Sec. 14.00. The intent of this article is to regulate the location, size, construction, and manner of display of signs and outdoor advertising in order to minimize their harmful effects on the public health, safety and welfare. While these regulations recognize that signs and outdoor advertising are necessary to promote commerce and public information, failure to regulate them may lead to poor identification of individual businesses, deterioration and blight of the business and residential areas of the Village, conflicts between different types of land use, and reduction in traffic safety to pedestrians and motorists.

To achieve its intended purpose, this article has the following objectives:

1.

To prevent the placement of signs in a manner that will conceal or obscure other signs or adjacent businesses;

2.

To keep the number of signs and sign messages at the level reasonably necessary to identify a business and its products or services;

3.

To keep signs within a reasonable scale with respect to the buildings they identify;

4.

To reduce visual distraction and obstructions to motorists traveling along, entering or leaving streets;

5.

To promote a quality manner of display which enhances the character of the Village;

6.

To prevent the proliferation of temporary signs which might promote visual blight.

(Amended: 9-28-09; 8-27-18(10))

Sec. 14.01. The following words and phrases shall have the meaning set forth in this section when they are used in this chapter:

1a.

Abandoned Sign—A sign that no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person or that no longer advertises a bonafide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product available on the premises where the sign is displayed or any other premises.

1b.

Building Frontage—The portion of a building which faces a public street right-of-way.

2a.

Business Site—The property owned by a business proprietor upon which the business is situated or land owned by the management entity of a commercial center or arcade, including any accessory building.

2b.

Business Premises—The portion of a business site on or in which the business proprietor's business is physically located. A business site may contain more than one business premises.

3.

Change of Copy—The replacement of the name of a tenant with another or a sign listing tenants in professional offices or buildings, industrial parks or commercial centers or the change in message units or information. This applies only to a change of message and not a change of the structure of a sign. (i.e., dimensions, height, etc.)

4.

Message Unit or Item of Information—Each of the following equals one message unit: each word, an abbreviation, a syllable, a number containing up to seven digits, a symbol, a logo, a geometric shape, a person's or firm's initials containing up to seven letters. Punctuation marks are not counted in computing a number of message units. When a sign has identical messages facing opposite directions, only the message units on one side of each such pair shall be counted in computing the permitted number of message units. Non-commercial, public signs or message boards whose messages are regularly changed are herein defined as containing only one message unit.

5.

Outdoor Advertising—The public display of graphical information, other than official traffic and informational signs, that call public attention to commercial products, businesses, or services (both public and private).

6.

Sign— A name, identification, description, display, light, balloon, banner, illustration, or pennant which is affixed to, or painted, or otherwise located or set upon or in a building, structure or piece of land and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business and which is visible from any public streets, sidewalk, alley, park or public property. The definition includes interior and exterior signs but not signs primarily directed at persons within the premises of the sign owners. The definition does not include goods displayed in a business window. The definition does not include religious symbols or paintings which do not display lettering and do not advertise a business, product or service (see diagram).

(a)

Freestanding Sign—A sign which is attached to or part of a completely self-supporting structure. The supporting structure shall be placed on or below the ground surface and not attached to any building or any other structure whether portable or stationary.

(b)

Monument Sign—A sign of not greater than seven feet in height from grade, attached to a permanent foundation or decorative base located on the ground either horizontally or on a plane parallel to the horizon which supports the sign and not attached to or dependent on freestanding vertical support from any building, pole, or similar uprights with no exposed poles or posts for support. The width of a monument sign shall be greater than its height. Setback and area restrictions shall be the same as for freestanding signs per each applicable zoning district. The ground shall not be altered for the sole purpose of providing additional sign height.

(c)

Marquee (Bracket) Sign—A sign attached to a marquee, canopy, or projection extending from and supported by a building. An awning is a marquee sign if it has a sign affixed to it.

(d)

Portable Temporary Sign—A single or double surface painted or poster panel type sign or some variation thereof, which is temporary in nature, not mounted on wheels, easily movable, and not permanently attached to the ground.

(e)

Temporary Yard Sign—A temporary sign placed upon property for the purpose of conveying a particular message to the public. Examples include, but are not limited to, such sign types as political campaign signs, real estate signs, garage sale signs, etc.

(f)

Roof Sign—Any sign wholly erected to, constructed or maintained on the roof structure of any building.

(g)

Wall Sign—Any sign that shall be affixed parallel to the wall or painted on the wall of any building; provided, however, said wall sign shall not project above the top of the wall or beyond the end of the building. For the purpose of this Ordinance, any sign display surface that is affixed flat against the sloping surface of a mansard roof shall be considered a wall sign.

(h)

Banner—Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is affixed to a pole, building or other permanent structure. National flags, state or municipal flags, the official flags of any institution or business, or any village highway hangings shall not be considered banners.

(i)

Pennant—Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

(j)

Special Event Sign—Any sign associated with a Holiday, the grand opening or change of business, or anniversary, etc., of a commercial use. Special event signs are meant to be of temporary nature and include such signs as balloons and searchlights for a limited period of time.

(k)

Sandwich Board Sign—Any sign constructed of wood or other material which consisted of two (2) or more sections joined together in any manner which allows the sign to stand without other support or a sign which could be worn/carried by an individual with a portion covering the front of the person and covering a portion on the back of the person.

(l)

Post and Arm Sign—A sign of not greater than six (6) feet in height from grade, completely self-supporting by post and arm.

7.

Sign Surface—That part of the sign upon, against, or through which the message is displayed or illustrated.

8.

Total Surface Area of the Sign—The sum total of all exterior surfaces of the sign, computed in square feet. In the case of a broken sign (a sign with open spaces between the letters, figures, numbers, or symbols) the total surface area shall be measured by multiplying the height of the individual letters or combination of letters by the distance between the outer edges of the two furthermost letters. If an internally-lighted awning is translucent or transparent, the entire awning area shall be included in the calculations of total sign surface area (see diagram).

(Amended: 1-13-92; 4-22-02; 9-28-09; 10-8-12; 8-27-18(10))

Sec. 14.02.

1.

Administration—This article shall be administered by the Zoning Administrator. When a sign permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator, it shall be unlawful to change, modify, alter, or otherwise deviate from the terms or conditions of said permit without prior approval of the Zoning Administrator.

2.

Permits Required:

(a)

It shall be unlawful to display, erect, relocate, or alter any sign other than a temporary yard sign, without obtaining a sign permit. A change of copy does not require a permit.

(b)

A written record of such approval shall be entered upon the original permit application and maintained on file with the Village. Application approval from the Zoning Administrator does not relieve the petitioner from the responsibility of also making application with the Michigan Department of Transportation if the business site abuts U.S. 223.

(c)

The application for a sign permit shall be made by the owner or tenant of the property on which the sign is to be located, or his authorized agent, or a sign contractor. Such applications shall be made in writing on forms furnished by the Zoning Administrator and shall be signed by the applicant and follow the procedures described in the Section XV of the Zoning Ordinance.

(d)

The application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by the following plans and other information;

(1)

The name, address, and telephone number of the owner or persons entitled to possession of the sign and of the sign contractor or erector.

(2)

The location by street address of the proposed sign structure.

(3)

Complete information as required on application forms including a site plan and elevation drawings of the proposed sign, caption of the proposed sign, and such other data as are pertinent to the application.

(4)

Plans indicating the scope and structural detail of the work to be done, including details of all connections, guy lines, supports and footings, and materials to be used.

(5)

An electrical permit application for all electrical signs and required information for such application.

(6)

A statement of valuation.

(Amended: 9-28-09; 8-27-18(10))

Sec. 14.03.

1.

Location:

(a)

All signs shall be so placed as to not interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of any official traffic sign or signal, or with driver vision at any access point or intersection.

(b)

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

(c)

On any corner lot, no fence, wall, hedge, screen, sign, structure, vegetation, or planting shall be allowed to impede vision between a height of 2½ feet and ten feet above the centerline grades within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street right-of-way lines and a straight line joining the two street lines at points which are 25 feet distant from the point of intersection, measured along the street right-of-way line.

(d)

Setbacks shall be measured from the street right-of-way to the nearest surface or point of the sign to the right-of-way.

2.

Illumination:

(a)

No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means and all wiring shall satisfy Village Electrical Codes.

(b)

The light from illuminated signs shall be shielded at its source in a manner that will not shine light on adjacent properties or onto abutting public streets.

(c)

Flashing, rotating, or moving lights shall be prohibited, except time and temperature signs. Searchlights shall be permitted on a temporary basis in conformance with Sections 14.08(2) and (4) [216.1408 2. and 4.] of this Ordinance.

(d)

No portion of the sign shall have a luminance greater than one foot candle measured at four feet perpendicular to any surface.

3.

Safety:

(a)

All signs shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable building codes, and other applicable ordinances governing construction within the Village of Blissfield. In the event of conflict between this Article and other laws, the most restrictive shall govern.

(b)

All signs shall be designed, located, erected and maintained in a manner which shall:

(1)

Avoid hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay, or abandonment;

(2)

Not obstruct firefighting or police surveillance;

(3)

Avoid traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists, or by impairing the driver's ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to read street signs.

4.

Communications Efficiency. All signs shall promote the efficient transfer of information by giving priority to the messages and information most needed and sought.

5.

Abandoned Signs. Signs which advertise businesses that have been out of existence for at least 120 days are expressly prohibited. Signs in existence at the time of adoption of this clause that are carved or otherwise permanently inscribed on building faces are permitted.

6.

Landscape Quality and Preservation. In the application of this Ordinance, it is the intent to protect the public welfare and to enhance the appearance and economic value of the landscape by providing that signs:

(a)

Do not interfere with scenic views.

(b)

Are not detrimental to land or property values.

(c)

Contribute to the special character and historical significance of particular areas or districts in the Village.

(d)

Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public right-of-way.

(e)

Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent property by their brightness, size, height, or movement.

7.

Signs Prohibited in All Districts. Any sign not listed as permitted in this section shall be prohibited as shall those signs designated as prohibited. Provided, however, that this section shall not serve to prohibit those signs listed as permitted elsewhere in this Ordinance. The following is a partial list of prohibited signs and shall serve as examples of signs permitted and prohibited:

Partial List of Prohibited Signs:

(a)

Roof signs.

(b)

Non-digital signs containing flashing, intermittent or moving lights or with moving or revolving parts.

(c)

Signs which imitate traffic signals, traffic direction signs, or similar traffic control devices.

(d)

Temporary signs mounted upon vehicles that do not identify the owner's occupation or business. However, "Bumper stickers" and window decals shall be permitted.

(e)

Signs in the public right-of-way or on public property, unless specifically approved by Village Council.

(f)

Any sign or sign structure deemed to be a safety hazard due to inadequate installation, repair, or maintenance.

(g)

Any sign unlawfully installed or erected.

8.

Signs Permitted in All Districts:

(a)

Nameplates and house numbers not exceeding two square feet in size; memorial signs or tablets may be up to six square feet in size. Historical markers and cemetery stones to be excluded from square foot requirement.

(b)

Directional signs which indicate the direction of traffic flow. Directional signs shall not exceed two square feet in size, shall contain no advertising, and may be illuminated.

(c)

Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, or municipality, educational institution, or service organizations may be displayed providing they not exceed the size and height provisions of Section 14.04 [216.1405].

9.

Non-Application. No provision contained within Article XIV shall be deemed to apply to any sign(s) located on any fence which is a part of any baseball or softball field located in Ellis Park, Bachmayer Memorial Playground, or O.W. Farver Memorial Park.

(Amended: 11-11-91; 1-13-92; 6-26-95; 8-28-95; 4-22-02; 9-28-09; 8-27-18(10))

Sec. 14.04. The following freestanding signs shall be permitted in the following districts in accordance with the regulations herein. Freestanding signs located on property fronting on U.S. 223, are further subject to the Michigan Department of Transportation regulations.

1.

Special Requirements for Freestanding Signs:

(a)

If a commercial board is affixed to a freestanding sign, an additional 32 square feet of sign area may be added for a commercial message board.

(b)

All freestanding signs shall be structurally designed and constructed in conformance with the Village Building Code.

2.

Permitted Freestanding Signs within the C-2 (Central Business District) (see diagram):

(a)

Only one freestanding sign shall be erected on any business premises.

(b)

A freestanding sign may be located at the property line but may not project into the public right-of-way.

(c)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height when located at the property line. Additional height of one foot for each one foot of setback from the property line is permitted. However, in no case shall the height of a freestanding sign exceed 20 feet orthe height of the building as defined in Article XII of the Zoning Ordinance whichever is greater.

(d)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed 25 square feet per side in area, not to exceed a total area of 50 square feet. Additional area of one square foot for each one foot of setback from the property line is permitted. However, in no case shall the area of a freestanding sign exceed 50 square feet per side, or a total area of 100 square feet.

3.

Permitted Freestanding Signs within the Local Commercial (C-1), General Commercial (C-3), the Industrial (I-1), the Heavy Industrial (I-2), and the Office, Research, and Industrial ((O/R/I) Zoning Districts:

(a)

Only one freestanding sign shall be erected on any business premises. If there are more than one premises per business site, all signs for that site shall be on one structure.

(b)

A freestanding sign may be located no closer than ten feet from the property line.

(c)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height when located ten feet inside the property line. Additional height of one foot for each one foot of setback from the property line is permitted. However, in no case shall the height of a freestanding sign exceed 25 feet or the height of the building as defined in the Zoning Ordinance whichever is greater.

(d)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed 50 square feet per side in area, not to exceed a total area of 100 square feet. Additional area of one square foot for each one foot of setback from the ten foot setback line is permitted. However, in no case shall the area of a freestanding sign exceed 80 square feet per side, or a total area of 160 square feet.

4.

Permitted Freestanding Signs for the following Special Land Uses: churches; public buildings; professional office[s]; cemeteries; parks; private and public schools; child care centers; swimming pool clubs; private recreation areas and institutional or community recreation centers; golf courses; colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning; hospitals; convalescent and/or nursing homes; bed and breakfast; and Village limit signs.

(a)

Only one freestanding sign shall be erected on any business premises. If there are more than one premises per business site, all signs for that site shall be on one structure.

(b)

A freestanding sign may be located no closer than ten feet from the property line.

(c)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet in height when located at the ten foot setback.

(d)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet per side in area, not to exceed a total area of 40 square feet.

5.

Permitted Freestanding Signs for Single-Family Residential Subdivision Developments, Manufactured Home Parks, Planned Residential Unit Developments, Multiple Family Developments and Housing for the Elderly:

(a)

Only one freestanding sign shall be erected on any developed area or project.

(b)

A freestanding sign may be located no closer than ten feet from the property line.

(c)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet in height when located at the ten foot setback.

(d)

A freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet per side in area, not to exceed a total area of 40 square feet.

6.

Digital Message Signs:

(a)

Digital message signs are only permitted in the US-223 corridor, east of the intersection of US-223 and Depot Street, and west of the intersection of US-223 and the Main Street, and on all lands zoned Public lands (PL). Digital message signs along US-223 between these two intersections, or along other areas of the Village, shall not be permitted.

(b)

One digital message sign may be substituted in lieu of each permitted commercial message board on a freestanding sign.

(c)

Specifications and limitations for digital message signs are as follows:

(1)

The digital message sign shall only be used as part of a freestanding monument sign.

(2)

The digital message sign shall be mounted at the bottom of the freestanding sign.

(3)

The total area of each digital message sign shall be no more than 24 square feet per side of message area. The message area shall constitute the total area capable of being lighted.

(4)

The digital message sign must have a non-reflective background.

(5)

The dwell time for each digital message shall be a minimum of two (2) seconds.

(6)

The message may scroll during its dwell time, but shall not flash (have a dwell time of less than two (2) seconds). Aside from scrolling, digital signs may not include moving or otherwise animated messages.

7.

Permitted Freestanding Signs for Mixed Use Districts:

(a)

Only post and arm signs and monument signs are allowed in Mixed Use District.

(b)

Only one freestanding sign shall be erected on any business premises.

(c)

A freestanding sign may be located no closer than ten (10) feet from the property line.

(d)

A freestanding post and arm sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height when located at the ten (10) foot setback and sign area per sign face of not more than twenty (20) square feet.

(e)

A freestanding monument sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height when located at the ten (10) foot setback and sign area per sign face of not more than twenty (20) square feet. An additional twelve (12) square feet of changeable message board is allowed.

(Amended: 4-22-02; 11-25-02; 5-27-03; 9-28-09; 10-8-12; 11-28-16(1); 8-27-18(10))

Sec. 14.05. The following wall signs shall be permitted in the following districts in accordance with the regulations herein:

1.

Special Requirements for all Wall Signs:

(a)

No wall sign shall be erected to extend above the top of the wall to which it is attached, nor extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached. Signs erected on the vertical portion of the mansard roof are considered to be wall signs.

(b)

All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the building by means of metal anchors, bolts, or expansion screws. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails.

2.

Permitted Wall Signs within the Central Business (C-2) Zoning District:

(a)

Each tenant within a business site may have one wall sign displayed on the exterior wall of that building.

(1)

The total sign area of all wall signs on the front public street right-of-way shall not exceed forty (40) square foot or ten (10) percent of the wall surface of such wall, whichever is greater.

(2)

For buildings which have frontage on a second public street right-of-way, the total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed thirty (30) square foot or ten (10) percent of the wall surface of the second such wall, whichever is greater.

(3)

A single twelve (12) square foot wall sign may be placed on any other exposed building surface that does not front upon a public street right-of-way.

3.

Permitted Wall Signs within the Local Commercial (C-1), General Commercial (C-3), the Industrial (I-1), Heavy Industrial (I-2), and the Office, Research and Industrial (O/R/I) Zoning Districts:

(a)

Each tenant within a business site may have one wall sign displayed on the exterior wall of that building.

(1)

The total sign area of all wall signs on the front public street right-of-way shall not exceed forty (40) square foot or ten (10) percent of the wall surface of such wall, whichever is greater.

(2)

For buildings which have frontage on a second public street right-of-way, the total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed thirty (30) square foot or ten (10) percent of the wall surface of the second such wall, whichever is greater.

(3)

A single twelve (12) square foot wall sign may be placed on any other exposed building surface that does not front upon a public street right-of-way.

4.

Permitted Wall Signs for the Following Special Land Uses and Mixed Use Districts:

(a)

Each tenant within a business site may have one wall sign displayed on the exterior wall of that building.

(1)

The total sign area of all wall signs on the front public street right-of-way shall not exceed forty (40) square feet or ten (10) percent of the wall surface of such wall, whichever is greater.

(2)

For buildings which have frontage on a second public street right-of-way, the total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet or then (10) percent of the wall surface of the second such wall, whichever is greater.

(3)

A single twelve (12) square foot wall sign may be placed on any other exposed building surface that does not front upon a public street right-of-way.

5.

Permitted Wall Signs for Multiple Family Developments and Housing for the Elderly:

(a)

There shall be no more than one wall sign permitted for each project. Projects which have frontage on two public rights-of-way may have one wall sign on each frontage provided the total square foot requirements set forth in Section 14.05 [216.1405] are met.

(b)

The surface area of a wall sign, or combination of wall signs, shall not exceed a total of 30 square feet.

(Amended: 4-22-02; 11-25-02; 5-27-03; 9-29-08; 10-8-12; 8-27-18(1))

Sec. 14.06. Marquee signs may be substituted in whole or part for permitted wall signs. The total number and surface area of marquee signs, combination of marquee signs, or combination of marquee and wall signs shall comply with the requirements set forth in Section 14.05 1, and 2 [216.1405 1. and 2.].

(Amended: 9-29-08; 8-27-18(10))

[Sec. 14.07. Deleted by amendment adopted April 22, 2002.]

Sec. 14.08. The following temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations herein:

1.

Permitted Temporary Yard Signs:

(a)

Temporary yard signs shall be permitted in any district. Such signs shall not exceed an area of six square feet and a height of four feet in all single family residential districts and an area of 20 square feet and a height of 12 feet in all other districts. A maximum of two temporary yard signs per street frontage are permitted.

(b)

Temporary yard signs shall not be placed in any manner on public property. They may only be placed on private property with the consent of the property owners.

2.

Permitted Portable Temporary Signs:

(a)

A portable temporary sign shall be permitted in the C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, O/R/I, Mixed Use, and PL Zoning Districts.

(b)

A portable temporary sign shall not exceed six feet in height.

(c)

A portable temporary sign shall not exceed 32 square feet per side in area.

(d)

A portable temporary sign, excepting sandwich board signs, will require a thirty-day renewable permit which will be issued by the Blissfield Village Zoning Administrator. Provided, however, that no more than four permits shall be issued per portable temporary sign in any one calendar year, and that no more than two permits may be issued for the same portable temporary sign in any 90-day period.

(e)

Sandwich board signs shall be placed only in the front of the place of business which they advertise and shall only be placed out for display during the hours of operation of the business advertised. Each side of the sandwich board may be no larger than eight square feet. Sandwich board signs shall be the only portable temporary sign allowed in the Mixed Use District.

(f)

Placement of a portable temporary sign or sandwich board sign shall be approved by the Village of Blissfield Zoning Administrator and Village of Blissfield Chief of Police or their designated representative in order to ensure safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicular movement.

3.

Permitted Special Event Signs and Advertising Devices:

(a)

Special event signs and advertising devices shall be permitted for a period not to exceed 15 calendar days.

(b)

Searchlights shall not be located nearer than 50 feet to any property line.

(c)

Special event signs and advertising devices, other than searchlights, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

(d)

Special event signs and advertising devices, other than searchlights, shall not be located nearer than 20 feet to any property line.

(e)

One cold air or helium inflatable balloon may be used, subject to the following conditions:

(1)

The balloon shall not exceed 40 feet in height and shall be set back from any property line one foot for every one foot in height.

(2)

Said balloon may be roof mounted or ground installed.

(3)

Said balloon may be illuminated from inside or by exterior lighting placed to direct the light source away from adjacent roadways or properties.

(4)

Said balloon shall be installed so as not to interfere with utility lines, traffic circulation, visibility of drivers, or fire lanes.

4.

Banners and Pennants:

(a)

Banners shall be permitted in all zoning districts.

(b)

Pennants are permitted only in commercial or industrial zoned districts.

(c)

Banners shall not exceed 32 square feet in commercial, industrial and public land zoned districts.

(d)

Banners shall not exceed 20 square feet in residential zoned districts.

(e)

Placement of banners and pennants is subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator or Village of Blissfield Police Chief.

(Amended: 1-13-92; 3-25-02; 4-22-02; 1-28-08; 9-28-09; 10-8-12; 11-25-13; 11-28-16(1); 8-27-18(1))

Sec. 14.09.

1.

Signs lawfully erected prior to the effective date of this Ordinance, which do not meet the standards of this Article may be maintained except as provided hereafter.

2.

No non-conforming sign shall:

(a)

Be changed to another non-conforming sign;

(b)

Be modified so as to change the shape, size, or design of the sign, including a change of copy;

(c)

Be re-established after the activity, business, or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for more than 90 days; or

(d)

Be repaired or re-erected after sustaining damage valued at more than 50 percent of the costs of an identical new sign.

3.

If the owner of a sign or the property on which a sign is located changes the location of a building, property line, or sign or changes the use of a building so that any sign on the property is made non-conforming, such sign must be removed or made to conform to this article.

(Amended: 9-28-09; 8-27-18(10))

Sec. 14.10.

1.

Violations. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a civil infraction, and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $100.00 and the costs of prosecution thereof.

2.

Public Nuisance Per Se. Any sign which is erected, altered or converted, and in violation of any of the provisions thereof is hereby declared to be a public nuisance per se, and may be abated by order of any court of competent jurisdiction.

3.

Authority of Zoning Administrator; notification of sign owner; removal. If the Zoning Administrator shall find that any sign is maintained in violation of the provisions of this section, they shall give written notice to the person owning or having the beneficial use of the sign or the property where the sign is located. If such person fails to alter or remove the sign so as to comply with this section within 30 days after such notice, the Zoning Administrator may cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner or persons having the beneficial use of the property or sign. The Zoning Administrator may cause any sign which is immediate peril to persons or persons' property to be removed forthwith. These procedures are supplemental to other legal remedies as available for the enforcement of this article.

4.

Fines. The owner of any building, structure or premises or part thereof, where any condition in violation of this article shall exist or shall be created, and who has assisted knowingly in the commission of such violation shall be guilty of a separate offense and upon conviction thereof shall be liable to the fines herein provided.

5.

Each Day a Separate Offense. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or when a violation occurs or continued.

6.

Rights and Remedies are Cumulative. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and in addition to any other remedies provided by law.

7.

Conformity with ordinance. All signage in the Village shall conform to this Ordinance within five years of adoption or be granted variances as provided by this Ordinance.

(Amended: 5-23-94; 9-28-09; 8-27-18(10))