Signs are a vital part of the Downtown District. With a sign, you call attention to your business, create an individual image, and contribute to the area's overall image. Signs should complement the existing design features, scale, and architecture of the building. Quality workmanship and construction with durable materials such as wood, high-density urethane, or metal are recommended. Textured surfaces and matte finishes are preferred. The lettering on the signs should be raised either the same material as the rest of the sign or painted metal. Signs can be mounted on or perpendicular to the storefront. Where there is more than one business in a building, all signs should complement each other in terms of the letter size and style of text, the sign shape and proportion, and the construction materials. Window signs are important, too. Try to keep window signs to no more than 15% of available window space and no hand written signs, please! Signs painted on the inside of windows should be sufficiently transparent to allow reasonable visibility of the interior from the sidewalk. We do not recommend the following: backlit plastic signs and awnings; backlit individual letters; extensive use of neon; unframed porcelain enamel signs; backlit plastic marquee signs; signs sponsored by national products or their logos unless historically appropriate.
When lighting is used on signs, it should be placed above the sign.
As always, be sure to check with the Imlay City Offices before making any changes to signage to ensure you are complying with city ordinances.
In summary:
» Think quality materials and construction
» Avoid backlit signs
» No hand written signs, please! | 
