(1) 
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to set out regulations for the erection and maintenance of signs while preserving the right of free speech and expression.
(2) 
Scope. The regulations of this article shall provide a balanced and fair legal framework for design, construction, and placement of signs that:
(a) 
Promotes the safety of persons and property by ensuring that signs do not create a hazard by:
1. 
Collapsing, catching fire, or otherwise decaying;
2. 
Confusing or distracting motorists; or
3. 
Impairing drivers' ability to see pedestrians, obstacles or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs;
(b) 
Promotes the efficient communication of messages, and ensures that persons exposed to signs:
1. 
Are not overwhelmed by the number of messages presented; and
2. 
Are able to exercise freedom of choice to observe or ignore said messages according to the observer's purpose;
3. 
Protects the public welfare and enhances the appearance and economic value of the landscape by protecting scenic views and avoiding sign clutter that can compromise the character, quality, and viability of commercial corridors;
4. 
Ensures that signs are compatible with their surroundings, and prevents the construction of signs that are a nuisance to occupants of adjacent and contiguous property due to brightness, reflectivity, bulk, or height;
5. 
Promotes the use of signs that are aesthetically pleasing, of appropriate scale, and integrated with the built environment, in order to meet the objectives related to the quality and character of development set forth in the Comprehensive Plan of the Village of Belleville;
6. 
Enhances property values and business opportunities;
7. 
Assists in wayfinding; and
8. 
Provides fair and consistent permitting and enforcement.
(3) 
Authority. The Village Board finds that:
(a) 
This ordinance advances important and substantial governmental interests;
(b) 
The regulations set out in this ordinance are unrelated to the suppression of constitutionally protected free expression and do not involve the content of protected messages which may be displayed on signs, nor do they involve the viewpoint of individual speakers;
(c) 
The incidental restriction on the freedom of speech is no greater than is essential to the furtherance of the interests protected by this ordinance; and
(d) 
Certain types of speech are not protected by the First Amendment due to the harm that they cause to individuals or the community, and speech that is harmful to minors may be prohibited in places that are accessible to minors.
(4) 
General findings of fact. The Village Board finds that:
(a) 
The ability to display signs of reasonable size and dimensions is vital to the health and sustainability of many businesses, and the display of signs with noncommercial messages is a traditional component of the freedom of speech, but the constitutional guarantee of free speech may be limited by appropriate and constrained regulation that is unrelated to the expression itself;
(b) 
The Village has an important and substantial interest in preventing sign clutter (which is the proliferation of signs of increasing size and dimensions as a result of competition among property owners for the attention of passing motorists), because sign clutter degrades the character of the community, makes the community a less attractive place for commerce and private investment, and dilutes or obscures messages displayed along the Village's streets by creating visual confusion and aesthetic blight;
(c) 
Sign clutter can be prevented by regulations that balance the legitimate needs of individual property owners to convey their commercial and noncommercial messages against the comparable needs of adjacent and nearby property owners and the interest of the community as a whole in providing for a high-quality community character;
(d) 
Temporary signs that are not constructed of weather-resistant materials are often damaged or destroyed by wind, rain, and sun, and after such damage or destruction, degrade the aesthetics of the Village's streets if they are not removed;
(e) 
The Village has an important and substantial interest in keeping its rights-of-way clear of obstructions and litter;
(f) 
The Village has an important and substantial interest in protecting the health of its tree canopy, which contributes to the character and value of the community; and
(g) 
The uncontrolled use of off-premises outdoor advertising signs and their location, density, size, shape, motion, illumination and demand for attention can be injurious to the purposes of this article, and destructive to community character and property values, and that, as such, restrictions on the display of off-premises commercial messages are necessary and desirable.
(1) 
Permanent sign area limit. Each lot shall be allowed one (1) square foot of aggregate sign area per linear foot of lot frontage for permanent signs authorized with or without a permit.
(2) 
Temporary sign area limit. Each lot shall be allowed one-half (0.5) foot of aggregate sign area per linear foot of frontage for temporary signs.
(3) 
Premises having frontage on more than one (1) dedicated street. Premises having frontage on more than one (1) dedicated street will be allowed an additional one-half (0.5) square feet of aggregate sign area for each lineal foot of the secondary lot frontage; however additional sign area shall only be displayed on the secondary frontage.
Figure 16.102.1: Limit on Sign Area
(1) 
Sign height. Sign height shall be measured by the total distance between the highest point on the sign to the 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 areas shall be considered as the ground level.
Figure 16.103.1: Sign Height
(2) 
Sign area. Unless otherwise defined, sign area is determined by the total area enclosed by a continuous perimeter along the edges of a sign, including any frame or border. The area of a sign composed of individually affixed letters is determined by the total area of the smallest geometric shape enclosing the copy. A maximum of two (2) geometric shapes may be utilized. The calculation for a double-faced sign shall be the area of one (1) face only.
In Residential Districts, signs less than one (1) square foot shall not be regulated by the provisions of this section.
(1) 
The following key is to be used in the interpretation of Table 16.105.1:
(a) 
Permitted sign types. Sign types marked as "P" in the table shall be permitted subject to all applicable regulations of this chapter.
(b) 
Prohibited sign types. A blank space in the table indicates that a sign type is not allowed in the respective zoning district.
(c) 
Permanent signs requiring a permit. Sign types requiring a permit shall be permitted only after the issuance of a Sign Permit as detailed in Section 16.127.
Table 16.105.1: Permitted Sign Types by District
Sign Type
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
A-1
A-2
C-1
C-2
C-3
I-1
I-2
P-I
Permanent Signs
Wall Sign
p1
p1
p1
p1
p1
p1
P
P
P
P
P
P
Single-Tenant Monument Sign
P1, 2
P1, 2
P1, 2
P1, 2
p1
p1
P
 
P
P
P
P
Multi-Tenant Monument Sign
 
 
 
 
 
 
P
 
P
P
P
P
Awning or Canopy Sign
 
 
 
 
 
 
P
P
 
P
P
P
Projecting Sign
 
 
 
 
 
 
P
P
P
 
 
 
On-Site Traffic Directional Sign
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P
 
P
P
P
P
Temporary Signs
Wall Mounted Banner Sign
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P
P
P
P
P
P
Ground Mounted Banner Sign
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P
P
P
P
P
P
Feather Sign
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P
 
P
P
P
P
Sidewalk Sign
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P
P
P
P
P
Window Sign
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P
P
P
P
P
P
Yard Sign
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Post Sign
P
P
P
P
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes:
1.
Sign shall be permitted for nonresidential and multifamily uses only.
2.
Sign shall be permitted at entryways or gateways to subdivisions or neighborhoods.
(1) 
Wall signs.
(a) 
Sign area.
1. 
The maximum permitted sign area of wall signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-1, A-2, C-2, and C-3 Districts shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total area of the face of the wall on which the sign is to be located.
2. 
The maximum permitted sign area of wall signs in the C-1, I-1, I-2, and P-I Districts shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the total area of the face of the wall on which the sign is to be located.
(b) 
Height. No wall sign shall protrude above the highest roofline or the top of the parapet wall or mansard roof.
(c) 
Projection. A wall sign shall not extend more than six (6) inches from the wall of the building or structure to which it is attached and shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet.
(d) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) wall sign shall be permitted per lot frontage of a single tenant building or unit of a multi-tenant building.
1. 
A maximum of three (3) secondary wall signs may be authorized for buildings with lineal frontage in excess of seventy-five (75) feet by the Zoning Administrator provided such additional signage is:
a. 
In keeping with the overall design and architecture of the building;
b. 
A minimum of twenty (20) feet from the primary wall sign and other secondary wall signs;
c. 
A maximum of fifty (50) percent of the size of the primary wall sign;
d. 
Accessory to the building's primary wall sign; and
2. 
The total area of all primary and secondary wall signs does not exceed the maximum wall sign area as established in Section 16.106(a).
(e) 
Sign copy. All sign copy featured on wall signs shall either be individually affixed letters, appear to be individually affixed letters, or be printed, etched, or otherwise incorporated directly on the sign's backing plate. Box signs shall be prohibited.
(f) 
Other provisions.
1. 
No wall sign shall cover any architectural features (architectural features shall include but not be limited to, pediment, cornice, belt course, pier, windows, pilaster, roof, decorative stone or inlay, kick plate/bulkhead, raised or colored brick pattern, and corbel) of the building to which it is affixed.
2. 
Out lot retail buildings may display one (1) additional wall sign oriented towards the main parking area of the development and not oriented towards a street.
3. 
No wall sign shall be affixed to HVAC screening, elevator overrun, or other features protruding from the roof of the structure.
Figure 16.106.1: Wall Signs
Figure 16.106.2: Secondary Wall Signs
(2) 
Single-tenant monument signs.
(a) 
Sign area.
1. 
The maximum permitted sign area of single-tenant monument signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-1, A-2, C-2, and C-3 Districts shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet.
2. 
The maximum permitted sign area of single-tenant monument signs in the C-1, I-1, I-2, and P-I Districts shall not exceed seventy-five (75) square feet.
(b) 
Height.
1. 
The maximum permitted height of single-tenant monument signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-1, A-2, C-2, and C-3 Districts shall not exceed five (5) feet.
2. 
The maximum permitted height of single-tenant monument signs in the C-1, I-1, I-2, and P-I Districts shall not exceed eight (8) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) single-tenant monument sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.
(d) 
Location. Single-tenant monument signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway and shall not be located in a clear vision triangle as detailed in Section 16.069.
(e) 
Sign copy. All sign copy featured on single-tenant monument signs shall either be individually affixed letters, appear to be individually affixed letters, or be printed, etched, or otherwise incorporated directly on the sign's backing plate. Box signs shall be prohibited.
(f) 
Sign materials. Single-tenant monument signs shall be constructed from masonry, stone, or similar high-quality material in keeping with the materials and design of the principal building of the lot.
(g) 
Landscape requirement. All single-tenant monument signs shall be required to plant and maintain a landscape area at the base of the sign. The minimum area of the landscape area shall be equal to the square footage of the sign area of the sign it serves.
(3) 
Multi-tenant monument signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum permitted sign area of multi-tenant monument signs shall be as detailed in Table 16.106.1:
Table 16.106.1: Multi-Tenant Monument Sign Area Maximum
# of Tenants
Speed Limit of Fronting Street
0 to 34 mph
35+ mph
2 to 4
56 sq ft
72 sq ft
5 to 7
72 sq ft
88 sq ft
8 or more
88 sq ft
104 sq ft
(b) 
Height. The maximum permitted height of multi-tenant monument signs shall be as detailed in Table 16.106.2:
Table 16.106.2: Multi-Tenant Monument Sign Height Maximum
# of Tenants
Speed Limit of Fronting Street
0 to 34 mph
35+ mph
2 to 4
8 ft
12 ft
5 to 7
9 ft
13 ft
8 or more
10 ft
14 ft
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) multi-tenant monument sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.
(d) 
Location. Multi-tenant monument signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway and shall not be located in a clear vision triangle as detailed in Section 16.069.
(e) 
Sign copy. All sign copy featured on multi-tenant monument signs shall either be individually affixed letters, appear to be individually affixed letters, or be printed, etched, or otherwise incorporated directly on the sign's backing plate. Box signs shall be prohibited.
(f) 
Sign materials. Multi-tenant monument signs shall be constructed from masonry, stone, or similar high-quality material in keeping with the materials and design of the principal building of the lot.
(g) 
Landscape requirement. All multi-tenant monument signs shall be required to plant and maintain a landscape area at the base of the sign. The minimum area of the landscape area shall be equal to the square footage of the sign area of the sign it serves.
Figure 16.106.3: Single-Tenant Monument Signs
Figure 16.106.4: Multi-Tenant Monument Signs
(4) 
Awning or canopy signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum permitted sign area of awning or canopy signs shall be fifty (50) percent of the face of the awning or canopy upon which the sign shall be printed or affixed. The area of the awning or canopy sign shall count towards the maximum amount of sign area permitted for wall signs as detailed in Section 16.106(1)(a).
(b) 
Other provisions.
1. 
Awning or canopy signs shall only be permitted on awnings or canopies extending above ground floor entrances or windows.
2. 
Awning or canopy signs may be internally illuminated; however, no light shall be permitted to be visible through the material of the awning or canopy.
Figure 16.106.5: Awning or Canopy Signs
(5) 
Projecting signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum permitted sign area of projecting signs shall be six (6) square feet.
(b) 
Height. Projecting signs shall not extend above the roofline of the building to which it is attached, or a maximum of twelve (12) feet, whichever is less, and shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) projecting sign shall be permitted per ground floor nonresidential tenant space. A projecting sign and a wall sign may be displayed on the same building frontage. A projecting sign and an awning or canopy sign shall not be displayed on the same building frontage.
(d) 
Projection. Projecting signs shall horizontally project a maximum of four (4) feet from the mean elevation of the building to which it is attached.
(e) 
Other provisions.
1. 
The property owner shall be required to provide a release or hold harmless to the Village prior to the display of any signs located within a public right-of-way.
2. 
Projecting signs shall not be illuminated.
3. 
Projecting signs may encroach upon, extend, or project over a public sidewalk.
Figure 16.106.6: Projecting Signs
(6) 
On-site traffic directional signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum permitted sign area of an on-site traffic directional sign shall be six (6) square feet.
(b) 
Height. The maximum permitted height of an on-site traffic directional sign shall be four (4) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of four (4) on-site traffic directional signs shall be permitted per lot. Additional on-site traffic directional signs may be approved by the Zoning Administrator as necessary to assist in the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on a property.
(d) 
Location. On-site traffic directional signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; shall not be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway and shall not be located in a clear vision triangle as detailed in Section 16.069.
Figure 16.106.7: On-Site Traffic Directional Signs
(1) 
Wall mounted banner signs.
(a) 
Sign area.
1. 
The maximum allowed sign area of wall mounted banner signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-1, A-2, C-2, and C-3 Districts shall not exceed two and one-half (2.5) percent of the total area of the face of the wall on which the sign is to be located.
2. 
The allowed permitted sign area of wall mounted banner signs in the C-1, I-1, I-2, and P-I Districts shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total area of the face of the wall on which the sign is to be located.
(b) 
Height. No wall mounted banner sign shall protrude above the highest roofline or above the top of the parapet wall or mansard roof.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) wall mounted banner sign shall be allowed per lot frontage of a single tenant building or unit of a multi-tenant building.
(d) 
Location. Wall mounted banner signs shall be affixed to a building.
(e) 
Projection. Wall mounted banner signs shall be affixed flat against the building to which they are mounted.
(f) 
Other provisions.
1. 
Wall mounted banner signs shall be on-premises signs only.
(g) 
Duration of display. A wall mounted banner sign may be displayed for a maximum of sixty (60) days per calendar year. However, a single display period shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive days, unless approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Figure 16.107.1: Wall Mounted Banner Signs
(2) 
Ground mounted banner signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum allowed sign area of ground mounted banner signs shall be thirty-two (32) square feet.
(b) 
Height. The maximum allowed height of a ground mounted banner sign shall be six (6) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) ground mounted banner sign shall be allowed per lot frontage.
(d) 
Location. Ground mounted banner signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway and shall not be located in a clear vision triangle as detailed in Section 16.069.
(e) 
Other provisions.
1. 
Ground mounted banner signs shall be on-premises signs only.
2. 
Ground mounted banner signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.
3. 
Ground mounted banner signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.
4. 
Ground mounted banner signs and feather signs shall not be displayed concurrently.
(f) 
Duration of display. A ground mounted banner sign may be displayed for a maximum of sixty (60) days per calendar year. However, a single display period shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive days, unless approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Figure 16.107.2: Ground Mounted Banner Signs
(3) 
Feather signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum allowed sign area of feather signs shall be twelve (12) square feet.
(b) 
Height. The maximum allowed height of a feather sign shall be eight (8) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) feather sign shall be allowed per lot frontage.
(d) 
Location. Feather signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway and shall not be located in a clear vision triangle as detailed in Section 16.069.
(e) 
Other provisions.
1. 
Feather signs shall be on-premises signs only.
2. 
Feather signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.
3. 
Feather signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.
4. 
Feather signs and ground mounted banner signs shall not be displayed concurrently.
(f) 
Duration of display. A feather sign may be displayed for a maximum of sixty (60) days per calendar year. However, a single display period shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive days, unless approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Figure 16.107.3: Feather Signs
(4) 
Sandwich board signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum allowed sign area of sandwich board signs shall be six (6) square feet.
(b) 
Height. The maximum allowed height of a sandwich board sign shall be three (3) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) sandwich board sign shall be permitted per ground floor nonresidential tenant space.
(d) 
Location.
1. 
Sandwich board signs shall be placed in a manner that preserves a continuous sidewalk width of a minimum of three (3) feet.
2. 
No part of any sandwich board sign shall block points of ingress or egress.
3. 
Sandwich board signs shall be placed no more than one (1) foot from the wall of the building or unit of a building to which the sign is associated.
4. 
Sandwich board signs shall be placed no less than three (3) feet and no more than six (6) feet from the entrance of the building or unit of a building to which the sign is associated.
(e) 
Other provisions.
1. 
Sandwich board signs shall be on-premises signs only.
2. 
The property owner shall be required to provide a release or hold harmless to the Village prior to the display of any signs located within a public right-of-way.
(f) 
Duration of display. The display of sandwich board signs shall only be permitted during the operating hours of the use to which the sign is associated.
Figure 16.107.4: Sandwich Board Signs
(5) 
Window signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum allowed sign area of a window sign shall be twenty-five (25) percent of the square footage of the window on which the sign shall be located.
Figure 16.107.5: Window Signs
(6) 
Yard signs.
(a) 
Sign area.
1. 
The maximum allowed sign area of yard signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-1, A-2, C-2, and C-3 Districts shall be four (4) square feet.
2. 
The maximum allowed sign area of yard signs in the C-1, I-1, I-2, and P-I Districts shall be twelve (12) square feet.
(b) 
Sign height.
1. 
The maximum allowed height of yard signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-1, A-2, C-2, and C-3 Districts shall be three and one-half (3.5) feet.
2. 
The maximum allowed height of yard signs in the C-1, I-1, I-2, and P-I Districts shall be six (6) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of three (3) yard signs may be displayed concurrently. However, during the period thirty (30) days before and thirty (30) days after a local, county, state, or federal election, a maximum of five (5) yard signs may be displayed concurrently.
(d) 
Location. Yard signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; or be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway.
(e) 
Other provisions.
1. 
Yard signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.
2. 
Yard signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.
(f) 
Duration of display.
1. 
In the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts, there shall be no restriction on duration of display.
2. 
In the A-1, A-2, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, and P-I Districts, a yard sign may be displayed for a maximum of sixty (60) days per calendar year. However, a single display period shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive days, unless approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Figure 16.107.6: Yard Signs
(7) 
Post signs.
(a) 
Sign area. The maximum allowed sign area of a post sign shall be six (6) square feet.
(b) 
Height. The maximum allowed height of a post sign shall be six (6) feet.
(c) 
Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) post sign shall be allowed per lot frontage.
(d) 
Location. Post signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; or be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway.
(e) 
Other provisions.
1. 
Post signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.
2. 
Post signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.
(f) 
Duration of display. A post sign may be displayed for a maximum of ninety (90) days per calendar year unless an extension is granted by the Zoning Administrator.
Figure 16.107.7: Post Signs
(1) 
Sign prohibitions and limitations.
(a) 
No fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs, pennants, or other decorations shall be permitted except for feather signs as detailed in Section 16.107(3) or electronic message boards as detailed in Section 16.108(4).
(b) 
No illuminated flashing signs shall be permitted.
(c) 
No illuminated sign shall be permitted unless the illumination of the sign is so designed that the lighting element is not visible from any property within a residential zoning district (per Section 16.025). All illuminated signs shall comply with the State Electrical Code and limited to the hours of customer access. The Village may require photometric plans demonstrating compliance with illumination standards as a condition to the issuance of a sign permit.
(d) 
Mobile or portable signs will only be permitted as specified in this chapter. Off-premises directional signs will only be permitted governmental uses. No inflatable signs shall be permitted.
(e) 
No pylon or pole signs shall be permitted.
(f) 
No box signs shall be permitted.
(g) 
No billboards shall be permitted.
(2) 
Sign location requirements.
(a) 
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location whereby reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view, or be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device.
(b) 
No sign shall be located within a required landscape area (see Section 16.065(2).)
(c) 
No sign shall be mounted on a roof.
(d) 
No sign, temporary or otherwise, shall be affixed to a tree or utility pole unless otherwise authorized by the Director of Public Works.
(e) 
Projecting signs located over a vehicle circulation area shall not be permitted except for overhead warning/clearance signs.
(f) 
No sign shall be located on or within right-of-way or out lots, unless expressly permitted by Chapter 9 (Public Works) of the municipal code.
(3) 
Illumination.
(a) 
Location and design of light source. Whenever an external artificial light source is used for a sign, such source shall be located, shielded, and directed so as not to be directly visible from any public street or private residence. No receptacle or device housing a permitted light source for a sign shall protrude more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the sign or building to which it is attached except if such light source is ground mounted, locked in place, and cannot be redirected.
(b) 
Level of illumination. In no event shall the illumination of any sign, resulting from any internal or external artificial light source, exceed the exterior lighting standards detailed in Section 16.081. All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent property or streets.
(c) 
Signs adjacent to residential areas. Any illuminated sign located on a lot abutting or across a street from, and visible from, any residentially zoned area shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except that such sign may remain illuminated during such time as the activity to which the sign pertains is open for business so long as such sign is not a public or private nuisance.
(4) 
Electronic message boards. Single-tenant and multi-tenant monument signs may incorporate electronic message boards in accordance with the following:
(a) 
The area of the sign devoted to the electronic message board shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the sign area of which it is a part.
(b) 
The area of the sign devoted to the electronic message board shall be part of, not in addition to, the maximum permitted sign area.
(c) 
The electronic message format shall conform to the following requirements:
1. 
The message shall contain a static message or image only and not have movement, or the appearance of movement, during the static display period.
2. 
The transition to change from one (1) message or image to another shall be instant and not dissolve, fade, scroll, travel, or have similar transitions.
3. 
The message shall not change more frequently than once every thirty (30) seconds.
(d) 
The illumination of an electronic message board shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles.
(e) 
All electronic message boards shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions.
(5) 
Prohibited content.
(a) 
The following content is prohibited without reference to the viewpoint of the individual speaker:
1. 
Text or graphics of an indecent or immoral nature and harmful to minors;
2. 
Text or graphics that advertise unlawful activity;
3. 
Text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action, or true threats; or
4. 
Text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with traffic control signs or signs that provide public safety information (for example, signs that use the words "Stop," "Yield," "Caution," or "Danger," or comparable words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to imply a safety hazard that does not exist).
(b) 
The narrow classifications of content that are prohibited by this subsection are either not protected by the United States or Wisconsin Constitutions or are offered limited protection that is outweighed by the substantial governmental interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the Village Board that each paragraph of this subsection be individually severable in the event that a court of competent jurisdiction were to hold one (1) or more of them to be inconsistent with the United States or Wisconsin Constitutions.
(1) 
All signage within the jurisdiction of this title shall remain in a state of proper maintenance (see Section 16.109(2)).
(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 title, 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. Required landscaping areas surrounding single-tenant and multi-tenant monument signs shall be kept trimmed and in good repair. If the landscaping installed at the time of sign approval dies, said landscaping shall be replaced immediately or as soon as weather permits.
(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) 
If the Zoning Administrator finds a sign unsafe and an immediate peril to persons or property, they shall act to have the sign removed or altered summarily and without notice at the owner's expense. Such sign may be removed or altered by the Village and a lien placed on the property for the full cost of such action, including administration, legal, and overhead costs.
(7) 
Sign copy shall be removed and in the case of a wall sign, the building façade shall be repaired, by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the use to which the sign is associated is no longer conducted on the premises. The sign copy shall be removed within thirty (30) days of when the use ceases to operate. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign copy, the Zoning Administrator shall give the owner thirty (30) days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the Zoning Administrator may have the sign removed and a lien placed on the property for the full cost of such action, including administration, legal, and overhead costs.
(8) 
All signs shall be constructed and mounted to withstand a wind pressure of thirty (30) pounds per square foot.
(9) 
Signage found to violate the provisions of this article shall be subject to the provisions of Section 16.160.