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Historic District Commission reviews draft commercial design guidelines; signage, storefronts and lighting flagged for clarification
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed proposed Chapter 5 (commercial) of the Ann Arbor Historic District design guidelines, raising questions about definitions, storefront diagrams, sign placement and illumination (neon, edge-lit, internally lit), and the need to align guidance with the city sign code and zoning.
Members of the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission spent the latter portion of their April 10 meeting reviewing a draft Chapter 5 of local historic design guidelines addressing commercial storefronts, signs, awnings and building equipment.
Commissioners and staff said the chapter is clearer than previous drafts but identified multiple areas needing clarification or cross-references to city codes. Areas flagged for further work included glossary definitions (cornices, bays), a clear storefront diagram showing facade elements, guidance on recessed entries and transoms, and explicit cross-references to the city sign code and zoning so applicants and staff can apply consistent standards.
Signage proved a central topic. Commissioners asked the staff to add an illustration showing appropriate locations for…
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