The urban design and development committee may consider a recommendation for a special exception to this article when submitted by the owner or owners of a particular, clearly defined, and identifiable commercial or retail area, such as a shopping center, to provide signage for such area as part of an overall graphics program. Such request shall be accompanied by a plan which shall provide such details and specifications as the committee may reasonably require, including information with respect to ownership of the land, and proposed lighting, type, location, and size of signs. The area for which the graphics program is proposed shall not contain noncontiguous tracts. If, in the opinion of the urban design and development committee, such graphics program will result in the signage appearance of the area being beneficial to the public health, safety and general welfare and in the interest of the city, said committee shall recommend to the city council that a special sign district be established for such area permitting signs and other graphics in accordance with the plan or program submitted to the committee. After notice and public hearing, the city council may by ordinance create such a district.
(1996 Code, sec. 12.258)