[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ledgeview 7-19-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-014.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Zoning — See Ch. 135.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 79, Signs, which consisted of Art. I, Political Yard Signs, adopted 2-3-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-005.
To regulate the size, type, construction standards, maintenance and placement of signs situated within the boundaries of the Town of Ledgeview, Wisconsin and to promote the public health, safety, welfare and comfort of the general public, §§ 79-1 to 79-20 of the Town of Ledgeview Code of Ordinances are hereby enacted and shall be known as the "Town of Ledgeview Sign Code" (the "Sign Code"). This Sign Code accomplishes its purposes by:
A. 
Reducing distractions and obstructions from signs that would adversely affect traffic safety, and alleviating hazards caused by signs projecting over or encroaching upon the public right-of-way.
B. 
Discouraging excessive visual competition in signage and ensuring that signs aid orientation and adequately identify uses and activities to the public.
C. 
Preserving or enhancing the natural beauty and unique physical characteristics of the Town of Ledgeview by requiring new and replacement signage which is harmonious with the buildings to which signs relate, surrounding neighborhood aesthetics and other signs in the area and is complementary to the Town's suburban architectural character and unobtrusive commercial developments.
D. 
Promoting a healthy and properly designed business environment.
E. 
Protecting property values within the Town.
F. 
Ensuring safe construction of signage.
Except as otherwise noted herein, the regulations of this chapter shall govern all outdoor signs, advertising structures or devices with respect to location, safety, size, construction standards, erection, attachment, support, lighting, anchorage, maintenance, appearance and aesthetics.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED SIGN
Any sign which contains information which is no longer correct, fails to advertise a bona fide business, lessor, lessee, owner, product, service or activity, conduct or product available or when a rental, sale or compensation is no longer provided
ACKNOWLEDGMENT SIGN
A sign or other commemoration or recognition of a person, group, sponsorship, event, or place which is noncommercial in nature.
[Added 7-22-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-014]
ANIMATED SIGN
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting or lights, either natural or artificial, to depict action or motion, or to create a special effect or scene, or to convey a message. It does not include a changeable copy sign or a sign which contains a "time and temperature" portion as its only changeable part.
ATM
Automated teller machine
BANNER
A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, and that possesses characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind, but shall not be interpreted to include a canopy sign. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered a banner.
BASE SETBACK LINE
The edge of the established ultimate street right-of-way or property line.
BEACON
A stationary or revolving light that flashes or projects illumination, single-color or multicolored, in any manner that is intended to attract or divert attention. Such signs are prohibited.
BILLBOARD
A sign which directs attention to a business, community service or entertainment not exclusively related to the premises where such sign is located. A billboard is also referred to as a "commercial outdoor advertising sign" or an "off-premises sign." This type of sign is regulated as an off-premises sign in Chapter 79.
[Added 7-6-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-006]
BUILDING IDENTIFICATION
Any sign indicating the name of a building, date, and incidental information about construction, or any such information, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or is mounted on other permanent material.
BULLETIN BOARD
Any sign erected by a charitable, educational or religious institution or a public body, upon the same property as said institution, for purposes of announcing events which are held on the premises, and which contains no commercial message.
CANOPY SIGN
Any sign that is attached to or part of an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
A sign or portion thereof, with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a “time and temperature” portion of a sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter. An electronic message board shall also not be considered a changeable sign.
[Amended 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002]
COMMERCIAL SIGN
Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, sale or sales event or other commercial activity. This definition shall not be interpreted to exclude signs erected by any nonprofit or eleemosynary group or institution otherwise possessing all the characteristics of commercial advertising solely because the group does not seek commercial profit.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
A sign identifying individuals or companies involved in design, construction, wrecking, financing, or development of a building/lot upon which the sign sits and/or identifying the future use of the building/lot upon which the sign sits.
DIRECTIONAL OR INCIDENTAL SIGN
A sign, generally informational or directional, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the premises on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "exit only," "loading only," "telephone," "ATM," and other similar messages. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off premises on which the sign is located or where the display area does not exceed three square feet or extend higher than three feet above the center line of the adjacent street grade shall be considered an incidental sign.
DISPLAY SURFACE
The surface made available on the sign, either for the direct mounting of letters and decorations, or for the mounting of facing material intended to carry the entire advertising message.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
A sign with copy on two parallel faces that are back to back, facing in opposite directions.
DROP BOX
A device used to hold mail, packages or items for charitable contributions.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD
A sign on which copy is displayed electronically by way of light-emitting diodes or technology producing a similar visual effect and on which copy can change without altering the face of the sign.
[Added 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002]
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix any thing, including painting of a wall sign.
FACADE
The front or main face of the building.
FACING
The surface of the sign or billboard upon, against, or through which the message of the sign or billboard is displayed.
FLAG
Any fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity.
FLASHING SIGN
A sign whose illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and/or which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, animation and word/text changes. Such signs are prohibited. Illuminated signs that indicate the date, time and temperature will not be considered flashing signs.
GARAGE SALE SIGN
A private sale of personal property, including estate sales, yard sales or rummage sales used to dispose of personal household possessions; not for the use of any commercial venture.
GOVERNMENT SIGN
Any sign erected by the Town of Ledgeview or any other governmental entity in the exercise of official government business and authority.
GROUND SIGN
A sign on which the bottom edge of the display area has open space between the bottom edge of the display area and the natural grade. The sign is freestanding and not attached to any structure, not to exceed eight feet in height from natural grade.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign in which an artificial source of light is used in connection with the display of such sign.
ILLUMINATION, EXTERNAL
Illumination of a sign with an exterior light source.
ILLUMINATION, INTERNAL
Illumination of a sign in which the source of light is contained within the sign itself.
LOT
Any parcel of land or a portion of a subdivision, the boundaries of which have been established by some legal instrument which is of public record, that is recognized as a separate unit for the purpose of a recordable transfer of ownership.
MANSARD ROOF
Any roof that has an angle greater than 45° and which derives part of its support from the building wall and is attached to (but permitted to be not necessarily a part of) a low-slope roof, and which extends along the full length of the front building wall or at least three quarters of the length of a side building wall. For purposes of this chapter, a "low-slope roof" shall mean any roof with a pitch of less than three inches' rise per 12 inches' horizontal.
MARQUEE
A permanent roof-like structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property. For the purpose of this chapter, a marquee shall be considered part of the building.
MARQUEE SIGN
A sign attached to, painted on, or supported by a marquee.
MEMORIAL SIGN
A sign, plaque, brick, or building marker which may be etched into a metal, wood, glass, or masonry surface or made of similar materials which serves as a remembrance of a person, event, or place.
[Amended 7-22-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-014]
MULTIPLE-TENANT IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign which serves as a common or collective identification for a group of persons or businesses operating on the same zone lot (e.g., shopping center, office complex, etc.). Such sign may name the persons or businesses included, but not limited, and shall carry no other advertising matter.
NEON SIGN
A sign illuminated by a light source consisting of a neon or other gas tube that forms letters, symbols, lines or other shapes.
NONCONFORMING SIGNS
A sign that does not conform to the terms of this chapter.
[Amended 4-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-009]
OFF-PREMISES SIGNS
Any sign that advertises, calls attention to or identifies an occupant, business or property situated on a different lot than the sign.
ON-PREMISES SIGNS
Any sign that advertises, calls attention to or identifies an occupant, business or property situated on the same lot as the sign.
OUTDOOR MENU BOARD
An outdoor sign, associated with restaurants with drive-through windows, which gives a detailed list of food or services that are available at a restaurant, car wash, etc.
PARAPET WALL
A low wall above the roof used as a rated fire wall.
PARCEL
Shall mean the same as "zoning lot" as defined in § 135-8 of this Code.
PENNANT
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
PERSON
Any natural person, and any firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization, singular or plural, of any kind or nature.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or any permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to: signs designed with wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich boards; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day—to-day operations of business.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
The building in which is conducted the principal use of the zone lot on which it is located. Zone lots with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings, but storage buildings, garages, and other clearly accessory uses shall not be considered principal buildings.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign affixed or attached directly to the external wall of a building or structure any part of which, including illumination devices, extends more than 13 inches from the exterior wall of the building or structure. This definition shall be interpreted to include canopy signs.
PUBLIC EVENT
Any event that is authorized by the Town of Ledgeview, regardless of whether it is funded either in whole, in part, or not at all, by the Town.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A sign placed upon property for the purpose of advertising to the public the sale, lease or rent of said property.
ROOF SIGN
A sign that projects above the lowest point of the eaves or the top of the parapet wall of any building, or that is painted on or fastened to a roof.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN
An advertising device which is ordinarily in the shape of an "A" or some variation thereof, located on the ground, easily movable, not permanently attached thereto, and which is usually two-sided.
SET BACK
The regulated minimum horizontal distance between the base setback line and any structure on the lot.
SHOPPING CENTER
Two or more retail stores and/or service establishments, or one retail store and one service establishment, sharing customer parking areas, regardless of whether said stores and/or establishments occupy separate structures or are under separate ownerships.
SIGN
Any display of lettering, logos, colors, lights, or illuminated neon tubes visible to the public from outside of a building or from a traveled way, that either conveys a message to the public, or intends to advertise, direct, invite, announce or draw attention to any event, goods, products, services, facilities, persons, property interest or business.
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION
A sign indicating the name of the occupant of the property, building, or leasable space. An identification sign does not list particular goods or services available and does not include changeable copy signs or electronic message centers.
[Added 6-5-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
SIGN, INCIDENTAL
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zoning lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone" and other similar directives. No commercial message is allowed on an incidental sign except to the extent that a business name or logo is necessary for informational purposes.
[Added 6-5-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
SIGN, PRIMARY IDENTIFICATION WALL
The main sign identifying the owner or business (see "sign, identification") located on a building wall with the main entrance.
[Added 6-5-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
SIGN, SECONDARY IDENTIFICATION WALL
An identification sign subordinate to the primary sign in size and appearance. The secondary sign may not be located on the wall or facade with the primary identification sign.
[Added 6-5-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
SPOT LIGHT ILLUMINATION
Illumination which comes from lamps, lenses or devices designed to focus or concentrate the light rays of the source.
STREET FRONTAGE
The distance for which a lot line of a zone lot adjoins a public street, from one line intersecting said street to the furthest distance lot line intersecting the same street.
STRUCTURE
Includes, but is not limited to, any part of a premises, either man-made or natural, or permanent or temporary, regardless of its height, shape, size or use.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign erected for a period of 30 consecutive days or less.
VISION CORNER
An established line of sight that does not obstruct or impair the line of sight for motorized or nonmotorized vehicles traveling in an established right-of-way. (See Figure 1 included at the end of this chapter.)
WALL SIGN
A sign affixed or attached directly to the exterior wall of a building and extending 13 or less inches from the exterior wall of a building or structure. See "Sign, primary identification wall," and "sign, secondary identification wall."
[Amended 6-5-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
WINDOW SIGN
A sign attached to, placed upon, or painted on the interior of a window or door of a building that is intended for viewing from the exterior of such building.
[Amended 12-4-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-14]
A. 
Authority. Except as expressly provided in this Sign Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter or relocate any sign without first obtaining a sign permit.
B. 
Application for sign approval. Sign approval applications, including all required fees, shall be filed with the Town Clerk or their designee, who shall review the application for its completeness and accuracy. Applications shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(1) 
Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant and the location of the building, structure, or parcel to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(2) 
Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign.
(3) 
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or parcel to which or upon which the sign is to be affixed.
(4) 
A scale drawing of such sign indicating the dimensions, materials to be used, color scheme, type of illumination, if any, and the method of construction or attachment.
(5) 
A scale drawing site plan indicating the location, position and color scheme of such sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures. The site plan must illustrate all easements and public right-of-way.
(6) 
A landscaping plan illustrating the proposed plantings of freestanding ground signs and directional signs.
(7) 
Copies of any other sign permit or permit application required for said sign.
(8) 
Additional information as may be required by the Town.
C. 
Issuance of permit.
(1) 
Upon the filing of a complete application for a sign permit, the Town Clerk and Building Inspector shall examine the application to determine whether the proposed sign is in compliance with the requirements of this ordinance and any other applicable regulations of the Town of Ledgeview.
(2) 
Within 15 days of filing the application:
(a) 
If the proposed sign is not in compliance with the structural and dimensional requirements of this Sign Code or other applicable regulations, the Building Inspector shall deny such permit and provide written notice to the applicant stating with specificity the reasons therefor with citations to applicable regulations and an explanation of the appeal process set forth under § 79-4E and § 79-18A.
(b) 
If the proposed sign is a temporary sign, and the Building Inspector determines that the sign complies with this Sign Code and other applicable regulations, the Building Inspector shall issue the permit.
(3) 
The Town Clerk, Building Inspector or their designee shall consider the application and shall make approve, conditionally approve or deny the application within 30 days of referral from the Building Inspector unless the applicant consents to a longer period of review.
D. 
Issuance of permit. If the proposed sign complies with all structural and dimensional requirements of the Sign Code and other applicable regulations, upon approval of the Town or satisfaction of all conditions of approval, the Building Inspector shall issue the permit. The permit shall expire six months from the date of issuance if construction of the sign is not substantially complete.
E. 
Appeals of Town staff decision.
(1) 
Referral to Zoning and Planning Commission. The Zoning and Planning Commission shall consider the application and shall make a recommendation to the Town Board to approve, conditionally approve or deny the application within 30 days of referral from the Building Inspector unless the applicant consents to a longer period of review.
(2) 
Decision of the Town Board. The Town Board shall consider the application and the recommendations of the Site Review/Zoning and Planning Commission and shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application within 30 days of the Commission's recommendation unless the applicant consents to a longer period of review. If the application is conditionally approved or denied, written notice shall be provided to the applicant of the conditions of approval or reasons for denial within five days of the Town Board's determination.
Administrative fees for sign permit review shall be in accordance with the Town of Ledgeview's established fee schedule.
Sign area shall be the area within the smallest regular polygon that will encompass all elements of the actual sign face, including any writing, representation, emblems or any figure or similar character, together with any material forming an integral part of the display or forming the backing surface or background on which the message or symbols are displayed.
A. 
For a sign painted on or applied to a building, the area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying design or symbols, together with any background of a different color than the natural color, or finish material of the building.
B. 
The main supporting sign structure (i.e., brackets, posts, foundation, etc.) shall not be included in the area measurement if such framework is incidental to the display.
C. 
When a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign.
The following types of signs are prohibited in the Town of Ledgeview:
A. 
Abandoned signs.
B. 
Roof signs.
C. 
Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity. This subsection shall not be interpreted to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers while the vehicle is parked or used incidentally to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer and are stored during periods of nonuse inconsistent with functional advertising.
D. 
Signs that are attached or otherwise affixed to trees or other living vegetation.
E. 
Signs that contain objectively false or misleading information.
F. 
Signs that imitate, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or can be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or other device.
G. 
Animated signs.
H. 
Flashing signs.
I. 
Signs containing reflective elements, which sparkle or twinkle in the sunlight.
J. 
Sandwich boards.
K. 
Banners, pennants, streamers, balloons and other gas-filled figures, except as a permitted temporary sign under § 79-15.
L. 
Off-premises signs are prohibited in all zoning districts in the Town. No variance shall be granted to vary this provision.[1]
[Added 7-6-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-006]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection L, listing off-premises signs as a prohibited sign, was repealed 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002.
M. 
Home (occupation) commercial signs.
N. 
(Reserved)[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection N, listing projecting signs as a prohibited sign, was repealed 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002.
O. 
Portable signs except as a permitted temporary sign under § 79-15 or as otherwise expressly allowed under this ordinance.
P. 
Signs attached to, erected or maintained on any standpipe, exterior stairway, fire escape, tower, or balcony so as to interfere with the use thereof.
Q. 
Signs erected at or near the intersection of any streets in such manner as to obstruct free and clear vision thereof; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, they may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which make use of the words "STOP," "LOOK, "DANGER" or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
R. 
Signs erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any exit, any window opening necessary for required light or ventilation, or which prevents free passage from one part of a roof to another.
S. 
Signs entirely supported by a parapet wall.
T. 
Signs, cards, banners, pictures, handbills, sign posters, advertising, or notice of any kind, on any curb, street-walk, public thoroughfare surface, fence, board, barrel, box, case, railing, pole, post, bridge, tree, barricade, material, bridge fender, dock, pile, building or structure of any kind on public ground or public waterways within the Town of Ledgeview except as approved by the Town Board.
U. 
Neon tubing exposed to view and not covered with an opaque cover of plexiglas or other similar material.
V. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to continue in operation, erect or maintain any attraction device or sign which contains a beacon of any type.
The following outdoor signs, advertising structures or devices shall not require a permit under this ordinance. However, they shall be safely constructed and shall comply with all minimum setback requirements imposed by this ordinance:
A. 
Memorials, grave markers, statuary or other remembrances of persons or events, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other nonreflective, unobtrusive and incombustible materials.
B. 
Government signs.
C. 
Signs in agricultural districts on parcels of land containing not less than 10 acres. No more than one sign, not to exceed 15 square feet in area, may qualify for this exemption per parcel.
D. 
Garage sale signs; provided that no person shall attach posters, notices or advertisements to utility poles, meter posts, or trees in or along any street right-of-way within the Town; and that no person shall put up any notice upon any building, wall, fence, or other property of another person without having first obtained the written consent of the owner of such property. The maximum time limit for all garage sale signs is three consecutive days and nine cumulative days in a one-year period. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
E. 
Temporary, nonilluminated window signs where 75% of the total window area remains free of signage.
F. 
Real estate signs.
(1) 
Number. There shall not be more than one real estate sign for each lot, except that where a lot abuts two or more streets one real estate sign may be allowed for each abutting street frontage.
(2) 
Area.
(a) 
In R-R, R-1, R-1-2A and R-2 Residential Districts, temporary "for sale" or "for rent" real estate signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in gross surface area.
(b) 
In R-3 Multiple-Family Residential, A-1,A-2 Agriculture, and I-I, B-1, B-2, LI, and HI Business and Industrial Districts, temporary "for sale" real estate signs shall not exceed 25 square feet in gross surface area and temporary "for lease" or "for rent" real estate signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in gross surface area unless land is undeveloped, in which case such sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in gross surface area.
(c) 
"Sold" signs or stickers may be added so long as they do not exceed 25% of the original sign area.
(3) 
Location. Real estate signs shall be set a minimum of 10 feet from any abutting side or rear property line or driveway. Additionally, signs shall be set back 10 feet out of the right-of-way, or out of the vision corner intersection. Additionally, signs shall be set back at least the height of the sign plus two feet, out of the right-of-way and out of the vision corner intersection.
(4) 
Removal. Real estate signs shall be removed within seven days of the sale or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located.
(5) 
Height. Real estate signs shall not project higher than six feet, as measured from the natural grade at the base of the sign
G. 
Construction signs.
(1) 
Number. There shall not be more than one construction sign for each project or development, except that where a project or development abuts two or more streets, one sign may be allowed for each abutting street frontage.
(2) 
Area.
(a) 
Residential area. In all residential areas, construction signs shall not exceed 16 square feet on one side or 32 square feet in gross surface area using two sides.
(b) 
Nonresidential areas. In all nonresidential areas, construction signs shall not exceed 32 square feet on one side or 64 square feet in gross surface area using two sides.
(3) 
Location. Construction signs shall be located only upon the premises upon which construction either is about to occur or is occurring. Such signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any abutting property line, road right-of-way or driveway. Such signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any abutting property line or driveway and at least the height of the sign plus two feet from the road right-of-way and out of vision corner intersection.
(4) 
Height. Construction signs shall not project higher than six feet, as measured from the natural grade at the base of the sign.
(5) 
Other conditions.
(a) 
Temporary construction signs shall be permitted only as accessory to an approved building permit and the names of the contractors, engineers, architects, and financial institutions involved in the project development
(b) 
Construction signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the commencement of construction and shall be removed within 30 days of the termination of construction of the project or development.
(c) 
The address of the construction site shall be on the construction sign.
H. 
Election and campaign signs. An election or campaign sign is a sign which promotes a candidate for public office, a particular position on a referendum or other matter on an election ballet. Election and campaign signs are subject to the following restrictions:
(1) 
Area. In residential areas, election and campaign signs shall be no larger than 11 square feet. Election and campaign signs may be 32 square feet in a nonresidential area or as large as any other permitted sign in the zoning district in which they are located
(2) 
Location. Political signs may be no closer than 10 feet to the public right-of-way at a street intersection, nor over the right-of-way.
(3) 
Erection and removal.
(a) 
The candidate for public office or a position on a referendum or other matter on an election ballot wishing to place a political sign under this permit exemption with their name or position on it within the Town limits must in fact be, or have their position or matter eligible to be, on the ballot in the Town of Ledgeview.
(b) 
The first day to place election or campaign yard signs within the Town limits is the first day that candidates are eligible to circulate nomination papers.
(c) 
All political yard signs must be removed within five days following the election.
I. 
Noncommercial signs: one sign per parcel carrying any lawful noncommercial message not exceeding 11 square feet in area, except in agricultural areas where they may be up to 15 square feet. Larger noncommercial signs shall be allowed according to permit standards set forth in § 79-13 and will count toward the total signage area for the parcel upon which they are located
J. 
Noncommercial flags. Noncommercial flags may be flown upon a single flagpole as follows:
(1) 
For all nonresidential uses:
Flagpole Height
(feet)
Flag Size
(feet)
Flagpole Height
(feet)
Flag Size
(feet)
20
4 x 6
50
8 x 12 to 10 x 15
25
5 x 8
60 to 65
10 x 15 to 10 x 19
30 to 35
6 x 10
70 to 80
10 x 19 to 12 x 18
40 to 45
6 x 10 to 8 x 12
90 to 100
20 x 38 to 30 x 50
(2) 
For all residential uses, no flagpole may be greater than 25 feet high or carry a flag greater than four feet by six feet. A flagpole 20 feet or shorter shall not carry a flag larger than three feet by five feet.
K. 
Personal messages: a sign announcing births, anniversaries, birthdays, retirement, graduations and other similar events of personal significance not exceeding a total of 20 square feet in area and displayed not longer than seven consecutive days.
L. 
No trespassing/no dumping signs: signs erected to give notice of prohibitions on trespassing or dumping not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area.
M. 
Home improvement signs. On-site home improvement signs may be placed in the yard where and when said improvements are being made. No sign shall be placed on any tree or rock. Home improvement signs shall be freestanding ground signs not exceeding six square feet, nonilluminated and may be placed during construction, but must be removed no later than 14 calendar days after construction is completed.
N. 
Acknowledgment signs.
[Added 7-22-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-014]
(1) 
Acknowledgment signs shall be located on parcels zoned C-1 Conservation District, publically owned parkland or preserve, or land owned by not-for-profit businesses.
(2) 
Area. The size of acknowledgment signs shall be determined by the Park, Recreation and Forestry Committee and Zoning and Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis.
(3) 
Location. Acknowledgment signs may be permanently embedded into a wall, structure, or the ground, freestanding, or affixed to ground signs, subject to review and approval by the Park, Recreation and Forestry Committee and Zoning and Planning Commission.
(4) 
Number. The number of signs allowed shall be determined by the Park, Recreation and Forestry Committee and Zoning and Planning Commission.
A. 
In addition to complying with the provisions of this ordinance, all signs in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall be subject to applicable provisions of the State of Wisconsin Code or National Electrical Code, whichever provision is more restrictive.
B. 
The use of unshielded lighting, including exposed incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires or any other type of support intended to illuminate a sign or other advertising device, is expressly prohibited.
C. 
No sign shall be illuminated, either internally or externally, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and sunrise unless the premises on which it is located is open for business during that time.
D. 
All sign lighting shall be so designed, located, shielded or hooded so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent roadways, surrounding properties or into the sky, except for flag lights.
E. 
In no case shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal or external illumination, exceed 60 footcandles when measured with a standard light meter held perpendicular to the sign face at a distance of 10 inches.
F. 
No illuminated sign located within 200 feet of a residential district may be illuminated between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to sunrise.
[Added 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002]
A. 
In the case of any pole or ground sign for which a permit is required, a landscape area shall extend a minimum of five feet from the base of the sign.
B. 
Where any sign is proposed to be externally illuminated using ground-mounted fixtures (i.e., floodlight), landscape plantings shall be installed in such a manner as will entirely shield the light source from the surrounding view. Landscaping plantings shall be of a type as will ensure effective year-long screening
A. 
Location in paved areas. No signage may cause a reduction in required or previously existing off-street parking spaces, or in any manner interfere with the use of such off- street parking spaces.
B. 
In any zoning district, no sign or sign support structure shall be set back less than 10 feet from any abutting lot line or driveway, and shall be at least the height of the sign plus two feet, but not less than five feet, from the right-of-way and out of the vision corner intersection.
C. 
Placement of all signs may be subject to more stringent setback requirements where, according to professional traffic engineering standards, required to preserve traffic sight lines.
D. 
No nonresidential sign shall be located closer than 50 feet to an abutting residential zone
All sign contractors and/or installers are to file with the Town of Ledgeview a non-interest bearing deposit or a surety bond of $1,000.
A. 
All signs under this section shall be allowed by issuance of a sign permit under § 79-4.
B. 
Signs allowed in R-1 Residential, R-1-2A and R-2 Residential Districts.
(1) 
Subdivision/neighborhood identification signs. A permanent sign used to designate a residential subdivision entrance shall be permitted subject to Site Review/Zoning and Planning Committee and Town Board approval and the following criteria:
(a) 
Type. Subdivision identification signs shall be ground or monument signs.
(b) 
Number. There shall not be more than two subdivision identification signs for each point of vehicular access to the subdivision.
(c) 
Area. Subdivision identification signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area per sign.
(d) 
Location. Subdivision identification signs shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any property line, right-of-way or driveway.
(e) 
Placement of sign shall be subject to the vision setback regulations as put forth in the Code of the Town of Ledgeview.
(f) 
Height. Subdivision identification signs shall not exceed six feet as measured from pre-construction grade at the base of the sign.
(2) 
Signs accessory to conditional uses.
(a) 
Limited to one ground sign and one wall sign per parcel. No more than 33% of the total sign area may consist of changeable copy.
(b) 
Total sign area permitted for signs accessory to conditional uses shall be determined by the length of the front facade of the principal building. When the parcel fronts two or more streets, the front facade shall be the side of the building where the main entrance is located.
Length of Facade
Maximum Size
(square feet)
15 feet or less
40
20 feet or less
44
25 feet or less
48
30 feet or less
52
35 feet or less
56
40 feet or less
60
45 feet or less
64
50 feet or less
68
55 feet or less
72
60 feet or less
76
65 feet or less
80
70 feet or less
84
75 feet or less
88
80 feet or less
92
85 feet or less
96
90 feet or less
100
95 feet or less
104
100 feet or less
108
105 feet or less
112
110 feet or less
116
115 feet or less
120
120 feet or less
124
125 feet or less
128
150 feet or less
148
175 feet or less
168
200 feet or less
188
225 feet or more
200
C. 
Signs allowed in B-1 Business District, B-2 Business District, LI Light Industrial District, HI Heavy Industrial District and R-3 Multiple-Family dwelling zones.
[Amended 6-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-010; 12-19-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-016; 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002; 1-19-2016 by Ord No. 2015-014; 2-15-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-001; 6-5-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
(1) 
Type.
(a) 
Wall signs. Total signage area allowed shall be determined according to Subsection C(3) below.
(b) 
Ground signs. No ground sign shall exceed 200 square feet, and the ground sign shall contain the address number.
(c) 
Awning, canopy and marquee signs.
(d) 
Multiple-tenant identification signs. Where multiple tenants occupy a single parcel, total signage area allowed shall be determined according to Subsection C(3) below and shall be divided among the tenants.
(e) 
Window signs. Temporary, nonilluminated window signs covering less than 25% of the window area shall be allowed. Business decals not exceeding 50% of the display area shall be allowed.
(f) 
Changeable copy signs. No more than 33% of total sign area may consist of changeable copy.
(g) 
Drop boxes, ATMs, vending machines and newspaper dispensers. If the lettering from any drop box, ATM, vending machine, newspaper dispenser or similar device is legible by a person of ordinary eyesight from any distance off the zoning lot for which it is approved, the signage thereon shall count toward total signage area allowed on the zoned lot.
(h) 
Outdoor menu boards. Outdoor menu boards are only allowed on lots that have previously been approved for drive-through-type businesses, such as restaurants and car washes under the following conditions:
[1] 
Only one outdoor menu board shall be permitted per order window or wash bay on a lot.
[2] 
Display surface area shall not exceed 40 square feet.
[3] 
If the sign is lighted, it may be lighted by internal illumination only and only during business hours.
[4] 
The outdoor menu board lettering may not be legible from any distance off the zoned lot for which it is approved.
(i) 
Off-premises signs, including billboards. Off-premises signs and billboards shall not be located within 200 feet of a residential district nor located closer than 1,000 feet from any other billboard or off-premises sign. The size and height of such signs shall not be subject to the standards applicable to other signage but may be limited by the Town Board after consideration of the following:
[1] 
Industry standards;
[2] 
The number of lanes and speed limit of the adjacent road or roads;
[3] 
The size of other signs, parcels and buildings in the vicinity of the proposed sign;
[4] 
The proximity of the proposed sign to other structures, uses or potential uses and the impact the proposed sign may have on sunlight and viewsheds;
[5] 
The impact of the proposed sign on the area viewsheds.
(2) 
Number.
(a) 
Ground signs. There shall not be more than one ground sign for each parcel.
(b) 
Wall signs. One primary identification sign for the facade with the main entrance shall be permitted. For sites with frontage on multiple public roadways or where the main entrance is not visible from the public roadway, one secondary identification sign shall be permitted.
(3) 
Size/area.
(a) 
Total sign area of all wall signs shall be determined by the length of the front facade of the principal building. When the parcel fronts two or more streets, the front facade shall be the side of the building where the main entrance is located. For parcels abutting Interstate 43, the regulations outlined in § 79-13F shall apply.
(b) 
Secondary identification wall signs, where allowed, shall be limited in area (SF) to 60% of the area (SF) of the primary identification sign.
Length of Facade
Maximum Size of All Signs
(square feet)
15 feet or less
40
20 feet or less
44
25 feet or less
48
30 feet or less
52
35 feet or less
56
40 feet or less
60
45 feet or less
64
50 feet or less
68
55 feet or less
72
60 feet or less
76
65 feet or less
80
70 feet or less
84
75 feet or less
88
80 feet or less
92
85 feet or less
96
90 feet or less
100
95 feet or less
104
100 feet or less
108
105 feet or less
112
110 feet or less
116
115 feet or less
120
120 feet or less
124
125 feet or less
128
150 feet or less
148
175 feet or less
168
200 feet or less
188
225 feet or more
200
(4) 
Location. A ground sign may not be located closer than 10 feet to any property line or driveway and at least the height of the sign plus two feet, but not less than five feet, to any right-of-way and out of the vision corner intersection.
(5) 
Height. A wall sign shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed. A Wall sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height from the base of the building wall to which the sign is affixed. A ground sign shall not project higher than eight feet, as measured from the natural grade at the base of the sign. A canopy or marquee sign shall not project higher than the top of the awning, canopy or marquee to which such sign is to be attached.
D. 
I-1 Institutional District.
[Amended 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002; 10-6-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-019]
(1) 
Type.
(a) 
Wall signs.
(b) 
Ground sign and shall contain the address number.
(c) 
Off-premises signs, including billboards. Off-premises signs and billboards shall not be located within 200 feet of a residential district nor located closer than 1,000 feet from any other billboard or off-premises sign. The size and height of such signs shall not be subject to the standards applicable to other signage but may be limited by the Town Board after consideration of the following:
[1] 
Industry standards;
[2] 
The number of lanes and speed limit of the adjacent road or roads;
[3] 
The size of other signs, parcels and buildings in the vicinity of the proposed sign;
[4] 
The proximity of the proposed sign to other structures, uses or potential uses and the impact the proposed sign may have on sunlight and viewsheds;
[5] 
The impact of the proposed sign on the area viewsheds.
(2) 
Number.
(a) 
Wall signs. One wall sign is permitted per building façade facing a public street. For multiple-tenant buildings, one wall sign per tenant is permitted per building façade facing a public street.
(b) 
Ground signs. There shall be no more than one ground sign for each street on which the lot has frontage, except one additional ground sign per lot frontage may be allowed for any lot frontage over 1,000 linear feet. Additional ground signs for wayfinding purposes may be permitted by the Zoning and Planning Commission and Town Board when the size of the lot, number of vehicular or pedestrian entrances, and layout of the buildings require additional signs in order to promote traffic and pedestrian safety.
(3) 
Area. Total sign area shall be determined by the length of the front facade of the principal building. When the parcel fronts two or more streets, the front facade shall be the side of the building where the main entrance is located. For parcels abutting Interstate 43, the regulations outlined in § 79-13F shall apply.
[Amended 1-19-2016 by Ord. No. 2015-014]
Length of Façade
Maximum Size
(square feet)
15 feet or less
40
20 feet or less
44
25 feet or less
48
30 feet or less
52
35 feet or less
56
40 feet or less
60
45 feet or less
64
50 feet or less
68
55 feet or less
72
60 feet or less
76
65 feet or less
80
70 feet or less
84
75 feet or less
88
80 feet or less
92
85 feet or less
96
90 feet or less
100
95 feet or less
104
100 feet or less
108
105 feet or less
112
110 feet or less
116
115 feet or less
120
120 feet or less
124
125 feet or less
128
150 feet or less
148
175 feet or less
168
200 feet or less
188
225 feet or more
200
(4) 
Location.
(a) 
Wall sign. A wall sign may be located on the outermost wall of any principal building but shall not project more than 13 inches from the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.
(b) 
Ground sign. A ground sign shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any property line or driveway and at least the height of the sign plus two feet, but not less than five feet, to any right-of-way and out of the vision corner intersection. A ground sign larger than 20 square feet shall be located no closer than 100 feet to another ground sign or the furthest distance possible from another ground sign, whichever distance is further.
(5) 
Height.
(a) 
Wall sign. A wall sign shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed. The top of the wall sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height from the base of the building wall to which the sign is affixed.
(b) 
Ground sign. A ground sign shall not project higher than eight feet, as measured from natural grade at the base of the sign.
E. 
Planned development districts. Type, number, total sign area, location and height of signage in any planned development district shall be established according to an approved signage plan reviewed in conjunction with the approval of the planned development district. The signage plan for development within the PDD-BP District shall at a minimum meet the requirements of § 79-13C. Said signage plan shall not constitute part of the applicable zoning, but shall be enforced as part of this sign code. Amendments to the signage plan shall require approval by the Town Board upon written request submitted to the Town Clerk, including a detailed description of the requested amendments and payment of the fee prescribed in the Town of Ledgeview fee schedule.[1]
[Added 6-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-010; amended 12-19-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-016]
[1]
Editor's Note: The fee schedule is on file in the Town offices.
F. 
Signs applicable to properties abutting Interstate 43.
[Added 1-19-2016 by Ord. No. 2015-014]
(1) 
Applicability.
(a) 
Zoning. Signs shall be permitted only for parcels zoned B-1, B-2, or LI.
(b) 
Abutting Interstate 43. Signs shall be permitted for parcels that have direct frontage abutting the Interstate 43 right-of-way.
(2) 
On-premises freestanding signs facing interstate 43 are allowed subject to the following standards:
(a) 
Approval. A conditional use shall be required as outlined in § 135-251, Conditional uses, and a permit as outlined in § 135-245, Building permits.
(b) 
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted for identification of a business park, retail center, business, or education facility that has a minimum of 500 feet of continuous frontage abutting the Interstate 43 right-of-way in addition to other signs as allowed for the property by Chapter 79.
(c) 
Size. A freestanding sign shall not exceed 100 square feet per sign face and 200 total square feet.
(d) 
Location.
[1] 
A freestanding sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the Interstate 43 right-of-way.
[2] 
The height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 feet above the average grade surrounding the base of the sign.
(e) 
Appearance. The sign structure shall have architectural interest consistent with the materials and characteristics of the site's buildings and designed proportionate to the building as well as to the surrounding context of the site. The sign structure may have more than two sides; however, the sign face shall only be displayed on two sides of the structure.
(f) 
Base. The base for a freestanding sign shall be constructed of materials similar to the principal structure. The base shall have a minimum width of 50% of the sign itself.
(g) 
Display of tenants. The face of the freestanding sign is limited to displaying a maximum of two tenant/business names located on the property.
(h) 
Landscaping standards. For signs located along Interstate 43, the following landscaping standards shall apply. A landscape area shall extend a minimum of 10 feet from the base of the sign. This area shall be planted with a variety of appropriate plants, shrubs, and ground cover. A landscape plan shall be provided to the Zoning & Planning Commission for review and approval.
(3) 
On-premises wall signs facing Interstate 43 are allowed subject to the following standards:
(a) 
Number. One wall sign per tenant with a minimum of 150 feet of linear facade facing Interstate 43 is permitted in addition to other signs as allowed for the property by Chapter 79.
(b) 
Approval. A permit shall be required as outlined in § 135-245, Building permits.
(c) 
Size. The size of wall signage facing Interstate 43 shall comply with the regulations outlined in § 79-13C(3).
(d) 
Appearance.
[1] 
All wall signs shall be individual channel letters or similar.
[2] 
All wall signs as part of one development site shall have a consistent backing or structural support frame, if one is proposed, or affixing mechanism.
[3] 
All wall signs shall have architectural interest and colors consistent with the materials and characteristics of the buildings on the site.
(4) 
Prohibited signs facing Interstate 43.
(a) 
Electronic message center and changeable copy signs mounted on any building facades.
(b) 
Pole or pylon-type freestanding signs.
(c) 
Box-type wall signs and cabinets.
(d) 
Off-premises signage.
(e) 
Illumination of signs facing Interstate 43. Illumination of all signage shall comply with the regulations outlined in § 135-18.1, Exterior lighting.
[Amended 4-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-009]
A. 
Existing signs, lawfully erected as of July 19, 2005, which have a become nonconforming by adoption of this chapter shall not be reconstructed, remodeled, relocated or changed in size or content unless such action will make the sign conforming in all respects with this ordinance.
B. 
A nonconforming sign or sign structure, lawfully erected as of July 19, 2005, that is destroyed or damaged may be restored after the owner has shown that the damage did not exceed 50% of the appraised value of the sign. If such sign structure is destroyed or damaged to an extent exceeding 50% of the appraised sign value, it shall be removed and shall not be reconstructed or replaced unless such action makes the sign and sign structure conforming in all respects, to the Sign Code. If restoration of a damaged sign is not completed within six months of the date damage occurred, such sign shall be removed or replaced in a manner as will conform with all specifications of this chapter. Replacement signs may require Site Review/Zoning and Planning Committee or Town Board approval.
C. 
A nonconforming sign or sign structure, lawfully erected as of July 19, 2005, shall be removed within 30 days of the date the building containing the use to which the sign is accessory is demolished or destroyed to the extent exceeding 50% of the building's appraised value.
D. 
At any such time as the owner of any building or lot, on which a nonconforming sign(s) is/are located, lawfully erected as of July 19, 2005, requests Site Review/Zoning and Planning Committee or Town Board approval for any changes to the use, building or lot, the Site Review/Zoning and Planning Committee or Town Board may require that such nonconforming sign(s) be removed or made to conform with this chapter as a condition of building or site approval.
[Amended 5-17-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-10]
No person, firm, or corporation shall erect or display any form of temporary commercial sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Town Zoning Administrator or designee.
A. 
Application for a temporary commercial sign shall be made on a form provided by the Town Zoning Administrator or designee and shall be accompanied by a permit fee.
B. 
The term of a temporary sign permit shall not exceed 30 consecutive days from the date of issuance and must be wholly within any one calendar year, at the end of which term such permit shall expire and any sign or advertising device allowed by said permit shall be removed.
C. 
No person, firm, or corporation shall erect or display more than one temporary advertising device or temporary sign in any one calendar year.
D. 
Each face of a temporary sign shall not exceed 30 square feet in area, and the total area of such device or sign shall not exceed 60 square feet. The maximum height of a freestanding sign is restricted to seven feet.
E. 
The failure to remove a sign or advertising device upon expiration of the sign permit shall be a violation of this chapter, and each day of violation thereafter shall be considered a separate offense.
F. 
Any such sign or device shall not contain more than two faces, each of which shall be on a different side of the sign or device.
G. 
No sign or device may be placed in the vision corner.
H. 
Banners shall not be displayed for more than 14 consecutive days. However, banners may be authorized for use up to three times per year, and up to two banners may be displayed at one time.
I. 
Each temporary sign shall be appropriately secured and constructed consistent with public safety.
A. 
Architectural/engineering design.
(1) 
Ground signs. These signs shall be architecturally integrated with the principal building in the following manner:
(a) 
The base of the sign shall be constructed with permanent building materials that are complementary in color to the building.
(b) 
The color scheme of the sign and sign frame shall be complementary to the building and surrounding area.
(c) 
Architectural features (e.g., sills, piers, reveals, capstone, medallions, etc.) that are part of the architectural style of the principal building shall be incorporated into the sign.
(d) 
The sign face shall be constructed with an opaque surface to allow internal light to only project through the cut-out lettering and/or logos.
(2) 
Electronic message boards. In addition to all other applicable regulations, electronic message boards shall be constructed as follows:
[Added 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002; amended 10-6-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-019]
(a) 
The electronic message board shall be part of a ground sign and shall not exceed 32 square feet on each side with a maximum of two sign faces. Signs of this nature shall be included when calculating the allowable square footage.
(b) 
Electronic message boards are permitted to contain individual letters and graphics only. Individual graphics may display the illusion of motion such as snowflakes falling, clouds moving or flags waving; however, full or multiple-object animation such as video is prohibited.
(c) 
Any individual letters, graphic scrolling or otherwise displayed on an electronic message board shall remain illuminated and visible for a minimum of four seconds. Any message that remains visible for less than four seconds shall be considered to be flashing and is prohibited.
(d) 
A minimum two seconds of blank screen between images shall be required.
(e) 
The message area of an electronic message board sign may be illuminated by incandescent lamps, LED (light-emitting diodes) or magnetic discs. Bare-bulb fluorescent, running, blinking, flashing or other bare-bulb signs are prohibited.
(f) 
Regardless of the light source used to illuminate the sign, the light shall not be unduly bright. For the purpose of enforcing this provision, undue brightness will be construed to mean illumination in excess of the following intensity levels:
[1] 
Monochrome units:
[a] 
Day: 5,000 nits.
[b] 
Night: 500 nits.
[2] 
Full-color units:
[a] 
Day: 7,500 nits.
[b] 
Night: 750 nits.
(g) 
To ensure illumination will not be unduly bright, the sign shall have an automatic phased proportional dimmer which shall be used to reduce nighttime brightness levels compared to daytime brightness levels. Further, prior to the issuance of a permit for an electronic message board sign, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed the levels specified herein and the intensity level is protected from the end user manipulation by password-protected software or other method.
(h) 
All electronic message boards may also be subjected to additional state, county or federal regulations when located near a roadway. The applicant is solely responsible for obtaining all other required permits.
(i) 
All electronic message boards shall be stationary between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(j) 
No electronic message boards shall be located within 150 feet of a residential district.
(3) 
Projecting signs. In addition to all other applicable regulations, projecting signs shall be constructed consistent with the following:
[Added 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-002]
(a) 
No projecting sign shall extend more than 60 inches from the structure.
(b) 
No projecting sign shall have more than two faces, each not to exceed 40 square feet.
(c) 
No projecting sign shall be lower than 10 feet above an area used by pedestrians.
(d) 
All projecting signs shall be installed and constructed so as to be rigid.
(e) 
All projecting signs shall have a four-inch open space from said building in order to avoid the accumulation of combustible substances.
(f) 
No projecting sign shall block ingress or egress from any structure through openings which might be used for such purpose, including windows, fire escapes, roof access.
(g) 
No projecting sign shall be located within five feet of a right-of-way, public street or vision corner.
B. 
Structure design.
(1) 
Wind pressure. All signs shall be constructed, erected and maintained to safely withstand wind pressure as specified by the Wisconsin State Statutes and applicable Administrative Code.
(2) 
The design, construction and erection of all signs shall be by a competent professional in the sign design and construction industry.
(3) 
Wall signs attached to exterior building walls shall be anchored or attached in such a manner as will ensure stability and safety.
A. 
The owner of any sign as defined and regulated by this ordinance shall be required to properly maintain the appearance and safety of all parts and supports of their sign.
B. 
In event that the sign owner does not provide sign maintenance within 60 days after written notification from the Town, the Zoning Administrator shall take enforcement action as provided by this Sign Code.
[Amended 5-17-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-10]
A. 
Appeals.
(1) 
The Site Review/Zoning and Planning Committee shall review all appeals and forward all comments and concerns to the Board of Appeals, which shall hear all appeals by any person aggrieved by any actions or decisions of the Building Inspector or other Town officer or employee charged with implementing the provisions of this Ordinance where it is alleged an error has been made in any factual determination or application of any provision of this Ordinance or any applicable state or federal law. For purposes of this section, an aggrieved person is an applicant for a sign permit, a holder of a sign permit or any person who is alleged to have violated any provision of this ordinance
(2) 
A written request for an appeal, including the name and address of the appellant and a brief statement of the nature of the appeal, shall be filed with the Town Clerk within 10 days of receiving written notice of the decision being appealed. The Board of Appeals shall hold a hearing on said appeal within 30 days of filing the appeal, and written notice of the hearing shall be mailed to the address given by the appellant
(3) 
The Board of Appeals shall issue and mail to the appellant a written decision within 10 working days of the hearing. Appeals of the Board of Appeals shall be by certiorari review to the Brown County Circuit Court or as otherwise provided by law.
(4) 
Appeals under this section shall not relieve any person facing enforcement action under § 79-19 from complying with any procedural requirements of the court exercising jurisdiction over said action.
B. 
Variances. The Site Review/Zoning and Planning Committee may, in its judgment, authorize such variance from the terms of this Ordinance as will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the Ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship, so that the spirit of the Ordinance shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done.
A. 
Penalty. Any person, firm, company or corporation who or which violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $10 nor more than $500 for each offense, together with costs, fees and assessments authorized by law. Default of the payment may result in imprisonment. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate violation and be punishable as such.
[Amended 4-2-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-008]
B. 
Declared nuisances. Any sign or similar advertising structure erected, structurally altered, painted, moved or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared to be a nuisance per se, by the Town Board, and the Town may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to restrain or abate such nuisance.
C. 
Removal of certain signs.
(1) 
Any sign now or hereafter existing, having been issued a permit, that no longer advertises a bona fide business or project, or that is dilapidated, out of repair, unsafe, insecure, or has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building or land upon which such sign may be found. If, within 10 days after written notification from the Town, the sign owner fails to comply with such notice, the Town may remove such sign. Any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or land to which such sign is attached. In the event such cost and expenses are not paid within 30 days from the date of billing, then the costs and expenses incurred for such removal shall be assessed against the real estate upon which such sign is located and collected pursuant to W.S.A. s. 66.0627
(2) 
Any sign that is constructed without a sign permit shall be removed unless a sign permit application is filed within 10 days' written notice to the owner by the Town. If a sign permit application is not filed and the sign is not removed, or if the application for a sign permit is denied and the sign is not removed within 10 days' written notice, the Town may remove such sign. Any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or land to which such sign is attached. In the event such cost and expenses are not paid within 30 days from the date of billing, then the costs and expenses incurred for such removal shall be assessed against the real estate upon which such sign is located and collected pursuant to W.S.A. s. 66.0627.
(3) 
The Building Inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure that he/she determines to be an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. Any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or land to which such sign is attached. In the event such cost and expenses are not paid within 30 days from the date of billing, then the costs and expenses incurred for such removal shall be assessed against the real estate upon which such sign is located and collected pursuant to W.S.A. s. 66.0627.
D. 
Revocation of permits. The Building Inspector may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this Sign Code whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. The written revocation shall describe the appeal process set forth under § 79-18A. The Building Inspector shall send the revocation by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the sign owner
E. 
Election of remedies. The Town may elect to enforce this ordinance under any or all enforcement actions authorized by this section.
[Amended 6-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-010[1]]
If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this chapter is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter shall not be affected thereby. If an application of this chapter to a particular sign or structure is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not be applicable to any other sign or structure not specifically included in said judgment.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the repeal of former § 79-21, Planned development districts, and § 79-22, Special signs, which sections immediately followed this section.