Item 6B - Downtown Design Guidelines - Signage Lighting
Note/ Code:
Signage Illumination should and may be
required to be consistent with Boulder's
energy efficiency and light pollution
reduction goals.
For example, see the BRC Section 9-9-
16 for outdoor lighting, including signage
lighting.
Note:
Indirect illumination directs light toward
the signage from an external source and
not from within the signage itself.
1.6 Guidelines for Signage on Contributing and Noncontributing Buildings
A. General signage guidelines:
1. Signage in the Historic District is subject to Section 1.5 and Section 3.1 of the Downtown Urban
Design Guidelines.
2. When adding signs to contributing buildings avoid damage to or removal of historic features.
B. Signage Illumination
Careful consideration and a clear understanding of the context is necessary to avoid negative
impacts of modern signage illumination on the historic character of the district. Much of the district,
particularly Pearl Street Mall, experiences significant ambient light from street lamps, building façade
lighting, storefronts, and other signage. Therefore it is common for signage to be clearly visible at
night without the addition of signage illumination. Variety is encouraged, however, there should be a
predominance of non-illuminated and externally illuminated signage. Internally illuminated signage
should be avoided.
1. Where there is sufficient ambient light avoid signage lighting. See Figures 1.6.1 and 1.6.2.
2. Where ambient light has been demonstrated to be insufficient, signage illumination may be
permitted. The most appropriate illumination is indirect. See Figures 1.6.3 and 1.6.4.
a. Use visually unobtrusive external lighting fixtures for indirect illumination unless the
intention is to restore historic lighting fixtures.
b. Lighting fixtures should be shielded to avoid light spill beyond signs, glare seen by
pedestrians, and light pollution.
c. Signage illumination should minimize contribution to ambient lighting.
3. Illumination should be subdued and warm in color.
4. Illumination should only occur between sunset and sunrise. However, switching illumination off at
close of business is encouraged.
5. Internal illumination is inappropriate and strongly discouraged. Internally illuminated signage
includes box, cabinet, channel letter, halo, raceway, reverse channel, and others types. Internal
illumination may be appropriate when all of the applicable conditions below can be demonstrated.
a. Ambient light is insufficient and indirect illumination is not possible.
b. Signage is on a noncontributing building.
c. Neon is appropriate when it is compatible stylistically with the building or where there is
evidence that neon was used in the historic district's period of significance. For context, neon
was popular from 1920 to 1960.
d. Box signs may be appropriate when box depth can be concealed, i.e., the box is recessed
with a front face that strives to be flush with adjacent surfaces. Blade signage box depth
should be minimized.
e. Illuminated wayfinding signage may be appropriate under the following conditions:
such as, for structured parking entrance identification, but not for occupant or building
identification
large building that occupies a large portion of a city block
where a building has several entrances for several functions, but not for occupant or
building identification
Wayfinding signage should be significantly smaller than occupant identification signage.
6. Conceal electrical conduit, races and junction boxes.
21.1
Figure 1.6.1 Signage illuminated by ambient light only
Figure 1.6.2 Wall signage with luminaires that are not illuminated because
ambient light is sufficient
Figure 1.6.3 Blade signage illuminated with shielded external luminaires
Figure 1.6.4 Wall sign with shielded external luminaire.
21.2 Copyright 2018 William Jellick Copyright 2018 William Jellick