Design compatibility: The design of all signs shall be compatible and harmonious with the colors, materials and architecture of the building and the immediate vicinity. Freestanding signs shall be finished with the same or compatible materials as the building on the site.

Size: Notwithstanding applicable sign standards elsewhere in this chapter, sign size shall be proportionate to the size and scale of the site and/or building upon which the sign is proposed. Sign dimensions as specified in this chapter are maximum allowable dimensions; it may be necessary that signs be smaller than the maximum allowed, in order to be proportionate in size and scale to achieve the design objectives of this section.

Commercial and industrial center signs: Individual tenant signs within multitenant centers shall be coordinated in size, location, materials and illumination.

Color: Colors shall be used in coordinated groupings, and shall be compatible with those colors used in the building or project design. For cabinet-style signs, a dark sign background is preferred with light colored copy (characters/graphics).

The Director shall determine if proposed signs satisfy the criteria specified in this section.

Logos and trademarks: The use of established corporate colors or logos shall not be prohibited by this section. When established corporate colors are incompatible with buildings colors, compatibility in design with the surrounding development should be accomplished through the use of appropriate background colors or other design features.

Lighting intensity: The light emitted or reflected by a sign, or emitted by a light source, shall be of reasonable intensity and shall be compatible with the architecture of the building and the immediate vicinity. Artificial light sources shall be shielded to prevent light spillage, glare or annoyance to persons on or inside adjoining properties or to public or private rights-of-way.

Sign bases and frames: Freestanding signs shall be either housed in a frame, or set onto a base, presenting a solid, attractive, and well-proportioned appearance. The size and shape of the frame or base shall be proportionate to the size and mass of the sign and should be low-profile in design. Pole-type signs are not permitted. Guy wires, angle irons, braces and other support or construction elements shall be screened or hidden from view.

Landscaping: Freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area proportionate to the size of the sign, but not less than twice the size of one side of the sign face. Appropriate screening/accent landscaping should be placed at the base of the sign.

Sign copy: Sign copy should be simple and concise without excessive description of services or products. On freestanding signs, sign copy should be designed to contribute to the design of the structure on which it is displayed. In all cases, freestanding sign design and sign copy should be coordinated to provide an attractively designed freestanding element which identities the development or project.

Wall signs: Building signs should be mounted flush against the building, and shall not project above the roof ridge or the top of the parapet.

Maintenance: All signs and their supporting members shall be kept in good repair and maintained in good structural condition at all times.

Design quality. All signs shall be professionally designed and manufactured. Signs that utilize hand-made lettering or elements should be avoided.