Ordinance 2921-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

CHAPTER 6 Signage sized appropriately for the building's architectural features Lively neon signage is encouraged along Hewitt Avenue Pedestrian -oriented signage Figure 65. A good signage example for downtown Everett. L-3 Revise sign standards for downtown properties. Detailed standards, provided in Appendix A, emphasize the following: • Sign design appropriate to the architecture of the building (e.g., size and material standards and requirements that signs not cover windows or other significant architectural features). • Use of quality materials that enhance the visual environment (e.g., plastic backlit signs are prohibited). • Special standards for an "entertainment district" along Hewitt Avenue that encourage lively signage. L-4 Conduct Historic Preservation Activities Retaining downtown Everett's historical buildings was a high priority for planning participants. This plan encourages preservation and rehabilitation by proposing that zoning standards provide a density bonus for retaining and/or rehabilitating downtown historic structures. In addition, the City should consider the following activities as part of a historic preservation program: • Tax incentives for rehabilitation. • Recognition and education. A "Good Neighbor Fund" offering low-interest loans to upgrade historic properties (those on the national or state registers or those identified as eligible by the City inventory). Loans could be for upgrading properties with respect to code requirements, facade and exterior shell improvements, or improvements to increase use of unoccupied space. The City might also consider a local landmark ordinance to provide some measure of protection to important historic resources. However, this is an action that takes considerable planning effort. 70 MAKERS architecture and urban design 0509_rpt_draft.doc - 6/29/06