[Zoning Regs. §18.010; Ord. No. 1014 §3, 6-12-1998; Ord. No. 1084 §2(18.010), 4-13-1999; Ord. No. 1454 §9(18.010), 1-11-2006; Ord. No. 1636 §1, 10-13-2009]
A. 
Sign Permit Required. No sign, unless exempt from the permit requirement pursuant to this Chapter, shall hereafter be erected within the City without first obtaining a sign permit and all required building permits. Applicants for a sign permit shall provide the information necessary for a proper determination that the proposed sign conforms to the requirements established in this Chapter. Application forms can be obtained from the Building Department.
B. 
Procedure And Fee. Upon returning the sign permit application form to the zoning enforcement person, the application shall be reviewed and the zoning enforcement person shall either approve or disapprove the application. Upon approval, the sign permit fee shall be paid in the amount of one dollar twenty-five cents ($1.25) per square foot of area of sign or fraction thereof with the minimum charge of one hundred dollars ($100.00) and then a sign permit shall be issued.
C. 
Permit Void For Failure To Erect. If a sign for which a permit is granted is not erected within ninety (90) days from the date of issuance of said permit, it shall, unless renewed, be deemed void.
D. 
Signs Not Requiring Permits. Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertising copy or message thereon, unless a structural change is made, shall not require a permit nor shall the following signs require a permit:
(NOTE: These exceptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection and maintenance and its compliance with the provisions of this Chapter or any other law or ordinance regulating the same.)
1. 
Inside signs and vehicle signs. Any sign placed or painted on the inside of a building or outside of any vehicle.
2. 
Ownership and lessee signs. Any sign painted or lettered directly on the wall of any building which advertises the owner, lessee or sublessee of the building or any such sign painted on the surface of any window or door of such building.
3. 
Name plates and professional signs. Any name plate or professional sign attached directly to a wall of a building or other structure.
4. 
Public information signs. Municipal signs, legal notices, trespassing signs or signs to aid safety.
5. 
Information or direction signs. These signs must not contain any advertising copy.
6. 
Real estate signs. Any sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which it is located. However, the following conditions shall apply:
a. 
The designated sign shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet per side with a maximum of two (2) sides.
b. 
Illuminated signs shall be illuminated with an indirect source of non-colored light,
c. 
Signs must be located at least ten (10) feet from any property line.
d. 
Signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
e. 
Signs must be removed within thirty (30) days after the sale or rental of the premises is effectuated.
f. 
The construction and appearance of the sign shall be professional. Appearance and finish are subject to the zoning enforcement person's judgment.
7. 
Commemorative signs. A tablet constructed of bronze, brass, stone or other incombustible materials which is built into or attached to the walls of a building, provided that such tablet bears only the name of the owner, the name or use of the building or reading material commemorating a person or event.
8. 
Construction signs. Signs announcing the name of the architect, engineer or contractors of a building under construction, alteration or repair and signs announcing the character of the building enterprise or the purpose for which the building is intended. These signs shall comply with the same regulations set forth in Subsection (D)(6)(a — f).
9. 
Civic signs. Signs to advertise public or civic welfare or charitable enterprises placed on posts, poles or buildings. Signs are not to exceed six (6) square feet in size and are to be placed on private property unless otherwise specifically approved by the Board of Aldermen.
10. 
Political signs. All political signs having to do with elected positions, ballot questions or non-commercial political messages. These signs shall comply with the same regulations as set forth in Subsections (D)(6)(a — d) and (F).
E. 
Revocation Of Sign Permits.
1. 
Inappropriate signage. The Board of Aldermen will consider to be legal only those signs which are legible, which are not neglected and which have not been allowed to deteriorate. Any sign not satisfying these rules and those described in this Chapter are subject to being removed and having the sign permit revoked.
2. 
Power to revoke. The Board of Aldermen shall have the power to revoke any sign permit which violates any provision of this Chapter, which is habitually unused, which is secured by subterfuge or which has been issued by mistake, misunderstanding or error by the City.
3. 
Fee non-refundable. if a permit is revoked or canceled or the application is withdrawn, the applicant is not entitled to a refund of the fee.
4. 
Permits not transferable. Permits are not transferable either between signs or between applicants.
5. 
Business termination. When a business officially "terminates operations" or "goes out of business", the sign permit is considered invalid and the holder shall have thirty (30) days from the date that the business was last open to the public to perform the following tasks:
a. 
Take the sign down; and
b. 
Remove all sign support structures; and
c. 
Fill in any excavations.
6. 
Failure to comply. Non-compliance with any provision above will result in the zoning enforcement person following the procedures set forth in Section 405.585(B) below.
F. 
Term Of Permit. The term of the permit shall be perpetual unless revoked under Subsection (E) above or site signage changes are proposed which would otherwise require a permit.
[Zoning Regs. §18.020; Ord. No. 1014 §3, 6-12-1998; Ord. No. 1084 §2(18.020), 4-13-1999; Ord. No. 1454 §9(18.020), 1-11-2006]
A. 
Property. The owner of any property on which any sign is placed and the person maintaining the sign shall be equally responsible, individually and jointly, for the condition of the area in the vicinity of the sign and shall be required to keep it clean, sanitary and free from obnoxious or offensive substances.
B. 
Notice Of Violation. If any sign herein regulated is or becomes insecure or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe or violates any provision of this zoning ordinance, the zoning enforcement person shall notify the owner of the realty upon which the sign is situated or the owner of the sign or the permit holder or the person maintaining the same by serving a written notice or sending it by certified mail to one (1) of the above indicated people to remove the same within three (3) days. If the sign is not removed or altered to comply with this Chapter within three (3) days, then such sign or advertising structure, poster or device may be removed or altered by the zoning enforcement officer at the expense of the owner of the sign or permit holder or owner of the realty or person maintaining the sign.
C. 
Immediate Danger. When any sign is in such dangerous condition as to be immediately dangerous to the safety of the public, the Director of Public Safety is hereby authorized to take such action as in the opinion of said Director of Public Safety shall be necessary to protect the public or property.
[Zoning Regs. §18.030; Ord. No. 1014 §3, 6-12-1998; Ord. No. 1084 §2(18.030), 4-13-1999; Ord. No. 1454 §9(18.030), 1-11-2006]
A. 
Roof Signs. Roof signs which exceed ten percent (10%) of the building height are prohibited.
B. 
Animated Signs. Animated signs are prohibited.
C. 
Marquee Signs. Marquee signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee.
D. 
Use Of Temporary Signs Limited Or Prohibited. No temporary sign or banner shall be used or erected except as specifically permitted by the provisions of this Chapter.
E. 
Electrically Energized Signs. All electrically energized signs shall be in conformance with the National Electrical Code.
F. 
Copy Area. Copy area of a building face shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the background face to which it is applied. Copy area of multi-copy signs are not to exceed forty percent (40%) of the background to which applied. Principal identification signs are not subject to any limitation of copy area to background.
G. 
Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs may not project over property lines.
H. 
Revolving Signs. No signs shall revolve more than four (4) rpm.
I. 
Background Area. Background area of wall signs shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the building facade or four (4) square feet per lineal foot of the elevation upon which they are placed, whichever is greater.
J. 
Signs Constituting A Nuisance. No sign shall be erected or maintained which constitutes a nuisance because of glare, flashing or any other reason. If a sign becomes a hazard or nuisance, the City shall direct its removal.
K. 
Site Triangle. No private sign or its supporting structure shall interfere with the line of vision between motorists and any official traffic sign or signal or other vehicles approaching any street intersection. A determination as to such sign interference with traffic safety shall be based on APWA standards or other engineering standards with the ultimate determination resting with the City.
L. 
Flashing Lights. No private sign shall display flashing intermittent lights resembling those customarily used by emergency vehicles or traffic signals and shall use no dominating or emphasizing word that might be misconstrued to be a public safety warning, traffic sign or signal.
M. 
Federal And State Regulations. No permit shall be issued for signs on Federal and State highways which violate Federal or State Statutes or regulations.
N. 
Right-Of-Way. No sign of any type shall be located within City, State or Federal road rights-of-way unless allowed under specific conditions spelled out in other Sections of this Chapter.
O. 
Easements. No sign shall be located within a public easement.
P. 
Authority To Remove Signs. Any sign, including the structural framing now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure within thirty (30) days from the date that the business was last open to the public or the product was sold. Failure to remove the sign and perform the tasks set forth in Section 405.580(E)(5) will result in the zoning enforcement person sending a written notification of failure to comply. Failure to comply with such written notification within ten (10) days after the notification is postmarked and sent by certified mail will give the zoning enforcement person the authority to have the sign removed and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or structure to which such sign is attached.
Q. 
Off-Premises Outdoor Advertising Signs Permitted. Off-premises outdoor advertising signs as defined in Section 405.045 of this Chapter shall be permitted provided that any such sign may only be erected within one hundred (100) feet of the right-of-way of the interstate highway system, shall not be erected within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet of any existing off-premises outdoor advertising sign and shall only be erected with the face of the sign positioned so that the communications set forth thereon are directed toward the traffic using the interstate roadway. For purposes of measurement of the aforementioned one thousand five hundred (1,500) foot spacing requirement, the distance measured shall be along the long axis of the interstate roadway from any existing off-premises outdoor advertising sign irrespective of the side of the interstate roadway on which such existing sign is located. Off-premises outdoor advertising signs not specifically authorized by this Section shall not be permitted, however, any off-premises outdoor advertising sign lawfully constructed and maintained prior to the date of enactment of these provisions shall not constitute a violation of this Section. The provisions of this Section regarding permitted off-premises outdoor advertising signs are enacted in the interest of minimizing visual distracters on the roadways of the City which may pose traffic safety hazards and are enacted in the interest of preserving the aesthetic appeal of the City.
R. 
Off-premises outdoor advertising signs permitted under this Section shall conform to the requirements of Section 405.590 of this Code. Signs shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet in size, inclusive of copy area and background as defined in Section 405.045 and border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members. Dimensions of signs shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height or seventy-two (72) feet in width, inclusive of copy area and background as defined in Section 405.045 and border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members. Signs shall not have more than two (2) sides and shall not exceed seventy-five (75) feet in height above ground level. The minimum clearance from the bottom of said sign to ground level shall be at least fifteen (15) feet. The maximum size limitations required by this Section shall apply to each side of a sign structure and signs may be placed back to back, double faced or in V-type construction with not more than two (2) displays to each facing, but such sign structure shall be considered as one (1) sign.
[Zoning Regs. §18.040; Ord. No. 1014 §3, 6-12-1998; Ord. No. 1084 §2(18.040), 4-13-1999; Ord. No. 1454 §9(18.040), 1-11-2006]
A. 
Signs permitted in Districts "A-1", R-1"s, "R-2", "R-3", "R-4" and "RCD" shall be limited to the following:
1. 
Resident signs. One (1) name plate sign mounted on the building not more than two (2) square feet in area, announcing the name and/or location of occupants of a residence.
2. 
Real estate signs. One (1) non-illuminated "for sale" or "for rent" sign following the requirements set forth in Section 405.580(D)(6).
3. 
Religious institution signs. One (1) monument sign per church in accordance with Section 405.600 (2) indicating activities and services thereon provided.
4. 
Construction signs. One (1) non-illuminated sign per building in accordance with Section 405.580(D)(8) showing the names of architects, engineers, builders, tenants or agents on the premises of a building being constructed; provided that such sign shall be removed upon completion of the building.
5. 
Under development sign. Pole or ground sign displaying information pertinent to a developing subdivision, provided that no such sign be located closer than two hundred (200) feet to an occupied dwelling, shall be located entirely on private property and shall be removed upon completion of the subdivision. No development sign shall have an area greater than fifty (50) square feet per side with no more than two (2) sides per sign.
6. 
Subdivision or development sign. Up to two (2) monument signs denoting the name of a subdivision or the name of a development may be allowed at the primary entrance(s) of the development. The sign shall comply with the regulations spelled out in Section 405.600(2) and shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
7. 
Apartment development sign. For each apartment, development there shall be permitted one (1) monument sign in accordance with Section 405.600(2) on private property.
8. 
Apartment rental sign. For apartments there may be located not more than two (2) non-illuminated ground signs advertising the rental or lease of the premises, each sign not exceeding four (4) square feet in area.
9. 
Temporary signs. Signs conforming to the requirements of Section 405.605 of this Chapter.
10. 
Other signs. Signs containing any otherwise lawful, non-commercial message, including any political message, that do not direct attention to a business operated for profit or to a commodity or service for sale and that comply with all other requirements of this Chapter.
[Zoning Regs. §18.050; Ord. No. 1014 §3, 6-12-1998; Ord. No. 1084 §2(18.050), 4-13-1999; Ord. No. 1454 §9(18.050), 1-11-2006; Ord. No. 1511, 11-29-2006; Ord. No. 1636 §2, 10-13-2009]
A. 
Commercial signs permitted in Districts "C-1", "CCD", "C-2", "M-1" and "M-2" shall be limited to the following:
1. 
Pole signs.
a. 
Lots within three hundred (300) feet of Interstate 29. For platted lots of which any portion is located within three hundred (300) feet of the nearest edge of Interstate 29 right-of-way, there shall be allowed one (1) pole sign which may direct attention to all of the businesses, commodities, services, entertainment or attractions conducted, sold, offered or existing upon the same platted lot where such sign is displayed, provided such platted lot has at least one hundred (100) feet of street frontage and ten thousand (10,000) square feet of total lot area. Said signs shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in size nor have more than two (2) sides and shall not exceed seventy-five (75) feet in height. The minimum clearance from the bottom of said sign shall be at least fifteen (15) feet above the elevation of the nearest public street.
b. 
Lots not within three hundred (300) feet of Interstate 29. For platted lots not within three hundred (300) feet of the nearest edge of the Interstate 29 right-of-way, there shall be allowed one (1) pole sign which may direct attention to all of the businesses, commodities, services, entertainment or attractions conducted, sold, offered or existing upon the same platted lot where such sign is displayed, provided such platted lot has at least one hundred (100) feet of street frontage and ten thousand (10,000) square feet of total lot area. Said signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in size nor have more than two (2) sides and shall be of no greater height than the maximum allowed height of the zoning district.
c. 
Shopping centers. Shopping centers on platted lots over fifteen (15) acres in size shall be allowed two (2) pole signs, subject to the size and height restrictions set forth above in Subsection (1)(a — b) of this Section, as may be applicable based upon the shopping center's proximity to Interstate 29.
2. 
Monument signs. Upon any platted lot upon which the erection of a pole sign is permissible under this Section, there may instead be erected a monument sign which may direct attention to the businesses, commodities, services, entertainment or attractions conducted, sold, offered or existing upon the same platted lot where such sign is displayed, which shall be erected no closer than ten (10) feet from any property line, with a maximum height of eight (8) feet and a maximum square footage of one hundred (100) feet per side with no more than two (2) sides. The erection of both a monument and a pole sign upon the same platted lot is prohibited unless the platted lot is entitled to two (2) signs under Subsection (1)(c) of this Section, in which case monument signs may be substituted for either or both pole signs.
3. 
Ground signs. Ground signs, not to exceed ten (10) square feet, containing advertising directing attention to the businesses, commodities, services, entertainment or attractions conducted, sold, offered or existing upon the same platted lot where such sign is displayed or containing traffic or parking directions or other instructions are permitted on the following basis:
a. 
Quantity. Except as otherwise provided, there shall be not more than two (2) ground signs per entrance on each platted lot.
b. 
Shopping centers.
(1) 
For shopping centers located on a platted lot containing an area greater than five (5) acres but less than ten (10) acres, there shall be allowed not more than ten (10) ground signs.
(2) 
For a shopping center located on a platted lot in excess of fifteen (15) acres, not more than fifteen (15) ground signs.
c. 
In addition to other signs. The ground signs allowed under this Section are permitted in addition to any other permitted signs on the property. All signs must be placed on private property and at least five (5) feet behind the right-of-way line.
4. 
Wall signs.
a. 
Allowed areas and coverage. Wall signs shall be permitted on the wall or fascia, including mansard, of each side of a building which may direct attention to the businesses, commodities, services, entertainment or attractions conducted, sold, offered or existing upon the same platted lot where such sign is displayed, which shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of each wall and which may project above the top of the wall or fascia a distance not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the vertical dimension of the sign or three (3) feet.
b. 
Projections. No wall sign shall have a projection beyond the wall on which it is located or beyond a legal setback line, greater than the distance set forth in the table below.
Clearance Above Grade
Maximum Projection from Wall or Over Setback Line
Less than 8'
Not permitted
8'
1'
8' to 16'
1' plus 6" for each foot of clearance in excess of 8'
Over 16'
5'
5. 
Light pole signs. Signs may be placed on light poles within a business owner's parking area provided that said signage and permanent fixtures are included in the lighting site plan.
6. 
Off-premises outdoor advertising signs. Off-premises outdoor advertising signs, as defined in Section 405.045 of this Chapter, are permitted and shall conform to the requirements set forth in Section 405.590 (Q) of this Chapter.
[Zoning Regs. §18.070; Ord. No. 1014 §3, 6-12-1998; Ord. No. 1084 §2(18.070), 4-13-1999; Ord. No. 1248 §1(18.070), 7-22-2002; Ord. No. 1454 §9(18.070), 1-11-2006; Ord. No. 1636 §3, 10-13-2009]
A. 
Temporary banners complying with this Section shall be permitted in all zoning districts subject to all other restrictions and requirements set forth in this Chapter.
1. 
Definition. As used in this Section, the following term shall have this prescribed meaning:
TEMPORARY BANNER
A sign having the characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation applied to cloth, paper, fabric or other lightweight material with only such material for a backing.
2. 
General requirements for temporary banners.
a. 
Frequency, time period and permit fee. Two (2) types of temporary banner permits are available.
(1) 
Temporary banners may be displayed for a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) days cumulatively during one (1) calendar year. Copy area of said banner may be changed during the permitted time period. The fee for a one hundred twenty (120) day permit shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00).
(2) 
Temporary banners may be displayed for a maximum of two hundred forty (240) days cumulatively during one (1) calendar year. Copy area of said banner may be changed during the permitted time period. The fee for a two hundred forty (240) day permit shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
b. 
Number of temporary banners on display. Only one (1) temporary banner may be on display at any one time by the same business owner. Multiple temporary banners may be on display if approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
c. 
Permit required. No temporary banner shall be erected unless a permit has been issued.
d. 
Measurement. Banner measurement shall not exceed a maximum of seventy (70) square feet. Temporary banner may exceed maximum square footage if approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
e. 
Setback. Shall meet the required setbacks for a principal building in the zoning district which the banner is to be located.
f. 
Quality/maintenance/appearance. All temporary banners shall be of professional quality. All banners shall be regularly maintained. Deteriorated banners (torn, faded, sagging or in disrepair) shall not be displayed.
g. 
Passive display elements. Balloons, stringers, flagpoles and streamers may be used in conjunction with, or for, the temporary banner, if approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
h. 
Distracting display elements. No animated, flashing, blinking or revolving sign shall be allowed in conjunction with a temporary banner.
i. 
Temporary banner shall meet all the other requirements of this Chapter.
3. 
Application procedure. Upon completing an application and paying the sign permit fee, temporary banner permits may be granted at the discretion of the zoning enforcement person.
4. 
Exceptions. The following temporary signs do not need to comply with the temporary banner provisions set forth in Subsection (2)(b — d): garage sale, yard sale, moving sale, auction signs, direction signs for party, reunions, weddings, sale promotions, etc., provided however:
a. 
All such signs are located on private property, and
b. 
All such signs do not pose a health or safety hazard, and
c. 
All such signs shall not be erected more than three (3) days prior to said event, and
d. 
All such signs shall be removed within three (3) days after such event, and
e. 
All such signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet per side with no more than two (2) sides.
5. 
Failure to comply with this Section may result in penalties as provided in Article XXX.
6. 
Municipal signs. A sign advertising a City-related function is not considered a temporary banner.
[Zoning Regs. §18.090; Ord. No. 1014 §3, 6-12-1998; Ord. No. 1084 §2(18.090), 4-13-1999; Ord. No. 1454 §9(18.090), 1-11-2006]
The zoning enforcement person is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this Chapter. All appeals, not otherwise designated, shall be to the Board of Aldermen.