The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a comprehensive system of sign controls regarding the construction, installation, and maintenance of signs that will:

A.

Promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the Village by ensuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding structures and land uses.

B.

Create a more attractive business and economic climate by enhancing and protecting the orderly and effective display of signs, and discourage sign clutter.

C.

Protect the public from hazardous conditions that result from the indiscriminate use and placement of signs, structurally unsafe signs, signs that obscure the vision of pedestrians or motorists, and signs that compete or conflict with necessary traffic signals, government signs, and warning signs.

All signs constructed, erected, modified, or altered must comply with the following standards.

A.

Applicability. All signs constructed, erected, modified, or altered must comply with the standards of this chapter, whether such signs do or do not require a sign permit, with the exceptions listed in this section. The following signs are not regulated by this ordinance:

1.

Signs internal to a site that are not oriented towards and are not visible from a public right-of-way. This does not include drive-thru signs, which are regulated by this Chapter.

2.

Signs within a building or enclosed space within a development that are not visible from a public right-of-way.

3.

Signs installed by federal, state, or local governments.

4.

Logos and labels located on mechanical equipment, recycling bins, trash containers, and similar equipment, which are part of the equipment as manufactured and/or installed.

5.

Flags of nations, states, and cities, or fraternal, religious, and civic organizations.

B.

Location restrictions.

1.

No sign may be erected in a location that violates the building code, fire code, and other applicable Village codes or ordinances.

2.

Only signs that have been placed by or authorized by federal, state, or the Village may be installed on public property. Any sign installed on public property, including rights-of-way, without prior authorization, will be removed by the Village without notice and disposed of.

3.

No permanent sign may be erected on private property without the consent of the property owner or his/her authorized agent. Any sign installed on private property without authorization may be removed by the property owner without notice and disposed of.

4.

No sign may be erected in a manner that obstructs access to any ingress or egress, fire escapes, fire hydrants, fire department connections, or standpipes and similar fire safety connections.

5.

No sign may be constructed or placed to violate sight triangle provisions (Section 9-10-1.E).

C.

Encroachment into right-of-way. If a sign extends into a public right-of-way, prior review and approval by the Zoning Administrator, is required. Adherence to the design standards included in this Chapter do not imply approval of an encroachment.

D.

Tree protection. Sign placement, including projections from a building facade, must protect all trees. Existing trees may not be removed or significantly trimmed in order to install a sign or create more visibility for a sign.

E.

Audio components. Audio components are prohibited as part of any sign, except for the following:

1.

Drive-thru: For drive-thru, the audio component is limited to communication between the customer and service window.

2.

Signs owned and/or operated by a government agency.

3.

Permitted gas station pump video screens.

F.

Construction standards. In addition to all Building Code requirements, which control over any of these requirements, signs must meet the following:

1.

Supports and braces must either be designed as an integral part of the overall sign or obscured from public view to the extent feasible. Awnings with pole supports are prohibited on the front façade.

2.

All signs attached to a building must be installed and maintained so that wall penetrations are watertight and the structure does not exceed allowable stresses of supporting materials.

3.

All signs must be designed and constructed in compliance with the building code, electrical code, and all other applicable codes and ordinances.

4.

No sign may be painted on a wall or any other structure. As of the effective date of this Ordinance, existing painted on wall signs, called ghost signs, are exempt from this prohibition. Such signs may only be restored to the original graphic and no new information may be added to such ghost signs.

5.

Glass comprising any part of a sign must be safety glass.

6.

All letters, figures, characters, or representations in cut-out or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign must be safely and securely built into or attached to the sign structure.

7.

All electrical fixtures, devices, circuits, conduits, raceways, or similar features must be installed and maintained in compliance with the current electrical code.

8.

Conduits, raceways, and other components of a sign illumination system must be designed as an integral part of the overall sign structure and obscured from public view to the extent technically feasible.

9.

No sign, awning or canopy attached to the building structure which is visible to ground level traffic shall be constructed above any portion of the parapet wall.

G.

Permitted materials for signs.

1.

Permanent sign structures must be constructed of brick, wood or simulated wood, stone, concrete, metal, plastic, or high-density urethane (HDU) foam board or similar durable foam construction.

2.

Awning, canopy, projecting, light pole banner, and wall signs may also be constructed of durable weather resistant material such as canvas, nylon, or vinyl-coated fabric.

3.

Awning, canopy, projecting, light pole banner, and wall signs constructed of material must be mounted within a frame so that they are held taut between all support posts.

H.

Required maintenance.

1.

All signs must be kept in a safe and well-maintained condition and appearance, and must be repainted or otherwise maintained by the property owner or business owner to prevent corrosion or deterioration caused by the weather, age, or any other condition.

2.

All signs must be maintained to prevent any kind of safety hazard, including faulty or deteriorated sign structures, a fire hazard, or an electrical shock hazard.

3.

All unused sign hardware or wiring must be removed.

4.

No sign frame may remain unfilled or allow any internal part or element of the sign structure to be visible.

5.

If a sign is maintained in an unsafe or unsecured condition, it must be removed or the condition corrected. If the sign is not removed or the condition is not corrected within the required time period, the Village may enforce this order through permitted enforcement procedures.

6.

The Village may remove any sign that is an immediate public peril to persons or property summarily and without notice. The owner of such sign is responsible for all costs of removal.

7.

Where possible by the design of a sign structure, a permanent sign that becomes obsolete after the associated activity or use is discontinued or abandoned must remove all sign copy from the sign structure and the panels must be removed and replaced with a blank panel within thirty (30) days. This requirement is not satisfied by reversing (i.e., turning such copy so that it faces inward), painting over, covering with vinyl or other fabric, or other means of obfuscating such copy.

8.

The following maintenance activities are exempt from requiring a sign permit. All other maintenance and alterations to a sign require a permit.

a.

Painting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign. This does not include any structural changes or any changes in the electrical components of the sign, including the removal or replacement of electrical components. Any activity that increases the sign area, sign height, or any sign dimension, or moves the location of a sign, requires a sign permit. The changing of a sign face requires a sign permit.

b.

Changing the copy of a changeable message sign.

(Ord. 2324-VC-24, § 3)

A.

Any sign illumination, including gooseneck reflectors, external illumination, and internal illumination, must be designed, located, shielded, and directed to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon roadways and surrounding properties, and prevent the distraction of motor vehicle operators or pedestrians in the public right-of-way.

B.

The sign face of internally illuminated signs must function as a filter to diffuse illumination. The sign face must cover all internal illumination components so that no exposed bulbs are visible.

C.

All external illumination of a sign must concentrate the illumination upon the printed area of the sign face.

D.

No sign illumination may be combined with reflective materials, such as mirrors, polished metal, or highly-glazed tiles, which would increase glare.

E.

The maximum allowable foot-candle at the lot line is one foot-candle unless such signs are allowed to extend over the lot line, where the maximum of one foot-candle is measured at the back of curb or edge of pavement.

The following signs are specifically prohibited.

A.

Balloon signs. Inflatable advertising displays designed to inflate or move by use of a fan or blower are considered a balloon sign.

B.

Feather flags/sails.

C.

Flashing signs.

D.

Moving signs, including any sign that rotates, revolves, or has any visible moving part, or any sign that gives the appearance of movement, including signs designed to be moved by wind or other natural elements. This excludes analog clocks up to twenty-four (24) square feet in area and barber poles.

E.

Off-premise commercial signs — temporary. Also known as push signs, bandit signs, and snipe signs.

F.

Pennants and streamers.

G.

Portable signs, including portable readerboard signs.

H.

Strobe lights, moving or fixed spotlights, floodlights/searchlights.

I.

Signs that constitute a traffic hazard, including signs that:

1.

Interfere with, obstruct the view of, or may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device because of its position, shape, or color, including signs illuminated in red, green, or amber color designed to resemble a traffic signal.

2.

May be confused with any public safety lighting, including signs illuminated in red and blue colors.

3.

Mislead, interfere with, or confuse traffic.

J.

Vehicle signs. Signs placed, mounted, installed, or painted on a vehicle for the primary purpose of attracting attention to an occupant's presence within a building at which the vehicle is being parked. This prohibition does not include signs painted on or applied to vehicles, trucks, or buses that are being operated and stored in the normal course of business, such as signs located on delivery trucks, moving vans, and rental trucks, provided that the primary purpose of such vehicles is not the display of such sign, and that they are properly parked or stored in areas related to their use as vehicles and all such vehicles are in operable condition.

K.

Painted wall signs. This does not include murals and public art.

Table 13-1: Summary of Sign Permissions catalogs the types of permitted signs, both permanent and temporary, and indicates whether such sign requires a sign permit. This table is provided for reference purposes. In the case of any conflict with the regulations of this table and this Chapter and/or Ordinance, the specific sign regulations control over this table.

A.

Construction activity sign.

1.

One temporary sign per street frontage is permitted in all districts on sites with active construction projects.

2.

Such temporary signs may be installed only after approval of a building permit for such activity. Signs must be removed once construction is complete or the building permit expires, whichever occurs first.

3.

Such temporary signs may be constructed as either freestanding signs, wall signs, or installed on fences, and subject to the following:

a.

Signs are limited to thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

b.

Freestanding signs are limited to six (6) feet in height

c.

Freestanding signs must be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any lot line.

d.

Signs may not be illuminated.

B.

Gas pump island signs. A maximum of one sign mounted on each gas station pump island is permitted and is limited to one-and-a-half (1½) square feet in sign area. All such signs must be oriented to face the vehicle fueling. Such signs may be electronic but must meet the following standards:

1.

Signs may include an audio component, which may only be activated when gas is available for purchase.

2.

Electronic signs cannot be mounted on any pump island within fifteen (15) feet from any lot line.

C.

Light pole banner. Light pole banners on private property are allowed as follows:

1.

Light pole banners are permitted for light poles on private property and must be mounted so that they are held taut between support posts.

2.

Light pole banners are limited to a maximum area of fifteen (15) square feet.

3.

Light pole banners must be mounted to project perpendicular from light poles.

4.

Light pole banners cannot be used as a temporary off-premise sign.

5.

Light pole banners must be mounted at least twelve (12) feet above grade.

LIGHT POLE BANNER

D.

Multiple tenant building entryway. Multiple tenant buildings, such as multi-family dwellings and commercial developments with multiple tenants, are permitted a permanent sign at the entryway subject to the following.

1.

Signs may be constructed as either freestanding or wall signs, subject to the following:

a.

Signs are limited to six (6) square feet in area.

b.

Freestanding signs are limited to five (5) feet in height, and must be located within five (5) feet of the building entry and a minimum of five (5) feet from any lot line.

c.

Freestanding signs must be installed so that they are primarily viewable from the building entryway and not intended to be viewed from a public right-of-way.

d.

Signs may only be internally illuminated.

2.

Signs are limited to one per building entry.

E.

Nameplate. Nameplates or combination nameplates and street address numbers are permitted and limited to two (2) square feet.

F.

Noncommercial message. Sign structures used for the expression of noncommercial ideas and messages are permitted in all districts. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs advocating a public issue, recommending a candidate for public office, alerts, or warnings. Sign structures cannot be used for any commercial advertising, whether on-premise or off-premise.

1.

Noncommercial message temporary sign structures may be freestanding, wall, and window structures. There is no limit on the number of noncommercial message temporary sign structures permitted.

2.

Freestanding and wall-mounted sign areas are limited to sixteen (16) square feet in area.

3.

Window-mounted sign areas shall meet the coverage limitations of window signs. If no coverage is specified for the district or use, the limitation is twenty-five (25) percent of the window area.

4.

Freestanding messages shall be located at least five (5) feet from any right-of-way line.

5.

Noncommercial message temporary sign structure posted on private property shall have the permission of the property owner.

6.

Noncommercial message temporary sign structures may not be illuminated.

G.

Parking lot and parking structure circulation point signs.

1.

Parking lots and structures in all districts are permitted permanent signs at parking lot or structure circulation points in accordance with this section, whether such parking lots or structures are a principal or ancillary use. Such signs cannot be used for off-premise advertising.

2.

Circulation points include, but are not limited to, entrances/exits, driveway intersections, drive-thru lanes, fire zones, and parking lot drive aisles.

3.

Signs for parking lot and structure circulation points may be internally or externally illuminated.

4.

Signs are limited to four (4) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height.

5.

A ground sign must be five (5) feet from any right-of-way line.

H.

Real estate activity. When a structure or lot is offered for sale, lease, or rent, such lot is permitted an additional temporary sign as follows:

1.

Such signs are permitted in all districts. Signs must be located on the site of the property for sale, lease, or rent.

2.

Signs are limited to one per street frontage.

3.

Signs may be constructed as either freestanding, wall, or window signs.

4.

Signs are limited to twelve (12) square feet in residential districts and thirty-two (32) square feet in all other districts. For residential subdivisions signs are limited to forty (40) square feet and must be removed within thirty (30) days of the sale or lease of seventy-five (75) percent of the lots or units.

5.

Freestanding signs are limited to six (6) feet in height and must be located within five (5) feet from any lot line.

6.

Such signs may not be illuminated.

7.

Signs must be removed within five (5) days of final closing, lease, or rental. If such signs are used in conjunction with a promotional activity related to the sale, lease or rent, such signs may be installed forty-eight (48) hours prior to event and must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of the end of the event

I.

Temporary on-site improvement activity sign. On a developed lot where active renovation, rehabilitation, or improvement is taking place to improve the structure or grounds, a temporary sign is permitted subject to the following.

1.

Such signs are permitted in all districts on all sites with such activity.

2.

One sign is permitted per street frontage.

3.

Signs may be constructed as either freestanding signs, wall signs, or installed on accessory structures such as fences. Freestanding signs must be located ten (10) feet from any lot line.

4.

Signs are limited to ten (10) square feet in area and five (5) feet in height.

5.

Signs may not be illuminated.

6.

Signs may be installed only after approval of a building permit for such activity and must be removed within seventy-two (72) hours once construction is complete.

J.

Window sign.

1.

Window signs are permitted for all nonresidential uses in all districts.

2.

Window signs are encouraged to be transparent or translucent.

3.

All window signs, whether temporary or permanent, are limited to no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the surface of each window area. Window area is counted as a continuous surface until divided by an architectural or structural element. Mullions are not considered an element that divides window area.

4.

Up to five (5) percent of window area may be an illuminated, including any neon or LED sign, but this area is included in the maximum total area of twenty-five (25) percent. Flashing or animation is prohibited.

WINDOW SIGNS

This section describes the types of signs allowed with a sign permit. Specific regulations on each sign type may include further restrictions on which districts and/or uses within a district may utilize these sign types.

A.

A-frame sign.

1.

A-frame signs are permitted for commercial uses in the commercial and downtown districts.

2.

One A-frame sign is permitted per establishment, including one (1) for each tenant in a multi-tenant development. A minimum fifteen (15) foot separation is required between all A-frame signs.

3.

An A-frame sign must be placed within fifteen (15) feet of the primary entrance of the business, and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or violate standards of accessibility as required by the ADA or other accessibility codes.

4.

A-frame signs may be placed in the sidewalk or parkway concurrent with the lot of the establishment.

5.

A-frame signs are limited to six (6) square feet in area per side and four (4) feet in height.

6.

The placement of A-frame signs outdoors is limited to business hours only. A-frame signs must be stored indoors at all other times.

7.

A-frame signs must not be used outdoors when high winds or heavy rain conditions exist.

8.

Illumination of A-frame signs is prohibited.

9.

No A-frame sign may have any type of electronic component.

A-FRAME SIGN

B.

Awning sign.

1.

Awning signs are permitted for multi-family dwellings and nonresidential uses in any district.

2.

Awning signs must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet.

3.

Awning signs may encroach into the public right-of-way but must be located at least two (2) feet from the curb line.

4.

Sign copy on any awning sign surface is limited to thirty (30) percent of each surface area. A valance is considered a separate surface area.

5.

Solid awnings are permitted lettering attached to and located above the top of the awning to a maximum height of eighteen (18) inches.

6.

Domed, barreled, convex, or quarter round awning shapes are prohibited. Traditional shed or concave are preferred.

7.

Awning signs may be externally illuminated. All lighting must be focused on the printed area.

8.

Back-lit awnings are prohibited.

9.

Within any downtown district, all canvas awnings shall be the color of forest green (Sunbrella #4637 or Pantone #343C or approved equal) and any lettering shall be white.

AWNING

C.

Banners.

1.

Banner signs are permitted only in conjunction with grand opening activities of a commercial use.

2.

Banner signs are permitted two (2) weeks prior to the grand opening date and must be removed within thirty (30) days of the initial display date.

3.

Only one banner, a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet in area, is permitted per lot at any one time.

D.

Canopy sign. Canopy signs are divided into two (2) types: non-structural and structural.

1.

Non-structural canopy signs.

a.

Non-structural canopy signs are permitted for multi-family dwellings and nonresidential uses in all districts.

b.

Non-structural canopy signs must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet.

c.

Non-structural canopy signs may encroach into the public right-of-way but must be located at least two (2) feet from the curb line.

d.

Support posts must maintain a minimum separation of five (5) feet between posts and five (5) feet between the posts and any building wall.

e.

Sign copy on any canopy sign surface is limited to twenty-five (25) percent of each surface area.

f.

Non-structural canopy signs may be externally illuminated and lighting must be focused on the printed area.

g.

Back-lit canopies are prohibited.

2.

Structural canopy signs.

a.

Permissions for structural canopy signs. Structural canopy signs are permitted as follows:

i.

Structural canopy signs attached to the principal structure are permitted for multi-family dwellings and nonresidential uses in all districts.

ii.

Freestanding structural canopy signs are permitted for gas stations and drive-thru facilities in any district.

b.

Structural canopy signs attached to principal structure. Structural canopy signs attached to the principal structure are subject to the following:

i.

Structural canopy signs may encroach into the public right-of-way but must be located at least two (2) feet from the curb line.

ii.

Support posts must maintain a minimum separation of five (5) feet between posts and five (5) feet between the posts and any building wall.

iii.

Structural canopy signs attached to a building must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet.

iv.

For structural canopies attached to a principal building, sign copy is limited to twenty-five (25) percent of each surface area. Such signs are permitted lettering attached to and located above the top of a structural canopy to a maximum height of eighteen (18) inches.

v.

Structural canopy signs attached to the principal structure must be made of permanent building material, such as metal or brick.

vi.

Structural canopy signs may be internally or externally illuminated. If externally illuminated, the lighting must be focused on the sign.

c.

Freestanding structural canopy signs. Freestanding structural canopy signs are subject to the following:

i.

Freestanding structural canopy signs are subject to the setback requirements of the district where they are located or ten (10) feet from a lot line, whichever is greater.

ii.

Freestanding structural canopy signs are limited to a maximum height of twenty-five (25) feet. Height is measured to the top of a flat roof or in the case of a pitched roof to the mean between the eaves and peak.

iii.

For freestanding structural canopies, sign copy is limited to a maximum of twenty (25) percent of the area of each façade. No sign may be mounted above the top of the roof of the structural canopy, but a sign mounted on the structural canopy façade may extend a maximum of six (6) inches above the roofline.

iv.

Freestanding structural canopy signs must be made of permanent building material, such as metal or brick.

v.

Freestanding structural canopy signs may be internally or externally illuminated. If externally illuminated, the lighting must be focused on the sign. Freestanding structural canopies are permitted an illuminated band along each facade of the canopy, which is limited to fifteen (15) percent of the overall height of the facade of the canopy.

NON-STRUCTURAL CANOPY

STRUCTURAL CANOPY

FREESTANDING STRUCTURAL CANOPIES

E.

Electronic message sign.

1.

Electronic message signs are permitted as follows:

a.

In C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, P, and OS Districts.

b.

The following uses in any district: conservation area, cultural facility, educational facility — primary or secondary, educational facility — university or college, government office/facility, park/playground over two (2) acres in size, places of worship.

c.

Gas stations in any district are permitted an electronic message sign to display copy graphic that is required to be displayed by law, such as fuel prices.

2.

The sign face of an electronic sign which contains the animated/electronic face must be located a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) feet from any residential district lot line.

3.

Electronic message signs are permitted as part of a freestanding, marquee, or projecting sign, and are subject to the requirements for that sign type within the district.

4.

Electronic message signs must be integrated into the design of the larger sign structure. The electronic component is limited to a maximum of seventy (70) percent of the total area of a sign. The larger sign structure must contain additional copy; it cannot be a blank sign structure once the electronic message sign component is discounted.

5.

Only one electronic message sign per lot is permitted. For the purposes of this regulation, a multi-tenant development where the development as a whole is comprised of separate lots of record, the entire development, including outlot parcels and inline development, is considered one lot.

6.

Each message or image displayed on an electronic message sign must be static for a minimum of ten (10) seconds. Transitions must be instantaneous and cannot include scrolling, fading in, dropping in, or similar moving copy changes. Multi-color messages and static images are permitted.

7.

Electronic message signs cannot operate as a commercial off-premise sign.

8.

Video display screens are prohibited.

9.

The maximum brightness is limited to five thousand (5,000) nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness, during daylight hours, and five hundred (500) nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn, i.e., the time of day between sunrise and sunset. The sign must have an ambient light meter and automatic dimmer control that produces the illumination change required by this section for the time period between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN

F.

Freestanding sign.

1.

Freestanding sign types. Freestanding signs are regulated as two (2) types in this Ordinance:

a.

Freestanding signs — standard are permitted for multi-family dwellings and nonresidential uses in any district, except as otherwise noted in Table 13-2. This includes a nonresidential use comprised of two (2) commercial establishments sharing a common building or which are in separate buildings that share a common access/entranceway or parking area.

b.

Freestanding signs — multi-tenant retail center are permitted for multi-tenant retail centers in any district. A multi-tenant retail center is a commercial development under unified control consisting of three (3) or more separate commercial establishments sharing a common building, or which are in separate buildings that share a common access/entranceway or parking area.

2.

General regulations. The following regulations apply to all types of freestanding signs:

a.

Freestanding signs must be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from any lot line. No freestanding sign may project into, over, or otherwise encroach on a public right-of-way or public easement.

b.

Freestanding signs may be internally or externally illuminated. If externally illuminated, all light must be directed onto the sign face.

c.

All freestanding signs must be landscaped at the base of the sign as follows:

i.

Landscape must extend a minimum of two (2) feet from the sign base on all sides with small shrubs a minimum of eighteen (18) inches in height at planting in a single row around the perimeter of the sign base. The remainder of the required landscape area must be planted with trees, perennials, or other live groundcover.

ii.

If a sign is designed with a decorative base and such decorative base extends to the ground, the single row of shrubs around the perimeter of the sign base is not required. Landscape must extend a minimum of two (2) feet from the sign base around a minimum of fifty (50) percent of the perimeter of the sign base, and must be planted with shrubs, trees, perennials, or other live groundcover.

iii.

If landscape is required on a site, ground sign landscape is included in the total amount of landscape required on a site. Where a sign is installed in any landscape area of a site, the specific landscape requirements of this section do not apply and the sign landscape must be integrated into the overall site landscape plan. Sign landscape must be shown on the landscape plan.

iv.

All landscape must be maintained in good condition, and free and clear of rubbish and weeds.

3.

Freestanding signs — standard regulations. Freestanding signs - standard are subject to the following.

a.

One freestanding sign — standard is permitted per lot. However, on lots with three hundred (300) feet or more of lot frontage one additional sign is permitted for each entry point. Such signs must be one hundred fifty (150) feet apart.

b.

Freestanding signs — standard are subject to the sign area and sign height permissions of Table 13-2: Freestanding Sign Permissions. In some districts, a freestanding sign — standard may not be permitted or only one type of freestanding sign (monument or pole sign) may be permitted.

FREESTANDING SIGNS

4.

Freestanding signs — multi-tenant retail center regulations. Freestanding signs — multi-tenant retail center are subject to the following.

a.

One freestanding sign — multi-tenant retail center is permitted per street frontage of a lot. An additional freestanding sign is permitted for each additional access point to the lot, however a minimum separation of one hundred fifty (150) feet is required between signs. For the purposes of this regulation, a multi-tenant development where the development as a whole is comprised of separate lots of record, the entire development, including outlot parcels and inline development, is considered one lot.

b.

Freestanding signs — multi-tenant retail center permissions are as follows:

i.

Maximum sign area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet of area per sign

ii.

Maximum sign height of thirty (30) feet.

G.

Marquee.

1.

Marquees are permitted for commercial uses in C-2, C-3, and Downtown Districts.

2.

Marquees must be supported solely by the building to which they are attached. No exterior columns or posts are permitted as supports.

3.

The roof of a marquee may not be used for any purpose other than to form and constitute a roof and must be constructed of noncombustible material.

4.

Water from the roofs of a marquee may not drain, drip, or flow onto the surface of a public right-of-way. Sufficient downspouts, drains, and gutters must be installed as part of each marquee to prevent water from the roof of the marquee from flowing onto the surface of a public right-of-way.

5.

Marquees must be erected over a building entrance and are limited to the width of the building entrance plus an additional five (5) feet on each side of the entrance doors covered by the marquee.

6.

All marquees must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet, and the roof of the marquee structure must be erected below the second floor windowsill, and must not conceal any significant architectural features or ornamentation of the building.

7.

Marquees may encroach into the public right-of-way but must be located at least two (2) feet from the curb line.

8.

Marquees are permitted lettering attached to and located above the roof of a marquee to a maximum height of forty-eight (48) inches.

9.

Marquees are permitted a changeable message board as part of the marquee structure.

10.

Marquees may be internally illuminated. Marquee bare-bulb illumination is permitted.

MARQUEE

H.

Drive-thru signs.

1.

Drive-thru signs are permitted for all drive-thru facilities in any district.

2.

Drive-thru signs are limited to a maximum of two (2) per drive-thru lane.

3.

Drive-thru signs are limited to seventy (70) square feet in sign area and eight (8) feet in height. The drive-thru sign may be designed as separate freestanding signs grouped together and may include the use of preview boards designed as separate freestanding signs installed a distance earlier in the drive-thru lane, however the total area of all signs must not exceed seventy (70) square feet.

4.

Drive-thru signs are permitted an additional ten (10) square feet of sign area for temporary signs attached to the top or sides of the drive-thru.

5.

Drive-thru signs must be located a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from any residential district lot line. This is measured from sign face to lot line, including any public right-of-way.

6.

Drive-thru signs may be internally illuminated. Drive-thru signs may also contain an electronic screen for interaction with each customer.

DRIVE-THRU SIGNS

I.

Projecting signs.

1.

Projecting signs are permitted in the commercial, downtown, and industrial districts.

2.

Projecting signs are limited to forty-eight (48) square feet.

3.

One projecting sign is permitted per establishment with frontage on a street. For a corner lot, one projecting sign is permitted for each street frontage.

4.

Projecting signs may encroach into the public right-of-way but must be located at least two (2) feet from the curb or six (6) feet from the building facade, whichever is less.

5.

Projecting signs must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet. No projecting sign affixed to a building may project higher than the building height, including the sign support structure.

6.

Projecting signs may be internally or externally illuminated. If externally illuminated, all lighting must be directed onto the sign face from above.

PROJECTING SIGNS

J.

Temporary right-of-way signs.

1.

Temporary right-of-way signs are limited to four (4) square feet in area.

2.

Temporary right-of-way signs are limited to four (4) feet in height.

3.

Temporary right-of-way signs shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet from the edge of the pavement of any roadway.

4.

The number of temporary signs and the permitted display period for such signs will be determined by the Zoning Administrator as part of the sign permit approval.

5.

Temporary right-of-way signs are prohibited from being posted or mounted upon trees, utility poles, traffic control signs, lights, or devices in any place or manner prohibited by the provisions herein.

6.

No temporary right-of-way sign may be mounted upon a portable sign structure. Portable sign structures include, but are not limited to, signs mounted upon a trailer, wheeled carrier, or other non-motorized mobile structure, with wheels or without wheels.

K.

Wall sign.

1.

Wall signs are permitted for all nonresidential uses in any district.

2.

Wall signs are permitted on all facades of a structure. On a site consisting of multiple structures, each structure is permitted wall signs per the regulations of this section. The square footage from different structures cannot be combined to create a larger sign on any one structure.

3.

For a single tenant structure, the maximum total wall sign area is one-and-a-half (1½) square feet per linear foot of building wall where the wall sign(s) will be mounted or forty (40) square feet, whichever is greater. The square footage from different facades cannot be combined to create a larger sign on any one facade.

4.

For a structure that contains multiple tenants, each tenant that has exterior business façade area is permitted a total wall sign area of one-and-a-half (1½) square feet per linear foot of business frontage or forty (40) square feet, whichever is greater, along their individual frontage(s).

5.

The number of individual wall signs on a facade is not limited, however the cumulative sign area of all signs on a facade cannot exceed the maximum allowable total wall sign area per facade.

6.

Wall signs may be internally or externally illuminated. If externally illuminated, all light must be directed onto the sign face.

7.

Wall signs must be safely and securely attached to the building wall. Wall signs must project eighteen (18) inches or less from the building wall. Wall signs may encroach into the public right-of-way no more than eighteen (18) inches.

8.

No wall sign affixed to a building, including sign support structure, may project beyond the ends or top of the wall or higher than the roofline of the structure to which it is attached.

9.

On existing buildings, a parapet wall must not be constructed for the sole purpose of increasing the allowable height of a wall sign. For new buildings, when a sign is mounted on a parapet wall, that parapet wall must be consistent with the architectural design of the building, including building materials.

10.

Painted wall signs are prohibited.

WALL SIGN

L.

Roof signs - aerial view. Given the proximity to O'Hare International Airport, exterior building roofs have a significant visual impact upon the public's opinion on the community. Moreover, the safety of pilots flying over the community must be upheld. Accordingly, roof signs are allowed as follows:

1.

Roof signs intended for an aerial view are permitted in the industrial and commercial districts. A conditional use permit is required in addition to a sign permit.

2.

Roof signs must only be viewable from an aircraft while in flight. No part of the sign or sign structure can be visible from any place or other structure, including roadways.

3.

The inclusion of artistic designs utilizing distinct color palettes and having a decorative, ornate, or geometric border is encouraged, but not required.

4.

Any design of such signs, including but not limited to, photorealistic scenes or 3D illusions, that could distract pilots is prohibited.

5.

Such signs cannot flash and may only be illuminated from within the sign structure only. Reflective roof surfaces that produce glare are prohibited, except for white roofs intended to radiate solar energy and reduce heat transfer to the building.

6.

The phrase "Village of Franklin Park" being featured within the roof sign is encouraged, but not required.

(Ord. 2324-VC-24, § 4; Ord. 2425-VC-06, §§ 3, 4)

A.

Billboards are permitted only on lots located within two hundred (200) feet of the right-of-way of Interstate 294, and not located within two hundred (200) feet of Interstate 490, and where such lot is immediately adjacent to said right-of-way and not separated from the said right-of-way by any road or street incorporated within the Village's street system or otherwise by property dedicated to the Village for a public purpose. Interstate 294 does not include any ramps to or from Interstate 490.

B.

Billboards require a conditional use permit.

C.

No individual sign face may exceed thirty (30) feet in vertical measurement or sixty (60) feet in total length, and no more than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet total in area. The maximum area of seven hundred fifty (750) square feet may be increased upon grant of conditional use to a maximum of one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet.

D.

A temporary extension of the sign area is permitted where the extension does not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the sign face and does not exceed a period of six (6) months.

E.

No sign structure shall have more than two (2) faces. If two (2) signs (back to back or V-shaped) are placed on the same geometrical plane or are otherwise directed towards the same lanes of traffic, then the area and dimensional limitations of this section apply to the total of both sign faces as if they were one sign.

F.

No sign may be erected which contains, includes, or is illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights. No sign may be erected or maintained which is not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of a right-of-way or which is of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle.

G.

Sign structures on the same side of an interstate must be erected a minimum of five hundred (500) feet apart. Along federal aid primary highways, other than expressways, sign structures on the same side or on opposite sides of the highway must be erected a minimum of one hundred (100) feet apart. The distance between any two (2) signs for purposes of this section is to be measured along the nearest edge of the right-of-way.

H.

Billboards are limited to an overall height of eighty-five (85) feet, including all facets of the billboard including the sign face.

I.

Billboards must be set back from the lot lines of an established zoning lot a distance of the minimum setback and yard requirements of the district. Where no setback is required, the minimum setback is fifteen (15) feet.

J.

No billboard where the sign face is visible from a park or public recreational facility is permitted within five hundred (500) feet of any public park or recreational facility.

K.

No billboard may be located within five hundred (500) feet of a residential district.

L.

No more than one billboard may be placed on any zoning lot.

M.

Digital billboard permissions:

1.

The maximum luminance for digital billboards is limited to seven thousand five hundred (7,500) nits between sunrise and sunset and three hundred (300) nits between sunset and sunrise.

2.

The display on the face of the sign cannot change more than once every ten (10) seconds. The display change interval cannot exceed twenty-five hundredths (.25) seconds.

3.

All motion is prohibited on the sign. During the message transition, the sign cannot display any visible effects, including but not limited to action, motion, fading, dissolving, blinking, or the illusion of such effects.

4.

All signs must be equipped with an automatic dimmer control or other mechanism that automatically controls the sign's luminance in compliance with this section. In instances where the sign malfunctions, the sign must either automatically shut off or turn to a black screen. Prior to the issuance of any permit for a sign, the applicant must submit an affidavit that attests that the sign has been tested and complies with the regulations set forth in this section.