The purpose of these regulations is to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication, to maintain and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the Village, and to facilitate and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety. These regulations are intended to promote the public health, safety and general welfare through a comprehensive set of reasonable standards and requirements. This chapter is further intended to allow for the identification of places of commerce, the communication of public and commercial information necessary for efficient and safe traffic movement; to allow for freedom of speech; to protect the public from the dangers of unsafe signs; to lessen hazardous situations, confusion and visual clutter caused by a proliferation of signs competing for the attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic; and to enhance the attractiveness and economic well being of the Village. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The rules for interpreting the language and terms in this chapter shall be as described in chapter 2 of this title. In addition to the terms defined in section 10-2-3 of this title, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given in the following clauses for the purposes of this chapter:

ALTER: A physical change in a sign or sign supports or an addition to a sign or sign supports. The term "alter" includes renovation, modification, rehabilitation or restoration, but does not include changing the copy on a bulletin board sign, marquee sign or other legal changeable copy sign.

APPLICANT: A person submitting an application for a sign permit who is the owner of the property on which the sign will be located or an agent for the owner who has the written permission of the owner to apply for the sign.

AWNING: A protective cover that is temporary in nature, projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building, constructed of non-rigid materials over a rigid framework which can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

BANNER: Any sign of lightweight fabric or other non-rigid material that is mounted to a pole or a building or by a frame at one or more edges. National flags, State or Municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners.

BILLBOARD: A sign or an outdoor advertising device which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.

BULLETIN BOARD SIGN, INSTITUTIONAL: A sign attached to a building or freestanding which identifies a place of worship or school and which contains the name of the institution.

CANOPY: A shelter or protective cover, projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building, constructed of non- rigid materials on a ground supported, rigid framework but not including a marquee. (See also definition of service station canopy.)

CANOPY SIGN: Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign on which message copy is changed manually or automatically, through the utilization of attachable or integrally automated letters, numbers, symbols, and other similar characters of changeable pictorial panels, but not including a bulletin board sign, gasoline price sign or marquee sign.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN: A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place, during the period of such construction, indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors or similar artisans, and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors, and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to the structure or project.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: A sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction and placed on the property to which or on which the public is directed, including entrance and exit signs.

DIRECTORY SIGN: A sign listing the name and/or use, and/or location of the various businesses or activities conducted within a building or group of buildings.

ERECT: To build, construct, install, attach, hang, place, inscribe, suspend or affix.

FLAG: Any fabric or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, institution or business.

FLASHING SIGN: A sign which contains an intermittent flashing light source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Also, any sign in which any part of the light source varies in intensity and/or hue and flashes or appears to flash or turn on and off; or a sign in which a message constantly flashes or turns on and off, or alternates with other copy by means of rotating or otherwise moving portions of the sign.

FREESTANDING SIGN: Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.

INSTITUTIONAL USE: A use of a parcel exclusively by a governmental unit or a not-for-profit religious or charitable entity not including social or fraternal organizations.

LIGHT POLE ARTWORK SIGN: A sign fabricated from a durable fabric, with a design applied through silkscreening or similar application method.

LOGO: An identifying symbol or registered trademark.

MAJOR REPAIR: Any repair or reconstruction of a sign or sign supports necessitated by damage due to normal deterioration or by acts of nature which involves the actual sign enclosure, its structural attachments or supports, or its electrical connections. "Major repair" does not include such items as painting or replacement of a cracked face by the sign's current owner or authorized agent.

MARQUEE: Any permanent rooflike structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

MARQUEE SIGN: Any sign attached to in any manner or made a part of a marquee, and which may include changeable copy.

MONUMENT SIGN: Any sign placed upon, or supported by the ground independent of the principal structure on the property. The height is no greater than that outlined in sections 10-15-8, 10-15-9, 10-15-10, 10-15-11, 10-15-12, 10-15-13 of this chapter and the base is no less than fifty percent (50%) of the width of the face of the sign, presenting a monolithic structure. Architecture of monument signs should be compatible with the architecture of the proposed building.

MOVING SIGN: Any sign in which all or any part of the sign moves or appears to move, any sign walkers or other devices, including strings of light bulbs and rotating signs, whether part of any permanent sign or maintained as an independent feature.

NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign that was lawfully erected but no longer conforms to the requirements of this title.

PAPER SIGN: A sign normally for temporary use made of paper, cardboard or similar material.

PAVEMENT EDGE: The outside edge of the curb. If no curb, then the outside edge of concrete, asphalt or oil and chip surface of the road.

PENNANT: Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

PERMANENT SIGN: Any sign which is not a temporary sign as defined herein.

PORTABLE SIGN: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, which is designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs converted to A- or T-frames.

PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than fourteen inches (14") beyond the surface of such building or wall but not including a sign suspended from a canopy and mounted perpendicular to a wall.

REAL ESTATE SIGN: Any sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of real estate.

ROOF SIGN: Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.

SANDWICH BOARD/MENU SIGN: A triangular based fold out sign made from metal, wood or plastic not to exceed two feet by three feet (2' x 3') in size.

SERVICE STATION CANOPY: A freestanding structure located on the same premises as a service station affording protection from the elements to persons or property thereunder. (See also definition of canopy.)

SHOPPING CENTER: Two (2) or more individual or separate businesses located within a single building or attached buildings.

SIGN: Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.

SIGN FACE: The area or display surface used for the message.

SIGN, GROSS AREA OF: The area within a single rectangle or circle enclosing the extreme limits of the sign, but not including structural supports which are not an integral part of the sign; except, that in the case of an individual letter sign, only two- thirds (2/3) of the area of the enclosing rectangle or circle shall be counted as the gross area of the sign. Where a sign has two (2) or more faces which can be viewed from a single location, the gross area of all such faces shall be included in determining the total gross area of the sign.

SIGN HEIGHT: The vertical distance measured from the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way at the point closest to the sign to the highest point of the sign.

SIGN PERMIT: A document certifying that the plans for the proposed sign comply with all applicable Village ordinances and requirements.

SIGN WALKERS: Any person, regardless of whether on public or private property, with a commercial sign or commercial message, and/or dressed in a costume (e.g., mascot) that is intended to attract attention to the use or business being advertised.

SNIPE SIGN: A temporary sign or poster affixed to a utility pole, tree, fence, etc.

STREET FRONTAGE: The length along the front of the ground floor of a building occupied by a separate and distinct use and the length along the side of the ground floor of a building occupied by a separate and distinct use when the side of such building faces a street; or the width of a tenant space measured along the ground floor of a building occupied by a separate and distinct use which does not face a street but faces a parking lot.

TEMPORARY SIGN: A sign which is not illuminated and is not permanently installed or affixed to any other sign, structure or building and displayed for not more than ninety (90) days in a calendar year.

UNSIGHTLY OR UNKEMPT SIGN: A sign that is clearly in disrepair, is missing part of its copy, has letters or other copy that are broken, missing or so faded that they are difficult to read from the street, is not securely affixed to either the ground or some other supporting structure, contains an illegible message, contains rust or peeling or flaking paint, or has damage to its face which is clearly visible from the street.

WALL SIGN: Any sign attached parallel to but within fourteen inches (14") of a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign face.

WINDOW SIGN: Any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service that is placed inside a window or upon the windowpanes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

   A.   Permit Required: It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, perform major repair, alter, move, replace or otherwise change a sign requiring a sign permit in the Village without first obtaining a sign permit from the Director of Community Development.

   B.   Application For Permit: An application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Director of Community Development and shall include and be accompanied by plans that show the size and shape of the sign, the location of the proposed sign, the setbacks from surrounding properties, the type of illumination and proposed lighting, the colors to be used in the sign, the materials used to construct and the method used to support the sign or attach it to a building.

   C.   Review And Approval:

      1.   If the proposed sign is one that may be approved by the Director of Community Development, then, within twenty one (21) days after the application for a sign permit has been received by the Director of Community Development, he shall respond to the applicant advising said applicant whether the sign requested is or is not in conformance with this chapter. If no response is received within twenty one (21) days, the application shall be deemed to have been approved.

      2.   If the proposed sign is one that must be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, then the Planning and Zoning Commission shall respond to the applicant within sixty (60) days after receipt of the application by the Director of Community Development advising said applicant whether the sign requested has or has not been approved. If no response is received within sixty (60) days, the application shall be deemed to have been approved.

   D.   Denial; Appeal: Upon denial, the applicant may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

   E.   Records Kept: The Director of Community Development shall maintain a record of all sign permits issued, which records shall show date of application and date of issuance of permits. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019; amd. Ord. 2025-19, 5-27-2025)

   A.   Scope: The provisions of this section shall apply to all signs in the Village, unless a sign is specifically exempted by subsection G of this section. Every sign shall comply with all other applicable ordinances of the Village. In case of a conflict between the provisions of this section and other applicable provisions, the more restrictive shall govern. Any sign not specifically provided for herein as a permitted sign or a prohibited sign shall be designated as a permitted sign or a prohibited sign by the Director of Community Development in terms of section 10-15-1 of this chapter. If said sign is designated as a permitted sign, then said sign shall be subject to all limitations and provisions stated herein for a permitted sign which is most similar to said sign.

It shall be unlawful to erect, permit the erection of, display, or permit the display of any sign in connection with any nonresidential use or in a nonresidential zoning district unless such sign is expressly permitted by this section, subject to all of the limitations and provisions stated herein.

   B.   Classification Of Signs: Signs shall be classified as on premises permanent signs, temporary or incidental signs, and special purpose signs.

      1.   On premises permanent signs are as defined in section 10-15-2 of this chapter.

      2.   Temporary or incidental signs are limited to the following: paper signs, public service messages signs, temporary promotional displays, window signs, temporary election signs and temporary real estate signs.

      3.   Special purpose signs are limited to directory signs, parking direction signs, parking regulation signs, directional signs, shopping center identification signs, marquee signs, on site construction signs.

   C.   General Requirements: All signs shall comply with the following general requirements:

      1.   Sign Faces: When a sign is allowed two (2) sign faces, the sign faces shall be parallel to one another and not more than fourteen inches (14") apart unless specifically authorized to deviate from this requirement by an applicable portion of this chapter.

      2.   Projections: No sign shall project beyond a property line or into a public right-of-way, except traffic control signs as authorized pursuant to the Traffic Code.

      3.   Life Safety Code Compliance: All signs shall comply with all applicable Life Safety Codes, including the structural and fire safety provisions of the Building Code and the electrical provisions of the Electrical Code of the Village.

      4.   Obstruction To Exitways: No sign shall be erected, displayed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, any required exitway, window or door opening used as a means of egress, or to obstruct any other means of egress required by the Building Code of the Village.

      5.   Obstruction Of Ventilation: No sign shall be erected, displayed, or maintained in a manner that interferes with any opening required for ventilation under the Building Code of the Village.

   D.   Maintenance And Safety:

      1.   All signs and related structures shall be maintained in good repair, free of rust, peeling, flaking, fading, broken or cracked surfaces, and broken or missing letters.

      2.   All signs and related structures shall be maintained in a safe, clean and attractive condition. Whenever the Director of Community Development determines that a sign has become structurally unsafe or endangers life or property or is not being maintained in good repair, a notice shall be sent to the owner or person in charge of the sign that the sign be made safe, repaired or removed. The owner or person in charge of the sign shall have ten (10) days from receipt of such notice in which to comply.

   E.   Nonconforming Signs:

      1.   No new or existing sign may be constructed, altered in structure or copy, relocated, or replaced after the effective date of this title, unless the sign conforms to all the provisions of this chapter and a sign permit has been issued by the Director of Community Development, unless the sign is specifically exempted from the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this subsection shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign from the provisions of this chapter regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs specified in subsection D of this section.

      2.   Any existing sign that is destroyed, deteriorated or damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of its replacement cost, exclusive of the foundation, after the effective date of this title, shall not be rebuilt, repaired or replaced unless in conformity with the provisions of this title.

   F.   Prohibited Signs: The following types of signs are specifically prohibited in the Village:

      1.   Signs visible from a public right-of-way that imitate, blend or conflict with, or that may be confused with traffic signals and signs. Such signs shall include, but not be limited to, signs that are imitations of "stop", "go", "caution", "danger", or "warning" signs.

      2.   Signs that are of a size, location, movement or illumination as may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which might obstruct from view any traffic or street sign or signal.

      3.   Signs that advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of written notification to the owner.

      4.   Signs on public land, except those erected at the direction of or with the permission of an appropriate public authority.

      5.   Pennant signs.

      6.   Moving signs.

      7.   Strips or strings of lights used to call attention to a use or occupancy by outlining property lines, sales area, rooflines, doors, windows, wall edges, or other architectural features of a building site. Exempted from this provision are: a) lighting in residentially zoned districts displayed from November 1 through January 15; and b) lights which are an integral architectural feature of the original design of a structure as approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. (The use of exposed neon is governed by subsection H of this section.)

      8.   Snipe signs.

      9.   Unkempt or unsightly signs.

      10.   Roof signs.

      11.   Signs which project more than fourteen inches (14") from the face of the building.

      12.   Any sign structure which no longer supports a sign. Exempted from this subsection is a sign structure which is temporarily void of a sign due to a permitted alteration or repair. A sign permit or an application for a sign permit for this alteration or repair must be on file with the Department of Public Works, and said alteration or repair must be completed within one month of the issuance of the approved sign permit.

      13.   Permanent or temporary window signs above the second floor, including lettering painted or applied to glass, and temporary promotional displays.

      14.   Portable signs, including sign walkers.

      15.   Billboards.

      16.   Light pole artwork signs.

      17.   Signs in the public right-of-way.

      18.   Any vehicle displaying permitted vehicular signs and representing a business operating within the Village limits shall park said vehicle behind the building in a designated parking space if said parking is available. In the event that no parking is available behind the building, then in that event said vehicle shall be parked behind the front building line within a properly designated parking space. Where such parking is not available, said vehicle shall be parked as far from the right-of-way and in the least visible area as possible.

   G.   Exempted Signs: With the exception of subsections C, D and F of this section, the provisions and regulations of this chapter shall not apply to the following signs:

      1.   Governmental and official signs including, but not limited to, the following:

         a.   Public notices and official notices posted or authorized by government officials in the performance of their duties.

         b.   Signs for the control or direction of traffic and other appropriate public purposes.

      2.   "No parking" and "no trespassing" signs that are no larger than one square foot in gross sign area.

      3.   Identification signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in sign area, including, but not limited to, the following:

         a.   Nameplates attached to a structure and not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, used to identify a professional service or home occupation permitted in the Single-Family Residential Zoning District in which the sign is located.

         b.   Residential address number located on a sign not larger than one square foot in gross sign area.

         c.   Commercial address numerals, which are required to be prominently displayed on each building, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area. Larger address numerals may be permitted elsewhere in this chapter, and would be subject to the provisions and regulations of the particular section.

      4.   On site construction signs: Only one such sign per entire development denoting the owner, architect, engineer, consultant, developer, lender and/or contractor, not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in gross sign area, and not to exceed ten feet (10') in height from top of sign to top of grade or two feet (2') in height from bottom of sign to top of grade, shall be permitted. Such a sign shall not be erected in a public right-of-way and shall be removed ten (10) days after the receipt of an occupancy permit for a building or development.

   H.   Illuminated Signs: The following requirements shall apply to illuminated signs:

      1.   The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded and/or directed in such a manner that the light intensity or brightness will not be a substantial nuisance to the residents or occupants of surrounding areas.

      2.   No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating device of variable light intensity, brightness, or color; except such signs are permitted, provided that the gross sign area of such signs is not greater than twelve (12) square feet per face (maximum of 2 faces), the vertical dimension of any letter or number is not greater than twenty four inches (24"), and the color or intensity of light is constant except for periodic changes in the information display, which occur not more frequently than once every fifteen (15) seconds. Beacon lights are not permitted.

      3.   No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.

      4.   Neither direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.

   I.   On Premises Permanent Signs:

      1.   Individual Business Or Use Within Shopping Center: Each individual business or use within a shopping center and located at ground floor level with its own entrance at street level or a second story retail business, either of which has "street frontage", as defined in section 10-15-2 of this chapter, may have one or more wall signs, window signs, or signs affixed or painted on canopies or awnings with a total gross sign area per street frontage not to exceed one square foot per linear foot of street frontage upon which the sign is to be located, up to a maximum of fifty (50) square feet in area; except, that the total gross sign area per street frontage may increase by twelve and one-half (12.5) square feet for each fifty feet (50') an individual business or use is set back from the edge of street pavement up to a maximum of one hundred twenty five (125) square feet in area, provided said individual business or use has the required street frontage to accommodate such an increase. A rear entrance to an individual or freestanding business used for delivery purposes may be identified by a sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in gross sign area. Such a sign shall be affixed directly to the rear entrance door. In locations where individual businesses or uses are grouped together in a shopping center, the on premises permanent signs shall maintain uniformity in location, height and general design, and shall be compatible in color.

      2.   Freestanding Business Or Use: Each freestanding business or use may have one or more wall signs, window signs, or signs affixed or painted on canopies or awnings with a total gross sign area per street frontage not to exceed one square foot per linear foot of street frontage upon which the sign is to be located, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet; except that the total gross sign area per street frontage may increase by twelve and one-half (12.5) square feet for each fifty feet (50') a freestanding business or use is set back from the edge of street pavement up to a maximum of one hundred twenty five (125) square feet in area, provided said freestanding business or use has the required street frontage to accommodate such an increase. A rear entrance to an individual or freestanding business used for delivery purposes may be identified by a sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in gross sign area. Such a sign shall be affixed directly to the rear entrance door.

      3.   Office Building Signs:

         a.   Individual Business Or Use Within An Office Building: Each individual business or use within an office building and located at ground floor level with its own entrance at street level or a second story business, either of which has "street frontage", as defined in section 10-15-2 of this chapter, may have one or more wall signs, window signs, or signs affixed or painted on canopies or awnings with a total gross sign area per street frontage not to exceed one square foot per linear foot of street frontage upon which the sign is to be located, up to a maximum of fifty (50) square feet in area; except, that the total gross sign area per street frontage may increase by twelve and one-half (12.5) square feet for each fifty feet (50') an individual business or use is set back from the edge of street pavement up to a maximum of one hundred twenty five (125) square feet in area, provided said individual business or use has the required street frontage to accommodate such an increase. A rear entrance to an individual or freestanding business used for delivery purposes may be identified by a sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in gross sign area. Such a sign shall be affixed directly to the rear entrance door. In locations where individual businesses or uses are grouped together in an office building, the on premises permanent signs shall maintain uniformity in location, height and general design, and shall be compatible in color.

         b.   Freestanding Single- Or Multi-Tenant Office Building: Each freestanding single- or multi-tenant office building shall have one set of address numerals per building frontage. These numerals must be affixed flat against the facade of the building, and no part of the numerals shall project above the roof or parapet line of the building. The square footage shall be determined by measuring the rectangle formed by outlining the numerals. Each numeral shall not exceed two (2) square feet.

   J.   Sign Setbacks: All signs shall be set back from property lines according to the regulations specified in this chapter or as otherwise required by any other applicable Village ordinance. Temporary signs shall be located on private property and shall be located outside of the right-of-way of any Village, State or County road. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019; amd. Ord. 2019-21, 5-28-2019; Ord. 2025-19, 5-27-2025)

The purpose of the RS-10 Single-Family Residential District is to provide areas for single-family residential uses of an urban character. It is further intended to provide for other uses which are customarily found with and are not detrimental to single- family residences. The RS-10 District is considered consistent with and designed to implement the provisions of the comprehensive plan for land designated as low density residential or medium density residential on the Village land use plan map.

 

 

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the RT Two-Family Residential District is to provide areas for single-family and two-family residential uses of an urban character. It is further intended to provide for other uses which are customarily found with and are not detrimental to two-family residences. The RT District is considered consistent with and designed to implement the provisions of the comprehensive plan for land designated as medium density residential on the Village land use plan map.

 

 

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the RM Multiple-Family Residential District is to provide areas for multiple-family residential uses of an urban character. It is further intended to provide for other uses which are customarily found with and are not detrimental to multiple- family residences. The RM District is considered consistent with and designed to implement the provisions of the comprehensive plan for land designated as medium density residential on the Village land use plan map.

 

 

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the CM Main Street Commercial District is to provide areas along Main Street for the development of selected retail sales and selected service activities at accessible locations in the Village. The CM District is further intended to implement the Village comprehensive plan for land that is designated as part of the Main Street Mixed Use District. The CM District is not intended to allow industrial uses. In addition to the selected uses that are permitted uses, other uses which would not normally be appropriate in the CM District may be allowed as special uses with conditions specified by the Village Board of Trustees to safeguard the public health, safety, morals and welfare.

 

Notes:

    1.    Freestanding signs:

      a.    Any parcel consisting of at least 30,000 square feet may also be permitted a single, freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 80 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 8 feet in total height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 300 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

      b.    Any parcel consisting of at least 15,000 square feet may be permitted a single freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 48 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 6 feet in height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 150 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

    2.    See subsection 10-15-4I of this chapter.

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the CN Neighborhood Commercial District is to provide areas for the development of convenience commercial retail sales and selected service activities at accessible locations in the Village. The CN District is further intended to implement the Village land use plan for land that is established as a neighborhood commercial area, and may be used in other areas designated as commercial on the land use plan map. The CN District is not intended to allow industrial uses. In addition to the selected services that are permitted uses, other service and retail uses which would not normally be appropriate in the CN District may be allowed as special uses with conditions specified by the Village Board of Trustees to safeguard the public health, safety, morals and welfare.

 

Notes:

    1.    Freestanding signs:

      a.    Any parcel consisting of at least 30,000 square feet may also be permitted a single, freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 80 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 8 feet in total height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 300 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

      b.    Any parcel consisting of at least 15,000 square feet may be permitted a single freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 48 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 6 feet in height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 150 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

    2.    See subsection 10-15-4I of this chapter.

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the CG General Commercial District is to provide areas for the development of general retail sales and selected service activities at accessible locations in the Village. The CG District is further intended to implement the Village land use plan for land that is designated as commercial and is not located in the downtown area. The CG District is not intended to allow industrial uses. In addition to the selected retail and service uses that are permitted uses, other service and retail uses which would not normally be appropriate in the CG District may be allowed as special uses with conditions specified by the Village Board of Trustees to safeguard the public health, safety, morals and welfare.

 

Notes:

    1.    Freestanding signs:

      a.    Any parcel consisting of at least 30,000 square feet may also be permitted a single, freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 80 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 8 feet in total height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 300 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

      b.    Any parcel consisting of at least 15,000 square feet may be permitted a single freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 48 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 6 feet in height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 150 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

    2.    See subsection 10-15-4I of this chapter.

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the IL Light Industrial District is to encourage the development and redevelopment of areas of the Village which are designated as industrial by the Village land use plan. The IL District is further intended to ensure high quality future development through the use of site plan approval procedures which provide for specific consideration of access, parking, drainage, landscaping and design factors. In addition to the permitted uses, other uses which would not normally be appropriate in the IL District may be allowed as special uses with conditions specified by the Village Board of Trustees to safeguard the public health, safety, morals and welfare.

 

Notes:

    1.    Freestanding signs:

      a.    Any parcel consisting of at least 30,000 square feet may also be permitted a single, freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 80 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 8 feet in total height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 300 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

      b.    Any parcel consisting of at least 15,000 square feet may be permitted a single freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 48 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 6 feet in height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 150 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

    2.    See subsection 10-15-4I of this chapter.

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the OP Office Park District is to provide a controlled and protected environment for the development of professional offices and selected service activities at accessible locations in the Village. The OP District is further intended to implement the Village land use plan for land that is designated as office park. The OP District is not intended to allow any industrial, storage or retail businesses. In addition to the professional office and selected service uses that are permitted uses, other selected service uses which would not normally be appropriate in the OP District may be allowed as special uses with conditions specified by the Village Board of Trustees to safeguard the public health, safety, morals and welfare.

 

Notes:

    1.    Freestanding signs:

      a.    Any parcel consisting of at least 30,000 square feet may also be permitted a single, freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 80 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 8 feet in total height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 300 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

      b.    Any parcel consisting of at least 15,000 square feet may be permitted a single freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 48 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 6 feet in height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 150 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

    2.    See subsection 10-5-4I of this chapter.

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

The purpose of the MED Medical District is to provide areas for medical and health related services at accessible locations in the Village. It is further intended to provide for other uses which are customarily found with and are not detrimental to these types of services.

 

Notes:

    1.    Freestanding signs:

      a.    Any parcel consisting of at least 30,000 square feet may also be permitted a single, freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 80 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 8 feet in total height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 300 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

      b.    Any parcel consisting of at least 15,000 square feet may be permitted a single freestanding monument sign, provided such sign contains not more than 48 square feet of sign area per face with not more than 2 faces, is not more than 6 feet in height above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way or the adjacent finished grade, is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the sight distance triangle described in section 10-14-10 of this title, and the site has at least 150 feet of frontage on a street or highway.

    2.    See subsection 10-15-4I of this chapter.

(Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

   A.   Violations And Enforcement: Any sign which is not in compliance with all the provisions of this chapter is declared to be unlawful. The Village, through the Director of Community Development, may initiate injunction or abatement proceedings or other appropriate action in the courts against any person who violates or fails to comply with any provisions of this chapter, or against the erector, owner, or user of an unlawful sign, or the owner of property on which an unlawful sign is located to prevent, enjoin, abate, or terminate the erection, use or display of an unlawful sign. Any person who violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter, or the erector, owner, or user of an unlawful sign, or the owner of property on which an unlawful sign is located shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 10-16-9 of this title.

   B.   Removal Of Unlawful Sign: Any unlawful sign which has not been removed within thirty (30) days after conviction of violation or imposition of civil penalty may be removed by the Village and the costs charged to the violator. If removal costs have not been paid and the sign reclaimed within thirty (30) days of its removal by the Village, the Village may sell or otherwise dispose of the sign and apply the proceeds toward costs of removal. Any proceeds in excess of costs shall be paid to the owner of the sign.

   C.   Immediate Removal Of Unlawful Or Unsafe Signs: Signs which the Director of Community Development finds upon public streets, sidewalks, rights- of-way or other public property, or which wheresoever located present an immediate and serious danger to the public because of their unsafe condition may be immediately removed by the Director of Community Development or his designee without prior notice.

   D.   Removal Of Snipe Signs And Temporary Signs: Any snipe sign or any other sign within a road right-of-way in the Village shall be subject to immediate removal by the Director of Community Development or any other Village staff member designated by the Director of Community Development. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019; amd. Ord. 2025-19, 5-27-2025)

   A.   Common Signage Plan: If the owners of two (2) or more contiguous (disregarding intervening streets and alleys) lots or the owner of a single lot with more than one building or tenant space (not including any accessory building) file with the Director of Community Development for such lots a common signage plan conforming with the provisions of this section, a twenty percent (20%) increase in the maximum total sign area shall be allowed for each included lot. This bonus shall be allocated within each lot as the owner elects.

      1.   Provisions Of Common Signage Plan:

         a.   Content: The common signage plan shall contain the following:

            (1)   An accurate plot plan of the lot, at such scale as the Director of Community Development may reasonably require;

            (2)   The location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped areas on such lot;

            (3)   Computation of the maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of freestanding signs allowed on the lot included in the plan under this title; and

            (4)   An accurate indication on the plot plan of the proposed location of each present and future sign of any type, whether requiring a permit or not; except, that incidental signs need not be shown.

   B.   Standards Of Consistency: The common signage plan shall specify standards for consistency among all signs on the lots affected by the plan with regard to:

      1.   Lettering or graphic style;

      2.   Lighting;

      3.   Location of each sign on the buildings;

      4.   Material; and

      5.   Sign proportions.

   C.   Window Signs On Common Signage Plan: A common signage plan or master signage plan including window signs may simply indicate the areas of the windows to be covered by window signs and the general type of the window signs (e.g., paper affixed to window, painted, etched on glass, or some other material hung inside the window) and need not specify the exact dimension or nature of every window sign.

   D.   Limit On Number Of Freestanding Signs Under Common Signage Plan: The common signage plan, for all lots with multiple uses or multiple users, shall limit the number of freestanding signs to a total of one for each street on which the lots included in the plan have frontage and shall provide for shared or common usage of such signs.

   E.   Other Provisions Of Common Signage Plan: The common signage plan may contain such other restrictions as the owners of the lots may reasonably determine.

   F.   Consent: The common signage plan shall be signed by all owners or their authorized agents in such form as the Director of Community Development shall require.

   G.   Procedures: A common signage plan shall be included in any site plan, or other plan required by the Village for the proposed development, and shall be processed simultaneously with such other plan.

   H.   Amendments: A common signage plan may be amended by filing a new common signage plan that conforms with all requirements of the ordinance then in effect.

   I.   Existing Signs Not Conforming To Common Signage Plan: If any new or amended common signage plan is filed for a property on which existing signs are located, it shall include a schedule for bringing into conformance, within three (3) years, all signs not conforming to the proposed amended plan or to the requirements of the ordinance in effect on the date of submission.

   J.   Binding Effect: After approval of a common signage plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with such plan, and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this title. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such a plan and any other provision of this title, this title shall control. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019; amd. Ord. 2025-19, 5-27-2025)

This section is intended to apply to all zoning districts where an automobile service station exists or is permitted. This section is intended to allow a moderate amount of signage sufficient to operate the business and meet the needs of the public as they relate to notification of services and provided pricing.

   A.   Scope: Signs located on property used for automobile service stations shall be subject to the provisions and limitations set forth in this subsection. Additional retail signs, unless specifically provided for herein, advertising the sale of specific products shall be prohibited.

   B.   Prohibited Locations: No sign shall be attached to any pole, light standard, or gasoline tank vent pipe. No sign shall be attached to a gasoline pump excepting those provided for in subsection C4 of this section.

   C.   Signs:

      1.   Wall Signs: Not more than one wall sign shall be permitted for each automobile service station. This wall sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in gross sign area except, that the total gross sign area per street frontage may increase by twelve and one-half (12.5) square feet for each fifty feet (50') an individual business or use is set back from the edge of street pavement up to a maximum of one hundred twenty five (125) square feet in area, provided said individual business or use has the required street frontage to accommodate such an increase. The content of this sign shall be limited to the name of the firm, the business being conducted on the premises, or the principal product being offered for sale on the premises, or a combination of same. A business logo may appear as a part of this wall sign.

      2.   Additional Wall Signs: In instances where the incidental washing of motor vehicles is an accessory service being offered on a property used for an automobile service station, one additional wall sign shall be permitted. This wall sign shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area. The content of this sign shall be limited to the product being offered for sale on the premises. One sign designating the entrance to and one sign designating the exit from the washing area shall be affixed directly to the structure near such entrance or exit. The gross sign area of such signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet. In instances where a full service car wash is part of a property used for an automobile service station, a sign advertising the variety of car wash services being offered, along with their respective costs, may be displayed. Such a sign may be erected no closer than seventy five feet (75') from any public right-of-way. Such a sign shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in gross sign area or eight feet (8') in height from top of sign to top of grade. Said sign shall be permanently anchored to a wall, canopy support, or a freestanding pole.

      3.   Canopy Signs: An automobile service station with a canopy shall be permitted one canopy sign, in addition to a wall sign, per street frontage. This canopy sign shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet in gross sign area per street frontage. This sign shall be a flat sign permanently affixed to the vertical face of the canopy and shall not project above or below, or from any side of the vertical face of the canopy. This sign shall be illuminated by internal and nonintermittent light sources. The content of this sign shall be limited to the name of the business. A business logo, inclusive of striping or other symbols, may appear on this canopy sign as part of the gross sign area allowable for said sign.

      4.   Pump Signs: Signs shall be allowed on gasoline pumps so as to provide the required information to the public regarding "octane rating", "price", and "type of fuel". As the trade name of the business is often incorporated into the different types of fuels, said trade name and any associated symbols shall be permitted on the sides of the pumps as flat signs located no more than three feet (3') above the ground and not to exceed two (2) square feet in area per sign face (4 square feet in aggregate) per pump. "Self-service" or "full-service" signs shall identify each pump island on the service station property. The location of such signs shall be limited to the gasoline pump or the canopy support, not more than eight feet (8') above the ground, located at each end of the pump island. A maximum of two (2) such signs shall be allowed per pump island, and each sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

      5.   Gasoline Price Signs: No more than one gasoline sign shall be allowed per service station property street frontage. This sign must be freestanding and permanently anchored. Such a sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in sign area per face and shall not exceed six feet (6') in height from top of sign to top of grade. Illumination shall be by internal and non-intermittent light sources. This sign shall identify only the actual unit price being charged for gasoline being sold. The business name and/or logo may be displayed on this sign, provided it does not occupy more than four (4) square feet of the total sign area per face. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

   A.   Standards For Variance:

      1.   Where there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the provisions of this chapter, the Board of Zoning Appeals may vary or modify the application of specific regulations for any permitted form of signage so that the spirit of this chapter shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done.

      2.   A variance from this chapter may be granted for any permitted form of signage where it is found that because of the limitations on character, size, number, or dimensions of signs, or the regulations controlling the erection or installation of a sign, the applicant would be subject to practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship. Unnecessary hardship is not considered the loss of possible advantage, economic loss or gain, or mere inconvenience to the applicant.

   B.   Procedures And Criteria: The procedures and criteria for granting a variance from the regulations in this chapter shall be as set out in subsection 10-16-3E1b of this title. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)

In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this chapter pertaining to sign regulations and the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois or the State Statutes of the State of Illinois such conflict shall be resolved in a manner so that the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois or the State Statutes of the State of Illinois, as the case may be, shall prevail. Any provision of this chapter pertaining to sign regulations that may create such a conflict in the opinion of a court of competent jurisdiction shall be deemed null and void and the legislative intent of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Glen Carbon is that all remaining provisions of this chapter pertaining to sign regulations shall remain in full force and effect. (Ord. 2019-06, 1-22-2019)