Bellevue Village City Zoning Code
PART 500
1800 Regulation of Signs
§ 500-1801 Purpose.
This section provides standards for the erection and maintenance of signs. The general purpose of these standards is to allow effective signage that is compatible with its surroundings, to promote an attractive environment by minimizing visual clutter and to minimize adverse effects on nearby property.
§ 500-1802 Scope of regulations.
The sign regulations set forth in this chapter regulate sign heights, area, placement, illumination and timing. All new signs developed within the Village shall be required to meet the standards established in this chapter, except where otherwise specifically noted.
§ 500-1803 General provisions.
A.
Substitution of messages. This chapter is not intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, restrict noncommercial speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. Any commercial sign authorized to be erected by this chapter may display a noncommercial message.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14[1]]
B.
Applicability. The sign regulations set forth in this chapter shall apply to all structures and all land uses, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. All signs allowed by this chapter shall be limited to on premises signs, except where otherwise specifically noted.
C.
Compliance required. No sign on private property shall be installed or changed in any manner without compliance with the regulations stated herein. Routine maintenance shall not be subject to this section.
D.
LED luminaires. When used, the intensity of illumination shall be adjustable. Upon written order, the intensity of illumination shall be reduced to a level deemed acceptable by the Community Development Director or his/her designee per stated levels within the Sign Code.
E.
The maximum area of signs shall be the accumulation of the area of all signs located on a parcel of record. The maximum area of signs may differ according to the zoning classification of a lot.
F.
All signs and sign structures shall be properly maintained and kept in a neat and proper state of repair and appearance.
G.
Alteration; relocation. No sign in the Village of Bellevue shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated, except in conformity with the provisions of this article. The changing of movable parts of signs that are designed to be changed or the repainting of display matter in conformity herewith shall not be deemed to be alterations within the meaning of this chapter.
H.
Safety standards. All outdoor advertising structures, post signs, accessory signs, or advertising statuary which is declared to be a traffic hazard by the Public Works Director shall be relocated or rearranged in accordance with safety standards. A sign in direct line of vision of any traffic signal, from any point in the traffic lane, shall not have red, green or amber illumination, nor be illustrated in such a way so as to interfere with vision of said signal, nor be illustrated in such a way as to be distracting.
§ 500-1804 General requirements.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
A.
Building frontage. For the purposes of determining allowable wall sign area, the primary building frontage shall include the building walls that: 1) face a public or Village-approved private street from which the building is addressed; or 2) face a parking lot which includes the main entrance to a building or tenant space.
[Added 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13[1]]
B.
Canopy and marquee signs. Copy area of a canopy sign shall be regulated as wall signage and count towards the total allowable area. Copy area shall not exceed 40% of the background area to which it is applied.
C.
Changeable message signs. The area of changeable message signs is limited to 33% of the total sign area of the side of the sign on which they are applied. Exception: Movie theaters and municipally operated arenas are not limited to 33% changeable copy areas.
D.
Commercial flags.
(1)
There shall be a maximum of one flag per parcel.
(2)
The maximum size of the flag shall be 72 square feet.
(3)
The flag shall contribute to the number and area of permitted signs for the zoning district in which the flag is located.
(a)
For the purpose of determining the sign area of a flag, only one side of the flag shall be counted.
(4)
Flags may be externally illuminated.
(5)
Flagpoles shall be a maximum of 20 feet.
(6)
Flagpoles shall be set back a distance equal to the height of the pole, and located outside of utility easements.
E.
Construction standards.
(1)
All signs requiring a permit shall be designed, constructed and maintained to withstand a minimum wind load of 30 pounds per square foot of sign area, and will otherwise structurally be safe, and shall be securely anchored or otherwise fastened, suspended or supported so that they will not be a menace to persons or property.
(2)
No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing, due to wind action. The use of chains, cables or wires is prohibited.
F.
Freestanding and monument signs.
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13]
(1)
The base of freestanding and monument signs shall be constructed and designed to incorporate design details, materials and colors of the associated building(s). Poles must be shrouded and integrated into the overall sign design.
(2)
Landscaping shall be installed at the base of signs to complement their design, obscure support structures, and to enhance overall site appearance.
G.
Illumination.
(1)
All illuminated signs shall conform to the requirements of the Village electrical code.
(2)
Illumination shall be directed entirely upon the sign and shall be shielded from view of residential areas and oncoming traffic.
(3)
Uplighting is prohibited.
(4)
There shall be no exposed neon or LED illumination resembling exposed neon used on signage unless it is shielded from direct view.
H.
Maintenance. Each sign shall be maintained in working order and repair at all times so that it does not constitute any danger or hazard to public safety, or a visual blight, and is free of peeling paint, or fading; indiscernible text, images or symbols; major cracks; or loose and dangling materials.
J.
Setbacks.
(1)
Freestanding and monument signs shall have a minimum setback of 12 feet from the property line, except along the street right-of-way where the setback may be reduced to zero. No portion of the sign may project into or over the street right-of-way.
(2)
With the exception of parking lot signs, no freestanding, monument or projecting sign shall be located within a vision triangle. The Public Works Director shall have discretion to reduce this requirement at street intersections where conditions allow.
(3)
No sign facing a residential district shall be closer than 25 feet to that district line.
K.
Sign area calculation.
(1)
Sign area shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof which encompasses the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, figure, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background.
(2)
Any irregular shaped sign area may be computed using the actual sign-face surface.
(3)
For any sign that has two display faces, each face shall be included when determining the area of the sign.
(4)
Sign area calculation shall not include the structural supports or bracing which is clearly incidental to the display.
§ 500-1805 Temporary signs.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14[1]]
A.
Temporary signs shall be durable, weather-resistant and fastened or anchored sufficiently, whether attached to the building or positioned in the ground.
B.
Temporary signs shall not be attached to a fence, retaining wall, utility pole, tree, trash receptacle or bench.
C.
Temporary signs may include banners, balloons, trailers, or mobile signs.
D.
No sign shall obstruct pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, or be located within the right-of-way or vision triangle.
E.
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
F.
Temporary signs shall be permitted as follows:
Table 18-1. Temporary Signs [Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Use and Regulation | Permit? | ||||
Residential districts | Maximum quantity | 4 yard signs/year | N | ||
Maximum sign area | 8 square feet (4 square feet per face) | ||||
Duration | 60 days/sign | ||||
Agricultural districts | Maximum quantity | 4 yard signs/year | N | ||
Maximum sign area | 8 square feet (4 square feet per face) | ||||
Duration | 60 days/sign | ||||
Nonresidential districts | Yard signs | Maximum sign area | 32 square feet (16 square feet per face)2 | N | |
Maximum quantity | 1/street frontage (not to exceed 2 signs per year) | ||||
Maximum height | 8 feet | ||||
Duration | 60 days/sign | ||||
Temporary business signs | Maximum quantity | 2 signs/permit*1 | Y | ||
Maximum sign area | 100 square feet (both signs combined) | ||||
Construction site signs | Maximum quantity | 2 signs/construction site | N | ||
Maximum sign area | Each sign limited to 100 square feet of sign area and shall be located on the construction site | ||||
Duration | 30 days after completion of construction or prior to occupancy | ||||
NOTES: | ||
|---|---|---|
* | Each business shall be permitted two signs per permit, up to four separate occasions per calendar year for 18 consecutive days. | |
1 | Exception: When a business is opening in a new location, two signs shall be permitted for a period of up to three months without counting toward the four eighteen-day periods listed above. A permit shall be required for this one occurrence. This occurrence shall be within the initial three months prior to or after opening. | |
2 | If placed parallel to the street so that only one side is visible, the maximum sign area may be 32 square feet. | |
§ 500-1806 Electronic messaging signs.
Electronic messaging signs may be permitted subject to the following regulations:
A.
The area used for changeable messaging shall be incorporated into the design of the main identity sign.
B.
Location. The sign shall be located on the site of the use identified or advertised by the sign.
C.
Setback from residential. The leading edge of the electronic messaging sign shall be setback a minimum distance of 200 feet from an abutting residential district boundary.
D.
Setback from other electronic messaging signs. Electronic messaging signs shall be separated from other electronic messaging signs on adjacent properties by a minimum distance of 50 feet.
E.
Orientation. When located within 250 feet of a residentially used lot in a residential zone, all parts of the electronic changeable copy sign must be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that residential lot.
F.
The area of electronic messaging signs shall not exceed 33% of the size of the sign to which they are incorporated.
G.
No sign shall be erected or maintained which shall be so placed or illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness or obscures any official traffic sign, device, or signal, or any official sign as determined by the Director of Public Works.
H.
All electronic changeable copy signs shall be equipped with a default mechanism that will stop the messaging or freeze the image in one position when a malfunction in electronic programming occurs.
I.
All signs shall have installed ambient light monitors and shall at all times allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness level of the electronic sign based on ambient light conditions.
J.
Maximum brightness levels for electronic signs in commercial/industrial zones shall not exceed 5,000 nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness, during daylight hours and 500 nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn.
K.
At no time shall the sign be operated at a brightness level greater than the manufacturer's recommended levels.
L.
Electronic sign permit applications must include a certification from the owner or operator of the sign stating that the sign shall at all times be operated in accordance with Village codes and that the owner or operator shall provide proof of such conformance upon request of the Village.
M.
Electronic sign permit applications must include a copy of the manufacturer's operating manual, which includes the manufacturer's recommended standards for brightness, scrolling or traveling speed, and other display operations.
N.
Audio speakers shall not be permitted with any electronic messaging sign.
O.
Any form of pyrotechnics is prohibited in association with an electronic messaging sign.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
P.
Electronic messaging signs shall not be permitted as window signs.
Q.
Electronic messaging displays are defined in four basic levels of operational modes for message transitions:
(1)
Level 1. Static display only (messages change with no transition).
[Amended 11-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-2018-12; 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
(a)
District limitations. Level 1 electronic messaging signs are limited to one sign per parcel in the B-2 General Business, B-3 Intensive Business, L-1 Light Industrial, P Public Use and I-1 Institutional Zoning Districts.
(b)
Electronic messaging signs associated with schools or religious institutions not in the above listed districts shall be permitted only with approval of a conditional use permit, subject to the electronic messaging regulations, and not be permitted in operation between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
(c)
Minimum display time. The electronic display shall not change at intervals of less than six seconds.
(d)
Message change sequence. The change of messages shall be accomplished immediately.
(2)
Level 2. Static display with "fade" or "dissolve" transitions, or similar transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance of moving text or images.
(a)
District limitations. Level 2 electronic messaging signs are limited to one-sign per parcel in the B-2 General Business, B-3 Intensive Business, L-1 Light Industrial, P Public Use and I-1 Institutional Zoning Districts.
[Amended 11-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-2018-12]
(b)
Minimum display time. The electronic display shall not change at intervals of less than six seconds.
(c)
Operational limitations. Such displays shall contain static messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions, or with the use of other subtle transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance of moving text or images, but which may otherwise not have movement, or the appearance of movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign structure, designs, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement of any illumination or flashing, scintillating, or varying of light intensity.
(3)
Level 3. Static display with "travel" or "scrolling" transitions, or similar transitions or frame effects that have text, graphics, or symbols that appear to move or change size, or can be revealed sequentially rather than all at once.
(a)
District limitations. Level 3 electronic messaging signs are limited to one sign per parcel in the B-2 General Business, B-3 Intensive Business, L-1 Light Industrial, P Public Use and I-1 Institutional Zoning Districts.
[Amended 11-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-2018-12]
(b)
Minimum display time. The electronic display of a full message frame shall not change at intervals of less than six seconds.
(c)
A continual scrolling or traveling message is prohibited.
§ 500-1807 Specific zoning district requirements.
A.
Residential and agricultural districts. The following non-illuminated signs shall be allowed in the residential and agricultural districts.
(1)
Institutional, civic, public service and utility uses shall be permitted one monument sign that shall follow the requirements established within the Institutional District.
Table 18-2. Signs in Residential and Agricultural Districts [Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Maximum number permitted | Maximum sign area (square feet) | Height (feet) | Duration | Permit? |
R-1 and R-2 Districts: | |||||
Subdivision entrance signs | 1 monument sign for developments with 5 or more lots | 50 (25 per face) | 6 | — | Y |
R-3 District | |||||
Monument sign | 1 landscaped sign | 50 (25 per face) | 6 | — | Y |
Wall signs | 1 | 8 | — | — | Y |
A-1 and A-2 Districts | |||||
Agricultural sign (A-1 and A-2 Districts only) | 2 per farm | 32 (16 per face) | 8 | — | Y |
B.
All business, industrial, public use and institutional districts. Signs on all parcels used for nonresidential purposes shall comply with the standards set forth in this section.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
(1)
Parking lot signs.
(a)
Shall be located entirely on the property in which they pertain.
(b)
Shall not exceed four square feet.
(c)
Shall be a maximum of three feet in height when located within a vision triangle; when located outside the vision triangle the sign shall have a maximum height of four feet.
(d)
Shall not be located in the right-of-way.
(e)
A maximum of one parking lot sign shall be allowed on landscape islands less than or equal to 320 square feet in size. Landscape islands greater than 320 square feet shall be allowed two parking lot signs.
(2)
Drive-through lane signs.
(a)
Two drive-through lane signs shall be permitted per building and shall be utilized only where there is a drive-through.
(b)
Each drive-through lane sign shall be a maximum of 48 square feet.
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13]
(c)
Additional signs located within the drive-through lane shall not be permitted.
C.
B-1 District.
(1)
Wall signs shall only be installed on the street sides of the building.
(2)
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
(3)
Illumination of signs shall only be during business hours.
Table 18-3. Signs in B-1 District [Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Maximum number Permitted | Maximum Sign Area | Height (feet) | Permit? |
B-1 District | ||||
Wall signs* | 1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable sign area | 10% of surface area of building frontage | — | Y |
Monument sign* | 1 per parcel | 50 square feet (25 square feet per face) | 6 | Y |
NOTE: | |
|---|---|
* | Total sign area for all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed 50 square feet. |
D.
B-2 and B-3 Districts.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable sign area.
(3)
Exception: In the case of a building fronting on two public streets and/or a Village-approved private street, each individual tenant space shall be permitted one rear-facing wall sign equal to 50% of the allowable sign area of the front face of the building.
Table 18-4. Signs in B-2 and B-3 Districts [Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14; 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Maximum Number Permitted | Maximum Sign Area | Height (feet) | Permit? |
B-2 and B-3 Districts | ||||
Wall signs (single tenant) | 1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable sign area | 10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 500 square feet | — | Y |
Multi-tenant wall signs1 | 1 sign per qualified tenant | 10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space | — | Y |
Monument or freestanding signs2 | 1 per parcel | 240 square feet (120 square feet per face) | Freestanding: 20 Monument: 8 | Y |
Notes: | ||
|---|---|---|
1. | A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front facade. | |
2. | Lots with more than 200 feet of zoning lot frontage qualify for an additional 1/2 square foot of signage for each linear foot of frontage over 200 feet. | |
(a) | The additional square footage may be used to create a second monument sign or freestanding sign. | |
(b) | The second sign shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from the first sign. | |
(c) | The size of the first sign may be reduced in order to shift square footage to the second sign, provided the total sign area of the second sign does not exceed the maximum sign area allowed for monument and freestanding signs. | |
E.
All industrial districts.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable sign area.
(3)
Exception: In the case of a building fronting on two public streets and/or a Village-approved private street, each individual tenant space shall be permitted one rear-facing wall sign equal to 50% of the allowable sign area of the front face of the building.
Table 18-5. Signs in Industrial Districts [Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14; 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Maximum Number Permitted | Maximum Sign Area | Height (feet) | Permit? |
Industrial Districts | ||||
Wall signs (single tenant) | 1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable sign area | 10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 500 square feet | — | Y |
Multi-tenant wall signs1 | 1 sign per qualified tenant | 10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space | — | Y |
Monument or freestanding signs | 1 per parcel | 240 square feet (120 square feet per face) | Freestanding: 20 Monument: 8 | Y |
Notes: | |
|---|---|
1. | A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front facade. |
F.
I-1 Institutional District.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable sign area.
(3)
Exception: In the case of a building fronting on two public streets and/or a Village-approved private street, each individual tenant space shall be permitted one rear-facing wall sign equal to 50% of the allowable sign area of the front face of the building.
Table 18-6. Signs in Institutional Districts [Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14; 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Maximum Number Permitted | Maximum Sign Area | Height (feet) | Permit? |
Institutional District | ||||
Wall signs (single tenant)* | 1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable sign area | 10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 200 square feet | — | Y |
Multi-tenant wall signs*1 | 1 sign per qualified tenant | 10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space | — | Y |
Monument signs | 1 per parcel | 100 square feet of all sides combined | 6 | Y |
* Total sign area for all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed 200 square feet. | ||||
Notes: | |
|---|---|
1. | A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front facade. |
G.
P - Public Use District.
[Added 11-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-2018-12]
(1)
Wall signs.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
(a)
Signage may be located on any side of the building provided the total square footage of all signs does not exceed the allowable sign area.
Table 18-7. Signs in Public Use Districts [Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Maximum Number Permitted | Maximum Sign Area | Height (feet) | Permit |
Institutional District | ||||
Wall signs (single tenant)* | 1 or more provided total square footage does not exceed allowable sign area | 10% of surface area of building frontage not to exceed 200 square feet | — | Y |
Multi-tenant wall signs*1 | 1 sign per qualified tenant | 10% of surface area of building frontage for each tenant space | — | Y |
Monument signs | 1 per parcel | 100 square feet of all sides combined | 6 | Y |
* Total sign area for all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed 200 square feet. | ||||
Notes: | |
1. | A corner tenant shall be permitted one additional wall sign on the end cap not to exceed the allowable sign area of the front facade. |
§ 500-1808 Exceptions to specific zoning district requirements.
The following exceptions for sign requirements apply.
A.
In a highway corridor, parcels zoned B-3 Intensive Business may take the following exceptions;
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
A maximum of 700 square feet of sign area shall be allowed, provided the square footage does not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face.
(b)
Lots with more than 200 feet of zoning lot frontage qualify for an additional 1/2 square foot of signage for each linear foot of frontage over 200 feet.
[1]
The maximum sign area may be increased to 900 square feet utilizing the zoning lot frontage credit.
(c)
Wall signs may be located on any wall.
§ 500-1809 Shared use signs.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
A.
Two adjacent properties may share a freestanding or monument sign located on one of the two properties. The intent of permitting shared use signs is to reduce the overall number of signs by allowing two properties to share one sign. These signs are permitted under the following conditions:
(1)
The two properties sharing the sign must share a common lot line.
(2)
Before a permit may be issued, a restrictive covenant must be created, approved by the Village, and recorded with the Brown County Register of Deeds, whereby one of the two property owners agrees to forfeit their right to one of their ordinarily permitted freestanding signs.
(3)
The maximum height of a shared use sign shall be equivalent to the maximum height ordinarily permitted in the zoning district in which the sign is to be located.
(4)
The maximum size of a shared use sign will be equal to the size ordinarily permitted in the zoning district in which the sign is to be located, plus an additional 50%. Example: The B-3 Intensive Business District permits signs up to 120 square feet per side, 240 square feet total of all sides combined. A shared use sign in the same district could contain a maximum of 180 square feet per side, 360 square feet total of all sides combined.
§ 500-1810 Signs not requiring a permit.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
A.
Drive-through clearance bar signs. Signage placed on or below a structure designed to provide height notification for parking structures, car washes, loading areas, facility doors, drive-through windows, etc. Any signage located above the clearance bar not related to height shall be considered signage and shall be regulated by the associated zoning district.
B.
Government signs. Government signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public utilities indicating danger, and aids to service or safety which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his/her public duty.
C.
Interior signs. Signs located within the interior of any building or structure which are not visible from the public right-of-way. This does not, however, exempt such signs from the structural, electrical or material specifications of this chapter.
D.
Off-premises directional signs. Off-premises directional signs may be permitted in the street right-of-way at the discretion of the Public Works Director based upon public need.
(1)
The following uses may be considered:
(a)
Emergency services signs advising of and directing the driver to facilities providing emergency medical service or assistance. Such facilities include state enforcement agencies and hospitals providing emergency medical treatment.
(b)
Public and private nonprofit arboretums, multipurpose arenas, fairgrounds, exposition centers, historical sites operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, museums, public access to rivers, public access to trails, county and local parks, religious institutions, wildlife refugees and zoos, county institutions (not highway departments) and schools.
(2)
The following conditions shall be met before any directional sign may be considered:
(a)
Signs may only be located on streets classified as collectors, minor arterials and major arterials in accordance with the Official Traffic Map of the Village.
(b)
The use must be located within 2,500 feet of the collector or arterial on which the sign is to be installed.
(c)
The signs may not be located in the front yard of any residential or neighborhood business zoned property.
(d)
Size to be determined by the Public Works Director.
(e)
The use must be located remote from and not visible from a collector or arterial.
E.
Public notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employers in the performance of their duties.
F.
Public signs. Signs required as specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.
G.
Temporary window signs. In business, commercial and industrial districts, the surface of any ground floor window may be used for attachment of temporary signs. The total area of such signs, however, shall not exceed 40% of the total window area, and shall not be placed on door windows or other windows needed to be clear for pedestrian safety.
H.
Vehicular signs. Truck, bus, trailer or other vehicle, while operating in the normal course of business, which is not primarily the display of signs.
§ 500-1811 Prohibited signs.
§ 500-1812 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Notification of nonconformity. The Community Development Director or his/her designee shall survey the Village for signs which do not conform to the requirements of this section. Upon determination that a sign is a nonconforming sign, the Zoning Administrator shall use reasonable efforts to notify, either personally or in writing, the user or owner of the property on which the sign is located.
B.
Any sign located within the Village on the effective date of ordinance adoption for this chapter which does not conform to these provisions, is eligible for characterization as a "nonconforming" sign and is permitted, provided it also meets the following requirements:
(1)
The sign was covered by a sign permit, or a permit was issued prior to the date of adoption of this section.
(2)
If no sign permit was required for the sign in question and the sign was in all respects in compliance with applicable law on the date of construction or installation.
(3)
Continuation of nonconforming status. A nonconforming sign shall maintain its nonconforming designation provided:
(a)
No structural modification of a nonconforming sign is permitted, except where such modification will result in having the effect of bringing such sign more in compliance with the requirements of this section, except for changing of copy and normal maintenance; or
(b)
The sign is not relocated; or
(c)
The sign is not replaced; or
(d)
The total structural repairs or alterations to such a nonconforming sign shall not, during its life, exceed 50% of the assessed value of said sign existing at the time it became nonconforming.
(4)
Loss of nonconforming status. Any changes, except as provided herein, shall result in the loss of nonconforming status.
§ 500-1813 Abandoned, deteriorated or dilapidated signs.
A.
All signs or sign messages shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted or when rental or compensation is no longer provided if said sign is of the off-premises type or when the building/use is no longer utilized to its lawful capacity.
B.
If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Community Development Director or his/her designee shall give the owner 120 days' written notice to remove it.
(1)
Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Community Development Director or his/her designee may remove the sign at cost to the owner or lessee of the premises.
C.
The Community Development Director or his/her designee shall cause to be removed any deteriorated or dilapidated signs under the provisions of § 66.05, Wis. Stats.
§ 500-1814 Existing billboards converted to digital.
[Added 4-10-2019 by Ord. No. O-2019-10]
An existing billboard within the Highway 172 corridor may be converted to an electronic messaging sign up to 100% of the total sign area if the following requirements are met:
A.
An existing billboard, including all related structural components, and having a total sign area equal to or greater than the proposed digital billboard shall be removed within the Village. Removal shall be completed within 30 days from installation of the digital billboard. A demo permit shall be required prior to removal.
B.
The existing structure is sufficient to support any additional loads.
C.
The sign area shall not exceed that of the existing sign.
D.
The transition time, or time it takes to change the message, shall be one second or less.
E.
The time the message remains in a fixed position shall be eight seconds or more, and movement or animation is prohibited.
F.
Audio speakers and all forms of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
G.
The billboard shall be equipped with automatic dimming capability, and light produced by such signs shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles over ambient light levels, or 300 nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn. The ambient light reading is taken at least 30 minutes past sunset with the sign turned off or displaying all black copy. The fully lit reading is taken with the sign displaying all white copy. Measurement of light levels should be taken perpendicular to the face of the sign, and the following distances should be used as guidelines to determine where to take measurements.
[Amended 3-11-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 2020-0001]
H.
There shall be a minimum of 1,000 feet between digital billboards.
I.
The digital sign shall be monitored 24/7 by a designated agent of the sign company to ensure that if it malfunctions it can be turned off so as not to cause any type of distraction.