Cross References — As to damaging or defacing property unlawful, § 215.1040 as to appending unauthorized signs to park structures prohibited, § 230.200; as to unlawful to damage public property, § 800.030.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-1; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(2.01), 4-7-1994]
The purpose of this Chapter shall be to coordinate the type, placement, and scale of signs within the different land-use zones to recognize the commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business community; to encourage the innovative use of design; to promote both renovation and proper maintenance; to allow for special circumstances; and to guarantee equal treatment under the law through accurate record keeping and consistent enforcement. These shall be accomplished by regulation of the display, erection, use and maintenance of signs and the use of signs regulated according to zone. The placement and scale of signs are regulated primarily by type and length of street frontage, though lot size, investment, and surrounding conditions must also be considered. No sign shall be permitted as a main or accessory use except in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-2; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(2.02), 4-7-1994]
This Chapter shall not relate to building design. Nor shall the Chapter regulate official traffic or government signs; the copy and message of signs; signs not intended to be viewed from public right-of-way; window displays; product dispensers and point of purchase displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of any nation, government or non-commercial organization; gravestones; barber poles; religious symbols; commemorative plaques; the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined herein as a sign. Thus, the primary intent of this Chapter shall be to regulate signs of a commercial nature intended to be viewed from any vehicular or pedestrian public right-of-way.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-3; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(3), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.2 (Bill No. 2384) §1, 5-6-2010]
Certain terms are defined for the purposes of this Chapter as follows:
A-FRAME SIGN
A sign using any upright rigid frame in the form of a triangle or inverted "V".
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
ADMINISTRATOR
The Community Development Director.
ANIMATED SIGN (SEE ALSO AND NOTE DIFFERENCE FROM CHANGEABLE SIGN)
A sign or display manifesting either kinetic or illusionary motion occasioned by natural, manual, mechanical, electrical, or other means. "Animated signs" include the following types:
1. 
ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZED Illuminated signs whose motion or visual impression of motion is activated primarily by electrical means. Electrically energized animated signs are of two (2) types:
a. 
FLASHING SIGNS Illuminated signs exhibiting a preprogrammed repetitious cyclical interruption of illumination from one (1) or more sources in which the duration of the period of illumination (on phase) is either the same as or less than the duration of the period of darkness (off phase), and in which the intensity of illumination varies from zero (0) (off) to one hundred percent (100%) (on) during the programmed cycle.
b. 
ILLUSIONARY MOVEMENT SIGNS Illuminated signs exhibiting the illusion of movement by means of a preprogrammed repetitious sequential switching action in which illuminated elements of the sign are turned on or off to visually simulate the impression of motion characteristic of chasing, running, blinking, oscillating, twinkling, scintillating, or expanding and contracting light patterns.
2. 
MECHANICALLY ENERGIZED Signs manifesting a repetitious preprogrammed physical movement or rotation in either one (1) or a series of planes activated by means of mechanically based drives.
3. 
NATURALLY ENERGIZED Signs whose motion is activated by wind or other atmospheric impingement. Wind-driven signs include flags, banners, pennants, streamers, spinners, metallic disks, or other similar devices designed to move in the wind.
AREA
See "SIGN, AREA OF".
AWNING
A shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework (compare "MARQUEE").
AWNING SIGN
A sign painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.
BACK LIT AWNING
See "ELECTRIC AWNING SIGN".
BANNER SIGN
A sign made of fabric or any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.
BILLBOARD
See "OFF-PREMISE SIGN".
BLADE SIGN
See "GROUND SIGN".
BUILDING
As defined in Chapter 2 of current Building Code.
CANOPY (BUILDING)
A rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by a building at one (1) or more points or extremities and by columns or posts embedded in the ground at other points or extremities. May be illuminated by means of internal or external sources (compare "MARQUEE").
CANOPY (FREESTANDING)
A rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by columns or posts embedded in the ground. May be illuminated by means of internal or external sources.
CANOPY SIGN
A sign affixed or applied to the exterior facing surfaces of a building or freestanding canopy.
CHANGEABLE SIGN
A sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or electric, electromechanical, or electronic means. "Changeable signs" include the following types:
1. 
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED Signs whose alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered on a fixed display surface composed of electrically illuminated or mechanically driven changeable segments. Includes the following types:
a. 
FIXED MESSAGE ELECTRONIC SIGNS Signs whose basic informational content has been preprogrammed to include only certain types of information projection, such as temperature, predictable traffic conditions, or other events subject to prior programming.
b. 
COMPUTER CONTROLLED VARIABLE MESSAGE ELECTRONIC SIGNS Signs whose informational content can be changed or altered by means of computer-driven electronic impulses.
2. 
MANUAL ACTIVATED Signs whose alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered by manual means.
CITY
Unless the context clearly discloses a contrary intent, the word "City" shall mean City of Arnold.
CLEARANCE (OF A SIGN)
The smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street, highway, or street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade.
CLEARVIEW ZONE
The area of a corner lot closest to the intersection which is kept free of visual impairment to allow full view of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Such an area is established by marking a point at which the two (2) property lines intersect, measuring back thirty (30) feet on each street front, and drawing a line across the two (2) back points to form a triangulated area. No sign in excess of three (3) feet above curb grade nor support pole larger than twelve (12) inches in diameter may be installed in this area. (Freestanding signs must have at least ten (10) feet of clearance to grade.)
COMMERCIAL CENTER SIGN
A freestanding or ground sign which is located at the entrance of a commercial or industrial development, and identifies the name of the development and the businesses within the development.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
An educational institution that provides two (2) years of academic instruction beyond secondary school.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
A temporary sign surface identifying an architect, surveyor, engineer, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.
COPY
The graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.
DIRECTIONAL/INFORMATION SIGN
An on-premise sign giving directions, instructions, or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy, e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs. May contain logo provided that the logo may not comprise more than twenty percent (20%) of the total sign area.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
A sign with two (2) faces, essentially back-to-back.
ELECTRIC AWNING SIGN (ALSO "BACK LIT AWNING")
An internally illuminated fixed space-frame structure with translucent, flexible reinforced covering designed in awning form and with graphics or copy applied to the visible surface of the awning.
ELECTRICAL SIGN
A sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER
See "CHANGEABLE SIGNS, ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED".
FACADE
The entire building front including the parapet.
FACE OF SIGN
The area of a sign on which the copy is placed.
FESTOONS
A string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, or pinwheels.
FLASHING SIGN
See "ANIMATED SIGN, ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZED".
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building.
FRONTAGE
The length of the property line of any one (1) premise along a public right-of-way on which it borders.
FRONTAGE BUILDING
The length of an outside building wall on or facing a public right-of-way.
GOVERNMENT SIGN
Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the City, County, State, or Federal Government for traffic direction or for designation of direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property, or facility.
GARAGE/YARD SALE SIGN
Any temporary sign which advertises a garage or yard sale. These signs shall only display the address, time and date of the sale. The sign shall not exceed nine (9) square feet, and shall not be displayed for more than one (1) day prior to and one (1) day after the sale.
GROUND SIGN (ALSO "BLADE SIGN")
A sign which is anchored to the ground similar to a pylon or freestanding sign, but which is a monolithic or columnar line and which maintains essentially the same contour from grade to top. Height and setbacks are to be the same as for freestanding signs.
HEIGHT (OF A SIGN)
The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, excluding decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less (compare "CLEARANCE").
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a building, institution, or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.
ILLEGAL SIGN
A sign which does not meet the requirements of this Code and which has not received legal non-conforming status.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
INCIDENTAL SIGN
A small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business.
LOCAL
Represents City, district and County interests and organizations.
LOT
A parcel of land legally defined on a subdivision map recorded with the Assessment Department or land registry office, or a parcel of land defined by a legal record or survey map.
LOW PROFILE SIGN (ALSO "MONUMENT SIGN")
A sign mounted directly to the ground with maximum height not to exceed six (6) feet.
MAINTENANCE
For the purposes of this Chapter, the cleaning, painting, repair, or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, or structure of the sign.
MANSARD
A sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally comparable to a building wall.
MARQUEE
A permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building (compare "AWNING").
MONUMENT SIGN
See "LOW PROFILE SIGN".
MULTIPLE-FACED SIGN
A sign containing three (3) or more faces, not necessarily in back-to-back configuration.
NAMEPLATE
A non-electric on-premise identification sign giving only the name, address and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants.
NON-CONFORMING SIGN
1. 
A sign which was erected legally, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.
2. 
A sign which does not conform to the sign code requirements, but for which a special permit has been issued.
OCCUPANCY
The portion of a building or premises owned, leased, rented, or otherwise occupied for a given use.
OFF-PREMISE SIGN
A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located.
OFF-SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign which provides directional assistance to access a residential and/or commercial subdivision conveniently and safely. Such signs shall be limited in area, size, height, and placement as identified in Section 415.050.
ON-PREMISE SIGN
A sign which pertains to the use of the premises and/or property on which it is located.
OWNER
A person recorded as such on official records. For the purposes of the Chapter, the owner of the property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the Administrator, e.g., a sign leased from a sign company.
PAINTED WALL SIGN
Any sign which is applied with paint or similar substance on the surface of a wall.
PARAPET
The extension of a false front or wall above a roofline.
PERSON
Any individual, cooperation, association, firm, partnership, or similarly defined interest.
POINT OF PURCHASE DISPLAY
Advertising of a retail item accompanying its display, e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser, tire display, etc.
POLE COVER
Cover enclosing or decorating poles or other structural supports of a sign.
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign used in connection with a local, State, or national election or referendum.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.
PREMISES
A parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest convertible unit of real estate.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Schools including usually the first four (4) to the first eight (8) grades and often a kindergarten.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS
A school usually including grades nine (9) through twelve (12).
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MIDDLE SCHOOL
A school usually including grades five (5) to eight (8) or six (6) to eight (8).
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.
ROOFLINE
The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.
ROTATING SIGN
See "ANIMATED SIGN, MECHANICALLY ENERGIZED".
SIGN
Any device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy for the primary purpose of identifying, providing directions, or advertising any establishment, product, goods, or services.
SIGN, AREA OF
1. 
PROJECTING AND FREESTANDING The area of a freestanding or projecting sign shall have only one (1) side of any double- or multiple-faced down sign counted in calculating its area. The area of the sign shall be measured as follows if the sign is composed of one (1) or more individuals cabinet:
a. 
A rectilinear line of not more than eight (8) sides shall be drawn around enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet or module. The area shall then be summed and totaled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area shall not include embellishments such as pole covers, framing, decorative roofing, support structures, etc., provided that there is no written advertising copy on such embellishments.
b. 
WALL SIGN The area shall be within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any rectilinear line geometric figure which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message. If the sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall as the background with no added decoration, the total sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area within the perimeter of each symbol or letter. The combined areas of the individual figures shall be considered the total sign area.
SNIPE SIGN
A temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence, etc.
SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A freestanding or wall sign identifying a recognized subdivision, condominium complex, or residential development.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign not constructed or intended for long-term use.
UNDER-CANOPY SIGN
A sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof, or marquee.
USE
The purpose for which a building, lot, sign, or structure is intended, designed, occupied, or maintained.
"V" SIGN
A sign consisting of two (2) essential equal faces, positioned at an angle subtending less than one hundred seventy-nine degrees (179°).
WALL SIGN
A sign attached essentially parallel to and extending not more than twenty-four (24) inches from the wall of a building with no copy on the sides or edges. This definition includes painted, individual letter, and cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign installed inside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.
It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person to erect, place, or maintain a sign in the City of Arnold except in accordance with provisions of this Chapter.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-4; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(4.01), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1447) §§1 — 2, 10-20-1994]
A. 
The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:
1. 
Abandoned signs.
2. 
Banners, pennants, festoons, searchlights (except as allowed in Section 415.110(6)).
3. 
Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals.
4. 
Snipe signs or signs attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, street lights, or placed on any public right-of-way.
5. 
Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign (this does not apply to allowed portable signs or to signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business).
6. 
Off-premise signage except as permitted in areas zoned commercial or industrial that are within six hundred sixty (660) feet of primary and interstate highways (see Sections 415.130 and 415.140.
7. 
Home occupation shall not allow signage.
8. 
Portable signs.
9. 
Illegal signs.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-5; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(4.02), 4-7-1994]
Unless otherwise provided by this Chapter, all signs shall require permits and payment of fees as described in Section 415.210 of this Chapter. No permit is required for the maintenance of a sign or for a change of a copy on changeable copy signs.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-6; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(4.03), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1447) §§1-2, 10-20-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1850) §1, 3-15-2001]
A. 
The following types of signs are exempted from permit requirements but must be in conformance with all other requirements of this Chapter:
1. 
Deleted.
2. 
Construction signs of sixteen (16) square feet or less.
3. 
Directional/informational signs of nine (9) square feet or less.
4. 
Holiday or special events decorations, none of advertising nature.
5. 
Nameplates of two (2) square feet or less.
6. 
Political signs.
7. 
Public signs or notices, or any sign relating to an emergency.
8. 
Real estate signs.
9. 
Window signs.
10. 
Incidental signs.
11. 
Garage/sale signs.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-7; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(4.04), 4-7-1994]
All signs shall be properly maintained. Exposed surfaces shall be clean and painted if paint is required. Defective parts shall be replaced. The Administrator shall have the right under Section 415.260 to order the repair or removal of any sign which is defective, damaged, or substantially deteriorated, as defined in the Building Code.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-8; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1,(4.05), 4-7-1994]
Unless otherwise prohibited by this Chapter, all signs may be illuminated.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-9; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(4.06), 4-7-1994]
Unless otherwise specified by this Chapter, any sign herein allowed may use manual, automatic, or electrically or mechanically activated changeable copy.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-10; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(4.07), 4-7-1994]
No person may engage in the business of erecting, altering, relocating, constructing, or maintaining signs without a valid City contractor's license and all required State and Federal licenses.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-11; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(5.01), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1447) §§1 — 3, 10-20-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1681) §1, 6-4-1998; Ord. No. 14.2 (Bill No. 2192) §1, 10-19-2006; Ord. No. 14.2 (Bill No. 2384) §§2 — 3, 5-6-2010; Ord. No. 1.236 (Bill No. 2621) §2, 10-1-2015]
A. 
The following signs are allowed in all zones:
1. 
All signs not requiring permits (Section 415.060).
2. 
One (1) non-illuminated sign for each street frontage of a construction project, not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area in residential zones or sixty-four (64) square feet in sign area in all other zones. Such signs may be erected sixty (60) days prior to beginning of construction and shall be removed thirty (30) days following completion of construction.
3. 
One (1) non-illuminated attached building nameplate per occupancy, not to exceed two (2) square feet in sign area.
4. 
Political signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per sign in residential zoned districts. Political signs located in non-residential zoned districts shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area specific to the zoning district in which the sign is located. Political signs shall not be placed on public property or right-of-way, except for right-of-way maintained by property owners in residential subdivisions only. Political signs must be removed seven (7) days after the election for with the sign has been posted.
5. 
Directional/informational sign(s) per lot as required.
6. 
Temporary special events sign(s) arbitrary for special events, grand openings, or holidays. Such signs are allowed subject to the following:
a. 
They may be erected thirty (30) days prior to a special event or holiday and shall be removed two (2) days following the event or holiday;
b. 
Limited to six (6) times per year;
c. 
Only one (1) temporary special event sign at a time per business;
d. 
Temporary special event sign shall not extend into, on or over the public right-of-way of any street, alley, or other public property;
e. 
No temporary special event sign shall extend into the sight triangle of intersection streets and/or entry/exit drives;
f. 
No internal or external illumination is allowed;
g. 
Temporary special event signs shall be placed only on the lot on which the use of the establishment being advertised by the sign is being conducted, except public and private elementary, middle, high schools and community colleges;
h. 
Temporary special event signs shall be no larger than thirty-six (36) square feet;
i. 
Temporary special event signs shall extend no higher than ten (10) feet above the existing grade of sign location;
j. 
Public and private elementary, middle, high schools and community colleges are exempt from Subsections (6)(b) and (c).
7. 
No political sign shall be located within the right-of-way of any street or road.
8. 
Signs for landmarks, structures or historic districts as designated by the Historical Preservation Commission per Chapter 400, Article II of this Code.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-12; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(5.02), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.19 (Bill No. 1888) §1, 11-1-2001]
A. 
Signs are allowed as follows in residential zones:
1. 
All signs as permitted in Section 415.110.
2. 
Residential subdivisions of ten (10) lots/units or more shall be permitted a subdivision identification sign at each main entrance to the subdivision and may include the name or logo or both of the subdivision. Such sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in outline area per face, nor extend more than six (6) feet above the average existing finished grade at the base of the sign or elevation of the adjacent street, whichever is higher. Residential subdivision identification signs shall be located within an easement on any platted lot or on common ground of a subdivision. Such sign may also be located on an entrance island located between opposing traffic lanes when approved by the Planning Commission or City Council as part of a particular development plan.
3. 
One (1) identification sign per entrance to apartment or condominium complex, not to exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in sign area.
4. 
For permitted non-residential uses, including churches and synagogues, one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area, and one (1) wall sign not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area.
5. 
All allowed freestanding signs shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet and shall have a setback of fifteen (15) feet from any public right-of-way.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-13; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(5.03), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1447) §3, 10-20-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1471) §§1-2, 4-20-1995; Ord. No. 14.20 (Bill No. 1632) §1, 10-16-1997; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 2478) §1, 9-15-2011]
A. 
Signs are allowed as follows in "C-1" and "C-2" commercial zones:
1. 
All signs as permitted in Sections 415.110 and 415.120.
2. 
One (1) freestanding sign, or low profile sign per street frontage not to exceed one (1) square foot in sign area for each lineal foot of property frontage. Such signs may not exceed a height of twenty-five (25) feet and must be set back at least ten (10) feet from property lines.
3. 
One (1) wall sign or electric awning sign not to exceed fifteen percent (15%) of aggregate area of building elevation on which the signs are installed.
4. 
One (1) under-canopy sign for each separate occupancy or separate entrance not to exceed eight (8) square feet in sign area. Under-canopy signs must have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet to grade.
5. 
Incidental signs not to exceed four (4) square feet of sign area per occupancy.
6. 
Directional/information signs as required, including off-site directional signs.
7. 
Where an occupancy is on a corner lot, a minimum clear view zone is to be maintained in a triangulated area at the point of intersection to allow an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic.
8. 
Freestanding signs shall maintain clearance of ten (10) feet over any pedestrian use and fourteen (14) feet over any vehicular use.
9. 
Commercial center sign. Shall be approved only through a conditional use permit, and shall be substituted in lieu of the allowable pole sign and shall not exceed the maximum height and setback requirements for the zoning district and shall not exceed one (1) square foot of sign area for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross floor area within the commercial center or one (1) square foot of sign area for each one (1) lineal foot of street frontage. That which provides the greater area shall be used as the maximum allowable sign area.
10. 
All off-premise freestanding signs within six hundred sixty (660) feet of any highway or within the view of any highway within the City, whichever is less, shall not be installed to exceed a height of fifty (50) feet or shall not be located any closer than one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet of any residential district, and any other freestanding sign. Such signs shall require the approval and issuance of a conditional use permit.
11. 
A-frame signs.
a. 
All A-frame signs require an annual permit and fee, as established by City Council. Upon issuance, the permit is in effect for one (1) year for the specified sign.
b. 
Should the A-frame sign be substituted, it must be reviewed by staff for compliance with the requirements set forth below. A new permit and fee is not required. The A-frame sign will be allowed for the tenure of the existing permit.
c. 
An A-frame sign shall not count against an allowed temporary sign.
d. 
They must be located on a sidewalk within ten (10) feet of the primary entrance of the business. They may not be placed so as to hamper American with Disabilities access requirements; placed on or in interior drive aisles or landscape islands.
e. 
Only one (1) A-frame sign may be displayed per business.
f. 
The sign may be displayed during business hours only.
g. 
The sign must be taken in at night.
h. 
They may not block pedestrian access.
i. 
Nothing may be hung from or attached to the A-frame sign.
j. 
All signage should be constructed from durable materials compatible with the materials of the building housing the enterprise referenced on the sign and present a finished appearance. Wood, metal, and chalkboard are acceptable materials. Signage shall not be reflective or fluorescent or have movable parts. "Reader board" signs with movable slide-in letters and stenciled or spray painted signs are not allowed.
k. 
They may not exceed four (4) feet in height or exceed three (3) feet in width.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-14; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(5.04), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1447) §§1, 3, 10-20-1994; Ord. No. 14.20 (Bill No. 1632) §2, 10-16-1997]
A. 
Signs are allowed as follows in "C-3" and "C-4" commercial and "M-1", "M-2", and "M-3" industrial zones:
1. 
All signs as permitted in Sections 415.110, 415.120 and 415.130.
2. 
One (1) freestanding sign per street frontage not to exceed one (1) square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of property frontage. Such signs may not exceed a height of fifty (50) feet and must be set back at least ten (10) feet from the property line. Where street frontage exceeds three hundred (300) lineal feet, one (1) additional freestanding sign may be allowed per three hundred (300) foot increments.
3. 
Wall signs not to exceed thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate square footage of the wall area upon which they are installed. Electric awning signs not to exceed thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate square footage of the wall area upon which they are installed. The combination of wall signs and electric awning signs shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the allowed wall area.
4. 
Projecting signs may be used instead of any wall or freestanding signs provided they do not project beyond fifteen (15) feet from the building face and in no case shall encroach within fifteen (15) feet from property line and maintain a clearance of ten (10) feet over pedestrian areas and fourteen (14) feet over vehicular ways.
5. 
Roof signs may be allowed (where no other sign types can provide effective identification). Roof signs shall be constructed so as to conceal all structure and fastenings. The height of the roof sign shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total height of the building to which it is attached, specific engineering for sign and the supporting structure shall be provided.
6. 
One (1) under-canopy sign for each separate occupancy or separate entrance not to exceed eight (8) square feet in sign area. Under-canopy signs must have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet to grade.
7. 
Incidental signs not to exceed four (4) square feet in aggregate area per occupancy.
8. 
Reserved.
9. 
Off-site directional signs as required.
10. 
All signs (freestanding, projecting, awning, marquee, canopy, under-canopy, etc.) must maintain minimum clearances and construction electrical standards.
11. 
All off-premise freestanding signs within six hundred sixty (660) feet of any highway or within view of any highway within the City shall not be installed to exceed a height of fifty (50) feet or shall not be located any closer than one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet of any residential district, and any other freestanding sign. Such signs shall require the approval and issuance of a conditional use permit.
12. 
No sign may be placed or designed so as to simulate or interfere with traffic control devices or official highway directional/information signs.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-15; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(6.01), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1447) §§1, 4, 10-20-1994]
A. 
Existing signs which do not conform to the specific provisions of the Chapter may be eligible for the designation "legal non-conforming" provided that:
1. 
The Administrator determines such signs are properly maintained (as per Section 415.070) and do not in any way endanger the public.
2. 
The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit or variance, or complied with all applicable laws on date of adoption of this Chapter.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-16; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(6.02), 4-7-1994]
A. 
A legal non-conforming sign may lose this designation if:
1. 
The sign is relocated or replaced.
2. 
The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way except toward compliance with this Chapter. This does not refer to change of copy or normal maintenance.
3. 
Existing portable and temporary signs shall have ninety (90) days after the effective date of this Chapter to be brought into conformity with this Chapter.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-17; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(6.03), 4-7-1994]
The legal non-conforming sign is subject to all requirements of this Code regarding safety, maintenance, and repair. However, if the sign suffers more than fifty percent (50%) damage or deterioration, as based on appraisal, it must be brought into conformance with this Code or removed.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-18; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(7.00), 4-7-1994]
All signs shall be installed in compliance with building and electrical codes as required by the Administrator.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-19; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.01), 4-7-1994]
A. 
The Administrator shall be the Community Development Director and is authorized to process applications for permits and variances, hold public hearings as required, and enforce and carry out all provisions of this Code. The Administrator is authorized to promulgate regulations and procedures consistent with this function.
B. 
The Administrator is empowered, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure, or premises in the City for the purpose of inspection of a sign and its structural and electrical connections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency exists.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-20; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.02), 4-7-1994]
A. 
Application for permit for the erection or relocation of a sign shall be made to the Administrator upon a form provided by the Administrator and shall include the following information:
1. 
Name and address of the owner of the sign.
2. 
Street address or location of the property on which the sign is to be located, along with the name and address of the property owner.
3. 
The type of sign or sign structure as defined in this Chapter.
4. 
A site plan with measurements showing the proposed locations of any and all existing and proposed signs on the same premises.
5. 
Specifications and drawings showing the materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, and electrical components of the proposed sign.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-21; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.03), 4-7-1994]
All applications for permits filed with the Administrator shall be accompanied by a payment of the initial permit fee as required by the City Council for each sign.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-22; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.04), 4-7-1994]
A. 
The Administrator shall issue a permit for the erection, structural alteration, or relocation of a sign within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of a valid application, provided that the sign complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the City and State. In all applications, where a matter of interpretation arises, the more specific definition or higher standard shall prevail.
B. 
When a permit is denied, the Administrator shall within fifteen (15) days give a written notice to the applicant along with a brief statement of the reasons for denial citing Code Sections and interpretation of possible non-conformity. The Administrator may suspend or revoke an issued permit for any false statement or representation of fact in the application.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-24; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.06), 4-7-1994]
A. 
Any person installing, structurally altering, or relocating a sign for which a permit has been issued shall notify the Administrator to conduct inspections as prescribed by the Administrator. The Administrator may require a final inspection including an electrical inspection of footings on freestanding signs.
B. 
The Administrator may require at the time of issuance of a permit that written notification for an inspection be submitted prior to the installation of certain signs.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-25; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.07), 4-7-1994]
A. 
When requesting a permit, the applicant may apply to the Administrator for a variance from certain requirements of this Code. A variance may be granted by the Board of Adjustment where the literal application of the Chapter would create a particular hardship.
B. 
In granting a variance, the Board may attach additional requirements necessary to carry out the spirit and purpose of this Chapter in the public interest.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-26; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.08), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1491) §§1-2, 7-20-1995; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1681) §2, 6-4-1998]
A. 
When a violation of the Code exists, the Administrator shall issue a written order to the alleged violator. The order shall specify those Sections of the Code which the individual may be in violation of and shall state that the individual must promptly correct the alleged violation or register an appeal to the Board of Adjustment.
B. 
If, upon inspection, the Administrator finds that a sign is abandoned or structurally, materially or electrically defective, or in any way endangers the public, the Administrator shall issue a written order to the owner of the sign and/or occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and requiring them to repair or remove the sign within six (6) working days of the date of the order.
C. 
Notwithstanding other provisions of this Code to the contrary, any sign that has been erected upon the right-of-way of any street or highway, other than a bona fide traffic sign erected by a governmental agency, shall be immediately removed by the Community Development Director without notice to the owner of the sign. The owner of a sign removed under the provisions of this Section shall be notified in writing of the removal of the sign, the reason for its removal, and informed of the location and times the sign can be recovered by the owner. Any sign not picked up by the owner within seven (7) days of the date of the aforesaid written notice shall become the property of the City and disposed of by the City. In the event that the owner of such sign cannot be identified or located after reasonable effort, such sign shall become the property of the City and disposed of ten (10) days after its original removal from the right-of-way.
D. 
In case of emergency, the Administrator may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice. Signs removed in this manner must present hazard to the public safety as defined in the local building or traffic codes.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-27; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.09), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1491) §§3-4, 7-20-1995]
A. 
The Administrator shall, as stipulated elsewhere in this Article, cause the removal of an illegal sign in cases of emergency or for failure to comply with the written orders of removal or repair. After removal or demolition of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign owner stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the costs as certified by the Administrator.
B. 
If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within thirty (30) days of the notice, it shall become an assessment upon a lien against the property of the sign owner, and will be certified as an assessment against property.
C. 
The sign owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the Administrator, such as the case of a leased sign.
D. 
For the purposes of removal, the definition of "sign" shall include all sign embellishments and structures designed specifically to support the sign.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-29; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(8.11), 4-7-1994; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1491) §5, 7-20-1995]
Upon receipt of any decision rendered by the Administrator in denying a permit or variance, the applicant has six (6) working days from the date of receipt of the denial to appeal to the Board of Adjustment.
[R.O. 2013 §20.5-30; Ord. No. 14.200 (Bill No. 1417) §1(9.01), 4-7-1994]
If any portion of this Chapter is found to be in conflict with any other provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety, or health ordinance of the City Code, the provision which establishes the higher standard shall prevail.