(A) Definitions: As used in this Section, unless the content otherwise clearly indicates:
ADVERTISING DEVICE: | Banners affixed to poles, wires or ropes, streamers, wind-operated devices, flashing lights and other similar devices. |
AWNING SIGN: | Any sign which is affixed to, painted on, or suspended from a canopy or awning. |
FLASHING SIGN: | Any illuminated sign on which there is artificial light which is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity or color at all times when such sign is in use. |
GROUND SIGN: | Any sign erected, constructed or maintained for the purpose of displaying outdoor advertising by means of posters, pictures, pictorial or reading matter when such sign is supported by two (2) or more uprights, posts or braces placed or affixed in the ground and not supported principally by a building. |
MARQUEE SIGN: | Any canopy or other covered structure (other than a projecting sign) projecting from and wholly or substantially supported by a building and extending beyond the building wall. |
PORTABLE SIGN: | Any sign that is not permanently attached to the ground, a structure, or a building and which is designed to be transported to another location, including, but not limited to, chalkboard signs, flag signs, and poster holders. |
POST SIGN: | Any letter, word, model sign, device or representation used in the nature of an advertising or announcement not attached to a building and which is supported by a single stationary pole or designed structure. |
PROJECTING SIGN: | Any sign which is attached to a building or other structure and extends more than twelve inches (12") beyond the face of such building or structure. |
ROOF SIGN: | Any sign erected, constructed or maintained upon the roof of any building. |
SIGN: | An identification, description, illusion or device which is affixed to or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or land, and which directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution or business. |
SIGN AREA: | The total area of the space to be used for advertising purposes, including the space between open-type letters and figures, including the background structure, or other decoration or addition which is an integral part of the sign. Sign supports shall be excluded in determining the area of the sign. A double-faced sign shall have twice the total area of a single face sign. |
WALL SIGN: | Any sign or poster on any surface or plane that may be affixed to the front, side or rear wall of any building. |
(B) Signs Permitted in the Several Zoning Districts:
1. In addition to the signs permitted by subsection (D) (Exemptions) only the following signs may be erected in the zoning districts hereinafter named:
(a) The following signs are allowed in all districts:
(1) Temporary signs not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area advertising the sale or lease of real estate when located upon property to which the sign refers and when not located closer than ten feet (10') to a lot line, which said sign shall be removed upon sale of the property.
(2) Temporary ground signs advertising future use or development or property on which such signs are located may be maintained subject to the provisions of this Section, provided such signs do not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area or remain longer than eighteen (18) months. “For Rent” or “For Sale” signs in office, business and industrial districts for new buildings shall not exceed forty eight (48) square feet. All signs advertising sales, including “For Sale” and “For Rent” signs, shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following completion of the sale or other transaction being advertised.
(3) Church or public building bulletin boards not exceeding twenty (20) square feet.
(4) Traffic and official signs. (Ord. 482, 4-7-82)
(b) In B-1 Business Districts there may be roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, post signs, marquee signs, awning signs, and portable signs when displaying no advertising matter except pertaining to the business conducted in the building or on the premises on which such sign is placed. The total square foot area of roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, marquee signs and awning signs shall not exceed one-fifth (1/5) of the total square foot area of the face of the building on which they are placed. There shall not be more than one post sign for each one hundred feet (100') of street frontage, and shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area. No post sign shall extend closer than the lot line. All portions of post signs shall be erected and maintained behind the building line.
(c) In B-2 Business and Industrial Districts, there may be any sign allowed in subsection (B)1(b), and ground signs provided that no ground sign shall exceed five hundred (500) square feet in area; not more than one ground sign shall be erected on any one lot or tract of land, or one sign for each three hundred feet (300') of street frontage when located at least three hundred feet (300') apart on such lot or tract of land; and no ground sign when erected on a lot fronting on intersecting streets shall be erected within fifty feet (50') of the intersection of the streets.
2. The following additional sign regulations shall be observed:
(a) Ground Signs: No ground sign shall be at any point over fifty feet (50') above the ground level. The end of such signs shall be at least six feet (6') from any wall or fence or any obstruction that would prevent a clear passage around the ends and shall not block or obstruct the view of traffic in any direction.
(b) Wall Signs: No wall sign shall extend beyond the building.
(c) Projecting Signs: Projecting signs may extend not more than four feet six inches (4'6") from the building into the front yard, or project into street pavement right of way. No such sign or part thereof shall extend nearer the curb line than two feet (2'), under any circumstances.
(d) Post Signs: No post sign shall extend downward nearer than ten feet (10') to the ground or pavement. The maximum square foot area for each face of a post sign shall not exceed a total area of thirty two (32) square feet per face or a total of one hundred (100) square feet for all faces.
(e) Marquee Signs:
(1) Marquees projecting beyond the property line shall be erected with a clearance of not less than ten feet (10') above the adjacent sidewalk level, shall not exceed three feet (3') in the vertical plane two feet (2') inside the curb line.
(2) Signs on a marquee shall not exceed twenty feet (20') square on any side or front section of the marquee. Such signs may extend above the top of the marquee, providing the vertical dimension of the structure including both marquee and sign shall not exceed three feet (3'). If such signs are to be illuminated, indirect type lighting must be used.
(f) Portable Signs: Portable signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet per face and shall not exceed a total of forty (40) square feet for all faces total. Portable signs shall not obstruct the view of traffic in any direction.
(g) Roof Signs: No part of a roof sign shall be higher than fifteen feet (15') from roof level.
(C) Prohibited Signs: The following signs are prohibited within the Village.
1. Except as otherwise permitted hereunder, any sign affixed to, hung or placed or painted on any fence, tree, public utility pole, radio, television or similar tower, except call letters or decorative emblems on commercial radio or television towers.
2. Any sign across a public right of way, other than official highway signs.
3. Any sign where by reason of its position, wording, flashing nature, illumination, size, shape, color or condition, may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device.
4. No sign or any illumination, lamp or bulb shall be permitted that could in any way tend to blind, reflect a light that might interfere with vision.
5. No sign shall make use of the words “Stop”, “Look”, “Danger” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character that may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic; provided that safety signs with words like “Caution” or “Children at Play” shall be allowed.
6. Any paper posters applied directly to the wall or building or pole or other support and letters or pictures in the form of advertising, printed or applied directly on the wall of a building. Temporary signs may be displayed in or attached to the inside of show or display windows provided the total sign area does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the show or display window area.
7. Except for traffic and municipal signs, any sign erected within six (6) feet of a roadway, or erected in such a manner as to obstruct the line of sight of traffic in any direction.
(D) Exemptions: No permit shall be required for the following signs, provided they are installed in compliance with the provisions of this Section and all other applicable Village code provisions.
1. Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area which advertise for sale or rental the land and/or building upon which such signs are located. Such signs shall not be illuminated and shall not be more than four feet (4') in height.
2. Real estate “open house” signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area which are removed immediately after said “open house”. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
3. Professional name plates not exceeding one square foot in area when placed flat against the wall of the building and not more than ten feet (10') in height.
4. Bulletin boards not over twenty (20) square feet in area for municipal and governmental buildings or for buildings used for religious purposes when erected upon the building or land upon which such building is located.
5. Monumental inscriptions, memorial signs or tablets containing names of buildings and/or dates of erection, etc., when cut into masonry or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
6. Signs denoting the architect, engineer, roofer, landscaper, and/or contractor when placed upon work under construction. In the Business and Industrial Districts, such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area per project. In Residential Districts, such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area per project and shall not remain standing after a period of thirty (30) days. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
7. Traffic or Municipal signs, railroad crossing signs, danger, safety, temporary, emergency, nonadvertising or decorative signs as may be authorized by the President.
8. Signs painted on the exterior of the building but only in business and industrial zoning districts and then only when they comply as to size and type with the provisions of this Section, relating to such zoning districts.
9. (a) A temporary, non-illuminated sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet on each surface for special events such as community affairs, grand openings, church-sponsored events and election installed in compliance with the provisions of this Section. No such sign shall remain standing after a period of ten (10) days, excepting election signs being allowed for thirty (30) days and shall not occur with respect to the same business or organization more frequently than once every six (6) months.
(b) Garage sale signs which are otherwise in compliance with Section 3-5-20 of this Code.
(c) Political candidate signs not to exceed six (6) square feet in area. Said signs to be removed within three (3) days after an election.
(d) Any temporary sign pertaining to special events not covered in this Section not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet on each surface may be erected with approval of the Mayor. Such sign shall remain standing no longer than ten (10) days.
10. Informational signs located on a building or fence related to the health and safety of guests or visitors to the premises, including, but not limited to, “Beware of Dog” or “No Smoking Oxygen In Use” signs, which do not exceed a size of four (4) square feet with a height of no more than two (2) feet, provided there is no more than one (1) such sign in any twelve (12) foot area.
11. Signs advertising home occupations provided such signs are in compliance with Section 10-4-3(E).
(E) Maintenance: The owner of any sign shall be required to maintain such sign, including any illumination sources, in compliance with all applicable laws and Village ordinances and in a neat and orderly condition and good working order at all times. Every sign, including all supports for such sign, shall be maintained so as to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting or other deterioration such as faded, peeling, and broken lettering, chips and dents or discoloration on a painted surface, or tattered or torn material. Every sign shall be maintained in a safe and secure condition so as to prevent danger to the public. The premises around ground signs and post signs shall be kept clean and free of all rubbish and weeds.
(F) Removal of Signs: Any sign which is hereafter unlawfully installed or maintained, or which ceases to be used for a period of sixty (60) days, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure, or land upon which such sign may be found, within ten (10) days after written notification from the Building Inspector. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified therein, the Building Inspector may cause the removal of such sign. Any expense incident thereto shall be paid for by the owner of the building or structure or of the land upon which such sign is erected. Nothing herein shall prevent the prosecution of any owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the premises, from being prosecuted against by fine, or both.
(G) Obstruction to Doors, Windows or Fire Escapes: No sign shall be erected, replaced, relocated or permitted to exist so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape, nor shall it obstruct from any window the light and ventilation required by other ordinances of this Village. No sign of any kind shall be attached to any standpipe or fire escape, other than necessary identifying signs approved by the Fire Chief. (Ord. 482, 4-7-82)
(H) Illumination: When exposed incandescent lamps are used for ground signs, marquees, roof signs, or wall signs, they shall be equipped with gooseneck reflectors or other devices arranged so as to concentrate the illumination upon the area of the sign and prevent glare. No flashing sign or sign which changes color may be hereafter erected, other than time or weather. Each outline lighting installation and each illuminated sign shall be controlled by a time switch or externally operated switch which will open all underground conductors and shall be suitable for conditions of installation, such as exposure to weather. No flashing sign may be closer than ten feet (10') to the ground level. (Ord. 482-A, 8-22-1985)
(I) Loads And Allowable Stresses: All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressures applied to the projected exposed area, allowing for wind in any direction, in accordance with the following table:
HEIGHT FROM GROUND TO TOP OF SIGN, IN FEET | WIND PRESSURE POUNDS PER SQUARE FOOT | |
Solid Signs | Open Signs
| |
Less than 30 | 17 | 23 |
30 - 49 | 22 | 31 |
50 - 99 | 28 | 39 |
100 - 499 | 33 | 46 |
For ground signs thirty feet (30') to forty feet (40') in height the tabular values for heights of less than thirty feet (30') may be used.
Allowable stresses and materials shall conform to the latest approved specifications of the American standard building code requirements for structural steel, approved by the American standard association, and of the national design specification for stress-grade lumber and its fastenings, recommended by the national lumber manufacturers association. The working stress of chains, wire ropes and steel guy rods and their fastenings shall not exceed one-quarter (1/4) of their ultimate strength.
(J) Permits Required: After the effective date of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, structurally alter, rehang or replace any sign or outdoor display structure within this village without first submitting applications for erection permits to the building inspector and, when applicable, to the electrical inspector. Such applications shall be accompanied with plans and specifications showing the dimensions, materials, location and all details of construction. The applications shall contain the written consent of the owner or lessee of the land and/or building upon which the sign is to be erected.
A fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) shall accompany each application, with an additional fifteen dollars ($15.00) if electrical permit is needed. A permit shall not be required, for mere changing of painting, or reposting of advertising copy or display matter on signs or theater marquees designed for use of replaceable copy, provided such change does not violate the provisions of this section.
(K) Nonconforming Signs: Signs which are nonconforming based upon the above provisions, shall be eliminated not later than October 31, 2023. No nonconforming sign shall be rebuilt, altered, moved or rehung without being brought into strict compliance with the requirements of this section. Prohibited signs, as defined in subsection (C) of this section, shall not be determined “nonconforming” but shall be considered in violation immediately upon the effective date of this section.
(L) Bonds And Liability Insurance: No person shall erect, structurally alter, rehang, maintain or replace any sign which projects over the street line unless he has filed with the building inspector a bond of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) to three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) for approved public liability issued by an approved insurance company for said amount and naming the village as an insured party, agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless the village from loss sustained as the result of said sign. Such bond shall be conditioned upon the construction, erection and maintenance of such sign in accordance with the provisions of this section, and shall save harmless the village, its agents and officials, from any and all claims or damages by reason of such sign or any part thereof, and such policy shall be kept in full force, with proof of insurance furnished the village clerk, so long as such sign shall remain.
(M) Modification Of Requirements: Whenever any sign to be erected or structurally altered is surrounded by such development or unusual condition as to make strict compliance difficult, or work a material hardship and an injustice, the building inspector on request of the applicant, shall forward the application, together with his recommendations to the village board. Thereupon the village board shall refer the application to the village zoning board of appeals for report and recommendations, which the board may, after report received, vary or modify the requirements so that the applicant may erect or structurally alter such sign in a reasonable manner, but at the same time, that the public welfare and interests of the village are protected and the general purpose and intent of this section are preserved.
(N) Penalties: Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this section, shall upon conviction, be fined not less than twenty five dollars ($25.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for each offense. Each day that a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate offense and shall be punished accordingly.
(O) Conflicting Ordinances And Regulations: Wherever there is a difference with the provisions of this section with any other ordinance of this village, the ordinance, code or regulation imposing the greater restriction, excepting as herein altered, and as so changed, then this section shall govern. (Ord. 482, 4-7-1982; amd. Ord. 482-A, 8-22-85; Ord. 575-A, 1-23-2002; Ord. 964, 11-9-2022)