The purpose of this chapter is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signs that will preserve the right of free speech, provide for easy communication, and avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, and community appearance. The intent is to authorize the use of signs that are: compatible with their surroundings; appropriate for the activity that displays them; expressive of the identity of individual activities and the community as a whole; and legible in the circumstances in which they are seen.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.010)

Any sign, display, or device allowed under this ordinance may contain, in lieu of any other copy, any otherwise lawful noncommercial message.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.020)

Certain signs are exempt from regulation under this chapter. This exemption is based on type, nature, and size of the particular sign. The following signs are exempt:

A.

Nameplate signs attached to a building, provided they are not more than 128 square inches in sign area; and

B.

A sign integrated into or on a coin-operated machine, vending machine, fuel pump, or telephone booth; and

C.

Signs indicating entrances, exits, service areas and parking areas provided they do not contain advertising or promotional information. Such signs may be restricted in size;

D.

Barber poles provided they are displayed on the premises of a barbershop. The location and manner of erection may be subject to approval of the Building Department;

E.

Signs required by law.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.030)

Any sign not expressly permitted in this Zoning Ordinance is prohibited. The following signs are prohibited:

A.

Billboards; and

B.

Balloon signs, except as permitted under § 17.11.100; and

C.

Roof signs; and

D.

Pole signs; and

E.

Signs painted directly on exterior walls of a building, except in the Downtown District; and

F.

Signs that have illuminated effects which flash, scroll, or convey the illusion of movement; and

G.

Signs that contain electronic video displays similar to or otherwise depicting a television screen; and

H.

Signs that move or revolve by means of mechanical or electrical power; and

I.

Signs attached to light or utility poles, except banners as otherwise permitted by this chapter; and

J.

Signs in the public right-of-way unless otherwise expressly allowed by this chapter; and

K.

The placement on a public right-of-way, public property or private property any vehicle, trailer, or container displaying signage for the purpose of advertising a product or service or directing people to a business or activity; and

L.

The placement on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, any parked vehicle displaying a sign indicating that said vehicle is for sale, other than as allowed in business districts under the provisions of this chapter. This provision does not apply to vehicles parked in a driveway when:

1.

The driveway serves a dwelling unit; and

2.

The occupant of the said dwelling unit and the owner of the vehicle for sale are the same person; and

3.

The vehicle, when parked in the driveway, does not extend over any portion of a public right-of-way.

M.

Attention-getting devices such as pennants, propellers, spinners, streamers, searchlights, or similar devices or ornamentation used primarily for the purpose of attracting attention to promote a business or commercial activity, except for searchlights used in conformance with the standards of § 17.11.100.E. (Ord. No. O-54-09)

N.

Abandoned signs; and

O.

Feather flag signs.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.040; Ord. No. O-65-11, § 11, 10-24-2011; Ord. No. O-09-21, § 7, 3-22-2021)

A.

Applicability. All signs constructed, erected, displayed, relocated, expanded, or modified after the effective date of this ordinance shall require a sign permit. The following signs are exempt from this permit requirement:

1.

Noncommercial signs; and

2.

Real estate signs for residential property with a sign area of four square feet or less; and

3.

Window signs; and

4.

Signs normally associated with residential uses such as nameplates, private parking signs, garage sale signs, no trespassing signs, beware of dog signs, provided each sign is less than four square feet in area.

5.

Signs displayed for the convenience of the public, such as signs identifying rest rooms, freight entrances, parking areas, and parking lot directional signs, providing that each sign is not more than four square feet in area; and

6.

Signs erected in connection with the observation of holidays, provided the signs lack a commercial message; and

7.

Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical information signs, and similar designations displayed for noncommercial purposes, providing that each such item is not more than four square in area; and

8.

Sandwich signs; and

9.

Signs listed as exempt under § 17.11.030 of this ordinance.

B.

Fees for Sign Permits. Applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by the payment of fees that the Village may establish from time to time.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.050)

All illegal signs, signs that compromise health, safety or general welfare, or are otherwise in violation are subject to removal by the Village's Public Works Department or code enforcement officials. Additionally, all signage associated with a tenant, business, or occupant of a leased or owned space must be completely removed upon vacancy of the premises. Signs placed in the public right-of-way shall be subject to immediate removal without prior notice to the sign owner.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.060; Ord. No. O-42-24, § 4, 11-25-2024)

A.

Change in Status. All non-conforming signs legally existing on the effective date of this ordinance shall be required to be removed or modified to conform to this ordinance only when the nonconforming sign, or a substantial part of a nonconforming sign, is blown down, destroyed, or for any reason or by any means taken down, altered, or removed. As used in this section, "substantial" means 50 percent or more of the entire sign and sign structure.

B.

Amortization of Billboard Signs. All billboard signs and any structural supports for such signs, either existing on the effective date of this ordinance or annexed into the Village subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance, must be removed, modified, or altered to comply with this ordinance no later than seven years from the date on which they become nonconforming.

C.

Non-conforming signs may not be enlarged or replaced in their entirety but may be modified to more closely meet the standards of this chapter.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.070)

All signs constructed, erected, displayed, relocated, expanded, or modified after the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance shall comply with all of the following standards:

A.

Location. A sign that displays a commercial message is permitted only on the premises where the business, service, or commercial activity represented by the sign is located.

B.

Safety. A sign, by virtue of its shape, size, color, or location shall not:

1.

Interfere with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or enter or exit from streets or private drives or roads, and shall not be placed within the vision triangle as illustrated in Figure 17-11-01 of this ordinance; and

2.

Obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other signs erected by governmental agencies; and

3.

Prevent or inhibit free ingress to or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or inhibit the use of fire protection systems; and

4.

Be attached to a standpipe or fire escape; and

5.

Interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

C.

Glass. Any glass forming a part of a sign shall be safety glass.

D.

Illumination. Unless otherwise permitted by this chapter, the following standards for illumination shall apply:

1.

External artificial light sources used to illuminate a sign shall be located, shielded, and directed so they are not visible from any public street or residentially-zoned property.

2.

All illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, or directed so that the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent streets or property is eliminated.

3.

The intensity of illumination for the sign shall be steady, stationary, and shall be even over the face of the sign. Light levels cannot exceed 0.1 footcandles 20 feet from the abutting property line.

4.

Signs located on a lot adjacent to or immediately across the street from any residential district shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. An exception to this limitation is business signs, which may remain illuminated during the business's hours of operation and up to 45 minutes after close of the business.

5.

Internally illuminated signs are prohibited, except as specifically provided for within this chapter. Signs that are externally illuminated, e.g., gooseneck lighting, floodlights, are allowed in all zoning districts.

Figure 17-11-01. Vision Triangle. Signs shall not be placed within triangles. For corner lots, distance is measured from lot line. For driveways, distance is measured from lot line and back of driveway curb, or where no curb exists, edge of pavement.

E.

Maintenance. Signs shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition and in good working order, including illumination sources, at all times. Signs shall conform to the building and electrical codes of the Village.

F.

Cutting of Trees and Shrubs. For the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign no person shall damage, trim, destroy, or remove any tree, shrub, or other vegetation located:

1.

Within the public right-of-way, unless the work is done pursuant to the authorization of the governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the public right-of-way; and

2.

In any area where a tree or landscaping is required by the Lemont Municipal Code.

G.

Applications for Sign Permits. Applications for sign permits shall be made on forms provided by the Village and shall include materials that the Village may from time to time require to ensure compliance with the provisions of this ordinance. Additionally, applications shall include any fees that the Village may from time to time impose.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.080; Ord. No. O-41-10, § 5, 6-28-2010; Ord. No. O-66-12, § 2, 10-22-2012)

The following standards apply to specific types of signs allowed by this ordinance:

A.

Monument Signs. Unless otherwise specified under the provisions of this chapter, monument signs shall have a maximum height of eight feet and shall be set back at least four feet from all property lines. See sections of this chapter on standards for specific zoning districts for sign area limitations.

B.

Wall Signs. Unless otherwise specified under the provisions of this chapter, the following shall apply:

1.

Wall signs shall not extend beyond the top of the surface of the wall to which they are attached; and

2.

Wall signs shall not extend closer than two feet to the end of the surface of the wall to which they are attached; and

3.

Wall signs shall not extend more than one foot from the wall or structural members to which they are attached.

C.

Awning Signs. Unless otherwise specified under the provisions of this chapter, the following shall apply:

1.

Awning signs shall be allowed only directly above ground floor windows and entrances that face a public right of way.

2.

Awning signs shall be a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk.

3.

Awning signs shall be located below the lowest sill of the second floor or below the cornice or eave of a one-story building.

4.

Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated.

5.

Awning signs shall be constructed of canvas or cloth with metal or wood supports.

6.

Text within an awning sign is limited to the valance, and the maximum text area shall not exceed 40% of the total linear length of the awning.

D.

Projecting Signs. Unless otherwise specified under the provisions of this chapter, the following shall apply:

1.

Projecting signs shall be mounted on the street-side of buildings; and

2.

Projecting signs shall be a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk; and

3.

Projecting signs shall be located below the lowest sill of the second floor level or below the cornice or eave on a one-story building, and in no case shall they have a maximum height above grade that exceeds 13 feet; and

4.

Projecting signs shall be a maximum of eight square feet in size; and

5.

Projecting signs shall have a maximum of two faces.

E.

Electronic Message Centers. Provisions for electronic message centers are contained in § 17.11.200 of this chapter.

F.

Changeable Copy Centers. Changeable copy centers, where allowed by this chapter, may be incorporated into a sign, provided that:

1.

The changeable copy center comprises not more than 50% of the total allowable sign area; and

2.

The changeable copy lettering is of a single style and is uniform in color and size.

G.

Window Signs.

1.

Window signs may be illuminated provided that the intensity of illumination is not excessively bright. The provisions of § 17.11.040.F (prohibition on movement, flashing, etc.) and § 17.11.080.D of this ordinance shall apply.

2.

Non-illuminated window signs shall not exceed 40% of the total area of the windows in which they are located. Illuminated window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total area of the windows in which they are located. However, the maximum total coverage of both illuminated and non-illuminated window signs shall not exceed 40% of window in which they are located. Additionally, in no case shall an illuminated window sign exceed eight square feet in area. A series of windows which are separated by frames and supporting material of less than six inches in width shall be considered as a single window for the purposes of this computation.

H.

Construction Signs. Not more than two construction signs with a total combined sign area not to exceed 32 square feet and a maximum height of eight feet in residential districts shall be installed on a lot at any given time. Construction signs in non-residential districts shall not exceed 48 square feet in total combined sign area and a maximum height of eight feet on a lot at any given time. The signs shall be removed within 10 days after the issuance of any type of occupancy permit. The signs shall be setback from the property line a distance that is equal to or greater than half the height of the sign, or signs may be attached to construction fences on or near the lot line.

I.

Development Signs.

1.

One development sign shall be permitted for each thoroughfare or street frontage of the development.

2.

Each development sign shall have a maximum height of 15 feet and a maximum sign area of 64 square feet. Signs posted along Main Street, Lemont Road, New Avenue, Archer Avenue, 127 ^th Street, Route 83 and McCarthy Road, and not located in the D-D Downtown District or the R-4A District, are allowed a maximum sign area of 96 square feet.

3.

Development signs may be erected and displayed from the time of approval of the project until seven days after 90% of the lots or units have received temporary or permanent occupancy permits, or 90% of the lots have been sold to by the developer to other parties.

4.

Each sign shall be setback from the property line a distance that is equal to or greater than half the height of the sign, or signs may be attached to construction fences on or near the lot line.

J.

Menuboard Signs. Unless otherwise specified under the provisions of this chapter, the following shall apply:

1.

Menuboards are permitted for all drive-through facilities.

2.

Menuboards are limited to a maximum of one per drive-through lane.

3.

Menuboards are limited to 75 square feet in sign area and 8 feet in height. The menuboard may be designed as separate freestanding signs grouped together and may include the use of preview boards designed as separate freestanding signs installed a distance earlier in the drive-through lane, however the total area of all signs must not exceed 75 square feet.

4.

Menuboards are permitted an additional 10 square feet of sign area for temporary signs attached to the top or sides of the menuboard.

5.

Menuboards must be located a minimum of 15 feet from any residential district lot line. This is measured from sign face to lot line, including an public right-of-way.

6.

Menuboards may be internally illuminated. Menuboards may also contain an electronic screen that displays order information for each customer.

7.

Menuboard signs may not be located in a dedicated landscape island or in the front yard.

K.

Gas Station Canopy Signs. Each gas station canopy shall be permitted one (1) canopy sign per right-of-way frontage. The gross surface area of such sign shall not exceed 25% of the gross surface area of the canopy to which the sign is attached. A maximum extension of 12" is allowed beyond the plane of the canopy.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.090; Ord. No. O-41-10, § 6, 6-28-2010; Ord. No. O-65-11, § § 12, 13, 10-24-2011; Ord. No. O-09-21, § 7, 3-22-2021; Ord. No. O-42-24, § 4, 11-25-2024)

A.

General Standards for Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are subject to all of the provisions of this section. Additional requirements for the sign types may be imposed by other sections of this chapter.

1.

Permits are required for temporary signs unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

2.

There shall be only one temporary sign per lot at any one time unless otherwise allowed by this chapter.

3.

Temporary signs must be safely anchored to the ground or a building.

B.

Political Campaign Signs.

1.

There is no limit to the number of individual political campaign signs that may be displayed on a lot. However, the total square footage of all political campaign signs on a single lot shall not exceed 32 square feet.

2.

Height of political campaign signs shall be limited to five feet.

3.

There shall be no limit on the duration of display of political signs.

4.

Political campaign signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way and shall not be attached or affixed to utility poles or traffic signs.

5.

Permits are not required for political campaign signs.

C.

Real Estate Signs.

1.

The sign shall be located on the subject property, i.e., the property that is for sale, lease, or exchange.

2.

In residential districts a sign not exceeding four square feet in area and four feet in height is permitted pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of the property on which the sign is located.

3.

In non-residential districts a sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and eight feet in height is permitted pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of the property on which the sign is located.

4.

Only one sign per street frontage is permitted.

5.

On multi-story buildings the signs shall be not be displayed above the second floor.

6.

Any property owner or his or her agent may display or have displayed on the real property, or on real property owned by another with that person's consent, a sign which advertises the subject property for sale, lease, or exchange provided the sign meets the requirements of this section.

7.

In addition to the real estate signs, a maximum of four open house signs per property may be displayed. These open house signs may be located off of the property between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the day of the event. If the open house extends several consecutive days, open house signs may be displayed only on the first day. Every open house sign shall have attached to it the identification of the person responsible for the placement and removal of the sign.

8.

Real estate signs shall be removed within seven days after the property is no longer for sale, lease, or exchange. Open house signs shall be removed within two hours after the closing time of the open house.

9.

Real estate signs, to include open house signs, do not require a permit from the Village.

D.

Balloon Signs. Balloon signs are allowed in conjunction with the opening of a new business or other establishment, provided that:

1.

The maximum height of the balloon sign is 20 feet; and

2.

The maximum width of the balloon sign is 20 feet; and

3.

The display of the balloon sign is limited to a continuous period not to exceed 12 days.

E.

Special Event Signs. Special event signs may be constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wall board or other light materials. The total area shall not exceed 50 square feet. No special event sign shall be displayed for more than 30 days. A period of 30 days must lapse before displaying the special event sign or another special event sign again. Special event signs shall not be displayed for more than 60 days during a calendar year. The period from November 10th through January 10th is exempt from the time limitations of this paragraph. All special event signs require permits. Searchlights may be used in conjunction with a special event, and may be used in addition to other approved special event signs. Searchlights, however, shall not be used for more than one consecutive day, and shall be limited to a total of three days per calendar year, per business establishment, organization, or address." Use of searchlights shall not extend beyond normal business hours or midnight, whichever is earlier. (Ord. No. O-54-09)

F.

Sandwich Signs. Sandwich signs shall be a maximum of 12 square feet in sign area and a maximum of four feet in height. Such signs shall be restricted to the area immediately in front of the establishment which is being advertised, and shall be located so that the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic is not impeded. Sandwich signs shall be on display during business hours only and shall be removed at the end of each business day.

G.

Temporary Use Signs. Signs for temporary uses may be displayed for a period of 90 days in a given calendar year. Signs for temporary uses shall either: (1) adhere to all standards for materials and illumination in the zoning district where the sign is established; or (2) be constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, wall board or other light material and not be illuminated. Signs for temporary uses shall adhere to the standards for number, placement and size for signs in the subject zoning district.

H.

Village Event Signs. The Village sponsors, coordinates, or otherwise promotes special events aimed at achieving economic development goals, e.g. attracting tourists to the downtown. i.e. the DD district. Signs for Village-sponsored events may be placed in the Village's public right of way, on light poles, or fences on Village property. For the purposes of this section, "Village-sponsored events" shall mean festivals, parades and other seasonal activities that are funded entirely or in part by the Village, and which have a goal of attracting visitors to DD district and/or celebrating the heritage and history of Lemont.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.100; Ord. No. O-38-12, § 1 (Exh. A), 5-14-2012; Ord. No. O-69-12, § 2, 11-26-2012)

A minimum of 50 square feet of landscaping is required for each freestanding sign and monument sign. A landscaping plan shall be submitted as part of the permit application for such signs. This landscaping plan shall illustrate the location, common name, scientific name, quantity, and size of the plant material. Planting and maintenance requirements as specified in Chapter 17.20 of this ordinance shall apply.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.110)

Maximum sign dimensions as specified in this chapter shall be measured in conformance with Figure 17-11-02 of this chapter, except for the maximum sign dimensions of wall signs in the B-3 zoning district, which shall be measured in accordance with Figure 17-11-03 of this chapter. When measuring signs consisting of only mixed case lettering with no background, either the ascenders or descenders of the text shall be included as part of the sign area, but not both.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.120; Ord. No. O-65-11, § 14, 10-24-2011)

This section contains restrictions and regulations for signs in all residential districts, residential planned unit developments, and residential land uses such as home occupations and bed and breakfasts. These standards are in addition to the provisions of § § 17.11.080-090. Only signs specifically listed in this section are permitted in such districts.

A.

Home Occupation Signs. See § 17.06.080 of this ordinance for regulations on signs for home occupations.

B.

Signs for Bed and Breakfasts. Each bed and breakfast is permitted one wall sign mounted on the residence, which shall be a maximum of eight square feet in area.

C.

Signs for Institutional and Commercial Uses. Each institutional or commercial use within a residential district is permitted to erect and display the following signs:

1.

One identification sign affixed flat against a building wall. This sign shall be limited to 16 square feet in area and shall not be higher than five feet above floor grade at entrance doorways.

2.

One monument sign, which shall be a maximum of 32 square feet in area and a maximum of eight feet in height. On corner and through lots, one additional monument sign shall be permitted. Landscaping requirements for monument signs shall apply—see § 17.11.110 of this ordinance.

3.

Changeable copy centers shall be permitted. Electronic message centers are prohibited.

D.

Subdivision Signs. One monument sign shall be permitted at each entrance to a subdivision. The following shall apply:

1.

The sign shall be located in an easement or outlot specifically intended for the sign; and

2.

The message on the sign shall be limited to a single side of the sign; and

3.

The sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and five feet in height; and

4.

The area near the sign shall be landscaped in accordance with § 17.11.080 of this chapter; and

5.

Changeable copy signs are prohibited.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.130)

A.

Applicability. Each business or institution within a B or INT district is permitted to erect and display signs or a combination of the signs listed in this section. These standards are in addition to the provisions of § § 17.11.080-090. For businesses or institutions within a shopping center or commercial planned unit development, the provisions of § 17.11.150 of this chapter shall apply.

B.

Monument Signs in B and INT Districts.

1.

One monument sign per zoning lot is allowed. Special restrictions apply to commercial and institutional establishments located within a shopping center or commercial planned unit development - see § 17.11.150 of this chapter.

2.

Signage may consist of various elements such as the name of the establishments, trademarks or logos. The maximum sign area permitted for the all of these elements shall be limited to one square foot of signage for each lineal foot of frontage along the front lot line, up to a maximum of 64 square feet. The maximum of 64 square feet may be applied to two sides of a monument sign, for a total of 128 square feet per monument sign. For guidance on measuring sign area see Figure 17-11-02.

3.

Limestone or products simulating limestone shall be used for the base of all monument signs.

4.

Each monument sign shall be landscaped in accordance with the provisions of § 17.11.110 of this chapter.

5.

Monument signs in B districts may be either externally illuminated or internally illuminated. Internally illuminated monument signs are prohibited in the INT district, except in those areas where electronic message centers are allowed in accordance with the provisions of § 17.11.200. For internally illuminated monument signs in B districts, internal illumination shall be limited to:

a.

Standard channel letters, symbols, or graphics;

b.

Reverse channel letters, symbols, or graphics;

c.

Cabinet signs with an aluminum sign face where alphanumeric characters and logos are routed into the sign face; or

d.

Cabinet signs with a plastic, acrylic, or polycarbonate sign face where only the sign copy and/or logo are translucent, i.e., the background of the sign face shall remain opaque. For cabinet signs with a plastic, acrylic, or polycarbonate face the cabinet shall be enclosed on a minimum of two sides by the sign base material.

C.

Wall Signs in the B-1 and INT Districts. One wall sign per building elevation facing a public street shall be permitted in the B-1 and INT districts. In the case of a multi-tenant building, one wall sign shall be permitted per tenant. Each wall sign shall:

1.

Be limited in area to one square foot per each lineal foot of building frontage to a maximum area of 96 square feet.

2.

Consist of visible materials that are either of wood, metal, masonry, or a combination of these materials. Plastic and other synthetic materials are prohibited except as a material for alphanumeric characters and logos.

D.

Awning Signs in B and INT Districts. Awning signs are permitted within B districts and INT districts. See § 17.11.090.C of this chapter for additional provisions on awning signs.

E.

Changeable Copy Centers. Changeable copy centers shall be permitted in accordance with § 17.11.090.F.

F.

Wall Signs in the B-3 Zoning District. Each tenant or establishment in the B-3 zoning district shall be allowed wall signage as follows:

1.

Signage may consist of various elements such as the name of the establishments, trademarks or logos. The maximum area permitted for the all of these elements shall be limited to one square foot per each lineal foot of building frontage or 72 square feet, whichever is less. Each of these elements shall be measured in accordance with Figure 17-11-03.

2.

Signage may be either externally illuminated or internally illuminated. If the signage is internally illuminated, the following provisions shall apply:

a.

Internal illumination shall be limited to standard channel letters, reverse channel letters, and pan face signs where only the copy and/or logo are translucent, i.e., the background of the pan face sign shall remain opaque.

b.

The total area of all internally-illuminated trademarks or logos shall be limited to a maximum of 40% of the maximum sign area as allowed by this section. See Figure 17-11-03, B-3 Wall Sign Illumination Standards for examples and clarification of permitted internally illuminated signs.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.140; Ord. No. O-66-12, § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. O-29-15, § 9, 9-14-2015; Ord. No. O-68-19, § 6, 8-26-2019)

A.

Applicability and Purpose. This section applies to signs within shopping centers. These standards are in addition to the provisions of § § 17.11.080-090. The section is also intended as guidance for establishing sign standards for planned unit developments that contains a commercial or institutional component.

B.

Sign Plan. A sign plan that demonstrates compliance with the provisions of this section shall be submitted for approval for each unified business center, commercial PUD, or mixed-use PUD. For PUDs, the Village Board shall be the approval authority for sign plans. For developments that are not PUDs, the Zoning Administrator shall be the approval authority for sign plans. Sign plans shall include:

1.

Site plan of the property and/or elevations that indicate the location of all signs; and

2.

Computation of the aggregate maximum sign area, the maximum sign area for each individual sign, sign dimensions, and the height of all signs; and

3.

Materials; and

4.

Illumination details.

C.

Unity and Harmony. All signs shall be in harmony with the overall architectural concept for the site and compatible with each other and with the building elevations. Separate wall signs shall be located uniformly on a sign frieze, canopy or other appropriate architectural element consistent with architectural concept for the development, and the signs shall be adequately separated from one another.

D.

Monument Signs for Shopping Centers and PUDs. The following shall apply to signs within a shopping center or a PUD:

1.

One monument sign per street frontage shall be permitted. A monument sign may identify the name of the center or PUD and/or the names of the individual tenants within the center or PUD.

2.

Each monument sign shall have a maximum sign area and maximum height according to as follows:

a.

A maximum of 64 square feet of sign area is permitted;

b.

Maximum sign height shall not exceed eight feet.

3.

Commercial or institutional establishments located on outlots within the unified business center or PUD shall be permitted to have one monument sign. This sign is in addition to the monument sign allowed in paragraph D.1. of this section.

4.

Each monument sign shall be set back from the lot line a distance that is at least half the height of the sign.

5.

Each monument sign shall be landscaped in accordance with § 17.11.110 of this chapter.

6.

Monument signs for shopping centers or PUDs in B or INT zoning districts may be internally illuminated in accordance with § 17.11.140.B of this chapter.

E.

Wall Signs within a Shopping Center or PUD.

1.

One wall sign per retail unit of a building shall be permitted. Retail units on corner locations within buildings shall be permitted a wall sign on each wall that faces a public street.

2.

Size of each wall sign shall be limited to one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of retail unit frontage, up to a maximum of 96 square feet.

3.

Wall signs for shopping centers or PUDs in the B-3 zoning district may be internally illuminated in accordance with § 17.11.140.F of this chapter.

F.

Awning Signs within a Shopping Center or PUD. Awning signs are permitted within a shopping center or PUD. A maximum of one awning sign per establishment shall be permitted. For § 17.11.090.C of this chapter for additional provisions on awning signs.

G.

Changeable Copy Centers. Changeable copy centers shall be permitted within a shopping center only as approved as part of a special use/planned unit development ordinance. A maximum of one such sign shall be allowed per shopping center or PUD.

H.

Sandwich Signs. One sandwich sign shall be permitted per street frontage, per establishment.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.150; Ord. No. O-66-12, § 2, 10-22-2012)

A.

General. The Downtown District encompasses much of the historic core of the Village, and most of this zoning district is also within the Lemont Historic District. The sign regulations for this zoning district therefore are promulgated in order to maintain and promote the historic character of the area. For signs in the Historic District, the standards in § 17.17.060 shall also apply and unless otherwise stated in this section, the provisions of § 17.11.080—090 shall also apply. If the provisions of this section conflict with provisions found elsewhere in this chapter, the provisions of this section shall apply.

B.

Approval of Signs. Sign applications are approved by the Community Development Department. Additionally, the Lemont Historic Preservation Commission shall review applications for signs that are within both the Downtown District and the Lemont Historic District. Upon determination that the application meets the standards of this ordinance the Historic Preservation Commission shall issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. An applicant may erect a sign only after:

1.

The Historic Preservation Commission has issued a Certificate of Appropriateness; and

2.

The Community Development Department has reviewed the application and concurred that the plans meet applicable zoning, building and fire code standards.

C.

Permitted Signs. The following signs are permitted in the downtown district:

1.

Monument signs, provided that they do not exceed four feet in height and twenty-four feet in sign area.

2.

Projecting signs—one per establishment shall be permitted.

3.

Sandwich signs—one per establishment shall be permitted.

4.

Wall Signs.

5.

Window signs, provided that they do not exceed one per window. Window signs may be painted directly on the window glass.

6.

Awning Signs.

D.

Aggregate Sign Area Allowance. Each establishment within the Downtown District shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area for all permitted signs according to the following formula: linear feet of storefront x 2 = total square footage of all signs. Projecting signs shall be exempt from this allowance limitation. Additionally, all individual signs shall be subject to the provisions in paragraphs C thru G of this section.

E.

Quantity of Signs. Each establishment in the Downtown District shall be allowed a total number of permitted signs as follows:

1.

A maximum of three signs is permitted on each facade. For the purposes of determining this limit, all window signs shall be regarded as one sign. The sign area of all window signs is included in the maximum aggregate sign area allowance described in paragraph D of this section. Measuring of window signs shall be consistent with Figure 17-11-02 of this chapter.

2.

An additional one sign is allowed on either the rear or one of the sides of the establishment or building in which the establishment is located.

F.

Sign Materials and Colors.

1.

The following sign constructions are prohibited: channel letters, symbols and graphics; pan face signs; and cabinet signs.

2.

Reserved.

3.

Awning signs shall be of canvas. Awning frame members shall be a maximum of one inch in diameter.

4.

Neon tubing is permitted.

5.

Fluorescent materials and/or paints are prohibited.

G.

Illumination. External illumination and neon shall be allowed. Internally illuminated signs are prohibited, except for a projecting sign that meets the following criteria:

1.

The depth of the sign is no more than 8 inches; and

2.

The lettering is push-through or cut-out to provide dimension; and

3.

The sign face shall be opaque; and

4.

Internally illuminated sign cabinets with acrylic faces that are held in by retainers are not allowed.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.160; Ord. No. O-65-11, § § 16—18, 10-24-2011; Ord. No. O-27-22, § 2, 5-23-2022)

A.

Monument Signs in the M Districts.

1.

One monument sign is allowed per establishment. Establishments on corner lots may have a monument sign along both street frontages. Each monument sign shall have a maximum sign area of one square foot per lineal foot of frontage along the front lot line or 60 square feet, whichever is less. The maximum height for each monument sign shall not exceed eight feet.

2.

Each monument sign shall be setback from the property line a distance that is at least one half of the height of the sign.

B.

Wall Signs in the M Districts. One wall sign is allowed per establishment. Establishments on corner lots may have a wall sign along both street frontages. Each wall sign shall have a maximum sign area of one square foot per each lineal foot of building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is less. A maximum of 20 square feet of sign area per tenant is allowed.

C.

Awning Signs in the M Districts. Awning signs are allowed in M districts. See § 17.11.090.C for regulations governing awning signs.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.170)

Reserved.

A.

Purpose and Applicability. The State Street Sign Overlay District is comprised of all lots adjacent to the westside of State Street between Illinois Street and Pfeiffer Street. The State Street Sign Overlay District is established in order to preserve and enhance the character of the street as a generally residential area in which several commercial uses may from time to time be allowed to exist. Special restrictions for dimensions and location, above and beyond what are imposed elsewhere in this chapter, shall apply. All other provisions of this chapter shall apply.

B.

Special Restrictions on Sign Dimensions. All freestanding signs within the State Street Sign Overlay District shall:

1.

Be limited to a maximum of 30 square feet of sign area; and

2.

Be limited to a maximum height of five feet.

C.

Setback Requirement. All signs shall be setback from the lot line a distance that is at least one half of the height of the sign.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.190)

A.

Allowable Locations. Electronic message centers (EMCs) shall be located:

1.

On property zoned B-3 or INT.

2.

Adjacent to one of the following arterial streets:

a.

Lemont Road; or

b.

State Street; or

c.

135th Street; or

d.

McCarthy Road; or

e.

Bell Road; or

f.

Archer Avenue; or

g.

Route 83.

3.

At least 400 feet from another EMC. This distance of 400 feet shall be measured from the base of one sign directly to the base of the other sign. Service stations shall be exempt from this 400-ft distance requirement, and an EMC at a service station shall not prevent the establishment or operation of another electronic message center that would otherwise be allowed under this chapter.

4.

At least 250 feet from the nearest residentially zoned property that is adjacent to the same street on which the EMC is located. This distance of 250 feet shall be measured from the base of the sign to the nearest property line of the residentially zoned property.

B.

Sign Design. Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) shall:

1.

Be incorporated into a monument sign that includes a non-EMC sign message.

2.

Not be located above a non-EMC sign message.

3.

Not exceed 33% of the total sign area.

4.

Comply with all other standards for monument signs found in this chapter.

C.

Illuminance. The night-time illumination of Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) shall conform with the criteria set forth in this section.

1.

The illuminance of an EMC shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure footcandles accurate to at least one decimal. Illuminance shall be measured with the EMC off, and again with the EMC displaying a white image for a full color EMC, or a solid message for a single-color EMC. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the EMC at the distance determined by the following formula:

Measurement Distance = √EMC area (in square feet) x 10

2.

The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the EMC measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at night.

3.

All EMCs must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 footcandle measurements.

D.

Other Display Features. Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) shall conform to the following standards:

1.

The electronic message shall not change more frequently than once every seven seconds.

2.

Flashing, blinking, scrolling, chasing, animation, and other similar effects shall be prohibited.

3.

The EMC shall display a maximum of two colors at any given time. The background of the EMC must remain black at all times and the black background does not constitute a color toward the two-color limit.

E.

Service Stations. The electronic message center (EMC) at service stations shall be limited to the prices of motor fuel products and the height of the "$" and the numbers which indicate the prices shall be no greater than 15 inches. Up to four prices of motor fuel products may be displayed, so long as all the other restrictions of this chapter and this section are met.

(UDO 2008, § 17.11.200; Ord. No. O-69-12, § 2, 11-26-2012)

One (1) sign per street frontage is permitted to be erected and placed upon property used as a Government Facility(ies), which shall be exempt from sections: 17.11.040. D, 17.11.050. B, 17.11.130, 17.11.140, 17.11.170, 17.11.180, and 17.11.190 of this chapter. Government Facility signs shall not exceed a maximum of 64 square feet that may be applied to two sides of a sign, for a total of 128 square feet per sign, shall not exceed 8 feet in height, shall not be pole signs erected by a single pole, and shall not be internally illuminated pole signs.

(Ord. No. O-35-17, § 3, 5-15-2017)