A.   Scope Of Regulations: The provisions of this chapter shall govern and control the location, erection, relocation, reconstruction, extension, enlargement, conversion, replacement, alteration, operation, maintenance, and removal of all signs within the Village visible from any street, sidewalk, or public or private common open space, excluding only signs owned or maintained by the Village. Any sign not expressly permitted by these regulations shall be prohibited. The regulations of this chapter relate to the regulation of signs within zoning districts and shall be in addition to the provisions of the Building Code applicable to the construction and maintenance of signs.

   B.   Statement Of Purpose: The regulation of signs by this chapter is intended to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of this chapter is to:

      1.   Regulate signs in such a manner that supports and complements land use objectives that are set forth in the Zoning Code, Village Code, and Comprehensive Plan.

      2.   Ensure that all signs are compatible with regards to size, location, color, construction, materials, and the manner of display.

      3.   Ensure that signs do not confuse, obstruct traffic vision, nor endanger public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.

   C.   Applicability: No sign shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, replaced, or altered except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and after issuance of a sign permit by the Village, if required, or in compliance with subsection E of this section permitting signs without the issuance of a permit.

   D.   General Standards: Except as otherwise expressly provided in subsection E of this section, the following general standards apply to all signs. Any sign not in compliance with these standards shall be immediately corrected or shall be deemed to be in violation of this chapter.

      1.   Illumination: Signs shall only be permitted to be illuminated in accordance with the following regulations:

         a.   No sign can be self-illuminated or internally illuminated; provided, however, that a business shall be permitted one internally illuminated "Open" window sign not to exceed one square foot in area.

         b.   Neon illumination of signs is not permitted.

         c.   Any illumination of signs shall be constant in intensity and color and there shall be no flashing lights, rotating lights, running lights, or lights that create an illusion of movement.

         d.   No sign shall be illuminated in such a manner so as to cause confusion with traffic signals or lights or which might constitute a traffic hazard.

         e.   Any light source that is used to illuminate a sign must be located, shielded, and directed as to not be visible from any point on any surrounding streets, public property, adjacent private property or adjacent structures. All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed so that it illuminates the sign face area only and prevents the casting of glare.

      2.   Sign Measurement: Unless otherwise expressly provided to the contrary in these regulations, the term "sign area" shall include the gross surface area of each sign with a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign and in no case passing through or between any adjacent elements of the sign. Such a perimeter shall not include any structural or framing elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.

      3.   Traffic Safety: No sign or sign structure shall be permitted or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape, design, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, or interfere with the views of the vehicular driver, pedestrian, or cyclist. No sign will be permitted that could be confused with any traffic control signal or device. No sign will be permitted where it may interfere, confuse, or mislead traffic movement.

      4.   Maintenance: The owner of a sign and the owner of the premises on which the sign is located shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain the sign or signs in a clean and sanitary condition, free from rubbish and weeds, and in overall good working order, including illumination sources, at all times.

   E.   Signs That Do Not Require A Permit: The following permanent and temporary signs may be erected and maintained in any district, unless otherwise provided, without obtaining a sign permit, subject to the following limitations:

      1.   Small Real Estate Signs:

         a.   Limitations: Two (2) small real estate signs per property for sale. The maximum size for each real estate sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet, and no such sign shall be illuminated. No real estate sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way or onto private property that is not owned by the party installing or owning the sign.

         b.   Temporary Small Real Estate Signs: Six (6) temporary real estate signs, which shall include "Open House" signs, shall be permitted per property or per principal structure. The maximum size for each real estate sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet, and no such sign shall be illuminated. Any temporary sign shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours of the open house. No real estate sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way or onto private property that is not owned by the party installing or owning the sign.

      2.   Residential Nameplates: Two (2) nameplate signs shall be permitted for each dwelling unit in a residential district only. The maximum size for each nameplate sign shall not exceed one hundred forty four (144) square inches in area, and no such sign shall be illuminated.

      3.   Window Signs: Window signs shall be permitted when located on the interior side of a window. The aggregate area of all such window signs shall not exceed more than ten percent (10%) of the total area of the window. Illuminated window signs shall be permitted, subject to the provisions of this chapter.

      4.   Seasonal Or Noncommercial Signs: Seasonal or noncommercial signs shall be permitted for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days. The maximum size for such signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)

   A.   Political Campaign Signs: Political campaign signs shall be allowed only on private property and with owner permission under the following conditions:

      1.   Signs will not exceed five (5) square feet in size.

      2.   All signage must provide for clear sight for traffic safety.

      3.   No signs are allowed within the rights-of-way of roads and highways or on any other publicly owned property.

   B.   Political Message Signs: Political message signs shall be permitted. The maximum size for each political message sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet, and no such sign shall be illuminated. No such political message sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way or onto private property that is not owned by the party installing or owning the sign.

   C.   Street Signs: Signs giving names of streets shall be erected at all street intersections. Such signs shall meet the minimum requirements as set forth in the "Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways", as prepared and published by the Department of Public Works and Buildings, State of Illinois, and the Village street sign design standards. The developer shall also promptly install any and all regulatory traffic signs deemed necessary by the Village. The developer shall install temporary street signs during the period of construction as soon as the property is accessible by vehicles and maintain such signs until permanent signs are installed.

   D.   Conservancy Signs: Signs identifying conservancy easements shall be posted on all properties that have been designated a conservancy, a woodland conservancy, or a scenic easement. Such signs shall be installed prior to the issuance of a building permit and commencement of any construction on the property. The signs shall not exceed fourteen inches by eighteen inches (14" x 18") or two hundred fifty two (252) square inches. These signs shall indicate the conservancy and establish that these areas are not to be disturbed.

   E.   Temporary Signs:

      1.   Public/Legal Notices: Temporary signs that indicate either a public hearing or are a required legal notice may be installed on the property; provided, however, that such signs shall not be located within the vision triangle nor constitute a public safety hazard.

      2.   Other Temporary Signs: Temporary use signs shall be permitted. All such signs shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours after the event and shall not exceed six (6) square feet. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)

   A.   Permit Required: Except as otherwise provided in subsection 10-10-1E and section 10-10-2 of this chapter, and by the standards of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, move, alter, or maintain any sign without first having made application for and obtained a sign permit from the Village and having paid the applicable permit fee. The Village shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of sign permit applications.

   B.   Signs Requiring A Permit: The following permanent and temporary signs require a permit pursuant to this section:

      1.   Large Real Estate Signs:

         a.   Real Estate Signs: One real estate sign shall be permitted on a property that contains at least two (2) acres in area. The maximum size of a real estate sign shall not exceed eighteen (18) square feet in area, and no such sign shall be illuminated. All such signs shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours of the closing of the lease or sale of the property.

         b.   Commercial Real Estate Signs: One commercial real estate sign per development shall be permitted. All such signs shall not exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area, and no such sign shall be illuminated. All such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days of the closing of the sale or lease of the property.

      2.   Construction Signs: One temporary construction sign shall be permitted. The maximum size of a temporary construction sign shall not exceed eighteen (18) square feet in area, and no such sign shall be illuminated. Construction signs shall be removed at the time a permanent sign is installed or a certificate of occupancy is issued, whichever occurs first.

      3.   Subdivision Signs: A sign identifying the location and name of a subdivision may be installed at the entrance of the subdivision, subject to compliance with the following standards:

         a.   Number Of Signs: No more than two (2) subdivision identification signs shall be permitted for each subdivision. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)

         b.   Size: The total area of the subdivision identification signs permitted by this section shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in dimension. (Ord. 1310B, 5-23-2018)

         c.   Lighting: A subdivision identification sign may be illuminated, subject to compliance with the following standards:

            (1)   Type Of Lighting: A subdivision identification sign may utilize one of the following methods of illumination: sign mounted canopy light or ground mounted spotlight. Only white or clear incandescent illumination sources shall be permitted.

            (2)   Direction Of Illumination: The illumination source shall only be directed onto the face of the subdivision identification sign.

            (3)   Visibility Of Illumination Source: The illumination source or filament shall not be visible from adjacent properties.

            (4)   Maximum Illumination: The maximum illumination for a subdivision identification sign shall not exceed two (2) foot- candles within a distance of one foot (1') from the surface of the subdivision identification sign and shall not emit any measurable illumination (i.e., 0 foot-candles) at the property line most proximate to a subdivision identification sign.

            (5)   General Restrictions: The illumination of the subdivision identification sign shall comply with the provisions of subsection 10-10-1D1 of this chapter.

      4.   Business District Signage: The cumulative size of all signs permitted by this title shall be governed by the square footage of the associated business as follows:

         a.   Limit Of Signs: Unless otherwise expressly provided to the contrary in these regulations, the limit of signs per business establishment is one ground sign, one nameplate sign, and one wall sign or one canopy sign. Such signs singularly or in combination, shall not exceed the maximum permitted sign area. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)

         b.   Total Square Footage: The cumulative total square footage for all signs shall not exceed the following:

   MAXIMUM SIGN AREA PERMITTED IN

   BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTS IN SQUARE FEET

 

 

   Notes:

      1.    For each additional 2,000 square feet greater than 5,000 square feet, an additional 10 square feet of signage is permitted. The maximum total signage area shall not exceed 40 square feet.

      2.    For each additional 2,000 square feet greater than 5,000 square feet, an additional 10 square feet of signage is permitted. The maximum total signage area shall not exceed 64 square feet.

   (Ord. 1310B, 5-23-2018)

         c.   Nameplate Signs: These signs are only permitted in business districts. Nameplates shall not exceed one hundred forty four (144) square inches per sign area and shall be limited to one for each business establishment.

         d.   Business Development Identification Signs: These signs are permitted for developments adjacent to four (4) or more divided lanes provided that the development has two (2) or more businesses and uses and is located on a property of a minimum of five (5) acres in size. The sign shall be located at the entrance of a street, can only be a ground sign, and shall be no greater than ten feet (10') in height. The maximum overall square footage of such a sign is fifty (50) square feet in size. Only two (2) such signs are permitted per entrance or street/right-of-way frontage. A maximum of six (6) tenant signs can be included on the development identification sign.

         e.   Gas Station Signage: One wall sign is permitted in association with a gas station use, which shall not exceed eighteen (18) square feet in size. One ground sign is permitted in association with a gas station use that shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in size. Customary identification signs that are integral to the gas station use shall be permitted not to exceed six (6) square feet.

         f.   Temporary Banner Signage: One temporary banner is permitted for up to one week per property, and shall not exceed a maximum of eighteen (18) square feet in size. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)

   A.   The following signs and types of signs shall be prohibited:

      1.   Flashing Or Moving Signs: Any sign that is wholly or partially illuminated by flashing lights or intermittent lights, any raceway sign, or any sign that moves or creates the illusion of moving shall be prohibited.

      2.   Portable Signs: Any portable sign shall be prohibited. Examples of such signs are signs that have trailer hitches, signs on wheels, signs that can be transported to and from various locations and portable signs with internally illuminated boards.

      3.   Off Site Advertising Signs: Any sign that directs attention to a business, service or commodity that is offered, conducted or sold at another location than the location of the sign shall be prohibited, including any signs advertising a business no longer operating or holding a property interest in the premises on which the sign is displayed.

      4.   Painted Wall Signs: Any wall sign that is applied with paint or a similar substance on the face of a wall, building or structure shall be prohibited.

      5.   Signs On Trees Or Utility Poles: Any sign that is attached to a tree or utility pole whether on public or private property shall be prohibited.

      6.   Bench Or Seating Signage: Any bench or seating used for any form of advertising shall be prohibited.

      7.   Vehicle Signs: Any commercial vehicle used for the sole purpose of advertising a business by parking the vehicle anywhere in the Village shall be prohibited.

      8.   Roof Signs: Any roof sign shall be prohibited.

      9.   Signage On Village Property Or Right-Of-Way: Any sign on Village property or public right-of-way without the Village's or respective public body's consent shall be prohibited. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)

   A.   Enforcement Authority: The Building and Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

   B.   Inspection: The Building and Zoning Officer may inspect, at such times as he deems necessary, each sign or sign structure regulated by this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining whether the sign is in compliance with this chapter or any other relevant Village Code, law or ordinance.

   C.   Unsafe And Unlawful Signs; Immediate Removal:

      1.   Should the Building and Zoning Officer find any sign regulated by this chapter to be unsafe, unlawful or a menace to the public, or constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he or she shall cause notice to be given to the holder of the permit and the owner or person in possession of the property.

      2.   If the holder of the permit, the owner or person in possession of the property should fail to remove the sign or bring the sign or other advertising structure in compliance within the time specified in the notice, the Building and Zoning Officer may cause, at the holder(s) or property owner(s) expense, the sign or other advertising structure to be removed or brought into compliance.

      3.   If the holder or owner fails to pay the costs and expenses of such repair or removal within thirty (30) days of the notice, then such costs and expenses shall become a lien against the property. In addition, the Building and Zoning Officer shall refuse to issue a sign permit to any holder or owner who refuses to pay the costs and expenses assessed under this section.

      4.   In addition to the foregoing provisions of this subsection C, the Building and Zoning Officer may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily without notice.

      5.   In addition to the costs, charges and expenses imposed by this chapter, fines and penalties provided for by other chapters of the Village Code may be imposed. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)

All requests for variations of the regulations of this chapter shall be made by an applicant to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall make a recommendation to the Village President and Board of Trustees. (Ord. 1310A, 12-20-2017)