All exempt and non-exempt signs shall conform to the following standards, except as otherwise provided in this chapter:
(A) Location and placement.
(1) Within public right-of-way. No sign or associated light fixture shall be located within, project into or overhang a public right-of-way, such as a sign upon a tree or utility pole therein, except as otherwise permitted in this chapter.
(2) Obstructions. No sign may obstruct a fire escape, door, window or other entrance or exit way, nor any window surface required for ventilation by any village code.
(3) Traffic hazards. No sign may but reason of location or location and size obstruct the vision of drivers or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic signal or control device.
(4) Proximity to electric wires. No metal sign shall be located within a vertical distance of eight feet, or a horizontal distance of four feet, of electric wires or conductors, even if such wires or conductors are insulated or otherwise protected.
(5) Clearance for metal electrical signs. A minimum sign clearance of one and one-half feet shall be maintained for all metal signs with electrical wiring.
(6) Vision clearance. Any sign located within the VISION CLEARANCE TRIANGLE as defined in § 22.011 shall have a minimum sign clearance of eight feet unless the sign height is two and one-half feet or less.
(B) Illumination.
(1) Bare bulb or flame illumination. Illumination by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited, except that bare bulbs are permitted on changing signs or on theatre marquees.
(2) Projecting light fixtures. Gooseneck reflectors or other arms projecting from the sign mounted with lights to illuminate the sign are permitted on freestanding and wall signs.
(3) Constant illumination. Sign illumination shall be constant in intensity and color.
(4) Non-glaring. The light for any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so as not to cause glare in surrounding properties or in public streets.
(5) Traffic hazards. No direct or reflected light from a light source for an illuminated sign shall create a traffic hazard for operators of motor vehicles.
(C) Sign design.
(1) Resemblance to traffic devices. No sign shall by reason of shape, color, content or use of lighting be similar in appearance to any traffic signal or traffic sign in a way that may interfere with traffic movement or safety.
(2) Obscenity. No sign or display shall contain words or pictures of obscene, indecent or immoral character that offend the public morals and decency of the village.
(3) Permit number. The sign permit number shall be displayed in a conspicuous place on every non-exempt sign.
(D) Construction and maintenance standards.
(1) All signs must be designed and constructed in compliance with the building code, electrical code, and all other applicable codes and ordinances. Conductors for all illuminated signs shall be enclosed in rigid conduit or other approved raceways and shall be controlled with an external disconnect. All sign circuit conduit shall be designed as an integral part of the overall sign and must be concealed from public view.
(2) Wind pressure and dead load requirements. All non-exempt signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of surface area and to receive dead loads as required in the village buildings and building regulations ordinance or other village ordinances.
(3) Structural safety. All non-exempt signs shall be designed and constructed in a safe manner and shall be free of any exposed extra bracing, angle iron, guy wires or cables.
(Ord. 480B, passed 8-21-1953; Ord. 90-O-036, passed 11-8-1990; Ord. 14-O-36, passed 11-14-2014; Ord. 19-O-20, passed 9-17-2019)