In addition to assuring compliance with the numerical standards of these regulations, the Planning Commission, when approving signs, shall consider the proposed general design, arrangement, texture, material, colors, lighting placement and the appropriateness of the proposed sign in relationship to other signs and the other structures both on the premises and in the surrounding areas, and only approve signs which are consistent with the intent, purposes, standards and criteria of the sign regulations. Specific standards for determining the appropriateness of the sign shall include, but not be limited to the following conditions:
(a) The lettering shall be large enough to be easily read from the public street but not out of scale with the building, site or streetscape.
(b) The number of items (letters, symbols, shapes) shall be consistent with the amount of information which can be comprehended by the viewer, reflect simplicity, avoid visual clutter and improve legibility.
(c) The shape of the sign shall not create visual clutter.
(d) Signs shall have an appropriate contrast and be designed with a limited number of, and with the harmonious use of, colors. Signs and awnings, if seen in series, shall have a continuity of design with the style of sign generally consistent throughout the building or block. Continuity of design means uniformity of background colors or harmonious use of a limited range of complementary background colors.
(e) The size, style and location of the sign shall be appropriate to the activity of the site as prescribed elsewhere in these regulations.
(f) The sign shall complement the building and adjacent buildings by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture. The sign shall reflect the primary purpose of identifying the name and type of establishment.
(g) The sign should be consolidated into a minimum number of elements.
(h) Instructional signs shall contain the minimum information and the minimum area necessary to convey the message and instruct the viewer in the safe and efficient use of the facility.
(i) A sign should be constructed with a minimum of different types of material so as to provide a consistent overall appearance.
(j) All signs in business and industrial districts may be illuminated provided that light sources to illuminate such signs shall be shielded from all adjacent residential buildings and streets, and shall not be of such brightness so as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists, or as to cause reasonable objection from adjacent residential districts.
(k) No flashing or moving parts shall be permitted for any sign or advertising display within the City.
(l) No paper or similarly pliable material posters shall be applied directly to the wall, building or pole or other support. Letters or pictures in the form of advertising that are printed or painted directly on the wall of a building are prohibited, except for window signs pursuant to this chapter and conditionally permitted murals.
(m) No sign shall be erected, located or maintained in a location where it interferes with free vision of traffic approaching any intersection of streets, roads, alleys, private drives or other vehicular ways; not where it may interfere with, obstruct the view, or be confused with an authorized traffic sign or safety device. No sign or advertising device shall be permitted which, by color, location or design, resembles or conflicts with traffic control signs or devices.
(n) No signs shall be placed, erected or maintained so as to obstruct, in any manner, any fire escape or window, door, exit or entrance to or from any building, or otherwise be placed in the City's right-of-way.
(o) No sign shall be placed, erected or maintained in a manner which will interfere with the proper and convenient protection of property by the Division of Fire.
(p) Pennants, banners, streamers, whirligig devices, balloons, inflatable devices, and other similar devices are prohibited except for banners and pennants when part of public information signs installed by the City.
(q) Billboards and other off-premise signs are prohibited.
(r) Signs of any type may not be affixed or attached to any utility infrastructure or public infrastructure within the public right-of-way.
(s) All signs shall be designed, constructed, and erected in a professional and workmanlike manner, in conformance with all applicable building codes, and with materials which are durable for the intended life of the sign. Signs shall be designed, constructed, fastened or anchored to withstand various weather elements.
(t) For any sign which projects above a public right-of-way, the sign owner shall obtain and maintain in force liability insurance for such sign in such form and in such amount as the Law Director may reasonably determine. Proof of such insurance shall be required prior to obtaining a permit.
(u) Freestanding signs shall be designed and located so as not to obstruct a driver's visibility entering or exiting property or to be a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, and shall comply with the requirements set forth by the Chief of Police for maintaining clear sight at an intersection.
(v) "Feather Signs" are prohibited.
(w) The City Council has full review and approval authority for any sign erected in the median of State Route 6 between the walk-over bridge and Williams Street.
(Ord. 2021-36. Passed 10-26-21.)