(A) Compliance with applicable codes. All signs shall be constructed in accordance with applicable provisions of building and electrical codes as designated in the Winthrop Harbor Municipal Code and/or any codes that are adopted by reference therein.
(B) Obstruction to exits. No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, door opening or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.
(C) Obstruction to ventilation. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with any opening or window required for light or ventilation.
(D) Clearance from electrical power lines and communications lines. All signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all electrical power lines and communications lines in accordance with the applicable provisions of this code. However, in no instance shall a sign be erected or constructed within eight feet of any electrical power line, conductor or service drop or any communications line, conductor or service drop.
(E) Underground electrical service. All electrical service to free-standing signs shall be underground.
(F) Clearance from surface and underground facilities. All signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and non-interference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity or communications equipment or lines. In addition, the placement of all signs and their supporting structures shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage of surface or underground water.
(G) Supports and other hardware. Primary supports for permanent signs shall be of the same material or of a coloring the same as or compatible with the sign material in order to harmonize with the sign. Secondary supports and hardware, such as angle irons, braces, brackets and frame members shall be concealed. Pieces of electrical hardware, such as raceways, switch boxes, junction boxes and the like, shall be painted the same color as the support, building or portion of the sign to which they are affixed (as the case may apply) in order to conceal or subdue their appearance.
(H) Mansard roof signs. A sign located on a decorative mansard shall be mounted directly vertical as a wall sign, with no visible angle-iron, guy wires, braces or secondary supports. All hardware shall be concealed. Roof signs that project out from the surface of the roof shall be enclosed on all sides perpendicular to the sign face with a treatment to match the color, texture, and appearance of the roof materials. No sign on a mansard roof shall project from the building surface more than 12 inches as measured at the front edge of the sign. Such signs shall be constructed of a non-combustible type material.
(Ord. 2010-O-1, passed 1-5-10)