The use of subdued colors is encouraged. In order to allow for
creative artwork there is no specific limitation on the number of
colors used. A darker background with lighter lettering and graphics
is encouraged as a traditional and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Sign brackets and standards traditionally are made of wrought
iron or wood. A sign bracket shall extend the full length of the sign.
Lettering which is traditional in appearance and style and has an historic precedent is preferred. Lettering that is too bold, too harsh in its simplicity, or "trendy" is discouraged and rarely approved. The application of §
340-10C is relevant to the design of lettering on signs.
A sign may be illuminated for a business operating after sunset,
provided that the wattage used does not exceed 450 lumens (under a
thirty-watt incandescent bulb), is not fluorescent in style, and that
the source of illumination shall be shielded and directed downward
at the sign. Lighting options can be further discussed with the office.
Signs shall be made of wood except as required by state or federal
law. No particleboard, plastic, or baked enamel on metal shall be
used. "Medium density overlay" plywood or marine plywood may be used,
but it must be edge-banded. Solid wood is recommended over plywood
since plywood tends to delaminate with age. Other materials will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
All surfaces must be painted. No vinyl lettering is permitted.
If gold lettering or ornamentation is desired, 23K gold leaf should
be considered. Gold paint will tarnish in a very short period of time.
If necessary, tan paint is preferable to gold paint.
The following signs shall not be permitted, constructed, erected,
or maintained:
A. Signs with flashing, moving, or intermittent lighting of any kind;
for example, such signs displaying time and temperature. This includes
signs that are backlit and signs that are electric or neon.
B. Portable signs, including any sign mounted on wheels.
C. Signs that are erected in such a way as to obstruct a door, window,
or fire escape of the building to which the sign is affixed.
D. Signs that are tacked, posted, or painted to poles, benches, barrels,
buildings, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs, rocks, or any structure.
E. Off-premises signs which advertise commercial activities taking place
or businesses located on another lot.
F. Signs that are placed on the public sidewalks or public property,
e.g. sandwich boards, menu boards, and chalkboards, except for signs
erected by the Town.
G. Vending machine signs. (See §
340-34.)
I. Signs that name a complex of buildings or businesses.
J. Freestanding signs, except for those that are grandfathered (See
Appendix C.).