Major Sign Code Update
City of Newcastle
City Council Study Session
Purpose of Update
Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona.
Outdated sign code provisions.
Need for better definition and
Optional Approaches
Model Code
Basic Code – Focused only on
identified concerns.
Repeal current code
No particular signage concerns Laissez faire approach
Model Code Comparison:
Far more allowing than current
code:
See list of “Substantive Differences” on
pages 7 – 12 in packet, E.g., Illumination
Sign Height Sign numbers
Model Code:
Intent
Signs have a strong visual impact on the character and
quality of the community. As a prominent part of the scenery, they attract or repel the viewing public, affect the safety of vehicular traffic, and their suitability or
appropriateness helps to set the tone for the
neighborhood. The City relies upon its scenery and physical beauty to attract commerce. Aesthetic
considerations assume economic value. It is the intent of the City, through this chapter, to protect and
enhance the City’s historic and residential character and its economic base through the provision of
appropriate and aesthetic signage. In addition, it is the intent of the City to limit the size, type and location of signs in order to minimize their distracting effect on drivers and thereby improve traffic safety.
Model Code:
Purpose
6. Protect the beauty of the City’s built
environment by encouraging signs that are
compatible with the architectural style,
characteristics and scale of the building to
which they may be attached, to encourage
signs that are compatible with adjacent
buildings and businesses, to ensure that signs
do not undermine beautification efforts
through on-site and right-of-way
landscaping, and ensure that maintenance
of areas that the City has expended
considerable money to formally landscape
and beautify is not hindered by temporary
signs placed in these landscaped areas;
Model Code Support
Statements - “Whereas” :
Provides more description as to
the legislative intent of the code.
Proposed Approach:
Definition of “Sign” - includes:
Traditional graphic messages.
Non-graphic features used to identify
brand or image, e.g.,
Fascia panels.
Architectural forms not common to
Proposed Approach:
Exempt signs include:
Interior signs – 3 feet or more beyond
window.
Proposed Approach:
Sign regulation by two broad
zoning types:
Residential
- Regulated by lot size – two acre threshold.
Nonresidential
- Commercial. Industrial.
Proposed Approach:
Illumination standards:
Addresses problems related to:
Glare.
Poor legibility of signage.
Hazardous driving conditions. Nuisances to abutting residential. Adverse impacts to night sky.
Proposed Approach:
Electronic sign options:
1. Prohibit electronic signs
- Banned in Sweden for safety reasons.
Bans being considered in Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Rhode Island;
or . . .
2. Allow electronic signs but carefully
Proposed Approach:
Electronic signs – two types
defined:
Digital signs
- Monochrome Text.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) –
Full LED or LCD display text. Full color/motion/animation.
Proposed Approach:
Electronic sign standards:
Maximum 30 square feet.
One sign per 100 feet of street frontage
in non-residential zones.
Minimum parcel size:
One acre in non-residential zones. Two acres in residential zones.
Proposed Approach:
Internally illuminated signs
- Source of glare if overly illuminated. Less effective if overly illuminated.
Proposed Approach:
Internally illuminated signs
- Proposed illumination limits:
Text only – background of sign to be opaque. Logo shields fully illuminated – up to 8 sq. ft.
Proposed Approach:
Sign materials
- Temporary signs – Non-durable materials,
i.e.,
Paper, corrugated board, flexible, bendable or foldable plastics, foamcore board, vinyl
canvas or vinyl mesh products of les than 20 oz. fabric, water soluble paints or chalks.
Ensures that temporary signs are not
used as permanent signs.
Ensure that permanent signs are made
Proposed Approach:
Free-standing signs.
One per parcel frontage.
Height/size based on frontage:
20 sq.ft., 6 feet high up to 45 sq.ft., 10 feet high. Additional height/size allowed if . . .
Monument-style base to match building. 100 sq.ft.15 feet high.
Proposed Approach:
Accessory signs
In addition to freestanding
signs.
One sign per driveway
entrance, not to exceed 4 signs.
Will facilitate directional
signage needs, but . . .
Not limited to directional
signage text – content
neutral.
Proposed Approach:
Large drive-through
accessory sign(s):
In addition to
free-standing and accessory signs.
Will facilitate
menu-board signage needs, but . . .
Not limited to menu
Wall signs – Allowable sign area
based on size of building facade:
5% of façade in non-residential zones.
3% of façade, not to exceed 100 sq.ft. in
residential zones (2 acres or larger).
Proposed Approach:
Wall signs - locational standards:
Not to cover decorative elements
of facade, e.g. doors, windows, louvers, stair railings, etc.
Wall sign design:
Consistent design, style, color and method of illumination.
Master Sign Plan:
Allocates signage among tenants. Defines locations for signs.
Signage Mix-match
Coordinated Signage
Coordinated Wall Signs
Proposed Approach:
Projecting and
suspended signs:
In addition to wall signs One sign per tenant
space.
25 feet between signs. 12 square feet in
non-residential zones.
1.5 square feet in
Proposed Approach:
Window signs:
Permanent signs require permit. Must be placed behind glass if
temporary.
Definition of “window” – glass area
between mullions.
Maximum size– 50% of window; 20% total
window area.
Exempt if three feet or more behind
Staff Concerns with
A-Board Provision:
Provision assumes that real-estate messages are
more important than other messages.
Fair Housing Policies pertain as much to rentals as
