Chapter 18.60 SIGN REGULATIONS*

The city council finds that the manner of the construction, location and maintenance of signs affects the public health, safety and welfare of the people; the safety of the users of the public streets and sidewalks is affected by the number, size, location, lighting and movement of signs that divert attention of such users; the size and location of signs, if uncontrolled, may constitute safety hazards; and uncontrolled and unlimited signs may degrade the aesthetic attractiveness of the community which could undermine the economic value of tourism, visitation and economic growth. The regulations in this chapter are found to be the minimum necessary to achieve these purposes. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an effective administrative process for the review and enforcement of these standards to protect and improve the health, safety and welfare, as well as the aesthetic quality of the community. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000. Formerly 18.60.020)

18.60.010 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms are defined:

“A-board” or “freestanding sidewalk sign” means a double-sided sign designed to stand freely upon a surface on which it is placed.

“Abandoned sign” means any sign and its components, including sign standards, structures, supporting “shells,” braces, anchor and similar components, that advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, and the sign exists on the site for more than one year after the date of termination of the business, service or enterprise.

“Animated sign” means any sign, including banners, streamers, animated display boards; including video signs, pennants, and propellers, of which all or any part thereof is designed to visibly move; and any sign which contains or uses for illumination any light, lights, or lighting device which changes color, flash or alternate, show movement or motion, or automatically change the appearance of the sign or any part thereof, including any audible sounds, noises, steam, smoke or bubbles or similar emissions. Electronic message boards that flash time, date and weather conditions are not considered to be animated signs.

“Banner” means a temporary on-site sign such as those used to announce a grand opening or to make a special announcement. Normally, it is constructed of cloth, canvas, or similar material and is without a rigid frame.

“Billboard” means any single-sided poster panel signboard for the sole or primary purpose of which is to provide advertising space for sale or rent, with no moving parts or moving messages.

“Blade/bracket sign” means a small, pedestrian-oriented sign that projects perpendicularly from a structure (blade sign) or is hung beneath an awning, canopy, or marquee (bracket sign). A blade/bracket sign is a projecting sign.

“Business complex” means two or more commercial businesses on a lot or contiguous lots with common access and parking.

“Construction sign” means a sign that identifies a project, the owner or developer, architect, engineer, contractor and subcontractors, financial institutions and/or real estate/leasing establishments involved in a particular development project taking place, or to take place, on the site in which such sign is located.

“Directional sign” means any sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction, and which is placed on the property to which the public is directed.

“Doorway identification sign” means a nonilluminated sign which is limited to the name, address and number of the building, institution or person and to the activity carried on in the building or institution, or the occupancy of the person; provided, that the lettering, excluding numbers, of each sign shall not exceed two square feet.

“Electronic message center” means a sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lamp bank or through mechanical means, such as electrical or electronic time and temperature units. An electronic message center sign shall not be confused with “animated sign.”

“Fascia sign” means a flat sign which projects one and one-half feet or less horizontally from the vertical face of the wall of a building, or vertical face of a canopy awning or parapet upon which it is affixed, painted or attached, running parallel for its whole length to the face or wall of the building and which does not extend vertically above the horizontal line of the top of the parapet or width of such wall, awning or parapet.

“Height of sign” means the vertical distance measured from grade at the point of support, or average grade for multiple supports and monument signs, to the highest point of the sign structure.

“Industrial complex” means two or more industrial businesses on a lot or contiguous lot with common access and parking.

“Industrial complex sign” means a sign which is designed to identify an industrial complex where no single business identification and advertisement occupies more than 50 percent of the sign.

“Internally illuminated sign” means a sign where the source of illumination is located inside the sign and light emanates through the message of the sign, rather than being reflected off the surface of the sign from an external source.

“Marquee sign” means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building, normally associated with theaters, cinemas, play houses and sporting events.

“Monument sign” means a sign which is self-supporting, standing on the ground and not attached to or projecting over any building or building projection. A monument sign and supporting structure has similar top and bottom dimensions and is constructed as a solid structure or one which gives the appearance of a continuous, non-hollow, unbroken, opaque mass. Further, similar top and bottom dimensions shall mean dimensions, which are within 10 percent of each other.

“Nonconforming sign” means a sign which was erected legally but which does not comply with currently applicable sign restrictions and regulations; provided, a sign which does not conform to the currently applicable sign code requirements, but for which a variance or conditional use permit was issued, shall not be considered a nonconforming sign.

“Off-site sign” means any single-faced or multi-faced sign, billboard, banner, poster or visual display whose principal use is the advertising or promotion of a service or product not for sale or rent on site. These shall include directional signs (those meant to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to a facility, service or business located on another site).

“On-site sign” means a sign which carries only advertisements strictly related to a lawful use by the occupant of the site on which it is located, including signs or sign devices indicating the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the site, name of the business, and name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the site. “On-site sign” also means a sign, which contains religious, political, social and other noncommercial messages.

“Political sign” means a sign which announces, promotes or advertises the name, program or political party of any candidate for public office, or an opinion regarding a public referendum regarding some political issue in an upcoming election.

“Portable sign” means any sign designed to move or be moved by trailer or vehicle to advertise at different locations.

“Projecting sign” means a sign which projects from and is supported by a wall or parapet of a building with the display surface of the sign in a plane perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the wall. The projecting signs permitted under this chapter are blade/bracket signs.

“Real estate sign” means a sign containing the message that the real estate on which the sign is located (including buildings) is for sale, lease or rent, together with information identifying the owner or agent.

“Rooftop sign” means a sign erected upon the roof of a building or canopy, or a sign attached to a building which projects vertically above the roof, eave, awning or parapet; however, this does not include signs attached to the vertical face of a parapet, awning or canopy; providing, the sign does not project above the vertical face of the parapet, awning or canopy to which it is attached.

“Rotating sign” means a sign in which the sign itself or any portion of the sign moves in a revolving or similar manner.

“Sign” means any device that is visible to persons where such device is located to attract the attention of such persons or to communicate information to them.

“Sign area” is measured and defined as follows:

(1) The “area of a monument sign” means the largest cross-sectional area of the sign measured to a line encompassing all portions of the sign structure, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop of the display or structure against which it is placed, but not any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself. Further, the base on which a monument-type sign is set may be excluded from the sign area.

(2) The area of a double-faced sign (i.e., a sign painted on two sides, or signs which are erected in a “V” configuration with an angle between the two faces not exceeding 30 degrees) shall be the largest area on one side of the sign. Further, these types of signs shall be considered one sign for the purpose of determining the number of signs allowed.

(3) The area of any sign or structure utilizing an integral part of the building or awning as a background means the area within the shortest line drawn to include all letters and design which are a part of the sign or structure.

(4) The maximum permitted surface area of a sign shall be computed by including the entire area within a single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display.

“Street frontage” means the linear frontage of a parcel of property abutting a single public street.

“Temporary sign” means a sign placed on a structure or the ground for a specifically limited period of time as provided in WMC 18.60.060. Balloons and other inflatables or banners attached to buildings or property shall also be considered temporary signs.

“Video sign” means a sign that projects images (internally or externally) on a sign face that shows messages, figures, animated and otherwise for a particular business or use. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000. Formerly 18.60.005)

18.60.020 Permit required for signs.

Except as otherwise provided in WMC 18.60.040 and 18.60.062, no sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Mere repainting, changing the message of a sign, or routine maintenance shall not, in and of itself, be considered a substantial alteration.

(1)(a) All sign permits require Type I site plan review approval through the community development department prior to issuing a building permit. Type I site plan review applications are processed as described in Chapter 18.94 WMC, Procedures, and Chapter 18.88 WMC, Site Plan Approval.

(b) All signs shall be constructed pursuant to the provisions of the International Sign Code.

(2) Type I Site Plan Review Sign Application Requirements. Applications for sign permits must be submitted with the following information:

(a) Complete application form containing:

(i) Applicant’s name, address and phone number,

(ii) Contractor’s license number, if the sign is not being installed by the owner,

(iii) Owner name,

(iv) Section, township, range and tax lot(s) and serial number(s) of the lot(s) on which the sign(s) are to be located,

(v) Description of all signs proposed in the application, including number of signs, area and height,

(vi) Application certification that the information submitted is correct;

(b) Site plan to scale which identifies:

(i) All the boundaries of the property,

(ii) General location of all buildings, driveways, parking areas,

(iii) The name and location of all streets,

(iv) The location of all existing freestanding or monument signs,

(v) The location of all proposed signs including the minimum distance to the property line and center of adjacent streets and driveways, as applicable;

(i) Size and shape of sign,

(ii) Height of sign,

(iii) Types of support(s),

(iv) All permanent graphics,

(v) Type of lighting, if any, such as direct, indirect, internal or ground mounted;

(d) Side elevation required for building signs which project more than one foot beyond the building line or one foot above the eave of the building;

(e) Any other information requested by the community development director, which is necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter, of the vision clearance requirements of the engineering standards.

(3) Sign Permit Review. Sign permits shall be considered a Type I review and will be processed pursuant to Chapter 18.94 WMC.

(4) Appeals. Appeals shall follow the process described under Chapter 18.94 WMC.

(5) Building Permit. Subsequent to site plan review approval, a building permit may be applied for. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; amended during 9/08 supplement; Ord. 1613 § 1 (Exh. A), 2008; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.030 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are specifically prohibited in the city:

(1) Abandoned signs, as defined in this chapter;

(2) Animated signs, as defined in this chapter;

(3) A sign which does not bear the names of the owner or person responsible for the maintenance of the sign;

(4) Signs artificially illuminated which are of such intensity or placed in such manner as to interfere with, or impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle;

(5) A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs, as defined by this chapter, except as provided by WMC 18.60.058 in the commercial zones;

(6) Signs which attempt or appear to attempt to direct the movement of traffic by interfering with, imitating or resembling any official traffic sign, signal or device;

(7) Signs which prevent the driver of a vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of official signs and approaching or merging traffic as defined under the engineering standards;

(8) Rooftop and rotating signs, as defined by this chapter;

(9) Portable signs, as defined by this chapter;

(10) Temporary signs unless a temporary sign permit has been approved by the community development director in compliance with WMC 18.60.060;

(11) Signs containing strobe lights;

(12) Any sign not specifically permitted by this chapter;

(13) Flashing lights;

(14) Billboards, except the area described in WMC 18.60.160;

(15) Off-site signs, except as described in WMC 18.60.062(2)(b). (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1613 § 1 (Exh. A), 2008; Ord. 1590 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.040 Signs exempted from regulation.

The following signs are exempt from regulation under this chapter:

(1) Signs not exceeding one and one-half square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use and that are not of a commercial nature, such as signs giving property identification names or numbers or names of occupants; signs on mailboxes or newspaper tubes; and signs posted on private property relating to private parking, directing and guiding traffic, or no hunting, or warning the public against trespassing or danger from animals;

(2) Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic, directional or regulatory signs;

(3) Official signs of noncommercial nature erected by public utilities;

(4) Flags, pennants or insignias of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device;

(5) Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain letters, trademarks, moving parts, or lights;

(6) Church bulletin boards, church identification signs and church directional signs that do not exceed one per abutting street on any given lot and 16 square feet in area and that are not internally illuminated;

(7) Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs;

(8) Signs proclaiming religious, political, or other noncommercial messages that do not exceed six square feet each in area, nor five feet in height, and that are not internally illuminated; provided, however, that political signs shall be removed within 10 days following the election to which such sign is directed;

(9) Public service signs, not exceeding two square feet in area, placed in the interior of an establishment’s building window or glass door, such as “open or closed,” “vacancy,” “will return,” “no smoking,” and other noncommercial messages, that individually or collectively do not cover more than 75 percent of the surface area of the transparent portion of the window or door to which they are attached;

(10) Signs that constitute an integral part of a vending machine, telephone booth or similar facilities;

(11) One unlighted real estate sign, not exceeding four square feet in area. Properties with frontage in excess of 400 feet along any public right-of-way may be permitted two real estate signs; provided, said sign(s) are removed within 14 days after the sale of the property to which they are erected to advertise;

(12) One construction sign, as defined, per lot, not exceeding 32 square feet in area. Construction signs shall not be allowed or erected prior to the issuance of a building permit and must be removed within 14 days after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for building or use on the lot;

(13) For the purpose of advertising a real estate subdivision, a temporary sign is permitted at each entrance of an officially recorded plat; provided, the sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area and does not create any sight distance issues; said sign(s) shall be allowed to remain until construction on the last lot within the development occurs or a permanent sign is constructed, whichever comes first. Permanent signs shall also be a maximum of 32 square feet and not create any sight distance issues. In addition, they shall be a monument sign and not exceed five feet in height and building permits, if necessary, shall be obtained;

(14) One sign per lot, or combination of signs, for the purpose of identifying the architect, engineer, or contractor of work under construction that does not exceed 32 square feet in area; provided, said sign is removed within 14 days after the work is completed for the construction on the lot;

(15) Holiday lights, displays and decorations;

(16) Signs indicating a special event such as a fair, carnival, circus, festival, or similar event is to take place on the lot where the sign is located. Such signs may be erected no sooner than two weeks before the event and must be removed not later than three days after the event;

(17) On-site garage sale signs. (Ord. 1929 § 1 (Exh. A § 7), 2020; Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.050 On-site monument signs.

(1) Allowable Area. One square foot per lineal foot of street frontage of the site up to a maximum of 200 square feet; provided, that a site with less than 32 feet of linear street frontage shall be allowed a maximum 32-square-foot sign.

(2) Number of Signs. One per street frontage.

(3) Height of Sign. Maximum 20 feet. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011)

18.60.052 On-site fascia and marquee signs.

(1) Allowable Area. One square foot per lineal foot of building as measured horizontally along a side building elevation, up to a maximum of 200 square feet per sign; provided, that a building elevation with less than 32 feet of horizontal length shall be allowed a maximum 32-square-foot sign. Marquee signs are allowed four square feet per lineal foot of building as measured horizontally along a side building elevation. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011)

18.60.054 Projecting (blade/bracket) signs.

(1) Allowable Area and Dimensions. Two square feet per 10 lineal feet of building as measured horizontally along a side building elevation. Bracket signs shall not exceed two feet in height.

(2) Projection and Clearance of Sign. Projecting signs may project up to five feet and must maintain 18 inches from the street. Bracket signs shall have one foot minimum between the sign and the outer edge of the marquee, awning, or canopy and between the sign and the building facade. Projecting signs shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet between the walkway and the bottom of the sign. Projecting signs shall not extend above the building parapet, soffit, eave line, or the roof, except for theaters.

(3) Mounting. Projecting signs must avoid covering or modifying windows or other architectural features. No angle irons, guy wires or braces shall be visible, except those that are an integral part of the overall design. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011)

18.60.056 Business complex signs (monument signs).

(1) Allowable Area. One and one-half square feet per lineal foot of street frontage of the site up to a maximum of 200 square feet for each sign; provided, that a site with less than 43 feet of lineal street frontage shall be allowed a maximum 64-square-foot sign.

(2) Height of Sign. Maximum 20 feet.

(3) Number of Signs. One per street frontage. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011)

18.60.058 A-board or freestanding sidewalk signs.

(1) General.

(a) A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs shall be allowed for approved uses in all commercial zones subject to the standards in this section.

(b) A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs shall not be allowed as part of home occupations or uses located within residential districts. A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs shall be permitted as part of a home occupation in all nonresidential districts.

(2) Design Standards.

(a) A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs shall be in the shape of an inverted V, with two sign boards attached to each other at the top of the sign.

(b) Signs shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal. Signs constructed of impermanent materials including but not limited to cardboard and paper are prohibited.

(d) No sign shall contain foil, mirrors, bare metal, or other reflective materials which could create hazardous conditions to motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians.

(e) No sign may contain lights of any kind.

(3) Size and Number of Signs Allowed.

(a) Maximum size of sign shall be nine square feet per sign face, with a maximum of two sign faces per sign.

(b) Maximum of one sign per approved business or use per street frontage.

(c) Maximum height of sign shall be 36 inches above the sidewalk, walkway, or plaza upon which it is placed. The height of such signs may not be artificially increased above the allowed maximum by the placement of other materials.

(4) Location of Signs.

(a) A-board and freestanding sidewalk sign(s) may be placed along the business frontage (front or side street) and on the same side of the street of the building or establishment which it advertises.

(b) No sign may be placed in such a way as to reduce the continuous unobstructed width of a sidewalk or walkway to less than five feet.

(d) No sign may be placed within a sight vision clearance triangle (as required by WES 3.15) or within five feet of a wheelchair ramp.

(e) No sign shall be placed within the roadway, traffic island, median or circle.

(5) Duration. A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs may be displayed during the hours the business is open.

(6) Additional Standards.

(a) Owners are responsible for the removal of their signs following business hours and during periods of strong winds.

(b) A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs shall bear the name and address of the person/organization placing the sign.

(7) Permit. A-board and freestanding sidewalk signs shall be exempt from the permit and fee requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011)

18.60.060 Temporary signs.

In addition to the allowed signage, temporary signs may be utilized on a limited basis to promote a grand opening, special sale, event or a going out of business sale. All such signs and materials shall be located on the site being advertised and shall comply with the following:

(1) Allowable Area. Thirty-two square feet in area per face.

(2) Duration. Up to 30 days at one time, but no more than a total of 90 days per calendar year. A business must be free of any temporary sign for a period of no less than 14 days before the next temporary sign is displayed.

(3) Number of Signs. One per street frontage. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011)

18.60.062 Combination of signs and additional regulations.

(1) Allowable Combination of Sign Types.

(a) CC, CV, CH, and Woodburn Hill subarea commercial nodes:

(i) On-site monument sign, fascia signs and projecting signs; or

(ii) On-site monument sign, fascia signs and a business complex sign.

(b) LI or HI. On any street frontage, only the following combinations are allowed:

(i) On-site monument sign, fascia signs and projecting signs; or

(ii) On-site fascia, projecting, and industrial complex sign.

(2) Additional Regulations. The following signs shall require a permit and, where erected, such signs shall be counted toward limitations in total sign area and numbers of signs as provided elsewhere in this chapter:

(a) For the purpose of identifying a subdivision, ranch, estate, or farm, a permanent sign may be erected as an integral part of a gate or entrance structure; provided, there are not more than two signs, each of which does not exceed 32 square feet in area;

(b) A temporary off-site development sign for the purpose of identifying a development, not exceeding 32 square feet in area;

(c) Fascia signs identifying temporary tract offices or model homes shall not exceed two square feet and shall not be illuminated;

(d) Conditional Uses, CV or CC Zones. Signs for conditional uses in the CV or CC zones shall be a maximum of 32 square feet;

(e) Electronic Message Center. If an electronic message center is proposed with any of the sign types, the area of the electronic message center shall not exceed 30 percent of the area of the sign.

(3) Limited Access Highway Signs. The provisions of this subsection shall be applicable to all land abutting or adjacent to State Route 14 or within 300 feet of the edge of the right-of-way, and within a commercial or industrial district.

(a) Restrictions.

(i) Maximum sign height shall be 20 feet plus one additional foot for each foot the site is below the elevation of State Route 14, but in no case shall any portion of the sign or sign structure exceed 50 feet;

(ii) The erection or remodeling of signs directed at limited access highways shall be approved by the director only after consideration has been given to the location, size, and orientation of such signs, as provided for in this subsection;

(iii) The sign shall be designed to be viewed by a person of normal visual acuity traveling SR-14;

(iv) Not more than one limited access highway advertising sign shall be located on the premises;

(v) The area of the sign shall comply with the standards of the district in which it is located.

(b) Freestanding signs oriented toward SR-14 that are not oriented toward the abutting roadway are considered limited access highway signs, and are subject to this section.

(c) Conformance to State Law. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit the erection of signs which are prohibited by state law or any amendments thereto. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1590 § 2 (Exh. B), 2007; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000. Formerly 18.60.050)

18.60.065 Sign illumination.

Illuminated signs shall be placed so as not to be a nuisance to any residents or future residents of adjacent residential properties within 200 feet of the sign. As part of a sign permit or site plan review process, the community development director may require signs to be screened, shielded, relocated or the lighting adjusted, or other measures to mitigate a potential interference with adjoining residential properties, as well as public or private streets.

Unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter, signs may be illuminated if such illumination is in accordance with this section.

(1) Lighting directed toward a sign shall be hooded or shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign.

(2) Except as herein provided, internally illuminated signs are not permitted in residential districts. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000. Formerly 18.60.060)

18.60.070 Maintenance and appearance of signs.

All signs and all components thereof, including without limitation cabinets, supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair and maintained in a safe condition. All signs and the sites upon which they are located shall be maintained in a neat, clean and attractive condition. All signs shall be kept free from excessive rust, corrosion, peeling paint, or other surface deterioration. With respect to monument signs, components not bearing a message shall be constructed of materials that blend with the natural environment or shall be painted a neutral color. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.080 Exterior and sign regulations for adult entertainment enterprises.

(1) Sign Restrictions. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter or any other ordinance or regulation to the contrary, no license shall be issued or continued for an adult entertainment establishment displaying more than one primary sign and one secondary sign as provided herein.

(2) Primary Signs. Primary signs shall have no more than two display surfaces. Each such display surface shall:

(a) Not contain any flashing lights;

(b) Be a flat plane, rectangular in shape;

(d) Not exceed 10 feet in height or 10 feet in length;

(e) Primary signs shall contain no photographs, silhouettes, drawings or pictorial representations of any manner, and may contain only the name of the adult entertainment establishment and one or more of the defined adult uses, set forth in WMC 18.46.230(3)(a)(i), (ii) and (iii). In the case of adult movie theaters, primary signs shall not contain movie titles, but the same shall be displayed only in the interior portion of such adult theater.

(3) Secondary Signs. Secondary signs shall have only one display surface. Such display surface shall:

(a) Be a flat plane, rectangular in shape;

(b) Not exceed 20 square feet in area;

(d) Be affixed or attached to an exterior wall or door of the establishment. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.090 Signs controlled by zoning district.

The following table identifies signs permitted or prohibited, by zoning districts. However, all permitted signs are subject to the additional requirements in WMC 18.60.062, and any other requirements identified in another section of the sign code. If a sign is not listed below, it is understood to be prohibited.

Table 18.60.090-1
	R1-5* R1-7.5* R1-10* R1-15* AR-16* AR-22*	Woodburn Hill Subarea Commercial Nodes	CC (Community Commercial)	CV (Convenience Commercial)	CH (Highway Commercial)	LI (Light Industrial)	HI (Heavy Industrial)	TC-C (Town Center Core) / TC-EV (Town Center East Village)	TC-WV (Town Center West Village)	IP (Institutional and Public)
A-board	X	X	P4	P4	P4	X	X	P4	X	P4
Abandoned signs	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Animated signs	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Billboards (see WMC 18.60.160 for permitted area)	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Business complex sign (monument style)	X	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	X	P
Electronic message center	X	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	X	P
Fascia signs	X	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	X	P
Freestanding sidewalk signs	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Industrial complex signs	X	X	X	X	X	P	P	X	X	X
Off-site signs	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Development sign – off-site (temporary, see WMC 18.60.062(2)(b))	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Monument signs – on-site	X	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	X	P
Other temporary signs	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Projecting signs (blade/bracket)	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	X	P
Real estate signs	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Rooftop and rotating signs	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Sign with strobe lights	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Signs containing flashing lights	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Temporary model home sign	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Directional sign	P2	P1	P2	P2	P2	P3	P3	P2	P2	P2
Doorway ID/sign	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Internally illuminated sign	X	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	X	P
Marquee	X	X	P	X	P	X	X	P	X	P
Political sign	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
X – Prohibited P – Permitted by Site Plan Approval and Building Permit

*Retail or commercial uses, as permitted, shall follow the most restrictive sign regulations of the CV zone district.

1Maximum six square feet in area – monument style only, maximum height 42 inches.

2Maximum eight square feet in area – monument style only, maximum height 42 inches.

3Maximum 10 square feet in area – monument style only, maximum height 42 inches.

4Subject to WMC 18.60.058.

(Ord. 1849 § 26 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1451 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.100 Nonconforming signs.

Nonconforming signs shall be subject to the conditions set forth below:

(1) A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall not be altered or enlarged in any manner unless such alteration or enlargement would bring the sign into conformity with the signs permitted in the zoning district in which it is located. Provided, the restriction against alteration does not apply to copy or panel changes where the sign area and shape are maintained.

(2) Any nonconforming sign or sign structure shall be maintained with ordinary care. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.110 On-site interference.

The location and structural design of signs shall be such as to not interfere with the safe and efficient use of off-street parking and loading areas, including aisle ways and access driveways, and sight distances on public streets or private streets. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.120 Lighted signs.

Repealed by Ord. 1693. (Ord. 1613 § 1 (Exh. A), 2008; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.130 Enforcement.

This chapter shall be enforced through the provisions of Chapter 18.96 WMC (Enforcement). (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1613 § 1 (Exh. A), 2008; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.140 Removal of signs due to public health or safety hazard.

If the community development director or duly authorized representative finds any sign to be a health or safety hazard, said sign shall be removed immediately. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1613 § 1 (Exh. A), 2008; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.150 Abandoned signs.

(1) Any person who owns or leases a sign shall remove such sign copy when either the function has discontinued or the business has discontinued on the site on which the sign is located.

(2) Abandoned signs and all supporting structural components shall be removed by the sign owner or owner of the property where the sign is located within 30 days after abandonment, unless such sign is replaced with a conforming sign. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)

18.60.160 Billboards.

(1) The city council finds that action is needed, in response to the federal government designation of the Washougal area as a scenic gorge area and the city’s comprehensive plan policies, to prohibit and/or limit the location of the construction of billboards in the city. The prohibitions and limitations in this chapter are in keeping with the city’s interest of enhancing the tourist trade to the city’s scenic corridor commonly known as the “Gateway to the Gorge.” These purposes are only accomplished by prohibiting billboards in most portions of the city, thereby controlling protruding obstructions into one’s field of view within the scenic corridor.

(2) In recognition of the need to have billboards as a form of advertising in Washougal, an area has been set aside where billboards, if erected, pose less of an impediment to the aesthetic value of the city. The area where billboards are permitted is as follows: bounded on the west by the east line of the Sixth Street right-of-way and bounded on the north by the south right-of-way line on “E” Street and bounded on the east by the west right-of-way of Twelfth Street and bounded on the south by the north right-of-way line of Burlington Northern Railroad.

(3) It is unlawful to construct a billboard within the city without first having secured a site plan review approval and subsequent building permit. All billboards shall be designed to conform to the current edition of International Building Codes. An inspection shall be made by the building official, as warranted.

(4) No permit shall be issued to any person to construct a billboard unless such person executes a bond as hereafter provided and pays the required license fee as fixed by ordinance from time to time. Before any permit or business license is issued to any person to construct a billboard, the applicant for such permit or license shall execute to the city, in the penal sum of $10,000 with sureties to be approved by the finance director or his/her designee and conditioned upon the faithful observance of all ordinances of the city relating to or regulating the construction and display of billboards and, further, shall save and keep the members of the public harmless from all damages, injuries, liabilities, losses or judgments that may arise by reason of the construction, erection or maintenance of any billboard and be required to show proof of adequate insurance.

(5) Billboards shall not exceed an overall height of 12 feet from finished grade, maximum horizontal width of 20. All billboards shall be of a single support pole and using a single plane construction (not wedged). No billboard shall be positioned such that any portion of the billboard is less than 20 feet from the respective front property line. Minimum distance between billboards in one direction along one side of the road right-of-way to which it is directed shall be 200 feet. Billboards shall not be illuminated. (Ord. 1693 § 1 (Exh. I), 2011; Ord. 1613 § 1 (Exh. A), 2008; Ord. 1399 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000)