Regulations established under this article serve
the following purposes:
A.
Provide general standards for all signs within the
City and specific standards for signs in each zoning district.
B.
Establish procedures for the review and approval of
sign permit applications.
C.
Regulate the location, size, construction, erection,
alteration, use and maintenance of signs.
D.
Protect the safety and general welfare of the community
through the proper use and design of structures for signs.
E.
Promote the use of well-crafted signs in harmony with
the architectural and historical character of the City and consistent
with the Streetscape Design Guide for the City of Coatesville, 1989.
In all zoning districts, signs may be erected,
altered, maintained, used or removed only when in compliance with
the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances
and regulations.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign erected on or related to the use of a property which
becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more or
any sign which relates to a time, event or purpose which is past.
A sign which is permitted to promote special community events
for a temporary period of time as provided for herein.
[Added 4-28-1997 by Ord. No. 1047-97]
See "off-premises sign."
Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy
or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door,
entrance, window or outdoor service area.
A type of temporary sign which is intended to advertise a
nonprofit community or civic event.
A type of temporary sign which is intended to advertise the
name of a project and/or the contractor, architect, engineer, financier
or similar information.
A sign which displays a message, information or advertising
on both sides of the sign.
A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed
on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building
or structure. The height of a "freestanding sign" shall be measured
from the proposed finished grade to the highest point of the sign
structure.
A sign, other than a freestanding sign, placed upon or supported
by the ground, independent from any building or structure.
A sign which does not conform to one or more of the applicable
regulations in the district in which it is located.
A sign which directs attention to a person, business, profession,
product or activity not conducted on the same premises.
Any temporary sign pertaining to political views, an individual
seeking election or appointment to a public office or a forthcoming
public election or referendum.
A sign, with or without display or legend, which is self-supporting
without being firmly embedded in the ground or is fixed on a movable
stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles or made easily movable
in some other manner.
A separate lot or tax parcel with individual frontage abutting
the street line. "Premises" may include more than one occupant on
a lot or parcel, such as an office or retail complex.
A sign affixed to a wall or other vertical building surface
in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches
beyond the surface of such building or wall.
A sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the property
upon which it is located.
Any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof or any
device attached, painted or represented, directly or indirectly, on
a structure or other outdoor surface that shall display or include
any letter, word, insignia, flag or representation used as or which
is in the nature of an advertisement, announcement, visual communication,
direction or which is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject
to the attention of the public.
A sign intended for short-term use, such as a promotional
sign, including signs pertaining to business events, community events,
political issues, an individual seeking public office or a forthcoming
public election.
A sign parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface.
"Wall signs" shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other
surface to which they are mounted and shall project no more than six
inches from its surface, otherwise they shall be defined as a projecting
sign.
A temporary or permanent sign which is oriented to the public
right-of-way and is located on the inside or outside of a window to
direct attention to an activity conducted on the same lot.
A.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include the
two-dimensional space which contains all lettering, wording and accompanying
designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or
enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting
framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols
attached to or painted on a building, wall, window, canopy or awning,
the sign area shall be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric
shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
In computing sign area of a double-faced sign, only
one side shall be considered, provided that both sides are identical
in area and wording. If the interior angle is greater than 45º,
then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the
sign area.
B.
Sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured
from the existing ground elevation at the base of the sign to the
highest point of the sign structure. In the case where there is a
sidewalk, the height shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
C.
Sign illumination. Signs may be illuminated by direct (internal) or indirect (projection) lighting. In all cases, lighting shall be shielded so that no light will directly shine or glare onto abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public using the streets or sidewalks. All lighting shall be in compliance with the applicable standards of § 224-50, Outdoor lighting.
D.
Sign placement. Except for official traffic and street
signs, a sign shall not be erected so that it:
(1)
Is located within five feet of or projects over a
point within five feet of the curbline in the C-1 and C-2 Commercial
Districts and the PS Public Service District or within 10 feet of
a street right-of-way in any other district.
(2)
Is located within the clear-sight triangle required by § 224-53B, Sight distances at intersections.
(3)
Obscures the view of a motorist of traffic signals,
stop signs or other warning devices as viewed from any distance of
500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(4)
Obscures the view of a motorist of a roadway or intersections
ahead as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(5)
Limits pedestrian view of vehicular traffic to less
than 500 feet while standing at the curbline at an intersection or
other established pedestrian crossing.
(6)
Is located within a distance of five feet from any
side property line in the C-1 and C-2 Commercial Districts and the
PS Public Service District within 10 feet in any other district.
(7)
Is located within a parking or fire lane.
(8)
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling along
public thoroughfares.
(9)
Blocks the entrance, exit, fire escape or fire lanes
to a building.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
No signs shall be of a flashing, rotating or revolving
type, with the exception of barbershop poles.
B.
Any sign suspended between poles and lighted by a
series of lights is prohibited.
C.
Any sign suspended between poles which is either a
pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind
is prohibited.
D.
Any sign erected on a tree or painted or drawn on
a rock or other natural feature is prohibited. Signs shall only be
attached to utility poles if they are in conformance with all applicable
state laws and utility regulations.
E.
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or any private property is prohibited, except for community special event signs which comply with the applicable requirements of § 224-71Q.
F.
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the
requirements of the sign ordinance which was in effect when the sign
was erected.
G.
No sign may be erected containing information on which
it states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not
permitted under the provisions of this chapter.
H.
No sign may use the words "stop," "look," "danger"
or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt
to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles
any official traffic sign, signal or device.
I.
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights
are prohibited within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200
feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
J.
A sign that uses any method of illumination that can
cause glare is prohibited, except in accordance with the following:
(1)
It must be effectively shielded so that glaring beams
or rays of light are not directed to any portion of any street, highway
or adjacent property or structure.
(2)
It must be less than 1/4 footcandle, as measured from
the curbline or road shoulder, so as not to cause glare or impair
the vision of any motorist or otherwise interfere with a driver's
operation of his motor vehicle.
The following signs are permitted in all districts
and do not require a permit, provided that the applicable conditions
have been met:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs,
directional or other official federal, state, county or city signs.
B.
Signs displaying only the name and address of the
occupant of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign
shall not exceed one square foot and not more than one such sign shall
be erected for each property held in single and separate ownership,
unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case
one sign may be erected on each street frontage.
C.
Governmental flags or insignias not exceeding 80 square
feet.
D.
Legal notices.
E.
No-trespassing signs indicating the private nature
of a road, driveway or premises, provided that the area of any such
sign does not exceed one square foot.
F.
Real estate signs, provided that the area of such
sign shall not exceed six square feet and that not more than one such
sign shall be placed on the property unless the property fronts on
more than one street, in which case one sign shall be permitted along
each street. All such signs shall be removed within five days after
a final settlement or rental agreement has been reached.
G.
Window signs indicating the store hours or names of
credit institutions, provided that the total area of such sign or
signs does not exceed two square feet.
H.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of a
product or price of such product when displayed on a vending machine
selling such product.
I.
Directional, informational or public service signs,
such as those indicating the availability of rest rooms, telephone
or similar public conveniences and signs advertising meeting times
and places of nonprofit service or charitable clubs and organizations,
provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment,
activity, organization, product, goods or service, except public utilities.
Any public service and information sign shall not exceed four square
feet.
J.
Memorial signs or historical signs or tablets, provided
that such sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
K.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature
of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone or identifying letters
carved into or embossed on a building, provided that the letters are
not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
L.
Temporary signs of mechanics, contractors and artisans
erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing
work on the premises on which such signs are erected, provided that:
M.
A sign advertising a yard sale or garage sale, provided
that the sign is on the premises of the sale, does not exceed four
square feet, is erected no more than two days prior to the first day
of the sale and is removed immediately upon completion of the sale.
No more than two off-premises signs shall be permitted and such signs
shall not be larger than 12 inches by 18 inches in size and may not
be erected more than two days prior to the first day of the sale.
Off-premises signs shall only be located on private property with
permission of the property owner and shall be removed upon completion
of the sale. Yard sale or garage sale signs shall not be permitted
on utility poles.
[Amended 3-26-2012 by Ord. No. 1374-2012]
N.
A sign, bunting, pennants and similar materials to
announce the opening of a new business or industry, provided that
they are removed within four days of the opening day or first day
of business. Such temporary displays shall not be permitted in residential
districts. Such temporary displays shall also be in accordance with
§ 224-72G.
[Amended 4-28-1997 by Ord. No. 1047-97]
O.
Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does
not exceed 36 inches in height.
P.
Temporary window signs announcing a drive or event
of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization shall
be less than four square feet and shall be placed inside
a store or office window. Such signs shall also be in accordance with
§ 224-72G.
[Amended 4-28-1997 by Ord. No. 1047-97]
Q.
Banners across streets, alleys and other public rights-of-way
shall be permitted to promote community events such as Buffalo Bill
Days, restaurant festivals, sidewalk sales, events sponsored by The
Graystone Society or other like historic preservation group, veterans
organizations or charitable, educational, fraternal, civic or service
organizations. Banners promoting business and commercial enterprises
are prohibited. Banners shall also be governed by the following:
(1)
At least 30 days prior to the desired date of hanging
a banner over a public street or way, an applicant must complete and
submit a banner permit to the office of the City Manager for approval
by the City Council. Upon approval of a permit by the City Council,
a banner may be hung and displayed as set forth below.
(2)
The hanging of banners must be in complete conformance
with the application as submitted and as finally approved by the City
Council.
(3)
The hanging of banners is the sole responsibility
of the applicant.
(4)
The banner shall be at least 15 feet above the street
surface and shall be securely attached to a building or other structure.
(5)
No more than two banners may be displayed over any
particular street or public way.
(6)
Banners may not be hung more than 14 days prior to
the date of the event being advertised and must be removed no later
than seven days after the conclusion of the event being advertised.
(7)
Banners not removed within seven days after the advertised
event has concluded will be removed by the City, and the applicant
shall be liable for the actual cost of removal.
(8)
Banners hung across streets and other rights-of-way
without proper approval will be removed within two working days after
the person(s) or organization(s) responsible has been notified by
any means of communication. Failure to remove the banner(s) after
notification shall result in the City's doing so at a charge of the
actual cost of removal and fines as related to zoning violations.
The following regulations shall apply to the specific sign types as defined in § 224-68. Section 224-73 indicates the types, area and height of signs permitted within each district.
A.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
The bottom or lowest edge of a freestanding sign shall
either be less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the
ground.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall be limited to one such sign
per structure. If more than one use is carried on in a single structure,
the one permitted freestanding sign may indicate the presence of all
uses in the structure.
(3)
A retail center, office complex or industrial complex
(two or more retail, office or industrial uses within a single structure)
shall be limited to one freestanding sign indicating the name of the
development and the name of other uses within the development. Individual
freestanding signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(4)
In those zoning districts where freestanding signs,
projecting and ground signs are permitted, only one of the foregoing
types of signs may be erected on a premises.
B.
Ground signs.
(1)
Ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed
by embedding, anchoring or connecting the sign in such a manner as
to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(2)
In those zoning districts where ground signs, freestanding
signs and projecting signs are permitted, only one of the foregoing
types of signs may be erected on a premises.
C.
Projecting signs.
(1)
No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than
eight feet nor more than 20 feet above the proposed finished grade,
and no such sign shall be less than five feet from the plane of the
face of the curb or project more than four feet from the face of the
building.
(2)
No projecting sign shall be attached to a building
where a canopy or awning sign exists.
(3)
In those zoning districts in which projecting signs,
freestanding signs and ground signs are permitted, only one of the
foregoing types of signs may be erected on a premises.
D.
Wall signs.
(1)
No portion of a wall sign shall be less than eight
feet above the proposed finished grade or extend more than six inches
from the building wall. If the wall sign projects less than three
inches from the building, the sign need not meet the eight-foot height
requirement.
(2)
Permanent window signs shall be considered wall signs
when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
(3)
Wall signs which are part of the architectural design
of a building shall be exempt from size requirements if they are limited
to the area on the building specifically designed for sign placement.
(4)
One wall sign shall be permitted on the front facade
of a building, and one additional wall sign on the side of a corner
or end building.
E.
Window signs.
(1)
A maximum of 25% of the total window area may be used
for permanent signs that are etched, painted or permanently affixed
to the window.
(2)
A maximum of 50% of the total window area may be covered
by a combination of permanent and temporary window signs.
(3)
Permanent window signs shall be considered wall signs
when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
G.
Temporary signs.
[Amended 4-28-1997 by Ord. No. 1047-97]
(1)
Temporary signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct
access to or from any door, window, fire escape or ventilating equipment
nor be attached to any standpipe or fire escape.
(2)
Such signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular
or pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(3)
Signs shall either be anchored to the ground or sufficiently
stable so as not to blow over or otherwise create a safety hazard.
(4)
Temporary signs for sidewalk sales, flea markets,
promotions, "Now Open" signs, "Now Hiring" signs, "Sale" signs and
other like signs may be placed after a permit is obtained, for up
to four events/occasions per year, for up to four days for each event/occasion.
(5)
Temporary special event signs and all other temporary
signs shall be removed within four days after completion of the event,
situation or circumstance for which it is used.
(6)
Temporary signs placed outdoors directing attention
to commercial promotions or activities on the same lot shall be moved
indoors at the end of each business day.
(7)
The size of these signs shall not exceed 1/3 square
foot of sign area for each linear foot of building, eight square feet
or whatever the balance of the allowable sign area is after subtracting
the other signs on the property, whichever is less.
H.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
Where permitted, only one off-premises sign may be
erected on a property. An off-premises sign shall not be permitted
on the same premises as a freestanding sign.
(2)
No such sign shall be within 500 feet of a residential zoning district,
public recreation facility, school or church.
[Amended 7-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 1511-2018]
(3)
No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected more than
75 feet from the right-of-way of a public street.
[Amended 7-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 1511-2018]
(4)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 30 feet
of any side or rear property line.
(5)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 1,000 feet of another
off-premises sign.
[Added 7-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 1511-2018]
(6)
An off-premises sign may have changeable copy, provided that:
[Added 7-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 1511-2018]
(a)
Dwell time: No off-premises sign shall change message or copy
on the active area more than once every seven seconds.
(b)
Message or copy transition: All message or copy changes shall
be instantaneous; there shall be no scrolling, fading, animated, flashing
or moving messages or copy.
(c)
The off-premises sign conforms to all requirements of this section and those contained § 224-73D(8).
(7)
Restrictions: An off-premises sign shall not:
[Added 7-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 1511-2018]
(a)
Advertise adult or sexually oriented businesses or materials,
hate speech, advertisements related to abortion, or otherwise display
any content prohibited by 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5903.
(b)
Advertise obscene or profane language.
(c)
Emit any verbal or musical announcements or noises.
(d)
Display any moving, flashing, scrolling or animated text or
video.
I.
Portable signs.
(1)
Portable signs, where permitted, shall be limited
to a period of time not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year
for any one premises.
(2)
Application for a portable sign shall be made to the
City Code Enforcement Officer accompanied by the required permit fee
and an escrow deposit, as established by the City fee schedule,[1] as a guaranty that the portable sign shall be promptly
removed at the end of the authorized period. If not removed within
10 days of the permit expiration date, the City shall remove the sign
and keep a sum necessary from the escrow account to cover the expense
incurred in removal.
No signs, other than those specifically exempted in § 224-71, Exempt signs, shall be permitted except as described below. This section provides a summary of sign types and maximum sizes permitted in each district.
A.
Signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC
and POS Districts.
(1)
Wall, ground or freestanding signs for bulletin or
announcement boards or for the identification of schools, churches,
recreation areas and other principal uses or buildings other than
dwellings shall be permitted, provided that the area of any such sign
not exceed 12 square feet and not more than one such sign shall be
placed on property in single and separate ownership, unless such property
fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be
placed on each street frontage.
(2)
Wall, ground or freestanding signs for the identification
of a residential development of 12 units or more, erected on the site
of said development and the location of a sale or rental office shall
be permitted, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed
nine square feet and not more than one such sign shall be placed on
property in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts
on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be placed
on each street frontage.
(3)
One wall or window sign for major home occupations,
indicating only names of persons, telephone numbers and the occupation
shall be permitted, provided that the area of any such sign shall
not exceed two square feet. A permit for such sign shall not be required
if the home occupation has been approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
(4)
One construction/development sign shall be permitted,
provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square
feet and such sign shall be removed within 20 days after the final
inspection by the City Building Inspector or 18 months after the erection
of the sign, whichever comes first.
B.
Signs permitted in the RN-4 District.
(1)
All signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5,
RC and POS Districts shall be permitted in the RN-4 District.
(2)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted.
The total area of the wall sign(s), including permanent window signs,
shall not exceed 5% of the area of the building face, including the
window and door area and cornices, to which it is attached. In no
case shall they exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be
permitted. The area of such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(4)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be
permitted where they can be set back at least five feet from the curbline.
Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height or 12 square
feet in area.
C.
Signs permitted in the C-1, C-2, PS and I-1 Districts.
(1)
All signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5,
RC and POS Districts shall be permitted in the C-1, C-2, PS and I-1
Districts.
(2)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted.
The total area of the wall sign(s), including permanent window signs,
shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building face, including window
and door area and cornices, to which it is attached. In no case shall
they exceed 50 square feet.
(3)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be
permitted. The area of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(4)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be
permitted where they can be set back at least five feet from the curbline.
(5)
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted
where they can be set back at least five feet from the curbline.
D.
Signs permitted in the C-3 and I-2 Districts.
(1)
All signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5,
RC and POS Districts shall be permitted in the C-3 and I-2 Districts.
(2)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted.
The total area of the wall sign(s), including permanent window signs,
shall not exceed 15% of the area of the building face, including the
window and door area and cornices, to which it is attached.
(3)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be
permitted. The area of such sign shall not exceed 18 square feet.
(4)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be
permitted where they can be set back at least five feet from the curbline.
(a)
Freestanding signs identifying a retail center
or complex, office park or complex or industrial park or complex shall
not exceed 20 feet in height or 40 square feet in area.
(b)
Freestanding signs for all other permitted nonresidential
uses shall not exceed 15 feet in height or 24 square feet in area.
(5)
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted
where they can be set back at least five feet from the curbline.
(7)
Portable signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted.
The area of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(8)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted within the I-2 District within
125 feet of the center of the intersection of Route 82 and Lincoln
Highway, which signs shall have up to three sign faces with a maximum
area of 480 square feet per face. The height of such sign shall not
exceed 35 feet, as measured from the surface of the adjacent roadway.
[Added 7-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 1511-2018]
E.
Signs permitted in the C-4 District.
[Added 7-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 1511-2018]
(1)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted in the C-4 District on property
abutting the Route 30 Bypass.
(a)
The height of such sign shall not exceed 45 feet, as measured
from the surface of the adjacent roadway.
(b)
Such sign may have up to two sign faces with a maximum area
of 960 square feet per face.
|
Summary of Sign Type and Size Permitted Within the RN-1, RN-2,
RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, RC, PO, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 Districts for
Signs Requiring Permits
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(Text Must be Consulted for Details)
| ||||
|
Zoning District
| ||||
|
(square feet)
| ||||
|
Sign Type
|
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC and PO
|
RN-4 (See § 224-73B)
|
C-1, C-2, PS and I-1 (See § 224-73C)
|
C-3 and I-2 (See § 224-73D)
|
|
Wall
|
See § 224-73A
|
32 or 5% of building face, whichever is less
|
50 or 10% of building face, whichever is less
|
15% of building face
|
|
Freestanding
|
See § 224-73A
|
12
|
321
|
403
|
|
182
|
242
| |||
|
Ground
|
See § 224-73A
|
Not permitted
|
321
|
403
|
|
182
|
242
| |||
|
Projecting
|
Not permitted
|
12
|
16
|
18
|
|
Canopy or awning
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
8 with wall sign 12 without wall sign
|
10 with wall sign 14 without wall sign
|
|
Portable
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
16
|
|
Off-premises
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
480 in I-2 only4
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Identification sign for retail center or complex, office complex,
or industrial complex.
|
|
2
|
All other nonresidential signs.
|
|
3
|
Identification sign for retail center or complex, office park
or complex and industrial park or complex.
|
|
4
|
Off-premises signs within the I-2 District within 125 feet of
the center of the intersection of Route 82 and Lincoln Highway only.
|
A.
Construction and maintenance requirements.
(1)
All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed
of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair. Maintenance
shall include ensuring that the sign contents remain in a readable
condition.
(2)
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be
manufactured in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories specifications.
B.
Removal of unsafe, unlawful or abandoned signs.
(1)
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(a)
Upon written notice by the City of Coatesville,
the owner, person or firm maintaining a sign must remove said sign
when it:
(b)
The City may remove or cause to be removed said
sign at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event the owner
or the person or firm maintaining said sign has not complied
with the terms of said notice within 30 days of the date of the notice.
In the event of immediate danger, however, the City may remove said
sign immediately upon the issuance of said notice to the owner, person
or firm maintaining said sign.
(2)
Abandoned signs.
(a)
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained
on any premises owned or controlled by such person a sign which has
been abandoned. Any such abandoned sign shall be removed by the landowner
or person controlling the property within 14 days of abandonment.
(b)
The City may remove or cause to be removed said
sign at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event the owner
or the person or firm maintaining said sign has not complied with
the terms of said notice within 30 days of the date of the notice.
A.
Sign permit.
(1)
A permit must be obtained from the City before the
erection of any signs in the City, unless specifically exempted in
this article.
(2)
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit
shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the exempted sign from
responsibility for its construction and installation in a safe manner
and in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.
B.
Application information. Before a sign permit is granted,
a sign permit application with the following information shall be
submitted in duplicate:
(1)
A description of the size, shape, color, sign contents,
material, supports, anchoring, weight and height of the sign, as well
as the intensity of illumination.
(2)
An architectural elevation, drawn to scale, of the
sign, indicating the proposed style of the letters, words, symbols
or other graphics and the proposed size, dimensions, shape, color,
material, supports, anchoring and height of the sign.
(3)
A plot plan, drawn to scale, showing the proposed
sign location with respect to the property lines and the building(s).
(4)
The application shall be accompanied by the written
consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign
is to be erected for city officials to enter said premises to inspect
the sign.
(5)
All sign permit applications shall be accompanied
by a check to cover the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule
for signs established by the City Council.
C.
Processing and approval of permit.
(1)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall process applications
for sign approval permits within 30 days from the date of the filing
of the complete application with the required fee.
(2)
In determining the appropriateness of the proposed
sign, the Code Enforcement Officer shall determine the following:
(3)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect and approve
the installation of the sign and shall make periodic inspections to
determine conformity of signs to these regulations.
Nonconforming signs shall be subject to the requirements of § 224-97 of this chapter.
