Signs are often a character-defining element in historic commercial districts and in areas of mixed use. Historic signs should be preserved, maintained, and repaired whenever possible.

Design Guidelines for Signs

When a historic preservation commission develops design guidelines, it should consider the historic use, size, placement, and design of signs associated with the district. Even if a community has an established sign code, a historic district that contains commercial properties will often include requirements for signs and graphics in its design guidelines to maintain the historic character of the district.

Good sign guidelines do not impose conformity, but instead provide flexibility to allow merchants to meet their needs.

Tips for Developing Sign Guidelines

• Research historic photos that illustrate the variety of sign types and placement traditionally found in your area.
• Consider sign color, lettering style, how the sign is lit, and the number of signs allowed per building.
• Encourage signs that complement the design elements of the associated structure.

Conflicts with Existing Sign Ordinances

Building owners in historic districts must comply with the community's existing sign regulations and ordinances in addition to those set forth in preservation design guidelines. Sometimes existing sign ordinances prohibit the use of sign types often used historically, such as painted signs on brick or projecting signs. In these cases, the historic preservation commission should encourage a revision of the sign ordinance to accept historic styles.

• Zoning and Land-Use Regulation
• Landscaping Design Guidelines