(A) Billboards.  For the purpose of this subchapter, billboards shall be defined as a freestanding sign advertising a business, commodity, service, activity, or entertainment not taking place on the premises upon which the billboard is located. No new billboards shall be permitted in any zone in the city limits. All existing billboards which are destroyed or damaged to greater than 50% of their construction/structural/material value, or which are not maintained in good condition on a continuous basis, shall be given written notice to comply with this subchapter in a legally reasonable time frame to be specified in the written notice. The advertising space’s market value should not be considered as or in the signs value analysis.

(B) Signs.  All signs shall be permanent and fixed in place as provided in this subchapter and/or as specifically identified as permissible.

(1) Setbacks.  All signs, unless otherwise specified in this subchapter, shall be set back from the established right-of-way of any road or highway at least as far as two thirds of the required front yard depth for the principal building in the zone in which it is located, or a minimum of ten feet, whichever is greater. Signs on lots which buildings are built to lot lines, may apply for signage permits under division (B)(3) of this section.

(2) Real estate signs.  No sign or billboard, other than real estate signs advertising the sale, rental or leasing of the premises, shall be permitted in any residential zone except as provided in § 152.207. Real estate signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall be displayed at least ten feet from all lot lines.

(3) Projecting signs.  No new projecting sign shall be erected or maintained from the front or face of any building for a distance greater than four feet, including those projecting from the face of any theater, hotel, or motel marquee. No sign shall be placed on the roof of any building. Awnings shall be construed as part of the building to which they are attached and a sign may be mounted flush thereto. Existing projecting signs designated as historically significant by the ARB may be restored and maintained as required by conditions set forth by the ARB for said specific sign.
 
(4) Banners and pennants.

(a) No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving devices. Such devices, as well as strings of lights, shall not be used for the purpose of advertising or attracting attention when not part of the sign.

(b) The use of banners and pennants for advertising specific sales shall be permitted in commercial districts as temporary permitted signs and shall not exceed 90 days. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall be notified prior to placement of such banners and pennants. A maximum of two banners per commercial enterprise shall be permitted at one time.

(c) At least 90 days shall lapse between permitted use of temporary signs. Temporary banners and pennants shall not be posted or displayed in such a manner as to obstruct vision or interfere with traffic flow in any manner. Minimum setback requirements shall apply.

(5) Window signs.  No sign or signage of any classification shall be installed, erected, or attached in any form, shape, or manner to a fire escape or any door or window giving access to any fire escape nor shall any sign be erected or maintained in the window of a building, visible from any public or private street or highway, shall occupy more than 20% of any window surface.

(6) Wall signs.  No building wall shall be used for display of advertising except that pertaining to the use carried on within the building. Regulated sizes and number of signs permitted for a single business or property shall apply to the use of walls painted or utilized to display signage.

(1) Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ only light emitting a constant intensity and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving light or lights. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be placed or directed so as to permit the beams or illumination to be directed or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance, nor shall any sign be erected or maintained which would involve lighting or motion resembling traffic or directional signals or warnings or display words such as “stop” or “danger.”

(2) All wiring, fittings, and materials used in construction, connection, and operation of the electrically illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of the National Electric Code or the local electric code in effect.

(E) Government signs.  Any official informational or directional sign or historic marker erected by a governmental agency is permitted in all zones and does not require a location or building permit.

(F) Sign area.  The surface area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire area within a regular geometric form or combinations of regular geometric forms comprising all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed. Frames and structural members not being advertising matter shall not be included in computation of surface area.

(G) Lack of conflict.  In no way shall the provisions of this subchapter be taken to be in conflict with state or federal regulations regarding obstructions or the placement of structures in state or federal rights-of-way. In all cases, the most restrictive provision will apply.
(Ord. 920.27, passed 10-7-93; Am. Ord. 920.37, passed 8-7-97)  Penalty, see § 152.999

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