§ 17.190.040. Prohibited, permitted and types of signs.
A.
Prohibited graphics or signs. The following graphics or signs are prohibited everywhere in this city:
1.
Mobile/portable signs except as provided under Subsection 17.190.040.B.15.
2.
Graphics which contain or consist of banners, pennants, streamers, ribbons, strings of exposed light bulbs, spinners or similar devices.
3.
Graphics attached to trees, fences or public utility poles other than warning signs as identified in Subsection 17.190.040.A.7., below, or those graphics issued by public utilities and attached to public utility poles.
4.
Abandoned sign including the posts and other supports which advertise or identify an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises where such graphic is located. If the business or service advertised or identified by a nonconforming sign ceases to be conducted for a period exceeding ninety (90) calendar days, the nonconforming sign shall be classified as an "abandoned sign", and shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which the sign is located within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice as stated in Subsection 17.190.050.F. of this chapter by the Administrator concerning its removal. The Administrator can take into account the fact that a sign may be resold as part of the sale of a business when presented with documentation depicting such effort should the Administrator decide not to send a written removal notice.
5.
Roof-mounted graphic that extends more than three (3) feet above the highest point of the roof.
6.
Off-premises signs except as provided in Subsection 17.190.040.D.7.
7.
Snipe signs. The placement of this prohibited sign is transient in nature and irreparable. The adoption of the prohibition shall be deemed notice of the violation. The person or business in possession or control of the snipe sign and the person or business who owns or is advertised or identified (by name, address or other contact information) on the sign may be cited immediately upon observation of the violation. The person or business who owns or is advertised or identified on the sign shall be presumed to have permitted the placement of the snipe sign in the absence of evidence to the contrary. The term "transient in nature" shall mean that a condition exists on a temporary, periodic, or nonpermanent basis. The term "irreparable" shall mean the condition is incapable of being remedied, as the harm sought to be prevented has already occurred.
Each sign shall be considered a separate violation and shall carry the following penalties for each:
a.
Violations and fines (plus applicable court fees)
1.)
First violation ..... $100.00
2.)
Second violation ..... 200.00
3.)
Third and subsequent violations ..... 300.00
B.
Permitted graphics. Every graphic enumerated below that complies with the indicated requirements may be erected in any zoning district of this City without a permit. The area of such graphics shall not be debited against the displaying establishment's sign area allowance:
1.
Construction signs identifying the architects, engineers, contractors, and other individuals or firms involved with the construction, and/or announcing the character or purpose of the building but not advertising any product. Such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, shall be confined to the site of the construction, and shall be removed within ten (10) working days after construction has been completed.
2.
On-premises directional signs such as signs identifying entrances, exits, parking areas, no-parking areas, restrooms, public telephones, walkways, and similar features or facilities. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area.
3.
Flags of any country, state, or unit of local government. (Ch. 65, ILCS 5/11-80-17) A maximum of three (3) flags allowed per establishment, or if residentially zoned, per house.
4.
Signs advertising a garage or yard sale on private residential property according to the provisions of Section 5.20.050 of the Collinsville Municipal Code.
5.
Governmental or public signs, such as traffic control signs, railroad crossing signs, legal notices, and such temporary emergency signs as may be authorized by the Administrator.
6.
Holiday decorations such as Christmas lights and ornaments, provided that such decorations must be removed within thirty (30) days after the holiday.
7.
House numbers and/or resident-only name signs located on the lot to which the sign pertains. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area for single-family dwellings nor six (6) square feet for multiple-family dwellings.
8.
Integral signs, memorial signs or tablets carved into stone or inlaid so as to become part of the building, and containing such information as date of erection, name of building and memorial tributes.
9.
Interior signs located in any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings or interior enclosed/fenced sporting areas.
10.
Political campaign signs. All signs which are relating to promoting or publicizing the nomination or election of any individual for a public political office to be voted on in any general or special election or advocating any measure to be voted on in any general or special election, hereinafter referred to as political campaign signs, shall be subject to the following regulations:
a.
Size of signs. Political campaign signs located in a residential zone shall be limited to a maximum surface area of sixteen (16) square feet. Political campaign signs located in zones other than residential zones shall be limited to a maximum surface area of thirty-two (32) square feet. The maximum square footage shall be based upon one (1) side of the sign. Signs may be two-sided.
b.
Signs on private property. No political campaign signs shall be erected upon any private property without the permission of the property owner, resident or respective agent. In cases of vacant property, or where there is no occupied structure on the property, no political sign shall be placed thereon without the written consent of the property owner or his agent.
c.
Political campaign signs shall not be permitted within public rights-of-way. Where the public right-of-way is not clearly defined, this area shall be defined as measuring no less than ten (10) feet from the back of the improved curb for said facing street.
d.
Unauthorized signs. Unauthorized signs of any nature located either on City-owned property, whether occupied or vacant, is prohibited and shall be immediately removed.
e.
Permitted time period. Political campaign signs shall not be displayed prior to ninety (90) days before said election nor after thirty (30) days from the date the election was held. In cases where a general election follows a primary election, those signs for candidates whose names will appear on the ballot in the general election may be displayed during the interim period and up to the date the general election results are certified. In all instances herein in which political campaign signs are required to be removed, or if the signs have become detached from their support device or damaged, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner or occupant, if the sign is located on private property, or the respective candidate.
f.
Signs related to constitutionally protected free speech. Signs expressing constitutionally protected free speech that are:
1.)
Not related to promoting or publicizing the nomination or election of any individual for a public political office; or
2.)
Not advocating any measure to be voted on in any general or special election; or
3.)
Not classified as commercial in nature, shall not be subject to the time period for the removal of political campaign signs, but shall otherwise be subject to all other provisions of this section.
11.
Property regulation signs such as no trespassing, beware of dog, no hunting, no fishing, etc. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area.
12.
Public interest signs publicizing a charitable or nonprofit event of general public interest. Such signs shall be permitted only for forty-five (45) days before and seven (7) days after the event and shall only be permitted on the site of the event.
13.
Real estate signs indicating the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which said signs are located. Such signs on residential property shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area; on other commercial property such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. No more than one (1) real estate sign per street front shall be placed on any lot. Such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sale, rental, or lease.
14.
Residential development identification structures at major entrances designed to identify a residential subdivision, apartment complex, or planned unit development; containing no commercial advertising; and not exceeding forty (40) square feet in area and located on-premises.
15.
Street banners or mobile/portable signs or graphics that advertise the City or a public entertainment or event are permitted only with a permit issued by the Administrator.
16.
Utility company signs that serve as an aid to public safety or that show the location of public telephones, underground cables, etc.
17.
Historic building signs or plaques containing no advertising and limited to four (4) square feet in area. Applicants desiring a historic sign status, containing advertising and/or greater than four (4) square feet in area, shall request historic status through the procedure defined in Subsection 17.064.060.B.
18.
Special Promotional Graphics will be allowed for no more than fourteen (14) days, and no more than three (3) special promotions allowed per year, and permit must be obtained from the City, at least five (5) days prior to the event. All special promotion graphics must meet the requirements of Subsection 17.190.030.F. and Subsection 17.190.030.G.
19.
Public signs such as street identification signs, traffic signs, and other public interest signs erected by the City of Collinsville or the State of Illinois.
C.
Residential zone districts. Upon the effective date of this chapter, no signs or other graphics except those listed in Subsection 17.190.040.B. shall be erected in any residential portion of a planned unit development, planned development district or in any other residential district.
D.
Commercial zone districts. No establishment located in any commercial district, any commercial or industrial portion of a planned unit development, or any industrial district shall display a total area of signs in excess of its sign area allowance. (See Subsection 17-190.030.C.). Additionally, signs in any commercial district, any commercial or industrial portion of a planned unit development district, or in any industrial district shall conform to the requirements indicated in the subsections below.
1.
Flush-mounted graphics. Total square footage of flush-mounted graphics area shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the total square footage of the building face upon which placed. No flush-mounted graphic shall:
a.
Project more than eighteen (18) inches from the wall or surface to which it is attached. If such wall or surface is not vertical, the projection shall be measured from the closest point of the wall or surface to the graphic; or
b.
Extend more than three (3) feet above the roofline of the building to which it is attached. See exhibit A for pictorial display of flush-mounted graphics;
2.
Projecting graphics. One (1) projecting graphic per street frontage may be substituted for the flush-mounted graphic. No projecting graphic shall:
a.
Project over a public right-of-way or closer than two (2) feet to the curb or edge of such vehicular way (Ch. 65, ILCS 5/11-80-14); or
b.
Project more than three (3) feet from the building to which it is attached; or
c.
Extend below a point eight (8) feet above the ground or pavement; or
d.
Extend more than three (3) feet above the roofline of the building to which it is attached (not on top of the roof); or
e.
Exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.
3.
Window graphics. Any commercial, industrial or institutional establishment may display permanent exterior window graphics. Permanent exterior window graphics shall cover no more than twenty (20) percent of any window or twenty (20) square feet of window, whichever is less. Permanent exterior window graphics shall be debited against the total area of all graphics permitted.
4.
Awning, canopy, and marquee with graphics. Graphics mounted flush against awning, canopy, or marquee shall be considered flush-mounted graphics, and shall comply with the regulations of Subsection 17.190.040.D.1. Graphics suspended beneath any awning, canopy or marquee shall be considered projecting graphics, and shall comply with the regulations of Subsection 17.190.040.D.2. An awning, canopy or marquee graphic may be painted on directly, and shall comply with the regulations of Subsection 17.190.030.C.
5.
Shopping/office center freestanding graphics. A shopping/office center - as an entity - may erect an identification sign in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:
a.
Shopping/office center identification graphics shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet when identifying only the shopping center.
b.
Freestanding graphic (sign) shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet when identifying the shopping/office center and/or tenants.
c.
No shopping/office center shall have more than one (1) freestanding graphic (sign) identifying the shopping center and/or tenants.
d.
Tenants that are identified on the shopping/office center freestanding graphic shall have the square footage included as part of the tenant's allowable signage.
e.
Outlots with street frontage shall be allowed a freestanding graphic in accordance with Subsection 17.190.040.D.6.
f.
No point of any freestanding graphics shall project over or intrude into any public right-of-way or private lot line and no freestanding graphic shall be higher than two (2) feet in the restricted area.
g.
A freestanding graphic shall not extend more than the maximum height allowed in Subsection 17.190.040.D.6.c.
6.
Freestanding graphics. No establishment in any zoning district may have more than one (1) freestanding graphic on any lot, except in sign zone 1. In sign zone 1, an establishment may have a maximum of two (2) freestanding graphics on any lot, with one (1) freestanding graphic not exceeding the height allowed under Subsection 17.190.040.D.6.c.1.) and one (1) freestanding graphic not extending twenty-five (25) feet above the ground.
Minimum distance apart for two (2) freestanding graphics on one (1) parcel in zone 1: If an establishment in zone 1 erects two (2) freestanding graphics on one (1) parcel of land and both freestanding graphics are located in the front half or both freestanding graphics are located in the back half of the property, the minimum distance apart shall be one-half (½) of the parcel's street frontage. If an establishment in zone 1 erects one (1) freestanding graphic on the front half of the property and the other freestanding graphic on the back half of the property, the minimum distance apart shall be one-half (½) of the parcel's depth. The front half of the property shall be determined by the legal address. Under any circumstance, two (2) freestanding graphics constructed on one (1) parcel in zone 1 shall be placed further than forty (40) feet apart.
Freestanding graphics shall comply with the following regulations:
a.
No point of any freestanding graphics shall project over or intrude a private lot line, and no freestanding graphic shall be higher than two (2) feet in the restricted area.
b.
No freestanding graphic shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area or twelve (12) feet in any dimension, except for freestanding graphics in zone 1 which shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet in area; provided, that this paragraph shall not apply to shopping center identification graphics. (See Subsection 17.190.040.D.5.)
c.
Height of sign—Districts.
1.)
When attached to a post or other supports, a freestanding graphic shall not extend more than eighty (80) feet above the ground or pavement in zone 1 except on those parcels of ground contiguous to Illinois Highway 157 which shall not extend more than sixty (60) feet above the ground or pavement in zone 1.
2.)
When attached to a post or other supports, a freestanding graphic shall not extend more than twenty (20) feet above the ground or pavement in zone 2.
3.)
When attached to a post or other supports, a freestanding graphic shall not extend more than fifteen (15) feet above the ground or pavement in zone 3 except for gasoline and oil service stations which a freestanding graphic shall not extend more than twenty (20) feet above the ground or pavement.
7.
Off-premises signs.
a.
Off-premises signs are permitted on either side of a federal interstate highway for six hundred sixty (660) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way, in accordance with the State Highway Advertising Control Act, 225 ILCS 440/1 through 440/16 and as it may hereafter be amended. See Subsection 17.190.010.B. which also exempts from this chapter the regulation of all advertising signs within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of federal interstate highways.
b.
Off-premises signs are permitted on commercial or industrial zone district lots or parcels of land that adjoin Illinois Route 157 right-of-way from Belt Line Road north to the City limits line and from Main Street south to the City limits line and on commercial or industrial zone district lots/parcels of land adjoining Illinois Route 159 right-of-way from Belt Line Road northerly to the City limits line and from S. Clinton south and westerly to the City limits lines, as provided for below in Subsection 5.).
1.)
No such off-premises signs shall be located closer than three hundred (300) feet to another off-premises sign, on either side of the highway.
2.)
All off-premises signs shall be constructed upon a single pole made of steel or metal of equivalent strength.
3.)
No off-premises sign shall exceed thirty (30) feet at its highest point.
4.)
Off-premises signs shall not be permitted within or over the public right-of-way.
5.)
No more than five (5) off-premises signs are permitted per mile on each side of the highway. Nonconforming off-premises signs shall be included in this determination.
6.)
The graphic area allowance for off-premises signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet on property adjoining Illinois Route 157 from Belt Line Road north to the City limits and from Main Street south to the City limits, and on property adjoining Illinois Route 159 from Belt Line Road northerly to the City limits line and from South Clinton south and westerly to the City limits line.
7.)
All off-premises signs erected while the moratorium has been in effect and now deemed illegal will be removed.
8.)
Regulations contained in Subsections 17.190.020, 17.190.030.B—G., 17.190.040.A, 17.190.040.B., 17.190.050.E. and the administration and enforcement sections apply to off-premises signs.
8.
Planned unit development (PUD) and planned development districts. No signage shall be permitted in a planned unit development or planned development district unless it receives specific approval as part of the development plan as a consolidated sign package.
9.
Electronic message center signs (EMCS).
a.
An electronic message center sign shall be permitted only as an integral component of a freestanding sign or, to the extent permitted by these regulations, as an integral component of a building sign.
b.
Electronic variable message signs (EMCS) may be substituted in lieu of other permitted signs pursuant to this section. Portable or temporary EMCS are prohibited. The EMCS shall be further restricted by the additional standards in this subsection and the lighting standards in Section 17.910, exterior illumination.
c.
Area. An electronic message center sign shall comprise less than fifty (50) percent of the overall sign area of the sign structure and shall not, in any case, exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. An electronic message center sign shall be compatible with the design of the sign structure, including width, depth, and color of the cabinet.
d.
Message duration. Advertising messages, information, images and background shall remain in a fixed, static position for a minimum of eight (8) seconds. The change sequence must be accomplished within an interval of two (2) seconds or less.
e.
Illumination. The outdoor advertising sign shall have an automatic dimmer (factory set to the illumination intensities as follows) and a photo cell sensor to adjust the illumination intensity or brilliance of the sign so that it shall not cause glare or impair the vision of motorists and shall not interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle. The sign shall not exceed a maximum illumination of seven thousand five hundred (7,500) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of five hundred (500) nits between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness. Any external illumination devices shall be effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of a street or highway, or any residential use.
f.
Limitations. No moving, rotating, fluttering, blinking, or flashing elements are permitted. No animation, video, audio, pyrotechnic, or bluecasting components are permitted.
g.
In addition, the following standards shall apply to all EMCS:
1.)
The EMCS shall contain a default design that will freeze the sign in one (1) position if a malfunction occurs or in the alternative shut down; and
2.)
The EMCS shall not display any message that moves, appears to move, scrolls, or changes in intensity during the fixed display period.
3.)
When in the opinion of the Administrator an EMCS is proposed for a project or building or within an area deemed historically significant, review and approval of said EMCS shall be conducted by the Planning Commission when determined satisfactorily that the requested EMCS will pose no substantial harm to the historic character of said structure, project or area.
10.
Sign package.
a.
Required. A sign package is required for review by the Planning Commission for the following signs:
1.)
Attached tenant identification signs on multiple-story buildings containing multiple businesses or tenants on or above the floor plate of the second floor.
2.)
A freestanding identification sign facing a limited access highway if the property has more than two (2) existing attached signs.
b.
Optional. For projects with multiple buildings or tenants, unique circumstances such as poor visibility or irregularly shaped sites, or when a uniquely creative approach to signage design is proposed, an applicant may submit a sign package for review and approval by the Planning Commission.
c.
Specific intent. The specific intent of this procedure is to provide a process to evaluate the number, size, location, height, and design of signage within a project on a comprehensive basis to ensure that it is installed as a consistent, integrated component of the development.
d.
Submittal requirements. Said sign package shall include:
1.)
The location of the buildings, structures, or lots on which the signs are to be installed;
2.)
A site plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement thereon of the proposed signs;
3.)
Photographs, illustrations, or renderings of the building, site, and/or other signage on the site as required to determine consistency;
4.)
Other materials or evidence as may be required to demonstrate compliance with the review criteria; and
5.)
Fees. Filing and review fees as established by the City Council.
e.
Review criteria. Signs within the proposed package may deviate from the number, size, location, height, and design criteria specified by this section for each type of sign, provided that the overall approach meets or exceeds the provisions of Section 17.190.010, title, purpose and applicability.
f.
Planning Commission action. The Planning Commission may either approve, approve with modifications, or deny the proposed sign package.
g.
Approved sign package. The approved sign package shall be retained on file in the Department of Community Development.
h.
Building permits. A sign permit shall be required to install each sign in the approved package. Building permits shall be additionally required at the discretion of the Building Inspector.
i.
Amendments to sign package. Applications to amend any portion of an approved sign package shall be made to the Planning Commission for their review and approval.
11.
Sign walkers: Sign walkers shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
a.
Location. Sign walkers shall be located only on the real property that the business, goods or services are located:
1.)
At grade level.
2.)
Prohibited locations: sign walkers shall not be located:
A.)
Within the public right-of-way;
B.)
In raised or painted medians;
C.)
In parking aisles or stalls;
D.)
In driving lanes or driveways;
E.)
So that less than a minimum of four (4) feet is clear for pedestrian passage on all sidewalks and walkways, or so as to cause a hazard to pedestrian traffic;
F.)
On fences, boulders, planters, other signs, vehicles, utility facilities, or any structure;
G.)
Within a minimum distance of twenty (20) feet from any other sign walker; or
H.)
In a manner that results in sign walkers physically interacting with motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
b.
Display. Signs shall be:
1.)
Displayed only during the hours the business is open to conduct business.
2.)
Held, worn or balanced at all times.
c.
Elements prohibited. The following shall be prohibited:
1.)
Any form of illumination, including flashing, blinking, or rotating lights;
2.)
Animation on the sign itself;
3.)
Mirrors or other reflective materials; and
4.)
Attachments, including, but not limited to, balloons, ribbons, speakers.
12.
Uptown Collinsville District (UCD) signage. Signage in the Uptown Collinsville District shall be subject to the following:
a.
New signs and all physical changes to existing signs in the UCD Uptown Collinsville District shall adhere to these regulations, and shall require a sign permit from the City of Collinsville Department of Community Development;
b.
Preferred sign types include building mounted signs that face the street, window signs, projecting signs, and signs on awnings;
c.
Pylon/pole, back-lit, neon, or scrolling LED and digital reader board signs may be conditionally permitted in the Uptown Collinsville District as part of an approved sign package in accordance with Subsection 17.190.040.D.11., sign package, based on the following considerations:
1.)
Consistency and compatibility of requested signage with the overall design and architecture of building it is attached to or project it is associated with; and
2.)
Consistency and compatibility with the intent of the "UCD" Uptown Collinsville District.
d.
Wall signs, awning signs, canopy signs and blade or projecting signs are permitted following review and approval of a sign package by the Planning Commission in accordance with Subsection 17.190.040.D.10., sign package;
e.
Sandwich board signs (or "A-frame" type signs) may be placed on the sidewalk but shall not block pedestrian passage;
f.
Ground/monument signs for a public/civic use, business center or residential complex may be permitted after Planning Commission review and approval as part of a sign package prepared in accordance with Subsection 17.190.D.10., sign package;
g.
Ground/monument signs shall consist of masonry construction materials with street address numbers displayed;
h.
Signs shall not blink, flash, spin or move in any manner;
i.
Signage shall be externally lit with internally-lit signage permitted specifically when approved by the Planning Commission;
j.
Exterior signs that face the street (i.e. mounted against the wall) shall be centered below the horizontal expression line that defines the ground floor facade;
k.
Two-sided projecting signs that face up and down the street are permitted when meeting the following:
1.)
Located above the horizontal expression line that defines the ground floor facade;
2.)
Centered on the storefront or above the entryway;
3.)
The sign itself shall not be:
A.)
Greater than forty-two (42) inches in width or forty-two (42) inches in height;
B.)
Greater in width than in height;
C.)
Not extend more than thirty-six (36) inches from the building face;
D.)
Provide a minimum ten-foot vertical clearance above the sidewalk; and
E.)
A decorative hanger shall be required for attachment.
l.
Rooftop signs are prohibited;
m.
Sign colors shall relate to and complement the primary colors of the building facade;
n.
Sign design and placement shall fit the character of the building and should not obscure architectural details;
o.
Building-mounted light fixtures shall be required to illuminate signage; any such lights shall be mounted above the sign and directed downward;
p.
Artistic projecting signs shall be permitted provided they are proportional and complementary to the architecture of the building;
q.
Signage on awnings shall be permitted on the "fringe" portion as long as it is complementary and does not contrast the architecture of the building;
r.
Awnings may be lit from above and/or may feature lighting beneath to illuminate the sidewalk;
s.
Glowing awnings are prohibited; and
t.
Temporary product signage can be placed in display windows but limited to ten (10) percent of the total area of glazing. These signs shall be professionally executed with computer or by a professional sign painter or graphic artist.
13.
Special displays and other temporary signs.
a.
The following temporary signs may be approved by the Administrator and shall require a sign permit:
1.)
Building wall-mounted banners not to exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height and thirty (30) feet in length; and
2.)
Special inflated devices.
b.
Frequency and duration. The use of such signs for special promotions shall be limited to three (3) such events for each business in a calendar year with a maximum time period of fourteen (14) days for each event. These events may be consecutive.
(Ord. No. 4349, § 3(1003), 7-26-2010)