A. The planning commission may grant waivers from the following types of regulations provided in this title for development located in "the junction" which is defined by the west side of Washington Boulevard to the east side of Grant Avenue and the north side of 22nd Street to the south side of 24th Street:
1. Maximum sign area square footage;
2. Maximum height of sign attached to a building; and
3. Sign materials for projecting signs.
B. In order to consider waivers for subsection A1 or A2 of this section it must be determined that such an exception is based on:
1. The sign being architecturally compatible to the design of the building in terms of materials, scale and location on the building;
2. The sign elements which create the need for the exception are design features incorporated into the building theme; and
3. The signs help the individual building meet the block 32 and 39 design guidelines in terms of creating street activity and character and are also consistent with the context of the buildings adjacent to the building seeking the exception.
C. In order to approve a waiver that would allow vinyl or other sign materials besides wood or metal for a projecting sign it must be shown that:
1. The sign material is of durable strength to the elements;
2. The method of attachment will not damage the building and is designed as an original feature of the building; and
3. The sign will be maintained and not allowed to be retained in a torn or faded condition;
4. The sign is an accessory sign to other wall mounted signs on the building or is a decorative feature and in either purpose adds variety and color to the streetscape.
D. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this title, the following sign materials and lighting methods of signage will not be allowed in "the junction" as defined in subsection A of this section:
1. Plastic awnings with or without backlighting;
2. Solid plastic sign faces which are backlighted, provided this does not preclude the use of individual letters mounted on a building for signage; or
3. Handwritten signs done by individuals who are not sign contractors and do not display professionalism of clean line edges, letter proportions, recognized lettering fonts, and industry standard sign materials.
(Ord. 2006-54, 8-22-2006)