O-45-05 05/09/2005VILLAGE OF LEMONT
ORDINANCE NO.0 q5-- 0 S
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION XV
OF THE LEMONT ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 0-25-99
(Lemont Sign Ordinance)
ADOPTED BY THE
PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE VILLAGE OF LEMONT
This 9th day of May, 2005.
Published in pamphlet form by
authority of the President and
Board of Trustees of the Village of
Lemont, Cook, Will and DuPage Counties,
Illinois on this 9th day of May , 2005.
ORDINANCE NO.d' 95 -05-
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION XV OF THE LEMONT ZONING
ORDINANCE NO. 0-25-99
(Lemont Sign Ordinance)
BE IT ORDAINED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Lemont,
Counties of Cook, Will, and DuPage, State of Illinois, as follows:
WHEREAS, the President and Board of Trustees of the Village and the Village staff
have determined that the best interests of the Village will be served by amending Section XV of
the Lemont Zoning Ordinance (Lemont Sign Ordinance) in its entirety; and
WHEREAS, after several meetings and a visual preference survey, the Village staff and
the Village of Lemont Plan Commission drafted the amended Section XV; and
WHEREAS, a notice of a Public Hearing was made in the manner provided by law and
was published in the Lemont Reporter Progress, a newspaper of general circulation within the
Village, and said Public Hearings were held by the Zoning Board of Appeals on November 16,
2004, December 7, 2004, January 4, 2005, January 18, 2005, February 1, 2005, February 15,
2005, and March 1, 2005; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance replaces Section XV, Lemont Zoning Ordinance (Chapter
Seven of Lemont Municipal Code) in its entirety, as attached in Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the Village Clerk of the Village of Lemont shall certify to the adoption of this
Ordinance and cause the same to be published in pamphlet form.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE VILLAGE OF LEMONT, COUNTIES OF COOK, WILL AND DuPAGE, ILLINOIS
on this 9th day of May, 2005.
Debbie Blatzer
Peter Coules
Clifford Miklos
Brian Reaves
Ron Stapleton
Jeanette Virgilio
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AYES NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
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Approved by me this 9th day of May, 2005.
JOHN PIAZZA, Village President
Attest:
CHARLENE SMOLLEN, Village Clerk
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SECTION XV
LEMONT SIGN ORDINANCE
A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Purpose and Applicability
The purpose of these Sign Regulations is to encourage the effective use of signs as a
means of communication in the Village; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic
environment and the Village's ability to attract sources of economic development and
growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect
of signs on nearby public and private property; to enable the fair and consistent
enforcement of these sign restrictions; and to protect the health, safety, and general
welfare of the Village.
2. Interpretation
In interpretation and application, these provisions shall be held to be an expression of the
maximum allowable number and size of signs which bring about the least potential
conflict with surrounding uses and which promote and improve physical appearance
within the Village.
a. When there is a conflict of provisions, the regulations which are more restrictive or
which impose higher standards or requirements shall govern.
b. These provisions are not intended to abrogate any easement, covenant, or any other
private agreement, provided that where the regulations are more restrictive or
impose higher standards or requirements than such easement, covenants, or other
private agreements, the requirements of this Chapter shall govern.
c. When a sign type is not specifically listed in the sections devoted to permitted signs,
it shall be assumed that such uses are, hereby, expressly prohibited.
3. Building Permit and Design Review Requirements.
a. No sign shall be installed, constructed, altered, relocated or reconstructed unless and
until the Village of Lemont Building Department has issued a permit for the sign,
except those types of signs specifically designated as "exempt signs" in Section
XV.B.12 of this ordinance.
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Section XY - Lemont Sign Ordinance
b. The Village of Lemont shall not issue a permit for installation, construction,
alteration, relocation or reconstruction of any permanent, ground- mounted or wall -
mounted signs, other than "exempt" signs as herein defined, unless and until the
Community Development Department and the Plan Commission approve the sign for
compliance with the provisions of this ordinance.
4. Building Permit and Design Review Procedure.
a. Applicants for all signs except "exempt" types of signs shall complete a sign permit
application on forms provided by the Lemont Building Department. Upon receipt
of a complete sign permit application for permanent ground or wall signs, the
Community Development Director shall schedule the sign for design review at the
next regularly scheduled Plan Commission meeting. For other types of signs, the
Community Development Department shall review the Sign Permit for compliance
with the standards of this ordinance, and certify that the sign either complies or
fails to comply with the standards of this ordinance.
b. The Plan Commission shall review the proposed sign for compliance with the sign
standards as enumerated herein. Upon completion of its review, Commission shall
approve, deny or approve the sign subject to stated modifications. If the
Commission should vote to deny the sign application, the motion to deny shall state
with particularity the reason or reasons the sign permit is denied.
c. Upon receipt of the Community Development Department's certification that the
particular sign permit application satisfies the design standards of this Section,
including if applicable the approval of the Plan Commission, the Building
Department shall complete its review of the sign for compliance with applicable
building codes.
d. In the event an application for a sign is denied by the Plan Commission or the
Community Development Department, the applicant shall have the option of
making an appeal to the Village Board. A vote of two - thirds of the Board of
Trustees shall be required to reverse a denial of a sign permit.
e. Review by the Plan Commission shall not apply to signs located in the Lemont
Historic District. Signs in the Historic District shall require a certificate of
appropriateness as described in the Lemont Historic Preservation Ordinance.
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
B. TEMPORARY SIGNS PERMITTED
The following temporary signs shall require a permit within the Village limits with the
following conditions. All temporary signs existing on and after May 9, 2005 shall be removed
unless a permit for their display is obtained in full compliance with the terms and conditions of
this ordinance.
1. Construction signs. Not more than two (2) construction signs with a total combined
surface area not to exceed thirty (30) square feet and a maximum height, to the top of
each sign, of eight (8) feet identifying the architects, engineers, contractors and other
individuals or firms involved. The sign(s) must be removed within seven (7) days after
the issuance of an occupancy permit. The setback of the sign(s) must be equal or less
than 1/2 the height of the sign.
2. Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs not exceeding a total area of eight (8) feet in
residential districts and 16 square feet in all other districts and a maximum height, to the
top of each sign, of five (5) feet in residential districts and ten (10) feet in all other
districts, advertising the sale, rental or lease of all, or part, of the premises on which the
signs are displayed. Such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sale is
closed or the lease is signed. The setback of the sign(s) must be equal or less than 1/2 the
height of the sign.
a. Real estate signs in the type and number listed below: garage sale, for rent, for sale
signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area; no sign shall be erected more than
six (6) feet from the finished floor and not displayed above the second floor of a
multi -story building; not more than one (1) sign per street frontage is displayed;
every sign is located on the same premises as the subject property.
b. Signs identifying a real estate open houses, provided: No sign shall exceed four (4)
square feet in area; Not more than four (4) signs per property shall be displayed;
The signs shall be displayed only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and
every sign shall have attached to it identification denoting the person or persons who
are responsible for the placement and removal of the signs.
3. Political Campaign Signs. Political campaign signs are considered "exempt signs ",
announcing the candidates seeking public political office and other data pertinent thereto,
not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area for each lot and a maximum height, to the
top of each sign, of five (5) feet. These signs shall be confined within private property
and shall be erected not more than 30 -days before an election and shall be removed
within three (3) days after the date of the election. Such signs shall not be located in any
public right -of -way.
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
4. Window Signs. Window signs shall be considered as "exempt signs" permitted in
Business Districts provided the sum total of all window signs shall not exceed forty
percent (40 %) of the total area of the windows in which they are located and provided
further that such window signs shall not be illuminated or have any moving parts. A
series of windows which are separated by frames and supporting material of less than six
inches (6 ") in width shall be considered as a single window for the purpose of
computation.
5. Development Signs. Development signs, containing only the name of the development,
the address and telephone number of the owner or agent, the number, size type and price
of lots and/or units, not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in area. Maximum
height to the top of such signs shall be fifteen (15) feet. One such sign shall be permitted
for each thoroughfare or highway frontage of the development. Development signs shall
be removed within seven (7) days after 90% of the lots are issued temporary or
permanent certificates of occupancy.
6. Obstructions and Traffic Hazards. Signs shall not be placed in the vision corridor as it is
defined in the applicable section of the Zoning Ordinance.
7. Special Event Signs. Signs shall be constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard,
wall board or other light material may be permitted for promoting special community
activities, special promotional sales, special events, or activities subject to the following
provisions:
a. Permit period shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive calendar days. Consecutive
thirty day permits are not allowed. Permits can only be issued sixty (60) days from
each other or six (6) times a year, except during the period November 1st through
January 10th the display of temporary signs may be allowed to exceed thirty (30)
days.
b. Temporary signs cannot exceed not exceed thirty (30) square feet in area for each lot
and a maximum height, to the top of each sign, of five (5) feet. .
c. The setback of the sign(s) must be equal or less than 1 the height of the sign.
d. One (1) temporary sign is permitted for each lot at any one time.
e. Temporary signs are not allowed in public right -of -way. In the Downtown District,
B -2 signs shall be permitted in a public right -of -way with a certificate of
appropriateness and Village approval.
f. Portable signs are prohibited, however sandwich signs are allowed as defined in
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Section XV- Lemont Sign Ordinance
Section XIX of the zoning ordinance under "sign, portable ".
9. Prosecution over Public Property
a. Temporary signs shall only be placed on private property and shall not be posted,
attached, or placed on any tree, utility pole, street sign post, light post, or any official
traffic control sign or signal post, whether on the public right -of -way or on private
property. Signs located within the public right -of -way shall be removed by the
Village.
10. Public Signs can be erected by or on behalf a governmental body to identify public
property and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic. These types of signs may
be located in village right -of -way upon approval from the Community Development
Director. Public signs shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area for each lot and a
maximum height, to the top of each sign, of five (5) feet. The setback of the sign(s) must
be equal or less than 1/2 the height of the sign.
11. Public Hearing Signs can be erected by any person who files a land -use application with
the Community Development Department. These types of signs must be located on
private property visible from the public roadway. Signs shall not exceed twelve (12)
square feet in size and shall consist of maximum three (3) inch black block letters on a
white background. Sign shall be posted not less than fifteen (15) days and not more than
thirty (30) days prior to the date set for the public hearing. Public Hearing Signs shall be
removed within ten (10) days after conclusion of the last public hearing. Applicants that
fail to remove the public hearing sign shall forfeit a service fee deposit to be established
by the Community Development Department. The fee shall reimburse the Village
Department of Public Works for removal of the sign. This section shall apply to all
public hearing signs existing on May 9, 2005.
12. Exempt Signs. All signs herein defined are exempt from permit application and fees but
shall comply with bulk and duration standards in this section of the ordinance.
a. Temporary signs that are less than four (4) square feet in surface area;
b. Window Signs;
c. Name Plates;
d. Garage Sale Signs;
e. Open House Signs;
f. For Sale Signs less than four (4) square feet in surface area;
g. For Rent Signs less than four (4) square feet in surface area;
h. Political Signs;
i. Public Hearing Signs.
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
C. RESIDENTIAL SIGN STANDARDS
The following signs shall be permitted in the Village subject to all applicable standards for the
following district: R -1, R -2, R -3, R -4, R -5 and R -6 districts:
1. Purpose and Applicability. The Residential District sign restriction provide for the
establishment of signage criteria governing a variety of sign types. The intent is to
provide flexibility and to encourage superior sign design, while ensuring conflicts
between sign types, numbers, design, and safety are minimized.
2. Nameplates shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
a. For single - family attached and detached dwellings and two - family dwellings -- one
nameplate, not to exceed 128 square inches in area for each dwelling unit, indicating
the name and address of the occupant. For multiple - family dwellings -one nameplate
not to exceed four square feet in area provided such nameplate shall contain only the
name and address of the building and may contain also the name, address and
telephone number of the management thereof.
b. Such nameplates may be affixed flat against the building, or may also be located in a
yard adjoining a street, provided they are not nearer to the street than one -half of the
depth of the yard and do not exceed four (4) feet in height.
c. Nameplates may be illuminated by non - flashing direct or indirect illumination from
a source of artificial lighting customarily accessory to residential uses.
3. A "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs appertaining to the sale or rental of property on which
they are located shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
a. There shall be not more than one sign on a lot except on a corner lot or through lot,
one such sign facing each street shall be permitted.
b. Signs shall not have artificial illumination, shall not have more than eight (8) square
feet of area, and it shall be located not less than eight (8) feet from the nearest interior
lot line.
c. Signs when affixed to a building wall shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above
grade and ground signs shall not project higher than five feet above the ground grade
elevation below it.
4. Institutional Signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
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Section XY - Lemont Sign Ordinance
a. One identification sign affixed flat against a building wall and one ground sign which
in both cases may be illuminated by non - flashing direct or indirect illumination
arranged in a manner that direct rays of light are not beamed onto adjoining lots and
streets, shall be permitted, and on a corner or through lot, one additional such sign
shall be permitted facing the side street of a corner lot or the street adjoining the rear
lot line of a through lot.
b. Each sign shall contain not more than sixteen (16) square feet of area and when
affixed to a building wall or not more than thirty (30) square feet of an area when
constructed as a monument sign, wall signs it shall not project higher than five (5)
feet above floor grade at entrance doorways, and the setback of a monument sign
must be equal or less than 1/2 the height of the sign or may not obstruct the 8' vision
triangle defined in Section XIV, Figure B and a maximum height, to the top of each
sign, of five (5) feet.
5. Directional signs shall be no more than four (4) square feet in area, no more than three
(3) feet in height, and shall have a setback equal to or greater than the height of the sign.
6. Subdivision signs shall be allowed at entrances to subdivision provided that:
a. The sign is located on private property and written documentation is provided to
allow erection of the sign.
b. Sign shall not exceed 30 square feet in area, five (5) feet in height, and shall be
setback from the street a distance equal to the height of the sign.
7. Awning Signs. Awning Signs shall be located only on the front elevation of a building
on the first floor level and must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet of clearance above
a sidewalk or parking lot (measured from the lowest point of the awning structure). They
must be located below the lowest sill of the second floor level or below the cornice or
eave on a one -story building. Awnings shall not be internally illuminated. Only canvas or
cloth awnings are allowed. Canopies or marquees shall be wood or metal and consistent
with the construction materials of the building. Awning colors shall be simple and
restrained, normally displaying a single sign color over a single background color, all of
which should be complementary to or matching the building's permanent exterior
color(s). Awning signs shall not exceed 50% of the smallest exposed surface of the
awning on which the sign appears.
8. Non - electronic changing copy signs may be allowed through special use only as
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
described in Section XVIII.I. of the zoning ordinance. Not more than twenty -five (25 %)
of the total permitted gross surface area shall be changeable copy. Such signs shall not
move, flash, scroll, dissolve or animate. Changeable Copy Wall Signs are prohibited.
D. DOWNTOWN DISTRICT SIGN STANDARDS:
The following regulations shall be applicable to signs in the Village of Lemont Historic
Downtown Business District (the B -2 District). Applicants for all permanent signs shall obtain
a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Lemont Historic Preservation Commission prior to
the release of a sign permit, as provided in Ordinance 0 -7 -01 (Lemont Historic Preservation
Ordinance), as amended from time -to -time.
Sub - Section XV.M ( "Variations ") of this chapter notwithstanding, the Lemont Historic
Preservation Commission is hereby authorized to conduct public hearings on sign variation
requests within the B -2 District/Lemont Historic District in lieu of the Lemont Zoning Board of
Appeals. Applications for variations shall otherwise follow the procedures and standards
identified in said Sub - Section XV.M.
For reference, this section has been organized into the following topics:
1. Purpose and Applicability.
2. Permit and Certificate Required.
3. Standards Applicable to All Signs.
4. Ground Signs.
5. Wall Signs.
6. Projecting Signs.
7. Hanging Signs.
8. Awning/Canopy/Marquee signs.
9. Window Signs.
10. Prohibited Signs.
11. Temporary Signs.
12. Exempt Signs
13. Boundary
1. Purpose and Applicability. The downtown business district sign provisions are intended:
a. To authorize the use of signs which are: Compatible with their surroundings;
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
appropriate to the activity to which they refer; expressive of the identity of individual
proprietors of the community as a whole; legible in the circumstances in which they
are seen;
b. To preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare;
c. To enhance the economy, business, and industry of the Downtown District by
promoting the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of signs;
d. To preserve the aesthetic value and historic authenticity of the Downtown District;
e. To protect the general public from damage and injury that may be caused by faulty,
uncontrolled construction, or use of signs in the Downtown District;
f. To protect the pedestrians and motorists from damage or injury caused by
distractions, obstructions, or hazards created by certain signs.
2. Permit and Certificate Required. Prior to the installation of any permanent sign, the owner
of the property or duly authorized agent shall obtain a sign permit from the Lemont
Building Department and a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Lemont Historic
Preservation Commission. The applicant for a sign permit shall be required to provide the
following information to complete the sign permit application:
a. Building elevation drawing or photograph illustrating the existing elevation on which
the sign or signs are proposed and the location on the building proposed for the sign;
b. A list of all signs, existing and proposed, on all elevations of the building, and their
sizes;
c. An accurate drawing of the proposed sign, indicating all dimensions (width- length-
depth), width and height of building, all materials, lettering /numbers /logos,
permanent colors, mounting details, and lighting details;
d. Color and material samples;
e. For ground- mounted signs, site plan indicating the location of the sign on the lot.
f. For buildings occupied by multiple tenants or multiple principal uses, provide a sign
program consisting of uniform standards for all signs on the multi- tenant or multi -
occupant building.
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
3. Standards Applicable to All Signs:
a. Gross surface area allowance calculation. All buildings in the Downtown District
shall be allowed a maximum gross surface area sign allowance of two square feet for
every one lineal foot of building width or length having frontage on a street, and one
square foot for every one lineal foot of building width or length of the shortest side of
the building (whether oriented to a street or not) for signs displayed on an interior
side or rear of building not oriented to a street. Said sign allowance shall be the sum
of any wall, awning/canopy /marquee, and permanent window signs on a building
facade. Projecting or hanging signs shall be exempt from this allowance limitation,
but shall be subject to the regulations enumerated in the relevant subsections below.
In addition, individual signs must meet the requirements indicated for each type of
sign.
b. Quantity of Signs. Each building in the Downtown District is allowed a total number
of signs, subject to the following conditions:
(1) Primary (Street front) Facade is allowed three non - temporary signs. All business
window signs are classified as one sign when calculating signage quantity.
(2) Secondary (Side and Rear external walls) Facades are allowed one
non - temporary sign per side.
(3)
Multiple- tenant buildings. Where more than one tenant or principal use occupy a
single building, a sign program shall be submitted to the Commission and the
Commission shall approve reasonable standards for the number, locations,
height, gross surface areas, lighting, materials, colors and styles of all signs. The
number of signs on multi -tenant buildings may exceed the limitations on number
in paragraphs (1) and (2) above, provided the total gross surface area of all signs
complies with the applicable sections of this ordinance.
c. Restraint and simplicity is encouraged in the selection of materials. Materials used
should be in keeping with the architecture of the building and must conform to all
applicable building codes:
(1) No fluorescent materials and /or paints shall be allowed, excluding lighting;
(2) No paper product (paper, cardboard, poster board, and construction paper) sign
shall be allowed as a permanent sign;
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
(3) Only canvas or cloth awnings are allowed;
(4) Plastic or similar synthetic materials shall not be permitted for sign faces.
Individual channel letters or letters and characters routed in otherwise opaque
metal sign faces may be plastic material.
d. Lettering used should be consistent and harmonious with the architecture of the
building and surroundings; it should be proportional to the relative size of the sign
area and it should be of a professional quality.
e. When signs are illuminated, the light source must be located or shielded in such a
way the glare does not reach the street or adjacent property.
f. When authorized under the provisions of this ordinance, permanently installed signs
may extend beyond private property lines and into the public right -of -way. However,
this right is granted only for marquees, canopy signs, awning signs or projecting signs
which indicate only the name and/or address of the establishment located on the
premise.
4. Freestanding or ground signs. Freestanding signs shall comply with the following
regulations:
a. Number. Only one (1) ground sign shall be permitted per zoning lot. No ground sign
shall be permitted on zoning lots in which there is no area of open ground sufficient
to accommodate the ground sign between the principal building and the street.
b. Location. Freestanding signs shall only be permitted on the same zoning lot as the
establishment to which the sign refers. Off - premises signs shall not be permitted.
Freestanding signs must be located completely within private property, including
allowance for overhangs. On vacant lots, only authorized temporary signs shall be
permitted.
c. Height. Maximum height of ground signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet as measured
from the adjacent grade to the highest part of the sign structure.
d. Gross surface area. Maximum area of a ground sign shall not exceed 60 square feet
per face and a maximum of two sign faces per sign.
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
e. Lighting. Ground signs may be illuminated by a source of lighting extemal to the sign
or may be illuminated by fixtures within the sign structure, provided that not more
than 20 percent of the exposed sign face shall be internally illuminated.
f. Materials. Visible materials on ground signs shall be wood, metal, or masonry, or a
combination. Plastic materials shall not be permitted except as a material for
alphanumeric characters and logos on routed signs.
5. Wall signs.
a. Number. Not to exceed the maximum quantity of signs in Section 3b above.
b. Location. Wall signs shall be located on the first floor level, except where there are
no window or door openings on a side or rear elevation, or where the adjacent street
level is higher than the first floor level. Wall signs shall not project more than eight
(8) inches from the wall, nor shall it project higher than the bottom of the window
sills of the second floor or other second floor architectural features of the building
whichever is less. Wall signs shall not extend within two (2) feet of the edge of the
wall or structural facade if the building shares a party wall with an adjacent building
or has more than one facade. Mural signs, as a special type of wall sign, are
prohibited on front facades. Non - illuminated building name, year or address markers
shall be permitted at the top of a wall.
c. Height. Wall signs shall be mounted no higher than the lowest sill of the second
building floor level and shall not project closer than one foot from the parapet of a
building. Roof - mounted signs are not permitted.
d. Gross surface area. Total maximum area of a wall sign or wall signs on a front or
corner side (i.e., a building side adjacent to a public street) elevation shall not exceed
two (2) square feet per lineal foot of building or storefront width along the street, or
sixty (60) square feet, whichever is less. Total maximum area of a wall sign or wall
sign on interior side and rear elevations shall not exceed one (1) square foot per lineal
foot of the building width on either the interior side or rear elevation, or on the front
elevation, whichever is less.
e. Lighting. Wall signs may be illuminated by a source of lighting extemal to the sign or
may be illuminated by fixtures within the sign structure, provided that not more than
20 percent of the gross surface area of the sign shall be intemally illuminated (i.e., 80
percent shall be opaque). Decorative exterior lighting fixtures or "reverse channel
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
letter" designs shall be the preferred methods of illumination.
f. Materials. Visible materials on wall signs shall be wood, metal, or masonry, or a
combination. Plastic and other synthetic materials shall not be permitted except as a
material for alphanumeric characters and logos on routed signs.
g. Other conditions. Mural Signs shall not be placed on primary facade, only on
secondary and/or rear building walls. A mural sign shall be subject to the same
restrictions on gross surface area as a conventional wall sign.
6. Projecting signs. Signs mounted perpendicular and directly to the building wall shall be
classified as projecting signs.
a. Number. Not to exceed maximum number of signs in 3b above.
b. Location. Projecting signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet
above the sidewalk. If a building has no front yard setback, projecting signs may
extend to no more than one -half (1/2) the sidewalk width. If a building is set back
from the property line, a projecting sign may extend eight (8) feet from the building
wall, but in no case shall it extend more than one -half (1/2) the sidewalk width.
Projecting signs can not extend above the top of second floor windows or bottom of
any architectural cornice.
c. Height. The maximum vertical length of a projecting sign shall be eight (8) feet.
d. Gross surface area. The maximum gross surface area of a projecting sign face shall be
as follows:
(1) Up to thirty (30) linear feet of front building wall: no greater than eight (8)
square feet per sign face;
(2) Greater than 30 linear feet, a projecting sign shall be no greater than sixteen (16)
square feet per sign face;
e. Lighting. If internally illuminated, not more than twenty percent (20 %) of the gross
surface area of the projecting sign shall be an internally illuminated surface; (i.e.,
eighty percent (80 %) of the gross surface area shall be opaque).
f. Materials. Visible materials on projecting signs shall be wood or metal. Plastic and
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
other synthetic materials shall not be permitted except as a material for alphanumeric
characters and logos on routed signs.
7. Hanging signs. Signs mounted to masts or canopies projecting from buildings shall be
classified as hanging signs.
a. Number. Not to exceed maximum number of signs in 3b above.
b. Location. Hanging signs may be mounted on the street -side, alley -side or parking lot
sides of buildings and must be located on the section of the building occupied by the
business or establishment to which they refer, or near a building entrance if they refer
to a business or establishment located in the rear or upper stories of a building.
Hanging signs may be mounted to canopies, marquees, or arcades but shall not
project beyond the face of a canopy, marquee or arcade.
c. Height. Projecting signs must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet of clearance
above a sidewalk or parking lot. They must be located below the lowest sill of the
second floor level or below the cornice or eave on a one -story building.
d. Gross surface area. Each face of a hanging sign shall be no more than eight (8) square
feet in size (maximum two (2) faces).
e. Lighting. Hanging signs shall not be internally illuminated.
f. Materials. Visible surfaces of hanging signs shall be wood or metal. No plastic or
synthetic materials are permitted.
8. Awning/Canopy/Marquee signs.
a. Number. There shall be no more than one (1) awning sign per building.
b. Location. Awning/Canopy /Marquee shall be located only on the front elevation of a
building on the first floor level. Individual alphanumeric characters may be mounted
on the top surface of a canopy or marquee if they are an integral part of the canopy or
marquee design.
c. Height. Awning /Canopy/Marquee signs must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet of
clearance above a sidewalk or parking lot (measured from the lowest point of the
awning structure). They must be located below the lowest sill of the second floor
level or below the cornice or eave on a one -story building.
14
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
d. Gross surface area. Awning/canopy /marquee signs shall not exceed 50% of the
smallest exposed surface of the awning/canopy /marquee on which the sign appears.
e. Lighting. Awning /Canopy /Marquee signs shall not be intemally illuminated.
f. Materials. Only canvas or cloth awnings are allowed. Canopies or marquees shall be
wood or metal and consistent with the construction materials of the building.
g.
Other conditions. Awnings shall have traditional angles and proportions, including a
flat, sloping surface when installed along the width of a storefront or a more rounded
form when placed over an entrance. Awning colors shall be simple and restrained,
normally displaying a single sign color over a single background color, all of which
should be complementary to or matching the building's permanent exterior color(s).
9. Window signs.
a. Number. One sign shall be permitted per window. Not to exceed maximum number
of signs in 3b above.
b. Location. Window signs shall be located entirely on or behind a single, uninterrupted
pane of glass.
c. Height. Window signs may be displayed in second story windows provided the
establishment to which the window sign refers is located in the same second story
space.
d. Gross surface area. Window signs shall cover no more than thirty percent (30 %) of
the greatest outer dimensions of the total glass area of the window on which they are
placed. The sign coverage shall be determined by an imaginary square or rectangle
that encompasses the window sign graphics. A series of windows that is separated by
frames and supporting material of less than six (6) inches in width shall be
considered as a single window for the purpose of computation.
e. Lighting. Window signs shall not be internally illuminated, except neon or similar
illuminated window signs shall be permitted within the maximum gross area
allowable. Neon borders around windows are prohibited.
f. Materials. Window signs may be painted, stenciled, or affixed as decals directly to
the window or they may be made of wood, metal, plastic or similar durable materials
and hung or mounted behind the window.
15
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
10. Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in the Downtown District:
a. Flashing sign;
b. Pennant sign;
c. Festoon lighting;
d. Roof sign;
e. Beacon;
f. Internally lit awnings /canopies.
11. Temporary Sign. Each building in the Downtown District shall be permitted to have the
following temporary signage.
a. Certain temporary signs and attention - getting devices such as banners, pennants,
valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard,
wall board or other light material may be permitted for promoting special community
activities, special promotional sales, special events, or activities subject to the
following provisions:
(1) Special Sale Signs: Displayed for thirty (30) days. After the thirty day period, a
different temporary sign may be displayed. Following the special event, a 30 -day
period shall be imposed prior to the display of additional temporary signage. The
permit period shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.
Consecutive thirty day permits are not allowed. Permits can only be issued sixty
(60) days from each other or six (6) times a year, except during the period
November 1S' through January 10`h, the display of temporary signs may be
allowed to exceed thirty (30) days.
(2) Special Event Signs: Same as Special Sale Signs, but if in public right -of- way,
then the Village of Lemont must grant permission for the sign.
(3) Temporary signs cannot exceed allotted sign space as determined by the
dimensions of the building or storefront.
12. Sign Exemptions. The following exemptions are permitted in the Downtown District:
a. Traffic or other municipal street signs such as railroad crossing signs, legal notices,
and such temporary emergency signs as may be authorized by the Village of Lemont.
16
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
b. Directional, informational, or public service signs not pertaining to private enterprise,
excluding public utilities, erected for the convenience of the public, such as signs
identifying entrances, exits, parking areas, no parking areas, restrooms, public
telephones, walkways, and similar features of public facilities.
c. Public signs and other signs incidental thereto for identification, information, or
directional purpose erected or required by governmental bodies, or authorized for a
public purpose by any law, statute, or ordinance.
d. Temporary signs such as political campaign signs, real estate signs, construction
signs, etc., shall be in accordance with the ordinances of the Village of Lemont.
e. Professional nameplates shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area, not exceeding
two (2) square feet in area indicating the address and occupant of said dwelling.
f. A maximum of one portable or sandwich sign may be allowed on the public walk
directly in front of an establishment to which the sign refers, provided the signs are
not greater than four feet in height, a maximum eight square feet in area; said signs
shall only be displayed during regular business hours; they shall be constructed of
durable, well- maintained materials; and they shall allow a minimum of five feet of
the public sidewalk unobstructed to allow the free passage of pedestrians.
g. Non - Conforming Signs. All Non - Conforming signs shall follow provisions outlined
in Section K of this Ordinance.
13. Boundary: All properties fronting Stephen Street from the Illinois and Michigan Canal
right -of- way to Illinois Street; all properties fronting Talcott Avenue from Stephen Street
to Holmes Street, all properties fronting Canal Street from Stephen Street to Lemont
Street; all properties fronting the south right -of -way of Canal Street from Lemont Street
to "old" State Street; all properties fronting Lemont Street from Illinois and Michigan
Canal to Illinois Street; all properties fronting Main Street from Fremont Street to Joliet
Street extended; all properties fronting Fremont Street from Main Street to Illinois Street;
all properties fronting Illinois Street from Lockport Street to Fremont Street; this boundary
is congruent with the Downtown B -2 zoning.
14. Any B -2 properties located outside of the downtown district shall comply with the
commercial /office sign standards as noted in Section XV -E.
17
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
E. COMMERCIAL /OFFICE SIGN STANDARDS:
The following signs shall be permitted in the Village subject to all applicable standards for the
following districts: B -1, B -3, B -4, and ORI districts:
1. Purpose and Applicability. These provisions are intended to provide for the
establishment of sign criteria related to sign bulk, area, number and architectural
incentives permitted within the appropriate Business and ORI Districts:
2. Architectural Style: Specific historical architectural styles exist in the Village of Lemont.
Use of materials for free - standing signs shall be constructed to meet similar historical
architectural styles of the community, simple design, creative graphic depictions that are
related to the business use, compatible color and scale of the business store front and
adjoining structures and surroundings. The dominant building material in the Lemont
Commercial Districts is known as Lemont - Joliet Limestone, a dolomite native to the Des
Plaines and Fox River Valleys. Whenever possible, Lemont - Joliet Stone or comparable
limestone shall be incorporated into monument sign design.
mss- -•.� � ��
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
EXHIBITS: Monumental style signs, such as those indicated above, shall meet certain bulk and
height standards. Signs reflecting similar architectural styles as indicated in Exhibit "A" shall be
required. Those signs indicated in Exhibit "B" shall be prohibited including signs mounted on a post
18
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
3. Freestanding Signs: Freestanding Signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. Area: Maximum sign area shall not exceed one (1) square foot of signage for each
lineal foot of frontage along the front lot line. The maximum square footage for any
free - standing or ground mounted sign shall be 60 square feet. On a corner or
through lot, each lot adjoining a street shall be considered a separate front lot line.
b. Height: Maximum height for any free - standing or ground mounted sign shall not
exceed eight (8) feet in height.
c. Landscaping: Specific landscaping Plan is required to be incorporated as part of all
free - standing and ground mounted sign design features, in accordance with Village
Landscape requirements and approved by the Community Development Director. A
minimum of fifty (50) square feet of landscaping is required for each free - standing
and ground mounted sign.
d. Setback: Freestanding Signs shall be setback greater than 1/2 the height of the sign
from all lot lines.
e. Number: One (1) ground mounted or free - standing sign shall be allowed per
frontage along a public roadway.
f. Illumination: Illumination is permitted as outlined under Section XI. Ground signs
may be illuminated by a source of lighting external to the sign or may be illuminated
by fixtures within the sign structure, provided that only the letters, numbers,
characters, logos and other graphics that constitute the sign message shall emit light.
The sign background shall be opaque.
g. Roof Signs: All roof signs are prohibited.
h. Visibility: Any sign in direct line of vision of any traffic so as to obstruct the view of
motorists of on- coming traffic or of pedestrians shall be prohibited.
4. No Wall Sign shall extend more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the building.
a. Area: The allowable Wall Sign area shall be computed at one (1) square foot of
signage per each lineal front of building frontage with a maximum signage area of
19
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
100 square feet. A minimum of twenty (20) square feet shall be allowed per tenant
space.
b. Height: Wall Signs shall not extend beyond the top or ends of the surface of the
wall to which they are attached;
c. Projection: Wall Signs shall not extend more than 12 inches from the wall or
structural members to which they are attached.
d. Sign Direction: All signage shall only face public streets with legal access points.
5. Directional signs shall be no more than four (4) square feet in area, no more than three
(3) feet in height, and shall have a setback equal to or greater than the height of the sign.
6. Awning Signs. Awning Signs shall be located only on the front elevation of a building on
the first floor level and must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet of clearance above a
sidewalk or parking lot (measured from the lowest point of the awning structure). They
must be located below the lowest sill of the second floor level or below the cornice or
eave on a one -story building. Awnings shall not be internally illuminated. Only canvas or
cloth awnings are allowed. Canopies or marquees shall be wood or metal and consistent
with the construction materials of the building. Awning colors shall be simple and
restrained, normally displaying a single sign color over a single background color, all of
which should be complementary to or matching the building's permanent exterior
color(s). Awning signs shall not exceed 50% of the smallest exposed surface of the
awning on which the sign appears.
7. Electronic or non - electronic changeable copy signs may be allowed through special use
only, as described in Section XVIII.I of the zoning ordinance.
In addition to the general standards for special uses in Section XVIII.I of this ordinance,
no special use shall be granted for an electronic or non - electronic changeable copy sign
unless the Plan Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals shall make findings of fact that
the sign meets the following additional standards:
a. Not more than twenty -five (25) percent of the total allowable gross surface area shall
be a message center;
20
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
b. The message center shall be subordinate in location to the main sign face and shall
not be located higher than five (5) feet above grade;
c. The sign shall be legible in the circumstances in which it is seen and will not be a
hazard to passing motorists;
d. If electronic, the sign does not flash, scroll, dissolve, or animate, and the rate of
change in the message shall be appropriate for the speed limit of the roadway along
which the sign appears;
e. If electronic, the sign is not within the same zoning lot as another electronic message
center and it is not within five thousand (5,000) feet of an electronic message center
on any other zoning lot.
f. If illuminated, the illumination source or content shall not be visible from any
residence or residential lot (either vacant or improved) within 500 feet of the sign.
location.
g. If illuminated, the maximum intensity of the illumination shall not exceed forty (40)
footcandles measured at a distance from the illuminated sign face equal to the height
of the illuminated surface of the sign.
F. SHOPPING CENTERS AND PLANNED COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS SIGN
These provisions are intended to provide for the establishment of sign criteria related to sign bulk,
area, number and architectural incentives permitted within the appropriate Shopping Center and
Planned Commercial Districts:
1. Purpose and Applicability. The Shopping Center and Planned Commercial Developments
(PCD) sign restrictions shall comply with the following regulations and is to provide for
the establishment of signage criteria governing a large variety of sign types. The intent is
to provide flexibility and to encourage superior sign design, while ensuring conflicts
between sign types, numbers, design, and safety are minimized.
2. Architectural and Design Style: A specific historic architectural sign style exists in the
Village of Lemont. The use of specific materials for free - standing signs shall be
constructed to meet similar historic architectural styles in the community, simple design,
21
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
creative graphic depictions that are related to the business use, compatible color and scale
of the business storefront and adjoining structures and surroundings. The dominant
building material in the Lemont Commercial Districts is known as Lemont- Joliet
Limestone, a dolomite native to the Des Plaines and Fox River Valleys. Whenever
possible, Lemont - Joliet Stone or comparable limestone shall be incorporated into
monument sign design.
3. Freestanding Sign: All Freestanding signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. Area: A maximum of sixty (60) square feet of sign area is permitted.
b. Height: Maximum sign height shall not exceed 8 feet.
c. Landscaping: Specific landscaping Plan is required to be incorporated as part of all
free- standing and ground mounted sign design features, in accordance with Village
Landscape requirements and approved by the Community Development Director. A
minimum of fifty (50) square feet of landscaping is required for each free - standing
and ground mounted sign.
d. Number: One (1) monument ground sign shall be permitted per tract ownership,
except when there is a single ownership fronting on two (2) streets of intersecting
public streets, not to include alleyways or public driveways, with frontage in excess
of 1000 feet, one (1) additional sign shall be permitted with at least 300 feet
separation between signs.
e. Setback: Freestanding Signs shall be setback greater than half the height of the sign.
f. Illumination: Illumination is permitted as outlined is Section XI. Ground signs may
be illuminated by a source of lighting external to the sign or may be illuminated by
fixtures within the sign structure, provided that only the letters, numbers, characters,
logos and other graphics that constitute the sign message shall be internally
illuminated through solid, translucent (not transparent) material. The sign
background shall be opaque. In no case shall the light source be exposed.
g. Roof Signs: All roof signs are prohibited.
h. Visibility: Any sign in direct line of vision of any traffic signal shall not have red,
green, or amber illumination.
22
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
i Sign Direction: All signage shall only face public streets with legal access points
4. Wall Signs: All Wall Signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. Area: The allowable Wall Sign area shall be computed at one (1) square foot of
signage per each lineal front of building frontage with a maximum signage area of
100 square feet. A minimum of twenty (20) square feet shall be allowed per tenant
space.
b. Height: Wall Signs shall not extend beyond the top or ends of the surface of the
wall to which they are attached;
c. Projection: Wall Signs shall not extend more than 12 inches from the wall or
structural members to which they are attached.
d. Sign Direction: All signage shall only face public streets with legal access points.
5. Directional signs shall be no more than four (4) square feet in area, no more than three
(3) feet in height, and shall have a setback equal to or greater than the height of the sign.
6. Awning Signs. Awning Signs shall be located only on the front elevation of a building
on the first floor level and must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet of clearance above
a sidewalk or parking lot (measured from the lowest point of the awning structure). They
must be located below the lowest sill of the second floor level or below the cornice or
cave on a one -story building. Awnings shall not be internally illuminated. Only canvas or
cloth awnings are allowed. Canopies or marquees shall be wood or metal and consistent
with the construction materials of the building. Awning colors shall be simple and
restrained, normally displaying a single sign color over a single background color, all of
which should be complementary to or matching the building's permanent exterior
color(s). Awning signs shall not exceed 50% of the smallest exposed surface of the
awning on which the sign appears.
7. Electronic or non - electronic changeable copy signs may be allowed through special use
only as described in Section XVIII.I. of the zoning ordinance. In addition to the general
standards for special uses in Section XVIII.I of this ordinance, no special use shall be
granted for an electronic or non - electronic changeable copy sign unless the Plan
23
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals shall make findings of fact that the sign meets
the following additional standards:
a. Not more than twenty -five (25) percent of the total allowable gross surface area shall
be a message center;
b. The message center shall be subordinate in location to the main sign face and shall
not be located higher than five (5) feet above grade;
c. The sign shall be legible in the circumstances in which it is seen and will not be a
hazard to passing motorists;
d If electronic, the sign does not flash, scroll, dissolve, or animate, and the rate of
change in the message shall be appropriate for the speed limit of the roadway along
which the sign appears;
e. If electronic, the sign is not within the same zoning lot as another electronic message
center and it is not within one hundred fifty*-f feet of an electronic message
center on any other zoning lot. Jr cQ a
f. If illuminated, the illumination source or illuminated content shall not be visible
from any residence or residential lot (either vacant or improved) within five hundred
(500) feet of the sign location.
g.
If illuminated, the maximum intensity of the illumination shall not exceed forty (40)
footcandles measured at a distance from the illuminated sign face equal to the height
of the illuminated surface of the sign.
8. Directory signs shall be no more than eighty (80) square feet in area, no more than ten
(10) feet in height, and shall have a setback equal to or greater than the height of the sign.
G. STATE STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT:
Property having frontage on the east or west sides of State Street between Illinois Street and
Peiffer Street and which is eligible to display commercial or other non - residential ground
signs shall be subject to unique standards for signs in order to preserve the character of the
street as a residential neighborhood in which several commercial uses may be admitted by
special use, class II home occupation special use, and selective zoning map amendments.
24
Section XV- Lemont Sign Ordinance
1. Freestanding Sign: All Freestanding signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. Area: A maximum of thirty (30) square feet of sign area is permitted.
b. Height: Maximum sign height shall not exceed five (5) feet.
c. Landscaping: Specific landscaping Plan is required to be incorporated as part of all
free - standing and ground mounted sign design features, in accordance with Village
Landscape requirements and approved by the Community Development Director. A
minimum of fifty (50) square feet of landscaping is required for each free - standing
and ground mounted sign.
d. Number: One (1) ground sign shall be permitted per tract ownership, except when
there is a single ownership fronting on two (2) streets of intersecting public streets,
not to include alleyways or public driveways, with frontage in excess of 1000 feet,
one (1) additional sign shall be permitted with at least 300 feet separation between
signs.
e. Setback: Freestanding Signs shall be setback greater than one half (1/2) the height of
the sign.
f. Illumination: Illumination is permitted as outlined is Section XI. Ground signs
shall be illuminated by a source of lighting external to the sign or may be
illuminated by fixtures within the sign structure, provided that only the letters,
numbers, characters, logos and other graphics that constitute the sign message shall
be internally illuminated through solid, translucent (not transparent) material. The
sign background shall be opaque. In no case shall the light source be exposed.
g. Roof Signs: All roof signs are prohibited.
h. Visibility: Any sign in direct line of vision of any traffic signal shall not have red,
green, or amber illumination.
i. Sign Direction: signage shall be mounted such that the sign faces are perpendicular
or nearly perpendicular to the street.
25
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
H. MANUFACTURING DISTRICT SIGN STANDARDS:
These provisions are intended to provide for the establishment of sign criteria related to sign
bulk, area, number and architectural incentives permitted within the appropriate Manufacturing
District: The following signs shall be permitted in the Village subject to all applicable
standards for the following districts: M -1, M -2, M -3 and M -4 Districts:
1. Purpose and Applicability: The Manufacturing District signs restrictions provide for the
establishment of signage criteria governing a large variety of sign types. The intent is to
provide flexibility and to encourage superior sign design, while ensuring conflicts and
safety between sign types, numbers, design, and safety.
2. Architectural and Design Style: A specific historic architectural sign style exists in the
Village of Lemont. The use of specific materials for free - standing signs shall be
constructed to meet similar historic architectural styles in the community, simple design,
creative graphic depictions that are related to the business use, compatible color and scale
of the business storefront and adjoining structures and surroundings. The dominant
building material is known as Lemont - Joliet Limestone, a dolomite native to the Des
Plaines and Fox River Valleys. Whenever possible, Lemont - Joliet Stone or comparable
limestone shall be incorporated into monument sign design.
3. Free - Standing Signs: Free - Standing signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. Area: the gross allowable surface area in square feet of all signs on a lot shall be
calculated at one (1) square foot of signage for each lineal foot of frontage along the
front lot line. The maximum square footage for any monument or ground mounted
sign shall be 60 square feet. On a corner or through lot, each lot adjoining a street
shall be considered a separate front lot line.
b. Height: Maximum sign height for a monument and ground mounted sign shall not
project higher than ten (10) feet above grade level.
c. Landscaping: Specific landscaping Plan is required to be incorporated as part of all
free - standing and ground mounted sign design features, in accordance with Village
Landscape requirements and approved by the Community Development Director. A
minimum of fifty (50) square feet of landscaping is required for each free - standing
and ground mounted sign.
26
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
d. Setback: Minimum setback for monument and ground mounted sign shall be greater
than 1/2 the height of the sign from the lot line adjoining a public street.
e. Number: Maximum of one (1) sign is permitted per each frontage at each legal
ingress /egress entrance.
f. Sign Direction: All signage shall only face public streets with legal access points.
4. Wall Signs: No Wall Sign shall extend more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the
building.
a. Area: The allowable Wall Sign area shall be computed at one (1) square foot of
signage per each lineal front of building frontage, with a maximum signage area of
one hundred (100) square feet. A minimum of twenty (20) square feet shall be
allowed per tenant space.
b. Height: Wall Signs shall not extend beyond the top or ends of the surface of the wall
to which they are attached;
c. Projection: Wall Signs shall not extend more than twelve (12) inches from the wall
or structural members to which they are attached.
d. Sign Direction: All signage shall face only public streets with legal access points.
5. Directional signs shall be no more than four (4) square feet in area, no more than three
(3) feet in height, and shall have a setback equal to or greater than the height of the sign.
6. Awning Signs. Awning Signs shall be located only on the front elevation of a building
on the first floor level and must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet of clearance above
a sidewalk or parking lot (measured from the lowest point of the awning structure). They
must be located below the lowest sill of the second floor level or below the cornice or
eave on a one -story building. Awnings shall not be internally illuminated. Only canvas or
cloth awnings are allowed. Canopies or marquees shall be wood or metal and consistent
with the construction materials of the building. Awning colors shall be simple and
restrained, normally displaying a single sign color over a single background color, all of
which should be complementary to or matching the building's permanent exterior
color(s). Awning signs shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the smallest exposed surface
of the awning on which the sign appears. Electronic or non - electronic changeable copy
signs may be allowed through special use only as described in Section XVIII.I of the
27
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
zoning ordinance. In addition to the general standards for special uses in Section XVIII.I
of this ordinance, no special use shall be granted for an electronic or non - electronic
changeable copy sign unless the Plan Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals shall
make findings of fact that the sign meets the following additional standards:
a. Not more than twenty -five (25) percent of the total allowable gross surface area shall
be a message center;
b. The message center shall be subordinate in location to the main sign face and shall
not be located higher than five (5) feet above grade;
c. The sign shall be legible in the circumstances in which it is seen and will not be a
hazard to passing motorists;
d. If electronic, the sign does not flash, scroll, dissolve, or animate, and the rate of
change in the message shall be appropriate for the speed limit of the roadway along
which the sign appears;
e. If electronic, the sign is not within the same zoning lot as another electronic message
center and it is not within five thousand (5,000) feet of an electronic message center
on any other zoning lot.
f. If illuminated, the illumination source or illuminated content shall not be visible from
any residence or residential lot (either vacant or improved) within five hundred (500)
feet of the sign location.
g. If illuminated, the maximum intensity of the illumination shall not exceed forty (40)
footcandles measured at a distance from the illuminated sign face equal to the height
of the illuminated surface of the sign.
8. Directory (multi - tenant/multi- owner) signs shall be no more than eighty (80) square feet
in area, no more than ten (10) feet in height, and shall have a setback equal to or greater
than the height of the sign.
L BONUS PROVISIONS TO INCREASE SIGN AREA
1. The maximum sign areas in all applicable districts may be increased by a specified
percentage for compliance with the designed criteria listed below. The percentage
increases shall be based on the original maximum sign area allowed. If more than one
28
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
criteria is met, then bonuses may be granted cumulatively. The Residential and
Downtown Districts shall be exempt from all bonus provisions.
2. Wall Signs: Ten percent (10 %) area bonus for any Wall Sign which consists of individual
letters mounted directly on the building surface. Ten percent (10 %) area bonus for Wall
Signs within a shopping center provided the shopping center management mandates each
business establishment within the shopping center to have uniform or complementary
sign colors so long as such uniformity or complimentary color schemes are approved by
the Community Development Director or designated representative.
3. SIGN, GROSS SURFACE AREA OF: Sign area is measured by drawing the smallest
rectangle around the greatest outer dimensions of the letters, numbers, logos, symbols,
borders, faces and other graphic components of the sign. Space or voids between each
component shall not be calculated in gross surface area, nor shall frames, bracing, or
other structural supports of the sign be included in the calculation. On free - standing
signs, each side shall be allowed the maximum gross surface area the entire area within a
single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of a sign face).
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
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30
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
J. ILLUMINATION
1. Illumination: Any sign permitted under these regulations may be illuminated, provided
such illumination complies with the following: All illuminated signs located in a
residential district or within 100 feet of any residential zoning district shall be turned off
between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. and seven (7:00) A.M. o'clock unless
the establishment is engaged in the operation of its business with employees on the
premises during such period;
2. Illumination shall be installed or applied such that: The light source is contained within
the sign and is visible only through a translucent surface or recessed into the sign
structure; or the light source is external to the sign and is directed to and concentrated on
the sign; illumination shall be prevented from striking or causing a glare on the street or
nearby properties; illumination shall be constant in intensity and color and shall not
consist of flashing, animated, chasing or scintillating lights. Illumination is permitted as
outlined is Section XI.
3. Lighting Methods. Signs may be illuminated by a source of lighting external to the sign
or may be illuminated internally, however no internally illuminated sign shall have a
translucent background; only the sign message shall permit transmission of any light
through the sign face. Decorative exterior lighting fixtures, "reverse channel letter ", or
"back -lit" designs shall be the preferred methods of illumination.
4. Maximum Light Candle. To be determined. (Most municipalities have a 50 foot candle
limitation.) Measurement taken from a point equal to the height of the sign.
K. PROHIBITED SIGNS
1. This section shall be considered to be a positive document, wherein signs not
specifically permitted shall be prohibited. However, the following signs are specifically
prohibited in the Village:
a. Any sign which is determined by the Community Development Director and/or
the Chief of Police of the Village to constitute a traffic hazard by reason of size,
location, content, color, or type of illumination;
b. Any sign which is located in or which extends over the public right of way
except as otherwise permitted under these regulations or as authorized by the
Village Board;
31
Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
c. Any sign which moves or assumes a non - stationary position by mechanical
means or under normal wind currents except flags, banners, and barber poles as
regulated herein;
d. Any sign which utilizes neon tubing which is exposed and not covered with an
opaque covering surface; except as permitted in the B -2 District.
e. Any sign painted directly on exterior building surfaces, unless specifically
outlined in this ordinance;
f. Advertising signs on light poles of gas stations;
g.
Signs affixed to nonfunctional or unlicensed vehicles in view from 100 feet of a
public roadway. Non functional vehicle signs shall include vehicles which are
not moved once every 48 hours.
h. Internally illuminated or electronic message boards and electronic changing
signs;
i. Advertising or billboards signs;
j. Non - illuminated, non - electronic changing signs unless a special use has been
approved by the Village Board;
k. Flashing signs;
1. All off - premise signs;
m. Roof signs;
o. Portable Signs
p. Electronic & Changeable Wall Signs unless a special use has been approved by
the Village Board;
L. LEGAL NON - CONFORMING SIGNS AND AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE
1. Signs existing at the time of the enactment of this Chapter and not conforming to its
provisions, but which were constructed in compliance with the previous regulations,
shall be regarded as legal non - conforming signs.
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
2. Non - conforming signs which are altered structurally, substantially damaged, relocated,
replaced, redesigned or which advertise a business which use or business name is
changed or ceases operation for a period greater than 30 days, shall comply
immediately with all provisions of this Ordinance.
3. Non - conforming signs may be granted an exemption from this sign ordinance if the
Village Board deems a non - conforming sign as possessing unique and significant
values.
4. Legal non - conforming advertising and billboards or off - premise signs shall be removed
within five (5) years from the effective date of the adoption of this Ordinance.
5. Amortization of legal non - conforming signs. No sign which legally existed on the
effective date of this amendment of May 9, 2005, but does not conform with the height,
gross surface area, or illumination standards of this ordinance shall be altered, replaced,
reconstructed, or moved unless such alteration, replacement, reconstruction or
movement shall conform to the regulations of this section. The Village Board shall
reserve the authority to adopt a reasonable amortization schedule which requires legal
non - conforming signs to be removed or made to conform to the regulations of this
ordinance within a reasonable period of years.
M. SIGN PERMIT APPEALS
Appeal from Denial of Permit: when a sign permit is denied by the Department of
Community Development, including instances in which the Plan Commission as Sign
Review Committee has recommended that the permit be denied, appeals shall be taken to
the Zoning Board of Appeals. Such appeal may be made at a regularly scheduled meeting of
the Zoning Board of Appeals, provided a request for a hearing shall be made in writing to
the Community Development Director on the required application form. Established rules
and procedures for a hearing for the Zoning Board of Appeals shall apply in accordance with
the Lemont Zoning Ordinance.
N. VARIANCES
1. Variations shall be permitted only when they are in harmony with the general purpose
and intent of this Chapter; and only when the plight of the petitioner is due to unique
circumstances; in cases when there are practical difficulties or particular hardship in the
way of carrying out the requirements of this Chapter; and when the variation, if
granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
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Section XV - Lemont Sign Ordinance
2. No variation may be granted which increases any dimension (i.e., height, length, width
or area) to an amount greater than twenty five percent (25 %) of the corresponding
dimensions normally permitted by this Chapter. Any variation which provides that any
dimension of a sign may exceed twenty five percent (25 %) of the corresponding
dimension normally permitted by this Chapter, whether such variation was granted by
ordinance, Zoning Board of Appeals action, court order modifying Zoning Board of
Appeals action, or otherwise, is hereby rescinded as of the date of this ordinance.
3. The recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and on any such variation shall
be the final action of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and such decision shall be
thereafter considered by the Village Board. If a denial of a petition is rendered the
petitioner shall not be permitted to repetition to the Zoning Board of Appeals earlier
than one (1) year from the date from the action of the Village Board, unless the petition
is substantially amended, as determined by the Community Development Director.
0. PENALTIES AND FINES
1. Any such violation of this Ordinance shall cause the sign to be removed and the
expense of the removal to be billed to the property owner, and/or a fine of not less than
Fifty Dollars ($50) nor more than Seven hundred and Fifty Dollars ($750) to be
imposed on the property owner. Each day said violation continues shall be considered
a separate offense.
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