Chapter 15.08
SIGNS
Sections:
15.08.030 Electric business signs.
15.08.100 Attachment to pole or building.
15.08.130 On-premises commercial signs or signs placed in or on a building.
15.08.150 Political campaign signs on public property.
15.08.160 Advertising banners on city park ball field fencing.
15.08.010 Awnings.
It is unlawful for any person or persons, firm or corporation to erect and maintain within the city any awning or covering over any sidewalk, except awnings constructed with iron or wood frames securely fastened to the building. Any such awning is to be not less than seven feet above the sidewalk and meet construction standards outlined in the 2015 International Building Code. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 1094 § 1, 2015; Ord. 171 § 1, 1912).
15.08.020 Business.
It is unlawful for any person or persons, firm or corporation to erect, maintain and hang over and across any street or sidewalk, or over or across any portion thereof in the city any signboard or device representing any business trade or profession or any banner or flag of whatsoever kind, without the permission and consent of the committee on streets, alleys and public improvements of the city. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 171 § 2, 1912).
15.08.025 Overhead banners.
(a) It is city policy that banners may be hung over SR2 (Morgan Street) on the two supplied areas at the east and west end of town. Banners shall be allowed on the supplied overhead structures if they are nonprofit in nature, and if they promote an event of community-wide importance in support of tourism development. The city’s street committee has the right to accept or reject any banner based on the content of the banner and will reject any banner if the content does not meet these guidelines. If the banner has a sponsor name or logo on it, the name or logo cannot be the dominant element of the banner.
(b) A certificate of insurance on the standard ACCORD form at the standard combined general liability rate of $1,000,000 is required. The certificate must also state: “the event name, the sponsor, the dates the banner will be hung, and that the banner is to be hung over SR2 (Morgan Street), a public right-of-way,” at the supplied locations. The insurance documentation will need to be submitted and approved prior to the banner being hung. The proof of insurance cannot be accepted without the proper wording on the certificate.
(c) (1) Banners should meet the following construction specifications. These specifications should be considered minimum specifications. Banners which are expected to be reused over several years should be constructed of the heaviest weight material available.
(2) Banners should be no more than 40 feet long and a maximum height of three feet. Banners shall be made of mesh type material to allow wind to penetrate or have wind flaps every two to three feet as necessary.
(3) Banners shall be made of 12- to 18-ounce banner material.
(4) Banners shall have reinforced grommet holes, one in all four corners and spaced every 12 inches along the top of the banner. The snaps for the grommet holes should be placed in each hole across the top and at least two or more holes in the bottom of the banner. Applicants shall tie three-eighths-inch or one-quarter-inch rope, 25 feet each, to the bottom of the banner.
(5) Banners shall promote nonprofit events, and shall not advertise or promote the sale of any product or commodity, political position or religious belief. The emphasis of the banner must be the time and place of the event if applicable. (Ord. 1052 § 1, 2011).
15.08.030 Electric business signs.
Electrically illuminated signs and devices representing any business trade or profession shall conform to the provisions set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 171 § 3, 1912).
15.08.040 Encroachments.
Before any permit is approved or issued it must meet the standards found in Chapter 32 of the 2015 International Building Code on encroachments into the public right-of-way which sets the minimum height standards from grade. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 171 § 4, 1912).
15.08.050 Two-faced.
Electric signs or devices extending over sidewalks, or any part thereof, shall be two-faced and shall be illuminated on both sides thereof. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 171 § 5, 1912).
15.08.060 Reserved.
(Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018).
15.08.070 Reserved.
(Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018).
15.08.080 Erection permit.
Before any sign or device, electrical or other, shall be erected as aforesaid, application must be made to the committee on streets, alleys and public improvements. Said application shall be signed by the applicant and shall state the place where such sign or device is to be erected together with information which shall show a compliance with the provisions of this chapter. It shall also be necessary for said applicant to attach to the application a drawing of said sign or device showing in detail the size and character thereof and its mode and place of attachment and such other matters as may be required by this chapter. Whereupon if the committee on streets, alleys and public improvements finds that said sign or device shall be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter it shall authorize a permit for the hanging of said sign or device; provided, the removal of any sign or device may be ordered and the removal thereof enforced by the committee on streets, alleys and public improvements when such sign or device shall fail to comply with the provisions of this chapter. All permits shall be issued subject to this power of removal. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 171 § 8, 1912).
15.08.090 Removal.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall confer a vested right to maintain said sign or device upon anyone granted a permit under this chapter, but the removal of all such signs or devices may be enforced at any time; provided, that the committee on streets, alleys and public improvements shall have power to remove or cause the removal of any sign or device erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter. This provision is not to be taken as limitation of the right of the committee on streets, alleys and public improvements to remove or cause to be removed any sign or device by reason of any violation of the other provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 171 § 9, 1912).
15.08.100 Attachment to pole or building.
All signs and devices, electrical and otherwise, of every kind and description shall be firmly attached to the pole or building supporting the same and it shall be the duty of the committee on streets, alleys and public improvements to require full and complete information as to the manner and method of attachment of any such sign or device before issuing any permit for the erection thereof. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 171 § 10, 1912).
15.08.110 Sign standards.
The following provisions are instituted to protect the public health, safety and welfare by regulating the use of signs and displays, thus promoting traffic safety, protection of property values and preservation of natural and aesthetic community assets. In a commercial and industrial zone, the size, location, design, materials and color of a proposed sign shall be approved by the street committee and reviewed by the building inspector. The applicant shall fill out the application and submit it to the Davenport City Hall along with a nonrefundable fee as set in the city’s fee schedule. If the proposed sign is found to be in compliance with the sign standards of this title and the International Building Code, then it shall be approved. If the applicant wishes to contest a denial of an application, then the applicant shall fill out a land use application and submit a sketch to the planning commission for review. The planning commission will act upon the application at the next regular meeting following submittal of the completed application, proper posting and advertising. (Ord. 1177 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 982 § 1, 2007).
15.08.120 Prohibited signs.
The following signs shall be prohibited:
(1) Signs which in the opinion of the police department interfere with the view of traffic signs, signals or devices and approaching or merging traffic.
(2) Signs containing flashing, moving, intermittent or intense lights located in the downtown core from 3rd Street to 13th Street and 150 feet from any established crosswalk.
(3) Signs with animated parts.
(4) Signs erected, maintained, or painted upon trees, rocks or other natural features.
(5) Unsafe or obsolete (business discontinued, etc.) signs.
(6) Signs which obstruct a view from any adjoining or nearby public or private property. (Ord. 1177 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 1094 § 1, 2015; Ord. 982 § 1, 2007).
15.08.130 On-premises commercial signs or signs placed in or on a building.
An “on-premises commercial sign” shall mean any exterior sign or device conveying message advertising or attracting the attention of prospective patrons and which either is attached, lettered on a structure, or erected freestanding on a property on which the advertised activity is located. Such signs shall conform to the following standards:
(1) Home occupations shall have no more than one sign, no larger than eight square feet, with shielded lighting of moderate intensity, and shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(2) Signs printed on awnings are permitted if the awning meets the requirements of DMC 15.08.010. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 982 § 1, 2007).
15.08.140 Real estate signs.
The area of real estate signs which advertise the sale or lease of the property on which they are located shall not exceed eight square feet for residential properties and 16 square feet for commercial properties. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 982 § 1, 2007).
15.08.150 Political campaign signs on public property.
Political campaign signs may be displayed 30 days prior to an election and must be removed not later than seven days after the election. For a successful candidate in a primary election, the sign may remain between the primary and final election. The candidates for whom the sign is displayed are responsible for its removal. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 2018; Ord. 982 § 1, 2007).
15.08.160 Advertising banners on city park ball field fencing.
(a) Commercial advertising of similar size, shape and material is allowed to be placed on the outfield fencing of city owned baseball, Little League and softball fields.
(b) Banners should meet the following construction specifications. These specifications should be considered minimum specifications. Banners which are expected to be reused over several years should be constructed of the heaviest weight material available.
(1) Banners shall be made of a minimum 12- to 18-ounce banner material.
(2) For signs placed at the smaller Little League and softball fields, due to the distance of the outfield fencing (200 feet), the banner shall be four feet by eight feet in size and made of a material normally used for outdoor applications. Each banner shall be equipped with no less than 12 grommets for attaching the sign to the fencing using nondestructive techniques.
(3) For signs placed at the baseball field, due to the distance of the outfield fencing (325 to 400 feet), the banner shall be five feet by 10 feet in size and made of a material normally used for outdoor applications. Each banner shall be equipped with no less than 14 grommets for attaching the sign to the fencing using nondestructive techniques.
(c) The available areas for attachment to the fencing shall be numbered and reserved each year a permit is approved.
(d) These banners may be taken down at the end of each season to preserve their appearance and longevity at the applicant’s expense.
(e) The city is not responsible for damage, deterioration, or loss of displayed signage.
(f) A permit for display is required and shall comply with all applicable sections of this chapter and approvals by the city. (Ord. 1078 § 1, 2014).