The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that persons and businesses desiring to exercise their rights, under the first amendment of the U.S. constitution, by expressing commercial and noncommercial messages, shall be treated uniformly while ensuring that the public health, safety and welfare are protected. This chapter has the following specific objectives:

   A.   To ensure that signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained so that the public safety and traffic safety are not compromised;

   B.   To allow and promote positive conditions for sign communications while at the same time avoiding nuisances to nearby properties and promoting an attractive environment;

   C.   To reflect and support the desired character and development patterns of the various zoning districts;

   D.   To allow for adequate and effective signs in commercial and industrial zones while preventing signs from dominating the appearance of the area; and

   E.   To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

Other than lawful nonconforming signs, no signs shall be permitted in any zoning district except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and shall require a sign permit in conformance with the provisions in subsection 10-4-2F of this title. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

   A.   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the erection, alteration, reconstruction, construction and maintenance of all on premises and off premises signs and billboards within the city.

   B.   To the extent that any other provision of this title shall be more restrictive than the provisions set forth in this chapter, the more restrictive provision shall apply.

   C.   The sections, paragraphs, clauses, and phrases of this chapter are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this chapter shall be declared unlawful by the valid judgment, decree or injunction order of a court of competent jurisdiction, such ruling shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this chapter. In the event that, contrary to the policies, interests, and values of the city, a court of competent jurisdiction issues a judgment, decree or injunction order that this chapter is unlawful because of any omission or prohibition in this chapter, then all provisions of this chapter not specifically declared to be unlawful shall remain in full force and effect. In the event that a judgment, decree or injunction order declaring all or a portion of this chapter to be unlawful is reversed or vacated by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provisions contained in this chapter shall remain in full force and effect.

   D.   Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, no sign shall be subject to any limitation based on the content of message contained on such sign. Any sign authorized in this chapter may contain noncommercial copy in lieu of any other copy. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

   A.   Maximum On Premises Sign Area Per Lot, Tract Or Parcel:

      1.   The maximum allowable sign area permitted for on premises signs for any lot or parcel shall be computed by applying the maximum sign area permitted in a zoning district contained in table 10-1 (subsection A3 of this section). Lots fronting on two (2) or more streets are allowed to include the sum of all street frontages when calculating total allowable maximum on premises sign area. For example, the property shown in exhibit 10-1 (subsection A3 of this section) would have a total of two hundred thirty feet (230') of frontage (150' + 80').

      2.   The total square footage for window signs, wall signs and awning signs on the exterior of the building shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the building face on any elevation. These totals do not count towards the maximum sign area allowed pursuant to table 10-1 (subsection A3 of this section). Projecting signs do count towards the maximum sign area. Banners are allowed and do not count toward maximum sign area if located in an interior side or rear yard and they are placed more than twenty five feet (25') from the right of way line. Banners that are placed less than twenty five feet (25') from any right of way shall be treated as temporary signs pursuant to section 10-10-10 of this chapter.

      3.   Exhibit 10-1:

Exhibit 10-1

   B.   Sign Face Area: On premises signs shall be calculated by measuring from the extreme boundaries of each sign face. The message area shall include any emblem, logo, trademark, representation or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but shall not include the supporting framework, bracing, poles, apron, supports, structural members, decorative fence or wall that is clearly incidental to the sign and not a part of the message. The sign area of on premises directional signs shall not be included in the measurement of the total sign area. Billboards and off premises sign area calculations shall include the border and trim.

      1.   Cabinet Signs: The sign area is determined by multiplying the width by the height as shown in exhibit 10-2 (subsection B4 of this section). The sign area of round cabinet signs shall be calculated based on the radius of the sign with the formula shown in exhibit 10-2 of this section.

      2.   Back To Back Signs: The sign area of back to back signs shall be calculated as shown in exhibit 10-3 (subsection B4 of this section). If the sign faces are parallel or within ten degrees (10°) of parallel, then only one sign face is measured. If there is a separation of more than three feet (3') between faces or an angle greater than ten degrees (10°), then each sign face shall be calculated.

      3.   Multiple Signs: The sign area for multiple signs shall be calculated by taking the sum of the sign area for each individual cabinet. For example, in exhibit 10-4 (subsection B4 of this section), the sign area would be:

(A x B) + (C x D) + (E x F)

      4.   Exhibits:

Exhibit 10-2

Exhibit 10-3

Exhibit 10-4

   C.   Sign Height: The height of the sign shall be measured from the ground, excluding berms, filling, mounding or excavations, at the base of the sign or from the grade level of the adjacent street or highway centerline, whichever is higher, to the top of highest attached component of the sign. In cases where the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined due to multiple levels of the building or topography, the sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot, whichever is lower. Exhibit 10-5 at the end of this subsection shows the method for calculating sign height. Where topography neighboring buildings or existing landscaping would obscure a sign from the adjoining street, the applicant may request a variance in conformance with subsection 10-4-3J of this title.

Exhibit 10-5

(Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

   A.   The type of sign permitted, maximum number of signs, maximum size, maximum height, maximum projection, minimum setback, lighting method, and permit requirement shall be in conformance with table 10-1 of this section. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

 

(Ord. 07-O-16, 4-3-2007; amd. Ord. 09-O-60, 12-1-2009)

   B.   The requirements for sign standards are based on the zoning districts in which the signs are located. See chapter 5 of this title for more detail on the zoning districts. In addition to the standards established in table 10-1 (subsection A of this section), the following standards shall apply:

      1.   Projecting Signs: Projecting signs, when allowed, may extend up to six feet (6') into the required front, rear or side setback areas. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

      2.   Setbacks:

         a.   Signs In Setback Areas: Signs may be allowed within required setback areas, provided they do not interfere with the required sight triangle as described in subsection 10-8-2F2 of this title, and they are not located within the distance of an electrical or telecommunications distribution line prescribed by the service provider. (Ord. 07-O-16, 4-3-2007)

         b.   Extension Of Sign Into Right Of Way: No sign shall be permitted to extend into or onto a public right of way.

         c.   Setbacks From A And R Districts:

            (1)   On premises advertising signs in any R-3, R-3U, R-4, R-4U, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1 or I-2 district shall be located at least twenty feet (20') from any RE, R-1 or R-2 district. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

            (2)   Off premises signs and billboards allowed under section 10-10-7 and subsection 10-10-10C of this chapter in any district shall be located at least seventy five feet (75') from any R district. (Ord. 07-O-16, 4-3-2007)

      3.   Sign Separation: A ground mounted sign (e.g., pole and monument signs) shall not be located closer to another ground mounted sign than the distance indicated in table 10-2 of this section, measured parallel to the right of way. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

 

 

(Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003; amd. Ord. 07-O-16, 4-3-2007)

The following signs shall not be permitted in any district: (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

   A.   Signs with flashing, moving, rotating, pulsating or glaring parts, excluding message boards that have disabled the flashing mode. The interval between new messages and/or scenes for electronic message boards shall be a minimum of two (2) seconds. (Ord. 07-O-58, 11-20-2007)

   B.   Signs which resemble traffic control signs or devices or use the words "stop", "slow", "danger", "caution" or the like, which may confuse motorists and cause traffic hazards.

   C.   Strings of lights, pennants, strings and loops of strings or ribbons, garlands, searchlights, beacons, paper posters applied directly to a wall, pole, fence or building surface, and banners and streamers (except as allowed in section 10-10-10 of this chapter).

   D.   Signs containing obscene messages, scenes or graphics, or false or misleading advertising or information.

   E.   Portable or temporary signs other than those specifically permitted in section 10-10-10 of this chapter.

   F.   Billboards and off premises signs, except as allowed under section 10-10-7 and subsection 10-10-10C of this chapter or as allowed within sports and entertainment facilities.

   G.   Snipe signs or signs attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, streetlights, utility poles, or fences, or placed on any public property or public right of way, except as authorized by the city.

   H.   Signs placed on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign, except as allowed in section 10-10-7 of this chapter.

   I.   Signs placed on or extending over the public right of way. Subdivision signs in medians may be authorized pursuant to subsection 10-4-2G of this title.

   J.   Any sign on which the illuminating or lighting device is so placed as to reflect or shine directly into the adjacent highways or streets in such a manner as to hamper the vision of a motor vehicle operator thereon.

   K.   Roof signs.

   L.   Business, company, or other nongovernmental flags displayed on roof mounted poles. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

   M.   Street blimps and balloons. (Ord. 07-O-16, 4-3-2007)

   N.   Mobile billboard signs on trailers, except as allowed in section 10-10-10 of this chapter. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

Except as noted below, the following signs are excluded from regulation under this chapter. Exemption from this chapter does not exempt property owners from duties and responsibilities established by private deed restrictions or covenants.

   A.   Residential Signs: Signs not exceeding one square foot in area that are customarily associated with residential use, such as signs identifying names or numbers or signs on mailboxes, and are not of a commercial nature, except for permitted home occupations.

   B.   Governmental Signs: Signs erected by, or on behalf of, or pursuant to the authorization by a governmental body.

   C.   Flags: The United States flag, the Illinois state flag and any local government flag shall be excluded from the maximum allowable sign area; however, business, company, institutional and any other nongovernmental flags shall be included in the total allowable signage of a premises.

   D.   Decorative/Architectural Features: Holiday season decorations and signage; historic plaques, cornerstones and commemorative plaques; integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain letters, trademarks or moving parts; and seasonal and festive pennants; provided, that any commercial message does not exceed the lesser of two (2) square feet or ten percent (10%) of the pennant.

   E.   Directional Signs: On premises, directional signs visible from an abutting street; provided, that they do not exceed six (6) square feet per sign face or three feet (3') in height or interfere with visibility for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

   F.   Vehicular Signs: Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed and operable motor vehicles.

   G.   Noncommercial Signs: Signs expressing constitutionally protected speech not otherwise addressed herein; church, school and college bulletin boards not exceeding twenty (20) square feet; periodic events signs; community carnival and event signs.

   H.   Traffic Signs: Traffic signs authorized by act of the city council or other public agency having authority over public use of right of way.

   I.   Warning Signs: Warning signs, no trespassing, no hunting and similar signs.

   J.   Political Signs: Political signs posted no more than thirty (30) days prior to an election and removed within seven (7) days of the election. All other political signs shall be considered temporary signs and shall comply with subsection 10-10-10B of this chapter.

   K.   Community Events Signs: Community events signs shall have the same size restrictions as temporary signs and may be displayed up to thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the event and must be taken down no later than seven (7) days after the last day of the event. Community signs must not be attached to any existing sign structure. Community events signs do not count as temporary signs for the business and do not count toward the maximum sign area for the site on which they are located.

   L.   Real Estate Signs: Real estate signs placed on the premises of the property that is for sale or lease. They shall not be placed in the public right of way or on the boulevard. Sign size shall be limited to nine (9) square feet in any residential district and thirty two (32) square feet in any commercial or industrial district. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of a sign permit is to ensure that signs are safely constructed and comply with the provisions of this chapter.

   B.   Permit Required: No person shall erect or alter a nonexempt sign until a sign permit has been issued by the community development director, or their designee.

   C.   Exemptions From Permit: The following signs and sign activities shall not require permits if no structural change is made to the sign or its support structure:

      1.   Replacing or altering changeable copy on theater marquees, billboards and similar signs.

      2.   Touching up or repainting existing letters, symbols and sign cases and poles.

      3.   Actions taken to ensure that the sign is safe and maintained.

      4.   Replacing a sign face; provided, that the face is the same size and fits into the existing frame.

      5.   Traffic or other municipal or informational signs; legal notices; railroad crossing signs; danger, warning and such temporary, emergency or nonadvertising signs necessary for traffic control or as may be approved by the city council.

      6.   Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other metal.

   D.   Submittal Requirements:

      1.   Materials And Application Deadlines: Current application materials and schedules for submittal are available during normal business hours from the office of the community development director, or their designee.

      2.   Application Fees: Any action on an application for the erection, change of sign face or structure or display of a sign pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to the required fee in the amount as established by the city council.

      3.   Required Information:

         a.   A master signage plan shall be required for shopping centers, office and business parks and industrial parks in conformance with subsection 10-10-9B of this chapter.

         b.   Written and graphic information shall be sufficient to demonstrate that the sign is in compliance with the city's adopted building and electrical codes.

   E.   Review Criteria: All signs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this title and the city's adopted building and electrical codes.

   F.   Validity: The sign shall be completed within six (6) months, or as otherwise indicated in the sign permit. If no construction of the sign has commenced within this time period, the permit shall be no longer valid, and a new sign application shall be required. The sign permit shall be valid as long as the use and sign are in compliance with applicable codes. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003; amd. Ord. 2025-O-5, 2-18-2025)

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of a master signage plan is to ensure that signage for multi-tenant properties is coordinated and consistent with the standards of this title.

   B.   Plan Required: All applications for new construction or reconstruction of shopping centers, business and industrial parks and other multi-tenant developments shall be accompanied by a master signage or common signage plan or amendments thereto. The owner of the property shall be responsible for allocating sign area to tenants of the property.

   C.   Contents: Any site plan application for applicable development projects shall include a master signage plan that includes the following information:

      1.   Plan:

         a.   Plot plan at scale.

         b.   Location of buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas.

         c.   Computation of the total frontage of the lot, parcel or tract and maximum total sign area, maximum area of individual signs, heights of signs, and number of pole/post signs.

         d.   Location and placement of all signs.

         e.   Setbacks and sign dimensions.

         f.   Landscaping and other site improvements to be coordinated with the sign placement.

      2.   Consent: The master signage plan shall be signed by the property owners or their authorized agents.

   D.   Sign Area Bonus: The maximum total sign area allowed for a multi-tenant development may be increased ten percent (10%) if the master signage plan demonstrates the use of uniform wall signage, graphics, lettering, sizes, colors, materials, and placement. The plan may provide for design variations for colors and lettering that are part of a corporate logo or identification scheme. A single menu sign that incorporates and coordinates with these methods of signage shall be used rather than multiple pole/post signs for the property. Exhibit 10-6 of this section provides an example of the type of master signage plan that could be eligible for a ten percent (10%) increase in maximum total sign area.

Exhibit 10-6

(Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

Temporary signs shall be permitted in conformance with table 10-1 (subsection 10-10-5A of this chapter) and the following regulations:

   A.   Appearance And Installation: Temporary signs for special events may be approved, provided the signs do not have moving parts, blinking or flashing lights, glaring lights, animated neon or extensive use of bright, offensive colors. All temporary signs shall be secured on at least two (2) sides to the ground or a building or structure to prevent the sign from being moved by physical or weather forces.

   B.   Requirements:

      1.   Banners and portable signs are allowed without permits subject to the following requirements:

         a.   No more than one temporary sign may be posted per one hundred (100) linear feet of frontage;

         b.   The maximum size of a banner or portable sign shall be twelve (12) square feet;

         c.   Signs must be placed on the property, and location shall not interfere with visibility for pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and

         d.   The signs shall only be displayed between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) A.M. and seven o’clock (7:00) P.M.

         a.   Term: Temporary signs may be permitted for up to thirty (30) consecutive days but not more than four (4) times within one calendar year.

         b.   Maximum number: One per one hundred (100) linear feet of frontage.

   C.   Street Banners: The community development director, or their designee, may authorize the installation of street banners within the public right of way to advertise special events beneficial to the public and community.

The design and construction of flagpoles shall comply with table 10-4 of this section. Business, company, institutional and any other nongovernmental flags shall be included in the calculation of total allowable signage. No flagpole shall be erected or installed without first obtaining a permit. Decorative flags and banners, such as birthday, holiday, crests and similar kinds used on residential dwellings, are exempt from these requirements.

 

 

(Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003)

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of this section is to provide for the regulation of signs and sign structures that legally existed prior to the effective date hereof, but which fail to comply with one or more of the applicable regulations or standards. It is the intent of this section to specify those circumstances and conditions under which such nonconformities shall be permitted to continue.

   B.   Applicability: This section applies to nonconforming signs and sign structures that were originally allowed and have been maintained over time. These signs and sign structures have legal nonconforming status and may continue so long as they are otherwise legal. Nonconforming signs and sign structures that were not permitted when they were established and have been maintained over time have no legal right to continue and shall be terminated.

   C.   Status Of Legal Nonconforming Signs: Any on premises or off premises sign or billboard which was lawfully established, erected or affixed prior to the effective date hereof and which complied with all regulations in force at the time it was erected or affixed, but which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this title, shall be considered a legal nonconforming sign or billboard. A legal nonconforming sign or billboard may be continued so long as it is otherwise in conformance with these standards and is maintained in good condition. The owner of a nonconforming sign or billboard shall register the sign or billboard with the community development director, or their designee, and shall provide documentation of the prior existence of the nonconformity within twelve (12) months of notification by the city of the nonconformity. Documentation shall include:

      1.   A dated receipt for sale or erection from a sign contractor or sign shop; or

      2.   Dated utility bills for separate meter to service the sign or billboard; or

      3.   Advertisements with a photograph of the sign or billboard in dated publications; or

      4.   Other evidence showing that the sign existed prior to the effective date hereof.

   D.   Certificate Of Nonconforming Use: If the community development director, or their designee, determines that the nonconforming sign was permitted at the time and has been legally maintained over time, the community development director, or their designee, will issue a certificate of nonconforming use to the applicant.

   F.   Conditions Under Which Nonconforming Signs And Billboards Are Not Permitted: Under the following conditions, a nonconforming sign shall be removed or brought into conformance with this title:

      1.   Illegal Sign Or Billboard: The sign or billboard was not established or expanded in conformance with the regulations of this chapter or previous ordinances adopted by the city to regulate advertising and signs.

      2.   Destruction Or Damage: If any nonconforming sign or billboard is destroyed or damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of the replacement cost of the sign and its structure, as determined by a certified real estate appraiser, the sign or billboard shall not be replaced.

      3.   Excessive Maintenance Or Repairs: If the value of maintenance or repairs to ensure the safety and compliance of the sign or billboard with the regulations of this chapter is fifty percent (50%) or more of the fair market value of the sign prior to the repairs, as determined by a state certified real estate appraiser, the sign or billboard shall be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter. Value shall be based on material costs and labor based on prevailing wage rates.

      4.   Cessation Of Use Of Property: A nonconforming sign shall be removed or made to conform to all the requirements of this chapter if one of the following occurs:

         a.   The use of the property for which the sign was intended to advertise is discontinued for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

         b.   The products or services offered on the site for which the sign was intended are no longer offered for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

         c.   The nonconforming sign or billboard ceases to be used for the purpose for which it was intended for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

      5.   Prohibited Nonconforming Signs And Billboards: Any sign that is prohibited under this chapter shall be removed or made to conform to the current sign regulations within thirty (30) days of receipt of a notice of nonconformity. Provided, however that the owner may appeal the removal requirement, which may be heard in accordance with subsection 10-4-3 L of this title, if the applicant files the appeal within one hundred twenty (120) days of receipt of the notice. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003; amd. Ord. 2025-O-5, 2-18-2025)

   A.   Maintenance Requirements: Every on premises and off premises sign or billboard and its supporting structure shall be maintained in good repair. All structural members and all advertising copy shall be kept painted and clean so as to prevent deterioration, oxidation, paint fading, paint peeling or other unsightly conditions. Owners that are found to be improperly maintaining on or off premises signs or billboards shall be given written notice to correct the condition within thirty (30) days. All electrical signs shall continuously conform to the electrical code adopted by the city.

   B.   Inspections: The community development director, or their designee, shall inspect or cause to be inspected all signs and shall require the removal of any sign found to have been established in violation of this chapter. The community development director, or their designee, shall require the removal or repair of any sign that is:

      1.   Not securely affixed to a substantial structure or anchored to the ground.

      2.   Not in good repair.

      3.   Related to a business or product which is no longer in operation or unavailable.

      4.   Unclean or faded to such an extent as to be unsightly.

      5.   Creating a dangerous or unsafe condition for traffic or pedestrians. (Ord. 03-O-9, 3-18-2003; amd. Ord. 2025-O-5, 2-18-2025)