All proposed exterior signage requires the review and approval of a sign permit by the city of West Des Moines. All signage shall follow the architectural theme of the Grand Avenue redevelopment district plan and shall comply with title 9, chapter 18 of the city code except as modified herein or within the Grand Avenue redevelopment plan. Sign design and construction not typically allowed by code may be permitted by the sign administrator if it is deemed to carry and reinforce the design intent of the Val- Gate district. Allowance of alternate design and construction measures shall only be allowed if there is no other code compliant manner in which to create the sign. The use of LED illumination for signage emulating "neon style" lighting and relevant to the architectural theme of the district may be allowed with the approval of the development, planning and inspection manager. The following additional modifications to title 9, chapter 18 of the city code are hereby made:
A. Val-Gate District Identification Signs:
1. District identification signs shall be accommodated at the northeast corner of the intersection of 1st Street and Grand Avenue.
B. Business Identification Signs:
1. Business identification signs, including wall, ground monument, pole (pylon), roof, and projecting signs shall be consistent with and reinforce the design intent of the redevelopment plan.
2. A pole sign shall be permitted in lieu of traditional ground monument sign or building projecting sign for the West Bank building only (parcel A). This "West Bank" sign is being allowed as it has been determined that it is iconic in nature exhibiting characteristics that meet and promote the intended design intent of the Val-Gate redevelopment district.
a. Said sign shall be limited in height to that which the sign is today (approximately 30 feet).
b. The size (copy area) and design of the sign is intended to match that which exists today; however, the construction and illumination of the sign may be updated to today's technology for increased safety, energy conservation, and minimizing of light pollution.
c. The copy of the sign may not be changed. In the event that a new tenant occupies the building, the pole sign shall be forfeited and removed from the site. A traditional ground monument sign in accordance with city code may be erected in place of the pole sign.
d. Said sign should be located from the ultimate public street right of way line or back of curb of a private street a distance equal to the height of the sign (30 feet).
e. The base of the pole sign may be enhanced with materials utilized on the primary building in order to provide a visual connection and consistency between the two (2) elements.
3. Roof signs shall be permitted in lieu of or as part of the allowable wall or canopy signage for the Casey's site (parcel B). For the primary building, said sign must be comprised of individual letters with the letters extending above the primary building roof no higher than one-half (1/2) of the height of the letter. A roof sign associated with the canopy may be placed entirely above the canopy as long as it is deemed to be part of an architectural element which carries and reinforces the design intent of the Val-Gate district. Painted roof signs shall not be allowed.
4. A projecting sign shall be permitted as wall signage up to a maximum of thirty five (35) square feet of the allowed wall signage for a building. Said sign shall be allowed to extend above the building roof no more than one-half (1/2) the height of the sign.
5. Ground monument signs shall be allowed in accordance with city code for the CMC district with the following exceptions:
a. The main sign structure shall not exceed thirty five (35) square feet and five feet (5') in height. Up to an additional one foot (1') of height shall be allowed for columns or other architectural elements.
b. Along Grand Avenue, the sign shall be set back from the ultimate property line a minimum of five feet (5'). Along 1st Street, the sign shall provide a minimum two foot (2') setback from the edge of the public sidewalk. Signs shall be set back from the north and west PUD boundaries so as to not block pedestrian and vehicular visibility at intersections.
6. A portion of the allowable wall signage may be located on the fuel canopy.
7. Illuminated banding (led) may be allowed on the primary structure, canopy and/or monument signs if it is approved as part of the architectural design.
8. Unless for a twenty four (24) hour establishment, illuminated business identification signs shall be turned off no later than one hour after the last retail or restaurant establishment in the Grand Avenue redevelopment plan area closes. (Ord. 1945, 3-5-2012)