This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Watseka Sign Ordinance."

(1980 Code § 39-146) (Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the use of signs in the City of Watseka under circumstances that are safe, aesthetically pleasing, compatible with their surroundings, and legible in the circumstances in which they are intended to be seen. This chapter recognizes the need for a well-maintained and attractive physical appearance of the community, the need to preserve the non-commercial character of residential neighborhoods, and an allowance for signage that will be conducive to competitive commerce where applicable. Further, this chapter is adopted for the purpose of reducing sign or advertising distractions that may increase traffic accidents by distracting driver attention from the roadway. o provision of this chapter is intended regulate signs on the basis of content. Finally, no provision of this chapter is intended to favor or permit commercial speech at the expense of non-commercial speech.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations, shall have the meanings ascribed herein. Photographs of signs are meant for demonstrative purposes only, and are not intended to exclude deviations in style.

   A.   That is located upon a lot on which the principal building is vacant and not actively listed for sale or lease for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or longer at any given time; or

   B.   That is located upon a lot on which the principal building is vacant and said sign or support structure violates this Watseka Sign Ordinance or is not being maintained in accordance with the provision of this Code fourteen (14) days following a notice from the City of such violation or maintenance issue irrespective of whether said building is actively listed for sale or lease.

   A.   Is not owned solely in the name of the fee simple owner of the lot;

   B.   Is located on a lot having no principal building or structure authorized for human occupancy either residentially or commercially unless the lot on which the sign is erected is under common ownership with an immediately adjoining lot satisfying the principal building or structure characteristic;

   C.   Is erected or maintained by any person that is party to any written or oral lease, easement, license or other arrangement with the fee simple owner of said lot (or any other person authorized by or through the fee simple owner of the lot) and who otherwise lacks an ownership or possessory interest in the principal building or structure satisfying the requirements of subsection B., or a non-common unit thereof; or

   D.   Upon which any space is provided, through sale, lease or otherwise, to a third-party end-user in a time intervals of less than one (1) year.

   A.   On a corner lot, the area marked by a point at which the two (2) street curb lines intersect, measuring back twenty feet (20') on each street line, and drawing a line across the two (2) back points to fo1m a triangulated area; and

   B.   On any lot, including corner lots, the area marked by a point of intersection of a driveway and street, measuring back ten feet (10') on each plane, and drawing a line across the two (2) back points to form a triangulated area.

(1980 Code § 39-147) (Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

   A.   Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or repair a permanent sign, a sign that will have electrical service, or any type of sign in non-residential zoning district other than a yard sign, without having obtained a permit therefor.

   B.   Application. Persons seeking a sign permit shall file an application with the Commissioner, which shall consist of the following information:

      1.   Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant, which shall be confirmed through the applicant’s driver’s license or state identification card, articles of incorporation, or other legally recognized form of identification;

      2.   Proof of ownership or possessory interest in the land (or written authority from such persons) on which the sign is to be erected;

      3.   The address and legal description of the property on which the sign is to be erected;

      4.   Identification of the type of sign to be erected;

      5.   Names and addresses of any contractors employed by the applicant to erect the sign;

      6.   Building plans signed and sealed by a licensed design professional (i.e., architect or engineer) setting forth the specifications for the construction of the sign (including size, wind pressure and dead load specifications) and containing such information sufficient for the Commissioner to verify compliance with the standards of this chapter;

      7.   Site plans signed and sealed by a licensed land surveyor showing the location of the sign in relation to buildings, structures, property lines, streets, parking lots, set-backs, and other signs, and otherwise including information sufficient for the Commissioner to verify compliance with the standards of this chapter;

      8.   Detailed, scaled drawings of the building elevation where a wall sign will be placed;

      9.   Completed electrical contractor’s certification (for signs having electricity);

      10.   Proof of possession of any license or permit which, under federal, state or local law, the applicant is required to have in order to erect a sign;

      11.   Proof that the sign does not constitute an off-premises sign; and

      12.   For any sign that will extend over a public right-of-way, a liability insurance policy covering all damage or injury that might be caused by each of said signs, or certificate of insurance therefor, issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Illinois and satisfactory to the City, with limits of liability of not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for property damage and five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for personal injuries. The City, its officers, agents and employees shall be named as additional parties insured. Such liability insurance policy shall be maintained in force throughout the life of the permit, and if at any time it shall not be in full force, the permit shall be revoked by the City.

   C.   Permit Fees. The fee for any sign permit based on value of the work as set forth in the “City of Watseka Building Permit Fee – Non Residential” schedule maintained in the office of the Commissioner.

   D.   Review. The Commissioner shall complete an application review within thirty (30) days of receipt of the application. An applicant may obtain his/her permit from the Building Department once advised that a decision to grant the permit has been issued. A record of all permits issued and denied pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained by the Commissioner. Any permit not specifically approved or denied within thirty (30) days of the application’s submission shall be deemed denied as failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter unless both parties agree to an extension in writing. All extensions shall be signed by the Commissioner and the applicant and shall specify the date upon which the extension is to terminate. If the Commissioner has not granted or denied an application upon the expiration of the time period so specified, the applicant may either consider such failure as a denial of the permit or agree to a further extension of time. If an application is incomplete, the Commissioner shall allow the applicant an opportunity to provide the information necessary for his/her review.

   E.   Permit Denial. A sign permit shall only be denied if the application or sign, as proposed, fails to comply with the standards set forth in this chapter. The Commissioner shall not use the content of a sign as a basis for his/her decision to deny a permit. In the case of a denial, the Commissioner shall advise the applicant why the sign cannot be constructed as proposed. The notification shall be mailed to the applicant via U.S. Mail at the address contained on the application. The notification shall be postmarked no later than three (3) business days subsequent to the expiration of the review period. The basis for any denial shall be noted on the application.

   F.   Appeals. An applicant denied a permit under this chapter may appeal the Commissioner’s decision to the City Council for the City of Watseka. Said appeal shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk and stamped no later than thirty (30) days after the date indicated on the Commissioner’s denial letter or the final date upon which the Commissioner’s review has expired if no letter is received. Upon receipt of an appeal, the City Clerk shall immediately send notice to the City Council of the appeal. Within fourteen (14) days subsequent to the receipt of an appeal, the City Clerk shall send notice to the applicant setting forth the date, time and location of the appeal hearing. The appeal shall be held within thirty-five (35) days of receipt of the applicant’s appeal. The review of the appeal by the City Council shall be limited to whether the proposed sign conforms to the Watseka City Code. The City Council may only reverse the decision of the Commissioner upon a majority vote of the elected officials then holding office. Upon a reversal, the Commissioner shall be obligated to issue a permit to the applicant within seven (7) days. An applicant may appeal the decision to deny a permit made by the City Council through the Illinois Administrative Review Law, 735 ILCS 5/3-101, et seq.

   G.   Permit Expiration. Permits shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Permits may be extended in thirty (30)-day increments by the Commissioner upon a showing that the permittee has diligently pursued construction while the permit was valid, and upon the payment of a fee in an amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) per thirty (30)-day extension. If work authorized under a sign permit has not commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of issuance of that permit, the sign permit shall become void.

   H.   Permit Revocation. The Commissioner is authorized to revoke any sign permit upon a permit holder’s failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(1980 Code §§ 39-150 through 39-153; amd. Ord. 2567, 4-28-2021; Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

   A.   Inapplicability. No provision of this chapter shall be deemed to govern or limit the erection of the following types of signs:

      1.   Traffic control devices, including parking signs, on private property provided the same conform to the most recent version of the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, as supplemented by IDOT;

      2.   Interior signs that are not visible from the exterior of a building;

      3.   Architectural features, or symbols or murals embedded in architectural elements of a building;

      4.   Manufacturer marks;

      5.   Signs required to be posted in accordance with applicable laws;

      6.   Signs erected by the State of Illinois, County of Iroquois, or the City of Watseka; and

      7.   Signs erected by a public utility company.

   B.   On-Premises Signs. Only on-premises signs are authorized to be erected by this chapter.

   C.   Measurements. The sign area shall be computed by measuring the frame, cabinet, fixture, or design including all ornamentation, super graphics, or other decoration used to attract attention that can be enclosed in no more than four (4) lines drawn at right angles. In the case of “skeleton” or “cut-out” letters, or for signs placed on a wall without any borders, the sign area shall be the sum of the area of all letters, words, logos, or symbols within a single continuous perimeter with no more than four (4) lines drawn at right angles. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be counted in computing the permitted area of a sign. Double-faced (back-to-back) signs shall be regarded as a single sign when the sign is mounted on a single structure, and the distance between each sign face does not exceed two feet (2’) at any one point. If the sign is multi-faced, then each face shall be counted in computing the permitted area of a sign. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the sign shall not be computed as sign area.

   D.   Illumination. Sign illumination shall not interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties, create a public nuisance, or create public safety hazards. Exterior light sources shall be shielded from view and directed to illuminate only the sign face. Any illumination of a sign shall be constant and not flashing. Internal illumination is permitted only if the sign background is opaque and the only portion of the sign that appears as illuminated is the cabinet, actual lettering, trademark, or logo. Electrical raceways shall not extend beyond the outside edges of the sign copy and shall be painted to match the color of the background on which they are placed. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness or directed in a manner that will create a negative impact on properties in direct line of sight to the sign. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed fifteen (15) watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property. Lights sources shall utilize energy-efficient features to the greatest extent possible.

   E.   Changeable Copy Signs. Only free-standing permanent signs may incorporate changeable copy features. The maximum sign area devoted to a changeable copy shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the actual total sign area. Changeable copy signs shall not flash, blink, depict movement, or change more frequently than once every sixty (60) seconds.

   F.   Luminous Tube Signs. Luminous tube signs are only permitted as window signs outside of residential zoning districts, provided:

      1.   Such signs are UL listed with a maximum thirty (30) milliamps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the sign;

      2.   The manufacturer shall be registered with Underwriters Laboratories;

      3.   Tubing shall not exceed one-half inch (0.50”) in diameter;

      4.   Luminous tube lighting adjacent to residential uses shall not exceed one-half foot (0.5’) candle measured at the property line;

      5.   Luminous tubes shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., mirrors, polished metal, highly glazed tiles, or other similar materials); and

      6.   Luminous tube lighting that surrounds a window is not allowed.

   G.   Landscaping. Landscaping shall be required around the base of any free-standing permanent sign. The landscaped area shall be no smaller than the square footage of the sign area of the sign.

   H.   Secondary Signs (non-residential zoning districts only). For each building occupied by a single business, each façade with street frontage, and each façade adjacent to an off-street parking area where customer access is available (i.e., “qualifying façade”), wall, awning, canopy, and projecting signs (in any combination) shall be permitted up to a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet (1.5 sq. ft.) for each linear foot of qualifying façade, but shall not exceed a two hundred square feet (200 sq. ft.). Secondary signs on non-qualifying façades are permitted provided the maximum sign are shall not exceed one-half of the maximum sign area for qualifying façades. Buildings occupied by multiple businesses shall be subject to the same standards except that secondary signs shall only be permitted for those businesses that conduct business on the ground floor of the building, and any such sign erected by a qualifying business shall be located within the middle fifty percent (50%) of its tenant frontage measured from lease line to lease line.

   I.   Annual Inspections. The Commissioner, or his/her designee, shall inspect annually, or at such other times deemed necessary, each sign regulated under this chapter to ascertain whether the same is structurally safe or in need of repair.

   J.   Permit Tags. All permanent signs shall have placed in a conspicuous place a permit tag, in letters not less than one-half inch (0.50”) in height, the month and year the sign was erected, the name and address of the permittee, the permit number, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection therewith.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

   A.   Generally. All signs shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the details of an approved application and supporting materials, as applicable, and in accordance with the building and electrical codes adopted by the City of Watseka at the time of submission of any application.

   B.   Wind Pressure. All permanent signs shall be constructed and designed to withstand a wind pressure of at least forty pounds (40 lbs.) per square foot of the net surface area and to receive dead loads as required by the building code.

   C.   Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in good repair, in a clean and functional condition, and shall be free of chipping or peeling paint, cracks, holes, breaks, rust or oxidation, and under no circumstances shall a sign structure be maintained in a manner in which internal mechanisms or parts that would typically be covered by a sign copy be and remain visible. Any parts or features of sign that are illuminated, internally or externally, or otherwise having electrical components shall be maintained so that all portions of the sign and its parts and components fully function at all times.

   D.   Vacancies. No changeable copy sign shall advertise a business or tenant that no longer occupies a principal building on which the sign is located after ninety (90) days subsequent to the date the business or tenant ceases operations or occupancy of the building or building space. All such changeable copy signs shall be replaced with blank copies.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

   A.   Residential Use. Signs shall be permitted on lots zoned residential and used for residential purposes, as follows:

      1.   Permanent Signs:

         a.   Post and Monument Signs. One post or monument sign shall be permitted in a common area at the primary access point of a lot containing a multi-family building of three (3) or more dwelling units, a subdivision, or a residential planned unit development. The dimensions for a monument or post sign shall be as follows:

            (1)   The maximum sign area shall be twenty-four square feet (24 sq. ft.);

            (2)   Maximum height shall be eight feet (8’);

            (3)   The maximum average height shall be six feet (6’); and

            (4)   The maximum width of the shall not exceed one and one-half times the average height.

   Post or monument signs shall be located within a twenty-five feet (25’) of a paved entrance/exit to the lot, subdivision, or planned unit development, as the case may be. Only externally illuminated signs are permitted. Cabinet signs are prohibited.

         b.   Pedestrian Wall Signs. Multi-family buildings of three (3) or more dwelling units having a common entrance are permitted to have one (1) pedestrian sign having a maximum sign area of eight square feet (8 sq. ft.). Pedestrian wall signs shall be permanently attached to the building, and located no further than five feet (5’) from the common entrance. Pedestrian signs may not project more than six inches (6”) from the wall on which they are affixed. The maximum height for a pedestrian wall sign shall be one foot (1’) below the top of the door frame of the common entrance adjacent to its location.

         c.   Incidental Signs. Single-family residences being the location of a licensed home occupation are permitted to have one sign mounted flush against the wall of the residence within three feet (3’) of the residence’s address, the sign area of which shall not exceed two square feet (2 sq. ft.). Incidental signs shall not be illuminated. Cabinet signs are prohibited.

      2.   Temporary Signs:

         a.   Yard Signs. Not more than one (1) yard sign shall be permitted on a lot, except that a total of two (2) yard signs shall be permitted on any lot when the lot is being actively marketed for sale or lease, when the principal structure thereon is being constructed or reconstructed pursuant to a validly issued permit, or when garage sale activities are on-going on the lot. The maximum sign area of a yard sign shall not exceed six square feet (6 sq. ft.). No yard sign shall exceed five feet (5’) in height. Yard signs shall not be illuminated.

         b.   Banner Signs. One (1) banner sign shall be permitted on a lot for a cumulative continuing period of time not to exceed five (5) days per calendar year. Banner signs shall be free-standing or attached to a building or fence on the lot. The maximum sign area for a banner sign shall not exceed twelve square feet (12 sq. ft.). No banner sign shall exceed ten feet (10’) in height. Banner signs shall not be erected over pedestrian or vehicular points of travel. Banner signs shall not be illuminated.

         c.   Window Signs. Not more than two (2) window signs shall be permitted in or upon windows fronting a public right-of-way. No window sign shall exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of a single window pane and the total sign area of all window signs shall not exceed more than ten percent (10%) of the total window surface area of authorized window space. Window signs shall not be illuminated.

   B.   Non-Residential Uses. Signs shall be permitted on lots zoned residential, but legally used for non-residential purposes, as follows:

      1.   Permanent Signs:

         a.   Post and Monument Signs. One (1) post or monument sign shall be permitted per lot. No post or monument signs shall be permitted on a lot having a wall sign. The dimensions for a monument or post sign shall be as follows:

            (1)   The maximum sign area shall be twenty-four square feet (24 sq. ft.);

            (2)   Maximum height of shall be eight feet (8’);

            (3)   The maximum average height shall be six feet (6’); and

            (4)   The maximum width shall not exceed one and a half (1.5) times the average height.

   Only externally illuminated signs are permitted. Cabinet signs are prohibited.

         b.   Wall Signs. One (1) wall sign shall be permitted per lot on a building, except that on a corner lot two (2) wall signs will be permitted on a building provided they face different streets. No wall signs shall be permitted on a lot having a post or monument sign. The maximum sign area for a wall sign shall not exceed twenty-four square feet (24 sq. ft.). Wall signs shall be attached parallel to the building’s exterior wall, and must not interrupt the architectural details of the building. Wall signs shall be located only on a building frontage and shall not extend above an eave or parapet, or above or below a fascia on which they are located. Signs located on adjacent walls shall be separated by a minimum of thirty feet (30’). Signs shall be placed flat against the wall and shall not project from the wall more than required for normal construction purposes and in no case more than twelve inches (12”). Internally illuminated wall signs are prohibited. Cabinet signs are prohibited.

         c.   Small Signs. Two (2) small signs shall be permitted per paved entrance/exit drive of a lot. The maximum surface area for a small sign shall not exceed two square feet (2 sq. ft.). The maximum height of a small sign shall be three feet (3’). Small signs shall only be permitted within five feet (5’) of a paved entrance/exit drive.

      2.   Temporary Signs:

         a.   Yard Signs. One yard sign shall be permitted for on every lot, and one additional yard sign shall be permitted for every one quarter (1/4) acre of space greater than one-half (1/2) an acre. Notwithstanding the above, one (1) additional temporary signs shall be permitted on any lot when the lot is being actively marketed for sale, when a building or unit thereof is actively marketed for lease, or when the principal structure thereon is being constructed or reconstructed pursuant to a validly issued permit. The maximum sign area of a yard sign shall not exceed six square feet (6 sq. ft.), with a total maximum cumulative sign area of all yard signs not to exceed twenty-four square feet (24 sq. ft.). The maximum height of a yard sign shall be five feet (5’). Yard signs shall not be illuminated.

         b.   Sidewalk Signs. Two (2) sidewalk signs, each having a sign area not to exceed six square feet (6 sq. ft.) and a height not to exceed four feet (4’), shall be permitted on a lot during normal business hours for a cumulative period of time not to exceed twenty (20) days per calendar year. Portable signs shall not be illuminated.

         c.   Window Signs. Window signs shall be permitted in or upon the first floor windows of the principal building of a lot fronting a public right-of-way. Window signs shall occupy a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of a single window pane and the total sign area of all window signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total surface area of authorized window space.

         d.   Banner Signs. One (1) banner sign shall be permitted on a lot for a cumulative continuous period of time not to exceed ten (10) days per calendar year. Banner signs shall be free-standing or attached to a building on the lot. The sign area for banner signs shall not exceed twelve square feet (12 sq. ft.). The maximum height for a banner sign shall be ten feet (10’). Banner signs shall not be erected over pedestrian or vehicular points of travel, and shall not be illuminated.

   C.   Flags. Two flags and one flag pole shall be permitted per residentially zoned lot. Each flag shall be a maximum of fifteen square feet (15 sq. ft.) in area. A flag pole shall not exceed the lower of twenty-five feet (25’) in height or the highest point of the principal building. Flag poles may be permanently anchored to the ground or a building. Flag poles anchored to the ground shall be centered within a landscaped planter having a radius not smaller than the length of the flag at full extension. Flag poles anchored to a building shall not project over a point of pedestrian or vehicular travel. Illumination of flags is permitted.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

   A.   Primary Signs. Not more than one pole, pylon, monument, or post sign shall be permitted on a lot, and it shall be located no less than fifteen feet (15’) from a building located thereon, and at least fifty feet (50’) from another primary freestanding sign, as follows:

      1.   Pole Signs. Pole signs erected on lots abutting arterial streets (i.e., Walnut, Lafayette, and Jefferson) shall have a maximum surface area of one hundred fifty square feet (150 sq. ft.), and shall not exceed a height of thirty-five feet (35’). Pole signs erected on lots in all other areas shall have a maximum sign area of thirty-two square feet (32 sq. ft.), and shall not exceed a height of thirty-five feet (35’). All pole signs shall have a minimum of fifteen feet (15’) of clearance from grade to the bottom of the sign.

      2.   Pylon Signs. Pylon signs shall be permitted on lots having at least fifty feet (50’) of frontage on an arterial street. In addition, pylon signs are only allowed when the principal building is set back from the street frontage property line a minimum of fifty feet (50’). The maximum sign area for a pylon sign shall be one hundred fifty square feet (150 sq. ft.). Proportional dimensions for a pylon sign shall be as follows:

         (a)   Maximum height is thirty feet (30’);

         (b)   Maximum width is thirty percent (30%) of height;

         (c)   Maximum leg height is thirty-three percent (33%) of height;

         (d)   Maximum leg width is twenty-five percent (25%) of width; and

         (e)   The maximum width of the opening between legs is fifty percent (50%) of width.

   Changeable copy sign elements may be incorporated into a pylon sign provided they do not exceed forty percent (40%) of the actual total sign area.

      3.   Monument or Post Signs. Monument or post signs shall have a maximum sign area of forty square feet (40 sq. ft.). The proportional dimensions for a monument or post sign shall be as follows:

         (a)   Maximum height of sign structure is eight feet (8’);

         (b)   Maximum average height of sign structure is six feet (6’); and

         (c)   Maximum width of the sign structure is one and half (1.5) times the average height.

   B.   Secondary Signs. In addition to primary signs, the following secondary signs shall be permitted, provided that the combined surface areas of all secondary signs on a lot shall not exceed fifty square feet (50 sq. ft.):

      1.   Wall Signs. Wall signs shall be attached parallel to the building’s exterior wall, and must not interrupt the architectural details of the building. Wall signs shall be located only on a building’s frontage and shall not extend above an eave or parapet, or above or below a fascia on which they are located. Signs located on adjacent walls shall be separated by a minimum of thirty feet (30’). Electrical raceways shall be integrated with the overall design of the sign to the greatest degree. Signs shall be placed flat against the wall and shall not project from the wall more than required for normal construction purposes and in no case more than twelve inches (12”).

      2.   Awnings Signs. Awnings shall be limited to two colors, and shall be installed so that the clearance from grade to the bottom of the awning is not less than eight feet six inches (8’6”). Awnings shall be allowed for first-story occupancies only. Lettering, logos, symbols, and graphics are allowed on up to fifty percent (50%) of the area of the shed and valance portion of the awning. In the case of a barrel shaped awning, the sign area shall not occupy more than sixty percent (60%) of the bottom twelve inches (12”) of the awning. Awning signs shall be applied flat against the awning surface. No temporary signs are permitted to be attached to awnings. Awnings shall not be lighted from under the awning (back-lit awning) so that the awning appears to be internally illuminated.

      3.   Canopy Signs. Canopy signs shall only be permitted at automobile service stations and financial institutions. Canopies shall be limited to two colors, and shall be installed so that the clearance from grade to the bottom of the canopy is not less than fifteen (15’) feet. Canopy signs shall not extend beyond the gable or fascia board of the canopy. There shall be no more than one canopy sign per street frontage. The total area of the canopy occupied by a sign shall not exceed six square feet (6 sq. ft.) per street frontage. No temporary signs shall be attached to a canopy.

      4.   Projecting Signs. One projecting sign for each tenant establishment per qualifying façade shall be permitted. Projecting signs shall have a maximum sign area of eight square feet (8 sq. ft.). Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet six inches (8’6”) measured from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk above which the sign extends. No sign shall project or be constructed within the airspace above a public right-of-way excepting a sidewalk, and only then when affixed to the front façade of a building located not more than feet (2’) from the front lot line. Projecting signs shall not extend more than six feet (6’) from a vertical plane of the façade and must be at least six inches (6”) from the façade, provided that no projecting sign shall extend further than a point that is two feet (2’) from the far edge of the sidewalk.

   C.   Other Signs. In addition to primary and secondary signs, the following other signs shall be permitted:

      1.   Small Signs. Not more than two (2) small signs shall be permitted per paved entrance/exit drive, and not more than one small sign shall be permitted per drive-thru service lane. Small signs shall not exceed three feet (3’) in height, and they shall have a maximum sign area of four square feet (4 sq. ft.). Small signs shall be located within five feet (5’) of a paved drive.

      2.   Fuel Island Signs. Not more than one (1) sign having a sign area not to exceed four square feet (4 sq. ft.) shall be permitted on or in front of each fuel service island located on a lot.

      3.   Drive-Thru Boards. Not more than one (1) drive-thru board having a maximum height of eight feet (8’), and having a maximum sign area of forty-eight square feet (48 sq. ft.), may be located to the rear of a building having a business that offers drive-thru service. The drive-thru board shall be located within five feet (5’) of an active drive-thru service lane. A drive-thru board may be illuminated and may allow for live audible communications between persons.

      4.   Pedestrian Signs. One (1) pedestrian sign shall be permitted for each building having a common entrance for multiple commercial tenancies. Pedestrian signs shall have a maximum sign area of eight square feet (8 sq. ft.), shall be permanently attached to the building, and located within five feet (5’) of the common entrance. Pedestrian signs shall not project more than six inches (6”) from the wall on which they are affixed. The maximum height for a pedestrian wall sign shall be one foot (1’) below the top of the door frame of the common entrance adjacent to its location.

      5.   Temporary Signs. In addition to such other signs as may be permitted, the following temporary signs shall be permitted:

         (a)   Yard Signs. One (1) freestanding yard sign shall be permitted for each street frontage per lot. One additional yard sign shall be permitted for each street frontage per lot when the lot or building, or portion thereof, located thereon is actively marketed for sale or lease.

         (b)   Sidewalk Signs. Not more than two (2) freestanding sidewalk signs shall be permitted on a lot during normal business hours for a cumulative period of time not to exceed twenty (20) days per calendar year.

         (c)   Window Signs. Window signs shall be permitted for first-story occupancies only. Window signs shall occupy a maximum of seventy-five percent (75%) of a single window pane and no more than fifty percent (50%) of the total window surface area per storefront elevation measured from lease line to lease line. Window signs shall be painted on, mounted against, or applied to the window surface.

         (d)   One (1) banner sign shall be permitted on a lot at a time, and only for a cumulative continuing period of time not to exceed fourteen (14) days per calendar year, and only in such calendar year in which a new business is opened on said lot. Banner signs shall be free-standing or attached to a building. The maximum sign area for a banner sign shall not exceed twelve square feet (12 sq. ft.). No banner sign shall exceed ten feet (10’) in height. Banner signs shall not be erected over pedestrian or vehicular points of travel. Banner signs shall not be illuminated.

   D.   Flags. One flag shall be permitted on a lot for every fifty feet (50’) of street frontage up to a maximum of three (3) flags and three (3) flag poles. No flag shall exceed forty square feet (40 sq. ft.) in area. A flag pole shall not exceed the lower of fifty feet (50’) in height or the highest point of the principal building’s roof. Flag poles may be permanently anchored to the ground or a building. Flag poles anchored to the ground shall be centered within a landscaped planter having a radius not smaller than the length of the flag at full extension. Flag poles anchored to a building shall not project over a point of vehicular travel, and if located above a point of pedestrian travel, shall have a clearance (including the flag itself) of at least eight feet six inches (8’6”) below the same.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

Notwithstanding any other limitation herein to the contrary, the following temporary signs shall be permitted on any property during the periods specified below:

   A.   During the forty (40)-day period from December 1 to January 10, three (3) temporary signs having a maximum sign area of eight square feet (8 sq. ft.) each, and a maximum cumulative sign area of twenty-four square feet (24 sq. ft.), may be erected on a lot. Lights may be used to decorate the property even if the lights may be arranged to form a sign;

   B.   During the ten (10)-day period from June 27 to July 6, one (1) temporary sign not to exceed six square feet (6 sq. ft.) may be erected on a lot; and,

   C.   During any five (5)-day period excluding those referenced above that includes a holiday recognized by the United States of America or the State of Illinois, one (1) temporary sign not to exceed six square feet (6 sq. ft.) may be erected on a lot.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

No person shall erect or maintain any of the following signs, all of which shall be strictly prohibited:

   A.   Signs in or over the public right-of-way;

   B.   Unless otherwise permitted to extend over a sidewalk as provided in this chapter, signs that project beyond the property line on which the sign is constructed;

   C.   Permanent signs within a setback or within the boundaries of any storm, sanitary, water, or public utility easement;

   D.   Signs within a natural waterway;

   E.   Illuminated banner signs, or banner signs attached to fences outside of a residential zoning district;

   F.   Feather flags;

   G.   Roof signs;

   H.   Animated signs, attention-getting devices, and inflatable signs.

   I.   Portable message boards;

   J.   Projector signs;

   K.   Signs attached to fences, except on public property devoted to recreational uses;

   L.   Painted wall signs;

   M.   Marquee signs;

   N.   Changeable copy signs, except as a component of another type of sign and authorized herein;

   O.   Signs (permanent or temporary) attached to trees, lights, utility poles, another sign’s posts, standpipes, gutter drains or fire escapes;

   P.   Signs that block or impede the ingress or egress of any door, window, or fire escape, or which otherwise impair access to the roof of a building;

   Q.   Signs which due to their location, construction, or illumination create a visual or physical hazard for vehicles, pedestrians or children;

   R.   Permanent off-premises signs; provided, however, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prohibit a non-commercial sign where a commercial sign would otherwise be permitted;

   S.   Signs that violate the provisions of the Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971, as amended;

   T.   Signs on a vehicle if the vehicle is not used for daily operations or during the regular course of business, or is not licensed, insured, or operational;

   U.   Abandoned signs;

   V.   Signs, which by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination may be confused with or construed to be traffic-control devices, or the light of an emergency or other governmental vehicle;

   W.   Free-standing signs within five feet (5’) of a property line or within a sight triangle;

   X.   Signs which emit audible sound other than drive-thru boards;

   Y.   Signs composed with spray paint;

   Z.   Signs that have exposed wood in its untreated state, or that use materials that are not otherwise waterproof; and

   AA.   Any other sign not specifically authorized by this chapter.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

Any sign that existed lawfully on the effective date of this Watseka Sign Ordinance that remains or becomes nonconforming by reason of adoption of these regulations, or because subsequent amendments to these regulations, are considered nonconforming signs and their continuance is allowed in accordance with the following provisions:

   A.   Ordinary repairs and maintenance, including the removing and replacing of the outer panels is permitted, provided that the panels are replaced with identical panels and no structural alterations or other work that extends the useful life of the sign is permitted;

   B.   Single panels on multi-panel signs for multi-tenant shopping centers may be changed to reflect tenant changes;

   C.   No repair or alteration that increases the size of the sign is permitted;

   D.   No nonconforming sign may be removed in whole or in part to any other location on the same or any other lot unless every portion of the sign is made to conform to the provisions of this chapter;

   E.   If a nonconforming sign becomes abandoned, it must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

   A.   Nuisance. Any sign placed in the public right-of-way in violation of this chapter shall be considered a nuisance and subject to abatement by the City. Any person responsible for the illegally placing a sign in the public right-of-way shall be responsible for the City’s costs to remove or abate the nuisance in addition to any penalties that may be imposed.

   B.   Abandoned Signs. Abandoned signs shall be removed within ninety (90) days of being declared as such by the Commissioner. Any abandoned sign not removed in the time-period referenced shall be considered a nuisance and subject to abatement by the City. The owner of the property upon which the abandoned sign is located shall be responsible to for the City’s costs to remove or abate the nuisance in addition to any penalties that may be imposed.

(Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)

Any person found to be in violation of any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). Each violation, or day said violation is permitted to continue, shall constitute a separate offense.

(1980 Code § 39-176; amd. 2019 Code; Ord. 2715, 8-27-2024)