§ 134-1. Purpose and intent.

Regulation of the location, size, placement and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities in the corporate limits of the city, to encourage the general attractiveness of the community and to protect property values therein. Accordingly, it is the intention of this chapter to establish regulations governing the display of signs and in part to achieve the following:

(1)

Safety. To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:

a.

Promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, morals and convenience;

b.

Do not obstruct firefighting or police surveillance; and

c.

Do not overload the public's capacity to receive information or increase the probability of traffic congestion and accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision.

(2)

Communications efficiency. To enhance the economy and the business and industry of the city by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs and thereby encourage increased communication with the public, so that:

a.

Businesses and services may identify themselves;

b.

Customers and other persons may locate a business or service;

c.

Signs are compatible with their surroundings, are appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, and are expressive of the identity of proprietors and other persons displaying signs; and

d.

Persons exposed to signs are not overwhelmed by the number of messages presented and are able to exercise freedom of choice to observe or ignore said messages, according to the observer's purpose.

(3)

Environment quality and preservation. To protect the public welfare and to enhance the appearance and economic value of the landscape by providing that signs:

a.

Do not interfere with scenic views, and protect and preserve the unique and natural beauty and historic values of the city;

b.

Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way;

c.

Do not create a nuisance to the occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by their brightness, size, height or movement; and

d.

Are not detrimental to land or property values.

(Code 1982, § 38-1; Ord. No. 1819, art. 1, 12-20-1988; Ord. No. 2012-08-042, § 2, 8-21-2012)