As any traveler can acknowledge, there are significant differences in the use, the frequency, and the design of outdoor commercial signs throughout our cities.  Some municipalities are quite strict in the zoning ordinance for outdoor business signs including both temporary and permanent types of signs.  Others are relatively relaxed in their signage requirements and restrictions.

Some cities and districts include additional guidelines for commercial signage in order to enforce design requirements and material use that help ensure and preserve consistency within the area of interest and also help preserve a certain design style. 

As an example, our own Franklin TN has a number of historic districts that are carefully protected through both building codes, building design, and signage design requirements. 

The detailed Historic District Design Guideline (127 pages, published 2010) can be viewed at this link: http://www.franklin-gov.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=2812  Pages 63-64 are specific to guidelines regarding outdoor business signs.  Additional information regarding the various Historic Districts of Franklin is found here: http://www.franklintn.gov/historicpreservation/districts.html

The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Franklin, Tennessee, including a link to zoning maps, is available at this link: http://www.franklin-gov.com/index.aspx?page=199

Zoning information specific to the Historic Districts, including information regarding the design review process and the Signage Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, is available here: http://www.franklintn.gov/historicpreservation/zoning_comm.html 

As a summary of the purpose of Franklin's Historic Zoning Commission, we read "The Historic Zoning Commission (HZC) is composed of nine (9) citizen appointees who represent the discipline of architecture, history or historic preservation, a member of the local planning commission and the community in general. The mission of the HZC is to preserve and protect Franklin's historic resources through identification, designation and design review." 

Because the HZC only meets once per month to review applications, there are specific requirements and a schedule to be carefully addressed in order to go prepared before the HZC.

As an interesting side note for architecture buffs, the following link presents information related to the various architectural styles used throughout Franklin's historic buildings: http://www.franklintn.gov/historicpreservation/architecture.html

12-Point SignWorks is a custom sign company based in Franklin TN.  Whether your business or organization are within a historic district or one of the newer developments, we'll be your expert resource to navigate the waters of your commercial sign project.

Call us at 615-595-6564. Contact us via email. We are located at 1120 Lakeview Dr, Ste. 900, Franklin, TN 37067.