This chapter establishes the regulations for the installation, design, erection, construction, engineering, alteration, maintenance, repair, removal, relocation, and use of signs which are meant to be observed from the exterior, together with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices and supporting structures, within the village for the following purposes:

   A.   To enhance the economy of the village by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signage and advertising. Attractive, readable signs can improve the appearance of the village by avoiding the "canceling out" effect of conflicting adjacent signs.

   B.   To enhance the physical appearance of the village. Signage which complements the architecture, is in keeping with the scale of a building and the zoning district, and makes for an easily understandable streetscape, results in a more appealing community.

   C.   To provide uniform regulations and orderly development of signage throughout the village.

   D.   To increase traffic safety by reducing distractions. With a reasonable level of signage confronting a motorist, one is better able to notice, consider and react to traffic control devices in a timely and safe manner.

   E.   To promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, morals, convenience, and general welfare of the residents of the village.

   F.   To promote signage appropriate to the zoning district and to assure compatibility of signage with surrounding land uses.

   G.   To recognize the critical nature of and encourage solutions for the special or unique signage needs and circumstances found within certain locations of the village.

   H.   The community development director or his/her designee shall be responsible for determining compliance with this chapter and approving any permit. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words or terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter, have the meanings indicated below:

ADVERTISING SIGN: Any sign for which the purpose is only advertising of a business, nonprofit, service, development, real estate, project, accommodation, attraction, event, or other enterprise or activity that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained, provided, or rendered, or signs which draw attention to or advertise an article or product manufactured, assembled, processed, repaired or sold.

ARTERIAL STREET: A street identified as "existing arterial" or "proposed arterial" in the village of Sugar Grove comprehensive plan transportation plan map.

AWNING OR CANOPY SIGN: Any hood, canopy or awning made of cloth, fabric, metal or other permanent construction materials projecting from the wall of a building supported solely by the building to which it is attached and which contains a sign.

BILLBOARD: A type of off premises sign owned by a person, corporation or other entity that engages in the business of selling the advertising space on that sign.

BOX OR CABINET SIGN: A type of wall mounted sign where lettering is placed on a box or cabinet unit consuming greater area than just the lettering alone consumes and that unit is attached to the wall.

BUSINESS ADVERTISING SIGN: A type of temporary sign used to advertise grand openings, temporary advertising, special events, etc., for a business in operation on the subject lot.

CHANNEL LETTER SIGN: A type of wall mounted sign where individual letters are joined together by a raceway attached to the wall.

COLLECTOR STREET: A street identified as "existing collector" or "proposed collector" in the village of Sugar Grove comprehensive plan transportation plan map.

COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN: A plan that shows all existing and proposed signage on a subdivision or lot.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Any sign for which the purpose is only providing directions, including traffic and emergency routing, identification of entrances and exits, and address or suite numbers.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (EMC) SIGN: A portion of a ground sign on which copy is changed electronically utilizing LED technology to do so.

EXCLUDED SIGN: Various signs listed in section 11-14-4 of this chapter that are generally excluded from requiring permits, inspections, and fees.

EXISTING NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which exists at the time of adoption of this chapter and is not in conformance with this chapter.

EXPOSED/REFLECTIVE LIGHTING: Bare, unshielded light, including neon, incandescent, and LED bulbs, lamps, or tubes.

FENCE MOUNTED SIGN OR FENCE SIGN: Any sign mounted directly to a fence.

FLUSH SIGN: Any sign that is even with the background surface or else projects no more than two inches (2") from the background surface.

FREESTANDING/SINGLE-TENANT BUILDING: A building which contains or is intended to contain only one user or tenant.

GASOLINE STATION FUEL PRICE SIGN: A type of electronic message center that is a portion of a ground sign indicating the price of up to three (3) grades of gasoline.

GROUND MOUNTED SIGN OR GROUND SIGN: Any sign mounted to the ground, whether it is a monument sign or a pole sign.

ILLUMINATED SIGN: Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outline illuminated by electric lights, luminous tubes or any other means of illumination, whether external or internal.

INDIVIDUAL LETTER SIGN: A type of wall mounted sign where individual letters are not joined together by a raceway on the wall.

INFORMATIONAL SIGN: Any sign for which the purpose is only providing general information, including property regulation, names of owners or buildings, public notification, municipal information, memorials, holiday decorations, nonadvertising flags, and menu boards.

LANDSCAPED AREA: A portion of a lot that is not covered by a specified use, building, structure, or paved area.

MAILBOX MOUNTED SIGN OR MAILBOX SIGN: Any sign mounted directly to a mailbox.

MANUAL CHANGEABLE MESSAGE CENTER (MMC) SIGN: A portion of a ground sign on which copy is changed manually in the field.

MENU BOARD: A type of ground sign that displays a restaurant menu.

MONUMENT SIGN: A type of ground sign where the sign is in full and continuous contact (from edge to edge) with the ground and is not a pole sign (or variant thereof).

MOUNTING HEIGHT: The top of the sign as measured from the grade.

MULTI-TENANT BUILDING: A building which contains or is intended to contain more than one tenant.

NIT: A unit of illuminative brightness equal to one candle per square meter, measured perpendicular to the rays of the source.

NONPROFIT OR GOVERNMENTAL EVENT SIGN: A type of temporary sign used to advertise, provide directions, or provide information about a nonprofit or government service, attraction, event, or other nonprofit or government enterprise or activity.

NONRESIDENTIAL SIGN: Any sign, whether excluded from permit or requiring permit that may be located in the A-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, BP, OR-2, M-1, and I-1 districts of the village of Sugar Grove; or on a property where the principal building(s) is not a single- family detached dwelling, single-family attached dwelling, or multi-family dwelling; or in the senior residential district a sign that may be located on a type 2 permitted use property.

OPAQUE: Impenetrable by light, not translucent, not transparent.

PAVED AREA: A portion of a lot that is not covered by a specified use, building, structure or landscaped area.

PERMANENT SIGN: Any sign permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground; a sign not designed to be moved from place to place.

PERMITTED SIGN: Various signs listed in sections 11-14-7 through 11-14-11 of this chapter that generally require a permit, inspection, and fee before they are erected, constructed, altered, removed, relocated, or used.

PLATTING UNIT: A development may be divided into multiple units or phases. This term refers to those units or phases.

POLE SIGN: A type of ground sign where the sign is in less than full and continuous contact (from edge to edge) with the ground and is not a monument sign. A pole sign may be single-pole, two- pole, etc.

POLITICAL SIGN: Any sign announcing candidates seeking public office or expressing political issue positions.

PROHIBITED SIGN: Various signs listed in section 11-14-5 of this chapter that are generally not allowed in any form or placement by any means.

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR/FINANCING ADVERTISING SIGN: A type of temporary sign used to only advertise the company or companies' name(s) (such as architect, engineer, contractor and/or financing institutions) and contact information within a subdivision or lot that has been approved, but where construction was completed less than five (5) days ago in a nonresidential subdivision/lot or where ninety percent (90%) of occupancy permits have not yet been issued in a residential subdivision.

PROJECT DIRECTIONAL SIGN: A type of temporary sign used to display directional information and some advertising within a residential subdivision that has been approved, but where ninety percent (90%) of occupancy permits have not yet been issued.

PROJECT MODEL HOME INFORMATIONAL SIGN: A type of temporary sign used to display model home location information and some advertising within a residential subdivision that has been approved, but where ninety percent (90%) of occupancy permits have not yet been issued.

PROJECT SALES AND MARKETING SIGN: A type of temporary sign used to advertise sales and marketing information within a residential subdivision that has been approved, but where ninety percent (90%) of occupancy permits have not yet been issued.

PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign which is mounted to a building such that the sign message is perpendicular to the wall it is mounted to and projects beyond the plane of the wall (excluding awning or canopy signs).

REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING SIGN: A type of temporary sign used only to advertise the land within a subdivision or a lot for sale, lease, or rent and with contact information.

RESIDENTIAL SIGN: Any sign, whether excluded from permit or requiring permit that may be located in the E-1, R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts of the village of Sugar Grove; or on a property where the principal building(s) is a single-family detached dwelling, single-family attached dwelling, or multi-family dwelling; or in the senior residential district a sign that may be located on a type 1 permitted use property.

SIGN: Any display, device, notice, figure, painting, drawing, message, placard, poster, bulletin board, symbol, letter, word, numeral, emblem, trademark, flag, banner, pennant or other thing which is designed, intended or used to advertise or direct attention to, provide directions, or inform.

By this chapter, all signs fall into one of the following divisions of each of the following classes of signs. Signs may be according to:

A. Legal type: excluded, prohibited, existing nonconforming, or permitted.

B. Permanence: permanent or temporary.

C. Zoning: nonresidential, residential.

D. Mounting location: ground mounted, wall mounted (including awning, canopy, and projecting), fence mounted, or mailbox mounted.

E. Sign purpose: advertising, directional, informational, decorative, political, or nonprofit/governmental event.

F. Illumination: illuminated or nonilluminated.

G. Other specific types of signs may be further defined in this chapter, especially in the excluded and prohibited sign sections.

A sign is a type of accessory structure.

Also, as used in this chapter, "sign" may be used to refer to the sign face only or both the sign structure and sign face together.

SIGN FACE: In a sign, the area that includes the extreme limits of the lettering/writing, logo/emblem or other representation or display, together with any material framing or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the sign structure, wall, or other backdrop against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself.

SIGN STRUCTURE: In a ground sign, the portion of the ground sign not including the sign face.

TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign not permanently affixed to a building structure or the ground; a sign designed to be in place for a limited amount of time. Temporary signs primarily include, but are not limited to, signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self-supporting and movable; paper, plastic, cardboard, or canvas signs wrapped around supporting poles.

TENANT PANEL: A single panel or portion of a sign face which is used to advertise a single lot within a nonresidential subdivision or which is used to advertise a single tenant within a multi-tenant building.

TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN: A type of electronic message center that is a portion of a ground sign indicating current time and temperature only.

WALL MOUNTED SIGN OR WALL SIGN: Any sign mounted to, attached to, part of, or painted on the exterior wall of a building or structure, including canopies and awnings, projecting signs, and window signs.

WINDOW MOUNTED SIGN OR WINDOW SIGN: Any sign mounted or attached to, placed next to or within three feet (3') of, part of, or painted on an exterior glass door or window and which is located on the exterior or located on the interior in such a manner that it is visible from the exterior, but excludes merchandise in a window display. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014; amd. Ord. 2014-08-05B, 8-5-2014; Ord. 2015-05-05F, 5-5-2015)

This chapter regulates all signs and places them into four (4) general categories: excluded signs (signs generally not requiring permits, inspections, and fees, but which still must meet various requirements), prohibited signs (signs not allowed in any form or placement by any means), existing nonconforming signs (any sign that exists lawfully at the time this chapter is adopted that may be continued according to certain regulations), and permitted signs (signs requiring permits, inspections, and fees and which must meet various requirements).

   A.   It shall be unlawful to install, design, erect, construct, engineer, alter, maintain, repair, remove, relocate, and use signs in the village except as provided by this chapter.

   B.   In its interpretation and application, this chapter shall be held to provide the requirements necessary for the promotion and protection of the public health, safety and general welfare.

   C.   Where the regulations imposed by any provision of this chapter are inconsistent with comparable provisions of any other ordinance, the more restrictive provisions shall control.

   D.   Where any portion of this chapter is inconsistent with the intent of the highway advertising control act of 1971 (the act), and with customary usage thereunder, then that portion and only that portion of this chapter shall be considered superseded, and only to the specific extent that the act thus supersedes that portion of this chapter.

   E.   Where any portion of this chapter is inconsistent with the federal highway beautification act of 1965, then that portion and only that portion of this chapter shall be considered superseded, and only to the specific extent that said federal law supersedes that portion of this chapter.

   F.   This chapter shall apply insofar as it is not contrary to the respective provisions of any applicable annexation agreement, now or hereafter authorized by law.

   G.   If the applicant requests approval of signage at the same time as approval of a special use or planned unit development under the Sugar Grove zoning ordinance, the signage shall be approved under the special use procedure of the said Sugar Grove zoning ordinance, but by using the standards of this chapter, where applicable, for the evaluation and consideration of the signage. Signs approved as part of a special use or planned unit development are not relieved from requiring a sign permit. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

The following signs are excluded from requiring permits, inspections, and fees unless exceptions are noted. The following signs do need to meet the general requirements of subsection 11-14-7B of this chapter and the requirements below:

   A.   Permanent, wall or fence or ground mounted, informational:

Property regulating signs. Signs regulating the use of a property, such as "No Trespassing", "No Hunting", "No Fishing", "Beware Of Dog", towing signs, etc., of no more than four (4) square feet in area and not located in the right of way.

Public utility company signs. Signs indicating danger or which serve as an aid to public safety or which show the location of underground utilities of no more than four (4) square feet in area and may be located in the right of way.

   B.   Permanent, wall or mailbox mounted, directional:

Address numbers. Address numbers of the building are allowed and required to meet the requirements of section 13-1-3 of this code. The numbers may be included on permanent, ground mounted, advertising signs for nonresidential lots without counting toward the allowable sign area calculation.

   C.   Permanent, wall mounted, informational:

Residential nameplates. Signs displaying resident names. One sign is allowed of no more than one square foot in area.

Nonresidential integral signs. Signs denoting names of buildings, names of officers and officials and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials. Two (2) tablets are allowed of no more than four (4) square feet in area each.

Nonresidential bulletin boards. Bulletin boards for government or nonprofit institutions. One bulletin board is allowed of no more than twelve (12) square feet in area.

   D.   Permanent, wall mounted, advertising:

Residential home occupation. Advertising a home occupation business name only. One sign is allowed of no more than one square foot in area.

   E.   Permanent or temporary, ground mounted, directional or informational:

Public traffic and emergency signs. Traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, danger signs, and temporary emergency signs of any size and number may be, with the owner's permission, located in the right of way or on private property.

Village of Sugar Grove signs. Public hearing, community entrance, community center, or wayfinding signs of any size may be, with the owner's permission, located in the right of way, except for public hearing signs which must be located according to subsection 11-13-8D of this title.

   F.   Permanent, ground mounted, informational:

Memorial signs. Gravestones, head markers, memorial statuary, plaques, or other remembrances of persons or events which are noncommercial in nature. These signs shall not be located in the right of way.

   G.   Temporary, ground mounted, advertising:

Residential or nonresidential real estate advertising signs. Only advertising the platted and recorded lot and/or building space for sale, lease, or rent and with contact information. These include builder signs and/or lot markers for single-family lots. One sign is permitted, unless the lot abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. Each sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet and must be located upon the lot being sold, leased, or rented. These signs shall be removed within five (5) days following the sale, lease, or rental of the property being advertised for sale, lease, or rent. These signs shall not be located in the right of way. If a sign is utilized under this section, no additional real estate advertising sign can be permitted under section 11-14-10 of this chapter.

   H.   Temporary, wall or fence or ground mounted, advertising:

Residential garage or patio sale signs. Temporary signs including, but not limited to, garage sale, patio sale, yard sale, porch sale, basement sale or any similarity thereto. One sign is permitted, unless the lot abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. Each sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet and must be located upon the lot where the sale is taking place. These signs shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours following the completion of the sale. These signs shall not be located in the right of way. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

   I.   Temporary, wall mounted, advertising or informational:

Nonresidential window signs. Signs may not exceed forty percent (40%) of an individual window and may not frame the window. These signs are limited to first floor windows and may not be internally illuminated but may utilize exposed/reflective nonflashing lighting. If they involve the use of electricity including prewired/cord with plug, they require an electrical permit. (Ord. 2015-05-05F, 5-5-2015)

   J.   Temporary, wall or fence or ground mounted, decorative:

Residential holiday decorations. Decorations customarily and commonly associated with a national, local, religious, or secular holiday, celebration, or anniversary provided that such decorations shall not be displayed for more than ninety (90) consecutive days.

   K.   Temporary, wall or fence or ground mounted, political:

Residential or nonresidential political signs. Temporary signs for political purposes. There is no limit to the number of signs on each zoning lot, however a maximum of sixteen (16) square feet of sign on each residential zoning lot and a maximum of thirty two (32) square feet of sign on each nonresidential zoning lot shall apply. These signs shall not be located in the right of way or sight triangle.

   L.   Temporary, ground mounted, nonprofit/governmental event:

Residential or nonresidential nonprofit or governmental event signs. Temporary signs for nonprofit organizations or government agencies advertising temporary events. One sign is permitted per lot, unless the lot abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. Each sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet on a residential zoning lot or thirty two (32) square feet on a nonresidential zoning lot. With the written permission of the property owner, these signs may be located off site of the nonprofit organization location. These signs shall not be displayed for more than fifteen (15) consecutive days in any three (3) month time period. These signs shall not be located in the right of way.

   M.   Any sign one square foot or less, up to five (5) per lot, nonresidential lots only. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

The following signs are not allowed in any form or placement by any means unless exceptions are noted:

   A.   Right of way signs (signs located on the ground in the right of way or mounted on an object that is located on the ground in the right of way, except as allowed for certain excluded signs, see section 11-14-4 of this chapter).

   B.   Off premises signs (signs, including billboards, that draw attention to or advertise a business, nonprofit, service, development, real estate, project, accommodation, attraction, event, or other enterprise or activity that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained, provided, or rendered elsewhere other than the lot on which the sign is located or signs which draw attention to or advertise an article or product not manufactured, assembled, processed, repaired or sold upon the lot which the sign is located or signs providing directions to a lot other than the one on which they are located or signs providing information for a lot other than the one on which they are located are not allowed unless specified in section 11-14-4 of this chapter).

   C.   Roof mounted signs (signs mounted upon or above a roof or parapet).

   D.   Pole signs (ground signs utilizing exposed poles for their support, except as for nonresidential directional signs, as outlined in subsection 11-14-9B of this chapter).

   E.   Accessory structure mounted signs (signs mounted on accessory structures, except for gasoline station canopy signs, as outlined in subsection 11-14-9A3 of this chapter).

   F.   Moving or rotating signs (signs, sign structures and/or sign faces that physically move or rotate, except barber's poles).

   G.   Painted signs (signs which are painted directly onto any exterior wall of any building or other structure).

   H.   Exposed/reflective lighting signs (bare, unshielded light, including neon, incandescent, and LED bulbs, lamps, or tubes on the exterior of a sign or structure). Shop window signs are not included in this prohibition (see subsection 11-14-4I of this chapter).

   I.   Nuisance signs (signs which emit an audible sound or visible matter).

   J.   Hologram signs (signs utilizing hologram technology).

   K.   Electronic or flashing signs (signs which exhibit changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever, whether stationary or animated, whether direct or indirect, except for electronic message center (EMC) signs, as outlined in subsection 11-14-9A3 of this chapter).

   L.   Strobe lights.

   M.   Searchlights.

   N.   Banners, balloons, streamers, spinners, posters, cold air inflatable devices, and A-frame (sidewalk or sandwich board) signs are not allowed unless permitted as part of a temporary sign permit as outlined in section 11-14-11 of this chapter.

   O.   Portable signs (signs which are intended to be moved from site to site; these are typically trailer mounted and utilize a manual changeable message center or readerboard).

   P.   Vehicle/trailer signs (when the vehicle/trailer is parked so as to be visible from a public right of way where the apparent purpose is to advertise or direct people to a business located on the same or nearby property and where the vehicle/trailer has been parked in the same place for more than 48 hours).

   Q.   Objectionable signs (signs which contain characters, cartoons, statements, works or pictures of an obscene, indecent, prurient, or immoral character or are untruthful).

   R.   Confusing signs (signs which interfere with, obstruct the view of, or may be confused with traffic and emergency signs or emergency and construction vehicle signs/lights by way of their position, shape, color, content, size, manner of illumination, etc.).

   S.   Hazardous signs (signs which constitute a hazard to public health or safety, including, but not limited to, signs which obstruct ingress/egress from any fire escape, door, window, ventilation, etc.).

   T.   Obsolete signs (signs which were in place to serve a business, nonprofit, service, development, real estate, project, accommodation, attraction, event, or other enterprise or activity, etc., no longer in operation or signs which were in place to advertise products, provide directions, or provide information for something that no longer is available, accurate, and/or useful. In the case of wall signs, these must be removed within 45 days of the cessation of operations. In the case of ground signs, these must be either removed entirely [sign face and sign structure] or removed and replaced by a blank tenant panel [sign face only] within 45 days of the cessation of operations. A permit is required for removal or removal and replacement. If this requirement is not complied with, the community development director or his/her designee may remove or cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof.).

   U.   Manual changeable message centers (MMC) or readerboards.

   V.   Any sign not listed as excluded in section 11-14-4 of this chapter or permitted in sections 11-14-7 through 11-14-11 of this chapter is prohibited. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

Any existing, nonconforming sign that exists lawfully at the time this chapter is adopted may be continued according to section 11-5-2 of this title, except that:

   A.   Replacement of sign faces, which is otherwise considered a nonstructural repair and eligible to be undertaken without being considered an extension or intensification of the nonconformity, shall only be allowed if the sign face meets the requirement of being opaque. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

Permitted signs are permitted subject to the requirements below:

   A.   Sign Permit: A sign permit application (including sign plan) is required to be submitted and approved before the installation, design, erection, construction, engineering, alteration, major repair, removal, relocation, or use of all signs in this section. It shall be the responsibility and duty of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which such sign is to be located, or the sign owner, if different therefrom, to secure a proper sign permit. In the case of new developments or complete redevelopments, a comprehensive sign plan shall be submitted. In the case of signage modifications to existing developments, information on existing signs may be required to be submitted. Also, an electrical permit application is required to be submitted for signs involving illumination, whether external or internal. Signs are considered accessory structures or appurtenances and shall comply with all applicable provisions of the village of Sugar Grove building code.

   B.   General Requirements: These requirements apply to all permitted signs and excluded signs where applicable:

      1.   Ground signs shall be set back from all property lines a minimum of one foot (1') for every one foot (1') in height and in the case of side and rear lot lines no closer than ten feet (10').

      2.   Ground signs shall be set back from all drive aisles that access a public street a minimum of one foot (1') for every one foot (1') in height.

      3.   Ground signs shall not be placed in the sight triangle as defined in section 11-4-11 of this title.

      4.   Ground signs shall be set back a minimum of ten feet (10') from electric power poles.

      5.   Ground signs shall not be located within the paved area of a parking lot and must be located in a landscaped area.

      6.   Ground signs shall not exceed their respective maximum allowed height plus five feet (5') when measured from the crown of the roads adjacent to the property on which the sign is placed.

      7.   Ground sign lettering shall be at least three inches (3") in height, except along arterial and collector roads it shall be at least six inches (6") in height, except for tenant panel lettering which in all cases shall be at least three inches (3") in height.

      8.   With respect to two (2) sided, multisided, or three-dimensional signs, the sign surface area shall be computed by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information that can be seen at any one time by a person from one vantage point. Without otherwise limiting the generality of the foregoing:

         a.   The sign surface area of a double faced, back to back sign shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign, so long as the distance between the backs of such signs does not exceed three feet (3'). If the various sides are unequal, then the largest is counted for area calculation purposes. Also, both sides of the sign must display the same content.

         b.   The sign surface area of a double faced sign constructed in the form of a "V" shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign (the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the angle of the "V" does not exceed thirty degrees (30°) and at no point does the distance between the backs of such sides exceed five feet (5').

      9.   The area of a sign face shall be computed by including the entire area within a single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight (8) straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse.

      10.   Wall sign permitted area calculations are based on each side of a building facing a lot line, unless the walls facing a side are more than fifteen feet (15') apart, then the walls are each counted separately for calculation purposes.

      11.   Wall sign permitted area is limited to a maximum of one square foot for every one foot (1') in width of the building side, with a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet.

      12.   Wall signs for tenants of multi-tenant buildings must be placed on the portion of the wall in which the tenant occupies and the allowable area for these signs is limited to one square foot for every one foot (1') in width of the tenant space, with a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet for the building side. Also, the wall sign may not be mounted within one foot (1') of the tenant space division line. The wall sign shall generally be centered on the tenant space. If the tenant is not adjacent to an exterior wall, the tenant is not allowed to have wall mounted advertising signage.

      13.   Wall signs shall not project beyond the property line of the property in question.

      14.   Wall signs shall not extend beyond the wall of the building more than eighteen inches (18"), except for awning or canopy and projecting signs (see subsection 11-14-9E of this chapter).

      15.   Wall signs shall be mounted so that the center of the wall sign does not exceed the actual proposed or constructed building height, except that no portion of the sign shall exceed the height of the wall to which it is attached. "Building height" is as defined by section 11-3-2 of this title.

      16.   Flagpoles shall be set back a minimum of ten feet (10') from all property lines and may be placed in any yard.

      17.   All temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

      18.   Excluded signs do not count toward wall sign allowable area calculations. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

Specific permitted signs and specific requirements:

   A.   Permanent, Ground Mounted, Advertising: There are two (2) types permitted:

      1.   Residential, single-family subdivision ten (10) or more acres in size: Monument signs only advertising the subdivision name and must include the lettering "of Sugar Grove" at a height of three inches (3") in the official village of Sugar Grove font and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection D of this section. When signs and monuments are located at both sides of a street, directly across from one another, they are considered to count as only one sign. One sign is permitted for a ten (10) to fifty (50) acre subdivision. Two (2) signs are permitted for a fifty one (51) to ninety nine (99) acre subdivision. One additional sign is permitted for each additional one hundred (100) acres over the first ninety nine (99) acres. These signs are not permitted for subdivisions under ten (10) acres. All single-family platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes. These signs may not be internally illuminated.

      2.   Residential, multi-family subdivision three (3) or more acres in size: Monument signs only advertising the subdivision name and must include the lettering "of Sugar Grove" at a height of three inches (3") in the official village of Sugar Grove font and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection D of this section. One sign is permitted. These types of signs are not permitted for subdivisions under three (3) acres. All multi-family platting units with similar housing type within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes. These signs may not be internally illuminated.

   B.   Permanent, Ground Mounted, Directional:

Residential: For lots with multiple multi-family buildings, monument signs only that state directions within the lot such as "Entrance" or "Exit" or list address/suite numbers for directional purposes and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection D of this section. One is allowed per building. These signs may not be illuminated.

   C.   Permanent, Wall Or Ground Mounted, Informational:

Residential flags: Up to five (5) total United States, state of Illinois, county, and municipal flags, nonprofit or cause flags, or sports flags none of which are the same are permitted per lot, subject to the maximum flagpole height and maximum height, width, and area for the flag specified in subsection D of this section.

   D.   Table:

 

(Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

Specific permitted signs and specific requirements:

   A.   Permanent, Ground Mounted, Advertising: There are two (2) primary types and one secondary type permitted:

      1.   Nonresidential, subdivision ten (10) or more acres in size: Monument signs only advertising the subdivision name and must include the lettering "of Sugar Grove" at a height of three inches (3") in the official village of Sugar Grove font at the top of the sign with up to five (5) tenant panels for five (5) individual lots within that subdivision and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection G of this section. Tenant panels are counted as part of the allowable sign face area. Tenant panels may include building name if the lot includes a multi-tenant building or up to two (2) of the following if the lot includes a freestanding/single-tenant building: business name, logo, type of business. Only one business may be listed per panel. All panels on a sign shall utilize the same style and be either flush, cutout push through, or raised no more than six inches (6"). One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. All nonresidential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      2.   Nonresidential lot: There are three (3) subtypes permitted:

         a.   Lot with multiple buildings: Monument signs only advertising the subdivision name and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection G of this section. One sign is permitted, unless the lot abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way.

         b.   Lot with multi-tenant building: Monument signs only advertising the building name at the top of the sign with up to four (4) tenant panels for four (4) individual tenants within that building and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection G of this section. Tenant panels are counted as part of the allowable sign face area. Tenant panels may include up to two (2) of the following: business name, logo, type of business. Only one business may be listed per panel. All panels on a sign shall utilize the same style and be either flush, cutout push through, or raised no more than six inches (6"). One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way.

         c.   Lot with freestanding/single-tenant building: Monument signs only advertising up to two (2) of the following: business name, logo, type of business and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection G of this section. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way.

      3.   Nonresidential lots with freestanding/single-tenant buildings only are also allowed the following on one sign:

         a.   Electronic message center (EMC) signs utilizing LED technology are permitted subject to the following standards:

            (1)   Display Area: No more than forty percent (40%) of the allowable sign face shall be dedicated to the EMC, up to a maximum of twenty (20) square feet of EMC area.

            (2)   Design: The EMC area must be integral to the design of the sign and shall not be the dominant element. The EMC portion of the sign face shall not be the uppermost element. It shall be located mostly in the bottom one-half (1/2) of the sign face.

            (3)   Display Duration: The EMC message shall remain fixed for a minimum of five (5) seconds before changing its appearance.

            (4)   Brightness And Color: The EMC must not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the driver, or result in a nuisance to the driver. Any one of the following colors are permitted for electronic display with a black background or field and the EMC light intensity shall not exceed the following luminous intensity levels (measured in nits):

 

 

The installed EMC shall not physically be able to produce nit levels higher than the sunrise to sunset maximum listed above. A written certification from the EMC manufacturer that the light intensity has been preset by the factory not to exceed the sunrise to sunset maximum listed above and is secured with password protected software or other method deemed appropriate by the village to ensure there can be no tampering of the light levels by the end user shall be submitted. A photoelectric sensor shall be installed on the sign structure and set to register the ambient light produced at sunset on any given day. This ambient light level shall determine the cutoff between the two (2) maximum luminous intensity levels. Upon installation of the EMC, a community development department staff person or consultant shall confirm compliance with the light intensity levels.

            (5)   Effects: The EMC message shall not grow, melt, X-ray, scroll, write on, travel, inverse, roll, twinkle, snow, rotate, flash, blink, move, spin, wave, or rumble or present pictorials or other animation. The message shall be limited to alphanumeric characters.

            (6)   Malfunction: The EMC shall be programmed to automatically turn off or be turned off within twenty four (24) hours of a malfunction.

            (7)   Setbacks From Residential Areas: The sign must be set back a minimum distance of two hundred feet (200') from any abutting properties planned, zoned, or used for residential use.

            (8)   Time And Temperature Signs: Time and temperature signs shall be considered a type of EMC and meet the same standards.

            (9)   Gasoline Station Fuel Price Signs: Gasoline station fuel price signs shall be considered a type of EMC and meet the standards listed above with the exception that there may be two (2) electronic message centers per lot (1 per ground sign).

   B.   Permanent, Ground Mounted, Directional:

Nonresidential: Monument or two-pole signs only that state directions within the lot such as "Entrance" or "Exit" or list address/suite numbers and the respective business name for directional purposes and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection G of this section. Three (3) signs are allowed per lot, with the exception of lots with multiple buildings which are allowed one per building. Advertising matter is not allowed on these signs. These signs may not be illuminated. These are permitted in addition to those permitted by subsection F of this section.

   C.   Permanent, Ground Mounted, Informational:

Nonresidential menu boards: Two (2) menu boards are permitted for drive-through restaurants, subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection G of this section.

   D.   Permanent, Wall Or Ground Mounted, Informational Or Advertising:

Nonresidential flags: Up to five (5) total United States, state of Illinois, county, and municipal flags, nonprofit or cause flags, or business flags none of which are the same are permitted per lot, subject to the maximum flagpole height and maximum height, width, and area for the flag specified in subsection G of this section. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

   E.   Permanent, Wall Mounted, Advertising:

Nonresidential: The following types of wall signs are permitted: flush, individual letter or channel letter signs (no box or cabinet signs except for logos only), awnings or canopies, projecting signs, or window signs. Only one of these four (4) types of signs are permitted on any one building with the exception that window signs can be used in addition to one of the other types of signs. Wall signs may be placed on any wall that contains the public entrance of the use or building, faces a public street, faces off street parking or a private drive, or does not directly face a residential zoned property. Wall signs may advertise up to two (2) of the following: business name, logo, type of business, with the exception that window signs do not have this limitation. There is no limit on the number of wall signs. There is a limit on total area as specified by subsection 11-14-7B of this chapter. Wall signs are further limited as follows:

      1.   Awnings Or Canopies:

         a.   Shall not project more than four feet (4') out from the wall surface on which it is mounted.

         b.   Shall be placed at least nine feet (9') above the grade below.

         c.   Shall not be internally illuminated.

         d.   Shall be opaque.

         e.   The entire canopy is counted toward the allowable wall sign area calculation.

         f.   The business name, logo, and/or type of business information shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the awning or canopy area (as measured by the vertical height of the awning or canopy).

         g.   Shall be placed such that the majority of the awning or canopy is above windows and doors.

      2.   Projecting Signs:

         a.   Shall not project less than eighteen inches (18") nor more than three feet (3') out from the wall surface on which it is mounted.

         b.   Shall be placed at least nine feet (9') above the grade below.

         c.   Shall not be internally illuminated.

         d.   Shall be constructed of wood.

         e.   Shall be limited to nine (9) square feet.

      3.   Window Signs:

         a.   Shall only be placed on first floor windows.

         b.   Shall not be internally illuminated.

         c.   May utilize exposed/reflective nonflashing lighting.

      4.   Gasoline Station Canopies: Gasoline station canopies are permitted to have signage mounted to the side of the canopy. These special accessory structure mounted signs are not counted with the principal structure for wall area calculation purposes. They are limited to eight percent (8%) of the surface area of each canopy side. These signs must be flush, individual letter or channel letter signs (no box or cabinet signs except for logos only). These signs are limited to up to two (2) sides of a canopy facing public rights of way. These signs may either advertise the business name or the logo. There is a limit of two (2) signs. Each gasoline station pump is also permitted one sign at a maximum of four (4) square feet. Like other ground mounted signs, these signs may be double faced and still count as one sign. These signs do not count toward the wall area calculation and they may either advertise the business name or the logo and may include a video screen. (Ord. 2016-08-16A, 8-16-2016)

   F.   Permanent, Wall Mounted, Directional:

Nonresidential: Signs that state directions within the lot such as "Entrance" or "Exit" or list suite numbers and the respective business name for directional purposes and subject to the maximum height, width, and area for the structure and face specified in subsection G of this section. Three (3) signs are allowed per lot, with the exception of lots with multiple buildings which are allowed one per building. Advertising matter is not allowed on these signs. These signs may not be illuminated. These are permitted in addition to those permitted by subsections B and E of this section.

   G.   Table:

 

(Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

   A.   Temporary, ground mounted, advertising: There are eleven (11) types permitted:

      1.   Nonresidential or residential, real estate advertising signs for parcels or subdivisions or lots ten (10) or more acres in size. Only advertising the land for sale, lease, or rent and with contact information. If a building exists on the site, this type of sign may not be utilized. Instead, a sign from subsection B1 of this section may be utilized. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed sixty four (64) square feet. They also may not exceed eight feet (8') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is twelve feet (12'). These signs shall be removed within five (5) days following the sale, lease, or rental of the property being advertised for sale, lease, or rent. If a sign is permitted under this paragraph, no additional real estate advertising sign can be permitted under subsection 11-14-3G of this chapter.

      2.   Nonresidential, real estate advertising signs for parcels or subdivisions or lots under ten (10) acres in size. Only advertising the land for sale, lease, or rent and with contact information. If a building exists on the site, this type of sign may not be utilized. Instead, a sign from subsection B1 of this section may be utilized. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is eight feet (8'). These signs shall be removed within five (5) days following the sale, lease, or rental of the property being advertised for sale, lease, or rent. If a sign is permitted under this paragraph, no additional real estate advertising sign can be permitted under subsection 11-14-3G of this chapter.

      3.   Nonresidential, project construction/contractor/financing advertising signs for subdivisions ten (10) acres or more in size. Only advertising the company or companies' name(s) and contact information for the project under construction on that subdivision. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed sixty four (64) square feet. They also may not exceed eight feet (8') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is twelve feet (12'). These signs shall be removed within five (5) days after completion of the project. All nonresidential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      4.   Nonresidential, project construction/contractor/financing advertising signs for subdivisions under ten (10) acres in size or individual platted and recorded lots. Only advertising the company or companies' name(s) and contact information for the project under construction on that subdivision or lot. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is eight feet (8'). These signs shall be removed within five (5) days after completion of the project. All nonresidential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      5.   Residential, real estate advertising signs for parcels or subdivisions or lots five (5) to ten (10) acres in size. Only advertising the land for sale, lease, or rent and with contact information. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is eight feet (8'). These signs shall be removed within five (5) days following the sale, lease, or rental of the property being advertised for sale, lease, or rent. If a sign is permitted under this section, no additional sign can be permitted under subsection 11-14-3G of this chapter.

      6.   Residential, project construction/contractor/financing advertising signs for subdivisions over one hundred (100) acres in size. Only advertising the company or companies' name(s) and contact information for the project under construction on that subdivision. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet. They also may not exceed ten feet (10') in height and ten feet (10') in width. Maximum mounting height is fourteen feet (14'). These signs shall be removed once ninety percent (90%) of the occupancy permits have been issued. All residential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      7.   Residential, project construction/contractor/financing advertising signs for subdivisions ten (10) to one hundred (100) acres in size. Only advertising the company or companies' name(s) and contact information for the project under construction on that subdivision. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed sixty four (64) square feet. They also may not exceed eight feet (8') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is twelve feet (12'). These signs shall be removed once ninety percent (90%) of the occupancy permits have been issued. All residential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      8.   Residential, project construction/contractor/financing advertising signs for subdivisions under ten (10) acres in size. Only advertising the company or companies' name(s) and contact information for the project under construction on that subdivision. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate right of way. These signs may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is eight feet (8'). These signs shall be removed once ninety percent (90%) of the occupancy permits have been issued. All residential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      9.   Residential, project sales and marketing advertising signs for subdivisions. Only displaying sales and marketing information for the project under construction on that subdivision. One sign is permitted per one hundred (100) acres of subdivision area and each must be spaced six hundred feet (600') from any other such sign. These signs may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is eight feet (8'). They may not be located along the subdivision's external boundaries or arterial or collector streets. These signs shall be removed once ninety percent (90%) of the occupancy permits have been issued. All residential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      10.   Residential, project directional signs for subdivisions. Providing directions (some advertising is permitted) within the project under construction on that subdivision. One sign is permitted per one hundred (100) acres of subdivision area and each must be spaced six hundred feet (600') from any other such sign. These signs may not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and four feet (4') in width. Maximum mounting height is eight feet (8'). They may not be located along the subdivision's external boundaries or arterial or collector streets. These signs shall be removed once ninety percent (90%) of the occupancy permits have been issued. All residential platting units within one development are considered to be one subdivision for these purposes.

      11.   Residential, project model home informational signs for subdivisions. Providing identification of the model home's location (some advertising is permitted) within the project under construction on that subdivision. One sign is permitted for each model home lot. These signs may not exceed twelve (12) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and three feet (3') in width. Maximum mounting height is four feet (4'). These signs shall be removed once ninety percent (90%) of the occupancy permits have been issued or that home ceases to be used as a model, whichever comes first.

   B.   Temporary, wall mounted, advertising: There is one type permitted:

      1.   Nonresidential, real estate advertising signs for lots. Only advertising the building space for sale, lease, or rent and with contact information. If a building exists on the site, this is the only type of real estate advertising sign that may be utilized. One sign is permitted, unless the site abuts two (2) or more public rights of way. In that case, up to two (2) signs are permitted. If two (2) signs are utilized, they each must be placed along a separate side of the building fronting a public right of way. These signs may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. They also may not exceed four feet (4') in height and eight feet (8') in width. Maximum mounting height is eight feet (8'). These signs shall be removed within five (5) days following the sale, lease, or rental of the property being advertised for sale, lease, or rent. If a sign is permitted under this paragraph, no additional real estate advertising sign can be permitted under subsection 11-14-3G of this chapter. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)

   A.   Temporary, ground or wall mounted, advertising: There is one type permitted:

      1.   Nonresidential, business advertising signs. Only advertising a business in operation on the lot. These may be for grand openings, temporary advertising, special events, etc., but must be located on site.

         a.   Number: Up to four (4) signs may be displayed simultaneously (as long as they advertise the same event).

         b.   Area: The total area of all temporary signs displayed at one time shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet, and no temporary sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet.

         c.   Height: The maximum height shall be ten feet (10') for freestanding temporary signs.

         d.   Type: Permitted temporary signs include banners, posters, flags and A-frame (sidewalk or sandwich board) signs constructed of a durable material. Balloons, streamers, spinners, pennants, cold air inflatable devices are not permitted.

         e.   Illumination: Temporary signs shall not be internally illuminated.

         f.   Duration: Temporary signs are limited to a sixty (60) day maximum display period per calendar year, but no single display period shall exceed thirty (30) days. The maximum display period may be split into increments, with a separate permit to accompany each increment (e.g., zoning lot A may apply for 4 separate 15 day periods, 12 separate 5 day periods, 2 30-day periods, or any combination adding up to a total of 60 days); provided, however, that all such signs may not be erected prior to one minute after twelve o'clock (12:01) A.M. on the first date of the permit and must be removed by eleven fifty nine o'clock (11:59) P.M. on the date of the expiration of the permit.

In addition to the foregoing, no temporary sign(s) used for advertising a grand opening of a new business shall be displayed for more than one period of time not exceeding thirty (30) consecutive days and only if displayed within one hundred twenty (120) days of occupancy of a building or tenant space.

In the case of single zoning lots with multiple tenants, all of the above provisions apply for each tenant.

         g.   Permits: Up to four (4) signs shall only be required to pay one fee for each increment of time applied for. Permit fees shall not be reduced or prorated due to the applicant's choice to select a permit for a shorter period of time than they are otherwise entitled.

         h.   Mobile Vendors: Mobile vendors (title 3, chapter 8 of this code) or vendors permitted as a temporary use (section 11-4-8 of this title) may have one temporary advertising sign with permission from the property owner of the host lot and a permit from the village. (Ord. 2016-06-07, 6-7-2016)

This chapter includes design standards, engineering requirements, and maintenance and repair requirements and apply as specified below:

   A.   Design Standards: The items listed below shall be met with all permitted permanent signage:

      1.   Sign design and layout shall be carefully integrated with site and building design to create a unified appearance for the total property.

      2.   Signs shall be designed to be compatible with the building design in terms of relative scale, overall size, and quantity.

      3.   Permanent ground sign structure materials and color shall match the building's materials and color.

      4.   All permanent advertising and directional signs on a lot shall utilize uniform scale, materials, and colors.

      5.   Signs on lots with older buildings are encouraged to use a typeface from the period the building was built or renovated.

      6.   All sign typefaces shall be chosen for their simplicity and clarity.

      7.   Channel letter sign raceways shall be painted to match the wall color. Returns and trim caps shall either match the wall color or be of a dark color. All returns and trim caps on a building shall match each other.

      8.   Ground sign structure and sign face design shall express high quality construction.

      9.   Ground signs shall be located near the center of the lot frontage when possible.

      10.   Ground signs shall be placed generally with the sign face perpendicular to the lot frontage, rather than parallel to the lot frontage.

      11.   Ground sign faces or individual panels on ground signs with multiple allowed panels shall each be limited to no more than three (3) colors.

      12.   Ground sign faces shall have an opaque background, at least as dark as the background surface. Ground sign face lettering may be translucent.

      13.   For signs that are permitted to be illuminated, either externally or internally, they shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded or shaded light sources directed solely at the sign, or internal to it so that the light intensity or brightness does not create either a nuisance to adjacent property or a traffic hazard for motorists and pedestrians. More specifically, externally illuminated signs shall produce no more than 10.0 foot-candles of illumination when measured at night five feet (5') perpendicular from the sign.

   B.   Engineering: The items listed below are to be met with all permitted permanent signage.

      1.   All applicable building code requirements must be met, including structural materials, wind load, and safety requirements.

      2.   All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of thirty (30) pounds per square foot and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the village of Sugar Grove building code.

      3.   All glass that is part of a sign shall be safety glass.

   C.   Maintenance/Repair: All signage shall be maintained in a clean, safe, neat and orderly condition and in good working order, including all illumination sources at all times. Signs shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable village of Sugar Grove building code requirements. No permit is required for general maintenance and minor repairs, however a permit is required for major repairs.

   D.   Compliance: If any sign shall become unlawfully installed, designed, erected, constructed, engineered, altered, maintained, repaired, relocated, or used in violation of any of the ordinances of the village (except obsolete signs which have their own separate provision), the owner thereof, or the person or firm maintaining the same, shall, upon written notice of the community development director or his/her designee, within not more than ten (10) days, make such sign conform to the ordinances of the village or shall remove it. If after ten (10) days the order is not complied with, the community development director or his/her designee may remove or cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof. (Ord. 2014-01-07A, 1-7-2014)