Gainesville › Unified Land Development Code
Article 8 — Site and Architectural Design Guidelines, Chapter 8-8 — SIGN DESIGN GUIDELINES
§ 8-8-1
Purpose and Intent
This chapter provides design guidelines for signage.
§ 8-8-2
Applicability
The sign design guidelines of this chapter shall apply to all buildings and structures located within:
(a)The Central Business Zoning District.
(b)The Midland Overlay.
(c)In the central core character area, and any other character area, as may be determined appropriate by the Community and Economic Development Department Director.
§ 8-8-3
Generally
(a)All signs should be of a design and include materials that are in keeping with the architectural design and exterior materials of the principal structure.
(b)Signs should be sized in proportion to the building. Notwithstanding the maximum areas allowed under the terms of the sign ordinance, an individual sign may be disapproved if it is found to be excessive or non-proportional in relation to the building on which it is placed or which it serves.
(c)Uniformity of size and lettering among properties in the same district or character area is desirable, to create a pleasing visual consistency.
§ 8-8-4
Materials
(a)Exposed surfaces of signs must be constructed of or appear to be constructed of metal, glass, stone, concrete, brick, cloth, or wood, or similar approved material. If synthetic materials are authorized, they shall have the same finished appearance as the materials specified here.
(b)Sandblasted wood signs are not prohibited but may or may not be considered appropriate.
(c)Plywood or unfinished wood is not an appropriate material for signs and shall not be permitted.
§ 8-8-5
Colors
(a)No individual sign should have more than four colors.
(b)Colors of signs should be coordinated with overall building colors.
§ 8-8-6
Placement of Wall Signs
(a)Wall signs should be located on flat, unadorned parts of the building facade, above storefront display windows and below second-story windows, where such features exist.
(b)If the building facade or storefront has a lintel strip or signboard, the wall sign should be placed directly on it. Wall signs should be located centrally on the facade. Sign boards should not exceed 30 inches in height.
(c)Projecting signs and signs suspended from canopies and awnings oriented to pedestrians (i.e., perpendicular to the wall surface of a building) should be permitted and are encouraged, provided they are constructed to be compatible in material and appearance with the building.
Sign Board Projecting Sign