(A) General.
(1) The regulations of this section apply to the city’s Historic District as described and adopted in Ch. 159 of this code of ordinances (or as amended). The Historic District was established to recognize and preserve unique architectural character and historic value within designated districts in the city. This section, therefore, places limitations on the type, design, number and placement of signs in a manner which does not conflict with the historic value and appearances of designated Historic District(s) and the structures within those districts.
(2) Under Ch. 159 of this code of ordinances, the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is given authority to review proposed activity within the Historic District and determine if the work to be performed will adversely affect the heritage preservation landmark or district. As with other modifications occurring in the Historic District, the HPC will review and make determination on proposed signage based on adopted city heritage preservation guidelines and the Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Preservation.
(B) Compliance. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit for a new sign or the replacement of an existing sign in the Historic District, the applicant shall complete a design review application. The HPC shall review the application and approve or deny the application. Fee for the sign permit is as established in § 32.49 of this code of ordinances. The regulations and limitations for signage of those properties defined within this section shall be in addition to the sign regulations of any underlying zoning district.
(C) Sign construction, design and materials.
(1) Materials.
(a) Signs shall be made of materials historically appropriate to the building, site or districts history. These include painted or enameled metal, wood or glass, leaded, stained or etched glass, painted wall signs and fabric awning or banner signs. The Heritage Preservation Commission may approve signs constructed of other materials when there is a finding by the Commission that the materials duplicate the appearance of materials historically used in sign manufacturing. Plastic (including extruded or vacuum formed) and unfinished wood are deemed not historically appropriate.
(b) Historically appropriate techniques for creating lettering and designs generally include paint or gilding on a flat surface, individual letters or logos cut-out and letters or designs mounted on a smooth surface backing or directly on a building wall and also metal castings or cutouts.
(2) Design. Additional information on sign design may be found in the adopted heritage preservation guidelines (“design guidelines) for the Downtown Heritage Preservation District. HPC approval of signage will be based the regulations contained in this chapter and in the design guidelines.
(a) Lettering. All letter styles shall relate to the character of the property’s architectural elements or use. A sign shall contain no more than two lettering styles. Lettering shall occupy no more than 60% of the sign’s total area and capital letters shall be no more than 75% of the height of the sign background.
(b) Clarity. The sign message must be legible which may be accomplished through the use of words, pictures, names, symbols and logos. Letters and images must be clearly defined with hard edge lines. Spraying or airbrushing of words or images is not historically appropriate
(c) Color. Sign colors shall coordinate with the building facade and be compatible with the property’s use. No more than two colors shall be used for lettering and a small amount of a third color for highlighting for lettering is acceptable.
(d) Edge frame. Wall signs require a visual boarder frame (three-dimensional or painted) around the edge of the sign.
(e) Plastic channels, sliding letters. Changeable copy signs and panels comprised of plastic channels and sliding letters are not allowed in the Historic District.
(f) Awning signs. Awning signs shall be placed on the awning valance only and shall not exceed 75% of the height of the valance.
(3) Construction and maintenance. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and in proper state of preservation and working order. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept painted or maintained at all times. Faded, chipped, frayed, torn, tattered or otherwise damaged signs shall be replaced.
(4) Illumination. In addition to the sign illumination standards detailed in § 153.25 of this chapter, the following shall apply in the Historic District.
(a) No sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing intermittent, rotating or moving lights or lights creating an illusion of movement.
(b) The use of internally back-lit plastic cabinet type and can letter signs are not permitted; however, internal lit 3-D signs, back lit/halo, edgelit and limited neon lit signs will be allowed when there is a finding by the HPC that the sign emulates the design of signs used historically.
(D) Signs types. Sign types and specific standards for each type are detailed in underlying zoning districts: TDC - Traditional Downtown Commercial and Residential Districts.
(E) Location. The HPC shall consider sign location in its design review and base its approval on location:
(1) Where signs were placed historically;
(2) Where there will be minimal damage to historic materials and features (avoiding windows, cornices or architectural trim and other features);
(3) Where the location helps to draw attention to, balances with or does not compete with the historic architectural characteristics of the building;
(4) On masonry buildings, installation anchors for signs shall be installed into the joint rather than the masonry unit (in the mortar rather than the brick or stone):
*2 State, county and city have differing regulations regarding signs in the public right-of-way. Verification should be made by private property owners as to the allowance of signs on their streets or other rights-of-way.
(5) Awning signs shall be placed on the awning valance only and shall not exceed 75% of the height of the valance.
(F) Signs of historic significance.
(1) Several signs within the Downtown Historic District are hereby deemed to be historically significant and contributing features to the district because of one or more of the following aspects:
(a) It has character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state or the United States (including early signage for businesses which were instrumental in the formation or continued growth and success of the city’s businesses district);
(b) It is directly linked to a significant historical event which occurred at its location;
(c) It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the city, state or the United States;
(d) It embodies a distinguishing characteristic of an architectural type or style or design of signage common to a historic period of Downtown Wabasha;
(e) It is identified as the work of an architect or builder or sign maker whose individual work has influenced the development of the city or state;
(f) It embodies elements of design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represents significant design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which are significant to signage innovation; and
(g) Its unique location or singular physical characteristics represents an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the city as a whole (50 years or more at the same location, unless HPC finds unique and exceptional circumstances).
Address |
Address | |
Architecturally incorporated signage including, but not limited to: | |
(Old) City Hall | 257 Main Street |
IOOF | 128 Main Street |
Masonic building | 200 Main Street |
Barber pole | 125 Pembroke Avenue (Rogers Barber Shop) |
Building/builder names including, but not limited to: | |
“Smith Block” | 212 Main Street |
“Jewel” | 207 Main Street |
“Kuhen Block” | 180 Main Street |
“Café” painted metal with neon sign | 119 Pembroke Avenue (River Town Café) |
Gambles (both front and back signs) | 149 Main Street |
“Hotel Anderson” painted metal with neon sign | 333 Main Street |
“Squirt” painted wall sign | 207 Main Street (Wabasha Pharmacy) |
(2) Because of their individual historic significance and/or contribution to the character of the Historic District, these signs (and additional signs determined by the HPC) are exempt from the requirements of this chapter. These signs shall not be counted in the number or amount of signage allowed for current or future property owners or businesses at these locations.
(Prior Code, § 310.15)