A. Any person may apply to the Sign Board for a variation from the terms of this chapter and a permit to construct or alter or maintain any sign which does not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
B. No variation application shall be accepted unless it is complete. Variation applications shall be made on forms provided by the Director. Variation application fees shall be set from time to time by resolution of the Village Council.
C. In considering whether a variation should be granted, the Sign Board shall consider the following factors as may be applicable:
1. The variations would be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter;
2. Given the design elements of the building or site on which the sign will be located, the design of the sign is as compatible, if not more compatible, with character of the business district than the standard sign regulations would otherwise allow;
3. For window signs, the design of the sign would not significantly inhibit the viewing of store products, activities, or services;
4. The variation will not alter the essential character of the locality;
5. The design of the sign is contextually appropriate for the type of business; and
6. The design of the sign exhibits a high degree of artistic embellishment.
D. Every variation granted by the Sign Board shall be accompanied by findings and facts specifying the reasons for granting the variation.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Sign Board shall not have the power to:
1. Permit signs that are prohibited by Section 15.60.060 of this code unless the Sign Board determines that the variation would allow a type of sign that: (i) has previously been used on the building on which the proposed sign is to be located; (ii) historically has been customarily used by the type of business requesting the prohibited sign type; or (iii) is a Sign painted directly on the wall of a building, fence, or similar structure and the proposed sign would not be detrimental to the aesthetics of the building, the structure, or the surrounding area;
2. Waive permit requirements;
3. Permit signs which violate the safety and maintenance provisions of Section 15.60.130;
4. Vary the nonconforming sign provisions of Section 15.60.200 as applied to any given sign.
(MC-01-2023 § 6, Amended, 01/03/2023; Ord. MC-209-98 § 2 (part), 1998: prior code § 27.25)