Awnings and canopies constructed on commercial establishments must comply with the following requirements.
(A) Awning and canopy materials shall be restricted to fabrics which are not glossy, shiny or reflective if coated with a plastic.
(B) Awning and canopy framework shall be one of the following types of construction:
(1) An awning shall consist of simple, stationary galvanized pipes or bars hung from a building facade;
(2) Folding horizontal or vertical supporting arms secured to a building facade; or
(3) A canopy shall consist of galvanized rafters and bows not capable of retraction and which are supported by galvanized pipes which are secured to the ground.
(C) Awning and canopy shapes shall be one of the following types, illustrations of which are on file and available for inspection in the Col. Donald L. Shanks Municipal Building.
(1) Awning.
(a) Trim style with a valance (skirt) terminating in a wave or scalloped edge;
(b) Vertical style with straight ends and a valance (skirt) terminating in a wave or scalloped edge;
(c) Horizontal style with open or closed ends and a valance (skirt) terminating in a wave or scalloped edge; or
(d) A stationary awning may have side curtains and, if front has a valance (skirt), the side curtains shall terminate in a matching bottom edge.
(2) Canopy.
(a) A flat front with no hood and scalloped side valance; or
(b) High curved bows as front hood with scalloped side valance.
(D) Lettering, symbols, and/or a logo shall be permitted only on a front valance (skirt) of an awning, either the front or the side panels of a canopy, and if illuminated, shall be back-lit by light sources which are at least six feet eight inches above grade. Lettering, symbols, and/or a logo shall be translucent. Full back-lit awning or canopy signs shall not be permitted.
(E) Awning and canopy sign size and location of attachment to a building shall be subject to the following provisions.
(1) The uppermost edge of an awning or canopy shall be attached immediately above a storefront window and/or door.
(2) Awnings and canopies shall have a minimum slope adequate to drain rainwater.
(3) Clearance of awnings and canopies above sidewalks and from streets shall comply with the State Basic Building Code.
(4) Awnings and canopies shall not cover architectural features, except when necessary for weather protection.
(5) The perpendicular extension of an awning from the facade to which it is attached shall not exceed four times the vertical height or rise in the slope of the awning.
(6) The length of a valance (skirt) of an awning or canopy shall not exceed 12 inches.
(7) A full back-lit sign shall be permitted only on the front of a theater marquee.
(8) The following colors shall be permitted for awning and canopy sign materials:
(a) Deep reds such as burgundy, maroon;
(b) Deep blues such as navy, midnight, royal;
(c) Deep greens, such as forest, shutter;
(d) Deep grays;
(e) Dark browns, such as walnut, chocolate;
(f) Beige;
(g) Sand;
(h) Black, only as an accent, not as a major field; and
(i) White, only as an accent, not as a major field.
(2000 Code, § 151.088) (Ord. O-4-96, passed 3-25-1996)
Cross-reference:
Building Code, see Ch. 150