquee signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee. For the purpose of determining height, projection and clearance, the standards as specified in the building code for a marquee shall govern.

   F.   Political Or Campaign Signs: Political or campaign signs are permitted in accordance with the following provisions; provided, that any such sign shall be erected not earlier than sixty (60) days prior to the election at which time the candidates or measure will be voted upon and shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after such election, campaign or event.

      1.   On any residential lot, there is permitted not more than one stationary, unlighted temporary sign per candidate provided the sign meets the following requirements: such sign shall not exceed six feet (6') in height or six (6) square feet in area. If attached, such sign shall not exceed the height of the eaves line of the building.

      2.   On a commercial lot, signs are permitted on behalf of a candidate for public office, or of a question on the ballot or announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization; provided, that:

         a.   The total of such sign or signs on any lot shall not exceed sixty five (65) square feet, except that larger signs may be placed upon any legally existing sign structure. If detached, signs shall not exceed fifteen feet (15') in height and if attached not more than twenty five feet (25') in height.

         b.   No such sign shall be a roof sign, except upon legally existing sign structure, and no signs shall be erected in any required yard setback area unless attached to a building.

   G.   Shopping Center Signs: In shopping centers, frontage for each separate store shall be based on the width of the front of each business, and signs for such businesses shall be attached to the front of each store. One detached or attached sign for each street frontage may be used to designate the name of the shopping center. In no instance may shopping center name signs be a multiple copy to advertise any business in the center.

   H.   Time Limitation For Construction Project Or Land Development Signs: No construction project or land development sign shall be erected more than thirty (30) days prior to construction and shall be removed not more than thirty (30) days after completion.

   I.   Billboards: No billboards greater than twelve (12) square feet shall be permitted within the City limits. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

   J.   Electronic Message Signs: The electronic message sign area shall not exceed seventy five percent (75%) of the total allowable sign area.

The following signs shall be exempt from zoning regulations:

   A.   Memorial tablets or tablets containing the names of buildings and date of the erection and use of the building when built into the walls of the building and constructed of bronze, brass, marble, stone or other noncombustible material.

   B.   Nameplates not to exceed two (2) square feet. Any nameplates exceeding two (2) square feet are prohibited in all zones.

   C.   Nonilluminated and nonfloodlighted flat signs, wall signs and freestanding signs having an area not in excess of thirty six (36) square feet, announcing the destruction or construction or remodeling of a building or announcing the enterprise to be located in a building under construction or announcing the name and address of the architect or contractor of the building, or the owner thereof; provided, that no more than one such sign shall be erected on each street frontage; and also provided, that said signs are not erected more than thirty (30) days prior to construction and are removed not more than thirty (30) days after completion.

   D.   Nonilluminated and nonfloodlighted religious, charitable and educational ground signs having an area not in excess of twelve (12) square feet.

   E.   Nonilluminated and nonfloodlighted signs having an area not in excess of four (4) square feet, that advertise the place of business of a doctor, dentist or other profession, or home occupation. Traffic and other Municipal signs, house numbers, legal notices, railroad crossing signs and danger signs and warning signs. Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure, or the changing of the advertising copy of the message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which require a sign permit unless a structural change is made thereto. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

All design standards shall be in accordance with the latest adopted revision of the Building Code. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

The following specialty signs are prohibited in the City: wind sign, banner sign, portable sign, A-frame sign and any other specialty signs. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

   A.   The effective adoption of this revised ordinance hereby prohibits erection of any off premises sign in the City. Off premises signs for which permits were previously issued and which are made nonconforming by the provisions of the ordinance codified herein, shall be removed upon written notice from the chief building official within five (5) years of the date of that written notice.

   B.   Projecting business signs made nonconforming by the adoption of this chapter shall be removed upon written notice from the chief building official within ten (10) years of the date of that written notice. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)

   A.   Residential, Agricultural Zones: In Residential Zones RE-20, RE-15, RE-18.5, RE-30, RE-40, R-1-11, A-1, and A-2 the following signs are permitted: (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013; amd. Ord. 2019-01, 1-3-2019, eff. 1-4-2019; Ord. 2019-02, 1-3-2019, eff. 1-4-2019)

      1.   Nameplates: One nameplate for each dwelling unit, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, indicating the name of the occupant and/or a permitted home occupation.

      2.   Identification And Information Signs: One sign, not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area for conforming buildings or conforming uses other than dwellings, boarding houses or lodging houses.

      3.   Development Signs: One or more signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in combined total area for each street frontage of the lot. In addition, one or more signs of a temporary nature for each approved subdivision under development and located on said subdivision property; providing, that not more than one such sign be located at each major approach to the subdivision but not closer than ten feet (10') to the street property lines. Signs on corner lots shall comply with subsection 10-12-4N of this chapter. Said signs shall not exceed in combined total area two hundred (200) square feet for any one subdivision and no one sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. The period for display of such temporary signs shall be limited to one year; provided, that at the expiration of this time the building inspector may grant an appropriate extension of time for periods not to exceed one year, provided not more than seventy five percent (75%) of the project has been developed. Application for said extension shall be made at least thirty (30) days before expiration of the original permit. In addition, one or more signs of a temporary nature for main buildings or uses under development other than dwellings provided such signs shall not exceed in combined total area one hundred (100) square feet.

      4.   Public Necessity Signs: One or more public necessity signs; provided that no sign shall exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area.

      5.   Business Signs: One or more signs not exceeding in total area two (2) square feet for each one linear foot of frontage occupied by a nonconforming commercial or industrial use, but in no case shall the total area of all signs exceed one hundred (100) square feet. Uses not occupying the frontage may each have one or more signs not exceeding forty (40) square feet.

      6.   Bulletin Board: One bulletin board not exceeding eighteen (18) square feet in area for a church or other institution for the purpose of displaying the name and character of services or activities conducted therein. All such bulletin boards and identification signs shall be attached to a parallel with the front wall of the building if any nameplate, bulletin board or sign is illuminated, indirect lighting only shall be used, the source of light shall not be visible from the street and no flashing or intermittent illumination shall be employed.

      7.   Projecting Sign: No projecting signs are permitted.

      8.   Yard And Height Regulations:

         a.   Front Yard Regulations: Business and identification signs shall be located flat against the building. Nameplates may be located anywhere on the property.

         b.   Side Yard Regulations: Business and identification signs shall be located anywhere on the property.

         c.   Rear Yard Regulations: Business and identification signs shall be located flat against the building. Nameplates may be located anywhere on the property.

         d.   Height Regulations: No sign shall be erected to a height greater than ten feet (10') or project above the height of the building to which it is attached.

   B.   Commercial Or Industrial Zones: In industrial zones and Commercial Zones C-1, C-2, and C-3, the following signs are permitted:

      1.   Development Signs: One or more signs of a temporary nature for main building or uses under development provided such signs shall not exceed in combined total area one hundred (100) square feet.

      2.   Public Necessity Signs: One or more public necessity signs; provided that no such sign shall exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area.

      3.   Business Signs: One or more business signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in combined total area for each linear foot of occupied frontage except that the maximum size of a business sign shall be three hundred (300) square feet in area and the total area of all commercial or industrial use shall be six hundred (600) square feet. However, a business sign, on or attached to a building, flush or as roof sign, not more than eight feet (8') above the building, may have a total area of six hundred (600) square feet. Each commercial or industrial use backing onto a freeway shall be permitted not more than one business sign.

      4.   Floodlight Signs: Floodlighted signs.

      5.   Illuminated Signs: Illuminated signs.

      6.   Animated Signs: Animated signs.

      7.   Roof Signs: Roof signs.

      8.   Height Regulations: No sign shall be erected to a height exceeding fifty feet (50') above the ground.

   C.   Temporary Signs:

      1.   Temporary signs, other than cloth signs, when ten feet (10') or more above the ground may project not more than six inches (6") over public property or beyond the building line.

      2.   Temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days.

      3.   Temporary cloth signs may extend over public property. Such signs when extending over a public street shall maintain a clearance of twenty feet (20'). Cloth signs may extend across a public street only by permission of the Governing Body and shall be subject to all related laws and ordinances.

      4.   All temporary signs will require approval of the chief building official. (Ord. 2013-08, 4-18-2013, eff. 4-19-2013)