Division 2 — PROHIBITED SIGNS

Unless otherwise expressly permitted by this chapter, it is unlawful to construct or use any permanent structure for displaying offsite commercial messages.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

Unless otherwise expressly permitted by this chapter, all exterior signs must be permanently affixed to a building, permitted sign support, or firmly attached to the ground. Portable or moving signs with commercial copy are unlawful. Temporary signs are unlawful except as expressly allowed by this chapter.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

It is unlawful for signs to be constructed, erected, or displayed as follows:

(A) Sign supports - Signs may not be supported with exposed bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables, or similar materials.

(B) Lighting - Signs may not include bare light bulbs over 15 watts that are visible from the front of the sign or beyond the property line. Neon or argon lamps are permissible.

(C) Overhead power lines - Signs may not be connected to visible overhead electrical power lines.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

It is unlawful to erect signs that are detrimental to public health or safety. Such hazardous signs include those that, because of design, construction lighting, or location:

• (A) Could be reasonably mistaken for a traffic signal;

• (B) Obstruct free and clear observation of any legal traffic sign, signal or device;

• (C) Obstruct any door, window, or fire escape of buildings or impede pedestrian traffic over public rights-of-ways;

• (D) Are attached to a standpipe or fire escape; or

• (E) Otherwise poses a threat of death, damage, or injury to persons or property.

• (Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

(A) It is unlawful to erect a sign within the clear- sight triangle area as described in this section. This prohibition is to ensure visibility for operators of motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on intersecting roadways.

(B) Within a clear-sight triangle area, signs may not extend above 36 inches in height, measured from the adjacent street, alley, or sidewalk grade (Figure 48-2). However, pole signs with a sign face that is at least eight feet above grade may be placed within a clear-sight triangle area.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

Figure 48-2

Clear-Sight Triangle Area

Unless otherwise provided by this chapter or by City Council resolution, it is unlawful to display signs on public property owned by the city.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, it is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain wind-activated signs such as spinner, pennants, streamers, and balloons.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

(A) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, vehicle signs are prohibited.

(B) This section does not apply to vehicle signs where the copy relates only to the business or establishment of which the vehicle itself is a part; pertains to the sale, rent, lease, or hiring of such vehicle; or is a noncommercial message.

(C) Vehicles displaying signs may not be parked in such a manner that they function primarily as commercial advertising devices. Vehicles may not be used as mounting or holding devices for commercial signs. (Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

Unless otherwise provided by this code, it is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain animated signs or illuminated signs that detrimentally affect surrounding property. This prohibition does not apply to neon and argon lamps designed for outdoor display.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, it is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain a roof sign. However, roofs with a slope varying more than 45 degrees from the horizontal plane are considered wall space. However, noncommercial temporary signs, whether using illumination or not, may be mounted on roofs in residential zones between November 14 and January 14 each year.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

(A) Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain signs with commercial messages that face any residential area.

(B) This prohibition does not apply to commercial establishments that face streets designated as arterial in the city's general plan.

(C) Businesses that face a residential area, are not located on an arterial street, and do not have other street frontage for identification may obtain a permit for a sign facing the residential area. Permits issued for such signs, in addition to any other condition required by this chapter, are conditioned upon such signs not being illuminated; only on-site directional signs located on such businesses may be illuminated.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)

It is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain a sign that blocks or shadows solar energy collections devices from direct sun exposure in a manner inconsistent with any state or city regulation.

(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)