Article V — Construction Specifications

All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the city building code relating to design, structural members and connections. Signs shall also comply with the applicable provisions of the electrical code of the city and the additional construction standards hereinafter set forth in this article. (Prior code § 3.06.120)

All signs, except those attached flat against the wall of a building, shall be constructed to withstand wind loads as follows:

For solid signs, twenty (20) pounds per square foot on one face of the sign. For skeleton signs, thirty-six (36) pounds per square foot of the total face area of the letters and other sign surfaces, or ten (10) pounds per square foot of the gross area of the sign as determined by the overall dimensions of the sign, whichever is greater. (Prior code § 3.06.121)

Metal supports or braces shall be at least one-eighth of an inch thick. Wire or cable supports shall have a safety factor of four. All metal, wire cable supports and braces and all bolts used to attach signs to brackets or brackets and signs to the supporting building or structure shall be of galvanized or equal material. (Prior code § 3.06.122)

No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing due to wind action. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting members or connections. (Prior code § 3.06.123)

All detached sign structures or poles shall be self-supporting structures erected on and permanently attached to concrete foundations. Such structures or poles shall be fabricated only from painted steel or such other materials as may be approved by the director of building inspections. (Prior code § 3.06.124)

When glass is used for sign letters or transparent panels it shall be at least double strength thickness for sign areas up to and including three hundred (300) square inches. When glass is used for sign letters or transparent panels for sign areas in excess of three hundred (300) square inches at least one-quarter inch wire glass shall be used and the maximum span between supports shall be four feet. (Prior code § 3.06.125)

All electric signs shall be approved and labeled as conforming to the standards of the United States Bureau of Standards, the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., or other similar institution of recognized standing. The full number of illuminating elements thereof shall be kept in satisfactory working condition or immediately repaired or replaced. Signs that are only partially illuminated shall meet all electrical requirements for that portion directly illuminated. All electric signs shall have a disconnect switch located in accordance with the provisions of this title and the National Electrical Code as adopted by the city council. (Prior code § 3.06.126)

A parapet wall must be designed for and have sufficient strength to support any sign which is attached thereto. (Prior code § 3.06.127)

The identification tag issued with each sign permit must be placed on the exterior surface of each sign. The name of the erector of a sign shall also be placed thereon in letters at least one inch in height. Both items are to be located so as to be easily read from the sidewalk or ground area below the sign. (Prior code § 3.06.128)