Chapter 17.28
SIGNS
Sections:
17.28.030 Standards and size requirements.
17.28.050 Permit exemptions for certain signs.
Prior legislation: Ords. 07-03 and 08-02.
17.28.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide standards and procedures for constructing or erecting signs in specific city zones. [Ord. 09-02, 2009; Ord. 01-02 § 2 (Exh. 2 § 4.11), 2001.]
17.28.020 Procedures.
A. Signs meeting the required standards in the residential and open space zones may be erected or placed on the property without a specific permit except as noted below.
B. Signs meeting the required standards in the commercial and industrial zones must have a sign permit. Sign permits may be issued administratively by the city staff if the staff finds the sign being requested meets the standards described in this chapter and, further, that addition of the sign to a specific property will still be in compliance with these provisions. [Ord. 09-02, 2009; Ord. 01-02 § 2 (Exh. 2 § 4.11(1)), 2001.]
17.28.030 Standards and size requirements.
A. Residential Zones.
1. Single-Family Dwelling. A single sign not exceeding four square feet. This includes approved and permitted bed and breakfast facilities or home occupations.
2. Subdivisions.
a. Permanent signs are limited to a maximum of 16 square feet.
b. Maximum height of a permanent sign shall be six feet.
c. Permanent signs shall be limited to one at each entrance to the subdivision.
3. Multifamily Dwellings.
a. A permanent sign for 12 or more multifamily dwelling units may have a maximum area of 16 square feet.
b. A permanent sign for 11 or fewer multifamily units may have a maximum area of 12 square feet.
4. Nonresidential Uses. A “public interest” sign defined as “a permanently fixed sign or reader board in front of a governmental or quasi-public building (such as a church or hospital).” The sign may not be larger than eight feet by five feet, five inches. The sign may be back lighted or illuminated. Reader boards may not be animated. A no-cost permit issued by the city recorder’s office is required.
5. Standards for Signs in Residential Zones.
a. Height: six feet maximum.
b. Illumination: Signs may have internal or external illumination. Reflective type bulbs shall be used for indirect illumination of the display surface and properly shielded to prevent direct glare onto streets and adjacent properties. Electric or neon signs are prohibited.
B.1. Open Space Zone.
a. Two signs for each site or facility shall be allowed.
b. Each sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in size.
2. Standards for Signs in Open Space Zone.
a. Height: six feet maximum.
b. Illumination: Signs may have internal or external illumination. Reflective type bulbs shall be used for indirect illumination of the display surface and properly shielded to prevent direct glare onto streets and adjacent properties. Electric or neon signs are prohibited.
C. Commercial and Industrial Zones. Any signs erected or to be erected in commercial or industrial zones shall be reviewed and approved by the city and shall meet the standards outlined below. A sign application may be picked up at City Hall.
1. Principal Signs. A principal sign advertising the business may be a combination of free-standing, flush-mounted or projecting signs. Free-standing and projecting sign areas are computed by totaling both sides of the signs.
2. Sign Area. The amount of area allowed for the sign is computed on a basis of one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of frontage of the property or business on the public right-of-way in the city up to a maximum of 200 square feet of sign area. In the case of multiple businesses within the same building, the amount of street frontage of the business within the building will be the determining factor. In the case of a corner lot, the sign size facing each street shall be limited to the amount of lineal frontage on each street. In no case shall the total signage area for each property exceed 200 square feet. [Ord. 09-02, 2009; Ord. 01-02 § 2 (Exh. 2 § 4.11(2)), 2001.]
17.28.040 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in the city of Culver:
A. Any flashing, moving, animated, blinking or rotating signs whose illumination changes with time or which is designed in a manner to simulate motion. Time and temperature reader boards excluded.
B. The sign would extend, such as a roof sign, above the roof line of the building to which it is to be attached.
C. The building or zoning official determines a sign to be in violation of ORS 483.138, which applies to signs creating confusion with or interfering with the effectiveness of traffic or signals.
D. The sign is placed on, affixed to or painted on a motor vehicle, nonmotorized vehicle or trailer and placed on public or private property for the primary purpose of providing a sign not otherwise permitted by this title. Commercial vehicles are excluded from this provision.
E. The sign is a private sign placed on, painted on or affixed to a utility pole, tree or rock.
F. The sign would bear or contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character such as will offend the public morals or decency.
G. Projecting or free-standing signs which would project into the public right-of-way. [Ord. 09-02, 2009; Ord. 01-02 § 2 (Exh. 2 § 4.11(3)), 2001.]
17.28.050 Permit exemptions for certain signs.
The following signs shall be constructed, located, erected, displayed and maintained so as to comply with all provisions and regulations of this title; provided, however, that no fee and no permit or application will be required for such signs, except as noted below:
A. Temporary signs, except for temporary signs in the commercial zone for special events which require a permit and a fee will be charged.
B. On-premises exterior bulletin boards not over 10 square feet.
C. A sign denoting the architect, engineer or contractor engaged upon a project under construction when placed upon the job site and not exceeding 32 square feet in area. Such signs shall be removed within five days after completion of the project.
D. Occupational signs denoting only the name and profession of an occupant in a commercial building, public institutional building, or dwelling, and not exceeding two square feet in area.
E. Memorial signs or tablets, names and dates of buildings when cut into any masonry surface or when mounted on a plaque.
F. Traffic or other governmental signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger signs, and such temporary emergency signs as may be approved by the city.
G. Temporary Signs Placed on or above the Public Rights-of-Way in the Commercial Zone for Special Events.
1.a. Temporary advertising of bazaars, picnics, breakfasts, holidays, events and promotions related to holidays, luncheons, parades, store openings, sidewalk sales, festivals, recreational events and other such events of general public interest for profit or nonprofit businesses or organizations may be erected. Lighting of such signs shall not be permitted.
b. Signs placed above the right-of-way shall be at least 14 feet six inches above the crown of the street grade. Signs mounted to light poles and other fixtures shall not extend over the vehicle traffic right-of-way and must be placed at least eight feet above pedestrian walkways. Signs shall not exceed eight square feet in size.
c. The applicant shall include all information deemed by the city to be proper and necessary to determine whether the sign conforms to this title. The extent of signage allowed and the location of the signage is at the discretion of the city. All such signs shall be erected no earlier than two weeks before the event advertised and shall be removed no later than one day following the event being advertised, except that store opening signs may be displayed for up to 30 days following occupancy or change of ownership.
2. Temporary Window Signs. For commercial purposes in lawfully established commercial uses. No permit required.
3. Portable Merchandise Displays. The following regulations shall apply to portable merchandise displays. No permit required.
a. Only the name and price of the merchandise being displayed is permitted.
b. No attached lights or internal illumination may be used.
c. The portable merchandise display shall be in good condition, be well maintained and be aesthetically appropriate to the surrounding area.
H. The following temporary signs placed in residential zones shall not require review or approval permits from the city prior to being placed.
1. Temporary advertising of bazaars, picnics, breakfasts, holidays, events and promotions related to holidays, luncheons, parades, festivals, recreational events and other such events of general public interest for profit or nonprofit businesses or organizations may be erected. Lighting of such signs shall not be allowed.
2. Temporary Election/Political Signs. Temporary political signs may be erected on private property for a period of 60 days prior to the election in which such candidates or issues are to be voted upon. The signs shall be removed not later than the tenth day following the election.
3. Temporary “For Sale” and “Open House” Signs. One temporary “For Sale” sign not exceeding six square feet in area or a maximum dimension of four feet may be erected on private property; provided, that it advertises the sale, lease or rental of only the property upon which it is erected. “Open House” signs, subject to the same size limitations as “For Sale” signs, are permitted, provided the consent of the owner of the property where the sign will be located is first obtained. A “For Sale” sign shall be removed immediately after the property is no longer for sale. “Open House” signs shall be removed immediately after the conclusion of the open house.
4. Temporary Subdivision Signs. A temporary subdivision sign may be erected upon a tract of land or subdivision advertising the sale of the tract or the lots in the tract. The sign shall not exceed 42 square feet in area and shall be reduced in size by six square feet for each lot less than seven in the subdivision. The sign shall be removed immediately after the tract or all lots in the subdivision have been sold.
5. Garage Sale Signs. One sign on the premises from which the garage sale, as defined, is allowed. The sign shall be removed immediately upon the conclusion of the garage sale. [Ord. 09-02, 2009; Ord. 01-02 § 2 (Exh. 2 § 4.11(4)), 2001.]
17.28.060 Abandoned signs.
A. The owner of the sign or owner of the premises shall remove any abandoned sign and supporting structure within 60 days following the date of abandonment.
B. Any owner of an abandoned sign that is otherwise in conformance with this chapter may apply to the city for a 90-day extension of the removal date, upon proof of intent of occupancy within that period. [Ord. 09-02, 2009; Ord. 01-02 § 2 (Exh. 2 § 4.11(5)), 2001.]
17.28.070 Dangerous signs.
A. Any dangerous or defective sign is hereby declared a nuisance and the owner/lessee has 48 hours after receiving notice to rectify the problem.
B. Any sign which represents an immediate danger or imminent public safety hazard shall be rectified or removed at the direction of the city. [Ord. 09-02, 2009; Ord. 01-02 § 2 (Exh. 2 § 4.11(6)), 2001.]