(a) The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the design, construction and location of signs that will protect the safety and welfare of the public, eliminate dangerous and unsightly signs and provide for adequate maintenance and inspection of signs without impeding the inherent right of business to advertise and reasonably assist potential customers in locating and identifying any service or facility they may desire to use or any product they may desire to purchase.

(b) This chapter is intended to cover all requirements relative to types, sizes, heights, verbal content, permissible locations, restrictions, permits and licenses, inspections, indemnification, materials of manufacture and construction, methods of erection, maintenance, procedures for requesting variances and penalties for violation of this chapter for all signs placed, installed and erected within the city limits which are exposed to the out-of-doors view of the public.

(c) This chapter is also intended to permit on-premises permanent signs within the city, and any lawful sign may display a noncommercial message in addition to, or in lieu of, any other message. For the purposes of this chapter all noncommercial speech shall be deemed to be an on-premises. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to be an on-premises. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to regulate the content of the message displayed on any sign.