(a) Design Standards.
(1) General guidelines. In addition to assuring compliance with the numerical standards pursuant to Sections 1161.04, 1161.05 and 1161.06, the Building Commissioner shall also, in reviewing all signs, consider the proposed general design, arrangement, texture, material, colors, lighting, placement and the appropriateness of the proposed sign in relationship to the other signs and the other structures both on the premises and in the surrounding areas, and only approve signs which are consistent with the intent, purposes, standards and criteria of the sign regulations.
(2) Specific standards for determining the appropriateness of the sign:
A. The lettering shall be large enough to be easily read but not overly large or out of scale with the building or site.
B. The number of items (letters, symbols, shapes) shall be consistent with the amount of information which can be comprehended by the viewer; reflect simplicity; avoid visual clutter; and improve legibility.
C. The shape of the sign shall be simple and not create visual clutter.
D. A ratio between the message and the background shall permit easy recognition of the message.
E. The size, style and location of the sign shall be appropriate to the activity of the site.
F. The sign shall complement the building and adjacent buildings by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture. The sign shall also have a minimum of advertising and reflect the primary purpose of identifying the name and type of establishment.
G. The sign should be consolidated into a minimum number of elements.
H. The sign should have an appropriate contrast and be designed with a limited number of, and with the harmonious use of, colors.
I. Extraneous elements, by virtue of inappropriate remodeling, and which exist at the time a new sign is proposed shall be removed to improve the clarity and design of the proposed sign and restore the intended character of the building.
J. Signs, if seen in series, shall have a continuity of design with the style of sign generally consistent throughout the building or block.
K. 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.
L. Visible frames or supports for projecting signs shall be artistic in nature.
M. A sign should be constructed with a minimum of different types of material so as to provide a consistent overall appearance.
(b) Illumination.
(1) All signs, except as herein modified, may be illuminated by internal or by reflected light provided that such illumination shall:
A. Not to be excessive in brightness;
B. Be so located, arranged or shielded as to be directed and reflected away from adjacent property or streets.
(2) Signs shall not be lighted to obstruct traffic control or other public information signs. Signs visible from sight lines along streets shall not contain symbols or words such as "stop", "slow", etc., or red and green lights that resemble highway traffic signs or devices. These regulations shall not apply to Christmas display lighting.
(3) Except for permitted time, temperature and message signs, flashing, moving or intermittent illumination and "outline lighting" shall not be permitted by right. The Planning Commission may, however, make a finding and permit such lighting as a conditional use. If such permit is granted, the maximum area of signs shall be reduced by one-half.
(c) Construction Standards.
(1) Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as to pose no threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
A. Signs shall be fabricated on and of materials which are of good quality, good durability and are complimentary to the building of which they become a part.
B. The construction, erection, safety and maintenance of signs shall comply with the Ohio Basic Building Code and the Ohio Revised Code.
C. Signs shall be structurally designed to withstand wind pressure of thirty pounds per square foot in any direction.
(d) Required Maintenance.
(1) The property owner is required to maintain the sign in a condition fit for the intended use and has a continuing obligation to comply with Section 1156.07(j) and all Building Code requirements.
(2) Each sign shall contain the name, address and telephone number of a firm or person responsible for erecting the sign, to be placed on the frame or other supports and large enough to be read by a person standing on the ground, sidewalk or parking lot nearest the sign.
(3) If the sign is deemed by the Building Commissioner to be in an unsafe condition, the owner of the business shall be immediately notified, in writing, and shall, within forty-eight hours of such notification, correct such unsafe condition or remove the sign. If the correction has not been made within forty-eight hours, the Building Commissioner may remove or cause such unsafe sign to be removed, repaired or maintained at the expense of the property owner or lessee, sign owner or sign lessee.
(4) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, re-lettering or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or any payment of fees provided that all of the following conditions are met:
A. There is no alteration or remodeling to the structure or the mounting of the sign itself;
B. There is no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure; and
C. There is no change or alteration of the original lettering and/or logo or any other contents displayed on the sign; and
D. The sign is accessory to a legally permitted or legally nonconforming use.
(Ord. 2019-03. Passed 1-14-19.)