Woodridge City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 11
SIGNS
9-11-1: SIGN CODE INTENT AND PURPOSE:
A. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to set out regulations for the erection and maintenance of signs while preserving the right of free speech and expression.
B. Scope. The regulations of this chapter shall provide a balanced and fair legal framework for design, construction, and placement of signs that:
1. Promotes the safety of persons and property by ensuring that signs do not create a hazard by:
a. Collapsing, catching fire, or otherwise decaying;
b. Confusing or distracting motorists; or
c. Impairing drivers’ ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs;
2. Promotes the efficient communication of messages, and ensures that persons exposed to signs:
a. Are not overwhelmed by the number of messages presented; and
b. Are able to exercise freedom of choice to observe or ignore said messages according to the observer’s purpose;
3. Protects the public welfare and enhances the appearance and economic value of the landscape by protecting scenic views and avoiding sign clutter that can compromise the character, quality, and viability of commercial corridors;
4. Ensures that signs are compatible with their surroundings, and prevents the construction of signs that are a nuisance to occupants of adjacent and contiguous property due to brightness, reflectivity, bulk, or height;
5. Ensures that signs are aesthetically pleasing, of appropriate scale, and integrated with the built environment, in order to meet the objectives related to the quality and character and development set forth in the comprehensive plan;
6. Enhances property values and business opportunities;
7. Assists in wayfinding; and
8. Provides fair and consistent permitting and enforcement.
C. Authority. The Village Board finds that:
1. The village has the authority to regulate signs under the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the Zoning Division of the Illinois Municipal Code;
2. This chapter advances important and substantial government interests;
3. The regulations set out in this chapter are unrelated to the suppression of constitutionally protected free expression and do not involve the content of protected messages which may be displayed on signs, nor do they involve the viewpoint of individual speakers;
4. The incidental restriction on the freedom of speech is no greater than is essential to the furtherance of the interests protected by this chapter; and
5. Certain types of speech are not protected by the First Amendment due to the harm that they cause to individuals or the community, and speech that is harmful to minors may be prohibited in places that are accessible to minors.
D. General Findings of Fact. The Village Board finds that:
1. The ability to display signs of reasonable size and dimensions is vital to the health and sustainability of many businesses, and the display of signs with noncommercial messages is a traditional component of the freedom of speech, but the constitutional guarantee of free speech may be limited by appropriate and constrained regulation that is unrelated to the expression itself;
2. The village has an important and substantial interest in preventing sign clutter (which is the proliferation of signs of increasing size and dimensions as a result of competition among property owners for the attention of passing motorists), because sign clutter degrades the character of the community, makes the community a less attractive place for commercial and private investment, and dilutes or obscures messages displayed along the village’s streets by creating visual confusion and aesthetic blight;
3. Sign clutter can be prevented by regulations that balance the legitimate interests of individual property owners to convey their commercial and noncommercial messages against the comparable needs of adjacent and nearby property owners and the interest of the community as a whole in providing for a high-quality community character;
4. Temporary signs that are not constructed of weather-resistant materials are often damaged or destroyed by wind, rain, and sun, and after such damage or destruction, degrade the aesthetics of the village’s streets if they are not removed;
5. The village has an important and substantial interest in keeping its rights-of-way clear of obstructions and litter;
6. The village has an important and substantial interest in protecting the health of its tree canopy, which contributes to the character and value of the community; and
7. The uncontrolled use of off-premises outdoor advertising signs and their location, density, size, shape, motion, illumination, and demand for attention can be injurious to the purposes of this chapter and destructive to community character and property values, and that, as such, restrictions on the display of off-premises commercial messages are necessary and desirable. (Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024)
9-11-2: APPLICATION:
A. Application of Chapter.
1. Generally. Hereinafter, all construction, relocation, enlargement, alteration, and modification of signs within the village shall conform to the requirements of this chapter, all state and Federal regulations concerning signs and advertising, and all applicable building codes. Generally, signs are approved by issuance of a sign permit. However, there are some signs that do not require a permit. These signs are listed in subparagraph 9-11-2
A.3. below.
2. Signs requiring a permit. A sign permit shall be required for all permitted signs exceeding six (6) square feet in area, unless otherwise exempted by subparagraph 9-11-2
A.3. below. In addition, a sign permit shall be required at any time the sign area is increased, if the increase is allowable within the zoning district in which the sign is located. The subparagraph shall not be interpreted so as to grant permission for prohibited signs with sign areas less than six (6) square feet.
3. Signs that do not require a sign permit. The following signs do not require a sign permit but may require another related permit (if subject to building or electrical codes). The exclusion of a sign permit does not provide any relief or such signs from other sign code requirements, as applicable. Temporary signs that do not require permits shall still comply with the standards of section 9-11-7
, Temporary Signs, and section 9-11-4
, General Design and Maintenance Standards, or the applicable standards of this chapter.
a. Official and legal notice. Official signs and legal notice signs that are issued by any court, public body, person, or officer in performance of a public duty, or in giving any legal notice;
b. Village signs. Signs that are erected, constructed, placed, maintained, or otherwise posted, owned, or leased by the village.
c. Signs with de minimis area. Signs that are affixed to a building or structure (even if wall signs are not permitted in the district or for the use), which do not exceed one (1) square foot in area, provided that only one such sign is present on each elevation that is visible from public rights-of-way or neighboring property; and signs that are less than three-fourths of a square foot in area that are affixed to machines, equipment, fences, gates, walls, gasoline pumps, public telephones, or utility cabinets;
d. Flags. Flags that are not larger than thirty (30) square feet in area that are affixed to permanent flagpoles or flagpoles that are mounted to buildings (either temporary or permanent);
e. Carried signs. Signs that are being carried by people (however, such signs are not exempt if they are set down or propped on objects);
f. Bumper stickers. Bumper stickers on vehicles;
g. Interior signs. Signs that are not visible from residential lots, abutting property or public rights-of-way; and
h. Traffic control signs. Traffic control signs and other signs related to public safety that the village or another jurisdiction installs or requires a developer to install.
B. Exemption for addressing. The Village Board finds that the posting of the addresses of buildings in locations that are visible from the street is necessary for the effective delivery of public safety services. The efficient and timely delivery of emergency services is a compelling government interest. Accordingly, the village requires that street addresses shall be posted as follows:
1. Nonresidential districts. In nonresidential districts, street addresses shall be posted at:
a. All primary building entrances; and
b. On detached signage if the address on the building is not visible from the street.
2. Residential districts. In residential districts, street addresses shall be posted:
a. On the facade of the building that faces the street from which the address is taken; and
b. On the mailbox or mailbox support, if the mailbox is detached from the building.
3. Exclusion from sign area calculation. Because address signs are required, numbers and letters used for addressing are not included in the calculation of sign area if they are not more than fourteen inches (14") in height.
C. Signs permitted before effective date. If a permit for a sign has been issued in accordance with all village ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of this chapter, and provided that construction is begun within six (6) months of the effective date of this chapter and diligently pursued to completion, said sign may be completed in accordance with the approved plans on the basis of which the permit has been issued, subject thereafter, if applicable, to the provisions of this zoning ordinance regarding nonconforming signs.
D. Relationship to other regulations. These regulations recognize other regulations pertaining to signage. Where any provision of this chapter covers the same subject matter as other regulations, the more restrictive regulation shall apply. (Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024)
9-11-3: MEASUREMENTS AND CALCULATIONS:
A. Measurements.
1. Generally. The regulations of this chapter shall be applied using the measurements set out in this subsection 9-11-3
A.
2. Sign clearance. Sign clearance is the distance between the bottom of a sign face or structural element that is not affixed to the ground and the nearest point on the surface under it. For a pole sign, sign clearance is the distance between bottom of the sign face and the ground. See Figure 9-11-3 A.2.a., Measurement of Sign Clearance.
Figure 9-11-3 A.2.a. Measurement of Sign Clearance
3. Sign height. For detached signs (temporary and permanent), sign height is:
a. Where the natural grade of the ground where the sign is to be located is lower than the street centerline, the vertical distance to the top of the sign face or sign structure, whichever is higher, measured from the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent street.
Figure 9-11-3 A.3.a. Measurement of Sign Height, Sign Base Lower than Street Centerline
b. Where the natural grade of the ground where the sign is to be located is higher than the street centerline, the vertical distance to the top of the sign face or sign structure, whichever is higher, measured from the elevation of the average grade around the base of the sign.
4. Items of information. An item of information is a word, logo, abbreviation, symbol, geometric shape, image, or number with ten (10) or fewer digits (punctuation of numbers does not increase the number of items of information). See Figure 9-11-3 A.4.a., Items of Information.
Figure 9-11-3 A.4.a. Items of Information
The sign below has seven (7) items of information: four (4) words plus one ten (10)-digit number (with punctuation) plus two (2) symbols.
B. Calculations.
1. Generally. The calculations required by the regulations of this chapter shall be according to the methodologies of this subsection 9-11-3
B.
2. Sign area.
a. Generally. Sign area is calculated as the area within a continuous perimeter with up to eight (8) straight sides that encloses the limits of text and graphics of a sign, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the signs message from the background against which it is placed. The area excludes the structure upon which the sign is placed (unless the structure is an integral part of the display or used to differentiate it), but includes any open space contained within the outer limits of the display face of a sign, or between any component, panel, strip, or figure of any kind composing the display face, whether this open space is enclosed by a frame or border or not.
The sign area of the illustrative monument sign below is calculated as the area within the smallest eight (8)-sided polygon that encloses all of the text and graphics and framing of the message and graphics of the sign.
See Figure 9-11-3 B.2.a., Sign Area, Generally.
The sign area of the illustrative collection of wall signs below is measured as the area within the smallest eight (8)-sided polygon that encloses all of the text and graphics and framing that differentiates them from the wall.
b. Double-faced signs: For projecting suspended, or other double-faced signs.
(1) Only one display face is measured if the sign faces are parallel or form an interior angle of less than forty-five (45) degrees, provided that the signs are mounted on the same structure. If the faces are of unequal area, then the sign area is equal to the area of the larger face.
(2) Both display faces are measured if:
(a) The interior angle is greater than forty-five (45) degrees; or
(b) The sign faces are mounted on different structures.
Figure 9-11-3 B.2.b. Double-Faced Signs
c. Signable area. Signable area is calculated as follows:
(1) Wall signs. A two (2)-dimensional area on the facade of the building that describes the largest square, rectangle, or parallelogram which is free of architectural details.
(2) Window signs. The area of glass within a window frame.
(3) The sign must be placed within the signable area.
(4) A multi-tenant building may have multiple signable areas as long as the maximum number of signs per tenant is not exceeded.
d. Signable area ratio. Signable area ratio.
e. is the sign area divided by the signable area. It is expressed as a percentage.
f. Relationship between maximum sign area and maximum signable area ratio. Where both a maximum sign area and maximum signable area ratio are set out, the standard that results in a polygon that encloses all of the text and graphics and framing that differentiates them from the wall. (Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024)
9-11-4: GENERAL DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS:
A. Prohibited signs and design elements.
1. Generally. The subsection identifies signs and sign elements that are not allowed anywhere in the village.
2. Prohibited signs.
a. The following signs are prohibited in all areas of the village:
(1) Signs with more than two sign faces;
(2) Signs that are a traffic hazard because they simulate or imitate (in size, color, lettering, or design) any traffic sign or signal;
(3) Animated or moving signs that are visible from public rights-of-way, including any moving, swinging, rotating, flashing, blinking, scintillating, fluctuating, or otherwise animated light, except as allowed in section 9-11-7
, Message Centers;
(4) Vehicle signs;
(6) Billboards; and
(7) Roof signs.
3. Prohibited design elements.
a. The following elements shall not be used as an element of signs or sign structures, whether temporary or permanent:
(1) Sound, smoke, or odor emitters;
(2) Awnings that are back lit and/or made of plastic;
(3) Stacked products (e.g., tires, soft drink cases, bagged soil or mulch); and
(4) Unfinished wood support structures, except that stake signs may use unfinished stakes.
b. The following elements shall not be used as an element of signs or sign structures, whether temporary or permanent, which are visible from public rights of way:
(1) Flags, banners, or comparable elements that are designed to move in the wind that are not affixed to permanent flagpoles or flagpoles that are mounted to buildings;
(2) Spinning or moving parts;
(3) Exposed reflective type bulb or strobe lights;
(4) Flashing lights;
(5) Motor vehicles, unless:
(a) The vehicles are functional, used as motor vehicles, and have current registration and tags;
(b) The display of signage is incidental to the motor vehicle use; and
(c) The motor vehicle is properly parked in a marked parking space or is parked behind the principal building.
(6) Semi-trailers, shipping containers, or portable storage units, unless:
(a) The trailers, containers, or portable storage units are functional, used for their primary storage purpose, and, if subject to registration, have current registration and tags;
(b) The display of signage is incidental to the use for temporary storage, pick-up, or delivery; and
(c) The semi-trailer is parked in a designated loading area or on a construction site at which it is being used for deliveries or storage.
4. Prohibited content.
a. The following content is prohibited without reference to the viewpoint of the individual speaker:
(1) Text or graphics of an indecent or immoral nature and harmful to minors;
(2) Text or graphics that advertise unlawful activity;
(3) Text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action, or true threats; or
(4) 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.
b. 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 government interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the Village Board that each paragraph of this subsection (e.g., subsections 9-11-4
A.4.a.1., 9-11-4
A.4.a.2.,9-11-4
A.4.a.3., or 9-11-4
A.4.a.4.) be individually severable in the event that a court of competent jurisdiction were to hold one (1) or more of them to be inconsistent with the United States or Illinois Constitutions.
B. Prohibited sign locations.
1. Generally. Attached signs shall be installed on signable areas of buildings, as defined by subsection 9-11-3
A, Measurements. Detached signs shall be set back as required by subsection 9-11-5
B, Detached Signs. Signs that are in violation of this subsection 9-11-4
B are subject to immediate removal.
2. Prohibited obstructions. In no event shall a sign, whether temporary or permanent, obstruct:
a. Building ingress or egress, including doors, windows, fire escapes, required exitways, and any window or door opening used as an element of a means of egress or to prevent free passage from one part of a roof to another part thereof or access thereto;
b. Any opening required for ventilation, except that such signs may be erected in front of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of the provisions of the village building code;
c. Features of the building or site that are necessary for public safety, including standpipes and fire hydrants;
3. Prohibited mounts. No sign, whether temporary or permanent, shall be posted, installed, or mounted on any of the following locations:
a. On trees; or
b. On utility poles, light poles, or on utility cabinets, except signs posted by the village or the utility that are necessary for public safety or identification of the facility by the utility provider.
4. Prohibited locations. In addition to the setback requirements of this chapter, and the other restrictions of this section, no sign shall be located in any of the following locations:
a. In or over public rights-of-way (which, in addition to streets, may include other elements, such as sidewalks, parkways, retaining walls, utility poles, traffic control devices, medians, and center islands that are within the public right-of-way), except:
(1) Traffic control signs installed by a governmental entity or which are required to be installed by a governmental entity (e.g., permanent traffic control devices such as stop, yield, and speed limit signs, as well as temporary signs related to street construction or repair);
(2) Signs posted by governmental entities that support event or emergency management, such as wayfinding to event or disaster relief locations;
(3) Banners posted by the village on utility or light poles according to the standards of subparagraph 9-11-4
B.3. above;
(4) Signs constructed by the village or another governmental or quasi-governmental entity pursuant to terms and conditions set forth in an approved intergovernmental agreement with the village; and
(5) Signs specifically identified in a sign design program approved pursuant to section 9-11-4
, General Design and Maintenance Standards.
b. In locations that have less horizontal or vertical clearance from authorized communication or energized electrical power lines that are prescribed by the laws of the State of Illinois and the regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.
c. Within easements for overhead utilities (placement in other utility easement areas is allowed only if approved by the utility service provider and if the other applicable requirements of the zoning ordinance are met).
C. Items of information. No sign face shall contain more than twenty (20) items of information. Items of information are measured as provided in subsection 9-11-3
A., Measurements.
D. Illumination of signs.
1. Generally. Signs shall be internally illuminated, or, if external illumination is used, the source of illumination shall be shielded.
2. Certification. All electrically illuminated signs shall be certified as to electric wiring and devices by the village’s electrical inspector, and all wiring and accessory electrical equipment shall conform to the requirements of the village’s electrical code.
3. Photometric plans. The zoning officer may require applicants to submit photometric plans demonstrating compliance with this subsection as a condition to the issuance of a sign permit.
4. Additional permits. Electrical permits for the erection or maintenance of illuminated signs must be obtained when required by the village’s electrical code.
5. Sign illumination. Signs shall not exceed the following Illumination levels:
Type of Illumination | Distance from Sign to R-1, R-2, R-3, A-1, or A-2 Districts | Not visible from R-1, R-2, R-3, A-1, or A-2 Districts | ||
Less than 200 ft. | 200 ft. to 500 ft. | More than 500 ft. | ||
Direct, internal, or backlit | 90 foot-lamberts | 150 foot-lamberts | 250 foot-lamberts | 250-foot lamberts |
Indirect or reflected | 10 foot-candles | 25 foot-candles | 50 foot-candles | 50 foot-candles |
E. Sign maintenance.
1. Generally. Signs and sign structures of all types (attached, detached, and temporary) shall be maintained as provided in this subsection. Signs not maintained according to applicable standards are declared to be a nuisance.
2. Message. Signs shall display messages. Signs that do not display a message for a period of more than thirty (30) days are abandoned.
3. Paint and finishes. Paint and other finishes shall be maintained in good condition. Peeling finishes shall be repaired. Signs with running colors shall be repainted, repaired, or removed if the running colors were not a part of the original design.
4. Mineral deposits and stains. Mineral deposits and stains shall be promptly removed.
5. Corrosion and rust. Permanent signs and sign structures shall be finished and maintained to prevent corrosion and rust. A patina on copper elements is not considered rust.
6. Level position. Signs that are designed to be level, whether temporary or permanent, shall be installed and maintained in a level position. See Figure 9-11-4 E.6., Level Position.
Figure 9-11-4 E.6. Level Position
(Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024)
9-11-5: PERMANENT SIGNS:
A. Attached signs.
1. Generally. There are many forms of attached signs. This section sets out which forms of attached signs are allowed in each zoning district and the standards that apply to them. Attached signs that are not listed in a table are not allowed as-of-right in any of the districts set out in the Table.
2. Residential districts.
a. The standards of Table 9-11-5 A.1
., Permissible Attached Sign Types in Residential Districts, apply to multifamily and nonresidential uses in the districts set out in the table.
b. Attached signs are not allowed for home occupations, except for required address signs.
3. Freeway oriented commercial retail and mixed use developments.
a. The Village Board finds that non-residential developments that are adjacent to interstate highways or tollways have unique needs for communicating their messages due to the high rate of speed of Interstate highway traffic, and the elevation of the interstate highway or tollway compared to abutting properties. The regulations of subsection apply to developments that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Buildings of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of floor area.
(2) The building directly abuts interstate highway or tollway right-of-way.
b. Development that meets all of the criteria of subsection 9-11-5
A.3.a. may display a wall sign that is subject to the following standards:
(1) Maximum sign surface area: eight hundred (800) square feet each surface.
(2) Minimum spacing from other freeway-oriented signs: three hundred feet (300').
The sign permitted by this subsection is in addition to the signs that are permitted by Table 9-11-5 A.2., Permissible Attached Sign Types in Nonresidential Districts.
District | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | A-1 | A-2 |
Wall Sign | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Number of signs allowed | 1 per facade | 1 per facade | 1 per facade | 1 per facade | 1 per facade |
Maximum sign area | 50 s.f. | 50 s.f. | 50 s.f. | 50 s.f. | 50 s.f. |
Maximum signable area ratio | 40% | 50% | 50% | 60% | 60% |
Table 9-11-5-A-2 Permissible Attached Sign Types in Nonresidential Districts | ||||||
District | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Table 9-11-5-A-2 Permissible Attached Sign Types in Nonresidential Districts | ||||||
District | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Wall Sign | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Number of signs allowed | 1 per facade | 1 per facade | 1 per facade | 1 per facade | 1 per facade | 1 per facade |
Maximum sign area | Aggregate (total) sign area of 2.5 s.f. per linear ft. of facade with, or 250 sq. ft. (whicheve r is greater) | Aggregate (total) sign area of 2.5 s.f. per linear ft. of facade with, or 250 sq. ft. (whichever is greater) | Aggregate (total) sign area of 2.5 s.f. per linear ft. of facade with, or 250 sq. ft. (whichever is greater) | Aggregate (total) sign area of 2.5 s.f. per linear ft., up to 150 sq. ft. | Aggregate (total) sign area of 2.5 ft. per linear ft., up to 150 s.f. | 300 s.f. |
Maximum signable area ratio | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% |
Other limitations | Must be 1 foot from edge of wall For multi-tenant properties, wall signs must be centered above each tenant’s frontage, and reasonably in line with the other signs on the building | |||||
Window Sign | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Minimum window transparency | 80% | 80% | 80% | 50% | 50% | 50% |
Other limitations | See neon signs, below. | |||||
Awning Sign | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Number of signs allowed | 1 per awning | |||||
District | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Maximum signable area | 5 s.f. | |||||
Maximum signable area ratio | 90% of valence for copy and graphics on valence; 50% of other areas for copy and graphics on other areas | |||||
Maximum height | Such signs shall not exceed a height of 20 feet above average surrounding grade. | |||||
Marquee Sign | Not allowed | Allowed | Not allowed | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Number of signs allowed | - | 1 per building | - | 1 per building | - | - |
Maximum signable area | - | 20 s.f. per face, up to 3 faces | - | 20 s.f. per face, up to 3 faces | - | - |
Other limitations | - | Not allowed on facades that face residential uses in a different zoning district; not allowed on buildings that are less than 12,000 s.f. of floor area | - | Not allowed on facades that face residential uses in a different zoning district; not allowed on buildings that are less than 12,000 s.f. of floor area | - | - |
Height | - | May not exceed 20 feet above average surroundin g grade | - | May not exceed 20 feet above average surroundin g grade | - | |
Blade Sign or Shingle | Allowed | Allowed | Not Allowed | |||
Number of signs allowed | 1 per primary building entrance | - | ||||
Maximum sign area | 8 s.f. | - | ||||
Minimum clearance | 8 ft. | - | ||||
Maximum height | 12 ft. | - | ||||
Other limitations | Allowed under awnings or arcades on front facades only, height may not exceed 20 feet above average surrounding grade | - | ||||
Neon Sign | Allowed | Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
Number of signs allowed | 1 per window | - | ||||
Maximum sign area | 6 s.f. | - | ||||
Other limitations | Sign area of neon sign hung in window counts as opaque in measure of window transparency; neon signs must be turned off when the use closes each day | - | ||||
Drive-through Sign | Allowed | |||||
Maximum number of signs | 3 drive-through signs per drive through or drive-in establishment | |||||
Sign location and spacing | Set back 15 ft. from any residential zoned lot line | |||||
Maximum sign area (per sign/total) | 25 s.f. / 75 s.f. | |||||
Maximum sign height | 7 ft. | |||||
Other limitations | Internally illuminated drive-through signs are allowed only in accordance with Section 9-11-4 D. Menu boards may include an electronic screen to display information to drive-through traffic. | |||||
B. Detached signs.
1. Generally. There are many forms of detached signs. This subsection sets out which forms of detached signs are allowed in each zoning district, and the size and height standards that apply to them.
Detached Sign Types in Residential Districts; or Table 9-11-5-B-2, Permissible Detached Sign Types in Nonresidential Districts, all detached signs shall be set back at least ten feet (10') from all property lines. The zoning officer may waive this standard if:
a. The waiver would lower the elevation of the base of the sign by more than three feet (3') and:
(1) The sign will be set back at least one foot from any sidewalk;
(2) The sign will not encroach on any utility easement;
(3) The sign will not obstruct a sight distance triangle; and
(4) There is at least five feet (5') of landscaped parkway between the edge of pavement and the property line; or
b. The sign is a wayfinding sign used to identify a residential subdivision or development and:
(1) The sign will be set back at least one foot (1') from any property line;
(2) The sign will not encroach on any utility easement;
(3) The sign will not obstruct a sight distance triangle; and
(4) The sign will not be located within the sight distance triangle.
3. Required landscaping. All monument and pole signs shall provide landscaping around its base. Landscaping must extend a minimum of two feet (2') from the sign base on all sides with small shrubs a minimum of eighteen inches (18") in height at planting in a single row around the perimeter of the sign base. The remainder of the required landscape area must be planted with perennials, or other live groundcover as appropriate.
4. Design Standards. Detached monument signs shall meet the following design standards:
a. The width of the sign structure base shall be no less than eighty percent (80%) of the width of the top of the sign;
b. Signs with internally-illuminated cabinets shall have a sign background that is opaque so that the portion of the sign that contains letters, figures and/or other means of communication or part thereof is only illuminated portion.
c. They shall be designed to mimic or complement the principal building on the lot that the sign is placed; and
d. If no principal building exists, all monument signs shall be comprised solely of either fired clay brick, natural stone, natural wood, split-face or ground-face block, manufactured stone or tile, cementitious stucco; architectural metal, and/or other similar materials as approved by the zoning officer.
5. Freeway oriented commercial retail and mixed use developments.
a. The Village Board finds that non-residential developments that are adjacent to interstate highways or tollways have unique needs for communicating their messages due to the high rate of speed of Interstate highway traffic, and the elevation of the interstate highway or tollway compared to abutting properties. The regulations of subsection apply to developments that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Buildings of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of floor area;
(2) The building directly abuts interstate highway or tollway right-of-way.
b. Development that meets all of the criteria of subsection 9-11-5
B.5.a may display a monument sign or pole sign that is subject to the following standards:
(1) Maximum sign height: thirty-two feet (32').
(2) Point of measurement: The point of measurement for sign height is the centerline of the adjacent interstate or tollway.
(3) Maximum sign area: one hundred and fifty (150) square feet.
(4) Setbacks and location: The sign shall be located in the yard that abuts the interstate or tollway, and shall be set back at least ten feet (10') from all property lines.
(5) Minimum spacing from other freeway-oriented signs: three hundred feet (300').
(6) The sign must be compatible with surrounding architecture in general appearance and materials.
(7) The sign shall also include landscaping in the form of shrubs, decorative grasses, perennials, or other ornamental materials around the base of the structure that are maintained by a subsurface irrigation system.
(8) The sign permitted by this subsection is in addition to the signs that are permitted by Table 9-11-5 B.2., Permissible Detached Sign Types, Nonresidential and Mixed-Use Districts.
District | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | A-1 | A-2 |
Monument sign, residential use | Allowed | ||||
Maximum number of signs | 2 signs per subdivision or access to developments containing 15 dwelling units or more, located on commonly owned open space. 1 sign per subdivision or access to developments containing between 3 and 14 dwelling units, located on commonly owned space. | ||||
Maximum sign area | 32 s.f. per sign, 64 s.f. per development | ||||
Maximum height | 5 ft. | ||||
Monument sign, nonresidential use | Allowed | ||||
Maximum number of signs | 1 sign per nonresidential parcel | ||||
Maximum sign area | 60 s.f. | ||||
Maximum sign height | 6 ft. | ||||
Other limitations | The limitations for nonresidential monument signs shall apply to any nonresidential electronic message center, which may be permitted if the message center serves nonresidential uses | ||||
Pole sign, residential use | Not Allowed | ||||
Pole sign, nonresidential use | Not Allowed | ||||
Kiosk sign | Not Allowed | ||||
Bus stop and transit shelter bench signs | Allowed | ||||
Number of signs allowed | Signs may be incorporated into transit shelter designs | ||||
Maximum sign area | Signs shall be integrated into the transit shelter or its benches. Transit shelters and benches shall be sized according to their principal function, and not for the display of signage | ||||
Table 9-11-5-B-2 Permissible Detached Sign Types in Nonresidential Districts | ||||||
District | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Table 9-11-5-B-2 Permissible Detached Sign Types in Nonresidential Districts | ||||||
District | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Monument sign, residential use | Not Allowed | |||||
Monument sign, nonresidential use | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Maximum number of signs | 1 monument sign, provided there are no pole signs located on the nonresidential lot. Where there is a pole sign located on the nonresidential lot, a monument sign shall not also be permitted | |||||
Maximum sign area | 160 s.f. | Sign with 1 sign surface: 2 s.f. per 2.5 linear ft. of facade up to a maximum of 40 s.f. | 120 s.f. | 160 s.f. | ||
Sign with 2 sign surfaces: 2 s.f. per 2.5 linear ft of facade up to a maximum of 80 s.f. | ||||||
Maximum sign height | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 12 ft. | ||
Other limitations | The sign area portion of a nonresidential monument sign shall not be less than 3 ft. above the average surrounding grade Freestanding retail and restaurant buildings within a shopping center complex shall not have a ground sign separate from that of the shopping center | Freestanding retail and restaurant buildings within a shopping center complex shall not have a ground sign separate from that of the shopping center | Signs shall be set back a minimum of five ft. from road ROW lines | |||
Pole sign, residential use | Not allowed | |||||
Pole sign, nonresidential use | Allowed | |||||
Maximum number of signs | 1 pole sign, provided there are no monument signs located on the nonresidential lot. Where there is a monument sign located on the nonresidential lot, a pole sign shall not also be permitted | |||||
Maximum sign area | 120 s.f. | |||||
Maximum sign height | 16 ft. | |||||
Minimum sign clearance | 8 ft. | |||||
Other limitations | No sign face of a pole sign in a nonresidential district shall be lower than 8 ft. above the average surrounding grade | |||||
Sidewalk sign | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowe d |
Maximum number of signs | 1 per street frontage and 1 per ingress or egress | 2 per ingress or egress to district | ||||
Maximum sign area | 1 sign per frontage up to 48 s.f.; all others up to 10 s.f. | 48 s.f. | ||||
Maximum sign height | 1 sign per frontage up to 10 ft.; all others up to 5 ft. | 10 ft. | ||||
Single-tenant electronic message center | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Allowe d (public service use only) |
Maximum number of message centers | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | ||
Multi-tenant electronic message center | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowe d |
Maximum number of message centers | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | ||
Design criteria | Per Section 9-11-7 | - | ||||
Kiosk sign | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowe d |
Sign location and spacing | Set back 10 ft. from any vehicular use area; within 2 ft. of a sidewalk; and spaced 150 ft. apart unless there is no line of sight between signs | - | ||||
Maximum sign area | 12 s.f. | - | ||||
Maximum sign height | 10 ft. | - | ||||
Bus stop and transit shelter bench sign | Allowed | |||||
Maximum number of signs | Signs may be incorporated into transit shelter designs. | |||||
Maximum sign area | Signs shall be integrated into the transit shelter or its benches. Transit shelters and benches shall be sized according to their principal function, and not for the display of signage. | |||||
Directional sign, nonresidential use | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowe d |
Maximum number of signs | 1 per ingress or egress | |||||
Sign location and spacing | No spacing or setback requirement; must leave at least 4 ft. of sidewalk width for pedestrian use; must be located outside of principal pedestrian travel path | |||||
Maximum sign area | 10 s.f. | |||||
Maximum sign height | 5 ft. | |||||
Drive-through Sign | Allowed | |||||
Maximum number of signs | 3 drive-through signs per drive-through or drive-in establishment | |||||
Sign location and spacing | Set back 15 ft. from any residential zoned lot line | |||||
Maximum sign area (per sign/total) | 25 s.f./75 s.f. | |||||
Maximum sign height | 7 ft. | |||||
Other limitations | Internally illuminated drive-through signs are allowed only in accordance with Section 9-11-4 D. Menu boards may include an electronic screen to display information to drive-through traffic. | |||||
(Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024; amd. Ord. 2025-7, 3-6-2025)
9-11-6: TEMPORARY SIGNS:
A. General standards for freestanding temporary signs.
1. Generally. There are many forms of temporary signs. This section sets out which forms of temporary signs are allowed in each zoning district, and the size and height standards that apply to them. Sign types that are not listed in Table 9-11-6 A.1., Permissible Freestanding Temporary Sign Types, Residential Zoning Districts; or Table 9-11-6 A.2., Permissible Freestanding Temporary Sign Types, Nonresidential
Zoning Districts; are not permitted as freestanding signs.
2. Setbacks. All temporary signs shall be set back at least five feet from all property lines, except as provided in 9-11-7
B., Prevention of Visual Clutter in Principal Corridors. Temporary signs that are not visible from public rights-of-way or abutting property are not restricted by this section.
District | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | A-1 | A-2 |
District | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | A-1 | A-2 |
Yard sign | Allowed | ||||
Number of signs allowed | No maximum; provided minimum size and height restrictions met | ||||
Maximum sign area (per sign/total) | 6 s.f./24 s.f. | ||||
Maximum sign height | 4 ft. | ||||
Swing sign | Allowed | ||||
Number of signs allowed | 1 | ||||
Maximum sign area | 6 s.f. | ||||
Maximum sign height | 4 ft. | ||||
Site Sign | Allowed | ||||
Number of signs allowed | 1 per frontage | ||||
Maximum sign area | 12 s.f. | ||||
Maximum sign height | 5 ft. | ||||
Other requirements | Not allowed on parcels with existing residential uses | ||||
District | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
District | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Yard sign | Not Allowed | |||||
Number of signs allowed | - | |||||
Maximum sign area (per sign/ total) | - | |||||
Maximum sign height | - | |||||
Sidewalk sign | Allowed | Not allowed | ||||
Number of signs allowed | 1 per ground floor tenant bay | - | ||||
Maximum sign area | 8 s.f. | - | ||||
Other Requirements | Must leave at least 4 feet of sidewalk width for pedestrian use; must be located outside of principal pedestrian travel path; not allowed on sidewalks in arterial or collector rights-of-way | - | ||||
Swing sign | Allowed | |||||
Number of signs allowed | 1 per frontage | |||||
Maximum sign area | 6 s.f. | |||||
Maximum sign height | 4 ft. | |||||
Site sign | Allowed | |||||
Number of signs allowed | 1 per frontage | 1 per frontage | ||||
Maximum sign area | 32 s.f. | 200 s.f. per sign | 150 s.f. per sign | 150 s.f. per sign | ||
Maximum sign height | 8 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft. | ||
Other requirements | Must be set back at least five feet from all property lines; site signs are exempt from the setback requirements of 9-11-7 B, Prevention of visual clutter in principal corridors. | |||||
B. Prevention of Visual Clutter in Principal Corridors.
1. Generally. The Village Board finds that the proliferation of temporary signage along the principal corridors of the Village causes visual clutter that is detrimental to the character of the community and tend to be distracting to motorists. The Village Board also finds that the application of this subsection does not restrict the ample alternative ways that residents and business owners may communicate their messages.
2. Corridor setback requirement.
a. No temporary sign shall be placed within the right-of-way (as provided in Section 9-11-4
B., Prohibited Sign Locations), or within any required site distance triangles.
C. Standards for Attached Temporary Signs.
1. Generally. Attached temporary signs are permitted subject to the standards of this subsection, for a duration as set out in subsection 9-11-7
D, Duration of Temporary Signs.
2. Banners. Banners are permitted in the B-1, B-2, B-3, RBC, ORI, and M-1 districts, provided that:
a. There is only one banner per tenant per principal building;
b. The banner is attached to the principal building and complies with the standards of subsection 9-11-4
B, Prohibited Sign Locations.
c. The sign area on the banner is not larger than the sign area allowed for a wall sign on the building upon which the banner is attached.
3. Sock signs and temporary wall signs. Sock signs and temporary wall signs are permitted in the B-1, B-2, B-3, RBC, ORI, and M-1 districts, and may be installed upon issuance of a building permit for a permanent sign, and may remain in place for not more than thirty (30) days. Such signs shall have a sign area that is not more than fifteen percent (15%) larger than that which is permitted for the permanent sign for which the permit application was filed.
4. Window signs. Temporary window signs are allowed in all locations where permanent window signs are allowed, provided that the transparency standards of subsection 9-11-5
A, Attached Signs, are met.
D. Duration of Temporary Signs.
1. Generally. The purpose of temporary signs is to display messages for a temporary duration. Temporary signs shall not be used as a subterfuge to circumvent the regulations that apply to permanent signs or to add permanent signage to a parcel proposed for development in addition to that which is permitted for permanent signs by subsection 9-11-5
A., Attached signs, and subsection 9-11-5 B., Detached signs.
2. Duration of display.
a. In general, temporary signs shall be removed as of the earlier of the date that:
(1) A commercial message is obsolete and has become misleading or off-premises (e.g., a “for lease” or “for sale” sign in front of a building that is fully occupied);
(3) The number of days set out in Table 9-11-6 D.1., Duration of Detached Temporary Signs, or Table 9-11-6 D.2., Duration of Attached Temporary Signs, expires.
Table 9-11-6-D-1 Duration of Detached Temporary Signs | |||||||||||
District | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | A-1 | A-2 | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Table 9-11-6-D-1 Duration of Detached Temporary Signs | |||||||||||
District | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | A-1 | A-2 | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | RBC | ORI | M-1 |
Yard sign | |||||||||||
Paper or cardboard sign face | Signs must be removed within 24 hours of placement; signs may be placed not more than 90 days per year. | - | |||||||||
Laminated paper; plastic-lined polyethylene bags and comparable materials | Signs may be placed for not more than 90 days per year. | - | |||||||||
Wood, corrugated plastic, metal, or vinyl sign face | Signs may be placed for not more than 120 days per year. | - | |||||||||
Swing sign | |||||||||||
Wood, corrugated plastic, or metal sign face and finished wood or metal structure | Signs may be placed for not more than 9 months per year | ||||||||||
Sidewalk sign | |||||||||||
All sidewalk signs | - | Must be removed from sidewalk at close of business | - | ||||||||
Site sign | |||||||||||
Vinyl sign face | Signs may be placed for not more than 30 days per year. | ||||||||||
Corrugated plastic sign face | Signs may be placed for not more than 6 months per year | ||||||||||
Plywood sign face | Signs may be placed for not more than 10 months per year. | ||||||||||
Metal; plywood with bonded aluminum sign face | Signs may be placed for not more than 10 months per year or 14 months per 2-year period. | Signs may be placed for not more than 10 months per year or 16 months per 2-year period. | |||||||||
Banners | |||||||||||
Cloth, canvas, or comparable materials | - | Signs must be removed within 14 days of placement; signs may be placed not more than 30 days per year. | |||||||||
Vinyl or comparable material | - | Signs may be placed not more than 30 days per year. | |||||||||
Sock Signs | |||||||||||
Vinyl or comparable material | - | Signs may be placed after sign permit for permanent sign is issued, and for a period of not more than 30 days thereafter. | |||||||||
Temporary Wall | |||||||||||
All materials | - | Signs may be placed after sign permit for permanent sign is issued, and for a period of not more than 30 days thereafter. | |||||||||
Window Signs | |||||||||||
Inside window (all materials) | - | Not limited | |||||||||
Outside window (all materials) | - | Signs must be removed 15 days after placement | |||||||||
4. Administrative interpretations. The Village Board finds that materials technology is a rapidly evolving field of study, and that materials for signage that are not listed in Table 9-11-6 D.1., Duration of Detached Temporary Signs or Table 9-11-6 D.2., Duration of Attached Temporary Signs, material may be introduced into the market. When an unlisted material is proposed, the zoning officer shall determine to which class of materials the new material is comparable, based on the new material’s appearance, durability, and color fastness. No sign displays shall be longer in duration than the longest permitted display in Table 9-11-6 D.1. Duration of Detached Temporary Signs or Table 9-11-6 D.2. Duration of Attached Temporary Signs, regardless of the material.
5. Exception for outdoor political campaign signs on residential property. Other than regulations as to size, nothing in this section prohibits the display of outdoor political campaign signs on residential property. (Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024; amd. Ord. 2025-7, 3-6-2025)
9-11-7: MESSAGE CENTERS:
A. Generally. Manual and electronic message centers may be used in permanent detached signs and marquee signs to a limited degree, pursuant to the applicable standards of this section.
B. Electronic message centers. Electronic message centers may be incorporated into signage as follows:
1. Location restrictions.
a. A single electronic message center may be installed as part of a permitted permanent detached sign or marquee sign on:
(1) Properties zoned residential, provided that they serve nonresidential uses and meet the requirements set forth in this chapter.
(2) Properties zoned B-1, B-2, or B-3 provided that they are located on a principal or minor arterial roadway as designated by the Comprehensive Plan.
(3) Properties zoned M-1 provided that they serve a public service use.
b. Electronic message centers must be located a minimum of one hundred feet (100') from residential uses.
2. Design requirements.
a. Electronic message centers are only permitted on monument signs or marquee signs which enclose the electronic message center component on all sides with a finish of brick, stone, stucco, powder coated (or comparably finished) metal, or the surface of the sign face.
b. Electronic message centers shall make up not more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign area of a monument sign or seventy-five percent (75%) of the sign area of a marquee sign. The balance of the sign area shall utilize permanent, dimensional letters or symbols.
c. No sign structure that includes a cabinet, box, or manual changeable copy sign may also include an electronic message center. See Figure 9-11-8 B.2., Electronic Message Center Design Requirements.
d. All electronic message center display components shall be in full color with a minimum pitch resolution of sixteen millimeter (16 mm) spacing or better (i.e., 10 mm, 12 mm, etc.)
Figure 9-11-7 B.1 Electronic Message Center Resolution Requirements
3. Operational Requirements. Electronic message centers must meet the operational requirements in this subsection. The zoning officer may order the owner to turn off an electronic message center that does not meet these requirements. Electronic message centers:
a. Shall contain static messages only;
b. Shall be constant in intensity and color;
c. Shall not consist of flashing, animated, chasing or scintillating lights;
d. Shall display messages for a period not less than ten (10) seconds (multiple electronic message centers, if used on the same sign, shall be synchronized to change messages at the same time);
e. Shall not use transitions or frame effects between messages;
f. Shall not emit illumination that encroaches onto or create a visual
nuisance on properties used for residential dwellings; and
g. Shall conform to the illumination standards as set forth in subparagraph 9-11-7 B.3. below.
Figure 9-11-7 B.2. Electronic Message Center Design Requirements
4. Illumination standards. The illumination standards set forth in this subsection 9-11-7 B.4. shall apply to all electronic message center signs, including multi-tenant electronic message centers.
a. Measurement criteria. The illuminance of an electronic message center shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be measured with the electric message center off, and again with the electronic message center displaying a white image for a full-color capable electronic message center, or a solid message for a single-color electronic message center. Measurements shall be taken after sunset, as determined by the National Weather Service, with the site fully illuminated by installed site lighting. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the electronic message center at the distance determined by the total square footage of the electronic message center as set forth below (sign size determined per Table 9-11-7 C
).
(1) Large sign: ninety-eight feet (98').
(2) Medium sign: seventy-three feet (73') for symmetrical and asymmetrical sign types; eighty-four feet (84') for horizontal sign type.
(3) Small sign: forty-nine feet (49') for symmetrical and asymmetrical sign types; fifty-seven feet (57') for horizontal sign type.
(4) Other sign sizes: Measurement distance = (Area of Sign (in square feet) x 100).
c. Electronic message center illumination limits. The difference between the off and solid message measurements using the EMC Measurement Criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles on either side of the sign. If there is a difference in measurement of illumination levels on either side of the sign, the side of the sign facing residentially-zoned properties shall take precedence.
d. Dimming capabilities. All electronic message centers shall be equipped with an ambient light monitor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and at all times is programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle measurements.
e. Photometric plan. The zoning officer may require applicants to submit photometric plans demonstrating compliance with this subsection as a condition to the issuance of a sign permit.
C. Multi-tenant electronic message centers. Multi-tenant electronic message centers are intended to provide an opportunity for unified, multi-tenant developments to advertise on-site businesses through uniform sign designs subject to the requirements set forth in this subsection 9-11-7
C. Developments that do not meet the criteria set forth in this subsection 9-11-7
C. are permitted to display electronic message center signs in accordance with subsection 9-11-7
B.
1. Development eligibility requirements. Multi-tenant electronic message centers are permitted in mixed-use or nonresidential developments that meet all of the following criteria:
a. Unified mixed-use or nonresidential development that meets the minimum floor area requirements as specified in Table 9-11-7 C
, whether existing or proposed through an approved site plan, and contains at least ten existing or proposed tenants, storefronts, or businesses.
b. The development must be located in the B-1, B-2, or B-3 districts and located on a principal or minor arterial roadway as designated by the comprehensive plan.
c. Through the sign permit application, the development must identify tenants, storefronts, and businesses eligible for signage on the multi-tenant electronic message center sign.
2. Sign design, location, and requirements. A mixed-use or nonresidential development that meets all of the criteria of subparagraph 9-11-7 C.1., above, may display multi-tenant electronic message centers on signs that meet all of the following criteria:
a. The sign shall conform to the sign prototypes and criteria set forth in table 9-11-7-C.
b. A maximum of one large-sized multi-tenant electronic message center sign may be displayed per eligible development meeting the criteria in subparagraph 9-11-7 C.1., except that a maximum of two (2) large-sized multi-tenant electronic message center signs may be displayed if the total square footage of existing floor area for the development exceeds four hundred thousand (400,000) square feet and is adjacent to a state highway, interstate, or tollway.
c. A maximum of one (1) medium-sized multi-tenant electronic message center sign may be displayed per eligible development meeting the criteria in subparagraph 9-11-7 C.1..
d. All electronic message center display components shall be in full color with a pitch resolution of no greater than sixteen millimeter (16 mm) spacing (e.g., 12 mm, 10 mm, etc. are acceptable).
e. The sign must meet the minimum setback requirements set forth in Table 9-11-7 C..
3. Operational Requirements. Electronic message centers must meet the operational requirements in this subsection. The zoning officer may order the owner to turn off an electronic message center that does not meet these requirements. Multi-tenant electronic message centers:
Multi-tenant electronic message centers:
a. Shall contain static messages only;
b. Shall be constant in intensity and color;
c. Shall not consist of flashing, animated, chasing or scintillating lights;
d. Shall display messages for a period not less than ten (10) seconds (multiple electronic message centers, if used on the same sign, shall be synchronized to change messages at the same time);
f. Shall not emit illumination that encroaches onto or creates a visual nuisance on properties used for residential dwellings.
Sign Prototype | Symmetrical | Asymmetrical | Horizontal | |||||
 |  |  | ||||||
Sign size | Large | Medium | Small | Large | Medium | Small | Medium | Small |
Maximum sign height | 25 ft. | 18 ft. | 12 ft. | 25 ft. | 18 ft. | 12 ft. | 14 ft. | 10 ft. |
Maximum EMC component size | 8' x 12' | 6' x 9' | 4' x 6' | 8' x 12' | 6' x 9' | 4' x 6' | 6' x 12' | 4' x 8' |
Minimum total floor area | 200,000 s.f. | 75,000 s.f. | 15,000 s.f. | 200,000 s.f. | 75,000 s.f. | 15,000 s.f. | 75,000 s.f. | 15,000 s.f. |
Required setback from residentially zoned properties | 500 ft. | 250 ft. | 100 ft. | 500 ft. | 250 ft. | 100 ft. | 250 ft. | 100 ft. |
Required setback from other property lines | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. |
D. Manual changeable copy message centers. Manual changeable copy signs may be incorporated into signage as follows:
1. Manual changeable copy message centers are only permitted on monument signs or marquee signs which enclose the message center component on all sides with a finish of brick, stone, stucco, powder coated (or comparably finished) metal, or sign face that extends not less than six inches (6") from the message center in all directions. Gaps between the message center and the finish are permitted to accommodate locks and hinges for a cover for the changeable copy area, but only to the extent necessary for such locks and hinges to operate.
2. Manual changeable copy centers, including their frames, shall make up not more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign area. The balance of the sign area shall utilize permanently affixed letters or symbols. See Figure 9-11-7 D.1., Manual Change Copy Centers.
3. Manual changeable copy message centers shall not be internally lit unless:
a. They use opaque inserts with translucent letters, numbers, or symbols (see Figure 9-11-7
D.2., Changeable Copy Inserts);
b. Blank opaque inserts that are the same color as the opaque portions of the letters, numbers, and symbols are used over all areas of the sign where copy is not present; and
c. The opaque portion of the letters, numbers, and symbols is the same color.
Figure 9-11-7 D.1. Manual Changeable Copy Centers
The manual changeable copy message center (outlined in dashed blue line) may occupy not more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign area (outlined in dashed red line).
Figure 9-11-7 D.2. Changeable Copy Inserts
Changeable copy message centers may be internally lit if they use opaque inserts with translucent letters, numbers of symbols (see A below), but shall not be internally lit if they use clear or translucent inserts with opaque or translucent letters, numbers or symbols (see B below).
(Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024; amd. Ord. 2025-7, 3-6-2025)