All signs must comply with the Appearance Review Code appropriateness criteria as outlined and defined in chapter 6, "Appearance Review Code", of this title and as follows:
A. The design, color and placement of signs shall be appropriate to the structure, site and adjoining property in terms of materials, height, and setback from the street and the sign's scale in proportion to the structure.
B. Where appropriate signs should complement the architectural style of the building and should be designed as an architectural element of the building or district.
C. Colors and materials should be restrained and in harmony with building and site; excessive brightness and bizarre colors shall be avoided.
D. Graphic elements, colors and type and size of fonts on the sign should be legible and held to a minimum to convey sign's major message. The major message should be identification of the business or general profession not advertising product or service specifically, therefore the emphasis should be on the business name. Display of phone number, address and web address are discouraged.
E. Signs should be compatible with signs on adjacent premises, not designed to compete for attention.
F. Landscaping around freestanding signs is required to create visual interest at grade level for both the pedestrian and the motorist.
G. In addition, the following shall apply within the historic area:
1. Awning signs and monument signs are encouraged; neon signs discouraged unless appropriate to the architectural style.
2. Direct illumination signs shall be prohibited. (Ord. 2017-23, 10-23-2017)