(A) Neon, argon and similar lighting fixtures shall not be used anywhere on the exterior of a building; however, the signs if non-flashing and non-moving may be mounted on the inside of store windows.
(B) Signs shall only be lighted with indirect light sources (e.g., backlighting); knockout signs are encouraged
(C) All illuminated signs shall be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the North Carolina State Electrical Code and all detached signs shall be illuminated by an underground electrical source.
(D) If the sign can be illuminated by an indirect source of light, this is usually the best arrangement because the sign will appear to be better integrated with the building's architecture. Light fixtures supported in front of the sign cast light on the sign and generally a portion of the building as well. Indirect lighting emphasizes the continuity of the building's surface and signs become an integral part of the facade. Conversely, internally illuminated cabinet signs where only the sign face is illuminated tend to stand out and not appear integrated with the building's facade.
(E) Individually illuminated letters, either internally illuminated or back-lighted solid letters (reverse channel), are a preferred alternative to internally illuminated plastic-faced cabinet signs. Signs comprised of individual letters will be better integrated with the building because they use the building's facade as their background.
(F) If internally illuminated cabinet signs are used, their sign panels should be opaque so that when illuminated only the lettering, not the background, is illuminated. The background or field should have a non-gloss, non-reflective finish.
(G) Electrical transformer boxes and raceways should be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be mounted internally behind the finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway should be finished to match the background wall or integrated into the overall design of the sign.
(H) If raceways are necessary, they should be as thin and narrow as possible and should never extend in width or height beyond the area of the sign's lettering or graphics.
(I) All exposed conduit and junction boxes should be appropriately concealed from public view.
(J) Use of energy-efficient, high intensity discharge lamps are encouraged.
(2003 Code, § 8-3.6.10) (Updated 2009)