Chapter 14.24
SIGN CODE*

Sections:

14.24.010    Title.

14.24.020    Purpose.

14.24.030    Enforcement.

14.24.040    Definitions and abbreviations.

14.24.050    Signs.

14.24.060    Permits, fees and inspections.

14.24.070    Construction materials.

14.24.080    Projection and clearance.

14.24.090    Design.

14.24.100    Sign height.

14.24.110    Sign area.

14.24.133    Sign illumination.

14.24.140    Regulations.

14.24.150    Variances.

14.24.160    Nonconforming signs.

14.24.170    Termination of signs.

*    Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 1774, Section 3, provides: “In addition to any remedies provided by the above-referenced code, failure to perform any act required, or the performance of an act prohibited by the Sign Code is designated to be a civil infraction and punishable as stated in Omak Municipal Code 1.16 General Penalty.”

14.24.010 Title.

These regulations shall be known as the “sign code,” may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.020 Purpose.

The purpose of this code is to accommodate and promote sign placement consistent with the character and intent of individual zoning districts through provision of minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, public welfare and visual quality of the area while providing opportunities for individuals and businesses to advertise. This is accomplished by regulating and controlling the number, size, design, quality of materials, construction, location, illumination, electrification and maintenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building. This chapter is further intended to preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place to live, and as an attraction to nonresidents who want to visit or trade. It encourages sound signing practices as an aid to business and the public information, but prevents excessive, confusing signing displays.

A sign shall not be erected in a manner that would confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device.

The regulations in this code are not intended to permit any violation of the provisions of any other lawful ordinance. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.030 Enforcement.

(a)    Authority. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For such purposes, the building official shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer.

(b)    Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to enforce any of the provisions of this code, or whenever the building official or authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes signs upon the premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official or authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building official by this code; provided, that if such building or premises be occupied, the official shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, the building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the building official or authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

(c)    Violations. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use or maintain any sign or sign structure in this jurisdiction, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. Violation of any of the provisions in this code shall constitute a civil infraction. Civil infractions are punishable as stated in Chapter 1.16, General Penalty. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.040 Definitions and abbreviations.

For the purpose of this code, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in either this chapter or as specified in the building code (Title 14). Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Webster’s Third International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged (current edition), shall be considered as providing ordinary accepted meanings. Words in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine.

(1)    “Abandoned sign” means any sign located on property that is vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more; or any sign which pertains to any occupant, business or event unrelated to the present occupant or use; or any sign in ill repair for more than thirty days. Real estate signs advertising a property for rent, lease, or sale for a period greater than six months shall not be considered abandoned.

(2)    “Ambient light” means the light that exists in an area. Also referred to as natural light or existing light.

(3)    “Approved plastic materials” means light-transmitting plastics, including thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material, and shall have a self-ignition temperature of six hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (three hundred forty-three degrees Celsius) or greater where tested in accordance with ASTM D 1929, a smoke-developed index not greater than four hundred fifty where tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, or a maximum average smoke density rating not greater than seventy-five where tested in the thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM D 2843 and shall conform to one of the combustibility classifications, CC1 or CC2, found in Chapter 26, Section 2606.4, Specifications, of the 2012 ICC Building Code.

(4)    “ASTM” means American Standard Testing Materials.

(5)    “Awning” means a building-mounted sign that provides additional functionality as shelter. Awnings are most often found over walkways, doorways or window areas.

(6)    “Banner signs” means a temporary sign made of plastic, canvas or similar material that is attached to uprights consisting of metal, wood or other means deemed appropriate by the building official in front of a business or attached to a fence or other structure.

(7)    “Billboard” means a large outdoor advertising sign containing a message, commercial or otherwise, unrelated to the use or activity on the property on which the sign is located and/or to any use or activity in the immediate area (such as is the case with an off-premises sign) and which is customarily leased for commercial purposes.

(8)    “Building-mounted signs” means signs that are to be attached to the roof, parapet, marquee, or building fascia. These signs may be either parallel or perpendicular to the building surface. Types of building-mounted signs include: wall or fascia; awning; projecting; sign bands; roof; parapet; window; or canopy signs.

(9)    “Building official” means the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code or his duly authorized representative.

(10)    “Canopy sign” means sign that is displayed on a marquee or canopy.

(11)    “Construction sign” means any sign used to identify the architects, engineers, contractors, or other individuals or firms involved with the construction of a building; and to show the design of the building or the purpose for which the building is intended.

(12)    “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 public works director.

(13)    “Directional sign” means signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

(14)    “Directory sign” means a sign that lists the tenants or occupants of a multiple-tenant building complex, or commercial district.

(15)    “Dissolve” means a mode of message transition on an electronic message center accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneously with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.

(16)    “Electronic message center (EMC)” means a sign that is located on the premises or same site of a business and that advertises goods and/or services provided at that location. An EMC is a sign that utilizes computer generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy. These signs include displays using incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs or a flipper matrix.

(17)    “Electric sign” means any sign containing electrical wiring, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source or electronic message centers.

(18)    “Fade” means a mode of message transition on an EMC accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases in intensity to the point of legibility.

(19)    “Flame-spread rating” means a comparative measure, expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visual measurements of the spread of flame versus time for a material tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723. In addition, this definition should be moved so as to be in alphabetical order.

(20)    “Flashing” means an intermittent or flashing light source where the identical EMC message is constantly repeated at extremely fast intervals.

(21)    “Frame” means a complete, static display screen on an EMC.

(22)    “Frame effect” means a visual effect on an EMC applied to a single frame to attract the attention of viewers.

(23)    “Foot-candle” means a measure of the amount of light intercepting an object at a given distance from a light source. Foot-candles are measured with a foot-candle meter.

(24)    “Freestanding sign” (also “pole sign”) means any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure. Types of freestanding signs include: pylon; joint tenant; monument, pole, high rise pole; directional; and electronic message centers.

(25)    “High rise pole sign” means a tall freestanding pole sign.

(26)    “Illuminated sign” means any electric sign or other sign employing the use of lighting sources for the purpose of decorating, outlining, accentuating or brightening the sign area.

(27)    “IBC Standards” means the International Building Code Standards (also called the “building code”), promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the city of Omak.

(28)    “Joint tenant sign” means a sign used to display the names of tenants of a business complex. See also “directory sign.”

(29)    “Legal setback line” means a line established by ordinance beyond which a building may not be built. A legal setback line may be a property line.

(30)    “Luminance” means an absolute measure of the amount of brightness that is being emitted from a light source and is usually measured in candelas per square meter, also known as “nits.”

(31)    “Manual dimming” means a method requiring action by a sign operator in response to changing light conditions.

(32)    “Marquee” means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property.

(33)    “Monument sign” means a ground sign with a low overall height which is attached to the ground by means of a wide base.

(34)    “Multiple-building complex” means a group of structures holding two or more retail, office or commercial uses sharing the same lot, access and/or parking facilities, or a coordinated site plan.

(35)    “Multiple tenant building” means a single structure housing two or more retail, office or commercial uses.

(36)    “Mural” (also “painted wall sign”) means a work of art or painting applied to and made integral with a wall or ceiling.

(37)    “Nighttime brightness” means nighttime light intensity from a sign that is visible, readable and conspicuous without being offensive or ineffectual.

(38)    “Noncombustible” means materials that pass the test procedure for defining noncombustibility of elementary materials as set forth in ASTM E 136.

(39)    “Noncommercial public service sign” means a noncommercial sign devoted to religious, charitable, cultural, governmental or educational message, including, but not limited to, the advertising of events or services sponsored by the governmental agency, school, church, civic or fraternal organization.

(40)    “Nonconforming sign” means any sign which was legally installed under laws or ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or subsequent revisions, but which is in conflict with the provisions of this chapter.

(41)    “Nonstructural trim” means the molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, cutouts or letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure.

(42)    “Off-premises sign” means a sign located on property/building other than the property/building containing the subject of the sign copy.

(43)    “On-premises sign” means a sign located on or immediately adjacent to the property/business for which the sign is being placed.

(44)    “Painted sign” means a sign that is painted directly on any face of a building; it does not refer to a sign that is painted on a display surface other than the building itself.

(45)    “Parapet sign” means sign mounted on top of the parapet of a building. See also “roof sign.”

(46)    “Photocell technology dimming” means an electronic sign that can automatically dim and adjust as light conditions change.

(47)    “Pole sign” means a freestanding sign with visible support structure.

(48)    “Portable sign” means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, trailer signs and signs designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs converted to A- or T-frames, menu and balloons used as signs and/or umbrellas used for advertising.

(49)    “Projecting sign” means a building-mounted sign with the faces of the sign perpendicular to the building fascia.

(50)    “Projection” means the distance by which a sign extends over public property or beyond any face of the building.

(51)    “Public right-of-way” means a route over which the public have a right to pass and repass, whether or not the land that it crosses is privately owned.

(52)    “Pylon sign” means a freestanding sign with visible support structure or with the support structure enclosed with a pole or pylon cover.

(53)    “Real estate sign” means a sign erected by the owner, or his agent, advertising for rent, lease or sale a property, or directing interested parties to such property.

(54)    “Residential sign” means any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located, if offering such service at such location conforms with all requirements of this title.

(55)    “Roof sign” means a sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or structure.

(56)    “Sandwich board sign” means a specific type of portable sign that is no more than forty-two inches in height and twenty-four inches in width which advertises business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or products produced or the name of the business, person, firm or corporation.

(57)    “Scheduled dimming” means programming to dim an electronic sign at the same time as sunrise and sunset.

(58)    “Scroll” means a mode of message transition on an EMC where the message appears to move vertically across the display surface.

(59)    “Sign” means any communication device, structure or fixture, including the supporting structure that identifies, advertises and/or promotes an activity, product, service place, business or any other thing.

(60)    “Sign area” (also “display area”) means the entire area of a sign on which copy or other form of advertising is to be placed, including any background surface, material or color that forms an integral part of the display or is used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or nearest structure. Sign support structures shall not be included in the calculation of sign area.

(61)    “Sign band” means a horizontal area above a multi-tenants’ building’s entrances, architecturally designed to accommodate signage in a sign-centric manner.

(62)    “Sign height” means the vertical distance measured from either the grade below the sign or upper surface of the nearest street curb (whichever permits the greatest sign height) to the highest point of the sign.

(63)    “Sign structure” means any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign defined in this code. A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may not be an integral part of the building.

(64)    “Static message” means messages that contain static messages only, and do not have movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement during the static display period, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement or appearance of movement.

(65)    “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 joined together in some definite manner.

(66)    “Swinging sign” means a sign that hangs by a chain, hinge or other pivot such that it can move back and forth.

(67)    “Temporary sign” means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use. For the purposes of this definition, a temporary sign shall not be in place greater than thirty-five days in a twelve-month period, unless specifically allowed a greater duration by this chapter. Temporary signs installed pursuant to this title do not have vested status and cannot become permanent installations.

(68)    “Transition” means a visual effect used on an EMC to change from one message to another.

(69)    “Travel” means a mode of message transition on an EMC where the message appears to move horizontally across the display surface.

(70)    “Wall or fascia sign” (also “flush-mounted”) means a sign that is attached to the exterior wall or fascia of a building. The building fascia is that portion of any elevation of a building extending vertically from the grade to the top parapet wall or eaves, and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation, including slanted wall surfaces sometimes referred to as a mansard.

(71)    “Window sign” means a sign that is displayed in a window, whether it is attached to the window or it is applied to the window. (Ord. 1780 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.050 Signs.

Tables 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B provide a list of prohibited, exempt and permitted signs within the city of Omak. The following regulations are in addition to the requirements found in said tables:

(1)    Signs which imitate, closely resemble or obstruct the visibility of an official traffic sign or signal are prohibited;

(2)    Signs attached to utility poles, street lights and traffic control standard poles except authorized road signs and banners are prohibited;

(3)    Signs on doors, windows, fire escapes or pedestrian paths that restrict free ingress, egress or movement, or access to standpipes are prohibited;

(4)    Signs within the clear view triangle as defined in Section 18.16.090 are prohibited;

(5)    Sign lighting in residential districts that creates a glare or reflects onto private or public property in the surrounding area is prohibited;

(6)    Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertising message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit and is exempt from this code unless a structural change is made;

(7)    Signs of less than four square feet erected to identify name and address of residences and/or identify the address of public, commercial or industrial facilities are exempt from permitting provided such signs comply with location, height and projection standards contained in Tables 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B;

(8)    Official flags, emblems, insignia of the United States, other governmental units and flags of nationally and internationally recognized organizations are exempt from this code;

(9)    Official and legal notices by any court, public body, persons or officer in performance of public duty or in giving any legal notice are exempt from this code;

(10)    Structures and vehicles that are primarily used for other purposes such as phone booths, delivery vehicles, trailers (excluding trailer-mounted temporary or portable signs), Goodwill containers or other similar structures are exempt from this code;

(11)    Seasonal lighting displays shall be exempt from the regulations herein.

 

X =	Prohibited
A =	Signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this code. These signs are required to meet all other applicable sections of this code and are subject to enforcement provisions found in Section 14.24.030
P =	Unless otherwise listed in the following table as exempt, no sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed or altered except as provided by this code and only after a permit for the same has been issued by the building official
- =	No regulation
* =	Refer to regulation by specific sign type
N/A =	Not applicable, sign code does not apply
TABLE 1A—Commercial Zones—General Regulations
		Central Business District					Highway Business					Planned Shopping					Commercial/Industrial
Sign Type		allowed	height	area1	number2	total area3	allowed	height	area1	number2	total area3	allowed	height	area1	number2	total area3	allowed	height	area1	number2	total area3
General
Abandoned signs		X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-
Banner signs		A	6	100	14	100	A	6	100	-	-	A	6	100	-	-	A	6	100	-	-
Beacons, strobe lights or flashing signs5		X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-
Construction signs < 32 sq ft		A	6	32	27	64	A	6	32	-	-	A	6	32	-	-	A	6	32	-	-
Construction signs > 32 sq ft		X	-	-	-	-	P	6	64	-	-	P	6	64	-	-	P	6	64	-	-
Directional signs8		A	15'	-	-	-	A	20'	-	-	-	A	25'	-	-	-	A	30'	-	-	-
Electric signs		P	*	*	-	-	P	*	*	-	-	P	*	*	*	*	P	*	*	*	*
Historical monuments or markers		A	*	*	-	-	A	*	*	-	-	A					A
Off-premises signs		X9	-	-	-	-	P	25'	160	-	*	P	25'	160	*	*	P	25'	160	*	*
On-premises signs		A	*	*	-	-	A	*	*	*	*	A	*	*	*	*	A	*	*	*	*
Painted signs		A	6	-	-	-	A	6	-	-	-	A	6	-	-	-	A	6	-	-	-
Portable signs		X	-	-	-	-	P	10'	48	-	-	P	15'	48	-	-	P	20'	48	-	-
Murals		N/A	-	-	-	-	N/A	-	-	-	-	N/A	-	-	-	-	N/A	-	-	-	-
Noncommercial public interest signs		A	6	48	1	48	A	6	48	-	-	A	6	48	-	-	A	6	48	-	-
Real estate signs7		A	6'	12	2	24	A	6	32	-	-	A	6	48	-	-	A	6	48	-	-
Residential signs7		A	6'	12	2	24	A	6	12	-	-	A	6	24	-	-	A	6	24	-	-
Sandwich board signs—on premises10		A	42"	10.5	1	-	A	42"	10.5	-	-	A	42"	10.5	-	-	A	42"	10.5	-	-
Sandwich board signs—off premises11		P	42"	10.5	1	-	P	42"	10.5	-	-	P	42"	10.5	-	-	P	42"	10.5	-	-
Temporary signs12		P	10'	36	1	36	P	10'	48	-	-	P	15'	48	-	-	P	20'	48	-	-

1 - Area is measured in square feet per sign, area of double-faced sign only measured on one side.

2 - Number is the total number of signs on a parcel or building.

3 - The total area of all signage on a parcel or building.

4 - Banner signs shall be limited to one per twenty thousand square feet of commercial space.

5 - Which change light intensity in a sudden transitory burst, or which switch on and off in a constant pattern in which more than one-third of the light source is on at any one time so as to create glare, extreme brightness or reflection of light onto private or public property in the surrounding area.

6 - Not to exceed maximum building height of fifty feet per Section 18.16.020, Table 1.0.

7 - Limited to one per street frontage.

8 - Traffic and other signs by a public entity for a public purpose are exempt from the standards.

9 - Except for directory signs for downtown businesses or sandwich board signs which are specifically addressed.

10 - Only one sandwich board sign shall be permitted per business per building side facing a public street. Such signs shall be for commercial use only, and shall be located on the portion of the sidewalk immediately in front of the business. Sandwich board signs may be placed in addition to other signs permitted by this code on the same property.

11 - Off-premises sandwich board signs may be located on sidewalks and undeveloped right-of-way subject to approval of the building official.

12 - Provided such signs comply with the following requirements:

    (1) Limited to being displayed for no more than thirty-five days in any twelve-month period;

    (2) If sign is to be placed off premises, written permission of the landowner where the sign will be located must be provided to the building official;

    (3) Building official must be notified when the sign is placed and when it is removed.

X =	Prohibited
A =	Signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this code. These signs are required to meet all other applicable sections of this code and are subject to enforcement provisions found in Section 14.24.030
P =	Unless otherwise listed in the following table as exempt, no sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed or altered except as provided by this code and only after a permit for the same has been issued by the building official
- =	No regulation
* =	Refer to regulation by specific sign type
N/A =	Not applicable, sign code does not apply
TABLE 1B—Commercial Zones—Specific Sign Type Regulations
		Central Business District					Highway Business					Planned Shopping					Commercial/Industrial
Sign Type		allowed	height	area13	number14	total area15	allowed	height	area13	number14	total area15	allowed	height	area13	number14	total area15	allowed	height	area13	number14	total area15
Building signs
Awning		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Canopy		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Directory signs		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Electric signs		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Electronic message centers		X	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Marquee signs		A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-
Parapet signs		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-
Projecting signs		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Roof signs17		P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-
Swinging/ hanging signs		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Sign bands		A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-
Wall signs		P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-	P	16	-	-	-
Window signs		A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-	A	16	-	-	-
Freestanding signs
Billboards		X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	50'	300	118	300	P	50'	300	120	300
Directory signs		P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-
Electric signs		P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-
Electronic message centers		X	-	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-
Monument signs		A	50'	-	-	-	A	50'	-	-	-	A	50'	-	-	-	A	50'	-	-	-
Pylon signs		P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-	P	50'	-	-	-

13 - Area is measured in square feet per sign, area of double-faced sign only measured on one side.

14 - Number is the total number of signs on a parcel or building.

15 - The total area of all signage on a parcel or building.

16 - Limited to the height of the building.

17 - Roof signs are prohibited unless integrated into the architecture of the building.

18 - Limited to one per two hundred feet of street frontage.

X =	Prohibited
A =	Signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this code. These signs are required to meet all other applicable sections of this code and are subject to enforcement provisions found in Section 14.24.030
P =	Unless otherwise listed in the following table as exempt, no sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed or altered except as provided by this code and only after a permit for the same has been issued by the building official
- =	No regulation
* =	Refer to regulation in Table 2B by specific sign type
N/A =	Not applicable, sign code does not apply
TABLE 2A—Industrial, Residential and Public Zones—General Regulations
		Light Industrial/Heavy Industrial					Residential Multifamily					Residential Duplex/Residential Single-Family					Public Use
Sign Type		allowed	height	area19	number20	total area21	allowed	height	area19	number20	total area21	allowed	height	area19	number20	total area21	allowed	height	area19	number20	total area21
General
Abandoned signs		X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-
Banner signs		A	22	32	-	-	A	22	32	-	-	A	22	4	-	-	A	22	-	-	-
Beacons, strobe lights or flashing signs23		X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-
Construction signs ≤ 32 sq ft		A	22	-	-	-	A	22	-	-	-	A	*	-	-	-	A	35'	-	-	-
Construction signs > 32 sq ft		P	22	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-
Directional signs		A	*	*	-	-	A	*	32	-	-	A	*	-	-	-	A	35'	-	-	-
Electric signs		P	*	*	-	-	P	*	*	-	-	P	*	*	-	-	P	*	-	-	-
Off-premises signs		P	*	*	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-
On-premises signs		A	*	*	-	-	A	*	*	-	-	A	*	*	-	-	A	*	-	-	-
Painted signs		A	22	-	-	-	A	22	32	-	-	A	*	*	-	-	A	22	-	-	-
Portable signs		P	20'	-	-	-	P	*	32	-	-	P	6'	-	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-
Murals		N/A	-	-	-	-	N/A	-	-	-	-	N/A	-	-	-	-	N/A	-	-	-	-
Noncommercial public interest signs		A	22	-	-	-	A	22	32	-	-	A	*	-	-	-	A	35'	-	-	-
Real estate signs		A	22	-	-	-	A	22	32	-	-	A	*	-	-	-	A	35'	-	-	-
Residential signs		A	22	-	-	-	A	22	32	-	-	A	*	-	-	-	A	22	-	-	-
Sandwich board signs—on premises24		A	42"	10.5	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	A	42"	10.5	-	-
Sandwich board signs—off premises25		P	42"	10.5	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	42"	10.5	-	-
Temporary signs26		P	20'	-	-	-	P	*	32	-	-	P	*	-	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-

19 - Area is measured in square feet per sign, area of double-faced sign only measured on one side.

20 - Number is the total number of signs on a parcel or building.

21 - The total area of all signage on a parcel or building.

22 - Limited to maximum building height per Section 18.16.020, Table 1.0.

23 - Which change light intensity in a sudden transitory burst, or which switch on and off in a constant pattern in which more than one-third of the light source is on at any one time so as to create glare, extreme brightness or reflection of light onto private or public property in the surrounding area, the purpose of such signs is to attract attention rather than provide a message or advertisement.

24 - Only one sandwich board sign shall be permitted per business per building side facing a public street. Such signs shall be for commercial use only, and shall be located on the portion of the sidewalk immediately in front of the business. Sandwich board signs may be placed in addition to other signs permitted by this code on the same property.

25 - Off-premises sandwich board signs may be located on sidewalks and undeveloped right-of-way subject to approval of the building official.

26 - Provided such signs comply with the following requirements:

    (1) Limited to being displayed for no more than thirty-five days in any twelve-month period;

    (2) If sign is to be placed off premises, written permission of the landowner where the sign will be located must be provided to the building official;

    (3) Building official must be notified when the sign is placed and when it is removed.

X =	Prohibited
A =	Signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this code. These signs are required to meet all other applicable sections of this code and are subject to enforcement provisions found in Section 14.24.030
P =	Unless otherwise listed in the following table as exempt, no sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed or altered except as provided by this code and only after a permit for the same has been issued by the building official
- =	No regulation
* =	Refer to regulation by specific sign type
N/A =	Not applicable, sign code does not apply
TABLE 2B—Industrial, Residential and Public Zones—Specific Sign Type Regulations
		Light Industrial/Heavy Industrial					Residential Multifamily					Residential Duplex/Residential Single-Family					Public Use
Sign Type		allowed	height	area27	number28	total area29	allowed	height	area27	number28	total area29	allowed	height	area27	number28	total area29	allowed	height	area27	number28	total area29
Building signs
Awning		P	30	-	-	-	P	30	32	-	-	P	30	4	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Canopy		P	30	-	-	-	P	30	32	-	-	P	30	4	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Directory signs		P	30	-	-	-	P	30	32	-	-	P	30	4	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Electric signs		P	30	-	-	-	P	30	32	-	-	P	30	4	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Electronic message centers		X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Marquee signs		A	30	-	-	-	A	30	32	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	A	30	-	-	-
Parapet signs		P	30	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Projecting signs		P	30	-	-	-	P	30	32	-	-	P	30	4	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Roof signs31		P	50'	-	-	-	P	45'	32	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-
Swinging/ hanging signs		P	30	-	-	-	P	30	32	-	-	P	30	4	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Sign bands		P	30	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	A	30	-	-	-
Wall signs		P	30	-	-	-	P	30	32	-	-	P	30	4	-	-	P	30	-	-	-
Window signs		A	30	-	-	-	A	30	32	-	-	A	-	-	-	-	A	30	-	-	-
Freestanding signs
Billboards		P	50'	300	132	300	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	35'	300	132	300
Directory signs		P	50'	-	-	-	P	45'	32	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-
Electric signs		P	50'	-	-	-	P33	45'	32	-	-	P33	35'	434	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-
Electronic message centers		P	50'	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	P	35'	-	-	-
Monument signs		A	50'	-	-	-	A	45'	32	-	-	A	35'	434	-	-	A	35'	-	-	-
Pylon signs		P	50'	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-	X	-	-	-	-

27 - Area is measured in square feet per sign, area of double-faced sign only measured on one side.

28 - Number is the total number of signs on a parcel or building.

29 - The total area of all signage on a parcel or building.

30 - Limited to the height of the building.

31 - Roof signs are prohibited unless integrated into the architecture of the building.

32 - Limited to one per two hundred feet of street frontage.

33 - Indirectly lit signs only.

34 - Signs up to thirty-two square feet are allowed for day care, assisted living, churches or similar facilities.

(Ord. 1780 §§ 2—6, 2014; Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.060 Permits, fees and inspections.

(a)    Permits Required. Unless otherwise listed in Table 1A, 1B, 2A or 2B as exempt, no sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed or altered except as provided by this code and only after a permit for the same has been issued by the building official. Permits for directory signs shall be issued to the person or business entity that owns the property on which the directory sign is proposed. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for signs using electricity.

(b)    Application for Permit. Application for a sign permit or variance from the regulations contained herein shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the building official. Such application shall contain the location by street and number of proposed sign structure, as well as the name and address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector. Applications must be submitted a minimum of fourteen days prior to the date the applicant desires to install or erect a sign. 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 code. Standard plans may be filed with the building official.

(1)    Signs installed at the time of construction of a new building shall be subject to the regulations herein.

(c)    Fees. A sign permit fee shall be paid in accordance with the applicable fee schedule approved by the city council for all signs governed by this code. A plan checking fee shall also be charged in accordance with the applicable fee schedule approved by the city council for all new or structurally altered freestanding, electric and/or projecting signs.

(d)    Maintenance. All signs and sign support structures, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.

(e)    Inspections. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official.

(1)    Footing inspections may be required by the building official for all signs having footing.

(2)    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 accepted by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

(3)    The building official may order the removal of any sign that is not in conformance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this section.

All signs may be reinspected at the discretion of the building official. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.070 Construction materials.

(a)    General. The materials, equipment and devices used to construct and install signs shall be as specified in the most current edition of the International Building Code and shall be approved by the building official.

(1)    Temporary signs may be made of cloth, paper, canvas, plastic, vinyl, cardboard and/or other light, nondurable materials.

(b)    Restrictions on Combustible Materials. Freestanding signs may be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this code.

(c)    Combination signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs and signs on marquees shall be constructed of noncombustible materials except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.

Exception: Nonelectric wall signs may be constructed of unprotected combustible materials on walls permitted to be of unprotected combustible construction.

(d)    Nonstructural Trim. Nonstructural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof.

(e)    Anchorage. 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 twenty-five 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.

(1)    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 wind pressure specified in Section 14.24.090(b).

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

(3)    No wooden blocks or lugs 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.

(4)    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 building code.

(f)    Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of treated wood, metal, glass or approved plastics.

(1)    Glass thickness and area limitations shall be as required under the IBC.

(2)    Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall not exceed two hundred twenty-five square feet in area.

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

(3)    Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be separated by three feet laterally and six feet vertically by the required exterior wall construction.

Exception: Sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may not be required to be separated if approved by the building official.

(g)    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, the building official may approve its use. (Ord. 1780 § 7, 2014; Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.080 Projection and clearance.

(a)    General. Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection requirements of this section and Table 3A at the end of this chapter.

(b)    Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located not less than six feet horizontally or twelve feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty volts. The term “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 covering of equal strength.

(c)    Obstruction of Openings. No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by the current IBC.

(d)    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 materials, fire-resistant treated wood or approved plastics.

(e)    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 Table 3A at the end of this chapter. (Ord. 1780 § 8, 2014; Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.090 Design.

(a)    General. 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 a manner as not to overstress any of the elements thereof.

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 must be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted.

(b)    Wind Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind forces as specified in the building code.

(c)    Seismic Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist seismic forces as specified in the building code.

(d)    Combined Loads. Wind and seismic loads need not be combined in the design of signs and sign structures; only that loading producing the larger stresses needs to be used.

(e)    Vertical design loads, except roof live loads, shall be assumed to be acting simultaneously with the wind or seismic loads.

(f)    Allowable Stresses. The design of wood, concrete, steel or aluminum members shall conform to the requirements of the building code. Loads, both vertical and horizontal, exerted on the soil shall not produce stresses exceeding those specified by the building code.

The working stresses for wire rope and its fastenings shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the ultimate strength of the rope or fasteners.

Working stresses for wind or seismic loads combined with dead loads may be increased as specified by the building code. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.100 Sign height.

All signs shall be subject to conformance with the height requirements provided in Tables 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Signs located within the AI district are subject to height restrictions established in compliance with federal and state restrictions designed to maintain obstacle free areas in the immediate vicinity of airports. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.110 Sign area.

All sign areas shall be subject to conformance with the requirements of Sections 14.24.070, 14.24.080 and 14.24.090 and Tables 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B. No sign shall exceed a size that would be a potential safety hazard. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.133 Sign illumination.

(a)    Electronic Message Centers.

(1)    Shall have a static display of at least two seconds “hold time” after moving onto the sign board.

(2)    Effects shall not revolve at a speed greater than five revolutions per minute. Effects sequence shall be even and regular or the effects will produce an apparent motion that is continuous, even and smooth flowing.

(3)    Shall not use effects that create an unduly distracting and hazardous condition.

(4)    Intermittent or flashing lights where the message is constantly repeated at extremely fast intervals are prohibited.

(5)    White lights shall not be used as the EMC background; the background shall not be white in color.

(6)    Shall be limited to messages that advertise a service or product provided on site. An on-premises EMC may display public service and nonprofit messages limited to businesses inside city limits and/or Omak and Okanogan school districts.

(7)    Shall be equipped with photocell technology that automatically adjusts daytime and nighttime brightness according to ambient light conditions.

(8)    Message brightness, duration and transition methods shall be regulated, adjusted and enforced as directed by the Omak city building official or designee.

(9)    Changes to an EMC’s sign effects shall be submitted to the building official requesting review and approval prior to changes being made. This shall not affect message content.

(10)    ISA standards recommend a nighttime brightness level for an on-site EMC not to exceed three-tenths foot-candles above ambient light conditions when measured at an appropriate distance.

(b)    Other Electric Signs. All other signs whether internally or indirectly illuminated shall be designed and constructed with subtle lighting consistent with design, and shall not obstruct vision or cause glare on surrounding uses. If external or flood lighting is used, it shall be arranged so that the light source is shielded from view. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.140 Regulations.

(a)    General.

(1)    All signs and sign support structures shall be subject to conformance with the requirements of Sections 14.24.070 and 14.24.090.

(2)    All signs and sign support that are located within the shoreline area, as defined by the city of Omak, must comply with the city of Omak shoreline master program.

(3)    No sign shall project over the public right-of-way, except authorized road signs and sandwich board signs which may be placed on sidewalks, and projecting signs as provided in Section 14.24.080.

(b)    Political Signs. Signs which during a campaign advertise a candidate for public elected office, a political party or promote a position on a public issue shall be removed within three days following the general election.

(c)    Projecting Signs.

(1)    Projecting signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as provided in Sections 14.24.070 and 14.24.090.

(2)    All supports of projecting signs shall be placed upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform to the requirements specified in Sections 14.24.070 and 14.24.090.

(d)    Freestanding Signs.

(1)    Freestanding signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as provided in Sections 14.24.070 and 14.24.090.

(2)    All supports of freestanding signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform to the requirements specified in Sections 14.24.070 and 14.24.090.

(3)    Projection of freestanding signs shall conform to the requirements of Section 14.24.080.

(4)    All freestanding signs are permitted only in required landscape strips or surrounded by physical barriers so as to prevent vehicles from hitting those signs.

(5)    Freestanding signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way except for approved public safety/information signs.

(6)    All freestanding signs, including off-premises signs, shall conform to the height and area limits and other restrictions set forth in Tables 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

(7)    Sandwich Board Signs. Sandwich board signs may be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this code.

(e)    Wall Signs.

(1)    Wall signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as provided in Sections 14.24.070 and 14.24.090.

(2)    Wall signs shall be designed in conformance with the requirements specified in Section 14.24.090.

(3)    No wall sign shall have a projection over public property or beyond a legal setback line greater than the distances specified in Section 14.24.080, nor shall extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the supporting building.

(f)    Marquees. 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 meet the requirements for a marquee as specified in the building code.

(g)    Electric Signs (Except Electronic Message Centers).

(1)    Electric signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as provided in Sections 14.24.070 and 14.24.090.

(2)    The enclosed shell of electric signs shall be watertight, except that service holes fitted with covers shall be provided into each compartment of such signs.

(3)    Electrical equipment used in connection with display signs shall be installed in accordance with local ordinances regulating electrical installations.

(4)    Every electric sign projecting over any street or alley or public place shall contain identification of the sign erector and date of erection. The name and date shall be of sufficient size and contrast to be readable. Failure to provide such name and date shall be grounds for rejection of the sign by the building official.

(h)    Temporary Signs.

(1)    Temporary signs are subject to the standards set forth in Tables 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

(2)    Banner signs over public right-of-way shall be supported and attached with wire rope of three-eighths inch diameter. No strings, fiber ropes or wood slats shall be permitted for support of anchorage purposes. Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated over at least ten percent of their area to reduce wind resistance.

Exception: Temporary cloth signs over private property not exceeding sixty square feet shall be supported and attached with wire rope which will meet the requirements of Sections 14.24.090, 14.24.100, and 14.24.110.

(3)    Cloth signs may extend over public property. Such signs, when extended over a public street, shall maintain a minimum clearance of twenty feet.

(4)    Cloth signs may extend across a public street only by permission of the city and shall be subject to all related laws and ordinances.

(5)    Temporary signs, other than cloth, when eight feet or more above ground, may project not more than six inches over public property or beyond the legal setback line. (Ord. 1780 §§ 9, 10, 2014; Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.150 Variances.

The hearing examiner 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 process shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in Section 18.52.040. A variance from the provisions and requirements of this code may be granted when:

(1)    The granting of the variance or modification 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;

(2)    The granting of the variance or modification would not be contrary to the objectives of this code;

(3)    The signage of the property in question cannot be adequately met under the literal interpretation and strict application of this code;

(4)    The granting of the variance or modification is necessary because of special circumstances relating to property location, topography, shape and size, or site distance and limited view to the property. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.160 Nonconforming signs.

(a)    Any sign lawfully existing under all codes and regulations prior to the adoption of 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 Omak. 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 Omak.

(4)    Billboards, as defined herein, within the central business and highway business zoning districts shall only be considered legal nonconforming signs until January 1, 2024. Such signs shall be removed at the owner’s expense within ninety days of being notified by the city.

(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 ten days after notice from the building official. Such notice shall provide an opportunity to appeal before the city council as set forth in Section 18.52.080. The appeal shall be granted or the decision modified if facts or circumstances disprove the existence of a public nuisance. Legal, conforming structural supports for abandoned signs may remain, if installed with a blank sign face and supporting structures are maintained.

(c)    The burden of establishing a sign to be legally nonconforming under this section rests upon the persons, firm, or corporation claiming legal status of a sign.

(d)    Nonconforming signs existing on the date of adoption of this code shall not be replaced or modified in any way which increases nonconformity with this chapter. Such nonconforming signs shall be made to comply with the provisions of this chapter within ten years of said date of adoption.

(e)    Loss of Nonconforming Status.

(1) A nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal, nonconforming status if:

(A) The sign is structurally altered in any way; or

(B) The sign is damaged in excess of fifty percent of the original cost of the sign; or

(C) The sign is relocated; or

(D) The sign is replaced.

(2) On the occurrence of any of the events described in subsection (e)(1)(a) of this section, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this chapter with a new permit secured therefor, or shall be removed; provided, however, that the building official may authorize specific alterations of such nonconforming signs if s/he finds that:

(A) The end of the nonconforming sign’s amortization period is more than two years away; and

(B) The total amount of aggregate noncompliance of the sign area of the existing signs on the premises is reduced at least fifty percent by the proposed alterations; and

(C) The alteration shall not affect the original amortization period for the nonconforming sign.

(f)    Notice of Nonconforming Signs. The building official shall endeavor to give notice of the legal nonconformance and amortization periods set forth in this section to the owners of signs required to be removed. Such notice should be given to the owners of the signs as shown by city records within one hundred twenty days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or of the ordinance which renders the signs nonconforming, whichever occurs later. Only one such notice need be given. Failure of the building official to give the notice specified in this section, or failure of the sign owner to receive any such notice, shall not limit or affect the city’s power to enforce this chapter, or in any way reduce the ability of the city to require removal of the nonconforming signs as provided by law.

(g)    Administrative Appeal. The owner of a nonconforming sign may file an appeal to request an extended period of use of such sign beyond the amortization period determined by this section. Any such appeal, to be heard by the hearing examiner, must be made upon forms provided by the city and must be accompanied by an appeal filing fee in the amount specified in the adopted fee schedule. The appellant shall provide as part of his/her appeal a general description of the sign, its dimensions and physical position; evidence sufficient to establish the date and cost of the sign as originally constructed and installed; the amount of depreciation claimed and the depreciation schedule used for such sign as reflected by Internal Revenue Service schedules for prior years; the estimated cost of relocation or alteration of such sign, where applicable; together with any other information or documents specified by the city which are reasonably necessary to assist the city in making a determination on the appeal. The hearing examiner shall consider the statements and documentary evidence contained in the application and any supplementary information which the city may reasonably require. In addition, s/he shall inspect the subject sign to determine its general condition, state of repair, and the extent to which the sign does not conform to the requirements and limitations of the ordinance codified in this chapter. In making his/her determination, the hearing examiner shall consider the unrecoverable cost invested in the sign, the estimated remaining life of the sign and the degree of nonconformity. The hearing examiner shall prepare and make available for public inspection the specific method s/he intends to use in processing such appeals. All determinations of appeals made pursuant to this section shall be made in writing with specific findings of fact and conclusions in support of the decision. All such determinations of the hearing examiner are subject to appeal to Okanogan County superior court. (Ord. 1780 § 11, 2014; Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

14.24.170 Termination of signs.

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

(1)    Damaged or destroyed beyond fifty percent. This determination shall rest with the building official and shall be based upon actual cost of replacing the sign;

(2)    Structurally substandard to the extent that the sign becomes a hazard or a danger to the public health, safety and welfare. (Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).

Table 3A. Projection of Signs 

Clearance (in Feet)	Maximum Projection (in Feet)
Less than 8'	Not permitted
8'	7'
9'	8'
10'	9'
Over 10'	No greater than width of adjoining sidewalk

(Ord. 1774 § 2 (Exh. A)(part), 2014).