17-15-0610 Purpose. The intent of the vintage sign designation is to promote the public safety, health, and general welfare by providing a pathway for legalizing and maintaining nonconforming signs, including abandoned nonconforming signs, that represent important elements of the City's heritage, enhance the character of the community, and assist owners in the preservation and restoration of their signs.
1. Detailed drawings and or photographs of the nonconforming sign in its current condition;
2. A written narrative and supporting documentation demonstrating how the nonconforming sign meets the designation criteria of Section 17-15-0630-B;
3. Evidence that the nonconforming sign is structurally safe or a detailed plan on how it can be made safe without substantially altering its iconic or cultural significance;
4. A detailed maintenance plan for the upkeep of the nonconforming sign; and
5. Detailed drawings of any restoration or repair currently being planned or sought.
17-15-0620-D Notwithstanding any provision of the Chicago Zoning Ordinance to the contrary, abandoned nonconforming signs and associated sign structures may remain in place while the application for vintage designation is pending. If the application is denied, the abandoned nonconforming sign may remain in place until the exhaustion of, or the failure to exhaust, any applicable judicial review.
17-15-0630-A The Zoning Administrator, upon consultation with the Department of Planning and Development's Historic Preservation Division, may designate a nonconforming sign as a vintage sign based upon a review of the criteria listed in Section 17-15-0630-B.
1. The proposed vintage sign must be an existing nonconforming sign that has remained in place for at least the previous 30 years at the time of application;
2. The nonconforming sign possesses significant iconic or cultural value that contributes to the distinct visual identity and character of the neighborhood, community, or City as a whole;
3. The nonconforming sign possesses a significant portion of its original design character, such as its original configuration, message, color, texture, materials, or illumination; and
4. The nonconforming sign is structurally safe or can be made safe without substantially altering its iconic or cultural significance.
17-15-0650-A A vintage sign's message may be modified, provided that its character-defining features are repaired to the vintage sign's previous appearance established no less than 30 years prior to its designation as a vintage sign. A vintage sign's message may also be modified in a manner authorized by rules adopted by the Commissioner of Planning and Development or as otherwise permitted by law.
17-15-0650-B The message of a vintage sign may only be modified without losing the sign's legal status as a vintage sign, as follows: i) an existing sign that was initially established as an on-premise sign cannot be converted to an off-premise vintage sign; ii) an existing off-premise sign may be converted to an on-premise vintage sign, however, the sign shall lose its off-premise status and such status may not be re-established.
17-15-0660 Total Sign Area Exemption. A vintage sign does not count toward the limitations or restrictions of Sections 17-12-0902, 17-12-1002-F, or 17-12-1003-E.
17-15-0670 Term of Vintage Sign Designations. The designation of a nonconforming sign as a vintage sign shall be effective for five years, subject to renewal pursuant to Section 17-15-0680. Any vintage sign which is not appropriately renewed, pursuant to Section 17-15-0680, or which violates Section 17-15-0600 loses its vintage sign status.
17-15-0680 Renewal of Vintage Sign Designations. All vintage sign designations may be renewed by reapplying to the Zoning Administrator in the manner described in Section 17-15-0620.
17-15-0690 Rulemaking Authority. The Commissioner of Planning and Development is authorized to promulgate rules necessary for the proper implementation, administration and enforcement of Section 17-15-0600, including rules related to the application process for the designation and renewal of, and maintenance of, vintage signs.
(Added Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1992, § 3)