The purpose of this article is to promote the public health, safety, general welfare, and aesthetics by regulating and controlling the size, number, height, and location of on-premises signs. This article is intended to accomplish the following:

(a)

To promote and maintain healthy commercial centers by providing for effective communication of the nature of goods and services available, and eliminating wasteful and unsightly competition in signs;

(b)

To encourage sign design that is integrated with and harmonious to the building and sites occupied;

(c)

To add to the quality of life by minimizing visual pollution;

(d)

To attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises, thereby providing for the maximum public convenience;

(e)

To notify or warn the public about the location or existence of hazardous or dangerous conditions;

(f)

To protect and enhance the residential neighborhoods by prohibiting obtrusive and incompatible signs; and

(g)

To allow noncommercial speech on any otherwise permissible sign.

Where the allowable sign area is a function of business frontage, no more than two business frontages may be counted in calculating the allowable area for any building occupant.

Signs located on private property shall not extend across property lines into adjacent property or into a public right-of-way except as provided in this chapter, unless approved by the City Engineer. Freestanding or projecting signs may be located within, or project into, setbacks except that no sign shall be located in a manner that would create a hazard for pedestrian, bicycle, or automobile traffic.

(Ord. No. 6710, § 3, 6-4-25)

The number of freestanding signs allowed is specified in Table 5-1, Sign Regulations by Zoning District, below. Wall signs are not specifically restricted by number, provided the maximum area is not exceeded. In all zones, suspended signs located perpendicular to the front of the building and not exceeding six square feet in area will not be included in calculating the number of signs. Multiple signs on a single freestanding structure are allowed; provided, that all signs supported by a single structure are visually compatible with one another.

The allowable sign area shall apply to the maximum geometric area of all sign faces visible from any one point at eye level. Where a sign consists of individual letters, numbers or symbols, painted on or attached directly to a building, which are without an integrated background and are not enclosed in a frame or cabinet, the area of the display shall be the average height of the display times the average width or the sum of the surface area of individual letters, whichever is smaller. If such a display consists of more than one line or component, the area of each line or component may be calculated separately. Where a display is enclosed in a frame or cabinet, or has an integrated background, the entire area within the frame, cabinet, or background shall be included.

All on-premises signs erected or located in the city, which are not exempted by federal or state law, or Title 14, Buildings and Construction, are subject to the provisions of this Chapter and Title 14, Buildings and Construction.

(a)

Except as otherwise provided, no person may erect, enlarge, alter (except for normal maintenance), or relocate within the city, any sign without first having obtained a sign permit.

(b)

On-premises signs greater than 150 square feet in size, and located within 150 feet of the centerline of the Truckee River, shall require review and approval under Section 18.08.603, Major Site Plan Review.

(Ord. No. 6710, § 4, 6-4-25)

The following types of signs are not subject to the permit or application requirements of this Chapter and need not be included in any aggregate area computations, however, they are otherwise subject to the standards and requirements of this Title:

(a)

Address number or plates and residential nameplates as required by NRS Section 278.0231.

(b)

Changes in copy or advertising display on an existing sign which do not alter the structure, size, or configuration of the sign.

(c)

On residentially zoned parcels, one or more signs not exceeding a combined total of 16 square feet and the top of the sign(s) is no greater than three feet above the ground located on parcels of one acre or less; one or more signs not exceeding a combined total of 32 square feet and the top of the sign(s) is no greater than six feet above the ground on parcels that are one to five acres; one or more signs not exceeding a combined total of 64 square feet and the top of the sign(s) is no greater than 12 feet above the ground on parcels greater than five acres.

(d)

Flags displayed from permanently located freestanding or wall-mounted flagpoles which are designed to allow raising and lowering of flags. The number of such flagpoles shall be limited in number to one per parcel and the maximum height shall be 30 feet.

(e)

Sign or tablets when cut into any masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible surface not to exceed eight square feet in area when located within commercial zones.

(f)

Official traffic-control sign, signals, or devices, and street name signs.

(g)

Signs that notify the public of the location or access of emergency medical services.

(h)

Public safety signs that notify or warn the public about the location or existence of hazardous or dangerous conditions.

(i)

Signs that are located within a building. On-Premise advertising signage within a building shall not be oriented to be visible from any public right-of-way.

(j)

Drive-through facility signs, subject to the following standards:

1.

For each approved drive-through lane:

a.

Up to two signs per lane;

b.

Not to exceed a combined 64 square feet per lane, with a maximum height of seven feet.

2.

Exempted drive-through facility sign copy area shall not be oriented to or visible from any public right-of-way. Signs may be changeable provided:

a.

Displays do not appear to be in motion, flashing or have video;

b.

Display does not create a glare or other condition that impairs the vision of drivers or obstructs or interferes with a driver's view of surrounding traffic situations;

c.

The sign does not exceed 150 nits between sunset and sunrise; and

d.

The sign automatically adjusts/dims to changes in ambient light.

(k)

Any sign owned by, or erected by or at the direction of the City in furtherance of the official duties of the City of Reno or Washoe County, including, but not limited to, traffic-control signs, signals or devices, street name signs, directional signs, warning signs, parking control signs, area identification signs, and signs prohibiting or controlling access to property.

(Ord. No. 6692, § 1(Exh. A), 1-8-25; Ord. No. 6710, § 5, 6-4-25)

The following types of signs are prohibited within the city:

(a)

Signs that constitute a hazard to traffic or pedestrians;

(b)

Signs located within any stream or drainage canal;

(c)

Mobile, A-framed, or portable signs except as provided in Section 18.05.110;

(d)

Inflatable or other temporary or wind signs except as otherwise provided;

(e)

Signs which initiate or simulate official signs, or which use yellow or red blinking intermittent light resembling danger or warning signals;

(f)

Sign on public property or rights-of-way or signs attached to utility poles, street-light standards, fences, sheds, trees, hydrants, or similar structures except as otherwise provided in this Chapter;

(g)

Roof signs;

(h)

Wall signs extending above the top of the wall or beyond the ends of the wall to which the signs are attached unless the signs conform to the requirements for projecting signs, or freestanding signs;

(i)

Signs emitting and/or producing noise, odor, sound, smoke, fire, or other such emissions; and

(j)

Signs within 100 feet of the right-of-way of a freeway that exceed 20 square feet and have faces which are visible from the travel lanes of the freeway.

(Ord. No. 6710, § 6, 6-4-25)

In addition to the permanent signage allowed, the following signs shall comply with all provisions and regulations of this chapter; however, no fee, permit, or application is required. Temporary signs are prohibited signs except as provided by this section.

(a)

Generally

(1)

Illumination No temporary sign shall be internally or externally illuminated.

(2)

Location

a.

Except as provided by this section, no temporary sign shall extend into or over the public right-of-way.

b.

No temporary sign shall extend into the vision triangle area as defined and set forth in Section 18.04.601(b), Vision Triangles.

(3)

Maintenance Temporary signs shall be kept neat, clean, and in good repair. Signs which are faded, torn, damaged, or otherwise unsightly or in a state of disrepair shall be immediately repaired or removed.

(4)

Placement Temporary signs shall not be attached to trees, shrubbery, utility poles, or traffic control signs or devices. They shall not obstruct or obscure signs on adjacent premises.

(5)

Sign Collection and Retrieval

a.

The City may collect temporary signs placed in the public right-of-way in violation of Section 18.05.110.

b.

Each sign collected will be stored for a minimum of 30 days excluding all handbills as defined in Chapter 18.09 Rules of Construction and Definitions.

c.

Notice will be mailed within five working days of the date of collection to the owner of each sign if the ownership is reasonably discernible.

d.

The owner of the sign may retrieve a sign collected by the City within 30 days of the collection date. The owners shall present proof of ownership of the sign.

e.

The owner of the sign may appeal the City's action as an administrative action by filing an appeal and paying the appeal to the City Council with the City of Reno Clerk's Office within ten days of the sign being removed. The City Clerk shall set the hearing before the City Council at the next City Council meeting at least 15 days in the future.

(b)

Allowed Signage In the following districts, temporary signage shall be allowed for each parcel as follows. This signage shall not be restricted by content.

(1)

Residential Districts One temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding six square feet for up to 95 days total per calendar year. On tracts of land of more than two acres, the sign area may be increased to 32 square feet.

(2)

Employment Districts and Urban Districts One temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding 32 square feet for up to 95 days per calendar year. Square footage may be increased on parcels without established uses or structures by the square footage that would be allowed when calculating for permanent freestanding signs; in this situation street frontage would be used for business frontage.

(Ord. No. 6692, § 1(Exh. A), 1-8-25)

Canopies over the building entrance shall be permitted in all districts and may extend into the public right-of-way with the permission of the owner of the right-of-way. Canopies may be embellished with copy that does not exceed 20 square feet. Canopies shall not count towards the sign area allowed or number of signs allowed. Permit required.

Any sign or sign structure which has been abandoned for a period of six months shall be removed or restored to use within 30 days after a notice of abandonment is issued by the Administrator to the owner of the sign. The Administrator may allow an abandoned sign or sign structure to remain in place, provided that the sign or sign structure is maintained in good condition, and that there is a reasonable possibility that the sign can be restored to use within a one-year period.

(Ord. No. 6710, § 7, 6-4-25)

Sign regulations for each zoning district are established in Table 5-1, below:

(Ord. No. 6692, § 1(Exh. A), 1-8-25; Ord. No. 6710, § 8, 6-4-25)

(a)

Applicability The following regulations only apply to fixed message electronic signs and computer controlled variable message electronic signs as defined in Chapter 18.09 Rules of Construction and Definitions.

(b)

Standards

(1)

No animated sign shall exceed 1,500 nits between sunset and sunrise. No animated sign shall exceed 5,000 nits between sunrise and sunset. Signs shall automatically adjust/dim due to changes in ambient light, such as inclement weather.

(2)

Any animated sign constructed prior to December 2, 2015, shall be brought into conformance with the nit standards listed in Subsection 18.05.114(b)(1), above, by December 2, 2017.

(3)

Animated signs shall only be allowed within 750 feet of residentially zoned property with the approval of a major site plan review. The 750 feet shall be measured from the base of the sign to the property line of the residentially zoned parcel. Schools, Public or Private are exempt from this requirement.

(4)

No animated signs shall be allowed within 300 feet of the outer boundary of the outer travel lane/white line of:

a.

State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway);

b.

Interstate 80 west of Robb Drive, to the western most city limit;

c.

U.S. 395 north of North McCarran Boulevard; and

d.

Interstate 580 south of South McCarran Boulevard.

e.

Any animated signs located within these areas which were in existence prior to December 2, 2015, may only be enlarged or relocated with the approval of a major site plan review.

(5)

Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(4), above, only that portion of sign copy regulated by NRS Sections 590.160 — 590.330 , Advertisement of Motor Vehicle Fuel and Petroleum Products, may be animated provided that:

a.

The display brightness does not exceed 150 nits between sunset and sunrise;

b.

Displays do not appear to be in motion, flashing, or have video;

c.

Displays change no more than 24 times per day; and

d.

All other sign regulations in this Title that are not specified in these NRS regulations (including zoning limitations, and limitations on number and size of signs) remain in effect.

(Ord. No. 6710, § 9, 6-4-25)

A "nonconforming on-premise sign" is a sign that was lawfully erected prior to the adoption of the sign regulations codified in this chapter, or subsequent amendments thereto, which would not be permitted under the current provisions of such regulations. "Nonconforming signs" include signs that were erected without a conditional use permit, or other entitlement, and which would require a major site plan review under the current provisions of this chapter or of Section 18.08.603, Major Site Plan Review.

(Ord. No. 6692, § 1(Exh. A), 1-8-25; Ord. No. 6710, § 10, 6-4-25)

A nonconforming on-premises sign may be maintained and continued in use, provided that:

(a)

It is not altered structurally, enlarged, or relocated without proper permits; and

(b)

It is maintained in a good and working condition.

(a)

Any nonconforming on-premises sign that is declared a hazard by the Administrator shall be removed or repaired within ten days of notice to the owner of the sign.

(b)

Any nonconforming sign that requires repairs costing more than 50 percent of its replacement value shall be removed or made to comply with the provisions of this chapter and Title.

(a)

Excluding Section 18.05.114(b)(4) above, no permit shall be issued for the alteration, enlargement, or relocation of a nonconforming sign unless any changes decrease the amount of any nonconforming size by a minimum of 25 percent and any nonconforming height by a minimum of 25 percent. Methods of lighting shall not be changed until all other elements of the sign are brought into full conformance.

(b)

The Administrator may waive this section in the instance where a sign must be moved or altered because of the need for right-of-way or expansion into private property for a public or utility agency project. This includes any project proposed for construction by a public agency established by Nevada Revised Statutes whereby capacity and/or safety is being expanded or improved including, but not limited to, roadways, storm drainage, utilities and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. In such instances the Administrator may allow for the relocation of the legally established nonconforming sign as a reasonable remedy to mitigate the impact of the public project on the property or business owner.

(Ord. No. 6710, § 11, 6-4-25)

(a)

The Administrator shall review and make a decision or recommendation regarding an application for on-premises signs which are not a part of or accompanied by an application for any other development on the parcel within five working days of the date the completed application is accepted by the Development Services Department.

(b)

The Administrator shall review and make a decision regarding an application for a temporary or special events on-premises signs no later than three working days of the date the completed application is accepted by the Development Services Department.

(c)

The Administrator shall review and make a decision or recommendation regarding an application for on-premises signs which are a part or accompanied by an application for any other development no later than the decision regarding the development is rendered.

(d)

If the Planning Commission reviews the application the Planning Commission shall hold a hearing promptly but in no event no later than 65 days from the date the completed application is file-stamped within the Development Services Department.

(e)

The Planning Commission shall make its decision promptly but in no event later than 30 days of the date of the opening of the hearing.

(f)

The City Council shall make its decision promptly but in no event later than 30 days of the date of the opening of the hearing.

(g)

If the applicant requests a continuance or a specified time or date for the matter to be hear, the timelines provided herein are deemed waived.

(Ord. No. 6692, § 1(Exh. A), 1-8-25)

(a)

Aggrieved persons may appeal the Administrator's decision to the City Council by filing a written appeal in the City's Clerk's office setting forth how they are aggrieved and the reasons for the appeal within five days of the Administrator's written decision.

(b)

The City Clerk shall schedule an appeal before the City Council no less than 14 days or more than 45 days following the last day of the appeal period following the administrative decision.

(a)

Judicial review may be sought in accordance with NRS Chapter 34.

(b)

Except as otherwise provided, if the City denies a "First Amendment" application, the City will institute legal proceedings within ten working days of its final action to determine in an adversarial proceeding the constitutionality of the denial on prior restraint grounds, unless otherwise waived by the applicant. For purposes of this subsection, a "First Amendment" application is one in which the applicant has inserted the words, "First Amendment" in the caption of the application.

(a)

Decisions shall be in writing.

(b)

Decisions shall include an explanation setting forth the reasons for the decisions.

(a)

Content Neutrality Despite any other provision of this Chapter, the content of a sign's message does not limit its permissibility under this Chapter. However, location-based standards such as off-premises regulations, do apply.

(b)

Substitution Allowed Any sign allowed a commercial message may contain any non-commercial message. Any sign allowed a non-commercial message may contain any other non-commercial message.

(Ord. No. 6710, § 12, 6-4-25)

Recognizing that the City of Reno is a unique city in which public safety, maintenance, and enhancement of the city's esthetic qualities are important and effective in promoting quality of life for its inhabitants and the City of Reno's 24-hour gaming, entertainment, recreation, and tourism economy; recognizing that the promotion of tourism generates a commercial interest in the environmental attractiveness of the community; and recognizing that the visual landscape is more than a passive backdrop in that it shapes the character of our city, community, and region, the purpose of this article is to establish a comprehensive system for the regulation of the commercial use of off-premises advertising displays. It is intended that these regulations impose reasonable standards on the number, size, height, and location of off-premises advertising displays to prevent and alleviate needless distraction and clutter resulting from excessive and confusing off-premises advertising displays; to safeguard and enhance property values; and to promote the general welfare and public safety of the city's inhabitants and to promote the maintenance and enhancement of the city's esthetic qualities and improve the character of our city. It is further intended that these regulations provide one of the tools essential to the preservation and enhancement of the environment, thereby protecting an important aspect of the economy of the city that is instrumental in attracting those who come to visit, vacation, live, and trade on any otherwise permissible sign.

Except as specifically provided in this chapter, or state or federal law, the City shall not issue any permits authorizing the construction of any new, permanent off-premises advertising displays.

(a)

All legally established, permanent off-premises advertising displays existing within the city on the effective date of this Title or subsequently annexed into the city, thereafter, are deemed nonconforming. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to require the removal of any nonconforming permanent off-premises advertising display.

(b)

No later than 30 days after the effective date of this Title and by July 15 ^th of each year thereafter:

(1)

All owners of nonconforming permanent off-premises advertising displays shall submit a report to the Administrator detailing the size, height, location, and City of Reno inventory number of their current inventory of nonconforming permanent off-premises advertising displays.

(2)

All holders of banked receipts shall submit a report to the Administrator detailing the size, height, location, demolition permit number, and City of Reno inventory number of the permanent off-premises advertising displays associated with holder's unexpired banked receipts.

(c)

All nonconforming permanent off-premises advertising displays may be continued and maintained at their current location until:

(1)

Required to be removed because of termination of the lease that governs the placement of the nonconforming permanent off-premises advertising display on the real property pursuant to the terms of that lease; or

(2)

Destroyed or damaged in excess of 50 percent of its material structural value because of a natural disaster, including, without limitation, a fire, flood, earthquake, windstorm, rainstorm, and/or snowstorm.

(a)

Mapped Locations The "Off-Premise Advertising Map" shall serve as the official map for Off-Premise Advertising locations. The map is adopted by reference and will be updated in accordance with changes to the referenced zoning and roadway designations, except where noted.

(b)

Permitted Locations

(1)

Off-Premise advertising displays shall be permitted only in areas depicted as "Potential Off-Premise Advertising Locations" on the Off-Premise Advertising Map. These areas shall include:

a.

Areas in the Industrial (I), Industrial Commercial (IC), and General Commercial (GC) districts when within 100 feet of the edge of the right-of-way line of a major or minor arterial road or freeway unless otherwise prohibited within this article.

b.

Specific areas depicted as "Permitted Location 1b" on the Off-Premise Advertising Map, when located within 100 feet of the edge of the right-of-way line of a major or minor arterial road or freeway unless otherwise prohibited by this section. These areas reflect areas within the prior Industrial Business (IB) District prior to adoption of this Title.

c.

Specific areas depicted as "Permitted Location 1c" on the Off-Premise Advertising Map, when located within 100 feet of the edge of the right-of-way line of a major or minor arterial road or freeway unless otherwise prohibited by this section. These areas include properties identified by historic zoning districts (AC, CC, IC, IB or I) prior to being rezoned to MU prior to adoption of this Title. This is a fixed boundary.

(c)

Prohibited Locations

(1)

No permanent off-premises advertising display shall be erected closer to a street than the right-of-way line. No portion of any permanent off-premises advertising display may be placed on or extend over the right-of-way line of any street.

(2)

No permanent off-premises advertising display, or part thereof, shall be located on any property without the consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent, or trustee.

(3)

No permanent off-premises advertising display shall be located within specific areas depicted as "Prohibited Location 3" on the Off-Premise Advertising Map. This area includes property within 300 feet of the centerline of the Truckee River or within 300 feet of the outer boundary of any areas designated in this Title as the Truckee River Corridor or its successor.

(4)

No permanent off-premises advertising display shall be erected within 300 lineal feet of a residentially zoned parcel on the same side of the street.

(5)

The number of permanent off-premises advertising displays located within 300 feet of the centerline or within the boundaries of the following areas shall not exceed the number of legally existing permanent off-premises advertising displays in that location on July 1, 2012:

a.

Interstate 80 right-of-way from Robb Drive to the most western city limit.

b.

U.S. 395 right-of-way from Panther Drive to the most northern city limit.

c.

Specific areas depicted as Restricted Locations 5c.1 through 5c.7, inclusive on the Off-Premise Advertising Map. These areas reflect certain zoning districts that were in place prior to adoption of this Title, including: the Downtown Reno Regional Center Plan (5c.1), the East 4th Street TOD Corridor (5c.2), Mill Street TOD Corridor (5c.2), the Medical Regional Center (5c.2), the Wells Avenue Neighborhood Plan (5c.2), the northern section of the South Virginia Street TOD (5c.2), and the Midtown District (5c.2). These are fixed boundaries.

d.

If any off-premises advertising displays are removed from the areas identified in Sections 18.05.204(c)(5)a. ? c., above, the maximum number of permanent off-premises advertising displays allowed in the identified area shall be reduced accordingly. The removed signs shall not be replaced or banked.

e.

This subsection neither prohibits relocation of existing off-premises displays within the above locations nor reconstruction of existing off-premises advertising displays provided that the relocated and/or reconstructed permanent off-premises advertising display conforms with this article.

(6)

No permanent off-premises advertising displays shall be located within 200 feet of the right-of-way of McCarran Boulevard except within the following locations:

a.

Talbot Lane east to Mill Street.

b.

Northtowne Lane west to Sutro Street.

c.

This subsection neither prohibits relocation of existing off-premises displays within the above locations nor reconstruction of existing off-premises advertising displays provided that the relocated and/or reconstructed permanent off-premises advertising display conforms with this article.

(7)

The number of permanent off-premises advertising displays within 300 feet of the centerline of U.S. 395 from Patriot Boulevard to Neil Road shall not exceed seven permanent off-premises advertising displays.

(8)

The number of permanent off-premises advertising displays located within annexation areas that are regulated by Washoe County specific plans shall not exceed the number of legally existing off-premises permanent advertising displays as of their respective effective dates of annexation,

a.

If permanent off-premises advertising displays are not specifically listed as an allowed use in the pertinent specific plan, permanent off-premises advertising displays shall be prohibited.

b.

Reconstruction of an existing off-premises advertising display is allowed provided that the reconstructed off-premises advertising display conforms with this article.

(9)

No permanent off-premises advertising display, or part thereof, shall be located within a Historic or Conservation District.

(d)

Prohibited Digital Displays No permanent off-premises digital advertising display, or part thereof, shall be located within City of Reno or the City of Reno Sphere of Influence.

(a)

The area of display surface shall be the total square feet of geometric area of display surfaces which comprise the total off-premises advertising display, except the structure. The computation of display surface of a back-to-back off-premises advertising display shall be limited to one display surface.

(b)

No off-premises advertising display shall have a primary display surface, not including allowed cut-outs, greater than 672 square feet.

(c)

A cut-out shall not exceed ten percent of the primary surface area of the off-premises display.

(d)

No off-premises advertising display shall exceed 35 feet in height as measured from the surface of the road grade to which the sign is oriented to the highest point of the off-premises advertising display. If the off-premises advertising display is oriented to more than one road grade, the lowest road grade shall be the reference point.

(e)

No off-premises advertising display shall be located closer than 750 feet to the next off-premises advertising display on either side of the same street. No mechanically changeable off-premises advertising display shall be located closer than 1,000 feet to the next mechanically changeable off-premises advertising display on either side of the same street.

(f)

All off-premises advertising displays shall be maintained in a clean and well-functioning condition. Surface shall be neatly painted. Property immediately surrounding off-premises advertising displays shall be maintained and kept free of litter, rubbish, weeds, and debris. Any off-premises display deemed to be a nuisance as defined in Chapter 8.22, Nuisances, shall be enforced as provided for in Chapter 1.05, Code Enforcement.

(g)

The permit/inventory number, as assigned by the Administrator shall be displayed on every permanent off-premises advertising display.

(h)

The reverse side of a cut-out shall be dull and non-reflective.

(i)

The reverse side of a single-face off-premises advertising display shall be dull and non-reflective.

(j)

No tree may be removed for the purpose of erecting an off-premises advertising display. If an existing tree would impact the visibility of a site which otherwise meets the requirements of Sections 18.05.204 and 18.05.205, above, a variance to the spacing requirements may be requested. If the variance to the spacing requirements is denied as a final action, the tree may be removed. If the variance to spacing requirements is approved, the tree may not be removed.

(k)

Off-premises advertising displays shall be of monopole design.

(l)

All lighting shall be directed toward the off-premises advertising display.

(m)

An off-premises advertising display may not contain more than two faces and one face may not be angled from the other face by more than 20 degrees as measured from the back of the structure supporting the face.

The following off-premises advertising displays are prohibited:

(a)

Signs which emit noise via artificial devices;

(b)

Roof signs;

(c)

Signs which produce odor, sound, smoke, fire, or other such emissions;

(d)

Stacked signs;

(e)

Temporary signs except as otherwise provided in Sections 18.05.208 and 18.05.209;

(f)

Wall signs;

(g)

Signs with more than two faces;

(h)

Building wraps; and

(i)

Computer controlled variable message electronic signs.

(a)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the removal of any existing, permanent off-premises advertising displays, or extinguish or impair the rights of any existing holders of banked receipt(s).

(b)

Expiration of Banked Receipts

(1)

Banked receipts issued by the City prior to July 19, 2012 expire 15 years after the date of issuance.

(2)

Banked receipts issued by the City after July 18, 2012 expire three years after the date of issuance.

(3)

Banked receipts issued by the City in connection with any litigation expire in accordance with the terms and conditions of any applicable:

a.

Court order; or

b.

Settlement agreement.

(c)

Application The holder of an unexpired and valid banked receipt may submit a sign permit application to the City to construct a permanent off-premises advertising display. At a minimum, the sign permit application shall include the following:

(1)

The banked receipt which is being exchanged for the proposed off-premises advertising display. Such receipt shall include the inventory number assigned by the City of Reno and proof that a minimum ratio of one square foot of the display represented by the banked receipt is exchanged for one square foot of new display construction. Should the proposed construction exceed the size of the banked receipt display an additional banked receipt shall be redeemed.

(2)

A description of the proposed site prepared by a land surveyor, licensed by the State of Nevada, demonstrating compliance with the applicable zoning and spacing criteria contained in this chapter;

(3)

Dimensions of the proposed new permanent off-premises advertising display;

(4)

Structural calculations and related engineering specifications;

(5)

Signature of the holder of the banked receipt;

(6)

Signature of the applicant; and

(7)

Any other information requested by the City reasonably required to promote the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the community, and control the location and soundness of the proposed permanent off-premises advertising display.

(d)

Redemption of Banked Receipt Upon review and in accordance with the applicable zoning, spacing, and general standards contained in this chapter, the Administrator shall issue a permit authorizing the holder of a banked receipt to construct a new permanent off-premises advertising display on the proposed site. Upon completion of construction, the legally established, permanent off-premises advertising display shall be deemed nonconforming for the purposes of this chapter.

(e)

Litigation Stay Notwithstanding Sections 18.05.207(a)-(d), until the validity of banked receipts issued prior to October 24, 2012 is resolved in Scenic Nevada v. City of Reno, et al., Case No CV17-00361, the City shall not accept any permit applications authorizing the construction of new, permanent off-premises advertising display based on banked receipts issued prior to October 24, 2012, not in connection with any prior litigation. Banked receipts created because of ReTRAC shall be accepted.

Off-premises temporary advertising displays are allowed without permit on private property in any zoning district with the permission of the owner(s), holder(s) lessee(s), agent(s), or trustee(s) as applicable, when the temporary off-premises advertising displays:

(a)

Are located in any zoning district within ½ radial mile of the site on which the activity will take place;

(b)

Shall be a maximum of six square feet;

(c)

Shall be designed to be stable under all weather conditions, including high winds;

(d)

Shall not obstruct the vision triangle as defined and set forth in Section 18.04.601(b) or traffic control device or impair access to a sidewalk, street, driveway, bus stop, or fire hydrant; and

(e)

Displayed for less than 12 hours each day, no earlier than 6:00 a.m. or later than 9:00 p.m.

A holder of a special event's permit may apply for a building permit pursuant to Title 14, Buildings and Construction, to erect a temporary off-premises advertising display promoting the special event provided the temporary off-premises advertising display:

(a)

Complies with this article, as applicable;

(b)

The applicant has obtained a permit to hold a special event;

(c)

The proposal complies with City policies if the applicant seeks to use City-owned improvements such as poles designed for temporary signs or buildings;

(d)

Such off-premises advertising displays, when permitted, shall not be installed prior to 30 days before and shall be removed within ten after the special event advertised;

(e)

The temporary off-premises advertising display shall not exceed 100 square feet;

(f)

The temporary off-premises advertising display shall be designed to be stable under all weather conditions, including high winds; and

(g)

The temporary off-premises advertising display shall not obstruct the sight distance triangle as defined in Section 18.04.601(b) nor a traffic control device or impair access to a sidewalk, street, highway, driveway, bus stop or fire hydrant.

(a)

Abandonment is the cessation of the right to continue the existence of a permanent off-premise advertising display:

(1)

Under existing law;

(2)

When a state of disrepair exists because of substantial tearing, chipping, or missing material 30 days after receipt of notice sent pursuant to Chapter 1.05, Code Enforcement;

(3)

When there is no current business license in existence for the owner(s) of the off-premises advertising display; or

(4)

When there has been no display for a period of one year with respect to a permanent off-premises advertising display.

(b)

Any off-premises advertising display determined to be abandoned shall reduce the number of off-premises advertising displays allowed under Section 18.05.203(b).

The following are time limitations on the pertinent decision-maker to review applications for off-premises advertising displays as applicable:

(a)

The Administrator shall review and make a decision regarding an application for an off-premises display within five working days of the date the application is filed-stamped by the Development Services Department, on the appropriate form and with payment of the appropriate fee, if any.

(b)

The Administrator shall review and make a decision regarding an application for a temporary or special events off-premises advertising display within two working days of the date the application is filed-stamped by the Development Services Department, on the appropriate form and with the appropriate fee, if any.

(c)

If the Hearing Examiner or the Planning Commission review the application, Hearing Examiner or the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing within 65 days of the date the application is filed-stamped with the Development Services Department.

(d)

The Hearing Examiner or Planning Commission shall make its decision within 30 days from the date of the opening of the public hearing.

(e)

The City Council shall make its decision within 30 days of the date of the opening of the public hearing.

(f)

If the applicant requests a continuance or a specified time or date for the matter to be hear, the timelines provided herein are deemed waived.

(Ord. No. 6692, § 1(Exh. A), 1-8-25)

(a)

Aggrieved persons may appeal the Administrator's decision to the City Council by filing a written appeal setting forth how they are aggrieved and the reasons for the appeal within five days of the Administrator's written decision.

(b)

The City Clerk shall set the hearing before the City Council at the next available City Council meeting at least 15 days in the future.

(a)

Decisions shall be in writing.

(b)

Decisions shall include an explanation setting forth the reasons for the decisions.

All off-premises signs erected or located in the city, which are not exempted by federal or state law, are subject to the provisions of this article and Title 14, Buildings and Construction.

Except as otherwise provided, no person may erect, enlarge, alter (except for normal maintenance), or relocate within the city, any sign without first having obtained a sign permit.