This chapter shall be known and cited as the MANTENO SIGN ORDINANCE. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the use of signs in the village which are safe, aesthetically pleasing, compatible with their surroundings and legible in the circumstances in which they are seen. This chapter recognizes the need for a well maintained and attractive physical appearance of the community, the need to preserve the noncommercial character of residential neighborhoods, and the need for adequate business identification for the conduct of competitive commerce. Further, this chapter is adopted for the purpose of reducing sign or advertising distractions that may increase traffic accidents by distracting driver attention from the roadway. No provision of this chapter is intended to prohibit or permit signs on the basis of content. No provision of this chapter is intended to favor or permit commercial speech at the expense of noncommercial speech. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following types of signs, parts of signs or descriptions are defined as follows:

SIGN: Any object, device, display, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, idea, position or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images.

   Animated Or Moving: Any sign that changes physical position or light intensity by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation.

   Awning, Canopy, Or Marquee: A sign that is mounted, painted, or attached to an awning, canopy, or marquee that is otherwise permitted by ordinance.

   Billboard: A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.

   Business: A sign that directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered, or manufactured, or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.

   Construction: A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place, during the period of such construction, indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors or similar artisans, and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors, and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to the structure or project.

   Directional: Signs limited to directional messages, principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, such as "one- way", "entrance", and "exit".

   Electronic Message Board: Any sign that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic process.

   Face: The area or display surface used for the message.

   Flashing: Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign that exhibits changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever.

   Freestanding: Any nonmovable sign not affixed to a building, i.e., pole sign, ground sign, and construction signs.

   Ground: Any sign, other than a pole sign, in which the entire bottom is in contact with or is close to the ground and is independent of any other structure.

   Identification: A sign giving the nature, logo, trademark, or other identifying symbol; address; or any combination of the name, symbol, and address of a building, business, development, or establishment on the premises where it is located.

   Illuminated: A sign lighted by or exposed to internal or external artificial lighting.

   Nameplate: A sign, located on the premises, giving the name or address, or both, of the owner or occupant of a building or premises.

   Permanent: A sign that will be permanently affixed to the ground or permanently affixed to another structure. For purposes of this chapter, a "permanent sign" shall mean any sign that has a foundation, will be attached to a structure with a foundation, and will be standing for more than one hundred twenty (120) days.

   Pole: A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or other support so that the bottom edge of the sign face is six feet (6') or more above grade.

   Portable: A sign that is not permanent, affixed to a building, structure, or the ground, including, but not limited to, signs to be transported on wheels.

   Projecting: A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and that projects more than twelve inches (12") from such building. This type of sign is commonly known as a shingle sign.

   Roof: A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or that is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects: above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof; above the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable, or hip roof; or, above the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.

   Wall: A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and that does not project more than twelve inches (12") from such building or structure.

SIGN AREA: The entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding, but not including the supporting structure.

SIGN PROJECTION: The distance from the exterior wall surface to the sign's furthest physical point. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

Any person who desires to install, alter, enlarge, extend or relocate (hereinafter "construct") a permanent sign, or a sign that will have electrical service, must first obtain a permit by filing with the director of building and zoning ("director") an application in writing, on a form to be furnished by the director, which shall consist of the following information:

   (A)   Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant, which shall be confirmed through the applicant's driver's license or state identification card, articles of incorporation, or other legally recognized form of identification;

   (B)   Proof of ownership or possessory interest in the land on which the sign is to be erected;

   (C)   The address and legal description of the property on which the sign is to be erected;

   (D)   Names and addresses of any contractors employed by the applicant to erect the sign;

   (E)   Sealed building plans signed by a licensed architect setting forth the specifications for the construction of the sign;

   (F)   Sealed site plans signed by a licensed land surveyor showing the location of the sign in relation to other signs and structures sufficient to ensure compliance with the standards of this chapter; and

   (G)   Proof of possession of any license or permit which, under federal, state or local law, the applicant is required to have in order to erect a sign under this chapter. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

The director shall complete an application review and notify an applicant of his/her decision to grant or deny a permit within thirty (30) days of receipt of the application. An applicant may obtain his/her permit from the village hall once advised that a decision to grant the permit has been issued. A record of all permits issued and denied pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained by the director. Any permit not specifically approved or denied within thirty (30) days of the application's submission shall be deemed denied as failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter unless both parties agree to an extension in writing. All extensions shall be signed by the director and the applicant and shall specify the date upon which the extension is to terminate. If the director has not granted or denied an application upon the expiration of the time period so specified, the applicant may either consider such failure as a denial of the permit or agree to a further extension of time. The director shall not consider the sign's content as a part of his/her decision to grant or deny a permit and shall limit his/her decision to compliance with this code.

The director shall use reasonable efforts to notify the applicant of his/her decision to grant or deny a permit in writing. If an application is incomplete, the director shall allow the applicant an opportunity to provide the information necessary for his/her review. In the case of a denial, the director shall advise the applicant why the sign cannot be constructed as proposed. The notification shall be mailed to the applicant via U.S. mail at the address contained on the application. The notification shall be postmarked no later than three (3) business days subsequent to the expiration of the review period.

An applicant denied a permit under this chapter may appeal the director's decision to the president and board of trustees for the village of Manteno. Said appeal shall be filed in the office of the village clerk and stamped no later than thirty (30) days subsequent to the date indicated on the director's denial letter or the final date upon which the director's review has expired if no letter is received. Upon receipt of an appeal, the village clerk shall immediately send notice to the president and board of trustees of the appeal. Within fourteen (14) days subsequent to the receipt of an appeal, the village clerk shall send notice to the applicant setting forth the date, time and location of the appeal hearing. The appeal shall be held within thirty five (35) days of receipt of the applicant's appeal. The president and board of trustees' review of the appeal shall be limited to whether the proposed sign conforms to this code. The president and board of trustees may only reverse the decision of the director upon a majority vote of the elected officials then holding office. Upon a reversal, the director shall be obligated to issue a permit to the applicant within seven (7) days. An applicant may appeal the decision to deny a permit made by the president and board of trustees through the Illinois administrative review law 1 . (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

The director may only deny a permit if the sign, as proposed, fails to comply with the standards set forth in this chapter. The director's denial and the reasons for said disapproval shall be noted on the application. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

If work authorized under a sign permit has not commenced within ninety (90) days of the date of issuance of that permit, said permit shall become void. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

Any permanent sign or permanent sign structure lawfully existing or under construction at the time of the adoption of this title, or of a later amendment, but whose location or use does not conform with the regulations set forth herein, shall be known as nonconforming. Nonconforming signs shall be registered with the director. No billboards in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter shall be allowed to continue past January 1, 2001. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

All signs shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the following limitations and requirements:

   (A)   All signs shall be constructed in accordance with the minimum requirements of the international building code in effect at the time of the permit application. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

   (B)   All signs which are illuminated or contain any electrical parts shall be constructed in accordance with the national electrical code in effect at the time of the permit application. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008; amd. Ord. 14-05, 7-7-2014)

   (C)   All signs shall be maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of the international property maintenance code. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

All signs shall conform to the following appearance standards:

   (A)   All paint used must be weatherproof or covered by weatherproof material.

   (B)   All lettering must be composed through the use of computer generation or stencil.

   (C)   No signs shall be permitted that show wood in its natural exposed condition.

   (D)   Spray paint may not be used on any signs.

   (E)   Every sign that requires a permit before its construction shall contain an identification tag on the sign providing the name and telephone number of the company constructing and maintaining the same.

   (F)   External lighting of signs shall be directed away from the public right of way and from adjoining properties. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following signs and displays shall be strictly prohibited throughout the village:

   (A)   Signs erected on or that project over public property or a public right of way unless erected by or with the written permission of the village. (Ord. 11-06, 6-20-2011)

   (B)   Signs that project beyond the property line on which the sign is erected.

   (C)   Permanent signs on public utility easements.

   (D)   Signs placed within a natural waterway.

   (E)   Signs attached to trees, public utility poles, standpipes, gutter drains or fire escapes, other than warning signs issued by government officials or public utilities.

   (F)   Signs that block or impede the ingress or egress of any door, window, or fire escape. No sign shall be erected so as to impair access to the roof of a building.

   (G)   Signs (even temporary) that create a visual or physical hazard for vehicles, pedestrians or children. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

   (H)   Billboards, except for signs affixed to bus shelters erected in the public right of way with the written permission of the village. (Ord. 11-06, 6-20-2011)

   (I)   Signs which do not meet the standards of, or which otherwise violate, the Illinois highway advertising control act of 1971, as amended.

   (J)   Signs not specifically allowed by this chapter. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

   (A)   Unsafe And Unlawful Signs: If the director finds that any sign is unsafe or insecure, is a menace to the public, or has been constructed, erected, or stands in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give written notice to the owner of the property upon which the sign is located. If the owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards set forth herein within ten (10) days after such notice, the director may issue a citation and/or institute court proceedings for the removal/repair thereof. Provided, however, the director may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to person or property to be removed summarily and without notice.

   (B)   Maintenance And Repair: Every sign, including, but not limited to, those signs for which no permits or permit fees are required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good condition at all times. If the owner fails to abate any maintenance issues within ten (10) days after notice by the director, he may issue a citation and/or institute court proceedings for the removal/repair thereof.

   (C)   Alterations: No display sign or outdoor device shall be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated, except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. The repainting, changing of parts and preventative maintenance of signs shall not be deemed to be alterations if performed by the sign permit holder.

   (D)   Compliance: Nothing in this chapter shall limit the methods by which the director ensures compliance with the standards set forth herein. The director is authorized to take any measure not prohibited by law to obtain compliance with this chapter. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

All signs on a zoning lot shall conform to the homogenous signage system which has been submitted to the village at the time of erection of the first sign on the lot. In all commercial districts, the following signs shall be permitted on a zoning lot, subject to the requirements set forth herein:

   (A)   Pole Signs:

      1.   Pole signs fronting Interstate 57 and Division Street (County Highway 9) between South Creek Drive on the east to Spruce Street on the west shall have a maximum surface area of three hundred (300) square feet per face, with a maximum surface area of six hundred (600) square feet to include all faces of the sign. Such signs shall not exceed a height of sixty feet (60') at their highest point. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

      2.   Pole signs fronting arterial roads Route 45 and County Highway 9 (other than those areas referenced in subsection (A)1 of this section) shall have a maximum surface area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet per face, with a maximum surface area of three hundred (300) square feet to include all faces of the sign. Such signs shall not exceed thirty feet (30') at their highest point. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008; amd. Ord. 12-34, 2-19-2013)

      3.   Pole signs in all other areas shall have a maximum surface area of thirty two (32) square feet per face, with a maximum surface area of sixty four (64) square feet to include all faces of the sign. Such signs shall not extend above the roofline or thirty feet (30') in height, whichever is the lowest.

      4.   No more than one pole sign shall be permitted on a zoning lot. Provided, however, corner or double lots located in the area specified in subsection (A)1 of this section may have two (2) signs, one facing each street, provided that the total permitted square footage area and height of the signs combined do not exceed the requirements as set forth above.

      5.   No pole or ground sign shall be located closer than fifty feet (50') from another pole or ground sign regardless if located on the same zoning lot.

The signpost or other material used to support the sign shall not be included in the calculation for sign area. Provided, however, any attachment or support that functions as signage shall be included in the calculation for sign area. Where the sign is placed at the top or side of a berm, the height of the sign shall be measured from the base of the berm.

   (B)   Ground Signs:

      1.   Ground signs shall have a maximum surface area of thirty two (32) square feet per face, with a maximum surface area of sixty four (64) square feet to include all sides.

      2.   Ground signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet (8') at their highest point.

      3.   No more than one pole sign or ground sign shall be permitted on a zoning lot. Provided, however, corner or double lots located in the area specified in subsection (A)1 of this section may have two (2) signs, one facing each street, provided that the total permitted square footage area and height of the signs combined do not exceed the requirements as set forth above.

      4.   No ground sign shall be located closer than fifty feet (50') from another pole or ground sign regardless if located on the same zoning lot or not.

   (C)   Business Developments: Signs for integrated planned business developments in single ownership and management or under unified control:

      1.   Ground and pole signs shall have a maximum surface area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet per face, with a maximum surface area of three hundred (300) square feet to include all faces of the sign.

      2.   Signs shall not extend above the roofline or thirty feet (30'), whichever is the lowest.

      3.   Signs are to be located on the zoning lot of the business development.

      4.   Signage for individual establishments located within the business development may be permitted on the integrated planned business development sign. Provided, however, such signage shall be included in the calculation for the permitted area.

      5.   Only one sign shall be permitted on zoning lots less than two and one-half (2.5) acres. A maximum of two (2) signs shall be permitted on zoning lots greater than two and one-half (2.5) acres.

The signpost or other material used to support the sign shall not be included in the calculation for sign area. Provided, however, any attachment or support that functions as signage shall be included in the calculation for sign area. Where the sign is placed at the top or side of a berm, the height of the sign shall be measured from the base of the berm.

   (D)   Premises Signs: Signs attached to the principal building for which the use is devoted:

      1.   Number: One individual business identification sign shall be permitted for each individual business establishment to identify the name, location and nature of the business.

      2.   Maximum Area: No sign may exceed twenty percent (20%) of the area of the face of the side of the building on which the sign is to be located or sixty four (64) square feet in area, whichever is less.

      3.   Location: Signs may be located on the front, rear or side of the principal building.

      4.   Maximum Height: No sign shall exceed fifteen feet (15') in height above ground level or four feet (4') above the roofline, whichever is lower. The bottom of the sign shall not be lower than seven feet (7') above the finished grade of the sidewalk.

      5.   Marquees, Canopies And Awnings: Restrictions imposed on the projection of signs over public ways shall not apply to signs located on marquees, canopies, or awnings, provided that any sign located thereon shall be affixed flat to the surface thereof and no sign shall extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of said marquee, canopy or awning. Individual, freestanding letters may project to a height not to exceed thirty inches (30") above a marquee or canopy.

   (E)   Directional Signs: In addition to other signs allowed in commercial districts, a maximum of two (2) directional signs shall be permitted per zoning lot. Directional signs shall not exceed four feet (4') in height and shall have a maximum surface area of six (6) square feet per face of a sign. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

   (F)   Illumination:

      1.   A rotating beam, beacon or illumination device resembling an emergency light or traffic signal shall not be affixed or otherwise attached to any sign. (Ord. 11-05, 6-20-2011)

      2.   Electronic message board signs, including LED and similar changeable electronic variable message signs, may only display time, temperature, alphanumeric text, logos and graphics. Flashing lights, strobe lights, moving lights, continuous scrolling, shaking of the sign's display and other distractive effects are strictly prohibited. Electronic message board signs may only be used to advertise business, products or services available on the premises on which the sign is located, to display time and temperature, and to promote charitable organizations or civic events. (Ord. 15-36, 12-21-2015)

   (G)   Signs Accessory To Commercial Use:

      1.   Outside Display Areas: Racks for the display of products may be located outside in locations that allow for the safe and efficient access to the property. No more than two (2) outside display areas shall be permitted on the lot.

      2.   On Premises Locations: Items for sale on the premises may be displayed within ten feet (10') of the principal building. Products may be displayed under group island canopies or between pumps within the area of the pump island base. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

      3.   Temporary Signs: Subject to the following limitations, a business may erect a temporary sign such as a banner, arrow sign or portable electronic message board on a lot upon the issuance by the building and planning department of a temporary sign permit (at no cost):

         (a)   Not more than one temporary sign shall be erected on a lot at a time.

         (b)   Temporary signs shall be permitted only during a period authorized by a temporary sign permit.

         (c)   Temporary sign permits shall be valid for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days.

         (d)   No temporary sign permit shall be issued for a period of thirty (30) days following the expiration of a previously issued temporary sign permit.

         (e)   Temporary ground signs and banners shall not exceed twenty four (24) square feet in dimension. Arrow boards and electronic message boards shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in dimension.

         (f)   Temporary signs shall be subject to and governed by all provisions of this chapter of general applicability including, but not limited to, sections 9-13-10, "Appearance Standards", and 9-13-11, "Prohibited Signs", of this chapter. (Ord. 16-13, 8-15-2016)

   (H)   Signs Permitted In Commercial Districts: Signs as referenced in subsections 9-13-13(A)3 and (C) of this chapter shall be permitted in commercial districts subject to the standards set forth therein. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

All signs permitted in commercial districts shall be permitted in industrial districts. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

Signs allowed in residential districts shall be allowed in agricultural districts subject to the standards set forth therein. All signs that are permitted as identified in subsection 9-13-14(A) of this chapter shall be allowed in agricultural districts as a special use. (Ord. 08-08, 7-21-2008)

The village of Manteno is authorized to construct, operate and maintain wayfinder signs on public property or in a public right of way for the purposes of directing the public's attention to businesses, governmental buildings, historical sites, hospitals, parks, public property, schools, streets, or other similar locations within the corporate limits of the village of Manteno and village owned property outside of village limits.

   (A)   The village of Manteno shall have the sole authority to determine the location, number, size and style of wayfinder signs.

   (B)   The village of Manteno shall have the sole authority to determine the location, number, size and style of the individual placards to be affixed to wayfinder signs.

   (C)   Private entities may apply to the office of the village clerk to have their business names placed on an individual placard at their own cost for the reproduction and installation of the placard. The placard will be ordered through the village of Manteno to ensure its conformity to other placards and wayfinder signs throughout the village.

   (D)   Only those entities licensed to conduct business within the village of Manteno, and currently in operation, may be granted the right to have a placard affixed to a wayfinder sign.

   (E)   The village clerk shall have the right to deny any request for a placard to be affixed to a wayfinder sign for any reason including, but not limited to, lack of space, aesthetics, public/traffic safety, or nonconformance with the rules established by the village administrator.

   (F)   Priority for placard space on a wayfinder sign shall be given to the locations of governmental buildings, historical sites, parks, public locations, streets and locations of public accommodation such as schools and hospitals.

   (G)   Priority for private entities shall be based upon the timeliness of the application and payment. The village shall have the right to remove or move the placard of a private entity, without prior notice, so as to make space for placards identifying the locations specified in subsection (F) of this section. Any placard so removed shall be affixed to another wayfinder sign as space becomes available.

   (H)   The village administrator shall establish written rules for the erection, maintenance and the removal of individual placards on wayfinder signs. The village administrator shall establish a monthly fee to be paid by private entities having their names affixed to a wayfinder sign for the continued maintenance of wayfinder signs throughout the village. (Ord. 12-07, 5-21-2012)

All permitted signs in the Route 50 corridor district are subject to the requirements set forth in section 9-10C-4 of this title. (Ord. 12-34, 2-19-2013)