§ 126-10. Prohibited signs.

(a)

Prohibited signs: The following signs or types of signs are prohibited in the city:

(1)

A sign erected without a permit where a permit is required.

(2)

Any sign not specifically authorized by this Code.

(3)

Any sign that interferes with traffic or might reasonably be confused with or obstruct the view or effectiveness of any official traffic sign, traffic marking or otherwise obstruct the sight of motorists or pedestrians.

(4)

Signs that encroach into an electric utility clear zone, as determined by the standards contained in the latest National Electrical Code.

(5)

Signs attached to trees or utility poles.

(6)

Snipe signs.

(7)

A sign found by the building official to be structurally unsafe or a hazard to public safety.

(8)

Any abandoned sign. This includes:

a.

Any sign face that advertises a business no longer conducted or product no longer sold. In making the determination that a sign advertises a business no longer being conducted, the city shall consider the existence or absence of a current occupational license, utility service deposit or account, use of the premises, and relocation of the business.

b.

Any sign structure which has not been used for business purposes for over six months, and that is nonconforming to existing codes regarding height, setback or sign area.

(9)

A series of two or more signs that must be read together to obtain a single message.

(10)

Flashing signs, except flashing signs approved by the city commission as provided herein below.

(11)

A sign that obstructs any fire escape, window, door or other opening used as a means of ingress and egress so as to prevent free passage of persons.

(12)

Any sign that interferes with openings required for ventilation.

(13)

Any vehicle sign except:

a.

Political signs.

b.

Bumper stickers.

c.

Signs required by law, ordinance, or regulation.

d.

Signs that identify the owner or lessee of the vehicle and the products or services of the owner or lessee.

e.

Parking of vehicles displaying vehicle signs so that such signs may be viewed from any public street or sidewalk is prohibited.

1.

The following vehicle signs shall be exempted from the provisions of this section:

(i)

Political campaign signs.

(ii)

Bumper stickers.

(ii)

Signs required by law, ordinance, or regulation.

(iv)

Vehicles having signs securely attached to the roof, trunk, top or top rails, no larger than two square feet.

(v)

Magnetic signs, vehicle wraps, decals affixed to vehicles and signs painted on vehicles; there shall be no maximum sign area for such signs. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to allow signs attached to the roof, trunk, top or top rail of a vehicle or trailer, other than as permitted in subsection d. hereinabove.

2.

Any vehicle that displays a sign permitted by this section shall be validly registered, have a current Florida license tag, be insured, be in operable condition (capable of being legally driven on public streets), and have no flat tires.

3.

It is the intent of this section to regulate vehicle signs on vehicles which are not regularly used by the advertised business or which are utilized primarily to park along public rights-of-way to serve as signage to advertise to passing motorists or pedestrians.

(14)

Any sign that is unsightly because of deterioration or lack of maintenance.

(15)

Off-premises signs, except as permitted in this chapter.

(16)

Tri-vision signs.

(17)

Any sign displaying the city seal, without express approval of the Belleview City Commission.

(b)

Removal of prohibited signs: Immediate removal of prohibited signs will be required according to the following procedures:

(1)

City designated code enforcement officials, shall immediately notify the owner of any prohibited sign, by certified mail, that the sign is prohibited and must be removed or brought into compliance within ten days after receipt of the notice. The notice shall also inform the owner of the penalties provided in this chapter.

(2)

If the owner of the prohibited sign fails or refuses to remove the sign or bring into compliance within ten days after receipt of the required notice, the city may institute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to require removal of the sign.

(c)

Flashing signs that provide announcements of special events or matters of general public interest may be permitted on a temporary basis, as provided herein, to wit:

(1)

Temporary flashing signs may only be utilized pursuant to approval by the city commission, as follows:

a.

Temporary flashing signs may be permitted for ten consecutive days or for such lesser period of time, as determined by the city commission in granting a request for use. The maximum period of use for a flashing sign may not exceed ten days.

b.

Such signs may be placed one day prior to use and shall be removed within three days after the permitted time.

c.

Failure to remove flashing signs within the prescribed time-frame shall result in a violation of this provision. No new permits shall be issued during the calendar year in which such a violation occurs.

d.

Signs not removed within one week of the expiration of the approved time period may be removed by the city. The city shall charge $25.00 for removing such signs, together with $5.00 per day storage fee.

(2)

Temporary flashing signs must be approved by the city commission, in advance of use. In determining whether to grant an application for a temporary flashing sign and the length of time such sign may be utilized, the city commission shall consider the following:

a.

Whether the announcement is of general public interest or is to draw attention to a special event of public interest; and

b.

Whether the placement of the temporary sign will adversely affect the safe operation of motor vehicles on public or private roads, highways or parking areas; and

c.

Whether the placement of the temporary sign is likely to cause or create a condition that can reasonably be determined to create a nuisance or impede the enjoyment/use of surrounding properties; and

d.

The length of time to permit the use (not to exceed the limits set forth in subsection 126-10(c)(1)a.; and

e.

The recommendation of the city development services director and of the Belleview Police Chief or their designated representative.

(3)

Temporary flashing signs may only be utilized to provide public information or to direct attention to special events and are limited to only displaying such information or announcement of special event.

(4)

The City of Belleview Development Services Department shall provide a form for interested parties to use in requesting approval of a temporary flashing sign.

(Ord. No. 2008-21, § 1, 10-21-2008; Ord. No. 2010-11, § 1, 7-20-2010; Ord. No. 2013-01, 1-22-2013)