Bartlett City Zoning Code

This chapter of the zoning ordinance is established to create the standards for a comprehensive and balanced system of signs for the following purposes:

   A.   Purpose:

      1.   To facilitate an easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment by authorizing the use of signs which are:

         a.   Compatible with their surroundings.

         b.   Appropriate to the type or activity to which they pertain.

         c.   Expressive of the identity of individual proprietors as well as of the community as a whole.

         d.   Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen.

         e.   Respectful to the reasonable rights of other sign owners.

      2.   To preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare.

      3.   To promote traffic safety by imposing reasonable restrictions on signs.

      4.   To protect the physical and mental well being of the general public by encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the village's visual environment.

      5.   To ensure that signs are designed as integral architectural elements of the building and site to which they principally relate.

      6.   To improve the economy and the village business and industrial activity by promoting the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of signs.

      7.   To protect village residents from the substantial hazards to traffic safety and aesthetic harm caused by billboards or a deluge of signs.

      8.   To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.

   B.   Findings: In adopting this chapter of the zoning ordinance, the corporate authorities make the following findings:

      1.   There presently exists in the village an ample number of alternative means of communicating commercial and noncommercial speech.

      2.   The corporate authorities have considered and relied upon the narrowly tailored statements and opinions of its police and engineering staff to arrive at restrictions that reach no further than is necessary to accomplish its interest in promoting public safety.

      3.   The corporate authorities have considered and relied upon the written statements and opinions of its community development staff to arrive at narrowly tailored restrictions that reach no further than necessary to accomplish the village's interest in preserving the aesthetics of the village and the underlying property values of the owners of property in the village. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

No sign shall be constructed, erected, originally painted, converted, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, remodeled, relocated or expanded until a permit for such sign has been obtained in accordance with the standards and procedures set out in this chapter. However, no permit shall be required for "maintenance" as defined herein. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

The definitions noted below apply uniquely to this chapter and supersede any conflicting definitions found in chapter 2 of this title. The rules for interpretation found in chapter 2 of this title shall be applicable to these definitions.

A-FRAME OR SANDWICH BOARD SIGN: A portable sign used to advertise daily specials or offers for a business placed in front of that business on the sidewalk or parkway. Sandwich board signs are limited to twenty four inches by forty eight inches (24" x 48") in size and can only be displayed during business hours of operation of the business that it is advertising. A-frame or sandwich boards signs are limited to one per business or one per frontage for a double frontage business. Sandwich board signs cannot be placed in a manner in which it can cause vision clearance problems with vehicles or obstruct pedestrian traffic.

ADMINISTRATOR: The zoning administrator of the village of Bartlett.

ADVERTISING SIGN: A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity or service sold, offered, or manufactured, or an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located or to which it is affixed.

AWNING: Any structure entirely supported by the wall to which it is attached and which has a frame covered by a temporary material and/or which can be retracted against the wall by which it is supported.

AWNINGS, CANOPY, AND MARQUEE SIGN: A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to, an awning, canopy or marquee.

BILLBOARD: A sign or graphic structure which advertises goods, products, facilities, or services not sold or distributed on the premises on which the sign or graphic structure is located, or which directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.

BULLETIN BOARD SIGN: A sign that identifies an institution or organization on whose premises it is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization and announcements of events or activities occurring on the site. Such a sign may also present a greeting or similar message.

CANOPY: Any permanent exterior roof structure attached to a building at the inner end and supported on the outer end in conformance with the building code of the village of Bartlett.

CHANGEABLE MESSAGE/READER BOARD SIGN: A sign on which message copy can be manually, electronically or digitally changed through the use of a computer, electronic or manual means. A sign of this type cannot exceed thirty two (32) square feet and must be incorporated into a ground or pole sign which also identifies the business or use. The background for such lettering and graphics shall be opaque or translucent and shall transmit light at a level substantially less than that transmitted through the lettering and graphics. Each changeable message on this type of sign must remain static for a minimum of thirty (30) seconds or more before any subsequent message can be displayed.

COMMERCIAL DISTRICT: Any property zoned B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, I-2 EDA or any commercial subdivision or commercial PUD in any PD planned development district or commercial area in any planned unit development under the Bartlett zoning ordinance.

COMMERCIAL, OFFICE AND/OR INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS: Any commercial district, office research district and/or industrial district and any areas of any PD planned development district subdivided as such or designated as such on any preliminary PUD or concept plan or any combination thereof, or which predominantly allows such uses that are permitted or special uses in such zoning districts.

COMMERCIAL, OFFICE AND/OR INDUSTRIAL LOT: Any parcel in any commercial, office and/or industrial district.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN: A temporary sign indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors and similar professionals involved in the design and construction of a structure or project during the period of construction.

DIRECTORY SIGN: A sign listing the names, and location of various activities conducted within a building or group of buildings.

DISPLAY FRONTAGE: The length of a building, which is essentially parallel to and directly exposed to a public street or thoroughfare.

ERECT: To build, construct, attach, hang, rehang, place, affix, or relocate and includes the painting of lettering for signs.

FLASHING SIGN: A directly or indirectly illuminated sign where the source of illumination is not maintained constant or stationary in the intensity or color at all times when such sign is in use. For the purpose of this chapter, a revolving sign, or any advertising device which attracts attention by moving parts operated by mechanical equipment or movement caused by natural sources, whether illuminated, indirectly illuminated or not, shall be considered a flashing sign.

GASOLINE STATION: A premises used primarily to dispense fuels for motor vehicles.

GROUND SIGN: Any detached sign which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported directly on the ground.

HEIGHT OF SIGN: The measurement from the top of the highest element of the sign to the average level of the finished ground surface around any sign located more than twenty five feet (25') from a street right of way; the established street elevation when the sign is located within twenty five feet (25') from one street right of way; or the average of all street elevations when the sign is located within twenty five feet (25') from more than one street right of way.

IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign where the text gives the name and address of a building, business, development, or establishment. Such a sign may also be wholly or partly devoted to a readily recognized symbol.

ILLUMINATED SIGN: Any sign which is illuminated by light sources.

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT: Any property zoned I-1, or I-2 EDA, economic development area overlay district, or any newly created zoning district that allows predominant industrial uses, or any industrial subdivision or industrial PUD, or industrial area in a planned unit development under the Bartlett zoning ordinance.

LOT: A parcel, tract, plot, or area of land accessible by means of a street or other permanently reserved principal means of access. It may be a single parcel separately described in a deed or plat which is recorded in the office of the county recorder of deeds, or it may include parts of or a combination of such parcels when adjacent to one another and used as one.

MARQUEE: Any hood or awning of permanent construction supported entirely by the building, and projecting from the building's wall over a sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare.

MIXED USE BUSINESS PARK/INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A ground sign that contains only the name of the subdivision and appropriate logo, management company or developer name, address or location.

MOVIE OR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THEATER: A fully enclosed building with fixed seats arranged in an auditorium fashion, where motion pictures or live entertainment acts are presented.

OFF SITE SIGN: A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located, or to which it is affixed.

OFFICE RESEARCH DISTRICT: Any property zoned O-R or any O-R subdivision or O-R PUD in any PD planned development district, or O-R planned unit development.

PERSON: Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind.

POLE SIGN: A sign mounted on one or more freestanding pole(s).

POLITICAL SIGN: Any sign encouraging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office or encouraging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure.

PREMISES: That portion of a lot or building occupied by a single occupant, exclusive of common area, if any, shared with adjacent occupants.

PROJECTING SIGN: A sign wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support, and which projects more than twelve inches (12") in a perpendicular fashion from such building.

REAL ESTATE SIGN: A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the lot or tract of land on which the sign is located, or to the sale or lease of one or more structures or a portion thereof located thereon.

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT: Any property zoned ER-1, ER-2, ER-3, SR-2, SR-3, SR-4, SR-5, SR-6, MH-1 or any residential subdivision or PUD in any PD planned development district, or planned unit development under the Bartlett zoning ordinance.

RESIDENTIAL LOT: Any subdivided lot in any residential district.

ROOF SIGN: A sign mounted on the roof of a building.

SIGN: A name, identification, description, display, message, or illustration which is affixed to, or represented directly or indirectly upon, a building, structure, or piece of land so as to be seen from out of doors and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business.

SIGN CONTRACTOR: A person or entity who performs work for compensation in connection with the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, maintenance, conversion or manufacture of any sign.

SIGN STRUCTURE: The sign and all parts associated with its mounting.

SIGN SUPPORTS: All structural features by which a sign is held up, including, for example, poles, braces, guywires, and anchors.

TEMPORARY SIGN: A sign, banner, or other advertising device or display constructed of cloth, canvas, cardboard, wallboard, or other light temporary materials, with or without a structural frame, intended for a temporary period of display, such as decorative displays for holidays or public demonstrations.

UNIFIED BUSINESS CENTER SIGN PLAN: A sign plan for a property containing four (4) or more individual offices or businesses sharing a private parking lot and approved upon technical review by the community development department.

VILLAGE: The village of Bartlett, Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties, Illinois.

VILLAGE BOARD: The president and board of trustees of the village of Bartlett.

WALL SIGN: Any sign erected against the wall of any building with the plane of the face parallel to the plane of the wall.

WINDOW SIGN: An advertising sign affixed to a window, or visible from the exterior of the business inside a window. Window signs do not count toward the total overall signage for a business and are limited to twenty five percent (25%) coverage of the windows. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

The following shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter:

   A.   Addresses: Address numerals and other signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation provided that the content and size of the sign do not exceed the requirements of such law, order, rule or regulation.

   B.   Business Nameplates: Nonelectrical nameplates denoting the business name of an occupation legally conducted on the premises, provided that the sign area does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

   C.   Construction Signs: One construction sign per construction project denoting the name of the project, the architect, engineer, contractor, and/or lending agency for the project. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area in residential districts or twenty four (24) square feet in commercial, office and/or industrial districts, nor shall such signs be erected prior to the beginning of construction for which a valid building permit has been issued. They shall be confined to the site of construction, and shall be removed ten (10) days of the earlier of the completion of construction or the expiration of the building permit.

   D.   Directional Signs: Not exceeding four (4) square feet in area, which provides instruction or direction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain to identify restrooms, public telephones, walkways, parking lot entrances and exits, and features of a similar nature.

   E.   Flags And Emblems: Not exceeding twenty four (24) square feet in a residential district and ninety six (96) square feet in a commercial, office and/or industrial district.

   F.   Government Signs: Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or other similar regulatory devices, directional signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs having to do with health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, etc.

   G.   Holiday Decorations: Displays of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holidays.

   H.   Memorial Signs: Memorial signs or tablets listing names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.

   I.   Model Home Signs: A sign identifying a nonoccupied new home used as a demonstrator constructed for the purpose of selling other homes. Each model home located on and within a recorded residential subdivision for the sale of homes or lots thereon, may have one identification sign not to exceed six (6) square feet in area, located entirely within the lot containing the model.

   J.   Open Signs: No more than two (2) temporary signs which advertise premises open for inspection, provided such signs do not exceed six (6) square feet each, are located with no more than one sign per frontage, either on the premises to be inspected or on other private property with that property owner's or tenant's permission, and are only in place when the related premises is actually open for inspection.

   K.   A-Frame Or Sandwich Board Signs: A portable sign used to advertise daily specials or offers for a business placed in front of that business on the sidewalk or parkway. Sandwich board signs are limited to twenty four inches by forty eight inches (24" x 48") in size and can only be displayed during business hours of operation of the business that it is advertising. A-frame or sandwich boards signs are limited to one per business or one per frontage for a double frontage business. Sandwich board signs cannot be placed in a manner in which it can cause vision clearance problems with vehicles or obstruct pedestrian traffic.

   L.   Temporary Signs.

   M.   Historic Symbols: Historic symbols, identification emblems or commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, provided that no such symbol, plaque or identification emblem shall exceed six (6) square feet.

   N.   Religious Symbols: Religious symbols or identification emblems of a religious order.

   O.   Special Displays: Special displays used for holidays, public demonstrations, or the promotion of civic welfare or charitable purposes, provided they are approved by the village board after submission of a written application, they contain no noncharitable advertising, and they are removed by the deadline established by the board in their approval.

   P.   Warning Signs: No trespassing or no dumping signs, not exceeding one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet per sign, and not exceeding four (4) in number per lot.

   Q.   Signs On Athletic Field Fences, Walls And Scoreboards: Signs are allowed to be placed on the athletic field fences, walls and scoreboards on property within the P-1 public lands district where athletic fields are installed for the purposes of playing league games. Signs placed on athletic field fences and walls are limited to temporary or seasonal banner type signs not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet in size. Signs mounted on any scoreboard on property zoned P-1 public lands district shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in size and must be preapproved by the village board. A sign permit issued by the community development department shall be required for any sign mounted or affixed to any scoreboard.

   R.   Political Signs: Political signs on residential property.

(Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014; amd. Ord. 2022-120, 12-20-2022)

   A.   Zoning Administrator: The zoning administrator is designated to administer this chapter.

   B.   Conformance Survey: After the adoption of this chapter the zoning administrator shall, as soon as practicable, survey the village for signs which do not conform to its requirements. Upon determination that a sign is legal nonconforming, the zoning administrator shall use reasonable efforts to so notify in writing the user or owner of the property on which the sign is located.

   C.   Unsafe Or Illegal Signs: If the zoning administrator shall at any time find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter he or she shall give written notice to the sign contractor (if the sign erection is incomplete or improper), to the person to whom the sign permit had been issued, or if the permittee cannot be located, to the owner of the premises on which the sign is located. If the notified party fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within forty eight (48) hours after notice, such sign may be removed, or altered to comply, by the village in accordance with applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, any sign reasonably determined by the zoning administrator to be an immediate peril to persons and/or property may be removed pursuant to subsection 10-12-6H1 of this chapter without such prior notice in order to protect persons and/or property from imminent harm.

   D.   Financial Liability: The cost of sign repair or removal performed on privately owned signs at the order of the zoning administrator in conformance with the provisions of this chapter shall be the joint and several liability of the following:

      1.   The sign contractor, if the sign erection was improper or not complete at the time notice of violation was given, and shall be collected from his or her bond, or

      2.   The sign owner, or

      3.   If the sign owner cannot be located by the zoning administrator within thirty (30) days, the premises owner.

   E.   Lien To Recover Costs: In the event of failure by any party to reimburse the village within sixty (60) days for costs incurred for repair or removal ordered by the zoning administrator, the village board shall certify the charges for repair or removal to the village attorney who will be then authorized to file a notice of lien in the appropriate office of the recorder of deeds to foreclose this lien, and to sue the owner of the real estate, or sign permittee, or their agents, in a civil action to recover the money due to the foregoing services, plus all expenses, as hereinafter more fully described, and reasonable attorney fees to be fixed by the court. Any such judgment shall be enforced in accordance with the law. Included in the expenses recoverable by the village, the village is entitled to collect the costs of filing the notice of lien, foreclosing said lien and all litigation costs, together with all office and legal expense incurred in connection with the collection of the amount due hereunder.

   F.   Permit Application: Application for permits shall be submitted on a form and in the manner prescribed by the zoning administrator. Each application shall be signed by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property upon which it is to be located, and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to assure compliance with all applicable regulations. The application shall be processed in a timely manner and within five (5) days of receipt the zoning administrator shall either issue, or reject with cause, the necessary permit.

   G.   Permit Fee: A permit fee shall be charged for each sign as specified in the village building code.

   H.   Registered Sign Contractor: No person shall perform any work or service for any person for compensation, in or in connection with the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, maintenance, conversion or manufacture of any sign in the village, or any work or service in connection with causing any such work to be done unless such person or firm is registered as a sign contractor by the village.

   I.   Certificate Of Liability: Every sign contractor shall provide or show proof of certificate of liability to indemnify the village against any form of liability to a minimum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), or shall be responsible through an agent or subcontractor.

   J.   Public Indemnification: All sign contractors engaged in the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance of a sign or other sign work in or over or immediately adjacent to a public right of way or public property so that a portion of the public right of way or public property is used or encroached upon by the contractor, shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify the village, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims of negligence resulting from such work.

   K.   Denial Or Revocation: The zoning administrator may deny, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this chapter whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. When a sign permit is denied by the zoning administrator, he or she shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial.

   L.   Preconstruction Inspection: The sign contractor shall schedule with the community development department and the building department a preconstruction inspection prior to installing any sign requiring a permit. Such inspection shall include a footing and electrical inspection, if applicable, and confirmation of the sign setback and location and other details of mounting.

   M.   Final Inspection: The sign contractor shall notify the community development department upon completion of the work for which a permit is required and to schedule a final inspection by the appropriate inspectors.

   N.   Six Month Deadline: If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.

   O.   Refusal Of Further Permits: The village shall refuse to issue any further sign permit to any such party or owner, or their agents or representatives, who is in violation of the requirements of this chapter, or who refuses to pay costs assessed for corrective action under the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

   A.   Messages: The following restrictions shall govern signs located within the village's corporate limits:

      1.   No sign shall be permitted to contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, pornographic, or immoral character, or which contain advertising matter which is untruthful.

      2.   No sign shall be permitted which purports to be or is an imitation of, or resembles an official traffic sign or signal.

      3.   No sign shall make use of the words "Stop", "Go Slow", "Caution", "Warning", "Look", "Drive- In", "Danger" or any word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

      4.   No sign shall recite that real property is zoned for land uses, or will be zoned for land uses in the future under the zoning rules and regulations of the village, when in fact such real estate is not so zoned.

      5.   No sign on real estate shall declare that the property is reserved for or is being held for future land use which is inconsistent with the then existing zoning classification of the village for the land, or any words of like import of a similar nature.

   B.   Applicable Regulations: All signs must conform to the regulations and design standards of the building code, the electrical code, and all other applicable ordinances and regulations of the municipal code of the village.

   C.   Location: The following restrictions shall govern sign location:

      1.   No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape.

      2.   No sign shall interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

      3.   Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with national electrical code specifications, depending on voltages concerned. However, in no case shall a sign be installed closer than twenty four inches (24") horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guywire.

      4.   No sign may be so located as to obstruct the view from a public thoroughfare of any existing sign, display window, or major entrance of an adjacent lot.

      5.   No sign of any kind may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape or to any other fire safety related device.

      6.   No sign shall be maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape or color, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any traffic control sign, signal or device or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

      7.   All signs exceeding thirty inches (30") in height shall be located no less than ten feet (10') from the property line along the primary street and five feet (5') from the property line along the secondary street for the first forty feet (40') of the property, measured along both lot lines from the corner of the property which is located at the intersection of the streets. The "secondary street" is defined as the street with a stop sign, stoplight or yield sign. The "principal street" is defined as a street with a designation of local collector, major collector, minor arterial, or principal arterial. (Principal streets are assumed to have a higher traffic volume and higher speed traffic than a secondary street.) If both streets have the same type of traffic signal, both streets will be considered secondary streets.

      8.   No signs shall be nailed, tacked or otherwise affixed to trees or other vegetation in such a way as to puncture the bark.

      9.   No signs shall be painted directly upon the exterior walls of a structure.

      10.   Any projecting or hanging sign must have a vertical clearance from the bottom of the sign to the grade below of nine feet (9').

      11.   No sign, other than signs placed by the village or other governments or agencies of government with jurisdiction over the public right of way, may be posted on any public appurtenances or erected within, upon or hanging over any public right of way or public property.

      12.   No commercial sign facing the side or rear lot line of an abutting residentially zoned lot shall be located within fifty feet (50') of that residential lot line.

   D.   Illuminated Signs: All illuminated signs shall be subject to the following requirements:

      1.   All electrical work on illuminated signs and signs with electrical wiring must be covered by a valid electrical permit.

      2.   Relettering which requires a change of piping or sign wiring shall be subject to the approval of the village's electrical inspector.

      3.   The voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection with the sign shall be conspicuously placed on that apparatus.

      4.   Illuminated signs shall not have any flashing, scintillating, traveling, or blinking lights or rotating beacons, nor shall any beam of light be projected through a mechanism which periodically changes the color of the light reaching the sign. A sign on which the current time or temperature, or both, is indicated by intermittent lighting changes shall not be deemed to be a flashing sign if the lights do not exceed forty (40) watts per lamp, the changes are limited to the numerals indicating the time or temperature, and the sign is in conformance with the other regulations for such signs in this chapter.

      5.   Signs shall be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting bright light upon property located in any residence district or upon any public street or park. Any illuminated sign located on a lot adjacent to or across the street from any residence district, which sign is visible from such residence district, shall not be illuminated between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M.

      6.   Internally illuminated signs shall permit light to shine fully through only the lettering and graphic elements of the sign. The background for such lettering and graphics shall be opaque or translucent and shall transmit light at a level substantially less than that transmitted through the lettering and graphics.

   E.   Movable Sign Parts: No sign or its parts shall be permitted to be movable or rotating. Nor shall any sign have illuminated effects which convey the illusion of movement.

      1.   With the exception of approved changeable message center signs, theater signs and certain temporary signs, no sign may contain movable letters or other changeable copy.

      2.   All manually movable items on a sign, such as covers to service openings, shall be secured by chains or hinges.

   F.   Maintenance: All signs (including those for which no permit is required) and their supports shall be kept in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition in accordance with the following requirements and with the applicable codes and ordinances of the village:

      1.   The owner of any sign shall keep the sign and support structure clean and properly treated so as to prevent rust, peeling, flaking or fading.

      2.   Broken panels, missing letters, flaking or peeling paint and other damage to a sign or support structure shall be repaired within twenty (20) days of its occurrence.

      3.   The area surrounding all signs shall be maintained free of any debris or nuisance and any related grassed area or landscaping shall be kept trimmed and in a healthy condition.

   G.   Temporary Signs:

      1.   For the purposes of this section, the term "temporary sign" shall refer to all temporary signs as defined in this chapter 12, except no reference to "temporary sign" shall be construed to include any political sign that is erected on residential property.

      2.   Temporary signs shall be allowed for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. Time extensions may be granted by the zoning administrator based on his or her inspection of the sign and determination that the sign is in good repair and constructed in such a manner as to remain in good repair for the duration of the extended period.

      3.   All temporary signs shall be anchored and supported in a manner which reasonably prevents the possibility of the signs becoming hazards to the public health and safety as determined by the zoning administrator.

      4.   No temporary sign shall cover more than ten percent (10%) of any wall nor more than twenty five percent (25%) of any window.

      5.   Temporary signs shall be kept in reasonable size relationship to permanent signs permitted on the premises and in no case shall be larger than six (6) square feet in area in residential districts and twenty four (24) square feet in area in commercial, office and/or industrial districts.

      6.   Not more than four (4) temporary signs, none of which shall exceed six (6) square feet per sign, or twenty four (24) square feet in the aggregate, shall be allowed on each residential lot, except on residential lots with more than eighty (80) linear feet of street frontage there shall be allowed an additional six (6) square feet of temporary signage for every forty (40) linear feet of street frontage above eighty (80) linear feet per residential lot.

      7.   Not more than four (4) temporary signs, none of which shall exceed twenty four (24) square feet per sign or forty eight (48) square feet in the aggregate, shall be allowed on any commercial, office and/or industrial lot with one hundred (100) linear feet or less of street frontage. On commercial, office and/or industrial lots with over one hundred (100) linear feet of street frontage there shall be allowed up to four (4) temporary signs for every one hundred (100) linear feet of street frontage none of which temporary signs shall exceed twenty four (24) square feet per sign, or the lesser of forty eight (48) square feet per one hundred (100) linear feet of street frontage, or ninety six (96) square feet in the aggregate on any commercial, office and/or industrial lot.

   H.   Removal Of Signs:

      1.   The village may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.

      2.   Any sign posted in violation of subsection C11 of this section may be removed by the village, summarily without notice, and may be disposed of in a manner deemed appropriate by the village.

         a.   The zoning administrator shall keep a record of the location from which any such sign was removed and shall store said sign in a safe location for a period of fourteen (14) days.

         b.   Signs posted in violation of subsection C11 of this section may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the village after the sign has been stored for fourteen (14) days after its removal. Prior to disposing of such sign, the zoning administrator shall make a reasonable effort to provide telephonic notice to the owner, or other person responsible for posting the sign, provided, however, that such information is reasonably ascertainable.

         c.   In the event any sign posted in violation of subsection C11 of this section, and the village causes said sign to be removed, a storage fee of one dollar ($1.00) per day per sign, beginning on the day such sign is removed, shall be paid to the village before any such sign will be returned.

         d.   In cases where unusual effort is needed to remove a sign, such as the cutting or removal of supporting structures, use of aerial devices, towing of "trailer signs" or other unusual situations, such as the posting of numerous signs in violation of subsection C11 of this section, after having been given notice of a prior violation of such subsection, the village shall collect from the person responsible a sum sufficient to cover the costs and hourly wages of employees so utilized in the removal of the sign.

   I.   Political Signs On Residential Property:

      1.   There shall be no limit on the number of political signs that may be erected on a residential lot within the Village.

      2.   No political sign on a residential lot in the Village may exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height.

      3.   Political signs must be located entirely on private property pursuant to the owner's consent, except as otherwise allowed by law. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014; amd. Ord. 2022-120, 12-20-2022)

   A.   Awning And Canopy Signs:

      1.   No awning or canopy signs may project above or beyond the awning or canopy to which they are mounted, however signs may be hung beneath canopies.

      2.   Awning signs may be painted with weather resistant paint directly on the awning material.

      3.   No awning or canopy sign may exceed the dimensions outlined in the maximum sign limit chart.

      4.   All awning signs constructed of materials other than paint or the material with which the awning is covered shall be permanently attached to the frame of the awning.

      5.   No awnings with signs shall contain any lighting or illuminating apparatus nor have any electrical wiring attached or connected thereto in any way.

   B.   Ground Signs:

      1.   The ground sign shall contain architectural features and materials utilized in the buildings on the site.

      2.   No part of a ground sign or related structure shall be higher than that height indicated for the use and street identified in the appropriate chart within subsection 10-12-9B of this chapter.

      3.   Masonry, wooden bases and landscaping incorporated as part of a ground sign shall not be counted as part of the permitted sign area as long as the masonry or wooden base does not contain lettering or graphic symbols.

      4.   No ground sign shall contain more than two (2) faces.

      5.   The faces of a ground sign shall be parallel and located no more than one and one-half feet (1 1/2') apart.

      6.   The landscaped base shall include a minimum of two (2) conifers among the plant materials.

      7.   No ground sign shall be located closer than two hundred feet (200') from another ground or pole sign on the same premises.

      8.   No ground sign shall be located closer than five feet (5') from any property line.

      9.   If the ground sign is located within any type of village or public utility or drainage easement, approval of the sign location by the village engineer shall be required.

   C.   Permanent Window Signs:

      1.   All permanent window signs shall be hung, painted, metal leafed, or in some other manner permanently applied to either side of the glass of an exterior building window or door. No application using an adhesive shall be permitted unless the zoning administrator determines that the application is safe and will be permanent.

      2.   Permanent window signs must be confined to the glass of the window, shall not encroach upon the frame, mullions or other supporting features and shall not cover more than twenty five percent (25%) of the window area.

   D.   Pole Signs:

      1.   The bottom of the sign face structure on a pole sign must be at least seven feet (7') from the ground.

      2.   No pole sign shall contain more than two (2) faces.

      3.   The faces of a pole sign shall be parallel and located no more than two feet (2') apart.

      4.   No pole sign shall have more than two (2) poles nor shall any pole have a cross sectional area at any point greater than one square foot.

      5.   No pole sign shall be located closer than two hundred feet (200') from another pole or ground sign on the same premises.

      6.   No pole sign is permitted on frontage in the B-1 zoning district unless the business building(s) are located more than forty feet (40') back from the street side property line.

      7.   The maximum height of a pole sign shall be equal to the average height of the building to which the sign relates but not to exceed the maximum sign height for the use and location as indicated on the maximum sign limit chart.

      8.   The minimum setback for a pole sign shall be equal to the height of the sign, except for pole signs which were lawfully erected prior to the adoption of this chapter and are otherwise in conformance with this chapter. These later signs shall be permitted to stand at the setback distance originally permitted by the village.

      9.   The landscaped base shall include a minimum of two (2) conifers among the plant material.

   E.   Projecting Signs:

      1.   No projecting sign shall project more than six feet (6') from the plane of the wall nor closer than two feet (2') from the curb line.

      2.   The innermost point of a projecting sign face shall be no more than one foot (1') from the plane of the wall.

      3.   No projecting sign shall contain more than two (2) faces.

      4.   The faces of a projecting sign shall be parallel and located no more than one foot (1') apart.

      5.   Projecting signs may swing, but all projecting signs must be permanently mounted.

      6.   No projecting signs are permitted in the O-R, I-1 or I-2 EDA zoning district.

   F.   Roof Signs:

      1.   No roof sign shall be erected or maintained with the sign face or any part of the sign structure projecting beyond the plane of the outside walls.

      2.   No roof sign may exceed four feet (4') in height nor may the sign structure's highest point exceed the highest point of the roof to which it is attached.

      3.   No roof sign shall be placed on the roof of any building so as to interfere with any openings in the roof or as to prevent free passage from one part of the roof to another, or to an adjacent roof.

      4.   Roof signs shall have one face only.

      5.   No signs may be painted directly on a roof.

      6.   All mounting brackets and other hardware used to mount a sign on a roof shall be concealed by the sign or integrated into the design of the sign.

      7.   No roof signs are permitted in the B-1 zoning district.

   G.   Time And Temperature Signs:

      1.   Time and temperature signs shall conform to the regulations of the sign type to which they most clearly resemble.

      2.   Time and temperature signs shall have a display area for numbers of a minimum of two feet (2') in one dimension and a maximum of four feet (4') in the largest dimension.

      3.   Time and temperature signs must be adjusted to present accurate readings.

      4.   Temperature signs shall not change except when the temperature changes one degree (1°), unless the display face is used for alternate time readings.

      5.   With the exception of a second hand, time signs shall be permitted to change no more frequently than one minute intervals, unless the display face is used for alternate temperature readings.

      6.   If the same display face is used for alternating time and temperature readings, the frequency of change shall be no more than once every seven (7) seconds.

   H.   Wall Signs:

      1.   No wall sign shall extend above or beyond the wall to which it is attached.

      2.   No wall sign shall be located higher than eighty five percent (85%) of the average height of the total building elevation parallel to and adjacent to the sign.

      3.   No wall sign shall project more than twelve inches (12") beyond the plane of the wall to which it is attached.

      4.   No signs may be painted directly on any wall.

      5.   All mounting brackets and other hardware used to affix a sign to a wall shall be concealed by the sign or integrated into the design of the sign.

      6.   The maximum permitted area for a wall sign is one square foot for each one foot (1') of display frontage.

   I.   Subdivision Identification Signs:

      1.   The sign contains only the name of the subdivision or multiple-family residential complex and appropriate logo, but does not advertise the availability of lots and residential dwelling units, or any of them, for sale or rent; and

      2.   Only one sign shall be erected on each side of each street leading into such subdivision or complex ("entrance"), for a total of two (2) signs per entrance; and

      3.   If there is more than one street leading into such subdivision or complex, the distance between entrance signs along the perimeter of such subdivision or complex shall be at least five hundred feet (500'); and

      4.   All signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the nearest right of way line of the street on which it is located and the street from which it is to be viewed and shall be so placed as to conform to the requirements of subsection 10-12-6C7 of this chapter regulating vision clearance; and

      5.   The sign shall be located at least fifty feet (50') from any dwelling unit; and

      6.   All subdivision identification signs shall be located in a sign easement and no signs shall be located on public right of way or other public property; and

      7.   If the subdivision identification sign is located within any type of village or public utility or drainage easement, approval of the sign location by the village engineer shall be required; and

      8.   A homeowners' association shall be responsible for the maintenance of every such sign; and

      9.   The sign area of an individual sign face shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet; and

      10.   The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed six feet (6'); and

      11.   The sign shall have a landscaped base with a minimum of two (2) conifers among the plant materials.

   J.   Mixed Business Park/Industrial Subdivision Identification Signs:

      1.   The sign contains only the name of the subdivision and appropriate logo, management or developer name, address or location, but does not advertise the availability of lots for sale or lease; and

      2.   The development shall be a minimum of ten (10) acres; and

      3.   Only one sign shall be erected on each side of each street leading into such subdivision or complex ("entrance"), for a total of two (2) signs per entrance, however, each set of entrance signs must be spaced a minimum of five hundred feet (500') apart in instances where there is more than one entrance to the subdivision; and

      4.   All mixed business park/industrial subdivision identification signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the property line and shall be so placed as to conform to the requirements of section 9-16-3 of the Bartlett municipal code regulating vision clearance; and

      5.   All mixed business park/industrial subdivision identification signs placed at each entrance must be uniform in appearance; and

      6.   All mixed business park/industrial subdivision identification signs shall be located in a sign easement and no signs shall be located on public right of way or other public property (if the sign is located within a village, public, drainage, or utility easement, the village engineer's approval of its location shall be required); and

      7.   If not previously included in the subdivision's covenants or final plat of subdivision, provisions for private ownership and maintenance of both the sign easement area and signage contained within the easement shall be furnished and recorded; and

      8.   No sign shall contain more than two (2) faces and the sign area of each sign face shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet as calculated in accordance with section 10-12-9, "Allowable Sign Area", of this chapter; and

      9.   The maximum overall height of the sign shall be ten feet (10'); and

      10.   The sign and base shall be made of masonry or stone materials only, but may include individual channel lettering and symbols of other materials (i.e., metal, acrylic, etc.) which shall be affixed directly to the sign structure; and

      11.   A landscape plan that meets the standards established below shall be provided:

         a.   A landscaped area shall be provided; sodded or seeded areas shall not qualify as such a landscaped area;

         b.   Forty percent (40%) of the provided landscaped area must be comprised of evergreen trees and/or shrubs;

         c.   The landscaped area shall be comprised predominately of shrubs, perennial and annual flowers, ornamental grasses, ground cover plants, and mulch in accordance with subsection 10-11A-6D of this title, recommended trees, shrubs and ground cover;

         d.   Mulch materials shall be shredded bark and shall be spread a minimum of two inches (2") over landscaped area; and

      12.   Fees for mixed business park/industrial subdivision identification signs shall be as follows:

         a.   Nonilluminated sign: One hundred dollars ($100.00).

         b.   Illuminated sign: One hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

   A.   Criteria: Certain business operations are hereby found to be unique with respect to their sign requirements and therefore justified to be permitted to have extra signs as specified below. These include:

      1.   Gasoline Stations: Gasoline stations are unique because their primary functions are performed out of doors in a manner prescribed by state statutes.

      2.   Movie And Live Entertainment Theaters: These theaters are unique because of the rapid turnover of the name of their entertainment product.

      3.   Unified Business Centers: Unified business centers are unique because of the concentrated development and their centralized ownership characteristics.

   B.   Gasoline Stations: In addition to the signs permitted by other sections of this chapter, the following signs are permitted uniquely to gasoline stations:

      1.   Two (2) signs per pump island which designate the function of the island as "self-service" or "full-service". Such signs shall not have more than two (2) faces and shall not exceed three (3) square feet per face.

      2.   One sign per type of fuel sold which designates the price of that fuel. Such signs shall not have more than two (2) faces and shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face. The sign area for more than one type of fuel may be combined into one sign.

      3.   One nonilluminated sign identifying the service performed in each service bay may be placed over the opening to each bay. Such signs shall have one face and shall not exceed three (3) square feet each.

      4.   One nonilluminated nameplate identifying the owner or operator is permitted adjacent to the doorway of the station. Such nameplate shall have one face and shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

      5.   Temporary signs advertising batteries, tires, oil or other products directly related to motor vehicles, if the signs are located directly adjacent to a display of the product(s) described. Such signs may have two (2) faces, however, their total area shall not exceed ten (10) square feet.

      6.   Any signs required by state or federal government.

      7.   Safety shall be encouraged through a fifteen percent (15%) bonus applied to the aggregate area of ground signs in gasoline stations (service stations) if the station's price information sign is incorporated into the principal identification sign.

   C.   Movie And Live Entertainment Theaters: In addition to the signs permitted by other sections of this chapter, the following sign is permitted uniquely to theaters:

      1.   Each theater may have one sign of up to fifty (50) square feet which will accommodate changeable lettering copy for theaters located in commercial or industrial districts.

      2.   A theater's changeable copy sign may have two (2) faces if it is freestanding, but both faces must be parallel and located no more than two feet (2') apart.

      3.   A theater's changeable copy sign may be located on a marquee, provided it does not project above or beyond the structural limits of such marquee, nor does it project closer than two feet (2') from the curb line.

      4.   Otherwise, a theater's changeable copy sign shall conform to the regulations for the sign type to which it most nearly resembles.

   D.   Unified Business Center Sign Plan: No permit shall be issued for a sign to be located in a unified business center until a comprehensive sign plan has been approved for the center and the sign complies with the provisions thereof.

      1.   Application: Application for approval of a unified business center sign plan shall be made in writing to the community development department on an appropriate application form.

      2.   Application Content: The application shall include a written description and a to scale graphic depiction of all signs to be used in the center, including their maximum size, color, location, illumination details, lettering type, mounting details, and (if any) landscaping details.

      3.   Approval: A unified business center sign plan application or amendment shall be reviewed and approved by the community development department.

      4.   Criteria: The criteria for approval of a unified business center sign plan shall be the following:

         a.   Every sign shall have good scale and proportion in its design and in its visual relationship to the other signs, buildings and surroundings.

         b.   The signs in the plan shall be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and site to which they principally relate and shall not appear as "add ons" or intrusions.

         c.   The colors, materials and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.

         d.   The number of graphic elements and letters shall be held to the minimum needed to convey each sign's major message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign's face.

         e.   Each sign shall be compatible with signs on adjoining premises and shall not compete for attention.

      5.   Permitted Signs: In addition to the signs permitted by other sections of this chapter, the following signs are permitted uniquely to unified business centers:

         a.   A unified business center may have one identification sign for the center in addition to the signs permitted for each separate business.

         b.   Such identification signs may only include the name and graphic logo of the center, address of the center, and also may include a time and/or temperature sign.

         c.   The permitted area of such identification sign shall be based upon a ratio of four (4) square feet per one acre of the center's site, up to a maximum of seventy five (75) square feet. Every unified business center is permitted an identification sign of four (4) square feet.

         d.   Otherwise, unified business center identification signs shall conform to the regulations of the sign type to which they most closely resemble.

         e.   Unified business centers may have one common directory sign not to exceed seventy five (75) square feet, advertising individual businesses on the site. Such signs shall be limited to three (3) square feet per business listed on the sign. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

   A.   Aggregate Sign Area: The aggregate area of all signs, other than temporary signs, for each premises shall not exceed one and twenty five one-hundredths (1.25) square feet for each linear foot of display frontage of that premises. The total aggregate sign area may be distributed between one or more signs of one or more sign types, so long as no individual sign exceeds the maximum allowable area for that individual sign as set forth in the table of maximum sign area as set forth in subsection B of this section.

The table illustrates the maximum height, area, and percentage of window or wall coverage for any individual sign or combination of signs.

   B.   Maximum Sign Limits:

 

 

 

    C.   Sign Area Calculation: The following methods shall be used to calculate the sign area of various types of signs:

      1.   For ground signs, pole signs, projecting signs and roof signs, the sign area shall be calculated by measuring the entire area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric form, or combination of regular geometric forms, which may be inscribed within the perimeter of the sign structure, excluding structural support members extending beyond the frame or background border of the sign. In the case of signs with more than one face the area shall be computed only for the maximum single display surface which is visible from any one ground position.

      2.   For wall signs, awning and canopy signs, and window signs, the sign area shall be calculated by measuring the entire area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric form, or combination of regular geometric forms, which may be inscribed to encompass all letters and graphic symbols of the sign, including horizontal spacings between such letters and symbols plus any additional portion of the background which is framed by a border, internally illuminated, consisting of a color or tone different than the wall to which the sign is attached, or projects more than three inches (3") beyond the plane of the wall to which it is attached.

      3.   For temporary signs, the sign area shall be calculated by measuring one side of the sign surface area, even though said sign may be double faced, not including the area or dimensions of any metal, wood or other type of support.

   D.   Multiple Frontages: When a business has more than one display frontage the restrictions on the number of signs and sign area shall apply to each frontage, subject to the following limitations:

      1.   The maximum permitted sign area shall apply to both display frontages.

      2.   Double faced signs erected on or near the corner of a building or parcel so as to be equally visible from each frontage shall be counted as part of the permitted sign area for each frontage.

   E.   Multiple Floors: When a business premises contains more than one floor above ground the display frontage level may be used to calculate permissible sign area for each floor, subject to the following limitations:

      1.   If the operations of a single business cover more than one floor, then twenty five percent (25%) of the display frontage at the ground level may be added to calculate permissible sign area.

      2.   If a building contains one or more businesses different from the business(es) occupying the ground floor, and if the aggregate area occupied by such business(es) equals at least seventy five percent (75%) of the upper floor(s), then one hundred percent (100%) of the display frontage of the upper floor(s) may be used to calculate permissible sign area.

   F.   Multiple Occupants: In buildings with multiple business occupants, each occupant shall be allotted a sign area based upon the display frontage proportional to the ratio of total floor area in the building. Common areas shall not be included in this calculation. Every occupant shall be allowed a minimum sign area of three (3) square feet.

   G.   Business Premises Without Buildings: For business premises which do not contain buildings larger than four hundred (400) square feet, and which lawfully store their merchandise outside, the permitted sign area shall be calculated on the basis of five one-thousandths (0.005) of a square foot of sign area for each one square foot of the subject parcel, up to a maximum of eighty (80) square feet of sign area. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

   A.   Compliance: Any sign made nonconforming by the passage of this chapter shall be removed, modified, or altered to comply with this chapter no later than seven (7) years from the date of the passage of this chapter.

   B.   Change In Condition: Every nonconforming sign must come into compliance with this chapter or must be removed within fourteen (14) days if any of the following occurs to the sign:

      1.   It is damaged, deteriorated or destroyed and the cost of reconstruction, repair or maintenance is sixty percent (60%) or more of its depreciated value at the time it is damaged, deteriorated or destroyed; or

      2.   It has not been used for a period of six (6) months or longer; or

      3.   It is substantially modified; or

      4.   It is relocated on the same or different premises; or

      5.   Fifty percent (50%) of the building display frontage to which the sign relates is remodeled; or

      6.   The ownership, tenancy or activity for the premises on which the nonconforming sign is located requires a new occupancy permit.

   C.   Continuing Obligation: Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located from the provisions of this chapter regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs, provided, however, that any repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or copy in any way which makes it more nonconforming. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

The following signs and graphic structures are prohibited from erection or placement within the village:

   A.   Signs, attention gathering devices or graphics which by color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals.

   B.   Graphics or signs attached to power poles or light standards.

   C.   Billboards. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

The purpose of this chapter is to guarantee that noncommercial speech receives protection at least as great as that provided for commercial speech. Accordingly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, noncommercial messages may be contained on any sign authorized hereunder. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)

Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), and each day a violation continues shall be considered a separate violation. (Ord. 2014-55, 6-17-2014)