ELEMENTS OF SITE DESIGN    

 

Sign Design & Placement
In our region’s small towns and developed areas, signs can enhance building character as well as the pedestrian experience.  Signs should be small, simple, and readable whether they are attached to or hang from a building’s façade, painted on the inside of a window or awning, or part of a ground level planting bed.  Signs can be designed to advertise a business and complement the region’s character.  Sign sizes should be limited to a reasonable scale that can contain a readable message, while a sign’s materials should reflect the architectural style and material palette of the building. Visual unity between signs and their surroundings can be achieved by the integration of landscaping, building, and graphic elements.

 

 

 

Attractive, pedestrian-scaled signs, downtown Traverse City, Grand Traverse County

 

Key Points:

  • Allow for the unique needs of local establishments while avoiding excessive signage in order to preserve the region’s scenic views, natural landscapes, and community character.
  • Design ground level signs to partially blend into the natural landscape, and provide a planted backdrop incorporating native plants and landscaping elements, whenever possible, to make signs easier to see.
  • Permit signs of sufficient height to be seen above the snow.
  • Limit size and number of signs to help preserve the region’s natural character.
  • Jurisdictions which have not already done so are encouraged to develop a local sign ordinance.