§ 47-22.11. Outdoor advertising display signs; landscaping.

A.

Definitions. Outdoor advertising display shall mean an off-premises detached outdoor advertising sign consisting of fabricated sign and structure, with posters, pictures, trademark, reading matter, illuminated device, panels, etc., thereon intended to attract the attention of the public to the matter displayed thereon for advertising purposes; such outdoor advertising display sign being commonly referred to as a billboard, poster board, display board, or outdoor advertising board.

B.

The objective of this section is to improve the appearance of legally erected outdoor advertising display signs and to protect and preserve the appearance, character and value of the surrounding neighborhoods and thereby promote the general welfare by providing for installation and maintenance of landscaping and/or screening and aesthetic qualities, since the city commission finds that the peculiar characteristics and qualities of the city justify regulations and to perpetuate its aesthetic appeal.

C.

Landscaping requirements.

1.

A landscape strip two and one-half (2½) feet in depth located immediately adjoining the supporting structure of the billboards and extending five (5) feet beyond each end.

2.

A hedge or other durable planting of at least two and one-half (2½) feet in height, attaining at maturity a minimum of six (6) feet, to extend the entire length of the two-and-one-half-foot landscaping strip.

3.

A tree shall be placed at each end of the billboard with a minimum of eight (8) feet—ten (10) feet overall height.

4.

Single-faced billboards with the rear viewable from residentially zoned areas shall have three (3) equally spaced eight-foot overall trees planted in the rear of the billboard.

D.

Option to landscaping. All landscape plans shall be subject to the approval of the department; however, due to the nature of outdoor advertising display sign leasing and locations whereby landscaping required by subsection C would create a hardship, a committee consisting of one (1) member of the park division, building department, planning department and a representative of the outdoor advertising industry is authorized to grant a reduction in landscaping or to accept other ornamental screening techniques compatible with the opening paragraph of this section. In cases where landscaping or ornamental screening is impossible because of area conditions, the committee may waive all requirements of this section.

E.

Prohibited signs. The following types of signs are prohibited within the city limits:

1.

Outdoor advertising display signs and billboards.

2.

Non-point of purchase signs except as expressly permitted herein.

F.

Noncommercial copy. Any sign authorized in this section is allowed to contain noncommercial copy in lieu of other copy.

(Ord. No. C-97-19, § 1(47-22.11), 6-18-97; C-18-05 , § 9, 3-6-18)