§ 26-6. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate signs and to minimize outdoor advertising within the city so as to protect public safety, health and welfare; minimize abundance and size of signs to reduce visual clutter, motorist distraction, and loss of sight distance; promote public convenience; preserve property values; support and complement land use objectives as set forth in the City of Owosso Master Plan and this chapter; and enhance the aesthetic appearance and quality of life within the city. The standards contained herein are intended to be content neutral.

These objectives are accomplished by establishing the minimum amount of regulations necessary concerning the size, placement, construction, illumination, and other aspects of signs in the city so as to:

(1)

Recognize that the proliferation of signs is unduly distracting to motorists and non-motorized travelers, reduces the effectiveness of signs directing and warning the public, causes confusion, reduces desired uniform traffic flow, and creates potential for accidents.

(2)

Prevent signs that are potentially dangerous to the public due to structural deficiencies or disrepair.

(3)

Reduce visual pollution and physical obstructions caused by a proliferation of signs which would diminish the city's image, property values and quality of life.

(4)

Recognize that the principal intent of commercial signs, to meet the purpose of these standards and serve the public interest, should be for identification of an establishment on the premises, and not for advertising special events, brand names, or off-premises activities; alternative channels of advertising communication and media are available for advertising which do not create visual blight and compromise traffic safety.

(5)

Enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without excessive difficulty and confusion by restricting the number and placement of signs.

(6)

Prevent placement of signs which will conceal or obscure signs of adjacent uses.

(7)

Protect the public right to receive messages, especially noncommercial messages such as religious, political, economic, social, philosophical and other types of information protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

(8)

The regulations and standards of this chapter are considered the minimum necessary to achieve a substantial government interest for public safety, aesthetics, protection of property values, and are intended to be content neutral.

(9)

Prevent off-premises signs from conflicting with other allowed land uses.

(10)

Maintain and improve the image of the city by encouraging signs of consistent size which are compatible with and complementary to related buildings and uses, and harmonious with their surroundings.

(11)

Prohibit portable commercial signs in recognition of their significant negative impact on traffic safety and aesthetics.

(12)

Preserve and enhance the image of the city's central business district.

(Ord. No. 783, § 2, 6-19-17)