24.16.100 Design Standards

1. Generally. The design standards set forth in this chapter shall be adhered to for all signing.

2. Architectural Style. Each sign shall be designed with the intent and purpose of relating to the architectural style of the main building or buildings on the site. The sign shall be compatible with the style or character of existing improvements upon lots adjacent to the site. Signs located on commercial sites but in a predominantly residential area, shall be compatible with such residential area.

3. Relationship to Buildings. Signs located on a lot with only one main building housing the business which the sign identifies, shall be designed to incorporate at least one of the predominantly visual elements of the building, such as type of construction materials, color, or other design detail. Fach sign located on a lot with more than one main building, such as a shopping center shall be designed to incorporate at least one of such predominantly visual design elements common or similar to all such buildings or the buildings occupied by the main tenant. The Planning Director may condition the approval of a sign to require more than one visual element to be incorporated into the design of the sign where such element or elements is necessary to achieve a significant visual relationship between the sign and building or buildings.

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4. Relationship to Other Signs. Where there is more than one monument or freestanding sign located on a lot, all such signs shall have designs which are well related to each other by the similar treatment or incorporation of following elements:

   • (a) Type of construction materials as used in the several sign components (such as cabinet, sign copy, supports).

   • {b) Letter style of sign copy.

   • (c) Illumination.

   • (d) Type of method used for supports, uprights, or structure on which sign is supported.

   • (e) Sign cabinet or other configuration of sign area.

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• {£) Shape of entire sign and its several components.

5. Sign Dimensions. The dimensions of the sign cabinet, if any, or other configuration of the dimensions of the sign area of each sign shall be proportional to and visually balanced with the size of the building.

6. Landscaping. Each monument or freestanding sign shall be located in a planted landscaped area which is of a shape, design and size (equal to at least the sign area) that will provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign. The planted landscaped area shall be maintained on a reasonable and regular basis.

7. Illumination and Motion. Monument signs shall be non-moving stationary structures (in all components). Illumination, if any, shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times (non-flashing).

8. Sign Copy. Sign copy shall include minimal information only. The use of subordinate information such as telephone numbers, lists of products, pictures of products, etc. are discouraged. The name of the use or business shall be the dominant message on the sign.