§ 84-1. Purpose and applicability.

A. 

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to permit the use of signage within the Village of Williamsville, while also promoting and protecting the health, welfare, and safety of the public. The intent of this chapter is to achieve the following objectives:

(1) 

Ensure right to free speech as protected under the United States Constitution;

(2) 

Establish a clear and impartial process for those seeking to install signs;

(3) 

Protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, and protect the physical appearance of the community;

(4) 

Provide structures and uses with effective means of identification while reducing visual clutter through the prevention of excessive and confusing sign displays;

(5) 

Reduce traffic conflicts or hazards by minimizing visual distractions or obstacles in or visible from the public rights-of-way;

(6) 

Reduce the adverse effects of signage on the desirable aesthetic of the Village and on the general environment of the community; and

(7) 

Enforce and encourage the objectives and goals of the Village Community Plan.

B. 

Applicability.

(1) 

The regulations of this chapter shall govern and control the erection, enlargement, expansion, renovation, operation, maintenance, relocation and removal of all signs within the Village visible from any street, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or public space.

(2) 

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to safety signs, road signs, historical markers, highway directional signs, or signs erected by governmental agencies.

(3) 

Notwithstanding any other provision within this chapter to the contrary, any sign proposed on local historic landmarks or within historic districts as designated by Chapter 47 of the Village Code shall be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission, and is not subject to review under this chapter. Following the application procedures of this chapter, the Commission may approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the sign based on the design criteria of this chapter. It is also tasked with guiding the designs to fit with the landmark or district where the signs are proposed.

(4) 

This chapter shall in no event be construed or employed in any manner to prohibit the customary decoration of premises in any district during religious, patriotic or holiday seasons.