The requirements and restrictions of this chapter may be modified by the City Manager or the City Manager's designee when an applicant is using a comprehensive design plan to integrate signs into the framework of the building or buildings, landscaping, and other design features of the property, utilizing an overall design theme. Comprehensive design may be used on an existing building where the facade is being altered, new construction or in freestanding signs.
(Ord. 1591 § 472, 2014)
Applications for comprehensive design plan permits shall be submitted on forms provided by the City Manager or the City Manager's designee and shall be accompanied by the following:
(1) 
A narrative describing the proposed plan, including, but not limited to, the following information:
(a) 
How the physical components of the sign structure relate to the copy area, detailing legibility and readability factors based on traffic speed, sign placement, and letter size;
(b) 
How the sign(s) relate to the immediate surroundings, including buildings, other signs, landscaping, and other decorative features;
(c) 
How the sign or signs relate to the desired land use characteristics promoted by the Comprehensive Plan and this chapter;
(d) 
How the elements and design of the sign(s) promote and enhance the overall design theme established by the adopted design guidelines for the Marina District or the Pacific Ridge neighborhood;
(e) 
Evaluation of potential adverse effects on adjacent property.
(2) 
A site plan and colored renderings of the sign(s) and building faces on which the signs will be mounted. Graphic submittals shall illustrate how the total sign proposal will appear from the street(s) from which the signage is intended to be seen.
(3) 
Regular sign permit application.
(Ord. 1591 § 473, 2014)
The City Manager or the City Manager's designee shall employ the following criteria when evaluating the proposed comprehensive signage plan;
(1) 
Whether the proposal manifests an exceptional effort toward creating visual harmony between the sign, buildings, and other components of the subject property through the use of a consistent design theme;
(2) 
Whether the sign or signs promote the planned land use in the area of the subject property and enhance the aesthetics of the surrounding area;
(3) 
Whether the sign placement and size obstructs or interferes with any other signs or property in the area or obstructs natural or scenic views;
(4) 
Whether the proposed sign or signs is/are better coordinated, more harmonious with surrounding development including other signage and the architectural concepts employed in the building's site than could be installed under existing criteria in this chapter.
(Ord. 1591 § 474, 2014)