A. Scope Of Regulations: The provisions of this chapter shall govern and control the location, erection, relocation, reconstruction, extension, enlargement, conversion, replacement, alteration, operation, maintenance, and removal of all signs within the Village visible from any street, sidewalk, or public or private common open space, excluding only signs owned or maintained by the Village. Any sign not expressly permitted by these regulations shall be prohibited. The regulations of this chapter relate to the regulation of signs within zoning districts and shall be in addition to the provisions of the Building Code applicable to the construction and maintenance of signs.
B. Statement Of Purpose: The regulation of signs by this chapter is intended to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of this chapter is to:
1. Regulate signs in such a manner that supports and complements land use objectives that are set forth in the Zoning Code, Village Code, and Comprehensive Plan.
2. Ensure that all signs are compatible with regards to size, location, color, construction, materials, and the manner of display.
3. Ensure that signs do not confuse, obstruct traffic vision, nor endanger public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.
C. Applicability: No sign shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, replaced, or altered except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and after issuance of a sign permit by the Village, if required, or in compliance with subsection E of this section permitting signs without the issuance of a permit.
D. General Standards: Except as otherwise expressly provided in subsection E of this section, the following general standards apply to all signs. Any sign not in compliance with these standards shall be immediately corrected or shall be deemed to be in violation of this chapter.
1. Illumination: Signs shall only be permitted to be illuminated in accordance with the following regulations:
a. No sign can be self-illuminated or internally illuminated; provided, however, that a business shall be permitted one internally illuminated "Open" window sign not to exceed one square foot in area.
b. Neon illumination of signs is not permitted.
c. Any illumination of signs shall be constant in intensity and color and there shall be no flashing lights, rotating lights, running lights, or lights that create an illusion of movement.
d. No sign shall be illuminated in such a manner so as to cause confusion with traffic signals or lights or which might constitute a traffic hazard.
e. Any light source that is used to illuminate a sign must be located, shielded, and directed as to not be visible from any point on any surrounding streets, public property, adjacent private property or adjacent structures. All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed so that it illuminates the sign face area only and prevents the casting of glare.
2. Sign Measurement: Unless otherwise expressly provided to the contrary in these regulations, the term "sign area" shall include the gross surface area of each sign with a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign and in no case passing through or between any adjacent elements of the sign. Such a perimeter shall not include any structural or framing elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.
3. Traffic Safety: No sign or sign structure shall be permitted or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape, design, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, or interfere with the views of the vehicular driver, pedestrian, or cyclist. No sign will be permitted that could be confused with any traffic control signal or device. No sign will be permitted where it may interfere, confuse, or mislead traffic movement.
4. Maintenance: The owner of a sign and the owner of the premises on which the sign is located shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain the sign or signs in a clean and sanitary condition, free from rubbish and weeds, and in overall good working order, including illumination sources, at all times.
E. Signs That Do Not Require A Permit: The following permanent and temporary signs may be erected and maintained in any district, unless otherwise provided, without obtaining a sign permit, subject to the following limitations:
1. Small Real Estate Signs:
a. Limitations: Two (2) small real estate signs per property for sale. The maximum size for each real estate sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet, and no such sign shall be illuminated. No real estate sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way or onto private property that is not owned by the party installing or owning the sign.
b. Temporary Small Real Estate Signs: Six (6) temporary real estate signs, which shall include "Open House" signs, shall be permitted per property or per principal structure. The maximum size for each real estate sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet, and no such sign shall be illuminated. Any temporary sign shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours of the open house. No real estate sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way or onto private property that is not owned by the party installing or owning the sign.
2. Residential Nameplates: Two (2) nameplate signs shall be permitted for each dwelling unit in a residential district only. The maximum size for each nameplate sign shall not exceed one hundred forty four (144) square inches in area, and no such sign shall be illuminated.
3. Window Signs: Window signs shall be permitted when located on the interior side of a window. The aggregate area of all such window signs shall not exceed more than ten percent (10%) of the total area of the window. Illuminated window signs shall be permitted, subject to the provisions of this chapter.
4. Seasonal Or Noncommercial Signs: Seasonal or noncommercial signs shall be permitted for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days. The maximum size for such signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)