Lincolnwood City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XI
SIGNS
11.01 Purpose.
The regulation of signs by this article is intended to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by reducing depreciation of property values caused by signs that are incompatible with the use to which they are associated or with surrounding land uses; by creating a more attractive economic climate within business and manufacturing districts of the Village; by enabling the public to locate goods, services, and facilities in the Village without confusion caused by excessive signage; by enhancing and protecting the physical appearance of all areas of the Village; by protecting signs from obstruction by other signs; and by reducing distractions, obstructions, and hazards to pedestrian and auto traffic caused by indiscriminate placement and use of signs.
11.02 Scope.
The regulations of this article shall govern and control among other things the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance, removal and design of all signs within the Village. In the event of a conflict between the Building Code and the provisions of this article, the provisions of this article shall control.
11.03 Sign permit required.
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, change permanent copy, move or replace any sign in the Village or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Zoning Officer as required by this article.
(2)
Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, no sign permit shall be required for: (a) an exempt sign identified in Section 11.05 of this article; (b) a change of copy on any changeable copy sign; or (c) the repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of any sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not modified in any way.
11.04 Permitted on premises signs.
[Amended 9-20-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2962; 10-1-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-3071; 6-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-3216; 3-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-3324; 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
Upon issuance of a permit therefor pursuant to Section 11.09 of this article, the following signs shall be permitted in the nonresidential districts of the Village as accessory structures, subject to all applicable standards and the following additional regulations:
(1)
Monument signs.
i.
Number.
1.
No more than one monument sign per lot or unified business center each of which has a minimum front footage of 100 feet along a single street shall be permitted with the following exception: Monument identification signs (directory signs) in lieu of wall signs shall be permitted in a multi-tenant office or industrial building provided that each tenant has a separate at grade entrance. A directory sign shall be located at the
2.
Sign copy for a single-tenant monument sign shall contain no more than 10 words and graphic elements greater than two inches in height.
3.
Sign copy for a multi-tenant monument sign shall contain a maximum of a combination of 24 words and graphic elements no greater than two inches in height. Changeable copy signage shall not be combined with multi-tenant signs.
4.
Monument signs on properties with multiple street frontages shall be oriented perpendicular to the primary street right-of-way.
ii.
Height. A monument sign shall not exceed eight feet in height from finished grade. In determining the height of a monument sign, the base shall be included in the height calculation, with the height of the base not to exceed two feet. A monument sign, including its structure and its base, shall not exceed 10 in width.
iii.
Area. No monument sign shall exceed 48 square feet per sign face for a single-tenant property, or 48 square feet plus six square feet for each tenant over five tenants up to a maximum of 60 square feet per sign face for a multiple-tenant property. In determining the area of a monument sign, the dimension of the base shall be excluded from the total area calculation, provided that the base is a different material from the sign face.
iv.
Building clearance. No monument sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to a building, with the exception that a monument sign four feet in height or less may be as close as three feet from a building.
v.
Setback. No monument sign shall be located closer than five feet to a street curbline, nor closer than one foot to an exterior property line, nor closer than 50 feet to an interior property line. For a monument sign constructed at a unified business center, under multiple ownerships, interior lot lines shall only pertain to the outermost lot line. No monument sign may project into any public right-of-way.
vi.
Public service sign display. A monument sign may incorporate a public service sign.
vii.
Distance measurement. The location of a monument sign shall be measured as the distance between the point of reference specified and the closest point on the sign.
viii.
Sight triangle. A monument sign within any sight triangle shall be a maximum of three feet in height.
ix.
Overhang. No monument sign may overhang any part of a structure, parking or loading space, driveway or maneuvering aisle.
x.
Landscaping. A monument sign must be located in a landscaped area separated and protected from vehicular circulation and parking areas. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping shall be required for every one square foot of sign face. When located in a parking area, continuous reinforced perimeter Portland cement concrete curbing is required. Monument signs must also be landscaped in accordance with Subsection 11.08(14) of this article.
xi.
Gas station. Changeable copy used in a gas station monument sign shall be included in the maximum sign area for an allowable monument sign. Gas station signs must incorporate the changeable copy price information into the main identification sign face.
xii.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination of an internally illuminated monument sign shall not exceed the following requirements:
1.
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
2.
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25 footcandles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
3.
One footcandle on adjoining residential property, measured three feet above the ground.
xiii.
Temporary monument sign covers. Monument signs may be covered with temporary materials, but only upon issuance of separate permits therefor, and in accordance with the following:
1.
Temporary covers may display either: (a) only the name and logo of a new occupant of a commercial property: or (b) if no real estate sign has been installed on the property pursuant to Section 11.05(17) of this Code, information identifying that all or a portion of the property is for sale or lease.
2.
Temporary covers must be professionally designed and may be constructed only of vinyl, canvas, or a similar material.
3.
Temporary covers installed pursuant to Section 11.04(1)(xii)(1)(a) of this Code may not be displayed for a period exceeding 120 days. Temporary covers installed pursuant to Section 11.04(1)(xiii)(1)(b) of this Code may be displayed until such time as the property or portion thereof has been sold or leased.
4.
Temporary covers must be securely and tightly attached to the existing monument sign in order to maintain a safe, neat, and orderly condition and appearance.
5.
If the existing monument sign complies with the size and area requirements set forth in this Article XI, then the temporary cover may be larger than the existing monument sign, but in no event in excess of the size and area requirements set forth in this Article XI. If the existing monument sign does not comply with the size and area requirements set forth in this Article XI, the temporary cover must completely cover and conform to the underlying sign shape, and may neither increase the size of the monument sign face to which it is attached, nor cover an area greater than such sign face.
(2)
Wall signs.
i.
Number. A maximum of one wall sign per street frontage per business establishment shall be permitted, and a maximum of one wall sign may be applied to each facade facing a frontage, except that:
[Amended 11-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-3735]
1.
The Zoning Officer may authorize an additional wall sign for each distinct use within a business establishment, provided that there is a separate exterior entrance for each such use;
2.
The Zoning Officer may authorize one wall sign on walls not facing a street, provided that the wall is adjacent to nonresidential property and is not visible from the street;
3.
Wall signs may be permitted which identify the rear entrance of a business establishment, provided that such signs do not exceed 10 square feet.
ii.
Sign location. Each wall sign shall be located within a permitted signable wall area. The vertical dimensions of such signable wall area shall not exceed six feet. Signable wall area shall not extend above the top of the fascia or parapet of a building or beyond the premises of a particular business establishment. (See Section 11.08 of this article.)
iii.
Sign area.
1.
The area of a wall sign shall not exceed 1/3 of the signable wall area or 10 square feet, whichever is greater (See also Subsection 11.08(18) of this article.); provided, however, that in no case shall the wall sign area exceed 100 square feet.
2.
The provisions of this Paragraph 11.04(2)(c) may not be varied pursuant to Article V of this Zoning Ordinance, except in consideration of the standards set forth in Subsection 5.15(7) of this Zoning Ordinance and the following additional factors:
(1)
The architectural composition of the building;
(2)
The area and configuration of the signable wall area;
(3)
The linear feet of the building frontage;
(4)
The overall surface area of the building facade;
(5)
The linear distance of the building facade from the street; and
(6)
The height and quantity of the sign copy.
iv.
Projections. No wall sign shall project from the building wall more than 15 inches.
v.
Height. The maximum height of a wall sign shall be 30 feet from finished grade or the bottom sills of any second floor windows, whichever is less. (See also Subsection 11.08(8) of this article.)
vi.
Time/temperature display. Time/temperature displays may be permitted as part of a wall sign.
vii.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination of an internally illuminated wall sign shall not exceed the following requirements:
1.
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
2.
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25 footcandles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
3.
One footcandle on adjoining residential property measured three feet above the ground.
viii.
Unified business center. All wall signs within a unified business center shall be unified in design.
ix.
Bonus for individual letters. A ten-percent sign area bonus may be granted for a wall sign which consists of individual letters mounted directly on the building surface.
(3)
Mansard signs.
i.
Number. One mansard sign per street frontage per business establishment shall be permitted, provided that no wall sign is directed to the same street frontage.
ii.
Sign location. A mansard sign shall be: (i) located on a mansard; (ii) single-faced; and (iii) mounted directly vertical as a wall sign, with no visible angle iron, guy wires, braces or secondary supports and all hardware concealed. No mansard sign shall extend above the highest point of the mansard structure. Each mansard sign shall be located within a permitted signable wall area. Signable wall area for a mansard sign shall not extend beyond the dimensions of the mansard on which the sign is located or beyond the premises of a particular business establishment. The vertical dimensions of signable wall area shall not exceed six feet.
iii.
Sign area. The area of a mansard sign shall not exceed 1/3 of the signable wall area, however, in no case shall it exceed 100 square feet.
iv.
Projection. No mansard sign shall project from the building surface more than 15 inches as measured at right angles from the lower edge of the sign.
v.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination of an internally illuminated mansard sign shall not exceed the following requirements:
1.
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
2.
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25 footcandles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
3.
One footcandle on adjoining residential property measured three feet above the ground.
vi.
Unified business center. All mansard signs within a unified business center shall be unified in design.
vii.
Bonus for individual letters. A ten-percent sign area bonus may be granted for a mansard sign which consists of individual letters mounted directly on the mansard surface.
(4)
Canopy signs.
i.
Location. A canopy sign may be mounted on the face of the canopy proper, provided that no wall signs are directed to the same street frontage. A canopy sign on the face of a canopy shall be permitted and regulated as a wall sign, as provided in Subsection 11.04(2) of this article. Signable wall area for canopy signs shall not extend beyond the canopy face on which the sign is located. A canopy sign mounted on a canopy face shall not extend above or below the canopy face.
ii.
Underside canopy signs. An additional canopy sign may be mounted on the underside of a canopy, perpendicular to the building wall, provided that no more than one underside canopy sign is installed per business establishment. The area of an underside canopy sign shall not exceed four square feet.
iii.
Clearance. A clearance of eight feet shall be maintained from finished grade to the lowest point of any canopy sign.
iv.
Extension and projection. A canopy sign mounted on a canopy face shall not extend above or below the canopy face nor shall it project more than 15 inches beyond the canopy face.
(5)
Awning sings. Individual letters, words or symbols may be affixed or applied to any awning surface, provided that the area of the awning sign does not exceed 15% of the exterior surface area of the awning.
(6)
Permanent window signs. Permanent window signs may be affixed or applied to window glass, provided that the area of permanent window signs does not exceed 20% of the window surface area. A maximum of four permanent window signs per business establishment may be illuminated.
(7)
Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs are permitted only as an integral part of a monument sign, provide that the changeable copy area is no larger than 25% of the entire sign face. Illuminated changeable copy signs shall comply with the requirements for internally lit signs, inhibiting light transmission. Only gasoline price signs accessory to gasoline service stations will be permitted to have manual or electronic changeable copy, which signs shall be maintained to show current gasoline prices at all times.
(8)
Temporary signs. Temporary signs may be installed in accordance with the following:
i.
Number.
1.
Each single-user property may have one temporary sign; provided, however, that single-user properties that consist of more than one acre and that are located on two or more street frontages may have up to two temporary signs, each of which must be located on a different street frontage and separated by a distance of at least 50 feet.
2.
Each multi-user property may have either: (a) up to two temporary signs, separated by a distance of at least 50 feet; or (b) three or more temporary signs, but only if each temporary sign is separated by a distance of at least 500 feet from all other temporary signs on the property.
ii.
Sign setback. Temporary signs must comply with the setback regulations applicable to monument signs, as set forth in Section 11.04(1) of this Code; provided, however, that no portion of any temporary sign may be located within a sight triangle.
iii.
Sign area. The maximum area of a temporary sign is 16 square feet for properties of one acre or greater, and nine square feet for all other properties.
iv.
Height. The maximum height of a temporary sign is six feet above finished grade.
v.
Sign duration.
1.
No temporary sign may be displayed for a period longer than 20 days, except that temporary signs advertising a grand opening or anniversary date may be displayed for a period of up to 30 days.
2.
No property may display temporary signs for more than 45 days during any calendar year.
3.
No property may display temporary signs for more than nine special events during any calendar year.
vi.
Sign type. Temporary signs must be freestanding, except that temporary signs advertising a grand opening may be secured to a building wall.
(9)
Collective parking signs. Signs erected in off-street parking lots, in connection with a collective parking agreement affecting the subject property, but only in accordance with the following:
i.
Not more than one collective parking sign may be erected on any lot; provided, however, that for lots for which there is more than one point of vehicular ingress or egress between the lot and an adjacent right-of-way, a second collective parking sign may be erected if the Zoning Officer determines, due to the configuration of the lot and the improvements thereon, that such second sign will improve traffic circulation and public safety;
ii.
Collective parking signs may only be erected at specific locations to be approved in advance by the Zoning Officer;
iii.
No collective parking sign may be greater than seven feet in height, measured from grade, no more than nine square feet in area;
iv.
Collective parking signs may only include the names and locations of the businesses located in the properties affected by the collective parking agreement;
v.
Only one font may be used within each collective parking sign: and
vi.
No business logo may be depicted on a collective parking sign.
(10)
Signs in the P Public Open Space District.
i.
Permitted signs. In the P Public Open Space District, freestanding signs are permitted as follows:
1.
Signs not more than four feet in height identifying the name of the park or open space;
2.
Changeable sign frames not more than five feet six inches in height and having a sign area of not more than five square feet; and
3.
Electronic message signs, subject to the provisions of Section 11.10(1)v of this chapter.
[Added 10-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3637]
ii.
With the exception of any sign that includes an electronic message sign panel, freestanding signs in the P Public Open Space District are exempt from the monument sign setback requirement set forth in Section 11.04(1)v and the landscaping requirements set forth in Sections 6.17(2) and 11.04(1)x of this Zoning Ordinance.
[Amended 10-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3637]
11.05 Exempt signs.
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
The following signs, while subject to any other Village ordinance which may apply, are exempt from the permit requirements set forth in this article.
(1)
Construction signs: One nonilluminated single-faced temporary sign per construction site shall be permitted not exceeding 12 square feet of sign area in residential zoning districts or 64 square feet in business or manufacturing districts, provided that such signs shall be erected no more than five days prior to the beginning of construction for which a valid building permit has been issued, shall be confined to the site of construction, and shall be removed not more than five days after completion of construction or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, whichever occurs first.
(2)
Directional or instructional signs: signs required to provide direction or instruction located entirely on the property to which they pertain and not exceeding 5.5 square feet. Examples include signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways and those areas of similar nature.
(3)
Flags: Flags may be displayed without a sign permit, in accordance with the following:
i.
Flags are located in such a manner that:
1.
In residential districts, no flag shall be located closer than five feet to any property line;
2.
In business and manufacturing districts, flags shall not be closer than 10 feet to any property line; and
3.
In no event shall a flag be placed so as to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic or visibility or otherwise endanger the public safety.
ii.
If a flag is flown from a flagpole, the flagpole shall be sufficient to meet flagpole industry standards for flying and displaying flags of specific size under various wind conditions, but in no event shall the flagpole exceed 35 feet in height in residential districts or 55 feet in height in business and manufacturing districts.
iii.
Display of the American flag shall conform to all lawful, applicable federal regulations regarding its use and display. An American flag shall not be displayed during hours of darkness unless directly and individually illuminated.
iv.
No more than four flags may be displayed on any lot at any one time, and no more than three flagpoles may be erected per lot. A special sign permit for a rooftop flagpole shall be obtained for any flagpole located atop a building or structure.
(4)
Governmental signs: governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, signs of public service companies or signs erected on the order of a public officer in the performance of his or her public duty.
(5)
Holiday decorations: signs of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday.
(6)
Interior signs: signs located within the interior of any building or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, and signs for and located within the inner or outer lobby, court or entrance of any theater, that are not visible from the public right-of-way, and that comply with the structural, electrical and material specifications set forth in this article.
(7)
Notice bulletin boards: signs conveying information of eleemosynary or public institutions and located on the premises of the subject institution.
(8)
No trespassing or no dumping signs: signs not to exceed two square feet in area per sign and not exceeding two per lot, except that special permission may be obtained from the Zoning Officer for additional and/or larger signs under special circumstances.
(9)
Political and campaign signs: temporary signs indicating candidates for public office or measures on election ballots, provided that such signs shall be permitted on private property only, may be placed only upon approval of the property owner, may not exceed six square feet in area or three feet in height, and must be removed within five days following the election.
(10)
Public notice signs: signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance, which may be of any type, number, area, height above grade, location, illumination or animation, required by the law, statute or ordinance under which the signs are erected.
(11)
Symbols or insignia: religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, provided that no such symbol, plaque or identification emblem shall exceed four square feet in area and provided further that all such symbols, plaques and identification emblems shall be placed flat against a building.
(12)
Community special event signs: signs of a temporary nature not exceeding 50 square feet in area pertaining to drives or events of civic, eleemosynary, educational or religious organizations, provided that such signs are posted only during the drive or not more than 30 days before the event and are removed no more than five days after an event.
(13)
Traffic control: signs on private property for the control of traffic, parking or other regulatory purposes.
(14)
Warning signs: signs warning the public of the existence of danger, of a size as may be necessary, to be removed upon subsidence of the danger.
(15)
Property address and nameplate signs: alphabetic and/or numeric signs not in excess of two square feet which indicate the name and/or the address of the occupant.
(16)
Eleemosynary: direction or information signs of public or eleemosynary organizations.
(17)
Real estate sign: one sign used to offer for sale, lease or rent the land or buildings upon which the sign is located, in compliance with the following:
i.
In residential district:
1.
A ground sign shall not exceed six square feet in area per side, five feet in height above finished grade and shall not be closer than one foot to any property line; or
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
2.
A wall sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall not exceed six feet in height from the finished floor elevation of any relevant space.
ii.
In business and manufacturing districts:
1.
A ground sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area per side for a property with 50 feet or less of lot frontage, or 32 square feet in area per side for a property with more than 50 feet of lot frontage. Ground signs shall not exceed six feet in height above finished grade and shall not be closer than one foot to any property line.
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
2.
A wall sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area for a property with 50 feet or less of lot frontage, or 32 square feet in area per side for a property with more than 50 feet of lot frontage. Wall signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height above finished grade.
iii.
Duration. The sign shall be removed within seven days of the sale, lease or rental transaction.
1.
Open house. A placard stating "open house" may be temporarily attached to or placed above a real estate sign located on the property for sale, and one off-premises directional sign may be permitted on private property or the public parkway on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. The term "public parkway" shall not include the median strip of any street. Any such directional "open house" sign shall not exceed 30 inches in height if it is located less than 15 feet from a street intersection or alley-street intersection, and shall not exceed three feet in height if it is located more than 15 feet from such intersection. Any such signs inserted into the ground shall be attached to thin wire supports of a type approved by the Zoning Officer.
(18)
Building identification and historical markers: signs constructed of metal or masonry which are permanently affixed to buildings or structures for the purpose of identifying the building name, erection date or other historical information.
(19)
Temporary window signs: in business establishments, temporary window signs which announce a specific sale or product price and which are posted for not longer than 30 days, provided the total area of permanent and temporary window signs occupies no more than 20% of the window surface area.
(20)
Noncommercial opinion signs: In addition to all other signs permitted under this article, each privately owned lot may contain one noncommercial opinion sign for each street frontage. Such signs may be placed only upon approval of the property owner, may not exceed six square feet in area or four feet in height, may not be located closer than seven feet to the public right-of-way and must be at least one foot from any property line.
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
(21)
Garage sale signs: signs advising of a permitted garage sale so long as the signage conforms with the signage requirements of Chapter 9, Article 13, of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979]
(22)
Signs on vehicles marked for sale: No more than two signs advising that a parked motor vehicle, boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle is for sale, so long as: (a) each sign is no larger than two square feet in sign area; (b) the motor vehicle, boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle is not parked upon any street within the Village for the purpose of displaying it for sale; and (c) the display conforms with the requirements of Section 7-2-18 et seq. of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979]
(23)
Transit shelter signs: Transit shelter signs may be displayed without permit, but only in accordance with the following:
i.
The sign area of each transit shelter sign shall not exceed 24 square feet;
ii.
No transit shelter sign shall extend beyond the side of the structure to which the sign is mounted;
iii.
No transit shelter sign shall be installed in a Residential District of the Village, except signs displaying: (a) transit service information; or (b) public service information provided by the Village; and
iv.
No transit shelter sign shall be installed on any shelter for which the Board of Trustees has not adopted a resolution approving the installation of signs thereon, which resolution shall not be adopted except upon the submission by the applicant of evidence that the owner of the property on which the shelter is or will be located has authorized the placement of the shelter and the installation of signs thereon.
(24)
Portable signs. Portable signs, such as A-frame signs or sandwich boards, are permitted in front of business or commercial establishments on private property only, subject to the following limitations:
[Added 10-1-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-3071]
i.
Only one portable sign may be located along each frontage of a business establishment;
ii.
No portable sign may exceed four feet in height;
iii.
No portable sign may exceed six square feet in sign face area;
iv.
No portable sign may be located within any sight triangle;
v.
Portable signs, or changeable copy board for use in connection with portable signs, must be professionally printed and must not be written by hand, except for chalkboards, dry-erase boards, and other similar sign types;
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
vi.
Portable signs must be maintained in like-new appearance and must be free of dents or other damage;
vii.
Portable signs may be displayed only during the hours of operation of the business establishment in front of which the portable sign is displayed; and
viii.
Portable signs must be weighted or anchored so that they remain upright.
(25)
Street pole banner signs (public rights-of-way): Banner signs affixed to street poles in public rights-of-way may be displayed without permit, but only in accordance with the following:
[Added 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3155]
i.
The sign area of each street pole banner sign shall not exceed 95 inches in length or 30 inches in width; and
ii.
No banner sign shall be installed on any street pole in a public right-of-way for which the Board of Trustees has not adopted a resolution approving the installation of such signs thereon, which resolution shall not be adopted except upon the submission by the applicant of evidence that the owners of the pole and the right-of-way have authorized the installation of signs thereon.
11.06 Prohibited signs.
The following sign types are specifically prohibited in all locations within the Village:
(2)
Abandoned signs.
(3)
Advertising vehicles.
(4)
Off-premises advertising signs, except:
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
i.
Transit shelter signs installed pursuant to Section 11.05(23) of this article;
ii.
Street pole banner signs installed within public rights-of-way pursuant to Section 11.05(25) of this article; and
[Amended 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3155]
iii.
Collective parking signs erected pursuant to Section 11.04(9) of this article.
[Added 6-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-3216]
(5)
Animated signs.
(6)
Bench signs.
(7)
Billboards.
(8)
Flashing signs.
(9)
Light pole signs.
(10)
Painted wall signs.
(11)
Portable signs, except special event signs.
(12)
Projecting signs.
(13)
Signs, which:
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
i.
Bear or contain statements, words, pictures or symbols which are unlawful;
ii.
Are attached to any fence or freestanding wall;
iii.
Have visible moving parts, or give the illusion of motion, except for those electronic message signs;
iv.
Emit audible sound, odor or visible matter;
v.
Purport to be, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or which bear the words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning" or similar words;
vi.
By reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of any emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal or device; or
vii.
Are located within the public right-of-way, except: (a) governmental signs; (b) transit shelter signs installed pursuant to Section 11.05(23) of this Article; (c) street pole banner signs installed pursuant to Section 11.05(25) of this Article; and (d) those signs conforming to the requirements of Section 1036-2 of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979; 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3155]
(14)
Signs consisting of a string, cluster or series of lights, with the exception of holiday decorations.
(15)
Signs on exterior doors, except: (a) signs displaying door operating instructions; (b) government required signs; and (c) signs displaying hours of operation.
(16)
Roof signs.
(17)
Inflatable signs.
(19)
Any other sign that is not expressly permitted by this article.
11.07 General regulations.
All signs and sign structures shall comply with the following regulations:
(1)
Compliance with general regulations. No sign shall be erected or maintained in violation of any applicable ordinance of the Village, including, without limitation: the structural load and wind load standards set forth in the Building Code.
(2)
Obstruction of access/egress. No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(3)
Restriction to premises. No signs, posts, bases or supporting structure of any kind for a sign shall be located beyond the property line of the premises on which the sign is erected.
(4)
Obstruction of traffic signs/signals. No sign shall be erected at or in the vicinity of the intersection of streets or driveways so as to obstruct free and clear vision of traffic, or of traffic signs and signals.
(5)
Illumination onto residential districts. No illuminated freestanding sign may be located within 75 feet of any residential zoning district. The illumination of any sign shall be diffused or indirect and nonflashing. Illumination of all signs shall be so arranged that there will be no glare directed onto nearby properties or any public right-of-way.
[Amended 9-3-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-3065]
(6)
Hours of illumination. With the exception of public service signs and flags, all illuminated signs shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the business establishment is engaged in the operation of its business with employees on the premises during such period.
(7)
Maintenance.
i.
The owner of a sign, and the owner of the premises on which the sign is located, shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain the sign in compliance with this article, and in a neat and orderly condition and good working order at all times, including any illumination sources, and to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety of such sign.
ii.
All portions of signs regulated by this article, including, without limitation, all sign support structures, shall either be painted, galvanized, or otherwise treated to prevent rust or deterioration.
(8)
Signs in unified business centers.
i.
All unified business centers shall have on file with the Zoning Officer, an approved unified center sign plan for the property. The unified center sign plan shall be submitted by the property owner or the authorized managing agent for the property. The unified center sign plan shall be developed to create a unified or harmonious appearance among all signs placed upon the property consistent with Section 11.08 of this article, and shall at minimum indicate:
1.
A uniform location for wall signs;
2.
The location of any permanent window signs;
3.
The allowed sign type(s) for the property;
4.
The location and attributes of any freestanding sign located on the property;
5.
The maximum sign area and sign location permitted for each business tenant or leased space;
6.
The allowed number of lines of copy for a sign; and
7.
The allowed lettering styles, colors, illumination or other sign attributes.
ii.
The unified center sign plan submitted pursuant to this Subsection 11.07(8) shall govern and regulate the issuance of sign permits for all new signs in the unified business center.
iii.
Unified business center property owners may from time to time amend the approved sign plan for the center. Any amendment shall indicate how existing signs, if any, shall be made to conform to the new plan. In no case shall noncompliant signs remain on the property for more than 12 months after approval of an amended unified center sign plan. Amendments to a sign plan shall be made in the same form and manner as a unified center sign plan. Neither an amendment to the sign plan nor a variation shall be required solely for the purpose of altering the copy on any sign in a unified business center, provided that the alteration conforms to the approved sign plan.
11.08 Sign design.
(1)
Legibility of signs. Signs shall be adequately legible under the circumstances in which they are primarily seen, to be determined with respect to:
i.
The speed at which the sign is viewed;
ii.
The context and surroundings in which the sign is seen; and
iii.
The design, colors and contrast of the sign copy and sign face. The design of the sign, including copy, lettering size and style, and colors, shall logically relate to the predominate speed of traffic which will see it. Signs shall legibly convey their messages without being distracting or unsafe to motorists reading them.
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(2)
Relationship of signs to their surroundings. Signs shall not detract from the general appearance and architectural character of their surroundings, including streets, buildings and other signs in the area. Signs shall not be designed to complete with one another but shall contribute to the composite legibility and attractiveness of streets within the Village.
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(3)
Relationship of signs to the buildings and sites identified. Signs shall be an integral architectural element of the buildings and sites that they identify. The design of signs shall be consistent with, and shall not detract from, the overall architectural concept of the site on which they are located.
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(4)
Quality and craftsmanship of signs. Signs shall be carefully crafted, durable and consistent with the quality and permanence of the buildings and sites that they identify.
(5)
Maintenance of signs. All signs shall be regularly maintained, and repaired or replaced, in response to the aging and weathering of their materials.
(6)
Scale and proportion.
i.
Freestanding signs. The scale of freestanding signs shall be compatible with the building or buildings they identify, and the signs shall not be of such a size that they visually overpower the buildings on the site.
ii.
Building signs. Building signs shall be harmonious in scale and proportion with the building facade to which they are mounted, and with the architectural elements of the building, such as windows, cornices, sign friezes and bays. Signs that are part of building elements such as walls, windows, canopies, awnings and mansard roofs shall not visually overpower those elements nor detract from the composition of the building facade.
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(7)
Shape and silhouette:
i.
Freestanding signs. The silhouette and outlined shape of freestanding signs shall be simple and compatible with the building to which it relates. Signs of excessively complicated outline or composed of many different connected shapes are unacceptable. Freestanding signs should have an attractive combination of pole skirts, landscaping, berms and/or similar treatments to provide a visual base for the sign and integrate the sign into the overall architecture, landscaping and topography on the site. Brick, wood, stone walls or properly treated metal will be acceptable materials to be used for pole skirts and must be compatible with the material used in the sign. Freestanding signs may not obstruct or limit the sight distance of motorists within any sight triangle, and may not exceed three feet in height within any sight triangle.
[Amended 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
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ii.
Building signs. The silhouettes and outlined shapes of building signs shall be compatible with the building facade on which they are mounted. Shapes that disrupt the architectural order and composition of a building facade are unacceptable.
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(8)
Sign placement and height:
i.
Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall not be placed close against a building so that they obscure important architectural features such as entrances, display windows or decorative cornices when viewed from the street.
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ii.
Building signs. Sign placement on a building shall respect and not disrupt the architectural composition of the building facade. No part of any sign should overlap or cover the architectural edges and lines of the building such as cornices, eaves, window and door frames, columns, decorative elements and corners.
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iii.
Mansard signs. Mansard signs shall be mounted directly to the mansard surface, or shall be mounted in a manner that is consistent with the architecture of the building facade and roof with no visible brackets, braces, angle irons or secondary supports. Mansard signs that project out from the surface of the mansard shall be enclosed on all sides perpendicular to the sign face with a treatment to match the color, texture and appearance of the mansard material.
(9)
Sign copy:
i.
Sign copy. Information shall be brief enough to be legible under the circumstances and speed at which it will be seen, and should be composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.
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ii.
Quantity and size of copy. Signs, other than changeable copy and multi-tenant freestanding signs, shall have no more than 10 items of information that are greater than or equal to two inches in height on the sign face. For the purposes of this Paragraph 11.08(9)(b), all individual words, symbols, figures, numbers or illustrations excluding punctuation marks shall be considered items of information.
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iii.
Alternative copy. The use of simple pictures, symbols or logographs is encouraged as a replacement for words that describe the name or nature of a business or use.
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(10)
Lettering:
i.
Legible. Lettering styles on signs shall be legible under the circumstances and speed at which they will be seen.
ii.
Readable. Simple and easily readable lettering styles shall primarily be used and specialized, decorative lettering styles shall be adequately legible and compatible with the architectural concept for the property.
iii.
Styles. The number of different lettering styles on a sign or on a series of signs within a complex of buildings shall be minimized and shall relate to the overall architectural concept for the property.
iv.
Spacing. Lettering and copy shall not be crowded onto the surface of a sign or building surface and shall be composed to leave ample space around the copy to preserve legibility.
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(11)
Materials and construction:
i.
Materials and textures. The materials and textures of signs shall have good architectural character and shall not be inconsistent with nor detract from the overall design concept of the site and building of which it is a part.
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ii.
Use of natural materials. Natural materials such as wood, stone or brick are encouraged for signs.
iii.
Permanence, harmony and compatibility. Signs shall be designed for permanence and their materials and construction shall not detract from the permanence of the buildings they identify.
(12)
Color:
i.
Appearance. The visual appearance of signs on a street shall be harmonious and orderly, and shall reinforce the architectural character of the street. Colors, or combinations of colors that are harsh and disrupt the visual harmony and order of the street are unacceptable.
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ii.
Color tones. Bold, bright or harsh colors shall be used sparingly, as accents on a sign, rather than as predominant colors. Strong contrasts of tone or color shall be avoided except when necessary for legibility.
iii.
Color of frames and supportive members. Visible frames, supports or structural elements of signs that are not part of the sign face shall be of subdued coloring, or, if made of brick, stone or wood, shall be of natural colors compatible with the natural finish of the material.
(13)
Illumination. Any sign permitted under these regulations may be illuminated in compliance with the following:
[Ord. No. 2011-2937]
i.
Installation or application. Illumination shall be installed or applied such that:
ii.
Glare. Illumination shall be prevented from causing a glare on the street or nearby properties.
iii.
Protection of light source. Floodlights, gooseneck reflectors or other external sources of illumination shall be contained within a protective casing.
iv.
Motion. Illumination shall be constant in intensity and color and shall not consist of flashing, animated, chasing or scintillating lights. Electronic message signs shall not be considered flashing signs for the purposes of this article.
v.
Appearance. Signs that are illuminated shall be designed to be equally attractive, whether illuminated or not.
vi.
Degree of illumination. The intensity of illumination for the sign shall not be excessively bright and shall be even over the face of the sign, with no bright spots.
vii.
Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be illuminated internally or by concealed fixtures so that no reflectors, extension arms or fixtures are visible from the street.
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viii.
Building signs. Signs that are part of a building shall have internal lighting or a concealed means of illumination. The only exception shall be decorative fixtures that are consistent with the architectural style of the building and do not disrupt the order and composition of the building facades.
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x.
This Section 11.08(13) shall not apply to transit shelter signs approved pursuant to Section 11.05(23) of this article.
(14)
Landscaping for freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be landscaped at their base in a method harmonious with the landscape concept for the whole site. Landscaping shall form an attractive, dense cluster at the base of the sign that is equally attractive in winter and summer. However, landscaping materials should be of such a height so as not to interfere with line of sight area below the bottom of the sign and the finished grade. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping will be required for every one square foot of sign face. The landscape area shall be curbed at the perimeter with continuous reinforced Portland cement concrete curbing when the sign is incorporated into a hard surfaced parking area.
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(15)
Signs with company logos. Company logos or identification logos of a prototypical design on signs shall conform to all the provisions in this article, and shall stay within the spirit and intent of this article regarding the visual order and restraint of the street environment.
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(16)
Signs in unified business centers:
i.
Harmony and unity of signs. There shall be an architectural harmony and unity of signs within a unified business center. Sign type, color scheme, lettering, size, placement of signs, number of lines of copy and illumination shall be coordinated among all signs and shall be compatible with the architecture of the center.
ii.
Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs identifying shopping centers and other unified business centers may identify the name of the center or complex and shall have no more than eight separate tenants per sign face within the complex or center.
iii.
Building signs. Building signs in a unified business center shall be in harmony with the overall architectural style for the site, and compatible with each other and with the building facades. Separate business signs shall be located uniformly on a sign frieze, canopy or other appropriate architectural element consistent with the architectural style for the center as a whole, and shall be adequately separated from one another.
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(17)
Changeable copy signs:
i.
Percent of sign area/sign face. Changeable copy may be incorporated into a single tenant freestanding sign face when the changeable component of the sign face occupies less than 25% of the total area of that sign face.
ii.
Proportion and appearance. Changeable copy on a sign face shall be composed in proportion to the entire sign face with a border or similar treatment around the changeable copy to integrate it into the sign face.
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iii.
Lettering. Lettering of changeable copy shall be of a single, simple, easily legible lettering style and shall be of uniform color and size throughout the changeable copy portion of the sign.
(18)
Signable wall area. All wall signs shall be located within a signable wall area. Actual sign coverage is limited to 1/3 of the respective signable area or 10 square feet, whichever is greater. The illustration below provides three possible examples of signable wall areas, only one of which may be used.
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11.09 Sign permit application and review.
(1)
Permit application. An applicant for a sign permit shall file an application therefor with the Zoning Officer, upon forms provided by the Village, and shall include, without limitation, the following:
i.
Personal and company information.
1.
The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owner of the business to be served by the proposed sign, and, if different, of the owner of the property on which the proposed sign is to be located; and
2.
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the designer, manufacturer, and installer of the proposed sign.
ii.
Sign plan. A comprehensive listing of all existing and proposed signs on the subject property, including type, size, informational content and location, using sign identification numbers corresponding with reference numbers on photographs or elevation drawings.
iii.
Plans and specifications. Plans and specifications, showing, without limitation, construction details, the methods and materials of sign fabrication, and the method of attachment of the sign to the building or ground.
iv.
Structural load calculations. For new, remounted or relocated signs, a statement by a licensed structural engineer or an Illinois licensed architect, that all sign structures, including, without limitation, the sign foundations, support structures, secondary framing, anchorages, fastenings and facing materials, will be: (i) structurally sound; (ii) designed to resist wind pressures as required by the Building Code; and (iii) designed at a pressure not less than 20 pounds per square foot of sign surface and supporting structure, which pressure shall be considered as acting as both positive and negative pressure, but not acting concurrently.
v.
Site plan or survey. A scaled survey by a licensed surveyor, or a site plan of the property on which the sign will be located, showing, without limitation, all of the following information:
vi.
Building elevation. A scaled drawing of the face of the building to which the sign will be attached, showing, without limitation, the following information:
1.
All windows, doors, canopies, awnings, rooflines and other architectural elements on the building face, indicating building materials;
2.
All dimensions and signable area of the actual wall, window, mansard roof, canopy, or awning on which the sign will be mounted; and
3.
The location and size of the sign on the building face, including height above grade and projection from the mounting surface.
vii.
Sign elevation. A scaled elevation of the face of the proposed sign showing, without limitation, the following information:
viii.
Site photographs. Color photographs that adequately show the entire building face on which the sign will be located, and for unified business center signs, that adequately describe other existing signs in the center.
ix.
Electrical wiring diagram. For illuminated signs, an electrical wiring diagram.
x.
Landscaping plan. For freestanding signs, a landscaping plan, which plan shall: (i) include, without limitation, the size (height and/or diameter) and name (common and botanic) of plant materials; and (ii) satisfy the requirements set forth in Subsection 11.08(14) of this article.
xi.
Improvement and maintenance agreements. For unified business centers, improvement and maintenance agreements, including without limitation, the names of the property owner(s) and business owners, an integrated building and site use arrangement, and an overall architectural concept of the unified business center.
xii.
Signs on rights-of-way. For signs proposed to extend over, or to be located on, any public right-of-way, all items required pursuant to Section 11.12 of this article.
xiii.
Additional information required. Any other information required by the Zoning Officer because of the unique type, design or location of the sign.
xiv.
Cash surety. For freestanding, wall, canopy, mansard or awning signs, a cash surety, in the form of a certified check, cashier's check or money order payable to the Village, in an amount of $500 or 10% of the estimated value of the sign, whichever is greater.
(2)
Review by Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer shall review all complete sign permit applications submitted pursuant to Subsection 11.09(1) of this article, and shall either grant or deny the sign permit in accordance with the following:
1.
Upon a determination that the proposed sign complies with all applicable regulations of this article and other applicable requirements of law, the Zoning Officer shall grant the sign permit.
2.
Upon a determination that the proposed sign does not comply with all applicable regulations of this article or with any other applicable requirements of law, the Zoning Officer shall: (i) deny the sign permit; and (ii) return the cash surety provided pursuant to Paragraph 11.09(1)(n) of this chapter, if any, within 10 business days after the date of the denial.
(3)
Approved signs:
i.
If work authorized pursuant to a sign permit has not been completed within 180 days after issuance of the permit, the permit shall automatically become null and void.
ii.
The cash surety provided pursuant to Paragraph 11.09(1)(n) of this chapter, if any, shall be returned to the sign permittee within 10 business days after final inspection and completion of the approved sign.
11.10 Special signs.
(1)
The following signs are special signs and may not be erected or maintained except upon issuance of a special sign approval pursuant to this Section 11.10:
i.
Light pole banner signs on private property: banners made of clothlike material and mounted with metal brackets to light poles located on private property.
[Amended 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3155]
1.
Special sign approval may be granted for a period not to exceed two years.
2.
The sign permit application shall include a plan identifying the location of all banners, which plan shall conform with the following:
(1)
No more than two banners shall be hung from any light pole fixture;
(2)
All banners shall be erected at a height of at least 10 feet above finished grade, and shall not be located to obstruct traffic visibility; and
(3)
The banners and metal brackets, as well as the structures and poles to which the banners are attached, shall withstand stresses as required by the Building Code.
3.
A maintenance plan shall be provided, for review and approval by the Zoning Officer, for the periodic replacement of worn, tattered, faded or otherwise weathered banner material.
4.
The banner design, including color and content format, shall be customized to the intended location, and harmonious with adjacent properties.
5.
The banner design, color and content shall contribute to the attractiveness of the site and of adjoining properties, and shall enhance the image of Lincolnwood.
6.
The sign shall not be merely intended as an advertising medium.
ii.
Menu board signs. One menu board for a drive-in or drive-through restaurant may be granted in addition to other signs permitted under this article, provided that the sign does not exceed: (a) 20 square feet in area; and (b) six feet in height from the finished grade.
iii.
Rooftop flagpoles.
1.
The sign permit application shall include a plan identifying the location of the proposed rooftop flagpole, which plan shall conform with the following:
(1)
No more than one rooftop flagpole, may be erected on any lot;
(2)
The height of any rooftop flagpole shall not project higher than 15 above the building or structure height permissible in the underlying zoning district;
(3)
The flagpole and all anchor brackets must be manufactured and installed consistent with industry standards, and shall withstand stresses as required by the Building Code;
(4)
No flag may exceed the size of the flag prescribed by industry standards for the particular flagpole sought to be installed;
(5)
The rooftop flagpole must be located so that it is perpendicular to the roof of the building or structure upon which it is located;
(6)
No pole or structural part thereof shall project beyond the edge of the roof upon which it is located; and
(7)
No more than two flags may be displayed from any rooftop flagpole.
2.
The pole structure and supports shall, at a minimum, conform to all applicable provisions of this article and of the Village Code.
iv.
Pole/pylon signs.
1.
Number.
(1)
No more than one pole/pylon sign per lot or unified business center, each of which has a minimum front footage of 100 feet along a single street, shall be permitted, except that pole/pylon identification signs (directory signs) in lieu of wall signs shall be permitted in a multi-tenant office or industrial building if each tenant has a separate at-grade entrance, which sign shall be located at the entrance to the tenant's space and shall not exceed 10 square feet and six feet in height from finished grade.
(2)
Sign copy for single tenant pole/pylon sign shall contain no more than 10 words and graphic elements greater than two inches in height.
(3)
Sign copy for a multi-tenant pole/pylon sign shall contain a maximum of a combination of 24 words and graphic elements no greater than two inches in height. Changeable copy signage shall not be combined with multi-tenant signs.
(4)
Pole/pylon signs on properties with multiple street frontages shall be oriented perpendicular to the primary street right-of-way.
2.
Height. No pole/pylon sign shall exceed 18 feet in height from finished grade.
3.
Area. No pole/pylon sign shall exceed 48 square feet per sign face for a single-tenant property, or 48 square feet plus six square feet for each tenant over five tenants, up to a maximum of 60 square feet per sign face for a multiple-tenant property.
4.
Building clearance. No pole/pylon sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to a building, except that a pole/pylon sign four feet in height or less may be as close as three feet from a building.
5.
Setback. No pole/pylon sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to an exterior property line, nor closer than 50 feet to an interior property line. For a pole/pylon sign constructed at a unified business center, under multiple ownerships, interior lot lines shall only pertain to the outermost lot line.
6.
Public service sign display. A pole/pylon sign may incorporate a public service sign display.
7.
Distance measurement. The location of a pole/pylon sign shall be measured as the distance between the point of reference specified and the closest point on the sign.
8.
Sight triangle. A pole/pylon sign located in a sight triangle shall be either a maximum of three feet in height to the top of the sign, or not less than eight feet from the finished grade to the bottom of the sign.
9.
Overhang. No pole/pylon sign may overhang any part of a structure, parking or loading space, driveway or maneuvering aisle.
10.
Landscaping. A pole/pylon sign must be located in a landscaped area separated and protected from vehicular circulation and parking areas. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping shall be required for every one square foot of sign face. When located in a parking area, continuous reinforced perimeter Portland cement concrete curbing is required.
11.
Gas station. Changeable copy used in a gas station pole/pylon sign shall be included in the maximum sign area for an allowable pole/pylon sign. Gas station signs must incorporate the changeable copy price information into the main identification sign face. Only gasoline price signs accessory to gasoline service stations will be permitted to have manual or electronic changeable copy.
12.
Sign design and glare reduction. To minimize glare, the illumination of an internally illuminated pole/pylon sign shall not exceed the following requirements:
[Amended 9-20-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2962]
(1)
Seventy-five footcandles, measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign;
(2)
When the sign is located in a residential zoning district, 25 footcandles measured perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign; or
(3)
One footcandle on adjoining residential property, measured three feet above the ground.
13.
Special sign conditions. A pole/pylon sign shall be allowed as a special sign only if the proposed pole/pylon sign meets the special sign requirements set forth in Subsection 11.10(5) of this article and any one of the additional following conditions:
(1)
A monument sign would not be feasible due to obstruction of the line of sight triangle;
(2)
The existence of driveways, driveway approaches, interior drive aisles and parking areas would cause insufficient area to install a monument sign;
(3)
The existence of trees, shrubbery or vegetation would adversely impact the visibility of a monument sign; or
(4)
The existence of underground utilities would prevent or interfere with the installation of a foundation for a monument sign.
v.
Electronic message center signs.
[Added 11-5-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3429]
1.
Location. Electronic message center signs may only be erected on lots of not less than seven acres in size, and only in the B-1, B-2, B-3, O-1, P, and S Districts or the MBROZ Retail Overlay Zone. For purposes of this Section 11.10(1)v.1 only, contiguous parcels under common ownership and used for the same or similar purposes may be considered a single lot.
[Amended 10-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3637]
2.
Sign type. Electronic message center signs must be monument signs.
3.
Sign height and area.
(1)
On multitenant properties, the monument sign into which an electronic message center sign is incorporated shall not exceed 100 square feet in total area nor 18 feet in height. No sign face of the electronic message center sign shall exceed the lesser of 50% of the total sign area or 50 square feet.
(2)
On single-tenant properties, the monument sign into which an electronic message center sign is incorporated shall not exceed the area or height restrictions set forth in Section 11.04(1) of this chapter. No sign face of the electronic message center sign shall exceed 40 square feet.
4.
Illumination.
(1)
The illumination of an electronic message center sign shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle over ambient lighting conditions, measured at distances in accordance with the following table:
Area of Sign (square feet) | Measurement Distance (feet) |
|---|---|
10 | 32 |
15 | 39 |
20 | 45 |
25 | 50 |
30 | 55 |
35 | 59 |
40 | 63 |
45 | 67 |
50 | 71 |
55 | 74 |
60 | 77 |
65 | 81 |
70 | 84 |
75 | 87 |
80 | 89 |
85 | 92 |
90 | 95 |
95 | 97 |
100 | 100 |
110 | 105 |
120 | 110 |
130 | 114 |
140 | 118 |
150 | 122 |
160 | 126 |
170 | 130 |
180 | 134 |
190 | 138 |
200 | 141 |
220 | 148 |
240 | 155 |
260 | 161 |
280 | 167 |
300 | 173 |
(2)
Electronic message center signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim to a level compliant with Section 11.10(1)v.4.(1) of this chapter.
(3)
Electronic message center signs shall face away from, and shall not direct light onto, any lot that is located in a residential zoning district or improved with a structure used for residential purposes.
5.
Motion. All images displayed on electronic message center signs must remain visible for a period of no less than 10 seconds before the image transition to a new static image. Animated or moving images are otherwise prohibited within electronic message center signs.
(2)
Special signs on public rights-of-way. No portion of any special sign may encroach in, on, over, under or above any public right-of-way, except: (a) governmental signs; and (b) signs conforming to the requirements of Chapter 9, Article 13, of the Village Code.
[Amended 12-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-2979]
(3)
Initiation. An application for a special sign approval may be made by the owner of the subject property or an authorized representative thereof. Applications for approval of a special sign must include, without limitation, the sign permit application submitted pursuant to Section 11.09 of this article for the proposed sign.
(4)
Processing. An application for a special sign approval, in such form and accompanied by such information as shall be established from time to time by the PC/ZBA, shall be filed with the Zoning Officer and thereafter processed in the same manner prescribed for variations under Section 5.15(5) of this Zoning Ordinance.
[Amended 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-3804]
(5)
Decisions. The Board of Trustees, upon report and recommendation of the PC/ZBA and without further hearing, may approve or deny an application for a special sign approval, or may refer it back to the PC/ZBA for further consideration. In determining whether to approve or deny an application for a special sign approval, there shall be taken into consideration the extent to which the following facts are established:
[Amended 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-3804]
i.
The special sign will serve the public convenience at the location of the subject sign; or that the establishment, maintenance or operation of the special sign will not be detrimental to or endanger the visibility, public safety, comfort or general welfare;
ii.
The special sign will be in harmony and scale with the architecture of the building(s) in the development and with other signs in the neighborhood;
iii.
The special sign will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity of the subject property for the purposes already permitted; nor substantially diminish and impair other property valuations within the neighborhood; nor impair the visibility of adjacent signs;
iv.
The nature, location and size of the sign(s) involved with the establishment of the special sign will not impede, substantially hinder, or discourage the installation of signs on adjacent property in accordance with this article;
v.
The special sign satisfies all specific requirements and conditions set forth in this Section 11.10; and
vi.
The special sign shall in all other respects conform to the applicable regulations of this article.
(6)
Conditions. The PC/ZBA may recommend, and the Board of Trustees may impose, such conditions and restrictions upon an approved special sign, and upon the use of the property or premises benefited by a special sign, as may be deemed necessary to assure compliance with the standards set forth in this article, to reduce or minimize the effect of the special sign upon other property in the neighborhood, or to implement the general purpose and intent of this article.
[Amended 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-3804]
11.11 Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Notification of nonconformity. The Zoning Officer shall survey the Village for signs which do not conform to the requirements of this article. Upon determination that a sign is nonconforming, the Zoning Officer shall use reasonable efforts to notify in writing the user and/or owner of the property on which the sign is located of the following:
(2)
Legal nonconforming signs. Any sign permitted by this article but because of size, location, height or other attribute does not conform with the provisions of this article shall be deemed a legal nonconforming sign and shall be permitted, provided the sign was erected or installed pursuant to a sign permit lawfully granted prior to the adoption of this article. Any nonconforming monument sign or pole/pylon sign shall not be deemed to have lost its legal nonconforming status solely by virtue of a change in text and/or design on the sign face.
(3)
Loss of legal nonconforming sign status. A legal nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming status, and shall be renewed or brought into compliance with this Article XI within 30 days, upon the occurrence of any of the following:
i.
The sign is replaced;
ii.
The sign is relocated;
iii.
The sign is altered in any way in structure or copy, except for changeable copy signs and for normal maintenance;
iv.
The sign is removed, as provided in Subsection 11.14(4) of this article;
v.
The sign is not properly maintained;
vi.
The sign is damaged to more than 20% of its replacement value; or
vii.
The sign is an abandoned sign.
11.12 Indemnification.
For signs that extend over or are located within a public right-of-way, the sign owner must provide the following to the Village:
(1)
An indemnification agreement, in a form approved by the Village Attorney; and
(2)
A liability insurance policy, issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the state, with limits of liability of not less than $500,000 of combined property damage, personal injury liability coverage, with the Village, its officers, agents and employees named as additional parties insured, is required. The insurance policy shall be maintained in force throughout the life of the permit, and if at any time it shall not be in full force, the permit shall become null and void. The insurance policy shall contain a provision that it cannot be terminated for any reason except upon 30 days' prior written notice to the Village.
11.13 Severability.
The several provisions of this article are hereby declared to be severable in accordance with the following rules:
(1)
If any court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision or provisions of this article to be invalid, such declaration shall not affect the validity of any other provisions of this article not specifically included in the court's decision.
(2)
If any court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision or provisions of this article to be invalid as applied to any particular sign, such declaration shall not affect the application of such provision to any other sign not specifically included in the court's decision.
11.14 Penalty; revocation; removal.
(1)
Penalty for violations. Any person who installs a sign without a permit and/or in conflict with the provisions of this article shall be fined per day of violation in an amount as set forth in the Annual Fee Resolution.[1] Any permit fees associated with an illegal sign shall be paid at twice the normal fee requirements.
(2)
Revocation of sign permit. Any sign permit issued under this article may be revoked by the Zoning Officer when:
i.
The person, firm or corporation to whom a sign permit is granted fails to complete work required in accordance with provisions of the permit during the effective period of the permit;
ii.
The application for the sign permit contained a material misrepresentation or omission of fact; or
iii.
The sign or its structure was erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered or used in a manner not in compliance with this article, the permit, and/or the permit application.
(3)
Completion of partially constructed signs:
i.
In the event that a permit has been issued pursuant to this article, but the sign installation has not been completed within 180 days of the date of issuance of the permit, the Village may utilize all or any portion of the principal sum of the cash surety provided pursuant to Paragraph 11.09(1)(n) of this article, if any, or a portion thereof, to complete the installation or to remove the partial work.
ii.
Nothing in this Section 11.14(3) shall be deemed or interpreting as limiting or restricting: (i) the imposition of fines pursuant to Section 11.14(1) of this article; or (ii) the placement of a lien against the property pursuant to this Section 11.14 to recover Village expenses.
iii.
In cases where only part of the cash surety has been utilized, the unused amount of the principal sum shall be refunded by the Village to the sign permittee.
(4)
Removal of signs.
i.
Unsafe signs. Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the public safety, the Zoning Officer shall give written notification to the owner of the sign and to the property owner of the premises upon which the sign is located that the sign must be made safe or removed within five days after the date of the notification. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified therein, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign;
ii.
Signs in violation of this article. Any sign which is erected or maintained in violation of any provisions of this article is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the Zoning Officer is authorized to cause removal of the sign, pursuant to the following:
1.
The Zoning Officer shall deliver a written notification to the owner of the sign and to the property owner of the premises upon which the sign is located, indicating the violation, and that the sign must be removed within 15 days after the date of the notification.
2.
If the sign is not removed within 15 days after the date of the initial notification, the Zoning Officer shall deliver a second notification to the owner of the sign and to the property owner of the premises upon which the sign is located, indicating the failure to remove the sign, and that the Village may remove the sign at any time after 15 days after the date of the second notification.
3.
The Village may cause the removal of the sign at any time after 15 days after the date of the second notification. Any expenses incurred by the Village and incident to the removal shall be paid by or be recoverable from the owner of the building, structure or lot upon which the sign is located, and shall be a lien upon the premises until paid. Reimbursement of the expenses may be pursued through an action in the Village's administrative hearing system or in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
iii.
Abandoned signs.
1.
Within 10 days after a sign becomes abandoned, the owner of the building, structure or lot upon which the sign is located shall cause either the removal of the sign, or the replacement of the sign face with a weatherproof, blank face.
2.
If an abandoned sign is not removed or replaced in accordance with Subparagraph 11.14(4)(c)(i) of this paragraph, the Zoning Officer shall deliver a notification to the owner of the building, structure or lot upon which the sign is located, indicating the failure to remove or replace the sign, and that the Village may remove the sign at any time after 10 days after the date of the notification.
3.
The Village may cause the removal of the sign at any time after 10 days after the date of the notification. Any expenses incurred by the Village and incident to the removal shall be paid by or be recoverable from the owner of the building, structure or lot upon which the sign is located, and shall be a lien upon the premises until paid. Reimbursement of the expenses may be pursued through an action in the Village's administrative hearing system or in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
