9-15-18: SIGN DESIGN STANDARDS - GENERALLY:
All signs for which a permit is required under this chapter shall be subject to the following general limitations:
A. Sign Design And Materials: Unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, signs must be constructed predominantly of natural materials, such as rough cedar, redwood, pine, or other types of solid wood. Wood or alternative materials that mimic wood grain (e.g., high density urethane) are encouraged. Metal may be used as an accent (maximum of 25 percent of sign area) on wood relief signs.
B. Architectural Compatibility: A sign (including its supporting structure and components, if any) shall be architecturally compatible with any building to which the sign is to be attached and with the surrounding structures.
C. Lighting Standards:
1. Shielded Lighting: Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating a sign shall not be visible from the vehicular travel lanes of adjacent public rights-of-way. The use of adequate shielding, designed so that light from sign illuminating devices does not shine directly into the eyes of passing motorists without first being reflected off the sign or its background, is required whenever sign lighting is used.
2. Subdued Lighting: The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make legible a sign from the adjacent travel way or closest Municipal street; and the illumination of a sign shall not be noticeably brighter than other lighting in the vicinity and shall comply with chapter 12 of this title.
3. Direction Of Lighting: All lighting fixtures shall be placed above the sign and shall shine downward toward the sign. Illumination of signs shall not be directed toward adjacent properties.
4. Internally Lit Signs: No sign that is placed on the exterior of a building or on the interior of the building within five feet (5') of a window shall be internally lit.
D. Component Painting: All light fixtures, conduit, and shielding shall be painted a flat, dark color, or shall be painted to match either the building or the supporting structure that serves as the background of the sign.
E. Confusing Or Dangerous Signs: No sign or sign structure shall:
1. Obstruct the view of, resemble, or purport to be a device to control the operation of motor vehicles or pedestrians in the right-of-way, or any other official sign.
2. Create an unsafe distraction for motor vehicle operators.
3. Obstruct the view of motor vehicle operators entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, private driveway, alley, or other thoroughfare.
4. Obstruct free ingress to or egress from required door, window, fire escape, or other required exit or standpipe.
F. Parked Vehicles Not To Be Used As Signs: Notwithstanding subsection 9-15-9K of this chapter, no parked vehicle, including, but not limited to, an automobile, truck, bus, semi-truck (attached or detached), trailer, mobile home, motor home, boat, van, or other motor vehicle, shall be used as a sign or sign structure. Delivery trucks parked during hours of operation are excluded.
G. Clearance: Signs shall not be located with less than three feet (3') horizontal or eight feet (8') vertical clearance from overhead electric conductors. No sign shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance. (Ord. 3, Series 2019)