[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
Sections 64-11 through 64-23 establishes regulations and minimum standards for the design, area, number, location, construction and maintenance of all signs placed, installed, altered, replaced or removed within the Village of Mukwonago, and regulates signs or other forms of business, organization and property identification that are not permitted. Notwithstanding the regulations and minimum standards within §§ 64-11 through 64-23, deviations to the minimum standards may be approved by the Village Board when allowed under planned unit development approval pursuant to Chapter 100 of the Village of Mukwonago Municipal Code (zoning); or may be approved by the plan commission under a special exception pursuant to § 64-34.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
Signs allowed within the Village of Mukwonago pursuant [to] this Chapter 64 require permit and review in accordance with the following, except for signs specifically listed as not needing a permit.
(a) 
A sign permit shall be required before the location, erection, reconstruction, extension, enlargement, conversion or structural alteration of any sign or signs, except for signs or advertising displays that are specifically listed as not requiring a permit in §§ 64-14, 64-16, 64-17, 64-18 and 64-19. Certain signs not requiring a permit may be required to be registered with the Zoning Administrator office prior to sign installation to maintain a record of ownership, installer and date of installation. When a sign or signs are illuminated electrically, a separate electrical permit shall be obtained.
(b) 
Prior to issuance of a permit for any temporary or quasi-permanent sign, when a permit is required, the sign shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator to ensure compliance with the regulations and standards of this Chapter 64.
(c) 
Prior to issuance of a permit for any permanent sign, the sign shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator, plan commission or Village Board in accordance with the procedures of § 64-32 to ensure compliance with the regulations and standards of this Chapter 64.
(d) 
Repainting of an existing legally conforming sign without changing wording, composition or colors, or minor nonstructural repairs, does not require a permit, except electrical repair shall require an electrical permit.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
It is unlawful to erect or maintain the following signs:
(a) 
Signs that resembles, imitate or approximate the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices are prohibited.
(b) 
An abandoned sign or abandoned sign structure is prohibited.
(c) 
A vehicle or trailer sign is prohibited.
(d) 
Any off-premises sign is prohibited. Signs shall be located on the same property on which is located the business, organization or other entity the sign advertise or identifies. No sign shall be located on any property within the Village of Mukwonago that refers to or advertises a business, organization or event on a different property unless the sign is specifically exempted from this provision under the terms of this Chapter 64. Temporary special community events signs regulated under § 64-16 are exempt from this restriction; however, those temporary signs shall be erected for no longer than two weeks.
(e) 
Any billboard is prohibited.
(f) 
Any portable sign is prohibited.
(g) 
Any sign with flashing lights or messages is prohibited. Any message on a reader board shall remain for a period of at least one minute.
(h) 
Any sign painted directly onto a wall, mansard roof, roof or any other building component is prohibited, except for a painted accent color as part of a wall sign system or grease paint temporary sign or drawing applied to a window as part of a special community event.
(i) 
Any sign that blocks fire department or other Village authorized emergency personnel access and use of fire hydrants, building fire department connection, standpipe, fire escape, or any other fire suppression and safety equipment; and any sign that blocks building egress are prohibited.
(j) 
Any temporary, quasi-permanent or permanent sign or any other advertising device such as a flag or banner are prohibited when not specially listed in this Chapter 64 as permitted or allowed, or allowed with special exception or planned unit development approval.
(k) 
Any temporary, quasi-permanent or permanent sign or any other advertising device such as a flag or banner that may be permitted or allowed by this chapter but does not conform to the stated setback, size, height, location, duration of sign display or design standards of this Chapter 64 for the specific sign type are prohibited.
(l) 
Any temporary, quasi-permanent or permanent sign that is installed, erected or placed on a property in the Village of Mukwonago without a permit when a permit is required by this Chapter 64 are prohibited.
(m) 
Any temporary or quasi-permanent sign that is installed, erected or placed on a property in the Village of Mukwonago without prior registration with the Zoning Administrator office when registration is required by this Chapter 64 are prohibited.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
A permit shall not be required for the following temporary real estate and contractor signs, provided that all such signs shall be subject to all applicable provisions of this Chapter 64 and do not impair traffic visibility. However, all signs allowed under § 64-14(a), (c), and (e) shall be registered with the Zoning Administrator office prior to sign installation to maintain a record of sign ownership, installer and date of installation.
(a) 
Real estate signs: Improved real estate for sale, rental or lease on nonresidential property. Signs advertising improved nonresidential real estate for sale, rental or lease are allowed without a permit, but with registration, up to and including 16 square feet in size and for up to six months in duration after initial installation according to the following standards. For signs over 16 square feet in size or that remain longer than six months, see § 64-15(a).
(1) 
Shall be ground mounted; except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted.
(2) 
Shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted or setback a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(3) 
Shall have a maximum height of eight feet, except for a wall mounted sign within the Village center that shall be only mounted to a first floor wall to any height.
(4) 
One sign to a maximum of 16 square feet shall be allowed along each street frontage of the property, subject to the frontage being a minimum of 25 feet in length. All temporary signs on a property shall be limited to a total of 48 square feet.
(5) 
Sign copy shall include only the information about the property or spaces for sale, rental or lease; and name, company logo and contact information (telephone number, email, etc.) of the person(s) or firm listing the property or space. Sign copy shall not include other advertisement or identification.
(6) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
(b) 
Real estate signs: Improved real estate for sale, rental or lease on residential property. Signs advertising improved residential real estate, rental or lease are allowed without a permit up to and including nine square feet in size and for up to six months in duration after initial installation according to the following standards. For signs over nine square feet in size or that remain longer than six months, see § 64-15(b).
(1) 
Shall be ground mounted, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted.
(2) 
Shall have minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted or setback a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(3) 
Shall have a maximum height of six feet, except for a wall mounted sign within the Village center that shall be only mounted to a first floor wall to any height.
(4) 
One sign to a maximum of nine square feet shall be allowed along each street frontage of the property, subject to the frontage being a minimum of 25 feet in length. All temporary signs on a property shall be limited to a total of 27 square feet.
(5) 
Sign copy shall include only the information about the property or spaces for sale, rental or lease; and name, company logo and contact information (telephone number, email, etc.) of the person or firm listing the property or space. Sign copy shall not include other advertisement or identification.
(6) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
(c) 
Real estate signs: Unimproved real estate for sale. Signs advertising unimproved real estate for sale, either nonresidential or residential are allowed without a permit, but with registration, up to and including 10 square feet in size and for up to six months in duration after initial installation according to the following standards. For signs over 10 square feet in size or that remain longer than six months, see § 64-15(c).
(1) 
Shall be ground mounted, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted.
(2) 
Shall have minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, except a sign located within the central Village may be wall mounted or setback a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(3) 
Shall have a maximum height of six feet, except for a wall mounted sign within the Village center that shall be only mounted to a first floor wall to any height.
(4) 
One sign to a total of 10 square feet shall be allowed along each street frontage of the property, subject to the frontage being a minimum of 25 feet in length. All temporary signs on a property shall be limited to a total 30 square feet.
(5) 
Sign copy shall include only the information about property or spaces for sale, rental or lease; and name, company logo and contact information (telephone number, email, etc.) of the person(s) or firm listing the property or space. Sign copy shall not include other advertisement or identification.
(6) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
(d) 
Contractor signs: Small. One sign to advertising a contractor, subcontractor, project professionals and/or lending institution's involvement in an ongoing project on a nonresidential or residential private property on which the sign is temporarily located is allowed without permit according to the following standards.
(1) 
All contractor signs not requiring a permit for improved residential property shall be small signs under this category.
(2) 
Shall be a maximum of four square feet.
(3) 
Shall be ground mounted.
(4) 
Shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, or within the Village center a minimum setback of five feet from any property line to any part of the sign.
(5) 
Shall not be allowed on any right-of-way.
(6) 
Shall be removed prior to 14 days after completion of the contractor's work on the property.
(e) 
Contractor signs and new development signs: Large. One sign allowed per property without a permit, but with registration, advertising either a contractor, subcontractor, project professionals and/or lending institution's involvement on a nonresidential property; a pending new development on an unimproved property; or a contractor, subcontractor, project professionals and/or lending institution's involvement with a new development during construction, according to the following standards.
(1) 
Shall be a maximum of 32 square feet.
(2) 
Shall be ground mounted.
(3) 
Shall be limited to one sign per property without permit. For multiple signs see § 64-15(d).
(4) 
Shall be allowed for up to six months in duration after initial installation. For signs that remain longer than six months, see § 64-15(d).
(5) 
Shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, a minimum of five feet from any property line in the Village center, or 20 feet from any property line when the neighboring property is developed and zoned residential.
(6) 
Shall not be allowed on any right-of-way.
(7) 
Shall have a maximum of eight feet in height.
(8) 
Sign may be double-faced installed back-to-back, or V-shaped if attached at a common point with a maximum of 90° to each portion of the sign.
(9) 
Sign copy shall include only:
a. 
Announcement of a pending development with allowable contact information for presales or preleases, or
b. 
For a new development under construction, the name, company logo and contact information of a contractor, subcontractor, project professionals and/or lending institution's involved with construction and the contact information for presales or preleases. Sign copy shall not include other advertisement or identification.
(10) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
A permit shall be required for the following temporary real estate and contractor signs, provided that all such sign or signs shall be subject to all applicable provisions of this Chapter 64 and do not impair traffic visibility:
(a) 
Real estate signs: Improved real estate for sale, rental or lease on nonresidential property. Signs advertising improved nonresidential real estate for sale, rental or lease are allowed with a permit for any signs larger than 16 square feet in size. Any signs allowed under § 64-14(a) remaining six months or more in duration after initial installation requires a permit. Signs allowed by permit in this § 64-15(a) shall adhere to the following standards.
(1) 
Shall be ground mounted; except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted.
(2) 
Shall have a maximum size of 32 square feet.
(3) 
Shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted or setback a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(4) 
Shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(5) 
One sign to a maximum of 32 square feet shall be allowed along each street frontage of the property, subject to the frontage being a minimum of 25 feet in length. All temporary signs on a property shall be limited to a total of 96 square feet.
(6) 
Sign copy shall include only the information about the property or spaces for sale, rental or lease; and name, company logo and contact information (telephone number, email, etc.) of the person(s) or firm listing the property and space. Sign copy shall not include other advertisement or identification.
(7) 
Permit issued for signs under this category shall be for a period of one year, renewable for a second one-year period if requested by property owner or sign owner. Permit approval subject to review by the Zoning Administrator if the sign or signs are properly maintained, remain readable with current information, and conforms to other applicable requirements.
(8) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
(b) 
Real estate signs: Improved real estate for sale, rental or lease on residential property. Signs advertising improved residential real estate, rental or lease are allowed with a permit for any signs larger than nine square feet in size. Signs allowed under § 64-14(b) remaining six months or more in duration after initial installation requires a permit. Signs allowed by permit in this § 64-15(b) shall adhere to the following standards.
(1) 
Shall be ground mounted, except for a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted.
(2) 
Shall have a maximum size of 16 square feet.
(3) 
Shall have minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted or setback a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(4) 
Shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(5) 
One sign to a maximum of 16 square feet shall be allowed along each street frontage of the property, subject to the frontage being a minimum of 25 feet in length. All temporary signs on a property shall be limited to a total of 48 square feet.
(6) 
Sign copy shall include only the information about the property or spaces for sale, rental or lease; and name, company logo and contact information (telephone number, email, etc.) of the person(s) or firm listing the property or space. Sign copy shall not include other advertisement or identification.
(7) 
Permit issued for signs under this category shall be for a period of one year, renewable for a second one-year period if requested by property owner or sign owner. Permit approval subject to review by the Zoning Administrator if the sign or signs are properly maintained, remain readable with current information, and conforms to other applicable requirements.
(8) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
(c) 
Real estate signs: Unimproved real estate for sale. Signs advertising unimproved real estate for sale, either nonresidential or residential are allowed with a permit for signs larger than 10 square feet in size. Signs allowed under § 64-14(c) remaining six months or more in duration after initial installation requires a permit. Signs allowed by permit in this § 64-15(c) shall adhere to the following standards.
(1) 
Shall be ground mounted, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted.
(2) 
Shall have a maximum size of 32 square feet.
(3) 
Shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign, except a sign located within the Village center may be wall mounted or setback a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(4) 
Shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(5) 
Signs may be double-faced installed back-to-back, or V-shaped if attached at a common point with a maximum of 90° to each portion of the sign.
(6) 
One sign to a maximum of 32 square feet shall be allowed along each street frontage of the property, subject to the frontage being a minimum of 25 feet in length. All temporary signs on a property shall be limited to a total of 96 square feet.
(7) 
Sign copy shall include only the information about the property for sale; and name, company logo and contact information (telephone number, email, etc.) of the person(s) or firm listing the property. Sign copy shall not include other advertisement or identification.
(8) 
Permit issued for signs under this category shall be for a period of one year, renewable for a second one-year period if requested by property owner or sign owner. Permit approval subject to review by the Zoning Administrator if the sign or signs are properly maintained, remain readable with current information, and conforms to other applicable requirements.
(9) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
(d) 
Contractor and new development signs, multiple signs or over six months. More than one sign allowed under § 64-14(e), or for any sign allowed under § 64-14(e) remaining six months or more, requires a permit advertising a contractor, subcontractor, project professionals and/or lending institution's involvement on a nonresidential property; a single sign advertising pending new development on an unimproved property; or a single sign advertising the contractor, subcontractor, project professional and/or lending institution's involvement with a new development during construction, according to the following standards.
(1) 
Shall be ground mounted.
(2) 
Shall be a maximum of 32 square feet.
(3) 
Shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any property line to any part of the sign and shall not be allowed on any right-of-way.
(4) 
Sign may be double-faced installed back-to-back, or V-shaped if attached at a common point with a maximum of 90° to each portion of the sign.
(5) 
One sign to a maximum of 32 square feet shall be allowed along each street frontage of the property, subject to the frontage being a minimum of 25 feet in length. All temporary signs on a property shall be limited to a total of 96 square feet.
(6) 
Shall have a maximum of eight feet in height.
(7) 
Sign copy shall include only:
a. 
Announcement of a pending development with allowable contact information for presales or preleases; or
b. 
For a new development under construction, the name, company name and contact information of financing, contractors and professionals involved with construction and the contact information for presales or preleases. Sign copy shall not include other advertisements or identification.
(8) 
Permit issued for a sign or signs shall be for a maximum period of one year. Permit approval for a sign six months or more in duration subject to review by the Building Inspector if the sign or signs are properly maintained, remain readable with current information, and conforms to other applicable requirements.
(9) 
All signs under this subsection shall be removed within 14 days after completion of construction.
(10) 
All signs shall be installed to withstand 80 mile per hour winds.
(11) 
All signs installed under this category for nonresidential developments shall be removed prior to the first occupancy permit within the development.
(12) 
All signs installed under this category for residential developments shall be removed three years from the date of installation of the signs.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
Special community event signs are allowed in accordance with the following standards. A special community event is an event involving the public participation on a community wide basis sponsored by the Village, school district or community organization. The special community event may involve several businesses and organizations, but an individual business shall not be highlighted on any temporary special community event sign.
(a) 
Temporary special community event signs not requiring permit. Certain temporary signs advertising a special community event shall be allowed without permit, but with registration with the Zoning Administrator office, for two weeks prior to the event and shall be removed two days following the end of the advertised event. Such signs shall only be placed in the Village with the consent of the property owner. Temporary signs advertising special events shall be limited to a total of six signs not to exceed 18 square feet each. Temporary special community event signs, other than those exempted from permit under this section, are required to obtain a permit pursuant to § 64-16(b).
(b) 
Temporary special community event sign requiring a permit. One temporary sign over 18 square feet but not exceeding 32 square feet per sign advertising a special community event shall require a permit. A permit fee is not required. Sign placement under this category shall be valid for two weeks prior to the event and shall be removed two days following the end of the advertised event. Such signs may be located on private property within the Village other than the event site with the consent of the property owner. Temporary signs advertising special events shall be limited to a total of six. One temporary sign for any special community event may exceed 18 square feet; all others shall be a maximum of 18 square feet.
(c) 
Temporary special event sign for business. See § 64-20(a) for standards for a temporary on-site special event sign for a business.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
The following signs are allowed on properties used as or zoned residential, and on properties used for public, charitable or religious institutions:
(a) 
Permanent personal name and warning signs not requiring a permit. Personal name and warning signs not exceeding two square feet located on the premises on which the signs refer are allowed without permit. Such signs shall be located on private property and not less than 10 feet from any street right-of-way, or any side or rear lot line. Personal name signs include a sign advertising a home occupation as defined with standards within Chapter 100 or a sign indicating a family surname. A warning sign includes signs such as warning of a dog on the premises or no trespassing.
(b) 
Temporary rummage sale or garage sale signs not requiring permit. Rummage sale or garage sale signs not exceeding four square feet in area per side are allowed without permit. Such signs shall be located on private property, installed no more than the 24 hours before the date of the sale, and removed within 24 hours following the sale. No rummage sale or garage sale signs shall be placed within the public right-of-way or on Village property.
(c) 
Temporary yard signs not requiring permit. For sale of items or an event limited to an individual residential use property, one residential yard sign not regulated within another sign category is allowed without permit per residential property, provided the sign does not exceed nine square feet in area and placed no longer than 14 days.
(d) 
Small bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions not requiring a permit. Small nonilluminated bulletin boards to a maximum of eight square feet in size that are not legible or readable from the adjoining public street are allowed without a permit in accordance with the following standards.
(1) 
A bulletin board under this category shall not be legible or readable from an adjoining public sidewalk, and shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from any property line, or five within the Village center.
(2) 
A bulletin board under this category may be ground mounted to a maximum height of six feet, or mounted on a building next to a public entrance.
(3) 
Any bulletin board that is part of a larger sign advertising a public, charitable or religious institution requires a permit pursuant to § 64-21(a) and shall be considered a reader board conforming to standards for a reader board within § 64-22 or 64-23, whichever section applies.
(e) 
Large or illuminated bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions requiring a permit. Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions that are legible or readable from a public street, or are illuminated shall require a permit in accordance with the following standards.
(1) 
Bulletin boards under this category shall not exceed eight square feet and shall not exceed six feet in height.
(2) 
Bulletin boards and/or message boards shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from all property lines or five feet with the Village center area.
(3) 
Bulletin boards under this category may be ground mounted, or mounted on a building next to a public entrance.
(4) 
Any bulletin board that is part of a larger sign advertising a public, charitable or religious institution shall conform to standards for a reader board within § 64-22 or 64-23, whichever section applies.
(f) 
Flags and temporary banners, and sandwich boards or pedestal signs for public, charitable or religious institutions. Flags and temporary banners on properties used for public, charitable or religious institutions shall comply with the applicable standards of § 64-19(a), 64-19(f), 64-20(a) or 64-20(b), whichever section applies.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
The following temporary and permanent signs are allowed without permit on all properties within the Village:
(a) 
Election campaign signs. Election campaign signs are allowed without permit provided permission shall be obtained from the property owner, renter or lessee; and provided that such sign shall not be erected prior to the first day of the "election campaign period" as defined in Wisconsin Statutes, or as amended. Election campaign signs may not exceed 12 square feet in area in residential zoning districts and 32 square feet in area in all nonresidential zoning districts, except in the case where such signs are permitted by state statute. All election campaign signs shall be removed within five days following the election. Election campaign signs shall be located on private property and not less than 10 feet from any side or rear lot line. Any violation of election sign placement is handled by the office of the Village Clerk with assistance from the police department.
(b) 
Interior signs. Signs located within the interior of any building or structure and not visible from outside the building or structure do not require a permit.
(c) 
Wall-mounted public informational signs. Wall-mounted public information signs not exceeding four square feet are allowed without permit to advertise community events and/or activities. Such signs shall not be roof mounted and shall be removed within three days after the end of the event or activity the sign advertises.
(d) 
Address. The address numerals of a property shall be displayed on all properties without permit up to four square feet. The address numerals with or without the street name shall be required on all freestanding signs but the square footage of the address shall not count against the maximum size of the freestanding sign is the address is separate from other freestanding sign elements. Address numerals over four square feet may be allowed to be mounted to a building or incorporated into the building exterior design in accordance with § 64-21(d).
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
Certain temporary and/or quasi-permanent signs are allowed on business and manufacturing zoned properties without a permit in accordance with the following standards:
(a) 
Sandwich board or pedestal signs. An individual business may be allowed to use either one sandwich board sign or one pedestal sign located on a sidewalk or open space near the main building entrance of the business without the requirement of a permit, but with annual registration in the Zoning Administrator office. The annual registration shall be within each calendar year. The business may switch from a sandwich board and a pedestal sign from time to time, but only one of either sign on private property shall be displayed at any time. A sandwich board or pedestal sign on private property shall be allowed only for businesses that are a permitted or conditional use within business, manufacturing or public zoning district of the property on which the business is located, and shall be supplemental to a permanent business sign, and not in lieu of a permanent business sign.
(1) 
General requirements for a sandwich board or pedestal sign on private property.
a. 
The sign shall not be located within any public right-of-way.
b. 
The sign shall be located a maximum of 15 feet from the main building entrance of a single business to which the sandwich board or pedestal sign advertises, and shall not be placed in front of the leasable space of another business.
c. 
Only one sign shall be allowed per entrance at any time when multiple businesses share a common entrance located a maximum of 15 feet from the common entrance, but multiple businesses accessed via the common entrance may advertise on the same sandwich board or pedestal sign.
d. 
The sign shall not block pedestrian access, handicapped access or emergency access to or from a building ingress/egress, shall not impede building access as required by State of Wisconsin Building Code, shall not block visibility or access to a fire hydrant or a fire department connection, and shall not block on-site traffic flow.
e. 
The sign shall not have any surfaces that causes a reflective nuisance, shall not be illuminated except for indirect building or parking lot lighting, and shall not have any additional items affixed to the sign, such as balloons, streamers and flags.
f. 
The sign shall not be displayed overnight and/or when the business is closed, and during occurrences of high winds and storms.
g. 
The sign shall be constructed of rigid and durable materials such as wood or metal, or any other material that provides sign stability during an occurrence of moderate to strong winds.
h. 
The sign shall advertise only the business for which the sign is located (except when multiple businesses use the same entrance) that may include special sale item or items, a special sales event, or food service menu; and shall be properly maintained and aesthetically pleasing at all times. However, a special community event may be advertised on the sandwich board or pedestal sign two weeks before and up to 24 hours after the event.
i. 
The Village of Mukwonago reserves the right to remove at any time a sandwich board or pedestal sign that does not conform to the regulations of this subsection or endangers public safety.
(2) 
Requirements for a sandwich board sign.
a. 
A sandwich board sign shall be limited to a maximum sign face size of 10 square feet. Two sign faces are permitted up to 10 square feet on each side. The sign on each side shall be the same size. The message or advertisement on each side can be different. A sandwich board sign shall be a maximum width of 2.5 feet.
b. 
A sandwich board sign shall be a maximum height of four feet.
c. 
The business logo may be incorporated into the sign faces, but may not be part of the sandwich board sign structure.
(3) 
Requirements for a pedestal sign.
a. 
The sign attached to the top of a pedestal shall be a maximum of four square feet, and only one side of the sign shall be visible.
b. 
The pedestal with the sign at top shall exceed five feet in height.
c. 
The pedestal in the form of a vertical pole, support or base shall be a maximum 2.5 feet wide and deep at the pedestal base, and no more than two feet wide from the base to the sign.
d. 
The business logo may be incorporated into the sign, but may not be part of the pedestal to which the sign is attached.
(b) 
Hanging signs. A hanging sign not exceeding four square feet in area on each side of the sign is allowed without permit located under an awning, canopy or overhang and perpendicular to the facade of the building. Such sign or signs shall be limited to one per business or organization located within the building to which the sign is attached and shall not encroach over or into a public right-of-way. Such signs shall provide a minimum of seven feet clearance from any pedestrian walkway and 14 feet of clearance from any driveway or parking area.
(c) 
Window signs. Window signs covering no more than 25% of the total window glass area of any individual business, organization or similar entity are allowed without permit subject to the following standards.
(1) 
Window sign area calculations less than 25% coverage. If any individual business, organization or similar entity has a window sign or a total of all window signs covering 25% or less of all windows of that business, then the total area of the window signs shall not count against the allowable maximum wall, projecting or roof sign square footage of that business.
(2) 
Window sign area calculation 25% of greater coverage. If any individual business, organization or similar entity has a window sign or a total of all window signs covering more than 25% of all windows of that business, then the total of the window signs shall count against the allowable maximum wall, projecting or roof sign square footage of that business, and shall require a permit in accordance with § 64-20(c).
(3) 
Illuminated window signs. Illuminated window signs do not require a permit if powered by solar, battery or an electrical cord plug connection to a standard receptacle if the receptacle was previously approved for use by the building inspection department with an electrical permit. Illuminated window signs powered by a hardwire connection to the building electrical system requires an electrical permit.
(4) 
Location. Window signs shall be placed behind a glass surface and may not be placed in unglazed openings.
(5) 
Maintenance. Window signs shall remain properly maintained and readable with current information at all times.
(d) 
Personal name and warning signs. Personal name and warning signs not exceeding two square feet located on the premises on which the signs refer are allowed without permit. Such signs shall be located on private property and not less than 10 feet from any street right-of-way, or any side or rear lot line, or five feet from any street right-of-way or side or rear property line within the Village center. Personal name signs may include a building or door mounted sign indicating the name of a business near a customer or delivery entrance. Warning signs may include signs indicating no concealed weapons allowed or the premises under video surveillance. Personal name and warning signs may be attached to other permanent signs allowed by permit without counting toward the maximum allowed square footage of that sign.
(e) 
Signage for only informational reasons. Signs displayed for only informational reasons, except for bulletin and reader boards as addressed in this Chapter 64, shall be allowed without permit if such signs comply with all other applicable provisions of this Chapter 64. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet in area. Examples of information reasons are signs indicating separate buildings or services on a premises, e.g., building address or number within a complex of buildings, body shop, car wash, or drive-up window. Informational signs consisting of menu boards require a permit.
(f) 
Flags and other displays. Certain flags are allowed without a permit. Flags, banners and other displays and devices not addressed in this section, and those greater in size or number allowed herein, are regulated in § 64-20(b).
(1) 
Governmental flags displayed on flag poles and limited to 32 square feet are allowed without permit. Governmental flags allowed without permit shall be displayed on flagpoles authorized under § 64-19(f)(3). The number of governmental flags which may be displayed on any property is only limited by the number of authorized flagpoles, each of which may display no more than three flags of any type.
(2) 
Noncommercial flags or other decorative displays that do not display a logo, message, statement, or expression relating commercial interests are allowed without permit subject to the following.
a. 
Individual flags or displays shall be a maximum of 24 square feet.
b. 
Such flags or displays on the same property shall be consistent in terms of colors and materials.
c. 
Such flags are limited to one per 50 feet of street frontage of the property on which the flags are located.
d. 
Such flags or displays may be attached to flagpoles or light poles provided the flags are at a height that will not impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or interfere with the operation of vehicles, and the flagpole or light pole are properly designed to withstand the wind load of the flag or display.
e. 
Such flags or displays shall not be displayed in a torn, tattered, or worn condition, and shall be secured to withstand 80 mile per hour winds at all times.
(3) 
Flagpoles.
a. 
One flag pole no higher than 30 feet above adjacent grade is allowed without permit, and two additional flag poles no higher than 25 feet above adjacent grade are allowed without permit. See § 64-20(b) for additional flag poles allowed with permit.
b. 
No more than three flags of any type shall be flown on one flag pole at any given time.
(4) 
Flags and other decorative displays that exceed the maximum allowed square footage of this § 64-19(f); or commercial flags, banners, other displays and any ground mounted and aerial inflated devices which may or may not display a logo, message, statement, or expression relating to commercial or organizational interests are considered a sign or signs requiring a permit and shall conform to the requirements in § 64-20(b).
(5) 
Any ground mounted inflated or aerial inflated device requires a permit in accordance with § 64-20(b).
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011; Ord. No. 916, § I, 6-21-2016]
Certain temporary and/or quasi-permanent signs and other advertising devices are allowed on business and manufacturing zoned properties with a permit in accordance with the following standards:
(a) 
Temporary on-site special event sign. One temporary sign advertising a special event that does not occur on a regular basis and is not a daily occurrence for a business or organization, not exceeding 32 square feet shall require a permit. Examples of a temporary on-site special event sign are a grand opening sign or a sign that advertises a sale in conjunction with a special community event. A permit fee is not required. Sign placement under this category shall be valid for two weeks prior to the event and shall be removed two days following the end of the advertised event. The sign shall be located on the property of the special event, shall not be placed on or over any public right-of-way and shall not impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow on or off the property. However, any temporary community special event sign or drawing on a window of a business does not require a permit, if the sign or drawing conforms to the window sign standards of § 64-19(c).
(b) 
Other temporary signs, including flags, commercial flags, banners and other displays. Any temporary sign or signs including other temporary attention or identification device not otherwise addressed in this Chapter 64, such as flags, commercial flags and other displays exceeding the maximum standards allowed within § 64-19(f), or any ground mounted or aerial inflated device, shall require a permit in accordance with the following standards. Any flag pole height or amount of flag poles exceeding the standards of § 64-19(f)(3) shall require plan commission approval and a permit.
(1) 
A permit for a temporary sign under this subsection shall be issued and valid only for the period of active use of the sign.
(2) 
Temporary signs under this subsection are only allowed within business and manufacturing zoning districts.
(3) 
Any allowed temporary sign or combination of signs shall be limited to a total of 60 days annually for any single tenant business, organization or similar entity, or vacant property; or for a total of 15 days annually per business within a multi-tenant property.
(4) 
Any allowed temporary sign shall not be located within or be designed to be extended over a public right-of-way.
(5) 
Any allowed temporary sign shall be securely installed in the interest of the public safety.
(6) 
Any allowed temporary sign shall not impede private or public traffic flow or traffic visibility.
(7) 
Any allowed temporary sign shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any property line.
(8) 
Any allowed temporary sign shall not be located to cause a public nuisance to any abutting residential building or property.
(9) 
Any temporary sign erected with a permit, or which the permit has expired, or which does not conform to the standards of this subsection may be removed by the Zoning Administrator or Building Inspector without notice.
(c) 
Window signs.
(1) 
Any internally or externally illuminated window sign with a hardwire connection to the building electrical system requires a permit.
(2) 
Any window sign or combination of window signs for an individual business or organization exceeding 25% window coverage shall require a permit and the window sign or signs shall count toward the maximum allowable signage for all signs for the individual business, organization or similar entity.
(3) 
Window signs shall be placed behind a glass surface and may not be placed in unglazed openings.
(4) 
Window signs shall remain properly maintained and readable with current information at all times.
(d) 
Traffic directional signs, off-street on private property.
[Amended 10-20-2021 by Ord. No. 997]
(1) 
Freestanding traffic directional signs on properties 20 acres or less:
a. 
Off-street traffic directional signs on private property that direct traffic from public rights-of-way shall require permits.
b. 
No more than one single-faced or double-faced freestanding off-street traffic directional sign shall be permitted for each driveway, except that multiple signs may be allowed for orderly traffic flow within manufacturing zoning districts, with approval of the Zoning Administrator.
c. 
The traffic directional sign shall be installed on a durable base of at least 12 inches in height, and at least as wide as the sign. The sign base shall be in a color and material consistent with the sign. The traffic directional sign shall not be placed on a pole.
d. 
The traffic directional sign shall not exceed two square feet per side, except shall not exceed nine square feet per side within manufacturing zoning districts.
e. 
The traffic directional sign shall not exceed three feet in height, except shall not exceed five feet in height within manufacturing zoning districts.
f. 
The traffic directional sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line and shall be located so as not to impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow.
g. 
If a driveway is shared by two or more businesses or other premises, the size and height maximums remain as above.
h. 
A traffic directional sign shall not identify any business or organization name, logo or advertising, except within manufacturing zoning districts with approval of the Zoning Administrator.
i. 
Notwithstanding procedures elsewhere in this Chapter 64, any traffic directional sign permit may be approved by the Building Inspector after approval by the Zoning Administrator; however, review assistance by the plan commission may be requested.
(2) 
Freestanding traffic directional signs on properties 20 acres or more:
a. 
Off-street traffic directional signs on private property that direct traffic from public rights-of-way shall require permits.
b. 
There is no limit to the number of directional signs to allow for orderly traffic flow with approval of the Zoning Administrator.
c. 
The traffic directional signs shall be monument-style signs. No post signs are permitted. At least a 10-inch base shall be provided. The signs shall coordinate with all other signs on the property with regard to design, style, fonts, colors, etc.
d. 
The overall sign shall not exceed 18 square feet.
e. 
The traffic directional sign shall not exceed eight feet, including base.
f. 
The traffic directional sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any property line and shall be located so as not to impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow.
g. 
The traffic directional sign shall not impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic throughout the site/property.
h. 
Notwithstanding procedures elsewhere in this Chapter 64, any traffic directional sign permit may be approved by the Building Inspector after approval by the Zoning Administrator; however, review assistance by the plan commission may be requested.
(3) 
Wall sign traffic directional signs on properties 20 acres or more:
a. 
Off-street traffic directional signs on private property that direct traffic from public rights-of-way to specific building entrances.
b. 
The number of wall directional signs shall be limited to 10 for orderly traffic flow with approval of the Zoning Administrator.
c. 
Wall signs shall be proportional to the building element which is attached. The signs shall coordinate with all other signs on the property with regard to design, style, fonts, colors, etc.
d. 
The overall sign size shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(e) 
Menu board. A permanently installed menu board placed in conjunction with and on the same property as a business offering drive-in, drive-thru or drive-window service is allowed with permit in accordance with the following standards.
(1) 
The menu board shall be located for the convenience of customers listing foods available and their prices at a fast food restaurant, operating instructions for an automatic teller machine, a menu of options for a self-service car wash, or for a similar service of a drive-thru business.
(2) 
There is not any maximum size of a menu board; however a menu board shall not be legible or readable from any adjoining property or public right-of-way.
(3) 
Multiple menu boards may be allowed on a property for customer convenience such as multiple drive-thru lanes, an order board or for service at individual parking spaces.
(4) 
The menu board may include an electronic message board, with the electronic message board not exceeding two square feet, and may include a speaker and microphone. No sound from a menu board speaker shall be audible on neighboring properties.
(5) 
The menu board may change displays, but not more than once every one hour.
(6) 
The menu board shall not display any flashing lights and shall not have attached flags, banners or other temporary signs. See definition of "flashing sign."
(7) 
The name of the business and/or business logo on a menu board shall be limited to one square foot.
(8) 
The menu board or boards with a valid permit shall not count toward the maximum freestanding square footage or number of freestanding signs allowed on a property.
(9) 
Notwithstanding the above standards, the size, placement and design of a menu board may be limited by the plan commission during conditional use approval or site plan approval for the business, as required within Chapter 100.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011]
Signs are allowed for the following uses within all zoning districts of the Village when the use or uses are allowed as permitted or conditional uses within the zoning district where so located. Such signs allowed in this subsection require a permit after approval by the Zoning Administrator or by the plan commission where stated, in accordance with the following standards:
(a) 
Public uses, institutional uses, schools or churches. Signs for public uses, institutional uses, schools or churches are allowed with permit in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
Plan commission review and approval is required.
(2) 
The total permanent sign or signs for any public use, institutional use, school or church shall be based on the standards allowed in § 64-22 or 64-23, whichever section applies, per size of the property on which the use is located; further subject to consideration of the intensity of the use for potential additional signage to identify location and access points for the public good, and further subject to consideration of the location of the use for potentially restricting signage to not be intrusive or cause a nuisance in the interest of public safety and rights of neighboring property.
(3) 
Facilities which have a campus or for which more than one sign is proposed shall be required to submit an overall sign plan for the site.
(4) 
Other applicable standards of this Chapter 64 shall also apply, such as sign design, sign location, directional signage, and temporary signage.
(b) 
Residential subdivisions, condominiums complexes or apartment complexes. Residential subdivisions, condominium complexes or apartment complexes are allowed with permit permanent entryway signs or markers in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
Plan commission review and approval is required.
(2) 
These signs shall contain only the subdivision or complex name, and addresses for the complex.
(3) 
The allowed sign or signs shall be freestanding monument style, not to exceed 36 square feet in area and six feet in height above adjacent grade, unless allowed a larger size by the plan commission based on the design of the sign and compatibility with adjacent land uses.
(4) 
Allowed nonilluminated signs under this subsection may be located within the public right-of-way where it has been determined that no public hazard or traffic flow impediment will occur; however, the sign owner will not be eligible for compensation if the Village at any time and for any reason requires removal of the sign.
(5) 
An allowed sign located on private property shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line, shall be located outside of the required vision triangle, and shall be located with permission of the property owner.
(c) 
Business or industrial parks. A business or industrial park is allowed permanent entryway signs or markers in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
Plan commission review and approval is required.
(2) 
The sign or signs shall contain only the name of the business or industrial park.
(3) 
The allowed sign or signs shall be freestanding monument style; to not exceed 36 square feet in area and six feet in height above adjacent grade, unless approved allowed a larger size by the plan commission based on the design of the sign and compatibility with adjacent land uses.
(4) 
Allowed nonilluminated or illuminated signs under this subsection may be located within the public right-of-way where it has been determined that no public hazard or traffic flow impediment will occur; however, the sign owner will not be eligible for compensation if the Village at any time and for any reason requires removal of the sign.
(5) 
An allowed sign located on private property shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line, shall be located outside of the required vision triangle, and shall be located with permission of the property owner. Any allowed business or industrial park sign located on private property shall not count toward the overall signage allowed for the use on the property.
(d) 
Memorial signs, tablets, building names, addresses and cornerstones. Memorial signs, building names, addresses and cornerstones that are compatible to the building are allowed in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
When cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against a structure, a sign or signs indicating a memorial, name of a building, a building address or cornerstone date marker, may be allowed in any district without permit.
(2) 
Such signs within this category shall not be illuminated, shall be a maximum of nine square feet with letters and/or numbers not taller than 18 inches.
(3) 
Approval may be granted by the Zoning Administrator, or by the plan commission in conjunction with architectural review of the building.
(4) 
A separate permit may not be needed if the sign is included with the overall design and construction permit of the building to which the sign is attached.
(5) 
The sign type shall not count toward the overall signage allowed for an individual business or businesses in the building.
(e) 
Way finding signs. Way finding signs provide direction to government places, parks, schools and other places of public interest installed by the Village, county or state. Way finding signs may be located within or outside the public right-of-way, subject to the following:
(1) 
Each way finding sign shall be located to allow clear visibility of regular traffic signs and traffic visibility near intersections, without interference with safe pedestrian flow.
(2) 
The location, size, height and design of each way finding sign shall be subject to plan commission approval and may be further subject to generally acceptable traffic sign guidelines, as may be amended.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011; Ord. No. 868, §§ I, II, 5-21-2013; amended 4-16-2025 by Ord. No. 1035]
This § 64-22 states the regulations and standards for placement of permanent signs located on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village center portion of the Village, as defined. All signs allowed in this § 64-22 require a permit.
(a) 
Maximum of only two sign types. Only a maximum of two of the following permanent sign types listed below are allowed on any business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village center, although on certain sized properties multiple signs within a specific sign type may be allowed. A maximum of two sign types includes single tenant building properties and all signs on multi-tenant building properties. The owner of a multi-tenant property shall designate the two types of signs for the property, or an ownership association of a multiple business or organization building with condominium ownership for the property.
(1) 
The permanent sign types available for use within the Village center are:
a. 
Only two of the following sign types allowed within a Village center property:
1. 
Wall sign.
2. 
Projecting sign.
3. 
Roof sign.
4. 
Freestanding sign, which may include one or more of the following (as per property size):
i. 
Monument horizontal sign.
ii. 
Monument vertical sign.
iii. 
Pole sign.
(b) 
Size and number of signs based on property size. Throughout this § 64-22 the size and number of signs permitted on a property are based on the size of the property. The size of the property shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator from property information on record at Mukwonago Village Hall or with the appropriate county; or by information submitted by the sign applicant or property owner in the form of a plat of survey, certified survey map or plat of subdivision. As the ranges of property sizes are presented in 100ths of an acre, rounding of the calculation may occur. Based on an acre of 43,560 square feet, the following table presents the square footage equivalent to the ranges of property sizes in acres.
Acres
Square Footage Equivalent
0.40
17,424
0.70
30,492
1.20
52,272
2.00
87,120
3.00
130,680
(c) 
Village center wall signs. The following tables present the wall signs allowed on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village center pursuant to the property size.
1A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 0.00 to 0.40 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet; or if the single tenant building has 12 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed nine square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building street frontage to a maximum of 60 square feet. The minimum sign area may be up to 9 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, or 9 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on a second street frontage. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Rear or side public entrance wall sign shall be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign.
One if allowed
If utilized, rear or side public entrance wall sign may be a maximum of 35% of the installed street frontage wall sign, or all installed wall signs can be equal in size to the maximum as stated above.
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 9 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 9 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 9 square feet.
2
If allowed, the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 9 square feet, then the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed 9 square feet.
3
If allowed, the rear or side public entrance wall sign may be utilized with or without the second street frontage wall sign; however in either instance, the rear or side public entrance sign shall be a maximum size of 35% the size of the installed street frontage wall sign. Or if allowed, sign owner has option of installing the two or three signs all equal in size.
4
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
1B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 0.00 to 0.40 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of tenant building frontage or 48 square feet; or if the tenant has 12 feet or less of tenant building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed nine square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant street frontage to a maximum of 48 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 9 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 48 square feet, or 9 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Street frontage wall sign for tenant not at street grade or tenant without street frontage
One per tenant at or near public entrance to the tenant space.
Maximum of 9 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade; facing street and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 48 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 48 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than nine square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed nine square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 9 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
2A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 0.41 to 0.70 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage or 72 square feet; or if the single tenant building has 16 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 12 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building street frontage to a maximum of 72 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 12 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second street frontage wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, second street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of all signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 72 square feet, or 12 square feet; whichever applies.2
To be located on second street frontage. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Rear or side public entrance wall sign shall be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, rear or side public entrance wall sign may be a maximum of 35% of the installed street frontage wall sign, or all installed wall signs can be equal in size to the maximum as stated above.
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 72 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
2
If allowed, the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 72 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
3
If allowed, the rear or side public entrance wall sign may be utilized with or without the second street frontage wall sign; however in either instance, the rear or side public entrance sign shall be a maximum size of 35% the size of the installed street frontage wall sign. Or if allowed, sign owner has option of installing the two or three signs all equal in size.
4
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
2B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 0.41 to 0.70 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of tenant building frontage or 60 square feet; or if the tenant has 16 feet or less of tenant building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 12 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 60 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 12 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, or 12 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 12 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade; facing street and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 12 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
3A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 0.71 to 2.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet; or if the single tenant building has 16 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 12 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 80 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 12 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second street frontage wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, second street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of all signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 72 square feet, or 12 square feet; whichever applies.2
To be located on second street frontage. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Rear or side public entrance wall sign shall be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, rear or side public entrance wall sign may be a maximum of 35% of the installed street frontage wall sign, or all installed wall signs can be equal in size to the maximum as stated above.
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
2
If allowed, the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
3
If allowed, the rear or side public entrance wall sign may be utilized with or without the second street frontage wall sign; however in either instance, the rear or side public entrance sign shall be a maximum size of 35% the size of the installed street frontage wall sign. Or if allowed, sign owner has option of installing the two or three signs all equal in size.
4
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)16a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
3B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 0.71 to 2.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of tenant building frontage or 60 square feet; or if the tenant has 16 feet or less of tenant building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 12 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 60 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 12 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, or 12 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 12 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade; facing street and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 12 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
4A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 2.01 to 3.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet for the first street frontage sign or to a maximum of 200 square feet for all signs; or if the single tenant building has 26.6 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 20 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
First street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet for the 1st sign facing the street frontage. The minimum sign area may be 20 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Additional wall signs placed on a wall facing a public street, a wall facing a parking lot on the same lot or a wall with a public entrance
Four
All 5 allowed wall signs or lesser amount of signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 200 square feet on any building.1
Any one sign shall not exceed 50% the size of the installed first sign. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
The first street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller. If the building frontage is 133 feet or less in length, four additional signs may be installed but the aggregate size of all installed signs, including the first street frontage sign, shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot of building frontage with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign. If the building frontage exceeds 133 feet in linear length, then the aggregate size of the first street frontage wall sign (maximum 100 square feet) and the four additional wall signs shall not exceed a maximum of 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot or 200 square feet for all installed wall signs on the building, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 20 square feet, then the first street frontage wall sign shall not exceed 20 square feet, or if utilized, the aggregate total of up to five signs shall not exceed 20 square feet with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign.
2
Additional wall signs facing a public street. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
4B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 2.01 to 3.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single tenant business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet; or if the tenant has 26.6 feet or less of building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 20 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet per tenant. The minimum sign area may be 20 square feet per tenant.
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, or 20 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 20 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade facing street frontage, and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 26.6 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 20 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 20 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
5A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 3.01 Acres and Over in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet for the first street frontage wall sign or to a maximum of 300 square feet for all signs; or if the single tenant building has 32 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 24 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
First street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet for the 1st sign facing the street frontage. The minimum sign area may be 24 square feet.1
See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Additional wall signs placed on a wall facing a public street, a wall facing a parking lot on the same lot or a wall with a public entrance
Four
All 5 allowed wall signs or lesser amount of signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 300 square feet on any building.1
Any one sign shall not exceed 50% the size of the installed 1st sign. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
The first street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller. If the building frontage is 200 feet or less in length, four additional signs may be installed but the aggregate size of all installed signs, including the first street frontage sign, shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot of building frontage with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign. If the building frontage exceeds 200 feet in linear length, then the aggregate size of the first street frontage wall sign (150 square foot maximum) and the four additional wall signs shall not exceed a maximum of 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot or 300 square feet for all installed wall signs on the building, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 24 square feet, then the first street frontage wall sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, or if utilized, the aggregate total of up to five signs shall not exceed 24 square feet with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign.
2
Additional wall signs facing a public street. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
5B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Center
Properties 3.01 Acres and Over in Size
All wall signs for a single tenant business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet; or if the tenant has 32 feet or less of building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 24 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet per tenant. The minimum sign area may be 24 square feet per tenant.
See § 64-34 for special exception consideration when multi-tenant buildings have large frontages or multiple entrances. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, or 24 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One (1) at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 20 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade facing street frontage, and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-22(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 24 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 24 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
(d) 
Village center wall signs overall standards. The following standards apply to all wall signs within the Village center:
(1) 
Wall sign system. A wall sign system is all of the elements that may comprise a wall sign placed together in a contiguous sign to advertise one business whether a single business or organization within one building, called a single tenant building, or a business or organization as part of multiple businesses or organizations in a building, called a multi-tenant building. For the purpose of this Chapter 64, a wall sign refers to contiguous and mutually dependent grouped together elements of a wall sign system, which are as follows:
a. 
Letters forming readable words identifying the business or organization name and the type of services provided within the identified business or organization.
b. 
Logo.
c. 
Accent symbol.
d. 
Accent color.
(2) 
Wall sign size. One wall sign or multiple wall signs for a single business or organization shall not exceed the allowed maximum area for one wall sign or multiple wall signs as specified within § 64-22(c).
(3) 
Business or organization name to be identified. The name of the business or organization shall be identified within the street frontage wall sign, first street frontage wall sign and the second street frontage wall sign. When other wall signs are allowed, the business or organization name is optional.
(4) 
Business or organizational name and service provided on all signs. The business or organizational name when required or the type of services provided within the identified business or organization shall be an element of all wall signs, and shall be a minimum of 50% of the area of the wall sign.
(5) 
Horizontal lettering. All lettering forming readable words shall be presented horizontally on wall signs.
(6) 
Wall sign logo. A logo, as defined, may be provided within any wall sign up to 50% of the area of the entire installed wall sign with the following criteria:
a. 
The logo shall be allowed only with the business or organization name within the same wall sign system. The logo cannot be a separate wall sign.
b. 
One logo shall be allowed per wall sign, and the same logo shall not be repeated within the same wall sign.
c. 
When multiple wall signs are allowed for the same business or organization, if a logo is displayed, the logos on all wall signs shall be the same.
(7) 
Wall sign accent symbol. A wall sign accent symbol is a solid color or multi-colored design that may be provided within any wall sign having the intent of drawing attention to the sign or providing a color or colors associated with the business or organization, with the following criteria:
a. 
An accent symbol area without a logo within a wall sign system cannot exceed 50% of the area of the entire installed wall system.
b. 
An accent symbol and a logo shall not be allowed within the same wall sign system unless the accent symbol is integrated into the business name.
c. 
When an accent symbol and a logo may exist within the same sign system, the total area of the accent symbol and the logo shall not exceed 50% of the entire installed wall sign.
d. 
An accent symbol shall not be allowed in the same wall sign with a painted accent color.
(8) 
Wall sign accent color for sign background. Wall signs with the business or organization name in individual channel letters may have an accent color painted behind the wall sign or a portion of the wall sign onto the building face in a color different from the color of the building face. If so painted larger than the other installed wall sign elements, the area of the painted accent color together with the installed wall sign cannot exceed the allowed maximum area of individual wall sign advertising the business or organization, as measured by the dimensions of a polygon around the painted accent color. A wall sign accent color shall not be allowed in the same wall sign with a wall sign accent symbol.
(9) 
Element combinations. Pursuant to § 64-22(d)(3) through (9), the element combinations options are presented in the following table.
Options
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Letters
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Logo
X
X
X
Accent symbol, within letters
X
X
Accent symbol, outside letters
X
Accent color
X
X
Key:
X
=
Element allowed within option.
(10) 
Box wall sign allowed. Box wall signs are only allowed within the Village center. Box signs are defined as a sign enclosed by a cabinet with internal illumination and plastic facing, where the sign background, structure and/or cabinet extends beyond the text and/or logo of the sign. Each box sign shall be counted as one wall sign, except when separate elements may be grouped together to form a wall sign system. Individual channel letters shall not be considered box signs for the purposes of this Chapter 64. Channel letters are allowed if a box sign is not utilized in the Village center.
(11) 
Wood wall sign allowed. Whole wood wall signs are allowed within the Village center, or individual letters or other wall sign elements may be allowed in wood. They may be externally illuminated or nonilluminated. Each physically connected wood sign shall be counted as one wall sign.
(12) 
Painted wall sign prohibited. A painted wall sign is prohibited within the Village center, except as allowed as a wall sign accent color element within a wall sign system.
(13) 
Durable materials. All wall signs within the Village center shall be installed with durable materials to maintain stability and colors throughout the life of the sign within variable weather conditions. Materials may include, but not limited to, metal, aluminum, plexiglas, plastic, wood, neon and vinyl.
(14) 
Wall sign measurement. The calculation of square foot area of each wall sign shall include sign copy and any border or frame surrounding the sign copy or elements, but not the sign structure or supports. Signs shall be measured by the outside perimeter of the sign face, or the outside perimeter of a box sign or wood sign. The area of irregularly shaped signs or signs containing two or more detached elements shall be determined by the area of the smallest regular polygon that will encompass all components of the sign.
(15) 
Wall sign placement. Wall signs may be placed on an exterior wall, awning, canopy or mid-wall mansard in accordance with the following:
a. 
Wall signs placed on an exterior building wall shall be placed on an exterior first floor wall or edge of an attached canopy or portico of a business that the sign identifies. For wall signs for a business that does not have exterior wall frontage, the wall sign shall be located below or at same level of wall signs for a business at street grade facing street frontage, or located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. Any wall sign placed above the first floor exterior wall shall require plan commission approval, except for a wall sign on a detached or attached canopy, portico, or mid-wall mansard.
b. 
Wall signs may be placed on first floor exterior awnings. Any component of a wall sign system on a permanent or temporary awning shall be considered one wall sign, except for an address, a solid color awning or an internally lighted solid color awning.
c. 
Wall signs may be placed on the vertical edge of a canopy of a motor fuel dispensing station (gas station) if the canopy is detached from the building in which business takes place on the same property in accordance with § 64-22(i).
d. 
Wall signs may be affixed in a horizontal position on the top of a mid-wall mansard architectural feature extending from a first floor exterior wall, or between a first and second floor wall. Signs on a mansard that is not mid-wall shall be considered roof signs.
(16) 
Wall sign street frontage. For purposes of wall signs calculation of linear building frontage and the location of the street frontage wall sign, determination of street frontage shall adhere to the following criteria.
a. 
For a single tenant building, the street frontage shall be (1) the first floor entire linear building frontage, in feet, for the length of the building exterior facing and approximately parallel to a single public street to which the building address is assigned; or (2) the first floor entire building linear frontage, in feet, for the length of the building exterior along the public street to which the building address is assigned when the building is on a property facing multiple public streets; or (3) the street frontage sign can be located on the length of a building exterior with a public entrance, if the side is visible from the public street and another public entrance is not on the building front; however, the front of the building linear feet shall remain as frontage to determine street frontage wall sign size.
b. 
For a multi-tenant building, the street frontage shall be (1) the first floor entire linear building frontage, in feet, of the tenant leasable space when facing and approximately parallel to a single public street to which the building address is assigned; or (2) the first floor entire linear building frontage, in feet, of the tenant leasable space for the length of the building exterior facing the public street to which the building or business address is assigned when the tenant leasable space is within a building corner facing multiple public streets; or (3) the first floor entire linear frontage, in feet, of the main public entrance side to the tenant leasable space within a building corner facing multiple streets if the main public entrance is not on the same side as the address; or (4) the entire linear building frontage, if feet, of the tenant leasable space when the tenant space frontage with a public entrance only faces a side, rear or interior parking lot or external space common to the entire property.
c. 
When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-22(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-22(d)(16)a or b.
(17) 
Wall sign separation. Wall signs shall be required to have minimum separation.
a. 
When multiple wall signs are allowed for a single business or organization, and the multiple wall signs are allowed on exterior walls that meet at a corner, each sign shall be off-set from the exterior wall corner to any part of the sign structure a minimum distance equal to 30% of the linear length of the wall length to a thirty-foot maximum for a single tenant building; or a minimum distance equal to 30% of the linear length of the individual business exterior wall length to a thirty-foot maximum for a business within a multi-tenant building.
b. 
On the exterior walls of a multi-tenant building, each wall sign shall be separated by a minimum of four feet between any parts of the sign structure, or a minimum of two feet from the vertical plane of the side of the tenant space to any part of the sign structure.
(18) 
Wall sign reader board prohibited. A reader board, also known as a changeable copy sign, message board sign, time and temperature sign or an electronic message center, shall be prohibited on any part or whole wall sign, except as allowed as special exception.
(19) 
Wall sign copy. Wall signs may identify the individual establishment, building or building complex only by name and/or principle service offered, with other allowable wall sign system components. The street frontage wall sign, the first street frontage wall sign or the second street frontage wall sign shall identify the name of individual establishment. The name of the individual establishment is optional on other wall signs when allowed, however each wall sign shall identify either the name or services provided. Wall sign copy shall adhere to the following:
a. 
All lettering shall be readable by the general public. All letters on the same wall sign are suggested in the same font or similar looking font. Cursive fonts for lettering are discouraged.
b. 
The street frontage wall sign, the first street frontage wall sign and the second street frontage wall sign shall identify the name of the individual establishment, or the building or building complex by name. The name of the individual establishment is optional on other wall signs when allowed; however, each wall sign shall identify either the name of the services provided.
c. 
All lettering on wall signs shall be placed horizontally.
d. 
Wall signs may describe the types of products sold or services provided on the premises; however, the name of an individual product or products sold or a sales slogan shall not be allowed. Examples of allowed and not allowed descriptions are as follows:
Business Name
Description Sign Copy Allowed
Description Sign Copy Not Allowed
ABC Bar and Grill
Fine Food and Drink
XYZ Wines
ABC
Fine Meats and Sausage
XYZ Steaks
ABC Insurance
Home, Auto, Life
We Shop You Save
ABC
Quality Groceries
Milk Always On Sale
(20) 
Wall sign colors. Colors within an individual wall sign or wall signs of multiple tenants are not required to be the same; however, the colors of wall signs of a multi-tenant building shall not be contrasting and shall be consistent in appearance to not attract more attention than other wall signs. Colors within multiple signs allowed to a single business shall be the same. The owner or representative of ownership of a multi-tenant building may submit to the Village a wall sign color plan for the building, and if so submitted, all wall signs submitted for permit shall adhere to the submitted sign color plan.
(21) 
Property owner master wall sign plan. The owner or representative of ownership of a multi-tenant building shall submit to the Village a master wall sign plan. All wall signs submitted for permit shall adhere to the submitted master wall sign plan. The master sign plan may include, but not limited to, sign colors, sign style and letter fonts, limits on sign sizes, and prohibition or limits on sign elements, or the master sign plan may state that there is not any limitation set by the owner upon wall signs. The master sign plan shall not supersede any regulation within this Chapter 64. The owner may submit an amendment to the master sign plan at any time. The Zoning Administrator or the plan commission may request a master sign plan for a multi-tenant building or property include any freestanding, roof or projecting signs.
(e) 
Village center projecting signs. The following tables present the projecting sign or signs allowed on business and manufacturing zoned property within the central Village pursuant to the property size. Projecting signs shall not be located over any public right-of-way or public sidewalk.
(1) 
Single tenant and multi-tenant buildings projecting signs; Village center properties 0.00 to 0.70 acres in size.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Projecting sign; single tenant building
One
Maximum of 20 square feet each side. Sign shall be vertical with height dimension greater than width dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level, to a maximum of 16 feet above grade level.
Projecting sign; multi-tenant building
One per tenant
Maximum of 4 square feet each side. Sign shall be horizontal with width dimension greater than height dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level; only under canopy 90° to building face.
(2) 
Single tenant and multi-tenant buildings projecting signs; Village center properties 0.71 to 3.00 acres in size.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Projecting sign; single tenant building
One
Maximum of 36 square feet each side. Sign shall be vertical with height dimension greater than width dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level, to a maximum of 18 feet above grade level.
Projecting sign; multitenant building
One per tenant
Maximum of 4 square feet each side. Sign shall be horizontal with width dimension greater than height dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level; only under canopy 90° to building face.
(3) 
Single tenant and multi-tenant buildings projecting signs; Village center properties 3.01 acres and over in size.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Projecting sign; single tenant building
One
Maximum of 60 square feet each side; sign shall be vertical with height dimension greater than width dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level, to a maximum of 20 feet above grade level.
Projecting sign; multitenant building
One per tenant
Maximum of 4 square feet each side. Sign shall be horizontal with width dimension greater than height dimension
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level; only under canopy 90° to building face.
(4) 
Village center projecting signs overall standards. Projecting signs shall be one sign structure as a box sign, wood sign, or a projecting sign of similar durable materials. Projecting signs shall be placed on an exterior wall of the business or organization that the sign identifies, or hung from a canopy or awning attached to the exterior wall of the business or organization identifies. The following standards apply to all projecting signs within the Village center.
a. 
One logo or an accent symbol, separately or together if the accent symbol is incorporated with the business name, shall not exceed 50% of the installed sign area. Projecting signs shall not be allowed to be a series of individual letters.
b. 
Any multiple sign structures that are projecting signs shall be considered more than one sign.
c. 
Overall standards for projecting signs shall apply to the same standards for wall signs; specifically § 64-22(d)(3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (13), (14), (17), (18), (19), (20), and (21).
d. 
Projecting signs may be double faced, or projected from an exterior wall in a V-shape with an interior angle of not more than 45° to the exterior wall of which the projecting sign is attached.
(f) 
Village center roof signs. The following presents criteria for a roof sign allowed on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village center.
(1) 
A maximum of one roof sign is allowed.
(2) 
A roof sign shall be a maximum of 30 square feet.
(3) 
A roof sign shall be within the maximum building height allowed by zoning district, and shall not be higher than 10 feet beyond the roof height.
(4) 
Roof signs may be double faced, or installed in a V-shape with a vertical edge of a double faced sign at an angle of not more than 45°.
(5) 
Overall standards for roof signs shall apply to the same standards for wall signs; specifically § 64-22(d)(3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (13), (14), (18), (19), (20), and (21).
(g) 
Village center freestanding signs. The following presents standards for a freestanding sign on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village center, or for multiple freestanding signs within the Village center on larger sized properties. Freestanding signs within the Village center shall be monument horizontal, monument vertical or pole signs. See § 64-22(h) and (i) for special standards pertaining to Village center freestanding structure sign standards for a motor fuel dispensing station.
(1) 
Freestanding sign types allowed. Freestanding sign types shall be allowed within the Village center under the following situations:
a. 
When only one freestanding sign is allowed and installed on a property, the one freestanding sign shall be a monument horizontal sign, a monument vertical sign or a pole sign.
b. 
When two or three freestanding signs are allowed and installed on a property, only one freestanding sign may be a pole sign.
c. 
When two freestanding signs are allowed and installed on a property and a pole sign is not installed, the freestanding signs shall be monument horizontal signs or monument vertical signs, and shall not be a combination of both types.
d. 
When three freestanding signs are allowed and installed on a property with or without a pole sign, the other installed freestanding sign types shall be monument horizontal signs or monument vertical signs, and shall not be a combination of both types.
(2) 
Freestanding sign types sizes and heights. The following table presents the maximum size and height of freestanding signs per property size category on business and industrial zoned properties within the Village center; per each individual property of single tenant and multi-tenant sites. See § 64-22(g)(3). (4), and (5); (h); (i) and (j) for additional standards for freestanding signs.
Freestanding Signs
Property Size Category/Number of Freestanding Signs Allowed
Monument Horizontal
Monument Vertical
Pole
Maximum Sign Face Size
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Maximum Sign Face Size
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Maximum Sign Face Size
(square feet)
Maximum Sign Structure Height
(feet)
0.0 to 0.40 acres
One
32
8
36
8
32
16
0.41 to 0.70 acres
One
36
8
40
8
36
16
0.71 to 1.20 acres
One
42
10
48
10
42
18
1.21 to 2.00 acres
One
50
10
54
10
48
18
2.01 to 3.00 acres
Two allowed up to a maximum total of 80 square feet. Any one sign cannot exceed 50, 58 or 60 square feet, whichever applies.
50
10
58
12
60
18
3.01 acres or above
Three allowed up to a maximum total of 120 square feet. Any one sign cannot exceed 50, 62 or 72 square feet, whichever applies.
50
10
62
12
72
20
(3) 
Freestanding sign elements. A freestanding sign in the Village center may be composed of several elements. The elements are:
a. 
Development name: A shopping center or unified grouping of business buildings required on all freestanding signs of multi-tenant building or buildings.
b. 
Building or site address: Required on all freestanding signs within either development name sign portion, the directory sign of a business, or within the required sign base of monument signs.
c. 
Directory sign: Identifying one or more businesses on the property; required on a single tenant building freestanding sign without a development name; optional with a freestanding sign for a multi-tenant building or buildings.
d. 
Reader board: Optional on all freestanding signs.
(4) 
Freestanding sign elements proportions. The maximum percentage of area of freestanding sign elements proportions. The maximum percentage of area of each element allowed in the Village center on an installed freestanding sign per design option is presented on the following tables:
Freestanding Sign for a Single Tenant Property1
Freestanding Sign Elements
Option A
Option B
(signs up to total of 60 square feet)
Option C
(signs over a total of 60 square feet)
Business name2
100%
50%
67%
Reader board3
0%
50%
33%
NOTES:
1
Property address must appear on at least one element of the sign, or within the sign base. If the address appears within the sign base, the address does not count toward maximum sign size.
2
If a development name appears with or without a business name, the percentages per option remain the same within the business name category.
3
The percentage for a reader board for each option represents the maximum size the reader board shall be of the total sign face of the freestanding sign with the difference taken by the business name. For example, if the reader board of a 50 square foot sign face is 20 square feet (40%), then the business name portion of the sign face can be 30 square feet (60%). If the reader board of a 80 square foot sign face is 20 square feet (25%), then the business name portion of the sign face can be 60 square feet (75%). The reader board on a 50 square foot sign shall not be larger than 25 square feet (50%), or on an 80 square foot sign shall not be larger than 26.4 square feet (33%).
Freestanding Sign for a Multi-Tenant Building or Property1
Freestanding Sign Elements
Option A
Option B
Option C
Option D
Development name2
100%
67%
20%
15%
3Directory for one or more businesses
0%
0%
80%
65%
Reader board3
0%
33%
0%
20%
NOTES:
1
Property address must appear on at least one element of the sign, or within the sign base. If the address appears within the sign base, the address does not count toward the maximum sign size.
2
A development name element shall be required on each freestanding sign for a multi-tenant building or property. The development name element portion shall not be smaller in size than the percentage of installed sign as indicated within the chart.
3
If one or more elements are not fully utilized to the maximum allowable percentage of installed sign area, then the directory and/or reader board elements cannot exceed the allowable percentages as presented in the chart within the installed sign. However, the development name percentage can be larger to allow the two or three sign elements to equal 100%.
(5) 
Freestanding monument and pole sign overall standards. The following table presents the design standards for a freestanding monument horizontal, monument vertical and pole signs within the Village center:
Design Category
Monument Sign
Horizontal or Vertical
Pole Sign
Sign Face Size
Calculation of the maximum sign face size includes the outside perimeter of the entire sign structure, including spacers and gaps between sections of the sign, one-half of any part of the sign base above 2 feet, and any side columns. The maximum size defines only one side of a double faced sign.
Calculation of the maximum sign face size only includes the sign, and not any support structure. The maximum size defines only one side of a double faced sign.
Maximum Height
The maximum height is measured from adjacent grade to the highest point of the sign or sign structure, or from street grade for any sign on adjacent grade that is below street grade level.
The maximum height is measured from adjacent grade to the highest point of the sign or sign structure, or from street grade for any sign on a grade that is below street grade level.
Minimum Clearance
Not Applicable
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk, parking lot or grade level to any portion of sign or sign structure. Shall not project over public right-of-way or public sidewalk.
Sign Setback
A minimum 2 foot setback from the front property line to any part of the sign structure and a minimum 10 foot setback from other property lines to any part of the sign structure.
A minimum 2 foot setback from the front property line to any part of the sign structure and a minimum 10 foot setback from other property lines to any part of the sign structure (includes horizontal distance from property line to edge of sign structure located above grade level).
Sign Setback Criteria
Notwithstanding the minimum setback, entire sign structure shall be placed outside the required vision triangle of any intersecting streets, or outside of the 15 foot vision triangle of an intersecting street with a private driveway.
Notwithstanding the minimum setback, the sign shall be placed outside the required vision triangle of any intersecting streets or outside of the 15 foot vision triangle of an intersecting street with a private driveway if the required sign base impedes visibility.
Sign Freestanding Separation
When multiple freestanding signs are allowed on a property, the freestanding signs shall be separated a minimum of 100 feet from any point of the sign structures, measured along the linear frontage of streets or streets.
When multiple freestanding signs are allowed on a property, the freestanding signs shall be separated a minimum of 100 feet from any point of the sign structures as measured along the linear frontage of streets or streets.
Sign Base Design Criteria for nonwood signs
Masonry base is required with height a minimum of 18 inches to 2 feet above street grade when street grade is lower than adjacent grade or a minimum of 18 inches to 2 feet above adjacent grade when adjacent grade is equal to or higher than street grade. One-half of any part of the base extending beyond 2 feet above street grade or adjacent grade, whichever is higher, shall be counted as the sign face area. The base shall be wide and deep a minimum of the same dimensions of the attached sign, and may extend beyond the sign width and depth in any horizontal direction a maximum of 1.5 feet.
The base of the pole and/or pole foundation shall be buffered from view with landscape plantings and/or a masonry base, for what is appropriate for the location.
Sign Structure Design Criteria for nonwood signs
The sign shall be attached directly to the base without any gap. Side columns are optional, but are required to buffer view from electrical connections. If provided, side columns may range from 6 inches to 2 feet in width and depth, and shall be counted as part of required sign area. Sign columns shall be constructed of materials matching the sign base or consistent with the design and materials of the building the sign identifies.
Not Applicable
Sign Base Design Criteria for a wood monument horizontal sign that may be externally lighted
Only a wood monument horizontal sign may be supported by end poles of similar wood material and color without a masonry base. The bottom of the sign face must be from 18 inches to two feet above grade. Maximum sign height shall be 8 feet. Two sign faces may be placed in a V-shape at no more than 90°.
Not Applicable
Sign Side columns Criteria
Sign side columns are optional, but are required to buffer from view electrical connections. If provided, the side columns shall be a minimum of 6 inches and a maximum of 2 feet in width; shall be a material consistent with the sign base or building or buildings the sign advertises; and shall be counted as part of the sign square footage.
Not Applicable
Sign Cap
Any part of the sign structure extending beyond the top of the sign face shall count as the sign square footage and required maximum sign height.
Any part of the sign structure extending beyond the top of the sign face shall count as the sign square footage and required maximum sign height.
Sign Dimensions Proportionate for all parts of sign structure that counts toward the maximum sign area; including one-half of any base over 2 feet high, the sign face, any side columns, and any sign cap
For horizontal: Must be square or with a height dimension less than width dimension, but not less than 25% of width dimension. For vertical: Must have a height dimension at least 20% more than width dimension.
The sign face must be proportionate, with the height or width dimension not less than 25% of the larger height or width dimension.
Directory Signs Allowed
A freestanding monument sign on a multi-tenant property may advertise one or more businesses located on the property.
A pole sign on a multi-tenant property may advertise one or more businesses located on the property.
Directory Signs Standards
When a directory monument sign is provided, the development name of the center or office complex shall be provided (see § 64-22(g)(4)). All individual business signs within a directory sign shall be proportionate to each other in terms of height and width.
When a directory pole sign is provided, the development name of the center or office complex shall be provided (see § 64-22(g)(4)). All individual business signs within a directory sign shall be proportionate to each other in terms of height and width.
Sign Copy
The copy of a development name element portion of a sign shall be limited to a name and a maximum of 50% of the sign face may be a logo associated with the development name. The copy of any directory sign shall be limited to the business name with services provided by the business, and a maximum of 50% of the sign face may be one logo or accent symbol. Display such as individual products sold or contact information is prohibited anywhere on the development name and directory sign portions of the freestanding sign. All sign copy shall be displayed horizontally.
The copy of a development name element portion of a sign shall be limited to a name and a maximum of 50% of the sign face may be a logo associated with the development name. The copy of any directory sign shall be limited to the business name with services provided by the business, and a maximum of 50% of the sign face may be one logo or accent symbol. Display such as individual products sold or contact information is prohibited anywhere on the sign. All sign copy shall be displayed horizontally.
Address Display Required
A freestanding sign copy must include the building address numbers or range of building address numbers horizontally displayed in a visible location. Inclusion of the street name as part of the address is optional. The address may be located on the sign base without counting toward the overall sign size.
A freestanding sign copy must include the building address numbers or range of building address numbers horizontally displayed in a visible location. Inclusion of the street name as part of the address is optional
Reader Board
Please see § 64-22(j) for reader board standards.
Please see § 64-22(j) for reader board standards.
Letter and Number Height
Sign letters and address numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches on all sign copy, including on the reader board.
Sign letters and address numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches on all sign copy, including on reader board.
(h) 
Village center freestanding structure sign motor fuel dispensing station size standards. When a motor fuel dispensing business is located on a property within the Village center, the business may chose the option to install one freestanding sign with additional size in accordance with the standards listed below to comply with State of Wisconsin Statutes requiring adequate display of fuel price per gallon. Only one freestanding sign may be larger as a motor fuel dispensing sign in lieu of the standards of § 64-22(g), if multiple signs are allowed and installed on the property. However, if multiple signs are allowed on a property the motor fuel dispensing business may advertise on all permitted freestanding signs. A freestanding sign for motor fuel dispensing shall continue to be included within the total number of freestanding signs allowed per property size of § 64-22(g).
(1) 
The one sign allowed shall have a maximum height of 20 feet to the top of the sign structure.
(2) 
The sign shall be designed as a structure sign. However, the Zoning Administrator may allow the one larger freestanding sign for a motor fuel dispensing station to be a pole sign if the only appropriate location on the property for said sign is located within a vision triangle or vision corner. The Zoning Administrator may require various design elements be added to the pole sign to achieve a design compatible with a structure sign. Design elements may include, but not limited to, dual poles, vinyl coating of the pole or poles, encasing of the pole or poles in another material, external pole exposure only within the area of driver and pedestrian visibility, and a low profile masonry base and/or landscaping.
(3) 
The total size of all sign elements shall not exceed 100 square feet of each sign face.
(4) 
The elements of the overall maximum sign shall not exceed the following as a percentage of the maximum sign size of 100 square feet:
a. 
40% for the business name and/or logo.
b. 
25% for the gasoline prices.
c. 
25% for the reader board or directory signs on multi-tenant properties (see subparagraph (5) below).
d. 
10% for miscellaneous signage or area between signs.
(5) 
For a structure sign under this § 64-22(h) on a property 2.0 acres in size or smaller, in lieu of a reader board the 25% may be allocated to a directory sign advertising multiple businesses located on the same property. If the directory sign option is selected, then a reader board is not allowed. Properties 2.01 acres or larger are allowed additional freestanding signs; therefore, multiple businesses can advertise on a directory sign as part of another allowed freestanding sign on the site.
(6) 
The business name and/or logo element, and the gasoline prices element shall be required on a freestanding structure sign for a motor fuel dispensing station allowed by this § 64-22(h).
(7) 
From top to bottom, the order of the allowed elements shall be the business name and/or logo element, the gasoline prices element and then the reader board element. If miscellaneous signage is provided, it shall be located either below or above the reader board element.
(8) 
The sign shall be a structure sign with all parts of the sign shall have the same width dimension, except for a wider masonry base or side columns pursuant to § 64-22(g)(5). A pole sign is exempt from this requirement.
(9) 
The business name and/or logo and gasoline prices element shall be required in the larger freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-22(h). The gasoline prices shall not be counted toward the maximum amount of reader board area.
(10) 
Sign shall not be located within a vision triangle, unless the sign is a pole sign with only narrow poles within the clear vision viewing area between two feet and eight feet above adjacent grade.
(11) 
If the motor fuel dispensing station advertising with a larger freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-22(h) ceases operation and not replaced by another motor fuel dispensing station within six months of ceasing operation, the larger freestanding sign shall be removed in accordance with § 64-5.
(12) 
The freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-22(h) shall conform to the applicable standards of § 64-22(g)(5), for all freestanding signs.
(13) 
If a larger freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-22(h) is not utilized, any installed freestanding sign or signs on a property occupied by a motor fuel dispensing station shall comply with all standards of § 64-22(g).
(i) 
Village center motor fuel dispensing station canopy signs. A motor fuel dispensing station may have one sign with the business name and/or logo on each side of the canopy that is located over the fuel dispensing pumps; however if so utilized then the motor fuel dispensing station shall not be allowed a larger freestanding sign as allowed in § 64-22(h), and any freestanding sign shall be a either a horizontal monument or vertical monument sign. Canopy signs shall adhere to the following standards:
(1) 
Canopy signs shall be limited to one per canopy edge that may include the business name and/or logo. No other signage or wording is allowed on each canopy edge. The business name or logo may appear together as a wall sign system or individually; however each business name and logo appearing together on the same canopy edge shall not be any further apart than three feet, edge to edge.
(2) 
There is not any maximum limit on the size of each one sign on a side of the canopy; however, each sign shall be limited to the business name and/or logo that may be in the colors of a corporation and there shall be no other wording or logos allowed. No part of the canopy sign shall not extend beyond the top or bottom canopy edge.
(3) 
Each sign shall be limited to the business name and/or logo that may be in the colors of a corporation and there shall be no other wording or logos allowed, and repeat of the same sign is not allowed.
(4) 
All canopy signs shall be permanent. No temporary signs shall be allowed on the canopy.
(j) 
Village center freestanding reader board standards. The following presents standards for reader boards allowed on freestanding signs within the Village center. The following standards shall apply to reader boards on wall signs, projecting signs and roof signs within the Village center if approved by the plan commission as a special exception. Reader boards can also be known as and referred to as changeable copy signs, message boards, time and temperature signs or electronic message centers.
(1) 
Reader board changeable copy. A reader board is any portion of a freestanding sign that has sign copy that is not permanent and can be changed manually with hand written copy, individual letters, plastic or plexiglas covering, or similar materials; or changed electronically whether by hard wire or remote, and changes copy more than once in a six-month period.
(2) 
Reader board sign area. The calculation of sign area for reader board signs shall be integrated into the permanent sign elements of the freestanding sign, and shall be included as a percentage of the total permitted sign area as specified in this § 64-22. Measurement of the reader board sign area shall be calculated by the outside perimeter of the reader board, including the outside frame of the reader board of the sign and one-half of any gaps between the reader board and adjacent freestanding sign element. The reader board may be double faced.
(3) 
Reader board specific standards. When reader boards are allowed, the following specific standards apply to all reader boards, subject to further restrictions as may be imposed by the plan commission regarding particular applications.
a. 
Reader boards may be internally or externally illuminated.
b. 
Each reader board shall be permanently installed.
c. 
Each reader board shall be placed in such a manner so as to not interfere with, confuse or present any hazard to traffic.
d. 
The reader board must occupy a secondary position to the development name sign or directory signs, whichever applies.
e. 
The reader board shall be properly maintained at all times.
(4) 
Reader board copy. Reader board copy shall adhere to the following standards:
a. 
Cyclical copy on an illuminated reader board sign shall be allowed to change no more frequently than once every 15 seconds, except for reader board signs along an interstate highway, where the display criteria is preempted by Wis. Stats., § 84.30.
b. 
Reader board letter sizes shall be a minimum of four inches to a maximum of 12 inches in height. Letter heights within this stated range may be based on ability of the message to be easily seen and read from street view pursuant to speed of traffic and sign distance from the lanes of traffic, while the not interfering with or confusing traffic.
c. 
Sign copy may include advertisement of individual business names with contact information, range of services provided or products sold on the premises, individual products offered on special or sale on the premises with price, special events or attractions on the premises, or seasonal greetings.
d. 
Sign copy shall not include any message pertaining to off-premises or off-site businesses, sales or products; political messages or events; except community wide special events or messages may be advertised; for example congratulating a local academic or athletic achievement or reminder of a semi-annual time change.
e. 
Sign copy may include a logo pertaining to a business on the premises or product sold on the premises, at not more than 25% of the reader board area.
f. 
Sign copy shall be readable and timely at all times and presented horizontally.
(5) 
Electronic message centers. In addition to prior stated standards for reader boards within this § 64-22(j), electronic message centers shall adhere to the following standards:
a. 
Electronic message centers shall not be installed in combination with any other design or form of a reader board.
b. 
Electronic message centers shall not exceed a brightness level than the amount of lumens generated by building lights, other signs, and parking lot lights on the property the sign is located, or lumens generated by adjacent properties or adjacent street lights. The Zoning Administrator shall order the sign owner to decrease the brightness level of the electronic message center is found to violate this paragraph.
c. 
Electronic message centers shall not be allowed to flash, present movement or the illusion of movement of any sign copy.
d. 
Electronic message centers shall not be located abutting residential, as defined.
e. 
Electronic message centers operation shall not interfere with any radio or other communication transmissions.
f. 
Any electronic message centers as part of an off-premises sign, a billboard or any other sign prohibited pursuant to § 64-13, shall be prohibited.
g. 
An electronic message center may require additional fees for zoning review and permit issuance.
[Ord. No. 854, § III, 12-20-2011; Ord. No. 868, §§ III — V, 5-21-2013; amended 4-16-2025 by Ord. No. 1035]
This § 64-23 states the regulations and standards for placement of permanent signs located on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village proper area of the Village, as defined. All signs allowed in this § 64-23 require a permit.
(a) 
Maximum of only two sign types. Only a maximum of two of the following permanent sign types listed below are allowed on any business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village proper area, although on certain sized properties multiple signs within a specific sign type may be allowed. A maximum of two sign types includes single tenant building properties and all signs on multi-tenant building properties. The owner of a multi-tenant property shall designate the two types of signs for the property, or an ownership association of a multiple business or organization building with condominium ownership for the property. Roof signs are not permitted within the Village proper area.
(1) 
The permanent sign types available for use within the Village proper area are:
a. 
Only two of the following sign types allowed within a Village center property:
1. 
Wall sign.
2. 
Projecting sign.
3. 
Roof sign.
4. 
Freestanding sign, which may include one or more of the following (as per property size):
i. 
Monument horizontal sign.
ii. 
Monument vertical sign.
iii. 
Pole sign.
(b) 
Size and number of signs based on property size. Throughout this § 64-23 the size and number of signs permitted on a property are based on the size of the property. The size of the property shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator from property information on record at Mukwonago Village Hall or with the appropriate county; or by information submitted by the sign applicant or property owner in the form of a plat of survey, certified survey map or plat of subdivision. As the ranges of property sizes are presented in 100ths of an acre, rounding of the calculation may occur. Based on an acre of 43,560 square feet, the following table presents the square footage equivalent to the ranges of property sizes in acres.
Acres
Square Footage Equivalent
0.40
17,424
0.70
30,492
1.20
52,272
2.00
87,120
3.00
130,680
(c) 
Village proper area wall signs. The following tables present the wall signs allowed on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village proper area pursuant to the property size:
1A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 0.00 to 0.40 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet; or if the single tenant building has 12 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed nine square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building street frontage to a maximum of 60. The minimum sign area may be up to 9 square feet.
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, or 9 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on a second street frontage. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Rear or side public entrance wall sign shall be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, rear or side public entrance wall sign may be a maximum of 35% of the installed street frontage wall sign, or all installed wall signs can be equal in size to the maximum as stated above.
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 9 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 9 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 9 square feet.
2
If allowed, the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 9 square feet, then the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed 9 square feet.
3
If allowed, the rear or side public entrance wall sign may be utilized with or without the second street frontage wall sign; however in either instance, the rear or side public entrance sign shall be a maximum size of 35% the size of the installed street frontage wall sign. Or if allowed, sign owner has option of installing the two or three signs all equal in size.
4
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
1B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 0.00 to 0.40 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of tenant building frontage or 48 square feet; or if the tenant has 12 feet or less of tenant building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed nine square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant street frontage to a maximum of 48 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 9 square feet.1
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 48 square feet, or 9 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Street frontage wall sign for tenant not at street grade or tenant without street frontage
One per tenant at or near public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 9 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade; facing street and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 48 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 48 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 9 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 9 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 9 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
2A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 0.41 to 1.20 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet; or if the single tenant building has 16 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 12 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building street frontage to a maximum of 80 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 12 square feet.1
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second street frontage wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, second street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of all signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, or 12 square feet; whichever applies.2
To be located on second street frontage. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Rear or side public entrance wall sign shall be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, rear or side public entrance wall sign may be a maximum of 35% of the installed street frontage wall sign, or all installed wall signs can be equal in size to the maximum as stated above.
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
2
If allowed, the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
3
If allowed, the rear or side public entrance wall sign may be utilized with or without the second street frontage wall sign; however in either instance, the rear or side public entrance sign shall be a maximum size of 35% the size of the installed street frontage wall sign. Or if allowed, sign owner has option of installing the two or three signs all equal in size.
4
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
2B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 0.41 to 1.20 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of tenant building frontage or 60 square feet; or if the tenant has 16 feet or less of tenant building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 12 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 60 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 12 square feet.1
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, or 12 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 12 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade; facing street and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 12 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 12 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
3A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 1.21 to 2.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a single tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet; or if the single tenant building has 21.3 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 16 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 80 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 16 square feet.1
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second street frontage wall sign may be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, second street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of all signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, or 16 square feet; whichever applies.2
To be located on second street frontage. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Rear or side public entrance wall sign shall be allowed only with the use of street frontage wall sign
One if allowed
If utilized, rear or side public entrance wall sign may be a maximum of 35% of the installed street frontage wall sign, or all installed wall signs can be equal in size to the maximum as stated above.
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 16 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
2
If allowed, the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 80 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 16 square feet, then the aggregate size of multiple signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
3
If allowed, the rear or side public entrance wall sign may be utilized with or without the second street frontage wall sign; however in either instance, the rear or side public entrance sign shall be a maximum size of 35% the size of the installed street frontage wall sign. Or if allowed, sign owner has option of installing the two or three signs all equal in size.
4
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
3B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 1.21 to 2.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of tenant building frontage or 60 square feet; or if the tenant has 21.3 feet or less of tenant building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 16 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 60 square feet. The minimum sign area may be 16 square feet.1
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, or 16 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 16 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade; facing street and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 16 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 16 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 16 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
4A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 2.01 to 3.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs on a sign tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet for the first street frontage wall sign or to a maximum of 200 square feet for all signs; or if the single tenant building has 32 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 24 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
First street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet for the first sign facing the street frontage. The minimum sign area may be 24 square feet.1
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Additional wall signs placed on any wall of building facing a street or a parking lot on the same property with a public entrance
Four
All five allowed wall signs or lesser amount of signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 200 square feet on any building.1
Any one sign shall not exceed 50% the size of the installed first sign. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
The first street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller. If the building frontage is 133 feet or less in length, four additional signs may be installed but the aggregate size of all installed signs, including the first street frontage sign, shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot of building frontage with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign. If the building frontage exceeds 133 feet in linear length, then the aggregate size of the first street frontage wall sign (100 square feet) and the four additional wall signs shall not exceed a maximum of 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot or 200 square feet for all installed wall signs on the building, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 24 square feet, then the first street frontage wall sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, or if utilized, the aggregate total of up to five signs shall not exceed 24 square feet with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign.
2
Additional wall signs facing a public street. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
4B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 2.01 to 3.00 Acres in Size
All wall signs for a single tenant business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet; or if the tenant has 32 feet or less of building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 24 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 100 square feet per tenant. The minimum sign area may be 24 square feet per tenant.1
See § 64-34 for special exception consideration when multi-tenant buildings have large frontages or multiple entrances. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, or 24 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 20 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade facing street frontage, and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-23(d)for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 24 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 24 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
5A. Single Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 3.01 Acres and Over in Size
All wall signs on a sign tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet for the first street frontage wall sign or to a maximum of 300 square feet for all signs; or if the single tenant building has 40 feet or less of building frontage, all signs on the property shall not exceed 30 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
First street frontage wall sign
One for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet for the 1st sign facing the street frontage. The minimum sign area may be 30 square feet.1
See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Additional wall signs placed on any wall of building facing a street or a parking lot on the same property with a public entrance
Four
All five allowed wall signs or lesser amount of signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 300 square feet on any building.1
Any one sign shall not exceed 50% the size of the installed 1st sign. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
NOTES:
1
The first street frontage wall sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller. If the building frontage is 200 feet or less in length, four additional signs may be installed but the aggregate size of all installed signs, including the first street frontage sign, shall not exceed 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot of building frontage with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign. If the building frontage exceeds 200 feet in linear length, then the aggregate size of the first street frontage wall sign (150 square feet) and the four additional wall signs shall not exceed a maximum of 0.75 square feet of signs per linear foot or 300 square feet for all installed wall signs on the building, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 30 square feet, then the first street frontage wall sign shall not exceed 30 square feet, or if utilized, the aggregate total of up to five signs shall not exceed 30 square feet with no additional wall sign sizes exceeding 50% of the first street frontage wall sign.
2
Additional wall signs facing a public street. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
5B. Multi-Tenant Building Wall Signs; Village Proper
Properties 3.01 Acres and Over in Size
All wall signs for a single tenant business or organization within a multi-tenant building property within this property size range shall not exceed 75% of the linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet; or if the tenant has 40 feet or less of building frontage, all wall signs available to the tenant shall not exceed 30 square feet.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Street frontage wall sign
One per tenant for street frontage
0.75 square feet of sign per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 150 square feet per tenant. The minimum sign area may be 30 square feet per tenant.
See § 64-34 for special exception consideration when multi-tenant buildings have large frontages or multiple entrances. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Second frontage wall sign or rear or side public entrance wall sign
One per tenant if allowed
If utilized, second wall sign shall be a maximum of 50% of the size of the installed street frontage wall sign, or both installed signs can be equal in size. Total area of both signs shall not exceed 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, or 30 square feet; whichever applies.1
To be located on second street frontage, or with a rear or side public entrance to the same business. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards.
Wall sign for tenant in multi-tenant building not at street grade, or tenant without street frontage
One at or near tenant public entrance to the tenant space
Maximum of 24 square feet.
To be located below or at same level of wall signs for businesses at street grade facing street frontage, and located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. See § 64-23(d) for additional standards
NOTES:
1
If one sign is installed, the one sign shall be a maximum of 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller. If allowed, the aggregate size of two signs shall not exceed a total 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller. Likewise, if 0.75 square feet per linear foot of building frontage equals less than 30 square feet, then one installed sign shall not exceed 30 square feet, or if allowed, the aggregate size of the two signs shall not exceed a total of 30 square feet.
2
Second street frontage wall sign. When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b, the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64-23(d)(16)a or b.
(d) 
Village proper area wall signs overall standards. The following standards apply to all wall signs within the Village proper area:
(1) 
Wall sign system. A wall sign system is all of the elements that may comprise a wall sign placed together in a contiguous sign to advertise one business whether a single business or organization within one building, called a single tenant building, or a business or organization as part of multiple businesses or organizations in a building, called a multi-tenant building. For the purpose of this Chapter 64, a wall sign refers to contiguous and mutually dependent grouped together elements of a wall sign system, which are as follows:
a. 
Letters forming readable words identifying the business or organization name and the type of services provided within the identified business or organization. All letters shall be channel letters.
b. 
Logo.
c. 
Accent symbol.
d. 
Accent color.
(2) 
Wall sign size. One wall sign or multiple wall signs for a single business or organization shall not exceed the allowed maximum area for one wall sign or multiple wall signs as specified within § 64-23(c).
(3) 
Business or organization name to be identified. The name of the business or organization shall be identified within the street frontage wall sign, first street frontage wall sign and the second street frontage wall sign. When other wall signs are allowed, the business or organization name is optional.
(4) 
Business or organizational name and service provided on all signs. The business or organizational name when required or the type of services provided within the identified business or organization shall be an element of all wall signs, and shall be a minimum of 50% of the area of the wall sign.
(5) 
Horizontal lettering. All lettering forming readable words shall be presented horizontally on wall signs.
(6) 
Wall sign logo. A logo, as defined, may be provided within any wall sign up to 50% of the area of the entire installed wall sign with the following criteria:
a. 
The logo shall be allowed only with the business or organization name within the same wall sign system. The logo cannot be a separate wall sign.
b. 
One logo shall be allowed per wall sign, and the same logo shall not be repeated within the same wall sign.
c. 
When multiple wall signs are allowed for the same business or organization, if a logo is displayed, the logos on all wall signs shall be the same.
(7) 
Wall sign accent symbol. A wall sign accent symbol is a solid color or multi-colored design that may be provided within any wall sign having the intent of drawing attention to the sign or providing a color or colors associated with the business or organization, with the following criteria.
a. 
An accent symbol area without a logo within a wall sign system cannot exceed 50% of the area of the entire installed wall sign.
b. 
An accent symbol and a logo shall not be allowed within the same wall sign system unless the accent symbol is integrated into the business name.
c. 
When an accent symbol and a logo may exist within the same sign system, the total area of the accent symbol and the logo shall not exceed 50% of the entire installed wall sign.
d. 
An accent symbol shall not be allowed in the same wall sign with a painted accent color.
(8) 
Wall sign accent color for sign background. Wall signs with the business or organization name in individual channel letters may have an accent color painted behind the wall sign or a portion of the wall sign onto the building face in a color different from the color of the building face. If so painted larger than the other installed wall sign elements, the area of the painted accent color together with the installed wall sign cannot exceed the allowed maximum area of individual wall sign advertising the business or organization, as measured by the dimensions of a polygon around the painted accent color. A wall sign accent color shall not be allowed in the same wall sign with a wall sign accent symbol.
(9) 
Element combinations. Pursuant to § 64-23(d)(3) through (9), the element combinations options are presented in the following table.
Options
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Letters
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Logo
X
X
X
Accent symbol, within letters
X
X
Accent symbol, outside letters
X
Accent color
X
X
Key:
X
=
Element Allowed within Option
(10) 
Box wall sign prohibited and channel letters required. Box wall signs are prohibited within the Village proper area to display the required business or organization name, except for properties with a manufacturing zoning district located in the Mukwonago Industrial Park generally located south of Fox Street (CTH ES) and west of Holz Parkway. Box signs are defined as a sign enclosed by a cabinet with internal illumination and plastic facing, where the sign background, structure and/or cabinet extends beyond the text and/or logo of the sign. However, when a logo or accent symbol under the size limitations of § 64-23(c) is allowed, the separate elements of a logo or accent symbol may be installed as a box sign when grouped together to form a wall sign system. Channel letters are required for all letters within a Village proper wall sign. Individual channel letters shall not be considered box signs.
(11) 
Wood wall sign allowed. Whole wood wall signs are allowed within the Village proper area, or individual letters or other wall sign elements may be allowed in wood. They may be externally illuminated or nonilluminated. Each physically connected wood sign shall be counted as one wall sign.
(12) 
Painted wall sign prohibited. A painted wall sign is prohibited within the Village proper area, except as allowed as a wall sign accent color element within a wall sign system.
(13) 
Durable materials. All wall signs within the Village Proper area shall be installed with durable materials to maintain stability and colors throughout the life of the sign within variable weather conditions. Materials may include, but not limited to, metal, aluminum, plexiglas, plastic, wood, neon and vinyl.
(14) 
Wall sign measurement. The calculation of square foot area of each wall sign shall include sign copy and any border or frame surrounding the sign copy or elements, but not the sign structure or supports. Signs shall be measured by the outside perimeter of the sign face, or the outside perimeter of a wood sign. The area of irregularly shaped signs or signs containing two or more detached elements shall be determined by the area of the smallest regular polygon that will encompass all components of the sign.
(15) 
Wall sign placement. Wall signs may be placed on an exterior wall, awning, canopy or mid-wall mansard in accordance with the following:
a. 
Wall signs placed on an exterior building wall shall be placed on an exterior first floor wall or edge of an attached canopy or portico of a business that the sign identifies. For wall signs for a business that does not have exterior wall frontage, the wall sign shall be located below or at same level of wall signs for a business at street grade facing street frontage, or located as close as possible to tenant's public entrance. Any wall sign placed above the first floor exterior wall shall require plan commission approval, except for a wall sign on a detached or attached canopy, portico, or mid-wall mansard.
b. 
Wall signs may be placed on first floor exterior awnings. Any component of a wall sign system on a permanent or temporary awning shall be considered one wall sign, except for an address, a solid color awning or an internally lighted solid color awning.
c. 
Wall signs may be placed on the vertical edge of a canopy of a motor fuel dispensing station (gas station) if the canopy is detached from the building in which business takes place on the same property in accordance with § 64-23(i).
d. 
Wall signs may be affixed in a horizontal position on the top of a mid-wall mansard architectural feature extending from a first floor exterior wall, or between a first and second floor wall. Signs on a mansard that is not mid-wall shall be considered roof signs.
(16) 
Wall sign street frontage. For purposes of wall signs calculation of linear building frontage and the location of the street frontage wall sign, determination of street frontage shall adhere to the following criteria:
a. 
For a single tenant building, the street frontage shall be (1) the first floor entire linear building frontage, in feet, for the length of the building exterior facing and approximately parallel to a single public street to which the building address is assigned; or (2) the entire first floor building linear frontage, in feet, for the length of the building exterior along the public street to which the building address is assigned when the building is on a property facing multiple public streets; or (3) the street frontage sign can be located on the length of a building exterior with a public entrance, if the side is visible from the public street and another public entrance is not on the building front; however, the front of the building linear feet shall remain as frontage to determine street frontage wall sign size.
b. 
For a multi-tenant building, the street frontage shall be (1) the first floor entire linear building frontage, in feet, of the tenant leasable space when facing and approximately parallel to a single public street to which the building address is assigned; or (2) the first floor entire linear building frontage, in feet, of the tenant leasable space for the length of the building exterior facing the public street to which the building or business address is assigned when the tenant leasable space is within a building corner facing multiple public streets; or (3) the first floor entire linear frontage, in feet, of the main public entrance side to the tenant leasable space within a building corner facing multiple streets if the main public entrance is not on the same side as the address; or (4) the entire linear building frontage, in feet, of the tenant leasable space when the tenant space frontage with a public entrance only faces a side, rear or interior parking lot or external space common to the entire property.
c. 
When a business has two or more street frontages and the orientation of the business in relation to the surrounding streets, customer visibility or main customer entrance positions to a side or rear street other than the wall sign street frontage as defined in § 64-23(d)(16)a or b the Zoning Administrator may grant an exception to allow the larger sign to face the side or rear street and the smaller may face the front street. However, the linear building frontage of the street to which the building or business address is assigned remains the frontage for the purposes of calculating the allowable amount of wall sign square footage, in accordance with § 64.23(d)(16)a or b.
(17) 
Wall sign separation. Wall signs shall be required to have minimum separation.
a. 
When multiple wall signs are allowed for a single business or organization, and the multiple wall signs are allowed on exterior walls that meet at a corner, each sign shall be off-set from the exterior wall corner to any part of the sign structure a minimum distance equal to 30% of the linear length of the wall length to a maximum of 30 feet for a single tenant building, or 30% of the linear length of the individual business exterior wall length to a maximum of 30 feet for a business within a multi-tenant building.
b. 
On the exterior walls of a multi-tenant building, each wall sign shall be separated by a minimum of four feet between any parts of the sign structure, or a minimum of two feet from the vertical plane of the side of the tenant space to any part of the sign structure.
(18) 
Wall sign copy. Wall signs may identify the individual establishment, building or building complex only by name and/or principle service offered, with other allowable wall system components. The street frontage wall sign, the first street frontage wall sign or the second street frontage wall sign shall identify the name of the individual establishment. The name of the individual establishment is optional on other wall signs when allowed, however each wall sign shall identify either the name or services provided. Wall sign copy shall adhere to the following:
a. 
All lettering shall be readable by the general public. All letters on the same wall sign are suggested in the same font or similar looking font. Cursive fonts for lettering are discouraged.
b. 
The street frontage wall sign, the first street frontage wall sign and the second street frontage wall sign shall identify the name of individual establishment, or the building or building complex by name. The name of the individual establishment is optional on other wall signs when allowed; however, each wall sign shall identify either the name or the services provided.
c. 
All lettering on wall signs shall be presented horizontally.
d. 
Wall signs may describe the types of products sold or services provided on the premises; however, the name of an individual product or products sold or a sales slogan shall not be allowed. Examples of allowed and not allowed descriptions are as follows:
Business Name
Description Sign Copy Allowed
Description Sign Copy Not Allowed
ABC Bar and Grill
Fine Food and Drink
XYZ Wines
ABC
Fine Meats and Sausage
XYZ Steaks
ABC Insurance
Home, Auto, Life
We Shop You Save
ABC
Quality Groceries
Milk Always On Sale
(19) 
Wall sign colors. Colors within an individual wall sign or wall signs of multiple tenants are not required to be the same; however, the colors of wall signs of a multi-tenant building shall not be contrasting and shall be consistent in appearance to not attract more attention than other wall signs. Colors within multiple signs allowed to a single business shall be the same. The owner or representative of ownership of a multi-tenant building may submit to the Village a wall sign color plan for the building, and if so submitted, all wall signs submitted for permit shall adhere to the submitted sign color plan.
(20) 
Property owner master wall sign plan. The owner or representative of ownership of a multi-tenant building shall submit to the Village a master wall sign plan. All wall signs submitted for permit shall adhere to the submitted master wall sign plan. The master sign plan may include, but not limited to, sign colors, sign style and letter fonts, limits on sign sizes, and prohibition or limits on sign elements, or the master sign plan may state that there is not any limitation set by the owner upon wall signs. The master sign plan shall not supersede any regulation within this Chapter 64. The owner may submit an amendment to the master sign plan at any time. The Zoning Administrator or the plan commission may request that a master sign plan for a multi-tenant building or property include any freestanding or projecting signs.
(e) 
Village proper area projecting signs. The following tables present the projecting signs allowed on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village proper area pursuant to the property size. Projecting signs shall not be located over any public right-of-way or public sidewalk.
(1) 
Single tenant and multi-tenant buildings projecting signs; Village proper properties 0.00 to 0.70 acres in size.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Projecting sign; single tenant building
One
Maximum of 20 square feet each side. Sign shall be vertical with height dimension greater than width dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level, to a maximum of 16 feet above grade level.
Projecting sign; multi-tenant building
One per tenant
Maximum of 4 square feet each side. Sign shall be horizontal with width dimension greater than height dimension
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level; only under canopy 90° to building face.
(2) 
Single tenant and multi-tenant buildings projecting signs; Village proper properties 0.71 to 2.00 acres in size.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Projecting sign; single tenant building
One
Maximum of 36 square feet each side; sign shall be vertical with height dimension greater than width dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level, to a maximum of 18 feet above grade level.
Projecting sign; multi-tenant building
One per tenant
Maximum of 4 square feet each side. Sign shall be horizontal with width dimension greater than height dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level; only under canopy 90° to building face.
(3) 
Single tenant and multi-tenant buildings projecting signs; Village proper properties to 2.01 to 3.00 acres in size.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Projecting sign; single tenant building
One
Maximum of 60 square feet each side; sign shall be vertical with height dimension greater than width dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level, to a maximum of 18 feet above grade level.
Projecting sign; multi-tenant building
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
(4) 
Single tenant and multi-tenant buildings projecting signs; Village proper properties 3.01 acres and over in size.
Type
Maximum Number of Signs
Area of Sign
Specific Standards
Projecting sign; single tenant building
One
Maximum of 100 square feet each side; sign shall be vertical with height dimension greater than width dimension.
Minimum of 8 foot clearance from sidewalk or grade level, to a maximum of 20 feet above grade level.
Projecting sign; multi-tenant building
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
(5) 
Village proper area projecting signs overall standards. Projecting signs shall be one sign structure as a box sign, wood sign, or a projecting sign of similar durable materials. Projecting signs shall be placed on an exterior wall of the business or organization that the sign identifies, or hung from a canopy or awning attached to the exterior wall of the business or organization identifies. The following standards apply to all projecting signs within the Village proper area.
a. 
One logo or an accent symbol, separately or together if the accent symbol is incorporated with the business name, shall not exceed 50% of the installed sign area. Projecting signs shall not be allowed to be a series of individual letters.
b. 
Any multiple sign structures that are projecting signs shall be considered more than one sign.
c. 
Overall standards for projecting signs shall apply to the same standards for wall signs; specifically § 64-23(d)(3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (13), (14), (17), (18), (19), (20), and (21).
d. 
Projecting signs may be double faced, or projected from an exterior wall in a V-shape with an interior angle of not more than 45° to the exterior wall of which the projecting sign is attached.
(f) 
Village proper area roof signs prohibited. Roof signs within the Village proper area are prohibited.
(g) 
Village proper area freestanding signs. The following presents standards for freestanding signs on business and manufacturing zoned property within the Village proper area, or for multiple freestanding signs within the Village proper area on larger sized properties. Freestanding signs within the Village proper area shall be monument horizontal or monument vertical signs. Pole signs are prohibited within the Village proper area. A freestanding structure sign may be approved by special exception for properties abutting the Interstate 43 right-of-way on a property equal to or over 2.01 acres in size. See § 64-23(h) and (i) for special standards pertaining to a Village proper area freestanding structure sign for a motor fuel dispensing station.
(1) 
Freestanding sign types allowed. When multiple freestanding signs are allowed and installed on a property, the installed freestanding sign types shall be monument horizontal signs or monument vertical signs, and shall not be a combination of both signs.
(2) 
Freestanding sign types sizes and heights. The following table presents the maximum size and height of freestanding signs per property size category on business and industrial zoned properties within the Village proper area; per each individual property of single tenant and multi-tenant sites. See § 64-23(g)(3), (4), and (5); (h); (i) and (j) for additional standards for freestanding signs.
Village Proper Area Freestanding Signs
Property Size Category/Number of Freestanding Signs Allowed
Monument Horizontal
Monument Vertical
Maximum Sign Face Size
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Maximum Sign Face Size
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
1.0 to 0.40 acres
One
32
8
36
8
0.41 to 0.70 acres
One
40
8
48
8
0.71 to 1.20 acres
One
48
10
54
10
1.21 to 2.00 acres
One
60
10
68
12
2.01 to 3.00 acres
Two signs allowed up to a maximum total of 120 square feet. Any one sign cannot exceed 80 or 84 square feet, whichever applies.
80
10
84
12
3.01 acres or above
Three signs allowed up to a maximum total of 150 square feet. Any one sign cannot exceed 100 square feet.
100
12
100
14
(3) 
Freestanding sign elements. A freestanding sign may be composed of several elements. The elements are:
a. 
Name of development name: A shopping center or unified grouping of business buildings; required on all freestanding signs of multi-tenant building or buildings.
b. 
Building or site address: Required on all freestanding signs within either the development name sign portion, the directory sign of a business, or within the required sign base of monument signs.
c. 
Directory sign: Identifying one or more businesses on the property; required on a single tenant building freestanding sign without a development name; optional with a freestanding sign for a multi-tenant building or buildings.
d. 
Reader board: Optional on all freestanding signs.
(4) 
Freestanding sign elements proportions. The maximum percentage of area of each element allowed on an installed freestanding sign per design option is presented on the following tables:
Freestanding Sign for a Single Tenant Property1
Freestanding Sign Elements
Option A
Option B (signs up to total of 60 square feet)
Option C (signs over a total of 60 square feet)
Business Name2
100%
50%
67%
Reader Board3
0%
50%
33%
NOTES:
1
Property address must appear on at least one element of the sign, or within the sign base. If the address appears within the sign base, the address does not count toward maximum sign size.
2
If a development name appears with or without a business name, the percentages per option remain the same within the business name category.
3
The percentage for a reader board for each option represents the maximum size the reader board shall be of the total sign face of the freestanding sign with the difference taken by the business name. For example, if the reader board of a 50 square foot sign face is 20 square feet (40%), then the business name portion of the sign face can be 30 square feet (60%). If the reader board of an 80 square foot sign face is 20 square feet (25%), then the business name portion of the sign face can be 60 square feet (75%). The reader board on a 50 square foot sign shall not be larger than 25 square feet (50%), or on an 80 square foot sign shall not be larger than 26.4 square feet (33%).
Freestanding Sign for a Multi-Tenant Building or Property 1
Freestanding Sign Elements
Option A
Option B
Option C
Option D
Development Name2
100%
67%
20%
15%
Directory for One or More Businesses 3
0%
0%
80%
65%
Reader Board3
0%
33%
0%
20%
NOTES:
1
Property address must appear on at least one element of the sign, or within the sign base. If the address appears within the sign base, the address does not count toward the maximum sign size.
2
A development name element shall be required on each freestanding sign for a multi-tenant building or property. The development name element portion shall not be smaller in size than the percentage of installed sign as indicated within the chart.
3
If one or more elements are not fully utilized to the maximum allowable percentage of installed sign area, then the directory and/or reader board elements cannot exceed the allowable percentages as presented in the chart within the installed sign. However, the development name percentage can be larger to allow the two or three sign elements to equal 100%.
(5) 
Freestanding structure signs may be allowed. A freestanding structure sign may be allowed through a special exception by the plan commission for any property equal to or over 2.01 acres in size abutting the Interstate 43 right-of-way with the following standards, or allowed in certain situations for a motor fuel dispensing station freestanding sign.
a. 
A structure sign shall be constructed with the same width dimension at all points from base to highest point of the sign structure, except for a wider masonry base or side columns pursuant to § 64-23(g) (6).
b. 
The structure sign shall not exceed 24 feet in height from adjacent grade and the sign face area shall not exceed 100 square feet, although the plan commission may limit the height and size pursuant to the location and standards for approving a special exception. The plan commission may limit the overall sign of the structure supporting and surrounding the sign face. The sign face may be double faced.
c. 
The structure sign shall be constructed of durable materials and colors consistent with the building and other signs on the site, as approved by the plan commission.
d. 
The structure sign shall be included with the allowable number of freestanding signs and maximum area of signs permitted on the property.
e. 
Copy on the sign face of the structure sign shall be limited to the development name of a multi-tenant property or the name of the business on a single tenant property, with a logo or an accent symbol incorporated into the sign. No directory signs or reader boards are allowed for structure signs allowed through a special exception.
f. 
The plan commission may set standards with approval of a special exception for a structure sign in accordance with § 64-23(g)(6).
g. 
See § 64-34 for additional standards pertaining to the granting of a special exception by the plan commission.
(6) 
Freestanding monument sign overall standards. The following table presents the design standards for a freestanding monument horizontal sign and freestanding monument vertical sign within the Village proper area.
Design Category
Monument Sign Horizontal or Vertical
Sign Face Size
Calculation of the maximum sign face size includes the outside perimeter of the entire sign structure, including spacers and gaps between sections of the sign, one-half of any part of the sign base above 2 feet and any side columns. The maximum size defines only one side of a double faced sign.
Maximum Height
The maximum height is measured from adjacent grade to the highest point of the sign or sign structure, or from street grade for any sign on adjacent grade that is below street grade level.
Sign Setback
A minimum 10 foot setback from the front property line and other property lines to any part of the sign structure.
Sign Setback Criteria
Notwithstanding the minimum setback, entire sign structure shall be placed outside the required vision triangle of any intersecting streets, or outside of the 15 foot vision triangle of an intersecting street with a private driveway.
Sign Freestanding Separation
When multiple freestanding signs are allowed on a property, the freestanding signs shall be separated a minimum of 100 feet from any point of the sign structures, measured along the linear frontage of streets or streets.
Sign Base Design Criteria for nonwood signs
Masonry base is required with height a minimum of 18 inches to 2 feet above street grade when street grade is lower than adjacent grade or a minimum of 18 inches to 2 feet above adjacent grade when adjacent grade is equal to or higher than street grade. One-half of any part of the base extending beyond 2 feet above street grade or adjacent grade, whichever is higher, shall be counted as the sign face area. The base shall be wide and deep a minimum of the same dimensions of the attached sign, and may extend beyond the sign width and depth in any horizontal direction a maximum of 1.5 feet.
Sign Structure Design Criteria for nonwood signs
The sign shall be attached directly to the base without any gap. Side columns are optional, but are required to buffer view from electrical connections. If provided, side columns may range from 6 inches to 2 feet in width and depth, and shall be counted as part of required sign area. Sign columns shall be constructed of materials matching the sign base or consistent with the design and materials of the building the sign identifies.
Sign Base Design Criteria for a wood monument horizontal sign that may be externally lighted
Only a wood monument horizontal sign may be supported by end poles of similar wood material and color without a masonry base. The bottom of the sign face must be from 18 inches to two feet above grade. Maximum sign height shall be 8 feet. Two sign faces may be placed in a V-shape at no more than 90°.
Sign Side Columns Criteria
Sign side columns are optional, but are required to buffer from view electrical connections. If provided, the side columns shall be a minimum of 6 inches and a maximum of 2 feet in width; shall be a material consistent with the sign base or building or buildings the sign advertises; and shall be counted as part of the sign square footage.
Sign Cap
Any part of the sign structure extending beyond the top of the sign face shall count as the sign square footage and required maximum sign height.
Sign Dimensions Proportionate for all parts of sign structure that counts toward the maximum sign area; including one-half of any base over 2 feet high, the sign face, any side columns, and any sign cap
For horizontal: Must be square or with a height dimension less than width dimension, but not less than 25% of width dimension. For vertical: Must have a height dimension at least 20% more than width dimension.
Directory Signs Allowed
A freestanding monument sign on a multi-tenant property may advertise one or more businesses located on the property.
Directory Signs Standards
When a directory monument sign is provided, the development name of the center or office complex shall be provided (see § 64-23(g)(4)). All individual business signs within a directory sign shall be proportionate to each other in terms of height and width.
Sign Copy
The copy of a development name element portion of a sign shall be limited to a name and a maximum of 50% of the sign face may be a logo associated with the development name. The copy of any directory sign shall be limited to the business name with services provided by the business, and a maximum of 50% of the sign face may be one logo or accent symbol. Display such as individual products sold or contact information is prohibited anywhere on the development name or directory sign portion of the freestanding sign. All sign copy shall be displayed horizontally.
Address Display Required
A freestanding sign copy must include the building address numbers or range of building address numbers horizontally displayed in a visible location. Inclusion of the street name as part of the address is optional. The address may be located on the sign base without counting toward the overall sign size.
Reader Board
Please see § 64-23(j) for reader board standards.
Letter and Number Height
Sign letters and address numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches on all sign copy, including on reader board.
(h) 
Village proper area freestanding structure sign motor fuel dispensing station size standards. When a motor fuel dispensing business is located on a property within the Village proper area, the business may chose the option to install one freestanding sign with additional size in accordance with the standards listed below to comply with State of Wisconsin Statutes requiring adequate display of fuel price per gallon. Only one freestanding sign may be larger as a motor fuel dispensing sign than the standards allowed in § 64-23(g), if multiple signs are allowed and installed on the property. However, if multiple signs are allowed on a property the motor fuel dispensing business may advertise on all freestanding signs. A freestanding sign for motor fuel dispensing shall continue to comply with the total number of freestanding signs allowed per property size.
(1) 
The one sign allowed shall have a maximum height of 20 feet to the top of the sign structure.
(2) 
The sign shall be designed as a structure sign.
(3) 
The total size of all sign elements shall not exceed 100 square feet of each sign face.
(4) 
The elements of the sign shall not exceed the following as a percentage of the overall sign area:
a. 
40% for the business name and logo.
b. 
25% for the gasoline prices.
c. 
25% for the reader board.
d. 
10% for miscellaneous signage or area between signs.
(5) 
For a structure sign under this § 64-23(h) on a property 2.0 acres in size or smaller, in lieu of a reader board the 25% may be allocated to a directory sign advertising multiple businesses located on the same property. If the directory sign option is selected, then a reader board is not allowed. Properties 2.01 acres or larger are allowed additional freestanding signs; therefore, multiple businesses can advertise on a directory sign as part of another allowed freestanding sign on the site.
(6) 
The business name and/or logo element, and the gasoline prices element shall be required on a freestanding structure sign for a motor fuel dispensing station allowed by this § 64-23(h).
(7) 
From top to bottom, the order of the allowed elements shall be the business name and/or logo element, the gasoline prices element and then the reader board element. If miscellaneous signage is provided, it shall be located either below or above the reader board element.
(8) 
The sign shall be a structure sign with all parts of the sign shall have the same width dimension, except for a wider masonry base or side columns pursuant to § 64-22(g)(5).
(9) 
The business name and/or logo and gasoline prices element shall be required in the larger freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-23(h). The gas prices are not counted toward the maximum amount of reader board area.
(10) 
The sign shall not be located within a vision triangle.
(11) 
If the motor fuel dispensing station advertising with a larger freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-23(h) ceases operation and not replaced by another motor fuel dispensing station within six months of ceasing operation, the larger freestanding sign shall be removed in accordance with § 64-5.
(12) 
The freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-23(h) shall conform to the applicable standards of § 64-23(g)(6), for all freestanding signs.
(13) 
If a larger freestanding sign allowed by this § 64-22(h) is not utilized, any installed freestanding sign or signs on a property occupied by a motor fuel dispensing station shall comply with all standards of § 64-22(g).
(i) 
Village proper area motor fuel dispensing stations canopy signs. A motor fuel dispensing station may have one sign with the business name and/or logo on each side of the canopy that is located over the fuel dispensing pumps; however if so utilized then the motor fuel dispensing station shall not be allowed a larger freestanding sign as allowed in § 64-23(h), and any freestanding sign shall be a either a horizontal monument or vertical monument sign. Canopy signs shall adhere to the following standards:
(1) 
Canopy signs shall be limited to one per canopy edge that may include the business name and/or logo. No other signage or wording is allowed on each canopy edge. The business name or logo may appear together as a wall sign system or individually; however each business name and logo appearing together on the same canopy edge shall not be any further apart than three feet, edge to edge.
(2) 
There is not any maximum limit on the size of each one sign on a side of the canopy; however, each sign shall be limited to the business name and/or logo that may be in the colors of a corporation and there shall be no other wording or logos allowed. No part of the canopy sign shall not extend beyond the top or bottom canopy edge.
(3) 
Each sign shall be limited to the business name and/or logo that may be in the colors of a corporation and there shall be no other wording or logos allowed, and repeat of the same sign is not allowed.
(4) 
All canopy signs shall be permanent. No temporary signs shall be allowed on the canopy.
(j) 
Village proper area freestanding reader board standards. The following presents standards for reader boards allowed on freestanding signs within the Village proper area. The following standards shall apply to reader boards on wall signs, projecting signs and roof signs within the Village proper area if approved by the plan commission as a special exception. Reader boards can also be known as and referred to as changeable copy signs, message boards, time and temperature signs or electronic message centers.
(1) 
Reader board changeable copy. A reader board is any portion of a freestanding sign that has sign copy that is not permanent and can be changed manually with hand written copy, individual letters, plastic or plexiglas covering, or similar materials; or changed electronically whether by hard wire or remote, and changes copy more than once in a six-month period.
(2) 
Reader board sign area. The calculation of sign area for reader board signs shall be integrated into the permanent sign elements of the freestanding sign, and shall be included as a percentage of the total permitted sign area as specified in this § 64-23. Measurement of the reader board sign area shall be calculated by the outside perimeter of the reader board, including the outside frame of the reader board of the sign and one-half of any gaps between the reader board and adjacent freestanding sign element. The reader board may be double faced.
(3) 
Reader board specific standards. When reader boards are allowed, the following specific standards apply to all reader boards, subject to further restrictions as may be imposed by the plan commission regarding particular applications.
a. 
Reader boards may be internally or externally illuminated.
b. 
Each reader board shall be permanently installed.
c. 
Each reader board shall be placed in such a manner so as to not interfere with, confuse or present any hazard to traffic.
d. 
The reader board must occupy a secondary position to the development name sign or directory signs, whichever applies.
e. 
The reader board shall be properly maintained at all times.
(4) 
Reader board copy. Reader board copy shall adhere to the following standards:
a. 
Cyclical copy on an illuminated reader board sign shall be allowed to change no more frequently than once every 15 seconds, except for reader board signs along an interstate highway, where the display criteria is preempted by Wis. Stats., § 84.30.
b. 
Reader board letter sizes shall be a minimum of four inches to a maximum of 12 inches in height. Letter heights within this stated range may be based on ability of the message to be easily seen and read from street view pursuant to speed of traffic and sign distance from the lanes of traffic, while not interfering with or confusing traffic.
c. 
Sign copy may include advertisement of individual business names with contact information, range of services provided or products sold on the premises, individual products offered on special or sale on the premises with price, special events or attractions on the premises, or seasonal greetings.
d. 
Sign copy shall not include any message pertaining to off-premises or off-site businesses, sales or products; political messages or events; except community wide special events or messages may be advertised; for example congratulating a local academic or athletic achievement or reminder of a semi-annual time change.
e. 
Sign copy may include a logo pertaining to a business on the premises or product sold on the premises, at not more than 25% of the reader board area.
f. 
Sign copy shall be readable and timely at all times and presented horizontally.
(5) 
Electronic message centers. In addition to prior stated standards for reader boards within this § 64-23(j), electronic message centers shall adhere to the following standards.
a. 
Electronic message centers shall not be installed in combination with any other design or form of a reader board.
b. 
Electronic message centers shall not exceed a brightness level than the amount of lumens generated by building lights, other signs, and parking lot lights on the property the sign is located, or lumens generated by adjacent properties or adjacent street lights. The Zoning Administrator shall order the sign owner to decrease the brightness level of the electronic message center if found to violate this paragraph.
c. 
Electronic message centers shall not be allowed to flash, present movement or the illusion of movement of any sign copy.
d. 
Electronic message centers shall not be located abutting residential, as defined.
e. 
Electronic message centers operation shall not interfere with any radio or any other communication transmissions.
f. 
Any electronic message center as part of an off-premises sign, a billboard or any other sign prohibited pursuant to § 64-13, shall be prohibited.
g. 
An electronic message center may require additional fees for zoning review and permit issuance.
[Added 12-18-2019 by Ord. No. 971]
The following types of signs are exempted from all of the provisions of this chapter:
(a) 
Public signs erected by or under the order of or by permission of a governmental entity, provided that the governing body makes a finding that such sign does not adversely impact the public health, safety or welfare of the Village of Mukwonago and, in fact, will promote the public health, safety and welfare of the community.
(b) 
Historical markers as recognized by local, state or federal authorities.
(c) 
Directional wall signage directing people to emergency rooms/ambulance facilities/urgent care that are under 75 square feet of area.
[Added 10-20-2021 by Ord. No. 997]