The purpose of these sign regulations is to:
A. 
Protect the health, safety, property and welfare of the public;
B. 
Provide a neat, clean, orderly and attractive appearance of the community;
C. 
Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City;
D. 
Minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property;
E. 
Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions;
F. 
Protect the public from hazardous conditions by prohibiting signs that are structurally unsafe, obscure or distract the vision of motorists or compete or conflict with necessary traffic signs and warning signs; and
G. 
Achieve these purposes consistent with State and Federal constitutional limits on the regulation of speech.
This sign ordinance is adopted under the zoning authority of the City in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in the Community Development Ordinance. This article shall be known as the "Uniform Sign Act" (the Act).
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A. 
A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the City only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this article.
B. 
The effect of this article is more specifically set forth herein, is to:
1. 
Establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs in commercial and industrial zones and a limited variety of signs in other zones, subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this article;
2. 
Allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive and incidental to the principle use of the respective lots on which they are located, subject to the substantive requirements of this article, but without a requirement for permits; and
3. 
Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this article.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A. 
If a sign requiring a permit under the provision of this article is to be placed, constructed, erected or modified on a lot, the owner of the lot shall secure a sign permit prior to the construction, placement, erection or modification of such a sign in accordance with the requirements of Section 14.312.
B. 
No signs shall be erected in the public right-of-way except in accordance with Section 14.340.
C. 
No sign permit of any kind shall be issued for an existing or proposed sign unless such sign is consistent with the requirements of this article (including those protecting existing signs).
D. 
A sign permit fee must be paid at the time of application, if this fee is not paid, the application will not be considered complete.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
The following procedures shall govern the application for and issuance of all sign permits under this article.
A. 
Applications. All applications for sign permits of any kind shall be submitted to the Director on an application form or in accordance with application specifications published by the Director and shall include the following:
1. 
A set of plans for the proposed sign.
2. 
Location of the sign on the building or site inclusive of property line setback distances.
3. 
Dimensions of the sign, building face on which the sign will be placed, and property frontage.
4. 
Construction materials and a color rendering or photograph of the sign.
5. 
The method of attachment and character of the structure to which the sign is to be attached, if applicable.
6. 
A diagram of the vision clearance area, if applicable.
7. 
Any other materials necessary to ensure compliance with this article.
8. 
The sign permit review fee established per City Code Section 1.075.
B. 
Completeness. Upon receiving the permit, the Director shall review it for completeness. If the Director finds that it is complete, the application shall then be processed.
C. 
Action. After processing a complete application for a sign permit, the Director shall either:
1. 
Issue the sign permit if the sign(s) that is the subject of the application conforms in every respect with the requirements of this article; or
2. 
Reject the sign permit if the sign(s) that is the subject of the application fails in any way to conform with the requirements of this act. In case of a rejection, the Director shall specify in the rejection the section or sections of the article or applicable plan with which the sign(s) is inconsistent.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
Signs identified as "S" on Table 14.348-1, shall be erected, installed or created only in accordance with a duly issued and valid sign permit from the Director. Such permits shall be issued only in accordance with the following requirements and procedures.
A. 
Permit for New Sign or for Sign Modification. An application for construction, creation or installation of a new sign or form modification of an existing sign shall be accompanied by detailed drawings to show the dimensions, design, structure and location of each particular sign. One application and permit may include multiple signs on the same lot.
B. 
Inspection. The Director shall cause an inspection of the lot for which each permit for a new sign or for modification of an existing sign is issued during the sixth month after the issuance of such permit or at such earlier date as the owner may request. If the construction is not substantially complete at the time of inspection, the permit shall lapse and become void. If the construction is complete and in full compliance with this act and with the building and electrical codes, the permit shall be considered valid. If the construction is substantially complete but not in full compliance with this act and applicable codes, the Director shall give the owner or applicant notice of the deficiencies and shall allow an additional 30 days from the date of inspection for the deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies are not corrected by such date, the permit shall lapse.
C. 
The following PUD zone designations shall be subject to the sign standards applicable to the following corresponding zoning designations:
Basin View
Harbor Isles
Campus
PUD Zone
Zone
PUD Zone
Zone
PUD Zone
Zone
Single-Family
SF
Single-Family
SF
High Density
A
Multifamily
MD
Single-Family w/o setbacks
SF
Neighborhood Commercial
NC
Commercial
NC
Multifamily
MD
Medical-Professional
NC
School
PF
Multifamily Condominium
MD
Highway Commercial
GC
 
 
Golf Course, Open Space, Recreation
PF
Schools
PF
 
 
 
 
Office
NC
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
No sign shall be placed within the vision clearance area of Section 14.390.
A. 
Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable Federal, State or local law, regulation or ordinance.
B. 
Any sign placed by the City on City property or within the right-of-way, at the discretion of the City Manager.
C. 
Any sign that is not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel on which it is located or from any public thoroughfare or right-of-way.
D. 
Works of art, located on private property, that do not include a commercial message.
E. 
Holiday displays, located on private property, that do not include a commercial message, but the holiday message shall not be displayed more than 40 days prior to the holiday and no more than 15 days past the holiday.
F. 
Traffic control signs on private property, such as stop, yield and similar signs, the face of which meet Department of Transportation standards.
G. 
Real Estate Signs. One temporary non-illuminated real estate sign per lot, located on private property, that does not exceed eight square feet in area and four feet in height, within residential zones and 32 square feet in area and seven feet in height, in all other zones, but only if the sign remains in place no more than seven days after the sale or rental of the property.
H. 
Construction Signs. Construction signs, located on private property, with a maximum of 32 square feet of total signage area limited to the duration of the construction period.
I. 
Political Signs. Temporary non-illuminated political sign(s), located on private property, that do not exceed 12 square feet in area and three and one-half feet in height, within residential zones, but only if the sign remains in place no more than seven days after the applicable election. Temporary non-illuminated political sign(s), located on private property, that do not exceed 32 square feet in area and seven feet in height, in all other zones, but only if the sign remains in place no more than seven days after the applicable election.
J. 
Flags. Located on private property.
K. 
Signs, located on private property, having an area of not more than one and one-half square feet, the message of which is limited to conveying street numbers, the name of the owner of the premises and the name of the occupants of the premises.
L. 
An institutional church shall be permitted one bulletin board, located on private property, per lot without interior illumination having an area not exceeding 25 square feet.
M. 
Signs, on private property, indicating only the date of construction of a building and having an area not exceeding four square feet.
N. 
Lost Animal and Garage Sale Signs. One temporary sign per lot placed on private property with the permission of the owner for a period not to exceed 10 days.
O. 
Window Signs. A window sign of no more than four square feet in area and placed no more than 25 feet above finished grade, if the sign area fills less than 25% of the area of the window and such signs do not exceed 25% of the total allowable sign area for the premises. The area of a window sign not exempt from permit requirements under this subsection is calculated as a part of and limited by the total allowable sign area for the premises.
P. 
Signs Carried by a Person. A sign carried by a person and not set on or affixed to the ground.
Q. 
Inflated balloons having an area of not more than two square feet.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
All signs not expressly permitted under this act or exempt from regulation hereunder in accordance with the previous section, are prohibited by the City. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
A. 
Beacons;
B. 
Pennants;
C. 
Strings of colored lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, except those exempt under the previous section;
D. 
Electronic message signs;
E. 
Moving signs;
F. 
Illusion signs;
G. 
No unofficial sign which purports to be, is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic sign or signal or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from view any official traffic sign or signal;
H. 
Roof signs not in the Downtown Business Zone; and
I. 
Vehicle signs, if:
1. 
The vehicle is not in operable condition;
2. 
The sign is roof mounted and has more than two faces or any face exceeds four square feet in area;
3. 
The principle use of the vehicle at the time of the display is for display of the signs; or
4. 
It is a commercial sign and the vehicle is not used in the normal course of business as a delivery vehicle for persons or goods.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A. 
Signs shall be allowed on private property in the City in accordance with and only in accordance with, Table 14.348-1. If the letter "P" appears for a sign type in a column, such sign is allowed without prior permit approval in the zones represented by that column. If the letter "S" appears for a sign type in a column, such sign is allowed only with prior permit approval in the zones represented by that column. Special conditions may apply in some cases. If the letter "N" appears for a sign type in a column, such a sign is not allowed in the zones represented by that column under any circumstances.
B. 
Although permitted under the previous paragraph, a sign designated by an "S" or "P" in Table 14.348-1 shall be allowed only if:
1. 
The size, location and number of signs on the lot conform with the requirements of Table 14.348-2, which establish permitted sign dimensions by sign type and with any additional limitations listed in Table 14.348-1; and
2. 
The characteristics of the sign conform with the limitations of Table 14.348-3, Permitted Sign Characteristics and with any additional limitations on characteristics in Table 14.348-1.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
Temporary signs on private property shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements:
A. 
Term. A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified 30-day period.
B. 
Number. Only four temporary sign permits shall be issued to the same business license holder on the same lot in any calendar year.
C. 
Other Conditions. A temporary sign shall be allowed only in zones with a letter "S" for "Temporary Signs" on Table 14.348-1 and subject to all of the requirements for temporary signs as noted therein.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
Subject to the restrictions, portable signs may be permitted in the General Commercial Zone, provided the following requirements are met:
A. 
The sign shall be placed on private property at the business premises;
B. 
The sign shall be freestanding and not attached to any structure, tree or shrub;
C. 
The sign shall not be placed in parking spaces or landscape beds;
D. 
The sign shall only be displayed during applicable hours of business operation;
E. 
The sign shall have a maximum display area of six square feet per side;
F. 
The sign shall not exceed four feet in height and two feet in width;
G. 
The sign shall be made of weather-resistant material, such as plywood, plastic, or Masonite;
H. 
The sign shall be weighted, so it cannot be easily blown over or moved; and
I. 
For a portable sign a sign permit will be required; only one permit per business license holder is allowed.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
Signs may be permitted on sidewalks in the public rights-of-way in the Neighborhood Commercial, General Commercial, and Downtown Business Zones, provided the following requirements are met:
A. 
A 48-inch pedestrian way shall be maintained;
B. 
The sign shall be freestanding and not attached to any structure, tree or shrub;
C. 
The sign shall only be displayed during applicable hours of operation;
D. 
The sign shall have a maximum display area of six square feet per side;
E. 
The sign shall not exceed four feet in height and two feet in width;
F. 
The sign shall be made of weather-resistant material such as plywood, plastic, or Masonite;
G. 
The sign shall be weighted so it cannot be easily blown over or moved;
H. 
For a portable sign a sign permit is required; only one permit per business license holder is allowed; and
I. 
The portable sign shall be displayed in front of the business the sign represents.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
No signs shall be allowed in the public right-of-way, except for the following:
A. 
Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
B. 
Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company;
C. 
Information signs for a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities; and
D. 
Awning, projecting and suspended signs projecting over a public right-of-way in conformity with the conditions of Table 14.348-1 of this article.
E. 
Other Signs Forfeited. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this section, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign height.
A. 
Computation of Area of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material of color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed. The area of the support structure of a freestanding sign is counted in the total area of the sign to the extent that the support structure exceeds the minimum required for support of the sign. But, if the sign is less than eight feet in height, a plain pedestal for a freestanding sign shall not be counted in the total area of the sign.
B. 
Computation of Area of Multifaced Signs. The sign area of a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time and when such sign faces are part of the same structure and are not more than 42 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
C. 
Computation of Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the vertical distance from the elevation of the nearest sidewalk or if there is no sidewalk within 25 feet, from the lowest point of the finished grade on the lot upon which the sign is located and within 25 feet of the sign, to the uppermost point on the sign or sign structure, whichever is higher.
D. 
Computation of Maximum Total Permitted Sign Area for a Lot. The permitted sum of the area of all individual signs on a lot shall be computed by applying the formulas contained in Table 14.348-2, Number, Dimensions and Location of Individual Signs by Zone.
Table 14.348-1 Permitted Signs by Type and Zone
Key to Tables 1 Through 3
SF
Single-Family Residential
GC
General Commercial
MD
Medium Density Residential
LI
Light Industrial
A
Apartment Residential
I
Industrial
DB
Downtown Business
NC
Neighborhood Commercial
PUB
Institutional Uses Permitted in Residential Zones (includes Public Facility Zone)
 
 
P = Allowed without sign permit
S = Allowed only with sign permit
N = Not allowed
Zoning (Sign Type)
SF
MD
A
NC
MU
PF1
GC
LI
I
DB2
Freestanding
Residential
N
N
P
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Other
N
N
S3
S
P
S
S
S
S
S
Incidental4
N
N
P5
P5
S
P5
P
P
P
P
Temporary8
N
N
N
S10
S
N
S10
S10
S10
S10
Building
Building Marker
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Canopy
N
N
N
S
S
N
S
S
S
S
Identification6
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Incidental4
N
N
P6
P6
P
P
P
P
P
P
Marquee7
N
N
N
N
S
N
S
N
N
S
Projecting7
N
N
N
S
S
N
S
S
S
S
Residential3
P
P
P
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Roof
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
Roof, Integral
N
N
N
N
S
N
S
N
N
S
Suspended7
N
N
N
N
N
P
N
N
N
P
Temporary8
N
N
N
S10
S
N
S
S10
S10
S10
Wall
S9
S9
S9
S
S10
P
S
S
S
S
Miscellaneous
Portable (Private)
N
N
N
N
S
N
S
N
N
S
Portable (ROW)
N
N
N
S
S
N
S
N
N
S
Notes:
1
This column does not represent a zone. It applies to institutional uses permitted under the zoning ordinance in residential and public facility zones. Such uses may include, but are not necessarily limited to, churches, schools, funeral homes and cemeteries.
2
Must comply with Section 14.354 (Downtown signs).
3
No commercial message allowed on sign.
4
No commercial message of any kind allowed on sign if such message is legible from any location off the lot on which the sign is located.
5
May include only building name, date of construction or historical data on historic site, must be cut or etched into masonry, bronze or similar material.
6
Only address and name of occupant allowed.
7
If such a sign is suspended or projects above the public right-of-way, the issuance and continuation of a sign permit shall be conditioned on the sign owner obtaining a right-of-way encroachment permit. Signs projecting over State highway right-of-way are subject to the permitting requirements of the Oregon Department of Transportation.
8
The conditions of Section 14.352 apply.
9
Wall signs in residential zones shall be restricted to locations with licensed home occupations and residential businesses.
10
Banner signs only. All other non-portable temporary signs are prohibited. Temporary signs have the same number and dimensional requirements as building or freestanding sign types, but totals are calculated separately.
Table 14.348-2 Number, Dimensions and Location of Individual Signs by Zones
(Individual signs shall not exceed the applicable maximum number dimensions or setbacks shown on this table)
 
Zoning (all dimensions are in feet)
SF
MD
A
NC
MU
PUB1
GC12
LI
I
DB2
Freestanding Signs9
Maximum Area (sq. ft.) (per sign face)
N/A8
N/A8
68/3211
32
80
32/8011
80
80
80
40
Maximum Height
N/A8
N/A8
58
8
10
25
30
25
25
8
Setback for Signs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•<=10 feet in height
N/A8
N/A8
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
0
• >10 to 15 feet in height
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15
15
15
15
N/A
• >15 to 30 feet in height
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
25
25
25
25
N/A
Number permitted per lot
1
1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Number permitted per 175 feet of street frontage
N/A
N/A
1
1
1
N/A
1
1
1
1
Building
Area
N/A10
N/A10
N/A10
N/A3
N/A4
N/A3
N/A4
N/A4
N/A4
N/A4
Percent6 of Wall Area5
N/A10
N/A10
N/A10
10%
15%
N/A
15%
5%
5%
5%
Projecting7 (sq. ft. per face)
N/A
N/A
N/A
12
24
12
24
24
24
12
Notes:
1
This column does not represent a zone. It applies to institutional uses permitted under the zoning ordinance in public facility and residential zones. Such uses may include, but are not necessarily limited to, churches, schools, funeral homes and cemeteries.
2
Must comply with Downtown Business Zone Design Review Standards.
3
Total building sign area permitted equals 1.25 square feet for each linear foot of total building frontage for the first 200 feet of frontage, plus one-half square foot for each additional linear foot of building frontage.
4
Total building sign area permitted equals two square feet for each linear foot of total building frontage for the first 200 feet of frontage, plus one-half square foot for each additional linear foot of building frontage.
5
This total area percentage shall include temporary signs.
6
The percentage figure here shall mean the percentage of the area of the wall of which such sign is a part or to which each such sign is most nearly parallel.
7
Maximum projection of any projecting sign shall not exceed four feet.
8
Freestanding signs identifying the name of a neighborhood or subdivision in residential zones shall be permitted with a maximum of two signs: one per street frontage, 50 square feet per face and five feet in height.
9
Multi-tenant centers or buildings—Multi-use building or structure may have one freestanding sign facing each street which the building has frontage. The maximum size restriction may be increased up to 50% if three or more occupants share the same freestanding sign.
10
Wall mounted signs for residences with licensed home occupations and residential businesses shall be limited to four square feet and 12 square feet, respectively.
11
With an approved CUP.
12
On properties that are developed, abut Highway 97 right-of-way, and are zoned General Commercial, the maximum size and height restrictions of one freestanding sign may be increased by up to 50% if the lot or parcel on which it is placed is larger than five acres and/or contains more than 25,000 sq. ft. of gross building floor area.
Table 14.348-3
Permitted Sign Characteristics by Zone
P = Allowed without sign permit
S = Allowed only with sign permit
N = Not allowed
SF
MD
A
NC
PUB1
GC
LI
I
DB2
Changeable Copy
N
N
N
S
P
S
N
N
N
Illumination, Internal3
N
N
N
S
P
S
S
S
S
Illumination, External3,4
N
N
P
S
P
S
S
S
S
Notes:
1
This column does not represent a zone. It applies to institutional uses permitted under the zoning ordinance in residential and public facility zones. Such uses may include, but are not necessarily limited to, churches, schools, funeral homes and cemeteries.
2
Must comply with Downtown Business Zone Design Review Standards and be approved by the Downtown Development Committee.
3
No direct or significant glare from the sign shall be cast onto any adjacent lot that is zoned and used for residential purposes.
4
Shall not have exposed bulbs.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:
A. 
All signs shall comply with applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the County Electrical Code.
B. 
Except for flags, temporary signs and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this article, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building or another structure by direct attachment to rigid wall, frame or structure.
C. 
No person shall fail to maintain a sign or sign structure component on such person's premises, including signs exempt from the permit requirements, in good repair, free from deterioration, in a neat, clean, legible, and safe structural condition at all times. The City shall inspect and may order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of a sign not kept in good repair because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence, under the procedures prescribed by Section 10.203.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A. 
General Sign Provisions.
1. 
Signs painted directly upon the façade of the building are prohibited.
2. 
Backlit signs composed of a singular geometric shape shall be prohibited.
3. 
Every sign shall comply with this article (Signs).
B. 
Window and Door Signs. Window and door signs are those which are painted, displayed or placed on the interior side of a translucent or transparent surface. Window graphics are usually most effective when they are simple and clearly displayed using light colors or dark colors with gold or equivalent color highlights. Window and door signs should be kept to a minimum.
1. 
Number. Each use fronting a street shall have no more than a total of two window/door signs.
2. 
Area. The total of all window or door signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window and/or door area for each building.
3. 
Placement. In all cases, window graphics shall be limited to the on-street level windows.
C. 
Portable Signs in Right-of-Way. Portable signs are allowed with the following standards:
1. 
The sidewalk shall have a minimum 48-inch-wide pedestrian way unobstructed by the portable sign;
2. 
The portable sign shall be freestanding and not attached to any structure or vegetation, including trees;
3. 
The portable sign shall only be displayed during applicable hours of operation;
4. 
The portable sign shall have a maximum display area of six square feet per side;
5. 
The portable sign structure shall not exceed four feet in height and two feet in width;
6. 
The portable sign shall be weighted so it cannot be easily blown over or moved; and
7. 
The portable sign shall only be displayed in front of the permitted business.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
Signs shall be designed as integral parts of the site and incorporated into the overall architectural style of the project. Attractive, artistic, well-proportioned, and effectively located signs shall enhance the image of Downtown Klamath Falls.
A. 
General Sign Provisions.
1. 
Signs painted directly upon the façade of the building are prohibited, unless compelling reasons are documented by the owner of the building.
2. 
Hand-painted signs shall not be allowed unless painted by a sign contractor specializing in hand painting or hand-crafted signs.
3. 
Signs shall be constructed of high-quality durable materials.
4. 
Materials for signs shall complement the color, material and overall character of the surrounding building architecture.
5. 
Every sign shall be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and site.
6. 
Backlit signs composed of a singular geometric shape shall be prohibited.
7. 
Backlit signs shall have a dark colored background. White background backlit signs shall be prohibited.
8. 
Locating signs on the valance of awnings is encouraged.
9. 
Every sign shall comply with this article (Signs).
B. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs may be either attached to the wall surface or hung from the underside of a marquee or balcony. Projecting signs are designed for viewing by pedestrians walking under such signs.
1. 
Number. There shall be no more than one sign allowed per business.
2. 
Area. The square footage of all projecting signs on a single building frontage shall not exceed 12 square feet per sign face.
3. 
Placement. Projecting signs shall be below the sill of the second story windows or below the roof line, eaves or parapet of a one-story building. No sign projecting over the public right-of-way shall be less than eight feet from the ground level.
C. 
Wall Signs. Wall signs are those signs attached and parallel to the building façade.
1. 
Number. There shall be no more than one wall sign allowed per business.
2. 
Area. A wall sign shall not exceed five percent of the total square footage of the building façade.
3. 
Placement. A wall sign shall be no higher than 16 feet above grade, measured from the grade of the sidewalk to the top of the sign; however, no portion of the sign shall exceed the roof line. Wall signs shall not obscure or cover any architectural details of the building and may not extend beyond the wall on which they are mounted.
4. 
A wall sign may have a depth of up to 18 inches before it is considered as a projecting sign.
D. 
Parapet Signs. Parapet signs are a distinctive type of wall sign which are generally located between the lintels of the upper story windows and the top edge of the parapet (or false front). They are designed to be readable to pedestrians across the street and persons traveling on the street.
1. 
Number. There shall be no more than one parapet sign permitted per building.
2. 
Area. A parapet sign shall not exceed six percent of the total square footage of the building façade to which it is attached. A parapet sign shall be no more than two feet in vertical dimension.
3. 
Placement. Parapet signs shall not extend above the upper edge of the parapet wall. A parapet sign shall not be closer than one foot from either edge of the building.
E. 
Window and Door Signs. Window and door signs are those which are painted, displayed or placed on the interior side of a translucent or transparent surface. Window graphics are usually most effective when they are simple and clearly displayed using light colors or dark colors with gold or equal color highlights. Window and door signs should be kept to a minimum.
1. 
Number. Each building frontage shall have no more than a total of two window/door signs.
2. 
Area. The total of all window or door signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window and/or door area for each building.
3. 
Placement. In all cases, window graphics shall be limited to the first and second story windows.
F. 
Marquee Signs. Marquee signs are those signs that are attached to the fascia of the balcony or marquee and parallel the street and building façade. They are intended for viewing by travelers on the street or pedestrians on the opposite side of the street.
1. 
Number. Only one attached marquee sign shall be permitted per building.
2. 
Area. No more than 80% of a balcony or marquee fascia shall be covered with signage.
3. 
Placement. The attached marquee sign shall be centered in the middle of the balcony or marquee fascia. The signs shall not project above the marquee roof line or balcony floor line or below the bottom edge of the balcony or marquee fascia.
G. 
Awning Signs. Awning signs are those signs that are on the awning.
1. 
Area. No more than 15% of the awning area shall be covered with signage.
2. 
Placement. Awning signs shall not be allowed above the ground floor. Awnings without signs shall be allowed above the ground floor.
3. 
If awning side panels are used, no more than 12 square feet of the awning side panel shall be covered with signage.
4. 
Awnings shall comply with Section 12.776 (Downtown awnings).
H. 
Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs are those which are provided with their own support and are not attached to a building. Typically, they are attached or are suspended from a post or a pole. Freestanding signs are not permitted on property where the primary building has a setback of less than 10 feet.
1. 
Number. No more than one freestanding sign is permitted for each property containing one or more business activities within a building structure.
2. 
Area. A freestanding sign shall not exceed 40 square feet in area.
3. 
Placement. A freestanding sign shall be within the property boundaries and shall be at least eight feet from any structure.
4. 
Height. A freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet in height from the top edge of such sign to the grade below.
I. 
Portable Signs in Right-of-Way. Portable signs are allowed with the following standards:
1. 
The sidewalk shall have a minimum 48-inch-wide pedestrian way unobstructed by the portable sign;
2. 
The portable sign shall be freestanding and not attached to any structure or vegetation, including trees;
3. 
The portable sign shall only be displayed during applicable hours of operation;
4. 
The portable sign shall have a maximum display area of six square feet per side;
5. 
The portable sign structure shall not exceed four feet in height and two feet in width;
6. 
The portable sign shall be weighted so it cannot be easily blown over or moved; and
7. 
The portable sign shall only be displayed in front of the permitted business.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A. 
Historic Sign Inventory. The inventory of historically significant signs shall be designated by the Commission.
B. 
Criteria for Designation of Historic Signs. All signs for which designation as a historic sign are requested shall be substantially in existence at the time of the application; shall be displayed in its original location or remain associated with the original business; and shall meet one of the following criteria:
1. 
The sign is exemplary of technology, craftsmanship, uses historic sign materials or means of illumination and is not significantly altered from its original form. If the sign has been significantly altered, it must be restorable to its historic appearance.
2. 
The sign is integrated into the architecture of the building and is exemplary of a historically significant architectural style.
C. 
The owner of any sign may request that the sign be reviewed for significance in the Historic Sign Inventory upon written application to the Commission.
Applications shall include written findings addressing the review criteria for designations of historic signs, with current and historic photographs of the sign, if available.
1. 
The Commission shall refer all requests for inclusion to the Downtown Development Committee for its review and recommendation.
2. 
The Commission shall decide, based on the review criteria above and the recommendation of the Downtown Development Committee, whether to approve the request to include the sign on the inventory.
3. 
Signs on the Historic Sign Inventory shall be exempt from all requirements of this sign act. Also, the sign area of the historic sign is exempted from the total allowable sign area, as defined in this section, except as modified by Commission conditions.
4. 
The Commission shall have the authority to impose conditions regulating area, maintenance, etc., on the signs included in the Historic Sign Inventory to further the purpose and intent of this article.
5. 
Removal or demolition of a historic sign shall be evaluated through the sign permit process. The Downtown Development Committee shall review the sign permit request at its next regularly scheduled meeting and shall have the authority to delay issuance for 30 days from the date of the review meeting. Such delay shall allow staff to discuss other options to remove and demolish with the applicant.
6. 
Signs on the Historic Sign Inventory, which have been destroyed or damaged by fire or other acts of God to an extent greater than 50% of the sign's value, may be reconstructed in an historically accurate manner. Such reconstruction shall be authorized by the Commission, only after the determination that the reconstruction will be an accurate duplication of the historic sign.
D. 
Maintenance and Modification of Historic Signs.
1. 
All parts of the historic sign, including, but not limited to, neon tubes, incandescent lights and shields and sign faces shall be maintained in a functioning condition as originally designed. Replacement of the visible components with substitutes recreating the original appearance shall be permitted provided such replacements accurately reproduce the size, shape, color and finish of the original sign. Failure to maintain the sign in accordance with this section shall be grounds for review of the historic sign designation by the Commission.
2. 
Modifications of a historic sign may be allowed after review by the Commission, only if such modifications do not substantially alter the historic style.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A. 
Except as otherwise provided herein, the owner of any lot or other premises on which exists a sign that does not conform with the requirements of this act or for which there is no current and valid sign permit shall be obligated to remove such sign or in the case of a nonconforming sign, to bring it into conformity with the requirements of this article. Any expansion of or action furthering the use of existing nonconforming signs is expressly prohibited.
B. 
A legal nonconforming sign and nonconforming sign structure must be brought into compliance with this act or terminate and cease to exist when any one of the following conditions occur:
1. 
Whenever there is a change of tenant or vacation of the premises by a former tenant, except in cases where multiple tenants are displayed on a freestanding sign. In cases where the applicant can demonstrate exceptional or extraordinary financial hardship, the Director may waive this requirement;
2. 
Whenever the sign is damaged more than 50% of its total replacement value or destroyed from any cause whatsoever;
3. 
Whenever a lack of sign maintenance reduces the sign value to less than 50% of its total replacement value;
4. 
When a business to which the sign pertains is expanded by greater than 10% of the existing gross floor area;
5. 
Whenever a request is made for a permit to alter the structural support of the sign;
6. 
Whenever there is a request for a building permit to make improvements to the face of the building on which the nonconforming sign is located excluding normal repair and maintenance efforts; or
7. 
Any existing sign having value of $100.00 or less shall be brought into conformance with this act or removed within 60 days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this article.
C. 
Any existing sign which exceeds the maximum area or height limitations of this article by 20% or less shall be considered to be a conforming sign for purposes of this section and need not be removed or altered; but if such sign is replaced or renovated, it shall conform to all requirements of this article.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A. 
Requests for administrative variances that meet the following criteria may be considered for approval by the:
1. 
Relief is requested from height, setback or sign separation requirements;
2. 
The exception requested may not exceed 20%, the maximum standards for height;
3. 
The exception requested may not be reduced by more than 20% the minimum standard for setbacks or sign separation. All exceptions and requests will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria in Section 11.265 (Required findings).
B. 
No person may request a variance from the Director if the person has displayed, constructed, altered or relocated a sign without a sign permit as required by Section 14.316.
C. 
A variance that would increase the maximum permitted sign area on a single lot or building, would increase the maximum area of a freestanding sign, or grant exception from the prohibitions of Section 14.328 shall not be granted.
D. 
The Director may grant a variance subject to any reasonable conditions deemed necessary or desirable to make the device that is permitted by the variance compatible with the purpose of this article.
E. 
The decision of the Director on sign permits is final and may not be appealed to City officials.
F. 
Notwithstanding subsection E above, sign permits for signs within the Downtown Business Zone may be appealed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 10, Article 5 (Appeals).
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
Any of the following shall be a violation of this article and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties by this article, by the zoning ordinance and by State law. Each sign installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this article shall be considered a separate violation.
A. 
To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the lot on which the sign is located;
B. 
To install, create, erect or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit;
C. 
To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the lot on which the sign is located;
D. 
To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this act or for which the sign permit has lapsed; or
E. 
To continue any such violation. Each such day of a continued violation shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this article.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)