Chapter 66
SIGNS*

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Cross references: Buildings and building regulations, ch. 22; planning, ch. 62; zoning, app. A; subdivisions, app. B.

State law references: Prohibited placement of campaign posters, signs and advertisements, O.C.G.A. § 21-1-1; signs used by retail distilled spirits dealers, signs advertising Georgia Lottery, O.C.G.A. § 3-4-3; control of signs and signals, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-50 et seq.; unlawful placement of signs within right-of-way of public road, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-51; outdoor advertising near state highways, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70 et seq.

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Article I. In General

Sec. 66-1. Definitions.

Sec. 66-1.1. Purpose and authorization.

Sec. 66-2. Prohibitions.

Sec. 66-3. Exemptions.

Sec. 66-4. Size and location requirements.

Sec. 66-5. Number.

Sec. 66-6. Height.

Sec. 66-7. Clearance.

Sec. 66-8. Setback.

Sec. 66-9. Maintenance.

Sec. 66-10. Illumination.

Sec. 66-11. Wind pressure.

Sec. 66-12. Historical site or monument.

Sec. 66-13. Temporary portable signs.

Sec. 66-14. Permits.

Sec. 66-15. Nonconformance.

Sec. 66-16. Remedies.

Sec. 66-17. Violation; penalty.

Secs. 66-18? 66-50. Reserved.

Article II. Interstate Highway Signs

Sec. 66-51. Purpose.

Sec. 66-52. Conformity to state code.

Sec. 66-53. Uniformity and size.

Sec. 66-54. Illumination.

Sec. 66-55. Apron measurement.

Sec. 66-56. Height above interstate.

Sec. 66-57. Protrusion.

Sec. 66-58. Limitation per location.

Sec. 66-59. Spacing.

Sec. 66-60. Marshlands, historic areas.

Sec. 66-61. Structural condition.

Sec. 66-62. Use.

Sec. 66-63. Advertising copy.

Sec. 66-64. Removal of certain signs.

Sec. 66-65. Local permit.

ARTICLE I.
IN GENERAL

Sec. 66-1. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Building facade means that portion of any exterior elevation of a building extended from grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation fronting on a public street, excluding alleys and lanes, and which may also be referred to as the "building face."

Sign means any device or representation for visual communication which is used for the purpose of bringing the subject matter thereof to the attention of others. The term "sign" includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Bus stop bench sign means any sign not exceeding 22 square feet printed or fixed on a bench or seat located at a bus stop as designated by the Chatham Area Transit Authority or the Savannah-Chatham Board of Public Education.

(2) Canopy sign means a sign attached or applied to or below a canopy or awning, or other rooflike structure.

(3) Double-faced sign means a sign on which more than one side is visible. A V sign shall be considered a double-faced sign provided that the least angle of intersection does not exceed 90 degrees.

(4) Electronic message board means a sign which uses digital lights to form clear written messages which tend to support the building's principal use. An electronic message board is not to be used in lieu of the principal use sign. The signs must be equipped with an electronic dimming device, capable of reducing intensity by 30 percent after nightfall. The message must not scroll up, scroll across, or change at less than five second intervals. Graphics or action letters that zoom, sparkle, or flash are not permitted. The size of the message board shall not exceed 15 square feet.

(5) Facia sign means a single face sign which is in any manner attached or fixed flat to an exterior wall of a building or structure, provided the sign does not project more than 15 inches from the wall. Individual letters in addition to the box type (i.e. letters and symbols on an attached backing) sign may also be installed as a facia sign.

(6) Freestanding sign means a sign supported by one or more upright poles, columns or braces placed in or upon the ground surface, and not attached to any building or structure.

(7) Illuminated sign means a sign illuminated directly or indirectly by gas, electricity or other artificial light, including reflective or fluorescent light.

(8) Interstate highway sign means any sign erected adjacent to the right of way of the interstate highways, as defined under O.C.G.A. § 32-6-71.

(9) Marquee sign means a sign with a changeable message board announcing an attraction or event, or other information.

(10) Portable sign means a freestanding sign, with or without wheels, not permanently anchored or secured to either a building or to the ground.

(11) Projecting sign means a double-faced sign with the end mounted to an exterior wall of a building or structure and which projects out from the wall.

(12) Roof mounted sign means a sign erected wholly upon or above a roof of any building. Such sign shall not extend above the peak of the roof nor shall any sign attached to the facade of a building extend more than four feet above the roofline or parapet.

(13) Single-faced sign means a sign only one side of which is visible.

(14) Temporary sign means a sign of a non-permanent nature. All such signs shall be removed within ten days after the purpose of which the sign is intended has been accomplished.

(15) Wall sign means any sign that shall be affixed to the wall or printed on the wall of any building. Any sign that is affixed to the face of a building marquee, building awning or a building canopy shall be considered a wall sign.

(16) Announcement sign means a single-faced nonilluminated sign containing a professional or other announcement, not exceeding four square feet in area, and attached wholly to a building, window or door.

(17) Building identification sign means a facia sign used to identify or indicate the name of a building.

(18) Bulletin board means any sign, not to exceed 15 square feet, erected by a premises owner or tenant which is erected upon the same property as such institution, for purposes of announcing events which are held on the premises of such institution or to disseminate other information.

(19) Development sign means a temporary construction sign denoting the architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor, financier or sponsor of a development, which may also designate the future occupant or use of the development. Such a sign shall not exceed 16 square feet when located within any R (residential) zoning district; or shall not exceed 32 square feet when located within zoning districts which are not designated as residential districts, unless specifically regulated to be larger based on state or federal legislative or administrative requirements. All such signs shall be removed from the site within seven days after completion of the project.

(20) Directional sign means a sign containing information relative to the location, distance to, entrance to and exit from structures or land use activities. Such sign shall be located on private property and shall bear no advertising matter except the logo or name of the use, providing the sign does not exceed ten square feet per sign face, and is not more than five feet high. Such signs that refer to the location of churches or other places of public worship may be located in city rights-of-way with the approval of the city manager.

(21) Directory sign means a sign which identifies residential subdivisions, multiuse activities within shopping centers, office complexes or apartment buildings, provided:

a. One such sign shall be permitted for the first 200 feet of frontage, or a fraction thereof, and one additional such sign shall be permitted for every additional 200 feet of frontage contained in the development.

b. Directory signs shall not exceed two square feet of sign area per linear foot of frontage occupied by the development or 350 square feet, whichever is less.

c. Except in R (residential) zoning districts, the combined area of any such sign shall not exceed an area of 350 square feet per sign face. Within R (residential) zoning districts, such sign shall not exceed an area of 30 square feet per sign face.

d. A maximum of one sign per establishment or use shall be permitted per directory sign face in addition to the name of the overall development.

(22) Principal use sign means a sign which identifies or advertises a profession, principal land use activity or service occupying or available on the premises upon which such sign is located or any other information to be disseminated by the owner of the premises or tenant provided no more than two such signs shall be affixed to any wall on the establishment or premises and further provided that the total area of such signs shall not exceed 40 percent of the total wall area on which they are affixed.

(23) Public information sign means a sign containing emergency or legal notices, regulatory information or historical data of interest to the general public.

Sign area means the entire face of a sign and all wall work, including illumination tubing, incidental to the decoration. In the case of an open sign made up of individual letters, figures or designs attached directly to the building, the space between such letters, figures or designs shall not be included as part of the sign area.

Sign clearance means the vertical, distance from the established finished grade of the sidewalk to the lower edge of a sign.

Sign copy area means the sum of the area of the words or numbers included in the sign copy, inclusive of pictorials, trademarks or other advertising symbols.

Sign display area means the total area upon which sign copy may be placed. In computing the total display area of the sign, mathematical formulas or geometric shapes formed by straight lines drawn closest to the extremities of the sign, excluding any framing or support structure, ornament or other embellishments, shall be used.

Signable area means the area of the facade of a building up to the roofline, free of windows and doors.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I; Ord. of 10-7-2002, § I)

Cross references: Definitions generally, § 1-2.

Sec. 66-1.1. Purpose and authorization.

(a) In recent years, the city's population has grown substantially causing an increase in volume of traffic in the city. Many various and diverse businesses and other concerns are located within the city. Any needs to communicate through signs must be balanced by the city's obligation to protect the public through enhancement of public safety, restriction of clutter, protection of property values, and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment.

(b) Unregulated use of signs can become a threat to public safety, can diminish property values, and can diminish the city's overall public welfare as an aesthetic nuisance.

(c) The public has a legitimate interest and concern in the construction, maintenance and regulation of outdoor signs within the city and it is, therefore, necessary for the city to regulate the size, number, length, height, clearance, setback, maintenance, illumination, safe construction, and aesthetics of signs located in the city.

(d) The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations governing the display of signs which will advance the government's and public's interests including:

(1) Promote the public health, safety and welfare;

(2) Reduce traffic and pedestrian hazards through restriction of clutter that could obscure vision;

(3) Protect property values by minimizing the possible adverse affects and visual blight caused by signs;

(4) Maintain the historical image of the city; and

(5) Avoid visual degradation of the city's scenic resources.

(e) By enacting the ordinance from which this chapter derives, the mayor and city council intend to balance the interests of individuals to convey messages through signs, and the rights of the public to be protected from the proliferation of unrestricted signs.

(Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-2. Prohibitions.

The following signs are prohibited throughout the city:

(1) Signs that interfere with road or highway visibility, or obstruct or otherwise interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic.

(2) Signs that interfere with or obstruct the view of traffic signs or traffic signals by motorists or pedestrians.

(3) Signs which simulate an official traffic control or warning sign or hides from view any traffic or street sign, signal or public service sign.

(4) Signs on public rights of way, other than publicly owned or maintained signs.

(5) Signs that violates any of the city regulations as to health, required light, safety or air as defined in the building code.

(6) Signs that displays flashing or intermittent lights.

(7) Signs that contain words, pictures, or statements which are obscene, as defined by O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80.

(8) Signs that advertise any activity, service, or product prohibited by the laws and regulations of the United States or the State of Georgia or by the ordinances or resolutions of the city.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I; Ord. of 10-7-2002, § II)

Sec. 66-3. Exemptions.

(a) The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: signs erected by a public officer in the performance of his duties, including but not limited to: traffic and street signs, safety signs, danger signs, memorial plaques, historical markers, railroad crossing signs, and other public notices.

(b) The following signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter:

(1) Nonilluminated signs having an area of less than three feet, provided they are not located in a public right-of-way. Such signs in a commercial and industrial zoned parcels shall be limited to four times per year for a period of ten days at a time. Each period of display shall be separated by at least 30 days.

(2) Window signs installed for the purpose of viewing from outside the premises, provided the signs do not exceed 50 percent of the available window space.

(3) Signs on private property directing traffic movement, each not exceeding three square feet in area.

(4) On-premises credit card identification signs up to three feet in area per sign.

(5) Any sign not visible from a public street or right-of-way.

(6) Temporary signs which are wholly attached to a building or wall, provided that such signs shall be included in determining the maximum size of signs which may be attached to a building as set forth in section 66-4.

(7) One nonilluminated principal use sign, not exceeding three square feet in area, located on a nonresidential principal use, and if freestanding, located entirely on private property.

(8) Names of buildings, date of erection and commemorative tablets when cut into any masonry surface and made a permanent and integral part of the building.

(9) Public information signs not exceeding two square feet in size.

(10) One temporary nonilluminated real estate sign for each street frontage advertising only the sale, lease or rental of the premises or property upon which such sign is located, or one nonilluminated sign indicating a building is open for public inspection. For R (residential) zoning districts, such signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign area, except where multiuse establishments are involved, then such sign may be increased in size to 16 square feet. Such signs shall be placed no closer than five feet from the street right-of-way line or shall be attached to the principal use structure. All such signs shall be removed within seven days after the property has been sold, leased or rented.

(11) One nonilluminated sign for every 100 feet of frontage when advertising the sale of farm products grown or produced on the premises in any zoning district wherein an agricultural use is permitted, provided that such sign shall be at least 100 feet from the nearest corner of a street; road or highway intersection and at least five feet from the nearest property line.

(12) Window signs on or within windows relating to the business conducted within or the interests of the owner of the premises or tenant, or to nonprofit civic or charitable organizations, provided no more than 50 percent of the window space is so utilized.

(13) Signs in conformance with public traffic sign standards directing traffic movement onto a premises or within a premises, and orientational signs not exceeding two square feet in sign area for each sign when displayed on private property for the purpose of direction or convenience, including signs identifying restrooms, freight entrances, etc. Directional signs on arid flat with paved areas are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.

This section shall be administered and enforced by the city building official or his designee.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-4. Size and location requirements.

(a) The sign face of any freestanding principal use sign shall not exceed two square feet of sign area per linear foot of frontage occupied by the principal use, or 350 square feet, whichever is less, with each sign having no more than two faces, unless otherwise specified.

(b) Any sign attached to or written upon a building or structure shall not exceed 40 percent of the building facade on which the sign is attached, unless otherwise specified.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-5. Number.

No more than one freestanding principal use sign and no more than one principal use sign attached to a building is permitted for a single business location, except business locations served by driveways on different streets may have a freestanding principal use sign on each street. For uses located in a group development, no freestanding sign will be permitted, except a directory sign conforming to the requirements of this article.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-6. Height.

Freestanding signs shall not exceed the following heights as measured above ground level:

(1) In any residential zone, ten feet, above the grade level of the adjacent street to which the parcel on which the sign is located.

(2) In any commercial or industrial zone, signs no higher than 30 feet, above the grade level of the adjacent street to which the parcel on which the sign is located.

(3) All sign heights shall be measured from the grade level of the adjacent street to which the property on which the sign is located has access. The level of the ground shall not be altered in such a way as to provide additional sign height.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-7. Clearance.

Adequate sign clearance shall be provided to assure that pedestrian and vehicular traffic movement and safety are not adversely affected. Minimum sign clearance shall not be less than ten feet above pedestrian ways, nor less than 15 feet above areas utilized by motorized vehicles.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-8. Setback.

No sign shall overhang any public right-of-way or public street.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-9. Maintenance.

Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety or well-being of the building or the general public, the building official shall order that such sign be brought into compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances. Such order shall be complied with within ten days of the receipt thereof by the person owning or using the sign or the owner of the building or premises on which such unsafe sign is affixed or erected. If after the expiration of the ten days, the sign is not in compliance, the building official shall order removal of the sign within seven days.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-10. Illumination.

Illumination devices such as, but not limited to, floodlights or spotlights shall be so placed and shielded as to prevent the rays or illumination therefrom being cast into neighboring dwellings and approaching vehicles.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-11. Wind pressure.

Freestanding signs shall be capable of withstanding horizontal wind pressure amounting to 30 pounds per square foot. In assuming or determining the pressure on any sign, the wind shall be assumed to be blowing from the direction which will produce the maximum stress.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-12. Historical site or monument.

No sign shall be permitted within 100 feet of the boundaries of any historical site or monument.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-13. Temporary portable signs.

The following requirements shall apply to temporary portable signs:

(1) A permit fee of $25.00 shall be required for all temporary portable signs, and any temporary portable electric sign shall further require an electrical inspection to ensure a proper connection to a power source. The inspection shall occur upon obtaining a permit.

(2) Only one temporary portable electric sign shall be permitted for each location, and such sign shall be located in a manner so as not to interfere with the visual clearance along any highway, street or road, or interfere with the visual clearance of adjoining properties or businesses. In group developments, only one temporary portable electric sign shall be permitted for the first 200 feet of frontage, or fraction thereof. One additional such sign shall be permitted for every additional 200 feet of frontage contained in the development.

(3) A temporary portable sign permit may be issued for new applicants within the first six months for 30 consecutive days.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-14. Permits.

(a) Generally. The building official shall receive applications for the construction of signs as required by this article. Such application shall follow the same form as required for building permits. The building official shall process such sign applications and shall issue permits and sign permit numbers for proposed signs which comply with the requirements of this article.

(b) Required. Except as specified in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to post, display, substantially change or erect a sign in the city without first having obtained a sign permit. A change in the copy only of a sign shall not constitute a substantial change.

(c) Application. Applications for sign permits shall be filed by the sign owner or his agent in the office of the building official upon forms furnished by the building official's office. Such application shall set forth the following:

(1) The type and description of the sign.

(2) The value of the sign.

(3) The street address of the property upon which such sign is to be located and the proposed location of such sign on such property. In the absence of a street address, a method of location acceptable to the building official shall be used.

(4) The square foot area per sign and the aggregate square foot area if there is more than one sign face.

(5) The name and address of the owner of the real property upon which the sign is to be located.

(6) Written consent of the owner or his agent of the real property upon which the sign is to be located granting permission for the placement or maintenance of such sign.

(7) A sketch or print drawn to scale showing pertinent information such as wind pressure requirements and display materials in accordance with the Standard Building Code. The building official may require additional information on such permit or sketch to ensure compliance with this article. Signs over 35 feet in height will be required to have a state engineer's stamp or seal.

(8) Name, address, phone number and business license number of the sign contractor.

(9) All applicants for electrical signs must obtain an electrical permit.

(d) Expiration date. A sign permit shall become null and void if the sign for which the permit was issued has not been completed within six months after the date of issuance. No refunds will be made for a permit after the permit is issued. If a sign is desired to be erected at the same location at a later date, a new application for the sign must be processed and another fee paid in accordance with the fee schedule applicable at such time.

(e) Fees. No permit shall be issued until the appropriate application has been filed with the building official and approved by the FAA, where applicable. Permit fees will be $25.00 per inspection.

(f) Suspension, revocation. Violation of any provision of this article will be grounds for terminating the permit granted by the city to the owner and/or the license of the person or entity erecting the sign. No permit and/or license shall be suspended, revoked or cancelled, except for violation of this article or other law or ordinance, and the permittee and/or licensee is granted a public hearing before the aldermanic board. The permittee and/or licensee will be given ten days' written notice of the date, time, place and purpose of the hearing, with a statement of the reason for the suspension, revocation or cancelling of such permit and/or license. "Due cause" is the willful and/or continued violation of the provisions of this article. The termination of the permit and/or license does not in any way preclude the person alleged to have violated the provisions of this article from being charged with a violation of this article or preclude the city from taking any other action authorized by this Code, and/or any action authorized by law.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-15. Nonconformance.

Signs existing on July 16, 2001, which could not be built under the terms of this article must comply with the following:

(1) A nonconforming sign shall not be replaced by another nonconforming sign, except that the substitution or interchange of poster panels, painted boards or demountable material on nonconforming signs shall be permitted.

(2) Minor repairs and maintenance of nonconforming signs, such as repainting, electrical repairs and neon tubing, shall be permitted until the date set for removal of such sign; however, no structural repairs or changes in the size or shape of such sign shall be permitted except to make the sign comply with the requirements of this article.

(3) Existing temporary nonconforming signs shall be removed.

a. Any temporary sign or device shall be removed or made to conform to the provisions of this article within 120 days of the date of notification by the building official. The sound, flashing, blinking or varying light intensity features of any sign shall be eliminated and the sign shall be made to conform to the provisions of this article within 120 days of the date of notification by the building official.

b. The zoning administrator shall determine which signs do not meet the requirements of this article and which are prohibited or limited. The decision of the zoning administrator will be final unless such decision is appealed to the board of appeals.

(4) No conforming sign or advertising device shall be erected for the same establishment on the same lot with an existing nonconforming sign until the nonconforming sign has been removed or made to conform to the provisions of this article.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 1; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-16. Remedies.

If any sign, advertising device or other device covered by this article is or is proposed to be erected, constructed, altered, converted or used in violation of any provision of this article, the zoning administrator may, in addition to other remedies and after due notice to the appropriate person, issue a citation for violation of this article requiring the presence of the violator in the municipal court of the city, or institute injunction or other appropriate action or proceeding to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, alteration, conversion or use and/or to correct or abate such violation.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 4; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Sec. 66-17. Violation; penalty.

Any person violating any provision of this article shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided in section 1-12.

(Ord. of 11-20-1989, § 3; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § I)

Secs. 66-18? 66-50. Reserved.

ARTICLE II.
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SIGNS*

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State law references: Unlawful placement of signs within right-of-way of public road, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-51; outdoor advertising near state highways, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70 et seq.

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Sec. 66-51. Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to regulate and control outdoor advertising adjacent to interstate highways within the jurisdictional limits of the city.

(Code 1976, § 16-70; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-52. Conformity to state code.

(a) Interstate highway signs shall meet all requirements contained in O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70 et seq. as well as any regulations propounded by the state department of transportation for such interstate signs.

(b) All signs shall conform with all federal and state requirements including, but not limited to, state law references? Prohibited placement of campaign posters, signs and advertisements, O.C.G.A. § 21-1-1; signs used by retail distilled spirits dealers, signs advertising Georgia Lottery, O.C.G.A. § 3-4-3; control of signs and signals, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-50 et seq.; unlawful placement of signs within right-of-way of public road, O.C.G.A. § 32-6-51.

(c) To the extent the provisions contained within this chapter conflict with these various laws, the provisions in the chapter will control.

(Code 1976, § 16-71; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-53. Uniformity and size.

All interstate highways signs shall be uniform in size. The outside measurements of such signs shall equal 12 feet in height and 50 feet in length, with or without trim.

(Code 1976, § 16-72; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-54. Illumination.

All interstate highway signs which are illuminated shall use base mounted fluorescent or mercury vapor lights and shall have photoelectric cells for the purpose of activation. No other lighting, including, but not limited to, neon, running lights or animation shall be permitted.

(Code 1976, § 16-73; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-55. Apron measurement.

All interstate highway signs shall have an apron directly beneath the space of the sign which shall not be used for advertising purposes, and shall be permitted to display the agency holding the permit for such sign and the permit number. The aprons shall be uniform in size, measuring three feet in height and 45 feet in length.

(Code 1976, § 16-74; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-56. Height above interstate.

All interstate highway signs shall be a minimum of ten feet in height above the highest point of the pavement of the interstate, measured from the lower portion of the sign. Two signs in the same location, whether back-to-back or in a V formation, shall be the same height above the surface of the interstate.

(Code 1976, § 16-75; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-57. Protrusion.

No protrusion outside the face of the interstate highway sign, except for the apron, shall be allowed, with the exception of reference to cities or municipalities.

(Code 1976, § 16-76; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-58. Limitation per location.

No more than one interstate highway sign shall face in any one direction per location. This means that there shall be a maximum of three signs per quadrant of the interstate which allows for back-to-back or V formation signs, but does not allow two signs facing the same direction or two signs stacked on top of one another. All signs must be in an area zoned commercial or industrial, located within 1,000 feet of the regularly used portion of ongoing commercial or industrial activity.

(Code 1976, § 16-77; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-59. Spacing.

Interstate highway sign locations shall be no less than 500 feet apart, measuring from the two closest points.

(Code 1976, § 16-78; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-60. Marshlands, historic areas.

No interstate highway sign shall be placed in or obstruct the view of a marshland area or an area designated as having historic significance.

(Code 1976, § 16-81; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-61. Structural condition.

All interstate highway signs shall be kept in good structural condition and be well painted at all times.

(Code 1976, § 16-82; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-62. Use.

Outdoor advertising along the interstate shall be limited to the following:

(1) Signs informing persons of the following service facilities:

a. Lodging;

b. Gas;

c. Food;

d. Camping.

(2) Signs informing persons of areas of scenic beauty.

(3) Signs informing persons of the following public attractions:

a. Historic;

b. Natural or environmental;

c. Scientific;

d. Recreational.

(4) Signs informing persons of any combination of the facilities stated in subsection (3) of this section.

(Code 1976, § 16-83)

Sec. 66-63. Advertising copy.

The content of all advertising on interstate highway signs shall be directional in nature.

(Code 1976, § 16-84)

Sec. 66-64. Removal of certain signs.

Any interstate highway sign which advertises an activity or business, or a product or service no longer produced or conducted shall be removed within six months of the date of discontinuance of such activity.

(Code 1976, § 16-85; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)

Sec. 66-65. Local permit.

No person shall construct or maintain any outdoor advertising on any interstate highway within the jurisdictional limits of the city without first having obtained a permit in accordance with this chapter, and a permit from the county in which the sign is to be erected. This section shall not be construed to eliminate the need of meeting with any federal, state or city permit requirements.

(Code 1976, § 16-86; Ord. of 7-16-2001, § II)