Chapter 15.12 UNIFORM SIGN CODE

This chapter shall be known as the “Uniform Sign Code,” may be cited as such, and will be referred to in this chapter as “this chapter.” (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 101, 1976)

The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare and to provide a means to maintain a quality appearance within business districts by ensuring that the signs are complementary to the architecture and scale of the immediate and neighboring structures to the maximum extent practical by regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification and maintenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 1, 2000; Ord. 499 § 102, 1976)

15.12.030 Interference with traffic signs and signals.

No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 102, 1976)

15.12.032 Appearance.

Electric signs shall be constructed and located in a manner that is complementary to the architecture and scale of the immediate and neighboring structures to the maximum extent practical. Illuminated signs shall not interfere with public safety by glare, wash and spill, conflict with traffic signs, or conflict with emergency fire and police services. Self-illuminated or self-lighted signs shall be reviewed by the historic preservation committee for consistency with historic guidelines adopted for the downtown business district. Prior to appointment of the historic preservation committee, self-illuminated or self-lighted signs shall be reviewed by the permit administrator for compliance with the goals of the comprehensive plan. Appeals of the historic preservation committee or the permit administrator are administrative determinations and shall be made to the board of adjustment. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 2, 2000)

15.12.034 Nonconforming signs.

A. Any sign lawfully existing under all codes and regulations prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter may be continued and maintained as a legal nonconforming sign; provided:

1. No sign shall be changed in any manner that increases its noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter;

2. If the sign is structurally altered or moved, its legal nonconforming status shall be void and the sign will be required to conform to the provisions of this chapter;

3. The sign is not hazardous or abandoned. Any abandoned sign is declared to be a danger to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Okanogan. Any sign that is partially or wholly obscured by the growth of dry vegetation or weeds, or by the presence of debris or litter, also presents a danger to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Okanogan.

B. Any signs such as those described in subsection A of this section are deemed to be a public nuisance. Any such sign shall be removed by the property owner within 10 days after notice from the permit administrator. Such notice shall provide an opportunity to appeal before the city council.

C. The burden of establishing a sign to be legally nonconforming under this section shall rest solely upon the person(s), firm, or corporation claiming legal status of said sign. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 3, 2000)

15.12.036 Destruction.

The right to maintain any sign shall terminate and cease to exist whenever:

A. The sign is damaged or destroyed beyond 50 percent. This determination shall rest with the building official and shall be based upon actual cost of replacing the sign;

B. The sign is structurally substandard to the extent that the sign becomes a hazard or danger to the public health, safety and welfare. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 4, 2000)

15.12.040 Other violations not permitted.

The regulations of this chapter are not intended to permit any violation of the provisions of any other lawful ordinance. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 102, 1976)

Article II. Definitions

15.12.050 Applicability.

For the purpose of this chapter, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 201, 1976)

15.12.060 Approved plastic materials.

“Approved plastic materials” shall be those which are in compliance with IBC Chapter 26 including referenced standards therein. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than those of untreated wood when burned under similar conditions. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 202, 1976)

15.12.070 Building official.

“Building official” is the officer or other person charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter or his duly authorized deputy. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 203, 1976)

15.12.080 Combination sign.

“Combination sign” is any sign incorporating any combination of the features of pole, projecting and roof signs. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 204, 1976)

15.12.090 Curbline.

“Curbline” means the line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway. In the absence of a curb, the curbline shall be established by the city engineer. (See OMC 15.12.140, Legal setback line.) (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 204, 1976)

15.12.100 Display surface.

“Display surface” means the area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the advertising message. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 205, 1976)

15.12.110 Electric sign.

“Electric sign” means any sign containing electrical wiring, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source. Self-lighted or self-illuminated signs shall be considered electric signs. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 5, 2000; Ord. 499 § 206, 1976)

15.12.120 Fin sign.

“Fin sign” means a sign which is supported wholly by a one-story building of an open-air business or by poles placed in the ground or partly by such a pole or poles and partly by a building or structure. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 207, 1976)

15.12.130 Ground sign.

“Ground sign” means a billboard or similar type of sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground other than a combination sign, fin sign or pole sign as defined by this chapter. Murals not attached or erected against a structure, building, or wall shall be considered ground signs in accordance with this chapter. Any mural placed upon the ground shall be reviewed and approved by the Mural Society in conjunction with the Okanogan planning commission for consistency with the comprehensive plan. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 5, 2000; Ord. 499 § 208, 1976)

15.12.135 International Building Code.*

“International Building Code” means the most current edition of the International Building Code, published by the International Code Council (ICC). (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 216, 1976. Formerly 15.12.270.)

* Code reviser’s note: OMC 15.12.135 was editorially renumbered to preserve alphabetization following the amendments of Ordinance 988, which changed “Uniform Building Code” to “International Building Code.”

15.12.140 Legal setback line.

“Legal setback line” is a line established by ordinance beyond which no building may be built. A legal setback line may be a property line. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 209, 1976)

15.12.150 Marquee.

“Marquee” means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 210, 1976)

15.12.160 Noncombustible.

A. “Noncombustible,” as applied to building construction material, means a material which, in the form in which it is used, is either one of the following:

1. Material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire. Any material conforming to ASTME-136 shall be considered noncombustible within the meaning of this section;

2. Material having a structural base of noncombustible material as defined in subsection (A)(1) of this section, with a surfacing material not over one-eighth-inch thick which has a flamespread rating of 50 or less.

B. “Noncombustible” does not apply to surface finish materials. Material required to be noncombustible for reduced clearances to flues, heating appliances or other sources of high temperature shall refer to material conforming to subsection (A)(1) of this section. No material shall be classed as noncombustible which is subject to increase in combustibility or flamespread rating beyond the limits established in this section through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric condition.

C. “Flamespread rating” as used in this section refers to the rating obtained according to tests conducted as specified in ASTME-84. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 211, 1976)

15.12.170 Nonstructural trim.

“Nonstructural trim” means the molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, cutouts or letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 211, 1976)

15.12.180 Pole sign.

“Pole sign” means a sign wholly supported by a sign structure in the ground. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 212, 1976)

15.12.190 Portable display surface.

“Portable display surface” means a display surface temporarily fixed to a standardized advertising structure which is regularly moved from structure to structure at periodic intervals. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 212, 1976)

15.12.200 Projecting sign.

“Projecting sign” means a sign other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 212, 1976)

15.12.210 Projection.

“Projection” means the distance by which a sign extends over public property or beyond the building line. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 212, 1976)

15.12.220 Roof sign.

“Roof sign” means a sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or structure. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 213, 1976)

15.12.230 Sign.

“Sign” means any medium, including its structure and component parts, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to the subject matter and to convey a message or to attract the attention of a person on a public street. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 5, 2000; Ord. 499 § 214, 1976)

15.12.240 Sign structure.

“Sign structure” means any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may not be an integral part of the building. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 214, 1976)

15.12.250 Structure.

“Structure” means that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts jointed together in some definite manner. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 214, 1976)

15.12.260 Temporary sign.

“Temporary sign” means any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 215, 1976)

15.12.280 Reserved.

(Ord. 988 § 1, 2004)

15.12.290 Wall sign.

“Wall sign” means any sign or mural attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall. Murals which do not conform to the provisions of OMC 15.12.320(D) shall be prohibited within the C-1 commercial district as set forth in Chapter 18.32 OMC. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 5, 2000; Ord. 499 § 217, 1976)

Article III. Permits

15.12.300 Required.

No sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed, altered or maintained after the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter except as provided by this chapter and if a permit for the same has been issued by the building official. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity, and/or a separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electric signs. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 301, 1976)

15.12.310 Application.

Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the building official. Such application shall contain the location by street and number of the proposed sign structure, as well as the name and address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector. The building official may require the filing of plans or other pertinent information where, in his opinion, such information is necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter. Standard plans may be filed with the building official. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 302, 1976)

15.12.320 Exemptions.

The following signs shall not require a sign permit. These exemptions 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 regulating the same:

A. The changing of advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign only. Except for theater marquees and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy, electric signs shall not be included in this exemption;

B. Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made;

C. Signs less than six feet above grade;

D. Murals which are based upon accurate historical research of a local person, place or event, and which have been approved by the Okanogan Mural Society for application upon any exterior wall within any commercial zoned district(s), are not subject to the terms of this chapter. Murals which are proposed to be placed in commercial districts other than the C-1 commercial district may be reviewed either:

1. By the administrator under the terms of this chapter. In this event, murals would be subject to all fees and requirements set forth by this chapter; or

2. By the Mural Society. In this event fees shall be waived;

E. Signs which are based upon accurate historical research, and which have been approved by the Okanogan planning commission for application upon any exterior surface, are not subject to the terms of this chapter. All other signs and advertisements shall meet the standards established by this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 6, 2000; Ord. 499 § 303, 1976)

15.12.330 Fees.

A sign permit fee and plan checking fee shall be paid in the sum established by ordinance. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 762 § 11, 1992; Ord. 705, 1988; Ord. 499 § 304, 1976)

15.12.340 Maintenance of signs.

All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 305, 1976)

15.12.350 Inspections.

A. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official.

B. Footing inspections may be required by the building official for all signs having footings.

C. All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the governing electrical code and the electrical components used shall bear the label of an approved testing agency.

D. The building official may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of OMC 15.12.340.

E. All signs may be reinspected at the discretion of the building official. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 306, 1976)

15.12.355 Variances.

The board of adjustment may, in appropriate cases, after public notice and hearing, vary or modify the application of this code in harmony with its general purpose and intent. The variance application shall be processed in accordance with the procedures of Chapter 18.100 OMC and requirements set forth in Chapter 18.96 OMC. A variance from the provisions and requirements of this chapter may be granted when:

A. The granting of a variance would not be materially detrimental to the property owners in the vicinity and the variance sought is of minimum requirements to meet the conditions and needs of the applicant;

B. The granting of a variance would not be contrary to the intent of this code;

C. The signage of the property in question cannot be adequately met under the strict interpretation and application of this code;

D. The granting of the variance is necessary because of special circumstances relating to property location, topography, shape and size, or sight distance and limited view of the property. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 902 § 7, 2000).

Article IV. Design and Construction

15.12.360 Loads and stresses.

A. Generally.

1. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and seismic forces as specified in this section. All bracing systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundations. For signs on buildings the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the building to the ground in such manner as not to overstress any of the elements thereof.

2. The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall in no case exceed two-thirds of the dead-load resisting moment. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of the building. The weight of earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining the dead-load resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted.

B. Wind Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist seismic forces as specified in Chapter 16 of the IBC.

C. Seismic Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist seismic forces as specified in Chapter 16 of the IBC.

D. Combined Loads. Wind and seismic loads need not be combined in the design of signs or sign structures; only that load producing the larger stresses need be used.

E. Vertical Design Loads. Vertical design loads, except roof live loads, shall be assumed to be acting simultaneously with the wind or seismic loads.

F. Allowable Stresses.

1. The design of wood, concrete, steel or aluminum members shall conform to the requirements of Chapters 19, 20, 22 and 23 of the International Building Code. Loads, both vertical and horizontal, exerted on the soil shall not produce stresses exceeding those specified in Chapter 18 of the International Building Code.

2. The working stresses of wire rope and its fastenings shall not exceed 25 percent of the ultimate strength of the rope or fasteners.

3. Working stresses for wind or seismic loads combined with dead loads may be increased as specified in Chapter 23 of the International Building Code. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 401, 1976)

15.12.370 Supports generally.

The supports for all signs and sign structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected in conformance with the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 402(a), 1976)

15.12.380 Materials generally.

A. Materials of construction for signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified for buildings in the International Building Code.

B. In all signs and sign structures the materials and details of construction shall, in the absence of specified requirements, conform with the following:

1. The design, fabrication and erection of structural steel for buildings and structures shall be in accordance with either the AISC-LRFD, AISC335 or AISC-HSS. Where required, seismic design of steel structures shall be in accordance with the additional provisions of Section 2205.2.

2. Anchors and supports, when of wood and embedded in the soil, or within six inches of the soil, shall be of all heartwood of a durable species or shall be pressure-treated with an approved preservative. Such members shall be marked or branded by an approved agency. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 402(b), 1976)

15.12.390 Combustible materials.

A. All signs and sign structures erected in Fire Zone No. 1 shall have structural members of noncombustible materials.

B. Ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this chapter, except as provided in subsection A of this section.

C. Combination signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs and signs on marquees shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as provided in OMC 15.12.400. No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 402(c), 1976)

15.12.400 Nonstructural trim.

Nonstructural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 402(d), 1976)

15.12.410 Anchorage.

A. Members supporting unbraced signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind or seismic load acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance to pullout amounting to a force 25 percent greater than the required resistance to overturning. Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a depth below- ground greater than that of the frost line.

B. Portable ground signs supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to the base shall be so proportioned that the weight and size of the base will be adequate to resist the wind pressure specified in this chapter.

C. Signs attached to masonry, concrete or steel shall be safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads applied.

D. No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in the case of signs attached to wood framing.

E. No anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, an unbraced parapet wall, unless such wall is designed in accordance with the requirements for parapet walls specified for seismic zones in the International Building Code. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 402(e), 1976)

15.12.420 Display surfaces.

A. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass or approved plastics.

B. Glass thickness and area limitations shall be as set forth in the following table:

Size, Thickness and Type of Glass Panels in Signs
Minimum Size of Exposed Glass Panel
Any Dimension (inches)	Area (square inches)	Minimum Thickness of Glass (inches)	Type of Glass
30	500	1/8	plain, plate or wired
45	700	3/16	plain, plate or wired
144	3,600	1/4	plain, plate or wired
over 144	over 3,600	1/4	wired glass

C. Sections of approved plastic on wall signs shall not exceed 150 square feet in area. Exceptions:

1. In Fire Zone No. 3 the area may be increased by 50 percent.

2. Sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may be of unlimited area if approved by the building official.

D. Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be separated three feet laterally and six feet vertically by the required exterior wall construction. Exceptions: sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may not be required to be separated if approved by the building official. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 402(f), Table No. 4-A, 1976)

15.12.430 Approved plastics.

The building official shall require that sufficient technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any plastic material and, if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory for the use intended, he may approve its use. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 402(g), 1976)

15.12.440 Projection and clearance generally.

Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection requirements of this section and OMC 15.12.450 through 15.12.490.

A. Projection of Signs.


Clearance (feet)	Maximum Projection (feet)
Clearance (feet)	Maximum Projection (feet)
less than 8	not permitted
8	1
8 to 16	1 plus 6 inches for each foot of clearance in excess of 8
over 16	5

B. Thickness of Projecting Sign.


Projection (feet)	Maximum Thickness (feet)
Projection (feet)	Maximum Thickness (feet)
5	2
4	2-1/2
3	3
2	3-1/2
1	4

(Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 403(a), Tables No. 4-B, 4-C, 1975)

15.12.450 Clearance from power lines.

A. Signs shall be located not less than six feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of 750 volts.

B. “Overhead conductors,” as used in this section, means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the ground except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or other material of equal strength. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 403(b), 1976)

15.12.460 Clearance from fire escapes, exits, standpipes.

15.12.470 Obstruction of openings.

A. No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by this chapter.

B. Signs erected within five feet of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the area of the sign shall be constructed of noncombustible material or approved plastics. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 403(d), 1976)

15.12.480 Projection over alleys.

No sign or sign structure shall project into any public alley below a height of 14 feet above grade, nor project more than 12 inches where the sign structure is located 14 to 16 feet above grade. The sign or sign structure may project not more than 36 inches into the public alley where the sign or sign structure is located more than 16 feet above grade. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 403(e), 1976)

15.12.490 Clearance from streets.

Signs shall not project within two feet of the curbline. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 403(f), 1976)

Article V. Fin Signs

15.12.500 Materials.

Fin signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material except as provided in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 501, 1976)

15.12.510 Supports.

All supports of fin signs shall be placed upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with requirements specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 502, 1976)

15.12.520 Projection beyond property or setback lines.

Fin signs may project beyond the property or legal setback line in accordance with projections specified in OMC 15.12.440 through 15.12.490. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 503(a), 1976)

15.12.530 Thickness of projecting portion.

The thickness of that portion of a fin sign which projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum set forth in OMC 15.12.440(B). (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 503(b), 1976)

15.12.540 Clearance.

No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe. No sign shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 503(c), 1976)

Article VI. Pole Signs

15.12.550 Materials.

Pole signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material except as provided in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 601, 1976)

15.12.560 Supports.

All supports of pole signs shall be placed upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with requirements specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 602, 1976)

15.12.570 Projection.

Projection of pole signs shall conform to the requirements of OMC 15.12.440 through 15.12.490. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 603, 1976)

Article VII. Ground Signs

15.12.580 Materials.

Ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this chapter, except as provided in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 701, 1976)

15.12.590 Design.

Ground signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 702, 1976)

15.12.600 Projection.

Ground signs shall not project over public property or beyond a legal setback. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 703, 1976)

15.12.610 Fire safety restrictions.

Ground signs may have display surfaces of combustible materials except in Fire Zone No. 1 with further exceptions as provided in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 704, 1976)

Article VIII. Roof Signs

15.12.620 Materials.

Roof signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials except as specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 801, 1976)

15.12.630 Anchorage – Design.

Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the frame of the building over which they are constructed and erected, and shall be designed in accordance with the requirements specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 802, 1976)

15.12.640 Projection.

Roof signs may project over public property or beyond a legal setback line complying with the requirements specified in OMC 15.12.440 through 15.12.490. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 803(a), 1976)

15.12.650 Clearance from obstructions.

Passage clear of all obstructions shall be left under or around, and immediately adjacent to, all signs exceeding a height of four feet above the roof thereunder. Such passages shall be not less than three feet wide and four feet high and shall be at parapet or roof level. There shall be one such passage or access opening as follows:

A. For each roof sign upon a building;

B. An access opening for every 50 lineal feet of horizontal roof sign extension;

C. Within 20 feet of walls and parapets when roof signs are at right angles to a face of the building. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 803(b), 1976)

Article IX. Wall Signs

15.12.660 Materials.

Wall signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as provided in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 901, 1976)

15.12.670 Design.

Wall signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 902, 1976)

15.12.680 Projection.

No wall sign shall have a projection over public property or beyond a legal setback line greater than the distances specified in OMC 15.12.440 through 15.12.490, nor shall wall signs extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the supporting building. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 903(a), 1976)

15.12.690 Thickness of projecting portion.

The thickness of that portion of a wall sign which projects over public property or a legal setback line shall not exceed the maximum, as set forth in OMC 15.12.440(B). (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 903(b), 1976)

Article X. Projecting Signs

15.12.700 Materials.

Projecting signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1001, 1976)

15.12.710 Design.

Projecting signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1002, 1976)

15.12.720 Projection.

Signs may project over public property or a legal setback line a distance determined by the clearance of the bottoms thereof above the level of the sidewalk or grade immediately below, as set forth in OMC 15.12.440 through 15.12.490. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1003(a), 1976)

15.12.730 Thickness.

The thickness of a projecting sign exclusive of letters and trim shall not exceed that set forth in OMC 15.12.440. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1003(b), 1976)

Article XI. Combination Signs

15.12.740 Materials – Other requirements.

Combination signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials except as specified in Article IV of this chapter. The individual requirements of roof, projecting and pole signs shall be applied for combination signs incorporating any or all of the requirements specified in this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1101, 1976)

15.12.750 Supports.

All supports of combination signs shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with the requirements specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1102, 1976)

15.12.760 Projection.

Combination signs may project over public property or beyond a legal setback line as specified in OMC 15.12.440 through 15.12.490. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1103(a), 1976)

15.12.770 Thickness of projecting portion.

The thickness of that portion of a combination sign which projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum as set forth in OMC 15.12.440(B). (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1103(b), 1976)

Article XII. Marquees

15.12.780 Applicable requirements.

Signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee. Such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements for a marquee as specified in Chapter 3106 of the International Building Code. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1201, 1976)

Article XIII. Electric Signs

15.12.790 Materials.

Electric signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as specified in Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1301, 1976)

15.12.800 Watertightness.

The enclosed shell of electric signs shall be watertight, excepting that service holes fitted with covers shall be provided into each compartment of such signs. (Ord. 988 § 1, 2004; Ord. 499 § 1301, 1976)