The general requirements for all signs are listed in the village Building Code, Chapter 29, and are incorporated into this section in its entirety by reference.
(A) Electrical requirements.
(1) The electrical components, connections, and installations of all signs shall conform to the provisions of the village Electric Code. Electric signs shall be constructed of incombustible material. Electric signs shall be rain-tight, except that service hole fitted with waterproof covers shall be provided to each compartment of such signs. All electric signs hereafter installed or erected in the village shall bear the label of Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc.
(2) No electrical equipment or electrical apparatus of any kind which causes interference with radio or television reception shall be used in the operation of illuminated signs.
(3) All sources of illumination shall be kept in good working order.
(B) Wind pressure and load requirements. All signs shall be designed to withstand a wind pressure as required in the Building Code of the village and/or other applicable village chapter and codes.
(C) Signs structure and support requirements.
(1) All signs shall be designed so that all framework for the lateral support of the sign shall be contained within the sign's body or within the structure of the building to which the sign is attached so as not to be visible to the public.
(2) Exposed guy wires, chains or other similar connections attached to the ground posing a threat to pedestrian safety are not permitted to serve as supports for a sign.
(3) If the supports or anchors of the sign are not galvanized or constructed of a non-combustible, corrosive-resistant material, they shall be painted as necessary to prevent corrosion and peeling.
(D) Sign face. No sign or sign structure shall have any nails, tacks, wires, or sharp edges protruding from it. Exposed neon tubing shall be prohibited on all signs located on an exterior wall surface or displayed on a storefront window.
(E) Miscellaneous advertising objects. No person shall place on or suspend from any building or structure, any goods, wares, merchandise, or other advertising objects other than a sign as defined with these provisions.
(F) Glass requirements. Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be designed to the ANSI Z97.1 standard and shall be in compliance with all applicable village codes and chapters.
(G) Location. No signs shall cover wholly or partially any opening, nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached. No sign shall project into or otherwise encroach upon a public right-of-way.
(H) Lettering. All letters, figures, characters, or representations in cut-out or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built into or attached to the sign.
(I) Obstruction of exits. No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, or door opening intended as a means of egress.
(J) Obstruction of ventilation. No sign shall be erected which interferes with any opening required for ventilation.
(K) Clearance from electrical power lines and communication lines. Signs shall maintain all clearances from electrical conductors in accordance with all applicable village codes and chapters, except where specified within this chapter.
(L) Clearance from surface and underground facilities. Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity, or communications equipment or lines. Furthermore, placement shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface or underground water.
(M) Sign illumination requirements.
(1) Signs shall be illuminated only be steady, stationary, shielded and shaded light sources directed solely at the sign, or internal to it so that the light intensity or brightness does not create either a nuisance to adjacent property or a traffic hazard for motorists or pedestrians.
(2) No exposed reflective-type bulb and no strobe light or incandescent lamp shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign.
(3) Illuminated signs shall produce no more than 30 foot-candles (323 nits) of illumination, four feet from the sign. Drive-through digital order screens, drive-through menu boards, and drive-through pre-sale menu boards, and the digital changeable copy portion of any free-standing fuel station sign shall produce no more than 3,000 nits (278.71 foot-candles) and shall include automatic dimming technology such that they shall produce no more than 0.3 foot-candles of illumination above ambient light levels at any time of illumination.
(4) Whenever external illumination is used for a sign, the source of light shall be located, shielded, and directed in such a manner that the light source is not visible from a public street or private residence.
(N) Raceways. If a sign is mounted to a raceway, the color of the raceway shall match the color of the exterior of the building.
(Ord. 2243, passed 11-21-05; Am. Ord. 3338, passed 2-7-22)