(A) Purpose And Intent: The purpose of creating tailored sign requirements for the B2 central business district is to recognize the district’s historic and pedestrian character and to preserve the noncommercial character of adjacent residential neighborhoods. The types and sizes permitted reflect the pedestrian character and scale of the Village’s B2 central business district and the desire to provide open views into all storefronts.
(B) Application Of Section: Except as otherwise noted herein, the general provisions of this chapter applicable to all signs within the Village shall apply to signs in the B2 central business district. Where a conflict between general regulations and regulations set forth in this section exists, the regulations of this section shall control.
(C) Sign Placement: All signs requiring a permit shall be located on the premises they are intended to serve. Such signs shall be located pursuant to the following:
1. No sign shall be located within or shall obstruct the public right of way, with the exception that sandwich board signs, projecting/blade signs, feather signs, awnings and canopies shall be permitted to encroach over and on the public sidewalk subject to the requirements of this section. Additionally, feather signs for permittees located in the downtown train station may be placed in the Bloomingbank Road right-of-way on the condition that (a) the feather sign shall not be located more than 25 feet from the primary entrance to the location identified on the permit, (b) the location of the feather sign does not impair the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and (c) the Zoning Administrator, in consultation with Village staff, determines that the location of the feather sign does not present a danger to the public.
2. No sign shall be erected or placed so as to cover or extend across the architectural elements of the building upon which it is located. Such elements include building cornices, sills, windows, doors, portals, projections or recesses greater than six inches (6") in depth, or piers, pilasters, columns, arches, fascia and decorative brickwork and window mullions.
(D) Prohibited Signs: In addition to Section 4-3-5 of this chapter, the following signs are prohibited in the B2 central business district:
1. Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fascia, parapet or chimney of a building or on a fence.
2. Inflatable images such as balloons, beer cans, etc.
3. Pole signs.
4. Facelit internally illuminated individual letter signs.
5. Internally illuminated monument or pylon signs.
6. Signs that project more than twelve inches (12") from the face of a building with the exception of feather signs, projecting/blade signs and signs located on a canopy or awning subject to the requirements of this section.
7. Box signs.
8. Internally illuminated window signs with the exception of neon window signs subject to the requirements of this section.
9. Electronic reader board signs.
10. Any other sign type not specifically listed in this section or in Section 4-3-4 of this chapter.
(E) Exempt Signs: The following types of signs are designated exempt signs in the B2 district and, as such, are subject only to the regulations contained herein:
1. Nameplates, not to exceed one (1) square foot in area.
2. Address numbers, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area.
3. Public information signs identifying telephones, restrooms and similar facilities, not to exceed two (2) square feet. Advertising matter is not permitted on such signs. This category does not include parking or driveway signs.
4. Federal, state or local governmental flags, not exceeding two (2) flags, twenty-four (24) square feet in area per flag. Additionally, the height of flagpoles shall not exceed thirty feet (30'), except in the public use zone where there shall be no height limit.
5. Parking control signs not exceeding a surface area of four (4) square feet and a height of three and one-half feet (31/2').
(F) Temporary Signs: Except for feather signs, temporary signs shall be permitted in the B2 central business district without a sign permit, subject to the provisions of this section.
1. Real Estate Signs: Availability signs such as “For Sale”, “Vacancy” or “For Rent” are permitted on the lot where the real estate activity or transaction will occur. Such signs:
(a) Shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.
(b) Shall be located upon or within any building or portion of building occupied, or to be occupied, by any single business enterprise.
2. Construction Signs: Construction signs may not exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area. One (1) construction sign may be placed on each part of the lot or on each face of the building which borders a public street. A construction sign shall not be erected before construction starts, and it shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the use commences or construction is completed, whichever occurs first. A temporary sign shall be no closer than ten feet (10') from the paved portion of any street or back of curb where no sidewalk is present.
3. Event Signs: Event signs may not exceed a maximum size of six (6) square feet in area, or covering all portions of an existing permitted sign, whichever is greater, and must be located on the premises of the event, excluding any residential use. An event sign shall be promptly removed within seven (7) days after the date of the event.
4. Holiday Decorations: Holiday decorations displayed in connection with civic, patriotic or religious holidays.
5. Political Signs: Political signs or posters announcing candidates seeking public political office and/or public issues contained on a ballot. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size, shall not be illuminated in any manner, shall not be affixed to any public utility, pole, tree or natural object, nor be located within a public right-of-way, nor create a safety or sight distance problem.
6. Temporary Window Signs:
(a) Area Of Temporary Window Signs: Except as otherwise provided above, one or more temporary window signs may be displayed on each window of the premises, but the total area of all temporary window signs in any one (1) window shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of that window, except that grocery stores shall be permitted temporary window signs not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the area of the window.
(b) Area Of All Temporary And Permanent Signs: When temporary signs are utilized, the combined area of all temporary and permanent window signs in any one window shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the area of that window, except that grocery stores shall be permitted to have combined permanent and temporary window signs not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the area of the window. For the purposes of this section, window sign area only separated by mullions counts as one continuous windowpane in the computation of window surface area.
(c) Time Limit: Except as otherwise specified herein, temporary window signs in the B2 district shall be displayed no more than thirty (30) days after placement, after which time they must either be removed or replaced.
7. Temporary Business Identification Signs in the B2 zoning districts:
(a) Temporary business identification signs require a sign permit and are limited to:
(1) Replacement of an existing business sign face;
(2) Digitally printed vinyl panel.
(3) Flat cutout sign panel.
(4) Digitally printed ACM panel.
(b) A temporary business identification sign must adhere to the standards for placement and size for wall and window signs in the subject zoning district.
(c) A temporary business identification sign permit is valid for tenants with leases for six (6) months or less. All such signs shall be removed from the premises within twenty-four (24) hours after the expiration of the permit. The Zoning Administrator may grant one (1), six (6) month extension for temporary business identification signs, after which all signs shall be determined to be permanent and shall comply with all applicable sign regulations in this chapter.
(d) All temporary signs shall be installed by licensed sign contractor.
(G) Additional Standards:
1. Changeable Copy: Changeable copy may be installed on the following types of signs pursuant to all the provisions and restrictions set forth below:
(a) Directory Sign: A directory sign may contain changeable copy, if located within the signable area of the building wall and within six feet (6') of the building entrance door. Letters within the sign shall be no more than four inches (4") in height.
(b) Reader Board Sign: Changeable copy shall be permitted as part of a government, civic, or other not-for-profit identification or information sign whether installed as a monument or wall sign. Letters within the sign shall be no more than four inches (4") in height. However, electronic reader board signs are prohibited.
2. Illumination:
(a) Limitations: Illuminated signs shall be limited to the following:
(1) Enclosed exterior floodlighting using white or daylight gooseneck type lamps.
(2) Neon signs that conform with the sign area requirements for window signs.
(3) Individual silhouette illuminated letters. The remaining surface of the sign shall be opaque, and shall not emit light.
(b) Protrusion: Any receptacle or device used to provide external illumination for a wall sign shall not protrude more than twelve inches (12") from the face of the sign.
(c) Level Of Illumination: No illuminated sign may exceed a maximum luminance level of seven hundred fifty (750) cd/m2 or nits during evening. All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed as to illuminate only the sign face or faces and to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent property or streets.
(d) Hours Of Illumination: No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of twelve thirty o’clock (12:30) A.M. and five o’clock (5:00) A.M., unless and to the extent that the activity displaying the sign is open for business during those hours. The Zoning Administrator is authorized to grant an exemption from these provisions to any activity in which illumination of signs during the hours otherwise proscribed is necessary or desirable for the security and safety of the activity or for the property.
(e) Voltage Plate: All signs in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall have affixed thereon a plate showing the voltage of the electrical apparatus used in connection with the sign. This voltage plate shall face away from public view and right of way.
(H) Permitted Signs:
FIGURE 12: PERMITTED SIGNS
TABLE 1
B2 ZONING DISTRICT SIGN STANDARDS1
B2 ZONING DISTRICT SIGN STANDARDS1
Sign Type | Maximum Number | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | |
Sign Type | Maximum Number | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | |
Total combined sign area shall not exceed 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of zoning lot frontage. | ||||
Primary signs: | ||||
Wall sign | 1 sign per business Corner properties may have 2 primary signs | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage not to exceed 25 sq. ft. for individual letter signs2 or 18 sq. ft. for nameplate signs | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is lower | |
Monument/pylon sign3 | 16 sq. ft. | 5' | ||
Window sign | Ground floor businesses: 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage not to exceed 25 sq. ft. Upper story businesses: 6 sq. ft., lettering not to exceed 7" in height | Ground floor businesses: no maximum height Upper story businesses: lower 1/3 of window only | ||
Awning/canopy sign | 25% of surface area of awning/canopy not to exceed 6 sq. ft. | Permitted on first floor only, minimum 8'6" clearance | ||
Directory wall signs | 1 sign for upper story office uses only | 12 sq. ft. | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is lower | |
Secondary signs: | ||||
Window sign | 1 sign per business Corner properties may have 2 secondary signs | Ground floor businesses only: 10% of window surface area not to exceed 6 sq. ft. | No maximum height | |
Awning/canopy sign | Edge lettering only, not to exceed 7" in height | Permitted on first floor only, minimum 8'6" clearance | ||
Additional signs: | ||||
Projecting/Blade signs | 1 sign | 6 sq. ft., not to exceed 3' in length | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is less; minimum 8' 6" clearance | |
Rear wall signs | 1 sign | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage not to exceed 25 sq. ft.2 | No maximum height | |
Notes:
1. Additional standards for the signs listed herein are located in this subsection (H).
2. Single tenant buildings with more than 40 feet of building frontage or multiuse buildings with a single tenant encompassing the entire first floor with more than 40 feet of building frontage maximum area for individual letter wall signs shall not exceed 75 square feet.
3. Monument/pylon signs shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from any property line.
1. Amount Of Signage: Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section establishes the number of permanent signs permitted along with the maximum sign area and height for properties in the B2 zoning district and Figure 12 of this section illustrates the sign requirements for the B2 district. Permitted sign types are listed below:
(a) Primary Sign Types: As specified in Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section and as follows:
(1) Identification signs, installed as a wall, window, monument, pylon, canopy or awning sign as follows and subject to the regulations of this section:
A. A window sign as a primary sign shall only be allowed in instances where a wall sign would negatively impact the character of the building or there are architectural features that would be negatively impacted by a wall sign.
B. A canopy or awning sign as a primary sign shall only be allowed in instances where a wall sign would negatively impact the character of the building or there are architectural features that would be negatively impacted by a wall sign.
C. An identification sign installed as a monument or pylon sign shall only be permitted subject to subsection (H)6 of this section.
(2) Directory signs may be used as primary signs to identify upper story office uses. Such signs shall be installed as a wall sign, not to exceed twelve (12) square feet, and located within six feet (6') of the doorway serving such uses. Such signs may include changeable copy.
(b) Secondary Sign Types: As specified in Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section and as follows:
(1) Permanent window signs, subject to the regulations of this section.
(2) Canopy or awning signs subject to the regulations of this section.
(c) Additional Signs: As specified in Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section and as follows:
(1) Projecting/Blade Signs: Every business establishment shall be permitted one double sided blade or projecting sign pursuant to the following:
A. Such signs shall conform to the blade sign regulations of this section.
B. Such signs shall only be permitted if the business’s other signs are in conformance with the regulations of this chapter.
(2) Rear Wall Signs: In addition, any business establishment with a rear wall facing the railroad right of way shall be permitted one additional wall sign on the wall facing the railroad right of way pursuant to the following:
A. Such signs shall conform to the wall sign regulations of this section.
B. Such signs shall be permitted to be mounted on the second story facade so as to be visible from the railroad right of way.
C. Such signs shall only be permitted if the business’s other signs are in conformance with the regulations of this chapter.
D. Such signs shall only be permitted if the building in which the business is located meets the zoning ordinance regulations for screening of trash dumpsters and parking lot landscaping.
(3) Temporary Signs: Temporary signs shall be permitted pursuant to subsection (F) of this section, and temporary banner signs and portable sandwich board signs subject to this section.
2. Wall Signs: As specified in Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section and as follows:
(a) Size: See Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section.
(b) Location: Permitted wall signs shall be located and designed subject to the following criteria:
(1) Location On Building Facade: A wall sign cannot be located above the cornice line or second floor window line of a building, whichever is lower.
(2) Street Frontage Orientation: All wall signs shall be oriented to face the street, off street parking area or public alley by being mounted on the building facade generally parallel to the street, off street parking area or public alley. Where a property is located on a corner lot, signs may be provided on both streets.
(3) Dual Street Frontage Orientation: When a building on a corner lot has a facade oriented to the corner, a wall sign may be placed on two (2) of the three (3) facades, as illustrated in Figure 13
FIGURE 13:
DUAL STREET FRONTAGE:
DUAL STREET FRONTAGE:
One sign each may be permitted on two of the three building façades.
(c) Projection: A wall sign shall project no farther than twelve inches (12") from the wall on which it is mounted.
(d) Design Standards: Wall signs shall either be an individual letter sign or a nameplate sign and shall comply with the following design and fabrication criteria:
(1) Individual letter signs shall be pin set or otherwise applied directly to the face of the storefront.
(2) Nameplate signs may only be externally illuminated.
(3) Illumination shall be either external or silhouette (halo type) for individual letter signs. The front and side of letters and graphics shall be opaque.
(4) Exposed raceways, exposed transformers and visible sign company labels are prohibited.
FIGURE 14:
EXAMPLES OF PERMITTED WALL SIGNS
EXAMPLES OF PERMITTED WALL SIGNS
3. Window Signs: As specified in Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section and as follows:
(a) Window Sign As Primary Sign:
(1) Upper Story Businesses: Businesses whose only windows are above the first story of a building may display one permanent window sign in one window.
(2) Ground Floor Businesses: A ground floor business may display, as its primary sign, one permanent window sign.
(b) Window Sign As Secondary Sign: Ground floor businesses may also display a window sign as a secondary sign. The placement and design of window signs shall, in addition to all other requirements of this section, be subject to the following:
(1) Location Of Permanent Window Signs: A permanent window sign must be located on the window and be contained totally within a single window. A sign will also be considered as a window sign if it is located within six feet (6') inside the window. No window display located within six feet (6') of the window may be maintained which has the effect of circumventing the intent of this subsection, window signs as a secondary sign. If material purporting to be a window display has such effect, it shall be deemed to be a temporary window sign and not a window display.
(2) Total Area Of Permanent Window Signs: Permanent window signs cannot exceed the above size limitations for primary and secondary window signs.
4. Canopy And Awning Signs: As specified in Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section and as follows:
(a) Canopy And Awning Signs As Primary Signs: Canopies and awnings may constitute a primary sign for a business unless it displays an identification sign installed as a wall or window sign.
(b) Canopy And Awning Signs As Secondary Signs: Any business may display edge lettering on a canopy or awning as a secondary sign in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(c) Location Requirements:
(1) No portion of a canopy or awning may extend more than five feet (5') from the building facade, nor more than five feet (5') into the public right of way.
(d) Design Standards: Canopy and awning signs shall comply with the following design and fabrication criteria:
(1) Canopies and awnings shall be a solid color.
(2) All graphics and lettering must be monochromatic.
5. Blade Signs: As specified in Table 1, “B2 Zoning District Sign Standards”, of this section and as follows: Every business establishment shall be permitted one double sided blade sign consistent with the examples shown in Figure 15 of this section and subject to the following:
(a) The sign shall not project more than forty two inches (42") from the vertical plane of the facade to which it is affixed and shall have no less than six inches (6") of clearance between the sign and the facade to which it is affixed.
(b) The sign shall not be located above the cornice line or second floor window line of a building, whichever is lower.
(c) The lowest portion of the sign shall be a minimum of eight feet (8') above the finished grade.
(d) The sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area, three feet (3') in length, nor six inches (6") in thickness.
(e) Blade signs shall consist of a single panel attached to a metal decorative bracket. Formed plastic and injection molded plastic signs are prohibited.
(f) Blade signs, including frames, braces, and supports shall be designed by a structural engineer or manufacturer. No blade sign shall be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails nor shall any blade sign be hung or secured to any other sign. Any movable part of a blade sign such as the cover of a service opening shall be securely fastened by chains or hinges. Blade signs shall neither be attached to, nor supported by, frame buildings nor the wooden framework of a building.
(g) Such signs shall only be located on the frontage of the establishment that the sign identifies, except for second floor businesses which may install a blade sign on the first floor provided it is located no closer than six feet (6') to any other blade sign on the same building and the location has been approved by the building owner.
(h) Such signs shall only be affixed to a wall facing a public street, except for second floor businesses which may install a blade sign within six feet (6') of the doorway serving said business.
(i) Such signs shall be located a minimum of six feet (6') from any other blade sign on the same building.
(j) Such signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(k) Such signs must be securely mounted.
(l) The sign shall not contain changeable copy.
(m) The sign shall be permitted to encroach over a public right of way.
FIGURE 15:
EXAMPLES OF PERMITTED BLADE SIGNS
EXAMPLES OF PERMITTED BLADE SIGNS
6. Monument And Pylon Signs:
(a) Monument Signs As A Primary Sign: Because new buildings are required to be built to the street, freestanding signs should not be necessary on most sites. However, a monument or pylon sign may constitute a primary sign for a business subject only to site plan review by the planning and zoning commission. A monument or pylon sign shall not be approved by the planning and zoning commission unless the commission determines that a wall sign is insufficient for identification of the business from the nearest public street.
(b) Design Standards: All pylon signs must be constructed of wood or simulated wood. All monument or pylon signs shall be located in a landscaped area that is a minimum of three feet (3') in width on all sides.
(c) Landscape Requirements: Landscape material shall be installed around the base of monument signs. The width of the landscaped area shall be a minimum of three feet (3') around the entire base.
7. Temporary Banners: Temporary banners announce the opening of a business or special event on the premises located within the B2 district. Such a sign may be displayed for not more than seven (7) days from the date on which the activity commences, and shall not exceed the requirements applicable for an identification wall sign at the location. Temporary banners shall be adequately secured to the building at all times. Temporary banners shall not be placed on top of an existing box, pole, or monument sign.
8. Portable Sandwich Board Signs: One sandwich board sign shall be permitted for each storefront subject to the following:
(a) Height: No sandwich board sign shall exceed four feet (4') in height and six (6) square feet in area.
(b) During Business Hours: A sandwich board sign may only be displayed during business hours and shall be removed at any time the business is not open.
(c) Pedestrian Area: The sign shall not interfere with any pedestrian area or block necessary sight lines for pedestrians or vehicles. Under no circumstances shall the sign reduce the open portion of public and private sidewalks to less than five feet (5') clear of all obstructions.
(d) Weight: The sandwich board sign shall be of sufficient weight or design to prevent its movement in the wind.
(e) Location: The sandwich board sign shall be located in front of the business to which it is associated.
(f) Design Standards: Sandwich board signs shall comply with the following design and fabrication criteria:
(1) Sandwich board signs shall be constructed of wood or metal.
(2) Sandwich board signs shall have two (2) sides and be open at the bottom and joined at the top.
(3) Changeable copy shall not be permitted except for chalkboard or dry erase typefaces utilized for handwritten messages.
FIGURE 16:
EXAMPLES OF SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS
EXAMPLES OF SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS
(Ord. 2874, 4-16-2015; amd. Ord. 2899, 2-4-2016; Ord. 4048, 2-16-2023; Ord. 4088, 2-15-2024)