Article I — General Provisions

The location, height, size and illumination of signs are regulated in order to maintain the attractiveness and orderliness of the Holtville appearance, to protect business sites from loss of prominence resulting from excessive signs on nearby sites, and to protect the public safety and welfare.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

Where not otherwise provided for in this title, the terms, regulations and provisions of the current editions of the Uniform Sign Code shall apply.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

• A. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, modify or relocate any sign in the city without first obtaining a building permit for each sign, except as provided in HMC § 17.56.140 through § 17.56.250 .

• B. Building permits for erection or construction of signs within the city shall be issued by the building inspector. The fee for such permits shall be set by resolution of city council.

• (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

Canopy signs shall conform to state highway encroachment permits, as noted in State Highway Encroachment Permits, District II, Policy and Procedure Bulletin, dated June 1, 1968. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

The square footage of a sign made up of letters, words, or symbols within a frame shall be determined from the outside edge of the frame itself. The square footage of a sign composed of only letters, words or symbols shall be determined from imaginary straight lines drawn around the entire copy or grouping of such letters, words, or symbols. Only those portions of the construction elements that are an integral part of the sign itself shall be considered in the allocation of square footage allowed.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

All signs shall be structurally safe, shall be of rust inhibitive material, and shall be maintained in good condition in the opinion of the building inspector. The property owner of the land and/or improvements is responsible for removing any sign or signs on the premises where the uses has been discontinued for a period of over 90 days. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in repair and in a safe state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. Also, all weeds shall be cleared and removed periodically. The building inspector may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section S- 305 of the Uniform Sign Code.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

No cloth, paper, plastic or similar advertising signs or devices other than in rigid frames as provided in this chapter shall be permitted. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

Signs painted on or attached to vehicles that are parked on the premises for a period in excess of 24 hours shall be considered signs within the meaning of this title, and shall specifically be prohibited, except such signs as are normally displayed on business vehicles. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

No roof signs shall be permitted, except where no building setback is provided roof signs may be permitted subject to a conditional use permit. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

No person shall exhibit, post or display upon any sign or wall any statement, symbol or picture of an obscene nature.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, modify or relocate any sign in the city without first obtaining a building permit for such sign. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)

The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

• A. Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public officer;

• B. Directional, warning or informational signs authorized by federal, state or municipal authority;

• C. Memorial plaques and building cornerstones when cut or carved into masonry surface or when made of incombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure; and

• D. Commemorative symbols, plaques and historical tablets. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000)