§ 105-74. Design and location standards.

All regulated signs must comply with the following design standards:

(1)

Size requirements. The total area of all permanent signs, including, but not limited to, freestanding signs, window signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and hanging signs, shall not exceed 50 square feet per business. There shall be no more than one primary, and one secondary sign per business. A secondary sign is one that is smaller than the primary sign.

(2)

Area of sign. The area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character together with any frame, other material, open space, or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such writing, representation, emblem or any figure of similar character from the background against which it is placed. For double-faced signs, both sides shall be measured and added together and divided by two in computing the sign area.

(3)

Signage plans. Buildings or clusters of buildings having more than one tenant or use shall provide a signage plan for the entire structure or project to be reviewed and approved by the director of planning and zoning prior to erection of any sign. The signage plan must be designed so that it establishes a common theme or design, uses similar construction methods, and has compatible colors, lettering, lettering style, symbols, scale and size of signs, and/or identical background. Signage plans for office buildings must have their primary focus on the identification of the building, and individual tenants may be identified by using small lettering on a window or door or directories. Total signage area within the plan is subject to the maximum size limitation of this article. Signage area cannot be transferred to a single building or facade from other buildings in the project.

(4)

Sign materials. Exposed surfaces of signs may be constructed of metal, glass, stone, concrete, brick, cloth, or wood.

(5)

Color. Signs must be finished in subdued earthtone colors. Earthtones may be defined in this context to include the full spectrum of soil and clay colors. Spectrums of off-whites to deep browns and light grays to black provide a wide range of acceptable colors. Brighter colors may be used, provided they are imbued with brown or black tones. For example, pink imbued with brown would tend toward mauve and would be acceptable. Bright reds imbued with brown or black tones give a deeper burgundy or maroon color and may also be acceptable. Colors should complement the color scheme of the building. In no case will "day-glo," fluorescent, reflective colored materials that give the appearance of changing color, or brilliant luminescent colors be permitted.

(6)

Illumination.

a.

Externally illuminated signs. Light fixtures for externally illuminated signs must be simple in form and mounted so they do not obscure building ornamentation. The light fixtures should emphasize the continuity of the building surface and should not clutter the building in an unorganized manner. Spot lights and floodlights shall be directed only at the sign surface. Light shall not be directed off the property. No exposed light sources are allowed, and all light sources must be shaded to contain light rays to the sign. Colored lighting is prohibited.

b.

Internally illuminated signs. This type of sign is not considered appropriate in the historical district and is prohibited.

(7)

Type styles. Only type styles in use in the United States between 1830 and 1910 may be accepted in the historical district.

(8)

Location on building. Architectural details of a building often suggest a location, size, or shape for a sign. Signage should complement the architectural details of the building. Signs should help to establish a visual continuity with adjacent store fronts and relate directly to the store entrance. Signs must be oriented toward pedestrians or vehicles in close proximity. Signs shall be designed and located on the building or on the premises in a manner that is compatible with the mass and scale of the building to which the sign applies. Signs must not obscure architectural details of the building nor cover doors, windows, or other integral elements of the facade. Signs shall not obstruct views of nearby intersection and driveways.

(9)

Projection and clearance. No sign may project more than 36 inches from the face of a building or pole. Projecting and hanging signs must maintain at least eight feet of clearance from ground level. Signs may extend over city property only with the written approval of the city council.

(Ord. of 10-4-2010, Art. IV, § 4; Ord. of 6-16-2014; Ord. of 9-8-2014)