The purpose of this article is to promote health, safety, general welfare and order within the city through the establishment of a comprehensive and impartial series of standards, regulations and procedures governing the type, numbers, size, structure, location, height, lighting, use and/or display of devices, signs or symbols serving as a visual communication media to persons situated within or upon public rights-of-way or properties. With this purpose in mind, it is the intention of this article to authorize signs, which are:

(1)

Compatible with their surroundings.

(2)

Appropriate to the activity to which they pertain.

(3)

Expressive to the identity of the individual properties or the community as a whole.

(4)

Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen.

(5)

Safely located with respect to passing vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

(6)

It is further the intent of this article to prohibit signs which:

a.

Prevent or inhibit adequate light, air or ventilation.

b.

Inhibit the safety of vehicular or pedestrian traffic by actual physical or visual impairment or obstruction.

c.

Distract from the aesthetics of the location, area and community as a whole.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-140)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned sign means a sign which no longer correctly advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product available on the premises when the sign is displayed or elsewhere.

Area of copy means the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles, which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement or decoration of a wall sign.

Area of sign means the area of the largest single face of the sign within a perimeter which forms the outside shape, but excluding the necessary supports or upright on which the signs may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. Any irregular-shaped sign area shall be computed using the actual sign face surface. In the case of wall signs, the area of copy will be used.

Billboard. See Off-premises signs.

Bulletin board and identification signs means bulletin boards and identification signs for churches, schools and other permitted institutions and nonprofit organizations not exceeding 24 square feet; one per zoning lot on which such use is located. Such sign shall be located entirely within the property line of the use.

Canopy sign means any sign attached to or constructed in, on or under a canopy or marquee.

Changeable message sign means a sign such as a manual, electronic or electric controlled time and temperature sign, message center or reader board, whether electronic, electric or manual, where copy changes.

Copy area means the geometric area in square feet that encloses the actual copy of the sign.

Directional sign means any sign which serves to designate the location or direction of any place or area. This includes, but is not limited to, such signs as those identifying restrooms, telephones, parking areas, entrance signs and exits.

Directory sign means a group of signs that are put together to make one larger sign.

Double-faced sign means a sign with copy on two parallel faces that are back-to-back, facing in opposite directions.

Electric sign means any sign containing internal electrical wiring, which is attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.

Electronic message unit sign means any sign whose message may be changed by electronic process, including such messages as copy, art graphics, time, date, temperature, weather or information concerning civic, charitable or the advertising of products or services for sale on the premises. This also includes traveling or segmented message displays.

Flashing sign means any sign, which contains an intermittent, or flashing light source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source, not including changeable message signs.

Frontage means the length of the property line of any one premises parallel to and along each public right-of-way it borders.

Grade means the elevation or level of the street closest to the sign to which reference is made, measured at the street's centerline.

Ground sign means a sign erected on one or more freestanding supports or uprights and not attached to any building.

Gross area means the area of a sign determined by using the outside perimeter dimensions of the sign. If the sign consists of more than one module or section, their areas will be totaled. If the modules are formed in the shape of letters or symbols, the rules for area of copy apply.

Height of sign means the vertical distance measured from the grade at the street right-of-way line where the sign is located to the highest point of such sign.

Illuminated sign means a sign that is lighted by an artificial light source either directed upon it or illuminated from an interior source.

Integrated shopping center means a shopping center in single ownership or under unified control and containing three or more separate businesses.

Legal nonconforming sign means a nonconforming sign that did meet regulations when it was originally installed.

Nonconforming sign means a sign that does not meet article regulations.

Occasional sales means yard, attic or garage sales by private resident owner that consist of the isolated or sporadic sales of tangible or personal property of such infrequency as to not require a seller's permit from the city, state, or other agency.

Off-premises sign means a sign which advertises goods, products, facilities or services not necessarily on the premises where the sign is located, or directs persons to a different location from which the sign is located.

On-premises sign means any sign identifying or advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products or services located on a premises where the sign is installed and maintained.

Portable sign means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building.

Projecting sign means a sign, nominally double-faced, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building fascia.

Roof sign means a sign erected upon, against or above a roof.

Sign means any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, design, identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, to advertise, identify, convey information or direct attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.

Sign contractor means any person, partnership or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the erection or maintenance of signs, excluding the business which the sign advertises.

Sign structure means any device or material, which supports, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign in a stationary position, including decorative covers.

Swinging sign means a sign installed on an arm or mast or spar that is not, in addition, permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.

Wall sign means a sign attached to the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane to the plane of the building wall. This includes signs painted directly on a wall.

Window sign means a sign installed on a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises.

Zoning lot means a parcel of land considered or treated as a single unit. A zoning lot may or may not correspond with a lot of record.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-141; Ord. of 10-2-07)

Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

(a)

Violations or failure to comply with the provisions of this article shall be and are declared to be unlawful.

(b)

Any sign erected, altered, moved or structurally modified without a permit or altered with a permit but in violation with the provisions of this article shall be removed at the owner's expense and brought into compliance within 30 days of written notification by the building inspector. If the violation is failure to obtain a permit, a permit fee shall be required, and the permit fee shall be five times normal fees. If the owner does not remove or bring the sign into compliance, the building inspector may order removal, the expense of which will be assessed to the tax roll of the property on which the noncomplying sign is located.

(c)

This section shall not preclude the city from maintaining any appropriate action to prevent or remove a violation of this article.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-142(h))

The building inspector is designated as the administrative and enforcement officer for the provisions of this article. The building inspector shall examine all applications for permits for the erection of signs, issue permits and denials, authorize the continued use of signs which conform with the requirements of this article, record and file all applications for permits with any accompanying plans and documents, make inspections of signs in the city and make such reports as the city may require.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-145)

The following signs shall be prohibited within the city:

(1)

Abandoned signs. Abandoned signs are prohibited.

(2)

Flashing or moving signs. Flashing signs are prohibited. Changeable message signs are not subject to this restriction. Signs with physically moving components visible from the public right-of-way are not permitted except for those which do not revolve.

(3)

Swinging signs. Swinging signs are prohibited.

(4)

Floodlighted and illuminated signs. Signs may be floodlighted or illuminated, subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Signs which are not effectively shielded to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways of a public right-of-way and which are of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle are prohibited.

b.

Signs which are not effectively shielded to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any residential property and which are of such intensity or brilliance to cause a public nuisance are prohibited.

c.

No sign shall be so floodlighted or illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures an official traffic sign, device and signal.

(5)

Unclassified signs. The following signs are prohibited which:

a.

Bear or contain statements, words or pictures of obscene, pornographic or immoral subjects.

b.

Signs, which are an imitation of, or resemble in shape, size, copy or color an official traffic sign or signal.

(6)

Signs causing obstruction. Any sign erected, constructed or maintained to obstruct or to be attached to any fire escape, window, door or opening used as means of ingress or egress, or for firefighting purposes, or placed to interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation, is prohibited.

(7)

Signs at intersections. No sign, portable sign or advertising devise shall be erected or maintained at the intersection of streets in such a manner as to obstruct vision of the intersection.

(8)

Signs or other obstructions on public right-of-way. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect a sign or other obstruction on public right-of-way without the express written permission of the Spooner City Council for any purpose, including attempting to regulate parking on a public street, it shall also be unlawful for any person to erect any sign or other obstruction on utility poles, street lights, street signs or any other supporting structure in or marking any public right-of-way.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-146; Ord. of 1-5-2016)

(a)

Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge or structurally modify a sign or cause the same to be done in the city without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the building inspector as required by this article. Permits shall not be required for a change of copy of any sign, nor for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of the sign and sign structure.

(b)

Application. Applications for a permit shall be filed with the building inspector upon forms provided by the building inspector and shall contain the following information:

(1)

The name, address and telephone number of the sign owner, the property owner where the sign is or will be located and the sign contractor of the proposed sign. In cases where the sign is located on another person's property a copy of permission, in writing, to place the sign is required.

(2)

Clear and legible drawings with a description and nominal dimensions of the proposed sign, the construction, size, dimensions and kind of materials to be used in such structure. The site plan shall show the buildings on the premises upon which the structure is to be erected and maintained together with locations, setbacks, size and types of existing signs on the premises where the proposed sign is to be located. All dimensions shall be indicated for the sign and the site plan elements.

(3)

Calculations or evidence showing that the structure and design meets the requirements of this article for wind pressure load.

(4)

Evidence of liability, insurance policy or bond as required in this section.

(5)

Such other information as the building inspector may require showing full compliance with this and all other applicable law.

(6)

Signature of the applicant.

(7)

Check for all required fees.

(c)

Fees.

(1)

Application for a sign permit shall be filed with the building inspector together with the minimum permit fee. The minimum fee for a permit, exclusive of any electrical permits, shall be $25.00 or as set by the council from time to time, for any sign four square feet or less. The minimum fee for a permit, exclusive of any electrical permits, shall be $50.00 or as set by the council from time to time, for any sign over four square feet.

(2)

The fee for off-premises signs shall be calculated on the basis of $0.50 per square foot, or as set by the council from time to time, based on the total area of the sign.

(3)

Illuminated sign electrical inspection fee is $25.00 or as set by the council from time to time, for each sign when installed by anyone other than a licensed electrician. The building inspector shall inspect the sign for compliance.

(4)

Signs installed without a permit are subject to provisions under section 86-763.

(d)

Issuance and denial. The building inspector shall issue a permit for the erection, structural alteration, enlargement or relocation of a sign within the city when the permit application is properly made, all application fees have been paid and the sign complies with the appropriate laws and regulations of the city. If the building inspector denies the sign permit, he shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief statement of the reasons for the denial, along with the return of all permit fees and papers.

(e)

Appeal.

(1)

If any of the requirements contained in this section cause undue or unnecessary hardship on any person, a variance from such requirements may be applied for to the board of appeals. An application for variance must be made within ten days after receipt of notice that the sign involved does not conform to this article. If the appeal is not made in writing to the appeals board within such ten-day period, a variance shall not be granted. The board of appeals is to take action on any variance request within 60 days of receipt of the variance application. The building inspector shall comply with and enforce the board of appeals' decision.

(2)

The building inspector's failure to either formally grant or deny a sign permit within 15 days of the date an application meeting the requirements of this article is filed shall be cause for appeal to the board of appeals.

(f)

Indemnification required. All persons engaged in the business of installing or maintaining signs which involves in whole or in part the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance of a sign or other sign work in, over or immediately adjacent to a public right-of-way or public property, when such property is used or encroached upon, shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify the city, its officers, agents and employees, from any and all claims of negligence resulting from the erection, alteration, relocation or maintenance of this sign or any other sign work insofar as this article has not specifically directed the placement of the sign.

(g)

Insurance required. Every sign contractor shall file with the building inspector a certificate of insurance indicating the applicant holds a public liability and property damage policy specifically to include the hold harmless with bodily injury limits set by the council from time to time per occurrence, and aggregate, and property damage insurance aggregate. Such insurance shall not be cancelled or reduced without the insurer first giving 30 days' notice in writing to the city of such cancellation or reduction.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-142(a)—(g); Ord. of 3-2-2004(1), § 13-1-142(c); Amd. of 8-1-2023(1))

(a)

Notification. Upon determination that a sign is nonconforming, the building inspector shall use reasonable efforts to so notify, either personally or in writing, the user or owner of the property on which the sign is located of the following:

(1)

The sign's nonconformity.

(2)

Whether the sign is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign or is unlawful.

(b)

Signs eligible for characterization as legal nonconforming. Any sign located within the city limits from the date of adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived, or located in an area annexed to the city hereafter which does not conform with the provisions of this article is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted, provided that it also meets the following requirements:

(1)

The sign was covered by a proper sign permit prior to the date of adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived.

(2)

No permit was required under applicable law for the sign in question and the sign was, in all respects, in compliance with applicable law on the date of adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived.

(c)

Loss of legal nonconforming status. A sign loses its nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:

(1)

The sign is structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with requirements of this article than it was before alteration.

(2)

The sign is relocated.

(3)

The sign fails to conform to this article's regulations regarding maintenance and repair, abandonment or dangerous or defective signs.

(4)

The sign is destroyed by any means to the extent of more than 50 percent of its fair market value.

(5)

On the date of occurrence of any of the provisions of this subsection (c), the sign shall be immediately brought in compliance with this article with a new permit secured therefor or shall be removed.

(d)

Legal nonconforming sign maintenance and repair. Nothing in this article shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property in which the sign is located from the provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-143)

(a)

Construction signs. Two construction signs per construction site, not exceeding 100 square feet in area each, shall be confined to the site of construction and shall be removed 30 days after completion of construction or prior to occupancy, whichever is sooner.

(b)

Direction and instructional nonelectric signs. Direction and instructional nonelectric signs, which provide instruction or direction and are located entirely on a property which they pertain and do not exceed eight square feet each in area and do not in any way advertise a business. This includes, but is not limited to, such signs as those identifying restrooms, telephone, parking areas, entrances and exits.

(c)

Nonilluminated emblems or insignia of any national or political subdivision, profit or nonprofit organization. Nonilluminated emblems or insignia of any national or political subdivision, profit or nonprofit organization do not require a permit.

(d)

Government signs. Government signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, public signs and signs of public utilities including danger and aids to service and safety which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his public duty.

(e)

Home occupation signs. Signs associated with a home occupation, provided that such signs are nonilluminated wall signs that do not exceed four square feet in area.

(f)

House numbers and nameplates. House numbers and nameplates not exceeding one square foot in area for each residential, commercial or industrial building.

(g)

Interior signs. Signs located within the interior of any building or structure which are not visible from the public right-of-way. This does not, however, exempt such signs from the structural, electrical or material specifications of this article.

(h)

Memorial signs and plaques. Memorial signs or plaques, names of buildings and date of erection, which are cut into masonry surface or inlaid to be part of a building or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material not more than four square feet in area.

(i)

No trespassing or no dumping signs. "No dumping" and "no trespassing" signs not to exceed 1½ square feet in area per sign.

(j)

Public notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties.

(k)

Public signs. Signs required as specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.

(l)

Political and campaign signs. Political and campaign signs on behalf of candidates for public office or measures or otherwise bearing a political message on election ballots, provided that such signs are subject to the following regulations:

(1)

Such signs may be erected no earlier than 90 days prior to the primary election and shall be removed within seven days following the general election.

(2)

Each sign shall not exceed 11 square feet.

(3)

No sign shall be located within 15 feet of the public right-of-way or over the right-of-way at street intersections.

(4)

"Political message" means a message intended for a political purpose or a message which pertains to an issue of public policy of possible concern to the electorate, but does not include a message intended solely for a commercial purpose.

(m)

Real estate signs. One real estate sales sign on any lot or parcel, provided that such sign is located entirely within the property to which the sign applies and is not directly illuminated:

(1)

In residential districts and the commercial business district, such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days after the sale, rental or lease has been accomplished.

(2)

In all other districts, such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days after the sale, rental or lease has been accomplished.

(n)

On-premises symbols or insignia. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques or recognized historic agencies or identification emblems of religious orders or historic agencies.

(o)

On-premises temporary signs. Temporary signs not exceeding four square feet in area pertaining to drives or events of civic, philanthropic, education, religious organizations, provided that such signs are posted not more than 30 days before or after the event.

(p)

Vehicular signs. Truck, bus, trailer or other vehicles, while operating in the nominal course of business, which is not primarily the display of signs.

(q)

Occasional sales signs. No permit shall be required for occasional signs which are no more than 30 inches in height and no more than 36 inches in width. Said signs shall be free standing and shall not be attached in any way to poles of street lights, street signs, utility, or any other supporting structure in or marking any public right-of-way. Signs shall be placed in a manner not to impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic or parking, visual corridors of streets and alleys. All such occasional sale signs shall bear the name and address of the person(s) holding such an occasional sale and the signs shall be removed at the close of sale. Anyone placing occasional sale signs should comply with any other agencies laws, rules, or other regulations.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-147; Ord. of 10-2-07; Res. No. 10-08, 2-23-2010; Res. No. 10-13, 3-30-2010; Ord. of 2-3-2015(3))

(a)

Every sign or advertising structure erected after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall have marked in a conspicuous place thereon the date of erection, the manufacturer's name, the permit number and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection therewith.

(b)

All signs shall comply with the provisions of chapter 14 of this Code and the current Wisconsin Administrative Code and the additional construction standards set forth in this section.

(c)

All ground and roof sign structures shall be self-supporting structures and permanently attached to sufficient foundations.

(d)

Electrical service to and/or around signs shall be concealed wherever possible.

(e)

All signs, except those attached flat against the wall of a building and those signs of which no portion exceeds a height of three feet and no greater than nine square feet in area, shall be constructed to withstand wind loads as follows, with correct engineering adjustments for the height of the sign above grade:

(1)

For solid signs, 30 pounds per square foot on the largest face of the sign and structure.

(2)

For skeleton signs, 30 pounds per square foot on the total face cover of the letters and other sign surfaces or ten pounds per square foot of the gross area of the sign as determined by the overall dimensions of the sign, whichever is greater.

(f)

No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing due to wind action. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that could cause wear on supporting members or connections.

(g)

Supports and braces shall be an integral part of the sign design. Angle irons, chain or wires used for supports or braces shall be hidden from public view to the extent technically feasible.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-148)

(a)

A ground sign, any part of which is closer than 15 feet to the right-of-way, shall have a minimum vertical distance of ten feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade at the right-of-way line or shall not be more than three feet in height.

(b)

Any ground sign or projecting sign within 25 feet of an intersection or 15 feet of a driveway, measured from the point of intersection with a right-of-way, shall maintain a minimum of ten feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade at the right-of-way line or shall not be more than three feet in height.

(c)

All projecting and canopy signs shall maintain a minimum vertical distance between the bottom of the sign and the grade at the right-of-way line of ten feet. There shall be only one sign, not to exceed five square feet, for each business.

(d)

Projecting signs may extend not further than six feet from the building to which they are attached.

(e)

No sign may extend closer than one foot from the vertical plane of the street right-of-way.

(f)

Roof signs shall not exceed ten feet in height above the roof and shall meet all yard and height requirements for the district in which it is located.

(g)

Any sign location that is accessible to vehicles shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 16 feet.

(h)

No sign facing a residential district shall be closer than 25 feet to that district line.

(i)

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of buildings shall not extend more than 18 inches outside of a building's wall surface.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-149)

(a)

Subdivision development signs. The building inspector may issue a special permit for a temporary sign in any zone in connection with the marketing of lots or structures in a subdivision, subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

Such permits may be issued for a period of not more than one year and may be reviewed for additional periods of up to one year and upon written application at least 30 days prior to its expiration.

(2)

Signs as used in this section refer to all types of signs except those excepted or prohibited by this article.

(3)

The sign must be located on the property being developed and must comply with all applicable building setback requirements.

(4)

The sign may not exceed 80 square feet.

(5)

One sign is allowed for each major street adjacent to the subdivision.

(b)

Banners and pennants.

(1)

General banner/pennant standards. Banners and pennants shall not be used on a permanent basis. They may be permitted as a special promotion in a commercial or industrial establishment for a total period not to exceed 30 days and will be allowed in residential zones in conjunction with an open house or model home demonstration conducted by a realtor and not to exceed a total period of 30 days. A special permit must first be obtained from the building inspector.

(2)

Over-the-street banners. Unlighted special event banners not exceeding 200 square feet in area are permissible over a street carriageway by special permit from the common council after presentation of proof of insurance along with installation specifications. These banners are to be put up by city utilities.

(c)

Portable signs.

(1)

Permit. Any person wishing to place a portable sign on his premises or the premises of another shall first obtain a permit from the building inspector. Permits shall be issued for a period not to exceed 60 days in any calendar year. Any sign remaining on the premises for more than 60 days in any calendar year shall be deemed to be a permanent sign and shall meet all requirements for a permanent sign.

(2)

Size. No portable sign shall exceed 32 square feet and no portable sign shall be over seven feet in height from grade level.

(3)

Setback. All portable signs shall have a minimum setback from the front property line of ten feet or an additional setback as deemed necessary by the building inspector for the safe flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

(d)

Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs are permitted in the C-1, A-1, A industrial and B industrial zoning districts, subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

Spacing. Off-premises signs on the same side of the street shall not be placed closer together than 300 feet.

(2)

Size restriction. The maximum size allowed for an off-premises sign is 120 square feet.

(3)

Height restriction. No off-premises sign shall exceed 35 feet in height.

(4)

Setbacks. No part of an off-premises sign shall be closer than one foot from the vertical plane of the street right-of-way.

(5)

Exclusionary areas. No off-premises sign shall be erected within 150 feet of a residential or conservancy district or public park.

(6)

Directory signs. A group of signs that are combined to make one larger sign are permitted in these districts.

(7)

"V" signs are not allowed as off-premises signs.

(e)

Integrated shopping center. For integrated shopping centers in single ownership or under unified control and containing several businesses, the following regulations shall apply:

(1)

Number. Each business or office shall be eligible for one attached sign. The area of such sign shall not exceed, in square feet, two times the lineal front footage of the business or office.

(2)

Ground signs. One ground sign for shopping center identification with the height limitation of 30 feet is permitted. If the shopping center is on a corner, either one corner sign or two signs, one on each street, is permitted. If two signs are installed, they must be placed at least 200 feet from the lot corner at the intersection. The area of such sign shall not exceed, in square footage, the lineal front footage of the lot or 300 square feet, whichever is less. No sign shall be closer than ten feet to a property line unless the adjacent property is a residential district, in which case the sign shall be set back 25 feet.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-150; Amd. of 9-6-2011(3))

The following signs are allowable, provided that a permit is acquired from the building inspector:

(1)

R-1, R-2, R-3 districts. No signs are allowed except for those provided in section 86-768.

(2)

C-1 district. In the C-1 district, signs shall be regulated as follows:

a.

Permitted signs. Wall, window, marquee, canopy, awning, projecting, ground directional, directory and roof signs and one off-premises sign.

b.

Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs shall not exceed four times the lineal front footage of the zoning lot; however, the gross surface area of illuminated signs shall not exceed two times the lineal front footage of the zoning lot.

c.

Ground signs.

1.

The area of a ground sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in gross area except as provided under subsection 86-771(e). Only one on-premises ground sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of the zoning lot. The sign shall not be higher than 30 feet above grade.

2.

"V" signs permitted if sign is set back minimum 100 feet from edge of traveled roadway.

d.

Projecting signs. Projecting signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area for any one premises and shall not exceed a height of 20 feet above grade.

e.

Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs shall be permitted in conformance with subsection 86-771(d).

(3)

A and B industrial districts. In the A and B industrial districts, signs shall be regulated as follows:

a.

Permitted signs. Wall, window, marquee, canopy, awning, projecting, directional, ground directory and roof signs and one off-premises sign.

b.

Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs shall not exceed four times the lineal front footage of the zoning lot; however, the gross surface area of illuminated signs shall not exceed two times the lineal front footage of the zoning lot.

c.

Ground signs. The area of a ground sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in gross area. Only one on-premises ground sign shall be permitted for each street frontage on the zoning lot. No ground sign shall project higher than 35 feet above grade.

d.

Projecting signs. Projecting signs shall not exceed 80 square feet in area for any one premises, and shall not exceed a height of 30 feet above grade.

e.

Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs shall be permitted in conformance with subsection 86-771(d).

(Code 1994, § 13-1-151; Amd. of 9-6-2011(3))

(a)

Maintenance and repair.

(1)

Every sign including, but not limited to those signs for which permits are required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, painting (except when a weathered or natural surface is intended), repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of such sign.

(2)

The building inspector shall require compliance with all standards of this article. If the sign is not modified to comply with safety standards outlined in this article, the building inspector shall require its removal in accordance with this article.

(b)

Abandoned signs. The owner or lessee shall remove all signs or sign messages off the premises when the business it advertises is no longer conducted. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the building inspector shall give the owner 60 days' written notice to remove such sign. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the city may cause removal to be executed, the expenses of which will be assessed to the tax roll of the property on which the abandoned sign is located.

(c)

Deteriorated or dilapidated signs. The building inspector shall cause to be removed any deteriorated or dilapidated signs under the provisions of Wis. Stats. § 66.0413.

(Code 1994, § 13-1-144)