Reference is made to Zoning Ordinance Article IX, which
primarily regulates this subject, particularly for size, number and
placement.[1] The following are additional guidelines. See also guidelines
for specific types of uses and developments.
Design. All signs should be architecturally
integrated with their surroundings in terms of size, shape, color,
texture, and lighting so that they are complementary to the overall
design of the building and are not in visual competition with other
signs in the area.
Compatibility. All signs should complement
their surroundings without competing with each other, should convey
their message clearly and legibly, should be vandal-proof and weather-resistant,
and, if illuminated, should not be overly bright for their surroundings.
New signs proposed for existing buildings should provide a compatible
appearance with the building signage of other tenants. With multiple
signs on a single building, an attempt should be made to bring in
a unifying element (such as size), even where no sign program exists.
Mounting. Signs that are replaced on
masonry or stucco exteriors can result in unattractive "patched" areas.
These potential maintenance problems should be addressed during the
design phase of the project. Signs on masonry surfaces should typically
be anchored into the mortar joints.
Individual type. Signs composed of
individual letters are encouraged. Back-lit (halo-lit, or reverse
pan channel) letters are generally desirable for logos and wider individual
letters. Individual metal letters are often the best choice for office
identification signs.
Cabinet signs. Internally illuminated
or non-illuminated cabinet signs are generally not appropriate and
are strongly discouraged. Signs that incorporate a mixture of media,
such as a cabinet sign with a rim of neon, are highly discouraged.
Freestanding signs on poles which have a top-heavy appearance
are discouraged; twin posts help reduce the top-heavy appearance.
Roof signs. The use of roof signs should
be avoided, both for appearance and structural integrity of the roof.
Alternate locations where the sign can be hung parallel to the storefront
or facade should be considered.
Monument signs. Freestanding monument
signs are generally discouraged, as they are oversized and emblematic
of strip malls nationwide. The freestanding sign should be a low height
wherever site conditions allow for visibility. Monument sign materials
should reflect the character of the use and the building the sign
identifies.
Landscaping. Landscaping should be
designed around the base of freestanding and monument signs to integrate
the sign with the ground plane and screen out any low-level floodlights.
Irrigation should be designed so it does not damage the sign.
Skyline signs. Skyline signs placed
on the upper portions of buildings should be constructed of individual
halo-lit letters if illumination is desired.
Driveway directional signs. These should only be used for projects where circulation is complex and
traffic must proceed through the site along a specific path for service.
Where the layout of the parking lot and driveways is obvious and clearly
apparent to the driver entering from the street, directional signage
is not needed and is strongly discouraged in order to prevent visual
clutter.
Standards. Where traffic control signage
is used it should conform to the standards found in the Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and other such applicable
codes.
Background. Dark colored backgrounds
on signs are generally encouraged. Stark white or extremely bright
background colors such as bright red, orange or yellow are strongly
discouraged. Where the design of the sign results in a large field
of illuminated background, the use of white or off-white as a background
color should be avoided.
Raceways. Visible raceways and transformers
for individual letters are strongly discouraged. Sign installation
details should indicate where the transformer and other mechanical
equipment will be located.
Cabinet signs. For cabinet signs, the
use of opaque backgrounds that only allow illumination of the cutout
letter or graphic area is encouraged. This can be accomplished with
a metal routed sign face using Plexiglas behind (the preferred method)
or with a vinyl-coated Plexiglas. When designing a cabinet sign, an
ample border around letters should be maintained. Standard proportions
should be 1/4 borders, letters and 1/4 borders.
Channel letters. When using reverse
pan channel letters, avoid small printing, as it does not read well
at night. The color of the trim caps should match the color of the
letter face or the cabinet return.
Foam letters. The use of plastic foam
letters is recommended only if used eight feet zero inches (8'-0")
or higher above ground level. Each letter should be properly capped
with Plexiglas. In addition, each letter should be studded and glued
to the wall to provide a more secure sign connection.
Flat sheet signs. Flat sheet signs
(such as plywood) are generally discouraged. When employed, they should
have a trimmed edge or frame to improve the finished appearance of
the sign.
Fit. Signage should be designed to
fit properly into the sign location. In some cases, the corporate
identification and/or logo should be split into two (2) or more lines
to fit attractively into the space.
Font size. Small letters on the sign
face, or used as part of the sign, do not read well and are discouraged.
Words on signs to be read from the street should be legible from at
least one hundred feet (100') away.
Illumination. Shining light on individual
letter signs is discouraged for both skyline signs and signs placed
high on building walls. Business signs in residential zones may not
be directly illuminated. Indirect lighting is encouraged.
Off-site glare. Arrange any external
spot or flood lighting so that the light source is screened from direct
view by passers-by, and so that the light is directed against the
sign and does not shine into adjacent property or blind motorists
and pedestrians. Where individual letter signs face nearby residential
areas, a low level of brightness can be maintained by using halo-lit
letters.
Halo-lighting. Halo-lit or back-lit
letters are highly encouraged for both office and retail use. Such
signs convey a subtle and attractive appearance and are very legible
under moderate ambient lighting conditions. Face illumination letters
may be appropriate for retail use.
Sign programs. New construction design
should anticipate signage and, where necessary, a sign program. New
building design should provide logical sign areas and dimension, allowing
flexibility for new users, as the building is re-tenanted over time.
Designs that provide for convenient and attractive replacement of
signs are encouraged.
Complementarity. Sign programs should
be designed to complement the style, color and materials of the building.
The best sign programs are integrated so that they become a natural
part of the building facade.
Design. Sign programs that provide
attractive combinations of type styles and colors are encouraged.
Within the sign program, the background color, type style and print
color of the sign should be consistent. However, the use of a logo
that provides identification for the business can be used to bring
distinction to the business within the framework established by the
sign program.