VILLAGE OF ADDISON CODE

Chapter 27 – Signs

Article 4. Sign Specifications.

Sec. 27-401. Maintenance Specifications. [back to top]

(A) The owner of a sign shall be required to maintain the sign in a neat, good-appearing condition, and good working order at all times.

(B) Every sign, including sign structures and sign supports, shall be painted, tuckpointed or otherwise maintained as often as necessary to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting, or where applicable, deterioration in the physical appearance of the sign.

(C) If a sign is illuminated, the source of such illumination shall be kept in a state of safe working order at all times.

Sec. 27-402. Electrical Requirements. [back to top]

(A) The electrical components, connections, and installations of all signs shall conform to the following specifications: The National Electrical Code, Underwriters' Laboratories, and any additional provisions and amendments as adopted in the Electric Code of the Village of Addison.

(B) The wiring of all signs shall be contained in rigid metal conduit or enclosed in metal poles or raceways with an external or exterior disconnect. In no case shall the wiring be exposed to the view of the public.

(C) The wiring to all freestanding signs shall be installed underground in conformance with the Electric Code of the Village of Addison.

Sec. 27-403. Wind Pressure and Load Requirements. [back to top]

All signs shall be designed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty pounds per square foot of area and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the Building Code or other ordinances of the Village.

Sec. 27-404. Sign Structure and Support Requirements. [back to top]

(A) All signs shall be of such a design that all framework for the lateral support of the sign shall be contained within the body of the sign or within the structure of the building to which it is attached, in such manner as not to be visible to any person.

(B) Exposed guide wires, chains or other connections shall not be made as a permanent support of the sign.

(C) Freestanding signs shall be constructed of a material similar to the principal building on the lot, if any, or of brick masonry units for the base, support structure, pole covers, or similar elements. (See, also, Sec. 27-104 for height, area and other definitions.)

Sec. 27-405. Face of Sign Shall be Smooth. [back to top]

No signs or sign structures shall have any nails, tacks, wires or sharp metal edges protruding therefrom.

Sec. 27-406. Gooseneck Reflectors. [back to top]

A gooseneck reflector shall be an arm or arms projecting from the sign surface mounted with lights for purposes of illuminating the sign.

Gooseneck reflectors and lights shall be permitted on freestanding signs and wall signs; provided, however, that any lights are installed only in such manner that the direct rays of such lights are concentrated on the sign surface and are prevented from causing any glare on or striking the street or nearby property.

Sec. 27-407. Illumination Intensity Requirements. [back to top]

(A) Incandescent.

(1)        Light bulb illumination is measured in lumens. There is no conversion between lumens and nits, mainly because light bulbs are spherical sources of light and LEDs are highly directional.

(2)        In no case shall the lighting intensity of any sign exceed the limit of seventy-five foot candles measured with a standard light meter or equivalent perpendicular to the face of the sign at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign, whether it is height or width.

(3)        In no case shall any exposed reflective-type bulbs, incandescent lamp, or any other type of bare bulb illumination exceed twenty watts.

(B) Light Emitting Diode (LED)

(1) LED signs are measured in nits (candles per square meter). There is no conversion between lumens and nits, mainly because light bulbs are spherical sources of light and LEDs are highly directional.

(2) The average number of "on" pixels in a message is 40 percent for the average measurement and 100 percent of the "on" pixels is for the maximum measurement. Most programming is assumed to be near the 40 percent number.

(3) For daytime programming, the average illumination is limited to 2,000 nits.

(4) For nighttime programming, the average illumination is limited to 500 nits.

(5) The maximum daytime illumination is 5,000 nits.

(6) The nighttime illumination is to be set to 25 percent of the daytime illumination but can be adjusted up or down, in 1 percent increments, with photocell software for incremental dimming. (Ord. 06-59)

Sec. 27-408. Illumination. [back to top]

Illuminated signs are encouraged to be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the premises on which or for which the sign is specifically operating is engaged in the operation of business; provided, however, that all such illuminated signs shall not cast any direct light into or shine upon or reflect on any residential district. (Ord. 06-59)

Sec. 27-409. Glass Requirements. [back to top]

Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be heavy safety glass and a minimum of one-fourth inch in thickness. Where any single piece or pane of glass has an area exceeding three square feet, it shall be wired glass.

Sec. 27-410. Awnings and Canopies. [back to top]

It is unlawful to erect, construct or maintain any awning or canopy unless the following provisions are followed:

(A) Construction materials. The construction materials and manner of construction of all awnings and canopies shall be subject to the approval of the Administrator.

(B) Location - Height above sidewalk. All awnings and canopies shall be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion thereof shall be not less than eight feet above the level of the sidewalk or parkway.

(C) Setback from property line. No awning or canopy shall be permitted to extend beyond a point five feet inside the property line.

(D) Erection.

(1) Awnings - support. Every awning shall be securely attached to and supported by the building. Posts or columns beyond the building line shall not be permitted for awnings. It is unlawful to attach the awning to any wood members of a building when such awning is less than ten feet from the public property.

(2) Canopies - support. The framework of all canopies shall be designed by a structural engineer or registered architect and approved by the enforcement official as to compliance with the Building Code. All frames and supports shall be designed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty pounds per square foot of area. All canopy supports shall be designed so as not to obstruct the continuous flow of pedestrian traffic along any sidewalk and in conformance with any other reasonable requirements established by the enforcement official.

(E) Advertising. Signs on awnings or canopies shall be permitted only in place of wall signs. The sign shall appear only on the front of such awning or canopy, not on the sides. The area of the sign shall not exceed that permitted for a wall sign. The number of awning or canopy signs shall be equal to what would have been permitted for wall signs.

Sec. 27-411. Marquees. [back to top]

It is unlawful to construct, erect, locate or maintain any marquee without complying with the following provisions:

(A) Construction - materials required. All marquees, including the anchors, bolts, support rods and braces thereof, shall be designed by a structural engineer or registered architect and subject to approval by the enforcement official.

(B) Drainage. The roofs of all marquees shall be properly guttered and connected by downspouts to a drain so that the water therefore will not drip or flow directly onto public property.

(D) Location:

(1) Height above sidewalk. No portion of a marquee shall be less than ten feet above the level of the sidewalk or other public thoroughfare.

(2) Setback from property line. No marquee shall be permitted to extend beyond a point five feet inside the property line.

(E) Erection.

(1)        Bracing, anchorage and supports. Marquees shall be supported solely by the building to which they are attached, and no columns or posts shall be permitted as supports.

(2)        Roof live load. The roof of any marquee, except glass area required, shall be designed and constructed to support a live load of not less than fifty pounds per square foot. Marquees shall be designed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty pounds per square foot of area.

(3)        Anchorage to wood structure. It is unlawful to construct, erect, locate, or maintain any marquee on any building of wood frame construction.

(F) Advertising. Signs on marquees shall be permitted only in place of wall signs. The sign shall appear on the front or each side of such marquee. The combined area of all signs on the marquee shall not exceed the total wall sign area that would have been permitted for the wall to which the marquee is attached.

Sec. 27-412. Off-Premises Signs. [back to top]

It is unlawful to construct, erect, locate, or maintain any off-premises sign without complying with the following provisions:

(A) Off-premises signs within the Village shall comply in all respects with the State Highway Advertising Control Act and with the provisions of Subparagraphs (B), (C) and (D) and (E) of this Section.

(B) Off-premises signs shall comply in all respects with the setback, area, height and number restrictions for free-standing signs as heretofore set forth for the particular zoning district in which the highway sign is located.

(D) No off-premises sign shall directly face an adjacent residential district.

(E) Off-premises signs shall be visible from any place on the main traveled way of any portion of an interstate or primary highway and within 660 feet of the nearest edge of right-of-way of such highway.

Sec. 27-413. Freestanding Sign. [back to top]

It is unlawful to construct, erect, or maintain any free-standing sign for which permit is required without complying with the following provisions:

(A) Design. Every freestanding sign, including the frames, braces, and supports thereof, shall be securely built and be designed by a structural engineer, registered architect or sign manufacturer, as may be required by the enforcement official.

(B) Construction materials required. All freestanding signs located on major commercial street frontage for which a permit is required under this Chapter shall have an above- grade base, support structure, or pole covers of approved masonry or concrete materials. Any outer framework surrounding a "box type" sign shall also be made of approved masonry or concrete materials. All masonry or concrete materials shall be similar to those of the principal building on the lot. Sign panels, lettering or facing shall be made of metal, aluminum, plastic, plexiglass, or other weatherproof material approved by the Administrator.

All freestanding signs for property not located on major commercial street frontage properties for which a permit is required under this Chapter shall have a base, support structure, or pole covers of approved noncombustible materials. The materials shall be similar to those of the principal building on the lot, if any. Brick masonry units may also be used. (Ord. 95-39)

(C) Letters or sign face to be secured. All letters, sign faces, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any freestanding sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.

(D) Anchorage and supports. All freestanding signs shall be securely built, constructed, erected and certified safe by a registered architect or engineer upon posts and the foundation placed below the natural surface sufficient to prevent overturning to the satisfaction of the enforcement official. Any freestanding sign within three feet of a driveway, parking area or maneuvering area shall be completely surrounded by a curbing that is not less than three feet from the outermost perimeter of the sign.

(E) Premises. All freestanding signs, and the premises surrounding the same, shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a clean, sanitary and good appearing condition, and free and clear of all noxious substances, rubbish and weeds.

Sec. 27-414. Wall Signs. [back to top]

It is unlawful to construct, erect, locate or maintain any wall sign for which a permit is required without complying with the following provisions:

(A) Design. Every affixed wall sign, including the frames, braces and supports thereof, shall be securely built and shall be designed by a structural engineer, registered architect or as required by the enforcement official.

(B) Location limitation on placement. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the ends of the wall to which it is affixed. No sign shall project beyond the top of the building except where the structure is so designed so as to not permit the attachment of a wall sign, then a sign will be permitted to project above the surface of the building. The projection shall be kept to a minimum as required by the enforcement official. In no case shall the sign project more than three (3) feet above the surface of the building.

(C) Projection above sidewalk. Wall signs must be affixed flat against the building wall. Any projection will be limited to encasing illumination or depth of lettering. At no time shall a wall sign be permitted to extend more than twelve inches beyond the building line. The sign shall not be affixed to a wall at a height of less than eight feet above the sidewalk. Height may be reduced in an area not subject to pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

(D) Construction supports required. A wall sign shall be safely and securely affixed to the building wall to the satisfaction of the enforcement official.

(E) Placement location on building. Wall signs may be located either on the front of the building abutting a street or on either side wall perpendicular to the street frontage when entrance is located on the same side wall.

Sec. 27-415. Electronic Message Centers. [back to top]

Electronic message center signs are allowed only in the BP, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 and B-5 zoning districts on property located on a major street, as defined in Section 27-104 hereof, in accordance with the following provisions:

(A) Allowed only when all the signs on the site are in total compliance with the Sign Ordinance.

(B) The sign surface area of the electronic message center shall be counted in the overall surface area of the freestanding sign. Electronic message center signs shall not be permitted as a wall sign or part of a wall sign.

(C) The sign shall be permitted to change no more frequently than two second intervals and shall be limited to changeable messages and not chasing messages.

(D) The electronic message center shall be equipped with automatic dimming devices, sun screens and no external illumination.

(E) Along Lake Street, electronic message centers shall be set back not less than 10 feet from the right of way.

(F) The changeable copy portion of the sign or the cabinet housing the system shall not exceed 40 percent of the actual total area of the sign.

(G) Messages may dissolve or go blank and may either reappear in full display or solidify. No other special effects are allowed. Crawling messages are not allowed.

(H) Graphics shall be allowed as fixed displays. Moving graphics are not allowed.

(I) Background colors or displays shall be allowed to change only when the message changes. (Ord. 06-59)

Sec. 27-416. Window Signs. [back to top]

As defined in this Chapter, window signs (permanent) shall not exceed 20 percent of the surface area of each window. Window promotional signs shall not exceed 45 percent of the surface area of each window. A combination of window signs (permanent) and window promotional signs shall not exceed 45 percent of the window surface area of each window. A single combined window sign (permanent) may cover 20 percent and a single combined window promotional sign may cover 45 percent of the total surface area of all display windows on each street front exposure, provided that all window signs combined shall not exceed 45 percent of all display windows on each street front exposure.

Sec. 27-417. Temporary Signs. [back to top]

The provisions of this Chapter shall regulate all temporary signs, with the exception of all signs specifically described and regulated in other sections of this Code (see Article 3, "Specific Prohibitions," and Section 27-207, "Signs not subject to permit fee").

(A) Temporary Signs and Attention-Getting Devices. Certain temporary signs and attention-getting devices, as defined in this Chapter, may be permitted for promoting special community activities and special events such as grand openings, subject to the following provisions:

(1)        A special permit must be obtained from the Administrator; and

(2)        Such signs and attention-getting devices shall be limited to a fourteen-day maximum exposure period.

(3)        No more than two temporary sign permits per year per property shall be permitted. A minimum of 30 days between temporary permits is required, except that one temporary sign permit for the opening of a new business not previously located on the property shall be allowed for up to 14 days during the first four months of business, in addition to the aforesaid two temporary sign permits per year.

(4)        The maximum size of any temporary sign permitted by this Section shall be 32 square feet.

(B) Temporary Off-Premises Signs: Temporary off-premises advertising signs of events sponsored by non-profit organizations as defined by Chapter 32, Section 163A of the State Statutes, Charitable, Religious, Educational, or Civic Organizations shall be permitted subject to the following provisions:

(1)        Written consent of the property owner.

(2)        The temporary sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area.

(3)        A permit must be obtained from the enforcement official; however, the permit will not be subject to permit fees.

Sec. 27-418. Under Canopy Signs. [back to top]

One sign located under a canopy shall be permitted for each business in a building. The total sign area shall not exceed five square feet, and the width of any sign shall not exceed three-fourths of the horizontal canopy projection. No under canopy sign shall hang more than eighteen inches from any canopy or other such structure. There shall be a minimum of eight feet clearance between the ground and any such sign. The sign shall be installed perpendicular to the front of the building or unit.

Sec. 27-419. Signs Accessory to Automobile Service Stations. [back to top]

(A) In addition to permanent signs permitted by this Chapter, service stations shall be permitted one, 25 square foot exterior rate sign per street front, plus one 10 square foot sign per street front for additional advertising.

(B) All other portable and temporary signs, as defined in this Chapter, are expressly prohibited.

Sec. 27-420. Signs Accessory to Shopping Centers. [back to top]

(A) In addition to the sign area allowed for the individual business therein, shopping centers shall be allowed one identification sign (which may be illuminated) on each major street frontage on the property. Such signs shall not extend beyond the property line or into the right-of-way and shall be used solely to identify the shopping center, shopping area or the businesses conducted therein.

Shopping centers in excess of ten acres with more than one detached building will be permitted an additional identification sign. However, no more than two identification signs per shopping center would be permitted.

(B) The allowable sign area for the signs shall be computed at one-half square foot for every lineal foot of frontage of the total shopping center frontage, maximum area for the sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet, and the maximum height for such identification signs shall be 20 feet. In the case of a second identification sign, the maximum area of the sign shall be limited to 75 square feet with the maximum height limited to 15 feet.

Sec. 27-421. Directional/Informational Signs. [back to top]

As defined in this Chapter, directional signs may be allowed at major points of ingress and egress in any business district and industrial district. Such sign will be limited to a maximum of five square feet in sign surface area and limited to four feet in height.

Such signs shall be located at a point so as not to conflict with driver vision and not be a hazard to smooth traffic flow. Informational signs not exceeding five square feet in area may be allowed when conforming to the definition in this Chapter.

Sec. 27-422. Permanent Large-scale Development Signs. [back to top]

Permanent large-scale development signs are permitted only on developments with a total land area of five (5) or more acres. Such signs may be erected on any residential, industrial, or commercial development with at least one individual major entrance. Such signage is for purposes of identification of the development only and shall contain no commercial advertising whatsoever. Such a sign cannot be used in conjunction with a shopping center identification sign as specified in Section 27-421, but may be used as an alternative to a shopping center identification sign.

(A) Allowed only upon issuance of necessary permit.

(B) Total sign height shall not exceed six feet (6') from the established curb level.

(D) One (1) such sign shall be allowed at each major entrance; however, not more than two (2) signs shall be permitted at any one development.

(E) Sign area limitations for commercial, industrial and mixed use development shall be:

5 acres to 10 acres--30 square feet

11 acres to 25 acres--50 square feet

26 acres to 50 acres--75 square feet

51 or more acres --100 square feet

(F) Sign area limitations for residential subdivisions and residential planned unit developments shall be:

5 or more acres --30 square feet

Sec. 27-423. Underground Utility Facilities Signs. [back to top]

Signs required by a regulation of any governmental body having jurisdiction. All underground utility facilities shall be flush signs, and their vertical height shall not exceed two (2) inches from ground level.

Sec. 27-424. Interstate Highway Wall Sign. [back to top]

Interstate highway wall signs as defined in this Chapter are permitted only on buildings on property directly abutting Inter-state 290 and Interstate 355. No more than one such sign shall be permitted per property. The sign shall comply with the following performance standards:

(A) The sign shall consist of the business logo and/or specific business name only.

(B) The sign shall consist of individual letters or symbols constructed of metal, glass or plastic only and shall be internally illuminated or backlighted; no exposed lights are permitted.

(D) No portion of the sign shall project above the top of the wall to which it is attached or above the roof of the building, whichever is lower.

(E) All interstate highway wall signs shall be permitted only upon review by the Building, Zoning and Development Committee and approval of the Village Board of Trustees. The applicant/ owner is required to submit a building elevation plan for the sign. Such plan shall include dimensions of the wall and dimensions of the sign, colors and construction details of the sign, including the type of illumination proposed to be used.

(F) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the interstate highway wall sign shall comply in all respects with the requirements of Section 27-414.

Sec. 27-425. Engraved Wood Signs by Governmental Agencies. [back to top]

Engraved wood signs may be permitted for governmental agencies when approved by the Village Board.

Article 5. Sign Regulations by District.

Sec. 27-501. In General. [back to top]

Maximum surface area of signs, maximum height standards for signs, maximum number of signs, required distance between signs, and permitted sign types are established for each zoning district. Signs may be erected, altered and maintained only for a permitted use in the district in which the signs are located.

Sec. 27-502. Signs Located in Residential Use Districts. [back to top]

(A) All such signs in residential districts shall conform to the specific requirements set forth in this Chapter. In residential use districts, no sign shall be erected except the following named signs:

(1)        Flags

(2)        Nameplates

(3)        Public Signs

(4)        Informational Signs

(5)        Holiday Decorations

(6)        Memorial Signs

(7)        Institutional Signs

(8)        Contractor's Signs

(9)        Real Estate Signs (not more than 5 square feet in area)

(10)      Residential Development Signs

(11)      Political Campaign Signs

(12)      Garage and Rummage Sale Signs

(13)      Permanent Large Scale Development Signs

(B) Signs permitted in residential use districts may be located in any required yard, but not less than 5 feet from any side property line nor less than 5 feet from any lot line adjacent to any street. In the case of corner lots, permitted signs shall not be erected closer than 10 feet from any lot line adjacent to a street.

(C) In no case shall the height of any sign in any residential district exceed 6 feet, with the exception of flags which shall not exceed a height of 22 feet.

Sec. 27-503. Signs Located in B/P and B-1 District. [back to top]

In any B/P Business/Professional Office District or B-1 Local Business District no sign shall be permitted except the following named signs:

(A) Signs not subject to permit fee in accordance with provisions set forth in Article 2 except, however, a business flag may only be flown in conjunction with the flag of the United States of America.

(B) Awnings and canopies, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-410.

(D) Freestanding signs, except off-premises signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-413. In addition, no freestanding sign shall be erected or maintained within the B/P Professional Office District or B-1 Neighborhood Shopping District unless it meets all the following requirements:

(1)        Display. No business establishment shall display a freestanding sign unless the establishment is directly accessible by car, and provides a minimum of five parking spaces on the premises where such freestanding sign is displayed.

(2)        Area. No freestanding sign shall exceed 30 square feet in sign surface area.

(3)        Height. No freestanding sign shall exceed 6 ft. in height. In all cases height shall be measured from grade at the edge of the right-of-way to the top of the sign.

(4)        No more than one freestanding sign shall be maintained on any one parcel of property.

(5)        Distance Between Signs. All freestanding signs shall be located at least 100 ft. apart; provided, however, that if such freestanding signs comply with all other provisions except the requisite distance between signs, and it is not reasonable to comply with the distance between signs requirement, such freestanding signs shall be allowed to be maintained.

(6)        Setback. Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of 5 ft. from the street right-of-way.

(7)        Any freestanding sign within 3 feet of a driveway, parking area, or maneuvering area shall be completely surrounded by a curbing that is not less than three feet from the outermost perimeter of the sign. The area around a freestanding sign shall be maintained free of noxious substances, rubbish and weeds.

(8)        Shopping center identification signs shall not be permitted.

(9)        Electronic message centers. (Ord. 06-59)

(E) Wall signs in accordance with the provisions of Section 27-414. In addition, no wall sign shall be erected or maintained in any B/P or B-1 District unless it also meets all of the following requirements:

(1)        Area.

(a)        The total sign surface area of all signs on any single business shall not exceed one time the lineal front footage of the building or unit excepting that each legitimate business shall be entitled to a minimum of 20 square feet of sign surface area.

(b)        The total sign surface area of all wall signs shall not exceed 100 square feet for each business.

(2)        Number. No more than one wall sign per major street front exposure shall be maintained on any one business in any B/P or B-1 district.

(F) Window signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-416.

(G) Directional/Informational signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-421.

(H) Real Estate Signs not extending outside the property line and not more than 32 square feet per face in area which advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located. No more than one sign per lot except that a corner lot may have one such real estate sign per major street frontage.

(I) Interstate highway wall signs in accordance with Sec. 27-424 shall be permitted in B/P districts only when they comply with the following requirements:

(1) Area. The maximum area of the sign shall be 10 percent of the wall directly facing the interstate highway or 800 square feet, whichever is less.

(2) Number. No more than one interstate highway wall sign shall be permitted per property.

Sec. 27-504. Signs Located in B-2, B-3, B-4 and B-5 Districts. [back to top]

In B-2, B-3, B-4, and B-5 business districts, no signs shall be permitted except the following named signs:

(A) Signs not subject to permit fee in accordance with provisions set forth in Article 2, except, however, a business flag may only be flown in conjunction with the flag of the United States of America.

(B) Awnings and canopies, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-410.

(D) Changeable Copy Signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-415.

(E) Freestanding signs in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-413. In addition, no freestanding sign shall be erected or maintained within any B-2, B-3, B-4 or B-5 districts unless it also meets all of the following requirements:

(1)        Display. No business establishment shall display a freestanding sign unless the establishment is directly accessible by car and provides a minimum of five parking spaces on the premises where such freestanding sign is displayed.

(2)        Area. No freestanding sign shall exceed 60 square feet in sign surface area unless the sign is for a multiple unit building with three or more units, and then the sign area shall not exceed 75 square feet.

(3)        Height. No freestanding sign shall exceed 10 feet in height. In all cases height shall be measured from grade at the edge of the right-of-way to the top of the sign.

(4)        No more than one freestanding sign shall be maintained on any one parcel of property.

(5)        Distance between signs. All freestanding signs shall be located at least 100 feet apart; provided, however, that if such freestanding signs comply with all other provisions except the requisite distance between signs, and it is not reasonable to so comply with the distance between sign requirements, such freestanding signs shall be allowed to be maintained.

(6)        Electronic message centers. (Ord. 06-59)

(F) On properties that had a lawfully existing pole sign on the effective date of this Chapter, a freestanding sign may be maintained, modified or erected either in compliance with the preceding Subsection 27-504(E) or the following requirements:

(1)        A freestanding sign supported by up to two metal poles when the existing sign was supported by that method.

The sign shall comply with Section 27-413, Subsections (A), (C), (D) and (E). The sign or supports need not be constructed of a material similar to the principal building or brick masonry.

(2)        A freestanding sign allowed by this exception shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area, unless the sign is for a multiple unit building with three or more units, then a pole sign allowed by this exception shall not exceed seventy five (75) square feet in area. In no case shall the freestanding sign allowed by this exception be larger in area than the lawfully existing pole sign that was existing on the effective date of this Chapter.

(3)        A freestanding sign allowed by this exception shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.

(4)        A freestanding sign allowed by this exception shall be constructed with the bottom of the sign not more than six (6) feet from grade.

(G) Wall signs in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-414. In addition, no wall sign shall be erected or maintained in any B-2, B-3, B-4, or B-5 district unless it also meets all of the following requirements:

(1)        Area.

(a)        The total sign surface area of all wall signs on any single parcel of property shall not exceed one times the lineal front footage of the building or unit, excepting that each business shall be entitled to a minimum of 20 square feet of sign surface area.

(b)        The total sign surface area of any single wall sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

(c)        If the wall sign is to be back a minimum of 100 feet from the property line which the sign shall face, then the total sign surface area of all wall signs on the single parcel of property shall not exceed one and one half times the lineal front footage of the building or unit. The total sign surface area of a single wall sign shall not exceed 150 square feet.

(d)        If the wall sign is to be set back a minimum of 200 feet from the property line which the sign shall face, then the total sign surface area of all wall signs on the single parcel of property shall not exceed two times the lineal front footage of the building or unit. The total sign surface area of a single wall sign shall not exceed 200 square feet.

(e)        If the wall sign is to be set back a minimum of 300 feet from the property line, which the sign shall face, then the total sign surface area of all wall signs on the single parcel of property shall not exceed two times the lineal front footage of the building or unit. However, the total sign surface area of a single wall sign shall not exceed 300 square feet.

(2)        Number. No more than one wall sign per major street front exposure per business shall be maintained on any one parcel of property in any B-2, B-3, B-4, or B-5 district. If the building is set back a minimum of 200 ft. from the property line from which the sign shall face and the building is limited to one business, then one additional wall sign shall be permitted not to exceed 50 per cent of the permitted sign. End units of a multi-unit building within a shopping center may display signs both toward the parking lot at the front of the store and toward the street if the street is a major street frontage as defined in this Chapter. The area of the two signs combined if permitted shall not exceed the area permitted for the front sign alone.

(3)        Setback for a multiple unit shopping center building shall be determined by the average setback of the main building. A freestanding building within a shopping center shall be measured at the actual setback.

(H) Window signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-416.

(I) Under canopy signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-418.

(J) Directional/informational signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-421.

(K) Off-premises signs in the B-3 and B-4 business districts in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-412.

(L) Real estate signs not extending outside the property line and not more than 32 square feet per face in area which advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located. No more than one sign per lot except that a corner lot may have one such real estate sign per major street frontage.

(M) Interstate highway wall signs in accordance with Section 27-424 shall be permitted in B-2, B-3, B-4 or B-5 districts only when they comply with the following requirements:

(1) Area. The maximum area of the sign shall be 10 percent of the area of the wall directly facing the interstate highway or 800 square feet, whichever is less.

(2) Number. No more than one interstate highway wall sign shall be permitted per property.

Sec. 27-505. Signs in Manufacturing Districts. [back to top]

In manufacturing districts, no sign shall be permitted except the following named signs:

(B) Awnings and canopies, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-410.

(C) Freestanding signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-413. In addition, no freestanding sign shall be erected or maintained within any manufacturing district unless it also meets all of the following requirements.

(1) No business establishment shall display a freestanding sign unless the establishment is directly accessible by car and provides a minimum of ten parking spaces on the premises where such freestanding sign is displayed.

(2) Area. No freestanding sign shall exceed 30 square feet per side in sign surface area.

(3) Height. No freestanding sign shall exceed six feet in height. In all cases, height shall be measured from grade at the edge of the right-of-way to the top of the sign.

(4) No more than one freestanding sign shall be maintained on any one parcel of property.

(5) The sign shall contain only the name or names and hours of operation for each business within the building.

(D)       Wall signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-414. In addition, no wall sign shall be erected or maintained in any manufacturing district unless it also meets all of the following requirements.

(1)        Area.

(a)        The total sign surface area of all wall signs on any single parcel of property shall not exceed one times the lineal front footage of the building or unit.

(b)        The total sign surface area of any single wall sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

(2)        Number. No more than one wall sign per major street frontage exposure shall be maintained on any one parcel of property in any manufacturing district.

(E) Window signs in accordance with the provisions set forth within Section 27-416.

(F) Directional/informational signs, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-421.

(G) Real Estate signs not extending outside the property line and not more than 32 square feet per face in area which advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located. No more than one sign per lot except that a corner lot may have one such real estate sign per major street frontage.

(H) Off-premises signs in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 27-412.

(I) Interstate highway wall signs in accordance with Section 27- 424 shall be permitted in M-2, M-3, and M-4 districts only when they comply with the following requirements:

(1) Area. The maximum area of the sign shall be 5 percent of the area of the wall directly facing the interstate highway or 400 square feet, whichever is less.

(2) Number. No more than one interstate highway wall sign shall be permitted per property.

Article 6. Nonconforming Signs

Sec. 27-601. Signs Regarded as Nonconforming. [back to top]

Signs existing at the time of the enactment of this Chapter, and not conforming to its provisions, but which were constructed in compliance with previous regulations and chapters, shall be regarded as nonconforming signs.

Sec. 27-602. Altering Nonconforming Signs. [back to top]

Nonconforming signs may be changed in accordance with the following:

(A) Maintenance or changing of parts designed for changes which do not require any permit shall not be considered an alteration; provided such change does not increase the surface area, height, or otherwise make the sign nonconforming.

(B) Nonconforming signs shall not be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign, or shall not be moved in whole or in part to another location, unless the sign is made to conform to the regulations of this Chapter.

Sec. 27-603. Bringing Signs into Conformity. [back to top]

All existing signs which are not in conformity with this Chapter shall be considered non-conforming signs. All existing signs shall be brought into conformity with the provisions of this Chapter no later than seven years from the effective date hereof. All existing signs which do not meet the provisions of this Chapter within the aforesaid period of time shall be dismantled and removed by the owner thereof.

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