This article establishes regulations for the control of signs and other street graphics in commercial and industrial zoning districts in order to preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare. More specifically, this article is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives:

(1)

To foster high quality commercial and industrial development and to enhance the economic vitality of existing businesses/industries by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of street graphics.

(2)

To encourage sound street graphics display practice and to mitigate the objectionable effects of competition in respect to the size and placement of street graphics.

(3)

To protect pedestrians and motorists from any damage or injury that might result from the improper construction, placement or use of street graphics.

(4)

To protect the public investment in streets and highways by reducing the obstructions and distractions which might cause traffic accidents.

(5)

To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of street graphics with nearby land uses.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-1; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

The area of every sign shall be calculated as follows:

(1)

If a sign is enclosed by a box or outline, the total area (including the background) within that outline shall be deemed the sign area.

(2)

If a sign consists of individual letters, parts or symbols, the area of the one imaginary square or rectangle which would completely enclose all the letters, parts or symbols shall be deemed the sign area.

(3)

In calculating sign area, only one side of any double-faced sign shall be counted.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-2-1; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Within the limitations and restrictions as further provided in this article, the total area of all signs which a particular establishment is permitted to display shall be computed according to the following formula: 1.5 square feet of sign per one foot of linear street frontage for the first 100 feet of such frontage, plus one square foot of sign area per one foot of frontage in excess of 100 feet of such frontage, provided that no establishment in any zoning district shall display more than 300 square feet of signs.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-2-2; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

(a)

If any establishment has frontage on two or more streets, each side having frontage shall be considered separately for purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of this article. However, the sign area allowances shall not be aggregated so as to allow any such establishment to display on any one frontage a greater area of signs than this article would otherwise permit. No establishment shall have more than 300 square feet of signs.

(b)

The side of an establishment adjacent to an off-street parking area shall not be deemed frontage unless the establishment has no other frontage.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-2-3; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

No sign or other street graphic shall revolve, rotate or mechanically move in any manner.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-2-4; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Illumination of signs and other street graphics is permitted, subject to the following requirements:

(1)

Only white light is permitted in residential zoning districts.

(2)

No red, yellow, green or other colored light shall be used at any location in such a manner as to confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic.

(3)

No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness or color, provided that this subsection shall not apply to any message on any electronically operated changeable copy sign. Beacon lights and illumination by flame are prohibited.

(4)

The light from any illuminated sign or other street graphic shall be shaded, shielded or directed so as to avoid the creation or continuation of any nuisance or traffic hazard.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-2-5; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

(a)

No sign or other street graphic shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free access or egress from any door, fire escape or driveway.

(b)

No sign or other street graphic shall be erected or maintained in such a manner that it interferes with, obstructs the view of or is likely to be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. Accordingly, no street graphic shall contain the words "stop," "go," "caution," "danger," "warning" or similar words.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-2-6; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

(a)

Every sign or other street graphic shall be designed and constructed in conformity with the applicable provisions of the building code and shall be free of any exposed extra bracing, angle iron, guywire, cables, etc.

(b)

The electrical component of any illuminated sign or other street graphic shall conform to the applicable requirements of the electrical code.

(c)

Every sign or other street graphic shall be maintained in a neat and attractive condition by its owner. The street graphic supports shall be kept painted/treated to prevent rust or deterioration.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-2-7; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

The following signs are strictly prohibited everywhere in the village:

(1)

Mobile/portable marquees. If an establishment does not have an existing sign, it may use a mobile/portable marquee for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(2)

Pennants, streamers, ribbons, strings of light bulbs, spinners and similar signs. This subsection shall not apply to special promotions or holiday decorations.

(3)

Signs attached to trees, fences or public utility poles, other than warning signs issued by public utilities.

(4)

Defunct signs, including the posts or other supports therefrom, that advertise or identify an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises where such sign is located.

(5)

Roof-mounted signs.

(6)

Billboards.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-1; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Any business enterprise consisting of retail sales and/or rendering of services directly to the public shall be able to use signs and banners for promotional activities. These promotional activities may occur not more than four times in any one calendar year. Each promotional activity period shall not exceed 14 days in length. Signs and banners used in accordance with this regulation shall be confined to private property and placed in locations approved by the administrator.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-2; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Electrically operated signs with changeable copy/message, such as time and temperature, are permitted if they meet the other regulations pertaining to signs.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-3; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

(a)

Flush-mounted signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the wall or surface to which they are attached (if such wall/surface is not vertical, the projection shall be measured from the closest point of the wall/surface to the sign).

(b)

Flush-mounted signs shall not extend above the roofline of the building to which it is attached.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-4; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

New projecting signs are prohibited. If more than 50 percent of the replacement value of an existing projecting sign is destroyed, it must be removed.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-5; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Signs mounted flush against any awning, canopy or marquee shall be considered flush-mounted signs and shall comply with the regulations of this article. Signs suspended beneath any awning, canopy or marquee shall be considered projecting signs and shall comply with these regulations.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-6; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

A shopping center, as an entity, may erect an identification sign in accordance with the provisions of this article if the total gross floor area of all the establishments located in the center exceeds 50,000 square feet. A shopping center identification sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area. Tenant identification signs may be included as a part of this sign.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-7; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Not more than one freestanding sign shall be displayed on any zoning lot. All freestanding signs shall comply with the following regulations:

(1)

No part of any freestanding sign shall intrude into or project over any public right-of-way.

(2)

No freestanding sign shall exceed 50 square feet in area or ten feet in any dimension, provided that this subsection shall not apply to shopping center identification signs.

(3)

When attached to a post or other supports, the top edge of a freestanding sign shall not extend more than 18 feet above the ground or pavement.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-8; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

A monument sign may be erected instead of a freestanding sign. Not more than one monument sign shall be displayed on any zoning lot. All monument signs shall comply with the following regulations:

(1)

No part of any monument sign shall intrude into any public right-of-way.

(2)

No monument sign shall be erected closer than 25 feet to any side, corner side or rear lot line.

(3)

No monument sign shall exceed 84 square feet in area.

(4)

No monument sign shall exceed seven feet in height.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-9; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Billboards (including all off-premises advertising signs) are strictly prohibited.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-10; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Signs with movable letters are permitted.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-3-11; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

The zoning administrator, referred to herein as the "administrator," is hereby authorized and directed to administer and enforce the provisions of this article. This responsibility encompasses, but is not limited to, the following specific duties:

(1)

To review and pass upon applications for street graphic permits;

(2)

To inspect existing and newly constructed street graphics to determine compliance with this article, and, where there are violations, to initiate appropriate corrective action;

(3)

To review and forward to the zoning board of appeals all applications for special street graphic permits, variances and appeals;

(4)

To maintain up-to-date records of said applications and of any official actions taken pursuant thereto;

(5)

To periodically review the provisions of this article to determine whether revisions are needed, and to make recommendations on these matters to the plan commission;

(6)

To provide information to the general public on matters related to this article; and

(7)

To perform such other duties as the village board may from time to time prescribe.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-4-1; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

(a)

Upon the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived, no sign, billboard or other street graphic shall be erected, expanded, altered, relocated or reconstructed without a sign permit issued by the administrator.

(b)

If an establishment does not have an existing sign, a temporary sign may be used for a period of 30 days.

(c)

Temporary commercial signs must also be approved by the administrator. Any extension of a temporary permit over 30 days may be approved by the zoning administrator.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-4-2; Ord. of 11-25-1996)

Every applicant for a sign permit shall submit to the administrator in narrative and/or graphic form all of the items of information listed below:

(1)

Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.

(2)

Name and address of the owner of the premises on which the sign is to be erected, if different from subsection (1) of this section.

(3)

Location of the building, structure and lot where the proposed sign is located.

(4)

Dimensions, area, overall height, illumination and method of support and/or attachment.

(5)

Description of the proposed sign indicating proposed location, dimensions, area, overall height, illumination and method of support/attachment.

(6)

Relationship of the proposed sign to nearby traffic control devices.

(7)

Amount of street frontage that the establishment which proposes to display the sign has and the total area of all existing signs on said premises.

(8)

Such other information as the administrator shall reasonably require to determine full compliance with this article.

(Code 2009, § 9-14-4-3; Ord. of 11-25-1996)