Grand Chute Town City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XV
Signs and Billboards
[Amended 2-7-2002; 12-7-2004; 10-7-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-09; 12-20-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-30; 12-18-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-15; 2-19-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-01]
§ 535-104 Purpose.
A.
The purpose of this article is to establish standards that safeguard life and property, protect the right of free speech, promote the public's general welfare, and enhance community aesthetics by regulating the appearance, construction, location and maintenance of signs and billboards.
B.
Applicability. This article applies to all signs in the Town of Grand Chute visible beyond the boundaries of the lot upon which they are located, inclusive of any sign currently in use, planned, or hereafter installed or structurally altered, except for:
(1)
Any sign, signal, or legal notice posted or erected by, or required to be posted by, any Town, county, state, federal or other formal governmental entity, or private utility; and
(2)
Any vehicle sign, as defined in § 535-105.
C.
Interpretation. The Town will use literal readings of regulations in this article. Regulations are no more or less strict than stated. Where the regulations of this article do not provide a basis for concluding that a sign is allowed, it is prohibited. Where there is a conflict between the provisions this article and the provisions of any other regulation, statute, ordinance or covenant, the most restrictive regulation will apply.
D.
Nonconforming signs. In accordance with §§ 60.61(5) and 62.23(7)(h), Wis. Stats., and § 535-15 of the Town of Grand Chute Municipal Code, any sign lawfully existing at the effective date of this article that does not conform with the provisions herein will be characterized as a nonconforming sign and may continue in existence at its current location, subject to the following restrictions:
(1)
No structural component, face or panel of a nonconforming sign may be altered in any manner that would increase the extent of nonconformity.
(2)
The total structural repairs or alterations of a sign may not, during its life, exceed 50% of the assessed value of the sign, unless permanently changed to a conforming sign.
(3)
If, for a period of 12 consecutive months, the use a nonconforming sign is discontinued or abandoned for any reason whatsoever, any future use of said sign must conform with the provisions of this article or be removed.
(4)
A nonconforming sign that becomes damaged or destroyed by violent wind, vandalism, fire, flood, ice, snow, mold or infestation may be restored to its prior size, height, arrangement and location without restriction as to the costs of the required repair, restoration or reconstruction.
§ 535-105 Definitions.
[Amended 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-10]
Words used in this article have their broad dictionary definition unless they are described otherwise.
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION
A projection, not including a sign as defined in this section, that extends beyond the face of a building's exterior wall.
ATTACHED SIGN
A permanent sign directly affixed to or primarily supported by a building. Includes awning signs, canopy signs, projecting signs, roof signs and wall signs.
AWNING SIGN
An attached sign on a fixed or retractable architectural projection made of rigid or nonrigid materials that is anchored to and supported by a building, which may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See illustration below.
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BANNER
A temporary sign constructed of fabric, pliable plastic or other nonrigid material of any shape, in which more than one edge or surface is secured to another structure or support to prevent movement.
BILLBOARD
An off-premises sign permanently affixed to a structure, designed or intended to advertise for a business, product, service, entertainment, or activity conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located for a fee paid to the owner of the structure.
CANOPY SIGN
An attached sign on a freestanding architectural projection that is anchored by columns or cantilevers, and that may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See illustrations below.
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CONFORMING SIGN
A sign that is legally installed in accordance with all prevailing jurisdictional laws and ordinances.
DEVELOPMENT AREA
A lot or combination of adjoining lots that comprise a minimum land area of two acres, containing a mix of land uses, and typically developed with more than one principal building under unified ownership or control. Development areas include, but are not limited to, lots, buildings and site improvements located in planned unit developments and planned development districts.
DIGITAL MULTIPLE MESSAGE SIGN or DIGITAL BILLBOARD
A billboard or off-premises advertising sign that contains multiple or variable messages that automatically change by any digital or electronic process.
DISSOLVE or FADE
A mode of message transition on an electronic message center sign in which the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER SIGN or EMU
An on-premises sign on which the message is changed by electronic process. Messages displayed include, but are not limited to, copy, art, graphics, time and temperature, public service announcements, and advertising of products or services.
FACADE
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically from normal grade to the top of a parapet wall or eaves, and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.
FLAG SIGN
A sign, constructed of fabric, pliable plastic or other nonrigid material and typically oblong or rectangular in shape, which is attached by one edge to a mast arm, staff or vertical pole. Noncommercial flags are not considered signs.
FLASHING
A visual effect on a directly or indirectly illuminated sign in which artificial light intensity and color is not maintained stationary and constant at all times when in use.
FOOTCANDLE
A measure of illuminance in which #0.1 footcandle equals one lumen per square foot.
FRAME
A complete, static display screen on an electronic message center sign.
FRAME EFFECT (DYNAMIC)
A visual effect on a frame in which the illusion of motion and/or animation is used on an electronic message center sign or a digital multiple message sign.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign supported by a structure affixed to the ground, as opposed to being affixed to a building. Also referred to as "ground sign," "monument sign," "pole sign" or "pylon sign." See illustrations below.
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ILLUMINANCE
The amount of light falling upon a real or imaginary surface. Expressed in English units as footcandles and in SI (metric) units as lux. Also referred to as "light level" or "illumination."
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, including:
A.
Externally or indirectly illuminated sign: emits light from a source(s) located outside of the actual sign.
B.
Internally or directly illuminated sign: emits artificial light directly through any transparent or translucent material from a source located within or on the sign. This includes electronic message center signs.
INFLATABLE SIGN
Any sign constructed of fabric or other flexible material that takes on a three-dimensional shape when filled with air.
LIGHT TRESPASS
Light from an artificial source that intrudes into an area where it is not wanted or does not belong.
LUMINANCE
The light that is emitted by or reflected from a surface, measured in units of luminous intensity (candelas) per unit area. Expressed in English units as foot lamberts and in SI units as cd/m2. Also referred to as "nits."
LUX
The SI unit for illuminance, in which one lux equals 0.093 footcandle.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign that was legally installed under all municipal sign regulations and ordinances in effect at that time, but which may no longer comply with subsequently enacted regulations and ordinances having jurisdiction over the sign.
NORMAL GRADE
A measure of the ground elevation of a lot, being the lower of the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, landscaping or mounding done solely for the purpose of installing a sign structure.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A permanent sign that directs attention to an off-site commercial business, product, service or activity conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. Off-premises advertising signs include billboards.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign constructed, maintained and operated in the outdoor environment for the purpose of displaying messages appurtenant to the use of, or products sold at, the property on which it is displayed.
PARAPET
The portion of a building facade that extends vertically above the structural roofline.
PERMANENT SIGN
An attached or freestanding sign constructed, maintained and operated in a manner to remain in a fixed place over its useful life. Permanent signs are designed and constructed to receive dead loads and withstand wind pressures as required in Chapter 220 of the Town of Grand Chute Municipal Code or other regulations, and are constructed of durable materials capable of withstanding year-round exposure to the outdoor environment.[1]
PROJECTING SIGN
An attached sign that projects more than 18 inches from the facade of a wall or building. Also referred to as "blade sign." See illustration below.
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READER BOARD
A sign on which the message is manually changed on a display surface.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
Any sign used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property on which it is placed.
ROOF SIGN
An attached sign mounted on, or extending above the uppermost edge of, a wall or parapet of a building. See illustration below.
 Roof Signs |
SCROLL
A mode of message transition on an electronic message center sign in which the message appears to move vertically across the display surface.
SIGN
Any device used to attract attention beyond the boundaries of the lot on which it is located, and whose purpose is to convey a message to represent any person, entity or thing by means of lettering, numerals, words, figures, emblems, devices, structures, designs, trade names, trademarks or other alphabetic or pictorial imagery. Any sign(s) affixed to a nonmotorized vehicle (i.e., trailer) not being actively used for the delivery of commercial goods is defined as a sign and is subject to the provisions of this article.
SIGN AREA
The size of a sign, calculated as the entire area within the periphery of a regular geometric form or combinations of regular geometric forms on which all elements of a message(s) are displayed. In the case of double-face signs, where both faces advertise a single facility, product, or service, only one face is used to calculate sign area.
SIGN COPY
The actual physical sign message, including any lettering, numerals, words, figures, emblems, designs, trade names, trademarks or other alphabetic or pictorial imagery applied to any background. Sign copy is expressed as the sum of the geometric shape(s) encompassing separate individual letters, words or graphic elements on a background.
SIGN DISTRICTS
Geographic locations within the Town of Grand Chute for which sign regulations are enforced based on types and intensities of land use and prevailing zoning district classifications, to include:
A.
Rural Area: All lots zoned AED Exclusive Agricultural District and AGD General Agricultural District.
B.
Suburban Area: All lots with residential uses zoned RSF Single-Family Residential District; RTF Two-Family Residential District; R-2 Two-Family Residence District; and R-3 Single-Family Attached Residence District.
C.
Neighborhood Center: Locations characterized as:
(1)
All lots with nonresidential uses zoned RSF Single-Family Residential District; RTF Two-Family Residential District; R-2 Two-Family Residence District; and R-3 Single-Family Attached Residence District.
(2)
All lots zoned R-4 Multifamily Residence District; R-5 Multifamily Residence District; RMF Multifamily Residential District; and C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District.
D.
Community Center: All lots zoned C-2 Office Commercial District; CL Local Commercial District; CR Regional Commercial District; CP Planned Commercial District; and IND Industrial District.
E.
Sign regulations for lots zoned PDD Planned Development District are prescribed in each project approval resolution approved by the Town of Grand Chute.
SIGN FACE
The surface of a sign upon or through which the copy of the sign is displayed.
SIGN HEIGHT
A measure of the vertical distance from normal grade to the highest attached component of the sign structure, calculated as follows:
A.
The height of an attached sign is the vertical distance measured from the base of the facade of a wall or building at normal grade to the highest point of any sign face.
B.
The height of a freestanding sign on a lot with an elevation equal to or higher than the center line of the street it abuts is calculated as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign structure.
C.
The height of a freestanding sign on a lot with an elevation lower than the center line of the street it abuts is calculated as being equal to the distance from the street center line elevation (at a point perpendicular to the sign) to the top of the highest attached component of the sign structure.
SIGN STRUCTURE
The area of all sign faces, structural supports, decorative trim and architectural features of the complete sign entity.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign constructed, maintained and operated in a manner to be temporarily placed either in the ground or on a building.
TRANSITION
A visual effect used on an electronic message center sign to change from one message to another. Transition effects include, but are not limited to, fading, flashing, dissolving, traveling and scrolling.
TRAVEL
A mode of transition on an electronic message center sign in which the message appears to move horizontally across the display surface.
VEHICLE SIGN
A sign(s) permanently painted or affixed on the surface of a licensed, motorized vehicle that is used on a day-to-day basis to transport goods and/or provide services.
WALL SIGN
A sign attached parallel to and extending less than 18 inches from the facade of a wall, building or architectural projection. Also referred to as "fascia sign." See illustration below.
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WINDOW SIGN
A sign affixed to or etched on the interior side of any building window that displays a message intended to be visible on the exterior side.
[1]
Editor’s Note: The former definition of "political sign," which immediately followed, was repealed 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-10.
§ 535-106 General sign regulations.
[Amended 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-10]
A.
Sign content. Any sign allowed or governed by this article may contain any lawful noncommercial copy if it complies with the provisions herein and with all other applicable regulations. A sign may not bear or contain any copy or indications of an obscene or pornographic nature.
B.
Construction and maintenance.
(1)
All sign supports and elements such as angle irons, chains, wires, and electrical service must be concealed from public view to the maximum extent possible.
(2)
All signs must be maintained in a safe, presentable and structurally sound condition at all times. Routine maintenance activities do not require a permit. For the purposes of this provision, routine maintenance includes, but is not limited to, painting, cleaning, replacing or repainting sign copy or sign faces within their existing framework, recladding, and replacing worn or defective parts.
C.
Design and effect.
(1)
All signs will be designed in a manner that creates the visual effects intended by the provisions of this article. No sign may:
(a)
Simulate the size, lettering, or design of any traffic or railroad sign in a manner that misleads or confuses the public.
(b)
Contain mirrors, strobe lights, or lights similar in nature to equipment on emergency response vehicles.
(c)
Contain ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering, or revolving parts; nor may these elements be used for advertising or attracting attention separately from a sign.
(d)
Emit any sound, flame, smoke, particles, visible vapors or odors.
D.
Placement.
(1)
Projecting signs must be a minimum of 10 feet from all side lot lines.
(2)
All signs located within the ten-foot front yard setback area will provide unobstructed vision between three feet and 12 feet, measured vertically above the mean center line elevation of the street it abuts. A maximum of two sign support structures, each with a maximum width of 12 inches, is permitted within this setback area. A single support max width of 24 inches is also allowed. Total sign support not to exceed 24 inches.
(3)
All signs placed within the vision triangle area of corner lots, as defined in § 535-47, must provide unobstructed vision between 2 1/2 feet and 10 feet, measured vertically above the mean center line elevation of the street they abut.
(4)
The lowest part of any awning sign or canopy sign must be a minimum of seven feet above normal grade in areas with pedestrian traffic, and a minimum of 10 feet above normal grade in areas with vehicular traffic. All canopy support structures must be a minimum of two feet from any street or parking lot curb.
(5)
No part of a sign may be located in public road right-of-way unless allowed by Town Board approval based on a finding of unique circumstances or unusual hardship.
(6)
No part of a sign may cover or obstruct any functional door, doorway, fire escape, fire ladder, standpipe or window in any manner that prevents ingress or egress.
E.
Lighting.
(1)
Illuminated signs are allowed in sign districts based on the lighting source, subject to the dimensional requirements in § 535-107. Externally illuminated signs are allowed in all sign districts. Internally illuminated signs, except EMUs, are allowed on lots in the Neighborhood Center sign district. Internally illuminated signs, including EMUs, are allowed in the Community Center sign district and the PDD Planned Development District.
(2)
Light trespass.
(a)
Illuminance on a lot may not exceed 0.1 footcandle above ambient levels along any lot line shared with a lot in a Rural Area sign district or in a Suburban Area sign district.
(b)
Illuminance on a lot may not exceed 0.3 footcandle above ambient levels along any lot line shared with a lot in a Neighborhood Center sign district.
(c)
Illuminance on a lot may not exceed 0.8 footcandle above ambient levels along any lot line shared with a lot in a Community Center sign district or along any lot line that abuts public road frontage.
(3)
The Town may require a photometric plan before issuing a permit for an illuminated sign. This plan must include a point-to-point plot of footcandle levels throughout the lot at no more than ten-foot intervals at ground level.
F.
Sign type regulations.
(1)
Temporary signs. Any temporary sign, whether requiring a permit or not, may be in use for a maximum of four thirty-day periods within any consecutive twelve-month period. Limits for size, number, and height will be as required by § 535-107. All temporary signs must be removed no later than two days after the event, sale, lease or construction for which the sign was used. The owner of any temporary sign found to be in violation of the provisions in this article will be issued written notice ordering the removal of the sign, subject to penalty as provided in § 535-71.
(2)
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 535-106F(1), during an "election campaign," as defined in Wis. Stats. § 12.04, additional temporary signs, (not to exceed 11 sq. ft.) are allowed. The additional signs shall be removed no later than 10 days from the end of said "election campaign."
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 535-106F(1), when a property is actively being marketed for sale, an additional temporary sign shall be allowed. The additional sign shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the sale, rental, or lease.
(4)
Searchlights. Searchlights are permitted only on lots in the Community Center sign district. All searchlights must be placed a minimum of 10 feet from any property line. Searchlights require a permit and may be in use for a maximum of five days within any consecutive six-month period.
(5)
Inflatable signs. Inflatable signs are permitted only on lots in the Community Center sign district. All inflatable signs must be placed a minimum of 10 feet from any property line and must be directly anchored to the ground with a tether having a maximum length of five feet. Inflatable signs require a permit and may be in use for a maximum of five days in any consecutive six-month period.
§ 535-107 On-premises sign regulations.
[Amended 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-10]
Temporary Signs | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Rural Sign District (AED, AGD) | Suburban Sign District (residential: RSF, RTF, R-2, R-3) | Neighborhood Center District (R-4, R-5, RMF, C-1; plus nonresidential: RSF, RTF, R-2, R-3) | Community Center District (C-2, CL, CR, CP, IND) | PDD | Permit Required? |
Temporary Attached Sign - By Right/No Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 1 sign allowed | None allowed | 1 sign allowed | Allowed on max. 2 facades | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | No |
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 36 sq. ft. | 12 sq. ft. | 5% of corresponding facade or 36 sq. ft., whichever is less | |||
Maximum sign area per lot | ||||||
Maximum sign height | Not above facade | Not above facade | Not above facade | |||
Temporary Freestanding Sign - No Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 2 per public road frontage | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | No | |||
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 4 sq. ft. | 4 sq. ft. | ||||
Maximum sign area per lot | 9 sq. ft. | 9 sq. ft. | 36 sq. ft. per public road frontage | 36 sq. ft. per public road frontage | ||
Maximum sign height | 6 ft. | 4 ft | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | ||
Temporary Attached Sign - With Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 1 Sign allowed | None allowed | 1 sign allowed | Allowed on max. 2 facades | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | No |
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 36 sq. ft. | 36 sq. ft. | 5% of corresponding facade or 64 sq. ft., whichever is less | |||
Maximum sign area per lot | ||||||
Maximum sign height | Not above facade | Not above facade | Not above facade | |||
Temporary Freestanding Sign - With Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 2 per public road frontage | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | Yes | |||
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 16 sq. ft. | 9 sq. ft. | ||||
Maximum sign area per lot | 36 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | 64 sq. ft. per public road frontage | 64 sq. ft. per public road frontage | ||
Maximum sign height | 8 ft. | 4 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | ||
Prohibited Signs | ||||||
No sign may be internally illuminated or include an EMU. | No sign may be internally illuminated or include an EMU. | (Reserved) | (Reserved) | N/A | N/A | |
Temporary Signs | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Rural Sign District (AED, AGD) | Suburban Sign District (residential: RSF, RTF, R-2, R-3) | Neighborhood Center District (R-4, R-5, RMF, C-1; plus nonresidential: RSF, RTF, R-2, R-3) | Community Center District (C-2, CL, CR, CP, IND) | PDD | Permit Required? |
Temporary Attached Sign - By Right/No Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 1 sign allowed | None allowed | 1 sign allowed | Allowed on max. 2 facades | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | No |
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 36 sq. ft. | 12 sq. ft. | 5% of corresponding facade or 36 sq. ft., whichever is less | |||
Maximum sign area per lot | ||||||
Maximum sign height | Not above facade | Not above facade | Not above facade | |||
Temporary Freestanding Sign - No Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 2 per public road frontage | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | No | |||
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 4 sq. ft. | 4 sq. ft. | ||||
Maximum sign area per lot | 9 sq. ft. | 9 sq. ft. | 36 sq. ft. per public road frontage | 36 sq. ft. per public road frontage | ||
Maximum sign height | 6 ft. | 4 ft | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | ||
Temporary Attached Sign - With Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 1 Sign allowed | None allowed | 1 sign allowed | Allowed on max. 2 facades | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | No |
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 36 sq. ft. | 36 sq. ft. | 5% of corresponding facade or 64 sq. ft., whichever is less | |||
Maximum sign area per lot | ||||||
Maximum sign height | Not above facade | Not above facade | Not above facade | |||
Temporary Freestanding Sign - With Permit | ||||||
Maximum number of signs | 2 per public road frontage | Standards prescribed in each project approval ordinance. | Yes | |||
Maximum size (sq. ft.) | 16 sq. ft. | 9 sq. ft. | ||||
Maximum sign area per lot | 36 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | 64 sq. ft. per public road frontage | 64 sq. ft. per public road frontage | ||
Maximum sign height | 8 ft. | 4 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | ||
Prohibited Signs | ||||||
No sign may be internally illuminated or include an EMU. | No sign may be internally illuminated or include an EMU. | (Reserved) | (Reserved) | N/A | N/A | |
§ 535-108 Special exception permit signs.
[Amended 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-10]
A.
Purpose. To reinforce Zoning Code standards and provide appropriate regulation of signage for particular types and intensities of land use, the Town requires approval of a special exception permit for certain signs.
B.
Applicability. The following signs require a special exception permit, in accordance with the procedures established in Article XI:
(1)
All electronic message center signs, as prescribed in § 535-108C. EMC signs that have been issued a Special Exception permit are exempt from this requirement. See Subsection B(1)(a) below.
(a)
Replacement of an EMC that has been issued a Special Exception permit with an EMC equal to or less than the existing sign cabinet does not require a new Special Exception permit but must adhere to the standards described below.
(2)
Multitenant signs that are eligible for a size and height bonus, as prescribed in § 535-108D.
(3)
Roof signs, as prescribed in § 535-108E.
(4)
A second freestanding sign on a lot that abuts any access-controlled county, state or federal highway, as prescribed in § 535-108F, on the same frontage as the referenced highway.
(5)
Off-premises and billboard advertising signs, as prescribed in § 535-109 and § 535-110.
C.
Electronic message center signs (EMU).
(1)
Sign structure. An EMU may constitute one portion of sign area on an attached or freestanding sign structure, or may comprise the total sign area of a sign structure. No EMU may exceed the maximum dimensions of permitted signs for the sign district in which it is located. No EMU may exceed 144 square feet of size in any sign district.
(2)
Operation. All dynamic frame effects are permitted, except flashing and animation. All frames must last at least eight seconds. Transition effects are permitted. All transitions may last no more than 0.5 second. All EMU signs must be equipped with automatic light sensors to adjust sign brightness according to the intensity of ambient light levels and to maintain compliance with the light trespass standards in this article.
D.
Multitenant signs eligible for size and height bonus.
(1)
Intent. To provide effective signage for certain large-scale developments, while preventing visual obstructions caused by an excessive number and size of signs in the Community Center sign district, the public interest is better served by allowing a larger and taller multitenant sign in exchange for reducing the overall number, size and/or height of other permitted signs on the same lot or development area.
(2)
Eligibility. Multitenant signs are permitted only in the Community Center sign district. A lot or development area is eligible to seek a size and/or height bonus for a multitenant sign under the following standards and requirements:
(a)
No other permitted freestanding signs are allowed along the same public road frontage on which the multitenant sign is to be located.
(b)
If the lot or development area has additional public road frontage(s) other than the one on which the multitenant sign is to be located, that frontage(s) is allowed one freestanding sign with a maximum size of 100 square feet and a maximum height of 15 feet.
(c)
The lot or development area must meet at least three of the following five criteria:
[1]
Minimum lot size is two acres.
[2]
Individually, or in combination with other adjoining lots, the lot is characterized as a development area.
[3]
The lot or development area contains at least 330 linear feet of public road frontage on one or more sides.
[4]
The lot or development area has frontage on more than one public road.
[5]
The lot or development area contains more than one principal building.
(3)
General requirements. A multitenant sign eligible for a size and height bonus is regulated to a maximum size of 324 square feet, including any EMU portion of the sign, and to a maximum height of 40 feet.
E.
Roof signs. Roof signs are permitted only in the Community Center sign district. A roof sign may extend a maximum of 10 feet above the roof or parapet to which it is attached, or no more than an amount equal to 20% of the height of the building, whichever is less.
F.
Second freestanding sign (Community Center sign district only). A lot or development area is eligible to seek a special exception permit for a second freestanding sign along frontage that abuts any access-controlled county, state or federal highway. A second freestanding sign is subject to a maximum size of 100 square feet and a maximum height of 15 feet.
§ 535-109 Billboards advertising signs.
[Amended 1-21-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-01; 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-10]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section of the Sign Code is to provide minimum standards to protect the life, health, safety, property, welfare, convenience, and enjoyment of the general public by regulating and controlling the location, use, lighting, and maintenance of off-premises advertising signs. The provisions of this section are intended to promote the development and maintenance of an attractive visual environment, while facilitating the communication of messages to the general public. A further purpose of this section is to mitigate the aesthetic impact of digital multiple message signs on the visual environment.
B.
Permitted locations. Billboard advertising signs shall be permitted only on lots or development areas located in the Community Center sign district.
C.
Existing and reserved billboard advertising signs. Billboard advertising signs (21 total) and associated sign faces (37 total) existing as of January 21, 2020, are subject to characterization as nonconforming in accordance with the provisions of § 535-104D. Additionally, as of January 21, 2020, the Town of Grand Chute hereby reserves three billboard advertising signs and six associated sign faces for future approval and permitting, subject to compliance with the provisions of this chapter. As of January 21, 2020, including existing and reserved billboard advertising signs, the maximum number of such signs permitted within the Town of Grand Chute shall be 24 signs and 43 associated sign faces.
D.
General requirements for billboard advertising signs.
(1)
No more than one sign, including those with back-to-back sign faces, is permitted on the same lot. In the case of a sign to be wall-mounted, only one sign face is permitted on the same lot.
(2)
Maximum billboard advertising sign size is 385 square feet per sign face if located along any local, county or state roadway, 675 square feet per sign face if located on a limited access freeway or expressway, and 300 square feet if wall-mounted.
(3)
Maximum billboard advertising sign height is 30 feet, measured as the distance from the street center line elevation (at a point perpendicular to the sign) to the top of the highest attached component of the sign structure.
(4)
Minimum front yard setback is 15 feet, measured from the property line to the outermost physical extension of the sign. No sign may be erected within 100 feet of a signalized intersection or within 50 feet of all nonsignalized intersections, unless erected on or against an existing building.
(5)
Signs may not be located within 200 feet of any residential zoning district boundaries.
(6)
No sign may be built within 800 feet of an existing sign as viewed from any main travel direction of the same street, with the exception that signs located along a limited access freeway or expressway must be spaced a minimum of 1,000 feet apart. Spacing will be measured in a lineal direction along or across the street, freeway or expressway.
(7)
All billboard advertising signs not expressly permitted or exempt within this chapter are prohibited.
E.
Digital multiple message sign operation. Digital multiple message signs must meet all the requirements of this section and applicable State of Wisconsin regulations, including the following:
(1)
The time in which the message remains in a fixed position can be no less than eight seconds before changing to the next message.
(2)
The transition time, or the time it takes to change to the next message, must be one second or less.
(3)
No sign shall interfere with the visibility or the operation of any traffic signal or railroad control device.
(4)
Movement, flashing, blinking, scrolling and/or animation on any part of the sign is prohibited.
(5)
Audio speakers and all forms of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
(6)
Signs must be equipped with automatic dimming capability, and light produced by such signs must not exceed 0.3 footcandle over ambient light levels.
(7)
The Town of Grand Chute Public Works Department will be provided key access to turn off a sign in the case of hazardous glare, interference with the visibility or effectiveness of a traffic signal or railroad control device, or other hazard caused by the sign.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 535-109F, Mitigation of digital multiple message signs, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 1-21-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-01.
§ 535-110 Off-premises advertising signs.
[Added 9-17-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-10[1]]
A.
Intent. The intent of this section is to allow attractive multitenant signage for certain commercial developments off-site, by reducing the number of freestanding signs in the area. Off-premises advertising signs are strictly prohibited by the Town unless specifically described below.
B.
Eligibility. Off-premises signs are only permitted in the Community Center sign district and must be multitenant. All requirements for a multitenant sign as described in § 535-108D must be met as well as the additional requirements outlined below:
(1)
All tenants represented on an off-premises advertising sign must be included within the same Planned Unit Development (PUD), and said off-premises advertising sign must be located within the boundary of said PUD. Tenants not listed within the PUD document may not advertise on the off-premises sign.
(2)
Parcels zoned Planned Development District (PDD) shall be allowed to have off- premises advertising signs only when specifically called out in the District's Master Plan and approved by the Community Development Director.
(3)
Parcels split by Certified Survey Map (CSM) may be allowed to use previously installed freestanding signage, but only for properties contained within the previous parcel. Existing nonconforming signs would not be allowed to remain.
C.
Existing legal off-premises advertising signs made nonconforming by the adoption section, as of September 17, 2024, shall be permitted to continue as legal.
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also renumbered former § 535-110 as § 535-111.
§ 535-111 Administration and enforcement.
A.
The provisions of this article shall be administered and enforced in accordance with the procedures established in Chapter 1, Article III, and Chapter 535, Articles VIII and IX, of the Town of Grand Chute Municipal Code. Any sign constructed or maintained in violation of the provisions of this article shall be declared a public nuisance within the meaning set forth in Chapter 398. In addition to any and all penalty provisions under applicable law, the Town of Grand Chute may bring separate action to abate the nuisance in the manner set forth in the Wisconsin Statutes.
