In addition to ensuring compliance with the numerical standards of these regulations, the Planning Director and the Planning Commission shall consider the proposed general design, arrangement, and placement of the sign, as well as the appropriateness of the proposed sign in relationship to other signs and other structures both on the premises and in the surrounding areas, and shall only approve signs which are consistent with the intent, purposes, standards and criteria of these sign regulations. Specific standards for determining the appropriateness of the sign shall include, but not be limited, to the following conditions.
(a) The lettering should be large enough to be easily read but not out of scale with the building, site or streetscape, permitted letter sizes range from four inches to forty- eight inches where appropriate.
(b) The number of items (letters, symbols, shapes) should be consistent with the amount of information which can be comprehended by the viewer, avoid visual clutter and improve legibility.
(c) All wall or fascia signs of buildings on the same lot shall have consistency in size, design, and color, with the style of sign generally consistent throughout the building or group of buildings. Consistency of design includes uniformity of colors or harmonious use of a limited range of compatible colors.
(d) The sign should complement the building and adjacent buildings by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture. The sign shall reflect the primary purpose of identifying the name and type of establishment.
(e) A sign should be constructed with a minimum of different types of elements and materials so as to provide a consistent overall appearance.
(f) 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.
(g) No part of a sign shall project above the parapet line.
(h) Signs in commercial and industrial districts may be internally or externally illuminated except as otherwise set forth in Section 1223.07
provided that light sources to illuminate such signs shall be shielded from all adjacent residential buildings and streets, and shall not be of such brightness so as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists, or as to cause reasonable objection from adjacent residential districts.
(i) Identification signs in residential districts shall be illuminated by external means only. Internally illuminated signs shall not be permitted in residential districts.
(j) The source of light shall not be visible from the street and external light sources shall not shine on adjoining properties. No flashing, revolving or intermittent illumination shall be employed.
(k) No flashing or moving parts shall be permitted for any sign or advertising display within the City.
(l) All signs shall be designed, constructed, and erected in a professional and workmanlike manner, in conformance with all applicable building codes, and with materials which are durable for the intended life of the sign.
(m) Signs shall have no secondary or other signage added to the sign face or sign structure, except as recommended by Planning Commission.
(Ord. 2002-47. Passed 5-2-02.)
(n) For any sign which projects over a public right-of-way, the sign and property owner shall obtain and maintain in force liability insurance for such sign in such form and in such amount as the Law Director may reasonably determine. Proof of such insurance shall be required prior to obtaining a permit.
(Ord. 2019-127. Passed 5-21-20.)
(o) Freestanding signs shall be designed and located so as not to obstruct a driver's visibility entering or exiting a lot or to be a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, and shall comply with the requirements set forth in subsection 1223.06(c) for maintaining clear sight at an intersection.
(Ord. 2002-47. Passed 5-2-02.)
(p) All sign structures larger than twenty-four square feet or any electrified sign must carry the name and address of the sign owner and property owner. All freestanding permanent business and industrial signs must include the street address number at the sign location as part of the business identification.
(Ord. 2019-127. Passed 5-21-20.)
The Planning Commission and Planning Director may prepare from time to time or authorize the preparation of illustrations which interpret these design and construction standards. Such illustrations may include drawings, photographs of signs in Westlake and elsewhere, and drawings or photographs of signs which have been approved pursuant to these regulations. Any such interpretive illustrations may be approved by a majority vote of the Planning Commission and, when approved, shall be considered administrative guidelines which assist in the interpretation of these design and construction standards. Any sign proposed which is consistent with these illustrations shall be in prima facie compliance and be subject to further review by the Planning Director or the Planning Commission to ensure full compliance with these regulations.
(Ord. 2002-47. Passed 5-2-02.)