11. GUIDELINES FOR SIGNAGE

SECTION 11 – GUIDELINES FOR SIGNAGE

11.1 Goals for Signage

The goals for signage in Loreto Bay are:
• To preserve and enhance the unique character of Loreto Bay by encouraging attractive signage within an established framework;
• To enhance and support the pedestrian experience by encouraging a streetscape design that is inviting and has an attractive visual environment; and
• To discourage distracting, unattractive, and obstructing signs that cause “signage clutter”.

All signage must be approved by the Design Review Committee.

11.2 Application Requirements

All sign applications, including applications for approval of new signs, placement of signs, relocation of signs, and alteration of signs, must be submitted to the Design Review Committee for approval prior to any installation, alteration, or relocation. Applications must include the following:

a) A drawing or photo of the building elevation indicating how the sign might appear. This should include major dimensions indicating the size of the sign, the height from the bottom of the sign to the ground, and the dimensions of sign projection from the face of the building.
b) A dimensioned drawing of the sign graphics including logo, font, and color. Color samples are recommended.
c) Details of the sign construction, including materials and mounting frames, brackets etc. If the sign is to be illuminated, a proposal for how illumination will be provided, fixture type, and means for providing electrical power to the fixtures must be presented.

11.3 Types of Signs
a) Wall Signs
Wall signs should be located on flat, unadorned wall surfaces uninterrupted by doors, windows, or architectural details. The design components of wall signs should coordinate with the storefront in scale, proportions and color. Wall signs must not come within 2’ (.6 m) of the end of a building. The sign must not exceed 3'x 4'.

b) Mast-arm Projecting Signs
Projecting signs are affixed to the face of the building or structure and project in a perpendicular manner from the mounting point on the wall surface. The size must not exceed 2’x3’. Signs must be mounted in a manner that will withstand wind and earth tremors.

c) Plaque Signs
Plaque signs are smaller secondary versions of wall signs that are attached to surfaces adjacent to shop front entries (i.e. store hours). They may include unique designs and ornamentation but must remain compatible with the building facade.

d) Sandwich Boards
A-frame or sandwich board signs are designed to be self-supporting and movable, usually placed along public sidewalks. Sandwich boards must be made from durable materials and be designed to withstand weather. The design should be uncluttered with a minimum of text. Placement of these signs should minimize risks of public safety through stable positioning; however, they cannot be permanently affixed to any structure, object, or the ground. These signs must be taken in nightly or when the business is closed. They may not be constructed of glass, breakable materials, paper, laminated paper, vinyl, plastic, or PVC pipe.

e) Window Signs
Window signs are signs that are painted, posted, displayed, or etched on an interior translucent or transparent surface. They may be no larger than 3'x 4'.

f) Temporary Signs
Banners to promote community events or seasonal celebrations, real estate “open house” signs, and similar temporary signs, must be approved by the Managing Agent prior to use and may be displayed only for a specified time period, subject to any limitations imposed by the Managing Agent.

11.4 Design Standards

The design standards for signage in Loreto Bay include respect for architectural design and quality materials and workmanship.

• Signs should be architecturally compatible with their surroundings in terms of style, size, shape, color, materials, and details of adjacent buildings, while still providing appropriate business identification.
• Signs should preserve and support the existing character of the building and its use.
• Signs are not permitted to cover or obscure architectural features of buildings.
• Signs should enhance the primary design elements of the buildings.
• Signs should be “handcrafted” or of artisanal quality. Any unit must limit the number of signs to the smallest number necessary to convey the business name and the type of business.
• Quality materials, including but not limited to, metal, stone, hardwood, wrought iron, and ceramic tile, are considered facade appropriate.

In addition, commercial signs must be designed with pedestrian appeal, functionality, and safety in mind.

11.5 Sign Message and Language

The sign message should be clear, concise, and legible. It is suggested that the primary text contain only the name of the business, its logo, or both. A secondary text may describe the type of business. Loreto Bay encourages the use of Spanish in signage. In the case of “emergency signage”, the use of Spanish and English must be equally emphasized.

11.6 Sign Illumination

Illumination should be used only if a business is open at night. Applicants should consider the existing street lighting available and whether window display lighting will be sufficient to identify the business.

Back-lit, solid letter (reverse channel) signs consisting of opaque, individually cut letters mounted directly on the structure can be a simple, distinctive element of the building facade. These signs are very legible using moderate ambient lighting. All exposed conduit and junction boxes must be concealed from public view.

11.7 Sign Maintenance

Signs must be properly maintained and must not be damaged or obscured.

11.8 Sign Removal

When signs are changed or removed, Owners are responsible for restoring the facade of the building to its original condition. Signs must be removed when a business closes permanently, unless otherwise agreed upon.