A. Signs To Conform: It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person to erect, raise, move, reconstruct, enlarge, alter, place or maintain a sign in Kane County except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
B. Nonconforming Signs: A nonconforming sign shall not be reconstructed, raised, moved, placed, extended, or enlarged unless such sign is changed so as to conform to the provisions of this chapter. Alterations shall also mean the changing of the text or message that the sign is conveying from one use of the premises to another use of the premises and the changing of ownership of the sign when such ownership necessitates a change in the text or message of the sign. Alterations shall not be interpreted to include changing the text or copy of off premises advertising signs, theater signs, outdoor bulletin, or other similar signs which are designed to accommodate changeable copy.
C. Signs Not To Constitute A Traffic Hazard: Signs or other advertising structures shall not be erected at the intersection of any streets or driveways in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision. This includes any location where by reason of the position, shape or color of a sign may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign or signal device. Such signs shall not make use of the words "stop", "danger", or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse vehicle operators. (Ord. 2013-5, 8-12-2013, eff. 8-27-2013)
D. Clear Vision Of Intersecting Streets: No sign shall be erected in a manner that will interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic or any intersection, traffic and other public signs.
E. Signs On Public Property: No sign regulated by this chapter shall be located on publicly owned land or inside street rights of way except signs required and erected by an authorized public agency. This stipulation includes, but is not limited to, handbills, posters, advertisements, or notices that are fastened, placed, posted, painted or attached in any way upon any curbstone, lamppost, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, tree, rock, sidewalk, or street. (Ord. 2014-1, 1-27-2014, eff. 2-11-2014)
F. Prohibited Signs: Signs not specifically allowed by this chapter are prohibited. In addition, the following signs are specifically prohibited:
1. Abandoned signs;
2. A-frame signs;
3. Snipe signs;
4. Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign;
5. Signs containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character.
G. Maintenance: All signs shall be properly maintained. Exposed surfaces shall be clean and painted if paint is required. Defective parts shall be replaced. Signs relating to a product no longer available for purchase, or to a business which has moved, shall be removed or the advertising copy removed within thirty (30) days of such unavailability, closure or relocation.
H. Ownership: The imprint of the sign owner and sign erector of all signs shall be in plain and public view.
I. Lighting: No illuminated sign shall be installed which permits the direct or undiffused light to penetrate beyond the sign in such a manner as to interfere with the use of adjacent properties. Sign illumination shall be by internal illumination or by attached shielded lighting. Any such lights alleged to violate the above shall be subject to a public hearing before the land use authority as to the validity of the alleged violation. Such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in chapter 3 of this title.
J. Indemnification: All persons involved in the maintenance, installation, alteration, or relocation of signs in Kane County shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify Kane County, its officers, agents, and employees, against any and all claims of negligence resulting from such work insofar as this chapter has not specifically directed the placement of a sign. (Ord. 2013-5, 8-12-2013, eff. 8-27-2013)