The purpose of this Division is to regulate the size, color, illumination, movement, materials, location, height, and condition of all signs placed on private property for public observation to protect and promote the general welfare, health, safety, and order within the City. The provisions contained within this Division are meant to encourage creativity and opportunities for effective communication, while ensuring that the public is not endangered or distracted by such communication. This Division must be interpreted in a manner consistent with the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.

The following signs are prohibited within the City:

A.

Sign attached to any tree, public sign or utility poles.

B.

Sign constructed of a material not of a permanent nature.

C.

Projecting sign. Projecting signs shall project no further than two (2) feet from the wall to which they are anchored. No sign, or portion thereof, shall project over public property.

D.

Roof sign.

E.

Sign which by reason of position, movement, shape, illumination or color would constitute a traffic hazard to oncoming traffic.

F.

Sign noticeably moving as a result of normal wind pressure.

G.

Sign containing obscene content.

H.

Abandoned signs for which no legal owner can be found.

I.

Search-lights.

J.

Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or governmental signs or signage.

K.

Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or placed for the primary purpose of displaying said sign except for portable signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business.

L.

Any sign placed within 30 feet of any intersection that may obstruct motorist or pedestrian visibility.

M.

Signs which blink, flash, or are animated.

(Ord. 325, SS, § 18, 2-5-2024)

The following signs are exempt from the requirements of this Part:

A.

Property identification numerals visible from the street for public safety purposes as regulated by Section 4-3 of the City Code, Uniform Numbering System.

B.

Traffic control signs authorized by federal, state, or municipal governments with proper jurisdiction.

C.

Official notices authorized by a court, public body, or public safety official.

D.

"No Trespassing" and "No Hunting" signs and similar warning or restrictive signs, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area, may be placed upon private property by the owner.

A.

Temporary signs are exempt from permit requirements but must otherwise be in conformance with all requirements of this Division.

B.

A property owner may place one (1) temporary sign with a sign face no larger than four (4) square feet on the property at any time. In addition to this sign, the following signs may also be placed on a property:

1.

One (1) temporary sign per candidate and per issue for every 10,000 square feet of land may be located on the owner's property prior to an election involving candidates for a federal, state, or local office that represents the district in which the property is located or involves an issue on the ballot of an election within the district where the property is located.

a.

The temporary sign may be posted from June 25 in any general election year until 10 days following the general election and 13 weeks prior to any special election until 10 days following the special election.

b.

Where the size of the property is smaller than 10,000 square feet, these signs may be posted on the property for each principal building lawfully existing on the property.

2.

Any property that is currently for sale or rent may place one (1) sign per street frontage. Such signs must be removed within 10 days after the sale or rental of the property. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area in all residential districts and 32 square feet in area in all other districts.

3.

One (1) temporary sign may be located on the owner's property on a day when the property owner is opening the property to the public; provided, however, the owner may not use this type of sign in any residential district on more than three (3) consecutive days in a year and may not use this type of sign in the business or industrial districts for more than 14 consecutive days in a year.

4.

Any property where an open building permit has been issued may place one (1) non-illuminated sign on the property.

a.

This sign may not exceed 32 square feet in the R-1 and R-2 Districts and 64 square feet in area in all other districts.

b.

The sign shall be removed within two (2) years of the date of issuance of the building permit or when the building permit has been finalled or expired, whichever is sooner.

5.

Within the B-1, B-2, BPK, and I-1 districts:

a.

One (1) on-site temporary, portable sign may be used for a period of time not to exceed 180 days per calendar year per parcel of record.

i.

Such temporary, portable signs shall not exceed 48 square feet in area and nine (9) feet in height and shall not be placed closer than 10 feet from any street right-of-way or property line.

ii.

Any temporary, portable sign shall require a permit issued by the City to the property owner specifying the duration of time to be displayed.

iii.

No temporary, portable sign shall occupy required parking spaces.

iv.

In the case of multi-tenant structures, one (1) sign may be placed every 150 feet of street frontage rather than one sign per parcel. Each 150 feet is granted 180 days for display.

b.

One (1) A-frame or sandwich board sign per frontage per property may be allowed without a permit and without using the time period allotted for temporary, portable signs provided:

i.

The sign is placed within 15 feet of the entrance of the business.

ii.

The sign shall be placed on private property and may be placed on a private sidewalk provided there is sufficient clearance for pedestrians.

iii.

The sign may not obstruct safety, visibility, or traffic.

iv.

The sign shall not be greater than 45 inches in height, 27 inches in width, or 31 inches in depth

v.

The sign shall be only displayed during business hours.

c.

Banner signs. Banner signs and similar products attached to a building shall be allowed without a permit as follows:

i.

Signage shall be well secured to prevent it from blowing in the wind.

ii.

No more than two (2) signs shall be allowed at any one time.

iii.

Each sign shall be less than 100 square feet in area.

d.

Ground Banner Signs. Banner signs may be allowed on the ground up to 48 square feet in area but each ground banner sign shall count towards one (1) of the two (2) allowed building banner signs and shall conform to all standards set forth for portable temporary signs in Item 5.a above and shall require a permit.

The following signs are permitted in their respective Zoning District:

A.

A-1, A-2, and UR Districts:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

One (1) monument sign per subdivision or development, not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height. The monument sign shall not be placed outside the applicable subdivision or development.

3.

For legally established non-residential uses, one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed 32 square feet and six (6) feet in height, shall be permitted. One (1) wall sign, not to exceed 20 square feet, shall also be permitted. The freestanding sign and wall signage shall be placed on the same premises as the business which it identifies.

B.

RR District:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

One (1) monument sign per subdivision or development, not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height. The monument sign shall not be placed outside the applicable subdivision or development.

3.

For legally established non-residential uses, one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed 32 square feet and six (6) feet in height, shall be permitted. One (1) wall sign, not to exceed twenty (20) square feet, shall also be permitted. The freestanding sign and wall signage shall be placed on the same premises as the business in which it identifies.

C.

R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

One (1) monument sign per subdivision or development, not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height. The monument sign shall not be placed outside the applicable subdivision or development.

3.

For legally established institutional uses, one (1) freestanding sign per street frontage shall be permitted. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in sign area and 10 feet in height. One wall sign, not to exceed 20 square feet in sign area, shall be permitted for each structure.

D.

B-1 District:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

One (1) monument sign per development, not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height shall be permitted. The monument sign shall not be placed outside the applicable subdivision or development.

3.

One (1) freestanding sign per lot is permitted. The total area of the freestanding sign shall not exceed 64 square feet for lots with a lot width of 100 feet or more and 36 square feet for lots with a lot width of less than 100 feet. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 20 feet.

4.

For legally established institutional uses, one (1) freestanding sign per street frontage shall be permitted. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in sign area and 10 feet in height.

5.

One (1) wall sign per street frontage shall be permitted according to the following: The total area of all wall signs on any wall of a building shall not exceed 15 percent of the wall area of that wall when said wall area does not exceed 500 square feet. When said surface area exceeds 500 square feet, provided that the maximum sign area for any wall sign shall be 300 square feet. Wall area shall be computed individually for each tenant in a multi-tenant building based on the exterior wall area of the space that tenant occupies.

6.

One (1) sign displaying electronic, scrolling text-based messages provided that the electronic message board component of any sign is no greater than 40 square feet in area.

7.

One (1) window sign per window provided each sign does not occupy more than 75 percent of the window area.

E.

B-2 and BPK Districts:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

One (1) monument sign per development, not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height, shall be permitted. The monument sign shall not be placed outside the applicable subdivision or development.

3.

One (1) freestanding sign per street frontage is permitted. The total area of a freestanding sign for a building having one street frontage shall not exceed 80 square feet. Where a building site has two (2) or more street frontages, only one (1) freestanding sign of the above size shall be permitted. Each permitted freestanding sign in excess of one (1), shall have a sign area not to exceed 36 square feet. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 25 feet.

4.

For legally established institutional uses, one (1) freestanding sign per street frontage identifying said institution or institutional complex shall be permitted. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in sign area and 10 feet in height.

5.

One (1) wall sign per street frontage shall be permitted according to the following: The total area of all wall signs on any wall of a building shall not exceed 15 percent of the wall area of that wall when said wall area does not exceed 500 square feet. When said surface area exceeds 500 square feet, then the total area of such wall sign shall not exceed 75 square feet plus five (5) percent of the wall area in excess of 500 square feet, provided that the maximum sign area for any wall sign shall be 300 square feet. Wall area shall be computed individually for each tenant in a multi-tenant building based on the exterior wall area of the space that tenant occupies.

6.

One (1) sign displaying electronic, scrolling text-based messages provided that the electronic message board component of any sign is no greater than 40 square feet in area.

7.

One (1) window sign per window provided each sign does not occupy more than 75 percent of the window area.

F.

I-1 District:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

One (1) monument sign per development, not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height. The monument sign shall not be placed outside the applicable subdivision or development.

3.

One (1) freestanding sign per street frontage is permitted. The total area of a freestanding sign for a building having one (1) street frontage shall not exceed 80 square feet. Where a building site has two (2) or more street frontages, only one (1) freestanding sign of the above size shall be permitted. Each permitted freestanding sign in excess of one (1) shall have a sign area not to exceed 36 square feet. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 25 feet.

4.

One (1) wall sign per street frontage shall be permitted according to the following: The total area of all signs on any wall of a building shall not exceed 15 percent of the wall area of that wall when said wall area does not exceed 500 square feet. When said surface area exceeds 500 square feet, then the total area of such wall sign shall not exceed 75 square feet plus five (5) percent of the wall area in excess of 500 square feet, provided that the maximum sign area for any wall sign shall be 300 square feet. Wall area shall be computed individually for each tenant in a multi-tenant building based on the exterior wall area of the space that tenant occupies.

5.

One (1) sign displaying electronic, scrolling text-based messages provided that the electronic message board component of any sign is no greater than 40 square feet in area.

6.

One (1) window sign per window provided each sign does not occupy more than 75 percent of the window area.

G.

I-2 District:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

One (1) monument sign per development, not to exceed 32 square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height, shall be permitted. The monument sign shall not be placed outside the applicable subdivision or development.

3.

One (1) freestanding sign per street frontage is permitted. The total area of a freestanding sign for a building having one street frontage shall not exceed 80 square feet. Where a building site has two (2) or more street frontages, only one (1) freestanding sign of the above size shall be permitted. Each permitted freestanding sign in excess of one (1) shall have a sign area not to exceed 36 square feet. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 25 feet.

4.

One (1) wall sign per street frontage shall be permitted according to the following: The total area of all signs on any wall of a building shall not exceed 15 percent of the wall area of that wall when said wall area does not exceed 500 square feet. When said surface area exceeds 500 square feet, then the total area of such wall sign shall not exceed 75 square feet plus five (5) percent of the wall area in excess of 500 square feet, provided that the maximum sign area for any wall sign shall be 300 square feet. Wall area shall be computed individually for each tenant in a multi-tenant building based on the exterior wall area of the space that tenant occupies.

H.

PUD Districts:

1.

All signs not requiring permits as set forth in this Division.

2.

Signage requirements shall be established at the time the PUD is approved by the City.

(Ord. 319, § 1, 6-20-2023)

All signs within the City shall be subject to the following standards:

A.

Compliance with Building and Electrical Codes. All signs shall be pursuant to the requirements of the State Building Code.

B.

Anchorage Requirements.

1.

No sign shall be suspended by non-rigid attachments that will allow the sign to swing in a wind.

2.

All freestanding signs shall have self-supporting structures permanently attached to concrete foundations.

3.

All portable signs on display shall be braced or secured to prevent motion.

4.

No sign shall be attached to hang from any building until all necessary wall attachments have been approved by the Building Official.

C.

Sign Wind Resistance Requirements.

1.

Solid signs, other than wall signs, shall be designed to withstand a wind load of 17 pounds per square foot on any face, having a height less than 30 feet and to withstand a wind load of 22 pounds per square foot on any surface having a height in excess of 30 feet in height.

2.

Skeleton signs, other than wall signs, shall be designed to withstand a wind load of 17 pounds per square foot on the total face area of the letters and all other sign surfaces less than 30 feet in height and to withstand a wind load of 22 pounds per square foot on all portions in excess of 30 feet in height.

D.

Additional Sign Construction and Placement Requirements.

1.

No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening used as a means of egress.

2.

No sign shall be attached in any form, shape, or manner which will interfere with any opening required for ventilation, except that signs may be erected in front of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of the provisions of the current Building or Fire Codes.

3.

Signs shall be located in such a way as to maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with present Electrical Code specifications.

4.

Lighting shall be directed away from road rights-of-way and adjacent dwellings.

5.

Freestanding signs in all districts shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any public right-of-way measured to any portion of the sign, and a minimum clearance of 10 feet over any vehicular or pedestrian use area. No freestanding sign shall be located within 25 feet of any intersection of street right-of-way lines and/or driveway entrances.

6.

Except as otherwise permitted by this ordinance, no signs other than governmental signs shall be erected or temporarily placed within any right-of-way or upon any public lands or easements.

7.

When a free standing sign or sign structure is constructed so that the sign faces are not back to back, the angle shall not exceed ten degrees. If the angle is greater than 10 degrees, the total area of both sides added together shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for that district.

E.

Maintenance of Signs. All signs shall be maintained by the owner in a safe condition. A sign shall be repainted whenever its paint begins to fade, chip, or discolor.

A.

Application Process. An application for a sign permit shall be made upon forms to be provided by the City. Said form is to be completed and returned to the City and shall include the following information:

1.

The name and address of the applicant: location of the building, structure or lot on which the sign is to be erected, the position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures, the name of the person that will be erecting the sign, and the written consent of the owner of the land if different from the applicant.

2.

A site plan including a drawing of the plans, specifications, and method of construction or attachment to a structure or the ground.

3.

A copy of the stress sheets and calculations, showing that the sign is designed to withstand the required wind load.

4.

A sketch plan showing the signs size, manner of construction, type of sign, construction materials, other signs on the site, and any other information as requested by the City.

5.

Signs that meet the requirements of this Part may be issued by City Staff. Applications for signs that do not meet the requirements of this Part shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the City Council according to the procedures set forth in Part 10-31-00.

B.

Sign Permit Fees. Every applicant shall pay a fee for each sign regulated by this Part, before being granted a permit. Permit fees shall be subject to the following requirements:

1.

The Council shall establish the permit fees on the City's fee schedule.

2.

Any substantial alteration or relocation of a sign shall constitute a new sign, requiring an additional permit fee.

3.

A double fee shall be charged if a sign is erected without first obtaining a permit for such sign. The Council may also require a sign to be removed, altered, or relocated, at the owner's expense, if placed prior to securing the required permit. If the owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the provisions set forth in the Part, within 10 business days following receipt of a letter from the City stating the violations, such signs may be removed by the City, the cost incident thereto being levied as a special assessment against the property upon which the sign is located.

C.

Inspections. All sign installations for which a permit is required, shall be subject to inspection and acceptance by the City.

D.

Revocation of Permit. The City may revoke a sign permit upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with the provisions of this Part. Any party aggrieved by such revocation may appeal the action to the Council, within 10 calendar days after the revocation.

E.

Expiration of Permit. The permit shall expire if the sign is not erected within 180 days after issuance of said permit. No permit fees collected for the sign shall be refunded to the applicant.

F.

Removal of Signs by the City. The City may cause the removal of any illegal sign or any sign not properly maintained in cases of emergency, or after failure to timely comply with written orders for removal or repair. After removal or demolition of a sign, the following conditions shall be in effect:

1.

Written notice shall be mailed to the sign owner and owner of the property where the sign was located stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed. The City shall require payment of the costs associated with the removal, with an additional fifty (50) percent added for inspection, administrative and incidental costs.

2.

If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within 30 days after mailing of the notice, it shall become a lien against the property where the sign was located and shall be certified as an assessment against the property together with 10 percent interest for collection in the same manner as the real estate taxes.

3.

The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the City, as in the case of a leased sign.

4.

For purposes of removal, a sign shall be deemed to include all sign embellishments and structure designed specifically to support the sign.

5.

In the case of an emergency, the City may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice. Signs removed in this manner shall present a hazard to the public safety as defined by the State Building Code.

Any sign legally existing on the effective date of this Part which does not conform to the requirements set forth in this Part shall become a non-conforming sign. No non-conforming sign shall be enlarged or altered in such a fashion that increases its non-conformity. Non-conforming signs shall be subject to the requirements of Part 10-15-00 of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 319, § 2, 6-20-2023)

Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted.

If any section, subsection, clause, or phrase of this Division is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Division. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the sign ordinance in each section, subsection, sentence, or phase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.