(A) Location. All signs must advertise a business or service on the premises upon which the sign is located and to which the sign is accessory, unless otherwise specified herein.
(B) Illumination.
(1) No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means.
(2) The light from illuminated signs shall be directed and shielded in a manner that will not interfere with vehicular traffic or the enjoyment and use of adjacent properties, nor directly shine onto adjacent or abutting properties. Illuminated signs adjacent to residentially zoned or used property shall be designed and maintained such that illumination levels do not exceed 0.1 foot-candle along the adjacent property line. All externally illuminated signs shall have a shielded light fixture.
(3) No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness or color, or which are so constructed and operated as to create an appearance or illusion of writing or printing, except that movement showing the date, the time and the temperature exclusively may be permitted.
(4) Internal illumination shall be permitted under the following circumstances:
(a) Individual back-lit letters which are silhouetted against softly illuminated walls;
(b) Individual letters with translucent faces, containing soft lighting elements inside each letter; and
(c) Metal-faced box signs with cut-out letters and soft-glow fluorescent tubes;
(5) Only indirectly illuminated signs shall be allowed in any residential district.
(6) Internally-illuminated plastic signs with dark-colored detachable letters shall be strictly prohibited in all districts.
(7) Gas-filled light types (fluorescent) shall be allowed for indirect illumination and when placed in such a manner that the tubes are not exposed to view from any point along the roadway or sidewalk.
(8) Rear-illuminated (backlit) awnings are prohibited.
(9) Neon lighting is prohibited outside of the sign structure and shall not be permitted as accent lighting along a building wall or window.
(C) Safety.
(1) All signs shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable building codes, and other applicable ordinances governing construction within the village. In the event of conflict between this chapter and other laws, the most restrictive shall govern.
(2) All signs shall be so placed as to not interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of any official traffic sign or signal; driver vision at any access point or intersection; or pedestrian movement on any public sidewalk.
(3) No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to obstruct firefighting or prevent free access to any door, window, or fire escape.
(D) Landscape quality and preservation. In the application of this chapter, it is the intent to protect the public welfare and to enhance the appearance and economic value of the landscape by providing that signs:
(1) Do not interfere with scenic views;
(2) Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public right-of-way;
(3) Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and continuous property by their brightness, size, height, or movement;
(4) Are not detrimental to land or property values; and
(5) Contribute to the special character of particular areas or districts in the village.
(E) Signs prohibited in all districts.
(1) Roof signs;
(2) Signs containing flashing, intermittent or moving lights, moving or revolving parts, or reflecting parts which may distract drivers. This provision is not intended to exclude those signs which give the time or temperature, provided no other animated messages are displayed;
(3) Signs affixed to trees, rocks, shrubs, or similar natural features, except signs denoting a site of historic significance;
(4) Signs which imitate traffic signals, traffic direction signs, or similar traffic-control devices, and signs which make use of words such as “Stop,” “Look,” “Danger,” or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic;
(5) Temporary signs mounted upon trucks, vans, or other wheeled devices, except for political signs. Signs permanently painted on, or otherwise permanently displayed upon, a vehicle licensed and operating on the public streets and highways, identifying the owner's occupation or livelihood, shall be permitted;
(6) Signs other than those erected by a public agency which are located within or overhang the public right-of-way or on public property, unless otherwise specified herein;
(7) Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public health and safety due to inadequate maintenance; and
(8) Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.
(F) Signs permitted in all districts.
(1) Nameplates not exceeding 2 square feet in size;
(2) Political signs for public office or issues to be determined by election may be erected 45 days prior to an election. The signs shall be erected on private property only and no less than 100 feet from any entrance to a building in which a polling place is located. All signs shall be removed 5 days following Election Day;
(3) Directional signs which indicate the direction of traffic flow on private property. Directional signs shall not exceed 2 square feet in size, shall contain no advertising, and may be illuminated; and
(4) Street numbers.
(Ord. 239, passed 3-5-2001, § 8.2; Am. Ord. 289, passed 6-2-2014) Penalty, see §
151.999