In addition to ensuring compliance with the numerical standards of these regulations, the Zoning Inspector and the Planning commission shall consider the proposed general design, arrangement, material, colors, lighting, and placement of the sign, as well as 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 but not out of scale with the building, site or streetscape.
(b) 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.
(c) Signs, 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.
(d) The size, style and location of the sign shall be appropriate to the activity of the site as prescribed elsewhere in these regulations.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) A sign should be constructed with a minimum of different types of elements and materials so as to provide a consistent overall appearance.
(h) No part of a sign shall project above the parapet line.
(i) Signs in commercial and industrial districts may be internally or externally illuminated except as otherwise set forth in Section 1145.06 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.
(j) Identification signs in residential districts shall be illuminated by external means only except as otherwise set forth in Section 1145.06. Illumination shall occur only during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
(k) The source of light shall not be visible from the street and external light sources shall not shine on adjoining properties. No flashing, revolving or intermittent illumination shall be employed.
(l) No flashing or moving parts shall be permitted for any sign or advertising display within the Municipality.
(m) 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.
(n) Signs shall have no secondary or other signage added to the sign face or sign structure, except as recommended by Planning Commission and authorized by Council.
(o) 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 zoning certificate.
(p) Free-standing signs shall be designed and located so as not to obstruct a driver's visibility entering or exiting a lot or to be a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
(q) A free-standing permanent business identification signs must include the street address number at the sign location as part of the business identification.
The Planning Commission and Zoning Inspector may prepare from time to time or authorize the preparation of illustrations which interpret these design and construction standards. Such illustrations may include drawings, photographs of signs in Munroe Falls and elsewhere, and drawings or photographs of signs which have been approved pursuant to these regulations. Any such interpretive illustrations may be approved by a majority vote of the Planning Commission and, when approved, shall be considered administrative guidelines which assist in the interpretation of these design and construction standards. Any sign proposed which is consistent with these illustrations shall be in prima facie compliance and not be subject to further review by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 3-95. Passed 1-17-95; Ord. 25-2012. Passed 9-18-12.)