This article is intended to regulate the design and placement of signs from the date of adoption of this ordinance, in the following circumstances:

17.1.a. Where a newly constructed facility includes signs;

17.1.b. Where a sign is replaced because of a change of occupancy or ownership;

17.1.c. Where a new sign is added to an existing building; and

17.1.d. In the case of a granting of a special use or expansion of a facility which includes signs.

The sign regulations, controls, and provisions set forth in this article are made in accordance with an overall plan and program for the public safety, area development, preservation of property values, and the general welfare of the City of Peoria and are intended to: aid in traffic control and traffic safety; preserve and protect property values; lessen congestion of land and air space; provide against undue concentrations of signs which distract and endanger traffic safety and traffic flow; establish reasonable standards for commercial and other advertising through the use of signs, in order to maintain and encourage business and area development; avoid uncontrolled proliferation of signs; recognize the rights of the public on roads, streets, and highways; preserve the wholesome and attractive character of the City; and to recognize that the general welfare includes a community plan that provides for a community that shall be beautiful as well as healthful, spacious as well as clean, and well balanced in its growth and development. Also, the purpose of the sign ordinance is to provide for the gradual elimination of nonconforming signs and to provide for new signs which conform to the provisions of this ordinance in order to accomplish its objectives.

Regulation of the location, size, placement and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities in Peoria without difficulty or confusion and to encourage the attractiveness of the community and to protect property values throughout the City. Accordingly, it is the intention of this ordinance to establish regulations which will:

17.2.a. Restrict signs and lights which overload the public's capacity to receive information or which increase the probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision;

17.2.b. Reduce conflict among signs and light and between public and private environmental information systems;

17.2.c. Promote signs which are compatible with their surroundings, are appropriate to the type of business to which they pertain and are expressive of the identity of proprietors and other persons displaying signs; and

17.2.d. Increase opportunities for local groups to collectively determine policies for private signing and lighting in their areas.

The display of signs in the City is regulated on the basis of the following factors:

17.3.a. The district in which the sign is displayed.

17.3.b. Reserved.

17.3.c. The following design features:

(1)

The type of sign (wall, ground, etc.);

(2)

The size of the sign;

(3)

The height of the sign from the ground;

(4)

The location of the sign;

(5)

The type of illumination.

17.3.d. The use type in residential districts.

In addition, certain signs are regulated on the basis of additional factors, as set forth in this ordinance.

17.3.e. The classification of the sign as an off-premise or on-premise sign.

(Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94)

For the purposes of this ordinance, the City is divided into certain sign districts as provided in Section 17.4.a. below.

17.4.a. Districts.

(1)

Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts A1, RE, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and any associated overlay districts according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Residential Sign Districts.

(2)

Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts C1 and C2 and any associated overlay districts according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Commercial Sign Districts.

(3)

Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts O1 or O2 and any associated overlay districts, according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Office Sign Districts.

(4)

Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts I1, I2 or I3 and any associated overlay districts, according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Industrial Sign Districts.

(5)

Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base district B1 and any associated overlay districts, according to the Official Zoning Map, are designated as a Central Business Sign District. Permitted signage and signage regulations for the Central Business Sign District are located in Section 17.22

17.4.b. Display of Signs Within Districts. If a business is a permitted or special use within the Commercial, Office, Industrial, or Residential Districts (as defined in 17.5.a. [17.4.a.]) or a legal nonconforming use, it may display an on-premise sign in accordance with the applicable Table of Basic Design Elements (17.21) and all other relevant sections of this ordinance.

Off-premise signs may be displayed at certain locations in accordance with the applicable Table of Basic Design Elements (17.21) and all other relevant sections of this Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94)

The following principles shall control the computations of sign area and sign height:

17.5.a. Computation of Area of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, excluding off-premise sign extensions, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.

17.5.b. Computation of Area of Multifaced Signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face aimed at the same direction of travel shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible to approaching traffic from any one direction. When two identical sign faces are placed back to back, whether flat or V-type, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 42 inches apart at their closest point, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces. The sign area for V-type signs having an interior angle between faces of not more than 45 degrees shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces. The sign area for V-type signs having an interior angle between faces of more than 45 degrees shall be computed by the measurement of each of the faces totaled together. The use of multiple message sign technology shall not cause a face to be counted as more than one face or additional square footage beyond the physical dimensions of the face itself. All computations of area for multifaced signs shall exclude existing off-premise sign extensions.

17.5.c. Computation of Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign, excluding off-premise sign extensions. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of (1) existing grade prior to construction or (2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the zoning lot, whichever is lower.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 13996, § 1, 9-26-95; Ord. No. 16062, § 1, 1-9-07; Ord. No. 16564, § 1, 5-25-10; Ord. No. 16571, § 1, 6-8-10; Ord. No. 16653, § 1, 1-25-11)

17.6.a. Zoning Certificates Required. From and after the effective date of this ordinance, no person may erect alter or relocate any building sign, freestanding sign, directional sign, canopy or awning, sign requiring a special permit, or sign permitted pursuant to a special use in the City without first receiving a zoning certificate from the Zoning Administrator that the proposed construction or alteration conforms to this ordinance, and obtaining any required building permits. A zoning certificate is not required for any alterations to signs that are restricted to content only as long as that content change does not involve a change of use classification or a change of status from any off-premise sign to an on-premise sign.

17.6.b. Sign Permits Required. From and after the effective date of this ordinance, no person may erect, alter or relocate any temporary sign requiring a sign permit, Section 17.10.c.1), without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Administrator that the proposed erection, alteration, or relocation conforms to this ordinance, and obtaining any required building permits.

17.6.c. Failure to Obtain Permit or Zoning Certificate. Any person who erects, alters or moves a sign after the effective date of this ordinance without obtaining a zoning certificate and/or permit as required by Section 17.16.a and 17.16.b. shall be subject to a penalty for violation of this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92)

Editor's note—

Ord. No. 13766, § 1, adopted June 21, 1994, repealed § 17.7, which pertained to the master signage plan. See the Code Comparative Table.

17.8.a. All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:

(1)

Except for permitted flags, temporary signs, and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this ordinance, all signs shall [be] constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.

(2)

All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this Code, at all times.

(3)

All signs, canopies and awnings shall be kept and maintained in a safe, neat and orderly condition and appearance, and shall be repainted or otherwise maintained periodically by the owner to prevent corrosion or deterioration caused by weather, age or any other conditions, and to keep the same in a safe, neat and orderly condition and appearance.

(4)

All off-premise freestanding signs are required to have a single support structure, commonly known as "Uni-Pole" construction.

(5)

Signs shall not obstruct visibility from a driveway to an abutting street or vice versa.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92)

17.9.a. [Visibility.] Whenever external illumination is used for a sign, the source of light shall be located, shielded and directed in such a manner that the light is not directly visible from any surrounding public street or private residence.

17.9.b. Brightness Limitations.

(1)

In no case shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal illumination or external illumination exceed 75 foot candles when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign.

(2)

The lighting intensity of all signs is further subject to the provisions regarding glare as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance of the City.

17.10.a. Prohibited Signage. The following signs are prohibited in all districts:

(1)

Signs which move, or give the appearance of moving with the exception of those temporary signs permitted in Section 17.10.c. or exempted in Section 17.10.b. This category includes pennants, streamers, string pennants, "garrison" size flags (other than the official national flag of the United States of America) and all other signs which flutter, undulate, swing, rotate, oscillate or otherwise move by natural or artificial means.

(2)

Signs containing any flashing or running lights or lights creating an illusion of movement except for signs in the B1 district. Also exempt from this category are electronic multiple message signs subject to the requirements of Section 17.15

(3)

Signs which imitate official traffic signs. Signs which use the words "stop," "look," "danger," "go slow," "caution," or "warning," are deemed to be within this category except where such words are part of the name of the business. This category (3) does not include signs which are accessory to parking lots, driveways or roads.

(4)

Portable or wheeled signs.

(5)

Signs placed on a parked vehicle or trailer where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or business located on the same or nearby property.

(6)

A sign in any residence district, exceeding a height of three and one-half feet above the street grade within 12 feet of the intersecting street lines bordering a corner lot.

(7)

A sign in any nonresidential district within eight feet of the intersecting street lines bordering a corner lot, provided that this regulation shall not apply to that part of a building above the first floor.

(8)

Private signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

(9)

Signs in required transitional buffer yards (TBY).

(10)

Wall, roof, projecting or stacked off-premise signs.

(11)

Murals in residential districts.

17.10.b. Exempt Signage. The following are hereby designated as "exempt signs" and, as such are subject only to the regulations contained in this Section 17.10.b. Exempt signs shall not exceed six square feet in area unless otherwise specified below:

(1)

House numbers and house nameplates, provided that nameplates shall not exceed one square foot in area.

(2)

Paper notices placed on bulletin boards or on kiosks maintained by any governmental organization.

(3)

Signs erected or required by governmental bodies, or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance. Such public signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination as authorized by law, statute, or ordinance.

(4)

Flags bearing the officially adopted design of a nation, state, or political subdivision of a state. Flags shall not exceed 30 square feet in size, except that United States of America garrison size flags are allowed.

(5)

Business flags displaying the name of the business and the corporation symbol or logo. Each nonresidential zoning lot shall be permitted one flag not to exceed 30 square feet.

(6)

Murals in non-residential districts.

17.10.c. Temporary Signage. The following signs are hereby designated as "temporary" signs and are permitted subject to the regulations contained in Article 17.

(1)

Temporary Signs Requiring a Sign Permit. The following temporary signs require a sign permit prior to the display of the sign for a legal zoning use in nonresidential districts or a special use in residential districts. These signs may not advertise goods, products, services or facilities, or direct persons to a location different from where the sign is installed.

a.

Banner: A maximum of one banner per street frontage per zoning lot is permitted. Banners may be wall or fence mounted or displayed between two poles. The area of a wall or fence mounted banner plus the area of any wall sign on the same facade may not exceed 20 percent of the facade upon which the signs are displayed. Pole banners may not exceed 40 square feet in area, five feet in height, and are subject to the same setback and visibility regulations for freestanding signs, Section 17.11.b.

b.

Light standard sign: No more than one light standard sign for each five light standards on a zoning lot are permitted. Light standard signs cannot exceed 18 square feet in size, must have rigid framework on a minimum of two sides of the sign, and must be mounted in a light standard with a minimum clearance of eight feet above grade.

c.

Grand opening signs:

i.

String pennants and streamers: String pennants and streamers are permitted only for a grand opening at the location of that business, and are allowed in addition to other permitted temporary signs. String pennants and streamers are subject to the same setback and visibility regulations for freestanding signs, Section 17.11.b.

ii.

Inflatable signs: Inflatable signs are permitted only for a grand opening event, at the location of the newly opened business, per the following conditions:

(1)

A zoning certificate must be obtained prior to the placement of an inflatable sign.

(2)

Such signs are permitted in non-residential zoning districts only.

(3)

Signs cannot exceed 25 feet in height and 30 feet in width or 30 feet in diameter, and must be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the property line and a minimum of ten feet from the building.

(4)

Lighted signs are prohibited

(5)

Rooftop signs are prohibited

(6)

Signs which move or give the appearance of moving are prohibited.

(7)

Placement of signs on the public right-of-way is prohibited.

(8)

Signs shall not obstruct visibility for safe traffic maneuvering or pedestrian safety and signs, anchors, and attachments shall not be placed in such a way to create a traffic hazard

(9)

Signs may not occupy required parking spaces.

(10)

Signs cannot interfere with utility lines, antennas, or towers.

(11)

If an outlet is necessary, signs must be installed to a grounded outlet.

(12)

Signs must be securely anchored.

d.

Length and frequency of display: Legal zoning uses in nonresidential districts and special uses in residential districts may display banners and/or standard signs no more than four times within a calendar year for a display period not to exceed 30 consecutive days; seven days are required between each display period. In addition to the four permitted display periods, string pennants and streamers for business opening are permitted for the opening of the new business for a period not to exceed 14 days. No more than one inflatable sign may be displayed for a display period starting 30 days before the opening of a business and ending 30 days after opening, as part of a grand opening event, at the location of the newly opened business. Length of display may be no more than 30 consecutive days and are allowed in addition to light standard signs, string pennants, and streamers; however, an inflatable sign is not permitted in addition to a temporary banner.

(2)

Temporary Signs That Do Not Require a Sign Permit. The following temporary signs do not require a sign permit prior to the display of the sign:

a.

Political signs or posters announcing candidates seeking public political office and/or political and public issues, provided that such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area in residential districts and 32 square feet in nonresidential districts. There shall be no limit on the number of political signs on a given property. When such signs promote a candidate for political office, they shall be removed within seven days after an election, except for signs displayed on residential property, which shall have no limit on the time duration of display.

b.

A sign advertising the sale or lease of a lot or space on which the sign is placed. Such signs may not be illuminated signs and may not exceed eight square feet in area in residential districts and 32 square feet in nonresidential districts. Only one real estate sign may be placed on the lot or premises to which it pertains, except that two such signs may be placed on double frontage lots. A real estate sign shall be removed within seven days after the buyer and seller are mutually bound to conclude the sale or lease of the lot or space to which the sign pertains.

c.

One construction sign per project identifying the parties involved in the construction to occur or occurring on the lot or premises on which the sign is placed. Such signs may not be illuminated signs and may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area in residential districts, or 64 square feet in surface area in commercial districts. Such signs may identify the owner's name, the architect for the project, the contractor or contractors for the project, the financing arrangements for the project, project renderings, and the purpose for which the project is intended. No products or services may be advertised on construction signs. One construction sign may be placed on each part of the lot or on each face of the building which borders or is oriented to a public street. Construction signs may be placed on temporary construction fences when required for a project. A construction sign shall be removed within 14 days after use commences for the project to which the sign pertains or when any permanent signage is installed on the site.

d.

An event sign announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. A business may display more than one event sign in the form of such posters. An event sign may be displayed no more than 30 consecutive days prior to the date of the event. An event sign shall be removed within seven days after the campaign, drive or event has concluded.

e.

Holiday decorations, signs or other material displayed in connection with civic, patriotic or religious holidays.

f.

A garage sale or house sale sign which announces the sale of tangible personal property by means of an activity commonly known as a "garage sale" or "house sale." Garage sale or house sale signs shall be a maximum of eight square feet in size.

g.

Window sign—See Window Signs, Section 17.12.i.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13721, § 1, 3-29-94; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 14237, § 1, 1-21-97; Ord. No. 14788, § 1, 8-17-99; Ord. No. 15573, § 1, 1-20-04; Ord. No. 15882, § 1, 2-7-06; Ord. No. 16062, § 1, 1-9-07; Ord. No. 16105, § 1, 4-10-07; Ord. No. 16590, § 1, 7-27-10; Ord. No. 16653, § 1, 1-25-11; Ord. No. 16691, § 1, 4-12-11; Ord. No. 16692, § 1, 4-12-11)

17.11.a. Classification of Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs are classified and regulated on the basis of zoning district and content, and include the following types:

(1)

On-premise signs.

(2)

Off-premise signs.

17.11.b. Setback. A freestanding sign must be set back a minimum distance of one-half the required yard; however, in no case shall the sign obstruct visibility from a driveway to an abutting street or vice versa. Private signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

17.11.c. On-Premise Freestanding Signs. An on-premise freestanding sign is a freestanding sign located in nonresidential districts that identifies or advertises a business, person, activity, goods, product or service located in the zoning lot where the sign is installed and maintained.

(1)

Applicable Districts. On-premise freestanding signs are permitted uses in the commercial, office, and industrial districts.

(2)

Limitations for Area and Sign Height. On-premise freestanding signs have a maximum area limitation of 70 square feet; however, not to exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage; and a maximum height limitation of 25 feet in the commercial and industrial districts and five feet in the office districts. Zoning lots fronting on two or more streets may be allowed to place freestanding signs on each frontage, however, the total sign area that is oriented toward a particular street may not exceed the portion of the lot frontage on that street and spacing requirements of 150 lineal feet as per Section 17.11.c.(3)(a).

(3)

Spacing and Number of Signs Permitted.

(a)

More than one on-premise freestanding sign may be permitted on a zoning lot provided that the lineal frontage separation between any other on-premise freestanding sign located on the same zoning lot shall be a minimum of 150 feet.

(b)

An on-premise freestanding sign shall be spaced a minimum of 50 lineal feet from any off-premise freestanding sign located on the same street frontage.

(4)

Residential District Special Use Sign. A special use in a residential district may display either a ground or wall on-premise sign. An existing special use may display either a ground or wall on-premise sign(s) with administrative approval provided the sign(s) meet the area and height requirements and the standards for approving a special use per section 2.15.h. A freestanding sign has a maximum area limitation of 20 square feet, and a maximum sign height limitation of five feet. Special uses in residential districts may also display temporary signage pursuant to Section 17.10.c.(1) unless otherwise prohibited by a condition of the special use.

(5)

Subdivision/Neighborhood Identification Sign. Subdivision or neighborhood identification freestanding signs are permitted solely for the purposes of identifying and displaying the name of a subdivision or specific neighborhood. Such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area or five feet in height. The sign support structure is exempt from any yard or setback requirements pursuant to SPRB review and approval.

(6)

Scoreboards accessory to arenas, stadiums, and sports fields. Special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a freestanding on-premise scoreboard pursuant to the following conditions:

(a)

A freestanding on-premise scoreboard shall face the arena, stadium, or sports field.

(b)

Sign content may be placed on the front and rear of a freestanding on-premise scoreboard accessory to an arena, stadium, or sports field.

(c)

A donor plaque or sign placed on the freestanding on-premise scoreboard shall not exceed 20 percent of the scoreboard size and shall only designate the donor name and shall not include the following: franchise reading matter, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, flags, banners, streamers, pennants, inscriptions, copyrighted logos and patterns.

(d)

Freestanding on-premise scoreboards that do not adhere to the above-mentioned conditions must obtain a special use pursuant to Section 2.15.

(e)

Existing special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a freestanding on-premise scoreboard pursuant to conditions a, b and c above with administrative approval.

17.11.d. Off-Premise Freestanding Signs. Off-premise signs are freestanding signs located in certain nonresidential districts that advertise goods, products, services or facilities, or direct persons to a location different from where the sign is installed:

(1)

Applicable Districts and Limitations for Area and Sign Height.

(a)

Off-premise freestanding signs that have a maximum area limitation of 300 square feet and maximum height limitation of 30 feet, excluding off-premise sign extensions in either instance, are permitted uses in the commercial and industrial districts.

(b)

Off-premise freestanding signs that are greater than 300 square feet in sign area, and have a maximum area limitation of 700 square feet and maximum sign height of 40 feet, excluding off-premise sign extensions in either instance, may be approved as a special use, (pursuant to Section 2.15), by the City Council in the C2 and industrial districts.

(2)

Spacing.

(a)

An off-premise freestanding sign as a permitted use shall be spaced a minimum of:

(1)

50 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any on-premise freestanding sign located on the same street frontage;

(2)

1,000 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any off-premise freestanding sign on either side of the street, permitted or special use; and

(3)

300 lineal feet, measured in a radius from the base of the sign from any property line of residential zoned property.

(b)

An off-premise sign as a special use shall be spaced a minimum of:

(1)

50 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any on-premise freestanding sign located on the same street frontage;

(2)

2,000 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any off-premise freestanding sign on either side of the street as a permitted use;

(3)

2,000 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any off-premise sign on either side of the street as a special use; and

(4)

500 feet, measured in a radius from the base of the sign from any property line of residential zoned property.

(3)

Landscaping. All off-premise freestanding signs, permitted and special uses, which exceed eight square feet in size are required to have between 25 square feet and 157 square feet of landscaped area centered around the base of the sign. This required landscaped area shall contain up to 36 points of landscaping per Article 16.4. The amount of landscaped area and landscaping points are subject to SPRB review and approval.

(4)

Frontage Requirement. The minimum frontage requirement for an off-premise sign is 100 lineal feet. This frontage requirement will reduce the zoning lot lineal frontage used to determine size and number of freestanding signs for the zoning lot. The presence of an off-premise sign on a zoning lot will reduce the allowable freestanding sign area for that zoning lot by 100 square feet.

(5)

Thoroughfare Location. Off-premise signs shall only be permitted on streets designated as a principal arterial on the official thoroughfare map of the City of Peoria except as provided in (5)(a) below.

(a)

Up to two off-premise signs may be permitted on access controlled freeways and up to two off-premise signs may be permitted on access controlled expressways as indicated on the thoroughfare map of the city subject to meeting all of the requirements of this ordinance.

(6)

Limitation on New Off-Premises Signs Greater Than Eight Square Feet.

(a)

From and after the effective date of this ordinance, no off-premise sign permit shall be issued and no off-premise sign shall be erected except as a replacement for one or more off-premise signs existing on the effective date hereof as described herein. Existing off-premise signs located on access controlled freeways may be replaced at the same location with another off-premise sign of the same or lesser size of the one being replaced. Such replacement shall not be subject to the requirements of Sections 17.11.d(6)(c) and (d).

(b)

Within 90 days after the effective date of this ordinance, all persons owning or controlling an off-premise sign, in excess of eight square feet in area, shall provide to the Department of Planning and Growth Management an inventory of all such legally established off-premise signs located within the City of Peoria, Illinois owned or controlled by them. Such inventory shall include the address of the sign, site location map, description of the sign's dimensions and a photograph of the sign. Such inventory is herein referred to as the "replacement inventory". The replacement inventory shall include those off-premise signs existing on the effective date of this ordinance and signs which have not yet been erected but for which permits have been issued as of the effective date of this ordinance. Any signs which are not included in the replacement inventory and submitted within the 90-day period provided herein shall not be added later except as provided under Section 17.11.d(6)(f).

(c)

From and after the effective date of this ordinance, all applications for new off-premise signs, in addition to all other requirements of this ordinance, must specify the off-premise sign or signs being replaced ("replaced sign"). Specific reference to the replaced sign shall be made in the application so that it can be readily identified in the replacement inventory. Within 180 days from the date that the off-premise sign permit is issued or within 30 days from the date the new sign is erected, whichever comes first, the applicant shall remove the replaced sign (if not previously removed) and provide to the Department of Planning and Growth Management photographic evidence of such removal together with an affidavit of removal. Once such evidence and affidavit is provided, the replacement sign shall be added to the replacement inventory and the replaced sign shall be removed from the replacement inventory.

(d)

No more than 24 replacement signs shall be permitted, with such replacement signs distributed by Council districts in effect on March 1, 2001, as follows:

District 5—12 Replacement Signs

District 4—4 Replacement Signs

District 3—3 Replacement Signs

District 2—3 Replacement Signs

District 1—2 Replacement Signs

(e)

The sign face area of a replacement sign shall not exceed the sign face area of the replaced sign or signs. By way of example, to erect a new sign having 300 square feet, the replaced sign or signs would be required to have at least 300 square feet in face area.

(f)

Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the replacement inventory shall be amended by the addition of any off-premise sign located, existing and permitted on the date of annexation of territory that is annexed to the City of Peoria after the effective date of this ordinance provided such off-premise sign meets the requirements of Article 17.11

(g)

The number of replacement signs and the location of such signs shall be reviewed by the Zoning Commission and City Council by no later than June 1, 2007.

(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13476, § 1, 10-20-92; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 13996, § 1, 9-26-95; Ord. No. 15159, § 1, 6-19-01; Ord. No. 15573, § 1, 1-20-04; Ord. No. 15779, § 1, 5-24-05; Ord. No. 15882, § 1, 2-7-06; Ord. No. 16018, § 1, 11-14-06; Ord. No. 16571, § 1, 6-8-10; Ord. No. 16653, § 1, 1-25-11)

Building signs are on-premise signs attached to a building and are subject to any size, number, location or other requirements of this section. In addition, the sum of the area of all individual building signs, including permitted temporary banners, on a building facade shall not exceed 20 percent of the facade upon which the signs are displayed. Permitted building signs include:

17.12.a. Canopies and Awnings.

(1)

Location Requirements.

(a)

No portion of a canopy or awning shall be less than seven feet, nor shall the frame of a canopy be less than eight feet, above the level of the sidewalk or other public thoroughfare over which it projects.

(b)

No portion of a canopy or awning may extend beyond a point two feet inside the curb line.

(2)

Coverage Limitations and Display of Information.

(a)

Information on a canopy or awning shall be limited to official names, logo, or purpose of business.

(b)

Not more than 25 percent of the surface area of the canopy or awning may be used for the name, logo or purpose of the business.

(c)

The location and installation of canopies and awnings is [are] subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator.

(3)

Under Canopy Signs. A sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee. The lower edge of the under canopy sign shall be a minimum of nine feet above the surface of the ground. The sign size shall be limited to a maximum 18 inches of depth, and the sign length shall be no longer than 75 percent of the depth of the canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee to which the sign is attached.

17.12.b. House and Nameplate. House numbers and house nameplates, are permitted provided that nameplates shall not exceed one square foot in area.

17.12.c. Marquee Signs.

(1)

Applicable Zoning Districts. Marquee signs shall be permitted in the B1 zoning districts and require a special permit in all other nonresidential zoning districts. Such signs shall be prohibited in all residential districts.

(2)

Marquee Sign Size. Marquee signs shall be a maximum of 20 percent of the wall area on which they are located (excluding the door and window area).

(3)

Marquee Sign Location. A marquee sign shall not project more than five feet above the marquee roof line. Such signs must provide clearance of ten feet above the sidewalk.

(4)

Number of Signs. A business may display only one marquee along its street frontage (i.e., a building located on a street corner may have two marquees).

17.12.d. Memorial Plaques, Cornerstones, Historical Plaques. Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical plaques, and similar designations displayed for noncommercial purposes, not to exceed six square feet.

17.12.e. Pedestrian Signs. Signs which direct or guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, including signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways, and similar facilities; not to exceed six square feet. Advertising matter is not permitted on such signs. This category does not include signs accessory to parking or driveway areas. Such signs are regulated by Section 17.13 of this ordinance.

(1)

Location Requirements.

(a)

Pedestrian signs displayed as wall signs must be located at a distance not less than four feet, four inches, nor more than six feet six inches above ground level.

(b)

Pedestrian signs displayed as window signs may be affixed to the window or may be displayed as a hanging sign behind the window pane. Signs placed directly on the window surface shall consist only of letters without backing material. Such signs must be located at a distance not more than six feet six inches above ground level.

(2)

Amount of Information Allowed. A pedestrian sign may contain a total of five items of information plus the official name of the business.

17.12.f. Projecting Signs.

(1)

Sign Height and Area. The projecting sign shall be a minimum of ten feet above the surface of the ground. A projecting sign along with any other building signs can not exceed 20 percent of the facade upon which the signs are displayed. Projecting signs may extend over the public way a distance of two-thirds of the width of the sidewalk; the inner edge of the projecting sign cannot be farther than two feet from the building; and a projecting sign cannot extend above the roof line.

17.12.g. Rooftop Signs.

(1)

Allowable Districts. Rooftop signs shall be permitted in the B1 district only. They shall require a special permit in all other nonresidential districts. Rooftop signs shall be prohibited in residential districts.

(2)

Sign Height and Area. Sign height and area are subject to special permit process.

(3)

Sign Information. The allowable information on a rooftop sign shall be restricted to the name of the business and/or its official logo only.

17.12.h. Wall Signs.

(1)

Allowable Districts. Wall signs are permitted in nonresidential districts.

(2)

Area. Wall sign area limitations are subject to section 17.12 limiting the building signage, including permitted temporary banners, area per facade to 20 percent of the facade.

17.12.i. Window Signs.

(1)

Coverage Limitations. A business may display one window sign, permanent or temporary, per window. A window sign may not exceed 20 percent of the window area, for windows eight square feet or larger, or 50 [percent] of the window area for windows under eight square feet.

(2)

Computation of Coverage. Window panels separated only by mullions shall be considered as one continuous window pane in the computation of window surface area.

(3)

Window Displays. No restrictions are placed on window displays. However, no window display may be maintained which has the effect of circumventing the intent of this Article 17. If material purporting to be a window display has such effect, it shall be deemed to be a window sign and not a window display.

17.12.j. Residential District Special Use Sign. A special use in a residential district may display either a ground or a wall on-premise sign. The wall sign has a maximum limitation of 20 square feet.

17.12.k. Scoreboards Accessory to Arenas, Stadiums, and Sports Fields. Special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a wall on-premise scoreboard pursuant to the following conditions:

(a)

A wall on-premise scoreboard shall address the arena, stadium, or sports field.

(b)

Sign content may be placed on the front of a wall on-premise scoreboard accessory to an arena, stadium, or sports field.

(c)

A donor plaque or sign placed on the scoreboard shall not exceed 20 percent of the scoreboard size and shall only designate the donor name and shall not include the following: franchise reading matter, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, flags, banners, streamers, pennants, inscriptions, copyrighted logos and patterns.

(d)

Wall on-premise scoreboards that do not adhere to the above-mentioned conditions must obtain a special use pursuant to Section 2.15.

(e)

Existing special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a wall on-premise scoreboard pursuant to conditions a, b and c above with administrative approval.

(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 15779, § 1, 5-24-05)

On-premise directional signs are permitted in all districts and may be displayed as either [a] building or freestanding sign. Off-premise directional signs are permitted in the B1 Central Business District and may be displayed as either a building or freestanding sign.

(1)

On-premise directional or instructional signs accessory to parking and driveway areas, subject to the following regulations:

a.

Such signs shall not be permitted in single-family residential districts.

b.

One single or double-faced sign may be erected to designate each entrance to or exist [exit] from a parking or driveway area, provided that the surface area of such sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.

c.

Signs designating the conditions of use of off-street parking spaces furnished by a business may be placed in parking lots or alleys. Such signs shall include the name of the business furnishing the parking spaces but shall not include any advertising.

d.

On-premise directional signs may not exceed four and one-half feet in height and do not have to observe a setback; however, in no case shall the sign obstruct visibility from a driveway to an abutting street or vice versa. On-premise directional signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

(2)

Off-premise directional or instructional signs are subject to the following regulations:

a.

Such signs shall only be permitted in the B1 Central Business District.

b.

One single or double-faced sign may be erected to indicate the location or direction of parking or the location of a use not provided or conducted on the site of the off-premise directional sign, provided that the surface area of such sign shall not exceed eight square feet.

c.

Off-premise directional signs may not exceed four and one-half feet in height and do not have to observe a setback; however, in no case shall the sign obstruct visibility from a driveway to an abutting street or vice versa. Off-premise signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 13829, § 1, 10-18-94; Ord. No. 15256, § 1, 1-15-02; Ord. No. 15750, § 1, 2-15-05)

Signage for shopping centers shall be determined pursuant to the special use and local sign regulation procedures.

17.15.a. Purpose. These regulations offer specific construction and operation regulations for the safe and appropriate use of electronic multiple message signs. Electronic multiple message signs may be but are not limited to: time/temperature signs, signs which display stock market information, electronic message/reader boards, and electronic billboard displays. These regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning districts unless otherwise specified.

17.15.b. Sign Area. The area of an electronic multiple message sign shall be included in any sign area calculation.

17.15.c. Regulations.

(a)

Static Images Only. Sign content/messages shall not consist of video, and shall not move, blink, animate, flash, or behave in any other way which constitutes or implies motion. Images shall remain static except during transition. Signs in the B-1 district shall be exempt from this regulation.

(b)

Length of Display (Dwell Time). Electronic multiple message signs are permitted to change their message no more than once per every ten seconds, except that time/temperature/stock market signs are allowed change their message no more than once per every three seconds. Signs in the B-1 district shall be exempt from this regulation.

(c)

Transitions. There shall be no animation, traveling, scrolling, fades, or dissolves between displayed messages. Transitions between content/messages shall be instantaneous. Signs in the B-1 district shall be exempt from this regulation.

(d)

Automatic Dimming. Electronic multiple message signs shall be equipped with light sensing devices or a scheduled dimming timer which automatically dim the intensity of the light emitted by the sign during ambient low-light and nighttime (dusk to dawn) conditions. The signs shall not exceed 500 nits of intensity as measured at the sign surface during nighttime and low-light conditions and 5,000 nits during daytime hours.

(e)

Maintenance. Electronic multiple message signs shall be properly maintained. Bulbs, LEDs, pixels and the like shall be in working, properly illuminating condition at all times.

(Ord. No. 16105, § 1, 4-10-07)

Certain types of signs shall only be allowed by special permit granted by the City Council, pursuant to the special use process, after a public hearing by the Zoning Commission. Such special permits are required because these categories of signs are of such a nature that their construction and operation may give rise to unique problems with respect to their impact upon neighboring properties.

17.16.a. Types of Signs Allowed by Special Permit. The following types of signs will be allowed by special permit only:

(1)

Historic signs;

(2)

Reserved;

(3)

Inflatable signs, balloons, or other air or gas filled signs or fixtures for purposes other than a business grand opening or for properties located in residential districts;

(4)

Certain illuminated signs listed in the Table of Basic Design Elements;

(5)

Signs governed by "local sign regulations"; and

(6)

Marquee and rooftop signs in nonresidential districts other than B1.

17.16.b. Special Permit Standards. The following standards shall be the criteria by which the Zoning Commission recommends and the City Council evaluates the suitability of proposed signs to be granted by special permit:

(1)

That the proposed location does not block the view of other signs in the area;

(2)

That the size does not unduly infringe upon the health, safety or welfare of persons occupying or moving through the surrounding area; and

(3)

That the sign is materially consistent with the objectives of this ordinance;

(4)

That the proposed sign is compatible in scale to the surroundings.

17.16.c. Administration of Special Permit. Regulations for procedure and for hearings shall be the same as that outlined for special uses.

(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 13998, § 1, 10-3-95; Ord. No. 16692, § 1, 4-12-11)

17.17.a. Submission of Regulations. A shopping center or any association of merchants doing business within a specific area within the City, a university or hospital having a multi-building campus, or an industrial/business park or office park may establish regulations for such shopping center, campus, office or industrial park area. Such regulations (hereinafter called "local sign regulations") shall be submitted to the Site Plan Review Board for review and forwarded to the Zoning Commission for a Public Hearing and recommendation to the City Council. If, and to the extent that, local sign regulations are approved by the City Council, such local sign regulations shall be observed by the persons affected in lieu of compliance with this ordinance.

17.17.b. Conditions for Approval. No local sign regulations will be approved unless the regulations are binding upon all persons in the university campus, shopping center, office or industrial/business park, of the specific area within the City to which the regulations are intended to apply.

17.17.c. Approval Procedure. Persons desiring to obtain approval of local sign regulations pursuant to this Article 17 shall submit the regulations to the Zoning Administrator, together with any additional material requested by the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall review the regulations and transmit them to the Site Plan Review Board for recommendation to the Zoning Commission. The Zoning Commission will then conduct a public hearing and submit their comments to the City Council for final action.

17.17.d. Private Signage Agreements. Nothing in this Article 17 or elsewhere in this ordinance shall prevent any building owner or association of merchants from establishing by lease or other form of agreement sign regulations which are more stringent than those set forth in this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 13998, § 1, 10-3-95)

17.18.a. Enforcement Officer. The Zoning Administrator is hereby designated as the enforcement officer for this ordinance. In furtherance of his/her authority as such enforcement officer, he/she shall have the following duties and powers:

(1)

He/she shall review plans and specifications submitted by persons desiring to erect, alter or move signs;

(2)

He/she shall issue a zoning certificate for approval for sign permits;

(3)

He/she shall conduct inspections of signs and issue notices of noncompliance when required; and

(4)

He/she shall maintain all records necessary to the appropriate administration and enforcement of this ordinance, including applications for variations and appeals.

17.18.b. Requests for Review. Any person may file a written request with the Zoning Administrator requesting a review of one or more existing permanent signs as identified in the request. In each such case, the Zoning Administrator shall promptly inspect such sign or signs for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, provided that no existing permanent sign need be reviewed more than once. The Zoning Administrator shall report his/her findings to the person filing the request in addition to sending any required notice.

17.18.c. Notices of Violation. The Zoning Administrator shall notify each owner of an existing sign found to be in violation of any provision of this ordinance pursuant to inspections made. The notice shall be by certified or registered mail and shall refer to each section of this ordinance under which a violation has been found to exist and the notice shall describe the features found to be deficient.

17.18.d. Effect of Notice. Each existing permanent sign which is the subject of a notice given under this Section 17.18 shall thereupon be classified as a nonconforming sign subject to regulation in Section 17.19.

17.18.e. Appeals and Variations. The owner of a sign with respect to which a notice has been given under Section 17.19 may file for an appeal of the administrative decision of the Zoning Administrator or may file for a variation request in order to retain the sign. Such appeals must be filed not later than 30 days after the date of the notice.

(1)

Appeals. Any person aggrieved by an administrative order, requirement, decision or determination made under this ordinance by the Zoning Administrator may appeal therefrom to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The procedure on appeals shall be similar to that prescribed in the Peoria Zoning Ordinance for appeals from administrative decisions (Section 2.12). The decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be final.

(2)

Variations. Any person may request a variation from the provisions of this ordinance. However, a variation may not be sought to erect signage which is prohibited by Section 17.4. Variation requests shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator who shall promptly refer them to the Site Plan Review Board to conduct a technical review and make a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals. If the Site Plan Review Board recommends that a variation be granted, its recommendation shall be accompanied by findings that particular hardship or practical difficulties would occur if no variation were granted, and that the sign for which the variation is recommended will not be materially inconsistent with the objectives of this ordinance as stated in Section 17.1

17.19.a. Nonconforming Portable Signs. Non-conforming portable signs shall be removed or converted to a permitted sign within ninety (90) days of official notification of a nonconforming status by the Zoning Administrator.

17.19.b. Nonconforming Off-Premise Signs.

(1)

Nonconforming off-premise signs that are nonconforming due to being located in a residential zoning district; or wall or roof construction, shall be removed within seven years of official notification of a nonconforming status by the Zoning Administrator.

(2)

Other types of nonconforming off-premise signs may be continued until any of the following activities affect the subject sign, at which time the nonconforming sign must be removed or comply with the requirements of Article 17:

(a)

Replacement or repair of any portion of the sign in excess of 50 percent of the replacement value, the addition of multiple message technology not being considered replacement or repair; or

(b)

Removal or replacement of the entire sign structure, except that replacement of the nonconforming off-premise sign at the same location, of the same dimensions, with a design known as uni-pole construction will be permitted, as will be all work related to the addition of multiple message technology.

17.19.c. Nonconforming Signs. In addition to the above regulation for amortization of portable and off-premise signs, other types of nonconforming signs may be continued until any of the following activities affect the subject sign or sign location, at which time the nonconforming sign must be removed or comply with the requirements of Article 17:

(a)

Change of use classification;

(b)

Replacement or repair of any portion of the sign in excess of 50% of the replacement value;

(c)

Removal or replacement of the entire sign structure; and

(d)

Building permit application review by the SPRB or Zoning Administrator.

17.19.d. Interpretation. A nonconforming off-premise sign that can be continued in use after replacement, removal, or repair under 17.19.b(2) may be continued in use after such replacement, removal or repair regardless of the continuation of the condition which renders the sign nonconforming.

(Ord. No. 13601, § 1, 7-20-93; Ord. No. 16062, § 1, 1-9-07)

17.20.a. Obsolete Signs. Any sign, retractable canopy or awning, whether existing on, or erected after the effective date of this ordinance, which advertises a business no longer being conducted or a product no longer being sold in or from the premises to which the sign relates, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or premises upon which such sign is found. Removal shall be effected within twenty (20) days after written notice from the Zoning Administrator. If such a sign is not removed after such twenty (20) day period, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith. Any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or premises on which such sign is found.

17.20.b. Unsafe Signs. If the Building Official finds that any sign, retractable canopy or awning is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, he/she shall give written notice to the person displaying such sign. Correction of the condition which causes the Building Official to give such notice shall be effected within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice. If such condition is not corrected after such ten (10) day period, the Building Official is authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of the person displaying the sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Building Official is authorized to cause any sign, retractable canopy or awning to be removed summarily and without notice whenever he finds that such a sign, canopy or awning is an immediate peril to persons or property.

The table below summarizes the types of signs permitted in each type of sign district.

_____

(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13721, § 1, 3-29-94; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 14658, § 1, 1-19-99)

[Permitted signage in the B1 district is as follows:]

a.

One real estate sign advertising the rent, sale or lease of the land or building upon which it is located. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) sq. ft. in area.

b.

One sign of a temporary nature that identifies an engineering or architectural firm, contractor or product engaged in or used in construction of a building under construction. The sign surface area shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet and shall be removed on occupation of the intended use of the project and shall be located twelve (12) feet back from the property line or one-half the front yard depth, whichever is less, and shall not be illuminated.

c.

One sign or bulletin board not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area is permitted in connection with public buildings, projects, subdivisions, schools, hospitals or similar uses and shall be located twelve (12) feet back of the property line or one-half of the front yard depth, whichever is less. Such sign shall be solely for the purposes of displaying the name of the building or institution and its activity or service. It may be illuminated but not flashing.

d.

One on-premise sign per facing, either projecting or freestanding, Regulations governing projecting and freestanding signs are: (1) The background area (size) of freestanding and projecting signs shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of principal street frontage; (2) They may extend over the public way a distance of two-thirds of the width of the sidewalk; (3) The lower edge of the projecting sign shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet above the surface of the public way; (4) The inner edge of the projecting sign cannot be farther than two (2) feet from the building; (5) A projecting sign cannot extend above the parapet wall; (6) Freestanding signs may be erected to a maximum height of twice the height of the building served but not to exceed forty (40) feet.

e.

On-premise Wall Signs not to exceed forty (40) percent of the building facade and not extending more than fifteen (15) inches from the wall. A sign is also permitted made of individual letters, not to exceed sixteen (16) per cent of the facade area. The first forty (40) feet only of vertical height of any building may be used in determining the building facade in calculating sign areas.

f.

Off-premise freestanding signs shall be permitted pursuant to the regulations in 17.11.d. for C2 off-premise freestanding signs.

g.

On-premise roof signs may not exceed forty (40) per cent of the building facade and letters may not exceed sixteen (16) per cent of the building facade and may not be more than thirty (30) feet in height above the roof line nor exceed the maximum allowable building height. Each facade may contain one (1) roof sign.

h.

Flashing signs shall be permitted in this district.

i.

Marquee signs are permitted on the fascia, front, over or under the canopy, but not to exceed five (5) feet above the marquee roof line.

j.

Temporary signage is permitted pursuant to Section 17.10.c.

k.

Canopy and awning signs are permitted pursuant to Section 17.12.a.

l.

A sign announcing a drive or event may be placed on any building in the Central Business District. Such event signs may be displayed in the form of one (1) banner per building, not to exceed forty (40) per cent of the building façade for a period not to exceed six (6) months; seven (7) days are required between each display period. Only the first forty (40) feet of vertical height of any building façade may be used in calculating the signage area. The sign cannot obstruct any opening in the building wall the sign is displayed upon. The sign shall be removed within seven (7) days after the event has been completed. The sign must be maintained in good repair, free from tears or deterioration, during the full period of display.

Definitions:

Event: A planned activity or promotion of a civic or charitable nature.

Drive: Activity, associated with civic organizations, involving the collection of items or monetary donations.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 14658, § 1, 1-19-99; Ord. No. 16383, § 1, 12-15-08)