[1-19-2022]
The purpose of this article is to establish standards for the
fabrication, erection, and use of signs and signage for all properties
within the City of Lake Geneva. This article regulates the location,
type, size, and height of signage in order to protect and promote
the public welfare, health, and safety of persons within the community;
to aid in the development and promotion of business and industry;
and to ensure implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of the City
of Lake Geneva within the City's zoning districts. The adoption of
this article reflects the formal finding of fact on the part of the
City of Lake Geneva Plan Commission and the Lake Geneva Common Council
that regulation of signage furthers four compelling governmental interests:
(1)
To promote the public welfare, health, and safety of all persons
using the public thoroughfares and right-of-ways within the City of
Lake Geneva as to the signage displayed thereon, or overhanging, or
projecting into such public spaces;
(2)
To advance the aesthetic goals of the City throughout the community,
and to ensure the effectiveness and flexibility in the design of,
and the creativity of, the use of such devices without creating detriment
to the general public;
(3)
To reduce the visual clutter caused by advertising signage which
the City has determined is a significant cause of unsafe traffic and
visibility conditions; and
(4)
To limit the spread of unattractive strip commercial development,
of which signs are a primary contributor, so as to be respectful of
the reasonable rights of other advertisers and business entities whose
messages are also displayed in such areas.
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Furthermore, the City of Lake Geneva advocates that this regulation
leaves ample and adequate alternative channels of commercial speech
communication for the messages portrayed on such advertising signage,
namely, print media, broadcast media, and point-of-purchase display,
and is narrowly defined so as to limit any prohibitions on commercial
speech on exterior signage.
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[1-19-2022]
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (2) below, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, or convert any sign in the City, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit for each sign from the City of Lake Geneva Zoning Administrator as required under this article. This section shall apply and be construed to require a permit for a change of copy on any sign or for any conversions or changes in the sign structure for which a permit has been previously issued. This section shall not apply for a repainting with the same sign copy, cleaning, repair, or other normal maintenance of the sign or sign structure. No new permit is required for signs which have permits on the date in which this chapter was adopted and which conform with the requirements of this article on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated in any way.
(2)
The following sign uses and purposes are permitted in all zoning
districts without the need for a sign permit. Such signs shall not
count as part of the maximum permitted sign area as regulated by Section
98-806.
(a)
Address numerals and identification signs not exceeding four
square feet in area.
(b)
Legal notices and other signs established, or ordered, by any
governmental agency.
(c)
Memorial signs and tablets displayed in cemeteries.
(d)
On-premise directional signs which bear no advertising if under
four square feet, and if limited to business site or business name
or logo.
(e)
Temporary signs which conform to the requirements of Section
98-807.
(f)
Political signs and flags of government, religious, fraternal,
or civic organizations.
(g)
Auxiliary signs per Subsection 98-803(1)(b), if under four square
feet.
(h)
Menu board signs per Subsection 98-803(1)(j), if under four
square feet.
(3)
Community information signs shall be permitted only as a conditional
use within all zoning districts and upon any property within the jurisdiction
of the City of Lake Geneva Zoning Code. As such, the review of a request
for the erection of a community information sign shall comply with
the requirements of Section 98-905 of the City of Lake Geneva Zoning
Code. The proposed size, configuration, and design of the sign shall
be described as part of the conditional use requirements. As a conditional
use, the City of Lake Geneva may revoke the designation of an approved
community information sign if such sign fails to comply with the requirements
of this article. Such action shall proceed per the requirements of
Subsection 98-802(8). Upon revocation, the owner of said sign shall
have 30 days to remove the sign at the owner's expense.
(a)
Such sign shall only display information regarding events and
information of general interest to the residents of Lake Geneva. Copy
which may be considered as advertising a product, private or restricted
participation event, or activity for private profit shall be prohibited.
(b)
Such sign may be located on private or public property (except
for residential properties within the ER-1, SR-3, and SR-4 zoning
districts.)
(c)
Such sign shall conform to the visibility requirements of Subsection
98-804(1)(i).
(d)
Such sign shall not be counted as adding to the area of signage
on the subject property for the purposes of regulating sign area per
Subsection 98-806(6).
(4)
Permit requirements:
(a)
The sign permit fee shall be required for all new signs and
any modifications of any existing sign face or sign structure (see
Section 98-935).
(b)
Any sign permit fee granted hereunder may not be assigned or
transferred to any other sign or modified sign face or sign structure.
(c)
Only those permanent or temporary signs which have been granted
a permit from the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the provisions
of this section may be erected, installed, constructed or maintained.
(d)
For all other signs (excluding freestanding signs) the owner
or tenant may include all such signs at one premises under one permit
if provisions of Subsection 98-802(5) are complied with.
(e)
All signs which are located over a public right-of-way shall
require the property owner or tenant to procure public liability insurance
in a company licensed to transact business in Wisconsin for the principal
sum of not less than $25,000 liability to any one person or $50,000
liability on account of any one accident. Such policy shall further
have an endorsement protecting the City of Lake Geneva or its interest
as the result of any accident or injury for which the City might become
liable.
(5)
Application procedure. Each initial application for a sign permit
shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator on forms to be provided
by that office, prior to installation of a new sign or modification
of an existing sign face or sign structure. Application shall include:
(a)
The name and address of the permit applicant.
(b)
A legible scaled drawing with description and dimensions of
the sign(s) to be erected or maintained under that permit and the
sign's proposed location on the building or site.
(c)
Written proof of consent from the property owner upon which
the sign(s) are to be erected and maintained.
(d)
Proof of payment of the appropriate sign permit fee, when required.
(e)
Evidence of liability, insurance policy, or bond as required
herein for signs located over a public right-of-way per Subsection
98-802(4), above.
(f)
Any other item of information that may be reasonably required
by the Zoning Administrator or Plan Commission for the purpose of
application evaluation.
(6)
Granting and issuance:
(a)
All sign permit applications shall be reviewed by the City staff,
who shall deny or grant such applications, within 10 business days
of receipt of the complete application and payment of fee per Subsections(1)
through (5), above. Upon granting, the Zoning Administrator shall
issue the sign permit.
(b)
No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute
permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall
any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate
an unlawful sign.
(7)
Basis for granting. In reviewing a sign permit application,
the City staff may consider the following factors in deciding whether
or not to grant the issuance of a sign permit.
(a)
Whether the sign is compatible with the surroundings, pursuant
to the objectives of proper design and zoning criteria.
(b)
Whether the sign is designed, installed, and maintained to meet
the sign users needs while at the same time promoting the surrounding
environment desired by the general public.
(c)
Whether the sign is designed, constructed, installed, or maintained
in such a manner that it does not endanger public safety or traffic
safety.
(d)
Whether the sign is legible, readable, and visible in the circumstances
in which it is to be used.
(e)
Whether the sign, including size, height, illumination and location,
is respectful of reasonable rights of other advertisers whose messages
are displayed in the area.
(f)
Whether the sign is in compliance with the provisions of this
article.
(g)
Whether the sign is in compliance with the provisions of the
City of Lake Geneva General Ordinances relating to traffic safety,
traffic visibility setbacks, and this chapter.
(8)
Revocation:
(a)
Upon Class I notice and after a public hearing conducted by
the Plan Commission, any permit may be revoked by the Plan Commission
in the event that the applicant has failed to comply with the provisions
of these regulations or any conditions that may have accompanied the
permit at the time of granting.
(b)
Any sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator shall be
null and void and automatically revoked in the event that construction,
installation, or manufacture of the sign has not been commenced within
180 days from the date of the issuance of such permit. If work authorized
by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 90 days any
time after the work is commenced, the original permit shall become
null and void. A new permit shall first be obtained to complete the
work, and a new permit fee shall be required.
(c)
Upon any revocation the sign(s) subject to such revoked permits,
whether freestanding, overhanging, or projecting shall be removed
by the licensee within 45 days of such revocation.
(d)
Revocation shall not give cause to a right of total or partial
reimbursement of license fees paid.
(9)
Appeals. Any permit application reviewed by the City staff and/or the Historic Preservation Commission, which is denied or any revocation, under Subsection (8) above, shall be subject to appeal to the Plan Commission per the requirements of the conditional use process. Charges for said appeal shall be returned if said appeal is successful.
(11)
Enforcement. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any
such provision of this article will be subject to issuance of a citation
under this subsection without written notice or warning.
(a)
Penalty. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any provision
of this article shall be subject to a penalty, upon conviction thereof,
by forfeiture under Section 98-936, together with the costs of prosecution.
Each separate offense and each day a violation continues or occurs,
shall constitute a separate offense.
(b)
Other remedies in law or equity. Nothing under this subsection
shall prevent the City of Lake Geneva from exercising any other remedies,
in law or equity, and the penalties outlined herein are cumulative
and in addition to any other such remedies.
(c)
Removal of defective or dangerous signs by the city. The Zoning
Administrator shall cause to be removed any sign that endangers the
public safety or health and extends or projects into any public thoroughfare
or right-of-way within the City such as abandoned, dangerous, or materially
defective signs or signs for which no permit has been issued.
[Ord. No. 01-20 4-9-2001]
(d)
Revocation of general business license. In addition to all other
penalties any person, firm, or corporation violating any provision
of this article for a fifteen-day period shall have their general
business license revoked for noncompliance with this section.
[Ord. No. 01-20 4-9-2004]
[1-19-2022]
The following definitions shall be used by this article to assist
in the establishment of clear cut signage regulations. In general,
"sign purposes" refers to where or how a sign is used. "Sign types"
refers to the style of the sign, and "sign measurement" explains how
the dimensions of a sign are determined.
Any object, device, display, structure, or part thereof,
situated outdoors and in view of the general public, which is used
to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an
object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service,
event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures,
logos, symbols, fixtures, projected images, or in-window signs (described
as signs located inside buildings and visible from and located within
five feet of a window). Signs do not include the flag or emblem of
any nation, organization of nations, state, city, religious, fraternal,
or civic organization; also merchandise and pictures or models of
products or services incorporated in a window display, works of art
which in no way identify a product, or scoreboards located on athletic
fields. Building colors and outline lighting which do not convey a
logo or message specific to the use (as determined by the Zoning Administrator)
are not considered signs. Definitions of particular functional, locational,
and structural types of signs are listed in this section. (Traffic
control and other public agency signs located within a right-of-way
are not included within this definition and are not regulated by the
provisions of this article.)
ADVERTISING SIGN (OFF-PREMISES SIGN)A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed. Advertising signs include billboards. [Refer to Subsection 98-804(1)(j).] No new off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted within the City.
AUXILIARY SIGNA sign which provides special information such as price, hours of operation, or warning and which does not include brand names, or information regarding product lines or services. It may contain a business logo if the logo is under one square foot in area. Examples of such signs include "no trespassing" signs and signs which list prices of gasoline, up to one price listing sign per type of fuel, which must be displayed on a single structure.
BUSINESS SIGN (ON-PREMISES SIGN)A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, offered, or manufactured upon the premises where the sign is located. Refer to Section 98-806.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SIGNA permanent sign approved with a conditional use permit which may have changeable copy and which is limited to the display of information of interest to the general community regarding scheduled public events and public activities. Refer to Subsection 98-802(3).
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, OFF-PREMISESA sign which indicates only the name, direction, and/or distance of a governmental facility. Refer to Subsection 98-804(1)(f). This definition does not pertain to off-premises advertising signs. Refer to Subsection 98-803(1)(a).
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, ON-PREMISESA sign which indicates only the name, logo (if under one square foot), and or direction of a pedestrian or traffic facility, or a particular building within a complex of structures, on the property on which said facility or building is located.
GROUP SIGNA sign displaying the collective name of a group of uses such as the title of a shopping center, office park, or industrial park and its tenants. No sales or price information shall be permitted. Portions of the sign containing names of individual tenants shall be considered as part of the area of a group sign. Group signs shall only be permitted within developments serving two or more nonresidential tenants, and are permitted on any form of permitted business or identification signage.
IDENTIFICATION SIGNA sign indicating the name and/or address of the project, property owner, tenant and/or manager of the property, address, and name and phone number of the property manger.
TEMPORARY SIGNA sign or advertising display (including festoons, pennants, banners, pinwheels and similar devices) intended to be displayed for a certain period of time (as permitted by Section 98-807). Included in the definition of "temporary signs" are retailers' signs temporarily displayed for the purpose of informing the public of a "sale" or special offer. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be considered as temporary. A mobile or portable sign shall not be considered a temporary sign or used for such a purpose. Refer to Section 98-807.
MENU BOARD SIGNMenu board signs are on-building signs containing information about a business's menu, daily specials, or sales. One menu board sign can be mounted to the buildings front (street) facade per business on that property. Menu board signs are considered to be wall signs.
AWNING SIGNA type of projecting, on-building sign [see Subsection (f) of this definition, below] consisting of a fabric or fabric-like sheathing material.
FREESTANDING SIGNA self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards, or any other type of base on the ground. This type of sign includes monument signs and pylon signs. [Refer to Subsections (e) and (g) of this definition, below.] The base and support(s) of any and all freestanding signs shall be concealed and shall comply with the State Building Code. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured per Subsection (3)(a). Refer to Subsection 98-804(3)(a).
MARQUEE SIGNA type of projecting, on-building sign [see (f), below] sheltering the entrance and/or entrance approaches of a theater, auditorium, fairground, museum or other use, which advertises present and scheduled events.
MOBILE SIGNA sign mounted on a frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated, including vehicles and/or trailers whose principal commercial use is for signage. Refer to Subsection 98-804(3)(e).
MONUMENT SIGNA type of freestanding sign [see (2)(b), above] whose bottom edge is located within one foot of a ground-mounted pedestal and whose top edge is located no more than six feet high. Refer to Subsections 98-804(1)(i) and (2)(a).
PROJECTING SIGNA type of on-building sign, other than a wall sign which is attached to and projects more than one foot, generally perpendicular from a structure or building face. With a minimum of seven feet clearance above a public sidewalk and maximum area of three square feet. Refer to Subsection 98-804(3)(b).
PYLON SIGNA type of freestanding sign [see (2)(b), above] whose bottom edge is located more than one foot above a ground-mounted pedestal or whose top edge is located more than six feet high (see monument sign).
WALL SIGNA type of on-building sign mounted parallel to a building facade or other vertical building surface. Refer to Subsection 98-804(3)(c).
PERSONAL GREETING AND CONGRATULATORY SIGNA temporary sign which is limited to 32 square feet, and which is limited to a noncommercial, personal greeting or message used to announce, congratulate, or greet members of a family or work staff.
IN-WINDOW SIGNA sign located within a building that is located attached to the inside face of an exterior window and visible from the exterior of the building.
[Ord. No. 01-20 4-9-2004]
FLAGSThis section applies to corporate flags for registered corporation and decorative flags.
[Ord. No. 03-04 3-24-2003]
Flagpoles shall not exceed 35 feet in height and shall be set
back a minimum of five feet from any property line;
Any flag flown in conjunction with the United States flag shall
follow Federal Flag Code established by Congress;
No more than one corporate flag or one decorative flag shall
be flown on any one site;
A corporate flag shall only be permitted in the GB, PB, PBP,
PI, GI, HI, and PD Zoning Districts. The maximum size of any corporate
flag shall not exceed 60 square feet;
No corporate or decorative flag may contain a slogan, price
information, product information or image, or any other message that
would make the flag appear to be a banner.
GROUND LEVELThe average elevation of the ground upon which the sign supports are placed, except when the sign supports rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding ground. In such cases, the average elevation of the base of such berm or other area shall be considered as the ground level.
SIGN AREAShall be measured in the following manner:
In the case of a sign placed within a frame, a marquee sign,
or other structure, "sign area" consists of the entire surface area
of the sign on which copy could be placed. The supporting structure
or bracing of a sign, including the supports of monument signs not
used for copy, shall not be counted as a part of the sign face area
unless such structure or bracing is made a part of the sign's message.
Where a freestanding on-premises sign (monument or pylon) has two
or more display faces, the total area of all of the display faces
which can be viewed from any single location shall be considered the
sign face area.
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In the case of a sign whose message is fabricated together with
the background which borders or frames that message, sign face area
shall be the total area of the entire background.
In the case of a sign whose message is applied to a background
which provides no border or frame (such as individual letters to a
building face or awning), sign face area shall be the combined areas
of the smallest rectangles which can encompass each word, letter,
figure, emblem, and other element of the sign message per a scaled,
fully dimensioned drawing approved by the Zoning Administrator. Where
such drawing is not provided, said area shall be the smallest area
enclosed in a single rectangle.
Signs less than one square foot in area are not regulated by
this article.
The following illustration demonstrates how sign face area is
measured.
[1-19-2022]
The regulations contained in this section apply to signs in
all districts.
(1)
Sign prohibitions and limitations:
(a)
No sign shall use any word, phrase, symbol, shape, form, or
character in such manner as to interfere with moving traffic, including
signs which incorporate typical street-type and/or traffic control-type
signage designs and colors.
(b)
Except for sequin-like eyecatcher devices, flags [as permitted
by Subsection 98-803(2)(k)], and temporary signs (as permitted by
Section 98-807), no fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or
otherwise moving signs or other decorations shall be permitted.
(c)
No illuminated flashing signs shall be permitted. Flashing signs
are those which change their appearance more than once every 30 seconds.
Electronic message center signs and time/temperature signs are permitted
with a conditional use permit. Chasing lights shall not be allowed.
(d)
No illuminated sign shall be permitted unless the illumination
of the sign is so designed that the lighting element (except neon
signs) is not visible from any property within a residential zoning
district. All illuminated signs shall comply with the State Electrical
Code.
(e)
No mobile signs shall be permitted.
(f)
Off-premises directional signs shall be permitted only for governmental
uses.
(g)
No inflatable signs shall be permitted, except as temporary
signs.
(h)
No advertising vehicle signs shall be permitted, except as temporary
signs. Refer to Subsection 98-804(3)(d).
(i)
No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with
traffic visibility.
(j)
No off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted except
for the small blue highway information signs as provided within the
right-of-way of USH 12 and STHs 50 and 120 per applicable State of
Wisconsin Statutes. Existing legal off-premises advertising signs
made nonconforming by this article shall be permitted to continue
as legal, nonconforming structures. These signs may not be relocated,
structurally modified, or replaced if damaged over 50%. These legal
nonconforming signs include the following list:
1.
Large single faced billboard with two off-premises businesses
advertised and one on-premises business advertised located near the
intersection of STH 50 and STH 12 on Tax Parcel ZYUP-168.
2.
Large two-faced billboard sign adjacent to and above the building
located at 721 Williams Street. Tax Parcel No. ZF-28B.
3.
Three large single-face billboard signs located at the southwest
corner of the intersection of Sage Street and Sheridan Springs Road.
Tax Parcel No. ZGC-11.
4.
Two smaller two-faced pole signs located near the west side
of the intersection of Grant Street and Elkhorn Road. Tax Parcel No.
ZYUP-44A.
5.
Small wall sign on south face of the building located at 264
Center Street. Tax Parcel No. ZOP-259.
6.
Large single faced billboard located on north side of STH 120
near the intersection of STH 12 on Tax Parcel No. ZYUP-137I. Currently
unused for several years, in a dilapidated condition, and under orders
to remove.
7.
Large single faced billboard at the south lot line near CTH
H right-of-way. Tax Parcel No. ZOP-373.
8.
Large two-faced billboard sign near the southwest corner of
Edwards Boulevard and Townline Road. Tax Parcel No. ZA4362 00003.
*This will include a sunset date of March 14, 2041, as depicted
in the preannexation agreement that was approved by the City upon
the annexation of the property that occurred March 14, 2011.
[Ord. No. 11-35]
(k)
No pylon signs shall be permitted.
(l)
Obstructing windows with paper covering is specifically prohibited
under this section. This section applies to regulations under Section
98-806.
[Ord. No. 01-20 4-9-2001]
(m)
In-window signs shall be limited to a maximum area of written
sign text message that does not exceed 15% of the area of the window.
The area of the text message shall be the smallest rectangular area
that contains the entire text message. Text messages shall include
letters, numerals, symbols, and product or company logos. Images,
product displays, and wall boards that do not contain written text
messages are not regulated by this rule. Area devoted to in-window
signs shall not be counted as another type of sign area. There is
no limit in the number of in-window signs and in-window signs shall
not be subject to the design criteria of the Downtown Design District
or other Overlay District regulations. All signage in the City shall
come into compliance with this requirement as of May 1, 2001.
[Ord. No. 01-20 4-9-2001]
(2)
Sign location requirements:
(a)
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where
by reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape, or
color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of,
or be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal or
device. Freestanding signs may not locate within vision triangles
nor otherwise impede traffic or pedestrian visibility. Freestanding
sign setbacks from right-of-way lines vary by zoning district - refer
to Sections 98-805 and 98-806.
(b)
No sign shall be located within a required buffer yard or within
a permanently protected green space area. Refer to the City of Lake
Geneva Zoning Code.
(c)
No sign shall be mounted or displayed on the roof of a structure.
(d)
No sign, temporary or otherwise, shall be displayed on private
property without the owner's or renter's permission.
(e)
Private signs shall not be allowed within road right-of-way
lines.
(f)
Projecting signs shall only be permitted as new signs per the
rules of this chapter and may be maintained as legal nonconforming
signs only if they exist as of the effective date of this chapter,
and are a minimum of seven feet over the elevation of a pedestrian
way and maximum of three square feet in area.
(g)
Freestanding signs shall be located a minimum of 12 feet from
property lines or equivalent to their maximum height, whichever is
lesser, except that on-premises directional signs less than 36 inches
tall shall be located a minimum of one foot from a property line.
(h)
Awnings made of cloth are permitted. Such awnings shall be free
of backlighting and only contain a lettering band with a single line
of copy less than eight inches tall located on the vertical face of
the awning and shall be located a minimum of 7 1/2 feet for the
fabric, and eight feet for the frame, over pedestrian ways.
(i)
No person shall erect, construct, or maintain any sign upon
any property or building without the express consent of the owner
or person entitled to possession of the property or building or their
authorized representative.
(3)
Sign configuration requirements:
(a)
Freestanding sign configuration. A freestanding sign shall not
be erected so that it impedes visibility for safe pedestrian and/or
vehicular circulation. The footing and related supporting structure
of a freestanding sign including bolts, flanges, brackets, etc., shall
be concealed by the sign exterior, masonry covering, earth and permanent
ground cover, or through the use of evergreen shrubs. Refer to Subsection
98-803(2)(b).
(b)
Projecting sign configuration. The bottom edge of a projecting
sign shall be located a minimum of seven feet from the ground level
directly under the sign with a maximum display area of three square
feet. Such sign shall be mounted directly to a building. In no instance
shall such sign be projecting more than four feet into and over a
public right-of-way or private street, drive, or parking area.
[Ord. No. 01-24 8-13-2001]
(c)
Wall sign configuration. A wall sign shall not extend beyond
the edge of any wall or other surface to which it is mounted, nor
shall it project more than 12 inches from its surface. The height
of a wall sign shall be measured from the base of the building below
the sign to the top of the sign face. The top of the sign shall be
no higher than the nearest portion of the building to which it is
mounted without a conditional use permit. Signs painted directly on
a wall or other portion of a building are not permitted. Refer to
Subsection 98-803(2)(h).
(d)
Advertising vehicle sign configuration. No persons shall park
any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or on private properties
so as to be seen from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto
or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose
of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business
activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.
Licensed business vehicles containing typical business signage and
which are actively used on a daily basis for business purposes, are
exempt from this prohibition. Refer to Subsection 98-804(1)(h).
(e)
Menu board configuration. Menu board sign surface area and its
surrounding frame and structure shall not exceed four square feet.
Menu board signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other
surface to which they are mounted, nor shall they project more than
three inches from the wall on which they are mounted. Moving signs
such as traveling message boards, electronic message boards, and video
screens are prohibited. Anything attached to a menu board sign shall
not project outside the perimeter of the sign face nor project in
excess of one inch from the sign face.
[1-19-2022]
(1)
Rules for all signs:
(a)
Signs shall comply with all provisions of this article, including
Section 98-803 and Section 98-804 for general signage definitions
and regulations.
(b)
Signage on a lot shall be limited to the combined total of all
signs listed under Subsection (2), below, or as otherwise modified
by conditional use, planned development, deed restriction or other
site specific regulation, restriction or requirement. The owner of
a property containing more than one tenant shall allocate signs to
the tenants, up to the allowed maximum for the entire property. This
provision will allow the property owner to allocate all of the allowed
signage to one tenant and none to another tenant if they saw fit to
do so.
(2)
Rules for particular sign purposes:
(c)
On-premise directional sign (for multifamily, group development
or institutional use):
1.
Permitted sign type: wall sign or monument sign.
2.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one sign for each vehicular
entrance, one sign for each vehicular exit, one sign for each parking
area conditions list. Institutional uses may use any additional number
of signs as needed.
3.
Maximum permitted area per sign: nine square feet.
(d)
Temporary sign (per section 98-807).
(e)
On-premise business sign (for legal, nonconforming business
only): shall comply with provisions of Section 98-806.
(f)
Off-premise directional sign (for governmental facility only):
(g)
Community information sign [per Section 98-802(3)]
[1-19-2022]
(1)
Rules for all signs:
(a)
Signs shall comply with all provisions of this article, including
Section 98-803 and Section 98-804 for general signage definitions
and regulations.
(b)
Signage on a lot shall be limited to the combined total of all
signs listed under Subsection (3), below, or as otherwise modified
by conditional use, planned development, deed restriction or other
site specific regulation, restriction or requirement. The owner of
a property containing more than one tenant shall allocate signs to
the tenants, up to the allowed maximum for the entire property. This
provision will allow the property owner to allocate all of the allowed
signage to one tenant and none to another tenant if they saw fit to
do so.
(2)
Rules for particular sign purposes (all residential and institutional
land uses): shall comply with provisions of Section 98-805.
(3)
Rules for particular sign purposes (all office, commercial and
industrial land uses):
(a)
For RH, PO, NB, PB, PBP and PI Zoning Districts.
1.
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall or awning) sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: two on-building signs per
each business fronting on that wall, for each exposed side of the
principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned
property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage
for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting
wall for all combined signage on that wall regardless of the number
of business. A maximum sign area of 200 square feet for all combined
sign faces may be used for any single business on a wall.
2.
Permitted sign type: monument sign or projecting sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one monument sign per lot,
for any lot containing more than four public parking space or one
projecting sign per each business entrance for each exposed side of
the principal building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned
property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per monument sign: one-quarter square
foot of signage for every foot of the adjacent public street frontage
selected for the lot - up to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet
for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
c.
Maximum permitted monument sign height: eight feet.
d.
Minimum permitted monument sign setback: equivalent or greater
to sign height.
e.
Maximum permitted area per projecting sign: three square feet.
3.
Permitted sign type: menu board:
a.
Menu board signs are permitted in all zoning districts.
b.
Configuration requirements for menu board signs: Section 98-804(3)(e).
c.
Menu board signs shall be securely affixed to the exterior wall
of the building containing the use.
d.
Menu board signs may be made of any material and must be in
an approved locking case.
e.
Menu board signs may not be illuminated by any means other than
an ambient light source such as the sun or a street light.
(b)
For CB Zoning District:
1.
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall, awning, or marquee)
sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one on-building sign per each
business fronting on that wall, for each exposed side of the principal
use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage
for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting
wall for all combined signage on that wall regardless of the number
of business. A maximum sign area of 25 feet may be used for any single
business on a wall.
2.
Permitted sign type: monument sign or projecting sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one monument sign per lot,
one projecting sign per each business entrance for each exposed side
of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially
zoned property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per monument sign: one-quarter square
foot of signage for every foot of the adjacent public street frontage
selected for the lot - up to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet
for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
c.
Maximum permitted monument sign height: six feet.
d.
Maximum permitted monument sign setback: equivalent of greater
to sign height.
e.
Maximum permitted area per projecting sign: three square feet.
3.
Permitted sign type: menu board:
a.
Menu board signs are permitted in all zoning districts.
b.
Configuration requirements for menu board signs: Section 98-804(3)(e).
c.
Menu board signs shall be securely affixed to the exterior wall
of the building containing the use.
d.
Menu board signs may be made of any material and must be in
an approved locking case.
e.
Menu board signs may not be illuminated by any means other than
an ambient light source such as the sun or a street light.
f.
Menu boards in the designated Downtown Design District are subject
to the requirements of the Downtown Design District.
(c)
For NO Zoning District:
1.
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall, awning, or marquee)
sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one on-building sign per each
business fronting on that wall, for each exposed side of the principal
use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage
for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting
wall for all combined signage on that wall regardless of the number
of business. A maximum sign area of 25 feet may be used for any single
business on a wall.
2.
Permitted sign type: monument sign or projecting sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one monument sign per lot,
one projecting sign per each business entrance for each exposed side
of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially
zoned property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per monument sign: 1/4 square foot of
signage for every foot of the adjacent public street frontage selected
for the lot - up to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet for all
combined sign faces seen at one time.
c.
Maximum permitted monument sign height: eight feet.
d.
Maximum permitted monument sign setback: equivalent or greater
to sign height.
e.
Maximum permitted area per projecting sign: three square feet.
3.
Permitted sign type: menu board:
a.
Menu board signs are permitted in all zoning districts.
b.
Configuration requirements for menu board signs Section 98-804(3)(e).
c.
Menu board signs shall be securely affixed to the exterior wall
of the building containing the use.
d.
Menu board signs may be made of any material and must be in
an approved locking case.
e.
Menu board signs may not be illuminated by any means other than
an ambient light source such as the sun or a street light.
(d)
For GB, PI, and HI Zoning Districts:
1.
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall or awning) sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: two on-building signs per
each business fronting on that wall, for each exposed side of the
principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned
property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage
for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting
wall for all combined signage on that wall regardless of the number
of business. A maximum sign area of 250 feet may be used for any single
business on a wall.
2.
Permitted sign type: monument sign or projecting sign:
a.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one monument sign per lot,
one projecting sign per each business entrance for each exposed side
of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially
zoned property.
b.
Maximum permitted area per monument sign: one-quarter square
foot of signage for every foot of the adjacent public street frontage
selected for the lot - up to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet
for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
c.
Maximum permitted monument sign height: eight feet.
d.
Maximum permitted monument sign setback: equivalent or greater
to sign height.
e.
Maximum permitted area per projecting sign: three square feet.
3.
Permitted sign type: menu board:
a.
Menu board signs are permitted in all zoning districts.
b.
Configuration requirements for menu board signs: Section 98-804(3)(e).
c.
Menu board signs shall be securely affixed to the exterior wall
of the building containing the use.
d.
Menu board signs may be made of any material and must be in
an approved locking case.
e.
Menu board signs may not be illuminated by any means other than
an ambient light source such as the sun or a street light.
(e)
Auxiliary sign (such as required gas price signs or "no trespassing"
sign):
1.
Permitted sign type: wall sign or freestanding sign.
2.
Maximum permitted number per lot: per approved site plan.
3.
Maximum permitted area per sign: combined area of all auxiliary
signs shall not exceed an area equivalent to 50% of the permitted
freestanding or on-building sign area, whichever is greater.
(g)
Temporary sign (per Section 98-807).
(h)
Off-premise directional sign (for governmental facility only):
(i)
Community information sign [per Section 98-802(3)].
[1-19-2022]
For all temporary signs, the owner or tenant must contact the
Zoning Administrator and provide the name and address of the applicant,
and the description and location of the sign to be erected prior to
actual installation. Only one temporary sign may be displayed on a
property at any one time. Except as provided by Subsections (1) through
(5) below, any one lot is permitted to display a temporary sign for
a maximum of 30 days within any twelve-month period. Furthermore,
any one lot is limited to a maximum of two temporary signs in any
twelve-month period (political signs are exempt from this restriction).
A portable sign is not a temporary sign.
(1)
For each lot: one "for sale," "for rent," or "garage sale" sign,
not more than six square feet in area, up to 32 square feet for vacant
commercial and industrial properties.
(2)
For construction on or development of a lot, one sign not more
than 32 square feet in area, indicating the name of the contractors,
engineers or architect, or products being used in the construction
of a building but only during the time that construction or development
is actively under way.
(3)
For a temporary event of public interest such as a neighborhood
garage sale or church fair, one sign, not over 32 square feet in area
located upon the site of the event. Such sign shall not be erected
more than 30 days before the event and shall be removed immediately
after the event.
(4)
Temporary political signs are permitted without restriction
so long as they locate per the requirements of Section 98-804(2)(d)
and (e), do not impair vision, or do not otherwise create a public
nuisance. Such sign shall not be erected more than 30 days before
the election and shall be removed within 48 hours after the election.
(5)
For each real estate subdivision that has been approved in accordance
with the City of Lake Geneva Land Division Regulations, two temporary
development project identification signs are permitted to be located
on some portion of the subject subdivision. Each such sign shall be
not more than 32 square feet in area. These signs shall comply with
the visibility standards of Subsection 98-804(1)(i). These signs shall
be permitted to remain within the subject subdivision until a time
at which building permits have been issued for 80% or more of the
lots in the subdivision.
(6)
One personal greeting/congratulatory sign per premises shall
be permitted for up to seven days, which is limited to eight feet
in height and 32 square feet in dimension and which is not intended
for commercial purposes.
[1-19-2022]
(1)
All signage within the jurisdiction of this article shall remain
in a state of proper maintenance. Refer to Subsection 98-808(2), below.
(2)
Proper maintenance shall be the absence of loose materials (including
peeling paint, paper or other material), the lack of excessive rust,
the lack of excessive vibration or shaking, and the presence of the
original structural integrity of the sign, its frame and other supports,
its mounting, and all components thereof.
(3)
The repainting, changing of parts, and preventive maintenance
of signs which completely conform to the requirements of this article,
and result in absolutely no change in the appearance of the sign from
that originally approved, shall not be deemed alterations requiring
a sign permit.
(4)
The owner, lessee, or manager of a sign, and the owner of the
land on which the same is located, shall keep grass or weeds and other
growth cut and debris and rubbish cleaned up and removed from the
lot on which the sign is located.
(5)
Any signs which may be, or may hereafter become rotted, unsafe,
or in a state which is not properly maintained shall be repaired or
removed by the licensee or owner of the sign, or owner of the property
upon which the sign stands upon notice of the Zoning Administrator.
(6)
All signs shall be constructed and mounted so as to comply with
State Building Codes.
(7)
All signs shall be constructed and maintained to conform with
State Electrical Codes.
(8)
The base of signs shall be landscaped so as to conceal footings,
mountings, brackets, and related structural elements.
(9)
All signs shall in no instance create a traffic visibility or
other safety hazard.
(10)
Signage found to be in violation of the provisions of this article
shall be subject to the provisions of the City of Lake Geneva Building
Code.
[1-19-2022]
(1)
Nonconforming Signs.
(a)
Signs legally existing as of the effective date of this chapter
which do not conform to the provisions of this article, shall be nonconforming
signs and shall be subject to the provisions of Subsection 98-809(2).
Nonconforming signs may be maintained. No nonconforming on-premises
sign shall be altered or moved to a new location without being brought
into compliance with the requirements of this article. Refer to Subsection
98-809(2)(a), below.
(b)
Business signs on the premises of a nonconforming use or building
may be continued per Subsection 98-809(2), but new signs for such
uses shall not be allowed, nor shall expand in number, area, height,
or illumination. New signs, not to exceed the maximum allowable aggregate
sign area may be erected only upon the complete removal of all other
signs existing at the time of adoption of this article.
(c)
Closing businesses must remove their signs within 60 days of
closing.
[Ord. No. 99-14 10-11-1999]
(d)
Signage not in compliance with the provisions of this section
shall be subject to the provisions of Subsection 98-809(2).
(e)
Whenever there is a change in the sign user (excluding off-premises
signs), owner, or owner of the property on which the sign is located,
the new sign user, owner, or new property owner shall forthwith notify
the Zoning Administrator of the change. No new sign permit is required
unless there is modification of the sign face or sign structure.
(2)
Removal of nonconforming signs.
(a)
Alteration of signs.
1.
For the purpose of this article, alteration of a sign is considered
to be any change to the exterior appearance of any part of the sign,
its frame, its supporting structure, or its lighting, including changing
the message (except for marquee or off-premises advertising signs),
symbols, color, material, height, location, or any other alterations
as determined by the Zoning Administrator. With the granting of a
conditional use permit, nonconforming signs may be altered in sign
face appearance in any manner, and may be altered in sign frame, supporting
structure and lighting in any manner that does not increase the degree
for nonconformance. The consideration of said permit shall evaluate
the quality and character of the proposed nonconforming sign with
the character of nearby development and community objectives. This
conditional use shall expire 10 years after date of issuance. The
ten-year expiration period shall not be extended by subsequent conditional
use approvals for modification of the same nonconforming sign unless
specifically stated in the subsequent conditional use approval.
[Ord. No. 99-14 10-11-1999; Ord. No. 08-12 8-11-2008]
2.
Altering a sign does not include maintaining the existing appearance
of the sign; replacing the sign face or the supporting structure with
identical materials, colors, and messages; changing the message of
a marquee sign; or changing the face of an off-premises advertising
sign.
3.
For a period extending 10 years from the effective date of this
chapter, a tenant sign which comprises part of a group sign may be
replaced to accommodate a new tenant sign without triggering the need
to bring the entire group sign, or any of its parts, into compliance
with the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
The penalties of the City of Lake Geneva Building Code shall
be applicable to violations of the provisions of this article.
