A. Purpose. The purpose of a comprehensive sign program is to integrate a project's signs with the design of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement. A comprehensive sign program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations for multi-tenant projects and projects with more than five (5) permanent signs in order to encourage creativity and provide incentive and latitude in the provision of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this chapter.
B. Development Plan Permit Required. The director shall approve a development plan permit for a comprehensive sign program for a multi-tenant nonresidential project and individual tenant projects with five (5) or more signs. Standards and guidelines provided in this chapter shall serve as a reference for evaluating comprehensive sign programs.
C. Application Requirements. An application for a development plan permit shall be accompanied by plans and information as provided in department handouts for comprehensive sign programs and the following:
1. A statement explaining how revisions/modifications/replacement of tenant signs will be carried out to limit the possibility of holes being left in the structure's exterior by mounting brackets, electrical connections, or similar items; and
2. A statement of how the use of temporary signs, Including banners, flags and pennants and similar advertising devices will be monitored by the applicant to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Failure of the applicant to adequately monitor and control the use of temporary signs shall be grounds for revocation of the development plan permit in compliance with Chapter 16.82 (Revocations and Modifications).
D. Design Standards. The following design standards are applicable to all signs being proposed under a comprehensive sign program:
1. Signs, colors, and materials shall be compatible with the building's colors and materials. Limit the number of primary colors on signs to no more than three (3) with a secondary color used for accent or shadow detail;
2. Use the same type of cabinet, cabinet supports, or method of mounting for signs of the same type;
3. Use the same form of illumination for signs of similar types:
4. If exposed raceways are proposed they shall be an integral part of the design.
E. Lessees to be Informed of Comprehensive Sign Program. Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of an approved comprehensive sign program shall be made aware of the Program in their lease and their responsibility to follow the approved comprehensive sign program.
F. Findings. In approving an application for a development plan permit authorizing a comprehensive sign program, the Director shall make the following findings in addition to those required for a development plan permit in compliance with Chapter 16.56:
1. The comprehensive sign program satisfies the purpose and the intent of this chapter;
2. The signs enhance the overall development, are in harmony with, and are visually related to other signs included in the comprehensive sign program and to the structure and/or uses they identify and to surrounding development;
3. The comprehensive sign program accommodates future revisions which may be required due to changes in uses or tenants; and
4. The comprehensive sign program complies with the standards of this chapter 16.38, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, number of signs, location, and/or height to the extent that the comprehensive sign program will enhance the overall development and will more fully accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
G. Revisions to Comprehensive Sign Programs. Revisions to a comprehensive sign program may be approved by the director if it is determined that the revision is minor and that the intent of the original approval, and any conditions attached thereto, are not affected. For revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval, the director may require that a modification to the development plan permit application be filed.
(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)