The purpose of this Chapter is to preserve and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating signs of all types. It is intended to:

   (A)   Enhance the physical appearance of the Village;

   (B)   Make Willowbrook a more enjoyable and pleasing community and create an attractive economic and business climate;

   (C)   Reduce sign distractions which may increase traffic accidents;

   (D)   Eliminate hazards caused by unsafe signs;

   (E)   Relieve pedestrian and traffic congestion; and

   (F)   Avoid the "canceling out" effect of adjacent signs. (Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   Permanent Sign Area Limit: Each lot shall be allowed aggregate permanent sign area equal to two (2) square feet of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage.

   (B)   Temporary Sign Area Limit: Each lot shall be allowed aggregate temporary sign area equal to one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage.

   (C)   Premises Having Frontage On More Than One Dedicated Street: Premises having frontage on more than one (1) dedicated street will be allowed an additional one (1) square foot of aggregate sign area for each lineal foot of the secondary lot frontage; however additional sign area shall only be displayed on the secondary frontage.

   (D)   Irregularly Shaped Lots: Irregularly shaped lots with minimal lot frontage, relative to more typically shaped lots in the district, may petition for additional aggregate sign area through the Comprehensive Sign Plan process as detailed in Section 9-9-07.

Figure 6.1. Limit on Sign Area

 

 

(Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   Sign Height: Sign height shall be measured by the total distance between the highest point on the sign to the average elevation of the ground upon which the sign supports are placed, except when:

      1.   The sign supports rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding ground; or

      2.   The sign supports rest upon a ditch or other area lower than the surrounding ground.

   (B)   In the cases detailed in Section 9-6-03(A)(1-2) above, the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent roadway shall be considered as the ground level.

   (C)   Sign Area:

      1.   Unless otherwise defined, sign area is determined by the total area enclosed by a continuous perimeter along the edges of a sign, including any frame or border.

      2.   The area of a sign composed of individually-affixed letters is determined by the total area of the smallest geometric shape enclosing the copy.

      3.   A maximum of two (2) geometric shapes may be utilized in sign area calculation.

      4.   The calculation for a double-faced sign shall be the area of one (1) face only.

   Figure 6.2. Sign Area Measurement

 

 

 

 

(Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   The following key is to be used in the interpretation of Table 9-6-04 Permitted and Allowed Sign Types by District.

      1.   Sign Types Requiring A Permit: Sign types marked as "•" in the table shall be permitted subject to all applicable regulations of this UDO and only after the issuance of a Sign Permit as detailed in Section 9-9-02(E).

      2.   Sign Types Not Requiring A Permit: Sign types marked as "" in the table shall be allowed subject to all applicable regulations of this UDO without the issuance of a Sign Permit.

      3.   Prohibited Sign Types: A blank space in the table indicates that a sign type is prohibited in the respective district.

      4.   Interpretation Of Similar Sign Type: If a proposed sign is not listed in the table, the Village Administrator or their designee shall determine if the sign is substantially similar to a sign listed in the table. If it is, the standards applied to the proposed sign shall be the standards applicable to the similar sign. If not, the sign shall be regarded as prohibited.

 

(Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   Wall Signs:

      1.   Sign Area: The maximum sign area of wall signs shall be ten percent (10%) of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

      2.   Sign Height: No wall sign shall protrude above the highest roofline or the top of the parapet wall or mansard roof.

      3.   Projection:

         (a)   A wall sign shall not extend more than six (6) inches from the wall of the building or structure to which it is attached.

         (b)   A wall sign shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet from grade.

Figure 6.3. Wall Sign Area, Height, and Projection

      4.   Number Of Signs:

         (a)   Primary Wall Signs:

            (1)   Single tenant buildings shall be permitted a total of two (2) primary wall signs; however only one (1) wall sign shall be displayed on any single building facade.

            (2)   Multi-tenant buildings shall be permitted one (1) primary wall sign per unit.

         (b)   Secondary Wall Signs: A maximum of two (2) secondary wall signs may be authorized for buildings with lineal frontage in excess of seventy-five (75) feet by the Village Administrator or their designee provided such additional signage is:

            (1)   In keeping with the overall design and architecture of the building;

            (2)   A minimum of twenty (20) feet from the primary wall sign and other secondary wall signs;

            (3)   A maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the size of the primary wall sign;

            (4)   Less visually prominent on the site than the building's primary wall sign; and

            (5)   The total area of all primary and secondary wall signs does not exceed the maximum wall sign area as established in Section 9-6-05(A)(1).

Figure 6.4. Secondary Wall Sign Standards

   5.    Sign Copy:

      (a)    If the sign copy is individually affixed letters, the Village Administrator or their designee may approve an increase in sign area up to an additional five percent (5%) of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

         (b)   Box/cabinet wall signs shall be prohibited.

      6.   Other Provisions:

         (a)   No wall sign shall cover any architectural features (architectural features shall include but not be limited to, pediment, cornice, belt course, pier, windows, pilaster, roof, decorative stone or inlay, kick plate/bulkhead, raised or colored brick pattern, and corbel) of the building to which it is affixed.

         (b)   No wall sign shall be affixed to HVAC screening, elevator overrun, or other structures protruding from the roof of the principal building, excluding architectural features that are an integral part of the principal building.

   (B)   Single-Tenant Monument Signs:

      1.   Sign Area: The maximum sign area of a single-tenant monument sign shall be fifty (50) square feet.

      2.   Sign Height: The maximum sign height of a single-tenant monument sign shall be seven (7) feet.

      3.   Number Of Signs: A maximum of one (1) single-tenant monument sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.

      4.   Sign Base:

         (a)   The base of a single-tenant monument sign, including all structural components, shall extend horizontally from the sign face a minimum of ten percent (10%) and a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the sign face.

         (b)   The base of single-tenant monument signs shall be constructed from masonry, stone, or similar high-quality materials in keeping with the materials and design of the principal building of the lot.

      5.   Landscape Requirement:

         (a)   All single-tenant monument signs shall be required to plant and maintain a landscape area at the base of the sign.

         (b)   The minimum area of the landscape area shall be equal to half of the square footage of the sign area of the associated sign.

         (c)   Landscape areas shall be planted with one (1) shrub or native grass per every three (3) square feet of required landscape area.

      6.   Other Provisions:

         (a)   The address of the building(s) to which the single-tenant monument sign is associated shall be displayed on the single-tenant monument sign but shall not count towards maximum sign area.

Figure 6.5. Single-Tenant Monument Sign Standards

   (C)   Multi-Tenant Monument Signs:

      1.   Sign Area:

         (a)   The maximum sign area of a multi-tenant monument sign in the B District shall be one-hundred (100) square feet.

         (b)   The maximum sign area of a multi-tenant monument sign in the LOR District or M-1 District shall be one-hundred (100) square feet.

      2.   Sign Height: The maximum sign height of a multi-tenant monument sign shall be sixteen (16) feet.

      3.   Number Of Signs: A maximum of one (1) single-tenant monument sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.

      4.   Sign Base:

         (a)   The base of a multi-tenant monument sign, including all structural components, shall extend horizontally from the sign face a minimum of ten percent (10%) and a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the sign face.

         (b)   The base of multi-tenant monument signs shall be constructed from masonry, stone, or similar high-quality materials in keeping with the materials and design of the principal building of the lot.

      5.   Landscape Requirement:

         (a)   All multi-tenant monument signs shall be required to plant and maintain a landscape area at the base of the sign.

         (b)   The minimum area of the landscape area shall be equal to half of the square footage of the sign area of the associated sign.

         (c)   Landscape areas shall be planted with one (1) shrub or native grass per every three (3) square feet of required landscape area.

      6.   Other Provisions:

         (a)   The address of the building(s) to which the single-tenant monument sign is associated shall be displayed on the single-tenant monument sign but shall not count towards maximum sign area.

Figure 6.6. Multi-Tenant Monument Sign Standards

   (D)   Awning/Canopy Signs:

      1.   Sign Area:

         (a)   The maximum sign area of awning/canopy signs shall be fifty percent (50%) of the face of the awning/canopy upon which the sign shall be printed or affixed.

         (b)   The area of the awning/canopy sign shall count towards the maximum amount of sign area permitted for wall signs as detailed in Section 9-6-05(A)(1).

      2.   Other Provisions: Awning/canopy signs shall only be permitted on awnings/canopies extending above ground floor entrances or windows.

Figure 6.7. Awning/Canopy Sign Standards

(E)    Projecting Signs:

      1.   Sign Area: The maximum permitted sign area of projecting signs shall be four (4) square feet.

      2.   Sign Height:

         (a)   Projecting signs shall not extend above the roofline of the building to which it is attached, or a maximum of twelve (12) feet, whichever is less.

         (b)   Projecting signs shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet.

      3.   Number Of Signs:

         (a)   A maximum of one (1) projecting sign shall be permitted per ground floor tenant space.

         (b)   A projecting sign shall not be displayed on the same building frontage as an awning/canopy sign.

      4.   Projection: Projecting signs shall horizontally project a maximum of four (4) feet from the building to which it is attached.

      5.   Other Provisions:

         (a)   Projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated.

         (b)   Projecting signs may encroach upon, extend, or project over a public right-of-way or easement. The property owner may be required to provide a release or hold harmless to the Village prior to issuing permits for any such signs.

Figure 6.8. Projecting Sign Standards

   (F)   Window Signs, Permanent:

      1.   Sign Area:

      (a)    The maximum permitted sign area of a permanent window sign shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the square footage of the in dividual window on w hich the sign shall be lo cated.

         (b)   The area of the permanent window sign shall count towards the maximum amount of sign area permitted for wall signs as detailed in Section 9-6-05(A)(1).

Figure 6.9. Permanent Window Sign Standards

   (G)   On-Site Traffic Directional Signs:

      1.   Sign Area:

         (a)   The maximum sign area of an on-site traffic directional sign shall be four (4) square feet.

         (b)   Permitted on-site traffic directional sign area shall not count towards the maximum allowed aggregate sign area as detailed in Section 9-6-02.

      2.   Sign Height: The maximum height of an on-site traffic directional sign shall be four (4) feet.

      3.   Number Of Signs: The permitted number of on-site traffic directional signs shall be determined by the Village Administrator or their designee as necessary to assist in the safe movement of vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic on a property and between properties with vehicular cross access.

Figure 6.10. On-Site Traffic Directional Sign Standards

(Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   General Standards Temporary Signs:

      1.   Temporary Signs Requiring A Permit:

         (a)   Concurrent Display:

            (1)   Single-Tenant Building: A maximum of two (2) permitted temporary signs, as permitted per district in Table 9-6-04, may be displayed concurrently on a lot with a single-tenant building.

            (2)   Multi-Tenant Building.

               (i)   A maximum of one (1) permitted temporary sign, as permitted per district in Table 9-6-04, may be displayed per unit on a lot with a multi-tenant building concurrently.

               (ii)   In no instance shall more than two (2) freestanding temporary signs be displayed concurrently.

      2.   Display Period:

         (a)   The permitted display period of a permitted temporary sign shall be a maximum of fourteen (14) days.

         (b)   A total of three (3) nonconcurrent display periods shall be permitted per single-tenant building or unit of a multitenant building per calendar year.

         (c)   Display periods shall be separated by a minimum of thirty (30) days.

      3.   Temporary Freestanding Signs: Temporary freestanding signs shall include ground mounted banner, feather, post, and yard signs.

         (a)   Temporary freestanding signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.

         (b)   Temporary freestanding signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.

   (B)   Wall Mounted Banner Sign:

      1.   Sign Area: The maximum area of a wall mounted banner sign shall be five percent (5%) of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

      2.   Sign Height: No wall mounted banner sign shall protrude above the highest roofline or the top of the parapet wall or mansard roof.

      3.   Location: Wall mounted banner signs shall be affixed to a building only.

      4.   Projection: Wall mounted banner signs shall be affixed flat against the building to which they are mounted.

Figure 6.11. Wall-Mounted Banner Sign Standards

   (C)   Ground Mounted Temporary Sign:

      1.   Sign Area: The maximum sign area of a ground mounted temporary sign shall be thirty-two (32) square feet.

      2.   Sign Height: The maximum sign height of a ground mounted temporary sign shall be eight (8) feet.

      3.   Permit Period And Fee: Ground-mounted temporary signs shall be allowed six (6) months per calendar year subject to a monthly fee as approved by the Village Board.

Figure 6.12. Ground-Mounted Temporary Sign Standards

   (D)   Window Signs, Temporary:

      1.   Sign Area: The maximum sign area of a temporary window sign shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the individual window on which the sign shall be affixed.

Figure 6.13. Temporary Window Sign Standards

   (E)    A-Frame/Sandwi ch Board Signs:

      1.    Sign Area: The maximum sign area of an a-frame/sandwich board sign shall be six (6) square feet.

      2.   Sign Height: The maximum sign height of an a-frame/sandwich board sign shall be four (4) feet.

      3.   Number Of Signs: One (1) a-frame/sandwich board sign shall be permitted per single-tenant building or unit of a multitenant building.

      4.   Sign Separation: Each a-frame/sandwich board sign shall be separated from another a-frame/sandwich board sign by at least twenty-five (25) feet.

      5.   Location:

         (a)   A-frame/sandwich board signs shall be placed in a manner to preserve a continuous sidewalk width of a minimum of five (5) feet.

         (b)   No part of any a-frame/sandwich board sign shall block points of ingress or egress.

         (c)   A-frame/sandwich board signs shall be placed no more than one (1) foot from the wall of the building or unit of a building to which the sign is associated.

         (d)   A-frame/sandwich board signs shall be placed no less than three (3) feet and no more than six (6) feet from the building entrance of the building or unit of a building to which the sign is associated.

      6.   Other Provisions:

         (a)   The display of a-frame/sandwich board signs shall only be permitted during the operating hours of the use to which the sign is associated.

Figure 6.14. A-Frame/Sandwich Board Sign Standards

   (F)   Post Signs:

      1.   Sign Area: The maximum sign area of a post sign shall be six (6) square feet.

      2.   Sign Height: The maximum sign height of a post sign shall be six (6) feet.

      3.   Number Of Signs: A maximum of one (1) post sign shall be allowed per lot frontage.

Figure 6.15. Post Sign Standards

   (G)   Yard Signs:

      1.    Sign Area: The maximum sign area of a yard sign shall be four (4) square feet.

      2.   Sign Height: The maximum sign height of a yard sign shall be three (3) feet.

      3.   Number Of Signs: A maximum of two (2) yard signs may be displayed concurrently with the exception of thirty (30) days before and fifteen (15) days after a local, state, or federal election in which case a maximum of six (6) yard signs may be displayed.

      4.   Other Provisions:

         (a)   Yard signs in residential districts displayed for a period of forty eight (48) hours or less shall be exempt from the requirements of this Section.

Figure 6.16. Yard Sign Standards

(Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   Location Of Free Standing Signs: Free standing signs shall include single-tenant monument signs, multi-tenant monument signs, on-site traffic directional signs, ground mounted banner signs, feather signs, post signs, and yard signs.

      1.   Be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements;

      2.   Not block points of ingress or egress;

      3.   Not be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian circulation system; and

      4.   Not be located in a clear sight triangle as detailed in Section 9-5-06.

   (B)   Illumination:

      1.   Location And Design Of Light Source: Whenever an external artificial light source is used for a sign, such source shall be located, shielded, and directed so as not to be directly visible from any public right-of-way or residential property. No receptacle or device housing a permitted light source for a sign shall protrude more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the sign or building to which it is attached except if such light source is ground mounted, locked in place, and cannot be redirected.

      2.   Level Of Illumination: In no event shall the illumination of any sign, resulting from any internal or external artificial light source, exceed the outdoor lighting standards established in Section 9-5-09. All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent property or streets.

   (C)   Electronic Message Boards: Single-tenant and multi-tenant monument signs only may incorporate electronic message boards in accordance with the following:

      1.   Two-thirds (2/3) of the sign area must be permanent sign copy.

      2.   The area of the sign devoted to an electronic message board shall be part of, not in addition to, the maximum sign area allowed.

      3.   The electronic message format shall conform to the following requirements:

         (a)   The message will contain a static message or image only and not have movement, or the appearance of movement, during the static display period.

         (b)   The transition to change from one message or image to another shall be instant and not dissolve, fade, scroll, travel, or have similar transitions.

         (c)   The message shall not change more frequently than once every ten (10) seconds.

      4.   Electronic message boards must be equipped with a default mechanism that will stop the messaging or freeze the image in one position when a malfunction in electronic programming occurs.

      5.   Electronic message boards shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according to light conditions.

      6.   Illumination of electronic message signs shall not exceed three-tenths (0.3) foot-candles over the ambient lighting conditions when measured at a distance equal to the square footage of the sign area.

      7.   Sign placement does not interfere with traffic control devices within three hundred (300) feet of the sign or traffic circulation upon roadways. If deemed necessary by the Village Administrator or their designee a report from a traffic engineer certifying that the proposed sign does not interfere with the design characteristics of the traffic circulation and traffic control devices may be required. (Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   The following signs are specifically prohibited:

      1.   Off-premises signs/billboards;

      2.   Pole/pylon signs;

      3.   Flashing signs;

      4.   Roof signs;

      5.   Marquee signs;

      6.   Feather signs;

      7.   Searchlights;

      8.   Signs attached to a utility pole, a tree, a standpipe, gutter, drain or fire escape;

      9.   Signs erected so as to impair access to a roof;

      10.   Signs located, erected or maintained upon, over or project into any public right-of-way or easement unless otherwise allowed by this Chapter;

      11.   Pennants, streamers, and portable signs not specifically permitted or allowed by this Chapter;

      12.   Signs, not specifically permitted or allowed by this Chapter, which move or have moving parts, which movement is caused either by the wind or mechanically;

      13.   Signs in conflict with traffic signals, vehicular or pedestrian travel, access to fire hydrants and fire lanes and exits, and other signs which reasonably impede or impair the public health, safety and welfare;

      14.   Signs on vehicles, boats, or trailers parked so as to be visible from a public right-of-way for a period which exceeds three (3) days. All vehicles displaying signs shall be currently licensed, operable, parked on the property of the business owning or leasing the vehicle, and in the parking area furthest from any street right-of-way, so as to minimize the effects of additional signage on the property, except for vehicles actively in transport, or in the specific act of receiving or delivering merchandise or rendering a service;

      15.   Attention getting devices;

      16.   Signs hung across any street or alley;

      17.   Signs employing exposed neon lights not completely covered by other acceptable sign materials, except for permanent or temporary window signs as regulated in this Chapter; and

      18.   Signs painted on or otherwise affixed to fences.

   (B)   Prohibited Content:

      1.   The following content is prohibited without reference to the viewpoint of the individual speaker:

         (a)   Text or graphics of an indecent or immoral nature and harmful to minors;

         (b)   Text or graphics that advertise unlawful activity;

         (c)   Text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action, or true threats; or

         (d)   Text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with traffic control signs or signs that provide public safety information (for example, signs that use the words "Stop," "Yield," "Caution," or "Danger," or comparable words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to imply a safety hazard that does not exist).

      2.   The narrow classifications of content that are prohibited by this subsection are either not protected by the United States or Illinois Constitutions or are offered limited protection that is outweighed by the substantial governmental interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the Village Board that each paragraph of this subsection be individually severable in the event that a court of competent jurisdiction were to hold one or more of them to be inconsistent with the United States or Illinois Constitutions. (Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)

   (A)   Every sign and all parts thereof, including base, copy, framework, supports, anchors and wiring systems shall:

      1.   Be constructed and maintained in compliance with the applicable codes of the Village.

      2.   Be kept in proper repair.

      3.   When not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion resistive, noncombustible materials, be painted, when necessary, to prevent corrosion, rust, peeling paint, and excessive fading.

   (B)   Failure of owners to keep signs maintained in good mechanical and visual repair shall be deemed a violation of this Title.

   (C)   It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner of every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign in a clean condition, free of rubbish. Any landscaping surrounding the sign shall be kept trimmed and in good repair. If the landscaping installed at the time of sign approval dies, said landscaping shall be replaced immediately or as soon as weather permits.

   (D)   Every existing sign shall be subject to an inspection whenever the Village Administrator or their designee and/or Building Enforcement Officer deems it necessary. In the event an inspection demonstrates that repairs, and/or maintenance is necessary, the sign owner shall be notified and required to complete said repairs and/or maintenance within thirty (30) days of notification. The Village Administrator or their designee and/or Building Enforcement Officer is authorized to grant one (1) thirty (30) day extension, if, upon written request, it is deemed necessary due to extenuating circumstances.

   (E)   If the Village Administrator or their designee and/or Building Enforcement Officer shall find that any sign is unsafe or unsecure, or is a threat to the public safety, or was, after the adoption of this UDO constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this UDO, they shall give written notice to the sign owner. Such notice shall specify the manner in which the sign is unsafe or in violation of this Title.

   (F)   Sign copy shall be removed and in the case of a wall sign, the building facade shall be repaired, by the sign owner when the use which the sign is associated is no longer conducted on the premises. The sign copy shall be removed within thirty (30) days of when the use ceases to operate. If the owner fails to remove the sign copy, the Village Administrator or their designee shall give the owner thirty (30) days written notice to remove it. Failure to comply with the notice shall be deemed a violation of this Title. (Ord. 23-0-05, 1-23-2023)