Chapter 15.24 SIGN CODE

This chapter shall be known as the Central Point Sign Code, may be cited as such and may be referred to in this chapter as “this code.” (Ord. 928 §1, 1968).

15.24.020 Purpose and scope.

A. The purpose of this code is to protect the health, safety, property and welfare of the public by regulating the design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification, illumination and maintenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building or affixed to a moving or movable motor vehicle. Whenever the building official is required by the terms of this chapter to exercise his discretion in granting or withholding permission, in approving or disapproving an installation or proposed installation, or in determining whether a sign is so maintained or designed as to violate the requirements of this code, such discretion shall be exercised in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter herein expressed.

B. Nothing in this code permits the erection or maintenance of any sign or sign structure at any place or in any manner unlawful under any other ordinance.

C. This chapter shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person or persons constructing, erecting, installing, operating, owning or leasing a sign within the city limits for damages to anyone injured by any defect therein nor shall the city or any agent thereof be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the approval and issuance of a permit authorizing construction, erection or installation of the same. (Ord. 928 §2, 1968).

15.24.030 Definitions.

Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine, and the feminine the masculine. As used in this code, unless the context requires otherwise:

1. “Advertising area” means the area of the display surface of a sign plus the area of any cutouts or cutout displays which project beyond the display surface to the extent to which they add to the area of the display surface.

2. “Approved plastic materials” shall be those specified in U.B.C. Standard No. 52-1-64 which have a flame spread rating of two hundred twenty-five or less and a smoke density not greater than that obtained from the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 52-1-64. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions.

The use of plastic materials in design and construction shall conform to specifications as set forth in the Uniform Sign Code, 1964 edition, Chapter 4, Section S-402.

3. “Billboard” includes printed billboards, poster billboards and multiple-copy billboards.

4. “Blanket or blanketing,” when applied to signs projecting over a public sidewalk, means the partial or complete shutting off of the view of the display surface of a sign by another sign, when viewed by a person standing upon the sidewalk.

5. “Building line” means a line established by ordinance beyond which no building may extend. A building line may be a property line.

6. “Building official” means the officer or other person charged with the administration and enforcement of this code or his duly authorized deputy.

7. “Combination sign” means any sign incorporating any combination of the features of a ground sign, projecting sign, roof sign and sign tower.

8. “Curb line” means the line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway. In the absence of a curb, the curb line shall be established by the city engineer.

9. “Cutout” includes every type of display in the form of letters, figures, characters, representations or others in cutout or irregular forms attached to or superimposed upon a billboard.

10. “Cutout display” includes every type of display in the form of letters, figures, representations or others in cutout or irregular form attached to or superimposed upon a sign other than a billboard.

11. “Display surface” means the area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the advertising message.

12. “Electric sign” means any sign containing electrical wiring but does not include signs illuminated by an exterior light source.

13. “Ground sign” means a sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground other than a combination sign.

14. “Horizontal sign” means a projecting sign other than a vertical sign.

15. “Incombustible material” means any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature of one thousand two hundred degrees Fahrenheit during an exposure of five minutes and which will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature when tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standard 52-1-64.

16. “Maintain” means to allow to exist or continue; also, where the context indicates, to keep in a safe, neat and clean condition.

17. “Marquee” means a permanent roofed structure attached to or supported by a building and projecting beyond the building.

18. “Multiple-copy billboard” means a sign supported by a substantial permanent sign structure with a display surface wholly or partially consisting of panels which rotate periodically to show multiple advertising measures.

19. “Nonstructural trim” includes the moldings, battens, caps, nailing strips and latticing, letters and walkways which are attached to a sign structure.

20. “Painted billboard” means a sign supported by a substantial permanent sign structure with a display surface which is primarily designed for the purpose of painting and advertising messages thereon.

21. “Painted sign” means any sign, except a temporary sign, the subject matter of which is painted directly upon the surface of a building or structure.

22. “Plastic materials” means those made wholly or principally from standardized plastics listed and described in U.B.C. Standard 52-1-64.

23. “Portable display surface” means a display surface temporarily affixed to a standardized sign structure which is regularly moved from sign to sign at periodic intervals.

24. “Portable ground sign” means a sign which, with its supports and accessories, is designed to be mobile and which is supported by the ground but not affixed to any pole, building or other permanently-located sign-bearing structure.

25. “Poster billboard” means a sign supported by a substantial permanent sign structure with a display surface which is primarily designed for the purpose of posting an advertising message thereon by means of pasting, glueing or similar method.

26. “Projecting sign” means a sign other than a wall sign which projects beyond the building or building line.

27. “Projection” means the distance which a sign extends beyond the building or building line.

28. “Roof sign” means a sign erected upon or above a roof of a building or roof structure.

29. “Royal facing” means a display surface attached to or superimposed upon a billboard, which display surface is not surrounded by a border or trim and which display surface is not a cutout.

30. “Sign” means any medium which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to the subject matter for advertising purposes other than paint or ornamental trim on a building.

31. “Sign structure” means the supports, uprights, braces and framework of the sign.

32. “Sign tower” means a tower erected for the specific purpose of supporting a sign or having a sign attached flat against its face or faces. A sign tower may or may not be an integral part of a building.

33. “Structure” means that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.

34. “Temporary sign” includes any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time. A temporary sign shall also mean and include any sign or advertising display constructed of metal, wood, masonite, neon, glass, plastic or other permanent material or any combination thereof, either illuminated or nonilluminated, which is not permanently fastened to any sign structure, sign tower or building.

35. “Uniform Building Code” means the Uniform Building Code, 1964 Edition, drafted by the International Conference of Building officials, a copy of which is on file in the office of the building official, and which Uniform Building Code, by this reference, is incorporated in this code to the extent only of specific citations thereof in this code.

36. “U.B.C. Standard” means standards as set forth in the Uniform Building Code, Volume 3.

37. “Vertical sign” means a projecting sign having a greater vertical than horizontal dimension.

38. “Wall sign” means any sign painted on, attached to, or erected against the wall or parapet of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall. (Ord. 928 §3, 1968).

15.24.040 Compliance with code.

A. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, move or maintain any sign or sign structure or permit the same to be done contrary to any of the provisions of this code.

B. No person in control of any premises within the city shall permit thereon any sign which violates the provisions of this code. (Ord. 928 §4, 1968).

15.24.050 Permit--Application.

A. No person shall erect or construct any sign unless a sign permit has been issued by the building official for such sign. A separate permit shall be required for each sign. Provisions of this section shall apply to existing signs when they are reinstalled or reset.

B. No person having a permit to erect the sign shall construct or erect the same in any manner except in the manner set forth in his application for permit therefor.

C. No person shall remove or demolish a sign or sign structure without a permit if the sign or sign structure or any part thereof projects over a public street, sidewalk or way, except that this shall not apply to signs for which a permit to erect would not have been required in the first instance.

D. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the building official. Such application shall contain the location of the proposed sign by street and number, the name and address of the sign owner and of the person erecting the sign, the type of construction of the sign, the design and dimensions and the type of sign supports, and such other information as may be required by the building official.

E. The building official shall require the filing of plans or other pertinent information where, in his opinion, such information is necessary to insure compliance with this code and provisions of the Uniform Building Code regarding construction, materials and safety which he finds to be applicable to the type, size and location of the sign for which the permit is sought. Applicants must be qualified and hold a currently valid license for performing such service in the city; provided that this shall not apply to the owners who are exempt from annual licensing requirements under this chapter.

F. The building official shall issue a permit for a sign covered by the application duly made, unless the proposed sign would be in violation of the provisions of this code or the zoning ordinance, or any statute or any ordinance or administrative rule or regulation of the city.

G. It shall be the duty of any person to whom such a permit is issued to notify the building official within eighteen hours after the sign has been erected or completed. (Ord. 928 §5, 1968).

15.24.060 Permit--Exceptions.

A. The following operations shall not require a sign permit but shall conform to all other applicable provisions of this code:

1. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign or a billboard or on a theater marquee and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy;

2. Painting, repainting, cleaning and normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure unless a structural change is made.

B. The following types of signs if located entirely on private property shall be exempt from permit requirements, but shall conform to all other applicable provisions of this code:

1. Announcing Signs. Signs announcing the names of architects, engineers or contractors of a building under construction, alteration or repair and signs announcing the purpose for which the building is intended; provided, such signs shall not exceed fifty square feet in display area and must be removed promptly upon completion of the building involved;

2. Real Estate Signs. Signs not exceeding thirty-two square feet in area advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which they are located;

3. Political Campaign Signs. Signs or posters not exceeding five square feet in display surface, announcing candidates seeking political office. Such signs shall be removed ten days after the election for the office sought;

4. Memorial Signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials;

5. Municipal Signs. Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices or railroad crossing signs;

6. Public Service Signs. Signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service and safety;

7. Incidental Signs. Nonelectric signs not exceeding five square feet in display surface indicating services, trading stamps, prices, credit cards or other information relating to products sold or services rendered on premises;

8. Small Signs. Signs not exceeding three square feet in display surface which are nonelectrical and which indicate the name and occupation of building tenants and are attached flat against the building;

9. Public Signs. Signs of a public, noncommercial nature which include safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, signs indicating scenic or historic points of interest and all signs erected by a public officer in the performance of a public duty;

10. Room, Board and Rental Signs. Signs on the premises announcing rooms for rent or apartments or houses for rent, not exceeding five square feet in area;

11. Traffic Directing Signs. Nonelectric directional signs indicating traffic movement onto a premises or within a premises not exceeding three square feet for each sign and one such sign per entrance to the premises. Directional signs on paving shall be exempt from the size standards indicated above;

12. Holiday Decorations. Holiday decorations which bear or contain a message, words, pictures or are ornamental using banner, flags, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of electric lamp and/or spinner or other illuminated objects of a display nature and which are appropriate to the season or day being celebrated. (Ord. 928 §6, 1968).

15.24.070 Permit--Fees.

The application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by a fee in accordance with the fee schedule established by this jurisdiction. (Ord. 1781 §5, 1997; Ord. 1391 §7, 1980; Ord. 928 §7, 1968).

15.24.080 Annual license required.

A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, no person shall hang, rehang, paint or repaint, place, construct, install or structurally alter any sign, nor shall any person repair any electric sign, projecting sign, wall sign, roof sign, combination sign, or billboard without first having obtained a license for the work from the recorder. The license shall be in lieu of a business license, which shall not be required unless work beyond the scope of this section is performed.

B. The fees for the license required by subsection A of this section shall be according to the schedule for fees for business licenses as set forth in Section 5.04.090 of this code and shall be for the same term as provided therein. It is unlawful for a commercial sign painter to paint or repaint a painted sign without painting thereon his license number.

C. Nothing in this code shall prohibit an owner from constructing, hanging, repainting, rehanging, repairing, placing, installing, or structurally altering any sign if:

1. The sign standards set forth in this code have been complied with;

2. The permit to perform the work specified has been issued as provided in this code; and

3. The sign is placed on the premises of the business project or activity to which it refers.

For the purposes of this section, an owner is a person who owns or has a controlling interest in the sign and the premises on which it is to be placed, and who is engaged in or has an interest in the business project or property to which the sign refers.

D. If a person who has secured a license under the provisions of this section fails to comply with any of the provisions of this code, the council may revoke his license after holding a public hearing thereon.

E. Except as permitted under the provisions of subsection C of this section, no license may be issued under this section which would permit anyone to engage in the business of installing or repairing electrically illuminated signs unless such person has a state electrical contractor’s license and a state limited journeyman sign electrician’s license or limited journeyman sign service electrician’s license as required by ORS 479.510 or 479.850 and Rules 12-005 through 12-040 of Chapter 839 of Oregon Administrative Rules. It is unlawful for any person not exempt under subsection C of this section to engage in the installation or servicing of an electrically illuminated sign unless he is the holder of such licenses therefor as are required by the state. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “servicing” shall not include painting. (Ord. 1259, 1976; Ord. 928 §8, 1968).

15.24.090 Inspection.

All signs for which a permit is required may be inspected at least annually by the building official. The building official may inspect footings for ground signs and sign towers. (Ord. 928 §9, 1968).

15.24.100 Maintenance.

All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be kept in good repair and maintained in safe condition. All signs shall be maintained in a neat, clean and attractive condition. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted. It shall be the duty of the owner, lessee or other persons in possession or control of the premises or structure to comply with the requirements of this section. (Ord. 928 §10, 1968).

15.24.110 Location restrictions.

A. No sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained in such a manner so that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.

B. It is unlawful for any person, except a public officer or employee in performance of official duty, to paste, paint, print, nail, tack or otherwise fasten any card, handbill, sign, poster or advertisement or notice of any kind or cause the same to be done on any curbstone, sidewalk, lamp post, pole, hydrant, bridge or tree upon a public street or upon public property within the corporate limits of the city except as may be required by ordinance of the city or by the laws of the state or of the United States.

C. No sign shall be installed on any firewall without the express permission of the director of building safety stated in the sign permit, nor shall any hangers or attachments be fastened to the firewall unless express permission is stated in the sign permit. (Ord. 928 §11, 1968).

15.24.120 Certain signs prohibited.

No sign shall be constructed, erected or maintained:

A. Unless the sign is so constructed, erected and maintained as to enable it to withstand a wind pressure of at least twenty pounds per square foot of exposed surface;

B. Which displays to the view of the general public nudity, sado-masochistic abuse, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or which contains obscenities;

C. Which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic sign or signal or it bears the words “Stop,” “Go Slow,” “Caution,” “Danger” or similar words or which hides from view any traffic sign or signal. (Ord. 1168 §1, 1974; Ord. 928 §12, 1968).

15.24.130 Removal of signs.

The building official may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of Sections 15.24.100 through 15.24.120. The building official shall give thirty days’ notice in writing to an owner or other person in control of the building or structure or premises on which the sign is located to remove the sign or bring it into compliance with these sections. If, after thirty days, the sign remains in violation of Sections 15.24.100 through 15.24.120, the building official may remove or authorize others to remove the sign from the premises where installed. The owner of the sign or the owner or person in control of the building, structure or premises to whom such notice has been given shall reimburse the city or others for costs incurred. (Ord. 928 §13, 1968).

15.24.140 Removal of unsafe signs.

If the building official finds that any sign or sign structure is in violation of Section 15.24.100 or subsections A or C of Section 15.24.120 and that by reason of its condition, it presents an immediate and serious danger to the public, he may order its immediate removal or repair within a period of time he may specify. The building official may remove or authorize others to remove such sign in the event that the person responsible for such sign cannot be found or if such person, after notification, refuses to repair or remove it. The owner of the sign or sign structure or the owner of the building or premises shall reimburse the city or others for costs incurred. (Ord. 928 §14, 1968).

15.24.150 Signs not to be abandoned.

Any person who owns or leases a sign shall remove such sign when either the business it advertises has discontinued business in the city or the business it advertises is no longer conducted in or upon the premises upon which such sign is located. If the person who owns or leases such sign fails to remove it as provided in this section, the building official shall give the owner of the building, structure or premises upon which such sign is located thirty days’ written notice to remove it. If the owner fails to remove the sign within thirty days after receipt of written notice from the building official, the building official or his duly authorized representative may remove such sign at cost to the owner of the building, structure or premises. The following signs need not be removed in accordance with this section:

A. Billboards where a person has merely leased or contracted advertising space thereon;

B. Signs which the successor to the person’s business location or business agrees to maintain as provided in Section 15.24.100. Such agreement shall be in writing, signed by the successor and filed with the building official;

C. Signs which the owner thereof or the owner of the building, structure or premises on which such signs are located agrees to maintain as provided in Section 15.24.100. Such agreement shall be in writing, signed by the owner and filed with the building official. (Ord. 928 §15, 1968).

15.24.160 Ground signs.

A. Materials. Ground signs located in Fire Zones No. 1 and No. 2 shall be constructed of incombustible materials. Nonstructural trim, portable display surfaces, cutouts, royal facings and cutout displays may be constructed of wood, metal, approved plastic materials or any combination thereof.

B. Obstruction of Vision Prohibited. All ground signs shall be so located as not to obstruct pedestrians, or motor vehicle drivers’ vision of traffic.

C. Portable Electric Ground Signs. No portable electric ground sign shall exceed twenty-five square feet in single face sign area or have a height more than six feet six inches above grade at its highest point. All portable electric ground signs shall be so weighted as to withstand wind pressures of twenty pounds per square foot. (Ord. 928 §16, 1968).

15.24.170 Roof sign--Materials.

Roof signs in Fire Zones No. 1 and No. 2 shall be constructed of incombustible materials except nonstructural trim, cutouts, royal facings and portable display surfaces, which may be constructed of metal, approved plastic materials or any combination thereof. (Ord. 928 §17, 1968).

15.24.180 Roof sign--Clearance.

Roof signs exceeding five feet in sign height shall have a vertical clearance of not less than five feet between the sign and the roof. No less than fifty percent of the space beneath the sign shall be and remain clear of obstruction. Cutouts and cutout displays may project below the sign as provided in Sections 15.24.210 and 15.24.460, provided that fifty percent of the space below the sign is and remains clear of obstruction. The display surfaces of such signs shall be set back at least three feet from the inside of the parapet or wall adjacent thereto, and the ends of the sign shall be not less than one foot inside the inside face of the parapet or wall adjacent thereto; provided however, if a vertical clearance of at least seven feet above the roof directly beneath the sign is maintained, the display surface and the ends of a roof sign may project to but not overhang the firewall. (Ord. 928 §18, 1968).

15.24.190 Roof sign--Anchorage and supports.

Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured to the frame of the building over which they are constructed and erected. Roof signs shall be supported on and attached to the building by a suitable frame which shall be positively anchored to the main structural members of the building which may be designed for this additional load; or the signs shall be designed with their own supports. Sills and stringers used for anchorage of the frames supporting the sign connected to the structural framework shall be of heavy timber with a minimum dimension of six inches or of noncombustible materials protected with rust-inhibiting or oxidizing retardant coatings. (Ord. 928 §19, 1968).

15.24.200 Roof sign--Cutout displays.

Cutout displays constructed of incombustible materials may be maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any roof sign subject to the following conditions:

A. Cutout displays shall not extend more than one and one-half feet above the top of the upper ornamental moldings.

B. The total surface area of the solid portions of cutout displays projecting beyond the top, bottom or side moldings shall not exceed thirty-three percent of the total area of the display surface of the sign to which they are attached. (Ord. 928 §21, 1968).

15.24.210 Wall sign--Materials.

Wall type electric signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials. Nonstructural trim, portable sign display surfaces and cutout displays may be constructed of metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof. (Ord. 928 §22, 1968).

15.24.220 Wall sign--Clearance.

Wall signs which project over public property shall have a clearance of eight feet six inches over a sidewalk or street; provided however, that wall signs with work platforms shall have a vertical clearance of fourteen feet over a sidewalk or street. (Ord. 928 §23, 1968).

15.24.230 Wall sign--Anchorage and supports.

Wall signs shall be securely affixed to the wall of the building or structure to which they are attached. (Ord. 928 §24, 1968).

15.24.240 Projecting sign--Materials.

Projecting signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials except nonstructural trim, cutout displays and portable display surfaces, which may be constructed of metal, approved plastics or any other combination thereof. The building official may allow the use of wood or other combustible materials in signs which project over a public sidewalk if he finds:

A. That such sign is properly designed and constructed, and will be safely secured and anchored;

B. That the illumination of such sign would not produce a glare into a public street;

C. That the use of such materials is necessary to carry out a special effect, an architectural scheme including the building and sign or an overall design including the building and sign;

D. That there is no safety hazard involved. (Ord. 928 §26, 1968).

15.24.250 Projecting sign--Thickness limited.

The thickness of a projecting sign shall not exceed three feet nor be less than three inches minimum except that signs projecting not over eighteen inches shall have no minimum thickness limitations. (Ord. 928 §27, 1968).

15.24.260 Projection, height and clearance limited.

A. Projecting signs other than illuminated signs shall have a maximum area of thirty-two square feet.

B. No sign or sign structure shall project into any public alley more than eighteen inches or below a height of eight feet six inches above grade unless the bottom of the sign or sign structure is placed a minimum of fourteen inches above grade.

C. No projecting sign shall project a greater distance than that set forth in Table No. A.

TABLE NO. A

PROJECTION OF SIGNS OVER PUBLIC PROPERTY
Clearance Between Bottom of Sign or Portion Thereof and Grade Below	Maximum Projection of Horizontal Signs	Maximum Projection of Vertical Signs or Portions Thereof
Below 8 feet 6 inches	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
8 feet 6 inches to 10 feet	3 feet	Not Permitted
10 feet	3 feet	4 feet 6 inches
10 feet to 32 feet	8 feet 0 inches or within 2 feet inside the curb line, whichever is less	4 feet 6 inches plus an additional 6 inches for each foot of clearance above 10 feet over the grade below up to a maximum of 8 feet, or two feet inside of curb line, whichever is less.
Over 32 feet	8 feet or within 2 feet inside the curb line, whichever is less.	8 feet or within 2 feet inside the curb line, whichever is less.

D. The inner edge of a projecting sign shall not be more than six inches from the property line.

E. Where an existing projecting sign meets the requirements of this section, and the curb line is moved closer to the property line, the sign shall be considered to be within the requirements of this section if the sign does not extend beyond said new curb line and the sign is of a height of more than thirteen feet six inches above the street grade. (Ord. 928 §28, 1968).

15.24.270 Blanketing prohibited.

For the purpose of preventing the blanketing of one sign by another, the following provisions regulating the size of a sign according to its location shall govern:

A. The maximum height of a sign erected at or below ten feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade below shall be thirty inches. Between ten feet and twenty feet from the bottom of the sign and grade below, an additional three inches of height may be added for each additional foot of clearance above grade.

B. No projecting sign, except a wall sign, shall be erected in the same horizontal plane as an adjacent sign, unless the signs are spaced the following distances apart, measured center to center:

1. Sign projects three feet or less, spacing ten feet;

2. Sign projects three feet to four feet, spacing twenty feet;

3. Sign projects four feet to six feet, spacing twenty-five feet;

4. Sign projects more than six feet, spacing thirty feet.

C. Any projecting sign erected at a shorter distance apart than required by subsection B of this section shall be erected above the top edge or below the bottom edge of the adjacent sign. The vertical distance above or below the adjacent sign shall be at least one-fourth of the spacing distance required by subsection B for the same projecting sign if erected in the same horizontal plane, minus “D,” where “D” equals the horizontal distance between the adjacent signs. (Ord. 928 §29, 1968).

15.24.280 Amount of illumination required.

The amount of illumination required on all illuminated sidewalk projecting signs shall be as follows:

A. When luminous gas lamps of the fluorescent type, designed for an open circuit voltage of one thousand volts or less, are employed in the interior of a sign to illuminate said sign, as permitted in Section 15.24.300, there shall be provided at least one-half foot of tubing for each square foot of total sign area so illuminated.

B. When luminous tubing of neon type is employed in the interior of a sign to illuminate said sign, as permitted in Section 15.24.300, there shall be provided at least one foot of tubing for each square foot of total sign area so illuminated.

C. When incandescent lamps are employed in the interior of a sign to illuminate said sign, as permitted in Section 15.24.300, there shall be provided not less than ten watts for each square foot of total sign area so illuminated. The maximum rating of individual lamps used for interior sign illumination, as permitted in Section 15.24.300, shall be forty watts.

D. When luminous tubes are mounted on the sign surface for sign illumination, there shall be provided at least one foot of tubing for each square foot of total sign area so illuminated. This provision shall not apply where luminous tubes are used for decorative purposes or on signs having the required amount of surface mounted incandescent lamp illumination. Where the incandescent lamps are employed on the sign surface for sign illumination, the combined wattage of the lamps shall be not less than ten watts for each square foot of total sign area so illuminated. The maximum rating of individual lamps shall be forty watts when mounted on the display surface of the sign.

E. When colored globes or caps are used on exterior lamps, the total wattage of lamps shall be increased twenty-five percent.

F. When incandescent lamps are used in borders, chasers and effects, they shall be spaced not to exceed ten inches center to center.

G. Sign illumination shall be distributed over at least two-thirds of the area of the sign. (Ord. 928 §30, 1968).

15.24.290 Certain lights, flashing arrows and devices prohibited.

It is unlawful for the following to be erected or to be maintained except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

A. A sign that interferes in any way with a traffic control sign or device or prevents clear and unobstructed view of official traffic control signs or devices or approaching or merging traffic;

B. A sign on which copy is created through the use of a pattern of lights in a dot matrix configuration, which may be changed intermittently; except that any existing sign now violating this section after having been previously authorized and erected, shall not be deemed unlawful;

C. A sign that contains, includes or is illuminated by any flashing or revolving, rotating or moving light or moves or has any animated or moving parts. This subsection does not apply to traffic control signs or devices; and

D. A sign with lighting which is not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the main traveled right-of-way of a state highway, or an arterial street, or is of such low intensity or brilliance as not to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle or otherwise to interfere with the operations thereof.

For purposes of this section, “traffic control sign or device” means a sign erected by the city of Central Point, Jackson County, the state of Oregon or the United States. (Ord. 1902 §1, 2007; Ord. 928 §31, 1968).

15.24.300 Plastic and combination plastic and metal signs.

Notwithstanding any provisions of Section 15.24.280, plastics, except those having a nitrocellulose base, may be used in panels, letters, decorations and facings. The provisions of Section 15.24.280 requiring exterior illumination or mounting of incandescent lamps or luminous tubes on the surface of a sign shall not apply to that portion of a sign equipped with plastic panels, letters, decoration or facings illuminated from the interior. The interior illumination of such portions of a sign so equipped may be solely by incandescent lamps mounted on the interior of the sign. Where a sign is so constructed that a portion of such sign is permitted to be provided with interior illumination and a portion of the same sign is required to be provided with exterior illumination, then the amount of illumination for the entire sign as set forth in Section 15.24.280 shall be determined by applying the formula for each type of illumination required or permitted to that portion of the sign surface so illuminated. (Ord. 928 §32, 1968).

15.24.310 Combination sign--Materials.

Combination signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials except nonstructural trim and the portable display surfaces of signs, which may be constructed of metal, approved plastic material or any combination thereof. (Ord. 928 §33, 1968).

15.24.320 Combination sign--supports.

All supports of combination signs shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely constructed and erected. (Ord. 928 §34, 1968).

15.24.330 Combination sign--Thickness.

The thickness of that portion of a combination sign which projects over public property shall not exceed a maximum of three feet. (Ord. 928 §35, 1968).

15.24.340 Combination sign--Projection limited.

Combination signs may project over public property or beyond a building line as set forth in Table No. A in Section 15.24.260. (Ord. 928 §36, 1968).

15.24.350 Signs as part of marquee.

Signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee. Such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements of a marquee as specified.

If any part of the sign extends below the marquee itself, a marquee sign having letters more than seven inches in height shall be illuminated as required for electrical signs over sidewalks. Where a sign is attached to a marquee, the sign or the face of the marquee, including the sign, shall not exceed three feet in height; provided, that an electrical marquee sign not exceeding four feet six inches in height with removable letters may be permitted if it is illuminated as required for signs projecting over sidewalks. No marquee shall be used for general advertising purposes. No wooden sign shall be attached to a marquee. No sign bearing on a marquee shall be installed until the approximate weight of the sign has been submitted to the director of building safety and a permit has been issued expressly granting permission to install a sign bearing on the marquee. (Ord. 928 §37, 1968).

15.24.360 Electric sign--Materials.

Electric signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials, metals, approved plastic material or any combination thereof. (Ord. 928 §38, 1968).

15.24.370 Electric sign--Construction and installation.²

Electric signs shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of Ordinance 726 of the city. Electrical wiring of less than six hundred volts shall conform to the provisions for the wiring of signs in the rules of the National Electrical Code as adopted by reference in Section 1 of Ordinance 726, and all wiring to the signs shall be installed by a person licensed by the state to do such work. A permit to install a sign shall not be deemed to allow the holder of the permit to run any circuit wiring in the building on which the sign is installed or hung, and all wiring shall be done in accordance with the code of the city relating thereto and by a licensed contractor as provided in the code. (Ord. 928 §39, 1968).

15.24.380 Electric sign--Information required--Removal.

Every electric sign shall have placed within easy view the name of the sign erector.

The building official may order the removal of any sign which does not conform to this section upon thirty days’ written notice to the person responsible for maintaining the sign. If the person responsible for maintaining the sign cannot be found and notified, the building official may order the owner of the building, structure or premises upon which such sign is located to remove the sign upon thirty days’ written notice. If the sign is not made to comply with this section and is not removed within thirty days after notice is given, the building official shall have the right to remove, or cause its removal, and the owner of the sign or of the buildings or structure shall reimburse the city for the cost of such removal. Where any violation of the provisions hereof is such as to constitute an immediate and serious danger to the public within the meaning of Section 15.24.140, the notice provisions hereof shall not apply and Section 15.24.140 shall be applicable. (Ord. 928 §40, 1968).

15.24.390 Temporary sign--Size and projection limited.

A. Temporary signs shall comply with the sign requirements of the zoning ordinance.

B. Temporary signs, other than cloth, which have a vertical clearance of eight feet six inches or more above the ground may project not more than six inches over the property line.

C. Temporary illuminated signs must have a vertical clearance of not less than eight feet six inches above established grade.

D. Both primary and secondary wiring to and within the sign must comply with the Ordinance 726 of the city. (Ord. 928 §41, 1968).

15.24.400 Cloth signs.

Every temporary cloth sign shall be properly supported and securely attached. Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated over at least ten percent of their areas to reduce wind resistance. Cloth signs may extend across a public street only in accordance with Section 15.24.405 of this chapter. (Ord. 1740 §1, 1996; Ord. 928 §42, 1968).

15.24.405 Street banners.

A. Banners may be installed across Pine Street only, and may hang for no more than thirty days.

B. Only Central Point-based, nonprofit organizations may hang banners, and scheduling shall be done on a first-come, first-served basis.

C. Subject to city approval, installation of the banner, including the costs thereof, shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

D. Banners must be constructed according to the specifications therefor set forth in the city’s Uniform Standard Details for Public Works Construction Manual, Uniform Standard Details section.

E. No politically-oriented messages of any kind will be permitted on street banners.

F. No religious symbols or messages will be allowed if the primary message or effect of the symbol or message is either the advancement or inhibition of religion.

G. All persons or organizations wishing to hang a street banner shall complete an application furnished by city staff, and shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the city of Central Point for any and all damages or claims brought by the applicant or third persons relating to the hanging of the banner. (Ord. 1826, 2002; Ord. 1740 §2, 1996).

15.24.410 Sign tower--Materials.

Sign towers built as an integral part of a building may be constructed of the same materials as the building. Sign towers separate from a building shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. (Ord. 928 §43, 1968).

15.24.420 Sign tower--Projection limited.

Sign towers shall not project over public property. (Ord. 928 §44, 1968).

15.24.430 Sign tower--Size limited.

The horizontal dimension parallel with the wall of a building on which a sign tower is erected shall not exceed fifty percent of the length of that wall. (Ord. 928 §45, 1968).

15.24.440 Sign tower--Advertising limited.

A. Sign towers built as an integral part of a building shall be used only for signs which advertise identification of the business goods manufactured or sold or services rendered on the premises.

B. Sign towers which are not an integral part of a building may be used for signs which advertise the sale of goods sold or services rendered both on or off the premises. (Ord. 928 §46, 1968).

15.24.450 Billboard--Size and height of sign face.

Billboards shall not exceed the following heights and overall area limitations, which limitations include the height an area of border and trim but exclude cutouts, supports and foundations:

A. Painted billboards shall not have a display surface exceeding fifteen feet in height or seven hundred fifty square feet in area.

B. Poster billboards shall not have a display surface exceeding fifteen feet in height or three hundred twenty-five square feet in area.

C. Multiple copy billboards on which a portion of the display surface consist of rotating panels shall be limited to the height and area allowed to either the painted billboard or poster billboard to which the rotating panel display is attached.

D. On multiple copy billboards on which the entire display surface consists of rotating panels, no display surface shall exceed fifteen feet in height or seven hundred fifty square feet in area. (Ord. 928 §47, 1968).

15.24.460 Billboard--Cutouts.

Cutouts securely affixed to billboards shall be permitted but shall not be permitted to project more than five and one-half feet above, nor more than four feet below, nor more than four feet to either side of the billboards to which they are attached. The surface area of cutouts projecting beyond the borders of billboards shall not exceed one-third of the area of the billboards to which they are attached. (Ord. 928 §48, 1968).

15.24.470 Billboard--Density.

There shall be no more than four billboard display surfaces on which an advertising message thereon can be read by traffic moving in one direction in a linear distance of six hundred feet measured parallel to the centerline of the street. For the purpose of measurement, billboard display surfaces on both sides of the street shall be considered as if they were in a single line on one side of the street. (Ord. 928 §49, 1968).

15.24.480 Billboard--Illumination.

Billboards may be illuminated by internal or external light sources. If an internal light source is used, either in billboard or in cutouts attached thereto, the billboard or cutouts shall conform to Sections 15.24.370 and 15.24.380 and Ordinance 726 of the city. (Ord. 928 §50, 1968).

15.24.490 Billboard--Location.

Billboards shall be a permitted use of property and shall comply with the requirements of the zoning ordinance. (Ord. 928 §51, 1968).

15.24.500 Nonconforming signs--Removal.

All signs which do not conform to provisions of this code, but which conformed to previous regulations may be continued for a period of ten years from the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, if properly repaired and maintained as provided in this code; provided however:

A. Any sign erected or maintained in violation of Section 15.24.100 (regarding maintenance of signs) or of subsection A or C of Section 15.24.120 (regarding wind load and traffic safety), which sign by reason of its condition presents an immediate and serious danger to the public, shall be removed immediately as provided in Section 15.24.140.

B. Any sign erected or maintained in violation of Sections 15.24.100 through 15.24.120 shall be removed as provided in Section 15.24.130.

C. Any such nonconforming sign which is structurally altered, relocated or replaced shall immediately comply with all provisions of this code; provided however:

1. Such signs may be structurally altered where such alteration is necessary for structural safety.

2. Such signs may be reconstructed at the same site if they are damaged or destroyed by an act of God or an accident or are moved for construction or repair of public works and such construction is completed within one year from the date of the damage, destruction or removal of the sign.

D. No sign shall be maintained in violation of Sections 15.24.150, subsections A through D of Section 15.24.290, Section 15.24.380 and Section 15.24.400. (Ord. 928 §52, 1968).

15.24.510 Nonconforming signs--Notification of board of appeals.

If the building official finds that two or more signs are in violation of provisions of Section 15.24.270 or Section 15.24.470, he shall, upon request of an interested person, notify the sign code board of appeals of the violation.

The sign code board of appeals shall accord all interested persons a full opportunity to be heard and shall thereafter make a finding as to the date of erection of each of the signs. The first erected sign or signs may remain. The other signs shall be considered nonconforming signs which may remain only as provided in Section 15.24.500. This section shall apply only to signs in existence on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 928 §53, 1968).

15.24.520 Enforcement--Building official.

The building official is authorized and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this code. Upon presentation of proper credentials, the building official or his duly authorized representatives may enter at reasonable times any building, structure or premises in the city to perform any duty imposed upon him by this code. (Ord. 928 §54, 1968).

15.24.530 Board of appeals.

A. There is created a board to be known as the sign code board of appeals, hereinafter referred to as “the board.” The board shall consist of the members of the Central Point city council.

B. No member of the board shall act in any case in which he is personally interested. (Ord. 1902 §2(part), 2007; Ord. 965, 1969; Ord. 961, 1969; Ord. 928 §55, 1968).

15.24.540 Right of appeal--Procedure.

A. Any person who has been ordered by the building official to incur an expense for the alteration or removal of any sign, or any person whose application for a permit for a sign has been refused, may appeal to the board by filing written notice with the city recorder within seven days of the transmittal of the order or denial.

B. Any person appealing from an order or action of the building official shall, upon forms supplied by the building official, file a notice of appeal and shall accompany the notice with a check in the amount defined in the city’s adopted fee schedule. If the appeal is sustained, the check shall be returned to the applicant but if the appeal is not sustained, the check shall be retained by the city as its reasonable costs of processing the appeal.

C. Upon the filing of a notice of appeal, the building official shall take no further action with regard to the sign involved until the final decision of the board on the appeal unless the building official finds that the sign involved, by reason of its condition, presents an immediate and serious danger to the public, in which case, he shall proceed immediately as provided in Section 15.24.140. (Ord. 1902 §2(part), 2007; Ord. 928 §56, 1968).

15.24.560 Sign construction.

A. Signs erected over sidewalks or roofs shall be constructed as follows: Entirely of metal; sheet copper shall be at least twenty once (.028 inch); sheet steel may be No. 28 USS gauge (.0149 inch) except that for outline lighting and for electric discharge signs sheet metal shall be No. 24 USS gauge (.0239 inch), unless ribbed, corrugated or embossed over its entire surface, when it may be of No. 26 USS gauge (.0179 inch). The frame shall be constructed of angles or other rolled steel shapes or galvanized iron not thinner than No. 20 USS gauge bent into the frame of angles or other shapes. The parts of the frame shall be riveted, welded or bolted together. Metal covering shall be attached to the frame by clinching, riveting or bolting the edges together in a substantial and water-tight manner.

B. The building official may allow the use of materials or construction techniques other than those provided in this code provided he finds that such materials or construction techniques are at least equally safe. The building official may require the submission of data, tests or other information he deems necessary to determine the suitability and safety of such materials or construction techniques. The building official may himself test or submit for test or analysis to competent testing agencies such material or construction techniques. The applicant who seeks to use such materials or construction techniques shall pay all costs involved. (Ord. 928 §58, 1968).

15.24.570 Use of glass.

The use of glass in signs is prohibited except:

A. Glass in which wire mesh is embedded, but the wire mesh shall not exceed seven hundred twenty square inches in area of forty-eight inches in any dimension for any piece;

B. Pieces of glass not less than one-eighth of an inch thick covered with metal except for areas cut out to form letters or numerals, but the area of the piece of glass shall not exceed three hundred twenty-four square inches;

C. Tempered glass manufactured in such a way that shattering produces pieces not more than one-fourth inch in width, surface dimension;

D. Neon tubing and fluorescent or incandescent lamps. (Ord. 928 §59, 1968).

15.24.580 Sign installations not covered by Underwriters Laboratories.

This section covers all outline lighting and general illumination operating at five thousand volts or more. This includes but is not limited to all types of outline lighting, marquee illumination, trim and copy on marquee, skeleton glass tubing placed on a building for the purpose of illumination of letters, pictorials, outline or trim. All installations covered by this section shall conform to the regulations set forth below and any installation of this type not under this section shall conform to the electrical code of the state governing these installations.

A. All conductors carrying a voltage of five thousand volts or more shall be of a type approved under the electrical code of the state as to size and voltage rating for the voltage conducted.

B. All conductors carrying five thousand volts or more shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, electric metallic tubing or metal troughing. Flexible metal conduit may be used where there is no danger of mechanical injury and if exposed to weather in any portion must be used only in conjunction with lead armored cable. Open wiring is not acceptable. All conduits must have a continuous ground.

C. All conduits shall terminate in terminal boxes which comply with the standards of the provisions of Ordinance 726.

D. Not more than twenty feet of cable from a single transformer shall be run in any metal raceway where the potential between the cable and the raceway is five thousand volts or more.

E. Transformers used outdoors shall be of a type approved under the provisions of the electrical code of the state and shall contain at least two drain holes at the bottom which are three-eighths to three-quarters inch in diameter.

F. All tubing terminals shall terminate in:

1. Noncombustible nonabsorbative receptacles; or

2. Terminal boxes as provided in subsection C of this section; or

3. A metal troughway. (Ord. 928 §60, 1968).

15.24.600 Signs along arterials, collectors and freeways--Restrictions.

Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this code, any sign visible from an arterial, collector or freeway shall comply with the following provisions:

A. No more than one freestanding sign per parcel or lot;

B. The sign shall be no higher than sixty feet from existing grade; and

C. Contain not over one hundred square feet of advertising surface.

All applicable strength and safety requirements shall apply to signs placed under this section. (Ord. 1902 §3(part), 2007; Ord. 1823 §2, 2001; Ord. 1710 §2, 1994; Ord. 928 §62, 1968).

15.24.610 Signs along arterials, collectors and freeways--Removal when.

A sign for which a permit has become validly granted but which sign does not conform to Section 15.24.600 shall not be continued after October 1, 1968, or until said sign is removed, whichever occurs earlier. If such nonconforming sign is in existence on October 2, 1968, the city manager shall notify, in writing, the holder of the permit for such sign to remove the same within fifteen days. If upon the expiration of said fifteen-day period the sign is not removed, the city may remove the same and said permit holder shall be liable to the city for the costs of removal. (Ord. 1969 §1(part), 2013; Ord. 1902 §3(part), 2007; Ord. 928 §63, 1968).

15.24.630 Permits--Expiration.

Every permit issued by the building department under the provisions of this code shall expire and become void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one hundred eighty days from the date of such permit, or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of one hundred eighty days. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be obtained. (Ord. 1902 §3(part), 2007; Ord. 928 §66, 1968).

For statutory provisions restricting the placing of signs near highways, see ORS 377.715 et seq.

Ordinance 726 was repealed by Ord. 1167.