Darien City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
62 Signs
§ 17.62.010 Purpose.
[Prior code § 17.0701]
The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for the fabrication, erection, and use of signs and signage for all properties within the Village. This chapter regulates the location type size and height of signage in order to protect and promote the public welfare, health, and safety of persons within the community; to aid in the development and promotion of business and industry; and to ensure implementation of the comprehensive plan of the Village within the Village's zoning districts. The adoption of this chapter reflects the formal finding of fact on the part of the Village Plan Commission and the Village Board that regulation of signage furthers four compelling governmental interests:
A.
To promote the public welfare, health, and safety of all persons using the public thoroughfares and right-of-ways within the Village as to the signage displayed thereon, or overhanging, or projecting into such public spaces;
B.
To advance the aesthetic goals of the Village throughout the community, and to ensure the effectiveness and flexibility in the design of, and the creativity of, the use of such devices without creating detriment to the general public;
C.
To reduce the visual clutter caused by advertising signage which the Village has determined is a significant cause of unsafe traffic and visibility conditions; and
D.
To limit the spread of strip commercial development, of which signs are a primary contributor, so as to be respectful of the reasonable rights of other advertisers and business entities whose messages are also displayed in such areas. Furthermore, the Village advocates that this regulation leaves ample and adequate alternative channels of commercial speech communication for the messages portrayed on such advertising signage, namely, print media, broadcast media, and point-of-purchase display, and is narrowly defined so as to limit any prohibitions on commercial speech on exterior signage.
§ 17.62.020 Sign permits.
[Prior code § 17.0702]
A.
The following sign uses and purposes are permitted in all zoning districts without the need for a sign permit. Such signs shall not count as part of the maximum permitted sign area as regulated by Sections 17.62.050 and 17.62.060.
1.
Address numerals and identification signs not exceeding two square feet in area;
2.
Legal notices;
3.
Signs established by, or by order of, any governmental agency;
4.
Memorial signs and tablets displayed in cemeteries;
5.
On-premise directional signs which bear no advertising including logos;
7.
Political signs and flags of government, religion, fraternal, or civic organizations;
8.
Auxiliary signs per 17.62.030(A)(1), if under four square feet.
B.
Community information signs shall be permitted only as a conditional use within all zoning districts and upon any property within the jurisdiction of this title. As such, the review of a request for the erection of a community information sign shall comply with the requirements of Section 17.72.040. The proposed size, configuration, and design of the sign shall be described as part of the conditional use requirements. As a conditional use, the Village may revoke the designation of an approved community information sign if such sign fails to comply with the requirements of this title. Such action shall proceed per the requirements of Section 17.72.040(H). Upon revocation, the owner of the sign shall have 30 days to remove the sign at the owner's expense.
1.
Such sign shall only display information regarding events and information of general interest to the residents of Darien. Copy which may be considered as advertising a product, private or restricted participation event, or activity for private profit shall be prohibited.
2.
Such sign may be located on private or public property (including right-of-way).
4.
Such sign shall not be counted as adding to the area of signage on the subject property for the purposes of regulating sign area.
§ 17.62.030 Definitions and regulations specific to certain signs.
[Prior code § 17.0703]
The following definitions shall be used by this chapter to assist in the establishment of clear cut signage regulations. In general, "sign purposes" refers to where or how a sign is used. "Sign types" refers to the style of the sign, and "sign measurement" explains how the dimensions of a sign are determined.
Any object, device, display, structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. Signs do not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state, city, religious, fraternal, or civic organization; also merchandise and pictures or models of products or services incorporated in a window display, works of art which in no way identify a product, or scoreboards located on athletic fields. Definitions of particular functional, locational, and structural types of signs are listed in this section. (Traffic control and other public agency signs located within a right-of-way are not included within this definition and are not regulated by the provisions of this title).
A.
Sign Purposes.
[Amended 11-19-2018 by Ord. No. 306]
1.
AUXILIARY SIGN — A sign which provides special information such as price, hours of operation, or warning and which does not include brand names, or information regarding product lines or services. It may contain a business logo if the logo is under one square foot in area. Examples of such signs include "no trespassing" signs and signs which list prices of gasoline, up to one price listing sign per type of fuel, which must be displayed on a single structure. See Section 17.62.060(C)(2).
2.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SIGN — A permanent sign approved with a conditional use permit (per Section 17.72.040) which may have changeable copy and which is limited to the display of information of interest to the general community regarding scheduled public events and public activities. See Section 17.62.020(B).
3.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, OFF-PREMISES — A sign which indicates only the name, direction, and/or distance of a government facility. This definition does not pertain to off-premises advertising signs. See Section 17.62.040(A)(6).
4.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, ON-PREMISES — A sign which indicates only the name, logo (if under one square foot), and/or direction of a pedestrian or traffic facility, or a particular building within a complex of structures, on the property on which said facility or building is located.
5.
GROUP SIGN — A sign displaying the collective name of a group of uses such as the title of a shopping center, office park, or industrial park and its tenants. No sales or price information shall be permitted. Portions of the sign containing the names of individual tenants shall be considered as part of the area of a group sign. Group signs shall only be permitted within developments serving two or more nonresidential tenants, and are permitted on any form of permitted business or identification signage.
6.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN — A sign indicating the name and/or address of the project, property owner, tenant and/or manager of the property, address, and name and phone number of the property manager.
7.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN — A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed.
8.
ON-PREMISES SIGN — A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, offered, or manufactured upon the premises where the sign is located. See Section 17.62.060.
9.
TEMPORARY SIGN — A sign or advertising display (including festoons, pennants, banners, pinwheel and similar devices) intended to be displayed for a certain period of time. Included in the definition of "temporary signs" are retailers' signs temporarily displayed for the purpose of informing the public of a sale or special offer. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed if subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be considered as temporary.
B.
Sign Types.
1.
CANOPY SIGN — A type of projecting, on-building sign (see Subsection (B)(6) of this section) consisting of a fabric or fabric-like sheathing material.
2.
FREESTANDING SIGN — A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards, or any other type of base on the ground. This type of sign includes monument signs and pylon signs. (Refer to Subsections (B)(5) and (7) of this section.) The base and support(s) of any and all freestanding signs shall be concealed and shall comply with the State Building Code. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured per Section 17.62.030(C)(1). See Section 17.62.040(C)(1).
3.
MARQUEE SIGN — A type of projecting, on-building sign (see Subsection (B)(6) of this section) sheltering the entrance and/or entrance approaches of a theater, auditorium, fairground, museum or other use, which advertises present and scheduled events.
4.
MOBILE SIGN — A sign mounted on a frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated including vehicles and/or trailers whose principal commercial use is for signage. See Section 17.62.040(A)(5).
5.
MONUMENT SIGN — A type of freestanding sign (See Subsection (B)(2) of this section) whose bottom edge is located within one foot of a ground-mounted pedestal and whose top edge is located no more than eight feet high. See Sections 17.62.040(A)(9) and (B)(1).
6.
PROJECTING SIGN — A type of on-building sign which is attached to and projects more than one foot, generally perpendicular from a structure or building face. See Section 17.62.040(C)(2).
7.
PYLON SIGN — A type of freestanding sign (See Subsection (B)(2) of this section) whose bottom edge is located more than one foot above a ground-mounted pedestal or whose top edge is located more than eight feet high (see "monument sign").
8.
WALL SIGN — A type of on-building sign mounted parallel to a building facade or other vertical building surface. See Section 17.62.040(C)(3).
9.
PERSONAL GREETING AND CONGRATULATORY SIGN — A temporary sign which is limited to 32 square feet, and which is limited to a noncommercial, personal greeting or message used to announce, congratulate, or greet members of a family or work staff.
C.
Sign Measurement.
1.
GROUND LEVEL — The average elevation of the ground upon which the sign supports are placed, except when the sign supports rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding ground. In such cases, the average elevation of the base of such berm or other area shall be considered as the ground level.
2.
Sign area shall be measured in the following manner:
a.
In the case of a sign placed within a frame, a marquee sign, or other structure, sign area consists of the entire surface area of the sign on which copy could be placed. The supporting structure or bracing of a sign, including the supports of monument signs not used for copy, shall not be counted as a part of the sign face area unless such structure or bracing is made a part of the sign's message. Where a freestanding on-premise sign (monument or pylon) has two or more display faces, the total area of all of the display faces shall be considered the sign face area.
b.
In the case of a sign whose message is fabricated together with the background which borders or frames that message, sign face area shall be the total area of the entire background.
c.
In the case of a sign whose message is applied to a background which provides no border or frame (such as individual letters to a building face or awning), sign face area shall be the combined areas of the smallest rectangles which can encompass each word, letter, figure, emblem, and other element of the sign message per a scaled, fully dimensioned drawing approved by the Zoning Administrator. Where such drawing is not provided, the area shall be the smallest area enclosed in a single rectangle.
d.
Signs less than one square foot in area are not regulated by this section.
e.
The following illustration demonstrates how sign face area is measured.
§ 17.62.040 General signage regulations.
[Prior code § 17.0704]
The regulations contained in this section apply to signs in all districts.
A.
Sign Prohibitions and Limitations.
[Amended 11-19-2018 by Ord. No. 306]
1.
No sign shall use any word, phrase, symbol, shape, form, or character in such manner as to interfere with moving traffic, including signs which incorporate typical street-type and/or traffic control signage designs and colors.
2.
Except for sequin-like eyecatcher devices, fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs or other decorations shall be permitted only as temporary signs. See Section 17.62.070.
3.
Illuminated flashing signs or chasing lights shall be permitted only as temporary signs. See Section 17.62.070. Flashing signs are those which change their appearance more than once every six seconds. See Section 17.62.040.D. for electronic message sign regulations.
4.
Illuminated signs shall be permitted only if the illumination is so designed that the lighting element (except neon signs) is not visible from any residentially zoned property. All illuminated signs shall comply with the State Electrical Code.
5.
Mobile or portable signs shall be permitted only as temporary signs and may be illuminated. See Section 17.62.070.
6.
Off-premises directional signs shall be permitted for government uses.
9.
No sign shall be placed so as to interfere with traffic visibility.
10.
Except for community information signs and signs listed in Section 17.62.020(A) which do not require sign permits, all freestanding signs shall be located on a property containing a principal land use which has been approved per the site plan review and approval process per Section 17.62.060.
11.
Window obstruction by interior signs shall not exceed more than 20% for any one window, nor more than 10% of all combined window areas on the same façade of a structure. Area devoted to signage within windows shall count toward the sign area maximum permitted for the use.
B.
Sign Location Requirements.
1.
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device. Freestanding signs may not locate within vision triangles nor otherwise impede traffic or pedestrian visibility. Freestanding sign setbacks from right-of-way lines vary by zoning district. See Sections 17.62.050 and 17.62.060.
2.
No sign shall be located within a required bufferyard or within a permanently protected green space area.
3.
No sign shall be mounted on a roof.
4.
No sign, temporary or otherwise, shall be affixed to a tree or utility pole unless otherwise authorized by the Village public works department.
5.
Private signs shall be allowed within road right-of-way lines only per the regulations of the Village public works department.
6.
Projecting signs located over a vehicle circulation area shall not be permitted.
7.
Freestanding signs shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from a property line.
8.
Awnings shall be located a minimum of 7 1/2 feet for the fabric, and eight feet for the frame, over pedestrian ways.
9.
No person shall erect, construct, or maintain any sign upon any property or building without the express consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property or building or their authorized representative.
C.
Sign Configuration Requirements.
1.
Freestanding Sign Configuration. A freestanding sign erected upon one or more pylon or post. The base or support(s) of any and all pylon signs shall be securely anchored to a concrete base or footing. The height of a pylon sign shall be measured from the average ground grade adjacent to the sign to the tip of the sign. The height of a pylon sign located at the lot line shall not exceed 25 feet from the elevation of the nearest point from the nearest street. The maximum height may be increased one foot for every additional foot of setback up to a maximum height of 50 feet if the sign is within 2,100 feet of the 1-43 right-of-way. Pylon signs shall be erected so that they do not impede pedestrian and/or traffic visibility. The footing and related supporting structure of a freestanding sign including bolts, flanges, brackets, etc., shall be concealed by the sign exterior, masonry covering, earth and permanent groundcover, or through the use of evergreen shrubs. See Subsection (B)(7) of this section and Section 17.62.030(B)(2).
2.
Projecting Sign Configuration. The bottom edge of a projecting sign shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the ground level directly under the sign. Such sign shall be mounted directly to a building. In no instance shall such sign be projecting more than four feet into and over a public right-of-way or private street, drive, or parking area. New projecting signs, including replacement faces, shall be permitted only in the central business district. See Subsection (B)(6) of this section.
3.
Wall Sign Configuration. A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which it is mounted, nor shall it project more than six inches from its surface. The height of a wall sign shall be measured from the base of the building below the sign to the top of the sign face. The top of the sign shall be no higher than the nearest portion of the building to which it is mounted. Signs painted directly on a wall or other portion of a building are not permitted. See Section 17.62.030(B)(8).
4.
Vehicle Sign Configuration. No persons shall park any vehicle or trailer on private properties so as to be seen from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device, which is greater than 50 square feet, for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premise. Licensed business vehicles containing typical business signage and which are actively used on a daily basis for business purposes, are exempt from this prohibition. See Subsection (A)(8) of this section.
D.
Electronic Message Sign Regulations.
[Added 11-19-2018 by Ord. No. 306]
1.
All electronic message signs shall be included in the calculation of total permitted sign area for the type of on-premises sign and the zoning district in which the sign is located.
2.
Electronic message signs may be integrated into the design of the following sign types: monument signs, pylon signs, order board signs, and community information signs.
3.
Messages and nontext images shall not change appearance more than once every six seconds, and transitions between messages shall be via instantaneous change. A maximum of one message shall be displayed during each time frame. Use of electronic message signs for images, text, or lighting that can change appearance in a manner not permitted above shall be considered flashing, scrolling, or animated signs, which are prohibited per Section 17.62.040.A.
4.
Electronic message signs shall be equipped with photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination.
6.
Electronic message signs shall be maintained so as to be able to display messages in a complete and legible manner.
7.
Electronic message signs within 150 feet of any residential zoning district shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the establishment is engaged in the operation of a business during such period, in which case the sign may be lit during the hours of operation only.
§ 17.62.050 Sign regulations applicable to residential zoning districts.
[Prior code § 17.0705]
A.
Rules for all Signs.
2.
Signage on a lot shall be limited to the combined total of all signs listed under Subsection B of this section, or as otherwise modified by conditional use, conditional zoning, planned development, deed restriction or other site specific regulation, restriction or requirement. The owner of a property containing more than one tenant shall allocate signs to the tenants, up to the allowed maximum for the entire property. This provision will allow the property owner to allocate all of the allowed signage to one tenant and none to another tenant if they saw fit to do so.
B.
Rules for Particular Sign Purposes.
1.
Identification Sign.
b.
For multifamily dwelling of five or more units, or institutional use:
c.
For group development or subdivision:
i.
Permitted sign type: wall sign, canopy sign or monument sign.
ii.
Maximum permitted number per development: per plat or conditional use.
iii.
Maximum permitted area per sign; 32 square feet.
iv.
Maximum combined permitted area of all signs: per plat or conditional use.
v.
Minimum permitted sign setback: 12 feet.
3.
On-premise directional sign (for multifamily, group development or institutional use):
a.
Permitted sign type: wall sign or monument sign.
b.
Maximum permitted number per lot: one sign for each vehicular entrance, one sign for each vehicular exit, one sign for each parking area conditions list. Institutional uses may use any additional number of signs as needed.
c.
Maximum permitted area per sign: nine square feet.
5.
On-premise Business Sign (for Legal, Nonconforming Business Only): For any permitted nonresidential principal use other than those specified above, two signs (one wall sign and one freestanding sign), not to exceed a combined total of 32 square feet in area, are permitted. The signs shall indicate nothing more than the name and address of the premises and the schedule of services or other information relevant to the operation of the premises.
6.
Off-Premise Directional Sign (for Governmental Facility Only).
7.
Community information sign (per Section 17.62.020(B)).
§ 17.62.060 Sign regulations applicable to nonresidential zoning districts.
[Prior code § 17.0706]
A.
Rules for All Signs.
2.
Signage on a lot shall be limited to the combined total of all signs listed under Subsection B of this section, or as otherwise modified by conditional use, conditional zoning, planned development, deed restriction or other site specific regulation, restriction or requirement. The owner of a property containing more than one tenant shall allocate signs to the tenants, up to the allowed maximum for the entire property. This provision will allow the property owner to allocate all of the allowed signage to one tenant and none to another tenant if they saw fit to do so.
B.
Rules for particular sign purposes (all residential and institutional land uses): shall comply with provisions of Section 17.62.050.
C.
Rules for Particular Sign Purposes (All Office, Commercial and Industrial Land Uses).
1.
Business Signs.
a.
For CC Zoning District:
i.
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall, awning, projecting or marquee) sign:
(A)
Maximum permitted number per lot: one on-building sign per each business fronting on that wall, for each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
(B)
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall, up to a maximum sign area of 50 feet, whichever is more restrictive.
b.
For A-1, NC, SC, SI Zoning Districts:
i.
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall or awning) sign:
(A)
Maximum permitted number per lot: two on-building signs per each business fronting on that wall, for each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
(B)
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall, up to a maximum sign area of 200 square feet for all combined sign faces.
ii.
Permitted sign type: freestanding (monument or pylon) sign:
(A)
Maximum permitted number per lot: one freestanding sign per lot, for any lot containing more than four public parking spaces.
(B)
Maximum permitted area per sign: 200 square feet on one side, 400 square feet accumulative (two-sided).
(C)
Maximum permitted sign height: eight feet, up to 50 feet as conditional use for those properties located within 1,500 feet of the centerline of 1-43.
(D)
Minimum permitted sign setback: 10 feet, or equal to or greater than sign height, whichever is greater.
c.
For UI Zoning District:
i.
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall or awning) sign:
(A)
Maximum permitted number per lot: two on-building signs per each business fronting on that wall, for each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
(B)
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall, up to a maximum sign area of 250 square feet for all combined sign faces.
ii.
Permitted sign type: freestanding (monument or pylon) sign:
(A)
Maximum permitted number per lot: one freestanding sign per lot, for any lot containing more than four public parking spaces.
(B)
Maximum permitted area per sign: one-quarter square foot of signage for every foot of the adjacent public street frontage selected for the lot, up to a maximum sign area of 100 square feet per sign face.
(C)
Maximum permitted sign height: eight feet, up to 20 feet as conditional use.
(D)
Minimum permitted sign setback: 10 feet, or equal to or greater than sign height, whichever is greater.
2.
Auxiliary Sign (such as required Gas Price Signs or "No Trespassing" Sign).
5.
Off-Premise Directional Sign (for Governmental Facility Only).
6.
Community information sign (per Section 17.62.020(B)).
§ 17.62.070 Temporary signs.
[Prior code § 17.0707]
Only one temporary sign may be displayed on a property at any one time. Except as provided by Subsections A through E of this section, any one lot is permitted to display a temporary sign for a maximum of 30 days within any six-month period. Furthermore, any one lot is limited to a maximum of two temporary signs in any six-month period (political signs are exempt from this restriction).
A.
For each lot: one "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign, not more than eight square feet in area.
B.
For construction on or development of a lot, one sign not more than 32 square feet in area, indicating the name of the contractors, engineers or architect, or products being used in the construction of a building but only during the time that construction or development is actively under way.
C.
For a temporary event of public interest such as a neighborhood garage sale or church fair, one sign, not over 32 square feet in area, located upon the site of the event. Such sign shall be erected up to seven days before the event, or up to 30 days at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator, and shall be removed immediately after the event.
D.
For each real estate subdivision that has been approved in accordance with the Darien subdivision regulations, a minimum of two temporary development project identification signs are permitted to be located on some portion of the subject subdivision. Each such sign shall be not more than 32 square feet in area. One additional similar sign shall be permitted for each 100 lots in the subdivision in excess of the original 100 lots. These signs shall comply with the visibility standards of Section 17.66.030. These signs shall be permitted to be remain within the subject subdivision until a time at which building permits have been issued for 80% or more of the lots in the subdivision.
E.
Temporary signs for businesses in the process of developing a site shall be permitted for a period of six months.
§ 17.62.080 Construction and maintenance of signage.
[Prior code § 17.0708]
A.
All signage within the jurisdiction of this title shall remain in a state of proper maintenance. (See Subsection B of this section).
B.
Proper maintenance shall be the absence of loose materials (including peeling paint, paper or other material), the lack of excessive rust, the lack of excessive vibration or shaking, and the presence of the original structural integrity of the sign, its frame and other supports, its mounting, and all components thereof.
C.
The repainting, changing of parts, and preventive maintenance of signs which completely conform to the requirements of this title, and result in absolutely no change in the appearance of the sign from that originally approved, shall not be deemed alterations requiring a sign permit.
D.
The owner, lessee, or manager of a sign, and the owner of the land on which the same is located, shall keep grass or weeds and other growth cut and debris and rubbish cleaned up and removed from the lot on which the sign is located.
E.
Any signs which may be, or may hereafter become rotted, unsafe, or in a state which is not properly maintained shall be repaired or removed by the licensee or owner of the sign, or owner of the property upon which the sign stands upon notice of the Zoning Administrator.
F.
All signs shall be constructed and mounted so as to withstand a wind pressure of 40 pounds per square foot.
§ 17.62.090 Nonconforming signs.
[Prior code § 17.0709]
A.
Nonconforming Signs.
1.
Signs existing as of the effective date of this title which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be nonconforming signs and shall be subject to the provisions of Subsection B of this section. Nonconforming signs may be maintained. No nonconforming sign shall be altered or moved to a new location without being brought into compliance with the requirements of Subsection B of this section.
2.
Business signs on the premises of a nonconforming use or building may be continued per Subsection B of this section, but such signs shall not be allowed, nor shall expand in number, area, height, or illumination. New signs, not to exceed the maximum allowable aggregate sign area may be erected only upon the complete removal of all other signs existing at the time of adoption of this title.
B.
Removal of Nonconforming Signs.
1.
Alteration of Signs. For the purpose of this title, alteration of a sign is considered to be any change to the structure of any part of the sign, its frame, its supporting structure, or its lighting, including: changing the sign area, height, location, shape, illumination, or any other alterations as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
2.
All signs found not to be in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be removed within 30 days of receiving written notice of noncompliance and removal from the Zoning Administrator.