The purpose of this chapter is to establish a framework for a comprehensive system of sign controls governing the display, design, construction, installation, and maintenance of signs that will:

   (A)   Balance the right of individuals to identify their businesses and convey their messages, and the right of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs.

   (B)   Protect the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, and general welfare.

   (C)   Reduce traffic hazards.

   (D)   Enhance the attractiveness of the village.

   (E)   Protect property values.

   (F)   Promote economic development.

   (G)   Preserve the right of free speech exercised through the use of signs containing noncommercial messages. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

Except as provided in section 6-13-6, "Exempt Permanent Signs", of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, relocate, or structurally alter any sign or other advertising structure as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a sign permit from the city in accordance with section 6-4-9, "Sign Permit", of this title, and making payment of the fee. The building commissioner may revoke any sign permit where there has been a violation of the provisions of this title or a misrepresentation of fact on the sign permit application. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

   (A)   Placing Signs On Public Property: No signs, other than those placed by agencies of government or signs whose placement has been authorized by the building commissioner, shall be erected on any public property. Any sign placed on public property without authorization may be removed without notice.

   (B)   Placing Signs On Private Property: No signs shall be placed on any private property without prior consent of the owner thereof and, where applicable, issuance of a sign permit.

   (C)   View Obstruction: All signs shall comply with the view obstruction provisions of subsection 6-11-1(G), "View Obstruction", of this title. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

The following principles shall control the computation of sign dimensions:

   (A)   Computation Of Area Of Individual Signs: The area of a sign face shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle or triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background or the display, or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but shall not include any supporting framework or bracing, unless such framework or bracing is made part of the message or face of the sign. See illustrations in section 6-13-13, "Sign Area Illustrations", of this chapter.

   (B)   Computation Of Area Of Multiple Faced Signs: The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two (2) identical sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than forty two inches (42") apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.

   (C)   Measurement Of Sign Height: Sign height shall be measured from a point perpendicular to the street upon which the sign faces. This point (perpendicular from the sign to the street) shall be at the curb level of the street. See figure 15, "Sign Height", of this section.

(Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

It shall be unlawful to erect or maintain the following signs:

   (A)   Advertising Benches: It shall be unlawful to erect advertising benches that advertise a business, product, or service located on private or public property.

   (B)   Banners: Permanent banner signs used to advertise a business, its products or its services are prohibited. Banners may be used as temporary signs in accordance with section 6-13-7, "Temporary Signs", of this chapter.

   (C)   Flashing Signs: No sign shall have blinking or flashing lights, or other illuminating device that has a changing light intensity, brightness, or color, traveling/chasing or blinking lights, or rotating beacons. Electronic signs, which include time and temperature signs, shall be exempt from the provisions of this subsection but shall comply with the requirements of subsection 6-13-9(B), "Electronic Signs", of this chapter.

   (D)   Illegally Affixed Signs: Any sign painted, pasted, or otherwise affixed to any tree, rock, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, sidewalk, curb or street, bench or trash receptacle shall be prohibited. Logos and labels located on mechanical equipment, recycling bins, trash containers or dumpsters, which are part of the equipment as manufactured and/or installed, shall not be considered illegally affixed signs.

   (E)   Moving Parts: No sign or other advertising structure shall have moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any kind, unless the site plan review committee determines that such sign does not constitute a traffic hazard. However, street clocks with movable hands, which comply with the requirements of this title and this code, shall be permitted.

   (F)   Off Premises Signs: Off premises signs are prohibited.

   (G)   Painted On Signs: Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fascia, parapet, or chimney of a building or on a fence are prohibited.

   (H)   Roof Signs: Roof signs are prohibited.

   (I)   Signs Of An Offensive Nature: No sign or other advertising device shall display any matter in which the dominant theme of the material taken as a whole appeals to a prurient interest in sex, or is patently offensive because it affronts contemporary community standards relating to the description or representation of sexual matters, and is utterly without redeeming social value.

   (J)   Signs On Parked Vehicles: Signs placed or painted on parked vehicles where the primary purpose is to advertise a product or service, or to direct the public to a business or activity located on or off the premises are prohibited. Signs displayed on trucks, buses, or other vehicles, which are being operated and stored in the normal course of a business, such as signs indicating the owner or business that are located on delivery trucks, moving vans and rental trucks, are permitted, provided that the primary purpose of such vehicles is not the display of signs and that they are parked or stored in areas appropriate to their use as vehicles. Temporary or permanent signs resting on, or attached to, vehicles or trailers used as a means to circumvent the provisions of this chapter are prohibited.

   (K)   Signs Which Constitute A Traffic Hazard: No sign or other advertising structure, as regulated in this chapter, shall:

      1.   Obstruct free and clear vision at any street, intersection, parking lot entrance or exit, or driveway.

      2.   Interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device because of its position, shape or color.

      3.   Make use of the words "stop", "look", "detour", "danger" or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in a manner that misleads, interferes with, or confuses traffic.

      4.   No sign in direct line of vision of a traffic signal shall be illuminated in red, green, or amber color, so as to resemble a traffic signal.

   (L)   Signs Which Obstruct Doors, Windows, Or Fire Escapes: No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to and egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

   (M)   Strobe Lights, Spotlights, And Floodlights: Strobe lights, spotlights, and floodlights used to advertise a business or event are prohibited.

   (N)   Trailer And Portable Signs: Trailer and portable signs are prohibited.

   (O)   Unsafe Signs: No sign or other advertising structure shall constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair, or maintenance. (Ord. 2014-18, 9-18-2014)

The following permanent signs, and sign alteration and maintenance activities are exempt from the sign permit requirements of this title. If the limitations set forth are violated, the penalty provisions of this title shall apply. No exempt signs shall encroach upon the public right of way. All signs must comply with the view obstruction requirements of subsection 6-11-1(G), "View Obstruction", of this title.

   (A)   Alteration And Maintenance Operations: The following activities shall be exempt from sign permit requirements:

      1.   Changing of the advertising copy or message on an existing changeable copy sign or similar approved sign, whether illuminated or nonilluminated.

      2.   Painting, repainting, cleaning, changing permitted items of information, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign, not involving structural changes or changes in the electrical components of the sign.

   (B)   Bulletin Boards: Bulletin boards not over twelve (12) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions, when located on the premises of said institutions, shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.

   (C)   Directional Signs (Permanent): Directional signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

      1.   Such signs shall identify the use only by means of a logo, shape, or color with the exception of words such as "entrance" or "exit". Directional signs shall not include words identifying or advertising the use. Directional signs shall be located entirely on the property to which they pertain and shall identify restrooms, public telephone, walkways, parking lot entrances and exits and features of a similar nature.

      2.   One directional sign is permitted for each driveway access from a public street. One additional directional sign is permitted for each intersection of driveways within a site, to identify traffic routing, entrances, and services, such as drive- in lanes.

      3.   Directional signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet (5') from the public right of way.

      4.   Directional signs may have a maximum height of four feet (4') and a maximum surface area of four (4) square feet.

   (D)   Flags: Flags of any government or governmental agency, or any patriotic, religious, charitable, civic, educational, or fraternal organization shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.

   (E)   Memorial Plaques: Memorial or commemorative plaques or tablets denoting a building name and/or date of erection, or a location of historic significance, and not exceeding four (4) square feet in area shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.

   (F)   Miscellaneous Information Matter: Matter appearing on gasoline pumps, newspaper vending boxes and other vending machines, automatic teller machines, or matter appearing on or adjacent to entry doors such as "push", "pull", "open" and/or "closed", or matter appearing on display windows or doors denoting hours of operation, credit cards accepted, and similar information shall be exempt from sign permit requirements. Service station rate signs and the changing of copy of such signs, including the names of grades of fuel and prices and conditions relating to prices such as full or self-service shall be permitted without a permit.

   (G)   Municipal Signs: Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, signs regulating vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or designating or giving direction to streets, schools, historic sites or public buildings, and such temporary emergency or nonadvertising signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements, but are subject to approval by the village board. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

   (H)   Neon And/Or Light Emitting Diode ("LED") Window Signs: Neon and LED window signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

      1.   No neon or LED window sign or neon or LED lighting may occupy more than twenty five percent (25%) of the total area of the window in which it is displayed, measured by the height and width of the sign. Neon or LED window signage shall be included in the calculation of permanent window signage in accordance with subsection 6-13-9(H), "Window Signs (Permanent)", of this chapter, except where the neon or LED device is used solely to outline the perimeter of the window.

      2.   Neon or LED window signage or lighting is prohibited in the R1, R2 and R3 districts. No neon or LED window signage or lighting shall be permitted above the first floor in the R4 district. (Ord. 2014-18, 9-18-2014)

   (I)   Occupational Signs: Occupational signs denoting only the name and profession of an occupant in a commercial building, public building or residence, and not exceeding one square foot in area shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.

   (J)   Warning Signs: "No Trespassing" or "No Dumping" signs, not exceeding one and one-half (11/2) square feet per sign and not exceeding four (4) in number per lot, shall be exempt from sign permit requirements except that special permission may be obtained from the village for additional signs under proven special circumstances. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

Temporary signs are permitted in accordance with the provisions of this section, except that where other sections of this title regulate such signs, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.

   (A)   Temporary Signs Exempt From Sign Permit Requirements: The following types of temporary signs are exempt from sign permit requirements, however they must comply with all requirements of this section and this title:

      1.   Construction and Developer Signs: Construction or developer signs identifying the project, architect, engineer, developer, realtor and/or contractor when placed upon a construction or development site shall be exempt from sign permit requirements. Such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area and eight feet (8') in height. Such signs shall not be erected prior to approval of a site plan and construction signs shall be removed no later than seven (7) days after issuance of an occupancy permit or completion of the project, and developer signs promoting the project shall be removed within nine (9) months following the first occupancy in the development or within six (6) months after the completion of the development whichever is sooner. Construction and developer signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage.

      2.   Directional Signs: Temporary directional signs for a real estate open house or an event held in a public building, park, or educational institution shall be exempt from sign permit requirements. Such signs shall be posted no earlier than forty eight (48) hours prior to and removed no later than twenty four (24) hours after the conclusion of the event to which the sign relates.

      3.   Displays Or Decorations For Holidays And Special Occasions: Displays of a primarily decorative nature, and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.

      4.   "For Sale" And "For Rent" Signs:

         (a) "For Sale" And "For Rent" Property Signs: "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements but shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area and shall only advertise the sale, rental, lease or management of the premises upon which said signs are located. "For Sale" and "For Lease" signs posted on commercial properties located in C3, C4, M1, or M2 district shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area and must comply with subsection 6-13-5(K) of this chapter. Such signs shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours of sale or lease.

         (b) "For Sale" Vehicle Signs: "For Sale" vehicle signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

            (1) Vehicles that display a "For Sale" or similar sign shall be parked in a lot where the sale of new or used vehicles is permitted.

            (2) A private individual may only park a vehicle with a "For Sale" sign for display at that individual's home, including in the driveway. A vehicle with a "For Sale" sign may not be maintained for display in the public right of way.

            (3) A vehicle "For Sale" sign must be removed within twenty four (24) hours of the vehicle's sale.

      5.   Garage Or Yard Sale Signs: Temporary residential garage or yard sale signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements provided they are limited to no more than two (2) such signs and that such signs do not exceed four (4) square feet each. One sign shall be permitted per lot frontage on the premises containing the sale, or on another property with that property owner's or tenant's permission, and are only in place when the garage or yard sale is actually taking place.

      6.   Not For Profit Special Event Signs: Temporary signs in conjunction with special events conducted by charitable, not for profit organizations of the village, such as philanthropic campaigns or church activities, shall be exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

         (a) Such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area.

         (b) Such signs shall not be erected earlier than thirty (30) days in advance of the event and shall be removed within five (5) days of the conclusion of the event.

      7.   Political Signs: Political signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

         (a) Signs shall be no more than eight (8) square feet in area on each side.

         (b) Signs shall not be posted on any public property.

         (c) Signs are to be posted on private property only, and only with the permission of the property owner.

         (d) Such signs shall be posted no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to, and removed no later than seven (7) days after the election or referendum to which the sign refers.

      8.   Window Signs (Temporary): Temporary signs affixed to the inside of a window advertising temporary commercial situations related to goods or services sold on the premises shall be exempt from sign permit requirements, provided that the total of all such signs shall occupy no more than twenty five percent (25%) of the window's area. No such temporary window sign shall be in place longer than thirty (30) days.

   (B)   Temporary Signs Requiring Sign Permit: Temporary signs which require a sign permit shall include any sign or attention getting device such as a banner, "A-frame" sign, pennant, balloon, advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, or other light materials, or inflatable advertising device, or projected video signs intended to be displayed for a short period of time only.

      1.   Time Limit: Permits for temporary signs shall authorize the erection or operation of said signs and their maintenance for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. A maximum of four (4) permits may be issued to an address per year. There must be a minimum of thirty (30) days between permits.

      2.   Construction:

         (a) No temporary sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.

         (b) Temporary signs weighing in excess of fifty (50) pounds must be approved by the building commissioner and must conform to the safety requirements of the building code of the village of River Grove.

         (c) One temporary sign on each street frontage per lot shall be permitted.

      3.   Permitted Advertising: The advertisement contained on any temporary sign shall pertain only to the business, industry, or pursuit conducted on or within the premises on which such sign is erected, displayed or maintained, and shall be confined to the use, product or service, street address, phone numbers, website, and logo or trademark associated with the primary business.

      4.   Setback: No temporary sign shall extend more than four inches (4") over any public right of way. "A-frame" signs shall be placed in such a manner as to allow a minimum of forty two inches (42") for pedestrian traffic to pass. Any sign which is wholly or partially illuminated by floodlights is prohibited unless such lights are completely concealed from view from street level. (Ord. 2014-18, 9-18-2014; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 3-17-2025)

   (A)   Construction And Design Standards: All signs constructed, erected, modified, or altered shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and the requirements of this code.

   (B)   Wind Pressure And Direct Load Requirements: All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of net surface area, and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in this code.

   (C)   Illumination: Electronic signs, which include time and temperature signs, shall be exempt from the provisions of this subsection but shall comply with the requirements of subsection 6-13-9(B), "Electronic Signs", of this chapter.

      1.   No sign shall have blinking or flashing lights, or other illuminating device that has a changing light intensity, brightness, or color, traveling/chasing or blinking lights, or rotating beacons. No sign in direct line of vision of a traffic signal shall be illuminated in red, green, or amber color, so as to resemble a traffic signal.

      2.   Gooseneck reflectors and lights shall be permitted on freestanding signs, roof signs, and wall signs; provided, however, the reflectors shall concentrate the illumination upon the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.

      3.   All sign illumination shall be designed, located, shielded, and directed so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent publicly dedicated roadways and surrounding properties, or distract operators of vehicles or pedestrians in the public right of way.

      4.   All illuminated signage shall be certified by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL certified) or other nationally recognized testing laboratory.

   (D)   Landscape Requirements: Freestanding pole signs shall be landscaped at the base of the sign in accordance with the following:

      1.   The landscaping shall extend a minimum of one foot (1') from the sign base on all sides.

      2.   Freestanding pole signs shall be landscaped with shrubs, a minimum of two feet (2') at planting. The remainder of the landscaped area shall be planted with perennials, turf, or other live ground cover.

   (E)   Glass: Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be wired glass or safety glass.

   (F)   Lettering: All letters, figures, characters, or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.

   (G)   Limitation On Items Of Information:

      1.   So as not to create traffic hazards for passing motorists and to minimize the cluttered appearance of signs, all signs shall limit the number of items of information on any single sign face to no more than three (3) items. Items of information may include: the name of the business, type of use, product or service (if not part of the business name), street address, phone number, website address, business logo, business slogan, or other business information.

      2.   When more than one wall, awning, or canopy sign is proposed for any existing building with multiple tenants, a master sign plan is required in accordance with section 6-13-11, "Master Sign Plan Required", of this chapter.

      3.   Freestanding pole or monument signs for developments with multiple tenants that are used to advertise which tenants are located within the development shall be limited to one item of information per tenant within the development, in addition to the address of the development.

   (H)   Sign And Premises Maintenance:

      1.   All signs, and the premises surrounding the sign, shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all noxious substances, rubbish, and weeds.

      2.   If the village shall find that any sign or other advertising structure, as defined herein, is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the village clerk shall immediately be advised of such condition and he/she shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth, within twenty (20) days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure, as defined in this chapter, may be removed by order of the corporate authorities at the expense of the permittee or the owner of the property upon which it is located. The corporate authorities may cause any other sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

All signs constructed, erected, modified, or altered shall comply with the provisions of this title and the requirements of this code. All signs shall comply with the additional regulations of section 6-13-10, "Additional Sign Standards By Zoning District", of this chapter.

   (A)   Awnings And Canopies:

      1.   No portion of an awning or canopy shall be less than ten feet (10') above the level of the public sidewalk or thoroughfare over which it is erected. No awning or canopy shall be permitted to extend beyond a point three feet (3') inside the curb line, unless more restrictive state regulations (Illinois department of transportation) apply along a public right of way requiring the awning to be located entirely within property lines. See figure 16, "Awnings", of this section.

      1.   Awnings may extend to a point 3 feet inside the curb line, unless more restrictive state regulations, such as those of the Illinois department of transportation, apply along a public right of way requiring the awning to be located entirely within property lines.

      2.   Awnings and canopies may be constructed out of metal, canvas or canvaslike material, or other material approved by the building commissioner.

      3.   Awnings shall be securely attached to and supported by a building. All frames and supports shall be made of metal or other similar rigid material. Posts or columns beyond the building line shall not be permitted for awnings. Canopy frameworks shall be designed by a structural engineer or manufacturer, and approved by the building commissioner.

      4.   Only the name of the business, the service offered by such business and/or logo may be placed on the awning and shall be limited to twenty five percent (25%) of the surface of any side of an awning or canopy. The street address number (no street name) may be in addition to the advertising copy and is excluded from the twenty five percent (25%).

      5.   All awnings or canopies shall comply with the following design standards:

         (a) Awnings and canopies shall be compatible in material and construction to the style and character of the building. The color of the awning or canopy shall be compatible with the overall color scheme of the facade.

         (b) When feasible, awnings and canopies shall be generally aligned with others nearby in order to maintain a sense of visual continuity.

         (c) Awnings and canopies shall be tailored to the opening of the building and positioned so that distinctive architectural features remain visible. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

   (B)   Electronic Signs:

      1.   Electronic Message Center Signs: Electronic message center signs shall be permitted subject to the following:

         (a) Electronic message center signs shall be permitted only in the commercial, manufacturing, and government and education districts. There shall be only one electronic message center sign per lot.

         (b) Each message displayed on an electronic message center sign must be static or depicted for a minimum of six (6) seconds. The continuous scrolling of messages is prohibited.

         (c) Electronic message center signs shall be permitted as freestanding monument signs, freestanding pole signs or wall signs, and shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter for those sign types.

         (d) No electronic message center sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet.

         (e) Electronic message center signs may be integrated into a freestanding monument sign, freestanding pole sign or wall sign, but in no case shall the combined sign area of such freestanding monument sign, freestanding pole sign or wall sign and electronic message center sign exceed the permitted maximum sign area for such freestanding monument sign, freestanding pole sign or wall sign for that district.

         (f) The addition of an electronic message center sign to any nonconforming sign shall be prohibited.

         (g) Electronic message center signs shall display messages including, but not limited to, time, temperature, business name, business logo, greeting/holiday greeting, business hours, and contact information, such as phone number or address. No off premises advertising shall be permitted.

      2.   Electronic Display Screens: Electronic display screens shall be permitted subject to the following:

         (a) Electronic display screens shall be permitted only in commercial, manufacturing, and government and education districts. There shall be only one electronic display screen per lot.

         (b) No illumination from any electronic display screen or electronic sign shall glare into any residential premises, and commencing at dusk through twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight, all such signs and display screens shall reduce the luminous intensity of such sign or display screen to no more than seventy five percent (75%) of the luminous intensity employed during full daylight operation, and all such signs and display screens shall be turned off from twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight to six o'clock (6:00) A.M. if located adjacent to a residential district. In addition, no illumination from such signs shall interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.

         (c) Electronic display screens shall be permitted as freestanding monument signs, freestanding pole signs or wall signs, and are subject to the requirements of this chapter for those sign types, except as follows:

            (1) Standalone electronic display screens shall be limited to thirty two (32) square feet.

            (2) Electronic display screens may be integrated into a freestanding monument sign, freestanding pole sign or wall sign, but in no case shall the combined sign area of such freestanding monument sign, freestanding pole sign or wall sign and electronic display screen exceed the permitted maximum sign area for such freestanding monument sign, freestanding pole sign or wall sign for that district.

         (d) Each image displayed on an electronic display screen must be static or depicted for a minimum of ten (10) seconds. Animated images and images which move or give the appearance of movement are prohibited. This restriction shall not prohibit the dissolving or replacing of one image with another image.

         (e) The conversion or addition of an electronic display screen to any nonconforming sign shall be prohibited.

         (f) No electronic display screen shall display messages or images of off premises advertising. (Ord. 2014-05, 4-17-2014)

   (C)   Freestanding Monument Sign: See figures 17, "Monument Sign Height", and 18, "Monument Sign Setback", of this section.

      1.   In the residential, C1 and C2 districts, freestanding monument signs shall be limited to six feet (6') in height and thirty two (32) square feet in sign area. In all other districts, such signs shall be limited to eight feet (8') in height and fifty (50) square feet in sign area.

      2.   There shall be only one freestanding monument sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two (2) signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All freestanding monument signs shall be set back from the curb line a minimum of ten feet (10'). However, no part of any freestanding monument sign shall be located on the public right of way. Directional signs, subject to the requirements of subsection 6-13-6(C), "Directional Signs (Permanent)", of this chapter, are permitted in addition to other freestanding monument signs on that lot.

      3.   Freestanding monument signs shall be mounted on either a decorative masonry or natural stone base. Where a monument sign is to be constructed for a nonresidential use located within a brick or decorative masonry building, the sign base shall be constructed of a decorative masonry material. In addition, the sign base of any monument sign shall be a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of the width of the sign face that is to be situated upon the base. See figure 19, "Monument Sign Base", of this section.

(Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

   (D)   Freestanding Pole Sign: See figures 20, "Pole Sign Height", and 21, "Pole Sign Setback", of this section.

      1.   Freestanding pole signs are prohibited in the residential, C1 and C2 districts.

      2.   The maximum height of freestanding pole signs shall be limited to twenty five feet (25') in height.

      3.   Freestanding pole signs in the C4, M1, and M2 districts are limited to seventy (70) square feet in sign area. Freestanding pole signs in the C3 district are limited to thirty two (32) square feet in sign area except in those cases where they are located on a corner lot. Freestanding pole signs located on a corner lot in the C3 district may be greater than thirty two (32) square feet in sign area and limited to seventy (70) square feet in sign area but must first be approved by the site plan review committee.

      4.   There shall be only one freestanding pole sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two (2) signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All freestanding pole signs shall be set back from the curb line a minimum of ten feet (10'), unless otherwise permitted by this title. However, no part of any freestanding pole sign shall be located on the public right of way. Directional signs, subject to the requirements of subsection 6-13-6(C), "Directional Signs (Permanent)", of this chapter, are permitted in addition to other freestanding pole signs on that lot.

      5.   The primary support of a freestanding pole sign shall be erected in such a manner that at least forty two inches (42") of the length of the support is underground. This requirement may be modified based upon the size of the sign and the height of the sign, at the discretion of the building commissioner. The building commissioner may require, in cases of signs over ten feet (10') in height, proper documentation from a structural engineer or manufacturer that indicates proper installation instructions for the sign, as well as the sign's ability to withstand wind pressures.

   (E)   Projecting Sign:

      1.   All projecting signs over twenty (20) square feet in sign area are subject to approval of the site plan review committee.

      2.   Projecting signs shall not project more than two feet (2') from the face of the building or other structure to which it is attached, measuring from the point on the sign nearest the wall, and shall not project beyond any property line. No projecting sign affixed to a building shall project higher than the building height, including sign support structure, unless approved by the site plan review committee. Projecting signs shall be attached at least ten feet (10') above a sidewalk or public thoroughfare. See figure 22, "Projecting Sign", of this section.

      1.   Projecting signs may extend to a point 2 feet from the curb, unless more restrictive state regulations, such as those of the Illinois department of transportation, apply along a public right of way requiring the projecting sign to be located entirely within property lines.

      3.   Projecting signs, including frames, braces, and supports shall be designed by a structural engineer or manufacturer. No projecting sign shall be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails nor shall any projecting sign be hung or secured to any other sign. Any movable part of a projecting sign such as the cover of a service opening shall be securely fastened by chains or hinges.

      4.   Projecting signs exceeding ten (10) square feet in area or fifty (50) pounds in weight shall neither be attached to, nor supported by, frame buildings nor the wooden framework of a building. Such signs shall be attached to a masonry wall with galvanized expansion bolts at least three-eighths inch (3/8") in diameter, which shall be embedded in the wall at least five inches (5").

      5.   If a projecting sign is illuminated from its exterior, any reflectors shall concentrate the illumination upon the area of the sign and prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property. No floodlight, spotlight or reflectors of the gooseneck type shall be permitted on projecting signs. Lettering or advertising designs illuminated from the interior shall be composed of transparent or semitransparent materials approved by the building commissioner.

      6.   V-shaped signs consisting of two (2) single face signs erected on a roof shall not be permitted. (Ord. 2014-18, 9-18-2014)

   (F)   Street Clock:

      1.   The dial of street clocks shall be not more than forty two inches (42") in diameter.

      2.   Any glass forming a part of a clock or the sign thereon shall be safety glass, or plate glass at least one-fourth inch (1/4") thick, or an approved plastic securely fastened thereto by metal hinges.

      3.   Clocks supported on any building or structures shall not be less than fifteen feet (15') above the sidewalk, and shall not project from the face or wall of the building or structure to a point more than two feet (2') inside the curb line, unless more restrictive state regulations (Illinois department of transportation) apply along a public right of way requiring the street clock to be located entirely within property lines. See figure 23, "Street Clocks", of this section.

      4.   No advertising shall be placed upon any street clock.

1.   Street clocks may extend 2 feet from the face of the building and over the public right of way, unless more restrictive state regulations, such as those of the Illinois department of transportation, apply along a public right of way requiring the street clock to be located entirely within property lines.

(Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

   (G)   Wall Sign:

      1.   Wall signs shall be constructed of wood or metal. Any other material shall require approval by the building commissioner.

      2.   No wall sign, including sign support structure, affixed to a building shall project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached.

      3.   Wall signs shall be affixed flat against the building wall and shall not project more than twelve inches (12") into the public right of way. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening. See figure 24, "Wall Sign", of this section.

      4.   A wall sign shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet in sign area.

      5.   Wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall. All wall signs of solid face construction shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall by means of metal anchors, bolts, or expansion screws of not less than three- eighths inch (3/8") in diameter embedded in said wall at least five inches (5"). However, such signs may rest in, or be bolted to, strong, heavy metal brackets or saddles set not over six feet (6') apart, each of which shall be securely fixed to the wall as hereinbefore provided. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with strips of wood or nails.

   (H)   Window Signs (Permanent):

      1.   Permanent window signs affixed to or painted on the inside of a window and advertising the business, the service offered by such business and/or logo may occupy no more than twenty five percent (25%) of the surface of each windowpane.

      2.   The total of all window signs, including both temporary and permanent window signs, shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the total window area. Temporary window signs shall be subject to the regulations of subsection 6-13-7(A)8, "Window Signs (Temporary)", of this chapter.

      3.   Neon or LED window lighting shall be exempt from sign permit regulations in accordance with subsection 6-13-6(H), "Neon And/Or Light Emitting Diode ("LED") Window Signs", of this chapter. However, any neon or LED window signage shall be included in the twenty five percent (25%) limitation of permanent window signage. (Ord. 2014-18, 9-18-2014)

   (A)   Residential Districts:

      1.   Residential Nameplates: Residential uses are permitted nameplates, subject to the following regulations:

         (a) Single-, Two- Or Three-Unit Dwelling Or Townhouse Dwelling: A nameplate shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area and shall indicate only the name or name and address of the occupant. There shall be no more than one such nameplate for each dwelling, provided that it is affixed to the dwelling flat against the door or on the wall adjacent thereto, or may be located elsewhere on an accessory building or structure or piece of land within the boundaries of the lot.

         (b) Multi-Unit Dwelling: For a multi-unit dwelling, a nameplate may not exceed nine (9) square feet in area, provided it indicates only the name or name and address of the building, but not located higher than one story, or twenty feet (20') above curb level, whichever is lower. Such a nameplate may also be in the form of a freestanding sign, provided it is no nearer to the curb line than one-half (1/2) the depth of the required front yard and does not exceed four feet (4') in height.

      2.   Nonresidential Uses In Residential Districts: The following signs are permitted for nonresidential uses within residential districts:

         (a) Awnings And Canopies: Awnings and canopies shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

         (b) Electronic Signs: Electronic message center signs shall be permitted only in the R4 district in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Electronic display screens shall be prohibited in all residential districts.

         (c) Freestanding Monument Signs: Freestanding monument signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions set forth in this chapter subject to the following standards:

            (1) There shall be no more than one freestanding monument sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs shall be located on the same lot as the principal use.

            (2) No freestanding monument sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet of display surface area.

            (3) The minimum setback from the curb line shall be ten feet (10').

            (4) Freestanding monument signs shall be limited to six feet (6') in height.

         (d) Projecting Signs: Projecting signs shall be permitted only in the R4 district in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

         (e) Street Clocks: Street clocks shall be permitted only in the R4 district in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

         (f) Wall Signs: Wall signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

         (g) Window Signs: Window signs (permanent) shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

         (h) Signs For Special Uses: Signs for special uses within residential districts shall comply with any additional requirements set forth by the village board at the time the special use was approved.

   (B)   Commercial Districts And G/E District: In the commercial districts and the G/E district, the following signs are permitted:

      1.   Residential nameplates, in accordance with subsection (A) of this section.

      2.   Awnings and canopies shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      3.   Electronic signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      4.   Freestanding monument signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      5.   Freestanding pole signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      6.   Projecting signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      7.   Wall signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      8.   Window signs (permanent) shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      9.   Street clocks shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      10.   In a unified shopping center in single ownership or control, one additional sign may be erected. Such sign shall not exceed seventy (70) square feet in area when in the C4 district and sixty (60) square feet in area in other commercial, government and education districts, shall comply with the height requirements of the district in which it is located, and shall not display more than the name and location of the shopping center. (Ord. 2014-18, 9-18-2014)

   (C)   Manufacturing Districts: In the manufacturing districts, the following signs are permitted only if accessory and incidental to a permitted or special use:

      1.   Residential nameplates, in accordance with subsection (A) of this section.

      2.   Awnings and canopies shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      3.   Electronic signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      4.   Freestanding monument signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      5.   Freestanding pole signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      6.   Projecting signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      7.   Wall signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

      8.   Window signs (permanent) shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

   (D)   OS District: Each use permitted in the OS open space district shall be permitted one identification sign not to exceed sixty four (64) square feet in sign area. The maximum height of any freestanding sign shall be ten feet (10'). The minimum setback from the curb line for freestanding signs shall be ten feet (10'). (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

   (A)   When more than one wall sign, awning, or canopy is proposed on any building with multiple tenants, the applicant shall submit a master sign plan for review by the site plan review committee. (Ord. 2014-18, 9-18-2014)

   (B)   A master sign plan shall provide for coordinated design for all building mounted signage and shall include, at a minimum, criteria and specifications for general appearance, format of message, font size and style, lighting, location, and construction materials. Where signs are to be located on a wall of a multi-tenant shopping center, they shall be located at a generally uniform height on the building wall and shall not cover or overhang any architectural feature. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

Any sign lawfully existing prior to the enactment of this chapter, but which could not be erected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be a legally nonconforming sign and may continue to be in existence with the following conditions:

   (A)   The sign must be properly maintained in a safe condition. No nonconforming sign shall have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is specifically designed for changeable copy. Any other changes made will be to bring the nonconforming sign into conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

   (B)   No nonconforming sign shall be allowed to remain after the activity, business, or use to which it relates has been discontinued.

   (C)   If a nonconforming sign is damaged in such a manner that the estimated expense of repairs exceeds fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value, the sign shall not be allowed to remain and must be removed.

   (D)   Nothing in this chapter shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or structure, or the owner of the property on which it is located, from the provisions of this chapter regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs and structures. However, any repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance or repair hereof shall not modify the sign, structure, or copy in any way which makes it more nonconforming. (Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)

(Ord. 2006-37, 12-21-2006)