Chapter 18.64
SIGNS
18.64.030 Review and permit process.
18.64.070 Permitted signs subject to sign standards and permits.
18.64.075 Measuring sign area.
18.64.080 Permitted signs and development standards by zone district.
18.64.090 Specific sign requirements.
18.64.120 Nonconforming signs.
18.64.130 Abandoned or deteriorating signs.
18.64.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish sign standards that allow signs to promote commerce and further the economic development of the city, while ensuring the protection of the public’s safety, welfare and property by ensuring that signs will be safe, well designed, and visually attractive by providing standards for the type, size, number, height, location, lighting and maintenance of signs. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.020 Applicability.
A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the city only if in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.030 Review and permit process.
With the exception of exempt signs, no new, altered, or changed sign shall be installed or utilized without first obtaining one of the following approvals or permits:
(a) Zoning Clearance. To obtain a zoning clearance, signs must comply with the requirements and standards of this chapter. The zoning clearance, or conditional zoning clearance, shall be issued by the city planner.
(b) Temporary signs in compliance with Section 18.64.095 shall be issued a temporary sign permit, including a deposit to guarantee removal of the temporary signs.
(c) Sign Exception. A proposed sign or signs that do not comply with the requirements and standards of this chapter may be installed upon the approval of a sign exception by the planning commission or a committee designated by the planning commission. An application for a sign exception shall include sufficient information to evaluate the proposed sign(s) for the building. The planning commission shall approve, conditionally approve subject to modifications, or disapprove any application for a sign exception to relocate, erect, alter or expand any sign or sign structure subject to the following standards:
(1) Such approval does not constitute a special privilege not available to similar buildings or businesses.
(2) The nature, condition and development of adjacent uses, buildings and structures have been considered, and no approval shall be granted where such approval will adversely affect or be materially detrimental to such adjacent uses, buildings or structures.
(3) The sign placement, scale, shape, illumination, size, colors, letter styles, or other design aspect are architecturally appropriate and compatible in relation to the development on and adjacent to the site of the proposed sign. Site development, landscaping, construction, color and material of exteriors, other signs, exterior lighting, uses, occupancy, density, and the entire development plan may be considered prior to sign exception approval.
The approved sign exception shall expire upon the removal of the subject signs, except for nonstructural modifications and maintenance under Section 18.64.050(a). With the expiration of the sign exception new signs will require approval of a zoning clearance or a new sign exception. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.040 Definitions.
"Sign" means a structure, device, figure, display, message placard or other contrivance, or any part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, intended, or used to advertise, or to provide information in the nature of advertising, to direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. This does not include murals, paintings and other works of art that are not intended to advertise or identify any business or product. Types of signs and sign terminology include the following:
"A-frame sign" means a freestanding sign, not secured or attached to the ground, usually hinged at the top, or attached in a similar manner as to form an "A" or tent shape (sandwich board sign).
"Address sign" means the numeric reference of a structure or use to a street.
"Awning sign" means a nonelectric sign that is printed or painted on or attached to an awning or canopy.
"Banner, flag, pennant or balloon" means any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper or similar nonrigid material used for advertising purposes attached or pinned on to any structure, staff, pole, line, framing or vehicle, including captive balloons and inflatable signs. This does not include flags of a state or nation or political subdivision.
"Bench sign" means a sign located on the seat or back of a bench or seat and placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
Billboard. See "Off-site advertising sign."
"Building frontage" means the horizontal dimension of a building or individual business measured at ground level.
"Changeable copy sign" means a sign designed to allow changing of copy through manual, mechanical or electrical means, not including date, time and temperature. This includes electronic message boards and video displays.
"Civic event sign" means a temporary sign posted to advertise a civic event sponsored by a public agency or similar noncommercial organization.
"Developer/contractor sign" means a temporary sign erected on a parcel on which construction is taking place, limited to the duration of the construction, indicating the names of the architect, engineer, landscape architect, contractor, and the owner, financial supporters, sponsors, and similar firms having a role or interest in the project.
"Directional sign" means an on-site sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic within the project.
"Directory sign" means a sign for listing the tenants and their suite numbers of a multiple tenant structure or center.
"Electronic message board" means a sign with a fixed or changing display/message composed of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means. This does not include date, time and temperature signs.
"Feather sign" means a flexible or rigid pole to which one side of a flexible fabric, generally in the shape of a feather or similar shape, is attached, and which is used for the primary purpose of advertising or attention-getting by the public display of visually communicative images. Such banners are also known and sold under names which include, but are not limited to, "quill sign," "banana banner," "blade banner," "flutter banner," "flutter flag," "bowflag," ''teardrop banners," and others. The definition includes functionally similar display devices.
"Fence sign" means a sign attached to or painted on a fence.
"Freestanding sign" means any nonmovable sign that is not attached to a building or a fence.
Lighted Signs.
External. A sign illuminated by light directed toward or across it or by backlighting from a source not within the sign. Typical forms of lighting are gooseneck lamps or spotlights.
Internal. A sign whose light source is located in the interior of the sign so that the light goes through the face of the sign.
"Monument sign" means a freestanding sign placed upon a solid base that is at least two-thirds the width of the sign, and not supported by poles, braces or uprights.
"Mural" means an art form consisting of paint applied to a wall surface depicting a scene. If a mural does not contain any advertising for the business located on the premises, the mural is not considered a sign but may be subject to other provisions of the Marysville Municipal Code, such as design review. If a mural or any portions of the mural do contain advertising for the business on the premises, the mural (or portions of the mural) will be considered signs.
"Off-site advertising sign" means a sign that advertises or informs in any manner businesses, services, goods, persons, locations or events at a building site other than upon which the sign is located. "Off-premises sign," "billboard" and "outdoor advertising signs" are equivalent terms.
"Painted sign" means a sign painted directly on a building.
"Pole sign" means a freestanding sign that is mounted on a pole or poles, columns or braces.
"Political sign" means a temporary sign directly associated with national, state or local elections.
"Projecting sign" means any sign affixed to a building wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building wall.
"Raceway" means a conduit or housing to contain electrical wires for signs and used to support and/or affix signage on a wall.
"Real estate sign" means a temporary sign that relates to the sale, lease or rental of property or building on which the sign is located.
"Roof sign" means a sign erected, constructed or placed above the eaves or the top of the parapet, whichever is higher, of a building.
"Special event sign" means a sign including but not limited to banners, flags, pennants and balloons intended to be erected on a temporary basis, and displayed for a limited period of time, to promote a new business, the sale of new products, new management, new hours of operation, a new service or to promote a sale.
"Suspended sign" means a sign, no more than six square feet in area, that is suspended from the underside of a canopy, portico or like structure, or is suspended from a wall mounted bracket.
"Vehicle sign" means a sign which is attached to, or painted on or carried in a vehicle, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold, an activity or business.
"Video display" means a sign or portion of a sign which can display text or graphics generated electronically.
"Wall sign" means a sign painted or fastened to an exterior building wall and which does not project more than six inches from the wall.
"Window sign" means any sign painted, placed or affixed to or on a window, intended to be seen from the exterior of the building. An interior sign that faces a window exposed to public view and located within three feet of the window is considered a window sign. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.050 Exempt signs.
The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. Exempt signs are not required to obtain a zoning clearance and shall not be included in the determination of allowable number or size of signs. Any required building permit shall first be obtained.
(a) Nonstructural modifications and maintenance to existing signs:
(1) Modifications to a sign’s copy (subject to design review).
(2) Nonstructural maintenance of signs in conformance with Section 18.64.110.
(b) Address sign.
(c) Civic Signs. Memorial signs and plaques installed by a civic organization and historical signs/plaques as provided in Section 18.64.093(g).
(d) Civic Event Signs. Signs advertising an event conducted by a nonprofit civic organization, not exceeding thirty-two square feet in area.
(e) Vehicle Signs. Signs on vehicles, including trailers, provided such vehicles and/or trailers may be legally operated with the signs in place and are not used as parked or stationary outdoor display signs, as provided in Section 18.64.060(l).
(f) Flags. Official flags of a state, nation, or political subdivision and nationally or internationally recognized organizations, provided they are within the height limits provided in the zone district within which the lot is located.
(g) Off-Site Garage/Yard Sale Signs. Limited to two such signs, having a maximum of five square feet and not exceeding six feet in height, located on private property with the property owner’s permission. All signs are to be removed within twenty-four hours of the conclusion of the sale.
(h) Gas Station Signs. Price signs as required by state law (see limitations under Section 18.64.093(d)).
(i) Signs Not Visible from a Public Right-of-Way or Property Perimeter. Signs within retail centers that are not visible from any point on the boundary of the premises or from any public right-of-way.
(j) Notices. Official and legal notices issued by a court or government agency.
(k) Political Signs. Political signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1) Associated with an Election. If a political sign is related to an election, it may not be erected earlier than sixty days prior to the election and it shall be removed no later than fifteen days following the election.
(2) Public Right-of-Way. No political sign shall be placed in the public right-of-way or on public property.
(3) Size Limitations. All political signs shall conform to the height, setback, and illumination requirements set forth in Table 18.64.080 for the zone in which the political sign is located.
(l) Real Estate Signs.
(1) All Zone Districts. One on-site sign per street frontage, not to exceed six square feet in size and six feet in height. In addition, "open house" signs are allowed when a sales agent or owner is on site.
(2) Commercial and Industrial Districts. One per street frontage not to exceed thirty-two square feet in size and eight feet in height.
(3) Up to Four Off-Site Directional Signs. Not exceeding four square feet each and three feet in height, directing traffic to open houses and subdivision home sales, provided such signs are on private property.
(m) Subdivision Signs and Flags.
(1) As part of subdivision home sales, up to eight flags not exceeding twenty square feet in size and within the height limits of the zone district in which they are located.
(2) Two on-site subdivision identification or directional signs that are not internally lit and that do not exceed thirty-two square feet each and a height of ten feet.
(3) All of the flags and signs shall be removed upon completion of sales.
(n) Developer/Contractor Signs. See Section 18.64.093(a).
(o) Traffic Signs. Traffic, directional, warning, or informational signs required or authorized by a government agency.
(p) Window Signs. Signs displayed on windows in nonresidentially zoned property not exceeding four square feet in size and limited to the business name and hours of operation.
(q) Government Signs. Any sign erected in compliance with and in discharge of any governmental function or as required by law, ordinance or governmental regulation. This includes any signs erected by a public utility.
(r) Bench and Other Signs. Signs located at a designated public transit location and authorized by the transit agency.
(s) Illuminated "Open" signs mounted in windows, whether steady or flashing, not in excess of eighteen inches by thirty inches in size. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.060 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all zone districts:
(a) Abandoned or Dilapidated Signs and Sign Structures. Such signs shall be removed within ninety days of abandonment. This includes signs not relating to current business.
(b) Animated, moving, revolving, or other similar signs (except time, temperature and date devices and barber poles) whether freestanding or attached to a building or structure.
(c) Flashing Signs. No sign (including window and other exterior lighting) shall be permitted which blinks, flashes, scintillates, or other means of not providing constant illumination except Christmas lights for a duration not to exceed sixty days during the holiday season, and "Open" window signs (Section 18.64.050(s)).
(d) Changeable Copy Signs. Includes electronic message boards with fixed or moving letters and video displays, except as provided in Table 18.64.080.
(e) Electronic message board signs with moving letters or symbols.
(f) Fence Signs. Unless approved as part of an overall sign plan for a permitted use and the area of the fence sign is included in the overall size allowed for the building sign.
(g) Inflated Signs, Balloons and Figures. Except as provided in Sections 18.64.070(b) and 18.64.095.
(h) Obscene signs.
(i) Off-Site Signs. Signs including billboards and outdoor advertising signs, except as otherwise provided in Section 18.64.093(e), which do not specifically relate to the business or businesses located on the premises.
(j) Noise, Smoke, or Odor. Signs or devices which emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter.
(k) Roof signs.
(l) Vehicle Signs. Whether attached or painted on motor vehicles that are parked on or adjacent to property for more than seventy-two consecutive hours, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or business located on the property.
(m) Signs on City Property. No sign shall be located on city property or right-of-way without the express permission of the city.
(n) Posters. The tacking, pasting or otherwise affixing of signs or posters of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public right-of-way, located on walls of a building, shed, fence, pole, post or other structure or anywhere on public property.
(o) Pole signs.
(p) Any sign which is obstructive or confusing to motorists on the public right-of-way, including any sign which resembles or conflicts with any official traffic control device.
(q) Temporary or special event signs, flags, banners, festoons, flag canopies, or other displays, except as provided in Section 18.64.095.
(r) Cannabis Advertising. No sign, billboard (fixed or mobile), bus shelter, placard, aircraft or other similar physical forms of advertising for any business engaged in commercial cannabis activity, as defined in Section 18.67.015(c), including availability of cannabis or cannabis-related products or derivatives, cannabis-related services or accessories or dispensary locations. (Ord. 1404 § 6, 2018: Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.070 Permitted signs subject to sign standards and permits.
(a) Compliance with Standards. Every sign permitted by this section shall comply with the size, height, number of signs and other criteria provided in Sections 18.64.080 through 18.64.095 unless otherwise provided. All signs described in this section must first obtain a zoning clearance, as provided in Section 18.64.030, to ensure compliance with these standards.
(b) Outdoor Decoration. Within the commercial zone districts permanent or semipermanent displays such as bunting may be suspended from parking lot light standards provided the following is met:
(1) Decorative Only. The display is decorative only and does not advertise a company, product, or a special event associated with a business; and
(2) Traffic Safety. The display does not obstruct traffic, sight distance, or parking lot lighting; and
(3) Permit Required. A zoning clearance is first secured, as provided in Section 18.64.030. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.075 Measuring sign area.
(a) Smallest Area. The area of a sign shall be computed by the dimensions of the outside of the sign can, frame, or structure, or of individual sign elements, by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle or triangle or combination thereof that encompasses the limits of writing, representation, emblem or other display. Any graphic or paint or other material on a building for the purpose of amplifying or directing attention to a sign is considered part of the sign.
(b) Double Faced. When a sign is double faced back to back, the sign area shall be the total of both faces of the sign.
(c) Three-Dimensional Objects. When a sign, or portion of a sign, consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (e.g., balls, cubes and clusters of objects or sculptures) the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.077 Sign program.
All properties with multiple buildings or with multiple tenants in one or more buildings shall have an approved sign program. The sign program shall include the following:
(a) A table showing the allocation of the total allowable sign area to each building and tenant space or frontage on the site.
(b) A description of the type or types of signs to be allowed for the buildings and any maximum dimensions or special notes on sign locations.
(c) The size, area and types of signs for any general site signs and the portion of sign area allocated to such signs.
Unless changed by the property owner and approved by the city, each tenant space or building will be limited to the sign area noted in the sign program and the types of signs described in the sign program. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.080 Permitted signs and development standards by zone district.
|
Sign Type |
Maximum Number |
Maximum Area per Sign or Signs |
Maximum Height |
Locational Requirement |
Permitted Lighting |
Other Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Residential Zone Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4)1 |
||||||
|
Monument sign |
1 per building site |
32 square feet |
6 feet |
Minimum of 5 feet from property lines |
External; internal w/use permit |
Changeable copy allowed for up to 50 percent of the sign area for schools, churches, and public buildings. See 18.64.090(d). |
|
Building signs |
1 per street frontage |
32 square feet |
Not to exceed the eave of the building to which it is affixed |
|
External; internal w/use permit |
Changeable copy allowed for up to 50 percent of the sign area for schools, churches, and public buildings. See 18.64.090(d). |
|
Directional sign |
1 per direction per driveway |
4 square feet |
3 feet |
Outside of the right-of-way |
External |
30 percent of the sign area may be used to identify user. |
|
Directory sign |
1 per building complex |
8 square feet |
6 feet |
|
External |
Only applies if visible from right-of-way or boundary. |
|
Commercial Zone Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-H) |
||||||
|
Monument sign (under 25,000 square feet of floor area) |
1 sign per 300 feet of lineal street frontage |
C-1: 40 square feet C-2, C-3, C-H: 100 square feet |
C-1: 6 feet C-2, C-3, C-H: 12 feet |
Minimum of 5 feet from property lines |
Internal or external |
|
|
Monument sign (over 25,000 square feet of floor area) |
1 sign per 300 feet of lineal street frontage |
C-1: 64 square feet C-2, C-3, C-H: 130 square feet |
C-1: 8 feet C-2, C-3, C-H: 15 feet |
Minimum of 5 feet from property lines |
Internal or external |
|
|
Building signs |
|
C-1: 1 square foot per 1 lineal foot of bldg. frontage, 100 square feet max2 C-2, C-3, C-H: 1.5 square feet per lineal foot of bldg. frontage, 200 square feet max2 |
Not to exceed the eave of the building to which it is affixed |
|
Internal or external |
|
|
Projecting wall sign |
|
Not to exceed the combined total allowable square footage of wall signs |
Not to exceed the eave of the building to which it is affixed |
|
C-1: internal; external w/use permit C-2, C-3, C-H: internal or external |
Lowest portion must be 8 feet above the average grade. Cannot project more than 4 feet from the wall it is attached to. |
|
Awning, canopy sign |
|
Not to exceed the combined total allowable square footage of wall signs |
|
|
External |
|
|
Directional sign |
1 per direction per driveway |
4 square feet |
3 feet |
Outside of the right-of-way |
External or internal |
Not more than 50 percent of the sign area may be used to identify user. |
|
Directory sign |
1 per building frontage |
8 square feet |
6 feet |
|
External or internal |
Only applies if visible from right-of-way or boundary. |
|
Suspended sign |
1 double faced sign per business entrance |
6 square feet |
|
|
External |
Lowest portion of the sign must be 7 feet above the average grade if suspended from a canopy or awning, 8 feet elsewhere. |
|
Changeable copy sign |
Part or all of a wall or monument sign |
Not to exceed the combined total allowable square footage of the wall or monument signs |
|
|
Internal or external |
Applicable only to churches, theaters, conference centers and public buildings. See 18.64.090(d). |
|
A-frame sign |
1 per customer entrance but no more than one per tenant |
8 square feet |
4 feet |
Must be within 20 feet of a customer entrance and be ADA compliant |
Not permitted |
Maximum width is 2 feet. Must be removed during nonbusiness hours. |
|
Printing on roll-down window shades |
Shade may cover entire window |
Advertising on each shade may not exceed 10 percent of window area – not included in building sign area |
|
|
|
|
|
Industrial Zone Districts (M-L, M-1, M-2) |
||||||
|
Monument sign |
1 sign per 300 lineal feet of street frontage |
75 square feet |
10 feet |
5 feet from all property lines |
Internal or external |
|
|
Building signs |
|
1 square foot per lineal foot of building frontage, 100 square feet max2 |
Not to exceed the eave of the building to which it is affixed |
|
Internal or external |
|
|
Projecting wall sign |
|
Not to exceed the combined total allowable square footage of wall signs |
Not to exceed the eave of the building to which it is affixed |
|
Internal or external |
Lowest portion must be 8 feet above the average grade. Cannot project more than 4 feet from the wall it is attached to. |
|
Awning, canopy sign |
|
Not to exceed the combined total square footage of wall signs |
|
|
External |
|
|
Directional sign |
1 per way per driveway |
4 square feet |
3 feet |
Outside of right-of-way |
Internal or external |
50 percent of sign area may be used to identify user. |
|
Directory sign |
1 per building frontage |
8 square feet |
6 feet |
|
Internal or external |
Only applies if visible from right-of-way or boundary. |
|
Suspended sign |
1 double faced sign per business entrance |
6 square feet |
Must be located under and perpendicular to a covered walkway |
|
External |
Lowest portion of the sign must be 8 feet above the average grade. |
1 In the R-1 and R-2 zone districts signs are allowed only for uses that require a use permit or unless otherwise provided in this title.
2 Allowable sign area is per frontage of building where frontage has street or customer parking lot frontage. Allowable sign area may not be shifted to other faces of building.
(Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.090 Specific sign requirements.
(a) Monument Signs.
(1) No monument sign shall be located in the triangular area at any driveway or street corner measured twenty feet along the street frontage and fifteen feet along the driveway or minor street, or in any other area which may obstruct the vision of motorists so as to create a safety hazard.
(2) The monument sign may contain the name, logo, and nature of occupancy for single-tenant signs. For multiple-tenant properties, the sign shall contain the center name and room for the name and logo for such potential tenant.
(3) Monument signs may be internally or externally illuminated, but shall not use unshielded incandescent, fluorescent or other lighting.
(b) Building Signs. This includes all signs attached to the building, including, but not limited to, wall, window, canopy, awning and projecting signs.
(1) All wall and canopy signs shall be consistently centered above the business entrance or any architecturally consistent area of the elevation.
(2) No sign shall project above the parapet, canopy, fascia, or wall to which it is attached, nor above the roofline.
(3) All signs for a business or within a development should reflect a consistency in style, type, and materials.
(4) Individual letter signs shall be flush mounted with no exposed raceway.
(5) Internally illuminated cabinet signs are prohibited, except as authorized by an approved sign waiver or an approved sign program.
(6) All signs shall be for identification of businesses or uses located on the site. Signs shall contain only the business name, and no more than five words describing products, services, or brands available on the premises, and shall not include slogans, phrases, promotions, product names or product logos.
(7) Hanging or projecting signs shall be no lower than seven feet above any pedestrian walkway if suspended from a canopy or awning; eight feet elsewhere.
(c) A-Frame Signs.
(1) A-frame signs shall be single- or double-sided freestanding temporary signs and shall not exceed four feet in height and two feet in width. Signs cannot be placed on street corners but must be in front of the business.
(2) For multi-tenant buildings, only one A-frame sign is allowed per tenant, and one sign per customer entrance. Signs must be placed within twenty feet of the entrance. Sign cannot be placed on street corners but must be in front of the business.
(3) A business may locate an A-frame sign in front of another nonrelated business under the following conditions:
(A) The business shall have written permission from the nonrelated business.
(B) The nonrelated business is entitled to place an A-frame sign in front of its business location but chooses not to.
(C) No more than one A-frame sign can be placed in front of any business whether the sign is related to that business or not.
(4) A-frame signs shall not be permanently attached to any object, and must be removed during nonbusiness hours.
(5) Placement of A-frame signs shall not interfere with pedestrian access or ADA accessibility codes.
(6) Signs violating these provisions may be removed by the city without prior notice.
(d) Video Display Signs. Where allowed elsewhere in this chapter, video display may be included in a sign subject to the following conditions:
(1) Copy shall change no more frequently than hourly.
(2) Projected illumination shall not exceed the level of adjacent internally or externally illuminated signs on the building.
(3) Electronic signs shall operate at night only when the main building signs are illuminated.
(4) The content of electronic signs shall include only information directly applicable to the on-site business and may not advertise off-site activities, businesses, or business products unless approved as part of an approved sign exception. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.093 Other signs.
(a) Construction Signs.
(1) Construction signage limited to six square feet in any residential zone and one hundred square feet in all other zones. Signs shall contain no more than the name of the project and names and addresses of the owner, contractors, architect, engineers, financing company and/or developers. Such signs shall be removed within thirty days of building permit final approval.
(2) Temporary signs directing the movement or access of pedestrians or vehicles for a business that is open during construction are allowed. Such signs shall be removed at the completion of construction.
(b) Directional Signs. Directional signs not exceeding four square feet in area each and not exceeding three feet in height shall be allowed and not counted towards the allowable sign area. Such signs shall contain only information necessary for on-site circulation, parking, and site information without any advertising. Company logos may be used as a minor element of the signs.
(c) Menu Boards. Menu boards on the interior driveways of drive-through facilities shall not exceed seven feet in height and sixty square feet in area. Speakers shall face away from residential property. No more than two menu boards per drive-through shall be permitted, and shall not be counted towards the allowable sign area. Menu boards may use video displays subject to the conditions of Section 18.64.090(d).
(d) Service Station Signs. In addition to other signs allowed by this chapter, facilities dispensing gasoline and other fuels may have the following signs:
(1) Island canopy sign may be allowed, one per street frontage. Signage shall consist of the business name and logo and shall not exceed twenty square feet. This shall be in addition to allowable building signage.
(2) Pump and dispenser signs shall be limited to business or fuel identification, operational instructions, and state required information. These signs will be in addition to the allowable sign area.
(3) Convenience signs designated to assist customers and provide direction are allowed in addition to the allowable sign area.
(4) Fuel pricing signs area allowed as required by state law. Sign area up to twenty square feet per sign face may be used for fuel pricing in addition to the allowable sign area for the property. If the fuel pricing sign area exceeds two hundred square feet, the area shall be subject to the requirements for site or building signage. Fuel pricing signs may include video displays subject to the conditions of Section 18.64.090(d).
(e) Billboards. Billboards are permitted in the C-3, M-1, and M-2 districts subject to the securing of a use permit and the following conditions:
(1) Billboard Lighting. All billboards shall be externally illuminated with white light.
(2) Height Limit. No billboard or other outdoor advertising structure shall exceed twenty-four feet in height, as measured from the natural grade.
(3) Location. No billboard shall be located within two hundred feet of an R zoning district, hospital, or civic center, nor shall any billboard be located within eight hundred feet of another billboard.
(4) Area. The total area of billboard shall not exceed seven hundred and twenty square feet.
(5) Setback. Except as otherwise specified below, billboards must be set back from the established right-of-way line of any street or thoroughfare at least as far as the required front yard depth for a main building in such district or twenty feet, whichever is greater.
(f) Changeable Window Signs. Window signs which are not permanent and are subject to periodic change are allowed in restaurant and bar/tavern uses only, subject to the following conditions:
(1) Changeable window signs may cover no more than twenty-five percent of the total ground floor window area and may only be located in ground floor windows.
(2) Changeable window signs are allowed in addition to the allowed area for building signs.
(3) Changeable window signs shall not be separately illuminated except that neon window signs are allowed for bars or taverns.
(g) Civic or Historical Signs/Plaques.
(1) Signs shall be no more than twelve by eighteen inches.
(2) Historical building signs may include pictures and narrative but may not include business advertising.
(3) Signs to be made of weather resistant material such as aluminum clad panel material with UV laminate scratch resistant coating.
(4) Signs to go on building or other location as approved by the city planner. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.095 Temporary signs.
Except as otherwise permitted in this chapter, no temporary signs or displays shall be installed or maintained on any property, except in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Temporary signs and displays, including flagging and feather signs, and one banner sign complying with this section, may be permitted for the new opening of a business. Signs and displays for new openings shall be permitted for a period of not more than thirty days from the date the certificate of occupancy is issued, and shall otherwise comply with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) Temporary banners and signs, including flagging, feather signs, and inflatable signs, may be displayed on a building for special events or promotions subject to securing a temporary sign permit. Such signs shall comply with the following:
(1) A single temporary banner is allowed and shall not exceed thirty-three percent of the linear frontage of a building or eighteen feet, whichever is less. Overall height shall not exceed three feet, and total area shall not exceed thirty-six square feet.
(2) The banner shall be located on the building and shall not extend above the parapet or roof line and shall not interfere with any windows, doors, or prominent architectural features of the building.
(3) All temporary signage shall be located on the site and may not be located in the public right-of-way or on other properties. All temporary signage shall relate to the specific event or promotion.
(4) Temporary banners and signage shall be permitted up to a maximum of ninety days each calendar year, but no more than thirty days in one year.
(c) Feather signs are permitted for businesses fronting on the state highways only. Maximum of two per business and must only be displayed during business hours. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.100 Sign construction.
(a) Permanent Construction. Except for permitted banners, flags or temporary signs and window signs conforming with the requirements of this chapter, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, building or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame or structure.
(b) Must Be Professionally Prepared. All permanent signs shall be designed and constructed by professionals (e.g., those whose principal business is the design, manufacture or sale of signs; architects, building designers, etc.) or others who are capable of producing professional results. The intent is to achieve signs of neat and readable copy and durability so as to reduce maintenance costs and prevent dilapidation. Materials for permanent signs shall be durable and capable of withstanding weathering over the life of the sign with reasonable maintenance. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.110 Sign maintenance.
Every sign displayed within the city, whether a zoning clearance is required or not, shall be maintained in good physical condition. All signs, together with supports, braces, anchors, and electrical components, shall be kept in a safe, presentable condition. All defective or broken parts shall be replaced. Exposed surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair, and painted where paint is required. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.120 Nonconforming signs.
(a) All signs within the city, legal or approved, and which existed on March 1, 2015, and which on said date failed to conform to the requirements of this chapter as it existed on that date, may be continued in place; provided, however, that if any repair or modification is made to any such nonconforming sign which exceeds one-half of the replacement value thereof, such sign shall at that time be made to conform with the requirements of this chapter.
(b) All nonconforming signs erected without approval prior to March 1, 2015, and all temporary signs that existed on March 1, 2015, and on which date failed to conform to the requirements of this chapter as it existed on that date, shall be removed or made to conform to the requirements of this chapter within thirty days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(c) The replacement value of a sign for purposes of this section shall be the full cost of replacement of such sign at the same site with new materials of like kind and quality without deduction for appreciation. Said valuation shall be based on a reasonable cost estimate established by the building official. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.130 Abandoned or deteriorating signs.
(a) Any sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of ninety days or more, and any sign which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or their business, and any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer pertains, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. The city may cause the removal of such abandoned signs under the provisions of Section 18.64.140.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, no person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him, any sign which is in a sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, deteriorated, unsightly or other dilapidated or unsafe condition as determined by the building official. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).
18.64.140 Enforcement.
Any sign erected, constructed, located or relocated in violation of this chapter shall be removed within thirty days after written notice by the city. Written notice shall be posted on the property containing the sign and a copy thereof sent by certified mail with postage prepaid to the owner thereof and to the person in possession of the real property upon which it is located, stating the particulars of such violation and requiring the removal thereof upon or before a date specified therein, but not less than thirty days after such posting and mailing, or that written objections to such removal to be filed with the city by said date showing the name, address and objections in detail of the person objecting to such removal.
Upon filing such objections, such sign may remain until ordered removed by the city council at a hearing, notice of which has been mailed by certified mail with postage prepaid to the person filing such objections at the address shown thereon. Any sign ordered removed by the council shall be removed within thirty days after notice of such order has been mailed to such objector, and if not so removed, the city may cause the removal thereof at the expense of the owner of the real property upon which the sign is located.
The removal expense may be made a lien upon such real property by the building official sending by registered or certified mail to the owner and holders of any liens upon the real property, a notice of lien for the cost of such removal. The cost of all such mailing and the cost of obtaining the name and address of the owner(s) and lienholder(s) shall be part of the cost of such removal.
The amount of all costs shall become a lien upon such real property as additional property taxes thereon with the same priority as general property tax liens, and the same penalty and interest as on general property taxes shall attach thereto. A copy of such lien shall be mailed to the county tax collector thirty days after the mailing of such notice of lien unless the same has within such time been paid or written objections thereto have been filed with the building official. Any such objections shall be determined by the city council at a hearing after at least ten days’ notice to the person filing objections. Any sums not paid within thirty days after an order for the payment thereof by the city council shall become a lien upon the property. The amount of all such liens shall be collected with the next property taxes which become a lien upon the property.
Notwithstanding the above provisions of this section, any sign erected, constructed, maintained, located or relocated in violation of this chapter is prohibited and any other appropriate criminal or civil action may be instituted against the violation and against any person maintaining or permitting the violation. (Ord. 1391 § 2 (part), 2016).