From and after the effective date of this chapter, the use of all signs and portions of signs erected, altered with respect to height and area of sign face, added to, or relocated in the village shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Any existing sign not in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed shall be regarded as nonconforming. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

   A.   The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be an expression of the maximum allowable number and size of signs which causes the least potential conflict with surrounding uses and which promotes improved physical appearance and aesthetics within the village.

   B.   Where the conditions imposed by any provision of this chapter upon the control of signs are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by the provisions of any other law, code, ordinance, statute, resolution, rule or regulation of any governmental body, the regulations which are more restrictive or which impose higher standards shall govern.

   C.   When a sign type is not specifically listed in the sections devoted to permitted signs, it shall be assumed that such signs are hereby expressly prohibited. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The language set forth in this chapter shall be interpreted as follows:

   A.   Words used in the present tense shall include the future; and words used in the singular number shall include the plural number, and the plural the singular.

   B.   The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary.

   C.   The word "may" is permissive.

   D.   All measured distances or standards shall be to the nearest integer; if a fraction is one-half (1/2) or less, the integer next below shall be taken.

   E.   Height of signs shall be measured to the highest point thereon, from the crown of the street directly opposite the sign, or from the average normal grade level directly below the sign, whichever is higher. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The following terms when used in this chapter shall be construed as follows:

   CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign or portion thereof which has a reader board for the display of text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic or symbol is defined by objects, not consisting of an illumination device and may be changed or rearranged manually or mechanically with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign.

   CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN, ELECTRONIC: A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, nonpictorial, text information in which each alphanumeric character is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area.

   COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN: A sign plan for a building and its associated grounds, a multibuilding development site or a multi-tenant building indicating the number, types, locations, dimensions, materials, and colors of signs proposed.

   CORNER LOT: A lot with property lines of two (2) streets bisecting on an angle.

   ELECTRONIC GRAPHIC DISPLAY SIGN: A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately or by means of fade, repixalization or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic display signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays.

   FACADE: The face or wall of a building as it is presented to view; the apparent width and/or height of a building as viewed from streets, driveways, and parking lots. Minor changes in wall elevations do not constitute the creation of additional facades.

   FREESTANDING SIGN: A permanent sign which is supported by a structure or supports that are permanently anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.

   HUMAN SIGN: Animals or human beings, live or simulated, holding or carrying a sign, or dressed in costume, designed or used so as to attract attention to the premises or activity.

   MULTIVISION SIGN: Any sign composed in whole or in part of a series of vertical or horizontal slats or cylinders that are capable of being rotated at intervals so that partial rotation of the group of slats or cylinders produces a different image and when properly functioning allows a single sign structure to display at any given time one of two (2) or more images.

   NEON SIGN: Brightly colored signs produced by pumping neon and other noble gases through a vacuum tube and applying electricity.

   PERMANENT SIGN: Any sign which is permanently attached to a structure or a foundation.

   REAL ESTATE SIGN: A sign placed upon a property advertising that particular property for sale or lease.

   RESIDENTIAL MONUMENT SIGN: A permanent freestanding sign placed at the major entrances to and identifying a multi-family development or multi-family planned unit development.

   SHOPPING CENTER: A commercial development in excess of ten (10) acres of land improved with a structure of at least fifty thousand (50,000) square feet containing five (5) or more distinct and separate retail businesses.

   SHOPPING PLAZA: A commercial development in excess of one acre of land, improved with a structure containing three (3) or more distinct and separate retail businesses, also sharing common parking areas and access drives.

   SIGN: Any structure, vehicle, device, or any part thereof, which shall be used to identify, advertise, or attract attention to any object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, firm, group, commodity, profession, enterprise, industry, or business and which shall display or include any letter, word, model, number, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device or representation used as an announcement, direction, or advertisement, and which is intended to be seen by persons in the public right of way.

   SIGN AREA: Unless otherwise specified, the area of the smallest triangle, rectangle, or circle which can wholly enclose the surface area of the sign. In the event that individual letters or insignia of a wall sign are attached directly to the wall and vary significantly in size, sign area may be computed using not more than two (2) triangles, rectangles or circles per word or insignia. Visible faces of a multifaced sign shall be treated as if it were a single faced sign with only the area of the largest single faced sign visible at any one time being computed to determine sign area.

   SIGN FACE: The surface of a sign or sign board upon, against or through which a message is displayed.

   TEMPORARY MOBILE SIGN: Any sign which is manifestly designed to be transported, including by trailer or on its own wheels, even though the wheels of such sign may be removed and the remaining chassis or support is converted to another sign or attached temporarily or permanently to the ground since this characteristic is based on the design of the sign.

   TEMPORARY SIGN: Signs, freestanding panels, flags, streamers or banners used to advertise products, prices and services or attract attention, intended to be displayed a limited length of time and not permanently attached to a structure or a foundation.

   TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGN: A sign or display installed inside a window or door window and intended to be viewed from the adjacent public right of way and not constructed or intended for long term use and permitting reasonable viewing of the interior or exterior.

   VIDEO DISPLAY SIGN: A sign that changes its message or background in a manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, which may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion, including, but not limited to, the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding or contracting shapes, not including electronic changeable copy signs. Video display signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings or other objects.

   WALL SIGN: A sign attached directly to a building wall which does not extend more than twelve inches (12") therefrom, nor extend above the eaves line of a gable, hip or gambrel roof, nor extend above the facade of a flat roof, nor above the deck line of a mansard roof.

   WINDOW SIGN: A permanent wall sign which is visible to persons in the public right of way and which is placed within or on the outside of a window or on the inside of a glass window, or on the inside of a building and within one foot (1') of a window. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The number of signs which may be maintained on any premises is governed by the zoning district in which the property is located. A double faced sign shall count as a single sign. When a premises or where a building has both a front and rear public entrance, a rear sign may be erected. The rear sign shall not exceed in size the front sign. Signs described in section 4-11-14 of this chapter shall not be counted in calculating the total number of signs. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

Each premises shall be allowed an aggregate total of four (4) square feet of signage per linear foot of building frontage, for all signs located on the property. Premises having frontage on more than one dedicated street will be allowed signage for frontage on each street in accordance with the above formula. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

   A.   No permanent sign shall hereafter be erected, altered, or moved until the person proposing to erect, alter, or move such sign shall have obtained a permit therefor from the building commissioner. Such permit shall be issued only when the sign complies with all of the applicable provisions of this chapter.

   B.   Any person desiring such a permit shall file application therefor upon a form which shall contain the following information:

      1.   Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;

      2.   A plot plan drawn to scale showing the location of the building, structure or lot to which the sign is to be attached or erected, and showing the position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings and thoroughfares;

      3.   A plan drawn to scale showing the design of the sign, materials used, method of construction, and means of attachment to the building or ground;

      4.   The name of the person, firm, corporation, or association erecting, altering, or moving said sign;

      5.   Written consent of the owner of the land on which the sign is to be erected, altered, or relocated;

      6.   Any other information as the building and zoning officer shall require in order to show full compliance with this and all other applicable codes of the village. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

   A.   Permit Not Required: No permit shall be required for the installation of temporary signs.

   B.   Duration Of Temporary Signs: Duration of temporary signs shall be as follows:

      1.   Residential marketing signs, on and off site: Twelve (12) months, renewable on a six (6) month basis thereafter;

      2.   Commercial or industrial real estate signs, exceeding six (6) square feet in area: Six (6) months, renewable on a six (6) month basis;

      3.   Temporary mobile signs advertising a special sale or event not to exceed thirty (30) days and not more than three (3) times per year with at least thirty (30) days between such advertising periods.

      4.   Temporary signs advertising a special sale or event limited to three (3) per business location not to exceed fifteen (15) days and not more than six (6) times per year with at least fifteen (15) days between such advertising periods.

      5.   A temporary sign displayed for the purpose of advertising a private, governmental or charitable function prior to and during a unique special event or occasion, gathering, happening, occurrence, incident, affair or function (i.e., grand opening, festival, auto race, business anniversary, etc.) occurring either in or within ten (10) miles of the corporate limits of the village that is designed to attract people to or through the village.

Signs for unique special events shall be limited to one per business location and shall not be erected or displayed longer than thirty (30) days prior to the event unless additional signs and/or a longer period is approved by the village board of trustees for unique circumstances and must be removed within forty eight (48) hours upon conclusion of the event. Such signs shall be constructed of materials that are durable, wind resistant, neat and professional in appearance and properly secured. Signs for unique special events may only be erected or displayed on private property and only with the owners' written permission.

   C.   Searchlights: The use of searchlights for grand openings shall not exceed seventy two (72) hours in duration. The use of large inflatables (i.e., hot air balloons) for special events shall not exceed seventy two (72) hours in duration.

   D.   Sandwich Board: One sandwich board per public street frontage. The placement of sandwich board signs under this subsection shall be further restricted as follows:

      1.   The placement and use of a sandwich board sign is restricted to the business hours of operation.

      2.   There shall be no less than five feet (5') of unobstructed clearance upon the sidewalk between the street curb and the building frontage in order to permit safe and unimpeded pedestrian flow upon the public sidewalks.

      3.   A sandwich board sign shall not be placed in the public roadway.

      4.   A sandwich board sign shall not be permanently anchored to the ground, shall not exceed five feet (5') in height as measured from the sidewalk, lawn or other surrounding grade upon which it stands, and shall have no sign panel in excess of ten (10) square feet in area. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The following signs are prohibited:

   A.   Moving, rotating or animated signs, except traditional barber poles, not exceeding two feet (2') in height and projecting not more than twelve inches (12") from the building, utilized only to identify a haircutting establishment. In authorizing the latter exemption, the corporate authorities find it in the public interest to retain this historic symbol of American commerce.

   B.   Searchlights other than for grand openings.

   C.   Sign illumination that is not steady and constant.

   D.   Signs that emit noise, an odor or other visible matter.

   E.   Signs attached to trees, standpipes, or fire escapes.

   F.   Signs attached to fences, public utility poles or stanchions located in the right of way other than signs or banners of a community oriented nature issued by or approved by government officials or public utilities.

   G.   Windows painted or posted in excess of an amount that would restrict reasonable view of the interior or exterior.

   H.   Human signs.

   I.   Video display signs.

   J.   Multivision signs.

   K.   Signs not listed in sections 4-11-14, 4-11-15, 4-11-16, 4-11-17, 4-11-18 and 4-11-19 of this chapter shall be deemed to be prohibited, even though such signs are not specifically listed in this section.

   L.   Electronic graphic display signs. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

No sign having a height of more than thirty inches (30") above the crown of the adjacent streets shall be constructed or placed within the part of the yard or open area of a corner lot which is included within a triangular area of twenty five feet (25') from the point of intersection of the two (2) street right of way lines forming such corner lot. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

With the exception of wall mounted signs not projecting more than twelve inches (12") from wall, no sign shall be placed closer than five feet (5') from any lot line. Temporary mobile signs shall be located not less than one foot (1') from the property line and shall not obstruct the view of traffic. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The illumination of signs shall be diffused or indirect and shall be arranged so no direct rays shall reflect into a public way or any lot on the perimeter of the premises on which the signs are located. Exposed light bulbs, flashing, blinking or traveling and similar illumination are not permitted. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

   A.   All freestanding signs shall be built with similar materials, colors and design as the primary structure such as wood, brick, stone or other masonry materials. Colors and design must complement the principal structure.

   B.   Every sign and all parts thereof, including framework, supports, background, anchors, and wiring systems shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with the building, electrical and fire protection codes of the village.

   C.   All signs and all parts thereof shall be kept in a good state of repair.

   D.   In addition to the general requirements for sign maintenance, all changeable copy signs shall bear a legible message, other suitable display or left blank. Electronic devices when not in use may be left blank and unlighted. Any lighted or electronic changeable copy sign in which the electrical or lighting components are operating in an erratic, broken or damaged fashion shall be turned off or removed. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

Unless otherwise stated, signs listed in this section are permitted in all zoning districts and shall not require a sign permit nor be counted when calculating the number of signs or square footage on a premises. However, such signs shall conform to all other general regulations in this chapter, for example, height, area, setback, clearance, etc.:

   A.   Name and address plates which give only the name and address of the resident of the building, and which are not more than one square foot in sign area.

   B.   Memorial signs or tablets and signs denoting the date of erection of buildings, no larger than five (5) square feet.

   C.   No trespassing signs or other such signs regulating the use of a property, not more than two (2) square feet in sign area in residential districts and six (6) square feet in all commercial and industrial districts.

   D.   Real estate signs, not exceeding six (6) square feet per side in all districts. Such real estate signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the premises so advertised has been sold or leased.

   E.   Signs regulating on premises traffic and parking, and signs denoting building facilities such as lavatories and public telephone areas, when less than six (6) square feet in area and bearing no commercial advertising.

   F.   Signs erected by a governmental body, or under the direction of such a body, and bearing no commercial advertising, such as traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, safety signs, and signs identifying public schools and playgrounds.

   G.   The flag, pennant, or insignia of any government, or of any religious, charitable, or fraternal organization.

   H.   One logo flag of a company shall be allowed provided it is flown with and is not larger than the American flag.

   I.   Garage sale signs, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, may be placed at the curb in residential areas for not to exceed ten (10) days.

   J.   Temporary signs no larger than thirty two (32) square feet in area advertising the sale of edible farm products on the premises, advertising auctions, political candidates, or special events of charitable, governmental or public service groups. Such signs, must be located entirely on privately owned property and must be removed upon close of the event.

   K.   Temporary window signs of paper or similar material shall be allowed in commercial districts, provided that such signs are to be used to notify the public of special sales or current prices, and further provided that such signs do not restrict the reasonable viewing of the interior or exterior. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

   A.   All signs enumerated in section 4-11-14 of this chapter.

   B.   Name and address plates for buildings containing more than two (2) dwelling units, provided that such signs shall not be more than three (3) square feet in area.

   C.   Identification signs for nonresidential uses, i.e., churches, cemeteries, golf courses, private nonprofit recreational areas, provided that such signs are limited to one sign per building entrance, and provided that each such sign be limited to thirty two (32) square feet of area, and eight feet (8') in height if a freestanding sign.

   D.   Permanent residential monument signs at entrances to a residential development or a residential planned unit development and containing no commercial advertising, constructed entirely upon privately owned property, constructed of material which is the same or of a more permanent nature than the material used in the buildings and as approved by the planning and zoning commission and village board.

   E.   Temporary residential marketing signs at major entrances to planned unit developments or residential subdivisions; not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area or fifteen feet (15') in height, containing the name of the development and the names of builders or units therein.

   F.   Temporary residential marketing signs, off site shall be allowed at not more than four (4) off site locations within the village to call attention and give directions to the development. Each sign shall be located entirely on private property, shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area and shall not have a total height of more than ten feet (10'). Such signs may be located in any zoning district. Location and construction shall be approved by the village board upon recommendation of the planning and zoning commission.

The following signs are permitted, subject to area, height and location requirements of this chapter. A comprehensive sign plan may deviate from all of the requirements of this chapter except subsections 4-11-9A through L of this chapter.

   A.   Permitted Signs: All signs permitted in the residential districts (sections 4-11-14 and 4-11-15 of this chapter).

   B.   Freestanding Signs: Freestanding signs as follows:

      1.   Single Or Combined Use Building And Lot: One per street frontage, not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area and ten feet (10') in height.

      2.   Shopping Plaza: One per street frontage, not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area and fifteen feet (15') in height.

      3.   Shopping Center: One per street frontage, not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) square feet in area or fifteen feet (15') in height; plus one per street frontage, not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area per sign face, or fifteen feet (15') in height, provided that advertising displayed thereon shall be limited to business, merchandise, and services found within the shopping center.

      4.   Real Estate Signs: One per street frontage except as defined in subsection 4-11-14D of this chapter, not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet of sign area per face for each one acre of land area up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet of sign area per face; not to exceed ten feet (10') in height.

      5.   Gasoline Price Signs: No more than one gasoline price sign per street frontage with a maximum sign size of fifteen (15) square feet if attached to poles. The sign must be permanently mounted on a pole and will not be included in the computation of the total signage requirement. Gasoline price signs greater than fifteen (15) square feet shall be included in the computation of the total signage requirement.

      6.   Pole Mounted Banners: Shall be located only in shopping plazas and shopping centers and must be constructed of cloth, canvas or light fabric, not to exceed ten (10) square feet in area, located on a light pole within the retail area of a shopping center. The lower limit of the face of any such banner shall be a minimum height of nine feet (9') from the ground.

      7.   Addresses: Building addressing shall not be included in the computation of the total signage requirement provided that it is not greater than six (6) square feet.

   C.   Wall Signs: Wall signs as follows:

      1.   Single Use Building And Lot: Two (2) signs per facade, but not to exceed a total of four (4) such signs.

      2.   Combined Use Building And Lot: Three (3) signs per facade, but not to exceed a total of six (6) such signs.

      3.   Shopping Plaza: One sign per individual business or other enterprise; two (2) signs per corner unit, one on each facade.

      4.   Shopping Center: Same as shopping plaza.

      5.   Sign Area: The above signs are limited to an area equal to two (2) square feet for each linear foot of the facade of the building containing the business or other enterprise or the facade upon which the sign is to be mounted.

   D.   Total Sign Area Per Lot: See section 4-11-6 of this chapter.

   E.   Awning Signs: Awning signs as follows:

      1.   Awning shall not project more than forty eight inches (48") from the wall of the building.

      2.   Awning shall not project beyond the lot line.

      3.   Awning signs shall comply with all other requirements of wall signs.

   F.   Changeable Copy Signs, Electronic:

      1.   Changeable copy signs, electronic, shall utilize a single monochrome color such as white, red or amber. No RGB (red-green-blue) technology or other multicolored display shall be permitted in an electronic message center sign in a manner that would create a video display sign or an "electronic graphic display sign" as defined by section 4-11-4 of this chapter.

      2.   Displays shall not appear to flash, undulate, pulse, or portray explosions, fireworks, flashes of light, blinking or chasing lights. Displays shall not appear to move toward or away from the viewer, expand or contract, bounce, rotate, spin, twist, or otherwise portray graphics or animation as it moves onto, is displayed on or leaves the signboard.

      3.   Displays shall contain static messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions which may otherwise not have movement.

      4.   Each message on the sign must be displayed for a minimum of four (4) seconds. Transitions shall be no more than two (2) seconds.

      5.   The electronic message display board must consist of only alphabetic or numeric characters on a plain background and may not include any graphic, pictorial or photographic images.

      6.   Lightness, brightness and color must remain constant within a message and between messages.

      7.   The electronic sign must not exceed a maximum illumination of five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meters) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of five hundred (500) nits (candelas per square meters) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.

      8.   All electronic message display signs shall be required to have an ambient light monitor or similar device that will automatically adjust the brightness level based on ambient light conditions.

   G.   Changeable Copy Signs: Changeable copy signs shall only be permitted if covered with glass, Plexiglas or other material to secure and protect letters. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The following signs are permitted, subject to area, height and location requirements of this chapter. A comprehensive sign plan may deviate from all of the requirements of this chapter except subsections 4-11-9A through K of this chapter.

   A.   Permitted Signs: All signs enumerated in sections 4-11-14 and 4-11-15 of this chapter.

   B.   Wall Signs: Wall signs are limited to an area equal to two (2) square feet for each one linear foot of the tenant building frontage.

   C.   Freestanding Signs: One per street frontage, provided that the maximum size of signs in the industrial zone shall be two hundred (200) square feet.

   D.   Real Estate Signs (Except As Defined In Subsection 4-11-14D Of This Chapter): One per street frontage, not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet of sign area per face for each one acre of contiguous land area, but not to exceed a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet of area per sign face; not to exceed fifteen feet (15') in height.

   E.   Maximum Height: No sign shall project higher than thirty five feet (35') above the normal finished grade beneath it.

   F.   Industrial Development Signs: Permanent industrial development signs at entrances to industrial parks not exceeding two hundred (200) square feet, constructed entirely upon privately owned property, constructed of material which is the same or of a more permanent nature than the material used in the buildings and as approved by the planning and zoning commission and village board.

   G.   Changeable Copy Signs, Electronic:

      1.   Changeable copy signs, electronic, shall utilize a single monochrome color such as white, red or amber. No RGB (red-green-blue) technology or other multicolored display shall be permitted in an electronic message center sign in a manner that would create a video display sign or an "electronic graphic display sign" as defined by section 4-11-4 of this chapter.

      2.   Displays shall not appear to flash, undulate, pulse, or portray explosions, fireworks, flashes of light or blinking or chasing lights. Displays shall not appear to move toward or away from the viewer, expand or contract, bounce, rotate, spin, twist, or otherwise portray graphics or animation as it moves onto, is displayed on or leaves the signboard.

      3.   Displays shall contain static messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions which may otherwise not have movement.

      4.   Each message on the sign must be displayed for a minimum of four (4) seconds. Transitions shall be no more than two (2) seconds.

      5.   The electronic message display board must consist of only alphabetic or numeric characters on a plain background and may not include any graphic, pictorial or photographic images.

      6.   Lightness, brightness and color must remain constant within a message and between messages.

      7.   The electronic sign must not exceed a maximum illumination of five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meters) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of five hundred (500) nits (candelas per square meters) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.

      8.   All electronic message display signs shall be required to have an ambient light monitor or similar device that will automatically adjust the brightness level based on ambient light conditions.

   H.   Changeable Copy Signs: Changeable copy signs shall only be permitted if covered with glass, Plexiglas or other material to secure and protect letters. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The purpose of a comprehensive sign plan is to provide for the establishment of signage criteria that are tailored to a specific development or location, and which may vary from specific ordinance provisions. The intent is to provide for flexible sign criteria that promotes superior design through architectural integration of the site, buildings and signs. A comprehensive sign plan shall be granted as a special use in accordance with the following procedure, standards and other requirements of the other chapters of this title:

   A.   The comprehensive sign plan shall include the location, size, height, construction material and color, type of illumination and orientation of all proposed signs, either permanent or temporary.

   B.   A comprehensive sign plan containing elements which exceed the permitted height, area and number of signs specified in this chapter may be permitted as a special use with a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and approval by the village board only upon a finding that:

      1.   The development site contains unique or unusual physical conditions, such as topography, proportion, size or relation to a public street that would limit or restrict normal sign visibility; or

      2.   The proposed or existing development exhibits unique characteristics of land use, architectural style, site location, physical scale, historical interest or other distinguishing features that represent a clear variation from conventional development; or

      3.   The proposed signage incorporates special design features such as logos, emblems, murals or statuaries that are integrated with the building architecture; or

      4.   The proposed deviations from the standards of this chapter result in a more unified sign package and greater aesthetic appeal between signs on the site.

The construction and placement of individual signs contained in the approved comprehensive sign plan shall be subject to the issuance of sign permits in accordance with section 4-12-2-1 of this title.

   C.   The comprehensive sign plan review shall consider five (5) elements that shall govern all signs within the development: location, materials, size, color and illumination. The comprehensive sign plan application shall include details, specifications, dimensions, and plans showing the proposed locations of signs and how such signs conform to or vary from the requirements of this chapter. It shall also show the computations of the maximum total sign area permitted for the site as well as any special computations regarding additional signs proposed.

   D.   The following may be included as part of a comprehensive sign plan and shall be exempt from sign permits in accordance with section 4-12-2-1 of this title:

      1.   Signs, not to exceed twelve feet (12') in height and sixteen (16) square feet in area, that direct pedestrians to major retailers or amenities within a planned shopping center. Such signs shall not be visible from any major arterial street and may be ground, wall or blade mounted. Such signs may be illuminated.

      2.   Planned shopping center map sign, not to exceed eight feet (8') in height and thirty two (32) square feet in area, that directs pedestrians to multiple store locations within a planned shopping center. Such signs shall not be visible from any major arterial street and may be illuminated.

      3.   Parking lot identification signs, not to exceed six (6) square feet in area, located on light poles within the parking lot of a planned shopping center, that direct automotive and pedestrian traffic to designated parking areas. The lower limit of the face of any sign shall be a minimum height of thirteen and one-half feet (13.5') and may be illuminated.

      4.   Any sign/banner/flag constructed of cloth, canvas or light fabric, not to exceed ten (10) square feet in area, located on a light pole within the retail area of a planned shopping center, which identifies a shopping district/area. The lower limit of the face of any such sign shall be a minimum height of nine feet (9'), shall not be visible from any major arterial street, and may be illuminated.

      5.   Signs, not to exceed seven feet (7') in height and three (3) square feet in area, that direct automobile traffic to locations that offer valet parking services. Each business offering valet services shall be limited to two (2) such signs. Such signs may be ground or wall mounted.

      6.   Signs, not to exceed three (3) square feet in area, located on light poles within a planned shopping center, which identify the name of private drive aisles within such planned shopping center. The lower limit of the face of any such sign shall be a minimum height of nine feet (9'), shall not be visible from any major arterial street, and may be illuminated.

      7.   Signs, not to exceed five (5) square feet in area, which identify delivery service areas. Such signs may be ground or wall mounted and may be illuminated.

      8.   Signs, not to exceed eight (8) square feet in area, that direct pedestrians to restrooms, management offices, and other amenities within a planned shopping center. The lower limit of the face of any such sign shall be a minimum height of nine feet (9'), shall not be visible from any major arterial street, and shall be wall mounted.

      9.   Electronic graphic display signs, provided that they shall only display static images and be equipped with a regulator to automatically dim the sign during periods of low light or darkness.

   E.   An applicant may request a change in an approved comprehensive sign plan. A change in an approved comprehensive sign plan which results in a major change shall require approval of the amendment by the village board of trustees after recommendation on the matter by the village planning and zoning commission. All major amendments shall follow the procedures and conditions herein required for the original application submittal and review. A change considered only a minor change shall require only the submission of a revised plan to the village administrator or his/her designee for approval.

      1.   Guidelines for a major change:

         a.   A change in the original concept of the comprehensive sign plan.

         b.   An increase in the number of freestanding signs.

         c.   An increase in size of any freestanding sign exceeding ten percent (10%).

      2.   Guidelines for a minor change:

         a.   Any variation in the comprehensive sign plan that does not constitute a major change.

         b.   An increase in size of any freestanding sign not exceeding ten percent (10%). (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

   A.   Any permanent sign which was legally in existence at the time of passage of this chapter but which does not conform to one or more provisions of this chapter may be continued in use, repaired or replaced in its entirety without regard to the cost of restoration. The area and height of the replacement sign must not exceed the area and height of the original nonconforming sign. The restoration or repair must be started within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of damage or destruction, and diligently prosecuted to completion.

   B.   Whenever a nonconforming sign has been discontinued for a period of six (6) consecutive months, or whenever there is evidently a clear intent on the part of the owner to abandon a nonconforming sign, such sign shall not, after being discontinued or abandoned, be reestablished, and the sign thereafter shall be brought into conformity with the regulations of this chapter. Any such discontinued sign shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the structure upon which such sign may be found within ten (10) days after written notification from the building commissioner, and upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the building commissioner may cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the property to which such sign is attached. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)

The building commissioner shall examine all applications for permits for erection of new signs to ensure conformity with the requirements of this chapter, record and file all applications for permits with any accompanying plans and documents, make a periodic inspection of all signs in the village, and submit reports as directed by the village board. (Ord. 1035, 10-6-2009)