Chapter 17.52
SIGNS
Sections:
17.52.070 Signs in commercial and industrial districts.
17.52.080 Signs in open space districts.
17.52.090 Signs in residential zoning districts.
17.52.010 Purpose.
(1) This chapter’s provisions are intended to maintain a safe and pleasing environment for Gladstone by regulating the size, height, number, location, type, structure, design, lighting, and maintenance of signs. More specifically, this chapter intends to achieve the following objectives:
(a) To insure that the design, construction, installation and maintenance of signs does not compromise public safety;
(b) To promote positive conditions for meeting sign user’s needs while ensuring that nuisances are avoided to nearby properties;
(c) To support the desired character and development patterns of the city; and
(d) To allow for a reasonable amount of signs while preventing signs from dominating the visual appearance of any area of the city.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.020 Applicability.
(1) While the provisions of this chapter regulate the size, height, number, location, type, structure, design, lighting, and maintenance of signs, they are not intended to restrict, limit or control a sign’s content, to the extent prohibited by law.
(2) Unless otherwise stated or limited herein, this chapter regulates all related elements of a sign, including a sign’s face or display area, structure, supports, braces, guys and anchors.
(3) The provisions of this chapter are in addition to any other relevant provisions under state or federal law.
(4) For the office park (OP) zoning district, where the standards of this chapter conflict with the sign standards in the OP district, the standards of the OP district will apply.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.030 Conformance.
No sign may be placed, constructed, erected, displayed or modified unless it conforms to this chapter’s regulations. This chapter is structured to grant permission to erect specified types of signs under specific standards, and does not allow for the erection of a sign not specifically permitted herein.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.040 General provisions.
(1) Permit required. Unless exempted under this chapter, a permit is required to place, construct, erect, display or modify a sign.
(2) Review process. The City Administrator or designee will review applications for sign permits for compliance with this chapter unless otherwise stated in this chapter. The City Administrator’s decision will be rendered in accordance with Ch. 17.94 and may be appealed in accordance with Ch. 17.92.
(3) Structural Code compliance. A sign must comply with the applicable provisions of the State of Oregon Structural Specialty Code and any related or similar provisions adopted by the city, unless such compliance is modified by this chapter.
(4) Sign clearance. A minimum clearance of eight feet above sidewalks and 15 feet above driveways must be provided under a freestanding sign.
(5) Vision and sight consideration. A sign must be situated in a manner so as not to adversely affect public safety. Compliance with the city’s regulations regarding clear vision is required.
(6) Blanketing. A sign must not be situated in a manner that results in the blanketing or obfuscation of an existing sign on an adjacent property.
(7) Illuminated signs and electric elements.
(a) A sign illuminated in any manner must shield, deflect or otherwise prevent the light illuminating the sign from shining into or onto a neighboring property or impair the vision of any vehicle operator;
(b) No sign or illuminating device associated with a sign may have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights, except as otherwise allowed under this chapter;
(c) No sign or illuminating device associated with a sign may be used in a manner that may be confused with or construed to be traffic signals, traffic control devices, or lights on emergency vehicles;
(d) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an illuminated sign cannot be located closer than 25 feet to a lot in a residential zoning district;
(e) The light intensity of an illuminated sign or illuminating device associated with a sign must conform to the accepted standards of the sign industry, as provided by the Oregon Electric Sign Association;
(f) A sign containing any electrical components or elements, or illuminated by electrical lighting must be approved under the National Electric Code, as modified by Oregon’s regulations, and any related or similar provisions adopted by the city;
(g) An illuminated sign or illuminating device associated with a sign requiring an electric power source must use an Oregon-approved power outlet;
(h) As used in this chapter:
(A) A “directly” illuminated sign means a sign with exposed lighting or neon tubes on the sign’s face, and includes a sign where the message or image is created by light projected onto a surface.
(B) An “indirectly” illuminated sign means a sign with light source that is separate from the sign face and is directed to shine onto the sign.
(C) An “internally” illuminated sign means a sign where the light source is not exposed and is concealed within the sign.
(8) Moving signs. Except as otherwise allowed under this chapter, a sign must remain in a static state, and cannot be designed to rotate, flutter or appear to move.
(9) Maintenance and hazards.
(a) A sign must be in good repair and maintained in a neat, attractive and safe condition, and no sign may be used or situated in a manner that creates a hazard to the public.
(b) Failure to use a sign’s copy area for a period of more than 12 consecutive months will constitute a discontinuance of the sign’s use and may be declared a nuisance by the city.
(10) Nonconforming signs. A sign that lawfully exists at the time this chapter or any amendment thereto becomes effective, but does not conform to this chapter’s standards, may only be altered if:
(a) The alteration does not increase a sign’s nonconformity with this chapter’s standards; and
(b) The alteration is reviewed under this chapter.
(c) Nonconforming government owned or maintained signs may be altered to the extent of their existing nonconformity notwithstanding this chapter’s standards.
(11) Setbacks.
(a) Unless otherwise stated herein, the minimum setback for a sign with a sign face of 24 square feet or less in area is one-half of the minimum setback required in the zoning district in which the sign is located. If no setback exists, the sign must be located in an area that ensures it does not compromise public safety, as determined by the City Administrator or designee.
(b) Unless otherwise stated herein, the minimum setback for a sign with a sign face greater than 24 square feet in area is the same as the minimum setback required in the zoning district in which the sign is located. If no setback exists, the sign must be located in an area that ensures it does not compromise public safety, as determined by the City Administrator or designee.
(12) Area calculation.
(a) Unless otherwise stated herein, the sign face area limitations established by this chapter will apply on a per-side basis. Every sign is limited to a maximum of two sides.
(b) Sides may be of no greater area than that necessary to provide a frame or support structure to the sign face.
(c) For signs that are allowed a maximum area of 24 square feet or more:
(A) Sides cannot exceed the maximum area standard by more than one foot in width, unless the applicant demonstrates to the City Administrator’s satisfaction that a greater width is necessary to provide adequate support for the sign faces; and
(B) Two support poles may be excluded from the area calculation provided that the caliper of any pole does not exceed one foot, unless the applicant demonstrates to the City Administrator’s satisfaction that a greater caliper is necessary to provide adequate support for the sign.
(d) For signs required to have a maximum area of less than 24 square feet:
(A) Sides cannot exceed the maximum area standard by more than six inches in width, unless the applicant demonstrates to the City Administrator’s satisfaction that a greater width is necessary to provide adequate support for the sign faces; and
(B) One support pole may be excluded from the area calculation provided that the caliper of any pole does not exceed six inches, unless the applicant demonstrates to the City Administrator’s satisfaction that a greater caliper is necessary to provide adequate support for the sign.
(e) Support structures excluded from the area calculation may only contain copy or graphics to the extent that such markings are placed on the support structures by the structures’ manufacturer.
(f) Requests to allow sides to exceed the maximum widths or to allow support poles to exceed the maximum calipers established herein will be reviewed pursuant to the GMC’s design review standards. In no event may a side exceed a maximum width by more than two feet, or may a caliper be larger than two feet.
(13) Definitions.
(a) “Electronic message center sign” is a sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by electronic means and whose message is typically delivered through the use of LED lights.
(b) “Freestanding sign” is a ground or pole mounted sign not attached to a building, but does not include a portable A-frame sign.
(c) “On-building sign” is a sign attached to any part of a building.
(d) “Portable A-frame sign” or “A-frame” is a sign with two sides, the frame or support structure of which is hinged or connected at the top of the sign in such a manner that the sign is easily moved and erected.
(e) “Temporary sign” is a sign that historically advertised events of a limited duration, such as political campaigns, real estate sales, special sales, etc. As opposed to other signs permitted under this chapter, temporary signs cannot be displayed permanently. For this chapter’s purposes, a temporary sign may be a freestanding or on¦building sign, but cannot be an A-frame sign.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.050 Exemptions.
(1) The following signs do not require a sign permit, but must otherwise conform to this chapter’s standards except as otherwise stated below:
(a) A sign with a sign face area of two square feet or less;
(b) Government owned or maintained signs in the public right-of-way (such signs are not subject to this chapter’s limitations on sign size, number, or location and they may be permanent or temporary at the discretion of the owner notwithstanding this chapter’s standards governing temporary signs);
(c) A sign in an open space district;
(d) Temporary signs;
(e) A-frame signs in residential districts.
(2) This chapter does not regulate the following signs:
(a) Dispensers, such as beverage, newspaper and recycling machines;
(b) A sign required by local, state or federal law or regulation, such as, but not limited to, building and address numbers, street signs, and public notices;
(c) A sign not oriented towards or intended to be legible from a right-of-way, private road or other private property, unless otherwise regulated herein.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.060 Prohibited signs.
(1) This section is provided for the benefit of sign applicants and for the administration of this chapter. However, this section must be read consistently with Section 17.52.030. As such, because a specific type of sign is not listed as prohibited does not mean that it is allowed. The following is a non-exclusive list of signs that are prohibited in the city:
(a) A sign that obstructs the vision clearance of a right-of-way or driveway intersection;
(b) A sign affixed to or placed on a roof, or an on-building sign extending above the roofline of the building on which it is located;
(c) A sign that obstructs ingress or egress through a door, window, fire escape, standpipe or any similar facility required or designated for safety or emergency use;
(d) A sign in the public right-of-way, other than government owned or maintained signs, unless otherwise specifically allowed herein;
(e) Strobe lights;
(f) A sign affixed to or placed upon a tree;
(g) A sign affixed to a utility pole, unless the owner of the pole approves of the sign in writing and the sign is otherwise specifically allowed herein.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.070 Signs in commercial and industrial districts.
(1) Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs are allowed in commercial and industrial zones.
(a) Number. One freestanding sign is allowed for a development or complex, even when more than one tax lot or ownership is included in the development. A second freestanding sign is permitted in the following cases:
(A) If the development has a public vehicular access point on each of two or more streets, and two freestanding signs are desired, each must be located at access points on different streets; or
(B) The development has more than 300 feet of continuous frontage on a major arterial. In this instance, the combined sign face area of the two freestanding signs cannot exceed the area allowed under subsection (1)(c)(B).
(C) Regardless of whether a development qualifies under subsections (1)(a)(A) and (1)(a)(B) above, no more than two freestanding signs will be permitted.
(b) Height.
(A) Pole signs: The maximum height of a freestanding pole sign is 20 feet from the ground.
(B) Monument signs: The maximum height of a monument sign is five feet from the ground.
(c) Area. The maximum sign face area for a freestanding sign is 40 square feet. The maximum sign face area for a freestanding sign may be exceeded only in the following instances:
(A) The applicant demonstrates that an increased sign face area is warranted due to one or more of the following factors. Under this subsection, the maximum sign face area cannot exceed 60 square feet.
(i) The development upon which the sign will be placed is significantly larger than other developments in the city;
(ii) The sign will be constructed of wood, brick or stone, or a combination of the same, and illuminated indirectly;
(iii) An electronic message sign or other changeable text copy sign will be included, as permitted by this chapter.
(B) The property has frontage on a major arterial, in which case the sign face area may be one-half of a square foot per lineal foot of major arterial frontage. Regardless of total frontage, the maximum sign face area under this subsection cannot exceed 200 square feet.
(d) Illumination. A freestanding sign may be internally or indirectly illuminated consistent with this chapter’s standards regarding the illumination of signs.
(2) On-building signs. On-building signs are allowed in commercial and industrial zones.
(a) Number. The maximum on-building sign face area may be distributed among any number of signs.
(b) Area. The maximum on-building sign area is calculated as follows:
(A) If no freestanding sign exists for a development, the maximum on-building sign face area for each tenant of that development is one and one-half square feet per lineal foot of the tenant’s primary building wall.
(B) If a freestanding sign exists for a development, the maximum on-building sign face area for each tenant of that development is one square foot per lineal foot of the tenant’s primary building wall.
(C) Each tenant is allowed a minimum of 32 square feet of on-building sign face area.
(D) No individual on-building sign may exceed 200 square feet in sign face area.
(c) Wall graphics. The use of external walls for graphics, artwork or other displays shall be subject to this chapter’s limitations for on-building signs.
(d) Illumination. An on-building sign may be internally or indirectly illuminated consistent with this chapter’s standards regarding the illumination of signs.
(e) Alternative to on-building sign. A monument sign within a development is permitted as an alternative to an on-building sign provided the monument sign:
(A) Is located in front of the building with which it is associated;
(B) Does not exceed 12 square feet in total area;
(C) Does not exceed five feet in height; and
(D) Uses materials and colors that are the same, or substantially the same, as those used on the building associated with the sign.
(E) A monument sign meeting the standards of this subsection is permitted in addition to any freestanding sign otherwise permitted by this chapter.
(3) Changeable copy signs. Electronic message center signs or manually changeable copy signs (a.k.a. “readerboards”), may be incorporated into a freestanding or on-building sign subject to the following provisions.
(a) Number. Only one such sign is allowed in a development.
(b) Area. Such a sign will be included in the maximum area allowed for a freestanding or on-building sign.
(A) An electronic message center sign cannot comprise more than 30% of the sign’s area of which it is a part.
(B) A manually changeable copy sign cannot comprise more than 80% of the sign’s area of which it is a part.
(c) Design. A changeable copy sign must be integrated into the design of the freestanding or on-building sign of which it is a part.
(d) Duration. If an electronic message center sign displays a segmented message, the entire message must be completed within 10 seconds.
(e) Integration required. A changeable copy sign will only be permitted if it is part of a freestanding or on¦building sign. This subsection does not allow for such signs to be displayed independent of a freestanding or on¦building sign.
(4) Portable A-frame signs. Portable A-frame signs are allowed in commercial and industrial zones.
(a) Number. One A-frame sign is allowed per business. If no business exists on a parcel of property, then one A-frame sign is allowed for that property. If a business or property, as relevant, uses an A-frame sign, then a temporary sign under Section 17.52.100 cannot be erected.
(b) Location. An A-frame sign must be located within a property’s setback, or within another commercially or industrially zoned business’s setback, except as provided below.
(A) If the sign is located on another commercially or industrially zoned property, the sign owner must obtain written consent from the business’s owner, or from the property’s owner if no business exists on the property. As only one A-frame sign is allowed per business or property, as relevant, this consent must also explicitly waive the owner’s right to an additional A-frame sign.
(B) For properties without setbacks, or for properties that directly abut a sidewalk, the sign cannot impede pedestrian access along the business’s frontage. A sign placed on or near a sidewalk must allow for at least five feet of unobstructed sidewalk width.
(C) An A-frame sign cannot be placed within a roadway, or in medians, traffic islands or any other area within a roadway. Any sign so placed constitutes a safety hazard and may be removed by the city.
(c) Height. The maximum height of an A-frame sign is four feet.
(d) Area. The maximum sign face area for an A-frame sign is six square feet per side.
(e) Duration. A-frame signs may be displayed permanently, and may be displayed when a business is closed.
(f) Business license. After initial issuance of a permit for an A-frame sign, the permit will be renewed contemporaneously with business license renewal on an annual basis.
(A) The City Administrator or designee will provide a permit form to be completed by and issued to the sign’s owner prior to the owner’s use of an A-frame sign. The form will include an acknowledgement by the sign’s owner of the city’s rules regarding A-frame signs, describe the precise location of the sign, and include other information necessary to ensure compliance with the city’s sign code.
(B) If an A-frame sign owner’s business license expires or is otherwise rendered invalid, the owner’s use of its A-frame sign is prohibited until a new business license is issued.
(C) A business cannot obtain more than one business license in order to have more than one A-frame sign.
(5) Other signs in commercial and industrial districts. Signs under this subsection are allowed within commercial and industrial zones. Signs allowed under this subsection are in addition to other signs permitted under this chapter.
(a) Internal sign.
(A) Location. An internal sign must be directed at visitors who have entered a given development, and not be directed to traffic passing by the development. To that end, the minimum setback for an internal sign is two times the minimum setback required in the zoning district in which the internal sign is located, or at another location that ensures the sign is only directed at visitors of a development, as determined by the City Administrator or designee. An internal sign traditionally identifies tenants or destinations within a development and directs traffic to such tenants or destinations.
(B) Area. The maximum area allowed for an internal sign is 40 square feet.
(C) Number. A development may have no more than four internal signs, and the total aggregate area for all such signs cannot exceed 40 square feet.
(D) Height. An internal sign cannot exceed five feet in height.
(E) Sight distance. An internal sign cannot obscure sight distance for on-site traffic.
(b) External sign.
(A) Location. As opposed to an internal sign, an external sign may only be directed at traffic passing by or leaving a development. To that end, the setback for an external sign is one-half of the minimum setback required in the zoning district in which the external sign is located, or at another location that ensures the sign is only directed at traffic passing by or leaving a development, as determined by the City Administrator or designee. An external sign traditionally directs traffic to or from a given development.
(B) Area. The maximum area allowed for an external sign is three square feet.
(C) Number. A development may have two external signs per frontage.
(D) Height. An external sign cannot exceed four feet in height.
(E) Clear vision. An external sign must comply with all corner vision and clear vision requirements.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.080 Signs in open space districts.
(1) Signs in open space districts are limited to government owned or maintained signs.
(2) Number. One sign is allowed for each parcel or lot zoned open space.
(3) Height. The maximum height of a sign in an open space district is six feet.
(4) Area. The maximum area of a sign in an open space district is 40 square feet.
(5) Illumination. A sign in an open space district may be internally or indirectly illuminated consistent with this chapter’s standards regarding the illumination of signs.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.090 Signs in residential zoning districts.
(1) Number. One permanent sign is allowed for each parcel or lot zoned residential.
(2) Type. The sign must be located inside the dwelling, located flat against the dwelling or located no further than four feet from a residence’s footprint.
(3) Area. The maximum area of a permanent sign in a residential district is two square feet.
(4) Multifamily or residential subdivision standards.
(a) Area. The maximum area of a multifamily or subdivision sign is 32 square feet.
(b) Number and type. One freestanding sign is allowed for a subdivision development or a multifamily complex, even if more than one tax lot or ownership is included in the development, except as follows:
(A) If a development has more than one access point, one additional sign may be located at a major public access point located on a different public road.
(B) In the case of subsection (A) above, neither sign may exceed 32 square feet in area.
(C) Individual properties within a subdivision are allowed a sign in accordance with subsections (1) through (3), above.
(c) Height. The maximum height of a multifamily or subdivision sign is five feet.
(5) Commercial and institutional use standards. The following standards apply to commercial uses approved as conditional uses in residential zones and to institutional uses that are nonconforming uses or that are approved as conditional uses in residential zones.
(a) Number. Only one sign is allowed for a development or complex, even if more than one tax lot or ownership is included in the development, except as follows:
(A) If a development has more than one access point, one additional sign may be located at a major public access point located on a different public road.
(b) Type. The sign may be freestanding or on-building.
(c) Area. The maximum sign face area is 32 square feet.
(d) Height. The maximum height for a freestanding sign is five feet, except for changeable copy signs, as provided below.
(e) Setbacks. A freestanding sign must comply with the minimum side and rear setbacks of the zoning district in which it is located. A freestanding sign may be located within the required front and street side setback areas.
(f) Changeable copy signs. In addition to the sign allowed under subsection (5)(a), a church or school may have one freestanding or on-building changeable copy sign.
(A) Such a sign may be internally or indirectly illuminated, but cannot be an electronic message center sign.
(B) Such a sign’s maximum sign face area is 32 square feet.
(g) Other standards. Signs approved under this subsection are not subject to Section 17.52.040(7)(d).
(6) Portable A-frame standards.
(a) Number. One A-frame sign is allowed per lot or parcel.
(b) Location. An A-frame sign must be located within a property’s setback. If the person responsible for the sign wants to locate the sign on another residentially zoned property, that person must obtain written consent from the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be placed.
(c) Height. The maximum height of an A-frame sign is four feet.
(d) Area. The maximum sign face area for an A-frame sign is six square feet.
(e) Duration. A-frame signs in residential districts are only allowed to be displayed as follows:
(A) From dusk on Fridays to dusk on Sundays; and
(B) From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on one weekday between Monday and Thursday.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.
History: Ord. 1364, 2005; Ord. 1454 §1, 2015.
17.52.100 Temporary signs.
(1) Temporary signs are allowed in addition to any permanent sign permitted under this chapter, except as otherwise stated below.
(2) Number. One freestanding or on-building temporary sign is allowed per lot or parcel, except as otherwise stated below.
(3) Height. The maximum height of a freestanding temporary sign is six feet. No on-building temporary sign may extend above the roofline of the building on which it is located.
(4) Area.
(a) The maximum area of a temporary sign in a commercial or industrial zone is 32 square feet.
(b) The maximum area of a temporary sign in a residential zone is 16 square feet.
(A) A residentially zoned lot or parcel may have two temporary signs, so long as the total combined area of the two signs does not exceed 16 square feet.
(5) Anchoring. Temporary signs must be situated in a manner that prevents the sign from being blown from its location, while allowing the prompt removal of the sign.
(6) Duration. A temporary sign may only be displayed for 180 days total in any calendar year for each lot or parcel, or only until the event associated with the sign has ended, whichever is earlier.
(7) Setbacks. The minimum setbacks for a temporary sign shall be one-half of the minimum setback requirements of the zoning district in which the sign is located. If no setback exists, the sign must be located in an area that ensures it does not compromise public safety, as determined by the City Administrator or designee.
(8) Additional temporary sign standards for commercial and industrial districts.
(a) Temporary signs may be displayed during hours of operation only.
(b) No temporary sign is allowed for any development or complex that has a changeable copy sign incorporated into a permanent sign.
Statutory Reference: ORS Chs. 197, 227 and 377.