9655.4. - General provisions.

A.

Sign area. The maximum allowable sign area shall be determined by drawing a line around the outer perimeter of the writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed. If the sign consists of more than one (1) section or module, all of the

area, including the area between the sections or modules, shall be included in the computation of sign area. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area. Only one (1) face of a double-faced sign with parallel opposing faces, and bearing identical copy shall be used in computing the area of a sign.

B.

Sign height for ground-mounted signs. The maximum allowable sign height for ground-mounted signs shall be measured by the distance from the average adjacent ground level within five (5) feet of the base of the sign to the top of the sign.

C.

Sign lighting. No sign shall be illuminated after 11:30 p.m. or close of business, whichever occurs last.

D.

Owner's consent required. The consent of the property owner or person in control or possession of the property is required before any sign may be erected on any private property in the city.

E.

Obstruction of public passage. No signs shall be installed so as to obstruct any window, door, fire escape or other emergency exit of any building.

F.

Maintenance of signs. All signs shall be maintained in a neat and attractive, well-repaired condition. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted and free from rust, cracking, peeling, corrosion or other states of disrepair.

G.

Prohibited locations. No signs shall be located in such a manner as to face in the direction of or be visible to property in a residential district when such sign would be less than two hundred (200) feet from such residential property unless such sign faces and is parallel to a public right-of-way.

H.

Any noncommercial message may be substituted for the copy of any commercial sign allowed by this chapter. Any sign displaying a noncommercial message shall be deemed to be on-site.

(Ord. No. 19-444, § 3, 10-23-2019; Ord. No. 23-472, § 6, 5-22-2024)

9655.5. - Application and review procedures for permanent signs.

A.

Sign permit. Permanent signs shall only be constructed, displayed or altered with sign permit approval by the director or appropriate decision-making body. Sign permits shall be prepared, filed, processed, and approved or denied in compliance with this section. In addition to a sign permit, permanent signs may be subject to the issuance of a building permit if required by the Building Code.

B.

Application. An application for a sign permit shall be made on the form provided by the department of planning and community development and shall be accompanied by the required fee. Such application shall set forth and contain the following information and materials:

1.

The location and size of any existing or proposed buildings or structures on the property, which are or will be under the ownership or control of the applicant.

2.

When applicable, the location of off-street parking facilities, including major points of entry and exit for motor vehicles where signs are proposed.

3.

The position of the proposed sign and its relationship to existing or proposed adjacent buildings and structures, which are or will be under the ownership or control of the applicant.

4.

The proposed design, size, exact colors, materials, orientation, and location of the sign or sign structure.

5.

The method of attachment to any structure.

6.

A statement showing sizes and dimensions of all other signs existing on the property under the ownership or control of the applicant.

7.

A statement showing the size and color relationships of such sign or sign structure to the appearance and design of existing or proposed buildings and structures on the property.

8.

Photographs of all sides of any building and renderings or photo simulations of proposed buildings.

9.

Such other information as the department of planning and community development may require to secure compliance with this division.

C.

Review and approval authority. A sign permit shall be approved or disapproved by the director in compliance with the criteria set forth in subsection D below and the provisions of this division.

D.

Criteria. The following criteria shall be the only criteria used in reviewing an application for a sign permit:

1.

That the sign is consistent with the provisions of this division;

2.

That the location and orientation of the proposed sign, as well as the design of its visual elements (lettering, words, figures, colors, decorative motifs, spacing, and proportions), are legible under normal viewing conditions prevailing where the sign is to be installed;

3.

That the proposed sign is consistent with the sign standards found in sections 9655.6 and 9655.7;

4.

That the proposed sign is consistent with the adopted sign design guidelines available at the planning and community development public counter.

E.

Findings for denial. If a sign permit application is denied, specific and detailed findings setting forth the reasons why the proposed sign violates the criteria set forth above in subsection D. or other provisions of this division shall be prepared in writing and mailed to the applicant or their agent and sign contractor within thirty (30) calendar days.

F.

Appeals. Any decision made by the director or the planning commission may be appealed in accordance with section 9655.14. The decision of the city council on any appeal shall be final.

(Ord. No. 19-444, § 3, 10-23-2019; Ord. No. 23-472, § 7, 5-22-2024)