(a) 
The purpose of this division is to regulate the construction of new signs and alterations to existing signs to ensure consistency with the historic, urban, pedestrian-oriented nature of this district, and the dense, compact development absent in other areas of the city. Where there is a conflict between this division and other sections of this article, this division shall be applicable.
(b) 
The objective of this division is to ensure:
(1) 
That new signage is appropriate to the architectural design and historical significance of the building and the district; and
(2) 
That signs do not visually obscure significant architectural features of a building or the district in general.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-16)
Signs shall be designed to be compatible with the architectural composition of the building and the district and not obscure any architectural accent, pattern, or object on the original structure.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-17)
(a) 
The total area of all signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of store frontage for each facade, for a total of no more than fifty (50) square feet. If the facade’s proportions support additional signage, the historic preservation commission may approve additional sign area.
(b) 
When computing the area of a sign, the measurement shall include the area enclosed by one (1) or more geometric shapes which fully contains all extremities of the sign, exclusive of its supports. The measurement is to be calculated from the viewpoint which gives the largest sign area as the viewpoint is rotated horizontally around the sign. Sign area shall include all lettering, wording, logos, design, symbols, framing, roofing, and cabinets or modules.
(c) 
The total allowable sign area for signs with more than one (1) sign face, such as double-faced and back-to-back signs, shall be calculated based on the largest sign face.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-18)
Sign finish materials shall be one (1) of the following:
(1) 
Painted, vinyl-coated, or enameled metal;
(2) 
Carved relief in stone or cast stone; and
(3) 
Wood or carved wood which is painted or sealed.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-19)
(a) 
Electrical devices and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the electrical code. No open spark or flame shall be used for any purpose. All power to detached signs shall be supplied underground. No sign electrical system shall be energized until inspected and approved by the building official.
(b) 
Illuminated signs shall comply with the following provisions:
(1) 
Any light used for the illumination of a sign shall be shielded so that the beams or rays of light shine directly onto the sign and not into surrounding areas.
(2) 
Neither the direct nor the reflected light from any light source shall create a traffic hazard or distraction to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-20)
(a) 
Historic signs.
Historic signs, as designated in accordance with article 9.05, shall not be calculated in the number or area of allowed signs for the purposes of this article.
(b) 
Murals.
A mural is a painting located on the side or rear of a building which reflects a cultural, historic or environmental event or subject matter related to the city. Murals shall be considered historic signs and designated in accordance with this section. An accurate color rendering of any proposed mural shall be presented to the historic preservation commission for consideration.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-21)
(a) 
The following signs shall be allowed in the downtown historic district:
(1) 
All signs specifically permitted in this division.
(2) 
Development or construction signs.
(3) 
Real estate signs.
(b) 
The following signs are prohibited in the downtown historic district:
(1) 
Any sign not specifically permitted by this division is prohibited;
(2) 
Any sign that flashes, blinks, revolves, or is put into motion by the atmosphere;
(3) 
Portable signs, except for A-frame signs;
(4) 
Billboards, cloud buster balloons, inflatable device signs and pole signs;
(5) 
Roof-mounted signs and sky signs, except for landmark signs or those approved by the historic preservation commission; and
(6) 
Advertising benches.
(c) 
Any sign abandoned for more than six (6) months or damaged beyond sixty (60) percent of its replacement value shall be removed in accordance with section 4.10.010, along with their supports, brackets and braces. Any sign removal that will permanently damage the exterior of a historic structure shall be exempt from this section. Such sign shall be inspected and exception shall be deemed necessary once verified by the historic preservation officer.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-22)
(a) 
Wall signs.
(1) 
Wall signs shall be permitted to be attached to, supported by or painted on a building facade.
(2) 
A wall sign attached to or supported by a building facade shall be parallel to the building facade and shall not extend above the wall to which it is attached. Attached wall signs shall not project more than six (6) inches from the building facade. A minimum clearance of eight (8) feet shall be maintained below signs that are located over a pedestrian walkway, measured from the walkway surface to the lowest part of the sign.
(b) 
Window signs.
Window signs covering not more than thirty (30) percent of any window area shall be included in the total allowable sign area and shall not require a certificate of appropriateness.
(c) 
Directory signs.
On multi-tenant buildings where there are two (2) or more tenants without direct outside access to a public street, a directory sign shall be allowed. One (1) directory sign per street face shall be permitted. A directory sign shall be permitted as a blade sign or a wall sign and shall not exceed a maximum sign area of ten (10) square feet. Directory signs shall not be included in the total allowable sign area.
(d) 
Blade signs.
A blade sign is an attached sign which is installed perpendicular to the building facade. Blade signs shall comply with this section.
(1) 
Blade signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in sign area. The height of a blade sign structure shall not exceed six (6) feet, and such signs shall not extend more than four (4) feet from the building facade.
(2) 
A blade sign placed adjacent to a public right-of-way shall not encroach on the sight visibility triangle. The leading edge of such signs shall be no closer than eight (8) feet from the curb line.
(3) 
A minimum clearance of eight (8) feet shall be maintained below signs that are located over a pedestrian walkway, measured from the walkway surface to the lowest part of the sign.
(4) 
The total allowable sign area for signs with more than one (1) sign face, such as double-faced and back-to-back signs, shall be calculated based on the largest sign face.
(e) 
Awning and canopy signs.
Signs shall be permitted under an awning or canopy in accordance with this section.
(1) 
The maximum height of signs installed under an awning or canopy shall be twelve (12) inches. The overall width of such signs shall be a minimum of one (1) foot less than the overall width of the awning or canopy.
(2) 
The leading edge of such signs shall be no closer than twenty-four (24) inches from the curb line. A minimum clearance of eight (8) feet shall be maintained below signs that are located over a pedestrian walkway, measured from the walkway surface to the lowest part of the sign.
(3) 
The total allowable sign area for signs with more than one (1) sign face, such as double-faced and back-to-back signs, shall be calculated based on the largest sign face.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-23)
(a) 
A-frame signs.
A-frame signs shall be permitted in the downtown historic district in accordance with this section.
(1) 
A-frame signs shall not be included in the total allowable sign area and shall not require a certificate of appropriateness. Such sign shall require a permit in accordance with division 3 of this article.
(2) 
A-frame signs must be set back at least three (3) feet from any adjacent street, shall be permitted on the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the related business, shall provide an unobstructed pedestrian clearance of at least four (4) feet in width, and shall not be placed in any manner to interfere with vehicular traffic or cause a hazard.
(3) 
The maximum sign area of an A-frame sign is twelve (12) square feet per side, or twenty-four (24) square feet total. The maximum height of an A-frame sign shall be four (4) feet and the maximum width is three (3) feet. An A-frame sign shall not be closer than twenty (20) feet to another A-frame sign.
(4) 
A maximum of one (1) A-frame sign shall be permitted per business or tenant, and shall only be displayed during operating hours of the related business.
(b) 
Banner signs.
Banner signs shall be permitted in the downtown historic district and shall not require a certificate of appropriateness. One (1) banner sign with a sign area no larger than fifty (50) square feet is permitted for a maximum time period of thirty (30) consecutive days up to five (5) times per calendar year per building.
(c) 
Holiday signs.
Holiday signs and decorations installed on private property and containing only holiday messages and no commercial advertising shall be exempt from this division. Such signs and decorations shall be maintained in accordance with section 4.10.010 and shall be removed no later than thirty (30) days after the holiday.
(d) 
Temporary event signs.
Signs and decorations in conjunction with an approved temporary event shall be permitted no more than two (2) weeks prior to the event and shall be removed no later than three (3) business days after the event. Installation of such signs and decorations shall be subject to the following:
(1) 
No signs, decorations, or other matter shall be attached to any monument or structure designated as an historic landmark;
(2) 
Signs and decorations located within or projecting over any public right-of-way shall be approved by the city engineer;
(3) 
Signs and decorations located within or projecting over any city-owned park, open space, or other city-owned property shall be approved by the director of public works and the director of community development;
(4) 
Signs and decorations shall not obstruct any building exit, or cause hazardous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians; and
(5) 
Such signs and decorations shall be maintained in accordance with section 4.10.010.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-24)
(a) 
Informational and movement control signs.
Informational and movement control signs no larger than two (2) square feet in sign area and containing no commercial advertising are exempt from this division. Such signs shall be maintained in accordance with section 4.10.010.
(b) 
Flags and insignia.
A flag or insignia of a governmental or fraternal, religious, civic or educational organization or institution which is not used in connection with a commercial promotion or to advertise a commercial product, service, business, activity, condition, or person shall be permitted and shall not be included in the total allowable sign area and shall not require a certificate of appropriateness.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-25)
(a) 
A certificate of appropriateness shall be obtained in accordance with article 9.05 prior to the issuance of any sign permit. The certificate of appropriateness review and sign permit review process may be conducted simultaneously.
(b) 
Except as provided in this division, no temporary or permanent sign shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed or relocated unless a permit shall have been first secured from the building official.
(c) 
All signs shall be designed, constructed and inspected in accordance with section 4.10.009.
(Ordinance 2014-002, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/14; 1988 Code, sec. 28-26)