40.240.300    Signs

A.    Signs may be allowed in all zoning districts in the GMA pursuant to the following provisions:

1.    Except for signs along public highways necessary for public safety, traffic control or road construction which are consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2012, or most recent version), the following signs are prohibited:

a.    Luminous signs or those with intermittent or flashing lights. These include neon signs, fluorescent signs, light displays and other signs which are internally illuminated, exclusive of seasonal holiday light displays;

b.    New billboards;

c.    Signs with moving elements; and

d.    Portable or wheeled signs, or signs on parked vehicles where the sign is the primary use of the vehicle.

2.    Any sign which does not conform with a provision of this section and has existed prior to adoption of the Management Plan shall be considered nonconforming and subject to the following:

a.    Alteration of existing nonconforming signs shall comply with this section.

b.    Any nonconforming sign used by a business must be brought into conformance concurrent with any expansion or change in use which requires a development permit.

3.    All signs shall meet the following guidelines unless they conflict with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for public safety, traffic control or highway construction signs. In such cases, the standards in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2012, or most recent version) shall supersede these guidelines.

a.    The support structure shall be unobtrusive and have low visual impact.

b.    Lettering colors with sufficient contrast to provide clear message communication shall be allowed. Colors of signs shall blend with their setting to the maximum extent practicable.

c.    Backs of all signs shall be unobtrusive, nonreflective, and blend in with the setting.

d.    Spot lighting of signs may be allowed where needed for night visibility. Backlighting is not permitted for signs.

e.    In addition to subsections (A)(3)(a) through (A)(3)(d) of this section, signs shall meet the below guidelines according to recreation intensity class (and subject to compliance with Sections 40.240.890(D) and (E)):

(1)    Recreation Intensity Class 1 (Very Low Intensity). Simple interpretive signs or displays, not to exceed a total of fifty (50) square feet. Entry name signs, not to exceed ten (10) square feet per sign.

(2)    Recreation Intensity Class 2 (Low Intensity). Simple interpretive signs and displays, not to exceed a total of one hundred (100) square feet. Entry name signs, not to exceed twenty (20) square feet per sign.

(3)    Recreation Intensity Class 3 (Moderate Intensity). Interpretive signs, displays or facilities. Visitor information and environmental education signs, displays, or facilities. Entry name signs, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per sign.

(4)    Recreation Intensity Class 4 (High Intensity). Entry name signs, not to exceed forty (40) square feet per sign.

f.    For recreation facility design projects, signs shall be limited to those necessary to provide relevant recreation or facility information, interpretive information, vehicular and pedestrian direction, and for safety purposes.

B.    Signs in the SMA may be allowed pursuant to the following provisions:

1.    Prohibited Signs.

a.    Advertising billboards.

b.    Signs that move or give the appearance of moving, except signs used for highway construction, warning or safety.

c.    Portable or wheeled signs, or signs on parked vehicles where the sign is the primary use of the vehicle, except for signs used for highway construction, warning or safety.

2.    Pre-existing signs are allowed to continue; provided, that no changes occur in size, structure, color, or message.

3.    New signs may be allowed as specified in the applicable zoning district.

4.    No sign shall be erected or placed in such a manner that it may interfere with, be confused with, or obstruct the view of any traffic sign, signal, or device.

5.    Except for signs allowed without review pursuant to Section 40.240.120, all new signs shall meet the following guidelines, and be consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2012, or most recent version):

a.    Signs shall be maintained in a neat, clean and attractive condition.

b.    The character and composition of sign materials shall be harmonious with the landscape and related to and compatible with the main structure upon which the sign is attached.

c.    Signs shall be placed flat on the outside walls of buildings, not on roofs or marquees.

d.    Signs shall be unobtrusive and have low contrast with the setting.

e.    The visual impact of the support structure shall be minimized.

f.    Outdoor sign lighting shall be used for purposes of illumination only, and shall not be designed for, or used as, an advertising display, except for road safety signs.

g.    Backs of all signs shall be visually unobtrusive, nonreflective, and blend in with the setting.

h.    Sign internal illumination or backlighting shall not be permitted except for highway construction, warning or safety.

6.    Public signs shall meet the following guidelines in addition to subsections (B)(2) through (B)(5) of this section:

a.    The Graphic Signing System provides design guidelines for public signs in and adjacent to public road rights-of-way. All new and replacement public signs, except those transportation regulatory, guide, and warning signs allowed outright shall conform to the guidelines in this system. Types of signs addressed include recreation site entry, interpretive, specific service signs, destination and distance signs, variable message signs, or signs that bridge or are cantilevered over the road surface.

b.    Signs located outside public road rights-of-way are encouraged to be designed in such a way as to be consistent with similar purpose signs described in the Graphic Signing System.

c.    Signs posted by governmental jurisdictions giving notice to the public shall be no larger than that required to convey the intended message.

7.    Signs for public and commercial recreation facilities, home occupations, and commercial uses shall meet the following guidelines in addition to subsections (B)(2) through (B)(5) of this section:

a.    Any sign advertising or relating to a business which is discontinued for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days shall be presumed to be abandoned and shall be removed within thirty (30) days thereafter, unless permitted otherwise by the jurisdictional authority.

b.    Any signs relating to, or advertising, a business shall be brought into conformance with these sign guidelines prior to any expansion or change in use which is subject to review.

c.    Off-site and on-site directional signs on approach roads to recreational facilities may be permitted. Name and interpretive signs may be permitted on-site, but should be kept to the minimum required to achieve the purpose(s) of the facilities.

d.    Commercial recreation businesses approved in conjunction with a recreational facility may have a name sign not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet.

e.    Recreation developments may have one (1) on-premises name sign at each principal entrance. Such signs are encouraged to be of a low profile, monument type, and shall conform to the Graphic Signing System.

8.    Sign clutter and other negative visual effects from excessive signs along all roads and highways, and at parking lots and recreation facilities, shall be reduced.

(Amended: Ord. 2006-05-04; Ord. 2008-06-02; Ord. 2021-12-02)