1179.10 DESIGN STANDARDS.

   All permanent signs reviewed by the Architectural Board of Review shall comply with the following Standards.

   (a)   Diversity/Cohesiveness of Signs Seen in a Series. Within a commercial area or development where multiple storefronts are situated side by side, the level of variety or cohesiveness in the design of signs that are seen in a series or sequence should be commensurate with the level of variety or cohesiveness presented by the architecture of the building(s):

      (1)   Variety in the design of signs among different storefronts should be encouraged when the architecture of the building(s) suggests variety. (See Figure 3.)

 

   Figure 3 Environment where individual stores are articulated through varied architectural design.

      (2)   Storefronts with common architectural elements should have signs that share continuity of design so that the placement and design of individual signs contribute to the cohesive appearance created by the common architectural elements. For example, a series of storefronts that, because of their architecture and design, have the appearance of a single building should have occupant signs that share common elements. (See Figure 4.)

 

Figure 4 Building where all storefronts share common architectural features.

      (3)   Sign Plans. Owners of multi-occupant buildings shall develop Sign Plans in conformance with Section 1179.11 (c)(4) for the building and site to aid in determining the level of variety/cohesiveness required for signs.

   (b)   Placement of Signs on Buildings. Signs should be designed and placed on buildings to be compatible with and complement the appearance of the building.

      (1)   All signs should be reviewed for their impact on the overall building facade.

      (2)   The sign and associated lighting fixtures should complement the architecture of the building on which it is placed and should be placed in an appropriate location on the building facade.

      (3)   If the building design does not clearly identify the appropriate placement for a sign panel (see Figure 5), then individual letters are encouraged unless there is a clear location for adding panels, such as establishing one or more repetitive, common architectural features in order to create a repetitive sequence. (See Figure 6.)

                 Figure 5            Figure 6

 

   Figure 5 Building with no specific sign placement location using sign affixed
to a panel verses individual letters. Awkward placement of sign panels.

   Figure 6 Building is better suited to sign comprised of individual letters.

      (4)   Whenever a new or renovated sign is proposed for an existing building:

         A.   It may be determined that building alterations are needed in order for the proposed sign to be properly placed on the building facade.

         B.   Any inappropriate and extraneous elements from past remodeling project(s) should be removed prior to the installation of the proposed sign to improve the clarity and design of the proposed sign and restore the intended character of the building.

      (5)   A sign should be confined within the fascia consistent with signs on adjacent buildings and shall not extend beyond the identified signable area on the building or over the edges of the sign panel.

      (6)   In multi-occupant buildings, signs for first floor occupants should not extend above the windowsill of the second story unless the establishment is also located on the second floor.

      (7)   Colors of the sign and the sign background should be compatible with the building’s colors.

   (c)   Specific Standards for Window Signs, Projecting Signs, and Ground Signs.

      (1)   Window Signs. Permanent window signs should be comprised of individual letters, logos, or design elements that are not encompassed by a solid opaque background so as not to obscure the view through the window. (See Figure 7.)

 

 

Figure 7 Transparent window sign.

      (2)   Projecting Signs. The size of the lettering and graphics on a projecting sign should be appropriate for viewing by pedestrians.

      (3)   Ground Signs. The design and placement of ground signs and associated lighting fixtures should complement the overall visual appearance of the site:

         A.   Ground signs should be designed to relate to and share common design elements with the building and the sign(s) attached to the building.

         B.   Whenever a building is located thirty (30) feet or more from the street, its ground sign should be placed on a solid base.

         C.   Approved year-round landscaping shall be used around the base of the sign to screen lighting fixtures and sources in compliance with Section 1179.08(a)(l)(B). (See Figure 8.)

 

Figure 8 Signs shall be appropriately landscaped.

         D.   When properly screened, the lower two (2) feet of the solid base of a ground sign may be exempt from the sign area calculation. (See Figure 8.)

         E.   Ground signs should be spaced or combined along the street frontage in a manner that ensures that one ground sign does not obscure the view of another ground sign.

         F.   A ground sign that provides a directory of occupants for a multi- occupant building should have simplicity of design to compensate for the additional amount of information provided (i.e. utilize common elements such as the same background color, or other common elements, etc.)

   (d)   Overall Design of Signs (Wall, Awning, Window, Projecting and Ground Signs).

      (1)   The size and shape of the sign shall be in proportion to the space the sign is to occupy:

         A.   A sign (whether comprised of a panel or individual letters) should not exceed approximately 70% of the height and length of the signable area of the building. (See Figures 9, 10 and 11.)

 

 

Figure 9 Signable area of building is that portion of a building façade
that can accommodate a sign with an open area framed by the
architectural elements of the building.

Figure 10

 

 

Figure 11

Figure 10 Height and width of sign panel should not exceed 70%
of the height and width of signable area. Height and width
of lettering should not exceed 70% of the height and width of sign panel.

Figure 11 Height and width of sign comprised of individual letters
should not exceed 70% of the height and width of signable area.

         B.   The lettering within a sign panel should not exceed approximately 70% of the height and length of the sign panel. (See Figure 10.)

      (2)   Elements of the sign should create an overall cohesive design, reflect simplicity, avoid visual clutter and ensure legibility. Each sign should:

         A.   Be consolidated into a minimum number of elements, whether words, symbols, or graphics.

         B.   Have a simple shape,

         C.   Have appropriate contrast,

         D.   Be designed with a limited number of, and harmonious use of, colors,

         E.   Be constructed with a minimum number of materials.

      (3)   The message should be easy to read from the intended vantage point public street, public sidewalk, or public parking lot - but not be out of scale with the building, site or streetscape.

         A.   The ratio of the message to the background should permit easy recognition of the message.

         B.   Lettering size should be the size needed to ensure the sign can be seen from the intended distance.

         C.   The number of items of information displayed should be consistent with the amount of information that can be comprehended by the intended viewer.

            1.   Generally ten (10) items or less of information per sign are a typical amount of information the average person can comprehend while driving. This is based upon the principle that the more readable the type face and the better the contrast between the letter and the background, the more readable and comprehendible the sign.

            2.   An item of information includes a symbol, geometric shape, logo, word, abbreviation or number, or a grouping of letters and numbers which together convey meaning. For signs combining different shapes, each shape may be considered an item of information. (See Figure 12.)

 

 

Figure 12 Calculation Number of Items Logo = 1 item Sign Text = 2 items Supplemental Information = 3 items Total = 6

         D.   Lettering and numbers less than three (3) inches in height should only be used when intended to be viewed from a vantage point on the interior of the site, such as after the vehicle has entered the site or by pedestrians.

         E.   For awning signs, the sign graphics should be located on the portion of the awning fabric that hangs perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the ground, below the awning’s support structures.

      (4)   All plaques hanging from the same projecting sign supports should have a compatible size, shape and color so that the entire projecting sign has an overall cohesive design.

      (5)   All wall signs, projecting signs, ground signs and wall signs mounted on a panel should have a compatible frame or border.

      (6)   The aggregate exterior lighting used to illuminate any one sign face in a residential district should not exceed an initial lumen output of 2850 lumens (equivalent to a 150 watt incandescent A lamp).

   (e)   Sign Construction. All signs shall be framed, constructed, and erected so as to complement the overall appearance of the building and site as well as the overall appearance of the sign.

      (1)   Sign Graphics. A sign’s graphic elements shall be executed in a professional manner.

      (2)   General Sign Construction.

         A.   All signs shall be constructed, and erected in a professional and workmanlike manner.

         B.   Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as to pose no threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

      (3)   Materials.

         A.   Signs should be fabricated on and of materials that are of permanent quality, good durability and are complimentary to the building of which they become a part.

         B.   Materials used should be those materials that weather well and reduce maintenance.

         C.   Signs should have a matte finish, not have a glossy or reflective finish.

      (4)   Framing And Supports.

         A.   Visible frames or supports for freestanding or projecting signs should be:

            1.   In scale with the size and character of the building;

            2.   Designed either as a key element of the sign or minimized so as not to detract from the sign.

         B.   All signs attached to buildings shall be attached in a manner that preserves the historic integrity of the building.

         C.   No part of any sign shall be revolving, oscillating or otherwise designed to move to attract attention.

            (Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)