(A) In addition to ensuring compliance with the numerical standards of these regulations, the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator, when applicable, shall consider the proposed general design, arrangement, and placement of the sign as well as the appropriateness of the proposed sign in relationship to other signs and other structures both on the premises and in the surrounding areas, and shall only approve signs that are consistent with the intent, purposes, standards, and criteria of these sign regulations.
(B) Specific standards for determining the appropriateness of the sign shall include, but not be limited, to the following:
(1) There shall be not more than two styles nor more than three sizes of lettering used for any sign, including characters or trademarks used for identification.
(2) The number of items, letters, symbols and shapes shall be consistent with the amount of information which can be comprehended by the viewer, reflect simplicity, avoid visual clutter and improve legibility.
(3) The shape of the sign shall be simple, and the sign should be consolidated into a minimum number of elements.
(4) A ratio between the message and the background shall permit easy recognition of the message.
(5) The size, style and location of the sign shall be appropriate to the activity of the site.
(6) The sign shall complement the building and adjacent buildings by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture.
(7) There shall not be more than four colors, including black and white, used on any sign. Fluorescent colors are prohibited. For signs in the Heritage Overlay District, the colors shall be in conformity with the approved colors for that district.
(8) Signs identifying multiple tenants of a building should be designed to allow changes in tenant occupancy. Unused tenant identification areas shall be filled with matching decorative panels so as to minimize the appearance of vacancy.
(9) Signs, if seen in series, shall have a continuity of design with the style of sign generally consistent throughout the building or block.
(10) Incidental 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.
(11) A sign should be constructed with a minimum of different types of material so as to provide a consistent overall appearance.
(12) All signs proposed within the Heritage Overlay District boundaries shall be constructed in compliance with the design guidelines for this district, as outlined in Chapter 151.14.
(13) Illumination. The illumination of signs shall be permitted in compliance with the following:
(a) Signs may be illuminated internally or by reflected light in the Office and Commercial Business Districts provided that:
1. Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent buildings and streets.
2. Lights shall not be of such brightness so as to cause glare that is hazardous to pedestrians or motorists, or cause reasonable objection from adjacent residential districts.
3. An exposed incandescent lamp shall not be used in excess of 25 watts unless a screen is attached or unless the sign is placed over 10 feet above the ground.
4. Internally illuminated signs shall be constructed so as to allow the illumination of only letters, numbers, or other identifying symbols on the display surface. No light shall pass through the background. The background material of the sign’s exterior surface and the enclosing cabinet shall be of a single, opaque, non-reflective material with a texture approved by the Zoning Administrator.
5. Sources of light and power sources shall be weatherproofed, the fixtures shall be UL approved for outdoor use and shall present no heat or electrical hazards under all weather conditions.
6. All plastic faced signs shall have a matte-finish, non-reflective surface.
7. Signs shall not be lighted to obstruct traffic control or any other public informational signs. Signs visible from sight lines along streets shall not contain symbols or words, or red and green lights that resemble highway traffic signs or devices. These regulations shall not apply to seasonal holiday display lighting.
(b) Signs located within the Residential Districts and Old Montgomery District shall be externally illuminated only. In the Old Montgomery Gateway District, signs may be backlit or externally illuminated; however, internal illumination is prohibited.
(14) Construction standards.
(a) The construction, erection, safety and maintenance of signs shall comply with the Ohio Basic Building Code and the Ohio Revised Code.
(b) Signs shall be located so as to pose no threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(c) All signs shall be rigidly secured and no part of any sign shall be revolving or oscillating to attract attention.
(d) All ground mounted signs shall have self-supporting structures erected on or permanently attached to concrete foundations.
(e) All under-canopy, projecting or awning signs shall have a minimum clearance of 15 feet over any vehicular use area. For pedestrian use areas, the minimum clearance shall be seven feet, six inches above grade. No under-canopy, projecting or awning signs shall project closer to a curb line that two feet.
(f) All projecting signs shall be attached to a building wall at an angle of 90 degrees and project not more than four feet. All wall signs shall not project more than six inches from the building wall to which it is attached in the Old Montgomery District and eight inches from the building wall to which it is attached in the Office and Commercial Districts.
(g) No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any window, door, fire escape, balcony, platform, stairway, ladder, vent or other means of ingress of any building.
(h) Signs shall be fabricated on and of material that are of good quality, good durability and are complimentary to the building of which they become a part.
(i) Signs shall be located in such a way as to maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with National Electrical Code specifications, depending on voltages concerned. However, in no case shall a sign be installed closer than 12 inches horizontally or vertically from any conductor or public utility guy wire.
(j) Signs shall be structurally designed to withstand wind pressure of 30 pounds per square foot in any direction.
(Ord. 10, 2018, passed 7-11-18)