§ 10-6.109. Sign Design and Construction Standards.

All signs shall be designed, constructed, and installed in compliance with the provisions of this section and the maximum area and height requirements of Section 10-6.106.

(a)

Freestanding Signs. Where a freestanding sign is allowed by these sign regulations, the use of a monument sign rather than a sign with an open support structure is encouraged. When considering any freestanding sign, the Director shall apply the principles and specifications in the Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines for signs. The base of a monument sign or other support structure of a freestanding sign should be architecturally compatible with the architecture of site buildings and enclosed or clad in architecturally compatible materials. Where signs are allowed by these regulations, sign owners shall be advised that the City will not trim or remove any street tree within a public right-of-way solely to improve the visibility of a sign which has been obscured by tree growth.

(b)

Sign Construction Standards. All signs, sign components, and sign support structures shall be manufactured and installed in compliance with applicable Building, Electrical and Fire Prevention Codes of the City.

(c)

Sign Illumination. All fixtures or lighting devices used to illuminate signs shall only emit light of constant intensity; and no sign shall be illuminated by, or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving light, except for electronic message boards in compliance with Section 10-6.108(f). No sign lighting device shall be installed or used that will cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.

(d)

Noncommercial Use of Commercial Signs. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article to the contrary, any sign or portion of a sign which is otherwise legally permitted as a result of the commercial use or occupancy of a building or site may contain noncommercial messages in compliance with the definition of " off-premise sign—noncommercial" in Section 10-6.102. When the commercial use or occupancy of the building or site ceases, the sign shall comply with the applicable provisions of this article relating to the removal of obsolete signs and outdoor advertising signs.