The following additional standards apply to signs on lots in the RA Overlay District. Any signs erected, modified, or otherwise subject to the provisions of this section shall not be subject to the Certificate of Appropriateness requirements for the RA District.
(1) Sign Standards
(a) Electronic message centers shall be prohibited.
(b) Signs shall be limited to the lintels, windows and awnings. Projecting signs should be limited to the main entrance. Wood signs, wall signs, and free-swinging projecting signs are encouraged.
(c) Individual plastic or metal letters, neon signs, and interior illumination are prohibited.
(d) The signage for a particular building or shop shall involve the fewest separate panels or structural components as possible.
(e) Most buildings have a definite panel or framed zone for sign mounting. This shall be used with the sign taking a complementary shape.
(f) The sign's location shall not obscure any significant architectural features of the building or site.
(g) The sign's materials shall be compatible with the period and style of the property, building or site.
(h) The sign's installation shall not irreparably damage any cornice, ornament or similar architectural detail and shall be the least damaging method feasible for the property, building or site.
(i) Signs shall be illuminated from an exterior light source (e.g., gooseneck lighting or up- lighting).
(2) Review of Signs in the RA Overlay District
(a) Signs in the RA District shall require a zoning compliance permit. A separate Certificate of Appropriateness review shall not be required.
(b) The zoning compliance permit shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator.
(3) Special Signs in the RA Overlay District
Several existing signs within the RA Overlay District are considered special signs related to the history of Tipp City and are protected as part of the district. The signs established in this subsection shall not be counted as part of the signage allocated to a business in the RA Overlay District. These signs include:
(a) The large "Battle Ax" wall mural at the southeast corner of Second and Main;
(b) The "Gem City Ice Cream" mural at the northwest corner of Second and Main;
(c) The "Sam & Ethel's" neon sign on Main;
(d) The "Rexall Drug" sign framework facing East Main; and
(e) The "Tipp Roller Mills" wall letters on the mill near the canal lock.
(Ord. 5-14, passed 3-17-2014)