(A) A pleasing physical appearance and image is beneficial when attracting potential customers and business. In historic areas, people are attracted to the variety of architectural styles, materials and well-crafted details. For this reason, there is no need to have large, unsightly signs to lure customers; instead use well-placed and well-designed signs.
(B) Historically, buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s featured signs that were located on flat, continuous surfaces of a building. Spaces for signs typically included glass windows and doors, between the ground and second floors of a building, portions of the cornice and side walls. After the 1920s, signage often projected perpendicularly from the wall to attract passing automobiles.
(C) The following are some typical design types:
(1) Projecting-leading edge extends perpendicularly from a building wall.
(2) Suspended-hung from underneath an awning or canopy
(3) Flush-mounted wall - attached directly to the face of an exterior wall, parallel to the building.
(4) Wall painted - usually painted directly on a side wall, often faded with age.
(5) Masonry relief - carved into stone or cast into molded brick or terra cotta.
(6) Painted glass - painted directly onto storefront display windows or glass doors.
(7) Transom - painted on, colored or stained glass, spelling out a store’s name above the display windows.
(8) Freestanding ground - not attached to a building, and sits low to the ground.
(D) Design guidelines.
(1) Historically significant signs shall be retained and repaired.
(2) Acceptable signs include projecting, flush-mounted wall, painted glass, transom or masonry relief signs.
(3) Projecting signs shall not exceed 18 inches in height.
(4) The length of flush-mounted wall signs shall be no more than two-thirds of the width of the building, and the height shall not exceed 20% of the sign’s length.
(5) Signs shall complement and fit in with existing facade in color, composition and materials. Plywood, barn wood or other homemade signs are prohibited.
(6) Signs shall not cover architectural elements or obscure the display area.
(7) A letter style shall be chosen that is easy to read. Because the contrast between lettering and background greatly influences legibility, light-colored letters on a dark background are preferred. Letter sizes shall be between eight and 18 inches.
(8) Illuminated signs shall use an indirect lighting method, such as overhead or gooseneck lights. Internally lit signs, fluorescent lighting or spotlights are prohibited in the historic district. Neon lighting is discouraged.
(E) Tips for filling out a COA application for signage:
(1) Include exact location, dimensions and area of the sign.
(2) Include exact message of the sign (lettering and graphics).
(3) Include sign colors and materials, and method of illumination (if applicable).
(4) Include the method that will be used to fasten or support the sign.
(Ord. 14, 2011, passed 10-3-11)