Chapter 15.20
SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS

Sections:

15.20.010    Advertising sign defined.

15.20.020    Permit – Required when – Application and plans required – Issuance – Fee – Expiration date.

15.20.030    Unsanitary condition prohibited where.

15.20.040    Attaching signs or posters to utility poles prohibited when.

15.20.050    Installation restrictions – Compliance with zoning code required.

15.20.060    Violations – Penalties.

15.20.010 Advertising sign defined.

“Advertising sign” means and includes any exterior sign, billboard, banner, streamer or other device for advertising or attracting attention of prospective patrons, customers, users, purchasers of property or recipients of service for sale or hire. Said term does not include residential name plates or devices, directional signs for the aid of the public in locating public buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, libraries or similar public institutions, highway or street markers, directional signs for scenic or historical sites, temporary “for rent” or “for sale” signs not exceeding six square feet in area, or identifying business or commercial signs or devices pertaining directly to a business being carried on on the property on which said sign is located. (Ord. 1203 § 1, 1956).

15.20.020 Permit – Required when – Application and plans required – Issuance – Fee – Expiration date.

Every person, firm or corporation desiring to erect a billboard or signboard within the city shall make written application for a permit to the planning commission on forms to be furnished by the city clerk-treasurer. Said application shall be considered by the planning commission at their next regular meeting. Said application shall be accompanied by plans and specifications for such proposed sign setting forth detail as to location, size and construction and setting forth in addition the nature of advertising material to be placed on said proposed sign. The planning commission shall consider the effect of said proposed sign from the standpoint of undue diversion of motor vehicle operators, contents of the advertising material, affect on the appearance of the area surrounding the proposed location, constructional standards and safety to the public. In the event said application is approved by the planning commission, the applicant may obtain the issuance of a permit and annual license for the proposed sign upon payment of $12.00 to the city clerk-treasurer. Each license and permit so issued shall expire on December 31, midnight, of the year in which issued. (Ord. 1223 § 1, 1956; Ord. 1203 § 2, 1956).

15.20.030 Unsanitary condition prohibited where.

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to permit any unsanitary condition to exist under or around any outdoor advertising structure or billboard, or to permit any waste paper, refuse, garbage or rubbish to accumulate under or about the same, and they shall at all times make a reasonable effort to keep the property under and around said billboard or sign in a clean and sanitary condition. (Ord. 1203 § 3, 1956).

15.20.040 Attaching signs or posters to utility poles prohibited when.

It is unlawful to attach to any utility poles any commercial or noncommercial signs, posters or directional signs of temporary or permanent nature or political posters, without first obtaining permission of the utility involved, and in no event shall such advertising signs or posters, commercial, noncommercial or political, be attached to utility poles erected within the public right-of-way, nor shall any such attachments be placed less than 12 feet above the ground. (Ord. 1203 § 4, 1956).

15.20.050 Installation restrictions – Compliance with zoning code required.

All advertising devices permitted under this chapter shall conform to the zoning code of the city, and in no event shall any advertising device, sign, or billboard be installed within any residential district, public district or public reserve district, nor within 10 feet from the edge of any street or highway right-of-way. (Ord. 1203 § 5, 1956).

15.20.060 Violations – Penalties.

Any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions contained in this chapter shall be subject to the enforcement provisions contained in MVMC Title 19, Code Enforcement. (Ord. 3440 § 16, 2008).