Design guidelines
(a) Signs are one of the most prominent visual elements of a street. Well-designed signs add interest and variety to building facades and help to attract customers. In general, the sign is the best representation of the business to the passing pedestrian or motorist.
(b) Before starting to design a sign, take a careful look at the building. Is there an obvious space on the building where the sign would look appropriate without covering architectural details? Some of the town's historic buildings were designed with a horizontal "sign space" stretching across the top of the storefront which should be used. If this "sign space" does not exist perhaps there is adequate wall area for a wall sign with a vertical character or a projecting sign.
(c) Take a look at neighboring buildings. Is there a predominant type of sign or a size precedent? In designing a sign, it is important to have an understanding not only of the building but also of the compatibility within the neighborhood. The basis for decisions on sign type, size and location should come from architectural concerns. The specific definitions and regulations governing the various types of signs in this article should be studied before actual design begins. For reference purposes, the department of community development has examples and illustrations of signs which also may be reviewed.
(d) To achieve the objectives of this article, the guidelines for sign details include the following:
(1) Simplicity. An effectively designed sign with bold, easily recognized symbols and clear crisp lettering will identify a business or activity efficiently and attractively, enhance the area in which it is located and complement the general appearance of the street and town.
(2) Color. Restraint should be exercised when selecting colors. On most signs, no more than three colors should be used: one for background, a contrasting color for lettering, and a third for perhaps emphasis (such as for borders, motifs, or shading letter to give it a three-dimensional look). Colors should be chosen which complement each other as well as the general tone of the building.
(3) Message. Messages should be simple for rapid comprehension by the public. Pictures, symbols, and logos can add individuality and character to signs, in addition to making them easier to read.
(4) Materials. Sign materials shall be compatible with the surrounding area. Sign materials shall be consistent with or at least complement the original construction material and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to be displayed. For these reasons, material such as wood and metal are more appropriate than plastic. Although the historic district commission encourages creativity which respects the historic surroundings, internally-lit plastic signs are usually out of context with the period and style of historic buildings and are therefore not allowed.
(5) Continuity of treatment. Signs on adjacent storefronts shall be coordinated in height and proportion.
(6) Lettering. Lettering styles should complement the style and period of the building on which they appear. Traditional block and curvilinear styles which are easy to read are preferred. Generally, different type styles should not be used on the same sign to avoid a cluttered appearance.