Chapter 8.60 SIGN REGULATIONS

Chapter 8.60
SIGN REGULATIONS¹

Sections:

8.60.010 Intent, purpose and interpretation.

8.60.020 Applicability.

8.60.030 Sign permits.

8.60.040 Temporary signs.

8.60.050 General requirements applicable to all signs.

8.60.060 Signs in residential zones.

8.60.070 Signs in the C-1 and C-3 zones.

8.60.080 Signs in the JP (La Center junction planning district) zone.

8.60.090 Signs in the MX (mixed-use) zone.

8.60.100 Signs in the RP (residential professional) zone.

8.60.110 Signs in the UP (urban public) zone.

8.60.120 Implementation of this sign code.

8.60.130 Conflict and severability.

8.60.140 Enforcement, violation and penalty.

8.60.150 Definitions.

8.60.010 Intent, purpose and interpretation.

(1) Intent. Signs have a strong visual impact on the character and quality of the community. As a prominent part of the scenery, they attract or repel the viewing public, affect the safety of vehicular traffic, and their suitability or appropriateness helps to set the tone for the neighborhood. The city relies upon its scenery and physical beauty to attract commerce and these aesthetics will directly benefit economic value. It is the intent of the city, through this chapter, to protect and enhance the city’s historic and residential character and its economic base through the provision of appropriate and aesthetic signage. In addition, it is the intent of the city to promote the size, type and location of signs that will minimize their distracting effect on drivers and thereby improve traffic safety.

(2) Purpose. This chapter regulates the erection, placement, maintenance and display of signs to protect and enhance public health, safety and welfare. More specifically, this chapter is designed to accomplish the following:

(a) Assure the effectiveness of traffic signs and other signs erected for public safety by limiting the number and extent of visible distractions and obstructions created that affect motorists, bicycle riders and pedestrians.

(b) To maintain clear and uncluttered rights-of-way so as to ensure the effectiveness of traffic safety signs, and minimize distractions to motorists, prevent signs from creating a hazard or nuisance by obstructing clear vision or distracting motorists by their dominating size or appearance and maintain clear passage on public sidewalks. This includes protecting the public right-of-way for the safe and efficient passage of motorists, bicycle riders and pedestrians.

(d) Protect the right of speech for all signs by regulating the placement of signs in relationship to each other so that signs do not interfere with the ability of other signs to be seen and understood.

(e) Maintain and enhance the scenic and visually aesthetic qualities of the city by limiting the size and number of signs, reducing visual clutter and the dominance of signs through reasonable time, place and manner regulations.

(f) Allow those signs that are compatible with the character and uses allowed in the zoning district in which they are located.

(g) Provide reasonable opportunities for signs through reasonable time, place and manner regulations.

(h) Address emerging trends in digital and electronic sign technologies and provide regulations that facilitate use of such technologies.

(i) Protect neighborhoods, surrounding development, the night sky, and public safety from the nuisance factors associated with glare, movement and animation of digital and electronic signs.

(3) Interpretation. This chapter is not intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. Any classification of signs in this chapter which purports to permit speech by reason of the type of sign, identity of the sign user or otherwise shall be interpreted to allow commercial or noncommercial speech on the sign. No part of this chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech. To the extent that any provision of this chapter is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate speech on the basis of the content of the message. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.020 Applicability.

(1) Exemptions. All signs are subject to this chapter except for the following:

(a) Signs not visible from a public right-of-way; provided, that any such signs are erected and maintained in accordance with this chapter.

(b) Government signs: signs erected by federal, state, county or city governing bodies.

(c) Signs inside a building, except for strobe lights, flashing or similar lights visible from a public right-of-way or another private property or audible from a public right-of-way or another private property.

(d) Signs carved into or part of materials that are an integral part of a building.

(e) Customary holiday decorations.

(f) Murals. A mural is an exterior wall painted with artwork or some expressive content or message with no frame or other associated structure.

(g) Flags less than 100 square feet in area.

(h) Signs attached to or carried by a person.

(i) Signs required by law or legal action, including signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions on a property and land use application and hearing notices.

(2) Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are prohibited:

(a) Signs which are public or private nuisances.

(b) Signs which do not comply with LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs.

(d) Signs attached to, painted on or carved into a tree, a utility pole or a traffic pole.

(e) Signs with search lights, rotating lights, flashing lights, or strobe lights.

(f) Inflatable signs.

(g) Signs that have expired, been discontinued or abandoned or have become dilapidated or are a threat to public safety.

(h) Signs which are abandoned, discontinued or no longer in good repair.

(i) Signs located on vehicles or trailers parked on public rights-of-way which display containing a message larger than two square feet.

(j) Feather signs.

(k) Pole signs. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.030 Sign permits.

(1) A permit issued under this chapter is not a land use decision and is not subject to review under Chapter 36.70B RCW and appeal of a decision rendered under this chapter is not subject to review under the Land Use Petition Act, Chapter 36.70C RCW.

(2) Any sign for which a permit is required by this chapter shall comply with this section. Signs excluded in LCMC 8.60.020(1)(a) through (i), Exemptions, are not regulated under this chapter and therefore do not require a permit. All other signs are either prohibited or require a permit.

(a) Process. Sign permits under this chapter shall be processed as administrative review and decisions by the public works department.

(b) Decision. Within 21 calendar days after the date an application is submitted, the department shall issue a decision that approves, approves with conditions, or denies the application. An applicant may agree in writing to extend that time and may provide additional information within that time at the request of the city. The decision shall include a brief summary of the relevant facts and applicable standards for the application and of how the application complies with those standards based on the facts and evidence, including any conditions of approval.

(c) Notice of the Decision. Within seven calendar days after issuing a decision the department shall mail a copy of the decision to the applicant and applicant’s representative(s).

(d) Appeal and Post-Decision Review. The applicant may appeal the decision to the La Center city council.

(3) Application. Application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by the required fee and shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the city.

(a) The application shall include a complete and detailed description of the sign and supporting structure, a scale drawing of the sign and support structure, the proposed location, name and mailing address of the persons responsible for the sign including, but not limited to, the sign owner and property owner, plus any plans and information necessary to establish that the proposed sign complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter and applicable building, structural and life safety codes.

(b) For any sign visible from an interstate freeway travel lane, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the Highway Advertising Control Act as administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

(c) The department may impose additional or waive certain submission requirements depending upon the sign type, location or other circumstance.

(d) Any misrepresentation or falsification of information supplied in the application may, at the option of the city, result in the invalidation of the permit.

(e) The department may require additional review such as building, foundation or electrical permits depending on the nature of the sign proposed.

(4) Approval Criteria. The department shall approve a sign permit where the applicant demonstrates compliance with all of the following approval criteria:

(a) The proposed sign is not one prohibited under LCMC 8.60.020(2)(a) through (k), Prohibited Signs; and

(b) The proposed sign complies with all applicable dimensional, durational, locational and other requirements of this chapter.

(5) Exemptions to the Permit Requirement. Where allowed, temporary signs do not require a permit so long as they meet the requirements of LCMC 8.60.040, Temporary signs.

(6) Permit must be exercised within 90 days of issuance. Permits issued under this chapter shall be void if the sign so permitted is not erected in compliance with the requirements of the permit and this chapter within 90 days following the date the permit is issued. The public works director may grant a request, made in writing, to extend the permit for one additional 90-day period.

(7) Permit Duration and Automatic Expiration. A sign permit is valid until the sign is abandoned or discontinued, or relocated. A sign permit is valid until the sign is altered by more than 10 percent of the applicable numeric value, such as height or area, or if the illumination or animation of the sign changes. Any sign permit that the department determines has become invalid under the provisions of this section shall be removed within 90 days of that determination, including the support structure, or a new permit obtained. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.040 Temporary signs.

(1) Temporary signs are allowed in all zones, on private property and in the public right-of-way, subject to the additional requirements of this section. The city does not require a permit for a sign that meets the following definitional requirements of a temporary sign:

(2) Temporary signs shall not:

(a) Be internally or externally lit;

(b) Contain a sign face area larger than four square feet or have any part of the sign higher than three feet above ground level;

(d) Have more than two readable faces.

(3) Temporary signs shall only be made of nondurable materials including, but not limited to, paper, corrugated board, flexible, bendable or foldable plastics, foam core board, vinyl canvas or vinyl mesh products of less than 20-ounce fabric, vinyl canvas and vinyl mesh products without polymeric plasticizers and signs painted or drawn with water soluble paints or chalks. Signs made of any other materials shall be considered permanent and are subject to the permanent sign regulations of this chapter.

(4) No signs, other than government signs, are allowed on a permanent basis in the public right-of-way.

(5) Temporary signs are allowed within the public right-of-way subject to the following requirements:

(a) Parties placing signs within the public right-of-way shall contact the public works department prior to placement of the sign to obtain a city-approved marking which will identify the person responsible for the sign and the expiration date of the sign.

(b) The city-approved marking shall be valid for 90 calendar days from the date of initial display and is renewable for an additional 90 days.

(c) Within a designated public right-of-way, the city public works department may remove unexpired signs during departmental operations such as mowing or mosquito abatement, replacing them when these operations are completed.

(d) The public works department may contact the responsible person to advise them that temporary signs have expired or become damaged, dilapidated or discontinued. The party responsible for the sign shall have 14 days to remove or repair the sign after which time the city may remove the temporary sign. Public works crews may remove and discard expired, damaged, dilapidated, discontinued signs or signs without a city-approved marking.

(e) The city reserves the right to exclude all signs, including temporary signs, from segments of the public right-of-way where the city has determined that the presence of signs will cause or exacerbate traffic or other public safety hazard.

(6) Signs which advertise new developments or the sale or lease of real estate are a special category of temporary signs and shall comply with the following additional requirements:

(a) Signs advertising the sale or lease of a single residential dwelling unit or vacant property less than three gross acres shall not exceed three square feet in area and six feet in height.

(b) Signs advertising new residential developments or vacant residential property greater than or equal to three gross acres shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and nine feet in height. A maximum of one such sign is allowed on developments less than 10 gross acres. A maximum of two such signs may be placed on developments greater than 10 gross acres if they are separated by at least 800 feet.

(c) Signs advertising sale or lease of new commercial developments or vacant commercial property shall not exceed 64 square feet in area and 10 feet in height. A maximum of one such sign is allowed on developments less than 10 gross acres. A maximum of two such signs may be placed on developments greater than 10 gross acres if they are separated by at least 800 feet.

(d) Signs allowed by this subsection shall be affixed to the ground with a method suitable to ensure stability of the sign during adverse weather conditions.

(e) Signs allowed by this subsection shall not be placed in a public right-of-way.

(f) Signs allowed by this subsection shall not be illuminated.

(g) All signs allowed by this subsection shall be removed when the sale of the final property is completed. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.050 General requirements applicable to all signs.

(1) General Requirements. The following requirements apply to all signs allowed in the city:

(a) Building and Specialty Code Compliance. All signs, whether regulated by this chapter or not, shall meet all applicable construction and operation standards of the International Building Code adopted by the city of La Center. Where these codes conflict with the requirements of this chapter, the more stringent or restrictive shall control.

(b) No sign shall be insecurely erected, or constructed so as to constitute a safety hazard, fire hazard or a nuisance.

(i) Obstruct free ingress to or egress from any door, window, fire escape, alley, driveway, fire lane, access from the sidewalk to transit stop areas, designated disabled parking spaces, disabled access ramps or building exits;

(ii) Be located so as to obstruct or interfere with intersection sight distance for vehicles exiting a driveway or street in accordance with the line of sight triangle requirements in the La Center engineering standards;

(iii) Obstruct or interfere in any way with the public’s ability to clearly view government signs;

(iv) By reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination be subject to being confused with a government sign; or

(v) Interfere in any way with traffic, visibility or passage within the public right-of-way, including vehicle travel lanes, sidewalks and bike lanes.

(d) Removal. All prohibited signs and signs that do not have a valid sign permit when one is required under this chapter are unlawful, a violation of this chapter and shall be removed. Failure to do so shall subject the sign and property owner to civil enforcement pursuant to Chapter 2.15 LCMC, Code Enforcement.

(e) Lighting. Signs, excluding temporary signs and canopy signs, may be lit, either from within the sign structure or by external lights shining on the sign face. External light sources shall be aimed downward and be shielded to direct light solely on the sign face, and in no case shall sign lights shine directly onto an adjacent property, buildings or the public right-of-way or cast glare into the eyes of pedestrians or motorists in the public right-of-way. Flashing, strobe and rotating lights are prohibited in all situations. Sign lights shall not substitute for security or safety lighting that may otherwise be required.

(f) Property Owner Consent. No sign shall be erected on property or a structure (e.g., a building or utility pole) owned by someone other than the person responsible for the sign without the express consent of the property’s owner. If the city cannot verify owner consent, the sign will be deemed unlawful and subject to removal.

(g) Portable Signs. Allowed portable signs shall comply with the following requirements:

(i) Portable sign area shall not exceed six square feet and the height shall not exceed three and one-half feet;

(ii) Signs may be placed in the right-of-way; provided, that the sign is placed entirely outside the driving and on-street parking portion of the right-of-way;

(iii) Portable signs shall maintain a four-foot-wide clear zone for pedestrian movement along the full frontage of the parcel and shall not create any sight obstruction per Section 2.15 of the city engineering standards;

(iv) The sign does not obstruct pedestrian or wheelchair access from the sidewalk to transit stop areas, designated disabled parking spaces, disabled access ramps or building exits; and

(v) Signs shall be constructed of finished materials to create a professional appearance.

(h) Two-Sided Signs. Freestanding and projecting signs may have a maximum of two faces. The area of a two-sided sign shall be the largest area of one face of the sign. Further, a two-sided sign shall be considered one sign for the purpose of determining the number of signs allowed.

(i) Freestanding Signs. When a freestanding sign is allowed by this chapter, Figures 8.60.050(1) through 8.60.050(5) illustrate the five allowed freestanding sign configurations: monument, single and dual pedestal, and single and dual pylon. The signs shall comply with the dimensional standards specified in these figures and the area and height requirements specified in this chapter.

(j) Freestanding Sign Base Material. The sign base and support structure of freestanding signs must be constructed of or covered with quality materials such as real or faux stone, brick, stucco, textured wood, tile, and textured concrete.

(k) Freestanding Sign Landscaping. All freestanding signs shall have landscaping surrounding the base of the sign equal in area to a minimum of 80 percent of the sign face area. Landscaping shall consist of grass, low shrubbery, and/or ground cover. Whenever possible and appropriate, native vegetation that is drought resistant and requires minimal or low maintenance shall be used for sign-related landscaping. Landscaping shall be well maintained. Sign-related landscaping may be included in any calculation of total landscaping required in a zoning district.

(l) Canopy Signs. The lettering on a canopy sign shall not exceed eight inches in height. Lettering shall only be applied to the front vertical face of a canopy. Lettering shall not extend above or below the front vertical extent of the front vertical face or extend beyond the horizontal extent of the canopy. Canopy signs shall not be illuminated. If a canopy is placed over multiple tenant spaces, each tenant is permitted a canopy sign no longer than 60 percent of the width of the individual tenant space.

(m) Incidental signs are allowed in all zones without a permit so long as the definitional requirements of an incidental sign are met.

(n) Digital Video Displays. A digital video display is not a separately allowed sign. Where they are allowed they may be integrated within an allowed freestanding sign. A digital video display shall comply with each of the following requirements:

(i) The display area shall not exceed 30 square feet or as otherwise limited by an allowed sign area.

(ii) Maximum luminance shall not exceed 50 nits during nighttime hours and 5,000 nits during daylight hours. The applicant shall provide certified data verifying compliance with these luminance requirements.

(iii) The display shall have automated control of sign luminance based on current ambient lighting conditions.

(iv) Digital video displays shall only be on during business hours.

(v) Minimum hold between messages shall not be less than eight seconds.

(vi) No motion shall be allowed except for instantaneous change of message.

(vii) Digital video displays shall not be oriented towards a residential district within 1,000 feet.

(vii) Digital video displays shall not be located in wetland, fish and wildlife habitat conservation, or frequently flooded critical areas or their associated buffers.

(o) Electronic Reader Board. An electronic reader board is not a separately allowed sign. Where they are allowed they may be integrated within an allowed freestanding sign. An electronic reader board shall comply with each of the following requirements:

(i) The display area shall not exceed 30 square feet or as otherwise limited by an allowed sign area.

(ii) Maximum luminance shall not exceed 100 nits during nighttime hours and 5,000 nits during daylight hours. The applicant shall provide certified data verifying compliance with these luminance requirements.

(iii) The display shall have automated control of sign luminance based on current ambient lighting conditions.

(iv) Electronic reader boards shall only be on during business hours.

(v) Minimum hold between messages shall not be less than four seconds.

(vi) No motion shall be allowed except for instantaneous change of message.

(vii) Electronic reader boards shall not be located in wetland, fish and wildlife habitat conservation, or frequently flooded critical areas or their associated buffers.

(2) Modifications to Existing Signs. Any sign that is structurally altered, relocated or replaced shall be brought into compliance with all applicable substantive requirements of this chapter, including the requirement to obtain a permit. Any modification to a sign for which a permit has been issued shall be processed as an administrative review in the same manner as for a new sign. This requirement to obtain a new permit for sign modifications does not apply to copy or panel changes where the physical size, shape, height, or support structure is not changed by more than 10 percent of the applicable numeric standard.

(3) Variances. After receiving a written request from the sign owner, the city may grant a variance to one or more numeric or dimensional requirements of this chapter, except that none of the prohibited signs in LCMC 8.60.020(2)(a) through (k), Prohibited Signs, may be allowed through a variance procedure.

(a) Variance Criteria. All of the following criteria apply to sign variances:

(i) Exceptional, extraordinary or unusual circumstances that are not self-imposed that do not apply to other properties in the same area or zone are present. Such circumstances may be the result of an unusual location or orientation of the applicant’s building, topography, vegetation or other circumstance over which the applicant has no control.

(ii) The variance is necessary for the preservation of a right of the applicant that is substantially the same as rights possessed by the owners of other property in the area or zone.

(iii) The granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to, or conflict with, the purposes of this chapter, or be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the area or vicinity, or the public way, in which the property is located.

(iv) The variance requested is the minimum exception to the established requirements that is necessary to alleviate the claimed grounds for variance.

(v) The requested variance does not exceed 20 percent of the underlying numeric performance standard.

(b) Conditions for Granting a Variance. The city may impose certain changes as conditions to granting a variance. These may involve sign design, area, height, location, and compliance with the downtown design guidelines or similar conditions.

(c) Variance Fee. The applicant shall pay a fee in accordance with the fee schedule established and amended from time to time by the city council and on file with the city clerk.

(d) Procedure. Any variance sought to the requirements of the sign code shall be processed as an administrative decision with public notice and an opportunity to be heard and in conjunction with the underlying sign permit application.

(i) Notice of Application. Within 14 calendar days after the date of an application for a sign permit variance, the department shall invite the public to comment on the variance request. The department shall:

(A) Mail a written notice of the application to property owners within 300 feet of the subject sign site; and

(B) Post a notice of the variance request on the subject property which is visible to the public.

(ii) Comment Period. The notice shall provide for a 14-day public comment period from the date of mailing the notice.

(iii) Decision.

(A) Not less than 28 days or not more than 35 days after the date an application for variance is received, the department shall issue a decision that approves, approves with conditions, or denies the application; provided, an applicant may agree in writing to extend that time and may provide additional information within that time at the request of the city.

(B) The decision shall include a brief summary of the relevant facts and applicable standards for the application and a summary of how the application complies with those standards based on the facts and evidence, including any conditions of approval.

(iv) Notice of Decision. Within seven calendar days after issuing a decision, the department shall mail notice of the decision to the parties of interest including, but not limited to, the applicant and any person or party commenting on the variance request.

(v) Appeal. An appeal of the department decision on the permit itself will be heard by the city hearing examiner consistent with established city procedures for public hearings.

(e) Permit Duration. Once granted, and the sign is installed, a sign variance shall be valid so long as the sign is not abandoned, altered, relocated or obsolete. [Ord. 2021-11 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.060 Signs in residential zones.

(1) All signs in the residential zones shall comply with the requirements of this section and the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs.

(2) Signs Allowed without a Permit.

(a) Any sign for which a permit is required by this chapter shall comply with this section. Signs excluded in LCMC 8.60.020(1)(a) through (i), Exemptions, are not regulated under this chapter and therefore do not require a permit. All other signs are either prohibited or require a permit.

(b) One portable sign per residential dwelling unit may be displayed in the residential zone between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

(3) Signs Allowed with a Permit. The following signs are allowed in the city’s residential zones so long as a permit is first obtained:

(a) One illuminated freestanding sign may be placed at each street entrance to a subdivision, neighborhood, apartment or condominium complex; provided, that it is not larger than 32 square feet in area and not greater than five feet in height above the average grade at the sign. Such a sign shall not be located in the public right-of-way.

(b) Digital video displays and electronic reader boards are only allowed in residential districts subject to the following standards:

(i) Signs must be located on a property of at least 10 acres in size used as a public school or a private school licensed by the Washington State Board of Education. Only one sign is permitted per property;

(ii) The sign shall be turned off from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. seven days a week;

(iii) Electronic reader boards and digital video displays must be integrated within a freestanding sign. Display size for digital video displays and electronic reader boards is limited to 16 square feet per face on each of two opposing faces (32 square feet total) within a total freestanding sign area of 32 square feet per face (64 square feet total);

(iv) The sign must be located at least 150 feet from the nearest existing residence at the time of permit issuance;

(v) The sign must meet the general requirements for electronic reader board and digital video display signs located in LCMC 8.60.050 with the exception of size, hours of operation, and distance from the nearest existing residence;

(vi) Height is limited to five feet above the average finished grade.

(c) Other Signs. A single sign is permitted on one lot used for residential purposes provided the sign is not larger than six square feet in area, not higher than four feet above the average finished grade, and not placed in the public right-of-way.

(4) Prohibited Signs. Unless specifically allowed by the preceding subsections, illuminated signs or signs that are lighted from within or by an external light, excluding addresses or wall plaques less than two square feet, are prohibited in the city’s residential zones. [Ord. 2021-11 § 3 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.070 Signs in the C-1 and C-3 zones.

(1) This section governs signs in the city’s C-1/C-3 (downtown commercial/cardroom overlay) zones. All signs in the C-1 and C-3 zones shall:

(a) Comply with the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs, unless otherwise allowed in this section.

(b) Use materials compatible with the facade materials.

(c) Avoid highly reflective materials and surfacing, limit the use of plastic, and employ painted wood or metal where reasonably feasible.

(d) Apply letter or painted signs to the building face where reasonably feasible.

(e) Use fonts which complement the period of the building’s architecture.

(f) Avoid corporate design standards which cannot be used as a justification for granting a variance to this chapter.

(g) If illuminated, the sign shall be externally illuminated by downward-facing light sources.

(h) Mounted so that the sign does not obscure significant architectural details.

(i) Comply with the La Center Downtown Design Plan and Guidelines.

(2) Sign Permits. Signs excluded in LCMC 8.60.020(1)(a) through (i), Exemptions, are not regulated under this chapter and therefore do not require a permit. All other signs are either prohibited or require a permit.

(3) Signs in the downtown commercial (C-1) and cardroom overlay (C-3) zones shall comply with the following additional requirements:

(a) Individual Business Signs. The following are the signs allowed for an individual business. A total sign area is allocated to each business and this maximum sign area can be distributed between allowed wall signs, freestanding signs, and projecting signs not to exceed the maximum individual sign area specified below. The total sign area allocated to each business shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of a primary frontage plus one-half square foot per linear foot of secondary frontage and frontage abutting a parking lot, with an allowed minimum of 24 square feet allocated to each business. See Figure 8.60.070(1) for an illustration of this calculation.

(i) Wall Sign. Maximum sign face area for an individual wall sign shall not exceed 24 feet. One wall sign may be placed on each business frontage. Two wall signs may be installed on the same frontage if they are separated by more than 200 feet. Wall signs shall not extend above a roof line.

(ii) Freestanding Sign. One freestanding sign is allowed for each business and may not exceed 32 square feet in sign area and five feet in height. One such sign is allowed per business license.

(iii) Projecting Sign. One projecting sign is allowed for each customer entrance. The sign area of a projecting sign shall not be larger than three square feet. The lowest portion of a projecting sign shall be no less than eight feet from ground level, project no more than six feet from the building face, and shall not extend above the roof line. The eight-foot height restriction does not apply to signs extending over private property.

(iv) Portable Signs. One portable sign is allowed per business license, and it may be displayed only during business hours.

(v) Directional Signs. Directional signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and three and one-half feet in height. One freestanding directional sign may be installed on each abutting street entrance to a parking lot or drive-through lane.

(vi) Electronic Reader Board and Digital Video Display. One electronic reader board or one digital video display is allowed per business consistent with the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs.

(vii) Window Displays. The total sign area of all window displays shall not exceed 40 percent of the window area.

(b) Street Banners. Street banners may be erected in or over the public right-of-way subject to first obtaining a city sign permit and compliance with all conditions attached to that permit.

(c) Business Complex Sign. A business complex sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in sign area and eight feet in height above finished grade. One business complex freestanding sign may be installed on each of a maximum of two different street frontages.

[Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.080 Signs in the JP (La Center junction planning district) zone.

(1) All signs in the JP zone shall comply with the requirements of this section and the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs, unless otherwise allowed in this section.

(2) Signs in the town center (TC), town general (TG) and town employment (TE) zones shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Individual Business Signs. The following are the signs allowed for an individual business. A total sign area is allocated to each business and this maximum sign area can be distributed between allowed wall signs, freestanding signs, and projecting signs not to exceed the maximum individual sign areas specified below. The total sign area allocated to each business shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of a primary frontage plus one-half square foot per linear foot of secondary frontage and frontage abutting a parking lot, with an allowable minimum of 36 square feet allocated to each business. See Figure 8.60.070(1) for an illustration of this calculation.

(i) Wall Sign. Maximum sign face area for an individual wall sign shall not exceed 36 square feet. One wall sign may be placed on each business frontage. Two wall signs may be installed on the same business frontage if they are separated by more than 200 feet. Wall signs shall not extend above a roof line.

(ii) Freestanding Sign. Freestanding signs in the TC, TG, and TE zones shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and five feet in height. One such sign is allowed per business license.

(iv) Window Displays. The total sign area of all window displays shall not exceed 40 percent of the window area.

(v) Portable Signs. One portable sign is allowed per licensed business and it may be displayed only during hours of operation.

(vi) Directional Signs. Directional signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and three and one-half feet in height. One freestanding directional sign may be installed on each abutting street entrance to a parking lot or drive-through lane.

(vii) Freeway-Facing Wall Sign. A freeway-facing wall sign is allowed on a building facade facing and visible from a freeway travel lane. Each business is allowed one freeway-facing wall sign face area equal to one and one-half square feet of sign face area per linear footage of freeway frontage. Each business is allowed a minimum sign face area of 54 square feet and the sign face area shall not exceed 250 square feet.

(b) Business Complex Sign. A business complex sign shall not exceed 150 square feet in area and 16 feet in height. One business complex freestanding sign may be installed on each of a maximum of two different street frontages.

(c) Freeway Business Complex Sign. The sole purpose of this sign is to be visible from the freeway. A freeway business complex sign shall not exceed 250 square feet in area and 25 feet in height. One sign is allowed per business complex. A freeway business complex sign shall be located within 150 feet of the freeway right-of-way and greater than 500 feet north or south of the centerline of La Center Road.

(d) Electronic reader boards and digital video displays are allowed and shall comply with the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs.

(e) Street Banners. Street banners may be erected in or over the public right-of-way subject to first obtaining a city sign permit and compliance with all conditions attached to that permit.

(3) Signs in the town residential mixed-use (TRx) zone shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Individual Business Signs. The following are the signs allowed for an individual business. A total sign area is allocated to each business and this maximum sign area can be distributed between allowed wall signs, freestanding signs, and projecting signs not to exceed the maximum individual sign area specified below. The total sign area allocated to each business shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of a primary frontage plus one-half square foot per linear foot of secondary frontage and frontage abutting a parking lot, with an allowable minimum of 36 square feet allocated to each business. See Figure 8.60.070(1) for an illustration of this calculation.

(ii) Freestanding Sign. Freestanding signs in the TRx zone shall not exceed 20 square feet in sign area and five feet in height. One such sign is allowed per business license.

(iv) Portable Sign. One portable sign is allowed per licensed business and it may be displayed only during hours of business operation.

(v) Directional Signs. Directional signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and three and one-half feet in height. One directional sign may be installed on each abutting street entrance to a parking lot or drive-through lane.

(vi) Window Displays. The total sign area of all window displays shall not exceed 40 percent of the window area.

(b) Business Complex Sign. A business complex sign shall not exceed 120 square feet in sign area and 12 feet in height. One business complex freestanding sign may be installed on each of a maximum of two different street frontages.

(c) Electronic Reader Board and Digital Video Display. One electronic reader board is allowed per business consistent with the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs. Digital video boards are prohibited. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.090 Signs in the MX (mixed-use) zone.

(1) All signs in the MX zones shall comply with the requirements of this section and the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs, unless otherwise allowed in this section.

(2) Signs in the MX zone shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Individual Business Signs. The following are the signs allowed for an individual business. A total sign area is allocated to each business and this maximum sign area can be distributed between allowed wall signs, freestanding signs, and projecting signs not to exceed the maximum individual sign areas specified below. The total sign area allocated to each business shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of a primary frontage plus one-half square foot per linear foot of secondary frontage and frontage abutting an internal parking lot. Each business is allowed a minimum of 24 square feet per business. See Figure 8.60.070(1) for an illustration of this calculation.

(i) Wall Sign. Maximum sign face area for an individual wall sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. One wall sign may be placed on each business frontage. Two wall signs may be installed on the same frontage if they are separated by more than 200 feet. Wall signs shall not extend above a roof line.

(ii) Freestanding Sign. Freestanding signs in the MX zone shall not exceed 20 square feet in sign area and five feet in height. One such sign is allowed per business license.

(iii) Projecting Sign. One projecting sign is allowed for each customer entrance. The sign area of a projecting sign shall not be larger than three square feet. The lowest portion of a projecting sign shall be no less than eight feet from ground level, project no more than six feet from the building face, and shall not project above the roof line. The eight-foot height restriction does not apply to signs extending over private property.

(iv) Portable Sign. One portable sign is allowed per licensed business and it may be displayed only during hours of business operation.

(v) Window Signs. The total sign area of all window displays shall not exceed 40 percent of the window area.

(vi) Directional Signs. Directional signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and three and one-half feet in height. One directional sign may be installed on each abutting street entrance to a parking lot or drive-through lane.

(b) Business Complex Sign. A business complex sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in sign area and eight feet in height. One business complex freestanding sign may be installed on each of a maximum of two different street frontages.

(c) Electronic Reader Board and Digital Video Display. One electronic reader board sign is allowed per business consistent with the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs. Digital video displays are prohibited. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.100 Signs in the RP (residential professional) zone.

(1) All signs in the RP zones shall comply with the requirements of this section and the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs, unless otherwise allowed in this section.

(2) Residential uses are subject to compliance with LCMC 8.60.060, Signs in residential zones.

(3) Office or retail uses permitted in the RP zone are subject to compliance with LCMC 8.60.070, Signs in the C-1 and C-3 zones. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.110 Signs in the UP (urban public) zone.

(1) All signs in the UP zone shall comply with the requirements of this section and the requirements of LCMC 8.60.050, General requirements applicable to all signs, unless otherwise allowed in this section.

(2) Total sign coverage allocated to each public entity shall not exceed one square foot per one linear foot of building frontage, per abutting street frontage, with an allowable minimum of 36 square feet and a maximum of 120 square feet per public entity. The maximum sign area may be distributed among any of the following signs:

(a) Wall Sign. Maximum sign face area for an individual wall sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. Wall signs shall not extend above a roof line.

(b) Freestanding Sign. Freestanding signs in the UP zone shall not exceed five feet in height and 32 square feet in area. One such sign is allowed per public entity. Wall signs shall not extend above a roof line.

(c) Projecting Sign. One projecting sign is allowed for each customer entrance. The sign area of a projecting sign shall not be larger than three square feet. The lowest portion of a projecting sign shall be no less than eight feet from ground level, project no more than six feet from the building face, and shall not project above the roof line. The eight-foot height restriction does not apply to signs extending over private property.

(d) Business Complex Sign. A business complex sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in area and eight feet in height. One complex sign may be installed on any one street frontage.

(e) Directional Signs. Directional signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and three and one-half feet in height. One directional sign may be installed on each abutting street entrance to a parking lot or drive-through lane.

(3) One scoreboard is allowed for each athletic field. A scoreboard shall not exceed 350 square feet.

(4) Electronic reader boards and digital video displays are allowed in the urban public zone if they are owned and operated by a public agency. Private electronic reader boards or digital video displays are not allowed in the urban public zone.

(5) Portable Signs. Portable signs are allowed in the urban public zone and may be displayed only during the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.120 Implementation of this sign code.

All signs lawfully established and existing on the date the ordinance codified in this chapter is adopted shall be allowed to continue in their then-existing condition provided they are maintained in a good state of repair, are safe, and do not change or expand. Any such preexisting sign that is subsequently damaged or destroyed by fire, storm, theft, vehicle collision or some similar cause beyond the control of the owner may be repaired or replaced as it existed prior to the damage or destruction so long as the replacement is completed within one year of when the damage or destruction occurred. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.130 Conflict and severability.

In the event any provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any zoning, building, fire safety, health or other code provision of the city, the provision that establishes the higher, stricter or more specific standard shall prevail. A finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that any portion of this chapter is invalid shall not invalidate the remaining portions. A permit issued pursuant to this chapter does not grant any authority to violate any other law or regulation that may apply. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.140 Enforcement, violation and penalty.

The city may, without notice, remove any prohibited sign, including signs for which a permit is required but do not have one and signs which are abandoned or obsolete. In addition to any other provisions of the LCMC, it is unlawful for any person or entity to erect, maintain or display a sign in violation of this chapter or to have such a sign on their property. All violations of this chapter are deemed to be a nuisance and subject to civil enforcement under Chapter 2.15 LCMC, Code Enforcement. Signs found to be erected, maintained or displayed in violation of this chapter may be removed by the city and the property and sign owner may be subject to enforcement and possible fines and other penalties. Abandoned signs are subject to code enforcement action as prescribed in Chapter 2.15 LCMC, Code Enforcement. [Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

8.60.150 Definitions.

The following definitions shall control the interpretation of this chapter:

“Abandoned sign” means a sign, the face of which has been intentionally or unintentionally removed or is broken and is not refaced within 180 days after the city is notified of an abandoned sign. Abandoned signs shall also include signs with rusted, faded, peeled, cracked or otherwise deteriorated materials or finishes.

“Alter” including “alteration” or “altered sign” means change the copy, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction or supporting structure of a sign, not including ordinary maintenance.

Area. See “sign area.”

“Banner” means a sign made of cloth, canvas, plastic film or some similarly flexible material without a rigid frame or surface. Banners include signs over the street or on poles along the right-of-way.

“Billboard” means any sign with a sign area greater than 250 square feet. A scoreboard is not a billboard.

“Business complex sign” means a sign which is designed to identify a business complex where no single business identification and/or advertisement occupies more than 50 percent of the sign area.

“Canopy sign” means letters, figures, trademarks, and/or logos displayed on the vertical face of a canopy or awning.

“Copy” means the text, letters, numbers, symbols and any other sort of graphical expressive content.

“Daylight hours” means one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset.

“Department” means La Center department of public works.

“Digital video display” means a display board providing electronic, programmable outdoor advertising using an LCD display, plasma display, or similar device.

“Directional sign” is any sign within or adjacent to a right-of-way used primarily to give information about wayfinding of locations or destination.

“Director” means the public works director or assignee.

“Discontinued” means to cease doing or providing an intended function, intentionally or unintentionally.

“Electronic reader board” means any sign whose alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered on a fixed display surface composed of electronically illuminated changeable segments.

“Erect” or “erected” means to construct, build, assemble, alter, or otherwise place a sign at the location where it is to be used.

“Feather sign” means a vertical portable sign that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into the ground for support or supported by means of an individual stand.

“Flag” means a flat piece of pliable material with distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, having one end of the cloth attached to a vertical staff (directly or by rope and pulley mechanism) and all other ends free-flowing under natural movement of wind.

“Freestanding sign” means a sign and its support pole or base standing directly on the ground that is independent from any building or other structure.

Freeway Frontage. See “frontage, freeway.”

“Frontage” means the boundary between a single parcel and the public right-of-way. For purposes of this sign code, where a property abuts only one right-of-way, it has only one “frontage.” Where a property is a corner lot or otherwise abuts more than one right-of-way, it has two or more frontages.

“Frontage, freeway” means the building facade along the length of an area occupied by a business that is visible from a freeway travel lane.

“Frontage, primary” means the building facade along the length of an area occupied by a business facing a public right-of-way with a public entrance facing the public right-of-way. A business can only have one primary frontage. Excludes the portion of facades abutting an alleyway.

“Frontage, secondary” means the building facade along the length of an area occupied by a business facing a public right-of-way that is not classified as a primary frontage. If a business has frontages facing multiple public rights-of-way, one frontage is selected as the primary frontage and the remaining frontages are classified as secondary frontages. Excludes the portion of facades abutting an alleyway.

“Government sign” means signs installed, erected, maintained or required by the city, county, or a federal or state governmental agency.

“Height” of sign means the overall height of the sign above the average grade directly below or at the base of the sign.

“Incidental sign” means a small wall- or window-mounted sign (two square feet or smaller).

“Inflatable sign” means any object enlarged or inflated which floats, is tethered in the air, is activated by air or moving gas, or is located on the ground or on a building with or without copy or other graphic.

J, K, L

“Monument sign” means any freestanding sign meeting the configuration and dimensional requirements specified in Figure 8.60.050(1).

“Nighttime hours” means one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.

“Pedestal sign, single or dual” means any freestanding sign meeting the configuration and dimensional requirements specified in Figures 8.60.050(2) and (3), respectively.

“Permanent sign” means a sign constructed of weather-resistant material and intended for permanent use and that does not otherwise meet the definition of “temporary sign.” Wall-mounted sign holders designed for insertion of signs and posters shall be considered permanent signage and subject to all standards of this chapter.

“Pole sign” means a freestanding sign where the support structure does not meet the minimum base width requirements of single or dual pedestal signs specified in Figures 8.60.050(2) and (3).

“Portable sign” means a freestanding sign that is readily movable and not permanently affixed to the ground, including A-frame or sandwich board signs, pole signs mounted on weighted bases, and similar signs that are used on more than a temporary basis.

Primary Frontage. See “frontage, primary.”

“Projecting sign” means a pedestrian-oriented sign erected perpendicular to the vertical surface of the building. Projecting signs include signs projecting directly from walls, or signs hanging from porch ceilings, canopies, awnings, or other support structures.

“Public agency” means: (a) any state board, commission, committee, department, educational institution, or other state agency which is created by or pursuant to statute, other than courts and the legislature; (b) any county, city, school district, special purpose district, or other municipal corporation or political subdivision of the state of Washington; or (c) any subagency of a public agency which is created by or pursuant to statute, ordinance, or other legislative act, including but not limited to planning commissions, library or park boards, commissions, and agencies.

“Pylon sign, single or dual” means any freestanding sign meeting the configuration and dimensional requirements specified in Figures 8.60.050(4) and (5), respectively.

“Responsible person” or “person responsible for a sign” is the person or party responsible for the content and/or erection and distribution of a sign whose contact information is identified on the sign.

“Scoreboard” means a freestanding sign or a wall sign located at a school athletic field to display schedules, scores, statistics and similar athletic event information.

Secondary Frontage. See “frontage, secondary.”

“Sign” means letters, figures, symbols, trademarks, or logos, with or without illumination, intended to identify any place, subject, person, firm, business, product, article, merchandise or point of sale. A sign also includes balloons attached to sign structures, products, streamers, spinners, pennants, flags, inflatables or similar devices intended to attract attention to a site or business, as well as architectural or structural forms, illuminated panels, spandrels, awnings and other structural or architectural features not common to classic vernacular or noncorporate regional architecture and that are intended to convey a brand, message or otherwise advertise a location or product, whether or not such features include text or graphics and whether or not they serve other practical purposes such as lighting, covering or enclosure of persons or products. A sign includes any device which streams, televises or otherwise conveys electronic visual messages, pictures, videos or images, with or without sound or odors.

“Sign area” and “sign face area” mean the entire area of a sign on which text, graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks and/or logos are placed, excluding structure, architectural embellishments and framework. Sign area is calculated as the area of the smallest rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, or circle enclosing the extreme limits of the sign face that includes text, graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks and/or logos. The area of a sign that has two faces shall be the area of the single largest sign face.

“Sign face” means the total of display surface area visible from one side of a sign.

“Temporary sign” (which may include special event sign) means any sign that is used temporarily and is not permanently mounted, painted or otherwise affixed, excluding portable signs as defined by this chapter, including any poster, banner, placard, stake sign or sign not placed in the ground with concrete or other means to provide permanent support, stability and rot prevention.

U, V

“Wall sign” means a sign attached to, hung upon, or painted on an exterior wall.

“Window area” means the total area of all glazing, to include but not limited to windows and doors, on a single facade.

“Window display” means all signs, including incidental signs, placed either on the inside or outside of a window area that are visible from public right-of-way with sign elements that are either opaque or translucent.

X, Y, Z

[Ord. 2018-06 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]

Underlined words are defined at the end of this chapter.