SIGN TOOL KIT FOR LOCAL AREA BUSINESSES American Planning Association August 12, 2010 Prepared by the Village of Arlington Heights
Intent January 2007, the Masterplan for the Downtown Evaluate signage for the downtown Design Commission made recommendations to modify the code
Modification adopted: Blade Signs Plaque Signs Design Considerations: Blade Signs shall be a minimum of 1/8 inch thickness, with dimensional graphics of a minimum of 1/8 inch thickness or a substantial quality rigid material‌The overall sign shall be in harmony with the branding of the store‌
Intent February 2009:
All permit reviews for signage More front counter communication with petitioners Discussions began on code modifications for the Sign Code
Code vs. aesthetics Code is being addressed 15 foot height for ground sign 40 square feet
However the vision of signage along Northwest Highway and along other major corridors was not being addressed.
ISSUES Code was modified to allow more flexibility and creativity. Why was the Village not seeing better signage? Why are business owners and retail tenants not taking advantage
of more signage?
Purpose of Sign Tool Kit IDENTIFY
Current Issues ; present as a business tool Highlight Code Modifications
ILLUSTRATE
Branding and Identity through signage Case Studies of Positive examples Visual Preference Survey
COMMUNICATE
Customer oriented approach
Sign Tool Kit for Local Area Businesses Menu and array of choices for signage for businesses:
Positive examples Creative solutions Employ a variety of tools for branding and identity.
Sign Tool Kit for Local Area Businesses
ILLUSTRATE : Downtown Signage
Branding & Identity as Creative Solutions Good branding looks at an overall cohesive approach to image and marketing
Many tools a business can use to highlight their storefront
creative signage theme of business architectural features
Signs are thought of as a part of a package to compliment overall image of the business
SIGNS IN THE DOWNTOWN : overview FACADE SIGNS: 4 types permitted 1. wall signs 2. blade signs 3. plaque signs 4. awning signs
Plaque Sign
Of the four types, a business may choose two. Wall Sign
Blade Sign
Awning Sign
SIGNS IN THE DOWNTOWN : wall signs
WALL SIGNS One is permitted per street frontage. For each linear foot of storefront, one square foot of sign is allowed. Sign should be harmonious with adjacent signs and structures. It should respect the architectural details.
Wall Sign & Awning Sign
SIGNS IN THE DOWNTOWN: blade signs BLADE SIGNS: One is allowed per street frontage Name or logo is permitted Intent is to attract the attention of pedestrians 3 square feet 8 foot minimum height above a sidewalk
SIGNS IN THE DOWNTOWN: plaque signs PLAQUE SIGNS: May be mounted flush to a wall or near the base of a building. 2 allowed per street frontage One and a half square feet per sign, 3 square feet total
SIGNS IN THE DOWNTOWN: awning signs AWNING SIGNS: Should be compatible with the architecture of the building Long continuous awnings are discouraged Signs are allowed on awnings, up to 20%
Awnings are a way to unify the storefront, attract appeal and add an instant eye catching graphic element.
SIGNS IN THE DOWNTOWN : additional Window signs: Permits are not required. This is signage that a retailer may use for special sales or events. This is a bonus sign in addition to other signs allowed in the downtown. Permanent signs on windows are allowed up to 20% Temporary signs on windows are allowed up to 20%
Window Signs Design Considerations: High quality graphics that promote a cohesive and tasteful display are encouraged. Carefully constructed artistic signage is encouraged to brand the store and maintain the identity of the retail center. Low quality paper banners and vinyl stick- on lettering are discouraged. Window signs placed on the exterior shall be the thickness of one layer of paint or film.
Menu Boards in Downtown Currently several restaurant have menu boards adjacent to their
restaurants. Recent change represents current practice by restaurants in the downtown.
California Pizza Kitchen
Pamela’s Parkside Grill
Bangkok Cafe
Menu Boards in Downtown
Menu Board. Each restaurant is permitted to have one menu board. A menu board may be no larger than six square feet, may be internally illuminated, and must be mounted on a wall near the main entrance of the restaurant. A menu board may not be freestanding.
Signs in the Downtown : Ground Signs Ground sign : 25,000 sf of parcel size 20 foot setback for placement 10 feet in height, 35 square feet Must be landscaped with ample landscaping
Village Wide Signs
Manual Change Bulletin Board
Showcase positive examples Use graphics to highlight the code Encourage good design
Multi-tenant Signs
On a multi- tenant sign is which sign is more readable to the user? Which design captures more attention?
Single Tenant Signs
Encourage signs to be compatible with the architecture Use similar materials and detailing
ILLUSTRATE : Project Highlight Feature a business that uses good graphics and meets the code. Creative use of sign Uses all elements of the sign code Creates an identity Uses marketing successfully
ILLUSTRATE : Visual Preference Survey
A.
B.
Which sign has more design appeal, Sign A or Sign B? Rate on a scale 1 – 5 (1 is least desirable and 5 is most desirable)
ILLUSTRATE : Visual Preference Survey
A.
B. Which sign has more design appeal, Sign A or Sign B? Rate on a scale 1 – 5 (1 is least desirable and 5 is most desirable)