Most NM MainStreet communities have installed various signs in their downtowns, either related to way finding within the district, or arrival into the MainStreet district with the “NMMS Community” road sign.
While most of these sign applications are vehicle-oriented, in other words, intended to be seen from persons driving in their cars, there are some sign applications that are intended to be seen by pedestrians. This Design tip will outline special guidelines related to the design and installation of pedestrian-oriented signs:
Pedestrian-oriented signs should be located where there’s the highest volume of pedestrians in the district; in other words, these are not intended to be district-entry signs, where there’s often higher vehicle volumes than pedestrians.
- The sign installation is typically on existing poles or streetlights located along the sidewalk.
- The signs should be placed approximately seven feet, but no higher than eight feet, above the sidewalk so it’s easily visible by the pedestrian.
- The signs should be oriented over the sidewalk, and not over the curb or street.
- Placing the signs on a building is also another option, but is much more complicated:
- The sign install will require drilling holes into the building to secure the sign. Since most of the buildings in your district are masonry, this will require a special drill bit and anchoring bolts. This also means that if the sign is removed or relocated, the masonry will need to be repaired.
- Ideally the sign should be placed perpendicular to the building façade over the sidewalk and not flat against the façade, but this requires the sign to be double-sided.
- The sign should be on a publically-owned building and with the permission of the public entity, to minimize issues with the use of a private building. One common issue with using private buildings is that other private building owners or businesses ask why that building/business was used and theirs was not.
- Buildings that are listed on the historic register, or are a contributing structure within a historic district, will require a review by the NM Historic Preservation Division staff to see if there are any historic compliance requirements.
The NM Arts and Cultural District sign is an example of a pedestrian-oriented sign. The Taos A&CD recently installed signs in the heart of their district.