HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-O-58601 R
O Y- I kv\ av� c. e- l (9 - o- S- V
- SIGN., CANOPY AND AWNING
REGULATIONS
of the
City of Evanston, Illinois
Effective
September 1, 1958
SIGN, CANOPY AND AWNING
REGULATIONS
of the
City of Evanston, Illinois
Published in pamphlet form
by order of the City Council
Adopted by the City Council
August 4, 1958
Effective, September 1,1958'
INDEX
Page No.
Annual Inspection Permit —Fees ............................... 4
Application for Erection Permit .................................. 2
. Bond Requirements .............................................. 6
Date of Erection, Name of Permittee and Voltage to be
onSign ....................................................... 5
Definitions........................................................ 1
Exemptions....................................................... 6
Face of Sign Shall be Smooth .................................. 7
Fixed Canopies and Fixed Awnings..............................15
Glass — Limitations .............................................. 8
GroundSigns ..................................................... 8
Illuminated Signs: Approval by Electrical Inspector .............. 3
Marquees.........................................................14
Miscellaneous Advertising Objects Prohibited .................... 8
Non -Conforming Signs............................................19
Obscene Matter Prohibited ....................................... 8
Obstruction to Doors, Windows or Fire Escapes .................. 7
Painting Required Every Two Years ............................. 5
Penalties for Violation............................................20
Permit Fees ...................................................... 4
Permit Issued if Application in Order ........................... 3
Permit Revocable at any Time ................................... 4
Permits Required ................................................ 2
Projecting Signs..................................................11
Publication — Effective Date.....................................20
Reflectors, Spotlights, and Floodlights — Limitation and
Prohibition................................................... 8
Removal of Certain Signs ........................................ 5
Repeal...........................................................19
Retractable Canopies and Retractable Awnings ..................16
Revocation of Permits............................................19
RoofSigns........................................................10
Severability......................................................19
Signs not to Constitute Traffic Hazard ........................... 7
Street Clocks.....................................................17
TemporarySigns.................................................13
Unsafe and Unlawful Signs ....................................... 5
WallSigns ........................................................ 9
Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements ..................... 5
Zoning Restrictions...............................................18
16-0-58
AN ORDINANCE
Regulating the Erection, Construction, Alteration, and Location of
Signs, other Advertising Structures, Marquees, Canopies, Awnings,
and Street Clocks within the City of Evanston.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EVANSTON, COOS COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
SECTION I: SHORT TITLES.
This ordinance shall hereafter be known and cited as the "Sign,
Canopy and Awning Regulations."
SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS.
As used in this ordinance unless the context otherwise indicates,
(a) "Approved Combustible Materials" shall mean any material
more than one -twentieth (120) of an inch in thickness, which
burns at a rate'of not more than two and one-half (2y2") inches
per minute when subjected to the A.S.T.M. (American Society
for Testing Materials) standard test for flammability in sheets
of six -hundredths (0.06) inch thickness.
(b) "Canopy" — "Awning" and "Street Clock," shall include
any fixed as well as retractable or removable canopy, awning,
and street clock, respectively, projecting over, suspended above,
or erected upon any public thoroughfare, which has no announce-
ment, declaration, demonstration, etc., as described and set
forth in sub -section (k) of this section, displayed thereon or
affixed thereto.
(c) "Erect" shall mean to build, construct, attach, hang, place,
suspend, or affix, and shall also include the painting of all signs.
(d) "Facing" or "Surface" shall mean the surface of the sign
upon, against, or through which the message is displayed or
illustrated on the sign.
(e) "Flashing Sign" 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 illuminated.
(f) "Gross Surface Area of Sign" 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.
(g) "Illuminated Sign" shall mean any sign which has charac-
ters, letters, figures, designs, or outline illuminated by electric
lights, luminous tubes, or any other means of illumination.
(h) "Incombustible Material" shall mean any material which
will not ignite at or below a temperature of 1200' Fahrenheit and
will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature.
(i) "Other Advertising Structure" as used in this ordinance,
shall mean any marquee, fixed or retractable canopy, fixed or
retractable awning, or street clock projecting over, suspended
above, or erected upon, any public thoroughfare, and which in-
cludes, as a part thereof, any announcement, declaration,
demonstration, etc., as described and set forth in sub -section (k)
of this section, displayed thereon or affixed thereto.
(j) "Person" shall mean and include any individual, firm,
partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization
of any kind.
(k) "Sign" shall mean every name, identification, description,
announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, flag, illus-
tration, or insignia, and structure supporting any of the same,
affixed directly or indirectly to or upon any building or outdoor
structure, or erected or maintained upon a piece of land, which
directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person,
institution, organization, or business.
Each display surface of a sign shall be considered to be a
separate sign.
The term "sign" shall include, among other structures, and
whether illuminated or non -illuminated, every ground sign, wall
sign, roof sign, projecting sign, and temporary sign.
However, the term "sign" shall not include any display of official,
court, or public office notices, nor shall it include the flag,
emblem, or insignia of a nation, governmental unit, school, or
religious group.
(1) "Structural Trim" shall mean any molding, battens,
tappings, nailing strips, latticing, and platforms which are
attached to the sign structure.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 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
structure, marquee, canopy, awning, or street clock, as defined
in this ordinance, without first obtaining an erection permit or
annual inspection permit from the Director of Building and making
payment of the fee required by Section 7 or Section 8 hereof. All
illuminated signs shall, in addition, be subject to the provisions
of the Electrical Code, and the permit fees required thereunder.
SECTION 4: APPLICATION FOR ERECTION PERMIT.
Application for erection permit shall be made upon blanks provided
by the Director of Building, and shall contain or have attached
thereto the following information:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(b) Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon
which the sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy,
awning or street clock, as defined in this ordinance, is to be
attached or erected.
(c) Position of the sign, other advertising structure, marquee,
2
canopy, awning or street clock, as defined in this ordinance, in
relation to nearby buildings or structures.
(d) Two blue -prints or ink drawings of the plans and specifica-
tions and method of construction and attachment to the buildings
or in the ground.
(e) If required by the Director of Building, 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 laws and ordinances of the city.
(f) Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting the
sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or
street clock, as defined in this ordinance.
(g) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or
land to which or on which the sign, other advertising structure,
marquee, canopy, awning or street clock, as defined in this
ordinance, is to be erected.
(h) Any electrical permit required and issued for said sign,
other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or street
clock, as defined in this ordinance.
(i) Insurance policy or bond as required by Section 16 of this
ordinance.
(j) Such other information as the Director of Building shall re-
quire to show full compliance with this and all other ordinances
of the City of Evanston.
SECTION 5: ILLUMINATED SIGNS: APPROVAL BY
ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR.
The application for a permit for erection of a sign, other advertising
structure, marquee, canopy, awning or street clock, as defined in
this ordinance, 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 specifications,
respecting all wiring and connections, to determine if the same
complies with the electrical code of the City of Evanston, and,
he shall approve the issuance of said permit if the said plans and
specifications comply with said code, or disapprove the application
if non-compliance 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 Building for final approval or dis-
approval of the erection permit.
SECTION b: PERMIT ISSUED IF APPLICATION IN ORDER.
It shall be the duty of the Director of Building 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 adver-
tising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or street clock, as
defined in this ordinance, and if it shall appear that the proposed
structure is in compliance with all the requirements of this ordi-
nance, the zoning ordinance, and all other applicable ordinances of
3
the City of Evanston, 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
completed within six (6) months after date of issuance, the said
permit shall become null and void.
SECTION 7: PERMIT FEES
The fee to be charged for permits issued for the erection, construc-
tion, or alteration of any sign, other advertising structure, marquee,
canopy, or street clock, as defined in this ordinance, shall be as
follows:
(a) Non -Illuminated Signs: (unless temporary) : Ten Dollars
($10.00), plus ten cents (10c) per square foot of gross surface
area of each face thereof.
(b) Temporary Signs: Five Dollars ($5.00).
(c) Marquees, Fixed Canopies and Fixed Awnings: Fifteen
dollars ($15.00), plus ten cents (10c) per square foot of plan area.
(d) Illuminated Signs and Street Clocks: Fifteen dollars ($15.00),
plus ten cents (10c) per square foot of gross surface area of each
face thereof.
(e) Retractable Canopies and Awnings: Three Dollars ($3.00).
SECTION 8: ANNUAL INSPECTION PERMIT -FEES.
The Director of Building shall inspect annually, and at such other
times as he deems necessary, each sign, other advertising struc-
ture, marquee, canopy, awning or street clock, as defined in this
ordinance, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same is
secure or insecure, and whether it is in. need of removal or re-
pair; and to meet the expense of such inspection, the permittee
thereof shall pay to the City Collector an annual fee, and receive an
annual inspection permit. Any person, firm or corporation owning,
in possession, charge or control of any sign, other advertising
structure, marquee, canopy, awning or street clock, as defined in
this ordinance, now in existence or hereafter erected shall pay
the following annual inspection fees:
(a) Non -Illuminated Signs: Five Dollars ($5.00), plus ten cents
(10c) per square foot of surface area of each face thereof.
(b) Marquees, Fixed Canopies and Fixed Awnings: Seven Dollars
and fifty cents ($7.50), plus ten cents (10c) per square foot of
plan area.
(c) Illuminated Signs and Street Clocks: Seven Dollars and
fifty cents ($7.50), plus ten cents (10c) per square foot of surface
area of each face thereof.
(d) Retractable Canopies and Awnings: One Dollar ($1.00).
No inspection fee other than the permit fee as required in Section 7
shall be charged during the calendar year in which the sign, other
advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or street clock,
as defined in this ordinance, is erected.
SECTION 9: PERMIT REVOCABLE AT ANY TIME.
All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this
4
ordinance, or any amendment thereto, are mere licenses revocable
at any time by the City Council, and all such permits shall be
subject to this provision. Except as otherwise provided, all permits
issued hereunder, if . not revoked by the City Council for cause,
shall be valid until December 31 of the year in which issued.
SECTION 10: UNSAFE AND UNLAWFUL SIGNS.
If the Director of Building shall find that any sign, other adver-
tising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or street clock, as
defined in this ordinance, is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to
the public, or has been constructed or erected, or is being main-
tained 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, awning or street
clock, as defined in this ordinance, may be removed by the Director
of Building at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property
upon which it is located. The Director of Building may cause any
sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or street
clock as defined in this ordinance, which is an immediate peril to
persons or property, to be removed summarily and without notice.
SECTION 1 I: DATE OF ERECTION, NAME OF PERMITTEE,
AND VOLTAGE TO BE ON SIGN.
Every sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning
or street clock, as defined in this ordinance, 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 connection therewith.
SECTION 12: PAINTING REQUIRED EVERY TWO YEARS.
The permittee of any sign, other advertising structure, marquee,
canopy, awning or street clock, as defined in this ordinance, shall,
at least once every two years, paint all parts and supports of said
sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or
street clock, as defined in this ordinance, unless the same are
galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust or rotting.
SECTION 13: WIND PRESSURE AND DEAD LOAD
REQUIREMENTS.
Any sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or
street clock, as defined in this ordinance, 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 con-
structed to receive dead loads as required in the BOCA Basic
Building Code or other ordinances of the City of Evanston.
SECTION 14: REMOVAL OF CERTAIN SIGNS.
Any sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning
or street clock as defined in this ordinance, 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 having the beneficial use of the
building, structure or premises upon which such sign may be found
within twenty (20) days after written notification from the Director
of Building and, upon failure to comply with such notice within the
time specified in such order, the Director of Building is hereby
authorized to cause removal of such sign and any expense incident
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.
SECTION 15: EXEMPTIONS.
The provisions and regulations of this ordinance shall not apply
to the following signs, provided however, said signs shall be sub-
ject to the provisions of Section 10:
(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, public institutional
building or dwelling house, and not exceeding one (1) square foot
in area.
(c) Signs painted on the exterior surface of a building or struc-
ture, provided however, if said signs have raised borders, letters,
characters, decorations or lighting appliances, they shall be sub-
ject to the provisions of Section 25 and all applicable provisions
of this ordinance.
(d) 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.
(e) Signs denoting the architect, engineer, or contractor when
placed upon work under construction, and not exceeding sixteen
(16) square feet in area.
(f) Signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection
when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze
or other incombustible materials.
(g) Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad
crossing signs, danger, and such temporary emergency or non -
advertising signs as may be approved by the City Council.
SECTION 16: BOND REQUIREMENTS.
Every applicant for a permit referred to in this ordinance shall,
before the permit is granted, file with the Director of Building, a
continuing bond in the penal sum of Twenty-five thousand ($25,000)
dollars, executed by the applicant and an approved surety com-
pany, and conditioned for the faithful observance of the pro-
visions of this ordinance and all amendments thereto, and of all
laws and ordinances relating to any signs, other advertising struc-
tures, marquees, canopies, awnings or street clocks, as defined in
this ordinance, of said applicant, or by reason of any damages or
6
injury wrongfully caused by or resulting therefrom. A liability
insurance policy issued by an approved insurance company author-
ized to do business in the State of Illinois, conforming to this
aection, may be permitted in lieu of a bond.
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 designated by the City Manager to assist in the
payment of the premium for said policy.
SECTION 17: OBSTRUCTION TO DOORS,
WINDOWS OR FIRE ESCAPES.
No sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning or
street clock, as defined in this ordinance, 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 struc-
ture, marquee, canopy, awning or street clock, as defined in this
ordinance, of any kind, shall be attached to a stand pipe or fire
escape.
SECTION 18: SIGNS NOT TO CONSTITUTE
TRAFFIC HAZARDS.
In order to obtain and secure reasonable traffic safety, it shall be
unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any fluttering,
undulating, swinging, rotating or otherwise moving sign, any flash-
ing sign, or any moving or flashing other advertising structure.
No sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning, or
street clock shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as
to obstruct free and clear vision, or as to distract 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, awning, or street clock, 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. Accordingly, no sign, other advertising struc-
ture, marquee, canopy, awning, or street clock, shall make use
of the words "stop," "go," "look," "slow," "danger," or any other
similar word, phrase, symbol, or character, or employ any red,
yellow, orange, green, or other colored lamp or light, in such a
manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
SECTION 19: FACE OF SIGN SHALL BE SMOOTH.
All signs, other advertising structures, marquees, canopies, awn-
ings, or street clocks, as defined in this ordinance, which are con-
structed 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 devices which
may extend over the top and in front of such advertising structure.
7
SECTION 20: REFLECTORS, SPOTLIGHTS, AND
FLOODLIGHTS -LIMITATION AND PROHIBITION.
(a) Goose Neck Reflectors. Goose neck reflectors and lights shall
be permitted on ground signs, roof signs, and wall signs, pro-
vided however, 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 Floodlights Prohibited. It shall be unlawful
for any person to maintain any sign which extends over public
property, and which is wholly or partically illuminated by
floodlights or spotlights, unless such lights are completely con-
cealed from view from the street level.
SECTION 21: GLASS - LIMITATIONS.
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
(3) square feet in area, constructed of wired glass or safety glass
shall be permitted on each side of a sign.
SECTION 22: MISCELLANEOUS ADVERTISING
OBJECTS PROHIBITED.
No person, firm, or corporation, shall place on, or suspend from
any building or structure, any goods, wares, merchandise or other
advertising object or structure, other than a sign as defined,
regulated and prescribed by this ordinance.
SECTION 23: OBSCENE MATTER PROHIBITED.
It shall be unlawful for any person to display upon any sign or
other advertising structure any obscene, indecent or immoral
matter.
GROUND SIGNS
SECTION 24:
(a) DEFINITION.
Ground signs, as regulated by this ordinance, 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, as defined in this section, except those permitted
under Section 15 of this ordinance, shall be erected in any Resi-
dential District, as defined in the present or any hereafter adopted
zoning ordinance.
(b) CONSTRUCTION.
(1) Materials Required. All ground signs for which a permit
is required under this ordinance, shall have a surface or
facing of incombustible or approved combustible material;
provided however, that combustible structural 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
Section 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) Space between Sign and Ground and Other Signs and
Structures. 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. No ground
sign shall be nearer than six (6) feet to any other sign,
building or structure other than a back to back sign.
(3) Set -Back Line. No ground sign shall be nearer the street
than the building line established by the present or here-
after adopted zoning ordinance.
(4) Not to Mislead, Interfere with, or Confuse Traffic. All
ground signs shall conform to the provisions of Section 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 Building.
(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 Section 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.
WALL SIGNS
SECTION 25:
(a) DEFINITION.
Wall signs, as regulated by this ordinance, 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 structure. No wall sign, as defined in this section, except
those permitted under Section 15 of this ordinance, shall be erected
9
in any Residential District, as defined in the present or hereafter
adopted zoning ordinance.
(b) CONSTRUCTION.
(1) Materials Required. All wall signs for which'a permit is
required under this ordinance, 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,
and any one wall sign shall not exceed an area of eighty
(80) square feet; provided however, that panel poster
wall signs, not projecting over, suspended above, or
erected over any public thoroughfare, may exceed eighty
(80) square feet, but shall not exceed three hundred (300)
square feet in area.
(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 sidewalk 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.
(d) ERECTION.
(1) Supports and Attachments. All wall signs of solid face
construction shall be safely and securely attached to the
building wall by means of metal anchors, bolts, or ex-
pansion screws of not less than % inch in diameter
embedded in said wall at least five (5) inches; provided
however, that such signs may rest in, or be bolted to
strong, heavy metal brackets or saddles set' not over
six (6) feet apart, each of which shall be securely fixed
to the wall as hereinbefore provided. In no case shall any
wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails.
(2) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All wall
signs shall conform to the requirements of Section 13
of this ordinance.
ROOF SIGNS
SECTION 26:
(a) DEFINITION.
Roof sign as regulated by this ordinance 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, as defined in this section, shall
10
be erected in any Residential District as defined in the present or
hereafter adopted zoning ordinance.
(b) CONSTRUCTION.
(1) Materials Required. Every roof sign, including the upright
supports and braces thereof, shall be constructed entirely
of incombustible materials; provided however, that com-
bustible structural trim may be used thereon.
(c) LOCATION.
(1) Height and Area Limitations. No roof sign shall have a
surface or facing exceeding one hundred fifty (150) square
feet, nor have its highest point extended more than fifteen
(15) feet above the roof level.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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 of fire-
proof construction, the bearing plates of said sign shall
bear directly upon masonry wallsor 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 Section 13
of this ordinance.
PROJECTING SIGNS
SECTION 27:
(a) DEFINITIONS.
(1) Projecting sign, as regulated by this ordinance, shall in-
clude 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 here-
after adopted zoning ordinance.
(2) Vertical projecting sign means any projecting sign the
height -of which is not less .than twice its width if it is six
(6) feet or less in height, and the height of which is not
less than three times its width if it is more than six (6)
feet in height.
(3) All other projecting signs shall be regarded as horizontal
signs for the purposes of this ordinance.
(b) CONSTRUCTION.
(1) Every projecting sign, including the frames, braces and
supports thereof, shall be designed by a structural en-
gineer, registered architect, or sign manufacturer and
shall be approved by the Director of Building as being
in compliance with the BOCA Basic Building Code of the
City of Evanston, and by the Electrical Inspector as being
in compliance with the Electrical Code of the City of
Evanston, and shall be constructed of incombustible or
approved combustible materials.
(2) Exterior Illumination. If a projecting sign is illuminated
from its exterior, any reflectors shall concentrate the
illumination upon the area of the sign and prevent glare
upon the street or adjacent property, and no floodlight,
spotlight, or reflectors of the goose neck type shall be
permitted on projecting signs.
(3) Interior Illumination. The lettering or advertising designs
to be illuminated from the interior shall be composed of
transparent • or semi -transparent incombustible or ap-
proved combustible materials.
(4) Movable Parts to be Secured. Any movable part of a
projecting sign, such as the cover of a service opening,
shall be securely fastened by chains or hinges.
(5) Area Limitations. Except by special permission of the
City Council, projecting signs shall be limited in area as
follows:
(a) Horizontal projecting signs twenty (20) square feet
each side.
(b) Vertical projecting signs forty (40) square feet each
side.
(6) Thickness Limitation. The distance measured between
the principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed
eighteen (18) inches.
(7) Height Limitation. Every projecting sign shall comply
with the applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance
relating to the maximum height thereof.
(c) LOCATION.
(1) Projection Over Public Property. Every projecting sign
erected or maintained over a public sidewalk shall be
placed at least ten (10) feet above the level of the same,
and at a distance not greater than two (2) feet from the
face of the wall to which it is attached, measuring from
the point of tl`e sign nearest thereto, nor shall any pro-
12
«o of
jecting sign or part thereof extend more than eight (8)
feet from the structure to which it is attached or be
nearer the curb line than two (2) feet, whichever is the
lesser. Every projecting sign erected or maintained over
public driveways, alleys, and thoroughfares, other than
sidewalks, shall be placed not less than fifteen (15) feet
above the level of the same, and at a distance not greater
than,two (2) feet from the face of the wall to which it is
attached measuring from the point of the sign nearest
.jthereto, nor shall any such projecting sign or part thereof
• extend more than eight (8) feet from the structure to
which it is attached.
(2) Obstruction and Traffic Hazards. No projecting sign shall
be erected or maintained except in full compliance with
Section 17 and Section 18 of this ordinance.
(d) ERECTION.
(1) Bracing, Anchorage and Supports. Projecting signs
exceeding ten (10) square feet in area for fifty (50) pounds
in weight shall not be attached to nor supported by frame
buildings nor the wooden framework of a building. Said
signs shall be attached to masonry walls with corrosion
resistant expansion bolts at least % inch in diameter shall
be embedded at least five (5) inches into said wall, and
shall comply with Section 13 of this ordinance.
(2) Anchorage With Wire, etc., Prohibited. No projecting sign
shall be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails, nor
shall any projecting sign be hung or secured to any other
sign.
(e) V-SHAPED SIGNS PROHIBITED.
V-shaped signs, consisting of two single faced signs
erected without a roof or ceiling, shall not be permitted.
TEMPORARY SIGNS
SECTION 28:
(a) DEFINITION.
Temporary signs as regulated by this ordinance 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 material shall exceed four (4) feet in one of
its dimensions 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
excess of fifty (50) pounds must be approved by the
Director of Building as conforming to the safety require-
13
ments of the BOCA Basic Building Code of the City of
Evanston. .
(c) LOCATION.
(1) Projecting from Wall and Over Public Property. No
temporary 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.
(2) Obstruction to Doors, Windows and Fire Escapes. No
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 stand pipe or fire
escape.
(d) ERECTION.
(1) Anchorage and Support. Every temporary sign shall be
attached to the wall with wire or steel cables, and no
strings, ropes or wood slats for anchorage or support pur-
poses 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.
(f) ADVERTISING PERMITTED.
The advertisement contained on any temporary sign shall
pertain only to the business, industry or pursuit conducted
on or within the premises on which such sign is erected or
maintained. This provision shall not apply to signs of a
civic, political or religious nature.
(g) BOND OR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Bond or insurance requirements on temporary signs shall
be as provided in Section 16 of this ordinance.
MARQUEES
SECTION 29:
(a) DEFINITION.
Marquee, as regulated by this ordinance, shall mean and include
any fixed hood or canopy, constructed of metal or other incom-
bustible material, supported solely by the building to which it is
attached, and extending over a public thoroughfare. No marquee
shall be erected in 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 con-
structed of incombustible or approved combustible ma-
terials, shall be designed by a structural engineer and
approved by the Director of Building as in compliance -
with the BOCA Basic Building Code of the City of Evans-
ton, and if appropriate, by the Electrical Inspector as in
14
19.0.61
AN ORDINANCE
Amending Section 28 (e) of Ordi-
nance 16.0.58 "Regulating the Erec-
tion; Construction, Alteration and
Location of Signs, other Advertising
Structures, Marquees, Canopies,
Awnings, and Street Clocks"
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANS-
TON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
Section 1: That Section 28 (e) of Ordi-
nance 16.0.58 "Regulating the Erection,
Construction, Alteration and Location of
Signs, other Advertising Structures,
Marquees, Canopies, Awnings and
Street Clocks" adopted August 4, 1958,
be amended so that same shall here-
after be and read as follows:
Section 28 (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, un-
less specifically authorized by the
City Council for a longer period of
time.
Section 2: All ordinances or parts of
ordinances in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
Section 3: This ordinance shall be in
full force and effect from and after its
passage, approval and publication, ac-
cordin8 to law.
INTRODUCED April 10, 1961
ADOPTED April 10, 1961
APPROVED April 10, 1961
J. R. Kimbark
Mayor
ATTEST:
Maurice F. Brown
City Clerk
Approved as to form: ,
Russell A. Behrens
Assistant Corporation Counsel
Published April 20, 1961
compliance with the Electrical Code of the City of Ev-
anston.
(2) Drainage. The roofs of all marquees shall be properly
guttered and connected by down spouts to a sewer so that
the water therefrom will not drip or flow onto public
property.
(3) Roofs. The roofs of all marquees shall be used for no
other purpose than to form and constitute a roof, and
shall be constructed of incombustible material.
(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 thoroughfare over which it projects.
(2) Set -back from Curb Line. No marquee shall be permitted
to extend beyond the curb line.
(3) Width. No marquee shall be wider than the entrance or
entrances of the building, plus five (5) feet on each side
thereof, unless approved by the City Council.
(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 (100) pounds per square foot.
The wind pressure requirements shall be those stated
in Section 13 of this ordinance.
(3) Anchorage to Wood Structure Prohibited. No marquee
shall be erected on any building of wood frame construc-
tion.
(e) SIGNS ATTACHED TO MARQUEE.
No temporary sign as defined in this ordinance, shall be
attached to, or hung from a marquee except a sign painted
or illuminated directly upon the vertical hanging fascia
of the marquee, and shall in no instance be lower than
ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or public thoroughfare.
No temporary advertising material shall be placed upon
the roof of any marquee.
(f) BOND OR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Bond or insurance requirements on marquees shall be as
provided in Section 16 of this ordinance.
FIXED CANOPIES AND FIXED AWNINGS
SECTION 30:
(a) DEFINITION.
Fixed canopy and fixed awning, as regulated by this ordinance,
shall include any hood, canopy, or awning, made of cloth or metal,
with metal frames attached to a building, projecting over a public
15
thoroughfare, and carried by a frame, supported by the ground or
sidewalk.
(b) CONSTRUCTION.
(1) Materials. Fixed canopies and fixed awnings may be
constructed of cloth or metal, provided however, all
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 por-
tion 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 (8) inches above the level of the sidewalk or public
thoroughfare.
(2) Set -back from Curb Line. No fixed canopy or fixed awning
shall extend beyond a point two (2) feet inside the curb
line.
(3) Width. No fixed canopy or fixed awning shall be wider
than the entrance or entrances of the building from which
it extends, plus five (5) feet on each side thereof.
(d) ERECTION.
(1) Support. The framework of all fixed canopies and fixed
awnings shall be approved by the Director of Building,
and shall be in compliance with the BOCA Basic Build-
ing Code of the City of Evanston. All frames and supports
shall be of metal and designed to withstand a wind pres-
sure as provided in Section 13 of this ordinance.
(e) ADVERTISING.
No advertising shall be placed on any fixed canopy or
fixed awning, except that the name of the owner and the
business, industry or pursuit conducted within the prem-
ises may be painted or otherwise permanently placed
thereon.
(f) PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS.
Permits for fixed canopies and fixed awnings shall be
required as provided in Section 3 of this ordinance.
Fixed canopies and fixed awnings shall be subject to
annual inspection as required in Section 8 of this ordi-
nance.
(g) BOND OR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Bond or insurance requirements for the erection and
maintenance of fixed canopies and fixed awnings shall
be as provided in Section 16 of this ordinance.
RETRACTABLE CANOPIES AND
RETRACTABLE AWNINGS
SECTION 31:
(a) DEFINITIONS.
Retractable canopy and retractable awning, as regulated by this
ordinance, shall include any hood, canopy or awning made of cloth
16
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 canopies and retractable awnings
may be constructed of cloth or metal, provided however,
all supports shall be of metal.
(c) LOCATION.
(1) Height above Sidewalk. Retractable canopies and retract-
able 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 (8) inches, above the level of the side-
walk or public thoroughfare.
(2) Set -back from Curb Line. No retractable canopy or re-
tractable awning shall extend beyond a point two (2)
feet inside the curb line.
(d) ERECTION.
Support. The framework of all retractable canopies and
retractable awnings shall be approved by the Director
of Building, and shall be in compliance with the BOCA
Basic Building Code of the City of Evanston. All sup-
ports shall be of metal and designed to withstand a wind
pressure as provided in Section 13 of this ordinance.
Retractable canopies and retractable awnings, shall be
securely attached to and supported by the building.
(e) ADVERTISING.
No advertising shall be placed on any retractable canopy
or retractable awning, except that the name of the owner
and the business, industry, or pursuit conducted within
the premises may be painted or otherwise permanently
placed thereon.
(f) PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS.
Permits for retractable canopies and retractable awnings
shall be required as provided in Section 3 of this ordi-
nance. Retractable canopies and retractable awnings
shall be subject to annual inspection as required in Sec-
tion 8 of this ordinance.
(g) BOND OR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Bond or insurance requirements for the erection and
maintenance of retractable canopies and . retractable
awnings shall be as provided in Section 16 of this ordi-
nance.
STREET CLOCKS
SECTION 32:
(a) DEFINITION.
Street clock, as regulated by this ordinance, shall mean any time-
piece erected on the exterior of any building, or structure over-
hanging a public thoroughfare, and maintained by some person for
17
the purpose of advertising his place of business or for the con-
venience of the public.
(b) CONSTRUCTION.
(1) All street clocks as herein defined shall be constructed
of incombustible material, including the frames, braces,
and supports thereof.
(2) Regulation of Size of Dial. The dial of such clocks shall
be not more than forty-two (42) inches in diameter.
(3) Requirements on Glass. Any glass forming a part of a
clock or the sign thereon shall be safety glass, or plate
glass at least 1/ inch thick, or an approved plastic
securely held in place.
(4) Cover or Service Opening to be Secured. Any cover or
service opening of a street clock shall be securely fastened
thereto by metal hinges.
(c) LOCATION.
(1) Clocks Erected on Walls. Clocks supported on any build-
ing or structure shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet
above the sidewalk, and shall not project from the face
or wall of the building or structure to a point more than
two (2) feet from the curb line.
(2) No Clocks on Sidewalks. No clocks shall be erected on any
public sidewalk.
(d) ERECTION.
(1) Clocks Erected on Walls. All clocks erected on the exterior
of any building or structure shall comply with the require-
ments set forth in Section 25 of this ordinance, regulating
wall signs, or Section 27 of this ordinance regulating
projecting signs in all respects concerning erection,
whichever applies.
(2) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All street
clocks erected on exterior walls shall comply with the
requirements of Section 13 of .this ordinance.
(e) ADVERTISING PERMITTED.
No advertising shall be placed upon any street clock,
other than the name of the owner, the business, industry,
or pursuit conducted within the premises to which said
clock is attached.
(f) BOND OR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Bond or insurance requirements for the erection and
maintenance of street clocks shall be as provided in Sec-
tion 16 of this ordinance.
SECTION 33: ZONING RESTRICTIONS.
The provisions of this ordinance regulating the location, placement,
gross surface area, projection, and height limitations, and number
of signs or other advertising structures, shall be subject to and
further restricted by any applicable provision of the present or
hereafter adopted zoning ordinance of the City of Evanston.
18
SECTION 34: NON -CONFORMING SIGNS.
Every sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, awning
or street clock hereinafter referred to as "structures," erected and
in place on the effective date of this ordinance, which violates or
does not conform to the provisions hereof, shall be removed, or
altered, or replaced as hereinafter provided, so as to conform with
the provisions of this ordinance.
In the case of any violation of, or non -conformity with, the pro-
visions of Sections 10 or 14 of this ordinance, the removal, altera-
tion, or repair of the violating or non -conforming structure shall
be effected promptly in accordance with the provisions of said
sections.
In the case of any violation of, or non -conformity with, the pro-
visions of Sections 18, 20, 23, or 31 of this ordinance, the removal,
alteration, or repair of the violating or non -conforming structure
shall be effected no later than January 31, 1959.
In the case of any violation of, or non -conformity with, any other
provision of this ordinance, if the alteration or repair required in
order to bring the structure into conformity will cost more than
twenty-five per cent (25%) of the physical value of the structure
on the effective date of this ordinance, then such alteration or re-
pair shall be effected no later than January 31, 1969; but evidence
of such cost and the physical value of the structure shall be sub-
mitted to the Director of Building no later than January 31, 1959,
and, if acceptable, shall be placed on file in his office.
SECTION 35: REVOCATION OF PERMITS.
The Director of Building is hereby authorized and empowered to
revoke any permit issued by him upon failure of the permittee to
comply with any provision of this ordinance.
SECTION 36: SEVERABILITY.
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.
SECTION 37: REPEAL.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions
of this ordinance are hereby repealed. The following ordinances are
hereby expressly repealed:
Sections 1239 to 1253, inclusive of Article XLII — and
Sections 1382 to 1409, inclusive of Article XLV
of the Evanston Municipal Code of 1927, as amended. Also sub-
sections 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 Sections 42-25, 3-6, and 3-8, of the Code of the City of
Evanston, Illinois, 1957; also Sections 312.7, 312.71, 312.72 and 312.8
of the BOCA Basic Building Code regulations, adopted by the
City Council on September 17, 1956.
19
SECTION 38: PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.
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 two
hundred ($200.00) for each offense. Each day that a violation con-
tinues shall be deemed a separate offense.
SECTION 39: PUBLICATION -EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance shall be printed and published in pamphlet form.
The provisions of this ordinance shall be in force and effect on and
after September 1, 1958.
INTRODUCED: July•21, 1958
REINTRODUCED, AS AMENDED: August 4, 1958.
ADOPTED: August 4, 1958.
APPROVED: August 5, 1958.
J. R. KIMBARK, Mayor
ATTEST:
MAURICE F. BROWN, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
REX A. BULLINGER, Corporation Counsel
20