The regulation of signs by this title is intended to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare by reducing the depreciation of property values caused by signs that are incompatible with surrounding land uses; by creating a more attractive economic and business climate within the commercial and office areas of the village; by enhancing and protecting the physical appearance of all areas of the village; and by reducing the distractions, obstructions and hazards to pedestrian and auto traffic caused by the indiscriminate placement and use of signs.

The regulations of this chapter shall govern and control the erection, enlargement, expansion, alteration, operation, maintenance, relocation and removal of all signs within the village visible from any street, sidewalk or public or private common open space. Any sign not expressly permitted by these regulations shall be prohibited. The regulations of this chapter relate to the location of signs, by function and type, within zoning districts and shall be in addition to provisions of the Municipal Code applicable to the construction and maintenance of signs. Regulations concerning the use and termination of nonconforming signs appear in Chapter 17.52 of this Code.

A.

Sign Permit. Except as expressly provided in Section 17.36.080 hereof, no sign shall be erected, enlarged, expanded, altered, relocated or maintained unless a sign permit evidencing the compliance of such work with the provisions of this section and other applicable provisions of this Code shall have first been issued in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.56 of this Code; provided, however, that routine sign maintenance, changing of parts designed to be changed or changing the content of a sign in any manner does not change the functional classification of the sign and shall not, standing alone, be considered an alteration of the sign requiring the issuance of a sign permit hereunder.

B.

Additional Application Requirements. In addition to the information and documents required by Chapter 17.56 of this Code, every application for a sign permit for a sign shall be accompanied by:

1.

Plans and specifications showing the location on the lot or building face and the method of construction, illumination and support of such sign;

2.

A scale drawing showing sign faces, exposed surfaces and the proposed message and design, accurately represented as to size, area, proportion and color;

3.

A landscape plan showing plantings proposed for area at the base of a monument sign;

4.

Photographs of the street sides of the property in question, showing all existing signs on the property;

5.

A calculation of the total amount of sign area presently existing on the property;

6.

The applicant's attestation that the sum of the areas of the requested sign or signs and the existing signs does not exceed the maximum allowed by the provisions of this Code; and

7.

Evidence of a valid village business license, when applicable, issued for any business to which the sign is accessory.

If the zoning officer shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he or she shall give written notice to the person to whom the zoning certificate had been issues. If such person fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards set in this title within ten (10) days after such notice, such sign may be removed or altered to comply by the zoning officer at the expense of the zoning certificate issuee or owner of the property upon which it is located. The zoning officer may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.

Any sign which does not advertise a bona fide business conducted, or a product sold, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the structure upon which such sign may be found within ten (10) days after written notification from the zoning officer, and upon any failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, may cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the structure to which such sign was attached.

The following general standards shall apply to all signs.

A.

Illumination.

1.

Location and Design of Light Source. Whenever an external artificial light source is used for a sign, such source shall be located, shielded and directed so as not to be directly visible from any public street or private residence. No receptacle or device housing a permitted light source for a sign shall protrude more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the sign or building to which it is attached; provided, however, that a receptacle or device housing a permitted light source for a sign may be located more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the sign if such light source is ground mounted, locked in place, and cannot be redirected.

2.

Level of Illumination.

a.

All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent property or streets.

b.

Illumination resulting from any internal or external artificial light source shall not exceed 0.5 foot candles as measured at the property line of the subject property.

c.

The illumination level of a lot or any portion thereof in a residence district shall not exceed one-tenth of a foot candle.

d.

Light shall not be projected toward or onto properties located in a residence district, and intrinsic brightness shall not exceed fifty (50) candles per square inch or ten (10) candles if visible from a residence district;

e.

Such illumination shall be extinguished between the close of business and 7:00 a.m.

f.

Any such illumination in the line of vision of approaching vehicular traffic shall not be red, amber or green.

3.

Flashing Lights Prohibited. Except for public service signs when expressly permitted by this chapter, no flashing, blinking or intermittent lights shall be permitted.

4.

Light Fixture Screening. Light fixtures placed along the base of the sign shall be screened from view by site grading or evergreen shrubs. No unscreened light sources are permitted. Temporary holiday displays, which contain lights, are exempt from these provisions.

5.

External Illumination. External illumination shall be provided by a white, steady, stationary light of reasonable intensity, directed solely at the sign and shielded or otherwise prevented from shining directly onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way.

6.

Internal Illumination. Internal illumination shall be provided by interior white lighting of reasonable intensity with primary and secondary images lit or silhouetted (i.e., backlit) on an opaque background. The background of all signs must be opaque. No additional background lighting or illuminated borders or outlines shall be permitted.

7.

Additional Lighting Standards. The following are additional lighting standards for specific sign types:

a.

Signs Without Permits: Signs permitted pursuant to Section 17.36.070 of this chapter shall be illuminated only as permitted in that section.

b.

Awning and Canopy Signs: Shall be illuminated using a direct light source. Direct illumination shall be aimed at the exterior of the awning/canopy, not the underside.

c.

Monument Signs: Monument signs shall be backlit, directly-lit, or internally illuminated. All letters must be individually affixed. Any direct light source shall be concealed from view from the right-of-way.

d.

Wall Signs: Letters shall be individually affixed to walls of a building and be either internally illuminated or backlit.

B.

Landscaping. The base of all permanent ground signs shall be effectively landscaped and maintained in good condition at all times. The minimum landscaped area shall extend at least three feet beyond all sign faces or supporting structures in all directions. Exposed foundations must be constructed with a finished material such as brick, stone, or wood. Landscaping must be maintained in a manner that prevents the screening or blocking of addresses and other information provided on the monument sign.

C.

Electrical Elements. All wiring, fittings and materials used in the construction, connection and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of Municipal Code. No metal sign illuminated by any means requiring internal wiring and no electrical fixtures attached to any sign shall be lower than nine feet from grade unless it is grounded by the use of a grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors and is also grounded by being bonded to a grounding electrode at the sign site.

D.

Structural Elements. The construction and structural components of all signs shall be in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Municipal Code. All permanent signs shall be constructed of fire-resistant materials and shall be capable of withstanding wind pressures of at least thirty (30) pounds per square foot of surface area and of receiving dead loads based on the actual weight of the structure.

E.

Minimum Elevation of Certain Signs. The bottom of every awning, canopy, marquee, wall and pylon sign shall be elevated at least ten (10) feet above grade. Whenever possible wall signs on the same facade shall maintain the same top and bottom elevations above grade.

F.

Obstruction of Access Ways. No sign or sign structure shall obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required access way.

G.

Obstruction of Window Surface. No sign shall project over, occupy or obstruct any window surface required for light or ventilation by any applicable provision of the Municipal Code.

H.

Traffic Safety.

1.

Confusion With Traffic Signals. No sign shall be maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape, content, color, or illumination it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any traffic control sign, sign or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

2.

Obstruction of Sight Triangles Prohibited. No sign, nor any part of a sign other than a supporting pole or brace no greater than eighteen (18) inches in width or diameter shall be located lower than ten (10) feet from grade within thirty-five (35) feet of the intersection of the street front lot lines.

I.

Signs in Rights-of-Way. Except as provided in this paragraph, no sign except governmental signs authorized in this chapter shall be placed in or extend into or over any public property or right-of-way. Temporary signs advertising civic functions may extend into or over a public right-of-way upon the specific prior approval of the building commissioner on the basis of need and impact on pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and impact on surrounding properties.

J.

Sign Identification. All signs shall be plainly marked with the name of the person, firm or corporation hanging or erecting the sign and the sign permit number.

K.

Sign Maintenance. The owner of a sign and the owner of the premises on which such sign is located shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain such sign, including its illumination sources, in compliance with this Code and all applicable laws, in a safe and secure condition, and in a neat and orderly condition and good working order at all times, and to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety of such sign. The premises around ground and pylon signs shall be kept clean and free of all rubbish and weeds.

L.

Sign Measurement.

1.

Area to Be Included. The supporting structure or bracing of a sign shall be omitted in measuring the area of the sign unless such structure or bracing is made part of the message or face of the sign. Where a sign has more than one display face, all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign.

2.

Area of Signs With Backing. The area of all signs with backing shall be measured by computing the area of the sign backing.

3.

Area of Signs Without Backing. The area of all signs without backing shall be measured by computing the area of the smallest regular geometric figure that can encompass all words, letters, figures, emblems and other elements of the sign message.

4.

Area of Signs With and Without Backing. The area of all signs formed by a combination of elements with and without backing shall be measured by counting the area of such elements measured in accordance the foregoing subparagraphs.

5.

Signs on Lots With Multiple Users. Where more than one user occupies a zoning lot, the owner of the lot shall be responsible for allocating permitted signage among such users.

6.

General Safety. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no sign shall be located in any area or in any manner so as to create a nuisance or a threat to the public safety and welfare.

FIGURE 17.36.060.1: SIGN MEASUREMENT ILLUSTRATIONS

A.

Functional Types. For purposes of this Code, signs shall be classified as follows according to function:

1.

Advertising Sign. A sign, other than an off-premises identification sign, that directs attention to or identifies a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. This term shall include signs, other than customary identification lettering and advertising posters on buses and taxicabs, attached to parked or moving vehicles.

2.

Attention-getting Device. A sign designed to attract attention by means of flashing or moving parts, bright color or light, or movement of any kind. Examples of such signs include pennants hung in series, whirligigs, spinners, streamers, flashing lights, search lights and balloons.

3.

Business Sign. A sign that directs attention to or identifies a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured, or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.

4.

Construction Sign. A temporary sign erected on premises on which construction is taking place, during the period of such construction, indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, and similar artisans, and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors and similar persons or firms having a role or interest in the construction activity.

5.

Drive-Through Sign. A sign that facilitates the operation of a drive-through facility by aiding with the pick-up, drop-off, ordering or service of such a facility. It includes, but is not limited to, such signs as changeable copy menu boards.

6.

Governmental Signs. A sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function or required by any law, ordinance or governmental regulation.

7.

Holiday Decorations. Signs in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental to and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday.

8.

Home Occupation Sign. A sign advertising or identifying a home occupation on the site of the home occupation.

9.

Identification Sign. A sign giving only the name, trademark or other readily recognized symbol or address, or any combination thereof, of a building, business, development or establishment on the premises where it is located.

10.

Institutional Bulletin Board Sign. A sign that identifies a religious organization, school, library, community center, or similar institutional or community service use on whose premises it is located and that contains only the name of the institution or organization, the name or names of persons connected with it, and greetings, announcements or events or activities occurring at the institution or similar message.

11.

Joint Identification Sign. An identification sign limited in content to the identification of a planned development, office plaza, shopping center, business park or the like and not containing any reference to the individual uses sharing the development, plaza, center, park or the like.

12.

Memorial Sign. A sign or tablet memorializing a person, place, event or structure.

13.

Name Plate Sign. A sign limited in content to the name or address, or both, of the owner or occupant of a building or premises on which it is located. If any premises are occupied by more than one occupant, the nameplate sign may identify all such occupants, as well as the premises, and may include necessary directional information.

14.

Off-premises Identification Sign. A sign giving the name, trademark or other readily recognized symbol or address, or any combination thereof, of a building, business, development or establishment, which sign is located off the lot on which such building, business, development or establishment is located.

15.

Official Flag or Emblem. A flag or emblem of a government or of a membership organization.

16.

On-site Directory Sign. A sign, not readable from any public right-of-way, on which the names and locations of the occupants and/or uses of a building or group of buildings is given.

17.

On-site Informational Sign. A sign commonly associated with, and limited to, information and directions necessary or convenient for persons coming on the property, including signs marking entrances and exits, parking areas, one-way drives, rest rooms, pick-up and delivery areas and the like.

18.

Private Sale Sign. A temporary sign advertising private sales of personal property at "house sales," "garage sales," "rummage sales" and the like.

19.

Private Warning Sign. A sign limited in content to messages warning, caution or danger.

20.

Public Service Signs. A sign displaying only the time, temperature, stock market quotations or civic messages by means of a landbank.

21.

Real Estate Signs, Standard Size. A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located and limited to one single or double-faced, non-illuminated sign per zoning lot, not to exceed six square feet in area per sign face.

22.

Real Estate Signs, Large Size. A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located and limited to one single or double-faced, non-illuminated sign per zoning lot, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area per sign face.

B.

Structural Types. For purposes of this Code, signs shall be classified as follows according to structure:

1.

Awning, Canopy or Marquee Sign. A sign that is mounted or painted on or attached to an awning, canopy or marquee that is otherwise permitted by this Code. No such sign shall project above, below, or beyond the physical dimensions of such awning, canopy or marquee.

2.

Banner Sign. A sign made of fabric or other similar non-rigid material with no enclosing framework or electrical components that is supported or anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners.

3.

Billboard Sign. A board, panel, or tablet used for the display of posters, printed or painted advertising matter, either illuminated or non-illuminated, that directs attention to goods, merchandise, entertainment, or services offered elsewhere than the premises where the sign is located.

4.

Box Sign. A sign that is self enclosed in a typically square or rectangular structure with or without internal lighting. A box sign can be single-or double-sided. Internally illuminated channelized lettering, logo, or groupings of letters and/or logos, not providing any additional sign face, shall not be considered a box sign.

FIGURE 17.36.070.1: BOX SIGN

5.

Electronic Reader Board/Changeable Copy/Video Sign. (Does not apply to gas/service stations or to that portion of a sign dedicated to time and/or temperature.) A sign or portion thereof designed to accommodate frequent message changes composed of characters, or letters, or illustrations and that can be changed or rearranged, either manually or electronically, without altering the face or surface of such sign.

6.

Freestanding Sign. A sign on a frame, pole or other support structure not attached to any building.

7.

Gas Station Price Sign. A changeable copy sign advertising gasoline prices.

8.

Monument Sign. A freestanding sign defined by a solid support structure (other than support poles) with equal to or greater width than the faceplate.

9.

Moving or Animated Sign. Any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation.

10.

Paint on Wall Sign. A sign painted on the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a place parallel to the face of the wall.

11.

Portable Sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, a structure or the ground, but not including customary identification lettering on vehicles and advertising posters on buses and taxicabs.

12.

Projecting Sign. A sign that is wholly or partially dependent upon a building for support and that projects more than twelve (12) inches from such building.

13.

Pylon Sign. A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or other supports.

14.

Roof Sign. A sign that is mounted or painted on the roof of a building, or that is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects above the highest point of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with gambrel, gable or hip roof or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.

15.

Sandwich Board Sign. A movable sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located.

16.

Temporary Sign. A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, paper, plywood or other light material and intended to be displayed for a short period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days within one calendar year. Temporary signage intended for a temporary tenant and intended to be displayed for longer than thirty (30) days is permitted in the business districts, but only if approved by the property owner and after receiving a sign permit from the village.

17.

Vehicle/Trailer Sign. A sign that is attached to or painted on a vehicle that is parked on or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or business located on the property.

18.

Wall Sign. A sign fastened to the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and that does not project more than twelve (12) inches from such building or structure.

19.

Window Sign. A sign that is applied or attached to the exterior or interior of a window or located within the interior of a structure so that its message can be read from the exterior of the structure.

Except as regulated by Section 17.36.060 of this chapter and except as expressly prohibited in Section 17.36.070 of this chapter, and notwithstanding any other contrary provisions of this title, the following signs may, subject to the following limitations, be erected and maintained in any district without obtaining a village sign permit.

A.

Governmental Signs. The content and size of any such sign shall not exceed the requirements of the law, ordinance or regulation pursuant to which such sign is erected.

B.

Holiday Decorations. Such signs shall be displayed for a period of not more than sixty (60) consecutive days nor more than twenty (20) days following the holiday in connection with which they are displayed; any other provision of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, such signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, illumination or animation so long as they create no safety hazard, nuisance or adverse impact on the adjacent properties.

C.

Name Plate Signs. Such signs shall be limited to no more than one wall sign per occupancy; shall be no more than one square foot in area per occupancy and in no event more than four square feet in area; and shall be non-illuminated.

D.

Official Flags and Emblems. Such signs may be displayed on flag poles and when so displayed shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area. Such signs may also be displayed in the form of a wall sign and when so displayed shall not exceed three square feet in area.

E.

On-site Informational Signs. Such signs shall be limited to wall or freestanding signs of not more than six square feet in area; shall be, if a freestanding sign, not more than four feet in height; and shall be illuminated only as necessary to accomplish their intended purpose.

F.

Private Sale Signs. (Residential only.) Such signs shall be no more than six square feet in area; shall be located entirely on the premises where such sale is to be conducted; shall be clearly marked with name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the removal of such sign; shall be erected not more than twenty-four (24) hours in advance of such sale; and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the conclusion of such sale. No freestanding sign shall be higher than four feet nor closer to any lot line than six feet.

G.

Private Warning Signs. Such signs shall be no more than two square feet in area each; shall be limited to the number necessary to accomplish the intended purpose and shall be illuminated only as required to accomplish such purpose.

H.

Real Estate Signs, Standard Size. Real estate signs if limited to one single or double-faced, non-illuminated sign per zoning lot, not to exceed six square feet in area per sign face, and set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the property line. The name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for such removal shall be marked on the sign. Real estate signs indicating that the property has sold or is under any contractual obligation shall not be permitted pursuant to this paragraph. Real estate signs for multi-unit developments or structures and exceeding six square feet in area shall require a permit.

I.

Window Signs, Temporary. The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the area of the window in which they are exhibited nor block any window area required for light, ventilation or emergency exit by any applicable code. No such sign shall be illuminated.

The following signs, as well as all other signs not expressly permitted by this chapter, are prohibited in all districts and shall not be erected, maintained or, except as provided for elsewhere in this code, permitted to continue in any district:

A.

Advertising signs;

B.

Attention-getting devices;

C.

Banner signs (except as approved by village sign permit);

D.

Billboard signs;

E.

Box signs;

F.

Home occupation identification signs;

G.

Moving or animated signs;

H.

Off-premises identification signs;

I.

Portable signs;

J.

Real estate signs indicating that property has been sold or is under any contractual obligation;

K.

Roof signs;

L.

Temporary signs, except as expressly authorized in this section and when approved in connection with temporary uses;

M.

Vehicle/trailer signs;

N.

Any sign that advertises, identifies or pertains to a business no longer conducted, or a product no longer sold, on the premises where such sign is located. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days following cessation of the relevant activity;

O.

Any sign on a tree or utility pole, whether on public or private property;

P.

Any sign on public property, except governmental signs authorized in this Section;

Q.

Any sign painted directly on a wall, roof or fence.

Signs which are permitted in particular zoning districts shall be in accordance with the standards listed in Table 17.36.100.1: Sign Standards—Functional Types and Table 17.36.100.2: Sign Standards—Structural Types.

Footnotes:

1.

See Section 17.36.110 (Maximum gross surface area of signs permitted).

2.

Signs permitted pursuant Section 17.36.070 shall adhere to any requirements specified in that section.

3.

Only when authorized by special permit.

4.

See Section 17.36.120 (Additional sign regulations by sign type).

5.

All awning and canopy signs shall be at least ten (10) feet above grade. Awning and canopy signs for individual tenants of a multi-tenant building shall be at the same height on the building to which they are affixed.

6.

Wall signs in manufacturing districts must be of a single line of text, multiple lines of text (one above the other) is not permitted.

Unless otherwise specified, the total area of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed one square foot per foot of zoning lot frontage; provided, however, that construction signs, real estate signs, joint identification signs, and signs allowed without permits, shall not be counted toward the total allowance gross sign surface area permitted on a zoning lot. The maximum amount of sign area shall be allocated proportionally based on the linear zoning lot frontage.

A.

Real Estate Signs: Large Size. Real estate signs if limited to one single or double-faced, non-illuminated sign per zoning lot, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area per sign face, and set back a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the property line. The name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for such removal shall be marked on the sign. Real estate signs indicating that the property has sold or is under any contractual obligation shall not be permitted pursuant to this paragraph. Real Estate Signs: Large Size may indicate that the property is for sale or lease. Real Estate Signs: Large Size require a village sign permit. Real estate Signs: Large Size shall not be in place for more than twelve (12) months, at which time the sign must be removed or another permit must be issued for another twelve (12) month period. Real Estate Signs: Large Size must be constructed of quality materials and maintained in good condition. Signs not maintained in good condition may be removed by the village. Real Estate Signs: Large Size are not permitted in residential districts.

B.

Electronic Reader Board/Changeable Copy/Video Signs. Permitted only if one of the following conditions is met:

1.

Such a sign is incorporated into a permitted monument sign. Copy shall not be changed more than once every two minutes and shall be limited to one color.

2.

Such a sign is located within a permitted billboard sign. Copy shall not be changed more than once every eight seconds.

3.

No electronic reader board/changeable copy/video sign shall extend beyond the sign face of the monument sign or billboard within which such a sign is incorporated and therefore, shall not exceed a height of said monument or billboard signs as regulated in this chapter.

C.

Wall Signs. No wall sign shall:

1.

Extend beyond the roof line or parapet of the building to which it is affixed.

2.

Cover any architectural features (architectural features shall include, but not be limited to: pediment, cornice, belt course, pier, windows, pilaster, roof, decorative stone or tile inlay, kick plate/bulkhead, raised or colored brick pattern, and corbel) of the building to which it is affixed.

3.

Be affixed to HVAC screening, elevator overrun, or other features protruding from the roof of the structure, with the exception of building parapets which have been designed and integrated into the building's architecture and which are in line with and not set back from the perimeter façade of the building.

4.

For multiple story-buildings, exceed a maximum height of thirty (30) feet or be located above the first floor of the building to which it is affixed.

D.

Identification Signs for Nonresidential Uses (excluding home occupation signs which are prohibited). Identification signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:

1.

One identification sign affixed flat against a building wall and one ground sign, which in both cases may be illuminated by nonflashing direct or indirect illumination and shielded so that the source of light cannot be seen at any point within a residential district, may be erected along each street frontage. For an educational institution, the sign may contain not only the name of the institution, but may also announce events or activities occurring at the institution.

2.

Each sign shall be limited in area to not more than sixteen (16) square feet and shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above ground grade. No ground sign shall be located nearer than eight feet from the nearest interior lot line nor closer to the front lot line than one-half the depth of the required front yard except:

a.

A directional sign shall be not more than nine square feet in area and shall not be located nearer than ten (10) feet from a street line; and

b.

A sign for an educational institution shall not be located nearer than ten (10) feet from a front lot line.

Temporary signs are permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, except that where other chapters of this title regulate such signs, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.

A.

Temporary Signs Exempt from Sign Permit Requirements. The following types of temporary signs are exempt from sign permit requirements, however they must comply with all requirements of this chapter and this title. Temporary signs that do not meet the standards for exempt signs require a sign permit.

1.

Construction and Home Improvement Services Signs.

a.

Construction signs identifying the architect, engineer, developer and/or contractor of a construction site when located on that site shall be exempt from sign permit requirements. Such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area and six feet in height. Such signs shall not be erected prior to issuance of a building permit and shall be removed no later than seven days after issuance of certificate of occupancy or completion of the project, whichever occurs first. Construction signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage, except in the case of single-family and two-family dwelling construction, where construction signs shall be limited to one sign.

b.

Home improvement services signs, such as landscaping and house painting services, shall be permitted one sign not to exceed two square feet advertising the name of the company providing the service and any additional contact information for such service only. Such temporary home improvement services signs may only be displayed for the duration of the project. Once the work is complete, the sign must be removed.

2.

Directional Signs for Public Events (Temporary). Temporary directional signs for a real estate open house or an event held in public building, park or educational institution shall be exempt from sign permit requirements. Such signs shall be posted no earlier than forty-eight (48) hours prior to, and removed no later than twenty-four (24) hours after, the conclusion of the event to which the sign relates, and shall be limited to four square feet in size.

3.

Displays or Decorations for Holidays and Special Occasions. Displays of a primarily decorative nature, and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.

4.

"For Sale" and "For Rent" Signs.

a.

"For Sale" and "For Rent" Property Signs. "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements but shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall only advertise the sale, rental, lease or management of the premises upon which said signs are located. Ground mounted signs shall be no more than six feet in height. These signs shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of sale or lease. "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs shall be restricted to one sign for interior lots and two signs for corner lots.

b.

"For Sale" Vehicle Signs. "For Sale" vehicle signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

i.

Vehicles that display a "For Sale" or similar sign shall be parked in a lot where the sale of new or used vehicles is permitted.

ii.

A private individual may only park a vehicle with a "For Sale" sign for display at that individual's home, including in the driveway. A vehicle with a "For Sale" sign may not be maintained for display in the public right-of-way.

iii.

A vehicle "For Sale" sign must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of the vehicle's sale.

5.

Garage or Yard Sale Signs. Temporary residential garage or yard sale signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements provided they are limited to no more than two such signs and that such signs do not exceed four square feet each. One sign shall be permitted per lot frontage on the premises containing the sale, or on another property with that properties owner's or tenant's permission, and are only in place when the garage or yard sale is actually taking place.

6.

Not-for-Profit Special Event Signs. Temporary signs in conjunction with special events conducted by charitable or not-for-profit organizations, philanthropic campaigns or church activities shall be exempt from sign permit requirements. Signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area, and shall not be erected earlier than fifteen (15) days in advance of the event and removed within five days of the conclusion of the event. Signs may be banner signs and are exempt from the sign permit requirements in subsection (B) below.

7.

Political Signs or Non-Commercial Messages. Political signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

a.

Signs shall be no more than six square feet in area on each side. No more than twenty (20) square feet total of political or non-commercial signs shall be permitted on any zoning lot.

b.

Signs shall not be posted on any public property. Signs are to be posted on private property only, and only with the permission of the property owner.

c.

When the signs refer to a specific election or referendum, the signs shall be posted no earlier than forty-five (45) days prior to, and removed no later than seven days after the election or referendum to which the sign refers.

8.

Window Signs (Temporary). Temporary signs affixed to the inside of a window advertising temporary commercial situations related to goods or services sold on the premises shall be exempt from sign permit requirements, provided that the total of all temporary window signs shall occupy no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window's area. No such temporary window sign shall be in place longer than thirty (30) days.

B.

Temporary Signs Requiring Sign Permit. Temporary signs not specifically listed as exempt from sign permit requirements in subsection (A) above require a sign permit. In addition, such signs must comply with all requirements of this section and this title.

1.

Time Limit. Permits for temporary signs shall authorize the erection of said signs and their maintenance for a period not to exceed a total of ninety (90) days per year.

2.

Amount. One temporary sign on each street frontage per lot shall be permitted.

3.

Permitted Advertising. Any advertisement contained on a temporary sign shall pertain only to the business, industry or pursuit conducted on or within the premises on which such sign is erected or maintained. Non-commercial or political messages are also permitted. No off-premises advertising signs are permitted.

4.

Location and Height.

a.

No temporary sign shall extend into the public right-of-way.

b.

Signs attached to a building shall not extend above the building height or, if attached to a permanent sign, shall not extend above the height of the sign.

5.

Additional Standards for Attention-Getting Devices. Attention-getting devices require a sign permit, and include banners and pennants.

a.

Banners or Pennants.

i.

Banners or pennants are only permitted within commercial districts on lots of eighty thousand (80,000) square feet or more.

ii.

Each banner shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet of surface area.

iii.

Banners and pennants must remain in good condition during the display period. Throughout the display period, corrective action must be taken immediately should there be any problems with the appearance, condition or maintenance of the banners or pennants and support hardware.

iv.

Banners for charitable or not-for-profit organizations of the village, philanthropic campaigns or church activities are permitted in any district and are exempt from the lot size limitations of subsection (B)(5)(a)(i). Such banners do not require a sign permit. However, such banners must comply with the requirements of subsections (B)(5)(a)(ii) and (iii) above.

b.

Other Attention-Getting Devices.

i.

Any other type of attention-getting device not listed above shall be limited to a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet in commercial districts, and sixteen (16) square feet for non-residential uses in residential districts.

ii.

Other advertising devices shall be constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, or other similar light materials, intended to be of temporary construction and approved by the zoning administrator.

iii.

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