A.   Title: This chapter is entitled the VILLAGE OF LAKE BARRINGTON SIGN REGULATIONS and may be referred to as the sign regulations.

   B.   Purpose: The purposes of these sign regulations are:

      1.   To regulate signs that may, by reason of their size, location, construction or manner of display, endanger the public safety of individuals.

      2.   To regulate signs that may confuse, mislead or obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety.

      3.   To regulate signs that may endanger public health, safety, morals and/or property values.

      4.   To maintain the character of each district as set forth in this title.

      5.   To encourage and promote businesses and way finding.

      6.   To identify the types of signs which may or may not require obtaining a permit from the Village prior to installation thereof.

   C.   General Guidelines:

      1.   Signs should be integrated into their surroundings.

      2.   Signs should be designed to reflect the architectural character of the building or topography and palette of the property.

      3.   The following are further guidelines to encourage signs that are visually attractive:

         a.   Avoid Clutter: Uncluttered signs are more legible.

         b.   Size: Ensure the sign relates to the building or lot in size.

         c.   Typefaces: Clear, easy to read type is preferable to intricate lettering.

         d.   Color: Limit colors to a maximum of two (2) or three (3) complementary tones. Use contrast for lettering and logos to increase readability.

         e.   Neighborliness: Do not allow signage to obstruct the skyline.

   D.   General Standards:

      1.   Construction Of This Chapter: These sign regulations shall be construed to the greatest extent possible consistent with the United States Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, and other applicable State and Federal laws.

      2.   Compliance With Code: Signs shall be classified and permitted in accordance with the regulations set forth in this chapter and only those signs specifically permitted by the text of this chapter shall be permitted. The classification of signs shall be in accordance with the various use districts designated now or hereafter established in this title and shall be subject to further restrictions by all application provisions of this Code.

      3.   Signs Permitted By Zoning District: Traffic control signs, including digital and/or electronic signs for this purpose, and Municipal way finding signs, directional signs, traffic signals and/or devices, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger signs, temporary emergency and event signs, public utility signs, and other similar signs are permitted in every zoning district.

         a.   Residential Districts: Only temporary signs, signs located on property owned and maintained by a residential condominium association or by a homeowners' association, or exempt signs are allowed in R-5, R-2 and R-1 Residential Districts.

         b.   Business, Manufacturing And Office Districts: Signs are a permitted use in the B Business District, M Manufacturing and O Office District.

         c.   Conservation District: Only temporary and ground/monument signs are allowed in a C Conservation District.

      4.   Signs Prohibited In Any Public Right-Of-Way: No signs, other than Municipal signs, shall be permitted on any public property or within any public right-of-way.

      5.   Traffic Control Signs: Traffic control signs, traffic signals, and/or safety warnings, whether within a public right-of-way, on private property owned by a residential condominium association or homeowners' association, or on private property owned by a commercial development, are exempt from these sign regulations.

      6.   Relationship To Site: All sign(s) located on private property must relate in some manner to the use(s), occupant(s), and/or activity(ies) which are occupying, are located on and/or are occurring on the private property on which the sign(s) are located.

      7.   Abandoned Signs: Any sign which identifies a use, occupancy, and/or activity no longer being conducted or a product no longer being sold shall be removed by the owner of the property or the person having occupancy of and/or control over the property upon which such sign is located, within thirty (30) calendar days after written notification from the Enforcement Officer, subject to the following:

         a.   Conforming Sign: If a structure is vacant for a period of thirty (30) calendar days or longer, any conforming sign(s) related to its use shall be removed.

         b.   Nonconforming Sign: If a structure is vacant for a period of thirty (30) calendar days or longer, any nonconforming sign(s) related to its use shall be removed.

      8.   Removal Of Illegal Nonconforming Signs: Any sign that is in violation of these sign regulations and is erected after the effective date hereof is hereby classified as "illegal and nonconforming". Whenever the Enforcement Officer determines that an illegal and nonconforming sign exists, he or she shall notify the person displaying such sign by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Such person shall, within ten (10) calendar days, either remove the sign or initiate such action as is necessary to cause the sign to comply with these sign regulations, including applying for any required permit. The running of such ten (10) calendar day period shall be suspended during the time any application for a permit, or any appeal from the notice, or any application for a variation is pending.

      9.   Maintenance; Damage To Nonconforming Signs: Normal maintenance of signs, including necessary non-structural and non-electrical repairs and incidental alterations which do not extend or intensify the nonconforming features of the sign, is permitted during any amortization period or the period in which permit applications are pending. However, no structural alterations, enlargement or extensions nor any electrical modifications shall be made to a sign unless the alteration will result in eliminating the nonconforming features of the sign. If a sign is damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value or fifty percent (50%) of its surface area, the sign may not be rebuilt or used thereafter unless it conforms to all of the provisions of these sign regulations.

      10.   Unsafe And Unlawful Signs: If the Enforcement Officer finds that any sign is unsafe or unsecure, or constitutes a danger to the public, or has been constructed or erected, or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter or other provisions of the zoning regulations or this Code, he or she shall give written notice to the owner of the premises. If the owner fails to make corrections or fails to remove or alter the sign within thirty (30) calendar days after said notice, the sign may be removed by the Enforcement Officer at the expense of the owner of the property upon which such sign is located. However, the Enforcement Officer may cause any sign that is an immediate and imminent peril to persons or property to be removed summarily with or without notice. Any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner of the property on which the sign is located.

      11.   Signs Not To Constitute Traffic Hazard Or Cause Glare: No sign, whether exempt or non-exempt, whether temporary or permanent, and whether conforming or nonconforming with respect to this chapter, shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or as to distract the attention of the driver of any vehicle, bicyclist, and/or pedestrian by reason of the position, shape or other characteristics thereof.

         a.   No sign 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, or in such a manner as to cause glare on any public area or on any residential property.

         b.   No sign shall make use of the words "Stop", "Go", "Look", "Slow", "Danger", or any other similar word, phrase, symbol, or character; and no sign shall employ any red, yellow, orange, green or other colored lamp or light in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

         c.   No sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to interfere with safe sight lines of drivers, bicyclists, and/or pedestrians using any public right-of-way or using any other public property.

      12.   Change Of Use Or Name Of Occupant To Nonconforming Signs: No nonconforming sign shall be changed to another nonconforming sign except that the letters, words, and/or symbols of a nonconforming sign may be changed by replacing nonstructural components on which the letters, words, and/or symbols are displayed, such as a panel or insert, which panel or insert must comply with all current regulations. No part of a nonconforming sign's supporting structure, electrical, or lighting equipment shall be replaced or modified so as to extend the life of the sign.

      13.   Location: Signs shall be located only on the property of the owner of the sign or on other property where the owner of the property has consented to display of such sign.

      14.   Lighting Standards:

         a.   In residential zoning districts, signs may be illuminated only by indirect lighting, or backlighting, which lighting shall, in any event, not exceed fifty (50) foot candles when measured with a standard light meter held parallel to the face of the sign at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign face. In other zoning districts, internal illumination of signs shall be permitted.

         b.   All lighting of any sign shall concentrate the illumination upon the display surface of the sign to prevent glare onto any street or adjacent property, and shields and/or reflectors shall be used where necessary for this purpose.

         c.   Freestanding signs which are illuminated shall receive their electrical supply from an electrical source that is underground, and overhead electrical lines to such signs are prohibited.

         d.   After completion of installation and before the sign is illuminated for regular use, the sign shall be inspected by the Village and approved in writing to determine whether such sign complies with these sign regulations and with the approved permit, plans and specifications therefor, and to confirm that the direction of the lighting does not: 1) interfere with the vision of drivers on any nearby road, street or highway, or 2) cause any excess illumination on any property used for residential purposes. (Ord. 2018-O-1, 1-2-2018)

See section 8-2-2 of this title for definitions related to this chapter. (Ord. 2018-O-1, 1-2-2018)

   A.   Permanent Or Temporary Sign Permit Required: Except as exempted by section 8-9-4 of this chapter:

      1.   Permanent Sign: No person shall erect, construct, alter, repair, change, maintain and/or relocate any permanent sign without first obtaining a building permit from the Village for the work, provided, however, no permit shall be required for changing the letters, words, and/or symbols on any sign which includes a changeable copy panel or for the repainting of an existing sign.

      2.   Temporary Sign Requiring A Permit: No person shall erect, construct, alter, repair, change, maintain and/or relocate any temporary sign requiring a permit without first obtaining a temporary sign permit from the Village.

   B.   Permit Fees: Every applicant, before being granted a permit under this chapter, shall pay to the Village the applicable fee or fees set forth in this Code.

   C.   Variations, Special Use Permits, And Appeals:

      1.   Variations And Special Use Permits: Requests for variations from this chapter and/or special use permits which may be granted pursuant to this chapter shall first be the subject of a public hearing before the Plan Commission, after which the Plan Commission shall make and forward a report and, if possible, a recommendation for approval or disapproval, to the Village President and Board of Trustees. If the Board of Trustees decides to approve any such request for variation(s) and/or for a special use permit(s), such approval(s) must be granted by ordinance.

      2.   Appeals: Appeals relative to the interpretation of the language of this chapter shall be heard by the President and Board of Trustees. (Ord. 2018-O-1, 1-2-2018)

The following signs are exempt from the permit and fee requirements of this chapter ("exempt signs"), provided that they comply with all other applicable requirements of this chapter:

   A.   Municipal Signs: Municipal signs as defined in section 8-9-2 of this chapter.

   B.   Certain Small Signs Located On Private Property:

      1.   Size And Quantity Limited: Any permanent or temporary sign located on private property with the consent of the owner of the property, which sign does not exceed Six (6) square feet in display surface area shall be exempt from this chapter, provided, however, not in excess of three (3) such signs shall be erected or maintained on any one zoning lot or parcel and shall not be included in the other surface area limitations of this Chapter.

 

 

   E.   Materials And Design: The following types of on-site temporary signage as listed and depicted below shall be permitted pursuant to this section. All other types of signs, including, but not limited to, string flags, foam core, wheeled and trailered signs, and paper signs shall be prohibited unless expressly permitted by separate Village ordinance.

      1.   Stand-alone fabric banners and flags, similar to those depicted below, are permitted.

   FABRIC BANNERS AND FLAGS

      2.   Aluminum and other metal signs, similar to those depicted below, are permitted.

   METAL SIGNS

      3.   Wood, metal, heavy duty sandwich and announcement boards, similar to those depicted below, are permitted.

   SANDWICH BOARDS

   

The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts within the Village:

   A.   Roof signs, with the exception of certain areas of mansard roofs (see subsection 8-9-7D, "Wall Signs", of this chapter);

   B.   Billboards and/or off-site signage, temporary or permanent, unless otherwise expressly permitted by these sign regulations; and/or

   C.   Vehicle signs;

   D.   Tethered airborne signs and balloons;

   E.   Beacons;

   F.   Inflatables;

   G.   Signs on trailers and other portable signs. (Ord. 2018-O-1, 1-2-2018)

   A.   Master Sign Plans:

      1.   Purpose: The Master Sign Plan is a device employed to ensure an appropriate balance between architecture, signage and neighborhood aesthetics. As projects grow in size, opportunities increase for effective signage other than as specified in this chapter and other applicable ordinances of the Village. Larger setbacks and multi-tenant conditions offer opportunities for better regulation of the number, size, proportion and balance of signs. A Master Sign Plan, if approved by the Board of Trustees, shall be approved in the same manner as other variation(s) and/or special use permit(s) as provided in subsection 8-9-3C1 of this chapter.

      2.   Uses Requiring Master Sign Plans: Master Sign Plans are required for the following uses:

         a.   Uses occupying a building which is larger than five thousand (5,000) square feet in ground floor area.

         b.   Any nonresidential development on sites of five (5) acres or larger.

         c.   Any nonresidential development with four (4) or more nonresidential occupants.

      3.   Design Guidelines:

         a.   Implementation will provide signage compatible with the surrounding development.

         b.   Implementation will provide signage consistent with the architecture and site plan characteristics of the proposed development.

         c.   Signs should be consistent with one another in terms of color, materials, font, and overall design. A thematic approach is expected.

         d.   Implementation of the Master Sign Plan should result in a substantial reduction in the number and area of freestanding signs associated with the project.

      4.   Other Signs: Other signs which are required to be included in Master Sign Plans are as follows:

         a.   Wall and ground signs, way finding and directional signs.

         b.   Other signs not specified in this chapter.

   B.   Ground And Monument Signs:

      1.   Sign Construction: All ground and monument signs shall have a surface or facing of incombustible or approved combustible material; provided, however, that combustible structural trim may be used. All letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure and shall comply with all requirements of this chapter.

      2.   Bracing, Anchorage, Supports: All ground and monument signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected upon posts and standards sunk at least four feet (4') below the natural surface of the ground. When deemed necessary for the protection of the traveling public or to otherwise render a sign safe, the Enforcement Officer may require the submission of a certification of safety from a registered structural engineer or architect. All posts, anchors and bracing of wood shall be treated to protect them from moisture by creosoting or other approved methods when they rest upon or enter the ground.

      3.   Height: Such a permanent sign shall not exceed twelve feet (12') in height above the centerline datum elevation of the street the sign faces, except as provided in subsection C2 of this section.

      4.   Location:

         a.   Electric Power: No permanent ground or monument sign shall be located within an eight foot (8') radius of any electric power line, service drops or line conductors or in any location where the Enforcement Officer finds a reasonable danger that an electric power line would come in contact with such sign.

 

 

When two (2) ground or monument signs are permitted on one lot or parcel, the maximum surface area of each sign shall be as set forth in the foregoing table.

In case of a corner lot or a multiple frontage lot, one street (but not both) may be designated for the purpose of frontage measurement, providing the sign faces or will face the street so designated for frontage purposes.

      6.   Premises To Be Kept Clean; Responsibility For Maintenance Of Permanent Sign(s): The premises upon which any ground and monument signs are located and the premises surrounding the same shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and free of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds, and free of any other offensive condition. It shall be the joint and several responsibility of the owner(s) of a permanent sign and the owner(s) of the property upon which any such sign is located to maintain in good condition said permanent sign and the associated lighting, if any.

   C.   Permanent Signs Located On Property Owned By And/Or Maintained By A Residential Condominium Association Or By A Homeowners' Association:

   E.   Allowances: To incentivize quality design and materials, the following allowances shall apply to the sign types designed below if it is determined by the Enforcement Officer that all applicable bonus requirements have been met as set forth below:

 

 

 

 

   F.   Window Signs: Window signs, whether temporary or permanent, shall not occupy a total of more than twenty five percent (25%) of any surface of any exterior window or any exterior door or any surface of the glass portion of any exterior door or any glass surface.

   G.   Special Use Required For Digital Signs, Digital Displays, And Moving And Spinning Signs:

      1.   Such signs shall not be allowed in any residential zoning district and shall be allowed only when authorized pursuant to a special use permit and shall be subject to the following regulations without any limitation on additional regulations and restrictions as may be provided in the special use ordinance, which may include specific limits on the hours of operation of any such sign or display.

      2.   Each message shall be displayed at least ten (10) seconds before the next message is displayed.

      3.   There shall be a time delay of no less than two (2) seconds between complete messages and there shall be no time delay between frames of a single message.

      4.   Scrolling of messages and/or animation is prohibited.

      5.   The letters, words, and/or symbols shall be designed and located so that the entire message is legible to motorists intended to view it.

      6.   The sign shall be constructed from non-reflective materials and illuminated in a manner that does not create a glare.

      7.   The amount of text shall be limited so as to display a message that is legible to motorists intended to view it.

      8.   The digital sign must have installed an ambient light monitor which shall continuously monitor and automatically adjust the brightness level of the display based on ambient light conditions consistent with the other applicable provisions of this section.

      9.   Maximum brightness levels for digital signs shall not exceed two-tenths (0.2) footcandles over ambient light levels measured within one hundred fifty feet (150') of the sign. Certification must be provided to the Village demonstrating that the sign has been pre-set to automatically adjust the brightness to these levels or lower. Reinspection and recalibration shall be annually required by the Village, in its reasonable discretion, at the permittee's expense to ensure that the specified brightness levels are maintained at all times. The results of such reinspection and recalibration and/or any resulting remediatory work on said digital sign shall be promptly provided to the Village.

      10.   Brightness of digital signs shall be measured as follows:

         a.   At least thirty (30) minutes following sunset, a footcandle meter shall be used to obtain an ambient light reading for the location. This is done while the sign is off or displaying black copy. The reading shall be made with the meter aimed directly at the sign area at the pre-set location.

         b.   The sign shall then be turned on to full white copy to take another reading with the meter at the same location.

   H.   Canopies And Awnings:

      1.   Application Of Provisions: The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to canopies and awnings which include letters, words, and/or symbols which direct attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business.

      2.   Height: All canopies and awnings shall be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion of the projecting frame shall be not less than seven feet six inches (7'6") and the lowest portion of the extending skirt shall be not less than six feet eight inches (6'8") above the grade of the ground surface below.

      3.   Location: No canopy or awning shall extend over any public right-of-way or other public property, and no canopy or awning shall be located closer than eighteen inches (18") from the curb of any adjacent street.

      4.   Width: No canopy shall extend more than two feet (2') from each side of the entrance of the building to which it is attached.

      5.   Permits And Inspection: Permits for all canopies and awnings shall be required as provided for signs and all canopies and awnings shall be inspected as required for other signs which extend over a public area.

      6.   Certain Canopies And Awnings Considered Wall Signs: In addition to being subject to all other applicable requirements of this chapter, any canopy or awning which includes letters, words, and/or symbols which direct attention to an object, project, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business shall be considered a wall sign and shall be subject to all applicable provisions of subsection D of this section. The perimeter outline of such awning or canopy shall be considered its external dimensions as a wall sign.

   I.   Clocks: This chapter shall apply to clocks or other time pieces erected on the exterior of any building or structure.

      1.   Construction: All clocks shall be constructed of noncombustible material, including the frames, braces and supports.

      2.   Regulation Size Of Dial: The dial of a clock shall be not more than forty two inches (42") in diameter.

      3.   Glass: Any glass forming a part of a clock or sign shall be safety glass of at least one-fourth inch (1/4") thick or an approved plastic securely held in place.

      4.   Cover Or Service Opening To Be Secured: Any cover or service opening of a street clock shall be securely fastened by metal hinges.

      5.   Location: Clocks supported on any building or structure shall not be less than seven feet six inches (7'6") above the sidewalk and shall not project from the face or wall of the building or structure by more than twelve inches (12"). No clocks shall be erected on or over any public area.

      6.   Erection Of Clocks On Walls: All clocks affixed to the exterior of any building or structure shall comply with the requirements set forth in the provisions regulating wall signs.

      7.   Letters, Words Or Symbols On Clock: Any clock which contains letters, words, or symbols shall be considered a wall sign which shall be subject to the requirements and limitations of subsection D of this section. (Ord. 2018-O-1, 1-2-2018; Ord. 2019-O-12, 12-10-2019)

All signs that become nonconforming by the application of the provisions of this chapter, shall be removed, altered or repaired so as to conform with the provisions of this chapter within sixty (60) months (the "amortization period") of written notification from the Village, provided, however, this amortization period shall not be applicable to temporary signs, and the provisions of this chapter shall be applicable immediately to all such temporary signs. (Ord. 2018-O-1, 1-2-2018)