[Amended 2-7-2002; 12-7-2004; 10-7-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-09; 12-20-2011 by Ord. No.
2011-30; 12-18-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-15; 2-19-2015 by Ord. No.
2015-01]
A.Â
The purpose of this article is to establish standards that safeguard
life and property, protect the right of free speech, promote the public's
general welfare, and enhance community aesthetics by regulating the
appearance, construction, location and maintenance of signs and billboards.
B.Â
Applicability. This article applies to all signs in the Town of Grand
Chute visible beyond the boundaries of the lot upon which they are
located, inclusive of any sign currently in use, planned, or hereafter
installed or structurally altered, except for:
C.Â
Interpretation. The Town will use literal readings of regulations
in this article. Regulations are no more or less strict than stated.
Where the regulations of this article do not provide a basis for concluding
that a sign is allowed, it is prohibited. Where there is a conflict
between the provisions this article and the provisions of any other
regulation, statute, ordinance or covenant, the most restrictive regulation
will apply.
D.Â
Nonconforming signs. In accordance with §§ 60.61(5) and 62.23(7)(h), Wis. Stats., and § 535-15 of the Town of Grand Chute Municipal Code, any sign lawfully existing at the effective date of this article that does not conform with the provisions herein will be characterized as a nonconforming sign and may continue in existence at its current location, subject to the following restrictions:
(1)Â
No structural component, face or panel of a nonconforming sign
may be altered in any manner that would increase the extent of nonconformity.
(2)Â
The total structural repairs or alterations of a sign may not,
during its life, exceed 50% of the assessed value of the sign, unless
permanently changed to a conforming sign.
(3)Â
If, for a period of 12 consecutive months, the use a nonconforming
sign is discontinued or abandoned for any reason whatsoever, any future
use of said sign must conform with the provisions of this article
or be removed.
(4)Â
A nonconforming sign that becomes damaged or destroyed by violent
wind, vandalism, fire, flood, ice, snow, mold or infestation may be
restored to its prior size, height, arrangement and location without
restriction as to the costs of the required repair, restoration or
reconstruction.
Words used in this article have their broad dictionary definition
unless they are described otherwise.
A projection, not including a sign as defined in this section,
that extends beyond the face of a building's exterior wall.
A permanent sign directly affixed to or primarily supported
by a building. Includes awning signs, canopy signs, projecting signs,
roof signs and wall signs.
An attached sign on a fixed or retractable architectural
projection made of rigid or nonrigid materials that is anchored to
and supported by a building, which may be illuminated by means of
internal or external sources of light. See illustration below.
 |
A temporary sign constructed of fabric, pliable plastic or
other nonrigid material of any shape, in which more than one edge
or surface is secured to another structure or support to prevent movement.
A wall or freestanding sign displaying either a static or
digital electronic message that attracts attention to a business,
product, service, entertainment, or activity conducted, sold, or offered
at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
Also referred to as "off-premises advertising sign."
An attached sign on a freestanding architectural projection
that is anchored by columns or cantilevers, and that may be illuminated
by means of internal or external sources of light. See illustrations
below.
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A sign that is legally installed in accordance with all prevailing
jurisdictional laws and ordinances.
A lot or combination of adjoining lots that comprise a minimum
land area of two acres, containing a mix of land uses, and typically
developed with more than one principal building under unified ownership
or control. Development areas include, but are not limited to, lots,
buildings and site improvements located in planned unit developments
and planned development districts.
A billboard or off-premises advertising sign that contains
multiple or variable messages that automatically change by any digital
or electronic process.
A mode of message transition on an electronic message center
sign in which the first message gradually appears to dissipate and
lose legibility with the gradual appearance and legibility of the
second message.
An on-premises sign on which the message is changed by electronic
process. Messages displayed include, but are not limited to, copy,
art, graphics, time and temperature, public service announcements,
and advertising of products or services.
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending
vertically from normal grade to the top of a parapet wall or eaves,
and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.
A sign, constructed of fabric, pliable plastic or other nonrigid
material and typically oblong or rectangular in shape, which is attached
by one edge to a mast arm, staff or vertical pole. Noncommercial flags
are not considered signs.
A visual effect on a directly or indirectly illuminated sign
in which artificial light intensity and color is not maintained stationary
and constant at all times when in use.
A measure of illuminance in which #0.1 footcandle equals
one lumen per square foot.
A complete, static display screen on an electronic message
center sign.
A visual effect on a frame in which the illusion of motion
and/or animation is used on an electronic message center sign or a
digital multiple message sign.
A sign supported by a structure affixed to the ground, as
opposed to being affixed to a building. Also referred to as "ground
sign," "monument sign," "pole sign" or "pylon sign." See illustrations
below.
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The amount of light falling upon a real or imaginary surface.
Expressed in English units as footcandles and in SI (metric) units
as lux. Also referred to as "light level" or "illumination."
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, including:
Externally or indirectly illuminated sign: emits light from
a source(s) located outside of the actual sign.
Internally or directly illuminated sign: emits artificial light
directly through any transparent or translucent material from a source
located within or on the sign. This includes electronic message center
signs.
Any sign constructed of fabric or other flexible material
that takes on a three-dimensional shape when filled with air.
Light from an artificial source that intrudes into an area
where it is not wanted or does not belong.
The light that is emitted by or reflected from a surface,
measured in units of luminous intensity (candelas) per unit area.
Expressed in English units as foot lamberts and in SI units as cd/m2. Also referred to as "nits."
The SI unit for illuminance, in which one lux equals 0.093
footcandle.
A sign that was legally installed under all municipal sign
regulations and ordinances in effect at that time, but which may no
longer comply with subsequently enacted regulations and ordinances
having jurisdiction over the sign.
A measure of the ground elevation of a lot, being the lower
of the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established
grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, landscaping or
mounding done solely for the purpose of installing a sign structure.
A sign constructed, maintained and operated in the outdoor
environment for the purpose of displaying messages appurtenant to
the use of, or products sold at, the property on which it is displayed.
The portion of a building facade that extends vertically
above the structural roofline.
An attached or freestanding sign constructed, maintained and operated in a manner to remain in a fixed place over its useful life. Permanent signs are designed and constructed to receive dead loads and withstand wind pressures as required in Chapter 220 of the Town of Grand Chute Municipal Code or other regulations, and are constructed of durable materials capable of withstanding year-round exposure to the outdoor environment.
A temporary sign used to announce or support political candidates
or issues in any local, state or national election or political event.
An attached sign that projects more than 18 inches from the
facade of a wall or building. Also referred to as "blade sign." See
illustration below.
 |
A sign on which the message is manually changed on a display
surface.
Any sign used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property
on which it is placed.
An attached sign mounted on, or extending above the uppermost
edge of, a wall or parapet of a building. See illustration below.
 Roof Signs
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A mode of message transition on an electronic message center
sign in which the message appears to move vertically across the display
surface.
Any device used to attract attention beyond the boundaries
of the lot on which it is located, and whose purpose is to convey
a message to represent any person, entity or thing by means of lettering,
numerals, words, figures, emblems, devices, structures, designs, trade
names, trademarks or other alphabetic or pictorial imagery. Any sign(s)
affixed to a nonmotorized vehicle (i.e., trailer) not being actively
used for the delivery of commercial goods is defined as a sign and
is subject to the provisions of this article.
The size of a sign, calculated as the entire area within
the periphery of a regular geometric form or combinations of regular
geometric forms on which all elements of a message(s) are displayed.
In the case of double-face signs, where both faces advertise a single
facility, product, or service, only one face is used to calculate
sign area.
The actual physical sign message, including any lettering,
numerals, words, figures, emblems, designs, trade names, trademarks
or other alphabetic or pictorial imagery applied to any background.
Sign copy is expressed as the sum of the geometric shape(s) encompassing
separate individual letters, words or graphic elements on a background.
Geographic locations within the Town of Grand Chute for which
sign regulations are enforced based on types and intensities of land
use and prevailing zoning district classifications, to include:
Rural Area: All lots zoned AED Exclusive Agricultural District
and AGD General Agricultural District.
Suburban Area: All lots with residential uses zoned RSF Single-Family
Residential District; RTF Two-Family Residential District; R-2 Two-Family
Residence District; and R-3 Single-Family Attached Residence District.
Neighborhood Center: Locations characterized as:
All lots with nonresidential uses zoned RSF Single-Family Residential
District; RTF Two-Family Residential District; R-2 Two-Family Residence
District; and R-3 Single-Family Attached Residence District.
All lots zoned R-4 Multifamily Residence District; R-5 Multifamily
Residence District; RMF Multifamily Residential District; and C-1
Neighborhood Commercial District.
Community Center: All lots zoned C-2 Office Commercial District;
CL Local Commercial District; CR Regional Commercial District; CP
Planned Commercial District; and IND Industrial District.
Sign regulations for lots zoned PDD Planned Development District
are prescribed in each project approval resolution approved by the
Town of Grand Chute.
The surface of a sign upon or through which the copy of the
sign is displayed.
A measure of the vertical distance from normal grade to the
highest attached component of the sign structure, calculated as follows:
The height of an attached sign is the vertical distance measured
from the base of the facade of a wall or building at normal grade
to the highest point of any sign face.
The height of a freestanding sign on a lot with an elevation
equal to or higher than the center line of the street it abuts is
calculated as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade
to the top of the highest attached component of the sign structure.
The height of a freestanding sign on a lot with an elevation
lower than the center line of the street it abuts is calculated as
being equal to the distance from the street center line elevation
(at a point perpendicular to the sign) to the top of the highest attached
component of the sign structure.
The area of all sign faces, structural supports, decorative
trim and architectural features of the complete sign entity.
A sign constructed, maintained and operated in a manner to
be temporarily placed either in the ground or on a building. Temporary
signs may include, but are not limited to reader boards, construction
signs, development signs, political signs, real estate signs, sale
signs, electronic message center signs and special event signs.
A visual effect used on an electronic message center sign
to change from one message to another. Transition effects include,
but are not limited to, fading, flashing, dissolving, traveling and
scrolling.
A mode of transition on an electronic message center sign
in which the message appears to move horizontally across the display
surface.
A sign(s) permanently painted or affixed on the surface of
a licensed, motorized vehicle that is used on a day-to-day basis to
transport goods and/or provide services.
A sign attached parallel to and extending less than 18 inches
from the facade of a wall, building or architectural projection. Also
referred to as "fascia sign." See illustration below.
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A sign affixed to or etched on the interior side of any building
window that displays a message intended to be visible on the exterior
side.
A.Â
Sign content. Any sign allowed or governed by this article may contain
any lawful noncommercial copy if it complies with the provisions herein
and with all other applicable regulations. A sign may not bear or
contain any copy or indications of an obscene or pornographic nature.
B.Â
Construction and maintenance.
(1)Â
All sign supports and elements such as angle irons, chains,
wires, and electrical service must be concealed from public view to
the maximum extent possible.
(2)Â
All signs must be maintained in a safe, presentable and structurally
sound condition at all times. Routine maintenance activities do not
require a permit. For the purposes of this provision, routine maintenance
includes, but is not limited to, painting, cleaning, replacing or
repainting sign copy or sign faces within their existing framework,
recladding, and replacing worn or defective parts.
C.Â
Design and effect.
(1)Â
All signs will be designed in a manner that creates the visual
effects intended by the provisions of this article. No sign may:
(a)Â
Simulate the size, lettering, or design of any traffic or railroad
sign in a manner that misleads or confuses the public.
(b)Â
Contain mirrors, strobe lights, or lights similar in nature
to equipment on emergency response vehicles.
(c)Â
Contain ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering,
or revolving parts; nor may these elements be used for advertising
or attracting attention separately from a sign.
(d)Â
Emit any sound, flame, smoke, particles, visible vapors or odors.
D.Â
Placement.
(1)Â
Projecting signs must be a minimum of 10 feet from all side
lot lines.
(2)Â
All signs located within the ten-foot front yard setback area
will provide unobstructed vision between three feet and 12 feet, measured
vertically above the mean center line elevation of the street it abuts.
A maximum of two sign support structures, each with a maximum width
of 12 inches, is permitted within this setback area.
(3)Â
All signs placed within the vision triangle area of corner lots, as defined in § 535-47, must provide unobstructed vision between 2 1/2 feet and 10 feet, measured vertically above the mean center line elevation of the street they abut.
(4)Â
The lowest part of any awning sign or canopy sign must be a
minimum of seven feet above normal grade in areas with pedestrian
traffic, and a minimum of 10 feet above normal grade in areas with
vehicular traffic. All canopy support structures must be a minimum
of two feet from any street or parking lot curb.
(5)Â
No part of a sign may be located in public road right-of-way
unless allowed by Town Board approval based on a finding of unique
circumstances or unusual hardship.
(6)Â
No part of a sign may cover or obstruct any functional door,
doorway, fire escape, fire ladder, standpipe or window in any manner
that prevents ingress or egress.
E.Â
Lighting.
(1)Â
Illuminated signs are allowed in sign districts based on the lighting source, subject to the dimensional requirements in § 535-107. Externally illuminated signs are allowed in all sign districts. Internally illuminated signs, except EMUs, are allowed on lots in the Neighborhood Center sign district. Internally illuminated signs, including EMUs, are allowed in the Community Center sign district and the PDD Planned Development District.
(2)Â
Light trespass.
(a)Â
Illuminance on a lot may not exceed 0.1 footcandle above ambient
levels along any lot line shared with a lot in a Rural Area sign district
or in a Suburban Area sign district.
(b)Â
Illuminance on a lot may not exceed 0.3 footcandle above ambient
levels along any lot line shared with a lot in a Neighborhood Center
sign district.
(c)Â
Illuminance on a lot may not exceed 0.8 footcandle above ambient
levels along any lot line shared with a lot in a Community Center
sign district or along any lot line that abuts public road frontage.
(3)Â
The Town may require a photometric plan before issuing a permit
for an illuminated sign. This plan must include a point-to-point plot
of footcandle levels throughout the lot at no more than ten-foot intervals
at ground level.
F.Â
Sign type regulations.
(1)Â
Temporary signs. Any temporary sign, whether requiring a permit or not, may be in use for a maximum of four thirty-day periods within any consecutive twelve-month period. Limits for size, number, and height will be as required by § 535-107. All temporary signs must be removed no later than two days after the event, sale, lease or construction for which the sign was used. The owner of any temporary sign found to be in violation of the provisions in this article will be issued written notice ordering the removal of the sign, subject to penalty as provided in § 535-71.
(2)Â
Political signs. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 535-106F(1), all political signs are eligible to be used in accordance with § 12.04, Wis. Stats. Political signs may be no larger than 16 square feet and must be removed no later than 10 days from the end of the corresponding election campaign period.
(3)Â
Real estate signs. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 535-106F(1), all real estate signs are eligible to remain in use until the sale, rental or lease has been accomplished. All real estate signs must be removed no later than 10 days after completion of said sale, rental or lease.
(4)Â
Searchlights. Searchlights are permitted only on lots in the
Community Center sign district. All searchlights must be placed a
minimum of 10 feet from any property line. Searchlights require a
permit and may be in use for a maximum of five days within any consecutive
six-month period.
(5)Â
Inflatable signs. Inflatable signs are permitted only on lots
in the Community Center sign district. All inflatable signs must be
placed a minimum of 10 feet from any property line and must be directly
anchored to the ground with a tether having a maximum length of five
feet. Inflatable signs require a permit and may be in use for a maximum
of five days in any consecutive six-month period.
A.Â
Standards for Rural Area Sign District.
(1)Â
Allowed signs.
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Permanent
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Attached
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Freestanding
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|---|---|---|---|
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By right
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• Signs allowed on 1 facade
• Maximum sign size is 9 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
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• One sign per public road frontage
• Maximum sign size is 9 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 4 feet
| |
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With permit
|
• Signs allowed on a maximum of 2 facades
• Maximum sign size is 36 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• One sign per public road frontage
• Maximum sign size is 36 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 8 feet
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Temporary
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Attached
|
Freestanding
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By right
|
• One sign allowed
• Maximum sign size is 36 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• Maximum 9 square feet of total sign area per lot
• Maximum sign size is 4 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 6 feet
| |
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With permit
|
• One sign allowed
• Maximum sign size is 64 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• Maximum 16 square feet of total sign area per lot
• Maximum sign size is 36 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 8 feet
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(2)Â
Prohibited signs. No sign may be internally illuminated or include
an EMU.
B.Â
Standards for Suburban Area Sign District.
(1)Â
Allowed signs.
|
Permanent
|
Attached
|
Freestanding
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By right
|
• One sign allowed
• Maximum sign size is 4 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• One sign allowed
• Maximum sign size is 4 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 4 feet
| |
|
With permit
|
• None allowed
|
• None allowed
|
|
Temporary
|
Attached
|
Freestanding
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By right
|
• None allowed
|
• Maximum 9 square feet of total sign area per lot
• Maximum sign size is 4 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 4 feet
| |
|
With permit
|
• None allowed
|
• Maximum 16 square feet of total sign area per lot
• Maximum sign size is 9 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 4 feet
|
(2)Â
Prohibited signs. No sign may be internally illuminated or include
an EMU.
C.Â
Standard to Neighborhood Center Sign District:
(1)Â
Allowed signs.
|
Permanent
|
Attached
|
Freestanding
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By right
|
• Signs allowed on 1 facade
• Maximum sign size is 9 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• One sign allowed per driveway access
• Maximum sign size is 9 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 4 feet
| |
|
With permit
|
• Signs allowed on a maximum of 2 facades
• Maximum sign size is 50 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
Any freestanding signs allowed by right, plus:
• One sign allowed per public road frontage
• Maximum sign size is 50 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 8 feet
|
|
Temporary
|
Attached
|
Freestanding
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By right
|
• One sign allowed
• Maximum sign size is 12 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• Maximum 36 square feet of total sign area per public
road frontage
• Maximum sign height is 6 feet
| |
|
With permit
|
• One sign allowed
• Maximum sign size is 36 square feet
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• Maximum 64 square feet of total sign area per public
road frontage
• Maximum sign height is 8 feet
|
(2)Â
Prohibited signs.
(Reserved)
D.Â
Standards for Community Center Sign District.
(1)Â
Allowed signs.
|
Permanent
|
Attached
|
Freestanding
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By right
|
• Signs allowed on a maximum of 2 facades
• Maximum sign size is 5% of the corresponding facade or
36 square feet, whichever is less
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• One sign allowed per public road frontage having a driveway
access
• Maximum sign size is 9 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 4 feet
| |
|
With permit
|
• Maximum sign size is 10% of the corresponding facade
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
Any freestanding signs allowed by right, plus:
• One sign allowed per public road frontage
• Maximum sign size is 144 square feet
• Maximum size of multitenant signs is 200 square feet
• Maximum sign height is 25 feet
|
|
Temporary
|
Attached
|
Freestanding
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By right
|
• Signs allowed on a maximum of 2 facades
• Maximum sign size is 5% of the corresponding facade or
36 square feet, whichever is less
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• Maximum of 2 signs allowed per public road frontage
• Maximum 36 square feet of total sign area per public
road frontage
• Maximum sign height is 6 feet
| |
|
With permit
|
• Signs allowed on a maximum of 2 facades
• Maximum sign size is 5% of the corresponding facade or
64 square feet, whichever is less
• No sign may extend above the facade it is attached to
|
• Maximum of 2 signs allowed per public road frontage
• Maximum 64 square feet of total sign area per public
road frontage
• Maximum sign height is 8 feet
|
(2)Â
Prohibited signs.
(Reserved)
E.Â
Standards for lots zoned PDD Planned Development District will be
prescribed in each project approval ordinance.
A.Â
Purpose. To reinforce Zoning Code standards and provide appropriate
regulation of signage for particular types and intensities of land
use, the Town requires approval of a special exception permit for
certain signs.
B.Â
Applicability. The following signs require a special exception permit, in accordance with the procedures established in Article XI:
C.Â
Electronic message center signs (EMU).
(1)Â
Sign structure. An EMU may constitute one portion of sign area
on an attached or freestanding sign structure, or may comprise the
total sign area of a sign structure. No EMU may exceed the maximum
dimensions of permitted signs for the sign district in which it is
located. No EMU may exceed 144 square feet of size in any sign district.
(2)Â
Operation. All dynamic frame effects are permitted, except flashing
and animation. All frames must last at least eight seconds. Transition
effects are permitted. All transitions may last no more than 0.5 second.
All EMU signs must be equipped with automatic light sensors to adjust
sign brightness according to the intensity of ambient light levels
and to maintain compliance with the light trespass standards in this
article.
D.Â
Multitenant signs eligible for size and height bonus.
(1)Â
Intent. To provide effective signage for certain large-scale
developments, while preventing visual obstructions caused by an excessive
number and size of signs in the Community Center sign district, the
public interest is better served by allowing a larger and taller multitenant
sign in exchange for reducing the overall number, size and/or height
of other permitted signs on the same lot or development area.
(2)Â
Eligibility. Multitenant signs are permitted only in the Community
Center sign district. A lot or development area is eligible to seek
a size and/or height bonus for a multitenant sign under the following
standards and requirements:
(a)Â
No other permitted freestanding signs are allowed along the
same public road frontage on which the multitenant sign is to be located.
(b)Â
If the lot or development area has additional public road frontage(s)
other than the one on which the multitenant sign is to be located,
that frontage(s) is allowed one freestanding sign with a maximum size
of 100 square feet and a maximum height of 15 feet.
(c)Â
The lot or development area must meet at least three of the
following five criteria:
[1]Â
Minimum lot size is two acres.
[2]Â
Individually, or in combination with other adjoining lots, the
lot is characterized as a development area.
[3]Â
The lot or development area contains at least 330 linear feet
of public road frontage on one or more sides.
[4]Â
The lot or development area has frontage on more than one public
road.
[5]Â
The lot or development area contains more than one principal
building.
(3)Â
General requirements. A multitenant sign eligible for a size
and height bonus is regulated to a maximum size of 324 square feet,
including any EMU portion of the sign, and to a maximum height of
40 feet.
E.Â
Roof signs. Roof signs are permitted only in the Community Center
sign district. A roof sign may extend a maximum of 10 feet above the
roof or parapet to which it is attached, or no more than an amount
equal to 20% of the height of the building, whichever is less.
F.Â
Second freestanding sign (Community Center sign district only). A
lot or development area is eligible to seek a special exception permit
for a second freestanding sign along frontage that abuts any access-controlled
county, state or federal highway. A second freestanding sign is subject
to a maximum size of 100 square feet and a maximum height of 15 feet.
A.Â
Purpose. The purpose of this section of the Sign Code is to provide
minimum standards to protect the life, health, safety, property, welfare,
convenience, and enjoyment of the general public by regulating and
controlling the location, use, lighting, and maintenance of off-premises
advertising signs. The provisions of this section are intended to
promote the development and maintenance of an attractive visual environment,
while facilitating the communication of messages to the general public.
A further purpose of this section is to mitigate the aesthetic impact
of digital multiple message signs on the visual environment.
B.Â
Permitted locations. Off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted
only on lots or development areas located in the Community Center
sign district.
C.Â
Existing and reserved off-premises advertising signs. Off-premises advertising signs (21 total) and associated sign faces (37 total) existing as of January 21, 2020, are subject to characterization as nonconforming in accordance with the provisions of § 535-104D. Additionally, as of January 21, 2020, the Town of Grand Chute hereby reserves three off-premises advertising signs and six associated sign faces for future approval and permitting, subject to compliance with the provisions of this chapter. As of January 21, 2020, including existing and reserved off premises advertising signs, the maximum number of such signs permitted within the Town of Grand Chute shall be 24 signs and 43 associated sign faces.
[Amended 1-21-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-01]
D.Â
General requirements for off-premises advertising signs.
(1)Â
No more than one sign, including those with back-to-back sign
faces, is permitted on the same lot. In the case of a sign to be wall-mounted,
only one sign face is permitted on the same lot.
(2)Â
Maximum sign size is 385 square feet per sign face if located
along any local, county or state roadway, 675 square feet per sign
face if located on a limited access freeway or expressway, and 300
square feet if wall-mounted.
(3)Â
Maximum sign height is 30 feet, measured as the distance from
the street center line elevation (at a point perpendicular to the
sign) to the top of the highest attached component of the sign structure.
(4)Â
Minimum front yard setback is 15 feet, measured from the property
line to the outermost physical extension of the sign. No sign may
be erected within 100 feet of a signalized intersection or within
50 feet of all nonsignalized intersections, unless erected on or against
an existing building.
(5)Â
Signs may not be located within 200 feet of any residential
zoning district boundaries.
(6)Â
No sign may be built within 800 feet of an existing sign as
viewed from any main travel direction of the same street, with the
exception that signs located along a limited access freeway or expressway
must be spaced a minimum of 1,000 feet apart. Spacing will be measured
in a lineal direction along or across the street, freeway or expressway.
E.Â
Digital multiple message sign operation. Digital multiple message
signs must meet all the requirements of this section and applicable
State of Wisconsin regulations, including the following:
(1)Â
The time in which the message remains in a fixed position can
be no less than eight seconds before changing to the next message.
(2)Â
The transition time, or the time it takes to change to the next
message, must be one second or less.
(3)Â
No sign shall interfere with the visibility or the operation
of any traffic signal or railroad control device.
(4)Â
Movement, flashing, blinking, scrolling and/or animation on
any part of the sign is prohibited.
(5)Â
Audio speakers and all forms of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
(6)Â
Signs must be equipped with automatic dimming capability, and
light produced by such signs must not exceed 0.3 footcandle over ambient
light levels.
(7)Â
The Town of Grand Chute Public Works Department will be provided
key access to turn off a sign in the case of hazardous glare, interference
with the visibility or effectiveness of a traffic signal or railroad
control device, or other hazard caused by the sign.
F.Â
Mitigation of digital multiple message signs. Since the maximum number
of off-premises advertising signs permitted in Town of Grand Chute
is capped and fixed at the number in the current sign inventory at
any point in time, and because digital multiple message signs display
more messages than a traditional static billboard, in order to receive
approval for a new multiple message sign, mitigation through reduction
of sign inventory must be provided, as follows:
(1)Â
The mitigation credit is one new digital multiple message sign
permitted in exchange for the permanent removal of two existing off-premises
advertising signs.
(2)Â
Each sign face is considered to meet the definition of a sign
for the purposes of determining the mitigation credit.
(3)Â
An existing off-premises advertising sign must be a minimum
200 square feet in size to qualify for a mitigation credit.
(4)Â
The signs to be removed as part of mitigation must be in locations
acceptable to and approved by the Town of Grand Chute as part of the
special exception permit for the new digital multiple message sign.
(5)Â
A new digital multiple message sign installed in the same location
as an existing nonconforming static billboard may be allowed, upon
approval of a special exception permit, without the necessity of a
variance that might otherwise be required.
(6)Â
A demolition permit is required for the removal of each sign
being removed in mitigation of a new digital multiple message sign.
A sign permit for the new sign will not be issued until all conditions
of the associated demolition permit(s) have been met.
(7)Â
If the new digital multiple message sign is not installed within
one year after the issuance of a sign permit, said permit will be
revoked and the special exception permit for the sign will automatically
expire.
A.Â
The provisions of this article shall be administered and enforced in accordance with the procedures established in Chapter 1, Article III, and Chapter 535, Articles VIII and IX, of the Town of Grand Chute Municipal Code. Any sign constructed or maintained in violation of the provisions of this article shall be declared a public nuisance within the meaning set forth in Chapter 398. In addition to any and all penalty provisions under applicable law, the Town of Grand Chute may bring separate action to abate the nuisance in the manner set forth in the Wisconsin Statutes.
