City of Lakewood, Ohio (Signs in Residential Districts)
The word 'sign' means any display, figure, painting, drawing, placard, poster, or other device visible from or on a public way, which is designed, or intended, or used to convey a message, inform, or direct attention to a person, institution, organization, activity, place, object, or product.  "Sign" does not include flags, personal name plates or family names with a total area of one (1) square foot or less mounted on a decorative light pole or the dwelling, holiday decorations or displays, or premises information signs (e.g.: security systems, "beware of dog," "keep off of grass", "block watch" etc.) with a total area of one (1) square foot or less.  The sign may be a structure or part thereof, or painted on or attached directly or indirectly to a structure.

Non-commercial signs in residential neighborhoods are permitted when they meet the following requirements:

1. No signs (personal or political) shall exceed six (6) square feet in total area.
2. No sign shall be displayed on any utility pole, or on any tree, tree lawn or public right-of-way.
3. The Director of Public Works may remove any sign(s) posted on any utility pole, or on any tree lawn or public right-of-way.
4. The Director of Public Works may determine the cost of removal and assess such costs to the person(s), business, organization, or entity that posted the sign.

Contractor Signs:
No signs promoting the company doing the work at your home are permitted in your window(s), front yard, or tree lawn.  The contractor may have permanent or magnetic signs on their vehicle(s).

EXEMPTIONS
This does not apply to churches or schools existing as non-conforming uses in R1L, R1H, L, R2, ML, or MH Districts.  Chapter 1329 of the Building Code shall govern signs on such premises.

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