Evanston City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 19

SIGN REGULATIONS

6-19-1.- TITLE.

This Chapter shall hereafter be known and cited as the SIGN REGULATIONS of the City of Evanston.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-2. - PURPOSE.

It is hereby determined that the primary purpose of signage is to help people find what they need without difficulty or confusion. Thus, while not restricting the freedom of expression, regulations must be established for preventing an overload of graphic messages in the environment. The purpose of signs is subordinate to the structures and land use functions they reference. Signs are to be considered accessory components of an overall composition of architectural elements, not as freestanding or dominant architectural elements by themselves.

This Chapter establishes standards for the erection, display, safety and maintenance of signs which are intended to allow a person to observe or ignore graphic messages, according to that person's own purpose, as well as to encourage the general attractiveness of the community and to protect property values therein. These standards are intended to meet the following objectives:

(A)

Healthy Economy. It is recognized that signs are an economical and effective means of communicating information and are thus an important asset to most businesses. The continued health of business and economic activities shall be encouraged by the use of signs which:

Clearly and efficiently identify the goods, services, facilities and locations available to the community; and

Express the identity of businesses or the proprietors associated with those activities.

(B)

Effective Communication. A reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs is to be promoted by authorizing the use of signs which are:

Legible in the circumstances in which they are viewed;

Harmonious with their surroundings and consistent with the character of their community context;

Protective of the value of architectural resources, ensuring the integrity of the architectural elements and character of the buildings and sites to which signs principally relate;

Respectful of the rights of nearby property owners; and

Appropriate to the function to which they pertain.

(C)

Public Welfare. The public health, safety and welfare is to be preserved, protected and promoted through sign regulations which:

Recognize that signs are a necessary means of visual communication for the convenience of the general public taken as a whole, as opposed to the convenience of any individual person;

Minimize the blighting influences posed by visual clutter, decay, and neglect;

Eliminate confusion and distractions which jeopardize vehicular and pedestrian safety;

Prohibit the placement of signs which obstruct vision or access in a manner which creates dangerous conditions;

Protect the physical and mental well-being of the general public by encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the City's visual environment; and

Preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-3. - RULES AND DEFINITIONS.

The definitions noted below apply only to this Chapter and supersede any conflicting definitions found elsewhere in other chapters of the City Code.

(A)

Rules of Interpretation. The language set forth in the text of this Chapter shall be interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction:

The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.

The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future the present.

The word "shall" is mandatory, while the word "may" is permissive.

(B)

Regulations. To the extent that any definition below includes regulatory standards, such as height or area limitations, for example, such regulations shall apply in addition to all others contained in this Chapter.

(C)

Definitions. The following words and terms, wherever they occur in this Chapter, shall be defined as follows:

ABANDONED SIGN.	Any sign advertising a business, commodity, service, entertainment or activity which has been discontinued.
ADVERTISING STRUCTURE.	A structure, as defined by the Building Code, erected or used for the purpose of supporting or displaying a message or sign.
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT.	A prominent or significant part or feature of a building, structure, or site.
ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY.	The composite or aggregate of the characteristics of structure, form, materials, and function of a building, group of buildings, or other architectural composition.
ATTENTION GATHERING DEVICE.	A display that utilizes motion or flashing lights to attract attention of passers-by. Examples include strings of pennants, banners or streamers, advertising flags, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, strobe lights, and sequential flashing "runner" lights.
AUXILIARY SIGN.	A sign which provides secondary information such as accepted charge cards, hours of operation, or warnings, and which is not intended to identify the basic nature of a use, specific product or service information, or the identity of the proprietor.
AWNING.	Any structure entirely supported by the wall to which it is attached, which may project over public property, and which has a frame, being either retractable or in a fixed position, covered by nonrigid material, such as fabric or vinyl.
AWNING SIGN.	A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to an awning.
BULLETIN BOARD.	A sign that identifies an institution or organization on whose premises it is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization and/or message in movable letters of two inches (2") or less in height.
CANOPY.	Any permanent exterior roof structure which extends over, or is suspended above, any public thoroughfare, and which is attached to a building at the inner end and supported on the outer end in conformance with the Building Code of the City of Evanston.
CANOPY SIGN.	A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to a canopy.
CITY.	The City of Evanston, Illinois.
CITY COUNCIL.	The City Council of the City of Evanston, Illinois.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE.	A message placed or caused to be placed before the public by a person directly involved in the manufacture or sale of the products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities which are the subject of the message that:
	1. Refers to the offer for sale or existence for sale of products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities; or
	2. Attracts attention to a business or to products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities that are offered or exist for sale or for hire.
COMMERCIAL VARIABLE MESSAGE (CVMS).	A sign which may be manual, electronic or sign electrically controlled, capable of showing a series of different messages in a predetermined sequence.
COMPATIBLE.	The characteristic of appearance of two (2) or more buildings, structures, or architectural elements in the same vicinity which produces an aesthetically pleasing whole.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN.	A sign identifying persons involved in design, planning, construction, wrecking, financing, or development taking place on the premises where the sign is posted.
DIRECTORY SIGN.	A sign intended for viewing while within a premises, either by pedestrians or those driving vehicles, and is not intended to be legible from a public right-of-way.
ELIGIBLE FACADE AREA.	That portion of a facade which is below the maximum sign height.
ERECT.	To build, construct, attach, hand, re-hang, suspend, place, affix, enlarge, substantially alter, post, display, or relocate and includes the painting of lettering or graphics for signs. Normal maintenance is not included within this definition.
EXTERIOR.	The outer part or surface of a building; such as a wall or window, which is exposed to outside environmental elements.
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATION.	Illumination of a sign which is produced by an artificial source of light which is not contained within the sign itself.
FACADE.	Any side, surface or wall below the roof of a building which is parallel or within forty-five degrees (45°) of parallel with a parcel's frontage on a public thoroughfare, and which faces toward and relates to that public thoroughfare. If a building has a complex shape, then all walls or surfaces facing in the same direction, or nearly the same direction, are part of a single facade.
FESTOON LIGHTING.	A string of two (2) or more unshielded incandescent light bulbs suspended over a premises, (as opposed to being located on a building or structure). Holiday and ornamental lighting strung temporarily through trees shall not be construed to be festoon lighting.
FLASHING SIGN.	A directly or indirectly illuminated sign where the source of illumination is not maintained constant or stationary in intensity or color at all times when such sign is in use.
FREESTANDING SIGN.	Any sign which is erected such that it is detached from a building or structure.
FRONTAGE.	A lot line which is coterminous with the right of way of a single public thoroughfare.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN.	A sign which presents the name and/or address of a building, business, development or establishment, and may incorporate a logo, graphic, or image.
INFORMATION CYCLE.	The length of time used to display one (1) continuous message from start to finish on a commercial variable message sign.
INSTITUTION.	An established organization or corporation of a public or eleemosynary character.
INTERCHANGEABLE COPY BOARD.	A sign whereon provision is made for letters or characters to be placed in or upon the surface area manually to provide a message or picture.
INTERNAL ILLUMINATION.	Illumination of a sign which is produced by an artificial source of light concealed or contained within the sign itself, and which becomes visible in darkness through the translucent portion of the sign face.
ITEM OF INFORMATION.	Any of the following: a word, an abbreviation, a number, a symbol, or a geometric shape contained in a sign. In addition, a sign which combines several different geometric shapes, or shapes of unusual configuration are to be assessed one (1) additional item of information for each noncontinuous plane or surface.
LOT AREA.	The gross surface area of land contained within or below a premises. It may be a single parcel or it may include parts of or a combination of such parcels when adjacent to one another and used as one.
MAINTENANCE.	Provision of a safe, presentable, and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, painting, cleaning and other acts required to preserve the sign, advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning in its originally permitted and installed condition.
MARQUEE.	Any hood or canopy of permanent construction supported entirely by the building, and projecting from the building's wall over a sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare, constructed for the purpose of permanently supporting an interchangeable copy board.
MARQUEE SIGN.	A sign permanently attached to and supported by a marquee, having all or a portion of its sign surface area comprising an interchangeable copy board.
NAMEPLATE.	A plate or plaque bearing a name, applied directly to or incorporated into a facade.
NEON SIGN.	A permanent sign fabricated entirely from glass tubing, illuminated with electrically-charged neon gas.
NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE.	Any message that is not a commercial message.
OCCUPANCY.	That portion of a building or premises of which is leased, owned, or otherwise controlled solely by an occupant, and of which that occupant has a tangible presence in the form of business, institution, residence or similar inhabitance.
OCCUPANT.	Any one of the following:
	1. A household inhabiting a dwelling unit, or
	2. An institutional, business, commercial or industrial endeavor that inhabits a distinguishable portion of a building or premises such that:
	(a) The activity is a logical and separate entity from the other activities within the building and not a department of the whole; and
	(b) The activity has either a separate entrance from the exterior of the building, or a separate entrance from a common and clearly defined entryway that has direct access from the exterior of the building.
OFFICIALLY REGISTERED NAME.	That name registered on legal papers of incorporation, partnership, or similar definition of proprietorship.
PERMANENT SIGN.	A sign that is solidly mounted or permanently affixed in accordance with the mounting requirements of this Chapter, Chapter 4-2 of this Title, or other chapters of the City Code.
PERMITTEE.	That person designated on the application for a sign permit as being responsible for assuring sign maintenance and operation in conformance with the ordinance and the permit.
PERSON.	Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, institution, or organization of any kind.
PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT.	A business establishment, club, or institution which maintains a regular schedule of performing arts events. Restaurants without such live entertainment schedules are not included within this definition.
PORTABLE SIGN.	Any sign not permanently affixed to the ground, a building, or other structure, which may be moved, or is intended to be moved, from place to place.
PREMISES.	A parcel, or contiguous parcels, of land including related building or buildings, distinguishable from surrounding parcels and buildings by use. A building and grounds that contains many separate occupancies is still classified as a single premises. Several buildings and associated parcels of land may in fact be a single premises if their use is unified.
PROPRIETARY INTEREST.	Having partial or exclusive title to, control over management authority over, present use, or legal right to, something.
PROPRIETOR.	An individual who owns or operates a business which is wholly separate and distinguishable from other business entities on the premises, and not merely a part of a larger business entity.
READ.	The capacity to perceive of the sign's message through visual observation by a normal-sighted person.
REAL ESTATE SIGN.	A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or portion of the premises on which the sign is located, or to the sale or lease of one or more structures or a portion thereof located thereon.
SIGN.	A name, identification, description, display, message or illustration which is affixed to, or represented directly or indirectly upon, a building, structure, or piece of land so as to be principally seen from out-of-doors and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, concept, thought, person, institution, organization, or business.
SIGN FACE.	The exterior sign surface area of a single sign which may be read from any one (1) ground position.
SIGN SURFACE AREA.	The total exposed surface within a continuous perimeter composed of a single rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentations, or other figures, together with any material, or color used as an integral part of the display or to differentiate the sign from the background on which it is placed.
TEMPORARY SIGN.	Any sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of display.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE DEVICE.	Any mechanism that displays the time and/or temperature, but does not display any advertising or establishment identification.
UNIFIED SIGN PLAN.	A plan providing specific sign type, number, placement, size, height, and design requirements for development located on premises for which unique design considerations for signs may considered and applicable.
WALL SIGN.	Any sign erected upon or incorporated in the facade of any building with the plane of the sign face parallel to the plane of the facade.
WINDOW AREA.	Any transparent area on a facade through which the interior of a premises may be viewed from outside.
WINDOW SIGN.	Any sign, either permanent or temporary, which is affixed or placed so that its message or image is read as part of the total composition of a window area. (Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022; Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 2, 7-14-2023)

6-19-4. - CONSTRUCTION/ALTERATION PERMIT REQUIRED.

No "sign," as defined herein, shall be constructed, erected, originally painted, converted, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, remodeled, relocated or expanded until a permit for such sign has been obtained in accordance with the standards and procedures set out in this Chapter.

(A)

No Permit For Maintenance. No permit shall be required for maintenance of a "sign" as defined herein, nor for certain signs identified as exempt under Section 4-10-6 of this Chapter.

(B)

No Assignment Or Transfer. No permit issued hereunder may be assigned or transferred to any other person.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-5. - EXEMPT SIGNS.

The following signs shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit and from the limitation on items of information, but shall be subject to the other provisions of this Chapter, and (with the exception of "addresses") shall be included for purposes of determining the allowable total number and size of signs on a premises:

(A)

Addresses. Address numerals and other sign information required to identify a location by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation. Such address information cannot exceed two (2) square feet per officially assigned address, or the size required by the law, order, rule or regulation, whichever is greater.

(B)

Auxiliary Signs. Auxiliary signs placed in store windows regarding hours of operation, accepted charge cards, warnings or similar information.

(C)

Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet for public, eleemosynary or religious institutions where the bulletin board is located on the premises of said institutions.

(D)

Business Nameplates. Nonilluminated nameplates denoting the business name of an occupation legally conducted on the premises, provided that only one (1) nameplate per proprietor may be erected and that such nameplate not exceed one (1) square foot.

(E)

Institutional Identify Signs. For an institution such as a college or university campus, an identity sign designating only the name and address of the institution or campus, not exceeding thirty (30) square feet. Such signs shall be located not less than ten feet (10') from a street lot line.

(F)

Construction Signs. One (1) construction sign per frontage, identifying individuals or companies involved in the design, construction, demolition, financing or project development when placed on the premises where work is under construction. Such signs shall not be erected prior to the beginning of work for which a valid building or demolition permit has been issued, and shall be removed within ten (10) days of completion of work or the expiration of the permit. Construction signs for single-family residences shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. Construction signs for commercial, industrial, multi-family, or planned development uses on parcels of less than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet; construction signs shall not exceed ninety-six (96) square feet on parcels greater than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet.

(G)

Flags and Standards. Flags, standards, emblems and insignia of governmental, political, civic, philanthropic, religious or educational organizations, having a size less than fifty (50) square feet, and displayed for noncommercial purposes.

(H)

Garage Sale Signs. No more than two (2) temporary signs per sale which advertise garage sales, yard sales, or similar merchandise sales, provided that such signs do not exceed four (4) square feet, are located with no more than one (1) sign per street frontage either on the premises containing the sale or on other private property with permission of that property owner, and are only in place when the sale is actually taking place.

(I)

Government Signs. Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs or other similar regulatory devices, directional signs, Evanston Historic District signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs pertaining to health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, and such emergency or nonadvertising signs as may be approved by the traffic engineer for safety purposes or by the City Council.

(J)

Historic Markers. Commemorative plaques, memorial tablets, or emblems of official historical bodies, provided that no such marker shall exceed four (4) square feet and provided further that all such markers shall be placed flat against a building, monument stone, or other permanent surface.

(K)

Holiday Decorations. Temporary displays of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental and customary with traditionally accepted civic, patriotic or religious holidays.

(L)

Directory Signs. Signs which are located on the interior of a premises and which are exclusively oriented to persons within that premises to guide pedestrians to individual businesses on the site. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum of one (1) square foot per occupant listed on the sign.

(M)

Management Signs. Signs not exceeding two feet (2') wide by three feet (3') high that indicate the real estate management agent for a premises and the agent's contact information. Management signs may display the words "For Rent" in letters no more than three inches (3") in height.

(N)

Menu Board Signs. One (1) menu board sign for a drive-in or drive-through facility, provided that the sign does not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet or eight (8) feet in height.

(O)

Model Home Signs. Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet identifying a nonoccupied dwelling unit used as a demonstrator for selling or renting other dwelling units in the same complex. Such signs shall be permitted only when more than one (1) dwelling unit is available on the premises.

(P)

Monument Signs. Plaques, tablets, cornerstones, or lettering inlaid into the architectural materials of a building or structure denoting the name of that structure and its date of erection.

(Q)

Noncommercial Signs. Noncommercial signs, not exceeding six (6) square feet per occupancy.

(R)

"Open" Signs. Signs, not exceeding four (4) square feet, which advertise a premises open for inspection, with no more than one (1) sign per street frontage on the subject property, and an overall maximum of two (2) signs per property. Such signs may not be located in the public right-of-way, nor be directly illuminated. They may only be in place when the related premises is actually open for inspection.

(S)

Political or Campaign Signs. Signs promoting candidates for public office or issues on election ballots, not exceeding six (6) square feet per occupancy, posted on private property.

(T)

Real Estate Sign. One (1) real estate sign per street frontage of a premises, advertising the availability of a sale or lease of that premises. Such signs may not be located in the public right-of-way, nor be directly illuminated. They shall not exceed six (6) square feet for residential districts, twenty-four (24) square feet for commercial districts, or forty-eight (48) square feet for industrial districts. Display of real estate signs shall be limited to one hundred eighty (180) days. For nonexempt real estate signs see Subsection 6-19-9(L), "Temporary Real Estate Signs," of this Chapter.

(U)

Residential and Institutional Nameplates. One (1) nonilluminated name-plate, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet, for a multiple-family dwelling, college, university or theological school building, fraternity or sorority. Such signs shall include only the name and/or address of the building and be located not less than ten (10) feet from a street lot line.

(V)

Service Station Price Signs. Price signs not exceeding the minimum requirements established by state statute for service stations.

(W)

Site Information Signs. Signs of no more than four (4) square feet which, without including an advertising reference of any kind, provide direction or instruction to guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, including, but not specifically limited to, those signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways, traffic flow, parking restrictions, and features of a similar nature.

(X)

Special Displays. Special displays used for public demonstrations, the promotion of civic welfare, or charitable purposes, provided they are approved by the City Council after submission of a written application, they contain no noncharitable advertising, and they are removed by the deadline established by the Council in its approval.

(Y)

Temporary Window Signs. Signs temporarily affixed to the inside of a window, advertising commercial situations relating to goods or services sold on premises, provided that the total of all signs in the window area, including temporary and permanently mounted signs does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area; and further provided that each temporary window sign has the initial date of display permanently and visibly affixed on its face, and that no temporary window sign is displayed for longer than thirty (30) days. For any occupancy using no other signs than a permanent window sign the amount of permanent and temporary window sign area may be increased to thirty-five percent (35%) of the window area.

(Z)

Vending Machine Signs. Permanent, nonflashing signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, ice or milk containers, or other similar machines, not exceeding four (4) square feet for each exposed face, nor exceeding an aggregate sign surface area of eight (8) square feet.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022; Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 3, 7-14-2023)

6-19-6. - PROHIBITED SIGNS.

All signs not specifically permitted in this Chapter are prohibited in any location in the City.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-7. - GENERAL STANDARDS.

(A)

Applicable Regulations. In addition to the provisions of this Chapter, all signs must conform to the regulations and design standards of all other applicable chapters of the City Code.

(B)

Obscene Messages. No sign shall be permitted to contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene and/or pornographic character.

(C)

Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. Every sign or advertising structure shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of net surface area and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required by Chapter 2 of this Title and other applicable chapters of the City Code.

(D)

Obstruction to Doors, Windows, or Fire Escapes. No sign or advertising structure shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to, or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign or advertising structure shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape. No sign shall interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

(E)

Signs Not to Constitute Traffic Hazards. In order to ensure reasonable traffic safety, it shall be unlawful to erect or maintain any fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, blinking, or flashing sign or attention gathering device. No sign or advertising structure nor its associated landscaping shall be erected, installed or maintained in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or as to distract the attention of the driver of any vehicle by reason of position, shape, color or lighting thereof.

Pursuant to the foregoing, no sign or advertising structure shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to be likely to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or imitate, resemble, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. Accordingly, no sign or advertising structure shall make use of the words "stop," "go," "slow," "look," "caution," "warning," "danger," or any similar word, phrase, symbol, or character, or employ any red, yellow, orange, green or other colored lamp or light, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

(F)

Advertising Vehicles. No person shall for the flagrant purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity, park on the public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be prominently visible from a public right-of-way any vehicle or trailer which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device. The foregoing shall not apply to mobile food vehicle vendors licensed pursuant to Title 8 of this Code.

(G)

Electrical Clearance. Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with the Evanston Electrical Code, depending on the voltages concerned. However, in no case shall a sign be installed closer than twenty-four inches (24") horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guy wire.

(H)

Face of Sign to be Smooth. No signs or advertising structures which are constructed on public thoroughfares, or within five feet (5') thereof, shall have nails, tacks or wires or other hazardous projections protruding therefrom, except electrical reflectors and devices which may extend over the top and in front of such advertising structures.

(I)

Glass; Limitation. Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety glass. In case any single piece or pane of glass has an area exceeding three (3) square feet, it shall be wired glass.

(J)

Reflectors, Spotlights and Floodlights; Limitations and Prohibition. Gooseneck and similar reflectors and lights shall be permitted on free-standing and wall signs; provided, however, the reflectors and lights shall concentrate the illumination upon the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property. It shall be unlawful to maintain any sign which extends over public property, and which is wholly or partially illuminated by floodlights or spotlights, unless such lights are completely concealed from view from the public thoroughfare.

(K)

No Tree Mounting. No signs shall be nailed, tacked or otherwise affixed to trees or other vegetation in such a way as to puncture bark.

(L)

No Handbills. No handbills, posters, notices, or similar attention gathering devices shall be posted or affixed on traffic control boxes, signs, lamp poles, utility poles, traffic control supports, viaducts, or other locations as further regulated under Title 3 of this Municipal Code.

(M)

Illuminated Signs. All illuminated signs shall be subject to the following requirements:

Electrical Permit. In addition to complying with the provisions of this Chapter, all signs in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the City Electrical Code, Title 4, Chapter 6 of the City Code. No permit for the erection of a sign shall be granted prior to approval and issuance of a valid electrical permit for that sign.

Voltage Displayed. The voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection with a sign shall be conspicuously noted on that apparatus.

External Illumination. A building or structure, along with signs, awnings, and canopies attached to the building or structure, may be illuminated externally, but all lighting used for this purpose must be designated, located, shielded, and maintained in such a manner that the light source is fixed and not directly visible from any adjacent public rights-of-way or surrounding premises.

Internal Illumination. Internal illuminated signs shall permit light to shine fully through only the lettering and graphic elements of the sign. The background for such lettering and graphics shall be opaque or translucent. If translucent, it shall transmit light at a level substantially less than that transmitted through the lettering and graphics. If the contrast between the lettering or graphic elements and background does not permit adequate legibility (according to the judgment of the sign owner) a translucent white border of up to one inch (1") in width may be placed around said lettering or graphic elements.

Brightness Limitation. In no instance shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal illumination or external illumination, exceed:

Seventy-five (75) foot-candles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or

When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, fifty (50) foot-candles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or

One (1) foot-candle on adjoining residential property, measured three feet (3') above the surface of the ground.

Glare. All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent public rights-of-way or surrounding property.

Flashing Signs. Except for commercial variable message signs (CVMS), illuminated signs shall not have any flashing, scintillating, traveling, or blinking lights or rotating beacons, nor shall any beam of light be projected through a mechanism which periodically changes the color of the light reaching the sign.

(N)

Movable Sign Parts. No sign or its parts shall be permitted to be movable or rotating, nor shall any sign have illuminated effects which convey the illusion of movement.

No Changeable Copy. With the exception of marquee signs, gasoline price signs, CVMS signs, and exempt signs, no sign may contain movable letters or other changeable copy.

Items Secured. All manually movable items on a sign, such as covers to service openings, shall be secured by chains or hinges.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-8. - AREA AND MEASUREMENT STANDARDS.

(A)

Signs in Residential Districts. Except in conjunction with legal nonconforming commercial and industrial uses, no signs other than those exempted under Section 4-10-6 of this Chapter shall be permitted on property in a residential zoning district.

(B)

Commercial Message Location. A sign which displays a commercial message is permitted only on the premises where the business, profession, accommodation, commodity, service, entertainment, or other commercial activity represented on the sign is located.

Any sign that may display a commercial message may also display any noncommercial message, either in place of or in addition to the commercial message, so long as the sign complies with the other requirements of this Chapter.

(C)

Interchangeable Noncommercial Messages. Any sign that may display one type of noncommercial message may also display any other type of noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with the other requirements of this Chapter.

(D)

Sign Area Limitation. The combined total sign surface area of signs on a premises shall not exceed the greater of:

Area of Facade. An area equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of the total eligible facade area of buildings which constitute the premises; or

Area of Premises. An area equivalent to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the lot area of the premises.

At no time shall the combined total sign surface area of all signs pertaining to any occupant, other than exempt signs or temporary window signs, exceed five hundred (500) square feet.

The maximum aggregate sign surface area may be divided between as many sign types as desired by an occupant, subject to number, location and area restrictions for each sign type delineated herein.

On a premises with multiple occupants, the maximum permitted sign surface area for each occupant shall be a proportional share of the total permitted sign surface area for the premises. Each occupant's total permitted sign area shall be calculated as the ratio of floor area (or lot area where no principal buildings are present) occupied by that occupant to the total floor area (or lot area where no principal building is present) of the premises.

(E)

Sign Face Calculation. The sign surface area of a sign shall be calculated only on the basis of the sign face(s) that can be seen at one (1) time. On a multiple sided sign with opposite faces that cannot be read simultaneously, only one (1) of the faces shall be calculated for purposes of determining sign surface area.

(F)

Structure and Base Excluded. Structural supports and bases, bearing no message, copy or graphics, and of a neutral or subdued color(s), shall not be included in calculating the sign surface area.

(G)

Items of Information. Subject to the requirements of all other provisions of this Chapter, each sign face shall contain no more than seven (7) items of information. However, if the officially registered name of the occupant of the premises to which the sign refers contains more than seven (7) items of information, the name may be displayed on each sign face, provided no other information is displayed on such sign.

In calculating items of information, characters two inches (2") or less in height shall be excluded. They are considered to be principally directed toward pedestrian observation.

(H)

Maximum Sign Height. With the exception of tall building identification signs, all signs shall be subject to the maximum height limitation of fifteen and one-half (15.5) feet. The height of a sign shall be measured from the adjoining ground level or the elevation of the street upon which the sign faces, whichever is lower, to the tallest portion of the sign.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-9. - PERMITTED SIGN TYPES.

(A)

Wall Signs.

Number. If an occupant displays more than one (1) wall sign on a facade, that occupant's total permitted sign surface area for wall signs on that facade is reduced by an increment of twenty percent (20%) for each additional wall sign.

Area. The total permitted sign surface area of all wall signs on a facade shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the eligible facade area. No individual wall sign shall exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet in area.

Area Bonus. An occupant's permitted sign surface area for wall signs on a facade may be increased by twenty percent (20%), though not exceeding the two hundred (200) square foot individual sign area maximum, when the following standards are met:

The occupant is displaying no more than one (1) wall sign on the facade; and

The sign consists only of individual alphabetic, numeric, and/or symbolic characters without background except that provided by the building surface to which the signs are to be affixed; and

If illuminated, such illumination is achieved through internal illumination, shielded silhouette lighting, or shielded spot lighting.

This does not include any lighting where the light source is visible or exposed.

Location. Wall signs may only be located on a portion of an exterior wall that is coterminous with the occupancy to which the signs refer.

No wall sign shall extend above or beyond the wall to which it is attached. Except as permitted below, no wall sign shall extend above the maximum sign height of fifteen and one-half (15.5) feet.

Projection From Wall. No wall sign, including any illuminating device or other structural part, shall project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the plane of the wall to which it is attached.

Tall-Building Identification Sign. On buildings of six (6) stories or greater, where the occupant between the second story and the top story is the same, one (1) tall-building identification sign per facade may be placed between the floor of the top story and the top of the wall of the building. This identification wall sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign surface area.

Installation Considerations. To preserve the architectural integrity of any building, no wall sign shall cover or interrupt significant architectural elements such as columns, column caps, friezes, door or window heads, embellishments, adornments, fenestrations, or ornamental detailing.

All mounting brackets and other hardware used to affix a sign to a wall, and all electrical service hardware and equipment shall be concealed by architectural elements of the building or the sign itself.

(B)

Freestanding Signs.

Number. There shall be no more than one (1) freestanding sign for each frontage of a premises.

On premises having a principal building, no freestanding sign shall be permitted on a frontage unless every facade related to the frontage is set back at least thirty (30) feet from the street right-of-way. On premises having no principal building, there shall be no more than one (1) freestanding sign for each frontage of the premises.

Area. Except as conditioned below, the total sign surface area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed one-quarter percent (0.25%) of the lot area of the premises, nor a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) square feet of sign surface area.

The maximum sign surface area of a freestanding sign on a frontage may not exceed twelve (12) square feet unless that frontage is one hundred (100) or more feet in length.

A fifteen percent (15%) bonus in sign surface area shall be permitted for any freestanding sign which is the only freestanding sign on a premises on which more than one such sign would otherwise be permitted.

Location. No freestanding sign shall extend beyond the perimeter lot line of a premises or within twenty (20) feet of any circulation lane which provides access to a public right-of-way.

Height. A freestanding sign within three (3) feet of any perimeter lot line of a premises may not exceed three (3) feet in height. The height of any freestanding sign three (3) or more feet from any lot line may not exceed the distance between the sign and any lot line, nor shall the top of the freestanding sign exceed the maximum elevation of a principal building on the premises to which it pertains.

No freestanding sign shall exceed the maximum sign height of fifteen and one-half (15.5) feet.

Permanent Mounting. All freestanding signs shall be permanently mounted in the ground. No portable signs are permitted.

(C)

Permanent Window Signs.

Area. The sign surface area of permanent window signs in any window shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of that window area.

Location. Permanent window signs must be confined within the transparent glazed area of the window and shall not encroach upon the frame, mullions or other supporting features of the glass.

Installation Considerations. All permanent window signs which have their lettering or graphic elements directly on the glazing shall be painted, metal leafed, vinyl transferred, or in some other manner permanently applied to either side of the glass of an exterior building or window or door. No application using a temporary adhesive shall be permitted unless the Zoning Administrator determines the application to be safe and will be permanent.

(D)

Commercial Variable Message (CVMS) Signs.

Time and Temperature Only. CVMS displaying messages other than time and temperature information shall be prohibited.

Length of Cycle. The total length of the information cycle of a CVMS shall not be shorter than three (3) seconds nor longer than seven (7) seconds. Items of information may not be repeated at intervals that are short enough to cause the CVMS to have the effect of a flashing sign.

Brightness Adjustment. CVMS shall be equipped with photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination.

Included Area. The illuminated or message displaying areas of the CVMS shall be included within the maximum aggregate sign surface area for the premises.

Maintenance. CVMS must be maintained so as to be able to display messages in a complete and legible manner.

(E)

Marquee Signs.

Number. There shall not be more than one (1) marquee sign on any facade. Advertising and identification messages on any of the vertical or nearly vertical faces of a marquee are calculated as a single marquee sign.

Area. The total sign surface area of a marquee sign shall not exceed five hundred (500) square feet.

Location. A sign may be affixed to or located upon any vertical or nearly vertical face of a marquee, so that no portion of the sign falls above or below the face of the marquee.

In no instance shall a marquee sign be lower than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or public thoroughfare.

In no instance shall a marquee sign be located so that it extends beyond the curb line of the street.

Use of Marquee. Marquee signs are only permitted for use on theaters, places of entertainment, and hotels.

(F)

Canopy and Awning Signs.

Commercial Message. Use of canopy or awning area for display of commercial messages shall be limited to the name, logo and address of the business or businesses within the building upon which the awning is attached. Canopy or awning signs shall be flush to the face of the canopy or awning.

Area. The sign surface area of a canopy or awning sign shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the area of the vertical section of the canopies and awnings. The vertical section of the canopies and awnings is calculated as the height of the canopy or awning (difference between the highest and lowest point on the canopy or awning) multiplied by the length of the canopy or awning measured parallel to the facade upon which it is attached.

Signs on any surface of a canopy or awning other than the surface running parallel with the building face shall be limited to letters or graphics not exceeding four (4) inches in height.

Location. Canopies and awnings shall be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion of the projecting frame thereof shall be not less than seven (7) feet six (6) inches, and the lowest portion of the descending skirt shall be not less than six (6) feet eight (8) inches above the level of the sidewalk or public thoroughfare.

No portion of the canopy or awning sign shall be extended above or beyond the canopy or awning upon which it is attached; however, signs may be hung beneath canopies parallel to the building frontage so long as they do not descend below the minimum six (6) foot eight (8) inches minimum clearance.

Awnings shall project a minimum of thirty-six (36) inches out from the building upon which they are attached, and a maximum of twenty-four (24) inches from the vertical surface of the street curb line.

Installation Considerations. To preserve the architectural integrity of a building, no canopy or awning, and no canopy or awning sign shall cover or interrupt significant architectural elements such as columns, column caps, friezes, door or window heads, embellishments, adornments, fenestrations or ornamental detailing.

Illumination of Awnings And Canopies. Awnings and canopies may be illuminated where the following conditions are maintained:

Both interior type strip lighting and exterior type gooseneck lighting is permitted, not exceeding a maximum light level of eighteen (18) foot-candles measured three (3) feet from and perpendicular to the light source.

Awnings shall be allowed to be lighted whether or not signs are to be displayed on the awning.

Internally illuminated awnings and canopies shall permit light to shine fully through only the lettering and graphic elements. The bottom of any internally illuminated awning or canopy shall be enclosed.

Illumination of canopies, awnings, canopy signs and awning signs is further regulated in Section 6-19-7 of this Chapter.

Nonrigid Materials Prohibited. Canopy or awning signs covered by nonrigid materials and supported on the outer (street) end are prohibited.

(G)

Neon Signs. The area defined by neon shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the window area. Neon signs shall not extend to all edges of the windows.

(H)

Scoreboards.

Location. No scoreboard shall be erected or maintained such that it is visible from a public thoroughfare.

Internal Scoreboard. The number, area, height, and location of scoreboards visible only from within the stadium area are regulated as part of Section 6-19-7 of this Chapter.

(I)

Temporary Signs.

Number. There shall not be more than two (2) permits for temporary signs issued for the same occupant of a premises within one (1) calendar year.

Area. Temporary signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign surface area for each exposed face, nor sixty-four (64) square feet total sign surface area.

Location. Temporary signs shall be located only upon the premises to which the special, unique, or limited activity, service product, or sale is to occur.

Temporary signs shall take the form of wall signs or free-standing signs and shall conform to the location requirements of the respective sign type described elsewhere in this Chapter. No temporary signs shall be permitted on vehicles.

Time Limitations. Temporary signs shall be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, and shall be removed within three (3) days of termination of the activity, service, project, or sale.

Materials and Mounting Limitations.

All temporary signs shall be anchored and supported in a manner which reasonably prevents the possibility of the signs becoming hazards to the public health and safety as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

Any temporary sign weighing in excess of fifty (50) pounds must conform to the safety requirements of the City Code.

Certain Temporary Signs Exempt. Temporary window signs as qualified in Subsection 6-19-5(M) of this Chapter are exempt from the conditions of this Section.

(J)

Vehicular Dealership Signs.

Number.

Each dealership may have one (1) freestanding sign. Each parcel may have no more than two (2) freestanding signs. In the event a business entity consists of multiple dealerships, no more than two (2) dealership signs may appear on one (1) freestanding pole.

One (1) wall sign per business entity.

Area.

The maximum gross surface area for freestanding signs is one hundred forty (140) square feet per sign face.

For wall signs, the maximum gross surface area must not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the square foot area of the facade to which the sign is attached.

Location.

Freestanding Signs.

(1)

Freestanding signs are permitted at the lot line.

(2)

Freestanding signs shall be separated by a minimum of fifty feet (50').

Wall Signs.

(1)

Wall signs are not to extend above the roofline of the wall upon which the sign is attached.

Height. Freestanding signs erected after the effective date hereof shall not exceed twenty-five feet (25'). Freestanding signs in existence prior to that time shall not exceed their preenactment height.

Uniform Sign Package. When a dealership changes ownership or acquires a new vehicle line, no new sign(s) may be erected and no modifications to existing signs may be made without the owner having filed a sign package with the City and receiving the City's approval therefor.

Flags.

Flags may be used on used car lots only, provided that:

(1)

They are of uniform color; and

(2)

Worn flags are replaced so as to maintain a neat appearance.

Conflict With Other Provisions of This Chapter. In the event of a conflict between this Subsection (J) and the other provisions of this Chapter, this Subsection shall prevail.

(K)

Temporary Real Estate Signs. For temporary, nonilluminated real estate signs for multi-family, residential projects, the permitted regulations are as follows:

5 to 36 dwelling units = 32 square foot maximum, 10'0" maximum sign height

All temporary real estate signs shall be limited to a maximum of twelve (12) months total duration, or until all the units are sold.

(L)

Blade Signs.

Position. Blade signs shall be project from and be perpendicular to a building's facade, and the top of any such sign shall not be more than fifteen (15) feet six (6) inches above grade at the building.

Area. Blade signs shall not measure more than two (2) feet wide nor more than three (3) feet high.

Clearance. The bottom of any blade sign shall be at least seven (7) feet six (6) inches above grade at the building.

Illumination. Blade signs shall not be illuminated.

Number. There shall be no more than one (1) blade sign per business.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022; Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 4, 7-14-2023)

6-19-10. - ADMINISTRATION.

(A)

Permit Approval Procedure. Any sign for which a permit is required under Section 6-19-4 of this Chapter must receive that permit prior to being constructed, erected, originally painted, converted, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, remodeled, relocated or expanded. The following procedures must be followed for approval of a permit:

Complete Application. A permit application must be submitted to the City of Evanston Department of Community Development. No application shall be accepted until it is complete, along with all necessary fees, bonds, and evidence of ownership or authorization as described below in this Section.

Permit Issuance. Once an application is accepted as complete, the Zoning Administrator shall direct an examination of the plans, specifications, and other submitted data, and the premises upon which the sign is proposed to be erected or affixed, and shall request additional plans and information if necessary to determine conformance. If the Zoning Administrator determines the proposed sign or signs to be in conformance with this and other applicable chapters of the City Code, the Zoning Administrator shall issue a permit for the proposed sign.

Permit Denial. If the proposed sign does not conform with this or other applicable chapters of the City Code, the Zoning Administrator shall, on the basis of written findings, approve the sign subject to specific modifications or, on the basis of written findings, deny the sign application.

(B)

Permit Application. Application for permits to erect, construct, or alter a sign shall be submitted on a form and in the manner prescribed by the Zoning Administrator. Each application shall be signed by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property upon which it is to be located. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including:

Name, address and telephone number of the applicant;

A drawing or drawings indicating the location of the building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or advertising structure is to be attached or erected;

A drawing or photograph showing the position of the sign or advertising structure in relation to structures;

Two (2) blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications of the proposed sign or advertising structure, including the methods of construction and attachment to the buildings or in the ground. Such plans must include all text and graphics proposed on the sign, drawn to scale with dimensions;

If required by the Zoning Administrator, a copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure as required by this Chapter and all other applicable chapters of the City Code;

Name of person, firm, corporation or association responsible for erecting the sign or advertising structure;

Written consent of the owner or agent of the premises on which the sign or advertising structure is to be erected;

A completed application for any electrical permit required to be issued for said sign or advertising structure;

A copy of the insurance policy or bond as required by Subsection (E) of this Section;

10.

A declared total value of the sign or advertising structure and its installation;

11.

Documentation of all existing signs on the premises, including their type and area, location, and the occupant of the site to which each sign pertains; and

12.

Any additional information as the Zoning Administrator shall require to show full compliance with this and all other applicable chapters of the City Code.

(C)

Temporary Permit Applications. Applications for temporary sign permits shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including those listed in Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of Subsection (B) of this Section. No fee shall be charged for any temporary sign.

(D)

Permit Fees. Fees to be charged for permits issued shall be as established in a separate fee ordinance which may be, from time to time, adopted by the City Council. Persons guilty of erecting or maintaining a sign without first securing the necessary permit shall be subject to a penalty fee of fifty percent (50%) of the normal fee amount in addition to the obligation to pay the normal fee.

(E)

Bond, Insurance and Indemnification Requirements.

Insurance. A general liability insurance policy issued by any approved insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Illinois, conforming to this Section, may be permitted in lieu of bond, provided that said insurance policy names the City as an additional insured and agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the City, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims of negligence resulting from such work.

Public Property. All persons responsible for the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance of a sign or advertising structure in or over or immediately adjacent to a public right-of-way or public property so that a portion of the public right-of-way or public property is used or encroached upon by that person, shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify the City, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims of negligence resulting from such work.

(F)

Pre-Installation Inspection. The person responsible for the installation of a sign shall schedule with the Zoning Administrator a pre-installation inspection prior to installing any sign requiring a permit. Such inspection shall include a footing inspection, if applicable, and confirmation of the other details of mounting and placement.

(G)

Final Inspection. The person responsible for the installation of a sign shall notify the Zoning Administrator upon completion of the work for which a permit is required and so schedule a final inspection.

(H)

Six-Month Deadline. If the work authorized under a permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance, the permit shall be null and void.

(I)

Denial or Revocation. All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this Chapter, or any amendment thereto, are deemed mere permits which may be denied, suspended or revoked any time for cause by the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator is authorized and empowered to deny, suspend, or revoke any permit upon failure of the permittee to comply with any provision of this Chapter or whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. The Zoning Administrator shall refuse to issue any further permit to any such party or owner, or their agents or representatives, who is in violation of the requirements of this Chapter, or refuses to pay costs assessed for corrective action under the provisions of this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-11. - MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION.

(A)

Maintenance and Repair. Every sign, including but not limited to those signs for which permits are required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, painting, cleaning and other acts required to maintain the sign, advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning in its originally permitted and installed condition in accordance with the following criteria and with the applicable chapters of the City Code.

Paint or Treat. To prevent rust, peeling, flaking, fading or rotting, the permittee of any sign or advertising structure shall, as required, paint all parts and supports thereof unless the same are galvanized or otherwise treated.

Repairs. Broken panels, missing letters, defective illumination, torn fabric, flaking or peeling paint and other damage to a sign, advertising structure, marquee, awning, canopy or support structure shall be repaired.

Clean and Sanitary. All signs or advertising structures and the area surrounding same shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all debris, rubbish and obnoxious substances, and any related grassed area or landscaping shall be kept trimmed and in a healthy condition.

Notification. Every sign or advertising structure hereafter erected shall have painted or permanently affixed in a conspicuous place thereon and continuously maintained, in legible letters, the date of erection, the name of the permittee, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus use in connection therewith.

(B)

Obsolete or Abandoned Signs. Where the Zoning Administrator finds any sign or advertising structure now or hereafter existing, which advertises a business, commodity, service, entertainment, activity, or event which has been discontinued, or is located on property which has been vacant and unoccupied he/she shall give written notice requiring removal to the permittee thereof, or if the permittee cannot be located, to the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or premises upon which it is found. If, after notification, the proper person fails to remove the sign or structure within sixty (60) days after such notice the Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized to cause the removal of such sign or advertising structure.

(C)

Unsafe and Unlawful Signs. Where the Zoning Administrator finds that any sign or advertising structure is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected, or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this Chapter, he/she shall give written notice to the permittee thereof, or if the permittee cannot be located, to the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or premises upon which it is found. If, after notification, the proper person fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within twenty (20) days after such notice, the Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized to cause the removal of such sign or advertising structure. The Zoning Administrator may summarily and without notice cause the removal of any sign or advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property. The permittee shall be liable for any and all such costs incurred by the City.

(D)

Lien to Recover Costs. In the event of failure by any party to reimburse the City within sixty (60) days for costs incurred for repair or removal ordered by the Zoning Administrator, the Corporation Council will be authorized to file a notice of lien in the office of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds to foreclose this lien, and to sue the owner of the real estate, or sign permittee, or their agents, in a civil action to recover the money due to the foregoing services, plus all expenses, including attorney's fees. Included in the expenses recoverable by the City, are the costs of filing the notice of lien, foreclosing said lien, and all litigation costs, together with all office and legal expense incurred in connection with the collection of the amount due hereunder.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-12. - STOREFRONT MAINTENANCE AND WINDOW COVERING DURING VACANCY OR RENOVATION.

The definitions noted below apply only to this Chapter and supersede any conflicting definitions found elsewhere in other chapters of the City Code.

GROUND FLOOR PREMISE.	Any space on the ground floor having frontage on a street, alley or outdoor pedestrian walkway.
STOREFRONT.	Any facade of a ground floor premises having one or more storefront windows.
STOREFRONT WINDOW.	Any window of any ground floor premises that permits an unobstructed public view into the interior of that ground floor premises from any immediately adjacent street, sidewalk, or right-of-way.
VACANT.	The state of not being occupied by a regularly operating business from a ground floor premise for a minimum of four (4) days per week on a monthly basis. An exception to allow for temporary business closure may be granted by the Director of Community Development upon written request provided that office equipment and furnishings will remain in the establishment and a date certain for reopening of the establishment is provided.
WINDOW SCREENING.	A display made of film, vinyl, polymath, canvas, or heavy duty paper that is placed in a window or window area of a vacant storefront.

(A)

Temporary Treatment of Storefront Windows During Vacancy or Interior Renovation.

Vacant; Renovation. The storefront windows of any ground floor premise that is vacant or undergoing interior renovation shall be treated using one of the following methods within fifteen (15) business days after the date on which the space first becomes vacant, or for the total duration of the interior renovation.

Window screenings that fully cover not less than eighty (80) percent of each storefront window of the ground floor premises so as to obscure a direct public view of the vacant interior of that ground floor premises.

Allowable materials for window screening must be of one (1) color and come in one of the following forms:

Plastic film;

Vinyl;

Canvas;

Other such approved materials.

Exhibits by a local not-for-profit arts or historical organization in the form of paintings, photos and sculptures may be displayed, painted or affixed on the glass in vacant storefront windows with permission of the property owner. A storefront window that displays an exhibit is permitted one (1) informational sign up to two (2) square feet in total sign area, identifying the name and contact information for each exhibit; and

A display of products, with a backdrop, which are sold by other businesses in a building, artwork, or an alternative window covering may be permitted if submitted to and approved by the City Manager or designee.

"Opening Soon" Announcement. No sooner than thirty (30) days prior (or an alternative timeframe may be permitted if submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director or designee) to the opening of a new business, a temporary sign announcing the name of the new business may be displayed in one (1) storefront window per facade. The sign shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area and may identify the name of the business in a graphic or text format.

"Now Open" Announcement. For a period not to exceed thirty (30) days after the opening of a new business, a temporary sign announcing the business opening may be displayed in one (1) storefront window per facade. The sign shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area and may identify the name of the business in a graphic or text format.

(B)

Signage. A real estate sign that complies with the 2'x3' sign area and sign height requirements of Subsection 6-19-5(M) of this Code may be placed in a storefront window along with the window screening required pursuant to this Chapter.

(C)

Minimum Appearance Requirements.

Visible adhesive or tape may not be used to affix any window display, decorative screening or signage to a storefront window;

Storefronts may not use paper, plywood or soap to obscure windows;

No plastic tarp of any kind may be used to block the windows; and

No window display or screening shall contain any matter, in writing or in a depiction, that, when considered as a whole, predominantly appeals to prurient interests.

(D)

Minimum Maintenance Requirements.

All window screenings must be kept in good repair and shall not be torn, damaged or otherwise left in a state of disrepair;

Building exteriors must be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the City's property maintenance code; and

The door area and sidewalk immediately adjacent to the storefront of the premises shall be neat, clean, and free from dirt and debris.

(E)

Responsibility for Compliance. Any person owning, leasing, maintaining, or in possession or control of any vacant, ground floor premises located within the City, or any owner of the lot upon which the vacant, ground floor premises is located, shall be responsible for adherence to the provisions of this Section.

(F)

Penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter shall be fined an amount of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) first offense; four hundred dollars ($400.00) second; seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) third offense. Each day on or during which any person violates the provisions of this Chapter shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-13. - NONCONFORMING SIGNS.

(A)

Legal Nonconforming Signs. Any sign located within the City which does not conform with the provisions of this Chapter is eligible for characterization as a "legal nonconforming" sign and is permitted, providing it also meets the following requirements:

Proper Permits. The sign was erected or installed under authority of proper sign permits prior to the date of adoption of this Chapter, if one was required under applicable code or law; or

No Permit Required. If no sign permit was required under applicable code or law for the sign in question and the sign was in all respects in compliance with applicable code or law on the date of adoption of this Chapter.

(B)

Unlawful Nonconformance. Any sign which does not conform with the provisions of this Chapter and is not eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign is unlawful, and must be brought into compliance with this Chapter or shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the adoption of this Chapter, upon written notification of such unlawful nonconformance by the Zoning Administrator.

(C)

Loss of Status. A sign loses it legal nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:

Sign Altered. The sign is altered in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with requirements of this Chapter than it was before alteration; provided, however, in the case of vehicular dealerships, the face of a freestanding sign may be modified without causing the sign to be nonconforming.

Message Changed. The sign message or graphic display is changed in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair that does not increase the nonconformity; provided, however, that in the case of vehicular dealerships, the change of a sign to reflect new ownership does not cause the sign to be nonconforming.

Sign Relocated. The sign is relocated either on the premises or to another location;

Sign Unsafe. The sign fails to conform to the sections of this Chapter regarding maintenance and operation, and public safety standards;

Sign Damaged. Damage occurs to a sign which requires repairs exceeding fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value of the sign;

Excessive Maintenance Costs. Maintenance is required which will exceed fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value of the sign; or

New Occupancy Permit. A change in use occurs which requires a new occupancy permit for the premises to which a legal nonconforming sign relates. On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be immediately brought in compliance with this Chapter with a new permit secured, therefor, or shall be removed within thirty (30) days of that date.

(D)

Continuing Obligation. Nothing in this Section shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the legal nonconforming sign is located from the provisions of this Chapter regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs, provided however, that any repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure, sign face or message in such a way which makes the sign more nonconforming.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-14. - UNIFIED SIGN PLANS.

(A)

Applicability.

No permit shall be issued for a permanent sign to be located on a premises for which a unified sign plan (fka "comprehensive sign plan" or "sign district plan") has been approved for the premises unless the sign complies with the provisions thereof.

A unified sign plan may be requested for premises which have one or more of the following attributes:

Frontage along two (2) or more public rights-of-way (excluding alleys).

Two hundred (200) feet or more of frontage.

Three (3) or more tenant spaces within one (1) building on a premises.

Two (2) or more buildings on a premises.

Consist of seventy-five thousand (75,000) square feet or more of land area.

A complete application for a planned development has either been filed or has been approved for more than one-half (½) or all of the premises.

A unified sign plan may also be requested for premises which have unique property or building characteristics that may result in signage that does not otherwise meet the requirements of this Chapter. A unified sign plan shall not be requested for signage for premises that do not meet at least possess at least one of the above attributes. A unified sign plan is not intended to be requested in lieu of a minor or major variation.

Primary Sign. A unified sign plan may include one (1) freestanding sign for the premises if the premises otherwise meets the requirements to allow a freestanding sign. Primary signs shall only be of the freestanding sign type.

The permitted sign surface area of said primary sign shall not exceed an area equivalent to one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the lot area of the premises nor a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) square feet.

This primary sign shall be in lieu of the freestanding sign. If the property is allowed more than one (1) freestanding sign, the primary sign shall be in lieu of one of the allowed freestanding signs.

Unless specifically exempted by the provisions of the approved unified sign plan, said primary sign shall conform to all other regulations (except those governing number) for individual permanent signs allowed by this Chapter.

Application Content. In addition to the requirements listed for permit applications in Subsection 6-19-10(B) of this Chapter, the application for a unified sign plan comprehensive sign plan for a unified business center shall include a format for all signs to be used on the premises in the center, including their maximum size, color, location, illumination details, lettering type, mounting details, and (if any) landscaping details.

Review Procedure; Decision.

Determination of Completeness of Application. Within ten (10) working days after receipt of an application for a unified sign plan described in this Chapter 19, the Zoning Administrator or his/her/their designee shall determine whether the application is complete. If the Zoning Administrator or his/her/their designee determines that the application is complete, he/she/they shall notify the applicant in writing that the application has been accepted for filing. If the Zoning Administrator or his/her/their designee determines that the application is not complete, he/she/they shall notify the applicant in writing, specifying the deficiencies of the application, including any additional information which must be supplied, and that no further action need be taken by the City on the application until the deficiencies are corrected.

General Notice of Public Hearing. After determining the unified sign plan application is complete, the Zoning Administrator or his/her/their designee shall cause notice of a public hearing before the Land Use Commission to be published not more than thirty (30) days nor less than fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing. In addition, a sign shall be posted on the property for a minimum of ten (10) working days prior to the public hearing indicating the place, time and date of the hearing. Such notice shall be sufficient notice for the initial hearing. Subsequent notices are not required for continuances of a hearing, if any. In addition to the aforementioned notice, the City will also provide notice, through the use of a third party service, by first class mail to all owners of property within a five hundred (500) foot radius of the property lines of the subject property, inclusive of public roads, streets, alleys and other public ways whose addresses appear on the current tax assessment list as provided by the City. The applicant must pay any and all fees and postage associated with mailing such notice pursuant to this Section. The City reserves the right to provide the aforementioned notice by first class mail where the Zoning Administrator finds it necessary. The failure of delivery of such notice, however, does not invalidate any such amendment Such notice is sufficient notice for the initial hearing. Subsequent notices are not required for continuances of a hearing, if any.

Content of Published and Mailed Notices. Published and mailed notices shall contain the time, date, and place of the public hearing. Additionally, the published and mailed notices shall contain the following:

A statement indicating that the petition is a request for special use approval;

The address of the subject property requesting the special use;

The current zoning classification of the property requesting the special use;

The time and place where the petition proposing to amend the Zoning Ordinance will be available for examination for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing;

The name of the person responsible for giving notice of the public hearing by publication or by mail, or by publication and mail;

Any other information requested by the Commission, as the case may be; and

A statement that after the conclusion of the hearing the matter will be submitted to the City Council for its action and forward his/her/their written report to the Land Use Commission. Approval of a comprehensive sign plan for a unified business center shall be at the discretion of the Land Use Commission in accordance with the criteria noted herein.

Land Use Commission Decision. Following the close of the public hearing, the Land Use Commission shall either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application for a unified sign plan.

Standards. The standards used by the Land Use Commission in its review of the proposed unified sign plan shall include:

Scale and Proportion. Every sign shall have good scale and proportion in its design and in its visual relationship to the other signs, buildings and surroundings.

Integral Elements. The signs in the plan shall be designed as integral architectural elements of the building and site to which they principally relate and shall not appear as incongruous "add-ons" or intrusions.

Restraint and Harmony. The colors, materials and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.

Effective Composition. The number of graphic elements and letters shall be held to the minimum needed to convey each sign's message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign's face.

Compatibility. Each sign shall be compatible with signs on adjoining premises and shall not compete for attention.

Unified Image. The effect of the signs proposed in the plan shall be the establishment of a unified image for the center.

(Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 5, 7-14-2023)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 5, adopted July 14, 2023, amended Section 6-19-14 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Formerly, Section 6-19-14 pertained to unified business centers, and derived from Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, adopted August 8, 2022.

6-19-15. - REVOCATION FOR CAUSE.

All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this Chapter, or any amendment thereto, are deemed mere licenses revocable at any time for cause by the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator is authorized and empowered to revoke any permit upon failure of the permittee to comply with any provision of this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-16. - PENALTY.

Any person found to have violated the provisions of the sign regulations adopted by the City shall be punished as follows:

(A)

The fine for a first violation is seventy-five dollars ($75.00).

The fine for a second violation is two hundred dollars ($200.00).

The fine for a third or subsequent violation is three hundred seventy-five dollars ($375.00).

(B)

Each day a provision of this Chapter is found to have been violated constitutes a separate violation.

(C)

The penalties provided for herein shall not be construed as limiting the power of a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing officer to impose other penalties and remedies as provided for by applicable legislation.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-17. - SEPARABILITY.

In accordance with the following, it is hereby declared that the several provisions of this Chapter are separable:

(A)

Provision of Ordinance. If any court of competent jurisdiction determines any provision of this Chapter to be invalid, such determination shall not affect any other provision of this Chapter not specifically included in the court's judgment order.

(B)

Any Particular Sign. If any court of competent jurisdiction determines any provision of this Chapter to be invalid as applied to any particular sign, such determination shall not affect the application of such provision to any other sign not specifically included in the court's judgment order.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

Evanston City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 19

SIGN REGULATIONS

6-19-1.- TITLE.

This Chapter shall hereafter be known and cited as the SIGN REGULATIONS of the City of Evanston.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-2. - PURPOSE.

(A)

Clearly and efficiently identify the goods, services, facilities and locations available to the community; and

Express the identity of businesses or the proprietors associated with those activities.

(B)

Effective Communication. A reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs is to be promoted by authorizing the use of signs which are:

Legible in the circumstances in which they are viewed;

Harmonious with their surroundings and consistent with the character of their community context;

Protective of the value of architectural resources, ensuring the integrity of the architectural elements and character of the buildings and sites to which signs principally relate;

Respectful of the rights of nearby property owners; and

Appropriate to the function to which they pertain.

(C)

Public Welfare. The public health, safety and welfare is to be preserved, protected and promoted through sign regulations which:

Recognize that signs are a necessary means of visual communication for the convenience of the general public taken as a whole, as opposed to the convenience of any individual person;

Minimize the blighting influences posed by visual clutter, decay, and neglect;

Eliminate confusion and distractions which jeopardize vehicular and pedestrian safety;

Prohibit the placement of signs which obstruct vision or access in a manner which creates dangerous conditions;

Protect the physical and mental well-being of the general public by encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the City's visual environment; and

Preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-3. - RULES AND DEFINITIONS.

The definitions noted below apply only to this Chapter and supersede any conflicting definitions found elsewhere in other chapters of the City Code.

(A)

Rules of Interpretation. The language set forth in the text of this Chapter shall be interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction:

The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.

The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future the present.

The word "shall" is mandatory, while the word "may" is permissive.

(B)

(C)

Definitions. The following words and terms, wherever they occur in this Chapter, shall be defined as follows:

ABANDONED SIGN.	Any sign advertising a business, commodity, service, entertainment or activity which has been discontinued.
ADVERTISING STRUCTURE.	A structure, as defined by the Building Code, erected or used for the purpose of supporting or displaying a message or sign.
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT.	A prominent or significant part or feature of a building, structure, or site.
ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY.	The composite or aggregate of the characteristics of structure, form, materials, and function of a building, group of buildings, or other architectural composition.
ATTENTION GATHERING DEVICE.	A display that utilizes motion or flashing lights to attract attention of passers-by. Examples include strings of pennants, banners or streamers, advertising flags, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, strobe lights, and sequential flashing "runner" lights.
AUXILIARY SIGN.	A sign which provides secondary information such as accepted charge cards, hours of operation, or warnings, and which is not intended to identify the basic nature of a use, specific product or service information, or the identity of the proprietor.
AWNING.	Any structure entirely supported by the wall to which it is attached, which may project over public property, and which has a frame, being either retractable or in a fixed position, covered by nonrigid material, such as fabric or vinyl.
AWNING SIGN.	A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to an awning.
BULLETIN BOARD.	A sign that identifies an institution or organization on whose premises it is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization and/or message in movable letters of two inches (2") or less in height.
CANOPY.	Any permanent exterior roof structure which extends over, or is suspended above, any public thoroughfare, and which is attached to a building at the inner end and supported on the outer end in conformance with the Building Code of the City of Evanston.
CANOPY SIGN.	A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to a canopy.
CITY.	The City of Evanston, Illinois.
CITY COUNCIL.	The City Council of the City of Evanston, Illinois.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE.	A message placed or caused to be placed before the public by a person directly involved in the manufacture or sale of the products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities which are the subject of the message that:
	1. Refers to the offer for sale or existence for sale of products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities; or
	2. Attracts attention to a business or to products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities that are offered or exist for sale or for hire.
COMMERCIAL VARIABLE MESSAGE (CVMS).	A sign which may be manual, electronic or sign electrically controlled, capable of showing a series of different messages in a predetermined sequence.
COMPATIBLE.	The characteristic of appearance of two (2) or more buildings, structures, or architectural elements in the same vicinity which produces an aesthetically pleasing whole.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN.	A sign identifying persons involved in design, planning, construction, wrecking, financing, or development taking place on the premises where the sign is posted.
DIRECTORY SIGN.	A sign intended for viewing while within a premises, either by pedestrians or those driving vehicles, and is not intended to be legible from a public right-of-way.
ELIGIBLE FACADE AREA.	That portion of a facade which is below the maximum sign height.
ERECT.	To build, construct, attach, hand, re-hang, suspend, place, affix, enlarge, substantially alter, post, display, or relocate and includes the painting of lettering or graphics for signs. Normal maintenance is not included within this definition.
EXTERIOR.	The outer part or surface of a building; such as a wall or window, which is exposed to outside environmental elements.
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATION.	Illumination of a sign which is produced by an artificial source of light which is not contained within the sign itself.
FACADE.	Any side, surface or wall below the roof of a building which is parallel or within forty-five degrees (45°) of parallel with a parcel's frontage on a public thoroughfare, and which faces toward and relates to that public thoroughfare. If a building has a complex shape, then all walls or surfaces facing in the same direction, or nearly the same direction, are part of a single facade.
FESTOON LIGHTING.	A string of two (2) or more unshielded incandescent light bulbs suspended over a premises, (as opposed to being located on a building or structure). Holiday and ornamental lighting strung temporarily through trees shall not be construed to be festoon lighting.
FLASHING SIGN.	A directly or indirectly illuminated sign where the source of illumination is not maintained constant or stationary in intensity or color at all times when such sign is in use.
FREESTANDING SIGN.	Any sign which is erected such that it is detached from a building or structure.
FRONTAGE.	A lot line which is coterminous with the right of way of a single public thoroughfare.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN.	A sign which presents the name and/or address of a building, business, development or establishment, and may incorporate a logo, graphic, or image.
INFORMATION CYCLE.	The length of time used to display one (1) continuous message from start to finish on a commercial variable message sign.
INSTITUTION.	An established organization or corporation of a public or eleemosynary character.
INTERCHANGEABLE COPY BOARD.	A sign whereon provision is made for letters or characters to be placed in or upon the surface area manually to provide a message or picture.
INTERNAL ILLUMINATION.	Illumination of a sign which is produced by an artificial source of light concealed or contained within the sign itself, and which becomes visible in darkness through the translucent portion of the sign face.
ITEM OF INFORMATION.	Any of the following: a word, an abbreviation, a number, a symbol, or a geometric shape contained in a sign. In addition, a sign which combines several different geometric shapes, or shapes of unusual configuration are to be assessed one (1) additional item of information for each noncontinuous plane or surface.
LOT AREA.	The gross surface area of land contained within or below a premises. It may be a single parcel or it may include parts of or a combination of such parcels when adjacent to one another and used as one.
MAINTENANCE.	Provision of a safe, presentable, and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, painting, cleaning and other acts required to preserve the sign, advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning in its originally permitted and installed condition.
MARQUEE.	Any hood or canopy of permanent construction supported entirely by the building, and projecting from the building's wall over a sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare, constructed for the purpose of permanently supporting an interchangeable copy board.
MARQUEE SIGN.	A sign permanently attached to and supported by a marquee, having all or a portion of its sign surface area comprising an interchangeable copy board.
NAMEPLATE.	A plate or plaque bearing a name, applied directly to or incorporated into a facade.
NEON SIGN.	A permanent sign fabricated entirely from glass tubing, illuminated with electrically-charged neon gas.
NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE.	Any message that is not a commercial message.
OCCUPANCY.	That portion of a building or premises of which is leased, owned, or otherwise controlled solely by an occupant, and of which that occupant has a tangible presence in the form of business, institution, residence or similar inhabitance.
OCCUPANT.	Any one of the following:
	1. A household inhabiting a dwelling unit, or
	2. An institutional, business, commercial or industrial endeavor that inhabits a distinguishable portion of a building or premises such that:
	(a) The activity is a logical and separate entity from the other activities within the building and not a department of the whole; and
	(b) The activity has either a separate entrance from the exterior of the building, or a separate entrance from a common and clearly defined entryway that has direct access from the exterior of the building.
OFFICIALLY REGISTERED NAME.	That name registered on legal papers of incorporation, partnership, or similar definition of proprietorship.
PERMANENT SIGN.	A sign that is solidly mounted or permanently affixed in accordance with the mounting requirements of this Chapter, Chapter 4-2 of this Title, or other chapters of the City Code.
PERMITTEE.	That person designated on the application for a sign permit as being responsible for assuring sign maintenance and operation in conformance with the ordinance and the permit.
PERSON.	Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, institution, or organization of any kind.
PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT.	A business establishment, club, or institution which maintains a regular schedule of performing arts events. Restaurants without such live entertainment schedules are not included within this definition.
PORTABLE SIGN.	Any sign not permanently affixed to the ground, a building, or other structure, which may be moved, or is intended to be moved, from place to place.
PREMISES.	A parcel, or contiguous parcels, of land including related building or buildings, distinguishable from surrounding parcels and buildings by use. A building and grounds that contains many separate occupancies is still classified as a single premises. Several buildings and associated parcels of land may in fact be a single premises if their use is unified.
PROPRIETARY INTEREST.	Having partial or exclusive title to, control over management authority over, present use, or legal right to, something.
PROPRIETOR.	An individual who owns or operates a business which is wholly separate and distinguishable from other business entities on the premises, and not merely a part of a larger business entity.
READ.	The capacity to perceive of the sign's message through visual observation by a normal-sighted person.
REAL ESTATE SIGN.	A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or portion of the premises on which the sign is located, or to the sale or lease of one or more structures or a portion thereof located thereon.
SIGN.	A name, identification, description, display, message or illustration which is affixed to, or represented directly or indirectly upon, a building, structure, or piece of land so as to be principally seen from out-of-doors and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, concept, thought, person, institution, organization, or business.
SIGN FACE.	The exterior sign surface area of a single sign which may be read from any one (1) ground position.
SIGN SURFACE AREA.	The total exposed surface within a continuous perimeter composed of a single rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentations, or other figures, together with any material, or color used as an integral part of the display or to differentiate the sign from the background on which it is placed.
TEMPORARY SIGN.	Any sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of display.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE DEVICE.	Any mechanism that displays the time and/or temperature, but does not display any advertising or establishment identification.
UNIFIED SIGN PLAN.	A plan providing specific sign type, number, placement, size, height, and design requirements for development located on premises for which unique design considerations for signs may considered and applicable.
WALL SIGN.	Any sign erected upon or incorporated in the facade of any building with the plane of the sign face parallel to the plane of the facade.
WINDOW AREA.	Any transparent area on a facade through which the interior of a premises may be viewed from outside.
WINDOW SIGN.	Any sign, either permanent or temporary, which is affixed or placed so that its message or image is read as part of the total composition of a window area. (Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022; Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 2, 7-14-2023)

6-19-4. - CONSTRUCTION/ALTERATION PERMIT REQUIRED.

(A)

No Permit For Maintenance. No permit shall be required for maintenance of a "sign" as defined herein, nor for certain signs identified as exempt under Section 4-10-6 of this Chapter.

(B)

No Assignment Or Transfer. No permit issued hereunder may be assigned or transferred to any other person.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-5. - EXEMPT SIGNS.

(A)

(B)

Auxiliary Signs. Auxiliary signs placed in store windows regarding hours of operation, accepted charge cards, warnings or similar information.

(C)

Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet for public, eleemosynary or religious institutions where the bulletin board is located on the premises of said institutions.

(D)

(E)

(F)

(G)

(H)

(I)

(J)

(K)

Holiday Decorations. Temporary displays of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental and customary with traditionally accepted civic, patriotic or religious holidays.

(L)

(M)

(N)

Menu Board Signs. One (1) menu board sign for a drive-in or drive-through facility, provided that the sign does not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet or eight (8) feet in height.

(O)

(P)

Monument Signs. Plaques, tablets, cornerstones, or lettering inlaid into the architectural materials of a building or structure denoting the name of that structure and its date of erection.

(Q)

Noncommercial Signs. Noncommercial signs, not exceeding six (6) square feet per occupancy.

(R)

(S)

Political or Campaign Signs. Signs promoting candidates for public office or issues on election ballots, not exceeding six (6) square feet per occupancy, posted on private property.

(T)

(U)

(V)

Service Station Price Signs. Price signs not exceeding the minimum requirements established by state statute for service stations.

(W)

(X)

(Y)

(Z)

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022; Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 3, 7-14-2023)

6-19-6. - PROHIBITED SIGNS.

All signs not specifically permitted in this Chapter are prohibited in any location in the City.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-7. - GENERAL STANDARDS.

(A)

Applicable Regulations. In addition to the provisions of this Chapter, all signs must conform to the regulations and design standards of all other applicable chapters of the City Code.

(B)

Obscene Messages. No sign shall be permitted to contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene and/or pornographic character.

(C)

(D)

(E)

(F)

(G)

(H)

(I)

Glass; Limitation. Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety glass. In case any single piece or pane of glass has an area exceeding three (3) square feet, it shall be wired glass.

(J)

(K)

No Tree Mounting. No signs shall be nailed, tacked or otherwise affixed to trees or other vegetation in such a way as to puncture bark.

(L)

(M)

Illuminated Signs. All illuminated signs shall be subject to the following requirements:

Voltage Displayed. The voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection with a sign shall be conspicuously noted on that apparatus.

Brightness Limitation. In no instance shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal illumination or external illumination, exceed:

Seventy-five (75) foot-candles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or

When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, fifty (50) foot-candles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or

One (1) foot-candle on adjoining residential property, measured three feet (3') above the surface of the ground.

(N)

Movable Sign Parts. No sign or its parts shall be permitted to be movable or rotating, nor shall any sign have illuminated effects which convey the illusion of movement.

No Changeable Copy. With the exception of marquee signs, gasoline price signs, CVMS signs, and exempt signs, no sign may contain movable letters or other changeable copy.

Items Secured. All manually movable items on a sign, such as covers to service openings, shall be secured by chains or hinges.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-8. - AREA AND MEASUREMENT STANDARDS.

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Sign Area Limitation. The combined total sign surface area of signs on a premises shall not exceed the greater of:

Area of Facade. An area equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of the total eligible facade area of buildings which constitute the premises; or

Area of Premises. An area equivalent to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the lot area of the premises.

At no time shall the combined total sign surface area of all signs pertaining to any occupant, other than exempt signs or temporary window signs, exceed five hundred (500) square feet.

The maximum aggregate sign surface area may be divided between as many sign types as desired by an occupant, subject to number, location and area restrictions for each sign type delineated herein.

(E)

(F)

Structure and Base Excluded. Structural supports and bases, bearing no message, copy or graphics, and of a neutral or subdued color(s), shall not be included in calculating the sign surface area.

(G)

In calculating items of information, characters two inches (2") or less in height shall be excluded. They are considered to be principally directed toward pedestrian observation.

(H)

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-9. - PERMITTED SIGN TYPES.

(A)

Wall Signs.

The occupant is displaying no more than one (1) wall sign on the facade; and

The sign consists only of individual alphabetic, numeric, and/or symbolic characters without background except that provided by the building surface to which the signs are to be affixed; and

If illuminated, such illumination is achieved through internal illumination, shielded silhouette lighting, or shielded spot lighting.

This does not include any lighting where the light source is visible or exposed.

Location. Wall signs may only be located on a portion of an exterior wall that is coterminous with the occupancy to which the signs refer.

No wall sign shall extend above or beyond the wall to which it is attached. Except as permitted below, no wall sign shall extend above the maximum sign height of fifteen and one-half (15.5) feet.

Projection From Wall. No wall sign, including any illuminating device or other structural part, shall project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the plane of the wall to which it is attached.

(B)

Freestanding Signs.

Number. There shall be no more than one (1) freestanding sign for each frontage of a premises.

The maximum sign surface area of a freestanding sign on a frontage may not exceed twelve (12) square feet unless that frontage is one hundred (100) or more feet in length.

Location. No freestanding sign shall extend beyond the perimeter lot line of a premises or within twenty (20) feet of any circulation lane which provides access to a public right-of-way.

No freestanding sign shall exceed the maximum sign height of fifteen and one-half (15.5) feet.

Permanent Mounting. All freestanding signs shall be permanently mounted in the ground. No portable signs are permitted.

(C)

Permanent Window Signs.

Area. The sign surface area of permanent window signs in any window shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of that window area.

Location. Permanent window signs must be confined within the transparent glazed area of the window and shall not encroach upon the frame, mullions or other supporting features of the glass.

(D)

Commercial Variable Message (CVMS) Signs.

Time and Temperature Only. CVMS displaying messages other than time and temperature information shall be prohibited.

Brightness Adjustment. CVMS shall be equipped with photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination.

Included Area. The illuminated or message displaying areas of the CVMS shall be included within the maximum aggregate sign surface area for the premises.

Maintenance. CVMS must be maintained so as to be able to display messages in a complete and legible manner.

(E)

Marquee Signs.

Area. The total sign surface area of a marquee sign shall not exceed five hundred (500) square feet.

Location. A sign may be affixed to or located upon any vertical or nearly vertical face of a marquee, so that no portion of the sign falls above or below the face of the marquee.

In no instance shall a marquee sign be lower than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or public thoroughfare.

In no instance shall a marquee sign be located so that it extends beyond the curb line of the street.

Use of Marquee. Marquee signs are only permitted for use on theaters, places of entertainment, and hotels.

(F)

Canopy and Awning Signs.

Signs on any surface of a canopy or awning other than the surface running parallel with the building face shall be limited to letters or graphics not exceeding four (4) inches in height.

Illumination of Awnings And Canopies. Awnings and canopies may be illuminated where the following conditions are maintained:

Awnings shall be allowed to be lighted whether or not signs are to be displayed on the awning.

Illumination of canopies, awnings, canopy signs and awning signs is further regulated in Section 6-19-7 of this Chapter.

Nonrigid Materials Prohibited. Canopy or awning signs covered by nonrigid materials and supported on the outer (street) end are prohibited.

(G)

Neon Signs. The area defined by neon shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the window area. Neon signs shall not extend to all edges of the windows.

(H)

Scoreboards.

Location. No scoreboard shall be erected or maintained such that it is visible from a public thoroughfare.

Internal Scoreboard. The number, area, height, and location of scoreboards visible only from within the stadium area are regulated as part of Section 6-19-7 of this Chapter.

(I)

Temporary Signs.

Number. There shall not be more than two (2) permits for temporary signs issued for the same occupant of a premises within one (1) calendar year.

Area. Temporary signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign surface area for each exposed face, nor sixty-four (64) square feet total sign surface area.

Location. Temporary signs shall be located only upon the premises to which the special, unique, or limited activity, service product, or sale is to occur.

Materials and Mounting Limitations.

Any temporary sign weighing in excess of fifty (50) pounds must conform to the safety requirements of the City Code.

Certain Temporary Signs Exempt. Temporary window signs as qualified in Subsection 6-19-5(M) of this Chapter are exempt from the conditions of this Section.

(J)

Vehicular Dealership Signs.

Number.

One (1) wall sign per business entity.

Area.

The maximum gross surface area for freestanding signs is one hundred forty (140) square feet per sign face.

For wall signs, the maximum gross surface area must not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the square foot area of the facade to which the sign is attached.

Location.

Freestanding Signs.

(1)

Freestanding signs are permitted at the lot line.

(2)

Freestanding signs shall be separated by a minimum of fifty feet (50').

Wall Signs.

(1)

Wall signs are not to extend above the roofline of the wall upon which the sign is attached.

Flags.

Flags may be used on used car lots only, provided that:

(1)

They are of uniform color; and

(2)

Worn flags are replaced so as to maintain a neat appearance.

Conflict With Other Provisions of This Chapter. In the event of a conflict between this Subsection (J) and the other provisions of this Chapter, this Subsection shall prevail.

(K)

Temporary Real Estate Signs. For temporary, nonilluminated real estate signs for multi-family, residential projects, the permitted regulations are as follows:

5 to 36 dwelling units = 32 square foot maximum, 10'0" maximum sign height

All temporary real estate signs shall be limited to a maximum of twelve (12) months total duration, or until all the units are sold.

(L)

Blade Signs.

Area. Blade signs shall not measure more than two (2) feet wide nor more than three (3) feet high.

Clearance. The bottom of any blade sign shall be at least seven (7) feet six (6) inches above grade at the building.

Illumination. Blade signs shall not be illuminated.

Number. There shall be no more than one (1) blade sign per business.

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022; Ord. No. 68-O-23, § 4, 7-14-2023)

6-19-10. - ADMINISTRATION.

(A)

(B)

Name, address and telephone number of the applicant;

A drawing or drawings indicating the location of the building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or advertising structure is to be attached or erected;

A drawing or photograph showing the position of the sign or advertising structure in relation to structures;

Name of person, firm, corporation or association responsible for erecting the sign or advertising structure;

Written consent of the owner or agent of the premises on which the sign or advertising structure is to be erected;

A completed application for any electrical permit required to be issued for said sign or advertising structure;

A copy of the insurance policy or bond as required by Subsection (E) of this Section;

10.

A declared total value of the sign or advertising structure and its installation;

11.

Documentation of all existing signs on the premises, including their type and area, location, and the occupant of the site to which each sign pertains; and

12.

Any additional information as the Zoning Administrator shall require to show full compliance with this and all other applicable chapters of the City Code.

(C)

(D)

(E)

Bond, Insurance and Indemnification Requirements.

(F)

(G)

(H)

Six-Month Deadline. If the work authorized under a permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance, the permit shall be null and void.

(I)

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-11. - MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION.

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(Ord. No. 63-O-22, § 5, 8-8-2022)

6-19-12. - STOREFRONT MAINTENANCE AND WINDOW COVERING DURING VACANCY OR RENOVATION.

The definitions noted below apply only to this Chapter and supersede any conflicting definitions found elsewhere in other chapters of the City Code.

GROUND FLOOR PREMISE.	Any space on the ground floor having frontage on a street, alley or outdoor pedestrian walkway.
STOREFRONT.	Any facade of a ground floor premises having one or more storefront windows.
STOREFRONT WINDOW.	Any window of any ground floor premises that permits an unobstructed public view into the interior of that ground floor premises from any immediately adjacent street, sidewalk, or right-of-way.
VACANT.	The state of not being occupied by a regularly operating business from a ground floor premise for a minimum of four (4) days per week on a monthly basis. An exception to allow for temporary business closure may be granted by the Director of Community Development upon written request provided that office equipment and furnishings will remain in the establishment and a date certain for reopening of the establishment is provided.
WINDOW SCREENING.	A display made of film, vinyl, polymath, canvas, or heavy duty paper that is placed in a window or window area of a vacant storefront.