111. SIGNS AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

CHAPTER 111: SIGNS AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

Section

General Provisions

111.001 Findings

111.002 Purpose and intent

111.003 Effect

111.004 Definitions

111.005 Nonconforming uses

111.006 Noncommercial speech

Administration

111.020 Permit required

111.021 Exempt signs

111.022 Prohibited signs

111.023 Fees

111.024 Repairs

111.025 Removal

Sign Standards, Generally

111.040 Size

111.041 Sign area

111.042 Traffic safety

111.043 Illumination

111.044 Maintenance

Specific Regulations by Zoning District

111.055 Permitted signs by residential districts

111.056 Minimum requirements for signs on parcels in business districts B-1, B-2, M-1, M-2

111.057 Special requirements for signs located in the Historic City Center

111.058 Signs for governmental facilities and churches

Temporary Signs

111.070 Requirements

111.071 Temporary event signs

111.072 Grand opening/special event signs

111.073 Changeable copy signs

111.074 Electronic message signs

111.075 Banners

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 111.001 FINDINGS.

The City Council hereby finds as follows.

(A) Exterior signs have a substantial impact on the character and quality of the environment.

(B) Signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages.

(C) Signs can create traffic hazards, aesthetic concerns, and detriments to property values, thereby threatening the public health, safety, and welfare.

(D) The city’s zoning regulations have included the regulation of signs in an effort to provide adequate means of expression and to promote the economic viability of the business community, while protecting the city and its citizens from a proliferation of signs of a type, size, location, and character that would adversely impact upon the aesthetics of the community and threaten the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The regulation of the physical characteristics of signs within the city has had a positive impact on traffic safety and the appearance of the community.

(Prior Code, § 509.1)

§ 111.002 PURPOSE AND INTENT.

(A) It is not the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate any building design or any display not defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from outside a building.

(B) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to:

(1) Regulate the number, location, size, type, illumination, and other physical characteristics of signs within the city in order to promote the public health, safety, and welfare;

(2) Maintain, enhance, and improve the aesthetic environment of the city by preventing visual clutter that is harmful to the appearance of the community;

(3) Improve the visual appearance of the city while providing for effective means of communication, consistent with constitutional guarantees and the city’s goals of public safety and aesthetics; and

(4) Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations set for herein under the zoning authority of the city.

(Prior Code, § 509.1)

§ 111.003 EFFECT.

(A) A sign may be erected, mounted, displayed, or maintained in the city if it is in conformance with the provisions of these regulations.

(B) The effect of this chapter, as more specifically set forth herein, is to:

(1) Allow a wide variety of sign types in commercial zones, and a more limited variety of signs in other zones, subject to the standards set forth in this chapter;

(2) Allow certain small, unobtrusive signs incidental to the principal use of a site in all zones when in compliance with the requirements of this chapter;

(3) Prohibit signs whose location, size, type, illumination, or other physical characteristics negatively affect the environment and where the communication can be accomplished by means having a lesser impact on the environment and the public health, safety, and welfare; and

(4) Provide for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

(Prior Code, § 509.1)

§ 111.004 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ATTENTION-GETTING DEVICES. Any pennant, propeller, spinner, streamer, a string of lights, searchlight, balloon, or similar device or ornamentation.

AWNING. A temporary or permanent shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of canvas or other nonrigid materials and is extended over a doorway or window.

BANNER. A small, decorative, temporary canvas sign installed on a light pole for the purpose of advertising seasonal messages, graphics, and/or shopping center or community events.

BANNER, ADVERTISING. A temporary sign made of cloth or a similar durable all-weather material, typically without a rigid frame, used for a specific time period to advertise a short‑term special or sale.

BILLBOARD. A large sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or non-commercial message related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a commodity sold at a location other than where the sign is located.

CANOPY. Any structure deriving its support from framework or posts or other means independent of a connected structure for the purpose of shielding from the elements, commonly found over a gasoline service.

CIVIC EVENTS SIGN. A sign installed by the city on public property for the purpose of advertising public service information.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign used to advertise the company or companies involved in the construction of a specific structure or announcing a future occupant at a particular location.

DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE. An auxiliary sign provided for the sole purpose of providing directional information to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER. Any sign that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and may be modified by electronic processes.

FLAG. Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbolic devices used for attracting attention to the public.

FLAG, CORPORATE. Any sign printed on a flag representing the symbol of any corporation.

FLAG, OFFICIAL. Any sign printed on a flag representing the symbol of any nation, state, or political subdivision.

FLASHING SIGN. Signs with moving lights, changing graphics, animation, moving or rotating elements, or devices which otherwise create the illusion of movement.

FRONTAGE; FAÇADE. The width of the face of the front building wall or the width of the front wall face of the area devoted to an individual tenant of a commercial retail center.

GARAGE SALE SIGN. A temporary sign used to advertise the sale of second-hand merchandise from the garage or driveway of a residence.

GOVERNMENTAL FACILITY. Properties owned and occupied by the school district, municipal government, Park and Recreation Department, Fire Department, First Responders, and township offices.

GRAND OPENING SIGN. A temporary sign advertising the opening of a new business not previously located on the premises, or the reopening of an established business which has been severely damaged by catastrophe and has been closed for at least 60 consecutive days for renovation.

GROUND SIGN. A freestanding sign, except temporary signs, self-supported by posts or other supports independent of any building or structure.

ICON SIGN. Signage shaped in two‑ or three-dimensional formats to resemble or depict a specific object, animals, and people or place, to be regulated in the context of the limits for ground- or wall-mounted signs.

ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign which emanates light either by means of exposed tubing, surface lamps, or floodlighting on its surface or by means of illumination transmitted through the sign faces.

ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNALLY. Any sign which is illuminated by lamps not installed on or within the sign face.

ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY. Any sign which is illuminated by means of light transmitted through the sign face. This shall include lamps mounted on the sign face.

INCONSPICUOUS AREA. For the purposes of regulating prohibited truck signs, an INCONSPICUOUS AREA shall be defined as follows:

(1) An area designated for truck or semi-trailer only parking;

(2) Areas on the interior side yard or rear yard area of the subject site; and

(3) Areas located between the exterior building wall and a public street are not considered INCONSPICUOUS.

INDIVIDUAL LETTER SIGN. Any sign which is comprised of letters independently and mounted to the wall, surface, or brackets.

MONUMENT SIGN. A low ground sign displayed surrounded by a decorative structure of brick, wood, or metal which is intended to serve as the primary signage for a building.

NAMEPLATE. A sign, which displays only the name and/or address of the occupant, is non‑electrical and is no larger than two square feet.

NONCONFORMING SIGN.

(1) A sign, lawful prior to enactment of this chapter, which does not comply with all the regulations of this chapter.

(2) Nonconforming flashing signs, attention-getting devices, portable ground signs, sidewalk signs, and temporary signs may not be considered legal nonconforming.

OFF‑PREMISES SIGN. A sign that directs attention to or advertises a use, business, commodity, service, or activity not conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.

PERMANENT SIGN. Any sign intended for permanent display. It shall be constructed of non-paper products.

PERSON. Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind.

POLITICAL SIGN. A temporary sign identifying a political candidate, issue, or party.

POLE SIGN.

(1) Any freestanding sign which has its supportive structure(s) anchored in the ground and which has a sign face elevated above ground level by pole(s) or beam(s) and with the area below the sign face open.

(2) POLE SIGNS are distinguished from billboards in that they display information related to commercial or non-commercial activity which is located on the parcel of land where the POLE SIGN is located.

PORTABLE SIGN. A sign designed to be moved from place to place commonly attached to a trailer, which is not permanently affixed to the ground, a building, or other structure.

PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign, other than a wall sign, which is suspended from or supported by a building or wall, and which projects.

PROMOTIONAL SIGN. A temporary sign installed for a short fixed period of time for the purpose of promoting a special event or sale.

REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign located for purposes of advertising a parcel of land or a building, as available for sale, rental, or lease.

ROOF LINE. Either the edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette; or where a building has several roof levels, this roof or parapet shall be the one belonging to that portion of the building on whose wall the sign is located.

ROOF SIGN. Any sign erected, maintained, and displayed above in any way the eaves and below the roofline of a building, excluding mansard roofs.

SIGN. Any symbol, lettering, pictorial representation, or combination thereof attached to fixed property, buildings, or structures readily visible from public property and used for informational, identification, or directional purposes or to sell or advertise products, services, activities, or events.

SIGN FACE. The surface on which the text or copy is printed including framing on internally illuminated signs. Individually lettered signs have a SIGN FACE including only each letter.

SIGN HEIGHT. The vertical distance from the ground level around the sign to the top of the entire sign structure.

SPECIAL EVENTS SIGN. Temporary signs (including banners) displayed for special events sponsored by churches, schools, and other community service organizations.

SUBDIVISION SIGN. A ground sign at the street entrance to a housing development, office park, or industrial park.

TEMPORARY SIGN. A non-permanent sign installed, affixed, or maintained on a premises for a short, fixed, period of time.

VISION TRIANGLE. A triangle area measuring the intersection of any two right-of-way lines.

WALL SIGN. A sign affixed against or painted on the outside surface of a wall or building in a plane parallel to that of the supporting wall but not including signs in windows.

WINDOW. An opening in the wall of a building containing transparent or translucent material such as glass.

WINDOW SIGN. A sign installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises. This term does not include merchandise or displays located in a window.

(Prior Code, § 509.3)

§ 111.005 NONCONFORMING USES.

(A) It is recognized that signs exist within the zoning districts which were lawful before this chapter was enacted, which would be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the terms of this section or future amendments. It is the intent of this chapter that nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged upon, expanded, or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.

(B) It is further the intent of this chapter to permit legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, or amendments thereto, to continue as legal nonconforming signs provided the signs are safe, are maintained so as not to be unsightly, and have not been abandoned or removed subject to the following provisions:

(1) No sign shall be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity.

(2) Should the sign or sign structure be destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50% of its cement cost and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property was damaged, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

(3) Should the sign or sign structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located after it is moved.

(4) No existing sign devoted to a use not permitted by Chapter 151 in the zoning district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended, or moved except in changing the sign to a sign permitted in the zoning district in which is it located.

(5) When a structure loses its nonconforming status all signs devoted to the structure shall be removed and all signs painted directly on the structure shall be repainted in a neutral color or a color which will harmonize with the structure.

(Prior Code, § 509.18) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.006 NONCOMMERCIAL SPEECH.

The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this chapter may substitute noncommercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or non-commercial copy. This substitution of copy may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this section is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This section prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary.

(Prior Code, § 509.19)

ADMINISTRATION

§ 111.020 PERMIT REQUIRED.

(A) No person shall construct, alter, rebuild, enlarge, erect, extend, place, or relocate any sign, permanent or temporary, without first filing with the city a written application and obtaining a permit, except for exempt signs. The content of the sign shall not be reviewed or considered in determining whether to approve or deny a sign permit.

(B) Applications for a sign permit shall be made upon forms provided by the city and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant/business;

(2) The address at which any sign(s) are to be erected;

(3) Name of the person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign;

(4) The cost of the sign;

(5) The type of sign (i.e., wall sign, monument sign, and the like);

(6) A complete set of plans showing the necessary elevations, distances, size, and details to fully and clearly represent the method of construction and attachment to the building, other structure, or in the ground. Illumination specifications if applicable;

(7) A plat of survey showing the location of the sign structure to which or upon which the sign is to be installed;

(8) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or land to which or on which the sign is to be installed, if the applicant is not the owner;

(9) Certification by the applicant indicating the application complies with all requirements of this chapter; and

(10) If the proposed sign is along state trunk highway, the application shall be accompanied by proof that the applicant has obtained a permit from the state for the sign.

(C) Such other information as the Planning and Zoning Commission shall require showing full compliance with this chapter.

(Prior Code, § 509.4) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.021 EXEMPT SIGNS.

No permit shall be required for the following signs, provided said signs shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter concerning construction, location, and maintenance.

(A) Traffic, municipal signs, and emergency signs. Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, or danger and the temporary emergency or non-advertising signs designed for public safety or convenience as approved by the city.

(B) Flags. Governmental, political, civic philanthropic, educational, or religious organization flags bearing corporation logos are permitted subject to the following:

(1) One United States of America with no size limit and one corporate logo flag which is no larger than 50 square feet per face and does not extend beyond the property line of the lot on which they are installed; and

(2) The mounting of flags on light standards or other poles not expressly made as flag standards shall be prohibited. All flags shall be mounted on flagpoles. Flagpoles shall have minimum setback of seven feet from all property lines plus an additional setback of one foot for each additional one foot that the pole height exceeds 15 feet in height.

(C) Address identification signs. Address identification signs shall be required on all premises and, while a sign permit is not required in these instances, the signs shall be subject to the following:

(1) The total sign area for any wall or ground sign shall not exceed two square feet per sign face; and

(2) The sign shall include only the address and name of the occupant or business establishment.

(D) Directional signage. Not exceeding three square feet per face, displayed on private property for the convenience of the public, including signs identifying restrooms, freight entrances, parking areas, parking lot directional signs, and the like.

(E) Plaques. Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical plaques, and similar designations displayed for non-commercial purposes. The sign shall be inlaid so as to be an integral part of the structure, cut into stone or masonry, or be a permanently affixed plaque of bronze or aluminum. The sign shall not exceed four square feet.

(F) Holiday decorations. Decorations on private property clearly incidental and customary, and commonly associated with national, local, or religious holidays, provided that they shall be displayed for a period of not more than 90 days for each holiday.

(G) Window signs. Window signs posted in public view shall not exceed 40% of the window or surface area through which or on which they are seen. Illuminated signs shall be no larger than six square feet.

(H) Political signs. The following rules apply to signs identifying a political candidate, party, or issue subject to an upcoming election.

(1) Political signs shall not be attached to fences, trees, utility poles, or light poles, similar structures or placed within the public right‑of‑way. The signs shall not be erected within sight vision triangle areas or other areas where safety concerns exist.

(2) Political signs shall have an area no more than 32 square feet of total copy per zoning lot. No such sign shall exceed six feet in height above grade.

(3) Temporary political signs may be located in any zoning district provided that they are erected no more than 60 days before an upcoming election and must be removed within six days following an election.

(I) Small real estate signs. Signs identifying property for lease or sale with no more than one sign of this type shall be installed per street frontage. No such sign shall exceed six square feet per face and no such sign shall be illuminated. All signs must be removed within ten days after the closing of sale, rental, or lease of the property.

(J) Civic event sign.

(1) Temporary. A temporary sign advertising a community event.

(2) Permanent. May be located in all zoning districts and be no taller than ten feet or larger than 60 square feet. It must be located in a fully landscaped area.

(K) Approval. All civic event signs shall require Planning and Zoning Commission approval.

(L) Garage sale and open house signs.

(1) Garage sale and open house signs are permitted subject to the following regulations.

(a) The signs shall not exceed four square feet per face.

(b) All signs shall not be put up more than 24 hours prior to the event and must be removed upon the close of the event.

(2) Signs may be placed off-site on private property with the consent of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed. No more than six events per year.

(M) Construction identification signs. Signs identifying the architects, engineers, contractors, and other individuals or firms involved with the construction, but not including the advertisement of any product announcing the character of the building enterprise, or the purpose for which the building is intended, up to a maximum area of 32 square feet. The sign shall be confined to the site of the construction and shall be removed within seven days after the beginning of the intended use of the project.

(Prior Code, § 509.5) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.022 PROHIBITED SIGNS.

(A) Any sign not expressly permitted by this chapter is prohibited in the city.

(B) The following signs are specifically prohibited:

(1) Traffic hazard. Any sign that are determined to constitute a traffic hazard by reason of size, location, content, color, or type of illumination;

(2) Public right‑of‑way. Any sign which is located in or which extends over the public right-of-way except as otherwise permitted under these regulations or authorized by the city;

(3) Motion. Any sign which moves or assumes a non-stationary position by mechanical means except as otherwise permitted under these regulations or authorized by the Planning and Zoning Commission, or under normal wind current except flags, banners, and barber poles as regulated herein;

(4) Attention-getting devices;

(5) Light/utility pole. Any signs that have been attached to a light or utility pole, except for banners;

(6) Off-premises signs (except billboards);

(7) Portable/trailer signs;

(8) Roof signs;

(9) Illuminated window signs. Larger than six square feet except in the Central Business District; and

(10) Parking of any vehicle or trailer on a public right‑of‑way, public property, or private property which contains signage for the purpose of advertising a product or service or directing people to a business or activity.

(Prior Code, § 509.6) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.023 FEES.

Sign permit fees are set by City Council in the fee schedule periodically.

(Prior Code, § 509.7)

§ 111.024 REPAIRS.

(A) Any sign located in the city which may now be or hereafter become out of order, rotten, or unsafe, and every sign which shall hereafter be erected, altered, resurfaced, reconstructed, or moved, contrary to the provisions of this chapter, shall be removed or otherwise properly secured in accordance with the terms of this chapter by the owners thereof or by the owners of the grounds on which said sign shall stand, upon receipt of proper notice, given by the city.

(B) No rotten or other unsafe sign shall be repaired or rebuilt except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and upon a permit issued by the city.

(Prior Code, § 509.8) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.025 REMOVAL.

In the event of the failure of the owner or person, company, or corporation having control of any sign, or the owner of the ground on which the sign is located, to remove or repair said sign within 60 days after the use is terminated, a notice shall be given and the sign may be removed by the city at the expense of the owner or manager of the sign, or the owner of the ground upon which the sign stands.

(Prior Code, § 509.9)

SIGN STANDARDS, GENERALLY

§ 111.040 SIZE.

Any other type of sign not previously limited in size as set forth above shall not exceed 672 square feet in area.

(Prior Code, § 509.11)

§ 111.041 SIGN AREA.

All signs hereafter constructed, erected, relocated, or expanded shall comply with the following standards:

(A) Sign area;

(B) Ground sign. The net rectangular area enclosing the sign faces including the outer extremities of all letters, characters, and delineations. Architectural treatments surrounding the sign will not be counted as sign area, provided it does not exceed 100% of the total sign face. For double-faced signs, only one face shall be considered in determining the sign area;

(1) The sign area shall be calculated by determining the area of the sign face including the frame.

(2) Wall signs that consist of individual letters mounted on a wall, the area shall be deemed to be the area of the smallest rectangular figure which can encompass each individual letter.

(3) Each letter may not be spaced more than 50% of the width of the widest letter in each word;

(D) Pole sign.

(1) The top of a pole sign, including its superstructure, if any, shall be no higher than the roof of the building to which the sign may be attached or 30 feet above the surface of the adjacent roadway, whichever height is less; except that the height of any changeable sign which is attached to or an integral part of a functional structure, such as a water tower, smokestack, radio, or television transmitting tower, beacon, or similar structure shall be no higher than the structure.

(2) Maximum size shall be 250 square feet per side with only two sides per sign. Signs, including any superstructure, standing or erected free of any building or other structure, shall not exceed an overall height of 35 feet from ground level and shall be located on land in an area which is landscaped or if the land is part of an approved parking area, it shall be surfaced or paved as required in the zoning code.

(3) Only one pole sign shall be allowed per driveway access, if multiple businesses exist on the same parcel and utilize a common access.

(E) Setbacks. All ground signs shall be setback not less than five feet from any lot line, however, provided that any such sign located on a corner lot shall not be located within the vision triangle as defined in § 111.004; and

(F) Vision triangle.

(1) The location of buildings, structures, and landscaping on corner lots shall be regulated as follows so as not to obstruct the vision of drivers of motor vehicles.

(2) No buildings or structures shall be erected or maintained, nor any landscaping exceeding 36 inches in height shall be grown or maintained within a triangular area determined by a diagonal line connecting two points measured along the property lines of the abutting streets 20 feet equidistant from the intersection of those property lines, so as to obstruct or obscure the vision of drivers of motor vehicles on either or both street(s).

(Prior Code, § 509.12) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.042 TRAFFIC SAFETY.

No sign shall be maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any traffic control sign, signal, or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

(Prior Code, § 509.12) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.043 ILLUMINATION.

(A) Location/design.

(1) Wherever an external artificial light source is used to illuminate a sign, illumination shall be located, shielded, and directed so as to not be directly visible from any public street or residentially zoned property at grade level.

(2) All illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed as it illuminates only the sign face and to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent properties or streets.

(B) Level of illumination. The intensity of illumination for the sign shall not be excessively bright and shall be even over the face of the sign with no bright spots.

(1) No sign shall give off light which glares, blinds or has any other adverse effect on traffic or adjacent properties.

(2) The light from an illuminated sign shall be established in such a way that adjacent properties and roadways are not adversely affected and that no direct light is cast upon adjacent properties and roadways.

(3) No illuminated sign shall be constructed or maintained within 75 feet of the property line of any single‑family residential lot.

(Prior Code, § 509.12) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.044 MAINTENANCE.

The owner of a sign and the owner of the premises on which said sign is located shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain the sign or signs subject to the following standards.

(A) Signs shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition and good working order, including illumination sources, at all times.

(B) Signs shall be properly painted unless galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust or deterioration.

(1) If the city shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, then the city shall give written notice to the person to whom the sign permit has been issued and to the owner of the property or the owner’s agent.

(2) If he or she fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within ten days after receiving the notice, the sign will be removed or altered to comply, by the city, at the expense of the sign permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located.

(Prior Code, § 509.12)

SPECIFIC REGULATIONS BY ZONING DISTRICT

§ 111.055 PERMITTED SIGNS BY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.

(A) Parcels zoned R‑2 for multiple-family.

(1) For multiple‑family dwellings containing at least six or more residential units, a single ground sign not exceeding 32 square feet in sign surface will be allowed. Where a building abuts two or more streets, additional signage, one oriented to each abutting street, shall be permitted.

(2) Any multiple-family dwellings shall be permitted two signs when the frontage available exceeds 600 feet with a minimum 450 separation between each sign.

(3) Said sign(s) shall indicate only the name of the building, the management company thereof and/or address of the premises.

(4) Sign(s) must be monument in design.

(B) Permanent subdivision entrance signs. Subdivision developments over five acres in size shall be subject to the following terms and conditions.

(1) Location. Entrance signs are only permitted in easements or out lots specifically designed for the structure. No more than one structure shall be erected on each corner on the perimeter of the subdivision. The sign(s) shall not be located within the vision triangle.

(2) Size. The sign may contain a single-sided message area containing not more than 20 square feet. The message area shall only contain the name of the subdivision. The sign structure shall not be more than six feet in height as measured from the final grade for the structure’s lot and shall contain no more than 100 square feet as determined by measuring the side of the structure fronting on a public street.

(3) Materials. The structure(s) may only be constructed of the following materials; brick, stone, or other masonry materials, redwood, cedar, or other high-quality hardwoods as deemed appropriate by Planning and Zoning. Lettering, ornaments, or other graphics on the structure must be constructed of stone, wrought iron, anodized aluminum, or engraved into a quality hardwood like redwood or cedar.

(4) Landscaping. The area surrounding the entrance sign shall be landscaped in an attractive, dense cluster at the base of the sign that is equally attractive in winter and summer.

(5) Declaration of covenants/easements.

(a) There shall be prepared, enacted, and recorded a declaration of covenants to run with the land of the subdivision of which the easement is a part, which shall minimally state:

1. Provide for the organization of a homeowner’s association, which shall assess sufficient dues to provide for maintenance of the easement and structure; and

2. Provide for the continued maintenance of the easement and structure.

(b) The covenants shall provide that the city has the right, but not the obligation, to enter upon the easement from an adjoining public street and demolish the structure if in the sole determination of the city the structure is not properly maintained.

(1) Size one project identification sign of up to 200 square feet in area and 20 feet in height may be permitted for subdivision projects with a site area of 20 acres or larger.

(2) Subdivision project signs are considered as temporary and shall be removed within two years of the date of the permit. Twelve-month extensions may be granted upon request and with Planning and Zoning Commission approval.

(D) Home occupation. Signage advertising a business in a residential district is prohibited.

(E) Exempt signs. Exempt signs as specified in this chapter.

(F) Restrictions. Ground signs in residential zoning districts are prohibited except for subdivision signs, real estate signs, and uses such as churches, school, government facilities, permitted business uses, and other uses obtaining special approval.

(Prior Code, § 509.13) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 111.056 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS ON PARCELS IN BUSINESS DISTRICTS B-1, B-2, M-1.

(A) Wall signs.

(1) Wall signs shall be regulated as follows.

(a) Location. Wall signs shall not extend above the roofline or beyond the corners of the building. In no case shall the wall sign extend more than 12 inches from the wall to which the sign is to be placed.

(b) Number. Only one wall sign per building or retail unit of a building will be permitted except for corner locations or locations adjoining private streets where one wall sign for each wall facing the public or private street will be permitted. In no case shall any building or retail unit of a building contain signage on more than two walls facing a public or private street.

(c) Size. Wall signs shall not exceed one square foot of sign area for each one foot of façade frontage; however, in no case shall any wall sign exceed 120 square feet in area.

(2) Wall signage for buildings between 40,000 square feet and 100,000 square feet shall not exceed one and one-half square feet of sign area for each one foot of façade frontage; however, in no case shall any wall sign exceed 400 square feet in area.

(3) Wall signage for buildings over 100,001 square feet shall not exceed two square feet of signage area for each one foot of façade frontage; however, in no case shall any wall sign exceed 600 square feet in area.

(B) Ground signs.

(1) Ground signs shall be regulated as follows.

(a) Number. No more than one ground sign shall be installed per frontage of a building or buildings, which share a common wall. If a building has more than one frontage, an additional ground sign may be permitted, provided there is a minimum of 800 feet of separation between the ground signs as measured along the right‑of‑way line.

(b) Size and style. Ground signs shall be monument style no more than ten feet in height and no more than 48 square feet in area. Ground signs that are not pedestal or monument style shall be permitted only with special approval and shall be limited to no more than 30 square feet in area and ten feet in height.

(c) Landscaping. Ground signs shall be landscaped at their base in a method harmonious with the landscape concept for the whole site. Landscaping shall form an attractive, dense cluster at the base of the sign that is equally attractive in winter and summer. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping will be required for every one square foot of sign face.

(2) On parcels located in the B-1 Central Business District, a ground sign shall be a maximum of four feet in height and 20 square feet in area.

(1) Height. The top of a sign, including its superstructure, if any, shall be no higher than the roof of the building to which the sign may be attached or 30 feet above ground level, whichever height is less; except that the height of any changeable sign which is attached to or an integral part of a functional structure, such as a water tower, smokestack, radio, or television transmitting tower, beacon, or similar structure, shall be no higher than the structure.

(2) Size. Maximum size shall be 250 square feet per side with only two sides per sign. Signs, including any superstructure, standing or erected free of any building or other structure, shall be supported by one pole, not exceed an overall height of 30 feet from ground level, and shall be located on land in an area which is landscaped or if the land is part of an approved parking area, it shall be surfaced or paved as required in Chapter 151.

(D) Billboards.

(1) Billboards along the U.S. Highway 52 corridor through the city may not be constructed within 1,500 feet of the next closest billboard. Billboards along the U.S. Highway 52 corridor may contain only one sign face in each direction per support pole. Multiple sign faces in each direction per support pole are prohibited.

(2) All billboards must be constructed within 600 feet of the exterior edge of the U.S. Highway 52 right-of-way and must be a minimum of 30 feet of sign face to the ground, and not more than 45 feet from top of sign face to ground.

(E) Awning signs.

(1) Lettering and business logo may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible awning subject to the following regulations.

(a) Lettering and business logo shall not project above, below, or beyond the physical dimensions of the awning, provided that a nameplate or identification sign not exceeding two square feet in area may be suspended, perpendicular to the building wall, from any permissible awning.

(b) Lettering and business logo shall not be larger from top to bottom than nine inches. The lettering or logo shall be the minimum necessary to identify the name of the business, building, or address. If, however, the awning is to be used as the primary signage for the site, area limitations shall be consistent with wall sign requirements.

(d) Lettering and business logo shall be located on the vertical portion of the canopy or awning. Only one side of the canopy or awning may contain lettering and/or logo.

(e) The maximum area of awning signage (lettering and logo) may not exceed the maximum allowed for wall sign areas. Awning signage shall be counted against permitted total wall sign area.

(2) Backlit awnings shall be prohibited in the B‑1 District.

(3) Projecting signs shall be prohibited from being placed under awnings.

(Prior Code, § 509.14)

§ 111.057 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER.

(A) Location.

(1) The Historic City Center Sign District is intended to recognize the unique character of development within its boundary by providing signage controls commensurate with historic commercial development. This area generally is developed with historic commercial structures on small lots.

(2) The area approximating the boundaries of the Historic City Center Sign District of the city is described as follows. The Historic City Center Sign District shall include all property in the area bordering Minnesota Avenue between Fifth Street North and Highway 12.

(B) Requirements. Regardless of the underlying zoning designation for parcels located in the Historic City Center, signs on parcels within this district are subject to the requirements set forth in this division (B).

(1) Special approval shall be granted by the Planning and Zoning Commission as follows.

(a) Plans and specifications must be submitted along with completed sign permit or awning permit application material.

(b) The plans submitted must show the special approval request is architecturally designed in a manner sensitive to the features of the subject site. The special approval request shall be designed to exhibit extraordinary architectural or landscaping embellishment or mimic and compliment the historic nature of the subject site and that the special approval request is consistent with the size regulations of this chapter and is of compatible scale and character to the subject site.

(2) Either one ground sign or one wall sign along with one projecting sign per building or store space will be permitted.

(3) No billboards or pole signs are permitted within this district.

(4) (a) Projecting signs shall only be allowable in the Historic City Center Sign District.

(b) Signs shall be not larger than 12 square feet in area or not more than four feet along any exterior dimension.

(d) No part of the sign shall be lower than nine feet or higher than 13 feet above ground level, as measured from its lowest point.

(Prior Code, § 509.15)

§ 111.058 SIGNS FOR GOVERNMENTAL FACILITIES AND CHURCHES.

(A) Ground-mounted identification signs for governmental facilities and churches shall be regulated as follows.

(1) Governmental facilities with sites of up to ten acres in area shall not exceed 48 square feet of sign area and ten feet in height.

(2) Governmental facilities with sites of up to 20 acres in area shall not exceed 80 square feet in sign area and 12 feet in height.

(3) Governmental facilities with sites of more than 20 acres in area shall not exceed 100 square feet in sign area and 12 feet in height.

(4) Churches with sites of less than four acres in area shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area and six feet in height.

(5) Churches with more than four acres in area shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area and six feet in height.

(B) Signs must be monument style with materials to match or compliment the building façades. Park sites shall be exempted from this requirement and may utilize pole‑mounted signage.

(Prior Code, § 509.16)

TEMPORARY SIGNS

§ 111.070 REQUIREMENTS.

(A) A temporary sign (excluding real estate signs) must satisfy all other chapter requirements in addition to the following:

(1) Only one per lot at any one time;

(2) It must be safely anchored to the ground or building;

(3) Electrical illumination is prohibited in residential districts; and

(4) Temporary signs shall be limited to 20-day periods and shall not exceed 60 days total per 12-month period.

(B) Permits for temporary signs shall be approved by the Clerk/Treasurer or his or her designated agent or the Planning and Zoning Commission.

(Prior Code, § 509.17)

§ 111.071 TEMPORARY EVENT SIGNS.

Temporary event signs announcing a campaign drive, activity, or event of civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization for noncommercial purposes shall be subject to the following.

(A) The Clerk/Treasurer or authorized designee shall determine the permitted number, area, height, location, and construction of temporary event signs with consideration given to the public safety and the signage reasonable necessary and appropriate for the intended purpose.

(B) Any temporary event sign which is permitted to extend over or onto a public right‑of‑way shall be erected and maintained in such a manner as to not interfere or obstruct access, activity, or vision along any public right‑of‑way.

(C) Temporary event signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed seven days prior to the date of which the campaign, drive, activity, or event advertised is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within 24 hours of the event.

(Prior Code, § 509.17)

§ 111.072 GRAND OPENING/SPECIAL EVENT SIGNS.

(A) Grand opening signs shall be permitted in any business or manufacturing district, subject to the following conditions and limitations, notwithstanding anything to the contrary otherwise set forth in the section.

(1) A grand opening sign is a sign, which advertises a grand opening on the premises where the sign is located.

(2) The grand opening period shall mean the 60-day period immediately after the opening of a new business or the reopening of a business, which has been closed for a period of 60 consecutive days.

(3) Grand opening signs shall be permitted for a maximum period of 14 days during the grand opening period, which days shall be consecutive.

(B) The following grand opening signs shall be permitted:

(1) One cold air inflatable device, such as a balloon, provided that only one device shall be allowed per lot; the applicant for the permit shall pay a deposit of $100 to the City Clerk/Treasurer as a condition precedent to the issuance of the temporary sign permit. In the event the inflatable device is not removed within the time period provided for in the permit, the applicant shall forfeit the deposit;

(2) The top of the device shall not be more than 40 feet from the public right‑of‑way;

(3) The device shall be setback at least 25 feet from the public right‑of‑way;

(4) Any advertising/signs attached to the device shall not exceed 32 square feet in area;

(5) Safety measure prescribed by the city shall be followed; and

(6) One temporary grand opening ground sign.

(C) Within 24 hours after the expiration of the grand opening permit, all grand opening signs shall be removed from the premises.

(Prior Code, § 509.17)

§ 111.073 CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS.

(A) Changeable copy may be incorporated into a single- or multi-tenant sign face. However, the changeable copy may not exceed one‑half of the total area of that sign face. Changeable copy on a sign face shall be proportional to the entire sign face and shall integrate into the sign face.

(B) Lettering of changeable copy shall be on a single, simple, easily legible lettering style and shall be of uniform color and size throughout the changeable copy portion of the sign.

(Prior Code, § 509.17)

§ 111.074 ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS.

(A) Electronic message signs may be incorporated into a single- or multi-tenant sign face such that the electronic message sign face occupies less than one‑half the total area of the sign face.

(B) The sign message shall periodically include information such as time, temperature, or other messages of interest to the traveling public.

(C) The sign message shall not consist of flashing, oscillating, chasing, or animated lights, and shall not change more frequently than once every ten seconds.

(D) The sign structure shall conform to all applicable regulations as specified in this chapter.

(Prior Code, § 509.17)

§ 111.075 BANNERS.

Banners shall be allowed on utility poles and street lights if they contain the city’s logo or they are announcing a community event or special occasion.

(Prior Code, § 509.17)