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6. ScandiaDesignGuidelinesSigns8 6 15XCity of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 44 of 73 Signage on Buildings Signs on historic buildings and storefronts had a distinct character that played an integral role in the Mainstreet experience. Signs were simple, bold, and well-crafted using natural materials. The lettering was in a clear, minimalistic style. Signs in keeping with such historic styles are encouraged. A signage plan is required for approval when replacing signs, adding new signs, and when building a new commercial building. Storefront signs in Scandia City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 45 of 73 Storefront Signs Location • Orient signs to pedestrians and/or slow-moving cars. • Traditional locations for signs on commercial buildings include: - On a canvas awning - On the window glass or glass door (see Stillwater example); historic window signs were painted, etched, or gilded. Mounted flush to the building facade in the panel above the awning or transom windows - On the transom window area - Projecting outwards from the building and oriented to pedestrians. - Architectural signs integrated into the building and made of permanent materials such as stone or metal, often located in the roof parapet detailing or in cornerstone detail. • Generally speaking, business signs typically are not located on the upper facade. • Signs painted on buildings will be considered on a case-by-case basis. They should reflect historic design. Materials Signs should be made of natural materials such as wood or metal. Painted signs on wood are encouraged as they are consistent with historic design. Newer materials that simulate natural wood may be acceptable. Supporting brackets for projecting signs should be black metal. Yoga Hus sign (Scandia) Aster Café, Main Street, Minneapolis City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 46 of 73 Sign Colors—All Signs • Use of the following colors is encouraged: colors that blend with nature, earth-tone colors, neutral colors, pastel colors • Use of colors that reflect Scandia’s history and buildings, such as brick-or barn-red and “Scandinavian” blues and yellows. Bright yellow is appropriate as an accent color, not as a background or dominant color • The following colors are generally best limited to accent areas: primary colors, metallic colors • Use of the following color palettes is discouraged: high intensity colors, fluorescent colors, “day glow” colors • It is preferred that dark or medium colors be used for the main, background part of the sign, and that light colors be used for the lettering. Use of white or light colors for the background is discouraged, especially for larger signs, reflective signs, and illuminated signs. White backgrounds with darker lettering are appropriate for banners and temporary signs. • Suggested background colors are burgundy red, brick red, forest green, chocolate brown, black, charcoal, and navy blue. Suggested letter colors are ivory, white or gold. • Colors should be chosen to complement the color of the building. • In general it is best to use no more than three colors on a sign: one for the background, one for the lettering, and a third color for accent (such as for borders, motifs, logos, or shading). A fourth color might be used for illustrations. • Many signs use gold leaf for lettering. With a dark background, gold leaf can enhance the appearance of the sign. Lighting storefront signs • Backlit signs are not appropriate to maintain a historic feel. • If lighting is desirable, spotlights mounted on the building surface or on the ground and aimed at the sign are appropriate. • Neon signs are acceptable inside the storefront window. Inappropriate Lighting on Storefront Signs • Flashing, blinking, and rotating lights. • Neon lighting outside the building • Backlit signs • Internally lit signs • LED digital signs (text and images) • Individually lit sign letters • Raceway lighting • Fluorescent tube lighting • Lighting that doesn’t fit with the historic character of the building or district Design • Signs should be kept subordinate to the building and fit within the existing features of the facade. • Signs should not cover up architectural details on the building. • Window signs should not obscure the display area. • Sign colors should complement the colors of the building. • Signs should be clear, concise and easy to read. City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 47 of 73 • Storefront signs should display the business name only, using one line of lettering in simple, bold letters. • Window signs are applied directly onto the glass of storefront windows by painting, etching, or gilding. Keep the lettering small and consider arching the top line of text (see illustration). • Projecting signs should be small and simple and use materials consistent with the historic era, i.e., wood signs with metal brackets. Flags Up to 2 country or state flags may be flown per business or building. City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 48 of 73 Multiple-tenant buildings A signage plan is required for approval. On buildings that house multiple businesses and require multiple signs, strive for harmony and repetition so that signs work together. Minimize the number of fonts to avoid chaos. Consider using a common lettering style on each sign. Use colors that coordinate with the building and with other signs. Using print in a consistent size, style, and coordinating colors helps make it easy for passers-by to read and absorb information. Signs that compete with each other for attention using excessive colors, fonts and logos create chaos, preventing people from absorbing information. Simplicity is key. • When designing, view the building as a whole and plan a unified design strategy for signage • Use the same shape and style for all signs on the building---typically signs on simple, framed rectangular boards. Consider using long, narrow signs that span the full width of each storefront. • Subdued colors are encouraged, such as forest green, brick red, dark brown, black, off white, and gold. • If the building has a free-standing sign, match the colors and font to the individual store signs. Consider giving the building a name and making that the predominant message on the free-standing sign, with business names in smaller print below, all in the same font (lettering style). City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 49 of 73 Off-Building Signage A signage plan is required for approval. Each building may have one monument sign. The design of signs should reflect the building design, using the same/similar materials and design elements. Signs should provide strong visual interest and use high-quality construction. The use of three-dimensional design is encouraged, such as carved wood signs or raised wooden/metal lettering. City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 50 of 73 Monument signs should be placed near the building’s entrance drive. Signs should be low to the ground. Keep in mind that Scandia is rural and in many neighborhoods signs will be viewed from a local street. there’s no need to view signs from a distant freeway or roadway. If the building also has storefront signs, match the colors and styles to the building signage. Consider giving the building a name and making that the predominant message on the free-standing sign, with business names in smaller print below, all in the same or similar lettering size and style. Using print in a consistent size, style, and coordinating colors helps make it easy for passers-by to read and absorb information. The amount of information on signs should be no more than is necessary to provide reasonable identification of the business. For additional details, refer to Scandia’s sign ordinance. Example of a sign for a multiple-tenant building City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 51 of 73 Off-site Community Signs for Multiple Businesses Scandia is bisected by two state highways. Businesses in the Village area have an interest in attracting those traveling through Scandia to the businesses and services that are available in the Village, while maintaining the City’s attractiveness and rural character. The City encourages local businesses to develop common signs that advertise Village-area businesses near key intersections on the State and County Highways in Scandia Options for off-site community signage at key corners or locations on State Highways 95 and 97 and on county Highways such as CSAH 15 (Manning Trail) and CSAH 3 (Olinda Trail) include the following: • Monument signs that identify Scandia’s Village and include the names of multiple businesses • “Directory” signs that identify Scandia’s Village and include the names of multiple businesses • Directional signs that point toward businesses and sights in the Village The City limits the number of Community Signs to a maximum of two community signs per state and county highway intersection. The sign ordinance includes the requirements for Off-Site Community Signs. The signs should be designed t meet the City’s Community Sign Guidelines. City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 52 of 73 City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 53 of 73 Temporary Signs The City permits three types of Temporary Signs: temporary signs for business activities, portable signs, and temporary signs or banners for Community Events. Sandwich Board Signs and Temporary Signs for Business Activities Each business may use locate one sandwich board or Temporary sSign near the store entrance constructed of painted wood or chalkboard to advertise an event, sale or other business-related activity. The sign may be up to 2’x4’ and must be placed in a location that does not interfere with pedestrian traffic. Sandwich board signs should be brought inside after business closing. Temporary signs and banners may be posted for up to 30 days before an event and up to 4 days after an event, sale or activity, and should then be removed. Temporary signs should generally conform to these Design Guidelines. Businesses may display a temporary portable sign advertising community events. Portable signs are signs that are placed on a chassis with wheels or skids so that they are moveable. These signs may be displayed for up to 30 days preceding an event and up to 4 days after the event. The signs should use background and text colors and font types that are appropriate to signs displayed in the Village Districts (see sections on “color” guidelines and photos of examples in these guidelines). FlagsCommunity Event Signs and Banners Up to 2 country/state flags may be flown per business or building. Businesses may display temporary banners up to 40 square feet in size, to advertise community events. Banners may be displayed for up to 30 days preceding an event and up to 4 days after the event. Banners are temporary signs made of lightweight fabric or similar material that are mounted to a pole or building at one or more edges. Pennant flags, which are designed to move with the wind are generally not appropriate to historic design. Community Event Signs and Banners in the Village and Rural commercial Zoning Districts should generally conform to these Design Guidelines, but may use more creativity in color selection given the temporary nature of the signs. City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 54 of 73 Sign Landscaping Landscaping that includes shrubs should surround the sign on all sides and extend at least three feet out from each side of the sign to help blend the sign into the site. City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 55 of 73 Sign Lighting If lighting is desired, spotlights mounted on the ground and aimed at the sign are appropriate. See the sign ordinance for additional details. Inappropriate Lighting • Flashing, blinking, and rotating lights. • Neon lighting • Backlit signs • Internally lit signs • LED digital signs (text and images) • Individually lit sign letters • Raceway lighting • Fluorescent tube lighting • Lighting that doesn’t fit with the historic character of the building or district City of Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines Page 56 of 73 Inappropriate signs • Signs attached to trees or utility poles • Signs that move or give the impression of moving • Roof signs or signs where any portion of the sign extends above the roof of the building where the sign is located • Any sign that emits a sound, odor, or visible matter such as smoke or vapor • Any sign or sign structure that obstructs the view of, or may be confused with, a traffic directional/safety sign • Abandoned or dilapidated signs • Banners or pennants • Internally illuminated signs, neon signs, or signs that contain a visible light source • Inflatable signs or balloons of any type • Portable signs that are not securely attached to a building or to the ground, unless otherwise permittedexcept those permitted for advertising community events • Any sign that exhibits statements, words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature • Billboard and pylon signs