Franklin Historic District Design Guidelines

DRAFT FRANKLIN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES 127 This Chapter provides guidelines for all signs within Franklin’s historic districts. Signs should contribute to a senseof visual continuity and shouldnot overwhelm the character of the building. Historic signs contribute to the character of the historic district and should be preserved and appropriately maintained. For example, leave historic painted walls signs exposed and do not over-restore them to the point that it no longer provides evidence of the building’s age and original function. Use touch up paint only and match color and design to the original. New signs should be designed to be compatible with the associated building and the overall district. Sign guidelines are divided into Sections for commercial buildings, residential buildings, and civic buildings. When considering signage, theappropriateguidancewill be found in theSection thatmost closely addresses the form of the original building prior to any additions. The guidance includes the number, types, and locations of signs that are appropriate for each building form. Once the appropriate sign guidance is determined based on the building form, each individual sign has specific guidelines pertaining to quantity, placement, size, height, materials, color, and illumination. These guidelines are found in the Specific Sign Guidelines Section. Standards for signs are regulated by the Franklin Zoning Ordinance, unless otherwise described in this Chapter.