This chapter applies to all districts except as otherwise provided for in the C-3 district. Where provisions in this chapter conflict with provisions in the C-3 district, the provisions in the C-3 district will apply to the C-3 district. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

This chapter is established to create the standards for a comprehensive and balanced system of signs for the village to achieve the following purposes:

   A.   Communication: To facilitate easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment by authorizing the use of signs which are:

      1.   Compatible with their surroundings;

      2.   Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain;

      3.   Expressive of the identity of individual proprietors as well as of the community as a whole;

      4.   Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen; and

      5.   Respectful of the reasonable rights of other sign owners.

   B.   Public Welfare: To preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare.

   C.   Balance Economy: To balance the economy, and the village business and industrial activity by promoting the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of signs.

   D.   Aesthetic Appreciation: To protect the physical and mental well being of the public by encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the village's visual environment.

   E.   Architectural Elements: To ensure that signs are designed as integral architectural elements of the building and site to which they principally relate.

   F.   Private Property: To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

No sign shall be constructed, erected, originally painted, converted, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, remodeled, relocated or expanded until a permit for such sign has been obtained from the village building department in accordance with the standards and procedures set out in this chapter. The required fee, as established by the village board of trustees, shall be paid upon application for such permit. However, no permit shall be required for maintenance as outlined in a following section of this chapter. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

The following shall be exempt from all but the maintenance and public safety requirements of this chapter.

   A.   Emblem: Emblems of governmental or political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations displayed on private property.

   B.   Governmental Signs: Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or other similar regulatory devices, directional signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs having to do with health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, etc.

   C.   Memorial Signs: Memorial signs or tablets listing names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.

   D.   Addresses: Address numerals and other signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation; provided, that the content and size of the signs do not exceed the requirements of such law, order, rule, or regulation.

   E.   Directional Signs: Nonelectrical signs, not exceeding four (4) square feet in area, which provide instructions or direction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain to identify restrooms, public telephones, walkways, parking lot entrances and exits, and features of a similar nature. Such signs may not bear the name of a business enterprise or any other advertising information.

   F.   Holiday Decorations: Displays of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holidays.

   G.   Business Nameplates: Nonelectrical nameplates denoting the business name of an occupation legally conducted on the premises; provided, that the sign area does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

   H.   Bulletin Boards: Bulletin boards, not exceeding forty (40) square feet, for religious institutions where the same are located on the premises of said institutions. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

   I.   Warning Signs: No trespassing or no dumping signs, not exceeding one and five-tenths (1.5) square feet per sign, and not exceeding one per lot, except that special permission may be obtained from the village building department for additional signs under proven special circumstances. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

   J.   Religious And Historic Symbols: Religious symbols, identification emblems of religious order, or commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies; provided, that no such symbol, plaque, or identification emblem shall exceed four (4) square feet; and provided further, that all such symbols, plaques and identification emblems shall be placed flat against a building, stone, or other permanent surface.

   K.   Residential For Sale Or For Rent Signs: Residential for sale or for rent signs are exempted to the extent that they conform to the following regulations:

      1.   Illumination: Such signs shall not be illuminated.

      2.   Size: No such sign shall exceed eight (8) square feet.

      3.   Location: All signs shall be located on the lot that they are advertising. No such sign shall be placed more than fifteen feet (15') from the building line.

      4.   Height: No such sign or supporting structure shall project higher than five feet (5') above ground level at that point where it is located.

      5.   Number: There shall not be more than one sign per lot.

   L.   Exception: Except as otherwise provided in the C-3 district. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

The following restrictions shall govern messages permitted on signs:

   A.   Character: No sign shall be permitted to contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, pornographic, immoral character, or which contain advertising material which is untruthful.

   B.   Traffic Conflict: No sign shall be permitted which purports to be or is an imitation or resembles an official traffic sign or signal.

   C.   Limited Words And Phrases: No sign shall make use of the words "Stop", "Go Slow", "Caution", "Warning", "Look", "Drive In", "Danger" or any word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

   D.   Zoning Designation: No sign shall recite that real property is zoned for land uses or will be zoned for land uses in the future under the zoning rules and regulations of the Village, when in fact such real estate is not so zoned.

   E.   Land Use Designation: No sign on real estate shall declare that the property is reserved for or is being held for future land use which is inconsistent with the then existing zoning classification of the Village for the land, or any words of like import of a similar nature.

   F.   Name Or Type Of Business: Business or industrial signs shall pertain only to the name of business or type of business conducted on the premises. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

The following restrictions shall govern sign location:

   A.   Blocking Exits: No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.

   B.   Block Ventilation: No sign shall interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

   C.   Electrical Conductors: Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with National Electrical Code specifications, depending on voltages concerned. However, in no case shall a sign be installed closer than two feet (2') horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guywire.

   D.   Blocking View: No sign may be so located as to obstruct the view from a public thoroughfare or an existing sign, display window, or major entrance of an adjacent business.

   E.   Fire Safety: No sign of any kind may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape or to any other fire safety related device.

   F.   Traffic Conflict: No sign shall be maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape, or color, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any traffic control sign, signal or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

   G.   Vision Triangles: No sign shall be located in any of the following vision triangles formed by intersecting streets. At any intersection where at least one (1) of the intersecting streets is a major or collector street as defined in the Comprehensive Plan of the Village, the sides of the triangle formed by the centerlines of the intersecting streets shall be one hundred twenty feet (120') in length as measured outward from the point of intersection of said centerlines along such centerlines. At all other intersections, each of such sides shall be eighty feet (80') in length.

   H.   Vegetation: No signs shall be nailed, tacked, or otherwise affixed to trees or other vegetation.

   I.   Added Signs: No advertising other than a permitted sign shall be placed on any sign support. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

   J.   Vehicular Signs: Any vehicle or trailer which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device shall be parked only in approved parking locations for the purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity. Vehicles displaying signage parked in a residential area are limited to one (1) ton or less. (Ord. 1720, 4-22-2015)

   K.   Off Site Signs: No off site signs are permitted. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

   L.   Public Right-Of-Way: No sign may be allowed to encroach upon the public right-of-way or public property. The Village Building Department may grant exceptions from this requirement for signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area that direct motorists to places of public interest, including government facilities, public utilities, schools, and churches. (Ord. 1720, 4-22-2015)

   M.   Residential Lot Lines: No sign facing the side or rear lot line of an abutting residentially zoned lot shall be located within fifty feet (50') of that residential lot line.

   N.   Roof Mounted Signs: No sign shall be erected or mounted on the roof of any building without first having obtained a special use permit. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

The following regulations shall govern sign height and clearance: (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

   A.   Freestanding Signs: No freestanding sign shall extend above the predominant roof of any building to which it relates. In no case shall any freestanding sign exceed thirty feet (30') in height above grade except in sign corridor. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. Ord. 1046, 4-14-1999)

   B.   Wall Signs: No sign which is fixed to a wall of a building shall extend above the vertical surface of that wall.

   C.   Roof Signs: One story flat roofed buildings may have a roof sign which does not extend more than three feet (3') above the roof line, except in a C-3 district.

   D.   Vertical Clearing: Any projecting or hanging sign or marquee must have a vertical clearance from the bottom of the sign to the grade below of nine feet (9').

   E.   Vertical Clearance Adjacent To Driveways And Parking Lots: Any projecting or hanging sign or marquee located within three feet (3') of a driveway or parking area shall have a vertical clearance from the bottom of the sign to the top of curb of twelve feet (12'). (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to meet the requirements of the building code for wind pressure, dead load, foundations, and other structural and safety requirements. All signs shall be securely anchored in a manner acceptable to the village building department so they will not swing or come loose, or otherwise endanger persons. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

All illuminated signs must be internally illuminated and shall be subject to the following requirements:

   A.   Electrical Permit: All electrical work on illuminated signs and signs with electrical wiring must be covered by a valid electrical permit. Electrical inspections must be made by the village electrical inspector with any cost incurred to be paid by the applicant.

   B.   Relettering: Relettering which requires a change of electrical piping or sign wiring shall be subject to the approval of the electrical inspector.

   C.   Voltage: The voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection with the sign shall be conspicuously placed on that apparatus.

   D.   Moving Lights: Except in a C-3 district, illuminated signs shall not have any flashing, scintillating, traveling or blinking lights or rotating beacons, nor shall any beam of light be projected through a mechanism which periodically changes the color of the light reaching the sign. A sign on which the current time or temperature, or both, is indicated by intermittent lighting changes shall not be deemed to be a flashing sign if the lights do not exceed forty (40) watts per lamp, the changes are limited to the numerals indicating the time or temperature with no less than seven (7) seconds between changes, and the sign is in conformance with the other regulations for such signs in this section. A freestanding sign which contains an electronic message reader limited to displays with no less than seven (7) seconds between changes shall not be deemed to be a flashing sign.

   E.   Adjacent Property: Signs shall be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting bright light upon property located in any residential district or upon any public street or park.

   F.   Internal Illumination: Internally illuminated signs shall permit light to shine through only the lettering and graphic elements of the sign, and shall be controlled to prevent glare.

   G.   Weatherproof Disconnect: All electrical signs shall have a disconnect within sight of the sign. Outside sign disconnects must be weatherproof. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

   A.   Sign Area Calculation: The following methods shall be used to calculate the sign area of various types of signs: (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

      1.   Freestanding And Projecting Signs: For ground signs, pole signs, projecting signs, pylon signs, and roof signs, the sign area shall be calculated by measuring the entire area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric form, or combination of regular geometric forms, which may be inscribed to encompass the perimeter of the sign structure, excluding structural support members extending beyond the frame or background border of the sign. In the case of signs with more than one face, the area shall be computed only for the maximum signal display surface which is visible from any one ground position except in interstate sign corridor. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. Ord. 1046, 4-14-1999)

      2.   Flush Signs: For wall signs, awning and canopy signs, and exterior window signs, the sign area shall be calculated by measuring the entire area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric form, or combination of regular geometric forms, which may be inscribed to encompass all letters and graphic symbols of the sign, including horizontal spacings between such letters and symbols plus any additional portion of the background which is framed by a border, internally illuminated, consisting of a color or tone different than the wall to which the sign is attached, or projects more than three inches (3") beyond the plane of the wall to which attached.

   B.   Signs In Residential Districts: Identification signs for structures other than a dwelling unit are subject to the following regulations:

      1.   Area: One (1) identification sign per principal use is permitted, provided it does not exceed ten (10) square feet.

      2.   Location: No such sign shall be closer than eight feet (8') to any side or rear lot line or closer than one-half (1/2) the depth of the required front yard. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

   C.   Signs In C-1 And C-2 Districts: The Village recognizes that the reasonable display of signs is necessary as a public service and to conduct competitive commerce and industry. It also recognizes there is a significant relationship between the manner in which signs are displayed and public safety and the value and economic stability of adjoining property. To achieve these goals, the following standards are established for the display of signs in direct relationship to the functional use of the property and to the intensity development as permitted within the zoning district. Business and identification signs are subject to the following regulation except as provided for in the regulation of signs in the interstate sign corridor: (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. Ord. 1046, 4-14-1999)

      1.   Signs Attached To Building:

         a.   Only one (1) permanent sign per dedicated street frontage may be permitted each principal business establishment. (Ord. 1720, 4-22-2015)

         b.   The area in square feet of all signs on a parcel shall not exceed two (2) times the number of linear feet of the front of the principal building, except that no wall mounted sign may exceed two hundred (200) square feet in area. Each side of a principal building fronting on a dedicated street shall be considered a front for these purposes, but no signs based upon the calculation of one (1) frontage may be located on another frontage. Where a property owner determines that in his opinion an alternate facade is more advantageous for displaying his allotted signage, he may request this location by application to the Plan Commission.

         c.   The length of such sign shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of the length of the building wall on which the sign is located. The end of such sign shall be closer to the ends of that wall or section of wall containing the sign than fifteen percent (15%) of the length of that wall.

         d.   Except for movie theater marquees, and except for signs in the C-1 District, no sign shall project more than one foot (1') from the front of the structure. In the C-1 District, signs may be permitted to extend over the public sidewalk, but shall not extend further than six feet (6') or beyond the street side edge of the public sidewalk, whichever is lesser.

      2.   Freestanding Signs:

         a.   Face Area: Except in the C-1 District, or as indicated elsewhere in this chapter, the area of such freestanding sign shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet. In the C-1 District, the area of such sign shall not exceed thirty six (36) square feet.

         b.   Number: One (1) freestanding sign shall be permitted by right per each business site. Additional freestanding signage may be permitted by application to the Plan Commission as detailed elsewhere in this chapter. Shopping centers will be allowed one (1) sign per each additional five hundred feet (500') of dedicated street frontage.

         c.   Height: Freestanding business signs shall not exceed the height of the predominant roof of the business to which it refers or thirty feet (30'), whichever is lower, where property fronts on Route 50. In all other cases, the following shall apply:

            (1)   In designated front yards, freestanding signs shall not exceed the predominant height of the roof of the business to which it refers or twenty feet (20'), whichever is lower.

            (2)   In all other yards, freestanding signs shall not exceed seven feet (7') in height.

         d.   Location: All freestanding business signs shall be located entirely within the property line of the building site to which they refer. The sign base shall be located a minimum of ten feet (10') within any property line.

      3.   Directional Signs: The number of permitted directional signs per business site shall be determined by the plan commission during its site plan review. The appropriate number, size and location of these signs shall be determined by the size of the site, its location in respect to major roadways, the complexity of traffic patterns in the area and the orientation of the building to off street parking. Directional signs located at street entrances shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and messages are limited to the business name and the words, "Welcome", "Exit", "Entrance" or similar informative language. Freestanding directional signs shall not exceed seven feet (7') in height.

      4.   Design:

         a.   All freestanding signs shall have bases a minimum of three feet (3') in width, except in the case of freestanding directional signs which shall have bases in proportion to the size of the sign as approved by the plan commission.

         b.   Continuity of design is encouraged on multiuse development sites where similar landscaping and building materials have been used to create a unified, parklike setting.

      5.   Message Information: Freestanding signs may be used to identify a regional or community shopping center containing a site area of five (5) acres or more. Such signs shall contain the name of the shopping center and/or the center's logo. The names of individual tenants shall not be permitted on such signs unless the tenant has a lease agreement of at least five (5) years and the sign face area for the tenant is a minimum of fifteen (15) square feet. No individual tenant sign area may exceed the area of the sign face of the shopping center name. In no case, however, shall more than four (4) tenant names be listed on a single freestanding sign face.

      6.   Message Board Signs: Signs with changeable lettering are permitted.

      7.   Additional Signage: The plan commission may grant additional signs or signage for business sites in these districts based upon one or more of the following criteria or other health, safety or welfare considerations:

         a.   It is deemed necessary to protect or promote the health, safety or welfare of employees and/or pedestrians or vehicular traffic in or near the site.

         b.   The business location, lot configuration or unique topographical condition indicates the need for additional signage.

         c.   The additional signage will not adversely impact on adjacent property or essentially alter the character of the locality.

         d.   The scale of other development is such that additional signage is necessary in order to maintain a realistic relationship between building size and site identification.

         e.   It is deemed necessary that mixed use, unified development sites require identification signage in addition to their street addresses to assist emergency services, deliveries and customers. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

Requests for additional signage not explicitly stated in this chapter shall be made in writing and submitted to the village building department to be forwarded to the plan commission with his recommendation. The plan commission shall act on this request at any of its regularly scheduled meetings, provided they are in receipt of all information and relevant facts to render a decision. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

   D.   Signs In Industrial Districts: Business and identification signs in industrial districts are subject to the following regulations except as provided for in the regulation of signs in the interstate sign corridor: (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. Ord. 1046, 4-14-1999)

      1.   Area Without Building: For industrial premises which do not contain building areas larger than four hundred (400) square feet and which lawfully store their merchandise outside, the permitted sign area shall be calculated on the basis of 0.0005 square feet of sign area for each one square foot of the subject parcel, up to maximum of eighty (80) square feet of sign area.

      2.   Area Related To Building: The area in square feet of all signs on a parcel shall not exceed three (3) times the number of linear feet of the front of the principal building. Each side of a principal building facing a major public thoroughfare shall be considered a front for these purposes, but no signs based upon the calculation of frontage may be located on another frontage.

      3.   Length: No sign attached to a building shall exceed seventy percent (70%) of the length of the building wall on which the sign is located. The ends of such sign shall be no closer to the ends of the wall or section of wall containing the sign than fifteen percent (15%) of the length of that wall. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

   E.   Signs In The Interstate Sign Corridor:

      1.   Purpose: The purpose of the interstate sign corridor is to appropriately regulate signs in a district comprised of those establishments located along I-57 which depend to a large extent on attracting customers traveling on I-57. Within this sign corridor, the following regulations will apply:

         a.   Freestanding Signs:

            (1)   Face Area: The area of such freestanding signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet per face of sign, if located more than fifty feet (50') from the business activity being advertised; and shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet per face of sign, if located fifty feet (50') or less from the business activity being advertised.

            (2)   Height: The height of such freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty six feet (36') if located more than fifty feet (50') from the business activity being advertised; and shall not exceed seventy two feet (72'), if located fifty feet (50') or less from the business activity being advertised.

            (3)   Number: Not to exceed one such freestanding sign per two hundred feet (200') of highway frontage.

         b.   Signs Attached To Buildings (Wall Signs):

            (1)   Area: Twenty percent (20%) of wall area, or three hundred (300) square feet, whichever is less.

         c.   Total Sign Area Per Lot: The total of all sign areas on any one lot, including all wall signs and freestanding signs, shall be the lower of: 1) one thousand (1,000) square feet; 2) eight percent (8%) of ground floor area of principal building; or 3) four (4) square feet of signage per linear foot of highway frontage. (Ord. 1046, 4-14-1999)

   A.   Signs For Motor Fuel Dispensing Establishments: Establishments that dispense motor fuel for sale to the public have been found to be unique because their primary functions are performed out of doors in a manner prescribed by state statutes. Therefore, the following regulations apply uniquely to such establishments:

      1.   Signs Attached To Building: The total face area of these signs, which includes all signs containing a commercial message, temporary or permanent, visible to the public from outside the building, shall not exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet.

      2.   Freestanding Signs: Except in a C-3 district, the total face area of freestanding signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet. One freestanding sign may be permitted a height of thirty feet (30') above grade. Two (2) additional freestanding signs with a maximum height of eight feet (8') above the adjacent street curb level may be permitted.

      3.   Motor Fuel Stations: In addition to the signs permitted by other sections of this title, the following signs are permitted at motor fuel stations:

         a.   Two (2) signs per pump island which designate the functions of the island as "self-service" or "full service". Such signs shall not have more than two (2) faces and shall not exceed three (3) square feet per face.

         b.   One sign per type of fuel sold which designates the price of that fuel. Such signs shall not have more than two (2) faces and shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face. The sign area for more than one type of fuel may be combined into one sign.

         c.   One nonilluminated sign identifying the service performed in each service bay may be placed over the opening to each bay. Such signs shall have one face and shall not exceed three (3) square feet each.

         d.   One nonilluminated nameplate, identifying the owner or operator is permitted adjacent to the doorway of the station. Such nameplate shall have one face and shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

         e.   Temporary signs advertising batteries, tires, oil or other products directly related to motor vehicles, if the signs are located directly adjacent to a display of the product(s) described. Such signs may have two (2) faces; however, their total area shall not exceed ten (10) square feet.

         f.   Any signs required by the state of Illinois or the federal government.

      4.   Applicability To Dispensing Operation: Where the dispensing of motor fuel is only one of the business activities conducted on the premises, the unique sign conditions permitted in the subsection above apply only to the motor fuel dispensing operation and not to the other areas.

   B.   Real Estate Signs: Except in a C-3 district, signs for the sale or rental of real estate have been found to be unique because the premises upon which such signs are located is the product advertised and the scale of that product is quite large. Because of this uniqueness, a sign may be permitted for the purpose of selling or renting any lot or group of lots and/or any existing or proposed building or group of buildings or segment thereof (excluding individual residential dwelling units) based upon the following regulations.

      1.   Eighty Square Feet Or Less: Signs with a surface area of eighty (80) square feet or less. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997)

         a.   Procedure: Such signs shall be reviewed, and a sign permit be issued by the village building department. The sign permit shall be valid for one year, after which time it may be renewed by annual application and payments of the required fee to the village clerk.

         b.   Area: The allowable surface area shall be based upon one square foot of sign area for each one foot (1') of linear building frontage, if developed, or vacant land frontage if undeveloped, not to exceed eighty (80) square feet.

         c.   Length: The length of such sign shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of the length of any building wall on which the sign is located.

         d.   Number Of Signs: The number of signs permitted shall be based upon the total acreage of the site.

         e.   Location: Not more than one sign shall be permitted on each street frontage of the property being advertised.

         f.   Existing Special Use Permit: No sign(s) provided for in this chapter shall be permitted if the property has a special use permit in effect for an existing sign having a surface area in excess of eighty (80) square feet.

      2.   Greater Than Eighty Square Feet: Signs with a surface area greater than eighty (80) square feet.

         a.   Special Use Permit: Signs with a surface area greater than eighty (80) square feet may be permitted when required by unique conditions, but only after obtaining a special use permit approved by the village board upon recommendation of the plan commission. Such special use permit shall be formally reviewed annually by the village building department for compliance.

         b.   Required Findings: Granting of a special use permit for such signs shall be conditioned upon due consideration and findings on the following factors:

Necessity of sign due to unique conditions of the site or market.

Nature of surrounding land use.

Size of property.

Size of proposed sign.

Traffic safety.

Size and nature of existing/proposed development (if applicable).

         c.   Cancellation: If, at the required annual review or any other time, the village building department finds that the conditions related to the evaluation factors above have changed significantly, he may recommend to the board of trustees that the special use permit for such signs be terminated. The board may revoke such permit without public hearing.

         d.   Sign Permit: Should a special use permit be granted or renewed, a sign permit may be issued by the Village Clerk upon proper applicant payment of the required fee. Such fee shall be payable annually at the time of the formal review by the Village Building Department.

   C.   Temporary Signs: There are unique events which may warrant the temporary permission of signs not otherwise permitted. Such temporary signs shall be governed by the following regulations:

      1.   Area: A temporary sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot of sign area for each one (1) linear foot of the length of the wall of the principal building which contains the primary entrance to the establishment, up to a maximum area of one hundred (100) square feet.

      2.   Number: Only one (1) temporary sign is permitted, unless the principal building fronts on more than one (1) public street, then one (1) sign may be mounted on each street frontage. However, the total area of all such signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

      3.   Location:

         a.   Zoning Districts: Temporary signs are permitted only in commercial and industrial zoning districts.

         b.   Mounted Flush: All signs shall be mounted flush with the building wall upon which they are located, except in the case of freestanding signage, designating a grand opening.

      4.   Type And Construction:

         a.   Safe Mounting: All signs shall be securely anchored so that they will not swing, sway in the wind, or endanger users of sidewalks or roadways.

         b.   Cloth Signs: All signs constructed of cloth or other weak and combustible materials shall be securely attached to their supports. They shall be removed as soon as they are torn or damaged at the discretion the Village Building Department.

         c.   Freestanding Signs: No freestanding signs are permitted, except in the case of a "grand opening". These signs may be permitted only upon the specific approval of the Village Building Department.

         d.   Partially Unsecured Signs: No pennants, streamers, balloons or any other partially unsecured signs are permitted except as provided herein. Pennants and/or flags may be permitted on the specific approval of the Board of Trustees subject to the following conditions:

Pennants and/or flags shall only be permitted in conjunction with retail businesses having a permanent outdoor display area of merchandise offered for retail sale as regulated by this title.

The erection of pennants shall be limited to the immediate area containing the outdoor display, and shall not exceed a height of twenty feet (20').

Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, a permit may be issued by the Village Clerk for pennants to be erected on a zoning lot once per calendar year for a period not to exceed six (6) months.

All pennants and/or flags erected for display purposes shall be maintained in an orderly fashion. Torn and badly faded pennants and/or flags shall be immediately taken down or replaced at the discretion of the Village Building Department.

         e.   Electrical Installations: No temporary sign constructed of combustible materials may have an electrical wiring as a part of the sign, nor shall any temporary sign be internally illuminated.

         f.   Length: The length of a temporary sign shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of the length of any building to which it is attached.

      5.   Duration And Frequency:

         a.   Grand Opening: Temporary signs designating a "grand opening" may be erected within six (6) months of obtaining an original business license. Said sign may be erected for a period not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days. (Ord. 961, 2-12-2997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

         b.   Other Temporary Signs: Temporary signs may be permitted on any business location for not more than four (4) time periods during any calendar year. Each time period shall not exceed ten (10) calendar days in length. (Ord. 1720, 4-22-2015)

      6.   Procedure: The village reserves the right to review any proposed temporary sign for compliance and to reject any sign that is deemed unsafe or not in keeping with the intent of this title.

         a.   Grand Opening: All freestanding "grand opening" sign applications must be approved by the village building department. The department shall take into consideration the size of the proposed sign, its proposed duration, any colors of illumination, traffic safety, public safety, the impact upon adjacent properties, and general compliance with this title.

         b.   Civic, Charitable Or Religious Signs: Temporary signs of a civic, charitable or religious nature are exempt from the provisions contained in this chapter, but shall require the specific approval of the village building department.

         c.   Other Temporary Signs: All other temporary signs shall be reviewed by the village building department for compliance.

   D.   Flags: Flags of governmental, civic, philanthropic, education or religious organizations displayed on private property are permitted subject to the following regulations:

      1.   Number: There shall be a maximum of one flagpole for each zoning lot except as may be allowed by an approved site plan if the plan commission, in its review of the site plan, indicates that this flag display, which may include a corporate flag, is an integral part of the site landscaping and compatible with the architectural design elements.

      2.   Height: The height of a flagpole above grade shall be in proportion to the scale of the building to which it relates, and in no case shall be higher than the following height limitations:

 

 

The American flag shall be flown higher than all others in any group display.

      3.   Length: The length of a permitted flag on a flagpole shall not exceed one-third (1/3) the length of the pole upon which it is hung.

      4.   Maintenance: All flags are to be maintained in an orderly fashion. Torn and badly faded flags shall be taken down and replaced at the discretion of the village building department. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

   E.   Political Signs 1 : (Rep. by Ord. 1499, 6-10-2009)

   F.   Construction Signs: Construction signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts for the purpose of denoting the construction of individual buildings or projects. All "construction" sign applications must be approved by the village building department. The department shall take into consideration the size of the proposed sign, its proposed duration, traffic safety, public safety, the impact upon adjacent properties, and general compliance with this title.

      1.   Number: No more than one construction sign shall be allowed per street frontage per project.

      2.   Height: No construction sign shall exceed fifteen feet (15') in height. Signs of a greater height may be permitted upon the specific approval of the plan commission.

      3.   Area: The maximum allowable size of any construction sign in a residential zoning district shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet. The maximum size of any construction sign located in a commercial or industrial zoning district shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet, except that signs with a greater area may be permitted upon the specific approval of the plan commission.

      4.   Location: Such signs shall not be placed or otherwise erected upon any public right of way, nor attached to any building, structure, or vegetation thereon. Such signs shall be situated on the same property as the construction project to which they refer.

      5.   Message: The content of construction signs shall be limited to the project name/logo; the architect; the engineer; the general contractor; the building developer; the lending institution; the business of the establishment under construction; its opening date; the type of residential units being offered; and information pertaining to the price of such residential units, financing and amenities.

      6.   Duration: No construction sign shall be erected any earlier than sixty (60) days prior to the actual commencement of construction. Such signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after completion of construction and prior to occupancy.

   G.   Subdivision Monuments Or Identification Signs: Monuments or signs that identify a particular residential subdivision or unified residential neighborhood may be permitted subject to the following regulations:

      1.   Location: Such signs shall be located at points where subdivision streets intersect with arterial streets (as designated by the comprehensive plan).

      2.   Maintenance: Subdivision monuments or identification signs are to be maintained in an orderly manner. Such signs are to be kept clean and in good repair. Signs not properly maintained may be removed by order of the board of trustees.

      3.   Procedure: The village reserves the right to review any proposed subdivision monuments or identification signs for compliance and to reject any sign that is deemed unsafe or not in keeping with the intent of this title. Subdivision monuments or identification signs shall require specific approval by the board of trustees upon recommendation of the plan commission. The board shall take into consideration the size of the proposed monument or sign, any colors or illumination, traffic safety, public safety, the impact upon adjacent properties, the general compliance with this title. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

   H.   Installation Of Official Signs: The village may, at its sole discretion, authorize the installation of official signs as freestanding and multiple sided structures and located in public right of way that display directional information to residential developments. (Ord. 1371, 9-28-2005)

All signs (including those for which no permit is required) and their supports shall be kept in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition in accordance with the following requirements and with the applicable codes or ordinances of the village as determined by the village building department:

   A.   Clean: The owner of any sign shall keep the sign and support structure clean and properly treated so as to prevent rust peeling, flaking, or fading.

   B.   Good Repair: Broken panels, missing letters, flaking or peeling paint and other damage to a sign or support structure shall be repaired within thirty (30) days of its occurrence.

   C.   Area Around Signs: The area surrounding all signs shall be maintained free of any debris or nuisances and any related grassed area or landscaping shall be kept trimmed and in a healthy condition.

   D.   Enforcement; Fine: In the event of a violation of this section, a thirty (30) day notice shall be given by the village building department stating the amount of time granted for repair or removal of said sign, and if not repaired or removed in that time, there shall be assessed a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) plus the cost of removal by the village. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

   A.   Public Safety: Any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property shall be removed summarily and without notice at the sole discretion of the village building department.

   B.   Obsolete Message: Any sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of three (3) months or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or persons having the beneficial use of the structure or property upon which such sign may be found. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management may be granted an additional three (3) month time extension by the village building department after written application. (Ord. 961, 2-12-1997, eff. 2-22-1997; amd. 1999 Code)

Political signs of any kind shall not be permitted on public property including public rights of way, parkways and easement areas. (Ord. 1597, 3-14-2012)