Oakland Design Review Manual for the Central ... - City of Oakland

6. Signage6.0IntentMuch like the character of its buildings, signage should reflectthe character of a place.Guidelines6.0.1 Signage should follow a hierarchy that clearly indicates theimportance and/or size of the associated use, building, orplace.6.0.2 Signage should be coordinated and aligned with adjacent andsurrounding buildings in order to achieve a unified appearancerather than visual confusion.6.0.3 Creative and highly individualized signs, with a high level ofdetail and craftsmanship are encouraged. See Figure 6.a.6.0.4 Within the parameters of the sign ordinance, flexibility shouldbe allowed for artisans and craftspeople that wish to createunique signage that may contribute to the sense of place. SeeFigure 6.b.6.0.5 Signage should reflect the character of the building and shouldbe integrated within its architecture.6.0.6 Signs should not obscure architectural elements suchas transom windows or columns, nor should they appearcluttered.6.0.7 Internally illuminated signs, with the exception of neon, arestrongly discouraged.6.0.8 Signs should be constructed of high-quality and durablematerials.6.0.9 Externally illuminated signs should be designed and installedso that their lighting elements are directed at the sign withoutspillover onto streets and adjacent properties, to minimizeglare.6.0.10 Civic and landmark signage (e.g., district signs, waterfrontsignage, etc.) should be used to announce an important place,gateway, or feature and should be more prominent in scale.ENCOURAGEXX Figures 6.a and 6.b:Unique signage should beencouraged in the CentralEstuary to take advantageof the many artisanbusinesses in the area.OAKLAND DESIGN REVIEW MANUAL FOR CENTRAL ESTUARY51