Sec. 26-103. - Sign development standards and regulations.

(a)

The standards set forth in this section shall be utilized for advertising displays and signs and shall not apply to the design of temporary signs.

(1)

Sign height measurement. The height of a proposed sign shall be measured from the upper most portion of the sign used in determining the area of the sign to the base of the sign of the sign to the nearest base of

the adjacent on-site building, or the nearest curb of the public street, whichever is closest to the location of the sign.

(2)

Measurement of sign area. any supporting structures including sign bases and columns shall not be included in the calculation of sign area. Sign area shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of up to four (4) triangles, squares, or rectangles that enclose the extreme limits of all sign elements, including borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations and color.

(3)

Sign illumination. The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs:

a.

Signs may be internally or externally lit, however any illumination shall spill onto adjacent properties, nor create a public nuisance or public safety hazards. Any exterior lighting sources shall be shielded from view and directed to illuminate only the sign face.

b.

The line of sight from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness or directed in a manner that will negatively impact residential properties in a direct line of sight to the sign.

c.

Any lights illuminating signs shall not flash, blink, flitter, nor include intermittent or chasing lights, or any illumination that is in motion or appears to be in motion.

d.

Colored lights shall not be used in a manner that may be confused or construed as traffic control devices.

(4)

Sign maintenance. Signs and any supporting hardware shall be maintained in a safe condition, painted, and adequately protected from weathering with all braces, bolts, and structural parts, supporting frames, and fastenings reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust, and loosening so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property or constitute a nuisance.

(5)

Design and style. Any proposed sign shall be designed to be compatible with and relate to the architectural style of the main structure(s) of the site where the sign will be located. Signs located on commercial sites near residential areas shall be unobtrusive and compatible with adjacent residential areas. Any new can or cabinet signs are prohibited, with the exception of nationally recognized logos. New wall signs shall be individual channel letters with a minimum depth of two (2) inches.

(b)

To allow for innovative, imaginative, and a variety of signage that would positively contribute to the aesthetics of the City, a creative sign may be proposed as part of a sign program. Murals that advertise the business is an example of creative signage.

(1)

Applicability. An applicant may propose a creative sign in order to request approval of development standards that differ from the provisions of this chapter (except as indicated herein), but comply with the purpose and findings of this section. However, a creative sign may not be any of the prohibited sign types identified in section 26-101.

(2)

Application. All creative signs shall be processed pursuant to a sign program.

(3)

Approval authority. The Planning Commission shall review all creative signs.

(4)

Standards.

a.

Creative signs are only permitted within non-residential and mixed-use zones.

b.

Creative signs shall not encroach into the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit is approved by the City Engineer or their designee.

c.

Creative signs shall comply with the height limit of the zone.

d.

A business cannot have both a creative sign and a standard wall sign. If a business opts to have a creative sign, the business shall not have a standard wall sign.

e.

An electronic readerboard and/or any type of digital signage shall not be considered a creative sign.

(5)

Findings. The Planning Commission shall not approve a creative sign unless the proposed sign meets the following design criteria:

a.

Design quality. The sign shall:

1.

Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

2.

Be of unique design, and exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and

3.

Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture.

b.

Contextual criteria. The sign shall contain at least one (1) of the following elements:

1.

Classic historic design style;

2.

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City; or

3.

Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.

c.

Architectural criteria. The sign shall:

1.

Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and

2.

Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's facade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the facade.

d.

Impacts on surrounding uses. The sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)