Bellwood City Zoning Code

SIGNS

§ 156.200 PURPOSE AND INTENT.

(A) Except as expressly provided in this chapter, all signs within the village will be located, erected, altered, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, as amended from time to time, and with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

(B) The corporate authorities recognize that the visual environment has an effect upon the welfare of the citizens of the village and that the careful control of signage can preserve and enhance the public health, safety, and welfare of the village.

(1) To recognize that signs are a necessary means of visual communication for the convenience of the general public as a whole, as opposed to the convenience of any individual person;

(2) To acknowledge and ensure the appropriate identification of businesses and services and, at the same time, limit the proliferation of those signs that are of an accessory or incidental nature;

(3) To protect the public from hazardous conditions that result from signs that are structurally unsafe, obscure the vision of motorists, or compete or conflict with necessary traffic signals and warning signs;

(4) To ensure that signs are compatible with adjacent land uses and with the overall visual environment of the village; and

(5) To encourage signs that are well designed and compatible with their surroundings and with the buildings to which they are appurtenant.

( Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)

§ 156.201 SCOPE.

The regulations of this subchapter govern and control the installation, use, display, enlargement, expansion, alteration, operation, maintenance, location, relocation, and removal of all signs within the village visible from any public or private right-of-way, or any public or private common open space. The regulations of this subchapter relate to the location of signs, by function and structural type, within zoning districts and are in addition to provisions of Chapter 150 applicable to the construction and maintenance of signs as well as other provisions of this subchapter related to the issuance of sign permits.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)

§ 156.202 APPLICATION.

It is unlawful to install, use, display, enlarge, expand, alter, operate, maintain, locate, relocate, or remove any sign within the village except in conformance with the regulations of this subchapter. Any sign not expressly permitted by the regulations of this subchapter is prohibited. Unless otherwise provided by ordinance, for any new zoning district created in the village, the applicable sign regulations for the new zoning district will be those that apply to signs in the Rl Single-Family Residence District.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)

§ 156.203 SIGN CLASSIFICATIONS.

For purposes of this subchapter, each sign is classified both according to function and structure, as follows:

(A) Functional sign types.

(1) Banner sign. A sign consisting of cloth, canvas, fabric, paper or other light material that is secured or mounted so as to permit movement of the material, but not an official flag or emblem.

(2) Civic event sign. A sign that announces or identifies a civic use, purpose, event, or program.

(3) Construction sign. A sign that announces the subdivision, development, construction, or other improvement of a lot or lots and located on that lot during the subdivision, development, construction, or improvement.

(4) Development map or directory sign. A sign that depicts some or all of the buildings and other prominent features of, or that lists, by address or other summary means, some or all of the locations within a multi-building development containing, and limited to, information to assist persons coming on the lot to locate destinations within the lot.

(5) Governmental sign. A sign that is erected and maintained pursuant to, and in the discharge of, any governmental function, or required by any law, ordinance, or governmental regulation.

(6) Holiday decorations. Signs that are in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental to, and customarily and commonly associated with, any national, local, or religious holiday.

(7) Identification sign. A sign that is limited in content to the name, trademark, or other readily recognized symbol or address, or any combination thereof, of a building or development that advertises the name of a business, profession, or service being conducted on the lot on which the sign is located.

(8) Joint-identification sign. A sign that serves as a common or collective identification sign for two or more business, professional, or service uses on the same lot.

(9) Lawn service sign. A sign that announces that lawn services are provided on a lot.

(10) Memorial sign. A sign that memorializes a person, place, event, or structure.

(11) Nameplate sign. A sign that is limited in content to the name or address, or both, of the owner or occupant of a building or lot on which it is located.

(12) Off-site advertising sign. Any sign, including, without limitation, a billboard, that advertises or directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or activity conducted, sold, or offered on property other than the lot on which the sign is located and meets current IDOT requirements within 660 feet of I-290 and I-294.

(13) Official flag or emblem. A flag or emblem of a government, college, theological seminary, religious institution, or commercial enterprise.

(14) On-site directory sign. A sign, not readable from any public right-of-way, that lists the names and locations of some or all of the occupants or uses of a building or group of buildings, or both.

(15) On-site informational sign. A sign, other than a development map or directory sign, that is commonly associated with, and limited to, information and directions necessary or convenient for persons coming on the lot, including, without limitation, ground signs marking entrances and exits, parking areas, one-way drives, restrooms, and pick-up and delivery areas or window signs identifying, without limitation, entrances, exists, hours of operation, credit cards accepted, contact information, and services provided.

(16) Personal event sign. A sign that announces a personal event or occasion, such as a birth, graduation, or other celebration or event.

(17) Political election sign. A sign that announces or supports political candidates or issues in connection with any national, state, or local election.

(18) Political message sign. A sign, other than a political election sign, that expresses a noncommercial message regarding an issue of political or public concern.

(19) Promotional sign. A sign that promotes a sale, seasonal product or activity, or community or civic event.

(20) Public utility sign. A sign that is erected by public utility companies or construction companies to warn of danger or hazardous conditions, including, without limitation, any sign indicating the presence of underground cables, gas lines, and similar devices.

(21) Reader board sign. A sign that has changeable copy for the purposes of advertising special events, sales, or information changed on a regular basis.

(22) Real estate sign. A sign that advertises the offering for sale, rent, or lease, as well as the status of the sale, rental, lease, or management, of the lot upon which the sign is located.

(23) Security sign. A sign that announces that a security system is maintained on a lot.

(B) Structural sign types.

(1) Awning, canopy, or marquee sign. A sign that is mounted or painted on or attached to an awning, canopy, or marquee.

(2) Dynamic display; dynamic off-site advertising sign.

(a) A sign that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the display of the sign structure itself, or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, “digital ink” or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays.

(b) In addition to the characteristics set forth in division (B)(2)(a) above, a dynamic off-site advertising sign must meet current IDOT requirements within 660 feet of I-290 and I-294.

(3) Ground sign. A sign that is mounted to or part of an independent base affixed to the ground and designed as an integral part of that base, the height of which base is three feet or less.

(4) Mobile sign. A sign that is attached to, or carried by, a person or any motor vehicle, bicycle, or other similar apparatus.

(5) Portable sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, a structure, or the ground and is not a temporary sign.

(6) Projecting sign. A sign that is affixed to any building or structure that projects outward from the building or structure by more than 12 inches.

(7) Pole sign. A sign that is supported by one or more columns, uprights, poles, or braces that extend from the ground or from an object on or in the ground.

(8) Roof sign. A sign that is erected, constructed, or maintained on or above the roof of any building.

(9) Temporary sign. A sign that is constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, paper, plywood, or other light material and intended to be displayed for a short period of time. Without limitation of the foregoing, and without preclusion of any other functional sign from being considered to be a temporary sign, the following signs shall, for purposes of this subchapter, be deemed to be temporary signs:

(a) Civic event signs;

(b) Construction signs;

(d) Personal event signs;

(e) Political election signs;

(f) Promotional signs; and

(g) Real estate signs.

(10) Wall sign. A sign that is affixed directly to, or painted on, or otherwise inscribed on an exterior wall, of any building.

(11) Window display.

(a) The display of actual merchandise, products, and goods sold, as well as the means or material necessary to display those items, including, without limitation, the following:

1. Stands;

2. Mannequins;

3. Platforms;

4. Lighting; and

5. Backdrops, provided that (a) a backdrop shall be located behind the displayed items; and (b) a backdrop that is not permanently constructed to fully enclose the window area shall not occupy more than 50% of the window area; and (c) any sign that is part of a backdrop shall not exceed 50% of the window area. For purposes of this section, BACKDROP shall be defined as a temporary structure that has been suspended from a ceiling, set on the ground, or otherwise supported and does not fully enclose a window area.

(b) Window displays shall not include words or messages on any board, banner, or other sign face including, without limitation, a business name, a product name, price or discount information, or description of services provided by that business.

(12) Window sign. A sign that is painted on or applied or attached to a window, or that is located within the interior of a structure and that is plainly visible and is erected, constructed, or maintained for the primary purpose of being viewed from the exterior of that structure. A window display, as defined by this subchapter, shall not be considered to be a window sign.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)

§ 156.204 GENERAL STANDARDS.

Unless expressly provided otherwise in this subchapter, the general standards contained in §§ 156.204 through 156.212 apply to all signs. Any sign not in compliance with these standards must be immediately corrected or will be deemed to be in violation of this subchapter, except as otherwise provided pursuant to § 156.210.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)

§ 156.205 ILLUMINATION FOR NONDYNAMIC DISPLAY SIGNS.

(A) Location and design of light source. Whenever an external artificial light source is used for a sign, that source must be located, shielded, and directed so as not to be directly visible from any public street or private residence. No unshielded light or string or string of lights will be permitted. No sign will be internally illuminated except that:

(1) Signs in the Bl and B2 Districts may be internally illuminated, provided that only the lettering or logo, or both, on the sign is internally illuminated; and

(2) Ground signs serving automobile service stations and motor vehicle dealerships located in the Bl and B2 Districts may be fully internally illuminated.

(B) Level of illumination. All artificial illumination shall be designed, located, shielded, and directed to illuminate only the sign face or faces and to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent property or streets. No artificial illumination shall exceed one-half foot candle at any residential lot line.

(C) Restriction on hours of illumination. Signs that are located in the Bl Districts on 25th Avenue between Washington Boulevard and Oak Street and Bellwood Avenue and in the B2 District on 25th Avenue between Grant Avenue and St. Charles Road and 25th Avenue between Washington Boulevard and Randolph Street may be illuminated only until (i) 11:00 p.m. or (ii) the time that the activity to which the sign pertains has closed for business, whichever is later.

(D) Flashing lights prohibited. No flashing, blinking, or intermittent lights, nor any illumination that has a change in light intensity, shall be permitted.

(E) Illumination of temporary signs prohibited. No temporary sign shall be illuminated.

(F) Exposed neon. The use of exposed neon shall be permitted only as a window sign that is intended to identify that a business is open for operation. Such signs shall not exceed a sign area of two square feet.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)

§ 156.206 STANDARDS FOR DYNAMIC DISPLAYS AND DYNAMIC OFF-SITE ADVERTISING SIGNS.

(A) Findings.

(1) Studies show that there is a correlation between dynamic displays and dynamic off-site advertising signs and the distraction of drivers that can lead to traffic accidents. These distraction are created by among other things:

(a) Changing messages;

(b) Knowing that a sign has a changing message;

(d) Special effects used to change the message, such as fade-ins and fade-outs; and

(e) Messages that are too small to be clearly seen or that contain more than a simple message.

(2) These distractions are compounded and create a hazardous driving environment in a corridor with multiple signs.

(B) Policy; intent. The regulations for dynamic displays and dynamic off-site advertising signs are intended to minimize:

(1) Potential driver distraction;

(2) Proliferation of dynamic displays and dynamic off-site advertising signs;

(3) Impact that dynamic displays can have on the use and enjoyment of adjacent property; and

(4) To condition the use of dynamic displays in a manner that protects public safety and welfare.

(C) Conditional use. All dynamic displays and dynamic off-site advertising signs are conditional uses in all zoning districts designated in this chapter. In addition to the regulations below, dynamic displays and dynamic off-site advertising signs require the issuance of conditional use permits in accordance with the provisions of § 156.160.

(D) General dynamic display regulations. Dynamic displays are allowed subject to the following conditions:

(1) Dynamic displays are allowed only on ground, projecting, pole and wall signs. Dynamic displays may occupy no more than 75% of the sign face area. The remainder of the sign face must not have the capability to have any dynamic display characteristics and must remain static. Only one dynamic display area is allowed on a sign face;

(2) A dynamic display may not change or move more often than once every minute;

(3) The images and messages displayed must be static and the transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous without any special effects;

(4) The images and messages displayed must be complete in themselves, without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign;

(5) Every line of copy and graphics in a dynamic display must be at least seven inches in height on a road with a speed limit of 25 to 34 miles per hour, nine inches on a road with a speed limit of 35 to 44 miles per hour, 12 inches on a road with a speed limit of 45 to 54 miles per hour, and 15 inches on a road with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour or more;

(6) Dynamic displays must be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position if a malfunction occurs. The displays must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and the sign owner must immediately stop the dynamic display when notified by the village that it is not complying with the standards of this subchapter;

(7) A dynamic display may not be within 35 feet of another dynamic display facing the same traveled right of way. In no case shall a dynamic display be in a line of sight with another dynamic display.

(8) (a) The village, through appropriate personnel, may exercise its police powers to protect public health, safety, and welfare by requiring emergency information to be displayed via any dynamic display. Upon notification, the sign operators shall display in directed sign rotations:

1. Amber Alert emergency information; or

2. Emergency information regarding terrorist attacks, of natural disasters.

(b) Emergency information messages are to remain in rotation according to the designated issuing agencies protocols.

(E) General dynamic off-site advertising sign regulations. Dynamic off-site advertising signs are allowed subject to the following conditions:

(1) Dynamic off-site advertising signs are allowed only on pole signs and total sign face area cannot exceed 1,200 feet per face and not exceed 2,400 total square feet for a double faced sign. The height of the sign must not exceed 99 feet from the base of the pole to the top of the structure or 65 feet from the surface of the pavement of the lane closest to the structure. The dynamic off-site adverting sign may occupy no more than 90% of the sign face area. The remainder of the sign face must not have the capability to have any dynamic display characteristics and must remain static. Only one dynamic off-site advertising sign is allowed on a sign face;

(2) Dynamic off-site advertising signs display may not change or move more often than once every 30 seconds;

(3) The images and messages displayed must be static, and the transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous without any special effects;

(4) The images and messages displayed must be complete in themselves, without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign;

(5) Every line of copy and graphics in a dynamic off-site advertising sign must be at least 20 inches in height;

(6) A dynamic off-site advertising sign must be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position if a malfunction occurs. The displays must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and the sign owner must immediately stop the dynamic display when notified by the village that it is not complying with the standards of this subchapter;

(7) A dynamic off-site advertising sign may not be within 1,000 feet of another dynamic display facing the same traveled right of way. In no case shall a dynamic display be in a line of sight with another dynamic display.

(8) (a) The village, through appropriate personnel, may exercise its police powers to protect public health, safety, and welfare by requiring emergency information to be displayed via any dynamic off-site advertising sign. Upon notification, the sign operators shall display in directed sign rotations:

1. Amber Alert emergency information; or

2. Emergency information regarding terrorist attacks, or natural disasters.

(b) Emergency information messages are to remain in rotation according to the designated issuing agencies protocols.

(F) Brightness. All dynamic displays and dynamic off-site advertising signs must meet the following brightness standards:

(1) No dynamic displays or dynamic off-site advertising sign may be brighter than is necessary for clear and adequate visibility;

(2) No dynamic displays or dynamic off-site advertising sign may be of such intensity or brilliance as to impair the vision of a motor vehicle driver with average eyesight or to otherwise interfere with the driver’s operation of a motor vehicle;

(3) No dynamic displays or dynamic off-site advertising sign may be of such intensity or brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device or signal; and

(4) No dynamic displays or dynamic off-site advertising sign may display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the driver, or results in a nuisance to the driver.

(5) Dynamic displays or dynamic off-site advertising sign light intensity exceeding the following intensity levels (NITS) constitutes “excessive intensity or brilliance”:

Intensity Levels (NITS)
Color	Daytime	Nighttime
Red Only	3,150	1,125
Green Only	6,300	2,250
Amber Only	4,690	1,675
Full Color	7,000	2,500

(6) Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant will provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory pre-set not to exceed 7,000 NITS and that the intensity level is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software or other method as deemed appropriate.

(7) Dynamic displays or dynamic off-site advertising sign will not be configured to resemble a warning or danger signal or to cause a driver to mistake the sign for a warning or danger signal.

(G) Removal of existing off-site advertising signs. In the event that the applicant for a dynamic off-site advertising sign owns an existing off-site advertising sign within 1,000 feet of the proposed location of a dynamic off-site advertising sign, the applicant will be required to demolish any such off-site advertising sign at the expense of the applicant. This division (G) is an exception to the erection ban in § 156.207(E).

(H) Exception. With the exception of the requirements in division (F) above, time and temperature signs are exempt from these provisions.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.207 OFF-SITE ADVERTISING SIGN REGULATIONS.

(A) Off-site advertising sign permit. All owners or operators of an off-site advertising sign must apply for and obtain an off-site advertising sign permit.

(B) Off-site advertising signs cannot have a total sign face area that exceeds 1,200 square feet per face and not exceed 2,400 total square feet for a double faced sign. The height of the sign must not exceed 99 feet from the base of the pole to the top of the structure or 65 feet from the surface of the pavement of the lane closest to the structure.

(C) Subject to the following regulations, and any additional time, place and manner regulations deemed appropriate by the village to carry out the purpose of this subchapter, off-site advertising signs are permitted only within the B1, I1 and I2 zoning districts located within 660 feet of the IDOT right-of-way for I-290 and I-294.

(D) All off-site advertising sign structures must be in compliance with IDOT regulations and the Illinois Advertising Control Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, and a valid current IDOT permit must be presented with the application for a village off-site advertising sign permit.

(E) Erection ban. Except as otherwise provided in § 156.206(G), subsequent to the effective date of this subchapter, no new off-site advertising sign permit will be issued by the village.

(F) Village property. An off-site advertising sign permit proposed to be located on village owned or controlled property may be exempted from the terms of this chapter subject to any condition set by the Mayor and Board of Trustees.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 11-31, passed 7-20-11; Am. Ord. 12-9, passed 3-21-12; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.208 ELECTRICAL AND STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS.

(A) All wiring, fittings, and materials used in the construction, connection, and operation of any signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 150. An Underwriter’s Laboratories label, or an equivalent certification, shall be affixed to every electrical component incorporated into a sign.

(B) The construction and structural elements of all signs shall be in accordance with the standards and regulations of Chapter 150. All signs other than temporary signs shall be constructed of fire-resistant materials and shall be capable of withstanding wind pressures of at least 30 pounds per square foot of surface area and of receiving dead loads based on the actual weight of the structure.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.209 SIGN MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL SIGN PROHIBITIONS.

(A) Maintenance. The owner or operator of a sign and the owner of the lot on which the sign is located shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain the sign, including its illumination sources, in compliance with this subchapter and all applicable laws, in a safe, secure, neat, and orderly condition, and in good working order, at all times, and to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting, or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety of such sign. The area around any ground sign shall be kept clean and free of all rubbish, overgrown grass, other overgrown and poorly maintained landscaping, and weeds.

(B) Removal of obsolete signs. No sign or other advertising structure shall advertise a business or product which is no longer in existence on the premises where a sign is located. Any such said sign shall be immediately taken down and removed from the subject property.

(1) No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected, relocated or maintained in a manner so as to prevent free ingress to, or egress from, any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

(2) No sign or other advertising structure shall:

(a) Obstruct free and clear vision at any street intersection;

(b) Interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device because of its position, shape or color;

(c) Make use of the words “STOP,” “LOOK,” “DRIVE-IN,” “DANGER,” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(3) No sign or other advertising structure shall be permitted to constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair or maintenance.

(4) No sign or other advertising structure shall be painted on or attached to a motor vehicle used primarily for the display of such sign. This section shall not prohibit the identification of a business or its products or services on those vehicle(s) owned and operated by said business, and parked or located in a manner appropriate to the normal course of business.

(5) No sign designed to be moved from place to place (free standing or on wheels), that is not otherwise permanently affixed to the ground, a building or other permanent structure shall be permitted.

(6) No signs attached to trees, fences, public utility poles, standpipes, gutter drains, or fire escapes, other than warning signs issued by government officials or public utilities, shall be permitted. Signs attached to fences shall be legal only if the sign is in regards to the identification of the fence distributor, and shall be limited to one square foot in area.

(7) No streamers, posters, ribbons, lights bulbs, light bands, spinners, attention-getting devices that move or, as otherwise provided in §§ 156.205 and 156.206, that blink or flash shall be permitted.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.210 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.

(A) Authority to continue. Any nonconforming sign may be continued so long as it otherwise remains lawful, and shall be maintained in good condition, subject to the regulations contained in § 156.209 and divisions (B) through (J) of this section.

(B) Ordinary repair and maintenance. Normal maintenance and incidental repair, or replacement of non-load-bearing sign elements and electrical wiring and fixtures, may be performed on any nonconforming sign; provided, however, that any repair or replacement shall, whenever possible, eliminate or reduce any nonconformity in the element being repaired or replaced; and, provided further that this division (B) shall not be deemed to authorize any violation of divisions (C) through (J) of this section. Maintenance shall include the replacing, repairing, or repainting of any portion of a sign or its structural elements, including, without limitation, the periodic changing of bulletin board panels or the renewing of copy that has been made unusable by ordinary wear and tear, weather, or accident. The replacing or repairing of a sign or its structural elements that has been damaged to an extent exceeding 50% of the appraised replacement cost (as determined by the Building Commissioner) shall be considered maintenance only when the sign conforms to all of the applicable provisions of this subchapter and when the damage has been caused by an act of God or violent accident.

(1) Changed or altered in any manner that would increase the degree of its nonconformity;

(2) Enlarged or expanded;

(3) Structurally altered to prolong its useful life;

(4) Moved in whole or in part to any other location where it would remain nonconforming;

(5) Changed to another nonconforming sign; or

(6) Modified to change the content of the sign.

(D) Change of sign. A nonconforming sign that has been changed to eliminate its nonconformity, or any element of its nonconformity, shall not thereafter be changed to restore such nonconformity or nonconforming element.

(E) Damage or destruction. Any nonconforming sign damaged or destroyed, by any means, to an extent of 50% or more of its replacement cost new shall not be restored but shall be removed or brought into conformity with the provisions of this subchapter.

(F) Termination of temporary signs. Any nonconforming temporary sign erected or displayed for a period of more than 60 days prior to the effective date of this subchapter shall be removed immediately upon notice given by the Building Commissioner to the owner of the lot upon which the temporary sign is located.

(G) Termination by abandonment. Any nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period of 90 days, regardless of any intent to resume or not to abandon such use, shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall not be reestablished or resumed. Every such sign shall be immediately removed or brought into conformity with the provisions of this subchapter.

(H) Termination by change in business or activity. Any nonconforming sign advertising, identifying, or pertaining to a business or activity shall be terminated upon the cessation or change of the business or activity to which the sign pertains.

(I) Termination by amortization. Any nonconforming sign, or any nonconforming element of a sign capable of change or discontinuance separate from other elements of the sign that has not been terminated pursuant to any other provision of this subchapter shall be terminated no later than the date provided in the following schedule:

Original Value of Sign or Sign Element as Shown on Sign Permit	Removal Required within Following Period of Time
Less than $1,000	1 year
$1,001 to $3,000	2 years
$3,001 to $5,000	3 years
$5,001 to $7,000	4 years
Over $7,000	5 years

(J) Special provisions regarding nonconforming off-site advertising signs. It is the policy of the village to avoid unnecessary and costly litigation resulting from requiring removal of a nonconforming off-site advertising signs. The following procedures have been adopted to provide for a negotiated, mutually beneficial, cost effective method of removing, or otherwise bringing into compliance with the provisions of this subchapter, nonconforming off-site advertising signs.

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this § 156.210 or elsewhere, an owner or operator of a nonconforming off-site advertising sign shall not be subject to the amortization or other nonconforming use provisions of these sign regulations.

(2) A nonconforming off-site advertising sign shall be removed upon:

(a) The recommendation of the Building Commissioner to the Board of Trustees; and

(b) The Board of Trustees approving the recommendation by resolution duly adopted.

(3) An owner or operator of a nonconforming off-site advertising sign required to be removed under this division (J) shall receive a written notification from the Building Commissioner that his, her, or its off-site advertising sign has been designated for removal and shall be asked to declare the value of the off-site advertising sign in writing from an independent licensed appraiser. Such notification shall not be deemed a final administrative action, nor shall it be deemed a final order, but shall only serve to begin a negotiated process for removal of a nonconforming off-site advertising signs.

(4) The village will use the appraisal as a basis for preparing an amortization agreement that will establish a period of time that the off-site advertising sign may remain in operation and, as appropriate, a cash settlement payable at the end of the amortization period. The owner or operator shall cooperate in the negotiations to arrive at an agreed upon amortization and, as appropriate, cash settlement for removal of a nonconforming off-site advertising sign.

(5) In the event that the village and owner or operator of an off-site advertising signs cannot agree to the terms of an amortization agreement, the village shall reserve the right, but have no obligation to, seek the condemnation of a nonconforming off-site advertising sign in a court proceeding.

(6) An amortization agreement shall be recorded in the Office of the Cook County Recorder against the lot upon which the nonconforming off-site advertising sign is located.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.211 UNLAWFUL SIGNS.

(A) Should the Building Commissioner determine a sign or other advertising structure is in violation of the provisions of this subchapter, thus becoming a prohibited sign, the Building Commissioner or his or her designee shall give written notice to the permittee and/or the owner of the property upon which the structure is located. If the permittee or owner fails to remove or alter the structure so as to fully comply with the provisions set forth in this subchapter within ten days after such notice, the Building Commissioner may undertake such removal or alteration as is necessary to bring the structure into compliance and assess the removal or alteration costs to the permittee or owner. The Building Commissioner may cause any sign or other advertising structure which presents an immediate peril to person or property to be removed or altered immediately and without notice.

(B) The owner of a sign and the owner of the lot on which the sign is located shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain the sign, including its illumination sources, in compliance with this subchapter and all applicable laws, in a safe, secure, neat, and orderly condition, and in good-working order, at all times, and to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting, or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety of such sign. The area around any ground sign shall be kept clean and free of all rubbish and weeds.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.212 OBSCENITY PROHIBITED.

No sign shall be located or maintained on a lot that contains any matter, in writing or in a depiction, that considered as a whole predominantly appeals to prurient interests.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.213 DISTRICT REGULATIONS: RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

(A) Sign table.

(1) The signs set forth in the following table may be erected and maintained in any Residential District without a sign permit.

RESIDENTIAL: SIGNS NOT REQUIRING A SIGN PERMIT

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Construction signs(a)	1 per development	6 square feet	6 feet
Governmental signs	No limit	N/A	N/A
Holiday decorations	No limit	N/A	N/A
Home occupation signs	1	1 square foot	N/A
Lawn service signs	1	2 square feet	4 feet
Memorial signs(b)	1	3 square feet	If ground sign, then no more than 2 feet
Nameplate signs(c)	1	1 square foot per occupancy and 3 square feet per lot	If ground sign, then no more than 2 feet
Official flags and emblems	2 per lot and 2 flag poles per lot	24 square feet per occupancy and 3 square feet per lot	If ground sign, then no more than 2 feet

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
On-site informational signs(d)	No limit	If ground sign, 2 square feet per sign; and	4 feet
On-site informational signs(d)	No limit	If window sign, 2 square feet total sign area per building entrance	If window sign, then no more than 5 1/2 feet
Open house signs(e)	2	6 square feet	6 feet
Personal event signs(f)	1	12 square feet	6 feet
Political election signs(g)	No limit	6 square feet	6 feet
Political message signs	No limit	6 square feet	6 feet
Real estate signs(h)	1	6 square feet	6 feet
Security signs	1	2 square feet	4 feet
Public utility signs	No limit	N/A	N/A

(2) Exceptions and explanatory notes.

(a) A construction sign shall be removed immediately upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the lot upon which the construction sign is located. A construction sign may be increased in size by an additional six square feet, provided that the additional six square feet on the construction sign is used exclusively to display village notices approved by the village’s Building Division.

(b) A memorial sign shall be a wall or ground sign, shall be made of durable materials such as bronze, stone, or concrete, and shall not be illuminated. No memorial sign that is a ground sign shall be closer than six feet to any lot line.

(c) A nameplate sign shall be a wall or ground sign. No nameplate sign that is a ground sign shall be closer than five feet to any lot line.

(d) An on-site information sign shall be illuminated only as necessary to accomplish its intended purpose.

(e) Open house signs shall be subject to the following additional regulations:

1. Both open house signs may be placed on a lot, or one open house sign may be placed on the parkway of the public right-of-way of the closest major intersection to the lot, provided that the owner of the lot abutting the proposed parkway location does not disapprove of the parkway location upon prior notice.

2. Open house signs shall be allowed only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

(f) A personal event sign shall be maintained on a lot for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(g) A political election sign shall be subject to the following additional regulations:

1. Location on private property. A political election sign may be installed or located at any location on private property so long as the owner of the lot on which the political election sign is to be located has consented to the installation.

2. Location on public property. A political election sign may be located on a public right-of-way, adjacent to a lot that is zoned in a Residential District or occupied by a residential structure, under the following limited circumstance, where all three of the following conditions have been satisfied:

A. There is no sidewalk immediately adjacent to that portion of the public right-of-way on which the political election sign is to be located; and

B. The owner of the lot whose front lot line abuts, and is on the same side of, that portion of the public right-of-way on which the political election sign is to be located has consented to the installation; and

C. The political election sign is located no closer than five feet from the paved portion of the public right-of-way.

3. Political election signs shall be removed within seven days following the applicable election.

4. Unless a political election sign includes on the sign face the name of the person responsible for the sign, both the owner of the lot on which the sign is located, and the candidate, if any, whose name appears on the sign face shall be deemed responsible for the sign.

(h) A real estate sign shall be removed as soon as a lease for the lot has been signed or closing has occurred on the sale thereof. A real estate sign may include two attachments, neither of which shall exceed 24 inches by six inches in size.

(B) Signs requiring a sign permit.

(1) Sign table. The signs set forth in the following table may be erected and maintained in any Residential District with a sign permit.

RESIDENTIAL: SIGNS REQUIRING A SIGN PERMIT

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Ground signs shall be of the following functional types:(a) • Identification sign • Reader board sign(b)	1 in lieu of wall sign	25 square feet per sign face and no more than 2 sign faces	6 feet
Wall signs shall be of the following functional types: • Identification sign • Reader board sign(b)	1 for each use in lieu of ground sign	2 square feet, except that a wall sign for a religious or educational institution, or for a legally nonconforming commercial or retail use, may be 25 square feet	No higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs shall be of the following functional types:(d) • Identification sign • Reader board sign(b)	1 for each use in lieu of ground sign	25 square feet(e)	No higher than the bottom of the second story window to the top of the wall of a one story building
Window signs shall be of the following functional types: • Identification sign • Reader board sign(b) • Signs advertising products or services	1 for each window	30% of each window serving the business within on the first floor of the structure only	Window signs shall be centered within the window area, side to side
Temporary signs shall be of the following functional types:(c) • Identification sign • Reader board sign(b) • Promotional sign - signs advertising products, services or events:(b)	1 sign for a 30-day period during each quarter of the year. A permit is required for each temporary sign	3 square feet per sign face for identification signs and reader board signs; 24 square feet per sign face for promotional signs	6 feet
Existing pole signs	1	An existing sign cabinet and pole may be reused to install new sign faces as long as no alterations are made to the existing structure(g), (h)	May not be altered from its existing heights
New pole signs	1	(f)	No higher than the building for which the sign is being used to advertise the business within

(2) Exceptions and explanatory notes.

(a) Ground signs shall be permitted in a Residential District only for religious or educational institutions, homeowners associations, community-based services, or recreational clubs or facilities on sites consisting of more than three acres.

(b) Reader board signs and promotional signs shall be permitted in a Residential District only for religious or educational institutions.

(d) Awning, canopy, marquee, and window signs shall be permitted in a Residential District only for legally nonconforming retail and commercial uses. One wall, awning, canopy, marquee, or window sign shall be permitted for each principal or accessory use with a separate building entrance on the lot and, in the event the lot has frontage on more than one public street, an additional wall, awning, canopy, marquee, or window sign shall be allowed for each additional public street upon which any principal or accessory use has frontage.

For the purpose of this division (B)(2)(d), frontage on a parking area may be considered the same as frontage provided there is direct access to the use from the parking area and that the access is the primary access to the use.

(e) The following special regulations shall apply:

1. No sign shall be placed upon the roof of any awning, marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection, nor shall any sign extend above or below the awning, marquee, canopy, or projection in any way.

2. Signs displayed on a marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection, may project beyond the sign face the distance necessary to accommodate the letter thickness, but no more than six inches.

3. Signs displayed on a marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection, may project beyond the sign face the distance necessary to accommodate the letter thickness, but no more than six inches. Signs displayed on awnings or canopies shall not project beyond the surface of the awning or canopy. Signs displayed on awnings or canopies shall be located on the awning or canopy’s valance, or if there is no valance, on the lower nine inches of the awning. Lettering on an awning or canopy sign shall not exceed six-inch type.

(f) New pole signs in Residential Districts shall apply for a Conditional Use Permit.

(g) Existing pole sign permit applications shall include the height of the sign, size of the cabinet, size of the pole, color rendering of the proposed sign faces, complete electrical details including the required external disconnect and a list of the maintenance and corrections required to bring the existing foundation, anchors, bolts pole and cabinet to a condition resembling a new installation.

(h) All existing pole signs shall be restored to new condition by removing rust, sealing, painting and correcting all maintenance issues before the new sign faces are installed.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)

§ 156.214 DISTRICT REGULATIONS: BUSINESS DISTRICTS.

(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit.

(1) Sign table. The signs set forth in the following table may be erected and maintained in any Business District without a sign permit.

BUSINESS DISTRICT: SIGNS NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Construction signs(a)	1 per development	12 square feet	6 feet
Governmental signs	No limit	N/A	N/A
Holiday decorations	No limit	N/A	N/A
Home occupation signs	1	2 square feet	N/A
Lawn service signs	1	2 square feet	4 feet
Memorial signs(b)	1	3 square feet	If ground sign, then no more than 2 feet
Nameplate signs(c)	1	1 square foot per occupancy and 3 square feet per lot	If ground sign, then no more than 2 feet
Official flags and emblems	2 per lot and 2 flag poles per lot	24 quare feet per occupancy and 3 square feet per lot	N/A
On-site informational signs(d)	No limit	If ground sign, 2 square feet per sign; and	4 feet
On-site informational signs(d)	No limit	If window sign, 2 square feet total sign area per building entrance	If window sign, then no more than 5 1/2 feet
Open house signs(e)	2	6 square feet	6 feet
Political election signs(f)	No limit	6 square feet	6 feet
Political message signs(g)	No limit	6 square feet	6 feet
Real estate signs(h)	1	6 square feet	If not affixed to a building, 6 feet; If affixed to a building, no higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building
Security signs	2(j)	2 square feet	4 feet
Public utility signs	No limit	N/A	N/A

(2) Exceptions and explanatory notes.

(c) A nameplate sign shall be a wall or ground sign. No nameplate sign that is a ground sign shall be closer than five feet to any lot line.

(d) An on-site information sign shall be illuminated only as necessary to accomplish its intended purpose.

(e) Open house signs shall be subject to the following additional regulations:

2. Open house signs shall be allowed only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

(f) A political election sign shall be subject to the following additional regulations:

2. Location on public property.

A. With the exception of the limited circumstance set forth in division (A)(2)(f)B. below, no political election sign shall be installed or located on public property in any location in the village.

B. A political election sign may be located on a public right-of-way, adjacent to a lot that is zoned in a Business District or occupied by a commercial structure, under the following limited circumstance, where all three of the following conditions have been satisfied:

(i) There is no sidewalk immediately adjacent to that portion of the public right-of-way on which the political election sign is to be located; and

(ii) The owner of the lot whose front lot line abuts, and is on the same side of, that portion of the public right-of-way on which the political election sign is to be located has consented to the installation; and

(iii) The political election sign is located no closer than five feet from the paved portion of the public right-of-way.

C. Removal. Political election signs shall be removed within seven days following the applicable election.

D. Responsibility for the sign. Unless a political election sign includes on the sign face the name of the person responsible for the sign, both the owner of the lot on which the sign is located, and the candidate, if any, whose name appears on the sign face shall be deemed responsible for the sign.

(g) A political message sign shall be located entirely on private property pursuant to the owner’s consent.

(i) If two security signs are erected on a lot, one of the security signs shall be located in the rear of the lot.

(B) Signs requiring a sign permit.

(1) Sign table. The signs set forth in the following table may be erected and maintained in any Business District.

BUSINESS DISTRICT: SIGNS REQUIRING A PERMIT

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs shall be of the following functional types: • Identification sign • Joint identification sign	1 in lieu of wall sign	(e)	No higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building
Ground signs shall be of the following functional types: • Development map or directory sign • Identification sign • Joint identification sign • Reader board sign(a)	1 per street frontage(c)	25 square feet per sign face	6 feet
Wall signs shall be of the following functional types: • Development map or directory sign • Identification sign • Joint identification sign • Reader board sign(a)	1 for each use(d)	(f)	No higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Window signs shall be of the following functional types: • Development map or directory sign • Identification sign • Joint identification sign • Reader board sign(a)	1 for each window	30% of each window serving the business within on the first floor of the structure only	Window signs shall be centered within the window area, side to side
Temporary signs shall be of the following functional types:(b) • Promotional sign • Reader board sign(a)	1 for a 30-day period during each quarter of the year. A permit is required for each temporary sign	Not to exceed 6 square feet per sign face or 24 square feet per sign face for religious or educational uses	If not affixed to a building, 6 feet; If affixed to a building, no higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building
On-site directory signs	1	10 square feet per sign face	6 feet
Existing pole signs	1	An existing sign cabinet and pole may be reused to install new sign faces as long as no alterations are made to the existing structure(h)(i)	May not be altered from its existing height
New pole signs	1	(g)	No higher than the building for which the sign is being used to advertise the business within

(2) Exceptions and explanatory notes.

(a) Reader board signs shall be permitted in the B1 and B2 Districts only for religious or educational institutions, service stations limited to fuel prices, and movie theaters.

(b) Temporary signs shall be subject to the temporary sign restrictions contained in division (A)(2)(a) above.

(c) One ground sign shall be permitted for each public street upon which the lot has frontage, provided that the horizontal distance between the signs is at least 100 feet. A ground sign shall not exceed six feet in length.

(d) One wall sign shall be permitted for each principal and accessory use with a separate building entrance on the lot and, in the event the lot has frontage on more than one public street, an additional wall sign shall be allowed for each additional public street upon which any principal and accessory use has frontage. In a building with multiple uses, the wall sign must be located on that portion of the building in which the use for which the wall sign is maintained is located. For the purpose of this division (B)(2)(d), frontage on a parking area may be considered the same as frontage on a street provided there is direct access to the use from the parking area and that the access is the primary access to the use.

(e) Maximum sign area for awning, canopy, and marquee signs.

1. For one story structures, the maximum sign area shall not exceed the lesser amount of 100 square feet or 15% of the square footage of the area below the roof line of the facade (wall area) that incorporates the main entrance of the building upon which the awning, canopy, or marquee sign is located; or

2. For structures of more than one story, the maximum sign area shall not exceed the lesser amount of 100 square feet or 15% of the square footage of the area below any second story windows of the facade (wall area) that incorporates the main entrance of the building upon which the awning, canopy, or marquee sign is located.

3. In determining the maximum sign area for awning, canopy, or marquee signs in a Business District, the following special regulations shall apply:

(i) No sign shall be placed upon the roof of any marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection, nor shall any sign extend above or below the awning, marquee, canopy, or projection in any way.

(ii) Signs displayed on a marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection, may project beyond the sign face the distance necessary to accommodate the letter thickness, but no more than six inches.

(iii) Signs displayed on canopies shall not project beyond the surface of the canopy. Signs displayed on canopies shall be located on the canopy’s valance, or if there is no valance, on the lower nine inches of the canopy. Lettering on a canopy sign shall not exceed six-inch type.

(iv) Signs displayed on awnings shall not exceed 15% of the awning surface area, excluding sides. Signs may occupy up to 25% of an awning’s surface area, excluding side, provided that, 10% of the area is occupied by a design or graphic that is not otherwise classified an identification sign.

(f) Maximum sign area for awning, canopy, and marquee signs.

(g) New pole signs in Residential Districts shall apply for a Conditional Use Permit.

(h) Existing pole sign permit applications shall include the height of the sign, size of the cabinet, size of the pole, color rendering of the proposed sign faces, complete electrical details including the required external disconnect and a list of the maintenance and corrections required to bring the existing foundation, anchors, bolts pole and cabinet to a condition resembling a new installation.

(i) All existing pole signs shall be restored to new condition by removing rust, sealing, painting and correcting all maintenance issues before the new sign faces are installed.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-15-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.215 DISTRICT REGULATIONS: INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.

(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit.

(1) Sign table. The signs set forth in the following table may be erected and maintained in any Industrial District without a sign permit.

INDUSTRIAL: SIGNS NOT REQUIRING PERMITS

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Construction signs(i)	1 per development	32 square feet	6 feet
Governmental signs	No limit	N/A	N/A
Holiday decoration	No limit	N/A	N/A
Home occupation signs	1	2 square feet	N/A
Lawn service signs	1	2 square feet	4 feet
Memorial signs(a)	1	3 square feet	If ground sign, then no more than 2 feet

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Nameplate signs(b)	1	1 square foot per occupancy and 3 square feet per lot	If ground sign, then no more than 2 feet
Official flags and emblems	2 per lot and 2 flag poles per lot	24 square feet per occupancy and 3 square feet per lot	N/A
On-site informational signs(c)	No limit	If ground sign, 4 square feet per sign; and	4 feet
On-site informational signs(c)	No limit	If window sign, 4 square feet total sign area per building entrance	If window sign, then no more than 5 1/2 feet
Open house signs(d)	2	6 square feet	6 feet
Political election signs(e)	No limit	6 square feet	6 feet
Political message signs(f)	No limit	6 square feet	6 feet
Real estate signs(g)	1	16 square feet	If not affixed to a building, 6 feet; If affixed to a building, no higher than the building parapet
Security signs(h)	2(i)	2 square feet	4 feet
Public utility signs	No limit	N/A	N/A

(2) Exceptions and explanatory notes.

(a) A memorial sign shall be a wall or ground sign, shall be made of durable materials such as bronze, stone, or concrete, and shall not be illuminated. No memorial sign that is a ground sign shall be closer than six feet to any lot line.

(b) A nameplate sign shall be a wall or ground sign. No nameplate sign that is a ground sign shall be closer than five feet to any lot line.

(d) Open house signs shall be subject to the following additional regulations:

2. Open house signs shall be allowed only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

(e) A political election sign shall be subject to the following additional regulations:

2. Location on public property.

(i) With the exception of the limited circumstance set forth in division (A)(2)(e)(ii) below, no political election sign shall be installed or located on public property in any location in the village.

(ii) A political election sign may be located on a public right-of-way, adjacent to a lot that is zoned in a Residential District or occupied by a residential structure, under the following limited circumstance, where all three of the following conditions have been satisfied:

a. There is no sidewalk immediately adjacent to that portion of the public right-of-way on which the political election sign is to be located; and

b. The owner of the lot whose front lot line abuts, and is on the same side of, that portion of the public right-of-way on which the political election sign is to be located has consented to the installation; and

c. The political election sign is located no closer than five feet from the paved portion of the public right-of-way.

3. Removal. Political election signs shall be removed within seven days following the applicable election.

4. Responsibility for the sign. Unless a political election sign includes on the sign face the name of the person responsible for the sign, both the owner of the lot on which the sign is located, and the candidate, if any, whose name appears on the sign face shall be deemed responsible for the sign.

(f) A political message sign shall be located entirely on private property pursuant to the owner’s consent.

(g) A real estate sign shall be removed as soon as a lease for the lot has been signed or closing has occurred on the sale thereof. A real estate sign may include two attachments, neither of which shall exceed 24 inches by six inches in size.

(h) If two security signs are erected on a lot, one of the security signs shall be located in the rear of the lot.

(i) A construction sign shall be removed immediately upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the lot upon which the construction sign is located. A construction sign may be increased in size by an additional six square feet, provided that the additional six square feet on the construction sign is used exclusively to display village notices approved by the village’s Building Division.

(B) Signs requiring a sign permit.

(1) Sign table. The signs set forth in the following table may be erected and maintained in any Industrial District with a sign permit.

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT: SIGNS REQUIRING A PERMIT

Permitted Signs	Number of Signs Permitted on a Lot	Maximum Permitted Sign Area	Maximum Permitted Sign Height
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs shall be of the following functional types: • Identification sign • Joint identification sign	1 in lieu of wall sign	(f)	No higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building
Ground signs shall be of the following functional types: • Development map or directory sign • Identification sign • Joint identification sign • Reader board sign(a)	1 per street frontage(c)	36 square feet per sign face	6 feet if a development map or directory sign
Wall signs shall be of the following functional types: • Development map or directory sign • Identification sign • Joint identification sign • Reader board sign(a)	1 for each use(d)	(g)	No higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building
Window signs shall be of the following functional types: • Development map or directory sign • Identification sign • Joint identification sign • Reader board sign(a)	1 for each window	30% of each window serving the business within on the first floor of the structure only	Window signs shall be centered within the window area, side to side
Temporary signs shall be of the following functional types:(b) • Promotional sign - signs advertising products, services or events	1 for a 30-day period during each quarter of the year. A permit is required for each temporary sign	Not to exceed 6 square feet per sign face or 24 square feet per sign face for religious or educational uses	If not affixed to a building, 6 feet; If affixed to a building, no higher than the bottom of the second story window or the top of the wall of a one story building
On-site directory signs	1(e)	10 square feet per sign face	6 feet
Existing pole signs	1	An existing sign cabinet and pole may be reused to install new sign faces as long as no alterations are made to the existing structure(i)(j)	May not be altered from its existing height
New pole signs	1	(h)	No higher than the building for which the sign is being used to advertise the business within

(2) Exceptions and explanatory notes.

(a) Reader board signs shall be permitted in the B3 or I Districts only for religious or educational institutions, service stations limited to fuel prices, and movie theaters.

(b) Temporary signs shall be subject to the restrictions in § 156.214(A)(2)(a).

(d) One wall sign for each principal and accessory use with a separate building entrance on the lot and, in the event the lot has frontage on more than one public street, an additional wall sign shall be allowed for each additional public street upon which any principal and accessory use has frontage. In a building with multiple uses, the wall sign must be located on that portion of the building in which the use for which the wall sign is maintained is located, which wall sign shall be located either (i) no higher than the bottom of the second story window of the building or the top of the wall of a one-story building; or (ii) immediately below the top of the roof or parapet of the building. For the purpose of this division (B)(2)(d), frontage on a parking area may be considered the same as frontage provided there is direct access to the use from the parking area and that the access is the primary access to the use.

(e) One additional on-site directory sign shall be permitted in Industrial Districts for every five acres of a lot.

(f) Maximum sign area for awning, canopy, and marquee signs.

1. For one story structures, the maximum sign area shall not exceed the lesser amount of 125 square feet or 15% of the square footage of the area below the roof line of the facade (wall area) that incorporates the main entrance of the building upon which the awning, canopy, or marquee sign is located; or

2. For structures of more than one story, the maximum sign area shall not exceed the lesser amount of 125 square feet or 15% of the square footage area below any second story windows of the facade (wall area) that incorporates the main entrance of the building upon which the awning, canopy, or marquee sign is located.

3. In determining the maximum sign area for awning, canopy, or marquee signs in an Industrial District, the following special regulations shall apply:

A. No sign shall be placed upon the roof of any marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection, nor shall any sign extend above or below the awning, marquee, canopy, or projection in any way.

B. Signs displayed on a marquee, canopy, or other architectural projection, may project beyond the sign face the distance necessary to accommodate the letter thickness, but no more than six inches.

C. Signs displayed on canopies shall not project beyond the surface of the canopy. Signs displayed on canopies shall be located on the canopy’s valance, or if there is no valance, on the lower nine inches of the canopy. Lettering on a canopy sign shall not exceed six-inch type.

D. Signs displayed on awnings shall not exceed 15% of the awning surface area, excluding sides. Signs may occupy up to 25% of an awnings surface area, excluding side, provided that, 10% of the area is occupied by a design or graphic that is not otherwise classified an identification sign.

(g) Maximum sign area for wall signs.

2. For structures of more than one story, the maximum sign area shall not exceed the lesser amount of 125 square feet or 15% of the square footage of the area below any second story windows of the facade (wall area) that incorporates the main entrance of the building upon which the wall sign is located.

(h) New pole signs in Residential Districts shall apply for a Conditional Use Permit.

(i) Existing pole sign permit applications shall include the height of the sign, size of the cabinet, size of the pole, color rendering of the proposed sign faces, complete electrical details including the required external disconnect and a list of the maintenance and corrections required to bring the existing foundation, anchors, bolts pole and cabinet to a condition resembling a new installation.

(j) All existing pole signs shall be restored to new condition by removing rust, sealing, painting and correcting all maintenance issues before the new sign faces are installed.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.216 SIGNS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED IN ALL DISTRICTS.

Except as otherwise permitted in this subchapter, the following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts and shall not be erected or maintained:

(A) Any sign not expressly permitted pursuant to this subchapter;

(B) Real estate “Sold By” signs;

(C) Mobile signs, except for incidental signs painted or affixed to vehicles in the customary manner of identifying the owner of a business. No vehicle containing a permitted incidental sign shall remain stationary or be parked on any lot solely for the purposes of advertising a business;

(D) Moving or animated signs;

(E) Any sign, other than a governmental sign or civic event sign, that is installed or erected in, or projects into or over, any public right-of-way.

(F) Portable signs, other than a governmental sign;

(G) Projecting signs;

(H) Roof signs;

(I) Any sign that advertises, identifies, or pertains to a business no longer conducted, or a product no longer sold, on the lot where the sign is located. If the sign or sign structure is covered or the identifying symbols or letters removed, the Building Commissioner may, upon a showing of good cause, allow the sign to remain for a period of time determined by the Building Commissioner. This division (I) shall not apply to signs, other than temporary signs, that are accessory to businesses open on a seasonal basis, provided that there is clear intent to continue operation of the business;

(J) Any sign on a tree or utility pole, whether on public or private property;

(K) Any sign on public property, except for governmental signs, civic event signs, or such other signs as may be authorized to be erected or maintained at a specific location by resolution adopted by the Village Council, subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be established by the Village Council in the authorizing resolution;

(L) Any sign, other than a governmental sign, that uses reflective paint or tape;

(M) Any sign that, in the sole discretion of the Building Commissioner:

(1) Is structurally unsafe;

(2) Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance or dilapidation;

(3) Is not kept in good repair;

(4) Obstructs the view of a motor vehicle operator entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, private driveway, alley, or other thoroughfare; or

(5) Creates any unsafe distraction for motor vehicle operators; or

(N) Any sign erected in violation of this subchapter or any other village ordinance or federal or state law or regulation.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.217 SIGNS THAT REQUIRE SIGN PERMIT APPROVAL; PROCEDURES.

(A) Intent. Except as expressly provided in §§ 156.213(A), 156.214(A) and 156.215(A), no sign shall be erected, enlarged, expanded, altered, relocated, or maintained unless a sign permit shall have first been issued in accordance with the provisions of this section. Routine sign maintenance, or changing of parts designed to be changed shall not, standing alone, be considered an alteration of the sign requiring the issuance of a sign permit.

(B) Authority. The Building Commissioner may, in accordance with the procedures and standards set forth in this section, grant sign permits authorizing the construction and maintenance of signs subject to the regulations and standards contained in this subchapter.

(1) Application. An application for a sign permit shall be filed by the owner of, or any person having a contractual interest in, the lot on which the sign is proposed to be located on a form provided by the Building Commissioner and shall require the applicant to provide the following information. The sign permit application shall be filed with the Building Commissioner, signed by the applicant, and shall contain or have attached the following information at a minimum:

(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant, owner, or owner’s representative, and the person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign;

(b) A site plan, drawn to scale, depicting the location of the building, structure, and lot upon which the proposed sign is to be attached or erected;

(c) Photographs or drawings depicting the proposed sign and its relationship to the building to which it is to be mounted or the surrounding area;

(d) Three drawings of the proposed sign depicting the specifications and method of construction and attachment or erection, as the case may be, to the building or ground;

(e) One accurate color sketch or rendering depicting the proposed colors proposed to be used on the sign and the existing surrounding materials;

(f) If required by the Building Commissioner, a master signage plan depicting all existing and proposed signs on the building or the lot or both;

(g) Written consent of the owner, or the authority to act on behalf of the owner, of the building, structure, and lot on which the sign is to be erected;

(h) If required by the Building Commissioner, a copy of an electrical permit;

(i) If required by the Building Commissioner, a copy of an insurance policy or bond;

(k) A survey indicating the lot lines and a drawing that shows the mounting technique and the underground details of the sign installation; and

(l) Any other information the Comptroller shall require to show full compliance with this subchapter and all other laws and ordinances of the village.

(2) Fees. Sign permit fees shall be in the amounts established from time to time in the Building Code.

(3) Action by the Building Commissioner. Within 60 days following the proper filing of a completed application, the Building Commissioner shall either grant the sign permit or, by written notice stating the reasons therefor, grant the application with modifications or conditions, deny the application, or, where applicable, refer the application to the Plan Commission for its review. The failure of the Building Commissioner to act within 60 days, or such further time to which the applicant shall agree, shall be deemed to be a decision granting the sign permit.

(D) Standards for sign permits. No sign permit shall be granted pursuant to this section unless the applicant shall establish, at a minimum, the following conditions:

(1) Visual compatibility. The proposed sign shall be visually compatible with the building or lot on which the sign is proposed to be located and surrounding buildings and structures in terms of height, size, proportion, scale, materials, texture, colors, and shapes.

(2) Quality of design and construction. The proposed sign shall be constructed and maintained with a high quality design and materials and a good relationship with the design and character of the neighborhood.

(3) Appropriateness to site. The proposed sign shall be appropriate to its location in terms of design, landscaping, and orientation on the lot, and will not create a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, detract from the value or enjoyment of neighboring properties, or unduly increase the number of signs in the area.

(4) Compliance with this subchapter. The proposed sign shall comply with all applicable provisions of this subchapter.

(E) Conditions on sign permits. As part of a sign permit, the Building Commissioner may impose any conditions and limitations concerning the construction and maintenance of the sign as may be necessary or appropriate to ensure satisfaction of the standards set forth in this subchapter and the purposes and objectives of this subchapter and to minimize any adverse effects upon other property in the vicinity. These conditions shall be expressly set forth in the sign permit. Violation of any condition or limitation shall be a violation of this subchapter and shall constitute grounds for revocation of the sign permit.

(F) Expiration of permits.

(1) Permanent signs. Sign permits for any sign other than a temporary sign shall remain in effect until such time that the sign face, sign copy, or structural elements are changed, modified, or altered so as to deviate from the terms or conditions of the sign permit. Any such change, modification, or alteration shall require the issuance of a new sign permit.

(2) Temporary signs. Sign permits for temporary signs shall remain in effect for a period not to exceed 30 days. Temporary signs shall be removed within seven days after the expiration of the sign permit. Within any one-year period, only four new sign permits for a temporary sign shall be permitted to be issued for any lot.

(G) Revocation of permit. Any sign permit issued pursuant to this section may be revoked or suspended by the Building Commissioner if the holder of the sign permit violates the terms of the sign permit or any other provision of this subchapter.

(H) Effect of issuance of a sign permit. The issuance of a sign permit shall not authorize construction or maintenance of any sign, but shall merely authorize the preparation, filing, and processing of applications for any other permits or approvals that may be required by the codes and ordinances of the village, including, without limitation, a building permit.

(I) Final inspection. Within 14 days following the issuance of a sign permit, the owner shall schedule with the Building Commissioner a final inspection of the sign. If the owner fails to schedule a final inspection, or if Building Commissioner determines at the final inspection that the sign fails to comply with this subchapter, the Comptroller shall have the authority to revoke the sign permit and require that the sign be removed.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.218 SIGNS THAT REQUIRE REVIEW BY THE PLAN COMMISSION.

(A) Signs requiring review. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit by the Building Commissioner pursuant to this subchapter, the following signs require review at a duly noticed public meeting by, and approval of, the Plan Commission, pursuant to the procedures contained in this section:

(1) The erection, installation, or maintenance of any sign that is contemplated to be part of, or in connection with, a planned unit development that is approved pursuant to the Zoning Code, except for those signs that are consistent with a previously approved sign package.

(2) The erection, installation, or maintenance of any sign that is contemplated to be part of, or in connection with a use that requires a conditional or special use permit pursuant to the Zoning Code, except for those signs that are consistent with a previously approved sign package.

(B) Standards. No sign permit application shall be approved by the Plan Commission unless it finds that:

(1) The proposed sign is not contrary to the intent of this subchapter;

(2) The proposed sign shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the intent of this subchapter;

(3) The proposed sign shall comply with all applicable provisions of this subchapter;

(4) The proposed sign shall comply with the standards for sign permits;

(5) The proposed sign is reasonably necessary, and the degree of the exception is the minimum necessary to accomplish the purpose of the sign; and

(6) The sign will not result in adverse effects upon the neighboring properties, or the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.

(1) Application. If Plan Commission approval is required pursuant to this subchapter, upon submittal to the Building Commissioner of a completed sign permit application, the Building Commissioner shall refer the application and all other relevant documents to the Plan Commission for its consideration and decision.

(2) Notice. Notice of the public meeting shall be provided in accordance with this subchapter.

(3) Meeting before the Plan Commission. The Plan Commission shall consider the application at a public meeting commenced within 60 days after the completed sign permit application is submitted to the Building Commissioner. At the meeting, the applicant and all interested parties shall have an opportunity to be heard and to present testimony and documentary evidence relating to the proposed sign.

(4) Decision. The Plan Commission shall either:

(a) Approve the sign permit application and direct the Building Commissioner to issue a sign permit if, based on the application, the testimony, and other information presented at the meeting, and all other reliable and relevant evidence, documents, and information, the Plan Commission determines that the proposed sign, including illumination plans if applicable, complies and is consistent with the provisions of this subchapter; or

(b) Deny the sign permit application if the Plan Commission determines that the application and consideration of the testimony and other evidence presented at the meeting, as well as other reliable and relevant evidence, documents, and information reveal that the applicant has not satisfied the conditions of this subchapter. The Plan Commission’s decision shall be forwarded in writing to the applicant and the Building Department within 30 days of the decision.

(5) Conditions. The Plan Commission may approve a sign permit subject to any conditions the Plan Commission shall deem necessary to protect the public welfare and to achieve the purposes of this subchapter.

(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19) Penalty, see § 156.999

§ 156.219 SIGN PACKAGES.

(A) Intent. The intent of the regulation of sign packages is to ensure that properties with multiple buildings, and buildings with multiple occupants or tenants, provide signage that is well designed and consistent throughout that building or property, while providing some flexibility in the design of the signs that are approved through a sign package.

(B) Process.

(1) Sign package review required. A sign package shall be submitted to the Plan Commission for its review and approval in accordance with this section, prior to issuance of any sign permit for the building, for (i) any newly constructed building that contains multiple storefronts with ground floor entrances or (ii) any existing building that contains multiple storefronts with ground floor entrances for which a building permit application has been submitted requesting approval of exterior facade improvements relating to all of the multiple storefronts with ground floor entrances.

(2) Sign package review voluntary. A sign package may be submitted to the Plan Commission for its review and approval in accordance with this section for (i) any property containing more than one building for which an application has been submitted requesting approval of more than one sign on that property; (ii) any property that has frontage along two or more streets for which an application has been submitted requesting approval of more than one sign on that property; and (iii) any multiple tenant building for which an application has been submitted requesting approval of more than one sign on that building.

(C) Contents of sign package. An application for approval of a sign package shall include details regarding the design and location of all proposed signs for which a sign permit is required. The sign package shall clearly define the areas of the building or property for which approval of a sign package is requested. At a minimum, the following details shall be provided in the application submittal for approval of a sign package:

(1) Sign design, material(s), anchorage, and support(s);

(2) Sign location(s);

(3) Sign color(s);

(4) Sign dimensions;

(5) Method of illumination;

(D) Standards. No sign package shall be approved by the Plan Commission unless the Plan Commission shall find that the sign package incorporates signage that is:

(1) Unified and consistent throughout the building or property; and

(2) Of a higher quality than would be otherwise required under the applicable sign regulations; and

(3) Compatible with the design and materials of the building or buildings, and consistent with the area surrounding the building or property.

(E) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, an approved sign package shall govern the installation and maintenance of all signage requiring a sign permit on the building or property, or portion thereof, for which the sign package has been approved.