Light emitting diode (LED) signs shall be permitted under the following conditions:
(A) Movement, including flashing, scrolling or rotating so as to draw attention are prohibited.
(B) The background of the electronic message area shall be black.
(C) Electronic messages (text and logos) must be static or depicted for a minimum of 8 seconds.
(D) The electronic message area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(E) The electronic message area shall be restricted to the bottom portion of the allowable sign.
(F) Electronic messages (text and logo) shall be of 1 color.
(G) Animated signs, sign that change image signs, video signs or trivision signs shall be prohibited.
(H) The electronic message area shall not have an undue brightness, which shall be defined as 5,000 nits during the day and 500 nits at night.
(I) The owner/user shall reduce the level of brightness if determined by the village that the light levels exceed the levels specified.
(J) The electronic message area shall be programmed to dim and brighten automatically in response to changes in ambient light.
(K) Prior to issuance of a permit for the sign, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer or installer that the light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed the levels specified above.
(L) The electronic message area shall be controlled electronically by a computer or other similar device that has a manual override.
(M) The electronic message area shall be turned off at all times when the business or use that it serves is closed. LED signs may remain on until 11:00 p.m. LED signs that display fuel prices are exempt from this requirement.
(N) The electronic message area shall either freeze or go blank in the event of a malfunction.
(O) LED signs shall only be permitted in CB, CBR-2, RO and I zoning districts, except messages that display fuel prices, which may be permitted in any zoning district where a fuel station is permitted.
(P) LED signs shall only be allowed as freestanding ground signs and shall not be in addition to the number of allowed freestanding signs.
(Q) No LED sign shall be located within 100 feet of a residential use.
(R) LED signs shall only display promotional messages of a good or service that is being offered at the place of business on the particular zoning lot that said sign is located, with the exception of advertisements for community events such as village, park district or other local taxing body sponsored events, and events for local recreation and civic organizations.
(S) Fuel prices on signs at gas stations may be displayed in electronic numbers in lieu of changeable copy numbers.
(T) Signs used to display fuel prices shall be for the exclusive use of the display of fuel prices and may not display any other type of message or advertisement. Signs that display fuel prices may not change until a change in the price of fuel has occurred. The fuel price displayed on an electronic message board sign shall not scroll, move or flash and must be static.
(Ord. 11-6-1851, passed 6-27-2011)