This section provides standards for the erection and maintenance
of signs. The general purpose of these standards is to allow effective
signage that is compatible with its surroundings, to promote an attractive
environment by minimizing visual clutter and to minimize adverse effects
on nearby property.
The sign regulations set forth in this chapter regulate sign
heights, area, placement, illumination and timing. All new signs developed
within the Village shall be required to meet the standards established
in this chapter, except where otherwise specifically noted.
A.
Substitution
of messages. This chapter is not intended to, and shall not be interpreted
to, restrict noncommercial speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint,
or message. Any commercial sign authorized to be erected by this chapter
may display a noncommercial message.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14[1]]
B.
Applicability. The sign regulations set forth in this chapter shall
apply to all structures and all land uses, except as otherwise provided
in this chapter. All signs allowed by this chapter shall be limited
to on premises signs, except where otherwise specifically noted.
C.
Compliance required. No sign on private property shall be installed
or changed in any manner without compliance with the regulations stated
herein. Routine maintenance shall not be subject to this section.
D.
LED luminaires. When used, the intensity of illumination shall be
adjustable. Upon written order, the intensity of illumination shall
be reduced to a level deemed acceptable by the Community Development
Director or his/her designee per stated levels within the Sign Code.
E.
The maximum area of signs shall be the accumulation of the area of
all signs located on a parcel of record. The maximum area of signs
may differ according to the zoning classification of a lot.
F.
All signs and sign structures shall be properly maintained and kept
in a neat and proper state of repair and appearance.
G.
Alteration; relocation. No sign in the Village of Bellevue shall
hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated, except
in conformity with the provisions of this article. The changing of
movable parts of signs that are designed to be changed or the repainting
of display matter in conformity herewith shall not be deemed to be
alterations within the meaning of this chapter.
H.
Safety standards. All outdoor advertising structures, post signs,
accessory signs, or advertising statuary which is declared to be a
traffic hazard by the Public Works Director shall be relocated or
rearranged in accordance with safety standards. A sign in direct line
of vision of any traffic signal, from any point in the traffic lane,
shall not have red, green or amber illumination, nor be illustrated
in such a way so as to interfere with vision of said signal, nor be
illustrated in such a way as to be distracting.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
A.
Building
frontage. For the purposes of determining allowable wall sign area,
the primary building frontage shall include the building walls that:
1) face a public or Village-approved private street from which the
building is addressed; or 2) face a parking lot which includes the
main entrance to a building or tenant space.
[Added 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13[1]]
B.
Canopy and marquee signs. Copy area of a canopy sign shall be regulated
as wall signage and count towards the total allowable area. Copy area
shall not exceed 40% of the background area to which it is applied.
C.
Changeable message signs. The area of changeable message signs is
limited to 33% of the total sign area of the side of the sign on which
they are applied. Exception: Movie theaters and municipally operated
arenas are not limited to 33% changeable copy areas.
D.
Commercial
flags.
(1)
There shall be a maximum of one flag per parcel.
(2)
The maximum size of the flag shall be 72 square feet.
(3)
The flag shall contribute to the number and area of permitted signs
for the zoning district in which the flag is located.
(a)
For the purpose of determining the sign area of a flag, only one
side of the flag shall be counted.
(4)
Flags may be externally illuminated.
(5)
Flagpoles shall be a maximum of 20 feet.
(6)
Flagpoles shall be set back a distance equal to the height of the
pole, and located outside of utility easements.
E.
Construction standards.
(1)
All signs requiring a permit shall be designed, constructed
and maintained to withstand a minimum wind load of 30 pounds per square
foot of sign area, and will otherwise structurally be safe, and shall
be securely anchored or otherwise fastened, suspended or supported
so that they will not be a menace to persons or property.
(2)
No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will
allow the sign to swing, due to wind action. The use of chains, cables
or wires is prohibited.
F.
Freestanding and monument signs.
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13]
(1)
The base of freestanding and monument signs shall be constructed
and designed to incorporate design details, materials and colors of
the associated building(s). Poles must be shrouded and integrated
into the overall sign design.
(2)
Landscaping shall be installed at the base of signs to complement
their design, obscure support structures, and to enhance overall site
appearance.
G.
Illumination.
(1)
All illuminated signs shall conform to the requirements of the
Village electrical code.
(2)
Illumination shall be directed entirely upon the sign and shall
be shielded from view of residential areas and oncoming traffic.
(3)
Uplighting is prohibited.
(4)
There shall be no exposed neon or LED illumination resembling
exposed neon used on signage unless it is shielded from direct view.
H.
Maintenance.
Each sign shall be maintained in working order and repair at all times
so that it does not constitute any danger or hazard to public safety,
or a visual blight, and is free of peeling paint, or fading; indiscernible
text, images or symbols; major cracks; or loose and dangling materials.
J.
Setbacks.
(1)
Freestanding and monument signs shall have a minimum setback
of 12 feet from the property line, except along the street right-of-way
where the setback may be reduced to zero. No portion of the sign may
project into or over the street right-of-way.
(2)
With the exception of parking lot signs, no freestanding, monument
or projecting sign shall be located within a vision triangle. The
Public Works Director shall have discretion to reduce this requirement
at street intersections where conditions allow.
(3)
No sign facing a residential district shall be closer than 25
feet to that district line.
K.
Sign area calculation.
(1)
Sign area shall be computed by means of the smallest square,
circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof which encompasses
the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, figure,
or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral
part of the background.
(2)
Any irregular shaped sign area may be computed using the actual
sign-face surface.
(3)
For any sign that has two display faces, each face shall be
included when determining the area of the sign.
(4)
Sign area calculation shall not include the structural supports
or bracing which is clearly incidental to the display.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14[1]]
A.
Temporary
signs shall be durable, weather-resistant and fastened or anchored
sufficiently, whether attached to the building or positioned in the
ground.
B.
Temporary
signs shall not be attached to a fence, retaining wall, utility pole,
tree, trash receptacle or bench.
C.
Temporary
signs may include banners, balloons, trailers, or mobile signs.
D.
No
sign shall obstruct pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, or be located
within the right-of-way or vision triangle.
E.
Temporary
signs shall not be illuminated.
F.
Temporary
signs shall be permitted as follows:
|
Table 18-1. Temporary Signs
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Use and Regulation
|
Permit?
| ||||
|
Residential districts
|
Maximum quantity
|
4 yard signs/year
|
N
| ||
|
Maximum sign area
|
8 square feet (4 square feet per face)
| ||||
|
Duration
|
60 days/sign
| ||||
|
Agricultural districts
|
Maximum quantity
|
4 yard signs/year
|
N
| ||
|
Maximum sign area
|
8 square feet (4 square feet per face)
| ||||
|
Duration
|
60 days/sign
| ||||
|
Nonresidential districts
|
Yard signs
|
Maximum sign area
|
32 square feet (16 square feet per face)2
|
N
| |
|
Maximum quantity
|
1/street frontage (not to exceed 2 signs per year)
| ||||
|
Maximum height
|
8 feet
| ||||
|
Duration
|
60 days/sign
| ||||
|
Temporary business signs
|
Maximum quantity
|
2 signs/permit*1
|
Y
| ||
|
Maximum sign area
|
100 square feet (both signs combined)
| ||||
|
Construction site signs
|
Maximum quantity
|
2 signs/construction site
|
N
| ||
|
Maximum sign area
|
Each sign limited to 100 square feet of sign area and shall
be located on the construction site
| ||||
|
Duration
|
30 days after completion of construction or prior to occupancy
| ||||
|
NOTES:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
*
|
Each business shall be permitted two signs per permit, up to
four separate occasions per calendar year for 18 consecutive days.
| |
|
1
|
Exception: When a business is opening in a new location, two
signs shall be permitted for a period of up to three months without
counting toward the four eighteen-day periods listed above. A permit
shall be required for this one occurrence. This occurrence shall be
within the initial three months prior to or after opening.
| |
|
2
|
If placed parallel to the street so that only one side is visible,
the maximum sign area may be 32 square feet.
| |
Electronic messaging signs may be permitted subject to the following
regulations:
A.
The area used for changeable messaging shall be incorporated into
the design of the main identity sign.
B.
Location. The sign shall be located on the site of the use identified
or advertised by the sign.
C.
Setback from residential. The leading edge of the electronic messaging
sign shall be setback a minimum distance of 200 feet from an abutting
residential district boundary.
D.
Setback from other electronic messaging signs. Electronic messaging
signs shall be separated from other electronic messaging signs on
adjacent properties by a minimum distance of 50 feet.
E.
Orientation. When located within 250 feet of a residentially used
lot in a residential zone, all parts of the electronic changeable
copy sign must be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is
visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that
residential lot.
F.
The area of electronic messaging signs shall not exceed 33% of the
size of the sign to which they are incorporated.
G.
No sign shall be erected or maintained which shall be so placed or
illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness or obscures
any official traffic sign, device, or signal, or any official sign
as determined by the Director of Public Works.
H.
All electronic changeable copy signs shall be equipped with a default
mechanism that will stop the messaging or freeze the image in one
position when a malfunction in electronic programming occurs.
I.
All signs shall have installed ambient light monitors and shall at
all times allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness
level of the electronic sign based on ambient light conditions.
J.
Maximum brightness levels for electronic signs in commercial/industrial
zones shall not exceed 5,000 nits when measured from the sign's face
at its maximum brightness, during daylight hours and 500 nits when
measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness between dusk
and dawn.
K.
At no time shall the sign be operated at a brightness level greater
than the manufacturer's recommended levels.
L.
Electronic sign permit applications must include a certification
from the owner or operator of the sign stating that the sign shall
at all times be operated in accordance with Village codes and that
the owner or operator shall provide proof of such conformance upon
request of the Village.
M.
Electronic sign permit applications must include a copy of the manufacturer's
operating manual, which includes the manufacturer's recommended standards
for brightness, scrolling or traveling speed, and other display operations.
N.
Audio speakers shall not be permitted with any electronic messaging
sign.
O.
Any form of pyrotechnics is prohibited in association with an electronic
messaging sign.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
P.
Electronic messaging signs shall not be permitted as window signs.
Q.
Electronic messaging displays are defined in four basic levels of
operational modes for message transitions:
(1)
Level 1. Static display only (messages change with no transition).
[Amended 11-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-2018-12; 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
(a)
District limitations. Level 1 electronic messaging signs are
limited to one sign per parcel in the B-2 General Business, B-3 Intensive
Business, L-1 Light Industrial, P Public Use and I-1 Institutional
Zoning Districts.
(b)
Electronic messaging signs associated with schools or religious
institutions not in the above listed districts shall be permitted
only with approval of a conditional use permit, subject to the electronic
messaging regulations, and not be permitted in operation between the
hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
(c)
Minimum display time. The electronic display shall not change
at intervals of less than six seconds.
(d)
Message change sequence. The change of messages shall be accomplished
immediately.
(2)
Level 2. Static display with "fade" or "dissolve" transitions,
or similar transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance
of moving text or images.
(a)
District limitations. Level 2 electronic messaging signs are
limited to one-sign per parcel in the B-2 General Business, B-3 Intensive
Business, L-1 Light Industrial, P Public Use and I-1 Institutional
Zoning Districts.
[Amended 11-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-2018-12]
(b)
Minimum display time. The electronic display shall not change
at intervals of less than six seconds.
(c)
Operational limitations. Such displays shall contain static
messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions,
or with the use of other subtle transitions and frame effects that
do not have the appearance of moving text or images, but which may
otherwise not have movement, or the appearance of movement, or the
appearance or optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign
structure, designs, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the
movement of any illumination or flashing, scintillating, or varying
of light intensity.
(3)
Level 3. Static display with "travel" or "scrolling" transitions,
or similar transitions or frame effects that have text, graphics,
or symbols that appear to move or change size, or can be revealed
sequentially rather than all at once.
(a)
District limitations. Level 3 electronic messaging signs are
limited to one sign per parcel in the B-2 General Business, B-3 Intensive
Business, L-1 Light Industrial, P Public Use and I-1 Institutional
Zoning Districts.
[Amended 11-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-2018-12]
(b)
Minimum display time. The electronic display of a full message
frame shall not change at intervals of less than six seconds.
(c)
A continual scrolling or traveling message is prohibited.
A.
Residential and agricultural districts. The following non-illuminated
signs shall be allowed in the residential and agricultural districts.
(1)
Institutional, civic, public service and utility uses shall
be permitted one monument sign that shall follow the requirements
established within the Institutional District.
|
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||||
|
| |||||
|
Table 18-2. Signs in Residential and Agricultural Districts
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14] | |||||
|
Type
|
Maximum number permitted
|
Maximum sign area
(square feet)
|
Height
(feet)
|
Duration
|
Permit?
|
|
R-1 and R-2 Districts:
| |||||
|
Subdivision entrance signs
|
1 monument sign for developments with 5 or more lots
|
50 (25 per face)
|
6
|
—
|
Y
|
|
R-3 District
| |||||
|
Monument sign
|
1 landscaped sign
|
50 (25 per face)
|
6
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Wall signs
|
1
|
8
|
—
|
—
|
Y
|
|
A-1 and A-2 Districts
| |||||
|
Agricultural sign (A-1 and A-2 Districts only)
|
2 per farm
|
32 (16 per face)
|
8
|
—
|
Y
|
B.
All business, industrial, public use and institutional districts.
Signs on all parcels used for nonresidential purposes shall comply
with the standards set forth in this section.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
(1)
Parking lot signs.
(a)
Shall be located entirely on the property in which they pertain.
(b)
Shall not exceed four square feet.
(c)
Shall be a maximum of three feet in height when located within
a vision triangle; when located outside the vision triangle the sign
shall have a maximum height of four feet.
(d)
Shall not be located in the right-of-way.
(e)
A maximum of one parking lot sign shall be allowed on landscape
islands less than or equal to 320 square feet in size. Landscape islands
greater than 320 square feet shall be allowed two parking lot signs.
(2)
Drive-through lane signs.
(a)
Two drive-through lane signs shall be permitted per building
and shall be utilized only where there is a drive-through.
(b)
Each drive-through lane sign shall be a maximum of 48 square
feet.
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13]
(c)
Additional signs located within the drive-through lane shall
not be permitted.
C.
B-1 District.
(1)
Wall signs shall only be installed on the street sides of the
building.
(2)
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
(3)
Illumination of signs shall only be during business hours.
|
Table 18-3. Signs in B-1 District
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type
|
Maximum number Permitted
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
Height
(feet)
|
Permit?
|
|
B-1 District
| ||||
|
Wall signs*
|
1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable
sign area
|
10% of surface area of building frontage
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Monument sign*
|
1 per parcel
|
50 square feet (25 square feet per face)
|
6
|
Y
|
|
NOTE:
| |
|---|---|
|
*
|
Total sign area for all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed
50 square feet.
|
D.
B-2 and B-3 Districts.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided
the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable
sign area.
(3)
Exception: In the case of a building fronting on two public
streets and/or a Village-approved private street, each individual
tenant space shall be permitted one rear-facing wall sign equal to
50% of the allowable sign area of the front face of the building.
|
Table 18-4. Signs in B-2 and B-3 Districts
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14; 10-11-2023 by Ord. No.
O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
Height
(feet)
|
Permit?
|
|
B-2 and B-3 Districts
| ||||
|
Wall signs (single tenant)
|
1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable
sign area
|
10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 500 square
feet
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Multi-tenant wall signs1
|
1 sign per qualified tenant
|
10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Monument or freestanding signs2
|
1 per parcel
|
240 square feet (120 square feet per face)
|
Freestanding: 20
Monument: 8
|
Y
|
|
Notes:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
1.
|
A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign
on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front
facade.
| |
|
2.
|
Lots with more than 200 feet of zoning lot frontage qualify
for an additional 1/2 square foot of signage for each linear foot
of frontage over 200 feet.
| |
|
(a)
|
The additional square footage may be used to create a second
monument sign or freestanding sign.
| |
|
(b)
|
The second sign shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from
the first sign.
| |
|
(c)
|
The size of the first sign may be reduced in order to shift
square footage to the second sign, provided the total sign area of
the second sign does not exceed the maximum sign area allowed for
monument and freestanding signs.
| |
E.
All industrial districts.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided
the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable
sign area.
(3)
Exception: In the case of a building fronting on two public
streets and/or a Village-approved private street, each individual
tenant space shall be permitted one rear-facing wall sign equal to
50% of the allowable sign area of the front face of the building.
|
Table 18-5. Signs in Industrial Districts
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14; 10-11-2023 by Ord. No.
O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
Height
(feet)
|
Permit?
|
|
Industrial Districts
| ||||
|
Wall signs (single tenant)
|
1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable
sign area
|
10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 500 square
feet
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Multi-tenant wall signs1
|
1 sign per qualified tenant
|
10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Monument or freestanding signs
|
1 per parcel
|
240 square feet (120 square feet per face)
|
Freestanding: 20
Monument: 8
|
Y
|
|
Notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
1.
|
A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign
on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front
facade.
|
F.
I-1 Institutional District.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided
the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable
sign area.
(3)
Exception: In the case of a building fronting on two public
streets and/or a Village-approved private street, each individual
tenant space shall be permitted one rear-facing wall sign equal to
50% of the allowable sign area of the front face of the building.
|
Table 18-6. Signs in Institutional Districts
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14; 10-11-2023 by Ord. No.
O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
Height
(feet)
|
Permit?
|
|
Institutional District
| ||||
|
Wall signs (single tenant)*
|
1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable
sign area
|
10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 200 square
feet
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Multi-tenant wall signs*1
|
1 sign per qualified tenant
|
10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Monument signs
|
1 per parcel
|
100 square feet of all sides combined
|
6
|
Y
|
|
* Total sign area for all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed
200 square feet.
| ||||
|
Notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
1.
|
A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign
on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front
facade.
|
G.
P - Public Use District.
[Added 11-14-2018 by Ord.
No. O-2018-12]
(1)
Wall signs.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided
the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable
sign area.
|
Table 18-7. Signs in Public Use Districts
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
Height
(feet)
|
Permit
|
|
Institutional District
| ||||
|
Wall signs (single tenant)*
|
1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable
sign area
|
10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 200 square
feet
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Multi-tenant wall signs*1
|
1 sign per qualified tenant
|
10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space
|
—
|
Y
|
|
Monument signs
|
1 per parcel
|
100 square feet of all sides combined
|
6
|
Y
|
|
* Total sign area for all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed
200 square feet.
| ||||
|
Notes:
| |
|
1.
|
A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign
on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front
facade.
|
The following exceptions for sign requirements apply.
A.
In a highway corridor, parcels zoned B-3 Intensive Business may take
the following exceptions;
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
A maximum of 700 square feet of sign area shall be allowed,
provided the square footage does not exceed 10% of the surface area
of the front face.
(b)
Lots with more than 200 feet of zoning lot frontage qualify
for an additional 1/2 square foot of signage for each linear foot
of frontage over 200 feet.
[1]
The maximum sign area may be increased to 900 square
feet utilizing the zoning lot frontage credit.
(c)
Wall signs may be located on any wall.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
A.
Two adjacent properties may share a freestanding or monument sign
located on one of the two properties. The intent of permitting shared
use signs is to reduce the overall number of signs by allowing two
properties to share one sign. These signs are permitted under the
following conditions:
(1)
The two properties sharing the sign must share a common lot
line.
(2)
Before a permit may be issued, a restrictive covenant must be
created, approved by the Village, and recorded with the Brown County
Register of Deeds, whereby one of the two property owners agrees to
forfeit their right to one of their ordinarily permitted freestanding
signs.
(3)
The maximum height of a shared use sign shall be equivalent
to the maximum height ordinarily permitted in the zoning district
in which the sign is to be located.
(4)
The maximum size of a shared use sign will be equal to the size
ordinarily permitted in the zoning district in which the sign is to
be located, plus an additional 50%. Example: The B-3 Intensive Business
District permits signs up to 120 square feet per side, 240 square
feet total of all sides combined. A shared use sign in the same district
could contain a maximum of 180 square feet per side, 360 square feet
total of all sides combined.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
A.
Drive-through clearance bar signs. Signage placed on or below a structure
designed to provide height notification for parking structures, car
washes, loading areas, facility doors, drive-through windows, etc.
Any signage located above the clearance bar not related to height
shall be considered signage and shall be regulated by the associated
zoning district.
B.
Government signs. Government signs for control of traffic and other
regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs
of public utilities indicating danger, and aids to service or safety
which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance
of his/her public duty.
C.
Interior signs. Signs located within the interior of any building
or structure which are not visible from the public right-of-way. This
does not, however, exempt such signs from the structural, electrical
or material specifications of this chapter.
D.
Off-premises
directional signs. Off-premises directional signs may be permitted
in the street right-of-way at the discretion of the Public Works Director
based upon public need.
(1)
The following uses may be considered:
(a)
Emergency services signs advising of and directing the driver to
facilities providing emergency medical service or assistance. Such
facilities include state enforcement agencies and hospitals providing
emergency medical treatment.
(b)
Public and private nonprofit arboretums, multipurpose arenas, fairgrounds,
exposition centers, historical sites operated by the Wisconsin Historical
Society, museums, public access to rivers, public access to trails,
county and local parks, religious institutions, wildlife refugees
and zoos, county institutions (not highway departments) and schools.
(2)
The following conditions shall be met before any directional sign
may be considered:
(a)
Signs may only be located on streets classified as collectors, minor
arterials and major arterials in accordance with the Official Traffic
Map of the Village.
(b)
The use must be located within 2,500 feet of the collector or arterial
on which the sign is to be installed.
(c)
The signs may not be located in the front yard of any residential
or neighborhood business zoned property.
(d)
Size to be determined by the Public Works Director.
(e)
The use must be located remote from and not visible from a collector
or arterial.
E.
Public notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employers
in the performance of their duties.
F.
Public signs. Signs required as specifically authorized for a public
purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.
G.
Temporary window signs. In business, commercial and industrial districts,
the surface of any ground floor window may be used for attachment
of temporary signs. The total area of such signs, however, shall not
exceed 40% of the total window area, and shall not be placed on door
windows or other windows needed to be clear for pedestrian safety.
H.
Vehicular signs. Truck, bus, trailer or other vehicle, while operating
in the normal course of business, which is not primarily the display
of signs.
A.
Notification of nonconformity. The Community Development Director
or his/her designee shall survey the Village for signs which do not
conform to the requirements of this section. Upon determination that
a sign is a nonconforming sign, the Zoning Administrator shall use
reasonable efforts to notify, either personally or in writing, the
user or owner of the property on which the sign is located.
B.
Any sign located within the Village on the effective date of ordinance
adoption for this chapter which does not conform to these provisions,
is eligible for characterization as a "nonconforming" sign and is
permitted, provided it also meets the following requirements:
(1)
The sign was covered by a sign permit, or a permit was issued
prior to the date of adoption of this section.
(2)
If no sign permit was required for the sign in question and
the sign was in all respects in compliance with applicable law on
the date of construction or installation.
(3)
Continuation of nonconforming status. A nonconforming sign shall
maintain its nonconforming designation provided:
(a)
No structural modification of a nonconforming sign is permitted,
except where such modification will result in having the effect of
bringing such sign more in compliance with the requirements of this
section, except for changing of copy and normal maintenance; or
(b)
The sign is not relocated; or
(c)
The sign is not replaced; or
(d)
The total structural repairs or alterations to such a nonconforming
sign shall not, during its life, exceed 50% of the assessed value
of said sign existing at the time it became nonconforming.
(4)
Loss of nonconforming status. Any changes, except as provided
herein, shall result in the loss of nonconforming status.
A.
All signs or sign messages shall be removed by the owner or lessee
of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which
it advertises is no longer conducted or when rental or compensation
is no longer provided if said sign is of the off-premises type or
when the building/use is no longer utilized to its lawful capacity.
B.
If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Community Development
Director or his/her designee shall give the owner 120 days' written
notice to remove it.
(1)
Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Community Development
Director or his/her designee may remove the sign at cost to the owner
or lessee of the premises.
C.
The Community Development Director or his/her designee shall cause
to be removed any deteriorated or dilapidated signs under the provisions
of § 66.05, Wis. Stats.
[Added 4-10-2019 by Ord.
No. O-2019-10]
An existing billboard within the Highway 172 corridor may be
converted to an electronic messaging sign up to 100% of the total
sign area if the following requirements are met:
A.
An existing billboard, including all related structural components,
and having a total sign area equal to or greater than the proposed
digital billboard shall be removed within the Village. Removal shall
be completed within 30 days from installation of the digital billboard.
A demo permit shall be required prior to removal.
B.
The existing structure is sufficient to support any additional loads.
C.
The sign area shall not exceed that of the existing sign.
D.
The transition time, or time it takes to change the message, shall
be one second or less.
E.
The time the message remains in a fixed position shall be eight seconds
or more, and movement or animation is prohibited.
F.
Audio speakers and all forms of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
G.
The billboard shall be equipped with automatic dimming capability,
and light produced by such signs shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles
over ambient light levels, or 300 nits when measured from the sign's
face at its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn. The ambient
light reading is taken at least 30 minutes past sunset with the sign
turned off or displaying all black copy. The fully lit reading is
taken with the sign displaying all white copy. Measurement of light
levels should be taken perpendicular to the face of the sign, and
the following distances should be used as guidelines to determine
where to take measurements.
[Amended 3-11-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 2020-0001]
H.
There shall be a minimum of 1,000 feet between digital billboards.
I.
The digital sign shall be monitored 24/7 by a designated agent of
the sign company to ensure that if it malfunctions it can be turned
off so as not to cause any type of distraction.
