Chapter 15.34
SIGN CODE
Sections:
15.34.080 Specific sign requirements.
15.34.090 Signs for development complexes.
15.34.010 Purpose.
The intent of this chapter is to promote public health, safety, and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements, including the following purposes:
A. Promote the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan;
B. Promote economic vitality of the city’s business districts and corridors;
C. Ensure that signs are compatible with the desired character and identity of Ocean Shores and its various districts and corridors;
D. To recognize free speech rights by regulating signs in a content-neutral manner;
E. To promote the free flow of traffic and protect pedestrians and motorists from injury and property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting, and/or illegible signage;
F. To prevent property damage, personal injury, and litter from signs which are improperly constructed, poorly maintained, or of flimsy materials;
G. To protect property values, the local economy, and the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape;
H. To provide consistent sign design standards;
I. To promote signs that are designed appropriate to the site’s existing and planned context, including the size and characteristics of the site, the speed limit of the fronting street, and the envisioned character of the applicable area per adopted plans;
J. To provide an improved visual environment for the citizens of and visitors to the city and to protect prominent viewsheds within the community; and
K. To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations. (Ord. 960 § 1, 2015: Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.020 Definitions.
The following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein:
“A-frame sign” means a portable two-faced, A-frame or sandwich board style sign which is readily moveable and has no permanent attachment to a building structure or ground not to exceed ten square feet per side.
“Abandoned sign” means a sign structure that has ceased to be used and the owner intends no longer to have use for the display of sign copy, or as otherwise defined by state law.
“Animated sign” means a sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion. Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as defined and regulated by this code, include the following types:
Electrically Activated. Animated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical or electro-mechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below:
1. Flashing. Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination. For the purposes of this chapter, “flashing” will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds four seconds.
2. Patterned Illusionary Movement. Animated signs or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patters designed to appear in some form of constant motion.
Environmentally Activated. Animated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input. Includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings, and/or other devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.
Mechanically Activated. Animated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.
“Architectural projection” means any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but that does not include signs as defined herein. See also “awning”; “backlit awning”; “canopy (attached)” and “canopy (freestanding).”
“Awning” means an architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
“Awning sign” means a sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning. See also “wall or fascia sign.”
“Backlit awning” means an awning with a translucent covering material and a source of illumination contained within its framework.
“Banner” means a flexible substrate on which copy or graphics may be displayed.
“Banner sign” means a sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.
Billboard. See “off-premises sign” and “outdoor advertising sign.”
“Building elevation” means the entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline, as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.
“Canopy (attached)” means a multisided overhead structure or architectural projection supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See also “marquee.”
“Canopy (freestanding)” means a multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and/or soffit of a freestanding canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.
“Canopy sign” means a sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy. For reference, see Section 15.34.030.
“Central downtown area” means that portion of the city of Ocean Shores abutting both sides of Point Brown Avenue from the city gates to Albatross Street, and Ocean Shores Boulevard NW from Point Brown Avenue to Frigate Street NE, and the area in between, and that portion of the city abutting East Chance a la Mer NE from Point Brown Avenue to Dolphin Avenue NE, and abutting J.K. Lewis Street NE from Point Brown Avenue to Dolphin Avenue NE.
“Changeable sign” means a sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs which are:
Electronically Activated. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light sources designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also “Electronic message sign or center.”
Manually Activated. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually.
“Combination sign” means a sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a building structure.
“Community event sign” means a temporary sign or banner advertising a community event, including (A) events as permitted under Chapter 5.24, Special Events, (B) events conducted pursuant to a contract with the Ocean Shores convention center and held entirely within the confines of the Ocean Shores convention center, and (C) public, service club, school, or charitable events conducted by nonprofit organizations at non-city-owned venues within the city of Ocean Shores, not including advertising for private or commercial purposes.
“Copy” means those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals identifying a street address only.
“Development complex sign” means a freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord, approved in accordance with Section 15.34.090(B).
“Directional sign” means any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
“Double-faced sign” means a sign with two faces, back to back.
“Electric sign” means any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical energy.
“Electronic message sign or center” means an electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message capability can be electronically programmed.
“Exterior sign” means any sign placed outside a building.
Fascia Sign. See “wall or fascia sign.”
Flashing Sign. See “animated sign, electrically activated.”
“Freestanding sign” means a sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground. For visual reference, see Section 15.34.030.
“Frontage (building)” means the length of an exterior building wall or structure of a single premises oriented to the public way or other properties that it faces.
“Frontage (property)” means the length of the property line(s) of any single premises along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.
Ground Sign. See “freestanding sign.”
“Illuminated sign” means a sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated) or reflecting off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).
“Interior sign” means any sign placed within a building, but not including “window signs” as defined by this chapter. Interior signs, with the exception of window signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.
“Mansard” means an inclined decorative roof-like projection that is attached to an exterior building facade.
Marquee. See “canopy (attached).”
Marquee Sign. See “canopy sign.”
“Menu board” means a freestanding sign orientated to the drive-through lane for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the drive-through window, and which has no more than twenty percent of the total area for such a sign utilized for business identification.
“Multiple-faced sign” means a sign containing three or more faces.
“Off-premises sign” means any sign which carries advertising for a business or occupancy and is not located on the premises of the business or occupancy.
“On-premises sign” means a sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.
“Outdoor advertising sign” means a permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.
“Parapet” means the extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.
Pole Sign. See “freestanding sign.”
“Political sign” means a sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, or a political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot and shall include a temporary sign intended to advance a political statement or cause. A legally permitted outdoor advertising sign shall not be considered to be a political sign.
“Portable sign” means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building or building surface.
“Premises” means:
1. In real estate, land and the improvements on it, a building, store, shop, apartment, or other designated structure.
2. A house or building, together with its land and outbuildings, occupied by a business or considered in an official context.
3. A tract of land with the buildings thereon.
4. Integrated land area including improvements thereon undivided by public thoroughfares or water distribution mains of the city of Ocean Shores and where all parts of the premises are operated under the same management and for the same purpose.
“Projecting sign” means a sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects more than eighteen inches (four hundred fifty-seven millimeters) from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign. For visual reference, see Section 15.34.030.
“Real estate sign” means a temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of the property or premises upon which it is located.
“Revolving sign” means a sign that revolves three hundred sixty degrees (6.28 radians) about an axis. See also “animated sign, mechanically activated.”
“Roof line” means the top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
“Roof sign” means a sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs. For a visual reference, and a comparison of differences between roof and fascia signs, see Section 15.34.030.
“Sign” means any device visible from a public place that displays either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be considered to be signs.
“Sign area” means the area of the smallest geometric figures, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprise the sign face. The area of any double-sided or “V” shaped sign shall be the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided signs shall be computed as fifty percent of the sum of the area of all faces of the sign.
“Sign copy” means those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of numerals identifying a street address only.
“Sign face” means the surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a district delineation, such as a reveal or border. See Section 15.34.030.
1. In the case of panel or cabinet type signs, the sign face shall include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open space between separate panels or cabinets.
2. In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy, the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border, or a contrasting surface or color.
3. In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building or structure.
4. In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the area within the contrasting background, or within the painted or illuminated border.
“Sign structure” means any structure supporting a sign.
“Temporary sign” means a sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground are considered temporary signs.
“Under canopy sign” or “under marquee sign” means a sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.
“V sign” means a sign containing two faces of approximately equal size, erected upon common or separate structures, positioned in a “V” shape with an interior angle between faces of not more than ninety degrees (1.57 radians) with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (one thousand five hundred twenty-four millimeters) at their closest point.
“Wall or fascia sign” means a sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than eighteen inches (four hundred fifty-seven millimeters) from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed. For a visual reference and a comparison of differences between wall or fascia signs and roof signs, see Section 15.34.030.
“Window sign” means a sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from adjacent property. (Ord. 963 § 1, 2015; Ord. 960 § 2, 2015; Ord. 878 § 1 (part), 2010; Ord. 849 § 1, 2008; Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.030 General sign types.
Sign types shall be as depicted in Figures 15.34.030(1) through 15.34.030(4).
Figure 15.34.030(1)
GENERAL SIGN TYPES
Figure 15.34.030(2)
COMPARISON—ROOF AND WALL OR FASCIA SIGNS
Figure 15.34.030(3)
SIGN AREA—COMPUTATION METHODOLOGY
Figure 15.34.030(4)
SIGN AREA—COMPUTATION METHODOLOGY
(Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.035 Applicability.
A. Applicability. This chapter applies to all signs, of whatever nature and wherever located, within the city.
B. Interpretation. This chapter is not intended to and does not restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. Any classification of signs in this chapter that permits speech by reason of the type of sign, identity of the sign user, or otherwise, shall also be interpreted to allow noncommercial speech on the sign. No part of this chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech. To the extent any provision of this chapter is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate on the basis of the content of the message.
C. Exemptions. The following signs do not require a sign permit (unless noted), nor shall the area and number of such signs be included in the area and number of signs permitted for any site or use. This shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance and its compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any other law or ordinance:
1. The flag, emblem or insignia of a nation or other governmental unit or nonprofit organization subject to the guidelines concerning their use set forth by the government or organization which they represent. Flag poles require a building permit for structural review and are limited to the maximum height restrictions of the underlying zoning district.
2. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, stained glass windows and dates of erection when cut into the surface or the facade of the building or when projecting not more than two inches.
3. Traffic or other municipal signs, signs required by law or emergency, railroad crossing signs, legal notices, and any temporary, or nonadvertising signs as are authorized under policy approved by the city council.
4. Signs of public utility companies indicating danger or which serve as an aid to public safety or which show the location of underground facilities or of public telephones.
5. Flush mounted wall signs, used to identify the name and address of the occupant for each dwelling, provided the sign does not exceed two square feet in sign area.
6. Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, which signs are designed and located to be viewed exclusively by patrons of such use or uses.
7. Decorations or such signs in the nature of a decoration, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday.
8. Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertising copy of message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made.
9. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics and design features which do not incorporate advertising or identification.
10. “No trespassing,” “no dumping,” “no parking,” “private,” signs identifying essential public needs (i.e., restrooms, entrance, exit, telephone, etc.) and other informational warning signs, which shall not exceed three square feet in surface area.
11. Directional signs erected by the city on arterial streets directing the public to public, civic, or nonprofit facilities. Such signs shall be erected at the discretion of the director of public works and shall be subject to city design guidelines. In addition, the city may allow the erection of directional signs as are necessary to designate commercial areas or significant tourist sites within the city, consistent with the city’s wayfinding program.
12. Kiosks and other related informational signs that are placed along internal walkways that are designed specifically to be viewed by pedestrians and not intended to function as advertising to motorists on nearby public streets.
13. Real Estate. One temporary real estate sign located on the premises for sale, lease or rent, not to exceed four square feet; provided, that it is removed within seven days after closing, lease or rent of the premises or expiration of the listing. Properties which abut to city waterways or the city golf course may place one additional temporary real estate sign along the side of the property facing such waterways or golf course:
a. The outside of sign may have one rider added to it no larger than six inches by twenty-four inches.
b. Up to two additional riders may be placed in a window not to exceed six inches by twenty-four inches each.
c. The furthest protruding edge of a real estate sign must be at least five feet back from any property line or utility easement or corridor. The sign may be no taller than six feet above the ground on which it is mounted.
d. Real estate signs may not be hung from or on trees or any other natural vegetation.
e. Temporary, off-premises real estate directional signs, not to exceed four square feet, denoting an open house; provided, that the signs are displayed only during those hours the open house is taking place. Signs announcing an open house or like sale are allowed on city right-of-way, out of the mow strip zone. Signs may not be placed in any median, on any city signpost or utility pole. Signs may not be placed on private property without the owner’s permission.
(Ord. 960 § 3, 2015)
15.34.040 General provisions.
A. Conformance to Codes. Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the International Building Code and of any other ordinance or regulation within this jurisdiction.
B. Signs in Right-of-Way. No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within two feet (six hundred ten millimeters) of the lines of any street, or within any public way, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of this jurisdiction or by specific authorization of the code official.
C. Projections Over Public Ways. Signs projecting over public walkways shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height of eight feet (two thousand four hundred thirty-eight millimeters) from grade level to the bottom of the sign. Signs, architectural projections or sign structures projecting over vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the jurisdiction for such structures.
D. Traffic Visibility. No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, shape or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
E. Computation of Frontage. If a premises contains walls facing more than one property line or encompasses property frontage bounded by more than one street or other property usages, the sign area(s) for each building wall or property frontage will be computed separately for each building wall or property line facing a different frontage. The sign area(s) thus calculated shall be permitted to then be applied to permitted signs placed on each separate wall or property line frontage.
F. Animation and Changeable Messages. Animated signs, except as prohibited in Section 15.34.060, are permitted in commercial and industrial zones only. Changeable signs, manually activated, are permitted for nonresidential uses in all zones. Changeable signs, electrically activated, are permitted in all nonresidential zones.
G. Maintenance, Repairs and Removal. Every sign permitted in this chapter shall be kept in good condition and repair. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the code official, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner thereof or the person or firm using same shall, upon written notice by the code official forthwith in the case of immediate danger, and in any case within not more than ten days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter, or shall remove it. If within ten days the order is not complied with, the code official shall be permitted to remove or cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user of the sign.
H. Obsolete Sign Copy. Any sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies a use conducted on the property on which said sign is erected must have the sign copy covered or removed within thirty days after written notification from the code official; and upon failure to comply with such notice, the code official is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign copy, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or ground on which the sign is located.
I. Nonconforming Signs. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations of the zone in which such sign is located shall be considered a legal nonconforming use or structure and shall be permitted to continue in such status for thirty-six months from the time of passage or until such time as it is either abandoned or removed by its owner, subject to the following limitations:
1. Structural alterations, enlargement or re-erection are permissible only where such alterations will not increase the degree of nonconformity of the signs.
2. Any legal nonconforming sign shall be removed or rebuilt without increasing the existing height or area if it is damaged, or removed if allowed to deteriorate to the extent that the cost of repair or restoration exceeds fifty percent of the replacement cost of the sign as determined by the code official.
3. Signs that comply with either subsection (I)(1) or (2) of this section need not be permitted.
(Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.060 Prohibited signs.
A. Except where specifically authorized by this chapter, signs are prohibited in the locations set forth below. Prohibited signs are subject to removal by the city at the owner’s or user’s expense.
B. Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
C. Except as provided for elsewhere in this code, signs encroaching upon or overhanging public right-of-way. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street, tree or any other public facility located within the public right-of-way without written permission.
D. Signs which blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance.
E. Portable signs except as allowed for temporary signs.
F. Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, except for signs meeting the following conditions:
1. The primary purpose of such a vehicle or trailer is not the display of signs.
2. The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer, and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.
3. The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively used or available for use in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate.
G. Vehicles and trailers are not to be used primarily as static displays, advertising a product or service, not utilized as storage, shelter or distribution points for commercial products or services for the general public.
H. Balloons, streamers or pinwheels except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion or community event. For the purposes of this subsection, “temporarily” means from May 19th through September 15th.
I. Off-premises signs, except as otherwise specifically allowed under this code.
(Ord. 960 § 5, 2015: Ord. 849 § 2, 2008; Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.070 Permits.
A. Permits Required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be obtained from the code official for the erection and maintenance of all signs erected or maintained within this jurisdiction and in accordance with other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all the other provisions of this chapter.
B. Construction Documents. Before any permits are granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure requiring such permit, construction documents shall be filed with the code official showing the dimensions, materials and required details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the International Building Code.
C. Changes to Signs. No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged or relocated except in conformity to the provisions herein, nor until a proper permit, if required, has been secured. The changing or maintenance of movable parts or components of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the changing of copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter, or the content of any sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration.
D. Permit Fees. Permit fees to erect, alter or relocate a sign shall be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted within this jurisdiction.
(Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.080 Specific sign requirements.
A. Identification Signs. Identification signs shall be in accordance with subsections (A)(1) through (3) of this section.
1. Wall Signs. See Table 15.34.080 (A)(1). Every single-family residence, multiple-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every separate nonresidential building in a residential zone may display wall signs per street frontage subject to the limiting standards set forth in Table 15.34.080(A)(1). For shopping centers, planned industrial parks or other multiple-occupancy nonresidential buildings, the building face or wall shall be calculated separately for each separate occupancy, but in no event will the allowed area for any separate occupancy be less than six square feet.
|
LAND USE |
AGGREGATE AREA (square feet) |
|---|---|
|
Single-family residential |
2 square feet |
|
Multiple-family residential |
40 square feet |
|
Nonresidential in a residential zone |
4 square feet |
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2
2. Freestanding Signs. See Table 15.34.080(A)(2). In addition to any allowable wall signs, every single-family residential subdivision, multiple-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every separate nonresidential building in a residential zone shall be permitted to display freestanding or combination signs per street frontage consistent with applicable approved regulations.
|
LAND USE |
NUMBER OF SIGNS |
HEIGHT (feet) |
AREA (square feet) |
SPACING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Single-family residential |
1 |
6 feet |
32 square feet |
1 per subdivision entrance |
|
Multiple-family residential |
1 |
6 feet |
32 square feet |
1 per driveway |
|
Commercial and industrial |
1 |
See applicable section |
One and one-half square feet of sign for each linear foot of the wall(s) containing the main public entrance of the building or 50 square feet, whichever is greater |
150b |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 acre = 4,047 m2
a. For subdivision or apartment identification signs placed on a decorative entry wall approved by the code official. Two identification signs shall be permitted to be placed at each entrance to the subdivision or apartment complex, one on each side of the driveway or entry drive.
b. For shopping centers or planned industrial parks, two monument-style freestanding signs not exceeding fifty percent each of the permitted height and area, and spaced not closer than one hundred feet to any other freestanding identification sign, shall be permitted to be allowed in lieu of any freestanding sign otherwise permitted in Table 15.34.080(A)(2).
c. For any commercial or industrial development complex exceeding one million square feet of gross leasable area, or forty acres in size, such as regional shopping centers, auto malls or planned industrial parks, one freestanding sign per street front shall be permitted to be increased in sign area by up to fifty percent.
3. Directional Signs. No more than two directional signs shall be permitted per street entrance to any lot. There shall be no limit to the number of directional signs providing directional information interior to a lot. In residential zones, the maximum area for directional signs shall be two square feet. For all other zones, the maximum area for any directional sign visible from adjacent property or right-of-way shall be three square feet. Not more than twenty-five percent of the area of any directional sign shall be permitted to be devoted to business identification or logo, which area shall not be assessed as identification sign area.
B. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall be in accordance with subsections (B)(1) through (7) of this section.
1. Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs shall be removed no later than seven days after execution of a lease agreement in the event of a lease, or the closing of the sale in the event of a purchase.
2. Development and Construction Signs. Signs temporarily erected during construction to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects, engineers, the nature of the project or anticipated completion dates shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
a. Such signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than four feet in height and eight square feet in area.
b. Such signs for a residential subdivision or multiple residential lots shall be limited to one sign, at each entrance to the subdivision or on one of the lots to be built upon, and shall be no greater than six feet in height and thirty-two square feet in area.
c. Such signs for nonresidential uses in residential districts shall be limited to one sign, and shall be no greater than six feet in height and thirty-two square feet in area.
d. Such signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited to one sign per street front, not to exceed eight feet in height and forty-eight square feet.
e. Development and construction signs may not be displayed until after the issuance of construction permits by the building official, and must be removed not later than twenty-four hours following issuance of an occupancy permit for any or all portions of the project.
3. Promotion, Event and Grand Opening Signs. Signs temporarily displayed to advertise promotions, events and grand openings shall be permitted only for all commercial and industrial districts subject to the following limitations:
a. Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.
b. Such signs may be displayed for not more than thirty consecutive days in any three-month period, and not more than sixty days in any calendar year. The signs shall be erected no more than five days prior to the event or grand opening, and shall be removed not more than one day after the event or grand opening.
c. The total area of all such signs shall not exceed sixty-four square feet in any commercial or industrial district.
4. Community Event Signs.
a. Private Property. Signs, not to exceed ten square feet, advertising a special community event may be placed upon private property with the owner’s permission. Such signs may be placed fourteen days prior to an event and must be removed within two days after the event.
b. Public Ways. Signs advertising a community event shall not be prohibited in or over public rights-of-way, subject to approval by the code official as to the size, location and method of erection. The code official may not approve any event signage that would impair the safety and convenience of use of public right-of-way or obstruct traffic visibility. Community event signs may be placed in the median on Point Brown Avenue NW on ten posts provided by the city for such purposes under the following conditions:
i. Sign lettering and graphics must be done in a professional manner, and approved by the code official prior to placement.
ii. Signs may be placed fourteen days prior to an event and must be removed within two days after an event.
iii. Priority for use of the signposts shall be in the order the requests to use the posts are received.
c. Placement of other event signs meeting the criteria of subsection (B)(4)(b) of this section may be placed on a case-by-case basis as approved by the code official. Approval or denial of the sign(s) shall be based on:
i. Whether or not the sign(s) meet the aesthetic intent of this chapter; and
ii. Safety considerations regarding the placement location(s).
iii. Signs may be placed fourteen days prior to an event and must be removed within two days after an event.
d. Banners may be placed in conjunction with a community event at locations designated by the city for such placement. Banners must be approved by the code official prior to placement.
5. Portable Signs. Portable signs shall be permitted only as designated in this code, subject to the following limitations:
a. No more than one such sign may be displayed on any property, and shall not exceed a height of four feet nor an area of ten square feet.
b. Such signs shall be displayed not more than twenty days in any calendar year.
c. Any electrical portable signs shall comply with the ICC Electrical Code, as adopted in this jurisdiction.
d. No portable sign shall be displayed prior to obtaining a sign permit.
6. Political Signs. Political signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
a. Such signs shall not exceed a height of five feet nor an area of six square feet.
b. Such signs must be removed seven days after the election in which the candidate or issue advertised on a sign has been determined. For a successful candidate in a primary election the sign may remain until the final election, but shall be removed within seven days after the election. The candidate or committee for which the sign is displayed shall be responsible for its removal and/or is subject to the penalties as provided in this code.
c. Such signs are allowed on city right-of-way, out of the mow strip zone. Signs may not be placed in any median, on any city signpost or utility pole. Signs may not be placed on private property without the owner’s permission and shall not obstruct traffic visibility.
7. Garage Sale or Other Like Sale Signs. Signs announcing a garage or like sale are allowed on city right-of-way, out of the mow strip zone, except in the central downtown area. Signs may not be placed in any median, on any city signpost or utility pole. Signs may not be placed on private property without the owner’s permission. Signs may only be placed one day prior to the event and then must be removed when the event is over, but in no case for longer than seventy-two hours. Garage sale signs must have the date posted, name of person in charge and the address of the person in charge on the sign.
C. Requirements for Specific Sign Types. Signs of specific type shall be in accordance with subsections (C)(1) through (7) of this section.
1. Canopy and Marquee Signs.
a. The permanent-affixed copy area of canopy or marquee signs shall not exceed an area equal to twenty-five percent of the face area of the canopy, marquee or architectural projection upon which such sign is affixed or applied.
b. Graphic striping, patterns or color bands on the face of a building, canopy, marquee or architectural projection shall not be included in the computation of sign area.
2. Awning Signs.
a. The copy area of awning signs shall not exceed an area equal to twenty-five percent of the background area of the awning or awning surface to which such a sign is affixed or applied, or the permitted area for wall or fascia signs, whichever is less.
b. Neither the background color of an awning, nor any graphic treatment or embellishment thereto such as striping, patterns or valances, shall be included in the computation of sign copy area.
3. Projecting Signs.
a. Projecting signs shall be permitted in lieu of freestanding signage on any street frontage limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance to such an occupancy per site shall be calculated at one and one-half square feet of sign for each linear foot of the wall(s) containing the main public entrance of the building of fifty square feet, whichever is greater. No such sign shall exceed the facade of the building.
b. No such sign shall extend vertically above the highest point of the building facade upon which it is mounted.
c. Such signs shall not extend over a public sidewalk.
4. Under Canopy Signs.
a. Under canopy signs shall be limited to no more than one such sign per public entrance to any occupancy, and shall be limited to an area not to exceed one and one-half square feet of sign for each linear foot of the wall(s) containing the main public entrance of the building or fifty square feet, whichever is greater.
b. Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any sidewalk or pedestrian way a minimum of sixteen feet.
5. Roof Signs.
a. Roof signs shall be permitted in commercial and industrial districts only.
b. Such signs shall not project above the roofline.
c. The sign area for roof signs shall be assessed against the aggregate permitted area for wall signs on the elevation of the building most closely parallel to the face of the sign.
6. Window Signs. Window signs shall be permitted for any nonresidential use in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial districts, subject to the following limitations:
a. The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the window area on which such signs are displayed. Window panels separated by muntins or mullions shall be considered as one continuous window area.
b. Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted for other sign types.
7. Menu Boards. Menu board signs shall not be permitted to exceed fifty square feet (4.6 m2).
(Ord. 960 §§ 6, 7, 2015; Ord. 878 § 1 (part), 2010; Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.090 Signs for development complexes.
A. Master Sign Plan Required. All landlord or single-owner controlled multiple-occupancy development complexes on parcels exceeding eight acres (thirty-two thousand three hundred seventy-six m2) in size, such as shopping centers or planned industrial parks, shall submit to the code official a master sign plan prior to issuance of new sign permits. The master sign plan shall establish standards and criteria for all signs in the complex that require permits, and shall address, at a minimum, the following:
1. Proposed sign locations.
2. Materials.
3. Type of illumination.
4. Design of freestanding sign structures.
5. Size.
6. Quantity.
7. Uniform standards for nonbusiness signage, including directional and informational signs.
B. Development Complex Sign. In addition to the freestanding business identification signs otherwise allowed by this chapter, every multiple-occupancy development complex shall be entitled to one freestanding sign per street front, at the maximum size permitted for business identification freestanding signs, to identify the development complex. No business identification shall be permitted on a development complex sign. Any freestanding sign otherwise permitted under this chapter may identify the name of the development complex.
C. Compliance with Master Sign Plan. All applications for sign permits for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall comply with the master sign plan.
D. Amendments. Any amendments to a master sign plan must be signed and approved by the owner(s) within the development complex before such amendments will become effective.
(Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.110 Adoption.
Chapter 10 of the International Zoning Code, 2003 Edition, by the International Code Council is adopted as amended. (Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.120 Copies on file.
Not less than one copy of Chapter 10 of the International Zoning Code, 2003 Edition, by the International Code Council shall be on file for use and examination by the public in the office of the city clerk-treasurer. (Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)
15.34.130 Severability.
If any part or portion of this chapter is determined to be unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this chapter. (Ord. 823 § 2 (part), 2007)