Cherry Creek North Design Guidelines - City and County of Denver

URBAN DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
GUIDELINES
◗ These signs — a stuffed sheep and wooden butler — are A simple and elegant sign, fitting well with the
◗ Signs on commercial buildings should fit within existing features of
the building’s façade.
◗ New buildings should be designed with built-in sign bands.
◗ Sign colors, materials, sizes and shapes, and lighting should be used
to complement the other elements of the façade design.
◗ Signs should not be positioned so as to obscure architectural details.
◗ Simple, straight forward shapes that communicate clearly should be
used.
◗ Signs as symbols are encouraged because they are easily read and add
to the vitality of a storefront.
◗ Sign materials should be durable and easy to maintain.
◗ Letter styles of signs should be legible. Simple, well-proportioned
typefaces are good choices.
◗ Illumination external to the sign surface with lighting directed at the
sign is preferred over internally lit signs. Internally lit awnings are
strongly discouraged.
◗ Light levels should not overpower other signs on the street or the
façade. By coordinating lighting, color, and placement of the sign
and display windows, the entire storefront can become an effective
sign.
eye-catching and delightful to encouter. storefront.
◗ Signs in windows should not block views of the displays behind
them.
◗ Signs should be designed to help establish the building’s character by
using cohesive, easily understood graphic themes which
complement the overall building design.
◗ Sign character that is expressive of the individual proprietor and
overall community identity is encouraged.
◗ Distinctive materials that exhibit craftsmanship and which contribute
to individual business’ identity should be used.
◗ If the building façade does not have display windows, then it may be
appropriate for the retailer to use a small number of merchandise
objects as the signage for the store. This however would require a
variance from the Board of Adjustment/Zoning in addition to review
by the DAB. Objects of merchandise if displayed discreetly can create
a market atmosphere that feels welcoming and full of charm.
◗ Signs used as symbols should be considered and are encouraged
where display windows are not available. They are easily read and
add to the vitality of a storefront. Permission to use merchandise as
signage, however, first must be obtained from the Board of
Adjustment/Zoning.
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