Restrictions For Palatine Business Signs 'Not Uncommon': Village

PALATINE, IL — After employees from Palatine businesses recently voiced their concern over the negative impact the village's temporary sign restrictions are having on their stores during these challenging times, Patch reached out to village officials for the status of these restrictions. In a response last month to Patch's Local Business Information Center outreach, an employee at a Palatine business off E. Dundee Road claims the village used to send warnings of fines for placing balloons, or signs within the business strip mall property.

"I wish someone would discuss the impact that this restriction may be having in identifying businesses that are open and the possibility of loosening those rules during these challenging times," the employee told Patch.

This month, an employee at another local business reached out to Patch supporting the other employee's claims.

Patch also reached out to the planning and zoning department regarding these claims.

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"Per Code, the Zoning Ordinance prohibits the attachments of any attention getting devices to signs (e.g. balloons, streamers, etc.)," Director of Planning and Zoning for the Village of Palatine, Ben Vyverberg, told Patch. "This is not an uncommon restriction in municipal codes and is used to maintain both an aesthetic quality and eliminate any traffic hazard implications."

According to Vyverberg, the Zoning Ordinance regulates the placement and size of signage within the village, whether permanent (freestanding and attached) or temporary.

Vyverberg said while he can't speak to the circumstances with the businesses that contacted Patch, it is accurate that the village inspects and processes violations of the village code.

"This would include sign violations and the adjudication process could include fines, depending upon the specific circumstances," Vyverberg told Patch.

More specifically, Vyverberg added that Dundee and Rand Roads are areas where zoning complaints and temporary sign violations have occurred due to the number of businesses in the area.

Palatine businesses can be approved for temporary signage within the temporary sign regulations up to four times per year, and 7 days per instance, Vyverberg told Patch. However, this doesn't include balloons.

"Depending upon the underlying commercial zoning designation or if the property is zoned Planned Development, with a separate sign code/criteria specific to a Planned Development (outside of the Village Zoning Ordinance), Village Staff would evaluate a permit request for compliance with the criteria allowed by Code," Vyverberg told Patch.

For reference and more information, Vyverberg encourages those interested to refer to the Village of Palatine zoning ordinance, which includes the sign code on page 46 (Article 8).

So, what can these businesses do to gain traffic during the coronavirus pandemic? Vyverberg said the Chamber of Commerce has been publicizing Palatine businesses and maintaining its business database information to keep customers updated.

Vyverberg also shared details on an event happening Saturday around Palatine.

Palatine businesses and members of the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) are encouraged to participate in the PACC's 3rd annual 'Explore Palatine,' the village-wide business expo and sidewalk sale Saturday that supports the local economy. According to the event's website, businesses are encouraged to "capitalize on this event in the hopes of increasing sales and gaining exposure."

The event will take place at Palatine-based business locations with hours that vary depending on the location. Area residents are encouraged to explore and discover businesses all over Palatine on this day, "and whenever possible," the website states.

Related:

• Employee Says Sign Restrictions May Impact Palatine Businesses
• IL Patch Local Business Information Center: A Community Resource

Businesses can sign up for free at explorepalatine.org and are encouraged to offer sales, or feature other special offers. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

If you work at a business in the village, send your thoughts to rebecca.bream@patch.com, or comment below.

If you are a business owner interested in joining the center, you can use this simple submission form to be included. Remember, there is no charge to take part. Or, if you have a favorite local business that isn't listed, feel free to share this link with them so they can sign up.