The purpose of this article is to establish standards for signage that will protect public health and safety; advance aesthetic and community character objectives; promote compatible business development and activity; and ensure the effective and flexible use of signage for commercial, community, and individual expression.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017)

A.

General requirements. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 520-101.H, no sign shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, or structurally altered without a sign permit.

(1)

A sign permit shall not be required for any change of copy on any sign, repainting, cleaning, repair, or other normal maintenance.

(2)

No new sign permit is required for signs that are in place as of the effective date of this chapter, and such signs may remain as legal nonconforming structures if legally established under applicable sign regulations at time of installation and are subject to section 520-110.

(3)

Any sign permit granted hereunder may not be assigned or transferred to any other sign.

(4)

The applicant may include all signs at one premises under one permit, if applied for at the same time.

B.

Application procedure. Each application for a sign permit shall be filed with the zoning administrator on a form provided by that office prior to sign installation or modification. Each complete application shall include the following:

(1)

The name and address of the permit applicant.

(2)

A site plan for the property showing, at a minimum, the location of the proposed sign; the location of all existing signs on the property; and all property lines and buildings on the property.

(3)

A diagram of the proposed sign, drawn to a recognized scale, and listing and depicting the type, height, width, total sign square footage, square footage of each sign component, method of attachment, structural support, method of illumination, and sign materials.

(4)

For wall-mounted signs, the lineal footage and square footage of the wall on which the sign is proposed.

(5)

A summary of existing signage on the property, including quantity, location, type, and area of all signs on the property both before and after the installation of the proposed sign.

(6)

Evidence that the structural design requirements of section 520-108 will be met.

(7)

Proof of payment of the sign permit fee, as established by the village board and stated in the village's fee schedule.

C.

Granting and issuance.

(1)

Upon the receipt of a complete application, in cases where the requested sign does not require an approval or recommendation from another body under this chapter, the zoning administrator shall review said application and shall, in writing, approve or deny a sign permit within ten working days of acceptance of the complete application.

(2)

Upon the receipt of a complete application, and in cases where the requested sign requires an approval or recommendation from another body under this chapter, such as a conditional use permit, the zoning administrator shall, within ten working days of the acceptance of the complete application, notify the applicant of such additional action and schedule the item on the appropriate meeting agenda(s). Following all necessary approvals, the zoning administrator shall then, in writing, approve or deny a sign permit based on the submitted application and such additional body's action within ten working days of action by the body with final approval authority.

(3)

Denial of a sign permit shall not result in total or partial reimbursement of permit fees paid.

D.

Basis for granting. In deciding whether or not to grant a sign permit, the zoning administrator shall determine whether the proposed sign is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and whether a conditional use permit or other required Village approval has or has not been granted for the sign.

E.

Enforcement and revocation.

(1)

Any sign permit may be revoked by the zoning administrator in the event that the applicant has failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter, the submitted sign permit application, or any conditions that may have accompanied the permit at the time of granting.

(2)

Any sign permit granted by the zoning administrator shall be null and void and automatically revoked in the event that construction, installation, or manufacture of the sign has not been commenced within 180 days from the date of the issuance of such permit.

(3)

The sign(s) subject to any revoked permits shall be removed by the licensee, sign owner, or property owner within ten working days of such revocation or shall be subject to enforcement under section 520-134.

F.

Appeals. Any person affected by a decision of the zoning administrator may petition for a hearing before the zoning board of appeals under the provisions of section 520-129.

G.

Removal of defective, dangerous, or abandoned signs.

(1)

If the zoning administrator determines that any sign is defective, dangerous, abandoned, in poor repair, or is otherwise in violation of this article, then the zoning administrator shall notify the sign permit holder or the owner of the property on which the sign is located that such violation must be corrected within ten working days of receipt of such notice on penalty of automatic revocation of any sign permit previously granted.

(2)

If the zoning administrator causes such notice to be sent and the violation is not corrected within ten working days, the zoning administrator shall revoke any sign permit for the defective or dangerous sign. Any failure to remove such sign shall be a violation of this chapter and shall be subject to enforcement under section 520-134.

(3)

Any sign illegally placed in a public right-of-way shall be subject to removal and confiscation without notice by the zoning administrator and without any payment or return of the sign.

H.

Signs allowed without permit. The following signs are permitted without the need for a sign permit, in cases where they are beneath any size limitations provided herein. Such signs shall not count as part of the maximum permitted sign area in the zoning district in which they are located per section 520-103 or 520-106 below, unless they are above any size limitations provided herein and therefore requiring a sign permit.

(1)

Active building board signs: per temporary sign requirements of section 520-107.

(2)

Addresses: address numerals and other sign information required to identify a location by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation.

(3)

Architectural elements: integral decorative or architectural elements of buildings or works of art, so long as there are no moving parts or moving lights.

(4)

Bulletin boards: bulletin boards, not exceeding 12 square feet in sign area and eight feet in height, for institutions located on the premises of said institutions.

(5)

Business nameplates: a single nonilluminated nameplate, not exceeding four square feet, mounted on the building face.

(6)

Commemorative signs: plaques, tablets, cornerstones, or lettering inlaid into the architectural materials of a building or structure.

(7)

Farm field signs: freestanding signs located in a farm field, provided that no such sign exceeds 12 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

(8)

Flags: flags, standards, emblems, and insignia of governmental, civic, philanthropic, religious, or educational organizations.

(9)

Yard signs: per the temporary sign requirements of section 520-107.

(10)

Historical markers: commemorative plaques, memorial tablets, or emblems of historical bodies, not exceeding two square feet, placed flat against a building, monument, or other permanent surface.

(11)

Holiday decorations: temporary displays of a primarily decorative nature.

(12)

Interior signs: signs that are located on the interior of a premises and that are primarily oriented to persons within that premises.

(13)

Menu board signs: one menu board sign for a drive-in or drive-through restaurant exclusive of any two-way microphone/speaker devices. Additional menu board signs require a sign permit.

(14)

On-premises parking area signs: per the on-premises parking area sign requirements of subsection 520-103.G.

(15)

Regulatory and government information signs: signs erected by or on behalf of a duly constituted governmental body and for regulatory and other basic government informational purposes, prescribed by law and placed by governmental entities.

(16)

Required signs: signs required by state or federal statute or regulation that do not exceed 110 percent of the minimum legal size requirements.

(17)

Temporary signs: per the temporary sign requirements of section 520-107. Written approval from the zoning administrator shall be required for certain temporary signs before their installation, per that section.

(18)

Window signs: per the associated requirements in subsection 520-103.E.

(19)

Murals on private property. As long as the mural meets the requirements set forth in subsection 520-103.I(3)(a).

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017; Ord. No. 21-03, 2-23-2021)

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

Advertising sign, off-premises. A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered on a premises other than the premises where the sign is displayed. Off-premises advertising signs include but are not limited to off-premises billboards but do not include community information signs described below.

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

Community information sign. A permanent, temporary, or seasonal sign, located on- or off-premises, that displays information of interest to the general community; serves as an identification, entrance, or wayfinding sign for the community.

Freestanding sign. A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards, or any other type of base on the ground. This type of sign includes arm/post signs, monument signs, and pylon signs.

Group development sign. An on-premises sign displaying the collective name of a group of uses (such as an industrial park or multitenant retail center) and/or the names and/or logos of the individual occupants of a group of uses. For purposes of a group development sign, the premises shall include all lots that are contiguous, either under unified single ownership and intended to remain so, or within a unified business park or group development.

Identification sign. An on-premises sign indicating the name and/or address of the subdivision, residential development, or institutional or other noncommercial use within a residential zoning district. For purposes of an identification sign, the premises shall include all lots that are contiguous, either under unified single ownership and intended to remain so, or within a unified business park or group development.

Mobile sign. A sign mounted on a frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated, including vehicles and/or trailers whose principal commercial use is for signage, including portable message board signs. Does not include any advertising vehicle signs. An "advertising vehicle sign" is a vehicle or truck trailer parked so as to be seen from a public right-of-way, which attached to or located on is any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity or event. Not considered advertising vehicle signs are mobile signs or business vehicles that contain typical business signage; are actively used for business purposes; and are parked in an approved parking space that either serves the advertised business or another property where actively receiving or providing goods or services.

Mural. A mural is any inscription, artwork, figure, urban wall art, marking or design that is marked, etched, scratched, drawn or painted directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces. Painted graphics that are murals, mosaics, or any type of graphic art that are painted or affixed on a wall or fence and do not contain advertising symbols, trademarks, or other references to the premises, products, or services that are provided on the premises where the graphics are located or any other premises, are not signs for the purposes of these regulations. When any graphic (public or private) is installed on other than a wall or fence or contains advertising symbols, trademarks, or other references to the premises, products, or services, such display shall be treated as its appropriate sign classification and must adhere to requirements detailed for that specific sign classification.

On-building sign. A type of sign permanently affixed to an outside wall of a building. This type of sign includes awning signs, marquee signs, projecting signs, and wall signs, but not window signs.

Parking area sign, on-premises. A sign that indicates only the name (or logo or symbol) of a specific business/department/use area/destination within a development or premises, and a directional arrow or symbol to that destination, or used to state parking restrictions and/or conditions. For purposes of an on-premises directional sign, the premises shall include all lots that are contiguous, either under unified single ownership and intended to remain so, or within a unified business park or group development.

Sandwich board/pedestal sign. A movable, on-premises sign placed by hand outside the building while the business is open; removed at the time the business closes each day; self-supporting and stable even on windy days because of its design; and meeting all applicable size, placement, and other requirements of subsection 520-103.F. Does not include "mobile signs" as described above.

Sign area. Consists of the total area that can enclose the area in which sign copy can be placed and all surrounding borders and frames. In the case of a sign with no border or frame, sign area shall encompass the complete message. Where a sign has two or more display faces, the total area of all of the display faces that can be viewed from any single vantage point shall be considered the sign area.

Sign height. Measured from the average ground level adjacent to the sign to the top of the sign. The average ground level is defined as the average elevation of the ground upon which the building or sign supports are placed, except when the sign supports rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding ground. In such cases, the average elevation of the base of such berm or other area shall be considered as the ground level.

Sign setback. The shortest distance between the vertical plane extending from the property line (or other specified basis for the setback point) to the nearest structural element of the sign, whether said sign element is attached to the ground or suspended above the ground.

Sign, abandoned. A business sign that is no longer being used in connection with an ongoing business on the lot; a sign that is no longer being used because the business is discontinued; and/or a sign that has not been maintained in a manner that renders it legible.

Signable wall. An exterior front wall, street side wall, or interior or rear side wall with a customer building entrance facing a customer parking lot. No individual wall shall count as more than one signable wall for purposes of determining the allowable number and area of signs under this article.

Temporary sign. A sign or advertising display (including festoons, pennants, banners, flags, and similar devices) intended to be displayed for a certain limited period of time. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be considered temporary but instead shall be considered permanent.

Variable message sign (VMS). A sign that displays words, lines, logos, graphic images, or symbols that can automatically or by computer program change to provide different information, including computer signs, electronic reader boards with changeable letters, LCD and other video display signs, and time and temperature signs.

Window sign. A type of sign mounted on or within an exterior window with a primary intent to advertise a business or product within the premises.

Yard sign. A two-sided plastic sign supported on a wire frame. Per the temporary sign requirements of section 520-107.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017; Ord. No. 21-03, 2-23-2021)

A.

Sign prohibitions and limitations.

(1)

No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color, or design, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any traffic sign, signal, or device.

(2)

No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, fire lane, or fire escape, and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

(3)

No sign shall be erected that violates the visibility and clearance requirements of subsection 520-87.K.

(4)

No inflatable, fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs, pennants, feather flags, feather banners, or other moving decorations shall be permitted.

(5)

No sign other than a regulatory or government information sign shall be permitted within or extend into a public right-of-way, except where otherwise specifically allowed in this article.

(6)

No on-building sign shall cover windows, doorways, or other architectural elements.

(7)

No sign shall be mounted or displayed on, or extend above the top edge of, a roof or extend above the topmost edge of an exterior wall or parapet.

(8)

No advertising vehicle signs, as defined in section 520-102, shall be permitted within or extend into a public right-of-way.

B.

Sign location requirements.

(1)

Minimum setback. Except for signs that are allowed in the public right-of-way, and as otherwise indicated in this article, the minimum permitted setback for all signs shall be three feet from the property line.

(2)

Minimum ground clearance. All pylon signs, projecting, marquee, and awning signs shall have a minimum clearance from grade of eight feet to the bottom of the sign and shall not project into any vehicle circulation area, beyond a public street curbline or beyond any public street pavement edge if no curb is present.

(3)

Minimum spacing between freestanding signs. No permanent freestanding signs shall be placed any closer than 100 feet from another permanent freestanding sign, except where lot sizes, lot frontages, or other condition beyond the reasonable control of the applicant prevent such spacing in the determination of the zoning administrator.

C.

Community information signs.

(1)

May be located on public property or rights-of-way if approved by the zoning administrator.

(2)

May have changeable copy.

(3)

Shall conform to the visibility requirements of this article and of subsection 520-87.K.

(4)

Shall not be counted as adding to the area of signage on the property on which it is placed for the purposes of regulating sign area.

(5)

Shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area per destination, up to a maximum of 32 square feet if two or more businesses or other destinations are included on the same sign or if the sign is placed in public parkland (such as on an outfield fence).

(6)

Shall not exceed ten feet in height, except where the sign is installed by a unit of government.

(7)

May be subject to restrictions on lighting, color, duration of placement (e.g., seasonal limitations) as part of sign permit approval.

D.

Variable message signs (VMS).

(1)

Allowable districts and land uses. No VMS shall be allowed within any agricultural, rural, open space, or residential district, or for any residential use regardless of district.

(2)

Length of cycle. Messages and nontext images shall not change appearance more than once every ten seconds, and transitions between messages shall be via instantaneous change. Use of variable message signs for images, text, or lighting that change appearance in a manner not permitted above shall be considered prohibited flashing or animated signs. No scrolling messages are permitted.

(3)

Brightness adjustment. All VMS shall be equipped with photosensitive equipment that automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination. Light output shall not exceed that allowed under section 520-90.

(4)

Dimensions. The illuminated or message display area of the VMS is subject to the same height and area requirements as other on-premises business signs in the zoning district. All variable message signs shall be included in the calculation of total permitted sign area for the type of on-premises business sign and the zoning district in which the sign is located.

(5)

Maintenance. Each VMS shall be maintained so as to be able to display messages in a complete and legible manner.

E.

Window signs.

(1)

Installation. Window signs shall be confined within the transparent area of the window and shall not encroach upon the frame, mullions, or other supporting features of the glass. All permanent window signs that have their lettering or graphic elements directly on the surface of the glass shall be painted, metal-leafed, vinyl-transferred, or in some other manner permanently applied to the exterior building window or door.

(2)

Area and quantity. Window signage shall be allowed without restriction on quantity or coverage, provided that they do not interfere with other state and federal code requirements or public health, safety, or welfare.

F.

Sandwich board/pedestal signs.

(1)

There shall be a maximum of two sandwich board/pedestal signs per business. Additional signs may be permitted with site plan approval.

(2)

Height shall not exceed six feet (as measured when such sign is properly placed directly on the ground or sidewalk surface), width shall not exceed three feet, and sign area shall not exceed six square feet per side.

(3)

All sandwich board/pedestal signs shall be designed to be self-supporting and in such a manner to withstand the elements, including the ability to remain upright on windy days.

(4)

Sign setback shall be the shortest distance between the vertical plane extending from the property line (or other specified basis for the setback point) to the nearest structural element of the sign, whether said sign element is attached to the ground or suspended above the ground. Placement of all sandwich board/pedestal signs shall meet all vision clearance requirements in the subsection 520-87.K and shall otherwise not impede traffic visibility in the determination of the zoning administrator.

(5)

All sandwich board/pedestal signs must be kept in good condition, as determined by the zoning administrator and per the maintenance requirements of section 520-109.

(6)

Sandwich board/pedestal signs shall not count against the maximum area or number of business signs allowed per section 520-106.

G.

On-premises parking area signs.

(1)

Shall be limited to one sign for each vehicular entrance/exit to a public street and one parking sign for each parking area.

(2)

Shall not exceed 12 square feet each, and shall be set back from all property lines at least three feet.

H.

Off-premises advertising signs.

(1)

Such signs:

(a)

Shall only include directions to the business or activity location and the minimum amount of information to properly identify the business or activity.

(b)

Shall not exceed 16 square feet in total sign area per business, up to 32 square feet if two or more businesses are included on the same sign.

(c)

Shall not exceed ten feet in height, except where attached to a building.

(d)

Not more than one such sign allowed per business.

(e)

Shall be spaced at least 100 feet from any other freestanding sign requiring a sign permit under this article.

(f)

Shall not be counted as adding to the area of signage on the property on which it is placed for the purposes of regulating on-premises sign area.

(g)

Shall not be located within any residential or RR zoning district.

(h)

May not be located on public property or within public rights-of-way, except with the prior approval of the zoning administrator.

(2)

No other off-premises advertising sign (including billboards), or structure supporting such sign, shall be permitted to be installed or expanded in area or number of signs after the effective date of this chapter, unless approved by the unanimous consent of the village board. As of that date, the village had 29 billboards along Interstate 39, which is the only location in the village where this form of off-premises advertising is suitable. There is a lack of further suitable sites for billboards and other off-premises advertising signs that do not meet the above limitations in subsection H(1)(a) through (h) without unduly affecting traffic safety, property values, community aesthetics, and quality of life. The limitations in this subsection do not prohibit on-premises business signs allowed in section 520-105 for constitutionally protected free speech, provided that all messages are in accordance with the time, place, and manner requirements of this article and other provisions of this chapter, other chapters of the Village of Kronenwetter Municipal Code, and other applicable laws. Off-premises advertising signs legally installed before the effective date of this chapter but made nonconforming by this article shall be permitted to continue as legal, nonconforming structures, subject to the requirements of section 520-114.

I.

Murals on public property.

(1)

Mural permit.

(a)

No mural shall be installed on public property unless a mural permit has been issued by the village board.

(b)

Zoning administrator review and recommendation. The zoning administrator shall determine whether the application is complete and fulfills the requirements of this chapter. The zoning administrator shall forward a copy of the complete application and evaluation to the plan commission.

(c)

Plan commission review and recommendation. The plan commission shall review the proposed mural and make a recommendation to the village board that the application be granted as requested, modified, or denied.

(d)

The village board may approve or deny the request.

(2)

Application requirements. Permit application shall contain, but not limited to, the following information:

(a)

Map showing the location of the proposed mural.

(b)

A scale drawing and color photo of the proposed media (canvas) showing the proposed size and placement of the mural.

(c)

Example artwork from the artist.

(d)

A colored drawing of the proposed mural.

(e)

A description of the proposed maintenance schedule that include the time frame for the life of the mural and the method for removal, if applicable. An agreement to uphold the submitted maintenance schedule will be required. Maintenance and repairs will be at the expense of the artist and/or commissioner.

(3)

Design standards.

(a)

The proposed mural will not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

(b)

The proposed mural is well integrated with the media's design and other elements of the property and enhances the architecture or aesthetics of a building, wall or other media.

(c)

The media (canvas) for such graphic shall be inspected by the village and must be determined to be in good repair. If the selected media (fence or wall) is determined to not be in good repair, repairs shall be required in order for the submission to be approved.

(d)

The mural will not have detrimental effect on the structural integrity of the wall on which it is applied/affixed.

(e)

The proposed mural is culturally and historically appropriate and does not contain any political or vulgar messaging.

(f)

The graphic shall be produced using high-quality paint to ensure longevity of the graphic.

(g)

Avoid bright colors such as DayGlo™, neon, and metallic colors.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017; Ord. No. 21-03, 2-23-2021)

In all residential and RR zoning districts, signage shall be permitted per the following and all other applicable requirements of this article:

A.

Signs allowed without a permit: Per subsection 520-101.H, except as limited by that section.

B.

Identification sign.

(1)

Maximum permitted number per lot: One sign or as otherwise specified on an approved site plan.

(2)

Maximum permitted area per sign: 32 square feet or as otherwise specified on an approved site plan.

(3)

For multifamily developments that have two or more buildings and at least 16 total dwelling units:

(a)

Permitted sign types: Freestanding sign.

(b)

Maximum permitted number per lot: One sign.

(c)

Maximum permitted area per sign: 40 square feet.

(d)

Maximum permitted height per sign: Eight feet.

C.

Freestanding sign.

(1)

Maximum permitted number per lot: One sign.

(2)

Maximum permitted area per sign: Six square feet.

(3)

Maximum permitted height of sign: Six feet.

D.

Community information sign: Shall comply with the provisions of subsection 520-103.C.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017; Ord. No. 18-03, 3-27-2018)

Regardless of zoning district, signage for all principal residential land uses within nonresidential zoning districts shall comply with provisions of section 520-104 and all other applicable provisions of this article.

Except for residential uses within nonresidential zoning districts (instead see section 520-105), signage within nonresidential, agricultural, and PR zoning districts shall be permitted per the following and all other applicable provisions of this article:

A.

Signs allowed without a permit: Per subsection 520-101.H, except as limited by that section.

B.

On-premises parking area signs: Allowed per the requirements of section 520-103G. Within nonresidential developments in which two or more separate establishments, agencies, and/or use areas occupy different buildings or occupy the same building but are accessed from different driveways, parking areas, and/or sides of a building, on-premises signage may be combined on a monument sign in accordance with subsection B(1) through (4) below.

(1)

Maximum permitted number per lot: One, or as otherwise specified on an approved site plan.

(2)

Maximum permitted area per sign: 20 square feet per establishment, agency, or entrance. Area allowance shall not be combined and allotted in a manner that allows the directional sign for a specific destination to exceed five square feet in area. Maximum total area per freestanding group directional sign shall be 100 square feet.

(3)

Maximum height: 20 feet.

(4)

Minimum setback from all property lines: Three feet.

C.

Sandwich board/pedestal signs: Per the requirements of subsection 520-103.F.

D.

Community information signs: Per the provisions of subsection 520-103.C.

E.

On-premises business signs: Per figure 520-106. For buildings with multiple tenants, the building owner(s) shall be responsible for assignment of allowable sign area to individual businesses within the building. On-premises business signs shall not exceed the maximum dimensions and number of signs per figure 520-106 below, except by the granting of a conditional use permit.

F.

Freestanding group development signs.

(1)

Except within 660 feet of any interstate or state highway right-of-way, freestanding group development signs shall be allowed only in lieu of and not in addition to freestanding signs for individual establishments allowed under subsection E above, and any existing or subsequent freestanding sign shall count against the maximum number of freestanding group development signs allowed for the property or site.

(2)

Maximum permitted area per sign: 50 square feet per individual business or establishment on the group development site, to a maximum area of 300 square feet per freestanding group development sign regardless of the number of business establishments located within the development (400 square feet if located within 660 feet of the interstate or state highway right-of-way). The property owner(s) shall be responsible for apportionment of allowable freestanding business sign area to individual businesses or establishments within the group development.

(3)

Maximum permitted number per group development: one per group development of five acres or less; two per each larger group development.

(4)

Maximum permitted sign height: 50 feet for each sign located within 660 feet of the interstate or state highway right-of-way, 25 feet in other locations.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017)

The following are allowable temporary sign types and unique requirements for each type:

A.

Freestanding signs. Within each residential and rural and open space zoning district, only one on-premises temporary freestanding sign is permitted. Such signs shall not be located in the public right-of-way, shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and six feet in height in residential, rural and open space zoning districts, and 64 square feet in area and 12 feet in height in all other districts.

B.

Active building board signs. Such signs shall be erected no sooner than the beginning of work for which a valid building or demolition permit has been issued and shall be removed within 30 days of completion of such work. Such signs shall not exceed 64 square feet in area and 12 feet in height.

C.

Temporary banners. Such signs shall not be greater than eight feet in height if ground-mounted, nor extending above the roofline if building mounted. Except as may be allowed below or by site plan approval under section 520-124, no single use is permitted to display more than one temporary banner at a single time, and no single lot is permitted to display more than two temporary banners at a single time. No temporary banner shall be placed on a lot for greater than 30 consecutive days, up to five times per calendar year. Written approval from the zoning administrator shall be required for a temporary sign serving this purpose.

D.

Temporary individual residential yard signs. Not larger than six square feet each. Such signs shall not be erected for more than 45 days.

E.

Over-street banners. Banners displayed over a public street, alley, or highway, when approved by the zoning administrator. Such signs shall not be erected more than 60 days. A sign permit shall be required for a temporary sign serving this purpose. The zoning administrator may also require the sponsoring person, firm, organization, or corporation to provide a certificate of liability insurance with the village named as an additional insured.

F.

Temporary window signs. Signs temporarily affixed to the inside of a window on premises shall be allowed without restriction on quantity or coverage, provided that they do not interfere with other state and federal code requirements or public, health, safety, or welfare.

G.

Temporary active plat board signs. Signs in connection with the marketing of lots or subdivision, provided that they do not exceed 32 square feet in area or one sign per public entrance. Written approval from the zoning administrator shall be required for a temporary sign serving this purpose. Such approval shall be granted for a period of not more than one year and, upon written application at least 30 days prior to its expiration, may be renewed for an additional period not to exceed one year.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017)

A.

All signs shall be constructed and mounted so as to comply with state building codes;

B.

No sign or any part thereof, anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or standpipe.

C.

All temporary signs shall be anchored and supported in a manner that reasonably prevents the possibility of the signs becoming hazards to public health and safety.

D.

No sign or any part thereof, anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be attached, erected, or maintained that may cover or obstruct any door, doorway, or window of any building that may hinder or prevent ingress or egress through such door, doorway, or window or that may hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against such building in the event of fire.

E.

No signs shall, in any instance, create a traffic visibility or other safety hazard. No sign shall be erected so that it impedes visibility for safe pedestrian and/or vehicular circulation.

F.

No sign not designed and constructed to withstand winds during typical Wisconsin storm events shall be erected at any location.

G.

All freestanding signs erected in any location shall be designed and constructed with footings for support of such sign that extend not less than 42 inches below the existing ground level. The base or support(s) shall be securely anchored to a concrete base or footing, except for signs legally installed in public rights-of-way. The footing and related supporting structure of each freestanding sign, including bolts, flanges, and brackets, shall be concealed by the sign exterior or shall be surrounded by landscaping.

H.

All signs attached to buildings and that are permitted to project away from the building wall shall be designed and constructed such that the attachment to such wall does not extend above a point of bearing with the roof rafters.

I.

All illuminated signs erected at any location shall be designed and constructed to meet the following requirements:

(1)

Shall be constructed and maintained to conform with state electrical codes and shall bear UL labels.

(2)

Unless an illuminated sign bears the label of approval of a recognized testing laboratory, all illuminated signs shall be inspected and approved by the electrical inspector on the site prior to the erection of the sign.

(3)

All illuminated signs shall be equipped with a watertight safety switch, located where electric current enters the sign. All parts covering service openings to the electrical supply shall be securely fastened.

(4)

No illuminated sign shall be connected to an electric power source except by an electrical contractor, unless the only connection to the electric power source is through a grounded three-prong heavy-duty plug.

(5)

All freestanding illuminated signs shall be supplied power only by underground wiring or internal batteries.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017)

A.

All signs and structures appurtenant thereto shall be maintained in a neat and proper state of appearance.

B.

Proper maintenance shall be the absence of loose materials (including peeling paint, paper, or other material); the lack of excessive rust; the lack of excessive vibration or shaking; and the presence of the original structural integrity of the sign, its frame and other supports, its mounting, and all components thereof.

C.

The repainting, changing of parts, and preventive maintenance of signs that completely conform to the requirements of this article, and result in absolutely no change in the appearance of the sign from that originally approved, shall not be deemed alterations requiring a sign permit.

D.

A sign that is improperly maintained, is abandoned, is unsafe, or otherwise exists in violation of this chapter, shall be removed by the sign permit holder or the owner of the property on which the sign is located within three months from the date of disrepair, abandonment, or unsafe condition unless the sign permit holder or owner receives actual notice from the zoning administrator of the problem.

E.

If the business or other destination to which a sign relates ceases operation, the property owner shall be responsible for removing the sign or sign face related to such business within 30 days of the cessation of operations, or sooner if the zoning administrator determines that the signs do not meet the maintenance requirements of section 520-109.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017)

A.

Generally. Any signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this article may be continued although the use, size, or location does not conform to the provisions of this article. However, such sign shall be deemed a nonconforming structure, and the provisions of section 520-114 shall apply.

B.

Maintenance and alteration of nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs may be maintained. No nonconforming on-premises sign shall be altered, extended, enlarged, converted, or moved to a new location without being brought into compliance with the requirements of this article, except that sign face copy or materials may be repaired or replaced, provided that sign area is not increased or reconfigured. Alteration of a sign is considered to be any other change to the exterior appearance of any part of the sign, frame, supporting structure, lighting type or intensity, material, height, location, or any other alterations as determined by the zoning administrator.

C.

Removal of nonconforming signs. All nonconforming signs found not to be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be removed within ten days of receiving written notice of noncompliance and removal from the zoning administrator, except as otherwise provided for in subsection 520-101.F.

D.

Change of user of nonconforming signs. Whenever there is a change in the user of a nonconforming sign (excluding off-premises signs), sign owner, or owner of the property on which the sign is located, the new sign user, sign owner, or new property owner shall forthwith notify the zoning administrator of the change. No new sign permit is required unless there is modification of the sign face or sign structure. The sign will continue to be considered a legal, nonconforming structure.

(Ord. No. 16-07, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-05, 4-11-2017)