9.34.060 - Creative Signs

1. Purpose. This Section establishes standards and procedures for the design, review and approval of Creative Signs. The purposes of this creative sign program are to:

   1. Encourage signs of unique design, and that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and

   2. Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the City, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.

2. Applicability. An applicant may request approval of a Sign Permit under the Creative Sign Program to authorize on-site signs that employ standards that differ from the other provisions of this Chapter but comply with the provisions of this Section.

3. Approval authority. A Sign Permit application for a Creative Sign shall be subject to approval by the Director.

4. Application requirements. A Sign Permit application for a Creative Sign shall include all information and materials required by the Department, and the filing fee set by the City's fee resolution.

5. Design criteria. In approving an application for a Creative Sign, the Director shall ensure that a proposed sign meets the following design criteria:

   1. Design quality. The sign shall:

      1. Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

      2. Be of unique design, and exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and

      3. Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of graphics, color, texture, quality materials, scale, and proportion.

   2. Contextual criteria. The sign shall contain at least one of the following elements:

      1. Classic historic design style;

      2. Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City;

      3. Symbols or imagery relating to the entertainment or design industry; or

      4. Inventive representation of the use, name or logo of the structure or business.

   3. Architectural criteria. The sign shall:

      1. Utilize and/or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and

      2. Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's facade and not cover any key architectural features/details of the facade.