The regulation of signs by this article is intended to promote
and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by reducing depreciation
of property values caused by signs that are incompatible with the
use to which they are associated or with surrounding land uses; by
creating a more attractive economic climate within business and manufacturing
districts of the Village; by enabling the public to locate goods,
services, and facilities in the Village without confusion caused by
excessive signage; by enhancing and protecting the physical appearance
of all areas of the Village; by protecting signs from obstruction
by other signs; and by reducing distractions, obstructions, and hazards
to pedestrian and auto traffic caused by indiscriminate placement
and use of signs.
The regulations of this article shall govern and control among
other things the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance, removal
and design of all signs within the Village. In the event of a conflict
between the Building Code and the provisions of this article, the
provisions of this article shall control.
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful
for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, change permanent copy,
move or replace any sign in the Village or cause the same to be done,
without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the
Zoning Officer as required by this article.
(2)
Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary,
no sign permit shall be required for: (a) an exempt sign identified
in Section 11.05 of this article; (b) a change of copy on any changeable
copy sign; or (c) the repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance
or repair of any sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously
been issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not modified
in any way.
[Amended 9-20-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2962; 10-1-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-3071; 6-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-3216; 3-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-3324; 11-5-2019 by Ord. No.
2019-3429]
Upon issuance of a permit therefor pursuant to Section 11.09
of this article, the following signs shall be permitted in the nonresidential
districts of the Village as accessory structures, subject to all applicable
standards and the following additional regulations:
(1)
Monument signs.
i.
Number.
1.
No more than one monument sign per lot or unified business center
each of which has a minimum front footage of 100 feet along a single
street shall be permitted with the following exception: Monument identification
signs (directory signs) in lieu of wall signs shall be permitted in
a multi-tenant office or industrial building provided that each tenant
has a separate at grade entrance. A directory sign shall be located
at the
2.
Sign copy for a single-tenant monument sign shall contain no
more than 10 words and graphic elements greater than two inches in
height.
3.
Sign copy for a multi-tenant monument sign shall contain a maximum
of a combination of 24 words and graphic elements no greater than
two inches in height. Changeable copy signage shall not be combined
with multi-tenant signs.
4.
Monument signs on properties with multiple street frontages
shall be oriented perpendicular to the primary street right-of-way.
ii.
Height. A monument sign shall not exceed eight feet in height
from finished grade. In determining the height of a monument sign,
the base shall be included in the height calculation, with the height
of the base not to exceed two feet. A monument sign, including its
structure and its base, shall not exceed 10 in width.
iii.
Area. No monument sign shall exceed 48 square feet per sign
face for a single-tenant property, or 48 square feet plus six square
feet for each tenant over five tenants up to a maximum of 60 square
feet per sign face for a multiple-tenant property. In determining
the area of a monument sign, the dimension of the base shall be excluded
from the total area calculation, provided that the base is a different
material from the sign face.
iv.
Building clearance. No monument sign shall be located closer
than 10 feet to a building, with the exception that a monument sign
four feet in height or less may be as close as three feet from a building.
v.
Setback. No monument sign shall be located closer than five
feet to a street curbline, nor closer than one foot to an exterior
property line, nor closer than 50 feet to an interior property line.
For a monument sign constructed at a unified business center, under
multiple ownerships, interior lot lines shall only pertain to the
outermost lot line. No monument sign may project into any public right-of-way.
vi.
Public service sign display. A monument sign may incorporate
a public service sign.
vii.
Distance measurement. The location of a monument sign shall
be measured as the distance between the point of reference specified
and the closest point on the sign.
viii.
Sight triangle. A monument sign within any sight triangle shall
be a maximum of three feet in height.
ix.
Overhang. No monument sign may overhang any part of a structure,
parking or loading space, driveway or maneuvering aisle.
x.
Landscaping. A monument sign must be located in a landscaped
area separated and protected from vehicular circulation and parking
areas. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping shall be required
for every one square foot of sign face. When located in a parking
area, continuous reinforced perimeter Portland cement concrete curbing
is required. Monument signs must also be landscaped in accordance
with Subsection 11.08(14) of this article.
xi.
Gas station. Changeable copy used in a gas station monument
sign shall be included in the maximum sign area for an allowable monument
sign. Gas station signs must incorporate the changeable copy price
information into the main identification sign face.
xii.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination
of an internally illuminated monument sign shall not exceed the following
requirements:
1.
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face of the
sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign;
or
2.
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25 footcandles
measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal
to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
3.
One footcandle on adjoining residential property, measured three
feet above the ground.
xiii.
Temporary monument sign covers. Monument signs may be covered
with temporary materials, but only upon issuance of separate permits
therefor, and in accordance with the following:
1.
Temporary covers may display either: (a) only the name and logo
of a new occupant of a commercial property: or (b) if no real estate
sign has been installed on the property pursuant to Section 11.05(17)
of this Code, information identifying that all or a portion of the
property is for sale or lease.
2.
Temporary covers must be professionally designed and may be
constructed only of vinyl, canvas, or a similar material.
3.
Temporary covers installed pursuant to Section 11.04(1)(xii)(1)(a)
of this Code may not be displayed for a period exceeding 120 days.
Temporary covers installed pursuant to Section 11.04(1)(xiii)(1)(b)
of this Code may be displayed until such time as the property or portion
thereof has been sold or leased.
4.
Temporary covers must be securely and tightly attached to the
existing monument sign in order to maintain a safe, neat, and orderly
condition and appearance.
5.
If the existing monument sign complies with the size and area requirements set forth in this Article XI, then the temporary cover may be larger than the existing monument sign, but in no event in excess of the size and area requirements set forth in this Article XI. If the existing monument sign does not comply with the size and area requirements set forth in this Article XI, the temporary cover must completely cover and conform to the underlying sign shape, and may neither increase the size of the monument sign face to which it is attached, nor cover an area greater than such sign face.
(2)
Wall signs.
i.
Number. A maximum of one wall sign per street frontage per business
establishment shall be permitted, and a maximum of one wall sign may
be applied to each facade facing a frontage, except that:
[Amended 11-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-3735]
1.
The Zoning Officer may authorize an additional wall sign for
each distinct use within a business establishment, provided that there
is a separate exterior entrance for each such use;
2.
The Zoning Officer may authorize one wall sign on walls not
facing a street, provided that the wall is adjacent to nonresidential
property and is not visible from the street;
3.
Wall signs may be permitted which identify the rear entrance
of a business establishment, provided that such signs do not exceed
10 square feet.
ii.
Sign location. Each wall sign shall be located within a permitted
signable wall area. The vertical dimensions of such signable wall
area shall not exceed six feet. Signable wall area shall not extend
above the top of the fascia or parapet of a building or beyond the
premises of a particular business establishment. (See Section 11.08
of this article.)
iii.
Sign area.
1.
The area of a wall sign shall not exceed 1/3 of the signable
wall area or 10 square feet, whichever is greater (See also Subsection
11.08(18) of this article.); provided, however, that in no case shall
the wall sign area exceed 100 square feet.
2.
The provisions of this Paragraph 11.04(2)(c) may not be varied pursuant to Article V of this Zoning Ordinance, except in consideration of the standards set forth in Subsection 5.15(7) of this Zoning Ordinance and the following additional factors:
(1)
The architectural composition of the building;
(2)
The area and configuration of the signable wall
area;
(3)
The linear feet of the building frontage;
(4)
The overall surface area of the building facade;
(5)
The linear distance of the building facade from
the street; and
(6)
The height and quantity of the sign copy.
iv.
Projections. No wall sign shall project from the building wall
more than 15 inches.
v.
Height. The maximum height of a wall sign shall be 30 feet from
finished grade or the bottom sills of any second floor windows, whichever
is less. (See also Subsection 11.08(8) of this article.)
vi.
Time/temperature display. Time/temperature displays may be permitted
as part of a wall sign.
vii.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination
of an internally illuminated wall sign shall not exceed the following
requirements:
1.
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face of the
sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign;
or
2.
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25 footcandles
measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal
to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
3.
One footcandle on adjoining residential property measured three feet
above the ground.
viii.
Unified business center. All wall signs within a unified business
center shall be unified in design.
ix.
Bonus for individual letters. A ten-percent sign area bonus
may be granted for a wall sign which consists of individual letters
mounted directly on the building surface.
(3)
Mansard signs.
i.
Number. One mansard sign per street frontage per business establishment
shall be permitted, provided that no wall sign is directed to the
same street frontage.
ii.
Sign location. A mansard sign shall be: (i) located on a mansard;
(ii) single-faced; and (iii) mounted directly vertical as a wall sign,
with no visible angle iron, guy wires, braces or secondary supports
and all hardware concealed. No mansard sign shall extend above the
highest point of the mansard structure. Each mansard sign shall be
located within a permitted signable wall area. Signable wall area
for a mansard sign shall not extend beyond the dimensions of the mansard
on which the sign is located or beyond the premises of a particular
business establishment. The vertical dimensions of signable wall area
shall not exceed six feet.
iii.
Sign area. The area of a mansard sign shall not exceed 1/3 of
the signable wall area, however, in no case shall it exceed 100 square
feet.
iv.
Projection. No mansard sign shall project from the building
surface more than 15 inches as measured at right angles from the lower
edge of the sign.
v.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination
of an internally illuminated mansard sign shall not exceed the following
requirements:
1.
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face of the
sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign;
or
2.
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25 footcandles
measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal
to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
3.
One footcandle on adjoining residential property measured three feet
above the ground.
vi.
Unified business center. All mansard signs within a unified
business center shall be unified in design.
vii.
Bonus for individual letters. A ten-percent sign area bonus
may be granted for a mansard sign which consists of individual letters
mounted directly on the mansard surface.
(4)
Canopy signs.
i.
Location. A canopy sign may be mounted on the face of the canopy
proper, provided that no wall signs are directed to the same street
frontage. A canopy sign on the face of a canopy shall be permitted
and regulated as a wall sign, as provided in Subsection 11.04(2) of
this article. Signable wall area for canopy signs shall not extend
beyond the canopy face on which the sign is located. A canopy sign
mounted on a canopy face shall not extend above or below the canopy
face.
ii.
Underside canopy signs. An additional canopy sign may be mounted
on the underside of a canopy, perpendicular to the building wall,
provided that no more than one underside canopy sign is installed
per business establishment. The area of an underside canopy sign shall
not exceed four square feet.
iii.
Clearance. A clearance of eight feet shall be maintained from
finished grade to the lowest point of any canopy sign.
iv.
Extension and projection. A canopy sign mounted on a canopy
face shall not extend above or below the canopy face nor shall it
project more than 15 inches beyond the canopy face.
(5)
Awning sings. Individual letters, words or symbols may be affixed
or applied to any awning surface, provided that the area of the awning
sign does not exceed 15% of the exterior surface area of the awning.
(6)
Permanent window signs. Permanent window signs may be affixed
or applied to window glass, provided that the area of permanent window
signs does not exceed 20% of the window surface area. A maximum of
four permanent window signs per business establishment may be illuminated.
(7)
Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs are permitted only
as an integral part of a monument sign, provide that the changeable
copy area is no larger than 25% of the entire sign face. Illuminated
changeable copy signs shall comply with the requirements for internally
lit signs, inhibiting light transmission. Only gasoline price signs
accessory to gasoline service stations will be permitted to have manual
or electronic changeable copy, which signs shall be maintained to
show current gasoline prices at all times.
(8)
Temporary signs. Temporary signs may be installed in accordance
with the following:
i.
Number.
1.
Each single-user property may have one temporary sign; provided,
however, that single-user properties that consist of more than one
acre and that are located on two or more street frontages may have
up to two temporary signs, each of which must be located on a different
street frontage and separated by a distance of at least 50 feet.
2.
Each multi-user property may have either: (a) up to two temporary
signs, separated by a distance of at least 50 feet; or (b) three or
more temporary signs, but only if each temporary sign is separated
by a distance of at least 500 feet from all other temporary signs
on the property.
ii.
Sign setback. Temporary signs must comply with the setback regulations
applicable to monument signs, as set forth in Section 11.04(1) of
this Code; provided, however, that no portion of any temporary sign
may be located within a sight triangle.
iii.
Sign area. The maximum area of a temporary sign is 16 square
feet for properties of one acre or greater, and nine square feet for
all other properties.
iv.
Height. The maximum height of a temporary sign is six feet above
finished grade.
v.
Sign duration.
1.
No temporary sign may be displayed for a period longer than
20 days, except that temporary signs advertising a grand opening or
anniversary date may be displayed for a period of up to 30 days.
2.
No property may display temporary signs for more than 45 days
during any calendar year.
3.
No property may display temporary signs for more than nine special
events during any calendar year.
vi.
Sign type. Temporary signs must be freestanding, except that
temporary signs advertising a grand opening may be secured to a building
wall.
(9)
Collective parking signs. Signs erected in off-street parking
lots, in connection with a collective parking agreement affecting
the subject property, but only in accordance with the following:
i.
Not more than one collective parking sign may be erected on
any lot; provided, however, that for lots for which there is more
than one point of vehicular ingress or egress between the lot and
an adjacent right-of-way, a second collective parking sign may be
erected if the Zoning Officer determines, due to the configuration
of the lot and the improvements thereon, that such second sign will
improve traffic circulation and public safety;
ii.
Collective parking signs may only be erected at specific locations
to be approved in advance by the Zoning Officer;
iii.
No collective parking sign may be greater than seven feet in
height, measured from grade, no more than nine square feet in area;
iv.
Collective parking signs may only include the names and locations
of the businesses located in the properties affected by the collective
parking agreement;
v.
Only one font may be used within each collective parking sign:
and
vi.
No business logo may be depicted on a collective parking sign.
(10)
Signs in the P Public Open Space District.
i.
Permitted signs. In the P Public Open Space District, freestanding
signs are permitted as follows:
1.
Signs not more than four feet in height identifying the name
of the park or open space;
2.
Changeable sign frames not more than five feet six inches in
height and having a sign area of not more than five square feet; and
3.
Electronic message signs, subject to the provisions of Section 11.10(1)v
of this chapter.
[Added 10-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3637]
ii.
With the exception of any sign that includes an electronic message
sign panel, freestanding signs in the P Public Open Space District
are exempt from the monument sign setback requirement set forth in
Section 11.04(1)v and the landscaping requirements set forth in Sections
6.17(2) and 11.04(1)x of this Zoning Ordinance.
[Amended 10-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3637]
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
The following signs, while subject to any other Village ordinance
which may apply, are exempt from the permit requirements set forth
in this article.
(1)
Construction signs: One nonilluminated single-faced temporary
sign per construction site shall be permitted not exceeding 12 square
feet of sign area in residential zoning districts or 64 square feet
in business or manufacturing districts, provided that such signs shall
be erected no more than five days prior to the beginning of construction
for which a valid building permit has been issued, shall be confined
to the site of construction, and shall be removed not more than five
days after completion of construction or issuance of a certificate
of occupancy, whichever occurs first.
(2)
Directional or instructional signs: signs required to provide
direction or instruction located entirely on the property to which
they pertain and not exceeding 5.5 square feet. Examples include signs
identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways and those areas
of similar nature.
(3)
Flags: Flags may be displayed without a sign permit, in accordance
with the following:
i.
Flags are located in such a manner that:
1.
In residential districts, no flag shall be located closer than
five feet to any property line;
2.
In business and manufacturing districts, flags shall not be
closer than 10 feet to any property line; and
3.
In no event shall a flag be placed so as to obstruct pedestrian
or vehicular traffic or visibility or otherwise endanger the public
safety.
ii.
If a flag is flown from a flagpole, the flagpole shall be sufficient
to meet flagpole industry standards for flying and displaying flags
of specific size under various wind conditions, but in no event shall
the flagpole exceed 35 feet in height in residential districts or
55 feet in height in business and manufacturing districts.
iii.
Display of the American flag shall conform to all lawful, applicable
federal regulations regarding its use and display. An American flag
shall not be displayed during hours of darkness unless directly and
individually illuminated.
iv.
No more than four flags may be displayed on any lot at any one
time, and no more than three flagpoles may be erected per lot. A special
sign permit for a rooftop flagpole shall be obtained for any flagpole
located atop a building or structure.
(4)
Governmental signs: governmental signs for control of traffic
and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad
crossing signs, signs of public service companies or signs erected
on the order of a public officer in the performance of his or her
public duty.
(5)
Holiday decorations: signs of a primarily decorative nature,
clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any
national, local or religious holiday.
(6)
Interior signs: signs located within the interior of any building
or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building,
and signs for and located within the inner or outer lobby, court or
entrance of any theater, that are not visible from the public right-of-way,
and that comply with the structural, electrical and material specifications
set forth in this article.
(7)
Notice bulletin boards: signs conveying information of eleemosynary
or public institutions and located on the premises of the subject
institution.
(8)
No trespassing or no dumping signs: signs not to exceed two
square feet in area per sign and not exceeding two per lot, except
that special permission may be obtained from the Zoning Officer for
additional and/or larger signs under special circumstances.
(9)
Political and campaign signs: temporary signs indicating candidates
for public office or measures on election ballots, provided that such
signs shall be permitted on private property only, may be placed only
upon approval of the property owner, may not exceed six square feet
in area or three feet in height, and must be removed within five days
following the election.
(10)
Public notice signs: signs required or specifically authorized
for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance, which may be
of any type, number, area, height above grade, location, illumination
or animation, required by the law, statute or ordinance under which
the signs are erected.
(11)
Symbols or insignia: religious symbols, commemorative plaques
of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious
orders or historical agencies, provided that no such symbol, plaque
or identification emblem shall exceed four square feet in area and
provided further that all such symbols, plaques and identification
emblems shall be placed flat against a building.
(12)
Community special event signs: signs of a temporary nature not
exceeding 50 square feet in area pertaining to drives or events of
civic, eleemosynary, educational or religious organizations, provided
that such signs are posted only during the drive or not more than
30 days before the event and are removed no more than five days after
an event.
(13)
Traffic control: signs on private property for the control of
traffic, parking or other regulatory purposes.
(14)
Warning signs: signs warning the public of the existence of
danger, of a size as may be necessary, to be removed upon subsidence
of the danger.
(15)
Property address and nameplate signs: alphabetic and/or numeric
signs not in excess of two square feet which indicate the name and/or
the address of the occupant.
(16)
Eleemosynary: direction or information signs of public or eleemosynary
organizations.
(17)
Real estate sign: one sign used to offer for sale, lease or
rent the land or buildings upon which the sign is located, in compliance
with the following:
i.
In residential district:
1.
A ground sign shall not exceed six square feet in area per side,
five feet in height above finished grade and shall not be closer than
one foot to any property line; or
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
2.
A wall sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall
not exceed six feet in height from the finished floor elevation of
any relevant space.
ii.
In business and manufacturing districts:
1.
A ground sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area per side
for a property with 50 feet or less of lot frontage, or 32 square
feet in area per side for a property with more than 50 feet of lot
frontage. Ground signs shall not exceed six feet in height above finished
grade and shall not be closer than one foot to any property line.
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
2.
A wall sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area for a property
with 50 feet or less of lot frontage, or 32 square feet in area per
side for a property with more than 50 feet of lot frontage. Wall signs
shall not exceed 20 feet in height above finished grade.
iii.
Duration. The sign shall be removed within seven days of the
sale, lease or rental transaction.
1.
Open house. A placard stating "open house" may be temporarily
attached to or placed above a real estate sign located on the property
for sale, and one off-premises directional sign may be permitted on
private property or the public parkway on Saturdays and Sundays from
12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. The term "public parkway" shall not include
the median strip of any street. Any such directional "open house"
sign shall not exceed 30 inches in height if it is located less than
15 feet from a street intersection or alley-street intersection, and
shall not exceed three feet in height if it is located more than 15
feet from such intersection. Any such signs inserted into the ground
shall be attached to thin wire supports of a type approved by the
Zoning Officer.
(18)
Building identification and historical markers: signs constructed
of metal or masonry which are permanently affixed to buildings or
structures for the purpose of identifying the building name, erection
date or other historical information.
(19)
Temporary window signs: in business establishments, temporary
window signs which announce a specific sale or product price and which
are posted for not longer than 30 days, provided the total area of
permanent and temporary window signs occupies no more than 20% of
the window surface area.
(20)
Noncommercial opinion signs: In addition to all other signs
permitted under this article, each privately owned lot may contain
one noncommercial opinion sign for each street frontage. Such signs
may be placed only upon approval of the property owner, may not exceed
six square feet in area or four feet in height, may not be located
closer than seven feet to the public right-of-way and must be at least
one foot from any property line.
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
(21)
Garage sale signs: signs advising of a permitted garage sale so long as the signage conforms with the signage requirements of Chapter 9, Article 13, of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979]
(22)
Signs on vehicles marked for sale: No more than two signs advising that a parked motor vehicle, boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle is for sale, so long as: (a) each sign is no larger than two square feet in sign area; (b) the motor vehicle, boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle is not parked upon any street within the Village for the purpose of displaying it for sale; and (c) the display conforms with the requirements of Section 7-2-18 et seq. of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979]
(23)
Transit shelter signs: Transit shelter signs may be displayed
without permit, but only in accordance with the following:
i.
The sign area of each transit shelter sign shall not exceed
24 square feet;
ii.
No transit shelter sign shall extend beyond the side of the
structure to which the sign is mounted;
iii.
No transit shelter sign shall be installed in a Residential
District of the Village, except signs displaying: (a) transit service
information; or (b) public service information provided by the Village;
and
iv.
No transit shelter sign shall be installed on any shelter for
which the Board of Trustees has not adopted a resolution approving
the installation of signs thereon, which resolution shall not be adopted
except upon the submission by the applicant of evidence that the owner
of the property on which the shelter is or will be located has authorized
the placement of the shelter and the installation of signs thereon.
(24)
Portable signs. Portable signs, such as A-frame signs or sandwich
boards, are permitted in front of business or commercial establishments
on private property only, subject to the following limitations:
[Added 10-1-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-3071]
i.
Only one portable sign may be located along each frontage of
a business establishment;
ii.
No portable sign may exceed four feet in height;
iii.
No portable sign may exceed six square feet in sign face area;
iv.
No portable sign may be located within any sight triangle;
v.
Portable signs, or changeable copy board for use in connection
with portable signs, must be professionally printed and must not be
written by hand, except for chalkboards, dry-erase boards, and other
similar sign types;
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
vi.
Portable signs must be maintained in like-new appearance and
must be free of dents or other damage;
vii.
Portable signs may be displayed only during the hours of operation
of the business establishment in front of which the portable sign
is displayed; and
viii.
Portable signs must be weighted or anchored so
that they remain upright.
(25)
Street pole banner signs (public rights-of-way): Banner signs affixed
to street poles in public rights-of-way may be displayed without permit,
but only in accordance with the following:
[Added 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3155]
i.
The sign area of each street pole banner sign shall not exceed 95
inches in length or 30 inches in width; and
ii.
No banner sign shall be installed on any street pole in a public
right-of-way for which the Board of Trustees has not adopted a resolution
approving the installation of such signs thereon, which resolution
shall not be adopted except upon the submission by the applicant of
evidence that the owners of the pole and the right-of-way have authorized
the installation of signs thereon.
The following sign types are specifically prohibited in all
locations within the Village:
(2)
Abandoned signs.
(3)
Advertising vehicles.
(4)
Off-premises advertising signs, except:
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
i.
Transit
shelter signs installed pursuant to Section 11.05(23) of this article;
ii.
Street pole banner signs installed within public rights-of-way pursuant
to Section 11.05(25) of this article; and
[Amended 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3155]
iii.
Collective parking signs erected pursuant to Section 11.04(9)
of this article.
[Added 6-21-2016 by Ord.
No. 2016-3216]
(5)
Animated signs.
(6)
Bench signs.
(7)
Billboards.
(8)
Flashing signs.
(9)
Light pole signs.
(10)
Painted wall signs.
(11)
Portable signs, except special event signs.
(12)
Projecting signs.
(13)
Signs, which:
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
i.
Bear or contain statements, words, pictures or symbols which
are unlawful;
ii.
Are attached to any fence or freestanding wall;
iii.
Have visible moving parts, or give the illusion of motion, except
for those electronic message signs;
iv.
Emit audible sound, odor or visible matter;
v.
Purport to be, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal,
or which bear the words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning"
or similar words;
vi.
By reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring
or manner of illumination may be confused with or construed as a traffic
control sign, signal or device, or the light of any emergency or road
equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign
or signal or device; or
vii.
Are located within the public right-of-way, except: (a) governmental
signs; (b) transit shelter signs installed pursuant to Section 11.05(23)
of this Article; (c) street pole banner signs installed pursuant to
Section 11.05(25) of this Article; and (d) those signs conforming
to the requirements of Section 1036-2 of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979; 5-5-2015 by Ord. No.
2015-3155]
(14)
Signs consisting of a string, cluster or series of lights, with
the exception of holiday decorations.
(15)
Signs on exterior doors, except: (a) signs displaying door operating
instructions; (b) government required signs; and (c) signs displaying
hours of operation.
(16)
Roof signs.
(17)
Inflatable signs.
(19)
Any other sign that is not expressly permitted by this article.
All signs and sign structures shall comply with the following
regulations:
(1)
Compliance with general regulations. No sign shall be erected
or maintained in violation of any applicable ordinance of the Village,
including, without limitation: the structural load and wind load standards
set forth in the Building Code.
(2)
Obstruction of access/egress. No sign shall be erected or maintained
so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or
fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(3)
Restriction to premises. No signs, posts, bases or supporting
structure of any kind for a sign shall be located beyond the property
line of the premises on which the sign is erected.
(4)
Obstruction of traffic signs/signals. No sign shall be erected
at or in the vicinity of the intersection of streets or driveways
so as to obstruct free and clear vision of traffic, or of traffic
signs and signals.
(5)
Illumination onto residential districts. No illuminated freestanding
sign may be located within 75 feet of any residential zoning district.
The illumination of any sign shall be diffused or indirect and nonflashing.
Illumination of all signs shall be so arranged that there will be
no glare directed onto nearby properties or any public right-of-way.
[Amended 9-3-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-3065]
(6)
Hours of illumination. With the exception of public service
signs and flags, all illuminated signs shall be turned off between
the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the business establishment
is engaged in the operation of its business with employees on the
premises during such period.
(7)
Maintenance.
i.
The owner of a sign, and the owner of the premises on which
the sign is located, shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain
the sign in compliance with this article, and in a neat and orderly
condition and good working order at all times, including any illumination
sources, and to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting
or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety of such
sign.
ii.
All portions of signs regulated by this article, including,
without limitation, all sign support structures, shall either be painted,
galvanized, or otherwise treated to prevent rust or deterioration.
(8)
Signs in unified business centers.
i.
All unified business centers shall have on file with the Zoning
Officer, an approved unified center sign plan for the property. The
unified center sign plan shall be submitted by the property owner
or the authorized managing agent for the property. The unified center
sign plan shall be developed to create a unified or harmonious appearance
among all signs placed upon the property consistent with Section 11.08
of this article, and shall at minimum indicate:
1.
A uniform location for wall signs;
2.
The location of any permanent window signs;
3.
The allowed sign type(s) for the property;
4.
The location and attributes of any freestanding sign located
on the property;
5.
The maximum sign area and sign location permitted for each business
tenant or leased space;
6.
The allowed number of lines of copy for a sign; and
7.
The allowed lettering styles, colors, illumination or other
sign attributes.
ii.
The unified center sign plan submitted pursuant to this Subsection
11.07(8) shall govern and regulate the issuance of sign permits for
all new signs in the unified business center.
iii.
Unified business center property owners may from time to time
amend the approved sign plan for the center. Any amendment shall indicate
how existing signs, if any, shall be made to conform to the new plan.
In no case shall noncompliant signs remain on the property for more
than 12 months after approval of an amended unified center sign plan.
Amendments to a sign plan shall be made in the same form and manner
as a unified center sign plan. Neither an amendment to the sign plan
nor a variation shall be required solely for the purpose of altering
the copy on any sign in a unified business center, provided that the
alteration conforms to the approved sign plan.
(1)
Legibility of signs. Signs shall be adequately legible under
the circumstances in which they are primarily seen, to be determined
with respect to:
i.
The speed at which the sign is viewed;
ii.
The context and surroundings in which the sign is seen; and
iii.
The design, colors and contrast of the sign copy and sign face.
The design of the sign, including copy, lettering size and style,
and colors, shall logically relate to the predominate speed of traffic
which will see it. Signs shall legibly convey their messages without
being distracting or unsafe to motorists reading them.
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(2)
Relationship of signs to their surroundings. Signs shall not
detract from the general appearance and architectural character of
their surroundings, including streets, buildings and other signs in
the area. Signs shall not be designed to complete with one another
but shall contribute to the composite legibility and attractiveness
of streets within the Village.
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(3)
Relationship of signs to the buildings and sites identified.
Signs shall be an integral architectural element of the buildings
and sites that they identify. The design of signs shall be consistent
with, and shall not detract from, the overall architectural concept
of the site on which they are located.
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(4)
Quality and craftsmanship of signs. Signs shall be carefully
crafted, durable and consistent with the quality and permanence of
the buildings and sites that they identify.
(5)
Maintenance of signs. All signs shall be regularly maintained,
and repaired or replaced, in response to the aging and weathering
of their materials.
(6)
Scale and proportion.
i.
Freestanding signs. The scale of freestanding signs shall be
compatible with the building or buildings they identify, and the signs
shall not be of such a size that they visually overpower the buildings
on the site.
ii.
Building signs. Building signs shall be harmonious in scale
and proportion with the building facade to which they are mounted,
and with the architectural elements of the building, such as windows,
cornices, sign friezes and bays. Signs that are part of building elements
such as walls, windows, canopies, awnings and mansard roofs shall
not visually overpower those elements nor detract from the composition
of the building facade.
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(7)
Shape and silhouette:
i.
Freestanding signs. The silhouette and outlined shape of freestanding
signs shall be simple and compatible with the building to which it
relates. Signs of excessively complicated outline or composed of many
different connected shapes are unacceptable. Freestanding signs should
have an attractive combination of pole skirts, landscaping, berms
and/or similar treatments to provide a visual base for the sign and
integrate the sign into the overall architecture, landscaping and
topography on the site. Brick, wood, stone walls or properly treated
metal will be acceptable materials to be used for pole skirts and
must be compatible with the material used in the sign. Freestanding
signs may not obstruct or limit the sight distance of motorists within
any sight triangle, and may not exceed three feet in height within
any sight triangle.
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
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ii.
Building signs. The silhouettes and outlined shapes of building
signs shall be compatible with the building facade on which they are
mounted. Shapes that disrupt the architectural order and composition
of a building facade are unacceptable.
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(8)
Sign placement and height:
i.
Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall not be placed close
against a building so that they obscure important architectural features
such as entrances, display windows or decorative cornices when viewed
from the street.
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ii.
Building signs. Sign placement on a building shall respect and
not disrupt the architectural composition of the building facade.
No part of any sign should overlap or cover the architectural edges
and lines of the building such as cornices, eaves, window and door
frames, columns, decorative elements and corners.
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iii.
Mansard signs. Mansard signs shall be mounted directly to the
mansard surface, or shall be mounted in a manner that is consistent
with the architecture of the building facade and roof with no visible
brackets, braces, angle irons or secondary supports. Mansard signs
that project out from the surface of the mansard shall be enclosed
on all sides perpendicular to the sign face with a treatment to match
the color, texture and appearance of the mansard material.
(9)
Sign copy:
i.
Sign copy. Information shall be brief enough to be legible under
the circumstances and speed at which it will be seen, and should be
composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.
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ii.
Quantity and size of copy. Signs, other than changeable copy
and multi-tenant freestanding signs, shall have no more than 10 items
of information that are greater than or equal to two inches in height
on the sign face. For the purposes of this Paragraph 11.08(9)(b),
all individual words, symbols, figures, numbers or illustrations excluding
punctuation marks shall be considered items of information.
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iii.
Alternative copy. The use of simple pictures, symbols or logographs
is encouraged as a replacement for words that describe the name or
nature of a business or use.
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(10)
Lettering:
i.
Legible. Lettering styles on signs shall be legible under the
circumstances and speed at which they will be seen.
ii.
Readable. Simple and easily readable lettering styles shall
primarily be used and specialized, decorative lettering styles shall
be adequately legible and compatible with the architectural concept
for the property.
iii.
Styles. The number of different lettering styles on a sign or
on a series of signs within a complex of buildings shall be minimized
and shall relate to the overall architectural concept for the property.
iv.
Spacing. Lettering and copy shall not be crowded onto the surface
of a sign or building surface and shall be composed to leave ample
space around the copy to preserve legibility.
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(11)
Materials and construction:
i.
Materials and textures. The materials and textures of signs
shall have good architectural character and shall not be inconsistent
with nor detract from the overall design concept of the site and building
of which it is a part.
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ii.
Use of natural materials. Natural materials such as wood, stone
or brick are encouraged for signs.
iii.
Permanence, harmony and compatibility. Signs shall be designed
for permanence and their materials and construction shall not detract
from the permanence of the buildings they identify.
(12)
Color:
i.
Appearance. The visual appearance of signs on a street shall
be harmonious and orderly, and shall reinforce the architectural character
of the street. Colors, or combinations of colors that are harsh and
disrupt the visual harmony and order of the street are unacceptable.
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ii.
Color tones. Bold, bright or harsh colors shall be used sparingly,
as accents on a sign, rather than as predominant colors. Strong contrasts
of tone or color shall be avoided except when necessary for legibility.
iii.
Color of frames and supportive members. Visible frames, supports
or structural elements of signs that are not part of the sign face
shall be of subdued coloring, or, if made of brick, stone or wood,
shall be of natural colors compatible with the natural finish of the
material.
(13)
Illumination. Any sign permitted under these regulations may
be illuminated in compliance with the following:
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
i.
Installation or application. Illumination shall be installed
or applied such that:
ii.
Glare. Illumination shall be prevented from causing a glare
on the street or nearby properties.
iii.
Protection of light source. Floodlights, gooseneck reflectors
or other external sources of illumination shall be contained within
a protective casing.
iv.
Motion. Illumination shall be constant in intensity and color
and shall not consist of flashing, animated, chasing or scintillating
lights. Electronic message signs shall not be considered flashing
signs for the purposes of this article.
v.
Appearance. Signs that are illuminated shall be designed to
be equally attractive, whether illuminated or not.
vi.
Degree of illumination. The intensity of illumination for the
sign shall not be excessively bright and shall be even over the face
of the sign, with no bright spots.
vii.
Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be illuminated
internally or by concealed fixtures so that no reflectors, extension
arms or fixtures are visible from the street.
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viii.
Building signs. Signs that are part of a building
shall have internal lighting or a concealed means of illumination.
The only exception shall be decorative fixtures that are consistent
with the architectural style of the building and do not disrupt the
order and composition of the building facades.
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x.
This Section 11.08(13) shall not apply to transit shelter signs
approved pursuant to Section 11.05(23) of this article.
(14)
Landscaping for freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall
be landscaped at their base in a method harmonious with the landscape
concept for the whole site. Landscaping shall form an attractive,
dense cluster at the base of the sign that is equally attractive in
winter and summer. However, landscaping materials should be of such
a height so as not to interfere with line of sight area below the
bottom of the sign and the finished grade. A minimum of two square
feet of landscaping will be required for every one square foot of
sign face. The landscape area shall be curbed at the perimeter with
continuous reinforced Portland cement concrete curbing when the sign
is incorporated into a hard surfaced parking area.
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(15)
Signs with company logos. Company logos or identification logos
of a prototypical design on signs shall conform to all the provisions
in this article, and shall stay within the spirit and intent of this
article regarding the visual order and restraint of the street environment.
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(16)
Signs in unified business centers:
i.
Harmony and unity of signs. There shall be an architectural
harmony and unity of signs within a unified business center. Sign
type, color scheme, lettering, size, placement of signs, number of
lines of copy and illumination shall be coordinated among all signs
and shall be compatible with the architecture of the center.
ii.
Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs identifying shopping
centers and other unified business centers may identify the name of
the center or complex and shall have no more than eight separate tenants
per sign face within the complex or center.
iii.
Building signs. Building signs in a unified business center
shall be in harmony with the overall architectural style for the site,
and compatible with each other and with the building facades. Separate
business signs shall be located uniformly on a sign frieze, canopy
or other appropriate architectural element consistent with the architectural
style for the center as a whole, and shall be adequately separated
from one another.
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(17)
Changeable copy signs:
i.
Percent of sign area/sign face. Changeable copy may be incorporated
into a single tenant freestanding sign face when the changeable component
of the sign face occupies less than 25% of the total area of that
sign face.
ii.
Proportion and appearance. Changeable copy on a sign face shall
be composed in proportion to the entire sign face with a border or
similar treatment around the changeable copy to integrate it into
the sign face.
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iii.
Lettering. Lettering of changeable copy shall be of a single,
simple, easily legible lettering style and shall be of uniform color
and size throughout the changeable copy portion of the sign.
(18)
Signable wall area. All wall signs shall be located within a
signable wall area. Actual sign coverage is limited to 1/3 of the
respective signable area or 10 square feet, whichever is greater.
The illustration below provides three possible examples of signable
wall areas, only one of which may be used.
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(1)
Permit application. An applicant for a sign permit shall file
an application therefor with the Zoning Officer, upon forms provided
by the Village, and shall include, without limitation, the following:
i.
Personal and company information.
1.
The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owner of the
business to be served by the proposed sign, and, if different, of
the owner of the property on which the proposed sign is to be located;
and
2.
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the designer,
manufacturer, and installer of the proposed sign.
ii.
Sign plan. A comprehensive listing of all existing and proposed
signs on the subject property, including type, size, informational
content and location, using sign identification numbers corresponding
with reference numbers on photographs or elevation drawings.
iii.
Plans and specifications. Plans and specifications, showing,
without limitation, construction details, the methods and materials
of sign fabrication, and the method of attachment of the sign to the
building or ground.
iv.
Structural load calculations. For new, remounted or relocated
signs, a statement by a licensed structural engineer or an Illinois
licensed architect, that all sign structures, including, without limitation,
the sign foundations, support structures, secondary framing, anchorages,
fastenings and facing materials, will be: (i) structurally sound;
(ii) designed to resist wind pressures as required by the Building
Code; and (iii) designed at a pressure not less than 20 pounds per
square foot of sign surface and supporting structure, which pressure
shall be considered as acting as both positive and negative pressure,
but not acting concurrently.
v.
Site plan or survey. A scaled survey by a licensed surveyor,
or a site plan of the property on which the sign will be located,
showing, without limitation, all of the following information:
vi.
Building elevation. A scaled drawing of the face of the building
to which the sign will be attached, showing, without limitation, the
following information:
1.
All windows, doors, canopies, awnings, rooflines and other architectural
elements on the building face, indicating building materials;
2.
All dimensions and signable area of the actual wall, window,
mansard roof, canopy, or awning on which the sign will be mounted;
and
3.
The location and size of the sign on the building face, including
height above grade and projection from the mounting surface.
vii.
Sign elevation. A scaled elevation of the face of the proposed
sign showing, without limitation, the following information:
viii.
Site photographs. Color photographs that adequately show the
entire building face on which the sign will be located, and for unified
business center signs, that adequately describe other existing signs
in the center.
ix.
Electrical wiring diagram. For illuminated signs, an electrical
wiring diagram.
x.
Landscaping plan. For freestanding signs, a landscaping plan,
which plan shall: (i) include, without limitation, the size (height
and/or diameter) and name (common and botanic) of plant materials;
and (ii) satisfy the requirements set forth in Subsection 11.08(14)
of this article.
xi.
Improvement and maintenance agreements. For unified business
centers, improvement and maintenance agreements, including without
limitation, the names of the property owner(s) and business owners,
an integrated building and site use arrangement, and an overall architectural
concept of the unified business center.
xii.
Signs on rights-of-way. For signs proposed to extend over, or
to be located on, any public right-of-way, all items required pursuant
to Section 11.12 of this article.
xiii.
Additional information required. Any other information required
by the Zoning Officer because of the unique type, design or location
of the sign.
xiv.
Cash surety. For freestanding, wall, canopy, mansard or awning
signs, a cash surety, in the form of a certified check, cashier's
check or money order payable to the Village, in an amount of $500
or 10% of the estimated value of the sign, whichever is greater.
(2)
Review by Zoning Officer. The Zoning
Officer shall review all complete sign permit applications submitted
pursuant to Subsection 11.09(1) of this article, and shall either
grant or deny the sign permit in accordance with the following:
1.
Upon a determination that the proposed sign complies with all
applicable regulations of this article and other applicable requirements
of law, the Zoning Officer shall grant the sign permit.
2.
Upon a determination that the proposed sign does not comply
with all applicable regulations of this article or with any other
applicable requirements of law, the Zoning Officer shall: (i) deny
the sign permit; and (ii) return the cash surety provided pursuant
to Paragraph 11.09(1)(n) of this chapter, if any, within 10 business
days after the date of the denial.
(3)
Approved signs:
i.
If work authorized pursuant to a sign permit has not been completed
within 180 days after issuance of the permit, the permit shall automatically
become null and void.
ii.
The cash surety provided pursuant to Paragraph 11.09(1)(n) of
this chapter, if any, shall be returned to the sign permittee within
10 business days after final inspection and completion of the approved
sign.
(1)
The following signs are special signs and may not be erected
or maintained except upon issuance of a special sign approval pursuant
to this Section 11.10:
i.
Light pole banner signs on private property: banners made of
clothlike material and mounted with metal brackets to light poles
located on private property.
[Amended 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3155]
1.
Special sign approval may be granted for a period not to exceed
two years.
2.
The sign permit application shall include a plan identifying
the location of all banners, which plan shall conform with the following:
(1)
No more than two banners shall be hung from any
light pole fixture;
(2)
All banners shall be erected at a height of at
least 10 feet above finished grade, and shall not be located to obstruct
traffic visibility; and
(3)
The banners and metal brackets, as well as the
structures and poles to which the banners are attached, shall withstand
stresses as required by the Building Code.
3.
A maintenance plan shall be provided, for review and approval
by the Zoning Officer, for the periodic replacement of worn, tattered,
faded or otherwise weathered banner material.
4.
The banner design, including color and content format, shall
be customized to the intended location, and harmonious with adjacent
properties.
5.
The banner design, color and content shall contribute to the
attractiveness of the site and of adjoining properties, and shall
enhance the image of Lincolnwood.
6.
The sign shall not be merely intended as an advertising medium.
ii.
Menu board signs. One menu board for a drive-in or drive-through
restaurant may be granted in addition to other signs permitted under
this article, provided that the sign does not exceed: (a) 20 square
feet in area; and (b) six feet in height from the finished grade.
iii.
Rooftop flagpoles.
1.
The sign permit application shall include a plan identifying
the location of the proposed rooftop flagpole, which plan shall conform
with the following:
(1)
No more than one rooftop flagpole, may be erected
on any lot;
(2)
The height of any rooftop flagpole shall not project
higher than 15 above the building or structure height permissible
in the underlying zoning district;
(3)
The flagpole and all anchor brackets must be manufactured
and installed consistent with industry standards, and shall withstand
stresses as required by the Building Code;
(4)
No flag may exceed the size of the flag prescribed
by industry standards for the particular flagpole sought to be installed;
(5)
The rooftop flagpole must be located so that it
is perpendicular to the roof of the building or structure upon which
it is located;
(6)
No pole or structural part thereof shall project
beyond the edge of the roof upon which it is located; and
(7)
No more than two flags may be displayed from any
rooftop flagpole.
2.
The pole structure and supports shall, at a minimum, conform
to all applicable provisions of this article and of the Village Code.
iv.
Pole/pylon signs.
1.
Number.
(1)
No more than one pole/pylon sign per lot or unified
business center, each of which has a minimum front footage of 100
feet along a single street, shall be permitted, except that pole/pylon
identification signs (directory signs) in lieu of wall signs shall
be permitted in a multi-tenant office or industrial building if each
tenant has a separate at-grade entrance, which sign shall be located
at the entrance to the tenant's space and shall not exceed 10 square
feet and six feet in height from finished grade.
(2)
Sign copy for single tenant pole/pylon sign shall
contain no more than 10 words and graphic elements greater than two
inches in height.
(3)
Sign copy for a multi-tenant pole/pylon sign shall
contain a maximum of a combination of 24 words and graphic elements
no greater than two inches in height. Changeable copy signage shall
not be combined with multi-tenant signs.
(4)
Pole/pylon signs on properties with multiple street
frontages shall be oriented perpendicular to the primary street right-of-way.
2.
Height. No pole/pylon sign shall exceed 18 feet in height from
finished grade.
3.
Area. No pole/pylon sign shall exceed 48 square feet per sign
face for a single-tenant property, or 48 square feet plus six square
feet for each tenant over five tenants, up to a maximum of 60 square
feet per sign face for a multiple-tenant property.
4.
Building clearance. No pole/pylon sign shall be located closer
than 10 feet to a building, except that a pole/pylon sign four feet
in height or less may be as close as three feet from a building.
5.
Setback. No pole/pylon sign shall be located closer than 10
feet to an exterior property line, nor closer than 50 feet to an interior
property line. For a pole/pylon sign constructed at a unified business
center, under multiple ownerships, interior lot lines shall only pertain
to the outermost lot line.
6.
Public service sign display. A pole/pylon sign may incorporate
a public service sign display.
7.
Distance measurement. The location of a pole/pylon sign shall
be measured as the distance between the point of reference specified
and the closest point on the sign.
8.
Sight triangle. A pole/pylon sign located in a sight triangle
shall be either a maximum of three feet in height to the top of the
sign, or not less than eight feet from the finished grade to the bottom
of the sign.
9.
Overhang. No pole/pylon sign may overhang any part of a structure,
parking or loading space, driveway or maneuvering aisle.
10.
Landscaping. A pole/pylon sign must be located in a landscaped
area separated and protected from vehicular circulation and parking
areas. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping shall be required
for every one square foot of sign face. When located in a parking
area, continuous reinforced perimeter Portland cement concrete curbing
is required.
11.
Gas station. Changeable copy used in a gas station pole/pylon
sign shall be included in the maximum sign area for an allowable pole/pylon
sign. Gas station signs must incorporate the changeable copy price
information into the main identification sign face. Only gasoline
price signs accessory to gasoline service stations will be permitted
to have manual or electronic changeable copy.
12.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination
of an internally illuminated pole/pylon sign shall not exceed the
following requirements:
[Amended 9-20-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2962]
(1)
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face
of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the
sign;
(2)
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25
footcandles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a
distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
(3)
One footcandle on adjoining residential property, measured three
feet above the ground.
13.
Special sign conditions. A pole/pylon sign shall be allowed
as a special sign only if the proposed pole/pylon sign meets the special
sign requirements set forth in Subsection 11.10(5) of this article
and any one of the additional following conditions:
(1)
A monument sign would not be feasible due to obstruction
of the line of sight triangle;
(2)
The existence of driveways, driveway approaches,
interior drive aisles and parking areas would cause insufficient area
to install a monument sign;
(3)
The existence of trees, shrubbery or vegetation
would adversely impact the visibility of a monument sign; or
(4)
The existence of underground utilities would prevent
or interfere with the installation of a foundation for a monument
sign.
v.
Electronic message center signs.
[Added 11-5-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-3429]
1.
Location. Electronic message center signs may only be erected
on lots of not less than seven acres in size, and only in the B-1,
B-2, B-3, O-1, P, and S Districts or the MBROZ Retail Overlay Zone.
For purposes of this Section 11.10(1)v.1 only, contiguous parcels
under common ownership and used for the same or similar purposes may
be considered a single lot.
[Amended 10-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3637]
2.
Sign type. Electronic message center signs must be monument
signs.
3.
Sign height and area.
(1)
On multitenant properties, the monument sign into
which an electronic message center sign is incorporated shall not
exceed 100 square feet in total area nor 18 feet in height. No sign
face of the electronic message center sign shall exceed the lesser
of 50% of the total sign area or 50 square feet.
(2)
On single-tenant properties, the monument sign
into which an electronic message center sign is incorporated shall
not exceed the area or height restrictions set forth in Section 11.04(1)
of this chapter. No sign face of the electronic message center sign
shall exceed 40 square feet.
4.
Illumination.
(1)
The illumination of an electronic message center
sign shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle over ambient lighting conditions,
measured at distances in accordance with the following table:
|
Area of Sign
(square feet)
|
Measurement Distance
(feet)
|
|---|---|
|
10
|
32
|
|
15
|
39
|
|
20
|
45
|
|
25
|
50
|
|
30
|
55
|
|
35
|
59
|
|
40
|
63
|
|
45
|
67
|
|
50
|
71
|
|
55
|
74
|
|
60
|
77
|
|
65
|
81
|
|
70
|
84
|
|
75
|
87
|
|
80
|
89
|
|
85
|
92
|
|
90
|
95
|
|
95
|
97
|
|
100
|
100
|
|
110
|
105
|
|
120
|
110
|
|
130
|
114
|
|
140
|
118
|
|
150
|
122
|
|
160
|
126
|
|
170
|
130
|
|
180
|
134
|
|
190
|
138
|
|
200
|
141
|
|
220
|
148
|
|
240
|
155
|
|
260
|
161
|
|
280
|
167
|
|
300
|
173
|
(2)
Electronic message center signs shall be equipped
with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient
illumination and is programmed to automatically dim to a level compliant
with Section 11.10(1)v.4.(1) of this chapter.
(3)
Electronic message center signs shall face away
from, and shall not direct light onto, any lot that is located in
a residential zoning district or improved with a structure used for
residential purposes.
5.
Motion. All images displayed on electronic message center signs
must remain visible for a period of no less than 10 seconds before
the image transition to a new static image. Animated or moving images
are otherwise prohibited within electronic message center signs.
(2)
Special signs on public rights-of-way. No portion of any special sign may encroach in, on, over, under or above any public right-of-way, except: (a) governmental signs; and (b) signs conforming to the requirements of Chapter 9, Article 13, of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979]
(3)
Initiation. An application for a special sign approval may be
made by the owner of the subject property or an authorized representative
thereof. Applications for approval of a special sign must include,
without limitation, the sign permit application submitted pursuant
to Section 11.09 of this article for the proposed sign.
(4)
Processing. An application for a special sign approval, in such
form and accompanied by such information as shall be established from
time to time by the ZBA, shall be filed with the Zoning Officer and
thereafter processed in the same manner prescribed for variations
under Section 5.15(5) of this Zoning Ordinance.
(5)
Decisions. The Board of Trustees, upon report and recommendation
of the ZBA and without further hearing, may approve or deny an application
for a special sign approval, or may refer it back to the ZBA for further
consideration. In determining whether to approve or deny an application
for a special sign approval, there shall be taken into consideration
the extent to which the following facts are established:
i.
The special sign will serve the public convenience at the location
of the subject sign; or that the establishment, maintenance or operation
of the special sign will not be detrimental to or endanger the visibility,
public safety, comfort or general welfare;
ii.
The special sign will be in harmony and scale with the architecture
of the building(s) in the development and with other signs in the
neighborhood;
iii.
The special sign will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment
of other property in the immediate vicinity of the subject property
for the purposes already permitted; nor substantially diminish and
impair other property valuations within the neighborhood; nor impair
the visibility of adjacent signs;
iv.
The nature, location and size of the sign(s) involved with the
establishment of the special sign will not impede, substantially hinder,
or discourage the installation of signs on adjacent property in accordance
with this article;
v.
The special sign satisfies all specific requirements and conditions
set forth in this Section 11.10; and
vi.
The special sign shall in all other respects conform to the
applicable regulations of this article.
(6)
Conditions. The ZBA may recommend, and the Board of Trustees
may impose, such conditions and restrictions upon an approved special
sign, and upon the use of the property or premises benefited by a
special sign, as may be deemed necessary to assure compliance with
the standards set forth in this article, to reduce or minimize the
effect of the special sign upon other property in the neighborhood,
or to implement the general purpose and intent of this article.
(1)
Notification of nonconformity. The Zoning Officer shall survey
the Village for signs which do not conform to the requirements of
this article. Upon determination that a sign is nonconforming, the
Zoning Officer shall use reasonable efforts to notify in writing the
user and/or owner of the property on which the sign is located of
the following:
(2)
Legal nonconforming signs. Any sign permitted by this article
but because of size, location, height or other attribute does not
conform with the provisions of this article shall be deemed a legal
nonconforming sign and shall be permitted, provided the sign was erected
or installed pursuant to a sign permit lawfully granted prior to the
adoption of this article. Any nonconforming monument sign or pole/pylon
sign shall not be deemed to have lost its legal nonconforming status
solely by virtue of a change in text and/or design on the sign face.
(3)
Loss of legal nonconforming sign status. A legal nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming status, and shall be renewed or brought into compliance with this Article XI within 30 days, upon the occurrence of any of the following:
i.
The sign is replaced;
ii.
The sign is relocated;
iii.
The sign is altered in any way in structure or copy, except
for changeable copy signs and for normal maintenance;
iv.
The sign is removed, as provided in Subsection 11.14(4) of this
article;
v.
The sign is not properly maintained;
vi.
The sign is damaged to more than 20% of its replacement value;
or
vii.
The sign is an abandoned sign.
For signs that extend over or are located within a public right-of-way,
the sign owner must provide the following to the Village:
(1)
An indemnification agreement, in a form approved by the Village
Attorney; and
(2)
A liability insurance policy, issued by an insurance company
authorized to do business in the state, with limits of liability of
not less than $500,000 of combined property damage, personal injury
liability coverage, with the Village, its officers, agents and employees
named as additional parties insured, is required. The insurance policy
shall be maintained in force throughout the life of the permit, and
if at any time it shall not be in full force, the permit shall become
null and void. The insurance policy shall contain a provision that
it cannot be terminated for any reason except upon 30 days' prior
written notice to the Village.
The several provisions of this article are hereby declared to
be severable in accordance with the following rules:
(1)
If any court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision
or provisions of this article to be invalid, such declaration shall
not affect the validity of any other provisions of this article not
specifically included in the court's decision.
(2)
If any court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision
or provisions of this article to be invalid as applied to any particular
sign, such declaration shall not affect the application of such provision
to any other sign not specifically included in the court's decision.
(1)
Penalty for violations. Any person who installs a sign without
a permit and/or in conflict with the provisions of this article shall
be fined per day of violation in an amount as set forth in the Annual
Fee Resolution.[1] Any permit fees associated with an illegal sign shall
be paid at twice the normal fee requirements.
(2)
Revocation of sign permit. Any sign permit issued under this
article may be revoked by the Zoning Officer when:
i.
The person, firm or corporation to whom a sign permit is granted
fails to complete work required in accordance with provisions of the
permit during the effective period of the permit;
ii.
The application for the sign permit contained a material misrepresentation
or omission of fact; or
iii.
The sign or its structure was erected, constructed, reconstructed,
altered or used in a manner not in compliance with this article, the
permit, and/or the permit application.
(3)
Completion of partially constructed signs:
i.
In the event that a permit has been issued pursuant to this
article, but the sign installation has not been completed within 180
days of the date of issuance of the permit, the Village may utilize
all or any portion of the principal sum of the cash surety provided
pursuant to Paragraph 11.09(1)(n) of this article, if any, or a portion
thereof, to complete the installation or to remove the partial work.
ii.
Nothing in this Section 11.14(3) shall be deemed or interpreting
as limiting or restricting: (i) the imposition of fines pursuant to
Section 11.14(1) of this article; or (ii) the placement of a lien
against the property pursuant to this Section 11.14 to recover Village
expenses.
iii.
In cases where only part of the cash surety has been utilized,
the unused amount of the principal sum shall be refunded by the Village
to the sign permittee.
(4)
Removal of signs.
i.
Unsafe signs. Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or
endangers the public safety, the Zoning Officer shall give written
notification to the owner of the sign and to the property owner of
the premises upon which the sign is located that the sign must be
made safe or removed within five days after the date of the notification.
Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified
therein, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to cause removal
of such sign;
ii.
Signs in violation of this article. Any sign which is erected
or maintained in violation of any provisions of this article is hereby
declared to be a public nuisance and the Zoning Officer is authorized
to cause removal of the sign, pursuant to the following:
1.
The Zoning Officer shall deliver a written notification to the
owner of the sign and to the property owner of the premises upon which
the sign is located, indicating the violation, and that the sign must
be removed within 15 days after the date of the notification.
2.
If the sign is not removed within 15 days after the date of
the initial notification, the Zoning Officer shall deliver a second
notification to the owner of the sign and to the property owner of
the premises upon which the sign is located, indicating the failure
to remove the sign, and that the Village may remove the sign at any
time after 15 days after the date of the second notification.
3.
The Village may cause the removal of the sign at any time after
15 days after the date of the second notification. Any expenses incurred
by the Village and incident to the removal shall be paid by or be
recoverable from the owner of the building, structure or lot upon
which the sign is located, and shall be a lien upon the premises until
paid. Reimbursement of the expenses may be pursued through an action
in the Village's administrative hearing system or in the Circuit Court
of Cook County.
iii.
Abandoned signs.
1.
Within 10 days after a sign becomes abandoned, the owner of
the building, structure or lot upon which the sign is located shall
cause either the removal of the sign, or the replacement of the sign
face with a weatherproof, blank face.
2.
If an abandoned sign is not removed or replaced in accordance
with Subparagraph 11.14(4)(c)(i) of this paragraph, the Zoning Officer
shall deliver a notification to the owner of the building, structure
or lot upon which the sign is located, indicating the failure to remove
or replace the sign, and that the Village may remove the sign at any
time after 10 days after the date of the notification.
3.
The Village may cause the removal of the sign at any time after
10 days after the date of the notification. Any expenses incurred
by the Village and incident to the removal shall be paid by or be
recoverable from the owner of the building, structure or lot upon
which the sign is located, and shall be a lien upon the premises until
paid. Reimbursement of the expenses may be pursued through an action
in the Village's administrative hearing system or in the Circuit Court
of Cook County.
