Historic District Commission

MANISTEE CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, April 5th, at 4:00 PM This meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers. AGENDA I Call to Order II Roll Call III Approval of Agenda At this time, the Historic District Commission can take action to approve the April 5th, 2023, Agenda. IV Conflicts of Interest At this time, the Chair will ask if there are any members with a conflict of interest on the approved Agenda. V Approval of Minutes At this time Historic District Commission can take action to approve the March 1st, 2023, Meeting Minutes. VI Public Comment on Agenda Related items At this time, the Chair will ask if there are any public comments. VII New Business x COA – 95 Maple Street (Manistee County Library) VIII Old Business x Amendment to Zoning Ordinance – Signs x Permit Review IX Public Comments and Communications concerning items not on the agenda. At this time, the Chair will ask if there are any public comments. X Correspondence XI Reports DDA Executive & Economic Development Director (sent via email) Museum Curator Planning & Zoning Administrator XII Members Discussion At this time, the Chair will ask members of the Historic District Commission if they have any items they want to discuss. XIII Adjournment 1  HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 MEETING MINUTES March 1, 2023 A meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 4:00 pm, Manistee, Michigan. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Chair Trucks. Members Present: Ron Helmboldt, Lee Trucks, Kathryn Kenny, Angie Quinn Members Absent: William Connor, Thad Taylor, Dennis Otto Others: Katie Mehl (City Zoning /Planner 1) and Nancy Baker (Recording Secretary) APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Kenny, seconded by Commissioner Quinn to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed with a voice vote. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Quinn, seconded by Commissioner Kenny to approve the February 1, 2023 minutes as printed. Motion passed with a voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS Marc Miller Director of Economic Development Chamber of Commerce, working with developers of 457 River Street and 308 River Street, Chamber supports these projects. NEW BUSINESS Jon Faber-457 River Street Kitt Potter contractor for Jon Faber: ƒ Old Senior Center ƒ Redoing interior and exterior; easy/fast food to go ƒ Requesting approval of awning, signage, façade for garage door and exposing brick ƒ Reviewed exterior façade, patio, signage, lighting, future firepit plans ƒ June 1st open date goal ƒ Interior coffee bar element City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision March 1, 2023 Page 1 Ms. Mehl, signage: proposed painting sign on brick, exceeds dimensional square footage-can approve allowance, hanging signage on front of building Commissioners’ comments: past exterior signage bigger than proposed signage, great improvement to downtown. Mr. Fedder Museum Curator supports the project. MOTION by Commissioner Quinn, seconded by Commissioner Kenny to approve issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 457 River Street. Motion passed with a voice vote. Dwight Silva-308 River Street Dwight Silva- partner with John Krudy-- KSE Ventures: ƒ Owners of 522 Water and 308 River Street ƒ Future ADA accessible ramp to river walk ƒ Deck along east side connecting to north side of existing deck ƒ Currently have tenants, interior improvements for potential future commercial tenants, possible deli, winetasting room MOTION by Commissioner Helmboldt, seconded by Commissioner Kenny to approve issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 308 River Street, with the deck portion pending approval from the City to authorize the deck projection over Division Street. Motion passed with a voice vote. Manistee Proud—Various Properties Kelly Greve, Manistee Proud presentative: ƒ Received donation from Filer Credit Union ƒ Using donation to place lights in trees at 3 downtown areas: Art Park, parking lot next to Dick’s Barber Shop, Tree Garden next to Fricano’s ƒ Using soft white lights ƒ Contacted Jeff Mikula, City DPW; can hook lights up to electrical streetlamps ƒ Placing lights in trees; unknown how far down the trees the lights will go Katie Mehl: DPW and Manistee Proud to have maintenance agreement MOTION by Commissioner Kenny, seconded by Commissioner Quinn to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project of soft white lights to be placed on trees in the 3 downtown areas as presented. Motion passed with a voice vote. Budget Review Ms. Mehl: memo explaining their budget, not fully using the allocated budget amount, can reallocate funds if needed, renewed members to Historic Preservation Network. OLD BUSINESS City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision March 1, 2023 Page 2 435 River Street—Joseph Mathewson Joe Mathewson reviewed plans; vertical siding, new windows as requested by HDC, paint pillars white, paint interior window areas white, signage MOTION by Commissioner Quinn, seconded by Commissioner Kenny to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 435 River Street. Motion passed with a voice vote. Amendment to Zoning Ordinance—Signs Ms. Mehl: x Zoning ordinance(z.o.) refers to signs coming before the HDC for approval x Read guidelines x HDC can exempt signs x Compose signage language for HDC review x Contact attorney regarding political signs x Advertisement of product within the establishment ¾ Place into z.o. specified flyers etc. ¾ Temporary signs are not to be permanently affixed and not for more than 60 days ¾ All signage not to exceed 50% window coverage-both approved and exempt ¾ Off premise signs ¾ Nonexempt signs to come before HDC Permit Review Ms. Mehl reviewed the permit list. Permit actions: x 411 River, blight on building is closed, permit closed x Blue Fish extended dumpster permit x All dumpsters for city were complete x New permits: All approved by Mr. Fedder o 339 River-Up North Collectors-projecting sign o 369 River-Brandon Ball-window installation o 431 River-Brandon Devine-outdoor seating PUBLIC COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None CORRESPONDENCE None REPORTS DDA Executive & Economic Development City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision March 1, 2023 Page 3 Marc Miller: working towards street scape plan, economic development report, thanked HDC for the approvals Museum Curator None Planning & Zoning Administrator None MEMBERS DISCUSSION None ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned by call of the Chair at 5:26 pm. Nancy Baker Nancy Baker, Recording Secretary City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision March 1, 2023 Page 4 Historic District Commission Katie Mehl March 29, 2023 Manistee County Planner 395 3rd St. Manistee, MI 49660 Historic District Commission 231.723.6041 planning@manisteecountymi.gov 70 Maple Street www.manisteemi.gov Manistee, MI 49660 Dear Commission Members, Over the past several months we have been discussing a potential amendment to the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to temporary window signs within the City of Manistee Historic District. Following this memo is a draft proposed amendment to the HDC Guidelines #2 – Signage, as well as a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to reference the respective HDC Guidelines. All proposed language is identified with red text. At this time, staff is seeking action from the Commission to amend the guidelines, as well as action to recommend the Zoning Ordinance amendment to the City of Manistee Planning Commission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Katie Mehl City of Manistee Zoning Administrator Manistee County Planner  Historic District Commission Planning & Zoning Department 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 231.398.2805 www.manisteemi.gov Guideline #2 - Signage These Guidelines have been developed by the Historic District Commission to assist applicants. Each request will be reviewed individually by the Commission based on its own merit. Exceptions to these guidelines may be made by the Commission on a case by case basis. The examples used in the guidelines reflect buildings in the district which are Victorian, but alterations to a building should reflect the era in which the building was constructed. Signage within the Historic District can be approved by the Museum Director or Curator, who reserves the right to submit requests to the Commission at their discretion. The Historic District Commission uses the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation as interpreted by the Preservation Briefs. Copies are available at the Manistee County Historical Museum and the Planning & Zoning Department at City Hall. Signs give a wealth of information about a particular time and place. Because historic signs often lack uniformity, they create a sense of vigor, spirit, and diversity. However, sign regulations are important within historic districts. Sign types need to integrate well with the historic character of the building and district. Here are some questions to ask when thinking about signs: ¾ If the business is changing hands, how can historic signs be reused or replicated? The scale of the structure will dictate the size of the sign. The placement of the sign should not cover important architectural features or elements. ¾ How can corporate logos and signs be adapted to blend with the historic character of the structure or neighborhood? In an age of uniform franchise and generic plastic signs, matching or blending them with the historic character of the building is nearly impossible. Modification of color, content, design, and size is needed. An appropriate sign would be made of wood, preferably engraved or embossed, with creative decorative elements (i.e., gold leaf, carvings, etc.). Two choices to secure signs to the wall include mounting the sign perpendicularly with brackets, or mounting it flat to the wall or fascia. ¾ Signs should be compatible with the design qualities of the building’s facade and with the surrounding historic context. They need to be compatible with the scale and design of the building. SIGNS AND REGULATIONS Signs are important for every community because they give necessary information to a passerby. They may reflect the identity and character of the area. Over time, signage types will change in accordance with architecture and technology changes. Since they can leave a lasting impression on visitors, the Historic Historic District Commission Guideline as amended 4-4-13 #2 – Signage Page 1 District Commission can regulate various aspects of the sign (i.e. height, size, color, type, number, location, etc). Sign Types: ¾ Hanging or Suspended Signs. These are signs that are either hung or suspended from a ceiling or other structure. ¾ Wall Signs. These are signs mounted flush against the building or painted directly on the building. ¾ Projecting Signs. These are signs that protrude from the building’s surface. They include perpendicular signs that hang out over the sidewalk, marquee signs, and other variations. ¾ Ground Signs. These are signs that are not attached to a building. Ground signs shall be open base mount (posts). Solid skirt panels are discouraged. ¾ Window Signs. These are signs either painted or hung on windows visible to the public from the exterior. Should be appropriate, visually pleasing and reflect the time period of the building’s architecture. No more than fifty percent (50%) of glass maximum. ¾ Upper Story Window Signs. These are signs either painted or hung on windows visible to the public from the exterior. No more than twenty percent (20%) of glass maximum. Gilt print is recommended. No internally lit or neon signs are permitted. ¾ Temporary Window Signs. These are signs that are not permanently affixed to the building, displayed in the window to advertise items such as sales, products, and information related to the business on site, for no longer than sixty (60) consecutive days. The glass maximums for “Window Signs” and “Upper Story Window Signs” applies to temporary windows as well as permanent signs that require HDC approval. The signs listed above are not exclusive. Generally, a sign is considered something that promotes, identifies, informs, or advertises. A variety of signs may include logos and symbols. Variations in signage include posters, print on awnings, art on blank walls, display of flags, and A-frame signs on sidewalks. The sign’s form, function, placement, color, material, and lighting method are all important considerations. While sign regulation and control is to maintain public health and safety, it is also used for aesthetics. Signs in the historic district are reviewed to maintain the area’s character. Signs cannot be installed to conceal, destroy, or violate any architectural features of a building. Signs that are installed on an interim basis, such as realtor and construction signs not exceeding sixteen square feet in sign face, are allowed for the duration of the project. However, these signs should not cause a visual nuisance. Historic District Commission Guideline as amended 4-4-13 #2 – Signage Page 2 Prohibited signs include, in addition to those identified in the zoning ordinance, anything that obstructs historic or architectural features; misleads, interferes, or confuses the viewers; and destroys or impairs the historic integrity of the resource or district. General Sign Criteria: 1. Only on-premise business identification signs are permitted in the city. 2. All signs shall comply with the regulations for erection and construction of structures as contained within the City's Building Code. 3. Signs must use appropriate materials and be compatible with the historic character of the building. For example Bright chromium effect, glossy or leatherette finished vinyl is not acceptable on a Victorian era façade. Natural materials such as wood are appropriate on a Victorian Building. 4. Colors shall be appropriate for the era and the building. Fluorescent colors are prohibited. 5. The texture of sign must be compatible with that of the building facade. Sand blasted signs are not allowed. 6. With the exception of “Lighted Open Signs” (see standards below), internally illuminated signs are not permitted. Flashing, intermittent, rotating signs or signs that create the illusion of movement are prohibited. 7. Shape and form of signs shall be proportioned in mass and scale to the building where they are installed. 8. Logos (Corporate Logos) shall be integrated with designs compatible with the Historic District. 9. Plastic appearing materials are not allowed. 10. Halo Lit signs are permitted in the Historic District if they are simply stated (no Bright chromium effect or plastic appearing materials) with minimal illumination. The Commission reserves the right to reduce the illumination in the event that it is over-stated. The Historic District Commission reserves the right to address businesses that are not in compliance with the guidelines of the district or for failure to apply for a permit. Existing non-complying signage will be brought into compliance upon receipt of any application to the Historic District Commission. The following table provides the sign requirements for signage in the Historic District that does not require review from the Commission. Sign Type Standards Portable Signs or Eight (8) square feet, per sign face, maximum Historic District Commission Guideline as amended 4-4-13 #2 – Signage Page 3  A-frame Signs Professionally fabricated signs are encouraged Not to exceed four and a half (4 ½) feet from ground level Placement on sidewalk where sign does not interfere with the pedestrian path. Informational Flags Limited to one (1) flag per storefront Informational flags are allowed Flags must be of a size and shape and mounted in a manner so that they do not interfere with the pedestrian path Sign Type Standards Lighted “Open” Signs Limited to one (1) sign per storefront Limited to 1.5 square feet. Limited to “Open” Logos and other design elements such as geometric embellishments are not allowed. No more than two (2) colors are permitted. First Floor only Flashing, movements are not permitted. Temporary Window Limited to sixty (60) days maximum for display. Signs Limited to fifty percent (50%) of glass maximum, to include temporary and permanent signs that require HDC approval. Temporary Upper Story Limited to sixty (60) days maximum for display. Window Signs Limited to twenty percent (20%) of glass maximum, to include temporary and permanent signs that require HDC approval. ¾ Signs exempted from HDC review include commemorative plaques (max. 1 sq. ft.) or signs required by federal, state, or local ordinance for purposes of traffic, public safety, and directional assistance. ¾ Signs prohibited at all times include signs that create the illusion of movement or make noise, signs attached to any natural growth, and signs that are abandoned and do not relate to existing business. Historical Background relating to signage The signs in the downtown should work with the architecture to create a positive image for individual businesses and for the downtown as a whole. Four general concepts should guide the design of all signs. ¾ Each sign should be carefully planned to fit its facade. It should not be so large that it overwhelms the facade. Instead, it should be designed so that it looks like a part of the total facade rather than tacked on. It should not cover important details, but should complement them. ¾ Each sign should be coordinated with any other signs on the facade. The signs should look like they belong together. Each facade (storefront) should have no more than two or three signs. ¾ The signs on neighboring buildings should be coordinated. They do not need to be similar, but they should not clash in color, size or design. There should be a harmony between them. Historic District Commission Guideline as amended 4-4-13 #2 – Signage Page 4  ¾ Most important, each sigh should have a high level of quality of design, materials, and workmanship. A simple well-made sign is far more appropriate than an extravagant sign which is sloppy in appearance. Quality sign makers should be able to do attractive signs using appropriate materials and colors. This drawing shows a catalogue of the typical signage types that are appropriate for Historic Facades. Signage proposals should be limited to two, or at most, three signage types. Painted signs on upper floor windows Small flat signs hanging perpendicular to the facade wall (Projecting Sign) Long, horizontal flat signs under the storefront cornice (sign panel) Small flat hanging signs in the entry recess Canvas awning with sign on its front flap Window Display Painted sign on windows and/or door Movable signboards or placards for special announcements (portable or A-Frame Signs) Signage Suggestions Signs should be planned to fit into the facade rather than be applied to it. They should look like a balanced part of the facade. If more than one sign is desired, each sigh should be relatively small and visually related to the others. A lowered ceiling inside a store often creates an enlarged transom area which can be used as a sign panel. The sign should be carefully designed to fit the available area without becoming overwhelmingly large. Window display should be used as a typical part of storefront signage. Historic District Commission Guideline as amended 4-4-13 #2 – Signage Page 5 Signage Problems Signs which are too large overwhelm a facade. They destroy the balance between the various parts of the traditional facade. Flashy or electrical signs are not appropriate on the traditional facade and are prohibited in the Historic District. Signs should not cover up important parts of the facade. Too many signs on a facade create a cluttered, confusing appearance. Signs advertising product brands first and the business second should be avoided in favor of signs advertising only the business name and/or the service rendered. Signs should not reduce the window display area. Haphazardly-placed signs make the storefront look cluttered and sloppy. Even temporary signs should be carefully placed. Historic District Commission Guideline as amended 4-4-13 #2 – Signage Page 6  ARTICLE FIFTEEN C-3 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT SECTION 1500 PURPOSE AND INTENT It is the intent of this District to protect and strengthen the commercial core of the City of Manistee as a regional and specialty shopping, service and entertainment area; to encourage a broad range of compatible retail, service, entertainment and residential uses formed vibrant, walkable and attractive districts in concert with the objectives of the Master Plan and Downtown Development Authority Plan; while establishing standards to manage traffic and parking, operational impacts, parking and shared parking, loading/unloading area, landscaping, and building form intended to complement existing commercial uses and surrounding residential neighborhoods. PERMITTED USES i Uses similar to uses permitted by right, subject i Accessory buildings with floor area less than or to Section 530 equal to the footprint of the principal structure i Veterinary Clinic i Accessory uses related to uses permitted by i Wind Energy Convesrion System, Accessory right subject to Section 515.G i Animal Grooming i Community Garden, subject to Section 534 SPECIAL USES i Convenience Store w/o fuel pumps i Accessory buildings with floor area greater than i Day Care, Commercial the footprint of the principal structure i Day Care, Group i Accessory uses related to special uses i Duplex i Adaptive Reuse i Dwelling, Accessory i Bed & Breakfast i Dwelling, Lower Floor Accessory i Contractor’s Facility i Dwelling, Street/ Ground Floor Accessory i Drive-through Establishment i Dwelling, Upper Story Accessory, subject to i Dwelling, Multiple unit Section 1504 i Home Occupation, Major i Eating and Drinking Establishment i Marina i Educational Facility i Planned Unit Development i Financial Institution i Uses similar to permitted special uses i Gallery or Museum i Home Occupation, Minor, subject to Section SPECIAL USES 1847, B, 1. Requires Key Street Frontage i Hotel i Motel i Laundry and Dry-Cleaning i Place of Public Assembly Large i Medical or Dental Office [Annotation: Community Garden was added as a Permitted Use i Mixed Use Development by Amendment Z11-06, effective 9/25/11] i Outdoor Recreation, Park [Annotation: Wind Energy Conversion System, Accessory was i Parking Facility added as a Permitted Use by Amendment Z11-08, effective 12/28/11] i Personal Service Establishment [Annotation: Mixed Use Development was changed from a i Place of Public Assembly, Small Special use to a Permitted use by Amendment Z17-04, effective i Professional Office 6/16/17] [Annotation: Animal Grooming, Day Care Commercial, Day Care i Professional Service Establishment Group, Dwelling Accessory, Educational Facility, Motel, Tattoo i Retail Business Parlor and Veterinary Clinic were ADDED as a Permitted use by i Sports and Recreation Club Amendment Z18-07, effective 08/31/18] i Studio for Performing and Graphic Arts [Annotation: Motel was ADDED as a Special Use (requires key street frontage by Amendment Z18-07, effective 08/31/18] i Subdivision, Plat or Condo (of permitted uses) [Annotation: Duplex, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning, Parking Facility, i Tattoo Parlor Public and Sports and Recreation Club (requires key street i Theater City of Manistee Zoning Ordinance Page 1 Article Fifteen C-3 Central Business District  ADDITIONAL STANDARDS i Site Plan requirements subject to Section 2203, except for upper story dwellings, which are subject to Section 2201, A i Vehicular Parking Space, Access and Lighting requirements subject to Section 514 i Landscaping requirements subject to Section 531 i Signage requirements subject to Article 21. Signage requirement in Historic District subject to HDC Guidelines #2 – Signage. i Dumpster and Enclosures subject to Section 506 i Outdoor Lighting requirements, subject to Section 525 i U.S. 31 Corridor Overlay District requirements, subject to Article 19 DISTRICT REGULATIONS (b) Minimum Lot Area: 2,500 sq. ft. Minimum Lot Width: 25 ft. Maximum Dwelling Units/Acre (a) Max. Building Height 4 stories, or 50’ Minimum Building Setbacks Maximum Lot Coverage 100% Front(c) 0 ft. Waterfront Yard 20 ft Side(d) (e) 0 or 4 ft. (each side) Minimum Living Area 500 sq. ft. Rear(e) 6 ft. (a) Not more than three units per each fifteen hundred (1,500) square feet of building envelope (b) Except as may be permitted pursuant to Section 1870, Planned Unit Development. (c) Subject to Section 502, G (d) Where a building is not proposed to be sited on the side lot line, a minimum yard of four (4) feet shall be provided. (e) When a proposed commercial use is contiguous to a parcel in the R-1, R-2 or R-3 districts, the Planning Commission may require and additional buffer consisting of a ten (10) foot side and/or rear setback, a four (4) foot high landscaped berm or solid fence up to six (6) feet in height, or any combination thereof. SECTION 1501 USES PERMITTED BY RIGHT The following uses of buildings and land shall be permitted within the C-3 District subject to the provisions of Article 22, Site Plan Approval. A. Accessory buildings with floor area less than or equal to the footprint of the principal structure B. Accessory uses related to uses permitted by right, subject to Section 516 C. Animal Grooming D. Community Garden, subject to Section 534 E. Convenience Store, without fuel pumps. F. Day Care, Commercial City of Manistee Zoning Ordinance Page 3 Article Fifteen C-3 Central Business District  ARTICLE TWENTY-ONE SIGNS [ANNOTATION: Article 21 Signs was repealed and replaced by Amendment Z17-06, effective 6/16/17] SECTION 2100 PURPOSE Regulation of the location, size, placement, and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services, and facilities in the City of Manistee, to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety, and to promote and preserve the general attractiveness of the community. Accordingly, it is the intention of this Ordinance to establish regulations governing the display of signs that will: A. Encourage and protect the public health, safety, welfare and convenience; B. Enhance the economy and the business and industry of the City by promoting the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of signs, and thereby encourage improved communication with the public; C. Restrict signs and lights which overload the public's capacity to receive information, which increase the probability of traffic congestion and accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision, and which are deemed to detract from the aesthetics of the community; and D. Reduce conflict between signs and their illumination and public and private land uses. SECTION 2101 PROCEDURES A. Sign Permit Application. The Zoning Administrator may approve sign permit applications. Applications require a fee, as determined by City Council. 1. The Historic District Commission may approve exceptions to this Article 21. 2. The City Council may approve exceptions to this Article 21 for community events. B. Inspection and Compliance. The Administrator shall inspect each sign for which a permit is issued. If the sign is in full compliance with this Ordinance the Administrator shall issue a Certificate of Compliance. If the construction is not in full compliance with this Ordinance the Administrator shall give the applicant notice of the deficiencies. If the deficiencies have been corrected upon re-inspection, the Administrator shall issue a certificate of compliance. If the deficiencies are not corrected within thirty (30) days, the permit shall be revoked and the sign shall be removed at the expense of the applicant. C. Permit Lapse. A sign permit shall lapse once the purpose of the sign has ended the sign and supporting structure shall be removed within 180 calendar days. A sign whose permit has lapsed shall be removed by the owner within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice to remove from the City. D. Permit Assignment. A sign permit shall be assignable to the successor of a business on the same parcel, except where the proposed sign is materially or substantially different in any way to the sign which was permitted. The Administrator shall make this determination. City of Manistee Zoning Ordinance Page 1 Article Twenty One Signs SECTION 2102 GENERAL STANDARDS A. Computations. The following standards shall be met when calculating the area and height of a sign. 1. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display. 2. The sign area for a sign with more than one (1) face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one (1) point. 3. The height of the uppermost portions of pole signs shall not exceed twenty (25) feet. The height of the uppermost portions of ground signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in all districts except the GI district, where the uppermost portions of such signs shall not exceed twelve (12) feet. The uppermost portions of wall, marquee and projecting signs shall not project higher the roofline of the structure to which it is attached. 4. Where a sign projects or protrudes over any public or private sidewalk or walkway the bottommost point of the sign structure shall be at least eight (8) feet from said walkway. Area of Signs (marquee, suspended and wall). a. For properties fronting on US 31 in the G-C, P-D, C-1, C-2, C-3 and W-F districts or properties with a minimum of 10,000 sq. ft. of parcel area that front on a Key Street Segment in the R-2 Zoning District, marquee, suspended and wall signs shall be permitted and the maximum cumulative sign area permitted expressed in square feet shall be not more than 1.5 times the principal building width, measured from corner to corner, facing the public right-of-way or 50 square feet for each storefront, whichever is greater. b. For properties that do not front on US 31 in the P-D, C-1, C-2, C-3 and WF districts or properties with a minimum of 10,000 sq. ft. of parcel area that front on a Key Street Segment in the R-2 and R-3 Zoning Districts, marquee, suspended and wall signs shall be permitted and the maximum cumulative sign area permitted expressed in square feet shall not be more than 1.5 times the principal building width, measured from corner to corner, facing the public right-of-way, or fifty (50) square feet for each storefront, whichever is greater. c. For properties with water frontage in the R-3 P-D, C-2, C-3 and WF marquee, suspended and wall signs shall be permitted on the water front side and the maximum cumulative sign area permitted expressed in square feet shall not be more than .75 times the principal building width, measured from corner to corner, facing the public right-of-way, or twenty-five (25) square feet, for each storefront whichever is greater. Each boat slip will be permitted a sign not to exceed twenty- five (25) square feet. d. Allocation of Signage. Signage may be transferred to a side of the building where signage is not allocated. City of Manistee Zoning Ordinance Page 2 Article Twenty One Signs B. Illuminated Signs: Sources of Illumination shall not flash on and off or change color or intensity. Exceptions include: 1. Halo signs, where lighting is behind the lettering and the source of the illumination is not seen by a direct line of sight. 2. Electronic changeable message displays (any sign that uses electronic means within a display area to cause one message or display to be replaced by another, movable display or video) shall be limited to: a. One contiguous dynamic element on the face of the sign at a time. b. A dynamic element that does not change more than once every 15 minutes, and changes are instantaneous without any special effects. c. Static images and messages. d. Only that brightness that is necessary for clear and adequate visibility. e. Intensity or brilliance that does not impair the vision of a motor vehicle driver. All illuminated signs, including, halo, and electronic changeable message displays, shall be equipped with a mechanism that automatically adjusts the brightness in response to ambient conditions, or turns the illumination off during daylight hours. Externally illuminated signs shall be lit by use of a light shining downward onto the sign. The source of the light shall be baffled so it is not visible beyond the property line. C. The Historic District Commissions: Signs and the illumination of signs in the Historic District Commission require requires Historic District Commission approval. D. Substitution: Sign messages may be changed at any time. Any change of the structure or size of a sign, or structure the sign is mounted on requires approval under this Ordinance for purposes of compliance with this Ordinance. E. Setbacks. All signs shall be setback at least four (4) feet from the public right-of-way to the front of the sign structure, provided clear vision can be maintained, pursuant to Section 513. F. Billboards. Refer to Section 1814. G. Covering. Covering around a pole shall be limited to a width of not more than thirty (30) percent of the width of the sign face. Signage or copy shall not be permitted on pole coverings. SECTION 2103 EXEMPT SIGNS The following signs shall be exempt from regulations in this Article. A. Any public notice, traffic control or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance. B. Any sign wholly located within a building including window signs. Except signs in the Historic District that require Historic District Commission approval. See HDC Guidelines #2 – Signage for exempt signs within the Historic District. C. Flags up to twenty-four (24) square feet in area. City of Manistee Zoning Ordinance Page 3 Article Twenty One Signs  Katie Mehl Planning/Zoning Administrator 395 Third St. Manistee, MI 49660 231.398.3525 kmehl@manisteecountymi.gov www.manisteemi.gov Historic District Commission Permits as of 3/29/2023 Date Approved Permit # Date Expires Address Name Details Status 5/10/2022 PHDC22-006 5/10/2023 369 River St Brandon Ball Painting Building In Progress 5/12/2022 PHDC22-007 5/12/2023 95 Maple St Library Maintenance & Repair In Progress 7/08/2022 PHD22-010 7/08/2023 321 River St Paulette Junker Doors/Windows Front & Rear In Progress 7/12/2022 PHDC22-011 7/12/2023 432 River St BPO Elks No 250 Digital Sign In Progress 10/20/2022 PHDC22-013 10/21/2023 345 River St Manistee Inn & Marina Painting Building Complete? 8/03/2022 PHDC22-014 4/03/2024 100 Washington St CDI Construction Design Façade In Progress 1/05/2022 PHDC22-015 1/05/2024 141 Washington St 141 Washington LLC Façade In Progress 1/31/2023 PHDC23-002 1/31/2024 312 River St Bluefish Kitchen Dumpster Enclosure In Progress 2/02/2023 PHDC23-003 2/02/2024 339 River St Up North Collectors Projecting Sign In Progress 2/14/2023 PHDC23-004 2/14/2024 369 River St Brandon Ball Window Installation In Progress 2/15/2023 PHDC23-005 2/15/2024 431 River St Brandon Devine Outdoor Seating In Progress 3/09/2023 PHDC23-006 3/09/2024 435 River St Joseph Mathewson Windows, Sign & Façade In Progress 3/09/2032 PHDC23-007 3/09/2024 325 River St Manistee Proud Tree Lights In Progress 3/09/2023 PHDC23-008 3/09/2024 457 River St The Outsider Façade, Signs & Garage Door In Progress 3/09/2023 PHDC23-009 3/09/2024 397 River St Snyder’s Shoes Façade In Progress Manistee Home Décor & 3/13/2023 PHDC23-010 3/13/2024 390 River St Vinyl Window Sign In Progress Antiques 3/15/2023 PHDC23-011 3/15/2024 308 River St KSE Ventures LLC Catwalk In Progress &RQFHSWRI-XQH %XLOWLQWKLVLVŖ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¶GOLNHWRSXWRXUQHZRYHUKHDGGRRU  ([WHULRUOLJKWLQJ  VLJQDJH 6LJQDJHLVSDLQWHG GLUHFWO\RQEULFN $SSUR[¶ $SSUR[¶ $SSUR[¶ $SSUR[¶ VTIW VTIW $SSUR[¶ $SSUR[¶ ([LVWLQJVLJQUHQRYDWLRQ