§ 22.30. Exempt signs.

The following signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.

A.

Normal maintenance and repair of a permitted or authorized sign.

B.

Change of lettering or display panels which does not substantially alter the character or nature of the sign.

C.

Real estate signs on any premises, provided such signs do not exceed six (6) square feet in area.

D.

Highway or street signs erected by any governmental agency authorized to erect such signs.

E.

Signs erected by or at the direction of governmental agencies designating hours or conditions for use of public parks, parking lots, recreational areas governmental buildings, or other public areas.

F.

Directional signs erected in conjunction with private off-street parking areas and drives, provided each sign does not exceed four (4) square feet in area and is limited to traffic control functions.

G.

Historic signs provided that the signs meet all the conditions and requirements for the zoning district in which they are located.

H.

Signs posted to control or prohibit hunting or trespassing within the boundaries of the land on which they are located, provided such signs do not exceed four (4) square feet in area.

I.

Essential public service signs denoting utility lines, railroad lines, hazards, precautions and other signs that are deemed necessary to protect the public.

J.

Memorial signs or tablets which are either cut into the face of a masonry surface, or constructed of bronze or other similar material, when located flat on the face of a building. Such signs are limited to four (4) square feet.

K.

Project signs announcing site improvements. One (1) sign per construction project denoting architects, engineers, contractors, owners, or financial institutions connected with the work under construction provided that it does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, for the duration of the project and must meet all other conditions and requirements for the zoning district in which it is located.

L.

Open for business sign. Each business may have one (1) illuminated sign displayed from an interior window announcing they are open for business. Such sign shall be limited to six (6) square feet in size and shall contain no other message or advertising.

M.

Light strings. When not flashing or blinking when used as temporary decorations in connection with a holiday. Such decorations shall be removed within fifteen (15) days following the holiday with they are connected.

N.

Reserved.

O.

Flags. Limited to a total of three (3) in residential districts, and six (6) in all other districts.

P.

Political and point of view signs. Provided that such signs are not placed within the street right-of-way. In residential districts they shall be limited to a maximum of six (6) square feet and in non-residential districts they shall be limited to a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet. Political signs supporting a candidate for public office may be posted no more than sixty (60) days prior to the election, and must be removed within seven (7) days following the election for the office in question. Point of view signs shall be removed after ninety (90) days.

Q.

Signs which are used to publicize church events, school events, civic events, public gatherings, picnics, and similar events, provided that such signs are erected for a period not to exceed ten (10) days and do not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area are permitted off-premise.

R.

Accessory professional or nameplate signs, provided they are less than one and one-half (1½) square feet in area.

S.

Garage/yard sales and open house signs provided they are no greater than four (4) square feet in size, are erected no earlier than the day prior to the event and are removed the day following the event are permitted off-premise.

T.

Public art. Including banners, posters, paintings, murals, sculpture, or other categories of art intended for temporary or permanent public display when commissioned by or under the direction and control of the city.

U.

In observance of the death of a member of the Eaton Rapids Community while on active duty for a branch of the armed services, the placement of decorative yellow ribbons within the street right-of-way, including the attachment to trees or utility poles shall be allowed, provided that a plan has been submitted detailing the location(s) of the observance and an individual or group has accepted responsibility for putting up and taking down the ribbons. An observance shall not remain up for more than ten (10) days and shall be supervised by the city and have the prior written approval of the mayor.

(Ord. No. 2005-14, 10-24-05; Ord. No. 2006-10, 11-27-06; Ord. No. 2008-1, 5-12-08)