§ 32-63. Exemptions.

An application for a permit shall not be required for the following signs; provided, however, such signs shall otherwise comply with all other applicable sections of this chapter:

(1)

Noncommercial message and message substitution.

a.

Message substitution. A noncommercial message which is within the protection of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any message on any sign authorized by this chapter. Message substitution is a continuing right which may be exercised any number of times. No permit is required for such message substitution, unless there is a change in the physical structure of the sign displaying the message. This provision does not authorize the substitution of an off-premises commercial message in place of an on-premises commercial message.

b.

Noncommercial messages. Properties zoned residential, multifamily or vacant and not occupied by a building or structure may display any noncommercial message within the protection of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on any parcel and at any time, subject to the following:

1.

The maximum effective area cannot be greater than 16 feet;

2.

The noncommercial message cannot be more than five feet high;

3.

The noncommercial messages cannot be illuminated or have moving elements; and

4.

Such messages are not prohibited by article IV of this chapter.

(2)

Political signs. See section 32-310.

(3)

Temporary special event signs. For regulations regarding signs used in conjunction with temporary special events, refer to chapter 12, article V, division 3 of this Code.

(4)

Occupational signs. Not exceeding two square feet in area, denoting only the name and profession of an occupant in a commercial or public institutional building.

(5)

Memorial signs or tablets. Names on buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other in combustible material.

(6)

Flags, emblems and insignia. Of any governmental body and decorative displays for holidays or public demonstrations, which do not contain advertising and are not used as such.

(7)

On-premises traffic signs. Not exceeding six square feet used primarily to denote entrances and exits and other directional information, provided such directional signs do not contain a commercial message. See section 32-317.

(8)

Residential real estate signs. Not exceeding five square feet advertising the sale or lease of an individual residential structure.

(9)

Temporary window signs. Window signs shall not cover more than 25 percent of the total window area on which it is located.

(10)

Temporary realtor open house directional signs. See section 32-313.

(Ord. No. 10-07, § 1(exh. A(15-233(B))), 3-15-2010; Ord. No. 17-16, § 1, 3-20-2017)