§ 80.013.6. Additional standards and requirements applicable to freestanding accessory signs.

In addition to the requirements limiting the square footage of signage of any zoning lot set forth above, freestanding accessory signs are subject to the additional requirements set forth in this section. The purpose of these additional requirements is to prevent visual clutter resulting from an excessive number of signs located within an insufficient space such that the effectiveness of the signage as a means of communication is diminished.

(a)

Single sign size limitation. No single freestanding accessory sign shall be larger than indicated in the following schedule:

Zoning District	Square Footage
B-1	100
B-2, B-3	150
Ag, B-4	200
B-5, M-l, M-2	300

 

*(In the event the foregoing zoning classifications have not been established by the Village of Godfrey at the effective date of this Ordinance, the zoning classifications of any zoning ordinance then applicable within the Village of Godfrey which most closely approximate the foregoing categories shall be applied until such time as the village establishes the classifications listed above.)

(b)

Height. No single freestanding accessory sign shall have a height which exceeds the standards set forth below:

Zoning District*	Height in Feet
B-1	8 feet
B-2, B-3	12 feet
Ag, B-4	15 feet
B-5, M-I, M-2	30 feet

 

*(In the event the foregoing zoning classifications have not been established by the Village of Godfrey at the effective date of this Ordinance, the zoning classifications of any zoning ordinance then applicable within the Village of Godfrey which most closely approximate the foregoing categories shall be applied until such time as the village establishes the classifications listed above)

(c)

Setback requirements. No freestanding accessory sign shall be located in or over any public right-of-way and no such sign shall be located so as to create any impediment to vision of traffic in the area of such a sign. In addition, freestanding accessory signs located at intersections (public or private streets, alleys, entryways, drives) must meet the line of sight requirements of section 80.0160. A freestanding accessory sign located on any zoning lot which is not on a public right-of-way shall be located not less than ten feet inside the property line of such zoning lot.

(d)

Spacing between signs. In order to maintain the effectiveness of signage, spacing shall be maintained between signs located along the same street/right-of-way or other frontage so as to prevent the diminution of the effectiveness of such signs as a result of their number or density within a given frontage. In agriculturally zoned districts, not less than 200 feet shall separate each freestanding accessory sign. In all other business and manufacturing zoned districts, not less than 50 feet shall separate each freestanding accessory sign. The foregoing notwithstanding, each zoned lot shall be entitled to not less than one freestanding accessory sign per zone lot.

(e)

Minimum allowable sign area. Regardless of the sign area standard set forth above, each zone lot shall be entitled to one freestanding accessory sign which does not exceed 25 square feet in size.

(f)

Illumination. Freestanding accessory signs may be illuminated, subject to the following:

(1)

Only white light may be used to illuminate a sign which is within 300 feet of a residentially zoned district.

(2)

No red, yellow, green, or other colored light shall be used at any location in such a manner as to confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic.

(3)

No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color; provided that, this provision shall not apply to any message on any electronic changeable copy sign. Beacon lights and illumination by flame are prohibited.

(4)

Light from any illuminated sign must be shaded, shielded, or directed so as to avoid the creation or continuation of any nuisance to the public or surrounding properties, or the creation of traffic hazards.

(g)

Movement prohibited. No freestanding accessory sign shall revolve, rotate, or mechanically move in any manner. Movement of such signs is prohibited.

(h)

Hazardous freestanding accessory signs prohibited. No freestanding accessory sign shall be erected, located, or maintained so as to interfere with any line of sight for any vehicular or pedestrian traffic. No freestanding accessory sign shall be erected, located, or maintained so as to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or cause confusion with any authorized traffic signs, signal or device. No freestanding accessory sign shall be erected, located, or maintained in any manner which would prevent free access to or egress from any door, window, fire escape or driveway. No such freestanding accessory sign shall be erected in a manner which would create any sort of hazard to any other nearby structure.

(i)

Electronic changeable copy signs. No accessory freestanding sign which consists of an electronic changeable copy sign shall be located or installed on any zone lot, except with the permission of the planning and zoning commission and such signs must meet the definitional requirements of this Ordinance for electronic changeable copy signs (section 80.003). Such signs shall meet all of the other requirements for accessory freestanding signs and, additionally, shall be required to be located and operated in a manner which will not interfere with traffic or create any nuisance for the public or surrounding residents by virtue of its degree of illumination or other characteristics. Time and temperature signs are not considered electronic message or changeable copy signs for purposes of this provision.

Note: See general standards and requirements at sections 80.016 and 80.017.

(Ord. No. 04-2012, 3-6-2012)