[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.250; amended 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
The term "sign" used herein refers to all advertising signs, awnings and other devices used for the purpose of advertising or displaying merchandise or attracting attention to or for any business or activity, and to structures used for weather protection or other similar purposes.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.251; amended 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
A sign shall be erected so that the bottom thereof is a minimum of seven feet above the normal ground level immediately thereunder, except that the valance commonly found on canvas awnings may be down to a minimum of six feet six inches above the normal ground level immediately thereunder.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.252; amended 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
A sign, any part of which extends over or on City property, shall be erected in a safe manner and inspected at least once a year by the owner to determine that it remains safely and securely erected. Any sign found to be in an unsafe condition shall be repaired immediately.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.253; amended 5-15-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1005; 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
The owner of a sign, any part of which extends over or on City property, shall hold harmless the City against any and all claims, demands or judgments resulting from injuries or damages attributable to said sign. This includes any auto accidents that might arise due to the sign blocking a driver's line of sight.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.254; amended 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
All signs shall be supported entirely from and by a building or other structure not on City property in such a manner that said supports are a minimum of seven feet above the normal ground level immediately thereunder when over City property, excepting, however, that waiver of this requirement may be made by proper action of the City Council upon receipt of application therefor and payment of the required fee.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.255; amended 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
(A) 
Before any sign may be placed over City property, application therefor shall be made to the City Clerk and approval given by the City Council or by an authorized City official. There shall be no fee or charge for said permit unless said sign is supported either from City property or some portion of the support extends over City property and is less than seven feet in height.
(B) 
When a sign over City property is supported either from City property or some portion of the support extends over City property and is less than seven feet in height, permit therefor, when approved, shall be issued by the City Clerk only upon payment of a fee of $25, if the sign has an overall area of 20 square feet or less. If the area is more than 20 square feet, the fee shall be $25, plus $5 for each square foot or fraction over 20 square feet. Only one face shall be considered when measuring the area. The fee shall apply each calendar year or fraction thereof, with no proration for a shorter period.
(C) 
Owners of signs in place on January 1 of each year shall pay for a renewal permit at the same rates applicable to newly erected signs on or before January 31. Renewal permits obtained February 1 or thereafter shall be subject to the penalties and fines set forth in Section 8-10-8 of this chapter, retroactive to January 1.
(D) 
As a part of the application for the permit, the applicant shall therein agree to hold harmless the City against any and all claims, demands or judgments resulting from injuries or damages attributable to said sign.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.256; amended 5-15-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1005; 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
No sign, not in conformance with Section 8-10-2 of this chapter, shall be placed upon or over City property. All such signs in place are subject to immediate removal by a City official, regardless of notice to the owner of said sign. The City official will keep it for a reasonable amount of time before disposing of it. Temporary signs placed in front of a business shall not be considered to be in violation of any portion of this chapter, so long as they do not cause a safety hazard and are only on display during normal business hours.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.257; amended 5-15-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1005; 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016]
(A) 
No Permit: Any person who erects, or causes to be erected, a sign within the meaning of Section 8-10-1 of this chapter without having first obtained a permit to do so shall pay a penalty of $75 for the first day said sign is erected, plus $10 for each succeeding day it is allowed to remain erected, until a permit is granted and issued, and said permit shall not be issued until the total penalty to date has been paid.
(B) 
Nonconformance: Any person who places or causes to be placed a nonconforming sign on or over City property shall pay, upon conviction, a fine of $755 for the first day of violation and $ 101 for each succeeding day. If a nonconforming sign is not removed after notice to remove has been given by an authorized City official, said sign shall be removed by City employees and the cost therefor charged to the owner.
[1960 Code, Sec. 5.12.258; amended 5-15-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1005; 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1016; 2-20-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-1024]
Upon petition showing that the general welfare of the community will be served and fostered, the Street Department Superintendent or their designee may grant permission for individuals, businesses, associations or any other groups to erect signs, banners or decorations, exhibit or offer for sale merchandise, or otherwise conduct sundry activities upon City property. Said permission shall be granted only on a day-to-day basis for the duration of the special occasion. All special occasion signage must be removed within two days of the end of the event.