The Historic Preservation Commission shall have
the power to grant waivers from the strict requirements of this chapter
for the installation of certain signs, as follows:
A.
Where by reason of the location of the tax lot, building
or storefront, the Historic Preservation Commission concludes that
it is reasonably necessary for the sign to be located on some other
tax lot, building or storefront in order for the sign to adequately
serve its function, the Historic Preservation Commission may grant
a waiver from the provisions of this chapter and permit a sign to
be located on some other tax lot, building or storefront, on the condition
that the sign is included on the sign plan of that other tax lot,
building or storefront.
B.
Where by reason of the configuration of the tax lot,
building or storefront, or by reason of the use or uses made of the
tax lot, building or storefront, the Historic Preservation Commission
determines that the architectural balance or integrity of the facade
of the tax lot, building or storefront is protected, enhanced or preserved
by approving additional signs for the tax lot, building or storefront,
or that additional signs are reasonably necessary to identify the
use or uses therein, the Historic Preservation Commission may waive
the requirements of the appropriate sections of this chapter and approve
additional signs for the tax lot, building or storefront. In the event
that such a waiver is granted, only one sign on the tax lot, building
or storefront may include the name of the enterprise or establishment.
This waiver will in no way change the size of the signs permitted
on any one tax lot, building or storefront pursuant to this chapter.
C.
Where a retail, office, business or professional use
desires to have a sign painted on glass, the Historic Preservation
Commission may waive the requirements of this chapter, and grant a
permit for such a sign, but only in the event that the Historic Preservation
Commission finds that because of the design and configuration of the
tax lot, building or storefront, there is no other reasonable location
for the sign that will adequately apprise the public of the location
of the enterprise or the services or wares offered. In granting such
a waiver, the Historic Preservation Commission may allow only part
of the requested sign to be on a window, and require that the rest
be located elsewhere.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to
mean that any tax lot, building or storefront is entitled to a waiver
under this article as of right. Waivers are to be discretionary with
the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Historic Preservation
Commission may approve, approve with conditions, or deny any request
for a waiver under this chapter, and in its determination, the Historic
Preservation Commission may consider the zone in which the sign is
to be located, the surrounding streetscape and other existing or proposed
signs, and the sign's appearance, color, lettering, size, texture
of materials, design, location, position and method of attachment,
and lighting.
