It is the purpose of the City of Millen in enacting these regulations to provide standards to safeguard life, public health, property and welfare by regulating the location, size, illumination, erection, maintenance and quality of materials of all signs. More specifically, signs have a powerful impact on the aesthetic environment of the community, and it is the purpose of this ordinance to encourage an aesthetically attractive environment, allowing sufficient opportunities for communications to serve business, interest groups and the public, while complying with the Federal and State Constitutions and laws. Signs create visual clutter and therefore should be regulated in their size, location, construction and illumination. Signs can detract from the beauty of the neighborhood and lower property values. In seeking to comply with federal and state law, the City has determined the following: large signs are, as the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized, an aesthetic harm; the Georgia Supreme Court has upheld sign regulations on the basis of aesthetics and preserving the beauty of environment; and, the Eleventh Circuit has recognized portable signs are visual clutter and a potential traffic hazard. These holdings show that the City's ordinance is within the law and constitutional, which is a goal of the City. The goal of this Article is to avoid being an impermissible content-based regulation, and instead to be a permissible time, place and manner restriction.

Many signs can also be a hazard and negatively impact traffic safety, by distracting drivers and blocking views of other vehicles and dangers, by making intersections more treacherous, and by making it difficult to see oncoming traffic when entering a roadway. Therefore, it is also the purpose of this ordinance to prevent those harms by regulating signs to safe locations, safe sizes, with proper and safe illumination and construction. Business owners have 90 days to remove all signs from closed business or relocated business.

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) sign regulations see section 8-11.

8-2.1.

This article shall apply to all properties within the incorporated areas of the City of Millen, Georgia. This article shall not relate to the copy or message on a sign within the City of Millen.

8-2.2.

All signs and sign structures shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with the building and electrical codes adopted by the City of Millen.

8-2.3.

If any provisions or requirements of this article are in conflict with any other provision or requirement of this ordinance or any other applicable governmental law, ordinance, resolution, rule, or other governmental regulation of any kind, the more restrictive rule or standard takes precedence.

8-3.1.

Variances from the provisions of this ordinance may be requested. All such variances shall be considered and decided by the mayor and council of the City of Millen in accordance with officially adopted procedures and standards contained in the Millen Zoning Ordinance, provided that the decision to grant or deny a variance shall be based upon conditions and factors pertaining to the time, place, and manner of the exhibition and construction of a sign, and not the content of the sign's copy.

8-4.1.

No sign shall be placed or maintained within the City of Millen except in conformity with this sign ordinance.

8-4.2.

Notwithstanding any other restrictions in this Sign Ordinance, any sign, display or device allowed under this Ordinance may contain any commercial or non-commercial message, or any political or non-political message; except that such messages cannot depict obscenity, as defined by O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80, nor can they depict sexual conduct or sexually explicit nudity, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 36-60-3.

8-4.3.

Height limitations in this ordinance control over the general height limitations of this ordinance, and apply to any structure that contains a sign. For example, a church spire or radio antenna with a sign would be subject to the height limitations of this ordinance, rather than general height limitations.

8-4.4.

Definitions. As used in this section, the following words have the following meanings. The general definitions and interpretative rules of the zoning ordinance shall also be used. To the extent those general rules or definitions conflict with these specific definitions, these definitions shall control.

Abandoned Sign. A sign and/or sign structure which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or service.

Animated Sign. Any sign that all or any part thereof visibly moves or imitates movement in any fashion whatsoever. Any sign that contains or uses for illumination any lights (or lighting devices) that change color, flash or alternate, show movement or motion, or change the appearance of said sign or any part automatically.

Area of Sign (Copy Area). The area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character together with any frame, or material, open space, or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed.

Banner. A sign hung either with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind. This definition expressly excludes all fabric signs mounted from one side to a flag pole.

Building Sign. Any sign attached to any part of a building other than a freestanding sign.

Canopy. Any permanent roof-like structure, including awnings and marquees, projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of a building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

Canopy Sign. Any sign attached to, or made a part of the front, side, or top of a canopy. These signs are regulated as wall signs.

Copy. The wording or graphics on a sign surface in either permanent or removable form.

Crown of the Road. The highest point of a road, usually the center line of a road.

Erect. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, paint or affix.

Establishment. A commercial, industrial, institutional, educational, office, business or financial entity.

Flag. Any fabric sign, regardless of the message conveyed, mounted to a flag pole on one side only.

Flashing Sign. (See Animated Sign).

Freestanding Sign. Any sign which is independent from any building or other structure and is entirely supported by a single or multiple pedestals that are permanently attached at or below ground level.

Frontage, Building. The length of an outside building wall facing a street.

Frontage, Street. The length of the property line of any one parcel along a street on which it borders.

Ground Sign. A sign that is anchored to the ground and is wholly independent of a building for support. Freestanding signs are included in this definition, as are signs on poles, frames, or other mounting structures other than buildings.

Illuminated Sign. A sign which contains an internal source of light or which is designed or arranged to reflect light from an artificial source.

Mansard Sign. Any sign attached to or erected within 12 inches of an actual or simulated mansard of a building, with the sign face parallel to and within the limits of the building, but not exceeding the roof line, and not deemed to be a roof sign. These signs are regulated as wall signs.

Monipole Sign or Unipole Sign. A freestanding sign that is erected on a single pedestal attached to the ground for the display of messages irrespective of the number of faces or the configuration of the faces.

Monument Sign. A permanent sign, other than a freestanding pole sign, placed upon or supported by the ground independent of any other structure and constructed of stone, concrete, masonry, stucco or equal architectural material. These signs are regulated as ground signs.

Moving Sign. (See Animated Sign).

Painted Wall Sign. Any sign that is applied with paint or similar substance on the face of a wall.

Parcel (Lot)-(Business Lot). Any standard lot or parcel of land, the boundaries of which have been established by a recorded legal instrument and is recognized and intended as a unit for the purpose of transfer of ownership, with said parcel being duly recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court, Jenkins County.

Permanent Sign. A sign permanently affixed to a building or the ground.

Person. Any association, company, corporation, firm, organization, or partnership, singular or plural, of any kind.

Portable Sign. Any sign supported by its own frame or trailer, with or without wheels, that is designed to move from one place to another.

Principal Building. The building with the principal use of the parcel on which it is located. Parcels with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings. However, storage buildings, garages, and other clearly accessory are not considered principal buildings.

Projecting Sign. Any sign affixed to a building or wall, which horizontally extends more than twelve inches beyond the surface of a building or wall.

Residential District. Includes all land in R-E, R-1A, R-1B, R-2A, R-2B, and R-3.

Revolving Sign. (See Animated Sign).

Road. A right-of-way which provides vehicular access to abutting properties.

Roof Sign. Any sign erected, constructed, and maintained upon or over the roof of any building and projecting above the roof line.

Roof Sign (Intregral). Any sign erected or constructed as an integral part of a normal roof structure of any design. No part of the sign can extend vertically above the highest portion of the roof and no part of the sign can be separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.

Setback. The distance from the property line to the nearest part of the applicable building, structure, or sign, measured perpendicularly to the property line.

Sidewalk, Sandwich or A-Frame Sign. A sign which is normally in the shape of an "A" of some variation, which is usually two sided.

Sign. Any display of words, shapes or images designed to convey a message to the viewer, located on the exterior of any dwelling, building or structure, or located anywhere on a lot upon a dedicated supporting structure or device, including poles, banners, windows and similar devices.

Sign Face. The actual message-carrying portion of the sign that can be used to display content, including any area that can display or does display words, pictures or other communicative elements of the sign, including the background color.

Sign Structure. This includes all the elements of the sign, including its supporting structure, sign face, base, lights and every portion of the sign.

Street. Any public or private right-of-way for automobile use. This excludes alleyways, parking lots and driveways.

Street Frontage. The width in linear feet of a lot or parcel where it abuts the right-of-way of any public street.

Under Canopy Sign. A sign that is suspended from the underside of a canopy (in awnings and marquees) is perpendicular to the wall surface of a building, and whose copy is not clearly visible from the public right-of-way.

Wall Face. A measurement of area equal to the height of the structure from the ground to the coping or eave of the roof multiplied by the width of the wall associated with the individual business. The wall face is to be measured for each wall independently.

Wall Sign. A sign that is fastened directly to or is placed or painted directly upon the exterior wall of a building.

Window Sign. A sign having its message visible from the exterior of a building that is either located within a building so as to be visible through a window, or affixed directly to the window either inside or outside the building.

8-5.1.

If not otherwise stated, any sign not specifically permitted in a zoning district as provided under this section shall be prohibited. These regulations apply to signs located on any lot or development.

8-5.2.

Standard Permitted Signs. The following signs are permitted in the following zoning districts. A double-sided sign is counted as one sign, but each face counts towards the maximum area permitted. Height is measured from grade to the highest portion of the sign structure. Area is calculated as shown in Section 8-6.5.

Table of Standard Permitted Signs.

8-5.3.

Highway Signs. In addition to the signs permitted elsewhere in this ordinance, in the I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts, the following additional permitted signs are allowed.

(a)

One additional ground sign of not more than 300 square feet per face, and not more than 35 feet in height, and not more than two-faced (back to back), may be erected on any lot that has road frontage on any U.S. Highway (e.g. 25), or any Georgia Highway (e.g. 17, 67) Such sign must be erected within 50 feet of the right-of-way of said highway. No sign of more than 250 square feet erected under this section may be erected within 2,000 feet of any other ground sign exceeding 250 square feet, whether such sign is on the same lot or another lot. No sign of less than 250 square feet erected under this section may be erected within 500 feet of any other ground sign exceeding 100 square feet, whether such sign is on the same lot or another lot.

(b)

Distances between signs are measured from the closest points of the signs at issue, whether that is the sign base or a portion of the sign structure.

(c)

No sign erected under this section may be "double stacked"; that is, have two separate signs one higher than the other, both facing the same direction. Double stacked signs are permitted under other provisions of this ordinance.

(d)

It is the intent of this section to allow more signage along certain higher traffic corridors, while at the same time protecting the appearance of the City of Millen. Whenever the distance requirements of this section would, if applied strictly, result in denying a person all opportunity for additional signage allowed under this section, because of the existence of a sign or signs on the property of another person or entity, a variance may be issued, subject to the procedure provided in the zoning ordinance, that both serves the interests of the City in adopting this sign ordinance, and also affords to such person reasonable additional signage. However, no variance shall be granted where the hardship is the result of the property owner or his predecessor-in-title's subdivision of the property.

8-5.4.

Minor Signs. Any number of minor signs are permitted in addition to all other signs permitted under this ordinance. In residential zoned areas, these signs must be no more than one sq. ft. in area, and no more than four feet in height. In B-2, I-1, and I-2 zoned areas, these signs must be no more than four sq. ft. in area, and no more than four feet in height. However, the area of all such sign faces on a single lot, parcel, residence, development, business or property may not exceed ten square feet in residential and 20 square feet in highway commercial, industrial, or heavy industrial zoned areas.

8-5.5.

Internal Signs. Any sign not visible from the outside of a structure or to passing members of the public is not restricted or regulated by this ordinance.

8-5.6.

Sign Support Structures. Signs 300 sq. ft. per face or larger must be constructed with a monopole-type support system.

8-6.1.

Location, Height, and Setback.

(a)

The property owner must give permission for all sign placement on the owner's property, through the issuance of a letter signed by the owner.

(b)

All signs must comply with all side and rear setbacks of the underlying zoning ordinance.

(c)

Signs can be located in front setback areas, but all signs and sign structures,(in excess of four feet in height from natural grade shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet above natural grade before beginning of copy area in order to maximize traffic safety). No portion of a sign or sign structure shall encroach on or overhang the public right-of-way or any other person's property.

(d)

Distances are measured from the closest portion of the sign (whether that is the base, sign face, or the sign structure) to the right-of-way, curb or pavement.

(e)

The height requirements of a sign shall be computed as the length of a straight vertical line from normal grade to the height of the highest attached component of the sign or sign structure. When the sign is constructed within 15 feet of a right-of-way, the normal grade shall be considered the elevation of the crown of the road. When a sign is constructed 15 or more feet from any right-of-way, normal grade shall be considered the lower of (1) existing grade of the site of the sign prior to construction of the sign or (2) the newly established grade at the base of the sign after construction, exclusive of any filling, beaming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. Refer to the Table of Standard Permitted Signs for specific height limits and requirements.

8-6.2.

Number. For the purpose of determining the number of signs, ground signs shall be equal to the number of sign structures. All other non-ground signs shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing elements organized, related and composed to form a unit.

8-6.3.

Illumination.

(a)

Ground signs cannot be illuminated in any residential zoning district.

(b)

Illumination of any sign in any district shall be positioned and shielded so that the light source does not shine directly into the path of motorists on a public right-of-way or into the windows of adjacent dwellings or businesses without the permission of the owner and resident thereof.

(c)

Flashing, blinking or otherwise varying illumination is not permitted. No external or internal illumination that causes confusion with or distraction from any traffic signal or safety device shall be permitted

(d)

All illuminated signs shall utilize low wattage luminaries, mounted in fixtures designed to direct the light and eliminate light trespass, such as light shining into residences or other neighboring structures.

(e)

All illuminated signs over ten feet in height shall either be internally illuminated or illuminated by external lighting fixtures not visible to passing motorists.

8-6.4.

Variable Message Boards / LED.

(a)

Variable message boards will only be permitted in B-2, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts, and only in conjunction with a legally permitted freestanding sign.

(b)

Each message will remain fixed for a minimum of ten seconds.

(c)

When a message is changed, it shall be accomplished in three seconds or less.

(d)

Messages shall not be illuminated by blinking, scrolling, or flashing lights.

(e)

Submittal of a complete sign application and receipt of proper permit in accordance with Section 8.9.

8-6.5.

Calculation of Area. The area of a sign is calculated by determining the area of the smallest square or rectangle which encloses the sign face and the structure surrounding the sign face. For example, the pole or base would not be included, but any frame holding the sign face in place would be counted. See examples:

8-6.6.

Unusual Shaped Signs. Unusual shaped sign are signs that are any shape other than a square or rectangle, and include signs with projecting elements or features, round, oval, and triangular signs, signs with more than four sides, signs in the shape of an animal, object, or device, and so forth. For all such signs, the area is calculated by calculating the area of the smallest rectangle that will completely enclose all elements of the sign face and sign structure supporting the face, not including the base, or any open space.

8-7.1.

Engineering Approval. All signs in excess of 15 feet in height should be constructed according to plans approved by a Georgia registered professional engineer. The sign owner shall produce such approved plans at the request of City of Millen Building Official.

8-7.2.

Official Confusion. Signs which contain or are in imitation of an official traffic sign or signal are prohibited.

8-7.3.

Fire Safety. No sign or sign structure may be erected or maintained which obstructs any fire escape, ventilation, or door; nor shall any sign or sign structure be attached to a fire escape.

8-7.4.

Corner Visibility. No sign or sign structure above a height of four feet shall be maintained within 15 feet of the intersection of the right-of-way lines of two streets, or of a street intersection with a railroad right-of-way.

8-7.5.

Traffic Visibility. No sign shall obstruct the view of vehicles entering the roadway (i.e., the view of oncoming traffic by vehicles attempting to enter the road).

8-7.6.

Good Repair. All signs, together with all their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in good repair. Any structure formally used as a sign, but not in use for any other purpose, must be removed by the owner of the property within ten days after written notification from a designated official of the City of Millen or 30 days after its use as a valid sign has ceased, after which time, the City may cause the removal of the sign at the owner's expense. (See Code of City of Millen Section 30-124 thru Section 30-128.)

8-7.7.

Removal of Unsafe Signs and Safety Hazards. The City may remove a sign in violation of this ordinance, without giving notice to any party, if said sign is upon the public right-of-way or upon other public property; or said sign poses an immediate safety threat to the life or health of any members of the public.

The following types of signs are prohibited:

8-8.1.

Roof Signs (which means signs mounted above a roof or projecting above the roof-line of a structure).

8-8.2.

Rotating signs.

8-8.3.

Signs with more than two sides.

8-8.4

Flashing, blinking or signs of varying light intensity. Signs with reflective elements that sparkle in the sunlight or that contain luminous paint that glows in the dark are not allowed, including signs that spell words or create images with numerous small lights or other illumination.

8-8.5

A-frame, sandwich type, sidewalk or curb signs.

8-8.6

Swinging or projecting signs.

8-8.7.

Portable signs (mobile, trailer).

8-8.8.

Mural signs or painting on buildings, unless approved by City council.

8-9.1.

Sign Registration and Building Permits.

(a)

Except as specifically exempted from the provisions of this article, a person or firm may not legally maintain, post, display, enlarge, erect, move, or substantially change a sign that is larger than four square feet, without first obtaining a permit from the building official or his/her designee. Signs using electrical wiring and connections (i.e. illuminated signs), as well as larger signs, will require additional permits under the City of Millen Building Code or Zoning Ordinance, and the City of Millen Building Official should be contacted regarding such signs.

(b)

All parties are advised to consult with the building official to avoid erecting signs that violate this ordinance. No person shall obtain a vested right to maintain a sign that does not comply with this ordinance at the time it is erected. Signs erected in violation of this ordinance shall be removed or reconstructed in compliance with this ordinance.

(c)

Permit applications for conforming signs shall be filed by the sign owner or his/her agent with the zoning administrator or his/her designee upon forms furnished by the City. Flags flown in a manner consistent with the Table of Standard Permitted Signs are excluded from the permit requirement.

(1)

Applications shall contain the following:

i.

The type of the sign as defined in this ordinance.

ii.

The value of the sign.

iii.

The street address and zoning designation of the property where the sign is to be located.

iv.

A site plan drawn to scale, that shows the location of the sign on the lot, including indicating setbacks from property lines and rights-of-way.

v.

The square foot area per sign and the aggregate square foot area if there is more than one sign face.

vi.

The name(s) and address(s) of the owner(s) of the real property upon which the sign is to be located, along with written consent of said owner(s).

vii.

Engineered construction plans for signs exceeding 15 feet in height, showing they are approved by a registered Georgia professional engineer.

viii.

Name, address, phone number and business license number of the sign contractor.

(2)

Fees. No permit shall be issued until the appropriate application, has been filed with the zoning administrator or his/her designee and permit fees have been paid as adopted by the mayor and council and as amended from time to time.

(3)

The building official or his/her designee shall grant a permit upon receipt of a completed application if the proposed sign meets the requirements of this article.

(4)

Permit expiration. A permit shall become null and avoid if construction of the sign has not begun within six months from the date of issuance. Issuance of a permit shall in no way prevent the city from later declaring the sign to be nonconforming or unlawful if, with further review of available information, the sign is found not to comply with the requirements of the ordinance applicable at the time that the complete permit application was filed.

(5)

A violation of any provisions of this ordinance will be grounds for termination a permit granted by the city for the erection of a sign. Should it be determined that a permit was issued pursuant to an incomplete application or an application containing a false material statement, or that a permit has been erroneously issued in violation of this article, the zoning administrator or his/her designee shall revoke the permit.

No information shall be required regarding the content of the sign. Any person failing to obtain a permit prior to construction shall be subject to citation and, upon conviction, shall be punished in accordance with the enforcement provisions of the City of Millen Zoning Ordinance and applicable law.

Signs existing legally at the time of the adoption or amendment of this ordinance, but which do not conform to newly adopted or amended provisions of this ordinance solely because of a change in the ordinance, and not because of a change to the sign, may remain as legal non-conforming signs, subject to the following provisions:

(1)

There must be existing property rights in the sign;

(2)

The right to continue a non-conforming sign is confined to the sign owner or his transferee;

(3)

A non-conforming sign may be restored to its original condition provided that not more than 50% of the sign is destroyed. The 50% is to be determined by 50% of the value of the materials of the sign, inclusive of poles and other structural members, immediately prior to damage;

(4)

A non-conforming sign when relocated or moved shall no longer be considered a non-conforming sign and thereafter shall be subject to all the provisions of law and of these rules relating to outdoor advertising;

(5)

The sign must remain substantially the same as it was on the effective date of the adoption of this ordinance which rendered the sign non-conforming. Extension, enlargement, replacement, rebuilding, adding lights to a non-illuminated sign or re-erection of the sign will be considered a change in the existing use. The maintenance will be limited to:

i.

Replacement of nuts and bolts;

ii.

Additional nailing, riveting or welding;

iii.

Cleaning and painting;

iv.

Manipulate to level or plumb the device, but not to the extent of adding guys or struts for stabilization of the sign structure;

v.

A change of the message, including changing faces, as long as similar materials are used and the sign face is not enlarged.

(6)

At no time may changes be made in a non-conforming sign which would increase the value of the sign;

(7)

A non-conforming sign may continue as long as it is not abandoned, destroyed, discontinued, or purchased by any governmental agency. Any sign suffering damage in excess of normal wear cannot be repaired without:

i.

Notifying the building official in writing of the extent of the damage, the reason the damage is in excess of normal wear, and providing a description of the repair work to be undertaken, including the value of the sign materials and the cost of the repair; and,

ii.

Receiving written notice from the building official authorizing the repair work as described above. If said repair is authorized by the terms of this ordinance, the zoning administrator shall mail such notice to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the information described in (i.) above.

Applicability. The standards and guidelines set forth apply to all properties within the DDA area of the City of Millen as indicated below, with referenced streets extended to intersection points:

Highway 25 as the Western boundary; Magnolia Street as the Eastern boundary.

Winthrope Avenue and College Avenue as the Northern boundaries; Cotton Avenue and Old Sylvania Rd as the Southern boundaries and all properties adjacent thereto.

Applications are to be made to the City. The City will then forward all completed applications to the DDA for their review and recommendations. The DDA will have 15 days to forward their comments back to the building official for final determination. More than 15 days the application goes forward to the building official with a recommendation of approval.

(1)

All proposed signs consistent with the guidelines state herein shall require review of the DDA and approval by the building official as outlines in Section 8.9 Procedures.

(2)

Signs not consistent with the guidelines stated herein shall be subject to the review of the Millen DDA.

(3)

Signs may not be changed or installed until the DDA has reviewed and the Zoning Official gives approval.

(4)

Many non-conforming signs will exist within the commercial core of downtown Millen after the guidelines are implemented. The intent of the DDA is to improve the downtown shopping experience for everyone. Therefore, voluntary compliance with these guidelines is highly encouraged for businesses with existing signage.

Purpose. The intent of the sign design guidelines is to accomplish the following:

(1)

Establish reasonable and improved standards for business identification.

(2)

Assist property owners and business owners in understanding city expectations.

(3)

Reduce the time and fees for processing sign approvals.

(4)

Encourage creative and innovative approaches to signage within an established framework.

(5)

Promote economic vitality in the downtown.

(6)

Enhance overall property values and the visual environment in the city by discouraging signs which contribute to the visual clutter of the streetscape.

(7)

Ensure that commercial signs are designed for the purpose of identifying a business in an attractive and functional manner, rather than to serve primarily as general advertising for business.

(8)

Ensure signs on the facade of a building reinforce the existing character and are integrated into the architectural scheme of the building.

(9)

Promote a quality visual environment by allowing signs that are compatible with their surroundings and which effectively communicate their message.

Permitted Signs. The following sign types are permitted in the Downtown Millen Development Area.

(1)

Awning and canopy signs.

(2)

Projecting signs.

(3)

Hanging signs.

(4)

Plaque signs.

(5)

Restaurant menu signs.

(6)

Low profile and monument signs.

(7)

Tenant directory signs.

(8)

Temporary signs.

(9)

Street light mounted flags/banner.

Sign Overview.

(1)

All signs should be architecturally integrated with their surroundings in terms of size, shape and lighting so that they are complementary to the overall design of buildings.

(2)

Signs should reflect the character of the building and its use.

(3)

Signs should respect the immediate context of the building's location and the overall character of downtown.

(4)

Signs should enhance the primary design elements or unique architectural features of buildings.

(5)

Signs should be designed with the purpose of promoting retail and street activity while enhancing the pedestrian experience.

(6)

The size of signs and its letters should be located in logical "sign areas" which relate to the patters of the facade.

(7)

The number of signs per building facade should be limited to the fewest necessary to clearly identify businesses located within.

(8)

Signs are not permitted to cover or obscure architectural features of a building.

(9)

Consider the layout and shape of the architectural features of the building when determining the size and location of a sign.

(10)

Design elements such as window patterns (vertical and horizontal rectangles, arches, squares, etc.) will help determine the sign shape that will suit the building.

(11)

All signs are to be maintained properly such that they are always in clean, working donation and the copy is not obscured or damaged.

(12)

New signs proposed for existing buildings shall provide a compatible appearance with the existing signage of other tenants. Signs should attempt to unify the business with its nearest neighboring tenants.

Placement.

(1)

The architecture of the building often identifies specific locations for signs, and these locations should be used.

(2)

The size of signs shall be in proportion to the size of their location.

(3)

Repetitious signage information on the same building frontage should be avoided regardless of the sign area square frontage allowed in the zoning code.

(4)

To minimize irreversible damage to masonry, all mounting and supports should be inserted into mortar joints and not into the face of the masonry. This technique does not damage the surface and allows for easy removal.

(5)

Signs that are replaced on stucco exteriors can result in unattractive "patched" areas. These potential maintenance problems shall be addressed during the approval process for the sign replacement.

Multi-Storied Buildings.

(1)

Ground floor tenants should place signs at the storefront level.

(2)

Window signs are permitted on upper portions (see guidelines for qualifying signs)

(3)

Signs on the upper facade of multi-storied buildings may be permitted for ground floor tenants.

(4)

Upper story tenant signs shall use window signs not exceeding 15% of the window area.

(5)

Window signs for upper story tenants are permitted if the tenants has an entrance at the sidewalk and a directory sign is located at the ground floor.

Design & Materials.

(1)

Exterior materials, finished, and colors should be the same or similar to those of the building or structures on site.

(2)

Signs should be professionally constructed using high-quality materials such as metal, stone, hardwood, brass-plated, and exposed neon.

(3)

Internally lit plastic letters or plastic box signs are discouraged.

(4)

The colors and lettering styles should complement the building facade and harmonize with neighboring businesses.

(5)

Excessively bright colors or over-scaled letters shall not be used as a means to attract attention.

(6)

Exposed neon tubing may be used in conjunction with other types of materials to artistically emphasize the business name and/or logo and/or the architectural elements of the building.

(7)

The design and alignments of signs of multiple use buildings should complement each other such that a unified appearance is achieved.

(8)

Signs should respect the zoning district's dominant characteristics.

Sign Lighting.

(1)

Arrange any external spot or flood lighting such that the light source is directed away from passersby. The light source must be directed against the sign such that it does to shine into adjacent property or cause glare for motorists and pedestrians.

(2)

Back-lit, hallo-lit illumination, or reverse channel letters with halo-illumination are highly encouraged for lighting purposes. Such signs convey a subtle and attractive appearance and are very legible under moderate ambient lighting conditions.

(3)

Signs that use blinking or flashing lights are not permitted.

(4)

Visible raceways and transformers for individual letters are prohibited. Sign installations details shall indicate the location of the transformer and other mechanical equipment.

(5)

Projecting light fixtures used for externally illuminated signs should be simple and unobtrusive in appearance. They should not obscure the graphics of the sign.

Wall Signs. Are to be mounted flush and fixed securely to a building wall, projecting no more than 12 inches from the face of a building wall, and not extending sideways beyond the building face or above the highest line of the building to which it is attached.

(1)

Wall signs should be located on the upper portion of the storefront, within or just above the enframed storefront opening. The length of the sign should not exceed the width of the enframed storefront.

(2)

Wall signs shall be placed within a clear signable area. Signable areas defined as an architecturally continuous wall surface uninterrupted by doors, window, or architectural detail.

(3)

Wall signs shall not exceed 25% of the building facade (the exterior walls of the building exposed to the public view).

(4)

Wall signs shall be mounted in locations that respect the design of a building, including the arrangement of bays and openings.

(5)

Signs should not obscure windows, grillwork, piers, pilasters, and ornamental features. Typically wall signs should be centered on horizontal surfaces (i.e. over a storefront opening).

(6)

Wall signs shall be designed to be compatible with the storefront in scale, proportions, and color.

(7)

Signs should be designed to create a clearly defined edge, provide shadow relief, and a substantial appearance. This effect is generally difficult to achieve by painting the sign directly on the building. For this reason, painted signs are discouraged.

Awnings and Canopy Signs. Are signs that are printed on, painted on, or attached to an awning or canopy above a business floor or window. They generally serve to bring color to the shopping environment and are oriented toward pedestrians from the opposite side of the street.

(1)

Sign lettering and/or logo shall comprise no more than 30% of the total exterior surface of an awning or canopy.

(2)

Awnings and canopies must be permanently attached to buildings.

(3)

The minimum height of awnings shall be eight feet from the lowest point to the sidewalk.

(4)

Open-ended awnings are preferred.

(5)

Awnings and canopies shall be mounted in the horizontal framing element separating the storefront window from the transom (a crosspiece separating a doorway from a window).

(6)

Awnings shall be mounted on the wood or metal framing within a door or window opening, not on the wall surrounding the opening.

(7)

Awnings with back-lit graphics or other kinds of interior illumination are not permitted.

(8)

Matte finish canvas, glass, or metal are appropriate materials for awning or canopies.

(9)

Awnings with solid colors are preferred. Striped awnings may be appropriate for some buildings without ornamental facades. Striped awnings with highly contrasting bright colors may be visually blaring and inappropriate.

Projecting Signs. Are affixed to the face of a building or structure and project in a perpendicular manner more than 12 inches from the wall surface of that portion of the building or structure to which it is mounted. Projecting signs are strongly encouraged and should be carefully designed to reflect the character of each building and business as well as fitting comfortably with other adjacent signage.

(1)

Projecting signs should not be mounted above the second floor window-sill in multi-storied buildings.

(2)

The design of the sign should consider visually interesting elements such as square or rectangular shapes with painted or applied letter, two or three dimensional symbols or icons, irregular outlines, and/or internal cut-outs.

(3)

Projecting signs shall be small in scale and provide a vertical clearance of eight feet along pedestrian areas.

(4)

Projecting signs shall be oriented to pedestrians passing on the sidewalk in front of the buildings rather than to automobiles or pedestrians on the far side of the street. This can be achieved by providing a minimum clearance of 12 inches between the building ace and sign and maintaining a projection of 36 inches.

(5)

Projecting signs should fit within an imaginary rectangle with a maximum area of five square feet.

(6)

Mounting hardware should be an attractive and integral part of the sign design. Simple round pipe brackets with plugged ends or added decorative end elements are generally appropriate for signs. However, metal brackets of a more decorative and complex shape are encouraged where appropriate to add to the character of the building.

Marquee Signs.

(1)

Marque signs are projecting signs attached to or supported by a permanent canopy often made of metal or glass. Marquee signs are to be installed only on buildings occupied by theaters, cinemas, performing arts facilities, or parking structures.

(2)

The sign copy of marquee signs shall be limited to include only the facility's name, and changeable copy related to current and future attractions.

(3)

The facility name portion of the sign shall not exceed 40% of the total sign area and the changeable copy portions of the sign shall not exceed 80% of the total sign area.

Hanging Signs. Are similar to projecting signs except that they are suspended below a marquee or under a canopy. Hanging signs are generally smaller than projecting signs due to their lower mounting height.

(1)

Hanging signs shall be used only at ground floor locations except for upper floor businesses with covered entry porches and balconies.

(2)

Hanging signs shall be treated similar to but smaller than projecting signs.

(3)

Hanging signs, excluding supporting rods, chains or similar hangers, shall fit within an imaginary rectangle with a maximum area of four square feet.

(4)

Signs shall be oriented toward the pedestrian and impart a sense of creativity in its design.

Window Signs. Are signs that are painted, posted, displayed or etched on an interior translucent or transparent surface, including windows or doors. This type of signage generally contains only text but in some circumstances can express a special business personality through graphic logos or images combined with color.

(1)

Window signs shall not exceed 15% of the window area so that visibility in and out of the window is not obscured.

(2)

Sign copy shall not exceed eight inches in height.

(3)

Window sign copy shall be applied directly to glazed area.

(4)

Window signs should be created from high-quality materials such as paint, gold-leaf, or neon. Appropriate techniques for window signs include sandblasting or etched glass.

(5)

Window signs should be applied directly to the interior face of the glazing or hung inside the window thereby concealing all mounting hardware and equipment.

(6)

Well-designed window graphics shall be used in the construction of the sign to attract attention but still allow pedestrians to view store interiors.

Plaque Signs. Are small versions of wall signs that are attached to surfaces adjacent to shop front entries.

(1)

Plaque signs are to be located only on wall surfaces adjacent to tenant entries.

(2)

Plaque signs are to fit within an imaginary rectangle with a maximum area of two square feet.

(3)

Limit plaque sign projections from wall surfaces to a maximum of two inches.

(4)

Signs are to include the business name and a business logo.

(5)

Plaque signs are encouraged to include unique designs or other visually stimulating decorations and may be irregular in outline and shape.

Restaurant Menu Signs. Are signs that incorporate a menu containing a listing of products and prices offered by the business. Such signs facilitate the customer in locating a restaurant in which to patronize. Therefore, prominently displayed menus with prices and other important information can help the customer in making this decision.

(1)

Restaurant menu signs should be located in a permanently mounted display case on the surface of the building adjacent to the entry. Taping a menu to a box is not an appropriate menu sign.

(2)

For special circumstances in which restaurants occupy a considerable amount window space, menus are to be decoratively displayed in the window adjacent to the entry.

(3)

High quality materials and artistic designs shall be used in the construction of menu signs.

(4)

Restaurant menu signs are not included in the calculation of maximum sign area.

(5)

The allowable are for restaurant menu signs shall be a maximum of four square feet.

(6)

Restaurant menu signs shall be appropriate in size, location, and design to the character and architectural detail of the building as well as to the character of the restaurant.

Low Profile or Monument Signs. Are free-standing signs with a lower height configuration. Such signs are usually used for building complexes that are separated from adjacent streets by substantial setbacks.

(1)

Low profile or monument signs do not overhand public property and are supported by two columns, uprights, or have a solid footing in or upon the ground.

(2)

Low profile signs should be constructed out of materials that complement the building structure and its use.

(3)

Architectural lines which compliment that of the building shall be incorporated, especially with respect to the top of the sign.

(4)

The design of the sign structure and the text should express high quality construction.

(5)

Low profile or monument signs shall be composed of individual lettering that is consistent with the image of the business and the surrounding architectural style.

(6)

Letter heights should not exceed 12 inches.

(7)

Low profile signs must be illuminated wither by external fixtures designed to complement the appearance of the sign or halo-lit illumination.

(8)

Internal illumination may be permitted and shall be designed such that only text and logos illuminate. Opaque backgrounds are required and shall of a non-reflective material.

(9)

The maximum sign height, including the sign base is not to exceed six feet in the downtown development area.

(10)

Low profile or monument signs should only be used when all other alternative types of signage would not provide adequate identification.

Tenant Directory Signs. Are used to identify multi-tenant buildings and businesses that do not have direct frontage on a public street. Tenant directory shall be constructed and oriented to the pedestrian.

(1)

Tenant directory signs shall be mounted flat against a solid wall or incorporated into a freestanding sign located on the property on which the tenants are located.

(2)

The maximum sign height, including the sign base, is not to exceed six feet in the downtown development area.

(3)

The sign copy may include the following: building or project name, project logo, address, business tenant names, and suites numbers or letters.

(4)

The letter size of the building name, project name, or logo shall not exceed four inches in height. All other copy shall not exceed two inches in height.

(5)

Tenant directory signs should be constructed out of materials that compliment both the building structure and its use.

Temporary Signs. Can take the form of banners, window graphics, or as cards integrated with a window display. Temporary signs may contain written messages and should use a simple font that is easy to read.

(1)

Temporary signs shall not cover more than 10% of the total window and door sign area visible from the exterior.

(2)

Temporary signs are to be allowed on the exterior of the business establishment only.

(3)

Temporary signs are permitted to contain no more than five square feet of text and should not exceed ten square feet in size.

(4)

Temporary signs should be made of durable materials and shall not incorporate fluorescent or intensely bright colors.

(5)

Temporary signs are to be displayed for no more than 30 days in a calendar year.