Chapter 15.600
Sign Code
Sections:
15.600.010 Authority, Application and Exemptions
15.600.020 General Sign Provisions
15.600.030 Commercial/Office/Industrial Zone Classification Signs
15.600.040 Multi-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs
15.600.050 Single-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs
15.600.060 Noncommercial Speech Sign Standards
15.600.070 Temporary Sign Standards
15.600.080 Electronic Message Signs
15.600.100 Nonconforming Signs
15.600.120 Administration, Enforcement and Sign Removal
15.600.130 Variance From Sign Code
15.600.005 Purpose
A. This chapter shall be known as the SeaTac Sign Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
B. The purpose and scope of this code is to protect the health, safety, property and welfare of the citizens of the City of SeaTac (hereafter “City”), by establishing standards for the design, placement, size and maintenance of all signs and sign structures in the City. Furthermore, it is the purpose of the regulations, standards and criteria of this code to permit and encourage the design of signs which are responsive to the needs of the public in locating a business establishment by identification, address and product and/or services information.
C. This code aims to address emerging trends in electronic message sign technologies and provide regulations that facilitate the use of such technologies while ensuring protection of motorists and pedestrians from the hazards of glare, startling bursts of light, and the use of virtual movement and animation intended to attract driver attention, to hold driver gaze, and/or to otherwise distract drivers from the safe operation of their vehicles. The code’s intent is to protect neighborhoods, surrounding development and the night sky from nuisance factors associated with such glare, movement and animation of electronic message signs.
D. This chapter is not intended to and shall not be interpreted to restrict noncommercial speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. No part of this chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech. (Ord. 24-1008 § 1; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)
15.600.010 Authority, Application and Exemptions
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all signs within the jurisdictional limits of the City, regardless of the type or nature.
B. Permits shall be required of all signs nine (9) square feet or greater in surface area, and illuminated or electronic signs of any size. Nonilluminated signs less than nine (9) square feet in surface area are not required to obtain a permit, but must meet all requirements of this code.
C. Any classification of signs in this chapter which purports to permit commercial speech by reason of its content or identity of the sign user, or otherwise, shall be interpreted to allow noncommercial speech on the sign.
D. To the extent that any provision of this chapter is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate speech on the basis of the content of the message.
E. All signs not specifically defined and allowed or exempted by this code are prohibited.
F. The following are exempted from the regulations and requirements of this chapter, but may be subject to regulation under other provisions of the SMC:
1. Traffic or pedestrian control signs or signals, signs in the public right-of-way indicating scenic or historic points of interest, or signs which are erected or placed by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty;
2. Signs required by law;
3. Noncommercial public service signs, providing such signs are nonilluminated, nonelectronic, do not exceed eight (8) square feet in surface area and six (6) feet in height, and are limited to one (1) sign per street frontage;
4. Official public notices, official court notices or official sheriff’s notices;
5. The flag of a government and other political or special purpose flags that are not intended to contribute to a commercial advertising display;
6. Plaques, tablets or inscriptions indicating the name of a building, its date of erection, or other commemorative information, which are an integral part of the building structure or are attached flat to the face of the building, which are nonilluminated, and which do not exceed three (3) square feet in surface area;
7. Nonilluminated “No Trespassing,” “No Dumping,” “No Parking,” “Private Property,” “Fire Lane,” “Handicapped Parking,” and other on-site informational signs, which shall not exceed three (3) square feet in surface area;
8. Holiday and community special event decorations that do not display a commercial message;
9. Sandwich-board signs worn by a person while walking the public ways of the City;
10. Existing theater marquees (monument and/or building mounted);
11. Signs when internal to the site and not visible or legible at the ground level from public rights-of-way, parks, public easements, and public walkways.
12. Public art, such as murals of a non-commercial nature that do not conform to the definition of “sign.” (Ord. 24-1008 § 2; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)
15.600.015 Definitions
In addition to the land use definitions in Chapter 15.105 SMC, the following definitions apply to this chapter; for any term defined in this section that is also defined in this title, the definition in this section shall control. Words not defined herein shall have their common and ordinary meaning.
Aerial Displays
Signs in this category include balloons, pennants, spinners, strings of flags, streamers, tubes, and other devices affected by the movement of the air or other atmospheric or mechanical means.
Animation
Movement or the appearance of movement of a sign display through the use of patterns of lights, changes in color or light intensity, computerized special effects, video display, or through any other method; except for the scrolling of a static message or scene onto or off a sign board in one (1) direction per message. Note that animation is prohibited per SMC 15.600.090(D), Prohibited Signs.
Area of Facade
The area of that continuous front, side or back surface, including doors and windows, but excluding any roof area and structures or elevators or air-conditioning equipment thereon; provided, that in the case of a roof sign, the surface area of the facade shall be the area of that continuous front, side or back surface immediately beneath the roof, including doors and windows, but excluding the roof area and structures for elevators or air conditioning thereon.
Area or Surface Area of Sign
The area of a sign excluding sign support structures, which do not form part of the sign proper or the display. Surface area shall be measured as follows:
A. The “surface area” of the sign is determined by the height times the width of a typical rectangular sign or other appropriate mathematical computation of surface area for nonrectangular signs.
B. “Surface area” includes only one (1) face of a double-faced sign where the faces of the sign are parallel. If any face is offset from parallel by more than five (5) degrees, such face shall be counted as a separate surface area.
C. “Surface area” of a sign with more than two (2) faces, such as a cube or pyramid, shall be calculated as the sum of the surface area of all faces, divided by two (2).
D. In the event of an irregular, three (3) dimensional object that serves as signage, where the surface area is not readily measurable, the surface area shall be calculated by the largest area of the three (3) dimensional object visible from any one (1) viewing angle. 
Figure: SIGN SURFACE AREA CALCULATION
Awning Sign
Any sign erected upon, or against, an awning, which is a roof-like cover that projects from the wall of a building for the purpose of shielding a door or window from the elements.
Figure: AWNING SIGN
Banner
A sign of a nonpermanent nature constructed of nonrigid materials.
Banner, Decorative Pole-Mounted
A cloth or fabric banner without text or corporate logos mounted to a pole and secured at the top and bottom.
Billboard
Generally, a large permanent outdoor sign containing a message unrelated to the use or activity on the property on which the sign is located. The sign area is generally larger than that of a freestanding sign, and is pole mounted.
Building-Mounted Sign
A sign affixed to or erected against the wall of a building. Included in this definition are signs of a commercial nature painted directly on a wall.
Figure: BUILDING MOUNTED (WALL) SIGN
Canopy-Mounted Sign
Any sign or awning erected upon or against a canopy, which is a freestanding structure affording protection from the elements to persons or property thereunder.
Commercial Sign
Any sign, display, or device designed, intended or used to encourage or promote purchase or use of goods or services.
Directional Sign
Any sign that is designed for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Display
The visual information shown on a sign, including text, graphics, pictures, lights and background.
Electronic Message Sign
An electronic changeable copy sign that displays information with alphanumeric characters, including keyboard generated punctuation and symbols, and static images, graphics, logos, or symbols and which may consist of a pattern of lights using different combinations of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, and light bulbs, or other technology capable of displaying static images, graphics, logos, and symbols. See SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs, for requirements regarding electronic message signs.
Facade
The exterior wall face of a building, extending from the ground to the top of the parapet or eaves, but not including any portion of the roof. Each side of a building (i.e., each architectural elevation) is considered one (1) facade (see Figure: FACADE). For buildings with more than one (1) occupant, the facade for each occupant shall be that portion of the exterior wall face between the points where the interior walls between tenants intersect with the exterior wall.
Figure: FACADE
Flashing
A sign display that appears for less than one and one-half (1-1/2) consecutive seconds.
Foot Candle
A unit of light density incident on a plane (assumed to be horizontal unless otherwise specified), and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. light meter.
Freestanding Sign
A sign permanently mounted directly into the ground or supported by one or more posts, columns, or other vertical structures or supports, and not attached to or dependent for support from any building. Freestanding signs include those signs otherwise known as “pedestal signs,” “pylon signs,” and “monument signs.”
Figure: FREESTANDING SIGN
Grade (Ground Level)
The elevation or level of the street (or parking lot) closest to the sign to which reference is made. In cases where the property on which the sign is located is lower than the immediately adjacent street level, the ground level shall be considered the street level to facilitate visibility of signage. In no case shall a sign be higher than twenty-five (25) feet from the lowest grade of the property adjacent to the street level where the sign is proposed.
Height of Sign
The vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of a sign or any vertical projection thereof, including its supporting columns, or the vertical distance from the relative ground level in the immediate vicinity.
Holographic Display
Any display that creates a three (3) dimensional image through projection. (Note: Holographic displays are prohibited by SMC 15.600.090(F), Prohibited Signs.)
Inflatable Object
An inflatable object larger than eighteen (18) inches in diameter, such as a blimp, large air balloon or inflatable sport equipment, used to attract attention to a special event or grand opening.
Informational Sign
A small sign of a noncommercial nature without advertising, intended primarily for the convenience of the public or to ensure the orderly operation of the site, including but not limited to signs designating restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation, business directories, help wanted, public telephone, instructions regarding parking. Also included are property control and warning signs such as “no trespassing,” “no dumping,” etc.
Marquee Sign
Any sign that forms part of or is integrated into a marquee, which is a permanent roof-like projecting structure attached to a building, and that does not extend above the height or beyond the limits of such marquee. Also considered an extension of a building-mounted sign.
Figure: MARQUEE SIGN
Monument Sign
A type of freestanding sign that is above ground level and is attached to the ground by means of a wide base of solid appearance, with no open space between the sign and the ground.
Figure: MONUMENT SIGN
Multiple Building Complex
A group of structures housing more than one (1) type of retail business, office or commercial venture, and generally under one (1) ownership and control.
Multiple Occupancy Building
A single structure housing more than one (1) type of retail business office or commercial venture.
Noncommercial Sign
A sign which contains no message, statement, or expression related to commercial interests. Noncommercial signs include, but are not limited to, signs expressing political views, religious views, or information about and/or announcements of public agencies.
Parapet Sign
Any sign erected upon the parapet of a building, which is that portion of a building wall which extends above the roof of the building on all building facades.
Figure: PARAPET
Permanent Sign(s)
All permitted monument/freestanding and building-mounted signs (see SMC 15.600.030, Commercial/Office/Industrial Zone Classification Signs, and 15.600.040, Multi-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs).
Portable Sign
A movable sign that is not permanently attached to a structure or the ground. Portable signs include A-frame signs and signs mounted on a portable base, but not portable readerboards.
Porte-Cochere Sign
Any sign erected upon a porte-cochere, which is a covering structure projecting horizontally from and attached to a building, affording protection from the elements; typically used for loading and unloading of vehicles.
Property Line
The line denoting the limits of legal ownership of property.
Readerboard
A sign or part of a sign on which the letters are replaceable by manual means, such as changing magnetic letters on a sign board.
Roof Sign
A sign or sign structure erected above a roof, parapet, canopy or porte-cochere of a building or structure.
Scrolling
The vertical movement of a static message or display on an electronic message sign.
Sign
Any communication device, structure, or fixture which is intended for commercial or non-commercial use; using graphics, written copy, letters, numbers, figures, symbols, logos, or registered trademarks. Painted wall designs or patterns which do not represent a product, service or registered trademark, and which do not identify the user, are not considered signs.
Sign Copy
Any combination of letters, numerals, words, symbols, pictures, emblems or other characters that constitute a message in either permanent or removable form.
Sign, Off-Premises
Any sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, activity or entertainment not conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.
Sign, On-Premises
Any sign which carries advertisements incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which it is located, including signs indicating the business transacted at, services rendered, or goods sold or produced on the premises, or name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.
Temporary Sign
A sign structure or device used for the display of messages or images, which is easily installed and removed and which is not intended or suitable for long-term or permanent display due to the sign construction, materials, placement, or installation. Any sign not covered by this definition is a permanent sign and must comply with the applicable permanent sign regulations.
Figure: EXAMPLES OF TEMPORARY SIGNS
Traveling
The horizontal movement of a static message or display on an electronic sign.
Window Sign
All signs located inside and affixed to or within three (3) feet of a window of a building, whether temporary or permanent, lighted or unlighted, which may be viewed from the exterior of the building. The term does not include merchandise located within three (3) feet of a window. (Ord. 24-1008 § 3; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)
15.600.020 General Sign Provisions
A. Requirements Applicable to All Signs.
1. Structural Requirements. The structure and erection of signs within the City shall be governed by the adopted Uniform Sign Code and Building Code. Compliance with the Uniform Sign Code and Building Code shall be a prerequisite to issuance of a sign permit under SMC 15.600.110, Permits and Fees.
2. Electrical Requirements. Electrical requirements for signs within the City shall be governed by Chapter 13.180 SMC, Electrical Code. Compliance with the Electrical Code shall be required by every sign utilizing electrical energy as a prerequisite to issuance of a sign permit under SMC 15.600.110, Permits and Fees.
3. Sign Illumination. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as to avoid undue brightness, glare, or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding area, and so as to avoid unreasonably distracting pedestrians or motorists. “Undue brightness” is illumination in excess of that which is reasonably necessary to make the sign reasonably visible to the average person on an adjacent street. Additionally, electronic signs shall meet the standards of SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs.
4. Sign Maintenance. All signs, including signs heretofore installed, shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety, repair and professional appearance. If any sign is found not to be so maintained or is insecurely fastened or otherwise dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of the premises on which the sign is fastened to repair or remove the sign within five (5) days after receiving notice from the City Manager or designee. The premises surrounding a monument sign shall be free and clear of rubbish and any landscaping area free of weeds.
5. Sign Obstructing View or Passage. No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any door, window or exit from a building. No sign shall be located so as to be hazardous to a motorist’s ingress or egress, or visibility of traffic flow during ingress or egress, from parking areas of any way open to the public. All signs shall comply with SMC 15.400.350, Sight Distance Requirements.
6. Landscaping for Monument Signs. All permanent monument signs shall include, as part of their design, general landscaping and curbs about their base to prevent automobiles from hitting the sign-supporting structure and to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
7. Sign Inspection. All sign users shall permit the periodic inspection of their signs by the City upon City staff request.
8. Conflicting Provisions. Whenever two (2) provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard to size or placement of a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
B. Number of Permanent Signs.
1. Permanent signage, consisting of monument/freestanding signage and facade/building-mounted signage, is allowed within the commercial/industrial/office zones, multi-family zones, and for noncommercial uses in the single-family residential zones as described in SMC 15.600.030, Commercial/Office/Industrial Zone Classification Signs, 15.600.040, Multi-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs, and 15.600.050, Single-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs. Within these zoning classifications, only one (1) freestanding sign is allowed per site. See subsection (C) of this section for a definition of “site.” Each business shall also be allowed the facade signage described within SMC 15.600.030(B)(2) or 15.600.040(B)(2).
2. Where a site has multiple street frontages, one (1) freestanding sign shall be allowed on each street frontage, providing that there shall be a minimum of one hundred (150) feet between each freestanding sign, drawn in a straight line between the closest edges of the signs.
3. In a residential site of one hundred (100) dwelling units or greater, where the dwelling units are clustered into defined neighborhoods, only one (1) freestanding sign shall be allowed to identify each neighborhood containing at least thirty-five (35) residential dwelling units.
C. Monument Sign Design. Any monument sign must be “integrated” (that is, all elements of the sign must be incorporated in a single design).
1. Monument signs shall include design elements that effectively frame the sign on both faces. Alternatively, signs that have a substantial framing element on one (1) side may meet this provision.
2. Monument signs shall integrate a top, middle, and bottom element. The top could include a distinctive sign cap and/or include the name of a multi-tenant center. The middle can include a consistent framing technique for an individual sign or multiple signs in a multi-tenant center. The bottom could include a distinctive base design with special materials and/or design.
Signs less than six (6) feet tall are exempt from this provision.
3. Monument signs shall include durable high-quality materials such as stone, brick, concrete, or steel and a design that relates to and/or complements the design of on-site buildings and/or is coordinated with other site design elements (such as distinctive lighting, monuments, wayfinding signs).
4. All permanent monument signs shall include, as part of their design, general landscaping and curbs about their base to prevent automobiles from hitting the sign-supporting structure and to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
5. Posts or other supports must be architecturally covered, painted, or otherwise treated to prevent weathering, and to coordinate with the design of the sign.
D. Setbacks.
1. Interior lots (as per SMC 15.110.040): five (5) feet from the front property line; ten (10) feet from the side property lines.
2. Corner lots: five (5) feet from all property lines.
3. A sign may be set back between zero (0) feet and five (5) feet from the front property line, provided the applicant provides justification and documented proof that the sign’s placement will not hinder vision clearance (as per SMC 15.400.350) for existing and future development on the site.
E. Site. A site shall be considered to be the largest applicable area of the following:
1. A single business located on one (1) or more tax parcels;
2. Multiple uses sharing the area of one (1) or more tax parcels, whether in a multiple-occupancy building, a multiple-building complex, or other common use of a parcel for business operations.
F. Directional Signs. Directional signs are not included in the number of permanent signs so long as the following conditions are met:
1. The sign shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in surface area.
a. Business identification shall comprise no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the sign.
2. The number of directional signs shall not exceed one (1) per entrance to a site, except that two (2) directional signs shall be allowed if necessary for safety and oriented to traffic approaching the entrance from two (2) different directions.
Additional signs oriented to the street may be allowed only if shown to be necessary for safety purposes and granted by the Director.
3. The sign is located on the premises to which the sign is intended to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and meets all other standards of the code. If a directional sign is portable, or constructed of nonrigid materials, see SMC 15.600.070, Temporary Sign Standards, for requirements regarding temporary signs.
4. Where a property lacks direct street frontage, an off-premises directional sign may be approved through a variance process described in SMC 15.600.130, Variance From Sign Code.
G. Street Identification. Each enterprise, including each building in a multiple building complex, shall display and maintain on-premises street address number identification.
H. Each Sign Complete. In no case shall any sign contain a letter, word, or phrase that is continued onto another sign. (Ord. 24-1008 § 4; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)
15.600.030 Commercial/Office/Industrial Zone Classification Signs
A. General.
1. This section regulates signs in the following zones: NB, CB, CB-C, RBX, I, and O/CM.
2. Illumination. Freestanding and building-mounted signs in the commercial/office/industrial zones may be illuminated through internal and external illumination; provided, that such illumination does not create glare on adjacent properties or traffic corridors, and that the following conditions are met:
a. Internal Illumination. Internal illumination shall be allowed; provided, that if the sign is located adjacent to or across from a single-family zone, one (1) of the following methods shall be used:
i. Only the lettering and symbols on the sign shall be illuminated; or
ii. If the entire cabinet is illuminated, the background shall be a dark shade or color that minimizes glare, with the foreground (letters and symbols) being light or contrasting.
b. External Illumination. If external illumination is used, documentation shall be provided that clearly shows that light or glare from the external illumination will not impact traffic corridors or adjacent properties.
B. Standards.
1. Monument and Freestanding Signs.
a. Maximum height: fifteen (15) feet.
b. Maximum surface area:
i. Eighty-five (85) square feet;
ii. The size of electronic monument or freestanding signs is limited by SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs.
2. Building-Mounted Signs (Including Parapet, Awning, Marquee, Porte-Cochere, and Canopy-Mounted Signs). The surface area of any building-mounted sign shall not exceed the figures derived from the following schedule. The size of electronic message signs for building-mounted signs is limited by SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs.
|
Surface Area of Facade |
Maximum Sign Surface Area |
|---|---|
|
Less than 100 sf |
30 sf |
|
100 – 199 sf |
35 sf + 11% of facade area over 100 sf |
|
200 – 499 sf |
40 sf + 12% of facade area over 200 sf |
|
500 – 999 sf |
80 sf + 11% of facade area over 500 sf |
|
1,000 sf or greater |
10% of facade |
Additionally, the following conditions apply:
a. In multiple occupancy buildings, the facade area for each tenant or user is derived by measuring only the surface area of the exterior facade of the premises actually used by the tenant or user. The sign displayed by the tenant or user must be located on the facade that was used to determine the size of the sign, except as provided in this section.
b. Unused sign surface area for a facade may be used by any tenant or user within the same multiple occupancy building if the display of the sign is necessary to reasonably identify and locate the use, and the provisions of this code do not provide the use with adequate sign display options.
c. Sign Height. The height of any building-mounted sign shall not extend above the highest exterior wall of the building.
d. No sign shall be mounted on top of a marquee, porte-cochere, canopy, roof, or other similar structure.
e. Any building-mounted sign, including any marquee sign, or awning sign attached to a building, shall not project more than six (6) feet from the face of the building to which the sign is attached. Any structural supports shall be an integral part of the design or concealed from view.
f. All parapet, marquee, and awning signs must be manufactured in such a way that they appear to be a part of the building itself.
g. Any sign mounted to the facade of a freestanding canopy structure or the facade of a porte-cochere extending more than six (6) feet from a building shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of the width or height of the fascia the sign is mounted to so as to leave reveal on all sides of the sign and to maintain an appropriate balance between the sign and structure.
Figure: CANOPY SIGN
h. Window signs shall be considered building-mounted signs for the purposes of this section, and shall be counted as part of the aggregate sign surface area allowed. Window signs shall not be mounted between three (3) feet and seven (7) feet of floor level on any floor of a building, unless such signage does not obstruct visibility through the majority of the window.
i. Decorative lighting including neon and other accent lighting, and any lighted canopy or building panel, shall be considered a building-mounted sign for the purposes of this section, and shall be counted as part of the aggregate sign surface area allowed. (Ord. 24-1008 § 5; Ord. 17-1023 § 1; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)
15.600.040 Multi-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs
A. General. This section applies to:
1. Multiple-family buildings and any commercial use, church, school or community use located in the T, UM, UH, CB, RBX, UL, NB, I and O/C/MU zone classifications.
2. A sign in these classifications may be internally illuminated, provided that:
a. The maximum size allowed for an internally illuminated sign shall be twenty-five (25) square feet.
b. The background of any internally illuminated sign shall be dark with only the letters or message of the sign illuminated.
c. Neon signage shall not be allowed.
d. Internal or external illumination shall not create glare on adjacent traffic corridors.
3. See SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs, for separate size and other limitations regarding electronic signs.
4. The light source for any externally illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so that the light source is not visible from a public street or adjoining residential property. If external illumination is used, documentation shall be provided that clearly shows that light or glare from the external illumination will not impact traffic corridors or adjacent properties. The type of external illumination shall be approved by the Director prior to issuance of a sign permit.
B. Standards.
1. Monument and Freestanding Signs. The following limits shall apply to monument and freestanding signs:
a. Maximum sign height: fifteen (15) feet – permanent sign.
b. Maximum surface area:
i. Thirty-five (35) square feet for multi-family uses;
ii. Thirty-five (35) square feet for any nonresidential use not on an arterial street;
iii. Sixty (60) square feet for any nonresidential use fronting on a minor or collector arterial street as defined within the City of SeaTac Comprehensive Plan;
iv. Eighty-five (85) square feet for any nonresidential use fronting on a principal arterial street as defined in the City of SeaTac Comprehensive Plan;
v. See SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs, for size limitations on electronic signs.
c. Design. Auxiliary projections or attachments not a part of a single design are prohibited, except under the following circumstances:
i. The monument sign is located on the primary access road to a multi-family development exceeding thirty (30) dwelling units; and
ii. Auxiliary projections or attachments provide a single architectural feature unique to the multi-family development; and
iii. The monument sign and auxiliary projections and attachments are on a scale commensurate with the size of the development.
2. Building-Mounted Signs (Including Parapet, Awning, Marquee, Porte-Cochere, and Canopy-Mounted Signs). The surface area of any building-mounted sign shall not exceed the figures derived from the following schedule. The size of electronic building-mounted signs is limited by SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs.
|
Surface Area of Facade |
Maximum Sign Surface Area |
|---|---|
|
Less than 100 sf |
21 sf |
|
100 – 199 sf |
21 sf + 9% of facade area over 100 sf |
|
200 – 499 sf |
30 sf + 10% of facade area over 200 sf |
|
500 – 999 sf |
60 sf + 9% of facade area over 500 sf |
|
1,000 sf or greater |
10% of facade |
Additionally, the following conditions apply:
a. In multiple occupancy buildings, the facade area for each tenant or user is derived by measuring only the surface area of the exterior facade of the premises actually used by the tenant or user, and the sign displayed by the tenant or user must be located on the facade used to determine the size of the sign, except as provided in this section.
b. Unused sign surface area for a facade may be used by any tenant or user within the same multiple occupancy building, if the display of the sign is necessary to reasonably identify and locate the use, and the provisions of this code do not provide the use with adequate sign display options.
c. Sign Height. The height of any building-mounted sign shall not extend above the highest exterior wall of the building.
d. No sign shall be mounted on top of a marquee, porte-cochere, canopy, roof, or other similar structure.
e. Any building-mounted sign shall not project more than six (6) feet from the face of the building to which the sign is attached. Any structural supports shall be an integral part of the design or concealed from view.
f. All parapet, marquee, and awning signs must be manufactured in such a way that they appear to be a part of the building itself.
g. Any sign mounted to the facade of a freestanding canopy structure or the facade of a porte-cochere extending more than six (6) feet from a building shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height.
h. Window signs shall be considered building-mounted signs for the purposes of this section, and shall be counted as part of the aggregate sign surface area allowed. Window signs shall not be mounted between three (3) feet and seven (7) feet of floor level on any floor of a building, unless such signage does not obstruct visibility through the majority of the window.
i. Decorative lighting including neon and other accent lighting, and lighted canopy or wall panels, shall be considered a building-mounted sign for the purposes of this section, and shall be counted as part of the aggregate sign surface area allowed. The width of any decorative lighting strip or accent shall be considered to extend six (6) inches beyond the limits of the actual strip or accent. (Ord. 24-1008 § 6; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)
15.600.050 Single-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs
A. In individual dwelling units within the residential UL and T zones, a sign with the occupant’s name two (2) square feet is permitted.
B. Each residential dwelling shall display and maintain on-premises street address number identification.
C. Any home occupation shall be allowed the signage described and regulated in SMC 15.465.500(C), Home Occupations.
D. Any daycare facility, bed and breakfast, short-term rental, or specialized instruction school (other than a specialized instruction school located at a former school district facility) within the UL or T zones shall be allowed a nine (9) square foot sign.
E. Electronic message signs are not allowed, except as permitted by SMC 15.600.080, Electronic Message Signs.
F. Internally illuminated signs are not allowed except as permitted and regulated by SMC 15.600.040, Multi-Family Residential Zone Classification Signs, for churches, schools, and community uses. (Ord. 24-1008 § 7; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)
15.600.060 Noncommercial Speech Sign Standards
Noncommercial speech signs do not promote commercial products or services. The content of such signs is not regulated, but is subject to the following requirements:
A. The sign area of all noncommercial speech signs on a lot shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
B. The maximum height is limited to six (6) feet.
C. Noncommercial speech signs that do not comply with the requirements of this section shall be subject to the permit requirements, sign area, setback and other provisions of this chapter. All noncommercial speech signs shall comply with general sign regulations per SMC 15.600.020.
D. For requirements regarding temporary noncommercial speech signs, see SMC 15.600.070, Temporary Sign Standards. (Ord. 24-1008 § 9)
15.600.070 Temporary Sign Standards
A. General.
1. All temporary signs are subject to the placement, size, and height requirements of this chapter, and the requirements in the underlying zone. The content of temporary signs is not regulated.
2. No sign permit is required for temporary signs.
B. Materials. Temporary signs shall be made of any durable material, and the sign face shall be of rigid or flexible construction, unless otherwise required by this section.
C. Illumination. Temporary signs shall not be directly illuminated or be provided with any electric service.
D. Standards.
1. The sign area of individual temporary signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet, except a single on-premises temporary sign may be as large as thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. The maximum height of a temporary sign is six (6) feet.
3. Signs may be displayed for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, except for when the sign is related to an event or a specific date, in which case it shall be removed within fourteen (14) days following the event or specific date.
4. Temporary signs shall not be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or to any other structure, other than what is necessary to secure it to prevent theft, wind damage or safety problems.
5. Temporary signs attached to building walls shall not be placed in a manner that obstructs any door, fire department sprinkler connection, or address numbers.
6. Temporary signs shall not be placed on the roof of a building, or affixed to a permanent sign or its structure, tree, utility pole, or street sign.
7. Aerial displays are permitted for specific promotions or events but shall be removed seven (7) days after the promotions or events end. However, in no case shall an aerial display be displayed for more than twenty-eight (28) days.
8. Banners. A banner may have a sign area of up to thirty-two (32) square feet. The height of banners shall not exceed the height of the building or fence to which they are attached.
a. For buildings or tenant spaces with an exterior wall width greater than thirty-two (32) feet in width, the maximum size of a banner shall be up to one (1) square foot of banner area for every one (1) linear foot of exterior wall space per tenant/business space, up to a maximum size of one hundred (100) square feet.
b. If the banner is strung between support posts, the maximum height shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet, as measured from the existing ground level to the top of the banner.
c. These limitations do not apply to City-owned banners affixed to City property.
E. General Location Provisions.
1. With the exception of public right-of-way, temporary signs shall only be located on public or private property with the property owner’s permission.
2. Temporary signs shall not be placed in any public park, trail, open space, or other public space, except for those signs placed or authorized by the government, agency, or organization that owns or maintains the land.
3. No part of a temporary sign may overhang a paved roadway, sidewalk, bicycle path, parking space, driveway, loading area, or wheelchair access.
4. Temporary signs shall not be placed within any roadway median, traffic circle, traffic island, or roundabout.
5. Temporary signs in the public right-of-way shall be located at least five (5) feet from any other temporary sign.
6. Temporary signs in the public right-of-way shall be located at least twenty-five (25) feet from traffic signs, signals, wayfinding signs, and other traffic control devices erected by the city or other public authority.
7. Off-premises, commercial temporary signs may only be located in the right-of-way adjacent to the commercial premises. (Ord. 24-1008 § 11)
15.600.080 Electronic Message Signs
Electronic message signs shall be allowed, provided they comply with the following requirements:
A. Size and Location.
1. Freestanding/Monument Signs.
a. That portion of the sign that constitutes the electronic changeable display shall be allowed as follows:
|
Zone |
Maximum Electronic Portion of Sign |
Maximum Total Size of Sign |
|---|---|---|
|
CB, CB-C, O/CM, I, RBX |
55 sf |
85 sf |
|
NB |
25 sf |
85 sf |
|
Noncommercial Uses in UL, T, UM, UH, O/C/MU, P |
Not allowed |
35 sf not on an arterial |
|
Not allowed |
60 sf on a minor/collector arterial |
|
|
25 sf |
85 sf on a principal arterial |
|
|
Commercial Uses in O/C/MU, T, UM, UH |
Not allowed |
35 sf |
|
Not allowed |
60 sf on a minor/collector arterial |
|
|
25 sf |
85 sf on a principal arterial |
|
|
Multi-Family Uses in O/CM, UM, UH |
Not allowed |
35 sf |
2. Building-Mounted Signs.
a. Building-mounted electronic message signs are not allowed in the following zones: UL, T, O/C/MU, UM, UH, P, NB.
b. In all other zones, a site or property may be allowed a maximum of fifty-five (55) square feet of building-mounted electronic changeable display per street frontage.
C. Light Levels.
1. All signs shall incorporate photocell/light sensors, with automatic dimming technology that appropriately adjusts to ambient light conditions and the means to immediately turn off the display if it malfunctions or if for some reason it is not complying with the regulations in this section.
2. Maximum brightness levels for electronic message signs in all zones shall not exceed three-tenths (0.3) foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle meter at a preset distance depending on sign size. Measurement distance shall be determined using the following calculation: the square root of the product of the sign area times one hundred (100). Example using a twelve (12) square foot sign: √(12x100) = 34.6 feet measuring distance.
3. At no time shall the sign be operated at a brightness level greater than the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
4. All electronic message signs shall be designed to prevent light trespass into the sky.
D. Residential Zones.
1. Electronic message signs shall not be allowed within any dwelling or home occupation in any residential zone.
2. Businesses, churches or schools are allowed electronic message signs providing that:
a. They comply with subsections (A) through (C)(1) and (C)(3) of this section;
b. Electronic displays in residential zones shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (Ord. 24-1008 § 13)
15.600.090 Prohibited Signs
The following signs or displays are prohibited, unless otherwise approved by this chapter. Prohibited signs are subject to removal by the City at the owner’s or user’s expense. Any existing sign which is prohibited upon the effective date of this code shall be removed within six (6) months of notification from the City except as provided in SMC 15.600.100, Nonconforming Signs, regarding nonconforming signs.
A. Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or which bear the words “stop,” “caution,” “danger,” “warning,” or similar words;
B. Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of any emergency (police, fire or ambulance) or radio equipment vehicle, or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic or street sign or signal device;
C. Signs which rotate or have a part(s) which move or revolve except the movement of the hands of a clock;
D. Signs that display animation;
E. Any display or sign not specifically allowed by the sign code, including, but not limited to, strings of lights; ribbons; spinners, twirlers or propellers; flashing, rotating or blinking lights, chasing or scintillating lights; fluttering or moving lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light density or color; lasers; strobes or lights with stroboscopic effect; displays or lights that imitate the appearance of explosions or fireworks; flares; balloons; bubble machines and similar devices of a carnival nature, or containing elements creating sound or smell. Exception: Certain of these devices are permitted on a limited basis for grand openings of new businesses under SMC 15.600.070(D);
F. Holographic displays;
G. Signs identifying, or window signs advertising activities, products, businesses or services which have been discontinued for more than sixty (60) days on the premises upon which the signs are located, and any window signs in excess of the amount of wall signage allowed, or mounted between three (3) feet and seven (7) feet above floor level and obstructing the view through a the majority of the window;
H. Private signs on utility poles as prohibited by RCW 70.54.090;
I. Searchlights;
J. Miscellaneous pole-mounted advertisements;
K. Signs for which a permit has been granted under conditions with which the permittee does not comply;
L. Signs for which a permit has been granted and subsequently revoked for cause by the City Manager, or designee;
M. Signs erected, altered or relocated (excluding copy change) without a permit issued by the City or any other governmental agency as required by law;
N. Billboards except those qualifying as nonconforming signs pursuant to SMC 15.600.100, Nonconforming Signs;
O. Roof signs, except as allowed through a variance process by SMC 15.600.130(G)(5);
P. Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer on public or private property; provided, however, this provision shall not be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its products on a vehicle operating during the normal course of business, or advertising a vehicle for sale if such sign is placed inside the vehicle.
Q. Any sign that impedes free ingress and egress from any door, window, or exit way required by building and fire codes, or blocks pedestrian access to transit or to/from parked vehicles. (Ord. 24-1008 § 15)
15.600.100 Nonconforming Signs
A. Applicability. This section applies to the maintenance, repair, as appropriate, and removal of nonconforming signs. “Nonconforming sign” means a sign that was legally established, but no longer conforms to the current sign standards of this chapter.
1. Loss of Nonconforming Status. A nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its nonconforming status if:
a. The sign is altered in any way in structure or height which is not in compliance with the standards of this chapter; or
b. The sign is relocated to a position which is not in compliance with the standards of this chapter; or
c. The sign is replaced; provided, that this replacement refers to structural replacement, not change of “copy,” panel or lettering; or
d. Any new permanent sign is erected or placed in connection with the enterprise using the nonconforming sign; or
e. The loss of legal nonconforming status takes place upon any change in land use or occupancy, or a change in business name, and the sign shall be brought into conformity. Such nonconforming signs shall, within ninety (90) days, be brought into conformity with this code or be removed.
Upon any of the above-referenced circumstances taking place, any permit or designation for what had been a nonconforming sign shall become void. The Administrator shall notify the sign user, sign owner or owner of the property upon which the sign is located of cancellation of the permit or designation and the sign shall immediately be brought into compliance with this chapter and a new permit secured or shall be removed.
B. Illegal Signs. An illegal sign is any sign which does not comply with the requirements of this chapter within the City limits as they now or hereafter exist and which is not eligible for characterization as nonconforming under this section.
C. Nonconforming Sign Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located from the provisions of this code regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs, nor from any provisions on prohibited signs, contained in SMC 15.600.090, Prohibited Signs; provided, however, that any repainting, replacement of “copy,” panels and/or lettering, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign or structure in any way which is not in compliance with the requirements of this code, or the sign will lose its nonconforming status (subsection (A)(1) of this section). (Ord. 24-1008 § 17)
15.600.110 Permits and Fees
A. Permit Requirements. No sign governed by the provisions of this code that is illuminated or electronic, or is greater than nine (9) square feet in surface area shall be erected, altered or relocated by any person, firm or corporation from and after the date of adoption of this code without a permit issued by the City. No permit is required for a nonilluminated sign of nine (9) square feet or less surface area, but such signs must otherwise comply with this code.
B. Permit Applications. Applications for permits shall contain the name and address of the owner and user of the sign, the name and address of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located, the location of the sign structure, drawings or photographs showing display faces with the proposed message and design accurately represented as to size, area, proportion, and color, and such other pertinent information as the Code Administrator of this code may require to ensure compliance with this code and other applicable ordinances. Permit applications shall be available for inspection by the public upon request.
C. Expiration of Permits. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has not been completed within one (1) year of its issuance.
D. Permit Exceptions. No new permit shall be required:
1. For repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the sign structure or content is not modified in any way;
2. For the changing of the advertising copy or message on an approved readerboard or theater marquee, during the period of amortization.
E. Notice of Permit Denial – Reasons. When a sign permit is denied by the Code Administrator, he shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial. (Ord. 24-1008 § 19)
15.600.120 Administration, Enforcement and Sign Removal
A. Code Administrator. The Code Administrator of this chapter/code is the City Manager, or designee. The Administrator is authorized and directed to enforce and carry out all provisions of this code, both in letter and spirit, with vigilance and with all due speed. To that end, the Administrator is further empowered to delegate the duties and powers granted to and imposed upon him/her under this code. As used in this code, “Administrator of this code” or “Administrator” includes his/her authorized representative.
B. Inspection by the Administrator. The Code Administrator or his designee (including code enforcement) is empowered to inspect any building, structure or premises in the City, upon which, or in connection with which, a sign, as defined by this code, is located, for the purpose of inspection of the sign, its structural and electrical connections, and to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours, unless an emergency exists.
C. Code Violations and Enforcement. The civil remedies provided in this section for violations of, or failure to comply with, provisions of this code shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to any other remedy provided by law.
1. Injunction and Abatement. The City, through its authorized agents, may initiate injunction or abatement proceedings or other appropriate action in the courts against any person who fails to comply with any provision of this code, or against the erector, owner or user of an unlawful sign or the owner of the property on which an unlawful sign is located to prevent, enjoin, abate or terminate violations of this code and/or the erection, use or display of an unlawful sign. The City may abate an unlawful sign using the procedure of the adopted City Code.
2. Enforcement may also be according to SMC 1.15.065, Notice of Infraction, or 1.15.120, Notice and Order – Procedures. (Ord. 24-1008 § 23; Ord. 15-1018 § 1. Formerly 15.600.190)
15.600.130 Variance From Sign Code
A. Scope. This section establishes the procedure and criteria that the City will use in making a decision upon an application for a variance from the provisions of the Sign Code.
B. Applicability. This section applies to each application for a variance from the provisions of the Sign Code.
C. Purpose. A variance is a mechanism by which the City may grant relief from the provisions of the Sign Code where practical difficulty renders compliance with the provisions of that code an unnecessary hardship, where the hardship is a result of the physical characteristics of the subject property and where the purpose of that code can be fulfilled.
D. Who May Apply. The property owner may apply for a variance from the provisions of the Sign Code.
E. Submittal Requirements.
1. The Administrator shall specify the submittal requirements including type, detail and number of copies for a variance application to be deemed complete and accepted for filing.
2. The Administrator may waive specific submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for review of an application.
F. Decision Criteria. The Hearing Examiner may approve or approve with modification the application for a variance from the provisions of the Sign Code if:
1. The variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitation upon signage and uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the property, on behalf of which the application was filed, is located; and
2. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is situated; and
3. The proposed sign shows an exceptional effort toward creating visual harmony between the signs, structures, and other features of the property through the use of a consistent design theme; and
4. The special circumstances of the subject property are not the result of the actions of the applicant.
G. Limitation of Authority. The Hearing Examiner may not grant a variance to:
1. Any dimensional request of the Sign Code greater than fifty percent (50%) of the required dimension of a sign (setbacks from a property line shall not be deemed a dimensional standard of sign); or
2. The number of signs permitted on a site or zone classification; or
3. The general provisions of this code or any other procedural or administrative provisions of the code that do not directly apply to this chapter; or
4. The provisions of the Sign Code which are not subject to variances shall include, by the terms of this code, type of signs and any prohibited or illegal signs, and the dimensional standards of the changeable portion of an electronic sign;
5. Roof Signs. Notwithstanding SMC 15.600.090, Prohibited Signs, a roof sign may be allowed through a variance process provided the following criteria are met in addition to the decision criteria listed under subsection (F) of this section:
a. The site does not front on any street and is more than two hundred (200) feet from a public right-of-way;
b. The sign is no greater than necessary for adequate visibility from the nearest public street. Adequate visibility shall be determined by the size of sign allowed in the subject zone, plus a factor for distance from the nearest public street;
c. No other permanent signage exists or shall be allowed for the site;
d. The sign is installed in such a manner that there shall be no visible support structure;
6. Off-Premises Signs. Notwithstanding SMC 15.600.090, Prohibited Signs, an off-premises sign may be allowed through a variance process provided the following criteria are met in addition to the decision criteria listed under subsection (F) of this section:
a. For a permanent sign:
i. Permanent signage cannot be located on the site.
ii. The sign displays only information directly related to the use of property of the subject business or property for which the variance is granted.
iii. The sign is located as close as possible to the subject business or property.
b. For a directional sign:
i. The applicant demonstrates that his premises are located such that on-premises directional signs are inadequate to reasonably apprise the public of the location of the premises, because the premises lacks any direct street frontage.
H. Time Limitation. A variance automatically expires and is void if the applicant fails to file for a sign permit or other necessary development permits within two (2) years of the effective date of the variance unless:
1. The applicant has received an extension pursuant to subsection (I) of this section; or
2. The variance approval provides for a greater time period due to circumstances.
I. Extension.
1. The Code Administrator may extend a variance, not to exceed one (1) year, if:
a. Unforeseen circumstances or conditions necessitate the extension of the variance; and
b. Termination of the variance would result in unreasonable hardship to the applicant, and the applicant is not directly responsible for the delay; and
c. The extension of the variance will not cause substantial detriment to existing uses in the immediate vicinity of the subject property.
2. The Administrator may grant no more than two (2) extensions. A second extension may be granted if:
a. Unforeseen circumstances or conditions necessitate the extension of the variance;
b. The applicant has demonstrated reasonable diligence in attempting to meet the time limit imposed;
c. Conditions in the immediate vicinity of the subject property have not changed substantially since the variance was first granted.
J. Assurance Device. In appropriate circumstances, the City may require a reasonable performance bond or other financial method in order to assure compliance with the provisions of the Sign Code and any variances as approved. (Ord. 24-1008 § 24; Ord. 15-1018 § 1. Formerly 15.600.200)