sign ordinances - peoria area association of realtors® ordinances manual rev 06.12.pdfeast peoria...

Sign Ordinances

2012

Our intent is to help you in every aspect of your business; one way is to

provide you with information to assist you in following the rules and laws

of the community. PAAR has been working with the local community

government offices to put together a manual that contains all available

local ordinances for your reference.

Please take some time to look over these real estate and directional

sign ordinances and be sure to follow them. It should be noted that if

there is no sign ordinance listed for a city, the county ordinance

applies.

Please contact the individual local governments if you have any questions

or need assistance interpreting the sign ordinances.

PAAR Sign Ordinance Manual 2 Rev 060712

INDEX

City Phone Pages

East Peoria ......................................................... 698-4717 ................................................ 4 - 28

Germantown Hills ............................................ 383-2209 ................................................ 29 - 30

Metamora, Village of ....................................... 367-4044 ................................................ 31 - 37

Pekin ...................................................................... 477-2300 ................................................ 38 - 42

Peoria, City of .................................................. 494-8565 ................................................ 43 - 69

Peoria County .................................................. 672-6915 ................................................ 70 - 78

Tazewell County ............................................... 477-2235 ................................................ 79 - 87

Washington, City of ........................................ 444-3196 ................................................ 88 - 105

Woodford County .......................................... 467-3023 ................................................ 106 - 113


East Peoria

East Peoria Sign Code Chapter 7

SECTION:

4-7-1. Short title.

4-7-2. Purpose.

4-7-3. Definitions.

4-7-4. Administration.

4-7-5. General provisions.

4-7-6. On-premises signs by zoning district.

4-7-7. Off-premises signs.

4-7-8. Temporary signs.

4-7-9. Construction specifications and inspection.

4-7-10. Maintenance, repair, penalties.

4-7-11. Conflict and severability.

*Cross reference—Planning and zoning administrator, § 1-4-4.12.

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EAST PEORIA CODE 4-7-3

4-7-1. Short title.

This code shall be known as the Sign Code of the City of East Peoria, Illinois, and may be so cited and pleaded and shall be referred to herein as the code.

4-7-2. Purpose.

The primary intent of this code is to regulate signs intended to be viewed from any vehicular public right-of-way. Therefore, the purpose of this code shall be to:

(a) Coordinate the type, placement, and physical dimensions of signs within the different land-use zones.

(b) Encourage the innovative use of design.

(c) Promote both proper maintenance and renovation.

(d) Minimize visual confusion and clutter.

(e) Insure that these regulations are compatible with the zoning regulations.

(f) Recognize the commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business community.

4-7-3. Definitions.

Abandoned sign. A sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product or activity and/or for which no legal owner can be found.

Administrator. The planning and zoning administrator or his designated representative.

Animated sign. Any sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene. (See flashing sign)

Area. (See sign, area of)

Awning. A shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wail of a building constructed of non rigid materials on a supporting framework (see marquee).

Awning sign. A sign painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.

Banner sign. A sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere.

Billboard. (See off-premises sign)

Building face. All window and wail area of a building in one plane or elevation.

Canopy. A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face.

Changeable copy sign (automatic). A sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lampbank or through mechanical, e.g., electrical or electronic time and temperature units, message center.

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4-7-3 EAST PEORIA CODE

Changeable copy sign (manual). A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, e.g., readerboards with changeable letters.

City. That area defined by the corporate limits of East Peoria, Illinois.

Clearance (of a sign). The smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street or street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade.

Construction sign. A temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction of the property on which the sign is located.

Copy. The wording on a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter form.

Copy area. The area in square feet of the smallest geometric figure which describes the area enclosed by the actual copy of a sign.

Directional/information sign. An on-premise sign giving directions, instructions, or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy, e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs.

Double-faced sign. A sign with two (2) faces.

Electric sign. A sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used.

Electronic message center. (See changeable copy sign, automatic.)

Embellishments. Letters, figures, characters or representatives in cut-outs or irregular forms or similar ornaments attached to or superimposed upon the sign.

Erected. Attached, altered, built, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged or moved and shall include the painting of wall signs.

Exempt signs. Signs exempted from normal permit requirements, but not from construction specifications.

Facade. The entire building front including the parapet.

Facia sign. (See wall sign)

Festoons. A string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, or pinwheels.

Flashing sign. A sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention. Does not include changeable copy signs (automatic), animated signs, or signs which through reflection or other means, create an illusion of flashing intermittent light (see animated sign, changeable copy sign).

Freestanding sign. A sign permanently supported upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building.

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Frontage. The length of the property line of any one premises along each public right-of-way on which it borders.

Frontage, building. The length of an outside building wall on a public right-of-way.

Government sign. Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the city, county, state, or Federal government for traffic direction or for designation of a direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property or facility.

Ground level. Street grade.

Height (of a sign). The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign or its supporting members to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less (see clearance).

Highway, interstate. Any highway designated by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.

Highway, primary. Any highway other than an interstate highway designed by the Illinois Department of Transportation and approved by the United States Department of Transportation as a part of the Federal-Aid Primary System.

Identification sign. A sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a building, institution, or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.

Illegal sign. A sign which does not meet the requirements of this Code and which does not have legal nonconforming status.

Illuminated sign. A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of lighting the sign.

Incidental, sign. A small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, e.g., credit card sign, a sign indicating hours of business.

Individual letter sign. Any sign made of self-contained letters or embellishments that are mounted on the face of a building, on a parapet or on a marquee.

Lot. A plot of ground made up of one or more parcels, which is or may be occupied by a use, building or buildings.

Maintenance. The cleaning, painting, repair, or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, or structure of the sign.

Mansard. A sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally comparable to a building wall.

Marquee sign. Any sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure.

Monument sign. A sign with a base attached to the ground made of natural materials, i.e. granite, marble or other similar substances or masonry materials.

Nameplate. A nonelectric on-premises identification sign giving only the name, address, and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants.

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Nonconforming sign. A sign which was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.

Occupancy. The portion of a building or premises owned, leased, rented, or otherwise occupied for a given use.

Off-premises sign. A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the property on which said sign is located, e.g., billboards or outdoor advertising.

On-premises sign. A sign which pertains to the use of the premises on which it is located.

Outdoor advertiser. Any person engaged in the business of placing, posting or painting any advertisements, notices or displays in or on any place in the city for the purpose of outdoor advertising, so that the resulting display is visible from any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place in the city.

Owner. A person recorded as such on official records. For the purposes of this chapter, the owner of the property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the Administrator, e.g., a sign leased from a sign company.

Painted wall sign. Any sign which is applied with paint or similar substance on the face of a wall.

Parapet. The extension of a false front or wall above roofline.

Person. Any individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership, or similarly defined interest.

Point of purchase display. Advertising of a retail item accompanying its display, e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser.

Pole banner. A banner sign that is attached to the supporting standard for a street light, a utility pole or other similar structure which standard, pole or other structure is owned, leased or under the control of the city and is located within or immediately adjacent to the public right-of-way.

Pole cover. Covers enclosing or decorating poles or other structural supports of a sign.

Political sign. A temporary sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum.

Portable sign. Any sign not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building or any sign mounted on a chassis or other structure in such a fashion that it could be transported by removing the sign and its chassis from its mounting and attaching wheel mountings and wheels; provided, however, that this term shall not be construed to include exempt signs authorized pursuant to subsection 4-7-5(b) of this Code or temporary signs authorized pursuant to section 4-7-8 of this Code.

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Premises. A parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.

Projecting sign. A sign other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.

Projecting pedestrian sign. An on-premises sign which is attached to and projects from a structure or building face at right angles for the purpose of directing pedestrians to a particular location.

Public right-of-way. A public street or alley.

Real estate sign. A temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.

Roofline. The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.

Rotating sign. A sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving manner. Such motion does not refer to methods of changing copy.

Scenic area. Any area of particular scenic beauty as determined by resolution of the East Peoria City Council.

Sign. Any device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identify any establishment, product, goods or service.

Sign, area of.

(a) Projecting and freestanding. The area of a freestanding or projecting sign shall have only one face (the largest one) of any double or multi-faced sign counted in calculating its area. The area of the sign shall be measured as follows if the sign is composed of one or two (2) individual cabinets:

(1) The area around and enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet or module shall be summed and then totaled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area shall not include embellishments such as pole covers, framing, decorative roofing, etc., provided that there is not written advertising copy on such embellishments.

(2) If the sign is composed of more than two (2) sign cabinets or modules, the area enclosing the entire perimeter of all cabinets and/or modules within a single, continuous geometric figure shall be the area of the sign. Pole covers and other embellishments shall not be included in the area of measurement if they do not bear advertising copy.

(b) Wall signs. The areas shall be within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any straight line geometric figure which enclosed the extreme limits of the advertising message. If the sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall as the background with no added decoration, the total sign area shall be calculated by

Supp. No. 8 911



measuring the area within the perimeter of each symbol or letter. The combined areas of the individual figures shall be considered the total sign area.

Sign structure. Any structure which supports, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign.

Swinging sign. A sign installed on an arm or spar that is not, in addition, permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.

Temporary sign. A sign which is not a permanently affixed device such as banners, pennants, flags (not including those of a nation), and balloons or other air or gas filled fixtures, shall be a temporary sign.

Temporary window sign. A sign painted on the interior of a window or constructed of paper, cloth, or other like material and attached to the interior side of a window.

Under canopy sign. A sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof, or marquee.

Use. The purpose for which a building, lot, sign or structure is intended, designed, occupied, or maintained.

Wall sign. A sign attached to, erected against, or painted on the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane to the plan of the building wall. This includes painted, individual letter and cabinet signs and signs on a mansard.

Window sign. A sign installed inside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside. (Ord. No. 2894, § 1, 4-9-96; Ord. No. 3523, § 1, 5-18-04)

4-7-4. Administration. (a) Code administrator. The administrator is authorized to process applications for permits and variances, hold public hearings as required, and enforce and carry out all provisions of this Code. The administrator is authorized to promulgate procedures consistent with this function and with this Code.

The administrator is empowered, upon presentation of proper credentials to enter or inspect any building, structure, or premises in the city for the purpose of inspection of a sign and its structural and electrical connections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency exists.

(b) Permit required. Except as otherwise provided in this Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or convert any sign or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit as required by this Code. No permit is required for the maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy or painted, printed, or changeable copy signs. Repair of a sign not involving structural changes shall also be exempt. Change of the plastic face will be exempt if due to breakage and/or deterioration of the face, but a change because of a new or different advertiser is not exempt.

An electrical permit is required for all signs having electrical components.

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(c) Application for permit. Application for a permit for the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign shall be made to the administrator upon a form provided by the administrator and shall include the following information:

(1) Name and address of owner of the sign.

(2) Name and address of owner or the person in possession of the premises.

(3) Address of the proposed site.

(4) The type of sign and sign structure in accordance with this chapter.

(5) A site plan showing the proposed location of the sign along with the locations and square footage area of all existing signs on the same premises.

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(6) Specifications and scale drawings showing the materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, and electrical components of the proposed sign.

(7) Verification and/or certification that applicant represents the owner of lot or person in possession of the premises.

(d) Permit fee. All applications for permits filed with the administrator shall be accompanied by a payment of the permit fee before a determination of issuance is made. The fee shall be fifty cents ($0.50) per square foot of the sign area. The fee shall not be less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The square footage for an individual letter sign shall be the copy area.

Electrical - An electrical permit is required for all signs utilizing electrical power. The permit fee is twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

The permit fee for a temporary sign upon proper application is twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The temporary permit fee for religious and public bodies is hereby waived.

(e) Issuance and denial. The administrator shall grant or deny a permit for the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign within five (5) working days of receipt of a valid and complete application including the paid fee, provided the proposed sign complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the city: When a matter of interpretation arises, the more specific definition or higher standard shall prevail.

When the permit is denied by the administrator, written notice of the denial with the reasons shall be forwarded to the applicant.

The administrator may, in writing, suspend or revoke an issued permit for any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or if the sign is not placed according to the site plan submitted.

No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign or shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign.

(f) Permit conditions and penalties. A permit issued by the administrator becomes null and void if work does not commence within sixty (60) days of issuance. If work authorized by the permit is suspended or abandoned for thirty (30) days, the permit must be renewed with an additional payment of one-half of the original fee.

If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit, the specified permit fee shall be tripled. However, payment of the tripled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirements or penalties prescribed in this chapter.

If an electrical permit is not obtained prior to installing electricity to a sign, then the administrator shall stop the installation activity of the sign and the permit fee shall be tripled. If the administrator suspends or revokes an issued permit for reason, then the reissued fee will be tripled.

(g) Inspections. Any person installing, altering or relocating a sign for which a permit has been issued shall notify the administrator upon completion of the work. A freestanding sign

913 PAAR Sign Ordinance Manual 13 Rev 060712


shall be inspected after the post hole(s) has been dug and prior to the erection of the pole and sign. The pole and sign will be inspected in relationship to the approved permit application. The electrical inspector shall inspect the sign after all electrical work is completed. The administrator shall also conduct a final inspection.

The administrator may require in writing upon issuance of a permit that he be notified for inspection prior to installation of certain signs.

(h) Procedure for variances:

(1) Variance. A request for a variance of the sign regulations shall be submitted to the administrator on forms provided by the administrator. The application fee for a variance shall be thirty dollars ($30.00). The administrator shall forward all information to the zoning board of appeals, which shall hold a public hearing on the application at a regularly scheduled or special meeting. Notice of the time and place of the hearing together with a brief description of the subject matter shall be published one time not more than thirty (30) nor less than fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing in a news paper of general circulation in the city. Variations from the regulations of this Title shall be granted by the zoning board of appeals only in accordance with the standards established in this section, and may be granted only in the following instances, and in no others:

(a) To permit a setback of less than ten (10) feet from the property line;

(b) To permit an increase in the height of a sign of not more than forty (40) percent of the maximum permitted under the applicable regulation; and

(c) To permit an increase in the area of a wall or freestanding sign of not more than twenty five (25) percent of the maximum permitted under the applicable regulation.

(2) Standards for variations. The zoning board of appeals shall not vary the regulations of this sign code, as authorized in this section, unless it shall make findings based upon the evidence presented to it in each specific case that:

(a) Because of the particular physical surroundings, shape or topographical conditions of the specific property involved, a particular hardship to the owner would result, as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, if the strict letter of the regulations were to be carried out;

(b) The conditions upon which a petition for a variation is based are unique to the property for which the variance is sought and are not applicable, generally, to other property within the same zoning classification;

(c) The purpose of the variation is not based exclusively upon a desire to make more money out of the property;

(d) The alleged difficulty or hardship is caused by this code and has not been created by any persons presently having an interest in the property;

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(e) The granting of the variation will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property or improvements in the neighborhood in which the property is located; and

(f) The proposed variation will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, or substantially increase the congestion of the public street, or increase the danger of fire or endanger the public safety or substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood.

The zoning board of appeals may impose such conditions and restrictions upon the premises benefited by a variation as may be necessary to comply with the standards established in this section, to reduce or minimize the effect of such variation upon other properties in the neighborhood, and to better carry out the general intent of this Title.

The same application for a variance may not be resubmitted within six (6) months of the zoning board of appeals’ decision unless in the judgment of the administrator the original application has been substantially amended.

(i) Bond and certificate of insurance. No permit for a sign being installed by a sign company shall be issued to any person for the purpose of erecting an authorized sign unless the company has on file with the city a bond in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). The bond is conditioned upon the proper installation of the sign and payment of all fees and/or penalties as implemented by this Code. A company that is engaged in the business of signs shall provide to the city a certificate of insurance for liability in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) per person, three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) per occurrence and one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for property damage.

(j) Interpretation. Whenever the requirements of this Code fail to apply to a unique situation, or a situation arises which is not covered by this Code, the administrator shall have the authority to interpret the Code, provided no sign shall be permitted which does not meet the intent and purpose of this Code. (Ord. 2369, 10-24-89; Ord. 2544, 10-29-91)

4-7-5. General provisions. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, place or maintain a sign in the city or to permit a sign to remain on property which such person controls or has an ownership interest in, except in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

(a) Signs prohibited. The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts (except as otherwise permitted in this Code):

(1) Abandoned signs.

(2) Animated and intensely lighted signs that flash, blink or travel except as follows:

a. Public service information signs classified as changing signs, or

b. Signs identifying premises having a class RB liquor license.

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(3) Banners, pennants, festoons, searchlights (except as otherwise permitted by sections 4-7-6(d) and (e) and sections 4-7-8(d) and (e) of this chapter).

(4) Flags other than those of any nation, state, political subdivision or corporation.

(5) Signs attached or printed on trees, utility poles, public benches, streetlights or placed on any public property or public right-of-way except as otherwise permitted in this chapter.

(6) Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals.

(7) Signs placed on or over public rights-of-way (except as may be permitted)

(8) Sandwich board signs, sidewalk or curb signs, balloons or other gas-filled fixtures, swinging signs and A-frame signs (except as may be permitted).

(9) Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign. (This does not apply to allowed portable signs or to signs or lettering on buses, taxis or vehicles operating during the normal course of business.)

(10) Signs that contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, pornographic or immoral character, or which contain advertising matter which is untruthful.

(11) Portable signs.

(12) Garage (yard) sale or rummage sale signs posted in excess of the five (5) day limitation.

(13) Signs erected in such a manner as to obstruct the line of sight of traffic or traffic lights at intersections.

(14) Signs that interfere with the proper and convenient protection of persons or property by the police or fire department.

(b) Exempt signs. The following types of signs are exempt from permit requirements providing any and all requirements stated herein have been met, and further providing the signs are in conformance with all other requirements of this Code. Artificial light sources incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating an exempt sign are prohibited. Except as otherwise hereinafter set forth the area of exempt signs shall not exceed five (5) square feet when located in residential zoning districts or thirty-two (32) square feet when located in business and manufacturing zoning districts; provided, however, that the area of exempt signs shall not exceed five (5) square feet when located on premises which lie in business or manufacturing zoning districts, but contain a single-family or multi-family residential dwelling. Except as otherwise hereinafter set forth, the area of exempt signs shall not exceed five (5) square feet when located in residential zoning districts or thirty-two (32) square feet when located in business and manufacturing zoning districts;

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provided, however, that the area of exempt signs shall not exceed five (5) square feet when located on premises which lie in business or manufacturing zoning districts, but contain a single-family or multi-family residential dwelling.

(1) Construction signs shall not be erected more than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of construction for which a valid building permit has been issued, shall be confined to the site of construction, and shall be removed thirty (30) days after completion of construction prior to occupancy.

(2) Directional/information signs located entirely on the property to which they pertain not exceeding four (4) square feet and an overall height of three (3) feet such as identifying restrooms, public telephones, and walkways, parking lot entrances and exits.

(3) Signs identifying parking lot entrances and exits which are:

a. Located entirely on the property to which they pertain;

b. Are at least one foot from the property line(s); and

c. Have an area not exceeding four (4) square feet and an overall height of 3 feet.

(4) The flags, emblems or insignia of any nation or political subdivision or corporate flag.

(5) Governmental signs or notices to include traffic, street, danger, railroad crossing, and public service signs.

(6) Holiday or special events decorations.

(7) House numbers and name plates not exceeding two (2) square feet in area for each residential unit.

(8) Interior signs not seen from the public right-of-way. This does not exempt them from other required permits as specified in the City Code.

(9) Memorial signs, tablets or corner stones identifying buildings and date of construction provided said sign, tablet or corner stone is part of the building.

(10) No Trespassing or No Dumping signs that are limited to one and one-half (P12) square feet in area per sign, with no more than four (4) per lot except with special permission of the administrator.

(11) Official public notices posted by public offices or employees in the performance of their duties.

(12) One political sign per candidate or issue in any local, state or national election per lot. Political signs may be placed only on private property and only with permission of the landowner or person in control of said property. All political signs must be removed within seven (7) days after the election.

(13) Bulletin boards are permitted in connection with public buildings, schools, medical facilities or religious institutions. Such signs shall be solely for the purposes of displaying the name of the building and its activity or services.

Supp. No. 8 917



(14) One real estate sign on any lot advertising the rent, sale or lease of the land or building upon which it is located provided the sign is not directly illuminated, and is removed seven (7) days after the sale, rental or lease of the property.

(15) Symbols or insignia of religious institutions or commemorative plaques or recognized historical agencies. Also included are identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies.

(16) Signs warning the public of the existence of danger that do not contain advertising material.

(17) Temporary window signs in business and manufacturing zone districts, provided that they do not exist for more than thirty (30) days.

(18) One projecting pedestrian sign per premises in business and manufacturing districts provided such sign is no larger than four (4) square feet in area.

(19) Signs regarding trading stamps, credit cards or trade affiliations when incidental to other signage on the property in the manufacturing and business zoning districts.

(20) Garage, yard or rummage sale signs not exceeding two (2) square feet and which are not posted for more than five (5) days.

(21) Signs, provided by the chief of police, regulating soliciting.

(Ord. No. 2633, § 1, 2-2-93; Ord. No. 2687, § 1, 11-16-93; Ord. No. 2695, § 1, 12-21-93; Ord. No.2796, § 1, 5-21-96; Ord. No. 3112, § 1, 12-1-98; Ord. No. 3154, § 1, 6-8-99; Ord. No. 3523, § 2,3, 5-18-04)

4-7-6. On-premises signs by zoning district. The following signs, meeting the other provisions of this Code, are permitted in the

various East Peoria zoning districts:

(a) All signs not requiring permits (section 4-7-5(b)).

(b) Signs permitted in C, R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts:

(1) One subdivision identification sign per major entrance for each subdivision or development, not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area.

(2) One apartment freestanding identification sign not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area.

(3) Nonresidential uses, such as churches, schools, hospitals or other public buildings, may have one freestanding sign not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet and wall sign(s) not to exceed a copy area of forty-eight (48) square feet.

(4) One sign within a planned unit development not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area.

(5) One sign for a day care center not to exceed eight (8) square feet in sign area or a wall sign not to exceed a copy area of eight (8) square feet.

Supp. No. 8 918



(6) All allowed freestanding signs shall have a maximum height limit of eight (8) feet with a setback from the right-of-way of ten (10) feet.

(c) Signs permitted in R-4 zoning district:

(1) Any sign permitted in subsection 4-7-6(a) and (b).

(2) One apartment complex building identification wall sign with a copy area not to exceed eight (8) square feet.

(3) Identification signs for other uses in the R-4 zoning district not to exceed forty eight (48) square feet for freestanding sign and eight (8) square feet for wall signs.

(4) All allowed freestanding signs shall have a maximum height limit of eight (8) feet with a setback from the right-of-way of ten (10) feet.

(d) Signs permitted in B-1 zoning district:

(1) Not more than two freestanding sign(s) per premises having street frontage on a public right-of-way not to exceed two square foot of sign area per linear foot of street frontage abutting the parcel and not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet per sign.

(2) Freestanding signs may not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet with a set back from the right-of-way of ten (10) feet.

(3) A combination of wall, individual letter, canopy and awning signs per occupancy, not to exceed a total of one square foot of copy area for each linear foot of building frontage. Where occupancy is on a corner having more than one street frontage, each side having frontage may contain the maximum allowable sign area.

(4) A business may display one window sign, permanent or temporary, per window. Any such window sign shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the surface area of the window in which it is displayed. Window panes or panels separated only by mullions shall be considered as one continuous window in calculating the window surface area. All window signs shall be attached and displayed only from the inside surface of the window.

(5) A projecting sign that:

a. Does not exceed above parapet wall or roofline;

b. Is a minimum of ten (10) feet above the ground;

c. The inner edge does not extend farther than two (2) feet from the building;

d. Is one square foot per linear foot of street frontage not to exceed thirty (30) square feet; and

e. Does not extend over public right-of-way.

Supp. No. 8 919



(6) A business may display one and only one exterior banner which must be affixed to the building which houses the business. Banners must be attached below the roofline of the building and shall have a maximum height of three (3) feet and a maximum width often (10) feet. Banners shall not be attached to fences, posts or poles. Once the location of a banner has been established through issuance of a permit, that location may be changed from time to time only through the application process which includes the payment of an additional permit fee.

(e) Signs permitted in B-2, B-3, M-1, and M-2 zoning districts:

(1) One freestanding sign per premises having street frontage on a public right-of- way not to exceed two (2) square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage abutting the parcel.

(2) When a lot has in excess of one hundred (100) feet of street frontage on a public right-of-way, one additional freestanding sign may be erected for each additional increment of one hundred (100) feet or fraction thereof of street frontage. The distance between the freestanding signs shall be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet. The total of all freestanding signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage and one square foot of sign area for each additional foot in excess of one hundred (100) feet. In no case shall any one developed parcel contain more than five hundred (500) square feet of freestanding sign area.

(3) Freestanding signs may not exceed a height of thirty five (35) feet with a setback from the right-of-way of ten (10) feet.

(4) A combination of wall, individual letter, canopy and awning signs per occupancy, not to exceed a total of three (3) square feet of copy area for each linear foot of building frontage.

(5) Whenever a parcel has street frontage on two (2) or more public rights-of-way, the entire frontage may be used in computing the allowable sign area.

(6) No freestanding sign of any nature shall be constructed within three hundred fifty (350) feet of any point of intersection of any right-of-way line of Washington Street with any right-of-way line of Main Street.

(7) Only one A-frame or swinging sign, having an area not to exceed nine (9) square feet which is not located beyond the property line, is permitted in addition to all other allowable signs for automobile service stations. Such sign shall not be illuminated or flashing.

(8) A projecting sign that:

a. Does not extend above the parapet wall or roofline; b. Is a minimum of ten (10) feet above the ground; c. The inner edge does not extend farther than two (2) feet from the

building.

Supp. No. 8 920



d. Is one square foot per linear foot of street frontage not to exceed thirty (30) square feet; and

e. Does not extend over public right-of-way or a public sidewalk.

(9) A sign allowed by special use permit in accordance with sections 5-9-3(b), 5-9-4(b) or 5-10-2(b) of this Code.

(10) A business may display one window sign, permanent or temporary, per window. Any such window sign shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the surface area of the window in which it is displayed. Window panes or panels separated only by mullions shall be considered as one continuous window in calculating the window surface area. All window signs shall be attached and displayed only from the inside surface of the window.

(11) A business may display one and only one exterior banner which must be affixed to the building which houses the business. Banners must be attached below the roofline of the building and shall have a maximum height of three (3) feet and a maximum width often (10) feet. Banners shall not be attached to fences, posts or poles. Once the location of a banner has been established through issuance of a permit, that location may be changed from time to time only through the application process which includes the payment of an additional permit fee.

(f) Certain monument signs in B-1, B-2 and B-3 districts:

(1) One monument sign may be constructed on a zoning lot located within a B-1, B-2 or B-3 district and will not be considered for the purpose of calculating or limiting the amount or nature of signage which may be placed on the zoning lot under other provisions of this Sign Code, provided that the monument sign complies with each of the following conditions:

a. The monument sign does not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height, including the base.

b. The total area of the monument sign does not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

c. The text on the monument sign contains not more than twenty-five (25) characters and shows only the name of the development or building located on the zoning lot where the monument sign is placed.

(2) Any such monument sign may be externally illuminated.

(Ord. 2369, 10-24-89; Ord. 2607, 9-15-92; Ord. No. 2695, § 3, 12-21-93; Ord. No. 3495, § 1, 4-6-04)

Supp. No. 8 920.1



4-7-7. Off-premises signs. No off-premises sign shall be erected in the city without a permit. The off-premises sign

permit shall be granted only after approval by the city council subsequent to receipt of a recommendation from the zoning board of appeals following a hearing for special use as provided in Title 5 of this Code.

(a) Procedure for obtaining off-premises sign permit. A person wishing to erect an off-premises sign within the city shall make application for a permit to the administrator on forms provided by the administrator. The combined permit and special use fee for an off-premises sign shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00). The administrator shall forward the application to the zoning board of appeals, which shall hold a public hearing on the application at a regularly scheduled or special meeting. Notice of the time and place of the hearing together with a brief description of the subject matter shall be published one time not more than thirty (30) nor less than fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the city. Following the public hearing, the zoning board of appeals shall forward its recommendation on the application to the city council for final action.

(b) Standards for off-premises signs. In addition to the applicable construction standards in subsection 4-7-9(b) and the zoning regulations found at Title 5 of this Code, the zoning board of appeals shall determine if the off-premises sign meets the following requirements of this section:

(1) The special use standards as provided in subsection 5-11-10(f) shall be met.

(2) All off-premises signs shall be freestanding.

(3) No sign may be erected which exceeds one hundred fifty (150) square feet in sign area, ten (10) feet in height and fifteen (15) feet in length, including border and trim, but excluding ornamental base or apron, supports and other structural members. The maximum size limitation shall apply to each side of the sign or sign structure. A maximum of two (2) signs may be erected on a facing, in which event the facing shall be deemed to be one sign, the size of which may not exceed the dimensions listed in this section. Signs may be double-faced or be placed back-to-back or V-type. The area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign.

(4) No off-premises sign shall be closer than one thousand (1,000) feet to another off-premises sign or to any school, park, church or other place of worship.

(5) In accordance with subsection 5-11-10(e) of this Code, whenever the zoning board of appeals shall recommend a special use permit for an off-premises sign, it shall condition such special use permit on the inclusion of adequate landscaping and an adequate program to maintain such landscaping, unless it finds landscaping wholly inappropriate because of the location of the off-premises sign.

Supp. No. 4 921



(6) The granting of the permit is otherwise in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the city’s residents.

(c) Scenic areas. No off-premises sign shall be erected in any of the following designated scenic areas:

(1) The area bounded by Illinois Route 24 on the north; the municipal boundary on the west; U.S. Interstate 74 on the south; and a line running parallel and 2,000 feet east of the center of Illinois Route 116 on the east.

(2) The area bounded by U.S. Interstate 74 on the east; the Industrial Spur on the south; West Washington Street and the Robert Michel Bridge on the west; and the municipal boundaries on the north.

(Ord. 2369, 10-24-89; Ord. 2544, 10-29-91; Ord. No. 2894, § 2, 4-9-96; Ord. No. 2895, § 1, 4-16-96; Ord. No. 2949, § 2, 6-10-97; Ord. No. 3019, § 1, 10-28-97; Ord. No. 3021, § 1, 10-28-97)

4-7-8. Temporary signs. (a) Issuance of permit fee. The administrator may issue, upon proper application and

payment of a twenty dollar ($20.00) fee, permits for temporary signs as defined in this section. The permit fees for religious and public bodies are hereby waived.

(b) Temporary signs for special events. Temporary signs, banners, flags or pennants are allowed in conjunction with the following:

(1) Religious, civic, political or charitable events and projects.

(2) The grand opening of any private business, provided that application is made within forty five (45) days of the business opening.

The temporary sign permit for the above named events or projects shall be valid for no more than thirty (30) consecutive days. Such permits are not renewable.

(c) Temporary signs for real estate developments. Temporary signs for the marketing of lots in a newly opened subdivision, or subdivision phase, or for commercial or industrial sites and spaces are allowed subject to the following conditions:

(1) Such permits to be issued for a period of one year for a specific property or subdivision phase. Permits may be renewed annually.

(2) No more than one temporary sign per subject property. The sign shall be on-premises.

(3) Such temporary signs shall not exceed sixty four (64) square feet in size.

(4) In a subdivision such signs shall be removed when seventy five (75) percent of the lots in the subdivision or subdivision phase are sold.

Supp. No. 4 922



(d) Temporary use of searchlight for the East Peoria Festival of Lights Parade. Temporary use of a searchlight in connection with the East Peoria Festival of Lights Parade is allowed subject to the following conditions:

(1) No more than one permit for temporary use of a searchlight in connection with the East Peoria Festival of Lights Parade shall be issued per year; provided, this section shall not be construed to require the issuance of such a permit.

(2) A searchlight may be operated pursuant to this section up to two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled date of the parade, but once operated must be operated for each and every successive night thereafter until and including the scheduled date of the parade.

(3) The issuance of the permit shall be subject to such time, place and manner restrictions as the administrator in his discretion shall deem appropriate.

(e) Placement of pole banners. Temporary pole banners placed by the city or with the consent of the city which pole banners celebrate and promote the East Peoria Community, civic organizations or public events subject to the following conditions:

(1) A minimum of sixty-five (65) percent of the area of the pole banner sign must be dedicated to artwork or text which is consistent with the purposes for which pole banners may be displayed.

(2) Advertising limited to the business name of the sponsor, the sponsor’s logo, the year in which the sponsor was established and the sponsor’s web address shall not exceed thirty-five (35) percent of the area of the pole banner sign.

(3) No permit shall be required for pole banners displayed by the city.

(4) The city may at its discretion enter into contracts with persons which authorize such persons to display pole banners which comply with the terms and conditions of this section. Any such contract may provide for the waiver of the permit fee otherwise required for temporary signs. Only one (1) application and one (1) permit shall be required for any number of substantially identical pole banners.

(5) The issuance of a permit for one (1) or more pole banners shall be subject to such time, place and manner restrictions as the administrator in his discretion shall deem appropriate given the purpose and content of the pole banners.

(f) Conformance with codes. Except as otherwise provided in this section, such temporary signs shall comply with all applicable city codes.

(Ord. No. 2687, § 2, 11-16-93; Ord. No. 3523, § 4, 5-18-04)

4-7-9. Construction specifications and inspection. (a) Compliance with city codes. All signs shall comply with the provisions of the city’s

most recently adopted BOCA Building Code and National Electric Code, as well as additional construction standards set forth in this section.

Supp. No. 8 923



(b) Additional construction standards.

(1) Obstruction to exits. No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening used as a means of egress.

(2) Obstruction to ventilation. No sign shall be attached in any form, shape or manner which will interfere with 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 provision of the building or fire prevention codes.

(3) Clearance from high voltage power lines. Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with National Electrical Code specification, depending on voltages concerned. However, in no case shall a sign be installed closer than twenty-four (24) inches horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guy wire.

(4) Drainage. The roofs of all marquees shall be properly guttered and drained.

(5) Freestanding sign structures. All freestanding sign structures or poles shall be self-supporting structures erected on or permanently attached to concrete foundations.

(6) Wind loads. All signs, except those attached flat against the wall of a building, shall be constructed to withstand wind loads as follows:

a. For solid signs, thirty (30) pounds per square foot on one face of the sign.

b. For skeleton signs, thirty-six (36) pounds per square foot of the total face area of the letters and other sign surfaces, or ten (10) pounds per square foot of the gross area of the sign as determined by the overall dimensions of the sign, whichever is greater.

The wind loadings quoted above are normal averages and must be adjusted for areas subject to unusually high velocity winds, for signs of extraordinary height or for certain wind tunneling effects created by large buildings.

(7) Sign anchoring. No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing due to wind action. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting members or connections.

(8) Setbacks. No portion of any freestanding sign shall be closer than twenty (20) feet to any property line.

(9) Permanent construction. All signs except temporary signs must be of a permanent nature and cannot be constructed of cloth, paper, cardboard or similar materials.

Supp. No. 8 924 PAAR Sign Ordinance Manual 25 Rev 060712


(10) Height of signs. No part of any wall or window sign (temporary or permanent) shall be located above the first occupied floor of a building, further, no part of any sign, except a freestanding sign, shall extend above the roofline of a building. No off-premises sign shall have an overall height exceeding thirty-five (35) feet.

(Ord. No. 2949, § 3, 6-10-97; Ord. No. 3019, § 2, 10-28-97; Ord. No. 3021, § 2, 10-28-97)

4-7-10. Maintenance, repair, penalties. (a) Maintenance. Every sign in the city, including those for which no permit is required,

shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, cleaning and other acts required for proper maintenance. A sign which is not maintained in good structural condition shall be considered an illegal sign.

(b) Illegal signs. It is hereby declared to be a violation of this Code for any person to allow the existence of an illegal sign on property under his ownership or control.

The administrator may, after inspection, declare a sign to be illegal and shall provide notice, in writing, to the owner and/or other person in control of the premises on which the illegal sign is located. The notice shall describe the sign and state the reasons for his declaration. The person to whom the notice is sent shall be given not less than twenty-four (24) hours nor more than thirty (30) days in which to remove or repair the sign. Said notice may be delivered either by personal service or by certified mail.

(c) Nonconforming signs. After the enactment of this Code, the administrator shall, from time to time, survey the city for nonconforming signs. Upon determination that a sign is nonconforming, the administrator may notify the owner of the property on which the sign is located of his determination and reasons therefore. Part of this notification may order the owner to remove the sign or make it conforming shall be deemed to be a violation of this Code, and the penalties of subsection 4-7-10(e) shall apply.

Supp.No.8 924.1 PAAR Sign Ordinance Manual 26 Rev 060712


(d) Removal of illegal or nonconforming signs. If the owner and/or other person in control of the premises fails to comply with any notice to repair or remove served as herein provided, the administrator is hereby authorized to cause removal of said sign and any cost or expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner and/or other person in control of the premises on which said sign is located. Such costs if not reimbursed, shall constitute a lien against the premises upon which the sign is located.

(e) Penalties. The violation of or failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Code is declared to be a misdemeanor. Any person violating any provision of this sign code, shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

(Ord. No. 3292, § 32, 7-3-01)

4-7-11. Outdoor advertisers. (a) Posting advertisements on illegal structures. No person shall post or maintain any

advertisement or signs on any billboard or signpost which does not fully conform to all the provisions of chapter 4, section 7 of the City Code and all other ordinances of the city affecting the erection or maintenance of structures.

(b) Billposting, etc., without consent of owner, etc., of premises. No person shall, without the consent of the owner or occupant of the premises, post, stick or place any handbill, showbill, placard or notice upon any building, wall, fence or tree box.

(c) Duties.

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person engaged in the business of outdoor advertising to permit any refuse resulting from the erection or maintenance of any signs, display boards or billboards erected or maintained by such licensee to accumulate anywhere in the city; except by placing it in properly established and maintained refuse receptacles. It shall be unlawful to permit any loose or flapping combustible materials to hang from or to be attached to any billboard or signboard or other place used for display or advertising purposes. All refuse resulting from the operation of the business of any outdoor advertiser must be carefully gathered up and disposed of.

(2) In connection with weeds, etc. It shall be the duty of every outdoor advertiser to keep all grass and weeds and other growths, excepting trees and ornamental shrubbery, cut down so the same shall not grow to a greater length then ten (10) inches, within six (6) feet of any billboard or signboard used by such licensee; provided, that this obligation shall extend only to property controlled by the licensee.

(d) Identification of licensee on advertisements. It shall be unlawful for any outdoor advertiser to carry on his business unless the name of such advertiser is attached,

Supp. No. 5 925



displayed or printed on all billboards or signboards used by such advertiser or in any notice, placard or advertisement posted by him, in such lettering so as to be visible from a distance of at least five feet from the notice or advertisement.

(e) Article not applicable to official notices. The provisions of this article shall not apply to the posting of signs or notices by order of any court or any public officer in the performance of his duty.

(f) License required. It shall be unlawful for any outdoor advertiser to engage in or do the business of outdoor advertising in the city, without having first obtained a license therefore; provided, that no license issued under this subsection shall be construed so as to permit the use of any structures, natural or artificial, for advertising purposes, which are located in any public street, sidewalk, alley or other place in the city.

(g) Application. Applicants for the license required by this subsection shall be filed with the administrator and shall be accompanied by a list of all places, including billboards or signboards or natural structures, contemplated to be used or on which it is intended to place signs or advertisements. This list shall be added to from time to time by the licensee as the right to post or place advertisements or signs on additional places is acquired.

(h) Fees. The annual license fee for the license required by this division shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00), where the licensee uses or maintains not more than ten (10) billboards or signboards; and if such licensee uses or maintains more than ten (10) billboards or signboards, such annual licensee fee shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). Each application for a license as an outdoor advertiser contemplated by this section shall be accompanied by a statement under oath of the number of billboards, signboards or display boards used by the applicant in the city for such outdoor advertising. Upon the acquisition or use by construction or otherwise of more than ten (10) billboards as provided by this section, such licensee shall give notice in writing of such additional number of billboards or signboards and shall be required to pay the annual license fee where the number of billboards shall exceed ten (10) in number. Such annual license fee shall be due and payable on January 1 of each year.

(Ord. No. 2894, § 3, 4-9-96)

4-7-12. Conflict and severability. (a) Conflict. If any portion of this code is found to be in conflict with any other provision

of any zoning, building, fire safety or other ordinance of the Code of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard shall prevail.

(b) Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this code, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstance is in effect and shall remain in full force and effect.

(Ord. 2369, 10-24-89; Ord. No. 2894, § 4, 4-9-96)

Supp. No. 5 926


Germantown Hills

6.23 Real Estate Signs

a. No more than one (1) sign shall be permitted on each frontage; except that one (1) additional open house sign is permitted for a period of three (3) days per open house, beginning two (2) days before the open house.

b. Sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area in residential districts, or thirty-two (32) square feet in area in agricultural, commercial or industrial districts.

c. Sign shall be removed within seven (7) days after sale closing or lease initiation date.

d. Sign shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet in residential districts or a height of five (5) feet in agricultural, commercial or industrial districts.

6.24 Real Estate Directional Signs

a. Sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area and shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet.

b. Sign shall be removed within one (1) day following the rental, lease or sale.

c. No more than two (2) signs shall be permitted off-premises. d. Sign shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the edge of the

roadway.


Village of Metamora

Village of Metamora

17.52.060 Signs.

The following regulations are established to promote the public health and safety byreducing the distractive characteristics of signs along public streets and highways, byprohibiting all signs which interfere with public traffic control devices, and by assuringadequate standards for the erection and maintenance of signs and/or sign structures.These regulations are also established to regulate the size, height, location and generalcharacteristics of signs to protect and enhance the physical appearance of the community.A. General Provisions.1. No sign shall prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape.2. No sign shall obstruct from any door or window the light and ventilation required byother provisions of this title, or any other ordinance of the village.3. No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole on public property for longer than fifteendays.4. No sign shall be located on vacant property except a sign advertising the premises forsale or lease and which meets the standards of subsection B of this section.5. The lighting used in any illuminated sign shall be such that only the sign itself, and notthe area surrounding it, will be illuminated. In no case shall exposed bulbs or strobe lightsbe allowed.6. Signs of the size, location, movement, content, coloring or matter of illumination whichmay be confused with, or construed as a traffic control device, or which hide from view anytraffic or street sign or signal, are prohibited. No sign or other advertising structure shall beerected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct the view of, or beconfused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of thewords "stop," "look," "danger" or any other word, phrase, symbol or character, in suchmanner as to interfere with, or mislead or confuse pedestrians or operators of vehiclesupon the thoroughfare.7. Any sign which is hereafter unlawfully installed or maintained, or which ceases to beused for a period of sixty days, or in which the business it advertises has not beenconducted on the premises for a period of sixty days, shall be removed by the owner orlessee of the premises on which the sign is located. Upon the failure of the owner orlessee to remove the sign, the zoning administrator shall give written notice ofconformance to the owner, who will be required to remove the sign within twenty days fromthe date of the notice. If the owner does not comply, the zoning administrator shall havethe sign removed and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner or a lienplaced against his property.8. The effect of local wind pressure shall be thoroughly considered in the design andinstallation of all signs. The building code of the village providing for minimum wind loadsshall be applicable in construing this section.9. The owner, lessee or person in control of any sign shall be required to keep such signproperly maintained at all times.10. Any sign which flashes on and off or revolves or is animated in any way is prohibitedunless written permission is obtained from the zoning administrator. Exceptions to this arepublic traffic control devices, dial clocks and time and temperature devices.11. Illuminated signs shall be permitted only in the C-1 neighborhood business district, theC-2 central business district, the C-3 highway commercial district, the I-1 light industrialdistrict and the I-2 heavy industrial district, except as provided in subsection B of thissection.B. Signs Allowed in All Zoning Districts Without a Permit. The following signs are permittedin all zoning districts provided they comply with the conditions and limitations set forthherein. Such signs may not be illuminated unless otherwise specified.


1. Public Signs. Signs of a public, noncommercial nature, to include safety signs, dangersigns, trespassing signs, traffic signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest,memorial plaques, and the like, and all signs erected by or on order of a public officer inthe performance of a public duty. Such signs may be illuminated;2. Flags. Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality or educationalinstitution. Flags may be illuminated;3. Identification Signs. Free-standing or wall signs which identify permitted use, owner orresident, and set forth the address of the premises where the sign is located, and whichcontain no other material. One such sign is allowed per lot provided any lettering is notover four inches in height, the sign is not more than three feet high, and the area of thesign does not exceed three square feet. No sign shall be closer than ten feet to theproperty line or one-half the front yard depth, whichever is less. This provision does notapply to mailboxes which are not attached to a building;4. Integral Signs. Names of buildings, dates of construction, commemorative tablets andthe like, when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminumor other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of the building orstructure;5. Institutional Signs. Any sign or bulletin board setting forth or denoting the name of orsimple announcement for any public, charitable, educational or religious institution whenlocated on the premises of such institution, provided such sign or bulletin board or bothshall not exceed a total of twenty square feet in display surface. One such sign is allowedper property not to exceed five feet in height. No such sign shall be closer than ten feet tothe property line or one-half the front yard depth, whichever is less. Such signs may beilluminated.6. Private Traffic Direction Signs and Related Signs. Signs directing traffic movement ontoa premise or within a premise, when such signs are located on the premise, do not exceedfour square feet in area for each sign and do not exceed five feet in total height. Suchsigns must be free-standing or wall-mounted and no sign shall project into a public way.Such signs are considered to include parking directions, exit or entrance signs, drive-upwindow signs, restroom signs and the like. Horizontal directional signs on and flush withpaved areas are exempt from these standards.7. Community Event Signs. Signs advertising a public entertainment or event of publicinterest. These signs shall remain in place for no more than twenty-one days before andfourteen days after the event and may not exceed ten square feet in area. Signs placedover a public way shall be at least fifteen feet above ground level.8. Political Campaign Signs. Signs or posters announcing the candidates seeking publicpolitical office and/or political issues, and data pertinent thereto, up to an area of tensquare feet.These signs shall be confined to private property, have the consent of the property owners,and shall be removed within seven days after the election for which they were erected.9. Individual Property Sale or Rental Signs. Any on-premise sign announcing the name ofthe owner, manager, realtor or other person directly involved in the sale or rental of theproperty or announcing the purpose for which it is being offered.Signs may be free-standing or wall mounted only. Signs must be removed within fourteendays after sale or rental of property. No sign shall be closer than ten feet to a property lineor one-half the front yard depth, whichever is less:The following standards shall apply:

Use MaximumNumber

Permitted

Maximum Area MaximumHeight of

Free-StandingSign

Agriculture 1 per 600' twenty-five ten feet


frontage square feet

One and TwoFamily Residential

1 per dwelling five square feet three feet

Multi-FamilyResidential

1 per apartmentbuilding

five square feet three feet

NeighborhoodBusiness orCentral Business

1 per frontage ten square feet six feet

HighwayCommercial

1 per frontage twenty-fivesquare feet

ten feet

Industrial 1 per frontage one hundredsquare feet

twenty feet

10. Subdivision Signs. Any sign announcing the names of architects, engineers,contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the subdivision of property andannouncing the character of the subdivision, the purpose for which it is intended, or thesale of lots.These signs shall be confined to the site of the subdivision and shall be permitted for oneyear from the date of erection of the first of such signs. If development of the subdivision isnot completed within one year after erection of the signs, the sign shall be permitted toexist an additional period not to exceed one year, with the consent of the zoningadministrator.One sign per street bordering or entering the subdivision shall be permitted. No sign shallbe greater than twenty-five square feet or ten feet in height for a residential or commercialsubdivision, or fifty square feet or twenty-five feet in height for an industrial subdivision. Nosign shall be closer than ten feet to a property line or one-half the front yard depth,whichever is less.11. Construction Signs. Any sign announcing the names of architects, engineers,contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the construction, alteration or repairof a building or announcing the character of the building enterprise or the purpose forwhich the building is intended, or to indicate the presence of underground public utilitystructures to avoid damage to structures by excavation.Such signs shall be confined to the site for the construction, alteration or repair and shallbe removed within twenty-one days after completion of the work. Standards for such signsshall be as for individual property sale or rental signs under subsection (B)(9) above.12. Holiday Signs. Signs or displays which contain or depict a message pertaining to anational, state, community or religious holiday, and no other matter, and which aredisplayed for a period not to exceed forty-five days. Such signs may be illuminated.13. Underground Public Utility Warning Signs. Standard types of warning signs markingthe routes of underground public utility pipes, conduits and cables.C. Permitted Signs--AG Agricultural District. Signs advertising the sale of agriculturalproducts grown or produced on the property. No sign shall exceed twenty square feet inarea and be placed closer than ten feet to the property line. The zoning administrator mayrequire a greater setback or other location so that such sign will not obstruct the view ofany highway, intersection, private driveway or other point of ingress or egress. One wallsign on the front facade of the retail structure plus one other sign, either free-standing orproject ing, is permitted.D. Permitted Signs--R-1 Residential District. No other signs besides those listed undersubsection B of this section are permitted in the R-1 residential district.E. Permitted Signs--R-2 Residential District. For single-family dwellings, the provisions ofsubsection D of this section shall apply. For multiple-family dwellings, a single identificationsign not exceeding ten square feet in area and indicating only the name and address of thebuilding(s) and the name of the management thereof may be displayed. Such sign shall


not project higher than six feet above curb level and shall not project into the public way. Itshall be located at least ten feet behind the property line. One free-standing sign ispermitted per apartment grouping under single ownership.F. Permitted Signs--C-1 Neighborhood Business District. The following signs are permittedin the C-1 neighborhood business district provided they do not project into a public wayand they advertise only a business conducted in the building or on the premises of whichsuch sign is placed. One wall sign plus one free-standing or projecting sign is permittedper business.1. If the property is a residential use, the requirement of subsection E of this section shallapply.2. Free-standing signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and six feet in height. Theyshall be located ten feet back from the property line or one-half the front yard depth,whichever is less.3. Projecting signs shall not exceed ten square feet in area and shall not project above theroof of the building. The bottom-most portion of the sign must be at least eight feet abovethe finished grade of the sidewalk or ground beneath it.4. Wall signs shall not exceed five percent of the total square footage of the face of thebuilding, including doors and windows.G. Permitted Signs--C-2 Central Business District. The following signs are permitted in theC-2 central business district provided they advertise only a business conducted in thebuilding or on the premises of which such sign is placed. One wall sign plus one free-standing, projecting, awning or marquee sign is permitted per business.1. For residential uses, the requirements of subsection E of this section shall apply.2. Free-standing signs shall not exceed thirty square feet in area and twenty feet in heightor the height of the building, whichever is less. No part of the sign may extend into a publicway.3. Projecting signs shall not exceed thirty square feet in area and shall not exceed theheight of the building. The bottom-most portion of the sign must be at least eight feetabove the finished grade of the sidewalk beneath it. Projecting signs may extend into thepublic way but cannot be closer than two feet to any curb line.4. Wall signs shall not exceed twenty percent of the total square foot area of the face of thebuilding, including doors and windows.5. Signs attached to awnings or marquees may not project more than twelve inches fromthe structure and may not exceed ten square feet in area. The bottom-most portion of theawning, marquee or sign attached thereto, must be at least eight feet above the finishedgrade of the sidewalk beneath it. Such structures, with attached signs, may extend into thepublic way but shall not be closer than two feet to any curb line.H. Permitted Signs--C-3 Highway Commercial District. The following signs are permitted inthe C-3 highway commercial district provided they do not extend into a public way and theyadvertise only a business conducted in the building or on the premises of which such signis placed. Each business is allowed one wall sign plus one free-standing, projecting or roofsign. For every additional two hundred feet of frontage after an initial two hundred feet, oneadditional freestanding or projecting sign is allowed:1. Free-standing signs shall not exceed one hundred square feet in area and shall be nomore than twice the height of the building of forty feet, whichever is less. Such signs mustbe at least twelve feet from the property line.2. Projecting signs shall not exceed fifty square feet in area and shall not project above theroof of the building. The bottom-most portion of the sign must be at least eight feet abovethe finished grade of the sidewalk or ground beneath it.3. Roof signs shall not exceed one hundred square feet in area, and shall not exceed tenfeet in height as measured from that portion of the roof directly beneath the sign. Signsmust be located wholly within the roof area of the structure.4. Wall signs shall not exceed twenty percent of the total square footage of the face of thebuilding, including doors and windows.I. Permitted Signs--I-1 Light Industrial District. The following signs are permitted in the I-1light industrial district provided they do not extend into a public way and they advertise only


a business conducted in the building or on the premises of which such sign is placed. Eachbusiness is allowed one wall sign plus one free-standing, projecting or roof sign. For everyadditional three hundred feet of frontage after an initial three hundred feet, one additionalfree-standing or projecting sign is allowed.1. Free-standing signs shall not exceed two hundred square feet in area and shall be nomore than twice the height of the building or seventy-five feet, whichever is less. Suchsigns must be at least twelve feet from the property line.2. Projecting signs shall not exceed one hundred square feet in area and shall not projectabove the roof of the building. The bottom-most portion of the sign must be at least eightfeet above the finished grade of the sidewalk or ground beneath it.3. Roof signs shall not exceed two hundred square feet in area, and shall not exceed tenfeet in height as measured from that portion of the roof directly beneath the sign. Signsmust be located wholly within the roof area of the structure.4. Wall signs shall not exceed twenty percent of the total square footage of the face of thestructure, including doors and windows.J. Permitted Signs--I-2 Heavy Industrial District. Same as for I-1 light industrial district,subsection I of this section.K. Permitted Signs--Shopping Centers. In lieu of the general sign provisions enumerated insubsection H of this section, shopping centers may elect the sign regulations in thissection. Election to erect signs authorized under this section precludes the erection of anysigns authorized under subsection H of this section.One free-standing sign per frontage on roads surrounding the shopping center ispermitted. Signs may identify the shopping center as a whole and/or individual businessestherein. Such signs shall not exceed seventy-five square feet in area and forty feet inheight. No sign shall be closer than fifteen feet to the lot line.Wall signs and projecting signs shall be permitted on the exterior of individual businessesin the shopping center, and only the names of individual businesses shall be permitted onthe signs. One wall sign per business, not to exceed ten percent of the exterior facade ofthe business, shall be permitted.L. Permitted Signs--Home Occupations. The following standards apply to homeoccupations as described in Section 17.52.020 and to special uses approved pursuant toSection 17.20.030(E): one wall-mounted sign not exceeding an area of four square feet,which identifies the name and nature of the business or occupation conducted therein, andwhich contains no other material.M. Permits and Fees.1. Requirements. It is unlawful for any person to install, construct, erect, alter, reconstruct,relocate any sign or cause to have these done within the jurisdiction area of the village ofMetamora without obtaining a valid permit in writing from the zoning administrator andmaking payment of the fees required by subsection (M)(3) of this section, unless suchsigns are permitted without a permit by subsection B of this section.Relocation or reconstruction of signs to conform with the requirements of this title, whensuch signs existed at the time of enactment of the ordinance codified in this title, isexcepted from the requirement for a permit as described, provided such signs conform toall requirements of this title thereafter.2. Application for Permit. Application for a sign permit shall be filed by the owner of thesign or his agent with the zoning administrator of the village. The application shall containthe following information:a. Name, address and telephone number of the owner of the sign, and agent, if any;b. Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached orerected;c. Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures;d. Two prints or ink drawings of plans and specifications indicating the method ofconstruction and attachment to the building or in the ground; no such prints or ink drawingsshall be required when the drawings for the sign are already on file in the village;e. Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting sign;


f. Evidence of written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or onwhich the sign is to be erected, unless the applicant is the owner;g. Such other information as the zoning administrator shall require to show full compliancewith this and all other laws and ordinances of the village.3. Fees. For each sign requiring a permit under this title, a fee shall be paid prior to theissuance of a permit. The fee charged shall be two dollars per thousand dollars or fractionthereof of the installed cost, with a minimum of five dollars.4. The applicant who has been issued a permit for construction, installation, erection,relocation or alternation of a sign shall, upon completion of the work, notify the zoningadministrator who shall inspect the condition of the sign with respect to its safety andlocation and if he or she finds that the same has been constructed in compliance with theordinances of the village he or she shall then issue such applicant a permit in writing,authorizing such applicant to operate and maintain the sign.5. Nullification. If the work authorized under a permit to build has not been substantiallycompleted within six months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become void.6. Permit Exceptions. The following operations shall not be considered as creating a signand shall not require a sign permit:a. The changing of an advertising copy or message on an approved sign;b. Painting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure.7. Issuance. A sign permit shall be issued by the zoning administrator within thirty days ofthe date of application provided all of the requirements of subsection M of this section aremet.N. Structural Standards.1. Any sign requiring a permit and exceeding nine square feet in area shall be made of anoncombustible material. Decorations, lettering and moldings may be of a combustiblematerial.2. Signs, awnings, canopies, marquees, etc., shall be securely attached to the building orstructure by bolts, anchors, chains, rods or guys. No wood blocks or anchorage with woodused in connection with screws or nails or staples shall be considered proper anchorage.No sign shall be entirely supported by an unbraced parapet wall.3. Illuminated signs shall be wired in metal conduit by a licensed electrician.4. Signs shall comply with all applicable village codes.O. No person shall erect, structurally, alter, rehang, maintain or replace any sign whichprojects over any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place unless he or she shall havefiled with the village clerk a certificate of bond, with sureties to be approved by the villageboard, in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars payable to the village, conditional upon theconstruction, erection and maintenance of such sign in accordance with all the provisionsof this section, and conditional further to indemnify, save and hold harmless the village, itsagents and officials from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, actions, suits orjudgments which may be sustained, brought or secured against the village, its agents andofficials as a result of such sign, or any part thereof, or by reason of any accident causedby or resulting therefrom.P. Nonconforming Signs. Any sign which was a lawful, existing sign prior to the date ofpassage of the ordinance codified in this title, but was made nonconforming by virtue ofthis title, shall be discontinued or made to conform within five years of the date of passageof such ordinance. (Zoning ordinance dated 6/3/03 § 12-6.0)

ttp://www.villageofmetamora.com/ord/


9-10-8: SIGNS: The following conditions shall apply to all signs erected or located in any use district:

A. Conformance with Provisions: All signs shall conform to all applicable codes and ordinances of the City and, where required, shall be approved by the Building Inspector and a permit issued.

B. Signs Permitted Generally:

1. Directional Signs: All directional signs required for the purpose of orientation, when established by the City, County, State or Federal government, shall be permitted in all use districts.

2. Accessory Signs: Accessory signs shall be permitted in any use district.

3. Real Estate Signs: Signs used for advertising land or buildings for rent, lease and/or sale shall be permitted when located on the land or building intended to be rented, leased and/or sold.

4. Nonconforming signs in existence may be continued until replacement or repair of any portion of the sign would exceed 50% of the replacement cost. (Ord. No. 2618-OA-10/11-05/24/2010) C. Signs For Which a Permit is not Required: A permit is not required for the following signs:

1. Bulletin boards not over twenty (20) square feet in area for religious institutions, when the same are located on the premises of said institutions; provided, however, if said signs are electrically illuminated, an electrical permit must be obtained (See Section 7-1D-4 of this Code).

2. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or aluminum.

3. Traffic or other Municipal signs, legal notices, danger and such temporary emergency or non-advertising signs as may be approved by the City.

4. Signs advertising the rental, sale or lease of the property upon which it is located.

5. Awnings or canopies, only within a B-2 Central Business District. Provided further that the bottoms of valances of such awnings are no less than seven feet, six inches (7”6”) above the immediate grade and project no closer than eighteen inches (18”) from the nearest curb or pavement edge. Canopy valance bottoms must be a minimum of eight feet (8’) above immediate grade and project no closer than two feet (2’) from the nearest curb or pavement edge. Any awning with vertical support(s) reaching the ground shall be considered to be a canopy.

D. Projecting Signs: No sign, otherwise permitted, shall project above or beyond the maximum height of fifty (50) feet above the ground level; except, that for a planned commercial or shopping center development involving five (5) acres or more under one ownership, the Board of Appeals may modify the height limitation. The Board shall, however, respect all yards and setbacks in modifying height requirements.

E. Freestanding Accessory Signs: Freestanding accessory signs may be located in the required front yard except as otherwise provided herein or as otherwise controlled by other codes and ordinances of the City.

F. Signs in or Abutting Residential Districts:

1. Size: No sign in excess of two (2) square feet in area shall be allowed in a residential district except temporary for sale, lease or rent signs, Garage Sale signs (as provided in this Section), and traffic controls, signs and devices.

2. Illuminated Signs: Illuminated signs in districts abutting residential districts shall be shielded so as to direct light away from residential districts.

4. Non-accessory Signs: Non-accessory signs shall not be permitted in any residential districts; except, that non-accessory signs pertaining to Garage Sales signs are permitted as described in this section, and non-accessory signs pertaining to real estate development located within the City and designed to promote the sale of lots or homes within a subdivision located within the City may be permitted on a temporary basis in any use district but shall not be located upon subdivided land unless such land is part of the subdivision being advertised for sale and shall be subject to the requirements and conditions of all applicable codes and ordinances of the City, approved by the Building Inspector and temporary permit issued.

4. Signs advertising garage sales shall be subject to the following restrictions:


(a) Garage Sale signs shall not be larger than four (4) square feet per side. (b) Garage Sale signs shall not be placed on trees or utility poles. (c) A garage Sale sign may be in public right-of-way with the permission of the owner of the property abutting such right-of-way. (d) A directional non-accessory Garage Sale sign may be placed on property other than the location of the Garage Sale only with the permission of the property owner. (e) No more than three (3) signs advertising a Garage Sale may be displayed for any Garage Sale. (f) No Garage Sale sign may be displayed more than one (1) day prior to the Garage Sale. All Garage Sale signs must be removed prior to 8:00 p.m. of the last day of the Garage Sale. (g) The violation of any provision of this Section of this Code shall be punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Each day that any violation of any provision of this section of this Code continues shall constitute a separate offense. In addition to such fine, the City may remove any signs in violation of this Section of this Code.

G. Permanent Signs – Restrictions (Business, Industrial, and PUD Zones) 1. Bottom Clearance. There shall be a clean space of not less than seven (7) feet between the lowest part of a sign and the ground or surface.

2. Maximum Size Sign: The maximum size of a sign shall be determined by location of the structure and structure frontage. In general, the maximum size for one sign shall be determined by the following: 2 square foot of sign per 1 lineal foot of building frontage or 120 square feet whichever is larger.

Example: Building front covers 150 feet; therefore, the largest sign allowed would be 300 square feet. A building that has only 50 feet would be allowed a sign of 120 square feet.

3. Amount of Signage Allowable: A facility shall not have more sign coverage that exceeds the total of more than 3 square feet per 1 lineal foot of building frontage for buildings having frontage of 100 linear feet or larger. Buildings less than 100 lineal feet shall have a maximum of 120 square feet.

Example: Building front covers 150 feet; therefore, the cumulative total of signage allowed would be 450 square feet. A building that has only 35 feet would still be allowed only a total of 120 square feet. 4. Building Location Determinations: Buildings on corner lots or in large complexes where access to the structure or business is available on more than one side shall be considered to have more than one building front for purposes of calculating the amount of signage allowed. Calculations for signage will be determined by counting each side as a separate frontage. (Ord. No. 2392-OA 10/25/04)

5. Non-accessory signs are permitted in the P.U.D. by special-use only. (Ord. No. 2575-OA 11/24/08)

6. Billboards are allowed in the Industrial zones with a site plan approved by staff. (Ord. No. 2575-OA 11/24/08)

7. Signs, awnings or canopies, only within a B-2 Central Business District. Provided further that the bottoms of signs and valances of any awnings or canopies are no less than eight feet (8’) above immediate grade and project no closer than two feet (2’) from the nearest curb or pavement edge. (Ord. No. 2590-OA-09/10 07/27/09) H. Portable Sign:

1. Definition, A portable sign is any sign that is not permanently anchored to a building, or to a structure, or permanently anchored in the ground and set in concrete to withstand seventy (70) mile per hour winds. Banners are portable signs.

2. Permits: No portable signs shall be displayed without a permit; provided however, that the following shall not require a permit:

(a) any banner thirty-two (32) square feet in area or less, per side; and


(b) all other portable signs twelve (12) square feet in area or less, per side.

3. Duration: portable signs shall be licensed as temporary signs for periods not to exceed twenty-one (21) days. Each property is limited to six (6) portable sign permits within a calendar year. The effective date of a permit must be at least thirty days after the expiration of the most recent prior permit.

4. Size Limitation:

(a) Portable signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area per side.

(b) Signs advertising for or promoting the candidacy of a person(s) for elected public governmental office. Provided however, that such signs not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area per side. (Ord. No. 2636-OA-10/11 2-28-11)

5. Safety: Portable signs shall meet the following safety standards:

(a) A portable sign shall not obstruct parking places or automobile or pedestrian travel lanes;

(b) A portable sign shall not be located so as to obstruct traffic vision;

(c) Any lighting of a portable sign must be of a type that cannot be confused with traffic controls and will not cause vehicle drivers to be distracted.

(d) Any electrical connections shall be in accordance with all City Codes and shall not be exposed in any way which will constitute a safety hazard.

6. Fees: The fee for each portable sign permit shall be twenty dollars ($20.00). The fee will be waived if the portable sign is to be used for non-commercial, not-for-profit use.

7. Seasonal Businesses; A seasonal business may obtain a permit for a portable sign for a fee of $30.00 dollars per month, with a limit of four (4) permits per calendar year.

8. Portable sign into a Permanent Sign: A portable sign on a frame with wheels may be turned into a permanent sign if the following conditions are met:

(a) The wheels and frame are removed.

(b) The sign shall be placed in a permanent concrete base to withstand seventy (70) M.P.H. winds, and cannot be moved.

(c) Connections to an energy source for lighting shall be in accord with all City and National Codes.

9. Portable Signs Within Residential Districts: The following types of portable signs shall be permitted within a residential district. Except as listed and exempted below, portable signs shall be prohibited within a residential district.

(a) Signs advertising the rental, sale or lease of the property upon which the sign is located. Provided however, that such sign is not more than twelve (12) square feet in area per side and that it be removed from the subject lot within not more than fifteen (15) days following the sale, lease or rent of the subject property.

Notwithstanding the provisions of 9-10-8 H of this Code, an “Open House” sign relating to real estate sale/lease, not more than nine (9) square feet in area per side, may be placed,

(i) for directional signs, from Friday noon until the following Sunday at 6:00 P.M.

(A) in the public right-of-way with the permission of the owner of the property abutting the right-of-way (B) on private property with the permission of the property owner; and, (ii) for non-directional signs, one “open house” sign (in addition to any permitted “for sale” signs) at any time on the property (but not in the public right of way) which is for sale and the subject of the “open house”

(b) Signs placed by individuals or by not for profit organizations entirely for not for profit purposes. Such signs shall however be subject to the permitting and duration requirements as stated within this section.

(c) Signs advertising for, or promoting the candidacy of a person(s) for elected public governmental office. Provided however, that such signs not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area per side. (Ord. No. 2636-OA-10/11 02-28-11)


I. Prohibitions and Restrictions: The following signs are prohibited within the City:

1. Signs or banners placed across any public right of way except by permission of the City Council.

2. Displays upon any sign or other advertising structure of any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.

3. String lights used in connection with business premises for commercial purposes, other than Christmas decorations.

4. Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained.

5. Business signs on trees or utility poles, whether public or private.

6. Signs erected or placed in the public right of way. The City may remove such signs, and the cost incurred shall be recoverable from the owner of the sign. A Ten dollar ($10.00) per sign fee, to cover the resources of the City involved in the removal of the sign, shall be recoverable for each sign, from the owner of the sign. Any sign not claimed in thirty (30) days shall be destroyed. (Ord. No. 2501-OA –06/07 11/17/06)

J. Revocation of Sign Permit: All rights and privileges accrued under the provisions of this Title or any amendment hereto are mere licenses and may be revoked upon the violation of any of the conditions contained herein. If the work authorized under an erection permit has not been completed within six (6) months after date of issuance, said permit shall become null and void.


City of Peoria

CODE APPENDIX B - ZONING ORDINANCE

ARTICLE 17. - SIGN ORDINANCE

Peoria, Illinois, Code of Ordinances Page 1 of 26


17.1. - Purpose Statement.

This article is intended to regulate the design and placement of signs from the date of adoption of this ordinance, in the following circumstances:

17.1.a. Where a newly constructed facility includes signs;

17.1.b. Where a sign is replaced because of a change of occupancy or ownership;

17.1.c. Where a new sign is added to an existing building; and

17.1.d. In the case of a granting of a special use or expansion of a facility which includes signs.

The sign regulations, controls, and provisions set forth in this article are made in accordance with an overall plan and program for the public safety, area development, preservation of property values, and the general welfare of the City of Peoria and are intended to: aid in traffic control and traffic safety; preserve and protect property values; lessen congestion of land and air space; provide against undue concentrations of signs which distract and endanger traffic safety and traffic flow; establish reasonable standards for commercial and other advertising through the use of signs, in order to maintain and encourage business and area development; avoid uncontrolled proliferation of signs; recognize the rights of the public on roads, streets, and highways; preserve the wholesome and attractive character of the City; and to recognize that the general welfare includes a community plan that provides for a community that shall be beautiful as well as healthful, spacious as well as clean, and well balanced in its growth and development. Also, the purpose of the sign ordinance is to provide for the gradual elimination of nonconforming signs and to provide for new signs which conform to the provisions of this ordinance in order to accomplish its objectives.

17.2. - Legislative Findings and Objectives.

Regulation of the location, size, placement and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities in Peoria without difficulty or confusion and to encourage the attractiveness of the community and to protect property values throughout the City. Accordingly, it is the intention of this ordinance to establish regulations which will:

17.2.a. Restrict signs and lights which overload the public's capacity to receive information or which increase the probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision;

17.2.b. Reduce conflict among signs and light and between public and private environmental information systems;

17.2.c. Promote signs which are compatible with their surroundings, are appropriate to the type of business to which they pertain and are expressive of the identity of proprietors and other persons displaying signs; and





17.2.d. Increase opportunities for local groups to collectively determine policies for private signing and lighting in their areas.

17.3. - Basis on Which Signs are Regulated.

The display of signs in the City is regulated on the basis of the following factors:

17.3.a. The district in which the sign is displayed.

17.3.b. Reserved.

17.3.c. The following design features:

(1) The type of sign (wall, ground, etc.);

(2) The size of the sign;

(3) The height of the sign from the ground;

(4) The location of the sign;

(5) The type of illumination.

17.3.d. The use type in residential districts.

In addition, certain signs are regulated on the basis of additional factors, as set forth in this ordinance.

17.3.e. The classification of the sign as an off-premise or on-premise sign.

(Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94)

17.4. - Establishment of Sign Districts.

For the purposes of this ordinance, the City is divided into certain sign districts as provided in Section 17.4.a. below.

17.4.a. Districts.

(1) Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts A1, RE, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and any associated overlay districts according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Residential Sign Districts.

(2) Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts C1 and C2 and any associated overlay districts according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Commercial Sign Districts.

(3) Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts O1 or O2 and any associated overlay districts, according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Office Sign Districts.

(4) Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base districts I1, I2 or I3 and any associated overlay districts, according to the Official Zoning Map are designated as Industrial Sign





Districts.

(5) Those parts of the City which are located in zoning base district B1 and any associated overlay districts, according to the Official Zoning Map, are designated as a Central Business Sign District. Permitted signage and signage regulations for the Central Business Sign District are located in Section 17.22

17.4.b. Display of Signs Within Districts. If a business is a permitted or special use within the Commercial, Office, Industrial, or Residential Districts (as defined in 17.5.a. [17.4.a.]) or a legal nonconforming use, it may display an on-premise sign in accordance with the applicable Table of Basic Design Elements (17.21) and all other relevant sections of this ordinance.

Off-premise signs may be displayed at certain locations in accordance with the applicable Table of Basic Design Elements (17.21) and all other relevant sections of this Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94)

17.5. - Computations.

The following principles shall control the computations of sign area and sign height:

17.5.a. Computation of Area of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, excluding off-premise sign extensions, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.

17.5.b. Computation of Area of Multifaced Signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face aimed at the same direction of travel shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible to approaching traffic from any one direction. When two identical sign faces are placed back to back, whether flat or V-type, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 42 inches apart at their closest point, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces. The sign area for V-type signs having an interior angle between faces of not more than 45 degrees shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces. The sign area for V-type signs having an interior angle between faces of more than 45 degrees shall be computed by the measurement of each of the faces totaled together. The use of multiple message sign technology shall not cause a face to be counted as more than one face or additional square footage beyond the physical dimensions of the face itself. All computations of area for multifaced signs shall exclude existing off-premise sign extensions.

17.5.c. Computation of Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign, excluding off-premise sign extensions. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of (1) existing grade prior to construction or (2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the





principal entrance to the principal structure on the zoning lot, whichever is lower.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 13996, § 1, 9-26-95; Ord. No. 16062, § 1, 1-9-07; Ord. No. 16564, § 1, 5-25-10; Ord. No. 16571, § 1, 6-8-10; Ord. No. 16653, § 1, 1-25-11)

17.6. - Permits and Certificates.

17.6.a. Zoning Certificates Required. From and after the effective date of this ordinance, no person may erect alter or relocate any building sign, freestanding sign, directional sign, canopy or awning, sign requiring a special permit, or sign permitted pursuant to a special use in the City without first receiving a zoning certificate from the Zoning Administrator that the proposed construction or alteration conforms to this ordinance, and obtaining any required building permits. A zoning certificate is not required for any alterations to signs that are restricted to content only as long as that content change does not involve a change of use classification or a change of status from any off-premise sign to an on-premise sign.

17.6.b. Sign Permits Required. From and after the effective date of this ordinance, no person may erect, alter or relocate any temporary sign requiring a sign permit, Section 17.10.c.1), without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Administrator that the proposed erection, alteration, or relocation conforms to this ordinance, and obtaining any required building permits.

17.6.c. Failure to Obtain Permit or Zoning Certificate. Any person who erects, alters or moves a sign after the effective date of this ordinance without obtaining a zoning certificate and/or permit as required by Section 17.16.a and 17.16.b. shall be subject to a penalty for violation of this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92)

17.7. - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13766, § 1, adopted June 21, 1994, repealed § 17.7, which pertained to the master signage plan. See the Code Comparative Table.

17.8. - Design, Construction and Maintenance.

17.8.a. All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:

(1) Except for permitted flags, temporary signs, and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this ordinance, all signs shall [be] constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.

(2) All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this Code, at all times.

(3) All signs, canopies and awnings shall be kept and maintained in a safe, neat and orderly condition and appearance, and shall be repainted or otherwise maintained periodically by the owner to prevent corrosion or deterioration caused by weather, age or any other conditions, and to keep the same in a safe, neat and orderly condition and appearance.

(4) All off-premise freestanding signs are required to have a single support structure, commonly known as "Uni-Pole" construction.





(5) Signs shall not obstruct visibility from a driveway to an abutting street or vice versa.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92)

17.9. - External Illumination of Signs.

17.9.a. [Visibility.] Whenever external illumination is used for a sign, the source of light shall be located, shielded and directed in such a manner that the light is not directly visible from any surrounding public street or private residence.

17.9.b. Brightness Limitations.

(1) In no case shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal illumination or external illumination exceed 75 foot candles when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign.

(2) The lighting intensity of all signs is further subject to the provisions regarding glare as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance of the City.

17.10. - Prohibited, Exempt, and Temporary Signage.

17.10.a. Prohibited Signage. The following signs are prohibited in all districts:

(1) Signs which move, or give the appearance of moving with the exception of those temporary signs permitted in Section 17.10.c. or exempted in Section 17.10.b. This category includes pennants, streamers, string pennants, "garrison" size flags (other than the official national flag of the United States of America) and all other signs which flutter, undulate, swing, rotate, oscillate or otherwise move by natural or artificial means.

(2) Signs containing any flashing or running lights or lights creating an illusion of movement except for signs in the B1 district. Also exempt from this category are electronic multiple message signs subject to the requirements of Section 17.15

(3) Signs which imitate official traffic signs. Signs which use the words "stop," "look," "danger," "go slow," "caution," or "warning," are deemed to be within this category except where such words are part of the name of the business. This category (3) does not include signs which are accessory to parking lots, driveways or roads.

(4) Portable or wheeled signs.

(5) Signs placed on a parked vehicle or trailer where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or business located on the same or nearby property.

(6) A sign in any residence district, exceeding a height of three and one-half feet above the street grade within 12 feet of the intersecting street lines bordering a corner lot.

(7) A sign in any nonresidential district within eight feet of the intersecting street lines bordering a corner lot, provided that this regulation shall not apply to that part of a building above the first floor.

(8) Private signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

(9) Signs in required transitional buffer yards (TBY).





(10) Wall, roof, projecting or stacked off-premise signs.

(11) Murals in residential districts.

17.10.b. Exempt Signage. The following are hereby designated as "exempt signs" and, as such are subject only to the regulations contained in this Section 17.10.b. Exempt signs shall not exceed six square feet in area unless otherwise specified below:

(1) House numbers and house nameplates, provided that nameplates shall not exceed one square foot in area.

(2) Paper notices placed on bulletin boards or on kiosks maintained by any governmental organization.

(3) Signs erected or required by governmental bodies, or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance. Such public signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination as authorized by law, statute, or ordinance.

(4) Flags bearing the officially adopted design of a nation, state, or political subdivision of a state. Flags shall not exceed 30 square feet in size, except that United States of America garrison size flags are allowed.

(5) Business flags displaying the name of the business and the corporation symbol or logo. Each nonresidential zoning lot shall be permitted one flag not to exceed 30 square feet.

(6) Murals in non-residential districts.

17.10.c. Temporary Signage. The following signs are hereby designated as "temporary" signs and are permitted subject to the regulations contained in Article 17.

(1) Temporary Signs Requiring a Sign Permit. The following temporary signs require a sign permit prior to the display of the sign for a legal zoning use in nonresidential districts or a special use in residential districts. These signs may not advertise goods, products, services or facilities, or direct persons to a location different from where the sign is installed.

a. Banner: A maximum of one banner per street frontage per zoning lot is permitted. Banners may be wall or fence mounted or displayed between two poles. The area of a wall or fence mounted banner plus the area of any wall sign on the same facade may not exceed 20 percent of the facade upon which the signs are displayed. Pole banners may not exceed 40 square feet in area, five feet in height, and are subject to the same setback and visibility regulations for freestanding signs, Section 17.11.b.

b. Light standard sign: No more than one light standard sign for each five light standards on a zoning lot are permitted. Light standard signs cannot exceed 18 square feet in size, must have rigid framework on a minimum of two sides of the sign, and must be mounted in a light standard with a minimum clearance of eight feet above grade.

c. Grand opening signs:

i. String pennants and streamers: String pennants and streamers are permitted only for a grand opening at the location of that business, and are allowed in addition to other permitted temporary signs. String pennants and streamers are subject to the same





setback and visibility regulations for freestanding signs, Section 17.11.b.

ii. Inflatable signs: Inflatable signs are permitted only for a grand opening event, at the location of the newly opened business, per the following conditions:

(1) A zoning certificate must be obtained prior to the placement of an inflatable sign.

(2) Such signs are permitted in non-residential zoning districts only.

(3) Signs cannot exceed 25 feet in height and 30 feet in width or 30 feet in diameter, and must be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the property line and a minimum of ten feet from the building.

(4) Lighted signs are prohibited

(5) Rooftop signs are prohibited

(6) Signs which move or give the appearance of moving are prohibited.

(7) Placement of signs on the public right-of-way is prohibited.

(8) Signs shall not obstruct visibility for safe traffic maneuvering or pedestrian safety and signs, anchors, and attachments shall not be placed in such a way to create a traffic hazard

(9) Signs may not occupy required parking spaces.

(10) Signs cannot interfere with utility lines, antennas, or towers.

(11) If an outlet is necessary, signs must be installed to a grounded outlet.

(12) Signs must be securely anchored.

d. Length and frequency of display: Legal zoning uses in nonresidential districts and special uses in residential districts may display banners and/or standard signs no more than four times within a calendar year for a display period not to exceed 30 consecutive days; seven days are required between each display period. In addition to the four permitted display periods, string pennants and streamers for business opening are permitted for the opening of the new business for a period not to exceed 14 days. No more than one inflatable sign may be displayed for a display period starting 30 days before the opening of a business and ending 30 days after opening, as part of a grand opening event, at the location of the newly opened business. Length of display may be no more than 30 consecutive days and are allowed in addition to light standard signs, string pennants, and streamers; however, an inflatable sign is not permitted in addition to a temporary banner.

(2) Temporary Signs That Do Not Require a Sign Permit. The following temporary signs do not require a sign permit prior to the display of the sign:

a. Political signs or posters announcing candidates seeking public political office and/or political and public issues, provided that such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area in residential districts and 32 square feet in nonresidential districts. There shall be no limit on





the number of political signs on a given property. When such signs promote a candidate for political office, they shall be removed within seven days after an election, except for signs displayed on residential property, which shall have no limit on the time duration of display.

b. A sign advertising the sale or lease of a lot or space on which the sign is placed. Such signs may not be illuminated signs and may not exceed eight square feet in area in residential districts and 32 square feet in nonresidential districts. Only one real estate sign may be placed on the lot or premises to which it pertains, except that two such signs may be placed on double frontage lots. A real estate sign shall be removed within seven days after the buyer and seller are mutually bound to conclude the sale or lease of the lot or space to which the sign pertains.

c. One construction sign per project identifying the parties involved in the construction to occur or occurring on the lot or premises on which the sign is placed. Such signs may not be illuminated signs and may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area in residential districts, or 64 square feet in surface area in commercial districts. Such signs may identify the owner's name, the architect for the project, the contractor or contractors for the project, the financing arrangements for the project, project renderings, and the purpose for which the project is intended. No products or services may be advertised on construction signs. One construction sign may be placed on each part of the lot or on each face of the building which borders or is oriented to a public street. Construction signs may be placed on temporary construction fences when required for a project. A construction sign shall be removed within 14 days after use commences for the project to which the sign pertains or when any permanent signage is installed on the site.

d. An event sign announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. A business may display more than one event sign in the form of such posters. An event sign may be displayed no more than 30 consecutive days prior to the date of the event. An event sign shall be removed within seven days after the campaign, drive or event has concluded.

e. Holiday decorations, signs or other material displayed in connection with civic, patriotic or religious holidays.

f. A garage sale or house sale sign which announces the sale of tangible personal property by means of an activity commonly known as a "garage sale" or "house sale." Garage sale or house sale signs shall be a maximum of eight square feet in size.

g. Window sign—See Window Signs, Section 17.12.i.

(Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13721, § 1, 3-29-94; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 14237, § 1, 1-21-97; Ord. No. 14788, § 1, 8-17-99; Ord. No. 15573, § 1, 1-20-04; Ord. No. 15882, § 1, 2-7-06; Ord. No. 16062, § 1, 1-9-07; Ord. No. 16105, § 1, 4-10-07; Ord. No. 16590, § 1, 7-27-10; Ord. No. 16653, § 1, 1-25-11; Ord. No. 16691, § 1, 4-12-11; Ord. No. 16692, § 1, 4-12-11)

17.11. - Freestanding Signs.

17.11.a. Classification of Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs are classified and regulated on the basis of zoning district and content, and include the following types:

(1) On-premise signs.





(2) Off-premise signs.

17.11.b. Setback. A freestanding sign must be set back a minimum distance of one-half the required yard; however, in no case shall the sign obstruct visibility from a driveway to an abutting street or vice versa. Private signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

17.11.c. On-Premise Freestanding Signs. An on-premise freestanding sign is a freestanding sign located in nonresidential districts that identifies or advertises a business, person, activity, goods, product or service located in the zoning lot where the sign is installed and maintained.

(1) Applicable Districts. On-premise freestanding signs are permitted uses in the commercial, office, and industrial districts.

(2) Limitations for Area and Sign Height. On-premise freestanding signs have a maximum area limitation of 70 square feet; however, not to exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage; and a maximum height limitation of 25 feet in the commercial and industrial districts and five feet in the office districts. Zoning lots fronting on two or more streets may be allowed to place freestanding signs on each frontage, however, the total sign area that is oriented toward a particular street may not exceed the portion of the lot frontage on that street and spacing requirements of 150 lineal feet as per Section 17.11.c.(3)(a).

(3) Spacing and Number of Signs Permitted.

(a) More than one on-premise freestanding sign may be permitted on a zoning lot provided that the lineal frontage separation between any other on-premise freestanding sign located on the same zoning lot shall be a minimum of 150 feet.

(b) An on-premise freestanding sign shall be spaced a minimum of 50 lineal feet from any off-premise freestanding sign located on the same street frontage.

(4) Residential District Special Use Sign. A special use in a residential district may display either a ground or wall on-premise sign. An existing special use may display either a ground or wall on-premise sign(s) with administrative approval provided the sign(s) meet the area and height requirements and the standards for approving a special use per section 2.15.h. A freestanding sign has a maximum area limitation of 20 square feet, and a maximum sign height limitation of five feet. Special uses in residential districts may also display temporary signage pursuant to Section 17.10.c.(1) unless otherwise prohibited by a condition of the special use.

(5) Subdivision/Neighborhood Identification Sign. Subdivision or neighborhood identification freestanding signs are permitted solely for the purposes of identifying and displaying the name of a subdivision or specific neighborhood. Such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area or five feet in height. The sign support structure is exempt from any yard or setback requirements pursuant to SPRB review and approval.

(6) Scoreboards accessory to arenas, stadiums, and sports fields. Special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a freestanding on-premise scoreboard pursuant to the following conditions:

(a) A freestanding on-premise scoreboard shall face the arena, stadium, or sports field.

(b) Sign content may be placed on the front and rear of a freestanding on-premise scoreboard accessory to an arena, stadium, or sports field.





(c) A donor plaque or sign placed on the freestanding on-premise scoreboard shall not exceed 20 percent of the scoreboard size and shall only designate the donor name and shall not include the following: franchise reading matter, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, flags, banners, streamers, pennants, inscriptions, copyrighted logos and patterns.

(d) Freestanding on-premise scoreboards that do not adhere to the above-mentioned conditions must obtain a special use pursuant to Section 2.15.

(e) Existing special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a freestanding on-premise scoreboard pursuant to conditions a, b and c above with administrative approval.

17.11.d. Off-Premise Freestanding Signs. Off-premise signs are freestanding signs located in certain nonresidential districts that advertise goods, products, services or facilities, or direct persons to a location different from where the sign is installed:

(1) Applicable Districts and Limitations for Area and Sign Height.

(a) Off-premise freestanding signs that have a maximum area limitation of 300 square feet and maximum height limitation of 30 feet, excluding off-premise sign extensions in either instance, are permitted uses in the commercial and industrial districts.

(b) Off-premise freestanding signs that are greater than 300 square feet in sign area, and have a maximum area limitation of 700 square feet and maximum sign height of 40 feet, excluding off-premise sign extensions in either instance, may be approved as a special use, (pursuant to Section 2.15), by the City Council in the C2 and industrial districts.

(2) Spacing.

(a) An off-premise freestanding sign as a permitted use shall be spaced a minimum of:

(1) 50 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any on-premise freestanding sign located on the same street frontage;

(2) 1,000 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any off-premise freestanding sign on either side of the street, permitted or special use; and

(3) 300 lineal feet, measured in a radius from the base of the sign from any property line of residential zoned property.

(b) An off-premise sign as a special use shall be spaced a minimum of:

(1) 50 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any on-premise freestanding sign located on the same street frontage;

(2) 2,000 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any off-premise freestanding sign on either side of the street as a permitted use;

(3) 2,000 lineal feet from the base of the sign to any off-premise sign on either side of the street as a special use; and





(4) 500 feet, measured in a radius from the base of the sign from any property line of residential zoned property.

(3) Landscaping. All off-premise freestanding signs, permitted and special uses, which exceed eight square feet in size are required to have between 25 square feet and 157 square feet of landscaped area centered around the base of the sign. This required landscaped area shall contain up to 36 points of landscaping per Article 16.4. The amount of landscaped area and landscaping points are subject to SPRB review and approval.

(4) Frontage Requirement. The minimum frontage requirement for an off-premise sign is 100 lineal feet. This frontage requirement will reduce the zoning lot lineal frontage used to determine size and number of freestanding signs for the zoning lot. The presence of an off-premise sign on a zoning lot will reduce the allowable freestanding sign area for that zoning lot by 100 square feet.

(5) Thoroughfare Location. Off-premise signs shall only be permitted on streets designated as a principal arterial on the official thoroughfare map of the City of Peoria except as provided in (5)(a) below.

(a) Up to two off-premise signs may be permitted on access controlled freeways and up to two off-premise signs may be permitted on access controlled expressways as indicated on the thoroughfare map of the city subject to meeting all of the requirements of this ordinance.

(6) Limitation on New Off-Premises Signs Greater Than Eight Square Feet.

(a) From and after the effective date of this ordinance, no off-premise sign permit shall be issued and no off-premise sign shall be erected except as a replacement for one or more off-premise signs existing on the effective date hereof as described herein. Existing off-premise signs located on access controlled freeways may be replaced at the same location with another off-premise sign of the same or lesser size of the one being replaced. Such replacement shall not be subject to the requirements of Sections 17.11.d(6)(c) and (d).

(b) Within 90 days after the effective date of this ordinance, all persons owning or controlling an off-premise sign, in excess of eight square feet in area, shall provide to the Department of Planning and Growth Management an inventory of all such legally established off-premise signs located within the City of Peoria, Illinois owned or controlled by them. Such inventory shall include the address of the sign, site location map, description of the sign's dimensions and a photograph of the sign. Such inventory is herein referred to as the "replacement inventory". The replacement inventory shall include those off-premise signs existing on the effective date of this ordinance and signs which have not yet been erected but for which permits have been issued as of the effective date of this ordinance. Any signs which are not included in the replacement inventory and submitted within the 90-day period provided herein shall not be added later except as provided under Section 17.11.d(6)(f).

(c) From and after the effective date of this ordinance, all applications for new off-premise signs, in addition to all other requirements of this ordinance, must specify the off-premise sign or signs being replaced ("replaced sign"). Specific reference to the replaced sign shall be made in the application so that it can be readily identified in the replacement inventory. Within 180 days from the date that the off-premise sign permit is issued or within 30 days from the date the new sign is erected, whichever comes first, the applicant shall remove the replaced sign (if not previously removed) and provide to the Department of Planning and Growth Management photographic evidence of such removal together with an affidavit of





removal. Once such evidence and affidavit is provided, the replacement sign shall be added to the replacement inventory and the replaced sign shall be removed from the replacement inventory.

(d) No more than 24 replacement signs shall be permitted, with such replacement signs distributed by Council districts in effect on March 1, 2001, as follows:

District 5—12 Replacement Signs





(e) The sign face area of a replacement sign shall not exceed the sign face area of the replaced sign or signs. By way of example, to erect a new sign having 300 square feet, the replaced sign or signs would be required to have at least 300 square feet in face area.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the replacement inventory shall be amended by the addition of any off-premise sign located, existing and permitted on the date of annexation of territory that is annexed to the City of Peoria after the effective date of this ordinance provided such off-premise sign meets the requirements of Article 17.11

(g) The number of replacement signs and the location of such signs shall be reviewed by the Zoning Commission and City Council by no later than June 1, 2007.

(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13476, § 1, 10-20-92; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 13996, § 1, 9-26-95; Ord. No. 15159, § 1, 6-19-01; Ord. No. 15573, § 1, 1-20-04; Ord. No. 15779, § 1, 5-24-05; Ord. No. 15882, § 1, 2-7-06; Ord. No. 16018, § 1, 11-14-06; Ord. No. 16571, § 1, 6-8-10; Ord. No. 16653, § 1, 1-25-11)

17.12. - Building Signs.

Building signs are on-premise signs attached to a building and are subject to any size, number, location or other requirements of this section. In addition, the sum of the area of all individual building signs, including permitted temporary banners, on a building facade shall not exceed 20 percent of the facade upon which the signs are displayed. Permitted building signs include:

17.12.a. Canopies and Awnings.

(1) Location Requirements.

(a) No portion of a canopy or awning shall be less than seven feet, nor shall the frame of a canopy be less than eight feet, above the level of the sidewalk or other public thoroughfare over which it projects.

(b) No portion of a canopy or awning may extend beyond a point two feet inside the curb line.

(2) Coverage Limitations and Display of Information.





(a) Information on a canopy or awning shall be limited to official names, logo, or purpose of business.

(b) Not more than 25 percent of the surface area of the canopy or awning may be used for the name, logo or purpose of the business.

(c) The location and installation of canopies and awnings is [are] subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator.

(3) Under Canopy Signs. A sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee. The lower edge of the under canopy sign shall be a minimum of nine feet above the surface of the ground. The sign size shall be limited to a maximum 18 inches of depth, and the sign length shall be no longer than 75 percent of the depth of the canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee to which the sign is attached.

17.12.b. House and Nameplate. House numbers and house nameplates, are permitted provided that nameplates shall not exceed one square foot in area.

17.12.c. Marquee Signs.

(1) Applicable Zoning Districts. Marquee signs shall be permitted in the B1 zoning districts and require a special permit in all other nonresidential zoning districts. Such signs shall be prohibited in all residential districts.

(2) Marquee Sign Size. Marquee signs shall be a maximum of 20 percent of the wall area on which they are located (excluding the door and window area).

(3) Marquee Sign Location. A marquee sign shall not project more than five feet above the marquee roof line. Such signs must provide clearance of ten feet above the sidewalk.

(4) Number of Signs. A business may display only one marquee along its street frontage (i.e., a building located on a street corner may have two marquees).

17.12.d. Memorial Plaques, Cornerstones, Historical Plaques. Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical plaques, and similar designations displayed for noncommercial purposes, not to exceed six square feet.

17.12.e. Pedestrian Signs. Signs which direct or guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, including signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways, and similar facilities; not to exceed six square feet. Advertising matter is not permitted on such signs. This category does not include signs accessory to parking or driveway areas. Such signs are regulated by Section 17.13 of this ordinance.

(1) Location Requirements.

(a) Pedestrian signs displayed as wall signs must be located at a distance not less than four feet, four inches, nor more than six feet six inches above ground level.

(b) Pedestrian signs displayed as window signs may be affixed to the window or may be displayed as a hanging sign behind the window pane. Signs placed directly on the window surface shall consist only of letters without backing material. Such signs must be located at a distance not more than six feet six inches above ground level.





(2) Amount of Information Allowed. A pedestrian sign may contain a total of five items of information plus the official name of the business.

17.12.f. Projecting Signs.

(1) Sign Height and Area. The projecting sign shall be a minimum of ten feet above the surface of the ground. A projecting sign along with any other building signs can not exceed 20 percent of the facade upon which the signs are displayed. Projecting signs may extend over the public way a distance of two-thirds of the width of the sidewalk; the inner edge of the projecting sign cannot be farther than two feet from the building; and a projecting sign cannot extend above the roof line.

17.12.g. Rooftop Signs.

(1) Allowable Districts. Rooftop signs shall be permitted in the B1 district only. They shall require a special permit in all other nonresidential districts. Rooftop signs shall be prohibited in residential districts.

(2) Sign Height and Area. Sign height and area are subject to special permit process.

(3) Sign Information. The allowable information on a rooftop sign shall be restricted to the name of the business and/or its official logo only.

17.12.h. Wall Signs.

(1) Allowable Districts. Wall signs are permitted in nonresidential districts.

(2) Area. Wall sign area limitations are subject to section 17.12 limiting the building signage, including permitted temporary banners, area per facade to 20 percent of the facade.

17.12.i. Window Signs.

(1) Coverage Limitations. A business may display one window sign, permanent or temporary, per window. A window sign may not exceed 20 percent of the window area, for windows eight square feet or larger, or 50 [percent] of the window area for windows under eight square feet.

(2) Computation of Coverage. Window panels separated only by mullions shall be considered as one continuous window pane in the computation of window surface area.

(3) Window Displays. No restrictions are placed on window displays. However, no window display may be maintained which has the effect of circumventing the intent of this Article 17. If material purporting to be a window display has such effect, it shall be deemed to be a window sign and not a window display.

17.12.j. Residential District Special Use Sign. A special use in a residential district may display either a ground or a wall on-premise sign. The wall sign has a maximum limitation of 20 square feet.

17.12.k. Scoreboards Accessory to Arenas, Stadiums, and Sports Fields. Special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a wall on-premise scoreboard pursuant to the following conditions:

(a) A wall on-premise scoreboard shall address the arena, stadium, or sports field.





(b) Sign content may be placed on the front of a wall on-premise scoreboard accessory to an arena, stadium, or sports field.

(c) A donor plaque or sign placed on the scoreboard shall not exceed 20 percent of the scoreboard size and shall only designate the donor name and shall not include the following: franchise reading matter, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, flags, banners, streamers, pennants, inscriptions, copyrighted logos and patterns.

(d) Wall on-premise scoreboards that do not adhere to the above-mentioned conditions must obtain a special use pursuant to Section 2.15.

(e) Existing special uses allowing arenas, stadiums, and sports fields may display a wall on-premise scoreboard pursuant to conditions a, b and c above with administrative approval.

(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 15779, § 1, 5-24-05)

17.13. - Directional Signs.

On-premise directional signs are permitted in all districts and may be displayed as either [a] building or freestanding sign. Off-premise directional signs are permitted in the B1 Central Business District and may be displayed as either a building or freestanding sign.

(1) On-premise directional or instructional signs accessory to parking and driveway areas, subject to the following regulations:

a. Such signs shall not be permitted in single-family residential districts.

b. One single or double-faced sign may be erected to designate each entrance to or exist [exit] from a parking or driveway area, provided that the surface area of such sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.

c. Signs designating the conditions of use of off-street parking spaces furnished by a business may be placed in parking lots or alleys. Such signs shall include the name of the business furnishing the parking spaces but shall not include any advertising.

d. On-premise directional signs may not exceed four and one-half feet in height and do not have to observe a setback; however, in no case shall the sign obstruct visibility from a driveway to an abutting street or vice versa. On-premise directional signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

(2) Off-premise directional or instructional signs are subject to the following regulations:

a. Such signs shall only be permitted in the B1 Central Business District.

b. One single or double-faced sign may be erected to indicate the location or direction of parking or the location of a use not provided or conducted on the site of the off-premise directional sign, provided that the surface area of such sign shall not exceed eight square feet.

c. Off-premise directional signs may not exceed four and one-half feet in height and do not have to observe a setback; however, in no case shall the sign obstruct visibility from a





driveway to an abutting street or vice versa. Off-premise signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way.


17.14. - Shopping Centers.

Signage for shopping centers shall be determined pursuant to the special use and local sign regulation procedures.

17.15. - Special Regulations for Electronic Multiple Message Signs.

17.15.a. Purpose. These regulations offer specific construction and operation regulations for the safe and appropriate use of electronic multiple message signs. Electronic multiple message signs may be but are not limited to: time/temperature signs, signs which display stock market information, electronic message/reader boards, and electronic billboard displays. These regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning districts unless otherwise specified.

17.15.b. Sign Area. The area of an electronic multiple message sign shall be included in any sign area calculation.

17.15.c. Regulations.

(a) Static Images Only. Sign content/messages shall not consist of video, and shall not move, blink, animate, flash, or behave in any other way which constitutes or implies motion. Images shall remain static except during transition. Signs in the B-1 district shall be exempt from this regulation.

(b) Length of Display (Dwell Time). Electronic multiple message signs are permitted to change their message no more than once per every ten seconds, except that time/temperature/stock market signs are allowed change their message no more than once per every three seconds. Signs in the B-1 district shall be exempt from this regulation.

(c) Transitions. There shall be no animation, traveling, scrolling, fades, or dissolves between displayed messages. Transitions between content/messages shall be instantaneous. Signs in the B-1 district shall be exempt from this regulation.

(d) Automatic Dimming. Electronic multiple message signs shall be equipped with light sensing devices or a scheduled dimming timer which automatically dim the intensity of the light emitted by the sign during ambient low-light and nighttime (dusk to dawn) conditions. The signs shall not exceed 500 nits of intensity as measured at the sign surface during nighttime and low-light conditions and 5,000 nits during daytime hours.

(e) Maintenance. Electronic multiple message signs shall be properly maintained. Bulbs, LEDs, pixels and the like shall be in working, properly illuminating condition at all times.

(Ord. No. 16105, § 1, 4-10-07)

17.16. - Signs Allowed Only by Special Permit.

Certain types of signs shall only be allowed by special permit granted by the City Council, pursuant to the special use process, after a public hearing by the Zoning Commission. Such special permits are required because these categories of signs are of such a nature that their construction and operation





may give rise to unique problems with respect to their impact upon neighboring properties.

17.16.a. Types of Signs Allowed by Special Permit. The following types of signs will be allowed by special permit only:

(1) Historic signs;

(2) Reserved;

(3) Inflatable signs, balloons, or other air or gas filled signs or fixtures for purposes other than a business grand opening or for properties located in residential districts;

(4) Certain illuminated signs listed in the Table of Basic Design Elements;

(5) Signs governed by "local sign regulations"; and

(6) Marquee and rooftop signs in nonresidential districts other than B1.

17.16.b. Special Permit Standards. The following standards shall be the criteria by which the Zoning Commission recommends and the City Council evaluates the suitability of proposed signs to be granted by special permit:

(1) That the proposed location does not block the view of other signs in the area;

(2) That the size does not unduly infringe upon the health, safety or welfare of persons occupying or moving through the surrounding area; and

(3) That the sign is materially consistent with the objectives of this ordinance;

(4) That the proposed sign is compatible in scale to the surroundings.

17.16.c. Administration of Special Permit. Regulations for procedure and for hearings shall be the same as that outlined for special uses.

(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 13998, § 1, 10-3-95; Ord. No. 16692, § 1, 4-12-11)

17.17. - Local Sign Regulations.

17.17.a. Submission of Regulations. A shopping center or any association of merchants doing business within a specific area within the City, a university or hospital having a multi-building campus, or an industrial/business park or office park may establish regulations for such shopping center, campus, office or industrial park area. Such regulations (hereinafter called "local sign regulations") shall be submitted to the Site Plan Review Board for review and forwarded to the Zoning Commission for a Public Hearing and recommendation to the City Council. If, and to the extent that, local sign regulations are approved by the City Council, such local sign regulations shall be observed by the persons affected in lieu of compliance with this ordinance.

17.17.b. Conditions for Approval. No local sign regulations will be approved unless the regulations are binding upon all persons in the university campus, shopping center, office or industrial/business park, of the specific area within the City to which the regulations are intended to apply.

17.17.c. Approval Procedure. Persons desiring to obtain approval of local sign regulations pursuant to





this Article 17 shall submit the regulations to the Zoning Administrator, together with any additional material requested by the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall review the regulations and transmit them to the Site Plan Review Board for recommendation to the Zoning Commission. The Zoning Commission will then conduct a public hearing and submit their comments to the City Council for final action.

17.17.d. Private Signage Agreements. Nothing in this Article 17 or elsewhere in this ordinance shall prevent any building owner or association of merchants from establishing by lease or other form of agreement sign regulations which are more stringent than those set forth in this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 13998, § 1, 10-3-95)

17.18. - Administration and Enforcement.

17.18.a. Enforcement Officer. The Zoning Administrator is hereby designated as the enforcement officer for this ordinance. In furtherance of his/her authority as such enforcement officer, he/she shall have the following duties and powers:

(1) He/she shall review plans and specifications submitted by persons desiring to erect, alter or move signs;

(2) He/she shall issue a zoning certificate for approval for sign permits;

(3) He/she shall conduct inspections of signs and issue notices of noncompliance when required; and

(4) He/she shall maintain all records necessary to the appropriate administration and enforcement of this ordinance, including applications for variations and appeals.

17.18.b. Requests for Review. Any person may file a written request with the Zoning Administrator requesting a review of one or more existing permanent signs as identified in the request. In each such case, the Zoning Administrator shall promptly inspect such sign or signs for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, provided that no existing permanent sign need be reviewed more than once. The Zoning Administrator shall report his/her findings to the person filing the request in addition to sending any required notice.

17.18.c. Notices of Violation. The Zoning Administrator shall notify each owner of an existing sign found to be in violation of any provision of this ordinance pursuant to inspections made. The notice shall be by certified or registered mail and shall refer to each section of this ordinance under which a violation has been found to exist and the notice shall describe the features found to be deficient.

17.18.d. Effect of Notice. Each existing permanent sign which is the subject of a notice given under this Section 17.18 shall thereupon be classified as a nonconforming sign subject to regulation in Section 17.19.

17.18.e. Appeals and Variations. The owner of a sign with respect to which a notice has been given under Section 17.19 may file for an appeal of the administrative decision of the Zoning Administrator or may file for a variation request in order to retain the sign. Such appeals must be filed not later than 30 days after the date of the notice.

(1) Appeals. Any person aggrieved by an administrative order, requirement, decision or determination made under this ordinance by the Zoning Administrator may appeal therefrom to the





Zoning Board of Appeals. The procedure on appeals shall be similar to that prescribed in the Peoria Zoning Ordinance for appeals from administrative decisions (Section 2.12). The decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be final.

(2) Variations. Any person may request a variation from the provisions of this ordinance. However, a variation may not be sought to erect signage which is prohibited by Section 17.4. Variation requests shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator who shall promptly refer them to the Site Plan Review Board to conduct a technical review and make a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals. If the Site Plan Review Board recommends that a variation be granted, its recommendation shall be accompanied by findings that particular hardship or practical difficulties would occur if no variation were granted, and that the sign for which the variation is recommended will not be materially inconsistent with the objectives of this ordinance as stated in Section 17.1

17.19. - Existing Nonconforming Signs Subject to Amortization.

17.19.a. Nonconforming Portable Signs. Non-conforming portable signs shall be removed or converted to a permitted sign within ninety (90) days of official notification of a nonconforming status by the Zoning Administrator.

17.19.b. Nonconforming Off-Premise Signs.

(1) Nonconforming off-premise signs that are nonconforming due to being located in a residential zoning district; or wall or roof construction, shall be removed within seven years of official notification of a nonconforming status by the Zoning Administrator.

(2) Other types of nonconforming off-premise signs may be continued until any of the following activities affect the subject sign, at which time the nonconforming sign must be removed or comply with the requirements of Article 17:

(a) Replacement or repair of any portion of the sign in excess of 50 percent of the replacement value, the addition of multiple message technology not being considered replacement or repair; or

(b) Removal or replacement of the entire sign structure, except that replacement of the nonconforming off-premise sign at the same location, of the same dimensions, with a design known as uni-pole construction will be permitted, as will be all work related to the addition of multiple message technology.

17.19.c. Nonconforming Signs. In addition to the above regulation for amortization of portable and off-premise signs, other types of nonconforming signs may be continued until any of the following activities affect the subject sign or sign location, at which time the nonconforming sign must be removed or comply with the requirements of Article 17:

(a) Change of use classification;

(b) Replacement or repair of any portion of the sign in excess of 50% of the replacement value;

(c) Removal or replacement of the entire sign structure; and

(d) Building permit application review by the SPRB or Zoning Administrator.

17.19.d. Interpretation. A nonconforming off-premise sign that can be continued in use after





replacement, removal, or repair under 17.19.b(2) may be continued in use after such replacement, removal or repair regardless of the continuation of the condition which renders the sign nonconforming.

(Ord. No. 13601, § 1, 7-20-93; Ord. No. 16062, § 1, 1-9-07)

17.20. - Removal of Certain Signs.

17.20.a. Obsolete Signs. Any sign, retractable canopy or awning, whether existing on, or erected after the effective date of this ordinance, which advertises a business no longer being conducted or a product no longer being sold in or from the premises to which the sign relates, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or premises upon which such sign is found. Removal shall be effected within twenty (20) days after written notice from the Zoning Administrator. If such a sign is not removed after such twenty (20) day period, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith. Any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or premises on which such sign is found.

17.20.b. Unsafe Signs. If the Building Official finds that any sign, retractable canopy or awning is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, he/she shall give written notice to the person displaying such sign. Correction of the condition which causes the Building Official to give such notice shall be effected within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice. If such condition is not corrected after such ten (10) day period, the Building Official is authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of the person displaying the sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Building Official is authorized to cause any sign, retractable canopy or awning to be removed summarily and without notice whenever he finds that such a sign, canopy or awning is an immediate peril to persons or property.

17.21. - Table of Basic Design Elements.

The table below summarizes the types of signs permitted in each type of sign district.

E: Exempt P: Permitted T: Temporary S: Requires a special permit NO: Not permitted SU: Special use Approval

_____

Sign Districts:

Type of Sign R

eCo

Off. Ind.





s.

mm.

(1) Banners on-premise only SU

T T T

(2) Building/On-premise: Total bldg. signs per facade cannot exceed 20% of facade

(a) Canopy and Awning P P P P Maximum 25% of surface area of

the awning flap (i.e., face) allowed Location approval required from

Zoning Administrator (b) House and Name Plate P P P P Maximum size 1 s.f. (c) Marquees NO S S S (d) Memorial Plaques,

Cornerstones, Historical Plaques

P P P P

Displayed for noncommercial purposes

(e) Pedestrian P P P P Location requirements Wall or window 6? type size limitation (f) Projecting P P P P (g) Rooftop NO S S S Allowable information restricted to

name of business and/or official logo

(h) Under canopy P P P P (i) Wall SU P P P (j) Window NO P P P 1 per window 20% coverage, window over 8 SF 50% coverage, window under 8 SF (k) Residential District Special

Use — — — —

Maximum 20 s.f. (3) Construction Sign T T T T 1 per project No products/services

advertised Maximum 16 s.f. residential,

32 s.f. nonresidential (4) Directional P P P P Freestanding wall





No advertising Public facilities (restrooms,

public telephones, walkways), maximum 6 s.f.

Parking/driveway, exit/entrance, maximum 4 s.f.

Parking lot conditions, maximum 6 s.f.

(5) Event (campaign, civics, philanthropic, educational, religious)

T T T T

Posters, maximum 6 s.f. Location approval required (6) Flags, Business N

OE E E

(7) Flags, Official E E E E (8) Flashing Running Lights (except for

time and temperature) NO

NO NO NO

(9) Freestanding: Lot size determines number and size

Setback = ½ required yard Prohibited in TBY (a) On-Premise S P P P Maximum 70 SF Height

limit S 25� 5

�25� 150 LF spacing between on-

premise sign, same zoning lot 50 LF spacing from off-premise (b) Subdivision/Neighborhood P — — — Maximum 20 s.f. Support structure exempt from

setback/yard requirements subject to SPRB approval

(c) Residential District Special Use

P — — —

Maximum 20 s.f. Maximum 5 ft. height (d) Off-Premise (Billboards) Maximum 300 SF, 30� height — P — P Maximum 700 SF, 40� height S

USU (C2) Spacing: 750 LF, same street — P — P





1000 LF, same street

— SU

— (C2) SU 50 LF from on-premise sign, same

side street 100� radius from residential district

PL Minimum 25 SF landscaping,

SPRB review 50 LF frontage requirement (10) Garage or House Sale T T T T Maximum size 8 s.f. (11) Government E E E E Paper notices in bulletin

boards, kiosks maintained by government

Erected, required or authorized for public purposes

Maximum 6 s.f. (12) Historic S S S S (13) Holiday T T T T (14) Illumination External SU P P P Internal NO P S P (15) Inflatable N

OS S S

(16) Imitations of Traffic Signs NO

NO NO NO

(17) Light Standard Sign





(18) Local Sign Regulations S S S S (19) Menu Board —P — — Maximum 30 s.f. Wall or freestanding (20) Moving Permanent NO NO NO NO Temporary (unless otherwise

permitted) NO NO NO NO

(21) Murals (no business name/logo) NO

E E E

(22) Placed on Vehicle/Trailer NO

NO NO NO

Unless permanently affixed (23) Political and Real Estate T T T T 1 per street frontage for real

estate No limit on number of political

signs Maximum size, 8 s.f. in

residential, 32 s.f. in nonresidential

(24) Portable/Wheeled NO

NO NO NO

(25) Proximity to Street Intersection Signs in residential districts,

more than 3½� high, within 12� of intersection

NO — — —

Signs in nonresidential districts, within 8� of intersection, not above 1st floor

— NO NO NO

(26) Public right-of-way, private sign NO

NO NO NO

(27) Shopping Center —S — — (28) Streamers (business opening only) N

OT T T

(29) String Pennants (business opening only)

NO

T T T

(30) Time and Temperature Signs NO

P P P

Flashing lights allowed Advertising, news or

information conveyance prohibited





(Ord. No. 13296, § 1, 11-5-91; Ord. No. 13505, § 1, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 13721, § 1, 3-29-94; Ord. No. 13766, § 1, 6-21-94; Ord. No. 14658, § 1, 1-19-99)

17.22. - Permitted Signage in the B1 Central Business Sign District.

[Permitted signage in the B1 district is as follows:]

a. One real estate sign advertising the rent, sale or lease of the land or building upon which it is located. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) sq. ft. in area.

b. One sign of a temporary nature that identifies an engineering or architectural firm, contractor or product engaged in or used in construction of a building under construction. The sign surface area shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet and shall be removed on occupation of the intended use of the project and shall be located twelve (12) feet back from the property line or one-half the front yard depth, whichever is less, and shall not be illuminated.

c. One sign or bulletin board not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area is permitted in connection with public buildings, projects, subdivisions, schools, hospitals or similar uses and shall be located twelve (12) feet back of the property line or one-half of the front yard depth, whichever is less. Such sign shall be solely for the purposes of displaying the name of the building or institution and its activity or service. It may be illuminated but not flashing.

d. One on-premise sign per facing, either projecting or freestanding, Regulations governing projecting and freestanding signs are: (1) The background area (size) of freestanding and projecting signs shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of principal street frontage; (2) They may extend over the public way a distance of two-thirds of the width of the sidewalk; (3) The lower edge of the projecting sign shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet above the surface of the public way; (4) The inner edge of the projecting sign cannot be farther than two (2) feet from the building; (5) A projecting sign cannot extend above the parapet wall; (6) Freestanding signs may be erected to a maximum height of twice the height of the building served but not to exceed forty (40) feet.

e. On-premise Wall Signs not to exceed forty (40) percent of the building facade and not extending more than fifteen (15) inches from the wall. A sign is also permitted made of individual letters, not to exceed sixteen (16) per cent of the facade area. The first forty (40) feet only of vertical height of any building may be used in determining the building facade in calculating sign areas.

f. Off-premise freestanding signs shall be permitted pursuant to the regulations in 17.11.d. for C2 off-premise freestanding signs.

g. On-premise roof signs may not exceed forty (40) per cent of the building facade and letters may not exceed sixteen (16) per cent of the building facade and may not be more than thirty (30) feet in height above the roof line nor exceed the maximum allowable building height. Each facade may contain one (1) roof sign.

h. Flashing signs shall be permitted in this district.

i. Marquee signs are permitted on the fascia, front, over or under the canopy, but not to exceed five (5) feet above the marquee roof line.





j. Temporary signage is permitted pursuant to Section 17.10.c.

k. Canopy and awning signs are permitted pursuant to Section 17.12.a.

l. A sign announcing a drive or event may be placed on any building in the Central Business District. Such event signs may be displayed in the form of one (1) banner per building, not to exceed forty (40) per cent of the building façade for a period not to exceed six (6) months; seven (7) days are required between each display period. Only the first forty (40) feet of vertical height of any building façade may be used in calculating the signage area. The sign cannot obstruct any opening in the building wall the sign is displayed upon. The sign shall be removed within seven (7) days after the event has been completed. The sign must be maintained in good repair, free from tears or deterioration, during the full period of display.

Definitions:

Event: A planned activity or promotion of a civic or charitable nature.

Drive: Activity, associated with civic organizations, involving the collection of items or monetary donations.



Peoria County

279

Sec 7.5 Signs

7.5.1 Purpose

The purpose of these regulations is to manage signs and their placement throughout the

jurisdiction of the County in order to promote the use of signs which are safe, compatible with

their surroundings, and legible in the circumstances in which they are seen. These regulations

shall in no case be construed to prohibit an individual’s First Amendment right of free speech.

These regulations also recognize the need for a well-maintained and attractive physical

appearance of the County and the need for adequate business identification for the conduct of

competitive commerce. This Section is therefore intended to benefit the general community by

protecting property values and by reducing sign or advertising distractions which may adversely

impact traffic safety and result in visual congestion for pedestrians.

7.5.2 Permit Requirements

1. Except as provided in Section 7.5.10, Signs Allowed Without a Permit, below, it is

unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or convert any sign in the

County, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit for each such

sign from the Zoning Administrator.

2. No new sign permit is required for any sign which exists on the effective date of these

regulations unless the sign is hereafter altered, relocated, or reinstalled.

3. Every sign permit issued shall become null and void if installation is not commenced

within one-hundred eighty (180) days from the date of such permit.

7.5.3 Sign Permit Application

1. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing to the Zoning Administrator on a

form furnished by the Zoning Administrator accompanied by a fee set forth in Chapter 12

of the Peoria County Code, Appendix A.

2. The permit shall include the following information:

a. The name and address of the applicant and the sign contractor who will be

performing the work;

b. The location, by street address, of the building or structure to which the sign is to

be attached or the lot on which the sign is to be erected;

c. Three sets of plans and specifications showing the location, support, attachment to

the building or ground, method of illumination, and lighting intensity. If plans

include footings, plans must be architectural and/or engineer stamped;


280

d. A sketch showing the sign faces, exposed surfaces, and proposed message,

accurately represented in scale as to size and proportion and showing, if the sign

is to be attached to a building, the sign on the facade of the building.

e. The length of the display between message transitions.

3. A sign permit shall only be issued after the Zoning Administrator determines that the

proposed development is in compliance with all the requirements of this section, any

other applicable sections of this chapter, and any other applicable chapters of the County

Code.

4. Permits shall be issued for the life of the sign, or any shorter period as stated on the

approved permit application. However, any permit may be revoked at any time by the

Zoning Administrator upon finding that the sign violates any provision of this Section or

that the permittee made false representations in securing the sign permit. No fee which

the permittee paid for the permit shall be refunded when a permit is revoked.

5. If required, a permit shall be obtained from the Illinois Department of Transportation in

compliance with the standards of the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971, as

amended (225 ILCS 440/1 et seq.).

7.5.4 Illumination Standards

Internally or externally illuminated signs shall meet the following requirements:

1. Signs shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded, or shaded light sources

directed solely at the sign, or internal to it so that the light intensity or brightness does not

create either a nuisance to adjacent property or a traffic hazard for motorists or

pedestrians. No signs shall be illuminated at a light level that exceeds two thousand five

hundred (2,500) lambert.

2. Except where a combination of individual exposed bulbs displays information, such as

time, temperature or date illuminated signs, no exposed reflective-type bulb and no strobe

light or unshielded incandescent lamp shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign.

3. Whenever external illumination is used for a sign, the source of light shall be located,

shielded, and directed in such a manner that the light source is not visible from a public

street or private residence.

7.5.5 Special Regulation for Electronic Multiple Message Signs

1. Sign content/messages shall be static images only. No sign shall consist of video and

shall not move, animate, flash, or behave in any other way which constitutes or implies

motion. Images shall remain static except during transition.


281

2. Electronic multiple message signs are permitted to change their message no more than

once per every ten (10) seconds, except that time or temperature signs are allowed to

change no more than once per every three (3) seconds.

3. There shall be no animation, traveling, scrolling, fades, or dissolves during the transition

of messages. Transitions between content/message shall be instantaneous.

4. Electronic multiple message signs shall be equipped with light sensing devices or a

scheduled dimming timer which automatically dim the intensity of the light emitted by

the sign during ambient low-light and nighttime (dusk to dawn) conditions. The sign

shall not exceed five hundred (500) lambert of intensity as measured at the sign surface

during nighttime and low-light conditions and two thousand five hundred (2,500) lambert

during daytime hours.

5. Electronic multiple message signs shall be properly maintained. Bulbs, LED's, pixels and

the like shall be in working, properly illuminating conditions at all times.

7.5.6 Locational Restrictions

The location of signs shall be restricted as follows:

1. No sign shall be erected so as to impair access to a roof or prevent free ingress or access

from any door, window, fire escape, driveway or utility line.

2. No sign shall be erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or on top of or above the

parapet of a building, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.

3. No sign may interfere with traffic flow or imitate or interfere with any street signs, signal,

or device.

4. No sign shall be permitted within a sight triangle, except for safety-related signs.

5. Freestanding identification signs on an individual lot shall be separated by a minimum of

one hundred fifty (150) feet as measured along the road frontage.

6. Wall signs may not cover more than twenty (20%) percent of the facade of the building.

7.5.7 Setbacks

Except as provided in Subsections 7.5.6-6, 7.5.10-15 and 7.5.11-5, the minimum setback from

the right-of-way property line shall be five (5) feet. The setback from the side and rear property

lines shall conform to the accessory structure setbacks in the underlying zoning district.

7.5.8 Accessory Structures and Uses

Subject to the regulations in this section, signs shall be permitted accessory structures and uses in

both residential and non-residential districts.


282

7.5.9 Prohibited Signs

Except as specifically provided otherwise in this Section, the following signs shall be strictly

prohibited throughout the County:

1. Portable signs, except as provided on a temporary basis in Subsection 7.5.10-18, below.

2. Streamers, posters, ribbons, light strings, light bulbs, light bands, spinners, attention-

getting devices that move or revolve, signs (other than neon signs) which contain bare

bulbs, unshielded light or tubes which are visible from a public street or a private

residence, and electronic or flashing signs, except time, temperature, date, and message

center signs that are otherwise permitted herein.

3. Abandoned or defunct signs, including the posts or other supports that advertise or

identify an activity, business product or service that is no longer conducted or available

on the premises where such sign is located. The property owner shall remove said sign

within sixty (60) days of notification by the Zoning Administrator.

4. A-frame, sandwich board, sidewalk or curb signs, except as provided on a temporary

basis in Subsection 7.5.10-18, below.

5. Signs which by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of

illumination may be confused with or construed to be a traffic-control sign, signal or

device, or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle, except where such sign is

accessory to a parking area and gives directions or instructions to drivers or pedestrians.

6. Signs which interfere with traffic signals.

7. Signs or any advertising device attached to or located on a parked vehicle or trailer on

private property for the basic purpose of providing advertising of products or services or

directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any

other premises, except for temporary truckload sale signs.

8. Projection signs which project over a street or alley.

9. Projection signs, other than canopy, awning, or marquee signs, which project more than

two-thirds (2/3) the distance over any sidewalk and which are less than ten (10) feet

above grade.

10. Signs which contain radio or microwave transmitters.

7.5.10 Signs Allowed Without a Permit

The following activities shall not require sign permits, provided that the sign otherwise meets all

of the requirements of this Section:

1. Signs that are not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are

situated or from any public thoroughfare or right of way.


283

2. Signs which are located completely within an enclosed building, and which are not

visible from outside of the building.

3. Integral signs, such as names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, and

commemorative tablets when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of

bronze, aluminum or other permanent type construction and made an integral part of the

structure.

4. Changing of the advertising copy or message on an existing approved sign which is

specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.

5. Changes in the content of a window display, window signs, and window promotional

signs.

6. Changes in the content of permitted temporary signs.

7. Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign for which

a permit has been previously issued, so long as the sign is not otherwise modified in any

way.

8. Public signs.

9. Signs painted on or attached to a truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicle which is used in the

normal course of a business which is not primarily the display of the sign on the vehicle.

10. "No trespassing" signs, warning signs (such as "Beware of Dog"), notification signs for

emergency personnel, and other such signs.

11. Private (noncommercial) nameplate identification signs or street address identification

signs which do not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

12. Temporary signs that celebrate the occasion of traditionally accepted patriotic or religious

holidays as well as national and State holidays.

13. Temporary signs for events of a general County-wide civic or public benefit nature, no

larger than sixteen (16) square feet.

14. Temporary real estate for sale or lease signs, personal celebration, special events, and

garage sale signs.

15. Signs designating parking areas and entrances and exits to parking areas (other than

parking areas for single family dwellings) shall be permitted, provided:

a. no more than one (1) such sign identifies each parking lot and no more than one

(1) such sign identifies each exit or entrance; and


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b. no such sign(s) exceeds a sign surface area of four (4) square feet, is higher than

thirty (30) inches, and is closer than one (1) foot to the property line.

16. Temporary signs announcing any public, charitable, political, educational, or religious

event are permitted, up to a sign area allowed for the same type of permanent sign. Such

signs shall be allowed once a year for no more than thirty (30) days prior to the particular

event and must be removed within seven (7) days after the event.

17. Construction Signs. One (1) sign shall be permitted that lists the building contractors,

professional firms, and lending institutions on sites under construction. The sign shall be

confined to the site of the construction, construction shed, or trailer and shall be removed

no later than fourteen (14) days after the completion of the project. Construction signs

for projects up to ten (10) acres shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. For

construction projects exceeding ten (10) acres, the sign shall not exceed sixty-four (64)

square feet.

18. Temporary Banners, Pennants, Hot Air Balloons, Portable Signs and Sandwich Boards.

Banners, pennants, hot air balloons, portable signs, and sandwich boards are permitted for

grand openings, sales, and other similar special events on a temporary basis, for no more

than thirty (30) days at a time, and no more than two (2) times per year.

7.5.11 Signs Allowed With A Permit

The following signs are required to obtain a permit and shall be allowed in accordance with the

regulations set forth in this Section 7.5.11, Signs Allowed With A Permit, and elsewhere in this

Section:

1. Not-For-Profit Signs. Name and informational signs and emblems of service clubs and

not-for-profit identification signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet per sign face

area. Such sign or signs on a corner lot may face each street but the total area shall not

exceed a maximum of forty (40) square feet per sign.

2. Multi-Family Building Nameplate and Identification Signs.

a. In any multi-family dwelling in which a rental office is permitted, one (1)

nameplate sign and one (1) identification sign shall be allowed at each vehicular

entrance from a public right-of-way and at each major public entrance to the

dwelling for all offices in the dwelling.

b. The identification sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.

c. One (1) residential nameplate sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in each area

shall be permitted per dwelling unit.

d. The identification sign shall indicate only the name, address, telephone number,

and rental information.


285

3. Subdivision Identification Signs.

a. Signs shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet.

b. Identification signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from any property line,

and the sign shall not be located in the sight triangle or otherwise impair the

visibility of a vehicle from a road or driveway.

4. Non-residential Signs. Freestanding identification signs and wall signs shall be allowed

in non-residential districts, subject to the following requirements:

a. No sign face shall exceed one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of street

frontage, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet of total sign face,

and a height of twenty-five (25) feet.

b. If a development fronts on more than one (1) street, signs may be placed on each

road frontage, so long as they meet the one hundred fifty (150) foot spacing

requirement in Subsection 7.5.6-5, above. One (1) corner sign may be substituted

for the signage allowed on the two (2) connecting road frontages, provided that

the sign face of the corner sign does not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

c. For commercial retail establishments or non-residential or mixed use planned

developments that are comprised of more than one (1) store and that exceed fifty

thousand (50,000) square feet, an additional identification sign for the entire

establishment or planned development that does not exceed one hundred (100)

square feet shall be permitted.

5. Directional signs may be permitted for agriculturally-related businesses and public and

non-profit facilities. Such signs may be located off-premises, shall not exceed twenty-

four (24) square feet, and shall not be placed any closer than one (1) foot to a right-of-

way.

6. Billboards.

a. Billboards shall be permitted as-of-right in any zoning district when the

requirements of the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971, as amended

(225 ILCS 440/1 et seq.) are applicable.

b. If Subsection 7.5.11-6.a, above, is not applicable, then billboards may be

permitted as a Special Use in an Industrial District, in accordance with the

procedures and standards set forth in Section 3.5 ("Special Use Permits"),

provided they meet the following requirements:

1. Signs shall be constructed of steel with mono-pole or uni-pole design

and shall not be stacked;


286

2. Signs shall not exceed seven-hundred (700) square feet per sign face

area;

3. No sign shall exceed thirty (30) feet in height;

4. Signs shall be separated by one-quarter (1/4) mile along the same road

frontage.

7.5.12 Waiver from Requirements of this Section

1. A variance shall be obtained to vary from the bulk requirements (for example, size of

sign, setbacks from right-of-way) of this Section.

2. A special use shall be obtained to vary from the locational standards (for example, a non-

residential sign that is a billboard located off premise) of this Section.


Tazewell County

City of Washington

SIGNS § 154.140 PURPOSE. There is a significant relationship between the manner in which signs are displayed and public safety, and the stability of the economic value of adjoining property. The reasonable display of signs is necessary as a public service and to the conduct of competitive commerce and industry. The regulations in this subchapter establish minimum standards for the display of signs in direct relationship to the functional use of property as permitted within the zoning districts which are provided in this subsection. (Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) § 154.141 DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:

AREA OF SIGN. The area of the sign is the entire area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of sign display, including any frame or border. However, it shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits of such display area and not forming an integral part of the display. The calculation for a double-faced sign shall be the area of one face only.

AWNING OR CANOPY SIGN. A sign painted, stamped, stitched or otherwise applied on the valance of an awning. BANNER. A long, narrow sign made from canvas, paper or other lightweight material secured or mounted on a wall on at least two sides or attached to a permanent existing structure. Said structure shall include, but shall not be limited to, fences, buildings, light poles and sign poles. BILLBOARD. A sign which advertise goods, products, or services not sold on the premises on which the sign is located. COPY. Any display or message on a sign surface containing wording, numbers, symbols, or graphics and intended for visual communication. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD. Any sign or portion of a sign whose display information can be systematically changed or altered on a panel composed of electrically illuminated segments. An electronic message board shall not be considered a flashing sign. FLAG. A sign made from canvas, paper or other lightweight material secured or mounted on one side as to allow movement by the wind.


FLASHING SIGN. Any sign directly or indirectly illuminated where the source of illumination flashes on or off, winks or blinks with varying light intensity or color, shows motion or creates the illusion of motion or revolves in a manner to create the illusion of being on or off.

FRONTAGE. All sides of a lot abutting a street right-of-way shall be considered frontage. FREE STANDING OR GROUND SIGN. Any sign supported by one (1) or more upright poles, columns or braces placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building or structure. ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign which has characters, letters, figures designs or outline illuminated by electric lights, tubes or other means of illumination. INFLATABLE SIGN. Any inflated balloon or lighter than air object greater than sixty four (64) cubic feet in volume and displayed more than six (6) feet above the ground. LARGE BILLBOARD. A sign which advertises goods, products, or services not sold on the premises on which the sign is located up to a maximum of six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet. MONUMENT SIGN. Any freestanding sign supported primarily by an internal structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features where the base of the sign structure is on the ground or a maximum of twelve (12) inches above ground.

MOVING SIGN. Any sign or portion of a sign which structurally rotates, revolves, extends, retracts or otherwise is in motion in any manner.

NONCONFORMING SIGN. Any sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this subsection and any amendments thereto, and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this subsection; provided, however, such term shall not include any sign or other advertising structure which was erected or maintained in violation of any law or this subsection. OBSOLETE SIGN. Any sign which advertises a business or product no longer for sale on the premises for a period of at least sixty (60) days. OFF-PREMISE SIGN. Any sign which advertises a business which is not being conducted on or immediately adjacent to the premises on which the sign is located. PERMANENT SIGN. Any wall sign, free standing or ground sign, roof sign, awning or canopy sign designed and constructed to be a fixed in place sign for the specific purpose intended. Temporary sign(s) shall not be converted to permanent signs.


POLITICAL SIGN. Signs or posters announcing candidates seeking public political office in any local, state, or national election. PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign not permanently affixed to the ground or a building including but not limited to sandwich board signs, chalkboard signs, message boards and any sign attached to or displayed on a vehicle that is used for the express purpose of advertising a business establishment, product, service or entertainment, when the vehicle is so parked as to attract the attention of the motoring or pedestrian traffic. PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign attached to a building that projects from the wall or face of the building more than fifteen (15) inches. ROOF SIGN. Any sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top or above the parapet or on a functional architectural appendage above the roof. SIGHT TRIANGLE. The imaginary triangular area formed by the intersecting lot lines nearest the street intersection, and a straight line joining said lot lines at points which are twenty (20) feet from the point of intersecting lot lines. SIGN. Any structure or device located outside a building designed for visual communication intended to convey information to the public in written or pictorial form. SMALL BILLBOARD. A sign which advertises goods, products, or services not sold on the premises on which the sign is located up to a maximum of sixty-four (64) square feet. TEMPORARY SIGN. Any sign constructed of cardboard, cloth, canvas, fabric, wood or other temporary material, with or without a structural frame, and intended for a limited period of display including but not limited to flags, balloons, banners, pennants, and portable signs.

WALL SIGN. Any sign painted or attached to the outside of a building, erected parallel to the wall to which it is attached.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96; Am. Ord. 2599, passed 3-21-05; Am. Ord. 2941, passed 6-20-11) § 154.142 SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED; EXEMPTION.

A. No sign may be constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated, or expanded until a sign permit is obtained in accordance with the following sections in this subchapter. No sign permit shall be issued for any sign unless the sign is accessory to a permitted use and the sign is permitted by, and complies with the regulations of this subchapter. However, the following types of signs are exempt from the permit requirements and from the regulations of this subchapter, except § 154.150(A).

1. Flags or emblems of a government or of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization, displayed on private property;

2. Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal notices, and warnings at railroad crossings;


3. Address numerals and other signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation; provided that the content and size of the sign do not exceed the requirements of such law, order, rule, or regulation;

4. Small signs, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, displayed on private property for the convenience of the public, including signs to identify restrooms, freight entrances, and the like;

5. Flags, streamers, placards, pennants not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, and small balloons not exceeding five cubic feet in volume.

6. Temporary signs, banners, and displays for special church, school, institutional, civic, or community events that are erected outside public right-of-way for a period no more than sixty (60) days prior and three (3) days after the scheduled event.

7. Welcome signs erected outside public right-of-way near major community entrances that contain no advertising other than participating groups or organizations. Such signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Council prior to construction.

(Am. Ord. 2599, passed 3-21-05) B. The following types of signs are exempt from the permit requirement, but must comply

with all of the other regulations of this subchapter: 1. Signs permitted by § 154.149 of this chapter; and

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96; Am. Ord. 2599, passed 3-21-05) Penalty, see § 154.999 § 154.143 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT. Application for a sign permit shall be filed by the owner of the sign or his agent with the Code Enforcement Officer. The application shall contain the following information:

A. Name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the sign, and agent, if any; B. Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or

erected: C. Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures; D. Two (2) prints or drawings of the plans and specifications indicating the method of

construction and attachment to the buildings or in the ground except for banner, inflatable, and temporary sign permits;

E. Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting sign; F. Evidence of written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or land to which or on

which the sign is to be erected; and G. Such other information as the Code Enforcement Officer shall require to show full

compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances of the city. (Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) § 154.144 PERMITS.

A. A permit shall be issued for each sign by the Code Enforcement Officer relative to the provisions of this subchapter.

B. Sign permits granted under the terms of this subchapter are not transferable.


C. If the work authorized under a sign permit to build has not been substantially completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become void and a new permit is required.

D. The changing of the advertising copy or message on an approved painted sign or on changeable letter panels or bulletin boards specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy and painting, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign structure shall not be considered as creating a sign and shall not require a sign permit.

E. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by him if the holder of the permit fails to comply with any provision of this subchapter.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) § 154.145 FEES. For each sign requiring a permit under this subchapter, a fee shall be paid at the time of the issuance of a permit. The fee charged for the various types of signs shall be as follows:

A. The fee for each portable sign shall be seventy five dollars ($75.00) for a one (1) calendar year permit;

B. The fee for billboards shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per billboard; C. The fee for each banner shall be ($10.00) for a one (1) calendar year permit; and D. The fee charged for all other signs requiring a permit shall be two dollars ($2.00) per one

thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for fraction thereof of installed cost, with a minimum permit fee of ten dollars ($10.00).

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96; Am. Ord. 2377, passed 5-6-02) § 154.146 INSPECTION UPON COMPLETION. The applicant who has been issued a permit for construction, installation, erection, relocation, or alteration of a sign, shall upon completion of the work, notify the Code Enforcement Officer who shall inspect the condition of the sign with respect to its safety and location. (Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) § 154.147 APPEALS. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Code Enforcement Officer relative to the provisions of this subchapter may appeal such decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals per § 154.211 of the Zoning Code. (Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) § 154.148 GENERAL STANDARDS. All signs hereafter painted, constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated, or expanded shall comply with the following standards:

A. No sign shall be constructed on or project into the public right-of-way except signs installed by public governmental agencies and those signs specifically permitted in this Chapter;


B. All signs and their supporting structures must be properly maintained and must be kept in good repair, and must, where applicable, be easily readable from the nearest public right of way;

C. Illuminated signs. Illuminated signs shall be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting bright light upon property located in any residential district or upon any public street or park. Illuminated signs shall not be lighted in an obtrusive manner or create a nuisance;

D. Flashing or moving signs. No flashing or moving signs shall be permitted unless specifically allowed in this subchapter. No sign shall flash or move in an obtrusive manner or create a nuisance. No rotating beam, beacon, strobe, or similar types of illumination devices shall be allowed;

E. Sidewalk signs. Sandwich board signs, A-frame signs, easel signs, and similar sidewalk signs may be temporarily placed near the public right-of-way without a permit. Where a storefront meets the sidewalk, such signs may be placed on the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the main entrance. All sidewalk signs must satisfy the following requirements:

1. The sign is accessory to an existing business, commercial, or industrial use; 2. The sign does not exceed six (6) square feet in size and four (4) feet above ground

level; 3. The sign is displayed during business hours only; 4. The sign does not impede pedestrian movement of vehicular visibility.

F. Signs in accessways. No sign shall block any required accessway; G. Signs on vacant property. No sign shall be located on vacant property except a sign

advertising the premises for sale or lease which meets the standards of § 154.149(B); H. Signs on trees or utility poles. No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole

whether on public or private property; I. Building and electrical codes applicable. All signs must conform to the regulations and

design standards of the applicable building codes. Wiring of all electrical signs must also conform to the applicable electrical codes;

J. Traffic safety. No sign shall be maintained at any location whereby reason of its position, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of traffic, or be confused with any traffic control sign, signal, or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. Signs erected or constructed on a corner must observe the sight triangle requirements;

K. Obsolete signs. No sign shall be permitted which advertises a business or product that has not been for sale on the premises on which the sign is located for the last sixty (60) days. Said sign shall be removed or covered by the owner of the property; and

L. Portable signs. Portable signs except banners and flags will only be permitted or allowed if such portable sign satisfies all of the following requirements;

1. The business must have a permanent sign in order to permit or allow a portable sign;

2. The area of a portable sign may not exceed eighteen (18) square feet; 3. No flashing lights will be permitted or allowed on or in connection with the

portable signs but said portable sign may be backlit; 4. There must be a message displayed on the portable sign; 5. No more than one (1) portable sign may be displayed on a single lot or parcel with

a frontage of five hundred (500) feet or less. Lots or parcels with frontage over


five hundred (500) feet that have multiple businesses on the same lot or parcel may have a total of two (2) portable signs; and

M. Banners. Banners will only be permitted or allowed if such banners satisfy all of the following requirements,

1. Banners displayed on the ground are not permitted; 2. Banners attached to poles, fences, buildings, light poles, sign poles, or any

combination thereof, shall meet the following requirements:

a. The business or shopping center maintains a permanent sign that complies with the provisions of the City's Sign Ordinance;

b. No more than one (1) banner may be displayed on a single lot or parcel with a frontage of five hundred (500) feet or less. Lots or parcels with frontage over five hundred (500) feet that have multiple businesses on the same lot or parcel may have a total of two (2) banners; and

c. The area of the banner may not exceed sixty (60) square feet.

3. Banners displayed on the walls or roof of the business or shopping center are not permitted unless all of the following requirements are met:

a. The business or shopping center has a permanent sign that complies with all of the provisions of the Sign Ordinance of the city;

b. The area of the banners may not exceed sixteen percent (16%) of the wall or roof surface to which such banners are attached, and the total combined area of the banners and all other permanent signs on that wall or roof surface may not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the area of the wall or roof surface to which the banners are attached.

c. Where a single building is devoted to two (2) or more businesses, commercial, or industrial uses, the operator of each such use may install such a banner; provided, however, the maximum area of each such banner shall be determined by determining the proportionate share of the building face (including doors and windows) of the principal building occupied by each such use and applying such proportion to the total sign area permitted on the wall of the building according to subparagraph (3) (b) of paragraph (M) of this section.

4. With regard to all permissible banners, each banner may be temporarily removed or replaced with a banner with a new message thereon from time to time without the necessity of obtaining a new sign permit therefor, provided that the area of the banner may not exceed the area of the banner for which the original sign permit was obtained and issued.

N. Flags. Flags do not require a permit, however will only be permitted or allowed if such flags satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Flags are not permitted, unless all of the following conditions are met: a. The business or shopping center maintains a permanent sign that complies

with the provisions of the City's Sign Ordinance; b. No more than two (2) such flags may be displayed on a single lot or parcel

with a frontage of two hundred (200) feet or less. Lots or parcels with frontage between two hundred one (201) and five hundred (500) feet may


have a total of four (4) flags. Lots or parcels with frontage between five hundred one (501) and one thousand (1,000) feet may have a total of six (6) flags. Lots or parcels with frontage over one thousand (1,000) feet may have a total of eight (8) flags; and

c. The area of each flag may not exceed thirty (30) square feet.

2. With regard to all permissible flags, each flag may be temporarily removed or replaced with a flag with a new message thereon from time to time, provided that the flags meet the above requirements.

O. Inflatables. Inflatables shall only be allowed to remain on the site for no more than thirty (30) calendar days per year.

P. Political signs. Temporary political signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in residential districts and fifty (50) square feet in agricultural, commercial and industrial districts. Political signs may be placed only on private property with permission of the landowner or person in control of said property and do not require a permit. All political signs must be removed within seven (7) days after the election, except for signs displayed in residential districts, which shall have no restrictions on the time duration of display.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96; Am. Ord. 2377, passed 5-6-02; Am. Ord. 2471, passed 9-15-03; Am. Ord. 2599, passed 3-21-05; Am. Ord. 2913, passed 12-6-10; Am. Ord. 2941, passed 6-20-11) Penalty, see § 154.999

§ 154.149 SIGNS ACCESSORY TO RESIDENTIAL USES. Each sign accessory to residential uses shall be set back from the street right of way line a distance at least half of the required minimum setback specified in the district regulations, except for street number identification sign: and signs permitted under divisions (B) and (C) of this section. No sign accessory to any residential use shall be permitted except in compliance with the following regulations:

A. Name plate and identification signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations;

1. For each single-family dwelling there shall be permitted one (1) name plate not exceeding one (1) square foot in area (excluding the area of the house number) indicating the name or address of the occupant and, where applicable, a professional status, but not to indicate a product or business;

2. For each multiple-family dwelling there shall be permitted one (1) non-illuminated identification sign not exceeding five (5) square feet in area located near the main entrance to the building and indicating only the name and address of the building and name of the owner or manager thereof; and

3. In connection with the construction or remodeling of a building there shall be permitted no more than two (2) non-illuminated signs, each such sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area, indicating the names of any or all of the architects, engineers, and contractors engaged in the construction thereof, on corner lots four (4) such signs, two (2) facing each street, shall be permitted. No such sign may be placed or located within five (5) feet of the lot line or property line of the lot, block, or parcel of property upon which such sign is located. Any signs permitted under this paragraph (A) (3) shall be removed by the person


erecting the same within fourteen (14) days after the completion of the structure indicated.

B. For Sale and For Rent signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations: 1. a. For the sale or rental of real property, there may be no more than one (1) For

Sale” or “For Rent” sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two (2)such signs will be permitted, one (1) facing each street. No such “For Sale” or “For Rent” sign may exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, and no such sign shall be illuminated. Each such sign must be devoted solely to the sale or rental of the property being offered and must be removed within seven days following the sale or rental of the property.

b. In addition to one (1) “For Sale” or “For Rent” sign, there may be no more than one (1) “Open House” sign per lot, except that on a corner lot, two (2) such signs will be permitted, one (1) facing each street. Each such “Open House” sign may not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and no such sign may be illuminated. Each such “Open House” sign must be devoted solely to the property being offered for sale and must be removed immediately upon the conclusion of the open house for that property.

c. In addition to one (1) “Open House” sign being permitted per lot, additional “Open House” signs may be placed at intersections leading to the subject house for up to four (4) days prior to the open house. All such “Open House” signs shall be placed on private property after the consent and permission of the owner thereof has been obtained, and no such sign shall be placed in city right-of-way. Such sign shall be removed immediately upon the conclusion of the open house; and

2. Where more than six (6) dwelling units (or lots for dwelling purposes) are offered for sale or rental by the same party, there shall be permitted one (1) sign facing each public street providing access to the property being offered. Each such sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area and must be devoted solely to the sale or rental of the property being offered, and must be removed within (7) seven days following the sale or rental of the last property offered at that location.

C. Garage sale and yard sale signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:

1. For temporary sales of merchandise on private property, there may be no more than one (1) "Garage Sale" or "Yard Sale" sign per lot or household, except that on a corner lot two (2) such signs will be permitted, one (1) facing each street. No such sign may exceed three (3) square feet in area, and no such sign may be illuminated.

2. Additional "Garage Sale" or "Yard Sale" signs may be placed at street intersections leading to the subject house. All such signs shall be placed on private property after the consent and permission of the owner has been obtained, and no such sign shall be placed in public right-of-way.


3. All such "Garage Sale" or "Yard Sale" signs may be displayed no more than four (4) days prior to the scheduled sale and must be removed immediately upon the conclusion of the sale.

D. Subdivision or development identification signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:

1. For developing subdivisions, there may be no more than one (1) off premise sign directing vehicles to the subdivision from a major arterial road or street within the city. Such sign must not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and no such sign may be illuminated. Signs shall be placed on private property after the consent and permission of the owner thereof has been obtained. Each such sign must be devoted solely to directing persons and traffic to the subdivision being developed.

2. For subdivisions where a Preliminary Plat has been approved for ten (10) or more residential lots or dwelling units, there may be no more than one (1) permanent subdivision or development identification sign on each corner of each entry street not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in size each. Said sign must be placed on private property outside the public right-of-way and must comply with all other standards contained in this Chapter.

3. For assisted living facilities, senior independent housing, or skilled nursing facilities, there may be no more than one (1) permanent ground sign on each street entrance not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in size. Said sign shall be placed on private property outside the public right-of-way and must comply with all standards contained in this Chapter.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9 3 96; Am. Ord. 2599, passed 3-21-05; Am. Ord. 2713, passed 1-2-07) Penalty, see § 154.999

§ 154.150 SIGNS ACCESSORY TO BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL, OR INDUSTRIAL USES.

No sign accessory to any business, commercial, or industrial use shall be permitted, except in compliance with the following:

A. Wall signs. Wall signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations: 1. Front wall signs are permitted on the front wall of any principal building. The

total area of such sign or signs shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the area of the front face (including doors and windows) of the principal building;

2. Side wall signs shall not exceed more than ten percent (10%) of the side of the principal building, including doors and windows and shall not be painted directly on the side of any building;


3. Rear wall signs shall be permitted on the rear wall of any principal building. The total area of such sign or signs shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the area of the rear face (including doors and windows) of the principal building;

4. Where a single principal building is devoted to two (2) or more business, commercial, or industrial uses, the operator of each such use may install a wall sign. The maximum area of each sign shall be determined by determining the proportionate share of the front face (including doors and windows) of the principal building occupied by each such use and applying such proportion to the total sign area, permitted for the front wall of the building;

5. Wall signs shall not be projecting signs; 6. Signs constructed of metal and illuminated by any means requiring internal wiring

or electrically wired accessory fixtures attached to a metal sign shall maintain a free clearance to grade of nine (9) feet. Accessory lighting fixtures attached to a nonmetal frame sign shall maintain a clearance of nine (9) feet to the ground. In the event that a metal sign structure or accessory fixture herein described as grounded by the use of a grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors and said structure of fixture is also grounded by being bonded to a grounding electrode at the sign site, no clearance to grade shall be mandatory;

7. Wall signs may be gaseous type or may be illuminated by interior means of lighting of an intensity to prevent excessive glare, or by indirect lighting designed to flood only the area of the sign with light and to prevent light from being directed on surrounding property; and

8. Illuminated wall signs shall have shielded silhouette lighting or shielded spot lighting but shall not have any lighting where the light source itself is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the characters.

B. Ground signs. No more than one (1) ground sign may be displayed on a single lot or parcel with a frontage up to two hundred (200) feet. Lots or parcels with frontage between two hundred one (201) and five hundred (500) feet may have a total of two (2) ground signs. Lots or parcels with frontage between five hundred one (501) and one thousand (1,000) feet may have a total of three (3) ground signs. Lots or parcels with frontage over one thousand (1,000) feet may have a total of four (4) ground signs. All ground signs are subject to the following conditions:

1. All ground signs permitted by this section shall not project into the public right-of-way;

2. The total area of all ground signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot per foot of frontage, however the area of any ground sign shall not exceed one hundred sixty (160) square feet on either side;

3. No metal ground sign shall be located within eight (8) feet vertically and four (4) feet horizontally of electric wires or conductors in free air carrying more than forty eight (48) volts, whether or not these wires or conductors are insulated or otherwise protected;

4. The maximum height of the main body of any ground sign measured from the curb line or pavement edge shall not exceed the following limitations as applicable:

a. Twenty (20) feet in any C-1 district or when located within fifty (50) feet of any residential lot;


b. Twenty-five (25) feet in any C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1, or I-2 district; and c. Thirty (30) feet in any C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1 or I-2 district when adjacent to a

four-lane divided roadway with a traffic speed limit posted at 45 mile per hour or greater.

5. Signs constructed of metal and illuminated by any means requiring internal wiring or electrically wired accessory fixtures attached to a metal sign shall maintain a free clearance to grade of nine (9) feet. Accessory lighting fixtures attached to a non-metal frame sign shall maintain a clearance of nine (9) feet to ground. In the event that metal sign or structure or accessory fixture herein described is grounded by the use of a grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors and this structure or fixture is also grounded by being bonded to a grounding electrode at the sign site, no clearance to grade shall be mandatory.

6. Business parks, retail plazas, or shopping centers may consolidate individual ground signs and erect an enlarged commercial center sign, subject to the following regulations:

a. The sign must prominently display a common name for the entire shopping center, plaza, or business park. No individual tenant, lot, or business shall have a panel or portion of the sign exceeding fifty (50) square feet on either side.

b. The sign may be placed on-premise or off-premise but shall be located no more than four hundred (400) feet from the advertised business park, retail plaza, or shopping center.

c. The business park, retail plaza, or shopping center must contain four (4) or more individual businesses or lots that share one or more common entrances and are located on a site no smaller than ten (10) acres in total land area.

d. The sign must be located in a C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1, or I-2 district. e. The sign shall not exceed thirty-four (34) feet in height and two

hundred sixty (260) square feet in sign area on either side. The sign must also comply with any and all sign standards in this Chapter, unless inconsistent with this subsection.

f. The sign must be placed no less than ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way line, no less than three hundred (300) feet from any residential property, and no less than five hundred (500) feet from any other commercial center sign or billboard.

g. Each individual lot within a business park shall have or erect monument signs only. Sign size and quantity per lot shall be as permitted by this subchapter, however, no monument sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in height and sixty (60) square feet in area on either side.


C. Roof signs. Signs must be located wholly within the roof area of the structure and are permitted subject to the following conditions:

1. No roof sign shall be placed on the roof of any building in such manner as to prevent the free passage from one part of the roof to any other part thereof;

2. Every roof sign, including the upright supports and braces, shall be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials. However, combustible structural trim may be used thereon;

3. No roof sign shall have a surface exceeding twenty five percent (25%) of the roof surface, nor have its highest point extended more than eight (8) feet above the roof level;

4. No sign shall be painted directly upon the roof of any building; and 5. Every roof sign shall be thoroughly secured to the building by iron or other metal

anchors or supports.

D. Awning or canopy signs. Letters may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible awning or canopy subject to the following regulations:

1. Lettering or letters shall not project above, below, or beyond the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy; and

2. Lettering or letters shall not denote other than the name and address of the business conducted therein or a product or products produced or sold or service rendered therein.

E. Commercial or industrial district. Nameplates indicating the name and corporate insignia of the building owner or occupant, address or product may be located on gates, gate posts, or gate houses; provided that in the case of multiple occupancy, one (1) name be utilized for identification purposes.

F. Signs accessory to automobile service stations. The following signs accessory to automobile service stations are permitted, in addition to the signs permitted under this section:

1. Gasoline service stations shall be permitted one (1) exterior rate or price sign for each street frontage. The area of each such sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet. Such signs shall not contain any advertising;

2. Each gasoline service station shall be permitted to display a maximum of seven (7) signs or items of information; and

3. Signs accessory to service stations must conform to all other provisions in this section.

G. For sale signs. Temporary for sale signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area for lots or parcels less than five (5) acres in size. Temporary for sale signs shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area for lots or parcels greater than five (5) acres in size.

H. Off-premise signs. No more than one (1) off-premise ground sign may be displayed on a single commercial- or industrial- zoned parcel provided that such sign does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size and a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet. Such off-premise ground sign can be consolidated as part of a commercial center sign subject to the conditions in §154.150 (B) (6) and a maximum of sixteen (16) square feet per panel. Such off-premise ground sign shall count toward the total number, and the maximum square foot area, of ground sign(s) permitted on the parcel on which such off-premise sign is located.


I. Projecting signs. No more than one (1) projecting sign per storefront may be constructed, provided, however, that such sign

1. Is a minimum of ten (10) feet above ground level and does not extend above the parapet wall or roof line;

2. Is one (1) square foot in area per linear foot of store frontage not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet, and is not more than six (6) feet from the face of the building; and

3. Does not extend into the public right-of-way except where a storefront meets the sidewalk. In such instance, the sign shall not extend past the curb line or into any vehicular area.

J. Electronic message boards. No more than one (1) electronic message board per lot may be constructed, provided, however, that the message board: 1. Is attached and subordinate to a permitted wall or ground sign; 2. Does not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area and does not exceed forty

(40) percent of the total area of the sign; 3. Displays a copy for a minimum duration of three (3) seconds before any

change in copy. 4. Is not a flashing sign, does not display video or graphic animation, and

does not utilize chasing, scintillating, or high intensity lighting. 5. Does not display any advertising other than references to the business conducted

on the premises. Civic announcements, congratulatory remarks, personal salutations, and the time, date, and/or temperature shall also be allowed. 6. Is not located within one-hundred (100) feet of any residential zoning

district.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9 3 96; Am. Ord. 2288, passed 5-7-01; Am. Ord. 2471, passed 9-15-03; Am. Ord. 2599, passed 3-21-05; Am. Ord. 2941, passed 6-20-11) Penalty, see § 154.999

§ 154.151 SIGNS ACCESSORY TO PARKING AREAS. Signs accessory to parking areas are permitted subject to the following regulations:

A. One (1) sign may be erected to designate each entrance to or exit from a parking area. Each such sign shall be no more than two (2) square feet in area; and

B. One (1) sign designating the conditions of use shall be permitted for each parking area. Each such sign shall be limited to a maximum area of nine (9) square feet. In parking areas where the parking spaces are reserved, each space may have a sign designating the parking restrictions limited to a maximum area of two (2) square feet.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) § 154.152 SIGNS ACCESSORY TO CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, OR NONPROFIT

INSTITUTIONS. Signs accessory to churches, schools, or nonprofit institutions are permitted subject to the following regulations:


A. In AG-1, CE-1, R-1A, R-1, and R-2 zoning districts, there shall be not more than one (1) sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two (2) signs, one (1) facing each street, shall be permitted. No such sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area. Such signs shall be set back from the right of way line a distance at least one half (½) of the minimum setback specified in the district regulations.

B. In C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-I, and I-2 zoning districts, signs shall be as permitted by § 154.150 of this chapter.

C. Sign permit fees shall be waived for any tax supported unit or district.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96; Am. Ord. 2599, passed 3-21-05)

§ 154.153 AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT SIGNS. The following signs accessory to agricultural zoning districts are permitted subject to the following regulations:

A. Nameplates not exceeding one (1) square foot in area on either side for each dwelling unit;

B. Bulletin boards for churches and identifications signs for schools or other permitted uses, not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area when located on the premises of agricultural zoning districts;

C. Signs not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area offering for sale, land, lots, houses, or livestock; and

D. Home occupation signs in conformance with § 154.036. (Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) § 154.154 BILLBOARDS.

A. Billboards of the following three (3) types shall be allowed: 1. Poster panels or bulletins normally mounted on a building wall, roof, or free-

standing structure with advertising copy in the form of pasted paper; 2. Multi-prism signs alternating advertising messages on one (1) displayed area; and 3. Painted bulletins, where the advertisers message is painted directly on a wall-

mounted, roof, or free-standing display area.

B. Billboards are prohibited in the city, except under the following conditions: 1. No billboard will be permitted which advertises a business which is not located

and presently being conducted on the premises on which the billboard is located, except as follows:

a. As may be permitted by applicable state and federal law, rules, and regulations along state and federal highways, or roads under the jurisdiction of the state or federal departments of transportation, and where the maximum permissible speed for vehicles traveling upon such highway or road is not less than fifty-five (55) miles per hour;

b. The maximum height above grade of such large billboard shall not exceed thirty (30) feet;


c. The maximum surface area of such large billboard shall not exceed six hundred seventy two (672) square feet;

d. The lot, block, or parcel of real estate upon which said large billboard is located must have an area of no less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, and must be zoned for commercial or industrial use;

e. The location of said large billboard shall be no less than twenty (20) feet from the property line of the lot upon which the large billboard is located;

f. Said large billboard may not be located or placed within five hundred (500) feet from the nearest lot line of any residential zoned lot, block or parcel, or any lot, block or parcel use for residential purposes;

g. Said large billboard may not be located any closer than one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from another such large billboard whether on the same side of the highway or road; and

h. Said large billboard may not be located in such a place or in such a manner so as to block the view of drivers of vehicles approaching an intersection.

2. No small billboard will be permitted which advertises a business which is not located and presently being conducted on the premises on which the billboard is located, except as follows:

a. As may be permitted by applicable state and federal law, rules, and regulations along state and federal highways, or roads under the jurisdiction of the state or federal departments of transportation, and where the maximum permissible speed for vehicles traveling upon such highway or road is not less than fifty-five (55) miles per hour;

b. The maximum height above grade of such small billboard shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet;

c. The maximum surface area of such small billboard shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet;

d. The lot, block, or parcel of real estate upon which said small billboard is located must have an area of no less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, and must be zoned for commercial or industrial use;

e. The location of said small billboard shall be no less than twenty (20) feet from the property line of the lot upon which the small billboard is located;

f. Said small billboard may not be located within five hundred (500) feet from the nearest lot line of any residential zoned lot, block, or parcel, or any lot , block, or parcel used for residential purposes if the small billboard is lighted using internal or external means;

g. Said small billboard may not be located any closer than five hundred (500) feet from any other billboard with the exception of small billboards that are located on opposite sides of a public street; and

h. Said small billboard may not be located in such a place or in such a manner so as to block the view of drivers of vehicles approaching an intersection.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96; Am. Ord. 2941, passed 6-20-11) Penalty, see § 154.999 § 154.155 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.


A. Signs which do not conform to the provisions of this subchapter as of October 1, 1996 are nonconforming uses.

B. A nonconforming sign may not be: 1. Changed to another nonconforming sign; 2. Structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign; 3. Expanded in size; 4. Reestablished after its removal for thirty (30) days; 5. Reestablished after damage or destruction if the estimated expenses of

reconstruction exceeds fifty percent (50%) of appraised replacement cost at the time of the damage or destruction;

6. Routinely maintained where the costs of such repair or maintenance exceeds fifteen percent (15%) of the current replacement costs for any period of twelve (12) consecutive months. However, nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any size or part thereof declared to be unsafe by the Code Enforcement Officer; or

7. Continued following a change of business, for which the sign advertised.

(Ord. 2033, passed 9-3-96) Penalty, see § 154.999


Woodford County

1

Woodford County Zoning Ordinance

Woodford County, Illinois Adopted October, 2002

(amended April, 2004) (amended October 18, 2005)

(amended April 18, 2006) (amended June 20, 2006)

(amended March 18, 2008) (amended August 19, 2008)

(amended November 17, 2009) (amended November 16, 2010)

(Amended May 17, 2011) (Amended February 27, 2012)

(Amended April 17, 2012)


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Section 22

SIGNS (This entire section amended 11/17/09 by Petition 09-30-A)

22-1000. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to provide regulation and control of the location, size, content and

placement of signs throughout the County in order to promote signs which are safe and compatible with their surroundings. This article also recognizes the need to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property. These regulations also recognize the need for a well maintained and attractive physical appearance of the County and the need for adequate business identification for the conduct of competitive commerce. This section is therefore intended to benefit the general community by protecting property values and by reducing sign or advertising distractions which may adversely impact traffic safety and result in visual congestion for pedestrians.

22-1100. Definitions. The following definitions, when used in this Section shall have the following meanings unless

the context clearly indicates otherwise: A. SIGHT TRIANGLE: The area of the corner lot closest to the intersection which is kept free of visual

impairment to allow full view of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. B. SIGN AREA: The entire area of one sign face cumulatively, including sign faces on which no copy is

currently displayed, not including posts, pillars or columns. C. SIGN, BILLBOARD: A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or

entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. Also known as an off premises sign. (Also see 22-1100-L)

D. SIGN, CANOPY/AWNING: Any sign which is affixed to, painted on or suspended from a canopy

or awning. E. SIGN, DIRECTIONAL: A sign designed and erected solely for the purpose of directing or guiding

automotive or pedestrian traffic or parking and containing no advertising matter. F. SIGN, FLASHING: Any sign, which, by method or manner of illumination, flashes on or off, or

blinks with varying light intensity, shows motion, or creates the illusion of motion or revolves in a manner to create the illusion of being on or off.

G. SIGN, FREE STANDING: A sign supported by one or more upright poles, columns, or braces

placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building or structure. H. SIGN, HEIGHT: The vertical distance measured from the natural grade at the base of the sign

support to the highest point of the sign. I. SIGN, IDENTIFICATION: An on- premises sign which states the name of the business or

establishment, including either the national company or local proprietor, and/or the address of a building.

J. SIGN, ILLUMINATED: A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or in

the sign or directed towards the sign. K. SIGN, NON-CONFORMING: A sign lawfully erected and maintained prior to the effective date of

the adoption of this ordinance which does not conform to the provisions of this ordinance. L. SIGN, OFF PREMISES: A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or

entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is


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located. Also known as a billboard. (Also see 22-1100 C) M. SIGN, ON PREMISES: Any sign that identifies a business, person, activity, goods, products,

services of facilities that is located on the same premises as the sign itself. N. SIGN, PORTABLE: Any sign that is not permanently attached to the ground, a structure, or a

building and which is designed to be transported to another location. O. SIGN, PROJECTING: Any sign other than a wall sign that is attached to and projects from the

wall of a building or structure. P. SIGN, TEMPORARY: Any sign which contains information which is not permanent in character.

Such signs include, but are not limited to, political campaign signs, garage sale signs and real estate signs.

Q. SIGN, WALL: Any sign, attached or erected against a wall or building or structure parallel to the

face of a building and supported throughout its length by such building. 22-1200. Application and Fees. An application for a sign shall comply with the building permit and Fee Schedule. 22-1300. Exempt Signs. The following signs are allowed in all districts, subject to any requirements specified herein

and shall not be required to obtain a sign permit.

A. For sale, for rent, and real estate signs erected to announce the sale or rent of property provided such signs are not more than 32 square feet in area. These signs shall be on- premise signs. These signs shall be removed thirty (30) days following the sale or lease of the property in question. Such signs shall be entirely on private property and shall not extend onto or over any right-of-way and not to exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.

B. Road and traffic control signs. Signs erected by a jurisdiction for road direction and traffic control

such as, but not limited to, no parking, stop, speed limit, railroad crossing, and other such signs required for the safe and efficient flow of traffic throughout the County.

C. Agricultural produce signs. Signs erected in zoning districts where agricultural uses are permitted,

which advertise the sale of farm products & produce provided that such signs shall not be more than twelve (12) square feet in area; any illumination shall be non-flashing, uncolored, and confined to the face of the sign. Such sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and shall be entirely on private property and shall not extend onto or over any right-of-way

D. Crop identification signs. Signs erected in zoning districts where agricultural uses are permitted, which

do not exceed six (6) square feet per sign shall be permitted without limit to number provided such signs are placed entirely on private property and shall not extend onto or over any right-of-way

E. Directional and information signs. Signs erected for a public or essentially public purpose not to exceed

eight (8) square feet in area and shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height unless otherwise specifically stated, and shall not contain any advertising matter whatsoever. Such signs may be illuminated, shall be non-flashing and illumination shall be confined to the face of the sign Such signs shall be used for the following purposes only:

1. Signs directing and guiding automobile or pedestrian traffic on private property including signs

which identify restrooms, public telephones, walkways and similar features and facilities. 2. Signs which identify the name or location of a town or village, medical facilities, community

center, school, college, or place of worship. 3. Signs which identify the name or place of a meeting of an official or civic body such as


79

Chambers of Commerce, Rotary or Kiwanis Club. 4. Temporary signs indicating a public event such as a State or County Fair, public or general

election, etc., provided that such sign shall not interfere with the full view of traffic in all directions. Such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the event.

5. Entrance and exit signs designating the entrances and exits to and from parking area provided that

such signs shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height, nor four (4) square feet in area. Such signs shall be placed outside the public right-of-way and there shall be no more than two (2) signs for each entrance and exit.

F. RESERVED

G. Political Signs. Temporary political signs shall be located at least one foot from a public right-of- way, and shall be removed within seven (7) days following an election.

H. Memorial Signs. Signage including names of buildings, date of erection, etc. I. RESERVED

J. No Trespassing signs, warning signs (such as a Beware of Dog sign), shall not be larger than four (4)

square feet. 22-1400. Prohibited Signs. Except as specifically provided otherwise in this Section, the following signs shall be

prohibited in all districts:

A. Portable Signs, except as provided on a temporary basis not to exceed thirty (30) consecutive days.

B. Signs which project onto the right-of-way. Any sign located in the right-of-way may be immediately removed and seized by the zoning official.

C. Signs which interfere with traffic signals.

D. Any sign which is installed, erected, or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this Article.

E. Any sign erected, constructed, maintained, tacked, pasted, typed, painted or other wise affixed to poles, posts, fences, trees, rocks or other structures or natural features, which displays advertising matter, and is located wholly or partially within the right-of-way of any public road or highway. This shall not apply to official highway markers or other authorized traffic control devices.

F. Abandoned signs, that advertise or identify an activity, business product or service that is no longer

conducted or available on the premises where such sign is located. The property owner shall remove said sign within sixty (60) days of notification by the Zoning Administrator.

G. Off-premise signs, including but not limited to billboards, in all districts except as may be permitted by a Special Use.

22-1500. Signs Permitted in the Agriculture and Residential Districts. The following signs shall be allowed in

the agriculture (A1 & A2), Conservation and residential (R1 & R2) districts, with a permit, in accordance to the requirements of the section: A. In any subdivision one (1) sign shall be permitted for each separate road frontage occupied by the

subdivision and/or for each means of entrance to or exit from the subdivision. B. On-site Subdivision signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.


80

C. On-site Subdivision signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from any property line, and the sign shall not be located in the sight triangle or otherwise impair the visibility of a vehicle from a road or driveway.

D. Portable Signs and Sandwich Boards are permitted for grand openings, And other similar special

events on a temporary basis, for no more than thirty (30) consecutive days at a time, and no more than two (2) times per year.

E. Home Occupation Sign. Exterior evidence of the conduct of a home occupation is not permitted except

one (1) sign not to exceed seventeen and one half (17 ½) square feet. F. Temporary Subdivision Informational Signs. Signs not to exceed 32 square feet in area and fifteen

(15) feet in height, shall be allowed to announce the opening and sale of lots within a new subdivision. Such signs shall be located on private property within the new subdivision and not in any right-of-way or road easement. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the sale of the last lot within the subdivision. One (1) sign shall be allowed at each entrance to the subdivision, however, no more than two such signs shall be allowed per subdivision. Off premise, temporary subdivision informational signs are not permitted under this section

22-1600. On-Premise Signs Permitted in the Commercial and Industrial Districts.

A. In addition to those signs identified already in the permitted signs section, free standing and identification signs and wall signs shall be allowed in the commercial and industrial districts with a permit, subject to the requirements of this section and to the following size requirements:

1. No sign face shall exceed one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of road frontage, up to a maximum of seventy (70) square feet of total sign face, and a height of twenty-five (25) feet.

2. Free standing identification signs on an individual lot shall be separated by a minimum of one

hundred fifty (150) feet as measured along the road frontage. 3. If a development fronts more than one (1) road, signs may be placed on each road frontage, so

long as they meet the one hundred fifty (150) foot spacing requirements. However, the sign face area that is oriented toward each road may not exceed the proportion of the total lot frontage of that road. One (1) corner sign may be substituted for the Signage allowed on the two (2) connecting road frontages, provided that the sign face of the corner sign does not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

4. For commercial retail establishments or nonresidential planned unit developments that are

comprised of more than one (1) store and that exceeds 50,000 square feet an additional identification sign for the entire establishment or planned unit development that does not exceed one hundred (100) square feet shall be permitted.

5. Wall signs may not cover more than twenty percent (20%) of the facade of the building.

B. Portable signs, and sandwich boards are permitted for grand openings, sales and other similar special

events on a temporary basis, for no more than thirty (30) days at a time, and no more than two (2) times per year.

22-1700. Location Restrictions.

A. No sign shall be erected so as to prevent free ingress and egress from any door, window, roof or utility line.

B. No sign shall be attached to a public utility pole, fence, gutter drain or fire escape, other than warning signs issued by government officials or public utilities. No trespassing signs, notification signs for


81

emergency personal, or other such signs, are not to exceed four (4) square feet. C. If a sign which is located such that a major portion of the sign face will directly face structures in any

Residential District, then the illumination of such signs shall be directed at the sign face, shaded and so limited that there will not be any glare to the occupants of property in the Residential District. In no event, shall such sign have flashing, rotating, or moving intermittent lights.

D. No sign shall be permitted within a sight triangle, except for safety-related signs. Any signs proposed to

be located at any intersection of two or more roads, that is determined to be within 50 feet of a sight triangle, shall be approved by the appropriate road authority.

22-1800. Setbacks.

A. All signs shall be located entirely on private property and shall not extend onto, over or into any right- of-way; unless indicated otherwise in this section .

B. The minimum setback from any rear or interior side property line shall be five (5) feet.

22-1900. Height. The maximum height of any sign shall be fifteen (15) feet unless specifically indicated otherwise. 22-2000. Illumination Standards. Illuminated signs shall be designed, located, and constructed to eliminate or

significantly reduce glare and shall not increase the lighting intensity upon adjoining or neighboring premises not under the same ownership or control.

22-2100. Off Premises Signs. Off-premises signs, such as but not limited to billboards, may be permitted as special uses in

the commercial and industrial districts, along state and U.S. designated highways in accordance with the procedures and standards as set forth in Special Uses, provided the following requirements are also met:

A. Signs shall be constructed of steel with mono-pole and shall not be stacked.

B. Signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet in total sign face area.

C. No sign shall exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

D. Signs shall be separated by one-quarter (1/4) mile along the same road frontage.

E. Wherever applicable, signs shall comply with the standards of the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971, as amended (225 ILCS 440/1 et.seq.).

Off premises signs thirty two (32) square feet or less, along state and U.S. designated highways only, may be permitted without a Special Use in the Commercial and Industrial Districts, provided that they shall comply with the standards of the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971, as amended (225 ILCS 440/1 et seq.).

Off premises temporary subdivision informational signs thirty two (32) sq. ft. or less are permitted in the A1, A2 or Conservation Districts , provided that they shall comply with the standards of the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971, as amended (225 ILCS 440/1 et seq.).

Any off premises sign along any U.S. State, County or Township road or highway exceeding thirty two (32) sq. ft. shall be required to obtain a Special Use permit if within 1+1/2 miles of any municipality.

22-2200. Non-Conforming Signs. A sign lawfully established before the effective date of this ordinance but not

conforming with the regulations of this section may remain. Any non-conforming sign shall comply with the regulations in the Non-Conformities section of this zoning ordinance.

22-2300 All signs located along any State or Federal highway shall obtain any and all permits required by the Illinois

Department of Transportation in compliance with the standards of the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Control


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Act of 1971, as amended (225 ILCS 440/1 et seq.) 22-2400. Variances. Any request for a deviation, alteration, variation or change from the aforementioned rules shall require the applicant to apply for a variance through the normal variance procedures as specified in section 25 of the Woodford County Zoning Ordinance, except that the filing fee shall be $50. The applicant shall be responsible for publication costs and zoning permit fees.


sign ordinances - peoria area association of realtors® ordinances manual rev 06.12.pdfeast peoria...

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