§ 4-124. Signs in the historic district.

Regardless of any other ordinance to the contrary, signs in the historic district, in addition to other requirements of this article, shall be governed by this section, containing Sign Design Guidelines for Tuscumbia's Historic District. In case of conflict between this section and any other part of this article, the provisions of this section shall control.

(a)

Mounting and placement.

(1)

Signs shall be mounted or erected so they do not obscure the architectural features or openings of the building.

(2)

Signs shall not be located in the right-of-way.

(3)

Off-premises signs are prohibited.

(4)

The height of a freestanding sign shall be no more than fifteen (15) feet.

(5)

Roof top signs are prohibited.

(b)

Design.

(1)

The overall design of all signage including the mounting framework shall relate to the design of the principal building on the property. Buildings with a recognizable style such as Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian, Queen Anne, etc. should use signage of similar style if available. This can be done through the use of similar decorative features such as columns and brackets.

(2)

For buildings without a recognizable style, the sign shall resemble the decorative features of the building as much as possible.

(c)

Size.

(1)

The size of the sign shall be in proportion to the building and the neighboring structures and signs (except previously erected signs that do not meet this article).

(2)

The total allowable area for signs is seventy-two (72) square feet per side.

(3)

Menu boards for drive-through restaurants are limited to twenty-five (25) square feet in area.

(d)

Materials. To the extent possible, the structural materials of the sign (supports, etc.) should blend with the construction materials of the building.

(e)

Lighting.

(1)

Lighted signs shall use focused, low intensity illumination.

(2)

Flashing, blinking, revolving, or rotating signs are prohibited.

(f)

Window signs. Signs painted directly on window glass or hung in windows are permitted. Such signs will not be counted toward the maximum size requirement, and are limited to twenty (20) per cent of the window area.

(Ord. No. 09-1123, 11-23-2009)