Mazomanie Village City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs and Billboards
§ 415-54 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to establish minimum standards to safeguard life and property and promote public welfare and community aesthetics by regulating the appearance, construction, location and maintenance of all signs.
§ 415-55 Definitions.
The following definitions are used in this article:
A temporary hood or cover which projects from the wall of the building, which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a supporting structure.
A sign which advertises goods, products or facilities, or services not necessarily on the premises where the sign is located or directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.
The unreasonable obstruction of view of a sign caused by the placement of another sign
Any sign designed to give any artificial light directly through any transparent or translucent material from a source of light originating within or on such sign.
A sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building is given. This shall include offices and church directories.
An advertising device which is ordinarily in the shape of an "A" or some variation thereof, located on the ground, easily movable, not permanently attached thereto, and which is usually two-sided.
Any sign whose message may be changed by electronic process, including such messages as copy, art, graphics, time, date, temperature, weather or information concerning civic or charitable events or the advertising of products or services for sale on the premises.[1]
Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign on which artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
Any sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building (also referred to as "freestanding sign").
Any sign which carries only the name of the firm, major enterprise, institution or principal products offered for sale on the premises or combination of these.
A sign that is illuminated from a source outside of the actual sign.
Any sign attached to and made part of a marquee. A marquee is defined as a permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building wall at an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall and generally designed and constructed to provide protection against weather.
Any sign which does not conform to the regulations of this article.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground which is designed to be easily moved from one location to another.
Any sign extending more than 18 inches but less than five feet from the face of a wall or building.
Any sign which is used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
Any sign erected upon or over the roof or parapet of any building.
Includes anything that promotes, calls attention or invites patronage (or anything similar to the aforementioned) to a business, location or product.
Any sign intended to be displayed for a short period of time, including real estate, political or construction site signs, and banners, decorative-type displays or anything similar to the aforementioned.
Any sign attached to, erected on, or painted on the wall of a building or structure and projecting not more than 18 inches from such a wall.
Any sign located completely within an enclosed building and visible from a public way.
§ 415-56 Exclusions.
The following signs and related items shall not be included in the application of the regulations contained in this article:
A.
Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers, or names of occupants or premises.
B.
Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
C.
Legal notices, identification information, or directional signs erected by governmental bodies.
D.
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.
E.
Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property but bearing no advertising matter.
§ 415-57 Sign permit.
A.
Permit required. No persons shall erect, relocate, reconstruct or maintain or cause the aforementioned within the Village any signs without first having obtained and having in force and in effect a permit therefor from the Building Inspector.
B.
Application for permit. Signs shall not be erected or altered until a permit has been issued by the Building Inspector. Applications for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by said Inspector. The applicant shall file with the application plans and specifications and provide information about the sign, including dimensions, materials, illumination, wiring, height above grade, distance from lot line, and by whom it shall be erected. Permits are not required for a copy change when no change in business name is involved.
C.
Permit fees. A permit fee shall be paid to the Village Clerk-Treasurer for each sign permit issued under this article; provided, however, that a fee shall not be charged for putting an existing sign in conformance with this article, or for a copy change when no change in business name is involved. The permit fee shall be in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by resolution of the Village Board.
D.
Inspection. The applicant shall, upon completion of the installation, relocation or alteration of the sign, notify the Building Inspector who will assure the sign complies with the regulations of this article.
E.
Revocation of permit; appeal. The Building Inspector may at any time for a violation of this chapter revoke a permit or require changes so that the sign conforms to this chapter. The holder of a revoked permit shall be entitled to an appeal before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
F.
Exceptions. Permits shall not be required for the following types of signs:
(1)
Real estate signs. On a lot, there may be placed one unanimated real estate sign, provided that such signs shall be limited to wall and freestanding signs whose maximum display area shall not exceed eight square feet for residential property and 32 square feet for nonresidential property.
(2)
Political signs. Political signs are permitted to be placed on property, subject to the following conditions:
(3)
Construction signs. On-site building construction signs shall have a total combined maximum display area not to exceed 16 square feet for residential lots and 32 square feet for nonresidential lots.
§ 415-58 Dangerous and abandoned signs.
A.
Unsafe or abandoned signs. All signs shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when a business which it advertises has not been conducted for a period of six months or when in the judgment of the Building Inspector such sign is so old or dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous, whichever occurs first. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Building Inspector may remove the sign at cost of the owner, following adequate written notice. The owner may appeal the Building Inspector's decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
B.
Alterations. Any sign which was erected before the adoption of this article shall not be rebuilt or relocated without conforming to all of the requirements of this article.
C.
Violations. All signs constructed or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this article are hereby declared public nuisances with the meaning of this Code. In addition to the penalty provisions for violation of this chapter, the Building Inspector may bring an action to abate the nuisance in the manner set forth in the Wisconsin Statutes.
§ 415-59 Variances or exceptions.
Variances or exceptions may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and decisions by the Building Inspector may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
§ 415-60 Construction and maintenance.
A.
Installation. All signs shall be properly secured, supported and braced and shall be kept in reasonable structural condition and shall be kept clean and well painted at all times. Bolts or screws shall not be fastened to window frames. Every sign and its framework, braces, anchors and other supports shall be constructed of such material and with such workmanship as to be safe and satisfactory to the Building Inspector.
B.
General requirements.
(2)
Animated signs. Signs with any moving parts, beacon lights, or moving lights shall not be permitted, except revolving signs are permitted.
(3)
Flashing signs. Flashing signs will be permitted, but the intensity of the bulb cannot exceed 25 watts. Bare reflecting-type bulbs of any kind are not allowed for a flashing or nonflashing sign unless they are properly shaded so as not to interfere with surrounding properties.
(4)
Roof signs. No sign shall be located so as to project above the parapet line, unless approved by the Building Inspector.
(5)
Illuminated signs. Any illuminated signs shall not interfere with surrounding properties or traffic.
(6)
Projection. Signs including supports shall not project beyond five feet from the face of the wall to which attached.
(7)
Blanketing. Blanketing of signs shall not be allowed.
(8)
Maintenance. All signs, including supports and attachments, shall be properly maintained and have an appearance that is neat and clean.
C.
Requirements per zoning district.
(1)
Exceptions to height and setback requirements. Signs may be allowed in the setback area if they are below three feet or are pole-mounted and above 12 feet to the bottom of the sign. The pole diameter of pole-mounted signs shall not exceed 12 inches, and signs shall be located so as to project above the parapet line, unless approved by the Building Inspector.
(2)
Prohibitions.
D.
Residential development identification signs. Residential development identification signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area. A maximum of two such signs is permitted per development after review and approval by the Building Inspector.
E.
Searchlights. The Village Board may permit the temporary use of a searchlight for advertising purposes in any district, provided that the searchlight will not be located in any public right-of-way, will not be located closer than 10 feet to an adjacent property and will not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining properties. Searchlight permits shall not be granted for a period of more than five days in any six-month period.
F.
Signs on public rights-of-way. Signs shall not be permitted on public rights-of-way except for traffic control, parking and directional signs and as otherwise specified in this chapter. A sign in direct line of vision of any traffic signal, from any point in the traffic lane from a position opposite the near sidewalk line to a position 150 feet before said sidewalk line, shall not have red, green, or amber illumination.
§ 415-61 Specific requirements.
A.
Temporary sign limitations.
(1)
All temporary signs, such as real estate, construction site and political signs, shall be removed within 10 days after their use has discontinued.
(2)
Temporary signs may be placed on a property but shall not be located on a right-of-way terrace and shall not interfere with driveway vision clearance.
B.
D.
Location by limited access highway. No advertising device shall hereafter be erected or relocated within 300 feet of the right-of-way line of any limited access highway if the face thereof is visible therefrom, and advertising devices located at a greater distance than 300 feet from the right-of-way line of any limited access highway and visible therefrom shall not exceed, in gross area of square feet, 1/200 times the square of the distance of such advertising device from said limited access highway. All outdoor advertising structures, post signs, accessory signs, or advertising statuary which is declared to be a traffic hazard by the Building Inspector after a recommendation from the Village Engineer, and which does not conform to the provisions of this section, shall be relocated or rearranged in accord with safety standards.
E.
Location by a park. No advertising sign, when viewed from a public park of 10 or more acres in area, shall hereafter be erected or relocated within 300 feet of such public park of 10 acres or more in area, unless said sign is screened from said park by a building, wall or solid fence, and advertising devices located at a greater distance that 300 feet from such public park shall not exceed, in gross area of square feet, 1/200 times the square of the distance of such advertising sign from said park unless said sign is screened from said park by a building, wall or solid fence.
F.
Location adjacent to residence district. No advertising sign shall be permitted within 75 feet of any residence district boundary line unless said sign is completely screened from said residence district by a building, solid fence, or evergreen planting, which planting shall be not more than two feet shorter than the height of the sign at the time said evergreens are planted, or said sign is facing away from the residence district and the back is screened as provided below. Said evergreens shall be spaced not more than 1/2 the height of the tree for regular varieties and 1/3 the height of the tree for columnar varieties of trees; said evergreen planting shall be continuously maintained.
G.
Sign mounting. All signs shall be mounted in one of the following manners:
(1)
Flat against a building or wall;
(2)
Back-to-back in pairs, so that the back of the sign will be screened from public view;
(3)
In clusters in an arrangement which will screen the back of the signs from public view; or
(4)
Otherwise mounted so that the backs of all signs or sign structures showing to public view shall be painted and maintained a neutral color or a color that blends with surrounding environments.
§ 415-62 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs eligible for characterization as legal nonconforming. Any sign located within the Village limits on the date of adoption of this article, or located in an area annexed to the Village hereafter, which does not conform to the provisions of this article is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted, provided that it also meets the following requirements:
B.
Loss of legal nonconforming status.
(1)
A sign loses its nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:
(a)
The sign is structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with requirements of this article than it was before alteration.
(b)
The sign is relocated.
(c)
The sign fails to conform to this article regarding maintenance and repair, abandonment, or dangerous or defective signs.
(2)
On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this chapter with a new permit secured therefor or shall be removed.
§ 415-63 Billboards prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter, or relocate or maintain within the Village any billboard as defined in this article.
§ 415-64 Wind pressure and dead load requirements.
All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot area and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the Building Code or other ordinances of the Village.[1]
§ 415-65 Abandoned signs.
Except as otherwise herein provided, all sign messages shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which an off-premises sign is located when the business it advertised is no longer conducted where advertised. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the Building Inspector shall give the owner 60 days' written notice to remove said sign and thereafter, upon the owner's or lessee's failure to comply, may remove such sign, any costs for which shall be charged to the owner of the property or may be assessed as a special assessment against the property, and/or the Building Inspector may take any other appropriate legal action necessary to attain compliance.
§ 415-66 Residential district standards.
In all residential districts established by this chapter, the following nonflashing, nonilluminated signs are permitted under the conditions specified:
A.
Nameplate and identification signs, subject to the following:
(1)
Area and content, residential. There shall be not more than one nameplate, not exceeding one square foot in area, for each dwelling unit, indicating the name or address of the occupant or a permitted occupation. On a corner lot, two such nameplates for each dwelling unit, one facing each street, shall be permitted.
(2)
Area and content, nonresidential. For nonresidential buildings, a single identification sign, not exceeding nine square feet in area and indicating only the name and address of the building, may be displayed. On a corner lot, two such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted.
(4)
Height. No sign shall project higher than one story or 15 feet above curb level, whichever is lower.
B.
"For Sale" and "To Rent" signs, subject to the following:
(1)
Area and number. There shall be not more than one such sign per zoning lot, except that on a corner zoning lot two signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. No sign shall exceed 12 square feet in area or be closer than eight feet to any other zoning lot.
(2)
Height. No sign shall project higher than one story or 15 feet above curb level, whichever is lower, when attached to a building; detached or freestanding signs shall be not more than four feet in height.
C.
Signs accessory to parking area, subject to the following:
(1)
Area and number. Signs designating parking area entrances or exits are limited to one sign for each such exit or entrance and to a maximum size of two square feet each. One sign per parking area, designating the conditions of use or identity of such parking area and limited to a maximum size of nine square feet, shall be permitted. On a corner lot two such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted.
(2)
Projection. No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public way.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than seven feet above curb level.
D.
Signs accessory to roadside stands, subject to the following:
(1)
Content. The signs shall be only for the purpose of identification of the roadside stand and advertising the agricultural products for sale therein.
(2)
Area and number. The signs shall be on the same zoning lot as the roadside stand, and there shall be not more than two signs per lot. No sign shall exceed 12 square feet in area or be closer than 50 feet to any other zoning lot.
(3)
Projection. No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public way.
(4)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 15 feet above the curb level.
E.
Temporary signs accessory to subdivision developments or other permitted improvements in residential districts, subject to the following:
(1)
Content. The signs shall be only for the purpose of identification of homes for sale or rent in the subdivision under construction or for the identification of other nonresidential uses under construction.
(2)
Area, number and setback. Such signs shall not exceed two in number for each subdivision nor 200 square feet each in area. They shall observe the front yard requirement of the principal use and shall be located at least 50 feet from all other boundaries of the site.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 15 feet above curb level.
(4)
Time limitations. The sign or signs shall be removed by the applicant or property owner within two years of the date of the issuance of the zoning certificate.
F.
Subdivision identification signs, subject to the following:
(1)
Content. The signs shall bear only the name of the subdivision or development.
(2)
Area and number. There shall be not more than one sign located at each entrance to a subdivision. No sign shall exceed 200 square feet in area.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 15 feet above curb level.
G.
Nonflashing, illuminated church bulletins, subject to the following:
(1)
Area and number. There shall be not more than one sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. No sign shall exceed 16 square feet in area or be closer than eight feet to any other zoning lot.
(2)
Projection. No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public way.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than one story or 15 feet above the curb level, whichever is lower.
§ 415-67 Business district standards.
In the B-1 and B-2 Districts, business signs and advertising devices are permitted, subject to the following conditions:
A.
General application.
(1)
Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed two times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot. However, the gross area of all flashing signs shall not exceed one times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot.
(2)
Projection. No sign shall project more than 18 inches into the public way.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 30 feet above curb level, except as may be provided by conditional use.
B.
Integrated centers. For integrated centers in single ownership or under unified control or individual uses with a minimum frontage of 150 feet, one additional sign on each street frontage, other than those regulated in Subsection A(1) above, shall be permitted subject to the following:
(1)
Content. Such sign shall advertise only the name and location of such center or individual use and the name and type of business of each occupant of the center.
(2)
Area. The gross area in square feet of the additional sign on a zoning lot shall not exceed three times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot. However, the gross surface area of such additional sign, if flashing, shall not exceed 1 1/2 times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot.
(3)
Setback. Such sign shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the front lot line of such center or individual use, except as may be provided by conditional use.
(4)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 30 feet above curb level, except as may be provided by conditional use.
§ 415-68 Industrial district standards.
In the I-1 District, business signs and advertising devices are permitted, subject to the following conditions:
A.
General application.
(1)
Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed one times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot. However, the gross area of all flashing signs shall not exceed one times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot.
(2)
Projection. No sign shall project into the public way.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 30 feet above curb level, except as may be allowed by conditional use permit.
B.
Industrial parks. For industrial parks, one additional sign on each street frontage, other than those regulated in Subsection A above, shall be permitted, subject to the following:
(1)
Content. Such sign shall advertise only the name and location of such industrial park and the name and type of business of each occupant of the park.
(2)
Area. The gross area in square feet of the additional sign on a zoning lot shall not exceed three times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot. However, the gross surface area of such additional sign, if flashing, shall not exceed 1 1/2 times the linear feet of frontage of such zoning lot.
(3)
Setback. Such sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the front lot line of such industrial park.
(4)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 30 feet above curb level, except as may be allowed by conditional use permit.
§ 415-69 Downtown Historic District standards.
This section contains additional provisions which apply only within the Downtown Historic District. The boundaries of the Downtown Historic District are defined in Chapter 246, Historic Preservation.[1] The intent of this section is to encourage signage which enhances the physical environment and complements the historic character of the district.
A.
Review by Historic Preservation Commission. Any application for a sign permit for any property within the Downtown Historic District shall be submitted for review to the Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic Preservation Commission must review the application within 30 days of receipt. Signs will be considered based on the criteria outlined in Subsection C. If approved, the Historic Preservation Commission will issue a certificate of approval. Upon receipt of a certificate of approval the Building Inspector will issue a sign permit if the application is in compliance with this article and other codes and ordinances of the Village of Mazomanie.
B.
Drawings required. Scale drawings and other material describing the type of sign proposed shall be submitted with the application. The drawings should show the colors to be used, relation to building facades, illumination, and advertising content.
C.
Design review criteria. The Historic Preservation Commission shall review applications for sign permits on the following criteria:
(1)
Size. Any proposed sign will be considered in relation to building proportions and architecture, street proportions, nearby signage, and dimension restrictions.
(2)
Colors. The colors of any sign shall be considered in relation to building colors, street colors, and appropriate color schemes for the Downtown Historic District.
(3)
Materials. The materials of any proposed sign shall be considered in as they relate to building architecture, style and period.
(4)
Style. The following style elements shall be considered: letters as they coordinate with style of building and period; graphics as they relate to architectural style and period; trademarks which are less than 10% of the total area of the sign; and general design as it relates to business advertising and building style.
(5)
Illumination. Illumination shall be considered in its relation to the building and style of sign.
D.
Permitted signs. The following signs will be permitted within the Downtown Historic District in addition to those uses permitted in the B-1 and B-2 Districts:
(1)
Street signs. Street signs shall be permitted within the Downtown Historic District subject to the following conditions:
(a)
Only one street sign shall be permitted per lot, and said sign must be located on the lot where the sale or promotion is located.
(b)
The size of any street sign shall be no larger than two feet by three feet, on each side.
(c)
The height of any street sign shall not exceed four feet.
(d)
The street sign shall not be any closer than three feet to the face of the curb. A minimum of five feet of unobstructed sidewalk shall be maintained. Signs shall not be located in any manner which hinders movement or creates unsafe conditions.
(e)
The street sign shall be removed at the end of each business day.
(2)
Building markers. Memorial signs or tablets listing the names of buildings, dates of erection, and other historical information, constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials, and containing no advertising, shall require no permit if less than four square feet in display surface area. Building markers will not be counted as part of the maximum allowable signage area.