Signage

Overall, similar to other design elements, signage is indicative of and determined by the scale of a structure. As such, these guidelines use the scale inherent in each building type to control that building type’s signage. Single residential, for instance, is decidedly pedestrian in scale. The signage standard for a single residence, therefore, calls for small signs, with small text, geared toward pedestrians. A large commercial structure, on the other hand, is better suited to larger, less intimate signage.

All signs should be of appropriate size and text scale, shape, placement, material, texture, color, and number, relative to the storefront and business type. Signs may not be backlit in any situation. Wash lighting for legibility reasons or for decorative effect is encouraged, with lighting fixtures remaining as subtle as possible.

General Guidelines for Signage

• No roof or chimney signs are permitted.
• No self-illuminated signs are permitted.
• Internally illuminated signs are permitted only if the light comes from the top or sides of the sign and the entire face of the sign does not glow.
• Lighting from a detached light directed primarily toward the sign is permitted.
• No flashing, audible signs are permitted. All connectors, junction boxes, and wires should be located out-of-sight.
• Signs that are perpendicular to buildings should not have an edge greater than 6 inches from a building face.
• The bottom of any projecting sign shall be at least 7 feet above grade; 8 feet above pedestrian ways.