Carpentersville eases sign restrictions

In a move to boost local businesses, Carpentersville trustees have approved amendments to the village sign code that allow bigger temporary signs to be posted for a longer time.

The measure was approved Tuesday night by a 5-0 vote with Trustee Paul Humpfer absent.

Acting Village Manager Dawn Wucki-Rossbach said allowing temporary and larger signs would help local businesses compete with stores in neighboring communities.

"The village board and the business development committee want to provide more assistance to business owners and further promote businesses in the town," Wucki-Rossbach said.

Under the new code, real estate companies can put up 32-square-foot signs in nonresidential areas instead of the 6-square-foot signs specified originally. The village also will allow attaching a 120-square-foot real estate banner to larger nonresidential buildings for lease or sale.

Sandwich board signs, which are only permitted during business hours, may stay anywhere on the same property as the advertised business. Previously, these signs had to be within 10 feet of the business's entrance. Three-legged easels and pedestal signs within certain size limits also will be allowed. These daily temporary signs will only be allowed through Aug. 1, 2012, unless, future amendments extend the rule.

Local businesses will receive a brochure about the changes. Information is also available on the village's website: http://vil.carpentersville.il.us/.