ORDINANCE NO. ___

AN ORDINANCE TO RECREATE SECTION 15.08, SIGN PERMITS, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF DEFOREST

The Village Board of the Village of DeForest, Dane County, Wisconsin, does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION 1: Section 15.08 is hereby repealed and recreated as follows:

15.08 SIGNS.

• (1) PURPOSE. The purpose of this section is to establish standards for the fabrication, erection, and use of signs for all properties within the Village of DeForest and the ETZ Area. This section regulates the location, type, size, and height of signage based on the finding that such regulation furthers six compelling governmental interests:
• (a) To promote the public welfare, health, and safety of all persons using the public thoroughfares and right-of-ways as to the signage displayed thereon, or overhanging, or projecting into such public spaces;
• (b) To advance aesthetic goals throughout the community, and to ensure the effectiveness and flexibility in the design of, and the creativity of, the use of such devices without creating detriment to the general public;
• (c) To aid in the proper development and promotion of business and industry;
• (d) To reduce the visual clutter caused by advertising signage which the Village has determined is a significant cause of unsafe traffic flow and visibility, poor aesthetic conditions, and detrimental competition among business signage;
• (e) To recognize that different zoning districts and geographic areas of the community have different characteristics, and sign regulations should vary based in part on those differences;
• (f) To limit the spread of unattractive strip commercial development, of which excessive signage are a primary contributor, while at the same time being respectful of the reasonable rights of business entities whose messages are displayed in commercial areas; and
• (g) To implement the community vision, goals and objectives, and signage recommendations contained within the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.

Furthermore, the Village maintains that this section leaves ample and adequate channels of commercial speech communication for the messages typically portrayed on such advertising signage—including but not limited to print media, broadcast media, and point-of-purchase display—and is narrowly defined so as to limit any prohibitions on commercial speech on exterior signage.

• (2) SIGN PERMITS.
• (a) General Requirements . Except as otherwise provided in §15.08(2)(i), no sign shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, or structurally altered without a sign permit. This section shall apply and be construed to require a permit for a change of copy on any sign or for any conversions or changes in the sign structure. This section shall not apply to repainting with the same sign copy, cleaning, repair, or other normal maintenance of the sign or sign structure. No new permit is required for signs which are in place as of the date of the adoption of this section, and such signs may remain as legal nonconforming structures. Any alteration or relocation of such signs shall conform with the requirements of this section.
• (b) Permit Requirements . Any sign permit granted hereunder may not be assigned or transferred to any other sign or modified sign face or sign structure.
• 1. Only those permanent or temporary signs which have been granted a permit from the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this section may be erected, installed, constructed or maintained, except those signs specifically exempted from permit requirements in §15.08(2)(i), below.
• 2. The owner or tenant may include all such signs at one premise under one permit.
• (c) Application Procedure . Each initial application for a sign permit shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator on a form provided by that office, prior to installation of a new sign or modification of an existing sign face or sign structure. Each application shall include:
• 1. The name and address of the permit applicant.
• 2. The approved site plan for the subject property, per §15.05, or if not previously approved, a site plan for the subject property showing, at a minimum, the location of the proposed sign, the location of all existing signs on the subject property and within 100 feet of the proposed sign, all property lines, parking areas, driveways, public roads, and buildings.
• 3. A diagram of the proposed sign listing the height, width, total square footage, method of attachment, structural support, method of illumination, and sign materials.
• 4. The subject property’s zoning designation.
• 5. A summary of existing signage on the property, including the total area of all signs on the subject property both before and after the installation of the proposed sign.
• 6. The estimated value of the proposed sign.
• 7. Proof of payment of the appropriate sign permit fee, as established from time to time by the Village Board.
• 8. Any other item of information that may be reasonably required by the Zoning Administrator for the purpose of application evaluation.
• (d) Granting and Issuance .
• 1. The Zoning Administrator shall review the submitted application for compliance with the requirements of §15.08(2)(c).
• 2. Upon the receipt of a complete application, in cases where the requested sign does not require an approval from another Village body under another requirement of this chapter, the Zoning Administrator shall review said application for compliance with the requirements of the remainder of this section, and shall, in writing, approve or deny a sign permit based on the submitted application within ten (10) working days of the acceptance of the complete application and payment of the required fee.
• 3. Upon the receipt of a complete application, and in cases where the requested sign requires an approval from another Village body under another requirement of this chapter, such as conditional use permit approval, the Zoning Administrator shall review said application for compliance with the requirements of the remainder of this section, and shall within ten (10) working days of the acceptance of the complete application and payment of the required fee notify the applicant of such additional approval and schedule the item on appropriate agendas. Following all necessary approvals, the Zoning Administrator shall then, in writing, approve or deny a sign permit based on the submitted application and Village action within five (5) working days of action by the final Village body with approval authority.
• 4. Denial of a sign permit shall not result in total or partial reimbursement of permit fees paid.
• (e) Basis for Granting. In deciding whether or not to grant the issuance of a sign permit, the Zoning Administrator shall determine whether the proposed sign is in compliance with the provisions of this section. In such review, the Zoning Administrator may also consider the following factors:
• 1. Whether the sign is compatible with the surroundings, pursuant to the criteria contained in this section.
• 2. Whether the sign is designed, installed, and maintained to meet the sign user needs, while at the same time promoting general public needs and desires.
• 3. Whether the sign is designed, constructed, installed, or maintained in such a manner that it does not endanger public safety or traffic safety.
• 4. Whether the sign is legible, readable, and visible in the circumstances in which it is to be used.
• 5. Whether the sign—including its size, height, illumination and location—is respectful of reasonable rights of other signs already displayed in the area.
• 6. Whether the sign is in compliance with all provisions of the DeForest Municipal Code, including those related to traffic safety, traffic visibility, sign setbacks, and structural integrity.
• 7. Whether a conditional use permit or other Village approval has or has not be granted for the sign, if such approval is required under this chapter.
• (f) Enforcement and Revocation.
• 1. Upon Class I notice and after a public hearing conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission, any permit may be revoked by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the event that the applicant has failed to comply with the provisions of this section or any conditions that may have accompanied the permit at the time of granting.
• 2. Any sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator shall be null and void and automatically revoked in the event that construction, installation, or manufacture of the sign has not been commenced within 180 days from the date of the issuance of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 90 days any time after the work is commenced, the original permit shall become null and void. A new permit shall first be obtained to complete the work, and a new permit fee shall be required.
• 3. The sign(s) subject to any revoked permits shall be removed by the licensee within 45 days of such revocation.
• 4. Revocation shall not result in total or partial reimbursement of permit fees paid.
• (g) Appeals . Any person affected by a decision of the Zoning Administrator may petition for a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals under the provisions of §15.03(5). The filing of such petition automatically stays removal of any sign involved and already legally erected until the Board of Zoning Appeals decides whether to sustain, modify or withdraw the notice.
• (h) Removal of Defective or Dangerous Signs by the Village.
• 1. If the Zoning Administrator determines that any sign exists in violation of this section, then the Zoning Administrator shall notify the sign permit holder or the owner of the property on which the sign is located that such violation must be corrected within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice on penalty of automatic revocation of any sign permit previously granted and summary removal of the sign by the Village at the expense of the owner of the property.
• 2. If the Zoning Administrator causes such notice to be sent and the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days, the Zoning Administrator shall revoke any sign permit for the defective or dangerous sign and it shall be the duty of the Zoning Administrator to remove such sign. The expense of removing such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property on which the sign is located. If the owner fails to pay such expense within one (1) month of being billed therefore, or has not made arrangement for payment satisfactory to the Village Attorney, then such expense shall become a lien on the property and shall be placed upon the tax roll.
• (i) Signs Allowed without Permit. The following sign uses and purposes are permitted in all zoning districts without the need for a sign permit. Such signs shall not count as part of the maximum permitted sign area in the zoning district in which they are located.
• 1. Addresses. Address numerals and other sign information required to identify a location by law or governmental order, rule or regulation provided that such sign does not exceed one (1) square foot in area per officially assigned address, or the size required by any law, order, rule or regulation, whichever is greater.
• 2. Architectural Elements. Integral decorative or architectural elements of buildings or works of art, so long as such elements or works do not contain a commercial message, trademark, moving parts or moving lights.
• 3. Auxiliary Signs. Auxiliary signs less than one (1) square foot placed in store windows regarding hours of operation, accepted charge cards, warnings or similar information.
• 4. Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet for public, eleemosynary or religious institutions located on the premises of said institutions.
• 5. Business Nameplates. A single non-illuminated nameplate, not exceeding one (1) square foot mounted on the building face denoting the name of a business legally conducted on the premises.
• 6. Commemorative Signs. Plaques, tablets, cornerstones, or lettering inlaid into the architectural materials of a building or structure denoting the name of that structure or its date of erection.
• 7. Construction or Project Identification Signs. Per the temporary sign requirements of §15.08(7).
• 8. Flags and Standards. Flags, standards, emblems and insignia of governmental, civic, philanthropic, religious or educational organizations, less than fifty (50) square feet in area, when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
• 9. Garage Sale Signs. Per the temporary sign requirements of §15.08(7).
• 10. Historical Markers. Commemorative plaques, memorial tablets, or emblems of official historical bodies, not exceeding two (2) square feet, placed flat against a building, monument stone, or other permanent surface.
• 11. Holiday Decorations. Temporary displays of a primarily decorative nature, in connection with traditionally accepted civic, patriotic or religious holidays.
• 12. Interior Signs. Signs which are located on the interior of a premise and which are primarily oriented to persons within that premises.
• 13. Management Signs. Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet which designate the real estate management agent for the premises on which they are located.
• 14. Menu Board Signs. One (1) menu board sign for a drive-in or drive-through restaurant exclusive of any two-way microphone/speaker devices, provided that the sign does not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in area or eight (8) feet in height.
• 15. Model Home Signs. Per the temporary sign requirements of §15.08(7).
• 16. "Open" Signs. Non-illuminated signs, not exceeding four (4) square feet, which advertise a premises as open for inspection, with no more than one (1) sign per street on which the property has frontage, and not more than two (2) signs in aggregate which are in place only when the related premises are actually open for inspection.
• 17. Real Estate Signs. Per the temporary sign requirements of §15.08(7).
• 18. Regulatory and Government Information Signs. Signs erected by or on behalf of a duly constituted governmental body, including, but not limited to legal notices, municipal building or park identification signs, traffic signs or other regulatory, directional or warning signs, that are less than or equal to thirty-two (32) square feet in area except if a regulatory sign. Any other sign for governmental purposes shall require a permit and be classified according to its purpose under this section.
• 19. Religious or other Indoor Civic, Cultural, Institutional Signs. Identification, directional or informational signs pertaining to religious or other indoor civic, cultural or institutional uses, not exceeding one per abutting street and thirty-two (32) square feet in area. Any other sign for these functions shall require a permit and be classified according to its purpose under this section.
• 20. Residential Signs. Signs customarily associated with residential use and not of a commercial nature which do not exceed a total of four (4) square feet. Such signs include property identification names, numbers or names of occupants; signs posted on private property relating to private parking or warning the public against trespass or danger of animals; and Neighborhood Crime Watch signs.
• 21. Required Signs. Signs required by state or federal statute or regulation which do not exceed 110% of the minimum legal size requirements.
• 22. Site Information Signs. Signs of no more than four (4) square feet which, without including an advertising of any kind, provide direction or instruction to facilities intended to serve the public, such as rest rooms, public telephones, walkways, parking, and similar facilities.
• 23. Special Displays/Event Banners. Per the temporary sign requirements of §15.08(7).
• 24. Temporary Window Signs. Per the temporary sign requirements of §15.08(7).
• 25. Election or Political Signs. Per the temporary sign requirements of §15.08(7).
• 26. Sandwich Board. Only within zoning districts specified under §15.08(6)(B)(1).
• (3) GENERAL SIGNAGE STANDARDS. The following standards and terms shall be used in this section to assist in the establishment of clear signage regulations. The general definition of a sign is as provided in §15.02(83).
• (a) Sign Purposes.
• 1. Advertising sign, off-premise . A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed. Advertising signs include billboards, but do not include community information signs. No new off-premise advertising signs shall be permitted within the Village.
• 2. Auxiliary sign . A sign which provides special information such as price, hours of operation, parking rules, or warning and which does not include brand names, or information regarding product lines or services. It may contain a business logo if the logo is under one (1) square foot in area. Examples of such signs include directories of tenants in buildings, "no trespassing" signs, menu boards, and signs which list prices of gasoline, up to one price listing sign per type of fuel, which must be displayed on a single structure.
• 3. Business sign, on-premise . A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, offered, or manufactured upon the premises where the sign is located.
• 4. Community information sign . A permanent sign which is limited to the display of information of interest to the general community regarding scheduled public events, public activities, and public facilities.
• 5. Directional sign, off-premise . A sign which indicates only the name, direction, and/or distance of an institutional facility or use. This definition does not include off-premise advertising signs, which are prohibited.
• 6. Directional sign, on-premise . A sign which indicates only the name or logo of the business (if under one square foot) and/or direction of a pedestrian or traffic facility, or a particular building within a complex of structures, on the property on which said facility or building is located.
• 7. Unified business center sign . A sign displaying the collective name of a group of uses defined as a unified business center under §15.02(92), and/or the names and/or logos of individual occupants of the unified business center. A unified business center sign may be a freestanding sign or on-building sign.
• 8. Identification sign . A sign indicating the name and/or address of the tenant of the unit or manager of the property located upon the residential premises where the sign is displayed.
• 9. Temporary sign . A sign or advertising display (including festoons, pennants, banners, pinwheels and similar devices) intended to be displayed for a certain limited period of time. Included in the definition of "temporary signs" are retailers' signs temporarily displayed for the purpose of informing the public of a "sale" or special offer and personal greeting or congratulatory signs. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be considered as temporary. A mobile or portable sign shall not be considered a temporary sign or used for such a purpose. Refer to §15.08(8) for regulations.
• (b) Sign Configurations.
• 1. Advertising vehicle sign . A vehicle or trailer shall be parked on public rights-of-way or on private property so as to be seen from a public right-of-way, which attached to or located thereon is any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premise. Business vehicles which contain typical business signage and which are actively used for business purposes are not considered advertising vehicle signs.
• 2. Arm/post sign . A type of small scale freestanding sign mounted on a post or posts, either with a bracket extending outward to support a hanging sign, with the sign attached directly to the side of the post, or with the sign mounted between two posts.
• 3. Awning sign . A sign mounted to an awning or canopy which is mounted to the facade of a building, shall be counted as a projecting sign for purposes of determining allowable numbers or types of signs, shall be limited to twelve (12) inch tall script, and shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the awning/canopy area.
• 4. Freestanding sign . A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards, or any other type of base on the ground. This type of sign includes arm/post signs, monument signs, and pylon signs. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the average ground level adjacent to the sign to the top of the sign. The sign shall not be erected so that it impedes visibility for safe pedestrian and/or vehicular circulation. The base or support(s) of freestanding signs shall be securely anchored to a concrete base or footing, except for public and institutional street and directional signs installed in public rights-of-way. The footing and related supporting structure of a freestanding sign including bolts, flanges, and brackets shall be concealed by the sign exterior and shall be landscaped per §15.06(11)(c).
• 5. Marquee sign . A type of projecting, on-building sign sheltering the entrance and/or entrance approaches of a theater, auditorium, fairground, museum or other use, which advertises present and scheduled events.
• 6. Mobile sign . A sign mounted on a frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated, including vehicles and/or trailers whose principal commercial use is for signage.
• 7. Monument sign . A type of freestanding sign with a bottom edge located within one foot of a ground-mounted pedestal.
• 8. On-building sign . A type of sign permanently affixed to an outside wall of a building.
• 9. Projecting sign . A type of on-building sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached directly to a building facade, is not greater than twelve (12) square feet in area, and projects not more than four (4) feet from a building facade.
• 10. Pylon sign . A type of freestanding sign erected upon one or more pylon, pole, or post, general of a scale that is larger than an arm/post sign.
• 11. Sandwich board sign . A sign designed to be a self-supporting by means of an easel construction, displayed on a hard-surfaced area of the ground, and removable on a daily basis corresponding with the times the business it advertises is open.
• 12. Wall sign . A type of on-building sign mounted parallel to and directly on a building facade or other vertical building surface. Wall signs shall not project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted. The height of a wall sign shall be measured from the base of the building below the sign to the top of the sign face. The top of the sign shall be no higher than the nearest portion of the building to which it is mounted.
• 13. Window sign . A type of sign mounted on or within an exterior window with a primary intent to advertise a business or product on or within the premises.
• 14. Variable message sign (VMS) . A sign which displays words, lines, logos, graphic images, or symbols that can change to provide different information, and which includes computer signs, reader boards with changeable letters, LCD and other video display signs, and time and/or temperature signs.
• (c) Sign Measurement.
• 1. Ground level. The average elevation of the ground upon which the sign supports are placed, except when the sign supports rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding ground. In such cases, the average elevation of the base of such berm or other area shall be considered as the ground level.
• 2. Sign area. Sign area shall be measured in the following manner and as depicted in Figure 15.08A:

• be viewed from any single location shall be considered the sign area.
• b. In the case of a sign on which the message is fabricated together with the background which borders or frames that message, sign area shall be the total area of the entire background.
• c. In the case of a sign on which message is applied to a background which provides no border or frame (such as individual letters to a building face or awning), sign area shall be the combined areas of the smallest rectangles which can encompass each word, letter, figure, emblem, and other element of the sign message per a scaled, fully dimensioned drawing approved by the Zoning Administrator. Where such drawing is not provided, said area shall be the smallest area enclosed in a single rectangle.

Figure 15.08A: Measurement of Sign Area

• (4) GENERAL SIGNAGE REGULATIONS. The regulations contained in this subsection apply to signs in all zoning districts.
• (a) Sign Prohibitions and Limitations.
• 1. No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color or design, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, nor shall such sign make use of words such as "stop", "look", "drive-in", "danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse users of streets or highways.
• confuse users of streets or highways.
• 2. No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
• 3. No private sign shall be attached to or painted on any natural feature (e.g. tree or rock), fence, public utility pole, public light pole or traffic regulatory structure.
• 4. No fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs, pennants or other decorations shall be permitted.
• 5. No illuminated flashing signs shall be permitted. Variable message signs meeting the definition and requirements of this section shall not be considered illuminated flashing signs.
• 6. No sign, other than a government erected sign, shall be permitted within or extending into a public right-of-way, except for projecting and awning signs in the B-1 Central Business District or RM-B Residential Mix-Business District as long as traffic movement is not affected.
• 7. No illuminated sign shall be permitted unless the illumination of the sign is so designed that the lighting element (except for neon signs) is not visible from any property within a residential zoning district.
• 8. No mobile or portable signs shall be permitted.
• 9. No off-premise directional signs shall be permitted for non-governmental or non-institutional uses.
• 10. No inflatable signs shall be permitted.
• 11. No advertising vehicle signs shall be permitted.
• 12. No off-premise advertising signs shall be permitted, except for the small blue highway information signs per applicable Wisconsin Statutes. Existing legal off-premise advertising signs made nonconforming by this section shall be permitted to continue as legal, nonconforming structures, subject to the requirements of § 15.17.
• 13. Window obstruction by interior signs shall not exceed more than fifty (50) percent for any one window.
• (b) Sign Location Requirements.
• 1. No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device. Freestanding signs may not locate within required vision corners under §15.04(13)(d) or Chapter 13, nor otherwise impede traffic or pedestrian visibility.
• 2. No sign shall be mounted or displayed on, or extend above the roof, if attached to the building.
• 3. Private signs shall be allowed within road right-of-way lines only by conditional use permit, in consideration of the advice and rules of the appropriate Village, county, and state authorities.
• 4. On-premise directional signs less than three (3) feet tall shall be located a minimum of one foot from a property line. The permitted locations of all other freestanding signs shall be as otherwise indicated in this section.
• 5. Aside from freestanding signs which are not pylon signs, all signs shall have a minimum clearance from grade of ten (10) feet to the bottom of the sign and shall not project into any vehicle circulation area, beyond and public street curb line, or beyond any public street pavement edge if no curb is present.
• (c) Community Information Signs. On-premise and off-premise community information signs shall be allowed only as a conditional use within all zoning districts and upon any property. As such, the review of a request for the erection of a community information sign shall comply with the requirements of §15.16. The conditional use permit application shall include all information required for the issuance of a conditional use permit under §15.16 and all information required for the issuance of a sign permit under §15.08(2). Such signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
• 1. Only display information regarding public events, public facilities, and public information of general interest to residents. Copy which may be considered as advertising a product, private or restricted participation event, or activity for private profit shall be prohibited.
• 2. May be located on private or public property, including rights-of-way if allowed by the specific conditional use permit granted.
• 3. May have changeable copy.
• 4. Shall conform to the visibility requirements of this section and §15.04(13)(d).
• 5. Shall not be counted as adding to the area of signage on the subject property for the purposes of regulating sign area.
• (d) Variable Message Signs (VMS).
• 1. Length of Cycle. The total length of the information cycle of a VMS shall not be shorter than three (3) seconds nor longer than ten (10) seconds. Items of information may not be repeated at intervals that are short enough to cause a VMS to have the effect of a flashing sign. Traveling messages may travel no slower than 16 light columns per second and no faster than 32 light columns per second.
• 2. Brightness Adjustment. All VMS shall be equipped with photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination.
• 3. Included Area. The illuminated or message display area of the VMS shall be included when calculating total permitted sign area in the zoning district in which the sign is located.
• 4. Maintenance. All VMS shall be maintained so as to be able to display messages in a complete and legible manner.
• 5. Location. No VMS shall be allowed within any industrial, B-1, C-1, or RM-B zoning districts; for any residential use regardless of zoning district; or positioned to be visible and within 300 feet from any permitted residential use except by conditional use permit.
• (e) Window Signs.
• 1. Area. The total of all signs in the window area, including temporary and permanently mounted signs, shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the window area. For any business using no other signs than a permanent window sign, the amount of permanent and temporary window sign area may be increased to thirty-five (35) percent of the window area.
• 2. Installation. Window signs shall be confined within the transparent glazed area of the window and shall not encroach upon the frame, mullions, or other supporting features of the glass. All permanent window signs that have their lettering or graphic elements directly on the glazing shall be painted, metal leafed, vinyl transferred, or in some other manner permanently applied to the other side of the glass of an exterior building window or door.
• 3. Maintenance. All window signs shall be maintained so as to be able to display messages in a complete and legible manner.
• 4. Location. No window signs shall be allowed within residential zoning districts.
• (5) REGULATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. In residential zoning districts listed in §15.09(1) except for the RM-B district, signage shall be permitted per the requirements of §15.08(1) to §15.08(4), §15.08(7) to §15.08(10), and the following:
• (a) Identification Sign.
• 1. For one-family and two-family dwelling:
• a. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign
• b. Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One
• c. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Two square feet
• 2. For single multiple-family dwelling of three or more units on a lot:
• a. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign or Monument Sign
• b. Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One monument or one wall
• c. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Twelve square feet
• 3. For multi-building residential development, subdivision, or institutional use
• a. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign or Monument Sign
• b. Maximum Permitted Number per Development: One per development, subdivision or use
• c. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Thirty-two square feet
• (b) Auxiliary Sign. (such as "Beware of Dog" or "No Trespassing")
• 1. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign or Freestanding Sign
• 2. Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: Two
• 3. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Two square feet
• (c) On-Premise Directional Sign. (for multi-family, multi-building development, or institutional use)
• 1. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign or Monument Sign
• 2. Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One sign for each vehicular entrance, one sign for each vehicular exit, and one sign for each parking area conditions list
• 3. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Four square feet for general directional signs, and nine square feet for parking area conditions list
• (d) Temporary Sign. Temporary signs are allowed per the requirements of §15.08(7).
• (e) On-Premise Business Sign. As allowed for legal, non-conforming business only, signs shall comply with the provisions of §15.08(6)(c).
• (f) Off-Premise Directional Sign. For institutional facility only
• 1. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign or Monument Sign
• 2. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Four square feet, except larger signs may be allowed by conditional use permit.
• (g) Community Information Sign. Shall comply with the provisions of §15.08(4)(c).
• (6) REGULATIONS FOR NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. In all nonresidential and mixed use zoning districts (the RM-B district plus all zoning districts not listed in §15.09(1)(a)), signage shall be permitted per the requirements of §15.08(1) to §15.08(4), §15.08(7) to §15.08(10), §15.05(9)(p) for large retail establishments, and the following:
• (a) Signage for Residential Uses. Signage for all residential and institutional land uses, including churches, schools, and government buildings, within non-residential zoning districts shall comply with provisions of §15.08(5).
• (b) Signage for Nonresidential (Office, Commercial, Institutional, and Industrial) Uses.
• 1. On-Premise Business Signs. (also see Figure 15.08 C)
• a. For C-1 Conservancy and A-1, A-1Ex, and A-2 Zoning Districts :
• i. Permitted Sign Type: On-Building (Wall) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: One square foot of signage for every linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall, or 48 square feet per building, whichever is greater.
• ii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 32 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 8 feet.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet
• b. For B-1Central Business Zoning District : In order to maintain the historic character of DeForest’s downtown, unique sign standards in relation to size, color, material, and illumination are for the B-1 zoning district as follows:
• i. Permitted Sign Type: On-Building (Wall, Awning or Projecting) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: Two per each business located on the lot, except that not more than one may be a wall, awning, or projecting sign type.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area. No more than one square foot of signage for every twenty square feet of the total area of the building façade on which the sign is to be located, up to a maximum of 32 square feet per business. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same building will be at the discretion of the property owner.
• ii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Arm/Post) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One per each business located on the lot
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area Per Sign: 24 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 5 feet
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet
• iii. Permitted Sign Type: Sandwich Board. There shall only be one sandwich board sign allowed per business. Sandwich boards shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height. They may be out only during business hours, shall be positioned in a way which does not obstruct pedestrian circulation, may only be placed directly in front of the business using them.
• iv. Permitted Sign Colors: Color combination schemes shall be limited to no more than four different colors. Varying shades, tints or intensities of a color shall count as a different color for this purpose. Color schemes and lettering styles shall be used consistently on all signage throughout the property. Preferred lettering colors are ivory, white or gold, and with preferred background colors being darker shades. Fluorescent, “day glow,” and “neon” colors shall not be permitted. Where such colors constitute a component of a standardized corporate theme or identity, muted versions of such colors shall be used.
• v. Permitted Sign Materials: Permitted sign materials include wood, brass, metal leaf, metal plates, canvas or related fabric, etched glass, stone or concrete; high-quality, textured, low reflectant plastic may be allowed, but internally illuminated plastic signs are not permitted; and high gloss paints, lacquers, varnishes or other “shiny” non-glazing surfaces, including smooth plastics and related materials shall not be used.
• vi. Permitted Sign Illumination: Illumination of exterior signage shall be limited to direct illumination from a shielded light source or individual solid letters with internal lighting tubes that backlight the wall in a “halo” effect. The lighting element of all such fixtures shall not be visible from public rights-of-way or adjoining properties. Internally illuminated signs, including illuminated awnings with or without messages, are not permitted, including neon and related illumination systems.
• vii. Permitted Sign Location: Building mounted signs shall not be located on any portion of upper stories. The location of signs shall be integrated with, and not cover, architectural elements and details. Projecting signs and awning signs shall not be located to impede visibility of other signs. Figure 15.08 B shows permitted building mounted sign locations.
• Figure 15.08 B: Permitted Building Mounted Sign Locations in B-1 District
• c. For RM-B Residential Mix - Business Zoning District :
• i. Permitted Sign Type: On-Building (Wall, Awning or Projecting) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One per each business located on the lot.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area. One square foot of signage for every one linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same building will be at the discretion of the property owner, up to a maximum sign area of 48 square feet for any one business except by conditional use permit.
• ii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Arm/Post) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One per each business located on the lot
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area Per Sign: 32 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 8 feet
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet
• iii. Permitted Sign Type: Sandwich Board. There shall only be one sandwich board sign allowed per business. Sandwich boards shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height. They may be out only during business hours, shall be positioned in a way which does not obstruct pedestrian circulation, may only be placed directly in front of the business using them.
• iv. Permitted Sign Location: Building mounted signs shall not be located on any portion of upper stories. The location of signs shall be integrated with, and not cover, architectural elements and details. Projecting signs and awning signs shall not be located to impede visibility of other signs.
• d. For B-2 General Business, O-R Office and Research, and A-B Agricultural Business Zoning Districts:
• i. Permitted Sign Type: On-Building (Wall, Projecting, Awning, or Marquee) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One per each business located on the lot.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: One square foot of signage for every one linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same building will be at the discretion of the property owner, up to a maximum sign area of 64 square feet for any one business except by conditional use permit.
• (c) Permitted Location: On any facade which is visible from a public street, except facades which are adjacent to a residentially zoned property or entirely residential component of a planned unit development.
• ii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Pylon) Sign, for sign placement within 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 96 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 10 feet for Monument; 35 feet for Pylon.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• iii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Pylon) Sign, for sign placement beyond 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of any State Highway 19.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 48 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 8 feet for Monument; 15 feet for Pylon.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• iv. Permitted Sign Type: Unified Business Center Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Unified Business Center: One per every 10 acres or fraction thereof in the unified business center, in addition to the signs permitted for each separate occupant within the unified business center.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 120 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same unified business center will be at the discretion of the property owner.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: If a freestanding sign, maximum height shall be 15 feet for sign placements beyond 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19, and 35 feet within 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: For freestanding signs, the greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• v. Permitted Sign Type: Sandwich Board. There shall only be one sandwich board sign allowed per business. Sandwich boards shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height. They may be out only during business hours, shall be positioned in a way which does not obstruct pedestrian circulation, may only be placed directly in front of the business using them. Sandwich board signs are not allowed in the A-B district.
• e. For B-3 Highway Business Zoning District:
• i. Permitted Sign Type: On-Building (Wall, Marquee or Awning) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: Two per each business located on the lot, with no more than one sign per business per facade.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: One and one-half square feet of signage for every one linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same building will be at the discretion of the property owner.
• (c) Permitted Location: On any facade which is visible from a public street, except facades which are adjacent to a residentially zoned property or an entirely residential component of a planned unit development.
• ii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Pylon) Sign, for sign placement within 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 120 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 10 feet for Monument; 45 feet for Pylon.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet
• iii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Pylon) Sign, for sign placement beyond 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 64 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 8 feet for Monument; 15 feet for Pylon.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• iv. Permitted Sign Type: Unified Business Center Sign.
(a) Maximum Permitted Number per Unified Business Center: One per every 10 acres or fraction thereof in the unified business center, in addition to the signs permitted for each separate occupant within the unified
• business center.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 144 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same unified business center will be at the discretion of the property owner.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: If a freestanding sign, maximum height shall be 15 feet for sign placement beyond 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19, and 45 feet for sign placement within 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: For freestanding signs, the greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• f. For M-1, M-2, M-3 Zoning Districts.
• i. Permitted Sign Type: On-Building (Wall) Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One per each business located on the lot, with no more than one sign per business per facade.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: One square foot of signage for every one linear foot of exposed exterior wall length on that supporting wall. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same building will be at the discretion of the property owner.
• (c) Permitted Location: On any facade which is visible from a public street, except facades which are adjacent to a residentially zoned property.
• ii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Pylon) Sign, for sign placement within 2,000 feet of an interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19:
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 96 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 10 feet for Monument; 35 feet for Pylon.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• iii. Permitted Sign Type: Freestanding (Monument or Pylon) Sign, for sign placement beyond 2,000 feet of any interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of State Highway 19:
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 48 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: 8 feet for Monument; 15 feet for Pylon.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: The greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• iv. Permitted Sign Type: Unified Business Center Sign.
• (a) Maximum Permitted Number per Unified Business Center: One per every 10 acres or fraction thereof in the unified business center, in addition to the signs permitted for each separate occupant within the unified business center.
• (b) Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: 120 square feet for all combined sign faces seen at one time. The assignment of permitted sign area to individual businesses within the same unified business center will be at the discretion of the property owner.
• (c) Maximum Permitted Sign Height: If a freestanding sign, maximum height shall be 15 feet beyond 2,000 feet of any interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of any other state or federal highway, and 35 feet within 2,000 feet of any interstate highway and/or 1,300 feet of any other state or federal highway.
• (d) Minimum Permitted Sign Setback from All Property Lines: For freestanding signs, the greater of actual sign height or 3 feet.
• g. For PUD Zoning Districts: Permitted sign types, number, area, location and other characteristics shall be per an approved final development plan under §15.15. No signage which is not shown on an approved final development plan for a planned unit development project, or an amendment thereto, shall be located on any site zoned PUD.

Figure 15.08 C: SUMMARY of Maximum Sign Areas and Numbers (for Non-Residential Uses)

NOTE: This table is only a summary of the sign regulations applicable to nonresidential uses. The remainder of §15.04(6) contains more detailed and specific requirements.

• 2. Auxiliary Sign (such as required Gas Price Signs or "No Trespassing" sign).
• a. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign or Freestanding Sign.
• b. Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: Per approved site plan.

• any lot shall not exceed 50% of the permitted freestanding or on-building sign area for the lot, whichever is greater.

• 3. On-Premise Directional Sign.
• a. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign, Monument Sign, or Arm/post Sign.
• b. Maximum Permitted Number per Lot: One sign for each vehicular entrance, one sign for each vehicular exit, and one sign for each parking area conditions list.
• c. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Four square feet for general directional signs, and nine square feet for parking area conditions list.
• 4. Temporary Sign. Temporary signs are allowed per the requirements of §15.08(7).
• 5. Off-Premise Directional Sign. (for institutional facility only):
• a. Permitted Sign Type: Wall Sign, Monument Sign, or Arm/post Sign.
• b. Maximum Permitted Area per Sign: Four square feet, except that larger off-premise directional signs for institutional facilities may be allowed by conditional use permit.
• 6. Community Information Sign. Per the provisions of §15.08(4)(c).

• (7) TEMPORARY SIGNS. Temporary signs may be erected without a sign permit. However, before erecting any temporary sign, the owner or tenant must notify the Zoning Administrator and provide the name and address of the applicant, a description and location of the sign, and the timeframe for its placement. Only one temporary sign may be displayed on a lot at any one time. Except as provided below, any one lot is permitted to display a temporary sign for a maximum of 30 days within any 12 month period. Furthermore, any one lot is limited to a maximum of two temporary signs in any 12 month period, with the exception of political signs. All temporary signs shall be anchored and supported in a manner which reasonably prevents the possibility of the signs becoming hazards to the public health and safety. A mobile, portable, or advertising vehicle sign is not a permitted temporary sign. The following are allowable temporary signs:
• (a) Real Estate Signs. One non-illuminated real estate sign per street frontage of a parcel, advertising the availability of the premise for sale or lease, to be removed within thirty (30) days of the sale or lease of the single space it is advertising or of at least ninety (90) percent of the total land or space available for sale or lease on the property. Such signs shall not be located in the public right-of-way, shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet area and six (6) feet in height in residential districts and forty-eight (48) square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height in nonresidential districts. For parcels that are adjacent to an interstate, state highway, or federal highway, permitted sign areas and heights shall be doubled, provided that such signs are placed within twenty (20) feet from such interstate or highway. Also, model home signs shall be allowed, there is not more than one per model home not exceeding four (4) square feet identifying a non-occupied dwelling unit used as a demonstrator for selling or renting other dwelling units in the same complex.
• (b) Construction or Project Identification Signs. One non-illuminated construction or project identification sign per project under 100,000 square feet and two construction signs per project over 100,000 square feet, listing only the project name and the parties involved in the design, construction, demolition, financing or project development. Such signs shall be erected no sooner than the beginning of work for which a valid building or demolition permit has been issued, and shall be removed within ten (10) days of completion of work. Construction signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet for single-family residences, forty-eight (48) square feet on all other parcels of less than 100,000 square feet, or ninety-six (96) square feet on parcels greater than 100,000 square feet.
• (c) Temporary commercial signs and banners. For sales, limited time offers, grand openings, or other special events only, with such signs totaling not more than one per lot, not exceeding 32 square feet in area, and not greater than eight feet in height if ground mounted nor extending above the roof line if building mounted.
• (d) Temporary individual residential signs. Up to two (2) temporary signs, not larger than four (4) square feet each, which advertise garage sales, yard sales or similar merchandise sales during the time the sale is taking place.
• (e) Temporary public event signs. For a temporary event of public interest hosted by and/or held at a community organization or institutional facility, such as a neighborhood garage sale or fair operated by a nonprofit organization, one sign may located upon the site of the event. A second sign for such a temporary event may be placed on a separate private property with written permission of the property owner submitted to the Zoning Administrator. Each such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. The content of such signs shall be limited to the name of the event, location, direction, and/or distance to the event. Such signs shall not be erected more than 30 days before the event and shall be removed within 5 days after the event. No off-premise signs shall be permitted for non-governmental or non-institutional events.
• (f) Over-street banners. Banners promoting public events of Village-wide interest displayed over a public street, alley or highway when approved by the Zoning Administrator. Such signs shall not be erected more than 30 days before the event and shall be removed within 5 days after the event. The sponsoring person, firm, organization, or corporation shall provide a certificate of liability insurance in the amount of not less than $100,000 each person and $300,000 each occurrence, bodily injury liability; and $100,000 each occurrence, property damage liability.
• (g) Political signs. Temporary political signs are permitted without restriction so long as they locate per the requirements of this section. Signs promoting a candidate or position on an issue for an upcoming election may not be placed in a manner which would impede vehicular or pedestrian safety, must be outside of required vision triangles, and must meet the requirements of §12.03, Wis. Stats. Signs related to an election or referendum may be erected no earlier than (a) in the case of an election of candidates for office, the first day for circulation of nomination papers for such office or (b) in the case of a referendum, the date on which the question is submitted to the electors, and all such signs must be removed within seven (7) days after the election or referendum to which they relate.
• (h) Personal greeting or congratulatory signs. One personal greeting or congratulatory sign per premises shall be permitted for up to seven days, limited to eight feet in height and 32 square feet in area and which is not intended for commercial purposes.
• (i) Temporary window signs. Signs temporarily affixed to the inside of a window, advertising commercial situations relating to goods or services sold on premises, provided that the total of all signs in the window area, including temporary and permanently mounted signs, does not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the window area; that each temporary window sign has the initial date of display permanently and visibly affixed on its face; and that no temporary window sign is displayed for longer than thirty (30) days. For any occupancy using no other signs than a permanent window sign, the amount of permanent and temporary window sign area may be increased to thirty-five (35) percent of the window area.
• (8) STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
• (a) All signs shall be constructed and mounted so as to comply with State Building Codes.
• (b) No sign or any part thereof, or anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or standpipe.
• (c) No sign or any part thereof, or anchor, brace or guide rod shall he attached, erected, or maintained which may cover or obstruct any door, doorway, or window of any building which may hinder or prevent ingress or egress through such door, doorway, or window, or which may hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against such building in the event of fire.
• (d) All signs shall in no instance create a traffic visibility or other safety hazard.
• (e) No sign not designed and constructed to withstand winds during typical Wisconsin storm events shall be erected at any location.
• (f) No free-standing sign shall be erected at any location which is not designed and constructed with footings for support of such sign which extend not less than 42 inches below the existing ground level.
• (g) No sign attached to buildings which is permitted to project away from the building wall shall be designed and constructed in which the attachment to such wall extends above a point of bearing with the roof rafters.
• (h) No illuminated sign shall be erected at any location which is not designed and constructed to meet the following requirements:
• 1. All signs shall be constructed and maintained to conform with State Electrical Codes. All sign permit applications in which electrical wiring and connections are proposed shall be submitted to the Electrical Inspector. The Electrical Inspector shall examine the plans and specifications submitted for the proposed sign and may require additional information relating to the proposed electrical installation from the applicant. If the Electrical Inspector determines that the proposed installation complies with local ordinances relating to the electrical wiring and construction, then the Electrical Inspector shall approve the application and submit the approved application to the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator may not approve a sign permit application for an illuminated sign unless and until approval is received from the Electrical Inspector.
• 2. Unless an illuminated sign bears the label of approval of a recognized testing laboratory, all illuminated signs shall be inspected and approved by the Electrical Inspector on the site prior to the erection of the sign. No illuminated sign, despite issuance of the sign permit, shall be erected until the site inspection has been made or waived by the Electrical Inspector and the sign permit initialed or stamped to show the Electrical Inspector's approval.
• 3. All illuminated signs shall he equipped with a watertight safety switch, located where electric current enters the sign. All parts covering service openings to the electrical supply shall he securely fastened.
• 4. No illuminated sign shall be connected to an electric power source except by an electrical contractor, unless the only connection to the electric power source is through a grounded three-prong heavy duty plug.
• 5. All free-standing illuminated signs shall be supplied power only by underground wiring.
• (i) Signage found to be in violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of the Village of DeForest Building Code and §15.08(2)H.
• (9) MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
• (a) All signs and structures appurtenant thereto shall be maintained in a neat and proper state of appearance.
• (b) Proper maintenance shall be the absence of loose materials (including peeling paint, paper or other material), the lack of excessive rust, the lack of excessive vibration or shaking, and the presence of the original structural integrity of the sign, its frame and other supports, its mounting, and all components thereof.
• (c) The repainting, changing of parts, and preventive maintenance of signs which completely conform to the requirements of this section, and result in absolutely no change in the appearance of the sign from that originally approved, shall not be deemed alterations requiring a sign permit.
• (d) The owner, lessee, or manager of a sign, and the owner of the land on which the same is located, shall keep grass or weeds and other growth cut and debris and rubbish cleaned up and removed from the lot on which the sign is located.
• (e) The base of signs shall be landscaped so as to conceal footings, mountings, brackets, and related structural elements.
• (f) A sign which is improperly maintained or is abandoned or is unsafe or otherwise exists in violation of this ordinance, shall be removed by the sign permit holder or the owner of the property on which the sign is located within three months from the date of disrepair, abandonment, or unsafe condition unless the sign permit holder or owner receives actual notice from the Zoning Administrator of the problem, per the requirements of §15.08(2)(f).
• (10) NONCONFORMING SIGNS
• (a) General Provisions Regarding Nonconforming Signs.
• 1. Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this section may be continued although the use, size, or location does not conform with the provisions of this section. However, it shall be deemed a nonconforming use or structure; and the provisions of §15.17 shall apply. Nonconforming signs may be maintained. No nonconforming on-premise sign shall be altered or moved to a new location without being brought into compliance with the requirements of this Section. Refer also to §15.08(10)(b)(1)., below.
• 2. Business signs on the premises of a nonconforming use or building may be continued, but new signs for such uses shall not be allowed, nor shall expand in number, area, height, or illumination. New signs, not to exceed the maximum allowable sign areas under this section, may be erected only upon the complete removal of all other signs existing at the time of adoption of this section.
• 3. Nonconforming signs shall be removed when the principal structure located on the premises undergoes a change of use, or shall be removed per §15.08(10)B. Closing businesses must remove their signs within 60 days of closing.
• 4. Signage not in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be subject to the provisions of §15.08(10)B.
• 5. Whenever there is a change in the sign user (excluding off-premise signs), sign owner, or owner of the property on which the sign is located, the new sign user, owner, or new property owner shall forthwith notify the Zoning Administrator of the change. No new sign permit is required unless there is modification of the sign face or sign structure. The sign will continue to be considered nonconforming.
• (b) Removal of Nonconforming Signs.
• 1. Alteration of Signs.
• a. For the purpose of this section, alteration of a sign is considered to be any change to the exterior appearance of any part of the sign, its frame, its supporting structure, or its lighting including changing the message (except for marquee, community information, or preexisting off-premise advertising signs), symbols, color, material, height, location, or any other alterations as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
• b. Altering a sign does not include maintaining the existing appearance of the sign; replacing the sign face or the supporting structure with identical materials, colors, and messages; changing the message of a marquee or community information sign; or changing the face of an off-premise advertising sign.
• c. A tenant sign which comprises part of a group sign may be replaced to accommodate a new tenant sign without triggering the need to bring the entire group sign, or any of its parts, into compliance with the provisions of this section.
• 2. All non-conforming signs found not to be in compliance with the provisions of this subchapter shall be removed within 30 days of receiving written notice of noncompliance and removal from the Zoning Administrator, except as otherwise provided for in §15.08(2)(f).
• 3. The penalties of the Village of DeForest Zoning Code or Building Code may be applicable to violations of the provisions of this section.

SECTION 2: Section 15.05(4)(j) [Required Site Plan Information] of the Deforest Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

(j) A signage plan meeting the requirements of §15.08 to the extent determined practical by the Zoning Administrator, plus any other information as may be required by the Zoning Administrator.

SECTION 3: Section 15.15(4)(g)1j [Planned Unit Development District, Final Application Submission] of the DeForest Municipal Code is hereby created to read as follows:

j. A detailed plan for signage including locations, dimensions, heights, and qualitative standards.

SECTION 4. Section 15.02(40g) [Definitions] of the DeForest Municipal Code is hereby created to read as follows:

(40g) Institutional Facility or Use. A type of land use or facility that provides a public service and is operated by a governmental entity, public or private utility, public or private school, church or other religious institution, or other tax-exempt organization.

SECTION 5: Section 15.02(83) [Definitions] of the DeForest Municipal Code is hereby repealed and recreated as follows:

(83) Sign. Any object, device, display, structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors and in view of the general public, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, logos, symbols, fixtures, or projected images. Signs do not include the flag or emblem of any nation; organization of nations; state; Village; or religious, fraternal, or civic organization. Signs do also not include merchandise and pictures or models of products or services incorporated in a window display, works of art which in no way identify a product, or scoreboards located on athletic fields. Building colors and outline lighting which do not convey a logo or message specific to the use, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, are not considered signs. Definitions of particular functional, locational, and structural types of signs are listed in Section 15.08. Traffic control and other public agency signs located within a right-of-way are not included within this definition and are not regulated by the provisions of this chapter.

SECTION 6. Sections 15.02(7), (31), (84), (85), (86), and (96) [Definitions] of the DeForest Municipal Code are hereby repealed.

SECTION 7: Severability. If any provision of this ordinance is invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the other provisions of this ordinance.

__________________________

Jeff Miller, President

Attest:

________________________________

Jo Ann Miller, Village Administrator

Public Hearing: __________________________

Adopted: __________________________

Published: __________________________