(A)   The sign regulations set forth in this subchapter are made in accordance with an overall plan and program for the public safety, preservation of property values, and the general welfare of the village. The enaction of these sign regulations will establish reasonable standards for commercial and other advertising through the use of signs in order to maintain and encourage business activity, and to avoid uncontrolled proliferation of signs. These are also intended to aid in traffic control and traffic safety; preserve and protect property values; lessen congestion of land and air space; provide against undue concentrations of signs which distract and endanger traffic safety and traffic flow; recognize the rights of the public in roads, streets, and highways; and to preserve the character of the village through a community plan that provides for a pleasant, healthful, spacious, clean, and well-balanced community.

   (B)   These sign regulations distinguish between on-premise and off-premise business signs. The restriction of off-premise business signs will significantly aid in the realization of the goals and purposes recited above.

   (C)   These sign regulations specifically distinguish between outdoor advertising sign structures and signs based on the specific finding that such structures are and have been and continue to be utilized for announcements of both a commercial and noncommercial nature, have been a traditional and lawful use of land in the village, and are a unique communication medium involving nationally standardized signs, which are generally made available to the public. At the same time, the regulations recognize that a limitation upon the size, number, and spacing of such structures is consistent with and will further the goals expressed in this subchapter.

(Ord. 2020-O-3, passed 2-18-2020)

      (1)   Any sign or outdoor advertising sign structure that is not specifically allowed or regulated in this subchapter is prohibited.

      (2)   No sign or outdoor advertising sign structure may be erected, constructed, established, maintained, enlarged, relocated, or changed by a person except in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.

      (3)   Permit required. No sign or outdoor advertising sign structure may be installed, erected, constructed, or placed without a permit from the Zoning Administrator, except as specifically provided for by this subchapter. The permit fee shall be as established from time to time by the Village Board of Trustees. No permit may be issued for a sign or outdoor advertising sign structure which is not permitted under this chapter or which is not in compliance with applicable construction codes.

      (4)   (a)   Permit applications for outdoor advertising sign structures (OASSs) shall include a site plan prepared by a licensed surveyor and drawn to scale. Said site plan shall, at a minimum, show the location of the footprint of the proposed OASS and the location of the footprint of any buildings and permanent commercial freestanding signs as defined by this chapter within 400 feet of the proposed footprint of any OASS measured along the same side of the street and around corners. The following signs need not be included in any survey: instructional or directional signs, real estate signs, temporary signs, political signs, noncommercial signs, or any official traffic control or direction sign.

         (b)   Applications shall also include color photographs (or color printouts of digital photographs) of the proposed OASS site from 100 feet to 200 feet from the proposed OASS from each direction along the street to which the OASS will be directed, with the approximate location of the proposed OASS marked on each photograph.

      (1)   No person shall erect, construct, establish, maintain, enlarge, or relocate any of the following signs which:

         (a)   Is structurally unsafe; or

         (b)   Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment; or

         (c)   Is not kept in good repair; or

         (d)   Is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come in contact with it; or

         (e)   Is supported by hanging or swinging from eye bolts, cables, or similar means.

      (2)   Any sign or outdoor advertising sign structure which, by reason of its size, location, content, coloring, or intensity of illumination, constitutes a traffic hazard or a detriment to traffic safety by obstructing or detracting from the visibility of any governmentally erected traffic sign or control device, or any sign which resembles a traffic sign or control device. This section shall not be construed to prohibit on-site directional signage that does not interfere with official traffic control signage.

      (3)   Signs or outdoor advertising sign structures which make use of words such as "stop", "look", "danger", or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

      (4)   Any sign or outdoor advertising sign structure which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exits.

      (1)   Any sign, whether temporary or permanent, or outdoor advertising sign structure, not erected by the village or its agents, which extends over or touches upon any village property or public right-of-way unless specifically permitted by this subchapter.

      (2)   Any nonconforming sign or outdoor advertising sign structure which refers to a business no longer in existence or in operation at the location advertised.

      (3)   Business signs advertising nonconforming uses which do not conform to the sign regulations of the most restrictive district where the nonconforming uses are permitted.

      (4)   Any sign or outdoor advertising sign structure unlawfully constructed, installed, erected, or maintained.

      (1)   Flags, banners, pennants, spinners, portable signs, and streamers are prohibited unless and only to the extent expressly allowed in this subchapter.

      (2)   Any signs with moving parts or the appearance of moving parts shall be regulated as follows:

         (a)   Any sign which has any visible moving part, visible revolving parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, including intermittent electrical pulsations, or by action of normal wind currents are prohibited even if indoors if they are visible from the right-of-way or residential areas with the exception of searchlights as permitted elsewhere by this subchapter.

         (b)   Electronic changing image signs, other than those permitted in division (D)(4) herein, shall be prohibited in residential zoning districts.

         (c)   Electronic changing image signs, other than portions of those signs displaying the current time and temperature, those signs permitted in division (D)(4) herein, and outdoor advertising sign structures, shall not change more than once in any 30-second period, and shall be restricted to instantaneous full-face changes. No wipes, fades, flashing, or similar effects may be employed.

         (d)   Except for those signs permitted in division (D)(4) herein and outdoor advertising sign structures, the maximum area of any sign face that may have a changing electronic image shall be 50% of the maximum allowable area of a sign face in the zoning district where the sign is located, or 25 square feet, whichever is smaller.

      (3)   Time and temperature signs shall be permitted in accordance with district regulations in this subchapter.

      (4)   Outdoor stadiums and indoor arenas with a seating capacity of 2,000 or greater shall be permitted to have one changing electronic message sign.

      (5)   (a)   Changing outdoor advertising sign structures (OASSs) are those whose face can automatically change by either digital or other mechanical means. They shall not change more than once in any ten-second period. Changes shall be instantaneous full-face changes; no effects (wipes, fades, flashing, etc.) may be employed. Changing OASSs with digital displays shall have a minimum resolution of 20 millimeters. Changing OASSs with digital displays shall be equipped with a system to regulate the intensity of lighting, reducing or increasing the light output as exterior light conditions fluctuate.

         (b)   The separation distance between any two changing OASSs shall be a minimum of 1,000 feet.

         (c)   Changing OASSs with digital displays which are capable of changing more than once per hour shall be directly connected to the regional emergency dispatch system in order that the emergency dispatchers would be able to override the message otherwise displayed on the OASS in favor of an emergency bulletin. The Director of METCAD orthe Director's designee shall have authority to direct such an override. Examples of an emergency justifying such override would be broadcasting from the statewide "Yellow Alert" system regarding abducted children or imminent weather bulletinswhere the other aspects of the emergency broadcast system (sirens, cable override) are activated.

      (1)   Permit and fee required. No special event sign or searchlight shall be erected or maintained on or over any property owned or controlled by the village by any person without first obtaining a permit issued by the Zoning Administrator, who shall consider the requirements and restrictions of this section in approving or disapproving the method of display, location, number, and sizes of signs. The permit fee shall be as established by the Village Board of Trustees (refer also to division (A)(3) above.

         (a)   Except as provided pursuant to this section, permits shall be granted for no more than ten special event signs to be displayed on any day. Where approved applications are received from more than one organization for such signs to be displayed on the same day, and the total number exceeds the maximum provided in this section, each organization shall receive a permit for a pro-rata number of such signs.

         (b)   Except as provided pursuant to this section, special event signs regulated by this section shall be no larger than: 50 square feet in surface area, in the case of banners, and four square feet, in the case of yard signs.

         (c)   Permits may be granted to not-for-profit corporations who have entered into agreements with the village for the display of special event signs which are advertising for public benefit signs or vexillum public promotion signs. Such agreement shall be for a duration of up to one year. Such agreements may be executed by the Village President after the form has been approved by the Village Attorney.

         (a)   Special event signs shall be displayed for not more than a consecutive 30-day period.

         (b)   No more than two days following the special event for which a sign permit is granted pursuant to this section, such special event signs shall be removed and the area where such signs have been displayed shall be cleaned and restored to its condition prior to display of such signs.

         (a)   Banners may be placed over public right-of-way or affixed to railroad and street overpasses, which are above public right-of-way.

         (b)   Yard signs may be located in the right-of-way only on major entryways and corridors including the following streets: U.S. Route 45 (a/k/a N. Long Street).

         (c)   Yard signs shall be located a minimum of 65 feet from any other yard sign, five feet from any curb cut.

         (d)   Except as provided for in division (E)(5) below, no signs regulated by this section shall be:

            1.   Affixed to public structures located in the right-of-way including but not limited to, utility poles, streetlights, trees or traffic control devices.

            2.   Erected in violation of any of the specific sign prohibitions set forth in division (B) above.

            3.   Be located within the visibility triangle setbacks as defined in § 154.009.

      (5)   Searchlights. A searchlight may be used for a special event, provided a permit is issued by the Zoning Administrator. The operation of the searchlights shall be limited to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but not between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. A searchlight shall be limited to a single beam, of no more than 1,600 foot candles. The light must be positioned so as to project a beam vertically, but not less than a minimum angle of 45 degrees from grade level, and must be designed and maintained so as to prevent beam rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways or adjoining property, and no light shall be of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any vehicles.

(Ord. 2020-O-3, passed 2-18-2020)

   The types of signs identified in this section shall not require a permit for installation, and shall comply with the restrictions or other requirements described in this section.

      (1)   The total area for all instructional and directional signs on any premise shall not exceed the area as specified below. Such signs shall not exceed three feet six inches in height. A business name or logo may be a part of an instructional or directional sign providing that it occupies less than 50% of the surface area.

      (2)   This is intended to allow exit and entrance signs to direct customer traffic. The total amount of signage relates to the zoning district.

 

 

      (1)   Such signs shall be presumed not readable from the right-of-way if the following conditions are met:

         (a)   The sign is placed a minimum of 20 feet from any adjacent street right- of-way.

         (b)   Letters on the sign are less than one and one-half inches in height.

         (c)   Pictures or logos on the sign are less than one and one-half square feet.

      (2)   This permits business which by their nature conduct a major portion of their business out-of-doors to communicate to on-site customers.

      (1)   One real estate sign per street frontage may be placed on a lot provided it is removed within ten days after closing and the total surface area of the sign does not exceed the following sizes:

 

 

      (2)   In addition to the signs permitted in the table above, a sign having an area not exceeding 35 square feet may be placed on undeveloped or developing property under the following circumstances:

         (a)   In subdivisions where four or more undeveloped lots exist. Said sign shall be allowed in lieu of individual lot signs.

         (b)   Where the individual undeveloped or developing property exceeds two acres.

   (D)   Construction site signs. Such signs shall not exceed 35 square feet in area. Such signs shall be placed only when visible work is being conducted upon the property and shall be removed within fourteen days of completion of the construction. For purposes of this type of sign, visible work shall include contractor trucks being located on site or work being conducted outside on the property or on the exterior of the structure located on the property.

      (1)   Signs erected by the village or its agents in the public right-of-way.

      (2)   Signs used to identify the street address of a building shall not exceed five square feet in area.

      (3)   Parking signs not exceeding six square feet in area.

      (4)   Signs required by federal, state, or local laws for the operation of certain businesses shall not exceed seven square feet.

      (5)   Public flags and one additional flag other than a public flag. The flag other than a public flag shall not exceed four feet by six feet and shall be mounted on a flag pole.

      (1)   No political election signs may be placed on any property without the permission of the owner of said property.

      (2)   The location, size and number of political election signs shall be in accordance with federal, state, and county laws, rules and regulations including, but not limited to the Illinois Campaign Sign Regulation Act, 10 ILCS 5/29-14.1.

      (3)   The maximum size of any one sign shall be six square feet.

(Ord. 2020-O-3, passed 2-18-2020)

      (1)   Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures attached to and parallel to walls, freestanding and parallel, to any part of which are within three feet of a wall may continue in existence, be rebuilt or maintained, but not enlarged or increased in height.

      (2)   Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures which are freestanding may continue in existence, be rebuilt or maintained, but not enlarged or increased in height provided that such structures shall be limited to:

         (a)   A maximum of 300 square feet of display space in CB Districts (back-to-back three hundred square feet display areas shall be permitted).

         (b)   A maximum of 600 square feet of display in all industrial zones, provided, that outdoor advertising sign structures which are currently in existence but which are removed and relocated to any but not less than a minimum angle of 45 degrees from grade level, and must be designed and maintained so as to prevent beam rays of light from being directed at new site which is in an industrial zone. Such relocated nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures shall not exceed 600 square feet in surface display or be located within 500 feet of another outdoor advertising sign structure measured along the same side of the street. Relocated nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures shall also meet separation height and setback restrictions. The relocation of such outdoor advertising structures shall occur within no more than 24 months following their removal. Such relocated outdoor advertising sign structures shall be deemed conforming when relocated in compliance with this division (B).

      (1)   Prohibited signs or outdoor advertising sign structures shall be removed or modified within 15 days notice from the Zoning Administrator.

      (2)   Signs which refer to businesses no longer in existence or operation at the locations advertised shall be removed within 15 days from the effective date of discontinuance of the business at the location advertised.

      (1)   Whenever it shall appear to the Zoning Administrator that any sign has been constructed or erected, or is being maintained in violation of any of the terms of this subchapter, or after a permit for a sign has been revoked or become void, or when a permit was never issued, the Zoning Administrator is empowered to issue a notice in writing to the owner or lessee of the sign, or the owner of the premises upon which the sign is erected or maintained. Such notice shall inform such person of the violation, and shall direct him or her to make such alteration, repair or removal as is necessary to secure compliance with this subchapter within a reasonable time limit as determined by the Zoning Administrator, which shall not be more than 60 days. The person receiving such notice shall comply with the terms thereof.

      (2)   Upon failure of the sign or outdoor advertising sign structure owner to comply with the terms of the notice of violation, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the Village Attorney to take appropriate legal action towards the person(s) named in the notice of violation.

(Ord. 2020-O-3, passed 2-18-2020)

      (1)   Signs in the residential districts may be erected at a maximum of one non-illuminated business on-premise sign, not exceeding one square foot in total surface area, in connection with a home occupation.

      (2)   Illuminated nameplates are permitted subject to the following regulations:

         (a)   In RS, R-I, and R-2 Districts a nameplate shall not exceed 48 square inches in area and shall indicate only the name or name and address of the occupant. There shall be not more than one such nameplate for each dwelling.

         (b)   In the R-3 district, only such a nameplate shall be permitted for a single family or a two-family dwelling.

      (3)   Signs in the R-4 District may be erected at a maximum of:

         (a)   One wall sign or signs with incised letters on stone background set as part of the building not to exceed four square feet.

         (b)   One freestanding sign per lot, located in the front or side yard provided that the total height of the freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet. The total area of the sign shall not exceed ten square feet if the lot the sign is located on does not exceed 20,000 square feet in size; 15 square feet if the lot exceeds 20,000 square feet in size.

      (4)   Signs for provisional uses are permitted in accordance with the standards in the underlying Zoning District.

         (a)   The sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area for a single business or 70 square feet for more than one business.

         (b)   The height of the sign shall not exceed 12 feet.

         (c)   For freestanding signs which advertise more than one business, at least 10% and not more than 65% of the total sign face shall be devoted to an individual business.

         (d)   When a lot is a corner lot, and when a freestanding sign is erected in the sign triangle, no additional freestanding sign may be erected with sign faces oriented in the same direction. If a four-sided sign is erected in the triangle, no additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on the lot.

         (a)   An oversized banner is limited to 25% of the area of the wall upon which it is placed. Such banners must be securely fastened to minimize wind movement.

         (b)   A searchlight is limited to a single beam of no more than 1,600 foot candles. Such lights must be positioned so as to project all beams vertically, but not less than a minimum angle of 45 degrees from grade level, and must be designed and maintained so as to prevent beam rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways or adjoining property, and no light shall be of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any vehicles. No searchlight may be operated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

         (c)   An inflatable sign or balloon may not exceed 25 feet in height and shall not obstruct visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering. Such signs shall be set back from any property line a minimum distance equal to the height of the balloon plus five feet, and shall maintain a ten-foot clearance from any overhead electrical wire. No more than one such inflatable device shall be allowed on any premises. Any such sign or balloon must be secured to minimize wind currents.

         (a)   On-premise business signs shall be permitted subject to the limitations as provided for in this subchapter and, except those signs in planned regional shopping centers, shall comply with this subchapter.

         (b)   When a lot is a corner lot, and when a freestanding sign is erected in the sign triangle, no additional freestanding sign may be erected with sign faces oriented in the same direction. If a four-sided sign is erected in the triangle, no additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on the lot.

      (6)   Grand opening signs. A business shall be permitted to display one temporary or portable sign per business frontage advertising or announcing a new on-site business for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date the business was started. The permit for a grand opening sign shall stipulate the number and type of temporary signs and dates of display. Additionally, within the first 30 days of the operation of a new on-site business, a business shall be permitted to display grand opening signage for a period of no more than three days running Friday through Sunday. This additional grand opening signage may include oversized banners, inflatable signs and balloons, and searchlights as limited below:

         (a)   An oversized banner is limited to 25% of the area of the wall upon which it is placed. Such banners must be securely fastened to minimize wind movement.

         (b)   A searchlight is limited to a single beam of no more than 1,600 foot candle. Such lights must be positioned so as to project all beams vertically, but not less than a minimum angle of 45 degrees from grade level, and must be designed and maintained so as to prevent beam rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways or adjoining property, and no light shall be of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any vehicle. No searchlight may be operated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

         (c)   An inflatable sign or balloon may not exceed 25 feet in height and shall not obstruct visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering. Such signs shall be set back from any property line a minimum distance equal to the height of the balloon plus five feet, and shall maintain a ten-foot clearance from overhead electric lines.

         (a)   On-premise business signs shall be permitted subject to the limitations as provided for in this subchapter.

         (b)   When a lot is a corner lot, and when a freestanding sign is erected in the sign triangle, no additional freestanding sign may be erected with sign faces oriented in the same direction. If a four-sided sign is erected in the triangle, no additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on the lot.

         (a)   A business shall be permitted to display one temporary or portable sign per business frontage advertising or announcing a new on-site business for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date the business was started. The permit for a grand opening sign shall stipulate the number and type of temporary signs and dates of display. Additionally, within the first 30 days of the operation of a new on-site business, a business shall be permitted to display grand opening signage for a period of no more than three days running Friday through Sunday.

         (b)   This additional grand opening signage may include oversized banners, inflatable signs and balloons, and searchlights as limited below:

            1.   An oversized banner is limited to 25% of the area of the wall upon which it is placed. Such banners must be securely fastened to minimize wind movement.

            2.   A searchlight is limited to a single beam of no more than 1,600 foot candle power. Such lights must be positioned so as to project all beams vertically, but not less than a minimum angle of 45 degrees from grade level, and must be designed and maintained so as to prevent beam rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways or adjoining property, and no light shall be of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any vehicles. No searchlight may be operated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

            3.   An inflatable sign or balloon may not exceed 25 feet in height and shall not obstruct visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering. Such signs shall be set back from any property line a minimum distance equal to the height of the balloon plus five feet, and shall maintain a ten-foot clearance from any overhead electrical wire. No more than one such inflatable device shall be allowed on any premise. Any such sign or balloon must be secured to minimize wind currents.

      (6)   Major retail stores. Single-user retail stores with 100,000 square feet of gross floor area or larger and located in the I-1 district are allowed one freestanding sign up to 100 square feet in area and may be a maximum height of 30 feet, if no other freestanding sign exists. Up to four wall signs may be installed on the principal elevation. One sign on the principal elevation may be up to 250 square feet, or other signs on the principal elevation may not exceed 150 square feet, and total signage on the principal elevation shall not exceed 7% of the total wall area.

(Ord. 2020-O-3, passed 2-18-2020)