Sign regulations, including provisions to control the type design, size, location and maintenance thereof, are hereby established in order to achieve among others the following purposes:

   (a)   To promote attractive neighborhoods and maintain the high value of Country Home Districts;

   (b)   To provide for reasonable and yet appropriate conditions for advertising goods sold or services rendered in Business Districts;

   (c)   To provide for appropriate signs for identification of and encouragement for further growth of offices, laboratories and industrial development;

   (d)   To control the design of signs so that their appearance shall be aesthetically harmonious with their surroundings and an overall design for the area; and

   (e)   To eliminate any conflict between advertising (or identification) signs and traffic control signs which would be hazardous to the safety of the motoring public or pedestrian.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Signs shall be designed, erected, altered, reconstructed, moved or maintained, in whole or in part, in accordance with the type, design, size, location, illumination and other provisions set forth in this chapter.

   The construction, erection, safety and maintenance of all signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Building and Housing Code of the Village. The provisions of this chapter shall not amend or in any way interfere with other codes, rules or regulations governing traffic, temporary or other signs within the Village.

   The display of official public notices, the flag, emblems or insignia of a political unit, or temporary displays in connection with a recognized charity drive or homecoming activities, shall not be governed by the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   Sign Defined. "Sign" means any display, figure, word, number, symbol, geometric shape, model, painting, drawing, placard, letter, poster, pennant, insignia, device or other structure or representation, or combination thereof, visible from a public way, which is designed, intended or used to convey a message, advertise, inform or direct attention to a person, institution, organization, business activity, place, object or product.

   (b)   Classification by Functional Type.

      (1)   "Abandoned sign" means a sign which no longer directs or exhorts or which no longer advertises a bona fide business, lessor, lessee, owner, product or activity conducted or available on the premises where the sign is located.

      (2).   "Agricultural sign" means a sign that relates to agricultural products grown within any district.

      (3)   "Billboard" means a sign directing attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment or any other activity sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than upon the same lot on which the sign is located.

      (4)   "Bulletin board" means an announcement sign which directs attention to and which is located on the lot of a public or semi-public institution, or of a charitable or religious facility.

      (5)   "Business sign" (general advertising) means a sign advertising the name of the business or establishment, the goods or commodities sold and/or brand names thereof, or services rendered on the lot on which the sign is located. (The terms "advertising" and "brand names" distinguish business signs from identification signs.)

      (6)   "Development sign" means a sign directing attention to the promotion, development or construction of a building, subdivision or property on the parcel of land on which the sign is located and which bears the name, address, sublot number or other identifier of the contractor or the name, owner or manager of the development.

      (7)   "Directional sign" means a sign intending to direct the safe flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and includes "enter," "exit" and arrow signs. Standard traffic devices may be used if approved by the Safety-Service Director.

      (8)   "Flashing sign" means any illuminated sign which exhibits changing light or color effects.

      (9)   "Identification sign" means a sign, other than a nameplate, indicating the name, owner, manager and/or address of an existing building or business. (The term "name" may include the type of goods sold or services rendered, but not brand names.)

      (10)   "Illuminated sign" means a sign that has characters, letters, figures, designs or an outline illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes as part of the sign proper, or which is illuminated by the reflector method.

      (11)   "Industrial sign" means a sign directing attention to the name of the business or establishment, the goods or commodities sold and/or services rendered on the lot on which the sign is located.

      (12)   "Informational sign" means a sign which is designed to give general information to the public concerning areas of natural scenic beauty or outdoor recreation facilities and similar information, or indicating a condition on the property which requires the exercise of ordinary care, or which provides public safety information or other public information.

      (13)   "Integral sign" means a sign indicating the name of a building, the date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like, when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or when made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent-type construction and made an integral part of the structure.

      (14)   "Memorial sign" means a sign designed, intended or used to preserve the memory of a person, place or event, including landmark and historical plaques.

      (15)   "Mural or pictorial sign" means an artistic scene or picture devoid of any advertising or commercial aspects, slogans, words, letters, script, numbers, diagrams or text, which is printed or painted upon any wall of a building or structure.

      (16)   "Nameplate" means a sign indicating the name, address or profession of the person or persons occupying the lot, building or part of a building.

      (17)   "Permanent sign" means a sign which is designed or intended to be used indefinitely or which is used indefinitely without a change in its state or place.

      (18)   "Political sign" means a sign promoting or opposing any candidate seeking any political office or promoting or opposing any ballot measure to be voted upon by the voters of the Village.

      (19)   "Real estate sign" means a sign directing attention to the promotion, development, construction, rental, sale or lease of the property on which it is located.

      (20)   "Security sign" means a sign indicating that the property is protected by a security surveillance system of any nature.

      (21)   "Temporary sign" means a sign of any type to announce charitable, educational, religious, civic or community affairs of a public or semi-public nature and designed for use for a limited period of time. Such a sign may be suspended over public property or any other location only by permission of the Safety-Service Director. Such a sign may be a banner, pennant or poster constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard or wall board and may be displayed twenty-one days prior to and three days after the affair.

   (c)   Classification by Structural Type.

      (1)   "Attraction devices" refers to animation, revolution, movement up-and-down or sideways and windblown devices such as ribbons, pennants, spinners and streamers, whether part of a sign or not.

      (2)   "Canopy sign" means a sign attached to the soffit or fascia of a canopy, to a covered entrance or walkway, or to a permanent awning or marquee.

      (3)   "Ground sign" means a free-standing sign which has a supporting base designed as an integral part of the sign and resting totally or primarily on the ground.

      (4)   "Pole sign" means a sign which is supported wholly by a pole or poles, posts or braces upon the ground and which is not attached to any building.

      (5)   "Portable sign" means a sign which is designed to be portable and is not permanently attached to any part of a building or permanently anchored to the ground.

      (6)   "Projection sign" means a sign, other than a wall sign, erected on the outside wall of a building and which projects out at an angle therefrom, extending more than fifteen inches from the face of the wall of the building, wall or other structure and supported thereby.

      (7)   "Roof sign" means a sign erected upon and completely over the roof of any building or a sign constructed or wholly maintained upon or over the roof or parapet wall with the principal support on the roof.

      (8)   "Temporary sign" means a sign applying to a seasonal or other brief activity, constructed of cloth, paper or fabric of any kind, with or without a frame.

      (9)   "Wall sign" means a sign integral with the exterior face of an exterior wall of a building, or attached to the wall or parallel with the wall and extending no higher than the ridge lines on the top of the parapet wall and projecting not more than twelve inches from the wall.

      (10)   "Window sign" means a sign attached or affixed to the interior surface of windows or doors of a building.

   (d)   Measurement of Sign Area. The surface area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire area within a regular, geometric form, or combinations of regular, geometric forms, comprising all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed, together with any material or color used to differentiate the sign from the environment or surroundings in which it is placed. Only one side of any double-faced ground, pole or projecting sign shall be included in calculating surface area, provided that the two display surfaces are joined at an angle not greater than fifteen degrees. Frames and structural members, not being advertising matter, shall not be included in computation of surface area.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Signs, as permitted in all use districts, shall be designed to be compatible in character and style with regard to materials, color and size of the building, other signs designed or located on the same building and other signs on adjoining buildings, in order to produce an overall unified effect, and shall be designed in accordance with the standards set forth in this section. Signs shall be reviewed with respect to each of the provisions of this section and shall require approval by the Planning Commission.

   (a)   Continuity. Signs shall be considered in relationship to their surrounding environment and, if seen in series, should have a continuity of design.

   (b)   Style and Color. The style of a sign shall be generally consistent throughout the particular building or block involved; the color of signs shall be a component of the color of the building facade and the total number of colors on a sign shall be limited to four.

   (c)   Lettering. The lettering on a sign shall be large enough to be easily read but not overly large or out of scale with the building upon which it is placed. An excessive amount of information on signs, where visual clutter could create a potential safety hazard to motorists or pedestrians, shall not be permitted. All letters, figures, characters or representations in cut-out or irregular form maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.

   (d)   Materials. Signs shall be fabricated on and out of materials which are of good quality and good durability and which are complementary to the building of which they become a part.

      (1)   When noncombustible outdoor signs or display structures are required by this chapter, all parts, including the supporting structure, shall be of noncombustible material, provided, however, that wood, approved plastic or other material not more combustible than wood or approved plastic shall be permitted for small ornamental moldings, cappings, nailing strips, individual letters, symbols, figures and insignia, and on the face of a sign, provided that the aggregate area of such facing for any sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

      (2)   All metal parts used in any sign or structure, supports and braces shall be of corrosion-resistant material or shall be galvanized and/or painted with corrosive-resistant paint at least once every two years. When existing poles or structures are used for new or remodelled sign installation, all remaining parts shall be brought to like-new condition and painted with rust and corrosion-resistant paint. Existing pole or sign supports are subject to the approval process of this chapter being used in new or remodeled sign installation.

      (3)   Every permitted sign shall be securely attached to the building walls, marquees or structures using suitable metal poles, supports, metal anchors, bolts, chains, stranded cables, steel rods or braces, and the working stresses of chains, cables and steel rods and their fastenings shall not exceed one-quarter of their ultimate strengths.

      (4)   Wall signs attached to exterior walls of solid masonry or concrete shall be safely and securely attached to same by metal anchors, bolts or lead expansion anchors of not less than three-eighths of an inch in diameter and shall be imbedded to the manufacturer's required depth for the device used.

         A.   No wooden blocks or anchorage with wood used in connection with screws, nails, spikes or staples shall be considered proper anchorage.

         B.   Wall signs attached to wood walls may be supported by lag screws of not less than one-fourth of an inch in diameter, but shall be of a size and length to support the load involved.

   (e)   Structural Design. Any graphic or other sign structure, marquee, canopy or awning, as defined in this chapter, shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty pounds per square foot of net surface area, allowing for wind from any direction, and shall be constructed to withstand loads as required in the Building Code of the Village. Signs shall not be attached to parapets. The construction, bracing, anchorage and support of permanent signs shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code of the Village and of this chapter. The roofs of all marquees shall be properly guttered and drained.

   (f)   Vertical Clearance. The lowest member for all signs, unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, shall not be less than eight feet above the finished grade of a sidewalk or any pedestrian way, and if located over a pavement used for vehicular traffic or within twenty-four inches of the vertical projection of the edge of such pavement, the lowest member of the signs shall be not less than twelve feet above the finished pavement.

   (g)   Relation to Traffic Devices. Signs shall not be erected so as to obstruct sight lines along any public way, traffic control lights, street name signs at intersections or street sight lines. Signs visible from the sight lines along a street shall not contain an arrow or words such as "stop", "go", "slow", etc., and the movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination shall not resemble highway traffic signs or interfere with the sight lines of a traffic signal.

   (h)   Other Safety Requirements. No sign shall be erected or placed so that any part thereof, including cables, guys, braces, supports, etc., shall be within a fifteen-foot distance of public utility electric conductors carrying not more than 600 volts, and for conductors carrying more than 600 volts, not within a distance of thirty feet of such conductors, except that this provision shall not apply to electric conductors which serve the sign.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Signs in residential districts shall conform to the regulations set forth in this section, and the following types of signs shall be permitted:

   (a)   Nameplate. One nameplate not exceeding one square foot in total sign area, shall be permitted for each dwelling unit. Such nameplates shall not be permitted for dwellings of three or more units.

   (b)   Bulletin Board. One bulletin board or announcement sign, not exceeding twelve square feet of sign area per side for each street frontage and six feet in height, shall be permitted on the premises of a public or semipublic institution. In addition, temporary signs may be permitted for special events.

   (c)   Real Estate Signs. One "For Sale" or "To Rent" or "Model Home" sign, not exceeding fifteen square feet in total sign area and not exceeding three feet in height, shall be permitted for each dwelling or lot. Such signs shall be located not less than fifteen feet from the front or any side lot line. "Room for Rent" signs shall not be permitted.

   (d)   Temporary Subdivision Development Signs. One sign, not exceeding fifty square feet in total sign area, shall be permitted at each opening to the development. However, not more than two signs per subdivision shall be permitted. Permits for such temporary signs shall be for a period not exceeding one year and may be renewed while construction is being pursued. Illuminated signs must be turned off by 10:00 p.m. During the building of a structure, a sign not exceeding twelve square feet in total sign area, located not nearer than twenty-five feet to any street line, for the purpose of displaying the name of the builder, shall be permitted. Such signs shall be removed after completion of the structure.

   (e)   Agricultural Signs. An agricultural sign shall be permitted in any district and shall not exceed forty square feet in total sign area.

   (f)   Monumental Signs. A permanent subdivision identification ground sign, not exceeding thirty square feet in total sign area and four feet in height, indicating the name of the subdivision or residential development, shall be permitted. Such sign shall be set back not less than ten feet from an arterial or collector street right-of-way line and shall be part of the overall architectural treatment of the entrance of the development. Illumination, if any, of such a sign shall be at the discretion of the Planning Commission and shall conform to this chapter.

      The Planning Commission may permit monument signs at each entrance to a subdivision or residential development from an arterial street. Sign locations shall be limited to private property on corner lots or where a privately owned divided entranceway island is provided. The Planning Commission may permit a sign within a curbed divider island outside of a public right of way, which sign shall be set back ten feet from the projection of the right of way line and set back at least five feet from the curb of the divided island. The Planning Commission may permit monumental signs attached to brick or masonry walls or wood fences where the sign does not extend beyond the limits of the wall or fence. Such support structures shall be no more than five feet in height and 120 square feet in area. The Planning Commission may permit additional decorative features above these standards, including railings, pillars, arches, gateways, lamp posts, etc., if they are part of the overall architectural treatment and so not detract from the surrounding residential areas.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Signs in Business Districts shall be accessory to a building or use permitted and shall conform to the regulations set forth in this section.

   (a)   Contents of Signs. The following types of signs shall be permitted:

      (1)   Nameplates and bulletin boards are permitted as provided in Section 1264.03.

      (2)   A nameplate not exceeding two square feet in total sign area is permitted for an office if the sign is located on the same lot as the profession or service to which it is directed.

      (3)   A business sign is permitted if the sign is located on the same lot as the business or service to which it is directed.

      (4)   A real estate and development sign is permitted if the sign is located on the same lot on which the real estate business is conducted or the same lot to which attention is directed.

      (5)   Directional signs may be located on site in business parking lots wherever necessary to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

   (b)   Design of Signs. The following types of signs shall be permitted:

      (1)   Flat and wall signs, if attached to, painted on, or integral with, a wall or if attached to the windows or doors of a building occupied by a permitted business or service;

      (2)   Projecting signs, if projecting from a building occupied by a permitted business or service;

      (3)   Pole signs, if located on the same lot as the business or service building or the parking or other use to which they direct attention;

      (4)   Ground signs, if located on the same lot as the real estate, business, service or other use to which they direct attention; and

      (5)   Temporary signs, if located on the same lot as the real estate, business, service or other use to which they direct attention, except that portable signs and attention devices shall not be permitted.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   The total area of all permanent signs for each parcel shall not exceed the number of square feet indicated as follows:

      (1)   One pole or one ground sign (choice of either, but not both).

         A.   Pole. The maximum sign area of a pole sign shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

 

 

         B.   Ground. The maximum area of a ground sign shall be forty square feet per side.

      (2)   All other signs. The maximum area of all other signs shall not exceed three times the building frontage. Such signs must be located on the building.

   (b)   Sign areas shall be permitted, in addition to the areas stated in the above table, as follows:

      (1)   Professional or service offices and organizations above the ground floor of a building may have nameplate or additional signs if the total area of the sign does not exceed two percent of the floor area occupied by the establishment, or fifty square feet, whichever is smaller. No window sign shall exceed two square feet in sign area.

      (2)   The size, area and design of signs for theaters and places of amusement shall be determined for each establishment and regulated by conditional use permits issued by the Planning Commission.

      (3)   Temporary development signs announcing a proposed building or a building under construction, or advertising the sale, rental or lease of a building or part thereof, shall be located on the lot occupied by the building or use advertised and shall not exceed forty square feet in total sign area.

      (4)   Permanent signs, indicating the name, the owner or the manager of a building, shall be permitted, the size and design of which is to be approved by the Planning Commission.

      (5)   Directional signs of permanent construction, indicating traffic routes and similar functions, shall be permitted in addition to the above limitations, if each sign does not exceed four square feet in total sign area.

      (6)   Temporary signs announcing sales, new products and special business events shall be permitted on the inside and outside of buildings and in yards where other signs are permitted, in addition to the permanent business signs, provided such signs do not exceed forty percent of the maximum sign area permitted for each establishment and are not displayed for more than thirty consecutive days.

   (c)   Signs for buildings and uses permitted in an Executive Office Park District shall be limited as follows:

      (1)   One ground sign per building, not to exceed forty square feet in area and not less than eight feet above grade, or one flat or wall sign not exceeding one square foot in area for each foot of building frontage, shall be permitted.

      (2)   Temporary development signs announcing a proposed building or a building under construction, or advertising the sale, rental or lease of a building or a part thereof, shall be located on the lot occupied by the building or use advertised and shall not exceed forty square feet in total sign area.

      (3)   Directional signs of permanent construction, indicating traffic routes and similar functions, shall be permitted in addition to the above limitations, if each sign does not exceed four square feet in total sign area.

      (4)   Signs visible from the exterior shall not be permitted for any permitted accessory uses.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   In Industrial Districts, the total area of all permanent signs for each parcel shall not exceed the number of square feet indicated as follows:

      (1)   One pole or one ground sign (choice of either, but not both).

         A.   Pole. The maximum sign area of any pole sign shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

 

 

         B.   Ground. The maximum area of a ground sign shall be forty square feet per side.

      (2)   All other signs. The maximum area of all other signs shall not exceed three square feet of sign area for each foot of building front, plus one square foot of sign area for each one foot of building on one side only. Total footage of such signs may be utilized on the front or on one side of the building.

   (b)   Sign areas shall be permitted, in addition to the areas stated in the above table, as follows:

      (1)   Temporary development signs announcing a proposed building or a building under construction, or advertising the sale, rental or lease of a building or a part thereof, shall be located on the lot occupied by the building or use advertised and shall not exceed forty square feet in total sign area.

      (2)   Permanent signs, indicating the name, owner or manager of a building, shall be permitted, the size and design of which is to be approved by the Planning Commission.

      (3)   Directional signs may be located on site in industrial parking lots, wherever necessary, to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Signs in Business and Industrial Districts may be located on the surface of or project from the building wall adjacent to a street, a pedestrian way or a parking area, or may be erected on poles or other ground supports in the yards on which the business or industrial use is located.

   (a)   Wall or flat signs shall not project more than twelve inches from the building, in front of the building wall and may project to any building corner, if side yards exist. A sign may extend above the front wall if the sign is set back from each side lot line and party wall line a distance at least equal to the dimensions that the sign projects above the top of the wall.

   (b)   Projecting signs shall be limited to not more than one sign for each establishment or store unit. Such signs shall be attached to the wall and may extend above the top of the wall, but not more than thirty-five percent of the total height of the sign, nor more than fifty square feet of sign area overall, may extend above the wall. Any face of a projecting sign shall be not less than five feet from a side lot line or party wall of another store unit.

   (c)   Pole signs shall not project over a public right of way. The support for the sign shall not be located within the public right of way.

   (d)   Ground signs shall not be located within fifteen feet of the public right of way, shall not be less than five feet from another business or industrial lot and shall not be less than twenty-five feet from a residential district line, except that in an Executive Office Park District a ground sign shall be located not less than twenty-five feet from a public right of way, shall not be less than 100 feet from a residential district lot line and shall not be less than fifty feet from a lot in any other Business or Industrial District. Temporary development signs may, however, be located in front of the setback line if first approved by the Planning Commission. Directional signs may be located within the required yards.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   The height of the lowest member of any sign that is not integral with a wall surface shall not be less than eight feet above a sidewalk or other pedestrian way, and not less than fourteen feet if over or within eighteen inches of the vertical projection of a pavement used for vehicular traffic. The maximum height of pole signs, measured from the recorded grade, shall not exceed the regulations provided in the following schedule:

 

   (b)   The Planning Commission may approve modifications to permit the height of a pole sign to exceed the twenty-foot height limitation, to a height no greater than twenty-five feet, where the Commission finds that higher height will not adversely affect the surrounding real property and that it will be compatible with the surrounding developments and where the Commission finds that one or more of the following conditions exist:

      (1)   The development abuts a major arterial street or freeway;

      (2)   The development is so large in area that a higher sign is appropriate; or

      (3)   The Commission determines that a lower sign cannot be seen because of an obstruction or change in grade.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Signs in all zoning districts of the Municipality shall conform to the regulations set forth in Sections 1264.11 to 1264.19 inclusive.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   A political sign may be posted in the front yard of any district in accordance with the following regulations:

      (1)   Such sign shall not be posted prior to thirty days before any election and shall be removed within two days after any election.

      (2)   Such sign shall not be posted on any property owned by the Village, the State or any political subdivision of the State without the consent of such governmental body.

      (3)   Such sign shall not be posted closer than fifteen feet from the front right of way or any side lot line.

      (4)   Such sign shall not be higher than three feet above grade, and each side of any such sign shall not be greater than six square feet.

      (5)   No such sign shall be attached to a public utility pole or other improvement located on any Village property or right of way.

   (b)   Not more than two signs may be erected on any property for each candidate or issue. No sign shall be erected on a vacant lot or on a lot with an unoccupied building. Each sign shall be securely placed in order to prevent being displaced by weather conditions.

   (c)   No permit shall be required for a political sign.

   (d)   The Police Department and the Building Department of the Village are hereby authorized to enter on private property or otherwise communicate to the owner, owner's agent or other person occupying any property found in violation of this section and require the immediate abatement of such violation, in addition to any other law enforcement procedure permitted by law. Any Village employee is hereby authorized to immediately remove and destroy any political sign found on property of the Village or on any utility pole or other improvement located on any Village property or right of way.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Signs shall not project over or obstruct the required windows or doors of any building, nor shall signs be attached to or obstruct a fire escape or interfere with other safety provisions as may be further regulated in the Building Code. Unless regulated otherwise in the Traffic Code, signs shall not be erected so as to obstruct street sight lines of traffic control lights or signs at street intersections, or street sight lines or signals at railroad crossings. Signs visible from the sight lines along a street shall not resemble highway traffic signs.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   Light sources to illuminate signs located inside or outside of buildings shall not be of excessive brightness or cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers of automobiles or be objectionable to adjacent residential districts. The colors red and green shall not be used where they may interfere with the sight lines of a traffic signal.

   (b)   Flashing, moving or intermittent illumination and outline lighting shall not be permitted. The Planning Commission may, however, make a finding and permit such lighting as a conditional use.

   (c)   Bright lighting of a roof or building for advertising purposes shall not be permitted.

   (d)   Signs in residential districts shall not be illuminated except for bulletin boards, temporary subdivision signs and signs for instructions. All signs in Business Districts and Industrial Districts may be illuminated. Illumination of parking lots and used car sales lots shall not be of excessive brightness or cause a glare objectionable to any adjacent residential district, and, except for illumination required for safety purposes, such lighting shall be permitted only during the hours the establishment is in operation. Christmas display lighting shall not be restricted by the foregoing regulations.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Paper posters applied directly to a wall, building, pole or other support are prohibited. Letters or representations in the form of advertising, which are printed, painted or applied directly on the wall of a building, are prohibited. Searchlights, pennants, banners, streamers, rotating of whirligig devices, bare strings of light bulbs and other similar advertising devices are prohibited. No sign shall contain flashers, animators or mechanical movements or contrivances of any kind, except for time and temperature units. Roof signs, portable signs and off-premises advertising devices are prohibited.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   A permit shall be required for all permanent signs exceeding one square foot and all temporary signs exceeding five square feet of sign area.

   (b)   An application for a permit to erect, place, paint or alter a sign shall be made by the owner or lessee of the property upon which the sign is proposed and shall be submitted on forms furnished by the Building Department. Each application shall be made separately. The fee shall be established by separate ordinance. Each application shall be accompanied by drawings to scale, showing:

      (1)   The design and layout proposed, including the total area of the sign and the size, character and color of letters, lines and symbols.

      (2)   The method of illumination, if any.

      (3)   The exact location of the sign in relation to the building and property.

      (4)   Details and specifications for construction, erection and attachment, as may be required by the Building Code.

   (c)   For all new signs and structurally altered signs and/or all new developments which require submittal of development plans to the Planning Commission, and all properties for which there is an approved development plan on file with the Village, the owner or lessee shall submit a sign plan or revised sign plan to the Planning Commission for review and approval by the Planning Commission and Council prior to application for a permit.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in a safe and attractive condition. Should any sign become unsafe or be in danger of falling, the owner shall, upon receipt of written notice from the Building Inspector, proceed at once to put such sign in a safe and secure condition or remove the sign.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   (a)   All pole signs are hereby prohibited in the Village from the effective date of this section.

   (b)   All signs which were installed with a permit prior to the effective date of this section shall be deemed legal nonconforming signs.

   (c)   Pole signs in existence on the effective date of this section may continue to be displayed, until the sign is damaged or destroyed in excess of 50 percent of its replacement value, or use of the sign has been voluntarily discontinued for six months or more, whichever time is earlier. The use of a legal nonconforming pole sign shall be considered voluntarily discontinued when the sign has been modified to conform to the requirements related to size, color, illumination and other construction requirements under this section, or when the intent of the permittee to discontinue use is otherwise apparent in the condition of the sign. Evidence of such intent shall include, but is not limited to signs which have ceased to display advertising matter, which display obsolete messages, which require repairs costing more than 50 percent of the replacement value of the sign or for which the property owner claims no responsibility.

   (d)   Pole signs shall lose their legal nonconforming status upon the transfer of ownership of the business that any existing sign refers to.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95; Ord. 2003-4-2. Passed 5-6-03.)

   Any sign accessory to an abandoned use shall be removed within fifteen days of notification for removal by the Building Inspector. A use shall be determined to be abandoned if it has ceased operations for at least ninety consecutive days. Seasonal businesses shall be exempt from this provision.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)

   Whenever the removal of any sign has been ordered by the Building Inspector, and the person, firm or corporation on whose premises such sign or display structure has been erected, affixed, attached or maintained fails to remove the sign within forty-eight hours after receiving such notice, the Safety-Service Director may remove or cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the person, firm or corporation on whose premises it was erected, affixed or attached, and each such person, firm or corporation shall be individually and separately liable for the expenses incurred in the removal of the sign.

(Ord. 95-2-3. Passed 4-4-95.)