A. Approval of plans and location. A permit shall be required to erect any sign in the City. No sign shall be erected by any person until the plan for the proposed sign has been received by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council. Permit fees shall be as determined by the City Council.

B. Prohibited signs. No sign shall be permitted:

(1) In a location which would interfere with the view of any traveler on any roadway, of approaching vehicles or of traffic control devices or signs for a distance of 500 feet.

(2) On rocks, trees or other perennial plant or on any public utility pole.

(3) Containing a rotating beam or any beam of light resembling an emergency vehicle.

(4) Which simulates any official, directional or warning sign erected and or maintained by the state, county, municipality or other governmental subdivision or which incorporates or makes use of light simulating or resembling traffic signals or control signs.

(5) Which casts a distracting or confusing ray of light onto or visible from a public roadway.

(6) Which interferes with public facilities or the maintenance thereof.

(7) Which obstructs any window, door, fire escape, stairway or opening essential to the provision of light, air, ingress or egress from any building.

(8) Which contains more than two surface areas or facings.

(9) Within the right-of-way of any public road except as erected by an official unit of government for the direction of traffic or necessary public information.

C. Temporary signs. The following signs will be permitted in all districts subject to the specific standards indicated:

(1) Real estate signs: not to exceed 16 square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the sign is temporarily located.

(2) Official signs: such as traffic control, directional signs, parking restrictions, information and notices.

(3) Political signs: allowed in any district on private property with the consent of the owner of the property. Said signs must be removed within seven days following the date of the election or elections to which they applied.

(4) Construction signs: not exceeding 32 square feet in area allowed in all zoning districts during construction. Said signs shall be removed when the project is completed.

(5) Business signs: signs which advertise goods or services made and or sold on the premises, provided that they meet the setback requirements established for the use, do not contain a total combined surface in excess of 250 square feet, are limited to two in number and are located within the property limits of the use.

(6) Farm products signs: provided that they are located within 300 feet of the farm residence property and relate to farm products and merchandise or services sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on said farm and provided further that no such device shall exceed 25 square feet in area.

(7) For sale or for rent signs: not to exceed 16 square feet in area which advertises property as being for sale or for rent.

(8) Residential signs: signs which either identify personal property or residence and provided that they are affixed flat thereto and do not contain more than two square feet in area.

(9) Miscellaneous signs: signs or posters of a miscellaneous character which advertise temporary events, provided that they are self-supporting and not tacked, posted, painted or otherwise affixed to walls of buildings, trees, fences or poles. Said signs shall be removed 48 hours after the culmination of the special event.

D. Nonconforming signs. Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter may be continued although the use, size or location does not conform with the provisions of this chapter. However, it shall be deemed a nonconforming use.

E. Sign maintenance.

(1) Painting. The owner of any sign shall be required to have such sign properly painted at least once every two years, if needed, including all parts and supports of the sign unless such supports are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust.

(2) Area around sign. The owner or lessee of any sign or the owner of the land on which the sign is located shall keep the grass, weeds or other growth cut and the area free from the refuse between the sign and the street and also for a distance of six feet behind and at each end of said sign.

F. Obsolete signs. Any sign which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product sold shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or land upon which the sign may be found within 10 days after written notice from the City Council.

G. Unsafe or dangerous signs. Any sign which, in the opinion of the City Council, becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the public safety shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or land upon which the sign is located within 10 days after written notification from the City Council.