HomeMy WebLinkAboutORDINANCES-1970-033-O-700
r Amended 5-18-70
33-0-70 It 6- 1-70
* 1k It8-31-70
AN ORDINANCE
To Add Chapter 50, `"Sign, Canopy and
Awning Regulations," to the Code of the
City of Evanston, 1957, as amended.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK
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COUNTY, ILLINOIS.:
SECTION 1: That there be added to the Code of the
City of Evanston, 1957, as amended,
Chapter 50, providing for the regulation of signs, canopies and
awnings. Said Chapter to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 50. SIGN, CANOPY AND AWNING REGULATIONS.
"ARTICLE I. TITLE AND DEFINITIONS.
"SEC. 50-1: SHORT TITLE:
This ordinance shall hereafter be known and cited as the
• "Sign, Canopy and Awning Regulations.
"SEC. 50-2. Definitions.
As used in this ordinance unless the context otherwise
indicates.
(a) "Approved Combustible Plastics" shall mean,any plastic
more than one -twentieth (1/20) of an inch in thickness, which burns at
a rate of not more than two and one-half (2%) inches per minute when
subject to the A.S.T.M. (American Society for Testing and Materials)
number D-635 standard test for flammability in sheets of six -hundredth=
(0.06) inch thickness.
(b) "Approved Combustible Materials" shall mean any materia
that has been approved by an accredited testing agency as having been
subjected to the A.S.T.M. (American Society of Testing and Materials)
E-84 test for surface burning characteristics and receives a rating of
• 0-25 or less, or as approved by The Director of Inspections and Per-
mits and Fire Marshal.
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(c) "Awninall- "Marquee" - "Canopv" shall include any fixed, as
well as retractable or removable marquee, canopy and awning, respect-
ively, projecting over, suspended above, or erected upon any public
• thoroughfare, which has no sign displayed thereon or affixed thereto.
(d) "Erect" shall mean to build, construct, attach, hang, place,
suspend, or affix, and shall also include the painting of all signs.
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'10 ` (e) "Facing" or "Surface" shall mean the surface of the sign 1 `' 0
upon, against, or through which the message is displayed or illustrated
on the sign.
(f) "Flashinq Siqn" shall mean any illuminated sign on which the
• artificial light or lights are not maintained in a stationary condition
or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is illumi-
nated. A sign whereon the time and/or temperature is indicated by in-
termittent lighting shall not be deemed to be a flashing sign if the
lighting changes are limited to the numerals indicating the time and/or
temperature and are not more frequent than every ten (10) seconds.
(g) "Gross Surface Area of Siqn" shall mean the entire area within
a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of such sign
and in no case passing through or between any adjacent elements of same.
However, such perimeter shall not include any structural elements lying
• outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the
display.
(h) "Illuminated Siqn" shall mean any sign which has characters,
letters, figures, designs, or outline illuminated by electric lights,
• luminous tubes, or any other means of artificial illumination.
(i) "Incombustible Material" shall mean any material which will
not ignite at or below a temperature of 1200oFahrenheit and will not
continue to burn or glow at that temperature.
(j) "Other Advertisinq Structure" shall mean any marquee, fixed
canopy, fixed or retractable awning, and which includes, as a part
thereof, any sign, as described and set forth in subsection (1) of this
section, displayed thereon or affixed thereto.
(k) "Person" shall mean and include any individual, firm, partner-
ship, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind.
0 (1) "Siqn" shall mean every name, identification, description,
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announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, flag, illustration, 1 2 1
or insignia, and the structure displaying or supporting any of the same,
affixed directly or indirectly to or upon any building or outdoor struc-
ture, or erected or maintained upon a piece of land, which directs
attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution,
organization or business, except air navigational signs.
The term sign shall not include any non -flashing, non -rotating,
non-moving, non -animated device which is entirely within any enclosed
building, whether or not said sign or device can be observed from the
outside of the building.
sign.
Each display surface of a sign shall be considered to be a separate
(m) "Sign. Advertisinq". A sign which directs attention to a
profession, business, commodity, service or entertainment other than
• one conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises where such sign is
located, or on the building to which such sign is affixed.
(n) "Sign, Business". A sign which directs attention to a pro-
fession or business conducted, or to a commodity, service, or entertain-
• ment sold or offered upon the premises ti.ahere such sign is located, or
on the building to which such sign is affixed.
(o) "Structural Trim" shall mean any molding, battens, cappings,
nailings, strips, latticing, and platforms which are attached to the
sign structure.
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1. SEC'. 50-3: PERMITS REQUIRED
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate or
maintain within the City of Evanston, any sign, other advertising struc-
• ture, marquee, canopy or awning, without first obtaining an erection
permit or annual inspection permit from the Director of Inspections
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add Permits and making payment of the fee required by Sec. 50-7 or
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Sec. 50-8 hereo%. All illuminated signs shall, in addition, be subject
to the provisions of the Electrical Core, and the permit fees required
thereunder.
• SEC. 50-4: APPLICATION FOR ERECTION P EP24IT
Application for an erection permit shall be made upon forms pro-
vided by the Director of Inspections and Permits, and shall contain or
have attached thereto the following information:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(b) Location of the building, structure, or lot to which or upon
which the sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning
is to be attached or erected.
(c) Position of the sign, other advertising structure, marquee,
• canopy, or awning, in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
(d) Two blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specification
and method of construction and attachment to the buildings or in the
ground of the propo3e�! sign. Plans must include all advertising with
. dimensions and drawn to scale, and include the location on the premises.
(e) If required by the Director o" Inspections and Permits, a copy
of stress sheets and calculations sDowing that the structure is designed
for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required
by th':s and all other applicable laws and ordinances shall be submitted.
1f) Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting the
sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning.
(g) Writtenoonsert of the owner or agent of the building, struc-
ture, or land to which or on which the sign, other advertising structure.
marquee, canopy, or awning is to be erected. In lieu of written consent
• a copy of the lease, clearly authorizing such erection, shall be
acceptable.
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(h) Any electrical permit required and issued for said sign, othc:. 123
advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning.
(i) Insurance policy or bond as required by Sec. 50-16 of this
ordinance.
• (j) Such other information as the Director of Inspections and
Permits shall require to show full compliance with this and all other
applicable ordinances of the City of Evanston.
SEC . ''")-5: ILLUMINATED SIGNS TO COMPLY WITH ELECTRICAL CODE
The application for a permit for erection of a sign, other adver-
tising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning, in which electrical wiring
and connections are to be used, shall be submitted to the Electrical
Inspector. The Electrical Inspector shall examine the plans and speci-
fications, respecting all wiring and connections, to determine if the
•same complies with the Electrical Code. He shall approve the issuance
of said permit if the said plans and specifications comply with said
code, or disapprove the application if non-co;",pliance with said code is
found. This said action of the Electrical Inspector shall be taken
•prior to submission of the application to the Director of Inspections
and Permits for final approval or disapproval of the erection permit.
SEC. 5(j-6: PERMIT ISSUED IF APPLICATION IN ORDER
It shall be the duty of the Director of Inspections and Permits or
his duly authorized deputy, upon the filing of an application for an
erection permit to examine such plans, specifications, and other data,
and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign, other ad-
vertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning, and if it shall appear
•that the proposed structure is in compliance with all the requirements
of this ordinance, the zoning ordinance, and all other applicable
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ordinances, and that the appropriate permit fee has been paid, he shall
then issue the erection permit.
If the work authorized under an erection permit has not been
started and diligently pursued within six (6) months after date of
issuance, the said permit shall become null and void.
SEC. 50-7: PERMIT FEES
Fee to be charged for permits issued for the erection, construc-
tion, or alteration of any sign, other advertising structure, marquee,
or canopy, other than replacement in kind of retractable awnings, shall
be as follows:
(a) Non -Illuminated Siqns: (unless temporary): Ten Dollars
($10.CC), plus ten cents (10¢) per square foot of gross surface area
• of each face thereof.
(b) Illuminated Siqns: Fifteen Dollars ($15.00), plus ten cents
(10�) per square foot of gross su-fiace area of each face thereof.
(c) Temoorarvjigns: rive Dollars ($5.00).
• (d) Marquees, Fixed Canopies and Fixed Awninqs: Fifteen Dollars
($15.00), plus ten cents (10 0 per square foot of plan area.
(e) Retractable Canopies and Awnings: Five Dollars ($5.00).
SEC. 50-8: ANNUAL INSPECTION PERMIT - FEES
The Director of Inspections and Permits or his duly authorized
deputy shall inspect annually, and at such other times as the Director
deems necessary, each sign, other advertising structure, marquee,
canopy, or awning, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same
is secure or insecure, and whether it is in need of removal or repair;
and to meet the expense of such inspection, the permittee thereof shall
ispay to the City Collector an annual fee, and receive an annual inspec-
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tion permit. Any person, firm, corporation, or association owning,
or in possession, charge, or control of, any sign, other advertising
structure, marquee, canopy, or awning, now in existence or hereafter
• erected shall pay the following annual inspection fees:
(a) Non -Illuminated Siqns: Five Dollars ($5.00), plus ten cents
(10¢) per square foot of surface area of each face thereof.
(b) Illuminated Siqns: Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($7.50),
plus ten cents (10f) per Square foot of surface area of each face
thereof.
(c) Marquees, Fixed Canopies and Fixed Awninqs: Seven Dollars
and fifty cents ( $7.50) , plus ten cents (10f) per square foot of plan
area.
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(d) Retractable Awnings: Three Dollars ($3.00).
• No inspection fee other than the permit fee as required in Sec. 50-
7 shall be charged during the calendar year in which the sign, other
advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning, is erected. All
annual inspection fees shall be due on the anniversary date of the
• original erection date.
SEC. 50-9: REVOCATION FUR CAUSE
All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this
ordinance, or any amendment thereto, are deemed mere licenses revocable
at any time for cause by the Director of Inspections and Permits, and
all such permits shall be subject to this Section.
The Director of Inspections and Permits is authorized and empowered
to revoke any permit upon failure of the permittee to comply with any
provision of this ordinance.
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• SEG. 50-10: UNSAFE AND UNLAWFUL SIGNS C.,,G
If the Director of Inspections and Permits shall find that any
sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning is unsafe
• or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or
erected, or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this
ordinance, he shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If
the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure, so as to comply'
with the standards herein set forth, within twenty (20) days after such
notice, such sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or
awning, may be removed by the Director of Inspections and Permits at
the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is
located. The Director of Inspections and Permits may cause any sign,
other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning, which is an
• immediate peril to persons or property, to be removed summarily and
without notice.
It shall be unlawFul to have sicns painted on masonry or frame
walls,roofs or on fences.
.SEC. 50-11: DATE OF ERECTION, NAME OF P.rRMITTEE, A.ND VOLTAGE TO BE ON
SIGN.
Every sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or
awning, hereafter erected shall have painted in a conspicuous place
thereon, in legible letters, the date of erection, the name of the
permittee, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connec-
tion therewith.
SEC: 50-12: PAINTING REQUIRED EVERY TWO YEARS.
The permittee of any sign, other advertising structure, marquee,
• canopy, or awning, shall, at least once every two years, paint all parts
and supports thereof, unless the same are galvanized or otherwise
127
• treated to prevent rust or rotting. No signs shall be painted on wall,, -
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roofs or fences and all existing signs painted on walls,fences or roofs
shall be removed within three (3) years of the effective date of this
ordinance.
SEC. WIND PRESSURE AND DEAD LOAD REQUIREMENTS.
Every sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or
awning, shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure
of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of net surface area
and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the BOCA
Basic Building Code or other applicable ordinances.
SEC. ,�0-14: REMOVAL OF CERTAIN SIGNS.
Any sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning,
• now or hereafter existing, which advertises a business no longer being
conducted, or a product no longer being sold, shall be taken down and
removed by the owner., agent or person havLn-I the beneficial use of the
building, structure or premises upon which it may be found within sixty
(60) days after written notification from the Director of Inspections
and Permits and, upon failure to comply with such notice within the
time specified in such order, the Director of Inspections and Permits
is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign and any expense in-
cident thereto shall be paid by the owner, agent or person having the
beneficial use of the building, structure or premises to which such
sign is attached.
SEC. ,C-15 : _ EXEMPTIONS
The following types of siglz are qener1-r xr,__,ed Zrom the pro-
visions of this ordinance, exce;:)tinc.; 'Nets. 5C-IC ain 5�, '24, u-raiess other
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wise specially limited by this Section.
(a) Real estate signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in
area which advertise the sale, rental, lease or management of the
• premises upon which said signs are located.
(b) Occupational signs denoting only the name and profession
of an occupant in a commercial building or public institutional
building, and not exceeding one (1) square foot in area.
(c) Bulletin boards not over twelve (12) square feet in area
for public, charitable or religious institutions when the same are
located on the premises of said institutions.
(d) Signs identifying individuals or companies involved in the
design, construction, wrecking, financing, or development when placed
upon the premises where work is under construction. Such signs shall
• be subject to Sec'. 50-7 and '50--3 but shall be exempt from the provisions
of Sec. 50--2-4, but only for the duration of construction or wrecking,
or until issuance of a final Certificate ;;f Occupancy.
(e) Plaques or tablets, denoting names of buildings and date of
• erection or names of buildings or dates cut into any masonry surface
(commonly known as cornerstone).
(f) Traffic and other signs erected by the City, legal notices,
railroad crossing signs, danger; and such emergency or nonadvertising
signs as may be approved by the Traffic Engineer for safety purposes
or by the City Council.
(g) Decorations displayed in connection with civic, patriotic or
religious holidays.
(h) Flags, emblems and insignia of political, civic, philan-
• thropic, religious or educational organizations temporarily displayed
for non-commercial purposes.
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• (i) Flags, emblems, notices, and signs of an official court,
public office, or governmental unit displayed for non-commercial
purposes.
(j) Parking lot signs, signs at the rear of buildings designating
ithe name and address of a business, and direction signs for parking or
parking restrictions, not to exceed four (4) square feet each. Parking
lot signs shall be exempt from Sec, 50-24.
SEC. 50-16: BOND REQUIREMENTS
Every applicant for a permit referred to in this ordinance shall,
before the permit is granted, file with the Director of Inspections
and Permits a continuing bond in the penal sum of Twenty -Five Thousand
(25,000) Dollars, executed by the applicant and an approved surety
company, and conditioned for the faithful observance of the provisions
• of this ordinance and all amendments thereto, and of all laws and ordi-
nances relating to any signs, other advertising structures, marquees,
canopies, or awnings, of said applicant, a= by reason of any damages
or injury wrongfully caused by or resulting therefrom. A liability
. insurance policy issued by an approved insurance company authorized to
do business in the State of Illinois, conforming to this Section, may
be permitted in lieu of a bond, provided that said insurance policy
indemnifies the City of Evanston.
The filing of separate bond by an applicant for any permit re-
ferred to in this ordinance, may be waived, provided that the applicant
participates in the blanket liability insurance policy, issued for and
on behalf of the City of Evanston, by paying to the City an amount de-
signated by the City I -tanager to assist in the payment of the premium
isfor said policy.
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SEC. 50-17: OBSTRUCTION TO DOORS, 1,1IINDOWS OR FIRE ESCAPES.
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No sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning,
shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress
• to, or egress from, any door, window or fire escape. No sign, other
advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning of any kind, shall
be attached to a stand pipe or fire escape.
This Section shall not be construed to prohibit the affixing of
temporary windows bills on or about any window, glass partitions, or
any other structure in the interior of any building.
SEC. 50-18: SIGNS NOT TO CONSTITUTE TRAFFIC NA%ARDS.
In order to obtain and secure reasonable traffic safety, it shall
be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any fluttering, un-
dulating, swinging, rotating or otherwise moving or flashing sign, or
any moving or flashing other advertising structure, except barber
poles. Barber poles shall comply with all other applicable require-
ments. No sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or
• awning shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to obstruct
free and clear vision, or as to distracL the attention of the driver
of any vehicle by reason of the position, shape, or color thereof.
Pursuant to the foregoing, no sign, other advertising structure,
marquee, canopy, or awning, shall be erected or maintained in such a
manner as to be likely to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be
confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. Accord-
ingly, no sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning
shall make use of the words , , "stop”, " o" "look" " "danger",
p g , "slow". danger ,
or any other similar word; phrase, symbol, or character, or emply any
. red, yellow, orange, green, or other colored lamp or light, in such
a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
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EC, t-19: FACE OF SIGN SHALL BE SMOOTH.
All signs, other advertising structures, marquees, canopies, or
awnings, which are constructed on public thoroughfares or within five
•(5) feet thereof, shall have no nails, tacks or wires or other hazardous
projections protruding therefrom, except electrical reflectors and de-
vices which may extend over the top and in front of such advertising
structure.
SEC„ G,(;-20: REFLECTORS, SPOTLIGHTS AND FLOODLIGHTS - LIMITATION AND
PROHIBITION.
(a) Gooseneck Reflectors. Gooseneck reflectors and lights shall
be permitted on ground signs, roof signs, and wall signs, provided how-
ever, the reflectors shall concentrate the illumination upon the area
•of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.
(b) Spotlights and Flcodlights Prohibited. It shall be unlawful
for any person to maintain any sign which extends over public property,
and which is wholly or partially illuminated by floodlights or spot -
•lights, unless such lights are completely concealed fron view from the
street level.
SEC. ItO-21: GLASS - LItMITATIONS
Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety glass. In
case any single piece or pane of glass has an area exceeding three (3)
square feet, it shall be wired glass. One section, not exceeding three
(3) square feet in area, constructed of wired glass or safety glass shall
be permitted on each side of a sign.
SEC. '>G-22: MISCELLANEOUS ADVERTISING OBJECTS PROHIBITED.
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No person, firm or corporation, shall place on, or suspend from any
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building or structure, any goods, wares, merchandise or other adver-
tising object or structure, other than a sign as defined, regulated
and prescribed by this ordinance.
SEC. 50-23: OBSCENE MATTER PROHIBITED.
It shall be unlawful for any person to display upon any sign
or other advertising structure any obscene matter.
SEC. 50-24: ZONING DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS.
No sign shall be permitted in any zoning district except in
conformity with the applicable requirements in the Evanston Zoning
Ordinance.
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ARTICLE III - GROUND SIGNS
SEC. 50-25:
(a) Definition. Ground signs shall include any sign or other
• advertising structure, supported by uprights or braces placed upon the
ground, and not attached to any building. No ground sign, except those
permitted under Sec. 50-15 of this ordinance, shall be erected in any
residential district, as defined in the present or any hereafter
adopted zoning ordinance.
(b) Construction.
1) Materials Required - All ground signs shall have a sur-
face or facing of incombustible or approved combustible materials;
provided however, that combustible trim may be used thereon.
2) Letters, etc. to be Secured - All letters, figures,
• characters or representations in cut-out or irregular form, maintained
in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign shall
be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure and
shall comply with all requirements in Sec. 50-19 of this ordinance.
• (c) Location
1) Height Limitation - It shall be unlawful to erect any
ground sign whose total height is greater than fifteen feet six inches
above the level of the street upon which the sign faces, or above the
adjoining ground level, if such ground level is above the street level.
2) Gross Surface Area - No ground signs shall have a gross
surface area in excess of two hundred (200) square feet except ground
signs which are allowed as special uses under the provisions of the
zoning ordinance.
• 3) Space between Sign and Ground and Other Signs and Struc_.�f
tures - Ground signs shall have an open space not less than three (3)
feet between the base line of said sign and the ground level. Said
open space shall not be filled in with a platform or decorative lattice
• work.
4) Set -Back Line - No ground sign shall be nearer the streei
than the building line established by the present or hereafter adopted
zoning ordinance.
5) Not to Mislead, Interfere with, or Confuse Traffic - All
ground signs shall conform to the provisions of Sec. 50-18 of this
ordinance.
(d) Erection
1) Bracing, anchorage and Supports - All ground signs shall
• be securely built, constructed, and erected upon posts and standards
sunk at least three (3) feet below the natural surface of the ground,
or in a manner approved by the Director of Inspections and Permits.
2) Supports, etc., to be Creosoted. - All posts, anchors, and
• bracing of wood. shall be treated to protect them from moisture, by
creosoting or other approved methods, when they rest upon or enter into
the ground..
3) Wind Pressure, and Dead Load Requirements - All ground
signs shall conform to the requirements of Sec. 50-13 of this ordinance.
(e) Premises To Be Kept Free of Weeds, Etc. All ground signs and
the premises surrounding the same shall be maintained by the owner
thereof in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition, and free and
clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
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ARTICLE IV WPIL . ;LGN`q
SEC'. 50-26:
(a) Definition. Wall signs shall include all flat signs which
• are placed flat against a building, or other structure, and attached to
the exterior front, rear or side wall of any building, or other struc-
ture. No wall sign, except those permitted under Sec. 50-15 of this
ordinance shall be erected in any Residential District, as defined in
the present or hereafter adopted zoning ordinance.
(b) Construction.
1) Materials Required - All wall signs shall have a surface
or facing of incombustible or approved combustible material.
(c) Location.
1) Limitation on Placement and Area - No wall sign shall
• cover wholly or partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the ends
or top of the wall to which it is attached. No wall sign shall exceed
the area requirements of Sec, 5:J-24 or in excess of 25 percent of the
wall to which it is applied, or over 300 square feet, whichever is
• smaller. Signs painted on masonry or frame walls or on fences are ex-
pressly prohibited.
2) Projection Above Sidewalk and Set -Back Line - No wall
sign shall be permitted to extend more than twelve (12) inches beyond
the face or structure to which it is attached, and if attached to a
wall or other structure so as to be suspended above and facing a side-
walk or other public thoroughfare, such wall sign shall be attached at
a height of not less than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or public
thoroughfare.
3) Obstruction to Doors, Windows or Fire Escapes - No wall
• sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free
ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
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• (d) Erection.
1) Supports and Attachments - All wall signs of solid face
construction shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall.
In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or
• nails. If required by the Director of Inspections and Permits, a copy
of stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is de-
signed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount
required by this and all other applicable laws and ordinances shall be
submitted.
2) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements - All wall signs
shall conform to the requirements of Section 13 of this ordinance.
Zi TICL _ V - . LOCI, IGNS
• SEC. ::C.-27:
(a) Definition. Roof sign shall mean any sign erected, constructed;
and maintained upon or over the roof of any building with the principal
• support on the roof structure. No roof sign, whether illuminated or
not shall be erected in any Residential District as defined in the
present or hereafter adopted zoning ordinance.
(b) Construction.
Materials Required - Every roof sign, including the up-
right supports and braces thereof, shall be constructed entirely of
incombustible materials; provided however, that combustible structural
trim may be used thereon.
(c) Location.
1) Height Limitations - No roof sign shall have its highest
• point extended more than fifteen (15) feet above the roof level.
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2) No roof sign shall have an area in excess of one
hundred fifty (150) square feet.
• 3) Set -Back from Roof Edge - No roof sign shall be
erected or maintained with the face thereof nearer than five (5)
feet to the outside wall toward which the sign faces, or as approved
by the Director of Inspections and Permits and the Fire Marshal.
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4) Space Between Sign and Roof. - All roof signs shall have
• a space at least five (5) feet in height between the base of the sign
and the roof level and have at least five (5) feet horizontal clearance
between the vertical supports thereof, or as approved by the Director
of Inspections and Permits and the Fire Marshal.
Prohibited Obstructions - No roof sign shall be placed
on the roof of any building or structure in such manner as to prevent
free passage from one part of said roof to any other part thereof or
interfere with openings in said roof; and every roof sign shall comply
with Section 17 of this ordinance.
(d) Erection.
• 1) Bracing, Anchorage and Supports - Every roof sign shall
be thoroughly secured to the building by iron or other metal anchors,
bolts, supports, rods, or braces. When erected upon buildings which
are not rated as pf fireproof construction, the bearing plates of said
. sign shall bear directly upon masonry walls or intermediate steel
columns. No roof sign shall be supported by or anchored to the wooden
framework of a building.
2) Wind Pressure, and Dead Load Requirements - All roof signs
shall conform to the requirements of Secei_13 of this ordinance.
j� '3TICL VI - rCLE i',-0UNTc;., SICK
S EC'. 5 (,1 -28 :
• (a)Definition. Pole mounted signs shall include any sign sup-
ported by steel poles, steel beams, or other suitable material approved
�2,
by the Director of Inspections and Permits, and shall include only sig.. � � 9
erected on the property of the location or place of business which is
identified by the copy or reading matter appearing on the sign face.
No pole mounted sign, as defined in this section, except those permitted
• under Sec-. 50-15 of this ordinance, shall be erected in any Residential
District, as defined in the present or hereafter adopted Zoning Ordinanc:
1b) Construction.
1) Materials Required - All pole mounted signs shall be
approved by the Director of Inspections and Permits as being in com-
pliance with the BOCA Basic Building Code and shall be constructed of
incombustible or approved combustible materials.
2) The pole or beam shall be set in concrete of strength and
weight to securely and permanently support the pole sign in the position
in which it is to be installed.
• (c) Heiqht and Location.
1) Height Limitation - It shall be unlawful to erect any
pole mounted sign which has a total height greater than twenty-five
(25) feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces, or
• above the adjoining ground level, if such ground level is above the
street level. The lowest portion of the sign shall be not less than
ten (10) feet above the adjoining ground level.
2) Setback Line - No part of the pole or beam supporting
the sign shall be located any closer to any property line than a dis-
tance of two (2) feet, and shall be located entirely within private
property.
3) Area Limitations - No sign in this category shall be in
excess of sixty (60) square feet per single face thereof.
0
r
.2- s,
•
• =� TICL? VIA_ SIGdi
- 4 {
SEC,. 50-29:
(a) Definitions.
A Projecting sign shall include any sign which is attached
to a building or other structure and extends beyond the line of the
said building or structure or beyond the surface of that portion of
the building or structure to which it is attached by more than twelve
(12) inches. No projecting sign shall be erected in any Residential
District as defined in the present or hereafter adopted zoning ordinance.
(See. -Sec. 50-24) .
•
. (b) Construction.
1) Every projecting sign, including the frames, braces and
supports thereof, shall be designed by a structural engineer, regis-
tered architect, or sign manufacturer and shall be approved by the
Director of Inspections and Permits as being in compliance with the
BOCA Basic Building Code of the City of Evanston, and by the Electrical
Inspector as being in compliance withthe Electrical Code of the City
of Evanston, and shall be constructed of incombustible or approved com-
bustible materials.
2) Exterior Illumination - If a projecting sign is illumi-
nated from its exterior, any reflectors shall concentrate the illumina-
tion upon the area of the sign and prevent glare upon the street or ad-
• jacent property, and no floodlight, spotlight, or reflectors of the 14 1
gooseneck type shall be permitted on projecting signs.
3) Interior Illumination - The lettering or advertising de-
signs to be illuminated from the interior shall be composed of trans-
0 parent or semi -transparent incombustible or approved combustible
materials.
4) Movable Parts to Be Secured - Any movable part of a pro-
jecting sign, such as the cover of a service opening, shall be securely
fastened by chains or hinges.
5) Thickness Limitation - The distance measured between the
principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed eighteen (18)
inches.
6) Height Limitation - Every projecting sign shall comply
with the applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance relating to the
• maximum height thereof.
(c) Obstruction and Traffic Hazards.
No projecting sign shall be erected or maintained except
in full compliance with Sec, 50-17 and Sec. 50-18 of this ordinance.
• (d) Erection.
1) Bracing, Anchorage and Supports - Projecting signs ex-
ceeding ten (10) square feet in area or fifty (50) pounds in weight
shall not be attached to nor supported by frame buildings nor the wooden
only
framework of a building. Said signs shall be attached/to masonry or
structural steel walls. If required by the Director of Inspections and
Permits, a copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the
structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction
in the amount required by this and all other applicable laws and ordi-
nances shall be submitted.
• 2) Anchorage with Wire, etc., Prohibited - No projecting
sign shall be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails, nor shall any
- 23 -
• projecting sign be hung or secured to any o-i,her sign.
(e) V-Shaped Siqns Prohibited.
V-shaped signs, consisting -of two single faced signs erected
without a roof or ceiling, shall not be permitted.
ARTICLE VIII - TEMPORARY :SIGNS
SECS 0-30:
(a) Definition.
Temporary signs shall include any sign, banner, pennant,
valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light
fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without
frames, intended to be displayed for a short period of time only.
• (b) Construction.
1) Materials and Area Limitations - No temporary sign of
combustible materials shall exceed four (4) feet in one of its dimen-
sions or one hundred (100) square feet in area, and provided such signs
,in excess of sixty (60) square feet shall be made of rigid materials,
that is, of wallboard or other light materials with frames.
2) Weight Limitation - Every temporary sign weighing in ex-
cess of fifty (50) pounds must be approved by the Director of Inspections
and Permits as conforming to the safety requirements of the BOCA Basic
Building Code of the City of Evanston.
(c) Location.
1) Projecting from Wall and Over Public Property - No tem-
porary sign shall extend over or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or
other public thoroughfare a distance greater than four (4) inches from
•the wall to which it is attached, and shall not be placed or project
over any wall opening.
.24.
" 0 " 2) Obstruction to Doors, Windows and Fire Escapes - No 5,13
temporary sign shall be erected, so as to prevent free ingress to or
egress from any door, window or fire escape, nor shall such sign be
attached to any standpipe or fire escape.
• (d) Erection.
Anchorage and Support - Every temporary sign shall be attaches
to the wall with wire or steel cables, and no strings, ropes or wood
slats for anchorage or support purposes shall be permitted.
(e) Duration of Permits.
Permits for temporary signs shall authorize the erection of
said signs and their maintenance for a period not exceeding thirty
(30) days, with one renewal of thirty (30) days upon a showing of good
cause.
(f) Advertisinq Permitted.
• The advertisement contained on any temporary sign shall per-
tain only to the business, industry or pursuit conducted on or within
the premises on which such sign is erected or maintained. This pro-
vision shall not apply to signs of a civic, political or religious
0 nature.
(g) Bond or Insurance Requirements on temporary signs shall be
as provided in Sec. 50.-16 of this ordinance.
ARTICLE IX - MARQUEES
SEC. 50-31:
(a) Definition.
Marquee shall mean and include any fixed hood or canopy, con-
•structed of metal or other incombustible material, supported solely by
the building to which it is attached, and extending over a public
1
. thoroughfare. No marquee shall be erected J.n any Residential District.
as defined in the present or hereafter adopted zoning ordinance.
(b) Construction.
1) Materials Required = All marquees, including the anchors,
• bolts, supports, rods and braces thereof shall be constructed of incom-
bustible or approved combustible materials, shall be designed by a
structural engineer and approved by the Director of Inspections and
Permits as in compliance with the BOCA Basic Building Code of the City
of Evanston., and if appropriate, by the Electrical Inspector as in com-
pliance with the Electrical Code of the City of Evanston.
2) Roofs - The roofs of all marquees shall be used for no
purpose other than to form and constitute a roof, and shall be con-
structed in compliance with the BOCA Basic Building Code. No new
marquees containing advertising shall hereafter be erected without
• approval by the City Council.
(c) Location.
1) Height Above Sidewalk - No portion of a marquee shall be
less than ten (10) feet above the level of the sidewalk or other public
rthoroughfare over which it projects.
2) Setback from Curb Line - No marquee shall be permitted to
extend beyond the curb line.
(d) Erection.
1) Bracing, Anchorage and Supports - Marquees shall be sup-
ported solely by the building to which they are attached, and no columns
or posts shall be permitted as support therefor.
2) Roof Live Load Requirements - The roof of any marquee shall
be designed and constructed to support a live load of not less than one
hundred (10C) pounds per square foot. The wind pressure requirements
• shall be those stated in Sec. 50-13 of this ordinance.
3) Anchorage, to 'good Structure Prohibited - No marquee shall
0" -26-
be erected on any building of wood frame construction.
(e) Signs Attached to T,farauee.
1) No sign shall be attached to, or hung from a marquee
• except an unilluminated sign bearing the name, address or identification
of the owner of business conducted within the premises which may be
painted or otherwise permanently affixed on the vertical facade of the
marquee. Theatres, places of entertainment, hotels and funeral homes
are exempt from this provision.
2) Advertising shall be limited to 25% of the gross surface
area of the marquee, except for theatres, places of entertainment,
hotels and funeral homes.
3) In no instance shall a marquee be lower than ten (10)
feet above the sidewalk or public thoroughfare.
• 4) No advertising material shall be placed upon the roof of
any marquee.
(f) Bond or Insurance Reauirements.
Bond or insurance requirements on marquees shall be as provided
• in Section 50-16 of this ordinance.
ARTICLE X - FIXED CANOPIES AND FIXED AWNINGS
SEC. 50-32:
(a) Definition: Fixed canopy and fixed awning shall include any
hood, canopy, or awning constructed of cloth, approved plastic, metal,
or other incombustible material attached to a building, projer-rx-na- --- over.,.._..
a public thoroughfare, and carried by a frame supported by the ground
or sidewalk.
(b) Construction: .
• Materials - Fixed canopies and fixed awnings may be con-
structed of cloth, approved plastic, or metal, provided however, all
- 27-
• 'frames and supports shall be of metal.
(c) Location:
1) Height above Sidewalk - Fixed canopies and fixed awnings
shall be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion of the pro-
jecting frame thereof shall be not less than seven (7) feet, six (6)
inches, and the lowest portion of the depending skirt shall be not less
than six (6) feet, eight (8) inches above the level of the sidewalk or
public thoroughfare.
2) Setback from Curb Line - No fixed canopy or fixed awning
shall extend beyond a point two (2) feet inside the curb line.
(d) Erection:
Support - The framework of all fixed canopies and fixed
awnings shall be approved by the Director of Inspections and Permits,
and shall be in compliance with the BOCA Basic Building Code of the
OCity of Evanston. All frames and supports shall be of metal and de-
signed to withstand a wind pressure as provided in Sec, 50-13 of this
ordinance.
(e) Advertisinq:
0 No advertising shall be placed on any fixed canopy or fixed
awning, except that the unilluminated name, address or identification
of the owner or business, industry or pursuit conducted within the pre-
mises may be painted or otherwise permanently placed thereon, limited
to 250 of the gross surface area. Theatres, places of entertainment,
hotels and funeral homes are exempt from this provision.
(f) Permits" and Insoections.
Permits for fixed canopies and fixed awnings shall be re-
quired as provided in Sec�N3 of this ordinance. Fixed canopies and
fixed awnings shall be subject to annual inspection as required in
Section 8 of this ordinance.
• (g) Bond or Insurance Requirements.
A 4 a
Bond or insurance requirements for the erection and mainte-
• nance of fixed canopies and fixed awnings shall be as provided in
,!7
•
Section 16 of this ordinance.
ARTICLE .`;I - RETRACTABLE AWNINGS
SEC. 5C-33:
(a) Definitions.
A retractable awning shall include any hood, canopy or awning
made of cloth, approved plastic, or metal, with metal frames attached
to a building, and so erected as to permit its being retracted when not
in use.
(b) Construction.
Materials - Retractable awnings may be constructed of cloth,
• approved plastic, or metal, provided however all supports shall be of
metal, or other materials approved by the Director of Inspections and
Permits.
(c) Location.
0 1) Height above Sidewalk - Retractable awnings, shall be
constructed and erected so -that the lowest portion of the projecting
frame thereof shall be not less than seven (7) feet, six (6) inches,
and the lowest portion of the depending skirt shall be not less than
six (6) feet, eight (B) inches, above the level of the sidewalk or
public thoroughfare.
2) Setback from Curb Line - No retractable awning shall
extend beyond a point two (2) feet inside the curb line.
(d) Erection
Support - The framework of all retractable awnings shall be
•approved by the Director of Inspections and Permits, and shall be in
compliance with the BOCA Basic Building Code of the C ity of Evanston.
31,
,.,
- 2c_
All supports shall be of metal and designed to withstand a wind press
as provided in Sec. 5C-13 of this ordinance. Retractable awnings shal_'.
be securely attached to and supported by the building.
(e) Advertisinq.
No advertising shall be placed on any retractable awning,
except that the name, address or identification of the owner, business,
industry or pursuit conducted within the premises may be painted or
otherwise permanently placed thereon limited to 25% of the gross sur-
face area.
(f) Permits and Inspections.
Permits for retractable awnings shall be required as provided
in Section 3 of this ordinance. Retractable awnings shall be subject
• to annual inspection as required in Sec, 5C_8 of this ordinance.
(g) Bond or Insurance Requirements.
Bond or insurance requirements for the erection and mainte-
nance of retractable awnings shall be as provided in Section lb of this
ordin0 ance.
A:LTICLE ;:11 - REVOCATIOiv OL PEEWITS
SEC. 50-34:
The Director of Inspections and Permits is hereby authorized and
empowered to revoke any permit issued by him upon failure of the per-
mittee to comply with any provision of this ordinance.
0
3 ,)-
r � .
19
ARTICLE. XIII - SIGN ORDINANCE BOARD OF REVIEW)
SEC. tG-35:
0 (a) Establishment.
A Sign Ordinance Board of Review is hereby established.
(b) Membership of Board.
The Review Board shall consist of seven (7) members, to be
appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, one of
whom shall be designated by the Mayor as Chairman.
(c) Terms.
The Review Board members shall be appointed for a term of
four years, or until their respective successors are appointed and
qualified; except that of the initially appointed Review Board, two
•
members shall serve for one year, two members for two years, two members
for three years, and one member for four years.
(d) Qualification of Members.
. At least two members shall be businessmen who have had not
less than five years experience as a businessman in the City of Evanston
and shall maintain such stratus; one membe-! shall be at the time of his
appointment and for at least five years prior thereto, a registered
professional engineer, architect, or structural engineer in the State
of Illinois, and four members shall be appointed at large. Members
appointed to fill vacancies shall have the same general qualifications
required for their predecessors.
(e) Meetings.
Meetings of the Review Board shall be held at the call of the
0hairman, or as prescribed by its rules. Four members shall constitute
a quorum.
r
13
-31-
(f) Rules and Records.
j-50
The Review Board shall adopt its own rules and regulations
and keep minutes of its meetings.
SEC. 50-36: SIGN ORDINANCE REVIEW BOARD AUTHORITY
The Review Board is hereby vested with the following jurisdiction
and authority:
(a) Appeals from the Director of Inspections and Permits,.
To decide appeals from any action taken by the Director or
failure of the Director to act upon request within a reasonable period.
Such decisions on appeal shall be limited to construing the provisions
of this ordinance, in order to determine whether the Director has
correctly interpreted the requirements established by this ordinance.
(b) Variations.
• To grant variations from the provisions of Secs. 50-25,
50-260 50-27, 50-28, 50-29, 50-30, 50-31, 50-32 or 50-33 that would
not result in a violation of the present or hereafter adopted Zoning
Ordinance.
(c) Recommendations.
To recommend to the City Council amendments to this ordinance.
SEC. 50-37: STANDARDS
(a) Before granting any variation from these regulations, the
Review Board must find, upon hearing, that the applicant would suffer
a particular inequity if the regulations of this ordinance were imposed,.
In making such determination, the Review Board shall consider the
following factors:
1) the age of the sign;
• 2) the cost of the sign and of compliance;
3) the condition and appearance of the sign;
4) the degree of non -conformity;
I 'V
-3?-
3 Yv
IW' 5) public safety; i 5 1
6) the incurrence of any detriment that the appellant could
have reasonably avoided.
(b) If the Review Board finds that a particular inequity does
. exist, it may grant a variation from the regulations of this ordinance,
but in harmony with the general purposes and intent thereof; provided
that the Review Board shall not authorize signs specifically prohibited
herein.
SEC, 5p-38: Procedures for Appeals and Applications for Variations.
(a) Right to Appeal for Variation.
Any person found in violation of this ordinance by any decision of
the Director may take an appeal from the decision or apply for a varia-
tion from the requirements of this ordinance to the Sign Ordinance Board
of Review. Applications for variations may also be made in the absence
• of a finding of violation.
(b) Time for F'ilinq Appeal or Application.
The appellant or applicant must file with the Director no later
than thirty (30) days after receiving notice of such violation, a
• Notice of Appeal or Application for Variation, directed to the Sign
Ordinance Board of Review, specifying the grounds thereof and relief
sought.
(c) Notification of Review Board by Director.
The Director shall forthwith notify all members of the Review
BcErd of such appeal or application and furnish all members copies of
all relevant papers.
(d) Right to Public Hearinq,
The Review Board shall grant to each appellant or applicant a
•public hearing, and shall have power to administer oaths to persons
testifying at such hearings.
.33-
S�
1) Date of Hearing - The Review Board shall, within thirty
(30) days after the date of filing of the appeal or application, set
a date for the hearing.
2) Notice of Hearing - The Review Board shall give not less
• than fifteen (15) nor more than thirty (30) days notice of the date of
hearing. Such notice shall contain the address of the property in
question, the owner of the property and the nature of the application
or appeal. A copy of the notice shall be mailed to the appellant or
applicant, and also to the complainant if the hearing arises from the
complaint of a person other than the Director.
(e) Continuances.
The Review Board may, in its discretion, grant continuances,
and shall notify the appellant or applicant and any complainant with
respect to the appeal or application, of any continuance.
• (f) Stav of Decision of the Director.
An appeal or application for variation properly filed shall
stay the decision of the Director with respect to all matters set forth
in such appeal or application until the Review Board has taken final
• action on the appeal or application and until the appellant or applicant
has been served with a copy of such decision.
(g) Appearances.
At the hearing any party may appear in person or by agent or
attorney and present evidence both written and oral relevant to the
issues involved and may examine and cross-examine witnesses.
(h) Review Board's Decision.
After hearing an appeal, the Review Board shall affirm, modify
or reverse the decision of the Director or order him to act; after
hearing an application for variation, the Review Board shall grant or
• deny the relief applied for or shall grant such other relief as it deems
f
-34-
34,
proper. The decision shall be binding on the Director and the �`'3
•
appellant or applicant.
(i) Delivery of Notices.
The Director shall deliver, in writing, copies of
decisions and all other notices on behalf of the Review Board,
either by personal delivery or by sealed, prepaid mail, addressed
to the appellant or applicant at his last known address.
SEC. 50-39: NON -CONFORMING SIGNS
Every sign erected and in place on the effective date of
this ordinance, which violates or does not conform to the pro-
visions hereof, shall be removed or altered, or replaced, as here-
inafter provided so as to conform with the provisions of this
ordinance.
In the case of any violation of, or non -conformity with,
• the provisions of Sections 50-10, 50-149 50-18, 50-20, 50-23, or
50-33 of this ordinance, removal, alteration, or repair of the
violating or non -conforming sign shall be effected promptly in
accordance with the provisions of said section.
• In the case of signs painted on masonry, framed walls, or
on fences, as prohibited by Section 50-26(c)l, such sign shall be
removed no later than three years from the effective date of this
ordinance.
In the case of any violation, or hon-conformity, with any
of the provisions of this ordinance, if the alteration or repair
required in order to bring the structure into conformity will cost
more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the physical value of the
structure on the effective date of this ordinance, then such alter-
ation or repair shall be effected no later than June 1, 1973; but
• evidence of such Bost and the physical value of the structure shall
be submitted to the Director of Inspections and Permits no later
3?.
•
-35-
C]
than December 31, 1970; an..' if acceptable, si:all be olaced on file
in hi-s, office.
r-�TT �{IV - SEV�:3r`.3_LITY
�,i11 .L IJL �. �' --
SEC. 50-40:
The intention of the City Council is hereby expressed that the
provisions of this ordinance are severable and that the invalidity of
any section hereof, or of any portion of any section hereof, shall not
affect any other section or portion of section of this ordinance.
ARTICLE XV - REPEAL,
SEC. 50-41:
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the pro-
visions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. The following ordinances
• are expressly repealed: Sec. 1239 to Sec. 1253, inclusive, of Article
XLII, and Sec. 1382 to Sec. 1409, inclusive, of Article XLV, of the
Evanston Municipal Code of 1927, as amended; also Secs. 1, 4, 7 and 13
of Sec. (e) of an ordinance adopted December 13, 1948, relating to fees
• for permits; also Ordinances 20-0-55 and 21-0-55, pertaining to signs,
adopted by the City Council on May 31, 1955; also Ordinance 16-0-58,
adopted by the City Council on August 4, 1958, as amended; also Ordi-
nance 19-0-61, adopted April 10, 1961; also Secs. 42-25, 3-6, and 3-8
of the Code of the City of Evanston, 1957; also Secs. 312.7, 312.8 „
312.71, 312.72, and Article XIV, sign and outdoor display structures of
the BOCA Basic Building Code regulations, adopted by the City Council
on July 18, 1966.
0
1
-36-
3 T,-*
ARTICLE ::II. PENALTIES ��C'_l VICL,.TIO�Ia
"SEC. 50-42:
Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be
fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than five
hundxed' dollars :$5.00-,00) for each offense. Each day that a violation
continues shall be deemed a separate offense."
SECTION 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and
effect from and on October 1, 197C
following its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet-form. -
Introduced _ Ma 18 , 1970
• Adopted August 31 , 1970
Attest:
/sil Maurice F. Brown
City Clerk
Approved as to form:
Approved August 31 , 1970
IS/ Peter D. Jans
Acting Mayor
Is/ Jack M. Siegel
Corporation Counsel
.1S5