§ 31.5-165.5. Illuminated signs.

(a)

Except as may be prohibited by this chapter, any sign may be an illuminated sign, provided that no such sign shall be illuminated as follows:

(1)

An exposed incandescent bulb or lamp with an external reflector, unless a screen or comparable diffusion is attached around the bulb or lamp; or

(2)

An exposed incandescent bulb or lamp in excess of sixty (60) watts, unless:

a.

A screen or comparable diffusion is attached around the bulb or lamp; or

b.

The bulb or lamp is placed at least thirty-five (35) feet above the finished grade level; or

c.

The bulb or lamp is part of a public service message sign or other electronic message center which is classified as a changeable copy sign.

(b)

Any lights on an illuminated sign shall be installed or directed in a manner that avoids undue glare, avoids direct illumination or reflection onto abutting properties, and does not adversely affect the vision of operators of motor vehicles on roads, highways or parking areas.

(c)

If neon or fiber optic tubing is used to outline a sign or is used in conjunction with a sign (within six (6) inches of the edge of the sign), it shall be counted as copy area. The copy area shall be counted from the outside edge of the tubing to the edge of the sign. If the neon or fiber optic tubing is not used in conjunction with a sign (the neon or fiber optic tubing is at least six (6) inches from the edge of the sign), it shall not be counted as copy area unless it spells out words or states a graphic message.

(Ord. No. 94-14, § 24, 7-26-94)