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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   A.   The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be an expression of the maximum allowable number and size of signs which cause the least potential conflict with surrounding uses and which promote an 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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

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

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

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER: A sign or portion of a larger sign capable of displaying letters, numbers, words, symbols, figures, images, or characters electronically or electrically to provide a message or picture. Electronic message centers do not include temporary electronic speed limit signs, temporary electronic signboards displaying emergency information, or temporary signs utilized to direct traffic, such as electronic arrow boards or electronic signs providing traffic information.

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.

GROUND SIGN: A permanent sign which is supported by uprights or braces securely anchored in the ground, with no more than two feet (2') of clear space between the bottom of the face of the sign and the grade beneath the sign face.

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

POLE SIGN: Any sign having a supporting structure with a size less than twenty five percent (25%) of the total width of the sign with more than five feet (5') of clear space between the bottom of the face of the sign and the grade beneath the sign face.

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

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SIGN: A permanent ground sign placed at the major entrances to and identifying a residential development.

RESIDENTIAL MARKING SIGN: A temporary sign advertising a residential 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 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 signboard upon, against or through which a message is displayed.

SIGN PANEL: An individual sign placard for use in a sign plaza displaying directional information relating to residential subdivisions under development and public facilities.

SIGN PLAZA: A freestanding structure not more than eight feet (8') above grade, located in the public right of way, containing individual sign panels intended to provide direction to homebuyers to the location of residential subdivisions under development and to provide direction to public facilities, and not for any other purpose.

SNIPE SIGN: A temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence, utility pole and the like or self-supported by posts or other supports, independent of any building or other structure and anchored in or upon the ground, advertising residential subdivisions.

TEMPORARY SIGN: A sign intended to be displayed a limited length of time and not permanently attached to a structure or a foundation.

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 temporary or 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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998; amd. Ord. 1999-27, 11-9-1999; Ord. 2005-58, 11-22-2005; Ord. 2005-59, 11-22-2005; Ord. 2009-08, 1-27-2009; Ord. 2025-6, 5-27-2025)

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 5-13-14 of this chapter shall not be counted in calculating the total number of signs. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   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 commission. 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 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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   A.   No temporary sign, except those enumerated in section 5-13-14 of this chapter, shall be placed or erected until a permit therefor shall have been issued by the village clerk. A temporary sign permit shall entitle the holder thereof to display such sign for the time period specified therein. No temporary sign, including signs for political candidates, shall be permitted or placed in a public right of way. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998; amd. Ord. 1999-27, 11-9-1999)

   B.   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: 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.

   C.   Application for a permit for temporary sign shall be made on a form provided by the village. Permits for temporary signs must be kept on the premises where signs are displayed. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   D.   Every applicant for a temporary sign, searchlight and inflatable balloons shall pay a fee of twenty five dollars ($25.00). No fee shall be charged for temporary sign permits for not for profit activities or organizations. The use of searchlights for grand openings shall not exceed seventy two (72) hours in duration and the permit fee shall be established by village ordinance. The use of large inflatables (i.e., hot air balloons) for special events shall not exceed seventy two (72) hours in duration and the permit fee shall be established by village ordinance. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998; amd. Ord. 1999-27, 11-9-1999)

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. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   C.   Sign illumination that is not steady and constant, except electronic message centers may display messages at intervals not less than five (5) seconds. (Ord. 2009-08, 1-27-2009)

   D.   Windows painted or posted in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the viewing area. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   E.   (Rep. by Ord. 1999-27, 11-9-1999)

   F.   Freestanding panels, flags or banners used to advertise products, prices and services or attract attention. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   G.   Advertising or signage of any type on a satellite antenna. (Ord. 1985-21, 11-25-1985; amd. Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   H.   Signs not listed in sections 5-13-14, 5-13-15, 5-13-16, 5-13-18, and 5-13-19 of this chapter shall be deemed to be prohibited, even though such signs are not specifically listed in this section. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

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. Gasoline price signs shall be located on poles, one per street frontage, not to exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area. Such gasoline price signs may be placed within one foot (1') of the lot line if it does not obstruct the view of traffic nor exceed fifteen feet (15') in height when mounted on light standards. 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. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   A.   Illumination shall be constant in intensity and color. Illumination shall be installed or applied only through a translucent surface, recessed into the sign structure, or if the light source is external to the sign, directed to and concentrated on the sign. Floodlights, gooseneck reflectors or other external sources of illumination shall be contained within a protective casing. The illumination of signs shall be located or shielded in such a way that direct rays do not reflect into a public way or any adjacent property.

   B.   The following illumination shall be prohibited: changing light intensity, brightness, exposed light bulbs, flashing, blinking, or traveling and similar illumination, beacon lights, red, green and amber lights.

   C.   All illuminated signs within one hundred feet (100') of any residential use shall be turned off between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and five o'clock (5:00) A.M. unless the establishment is engaged in the operation of business during the period, in which case the sign may be lit during the hours of operation only.

   D.   In no event shall the illumination of any sign, resulting from any internal or external light source, exceed fifty (50) foot-candles when measured with a standard light meter held perpendicular to the sign face at a distance of four feet (4') from the sign, or exceed one-half (1/2) foot-candle in a residential district. (Ord. 2009-08, 1-27-2009)

   A.   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.

   B.   All signs and all parts thereof shall be kept in a good state of repair. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

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 not to exceed ten (10) days. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   J.   Temporary signs no larger than thirty two (32) square feet in area advertising the sale of edible farm products, advertising auctions or special events of charitable or public service groups. Such signs may remain for thirty (30) days, must be located entirely on privately owned property and must be removed upon close of the event. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998; amd. Ord. 1999-27, 11-9-1999)

   K.   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 take up more than fifty percent (50%) of the total window area. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   L.   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'). Location and construction shall be approved by the village board upon recommendation of the plan commission. Such signs shall be considered temporary and have a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 5-13-8 of this chapter. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998; amd. Ord. 1999-27, 11-9-1999)

   M.   Sign plazas, as follows:

      1.   The village may grant the right to design, erect, and maintain sign plazas pursuant to a duly executed license agreement.

      2.   Sign plazas shall be ladder type with individual sign panels of uniform design, and shall not include pennants, flags, or other devices for visual attention.

      3.   The location and construction of all sign plazas shall be approved by the village board.

      4.   Sign plazas shall have a sign permit as outlined in section 5-13-7 of this chapter.

      5.   Fees for the sign plazas and sign panels shall be as set forth in a duly executed license agreement or as set by the village board.

      6.   In the event a sign plaza is not constructed within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of issuance of a permit, such permit shall expire.

      7.   Sign panels shall contain only the name of a residential community, subdivision, neighborhood, homebuilder and/or developer, the respective logo and recognized color scheme, the name and/or location of public facilities, and an appropriate uniform directional arrow. A line of text at the bottom of the sign panel with directional information is permissible if circumstances so warrant.

      8.   The name of the village shall be displayed prominently at the top of each sign plaza. (Ord. 2005-59, 11-22-2005)

All signs are prohibited in the commercial districts except:

   A.   All signs permitted in the residential districts, sections 5-13-14 and 5-13-15 of this chapter.

   B.   Ground or pole 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 or four feet (4') in height for a ground sign or twenty five feet (25') in height for a pole sign.

      2.   Shopping Plaza: One per street frontage, not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height for a ground sign and twenty five feet (25') in height for a pole sign.

      3.   Shopping Center: One ground sign per street frontage, not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height; plus one pole sign per street frontage, not to exceed two hundred twenty (220) square feet in area per sign face, or thirty feet (30') 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 5-13-14D 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. Such signs shall be considered temporary and have a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 5-13-8 of this chapter.

      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.

All signs are prohibited in the industrial districts except:

   A.   Permitted Signs: All signs enumerated in sections 5-13-14 and 5-13-15 of this chapter.

   B.   Wall Signs: Wall signs are limited to an area equal to twelve percent (12%) of the facade upon which the sign is to be mounted.

   C.   Ground 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 5-13-14D 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. Such signs shall be considered temporary and have a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 5-13-8 of this chapter.

   E.   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 plan commission and village board. (Ord. 1998-1, 1-13-1998)

   G.   Electronic message centers may be incorporated into ground signs, gasoline price signs, and industrial development signs as follows:

      1.   Signs containing electronic message centers shall otherwise conform to all other regulations applicable to signs as regulated by the zoning district of the subject property.

      2.   The electronic message shall remain fixed for a minimum of five (5) seconds to avoid a flashing or blinking effect. The electronic message shall change only through dissolve or fade transitions, or with the use of other subtle transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance of moving text or images.

      3.   The electronic message center portion of a sign shall comprise no more than fifty percent (50%) of the total area of the sign.

5-13-20: DUTIES: