(A)   Reduce intrusions and protect property values;

   (B)   Minimize undue distractions to the motoring public;

   (C)   Protect the tourist industry by promoting a pleasing community image; and

   (D)   Enhance and strengthen economic stability.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

   ABANDONED SIGN. Signage that has been neglected and fallen into disrepair.

   ATTRACTION BOARD. Copy is changed manually or electronically on a regular basis.

   AWNING SIGN. Applied directly to the surface of an awning; defined as a shelter supported entirely on a wall and made of non-rigid material supported by a frame.

   BANNER SIGN. Made of non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.

   BILLBOARD. Signage intended for lease to a variety of businesses, organizations, and/or individuals. In such case, the sign itself is the income generator and the primary commercial use of the property.

   BULLETIN BOARD. Allows the manual or electronic change of copy and is used to notify the public of noncommercial events or occurrences, such as church services, political rallies, civic meetings, or similar events.

   CANOPY SIGN. Applied directly to the surface of a canopy; defined as a permanently roofed shelter covering a sidewalk, driveway, or similar area.

   DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. Two faces either set parallel or up to a 45 degree angle. Any two faces set at an angle greater than 45 degrees shall be considered two separate signs.

   ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM. Copy which uses rotating reflective discs, direct illumination, rotating veins, light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal diodes (LCDs), or other digital devices and is changed by a central computer.

   FARM. A tract of at least ten contiguous acres used for the production of agricultural or horticultural crops. Agricultural and horticultural crops shall be defined as, but not limited to, livestock, livestock products, poultry, poultry products, grain, hay, pastures, soybeans, tobacco, timber, orchard fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, vineyards, and wineries.

   FLASHING or BLINKING. Intermittent or sequential illuminations for the purpose of attracting attention to the sign.

   FREESTANDING SIGN. Attached to the ground by columns, poles, braces, or other means and not attached to any building.

   GOVERNMENT SIGN. Temporary or permanent, erected by government employees or officers in performance of their elected or professional duties.

   HANDBILL. Printed or written material, circular, leaflet, pamphlet, or booklet designed for distribution on vehicles or other property, excluding postal distribution, which advertises merchandise, commodities or services.

   ILLEGAL SIGN. Does not meet the requirements of this chapter and has not been identified as a legal, nonconforming sign.

   ILLUMINATED SIGN. Emits or reflects artificial light from any source, whether directly illuminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.

   INCIDENTAL SIGN. Not exceeding two square feet in area.

   MARQUEE SIGN. Used in conjunction with a theatre, is attached to the building, and projects from the building.

   MENU BOARD. Freestanding signs placed at properties where there is a drive-thru lane, walk up window, or drive up curbside.

   MOBILE SIGN. Affixed to a frame having wheels or capable of being moved. Removal of wheels or temporary securing of a sign of this type shall not prevent it from being classified as a mobile sign, including signage placed in a truck bed, a trailer pulled behind a vehicle.

   MONUMENT SIGN. Attached to a permanent foundation or decorative base and not attached to or dependent for support from any building, pole, post, or other upright.

   NONCONFORMING SIGN. Legally erected but does not comply with the current regulations for the zone in which it is located.

   NON-ILLUMINATED SIGN. Does not emit or reflect artificial light from any source.

   PORTABLE SIGN. Small sign, easily transported by hand, placed outside during business hours and brought into the business after hours, usually tent style or A-frame.

   PROJECTING SIGN. Attached to a building, extends more than 24 inches.

   ROOF SIGN. Projects above the cornice of a flat roof or the ridgeline of a gabled or hipped roof.

   ROTATING OR MOVING SIGN. Any portion of which moves by mechanical means or the wind; does not refer to changing copy with an electronic message display system.

   SIGN. Any copy, including material used to differentiate the copy from the background, which is applied to a surface as a means of identifying, advertising, announcing, or illustrating products, services, and/or events.

   SIGN CLEARANCE. The vertical distance between the lowest point of any sign and the grade at the base of the sign.

   SIGN COPY. Any word, figure, number, symbol, or emblem affixed to a sign.

   SIGN HEIGHT. The vertical distance between the highest point of the sign, including the frame and any embellishments, to the bottom of the base of the sign.

   SIGN SETBACK. The horizontal distance between any street right-of-way and a sign. The measurement shall be taken at the closest point between the right-of-way and any part of the sign.

   SIGN SURFACE. The part of the sign on which the message is displayed.

   SQUARE FOOT. A unit of area equal to one foot, by one foot, square.

   STREET FRONTAGE. Property line that lies adjacent to street right-of-way.

   TEMPORARY SIGN. A banner, pennant, poster, or advertising display constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard, wallboard, plywood, or other like material and that appears to be intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.

   VEHICLE SIGNAGE. Signage painted directly on a vehicle or attached magnetically.

   WALL SIGN. Attached directly to a building; includes mansards, canopies, awnings, and signs attached to a roof which do not project above the roofline.

   WINDOW DISPLAY. Merchandise or other objects placed inside a building to be viewed from outside the building.

   WINDOW SIGN. Attached to or located within three feet of the interior of a window and which can be seen through the window from the exterior of the structure.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

   (A)   Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the property upon which they are located;

   (B)   Government signs that are placed by government officers in the performance of their professional or elected or appointed duties;

   (C)   Temporary or permanent signs erected by public utility companies or construction companies in the performance of their professional duties;

   (D)   Vehicle signage when painted directly on a vehicle or attached magnetically;

   (E)   Temporary signage of 16 square feet or smaller placed on or after April 1 and removed by June 4, of the same year. Temporary signage of 16 square feet or smaller placed on or after September 15 and removed on or before November 30, of the same year.

   (F)   Temporary signs for a new business for up to 30 consecutive days from the first day of business. Exempt signage shall only be displayed on the property where the new business is located;

   (G)   Signage placed by realtors in the performance of their professional duties; and

   (H)   Window signage.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

   (B)   Property owners shall obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for signage proposed within the Historic District Overlay (HDO). Applications shall be available in the Code Enforcement Officer’s office.

   (C)   Signs shall only be erected or constructed in compliance with the approved permit.

   (D)   Applicants shall obtain a building permit for the footer of freestanding and monument signs. Final inspections for building permits require a minimum notice of 24 hours to the City Building Inspector and/or the State Electrical Inspector.

   (E)   Signs permitted as an accessory to a legal, nonconforming use shall be subject to the regulations of the zone in which the nonconforming use is located.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021) Penalty, see § 152.999

   (A)   Incidental signs;

   (B)   Historic markers; and

   (C)   Change or copy on any sign where the framework or other structural elements are not altered.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

   (B)   These provisions shall not prevent the repair or restoration to a safe condition of any sign, but a nonconforming sign shall not be:

      (1)   Changed to another nonconforming sign except where only the face or copy is changed;

      (2)   Structurally altered so as to increase the degree of nonconformity of the sign;

      (3)   Expanded or enlarged;

      (4)   Reestablished after its removal; or

      (5)   Moved to a new location on the building or lot.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021) Penalty, see § 152.999

   (B)   All illegal signs may be removed by the Code Enforcement Officer, and will be stored for 30 days. Signs may be picked up at city hall Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If not claimed within 30 days, the signs will be disposed of by the Code Enforcement Officer.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

   (A)   Illuminated signs shall be located in a fashion which prevents all direct rays of light from shining beyond the property lines of the lot on which the sign is located.

   (B)   No light, sign, or other advertising device shall be designed or erected to imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal, or device or use any words, phrases, symbols, or characters implying the existence of danger, or the need to stop or maneuver the vehicle.

   (C)   No sign shall be attached to or painted on the surface of any tree, utility pole, street light or street sign.

   (D)   Projecting signs shall have at least seven feet of clearance above a road or sidewalk.

   (E)   Neon or other lighted tubing signs shall not be permitted, except where such lighting is used behind solid lettering to produce a halo effect, or where it is used indirectly. Neon lighting shall not be used to outline buildings, structures, or ornamental features.

   (F)   No sign, except for governmental signs, shall be located within the sight triangle of any intersection.

   (G)   No sign shall be placed in or project into the public or private street right-of-way, except as specifically permitted, herein.

   (H)   Freestanding, monument and projecting face sign area shall be computed as follows.

      (1)   Double-faced signs shall have only one face counted in calculating the area.

      (2)   Signs with more than two faces shall have the area calculated by summing the area of all sign faces and dividing by two.

      (3)   The area enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet shall be calculated to determine the area.

      (4)   The perimeter of the measureable area shall not include embellishments (such as, pole covers, framing, or decorative roofing); provided there is no written copy on such embellishments.

      (5)   Maximum height shall be measured from the finished grade at the center of the sign and shall include the sign’s base.

   (I)   Every sign, including those for which a permit is not required, shall be maintained in good condition at all times.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021) Penalty, see § 152.999

   (A)   Mobile signs;

   (B)   Roof signs that extend higher than the top of the roof;

   (C)   Rotating or moving signs;

   (D)   Abandoned signs;

   (E)   Streamers, pennants, and tag signs or similar signs or devices, except when attached to a permitted temporary sign;

   (F)   Any sign which emits any noise or odor;

   (G)   Freestanding signs which overhang any part of a building;

   (H)   Flashing or blinking signs;

   (I)   Billboards with an electronic message display system;

   (J)   Signs in a public right-of-way;

   (K)   Handbills;

   (L)   Signs advertising alcohol sales within 100 feet of any school or church;

   (M)   No new billboards are to be erected. All existing billboards shall be maintained in like new condition or removed.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021) Penalty, see § 152.999

   (B)   Only the Board of Zoning Adjustments shall have the authority to approve sign variances or conditional use permits for signs, unless the request is made to the Planning Commission in conjunction with a development plan. Applications for sign variances or conditional use permits shall be governed by the zoning ordinance provisions for variances and conditional use permits.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021) Penalty, see § 152.999

      (1)   On the front of every building, residence or structure;

      (2)   On each side of an authorized U.S. Postal Service mailbox; and

      (3)   On one post which measures no more than 48 inches in height and four inches in width.

   (B)   Farm.

      (1)   Two signs per entrance if incorporated into a fence or wall feature, or one freestanding sign per entrance. Signs shall not 32 square feet in area each.

      (2)   Incidental signs, which shall not exceed two square feet in area nor require sign permits.

   (C)   Buildings used for religious or educational activities.

      (1)   One freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (2)   One bulletin board, not exceeding 12 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (3)   One small sign per building not exceeding 32 square feet in area.

      (4)   Incidental signs, which shall not exceed two square feet in area and do not require sign permits.

   (D)   All other conditional uses. One freestanding sign for any other permitted or conditional use not noted, herein; signage shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

      (1)   One nameplate wall sign not exceeding one square foot in area. One wall sign not exceeding one square foot in area.

      (2)   Every parcel shall be entitled to one sign not exceeding 36 square inches in area to be placed in any of the following locations:

         (a)   On the front of every building, residence or structure;

         (b)   On each side of an authorized U.S. Postal Service mailbox and four inches in width; or

         (c)   On one post which measures no more than 48 inches in height and four inches in width.

   (B)   Home occupation. One wall sign not exceeding six square feet in area.

   (C)   Subdivision. One freestanding sign per entrance into the subdivision not to exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

   (D)   Buildings used for religious or educational activities.

      (1)   One freestanding sign that shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (2)   One wall sign that shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

      (3)   One bulletin board that shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (4)   Incidental signs which shall not exceed two square feet in area nor require sign permits.

   (E)   All other conditional uses.

      (1)   One freestanding sign that shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (2)   One wall sign that shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

      (3)   Incidental signs which shall not exceed two square feet in area nor require sign permits.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

   (B)   Multi-family residence. Multi-family residential buildings and conditional uses may have:

      (1)   One freestanding sign that shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height and shall have a front yard setback of 20 feet;

      (2)   One wall sign that shall not exceed 12 square feet in area; and

      (3)   Incidental signs, which shall not exceed two square feet in area nor require sign permits.

   (C)   Buildings used for religious or educational activities.

      (1)   One freestanding sign that shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (2)   One wall sign per building that shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

      (3)   One bulletin board that shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (4)   Incidental signs, which shall not exceed two square feet in area nor require sign permits.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

      (1)   Freestanding signs shall not exceed 75 square feet in area, 25 feet in height, and shall have a minimum setback of ten feet. When street frontage permits two signs, the two freestanding signs may be combined into one freestanding sign that shall not exceed 110 square feet in area. For buildings with more than one occupying business, this freestanding sign may list all businesses within the building.

      (2)   Monument signs shall not exceed 60 square feet in area, eight feet in height, and shall have a minimum setback of ten feet.

   (B)   One wall sign, canopy sign or awning sign per street frontage with a maximum of two signs per building. The maximum allowed area for all signage in this category is 32 square feet or 15% of the wall area to which the sign, canopy or awning is attached, whichever is greater. Awnings shall have at least seven feet of clearance when fully extended. When a building contains two or more separate businesses, these requirements shall be applied separately to the wall area of the portion of the building occupied by the individual business.

   (C)   One wall sign per tenant or lessee not exceeding two square feet in area.

   (D)   One attraction board, either attached to the wall or attached to the permitted freestanding sign, not to exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

   (E)   One menu board for every property that includes a drive-thru lane, walk-up window or drive-up curbside. Menu boards shall not exceed 55 square feet in area and shall have a maximum height of eight feet.

   (F)   Temporary signs shall include banners, streamers, tethered balloons, and inflatable signs and objects. One temporary sign per street frontage shall be allowed subject to the following conditions shall:

      (1)   Not exceed 50 square feet per sign where non-rigid materials are used;

      (2)   Not exceed 32 square feet per sign where rigid materials, such as wallboard or plywood, are used;

      (3)   Comply with the applicable regulations for the zone in which they are located;

      (4)   Not remain in place for a period of more than 14 continuous days;

      (5)   Not be displayed for more than a total of eight times in any calendar year; or

      (6)   Not be placed within the public right-of-way or the sight triangle at intersections.

   (G)   One marquee per theatre. A marquee shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, shall not project more than eight feet from the building face to which it is attached, and shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.

   (H)   Incidental signs, which shall not exceed two square feet in area nor require sign permits.

   (I)   Buildings used for religious or educational activities.

      (1)   In addition to signage permitted above, one bulletin board, not exceeding 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

      (2)   Signs with electronic message display systems shall be prohibited in the P-1 (Professional Office), B-1 (Neighborhood Business) and B-2 (Downtown Business) Districts. Electronic message display systems may be incorporated into one freestanding or wall sign for each property located within the B-3, B-4, I-1, and I-2 Zones.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021) Penalty, see § 152.999

      (1)   Permanent sidewalk sign. Where a building is located adjacent to the public right-of-way, one non-illuminated, freestanding sign may be permanently placed on the public sidewalk with the following restrictions:

         (a)   Sign shall not exceed five and one-half square feet in area;

         (b)   The edge of the sign shall not exceed beyond the curb line;

         (c)   The maximum dimensions of the support frame shall not exceed eight square feet in area (maximum 48 inches wide or 36 inches high); and

         (d)   The bottom of such support shall be seven feet above the sidewalk and the vertical support shall be 24 inches from the curb.

      (2)   Portable sign. One shall be permitted for each business entrance subject to the following restrictions.

         (a)   Maximum surface area of the sign shall be six square feet per face, maximum height of the sign shall be three feet, and the maximum width of the sign shall be two feet.

         (b)   A minimum 36 inches wide pedestrian travelway shall be maintained on the sidewalk. Signs may be designed with a changeable face and shall be removed from the public sidewalk when the business is closed.

   (B)   Highway Business District (B-3). In addition to the signage permitted § 152.225, the following signs shall be permitted.

      (1)   Shopping center malls larger than 100,000 square feet may have one freestanding sign per street frontage with a maximum of 250 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of 250 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of 30 feet.

      (2)   All other shopping malls may have one freestanding sign per street frontage with a maximum of 75 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of 25 feet.

   (C)   General Business, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial Zones (I-1 and I-2). In addition to the signage permitted in § 152.225, the following signs shall be permitted:

      (1)   Shopping center malls larger than 100,000 square feet may have one freestanding sign per street frontage with a maximum of 250 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of 250 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of 30 feet.

      (2)   All other shopping malls may have one freestanding sign per street frontage with a maximum of 75 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of 25 feet.

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)

(Ord. 920.27B, passed 5-13-2021)