§ 30-16.10. Signs requiring a permit.
(a)
General Restrictions. Table 16-1: Sign Types Permitted by District describes the sign types permitted within a district. In addition, the following restrictions also apply:
(1)
All businesses fronting on public or private streets and having their principal operation on the ground floor of a building are allowed those sign types and quantities as listed in Table 16-1. Such signs must be located on that part of the building having street frontage and are subject to the following:
(A)
Signs on an awning valance are always permitted but are limited to five (5) inches in height and no more than one (1) item of information.
(B)
Commercial uses located in residential zoning districts may display one (1) wall or projecting sign per street frontage. No other sign types are permitted.
(C)
Institutional uses located in residential zoning districts may display one (1) wall or ground sign per street frontage. No other sign types are permitted.
(2)
Townhouse, stacked flat and multi-family dwellings located in residential districts may display a ground sign oriented to the street on which it fronts only if the development consists of at least twenty (20) dwelling units and has at least one hundred (100) feet of street frontage.
(3)
Businesses lacking frontage on a public or private street may locate only one (1) sign in accordance with applicable sections of this Article on that face of the building which is designated by that business as its principal frontage, and contains the primary entry into the business.
(4)
All signs must comply with the standards of this section.
VILLAGE OF WILMETTE, ILLINOIS
TABLE 16-1: SIGN TYPES PERMITTED BY DISTRICT
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
PRIMARY SIGN SECONDARY SIGN AWNING/WALL/ GROUND WINDOW PROJECTING VALANCE VILLAGE CENTER (VC) Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) One (1) per Awning LINDEN SQUARE (NR-1) Awning or Wall One (1) One (1) One (1) per Awning NEIGHBORHOOD RETAIL (NR) NORTH GREEN BAY ROAD Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) One (1) per Awning RIDGE ROAD Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) One (1) per Awning SKOKE AND OLD GLENVIEW Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) per Awning WILMETTE AND SKOKIE Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) per Awning WEST LAKE AVENUE Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) per Awning GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC-1) Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) One (1) per Awning GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC-2) Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) per Awning OFFICE RESEARCH (OR) Awning, Wall or Ground One (1) One (1) per Awning (b)
Awnings. Awnings that are considered an architectural feature of a structure and are not used for identifying the premises or the goods and/or services sold are not considered a sign. Awnings used as signs are subject to the following regulations:
(1)
No portion of an awning may extend beyond a point two (2) feet inside the curb line. When an awning extends over a Village right-of-way, the applicant must sign a hold harmless/indemnification agreement.
(2)
An awning must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet above the ground over which it projects. (See Figure 16-4: Awning Surface.)
(3)
Awnings must be securely attached to and supported by a building. All frames and supports must be made of metal or similar rigid material. Frames and supports may not be made of wood or plastics.
(4)
Printing on an awning sign is limited to twenty percent (20%) of the face of the awning not including sidewalls. (See Figure 16-4: Awning Surface.)
(5)
Awning signs must be constructed out of canvas, canvas-like material, fabric or metal. Back-lit box and plastic awnings are prohibited.
(6)
An awning sign may be externally illuminated.
FIGURE 16-4: AWNING SURFACE
(c)
Directory Signs. Multi-tenant non-residential uses shall be permitted a directory sign in addition to any other signs allowed. A multi-tenant building shall be permitted one (1) wall mounted directory sign of no more than six (6) square feet per building, or one (1) free standing ground sign of no more than sixteen (16) square feet per building.
(d)
Ground Signs.
(1)
Ground signs are permitted as follows:
(A)
A non-residential use may display a ground sign oriented to any roadway if the use has at least one hundred (100) feet of street frontage. (See Figure 16-5: Ground Signs on Corner Lots.)
(B)
A non-residential use which has in excess of three hundred (300) feet of street frontage may display one (1) additional ground sign for each three hundred (300) feet of frontage in excess of the first three hundred (300) feet of frontage. Such ground signs must be separated by a minimum of one hundred (100) feet. (See Figure 16-5: Ground Signs on Corner Lots.)
(2)
The maximum sign area of a ground sign is as follows:
(A)
Ten (10) square feet for townhouses and multi family uses in a residential zoning district.
(B)
Ten (10) square feet for non-residential uses in a residential zoning district.
(C)
Thirty (30) square feet for any non-residential use in a non-residential zoning district.
(3)
The maximum height of a ground sign is as follows:
(A)
Seven (7) feet for townhouses and multi family uses in a residential zoning district.
(B)
Seven (7) feet for any use in the OR District.
(C)
Seven (7) feet for non-residential uses in a residential zoning district.
(D)
Ten (10) feet for any non-residential use in a non-residential zoning district if oriented to a street other than Green Bay Road, Lake Avenue or Skokie Boulevard.
(E)
Fifteen (15) feet for any non-residential use in a non-residential zoning district if oriented to Green Bay Road, Lake Avenue or Skokie Boulevard.
(4)
A ground sign is limited to support by no more than two (2) upright standards.
(5)
A ground sign may be internally or externally illuminated in all non-residential districts, except the OR District. A ground sign may be externally illuminated in all residential zoning districts or the OR district.
FIGURE 16-5: GROUND SIGNS ON CORNER LOTS
(e)
Menu Board Signs. Drive-through facilities are permitted one (1) menu board sign, constructed as a monument sign, no more than forty (40) square feet in sign area, no more than seven (7) feet in height, and no less than fifteen (15) feet from any lot line. Menu boards shall not face or be located adjacent to residential properties. Menu boards shall not be internally illuminated, but may be externally illuminated using a shielded bulb. The use of audio components is limited to communications between the driver and the establishment. (See Figure 16-6: Menu Board Signs.)
FIGURE 16-6: MENU BOARD SIGNS
(f)
Marquees.
(1)
Marquees are only permitted for indoor amusement facilities and live performance venues.
(2)
Marquees are restricted to a position over the main entrance into a building. Marquees are limited to the width of the entrance or entrances of the building plus five (5) feet on each side thereof.
(3)
No portion of a marquee may extend beyond a point one (1) foot inside the curb line. When a marquee extends over a Village right-of-way, the applicant must sign a hold harmless/indemnification agreement.
(4)
Marquees must maintain a vertical clearance of ten (10) feet above the sidewalk over which it extends.
(5)
Marquees must be supported solely by the building to which they are attached, and no columns or posts are permitted as supports. All marquees, including anchors, bolts, supports, rods and braces, must be constructed of incombustible or approved combustible materials, designed by a structural engineer and approved by the Village Engineer.
(6)
No marquee is permitted on any building of wood frame construction.
(7)
The roof of all marquees must be properly guttered and connected by downspouts to a storm sewer or other drainage acceptable to the Zoning Administrator so that water will not flow onto public property.
(8)
The roof of any marquee must be designed and constructed to support a live load of no less than forty (40) pounds per square foot.
(9)
The roof of all marquees must be used for no other purpose than to form and constitute a roof, and must be constructed of incombustible materials.
(10)
No temporary sign may be attached to or hung from a marquee.
(11)
A changeable copy sign affixed or illuminated directly upon the vertical hanging fascia of the marquee is permitted.
(g)
Projecting Signs.
(1)
Projecting signs are limited to six (6) square feet in sign area. (See Figure 16-7: Projecting Signs.)
(2)
A projecting sign must maintain a vertical clearance of eight (8) feet above the ground over which it projects. No projecting sign affixed to a building may project higher than the building height, including the sign support structure. When a projecting sign extends over a Village right-of-way, the applicant must sign a hold harmless/indemnification agreement. (See Figure 16-7: Projecting Signs.)
(3)
Projecting signs, including frames, braces, and supports must be designed by a licensed structural engineer or manufacturer. No projecting sign may be secured with wire, chains, strips of wood or nails nor may any projecting sign be hung or secured to any other sign. Any movable part of a projecting sign, such as the cover of a service opening, must be securely fastened by chains or hinges.
(4)
Projecting signs are limited to four (4) feet of projection from the face of the building to which they are attached, including the area between the sign and the face of the building. (See Figure 16-7: Projecting Signs.)
(5)
A permitted projecting sign may only be externally illuminated.
FIGURE 16-7: PROJECTING SIGNS
(h)
Sidewalk Signs.
(1)
Restricted Information.
(A)
Off-premise advertising is prohibited.
(B)
Information on the sale of alcoholic beverages or price for alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
(2)
Design Standards.
(A)
Sidewalk signs must be constructed of weather-resistant materials, such as wood, plastic or metal. Sidewalk signs constructed of impermanent materials, such as cardboard and paper, are prohibited.
(B)
Foil, mirrors, bare metal or other reflective materials that could create hazardous conditions to motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians are prohibited.
(C)
Illumination of sidewalk signs is prohibited.
(D)
Sidewalk signs must be sufficiently weighted or constructed to keep sign in approved location.
(3)
Size and Number of Sidewalk Signs Allowed.
(A)
The maximum signable area is limited to six (6) square feet per sign face, with a maximum of two (2) sign faces per sidewalk sign.
(B)
Maximum overall height of a sidewalk sign is limited to forty-two (42) inches above the sidewalk upon which it is placed.
(C)
A maximum of one (1) sidewalk sign per business is permitted, including businesses having more than one (1) street frontage.
(4)
Permitted Location.
(A)
Sidewalk signs are allowed in non-residential districts only.
(B)
In the case of a sidewalk sign on the public sidewalk, a sidewalk sign may be placed only along the street level frontage of the business whose sign is being displayed. In the case of a sidewalk sign on a private sidewalk, a sidewalk sign may only be displayed in front of the building with frontage on that private sidewalk where the business is located. No sidewalk sign may be displayed in front of any other business.
(C)
No sidewalk sign is permitted for a home occupation or for any use within a residential zoning district.
(D)
Sidewalk signs must be placed in so that there is a continuous unobstructed width of a sidewalk or walkway of at least five (5) feet.
(E)
Sidewalk sign placement may not obstruct ingress/egress to a building, steps or driveway access, or other similar feature, or be placed within five (5) feet of a wheelchair ramp or curb cut.
(F)
Each sidewalk sign must be at least fifteen (15) feet from any other sidewalk sign.
(G)
Sidewalk signs are prohibited in streets, roadways and alleys.
(H)
Sidewalk signs must be free standing, and cannot be attached to any other structures, such as parking meters, trees and utility poles.
(I)
Sidewalk sign placement must not create a visual obstruction so as to create a safety hazard.
(5)
Display Period.
(A)
Sidewalk signs may be displayed only during the hours the business is open.
(B)
Owners are responsible for the removal of their sidewalk signs following business hours and during periods of strong winds and snow accumulation.
(6)
Sidewalk Sign Permit Required.
(A)
A sign permit is required for any sidewalk sign. A sign permit for a sidewalk sign may only be issued for period of validity up to one (1) year. Every sign permit for a sidewalk sign expires December 31st of each year.
(B)
An applicant for a sidewalk sign permit must sign a statement that the applicant agrees to adhere to the standards and requirements of this regulation, and if not, the sign may be removed by the Village and/or the sign permit revoked.
(C)
An applicant wishing to obtain a permit for a sidewalk sign is required to sign a hold harmless/indemnification agreement or provide evidence that the applicant maintains liability insurance in an amount as required by the Zoning Administrator naming the Village of Wilmette as an additional insured. Such coverage may not be canceled or modified without thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Zoning Administrator. Failure to maintain such insurance coverage will result in revocation of the permit.
(D)
A copy of the approved permit must be legibly attached to the underside of the sign at all times.
(E)
Failure to comply with any of the above standards at any time may result in the Village removing said sidewalk sign without prior notice. If the Village removes a sidewalk sign, written notice of the sign's removal will be mailed to the business owner at the address listed on the sign permit application via U.S. Postal Service regular mail. The notice must state with particularity the reason for removal. The confiscated sidewalk sign will be stored for thirty (30) calendar days after the mailing of such notice.
(F)
An owner of a sidewalk sign that has been removed by the Village may retrieve said sidewalk sign upon payment of an impoundment fee, payable to the Village of Wilmette, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the notice of impoundment. The impoundment fee is as follows:
(i)
First Offense: Seventy-five dollars ($75.00).
(ii)
Second Offense: One hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
(iii)
Third Offense and thereafter: Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per occurrence.
(G)
Alternatively, said owner within the same thirty (30) day period may submit a written protest to the Zoning Administrator stating with particularity why the sidewalk sign in question should not have been confiscated, and the Zoning Administrator must respond in writing to such protest within ten (10) business days. Any sidewalk sign not retrieved by the owner within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the notice of impound, or within thirty (30) days after the Zoning Administrator has mailed a response to such written protest as may have been filed, may be destroyed by the Village.
(i)
Time and Temperature Signs. A time and temperature sign may not include any advertising or convey any news information. The sign display may not change more frequently than one (1) change per three (3) seconds.
(j)
Wall Signs.
(1)
Non-residential uses are permitted one (1) wall sign per street frontage.
(2)
Wall signs must be safely and securely attached to the building wall no less than eight (8) feet above the ground and affixed flat against the building wall.
(3)
Wall signs are limited to a maximum projection of twelve (12) inches from the building wall.
(4)
No wall sign affixed to a building, including sign support structure, may project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached. On existing buildings, a parapet wall may not be constructed for the sole purpose of increasing the allowable height of a wall sign. For new buildings, when a sign is to be mounted on a parapet wall, that parapet wall must be consistent with the architectural design of the building, including building materials. Wall signs may not be attached to un-reinforced masonry parapets. Wall signs must not cover windows, doors or architectural features.
(5)
Wall signs must be constructed of wood, plastic/acrylic or metal.
(6)
A permitted wall sign may be externally or internally illuminated, except that a non-conforming use in a residential zoning district may not be internally illuminated.
(7)
The permitted sign area for a wall sign is as follows:
(A)
Wall signs are limited to the signable area of a building, and must cover no more than thirty percent (30%) of the signable area. The signable area for a building is established by filing with the Zoning Administrator a written description or sketch defining or showing the signable area.
(B)
The responsibility for filing the description or sketch of the signable area is with the building owner and the building occupant or occupants. Such persons may file the description or sketch prior to or within twenty (20) days after being requested to do so by the Zoning Administrator. If the building owner and building occupant or occupants fail to establish the signable area for the building within twenty (20) days after being requested to do so by the Zoning Administrator, the signable area for the building will be established by the Zoning Administrator.
(k)
Window Signs - Permanent.
(1)
The combined total area of a permanent window sign and temporary window signs is limited to a maximum of twenty percent (20%) of the window area. Window panels separated only by mullions are considered one (1) continuous window area in the computation of window surface area.
(2)
The total area of a permanent window sign is limited to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the window area. However, if no wall or awning sign is displayed, businesses are permitted up to twenty percent (20%) of window coverage with permanent window signs.
(Code 1993, § 20-16.10)