The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum standards to safeguard life and property and promote public welfare and community aesthetics by regulating the appearance, construction, location and maintenance of all signs. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

The following definitions are used in this chapter:

ANIMATED SIGN: Signs having moving components, which may be mistaken for traffic signal devices or which may diminish the effectiveness of traffic signal devices.

AWNING: A hood or cover which projects from the wall of the building, which can be retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of a supporting structure.

BILLBOARD: An advertising device, either freestanding or attached to a building, which is used to display information not related to the use or ownership of the establishment upon which it is located.

BLANKETING: The unreasonable obstruction of view of a sign caused by the placement of another sign.

CANOPY: Permanent hood or cover, which projects from a wall or building more than eighteen inches (18").

CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN: A sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or automated means. Changeable message signs include the following types:

   A.   Manually Activated: Any sign whose alphabetic, pictographic or symbolic informational content can only be changed or altered by manual means.

   B.   Automated Signs: Any sign whose content may be changed by electronic process, including such messages as copy, art, graphics, time, date, temperature, weather or information concerning civic, charitable or the advertising of products or services for sale on the premises. This also includes traveling or segmented message displays.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Any sign, which contains directional information to users of the property (i.e., entrance, exit, parking, etc.).

DIRECTORY SIGN: Any sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of building is given. This shall include office and church directories.

FLASHING SIGN: Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign on which artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.

GROUND AND/OR POLE SIGN (Also Referred To As FREESTANDING SIGN): Any sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building.

IDENTIFICATION SIGN: Any sign that carries only the name of the firm, major enterprise, institution or principal products offered for sale on the premises or combination of these.

ILLUMINATED SIGN: A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

MEMORIAL SIGNS: Signs, tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against a structure.

NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which was erected legally, but which does not conform to the regulations of this chapter.

OFFICIAL SIGNS: Any sign erected and maintained by a unit of government, such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information, and notices.

PORTABLE SIGN: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a structure which is designed to be easily moved from one location to another.

PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign extending more than eighteen inches (18") from the face of a wall or building.

REAL ESTATE SIGN: Any sign which is used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.

SIGN: Shall include anything that promotes, calls attention or invites patronage (or anything similar to the aforementioned) to a business, location, or product.

TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign intended to be displayed for sixty (60) days or less, including real estate, political or construction site signs, and banners, decorative type displays or anything similar to the aforementioned. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

   A.   Permits Required: No person shall erect, relocate, reconstruct or alter any sign, awning and/or canopy without first having obtained and having in force and effect a permit therefor from the zoning administrator unless otherwise provided by this title. Applications for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the zoning administrator. The applicant shall file with the application plans and specifications, and provide information about the sign, including dimensions, materials, illumination, wiring, height above grade, distance from lot line and by whom it shall be erected. Permits are not required for a copy change when no change in business name is involved. (Ord. 609, 6-9-2015)

   B.   Permit Fees: A permit fee shall be paid to the village clerk for each sign permit issued under this chapter, provided, however, that a fee shall not be charged for putting an existing sign in conformity with this chapter, or for a copy change when no change in business name is involved. The permit fee shall be in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by resolution of the village board.

   C.   Inspection: The applicant shall, upon completion of the installation, relocation or alteration of the sign, notify the zoning administrator who will assure that the sign conforms to the regulations of this chapter.

   D.   Revocation Of Permit: The zoning administrator may, at any time of a violation of this chapter, revoke a permit or require changes so that the sign conforms to this chapter. Applicants with a revoked permit shall be entitled to an appeal before the zoning board of appeals. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

   A.   Signs Prohibited In Public Ways: Except as provided for in subsection E of this section, no sign shall be placed on any public way, provided that this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the erection or placing of any authorized traffic sign, traffic signal, or other traffic device, or any other sign authorized by law or specifically permitted to project into the public way by this chapter.

   B.   Signs Not To Constitute A Public Hazard: No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color, or other characteristics, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, traffic signal or other traffic device, nor shall any sign make use of the words "stop", "look", "drive-in", "danger", or any other word which could be mistaken for an official sign.

   C.   Illuminated Sign: No sign shall be illuminated by intermittent, rotating or flashing lights. No illuminated sign shall be installed that interferes with visibility or illuminates adjacent residentially zoned properties more than 1.0 foot-candle as measured at the property line.

   D.   Changeable Message Signs: Subject to the following:

      1.   Area And Number: There shall be not more than one sign per lot, except that on a corner lot, two (2) signs (1 facing each street) shall be permitted. No sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area, total area of all signs shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet.

      2.   Location: Sign(s) may only be used to advertise goods and/or services conducted on the premises. All sign(s) locations shall be as approved by the board of appeals. No sign(s) shall be located closer than seventy five feet (75') to a residentially zoned lot, unless said sign(s) is screened from view by the resident property. Sign(s) may be illuminated, however no flashing or intermittent lights may be used and provided such sign(s) shall emit a maximum of 1.0 foot-candle along property line abutting residentially zoned properties. No sign or advertising device shall be erected or maintained at the intersection of streets in such a manner as to obstruct clear vision of the intersection pursuant to section 11-15-2 of this title.

      3.   Height: No sign shall project higher than one story or fifteen feet (15') above the curb level or established street grade in the absence of a curb level, whichever is lower. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

   E.   Projection: Signs including supports shall not interfere with traffic. No sign shall extend nearer than three feet (3') to face of a curb or project a maximum of four feet (4') beyond the front of the building, whichever is less. All projecting signs shall maintain a minimum ground clearance of eight feet (8') to the bottom of the sign and a maximum height of twenty feet (20') to the top of sign. (Ord. 609, 6-9-2015)

   F.   Blanketing: Blanketing of signs as interpreted by the zoning administrator shall not be allowed.

   G.   Installation: All signs shall be properly secured, supported and braced and shall be kept in reasonable structural condition and shall be kept clean and well painted at all times. Bolts or screws shall not be fastened to window frames. Every sign and its framework, braces, anchors and other supports shall be constructed of such material and with such workmanship as to be safe and satisfactory to the zoning administrator.

   H.   Wind Pressure And Dead Load Requirements: All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot and shall be constructed to support dead loads as required by the building code or other ordinances of the village. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

In all residential districts established by this title, the following nonflashing, nonilluminated signs are permitted, upon receipt of approved zoning permit, under the conditions specified:

   A.   Identification Signs: Subject to the following:

      1.   Area And Content; Residential: There shall be not more than one identification sign, not exceeding one square foot in area, for each dwelling unit, indicating the name or address of the occupant or a permitted occupation. On a corner lot, two (2) such identification signs for each dwelling unit (1 facing each street) shall be permitted.

      2.   Area And Content; Nonresidential: For nonresidential buildings, a single identification sign, not exceeding nine (9) square feet in area may be displayed. On a corner lot, two (2) such signs (1 facing each street) shall be permitted.

      3.   Location: Such signs shall be affixed flat against the wall of the building.

      4.   Height: No sign shall be installed higher than one story or fifteen feet (15') above curb level, whichever is lower.

   B.   Signs Accessory To Parking Area: Subject to the following:

      1.   Area And Number: Directional signs for parking area shall be permitted pursuant to subsection 11-13-6F5 of this chapter.

      2.   Location: Sign(s) location(s) shall be as approved by the board of appeals. No sign shall create a traffic visibility hazard as defined by section 11-15-2 of this title or project beyond the property line into the public way.

      3.   Height: No sign shall project higher than seven feet (7') above curb level or established street grade in the absence of a curb level.

      4.   Handicap Parking: All handicap parking signs shall comply with the Illinois vehicle code or other applicable regulations.

   C.   Temporary Signs Accessory To Subdivision Developments Or Other Permitted Improvements In Residential Districts:

      1.   Content: The signs shall be only for the purpose of identification of homes for sale or rent in the subdivision under construction, or for the identification of other nonresidential uses under construction.

      2.   Number, Area And Setback: No more than two (2) signs shall be permitted for a maximum area of thirty (30) square feet for one sign or fifty (50) square feet for both signs. Signs shall be placed at least thirty five feet (35') from all boundaries of the site.

      3.   Location: No sign shall create a traffic visibility hazard as defined by section 11-15-2 of this title or project beyond the property line into the public way.

      4.   Height: No sign may project higher than seven feet (7') above curb level or established street grade in the absence of a curb level.

      5.   Time Limitations: The sign or signs shall be removed by the applicant or property owner within two (2) years of the date of the approval of the final plat.

   D.   Subdivision Identification Signs: Subject to the following:

      1.   Content: The signs shall bear only the name of the subdivision or development.

      2.   Area And Number: There shall be not more than one sign located at each entrance to a subdivision for a maximum number of two (2) signs. No sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area except as authorized by the board of appeals upon a finding that a specific proposal for a larger sign is compatible with the character of nearby development.

      3.   Location: No sign shall create a traffic visibility hazard as defined by section 11-15-2 of this title or project beyond the property line into the public way.

      4.   Height: No sign shall project higher than seven feet (7') above curb level or established street grade in the absence of a curb level.

   E.   Permitted Signs; No Permit Required: The following nonilluminated signs are permitted on private property in residential zoning districts without a permit:

      1.   Addresses: Numerals or letters bearing the building address, post box numbers or name(s) of occupants of residential premises.

      2.   Banners: Not to exceed twenty four (24) square feet in size, displayed for a maximum of thirty (30) days.

      3.   Construction Site Signs: Not to exceed twenty four (24) square feet in size.

      4.   Flags: Nonilluminated flags, symbols and insignia of any branch of government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion. All poles shall not exceed twenty feet (20') above the highest roofline or fifty feet (50') above the natural grade, whichever is lower.

      5.   Garage Sale Signs: Garage sale signs.

      6.   Memorial Signs: Memorial signs.

      7.   Official Signs: Official signs.

      8.   Political Signs: Not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in size and to be removed no more than seven (7) days after the pertinent election.

      9.   Real Estate Signs: Not to exceed eight (8) square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which said signs are temporarily located. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

Signs are permitted in all business and industrial districts, subject to the following:

   A.   Number Of Signs Permitted: No more than two (2) business or industrial signs shall be permitted on the front facade of any business or industrial building, including any advertisement permanently fastened to show windows or display cases. Only one business or industrial sign shall be permitted on each side or rear wall of business or industrial building. In no case shall more than two (2) signs be permitted per business or industry.

   B.   Lighting: Business and industrial signs may be internally lighted or illuminated by a hooded reflector, provided, however, that such lighting shall be arranged to prevent glare and no sign shall be lighted by a light of intermittent or varying intensity.

   C.   Signs Causing Obstruction Prohibited: Any sign so erected, constructed or maintained as to obstruct or to be attached to any fire escape, window, door or opening used as means of ingress or egress, or for firefighting purposes, or placed so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation is prohibited.

   D.   Signs At Intersections Prohibited: No sign or advertising device shall be erected or maintained at the intersection of streets in such a manner as to obstruct clear vision of the intersection pursuant to section 11-15-2 of this title. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

   E.   Canopy/Awning Signs Restricted: Printing, symbols and emblems shall be permitted on canopies, awnings or covered walks in business or industrial districts, subject to the approval of the zoning administrator provided that there shall be only one sign, not to exceed five (5) square feet, for each business and that the canopy or awning shall be at least eight feet (8') above ground level. (Ord. 609, 6-9-2015)

   F.   Permitted Signs, Permit Required:

      1.   Building Signs:

         a.   The total surface display area of business or industrial signs on the front facade of a building shall not exceed in square feet two (2) times the number of linear feet of width of the building frontage to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet.

         b.   In the case of a building located on a corner lot, a second sign may be permitted on the side which faces a parking lot or secondary street. Such sign shall not exceed, in square feet, 0.5 times the number of linear feet of length of the building frontage along the parking lot or secondary street with a maximum surface display area not to exceed seventy five (75) square feet per sign or one hundred fifty (150) square feet for both front and secondary signs. Said increased permitted display area shall be used only for the erection of a second, permitted sign on the length of the building, which faces the secondary street or parking lot. No more than two (2) signs shall be permitted under the provisions of this subsection F1b.

      2.   Ground Signs: Ground signs shall be placed no closer than one foot (1') to the street right of way, shall not create a traffic visibility hazard as defined by section 11-15-2 of this title and shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area. Ground signs shall not exceed twenty feet (20') in height above the mean centerline street grade.

      3.   Projecting Signs: Shall comply with subsection 11-13-4E of this chapter.

      4.   Directory Signs: In cases of multiuse/multiple tenant buildings, shopping centers or industrial parks, one freestanding directory sign may be permitted on the principal front of the property identifying the name of said building or park and represented businesses, industries or tenants located therein. The area of said sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet. Said sign shall not exceed ten feet (10') in height to the top of the sign or be permitted within ten feet (10') of the right of way line of the street.

      5.   Directional Signs: Necessary directional ground signs, which shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area per sign, shall be permitted. Permission to erect such signs must be obtained from the board of appeals. The area and number of directional signs shall be excluded from the total allowable surface area and maximum number of signs permitted.

      6.   Signs Accessory To Roadside Stands: Subject to the following:

         a.   Content: The signs shall be only for the purpose of identification of the roadside stand and advertising the agricultural products for sale therein.

         b.   Area And Number: The signs shall be on the same zoning lot as the roadside stand, and shall be not more than four (4) square feet in area nor be closer than twenty five feet (25') to any other zoning lot.

         c.   Location: No sign shall create a traffic visibility hazard as defined by section 11-15-2 of this title or project beyond the property line into the public way.

         d.   Height: No sign shall project higher than nine feet (9') above curb level or established street grade in the absence of a curb level.

         e.   Other Permit(s): All roadside stands are subject to obtaining a direct sellers permit and/or comply with other regulations as required by this code. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

      7.   Changeable Message Signs: Subject to the following:

         a.   Area And Number: There shall be not more than one sign per lot. No sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area nor be closer than eight feet (8') to any other zoning lot.

         b.   Location: Sign(s) location(s) shall be as approved by the zoning administrator. Sign(s) shall be nonilluminated and shall not create a traffic visibility hazard as defined by section 11-15-2 of this title or project beyond the property line into the public way.

         c.   Height: No sign shall project higher than one story or fifteen feet (15') above the curb level or established street grade in the absence of a curb level, whichever is lower.

         d.   Display And Content: Such signs may be used only to advertise activities conducted on the premises or present public service information. Segmented messages must be displayed for not less than one-half (1/2) second and not more than ten (10) seconds. Traveling messages may travel no slower than sixteen (16) light columns per second and no faster than thirty two (32) columns per second. (Ord. 530, 6-8-2010)

   G.   Permitted Signs; No Permit Required: The following nonilluminated signs are permitted in business and industrial zoning districts without a permit:

      1.   Addresses: Numerals or letters bearing the building address, post box numbers or name(s) of occupants of residential premises.

      2.   Banners: Not to exceed twenty four (24) square feet in size, displayed for a maximum of thirty (30) days.

      3.   Construction Site Signs: Not to exceed twenty four (24) square feet in size.

      4.   Flags: Nonilluminated flags, symbols and insignia of any branch of government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion. All poles shall not exceed twenty feet (20') above the highest roofline or fifty feet (50') above the natural grade, whichever is lower.

      5.   Memorial Signs: Memorial signs.

      6.   Official Signs: Official signs.

      7.   Political Signs: Not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in size and to be removed no more than seven (7) days after the pertinent election.

      8.   Real Estate Signs: Not to exceed eight (8) square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which said signs are temporarily located.

      9.   Portable Signs: Not to exceed six (6) square feet in area per side or three feet (3') in height. No portable sign shall obstruct or impair access to a public sidewalk, public or private street or driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, or any other type of street furniture, or otherwise create a hazard, including a tripping hazard. Signs shall be designed to be stable under all weather conditions, including high winds. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

The following signs are not permitted anywhere in the village:

   A.   No sign will be permitted that resembles that size, shape, form or color of official traffic control signs, signals or devices.

   B.   Except as may be provided elsewhere in this chapter, no person shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right of way or public property or on private property so as to be seen from a public right of way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.

   C.   This section shall not prohibit "for sale" signs on vehicles for sale provided the vehicle is not parked on a public right of way.

   D.   No billboards may be erected in the village.

   E.   Roof signs.

   F.   Animated or flashing signs.

   G.   Attention getting devices including searchlights, propellers, pennants, streamers, ribbons, strings of light bulbs, spinners, balloons and similar devices, except for special occasions such as grand openings, and then only after having obtained a permit from the zoning administrator; and such permit shall be limited to fourteen (14) days.

   H.   Signs that contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character, such as those that will offend public morals or decency; and signs that advertise illegal activities or items.

   I.   Any sign or sign structure that constitutes a hazard to public health or safety and signs that are structurally unsafe or in disrepair.

   J.   Signs that by reason of size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of drivers, or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness or any traffic sign or other traffic control device on public streets and roads.

   K.   Any sign otherwise installed or maintained in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 542, 2-8-2011)

   A.   Removal: All signs shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when a business which it advertises has not been conducted for a period of three (3) months or when, in the judgment of the zoning administrator, such sign is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous or unsafe, whichever occurs first. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the zoning administrator may require the removal of the sign at cost of the owner, following adequate written notice.

   B.   Alterations: Any sign, which was erected before the adoption of this sign chapter, shall not be rebuilt or relocated without conforming to all of the requirements of this chapter.

   C.   Violations: All signs, including dangerous and abandoned signs, constructed or subsequently maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared public nuisances within the meaning of this code. The village board or zoning administrator may bring an action to abate the nuisance or cause its removal, in the manner set forth in Illinois statutes. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

Variances or exceptions to these sign regulations may be granted by the board of appeals. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

   A.   Signs Eligible For Characterization As Legal Nonconforming: Any sign located within the village of Stockton limits as of the date of adoption of this chapter or located in an area annexed to the village of Stockton hereafter which does not conform with the provision of this chapter is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted, provided it also meets the following requirements:

      1.   The sign was covered by a proper sign or zoning permit prior to the date of adoption of this chapter.

      2.   If no permit was required under the applicable law for the sign in question and the sign was in all respects in compliance with applicable law on the date of adoption of this chapter.

   B.   Loss Of Legal Nonconforming Status: A sign loses its legal, nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:

      1.   The sign is structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair;

      2.   The sign is relocated;

      3.   The sign fails to conform to the village requirements regarding maintenance and repair, abandonment or dangerous or defective signs;

      4.   On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be immediately brought in compliance with this chapter or shall be removed.

   C.   Legal Nonconforming Sign Maintenance And Repair: Nothing in this chapter shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property in which the sign is located from the provisions of this chapter regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs. (Ord., 10-14-2008)

   A.   Off Premises Business Signs:

      1.   Off premises business signs shall be a permitted special use; however, they can only be erected when the special need for the off premises business sign can be duly demonstrated to the zoning board of appeals pursuant to a petition and are subject to the guidelines of this section.

      2.   The size of all off premises business signs shall be subject to the provisions found elsewhere in this chapter.

      3.   No owner or user of an off premises business sign shall be permitted to increase the total gross surface area of any such sign without approval from the zoning board of appeals.

      4.   A special use permit for off premises business signs shall be granted for a ten (10) year period. (Ord. 543, 2-8-2011)