(a) The following types of signs shall not require permits and shall be exempt from the requirements of this article. These exemptions, however, shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility for its erection, maintenance, and appearance.
(1) Flags or emblems of a governmental body or of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization not to exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height. These flags or emblems shall not be displayed as part of a commercial promotion or advertising.
(2) Signs required by law containing address numerals or related information needed for the convenience of the public.
(3) Signs erected by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, speed measurement trailer, utility, safety, railroad signs, and wayfinding signs.
(Code 2023)
(4) Signs required by federal, state or local law.
(5) Holiday decorations.
(6) Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles, which vehicles are not primarily used as signs.
(7) Signs not visible from a roadway
(8) Window signs not exceeding seventy-five (75) percent of window coverage, that do not prevent visibility by safety services into that portion of the commercial enterprise open to the public.
(9) Public art approved by the Administrative Committee.
(10) Bench signs and bus shelter signs with sign copy lettering height smaller than 6 inches.
(11) Official notices authorized by a court, public body, or public officer.
(12) Temporary double-sided and A-Frame (also known as Menu Board) type freestanding signs advertising for an adjacent business or public institution. The size of the sign shall not exceed 32 inches wide and 48 inches tall above the adjacent sidewalk. The sign shall be located on private property where the advertised business exists. The sign shall not be located in a public right-of-way. No sign shall be placed on any public sidewalk or Bicycle/Pedestrian Path. One sign shall be permitted per business or public institution. Signs shall not be illuminated, contain any digital display, and shall not be displayed during non-business hours. Signs shall be constructed of durable, sturdy material (no banners, flags, streamers, balloons, or other moving parts) and shall be maintained in good repair.
(13) Structures resembling a sign which are clearly displayed as art, and not for informational purposes, within a residential zone may be exempted from this Code, within the discretion of the Zoning Administrator. Signage within commercial districts may only be designated as serving a primary artistic purpose, rather than an informational purpose, at the discretion of the Administrative Committee.
(b) The following signs are exempt from the sign permit requirements but shall in all other respects conform to the requirements of this article.
(1) Directional/informational signs not exceeding six square feet in gross surface area for non-residential uses.
(2) All signs associated with the sale of fireworks pursuant to a valid fireworks sale permit issued by the City shall be in conformance with this Code, unless a standard is waived by the Zoning Administrator or Administrative Committee due to the limited sales period associated with fireworks.
(3) One project, or “for sale” or “for rent”, sign is permitted per street frontage; it must be located on the premises; and it must be removed upon completion of the project or within ten days after sale or letting of the property. In addition, one “open house” sign per street frontage, located on the premises, is allowed four (4) days prior to the event.
(4) “Construction project” signs, with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet with a maximum height of nine feet.
(5) “Coming soon” signs for businesses with a 32 square feet with a maximum height of nine feet. These types of signs shall be allowed in conjunction with any existing signs on the property six months prior to a building permit being issued.
(6) Subdivision, commercial and industrial acreage or structure “for sale” or “for rent” signs. The maximum height shall be nine feet. The maximum sign area shall be 32 square feet.
(7) Signs inside buildings, inside windows, or painted on windows or on glass portions of doors of buildings.
(8) Any sign covered by KSA 25-2711: KSA 25-2711 (political signs) allow cities to regulate the size and a set-back distance for the placement of signs so as not to impede sight lines or sight distance for safety reasons. The city has determined signs must be placed at least 15 feet behind the back of the curb. If the roadway has no curb, signs must be placed at least 15 feet from the edge of the road surface. Signs located at the intersection of two roads must be at least 15 feet from both roads. (Code 2023)
(9) Signs customarily associated with residential uses and having a gross surface area not exceeding three (3) square feet, including but not limited to signs:
(A) Giving property identification names or numbers;
(B) Names of occupants;
(C) On mailboxes or newspaper tubes;
(D) On private property and relating to private parking; and
(E) Warning the public against trespassing or danger from animals including those identifying a security system.
(Code 2023)
(F) Garage and estate sale signs;
(10) Temporary signs for special events for public, charitable, religious, educational, or fraternal organizations, subject to the following limitations:
(A) May be located on-premises or off-premises, subject to approval of the Zoning Administrator.
(B) These signs are prohibited on public property and public right-of way.
(C) May be placed up to four weeks prior to the event and shall be removed within 48 hours after the event's completion.
(c) The following signs are exempt from the sign permit fees but shall in all other respects conform to the requirements of this article including sign permit applications.
(1) Temporary signs for charitable, religious, educational, or fraternal organizations, subject to the following limitations:
(A) May be located on-premises or off-premises, subject to approval of the Zoning Administrator.
(B) These signs are prohibited on public property and public right-of-way.
(Code 2022)