From and after the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived, the use of all signs and portions of signs erected, altered with respect to height and area of sign face, added to, or relocated in the village shall be in conformity with the provisions of this article. Any existing sign not in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed shall be regarded as nonconforming.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.1), 2-15-1994)

(a)

The provisions of this article shall be deemed to be an expression of the maximum allowable number and size of signs which causes the least potential conflict with surrounding uses and which promote an improved physical appearance and aesthetics within the village.

(b)

Where the conditions imposed by any provision of this article upon the control of signs are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by the provisions of any other law, ordinance, statute, resolution, rule or regulation of any governmental body, the regulations which are more restrictive or which impose higher standards shall govern.

(c)

When a sign type is not specifically listed in the sections devoted to permitted signs, it shall be assumed that such signs are hereby expressly prohibited.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.2), 2-15-1994)

The language set forth in this chapter shall be interpreted as follows:

(1)

All measured distances or standards shall be to the nearest integer; if a fraction is one-half or less, the integer next below shall be taken.

(2)

Height of signs shall be measured to the highest point thereon, from the crown of the street directly opposite the sign, or from the average normal grade level directly below the sign, whichever is higher.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.3), 2-15-1994)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Corner lot means a lot with property lines of two streets bisecting on an angle.

Facade means the face or wall of a building as it is presented to view; the apparent width and/or height of a building as viewed from streets, driveways, and parking lots. Minor changes in wall elevations do not constitute the creation of additional facades.

Ground sign means a permanent sign which is supported by uprights or braces securely anchored in the ground, with no more than two feet of clear space between the bottom of the face of the sign and the grade beneath the sign face.

Permanent sign means any sign which is not a temporary sign.

Pole sign means any sign having a supporting structure with a size less than 25 percent of the total width of the sign with more than two feet of clear space between the bottom of the face of the sign and the grade beneath the sign face.

Real estate sign means a sign placed upon a property advertising that particular property for sale or lease.

Residential development sign means a permanent ground sign placed at the major entrances to and identifying a multifamily development or multifamily planned unit development.

Shopping center means a commercial development in excess of ten acres of land improved with a structure of at least 50,000 square feet containing five or more distinct and separate retail businesses.

Shopping plaza means a commercial development in excess of one acre of land, improved with a structure containing three or more distinct and separate retail businesses, also sharing common parking areas and access drives.

Sign means any structure, vehicle, device, or any part thereof, which shall be used to identify, advertise, or attract attention to any object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, firm, group, commodity, profession, enterprise, industry, or business and which shall display or include any letter, word, model, number, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device or representation used as announcement, direction, or advertisement, and which is intended to be seen by persons in the public right-of-way.

Sign area, unless otherwise specified, means the area of the smallest triangle, rectangle, or circle which can wholly enclose the surface area of the sign. In the event that individual letters or insignia of a wall sign are attached directly to the wall and vary significantly in size, sign area may be computed using not more than two triangles, rectangles or circles per word or insignia. Visible faces of a multifaced sign shall be treated as if it were a single-faced sign with only the area of the largest single-faced sign visible at any one time being computed to determine sign area.

Sign face means the surface of a sign or sign board upon, against or through which a message is displayed.

Temporary sign means a sign intended to be displayed a limited length of time.

Wall sign means a sign attached directly to a building wall which does not extend more than 12 inches therefrom, nor extend above the eaves line of a gable, hip or gambrel roof, nor extend above the facade of a flat roof, nor above the deck line of a mansard roof.

Window sign means a temporary or permanent wall sign which is visible to persons in the public right-of-way and which is placed within or on the outside of a window or on the inside of a glass window, or on the inside of a building and within one foot of a window.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.4), 2-15-1994)

The building and zoning officer shall examine all applications for permits for erection of new signs to ensure conformity with the requirements of this article, record and file all applications for permits with any accompanying plans and documents, make a periodic inspection of all signs in the village, and submit reports as directed by the board of trustees.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.19), 2-15-1994)

The number of signs which may be maintained on any premises is governed by the zoning district in which the property is located. A double-faced sign shall count as a single sign. When a premises or where a building has both a front and rear public entrance, a rear sign may be erected. The rear sign shall not exceed in size the front sign. Signs described in section 90-115 shall not be counted in calculating the total number of signs.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.5), 2-15-1994)

Each premises shall be allowed an aggregate total of four square feet of signage per lineal foot of building frontage, for all signs located on the property. Premises having frontage on more than one dedicated street will be allowed signage for frontage on each street in accordance with the above formula.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.6), 2-15-1994)

(a)

Permit required; fee. No permanent sign shall hereafter be erected, altered, or moved until the person proposing to erect, alter, or move such sign shall have obtained a permit therefor from the building and zoning officer. Such permit shall be issued only when the sign complies with all of the applicable provisions of this article. The fee for granting such a permit shall be $0.50 per square foot of sign or a minimum of $25.00 (to include both sides of double-faced signs), and such other fees for an electrical sign as are provided by ordinance.

(b)

Application. Any person desiring such a permit shall file application therefor upon a form which shall contain the following information:

(1)

Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant; building, structure or lot to or on which the sign is to be attached or erected, and showing the position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings and thoroughfares;

(2)

A plan drawn to scale showing the design of the sign, materials used, method of construction, and means of attachment to the building or ground;

(3)

The name of the person, firm, corporation, or association erecting, altering, or moving said sign;

(4)

Written consent of the owner of the land on which the sign is to be erected, altered, or relocated;

(5)

Any other information as the building and zoning officer shall require in order to show full compliance with this article and all other applicable ordinances of the village.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.7), 2-15-1994)

(a)

Permit required. No temporary sign, except those enumerated in this article, shall be placed or erected until a permit therefor shall have been issued by the building and zoning officer. A temporary sign permit shall entitle the holder thereof to display such sign for the time period specified therein.

(b)

Duration. Duration of temporary signs shall be as follows:

(1)

Residential marketing signs, on- and off-site: 12 months, renewable on a six-month basis thereafter.

(2)

Commercial or industrial real estate signs, exceeding six square feet in area: Six months, renewable on a six-month basis.

(3)

Temporary mobile signs advertising a special sale or event: Not to exceed 30 days and not more than three times per year with at least 30 days between such advertising periods.

(c)

Application for permit. Application for a permit for a temporary sign shall be made on a form provided by the village. Permits for temporary signs must be kept on the premises where signs are displayed.

(d)

Permit fee; not-for-profit openings; inflatables. Every applicant for a temporary sign shall pay a fee of $0.50 per square foot of sign with a minimum fee of $25.00 (to include both sides of double-faced signs). No fee shall be charged for temporary sign permits for not-for-profit openings, which shall not exceed 72 hours in duration, and the permit fee shall be $25.00. The use of large inflatables (i.e., hot air balloons) for special events shall not exceed 72 hours in duration and the permit fee shall be $25.00.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.8), 2-15-1994)

(a)

The following signs are prohibited:

(1)

Moving, rotating or animated signs, except traditional barber poles, not exceeding two feet in height and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building, utilized only to identify a hair cutting establishment. In authorizing the latter exemption, the corporate authorities find it in the public interest to retain this historic symbol of American commerce.

(2)

Searchlights other than for grand openings.

(3)

Sign illumination that is not steady and constant.

(4)

Windows painted or posted in excess of 50 percent of the viewing area.

(5)

Freestanding panels, flags or banners used to advertise products, prices and services or attract attention.

(b)

Signs not listed in sections 90-255—90-258 shall be deemed to be prohibited, even though such signs are not specifically listed in this section.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.9), 2-15-1994)

No sign having a height of more than 30 inches above the crown of the adjacent streets shall be constructed or placed within the part of the yard or open area of a corner lot which is included within a triangular area of 25 feet from the point of intersection of the two street right-of-way lines forming such corner lot.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.10), 2-15-1994)

(a)

Minimum distance from lot lines. With the exception of wall-mounted signs not projecting more than 12 inches from wall, no sign shall be placed closer than five feet to any lot line.

(b)

Gasoline price signs. Gasoline price signs shall be located on poles, one per street frontage, not to exceed 24 square feet in area. Such gasoline price signs may be placed within one foot of the lot line if the sign does not obstruct the view of traffic nor exceed 15 feet in height when mounted on light standards.

(c)

Temporary mobile signs. Temporary mobile signs shall be located not less than one foot from the property line and shall not obstruct the view of traffic.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.11), 2-15-1994)

The illumination of signs shall be diffused or indirect and shall be arranged so no direct rays shall reflect into a public way or any lot on the perimeter of the premises on which the signs are located. Exposed light bulbs, flashing, blinking or traveling and similar illumination are not permitted.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.12), 2-15-1994)

(a)

Every sign, and all parts thereof, including framework, supports, background, anchors, and wiring systems, shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with the building, electrical and fire protection codes of the village.

(b)

All signs and all parts thereof shall be kept in a good state of repair.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.13), 2-15-1994)

Unless otherwise stated, signs listed in this section are permitted in all zoning districts and shall not require a sign permit nor be counted when calculating the number of signs or square footage on a premises. However, such signs shall conform to all other general regulations in this article, for example, height, area setback, clearance, etc.

(1)

Name and address plates which give only the name and address of the resident of the building, and which are not more than one square foot in sign area.

(2)

Memorial signs or tablets and signs denoting the date of erection of buildings, no larger than five square feet.

(3)

No trespassing signs or other such signs regulating the use of a property, not more than two square feet in sign area in residential districts and six square feet in all commercial and industrial districts.

(4)

Real estate signs, not exceeding six square feet per side in all districts. Such real estate signs shall be removed within 15 days after the premises so advertised has been sold or leased.

(5)

Signs regulating on-premises traffic and parking, and signs denoting building facilities such as lavatories and public telephone areas, when less than six square feet in area and bearing no commercial advertising.

(6)

Signs erected by a governmental body, or under the direction of such a body, and bearing no commercial advertising, such as traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, safety signs, and signs identifying public schools and playgrounds.

(7)

The flag, pennant, or insignia of any government, or of any religious, charitable, or fraternal organization.

(8)

One logo flag of a company shall be allowed provided it is flown with and is not larger than the American flag.

(9)

Garage sale signs, not exceeding six square feet in area, may be placed at the curb in residential areas for not to exceed ten days.

(10)

Temporary signs no larger than 32 square feet in area advertising the sale of edible farm products on the premises, advertising auctions, political candidates, or special events of charitable or public service groups. Such signs may remain for 30 days, must be located entirely on privately owned property and must be removed upon close of the event.

(11)

Window signs of paper or similar material shall be allowed in commercial districts, provided that such signs are to be used to notify the public of special sales or current prices, and further provided that such signs do not take up more than 50 percent of the total window area.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.14), 2-15-1994)

The following signs are permitted in residential and agricultural districts:

(1)

All signs enumerated in section 90-255.

(2)

Name and address plates for buildings containing more than two dwelling units, provided that such signs shall not be more than three square feet in area.

(3)

Identification signs for nonresidential uses, i.e., churches, cemeteries, golf courses, and private nonprofit recreational areas, provided that such signs are limited to one sign per building entrance, and provided that each such sign be limited to 32 square feet of area, and six feet in height if a ground sign.

(4)

Permanent residential development signs at entrances to a residential development or a residential planned unit development and containing no commercial advertising, constructed entirely upon privately owned property, constructed of material which is the same or of a more permanent nature than the material used in the buildings and as approved by the plan commission and board of trustees.

(5)

Temporary residential marketing signs at major entrances to planned unit developments or residential subdivisions, not to exceed 100 square feet in area or 15 feet in height, containing the name of the development and the names of builders or units therein. Such signs shall be considered temporary and have a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 90-249.

(6)

Temporary residential marketing signs, off-site, shall be allowed at not more than four off-site locations within the village to call attention and give directions to the development. Each sign shall be located entirely on private property, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not have a total height of more than ten feet. Such signs may be located in any zoning district. Location and construction shall be approved by the board of trustees upon recommendation of the plan commission. Such signs shall be considered temporary and have a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 90-249.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.15), 2-15-1994)

(a)

All signs are prohibited in the B zone, B Group (a) zone, and B Group (b) zone districts except:

(1)

All signs permitted in the residential districts (see sections 90-255 and 90-256).

(2)

Ground or pole signs as follows:

a.

Single or combined use building and lot: One per street frontage, not to exceed 100 square feet in area or four feet in height for a ground sign or 25 in height for a pole sign. One additional foot of height may be added for each three feet of additional setback, to a maximum of ten additional feet in height.

b.

Shopping plaza: One per street frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet in area or six feet in height for a ground sign and 25 feet in height for a pole sign.

c.

Shopping center: One ground sign per street frontage, not to exceed 120 square feet in area or six feet in height; plus one pole sign per street frontage, not to exceed 220 square feet in area per sign face or 30 feet in height, provided that advertising displayed thereon shall be limited to business, merchandise, and services found within the shopping center.

d.

Real estate signs: One per street frontage except as defined in section 90-255(4), not to exceed 32 square feet of sign area per face for each one acre of land area up to a maximum of 100 square feet of sign area per face; not to exceed ten feet in height. Such signs shall be considered temporary and have a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 90-249.

e.

No more than one gasoline price sign per street frontage with a maximum sign size of 15 square feet if attached to poles. The sign must be permanently mounted on a pole and will not be included in the computation of the total signage requirement.

(3)

Wall signs as follows:

a.

Single use building and lot: Two signs per facade, but not to exceed a total of four such signs.

b.

Combined use building and lot: Three signs per facade, but not to exceed a total of six such signs.

c.

Shopping plaza: One sign per individual business or other enterprise; two signs per corner unit, one on each facade.

d.

Shopping center: Same as shopping plaza.

The above signs are limited to an area equal to ten percent of the facade of the building containing the business or other enterprise of the facade upon which the sign is to be mounted.

(b)

Total sign area per lot shall be as provided in section 90-247.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.16), 2-15-1994)

(a)

All signs are prohibited in the industrial districts, to wit: I-1 zone, I-2 zone, P zone, and U zone districts, except:

(1)

All signs enumerated in sections 90-255 and 90-256.

(2)

Wall signs: Wall signs are limited to an area equal to 12 percent of the facade upon which the sign is to be mounted.

(3)

Ground signs and pole signs: One per street frontage; provided that the maximum size of signs in the industrial zone shall be 200 square feat.

(4)

Real estate signs (except as defined in section 90-255(4)): One per street frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet of sign area per face for each one acre of contiguous land area, but not to exceed a maximum of 200 square feet of area per sign face; not to exceed 15 feet in height. Such signs shall be considered temporary and have a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 90-249.

(5)

Permanent industrial development signs at entrances to industrial parks not exceeding 200 square feet, constructed entirely upon privately owned property, constructed of material which is the same or of a more permanent nature than the material used in the buildings and as approved by the plan commission and board of trustees.

(b)

No sign shall project higher than 35 feet above the normal finished grade beneath it.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.17), 2-15-1994)

(a)

All permanent signs which are legally in existence at the time of passage of the ordinance from which this article is derived, but which do not conform to one or more provisions of this article, shall be deemed to be a legal nonconforming use and may be continued only as provided in this article.

(b)

Any nonconforming sign rendered nonconforming by the provisions of this article may be continued in use, provided there is no physical change other than necessary maintenance and repair, except as otherwise permitted herein.

(c)

Whenever a nonconforming sign has been discontinued for a period of six consecutive months, or whenever there is evidently a clear intent on the part of the owner to abandon a nonconforming sign, such sign shall not, after being discontinued or abandoned, be reestablished, and the sign thereafter shall be brought into conformity with the regulations of this article.

(d)

Normal maintenance of a nonconforming sign is permitted, including necessary nonstructural repairs or incidental alterations which do not extend or intensify the nonconforming features of the sign.

(e)

No structural alteration, enlargement or extension shall be made in a nonconforming sign, unless the alteration will result in eliminating the nonconforming use.

(f)

If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of 50 percent or more of its replacement value at that time, or 50 percent or more of the physical structure, whichever is least, the sign can be rebuilt or used thereafter only for a conforming use and in compliance with the provisions of this article. In the event the damage or destruction is less than 50 percent, the sign may then be restored to its original condition and the use may be continued which existed at the time of such partial destruction until the nonconforming sign is otherwise abated by the provisions of this article. In either event, restoration or repair must be started within a period of 30 days from the date of damage or destruction, and diligently prosecuted to completion.

(g)

Existing temporary mobile signs shall be removed or permitted hereunder no later than 30 days after the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived.

(Ord. No. 722, § 1(36.18), 2-15-1994)