(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, re erect, alter, relocated, affix or paint any sign without first having obtained a sign permit therefor; provided, however, that it shall not be necessary for any person to obtain a permit for the routine maintenance, changing of lettering, changing printed copy or painting on an existing sign on which frequent or periodic change is customary.
(B) Where electrical and/or construction permits are required in connection with erecting, re- erecting, relocating, altering, affixing or painting a sign, these shall be obtained at the same time as the sign permit.
(1) Application procedure.
(a) Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing on forms provided by the Building Official and shall include:
1. Site plans for free standing signs only, in triplicate, drawn to scale and fully dimensioned, showing:
a. A north arrow;
b. A dimensioned site plan of the parcel or lot upon which the sign is to be located;
c. The name, address and telephone number of the person erecting the sign;
d. The name address and telephone number of the person applying for the sign permit;
e. The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be erected; and
f. The location and setback of the sign upon the parcel or lot upon which it is to be erected.
2. Three copies of all signage drawings, including free standing signs, with elevation and section showing sign faces; exposed surfaces and horizontal dimension in scale as to size, proportion and color, and indicating the dimensions between the lowest elevation of the sign and grade; the projection from buildings or sign structures; and a description of the sign including, but not limited to illumination and colors;
3. Three copies of structural and electrical plans;
4. The written consent of the owner of the building, structure or property upon or to which the sign is to be erected; and
5. Other information as the Building Official shall require to show full compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances of the village.
(b) Each application for a sign permit shall be reviewed by the Building Official for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this chapter and all applicable laws and ordinances of the village.
(c) Signs requested in conjunction with special uses shall become part of the special use application procedure.
(2) Issuance of denial of signs permit. The Building Official shall issue a sign permit for the erection, re-erection, alteration, relocation, affixing or painting of a sign within the village when the required permit application is properly made, all appropriate fees have been paid and the Building Official has determined that the sign will comply with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws and ordinances of the village.
(3) Variances.
(a) The procedure for obtaining any variation from the terms of this chapter shall be that procedure described in Chapter 157 of this code of ordinances, except that the Village Board shall hear the requests for variation.
(b) If the variance is within 15% of the numerical requirements of this chapter, an administrative variance may be requested. This variance hearing is held by the Building Inspector and a recommendation will be forwarded to the Village Board for final approval.
(c) In granting an administrative variance, the same criteria will be used as the Zoning Board of Appeals. An applicant must still demonstrate a significant physical hardship in meeting sign code requirements to be granted a variance.
(d) If construction commences prior to receiving a building permit, this hardship is self- created and the Building Department shall refer all such matters directly to the Village Board.
(4) Procedures for administrative variances.
(a) The person must meet with the Building Department to discuss requirements.
(b) If the criteria for an administrative variance is met, all appropriate application forms will be provided and must then be completed by the applicant and returned. The application submission requirements are the same as for the Zoning Board of Appeals, as outlined in Chapter 157 of this code of ordinances.
(c) After submission of the completed application, a date and time will be set to hear the request for an administrative variance.
(d) The matter will be discussed at the specified time and any evidence pertaining to the variance shall be presented.
(e) A determination will be made at that time. It will be in a form of a finding of fact which will be sent to the Village Board for final approval.
(f) Upon approval or denial from the Village Board, a letter stating same shall be sent to applicant.
(5) Limitations. Signs permits shall permit the erection, re-erection, alteration, relocation, affixing or painting of a sign only on the property designated in the permit and only by the person to whom the permit was issued and shall not be transferable. A separate sign permit must be obtained for each sign for which a permit is required.
(6) Permit fees. Permit fees will be assessed as per the village annual fee schedule.
(1981 Code, § 29.05) (Ord. 90-20, passed 10-15-1990) Penalty, see § 156.99