For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BILLBOARD. A billboard is an object, device, display, sign, or structure, or part thereof displayed outdoors or visible from a public way, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location, or to express a point of view, by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, advertising flags, fixtures, colors, illuminations or projected images, which are not substantially related to the primary economic activity or use conducted on the zoning lot. Billboards do not include commercial signage related to the business conducted on the zoning lot, nor signs temporarily placed in residential lawns by residents, owners, contractors, real estate brokers or agents, or by or on behalf of political candidates or issues.
BILLBOARD AREA. The facing of a billboard, including copy, insignia, background, structural supports, and border and trim. The measurement shall be determined by the smallest rectangle inclusive of all letters and images. The structural supports shall be excluded if they do not constitute a major part of the billboard or if the structure is not used to identify or attract attention to the business or product. A double-sided billboard, with sign faces parallel to each other, shall be deemed to have the billboard area of the larger sign face.
ILLUMINATED BILLBOARD. A billboard having its characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by a source of artificial light.
INTERSTATE 55 CORRIDOR. An area including all land located within 1,000 feet of the east and west boundaries of the Interstate 55 right-of-way and within the corporate limits of the village.
ROUTE 4 CORRIDOR. An area including all land located within 200 feet of the east and west boundaries of the Illinois Route 4 right-of-way and within the corporate limits of the village.
SPACING. Spacing of billboards shall be the minimum distance between outdoor advertising billboard structures measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the billboards along each side of the highway and shall apply to outdoor advertising billboard structures located on both sides of the highway involved. Spacing shall be calculated with respect to existing billboards whether or not the existing billboards are within the corporate limits of the village.
(Ord. 99-41, passed 8-10-99)