(B) To enhance the economy and the business and industry of the Village by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs and encouraging better communication with the public;

(D) To protect the general public from damage and injury caused by the faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the Village;

(E) To protect pedestrians and motorists from damage or injury caused by the distractions, obstructions and hazards created by certain signs;

(F) To protect the public investment in streets and highways by reducing sign or advertising distractions that may increase traffic accidents; and

(G) To protect the physical and mental well-being of the general public by recognizing and encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the visual environment.

Sec. 27-103. Scope. [back to top]

This Chapter shall not relate to building design nor shall the Chapter regulate the copy and message of signs; signs not intended to be viewed from a public right-of-way; window displays; product dispensers and point of purchase displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of the United States or political subdivision; gravestones; barber poles; religious symbols; commemorative plaques; the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined herein as a sign or attention-getting device.

Sec. 27-104. Definitions. [back to top]

Certain terms are defined for the purposes of this Chapter as follows:

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 (DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OR DESIGNEE). The person or persons duly appointed by the Village Manager to enforce the provisions of this Chapter.

ANIMATED SIGN. Any sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene (compare "Flashing Sign").

AREA. (See "SIGN, AREA OF").

ATTENTION-GETTING DEVICE. Any pennant, flag, valance, banner, propeller, pole cover, spinner, streamer, searchlights, storefront window lights, balloon or similar device or ornamentation designated for the purposes of attracting attention, promoting or advertising. (Ord. 23-22)

AWNING. Any structure made of cloth, metal or other material attached to a building when the same is so erected as to permit it being raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

AWNING, PERMANENT. Any structure made of cloth, metal or other material attached to a building supported only by the building in a fixed or permanent position (not retractable).

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 non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.

BENCH SIGN. Any sign attached to or painted on a bench.

BILLBOARD. (See "OFF-PREMISES SIGN" and "HIGHWAY SIGN").

BUILDING. As defined in the Addison Building Code.

BUSINESS FLAG. A flag, the dimensions of which do not exceed five (5) feet by three (3) feet, which is designed by or for a particular business enterprise and which includes a business trademark or symbol.

CANOPY. A structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, metal or other material, carried by a frame supported by the ground or sidewalks and/or building.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN (AUTOMATIC). A sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lampbank or through mechanical means; e.g., electrical or electronic time and temperature units.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN (MANUAL). A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field; e.g., readerboards with changeable letters.

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 the grade.

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

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

DAY. Dawn to dusk. (Ord. 06-59)

DEVELOPER SIGN. A temporary sign listing the name and address of the general contractor of the project and the general nature of the proposed use.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN. An on-premises sign giving directions, instructions or facility information and which shall not contain the name or logo of an establishment and no advertising copy; e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs.

DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. A sign with two (2) faces that cannot be viewed at the same time.

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

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (See "CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN, AUTOMATIC").

EXTERIOR RATE SIGN. Any sign upon which is designated or written out in words, numbers, or figures, describing rates, price, or any combination thereof.

FACADE. The entire building front including the parapet.

FACE OF SIGN. The area of a sign on which the copy is placed.

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 (compare "CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN").

FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign supported upon the ground or support structure on the ground and not attached to any building.

FRONTAGE. The length of the property line of any one premises along a public right-of-way on which it borders (compare "MAJOR STREET FRONTAGE").

FRONTAGE, BUILDING. The length of an outside building wall facing a public right-of-way.

HEIGHT (OF A SIGN). The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, including decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is lower (compare "CLEARANCE").

HELP WANTED SIGN. A sign not exceeding five (5) square feet in area, informing the public of employment opportunities available on the premises on which the sign is located.

ILLEGAL SIGN. A sign which is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this Chapter.

ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

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

INFORMATIONAL SIGNS. Signs whose principal purpose will be to direct and guide automotive or pedestrian traffic or parking on private property. This sign may contain the name or insignia of the business when necessary to distinguish between specific business uses on the business lot, and not normally visible from the public right of way.

INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WALL SIGN. A wall sign permitted on a building wall most directly facing the Interstate Highway on a lot directly abutting Interstate 290 or Interstate 355.

LOT. A parcel of land legally defined on a subdivision map recorded with the assessment department or land registry office, or a parcel of land defined by a legal record of survey map.

MAINTENANCE. For the purpose of this Chapter, the cleaning, painting, repair or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the copy, design or structure of the sign.

MAJOR COMMERCIAL STREET FRONTAGE PROPERTIES. Properties which are adjacent to or front on the following principal commercial streets in the Village of Addison: Addison Road, Army Trail Road, Grace Street, Fullerton Avenue (west of Addison Road, including Collins Street), Lake Street, North Avenue, Rohlwing Road, and Swift Road. (Ord. 95-39)

MAJOR STREET FRONTAGE. For the purposes of this Chapter, shall be the street at the front of the building and the following specific streets: Addison Road, Army Trail Road, Fullerton Avenue (west of Addison Road), Lake Street, North Avenue, Rohlwing Road and Swift Road.

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

MARQUEE. A permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of the building (compare "AWNING").

MARQUEE SIGN. Any sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure.

MOVING SIGN. A sign which revolves, rotates, swings, undulates, or otherwise attracts attention through the movement of parts, but not including flags, banners or pennants.

NAME PLATE. A sign which displays only the name and/or address of the occupant, is non-electrical, and does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

NIGHT. Dusk to dawn.

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 "highway sign" (see Section 27-412).

ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign which pertains to the premises on which it is located.

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 a roofline.

PERSON. For the purposes of this Chapter, any individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership or similarly defined interest.

POINT OF PURCHASE DISPLAY. Advertising of a retail item accompanying its display; i.e., an advertisement on a product dispenser.

POLE COVER. Covers enclosing or decorating poles or other structural supports of a sign.

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGNS. Signs or posters announcing candidates seeking public political office and/or political issues, and data pertinent thereto.

PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground; a sign designed to be moved from place to place. These signs primarily include but are not limited to, signs attached to wood or metal frames, designed to be self-supporting and movable, paper, cardboard, plastic, or canvas signs wrapped around supporting poles. This term also includes those signs commonly known as sandwich signs.

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 supported by a building or other structure which protects over any street, sidewalk, alley, or public way or public easement, or which projects more than twelve (12) inches from the face of any building, structure, or supporting wall. This term also includes those signs commonly known as overhanging signs.

PUBLIC SIGNS. Legal notices, identification, informational or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies, or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.

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.

ROOF SIGN. A sign, constructed and supported in whole or in part upon or over the roof of a building or structure.

ROTATING SIGN. A sign in which the sign itself or any portion of the sign moves in a revolving or similar manner. Such motion does not refer to methods of changing copy.

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

SIGN, AREA OF:

(1) FREESTANDING. The area of a freestanding sign shall have only one face (the largest one) of any double-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 individual cabinets:

(a) The area around and enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet or module shall be summed and then totalled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area shall not include pole covers or support structure, provided that there is not advertising copy on such embellishments.

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

(c) If the freestanding sign is attached to a freestanding wall (monument), the area of the sign shall be measured in the same manner as a wall sign.

(2) WALL SIGNS. The area shall be within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any straight line geometric fixture which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message. The outside dimension of the frame, box or background board shall be used to determine area, except that signs composed of individual letters shall be calculated using the maximum height of the tallest letter by the total length of each word (forming a rectangle), the combined area of all words and/or characters shall be the area of an individual letter sign.

SIGN STRUCTURE. A structure constructed for the purpose of displaying a sign. Any sign structure shall be designed and constructed in a manner that is safe and shall be free of any exposed bracing, angle iron, guide wires, cables, etc.

SHOPPING CENTER. A group of commercial establishments under a single, joint or separate ownership with common off-street parking areas on a single lot.

SNIPE SIGN. A temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence, etc., excluding political campaign signs.

SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A freestanding sign identifying a recognized subdivision, condominium complex or residential development.

TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign not constructed or intended for long-term use, excluding political campaign signs.

UNDER-CANOPY SIGN. A sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee.

UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES SIGN. A sign or marker which indicates the location of wires, ducts, cable, conduits, pipelines, mains of pipes, and appurtenances thereto, which are installed beneath the surface of the ground. (See PUBLIC SIGN).

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

VEHICLE SIGNS. Any advertising or business sign painted on, or attached to a motor vehicle, which is parked and placed in position for the purpose of displaying the same to the public. Vehicle signs shall not include political campaign signs.

WALL SIGN. A sign painted on or attached parallel to and extending not more than twelve (12) inches from the wall of a building. This definition includes painted, individual letter and cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard.

WINDOW PROMOTIONAL SIGN. A sign visible from the exterior of a building or structure which is painted on a window; depicted upon a card, paper or other material; or placed on, taped on, or hung immediately behind the window; or displayed from a window for the specific purpose of attracting attention of the passerby to a sale, or to promotional times, or other products or services.

WINDOW SIGN. A sign visible from the exterior of a building or structure which is painted on a window; depicted upon a card, paper or other material; and placed on, taped on, or hung immediately behind the window; or displayed from a window for the specific purpose of identifying the proprietor or name of business to the passerby. A window sign shall not be construed to be a window promotional sign.

Article 2. Administration and Enforcement.

Sec. 27-201. Administrator. [back to top]

The Director of Community Development or his designee is authorized to process applications for permits and variances, public hearings as required, and enforce and carry out all provisions of this Code, both in letter and in spirit. The Director of Community Development is authorized to promulgate regulations and procedures consistent with this function.

The Director of Community Development or his designee is empowered, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure or premises in the Village 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.

Sec. 27-202. Permit Required. [back to top]

It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, alter or relocate any sign with the Village without first obtaining a permit from the enforcement official and paying the fee required. Maintenance or changing or parts designed for changes shall not be considered an alteration, provided such change does not alter the surface area, height or otherwise make the sign nonconforming.

Sec. 27-203. Application for Permits. [back to top]

Application for a permit for the erection, alteration or relocation of a sign shall be made to the Director of Community Development or his designee upon a form provided by the Director of Community Development and shall include the following information:

(A) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant, the owner of the property on which the sign is erected, affixed, or altered, the owner of the sign, and the person to be erecting, affixing, or altering the sign.

(B) The street address and/or exact location of the property on which the sign is to be located.

(D) The type of sign or sign structure as defined in this Chapter.

(E) Two (2) copies of the Plat of Survey or "to-scale" Site Plan showing all lot dimensions, property lines, easements, rights-of-way, exact building and structure location, as well as the locations and type of all existing and proposed signage.

(F) Two (2) copies of the "to-scale" elevations drawings of all existing and proposed signage to be located on the property. Such drawings shall include dimensioning details of the signage and the proposed message thereof, type of materials, proposed color scheme, and location of the external electrical disconnect switch as required by Section 27-402 for all illuminated signs.

(G) Such other information as may be required by the Director of Community Development to show full compliance with this and other applicable ordinances of the Village.

Sec. 27-204. Permit Issuance. [back to top]

It shall be the duty of the Director of Community Development, or his designee, upon the filing of an application for a permit, to examine such plans and specifications and other data related to proposed erection of the sign and sign structure. If it appears that the proposed sign and sign structure is in compliance with all the requirements of this Chapter, and all other ordinances of the Village, the permit shall then be issued. The time limitations for permits issued under this Chapter shall be as established in the Building Code of the Village.

When a permit is denied by the Director of Community Development, he shall give a written notice to the applicant along with a brief statement of the reasons for denial. The Director of Community Development may suspend or revoke a permit for any false statement or misrepresentation.

Sec. 27-205. Permit Fees, Refunds, and Penalties. [back to top]

Every applicant before being granted a permit under this Chapter shall pay the requisite permit fee to the Village for each sign. The amount of such permit fees shall be determined and set by the Board of Trustees from time to time.

A permit issued by the Director of Community Development becomes null and void if work is not commenced within ninety (90) days of issuance. If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit, the specified permit fee shall be doubled. However, payment of the doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirements or penalties prescribed by this Chapter.

If, upon inspection, the Administrator finds that a sign is abandoned or structurally, materially or electrically defective, or in any way endangers the public, the Director of Community Development shall issue a written order to the owner of the sign and occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and requiring them to repair or remove the sign within fourteen (14) days of the date of the order.

In cases of emergency, the Administrator may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice. Signs removed in this manner must present an imminent hazard to the public safety.

Sec. 27-206. Fee Schedule for Signs Subject to Permit Fees. [back to top]

(A) Non-illuminated signs: Thirty dollars ($30.00) plus thirty cents ($0.30) per square foot of sign as defined.

(B) Illuminated signs: Fifty dollars ($50.00) plus thirty cents ($0.30) per square foot of sign area as defined.

(C) Temporary signs and attention getting devices: Fifty dollars ($50.00) except that temporary sign permits issued to government agencies and non-profit organizations as defined by the General Not for Profit Corporation Act (805 ILCS 105/101.01 et seq.) shall not be required to pay the fee.

(D) Security Deposit (cash bond): In addition, a two hundred dollar ($200.00) security deposit shall be required at the time of sign permit issuance for all signs subject to permit fees. The security deposit shall be refundable following the final approval of permanent signs and/or the removal of temporary signs. The security deposit shall not be refunded for any sign erected in violation of this Sign Ordinance until all violations have been corrected and any fees or penalties due have been paid to the Village. (Ord. 97-2)

Sec. 27-207. Signs Not Subject to Permit Fee. [back to top]

The following types of signs shall not be subject to a permit fee unless illuminated. They shall, however, meet all requirements incorporated in the following sign descriptions and other requirements of this Chapter.

(A) Construction signs. Not more than one sign per premises and thirty-two (32) square feet in area, naming the contractors engaged in the construction on the property where the sign is located. The sign shall be removed prior to issuance of the Occupancy Permit.

(B) Developer's sign. A sign that may be permitted in the development agreement approved by the Village Board of the Village of Addison. The sign shall be no greater than the size stated in the agreement, no higher than six (6) feet above ground level, and set back ten (10) feet from all right-of-ways. There shall be no more than one sign per development tract unless the development is abutting two streets; then two separate signs may be permitted. Such sign shall be removed upon the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, or as otherwise stated in the agreement.

(C) Flags. Flags, symbols or crests of nations, or any organization of nations, states and cities, fraternal, religious civic organizations and business flags. (The flag pole is subject to building permit.)

(D) Holiday decorations. Decorations customarily and commonly associated with a national, local or religious holiday; provided they shall be displayed for a period of not more than forty-five (45) days, nor more than forty-five (45) days in any one year for each holiday. (Ord. 12-11)

(E) Institutional signs. Bulletin boards not over sixteen (16) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions where the same are located on the premises of the institution.

(F) Memorial signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze of other incombustible material.

(G) Nameplates. Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and bearing only names of occupants and/or addresses of premises or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations.

(H) Public signs. Legal notices, identification, informational or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute, or Chapter.

(I) Real estate. Signs not extending outside the property line and not more than five (5) square feet per face in area which advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the signs are located. No more than one real estate sign per lot except that a corner lot may have one such real estate sign per street front.

(J) House or garage sale signs. For purposes of this Chapter, all such "garage sale" signs and the like shall be subject to the provisions regulating house or garage sales. In addition, no such sign shall exceed five (5) square feet in surface area, and no such sign shall exceed a maximum exposure period of three (3) consecutive days.

(K) Window Displays. Merchandise, pictures or models of projects or services incorporated in a window display.

(L) Political campaign signs. Signs or posters announcing candidates seeking public political office and/or political issues, and data pertinent thereto. Signs displayed on private property for no more than sixty (60) days; removal within seventy-two (72) hours after election.

(M) Window signs. A permanent sign not exceeding twenty (20) percent of the total window surface area or a promotional sign not exceeding forty-five (45) percent of the total window surface area, or a combination of both not exceeding forty-five (45) percent of the total window surface area.

(N) Large scale development signs. To be permitted only on developments with a total land area of four (4) or more acres. Said signs shall be permitted only in the following incidences:

(1) From the time of initial on-site construction until that construction under permit is ninety (90) percent occupied. In no event shall said sign be displayed more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days; and

(2) In the event a development is less than seventy (70) percent occupied one (1) year from the time of initial construction, a renewal may be requested for up to fifty (50) percent of the number of signs or fifty (50) percent of the sign area previously granted for an additional three hundred sixty-five (365) days; and

(3) In the event that an existing rental development is converted into condominium ownership, in no event shall said sign be displayed for more than one hundred eighty (180) calendar days.

Furthermore, the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet of sign surface area, shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height from curb level, and shall set back a minimum of thirty (30) feet from all street right-of-ways. One such sign shall be permitted for each major entrance, except at no time shall more than two signs be erected and maintained at any one development.

(1) Signs shall contain only the name of the tenant whose business utilizes the rear service door and the address of the unit;

(2) The top of the sign shall be equal/level to the top of the door and/or window header;

(O) Rear service door signage to be permitted only for multi-unit buildings in business or manufacturing zoning districts. Said signs shall be permitted only when in accordance with the following provisions:

(1) The sign shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches by thirty-six (36) inches in size;

(2) Painted or raised letters shall be applied to a wood backing which shall be painted in contrast.

(3) All such signs at any one building shall be of similar construction and color.

(P) Help wanted signs not exceeding five (5) square feet in area.

(Q) Engraved wood signs by governmental agencies. (Ord. 95-39)

Sec. 27-208. Insurance or Bond Requirements. [back to top]

(A) Every applicant for a permit for a sign which will extend over a public right-of-way, pedestrian walkway or driveway, or which is so located that it may fall upon the same, shall file with the Director of Community Development, before the permit is granted, a liability insurance policy covering all damage or injury that might be caused by each of the signs, or Certificate of Insurance, therefore, issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the state, and satisfactory to the Director of Community Development, a multi-peril policy with the limits of liability not less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00). The Village, its officers, agents and employees shall be named as additional parties insured. Such liability insurance policy shall be maintained in force throughout the life of the permit; and if at any time it is not in full force, the permit shall be revoked by the Director of Community Development.

(B) In lieu of insurance as provided for in this Section, the applicant may file an indemnity bond, with a corporate surety satisfactory to the Director of Community Development, in the amount of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00), which will provide that the principal and surety will indemnify and hold harmless the Village, its officers, agents and employees from all claims, loss or suits resulting from such sign.

Sec. 27-209. Identification of Signs. [back to top]

Every sign hereafter shall have a permanent identification number either painted or attached in a conspicuous place thereon. The identification number shall be the same as the sign permit number. The identification number shall be of such size and location to permit ready identification to an unassisted person standing on the ground.

Sec. 27-210. Removal of Signs by the Administrator. [back to top]

The Administrator may cause the removal of an illegal sign in cases of emergency, or for failure to comply with the written orders of removal or repair. After removal or demolition of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign owner stating the nature of the work and the date of which it was performed and demanding payment of the costs as certified by the Director of Community Development together with an additional ten (10) percent for inspection and incidental costs.

If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within thirty (30) days of the notice, it shall become an assessment upon a lien against the property of the sign owner, and will be certified as an assessment against the property together with a reasonable penalty for collection in the same manner as the real estate taxes.

The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the Director of Community Development, as in the case of a leased sign.

The Administrator may cause the removal of non-public signs placed within or upon public rights-of-way or other municipal property without notice.

Sec. 27-211. Interpretation. [back to top]

When there is any ambiguity or dispute concerning the interpretation of this Chapter, the decision of the Director of Community Development shall prevail, subject to appeal as provided herein.

Sec. 27-212. Penalties. [back to top]

Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each offense. Each day on which any violation of this Chapter shall continue shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 23-22)

Sec. 27-213. Appeals. [back to top]

The applicant is required to respond to any decision rendered by the Director of Community Development in denying a permit or variance or in alleging a violation of this Chapter within thirty (30) days to the Building, Zoning and Development Committee. The Director of Community Development is required to submit the application for an appeal to the Building, Zoning and Development Committee within sixty (60) days. The action being appealed shall be held in abeyance pending the decision of the Building, Zoning and Development Committee and the Village Board of Trustees.

Sec. 27-214. Variances. [back to top]

All requests for variances shall be directed to the Village Board of Trustees in accordance with the established rules and procedures of that body. All action of the Village in granting variances shall be construed as amendments to the provisions of the Chapter. Applicant may request a hearing before the Commercial and Industrial Commission. The recommendations of the Commercial and Industrial Commission are advisory only. The Commission's recommendation may be considered by the Board at a variation hearing. Hearings on variation requests will be conducted only at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees. (Ord. 99-155)

Article 3. Prohibitions.

Sec. 27-301. Specific Prohibitions. [back to top]

The following signs are prohibited within the jurisdiction of the Village of Addison:

(A) Off-premises signs, unless they are specifically permitted by another section of this Chapter.

(B) Attention-getting devices, unless they are specifically permitted by another section of this Chapter.

(D) Moving signs.

(E) Portable signs

(F) Roof signs.

(G) Vehicle signs (including trailer-mounted signs).

(H) Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public health or safety.

(I) Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door or other required exitway and any sign that obstructs a window, vent or other building opening.

(J) Signs which by reason of size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination, obstruct the vision of drivers, or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads.

(K) Signs which make use of words such as "STOP," "LOOK," "ONE-WAY," "DANGER," "YIELD," or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse motorists.

(L) Any sign which advertises a business no longer conducted on the premises where such signs are located.

(M) Signs consisting of a string of hanging lights, or a cluster or series of lights, except on such time or temperature signs or theater marquees as may be permitted by this Chapter, and changeable copy signs.

(N) Snipe signs.

(O) Temporary signs, unless they are specifically permitted by another section of this Chapter.

(P) Attention-getting devices, including searchlights, storefront window lights, propellers, spinners, streamers and balloons. (Ord. 23-22).

(Q) Attention-getting devices, including pennants, banners, pole covers, streamers, storefront window lights, and similar devices, except for certain special occasions such as grand openings, and then only after having obtained a permit from the enforcement official. Such attention-getting devices shall be limited to a single period of 14 days or less in any calendar year. (Ord. 23-22)

(R) Abandoned signs.

(S) Any non-public sign placed on a right-of-way or other public property unless specifically permitted by another section of this Chapter.

(T) All signs higher than thirty (30) inches above the top of curb elevation are prohibited within the triangular portion of the front yard formed by the intersection of any two street lines and points along each street, a distance of thirty (30) feet away from said corner.

Sec. 27-302. Exceptions. [back to top]

Signs having special historical, aesthetic or architectural significance, and whose preservation and continued utilization are necessary and desirable, shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section; provided that such significance is determined by the Addison Historical Commission upon a public hearing regarding the alleged significance of the sign. No such sign, however, shall be declared historically, aesthetically, or architecturally significant unless at such public hearing it is determined that the sign meets the criteria and standards used by the Historical Commission for evaluating historically significant structures. The findings and determination of the Historical Commission on such an application shall be referred to the Building, Zoning and Development Committee, which shall then take such action on the recommendation of the Commission as it may deem fit, necessary and indicated.

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CHAPTER 27. SIGNS

VILLAGE OF ADDISON CODE

Chapter 27 – Signs