The purpose of these requirements is to provide a framework
within which the identification and informational needs of all land
uses can be harmonized with the desires and aesthetic standards of
the general public. It is intended through the provisions contained
herein to give recognition to the legitimate needs of business, industry
and other activities, in attaining their identification and informational
objectives. It is a basic tenet of this article that unrestricted
signage does not support the existing character of the Village and
does not benefit either private enterprise or the community at large
as it creates traffic safety hazards, visual clutter, confusion for
vehicle drivers and visual blight. It is similarly the intent of this
article to protect the character of residential neighborhoods by discouraging
the encroachment of signage which undermines the intended character
of such areas.
For the purposes of this article, the following terms and definitions
shall apply. See Figures 1 through 19 at the end of this chapter for
examples of sign types.
To change or otherwise modify a sign, including structural
modifications and modifications to nonstructural elements of the sign
such as the frame and sign copy.
A sign which is painted on or attached directly to an awning.
A sign, other than off-premises directional signs and political
signs, which does not pertain to the principal use of the premises
on which it is located.
A sign which is painted on or attached directly to a canopy.
A decorative, temporary display designed for the entertainment
or cultural enrichment of the public and having no direct or indirect
sales or advertising content.
To build, construct, attach, place, suspend, affix or paint.
A sign other than a ground, pole or portable sign which is
not attached to a building and is capable of being moved from one
location to another on the site on which it is located.
A sign supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces
in the ground surface and having a height not in excess of eight feet.
A sign attached to or hung from a marquee, canopy or other
covered structure projecting from and supported by the building and
extending beyond the building wall, building line or street lot line.
A sign, other than an off-premises directional sign or political
sign, that does not pertain to the principal use of the premises on
which it is located.
A sign which provides direction to another location.
A display sign supported by one or more columns, uprights
or braces in the ground surface and having a height in excess of eight
feet.
A sign and sign structure which is designed to facilitate
the movement of the sign from one zoning lot to another. The sign
may or may not have wheels, changeable lettering and/or hitches for
towing. A sign shall be considered portable only if such sign is manifestly
designed to be portable to facilitate its movement from one zoning
lot to another, and shall not be considered a freestanding sign under
this chapter.
Projecting sign means a sign which is affixed to any building
or structure, other than a marquee, awning or canopy, any part of
which extends beyond the building wall more than 18 inches.
A ground sign in excess of eight feet in height.
A sign which is erected, constructed and maintained on or
above the roof of a building.
The area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire
area within a regular geometric form or combination of such forms
comprising all the display area of the sign and including all of the
elements of the matter displayed and structural and nonstructural
trim. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall
be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where
two such faces are placed back-to-back, parallel to one another and
less than 12 inches apart from one another, the area of the sign shall
be the area of one face.
Portion of a sign which describes the business or service
establishment, including, but not limited to, the name, type of, and
nature of said establishment.
A sign which pertains to the principal use of the premises.
A sign which does not pertain to the principal use of the
premises.
A display sign, banner, or other advertising device constructed
of cloth, canvas, fabric, plastic or other light temporary material,
with or without a structural frame, or any other sign intended for
a limited period of display, but not including decorative displays
for holidays or public demonstration.
A display sign which is painted on or attached directly to
the building wall and projecting not more than 18 inches from the
wall.
A sign affixed to a window so as to be observable from the
opposite side of the window to which such sign is located or affixed.
A.
Permit required. Except as provided in Subsection B below, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter or relocate within the Village any sign or other advertising structure without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Administrator and making payment of fee or fees as provided below. Sign permits are not transferable between owners and any changes in the name of a business on a sign shall require a permit. Painting, repainting, servicing or cleaning of sign, or the changing of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made. The changing of a name on all nonconforming signs shall be considered an alteration and said sign shall be made to conform to the requirements of this section. Repair to a conforming sign damaged by winds, vandalism, fire or an act of God shall not require a permit provided each repair restores sign to original design and meets all necessary structural and electrical codes. Permits for change of copy on billboards may be issued on an annual basis for each billboard face by the Zoning Administrator at a fee as provided herein.
B.
Signs not requiring a permit. No person may erect, alter or relocate
any sign within the Village without first obtaining a permit from
the Zoning Administrator, with the exception of the following:
(1)
Wall signs, which are used as nameplates, not exceeding two
square feet in area; occupational signs denoting only the name and
profession of the occupants in a commercial, public or other institutional
building and not exceeding two square feet in area.
(2)
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection
when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or
aluminum.
(3)
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, danger and
such temporary emergency or nonadvertising signs.
(4)
Sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of the property upon
which it is located.
(5)
Gasoline price signs.
(6)
Directional signs regulating on-site traffic and parking with
not more than six square feet of sign area.
(7)
Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality,
educational institution, organization, or as approved by the Zoning
Administrator.
(8)
Barber poles when a minimum of seven feet above the pedestrian
right-of-way.
(9)
Menu boards at drive-through restaurants with a maximum size
of 60 square feet.
C.
Application for sign permit. Applications for permits shall be made
upon forms provided by the Zoning Administrator and shall contain
or have attached thereto the following information:
(1)
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2)
Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which
the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or erected.
(3)
Position of the sign or other advertising structure in relation
to nearby buildings or structures.
(4)
One blueprint or drawing of the plans and specifications and
methods of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground.
(5)
Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting the
sign and structure.
(6)
Written consent of the owner of property where the sign is to
be erected.
(7)
In all cases where wiring is to be used in connection with the
structure, it shall comply with the local, county or state electrical
code(s).
(8)
Such other information as the Zoning Administrator shall require
demonstrate compliance with this and all other ordinances of the Village.
D.
Sign permit issued if application in order. The Zoning Administrator,
upon review of an application for a sign permit and determination
that the proposed sign complies with the requirements of this chapter,
shall issue a sign permit. In the case of illuminated signs, both
an electrical permit and a building permit are required.
E.
Sign permit fee. Prior to the erection or alteration of any sign,
except those signs specifically exempted herein, a permit shall first
be obtained from the Zoning Administrator for such erection or alteration,
and a permit fee paid to the Village according to the schedule of
fees as shall be established from time to time by resolution of the
Village.
F.
Sign permit revocable at any time. A sign permit issued pursuant
to this article may be revoked by the Zoning Administrator upon the
permittee's violation of any of the conditions contained herein.
If the work authorized by a sign permit has not been completed within
four months after date of issuance, said permit shall become null
and void.
A.
Permit number. Every sign hereafter erected or altered shall have
placed on the face of the sign in a conspicuous place thereon, in
letters not less than 1/2 inch in height, the date of erection, the
permit number and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in
connection therein. Any change to the sign shall require the original
permit number to remain on the sign.
B.
Illumination. Signs may be permitted to be internally and externally
lighted, reflectorized, glowing, or otherwise illuminated, except
as provided elsewhere in this chapter. All illumination shall be concentrated
on the area of the sign or landscape feature so as to prevent glare
upon the street or adjacent property. No sign shall be illuminated
by other than electrical means or devices, and wiring shall be installed
in accordance with all Codes and Ordinances. In no instance shall
such illumination be located so as to be hazardous to traffic. Illuminations
shall not be of a flashing, intermittent flashing.
C.
Signs not to constitute a traffic hazard. No sign shall be erected
in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear traffic vision.
D.
Face of sign shall be smooth. No nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted
to protrude from the front of any sign. This shall not exclude, however,
the use of block letters, electrical reflectors, or other devices
which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structure.
E.
Obscene matter prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to
display upon any sign or other advertising structure any specified
anatomical areas or specified sexual activities as defined herein.
F.
Removal of certain signs. Any sign now or hereafter existing which
no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted, or a product,
or entertainment, service or commodity offered or sold on the lot
shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having
the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which said sign
shall be found within 30 days after written notice from the Zoning
Administrator. This provision may be waived by the Zoning Board of
Appeals for signs having historic value.
G.
Public right-of-way. No sign shall be erected or placed in the public
right-of-way unless specifically authorized.
H.
Sign setbacks. All freestanding, ground, pole, portable and pylon
signs shall be set back not less than five feet from all street right-of-way
lines except as otherwise provided herein.
I.
Construction.
(1)
All pole signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected
upon posts and standards sunk at least 42 inches below ground level
and embedded in concrete. Wood or wood products shall be of Wolmanized® or equal treatment. A lightning grounding device
shall be provided in accord with applicable electric codes.
(2)
All letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout
or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or
super imposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or
attached to the sign structure.
(3)
All wall signs shall be of noncombustible material.
(4)
All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to structural
members of the building by means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion
screws. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips
of wood or nails.
A.
Churches, schools, colleges, buildings housing governmental functions
and utilities of the Village, county or state, or any subdivision
thereof, are permitted to erect a sign irrespective of the zoning
district within which such use is to exist. Such signs may be illuminated.
Such signs, when of a permanent nature, shall be constructed of materials
approved by the Zoning Administrator and shall meet all the requirements
of this chapter, be limited to ground, portable and temporary signs
as defined in this chapter and subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Ground signs.
(a)
There shall be no more than one sign.
(b)
Such signs shall be set back from the lot line at least 1/3
of the distance from the lot line to the nearest building, but need
not be set back more than 100 feet from the property line.
(c)
No sign shall exceed 20 square feet in area, unless the sign
is located more than 50 feet behind the property line, then said sign
may be increased by five additional square feet for each additional
10 feet of setback, but in no event shall such sign exceed 50 square
feet in area.
(2)
Temporary signs.
(a)
Not more than one construction sign for building or remodeling
of buildings shall be allowed not to exceed 32 square feet in total
surface area and shall be located on the premises being utilized for
such construction. Such sign shall be removed upon completion of construction
or upon cessation of work for a period of six months.
(b)
One sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of property shall
be allowed. Such sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and
not exceed six feet in height.
(3)
Portable sign.
(a)
Portable signs not exceeding 32 square feet in area for each
face of such sign shall be allowed and shall be permitted as temporary
signs for periods not to exceed seven consecutive days in a twenty-eight-day
period and not to exceed 28 days in any one year. In no instance shall
such signs be located so as to obstruct parking spaces or automobile
or pedestrian travel lanes. Such signs shall not flash or be located
so as to obstruct traffic vision and lighting shall be of a type so
as not to be confused with traffic controls and not to cause distraction
to vehicle drivers.
(b)
Connections to an energy source for lighting shall be in accord
with all codes of the Village, county and state and shall not be exposed
in any way that may constitute a safety hazard to the public. This
provision shall apply to existing portable signs and to new portable
signs.
(4)
Off-premises directional signs.
(a)
Directional signs not exceeding four square feet in area per
sign face may be located in any district and shall not exceed a total
of two such signs per using entity.
(b)
Permission for the location of directional signs shall be secured
by the owner of such sign from the property owner of the property
on which such sign is to be located.
A.
Wall, ground and temporary signs, as defined in this chapter, are
allowed in all agricultural and residential districts, provided such
signs shall not be illuminated unless otherwise provided for in this
chapter and subject to the following conditions by type:
(1)
Ground signs.
(a)
Signs advertising the lots and/or buildings in any subdivision
or multiple-family development. It shall be permissible for a real
estate broker or builder to erect one sign not to exceed a total surface
area of 32 square feet or an overall height of six feet, to advertise
the lots and/or buildings in any one subdivision.
(b)
Multiple-family residential units and mobile home park districts:
[1]
Any person owning or operating any multiple-family
residential units or mobile home park may erect a sign bearing the
name of the development. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet
in area or exceed an overall height of six feet above the ground level.
The sign may be lighted during the hours of darkness, but shall not
contain advertising or information other than the name of the development
and status of occupancy. No more than one sign may be erected for
each development entrance.
(c)
Funeral homes. One ground sign having a sign face of not more
than 32 square feet for each sign face which may be not exceed an
overall height of six feet above the ground. Such sign may be lighted
between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(3)
Temporary signs.
(a)
Garage sale signs. Garage sale signs may be used to advertise
a garage sale and shall be promptly removed upon completion of the
garage sale.
(b)
Banners and pennants. During periods of "open house" for new
homes, banners and pennants may be allowed for periods not to exceed
30 consecutive days as designated in the sign permit.
(c)
Construction signs. For building or remodeling of residential
buildings, not more that one sign shall be allowed not to exceed 10
square feet in total surface area and shall be located on the premises
being utilized for such construction. Such sign shall be removed upon
completion of construction or upon cessation of work for a period
of six months.
(d)
One sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of property shall
be allowed not to exceed 10 square feet and not to exceed a height
of six feet.
A.
BOS and B-2 districts sign types allowed. Wall, awning, canopy, freestanding,
ground, marquee, projecting, pole, window, vehicle and temporary signs
as defined in this chapter and subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Ground sign.
(a)
One ground sign shall be permitted having a sign area of not
more than 32 square feet for each sign face. On corner lots, two such
signs are permissible where business fronts both streets. Such sign
shall not exceed six feet in height.
(b)
Not more than one ground sign may be erected accessory to any
one development regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties,
tenants or uses contained therein. On corner lots, two such signs
are permissible where business fronts both streets.
(c)
No ground sign shall be located nearer than five feet to any
existing or proposed right-of-way line.
(d)
Ground signs may not be illuminated with flashing lights.
(2)
Pole.
(a)
To be allowed only when a ground sign cannot be erected due
to building location or other site constraints and upon approval of
the Planning Commission.
(b)
One pole sign maybe erected accessory to any one development
regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties, tenants or
uses contained therein.
(c)
A pole sign shall not be erected to a height greater than 30
feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces. The
distance from the ground to the bottom of the sign shall be not less
than eight feet and shall be so erected as to not obstruct traffic
vision. The area of such sign shall not exceed 120 square feet for
each sign face.
(d)
Signs may not be illuminated with flashing lights.
(e)
Time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
(f)
All pole signs shall be securely erected upon posts and standards
at least 42 inches below ground level and shall be embedded in concrete.
Wood or wood products shall be of wolmanized or equal treatment.
(3)
Projecting.
(a)
One projecting sign may be erected at each entrance to a business
or office establishment.
(b)
Projecting signs must project at right angles to the building,
have no more than two faces, and project no more than five feet from
the face of the building.
(d)
The area of each projecting sign may not exceed 24 square feet
for each sign face, unless the sign includes a public message device
(such as a time and temperature sign). In the case of a public message
device, an additional 10 square feet on each face is allowed.
(4)
Wall.
(a)
Wall signs may be provided on all street sides, parking lots
sides or alley sides of a building. Where a single principal building
is devoted to two or more business, offices or commercial uses, the
operator of each such use may install a wall sign. The total sign
area of all wall signs on any one wall shall not exceed 10% of the
wall surface of such wall. In those instances where a change of tenancy
occurs which presents a hardship in providing signage based on this
requirement, the Zoning Board of Appeals may vary these provisions.
(b)
Signs may not be illuminated with flashing lights.
(c)
Time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
(d)
Materials required. All wall signs of a greater area than 50
square feet shall have surfaces of noncombustible material.
(e)
Limitation on placement. No wall sign shall cover wholly or
partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the ends or top of
the wall to which it is attached.
(f)
Projection and height. No wall sign shall have a greater thickness
than 12 inches measured from the wall to which it is attached to the
outermost surface. Wall signs may project over the public right-of-way
not to exceed 12 inches provided a clearance of not less than seven
feet six inches is maintained below the sign if it projects more than
four inches. A wall sign shall not project above the roofline.
(5)
Awning, canopy and marquee.
(a)
Letters may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible
awning, canopy, or marquee subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Lettering or letters shall not project above, below
or beyond the vertical drip of the awning or canopy.
[2]
Lettering on a marquee shall not extend beyond
the geometric figure which encloses the sign message.
[3]
No awning, canopy or marquee sign shall extend
below a minimum height of seven feet six inches.
[4]
The area of such sign shall be limited as part
of the total sign area for all signs as provided in Subsection A(4)(a)
above.
(6)
Window.
(a)
Window signs shall not exceed 30% of the glass area of the window
area on the section of building front occupied by the business.
(7)
Temporary or real estate signs.
(a)
For sale or rental of individual units, there shall be no more
than one sign, except that on a corner lot two signs, one facing each
street shall be permitted. No such sign shall exceed six square feet
in area for each sign face of, and all such signs shall be removed
upon occupancy.
(b)
Signs advertising buildings under construction may be erected
for the period of construction and shall not exceed a face area of
64 square feet for each sign face. Such signs shall be erected on
the building or lot where such construction is being carried on and
shall advertise only the architect, engineer contractor, subcontractor,
building or materials and equipment used, and the proposed use.
(c)
Temporary window signs are allowed only on the inside of the
window and only if they advertise special sales or events lasting
no more than 15 days. They shall occupy no more than 30% of the area
of the window in which they appear.
(d)
No temporary sign shall be strung on a building exterior or
on a sign structure or across any public right-of-way nor shall any
temporary sign project beyond the property line except as authorized
by the Village Council.
(e)
Temporary signs found by the Zoning Administrator to be in torn
or damaged condition must be removed by the owner within three days
after receipt of notice to do so from the Zoning Administrator. Temporary
signs found to be unsafe shall be removed immediately upon receipt
of notice from the Zoning Administrator.
(8)
Attention getting devices.
(a)
Attention getting devices including searchlights, pennants,
banners, propellers, spinners, streamers, balloons and similar devices
or ornamentation designed for purposes of attracting attention, promotions
or advertising are allowable only subject to approval of the Planning
Commission for a period not to exceed 15 days except as otherwise
prohibited herein.
A.
The provisions of § 155-21.07 shall also apply to industrial
districts. In addition, nonaccessory and off-premises directional
signs shall be permitted according to the following conditions, provided
further that in those instances where the Michigan Department of Transportation
has jurisdiction, a permit shall be filed with the appropriate state
agency.
(1)
Nonaccessory sign.
(a)
Area and height limitations. No billboard may be erected or
maintained with a greater surface area than 300 square feet, an overall
height above the ground greater than 35 feet, or bottom less than
three feet above the ground surface.
(b)
Location. Billboards may be erected only in industrial districts.
No billboard may be erected or maintained within 500 feet of any public
park, recreation ground, public reservation, school or church nor
within 50 feet of street lines at any street intersection and shall
have a minimum setback from the front property line which meets the
setback requirement of the district.
(c)
Spacing. Billboards shall be located no closer to one another
than 1,000 feet.
A.
Nonconforming signs. All signs existing prior to the adoption of
this chapter that do not conform to the provisions of the chapter
shall be permitted to continue as nonconforming signs, provided that
the nonconforming sign meets the following criteria:
(1)
The sign was lawful at its inception;
(2)
Continuance of the sign would not be contrary to the public
health, safety or welfare of the residents of the Village;
(3)
No useful purpose would be served by strict application of the
provisions of this article with which the sign does not conform; and
(4)
The sign is not insecure, in danger of falling, or otherwise
unsafe.
B.
Signs on nonconforming uses. A nonconforming use shall not be permitted
to add additional signs to the building or premises. This shall not
preclude the changing of copy on a nonconforming sign which was manifestly
designed to provide changeable lettering. Signs on nonconforming uses
may be maintained.
A.
Unsafe signs. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling,
or otherwise unsafe, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed,
erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter, the owner or lessee shall, upon receipt of a written notice
from the Zoning Administrator, forthwith in the case of immediate
danger, and in any case in not more than 24 hours, make such sign
conform to the provisions of this chapter or shall cause it to be
removed. If the order is not complied with within 24 hours, the Zoning
Administrator may remove such sign at the expense of the owner or
lessee.
B.
Damaged signs. If any sign or advertising structure or supporting
structure is torn, damaged, defaced or destroyed, and not repaired
or replaced within 10 days of said casualty, the Zoning Administrator
shall issue a written notice to the owner or lessee of the sign requiring
the repair, replacement or removal within 20 days. In the event said
owner or lessee does not repair, replace, or remove the sign pursuant
to the notice, or cannot establish a good-faith effort to comply,
the Zoning Administrator is authorized to cause removal of the sign.
The expense of removing the sign shall be paid by the owner or lessee
of the sign or by the owner of the building or structure or property
from which the sign or structure was removed.
C.
Sign maintenance. All signs, together with all their supports, braces,
guys and anchors, shall be maintained in good working order; and when
not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion-resistant, noncombustible
materials, shall be painted when necessary to prevent corrosion. The
exteriors of all signs, supporting members, painted surfaces, advertising
materials and lettering shall be kept in good repair so as to present
a neat and orderly appearance. All bulbs or component parts of the
sign, including the electrical switches, boxes and wiring used in
the illumination of the sign must be well maintained and in good repair.
It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner or lessee of
every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign
in a clean, sanitary and healthful condition.
 DECORATIVE DISPLAY SIGN
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 POLE SIGN
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 MARQUEE SIGN
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 PORTABLE SIGN
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