(A) The purpose of this chapter is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signage control and thereby to provide an attractive and effective balance between signage and the environment. This chapter shall be enforced and administered with the support of the signage regulations stated in the village Building Code (2000 International Building Code). These provisions are available to the public for their use and review at the Village Administration Building, 432 W. Nebraska Ave., Frankfort, Illinois. In any instances of conflict between these two regulatory documents, the more restrictive shall apply.
(B) With these concepts in mind, this chapter is adopted for the following purposes:
(1) To authorize the uses of signs which are:
(a) Compatible with their surroundings;
(b) Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain;
(c) Expressive of their identity of individuals or of the community as a whole; and
(d) Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen.
(2) To preserve the Village of Frankfort's reputation as a community of natural beauty rendering it highly attractive to visitors and potential future residents, the Village Board has determined the unregulated and uncontrolled erection and maintenance of signs results in a gaudy and garish atmosphere that is out of harmony with the character of the village. The Village Board further determines that the lack of regulation and control of signs results in costly and unfair competition for the public eye through the proliferation, increased height, and size of signs, and that the safety of the general public requires that the structural elements and location of the signs be regulated.
(3) To preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare of its residents.
(4) To provide a positive economic climate for the business and industry of the village by promoting the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of signage and encouraging better communication with the public, and to provide information to the traveling public.
(5) To enhance the physical appearance of the village by preserving the scenic and natural beauty of the area.
(6) To protect the general public from damage and injury which may be caused by the faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the village.
(7) To protect the pedestrians and motorists from damage or injury caused by the distractions, obstructions, and hazards created by certain signs.
(8) To protect the public investment in streets and highways by reducing distractions that may increase traffic accidents.
(9) To protect the physical and mental well-being of the general public by recognizing and encouraging a sense of appreciation for the visual environment.
(10) To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.
(11) To encourage sound practices and lessen the objectionable effects of competition in respect to and placement of signs.
(C) It is also the intent of this chapter to recognize that the eventual elimination of existing signs that do not conform with the provisions of this chapter is as important as is prohibiting new signs that would violate these regulations.
(Ord. 2243, passed 11-21-05)