In order to facilitate information legibility, traffic safety and general economic vitality, signs should be designed in a manner compatible with the character and style of the buildings on which they are located, and with adjoining buildings and neighboring signs, in terms of color, materials and size. Furthermore, signs shall be designed to be structurally sound and located so as to pose no hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic. More specifically, signs shall be designed in accordance with the standards in this section. In addition to ensuring compliance with the numerical standards of these regulations, the Zoning Administrator shall consider the proposed general design arrangement and placement of the sign according to the following criteria:
(a) The lettering on a sign shall be large enough to be easily read but not overly large or out of scale with the building upon which it is placed or the site. An excessive amount of information on signs, where visual clutter could create a potential safety hazard to motorists or pedestrians, should be avoided.
(b) The sign should be consolidated into a minimum number of elements.
(c) The ratio between the message and the background shall permit easy recognition of the message.
(d) The size, style, and location of the sign shall be appropriate to the activity of the site.
(e) The sign shall complement the building and adjacent buildings by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture of the building.
(f) Signs shall be designed with a limited number of, and harmonious use of, colors.
(g) Continuity. Signs and their location should be considered in relationship to their surrounding environment. Signs, if seen in series, shall have a continuity of design with the style of sign generally consistent throughout the building or block face.
(h) Placement. Wall signs shall fit within any given frame of the architectural design intended for signage. Such signs shall not extend over the edge of the original sign panel space.
(i) Materials. Signs shall be fabricated on and of materials which are of good quality, good durability and complementary to the building of which they become part. Outdoor signs and display structures, including the supporting structure and all parts, shall be of noncombustible material when required by the Building and Housing Code. However, wood, approved plastic, or other material not more combustible than wood or approved plastic, may be permitted by the Zoning Administrator, for small ornamental moldings, cappings, nailing strips, individual letters, symbols, figures and insignia.
(j) Instructional signs shall contain the minimum information and the minimum area necessary to convey the message and instruct the viewer in the safe and efficient use of the facility.
(k) Sign Concept Plan. For multi-tenant buildings and development projects with multiple buildings, the Planning Commission may approve basic sign parameters that set forth the location, size, color, and style of each tenant sign. Such sign parameters will be established when the Planning Commission reviews development plans for new buildings. Whenever the Planning Commission has approved such sign parameters, the Zoning Administrator will ensure any subsequent sign application submitted for a tenant of the development or building complies with such sign parameters.
(Ord. 2009-17. Passed 9-15-2009.)