No permanent exterior sign shall be constructed, erected, or structurally altered unless a building permit therefor has been issued as set forth herein. All permanent, exterior signs shall be rustic in nature, subdued in appearance and harmonizing in design and color with the surroundings, and shall be constructed of wood or nonreflective metal, or a combination of the two (2), except as set forth in section 17.48.030 of this chapter. Permanent signs composed of reflective metal, vinyl, or with flashing or revolving bulbs, lights, or beacons, or utilizing balloons, flags or other similar attention getting materials, and exterior signs of a brilliant or illuminating nature shall be prohibited. Permanent signs may utilize vinyl lettering that blends with and complements the sign's rustic appearance. Interior signs in the Commercial, Commercial A, and Limited Commercial Districts may be brilliant or illuminating as set forth in section 17.48.030 of this chapter. No permanent sign may be placed between the front or side street and the building setback line. Freestanding signs and their structures shall not exceed twelve feet (12') in height measured from the finished grade at the base of the structure to the top of the structure. (Ord. 202, 5-10-2018)

In Residential A, B, and C Districts, signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area, shall not be used to advertise any home occupations or business, or any business conducted on a different property. Signs shall be illuminated by the reflector method only and so erected that the light source is not a flashing or revolving type. (Ord. 179, 5-13-2009)

In the Commercial, Commercial A, Limited Commercial, Municipal, and Airport Districts, permanent exterior signs shall not be self-illuminating, but shall be illuminated only by the reflector method. Interior neon or other types of self-illuminating signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area are permitted. Off property signs are only allowed on properties along State Highways 21 and 75, and may only advertise City of Stanley businesses not located on State highway frontage. A business not located along State Highways 21 or 75 may place not more than one sign off site from the business location. Each property owner along State Highways 21 or 75 may erect only one sign advertising a business other than their own. Off property signage shall be rustic in nature as required for permanent signs described in section 17.48.010 of this chapter, and may be freestanding or on posts. (Ord. 229, 7-31-2025: Ord. 179, 5-13-2009)

In the Commercial, Commercial A, Limited Commercial, Municipal, and Airport Districts, each permanent or temporary freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area. Freestanding signs and their structures shall not exceed twelve feet (12') in height measured from finish grade at the base of the structure to the top of the structure. In these districts, signs placed on top of buildings shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area and shall not exceed twenty eight feet (28') in height from ground level to the top of the sign. Signs placed upon the front or side of buildings shall be limited in width to three-fourths (3/4) the width or length of the wall at the place upon which the sign is located, and such signs shall not exceed four feet (4') in height and may only exceed thirty two (32) square feet with specific approval by the Council. (Ord. 179, 5-13-2009)

One temporary sign is allowed for each business upon application and issuance of a temporary sign permit by the city clerk. The sign shall be restricted to the property on which the business being advertised is located and may only be displayed during the hours in which the business being advertised is open. Signs may be vinyl coated fabric, colored fabric or banners, but flashing or revolving bulbs, lights, or beacons, balloons, flags or other similar attention getting materials shall be prohibited. The term of all temporary sign permits shall be June 1 through May 31 of the following year. (Ord. 229, 7-31-2025)

Fees for permanent and temporary signs shall be set by city council resolution. Failure to obtain a permit shall result in an administrative sine as set by city council resolution. Failure to pay an administrative fine imposed for a violation of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor. (Ord. 229, 7-31-2025)