The term “outdoor advertising display” shall mean any letter, figure, character, mark, plane, point, marquee, sign, design, poster, pictorial, picture, stroke, stripe, line, trademark, or reading matter which shall be so constructed, placed, attached, painted, erected, fastened, or manufactured in any manner whatsoever so that the same shall be used for the attraction of the public to any place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article, machine or merchandise whatsoever, which is displayed in any manner whatsoever out-of-doors. Every outdoor display shall be classified and shall conform to the requirements of that classification as set forth in this article.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.30)
(a) 
Definitions.
For the purpose of this article and the regulations and provisions thereof, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
Electric sign.
A sign whereon letters, figures or designs are formed or outlined by electric illumination, or formed by a transparent or translucent medium which is illuminated from such lamps, tubes, or other electric illuminant contained within or on the sign; and all outside building outlining; and shall be deemed to include interior decoration displays and gas tube window outlining. Signs which are illuminated by electric lights which are not attached to the sign or which are not an essential element of the sign proper and signs which are lighted by floodlights or projectors are not classified as electric signs within the meaning of this article.
Marquee.
A canopy or permanent roofed structure projecting from and supported by a building, column supports from grade, or both.
Sign.
Any outdoor advertising display as described in section 3.04.001.
Structure.
That which supports or braces a sign.
Temporary sign.
Any noncommercial sign, use of which does not exceed a period of thirty (30) consecutive days.
(b) 
Classifications.
For the purpose of this article and the regulations and provisions thereof, outdoor advertising displays shall be classified into one of the following types of signs:
(1) 
Ground sign.
A sign which is supported by more than two (2) columns, poles, uprights, or braces in or upon the ground and is not a part of a building. The term “ground sign” shall include billboards.
(2) 
Roof sign.
A sign which is erected, constructed, or maintained on or over the roof or parapet wall of a building.
(3) 
Wall sign.
A sign which is attached or affixed to the wall of a building or is an integral part of the wall of a building with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to and not more than twelve (12) inches from said wall; provided, however, that electric wall signs may project not more than eighteen (18) inches from said wall. This term shall also include subsections (4) and (5).
(4) 
Projection sign.
A sign which is attached or affixed to a building wall or structure other than a pole and extends or projects therefrom more than twelve (12) inches.
(5) 
Marquee sign.
A projection or wall sign not over fifty (50) square feet in area, constructed of metal or other noncombustible material, attached securely to a building.
(6) 
Pole sign.
A sign supported by and placed upon not more than two (2) poles or standards.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.31; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
Required.
No sign shall hereafter be erected, constructed, altered, or maintained except as provided herein until after a permit for the same has been issued by the building official and a permit fee paid as herein provided.
(b) 
Exceptions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) hereof, no permit shall be required for the erection or alteration of the following types of signs:
(1) 
Display signs not exceeding one (1) square foot in area stating merely the name and occupation of the occupant.
(2) 
Display signs not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area pertaining to the lease, rental or sale of the property.
(3) 
Temporary noncommercial display signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, when erected for a period not exceeding thirty days.
(c) 
Fee.
No sign permit shall be issued and no sign erected unless and until the applicant has paid a fee therefor, which fee shall be determined by the construction and installation costs of the proposed sign as applied to the schedule of building permit fees contained in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.32)
Every sign hereafter erected, constructed or maintained for which a permit is required shall be plainly marked with the name of the person, firm, or corporation erecting and maintaining such sign and shall have affixed on the front thereof the number of the permit issued for said sign by the building official.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.33)
It shall be the duty of the building official or his authorized agent to inspect every ground sign, roof sign, wall sign, and projection sign at least once annually.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.34)
Should any sign become insecure or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe in the opinion of the building official, the owner thereof or the person or firm maintaining the same shall, upon written notice from the building official, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within ten (10) days, secure the same in a manner to be approved by the building official in conformity with the provisions of this code, or remove such sign. If such order is not complied with in ten (10) days, the building official shall remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.35)
All signs for which a permit is required, together with all their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be kept in repair and, unless of galvanized or non-corroding metal, shall be thoroughly painted at least once every two years. The building official may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section. Such removal shall be accomplished at the expense of the owner or lessee.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.36)
In case any sign shall be installed, erected or constructed in violation of any of the terms of this article or any other ordinance of the city, the building official shall order, by registered mail or written notice served personally, the owner or lessee thereof to alter such sign so as to comply with such ordinance and to secure the necessary permit therefor or to remove the sign. If such order is not complied with in ten (10) days, the building official shall remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.37)
No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained as follows:
(1) 
In violation of any provision of the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the city.
(2) 
So as to obstruct any fire escape, window, door, or other opening used as a means of egress or as legally required ventilation.
(3) 
On or attached to a fire escape.
(4) 
On or attached to any door or window casing.
(5) 
On or over any alley, park, light pole, utility pole, fire hydrant, or other object or structure situated on public property; provided that this provision shall not be construed as prohibiting the erection of signs by the city for the purpose of identification, direction, or information concerning traffic control.
(6) 
With any structural support or other portion thereof on or within any street right-of-way, parkway, alley, public sidewalk, park, or other public property.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.38)
No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to constitute an obstruction of the view of pedestrians or motorists upon entering a public thoroughfare. All signs of any nature whatsoever, whether temporary or permanent, when situated within fifteen (15) feet of the curb or edge of a public street, shall either:
(1) 
Have a clear height of eight and one-half (8-1/2) feet measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign; or
(2) 
Have a height of not more than two and one-half (2-1/2) feet measured from the top of curb to the top of the sign; provided that wall signs may be permitted on a fence or wall which complies with setback and height requirements of the zoning ordinance.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.39)
(a) 
Design and stress diagrams required.
Before a sign permit shall be granted, the applicant therefor shall submit to the building official a design and stress diagram or plan containing information as to type, size, shape, location, construction, and materials of the proposed sign and such other information as the building official may deem necessary in order to determine that such sign complies with this article and all other pertinent ordinances of the city.
(b) 
Wind pressure.
In the design and erection of all signs, the effect of wind shall be carefully considered. All signs shall be so constructed as to withstand wind pressure as specified in the IBC.
(c) 
Working stresses.
The allowable working stresses of all signs shall conform with the requirements of the IBC. The allowable working stresses for steel and wood shall be calculated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the IBC. The working strength of chains, cables, guys, or steel rods shall not exceed one-fifth (1/5) of the ultimate strength of such chains, cables, guys or steel rods.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.40)
(a) 
Ground and pole signs.
(1) 
No ground or pole sign constructed entirely of wood materials shall be at any point over twenty-four (24) feet above the ground level, but when the facing of a ground signs is constructed entirely of sheetmetal or other noncombustible material, such ground sign may be erected and the supports, braces, battens, ornamental mounding, platform, and decorative trim may be of wood material.
(2) 
Lighting reflectors may project beyond the face of the sign.
(3) 
The bottom coping of every ground sign shall be at least three (3) feet above the ground or street level.
(4) 
Every ground and pole sign shall provide rigid construction to withstand wind action in all directions.
(5) 
Any person or persons, partnership, firm or corporation occupying any vacant lot or premises by means of a ground or pole sign shall be subject to the same duties and responsibilities as the owner of the lot or premises with respect to keeping the same clean, sanitary, inoffensive, and free and clear of obnoxious substances and unsightly conditions on the ground in the vicinity of such ground or pole sign.
(6) 
Wherever anchors or supports consist of wood embedded in the soil, the wood shall be pressure-treated with an approved preservative.
(b) 
Roof signs.
(1) 
All roof signs shall be so constructed as to leave a clear space of not less than six (6) feet between the roof level and the lowest part of the sign and shall have at least five (5) feet clearance between the vertical supports thereof. No portion of any roof sign structure shall project beyond an exterior wall.
(2) 
Every roof sign shall be constructed entirely of steel construction, including the upright supports and braces, except that the ornamental molding and battens behind the steel facing and the decorative latticework may be wooden construction.
(3) 
The bearing plates of all roof signs shall distribute the load directly to or upon masonry walls, or upon steel roof girders, columns, or beams. The building shall be designed to avoid overstress of these members.
(4) 
No roof sign having a tight or solid surface shall be at any point over thirty-five (35) feet above the roof level.
(5) 
Open roof signs in which the uniform open area is not less than forty (40) percent of the total gross area may be erected to a height of seventy-five (75) feet on buildings of type I or type II construction and on other type buildings to a height of forty (40) feet; all such signs shall be thoroughly secured to the building upon which they are installed, erected, or constructed by iron (metal anchors, bolt, supports, or chains) or stranded cables, or steel rods or braces; and they shall be maintained in good condition as set forth in section 3.04.007 hereof.
(c) 
Wall signs.
(1) 
Wall signs attached to exterior walls of solid masonry, concrete, or stone shall be safely and securely attached to the same by means of metal anchors, bolts, or expansion screws of not less than three-eighths (3/8) inch in diameter and shall be embedded at least five (5) inches. No wooden blocks shall be used for anchorage, except in the case of wall signs attached to buildings with walls of wood. No wall sign shall be supported by anchorage secured to an unbraced parapet wall.
(2) 
The surface face of all wall bulletins shall be of sheetmetal, but the ornamental molding surrounding same may be of wooden construction.
(d) 
Projecting signs.
(1) 
All projecting signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other noncombustible material and securely attached to a building or structure by metal supports, such as bolts, anchors, supports, chains, guys or steel rods. No staples or nails shall be used to secure any projecting sign to any building or structure.
(2) 
The dead load of projecting signs not parallel to the building or structure and to the load due to wind pressure shall be supported by chains, guys, or steel rods having net cross-sectional dimensions of not less than three-eighths (3/8) inch in diameter or with proper rigid steel structures constituting a part of a building. Such supports shall be erected or maintained at an angle of at least 45 degrees to the horizontal to resist the dead load and at an angle of 45 degrees or more to the face of the sign to resist the specified wind pressure. If such projection sign exceeds thirty (30) square feet in one facial area, there shall be provided at least two such supports on each side, not more than eight feet apart, to resist the wind pressure.
(3) 
All supports shall be secured to bolts with expansion shields or expansion screws that will develop the strength of the supporting chains, guys, or steel rods, with five-eighths (5/8) inch bolts or lag screws as the minimum allowable size. Turnbuckles shall be placed in all chains, guys, or steel rods supporting projecting signs.
(4) 
Chains, cables, guys, or steel rods used to support the live or dead load of projecting signs may be fastened to solid masonry walls with expansion bolts or with machine screws in iron supports, but no such supports shall be attached to an unbraced parapet wall. Where the supports must be fastened to walls of wood, the supporting anchor bolts must go through the wall and be plated or fastened on the inside in a secure manner.
(e) 
Marquee signs.
Marquee signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or noncombustible material and may be attached to or hung from marquees, and such sign when hung from marquees shall be at least eight (8) feet at their lowest level above the sidewalk or ground level, and further, no such sign shall extend outside the line of any such marquee. Marquee signs may be attached to the sides and front of marquees, and such signs may extend the entire length and width of such marquees, provided such signs do not extend more than six (6) feet above nor one (1) foot below such marquees, but under no circumstances shall a marquee sign have a vertical dimension greater than eight (8) feet.
(f) 
Electric signs.
(1) 
An electric sign may be built upon the ground, may be attached to a wall or above the roof, may project from a wall, or may be erected upon a pole or poles, provided that such sign shall meet the requirements governing the classification of the sign as defined in section 3.04.002(b) hereof.
(2) 
All electric signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
(3) 
All regulations of this article and of the electrical code of the city and any amendments thereto shall apply to the erection, alteration, installation, and maintenance of electrical signs.
(g) 
Temporary signs.
(1) 
Temporary signs may be made of cloth or of wallboard not less than one-quarter (1/4) inch in thickness. Frames may be of wood construction.
(2) 
Standard sign hooks, lag screws, or expansion bolts and shields shall be used in sufficient number to support the sign.
(3) 
Any sign used for a period of time in excess of thirty (30) consecutive days shall be deemed to be a permanent sign and shall meet the requirements of its classification.
(4) 
No portable signs of any nature shall be permitted. For the purpose of this article, a portable sign shall mean a ground, projection or pole sign, the structure of which is not permanently affixed to or in the soil. The term shall include, without limitation, signs on wheels or skids, where the primary purpose of the structure is the support of the sign.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.41)
(a) 
Any other provisions of this article notwithstanding, plastic materials which burn at a rate no faster than 2.5" per minute when tested in accordance with ASTM D635-63 shall be deemed approved plastics and may be used as the display surface materials and for the letters and decorations and facings on signs and outdoor display structures, provided that in the first and second fire zones the structure of the sign in which the plastic is mounted or installed is incombustible.
(b) 
Letters and decorations mounted upon an approved plastic facing or display surface may be made of approved plastics.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.42)
It shall be the duty of every person, firm, corporation, or association of persons engaging in the erection of any signs regulated by the provisions of this article to register his name with the building official, in a book provided for that purpose, giving his full name, residence, and place of business; and in case of removal from one place to another it shall be the duty of every such person to have corresponding change made in said register accordingly, and to pay such fees as are required by the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(2005 Code, sec. 15.1.43)