Sec. 78-16. – Prohibited signs and sign devices.
The following signs and sign devices are prohibited under the provisions of this chapter:
(1)Signs that display intermittent lights resembling flashing lights associated with danger.
(2)Signs using the word “stop” or “danger,” or imitation of an official traffic control, warning or public service sign.
(3)Signs which provide background of colored lights blending with traffic signals which might confuse a motorist when viewed from normal approach distance of 25 feet to 300 feet.
(4)Any sign attached or applied to benches, trash receptacles or any other unapproved supporting structure.
(5)Pennants, streamers, ribbons, whirligigs, spinning devices and similar-type devices.
(6)Signs, other than temporary signs, which are not securely affixed to the ground or securely anchored so as to be immobile or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure.
(7)Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle that is parked on private property, except service vehicles temporarily parked there.
(8)Roof signs.
(9)Animated signs.
(10)Billboards.
(11)Clock signs, except when used as a principal business identification sign.
(12)Flashing signs.
(13)Marquee signs except for bona fide theaters.
(14)Rotating signs.
(15)Portable signs.
(16)Commercial product signs on residentially zoned property.
(17)Off-premises signs.
(18)Signs advertising alcoholic beverages.
(19)Temporary signs unless permitted by this chapter.

But there may be something else buried in the rest of the code that I missed. BTW, I see lots of colorful “whirligigs” and “spinning devices” on lawns and in gardens around town. I’m not sure we should be prohibiting them, unless they are obtrusive, e.g. more than 20 feet in diameter. They are fascinating to children and a good first exposure to the principles of circular motion (kind of like ceiling fans) plus the color wheel.

Love this! How outstanding it’d be if THIS was what we chose as our way to really set Decatur apart! What better way to show our commitment to truly being a pedestrian & bike friendly city than to create the ideal safe environment for it?
(To read about it: http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/ )

Re bike lanes- Sycamore Drive is a proposed Decatur Bicycle Network route. (It’s also a major Safe Routes to School path.) Bike lanes were discussed briefly at last summer’s neighborhood meeting with the City; however, we went with tackling the other safety related measures first. We’ll definitely take up the topic of bicycle lanes again– hopefully soon. (Sycamore Drive is also in the City’s long range plans for a streetscape makeover.)