SEC. 13.05. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

Subd. 1. The design and construction standards as set forth in Chapter 4 of the 1973 Edition of the Uniform Building Code, as may be amended, are hereby adopted.

Subd. 2. The installation of electrical signs shall be subject to the State's Electrical Code. Electrical service to such sign shall be underground.

Subd. 3. Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted, subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs.

Subd. 4. Signs shall not create a hazard to the safe, efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. No private sign shall contain words which might be construed as traffic controls, such as "Stop", "Caution", "Warning", unless the sign is intended to direct traffic on the premises.

Subd. 5. Signs and sign structures shall be properly maintained and kept in a safe condition. Sign or sign structures which are rotted, unsafe, deteriorated or defaced shall be repainted, repaired or replaced by the licensee, owner or agent of the building upon which the sign stands.

Subd. 6. No sign shall be attached or be allowed to hang from any building until all necessary wall and roof attachments have been approved by the Building Official.

Subd. 7. No signs, guys, stays, or attachments shall be erected, placed or maintained on rocks, fences or trees nor interfere with any electric light, power, telephone or telegraph wires or the supports thereof.

Subd. 8. The use of search lights, banners, pennants and similar devices shall require a license. The license shall be valid for no more than fifteen (15) consecutive days. No more than two (2) licenses per business shall be granted during any twelve (12) month period.

Subd. 9. Illuminated signs shall be shielded to prevent lights from being directed at oncoming traffic in such brilliance that it impairs the vision of the driver. Nor shall such signs interfere with or obscure an official traffic sign or signal. This includes indoor signs which are visible from public streets.

Subd. 10. Except for legal, non-conforming portable signs existing prior to the effective date of this Chapter, portable signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and may not be illuminated with any flashing device. Use of a portable sign shall require a license. The license shall be valid for no more than fifteen (15) consecutive days. No more than two (2) licenses per business shall be granted during any twelve (12) month period.

Subd. 11. No sign or sign structure shall be closer to any lot line than a distance equal to one-half (1/2) the minimum required yard setback. No sign shall be placed within any drainage or utility easement.

Subd. 12. Signs requiring licenses shall display in a conspicuous manner the license sticker or sticker number.

Subd. 13. No sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign or sign structure shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

Subd. 14. A freestanding sign or sign structure constructed so that the faces are not back to back, shall not have an angle separating the faces exceeding twenty (20) degrees unless the total area of both sides added together does not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for that district.

Subd. 15. Signs prohibited in residential districts shall be positioned so that the copy is not visible from residential uses or districts along adjoining side and rear yard property lines.

Subd. 16. Except for farm buildings, at least one (1) address sign identifying the correct property number as assigned by the City shall be required on each principal building in all districts. The number shall be at least three (3) inches in height.