The regulations set forth herein are established in order to promote and protect public health, safety, comfort, prosperity and welfare and in order to accomplish the following specific purposes:

   A.   To enhance the economy, business and industry in the Village by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective use and display of signs.

   B.   To enhance the physical appearance of the Village.

   C.   To protect the general public from damage and injury which might be caused by faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the Village.

   D.   To protect the public use of streets and highway by reducing sign and advertising distractions that may increase traffic accidents.

   E.   To protect the physical and mental well being of the general public by recognizing and encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the visual environment.

   F.   To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987)

For the purpose of this title, the following definitions shall apply:

SIGN: Any identification, description, display, illustration, device or structure illuminated or nonilluminated which is placed out of doors or in a building in view of the general public, a public right-of-way or private property under different ownership than the property on which the sign is located and which directs or attracts attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation by means including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, colors, motion, illumination or noise emission.

SIGN, ADDRESS IDENTIFICATION: A sign containing only the address and name of the occupant or business establishment.

SIGN, ADVERTISING: Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold, offered or manufactured elsewhere than upon the premises where such is located or to which it is affixed.

SIGN, ALTERATIONS: Any change to a sign or sign structure. The washing or cleaning of a sign or sign structure without a change to the sign or parts of the sign or sign structure shall not be deemed to be alterations. The manual changing of letters or numbers in a changeable copy type sign for purposes of price and product changes shall not be deemed to be alterations.

SIGN, AREA: The entire area within a single continuous square or rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of such sign and in no case passing through or between any adjacent elements of same. However, such perimeter shall not include any structural or framing elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.

SIGN, AWNING: A sign painted or otherwise applied to the surface of an awning.

SIGN, BILLBOARD: A structure or freestanding signboard which advertises goods or services not connected or available on the premises on which the sign is located. (See definition of sign, advertising.)

SIGN, BUSINESS: A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold, offered or manufactured upon the premises where such sign is located or to where it is affixed.

SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY: An approved sign wherein provisions are made so that temporary letters or numbers may be changed manually.

SIGN, ELECTRIC: Any sign containing electric wiring which has characters, letters, figures, designs, faces backgrounds or outlines illuminated by incandescent or fluorescent lamps or luminous tubes as part of the sign proper.

SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE: Any sign designed where a portion of the sign area uses changing lights to form a message or messages in text and/or image form where the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. Time/temperature signs are not considered electronic message signs. Video display signs are not considered electronic message signs.

SIGN, FACIA: Any sign attached flush to a building and no part of which extends longer than the horizontal face of the building.

SIGN, FLASHING: Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use. For the purpose of this title, any revolving illuminated sign shall be considered a flashing sign. Signs which designate time or temperature shall not be considered flashing signs.

SIGN, GROUND: A sign mounted on freestanding pylons, pipes, piers, posts or other self-supporting structures not attached to a building. Ground sign refers to pole and monument signs.

SIGN, ILLUMINATED: Any sign which has characters, letters, figures or outlines illuminated by electric lights, luminous tubes or any other means of internal or external illumination.

SIGN, MARQUEE: Any sign which is attached to a marquee. A marquee is a permanent roofed structure attached to a building and supported by the building or on column supports from grade or a combination of both.

SIGN, MONUMENT: A sign the entire lower edge of which is placed directly upon the ground or within twelve inches (12") of the ground and comprised, at a minimum, of brick and/or stone from the base up to the sign face.

SIGN, MOVING: Any sign which rotates or moves or gives the visual impression of rotation or any motion, including electronic traveling message signs.

SIGN, NONCONFORMING: Any sign which is not allowed under the provisions of this Code, but which, when first constructed, may have been legally allowed by the Village.

SIGN, POLE: A sign which is raised above ground level by more than twelve inches (12") and affixed to a pole, posts or pylons.

SIGN, POLITICAL: Temporary sign referencing candidate, party or issue and displayed prior to an election.

SIGN, PORTABLE: Any sign that is not permanently affixed to a building or a conventional sign structure. A sign designed to be moved from place to place.

SIGN, PROJECTING: Any sign other than a wall sign suspended from or supported by a building or structure or sign structure and projecting out therefrom.

SIGN, PUBLIC: A sign of a noncommercial nature such as legal notices, identification, informational or direction signs erected or required by a governmental body or authorized for a public purpose by any law, ordinance or statute.

SIGN, REVOLVING: A sign or any part of a sign which rotates in any manner.

SIGN, ROOF: Any sign erected, constructed and maintained upon or over the roof or top of the wall, wall tower or turret of any building with the principal support on the roof structure. Roof signs are not permitted in any zoning district.

SIGN, TEMPORARY: Any sign or attention-attracting device for use for an event that is to be in existence for a limited period of time or any other sign which is authorized pursuant to section 9-12-6 of this chapter.

SIGN, VIDEO DISPLAY: Any sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic video, whether pre-recorded or streaming.

SIGN, WALL: Any sign attached, applied to, posted or painted on the exterior wall of any building. Signs on awnings, marquees and canopies shall be considered to be wall signs under the terms of this section and subject to the regulations therefor where applicable.

SIGN, WINDOW: A sign located on, in or behind a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises.

SIGN, WINDOW IDENTIFICATION: A window sign which is intended to identify a relatively permanent element of a business including, but not limited to, the name, logo, symbol or other identification for the business or type of business, products or services offered.

SIGN, WINDOW PROMOTIONAL: A nonilluminated window sign which is intended to direct attention to a special sale or offering of goods or services.

UNIFIED SIGN PLAN: A sign plan authorized pursuant to subsection 9-12-8F of this chapter. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987; amd. Ord. 1760-17, 5-8-2017)

   A.   Permit Required: No person shall construct, alter, rebuild, enlarge, erect, extend, place or relocate a sign without first filing with the Village Clerk a written application and obtaining a permit therefor from the Village Board. Such application shall be in duplicate and shall contain all such information and drawings as may be required by the Plan Commission 1 or the Architectural Review Commission, but at least the names of the property owners, the name of the person in charge of the sign and drawings of the sign or structure showing type, size, location and method of attachment. The Plan Commission or Architectural Review Commission may require that all plans be drawn by a registered architect or structural engineer. The fee for such permit shall be established by the Village Board of Trustees. The application shall be reviewed by the Plan Commission or the Architectural Review Commission, which shall make recommendations to the Village Board.

   B.   Construction Standards:

      1.   Compliance With Building Code: All signs shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Village Building Code 2 .

      2.   Glass Parts: All glass parts shall be of safety glass material.

      3.   Clearance From High Voltage Lines: Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all conductors in accordance with the National Electrical Code. However, in no case shall a sign be installed closer than four feet (4') horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility wire.

   C.   Lighting And Color:

      1.   Luminance levels for sign operation shall not exceed one hundred (100) candelas per square meter as measured from the brightest element of the sign's face. A written certification from the sign manufacturer shall be provided by the manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory pre-set so it shall not exceed one hundred (100) candelas per square meter.

      2.   Any luminaire which is used for up lighting within a non-residence zoning district or residence zoning district shall have necessary beam-angle control and/or shall be aimed substantially confine the directed light to the object intending to be illuminated. Up lighting shall meet the following requirements for ground-mounted, non-internally illuminated signs:

 

 

      3.   Except as otherwise stated herein any luminaire on any zoning lot which emits light at a sign shall be located at or above the top of said sign and be aimed and controlled so that the direction of all emitted light is at or below horizontal and the directed light is substantially confined to the object intended to be illuminated.

      4.   On any zoning lot within a non-residence zoning district a sign is permitted to be illuminated a half hour before sunrise and ten o’clock (10:00) p.m. or one hour after the close of business based on normal hours of operation, whichever is later.

   D.   Sign Maintenance:

      1.   Painting Signs: The permittee of any sign or other sign structure shall, at least once every two (2) years, paint all parts and supports thereof, unless the same are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust or rotting.

      2.   Repairing Signs: The repainting and replacing of parts of signs shall be deemed to be an alteration.

      3.   Unsafe Signs:

         a.   If the building inspector shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, he shall give written notice to the person to whom the sign permit had been issued. If they fail to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within ten (10) days after such notice, such sign shall be removed or altered to comply, by the building inspector, at the expense of the sign permit issuee or owner of the property upon which it is located. The building inspector may cause any sign that is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.

         b.   The building inspector shall be responsible for inspecting the condition of signs and for investigating complaints issued regarding signs.

   E.   Obsolete Signs:

      1.   Any obsolete sign that does not advertise an existing business or a product shall be taken down and removed by owner, agent or person within ten (10) days after written notification from the building inspector. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the building inspector shall cause removal of such sign, and any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner of the property to which such sign is attached.

      2.   At the termination of a business or commercial enterprise, all signs pertaining thereto shall be removed from public view within thirty (30) days of such termination.

      3.   Obsolete for sale, for rent and garage sale signs shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or permittee within two (2) days of being notified by the building inspector. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the building inspector shall cause removal of such sign, and any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner or agent of the property or sign and any penalty fee as established under this title.

   F.   Nonconforming Signs:

      1.   Existing signs in conflict with this title shall be classed as nonconforming and shall not be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated. Preventive maintenance of signs may be deemed to be an alteration.

      2.   All signs which are nonconforming shall be removed or made to conform with this title in accordance with the following schedule, upon thirty (30) days' written notice.

         a.   Signs which exceed the maximum number permitted under this section: One year.

         b.   Signs in excess of the maximum size permitted pursuant to this section: Two (2) years.

         c.   Signs which fail to meet the minimum setback requirements of this section: Five (5) years.

         d.   The Village Board may authorize, pursuant to the special use procedures of chapter 14 of this title, an extension of time for nonconforming signs which have not been fully depreciated for accounting purposes; such an extension may be for a period of time which equals the remainder of the time necessary to depreciate fully the sign, but in no case shall the extension exceed five (5) years from the date of notice of noncompliance.

      3.   Nonconforming signs will not be permitted to remain for use of a new business. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987; amd. 1995 Code; Ord. 1965-19, 9-23-2019)

   A.   No sign may be painted, pasted or similarly posted directly on the surface of any wall, roof or fence. Nor shall any sign be permitted to be placed on any wall, fence or standard facing the interior side yard of any adjoining lot located in a residential district, except as provided for in section 9-12-5 of this chapter. (Ord. 1824-18, 3-26-2018)

   B.   Signs shall not be erected on the roof of any building or structure.

   C.   No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole.

   D.   No sign shall block any required accessway or window.

   E.   Advertising signs and outdoor billboards advertising products or matters not related to the occupancy and use of the premises shall not be permitted except as a temporary sign subject to the provisions of section 9-12-6 of this chapter.

   F.   Portable or mobile signs are prohibited except as a temporary sign subject to the provisions of section 9-12-6 of this chapter.

   G.   No electric, internally illuminated, flashing or revolving signs shall be permitted, except that electric and internally illuminated signs may be approved by the Village Board after a review by the Architectural Review Commission as part of a "unified sign plan" as authorized in subsection 9-12-8F of this chapter. Devices denoting the time, temperature and other similar information shall not be considered as electric, internally illuminated or flashing for purposes of this title.

   H.   Flags other than one United States of America and one corporate, one Village and State flag are prohibited except as a temporary sign subject to provisions of section 9-12-6 of this chapter.

   I.   No sign, streamer, banner, flag, pennant or other attention- attracting device supported by rope or wires or in any other manner shall encroach upon, over or across any public street, alley, sidewalk, parkway or park, except as a temporary sign subject to the provisions of section 9-12-6 of this chapter.

   J.   No fluttering or wind-actuated sign, bunting, banners, streamers, pennants or flags shall be erected or maintained except as a temporary sign subject to the provisions of section 9-12-6 of this chapter.

   K.   Beacons and inflatable blimps, figures or similar attention- attracting devices are prohibited.

   L.   In order to obtain and secure reasonable traffic safety, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating or otherwise moving or flashing sign or any moving or flashing attention-attracting device, marquee, canopy or awning in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or as to distract the attention of the driver of any vehicle by reason of the position, shape or color thereof. Pursuant to the foregoing, no sign, other attention- attracting device, marquee, canopy or awning shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to be likely to interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. Accordingly, no sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning shall make use of the words, "stop", "go", "look", "slow" and "danger" or any similar word, phrase, symbol or character. Signs which may be in conflict with public traffic signals shall not be permitted.

   M.   Pole signs, except for flags and except where authorized as part of a "unified sign plan" are prohibited. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987; amd. 1995 Code)

   N.   Electronic message signs, except as authorized in section 9-9B-3 of this title. (Ord. 1760-17, 5-8-2017)

The following signs are permitted for the following uses and purposes without a permit; provided, that all conditions and restrictions of this section and of section 9-12-4 of this chapter, are satisfied:

   A.   Address Identification Signs And Nameplates: Address identification signs and nameplates, subject to the following:

      1.   The total sign area shall not exceed one square foot.

      2.   The sign shall include only the address and name of the occupant or business establishment.

      3.   The sign must be flat against the building.

      4.   The sign shall not be internally illuminated or include external lights as a specific part of the sign.

   B.   For Sale, For Rent, Garage Sale Signs: For sale, for rent and garage sale signs, subject to the following:

      1.   There shall be not more than one such sign per zoning lot, except that on a corner lot two (2) signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted.

      2.   No single sign face shall exceed six (6) square feet.

      3.   Not more than two (2) sign faces are permitted per sign.

      4.   No ground sign shall be located higher than seven feet (7') above established grade.

      5.   No sign shall project beyond the property line.

      6.   No sign shall be internally illuminated or include external lights as a specific part of the sign.

      7.   For sale and for rent signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sale or lease has been accomplished. Labels or messages indicating that the property has been sold or leased are permitted; however, the total for sale or for rent sign and sold or leased designation shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sold or leased designation has been added.

      8.   Garage sale signs may be displayed only on the day of the garage sale.

   C.   Traffic And Parking Signs: Traffic and parking signs, subject to the following:

      1.   Signs designating parking area entrances or exits are limited to one sign for each exit or entrance and one sign indicating conditions of use.

      2.   No single sign face shall exceed six (6) square feet.

      3.   Not more than two (2) sign faces are permitted per sign.

      4.   The sign shall include only directional or parking information and shall be of a noncommercial nature.

      5.   The maximum height above established grade shall not exceed seven feet (7').

      6.   No sign shall project beyond the property line.

   D.   Memorial Signs: Memorial signs, subject to the following:

      1.   The sign shall include only the date of construction and name of the building.

      2.   The sign shall be inlaid so as to be an integral part of the structure, cut into stone or masonry or be a permanently affixed plaque of bronze or aluminum.

      3.   The sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987)

   E.   Signs For Public And Quasi-Public Buildings: Except as provided for in chapter 9B, "PU/IB Public Use And Institutional Buildings District", of this title, church bulletins and signs for public or quasi-public buildings, and civic organizations, subject to the following:

      1.   Area And Number: There shall be not more than one such sign per zoning lot or lots having a single use, except that on a corner lot, two (2) signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. No sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area nor be closer than eight feet (8') to any other lot.

      2.   Height: No sign shall project higher than one story or ten feet (10') above curb level. (Ord. 1760-17, 5-8-2017)

   F.   Public Signs: Signs of a noncommercial nature and erected in the public interest by or on the order of a public official, such as safety signs, legal notices, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest and other similar signs.

   G.   Flags: Flags, symbols, State, Village, fraternal, religious or civic organization. If the pole is over twenty feet (20') in height, structural information on base or foundation shall be recorded with the Building Department.

   H.   Public Information Signs: Signs indicating restrooms, telephones or similar sign for public information when not exceeding two (2) square feet of size. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987)

   I.   No Trespassing, Video Surveillance And No Dumping Signs: No trespassing, video surveillance and no dumping signs, subject to the following:

      1.   Maximum of one sign, per type, per yard area (front, side and rear).

      2.   Maximum of two (2) square feet in area for each sign.

      3.   Minimum three feet (3') from the property lot line.

      4.   Maximum four feet (4') from grade to the top of the sign.

      5.   Cannot be located on or affixed to a garden fence or dog run. (Ord. 1824-18, 3-26-2018)

   J.   Holiday Decorations: Decorations on private property clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with national, local or religious holidays; provided, they shall be displayed for a period of not more than forty five (45) days for each holiday.

   K.   Window Promotional Signs: Window promotional signs shall be permitted on the interior to a glass show window and shall be in addition to all other authorized signs; provided, that not more than ten percent (10%) of the window area shall be covered by such sign or signs. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987)

   L.   Political Signs:

      1.   Residential zoning: Such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.

      2.   Nonresidential zoning: Such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. In addition, such signs shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after an election or referendum. (Ord. 1356-10, 11-15-2010)

A sign (unilluminated), not authorized as a permanent sign and not exempt from the requirements of this section pursuant to section 9-12-5 of this chapter, shall be permitted for the length of time established by this section, and shall thereafter be removed unless such permit is extended by the Village Board. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987)

The Chief Operating Officer, in accordance with the provisions hereof and subject to the standards herein established, is authorized to issue permits for the erection and maintenance of temporary signs. However, it shall be required that before anyone erects a temporary sign or temporary signs they shall register with the Chief Operating Officer and shall deposit a refundable sum of money as provided by the Village Board and published in a schedule of fees. No deposit will be refunded until after the temporary sign or temporary signs have been removed by the applicant within the specified time schedule. Failure to remove a temporary sign within the required time limits may result in the funds not being refunded, subject to the provisions of subsection 9-12-3E, "Obsolete Signs", of this chapter. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987; amd. Ord. 1290-09, 8-17-2009)

   A.   Permitted Sign Types:

      1.   Nonprojecting wall signs.

      2.   Monument signs.

      3.   Streamers, banners, flags, pennants and similar signs, but not beacons or inflatable signs such as blimps, figures or similar devices.

      4.   Portable signs.

   B.   Number:

      1.   Not to exceed two (2) signs per zoning lot, except that "construction signs" shall not exceed one per site.

      2.   Ground signs shall not include more than two (2) sign faces per sign structure.

   C.   Time Limitations:

      1.   Temporary Signs: Except as provided in subsections C2 and C3 of this section, permits for temporary signs shall be issued for a period no longer than thirty (30) days. No more than four (4) permits for temporary signs shall be issued to any business, property owner or other establishment in any calendar year.

      2.   Real Estate Signs: Real estate signs which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the real property upon which the sign is located shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sale or lease has been accomplished, but in all cases the sign must be removed within one hundred twenty (120) days.

      3.   Construction Signs: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a building or other structure, a sign which identifies the name of the developers, contractors, engineers and architects on a site being developed or the structure being built or remodeled, the sign must be removed within two (2) weeks after completion of the project.

      4.   Extensions: The Village Board of Trustees may grant a onetime extension. Requests for additional time extensions shall follow the provisions for variations under chapter 16 of this title.

   D.   Area And Height:

      1.   No temporary sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet per sign face.

      2.   The top of the sign shall not exceed the roofline of nearby buildings. "Rooflines" shall mean the tallest point of the roof.

   E.   Illumination: Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

   F.   Permitted Location:

      1.   Temporary Business Signs: Subject to the same regulations as "business signs".

      2.   Other Permitted Temporary Signs: On private property with the consent of the owner. Entire signs shall be located wholly within the property lines.

      3.   Sight Interference: No sign may interfere with the sightlines at an intersection with a public right-of-way or internal circulation. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987)

   G.   Electronic Message Signs:

      1.   No temporary sign, except real estate signs and construction signs, shall be permitted on a property or properties that have an electronic message sign. (Ord. 1824-18, 3-26-2018)

In all residential districts, the following classes of signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations set forth herein:

   A.   Exempt Signs: Exempt signs, see section 9-12-5 of this chapter.

   B.   Temporary Signs: Temporary signs, see section 9-12-6 of this chapter; provided, that the sign is not illuminated.

   C.   Address Identification Sign: A house sign is required for each dwelling and shall not be less than three inches (3") high, and shall otherwise comply with the regulations in subsection 9-12-5A of this chapter, except that it may be internally illuminated.

   D.   Nameplate and Identification Signs: Nameplates and identification signs, subject to the following restrictions in addition to requirements set forth in Section 9-12-5 of this Chapter.

      1.   One and Two Family: For one- and two-family dwellings, there may be only one nameplate, not exceeding one square foot in area, for each dwelling unit indicating the name and address of the occupant.

      2.   Multiple-Family: A single identification sign may be displayed for multiple-family dwellings, apartment hotels and for buildings other than dwellings. Only the name and address of the building and the name of the management thereof may be contained on the sign. The size of the sign shall not exceed nine (9) square feet. The sign shall not project higher than seven feet (7') above grade at sign location. The sign must be reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission and approved by the Village Board.

   E.   Neighborhood Identification Sign: A sign, masonry wall, landscaping or other similar material and feature may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or subdivision identification subject to the following:

      1.   The legend of such sign or display shall consist only of the neighborhood or subdivision name and identification of the Village.

      2.   Such sign or entrance feature shall not interfere with required sight distances for both vehicular and pedestrian access.

      3.   The sign and a guaranteed continuous maintenance program must be reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission and be approved by the Village Board before a permit is granted.

      4.   The total area of one sign face shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-87; 1995 Code)

In all business and industrial districts, the following signs are permitted, subject to the requirements set forth herein:

   A.   Exempt signs.

   B.   Temporary signs.

   C.   Wall Signs:

      1.   On side or sides facing public street. Every business shall be permitted wall signage, including facia, awning and permanent window signs, on not more than two (2) sides. The gross area of the signage on one side shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the wall, including doors and windows, on which the sign or signs is placed. On the second side, the gross area of the signage shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the area of the wall, including doors and windows, the gross area of the wall signage for a single use or for any individual sign face shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.

      2.   Multiple Tenant Buildings: For a multiple tenant building where tenants do not have exterior wall space, there shall be no more than two (2) signs. One sign will be for the name of the building and the second sign will be to designate the directory of all occupants of the building. The directory shall be limited to one square foot in area for each tenant in the building. The combined signage for the two (2) signs shall not exceed the size limitations established in the previous subsection 9-12-8C1 of this Chapter.

      3.   The area of awning, facia, marquee and projecting signs shall be included when computing the total gross area of the signage.

      4.   Projection: Facia signs shall not project more than twelve inches (12") from the building. The bottom edge of an awning or marquee sign must be at least ten feet (10') above the finished grade of the underlying sidewalk, driveway or ground. Other signs projecting from the building may be permitted as a special use, only if part of a "unified sign" plan.

      5.   Height: No sign shall project higher than twenty feet (20') above curb level, and in no case shall a sign project above the roof line.

      6.   Illumination: Signs shall be shaded whenever necessary to avoid casting bright light upon property located in any residential district and shall be subject to the performance standards of Chapter 13 of this Title and subsection 9-12-3C of this Title.

   D.   Ground Signs: For each zoning lot that includes a principal detached building where a setback is provided from all property lines, there shall be permitted one ground sign per street frontage, subject to the following:

      1.   Size: The gross area of each face of a ground sign shall not exceed the following:

         a.   For zoning lots with three hundred feet (300') or less of frontage and where the building setback from the property line along the subject street frontage is fifty feet (50') or less, no ground sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet per sign face.

         b.   For zoning lots with three hundred feet (300') or less of frontage along a street and where the building setback from the property line along the subject street frontage is more than fifty feet (50'), the maximum size of any one sign face shall not exceed one square foot per fifteen feet (15') of lot frontage or one square foot per three feet (3') of building setback, whichever is greater, to a maximum size for any one sign face of fifty (50) square feet.

         c.   For zoning lots with more than three hundred feet (300') of frontage and where the building setback from the property line along the subject street frontage is fifty feet (50') or less, the maximum size of any one sign face shall not exceed one square foot per fifteen feet (15') of frontage along the subject street, to a maximum size for any one sign face of forty (40) square feet. A second ground sign shall be permitted where the lot frontage exceed one thousand feet (1,000'), subject to a maximum size for any one face of forty (40) square feet.

         d.   For zoning lots with more than three hundred feet (300') of frontage and where the building setback from the property line along the subject street frontage is more than fifty feet (50'), the maximum size of any one sign face shall not exceed one square foot per fifteen feet of lot frontage plus one square foot per three feet (3') of building setback in excess of fifty feet (50'), to a maximum size for any one sign face of one hundred (100) square feet. A second ground sign shall be permitted where the lot frontage exceeds one thousand feet (1,000'), subject to a maximum size for any one sign face of fifty (50) square feet.

 

      2.   Ground Signs: No more than two (2) sign faces are permitted per ground sign.

      3.   Height: The height of a ground sign shall not exceed twenty feet (20') from the finished grade of the lot to the top of the sign.

      4.   Illumination: Signs shall be shaded whenever necessary to avoid casting bright light upon property located in any residential district and shall be subject to the performance standards of Chapter 13 and subsection 9-12-3C of this Title.

      5.   Location: All ground signs including their sign structures and all other parts shall be set back from all public rights of way and residential zones by at least five feet (5') plus one foot (1'), plus one foot (1') for every ten (10) square feet of sign face.

      6.   Clocks And Other Devices: Clocks and other attention attracting devices located on pylons, standard or other separate supports shall be considered ground signs and are subject to the regulations of this section.

      7.   Interference With Sightlines: No ground sign shall interfere with sightlines for driveway intersections with a street or internal circulation. The top edge of a monument sign located near an intersection or entrance shall be less than forty two inches (42") in height. The bottom edge of a pole sign authorized as part of a unified sign plan and located near an intersection or entrance shall be greater than nine feet (9') in height.

   E.   Signs Accessory To Automobile Service Stations: The village board may permit the following signs necessary to automobile service stations as a special use, subject to review and recommendation by the architectural review commission:

      1.   Racks for the orderly display of cans of engine oil for convenience in dispensing said oil, may be located on or at the ends of pump islands (limit of 2 to each island).

      2.   Two (2) open portable tire racks (not more than 7 feet in height, including signs, and 6 feet in length) on casters for the purpose of displaying new tire casings, shall be permitted for each gasoline or tire service station.

      3.   Items for sale on the premises may be openly displayed within ten feet (10') of the principal building. Products may be displayed under pump island canopies between pumps within the area of the pump island base.

      4.   A sign may be painted on the inside and outside front door face of the closed tire rack, but shall not be painted on the sides or rear.

   F.   Unified Sign Plan: The village board may permit an integrated business or industrial development in single ownership and management under unified control, to increase the size of ground sign or wall signs; provided, that the total square feet of signage does not exceed the total square feet of signage otherwise allowed under this title by more than twenty percent (20%), and further provided, that a unified sign plan is submitted to the architectural review commission.

   G.   Signs For Cannabis Business Establishments:

      1.   All signage for cannabis business establishments shall comply with the regulations set forth in Section 9-12-8C and Section 9-12-8D of this Title; such signs shall not be illuminated. Electronic message boards and temporary signs are not permitted in connection with a cannabis business establishment.

      2.   Signs shall be neutral in color and shall not be neon or internally illuminated. Signs and lighting shall follow Dark Sky regulations.

      3.   Signs shall not include any realistic or stylized graphical representation of the cannabis plant or its parts or any realistic or stylized graphical representation of drug paraphernalia; or include reference to commonly known graphics, including a rainbow bear or peace symbol or wording to that effect.

      4.   Signs shall not include any wording that would identify the property as a cannabis business establishment or use clinical, botanical or slang terms for cannabis, cannabis consumption, cannabis intoxication or drug paraphernalia including, but not limited to, “cannabis”, “marijuana”, “weed”, “pot”, “420", “4/20", “4:20", “joint”, “Mary Jane”, “ganja”, “hash”, “herb”, “doobie”, “bong”, “blunt”, “bowl”, “zoned”, “sloshed”, “burnt”, “stoned”, “green day”, “reefer”, “smoke”, “toke”, “wacky tobaccy/baccy”, “spliff”, “roach”, “skunk”, “high” etc., or current terminology in use not listed here.

      5.   No visual display inside the cannabis business establishment shall be visible from outside the cannabis facility.

      6.   A sign shall be posted in a conspicuous place at or near all dispensary entrances and shall include the following language: “Persons Under The Age Of 18 Are Prohibited From Entering”. The required text shall be no larger than one inch (1") in height.

      7.   Signage on delivery trucks entering the property shall comply with subsections G3 and G4 of this section.

      8.   When sign provisions in another village zoning district or subsection of this chapter are more restrictive than the provisions of this subsection G, the stricter provision shall apply. (Ord. 381-87, 6-9-1987; amd. 1995 Code; Ord. 1529-15, 2-23-2015; amd. Ord. 2126-21, 10-25-2021)

   A.   Applicability: The regulations imposed by this section are applicable to all signs located on property adjacent to U.S. Route 12 and other U.S. highways designated as federal aid program highways. The regulations imposed by this section are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the regulations imposed by any other section of this title. In the event of any conflict between any provision of this section and any other provision of this code, the provision determined by the village to be the most restrictive shall control.

   B.   Definitions: As used in this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed to them, as follows:

    EAVE: The lowest edge of the roof.

   ELEVATION: The vertical distance of the top of a particular item to the ground.

   FASCIA: A broad, flat, unbroken building surface under the roofline upon which sign letters may be mounted.

   HEIGHT: The vertical dimensions of a particular item.

   RIDGE: The peak of the roof.

   C.   Colors And Theme:

      1.   The color and theme of a sign shall be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors and details of the building, and with other nearby signs.

      2.   A sign and any background shall together consist of no more than two (2) colors or shades of the same color. If two (2) colors are used, at least one color shall match the color of the most significant facade feature(s) or the predominant color of the facade or supporting structure to which the sign relates.

      3.   The color of text shall not so closely match the facade or background color so as to be unreadable.

      4.   Permitted color combinations are:

         a.   Black on beige, ecru or natural limestone background.

         b.   Earth tones on complimentary earth tone background.

         c.   Beige or ecru on red brick background.

         d.   Forest green on beige, ecru or red brick background.

         e.   Burnished gold on forest green background.

      5.   Primary, white and "day-glo" colors are prohibited.

   D.   Materials:

      1.   Sign materials shall be consistent or compatible with the original construction materials and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to be displayed.

      2.   Matte, natural, brushed, patina like or burnished surfaces are required.

      3.   Polished, glossy, shiny or reflective surfaces are prohibited.

      4.   Monument signs shall be brick or stone and may incorporate wood not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the sign area, however, monument signs shall be supported across the base by brick or stone.

      5.   Natural materials such as wood, stone, brick, masonry or metals shall be used.

      6.   Plastic or glass sign surfaces or letters are prohibited.

   E.   Lighting:

      1.   Signs shall only be illuminated by external light sources. Backlighting for mounted letters is required.

      2.   Lighting devices shall be hidden or softened by or integrated into architectural features or landscaping.

      3.   Except as otherwise stated herein, signs shall be illuminated in accordance with the provisions outlined in subsection 9-12-3C of this title.

      4.   Protruding overhead lights or lamps are prohibited.

      5.   Lighting devices for antique, historical or other similar unique architectural themes shall be integrated stylistically into facades.

      6.   Lighting shall be focused and only so bright as to effectively illuminate the sign surface encompassing the extreme limits of the text.

      7.   Monument signs shall only be externally illuminated from the ground.

      8.   Internal illumination is prohibited.

   F.   Composition:

      1.   Softer, subtler alternative to prominent corporate logos are required.

      2.   Italicized, bold and plain text shall not be mixed.

      3.   The use of images, pictures and logos shall be avoided unless they are an integral element of the building's architecture and color scheme, in which case they shall be simplified in appearance.

      4.   The sign text shall consist of no more than two (2) font styles or sizes.

      5.   Solid lettering is required. Highlighted or accented lettering is prohibited.

      6.   Longer text strings are preferred over text stacking.

      7.   Continuous text strings shall consist of only one size, font or style.

   G.   Integration Of Signage With Facade Or Supporting Structure:

      1.   For facades containing raised or recessed horizontal features, lettering shall harmoniously relate to said features, preferably integrated into recessed surfaces.

      2.   In single tenant buildings, multiple signs on the same facade are prohibited.

      3.   In multitenant buildings, all signage on the same facade shall be consistent in color, size and elevation.

   H.   Freestanding Sign Supporting Structures; Landscaping:

      1.   Monument signs shall be utilized.

      2.   Monument signs shall emphasize horizontal rather than vertical massing.

      3.   Monument signs shall contain visible indentations or see through spaces of appropriate dimensions at appropriate intervals to avoid overt massing.

      4.   Landscaping shall be provided around the base of all monument signs at a surface area ratio of one to one (1:1) or greater, based on expected plant growth at maturity.

   I.   Prohibited Signs:

      1.   Pole signs.

      2.   Wind actuated signs or other similar attention getting devices (including pennants, buntings, streamers, banners, propellers, and spinners).

      3.   Animated signs.

      4.   Electronic signs.

      5.   Beacons/lasers/holographic signs or other similar attention getting devices.

      6.   Signs containing obscene/pornographic images or text.

      7.   Flags (except American, municipal or county flags in accordance with local ordinance).

      8.   Changeable copy signs.

      9.   Portable or movable signs.

      10.   Signs painted on or affixed to benches, fences, utility poles, trees, or other similar structures.

      11.   Roof signs (including signs protruding over the vertical surface or a mansard roof).

      12.   Signs in the right of way.

      13.   Strings of lights.

      14.   Inflatable signs (including blimps, balloons and figures).

      15.   Billboards.

      16.   Off site advertising signs.

      17.   Signs relating to abandoned or closed businesses.

      18.   Signs that, by their position, working illumination, size, shape or color, obstruct, impair, obscure or interfere with motorist's vision, mimic any traffic control sign, signal or device, or otherwise present a traffic hazard.

   J.   Bulk Regulations:

      1.   The ratio of [height of sign:height of fascia] shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) (in cases when the fascia section upon which the sign in mounted incorporates a peaked projection, the height of the peaked projection shall be measured as 1/2 the vertical distance between the base and the ridge of the peaked projection).

      2.   The ratio of [height of sign:height of building] shall not exceed eight percent (8%) when the facade section upon which the sign is mounted contains a primarily horizontal roofline.

      3.   The ratio of [height of sign:height of building] shall not exceed thirteen percent (13%) when the facade section upon which the sign is mounted contains a primarily peaked roofline (in such cases, the peaked roofline shall be measured as 1/2 the vertical distance between the eaves and the ridge of the peaked roofline).

      4.   The ratio of [height of sign:building setback to street] shall not exceed 1.5%.

      5.   The ratio of [elevation of sign:elevation of eaves] shall not exceed seventy five percent (75%).

      6.   The ratio of [elevation of sign:elevation of roofline] shall not exceed seventy five percent (75%) when the facade section upon which the sign is mounted contains a primarily horizontal roofline.

      7.   The ratio of [elevation of sign:elevation of roofline] shall not exceed sixty percent (60%) when the facade section upon which the sign is mounted contains a primarily peaked roofline (in such cases, the peaked roofline shall be measured as 1/2 the vertical distance between the eaves and the ridge of the peaked roofline).

      8.   The ratio of [total sign area:total facade area] shall not exceed two percent (2%).

      9.   The ratio of [total sign length:total facade length] shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%).

      10.   The ratio of [tenant sign length:tenant store length] shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%).

   K.   Route 12 Corridor Sign Guidelines: The "Route 12 Corridor Planning Council Sign Guidelines for Corridor Development", prepared by the Lake County Department of Planning, Building and Development shall be used to assist in the interpretation of the regulations imposed by this section. Said guidelines shall have no regulatory effect. (Ord. 998-02, 8-19-2002; amd. Ord. 1965-19, 9-26-2019)

Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to penalty as provided in title 1, chapter 4 of this Code for each offense, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each and every day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. (Ord. 1824-18, 3-26-2018)