Signs, Lighting, and Other Work Items

When installing new elements such as signs, solar panels, security cameras and lighting, and electric vehicle chargers, it is key that a property’s historic character-defining features and fabric be maintained, and that the new element be compatible with the historic character of the property and the district’s wider context. Also, the work must be undertaken in such a manner that the property’s essential form and historic integrity is not damaged if/when the new element is removed. 

Table of Contents:

1. Signs
2. Security Cameras and Lighting
3. Solar Panels
4. Electric Vehicle Chargers

Signs

Security Cameras and Lighting

Solar Panels

Electric Vehicle Chargers

PLUG IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

Types of Plug in Electric Vehicle Chargers

As electric vehicle adoption rates increase in the United States, the infrastructure necessary to charge plug in electric vehicles (PEV)s, to include both full electric vehicles and plug in hybrid electric vehicles, will become common elements in the landscape. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) includes “all the equipment needed to deliver electrical energy from an electricity source” to a PEV’s battery. Specifically, EVSE chargers/stations can be grouped into three general types based on the amount of power the device outputs/charging speed: 

• AC LEVEL 1: delivers alternating current (AC) to vehicle’s onboard/built-in charger that is converted to the direct current (DC) which powers the battery. This level of EVSE can plug into a standard 120-volt household outlet and has the longest charging time of three types. Level 1 ESVE units are the most affordable of the three types of chargers.

• AC LEVEL 2: delivers alternating current (AC) to vehicle’s onboard/built-in charger that is converted to the direct current (DC) which powers the battery. This level of EVSE typically utilizes a 240-volt circuit and requires a shorter charging time versus a Level 1 charger. Currently, the Level 2 charger is the most commonly used throughout the United States in both commercial and residential settings. 

• DC FAST CHARGE AND SUPERCHARGING LEVEL 3: While the Level 1 and 2 ESVE units deliver AC to the vehicle’s internal charging equipment, which then coverts it to DC to charge the battery, the Level 3 ESVE unit features an external charger which delivers DC directly to the vehicle’s battery. The Level 3 charger requires a 400-to-900-volt electricity service and has the fastest charging speed of the three ESVE levels, ranging from 3 to 20 miles per minute. However, DC fast chargers are the most expensive level of ESVE and typically are not installed within a residential setting due to the high level of voltage needed to power the equipment. 

Plug in Electric Vehicle Hardware

EVSE Type 1, 2, and 3 chargers are available from many different manufacturers and display a wide variety of designs which range from a basic cordset/cable with attached control device to a fixed pedestal with an integrated control device or charger and attached cordset(s). Public charger stations may also be outfitted with screens, keypads, or card readers. Associated secondary hardware can include wall mounts, mounting poles/pedestals, bollards, signage, lighting, or photovoltaic/solar panels. New electrical service and/or trenching/boring might also be required. Pavement and curb marking could also be employed to demarcate parking spots which are dedicated as EVSE charging stations. 

Installation of EVSE in Local Historic Districts

The Detroit Historic District Commission (HDC) has review purview over any exterior EVSE that is proposed for installation within the boundaries of a local historic district. Note that the HDC routinely approves the addition of modern equipment/infrastructure/intrusions within districts in an effort to support the ongoing use of historic properties. However, such work must be undertaken in a manner that does not detract from the district’s historic character. When planning for the installation of an EVSE station within a local historic district, a property owner must ensure that the work is consistent with the historic character of the associated property and historic district within which the new EVSE will be located.  The new equipment should be minimally visible from the public right-of-way and should not “alter, damage, or destroy character-defining…features and finishes” of the historic building itself the site, or the setting. Also, the equipment must be installed “…in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.” 

EVSE stations can be installed anywhere where people park their cars to include the following locations:

• Garage or carport in single-family or multiple-family private residential parcel
• Driveway or parking pad in single-family or multiple-family private residential parcel 
• Private or public parking garage 
• Private or public surface parking lot 
• Public right-of-way/adjacent to on-street parking

Within an historic district, locating EVSE in an interior space, out of view, is preferred. However, if the EVSE cannot be located within an interior space, it can be installed at an exterior location as long as the work does not detract from the district’s historic character. Specific guidance for the installation of EVSE at exterior locations in local historic districts includes the following:

• In general, if installing EVSE…
  • Use the lowest profile/smallest scale station as reasonably available that provides the necessary charging capacity 
  • Choose the least visually obtrusive location
  • Use colors that are complementary to the surrounding environment, where possible
  • Avoid permanently impacting distinctive, character-defining historic architectural, landscape, hardscape, and/or infrastructural elements 
  • Do not obscure or remove existing historic fabric or architectural features
  •  If new electrical equipment is necessary, locate the station(s) as close to the electrical service as possible to minimize the need for trenching/boring
  • Repair any disturbed landscape or hardscape using in kind material to match appearance prior to the work

• When installing wall mounted EVSE…
  • Locate hardware on secondary elevations that are not highly visible from the public right-of-way/at rear or side walls
  • Use reversible, minimally-invasive, non-permanent mounting techniques that allow the equipment to be removed with little or no damage to the building

• When installing EVSE pedestals or mounting poles in a residential parcel…
  • Locate within the side or rear yard, as close as possible to the parking pad or driveway
  • Locate as close as possible to the associated electrical service to minimize the need for trenching/boring 
  • If trenching or boring is required, avoid impacting distinctive, character-defining historic landscape or hardscape features 
  • Repair any disturbed landscape or hardscape using in kind material to match appearance prior to the work

• When installing EVSE stations in a surface parking lot…
  • Locate as close to the periphery as possible instead of installing at a highly-visible, central parking spaces. Use directional sign(s) to indicate the location of the EVSE unit(s) 
  • Locate as close as possible to the associated electrical service to minimize the need for trenching/boring 
  • If trenching or boring is required, avoid impacting distinctive, character-defining historic landscape or hardscape features 
  • Repair any disturbed landscape or hardscape using in kind material to match appearance prior to the work   
  • Locate multiple EVSE stations/parking spaces in clusters
  • Avoid impacting distinctive, character-defining historic landscape, hardscape, or street furniture 

• If installing EVSE stations in the public right-of-way (sidewalk or berm area)…
  • Avoid impacting distinctive, character-defining historic landscape, hardscape, or street furniture 
  • Locate as close as possible to the associated electrical service to minimize the need for trenching/boring 
  • Repair any disturbed landscape or hardscape using in kind material to match appearance prior to the work    

• If installing lighting…
  • Select fixtures that are appropriately scaled to the EVSE 
  • Avoid impacting distinctive, character-defining historic existing historic light fixtures
  • Select a fixture that is compatible with the building’s and/or historic district’s character if mounting to a wall
  • Use reversible, minimally-invasive, non-permanent mounting techniques that allows the fixture to be removed with little or no damage to the building if mounting to a wall  

• If installing signage…
  • Select signage which is appropriately-scaled to the associated EVSE and immediate surrounds and display simple, easy to read graphics. The design, size, materials, and placement of signs associated with EVSE should respect the architectural character of the associated property and historic district. 
  • External lighting is preferred. Signs that are internally lit or dynamic are discouraged
  • Use reversible, minimally-invasive, non-permanent mounting techniques that allows the sign to be removed with little or no damage to the building if mounting to a wall
  • Locate on secondary elevations that are not highly visible from the public right-of-way/at rear or side walls
  • Avoid impacting distinctive, character-defining historic existing historic features of the building and district 
  • Do not cover, or obscure, architectural details when installing new signage.