ARTICLE X

SIGN REGULATIONS

Section 1.00 Purpose and Intent

The purpose of these Sign Regulations are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City of Calera, to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the City’s ability to attract sources of economic development and growth, to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and, to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these regulations. This Sign Ordinance is adopted under the Zoning Authority of the City of Calera in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in the Zoning Ordinance.

1.01  Definitions Applicable to this Ordinance

The following definitions are applicable to the Sign Section of this Ordinance:

A.     Animated Sign Any sign that uses movement or change in lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scheme.

B.     Banner Any sign of light-weight fabric or similar material that is temporarily mounted to a pole or a building by a permanent frame or one (1) or more edges. National Flags, State and Municipal Flags or Official Flags of any institution or business shall not be considered banners. See Temporary Sign.

C.    Bench Sign Shall mean any sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.

D.    Billboard   A non-point of sale sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or activity sold or offered for sale at a location other than the premises upon which said billboard is located. See Off-premise Sign.

E.     Bulletin Board   A sign which identifies an institution or organization on the premises of which it is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization, the name of individuals connected with it and general information or announcements of events or activities occurring at the institution or similar messages.

F.     Changeable Copy Sign (Electronic) A sign board that is designed so that the characters, letters or illustrations can be electronically changed or arranged without permanently altering the face or the surface of the sign.

G.    Changeable Copy Sign (Manual) A sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be manually changed or arranged without permanently altering the face 

H.     Construction Sign Shall mean any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed, together with other information included thereon. See Temporary Sign.

I.         Directory Sign A sign upon which the name and location of the occupants or the use of a building is given.

J.      Erect Shall mean to: build, construct, attach, hang, place, mount, suspend or affix and shall include the painting of wall signs upon the exterior wall surface of buildings or structures.

K.      Free-standing Sign Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.

L.      Ground Sign Any sign supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building. Also known as a free-standing sign.

M.    Illuminated Sign A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or inside the sign face or directed towards the sign.

1.                          Indirect Light One reflecting light from a separate outside source aimed toward it, including silhouettes on a background or reflected light.

2.                          Direct Light One emitting light from a source within or affixed to the sign face and beaming outward from it.

3.                          Intermittent Light Any flashing, traveling light, including arrangements that spell messages, simulate motion or form various symbols or images.

N.     Location Any lot, premises, building, structure, wall or any place whatsoever upon which a sign is located.

O.    Non-conforming Sign Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this Ordinance.

P.     Off-premise Sign A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or activity conducted, sold or offered for sale at a location other than the premises upon which the sign is located.

Q.    On-premise Sign A sign which advertises only goods, services, facilities, events or attractions available on the premises where located or identifies the owner or occupant or directs traffic on the premises.

R.     Permanent Sign Asign which is originally designed, constructed or modified to be nermrnnt1v affixed to a hui1din. structure or to the crroiind

S.     Person Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation or rganization, singular or plural, of any kind.

T.      Portable Sign Any sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground or other permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs converted to “A’t or “T” frames, menu and sandwich board signs, balloons used as signs, umbrellas used for advertising and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the day to day operation of a business.

U.     Premises A lot or tract of land upon which a sign is located or is to be located.

V.     Projecting Sign Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches (6’) beyond the surface of such building or wall.

W.   Principal Building The building in which is conducted the principal use of the zone lot on which it is located. Zone lots with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings, but storage buildings, garages and other buildings which are clearly accessory in nature shall not be considered principal buildings.

X.     Roof Sign Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure.

Y.      Roof Sign - Integral Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches (6’).

Z.      Sjgn A name, identification, image, description, display or illustration which is affixed to, painted on or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or piece of land and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, facility, service, event, attraction, person, institution organization or business and which is visible from any street, right-of-way, sidewalk, alley, park or other public property. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering placed behind a store window are not considered signs or part of sign.

AA.                       Sign Area The area of a sign, measured as follows:

1. Freestanding or projecting signs shall be measured as the area within a single rectangle which encompasses the extreme limits of each and every sign face, including all advertising surfaces, background, framing and ornamentation; but excluding structural members not forming an integral part of the display or pole covers which contain no advertising copy. The area of all such faces shall be totaled and such resultant area shall be divided by two (2) to determine the total sign

2. Professional signs for Home Occupations, where permitted, shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area. Such sign may be   either a wall mounted sign or a ground sign. However, if such is a ground sign, it shall not be located any closer than twenty feet (20’) from the street right-of-way; and, it shall not exceed six feet (6’) in height, measured from the highest point of the sign to the ground.

1.03 Exempt Signs Permit Exemptions

A. Except as may be otherwise provided for elsewhere in this Ordinance, the following signs are exempt from sign permit requirements and from the provisions of this Ordinance, subject, however, to meeting all applicable regulations and codes, as well as established City Policy concerning any of these signs.

1.      Permanent or temporary signs required to be posted by law.

2.      Permanent or temporary warning signs and no trespassing signs. No snipe signs allowed.

3.      Permanent or temporary signs established by or by order of, any government agency or official body.

4.      Signs indicating the location of bus stops, taxi stands and similar transportation facilities.

5.      Signs giving information concerning the location or use of accessory off-street parking facilities or loading or unloading facilities.

6.      Permanent or temporary signs required for the control of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

7.      Temporary holiday signs, banners, displays and decorations, subject to established City policy.

8.      Routine sign maintenance and repair, including the changing of copy on changeable copy signs.

9.      Decorative flags and bunting for City-wide celebrations, conventions and commemorations, when authorized by the City for a specified time period.

10. One (1) construction sign per street frontage located on property where building is actually in progress under a current building permit. This shall be a ground sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, be non-ifiuminated and may include the names of persons and firms performing such services, labor or supplying materials to the premises. Such sign must be removed before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

11. Flags, banners or insignias of a governmental, religious, charitable or fraternal organizations, subject to established City Policy.

12.  Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks or moving parts.

13. Directory signs located inside the buildings they serve.

14. Signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in area and bearing only property or post office box numbers or names of occupants of the premises to which the sign pertains.

15.  Window signs located in commercial zone districts, which identify or advertise activities, services, good or products available within the building and which collectively cover twenty percent (20%) or less of the window glass surface area.

16.  Temporary political campaign posters, provided that they do not create traffic hazards as a result of poor or improper placement, and further provided that they are removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the general election or political event to which they pertain by the individual or individuals posting them. Such signs shall not be illuminated in any manner whatsoever.  No snipe signs allowed.

17.  Signs which advertise yard sales or garage sales, provided they are not located in such a manner so as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with motorist’ vision and further provide that they are removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the end of the such sale.  The signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area nor shall such signs be illuminated in any manner whatsoever.  No snipe signs allowed.

18.  Temporary, non-illuminated signs, located in residential and agricultural districts, not to exceed four (4) square feet in sign area, pertaining to agricultural products raised on the premises.  No snipe signs allowed.

19.  Temporary, non-illuminated real estate signs which are used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property upon which said signs are located. No snipe signs allowed.

20.  Fuel price informational signs, in any district in which gasoline sales are permitted and signs advertising the price of motor vehicle fuel sold from a fuel dispenser located on the premises, including logos an advertising signs attached to or painted onto, the fuel dispensers themselves.

Section 2.00       Signs Permitted in Residential Areas

The following types of signs are permitted in Residential Zone Districts of the City of Calera, subject to specified requirements, unless otherwise provided for elsewhere in this Ordinance.  Also, see subsection 1.02, Regulations Pertaining to Sign and subsection 1.03, Exempt Signs, Permit Exemptions.

1.      For detached or attached single family, two-family and multifamily dwelling Districts, nameplates, not to exceed three (3) square feet in sign area shall be permitted for each dwelling unit. Such nameplates shall indicate nothing more than the name and address of the premises, the occupants thereof, announcements, etc. If lighted, such nameplates may be lighted with indirect illumination only.

2.      Professional signs for Home Occupations, where permitted, shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area. Such signs may be either wall mounted or ground signs and shall not be illuminated in any manner; only the use of neutral colors, such as, earth tones, shall be permitted. If such sign is ground mounted, said sign shall not be located closer than twenty feet (20’) from the street right-of-way; and, it shall not exceed six feet (6’) in height, measured from the highest point of the sign to the ground.

3.      Temporary ground signs, non-illuminated, advertising yard sales, garage sales or the sale of personal property. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area and shall not be located any closer than twenty feet (20’) from the Street right-of-way. Such signs shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after such sale by the individual or individuals posting them.

4.      Permanent subdivision identification signs. Such shall be ground signs, (which, if illuminated, shall utilize only indirect illumination) which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and other similar materials or features, designed and intended to form a display for neighborhood or subdivision identification. Such signs shall be limited to one (1) each at the principal entrance to the subdivision and located along the main Street leading to the subdivision. Such sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area and shall not be located in such a manner so as to create a traffic safety hazard with respect to placement. Such sign shall not be located closer than fifteen feet (15’) from the pavement edge of the street or thoroughfare to which it is directed.

5.      Temporary ground subdivision signs, which are non-illuminated. Such signs shall be limited to one (1) each at the principal entrance to the subdivision and located along the main traffic thoroughfare leading into the subdivision. Such a sign shall not exceed thirty- two (32) square feet in sign area and shall be displayed only during such time as some portion of the property is unsold. Such signs shall be located no closer than fifteen feet (15’) from the property line of the street to which it is directed and shall not be used concurrently with the permanent subdivision sign referred to in (D) above.

6.      For multifamily and group dwellings: Identification signs, not to exceed nine (9) square feet in sign area. Such signs shall indicate nothing more than the name and address of the premises and name of the management. Such signs shall be attached flush with the principal building and, if illuminated, shall be indirectly illuminated only.

7.      Permanent church, school or other public building, bulletin board or identification signs, including manually-operated, changeable-copy signs not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area. Such signs,illuminated or non-illuminated, shall be located no closer than fifteen feet (15’) from the property line of the street to which sign is directed.

8.      Signs permitted in planned residential districts shall be determined during the site plan review process.

NOTE: Billboards, portable signs and signs containing animated, traveling or flashing lights are prohibited in all residential districts of the City of Calera.

Section 3.00             Signs Permitted in the B-i Local Shopping District

A. Permanent free-standing, on-premise, pole-mounted or ground-mounted sign, limited to one (1) such sign per street frontage of a street of a lot, regardless of the number of businesses located on the lot. These may include either:

1.      A permanent, on premise, free-standing, pole-mounted sign, illuminated or non- illuminated, provided such sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign face area. Such sign shall not exceed a maximum height of thirty-five feet (35’) from the ground level to the highest point on the sign. In addition, such signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet (10’) from the ground level to the lowest point on the sign. Such signs shall not be located closer than fifteen feet (15’) from the edge of the property line. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no such sign shall, at any time, be located on public right-of-way. See typical sign type below.

D.    Signs in Unified Business Centers (Office Parks)

1. There shall be an architectural harmony and unity of signs within a Unified Business Center on a property. Sign type, size and illumination within the site shall be coordinated and compatible with the architecture of the center.

2. Either a permanent, free-standing, pole-mounted or ground sign, illuminated or non-illuminated, shall be permitted to identify such unified business center. In addition, wall or fascia signs for each establishment within the establishment within the center may be permitted, with all signs subject to the height and dimensional requirements for such signs as described in this Section.

3. Billboards are prohibited in the 0-1 Office Building, subject to the provisions of Section 9.00.

4. Portable signs are permitted, subject to the provisions of Section 9.00.

5. Marquees, canopies or fixed awnings, subject to the provisions of the Standard Building Code, Chapter 22, § 2201.2 - 2201.6 or as may be amended.

Section 6.00 Signs Permitted in the M-1 Light Industrial District and the M-2 Heavy Industrial District

The following signs are permitted in the M-l and M-2 Industrial districts, subject to specified requirements. Also see Subsection 1.02, General Regulations Applying To All Signs and subsection 1.03, Exempt Signs, Permit Exemptions.

A.                 Permanent, free-standing, on-premise, pole-mounted or ground signs, limited to one (1) such sign per street frontage of a lot, regardless of the number of businesses located on the lot. Unless otherwise stipulated, these may include either:

1.         A permanent, on-premise, pole-mounted sign, either illuminated or non- illuminated, provided such sign shall not exceed one hundred and fifty (150) square feet in sign area and shall not exceed a maximum height of forty feet (40’) from the ground level to the highest point on the sign. In addition, such sign shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet (10’) from the ground level to the lowest point on the sign face. Such sign shall be located no closer than fifteen feet (15’) from the property line. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no such sign shall at any time be located on public right-of-way. See typical illustration of Sign Type below.

PERMANENT FREE STANDING, POLE MOUNTED SIGN

2.         A permanent, on-premise ground sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and similar features or materials. Such sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in sign face area and shall be located no closer than fifteen feet (15’) from the property line. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no ground sign shall at any time be placed on public right-of-way. See typical illustration of Sign Type below.

3. Wall or Fascia Sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated.. Such sign shall be limited to one (1) such sign per street frontage and limited to thirty percent (30%) of the building face, not including windows, doors and architectural ornaments on the wall surface, provided no other signs for such establishment are located on the same building wall. No other signs for such establishment shall be located on the same wail. Such sign(s) shall not extend above the roof line of the building upon which it is mounted and shall not project outward from the building more than twelve inches (12’). Wall signs may also be permitted which identify the rear entrance of the principal building, provided such sign is non-illuminated and does not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area. See typical illustration of Sign Type below.

B.                Signs In Unified Business Centers (Industrial Parks)

1. There shall be an architectural harmony and unity of signs within a Unified Business Center on a property. Sign type, size and illumination within the site shall be coordinated and compatible with the architecture of the center.

2. Either a permanent, free-standing, pole-mounted or ground sign, illuminated or non- illuminated, shall be permitted to identify such unified business center (Industrial Park). In addition, wall or fascia signs for each establishment within the establishment within the park may be permitted, with all signs subject to the height and dimensional requirements for such permanent, free-standing, pole-mounted or ground signs in this section.

3. Billboards are special exception uses in the M-1 and M-2 Industrial Districts, subject to the provisions of Section 8.00.

4. Portable signs are permitted in the M-1 and M-2 Industrial Districts, subject to the provisions of Section 9.00.

5. Marquees, canopies or fixed awnings are permitted, subject to the provisions of of the Standard Building Code, Chapter 22, § 2201.1 - 2201.6 or as may be amended.

Section 7.00       Signs Permitted In The A-1 Agricultural District

The following signs are permitted in the A-i Agricultural District:

1.      Those signs permitted in the Residential areas listed in Section 2.00;

2.      Signs customarily incidental to uses permitted in the Agricultural District.

NOTE: Also, see Subsection 1.03, Exempt Signs, Permit Exemptions, as well as Subsection 1.02, Regulations Pertaining To All Signs.

Section 8.00 Billboard Regulations

All billboards are special exception uses in all zoning, districts and where permitted, shall comply with the following regulations:

1. No billboard shall be permitted on any lot that has two (2) or more on-premise signs pertaining to an establishment or establishments located on the same lot.

2. No billboard shall be erected closer than one hundred feet (100’) from any residential zone district of the City.

3. Any illumination of a billboard shall be of an indirect type and the beam of light shall be directed toward the sign face area and away from adjacent areas and thoroughfares.

4. No flashing, traveling, animated or intermittent illumination of billboards shall be permitted.

5.      No portion of any billboard shall project over or be located on public property or public right-of-way.

6.      Where permitted, no billboard shall be erected closer to another billboard or off-premises pole sign than the following prescribed distances:
a. Interstate Highway 65 One thousand feet (1,000’) between sign structures located on the same side of the street, highway or thoroughfare.
b. National Highway System, Rural Routes Five hundred feet (500’) between sign structures located on the same side of the street, highway or thoroughfare.
c. All Other Streets Seven hundred and fifty feet (750’) between sign structures located on the same side of the street or highway.

7.       No billboard shall exceed the following specified height requirements for specific types of thoroughfares or streets:

a.      Interstate Right-of-ways The maximum sign area shall not be more than eight hundred (800) square feet (including embellishments), nor exceed twenty-five feet (25’) in height for an elevated grade nor forty feet (40’) in all other locations.

b.      National Highway System Rural Route The maximum sign area shall not be more than four hundred (400) square feet, (including embellishments), nor exceed twenty five feet (25’) in height for an elevated grade nor forty feet (40’) in all other locations.

c.      All Other Streets The maximum sign area shall not be more than three hundred (300) square feet in area (including embellishments), nor exceed twenty-five feet (25’) in height for an elevated grade nor thirty feet (30’) in all other locations.

d.      Setbacks The setback of such signs shall be twenty feet (20’) from any front lot line and fifteen feet (15’) from any side or rear lot line. Such sign may be indirectly illuminated only.

Section 9.00 Portable Sign Regulations

Where permitted, portable signs shall conform with the following requirements and regulations:

1. No portable sign shall contain flashing or traveling lights.

2.No portable sign shall contain lights that consist of those colors used by fire department vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, emergency medical vehicles or other official vehicles. This shall include the following colors: red, blue, orange and yellow.

3. All portable signs shall be set back at least twenty feet (20’) from the pavement edge of a public road or highway and in no case closer than ten feet (10’) from the property line. Moreover, no portable sign shall be permitted within thirty-five feet (35’) of the intersection of the pavement edge lines of two (2) roads, streets or right-of-way line of a railroad. Under no circumstances shall these signs be placed on public right-of-way.

4. Portable signs shall be situated in such a manner which will not impede with or interfere with motorists’ vision at points of ingress and egress.

5. No portable sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.

6. All portable signs shall be UL listed, when illuminated.

7. No portable sign shall be permanently or temporarily mounted on any roof, pole, tree or other suspended structure.

Section 10.00 Construction and Maintenance of Signs

All signs shall comply with the following construction and maintenance requirements and regulations:

1.      All signs shall conform with City Building and Technical Codes which provide a comprehensive set of construction standards for signs. These specifications include wind loads, vibration resistance, seismic loads, acceptable supports, allowable stresses, materials and electrical wiring and components.

2.      All signs and all components thereof, including structural supports, shall be kept in a state of good repair.

3.      The area surrounding the base of any free-standing sign shall be kept clean of all trash, debris and undergrowth.

4.      No person may, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign, damage, trim, destroy or remove any trees, shrubs or other vegetation within any right-of- way (unless express written authorization is obtained from the agency having jurisdiction over the right-of-way) or on any area where landscaping is required by City regulations.

Section 11.00 Required Permits, Fees and Inspections

            Permits Required

1.      Except where this article explicitly exempts a sign, all signs erected shall require a sign permit issued by the Building Inspector.

2.      Whether a sign is exempt or not, an electrical permit shall be required for all illuminated signs.

3.      All outdoor advertising signs to be located within six hundred and sixty feet (660’) of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of a highway on the Interstate or National Highway System - Urban and Rural Routes shall file an application for a permit with the State of Alabama Highway Department as required by the Highway Beautification Act - Outdoor Advertising.

Application: Each application for a sign permit shall include the following:

1. Name, signature and address of the property owner or authorized agent of the property owner, if any, and sign contractor.

2. Address of the property owner where the sign is to be erected.

3. Lot area, sign district, zoning district and principal land use(s) on the lot subject to the erection of the sign.

4. A complete description of the sign(s) to be erected, including, but not limited to:
number, type, method of illumination, size, height, etc.

5. A scaled drawing of the lot and all sign(s) and the location of each signs on the lot.

6. Other details sufficient for the Building Inspector to determine compliance with the requirements of this article, which may include a building elevation, survey or other drawings or documentation satisfactory to assess a permit for the sign.

7. Application fees.

11.01 Issuance Denial
When a permit is denied by the Building Inspector, he or she shall given written notice to the proper applicant of the denial with a written statement of the reason or reasons for such denial. A copy of said statement shall be made as an attachment to the permit application.

11.02 Appeals of Permit Denial
Appeal may be taken to the Zoning Board of Adjustment upon denial by the Building Inspector to issue a building permit.

11.03 Permit Fees
Applications for permits shall be filed with the Building Inspector, together with a permit fee, as specified by the Building Inspector, for each sign in accordance with this Ordinance. Building Permit fees for signs shall be determined by the City in the same manner as other building permits issued by the City.

11.04 Inspection of Signs
The person erecting, altering, relocating, enlarging or converting any sign shall notify the
Building Inspector upon completion of the work for which permits are required and issued.
See subsection 1.03, Exempt Signs, Permit Exemptions.

11.05 Unlawful Signs
All signs in the City shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. The building Inspector may inspect and shall have the authority to order the painting, repair, alteration, movement or removal of signs which become dilapidated or abandoned or which constitute a physical hazard to public safety. Any repair, painting, alteration, relocation or removal shall be at the sign owners expense.  See subsection 11.06

11.06 Confiscation of Signs Located in Public Right-of-way
Any sign installed or placed on a public right-of-way, except in conformance with the requirements of this Ordinance, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies provided for under this Article, the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing the sign the full costs of removal and disposal.

Section 12.00 Abandoned Signs

Except as may otherwise be provided for in this Article, any sign that is located on property which becomes vacant and is unoccupied for a time period of four (4) months or more or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change in ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of nine (9) months or more. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises.

Section 13.00 Notification

All notices mailed by the Building Inspector shall be sent by certified mail. Any time periods provided in this Section shall be deemed to commence on the date of the receipt of the certified mail. The notice shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located as shown on the latest available tax maps, as well as the occupant which the sign serves. Any person or persons having an interest in the sign or the property may appeal the determination of the Building Inspector ordering removal or measures necessary to bring the sign into compliance with the provisions of the Ordinance by filing a written notice of appeal with the Calera Zoning Board of Adjustment within thirty (30) days after the date of the mailing of the notice.

Section 14.00 Removal Of Signs
The Building Inspector shall cause to be removed any sign that endangers the public safety, such as: abandoned; dangerous; or materially, electrically or structurally defective sign; or a sign for which no permit has been issued. The Building Inspector shall prepare a notice which shall describe in detail the nature of the violation or violations involved and which shall state that, if the sign is not removed or the violation is not corrected within thirty (30) days, this sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance. However, the following shall apply to signs placed in public rights-of-way: any sign installed or placed on a public right-of-way, except in conformance with the requirements of this Ordinance, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies provided under this Article, the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal
and disposal as described in subsection 11.06

ARTICLE XII
LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS (AMENDMENTS)

Section 1.00                         Interpretation of Uses

In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this Ordinance shall be considered minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, conveniences, order, prosperity and general welfare of the City. Where other Ordinances or regulations which may be adopted hereafter impose greater restrictions than those specified herein, compliance with such other ordinances or regulations is mandatory. This Ordinance shall not lower the restriction of plats, deeds or private contracts, if such are greater than the provisions of this Ordinance.

Section 2.00                         Savings Clause

If any section, clause, provision or position of this Ordinance shall be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect any other section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance which is not in and of itself invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 3.00                         Amendment to Existing Ordinance

These amendments to the zoning ordinance heretofore adopted and therefore the zoning ordinance in its updated form shall repeal all previous zoning ordinances; provided, however, that nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to modify or in any manner permit, extend or enlarge any non-conforming property or improvement at the time of adoption of this Ordinance, but such non-conforming use shall continue to be subject to all restrictions and limitations existing at the time of adoption of this amendment related to such non-conforming use. No nonconforming use, existing at the time of amendment of this Ordinance, shall be .enlarged, extended, or expanded, unless such use is changed to a use which will conform to the regulations of the district in which such property is located.

Section 4.00                                     Effective Date

his Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption, approval and publication, as provided by law.

AMENDED AND APPROVED this 1^st day of July, 1996.