A building permit shall be required for the erection, construction or expansion of any exterior sign, except as herein provided.

A sign not extending out more than four inches from the existing surface of the building and not larger than the facial dimensions of a business building and attached to said building shall not require a permit.

When a sign is on a plate or framed, all of the plate or frame shall be included in the dimensions.

A sign shall be measured at its widest points, i.e., top to bottom and side to side.

Signs for parking areas. One sign with a area not exceeding four square feet and a height no greater than seven feet above ground, designating each entrance or exit of a off street parking area is permitted without a permit.

Illuminated signs. In all residential districts, for a business, professional or governmental office, clinic, office service establishment, funeral home, or church, one illuminated non-flashing sign, with a area not exceeding 25 square feet, is permitted.

Sign size and height restrictions. In all residential districts, any sign permitted under the provisions of this subchapter shall conform to the following size and height restrictions.

Advertising signs. Advertising signs are not permitted in any residential district, except where a home occupation has been granted, by ordinance or by hearing. The type of sign approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall not exceed six square feet.

Non-illuminated signs. In the respective non-residential districts as indicated, non-illuminated signs with areas not exceeding those shown in the following table are permitted.

Illuminated signs. In all AG, CO, B-1, C-1, C-2,I-1, and I-2 districts, flashing signs are permitted, but can be no closer than 45 feet to a residential district. Illuminated non-flashing signs with a area not exceeding 50 square feet are permitted in any of the above mentioned districts.

Additional regulations for business signs. In addition to all other applicable regulations, permitted business signs in all districts are subject to the restrictions of the city ordinances of the City of Lewistown, Illinois, and all applicable regulations set forth by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Height of signs. In the respective non-residential districts as indicated, no permitted ground or rooftop signs, or signs attached to buildings, shall extend above grade at a height greater than that shown in the following chart.

Freestanding signs. Signs in commercial and industrial districts must relate solely to the business activity carried on within the boundaries of the property on which the sign is located. Outdoor, off-premises advertising signs (e.g. billboards) shall not be erected within the corporate boundaries of the city. Except as provided in division (B) of this section, the size of all signs shall be limited in area to one-half the linear street frontage of the particular occupancy expressed in square feet. Corner lots may erect two free standing signs, one on each frontage.

Public rights-of-way. No sign shall extend over any public right-of-way. The base and standard of all free- standing signs shall be set back at least five feet from all public or private road rights-of-way and from all interior lot or property lines. Any sign located within 35 feet of the intersection of any two street right-of-way lines shall be so designed, located and constructed that a free and unobstructed view is provided from the established grade to a height of ten feet above the established grade.

Temporary signs shall not exceed 12 square feet on any individual zoning lot. If located on a vacant lot, such signs shall not be within 15 feet of the street line, nor within six feet of any other lot line.

No temporary sign shall be situated on public walks or roadways excluding sidewalk sale signs used in events not to exceed two consecutive days and not blocking over 50% of the sidewalk.

A temporary sign shall not obstruct the vision of motorists at any intersection at the entrance or exit of a business, street or alley.

Any temporary banners across state highways shall have a copy of written permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation filed with the Secretary of the Board of Appeals.

A temporary sign shall not remain on the lot for a period exceeding 90 consecutive days. When the sign is removed, it may not be erected again until 60 days has elapsed after its removal.