In reviewing the sign requirements proposed to be constructed in the primary tier Overlay Zone, factors to be considered by the Plan Commission shall include, but are not limited to, the standards in § 155.130 as well as the following:
(A) Signage plan. The applicant shall submit a signage plan pursuant to the process in § 155.172 as part of the development plan application.
(B) General requirements.
(1) In the primary tier Overlay District, signage shall be designed as an integral part of the architectural and landscaping plans. The colors, materials, and style of signage shall be architecturally compatible and accentuate the buildings and landscaping on the site. The colors, materials, and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.
(2) Off-premise signs shall be prohibited in the primary tier of the State Road 28 Overlay District Corridor, unless as otherwise specified in this section.
(3) No awning in the primary tier shall have any wording or logos.
(4) Private traffic direction signs and pavement markings for the direction and control of traffic into, out of, and within the site shall conform to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices as published by the Indiana Department of Highways.
(5) The integration of project signage, particularly the sharing of poles to identify multiple businesses, is encouraged within the primary tier of the Overlay District. The Plan Commission shall have the authority to approve off-premise signage should it determine that such signage would promote the intent and purposes of the State Road 28 Corridor Overlay Zone.
(6) Every sign shall have good scale and proportion in its design and in its visual relationship to buildings and surroundings, as shown in Figure 9: Monument Sign, set forth in Ordinance 14-23 and incorporated herein by reference.
(7) The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign’s major message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.
(8) Each sign shall be compatible with signs on adjoining premises and shall not compete for attention.
(9) Identification signs of a prototype design and corporation logos shall conform to the criteria for all other signs.
(C) Off-premise sign regulations. Off-premise signs shall only be permitted by right for unified centers such as business parks, office parks, industrial parks and shopping centers under the provisions contained herein in the primary tier of the Overlay District. Off-premise signs shall only identify a building, business, profession or industry not fronting on State Road 28, but has vehicle access to the State Road 28 Corridor by means of an easement or county road. Only one such sign shall be displayed for each unified center. Off-premise signs shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area for a sign mounted flat on a building, 32 square feet for a monument sign, and 120 square feet for a freestanding sign.
(2) Monument signs shall not exceed six feet in height, and freestanding signs shall not exceed 25 feet.
(D) Sign landscaping. The landscaping plan for any unified freestanding signs shall be created, as follows:
(1) A defined landscaped area shall be placed at the base of the sign in a design harmonious with the landscape plan for the entire site. The landscape design should account for seasonal changes and maintain its attractiveness throughout the year. The required landscaped area shall be parallel to the sign face.
(2) All sign bases must have landscaping extending a minimum of three feet from all sides of the base.
(3) A landscaped area shall contain shrubs or perennial flowers.
(4) The area shall be maintained to keep it free of weeds, debris and brush.
(5) A sketch of the sign and landscaped area shall be submitted with the sign permit application for review.
(Ord. 08-04, passed 7-14-08; Am. Ord. 14-23, passed 1-26-15)