The purpose of this chapter is to:

   A.   Regulate signs in such a way as to support and complement land use objectives set forth in the zoning ordinance and this code.

   B.   Ensure that all signs within the village are compatible with existing land uses and buildings within the general vicinity of the sign and the community as a whole, with regard to size, location, color, construction, materials, and manner of display.

   C.   Permit such signs that do not confuse, mislead, obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following definitions and meanings:

ABANDONED SIGN: A sign which for at least fourteen (14) days no longer serves a bona fide purpose.

APPLICANT: A person applying for a sign permit.

APPROVED COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS: Any material more than one-twentieth of an inch (1/20") in thickness, which burns at a rate of not more than two and one-half inches (21/2") per minute when subjected to the American Society for Testing Materials, prevailing standard test for flammability in sheets of six-hundredths inch (0.06") in thickness.

APPROVED COMBUSTIBLE PLASTICS: Those plastics which, when tested in accordance with American Society for Testing Material standard method of testing for flammability of plastics over five-hundredths of an inch (0.05") in thickness (D635-44), burn no faster than two and five-tenths inches (2.5") per minute in sheets of six-hundredths inch (0.06") thickness.

ATTENTION GETTING DEVICE: Any pennant, flag, valance, banner, propeller, spinner, streamer, searchlight, balloon or similar device designed for the purpose of attracting attention, promotion or advertising.

BACKGROUND AREA: The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed, as opposed to the copy area, when referred to in connection with wall signs.

BANNER: A temporary sign composed of lightweight material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, including but not limited to, secured or mounted so as to allow movement of the sign caused by the movement of the atmosphere.

BILLBOARD SIGNS: Signs which advertise or direct attention to a business commodity, service or entertainment conducted or offered for sale off-site.

BRAND NAME SIGN: Sign which advertises a specific brand name, trademark, or trade name.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT: The Village of Kildeer Building Department, which is authorized and directed to administer the provisions of this Chapter.

BUILDING FACE or WALL: All window and wall area of a building in one plane or elevation.

BUILDING FRONTAGE: The linear length of a building facing the right of way or the linear length of the right of way facing the building, whichever is smaller.

CAR SIGN: Any advertising or business sign attached to an automobile, which is parked or placed in position for display to the public.

CHANGING SIGN (AUTOMATIC): A public service time, temperature, or date sign, with electronically controlled message centers.

COPY AREA: The area as measured in square feet of the smallest rectangular figure which circumscribes the area embraced by the actual copy on a sign.

COPY (PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY): The wording and numbering on a sign surface either in permanent or removable letter form.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Any noncommercial sign which serves solely to designate the location or direction of an activity, business, or event.

ERECT: To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish; but does not include any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident to the change of advertising message or normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure.

FACADE: The face of a building from grade to parapet in height and from side wall to side wall in width.

FLASHING SIGN: Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation, or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Automatic changing signs such as public service time, temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message centers are classed as "Changing Signs", not "Flashing Signs".

FRONTAGE: The length of the property line on a parcel or zoning lot parallel to and along each public right of way it borders.

GROUND SIGN, or FREE-STANDING SIGN: Includes any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces placed upon the ground or a sign placed directly on the ground, and not attached to any building.

HEIGHT OF SIGN: The vertical distance measured from the adjacent street grade, or upper surface of the nearest street curb, other than an elevated roadway, to the highest point of the sign.

ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNAL: Any sign externally illuminated by a source of light which is cast upon the surface or face of the sign to illuminate by reflection only.

ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNAL: A sign, all or any part of which, is made of incandescent neon, or other types of lamps attached thereto; or a sign having a border of incandescent or fluorescent lamps thereto, attached and reflecting light thereon; or a transparent sign whether lighted by electricity or other illuminant.

INCOMBUSTIBLE: Any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature of one thousand two hundred degrees (1,200°) Fahrenheit and will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature.

INSTITUTIONAL SIGNS: Bulletin Boards not over twenty (20) square feet in area for public, charitable, or religious institutions.

NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which was lawfully erected and continuously operated and maintained, but which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this Chapter.

OBSCENE: Statements, words, suggestions, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character, such as will offend public morals or decency. All being those prohibited by Illinois statutes and/or Village Code Title 9, Chapter 4.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN: Off-premises sign shall be deemed another term for billboard sign.

OWNER: Any person who is in lawful possession of a zoning lot or parcel of land.

PARAPET: That portion of a building wall that rises above the roof level.

PERMITTEE: The recipient of a valid sign permit.

PERSON: Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or any other legal entity.

PORTABLE SIGN: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building.

PRINCIPAL BUILDING: The main building as distinguished from a subordinate or accessory building.

PROJECTING SIGN: A sign supported by a building or other structure, which sign projects over any street, sidewalk, alley, or public way or public easement; or which projects more than twelve inches (12") from the face of any building, structure, or supporting wall. This term also includes those signs commonly known as overhanging signs.

QUASI-PUBLIC SIGN: Any sign erected by a community based organization or an organization which qualifies for an exemption pursuant to section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which advertises an event being sponsored by the organization.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SIGN: Permanent residential development signs at major entrances designed to identify a residential subdivision and containing no advertising.

ROOF SIGN: Any sign erected, constructed, and maintained entirely or partially upon or over the roof of any building, with the principal support on the roof structure.

SIGN: A "sign" shall mean any copy, device, display or structure other than building or landscaping, readily visible from public property and used primarily for visual communication for the purpose of, or having the result of, bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the person, group of persons, or the public generally. A sign includes but is not limited to, any and all reading matter, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, service marks, trade names, flags, banners, streamers, pennants, inscriptions, and patterns whether affixed to a building, painted, or otherwise depicted on a building, or separate from any building, and shall include window signs.

SIGN FACE: The entire area of sign on which copy could be placed.

TEMPORARY SIGN: Includes any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.

VILLAGE: The Village of Kildeer, Lake County, Illinois.

WALL SIGN: Any sign which is placed against a building or other structure and attached to the exterior front, rear or side wall of any building. This sign shall not extend more than eighteen inches (18") from the face of the wall. A sign attached to a mansard roof is a wall sign. A canopy or awning shall be considered a wall sign.

WINDOW SIGN: A window sign shall mean any sign affixed to, in contact with, or within twelve inches (12") of a window. (Ord. 90-0-552, 10-1-90)

ZONING LOT: For the purposes of this Chapter, a zoning lot shall mean and include a lot of record in a recorded subdivision, or a single tract of land or parcels described by metes and bounds which are designated by their owner as a tract to be used, developed, or built upon as a single unit in common ownership. Multiple, contiguous parcels in common ownership may be aggregated for the purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of this Chapter. (Ord. 91-0-596, 11-4-91)

MEANING OF CERTAIN WORDS: The use in this Chapter of the phrase "any sign or other advertising device" or similar phrase shall mean any sign as defined in this Chapter. The word "shall" is mandatory, and not discretionary.

The Zoning Administrator is authorized and directed to administer and enforce the provisions of this Chapter.

All sign permit applications, except for those described in Section 5-20-19, shall be reviewed and approved by the Architecture Committee before the issuance of a permit.

It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter, or relocate any sign or other advertising structure without first obtaining a sign permit from the Building Department and having paid the required fees.

Application for a sign permit shall be made upon the form provided by the Building Department. It shall be signed by the applicant, and shall contain or have attached to it the following information:

   A.   Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant (the name of an officer or principal in the case of corporate, partnership, or association applications).

   B.   Location of building, structure, or zoning lot to or upon which it is to be attached or erected.

   C.   Location of sign upon the zoning lot and a copy of the sign.

   D.   Size of sign and height of top of sign above ground.

   E.   Two (2) sets of plans and specifications showing the method of construction, location, support, attachment to the buildings or grounds, illumination and the lighting intensity. Two (2) sketches showing the sign faces, exposed surfaces and proposed message, all accurately represented in scale as to size, proportion and color. If the sign is to be attached to a building, a drawing shall be submitted showing the sign on the facade of the building.

   F.   If required by the Building Department, stress sheets and calculations demonstrating that the structure is suitably designed to withstand deadload and wind pressure in any direction.

   G.   Name of person constructing and erecting the sign.

   H.   Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or zoning lot on or upon which the sign is to be erected.

   I.   Any required electrical permit for the sign. All illuminated signs shall, in addition, be subject to the provisions of the building code pertaining to electricity.

   J.   Such other information that the building department shall require to ensure compliance with all applicable ordinances of the village. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

It shall be the duty of the building department, upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, to examine the plans, specifications, and other data and the premises upon which it is proposed to be erected. If it shall appear that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter, and all other applicable provisions of this code, that the application has received the approval of the architecture committee, and that the appropriate permit fee has been paid, it shall issue the sign permit. If not, it shall deny the permit and give written notice to the applicant of the denial. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six (6) months after date of issuance, the permit shall be null and void. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

Fees shall be as set forth in section 4-2-2 of this code and shall be paid at the time of permit issuance. (Ord. 95-O-693, 4-3-1995; amd. Ord. 06-O-970, 6-5-2006)

If a person installs, permits to be installed, or attempts to install any sign without first securing a permit as required by this chapter, the fee for the sign permit shall be one hundred percent (100%) more than otherwise provided for by this chapter. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

Sign permits shall expire June 30 of each calendar year. The building department shall inspect annually, or at such other times as it deems necessary, each sign or other advertising structure regulated by this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining whether it is secure and safe, and whether it is in need of removal or repairs. To meet the expense of such inspection, each permittee shall pay to the village collector annually on or before July 1 a renewal fee:

 

 

(Ord. 08-O-1001, 2-4-2008)

Any sign lawfully existing or under construction as of August 6, 1990, which does not conform to the provisions contained herein, may be continued or maintained, but may not be replaced, structurally altered, or reestablished (if discontinued), or restored, if destroyed or damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of its current market value.

In any event, all nonconforming signs 1 shall be removed, altered, or repaired to conform to the provisions of this chapter, as set forth in the following schedule:

   A.   Projecting signs, roof signs, wall signs, ground signs, illuminated signs and temporary subdivision signs regulated by this chapter within four (4) years (October 1, 1994).

   B.   All other signs within three (3) months (January 1, 1991). (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

Whenever a holder of a permit desires to enlarge or alter the display surface of a sign, he shall be required to submit an application for a new permit and pay the requisite fee. There shall be no refund or credit for fees previously paid.

The existing permit will be canceled, and a new permit issued. However, the repairing, changing of parts, or preventive maintenance of a sign shall not be deemed to be an alteration. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

In addition to the requirements contained in this chapter, a sign permit applicant shall fully comply with all other applicable village code provisions. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

Any permit issued under the provisions of this Chapter may be revoked by the Village Administrator, if he finds noncompliance with this Chapter, which is not corrected within fourteen (14) days after written notice by the Zoning Administrator to the permittee.

   A.   Removal of Obsolete Signs: Any sign or other advertising structure, which advertises a business no longer being conducted, or a product no longer being sold, is deemed abandoned, and shall be taken down and removed by the permittee. Removal shall be made within fourteen (14) days after written notification from the Zoning Administrator.

   B.   Expired Permits: Within not more than five (5) days after the expiration of any permit issued hereunder, the permittee shall cause the sign to be removed. This is the joint and several obligation of the zoning lot owner and permittee. At the expiration of the five (5) day period, any such sign which has not been removed is hereby declared to be a common nuisance.

   C.   Prohibited Signs: Signs which are identified as being prohibited by this Chapter shall be removed by its owner immediately upon written notice by the Zoning Administrator.

   D.   Unsafe and Unlawful Signs: If the Zoning Administrator shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of the Building or Zoning Code, he shall give written notice to the permittee thereof and to the owner of the property as shown on the most recent tax rolls. If the permittee and/or owner fails to make corrections or fails to remove or alter the sign within fourteen (14) days after said notice, the sign may be removed by the Zoning Administrator at the expense of the permittee and/or owner of the property upon which it is located. However, the Zoning Administrator may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property, to be removed summarily with or without prior notice, at the owner's expense. Notice will then be sent out within three (3) days after its removal.

   A.   Wind Pressure and Deadload Requirements: Any sign, other advertising structure, canopy or awning, as defined in this Chapter, shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of net surface area; and shall also be constructed to receive other loadings as required in the most recently adopted edition of the Building Officials Conference of America (BOCA) Basic Building Code and other ordinances of the Village.

   B.   Sign Face to be Smooth: Any sign, other advertising structure, canopy or awning which is within ten feet (10') of a public right-of-way or thoroughfare, shall have no nails, tacks, wires, or other hazardous projections protruding therefrom.

All letters, figures, characters or representations in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.

   C.   Glass; Limitations: Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety glass with a minimum thickness of one-fourth inch (1/4").

   D.   Maintenance of Property: All signs, posts and supports, and the premises adjacent thereto shall be maintained by the permittee in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive manner, and free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds, and in good operating condition.

   E.   Painting Required Every Two Years: The permittee of any sign or other advertising structure shall be required to have properly painted at least once every two (2) years all parts and supports of said sign, unless they are galvanized or otherwise made corrosion free.

   A.   Miscellaneous Advertising Objects Prohibited: No person shall place on, or suspend from the exterior of any building or structure, any goods, wares, or merchandise.

   It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any attention getting device, which shall include pennants, banners, propellers, spinners, streamers, balloons, and similar devices.

   Flashing Lights Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any sign which is wholly or partially illuminated by flashing lights or intermittent lights. No flashing or raceway signs shall be allowed.

   Revolving Light Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any sign which is illuminated by revolving lights, except when specifically required by law.

   Obscene Matter Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or display an obscene sign.

   Signs Not to Constitute Traffic Hazards: No sign, or other advertising structure, canopy or awning shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of motorists or as to distract the attention of the driver of the vehicle by reason of the position, shape, or color thereof.

   Pursuant to the foregoing, no sign, or other advertising structure, 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, canopy, or awning shall make use of the words "stop", "go", "slow", "danger", or any other similar word, phrase, symbol, or character, or employ any red, yellow, orange, green, or other colored lamp or light, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

   No sign other than a sign erected by public authority shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to be or purport to be an imitation of or resemble an official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal.

   B.   Community Appearance, Traffic Hazards: There shall be permitted no flashing signs, rotating or moving signs, animated signs, signs with moving lights, or creating the illusion of movement. A changing sign whereupon the time and/or temperature is indicated by intermittent lighting shall not be deemed to be a flashing sign if the lighting changes are limited to the numerals indicating the time and/or temperature and are not more frequent than every ten (10) seconds.

   Flags, pennants, or buntings shall not be permitted.

   C.   Obstructions: No sign, other advertising structure, canopy, or awning as herein defined, shall obstruct any driveway, door, window, fire escape, ladder or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress for any building or structure.

   This Section shall not be construed to prohibit the affixing of temporary window bills on or about any window, glass partition, or any other structure in the interior of any building, as provided in this Chapter.

   No sign, or other advertising structure, canopy, or awning shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

   D.   Specific Prohibitions: The following signs are specifically prohibited by this Chapter.

      1.   Signs which emit sounds including, but not limited to voice, music, and similar methods of advertising.

      2.   Signs on fences, trees, utility poles, walls, or similar structures, which are not part of a building structure.

      3.   There shall be no signs painted on any wall, fence, tree, or utility pole.

      4.   Billboards except those as permitted via application under the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971.

      5.   Signs consisting of a string, cluster or series of lights, except on such clocks and weather gauges as may be authorized by other sections of this Chapter.

      6.   Home occupation signs

      7.   Car signs.

      8.   Projecting signs.

      9.   Portable signs. (Signs which were once portable but made permanent shall be also considered portable.)

      10.   Roof signs.

      11.   Off-premises signs.

      12.   Free-standing multi-tenant or multi-business occupant signs.

      13.   Brand name signs.

   E.   Other Signs: Any sign not expressly permitted by this Chapter is prohibited in the Village.

The provisions and regulations of this Chapter shall not apply to the following signs; provided, however, said signs shall be subject to the provisions of unsafe and unlawful signs.

   A.   Restrictions In Residential Districts: No signs may be installed or erected within residential districts with the exception of the following:

   A single sign for the purpose of advertising the sale of property may be installed within a residential district, provided that the sign conforms to all of the following criteria:

      1.   No sign may be illuminated or electrically operated, nor may any sign consist of any moving parts.

      2.   No sign shall exceed the dimensions of four (4) square feet.

      3.   All signs installed in residential districts in accordance with this Section shall be limited to on-site advertising purposes only.

      4.   All signs situated within a residential district pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be removed no later than ten (10) days subsequent to the completion of the purpose of the sign; to wit: the signing of a purchase contract.

      5.   All signs shall be of wood and/or metal construction.

      6.   All signs shall have a total height no greater than four feet (4') as measured from the top of the sign to ground level.

      7.   No sign shall be situated closer than thirty five feet (35') to the side zoning lot line, and shall not be located within the Village right of way.

   B.   Plaques or tablets, denoting names of buildings and date of erection or names of buildings or dates cut into any masonry surface (commonly known as cornerstone).

   C.   Decorations displayed in connection with civic, patriotic, or religious holidays for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.

   D.   Flags, emblems, notices and signs of an official court, public office, or governmental unit displayed for noncommercial purposes.

   E.   Traditional holiday lighting schemes.

   F.   Signs on windows and doors:

      1.   Signs located inside show windows and doors shall not occupy a total of more than twenty five percent (25%) of the surface of such window or door.

      2.   No sign shall be placed or maintained on the exterior of any window or door facing upon any sidewalk, street or other public way.

      3.   Provisions of this Chapter shall not be construed to be contrary to maximum allowable sign or coverage thereof as provided elsewhere within the Code.

      4.   The provisions of this Chapter shall not restrict the reasonable application upon the glass surface of a door or window of lettering or decals giving the address, hours of business, entrance or exit information, professional or security affiliations or membership, credit cards which are accepted, or other similar information; nor shall the surface area of such lettering or decals be included in the overall computation of allowable window signs.

   G.   Quasi-Public Signs:

      1.   Nonprojecting wall or ground-type quasi-public signs, having an area not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet, may be erected on the zoning lot on which the event or activity advertised is to occur or be conducted.

      2.   No quasi-public sign shall be erected or maintained within any public right of way except pursuant to written permission by the Building Department.

      3.   A quasi-public sign may not be erected or maintained more than seven (7) days prior to the date of which the event or activity advertised is to occur or be conducted and shall be removed within three (3) days after the termination thereof.

   H.   Institutional Signs: A bulletin board not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area located on the premises of a not for profit, charitable, or religious institution.

   I.   Residential Development Sign: Residential development sign. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

   A.   In Residential Districts: See section 5-20-19 of this chapter.

   B.   In Nonresidential Districts: A temporary sign (nonilluminated) shall be permitted for the length of time set forth on the required permit therefor as established by the following schedule and shall thereafter be removed unless such permit is extended by the building department. Temporary signs of the following types may be erected in accordance with the following tables. All temporary signs shall meet safety requirements of the building code. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

      1.   Advertising Permitted: The advertisement contained on any 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. This provision shall not apply to signs of a civic, political, or religious nature.

         a.   Special Advertising/Promotional Signs: All special advertising/promotional signs of temporary nature, except those signs covered in section 5-20-19 of this chapter, for grand openings, sales, and other reasonable similar events may be granted a temporary permit for a period not to exceed seven (7) days, provided that such signs are not attached to fences, trees, utility poles, or the like and further provided that such signs are not placed in a position that will obstruct or impair vision or traffic or in any way or manner create a hazard or disturbance to the health and welfare of the general public. Such signs shall be professionally made, installed and removed. Suitable sign materials shall be used in the construction of special advertising/promotional signs. A maximum of two (2) temporary sign permits shall be issued in a one year (365 day) period.

   A fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be paid upon the issuance of a permit for such sign, and a refundable cash deposit for a like amount shall be deposited with the building department to ensure the removal of such sign at the expiration of the permit. The building department, after seven (7) days' written notice to the permit holder to remove such sign, and after the failure of the permit holder to do so, shall cause said sign to be removed and the cash deposit shall be forfeited to help defray the cost of removal. (Ord. 02-O-845, 2-4-2002)

      2.   Construction Signs: Construction signs which identify the project or building name and/or name of the developers, contractors, engineers, lender, and architects on the site being developed. Such sign(s) may be erected subject to the following restrictions:

         a.   Each sign is limited in size to a maximum gross area of thirty two (32) square feet and may not exceed a height of ten feet (10').

         b.   The height of each sign may not exceed ten feet (10') from the ground surface to the top of the sign.

         c.   The sign(s) must be located a minimum distance of fifteen feet (15') from the closest property line.

         d.   Only one sign may be displayed per site frontage.

         e.   The sign(s) may be displayed only upon the approval of the (first) building permit and must be removed upon the issuance of the (last) certificate of occupancy or until such time as construction has been substantially completed on the principal building or buildings. If construction is suspended for a period exceeding forty five (45) days the sign(s) must be removed.

   C.   Subdivision/Planned Unit Development Business Signs: Signs which advertise a residential, commercial, or planned unit development under development and are located on the premises of the development. These signs may be erected subject to the following restrictions:

      1.   Each sign advertising a development of less than five (5) acres shall be limited in size to a maximum gross area of thirty two (32) square feet. Each sign advertising a development of five (5) acres or greater shall be limited to a maximum gross area of one hundred (100) square feet.

      2.   The height of each sign may not exceed ten feet (10') from the ground surface to the top of the sign.

      3.   The sign(s) must be located a minimum distance of fifteen feet (15') from the closest property line.

      4.   Only one sign may be displayed per development site frontage.

      5.   The sign(s) may be displayed only upon approval of the final plat or site plan and must be removed upon the acceptance of the public improvements by the village, or sale of the last zoning lot or unit, or within two (2) years, whichever comes first. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

   D.   Other Provisions Regarding Temporary Signs:

      1.   Political Signs: All political signs must be displayed only on private property. No permit is required for political signs. (Ord. 10-O-018, 11-2-2010, eff. 11-2-2010)

      2.   Location: No temporary sign shall extend over or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare or right of way or a distance greater than four inches (4") from the wall to which it is attached, and shall not be placed or project over any wall opening.

   No temporary sign shall be erected so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, nor shall any such sign be attached to any standpipe or fire escape.

      3.   Signs Attached To Walls: If a temporary sign is attached to a wall, it must be secured with wire or steel cables or approved supports. Strings, ropes, or wood slats for anchorage or support purposes are prohibited. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

An abandoned sign shall be promptly removed or dismantled no later than fourteen (14) days after it no longer serves a bona fide purpose. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

   A.   Illuminated Signs: The application for a permit for erection of a sign or other advertising structure, in which electrical wiring and connections are used, shall be submitted to the building department. The building department shall examine the plans and specifications, inspecting all wiring and connections, to determine if the same complies with the most recent edition of the national electric code, and shall approve the issuance of said permit if the said plans and specifications do comply with all applicable electrical provisions, and all other applicable provisions of this chapter and other village ordinances, or disapprove the application if noncompliance is found.

      1.   All illuminated signs within one hundred feet (100') of any residential zoning district shall be turned off between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. unless the establishment is engaged in the operation of business during such period, in which case the sign may be lit during the hours of operation only.

      2.   Illumination shall be installed or applied only through a translucent surface; or recessed into the sign structure; or if the light source is external to the sign, directed to and concentrated on the sign. Signs utilizing exposed neon tubing shall not be permitted.

      3.   Signs shall be shaded as necessary to avoid casting a bright light upon property located in any residential district or upon any public street or park.

      4.   Floodlights, gooseneck reflectors or other external sources of illumination shall be contained within a protective casing.

      5.   Illumination shall be constant in intensity and color, and shall not consist of flashing, animated, chasing, scintillating or other illumination conveying the sense of movement. Signs which exhibit only time and temperature are permitted, if they otherwise comply with this chapter.

   B.   Freestanding Signs:

      1.   Construction; Materials Required: All freestanding signs shall be approved by the building department as being in compliance with the building code and shall be constructed of incombustible or approved combustible materials.

      2.   Number Of Signs: Each zoning lot or parcel of land under one ownership or use may have not more than one freestanding sign, with a maximum of two (2) display surfaces, except that any zoning lot or parcel with a frontage of three hundred fifty feet (350') or more may have two (2) signs located not less than two hundred fifty feet (250') apart.

      If a zoning lot has frontage on more than one street, highway, or other public right of way, then said zoning lot will be allowed two (2) signs, one per frontage, no closer than one hundred feet (100') apart.

      3.   Location; Setback: The minimum setback for all freestanding signs, shall be fifteen feet (15') from the edge of pavement and all portions of the sign(s) must be located on private property. No freestanding sign shall be nearer than ten feet (10') to any sign, building, structure, side or rear property line.

      4.   Size; Height: The gross area and height of a freestanding sign shall be governed by the following factors:

         a.   Surface Area Calculation:

 

 

         b.   Height Limitations: The maximum height of a freestanding sign may not exceed ten feet (10') high as measured from the average crown of the street to which the sign is intended to face. Shopping center identification signs may extend to a maximum height of fifteen feet (15'). No freestanding sign shall interfere with sight lines. Where the property grade and street crown differ by three feet (3') or more, the height of the sign shall conform with the recommendations of the Zoning Administrator, consistent with the purpose of this Chapter.

   C.   Wall Signs: Wall signs may be permitted subject to the following provisions:

      1.   Wall signs may be of wood, metal, or plastic. In no case shall any side wall or rear wall sign be permitted to contain any form of illumination if said wall is adjacent to a residential district.

      2.   Illuminated wall signs shall consist of individually constructed letters mounted directly on the building face or on approved raceways.

      3.   Location/Limitation of Placement: No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached. Illuminated wall signs shall not be permitted to extend more than twelve inches (12") beyond the face or structure to which it is attached, and nonilluminated signs shall not be permitted to extend more than six inches (6") beyond the face or structure to which it is attached. Wall signs shall be attached to a height of not less than eight feet (8') above any sidewalk or fifteen feet (15') above any thoroughfare, and may not extend over said thoroughfare.

      4.   Front Wall Signs: Front wall signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:

         a.   Single Business Occupant Building: A sign shall be permitted on the front wall of a principal building. The total area of such sign or signs shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the area of the front face (including doors and windows) and a maximum width of eighty percent (80%) of the front width of the principal building, provided that the total area of such sign or signs, front and side signs combined, shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.

         b.   Multiple Business Occupant Building: Where a single principal building is devoted to two (2) or more business or commercial uses, the operator or each such use may install a front wall sign. The maximum area of each sign shall be determined by determining the proportionate share of the front face (including doors and windows) of the principal building occupied by each such use and applying such proportion to the total sign area permitted for the front wall of the building. Multi-business occupant office buildings shall be permitted one wall sign identifying the building or a single business occupant.

      5.   Side Wall Signs: Side wall signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:

         a.   The total area of such sign or signs shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the area of the front wall (including doors and windows) of the principal building.

         b.   The sign or signs must be located on a side wall facing a side yard of ten feet (10') or more in width on the same zoning lot, or a side wall facing a side street.

   D.   Directional Signs: Directional or instructional signs accessory to parking and driveway areas are permitted subject to the following regulations:

      1.   One sign may be erected to designate each entrance or exit from a parking or driveway area; each such sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area; such signs may be double-faced signs and placed no higher than four feet (4') above ground level.

      2.   One sign designating the conditions of use will be permitted for each parking or driveway area; such signs shall not exceed a maximum of three (3) square feet in area (including, if necessary, the name of the business for whose customers the parking or driveway area is maintained).

      3.   Lane markers, directional arrows, and other directional or instructional devices painted on the pavement or parking and driveway areas (including the traffic lanes thereof) shall be permitted without limitation; such markings to conform to the International Traffic Code.

      4.   Such directional and/or instructional signs shall be constructed in a manner to not exceed four feet (4') above average prevailing ground level.

      5.   Directional signs shall conform to wall sign requirements concerning absolute projection.

      6.   A nonilluminated business sign not to exceed four (4) square feet in area, for purposes of identifying each service entrance of a business establishment, may be erected on the service door or wall directly above the service door.

   A.   Purpose: It is the purpose of this Section to establish procedures and standards for the installation, erection, and maintenance of signs which are permitted by, and for which application is made by virtue of the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971. 1 The Village desires to establish procedures and standards consistent with the requirements of both the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971, as well as the interests of its citizenry, and to avoid excessive, incompatible, or confusing signage.

The Village has conducted "a sign survey to determine customary use in those areas where signs would be permitted under the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971.

   B.   Application: The provisions of Section 5-20-23 et seq., shall apply to all signs for which application is made by virtue of the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971, notwithstanding any other provisions of the Village Code which might otherwise prohibit said signs. It is the intent of this Section to permit signs, subject to the procedures and standards set forth herein, within areas in which signs would be permitted by the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971.

   C.   Procedure: In order to obtain a permit for a sign within any area in which a sign would be permitted by the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971, the following information and procedures shall apply:

      1.   The application shall be signed by the owner of record and the owner of the sign to be constructed. The application shall include those items set forth in Section 5-20-6.

      2.   A copy of the written lease, if any.

      3.   A detailed drawing and architectural rendering of the proposed sign (excluding sign face copy).

      4.   Site drawing depicting the exact location and distance of the proposed sign in relation to buildings, structures, and other existing signs within a distance of one hundred feet (100'), and all existing signs greater than one hundred (100) square feet in size, which are located within five hundred feet (500').

      5.   Sufficient plans to demonstrate the sign as constructed will be structurally safe.

      6.   A permit fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per square foot of signage. For the purposes of this Section, signage shall consist of all sides of the sign structure. For example, if the sign structure is double faced, the square footage for the purposes of fees assessed shall be computed by adding the square footage of each face.

      7.   Such other information as the Building Department may reasonably require to determine that the sign conforms to Village and other appropriate standards.

   D.   Standards: The following standards shall apply to the installation, erection, and maintenance of any signs applied for under the provisions of the highway advertising control act of 1971:

      1.   No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area.

      2.   No sign shall be located within one hundred feet (100') of the location of any other sign for which a permit has been issued or applied for. In addition, no sign one hundred (100) square feet or greater shall be located closer than five hundred feet (500') to any other sign one hundred (100) square feet or greater, nor to the location of any such other sign for which a permit has been issued or applied for.

      3.   Any sign illumination employed shall be directed upon the sign and shall not shine upon adjacent properties or buildings.

      4.   All other provisions of this chapter not in conflict with this section shall apply.

   E.   Permit Duration: An annual permit shall be required and sign permits shall expire on June 30 of each calendar year.

   F.   Annual Inspection: An annual inspection shall be required for each sign. A renewal permit shall be required for each successive year after the issuance of the original permit. There shall be a renewal and annual inspection fee of five dollars ($5.00) per square foot of sign area. The renewal fee shall be calculated in the same manner as the original permit fee as provided in subsection C6 of this section. Prior to the issuance of a renewal permit, the permittee shall furnish to the building department a statement certified by a structural engineer that the sign is structurally safe.

   G.   Permit Lapses: A sign permit shall be null and void if the sign is not installed within six (6) months of permit issuance. If a permittee fails to obtain a renewal permit within five (5) days of expiration of a sign permit, no such renewal permit shall be issued and an original permit shall be required prior to the continued operation and maintenance of said sign.

   H.   Conflict: In the event of a conflict between the terms of this section and those provisions contained in 225 Illinois Compiled Statutes 440/1 et seq., the more stringent provision shall prevail.

In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this section and other provisions of this code, the provisions of this section shall prevail. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be fined as set forth in section 1-4-1 of this code for each offense. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or upon which a violation continues or occurs. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990; amd. Ord. 95-O-707, 11-6-1995)

(Rep. by Ord. 02-O-852, 6-3-2002)

If any provision of this chapter is held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed to be excised herefrom, and the invalidity thereof shall not affect any of the other provisions contained in this chapter. (Ord. 90-O-552, 10-1-1990)