§ 64.103. General Requirements for All Signs.

Illumination of Signs. Any light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect the surrounding area or adversely affect operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas. Light shall not shine directly on or into residential structures.

Exposed Sign Structure. No structure or framework may be exposed by removal of sign faces or advertising copy for a period in excess of thirty (30) days.

Unsafe Signs. Should any sign become insecure or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe in the opinion of the Building Official, the owner thereof, or the person or firm maintaining the same, shall upon written notice from the Building Official, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within ten (10) days, secure the same in a manner to be approved by the Building Official, in conformity with the provisions of this Code or remove such sign. If such order is not complied with in ten (10) days the Building Official shall remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof. The Building Official's determination may be appealed to the Board of Building Appeals as set forth in Chapter 65 of this Code within ten (10) days of the date the notice is served.

Maintenance. All signs, together with their parts, supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be maintained, treated and/or painted in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 14 of the City Code. Unless made of galvanized or non-corroding material, all signs shall be thoroughly painted at least once every two years.

Landscaping. Tree removal permits requested for sign visibility must meet permit requirements and shall be obtained for trees of one (1) inch caliper or greater. Excessive pruning of plant material, including but not limited to pruning that endangers vegetation or changes the natural shape of trees to improve sign visibility, shall be prohibited. See Section 60.206.

Location Restrictions. Signs shall not be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape or any window or door or opening used as a means of egress or so as to prevent free passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof. A sign shall not be attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape, nor be placed in such manner as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

Compliance With Other Regulations. All signs shall be erected, altered and maintained in accordance with this Chapter and shall be designed and installed in compliance with the requirements of the Building and Electrical Codes of the City of Orlando.

Enforcement. The Planning Director is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all provisions of this Chapter.

Interpretation. Where there is any ambiguity or dispute concerning the interpretation of this Chapter, the decision of the Zoning Official shall prevail, subject to appeal as provided in Chapter 65.

Conflict With Other Regulations. Where the provisions of this Chapter conflict with the Downtown Facade Design Guidelines, the Downtown Facade Design Guidelines shall apply. Where the provisions of this Chapter are in conflict with any other ordinance or code or parts of ordinances or codes, the most stringent provision shall govern.

(Ord. of 9-16-1991, Doc. #25101; Ord. of 2-21-1994, Doc. #27277; Ord. No. 2018-33, § 6, 8-6-2018, eff. 1-1-2019, Doc. #1808061204)