Table 1105-5
Permitted Principal Signs
by Zone and District
District/Zone | Monument Sign | Projecting Sign | Wall Sign | Awning Sign | Window Sign | Roof Sign |
Residential Estate (RE) | NE | |||||
Neighborhood Suburban (NS) | NE | NR | ||||
Neighborhood Urban (NU) | MU or NR |
District/Zone | Monument Sign | Projecting Sign | Wall Sign | Awning Sign | Window Sign | Roof Sign |
Commercial Neighborhood (CN) | X | X | X | X | ||
Commercial General (CG) | X | X | X | X | ||
Downtown (D) | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Industrial Light (IL) | X | X | X | X | X | |
Industrial Heavy (IH) | X | X | X | X | X | |
Sign Key: MU - Multi-Unit Development NR - Non-Residential Development NE - Neighborhood Entry Sign | ||||||
(a) Purpose and Applicability. This section regulates the type, number, design, size, time of display, location, maintenance, and other characteristics of signs in order to: protect the public health, safety, and welfare in all zones and districts; promote clarity in sign communications; promote harmony between and among the physical characteristics of signs and the physical characteristics of surrounding land, structures, and other development features; and to promote attractive and orderly appearance in all districts. The provisions of this section shall apply to all existing signs, to all signs erected or installed after the effective date of this Zoning Code, and to any sign which replaces an existing sign or component thereof
(b) Zoning Sign Permits Required. Every sign, except those specifically exempted by the provisions of this section, shall only be erected or installed subsequent to and in conformance with the provisions of a zoning sign permit issued by the Building and Zoning Inspector. The Building and Zoning Inspector shall not be required to issue a zoning sign permit to any use or business that does not have a valid zoning certificate or that is otherwise not in compliance with the Zoning Code, Building Code or Property Maintenance Code. For the purposes of approving a sign in conformance with the Zoning Code, a zoning sign permit shall have the same effect as a zoning certificate.
(c) Signs Requiring Permits.
(1) Signs in Zones and Districts. Signs shall be permitted in the respective districts as established in Table 1105-5: Permitted Signs and as further provided in this section.
(2) Signs in Downtown(D), Neighborhood Urban (NU). Subject to the approval of the Building and Zoning Inspector or the Planning Commission, as applicable, in conjunction with the certificate of appropriateness process required under Section 1107.11, signs shall be permitted in Downtown(D) District as established in Table 1105-5 and in conformity with the following specific provisions:
i. Residential Signs - One (1) monument sign per entrance may be located on a lot or lots within a multi-dwelling unit development within the Downtown(D) and Neighborhood Urban (NU) Districts. When located in the public right-of-way, all such signs shall be subject to a perpetual maintenance agreement and shall not be internally illuminated.
ii. Non-Residential Use or Mixed-Use Signs - Downtown (D) The following sign types shall be permitted to be displayed on structures or buildings utilized for non-residential or mixed- use purposes in conformity with the following specific provisions:
a) Sign Lighting. The following types of lighting shall be permitted in the Downtown (D) district: exterior illuminated, gooseneck lighting, shadow lit, bulb surround - non-flashing or blinking, and bulb surround - flashing or blinking.
b) Changeable Copy Types. The following changeable copy types shall be permitted in the Downtown (D) District: channel letters.
iii. Principal Signs. A maximum of two (2) of any combination of the following sign types shall be permitted per lot in the Downtown (D) District in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Wall Sign. One (1) wall sign may be erected on the wall of a building which most nearly parallels a street, parking lot or service drive, as determined by the Building and Zoning Inspector. The total permitted area for any wall sign is two (2) square feet per lineal foot of building façade or tenant space, as applicable. Any wall sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be attached parallel to the building wall, mounted on a raceway, or painted directly on a wall, provided no wall sign shall extend outward from the building wall more than twelve inches (12"). Where a building is located on a corner lot, wall signs may be permitted on both walls which parallel the intersecting streets. Wall signs shall be composed of wood or metal frames with a face of wood, metal or polycarbonate materials. Where a building is located on a corner lot, wall signs may be permitted on both walls which parallel the intersecting streets. Wall signs shall be composed of wood or metal frames with a face of wood, metal or polycarbonate materials.
b) Projecting Sign. One (1) projecting sign constructed of wood or metal, including its mounting structure, may be mounted upon and be perpendicular to the wall of a building at a ninety (90) degree angle. The surface area of each face of such projecting sign shall be a maximum of six (6) square feet. It shall not project more than three feet (3') from the building façade and shall not use a guy wire or angle iron support structure unless within the plane of the sign. A
projecting sign shall be located no less than nine feet (9') above the sidewalk or ground level. Any applicant requesting a permit for a projecting sign which extends over a public right-of-way shall provide for a hold-harmless agreement with the Village.
iv. Roof Sign. One (1) roof sign constructed of metal with a maximum surface area of eighty (80) square feet may be located on the roof of a principal structure located in the Downtown (D) District. Such roof sign shall be setback a minimum of five feet (5') from the edge of the roof of the principal structure and may be illuminated with a direct light.
v. Window Sign. Up to two (2) window signs no larger than fifteen percent (15%) of the surface area of the window or windows on which such sign or signs are placed. Any window sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be located on a window or windows on the front façade of the principal building.
vi. Awning Signs. A maximum of one (1) awning sign may be permitted in accordance with the provisions set forth under this subsection. All new awnings, or changes to awning colors shall be subject to a design and site plan review. Removal and replacement of awning materials that does not involve changes to the awning support structures shall be considered a sign face change. Changes to awning lettering that involve no material or color changes shall not require a zoning sign permit. Awning lettering may not exceed sixteen inches (16") in height.
vii. Monument Sign. One (1) monument sign with a base constructed of brick may be installed in the ORD-C. or in the NU district if the use in the NU district is non-residential. The monument sign may be a maximum of six feet (6') in height with a maximum surface area of twenty-four (24) square feet. Any monument sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be setback a minimum of ten feet (10') from the front property line or easement line, as applicable
(3) Signs in Commercial Zones (CN, CG Districts). Subject to the approval of the Building and Zoning Inspector or the Planning Commission, as applicable, in conjunction with the site plan and design review process required under Section 1105.05, signs shall be permitted in the CN as established in Table 1105-5 and in conformity with the following specific provisions:
i. Sign Lighting. The following types of lighting shall be permitted in the CN District: exterior illuminated, gooseneck lighting, shadow lit, internally lit, and bulb surround - non- flashing or blinking.
ii. Changeable Copy Types. The following changeable copy types shall be permitted in the CN District: channel letters and scrolling. Changeable copy types are not permitted in the Commercial Neighborhood (CN) District.
iii. Principal Sign Types. A maximum of two (2) of any combination of the following sign types shall be permitted in the Commercial Neighborhood (CN) District in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Awning Signs. A maximum of one (1) awning sign may be permitted in accordance with the provisions set forth under this subsection. All new awnings, or changes to awning colors shall be subject to a design and site plan review. Removal and replacement of awning materials that does not involve changes to the awning support structures shall be considered a sign face change. Changes to awning lettering that involve no material or color changes shall not require a zoning sign permit. Awning lettering may not exceed sixteen inches in height (16").
b) Monument Sign. One (1) monument sign with a base constructed of brick may be installed in the CN. The monument sign may be a maximum of six feet (6') in height with a maximum surface area of twenty-four (24) square feet. Any monument sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be setback a minimum of ten feet (10') from the front property line or easement line, as applicable.
c) Wall Sign. One (1) wall sign may be erected on the wall of a building which most nearly parallels a street, parking lot or service drive, as determined by the Building and Zoning Inspector. The total permitted area for any wall sign is two and one-half (2.5) square feet per lineal foot of building façade or tenant space, as applicable. Any wall sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be attached parallel to the building wall, mounted on a raceway, or painted directly on a wall, provided no wall sign shall extend outward from the building wall more than twenty-four inches (24"). Where a building is located on a corner lot, wall signs may be permitted on both walls which parallel the intersecting streets. Where a building is located on a corner lot, wall signs may be permitted on both walls which parallel the intersecting streets. Wall signs shall be composed of wood or metal frames with a face of wood, metal or polycarbonate materials.
d) Projecting Sign. One (1) projecting sign constructed of wood or metal, including its mounting structure, may be mounted upon and be perpendicular to the wall of a building at a ninety (90) degree angle. The surface area of each face of such projecting sign shall be a maximum of six (6) square feet. It shall not project more than three feet (3') from the building façade and shall not use a guy wire or angle iron support structure unless within the plane of the sign. A projecting sign shall be located no less than nine feet (9') above the sidewalk or ground level. Any applicant requesting a permit for a projecting sign which extends over a public right-of-way shall provide for a hold-harmless agreement with the Village.
e) Window Sign. Up to two (2) window signs no larger than thirty percent (30%) of the surface area of the window or windows on which such sign or signs are placed. Any window sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be located on a window or windows on the front façade of the principal building.
iv. Signs in Residential Zones (RE, NS, and NS Zoning Districts. Subject to the approval of the Building and Zoning Inspector or the Planning Commission, as applicable, in conjunction with the site plan and design review process required under Section 1105.05, signs shall be permitted in the RE, NS, and NS zones as established in Table 1105-5 and in conformity with the following specific provisions:
a) Sign Lighting. The following types of lighting shall be permitted in RM zones: exterior illuminated and gooseneck lighting. Sign lighting is not permitted in SR zones.
b) Changeable Copy Types. Changeable copy types are not permitted in SR and RM zones.
c) Principal Sign Types. The following sign types shall be permitted in the SR and RM zones in accordance with the following provisions:
d) Neighborhood Entry Sign. One (1) or more permanent ground signs may be located on a lot or lots within a subdivision or multi-family dwelling development. When located in the public right-of-way, all such signs shall be subject to a perpetual maintenance agreement and shall not be internally illuminated.
e) Flags. Flags are permitted as a supplemental sign type in RE, NS, and NS zones.
v. Real Estate Signs. One (1) freestanding real estate sign per lot frontage is permitted on premises for individual lots or building until such lots are sold or rented in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Maximum Sign Face. Six (6) square feet.
b) Maximum Height. Five (5) feet.
c) Location Requirements. At least one foot from street right of way and at least five feet from side or rear lot lines.
d) Time Restrictions. Sold signs shall be removed within five (5) calendar days from closing on the sale of the subject property.
vi. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are permitted provided that any temporary sign may have a maximum area of two (2) square feet and may be located a maximum of three feet (3') above grade. Any temporary sign located in accordance with these provisions shall be constructed of vinyl with metal supports.
(4) Signs in Industrial Zones (IL and IH Zoning Districts).
i. Monument Sign. One (1) monument sign with a base constructed of brick may be installed in the IL and IH Districts. The monument sign may be a maximum of six feet (6') in height with a maximum surface area of twenty-four (24) square feet. Any monument sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be setback a minimum of ten feet (10') from the front property line or easement line, as applicable.
ii. Wall Sign. One (1) wall sign may be erected on the wall of a building which most nearly parallels a street, parking lot or service drive, as determined by the Building and Zoning Inspector. A wall sign shall be attached parallel to the building wall and shall not extend outward from the building wall more than fourteen inches (14"). A sign may be attached to a canopy, marquee or roof that projects beyond a structure provided that no part of such sign extends more than two feet (2') beyond such roof, canopy or marquee. Where a building is located on a corner lot, wall signs may be permitted on both walls which parallel the intersecting streets. Wall sign height shall be adequate to be visible from above average vehicle height and from the street the wall sign fronts on.
iii. Projecting Sign. One (1) projecting sign, including its mounting structure, may be mounted upon and be perpendicular to the wall of a building and shall not extend beyond any other dimension of the wall. It shall not project more than four feet (4') from the wall, and shall not use a guy wire or angle iron support structure unless within the plane of the sign. A projected sign shall be located no less than eight feet (8') above the sidewalk or ground level and no closer than six feet (6') to a street's pavement or curb. Any applicant requesting a permit for a projecting sign which extends over a public right-of-way shall provide for a hold-harmless agreement with the Village.
iv. Awnings. Awnings may be permitted in addition to or in lieu of a wall sign. Where awnings are used as the primary sign identification, the standards for wall signs shall apply. Removal and replacement of awning materials that does not involve changes to the awning support structures shall be considered a sign face change. Changes to awning lettering that involve no material or color changes shall not require a zoning sign permit. Awning lettering may not exceed twelve inches (12").
v. Window Sign. Up to two (2) window signs no larger than thirty percent (30%) of the surface area of the window or windows on which such sign or signs are placed. Any window sign located in accordance with this subsection shall be located on a window or windows on the front façade of the principal building.
(d) Supplemental Signs in Non-Residential Districts. In addition to the above-listed principal sign types the following supplemental sign types may be permitted in non-residential districts, as specified below, in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) Banner Signs. In all non-residential districts a maximum of one (1) banner sign may be permitted in accordance with the provisions set forth under this subsection. Banner signs shall be a maximum of two feet (2') wide and shall be located a maximum of eight feet (8') above grade. The display of banners shall be allowed for no more than one hundred and eighty (180) days per year, which may include any combination of consecutive ten (10) day periods, twenty (20) periods, or forty (40) days periods.
(2) Flags. Flags are permitted as a supplemental sign type in all non-residential districts.
(3) Sandwich Board Signs. A maximum of one (1) sandwich board sign may be permitted in accordance with the provisions set forth under this subsection. Sandwich board signs shall have a maximum sign face area of six (6) square feet with a maximum board width of twenty-four inches (24") and a maximum board height of thirty-six inches (36"). Any sandwich board located in accordance with this subsection shall be constructed of wood and shall be displayed for a maximum of twelve (12) hours per day.
(4) Real Estate Signs. Any combination of free-standing, wall or window real estate signs may be located upon any non-residential property for a total of three (3) signs, provided that such signs do not exceed the permitted dimensions for the corresponding sign-type in the zoning district that is applicable to the subject property. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if freestanding signs are not permitted in the zoning district applicable to the subject property, then one free-standing sign not exceeding seven (7) feet in height with a maximum sign face of twenty (20) square feet may be located upon the subject property. All real estate signs located in accordance with this subsection shall be removed within five (5) calendar days from closing on the sale of the subject property.
(5) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs (i.e. contractor or subcontractor signs) are permitted provided that any temporary sign may have a maximum area of two (2) square feet and may be located a maximum of three feet (3') above grade. Any temporary sign located in accordance with these provisions shall be constructed of vinyl with metal supports.
(e) Generally Applicable Regulations for all Signs.
(1) Sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the finished grade which shall be defined as that point where the grade line intersects the front wall of the building. The height of a sign may not be artificially increased beyond the permitted height by placement of the sign on an earth mound.
(2) Sign setbacks. Signs shall be located in conformity with the side and rear yard requirements of the applicable zone or district.
(3) Sign colors. No sign requiring a permit under the provisions of this Section shall contain more than four (4) colors, including black and white. Where a corporate logo is used, the logo shall count as one of the four (4) colors. Where a multi-tenant sign is present, no individual sign face panel may contain more than four (4) colors.
(4) Construction. All signs shall be properly constructed and maintained to ensure that no safety hazard is created. All signs shall be built in conformity with the requirements of the Building Code and the procedures of the Building Division.
(5) Location. Except as otherwise provided in this Zoning Code, no sign or any part of any sign shall be placed in, over or extend into any public right-of-way.
(6) Lighting. The level of illumination emitted or reflected from a sign shall not be so intense as to constitute a safety hazard to vehicular movement on any street from which the sign may be viewed, as determined by an average person. Illuminated signs shall be constructed and maintained so that the source of illumination is shielded or otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent lots or streets.
(7) Concealment of Wires and Components. Irrespective of the sign type permitted under this section, all wiring and components of such sign shall be concealed from public view.
(8) Contractor Identification. All signs shall be plainly marked with the name of the person or company that installed the sign.
(9) Maintenance and Repair Required:
i. The owner of a sign shall repair, support, clean, repaint, or perform any maintenance service necessary to maintain the reasonable and proper appearance and condition of the sign. Whenever the Building and Zoning Inspector determines a sign to be in need of repair, support, cleaning, repainting or other maintenance, he/she may issue a notice to the sign owner to complete the needed repairs or maintenance.
ii. All sign face panels shall be intact and free from cracks. No sign shall be permitted to exist without an intact face panel. Whenever the Building and Zoning Inspector determines that a sign face is cracked or not intact, he/she may issue a notice to the sign owner to replace the sign face.
iii. If the Building and Zoning Inspector determines that the existing condition of the sign creates an immediate hazard to the public health, safety or welfare, he/she shall issue a notice to the owner requiring the sign to be removed immediately.
(f) Nonconforming Signs.
(1) An existing sign that does not meet the requirements of this Section shall be deemed a nonconforming sign.
(2) A nonconforming sign shall exist and be maintained in accordance with the following:
i. The size and shape of the sign structure shall not be altered, except that sign face panels may be replaced.
ii. If damage occurs to a sign to the extent of sixty percent (60%) or more of either the structure or its replacement cost at the time of destruction, the sign shall be brought into compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(3) A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally relocated or replaced, unless the new sign is in compliance with this Section.
(4) All presently existing nonconforming signs, billboards, and commercial advertising structures may continue to be used for a period of three years from the adoption of this code. No structural alterations may thereafter be made, and the said nonconforming signs, billboards, and commercial advertising structures shall be brought into conformity by removal or relocation three years from the adoption of this code.
(g) Abandon Signs and Sign Faces.
(1) A sign or sign face shall be considered abandoned when:
i. The sign or sign face remains after the discontinuance of a use. A use is considered to be discontinued if it is closed to the public for at least ninety (90) consecutive days.
ii. The sign or sign face is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Section and the owner of the sign has not complied with notices to maintain the reasonable and proper appearance and condition of the sign.
(2) Whenever the Building and Zoning Inspector determines that a sign has been abandoned as defined in this Section, the right to maintain and use such a sign shall terminate immediately. Physical removal of a sign may be accomplished pursuant to the nuisance abatement procedures and ordinances of the Village.
(3) Whenever the Building and Zoning Inspector determines that a sign face is abandoned as defined in this Section but the existing sign conforms to the Zoning Code, he/she may issue a notice to the sign owner to remove the abandoned panel and replace it with a blank. This shall not apply to signs maintained on lots that do not have any existing structure.
(4) Whenever the Building and Zoning Inspector determines that a sign face in a multi-tenant sign is abandoned but other panels on the sign are not abandoned, he or she may issue a notice to the sign owner to remove the abandoned panel and replace it with a blank.
(h) Special Sign Regulations for Gasoline Stations. Gasoline stations present several unique challenges for signage purposes due to industry-wide advertisement of the price of fuels for sale. In order to address these unique challenges, ground signs on lots with gasoline stations shall be permitted to incorporate electronic signage. Exempted ground signs of this type shall be subject to the following special regulations:
(1) The electronic signage shall take up no more than one-third (1/3) of the sign area permitted by this Section.
(2) The electronic signage shall consist of a solid background with only one illuminated color per electronic panel.
(3) Such signs shall be subject to all other sign regulations of this Section, and of the applicable zone or district.
(Ord. 32-2020. Passed 1-19-21.)