The regulations of signs visible from the public rights of way, as set forth in this chapter, are established to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare. To accomplish this, the following specific purposes are given:

   A.   To regulate outdoor advertising and signs of all types, in an effort to reduce visual confusion and restrict signs which increase the probability of traffic accidents, obstruct vision, or otherwise adversely affect the public good, while enhancing the physical appearance of the village.

   B.   To maintain the inherent right of businesses to communicate and identify their products and services by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs and outdoor advertising.

   C.   To maintain the inherent right of residents and organizations to communicate effectively through signage in a reasonable and orderly fashion.

   D.   To protect the public from damage and injury which might be caused by the faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the village.

   E.   To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

The regulatory provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted using the terms defined as follows. Defined terms shall also include the plural of the term. Other terms shall be interpreted according to the definitions provided elsewhere in the village's ordinances or according to their ordinary English usage.

   A.   Sign Defined: For purpose of this chapter, the term "sign" shall mean any visual communication device or system, fixture, placard, painting or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, emblem, numerals or writing for the purpose of conveying a message or advertising or identifying any individual, establishment, product, goods or service, or otherwise communicating information of any kind to the public, and visible from a public right of way. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   B.   Signs By Use Type: For the purpose of identifying permitted signs, all signs are classified by type and defined as follows:

    BILLBOARD: A sign directing attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment or other commercial activity sold, offered or conducted at a location other than the zoning lot where the sign is located. These signs may also display noncommercial messages.

   ON PREMISES SIGN: A sign displaying information concerning the zoning lot on which it is located. On premises signs may be either permanent or temporary.

   TEMPORARY SIGN: A sign not designed for permanent installation at one location. Such signs are not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure or building and may not be illuminated.

   C.   Signs By Structural Type: For purposes of this chapter, signs shall be defined by structure or type, as follows:

    A-FRAME SIGN: A temporary sign, hinged at the top so as to resemble an "A" when open and constructed of a durable rigid material such as wood or metal.

   ADVERTISING FLAG: Any fabric or material attached to a frame or pole which is temporarily suspended and is not intended to be permanently mounted. This includes, but is not limited to, pennants, feather flags, swoop flags, teardrop flags, and message flags but does not include a series or string of pennants.

   AWNING: A building mounted fabric or other nonrigid or semirigid protective covering that extends from the exterior wall of a building and is supported by or attached to a frame. Awning sign is any sign that is part of or attached to an awning. See definitions of Canopy and Marquee.

   BANNER SIGN: Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole or a building by a frame at more than one edge, excluding flags and "pennants", as defined herein.

   BUILDING MOUNTED PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign affixed at an angle to the outside of a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than twelve inches (12") beyond the surface of such building or wall.

   BUILDING MOUNTED SIGN: Any sign, other than a ground mounted sign, attached to, erected on, or supported by any building, including an awning sign, canopy sign, marquee sign, building mounted projecting/perpendicular sign, roof sign, wall sign, window sign, or any similar sign that is attached to a building.

   CANOPY: A building mounted or freestanding permanent structure consisting of a rigid roof, generally supported by poles, posts or direct attachment to a building; a canopy typically has little vertical or wall space on it and is only as thick as necessary to create a functional roof. A canopy sign is any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy. See definitions of Awning and Marquee.

   FLAG: Any fabric, banner, or bunting attached to a permanent frame at one edge and designed to react to the wind, however, a series or string of pennants are not a flag.

   GROUND MOUNTED SIGN: A freestanding sign that is not attached to a building or other structure, and which is either attached directly to the ground, placed directly on the ground, displayed on a natural or manmade object (other than a building), or elevated on a supporting structure attached to the ground. There are two (2) types of ground mounted, freestanding signs: monument signs and pole signs.

    Monument Sign: A ground sign with a solid mass below the sign to the ground.

    Pole Sign: A ground sign attached to one or more poles or other supporting structures.

   MARQUEE: Any building mounted, permanent rooflike structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building without additional supports, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather. A marquee sign is any sign attached to in any manner, or made a part of a marquee. See definitions of Awning and Canopy.

   MULTIPLE FACED SIGN: Any sign containing two (2) or more faces.

   PENNANTS: Pieces or cut shapes of fabric, plastic, or similar lightweight material arranged in a series or string, with said pieces or cut shapes only attached at one edge and designed to react to the wind.

   ROOF SIGN: A sign affixed, mounted, or painted on the roof of a building, or that is wholly dependent on a building for support and that projects above the highest point of the vertical exterior walls of a building or structure.

   WALL SIGN: Any sign attached parallel to and within twelve inches (12") of an exterior wall, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, and supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.

   WINDOW SIGN: Any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service that is placed inside a window, upon the window panes or glass, or within twenty four inches (24") of the window or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   D.   Other Definitions Relevant To Regulations: In this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

    ABANDONED SIGN: Any sign that pertains to a business activity that has been discontinued for a period of sixty (60) days.

   CHANNEL LETTER SIGN: An illuminated wall sign composed solely of individual letters or symbols not physically attached or linked together, and whose components are created from a U-shaped channel base with a semitransparent face. An exposed electrical raceway or raceways shall not be permitted in a channel letter sign.

   CODE: This chapter.

   ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER: A sign having a face or faces that allow the message on the sign to be readily changed by means of light banks.

   FLASHING SIGN: Any sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use.

   HALO-LIT LETTER SIGN: An illuminated wall sign composed solely of individual letters or symbols not physically attached or linked together, whose components are created from a U-shaped channel face, said face constructed from metal and which is opaque, and whose components have no or a clear backing. A halo- lit letter sign shall have the individual letters or symbols mounted away from the wall to allow their illumination to project on the wall behind them and create a "halo-lit" effect. An exposed electrical raceway or raceways shall not be permitted in a halo-lit letter sign.

   ILLEGAL SIGN: Any sign placed without proper approval or permits as required by this chapter at the time of sign placement. Illegal sign shall also mean any sign that remains in place contrary to the time limits of any permit or the time limits set forth in this chapter.

   MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: The aggregate square footage of allowable sign area on a zoning lot.

   NONCONFORMING SIGN: A sign which was legally installed in conformance with the sign regulations and applicable zoning laws and ordinances in effect at the time of its installation, but which is now in conflict with one or more subsequently enacted provisions of this chapter, or any other applicable provisions of this title.

   PARKING LOT SIGNS: Signs appurtenant to and within parking areas, and involving traffic direction and/or regulation. (Examples of parking lot signs include "Handicapped Parking" signs, "No Parking" signs, signs as required by Illinois state law governing the towing of cars, and "Enter" and "Exit" signs.)

   SETBACK: Shall have the same meaning as set forth in section 12-2-3 of this title.

   SIGN AREA: The entire surface area of a sign upon which copy, including text, numerals, graphics, symbols, emblems and borders, may be placed.

   VILLAGE: The village of Berkeley, Illinois.

   VILLAGE BOARD: The board of trustees for the village.

   WARNING SIGN: A sign with a sole message of warning, caution or danger and limited to four (4) square feet.

   ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: Shall have the same meaning as set forth in section 12-3-2 of this title.

   ZONING BOARD: The village's planning and zoning commission.

   ZONING DISTRICT: Any of the various zoning districts set forth in this title.

   ZONING LOT: Shall have the same meaning as set forth in section 12-2-3 of this title. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the following:

   A.   Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the zoning lot upon which they are situated.

   B.   Any official traffic signs authorized from time to time by the Illinois Compiled Statutes and the ordinances of the village.

   C.   Signs of noncommercial nature and in the public interest erected by, or on the order of, a public official.

   D.   Flags.

   E.   Warning signs. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   A.   Sign Area: The sign area of an individual sign shall be measured to include the entire area, including all visible sides or faces within any two-dimensional continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of lettering, representations, logos, or other figures or messages, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the display or which is used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed. The area to be measured does not include the supporting framework, bracing, or wall when such wall otherwise meets applicable regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.

   B.   Monument Sign Area: For a double sided monument sign, only the sign area of one of the two (2) sign faces shall be included in the calculation of the maximum sign area.

   C.   Channel Letter Or Halo-Lit Signs: Special considerations concerning measurement of a channel letter sign or a halo-lit sign. When computing the size of the sign area of a channel letter sign or a halo-lit sign each letter or symbol may be measured separately using a two-dimensional rectangle enclosing the letter or symbol.

   D.   Awnings And Canopies: For awning signs and canopy signs, only the portion of the awning or canopy displaying a message or symbol is included in the total signage area calculation and shall be limited to the exterior of the awning or canopy.

   E.   Sign Height: The height of a ground mounted sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at its point of attachment to the ground to its topmost element. However, if the support of a ground mounted sign is attached to a wall or other manmade base, including a graded earth mound or berm, the sign height shall be measured from the grade of the nearest street, drive or parking area, as determined by the zoning administrator.

   F.   Sign Location, Placement And Clearance Standards: In determining the location of signs in relation to parcel or lot lines (including setback, district and street right of way lines), distances shall be measured on a right angle from the lot or parcel line to the closest point on the sign. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   A.   All signs shall comply with the requirements of the village's building code and other applicable ordinances and all components integrated into signs shall be certified and approved by Underwriters Laboratories, if applicable.

   B.   All signs in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall comply with the village's electrical code.

   C.   All signs shall be kept and maintained in a safe, neat and orderly condition and shall be repainted or otherwise maintained periodically to prevent corrosion or deterioration caused by weather, age or other conditions. The owner of the zoning lot on which the sign is located shall be responsible for providing such maintenance.

   D.   Maintenance of all ground mounted signs shall further require that area surrounding the sign, for a distance of not less than ten feet (10') in all directions, be kept free of weeds, trash and other debris. The owner of the zoning lot upon which such sign is located shall be responsible for providing such maintenance.

   E.   Any flat glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety glass.

   F.   No internally illuminated sign shall be allowed to operate when it is damaged or portions of the face are missing, allowing the light source to be seen directly. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   A.   No sign, other than signs owned by the village, shall be allowed on public rights of way or public property.

   B.   No sign shall be permitted in any zoning district except in conformity with the requirements of this chapter.

   C.   No sign shall be erected, relocated, maintained or otherwise permitted to obstruct or prevent free ingress or egress from any door, fire escape, stairway, or window of any building or structure.

   D.   No sign shall be attached to a utility pole, tree, standpipe, gutter drain, or fire escape, nor shall any sign be erected so as to impair access to a roof.

   E.   No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained where, by reason of its position, shape, color, or wording, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal device, nor shall it otherwise cause a safety hazard.

   F.   No sign shall be permitted in the applicable setback. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

The following signs are prohibited:

   A.   Abandoned signs.

   B.   Signs that move in part or in total, except flags, including, but not limited to, signs that rotate or signs that in total or have a portion or appendage that moves up and down or back and forth, whether such movement is accomplished by mechanical means or by wind power.

   C.   Marquee signs.

   D.   Signs using reflective paint or tape, or fluorescent paint or ink.

   E.   Signs containing matter the average person applying contemporary community standards would find appeals solely to the prurient interest, depicts in a patently offensive way sexual conduct and lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

   F.   Flashing signs.

   G.   Bench signs.

   H.   Building mounted projecting signs.

   I.   Roof signs.

   J.   Pennants.

   K.   Signs, which are in part or in total, inflatable.

   L.   Searchlights.

   M.   Vehicle sign. A sign placed on or affixed to a vehicle and/or trailer which is parked in a manner and location on a public right of way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right of way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or service or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. Evidence of a sign being a vehicle sign shall include, but not be limited to, a sign on a vehicle or trailer that has not been moved for twenty four (24) hours, parked in a manner and at a location so that it is more visible from the village right of way such as adjacent to the right of way, and a vehicle or trailer not used for the normal business operation of the business advertised. A vehicle sign shall not include required lettering or owner identification on motor vehicles where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer or when the vehicle or trailer is receiving or delivering merchandise or rendering a service.

   N.   Signs, which by color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   A.   Any wall sign above a public walkway or pedestrian right of way shall be at least eight feet (8') above the public walkway or pedestrian right of way.

   B.   Signs shall not be painted directly on a wall or fence.

   C.   Signs accessory to the outdoor display of commercial merchandise shall be subject to the respective regulations of this chapter, including, but not limited to, area, construction, time limits, and setbacks.

   D.   Pole signs shall be allowed as parking lot signs only. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

The following regulations are applicable to all signs in the business districts as established in this title, specifically B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4:

   A.   Prohibited Signs: In addition to the signs prohibited in all zoning districts, billboards are prohibited in the business districts. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   B.   Wall Signs: In business districts wall signs shall comply with the following requirements:

      1.   Wall signs are permitted not exceeding the total area allowed in the table below:

 

 

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

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

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

      5.   Wall signs shall not be permitted on any building wall facing a residential district except that the name and address of the business may be painted on the rear door for emergency purposes, and may not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square inches.

      6.   One wall sign shall be permitted on each building frontage. One additional wall sign shall be permitted on a wall not on a building frontage if the total sign area of all wall signs on the building does not exceed the total sign area permitted in the table above.

      7.   Businesses permitted two (2) wall signs by the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted one wall sign at the maximum sign area permitted by the table above. The second wall sign shall be permitted fifty percent (50%) of the maximum sign area permitted for the first sign, plus the difference, if any, between the actual square footage of the first sign and the maximum square footage permitted by the table above for the first sign. The maximum sign area for both signs shall not exceed one and one- half (11/2) times the sign area permitted by the table above for the first sign.

      8.   In no instance shall wall signs be permitted on more than two (2) building faces.

      9.   All roof signs are prohibited, except signs affixed to mansard roofs consisting of nonilluminated freestanding or cut out letters, with no ground supports except the roof. (Ord. 14-10, 7-1-2014)

   C.   Window Signs: In the business districts, the total sign area of all window signs shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. The total sign area of illuminated window signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. A series of windows separated by frames or supporting material less than six inches (6") in width shall be considered a single window for purposes of this computation. The location of window signs, however, shall not impede safety concerns as conveyed, in writing, by the village's personnel. There shall be no time restriction placed on any window sign that is maintained in a safe and presentable manner. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   D.   Awning And Canopy Signs: In the business districts, any awning sign or canopy sign shall be placed on the vertical surface of the awning or canopy. The height of letters, numbers, or logos on an awning sign or canopy sign shall not exceed thirty two inches (32") and must be completely contained within the confines of the awning or canopy fascia. A minimum of six inches (6") of border must exist on all four (4) sides of all canopy signs.

   E.   Monument Signs: In the business districts, a monument sign shall be permitted on a zoning lot under the following conditions:

      1.   Only one monument sign shall be allowed per zoning lot. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

      2.   Each monument sign shall have a masonry base at least as wide as seventy five percent (75%) of the width of the sign face, a minimum of one foot (1.0') in height and composed of a natural masonry finish such as brick, stone or masonry material and matching the principal building. Alternative materials consistent with the principal building may be approved by the village. (Ord. 14-10, 7-1-2014)

      3.   As part of applying for a sign permit for a monument sign, the owner of the zoning lot on which the monument sign will be located shall submit a study, certified by a licensed engineer, concerning the impact the monument sign will have on sightlines of drivers and pedestrians near the proposed monument sign and ensuring no sightline obstruction will occur.

      4.   A setback of five feet (5') shall apply to a monument sign, subject to subsection E3 of this section. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

      5.   If the building on the lot has less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of first floor ground space and the building on the zoning lot is located a minimum of twenty feet (20') from the public right of way; then the zoning lot shall be permitted one 2-faced monument sign with each face not exceeding sixty four (64) square feet. If masonry component is at least two feet (2'), then the maximum total height shall be eleven feet (11'). If the masonry component is less than two feet (2'), then the maximum total height shall be nine feet (9'). The masonry component shall not be less than one foot (1') in height. (Ord. 08-11, 3-18-2008)

      6.   If the building on the zoning lot has more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of first floor ground space, the building on the zoning lot is located a minimum of fifty feet (50') from the public right of way, and the building on the zoning lot contains four (4) or more distinct business establishments connected by a series of common walls; then the zoning lot shall be permitted one 2-faced monument sign with each face providing space for a ten (10) square foot sign per distinct business establishment in the building, provided each distinct business establishment shall have access to use the monument sign and one 10-foot square sign for the building containing four (4) or more distinct business establishments itself. The maximum height of the monument sign for such sign shall be twenty feet (20') and shall be located as near the center of the zoning lot, as measured along the adjacent right of way, as practical.

      7.   If the building on the zoning lot has more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of first floor ground space, the building on the zoning lot is located a minimum of fifty feet (50') from the public right of way, but the building on the zoning lot contains only one business establishment; then the zoning lot shall be permitted one 2-faced monument sign with each face not exceeding sixty four (64) square feet. The maximum height of the monument sign for such sign shall be twenty feet (20') and shall be located as near the center of the zoning lot, as measured along the adjacent right of way, as practical.

      8.   The monument sign shall be an on premises sign. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   F.   Temporary Signs: In the business districts, the following provisions shall apply to temporary signs:

      1.   No more than one temporary sign with two (2) sign faces shall be displayed by or on behalf of an individually licensed business at any one time.

      2.   The maximum height of a temporary sign shall be four feet (4'), except the maximum height of an advertising flag shall be twelve feet (12').

      3.   In addition to the maximum sign area for the zoning lot set forth above, the maximum total sign area for a temporary sign for or on behalf of an individually licensed business at any one time shall not exceed six (6) square feet, except the maximum total sign area for a banner sign shall be sixteen (16) square feet and the maximum total sign area for an advertising flag shall be forty eight (48) square feet.

      4.   Temporary signs shall be removed at the earlier of:

         a.   Five (5) days after completion of the event for which the sign was placed, or

         b.   Thirty (30) days after the temporary sign is first displayed.

      5.   An individually licensed business shall be entitled to employ no more than three (3) temporary signs within a calendar year. One additional sign shall be permitted during the first year of operation for a new business not previously located on the property.

      6.   Despite subsections F2, F3, F4, and F5 of this section, but recognizing subsection F1 of this section remains applicable, each individually licensed business shall be entitled to display, as its one temporary sign, an A-frame sign subject to the following provisions:

         a.   The A-frame sign, when in its open position, shall not exceed a height of thirty six inches (36") and shall be no more than thirty inches (30") wide.

         b.   The A-frame sign may be displayed any day the business on the zoning lot is open and conducting business.

         c.   The A-frame sign may be displayed only those hours during which the business is open.

         d.   The A-frame sign shall not be positioned in a space where it can be a safety hazard.

   G.   Real Estate Signs: Nonilluminated real estate signs that are six (6) square feet or less in area and do not exceed four feet (4') in height, do not require a permit. There shall be not more than one real estate sign per lot, which shall be in addition to other permitted temporary signs. Real estate signs advertising a property for sale or lease shall not be subject to a time limit but shall be removed no later than seven (7) days following the sale or lease of the property. All other real estate signs shall be subject to the following square feet and height restrictions:

      1.   For lots one acre and under: Thirty two (32) square feet of surface area. Signs shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.

      2.   For lots more than one acre: Sixty four (64) square feet of surface area. Signs shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   H.   Parking Lot Signs: In the business districts, the following provisions shall apply to parking lot signs:

      1.   No more than four (4) parking lot signs with six (6) sign faces on a zoning lot at any one time.

      2.   In addition to the maximum sign area for the zoning lot set forth above, the maximum total sign area for all parking lot signs on a zoning lot at any one time shall not exceed ten (10) square feet.

   I.   Electronic Message Centers: In the business districts, the message on electronic message centers shall not be allowed to change more than once per sixty (60) seconds. Flashing and scrolling of the images displayed is prohibited.

   J.   Variance For The Use Of A Halo-Lit Letter Sign: In the business districts, the owner of a zoning lot shall be allowed to seek a variance from the maximum sign area if a halo-lit letter sign is employed. The owner of the zoning lot shall be subject to the provisions for seeking a variance as set forth elsewhere in this title. For purposes of the variance, decreased visibility shall be deemed a hardship not created by the applicant, but the applicant shall have the burden of establishing decreased visibility. The variance that can be granted is a "bonus" of fifteen percent (15%) in size; computed by multiplying the sign area of the halo-lit sign by eighty five hundredths (0.85) before determining compliance with the zoning lot's maximum sign area. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

The following regulations are applicable to all signs in the industrial districts as established in this title, specifically M-1, M-2, and M-3.

   A.   Wall Signs: In the industrial districts wall signs shall comply with the following requirements:

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

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

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

      4.   Reserved. (Ord. 18-03, 1-16-2018)

      5.   One wall sign shall be permitted per building frontage, except that wall signs shall not be permitted on more than two (2) building faces.

      6.   Wall sign area shall not exceed 1.50 square feet per linear foot of building frontage.

   B.   Window Signs: In the industrial districts, the total sign area of all window signs shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. The total sign area of illuminated window signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. A series of windows separated by frames or supporting material less than six inches (6") in width shall be considered a single window for purposes of this computation. The location of window signs, however, shall not impede safety concerns as conveyed, in writing, by the Village's personnel. There shall be no time restriction placed on any window sign that is maintained in a safe and presentable manner.

   C.   Awning And Canopy Signs: In the industrial districts, any awning sign or canopy sign shall be placed on the vertical surface of the awning or canopy. The height of letters, numbers, or logos on an awning sign or canopy sign shall not exceed thirty two inches (32") and must be completely contained within the confines of the awning or canopy fascia. A minimum of six inches (6") of border must exist on all four (4) sides of all canopy signs.

   D.   Monument Signs: In the industrial districts, a monument sign shall be permitted on a zoning lot if the building on the zoning lot is located a minimum of fifty feet (50') away from the public street and the building has at least ten thousand (10,000) square feet of first floor ground space. In addition, the following provisions shall apply to the monument signs:

      1.   Only one monument sign shall be allowed per zoning lot.

      2.   Each monument sign shall have a masonry base component at least as wide as seventy five percent (75%) of the width of the sign face, a minimum of one foot (1.0') in height and composed of a natural masonry finish such as brick, stone or masonry material and matching the principal building. Alternative materials consistent with the principal building may be approved by the Village.

      3.   As part of applying for a sign permit for a monument sign, the owner of the zoning lot on which the monument sign will be located shall submit a study, certified by a licensed engineer, concerning the impact the monument sign will have on sightlines of drivers and pedestrians near the proposed monument sign and ensuring no sightline obstruction will occur.

      4.   A setback of five feet (5') shall apply to a monument sign.

      5.   The maximum sign height of the monument sign shall be the same as the height of the principal building on the zoning lot or fifteen feet (15'), whichever is less.

      6.   The zoning lot shall be permitted one 2-faced monument sign with each face not exceeding sixty four (64) square feet.

      7.   The monument sign shall be an on premises sign. If the zoning lot contains more than one distinct business establishment, the sign face of the monument sign may be divided among the business establishments. Division of the sign face will not increase the permitted size of the monument sign faces.

   E.   Temporary Signs: In the industrial districts, the following provisions shall apply to temporary signs:

      1.   No more than one temporary sign with two (2) sign faces shall be displayed by or on behalf of an individually licensed business at any one time.

      2.   The maximum height of a temporary sign shall be four feet (4'), except the maximum height of an advertising flag shall be twelve feet (12').

      3.   In addition to the maximum sign area for the zoning lot set forth above, the maximum total sign area for a temporary sign for or on behalf of an individually licensed business at any one time shall not exceed six (6) square feet; except the maximum total sign area for a banner sign shall be sixteen (16) square feet and the maximum total sign area for an advertising flag shall be forty eight (48) square feet.

      4.   Temporary signs shall be removed at the earlier of:

         a.   Five (5) days after completion of the event for which the sign was placed, or

         b.   Thirty (30) days after the temporary sign is first displayed.

      5.   An individually licensed business shall be entitled to employ no more than three (3) temporary signs within a calendar year. One additional sign shall be permitted during the first year of operation for a new business not previously located on the property.

      6.   Despite subsections E2, E3, E4, and E5 of this section, but recognizing subsection E1 of this section remains applicable, each individually licensed business shall be entitled to display, as its one temporary sign, an A-frame sign subject to the following provisions:

         a.   The A-frame sign, when in its open position, shall not exceed a height of thirty six inches (36") and shall be no more than thirty inches (30") wide.

         b.   The A-frame sign may be displayed any day the business on the zoning lot is open and conducting business.

         c.   The A-frame sign may be displayed only those hours during which the business is open.

         d.   The A-frame sign shall not be positioned in a space where it can be a safety hazard.

   F.   Real Estate Signs: Nonilluminated real estate signs that are six (6) square feet or less in area and do not exceed four feet (4') in height, do not require a permit. There shall be not more than one real estate sign per lot, which shall be in addition to other permitted temporary signs. Real estate signs advertising a property for sale or lease shall not be subject to a time limit but shall be removed no later than seven (7) days following the sale or lease of the property. All other real estate signs shall be subject to the following square feet and height restrictions:

      1.   For lots one acre and under: Thirty two (32) square feet of surface area. Signs shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.

      2.   For lots more than one acre: Sixty four (64) square feet of surface area. Signs shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.

   G.   Parking Lot Signs: In the industrial districts, the following provisions shall apply to parking lot signs:

      1.   No more than six (6) parking lot signs with eight (8) sign faces on a zoning lot at any one time.

      2.   In addition to the maximum sign area for the zoning lot set forth above, the maximum total sign area for all parking lot signs on a zoning lot at any one time shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.

   H.   Electronic Message Centers: In the industrial districts, the message on electronic message centers shall not be allowed to change more than once per sixty (60) seconds. Flashing and scrolling of the images displayed is prohibited.

   I.   Billboards: Billboards shall be permitted in the M-3 manufacturing district so long as said sign is located west of Interstate 294 and not nearer than three hundred feet (300') to the nearest residential district as set forth in this title.

(Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006; amd. Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013; Ord. 14-10, 7-1-2014; Ord. 24-11, 3-5-2024)

The following regulations are applicable to all signs in the single-family and two-family residential districts as established in this title, specifically R-2 and R-3.

   A.   Prohibited Signs: In addition to the signs prohibited in all zoning districts, the following signs are prohibited in the single-family and two-family residential districts:

      1.   Awning signs.

      2.   Billboards.

      3.   Canopy signs.

      4.   Electronic message centers.

      5.   Monument signs.

      6.   Parking lot signs.

   B.   Maximum Sign Area: In the single- and two-family residential districts, the maximum sign area shall be three (3) square feet. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   C.   Window Signs: In the single- and two-family residential districts, the total sign area of all window signs shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. The total sign area of illuminated window signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. A series of windows separated by frames or supporting material less than six inches (6") in width shall be considered a single window for purposes of this computation. The location of the window signs, however, shall not impede safety concerns as conveyed, in writing, by the village's personnel. There shall be no time restriction placed on any window sign that is maintained in a safe and presentable manner. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   D.   Temporary Signs: In the single- and two-family residential districts, the following provisions shall apply to temporary signs:

      1.   No more than one temporary sign with two (2) sign faces on a zoning lot at any one time.

      2.   The maximum sign height of a temporary sign shall be four feet (4').

      3.   In addition to the maximum sign area for the zoning lot set forth above, the maximum total sign area for all temporary signs on a zoning lot at any one time shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face.

      4.   Temporary signs shall be removed at the earlier of:

         a.   Five (5) days after the completion of the event for which the sign was placed, or

         b.   Sixty (60) days after the temporary sign is first displayed.

      5.   A zoning lot shall be entitled to employ no more than two (2) temporary signs with a commercial message within the calendar year.

      6.   A-frame signs are subject to the same regulations as every other temporary sign in the single-family and two-family residential districts.

   E.   Banner Signs: In the single- and two-family residential districts, the following provisions shall apply to banner signs:

      1.   Unlike in commercial or industrial districts, the owner of a zoning lot need not obtain a permit for the installation, erection, or hanging of a banner sign.

      2.   Only one banner sign shall be allowed per zoning lot at any one time.

      3.   Banner signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet.

      4.   A banner sign shall be permitted to be displayed for a period not exceeding four (4) days. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   F.   Real Estate Signs: Nonilluminated real estate signs that are six (6) square feet or less in area and do not exceed four feet (4') in height are permitted and do not require a permit. There shall be not more than one real estate sign per lot, except as permitted for open houses, which shall be in addition to other permitted temporary signs. One additional open house sign six (6) square feet or less in area shall be permitted for a time period not to exceed seventy two (72) consecutive hours. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

The following regulations are applicable to all signs in the multiple-family residential districts as established in this title, specifically R-4.

   A.   Prohibited Signs: In addition to the signs prohibited in all zoning districts, the following signs are prohibited in the multiple-family residential districts:

      1.   Awning signs.

      2.   Billboards.

      3.   Canopy signs.

      4.   Electronic message centers.

      5.   Monument signs.

   B.   Maximum Sign Area: In the multiple-family residential districts, the maximum sign area shall be three (3) square feet. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   C.   Window Signs: In the multiple-family residential districts, the total sign area of all window signs shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. The total sign area of illuminated window signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the windows in which they are located. A series of windows separated by frames or supporting material less than six inches (6") in width shall be considered a single window for purposes of this computation. The location of the window signs, however, shall not impede safety concerns as conveyed, in writing, by the village's personnel. There shall be no time restriction placed on any window sign that is maintained in a safe and presentable manner. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   D.   Temporary Signs: In the multiple-family residential districts, the following provisions shall apply to temporary signs:

      1.   No more than one temporary sign with two (2) sign faces on a zoning lot at any one time.

      2.   The maximum sign height of a temporary sign shall be four feet (4').

      3.   In addition to the maximum sign area for the zoning lot set forth above, the maximum total sign area for all temporary signs on a zoning lot at any one time shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face.

      4.   Temporary signs shall be removed at the earlier of:

         a.   Five (5) days after the completion of the event for which the sign was placed, or

         b.   Sixty (60) days after the temporary sign is first displayed.

      5.   A zoning lot shall be entitled to employ two (2) temporary signs with a commercial message within a calendar year.

      6.   A-frame signs are subject to the same regulations as every other temporary sign in the multiple-family residential districts.

   E.   Banner Signs: In the multiple-family residential districts, the following provisions shall apply to banner signs:

      1.   Unlike in commercial or industrial districts, the owner of a zoning lot need not obtain a permit for the installation, erection, or hanging of a banner sign.

      2.   Only one banner sign shall be allowed per zoning lot at any one time.

      3.   Banner signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet.

      4.   A banner sign shall be permitted to be displayed for a period not exceeding four (4) days.

   F.   Parking Lot Signs: In the multiple-family residential districts, the following provisions shall apply to parking lot signs:

      1.   No more than two (2) parking lot signs with four (4) sign faces on a zoning lot at any one time.

      2.   In addition to the maximum sign area for the zoning lot set forth above, the maximum total sign area for all parking lot signs on a zoning lot at any one time shall not exceed four (4) square feet per face. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   G.   Real Estate Signs: Nonilluminated real estate signs that are six (6) square feet or less in area and do not exceed four feet (4') in height are permitted and do not require a permit. There shall be not more than one real estate sign per lot, except as permitted for open houses, which shall be in addition to other permitted temporary signs. One additional open house sign six (6) square feet or less in area shall be permitted for a time period not to exceed seventy two (72) consecutive hours. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

(Rep. by Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   A.   Signs Not Subject To A Permit: Temporary signs in the single- family, two-family and multiple-family residential districts may be installed, erected, relocated, altered or converted without first obtaining a permit. Signs installed, erected, relocated, altered, or converted without need of a permit, pursuant to this section, shall be subject to all other provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   B.   Permit Required: Except as set forth in subsection A of this section, no sign shall be installed, erected, constructed, enlarged, relocated, altered, converted, or maintained unless a permit shall have been issued for each such sign. It shall be unlawful for any person to install, erect, construct, enlarge, relocate, alter, convert, or maintain any sign without first obtaining a permit and paying any required fee by the provisions of this chapter.

   C.   Application For Permit: All applications for a permit to install, erect, construct, enlarge, relocate, alter, convert or maintain a sign shall be made to the village zoning administrator upon a form provided by the village clerk. All applications for such a permit shall include plans and specifications showing the dimensions, materials, and required details of construction including loads, stresses and anchorage of the sign or proposed sign and any such other information as the zoning administrator may reasonably require to assure compliance with this chapter, including, but not limited to, whether staging of the proposed work will be located on public property. All such applications for a permit shall be executed by the owner of the zoning lot upon which the sign is to be installed, constructed, enlarged, relocated, altered, converted, or maintained. All such applications for a permit shall include payment of the fee as set forth in this title.

   D.   Issuance Or Denial: It shall be the duty of the zoning administrator, upon the filing of an application for a permit, to examine the permit and its supporting plans, specification, and other data related to the sign and sign structure. If it appears that the sign and sign structure are in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and the proper fee has been paid, and if there are no violations of any other ordinances of the village, then the zoning administrator shall issue a permit. The zoning administrator is obligated to either grant or deny an application for a permit within a reasonable time after receiving a complete application. If the application is denied, the zoning administrator shall state, in writing, the reasons therefor.

   E.   Void If Work Not Commenced: A permit issued by the zoning administrator becomes null and void if work is not commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days of issuance.

   F.   Inspection: The owner of a zoning lot erecting, altering, relocating or maintaining a sign for which a permit is required above shall notify the zoning administrator upon completion of the work so that an inspection for compliance can be performed.

   G.   Maintenance: Every sign, including those signs for which no permit or permit fee is required, shall be maintained in good condition at all times. The zoning administrator shall have the authority to order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of signs which become dilapidated or are abandoned, or which constitute a physical hazard to the public safety.

   H.   Signs Declared Unlawful: The zoning administrator may declare any sign unlawful if it endangers public safety by reasons of inadequate maintenance; or if it has been abandoned. Prior to declaring any sign unlawful the zoning administrator shall first send a written notice to the owner of the zoning lot upon which the sign is located informing said person that the sign endangers the public safety or that appears to be abandoned. The owner of the property on which the sign is located, or someone in their stead, shall then have ten (10) days to cure any specified problems before a citation under this section can be issued. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   A.   Discontinuance: Whenever use of a nonconforming sign has been discontinued for a period of thirty (30) days, or whenever there is a clear intent on the part of the owner to abandon a nonconforming sign, such sign shall not, after being discontinued or abandoned, be reestablished. Any use of such sign thereafter shall be in conformity with the regulations of this chapter.

   B.   Maintenance: Normal maintenance of a nonconforming sign is permitted, including necessary nonstructural repairs which do not extend or intensify the nonconformity.

   C.   Alterations: No structural alteration, enlargement or extension shall be made to a nonconforming sign, except in the following situations:

      1.   When the alteration is required by law; or

      2.   When the alteration will actually result in the elimination of the nonconformity.

   D.   Damage Or Destruction: If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means, to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of its replacement value at that time, the sign can be rebuilt or used thereafter only in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. In the event the damage or destruction is less than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value, based upon prevailing costs, the sign may then be restored to its original condition and its use may continue until the nonconforming sign is otherwise abated. In either event, restoration or repair of this sign must be started within a period of three (3) months from the date of damage or destruction and diligently pursued to completion. In every case, the reconstructed sign shall conform to the building and electrical codes in force at the time of its reconstruction.

   E.   Abatement Of Nonconforming Signs: All signs legally in existence as of September 1, 1995, and not conforming with all regulations and requirements of the village's sign code passed as amended in September of 1995, pursuant to ordinance 95-23, shall be brought into compliance with the 1995 sign code not later than January 20, 2007. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

Any of the following shall be a violation of this chapter and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by this chapter, by this title, or by the laws of the state of Illinois:

   A.   Installation, creation, construction, erection, or maintenance of any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plans or permit governing such sign or the zoning lot on which the sign is located.

   B.   Installation, creation, erection, or maintenance of any sign requiring a permit without first obtaining such permit.

   C.   Failing to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter, or for which the permit has lapsed.

   D.   Continuation of any violation listed immediately above. Each such day of a continued violation shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this chapter.

   E.   Any owner of a zoning lot displaying a temporary sign that violates this chapter, or any person erecting a temporary sign that violates this chapter, shall be subject to a penalty as set forth in this code, as amended from time to time, for each and every day or portion thereof that the violation exists, each said day or portion thereof constituting a complete and separate offense. In addition, the village may seek other civil and equitable remedies it may deem proper to enforce the terms and conditions of any permit or of this chapter. Any person violating said terms and conditions shall also be subject, in addition to the foregoing, to the payment of court costs and any reasonable attorney fees incurred by the village.

   F.   Each sign installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this chapter. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

A fee shall be paid to the village at the time the application for a permit is filed with the zoning administrator. The amount of such fee shall be as set forth in this code, as amended from time to time, but in no event more than necessary to recoup actual administrative costs incurred by the village in reviewing an application for a sign permit. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

Any sign that is moved to another location either on the zoning lot or to another zoning lot shall be considered a new sign and a permit shall be secured for any work performed in connection therewith when required by this chapter. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

No sign shall be enlarged or relocated except in conformity to the provisions of this chapter for new signs, nor until a proper permit has been secured. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   A.   Location And Design Of Light Source: For all signs employing an external artificial light source for illumination, the light source shall be located, shielded and directed so it is not directly visible from any public street or private residence. No receptacle or device housing an external artificial light source shall protrude more than eighteen inches (18") from the face of the sign or building to which it is attached. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   B.   Level Of Illumination: The illumination resulting from any external or internal light source shall not exceed fifty (50) foot-candles when measured with a standard light meter held perpendicular to the sign face at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign face. All artificial illumination shall be designed, located, shielded and directed to illuminate only the sign face(s), and to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent property or streets.

      1.   Luminance: The luminance for any outdoor display shall not exceed five thousand (5,000) nits during daylight hours or one hundred fifty (150) nits at all other times. Brightness must be measured from the brightest element of the sign's face. The applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset so that it will not exceed the luminance levels for day and night. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   C.   Signs Adjacent To Residential Areas: Any illuminated sign located on a lot abutting or across a street from, and visible from, any zoning lot in a residential district area shall not be illuminated between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. except the sign may remain illuminated during the time the business is open as long as the sign is not a public or private nuisance. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   D.   Exterior Exposed Gas Tubes: Exterior signs employing exposed gas tubes are prohibited. (Ord. 13-26, 7-16-2013)

   E.   Transparent Backgrounds: No internally illuminated sign shall have a transparent background, allowing direct view of the light source. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   A.   Removal Of Abandoned Sign Upon Notice: Any abandoned sign shall be taken down and removed by the owner of the zoning lot upon which such sign is located within ten (10) days after written notification from the zoning administrator, and upon any failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, may cause removal of such sign and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the zoning lot upon which such sign was located.

   B.   Reconstructing Signs: No signs heretofore approved and erected shall be repaired, altered or moved; nor shall any sign, or any substantial part thereof, which is blown down, destroyed or removed, be reerected, reconstructed, rebuilt or relocated unless it is in compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter.

   C.   Repair Of Unsafe Signs: This section shall not be construed to prevent the repair or restoration of any entire or part of an existing sign to a safe condition as directed by the zoning administrator, if said sign or part thereof is damaged by storm or other accident. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)

   A.   Required: No permit shall be issued for any individual sign requiring a permit unless and until a master signage plan or a common signage plan for the zoning lot on which the sign will be erected has been submitted to the zoning administrator and approved by the zoning administrator as conforming with this section.

   B.   Master Signage Plan: For any zoning lot on which the owner proposes to erect one or more signs requiring a permit, the owner shall submit to the zoning administrator a master signage plan containing the following:

      1.   An accurate plat of the zoning lot, at such scale as the zoning administrator may reasonably require depicting the location of building(s), parking lots, driveways, landscaped areas, and the location of each existing and proposed sign on such zoning lot, whether the sign requires a permit or not.

      2.   A report providing a computation of the maximum sign area, the sign area for each proposed individual sign, the total of the sign area for all of the proposed signs on the zoning lot, the height and dimensions of all proposed signs on the zoning lot.

   C.   Common Signage Plan: If the owner(s) of two (2) or more contiguous zoning lots (disregarding intervening streets and alleys) or if the owner of a single lot with more than one building (not including any accessory building) file with the zoning administrator for such zoning lots a common signage plan conforming with the provisions of this section, a twenty percent (20%) increase in the maximum sign area shall be allowed within each zoning lot as the owner elects. A common signage plan shall contain all of the information required for a master signage plan and shall also specify standards for consistency among all signs on the zoning lots affected by the common signage plan with regard to:

      1.   Color scheme;

      2.   Lettering or graphic style;

      3.   Lighting;

      4.   Location of each sign on the buildings;

      5.   Material; and

      6.   Sign proportions.

   D.   Showing Window Signs On Master Signage Plan Or Common Signage Plan: A master signage plan or common signage plan including window signs may simply indicate the areas of the windows to be covered by window signs and the general type of the window signs (e.g., paper affixed to window, painted, etched on glass, or some other material hung inside window). A master signage plan or common signage plan must include, however, exact dimensions of enduring window signs, but need not specify the exact dimension or nature of every transitory window sign.

   E.   Limit Of Number Of Freestanding Signs Under Common Signage Plan: A common signage plan for zoning lots with multiple uses or multiple users shall limit the number of freestanding signs to a total of one for each street on which the zoning lots included in the common signage plan have frontage and shall provide for shared or common usage of such signs.

   F.   Other Provisions Of Master Or Common Signage Plans: The master signage plan or common signage plan may contain such other restrictions as the owner(s) of the zoning lots may reasonably determine.

   G.   Consent: The master signage plan or common signage plan shall be executed by all owners of record and persons with legal possession of the zoning lot(s) involved (or their authorized agents) in such form as the zoning administrator shall require.

   H.   Procedures: A master signage plan or common signage plan shall be included in any development plan, site plan, planned unit development plan, or other official plan required by the village for the proposed development of land and shall be processed simultaneously with any other such plan.

   I.   Amendment: A master signage plan or common signage plan may be amended by filing a new master signage plan or common signage plan that conforms with all requirements of this chapter then in effect.

   J.   Existing Signs Not Conforming To Common Signage Plan: If any new or amended common signage plan is filed for a zoning lot upon which existing signs are located, the common signage plan shall include a schedule for bringing into conformance, within six (6) months, all signs not conforming to the proposed amended common signage plan and to the requirements of this chapter on the date of submission.

   K.   Binding Effect: After approval of a master signage plan or common signage plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with such plan, and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such a master signage plan or a common signage plan and any provision of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall control. (Ord. 06-31, 8-15-2006)