Proper application with complete details shall
be filed with the Building Inspector prior to the erection of an electrical
sign. This application shall give the overall measurements of the
sign, the methods of support, the wording to appear on the sign, the
method of illumination, the distance from the building, the distance
from the outer face of the sign to the curbline, the approximate location
of the nearest ornamental lamppost, the height of the sign above the
walk, the location of the property where the sign is to be erected,
the permission of the owner for the erection of such sign under the
terms of this chapter and such other detailed information as may be
deemed necessary. This application shall be submitted to the Building
Inspector, who shall receive the approval of the Lighting Division
of the Board of Public Utilities prior to granting the authority to
proceed with erection of the sign.
A.
Every electric sign overhanging the sidewalk must
be placed so that the lowest part of any portion of the sign will
be at least 12 feet above the level of such walk and may be placed
as close to the building as is practical. Such sign must not extend
to a point closer than three feet inside of the curbline.
B.
All electric signs shall be double-faced signs and
shall be illuminated on both sides.
C.
No sign shall be constructed of material that is not
completely waterproof and of material that will not shrink or crack.
The letters shall not be made of material that will allow the snow,
sleet or rain to penetrate or any material other than as prescribed
by this article.
The following conditions, methods, appliances
and safeguards are prescribed in the placing or erecting of electrical
signs within the City:
A.
Signs extending over sidewalks. Signs extending over
the sidewalk shall have at least two individual steel attachments
to each building or pole.
B.
Signs weighing less than 100 pounds. Signs weighing
less than 100 pounds shall have one main support in the form of a
bolt through the building wall, where possible, anchored by a washer
plate of at least 24 square inches of surface and 1/8 inch in
thickness, unless the supporting chain or cable is located at an angle
greater than 45º, in which case approved expansion bolts may
be used. If the cable or chain is attached to a bolt located at a
distance greater than one foot from the building wall, such bolt shall
be supported by a brace. For signs weighing less than 100 pounds,
the minimum size of steel cable allowed shall be 1/4 inch in
diameter, and the minimum size of chain allowed shall be of material 3/16
inch in diameter. Where the angle of the supporting cable or chain
is less than 45º, the steel cable shall be 5/16 inch in
diameter.
C.
Signs weighing between 100 and 250 pounds. Signs weighing
between 100 and 250 pounds shall have one main support in the form
of a bolt through the building wall, where possible, anchored by a
washer plate of at least 24 square inches of surface and 1/8
inch in thickness. If the cable or chain is attached to a bolt located
at a distance greater than six inches from the building wall, the
bolt shall be supported with a brace. For signs weighing between 100
and 250 pounds, the minimum size of steel cable allowed shall be 3/8
inch in diameter, and the minimum size of the chain allowed shall
be of material 5/16 inch in diameter. Where the angle of the
supporting chain or cable is less than 45º, the steel cable shall
be 1/2 inch in diameter, and the chain shall be of material 3/8
inch in diameter.
D.
Signs weighing between 250 and 350 pounds. Signs weighing
between 250 and 350 pounds shall have at least two main supports in
the form of bolts through the building wall, anchored by washer plates,
each of which shall be at least 24 square inches of surface and 1/8
inch in thickness. Each support shall be anchored at the building
wall by two other supports in the form of bolts or plugs. For signs
weighing between 250 and 350 pounds, the minimum size steel cable
allowed shall be 9/16 inch in diameter, and the minimum size
chain allowed shall be of material 3/8 inch in diameter. Where
the angle of the supporting cable or chain is less than 45º,
the steel cable shall be 5/8 inch in diameter, and the chain
of material 9/16 inch in diameter.
E.
Marking of sign weight. All signs erected under this
chapter shall have the weights marked on the sign box in plain figures.
F.
Signs up to 30 square feet where side guys spread
an angle greater than or less than 45º. Signs having 30 square
feet or less on side surface and guys spread at an angle greater than
45º shall be supported by steel cables 1/4 inch in diameter
or chains of material 3/16 inch in diameter. Such signs, when
supported by guys spread at an angle less than 45º, shall be
supported by steel cables 1/2 inch in diameter or chains of material 3/8
inch in diameter. No guys shall be spread at an angle of less than
25º. Where the side guys can be attached to only one side of
such signs, a stiff brace consisting of gas pipe 3/4 inch in
diameter and of standard thickness shall be used.
G.
Side guys spread at angles greater than 45º.
Side guys spread at angles greater than 45º shall be fastened
with approved expansion bolts in a solid brick or stone wall or by
a machine screw in an iron front or by a lag bolt in solid woodwork.
H.
Bolts and screws.
(1)
Bolts or screws shall not be fastened to window frames.
Lag bolts in solid woodwork shall not be smaller than 1/4 inch
in diameter and shall enter woodwork at least three inches.
(2)
Machine screws in an iron front shall be not less
than 1/2 inch in diameter and shall enter clear through ironwork.
Expansion bolts shall be at least 3/8 inch in diameter and shall
enter brick or stone walls at least 2 1/2 inches.
I.
Attachment to or near fire escapes. Signs shall not
obstruct or be attached to any part of the fire escape, and where
a sign is hung near any fire escape, it shall be arranged to swing
away from such fire escape.
J.
Cable sleeves and clips; turnbuckles for side guys.
All cables shall be provided with sleeves, and two cable clips must
be provided for each cable and placed near the sleeve. Turnbuckles
of suitable size shall be provided for all side guys and for one of
the supporting cables, where more than one is used.
K.
Commutating devices. Commutating devices shall be
mechanical and so arranged that they will operate standard switches
or their equal. Drums used in connection with such mechanisms shall
not be in electrical connection with any part of the circuit.
L.
Lamps to be provided with rubber ring. Lamps shall
be provided with a rubber ring or equivalent device placed between
the socket opening and lamp to prevent moisture, rain, etc., from
entering the socket.
The Board of Public Utilities, having charge
of the municipal lighting system, shall have the right to approve
the location of electric signs so that they will not interfere with
the ornamental lighting system now in existence or hereafter installed
within the City. Such Board shall also have the right to inspect such
signs erected under the authority of this chapter to determine if
the electrical appliances used and the wiring done are in accordance
with the requirements of the National Electrical Code and the regulations
of the National Board of Fire Underwriters and such ordinances of
the City regarding electrical wiring.[1]
A.
All electric signs erected under the authority of
this chapter shall be illuminated on both sides between the hours
of dusk and 10:00 p.m.
B.
If the sign is not so lit for one consecutive week,
it can be deemed an inactive sign and ordered removed by the Building
Inspector.
C.
The owner of the building giving authority for the
erection of a sign on his building assumes the responsibilities and
cost of removing the sign when it becomes inactive under the terms
of this section.
