A. Signs Allowed Without A Permit: The following permanent and temporary signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter:
1. Permanent Signs:
a. Memorial Signs And Tablets: Not to exceed twenty four (24) square feet when displayed on public or private property.
b. Governmental Safety And Directional Signage: Permanent signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar instructional or regulatory signs relating to health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, etc.
c. Flags: Governmental, political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization flags or flags bearing corporate logos are permitted subject to the following:
(1) One United States of America and one corporate logo flag which are no larger than fifty (50) square feet per face and do not extend beyond the property line of the lot on which they are installed.
(2) All flags shall be mounted on flagpoles. The mounting of flags on light standards or other poles not expressly made as flag standards shall be prohibited.
d. Address Numerals And Other Governmental Required Signs: Signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule or regulation, provided that the content and size of the sign do not exceed the requirement of such law, order, rule or regulation.
e. Residential Building Identification Signs/Nameplates: Not exceeding two (2) square feet in area indicating the name and/or address of the occupant and, where applicable, a professional status, but not indicating a product or business unless it is a home occupation business permitted under the Warrenville zoning ordinance. Such signs shall be affixed to the front wall of the principal residential building.
f. Small Convenience Signs: Not exceeding three (3) square feet per face, displayed on private property for the convenience of the public, including signs identifying restrooms, freight entrances, parking areas, parking lot directional signs and the like.
g. Parking Lot Regulation Sign: A sign not exceeding nine (9) square feet per face which designates the conditions of use of a parking lot; such signs are exempt from minimum setback requirements but shall be screened from adjoining property.
h. Bulletin Boards: When no greater than twenty (20) square feet per face, used solely to give information about and accessibility to a public, charitable, educational or religious institution located on the lot.
i. Window Signs: Window signs shall be permitted in any nonresidential district and shall denote only the name and address of the business conducted on the premises and/or a product or products produced or sold or service rendered therein. Neon signs, including perimeter lighting, and moving (changeable copy) signs may be installed as window signs subject to the following regulations:
(1) No more than twenty percent (20%) of the total window area shall be occupied by neon signs.
(2) No more than fifty percent (50%) of the total window area in a door.
2. Temporary Signs:
a. Temporary Seasonal Decorations: When displayed in connection with a local festivity approved by the City Council or a national holiday. Such decorations shall not be displayed more than forty five (45) days prior to or thirty (30) days after such local festivity or national holiday.
b. Garage Sale Signs: Garage sale signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1) Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face.
(2) Signs may be placed off site on private property with the consent of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed.
(3) One sign may be placed in the City right-of-way in front of the house having the garage sale. In case of a subdivision wide garage sale, one sign may be placed in the City right-of-way at the entrance to the subdivision.
(4) Signs shall not be put up more than twenty four (24) hours prior to the garage sale and must be removed upon the close of the garage sale.
(5) The name and phone number of the person responsible for removing the sign shall be included on each sign.
(6) Signs placed off site on private property shall be set back not less than one foot (1') from any lot line.
(7) Signs shall not be located in the "vision clearance triangle" as defined in this chapter unless said signs are less than twenty four inches (24") in height.
c. Open House Signs: Open house signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1) Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face.
(2) Signs may be placed off site on private property with the consent of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed.
(3) One sign may be placed in the City right-of-way in front of the house for sale.
(4) Signs shall not be put up more than forty eight (48) hours prior to the open house and must be removed upon the close of the open house.
(5) The name and phone number of the person responsible for removing the sign shall be included on each sign.
(6) Signs placed off site on private property shall be set back not less than one foot (1') from any lot line, provided, however, that any such sign shall not be located in the "vision clearance triangle" as defined in this chapter unless said signs are less than twenty four inches (24") in height.
(7) Up to three (3) balloons may be attached to an open house sign provided the balloons and strings holding the balloons are not made of mylar/metallic materials and their height does not exceed seven feet (7') from grade.
d. Small Real Estate Signs: Small real estate signs identifying property for lease or sale are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1) Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face.
(2) One sign per lot or per principal structure may be placed on site, except on a corner lot where one sign may face each street.
(3) One sign may be placed off site on private property with the written permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed. No other temporary signs shall be displayed concurrently with the signs allowed herein.
(4) Only one off site sign may be placed on any private property at any given time.
(5) Signs shall be removed within five (5) business days of the closing sale or lease of the property advertised for sale or lease.
(6) Signs shall be set back not less than one foot (1') from any lot line, provided, however, that any such sign shall not be located in the "vision clearance triangle" as defined in this chapter, unless said signs are less than twenty four inches (24") in height.
e. Legal Notices And Other Governmental Safety/Directional Signs: Identification, informational, directional, traffic, or other temporary sign erected or required by governmental authority under any law, statute or City ordinance.
Temporary signs required by the Warrenville zoning ordinance shall be removed by the applicant within seven (7) days after the conclusion of any zoning related hearing and should the applicant fail to remove the sign, the applicant shall either pay the City one hundred dollars ($100.00) as the cost of removal or one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be deducted from any applicant funds or deposit with the City as the cost of removal.
f. Campaign Signs: Campaign signs may be installed on private property; provided, that such signs are set back not less than one foot (1') from any lot line, and further provided that any such sign shall not be located in the "vision clearance triangle" as defined in this chapter unless said signs are less than twenty four inches (24") in height. Campaign signs installed on residential property shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet per face. Campaign signs shall be exempt from any time limit regulations.
g. Vertical Decorative Banners: Vertical banners, when ornamental rather than informational in nature, are permitted provided that:
(1) Banners are secured by metal braces or frames running the width of the sign at the top and the bottom.
(2) Frames are secured to permanently mounted standards, such as a light pole.
(3) Banners carry no information on merchandise or price.
h. Special Event Signs: Special event signs may be displayed in conjunction with any community and/or charitable event associated with or benefiting Warrenville residents and/or a Warrenville community/charitable organization or governmental entity subject to the following regulations:
(1) Not more than one such sign shall be allowed on each street frontage of an individual property at any given time.
(2) Such sign(s) shall not be placed in a right-of-way and shall comply with the general setback standards of this chapter.
(3) Such sign(s) may be placed off site on private property with the written permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed.
(4) Such sign(s) may be displayed for up to twenty one (21) days prior to the advertised event and shall be removed by the end of the day after the event.
(5) Such sign(s) shall be attached to a building wall or securely anchored.
(6) Such sign(s) shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet per face.
(7) The maximum height of such sign(s) shall not exceed seven feet (7').
(8) No other temporary signs shall be displayed concurrently with the signs allowed herein.
i. Employment Opportunity Signs: Employment opportunity signs may be displayed by any business legally operating in the City of Warrenville subject to the following regulations:
(1) Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face.
(2) Not more than one such sign shall be allowed on each street frontage of the individual private property where the employment opportunity is available.
(3) Not more than two (2) such signs may be placed off site on private property with the written permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed. Only one off site sign may be placed on any private property at any given time.
(4) Signs shall be set back not less than one foot (1') from any lot line, provided, however, that any such sign shall not be located in the "vision clearance triangle", as defined in this chapter, unless said signs are less than twenty four inches (24") in height.
(5) Such sign(s) shall not be displayed more than fourteen (14) consecutive days during any thirty (30) day period.
B. Signs Requiring A Permit: The following permanent and temporary signs are subject to the permit requirements of this chapter:
1. Permanent Signs:
a. Ground Sign; Single Use Building And Lot In Nonresidential Zoning District: A single freestanding nonresidential establishment located on its own nonresidential zoned lot shall be allowed one ground sign per street frontage subject to the following regulations:
(1) Sign Area: Fifty (50) square feet per face. If a message board is incorporated into the design of the sign, an additional thirty two (32) square feet of message board area per face shall be allowed.
(2) Sign Height: Maximum of seven feet (7') in height from grade unless a message board is incorporated into the design of the sign, in which case the maximum height of such sign shall not exceed ten feet (10') from grade.
b. Ground Sign; Nonresidential Establishment In Residential Zoning District: A single freestanding nonresidential establishment located on its own residentially zoned lot shall be allowed one ground sign per street frontage subject to the following regulations:
(1) Sign Area: Maximum of fifty (50) square feet per face, including a message board not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet.
(2) Sign Height: Maximum of eight feet (8').
(3) Electronic Message Board: If an electronic message board is incorporated into the design, it shall use monochrome nonfluorescent color lights and shall have a dark background.
(4) Illumination: Illumination level of a sign shall not exceed five (5) foot-candles between hours of dusk and dawn when measured with a standard light meter held perpendicular to the sign face a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of such sign face.
c. Ground Sign; Multiple-Tenant Building: A multiple-tenant nonresidential building shall be allowed one ground sign per street frontage subject to the following regulations:
(1) Sign Area: Fifty (50) square feet per face plus ten (10) additional square feet of sign area per face for each separate tenant up to a maximum of ten (10) tenants. If a message board is incorporated into the design of the sign, an additional thirty two (32) square feet of message board area per face shall also be allowed.
(2) Sign Height: Maximum of twelve feet (12') in height from grade for a multiple-tenant building with up to five (5) tenants and fifteen feet (15') in height for multiple-tenant buildings with six (6) or more tenants. If a message board is incorporated into the design of the sign, an additional three feet (3') of sign height shall also be allowed.
d. Ground Sign; Transitional Office District: A transitional office building shall be allowed one double faced ground sign with a sign face of not more than six (6) square feet, a sign height of no more than four feet (4'), and a setback from all property lines of no less than ten feet (10').
e. Project Development Entrance Monuments: For subdivision developments over two (2) acres in size, sixty (60) square feet of sign area per face and seven feet (7') in height shall be allowed. A project development entrance sign shall be a ground sign, may be illuminated, and shall be removed upon the completion of the development unless it has been approved by the Plan Commission as a permanent and integral part of the subdivision development. Such signs shall be constructed of brick, stone, sandblasted cedar or other similar materials compatible with the materials used on the exterior building walls of structures in the development.
f. Wall Signs: Wall signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1) Any nonresidential establishment may install a sign or signs on the wall(s) of a principal building facing a dedicated street, the area of which shall not exceed one and one-half (1.5) square feet for every linear foot of wall frontage facing a dedicated street, however, not to exceed one hundred twenty five (125) square feet.
(2) Additional wall signs may be added on frontage where public access is provided. The total square feet of all wall signs may not exceed the allowable square footage for the wall frontage facing a dedicated street.
(3) Where more than one establishment occupies a building, each establishment will be allocated sign area based on amount of linear wall frontage it controls.
(4) Wall signs may not project more than twelve inches (12") beyond the wall surface.
(5) Notwithstanding subsections B1f(1) through B1f(4) of this section, wall signs for an office use in the Transitional Office District shall be confined to one wall sign with a maximum sign area of six (6) square feet and not projecting more than twelve inches (12") beyond the wall surface.
g. Awning Or Canopy Signs: Letters or logo may be painted or otherwise affixed to the face of any permitted awning or canopy adjacent to a dedicated street subject to the following regulations:
(1) Such signs shall be measured the same as wall signs. No more than twenty percent (20%) of an awning or canopy face shall be covered with such signs.
(2) Letters or logo shall not project above, below or beyond the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy.
(3) Letters or logo shall not be larger from top to bottom than eighteen inches (18").
(4) Letters or logo shall denote only the name and address of the business conducted on the premises and/or a product or products produced or sold or service rendered therein.
(5) Awning or canopy signs shall maintain a free clearance to grade of at least seven feet (7').
h. Hanging Signs: One sign per business may be suspended below an awning or canopy subject to the following regulations:
(1) Horizontal dimension of such signs shall not exceed the depth of the awning or canopy.
(2) The vertical dimension shall not exceed twelve inches (12").
(3) Hanging signs shall maintain a free clearance to grade of at least seven feet (7').
i. Gasoline Price Signs: No more than one per street frontage with a maximum sign area of twenty (20) square feet per face. Such signs shall be incorporated into the design and made an integral part of the ground sign permitted under subsections B1a, B1b, B1c, and B1d of this section. The permitted sign area shall be in addition to the ground sign area permitted under subsections B1a, B1b, B1c and B1d of this section.
j. Menu Boards: Two (2) menu boards, unless otherwise approved by a special use permit for a drive-through facility, each of which shall not exceed forty five (45) square feet in area, shall be permitted for each restaurant business having an approved drive- through window. Each of said permitted menu boards shall be either:
(1) Ground mounted, not exceeding seven feet (7') in height, or
(2) Wall mounted below the eaves line.
k. Community Events Sign: Community events sign(s) owned by the City shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter, including regulations pertaining to maximum sign area and height and minimum setbacks and may be installed off site and/or within the public right-of-way. Such sign(s) may be erected only after the design, location and use policy for each sign shall have been approved by the City Council.
l. Time And Temperature Signs: Time and/or temperature display signs shall be permitted in all nonresidential districts subject to the following conditions:
(1) The time and/or temperature display shall be subject to the maximum size and height regulations for ground/wall mounted signs.
(2) If the same display face is used for alternating time and temperature readings, the frequency of changing the display shall be no more than once every five (5) seconds.
m. Message Board Sign: A message board sign may be incorporated into a ground sign subject to the following regulations, in addition to all other applicable regulations in this chapter:
(1) Display Duration: Except for time and temperature signs, any electronic message shall remain fixed within the display area for a minimum of ten (10) seconds.
(2) Message Display And Transition: A message board display shall not contain a display that is animated, flashing, scrolling or otherwise moving. Messages must instantaneously change without transitions or off time.
2. Temporary Signs:
a. Grand Opening Signs: Grand opening signs shall be permitted in any zoning district, subject to the following conditions and limitations, notwithstanding anything to the contrary otherwise set forth in this chapter:
(1) Grand Opening: The following instances shall constitute a "grand opening": the opening of a new business, not previously located on the premises; the opening of a model home in a residential subdivision consisting of not less than six (6) dwelling units; the reopening of an established business that has been severely damaged by catastrophe and has been closed for at least sixty (60) consecutive days for renovation; a change in the business name; a change in the business ownership; or a "grand reopening" or "anniversary event" of an existing business that has been operating on the premises for at least five (5) consecutive years, provided that "grand reopening" or "anniversary event" signs shall not be allowed during any period which is less than five (5) years from the period during which a grand opening, reopening or anniversary event sign has previously been displayed.
(2) Grand Opening Sign: A "grand opening sign" shall mean a sign which advertises a grand opening on the premises where the sign is located.
(3) Grand Opening Period: The "grand opening period" shall mean the six (6) month period immediately after the opening of a new business or the reopening of a business, or opening of a model home in a residential subdivision as set forth in this subsection B2.
(4) Permit Period: Grand opening signs shall be permitted for a maximum period of twenty one (21) days during the grand opening period, which days shall be consecutive (the "permit period").
(5) Permit Fee: A seventy five dollar ($75.00) fee shall apply for each grand opening sign permit. The permit shall be obtained no less than forty eight (48) hours before the permit period commences.
(6) Permitted Signs: The following grand opening signs shall be permitted:
(A) One cold air inflatable device, such as a balloon, provided that:
(i) Only one such device shall be allowed per lot, provided one such sign shall be allowed per residential subdivision;
(ii) The applicant for the permit shall pay a deposit of one hundred dollars ($100.00) to the City as a condition precedent to the issuance of the temporary sign permit. In the event the inflatable device is not removed within the time period provided for in the permit, the deposit shall be forfeited by the applicant;
(iii) The top of the device shall not be more than forty feet (40') from grade level;
(iv) The device shall be set back at least twenty five feet (25') from the public right-of-way;
(v) Any advertising/signs attached to such device shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area; and (Ord. O2017-38, 6-19-2017)
(vi) Safety measures prescribed by the Director of Community and Economic Development shall be followed. (Ord. O2017-38, 6-19-2017; amd. Ord. O2018-10, 3-19-2018)
(B) One portable sign.
(C) One temporary grand opening sign; provided, however, the temporary grand opening sign shall not reduce the number of temporary signs otherwise permitted in this chapter.
(7) When Permitted: Grand opening signs shall be permitted only during the permit period.
(8) Prohibited Signs: Unless otherwise specifically permitted, the prohibited signs enumerated in this chapter shall not be used.
(9) Searchlights: Searchlights are permitted during the permit period, provided that said lights may only be operated between dusk and twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight or closing, whichever is earlier.
(10) Removal: Within twenty four (24) hours after the expiration of the grand opening permit, all grand opening signs and lighting shall be removed from the premises by the permittee.
b. Large Real Estate Signs: Where more than six (6) dwelling units (or lots for dwelling purposes), located in the same subdivision, are offered for sale or rental by the same party, or where more than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of a commercial or industrial building or lot is offered for sale or rent, there shall be permitted one non-illuminated sign facing each public street providing access to the property being offered. Each such sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet per face, eight feet (8') in height from grade, and must be devoted solely to the sale or rental of the property being offered. Signs shall be removed when less than six (6) units or two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet remain for sale or lease.
c. Construction Signs: In connection with the construction of six (6) or more dwelling units or the construction or remodeling of a building of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or more there shall be permitted one non-illuminated sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet per face indicating the names of any or all of the owners and future occupants and of the architects, engineers, and contractors engaged in the construction. Construction signs shall be removed at the time a permanent sign is installed or a certificate of occupancy is issued, whichever occurs first.
d. Advertising Banners: Businesses in nonresidential districts may display advertising banner signs provided that such signs are displayed in conformance with the following restrictions and requirements:
(1) Types Of Advertising Banners And Method Of Installation:
(A) Mounted abutting and flush to the building wall and secured at all four (4) corners, or
(B) Anchored on posts, or
(C) Feather flags.
(2) Size And Height: Advertising banner size shall not exceed forty (40) square feet. Advertising banners anchored on posts shall not exceed seven feet (7') in height. Feather flags shall not exceed eleven feet (11') in height.
(3) Location: Advertising banners anchored on posts and feather flags shall be set back not less than ten feet (10') from all property lines, provided, however, that any such sign shall not be located in the "vision clearance triangle" as defined in this chapter, unless said signs are less than twenty four inches (24") in height.
(4) Number: Each business shall be entitled to one wall mounted advertising banner at any given time. Not more than one advertising banner anchored on posts or one feather flag advertising banner may be displayed on any street frontage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no more than one advertising banner may be displayed on a single business lot or a single frontage lot, and no more than two (2) advertising banners may be displayed for any business on a multi-tenant lot with two (2) street frontages at any one time.
(5) Display Time: Advertising banners may be displayed for fourteen (14) days at a time, up to six (6) times per year. Feather flags may be displayed for fourteen (14) days at a time, up to four (4) times per year.
(6) Construction: All advertising banners shall be constructed of a durable all weather surface with hemmed edges and metal grommets where applicable.
(7) Permits: A separate temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the Community Development Department for each individual advertising banner sign.
(8) Illumination: Advertising banner signs shall not have any source of internal or external illumination.
e. Placard Signs: Businesses in commercial zoning districts may display placard signs provided that such signs are displayed in conformance with the following restrictions and requirements:
(1) Size And Height: The sign portion of the placard sign shall be no larger than nine (9) square feet per face and no more than forty two inches (42") in height from grade.
(2) Illumination: Placard signs shall not have any source of internal or external illumination.
(3) Hours And Days Of Display: Placard signs shall only be displayed between the hours of eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. and eight o'clock (8:00) P.M. Monday through Saturday. Placard signs shall be placed inside the principal structure each night and when not in use.
(4) Construction: All placard signs shall be weatherproof and either professionally painted/printed or shall make use of stenciling or die cut lettering. Graphics produced with markers or spray paint shall not be permitted. All placard signs shall be either manufactured from a rigid material such as plywood or mounted in a rigid self-supporting metal or approved equal frame. All placard signs shall be securely anchored so as to prevent the sign from being moved by the wind.
(5) Location: Placard signs shall be set back not less than two feet (2') from all property lines. Placard signs shall not be located within the vision clearance triangle at the street and drive intersections and as defined in this chapter. Placard signs shall not be permitted in the public right-of-way.
(6) Number: Each lot is permitted one placard sign for each one hundred fifty feet (150') or portion thereof of street frontage, rounded to the higher number. On corner lots, the "street" frontage along one street shall not be transferred to the second street frontage to permit additional signs along the second street frontage. A minimum distance of one hundred feet (100') must be maintained between each placard sign. Individual businesses are only permitted one placard sign per street frontage.
(7) Permits: A separate temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the Community Development Department for each individual placard sign. Permits shall be issued in three (3) to fourteen (14) day increments; thirty (30) day increments; or a one year increment. The owner of the property shall consent to the installation of proposed placard signs prior to a sign permit being issued by the City.
f. Special Event Signs: Special event signs may be displayed in conjunction with any community and/or charitable event associated with or benefiting Warrenville residents and/or a Warrenville community/charitable organization or governmental entity subject to the following regulations:
(1) Not more than one such sign shall be allowed on each street frontage of an individual property at any given time.
(2) Such sign(s) shall not be placed in a right-of-way and shall comply with the general setback standards of this chapter.
(3) Such sign(s) may be placed off site on private property with the written permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed.
(4) Such sign(s) may be displayed four (4) times each year for not more than twenty one (21) days at a time.
(5) Such sign(s) shall be attached to a building wall or securely anchored.
(6) Such sign(s) shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet per face.
(7) The maximum height of such sign(s) shall not exceed seven feet (7').
(8) No other temporary signs shall be displayed concurrently with the signs allowed herein.
g. Backstop Signs: Backstop signs constructed of a durable all weather surface material with hemmed edges and metal grommets and attached to baseball field backstop may be displayed subject to the following requirements:
(1) A single field backstop may only display three (3) signs at any given time.
(2) Backstop signs are mounted abutting and flush to the backstop wall and secured at all four (4) corners.
(3) Backstop sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet per face.
(4) Backstop signs may be displayed April 1 through November 30.
h. Subdivision Marketing Signs: New residential subdivisions consisting of not less than six (6) dwelling units may display temporary signs related to the marketing of subdivision, provided that such signs are displayed in conformance with the following restrictions and requirements:
(1) Types, Size And Height Of Marketing Signs:
(A) Feather flags not exceeding nine feet (9') in height and twenty four (24) square feet per face; and
(B) Anchored on posts signs not exceeding five feet (5') in height and nine (9) square feet per face.
(2) Location: Marketing signs shall be set back not less than two feet (2') from all property lines, and any such sign shall not be located in the "vision clearance triangle", as defined in this chapter. Marketing signs shall not be permitted in the public right-of-way.
(3) Number: Each new residential subdivision is permitted one subdivision marketing sign for each two hundred feet (200') or portion thereof of street frontage, rounded to the higher number. A minimum distance of fifty feet (50') must be maintained between each sign.
(4) Display Time: Subdivision marketing signs shall be removed when less than twenty five percent (25%) of the dwelling units within a subdivision remain for sale or lease.
(5) Construction: All subdivision marketing signs shall be constructed of durable, all weather surface materials.
(6) Permits: A separate temporary sign permit shall be obtained from the Community Development Department for each individual subdivision marketing sign.
(7) Illumination: Subdivision marketing signs shall not have any source of internal or external illumination. (Ord. O2017-38, 6-19-2017)