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(A) To encourage higher quality of design and increased effectiveness of graphics in the Village of Romeoville, the village will reward the use of certain design features and criteria by permitting the property owner to increase the area of a sign if any of the following design criteria are employed. Such bonuses shall be granted cumulatively for compliance with each of the criterion, up to a maximum of 50%. The percentage increase shall be based on the original permitted maximum sign area.
(1) Twenty-five percent bonus for preparation of a Comprehensive Sign Plan for a lot having more than one principal building or more than one tenant in the principal building. The Comprehensive Sign Plan shall specify the standards for consistency among all signs on the lot with regard to color, lettering or graphic style, illumination, decorative lighting, materials, location of signs on the building(s) and on the lot, and dimensions of signs.
(2) Fifteen percent bonus for any sign using natural material in the construction of the sign surface area.
(3) Fifteen percent bonus for any freestanding sign which utilizes an opaque or non-illuminated background sign surface.
(4) Ten percent bonus for any wall sign if the background color matches the color of the building material behind the sign.
(B) Signs erected under the bonus provisions contained in this section shall be adequately and continuously maintained, including landscaping as provided herein, by the owner and such successors and assigns as benefit from the bonus provisions in this section.
(Ord. 15-1190, passed 9-16-15; Am. Ord. 22-1794, passed 9-21-22)
In addition to the foregoing, the following signs shall be permitted subject to the following:
(A) Gasoline stations, service stations and mini-marts. Each gasoline station, service station or mini-mart shall be allowed:
(1) One freestanding development sign per street frontage. Gasoline price signs shall be integrated into the development sign but not included in the calculation of allowable square footage. Price signs may be digital.
(2) One business sign per pump island, the total area of which shall not exceed two square feet per gasoline pump and no such sign may be located more than eight feet above grade. This sign may advertise products and goods sold at the station premises and can be an electronic screen incorporated into the design of the pump. For the purposes of this section, a pump is the above ground equipment used to dispense and measure multiple grades of gasoline for full-service or self-service use of the customer and may have one or more pump nozzles attached thereto for dispensing fuel to up to two cars at one time.
(3) Identification signs at each pump island, the total area of which shall not exceed six square feet per gasoline pump island, and no such sign.
(4) Business and identification signs located at the pump island shall not be illuminated, unless the sign being incorporated is an electronic screen and such screen cannot be read past the property line.
(5) For the purpose of this section, a pump island shall mean one or more pumps arranged in a row. More than one pump island may be located under a protective canopy or other roof-like structure.
(6) No gas station signs may be displayed except with a valid sign permit.
(B) Motor vehicle and recreational vehicle dealership. Each such dealership shall be allowed a second freestanding development sign only if the lot is used for both new and pre-owned vehicles, or if two or more makes or product lines are offered for sale on the same lot. No more than two such signs shall be allowed: one identifying the new vehicle product line, and one identifying pre-owned vehicles or the sale of a second vehicle product line. Each sign shall otherwise conform to the height, area and location requirements, herein.
(C) Grand opening signs. A grand opening sign may be displayed only within six months of issuance of an occupancy certificate. Any combination of portable and temporary signs shall be permitted for grand-opening or grand re-opening celebrations, not to exceed three such signs and subject to the following:
(1) Permit required. No grand opening sign may be displayed except with a valid sign permit.
(2) Portable signs:
(a) Number. No more than one portable sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(b) Location. Portable signs shall comply with all location requirements for freestanding signs, with the exception that portable signs may be located closer than 100 feet from a freestanding sign.
(c) Sign area. The area of a portable sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(d) Illumination. Portable signs may be illuminated subject to the standards in § 159.124.
(3) Temporary signs:
(a) Number. A maximum of one temporary sign shall be displayed on the premises.
(b) Sign area. No temporary sign attached to a freestanding sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height. No temporary sign attached to a wall, canopy, or awning shall exceed 60 square feet in area and shall conform to the sign display area limits for such freestanding, wall, or window.
(c) Location. Temporary signs shall comply with all location requirements for awning, canopy, freestanding, and wall signs.
(d) Illumination. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(4) Duration of display:
(a) No portable and/or temporary sign(s) used for advertising a grand opening of a new business shall be displayed for more than one period of time not exceeding 30 consecutive days within a calendar year and shall be displayed only within six months of new occupancy of a building or tenant space.
(b) All portable and temporary signs used for advertising a grand opening of a new business or a business anniversary shall be displayed simultaneously.
(c) Portable signs may be displayed only for grand-(re)opening promotions or business anniversaries.
(D) Advertising signs. In addition to the terms and conditions of the special use permit, advertising signs shall comply with the following:
(1) Permit required. Advertising signs shall only be permitted in the zoning districts where such signs are identified as a special use.
(2) Number. Not more than one advertising sign per street frontage per lot shall be permitted.
(3) Area and height. The area and height of advertising signs shall not exceed the maximum specified for freestanding signs in § 159.127(C).
(4) Distance to residential lots. No advertising sign shall be located closer than 100 yards to a residential zoning lot.
(5) Distance between signs. No advertising sign shall be located closer than 100 feet to another freestanding sign.
(6) Setback. No advertising signs shall be located closer than ten feet to any right-of-way line or closer than 75 feet to any side lot line.
(7) Advertising signs shall be permitted only on unimproved property.
(8) Advertising signs shall be removed at such time the lot on which they are located is improved.
(9) Advertising signs shall not be illuminated.
(E) Marquee sign.
(1) Marquees shall be designed and specified by a registered structural engineer or registered architect and shall be subject to approval by the Romeoville building official.
(2) Marquees shall be supported solely by the building to which they are attached; no columns or posts shall be permitted as supports. Marquees shall be designed to provide unobstructed flow of pedestrian traffic along any sidewalk.
(3) No marquee shall project within two feet of the curb of any street, alley or driveway.
(F) Model home signs. For the purpose of this section, a model home sales area shall mean one or more lots or dwellings arranged, developed and displayed in such a manner as to showcase on a temporary basis various dwelling styles, features, exteriors, and other design options to the general public, and at least one such model home or a temporary structure may be used for sales presentations, consultations and displays for prospective purchasers. A model home sales area shall provide accessory off-street parking, and may include model homes for sale by more than one builder. A model home sales area is usually located in the same recorded subdivision as the lot(s) on which the dwellings are to be constructed. Model homes may be furnished and decorated.
(1) Master Sign Plan required. A Master Sign Plan for model home sales areas shall be provided by the builder and/or subdivider. The Master Sign Plan shall specify the standards for consistency among all signs in the model home sales area and subdivision, if applicable, with regard to color, lettering or graphic style, illumination, decorative lighting, materials, location of signs on the building(s) and in the model home sales area and subdivision, and dimensions of all signs, subject to the following:
(a) Model home sales area identification sign:
1. Number. One freestanding sign identifying the model home sales area shall be permitted.
2. Location. The freestanding model home sales area identification sign shall be located in the model home area it is identifying.
3. Height. The freestanding model home sales area identification sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
4. Sign area. The maximum area of the model home area identification sign shall be 64 square feet, provided that if the model home sales area consists of two or less adjacent lots or buildings, or the recorded subdivision has a development gateway sign(s), said freestanding sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(b) Temporary signs. Temporary signs may be displayed in a model home sales area subject to the requirements of this subchapter. In addition, flags, banners, pennants and streamers may be displayed in a model home sales area provided same are kept in good appearance.
(c) Additional model home sales area signs. Signs identifying individual model homes, manufacturers, suppliers, builders or sponsors shall be permitted provided the total area of such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet per model home and no individual sign shall exceed six square feet in area and six feet in height. Said signs may be freestanding or wall signs.
(d) Subdivision directional signage. Signs directing customers to the site of the subdivision or model home. Signs may be located on-site or off-premise with the permission of the property owner. Signs may be no more than 15 square feet in area and three feet in height. No more than three such signs shall be permitted per subdivision. If located off-premise, no more than one such sign shall be located on any individual property. A maximum of two off-site signs are allowed per intersection of public streets. Off-site signs shall be a minimum of 1,000 feet from one another. Signs shall be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to approve the materials and to order the sign removed at any time if it is deemed to be in disrepair. The duration of display shall be subject to division (F)(3) of this section except that applications for off-site signs must be submitted prior to February 1, 2010.
(2) Illumination. Model home sales area signs may be illuminated subject to the standards in § 159.124.
(3) Duration of display. The model home sales area sign shall be displayed as long as the model home(s) is(are) open to the general public and are actively marketed. In no instance shall such signs be displayed continuously for more than two years. The Village Board may grant extensions of time for no more than one year for each request by the subdivider.
(4) Permit required. No model home sales area signs shall be displayed except with a valid sign permit.
(G) Directional signs. Signs which direct or regulate the movement of pedestrians or vehicles into or within a site, shall comply with the following:
(1) No directional sign shall be displayed except with a valid sign permit;
(2) No more than one such sign is displayed per driveway intersection;
(3) In M-1, M-2, and P-B zoning districts, the sign area may be a maximum of 12 square-feet and the sign may be a maximum of six feet tall. In all other zoning districts, the sign does not exceed six square feet in area or three feet in height from finished grade for freestanding signs or eight feet in height from finished grade for wall signs; and
(4) No more than 10% of the area of the sign is used to advertise any business, product or service provided on the lot.
(H) Political signs in non-residential zoning districts. Signs or posters announcing or describing candidates seeking a public office at a particular election or announcing or describing political issues and data pertinent to a specific election thereto shall be permitted. Such signs shall be permitted according to the following:
(1) Public rights-of-way. None allowed.
(2) Private property. Not to exceed 16 square feet.
(a) Signs or posters relating to such candidates for office shall be “free standing” only.
(b) These signs cannot be attached to any utility poles, traffic control devices, street signs or street lights.
(c) Signs cannot be placed so as to interfere with visibility or cause a traffic hazard.
(d) Signs shall be posted no more than 60 days prior to an election.
(e) The signs or posters must be removed by the person who placed them or caused them to be placed within ten days following the election, or when mutilated, damaged, or unreadable, whichever comes first.
(3) Political signs/posters are of a temporary nature and shall not be illuminated by any type of artificial lighting sources; i.e. flood light, porch light, Christmas lights or lights that cast light onto the sign/poster placed by individuals, and not exclusive of street lights, traffic lights or existing lighting prior to the sign being placed on the property.
(4) No political sign/poster shall be placed on any property or right-of-way owned by the Village of Romeoville except as allowed by Section 7-41 of the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/7-41).
(I) Temporary signs. All temporary signs, defined herein, except grand-opening signs, shall comply with the following standards unless otherwise stated:
(1) No temporary sign may be displayed except with a valid sign permit.
(2) No temporary sign shall be located upon any easement or right-of-way.
(3) No temporary sign shall be located in such a way as to pose a traffic hazard.
(4) All temporary signs shall be located entirely on the property being served by the sign.
(5) All temporary signs shall comply with all other applicable regulations regarding the use and placement of such signs.
(6) All temporary signs shall be removed within 24 hours after the expiration of the authorization date, or if, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, the sign becomes damaged or poses an immediate danger to the general health, safety, and welfare of the community.
(7) Inflatable devices. Any cold air inflatable device, including balloons, identifying a sale or promotional event for a business or a non-profit entity shall be considered a temporary sign. In addition to the standards for temporary signs set forth herein, such cold air inflatable devices:
(a) Shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
(b) Shall not exceed 15 feet in diameter.
(c) Shall not be located on the roof of a building or atop any other structure.
(d) Shall be securely anchored to the ground.
(J) Bank drive-through and ATM signs. Signs which advertise special events, services, or promotional campaigns occurring on the bank premises, shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Advertising signage at each drive-through and ATM shall not exceed two square feet in area and no such sign may be located more than six feet above grade. This sign may advertise products and services offered, or special events occurring on the bank premises. Said sign can be an electronic screen incorporated into the design of the drive-through or ATM that cannot be read past the property line.
(K) Permanent residential development entrance signs. Each subdivision located on ten or more acres shall be permitted to install entryway signage at entrances off major or secondary arterials, or major collector as defined by § 159.003 and the Village of Romeoville Master Transportation Plan, and shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Location. Signs are only permitted in easements or out lots specifically designed or designated for such structure. No residential development entrance sign shall be located in the sight triangle as described in § 159.124.
(2) Height. No residential development entrance sign shall exceed five feet in height.
(3) Sign area. The maximum area of each sign shall be 32 square feet.
(4) Materials. The façade of the residential development entrance sign shall be installed on a masonry base and/or framed by masonry columns. Any lettering, ornaments or other graphics on the structure must be constructed of stone or brick, wrought iron, anodized aluminum or engraved into a quality hardwood like redwood or cedar.
(5) Landscaping. The residential development entrance sign shall be located in a landscaped area. Said landscape area shall be landscaped appropriately so as to be equally attractive in winter and summer.
(6) Illumination. The freestanding residential development sign shall not be internally illuminated.
(L) Message board/dynamic display/digital signs. A dynamic display sign or digital sign is allowed as a message board.
(1) Maximum dynamic display sign area. The dynamic display portion of the sign may not exceed 50% of the total sign area allowed. The dynamic display element is incorporated into the sign’s total area. The remainder of the sign may not have the capability to have dynamic display even if not used. Only one, contiguous dynamic display is allowed on a sign face.
(2) General regulations. The following regulations apply to all message board/dynamic display or digital signs:
(a) The images and messages displayed on a dynamic display must have a minimum dwell time of at least ten seconds and may not contain any movement, animation, audio, video, pyrotechnics or other special effects.
(b) The transition or change from one message to another must occur in one second or less and involve no animation or special effects.
(c) The images and messages displayed must be complete in and of themselves within the required dwell time.
(d) Dynamic displays must be equipped with a default mechanism that freezes the display in one position or presents a static or blank display if a malfunction occurs.
(e) Dynamic displays may not have a brightness of such intensity or brilliance that they impair the vision or endanger the safety and welfare of any pedestrian, cyclist or person operating a motor vehicle.
(f) Dynamic displays must be equipped with a light detector/photocell that automatically adjusts the display’s brightness according to natural ambient light conditions.
(g) The maximum brightness level of a dynamic display may not exceed 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours or 250 nits between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, as those times are determined by the National Weather Service (Actual Time). Brightness must be measured from the brightest element of the sign’s face. Before the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant must provide written clarification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset so that it will not exceed 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter).
1. For the purpose of verifying compliance with maximum brightness level requirements, the Zoning Administrator will measure brightness levels with the dynamic display sign set to run full white copy with a luminance meter positioned at a location perpendicular to the sign face center. When taking the luminance reading, the sign face must be the only subject visible in the viewfinder.
2. If the measurement is more than the maximum allowed, the brightness level is in violation of the ordinance and must be adjusted downward. Failure to make such adjustments may result in other available enforcement actions to be taken by the village.
(h) Regulations governing dynamic displays are subject to ongoing monitoring and future modification in the exercise of the village’s police powers. No vested right is ever created in an existing dynamic display. If regulations governing operational aspects of dynamic displays (i.e. dwell time, transitions, illumination/brightness, etc.) are modified by the village, sign owners and operators are required to bring dynamic display advertising signs into compliance with all applicable dynamic display regulations.
1. Proposals for dynamic displays must be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department for compliance with all applicable building, safety and electrical code. Applications must include appropriate documentation from an Illinois licensed design professional of the sign structure’s ability to accommodate the dynamic display technology.
(i) A freestanding sign with a dynamic display incorporated into the sign must not be closer than 500 feet to any other dynamic display sign.
(M) I-55 Corridor freestanding business identification signs. A larger freestanding sign shall be allowed with a special use permit in the B-3 and P-B zoning districts for businesses along I-55. Businesses or properties that are within 150 feet of the I-55 right-of-way (measured from property lines as defined by the Village of Romeoville GIS) shall be allowed the following:
(1) Number. Not more than one business identification sign per I-55 frontage shall be permitted per lot.
(2) Location. The sign must meet setbacks defined in § 159.127(C)(2).
(3) Height. The sign must not exceed 40 feet.
(4) Sign area. The sign area must not exceed 200 square feet.
(5) Dynamic display. See division (L) of this section. If a dynamic display message board is incorporated into the sign, the sign must not be closer than 1,000 feet to any other dynamic display message board sign in the corridor.
(6) Sign landscaping. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping area shall be required for every one square foot of sign surface area provided, but no sign landscaping shall be less than 50 square feet in area.
(7) Decorative sign base. The I-55 business identification sign shall be designed and constructed with an integral decorative base constructed of masonry or stone to conceal the sign’s support structure(s) and to visually compliment the building materials used on the principal building(s) on the lot. The decorative base shall be equal to or at least 75% of the width of the sign face. The area of the decorative base shall not be computed as part of the sign area. The height of the decorative base shall be included when determining the sign height.
(Ord. 15-1190, passed 9-16-15; Am. Ord. 22-1794, passed 9-21-22)
If a sign requiring a permit under the provisions of this section is to be placed, constructed, erected, or modified on a zoning lot, the owner of the lot shall secure a sign permit prior to the construction, placement, erection, or modification of such sign in accordance with the requirements of this section. Furthermore, the property owner shall maintain in force, at all times, a sign permit for such signs in accordance with § 159.131. No signs shall be erected in the public rights-of-way except in accordance with § 159.125 and the permit requirements of § 159.133. No sign permit of any kind shall be issued for an existing or proposed sign unless such sign is consistent with the requirements of this Code (including those protecting existing signs) in every respect and with the Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan in effect for the property.
(A) Permit procedures. The following procedures shall govern the application for, and issuance of, all sign permits under this ordinance, and the submission and review of a Master or Common Signage Plan.
(1) Application. All applications for sign permits of any kind and for approval of a Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator, or his or her duly authorized agent, on the application form or in accordance with application specifications published by the village.
(2) Fees. Each application for a sign permit or for approval of a Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be accompanied by the applicable fees, which shall be established by the governing body of the village from time to time by resolution.
(3) Completeness of application. Within five business days of receiving an application for a sign permit or for a Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan, the Zoning Administrator shall review it for completeness. If the Zoning Administrator finds that it is complete, the application then shall be processed. If the Zoning Administrator finds it to be incomplete, the Zoning Administrator shall, within the five business days, send notice to the applicant of the deficiencies, with appropriate references to the applicable sections of this ordinance.
(4) Decisions. Within seven business days of the submission of a complete application for a sign permit, the Zoning Administrator shall either:
(a) Issue the sign permit, if the sign(s) that is the subject of the application conforms in every respect with the requirements of this section and of applicable Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan; or
(b) Reject the sign permit if the sign(s) that is the subject of the application fails in any way to conform with the requirements of this section and of the applicable Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan. In case of rejection, the Zoning Administrator shall specify in the rejection the section or sections of the Code or applicable plan with which the sign(s) is inconsistent.
(5) Action on Plan.
(a) On any application for approval of a Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan, the Zoning Administrator shall take action on the applicable one of the following dates:
1. Fourteen business days after the submission of a complete application if the application is for signs for existing buildings; or
2. On the date of final action on any related application for building permit, site plan, or development plan for signs involving new construction.
(b) On or before such applicable date, the Zoning Administrator shall either:
1. Approve the proposed plan if the sign(s) as shown on the plan and the plan itself conforms in every respect with the requirements of this section; or
2. Reject the proposed plan if the sign(s) as shown on the plan or the plan itself fails in any way to conform to the requirements of this section. In case of a rejection, the Zoning Administrator shall specify in the rejection the section or sections of the Code with which the plan is inconsistent.
(B) Permits to construct or modify signs. Signs to be erected, installed, or created only in accordance with a properly issued and authorized building permit from the Building Inspector. Such permits shall be issued only in accordance with the following requirements and procedures:
(1) Permit for modification of existing signs. No application or permit shall be required for the replacement or simple face changing of signs currently established on the zone lot. An application and fee shall be required if additional signs are being requested or current signs are being changed with regards to size or height.
(2) Permit for new sign. An application for construction, creation, or installation of a new sign or for modification of an existing sign shall be accompanied by detailed drawing to show the dimensions, design, structure, and location of each particular sign, to the extent that such details are not contained on a Master Sign Plan or Comprehensive Sign Plan then in effect for the zone lot. One application and permit may include multiple signs on the same zone lot.
(C) Inspections. The Zoning Administrator shall cause an inspection of the zone lot for which each permit for a new sign or for modification of an existing sign during the sixth month after the issuance of such permit or at such earlier date as the owner may request. If the construction is not substantially complete at the time of the inspection, the permit shall lapse and become void. If the construction is complete and in full compliance with this section and with the building and electrical codes of the village, the Zoning Administrator shall affix to the premises a permanent symbol identifying the sign(s) and applicable permit by number or other reference. If the construction is substantially complete but not in full compliance with this section and applicable codes of the village, the Zoning Administrator shall give the owner or applicant notice of the deficiencies and shall allow an additional 30 days from the date of inspection for the deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies are not corrected by such date, the permit shall be voided. If the construction is then complete, the Zoning Administrator shall affix to the premises the permanent symbol described above.
(D) Temporary sign permits. Temporary signs shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be issued subject to the following requirements:
(1) Term. A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified 30 day period.
(2) Number of permits. A maximum of one temporary sign permit shall be issued to the same business license holder in any one calendar year.
(Ord. 15-1190, passed 9-16-15; Am. Ord. 22-1794, passed 9-21-22)
Any of the following shall be a violation of these sections and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by this ordinance, and by state law:
(A) To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone lot on which the sign is located;
(B) To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit;
(C) To install, create, erect, or maintain any permanent or temporary sign within a public right-of-way or on public property except when a license agreement has been executed by the authority having jurisdiction over said public right-of-way or public property;
(D) To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this section, or for which the sign permit has lapsed; or
(E) To continue any such violation: Each such day of a continued violation shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this section and of this Code.
(Ord. 15-1190, passed 9-16-15; Am. Ord. 22-1794, passed 9-21-22)
Any violation or attempted violation of this section of any condition or requirement adopted pursuant hereto may be restrained, corrected, or abated, as the case may be, by injunction or other appropriate proceedings pursuant to village codes and state law. A violation of this section shall be considered a violation of this Code. The remedies of the city shall include the following:
(A) Issuing a stop work order for any and all work on any sign on the same zone lot.
(B) Seeking an injunction or other order of restraint or abatement that requires the removal of the sign(s) or the correction of the nonconformity.
(C) Imposing any penalties that can be imposed directly by the village according to this Code, § 159.999, Penalties.
(D) Seeking in court the imposition of any penalties that can be imposed by such court according to this Zoning Code.
(E) In the case of a sign that poses an immediate danger to the public health or safety, taking such measures as are available to the village under the applicable provisions of this Zoning Code and Building Codes for such circumstances.
(F) In the case of a sign is placed in the public right-of-way, village staff may remove the sign entirely. Each sign removed shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this section.
(Ord. 15-1190, passed 9-16-15)
The Village Board of Trustees shall establish a schedule of fees, charges and expenses for permits for any inspection, construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or removal of any sign regulated by this chapter. Fees shall be paid to the village at the time application for a permit is made. The schedule of fees shall be posted in the office of the Village Clerk and may be altered or amended from time to time by the Mayor and Village Board.
(Ord. 15-1190, passed 9-16-15)
NON-CONFORMING, BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES AND USES
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