The intent of this article is to provide for and regulate the location and safe construction of signs in the community in a manner that will ensure that signs are compatible with surrounding land uses, and to express the identity of individual proprietors and the community as a whole. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to locate, erect, move, reconstruct, extend, enlarge, convert, or structurally alter any sign without first complying with the requirements of this article.

(Code 1980, § 17.0701)

Banner means an elongated fabric sign used for temporary display for the special announcement of a coming event.

Billboard means a large outdoor advertising sign located along the interstate highway I94 corridor only.

Bulletin board means a sign used to publicly display notices of meetings, services, regulations and announcements. Signs are not designed to be read from a distance or by the traveling public.

Electric sign means a sign containing internal electrical wiring which is attached, or intended to be attached to any electrical energy source.

Electronic message board means an electrically controlled sign displaying only words, letters, numbers, or symbols through a scrolling, pulsating, or flashing illustration, such as time and temperature for public display. This may be incorporated into a business identification sign.

Electronic message center means a sign designed for outdoor use that is capable of displaying a video signal, including, but not limited to, cathode-ray tubes (CRT), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, plasma displays, liquid crystal displays (LCD), or other technologies used in commercially available televisions or computer monitors.

Flashing sign means a messaging board or messaging center sign on which artificial light is repeatedly changing color, character, light level or on and off.

Ground sign means a freestanding sign affixed to or placed on the ground and independent of any buildings or other permanent structures.

Illuminated sign means a sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or in the sign or directed toward the sign. This includes but not limited to changeable message board, directly illuminated sign, indirectly illuminated sign, and manual message board.

Manual message board means a sign that displays static letters, words, numbers or symbols that require manual labor to change.

Off-premises sales sign means a sign intended to advertise places of business not located on the same parcel or land ownership.

Projecting sign means a sign affixed to a permanent structure and not affixed to the ground and projecting more than 12 inches from the face of the structure to which it is attached.

Roof Sign means A sign erected on or over the roof of a building.

Search light means a powerful outdoor electric light with a concentrated beam that can be aimed in different directions.

Sign area means the part of a total sign structure which encompasses the sign message exclusive of the structure upon which the sign area is affixed or which supports the sign area. Any exposed structure which supports a sign may not comprise more than one-third of the visible or exposes surface of one side of the total sign structure.

Wall sign means a sign attached to a wall of a structure and projects not more than 12 inches from such wall. Sign shall not extend above the ceiling line of the top floor of the building.

Window sign means a sign painted on or affixed to a window. Materials affixed to a window shall be affixed to the inside surface of the window.

(Code 1980, § 17.0702; Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 1, 6-9-2014)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 2, adopted June 9, 2014, repealed § 70-223, which pertained to signs permitted without permit and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0703.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 3, adopted June 9, 2014, repealed § 70-224, which pertained to signs permitted in any zoning district with permit and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0704.

The following signs are allowed in agricultural zoning districts and subject to the following regulations. See section 70-232 for prohibited signs and regulations:

(1)

No trespassing sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum two square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: No limit;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: No limit;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(2)

Election campaign sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum five square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum eight signs per street frontage;

d.

Height: Maximum five feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited;

i.

Other requirements: Must obtain permission from property owner, renter or lessee; allowed from 45 days before election to seven days after election.

(3)

Small real estate sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum five square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum two signs per street frontage;

d.

Height: Maximum five feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(4)

Private sign—Parking restrictions, information and notices.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum ten square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum ten signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline or parking area;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(5)

Name, occupation, or organization sign.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per entrance;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 50 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(6)

Temporary sign or banner.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited;

i.

Other requirements: Does not impede traffic, traffic views or sidewalks; allowed seven days before event and removed within 24 hours after event; only allowed for 30 days in a six-month period.

(7)

Large real estate signs—Lease or sale.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per street frontage;

d.

Height: Maximum 15 feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 150 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Allowed;

i.

Other requirements: Permit good for six months unless extended; must be removed ten days after sale closing; must be 25 feet away from right-of-way of any street or highway; must be 50 feet away from right-of-way within an inside curve of a highway.

(8)

Projecting and ground sign.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 100 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one signs per street frontage;

d.

Height: Maximum 35 feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 150 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Fifty feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231;

i.

Other requirements: Allowed to advertise business on property, and up to one sign on property may be an off-premises sale sign.

(9)

Billboard (interstate highway I94 corridor only).

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 1,200 square feet;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum two signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum 125 feet above I94 street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 500 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 250 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231;

i.

Other requirements: Allowed as ground sign or roof sign, WDOT permit required.

(Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 4, 6-9-2014)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 4, adopted June 9, 2014, in effect repealed the former § 70-225, and enacted a new § 70-225 as set out herein. The former § 70-225 pertained to signs permitted in agricultural zoning districts with permit and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0705.

The following signs are allowed in residential districts and subject to the following regulations. See section 70-232 for prohibited signs and regulations.

(1)

No trespassing sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum two square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: No limit;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: No limit;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(2)

Private sign—Parking restrictions, information and notices.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum five square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum four signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline or parking lot;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(3)

Election campaign sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum five square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum four signs per street frontage;

d.

Height: Maximum five feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited;

i.

Other requirements: Must obtain permission from property owner, renter or lessee, allowed from 45 days before election to seven days after election.

(4)

Small real estate sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum five square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per property;

d.

Height: Maximum five feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(5)

Name, home occupation or organization sign.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum ten square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum ten feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(6)

Temporary sign or banner.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited;

i.

Other requirements: Does not impede traffic, traffic views or sidewalks; allowed seven days before event and removed within 24 hours after event; only allowed for 30 days in a six-month period.

(7)

Large real estate sign—Subdivision lot sales sign.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per subdivision entrance;

d.

Height: Maximum 15 feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 50 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited;

i.

Other requirements: Must be removed when 80 percent of lots have been sold.

(8)

Permanent subdivision identification sign.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 50 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per subdivision entrance;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 50 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: With plan commission approval and agreement for maintenance;

h.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231;

i.

Other requirements: Sign and location must be reviewed and approved by the plan commission prior to receiving a permit; must be constructed of wood, metal and/or masonry, design to be compatible with the landscape, sign must state only the name of the subdivision.

(Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 5, 6-9-2014)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 5, adopted June 9, 2014, in effect repealed the former § 70-226, and enacted a new § 70-226 as set out herein. The former § 70-226 pertained to signs permitted in residential districts with permit and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0706.

The following signs are allowed in business, industrial, and institutional districts and subject to the following regulations. See section 70-232 for prohibited signs and regulations:

(1)

No trespassing sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum two square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: No limit;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: No limit;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(2)

Election campaign sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum five square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum four signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum five feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited;

i.

Other requirements: Must obtain permission from property owner, renter or lessee, allowed from 45 days before election to seven days after election.

(3)

Small real estate sign.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum five square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per property;

d.

Height: Maximum five feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(4)

Private sign—Parking restrictions, information and notices.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum ten square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum ten signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline or parking lot;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: No limit;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(5)

Wayfinding sign.

a.

Business and institutional zoning districts.

1.

Permit required: Yes;

2.

Sign size: Maximum ten square feet per sign;

3.

Property allowance: Maximum eight signs per property;

4.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

5.

Distance from other signs: Minimum ten feet;

6.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

7.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

8.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231.

b.

Industrial zoning districts.

1.

Permit required: Yes;

2.

Sign size: Maximum 20 square feet per sign;

3.

Property allowance:

i.

For sites up to 20 acres, maximum ten signs per property;

ii.

For sites between 20 and 80 acres, maximum 20 signs per property;

iii.

For sites over 80 acres, maximum 60 signs per property;

4.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

5.

Distance from other signs: Minimum ten feet;

6.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

7.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

8.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231.

(6)

Temporary sign or banner.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one per property or business;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum ten feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited;

i.

Other requirements: Does not impede traffic, traffic views or sidewalks; allowed seven days before event and removed within 24 hours after event, only allowed for 30 days in a six-month period.

(7)

Bulletin board for charitable or religious institutions.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 50 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 25 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Allowed only to the extent necessary to allow reading of the sign from ten feet away;

i.

Other requirements: Allowed on charitable or religious institution properties only.

(8)

Large real estate sign—Lease or sale.

a.

Permit Required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 32 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per street frontage;

d.

Height: Maximum 15 feet;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 150 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231;

i.

Other requirements: Permit good for six months unless extended, must be removed ten days after sale closing.

(9)

Bulletin board for village public service and announcement.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 100 square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum two signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum 20 feet from street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 150 feet from another village sign;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231;

i.

Other requirements: Allowed on village property only.

(10)

Projecting and ground sign.

a.

Business and institutional zoning districts.

1.

Permit required: Yes;

2.

Sign size:

i.

Maximum 100 square feet per sign;

ii.

Along the Interstate Highway 94 (I-94) Corridor, maximum 500 square feet per sign;

3.

Property allowance: Maximum one sign per street frontage;

4.

Height:

i.

Maximum 35 feet above street centerline;

ii.

Along the I-94 Corridor, maximum 75 feet above I-94 centerline;

5.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 150 feet;

6.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

7.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

8.

Illumination and Electronic Signs: Allowed, see section 70-231;

9.

Other requirements: Advertising signs meeting the above requirements are allowed on properties, but such signs must be for businesses on-premises.

b.

Industrial zoning districts.

1.

Permit required: Yes;

2.

Sign size:

i.

Maximum 150 square feet per sign;

ii.

Along the Interstate Highway 94 (I-94) Corridor, maximum 500 square feet per sign;

3.

Property allowance:

i.

For buildings with up to 500 lineal feet of building façade, maximum of one sign per street frontage;

ii.

For buildings with more than 500 lineal feet but less than 1,000 lineal feet of building façade, maximum of two signs per street frontage;

iii.

For buildings with 1,000 or more lineal feet of building façade, maximum of three signs per street frontage;

4.

Height:

i.

Maximum 35 feet above street centerline;

ii.

Along the I-94 Corridor, maximum 75 feet about I-94 centerline;

5.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 150 feet;

6.

Side yard setback: Minimum 50 feet;

7.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

8.

Illumination and Electronic Signs: Allowed, see section 70-231;

9.

Other requirements: Advertising signs meeting the above requirements are allowed on properties, and one sign per property may be a sign regarding businesses off-premises.

(11)

Wall sign.

a.

Business and institutional zoning districts.

1.

Permit required: Yes;

2.

Sign size: Maximum two square feet per lineal foot of building façade and up to 100 square feet;

3.

Property allowance: Maximum one per street frontage;

4.

Height: Not applicable;

5.

Distance from other signs: Not applicable;

6.

Side yard setback: Not applicable;

7.

Public right-of-way: Not applicable;

8.

Illumination and Electronic Signs: Allowed, see section 70-231;

9.

Other requirements: Must be placed on or against the exterior wall, not extend less than one foot out from the building wall and not extend above the ceiling of the top floor of the building.

b.

Industrial zoning districts.

1.

Permit required: Yes;

2.

Sign size: Maximum two square feet per lineal foot of building façade and up to 300 square feet;

3.

Property allowance:

i.

For buildings with up to 500 lineal feet of building façade, maximum of one sign per street frontage;

ii.

For buildings with more than 500 lineal feet but less than 1,000 lineal feet of building façade, maximum of two signs per street frontage;

iii.

For buildings with 1,000 or more lineal feet of building façade, maximum of three signs per street frontage;

4.

Height: Not applicable;

5.

Distance from other signs: Not applicable;

6.

Side yard setback: Not applicable;

7.

Public right-of-way: Not applicable;

8.

Illumination and Electronic Signs: Allowed, see section 70-231;

9.

Other requirements: Must be placed on or against the exterior wall, not extend less than one foot out from the building wall and not extend above the ceiling of the top floor of the building.

(12)

Window sign.

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 25 percent of total glass area up to 100 square feet;

c.

Property allowance: Not applicable;

d.

Height: Not applicable;

e.

Distance from other signs: Not applicable;

f.

Side yard setback: Not applicable;

g.

Public right-of-way: Not applicable;

h.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231.

(13)

Billboard (interstate highway I94 corridor only).

a.

Permit required: Yes;

b.

Sign size: Maximum 1,200 square feet;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum two signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum 125 feet above I94 street centerline;

e.

Distance from other signs: Minimum 500 feet;

f.

Side yard setback: Minimum 250 feet;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Allowed, see section 70-231;

i.

Other requirements: Allowed as ground sign or roof sign, WDOT permit required.

(Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 6, 6-9-2014; Ord. No. 8-2021, 9-13-2021)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 6, adopted June 9, 2014, in effect repealed the former § 70-227, and enacted a new § 70-227 as set out herein. The former § 70-227 pertained to signs permitted in business, industrial, and institutional districts with permit and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0707.

The following signs are allowed in park, conservancy and floodland districts and subject to the following regulations. See section 70-232 for prohibited signs and regulations:

(1)

Private sign—Parking restrictions, information and notices.

a.

Permit required: No;

b.

Sign size: Maximum ten square feet per sign;

c.

Property allowance: Maximum ten signs per property;

d.

Height: Maximum ten feet above street centerline or parking lot;

e.

Distance from other signs: No limit;

f.

Side yard setback: No limit;

g.

Public right-of-way: Cannot extend into;

h.

Illumination: Prohibited.

(Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 7, 6-9-2014)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 7, adopted June 9, 2014, in effect repealed the former § 70-228, and enacted a new § 70-228 as set out herein. The former § 70-228 pertained to signs permitted in park, conservancy and floodland districts and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0708.

Following are special restrictive provisions which relate, generally, to all signs or premises in the village:

(1)

Roof top signs, flashing or blinking (other than traffic control signs), semi-temporary portable signs and private signs within public street, road or highway right-of-way are prohibited.

(2)

Signs facing on federal interstate or federal aid primary highways shall meet all the requirements and federal regulations as well as the regulations for the type and location of signs set forth herein.

(3)

Words and phrases on signs should be kept to a minimum to allow reading or interpretation from a moving vehicle at posted speed limits without hazard. A combination of ten words, sets of numbers, logos, or pictures will, under normal circumstances, be considered as a maximum guide for sign phrasing and the applicant may be requested to modify the sign to delete excessive verbiage.

(Code 1980, § 17.0709)

The zoning administrator may permit the temporary use of a searchlight or portable sign for advertising purposes in any district except residential districts provided that the searchlight or portable sign will not be located in any public right-of-way, will not be located closer than ten feet to an adjacent property, and will not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining properties. Searchlight or portable sign permits shall be granted for a period of not more than five days in any six-month period and shall not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and dawn.

(Code 1980, § 17.0710)

Certain illuminated or electric signs are allowed for use depending on property location. This section is intended to describe the allowed signage illuminating standards. Refer to sections 70-225, 70-226, 70-227 and 70-228 for allowed uses specific to zoning districts. Refer to section 70-232 for prohibited signs.

(1)

Illuminated signs.

(2)

Electronic message board or message center signs.

a.

Messages and segmented messages must be displayed for not less than four seconds, except along the interstate highway (I94) corridor if allowed by WDOT.

b.

Traveling messages may travel no slower than 16 light columns per second and no faster than 32 columns per second.

c.

Signs with this technology which are placed by the public agency for the purpose of directing or regulating pedestrian or vehicle movement are exempt from this article.

(3)

Search lights.

a.

Only as temporary use for advertising purposes, provided that the searchlight will:

1.

Not be located in any public right-of-way;

2.

Not be located closer than ten feet to an adjacent property;

3.

Not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining properties;

4.

Only be allowed for a period of five days in any six-month period;

5.

Not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and dawn.

(Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 8, 6-9-2014)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 8, adopted June 9, 2014, in effect repealed the former § 70-231, and enacted a new § 70-231 as set out herein. The former § 70-231 pertained to illuminated signs facing residence or residential district and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0711.

(a)

Prohibited regulations.

(1)

Signs shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices.

(2)

Signs shall not be erected, relocated or maintained to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

(3)

Signs shall be effectively shielded as to prevent beams of rays of light from being directed at or spilling on to any residential property, and shall not be of such intensity or brilliance as to cause a public nuisance.

(4)

Signs shall be effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways of a public right-of-way, and shall not be of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle.

(b)

Prohibited signs.

(1)

Signs that bear or contain statements, words or pictures of obscene, pornographic or immoral subjects.

(2)

Signs that imitate or resemble in shape, size, copy or color an official traffic sign or signal.

(3)

Signs that resemble, imitate, or approximate the shape, size, form or color of the railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices.

(4)

Flashing signs; images or messages must be display for more than four seconds, except along the interstate highway I94 corridor if allowed by WDOT.

(Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 9, 6-9-2014)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2014-3 VB, § 9, adopted June 9, 2014, in effect repealed the former § 70-232, and enacted a new § 70-232 as set out herein. The former § 70-232 pertained to lighting, design and color and derived from the Code of 1980, § 17.0712.

(a)

Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of or related amendment to the ordinance from which this chapter is derived may be continued although the size or location does not conform to this chapter provided that the owners of such signs shall, within three months of the effective date of this chapter or any amendment thereto, fill out a permit application for the building inspector's records. Upon the filing of such application, the building inspector shall issue a permit to the sign owner without fee.

(b)

Nonconforming signs shall be kept in good repair, but the cost of maintenance shall not be considered grounds for their continued use. If not kept in good repair to the satisfaction of the building inspector, the building inspector may require removal of the sign within a 90-day period. The owners of signs which are not repaired, painted, or maintained pursuant to written notification and orders by the building inspector shall also be subject to enforcement action. (See section 70-236, Municipal Code of the Village of Roberts.)

(Code 1980, § 17.0713)

Applications for permits shall be filed with the village clerk. The building inspector shall review the application for its completeness and accuracy and approve or deny the application within 15 days of receipt unless the time is extended by written agreement with the applicant. A sign permit shall become null and void if work authorized under the permit has not been completed within six months from the date of issuance. Applications shall be made on forms provided by the building inspector and shall contain or have attached thereto at least the following information:

(1)

Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant, and location of building, structure, lot or property to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.

(2)

Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign.

(3)

Written consent of the owner or lessee of the building, structure, or land to which or upon which the sign is to be affixed or erected.

(4)

A scale drawing of such sign indicating the dimensions, the materials to be used, the type of illumination, if any, and the method of construction and attachment.

(5)

A scale site drawing indicating the location and position of such sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures, property boundaries, or signs.

(6)

Information (or type of information or message) to be displayed on the faces of the sign.

(7)

Copies of any other permit required and issued for said sign, including the written approval by the electrical inspector in the case of illuminated signs. The building inspector shall examine the plans and specifications, inspecting all wiring and connections to determine if the same complies with the village codes and ordinances.

(8)

Additional information such as photographs as may be required by the building inspector.

(9)

Payment of a fee as set forth herein. The building inspector may, if necessity requires, direct that the applicant for a sign permit meet with the plan commission to review the request and provide guidance in the issuance of the permit.

(Code 1980, § 17.0714; Ord. No. 2014-6 VB, § 1, 8-11-2014)

(a)

Application and sign erection permit fee. Each application for a permit shall be accompanied by a fee that is established by resolution of the village board. A schedule of fees shall be available in the office of the village clerk.

(b)

Liability. The acceptance of fees as provided herein shall not be deemed an assumption of liability by the village.

(Code 1980, § 17.0715; Ord. No. 2014-6 VB, § 1, 8-11-2014)

If requested by the village plan commission, village board or village clerk, the building inspector, or other person designated by the village board, may inspect signs within the village for compliance with the provisions of this article and, if such provisions are not being met, the building inspector shall report such fact to the sign owner and request that the sign be made to comply with this article. If, within a reasonable period of time set by the building inspector, the sign is not made to comply with this article, the building inspector may direct that the sign be removed by the owner, and if not so removed shall cause the sign to be removed and the cost of such removal assessed to the sign owner or the owner of the property from which the sign is removed.

(Code 1980, § 17.0716; Ord. No. 2014-6 VB, § 1, 8-11-2014)

The owner of a sign and/or the owner of the land which the sign is located shall maintain such sign in good and safe condition which includes restoring, repainting, or replacement of a worn or damaged legally existing sign to its original condition, and shall maintain the premises on which the sign is erected in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, weeds, and grass. Failure to do so after notice from the building inspector shall be cause for the removal of such signs under section 70-236, Municipal Code of the Village of Roberts. Whenever the building inspector determines that the cost to repair a sign will exceed 50 percent of its replacement cost, such sign shall be deemed a hazard and the building inspector shall order its removal as set forth in section 70-236, Municipal Code of the Village of Roberts. This section shall apply to both new and legal nonconforming signs.

(Code 1980, § 17.0717; Ord. No. 2014-6 VB, § 1, 8-11-2014)

(a)

Wind pressure and dead load. All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure and to receive dead loads as required in the International Building Code (IBC) and the Wisconsin commercial building code, as applicable.

(b)

Electrical. All electrical components of signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed as required in the National Electric Code (NEC), as applicable.

(c)

Supports. Supporting members or braces of all signs shall be constructed of noncorrosive incombustible material and shall be designed and constructed as required in the International Building Code (IBC) and the Wisconsin commercial building code, as applicable.

(d)

Fastening to fire escape or stand pipe; obstructing ingress or egress. No signs or any part thereof or sign anchors, braces, or guide rods shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or stand pipe, and no such sign or any part of any such sign or any anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be erected, put up, or maintained to hinder or prevent ingress or egress through a door, doorway, or window or to hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against a building by the fire department as necessity therefor may require.

(e)

Protection of the public during construction. The temporary occupancy of a sidewalk or street or other public property during construction, removal, repair, alteration, or maintenance of a sign is permitted provided the space occupied is roped off, fenced off, or otherwise isolated to prevent hazard to pedestrians and property.

(Code 1980, § 17.0718; Ord. No. 2014-6 VB, § 1, 8-11-2014)