Guidelines

Intro

OR JUST FOLLOW LINKS:

Historic District Board of Review http://www.madison-in.gov/index.aspx?NID=169

HDBR Design Guidelines and Sign Guidelines http://www.madison-in.gov/index.aspx?NID=298

Madison, Indiana Historic District Design Review Guidelines The guidelines were commissioned in part by the Cornerstone Society and prepared in 2009 for the City of Madison, Indiana by Thomason and Associates of Nashville, Tennesee.

Madison Residential Design Review Guidelines

Appendix A to City of Madison Historic District Ordinance (Ord. No. 1982-12):

Madison Commercial Design Review Guidelines

Appendix B to City of Madison Historic District Ordinance (Ord. No. 1982-12):

The Guidelines serve as Appendix A and Appendix B to the City’s Historic District Ordinance (printed in entirety below) and were adopted by the Common Council of the City of Madison by Ordinance No. 2009-13 on November 3rd, 2009 which modifies the original Historic District Ordinance. That amended Section added the following language to § 151.30:

“The Board shall also consider the Madison Residential Design Review Guidelines, contained in Appendix A, and the Madison Commercial Design Guidelines, contained in Appendix B. The Board may amend the Guidelines from time to time subject to approval by the Common Council.”

City of Madison, IN – Historic District Ordinance (Ordinance 1982-12, passed 7-31-1982)

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 151.01 PURPOSE.

(A) The oldest and most historic part of the city contains, in addition to the original town plan, important open spaces and numerous structures of historic value and outstanding architectural design. This area is of great importance to the social, economic, and general welfare of the city and should be protected.

(B) It is the purpose of this chapter to safeguard the heritage of the city by establishing a historic district. The chapter shall establish the means of protecting the district’s natural and man-made heritage while providing guidelines for compatible new architectural development. It is the intent of the chapter to stabilize and improve property values within the district, to foster civic beauty and improvements, to strengthen the local economy, and to promote the use of the historic district for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the citizens of the city, state, and nation in accordance with the regulations set forth herein.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.02 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Whenever any words and phrases are not defined herein but are defined in the zoning ordinance, any such definition therein shall be deemed to apply to such words and phrases.

“DEMOLITION OF TREE.” Any act such as cutting, digging, or injecting into the soil, air, or tree a poisonous substance which threatens the life of the tree.

“HISTORIC BUILDING AND STRUCTURE.” Those buildings and structures over 50 years old and possessing identified historical or architectural merit of a degree warranting their preservation.

“NONRATED BUILDING AND STRUCTURE.” Those buildings and structures not classified on the historic building map as historic.

“ORDINARY MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR.” Any work whose purpose and effect is to correct any deterioration or decay of or damage to a structure or any part thereof, and to restore the same, as nearly as may be practicable, to its original condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration, decay, or damage. Painting is to be considered ordinary maintenance and repair.

“PUBLIC UTILITY.” All utilities governed by the Public Service Commission of Indiana.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.03 BOUNDARIES.

(A) The boundaries of the Historic District shall be part of the area identified in the National Register of Historic Places listing, bounded by the Ohio River on the south, the toe of the hill on the north, and the corporate limits on both the east and west.

(B) The boundaries designated on the zoning map of the city as the boundaries of the Historic District shall coincide with the boundaries as designated herein.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.04 CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.

(A) Within the historic district, a map shall detail the district into primary and secondary areas; in addition, all buildings and structures shall be classified and designated on the historic building map adopted and approved by the Mayor and Common Council and made a part of this ordinance.

(B) Such buildings and structures shall be divided into two classes:

(1) Historic. Those buildings classified as historic shall be over 50 years old and possess identified historical or architectural merit of a degree warranting their preservation.

(2) Nonrated. Those buildings and structures not classified on the historic building map as historic.

(C) The owner of a nonrated building or structure may ask the Board to designate such building as historic if he can show that it fits the necessary criteria.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.05 RELATIONSHIP OF HISTORIC DISTRICT TO ZONING DISTRICTS.

The historic district regulations as provided herein for zones within the district are intended to preserve and protect the historic or architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streetscapes, squares, and neighborhoods of the historic area. In all zoning districts lying within the boundaries of the historic district, the regulations for both the zoning district and the historic zone shall apply. Whenever there is conflict between the regulations of the zoning district and the regulations of the historic zone, the more restrictive shall apply.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.06 VARIANCES.

Variances shall conform to the procedures and requirements of §§ 11.31 through 11.39, inclusive, of the Madison Zoning Ordinance.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.07 PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITIES.

Public utility facilities such as poles, wires, transformers, and other appurtenances thereto, reasonably necessary to render utility service to the public, are not subject to requirements of this chapter. Placement of a meter if on street frontage must have a certificate of appropriateness. Public utilities and local and state governing bodies should be sensitive to the architectural and historic significance of the community in its placement of the transmission and distribution facilities. In that regard, public utilities shall consult with the Board of Review at the Board’s request about this problem.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.08 HISTORIC DISTRICT MAPS.

The historic district maps recommended by the Historic District Board of Review are hereby adopted and approved.

(Ord. 1985-8, passed 5-7-85)

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS PERMIT

§ 151.20 PERMIT REQUIRED.

(A) A certificate of appropriateness issued by the Building Inspector after approval by the Board of Review shall be required before a permit is issued for any of the following:

(1) Within all areas of the historic district:

(a) Demolition of any building;

(b) Moving any building;

(c) Conspicuous change in the exterior appearance of existing buildings classified as historic by additions, reconstruction, or alteration other than changes in color;

(d) Any new construction of a principal building or accessory building or structure subject to view from a public street;

(e) Demolition of all trees within the area between a line extending across the width of the lot at the front face of the principal building and the street pavement. In addition, for corner lots, demolition of all trees within the area between a line extending across the length of the lot at the side facing the secondary street and the secondary street pavement. In addition, demolition of all trees south of Vaughn Drive. No tree will be demolished within the designated areas until the Building Inspector makes a determination that the tree is in fact dead; the Building Inspector will make a prompt examination of the trees when requested;

(f) Any change in the type of material or in the design of an existing sidewalk; and

(g) Signs as specified in this chapter.

(2) Within a primary area:

(a) Change in existing walls and fences, or construction of new walls and fences, if along public street rights-of-way; or

(b) Conspicuous change in the exterior appearance of existing nonrated buildings by additions, reconstruction, alteration, if subject to view from a public street.

(B) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior elements of any building or structure within the historic district. Painting other than painting of a sign is to be considered ordinary maintenance and repair; while review by the Board of Review of colors is not mandatory, anyone desiring an exterior color change may confer with the Board on an appropriate range of colors.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.21 APPLICATION.

(A) Application for a certificate of appropriateness shall be made in the office of the Building Inspector. To aid the Board of Review in completing the review process, the applicant shall submit the following in addition to the usual material required for a building permit at the time of application.

(1) Structure plan. A front elevation drawing including proposed signage, and type of surface material. Side elevations shall also be included where there are no adjoining buildings. Not required for demolition.

(2) Site plan. A drawing showing the location, dimensions, and arrangements of all open spaces and yards, including type and size of all planting materials, type of surface materials, methods to be employed for screening and proposed grades. Not required for demolition.

(3) Photographs. A photograph of the front of the property which is the subject of application is required. Other photographs of adjoining lots and other views of subject property are recommended.

(B) Highly detailed drawings, plans, or specifications are not required, but each application must be accompanied by such sketches, drawings, photographs, descriptions, or other information showing proposed alterations, additions, or other work as are reasonably required for the Board to make a decision. Such information must accompany the application at the time it is submitted in order for the application to be deemed properly filed.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.22 DECISION CONCERNING APPLICATION.

The Building Inspector shall promptly transmit the application for a certificate of appropriateness, together with the supporting information and material, to the Board of Review for approval. The Board of Review, by approving, disapproving, or modifying an application, shall act upon the application at the next meeting at which such application could be considered. Otherwise, the application shall be deemed to be approved and a certificate of appropriateness shall be issued. Nothing herein shall prohibit an extension of time where mutual agreement has been made and the Board of Review may advise the applicant and make recommendations in regard to the appropriateness. If the Board of Review approves the application, a certificate of appropriateness shall be issued. If the certificate of appropriateness is issued, the application shall be processed in the same manner as application for building or demolition permits. If the Board of Review disapproves the application, a certificate of appropriateness shall not be issued. The Board shall state its reasons in writing, and the Building Inspector shall advise the applicant and a permit shall not be issued. If the application is denied, the applicant may modify the application and may resubmit at a subsequent meeting.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.23 EXPIRATION OF PERMIT.

A certificate of appropriateness permit shall be deemed to authorize the particular changes reflected on the permit. Such permit will expire if, for any reason, the change has not commenced within one year.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

§ 151.30 CONSIDERATIONS OF BOARD.

It is not the intent of this chapter to discourage new construction or other development, nor to limit it to any one period of architectural style, but to preserve the integrity of the historic buildings and to insure the compatibility of any new work constructed in the historic district. In making its decisions, the Board shall consider the effects of proposed alterations or construction on both the individual structure involved and on the neighborhood surrounding the structure. The Board shall also consider the Madison Residential Design Review Guidelines, contained in Appendix A, and the Madison Commercial Design Guidelines, contained in Appendix B. The Board may amend the Guidelines from time to time subject to approval by the Common Council.

(text in italics added by Ord. 2009-13, passed 11/03/2009)

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.31 PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS.

A building or structure, classified as historic, and any appurtenance related thereto, including but not limited to stone walls, fences, iron work, steps, and signs, shall only be moved, reconstructed, altered, or maintained in a manner that will preserve the historical and architectural character of the building, structure, or appurtenance thereto. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior elements of any building or structure within the historic district.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.32 DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS.

(A) Whenever a property owner shows that a building is incapable of earning an economic return on its value, and the Board of Review fails to approve the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness, such building may be demolished; provided, however, that before a demolition permit is issued, notice of proposed demolition shall be given as follows:

(1) For buildings rated historic: 12 months.

(2) For buildings nonrated: 2 months.

(B) Notice shall be posted on the premises of the building or structure proposed for demolition in a location clearly visible from the street. In addition, notice shall be published in a newspaper of general local circulation at least three times prior to demolition, the final notice of which shall be not less than 15 days prior to the date of the permit, and the first notice of which shall be published not more than 15 days after the application for a permit to demolish is filed. The purpose of this subchapter is to further the purposes of this chapter by preserving historic buildings which are important to the education, culture, traditions, and the economic values of the city, and to afford the city, interested persons, historical societies, or organizations, the opportunity to acquire or to arrange for the preservation of such buildings. The Board of Review may at any time during such stay approve a certificate of appropriateness in which event a permit shall be issued without further delay.

(1) The Board shall determine whether the building is in such a state of deterioration and disrepair or so structurally unstable as to make preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation impracticable.

(2) The Board shall determine whether the removal of such a building would be detrimental to the character of the historic district, balancing the interest of the public in preserving the integrity of the district with the interest of the owner of the building in the use and utilization of the property.

(3) The Board shall take into account possible alternatives to demolition, and should apprise the owner of the building of such alternatives.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.33 NONRATED BUILDINGS IN PRIMARY AREAS.

The construction of a new building or structure, and the moving, reconstruction, or alteration, conspicuously affecting the external appearance of any existing nonrated building, structure, or appurtenance thereof within the primary area shall be generally of such form, proportion, mass, configuration, building material, texture, and location on a lot as will be compatible with other buildings and spaces in the historic area, particularly with buildings designated as historic.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.34 VISUAL COMPATIBILITY FACTORS.

Within the primary area, new construction and existing buildings and structures and appurtenances thereof which are moved, reconstructed, materially altered, or repaired shall be visually compatible with buildings, squares, and places to which they are visually related generally in terms of the following factors:

(A) Height. The height of proposed buildings shall be visually compatible with adjacent buildings.

(B) Proportion of building’s front facade. The relationship of the width of building to the height of the front elevation shall be visually compatible to buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.

(C) Proportion of openings within the facility. The relationship of the width of the windows to height of windows in a building shall be visually compatible with buildings, squares, and places to which the building is visually related.

(D) Rhythm of solids to voids in front facades. The relationship of solids to voids in the front facade of a building shall be visually compatible with buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.

(E) Rhythm of spacing of buildings on streets. The relationship of the building to open space between it and adjoining buildings shall be visually compatible to the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.

(F) Rhythm of entrance or porch projection. The relationship of entrances and porch projections to sidewalks of buildings, squares, and places shall be visually compatible to the buildings to which it is visually related.

(G) Relationship of materials, and texture. The relationship of materials, and texture of the facade of a building shall be visually compatible with the predominant materials used in the buildings to which it is visually related.

(H) Roof shapes. The roof shape of a building shall be visually compatible with the buildings to which it is visually related.

(I) Walls of continuity. Appurtenances of a building such as walls, wrought iron, fences, evergreen landscape masses, and building facades, shall, if necessary, form cohesive walls of enclosure along a street, to insure visual compatibility of the building to the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.

(J) Scale of a building. The size of a building, the building mass of a building in relation to open spaces, the windows, door openings, porches, and balconies shall be visually compatible with the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.35 NONRATED BUILDINGS, SECONDARY AREA.

All applicable standards as provided in the zoning ordinance shall apply as the development standards for the secondary area of the historic district.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

§ 151.36 SIGNAGE.

(A) All new signage or alterations to signage within the historic district shall be required to receive a certificate of appropriateness unless otherwise noted within these regulations. No certificate of appropriateness shall be required for a change of copy on a sign, the customary use of which involves frequent and periodic changes of copy; the Board of Review shall indicate at the time that a certificate of appropriateness is initially granted for such a sign that the sign is of a type that has frequent and periodic changes of copy. A certificate of appropriateness shall not be required to conduct ordinary maintenance or repair of any sign within the historic district; however, no sign shall be reworded, redesigned, or altered in any way other than ordinary maintenance or repair unless the sign is brought into conformity with the ordinance, and a certificate of appropriateness is obtained. Change of message or design of a sign is not ordinary maintenance of a sign.

(B) Purpose. The necessity of signs is recognized for identification and successful conduct of a business, service, or profession and to direct and control traffic on the streets and to note points of public interest; use and control of signs is of great importance. Therefore, the purpose of these regulations is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating signs within the historic district. It is intended to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, preserve the dignity and architectural significance of the district, preserve its scenic and natural beauty, and provide a more enjoyable and pleasing community for its residents.

(a) Signs of duly constituted governmental bodies, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, and legal notices.

(b) Flags or emblems identifying the political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organizations located on the premises.

(c) Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical tablets, markers, and the like, unless one face exceeds six square feet in surface area.

(d) Signs not visible off the lot.

(e) Signs posted in conjunction with doorbells or mailboxes.

(f) Signs required to be posted or maintained by law or government order, rule, or regulation, unless specifically prohibited, limited, or restricted.

(g) Signs displayed strictly for the direction, safety, or convenience of the public, including signs which identify restrooms, parking area entrances or exits, and the like.

(h) Address signs showing only the numerical address designations of the premises upon which they are situated, street names, no trespass and other warning signs, unless one face exceeds 96 square inches in surface area.

(i) Temporary real estate signs not exceeding 10 square feet per face in area. Such a sign shall not be illuminated.

(j) Temporary construction site sign erected on the site during the period of construction to announce the name of the owner or developer, contractor, architect, or engineer. Such a sign shall not be illuminated.

(k) Temporary signs or displays located on the inside of store windows relating to the business conducted within.

(l) Banners or flags of not-for-profit organizations of the community promoting a specific activity do not need a certificate of appropriateness if they are temporary in nature and are removed within three months.

(m) Political signs. Signs of candidates for public office may be placed in front yards within the historic district without a permit for a two-month period of time or as regulated by city ordinance.

(2) Allowable sign types: certificate of appropriateness required.

(a) Flat signs. Any sign painted or affixed to an exterior wall of a building having the face of the sign parallel to the building. Such signs shall meet the following guidelines.

1. There shall be a limit of one sign per establishment per street frontage.

2. The sign shall not extend horizontally more than three inches from the building face.

3. The length of each sign shall not exceed two-thirds of the width of the narrowest building face and the height shall not exceed 20% of the length unless otherwise approved by the Board.

4. Each sign may appear without illumination or may be illuminated. Lighting source, design, and placement must be as unobtrusive as possible and the proposed method of lighting is also subject to review by the Board of Review.

5. Each sign may only carry a message related to a business or profession conducted or a commodity or service sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located.

(b) Dimensional surface signs. This sign type is also affixed to an exterior wall of a building having the face of the sign parallel to the building. It may consist in part or in whole of three- dimensional letter forms applied directly to the building surface, or applied to a separate flat background. The message may be in relief or depressed by means of carving, etching, routing, positive or negative cutout, and the like. Special three-dimensional signs such as a figure, barber pole, clock, pawnshop symbol, and the like are generally acceptable provided these symbols meet appropriate guidelines.

1. There shall be a limit of one sign per establishment per street frontage.

2. Each sign shall not extend horizontally more than 12 inches from the building face.

3. The length of each sign shall not exceed two-thirds of the width of the narrowest building face and the height shall be no greater than 20% of the length unless otherwise approved by the Board.

5. Each sign may only carry a message related to a business or profession conducted or a commodity or service sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located.

6. The sign shall be contained in a three-dimensional rectangle whose top side does not exceed the second level window sills, and shall have a minimum clearance of nine feet above the line of the sidewalk.

1. There shall be a limit of one sign per each pedestrian level tenant per street frontage and one sign for each upper floor tenant.

2. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in surface area.

3. Each sign shall not extend horizontally more than one-half the distance of the width of the sidewalk from the property line to the curb.

4. Each sign may appear without illumination or may be illuminated. Lighting source, design, and placement must be as unobtrusive as possible and proposed method of lighting is also subject to review by the Board of Review.

5. Each sign may only carry a message related to a business or profession conducted or a commodity or service sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located.

6. For establishments at the pedestrian level or for establishments wholly contained on the upper floor, the sign shall be contained within a rectangle whose top edge does not exceed the height of the third level window sills or roof line, whichever is lower. The bottom edge shall have a minimum clearance of nine feet above the line of the sidewalk. The inside edge of a projecting sign shall be mounted no less than six inches and no more than 12 inches away from the face of the building.

(d) Window signs. Any permanent sign painted, gold-leafed, or attached onto the glass area or installed behind a window or in a showcase intended for viewing through the window from the outside of the premises.

1. There shall be a limit of one sign per window.

2. The area of a permanent window sign will be limited to 20% of the window area, except in the case of a door sign when the sign’s area may be 50% of the glass area.

3. The sign area will be calculated for each window.

4. Lettering may be up to eight inches in height on pedestrian or second level windows, and up to nine inches in height on third level and higher windows.

5. Each sign may only carry a message related to a business or profession conducted or a commodity or service sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located.

(e) Freestanding signs. Any sign having its own support which is independent of a building, including but not limited to bulletin board and A-shaped sandwich signs for sidewalk use.

1. There shall be a limit of one sign per pedestrian level street frontage establishment.

2. A-shaped sandwich signs may be up to four feet in height and up to ten square feet per face in area.

3. Each sign may be located anywhere within the front yard or side yard of the establishment. Freestanding signs cannot be located on a sidewalk except A-shaped sandwich signs may be located anywhere on the sidewalk directly in front of the establishment provided that the unobstructed sidewalk width is at least eight feet.

4. Freestanding signs may not exceed a height of 25 feet and must be visually compatible to the scene. Surrounding signs, structures, and proposed sign height will be considered in determining the sign area which would be appropriate.

5. Each sign may only carry a message related to a business or profession conducted or a commodity or service sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located.

6. Freestanding signs will not exceed 16 square feet per face.

(f) Awning signs. Any sign painted or sewn onto an awning. Awnings shall only be made of canvas or other cloth fabric. Metal, plastic, and other rigid materials are prohibited.

1. There shall be a limit of one sign per awning.

2. The maximum height of lettering on awnings shall be 24 inches. Symbols will be permitted provided the total area of any symbol and any lettering comprises no more than one-third of the awning area.

3. Awnings will only be permitted within the area of any pedestrian level.

4. The bottom of any awning shall be at least seven feet above the sidewalk.

(g) Banners and flags. Any piece of fabric bearing an emblem, symbol, or message shall be permitted on special occasions with approval of the Board of Review. Each sign may only be temporary in nature and must be removed within three months unless an extension of time is granted by the Board of Review.

(h) Temporary signs. Any sign not permanently attached to a building, the ground, or other structure, including mobile signs. Any sign originally constructed or designed for mobility, either self- propelled, or nonself-propelled, shall be considered mobile and not a permanent sign, although the means or devices for mobility have been removed and their function replaced by a permanent type of foundation or anchorage to the land.

1. Each mobile sign shall not remain on display for a period exceeding four weeks.

2. There shall be a limit of one mobile sign per pedestrian level tenant or one sign for each upper floor tenant.

3. Each mobile sign may appear without illumination or may be illuminated subject to review by the Board of Review.

4. Each mobile sign may only carry a message related to a business or profession conducted or a commodity or service sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located.

5. Each mobile sign may be located anywhere within the front yard of the establishment.

6. Each mobile sign may not exceed the height of eight feet from the ground level.

(3) Prohibited sign types.

(a) Roof signs. Any sign placed on, over, or above the roof or parapet of a building.

(b) Billboards. Any off-premises advertising sign.

(c) Off-premises signs. Any sign which advertises goods, services, facilities, events, or activities, except as in division (C)(2)(g) above, not related to its location or which directs persons to different premises from those on which the sign is located if such a sign is attached to the outside surface of a building or structure or to trees, fence posts, or telephone posts.

(d) Flashing signs. Generally, signs which flash, blink, revolve, or are otherwise in motion, vary in intensity, or appear to be in motion, will not be permitted. Such illumination methods may be accepted by the Board of Review, however, if they are deemed appropriate in a particular circumstance, for example, the traditional rotating barber pole.

(4) Other provisions.

(a) No sign, or device, awning, canopy, or other apparatus pertaining to signs shall be kept or maintained by supports of permanent posts or poles between the property line and curb.

(b) The method of attachment should respect the architectural integrity of the structure and relate to or become an extension of the architecture. No sign shall conceal architectural details.

(c) All signs shall be professional in appearance, and notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, a maximum of four signs per building shall be permitted, provided, however, that corner buildings shall have a maximum of three signs on each side facing a street, totaling six signs altogether.

(d) No sign shall be erected or constructed that is unsafe, insecure, a fire hazard, a wind hazard, a barrier to needed light or air, or is in any way a menace to public safety and welfare.

(e) The color and materials of any sign shall be harmonious with color and materials of the building identified by the sign. Materials such as wood, wrought iron, steel, metal, grillwork, and so forth, which were used in the nineteenth century, are encouraged. Materials such as extruded aluminum and plastics may not be appropriate.

(f) Whenever the Building Inspector determines a sign to be structurally unsafe through lack of proper maintenance or for other reasons, or endangers the safety of the building or endangers the public safety, the Building Inspector shall order that such sign be made safe or removed. Such order shall be complied with within 30 days of the receipt thereof by the person owning or using the sign or the owner of the building or premises on which such a sign is affixed or erected.

(g) The Historic District Board of Review may enact guidelines as to sign shapes, colors, sizes and types of lettering, messages, and other sign features which it finds are acceptable throughout the historic district. If the Building Inspector finds that the sign meets all the criteria specified in the general rules set up by the Board for approved signage, the Building Inspector may issue a certificate of appropriateness without bringing that sign before the historic district Board of Review.

(5) (a) Procedure. Before a sign is constructed, erected, or altered, it must receive a certificate of appropriateness, unless the sign is exempted under division (B) above. Procedures for applications, issuing certificates and permits, appeals, and inspections shall be set forth in the rules of the Board of Review. Each application shall also be accompanied by a plan showing:

1. The exact location and height of the sign.

2. The area and size of the sign.

3. The exact message of the sign.

4. The color, materials, character, and method of illumination.

5. The method of fastening or supporting the sign.

6. In the case of a projecting or freestanding sign, the vertical distance between such a sign and the finished grade and the horizontal distance between such a sign and the curb.

(b) Each applicant shall, upon request of the Building Inspector, submit any additional information deemed necessary. Detailed drawings drawn to scale are not required; however, if the above requirements are not met, and if the Board finds that as a result of a failure to meet these requirements, it has insufficient informat-ion with which to make a decision, it may further find that the application is incomplete and that the application not be considered until such time as the application becomes complete.

(6) Nonconforming signs. Signs of a nonconforming nature which were legally installed at the time of passage of this chapter may continue to exist under the regulations and conditions as set forth in Sections 10.00 through 10.60 of the 1981 Zoning Ordinance of the City of Madison, Indiana, provided, however, that none of those sections may be interpreted to permit a rewording, redesigning, or an altering of the signs in any way unless they are brought into conformity with this chapter.

(Ord. 1982-12, passed 7-31-82; Am. Ord. 1987-12-B, passed 7-21-87)

ADMINISTRATION

§ 151.45 BOARD OF REVIEW.