Every sign and street graphic enumerated below that complies with the indicated requirement may be erected in any zoning district of this municipality without a permit. The area of said signs and street graphics shall not be debited against the displaying establishment’s sign and street graphic area allowance.
(A) Construction signs identifying the architects, engineers, contractors, and other individuals or firms involved with the construction, and/or announcing the character or purpose of the building, but not advertising any product. Such signs and street graphics shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, shall be confined to the site of the construction, and shall be removed within 14 days after the project has reached a substantial completion of 90%, but prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy by the city.
(B) Directional and informational signs erected for the convenience of the public, such as signs identifying entrances, exits, parking areas, no parking areas, restrooms, public telephones, walkways, and similar features or facilities. Such signs shall not exceed three square feet in area.
(C) Flags of any country, state, or unit of local government (ILCS Ch. 65, Act 5, § 11-80-17).
(D) Garage sale signs and street graphics advertising a garage or yard sale on private residential property. Such signs and street graphics shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall not be posted for longer than three days and are not allowed to be on street right of way.
(E) Governmental or public signs and street graphics, such as traffic control signs, railroad crossing signs, legal notices, signs indicating the location of underground cables, and the like.
(F) Holiday decorations, including but not limited to Christmas lights and ornaments, provided that such decorations must be removed within a reasonable time after the holiday.
(G) House numbers and/or name of occupant signs located on the lot to which the sign pertains. Such signs shall not exceed three square feet in area for single-family dwellings nor six square feet for multiple family dwellings.
(H) Institutional signs for public, charitable, fraternal, not-for-profit or religious institution. Such signs shall be located on the premises of the institution, shall not obstruct the vision of motorists, and shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(I) Integral signs carved into stone or inlaid so as to become part of the building, and containing such information as date of erection, name of building, and memorial tributes.
(J) Interior signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, provided such signs are not visible from the exterior of said buildings.
(K) Political campaign signs and street graphics announcing candidates seeking public office and/or political issues and other pertinent information. Such signs and street graphics shall be confined to private property. Political campaign signs and street graphics shall not exceed 32 square feet in area in all zoning districts. Political campaign signs and street graphics shall not be displayed more than 45 days prior to, and must be removed within seven days after, the election to which they pertain.
(L) Property regulations signs and street graphics such as no trespassing, no hunting, no fishing, etc; such signs shall not exceed three square feet in area.
(M) Public interest signs and street graphics publicizing a charitable or nonprofit event of general public interest. In any residential district, such signs and street graphics shall not exceed 16 square feet in area; elsewhere, such signs and street graphics shall not exceed 32 square feet. Public interest signs and street graphics shall not be displayed more than 30 days prior to, and must be removed within seven days after, the event to which they pertain.
(N) Real estate signs and street graphics indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which they are located. Such signs on residential property shall not exceed six and one-fourth square feet in area and not more than one real estate sign per street front shall be erected or placed on any lot. On other property, such street graphics shall not exceed 32 square feet, may be positioned in a “V” shape with an interior angle between the faces of not more than 90 degrees with the distance between the street graphics’ faces not exceeding five feet at their closest point. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the sale, rental, or lease.
(O) Residential development identification signs and street graphics at major entrances designed to identify a residential subdivision, apartment complex, or planned unit development; containing no commercial advertising; and not exceeding 40 square feet in area.
(P) Street banners advertising a public entertainment or event. Such banners may be placed in locations approved by the Mayor during the period of 14 days before the event and seven days after the event. (ILCS Ch. 65, Act 5, § 11-80-17).
(Q) Utility company signs and street graphics that serve as an aid to public safety or that show the location of public telephones, underground cables, and the like.
(R) Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.
(S) Armed Forces “yellow ribbon” signs, approved by AMVETS of Metropolis. Such approval shall be provided, in writing, to the Administrative Official. Such signs, honoring veterans whose status is active duty, inactive duty or deceased, shall be attached to utility poles and to no other surface or structure. Sign face shall be 12 inches by 18 inches in size, mounted a minimum of eight feet above grade.
(Ord. 2013-22, passed 11-25-2013)