1. Purpose. The sign regulations of this Article are established to create a comprehensive but balanced system of sign regulations to promote effective communication and to prevent placement of signs that are potentially harmful to motorized and non-motorized traffic safety, property values, business opportunities and community appearance. This Article is adopted for the following specific purposes:
   1. to preserve, protect and promote public health, safety and welfare;
   2. to preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses;
   3. to enhance the physical appearance of the Village;
   4. to enhance the Village's economy, business and industry by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs, and encouraging better communication between an activity and the public it seeks with its message;
   5. to protect the general public from damage and injury, that may be caused by the faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the Village;
   6. to protect motorized and non-motorized travelers by reducing distraction that may increase the number and severity of traffic accidents; and
   7. to encourage sound practices and lessen the objectionable effects of competition with respect to size and placement of street signs.
2. Applicability. The regulations of this Article apply to all signs in the Village, unless otherwise expressly stated.
3. Public Health and Safety. No sign may be designed, constructed or maintained in a manner that presents a danger to the public health, safety or welfare, as determined by the Village.
4. Content and Location. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article, the following regulations apply to all signs:
   1. The content of signs is limited to the business, service, and activity available or conducted on the subject lot.
   2. Unless otherwise specified in this Article, signs are subject to setback regulations of the subject zoning district.
   3. When a business or service does not have direct access to a public street, signs directing traffic to the subject business or service may be located off premises at the nearest point of access. Such signs are counted as part of the total allowable sign area.
5. No Discrimination Against Non-Commercial Signs Or Speech. The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed under this Article may substitute non-commercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or non-commercial copy. This substitution of copy may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or favoring of any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel or allow the substitution of an off-site commercial message in place of an on-site commercial message.

(Ord. No. 5478, § 1, 9/8/15)

The following are expressly prohibited under this ordinance:

1. any sign or structure that constitutes a hazard to public health or safety;
2. any signs attached to utility, traffic signal poles, light poles, or standards except for governmental signs;
3. signs, that by their color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals;
4. except for governmental signs erected by, or on behalf of, the unit of government having jurisdiction, no sign may be located on the public right-of-way, or affixed to or upon public property. This prohibition includes any sidewalk, parkway, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, street lamppost, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, electric light or power, CATV, telephone or telegraph system, fire alarm, lighting system, public bridge, drinking fountain, trash receptacle, street sign or traffic sign;
5. portable signs, except for sandwich board signs that are allowed in the DC, DB, DT, FC, FB or FT zoning districts;
6. vehicle signs when the vehicle is not licensed, insured or operational;
7. advertising off-premise signs;
8. moving signs;
9. LED and flashing signs;
10. signs with bare bulb illumination, except for marquees located in the DC, DB, DT, FC, FB or FT zoning districts;
11. attention-getting devices;
12. signs containing exposed gas tubing, exterior to the building, including argon and neon;
13. roof signs;
14. box-type signs in the DC, DB, DT, FC, FB or FT zoning districts;
15. any sign that advertises, identifies, or pertains to a business no longer conducted, or a product no longer sold, on the premises where such sign is located, within the previous thirty (30) days;
16. any sign painted directly on a wall, roof, or fence;
17. any sign placed or attached to a telecommunications tower, pole or antenna;
18. signs containing manual changeable copy consisting of more than two (2) lines, except that fueling stations, governmental agencies, schools and religious assembly uses have up four (4) lines of manual changeable copy. The changeable copy surface area is included in the total surface area allowed;
19. signs containing electronic changeable copy/message board;
20. single pole signs with a base of less than two feet (2') in width; and
21. any other sign not expressly permitted in this Article.

(Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18; Ord. No. 5472, § 1, 7/21/15)

The following signs do not require a sign permit and are subject to the following regulations:

1. Governmental signs, public signs and other signs incidental to those signs for identification, information or directional purposes erected or required by governmental bodies, or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.
2. Railroad crossing and signs of public utility companies indicating danger or that serve as an aid to public safety or that show the location of underground facilities.
3. Street address signs up to four (4) square feet in area.
4. Decorations temporarily displayed in connection with a Village-sponsored or approved event or a generally recognized or national holiday.
5. Temporary signs at a residence commemorating a personal event, such as a birth, birthday, anniversary or graduation.
6. “No trespassing” or similar signs regulating the use of property, provided such signs are no more than two (2) square feet in area.
7. Noncommercial flags of any country, State or unit of local government.
8. Real estate signs, provided that in residential zoning districts, real estate signs may not exceed five and one half (5.5) square feet in area, including all attached tags. In nonresidential zoning districts, real estate signs may not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area. Real estate signs may be used solely for advertising the sale, rental or lease of the property where such sign is located. Real estate signs may not exceed ten feet (10') in height. No more than one (1) real estate sign is allowed per lot where such lot contains a single use, except on a corner lot one (1) real estate sign is allowed per street frontage. When a lot contains multiple uses one (1) real estate sign is allowed per use. Real estate signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, except that “open house” signs may be placed in the public right-of-way on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the weekend that the open house will take place. Such open house signs may be posted only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. Friday to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, provided that:
   1. the open house sign may not exceed four (4) square feet in area;
   2. the open house sign must be freestanding, not attached to any utility pole, traffic control sign or other similar structured and must be placed at least three feet (3') from the curb or edge of the pavement;
   3. only one open house sign is permitted within one hundred fifty feet (150') of another sign that relates to the same address. There may be only one (1) open house sign relating to the same address placed in on a single lot;
   4. no attention-getting or attracting devices may be attached to any open house sign;
   5. each open house sign must have attached to it an adhesive label or other means to identify the name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for placement and removal of the sign; and
   6. a minimum fine of seventy-five dollars ($75.00), per DGMC Section 1.16(c)(2) of this Code, will be levied on the person whose name is on the sign if the sign does not comply with the preceding regulations. If no names are found on the sign the fine will be levied on the owner of the property identified on the sign.
9. Political signs and noncommercial signs, provided that total area of all such signs together may not exceed a maximum area of twelve (12) square feet per lot. Political and noncommercial signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way.
10. Garage sale, rummage sale, yard sale and estate sale signs, provided that such signs may be placed in the public right-of-way only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays that are observed on Mondays of the weekend that the sale will take place. Such sale signs may be posted only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. Friday to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, provided that:
    1. the sign may not exceed four (4) square feet in area;
    2. the sign must be freestanding, not attached to any utility pole, traffic control sign or other similar structured and must be placed at least three feet (3') from the curb or edge of the pavement;
    3. only one sale sign is permitted within one hundred fifty feet (150') of another sign that relates to the same address. There may be only one (1) sale sign relating to the same address placed in on a single lot;
    4. no attention-getting or attracting devices may be attached to any sale sign;
    5. each sale sign must have attached to it an adhesive label or other means to identify the name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for placement and removal of the sign; and
    6. a minimum fine of seventy-five dollars ($75.00), per Section 1.16(c)(2) of this Code, will be levied on the person whose name is on the sign if the sign does not comply with the preceding regulations. If no names are found on the sign the fine will be levied on the owner of the property identified on the sign.
11. Memorial signs and tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other non-combustible material.
12. “Help wanted” signs up to two (2) square feet in area. The “help wanted” sign text must be the predominant text on the sign. Help wanted signs may only be located on a window or door.
13. Public notice signs are permitted on property that is the subject of a public meeting or hearing. Such signs may not exceed nine (9) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height.
14. Vehicle signs are allowed when the vehicle to which the sign is attached is licensed, insured, and operational. The vehicle must be used for the operation of the business and may not remain stationary for an extended period of time for the purpose of attracting attention to a business.
15. Up to one (1) contractor sign is allowed per lot. Such sign may not exceed six (6) square feet in area and must be removed upon completion of related work.

Temporary signs as identified in this Article may be permitted for promoting special community activities, special events, grand openings for businesses, or the activities of nonprofit organizations, subject to the issuance of a sign permit and compliance with the following regulations.

1. No more than eight (8) permits for temporary signs may be issued in any calendar year for a single lot. Permits may be valid for a maximum period of seven (7) days. Applications for temporary sign permits must be approved by the Village and must contain at minimum a general description of the sign, including size and lighting.
2. All temporary signs must be properly maintained while displayed and be able to withstand all weather elements.
3. Temporary signs may not contain changeable copy.
4. Temporary signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
5. A maximum of one (1) temporary sign may be permitted for each street frontage on a lot.
6. All temporary signs must be removed by the person or organization that erected or caused the erection of the sign within three (3) days of the end of the event to which they relate, or at the end of the maximum period for which the sign is allowed, whichever date comes first.
7. Temporary window signs are exempt from sign permit requirements. However, unless they are promoting an upcoming event of a nonprofit agency, such temporary window signs are subject to the restrictions regarding allowable area for window signs.
8. Temporary signs may not be located above the first floor in the DC, DB, DT, FC, FB and FT zoning districts.
9. The following additional regulations apply to all temporary development signs.
   1. A sign permit must be obtained before the erection of any development sign. A sign permit may be issued in connection with the following types of developments after the Village has issued a final approval for the development.
      1. Residential developments of three (3) or more dwelling units.
      2. Commercial, industrial or institutional developments consisting of at least twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of land area.
   2. Only one (1) development sign per street frontage is permitted.
   3. Development signs may not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area.
   4. Development signs must be removed at such time a final certificate of occupancy is issued. If more than one (1) final certificate of occupancy will be issued for the development, the development signs must be removed when at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the final certificates of occupancy have been issued.
   5. Development signs may display only information pertinent to the entity or entities participating in the development project.

(Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18)

The regulations of this Section apply to signs in all areas of the Village except the DC, DB, DT, FC, FB and FT zoning districts.

1. Maximum Total Sign Area. The maximum allowable sign area may not exceed one and one half (1.5) square feet per linear foot of tenant frontage, plus any signs expressly excluded from maximum sign area calculations. Buildings set back more than three hundred feet (300') from the abutting street right-of-way are allowed a maximum allowable sign area of two (2) square feet per linear foot of tenant frontage, plus any allowed excluding menu boards, window and temporary signs. In no case, may a single tenant exceed three hundred (300) square feet in total sign surface area.
2. Monument Signs and Shingle Signs. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each lot is allowed either one (1) monument sign or one (1) shingle sign.
   1. Monument Signs
      1. Monument signs are limited to a maximum of two (2) sign faces and are subject to the height and area limitations of Table 9-1.
         Table 9-1: Monument Sign Height and Area Regulations

         	Lot Size
         Monument Sign Regulations	Less than 100 ft. Lot Width	100–259 ft. Lot Width	260 ft. or Greater Lot Width and at Least 2.5 Acres in Area (B-3 District Only)
         Maximum Height (feet)	8	10	15
         Maximum Area (sq. ft.)	24	36	60

      2. Monument signs must be set back at least ten feet (10') from all street rights-of-way and at least twenty-five feet (25') from all other lot lines. Monument signs that are greater than ten feet (10') in height and thirty-six (36) square feet in size must be set back at least one hundred feet (100') from interior (non-street) lot lines.
      3. Monument signs are subject to the intersection visibility regulations of DGMC Section 28.10.020.
      4. Monument signs must display the address number of the subject property with numbers or characters between eight inches (8") and ten inches (10") in height. Address numbers are excluded when calculating the area of the monument sign.
      5. Lots with more than one (1) street frontage are allowed two (2) monument signs, provided the signs are located on different street frontages and separated by a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100').
      6. The base of all monument signs must be landscaped. Every permit application for a monument sign must be accompanied by a landscape plan demonstrating compliance with the following standards:
         1. Signs must be surrounded by a landscaped area of at least three feet (3') in width, measured outward from the face of the sign.
         2. Landscaping within the required landscape area must consist of shrubs, evergreens, perennial or annual flowers, ornamental grasses, vegetative ground cover or some combination of such live plants. Sodded, seeded, mulched or rocked areas may not be counted as meeting these monument sign landscaping requirements.
         3. Monument sign landscaping is subject to the landscape maintenance provisions of DGMC Section 28.8.060(i).
   2. Multi-tenant Shopping Centers
      1. Multi-tenant shopping centers located on lots with more than five hundred feet (500') of street frontage are allowed two (2) monument signs, provided the signs are separated by a minimum distance of two hundred feet (200'). Such signs may not exceed fifteen feet (15') in height or sixty (60) square feet in area and must contain the names of more than one (1) tenant. A shopping center tenant’s panel sign is not counted toward allowable sign surface area.
      2. Multi-tenant shopping centers located on lots with one hundred feet (100') to five hundred feet (500') of street frontage are allowed a maximum of one (1) monument sign. The sign may not exceed ten feet (10') in height or thirty-six (36) square feet in area and must contain the names of more than one (1) tenant. A shopping center tenant’s panel sign is not counted toward allowable sign surface area.
      3. Multi-tenant shopping centers located on lots with less than one hundred feet (100') of street frontage age are allowed a maximum of one monument sign. The sign may not exceed eight feet (8') in height or twenty-four (24) square feet in area and must contain the names of more than one (1) tenant. A shopping center tenant’s panel sign is not counted toward allowable sign surface area.
   3. Tollway Corridor. Signs on lots abutting the right-of-way of I-88 or I-355 are subject to all regulations of this Article, with the following exceptions:
      1. In addition to the monument sign otherwise allowed by DGMC Section 28.9.050(b), one (1) additional monument sign is allowed for lots with a minimum frontage of one hundred feet (100') along the tollway or on IDOT frontage along the tollway.
      2. The additional monument sign must be placed adjacent to the tollway and may not exceed two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet in area or twenty feet (20') in height. The additional monument sign will not be counted in calculating the lot’s total sign area.
      3. Monument signs must be separated by a minimum distance of thirty feet (30') from any existing tollway signs.
   4. Shingle Signs. The maximum allowed sign area of a shingle sign is ten (10) square feet per side. The maximum allowed height is seven feet (7'). Shingle signs must be set back at least eight feet (8') from interior lot lines. No street setback applies.
3. Wall Signs
   1. Each business or property owner is allowed to display one (1) wall sign per tenant frontage along a public roadway or drivable right-of-way.
   2. If the structural support of a wall sign is visible it must be the same color as the exterior building to which it is attached.
   3. Wall signs may not cover (wholly or partially) any wall opening, and may not extend beyond the perimeter of the wall to which it is attached or extend more than twelve inches (12') from the vertical plane of the wall to which it is attached.
   4. Buildings with a height of four (4) stories or more are allowed one wall sign on up to three (3) sides of the building, with a maximum area of one hundred (100) square feet per sign. Such wall signs are not counted in calculating maximum allowable sign area.
   5. In addition to all other signs allowed by this Section, lots with frontage along the BNSF railroad right-of-way are allowed one additional wall sign to be displayed on the wall facing the BNSF railroad right-of-way. Such sign shall not exceed one and one half (1.5) square feet per lineal foot of tenant frontage along the BNSF railroad right-of-way. The maximum allowable sign area including all permitted signs pursuant to this Section may not exceed three hundred (300) square feet excluding any signs expressly excluded from the maximum sign area calculations.
4. Menu Boards. Menu boards for restaurants are allowed on the exterior wall of the business. Such signs may not exceed four (4) square feet in area. The menu board area is not counted in calculating maximum allowable sign area. The menu board sign may include menus or notice of special events including community events. All menu board signs must be enclosed in a tempered glass or Plexiglas frame.
5. Projecting Signs
   1. First Floor. Each first floor establishment is allowed one projecting sign. Such signs may not extend more than thirty-six inches (36") from the vertical plane of the façade to which it is attached and may not exceed six (6) square feet in area. First floor projecting signs must be placed to allow at least eight feet (8') of vertical clearance above the ground directly beneath the sign. Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated.
   2. Second Floor. The second floor of any building is allowed only one (1) projecting sign, which must be located immediately over or within two feet (2') of the first floor pedestrian access to the building. Such signs may not extend more than thirty-six inches (36") from the vertical plane of the façade to which it is attached and may not exceed six (6) square feet in area. The projecting signs must be placed to allow at least eight feet (8') of vertical clearance above the ground directly beneath the sign. Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated.
6. Awning Signs. Awning or canopy signs are allowed, subject to the following requirements:
   1. Awnings and canopies may not extend above the first floor of the building to which it is attached and must be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion of the awning or canopy is at least eight feet (8') above the ground directly beneath it.
   2. Awning or canopy signs may include only the name, address, and logo of the business conducted within the building. No advertising may be placed on any awning or canopy sign. Lettering must be painted or otherwise permanently affixed to the awning or canopy.
7. Under-Canopy Signs. Under-canopy signs must be attached to the underside of the soffit or ceiling of a canopy. The face of any such sign may not exceed twelve inches (12") in height or four feet (4') in length. Such signs must be placed to allow at least eight feet (8') of vertical clearance above the ground directly beneath the sign.
8. Window Signs
   1. First floor businesses are allowed permanent and temporary window signs covering a maximum of 25% of each window. The window sign area is in addition to the total maximum allowable sign area.
   2. Businesses located above the first floor are allowed permanent window signs of individual letters or etching, covering up to twenty-five percent (25%) of one (1) window per floor per tenant.

(Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18; Ord. No. 5472, §2, 7/21/15)

The regulations of this Section apply in the DC, DB, DT, FC, FB and FT zoning districts.

1. Maximum Total Sign Area. The maximum allowable sign area may not exceed one (1) square feet per linear foot of tenant frontage or three hundred (300) square feet, whichever is less, plus any signs expressly excluded from maximum sign area calculations.
2. Box Signs Prohibited. Box-type signs are prohibited.
3. Monument, Shingle and Freestanding Signs. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each lot is allowed either one (1) monument sign, one shingle sign or one (1) freestanding sign, subject to the following regulations.
   1. Monument Sign. Monument signs may not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area per side or a height of seven feet (7'). Monument signs must be set back at least eight feet (8') from all interior lot lines. No street setback applies. Monument signs must display the address number of the subject property with numbers or characters between eight inches (8") and ten inches (10") in height. Address numbers are excluded when calculating the area of the monument sign.
   2. Shingle Sign. Shingle signs may not exceed ten (10) square feet in area per side or a height of seven feet (7'). Shingle signs must be set back at least eight feet (8') from all interior lot lines. No street setback applies.
   3. Freestanding Sign. Freestanding signs may not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area per side or a height of seven feet (7'). Freestanding signs must be set back at least eight feet (8') from all interior lot lines. No street setback applies.
4. Landscaping. The base of all freestanding and monument signs must be landscaped. Every permit application for a monument sign must be accompanied by a landscape plan demonstrating compliance with the following standards:
   1. Signs must be surrounded by a landscaped area of at least three feet (3') in width, measured outward from the face of the sign.
   2. Landscaping within the required landscape area must consist of shrubs, ever-greens, perennial or annual flowers, ornamental grasses, vegetative ground cover or some combination of such live plants. Sodded, seeded, mulched or rocked areas may not be counted as meeting these landscaping requirements.
   3. Freestanding and monument sign landscaping is subject to the landscape maintenance provisions of DGMC Section 28.8.060(i).
5. Wall Signs
   1. Each business or property owner is allowed to display one (1) wall sign per tenant frontage along a public roadway or drivable right-of-way.
   2. If the structural support of a wall sign is visible it must be the same color as the exterior building to which it is attached.
   3. Wall signs may not cover (wholly or partially) any wall opening, and may not extend beyond the perimeter of the wall to which it is attached or extend more than twelve inches (12") from the vertical plane of the wall to which it is attached.
   4. In addition to all other signs allowed by this Section, lots with frontage along the BNSF railroad right-of-way are allowed one additional wall sign to be displayed on the wall facing the BNSF railroad right-of-way. Such sign shall not exceed one (1.0) square foot per lineal foot of tenant frontage along the BNSF railroad right-of-way. The maximum allowable sign area including all permitted signs pursuant to this Section may not exceed three hundred (300) square feet excluding any signs expressly excluded from the maximum sign area calculations.
6. Menu Boards. Menu boards for restaurants are allowed on the exterior wall of the business. Such signs may not exceed four (4) square feet in area. The menu board area is not counted in calculating maximum allowable sign area. The menu board sign may include menus or notice of special events including community events. All menu board signs must be enclosed in a tempered glass or Plexiglas frame.
7. Projecting Signs
   1. First Floor. Each first floor establishment is allowed one projecting sign. Such signs may not extend more than thirty-six inches (36") from the vertical plane of the façade to which it is attached and may not exceed six (6) square feet in area. First floor projecting signs must be placed to allow at least eight feet (8') of vertical clearance above the ground directly beneath the sign. Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated.
   2. Second Floor. The second floor of any building is allowed only one projecting sign, which must be located immediately over or within two feet (2') of the first floor pedestrian access to the building. Such signs may not extend more than thirty-six inches (36")s from the vertical plane of the façade to which it is attached and may not exceed six (6) square feet in area. First floor projecting signs must be placed to allow at least eight feet (8') of vertical clearance above the ground directly beneath the sign. Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated.
8. Awning Signs. Awning or canopy signs are allowed, subject to the following requirements:
   1. Awnings and canopies may not extend above the first floor of the building to which it is attached and must be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion of the awning or canopy is at least eight feet (8') above the ground directly beneath it.
   2. Awning or canopy signs may include only the name, address, and logo of the business conducted within the building. No advertising may be placed on any awning or canopy sign. Lettering must be painted or otherwise permanently affixed to the awning or canopy.
9. Under-Canopy Signs. Under-canopy signs must be attached to the underside of the soffit or ceiling of a canopy. The face of any such sign may not exceed twelve inches (12") in height or four feet (4') in length. Such signs must be placed to allow at least eight feet (8') of vertical clearance above the ground directly beneath the sign.
10. Window Signs
    1. First floor businesses are allowed permanent and temporary window signs covering a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of each window. The window sign area is in addition to the total maximum allowable sign area.
    2. Businesses located above the first floor are allowed permanent window signs of individual letters or etching, covering up to twenty-five percent (25%) of one (1) window per floor per tenant. Window signs above the first floor may not be illuminated by means of exposed gas tubing including, but not limited to, argon, neon or neon-like substances.
11. Heritage Signs. Signs in place in the DC, DB, DT, FC, FB and FT zoning districts before January 1, 1965 are hereby deemed to be “heritage signs” and are allowed to remain in place and be maintained in any manner to allow for continued use. In order to be deemed a “heritage sign,” the owner of the sign must provide conclusive evidence to the Community Development Director that the sign was in place before January 1, 1965.
12. Sandwich Board Signs. First floor businesses are allowed up to one sandwich board sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet in area. They are not counted in calculating the maximum sign area allowed on a lot. Sandwich board signs are allowed within the public right-of-way, provided the following requirements are met:
    1. A license agreement must be entered into in a form and amount approved by the Village indemnifying and holding the Village harmless from liability and naming the Village, its officers and employees as an additional insured on a general liability insurance policy. Such license agreements require the approval and signature of the Village Manager.
    2. Sandwich board signs may be displayed only during business hours and must be removed each day at the end of business.
    3. Sandwich board signs may not be placed in any location where the paved area for passage is reduced to less than six feet (6') or within fifteen feet (15') of any intersection, driveway or crosswalk.
    4. Sandwich board signs must be constructed of wood, metal or durable plastic.
    5. The minimum fine for a violation of these sandwich board sign regulations is seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). Each day that such violation continues constitutes a separate fineable offense.

(Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18; Ord. No. 5472, § 3, 7/21/15; Ord. No. 5463, §3, 6/2/15)

1. Ornamental Entry Gate Signs. Ornamental entry gate signs are allowed at the entry to a development along an arterial or collector street, subject to the following regulations:
   1. The maximum area of any ornamental entry gate sign in a residential zoning district is twenty-five (25) square feet, and the maximum height is eight feet (8').
   2. The maximum area of any ornamental entry gate sign in a manufacturing zoning district is fifty (50) square feet, and the maximum height is ten feet (10').
   3. In residential zoning districts, the sign may display only the name of the subdivision or development.
   4. In manufacturing zoning districts, the sign may display only a directory for an industrial subdivision or an industrial park.
   5. One (1) ornamental entry gate sign may be located on each side of the point of ingress to the development, but not in the public right-of-way or otherwise upon public property. Any ornamental entry gate sign on public property before August 1, 2006 may remain in place, subject to approval of a fully executed license agreement with the Village.
2. Home Occupation Signs. Permitted home occupations are allowed one (1) sign per lot, subject the following regulations.
   1. The sign must be flat-mounted against the principal building.
   2. The sign may not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
   3. The sign may display only the name, address, phone number and occupation.
   4. The sign may not be directly or indirectly illuminated, other than by those lights incidental to the residential use of the premises.
3. Signs Accessory to Parking Areas. Signs directing and guiding vehicular ingress and egress to public or private off-street parking areas may not exceed two (2) square feet in sign area. No more than two (2) such signs are allowed at each point of ingress/egress from the parking area. One (1) sign with a maximum sign area of four (4) square feet may be maintained on each street side of a parking area for the purpose of designating the conditions of use or identity of the parking area. Signs accessory to parking areas are not included in calculating the total sign area on a lot. Signs accessory to parking areas must be set back at least three feet (3') from the public right-of-way.
4. Institutional Signs. Exterior identification signs up to twenty (20) square feet in area and a maximum height of six feet (6') are allowed on the site of a public, charitable or religious assembly use. No more than one (1) such sign is allowed per lot. Changeable copy consisting of a maximum of four (4) lines is allowed. The changeable copy area is included in calculating the total sign area on a lot.
5. College and University Signage. Any educational campus with an area of forty (40) acres or more is subject to the regulations of this section. Entry monument signs are allowed at the perimeter of the campus on private property. The monument sign may not exceed six feet (6') in height or fifty (50) square feet in area, including ornamentation. Entry monument signs must be set back at least forty feet (40') from all curb lines. Exterior building identification may consist of no more than one (1) monument sign on each side of the primary building entrance.

Except as otherwise expressly stated, all signs require a permit.

1. Application. Any person or activity proposing to erect or display a sign must file an application on a form provided by the Village, which must include a plat of survey.
2. Fees. All applicable permit fees as established in the User-Fee, License & Fine Schedule must be paid in full.
3. Conformance with the National Electrical Code. All signs in which electrical wiring and connections are required for direct or indirect illumination must comply with all applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code.
4. Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. Signs must be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of at least forty (40) pounds per square foot of net surface area and to receive dead loads as required in the building code.
5. Insurance and Bond Requirements. Every applicant for a sign that will extend over a public right-of-way or that is so located that it may fall upon the public right-of-way, must file with the community development director an encroachment license agreement indemnifying the Village and holding the Village harmless from any liability. The applicant must also provide a liability insurance policy covering all damage or injury that might be caused by such signs, or certificate of insurance therefore, issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the state of Illinois and satisfactory to the Community Development Director, with limits of liability of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) for property damage and one million dollars ($1,000,000) for personal injuries. The Village, its officers, agents and employees must be named as additional insured. Such liability insurance policy must be maintained in force throughout the life of the permit, and if at any time it is not in full force, the permit must be revoked.
6. Completion of Authorized Work. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six (6) months of the date of issuance, the permit becomes null and void.

Any sign that existed lawfully on the effective date of the sign regulations of this Article that remains or becomes nonconforming by reason of adoption of these sign regulations or because of subsequent amendments to these sign regulations, or that become nonconforming by reason of annexation to the Village of the lot on which the sign is located, are considered nonconforming signs and their continuance is allowed in accordance with the following regulations:

1. Ordinary repairs and maintenance, including the removing and replacing of the outer panels is permitted, provided that the panels are replaced with identical panels and that no structural alterations or other work that extends the normal life of the nonconforming sign is permitted.
2. Single panels on multi-panel monument signs for multi-tenant shopping centers may be changed to reflect tenant changes.
3. No repair or alteration that increases the size of the nonconforming sign is permitted.
4. No nonconforming sign may be moved in whole or in part to any other location on the same or any other premises unless every portion of such sign is made to conform to all of the regulations of these sign regulations.
5. If a nonconforming sign is located on property that is sold, with the full ownership of the property being transferred, the nonconforming sign must be brought into conformance with the sign regulations of this Article at the time of the transfer unless the business will continue to operate under the same name.
6. If a nonconforming sign is abandoned or the described business discontinued for a continuous period of thirty (30) days or more, it must be discontinued and any subsequent sign must conform to all of the sign regulations of this Article.
7. With the exception of signage installed in the FC, FB and FT Zoning Districts, on or prior to May 5, 2014 all nonconforming signs must be brought into conformance with the sign regulations of this Article. This period is for all purposes deemed an appropriate amortization period for each and every nonconforming sign presently located within the corporate limits of the Village or hereinafter located within the Village by reason of annexation into the Village of the lot or parcel on which the sign is located. Such amortization period shall be non-compensated.
8. Paragraph (g) does not apply to signs previously granted variances by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Such signs are deemed nonconforming signs to which all other provisions of this Section apply.

Except as otherwise expressly stated, internally or externally illuminated signs are allowed, provided they comply with the following requirements:

1. Signs may be illuminated only by steady, stationary light sources directed solely at the sign or internal to it so that the light intensity or brightness does not create a nuisance to adjacent property or a traffic hazard.
2. Individual letters or logos may be internally illuminated. All other portions of the sign must be opaque.
3. Signs may not be illuminated by exposed reflective type bulbs, exterior exposed neon, fluorescent, incandescent or strobe lights.

All signs must be properly maintained, which includes repair or replacement of all broken or missing parts, elimination of rust or oxidation, elimination of faded or chipped paint, and correcting all similar conditions of disrepair. If a sign is illuminated, the source of such illumination must be kept in a state of safe working order at all times. Failure to properly maintain any sign constitutes a violation of this zoning ordinance.

The Community Development Director is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this Article. Upon presentation of proper credentials, village personnel may enter, at reasonable times, any building, structure or premises to perform any duty imposed under this Article.

1. Notice of Violation. Unless otherwise provided in this Article, if the Community Development Director finds that any sign has been erected in violation of the provisions of this Article, or is unsafe or insecure, the Community Development Director may issue a citation and/or cause the sign to be removed by the Village upon ten (10) days written notice. However, the Community Development Director may cause any sign that poses an immediate threat of harm to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. The cost of such removal will be collected from the owner and/or occupant of the property by an action at law or assessed as a lien against the subject property after notice to the property owner.
2. Signs Allowed without a Sign Permit and Temporary Signs. If the community development director finds that any sign or signs pursuant to DGMC Section 28.9.030 and DGMC Section 28.9.040 have been erected in violation of the provisions of this Article, or is unsafe or insecure, written notice must be provided to the owner and/or occupant of the property on which the sign is located or to the person or organization whose message is on the sign. If the sign is not removed or altered to comply with the provisions of this Article within twenty-four (24) hours of such notice, the Community Development Director may issue a citation and/or cause such sign to be removed by the Village without further notice. The owner and occupant of the property are jointly responsible for the cost of such removal, which may be recovered by the Village in an action at law or by filing a lien against the property after notice to the property owner.

(Ord No. 5478 § 2, 9/8/15; Ord. No. 5463, § 4, 6/2/15)

If any portion of this Article or any regulation contained herein is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is the Village’s specific legislative intent that said portion or regulation is to be deemed severed from this Article and should in no way affect or diminish the validity of the remainder of this Article or any other sign regulation set forth herein.

(Ord No. 5478 § 2, 9/8/15; Ord. No. 5463, § 4, 6/2/15)