The URL can be used to link to this page

Memo Sign Grant Program CITY OF HOPKINS Q MEMORANDUM DATE: January 9, 1996 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council �;�OM: Paul T. Steinman, Community Development Specialist SUBJECT: Sign Grant Program I. Pur,�ose of Memo The purpose of this memo is to provide a brief overview of the City's Sign Grant Program. The reason this issue is being raised is due to the fact that Don Roesner has requested to appear before the City Council to discuss the project boundaries of this program. He is interested in expanding the program boundaries to a larger area. The change would potentially allow his son to = be eligible for a sign grant at his business location in an _� industrially-zoned area on Fifth Street South. II. Overview The Sign Grant Program was created in 1986s The purpose was to encourage the upgrading of signage in the most visible commercial/retail area of the City. The Sign Grant Program currently provides a grant to local = businesses within a defined boundary for 50 percent of the cost of new signage, or $1,000, whichever is less. The City has funded approximately 30 to 35 sign grants over the past five years of the program. The average amount of each grant is approximately $800 to $900. � = The program boundaries are identified generally as the = following: Commercially zoned areas located between First Street North and County Road 3 and = Washington Avenue and Shady Oak Road - The funding source for this program is the Economic = Development account. State statute does not allow tax increment dollars to be used as grants for any purpose. � � PS01096A � � - - � � --- -- - - -_ _ Memo to Honorable Mayor & City Council, January 9, 1996 - Page 2 � III. Issues to Consider Ae Basis of Program The basic purpose of the Sign Grant Program is to provide funding for the repair or replacement of signage which, in turn, will enhance the building's characte� and Hopkins' overall appearance. The program is intended to reduce sign _ clutter and provide a strong, clear identification for the business. B. Program Boundaries The question by Don Roesner is whether a change can be made to the current program boundaries. The Council has the ability to expand such boundaries to include an area which is located in the City's identified redevelopment project _ area. This includes the majority of commercial/industrial ° property in the City. ° When the Sign Grant Program was established, it was _ determined that the current program boundaries would provide = dollars for sign replacement in the most highly visible area of our City. Since that time, staff has discussed the , _ possibilities associated with expanding the program - Q boundaries to include other commercial/retail areas along County Road 3 in conjunction with the upgrading of this � roadway. = 5taff has not considered expansion of this Program into the _ industrially zoned areas of the City. The reason may be = because many of these areas are less visible; therefore, the = quality and design of signage for the sake of improving the = "look" or "feel° of the area is less important (owners and � tenants in these areas are still required to comply with the = City Zoning Ordinance for signage)e - IV. Future Process _ Staff recommends that if the Council wishes to proceed with = further examination of this issue, the HBCA revie�r this � matter and provide a recommendation for consideration by the - Council at a future date. Attachment: Hopkins Mainstreet Sign Rehab Grant Program � � � � � � � � � PS01096A � . -� �. � _ � � � HOPKINS MAINSTREET SIG�v� REHABIUTATION GRANT ; � PROGRAM � � � INTRODIICTION � Business signs are a very important part of the image � = created and given to a community. Improving your signs by i following these design guidelines will; attract customers � for your business, show customers that you care about them � and, in addition, help give the City of Hopkins a fresh new � look. One that people will notice. 1 � Your sign becomes part of the building it is mounted on. A � good sign can enhance the appearance of your building if it ; is designed with the proper colors, proper size, neat � lettering and careful construction and mounting. � � INTENT AND PORPOSE ; It is recognized by the City of Hopkins that signs in � general perform certain functions in the community which are � essential for the public safety and general welfare; such as i communicating messages, providing information about the , availability of goods and services and providing � orientation. It is further recognized by the City that �� because of their potential detrimental impact on the retail � environment, exterior signs need to be upgraded and improved � on occasion. � The intent of the Sign Rehabilitation Grant Program is to � provide money for the repair or replacement of old signs � which enhance the building's character and Hopkins' overall � appearance. ' � The program is intended to reduce sign clutter and provide a � strong, clear identification for the business. The program � is in place to help improve the image of the City and � enhance each businesses pride in itself. � � GIIIDELINES � If the project is approved a rant shall be , g provided for � either 50% of the cost of an eligible project or $1000.00., � whichever is less. Money received through the City's � Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program may not be used by � the recipient to match the 50% needed for the grant. � � AREA DESCRIPTION The Hopkins Mainstreet Sign Rehabilitation Program shall Q apply to the all commercial buildings within the area defined by Shady Oak Road on the west, Highway 18 to the east, First Avenue N. to the north and County Road 3 to the � south (see appendix A). DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS � The provisions of this program are supplementary to those of the Zoning Code and Hopkins Mainstreet Sign Design Guidelines, and the most restrictive provision shall apply. APPROPRIATE SIZE Avoid overly large signs. The sign should not dominate your storefront; its shape and proportions should fit the architectural style and historic character of your building. It is necessary to meet the City Zoning Code and the Hopkins Mainstreet Sign Design Guidelines for design criteria. Basically, business signs should be no more than two feet six inches (2' x 6") in height. Projecting signs should have no greater dimension than eighteen inches wide by sixteen inches high (18' x 16") and should not be mounted lower than ten feet from ground level. SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE The applicant's proposals shall be reviewed by the City of Hopkins Office of Community Development for compliance with the zoning ordinance. The review of sign design and style will be conducted by the Downtown Business Council Design Committee. The Design Committee will be reviewing the sign � to make sure it complies with the Sign Design Guidelines and to verify that it does not deter from the historic and/or architectural character of buildings. Sole discretion on whether to approve or deny shall rest with the Design Committee. City staff will review the plans with the Design Committee within 14 days of submission and notify the applicant of the decision to approve or disapprove the plans. The worthiness of the sign and the conditions to be imposed for the sign to be considered for a grant, shall be determined by the Design Committee and the Office of Community Development. The department may, at it's discretion, establish a reasonable fee, not to exceed one percent of total project cost. This fee would be used to cover the cost incurred in reviewing the application. Funding of a project shall be contingent upon how it meets Program criteria. If denied the individual may appeal a decision by the Office of Community Development and Design Committee to the City Council. • 1 � � INSPECTION OF THE SIGN ' Applicants for a Rehabilitation Sign Grant shall agree to an : inspection of the subject property by the City of Hopkins = prior to approval. A final inspection will take place after = the work is completed. These inspections will be done to = determine that the sign meets all established program _ guidelines. � , � � GRANT COSTS � Any costs incurred before the time of application will not : � be considered part of the total sign costs. � * No grant shall be considered by the City if a sign permit � has been issued prior to application. No work shall begin � until final approval and a notice to proceed order is received by the applicant. ANY SIGN PUT IN PLACE BEFORE � APPROVAL WILL NOT RECEIVE GRANT MONEY. . � � ELIGIBILITY Applicants located within the program boundaries must comply with the following terms to qualify for participation in the sign rehabilitation grant program: � 1. The property must be located within the area designated by the Hopkins City Council, (Appendix A) and it must not be subject to future acquisition by the HRA. 2. The recipients interest in the property shall include ownership, partnership, corporation, or tenant; tenants must be engaged in the conduct of a business or commercial enterprise within said building. 3. Eligible projects shall include the following: - new signage for rear entrances. - new signage to replace legal, non-conforming signs (i.e. grandfathered signs that violate the existing zoning ordinance, but remain due to the grandfathered clause). The sign must meet City Zoning code specifications and the design guidelines. - new tenants replacing all existing signage. - removal of signs no longer in use. - repair and maintenance of existing signs (see ineligible projects). - Window signs which are an integral part of the business name. � The following projects are eligible for a grant. However , the Design Committee will review them carefully to determine if the are compatible with the building and neighboring signs. - repair and maintenance of old neon signs. - construction of new illuminated and neon signs - replacement of faces on old illuminated/neon signs. (illuminated = backlighting or internalLy) 4. Ineligible projects shall include the following: - semi permanent signs, window signs, posters and/or banners. - new construction (building) projects. - New construction of Pylon or pole signs 5. Plans and specifications in satisfactory form shall be submitted by the applicant and be in compliance with City Zoning codes and applicable Downtown Hopkins Design Standards. At the minimum, the following information needs to be provided: A) A front elevation (front view) drawing of the sign drawn to scale. This can usually be obtained from the sign company, an architect, or a graphic arts company. The minimum scale is one inch = one foot. � B) Either a front elevation drawing to scale of the building with the proposed sign located on it (minimum scale 1/4 inch = 1 foot) or a photo of the building front. C) A specification sheet describing sign materials, (wood, metal, etc.) exact letter size, and colors to � be used. D) A completed application. . � "� � .� �� ,��111 ��♦ ��..�. .: � � �. t �1 �11�1`�1 �� ii� ��► � { Itl � :`�i�U1 u n�..,u.,.��A 11�IIIt�11�� ■� �ff =!��ill illll��i�i 111��1�/ � � /IIII��iii �'��Iltl� /Iittl1t�11 t111�11111 ■ � I11111�� %��/11/ i�/�Ilitlt Iltii�l� �1 � ��u�� n�• ��;�i��«�� n ��i�ii�� ' `� �� ! �iu��It� ��I�U�� 11�� ,,. / iiiii i�l�� _�� :�ri�»��i �� u� � �- � ��n� i� ��i�� t��t� �� 1_ 1��11 111111 n 11111� � 1 �ilii11111 illl� 1111 ililllilllll MNn � —��i ��i�� n � :�� i �i��i�� i��i �� t � i n��' : �� i� � � . . , �� . �� i =;� �� , in�s�Ni � T ` ' ,�' � ��,��i '�" 1I�■,�� Y, �IIIH 1� � 11 1111 • • �1�1 � � � il i%II� �1111 � � � • � �� / � f � � . i�= � I 1�1 . 1 1 11111 •` � _ � �I � ��lillllll 1 11 '' � r � . ' = �I il/ Illill 11 tl : NI�� _/� 1 11�111 = 111111 3 = = ►� �� u��in�i i . � _ : .i� i��t�i�� i��i��ii�� r � ��i;;l�1 i; ��/111111 IIIf1�11111r1�� illiil / Iltll111 1{lilllltlil Ii11/t1111 �.� ��u� �i� ��II �� N � �i�-. ' �.,, . �■ i �.� ..��n�� i��i�� n :, .�� ' >ill11 �� ► : - \ `= � I ��I I�� 1 ' : � , 1111.111� � � t � ■= �l.L.. .�.. � � � ��.� .�_ � - � 1 � ' �.�� - : � �� I ��/ � 1 � � •'��... � , . • �111 =I � � �� . �� , ..II��'i'� I ♦ , �� .. .. � � .� � n �j� � �� ,.. �i 11 .. � ��ii�� i �� { 111111{1111t '''' �I ��I/� ��.� � � 1 fiillliilltl �� '':• ::;��%.�`: =;r�� 1 tNt111111f1 �,.�, ' rj �� " � �� 1 Illilll qll �� , ,. 11� Iililliilfit '� �� , ■ � ; � � � HOPKINS MAINSTREET SIGN DESIGN GUIDELINES � � � � A. OBJECTIVES ; The end product, the preservation of the unique mood or � flavor of the Hopkins Mainstreet and the maintenance of it � as a vital activity center, is an intangible and hard to � quantify entity. It is difficult, if not impossible, to � legislate good design or to codify a special character or � flavor of an area. � Therefore, instead of prescribing one special style or a � specific set of design elements, which would only result in � rigid, inflexible end products, hard to implement and � unsatisfactory to many, these Design Guidelines use a two- � part approach: � First, it outlines the objectives that define what � feelings the end products are supposed to reflect � or generate. � � Second, it gives directions or guidelines on how � to approach the problem or how to proceed to � realize objectives. � � By following the guidelines and keeping in mind the � � recommended objectives as well as the character or mood envisioned for the area, a satisfactory solution beneficial � to all can be achieved. � � B. DEFINITIONS 1. Sictn: The word "sign" means an outdoor structure either stationary or movable, containing any writing, announcements, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia or illuminated device used to advertise, announce, direct attention to, identify or promote the distribution of any merchandise or the sale of other property or service to any person. The term "sign" shall not be deemed to include the terms "building" or "landscaping" or any architectural embellishment of a building not intended to communicate information. 2. Area of a sian: The words "area of a sign" means total dimensions enclosing the extreme limits of letters or perimeters of backgrounds, borders, emblems, color or frame or any device used to distinguish the sign from the building surface on which it is placed. Except as Q stated, structural supports shall be considered part of the sign. Each surface utilized to display a message or to attract attention shall be measured as a separate sign. Symbols, flags, pictures, wording, figures or other forms of graphics painted on or attached to windows, walls, awnings, free standing � structures, suspended by balloons, or kites or on persons, animals, or vehicles are considered a sign and are included in calculating the overall square footage. C. GENERAL GUIDELINES It is not the intent of these standards to create uniformity of signage or to inhibit creative initiative. Signage shall be designed to enhance and compliment the historic character of buildings within the district. This signage should also be designed to be compatible with surrounding buildings and services. While the guidelines do not attempt to inhibit creativity, individuals should be encouraged to avoid the "trendy" look. Signs/colors which are created to take advantage of a current trend will run the risk of being quickly dated. The provisions of this document are supplementary to those of the Hopkins Zoning Code. Prior to issuance of a sign permit for a new sign or the replacement of an existing sign, the applicant shaZl complete a sign permit application. Upon completion of the sign permit application, the Design Committee will review these � pravisions to determine the appropriateness of a particular type of sign for a specific property, including size, design features, intended positioning and on-site location, and all other elements affecting a sign's physical appearance. The following guidelines shall be encouraged in the Redevelopment District Project Boundaries which occur along Mainstreet from Shady Oak to TH 169. 1. Compliance - All sign permits for property within the Redevelopment District Project Boundaries which occur along Mainstreet from Shady Oak to TH 169, shall comply with Section 570 of the Hopkins City Code. 2. Size and Placement - Signs shall be positioned so that they are an integral design feature of the building; which means that signs shall help define and enhance the architectural features of the building and shall be placed so they do not destroy architectural details such as but not limited to stone arches, glass transom panels or decorative brick work, Signs may be placed only in the horizontal lintel "sign space" above the store front windows, an windows or attached to awnings. . =� 3. Colors - Sign colors shall blend with the building ' facade to which the sign is attached and be compatible _ with the property's use. It is recommended that no _ more than two colors be used for sign lettering. = However, a small amount of a third color for _ highlighting is acceptable. _ 4. Messaqe - The sign message sha1Z be legible and relate : to the nature of the buildings use. These requirements _ may be accomplished through the use of words, pictures, ' names, symbols and logos. � = 5. Letterina - Uniform lettering should be used throughout _ the sign to avoid incoherent and otherwise incompatible ' letter form combinations which may be determined as � inappropriate. However, a sign may contain two � ; lettering styles if they are compatible. � � Light lettering against a dark background is easier to � read and more professionally looking and is � recommended. Letters should be subordinate to the ' background area. The letters should be of approprzate � size depending on the style of the building, size of . � building, location and viewing distance. � a 6. Complex Center - Businesses sharing one principle � structure should coordinate signage for each business � located within the structure. � � 7. Cluster Signs - Businesses wishing to place their signs � within a common framework should utilize a common � display system. Each sign within the common framework � shall not exceed 2 square feet for each establishment. � The total area of a clustered sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. 8. Fabrication Materials - The following materials, when properly used to compliment the architectural features and character of a historic building, are considered compatible for use provided the conditions as described are adhered to: a. Wood: Any wood utilized shall be painted, stained, varnished or lacquered. b. Metal, Plastic, Fiberglass, G�ass and Masonry: Each of these should be used with care to ' compliment the architecture of surrounding buildings. Plastic is discoura ed on buildin s 5 g with historic character. � _ _ 9. Window SiQns - Primary signs may be painted directly on � the glass show windows or entry doors. However, these guidelines discourage the use of temporary window signs. These temporary signs are those which advertise sales or products. D. RECOMMENDED SIGNAGE l. Signs that are determined to be an original part of the existing building facade should be retained and maintained. A sign will be considered to be an "original part", if it was included as a component of the existing facade design and construction. 2. Primary Signs: Each ground floor occupant in a building should have no more than one sign oriented to each public right-of-way on which the premises has frontage. This (these) sign(s) should identify the predominant use of the occupant or identify the building as a whole. a. Primary signs may extend the entire length of the facade but should have a total vertical dimension of no more than two feet 6 inches (2'6"). Primary signs should not overlap horizontally. � b. Primary signs should be mounted no lower than eight feet (8�) above the elevation of the ground floor and no higher than the elevation of the second floor. c. Primary signs may be painted directly on glass show windows or entry doors, in which case they may be located at any point below the elevation of the second floor but must be painted directly on the glass. Such signs should have a vertical dimension no greater than one foot (1'). 3. Secondary Signs: Each building may have one or more secondary signs. These signs should identify occupants on upper floors or occupants not considered the primary building user. a. Each occupant may have not more than one sign painted directly on glass of upper windows. Upper window signs should consist of individual letters not over six inches (6") in height painted vertically on glass. Total sign dimension should not be greater than fourteen inches (14") in height. � _ : ; . ., _ _ _ _ __ - b. In addition to upper window signs, each occupant ;� may have one ground floor entry sign located at = entryway with individual letters painted or located = directly on glass, door, plaque, or directory. � Total dimensions of entry signs, regardless of = number of occupants identified, should not exceed � two feet six inches wide and one foot six inches = high (2'6" x 1'6"). = 4. Projecting signs: A projecting sign is a sign other than = a wall sign which projects from and is supported by a ' wall or a building or structure. = Projecting symbolic or business name signs are - permitted. Projecting signs which advertise a product ° and include the name of a business are not permitted. � � Projecting signs are permitted at horizontal intervals � along the front property lines of not less than twenty- � five feet (25'0"). Projecting signs should be no ; greater dimension than eighteen inches wide by sixteen � inches high (18" x 16"), shall extend no more than � twenty-four inches (24") from the building wall and � shall be mounted no lower than ten feet (10'0") from i elevation of ground floor. � � � E. SIGNAGE NOT RECOMMENDED : � 1. No signs should be used other than those identifying ; � a property where they are installed or identifying the � use conducted therein. Advertising by material or � product is not permitted. � 2. No sign or light should move, flash, or make noise. � (With the exception of signs displaying time, temperature, and barber totems}. 3. Plastic and transparent "panel" signs will be reviewed for appropriateness for the particular building on an individual basis. They will be discouraged on buildings with historic character. � F. ILLIIMINATION Any sign lighting shall be properly shielded or diffused so as to eliminate glare. While these guidelines do permit the use of neon and internally lit signs, caution should be used in their use. � � G. EBCEPTIONS TO THE SIGN RECOMMENDATIONS � The following are appropriate in addition to those signs listed above: a. Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, and commemorative tablets which do not exceed 20 square feet in area when made a permanent integral part of a building. b. Educational signs not exceeding 10 square feet providing bulletin or poster display space, identifying or explaining local history or processes going on out of sight within the building. • H. PROJECTIONS BEYOND PROPERTY LINE (awninqs) There should be no projections beyond the property line other than as described below: 1. Sun protection/weather protection devices may be permitted only in the form of awnings on existing buildings. Awnings shall be operable or retractable, and they shall be of canvas on metal frame. Awnings � should have a minimum slope of twenty degrees to the horizontal. Awnings should be located no higher than sixteen feet (16') and should extend no lower than eight feet (8'). Awnings should be designed in a way to appear an integral part of the building facade design. 2. Fixed canopies or marquees are not recommended, but will be considered on an individual basis. 3. Overhanging signs as described above may be used. 4. Individual wall lighting fixtures projecting beyond property lines may be used providing that fixtures are consistent with the period of the design of the building facade; that the total wattage per fixture does not emit glare or harsh bright spots; that the f ixture is mounted no lower than six feet six inches (6'6") nor higher than nine feet (9'0") above the elevation of the ground floor; and provided that the fixture extends from the property line not more than sixteen inches (16") nor have any dimension greater than sixteen inches (16"). � , �� APPLICATION FOR SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM ; DATE: / / = BUSINESS OWNER INFORMATION � Name: Phone: : : = DBA Name: ; Address: ; � � Owner of Property: Phone: 3 � TYPE OF IMPROVEMENT � � i . � New Signage: Rear Front � New signage to Replace legal Non-conforming Signs: � Repair & Maintenance of existing signs: i APPLICATION CHECKLIST � l. If tenant, letter of acknowledgement from owner. 2. Signed bid from sign company. 3. A front elevation drawing of the sign drawn to scale. 4. Drawing of the entire building indicating sign proportion and placement. 5. A specification sheet describing sign materials. Does it meet: 6. City Building Code Specifications(Sign Ordinance)? City Sign Inspector's Signature: � 7. Downtown Design Guidelines? 8. City Permit/ Council Approval TOTAL COST OF BID:$ AMOUNT OF GRANT 50% OR $1000 :$ � SIGNATURE: DATE: / / Application � OFFICE USE ONLY SIGN REIiA.BIZ,ITATION GRANT PROGRAM 1.) Application Received: / / 2.) Review for Eligibility: STAFF: SIGN INSPECTOR CITY ORDINANCE DESIGN GUIDELINES 3 . ) Staf f Comments : 4.) Staff Report Prepared: / / Council Meeting: / � 5.) Check Amount: $ Check m: Issue To: � Check Received By: DATE: / / � � . � � �I � ..�y i � � � , � � � w r r . � � . '� � sf = �� , .. �,.�•,�� _ �� • � �4 �� . � \ � .' : i'�. � - ...'� � � �� ♦ � ♦ �� _ � s- � �! _ � . m-- . ' �- � .... ::.. �: •�� " t� �� :: : � � �� , �E C� � �� ♦ � : � �- �� C� -- � __ : - � � � _ C _ � -- C •� ♦ �� • " ,� � :� .. r„ �.. �.. � � 1 . � � ? � ■ s ..'� C � ".. � �►� " .. 11 �� ♦�i �� B r .. S _ � _� � � � �.. --.. --,� e� C� i � � ■• .. .... .... .. Q G �� / �'� �� io �I� �� i�i � �,, �_� � E i �' � -! ; : _ " ''... ..= �li ='� =� �.�1 ' � � � � � � �� ; ,�.� � � $� C C ..:,"' C� : � .. : � : I� C�,. �� .. -. � �.►. �►� � `� � � • �•• �8� ./ �♦ s '"�. w�ii � •� �I .. w � � ~ ��.� . .�..�i � � �� , �/ ' t. Q... a r� ■ ■ , , � ... ... _ .. ,.. �,,,, �j/ � II�r � �.. "' '� \ � �.� � a �5��`� s� ii � C �� ,Q !� � � � S � �— I► �,..1" .:: � � � ��" ,�► �,,� �.� .� . � � '�'�'.. .�3 �� ' ■_ �„��' / ' � '�� Iq IIt Ill tlilfll 1111� � i.� 1�� i i� ■ � � �I ■ It 11 / 1� ■ ■ , , .� : ,,,.� � _ 1�1 �I�I1111! ��_��11� �` � ■ � � _� _ � . "■ � � ,� * � L.. . _ , . `r � �; �r r R � � � � � � 4 ' �,� = � �� _ � Q , ►, , ,. . � , � �p, , � � �