The purpose of this Article is to define the types of signs that will be permitted in the various zoning districts and those that will be prohibited, the manner in which sign areas and dimensions will be measured, and the exemption of certain types of signs from this Chapter. It is further the intent of this Article to encourage the erection of signs which are attractive and compatible with adjacent property and which will preserve and enhance property values within the City.

(Prior code, § 12.12.010; Ord. No. 914, § 1, 2-9-2016)

The following regulations shall apply to all signs, either accessory or nonaccessory, in all zoning districts regardless of designation:

(1)

Signs in need of paint, broken signs and signs of vacated buildings shall be removed from the premises or repaired or renovated by the owners of the premises on order of the Zoning Administrator.

(2)

Signs pertaining to special events which refer to particular periods or points of time, such as meetings, sales, exhibitions and vacancy announcements, shall be permitted, provided that such signs shall be removed when no longer applicable.

(3)

Along streets and roads, no sign shall obscure the vision or views of the natural landscape or the larger urban area, nor shall any sign be distracting to motorists or create a traffic hazard.

(4)

No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any street or road in such a manner as to obstruct clear vision; nor shall any sign be erected at a location where, by reason of its position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any traffic sign or traffic control device.

(5)

Signs shall not be erected on a City right-of-way.

(Prior code, § 12.12.020; Ord. No. 914, § 1, 2-9-2016)

In residential districts, no sign shall be erected or maintained, except under the following conditions:

(1)

No sign shall be erected on the roof of any building.

(2)

Signs shall not be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights.

(3)

No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of ribbons, streamers, spinners or smaller moving, fluttering or revolving devices. Such devices, as well as strings of lights, shall not be used for the purposes of advertising or attracting.

(4)

Owner or occupant signs. A sign, identifying property or the name of the owner or occupant of property is allowable, provided that such sign is not in excess of two square feet in area and only one such sign is erected on any single lot or parcel.

(5)

For lease or sale signs. Signs pertaining to the lease or sale of the property on which the sign is located, or any building thereon, are allowable, provided that such signs do not exceed four square feet in area per sign, and further that not more than two signs are located on any single lot or parcel.

(6)

Church signs. A sign or entrance marker for each church is allowable, provided that such sign does not exceed 20 square feet in area.

(7)

Contractor signs. One sign may be maintained by the contractor during construction of the building, but shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

(8)

Business or home occupation signs. Signs pertaining to a business operated out of the home or building is allowed, provided that it does not exceed four square feet and no more than one sign is located on the property.

(Prior code, § 12.12.030; Ord. No. 914, § 1, 2-9-2016)

In local commercial, highway commercial and industrial districts, accessory signs shall not be erected or maintained except in conformity with the following regulations:

(1)

An accessory sign shall identify only the name of the owner, trade name, trade mark, product symbol, products sold and/or the business or activity conducted on the premises whereon such sign is located.

(2)

Signs along the highway must conform to the state sign laws.

(3)

Commercial or industrial off-premises signs are not allowed.

(4)

Symbolic signs, such as a barber pole, mortar and pestle, etc., which are traditional in nature and size, shall be permitted.

(5)

Directional signs, not to exceed two square feet in area, may be erected as needed.

(Prior code, § 12.12.040; Ord. No. 914, § 1, 2-9-2016)

No outdoor advertising sign, billboard or other advertising media not directly related to the use of the premises on which it is located shall be permitted in any district, except as a use by review in such districts as is hereinafter provided. Any nonaccessory sign permitted as a conditional use shall be in harmony with the spirit and intent of this Chapter.

(Prior code, § 12.12.050; Ord. No. 914, § 1, 2-9-2016)

The provisions of this Article shall not apply to signs erected by national, state, county or municipal governmental agencies, including traffic and informational signs.

(Prior code, § 12.12.060; Ord. No. 914, § 1, 2-9-2016)

Any sign existing on or after the date of enactment of the zoning ordinance codified herein identifying a business or activity which no longer exists or a product which is no longer sold on the premises shall be removed by the owner of the premises upon written notice of the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator, upon determining that such sign exists, shall notify the owner of the premises in writing to remove such sign within six months of the date of the notice or upon expiration of the lease agreement.

(Prior code, § 12.12.070; Ord. No. 914, § 1, 2-9-2016)