(A) Actions exempt from permitting. The following operations shall not be considered as creating a sign and therefore shall not require a sign permit.
(1) Replacing copy. The changing of the advertising copy of an approved painted or printed sign, where the sign structure does not change, or on a theater marquee and similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.
(2) Maintenance. Painting, repainting, cleaning, light bulb replacement, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or a sign structure unless a structural change is made.
(B) Signs exempt from permitting. The following exempt signs are allowed in all zoning districts within the village. All exempt signs shall comply with setback provisions for the zoning district in which they are located.
(1) Construction signs. These signs may be displayed during the construction period, commencing with the issuance of a building permit. The signs shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet. The signs shall be confined to the site of the construction and shall be removed no more than four days after the beginning of the intended use of the project.
(2) Commercial rent/sale/lease.
(a) One sign advertising parcels of land or building for rent, lease or sale, when located on land or building intended to be rented leased or sold; and
(b) Not exceeding 24 square feet in area, six feet in height in C and M zoning districts.
(3) Small signs. In the REC, AG, R-1, and R-2 zoning districts, one shall be no greater than six square feet or four feet in height. One sign is permitted without a permit, provided it is located within the required yard. In the C, MR, and M districts, signs and decorations smaller than one square foot are permitted. Flags or banners anchored to permanently mounted poles that are less than three square feet are permitted. Flags, banners and signs larger than this shall be treated as portable/temporary signs.
(4) Crop identification. Crop identification signs in the AG district.
(5) Private traffic direction signs. Signs located on private property, necessary to promote vehicular and pedestrian safety are exempt from permitting. These may include directional signs, parking signs, and other related signs at the discretion of the owner.
(6) Flags. Two flags are allowed to be exempt from these regulations. If additional flags will be displayed no more than the time period allowed for a portable sign, the flag will be considered a portable sign and is subject to portable sign regulations. If the flag will be displayed more than the time period allowed for portable signs, the flag becomes a permanent sign and must be calculated into the total sign area allowed for a parcel.
(7) Addresses. Address numbers, nameplates, including apartment units and office suites) identifying the occupant or address of a parcel of land.
(8) Vehicle signs. Signs attached to legally licensed vehicles that are used upon the highways for transporting persons, goods or equipment.
(9) Governmental signs. Traffic or other municipal signs including, but not limited to, the following, legal notices, historic site designations, municipal facility directional signs, street or traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, danger and other emergency signs as may be approved by the Village Council or any federal, state or county agency having jurisdiction over the matter of the sign. Such signs may be located in any zoning district. However, all signs on governmental property on which a municipal building is located shall meet the C zoning district requirements stated herein.
(10) Community special event. Community special event signs approved by the Village Council.
(11) Decorative signs. Signs of a decorative nature, not used for any commercial purpose, provided that such signs shall be displayed for a period of not more than 60 consecutive days, nor more than 60 total days in any one year.
(Ord. passed 11-16-2020)