§ 22.05. Purpose.

The purpose of this Article is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Eaton Rapids through the regulation of the installation, construction, maintenance and design of signs and outdoor advertising in a manner which will minimize their harmful effects and to make sure that signs are compatible with their surroundings and aesthetically enhance the community in a way that preserves and enhances property values, encourages high standards in sign design through the use of well maintained, legible and attractive signs, while permitting latitude of creative and effective advertising and business identification. Further, the intent of this Article is:

A.

To prevent the number of public and private sign messages from exceeding a level reasonably necessary to identify businesses and their products, aid orientation, and promote education and local history.

B.

To prevent the placement of public and private signs in a manner that will conceal or obscure signs or adjacent buildings.

C.

To keep public and private signs within a reasonable scale with respect to their surroundings.

D.

To keep the areas adjacent to streets clear of public and private signs, which might obstruct the view or distract the attention of motorists.

E.

To ensure that the number, size, and location of public and private signs do not create a negative impact on the image or aesthetic environment of the city and to reduce visual clutter.

F.

To control the use of public and private signs and their motions, colors, and illumination which may negatively affect property values and may be injurious to the mental and physical well-being of the public.

G.

To identify proper maintenance of public and private signs to protect the aesthetic nature of the districts.

H.

To encourage public and private signs appropriate to the zoning districts in which they are located.

(Ord. No. 2005-14, 10-24-05)