Perth Amboy City Zoning Code

Any signs not specifically permitted are hereby prohibited.

No signs, except special event signs, shall be placed on private or public property except for the purpose of identifying a use or uses actually conducted upon the premises upon which such signs are erected and for no other purpose.

No sign or sign supporting structure shall be placed within any sight triangle between a height of three feet and eight feet, as measured from the top of the curb.

For the purpose of this chapter, sight triangles shall be defined as follows:

All height limitations shall be measured from ground level to the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher.

Except where specifically prohibited, freestanding and projecting signs may be double-faced, and the maximum sign area shall apply to each side. The area of the sign shall include each and every part of the sign, including moldings and frames. Where the sign is supported by a post or pylon whose surface is being used for advertising purposes, the areas of this post, pylon or other supporting members shall be considered as part of the total area and items of information.

Unless specifically prohibited, all signs may be illuminated as provided for in Subsection E below.

Whenever a parcel is bordered by more than one street, additional signage may be permitted by the municipal agency, in accordance with the standards of this section, for each major street upon which the parcel fronts. Wall signage shall be permitted in accordance with the sign band.

Signs shall not be affixed to water towers, storage tanks, smoke stacks or similar structures.

Each commercial and industrial use shall be required to place their street address number(s) in four-inch high numbers on the entrance door. Such signage shall be excluded from the items of information at this location.

Items of information allowed.

Lettering standards: legibility and proportionality. To ensure that signage is both legible to the public and architecturally appropriate, without imposing a universal maximum height limit, all lettering, numbers, and symbols shall adhere to the following standards.

All signs and advertising displays other than those expressly excluded in § 430-62F shall require sign permits. To obtain such permits, the owner of the proposed sign shall make application to the Zoning Officer or his designee on forms provided by him. The applicant shall also provide sketches and specifications of the proposed construction as provided below.

It shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Officer or his designee to determine whether the proposed signs will be in compliance with all the provisions of this section and all other laws and ordinances of the municipality and that the sign will be erected in such a manner as not to constitute any hazard to the public or not likely to cause damage to property. The Zoning Officer or his designee shall approve or deny the issuance of a sign permit after receipt by him of the completed application form and fee. In the event that the Zoning Officer or his designee approves the issuance of the sign permit, he shall promptly forward the same to the applicant upon payment to the municipality of the required fee. In the event that the Zoning Officer or his designee denies permission, the Zoning Officer or his designee shall so notify the applicant. Upon such denial, the applicant may appeal the determination of the Zoning Officer or his designee, pursuant to this Article. If the work authorized under a sign permit shall not be completed within one year after the date of its issuance, the permit shall become null and void. The application may also require the issuance of a building permit, which shall be obtained separately.

Application for sign permits shall be made in duplicate on forms to be furnished by the municipality and shall be accompanied by a fee for each sign, made by check or money order payable to the order of the City of Perth Amboy, which fee shall not be returnable for any reason. The application shall contain the following information hereinafter set forth:

Sign permit fees. All persons erecting permanent signs or refacing existing signs within the City of Perth Amboy shall pay a fee for each sign in accordance with the following schedule:

Nonconforming signs.

All signs shall conform to the structural requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.

Freestanding signs shall be supported by posts or pylons of durable materials, which may include concrete, steel, treated wood, other suitable, materials or any combination of the same. Supports for freestanding signs shall be set securely in the ground or concrete so that the sign will be capable of withstanding high winds. No other bracing or guy wires shall be permitted.

Any sign attached flat against the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable material and attached securely to the building with non-rusting metal hardware. When a sign is to be installed on a masonry building, holes shall be drilled in the masonry, and proper non-rusting hardware of the expansion or epoxy injection type shall be used. The use of wood or fiber plugs is prohibited.

Any sign projecting from the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable material and attached securely to the building with non-rusting metal hardware. When a sign is to be installed on a masonry building, holes shall be drilled in the masonry, and proper non-rusting hardware of the expansion or epoxy injection type shall be used. The use of wood or fiber plugs is prohibited. Projecting and banner signs shall be properly secured to prevent swinging, sagging, tearing, or flapping.

Signs shall be built of any one or more of the following materials. Paints, dyes, and other color media shall be weatherproof or coated with a weatherproof material.

All sign materials must be of a non-combustible nature and be certified by a licensed professional to meet all local, state, and national electrical and building codes.

Mounting systems shall be professional-grade, non-rusting, high-capacity hardware designed to withstand the structure of the sign.

All signs and its supporting structures must be maintained in good repair and be free from chipping, peeling paint, rust, or other signs of neglect. Any sign found to be in disrepair or to pose a safety hazard shall be repaired or removed by the owner within 30 days of written notice from the city.

All signs, including wall, projecting, banner, cabinet and box, and special signs may be illuminated.

Permitted technology: All sign illumination shall be provided by high-efficiency, solid-state lighting sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), tungsten-halogen lamps, or any future lighting technology with equivalent or superior performance in energy efficiency and public health impact. Tungsten-halogen lamps, are encouraged, particularly where their specific color rendering or warmth is integral to the sign's artistic design or historical character. All technologies must comply with the standards set forth in this section.

Regardless of the type of illumination employed, all illuminated signs shall be properly shielded and so located as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic, pedestrians, and so as not to cause a nuisance to residents of the area.

Wiring for illuminated signs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Electrical Code (refer to Chapter 184 of the City Code) of the municipality. Any fee for an electrical inspection shall be in addition to the fee provided for in the sign permit.

All sign illumination shall adhere to the following standards, which are designed to prevent light pollution, minimize glare and light trespass onto adjacent properties, and maintain a comfortable light level.

The following illumination formats are encouraged:

Internal illumination is defined as the light source on a wall or projecting sign, including those signs made up of individual channel letters and symbols, that is concealed or contained within the signs and which becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface creating a uniform, glowing background. Internally illuminated signs on buildings which are not set back from the sidewalk, shall not be permitted, with the following exceptions:

The following types of lights shall not be permitted in any zoning district:

Direct illumination of building facades beyond individual storefronts shall be allowed, provided the following requirements are met:

Businesses that are the sole occupants of a building may use projection mapping, defined as a form of electronic display where images, video, or animations are projected onto the surface of a commercial building facade to display some form of content. Projection mapping is a permitted and regulated display type subject to the following standards, in addition to any requirements in Chapter 343:

Storefront display and safety lighting.

All electrical components, including but not limited to cables, conduits, junction boxes, power supplies, transformers, outlets, and connections, shall be concealed within the building wall, sign cabinet, sign structure, or mounting apparatus. No such components shall be visible on the exterior facade of the building. This includes the area directly behind the sign as well as any portion of the building elevation where the sign is installed. The final sign installation shall present a finished, seamless appearance, with all electrical wiring and hardware fully integrated and hidden from view.

Portable A-frame or sandwich board signs, as prescribed on § 430-62I with the exception of signs specifically prohibited under § 430-62G or signs constructed of materials prohibited under the same subsection of this chapter.

Non-illuminated directional signs identifying parking areas, loading zones, entrances, exits and similar locations. The signs may include a logo, business name or professional name but shall not include an advertising message and shall not exceed three square feet.

Temporary and permanent traffic signs and signals installed by the municipality, county or state for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic. Temporary traffic signs installed by a utility for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic while performing work in a right of way.

Signs indicating public transportation stops when installed by the municipality or a public transportation utility.

Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in area and which are installed by government agencies or civil religious organizations.

Warning and no-trespassing signs, not exceeding three square feet in area.

Flags or emblems of religious, educational, civic or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings or grounds occupied by the organization and the American flag whenever and wherever flown in accordance with the laws and rules and promulgated by the federal government.

The name and number plates identifying residents and affixed to a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding 50 square inches in area.

Lawn signs identifying residents, not exceeding one and square foot in area for each side. The signs shall not contain any advertising message and shall be non-illuminated, except by a light which is an integral part or a lamppost if used as a support.

Signs posted by governmental agencies or pursuant to governmental statute, order or regulation.

Signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps, milk machines, soda machines and MAC machines, provided that they do not exceed the height or width of the machine on which they are located. No additional signs shall be provided at the facility or added to the machine beyond the height or width of the machine.

Real estate signs, announcing the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is located, such sign not to exceed five square feet in area. If double-faced, the sign shall not exceed 10 square feet in area for both sides. The sign shall be non-illuminated. Such sign shall not be closer to the line than 1/2 the distance between the building line and the lot line, as defined by this chapter. Such signs shall not be located closer to other such signs than one in every 200 feet, measured either along the front of a lot or along the depth of a lot.

Temporary signs attached to a window shall be removed at the expiration of the event sale for which it was erected or posted. Temporary signs may be erected or posted up to 14 days prior to the event or sale. Temporary sale signs must identify sale date start and end. No more than 15% of the square footage of any single window or single window display area shall be devoted to signs or other advertising material attached thereto or otherwise exposed to public view.

Temporary signs for advertising public functions or fundraising events for charitable or religious organizations shall be permitted for a period of 21 days prior to and during the event and shall be removed within five days after the event. The sign shall be non-illuminated, not larger than 16 square feet in area, not exceeding eight feet in height and may be erected flat against the building or freestanding.

Temporary political signs not exceeding 12 square feet, non-illuminated, which shall be removed 10 days after the election.

Path marking signs for garage sales, provided that not more than two signs not exceeding two square feet in size are posted no earlier than two days before the beginning of the sale, are removed the day following the sale and are not otherwise prohibited in Subsection G below, and all signs for path marking to garage sales shall be provided with the address of the garage sale.

Artisans' signs. Signs of builders, electrical contractors, painters and other artisans may be erected and maintained during the period in which such persons are performing work on the premises, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area. Such signs shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work.

Private driveways. Signs indicating the private nature of a driveway, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.

Street numbers placed on entry doors in commercial and industrial zones provided lettering is no more than four inches in height.

Moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting, with the exception of red, white, and blue mechanical barbershop revolving signs, when properly displayed on a barbershop storefront in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

Springer or wind signs placed on sidewalks, both fixed or mounted on coils to a heavy base or lightweight base filled with water or sand, and signs built entirely or partly of PVC, corrugated plastic, aluminum composite, and hollow molded plastics such as polyethylene.

Imitation of traffic signals: No sign shall display red, green, or amber/yellow lights in a manner that could be confused with a traffic signal if the sign is located within 75 feet of any traffic signal-controlled intersection.

Electronic message centers (digital signs): Signs with changeable electronic messages are not permitted. Full-motion video is prohibited on outdoor signs.

Bright signs that exceed the maximum luminance levels of 200 candelas per square meter, as established in § 430-62E, Illumination.

Roof signs.

Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature.

Signs using words, such as "stop," "look," "danger," etc., which are placed in a manner or position which imitates traffic signs and may constitute a traffic hazard or otherwise interfere with the free flow of traffic.

Signs which attempt to imitate or otherwise cause confusion with existing signs erected by any governmental board, body or agency.

Billboards and other advertising signs, fixed or portable display shall be prohibited in all districts, except where specifically permitted.

Signs causing interference with radio or television reception.

Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways or keeping light or air from windows used for living quarters.

Any commercial sign or banner spanning a public street, except for banners spanning a public street publicizing city supported or sponsored events.

Signs placed or attached or supported on awnings, trees, fences, utility poles or light poles, signs attached to other signs and signs placed upon motor vehicles which are continuously or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign, but nothing herein contained is intended to prohibit the placement of signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a lot or parcel on light poles and utility poles erected therein.

Any series of two or more signs placed along a street or highway carrying an advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.

A sign on motor vehicle, truck or trailer, whether or not operational and whether or not self-propelled, which is used or parked or designated to be parked for advertising purposes. Specifically exempted from this section are those signs, nameplates or letters affixed to or printed upon commercial vehicles regularly used in the course of business for regular deliveries, pickups or other such purposes and/or in compliance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-46. Specifically included are signs on vehicles, trailers and the like which have as their prime purpose the advertising of goods, wares or services of a business which are maintained in a stationary manner at one or more locations for extended periods of time.

Signs located within sight triangles between a height of three feet and eight feet, as measured from the top of the curb.

R-60 Residential Zone permitted signage.

R-50 Residential Zone permitted signs.

R-25 Residential Zone permitted signs.

R-M Residential Zone permitted signs:

H Hospital Zone permitted signs:

C-1 Neighborhood Business Zone, C-2 Central Business Zone, and C-3 Highway Commercial Zone permitted signs:

M-1 Light Industrial Zone, and M-2 and M-3 Heavy Industrial Zone permitted signs:

Off-street parking signs allowable in all zoning districts. Street signs may be displayed on the side or rear of a building adjacent to an off-street parking area if the off-street parking area is 40 feet or more in width. However, the side or rear of the building adjacent to the off-street parking area may not be included when calculating the signable wall area allowable to wall signs under this chapter.

Parking signs allowable in C-3 Highway Commercial Zone permitted signs.

Billboards may be allowed in M-3 Heavy Industrial Zones, subject to the conditional use requirements at § 430-58.

Portable A-frame signs, also known as sandwich board signs, are portable, self-supporting signs consisting of two panels, typically hinged at the top, and not anchored to the ground. The message on either panel can be permanent or changeable at will by the owner. They are placed on sidewalks during business hours and are regulated for their placement (to ensure pedestrian access), size, and how often they can be used.

For all activities, one A-frame sign may be displayed without a permit, provided it complies with the following standards:

A-frame or sandwich board signs may be displayed without a permit but are subject to enforcement and citations for violation of design and maintenance standards as prescribed in § 430-62D.

This section governs fixed freestanding signs (monument and pole signs), understood as signs self-supported by a structure or pole anchored in the ground and not attached to a building.

For all activities, one such sign may be displayed, provided it complies with the following standards. These standards are designed to ensure visibility from the street while preventing visual clutter and respecting the character of the surrounding area.

General requirements.

Additional standards for C-1 and C-2 Zoning districts.

Additional standards for C-3, M-1, M-2, and M-3 zoning districts.

Fixed monument or pole signs are also subject to the following additional limitations:

Any activity may display wall signs, providing the total items of information displayed from all signage does not exceed four items or as otherwise permitted. Wall signs may be attached flat to or pinned away from the wall and may not project from the wall by more than eight inches.

For the purposes of this chapter, the definition of wall signs shall include the following categories:

Wherever the message on a wall sign is divided between a number of panels or parts, the total area of all of the panels or parts shall be considered as one sign, and where a sign consists of individual letters or numbers, the area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can collectively enclose all of the letters or numbers shall be the total sign area.

The gross sign area of a wall sign, both mounted or painted, shall not exceed four square feet times the lot's street frontage. For buildings with multiple storefronts, the maximum gross sign area shall not exceed four square feet times the lot's street frontage, proportionally apportioned according to the percentage of building frontage that each storefront takes. The sign face area may not extend over any architectural details, fenestration, and access doors and door recesses. The bounds of the sign area are equal to the limits of the building elevation where the sign is mounted.

For any zoning lots with live theater uses, theater marquee sign area does not count toward the maximum total sign area permitted on a zoning lot.

In Zoning Districts C-1, C-2, C-3, H, M-1, M-2, and M-3, the permitted signable area may extend to the whole elevation where a sign is displayed.

For storefronts in corner buildings facing two intersecting rights of way in Zoning Districts C-1, C-2, C-3, H, M-1, M-2, and M-3, where they are otherwise allowed a second sign, the permitted signable area may extend to the entirety of both elevations where a sign is displayed.

Activities located above the ground floor may display signs on the glass area of their own windows only and are limited to 25% of the glass area and a maximum of four items of information. Neon signs, neon lights, LED lights, or illuminated signs are not permitted in windows or on walls above the ground floor sign band area.

Activities located above the ground floor may also display signs on their ground floor door. Activities located below the ground floor may display sign on their ground floor door and projecting signs up to six square feet in area. All door signs are limited to 10% of the door area.

For storefronts in shopping centers in districts zoned C-3, one wall sign shall be permitted for each permitted use, provided that the sign meets the following requirements:

Wall signs may be illuminated. See § 430-62E, Illumination, for standards and requirements for illuminating a sign.

Wall signs are subject to the following additional limitations:

Any commercial or institutional activity may display one projecting sign on each street frontage, providing the total items of information displayed from all signage does not exceed four items or as otherwise permitted.

The following regulations apply to projecting signs:

Projecting signs shall be illuminated externally. For illumination standards refer to § 430-62E, Illumination.

Any commercial or institutional activity may display banner signs sign on the principal street frontage, providing the total items of information displayed from all signage does not exceed four items or as otherwise permitted. The standards for banner signs shall be as follows:

When a building elevation contains multiple permanent banner signs, their placement and spacing shall be governed by the following standards to ensure visual harmony, legibility, and to prevent the appearance of clutter.

General provisions A cabinet or box sign is a single, self-contained unit that houses a business's graphics, logo, or message. For the purposes of this chapter, cabinet signs are classified into two categories: standard cabinet signs and architectural cabinet signs, each with specific standards. All cabinet signs, regardless of type, must adhere to the general size, placement, and projection limits outlined below and the mandatory illumination standards detailed in § 430-62E.

Standard cabinet signs. This category includes conventional cabinet and box signs.

Architectural cabinet signs: This category is an exception for high-quality, design-focused signs that are integrated with the building's facade.

The total number of items of information displayed across all visible faces shall not exceed the four items permitted for a principal sign. The gross sign area shall be calculated as the cumulative area of all of its visible display surfaces.

Projecting cabinet or box signs may project no more than four feet across the property line into the public right of way. Maximum height shall be 1/7 of the total building elevation, provided no portion of the sign extends above the tallest point of the building elevation, and the sign maintains a clearance of eight feet from the sidewalk floor. The maximum thickness of a projecting cabinet or box sign may be 18 inches. Cabinet or box signs shall be mounted on rust-proof brackets.

Design and transparency. The sign face may be flat or three-dimensional, made of solid, non-tensile or textile material, including transparent, translucent, or opaque acrylic, glass, metal, wood, or other durable material. The interior volume may be used for display, provided a maximum of four items are displayed, including any items of information as defined in this chapter.

Permanent awnings with or without signs are permitted for all activities in all areas, except in residential districts, providing the total items of information displayed from signage does not exceed two items or as otherwise permitted.

The standards for permanent awnings shall be as follows:

The standards for awning signs shall be as follows:

Awning decorations.

Marquees shall be permitted for live theater uses only. Canopies shall be permitted for all buildings with the exception of live theater uses. The rules in this subsection govern both marquee or canopy signs.

A marquee or canopy sign consisting on individual, three-dimensional channel or solid cut letters and symbols, illuminated or not, attached to the top or hung from the bottom of the outer edge of a marquee, canopy or other covered structure extending from and supported by the building.

Marquee or canopy signs shall be securely fastened directly to the cantilevered structure using professional-grade, non-rusting anchors, with any mounting hardware and electrical equipment concealed to prevent cluttering.

The gross sign area of a wall sign, both mounted or painted, shall not exceed one square foot times the lot's street frontage. The sign area shall be measured as the area resulting from multiplying the distance from the baseline to the cap line of the sign letters, and the distance from the beginning of the first letter to the end of the last. The sign area may not extend beyond the limits of the marquee or canopy.

Lettering on a marquee or canopy sign, measured from baseline to cap line, shall not exceed the height of the building if the building is single story, or the lowest horizontal sill line of the windows of the second story in a multi-story building, when the sign is installed on top of the canopy or marquee. When the sign is installed hanging from the canopy or marquee, it shall allow a minimum 10-foot clearance from the sidewalk floor level.

Individual letters or symbols on marquee or canopy signs may be internally or externally illuminated.

For zoning lots with live theater uses only, theater marquee sign area does not count toward the maximum total sign area permitted on a zoning lot.

Decorative elements may be attached to the structural frame or underside of a permanent building canopy or marquee. All such decorations are subject to the same standards for maintenance, clearance, safety, and content as outlined for awning decorations in the preceding section § 430-62P.

All windows exposed to public view shall be kept clean and free of marks, debris, grease, soot, adhesive remains, and other foreign substances. Except when necessary in the course of changing displays, no storage of materials, stock or inventory shall be permitted in window display areas ordinarily exposed to public view.

Permanent window signs are permitted for all activities, provided they meet the following requirements:

Full window coverage: Permitted uses that require privacy for legal or safety reasons may cover the entirety of the window and door glass surfaces with translucent film when privacy or safety are required. This allowance is in addition to window signage standards specified in this chapter. Uses permitted to cover the entirety of ground floor glass surfaces are limited to:

In buildings with joint occupancy or multiple uses, inclusive of residential units, window signage on upper story windows shall not cover more than 15% of the combined glass area, and shall adhere to the standards of this section, especially subsections § 430-62Q(1)(a) and § 430-62Q(1)(b). The following additional standards are implemented by the developers or property managers:

Temporary window signs are permitted for all commercial activity, except industrial activities in all commercial areas. They may not exceed more than 25% of the area of the window in which they are displayed. Temporary window graphics are not debited against the items of information allowance established by the general provisions (§ 430-62A). A business may display one temporary window sign, provided it meets all of the following requirements:

Temporary decorative and seasonal installations, such as garlands, floral arrangements, wreaths, and string lighting, which are ancillary to the primary use of the business, are permitted for all activities in commercial areas, provided they meet the following requirements:

To maintain a visual connection between the street and store interiors and to enhance the aesthetic character of the commercial district, a business may stage a window display in accordance with the following design standards:

Maintenance of transparency and views. To promote an active and safe streetscape, all storefront windows shall remain free of interior obstructions. The following are strictly prohibited from being placed within five feet of any street-facing window glass:

Treatment of vacant storefronts. To prevent visual blight, mask vacancy, and maintain the aesthetic continuity of the commercial streetscape, all ground-floor storefront glass of vacant or unoccupied commercial establishments shall be treated according to the following standards:

This section provides regulations for unique signs that do not fit into standard sign categories. The intent is to allow for creative and artistic expression while ensuring these signs contribute positively to Perth Amboy's public spaces and overall character.

Artistic signs and murals: An artistic sign is a graphic, image, or scene painted or applied directly onto a building wall that does not contain commercial messaging. A mural may be installed on a building, provided it meets the standards herein:

Review for murals on non-historic properties. For murals on all other buildings, a Zoning Permit is required to verify compliance with the following standards:

Salvaged items used as signs: A sign may be constructed from a repurposed or salvaged three-dimensional object that is not a traditional sign cabinet.

Oversized objects and 3D models.

Temporary signs: A temporary sign permit may be issued only for the following, subject to strict limitations.

Moving and animated signs: Any sign that moves, flashes, rotates, flutters, or creates the appearance of movement is prohibited, in order to prevent driver distraction and preserve public tranquility. The following signs are strictly prohibited in all zones:

Buildings in joint occupancy or multiple use. When a building is occupied by a single occupant who carries on more than one activity within the building or contains two or more activities carried on by different occupants, the total building signage must be proportionately apportioned from the gross sign area, as specified in this chapter.

Multiple frontages. If a building has frontage on or access to two or more streets, each side of the building is to be separately considered for purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Area allowances for street signs may be utilized only on the side of the building from which they are calculated.

A "nonconforming sign" shall include any sign, regardless of type or location on a building elevation, which was lawfully established with a legal permit but no longer conforms to the sign regulations of this chapter, either at the effective date of adoption of this chapter or as a result of subsequent amendments which may be incorporated into this chapter, that makes the existing sign non-compliant. This definition does not include illegal signs that were constructed without a permit or in violation of the ordinance at the time of their installation.

With the purpose and intent of ensuring a fair and orderly transition to the standards of this chapter, the City of Perth Amboy establishes a phased amortization program for all legal nonconforming signs. This program replaces cost-based schedules with a system based on sign complexity and location to prioritize community character and economic vitality goals.

Amortization process.

Compliance schedule: The compliance deadline for each nonconforming sign shall be determined by the following matrix:

Incentive program for early compliance.

The standards established in this Part B shall apply exclusively to properties located within the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts. For properties in all other zoning districts, the standard construction and material codes of the city shall apply. Within the C-1 and C-2 districts, these standards shall apply to:

As part of any major site plan application, the applicant shall submit detailed architectural plans for review and approval. The plans shall include:

Materials: The use of solid materials is strongly encouraged to enhance the building's aesthetic value, durability, and authenticity.

Transparency: Street-level facades shall promote pedestrian interaction. A minimum of 60% of the linear frontage of any ground-floor commercial space shall consist of clear, transparent glass.

Artistic glass allowance: Decorative glass applications, including new or historical stained, leaded, or prismatic glass, are permitted on any portion of the ground-floor facade, including display windows, transoms, and doors. These artistic glass elements shall not obscure more than 40% of the total glass area of any single storefront opening, ensuring the required 60% minimum transparency is maintained through the use of clear or translucent glass components within the artistic design. The use of stained, leaded, or prismatic glass, especially on transoms, is highly encouraged for its contribution to architectural character.

Architectural cohesion: Renovations to existing buildings should respect the original architectural character. New construction should be compatible with the scale, massing, and rhythm of the surrounding commercial streetscape.

Preservation of historic character: The preservation, restoration, and repair of original architectural features are strongly encouraged. Property owners should retain and celebrate details that contribute to the building's historic identity. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Murals and temporary art installations: The installation of murals and the use of temporary projection mapping are permitted on buildings as forms of public art, subject to the following standards, in addition to those on Chapter 343:

Sidewalk floor graphics: The installation of temporary, non-permanent graphics on the public sidewalk directly in front of a commercial establishment is permitted as a form of artistic expression or temporary promotion, subject to the following standards:

Screening: All rooftop mechanical equipment, utility boxes, and ground-level refuse areas shall be fully screened from public view using materials that are architecturally integrated with the principal building.

Exterior illumination: All exterior lighting, including architectural, display, and security lighting, shall be designed to enhance the building and the pedestrian environment while preventing glare and light trespass.

Facade overlays and greenscreens.