Chapter 20.204 SIGNS

The purpose of this section is to accommodate and promote: sign placement consistent with the character and intent of the zoning district; proper sign maintenance; elimination of visual clutter; and creative and innovative sign design. To accomplish this purpose, the posting, displaying, erecting, use, and maintenance of signs shall occur in accordance with this Chapter.

20.204.020 Definitions.

A. For the purposes of this Chapter, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and derivatives shall be construed as follows:

1. “Abandoned sign” means any sign located on property that is vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more; or any sign which pertains to any occupant, business or event unrelated to the present occupant or use; or any sign in ill repair for more than thirty days.

2. “Billboard” means a sign which advertises or promotes merchandise, service, goods, or entertainment which are sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than on the property on which said sign is located.

3. “Changing message center sign” means an electronically controlled sign where different automatic changing messages are shown. This definition does not include time and temperature displays.

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

5. “Co-sponsored sign” means a sign supplied by a 2nd party, not the proprietor of the business, which advertises the product of the sign supplier.

6. Directional Sign. See Section 20.204.020 (16), Off-Premises Directional Sign and Section 20.204.020 (18), On-Premises Directional Sign.

7. “Electrical sign” means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, and/or fixtures are used as part of the sign proper.

8. “Flashing sign” means an electric sign or a portion thereof (except changing message centers) which changes light intensity in a sudden transitory burst, or which switches on and off in a constant pattern. This definition includes strobe lights.

9. “Freestanding sign” means any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground.

10. “Freeway sign” means an on-premises freestanding sign designed and placed to attract the attention of freeway traffic. For purposes of this Chapter, “freeway” means Highway 12 and SR 125 from the Plaza Way intersection westerly to the City limits.

11. “Grand opening sign” means temporary signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags, balloons and searchlights used to announce the opening of a completely new enterprise or the opening of an enterprise under new management.

12. “Motorist information sign” means a supplemental sign located in the public right-of-way, for those businesses or activities that qualify for a Tourist-Oriented Directional Sign, issued by the state highway department.

13. “Multiple building complex” is a group of structures housing two or more retail, offices, or commercial uses sharing the same lot, access and/or parking facilities, or a coordinated site plan. For purposes of this section, each multiple building complex shall be considered a single use.

14. “Multiple tenant building” is a single structure housing two or more retail, office or commercial uses. For purposes of this section, each multiple tenant building shall be considered a single use.

15. “Name plate” means a sign identifying the name, street address, occupation and/or profession of the occupant of the premises only.

16. Off-Premises Sign. In this Code the term “off-premises sign” is synonymous with the term “billboard.”

17. “Off-premises directional sign” means an off-premises sign with only directions to a particular business.

18. “On-premises sign” means a sign incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which it is located, advertising the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or products produced on the premises or the name of the business, name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.

19. “On-premises directional sign” means a sign directing pedestrian or vehicular traffic to parking, entrances, exits, service areas, or other on-site locations.

20. “Political sign” means a sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective offices, or a political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot.

21. “Portable sign” means a sign made of wood, metal, plastic, or other durable material, which is not attached to the ground or a structure. This definition includes freestanding sidewalk signs, sandwich boards and portable reader boards.

22. Project ID Sign. See “Construction sign.”

23. “Projecting sign” means a sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to and projects from a structure or building face.

24. “Public sign” means an information device placed by duly constituted units or agencies of Federal, State, or local government. Also included as pubic are signs placed by utility companies, railroads, cable TV franchises, and similar quasi-public service providers for traffic control and public safety.

25. “Real estate sign” means any sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of land or buildings.

26. “Sign” means any device, structure, fixture (including the supporting structure) or any other surface that identifies, advertises and/or promotes an activity, product, service, place, business, political or social point of view, or any other thing.

27. “Sign area” means that area contained within a single continuous perimeter which encloses the entire surface, but excluding any support or framing structure that does not convey a message.

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

29. “Sign setback” means the horizontal distance from the property line to the nearest edge of the sign cabinet.

30. “Special district sign” means a sign pertaining to a specific business area or shopping district, or tourist attraction.

31. “Street frontage” means the length in feet of a property line(s) or lot line(s) bordering a public street. For corner lots each street side property line shall be a separate street frontage. The frontage for a single use or development on two or more lots shall be the sum of the individual lot frontages.

32. “Subdivision sign” means any sign used to identify a land development which is to be or was accomplished at essentially one time.

33. “Temporary sign” means any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, paper, canvas, cardboard, or other light non-durable materials which may or may not be attached to a building or in the ground. Types of displays included in this category are: grand opening, special sales, special event, and garage sales signs.

34. “Tourist-oriented directional sign” means a sign issued by the state highway department, meeting the requirements of Chapter 488-70 WAC.

35. “Unique sign” means any building, structure, fixture or other device that functions as a sign and which is “unique” in its material or shape. Examples include inflatable objects or signs imitating the shapes of persons, places or things. Unique signs may or may not have lettering.

36. “Wall sign” means any sign attached to or painted directly on the wall, or erected against and parallel to the wall of the building, not extending more than twelve (12) inches from the wall.

37. “Window sign” means any sign in or on a window. (Ord. 2001-17 § 13, 2001).

20.204.030 Development authorization required.

A. Except as allowed by Section 20.204.040 (Signs Subject to Ordinance – No Permit Required), no sign governed by the provisions of this Code shall be erected, structurally altered or relocated after the adoption of this Code without first receiving a Development Authorization from the Development Services office.

1. For New Uses – All on-premises signs readable from the public right-of- way are accessory uses and shall be subject to Level I review subsequent to approval of the principal use.

2. For Changes or Replacement of an Existing Sign – Structural changes to, or replacement of, an existing sign require level I review and approval by the Building Official; except, minor repairs do not require a sign permit.

20.204.040 Signs subject to ordinance – No permit required.

A. The following signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this Code. These signs are required to meet all other applicable standards of this Code.

1. Window signs which are the temporary nature for commercial businesses for a period not exceeding 30 days. Signs in or on the window which are utilized for more than 30 days are permanent and will be considered part of the overall signing permitted for the business. Such permanent window signs shall require permits;

2. Point of purchase displays, such as product dispensers;

3. Gravestones;

4. Barber poles;

5. Historical site plaques;

6. Structures intended for a separate use such as phone booths, Goodwill containers, etc.;

7. Political signs less that 32 square feet which during a campaign, advertise a candidate or candidates, or ballot issue, provided such signs shall not be posted more than 90 days before the election to which they relate and are removed within five days following the election;

8. Construction signs not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area;

9. Canopies and awnings, except those which incorporate lettering or a design to identify, advertise or otherwise function as a sign. Canopies and awnings which function as a sign are required to meet all applicable standards of the Code;

10. Real estate signs not exceeding seven square feet;

11. Name plates not exceeding two square feet;

12. Temporary signs.

20.204.050 Exempt signs.

A. This Code does not apply to any on-premises sign which is not visible to motorists or pedestrians on any public right-of-way. The Code does not apply to any public sign and does not regulate the size, lighting or spacing of public signs. In addition, the following signs are exempt from this ordinance, and do not require permits for placement or modification; these signs are permitted in any zone:

1. Traffic control signs and instruments of the State, County, or Municipality, provided for public safety, information, or assistance.

2. Signs of public utility companies or railroads which aid public safety, or which show the location of underground utilities or of public facilities.

3. Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body, person or officer in performance of a public duty or in giving any legal notice.

4. Official flags of the United States of America, states of the United States, counties, municipalities, official flags of foreign nations, and flags of internationally and nationally recognized organizations.

5. On-premises directional signs not exceeding two square feet.

6. Holiday decorations or other materials temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic or religious holidays.

20.204.060 Prohibited signs.

A. The following signs are prohibited:

1. Signs on any vehicle or trailer that is parked on public or private property and visible from a public right-of-way for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Chapter. This provision shall not prohibit signs which are painted on or magnetically attached to any vehicle operating in the normal course of business.

2. Signs which purport to be, are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, could cause confusion with any official signs, or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic/street sign or signal;

3. Signs attached to utility, street light, and traffic control standard poles;

4. Signs attached to trees or rocks;

5. Swinging projecting signs;

6. Signs, together with their supports, braces, guys and anchors which are not maintained in a neat, clean and attractive condition, free from rust, corrosion, peeling paint or other surface deterioration;

7. Abandoned signs;

8. Flashing signs;

9. Signs which are unsafe or hazardous;

10. Signs on doors, windows, or fire escapes that restrict free ingress or egress;

11. Unique signs unless specifically approved by the Director or by Level II review, or Level III review when deemed necessary by the Director. Permits may be approved if the effect of the proposed sign would not contribute to a cluttered, confusing or unsafe condition, or would not be in conflict with the character of the zoning district.

12. Exterior signs which advertise alcohol and tobacco products.

13. Signs on public property without prior approval.

14. Searchlights or beacons.

15. Changing message centers.

16. Billboards and other off-premises signs, except off-premises directional signs and special district signs.

17. Any other sign not meeting the provisions of this Chapter. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.204.070 Sign standards.

A. The provisions of this Chapter regulate the “Type and Number of Signs Permitted,” the “Maximum Sign Area” and the “Sign Height and Setbacks” for all signs in each zoning district. All permitted signs are subject to the review procedures of this Code and the standards of this section. Signs for Level I, II, III and IV approved principal uses shall be permitted as a Level I use, subject to the specific limitations of approval of the principal use, if any.

20.204.080 General provisions.

A. All signs shall comply with the following provisions:

1. Construction shall satisfy the requirements of the Uniform Building Code;

2. Installation shall conform to the State Electrical Code where applicable. An electrical permit must be obtained prior to issuance of a permit to erect a sign which has electrical components;

3. All signs shall comply with the setback requirements of the applicable district; except, when the side or rear yard is a street frontage, then the front setback shall apply;

4. Lighting directed on or internal to any sign shall be shaded, screened or directed in so that the light’s intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect neighboring property or motor vehicle safety;

5. All signs together with their supports, braces, and guys shall be maintained in a safe and secure manner;

6. A clearview triangle as established in Chapter 20.114 shall be maintained at all street intersections, alleys, drive ways, and curb cuts for vision safety purposes. No signs may be placed in the clearview triangle, except freestanding signs with a base of not more than ten inches in diameter throughout the height of the clearview area.

7. Whenever two provisions of this Code overlap or conflict with regard to the size, number or placement of a sign, the more restrictive shall apply.

20.204.090 Projecting signs.

A. Projecting and freestanding signs shall comply with the following provisions:

1. No more than one-third of the height of any projecting sign shall exceed the height of the building to which it is attached;

2. All signs projecting over the public right-of-way other than alleys shall conform to the following standards:


Clearance Above Grade	Maximum Projection
Less than 8 feet	Not Permitted
8 feet to 9 feet	1 foot
9 feet to 10 feet	2 feet
Over 10 feet	2/3 the distance from building to curb line or a maximum of 7 feet
No sign shall be closer than two feet from the curb line.

3. All signs projecting over alley rights-of-way shall conform to the following standards:


Clearance Above Grade	Maximum Projection
Less than 14 feet	Not Permitted
14 feet to 16 feet	1 foot
More than 16 feet	3 feet

20.204.100 Freestanding signs.

A. All freestanding signs shall comply with the following provisions:

1. Freestanding signs shall comply with all the provisions of Section 20.204.090, Projecting Signs.

2. Freestanding signs shall include, as part of the design, landscaping about the base or other approved means to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign and to improve the overall appearance of installation.

3. Maximum height shall comply with the sign height requirements of the zoning district in which is located.

20.204.110 Roof signs.

A. All roof signs shall comply with the following provisions:

1. Roof signs shall be erected so as to appear from all sides as a wall sign applied to an existing penthouse which appears to be a part of the building itself;

2. The aggregate height of a building and its roof sign must not exceed the maximum allowable height of a structure in that district in which is located.

3. All roof signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there is no visual support structure.

20.204.120 Wall signs.

A. All wall signs shall conform to the following provisions:

1. Wall signs may be painted upon, attached flat to, or pinned away from the wall, but shall not project more than 12 inches from the wall;

2. Wall signs shall not extend above the height of the wall to which attached.

20.204.130 Temporary signs.

A. All temporary signs shall conform to the following:

1. No temporary sign shall be displayed for more than 30 days at any one time nor more than 90 days during a calendar year;

2. There is no limit on the number of temporary signs;

3. No temporary sign shall be placed in a required parking space or driveway, in the public right-of-way or an easement, or in a required clearview triangle;

4. Temporary signs placed on the ground shall be separated from parking and driveway areas by a curb or other barrier.

20.204.140 Portable signs.

A. Location Requirements.

1. Central Commercial District. Portable signs may be placed on the sidewalk in front of a business in the Central Commercial District zone as described by the City of Walla Walla Zone Code Map. The sign shall be located within the area bounded by the curb and the extended lines of the building face, and shall be placed so that reasonable pedestrian flow is maintained. Signs shall not interfere with access to fire hydrants, street benches, trash receptacles or other street furniture.

Both the property owner and the business owner must execute a Hold Harmless Agreement, and any other surety deemed necessary by the City, before a portable sign may be placed on the sidewalk or on any other public right-of-way.

2. Other Zones When Permitted by Sections 20.204.230 Through 20.204.300. All portable signs located in districts other than the Central Commercial District must be displayed entirely on private property and meet all other applicable standards of this Code.

B. Number of Signs. No business or other approved use shall display more than one portable sign.

C. Hours of Placement. Sidewalk signs shall be displayed only during operating hours of the business or other approved use.

D. Materials and Design Standards.

1. Portable signs shall be made of plywood, dimension lumber, plastic, Masonite or similar weather resistant material. They shall be constructed so that they do not present sharp edges or protrusions which would present a hazard to pedestrians. Sidewalk signs shall not be electrified and shall not have any mechanical or moving parts.

2. Any portable sign shall have a maximum display surface of eight (8) square feet per side and shall in no case exceed a total of sixteen (16) square feet, all sides. (Ord. 2003-2 § 3 (part), 2003).

20.204.150 On-premises directional signs.

A. On-premises directional signs readable from the public right-of-way may contain both directions and the business name or logo provided the business name or logo shall not exceed 50 percent of the sign area. All on-premises directional signs shall meet the general provisions of this section, and shall not exceed 10 square feet per sign face.

B. On-premises directional signs are not included in calculation to determine the number of signs and the allowable sign area per parcel.

20.204.160 Off-premises directional signs.

A. Off-premises directional signs are permitted where indicated in Section 20.204.250 through 20.204.300; provided, that:

1. Each approved use is permitted one off-premises directional sign;

2. The off-premises directional sign contains only directional information and does not exceed 15 square feet in area nor 15 feet in height;

3. The off-premises directional signs are permanently installed on private property;

4. Only one off-premises directional sign is permitted on a parcel.

5. Off-premises signs will be included in calculations to determine the number of signs and the allowable sign area on the parcel upon which the sign is located.

B. The Walla Walla City Manager may permit placement of a motorist information sign in a public right-of-way of the City of Walla Walla where indicated in Section 20.204.250 through 20.204.300 as follows:

1. An application must file a Development Authorization request with the City of Walla Walla.

2. An activity for which a motorist information sign is requested must be eligible as provided in WAC 468-70-050(1).

3. The motorist information sign must comply with the signing detail requirements of WAC 468-70-060 and the signing detail requirements of this Chapter to the extent that it does not conflict with WAC 468-70-060.

4. A motorist information sign must be located at least three hundred feet, and not further than one mile, away from the activity to which it gives direction.

5. Where there is insufficient spacing for both official traffic control signs and motorist information sign panels, the official traffic control signs only shall be installed.

6. Where there is insufficient space available to install all of the motorist information signs requested by applicants, priority shall be given to existing authorized signs, then, to the earliest complete application filed. (Ord. 2001-17 § 14, 2001; Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 99-22 § 1, 1999).

20.204.170 Billboards.

Billboards are not permitted in any district.

20.204.180 Co-sponsored signs.

A. Co-sponsored signs advertising a product or service which is not the primary product or service of the subject business, shall conform to the following:

1. The second party sponsor’s name or logo shall occupy no more than ten (10) percent of the total sign face area.

2. The name, logo, or other information about the primary business of the site or building shall occupy no less than ninety (90) percent of the total sign face area.

20.204.190 Multiple building complexes and multiple tenant building signs.

A. The following provisions shall apply to signs for multiple building complexes and multiple tenant buildings:

1. Number of Freestanding Signs – Each multiple building complex shall be allowed one freestanding sign on each street frontage provided that, when the street frontage is longer than 400 feet, two freestanding signs or a single larger freestanding sign can be erected in accordance with the provisions of the district in which it is located.

2. No freestanding sign shall be placed closer than 200 feet to any other freestanding sign on the same property.

3. When a multiple tenant building is included in a multiple building complex, the multiple tenant building is considered a single tenant of the complex.

4. The allowable freestanding sign(s) may be used to advertise one or more of the uses in the multiple building complex or multiple tenant building.

20.204.200 Special district signs.

A. In addition to all other applicable standards of this Chapter, all Special District Signs shall comply with the following:

1. Special District Signs shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet.

2. Special District Signs shall advertise or promote a definite business area or tourist attraction.

3. A Special District shall be permitted no more than three Special District Signs.

4. Special District Signs will be included in calculations to determine the number of signs and the allowable sign area per parcel.

20.204.210 Freeway signs.

A. Hotels/motels, restaurants, service stations, and fruit stands, abutting the freeway are allowed a larger on-premises sign to inform freeway travelers of their service, provided there is a topographical circumstance which renders the sign standards of the applicable zone ineffective to freeway visibility. Freeway signs are subject to the following standards:

1. Number of Freeway Signs – Only one freeway sign is permitted on each parcel.

2. Uses with Only One Frontage – Uses with only one street frontage may install a freeway sign in addition to the permitted freestanding sign.

3. Uses with More Than One Street Frontage – A use with more than one street frontage may substitute a freeway sign for one of its allowable freestanding signs.

4. Sign Area – The maximum sign area for freeway signs is 80 square feet.

5. Sign Height – The maximum height for freeway signs is 70 feet. In any case the height of any particular freeway sign shall not exceed that which is necessary to provide visibility from the freeway which is unobstructed by topographical features.

B. Signs visible from a State highway are subject to the applicable state regulations regulating such signage, administered by the Department of Transportation.

20.204.220 Sign faces and measurements.

A. Single Face Sign. A single face sign is one with advertising on only one (1) surface of the sign.

B. Double Face Sign. A double face sign is one with advertising on two (2) surfaces back-to-back.

C. Multi-Face Sign. A multi-face sign is one with more than one sign unit.

D. Size.

1. The size of a sign shall be the entire area within any type of parameter or border which encloses the outer limits of any writing, representation, emblem, figure, or character. The area of the sign having no such parameter or border shall be computed by enclosing the entire area within a parallelogram or a triangle of the smallest size sufficient to cover the entire area of the sign in computing the area of the parallelogram or triangle.

2. With respect to two-sided, multi-sided, or three-dimensional signs, the sign surface area shall be computed by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information that can be seen at any one time by a person from one vantage point. In addition to the general statement above, the following specific standards also apply:

a. The sign surface area of a double faced, back-to-back sign shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign, so long as the distance between the backs of said signs do not exceed three feet;

b. This sign surface area of a doubled faced sign constructed in the form of a “V” shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign (the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the angle of the “V” does not exceed 30 degrees and at no point does the distance between the backs of such sides exceed 5 feet.

20.204.230 Signs allowed in the R-96, R-72 and R-60 (Single-Family Residential) zones.

A. The following regulations apply to signs in R-96, R-72, and R-60 zones:

1. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved principal use.

a. Name Plate: Signs for home occupation are restricted to name plates.

2. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved Level II or III, subject to specific limitations of the Level II or III approval.

a. Free-standing signs.

b. Projecting signs.

c. Portable signs (excluding sidewalk signs).

d. Subdivision/Project ID signs.

3. Not permitted in Single-Family Residential zones:

a. Roof signs.

b. Off-premises signs (including Special District and off-premises direction).

c. Internally lit signs.

d. Portable sidewalk signs.

e. All signs prohibited by Section 20.204.060.

4. Number signs permitted in a Single-Family Residential zone:

a. Name plate – One (1) per permitted use.

b. Subdivision/Project ID Sign – One (1) per permitted use.

c. Free-standing, projecting or portable signs – One (1) per permitted use.

d. Wall sign – One (1) per permitted use.

5. Maximum area per sign in a Single-Family Residential zone, provided no combination of sign areas shall exceed twenty-four (24) square feet (excluding subdivision and project ID signs):

a. Name plate – up to two (2) square feet.

b. Subdivision/Project ID Sign – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

c. Free-standing, projecting or portable sign – up to twelve (12) square feet.

d. Wall sign – up to twelve (12) square feet.

6. Setbacks from property line in a Single-Family Residential zone (See Section 20.114):

a. Name plate – none.

b. All other permitted signs:

Fifteen (15) feet front yard.

Fifteen (15) feet side yard.

Fifteen (15) feet back yard.

7. Minimum height above grade (to bottom of sign) in a Single-family Residential zone: Not applicable.

8. Maximum height above grade (to top of sign) in a Single-family Residential zone: 10 feet

9. Maximum projection beyond property line in a Single-family Residential zone: Not permitted (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 2(part), 1995).

20.204.240 Signs allowed in the RM zones.

A. The following regulations apply to signs in an RM zone:

1. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved principal use.

a. Name Plate: Signs for home occupations are restricted to name plates.

2. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved Level II, Level III, or a Level IV use, subject to specific limitations of the Level II, III, or IV approval.

a. Freestanding signs.

b. Projecting signs.

c. Portable signs/excluding sidewalk signs.

d. Wall signs.

e. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs as per Section 20.204.190.

f. Subdivision/Project ID Sign.

3. Not permitted in an RM zone:

a. Roof signs.

b. Off-premises signs (including Special District and off-premises directional).

c. Portable sidewalk signs.

d. Internally lit signs.

e. All signs prohibited by Section 20.204.060.

4. Number signs permitted in a RM zone:

a. Name plate – One (1) per dwelling/unit.

b. Subdivision/Project ID Sign – One (1) on each street frontage.

c. Free-standing, projecting, or portable signs – One (1) per permitted use.

d. Wall sign – One (1) per permitted use.

e. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs (See subsection (A)(5)(e) of this section).

5. Maximum area per sign in an RM zone, provided no combination of sign areas shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet:

a. Name plate – up to two (2) square feet.

b. Subdivision/Project ID Sign – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

c. Free-standing, projecting, or portable sign – up to sixteen (16) square feet.

d. Wall sign – up to sixteen (16) square feet.

e. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

Street frontages in excess of four hundred (400) feet may have two (2) multi-building complex/multiple tenant building signs.

6. Setbacks from property line in a RM zone (See Chapter 20.114):

a. Name plate – none.

b. All other permitted signs:

Fifteen (15) feet front yard.

Fifteen (15) feet side yard.

Fifteen (15) feet back yard.

7. Minimum height above grade (to bottom of sign) in a RM zone: Not applicable.

8. Maximum height above grade (to top of sign) in a RM zone: 10 feet.

9. Maximum projection beyond property line in a RM zone: Not permitted. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.204.250 Signs allowed in the CC zones.

A. The following regulations apply to signs in a CC zone:

1. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved principal use.

a. Name plate.

b. Project ID signs.

c. Roof signs.

d. Wall signs.

e. Freestanding signs/Projecting signs.

f. Portable signs (including sidewalk).

g. Off-premises directional.

h. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs as per Section 20.204.190.

i. Special District signs pertaining to the CC district.

2. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved Level II, Level III or Level IV use, subject to the specific limitations of the Level II, III or IV approval.

a. Permitted sign types are the same as for level I permitted uses listed in Section subsection (A)(1) of this section.

3. Not permitted in a CC zone:

a. Billboards or off-premises signs, except off-premises directional signs and Special District signs as per subsection (A)(1)(i) of this section.

b. All signs prohibited by Section 20.204.060.

4. Number of signs permitted in a CC zone:

a. Name Plate – 1 per business/occupants.

b. Project ID signs – 1 per business/occupant.

c. Roof signs – one per parcel.

d. Wall – number not limited; coverage limited to 25 percent.

e. Freestanding/projecting – one per each street frontage.

f. Portable signs (including sidewalk signs) – one per each street frontage.

g. Off-premises directional – one per parcel.

h. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs (see subsection (A)(5)(g) of this section).

i. Special District signs – to signs pertaining to the CC zone.

5. Maximum area per sign, provided no combination of sign areas shall exceed 150 square feet per street frontage, excluding multiple building complexes and multiple tenant buildings:

a. Name Plate – up to 2 square feet.

b. Project ID signs – up to 32 square feet.

c. Roof/Projecting/Freestanding signs – 1 square foot of sign area per lineal feet of frontage, up to 150 square feet.

d. Wall signs – up to 25 percent of wall area.

e. Portable signs – up to 16 square feet.

f. Off-premises directional signs – up to 15 square feet.

g. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs – up to 32 square feet.

Street frontages in excess of 400 feet may have two multi-building complex/multiple tenant building signs or one signs no greater than 200 square feet.

h. Special District signs – up to 32 square feet.

6. Setbacks from property line in a CC zone – none (See Chapter 20.114).

7. Minimum height above grade (to bottom of sign) in a CC zone: Not applicable.

8. Maximum height above grade (to top of sign) in a CC zone: Thirty (30) feet; fifteen (15) feet for off-premises directional signs. (See Section 20.204.160(A)(2).)

9. Maximum projection beyond property line in a CC zone: See Section 20.204.090, Projecting signs. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.204.260 Signs allowed in the CH zones.

A. The following regulations apply to signs in a CH zone:

1. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved principal use, subject to the same review and procedural requirements as the principal use in a CH zone.

a. Name Plate.

b. Project ID Signs.

c. Roof signs.

d. Wall signs.

e. Freestanding signs/Projecting signs.

f. Portable signs (including portable sidewalk signs).

g. Off-premises directional signs.

h. Freeway signs (See Section 20.204.210).

i. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs (See Section 20.204.190).

j. Special District signs.

2. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved Level II, Level III or Level IV use, subject to the specific limitations of the Level II, III or IV approval.

a. Permitted sign types are the same as for Level I permitted uses listed in subsection (A)(1) of this section.

3. Not permitted in a CH zone:

a. Billboards and off-premises signs other than off-premises directional signs, and Special District signs.

b. Portable sidewalk signs.

c. All signs prohibited by Section 20.204.060.

4. Number of signs permitted in CH zone:

a. Name Plat – One (1) per business/occupant.

b. Project ID signs – One (1) per parcel.

c. Roof signs – One (1) per parcel (See Section 20.204.110).

d. Wall signs – number not limited; coverage limited to twenty-five (25%) percent.

e. Freestanding/projecting sign – One (1) per each street frontage.

f. Portable sign – One (1) per each street frontage.

g. Off-premises directional sign – One (1) per parcel.

h. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs (See subsection (A)(5)(g) of this section.)

5. Maximum area per sign, provided no combination of sign areas shall exceed two hundred (200) square feet per street frontage, excluding multiple building complexes and multiple tenant buildings.

a. Name Plate – up to two (2) square feet.

b. Project ID sign – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

c. Wall signs – up to twenty-five (25%) percent of wall area.

d. Roof/Projecting/Freestanding signs – One point five (1.5) square feet of sign area per lineal feet of frontage, up to two hundred (200) square feet.

e. Portable sign – up to sixteen (16) square feet.

f. Off-premises directional sign – up to fifteen (15) square feet.

g. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs – up to two hundred (200) square feet.

Street frontages in excess of four hundred (400) feet may have one sign no greater than three hundred (300) square feet.

h. Freeway signs (see Section 20.204.210).

i. Special District sings – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

6. Setbacks from property line in a CH zone (See Chapter 20.114):

Zero (0') feet but may not overhang property line.

Fifteen (15) feet side yard.

Fifteen (15) feet rear yard.

7. Minimum height above grade (to bottom of sign) in a CH zone: Not applicable.

8. Maximum height above grade (to top of sign) in a CH zone: Thirty-five (35) feet; fifteen (15) feet for off-premises direction signs.

9. Maximum projection beyond property line in a CH zone: Not permitted. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.204.270 Signs allowed in the IL/C (Light Industrial/Commercial) zones.

A. The following regulations apply to signs in an IL/C zone:

1. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved principal use:

a. Name Plate.

b. Project ID signs.

c. Roof signs.

d. Wall signs.

e. Freestanding signs.

f. Projecting signs.

g. Portable signs (excluding portable sidewalk signs).

h. Off-premises directional signs.

i. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs (See Section 20.204.190).

j. Special District signs.

2. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved Level II, Level III, or Level IV use, subject to specific limitations of the Level II, III or IV approval.

a. Permitted sign types are the same as for Level I permitted uses listed in subsection (A)(1) of this section.

3. Not permitted in IL/C zone:

a. Billboards and off-premises signs other than off-premises directional signs and Special District signs.

b. Portable sidewalk signs.

c. All signs prohibited by Section 20.204.060.

4. Number of signs permitted in IL/C zone:

a. Name Plat – One (1) per business/occupant.

b. Project ID signs – One (1) per parcel.

c. Roof signs – One (1) per parcel (See Section 20.204.110).

d. Wall signs – number not limited; coverage limited to twenty-five (25%) percent.

e. Freestanding/projecting sign – One (1) per each street frontage.

f. Portable sign – One (1) per each street frontage.

g. Off-premises directional sign – One (1) per parcel.

h. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs (See Section 20.204.260(A)(5)(g)).

i. Special district signs – Each duly recognized business area is allowed three (3) off-premises signs.

5. Maximum area per sign, provided no combination of sign areas shall exceed two hundred (200) square feet per street frontage, excluding multiple building complex and multiple tenant building signs:

a. Name Plate – up to two (2) square feet.

b. Project ID signs – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

c. Wall signs – up to twenty-five (25%) percent of wall area.

d. Roof/Projecting/Freestanding signs – One point five (1.5) square foot of sign area per lineal feet of frontage, up to two hundred (200) square feet.

e. Portable signs – up to sixteen (16) square feet.

f. Off-premises directions signs – up to fifteen (15) square feet.

g. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant buildings – up to two hundred (200) square feet.

Street frontages in excess in excess of four hundred (400) feet may have one (1) sign no greater than three hundred (300) square feet.

h. Freeway signs (See Section 20.204.210).

i. Special District signs – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

6. Setbacks from property line in an IL/C zone (See Chapter 20.114): Not applicable.

7. Minimum height above grade (to bottom of sign) in an IL/C zone: Not applicable.

8. Maximum height above grade (to top of sign) in an IL/C zone: Thirty-five (35) feet; fifteen (15) feet for off-premises direction signs. (See Section 20.204.160(A)(2).)

9. Maximum projection beyond property line in an IL/C zone: Not permitted. (See Section 20.204.160(A)(2).) (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.204.280 Signs allowed in the IH zones.

Regulations for the Heavy Industrial zone are the same as for Light Industrial/Commercial zone listed in Section 20.204.270. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.204.290 Signs allowed in the PR zones.

A. The following regulations apply to signs in a PR zone:

1. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved principal use.

a. Name Plate.

b. Project ID signs.

c. Wall signs.

d. Projecting signs.

e. Freestanding signs.

f. Portable signs (excluding portable sidewalk signs).

g. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant building signs (See Section 20.204.190).

2. Permitted as an accessory use to an approved Level II, Level III, or Level IV use, subject to specific limitations of the Level II, III or IV approval.

a. Permitted sign types are the same as for the permitted Level I uses listed in subsection (A)(1) of this section.

3. Not permitted in PR zone:

a. Billboards and off-premises signs (including Special District signs and off-premises directional signs except as provided in Section 20.204.160(B)).

b. Roof signs.

c. All signs prohibited by Section 20.204.060.

4. Number of signs permitted in PR zone:

a. Name Plat – One (1) per business/occupant.

b. Wall signs – number not limited; coverage limited to twenty-five (25%) percent.

c. Freestanding/projecting signs – 1 per each street frontage.

d. Portable signs – 1 per each street frontage.

e. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant buildings (See subsection (A)(5)(g) of this section.)

5. Maximum area per sign, provided no combination of sign areas shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per street frontage, excluding multiple building complex and multiple tenant building signs:

a. Name Plate – up to two (2) square feet.

b. Project ID signs – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

c. Wall signs – up to twenty-five (25%) percent of wall area.

d. Projecting/Freestanding signs – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

e. Portable signs – up to sixteen (16) square feet.

f. Freeway signs (See Section 20.204.210).

g. Multi-building complexes and multiple tenant buildings – up to thirty-two (32) square feet.

Street frontages in excess of four hundred (400) feet may have two multi-building complex/multiple tenant building signs

6. Setbacks from property line in a PR zone:

Fifteen (15) feet front yard.

Fifteen (15) feet side yard.

Fifteen (15) feet rear yard.

7. Minimum height above grade (to bottom of sign) in a PR zone: Not applicable.

8. Maximum height above grade (to top of sign) in a PR zone: 10 feet.

9. Maximum projection beyond property line in a PR zone: Not permitted. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.204.300 Signs allowed in the AD zones.

Regulations for signs in the Airport Development District are the same as for the Light Industrial/Commercial zone listed in Section 20.204.070; subject to the airport operation standards as discussed in Chapter 20.98.

20.204.310 Legal nonconforming signs.

A. Any sign lawfully existing under all codes and ordinances in effect at the time this Chapter is enacted or amended may continue to be maintained and operated as a legal nonconforming sign so long as it remains otherwise lawful, provided that:

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

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

3. The sign is not a hazardous or abandoned sign.

20.204.320 Minor variance of sign standards.

Subject to the provisions of this Section and Section 20.220.020, Minor Variance, the Director may authorize a Minor Variance of up to ten percent (10%) of a dimensional requirement of this Chapter. The Director may attach conditions to the approval to accomplish the purpose and intent of this Chapter.

A design plan is provided in 20.204.330 is required as part of the application for a Minor Variance to a sign standard.

20.204.330 Design plan.

A. A design plan is required whenever a Minor Variance from sign standards is proposed, or when required as part of a detailed site plan (Section 20.46.050, Detailed Site Plan Form and Contents). The Design Plan shall include a narrative and graphic representation, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. The physical components of the sign including sign size, height, shape, color, location and associated landscaping; and,

2. A description of how the sign relates to the immediate surroundings, including existing and proposed structures, other signs, power lines or traffic signals, neighboring land uses and the character of the zoning district; and,

3. For multiple tenant buildings and multiple building complexes a description of how the available sign area will be allocated between tenants or leasable spaces.

20.204.340 Variances.

Except as allowed by Section 20.204.320 no reduction of the standards in this Chapter is allowed except pursuant to Chapter 20.220, Variances. Variance requests are reviewed by the Board of Adjustment.

20.204.350 Abatement required.

Abatement shall be as set forth in Walla Walla Municipal Code Chapter 8.07, Nuisance Procedures (Ord. 2000-2, 2000).