Stratford City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Signs and Billboards
§ 590-65 Purpose.
Outdoor signs of all types are to be regulated to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of Stratford, and preserve the scenic and natural beauty of the Village. It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising distraction and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, to reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, and to provide more open space.
§ 590-66 Definitions.
The following definitions are used in this article:
AWNING
A temporary hood or cover which projects from the wall of a building, which can be retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of a supporting structure.[1]
DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN
Any sign designed to give any artificial light directly through any transparent or translucent material from a source of light originating within or on such sign.
DIRECTORY SIGN
Any sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building is given. This shall include office and church directories.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE UNIT SIGN
Any sign whose message may be changed by electronic process, including such messages as copy, art, graphics, time, date, temperature, weather or information concerning civic or charitable events or the advertising of products or services for sale on the premises. This also includes traveling or segmented message displays.[2]
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 SIGN
Any sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building. (Also referred to as "freestanding sign.")[3]
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
Any sign which carries only the name of the firm, major enterprise, institution or principal products offered for sale on the premises or combination of these.
INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign that is illuminated from a source outside of the actual sign.
MARQUEE
A permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building wall at an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall and generally designed and constructed to provide protection against weather.
MARQUEE SIGN
Any sign attached to and made part of a marquee.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
Any sign which does not conform to the regulations of this article.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground which is designed to be easily moved from one location to another.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign extending more than 18 inches but less than five feet 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.
ROOF SIGN
Any sign erected upon or over the roof or parapet of any building.
SIGN
Includes anything that promotes, calls attention to or invites patronage of (or anything similar to the aforementioned) a business, location or product.
TEMPORARY SIGN
Any sign intended to be displayed for a short period of time, including real estate, political or construction site signs and banners, decorative-type displays or anything similar to the aforementioned.
WALL SIGN
Any sign attached to, erected on or painted on the wall of a building or structure and projecting not more than 18 inches from such wall.
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign located completely within an enclosed building and visible from a public way.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "billboard" which immediately followed this definition was deleted at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II). See § 590-72E(1).
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
[3]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
§ 590-67 Applicability.
A.
Regulations apply to all districts. The requirements of this article apply to all signs in all districts, unless specifically exempted or excluded.
B.
Governmental signs excluded. For the purpose of this chapter, "sign" does not include signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function or required by law, ordinance, or governmental regulations. All other signs and outdoor advertising are hereby regulated.
§ 590-68 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs eligible for characterization as legal nonconforming. Any sign located within the Village of Stratford limits on the date of adoption of this article or located in an area annexed to the Village of Stratford hereafter which does not conform to the provisions of this article is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted, provided that it meets the following requirements:
(1)
The sign was covered by a proper sign permit prior to the date of adoption of this article.
(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 article.
B.
Loss of legal nonconforming status.
(1)
A sign loses its nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:
(a)
The sign is structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with requirements of this article than it was before alteration.
(b)
The sign is relocated.
(c)
The sign fails to conform to the Village requirements regarding maintenance and repair, abandonment or dangerous or defective signs.
(2)
On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be immediately brought in compliance with this article with a new permit secured therefor or shall be removed.
C.
Legal nonconforming sign maintenance and repair. Nothing in this article shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property on which the sign is located from the provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
§ 590-69 General requirements.
A.
Illumination. Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ only light emitting a light of constant intensity, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving light or lights. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device therefrom be directed or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance as determined by the Zoning Administrator. All signs shall be screened from beaming on residential windows. Rotating or moving time and temperature signs shall not be restricted by this subsection.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B.
Awnings. Awnings containing printed messages or advertising shall be considered projecting signs and subject to the same requirements as other signs. For purposes of interpretation, only that portion of the awning containing the advertising or lettering shall be treated as a sign.
C.
Height limitation. No sign shall exceed 30 feet in height above the street pavement or sidewalk grade nearest to the sign.
D.
Rooftop signs. Rooftop signs shall be allowed as a conditional use only.
E.
Banners. No permanent sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of banners, strings of lights, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving devices. The use of such devices may be allowed as temporary signs subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator and exhibited for a period not to exceed 30 days.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
F.
Name of owner. All signs hung and erected shall be plainly marked with the name of the person, firm or corporation hanging or erecting the sign, and should any sign be or become unsafe or in danger of falling, the owner thereof or the person maintaining the same shall, upon receipt of written notice from the Zoning Administrator, proceed at once to put such sign in a safe and secure condition or remove the sign.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
G.
Signs in public right-of-way prohibited. No sign shall be placed in any public right-of-way or publicly owned property except publicly owned signs, such as traffic control signs and directional signs, and projecting signs in the B-1 General Commercial District which may extend over a sidewalk portion of a public right-of-way to a point no closer than three feet to the curb.
H.
Exceptions for certain signs in parks. The only exceptions to the prohibition of signs in public rights-of-way are signs promoting community, service, fraternal, or youth organizations which are specifically approved by the Plan Commission for a specific period of time.
§ 590-70 Sign permit.
A.
Permit required. Except as provided in § 590-71, no person shall erect, relocate, reconstruct or maintain any sign or cause any sign to be erected, relocated, reconstructed or maintained within the Village of Stratford without first having obtained and having in force and effect a permit therefor from the Zoning Administrator.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B.
Permit fees. A permit fee as set by the Village Board shall be paid to the Zoning Administrator for each sign permit issued under this chapter; provided, however, that a fee shall not be charged for putting an existing sign in conformance with this chapter or for a copy change when no change in business name is involved.
C.
Sign applications.
(1)
Applications for a sign permit shall be made on forms provided by the Zoning Administrator or Village Clerk and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(a)
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(b)
Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(c)
Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign.
(d)
Written consent of the owner or lessee of the building, structure, or land to which or upon which the sign is to be affixed.
(e)
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.
(f)
A scale drawing indicating the location and position of such sign on the property and in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
(g)
Copies of any other permit required and issued for said sign, including the written approval by the Zoning Administrator. In the case of illuminated signs, the Zoning Administrator shall examine the plans and specifications, inspecting all wiring and connections in regard to the sign to determine if the same complies with the State Electrical Code.
(h)
Additional information as may be required by the Zoning Administrator or Plan Commission, if involved.
(2)
Action. Sign permit applications shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator, who shall review the application for its completeness and accuracy and approve or deny, in writing, the application within 30 days of receipt from the applicant unless the time is extended by written agreement with the applicant.
(3)
Time limitation. A sign permit shall become null and void if work authorized under the permit has not been completed within six months of the date of issuance.
§ 590-71 Signs exempt from permit requirement. [1]
The following types of signs do not require the issuance of a sign permit:
A.
Real estate for sale and for rent signs. A sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the premises upon which the sign is located not to exceed 32 square feet in area, except in the R-1 through R-4 Districts, where the area of the sign shall not be more than six square feet, except that signs up to 32 square feet may be used to advertise undeveloped lots in a new subdivision for a period no longer than two years after the issuance of a sign permit and where such signs are located at least 150 feet from the nearest dwelling.
B.
Professional nameplates. Professional nameplates not to exceed one square foot in area.
C.
Address signs. Signs denoting the name and address of the occupants of the premises and not to exceed two square feet in area.
D.
Garage sale signs. Garage or porch sale signs of less than four square feet which are removed within two days after the event.
E.
Political signs or other temporary signs. See § 590-75.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
§ 590-72 Requirements for signs requiring permit.
A.
Noncommercial and bulletin boards. On-premises signs or bulletin boards customarily incidental to places of worship, libraries, museums, social clubs, societies, public institutions and apartment buildings shall be permitted when they do not exceed 25 square feet in area and when they are located on the premises of such institution or building. Each premises shall be permitted only one sign which shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
B.
Residential districts. No sign shall be erected in any residential district except as provided herein:
(1)
One unlighted professional, commercial or announcement sign or nameplate only and not over six square feet in area with maximum height of five feet.
(2)
Public, semipublic, religious or charitable institutions (holding a tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service) may have an identification or directory sign not over 24 square feet in area.
C.
On-premises commercial and institutional signs.
(1)
In a commercial, industrial, or institutional district, each business or institution shall be permitted two signs and one changeable letter signboard, except that a business located on a corner lot may be allowed one additional building wall-mounted sign or lettering on a side street building wall.
(2)
Only one of the permitted signs may be a freestanding or post sign.
(3)
The area of all permanent advertising signs shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each linear foot of lot frontage. In the case of a corner lot, the lot street frontage for purpose of this subsection shall be considered the longest width. However, the total on-premises sign area of all signs for a single business shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(4)
In the case of a multi-tenant business such as a shopping center, each tenant shall be allowed two square feet of outdoor advertising sign per linear foot of tenant space frontage.
(5)
Interior advertising within a shopping mall shall not be subject to this article.
D.
Shopping center signs.
(1)
A shopping center or shopping mall may erect one freestanding or post sign, except that if such shopping center is located on a corner lot or a through lot and if the least dimension of such lot is 500 feet or more, two freestanding or post signs may be permitted.
(2)
No more than one sign may be located on the same street frontage.
E.
Off-premises signs and billboards.
(1)
Off-premises signs and billboards are hereby defined as advertising signs advertising goods or services not provided on the parcel in which the sign is located. Further, off-premises signs can be used for public service messages, political messages and for public awareness messages. The off-premises signs are subject to the same maximum size and setback restrictions as in Subsection E(3) and (6) below.
(2)
Off-premises signs may be allowed only within the B-3 Highway Commercial District, and further off-premises signs may be allowed only on streets or highways designated as part of the state trunk highway system.
(3)
The maximum size for off-premises signs is 300 square feet, with a maximum of 600 square feet per structure in cases of back-to-back signs, and the maximum height shall be 30 feet.
(4)
Off-premises signs shall be no less than eight feet off the ground at their lowest point.
(5)
Off-premises signs shall not be located within 200 feet of a residential dwelling that is properly zoned residential nor within 100 feet of another off-premises sign.
(6)
All types of off-premises advertising structures must be set back a minimum of 15 feet from any public road right-of-way.
(7)
Existing off-premises signs that become nonconforming as a result of this article shall not be subjected to maximum limits of repair in the event they are damaged.
(8)
All off-premises signs shall be kept in good condition through proper maintenance and periodic painting of the signs and structures.
§ 590-73 Restrictions on billboard location.
No billboards shall be erected within 100 feet of the intersecting right-of-way of signalized intersections, and no billboards shall be erected within 50 feet of the intersecting right-of-way of all other streets.
§ 590-74 Regulations for on-premises signs.
A.
Post signs.
(1)
Post signs are signs in excess of six feet in height supported by a single pole or support structure.
(2)
The maximum area of the face of any post sign shall be 100 square feet.
(3)
The maximum height shall be 30 feet.
(4)
The minimum clearance over driveways and parking areas shall be 15 feet.
(5)
The pole support of a post sign shall not be less than 40 feet from any lot in any residential district.
(6)
More than one sign may be attached to one or more posts and be classified as one sign when a group of businesses occupies one or more than one building on one lot. The total sign surface area on the face of the post sign, including the individual sign, shall not exceed 100 square feet. The individual businesses signs attached to posts shall be included in the total allowable signage for each individual business.
B.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs must be set back 30 feet from any residentially zoned lot or existing single- or two-family residence, except in situations where the dwellings are on the same lot as the business placing the sign.
(2)
Freestanding signs must be set back 15 feet from any street or driveway intersection or at their lowest point be six feet above grade to permit proper corner traffic vision.
(3)
Within the I-1 Industrial District all freestanding signs shall have a minimum setback of 15 feet from any public road right-of-way and shall not be placed in any side or rear yard, except those necessary for traffic control, directional or safety purposes. (For the I-2 District see the Protective Convents Deeds Restrictions for Stratford Business/Industrial Park.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. A600, Stratford Business/Industrial Park.
C.
Projecting and nonprojecting building wall-mounted signs and wall or mounted sign lettering.
(1)
Each business shall be allowed one building wall-mounted sign or one set of sign lettering except as allowed elsewhere in this section.
(2)
The total size of all building wall-mounted signs and building lettering for each business shall not exceed the maximum signage area allowed for each business.
(3)
For purposes of this chapter, the size of building lettering without a defined border shall be calculated as the average height of the letters times the total width of all letters.
§ 590-75 Temporary signs.
A.
General. Temporary signs not exceeding 50 square feet in area announcing special public or institutional events, the erection of a building, the architect, the builders, or the contractors may be erected for a period of 60 days plus the construction period.
B.
Political signs. A sign containing a political message as defined in § 12.04, Wis. Stats., shall not exceed 25 square feet in any residential district, and the time for posting such signs is limited to the election campaign period as defined in § 12.04, Wis. Stats.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
§ 590-76 Portable trailer signs and signboards.
A.
Size limitations. Portable trailer signs or signboards shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
B.
Temporary use only. Trailer signs and signboards shall not be located in a residential district for a period exceeding 48 hours or in a nonresidential district for a period exceeding 90 days in any calendar year, except when stored outside the view from public rights-of-way, on the owner's lot in a nonresidential district.
C.
Lighted portable signs. Lighted portable trailer signs shall require both an electrical permit and a sign permit. Such signs may not project over the public right-of-way or include flashing lights or lights that may be confused with traffic or emergency lights. They may not be allowed to use projector lamps, inside silvered lamps, or exterior exposed lamps. Such signs must also be labeled by a recognized testing laboratory and shall include a ground fault interrupter (GFI) device.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
§ 590-77 Obsolete and abandoned signs.
All signs considered to be obsolete or to be abandoned, such as signs identifying or advertising businesses, services or products no longer available, shall be removed within 90 days of notice by the Village at the owner's expense or at the expense of the sign contractor to whom the last permit was issued. Signs that normally employ changeable copy shall not be subject to this provision except in cases where the sign went with no copy or obsolete copy for a period exceeding six months.
§ 590-78 Exceptions.
Exceptions from the sign requirements in this article may be authorized by the Plan Commission and approved by the Village Board after specific finding by the Plan Commission that such exception is reasonable and necessary under special circumstances for which the exception is requested and that such exception will not violate the intent of these provisions. Exceptions shall be processed as conditional uses subject to necessary public hearings and all of the other provisions of this chapter with respect to conditional uses. The Plan Commission may stipulate conditions it deems necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
§ 590-79 Installation and maintenance.
A.
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.
B.
Exceptions to height and setback requirements. Signs may be allowed in the setback area if they are below three feet or are pole-mounted and above 10 feet to the bottom of the sign. The pole diameter of pole-mounted signs shall not exceed 12 inches and such signs shall not interfere with reasonable vision clearance.
C.
Prohibitions.
(1)
No sign shall be erected so that any portion of the sign or its supports attach to or interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit, any required stairway, door, ventilator or window.
(2)
No sign shall be erected that will interfere with, obstruct, confuse or mislead traffic.
D.
Searchlights. The Zoning Administrator may permit the temporary use of a searchlight for advertising purposes in any district, provided that the searchlight will not be located in any public right-of-way, will not be located closer than 10 feet to an adjacent property and will not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining properties. Searchlight permits shall not be granted for a period of more than five days in any six-month period.
§ 590-80 Wind pressure and dead load requirements.
All billboards, signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of area and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the Building Code or other ordinances of the Village of Stratford.