§ 27-720. Purpose.

(a)

This division regulates the type, dimensions, design and other characteristics of signs throughout the unified government.

(b)

The purpose of this division is to:

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Accommodate the rights of individuals to freedom of speech,

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Recognize the business community's need for effective, individualized identity and public awareness,

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Regulate and reduce what otherwise might be confusing and objectionable clutter,

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Determine placement consistent with traffic safety, by reducing traffic hazards caused by distractions to motorists and impairment of sight lines,

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Protect property values by enhancing the harmony between residential and commercial uses,

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Incorporate new technologies for sign design and display,

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Complement the character of the zoning districts' land uses,

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Preserve the residential character of residential neighborhoods,

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Protect property values,

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Limit administrative burdens,

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Avoid the creation of nonconformities,

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Promote equity between businesses and other typical sign users,

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Implement the comprehensive plan, and

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Preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare.

(c)

This section regulates only the sign structure or copy design, and not the sign's content. The city finds that the type, size, dimensions, setbacks, and physical design of signs permitted by this division protect the city's interests in traffic safety, community character, and aesthetics, while allowing adequate visibility, conspicuity, legibility, readability, and pedestrian or motorist reaction time for signs. The unified government finds and determines that the standards set out in this division were developed after a public process in which the design and dimensional standards were tested against industry criteria, past experience in administering sign standards, and community input as to the appropriate characteristics of signs in the unified government's various neighborhoods and business areas.

(Ord. No. O-35-16 , § 1, 6-30-2016)