Village Of Johnson Creek
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IX
Signage Regulations
§ 250-110 Purpose.
A.
The purpose of this article is to establish standards for the fabrication, erection, and use of signs and signage for all properties within the Village of Johnson Creek. This article regulates the location, type, size and height of signage in order to protect and promote the public welfare, health and safety of persons within the community; to aid in the development and promotion of business and industry; and to ensure implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of the Village of Johnson Creek within the Village's zoning districts. The adoption of this article reflects the formal finding of fact on the part of the Village of Johnson Creek Plan Commission and the Village Board that regulation of signage furthers four compelling governmental interests:
(1)
To promote the public welfare, health and safety of all persons using the public thoroughfares and rights-of-way within the Village of Johnson Creek as to the signage displayed thereon or overhanging or projecting into such public spaces;
(2)
To advance the aesthetic goals of the Village throughout the community and to ensure the effectiveness and flexibility in the design of and the creativity of the use of such devices without creating detriment to the general public;
(3)
To reduce the visual clutter caused by advertising signage which the Village has determined is a significant cause of unsafe traffic and visibility conditions; and
(4)
To limit the spread of unattractive strip commercial development, of which signs are a primary contributor, so as to be respectful of the reasonable rights of other advertisers and business entities whose messages are also displayed in such areas.
B.
Furthermore, the Village of Johnson Creek advocates that this regulation leaves ample and adequate alternative channels of commercial speech communication for the messages portrayed on such advertising signage, namely, print media, broadcast media, and point-of-purchase display, and is narrowly defined so as to limit any prohibitions on commercial speech on exterior signage.
§ 250-111 Sign permits.
A.
Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B below, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move or convert any sign in the Village or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a sign permit for each sign from the Village of Johnson Creek Zoning Administrator as required under this article. This section shall apply and be construed to require a permit for a change of copy on any sign or for any conversions or changes in the sign structure for which a permit has been previously issued. This section shall not apply for a repainting with the same sign copy, cleaning, repair or other normal maintenance of the sign or sign structure. No new permit is required for signs which have permits on the date in which this chapter was adopted and which conform with the requirements of this article on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated in any way.
B.
The following sign uses and purposes are permitted in all zoning districts without the need for a sign permit. Such signs shall not count as part of the maximum permitted sign area as regulated by § 250-115.
(1)
Address numerals and identification signs not exceeding four square feet in area.
(2)
Legal notices and other signs established or ordered by any governmental agency.
(3)
Memorial signs and tablets displayed in cemeteries.
(4)
On-premises directional signs which bear no advertising if under four square feet and if limited to business site or business name or logo.
(6)
Political signs and flags of government, religious, fraternal or civic organizations.
(7)
Auxiliary signs per § 250-112B(2) if under four square feet.
C.
Community information signs shall be permitted only as a conditional use within all zoning districts and upon any property within the jurisdiction of the Village of Johnson Creek Zoning Code. As such, the review of a request for the erection of a community information sign shall comply with the requirements of § 250-124 of this chapter. The proposed size, configuration and design of the sign shall be described as part of the conditional use requirements. As a conditional use, the Village of Johnson Creek may revoke the designation of an approved community information sign if such sign fails to comply with the requirements of this article. Such action shall proceed per the requirements of Subsection H. Upon revocation, the owner of said sign shall have 30 days to remove the sign, at the owner's expense.
(1)
Such sign shall only display information regarding events and information of general interest to the residents of Johnson Creek. Copy which may be considered as advertising a product, private or restricted participation event, or activity for private profit shall be prohibited.
(2)
Such sign may be located on private or public property (except for residential properties within the SR-2, SR-3 and SR-4 Zoning Districts). Such signs used for off-premises directional information may also be located within Village of Johnson Creek rights-of-way.
[Amended 3-8-2004 by Ord. No. 04-04; 3-13-2006 by Ord. No. 06-06]
(3)
Such sign shall conform to the visibility requirements of § 250-113A(9).
(4)
Such sign shall not be counted as adding to the area of signage on the subject property for the purposes of regulating sign area per § 250-115C(6).
D.
Permit requirements.
(1)
The sign permit fee shall be required for all new signs and any modifications of any existing sign face or sign structure. (See § 250-138.)
(2)
Any sign permit fee granted hereunder may not be assigned or transferred to any other sign or modified sign face or sign structure.
(3)
Only those permanent or temporary signs which have been granted a permit from the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this section may be erected, installed, constructed or maintained.
(4)
For all other signs (excluding freestanding signs) the owner or tenant may include all such signs at one premises under one permit if provisions of Subsection E are complied with.
(5)
All signs which are located over a public right-of-way shall require the property owner or tenant to procure public liability insurance from a company licensed to transact business in Wisconsin. See the Village's Fee Ordinance for the amount of principal sum liability to any one person or liability on account of any one accident. Such policy shall further have an endorsement protecting the Village of Johnson Creek or its interest as the result of any accident or injury for which the Village might become liable.
E.
Application procedure. Each initial application for a sign permit shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator on forms to be provided by that office prior to installation of a new sign or modification of an existing sign face or sign structure. The application shall include:
(1)
The name and address of the permit applicant.
(2)
A legible scaled drawing with description and dimensions of the sign(s) to be erected or maintained under that permit and the sign's proposed location on the building or site.
(3)
Written proof of consent from the owner of the property upon which the sign(s) are to be erected and maintained.
(4)
Proof of payment of the appropriate sign permit fee, when required.
(5)
Evidence of liability, insurance policy, or bond as required herein for signs located over a public right-of-way per Subsection D above.
(6)
Any other item of information that may be reasonably required by the Zoning Administrator or Plan Commission for the purpose of application evaluation.
F.
Granting and issuance.
(1)
All sign permit applications shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator, who shall deny or grant such applications within 10 business days of receipt of the complete application and payment of fee per Subsection E(1) through (5) above. Upon granting, the Zoning Administrator shall issue the sign permit.
(2)
No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign.
G.
Basis for granting. In reviewing a sign permit application, the Village staff may consider the following factors in deciding whether or not to grant the issuance of a sign permit.
(1)
Whether the sign is compatible with the surroundings, pursuant to the objectives of proper design and zoning criteria.
(2)
Whether the sign is designed, installed and maintained to meet the sign user's needs while at the same time promoting the surrounding environment desired by the general public.
(3)
Whether the sign is designed, constructed, installed or maintained in such a manner that it does not endanger public safety or traffic safety.
(4)
Whether the sign, including size, height, illumination and location, is respectful of reasonable rights of other advertisers whose messages are displayed in the area.
(5)
Whether the sign is in compliance with the provisions of this article.
(6)
Whether the sign is in compliance with the provisions of the Village of Johnson Creek's general ordinances relating to traffic safety, traffic visibility setbacks, and this chapter.
H.
Revocation.
(1)
Upon Class I notice and after a public hearing conducted by the Plan Commission, any permit may be revoked by the Zoning Administrator in the event that the applicant has failed to comply with the provisions of these regulations or any conditions that may have accompanied the permit at the time of granting.
(2)
Any sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator shall be null and void and automatically revoked in the event that construction, installation or manufacture of the sign has not been commenced within 180 days from the date of the issuance of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 90 days any time after the work is commenced, the original permit shall become null and void. A new permit shall first be obtained to complete the work, and a new permit fee shall be required.
(3)
Upon any revocation, the sign(s) subject to such revoked permits, whether freestanding, overhanging or projecting, shall be removed by the licensee within 45 days of such revocation.
(4)
Revocation shall not give cause to a right of total or partial reimbursement of permit fees paid.
I.
Appeals. Any permit application reviewed by the Zoning Administrator which is denied or any revocation under Subsection H above shall be subject to appeal to the Board of Appeals per the requirements of the conditional use process. Charges for said appeal shall be returned if said appeal is successful.
J.
Enforcement. Upon written notice to the sign owner, if known, or the owner of the property upon which the sign is located or affixed, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to order the repair or removal of any sign which is defective, which is an illegal nonconforming sign, or which has been erected, installed, constructed or maintained in violation of this article so as to be dangerous to the public health and safety. In the event the person so notified should fail to comply with such an order within 30 days of the date of such notice, that person will be subject to the issuance of a citation under this subsection.
(1)
Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this article shall be subject to a penalty, upon conviction thereof, by forfeiture under § 250-139, together with the costs of prosecution. Each separate offense and each day a violation continues or occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
(2)
Other remedies in law or equity. Nothing under this subsection shall prevent the Village of Johnson Creek from exercising any other remedies, in law or equity, and the penalties outlined herein are cumulative and in addition to any other such remedies.
(3)
Removal of defective or dangerous signs by the Village. The Zoning Administrator shall cause to be removed any sign that endangers the public safety or health and extends or projects into any public thoroughfare or right-of-way within the Village such as abandoned, dangerous, or materially defective signs or signs for which no permit has been issued. Said removal shall only be accomplished after at least a five-day written notice has been given stating the reasons for said emergency violation or removal. Said notice shall state that if the sign is not removed or the violation is not corrected within said emergency five-day time period, that the sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection. All notices mailed by the Zoning Administrator shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located, to the owner of the sign, and to the occupant of the property, if the identity and whereabouts of such persons can be determined. Otherwise, notice should be mailed to such persons at the last known address and posted on the sign or on the premises.
§ 250-112 Signage definitions and general signage standards.
The following definitions shall be used by this article to assist in the establishment of clear-cut signage regulations. In general, "sign purposes" refers to where or how a sign is used; "sign types" refers to the style of the sign; and "sign measurement" explains how the dimensions of a sign are determined.
A. SIGN(1) (2) (3)
Signs in general.
Any object, device, display, structure or part thereof situated outdoors and in view of the general public, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, logos, symbols, fixtures or projected images.
Signs do not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state, city, religious, fraternal or civic organization, also merchandise and pictures or models of products or services incorporated in a window display, works of art which in no way identify a product, or scoreboards located on athletic fields.
Building colors and outline lighting which do not convey a logo or message specific to the use (as determined by the Zoning Administrator) are not considered signs.
Definitions of particular functional, locational and structural types of signs are listed in this section. (Traffic control and other public agency signs located within a right-of-way are not included within this definition and are not regulated by the provisions of this article.)
B.
Sign purposes.
(1)
ADVERTISING SIGN (OFF-PREMISES SIGN) — A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed. Advertising signs include billboards. [Refer to § 250-113A(10).] No new off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted within the Village.
(2)
AUXILIARY SIGN — A sign which provides special information, such as price, hours of operation, or warning, and which does not include brand names or information regarding product lines or services. It may contain a business logo if the logo is under one square foot in area. Examples of such signs include "parking rules" signs, "no trespassing" signs and signs which list prices of gasoline, up to one price listing sign per type of fuel, which must be displayed on a single structure.
(3)
BUSINESS SIGN (ON-PREMISES SIGN) — A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold, offered or manufactured upon the premises where the sign is located. Refer to § 250-115.
(4)
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SIGN — A permanent sign approved with a conditional use permit which may have changeable copy and which is limited to the display of information of interest to the general community regarding scheduled public events and public activities. Community information signs may also be approved, as a conditional use, for the purpose of providing off-premises directional information regarding only the name, direction and/or distance of governmental and private facilities. Such signs shall be designed, located, constructed and maintained per standards specified by the Village through the conditional use process. Refer to § 250-111C.
[Amended 3-8-2004 by Ord. No. 04-04]
(5)
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, OFF-PREMISES — A sign indicating only the name, direction and/or distance of a governmental facility. Refer to § 250-113A(6). This definition does not pertain to off-premises advertising signs, nor to community information signs. Refer to § 250-112B(1) and (4).
(6)
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, ON-PREMISES — A sign which indicates only the name, logo (if under one square foot), and/or direction of a pedestrian or traffic facility or a particular building within a complex of structures, on the property on which said facility or building is located.
(7)
GROUP SIGN — A sign displaying the collective name of a group of uses such as the title of a shopping center, office park, or industrial park and its tenants. No sales or price information shall be permitted. Portions of the sign containing names of individual tenants shall be considered as part of the area of a group sign. Group signs shall only be permitted within developments serving two or more nonresidential tenants and are permitted on any form of permitted business or identification signage.
(8)
IDENTIFICATION SIGN — A sign indicating the name and/or address of the project, property owner, tenant and/or manager of the property, address and name and phone number of the property manger.
(9)
TEMPORARY SIGN — A sign or advertising display (including festoons, pennants, banners, pinwheels and similar devices) intended to be displayed for a certain period of time (as permitted by § 250-116). Included in the definition of "temporary signs" are retailers' signs temporarily displayed for the purpose of informing the public of a sale or special offer. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be considered as temporary. A mobile or portable sign shall be considered a temporary sign and may be used for such a purpose. Refer to § 250-116. Temporary signs of less than 12 square feet may be placed off site.
(10)
OPEN HOUSE SIGNS — A directional sign used to guide potentially interested homebuyers to an open house of a house for sale in the Village limits.
[Amended 11-14-2005 by Ord. No. 20-05]
C.
Sign types.
(1)
AWNING SIGN — A type of projecting on-building sign [see Subsection C(6) below] consisting of a fabric or fabric-like sheathing material.
(2)
FREESTANDING SIGN — A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards or any other type of base on the ground. This type of sign includes monument signs and pylon signs. (Refer to definitions of "monument sign" and "pylon sign" below.) The base and support(s) of any and all freestanding signs shall be concealed and shall comply with the State Building Code. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured per Subsection D(1). Refer to § 250-113C(1).
(3)
MARQUEE SIGN — A type of projecting on-building sign [see Subsection C(6) below] sheltering the entrance and/or entrance approaches of a theater, auditorium, fairground, museum or other use, which advertises present and scheduled events.
(4)
MOBILE SIGN — A sign mounted on a frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated, including vehicles and/or trailers whose principal commercial use is for signage. Refer to § 250-113C(4).
(5)
MONUMENT SIGN — A type of freestanding sign [see Subsection C(2) above] whose bottom edge is located within one foot of a ground-mounted pedestal and whose top edge is located no more than six feet high. Refer to § 250-113A(9) and B(1).
(6)
PROJECTING SIGN — A type of on-building sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects more than six inches, generally perpendicular from a structure or building face. Refer to § 250-113C(2).
(7)
PYLON SIGN — A type of freestanding sign [see Subsection C(2) above] whose bottom edge is located more than one foot above a ground-mounted pedestal or whose top edge is located more than six feet high and less than or equal to 20 feet high (see "monument sign").
(8)
WALL SIGN — A type of on-building sign mounted parallel to a building facade or other vertical building surface. Refer to § 250-113C(3). Signs which are painted, placed in, or affixed to a window are considered and shall count as a type of wall sign.
(9)
PERSONAL GREETING AND CONGRATULATORY SIGN — A temporary sign which is limited to 32 square feet and which is limited to a noncommercial, personal greeting or message used to announce, congratulate or greet members of a family or work staff.
(10)
CANOPY SIGN — A type of on-building sign mounted on the vertical fascia of a canopy serving a fuel-dispensing facility such as a gas station or a convenience store with fuel pumps. Canopy signs shall be permitted by right for all gas stations and convenience stores with fuel pumps as follows:
[Amended 2-23-2009 by Ord. No. 01-09]
(a)
All words, logos and related messages shall be limited to a maximum of 25 square feet of area and a maximum of 24 inches in height. Said sign area or instances shall not be counted as part of the otherwise permitted area and number of signs.
(b)
Decorative striping may be placed on the canopy's vertical fascia to a maximum height of 24 inches and may extend for the full length of said fascia.
(c)
Canopy signs may be unilluminated, internally illuminated, or backlit.
(d)
Canopy signs may be placed directly on the fascia or may be three-dimensional in nature and may project up to 12 inches from the canopy's fascia.
D.
Sign measurement.
(1)
Ground level. The maximum permitted height of all freestanding signs shall be measured from either ground level or the height of the nearest point of public road center line to a maximum monument sign height of 10 feet for monument signs, whichever is greater. "Ground level" shall be considered as the average elevation of the ground upon which the sign supports are placed, except where the sign supports rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding undisturbed ground. In such cases, the average elevation of the base of such berm or other raised area shall be considered as ground level.
[Amended 3-8-2004 by Ord. No. 04-04]
(2)
Sign area shall be measured in the following manner:
(a)
In the case of a sign placed within a frame, a marquee sign, or other structure, sign area consists of the entire surface area of the sign on which copy could be placed. The supporting structure or bracing of a sign, including the supports of monument signs not used for copy, shall not be counted as a part of the sign face area unless such structure or bracing is made a part of the sign's message. Where a freestanding on-premises sign (monument or pylon) has two or more display faces, the total area of all of the display faces which can be viewed from any single location shall be considered the sign face area.
(b)
In the case of a sign whose message is fabricated together with the background which borders or frames that message, sign face area shall be the total area of the entire background.
(c)
In the case of a sign whose message is applied to a background which provides no border or frame (such as individual letters to a building face or awning), sign face area shall be the combined areas of the smallest rectangles which can encompass each word, letter, figure, emblem, and other element of the sign message per a scaled, fully dimensioned drawing approved by the Zoning Administrator. Where such drawing is not provided, said area shall be the smallest area enclosed in a single rectangle.
(d)
Signs less than one square foot in area are not regulated by this article.
(e)
The following illustration demonstrates how sign face area is measured.
 Sign Measurement Standards |
§ 250-113 General signage regulations.
A.
Sign prohibitions and limitations.
(1)
No sign shall use any word, phrase, symbol, shape, form or character in such manner as to interfere with moving traffic, including signs which incorporate typical street-type and/or traffic control-type signage designs and colors.
(2)
Except for sequin-like eye-catcher devices and temporary signs, no fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating or otherwise moving signs or other decorations shall be permitted.
(3)
No illuminated flashing signs shall be permitted. Flashing signs are those which change their appearance more than once every 60 seconds. Electronic message center signs and time/temperature signs are permitted with a conditional use permit. Chasing lights shall not be allowed.
(4)
No illuminated sign shall be permitted unless the illumination of the sign is so designed that the lighting element (except neon signs) is not visible from any property within a residential zoning district. All illuminated signs shall comply with the State Electrical Code.
(5)
No permanent mobile signs shall be permitted. Temporary mobile signs shall be permitted.
(6)
Off-premises directional signs shall be permitted only for governmental uses and community informational signs.
[Amended 3-8-2004 by Ord. No. 04-04]
(7)
No inflatable signs shall be permitted, except as temporary signs.
(8)
No advertising vehicle signs shall be permitted, except as temporary signs. Refer to § 250-113C(4).
(9)
No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
(10)
No off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted except for the small blue highway information signs as provided within the right-of-way of STH 26 or IH 94 per applicable State of Wisconsin Statutes. Existing legal off-premises advertising signs made nonconforming by this article shall be permitted to continue as legal nonconforming structures. These signs may not be relocated, structurally modified, or replaced if damaged over 50%.
(11)
No pylon signs shall be permitted, except as a conditional use.
(12)
Window obstruction by interior signs shall not exceed more than 15% for all combined window areas on the same facade of the structure. Area devoted to signage within windows shall not count toward the sign area maximum permitted for the use.
(13)
No sign shall be attached to or painted on natural objects, such as trees or rocks.
B.
Sign location requirements.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where, by reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape or color, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device. Freestanding signs may not be located within vision triangles nor otherwise impede traffic or pedestrian visibility. Freestanding sign setbacks from right-of-way lines vary by zoning district; refer to §§ 250-114 and 250-115.
(2)
No sign shall be located within a required bufferyard or within a permanently protected green space area. Refer to this Village of Johnson Creek Zoning Code.
(3)
No sign shall be mounted or displayed on the roof of a structure.
(4)
No sign, temporary or otherwise, shall be displayed on private property without the owner's or renter's permission.
(5)
Private signs shall not be allowed within road right-of-way lines, except for projecting signs pursuant to § 250-113C(2).
(6)
Projecting signs shall only be permitted in the CB Zoning District and shall comply with the provisions of § 250-113C(2).
(7)
Freestanding signs shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from property lines or equivalent to their maximum height, whichever is greater, except that on-premises directional signs less than 36 inches tall shall be located a minimum of one foot from a property line.
(8)
Awnings made of cloth are permitted. Such awnings shall be free of backlighting and only contain a lettering band with a single line of copy less than eight inches tall located on the vertical face of the awning and shall be located a minimum of 7 1/2 feet for the fabric, and eight feet for the frame, over pedestrianways.
(9)
No person shall erect, construct or maintain any sign upon any property or building without the express consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property or building or his authorized representative.
C.
Sign configuration requirements.
(1)
Freestanding sign configuration. A freestanding sign shall not be erected so that it impedes visibility for safe pedestrian and/or vehicle circulation. The footing and related supporting structure of a freestanding sign, including bolts, flanges, brackets, etc., shall be concealed by the sign exterior, masonry covering, earth and permanent ground cover, or through the use of evergreen shrubs. All freestanding signs, including both monument and pylon signs, shall be constructed so as to provide a continuous and opaque masonry, metal, plastic or wood casing between the base of the sign structure and bottom of the message portion of the sign that fully conceals the sign's supporting structure. Said casing shall complement the materials, design and appearance of the sign base and face and shall provide for dimensional continuity between the sign base and face. Refer to § 250-112C(2).
[Amended 3-8-2004 by Ord. No. 04-04]
(2)
Projecting sign configuration. Projected signs are allowed in the CB Zoning District, subject to the following guidelines:
(a)
No building may have more than one projecting sign per customer entrance and no more than one projecting sign per business for each street frontage where the building is built up to the sidewalk.
(b)
A projecting sign shall not be more than four feet in width, with a maximum total projection, including brackets, of five feet from the building to which it is attached. The projecting sign itself shall not be closer than six inches to the building to which it is attached.
(c)
Three-dimensional objects or symbol signs are allowed but may not exceed two feet at their largest cross section. The sign message shall be limited to the two surfaces perpendicular to the building.
(d)
No projecting sign shall exceed 12 square feet per side.
(e)
Projecting signs and their supports shall not be less than 10 feet above grade level directly under the sign.
(f)
All fasteners and bracketry shall be securely fastened to the building at both the top and bottom of the sign. All bracketry shall be part of the overall design and shall be made to enhance the sign. The fasteners shall be bolted to masonry joints wherever possible to avoid damage to brick or stonework.
(g)
Projecting signs shall be positioned so they are an integral design feature of the building and should help to define and enhance architectural features. Projecting signs shall only be placed in the horizontal lintels or "sign space" above the storefront windows or entryway.
(h)
No projecting sign shall be placed, mounted or erected in such a manner as to interfere with any exit, fire escape, window or architectural ornamentation.
(i)
No projecting sign shall be internally illuminated. External illumination is allowed only from shielded bulb lighting from below the sign or gooseneck lighting from above the sign. Lighting shall be directed onto the sign and no other part of the building.
(j)
Sign colors should blend with the building facade to which the sign is attached. No more than six colors shall be uses.
(k)
The sign message shall be legible and relate to the business use of the building to which it is attached. These requirements may be accomplished through the use of words, names, symbols and logos.
(l)
Lettering styles shall be legible and contain no more than two letter styles; lettering shall occupy no more than 60% of the sign's total area; and capital letters shall be no more than 75% of the height of the sign background.
(m)
All nonconforming signs shall be removed or made conforming prior to the issuance of a new projecting sign permit.
(n)
Allowable projecting sign materials shall be one of the following: wood or wood laminate, foam, metal or glass.
(3)
Wall sign configuration. A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which it is mounted, nor shall it project more than 18 inches from its surface. The height of a wall sign shall be measured from the base of the building below the sign to the top of the sign face. The top of the sign shall be no higher than the nearest portion of the building to which it is mounted without a conditional use permit. Signs painted directly on a wall are considered wall signs. Wall signs shall be on the building facade facing a street. Refer to § 250-112C(8).
(4)
Advertising vehicle sign configuration. No persons shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or on private properties, so as to be seen from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises. Licensed business vehicles containing typical business signage and which are actively used on a daily basis for business purposes are exempt from this prohibition. Refer to § 250-113A(8).
§ 250-114 Regulations for SR-2, SR-3, SR-4, TR-6, MR-8 and MR-10 Districts.
A.
Rules for all signs.
(2)
Signage on a lot shall be limited to the combined total of all signs listed under Subsection B below or as otherwise modified by conditional use, planned development, deed restriction or other site-specific regulation, restriction or requirement. The owner of a property containing more than one tenant shall allocate signs to the tenants, up to the allowed maximum for the entire property. This provision will allow the property owner to allocate all of the allowed signage to one tenant and none to another tenant if he sees fit to do so.
(3)
Signs shall be set back 10 feet from all property lines, and the height of all signs in these residential zoning districts shall not exceed six feet.
[Amended 5-1-2003 by Ord. No. 05-03]
B.
Rules for particular sign purposes.
(3)
On-premises directional sign (for multifamily, group development or institutional use).
(a)
Permitted sign type: wall sign or monument sign.
(b)
Maximum permitted number per lot: one sign for each vehicular entrance, one sign for each vehicular exit, one sign for each parking area conditions list. Institutional uses may use any additional number of signs as needed.
(c)
Maximum permitted area per sign: nine square feet.
(5)
On-premises business sign (for legal nonconforming business only) shall comply with provisions of § 250-115.
(6)
Off-premises directional sign (for governmental facility only).
§ 250-115 Regulations for RH, NO, PO, NB, PB, GB, CB, PI, GI and HI Districts.
A.
Rules for all signs.
(2)
Signage on a lot shall be limited to the combined total of all signs listed under Subsection C below or as otherwise modified by conditional use, planned development, deed restriction or other site-specific regulation, restriction or requirement. The owner of a property containing more than one tenant shall allocate signs to the tenants, up to the allowed maximum for the entire property. This provision will allow the property owner to allocate all of the allowed signage to one tenant and none to another tenant if he sees fit to do so.
B.
Rules for particular sign purposes – all residential and institutional land uses: shall comply with provisions of § 250-114.
C.
Rules for particular sign purposes – all office, commercial and industrial land uses.
(1)
On-premises business signs (also see Table 250-115).
(a)
For RH, PO, NB, PB and PI Zoning Districts.
[1]
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall or awning) sign.
[a]
Maximum permitted number per building: one on-building sign for each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property and one sign associated with each principal entrance on each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
[b]
Maximum permitted area per sign: One square foot of signage for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall or 50 square feet, whichever is greater – up to a maximum sign area of 200 square feet for all combined sign faces.
[2]
Permitted sign type: monument sign.
[a]
Maximum permitted number per lot: one monument sign per lot, for any lot containing more than four public parking spaces.
[b]
Maximum permitted area per sign: 1/2 square foot of signage for every foot of the adjacent public street frontage selected for the lot – up to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
[c]
Maximum permitted sign height: six feet.
[d]
Minimum permitted sign setback: eight feet.
(b)
For CB Zoning District.
[1]
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall, awning or marquee) sign.
[a]
Maximum permitted number per building: one on-building sign for each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property and one sign associated with each principal entrance on each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
[b]
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall – up to a maximum sign area of 25 feet.
(c)
For NO Zoning District.
[1]
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall, awning or marquee) sign.
[a]
Maximum permitted number per building: one on-building sign for each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property and one sign associated with each principal entrance on each exposed side of the principal use building not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
[b]
Maximum permitted area per sign: one square foot of signage for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall – up to a maximum sign area of 25 feet.
[2]
Permitted sign type: monument sign.
[a]
Maximum permitted number per lot: one monument sign per lot, for any lot containing more than four public parking spaces.
[b]
Maximum permitted area per sign: 1/4 square foot of signage for every foot of the adjacent public street frontage selected for the lot – up to a maximum sign area of 25 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
[c]
Maximum permitted sign height: six feet.
[d]
Minimum permitted sign setback: eight feet.
(d)
For GB, GI and HI Zoning Districts.
[1]
Permitted sign type: on-building (wall or awning) sign.
[a]
Maximum permitted number per building: limited to one sign per business for each facade facing a public street.
[b]
Maximum permitted area per sign: shall not exceed 5% of total area of the wall area that the sign is displayed. Shall not extend above the parapet wall or the top of the roof of the building which supports it. Shall not project more than six inches from the wall which supports it.
[2]
Permitted sign type: monument or freestanding sign.
[a]
Maximum permitted number per lot: one monument or freestanding sign per lot.
[b]
Maximum permitted area per sign: In the GB District, sign area shall not exceed 100 square feet of sign display area per side nor 200 square feet of sign display area on all sides. In the GI and HI Districts, sign area shall not exceed 150 square feet of sign display area per side nor 300 square feet of sign display area on all sides.
[c]
Maximum permitted sign height: six feet for monument sign; 20 feet for freestanding sign above street grade or 15 feet above driveway or alley.
[d]
Minimum permitted sign setback: 10 feet or equal to or greater than sign height, whichever is greater.
(2)
Auxiliary sign (such as required gas price signs or "no trespassing" sign).
(a)
Permitted sign type: wall sign or monument sign.
(b)
Maximum permitted number per lot: per approved site plan.
(c)
Maximum permitted area per sign: Combined area of all auxiliary signs shall not exceed an area equivalent to 50% of the permitted freestanding or on-building sign area, whichever is greater.
(5)
Off-premises directional sign (for governmental facility only).
(6)
Community information sign (per § 250-111C).
Table 250-115: Maximum Sign Areas and Sizes (for nonresidential uses) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Sign Area Calculation | ||||
Zoning Districts | On-Building Signs1 | Monument Signs2 | Maximum Number of Signs | |
RH, PO, NB, PB, PI | 1 square foot of sign area per 1 foot of exposed exterior wall length on that wall or 50 square feet per building, whichever is greater, up to a maximum sign area of 200 square feet for all combined sign faces | 1/2 square foot per 1 foot of the adjacent public street frontage selected for the lot, up to 50 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time Maximum height = 6 | 1 on-building sign per wall3 1 sign associated with each public entrance3 1 monument sign4 | |
CB | 1 square foot of sign area per 1 foot of exposed exterior wall length on that wall | None | 1 on-building sign3 | |
NO | 1 square foot of sign area per 1 foot of exposed exterior wall | 1/4 square foot per 1 foot of the adjacent public street frontage selected for the lot, up to 25 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time Maximum height = 6 feet | 1 on-building sign per wall3 1 sign associated with each public entrance3 1 monument sign4 | |
GB, GI, HI | not to exceed 5% of total wall area that the sign is displayed | GB: not to exceed 100 square feet on one side, nor 200 square feet on all sides GI, HI: not to exceed 150 square feet on one side, nor 300 square feet on all sides Monument sign maximum height = 6 Freestanding sign maximum height = 20 | 1 on-building sign3 1 sign associated with each public entrance3 1 monument or freestanding sign4 | |
NOTES: | ||
|---|---|---|
1 | Applies to all buildings regardless of the number of businesses located within. | |
2 | Applies to all properties regardless of the number of businesses located on a property. | |
3 | For walls not directly adjacent to a residentially zoned property. | |
4 | Per lot, for any lot containing more than four public parking spaces. | |
§ 250-116 Temporary signs.
Only one temporary sign may be displayed on a property at any one time. Except as provided by Subsections A through E below, any one lot is permitted to display a temporary sign for a maximum of 30 days within any twelve-month period. Furthermore, any one lot is limited to a maximum of two temporary signs in any twelve-month period (political signs are exempt from this restriction). A portable sign is not a temporary sign.
A.
For each lot: one "for sale," "for rent" or "garage sale" sign, not more than six square feet in area, up to 32 square feet for vacant commercial and industrial properties. Garage sale signs are limited to the days of the sale. Garage sale directional signs may be placed in the terrace areas of the Village right-of-way with permission of the adjoining property owner. No garage sale directional signs shall be permitted during the semiannual Village Rummage-O-Rama weekends. Garage sale directional signs may not be located within 25 feet of an intersection or affixed to trees, utility poles, traffic signs, parking signs, etc., in the public right-of-way. All garage sale signs will be removed from private property and public right-of-way immediately following the conclusion of the sale.
[Amended 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 13-07]
B.
For construction on or development of a lot: one sign not more than 32 square feet in area, indicating the name of the contractors, engineers or architect, or products being used in the construction of a building, but only during the time that construction or development is actively underway.
C.
For a temporary event of public interest such as a neighborhood garage sale or church fair or a "now hiring" sign: one sign, not over 32 square feet in area, located upon the site of the event. Such sign shall not be erected more than 30 days before the event and shall be removed immediately after the event.
D.
Temporary political signs are permitted without restriction so long as they locate per the requirements of § 250-113B(4) and (5), do not impair vision, or do not otherwise create a public nuisance. Such sign shall not be erected more than 60 days before the election and shall be removed within 48 hours after the election.
E.
For each real estate subdivision that has been approved in accordance with the Village of Johnson Creek Land Division Regulations: two temporary development project identification signs are permitted to be located on some portion of the subject subdivision. Each such sign shall be not more than 32 square feet in area. These signs shall comply with the visibility standards of § 250-113A(9). These signs shall be permitted to remain within the subject subdivision until a time at which building permits have been issued for 80% or more of the lots in the subdivision.
F.
One personal greeting/congratulatory sign per premises shall be permitted for up to seven days, which is limited to eight feet in height and 32 square feet in dimension and which is not intended for commercial purposes.
G.
Temporary commercial signs up to 50 square feet with the granting of a temporary sign permit.
H.
"Open house" signs shall be no more than six square feet in area. There is no limitation on the number of signs. All signs must be placed within public rights-of-way. Such signs may be erected two hours prior to an Open House and must be removed within 1/2 hour after the open house.
[Amended 11-14-2005 by Ord. No. 20-05]
§ 250-117 Appearance, construction and maintenance of signage.
A.
All signage within the jurisdiction of this article shall remain in a state of proper maintenance. Refer to Subsection B below.
B.
Proper maintenance shall be the absence of loose materials (including peeling paint, paper or other material), the lack of excessive rust, the lack of excessive vibration or shaking, and the presence of the original structural integrity of the sign, its frame and other supports, its mounting, and all components thereof.
C.
The repainting, changing of parts, and preventive maintenance of signs which completely conform to the requirements of this article, and result in absolutely no change in the appearance of the sign from that originally approved, shall not be deemed alterations requiring a sign permit.
D.
The owner, lessee or manager of a sign, and the owner of the land on which the same is located, shall keep grass or weeds and other growth cut and debris and rubbish cleaned up and removed from the lot on which the sign is located.
E.
Any signs which may be or may hereafter become rotted, unsafe or in a state which is not properly maintained shall be repaired or removed by the licensee or owner of the sign or owner of the property upon which the sign stands upon notice of the Zoning Administrator.
F.
All signs shall be constructed and mounted so as to comply with state building codes.
G.
All signs shall be constructed and maintained to conform with state electrical codes.
H.
The base of signs shall be landscaped so as to conceal footings, mountings, brackets and related structural elements.
I.
All signs shall in no instance create a traffic visibility or other safety hazard.
§ 250-118 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Signs legally existing as of the effective date of this chapter which do not conform to the provisions of this article shall be nonconforming signs and shall be subject to the provisions of § 250-118B. Nonconforming signs may be maintained. No nonconforming on-premises sign shall be altered or moved to a new location without being brought into compliance with the requirements of this article. Refer to Subsection B(1) below.
(2)
Business signs on the premises of a nonconforming use or building may be continued per Subsection B, but new signs for such uses shall not be allowed nor shall expand in number, area, height or illumination. New signs, not to exceed the maximum allowable aggregate sign area, may be erected only upon the complete removal of all other signs existing at the time of adoption of this article.
(3)
Nonconforming signs shall be removed when the principal structure located on the premises undergoes a change of use or shall be removed per § 250-118B. Closing businesses must remove their signs within 60 days of closing.
(4)
Signage not in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be subject to the provisions of Subsection B.
(5)
Whenever there is a change in the sign user (excluding off-premises signs), owner or owner of the property on which the sign is located, the new sign user, owner or new property owner shall forthwith notify the Zoning Administrator of the change. No new sign permit is required unless there is modification of the sign face or sign structure.
B.
Removal of nonconforming signs.
(1)
Alteration of signs.
(a)
For the purpose of this article, alteration of a sign is considered to be any change to the exterior appearance of any part of the sign, its frame, its supporting structure, or its lighting, including: changing the message (except for marquee or off-premises advertising signs), symbols, color, material, height, location or any other alterations as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(b)
Altering a sign does not include maintaining the existing appearance of the sign, replacing the sign face or the supporting structure with identical materials, colors and messages, changing the message of a marquee sign, or changing the face of an off-premises advertising sign.
(c)
For a period extending 10 years from the effective date of this chapter, a tenant sign which comprises part of a group sign may be replaced to accommodate a new tenant sign without triggering the need to bring the entire group sign or any of its parts into compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
§ 250-119 Sign permit application process.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide a procedure and requirement for obtaining a sign permit prior to the erection of certain signs.
C.
Application requirements. All applications for sign permits shall be made in writing on a form supplied by the Village of Johnson Creek Zoning Administrator. Said application shall be submitted with all required information provided and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(1)
The approved site plan for the subject property (per § 250-127) (or if not previously required, a site plan for the subject property with requirements as determined by the Zoning Administrator), showing the location and dimensions of all buildings, structures and signs on the subject property; said subject property boundaries; and the location of the proposed sign;
(2)
The configuration of the proposed sign, listing the height, width, total square footage, method of attachment, method of illumination, and sign materials;
(3)
The subject property's zoning designation; and
(4)
The total area of all signs on the subject property both before and after the installation of the proposed sign.
D.
Procedure. The Zoning Administrator shall review the submitted application for compliance with the requirements of Subsection C above and per § 250-111. Upon the receipt of a complete application, the Zoning Administrator shall review said application for compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
E.
Termination of a sign permit. Any sign found not to be in compliance with the terms of this chapter shall be considered in violation of this chapter and shall be subject to all applicable procedures and penalties.