(a) Signs may be illuminated only in compliance with the following standards:
(1) Permanent signs in nonresidential districts may be illuminated at night.
(2) All illuminated signs must comply with the maximum luminance level of seven hundred fifty (750) cd/m² or Nits between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness, regardless of the method of illumination
(3) Signs that have external illumination, whether the lighting is mounted above or below the sign face or panel, shall have lighting fixtures or luminaires that are fully shielded.
(4) On-premise signs do not constitute a form of outdoor lighting at night, and are exempt from any other outdoor lighting regulations established in Chapter 1159.
(b) Construction Standards. The construction, erection, safety and maintenance of all signs shall comply with all requirements of the building code and all of the following:
(1) Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as to pose no reasonable threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(2) All permanent freestanding signs shall have self-supporting structures erected on, or permanently attached to, concrete foundations.
(3) Signs should not be in locations that interfere with safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation or public safety signals and signs
(4) If possible, signs should not be in locations that obscure architectural features such as pilasters, arches, windows, cornices, etc.
(5) No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, or door opening used as a means of egress.
(6) Signs shall be structurally designed in compliance with ANSI and ASCI standards. All elective signs shall be constructed according to the technical standards of a certified testing laboratory.
(c) Clearances:
(1) Vision clearance areas. Vision clearance areas are triangular shaped areas located at the intersection of any combination of rights-of- way or driveways. No sign shall be installed within the clear sight triangles defined below.
A. At the intersection of two (2) street rights-of-way, the triangle shall extend thirty (30) feet from the intersection of the rights-of-way in either/each direction.
B. At the intersection of a street right-of-way and a driveway, the triangle shall be established by locating the intersection of the street curb with the driveway edge, and by measuring from this point a distance of ten (10) feet along the driveway to a point and a distance of twenty (20) feet along the street curb to a point and connecting these points.
(2) Vehicle area clearances. In areas outside of rights-of-way, when a sign or awning extends over an area in which vehicles travel or are parked, the bottom of the structure must be at least fourteen (14) feet above the ground. Vehicle areas include driveways, alleys, parking areas, and loading and maneuvering areas.
(3) Pedestrian area clearances. When a sign or awning extends more than twelve (12) inches over a sidewalk, walkway, or other space used by pedestrians, the bottom of the structure must be at least eight (8) feet above the ground.
(d) Maintenance Requirements. All signs shall be maintained in accordance with the following:
(1) The property owner shall maintain the sign in a condition appropriate to the intended use and in compliance with all Village standards; and has a continuing obligation to comply with all building code requirements.
(2) The Chief Building Official may order any sign to be painted or refurbished whenever needed to keep the sign in a neat and safe condition. All supporters, guys, braces and anchors for such signs shall be maintained in a safe condition.
(3) If the sign is deemed by the Chief Building Official to be in an unsafe condition, the owner of the business shall be immediately notified in writing, and shall, within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of such notification, respond to the village with a plan to correct the unsafe condition, remove the unsafe sign, or cause it to be removed. If after fourteen (14) days, the unsafe condition has not been corrected through repair or removal, the Chief Building Official may cause the repair or removal of such sign, at the expense of the property owner or lessee. If the total costs are not paid in full within thirty (30) days of the repairs or removal, the amount owed shall be certified as an assessment against the property of the sign owner, and lien upon that property, together with an additional fifty percent (50%) penalty for collection as prescribed for unpaid real estate taxes.
(4) In cases of emergency, the Chief Building Official may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice.
(5) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, relettering or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or without any payment of fees provided that all of the following conditions are met:
A. There is no alteration or remodeling to the structure or the mounting of the sign itself;
B. There is no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure;
C. The sign is accessory to a legally permitted, conditional or nonconforming use.
(Ord. 2016-07-24. Passed 8-3-16.)