The following design standards shall be used in reviewing signs and sign plans for consistency with the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(A) Items of information.
(1) Items of information should be limited to reduce sign clutter and ensure sign legibility.
(2) Items of information shall include: words, initials, logos, abbreviations, groups of numbers, symbols, pictures, photographs, emblems or geometric shapes.
(B) Relationship to buildings.
(1) Signs located upon a lot with only one main building shall be designed to be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the building. Such visual elements include architectural style, construction materials, color and other design details.
(2) Signs located upon a lot with more than one main building or tenant, such as a shopping center or other commercial or industrial area developed in accordance with a common development plan, shall be designed to be compatible with the predominant visual design elements common to all such buildings.
(C) Relationship to other signs. Where more than one freestanding monument sign is to be located on a lot, all such signs shall have designs which are complementary to each other by either identical or similar treatment of two or more of the following design elements:
(1) Type of construction materials for sign and support structures;
(2) Style of letters;
(3) Background color of sign;
(4) Shape of entire sign and its several components.
(D) Landscaping. Freestanding monument signs shall be located in a planted landscaped area which is of a shape, design and size that will provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign. The planted landscaped area shall be maintained in a neat and healthy condition.
(E) Illumination. Illumination, if any, shall be provided by artificial light which is constant in intensity and color. External illumination of freestanding monument signs is encouraged. Internally illuminated signs are acceptable; provided background and copy are coordinated to avoid excessive light output.
(F) Compatibility with residential areas. Signs located on commercial, office and industrial use properties adjacent to residential areas or civic use properties within residential areas shall be designed to minimize visual impacts upon adjacent residential neighborhoods.
(G) Relationship to street. Signs shall be designed or placed so as not to obstruct right-of-way views for pedestrians, bicyclists or automobile drivers.
(Ord. 210-A, passed 12-10-2015)