A. Application for Preliminary Consideration. If requested in writing by a prospective applicant for a sign permit, the Board shall give preliminary consideration to a specific project before a formal application is filed, and shall provide recommendations on matters pertaining to the purpose, intent, standards and criteria of this chapter it may deem appropriate to guide the prospective applicant in developing a plan for signage that will comply with this chapter. The preliminary consideration is advisory only and no approval or denial shall be given during such preliminary consideration.
B. Final Approval. Upon receipt of a complete application, the Board shall, as soon as practicable, consider whether a certificate of appropriateness should be issued. A certificate of appropriateness shall not be required for signs that are either exempt from this requirement or may be approved by the Director of Community Development or their designee pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
C. Recommendation for Changes. The Board may, prior to making its decision, make recommendations to the applicant as to changes in the signage plans which, in the Board's judgment, would tend to effect the general intent and purpose of this chapter. If the Board recommends changes in the signage plan, the applicant shall notify the Board within fifteen (15) days in writing of the applicant's acceptance or reasons for rejection of such recommendations. If the applicant does not respond in writing to the Board's recommendations within the specified time period, it shall be assumed that the applicant has rejected such recommendations.
D. Issuance of Certificate.
1. A certificate of appropriateness shall be issued by the Board upon the concurring vote of a majority of the members present. However, if fewer than two-thirds of the members present vote to grant the certificate of appropriateness, the certificate shall not be issued until the time for the notice of appeal provided in subsection E of this section has lapsed, or if an appeal has been taken, until a final decision on the appeal has been reached by the Village Council.
2. If consideration of an application for certificate of appropriateness by the Board has not been initiated within forty-five (45) days following referral of the application by the Director to the Board, or having been initiated has not been concluded within forty-five (45) days following the submission by the applicant of additional evidence required by the Board, the Director shall, if the application is in order and the plans are in compliance with the minimum technical standards and requirements set forth in this chapter, issue a sign permit to the applicant for the work specified within such application and plans.
3. The Board, in its discretion, may extend the time limits of the preceding subsection, provided the applicant consents to such a continuance.
E. Appeal to Council. If a certificate of appropriateness is granted or denied by a concurring vote of fewer than two-thirds of those Board members present, the applicant or any person affected by the Board's decision may take a written appeal to the council within thirty (30) days from the date of such granting or denial. No appeal may be taken unless written notice of intent to file such appeal is made to the Director within seven days of the board's decision denying or granting the certificate. The Village Council shall render its decision within thirty (30) days from the date of such written appeal and its decision shall be final.
F. Standards and Criteria for Issuance. The following factors and characteristics relating to the safety and appearance of signage, shall govern the Board's evaluation of design submittals:
1. The sign area shall be in proportion and scale to the building or to other buildings or signs in the surrounding area;
2. A signage package for a business establishment that includes a number of signs and graphics shall have an overall plan that demonstrates the compatibility of the design and colors of all the signs that are part of that package;
3. The amount of text and graphics contained in or on any sign or group of signs shall be limited so that it results in a clear and readable design;
4. Signs and graphics shall have a harmonious relationship with nearby signs, buildings and the neighborhood, and shall be designed so as not to adversely affect adjacent structures. In this respect the sign shall relate to its building, structure and neighborhood in terms of size, shape, material, color, texture, lettering, location, arrangement, lighting, and the like;
5. Colors shall be used with restraint and excessive brightness shall be avoided;
6. The additional provisions of this chapter, as specified in this chapter, shall be part of the criteria of the design review process.
(MC-01-2023 § 5, Amended, 01/03/2023: Ord. MC-209-98 § 2 (part), 1998: prior code § 27.15)