Chapter 17.86
SIGNS (GENERAL)
Sections:
17.86.010 Purpose, intent and scope.
17.86.030 Exceptions to permit requirement.
17.86.040 Application for sign permit.
17.86.050 Sign permit approval process.
17.86.070 Special provisions relating to zones.
17.86.080 Comprehensive design plan.
17.86.090 Off-premises advertising signs (billboard).
17.86.095 Off-premises advertising signs – Louisiana Avenue roundabout.
17.86.120 Miscellaneous signs in nonresidential zones (EPF, C and I).
17.86.130 Construction requirements.
17.86.180 Nonconforming signs.
17.86.200 Discontinued use or occupancy.
17.86.010 Purpose, intent and scope.
A. The purpose and intent of this chapter is to regulate exterior signs so as to protect the public health, safety and morals, to promote the public welfare, aesthetics and economic growth of the city of Chehalis, to promote proper maintenance of signs and their thoughtful placement and design to fit within the different land use zones, to promote commercial communication that recognizes the needs of businesses of various sizes, and to promote creative and innovative design. These shall be done by regulation of the posting, displaying, erection, use and maintenance of signs.
B. This chapter shall not regulate building design, nor shall it regulate official, governmental direction signs and traffic signs, sign copy, signs not able to be viewed from public rights-of-way, window displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as product dispensers, national flags, flags of political subdivisions, symbolic flags of an institution or business, gravestones, barber poles, historical site plaques, signs two square feet or less in residential zones giving the occupant name and/or street number; or other signs less than two square feet of a noncommercial nature on private property. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.020 Permits required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, re-erect, construct, apply or structurally alter or move any sign or cause the same to be done, except as provided by this chapter, without first obtaining a sign permit for such sign, except as provided in CMC 17.86.030. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.030 Exceptions to permit requirement.
While all signs must comply with the provisions of this chapter, permits shall not be required for the following signs located on private property:
A. Changing of advertising copy or message on a lawfully erected electric or painted sign, theater marquee or similar signs specifically designed for changeable copy.
B. Painting, repainting, cleaning, repairing, and other normal maintenance unless structural or electrical changes are made or added.
C. Real estate signs six square feet or less in residential zones and 32 square feet or less in commercial or industrial zones.
D. Political signs eight square feet or less.
E. Temporary signs and decorations customary for special holidays.
F. Incidental signs eight square feet or less in area.
G. Temporary paper signs in windows which do not exceed 50 percent of the window area.
H. Religious signs eight square feet or less in area.
I. Temporary construction signs, unless otherwise regulated, limited to two per project denoting the architect, engineer, contractor and/or developer, not exceeding 32 square feet each.
J. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, dates of erection and the like attached to a building.
K. Bulletin boards not over 16 square feet in area for each public, charitable or religious institution when the same is located on the premises of said institution.
L. Signs required by law, traffic or pedestrian control signs, signs indicating scenic or historic points of interest which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his public duty.
M. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics, and design features which do not incorporate advertising or identification.
N. The flag of a government or a noncommercial institution such as a school.
O. Official public notices and/or official court notices.
P. Signs painted on or attached inside a window using less than 50 percent of the window.
Q. Temporary signs 16 square feet or less in area which are displayed for less than 30 days.
R. Essential public needs signs such as restrooms, telephones, beware of dog, deliveries in rear, entrance, exit, and the like, which are less than two square feet in area and project not more than two inches from the wall surface to which they are attached.
S. Air-filled or helium-filled balloons, shapes or caricatures mounted upon and anchored to a building or the ground in the vicinity of a building for which the advertising is displayed, and not exceeding the height limitations for a sign structure in the specific zone.
T. Helium-filled balloons, shapes or caricatures tethered to a building or structure, and which tether does not exceed 150 feet in length or the height of the airport safety zone at the specified location, whichever is lower. [Ord. 769B § 23, 2004; Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.040 Application for sign permit.
A. Any development permit application which also contains proposed signage shall constitute a sign permit application.
B. Signage proposed as a deferred submittal in conjunction with any development permit application shall constitute a sign permit application at such time as the signage proposal is received by the DRC.
C. Any sign construction proposal which is not consistent with subsection (A) or (B) of this section shall apply for a sign permit on forms provided by the city (Appendix Chapter B).
D. Any sign permit application which is submitted as required in subsection (C) of this section shall have the required application fee attached thereto. Any sign permit application submitted consistent with subsection (A) or (B) of this section shall not require a separate application fee. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.050 Sign permit approval process.
Any application for a sign permit shall be processed and decided by the DRC in the same manner as a development permit (CMC 17.09.125). [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.060 Inspections.
Any sign permit issued by the city shall require construction inspections by the building inspector as appropriate for the specified project. The permit holder shall inquire of the building division as to the required inspections for the specific nature and scope of work. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.070 Special provisions relating to zones.
Each regular zone identified in Division V of this title contains special provisions relating to signs in such zones. All applicable provisions of Division V of this title shall be mandatory elements of any sign permit application review process in addition to the general provisions in this chapter. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.080 Comprehensive design plan.
A. Any sign permit application which proposes to incorporate graphics, registered trademarks or logos, standard corporate signage, franchised business names, or other signage readily identifiable as consistent with media publicity associated with the applicant, into the building structure may be approved by the DRC, provided:
1. The applicant has demonstrated that the proposal is a standard design used by the occupant or tenant of the building for other like premises in other locations;
2. The applicant has submitted a colored rendering of the proposal to scale on 11-inch-by-17-inch paper;
3. The proposal does not exceed 150 percent of the sign area that would otherwise be permitted;
4. The proposal does not otherwise violate any building or fire codes, or other provisions of this title;
5. The DRC has identified any conditions of approval that it deems appropriate for all applicable circumstances; and
6. The proposal is not located within an historic district.
B. Any sign permit application which proposes to construct or reconstruct any historically significant sign within any historical district, and such historical significance is sufficiently documented to the DRC by the applicant, may be permitted by the DRC. In approving such a proposal, the DRC need not consider all provisions of this chapter as long as:
1. The historic commission has verified the historical significance of such sign proposal; and
2. No health, fire-safety or life-safety hazards would be created by such proposal. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.090 Off-premises advertising signs (billboard).
The examiner may grant a variance for an off-premises advertising sign, provided:
A. The product and/or service advertised on any off-premises sign is readily available within the corporate limits of the city through a bona fide business;
B. The location of any off-premises sign shall be not more than 300 feet from North National Avenue or N.E. Kresky Avenue, each of these being designated major arterials;
C. Any off-premises sign shall meet the size, location, lighting and other regulations required elsewhere in this chapter and Division V of this title for on-premises signs;
D. Any business establishment advertised on any off-premises sign shall be located within the corporate limits of the city;
E. Such a sign shall meet all other applicable provisions of this title;
F. The variance procedures specified under CMC 17.09.190 have been followed relative to application for such a sign proposal and approval or denial thereof; and
G. The city manager may approve the placement of signs on city-owned property or right-of-way when it is deemed in the best interest of the public or for public safety. Any sign placement approved by the city manager must meet the design considerations outlined within this section. As part of this approval process, the development review committee will recommend to the city manager approval or disapproval, including justification as to the recommendation. [Ord. 969B § 1, 2017; Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.095 Off-premises advertising signs – Louisiana Avenue roundabout.
The city will authorize one freestanding sign in the Louisiana Avenue roundabout adjacent to parcel number 021612-011-001. Approval of the commercial sign must be done by way of an annual license agreement stating the sign will be allowed for reasonable compensation to the city as determined by the council. The language of the agreement shall be drafted by the city attorney and approved by the council. At a minimum, the agreement shall contain the following language:
In no case shall any sign which constitutes a traffic hazard or detriment to traffic safety by reason of its size, location, movement, coloring, method of illumination, by obstructing the vision of drivers, or detracting from the visibility of any official traffic control device by diverting or tending to divert the attention of drivers of moving vehicles from traffic movement on streets, roads, intersections, or access facilities. No sign shall be erected so that it obstructs the vision of pedestrians by glare or method of illumination or constitutes a hazard to traffic. No sign may use words, phrases, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. No vehicles shall be placed in the roundabout or be allowed to function as signage.
[Ord. 921B § 1, 2014.]
17.86.100 Roof signs.
Signs extending above or higher than any roof covering of any building to which they are attached shall not be permitted, except:
A. Signs attached and parallel to a parapet shall be considered wall signs if no part of the subject sign extends higher or wider than the top of the parapet;
B. Any sign having documented historical significance consistent with CMC 17.86.080(B); or
C. If located upon a single-story building containing a permitted commercial use or occupancy, and:
1. The permitted size of signs for the premises cannot be physically placed on available wall surface; and
2. The roof has a minimum pitch or slope of 4:12; and
3. The proposed sign does not exceed 24 inches in height and the maximum size permitted for a wall sign; and
4. No part of the sign structure is higher in elevation than two-thirds the distance between the eave line and the ridge line (see diagram in Appendix Chapter Q), and is parallel to the ridge line; and
5. The sign is internally illuminated, indirectly illuminated from below, or not illuminated; and
6. The sign copy consists of the business name and/or logo only, having no other advertising thereon; and
7. The building is not located within an historic district. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.110 Parking lot signs.
A. Signs may be erected upon private property at entrances to off-street parking lots.
B. Wording on such signs shall be limited to the name of the business and may include the words “Customer Parking Only,” and/or “Tow-Away” information.
C. One such sign, not larger than 20 square feet, shall be permitted at each entrance.
D. A permit shall be required for such signs. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.120 Miscellaneous signs in nonresidential zones (EPF, C and I).
A. Directional signs giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas, delivery areas, access drives and accessways shall not exceed six square feet per sign face and shall meet the location requirements of this chapter. Permits are not required.
B. Real estate signs shall not exceed one for each street frontage, shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face, and shall not be illuminated. Permits are not required.
C. Incidental signs shall be restricted to one per 25 feet of principal street frontage, shall not exceed eight square feet, and be limited to four such signs per business. Incidental signs shall include, but are not limited to, gasoline price signs, bank interest signs, and signs advertising a specific product or service. Such signs shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
D. Temporary signs erected for a specific time period not to exceed 30 days are permitted for special functions such as grand opening or liquidation sales. Permits are not required.
E. Paper or other temporary signs (including painted signs which can be easily removed by washing) may be affixed or otherwise attached to or displayed within glass display windows of commercial establishments and stores without the requirement of a permit being obtained therefor; provided, however, that no such sign shall exceed 50 percent of the open window space, and shall not exceed a maximum of 75 square feet.
F. Credit card (monetary, institutional, and the like) signs, decals or emblems shall be additionally allowed but limited to 24 square inches, or an aggregate of 96 square inches per business premises. Permits are not required.
G. Signs which are permanently painted upon a window surface shall be treated as a wall sign and included in the total allowable sign area. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.130 Construction requirements.
A. Each sign shall be adequately constructed and securely and substantially anchored so as to withstand wind pressure in accordance with the requirements of the UBC and shall meet the UBC standards as now in force or hereafter amended.
B. Signs containing electrical circuitry shall meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code and all state laws as now in force or hereafter amended. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.140 Clearance.
A. Any sign located or projecting over or above any pedestrian walkway, sidewalk, exit way, or other area designed for pedestrian access shall maintain a minimum of eight feet vertical clearance below any horizontal part of the sign structure and the surface of the pedestrian way, except:
1. If a physical barrier to preclude pedestrian access to that portion of the pedestrian way below such sign is provided, and such barrier does not otherwise violate any provision of this code; and
2. Signs attached to the bottom of a marquee shall maintain a minimum of seven feet vertical clearance above such pedestrian way.
B. Any sign located or projecting over or above any street, alley, public right-of-way, public or private driveway or any other area where motor vehicles may be required or allowed to pass beneath such sign shall maintain a minimum of 15 feet vertical clearance below any horizontal part of the sign structure and the driving surface, except:
1. If a physical barrier is constructed to preclude vehicle access within five feet of any horizontal part of the sign structure which is lower than 15 feet above the driving surface, and such barrier does not otherwise violate any provision of this code.
C. No sign shall be installed or erected within the sight visibility triangle at the intersection of any public rights-of-way or approved private roads established and identified in the development engineering standards. [Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.150 Illumination.
A. No person shall construct, establish, create or maintain any stationary exterior lighting or illumination system or any interior system which is intended to be viewed from a public street, highway or other public thoroughfare used for vehicular traffic when such system contains or utilizes:
1. Any exposed incandescent lamp with a wattage in excess of 25 watts unless a dimmer or sun screen is attached;
2. Any exposed incandescent lamp with an internal metallic reflector;
3. Any exposed incandescent lamp with an external reflector;
4. Any beacon light or other lighting system revolving in excess of five rpm;
5. Any continuous or sequential flashing operation in which more than one-third of the lights are off at any one time and/or which uses light of more than 25 watts.
B. These provisions shall not apply to:
1. Lighting systems owned or controlled by any public agency for the purpose of directing or controlling navigation, traffic, or highway or street illumination;
2. Aircraft warning lights;
3. Electronic information systems which display the time of the day and/or the atmospheric temperature, or programmable electronic messages of a public service or commercial nature;
4. Temporary lighting used for repair or construction as required by governmental agencies.
C. Notwithstanding the above provisions, the light directed on or internal to any sign shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises nor adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas. Light shall not shine or reflect on or into residential structures so as to interfere with the quiet enjoyment and/or possession of a residential premises by the owner or occupant thereof.
D. Strobe lights shall not be permitted under any circumstance. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.160 Prohibited signs.
From and after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect or place within the city:
A. A swinging projecting sign;
B. Flashing signs;
C. Signs which revolve in excess of five rpm;
D. Any sign containing a strobe light;
E. Any sign which constitutes a traffic hazard or detriment to traffic safety by reason of its size, location, movement, content, coloring or method of illumination, or which obstructs the vision of drivers, or which obstructs or detracts from the visibility of any official traffic control device by diverting or tending to divert the attention of drivers of moving vehicles from traffic movement on streets, roads, intersections or access facilities;
F. Signs that obstruct the vision of pedestrians;
G. Signs with flashing or revolving red, green, blue or amber lights;
H. Any sign, which by glare or method of illumination, constitutes a hazard to traffic;
I. Any sign displaying the word “stop,” “look,” “danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic;
J. Signs not properly maintained, showing neglect, or in a dilapidated or hazardous condition so as to violate the purpose, intent and objective of this chapter and which are not repaired or removed as required herein;
K. Abandoned signs, except as provided in CMC 17.86.200. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.170 Change of copy.
A. The holder of a permit shall, for the duration thereof, have the right to change the advertising copy on the structure or sign for which the permit was issued without being required to pay any additional fee or to conform to any additional requirements.
B. The building official shall correct the information on the permit, if changed, at no charge to the applicant.
C. No sign may be structurally or electrically changed or moved without obtaining a new permit. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.180 Nonconforming signs.
Permanent signs which were installed legally prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title and which do not conform to the provisions hereof shall be allowed to remain as legal nonconforming signs until the sign is structurally or electrically altered, or removed. Such signs shall thereafter conform to the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.190 Existing signs.
A. The administrator may establish a procedure to inventory all existing signs in the city and establish their legality.
B. Temporary and portable signs are required to conform with the provisions of this chapter.
C. If the administrator shall find that any of the provisions of this chapter are being violated, he shall give written notice to the person responsible for such violation, and/or the owner of said premises on which the sign is displayed, indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it.
D. The administrator shall order discontinuance, alteration, removal, or take any other action necessary to correct the violation or ensure compliance with all of the provisions of this chapter.
E. If the administrator finds that any sign is dangerous to the public safety, he may take steps to remove the sign immediately without notification, and at the expense of the owner of said sign.
F. Any appeal from the decision of the administrator shall be made to the hearing examiner as currently provided by this title. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.200 Discontinued use or occupancy.
A. Within 30 days after a store or business premises becomes vacant, the owner of or person entitled to possession of such vacant store or business premises is required to remove all signs, lettering or printed matter, visible to the public, placed upon the premises of such vacant store or business advertising the previous business.
B. Any owner of or person entitled to possession of any vacant store or business premises is hereby prohibited from displaying upon the windows of such vacant store or business premises any sign, lettering or printed matter except one sign per building frontage, consisting of a maximum of 12 square feet, advertising the availability of the premises, and except as otherwise allowed by this chapter. [Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]
17.86.210 Public nuisance.
Any sign which violates any provision of this chapter, creates a visibility obstruction as defined in the development engineering standards, becomes structurally unsafe or unsound, or otherwise creates any hazard to the public shall constitute a public nuisance and, upon discovery, shall be abated as provided in CMC 7.04.130. [Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 720B § 1, 2002.]