No permanent sign shall be erected without a zoning permit issued by the Zoning Administrator. (Sec. 155.270)

Cross reference— Penalty, see 40-25-1.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12)

(A)

Definitions. For the purpose of this Subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

Billboard. Any single- or double-faced sign displaying messages or advertising not associated with the premises on which the sign is located or to which it is affixed.

Canopy/marquee sign. Any sign affixed to, painted on, or suspended from an awning, canopy, marquee, or similar overhang.

Flush-mounted sign. Any sign attached to or erected against a wall of a structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the wall and not projecting more than 18 inches. A flush-mounted sign displays only messages associated with the building to which said sign is attached.

Freestanding sign. Any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles, or braces placed in or upon the ground; or any sign supported by any structure erected primarily for the display and support of the sign; provided that a freestanding sign displays only messages associated with the structure to which it is attached.

Mobile or portable marquee. A term used to describe any sign designed to be moved from place to place, including, but not limited to, signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self-supporting and movable; or paper, cardboard, or canvas signs wrapped around supporting poles.

Projecting sign. Any sign which is suspended from or supported by a wall, awning, canopy, marquee, and the like and which is approximately perpendicular thereto. A projecting sign displays only messages associated with the structure to which it is attached.

Window sign. Any sign visible from the exterior of a building or structure which is painted directly on the surface of a window or affixed to or suspended immediately behind the window for the purpose of informing passersby of the identity of the proprietor or business, or of the product or service which can be obtained on the premises.

Sign. Any object, device, display, or structure or part thereof used to advertise, identify, display, or attract attention to a person, establishment, product, service, or event by any means including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illuminations, and the like. The term includes, but is not limited to, every projecting sign, freestanding sign, awning, canopy, marquee sign, changeable copy sign, illuminated sign, moving sign, temporary sign, portable sign, or other display whether affixed to a building or erected elsewhere on the premises. The term excludes features of a building which are an integral part of the building's design (for example, the "castle look" of a White Castle restaurant).

Sign area. The entire area within a single, continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the message and the background thereof, calculated in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

Sign area allowance. The maximum total sign area of all signs that an establishment is permitted to display.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

(A)

Within the limitations and restrictions as further provided in this subchapter, the total area of all signs which an establishment is permitted to display shall be computed according to the following formula:

One square foot of sign area per one foot of street frontage or two square feet of sign for each lineal foot of the front width of the business.

(B)

Provided, however, that no establishment in any district shall display more than 300 square feet of sign on any street front.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

As used in this subchapter, the term sign area means the area of the one imaginary square or rectangle which would completely enclose all the letters, parts, or symbols of a sign (see Appendixes C and D). (Sec. 155.272)

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

(A)

Except as specifically provided otherwise in this subchapter, if an establishment has frontage on two or more streets, each side having such frontage shall be considered separately for purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of this subchapter. However, the area allowance for signs shall not be aggregated so as to permit such establishment to display on any one frontage a greater area of signs than would be permitted by application of the formula set forth in Section 40-16-2.

(B)

The side of an establishment adjacent to an off-street parking area shall not be deemed frontage unless the establishment has no other frontage.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

(A)

No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free access or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or driveway.

(B)

No sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner that it interferes with, obstructs the view of, or is likely to be confused with any authorized traffic-control device.

(C)

Every sign shall be designed and constructed in conformity with any applicable provisions of the adopted Building Code.

(D)

Every sign and appurtenance shall be maintained in a neat and attractive condition by its owner. The sign supports shall be kept painted to prevent rust or deterioration.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

Illumination of signs is permitted, subject to the following requirements:

(A)

No sign shall employ red, yellow, or green lights in such a manner as to confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic.

(B)

No sign other than those providing time and temperature information shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or any other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, brightness, or color; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to any message on any electronically operated, changeable sign.

(C)

The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so that it creates neither a nuisance to adjacent property nor a traffic hazard.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

A nonconforming sign means any lawfully erected sign or billboard that does not conform to one or more provisions of this subchapter or any amendment thereto.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Any nonconforming sign as defined in Section 40-16-7 that does not pose an imminent peril to life or property may lawfully remain subject to all the restrictions on the enlargement, alteration, or relocation, or reconstruction of nonconforming structures set forth in Section 40-18-1 through 40-18-7; provided as follows:

(A)

Merely changing the message displayed on a nonconforming sign shall not be construed as a prohibited alteration;

(B)

Whenever any sign is nonconforming solely because it is appurtenant to an nonconforming commercial/industrial use located in the Agricultural District or in any residential district, the sign shall be treated in the same manner as it would be if it were appurtenant to a commercial/industrial use located in any Business District or in the Industrial District.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Except as specifically noted otherwise, the following signs and street graphics are strictly prohibited throughout the Village:

(A)

Signs attached to trees, fences or public utility poles, other than warning signs posted by government officials or public utilities.

(B)

Defunct signs, including the posts or other supports therefor that advertise or identify an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises where such sign is located.

(C)

Roof-mounted signs, that project or protrude above the highest point of the roof.

(D)

Mobile/portable marquees; except that they may be permitted as a temporary sign (See Section 40-16-19).

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

Any sign or other street graphic enumerated below that complies with the indicated requirements is permitted in any district of the Village. Such signs or street graphics shall not be debited against the displaying establishment's sign area allowance (See Section 40-16-2).

(A)

Construction Signs. Construction signs identifying the architects, engineers, contractors and other individuals or firms involved with the construction and/or announcing the character or purpose of the building, but not advertising any product. Such signs shall be confined to the site of the construction.

(B)

Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which they are located.

(C)

Political Signs. Political signs announcing candidates seeking public office and/or political issues or questions to be voted upon at an upcoming election or referendum.

(D)

Garage Sale Signs. Garage sale signs advertising a garage or yard sale to be held on private residential property.

(E)

Public Interest Signs and Street Banners. Public interest signs and street banners publicizing a charitable or non-profit event of general public interest.

(F)

Governmental, Public and Directional Signs. Such as traffic-control signs; railroad crossing signs; legal notices; signs indicating the location of underground cables; no trespassing signs; no parking signs; signs indicating the entrances and exits of parking lots; signs indicating the location of public telephones, restrooms and the like.

(G)

Institutional Signs. Institutional signs identifying a public, charitable or religious institution. Such signs shall be located on the premises of such institution, and shall not obstruct the vision of motorists.

(H)

Integral Signs. Integral signs carved into stone or inlaid so as to become part of the building, and containing such information as date of erection, name of building and memorial tributes.

(I)

Home Occupation Signs Identifying Only the Name and Occupation of the Residents.

(J)

Subdivision Entrance Signs Identifying a Residential Subdivision or Apartment Complex.

(K)

Permanent House Numbers and/or Permanent Name of Occupant Signs Located on the Lot to Which the Sign Applies.

(L)

Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, provided such signs are designed and located to be viewed exclusively by the patrons or residents of such buildings.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

No sign other than those listed in Section 40-16-10 shall be erected in any Residential District.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

(A)

No establishment located in any Business District or in the Industrial District shall display on any street front a total area of sign in excess of the allowance derived by application of the formula set forth in Section 40-16-2. (See Appendix B)

(B)

Additionally, signs in any Business District or in the Industrial District shall conform to the requirements indicated in Sections 40-16-11 through 40-16-16.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

No flush-mounted (wall) sign shall:

(A)

Project more than 18 inches from the wall or surface to which it is attached; or

(B)

Extend above the roof line of the building to which it is attached.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

Signs permanently mounted in display windows shall not be debited against the sign area allowance of the particular establishment.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

No establishment shall display more than one projecting sign on any street front. No projecting sign shall:

(A)

Project above the roof line of the building to which it is attached;

(B)

Extend below a point eight feet above the ground or pavement;

(C)

Project over a driveway or beyond the curbline of any public street;

(D)

Project more than four feet from the building to which it is attached; or

(E)

Extend to a point higher than 12 feet above ground level. (See Appendix B)

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

Signs mounted flush on any canopy or marquee shall be considered flush-mounted (wall) signs and shall meet the requirements of Section 40-16-13. Signs suspended beneath a canopy or marquee shall be considered projecting signs and shall meet the requirements of Section 40-16-15.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

No establishment shall display more than one freestanding sign on any street front. Freestanding signs, whether mounted on the ground or post-mounted, shall comply with the following regulations:

(A)

No part of any freestanding sign shall intrude into any public right-of-way. No part of any freestanding sign that extends below a point ten feet above the ground or pavement shall be located closer than ten feet from the public right-of-way line.

(B)

The area of any freestanding sign, calculated in accordance with Section 40-16-3 shall not exceed 100 square feet in a "B-1" District or 150 square feet in a "B-2" District.

(C)

When attached to its structural supports, no part of any freestanding sign shall extend more than 35 feet above the ground or pavement.

(D)

The length or width of any freestanding sign shall not exceed 13 feet. (See Appendix B)

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

Billboards and other off-premises advertising signs are strictly prohibited in every district except the Industrial District. No billboard shall:

(A)

Be stacked on top of another billboard;

(B)

Be located closer than 25 feet to any lot line or any public right-of-way;

(C)

Be located closer than 500 feet from any other billboard on the same side of the roadway;

(D)

Extend more than 20 feet above the ground or pavement; or

(E)

Exceed 300 square feet in area.

(Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12; Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)

Cross reference— Penalty, see Section 40-25-1.

Any temporary sign that complies with the indicated requirements may be permitted on private property in any district of the Village.

(A)

No individual temporary sign shall exceed 16 square feet in size and the total square footage of temporary signs displayed on any one lot shall not exceed 80 square feet.

(B)

No temporary signs shall be permitted on any public right-of-way or other publicly owned areas except for governmental, public and directional signs.

Penalty, see Section 40-25-1. (Ord. No. 1433; 09-04-12)

(C)

No Temporary sign shall be placed on a property that exceeds a 30 day period with in a 12 month period.

(Ord. No. 1712, § 2, 2-16-21)