The purpose of this section is to promote and protect the public
health, safety and welfare by regulating exterior signs while allowing
equitable use of the public environs to communicate necessary business
and public information. It is intended to protect property values,
create a more attractive economic and business atmosphere and protect
the physical appearance of the community. It is further intended to
reduce sign or advertising distractions and obstructions that may
contribute to traffic accidents and reduce hazards that may be caused
by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way.
These standards and regulations shall apply to all signs within
the boundaries of the City of Watertown, New York. No sign shall be
installed or maintained, including such signs by the City, except
in conformity with the provisions of this section.
Nonconforming signs which have permits issued by the Bureau
of Code Enforcement before the effective date of this chapter may
continue in use subject to the following conditions:
A. Nonconforming signs may remain so long as they are being used and
maintained.
B. If unused for a period of up to one year, the sign must be brought
into conformance, except that any supports or hardware used in common
with existing signs used by remaining occupants may remain.