Chapter 21.44 SIGNS

Chapter 21.44
SIGNS

Sections:

21.44.010 Purpose.

21.44.020 Permit required.

21.44.030 Signs exempt from this chapter.

21.44.040 Prohibited signs.

21.44.050 Sign area measurements.

21.44.060 General sign requirements.

21.44.070 Special sign provisions.

21.44.080 Sign size and design requirements.

21.44.090 Master signage plan.

21.44.100 Signs or displays of limited duration.

21.44.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to enhance the visual environment and safety of the City by:

(1) Establishing standards that regulate the type, number, location, size, and lighting of signs;

(2) Encouraging attractive, effective signage throughout the community, and providing clearly identifiable design objectives for public and private signage in the downtown. (Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.020 Permit required.

(1) A sign permit is required for erecting, altering, or relocating any sign, unless specified otherwise by this chapter.

(2) Normal maintenance, cleaning, and repair of a legally established sign does not require a sign permit. (Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.030 Signs exempt from this chapter.

The following signs are exempt from the regulations in this chapter:

(1) Historic site markers, plaques, and gravestones;

(2) Signs that enumerate addresses only and that do not exceed 32 square feet;

(3) Signs internal to a development and not visible from any streets or public ways;

(4) Signs in the interior of a building more than three feet away and not facing a window, and point of purchase advertising displays, such as vending machines;

(5) Traffic signs, signals, wayfinding signs, and other traffic control devices erected by the City or other public authority;

(6) Public notices pertaining to public health or safety issues, or for notification of legal or legislative action erected by the City or other public authority, of a temporary nature;

(7) Permanent plaques, cornerstones, nameplates, and other building identification markings attached to or carved into the building materials, and which are (a) integral parts of the structure; (b) are nonilluminated, and (c) do not exceed four square feet in sign area;

(8) Incidental signs which consist of no more than two square feet in sign area, except that this sign size limit shall not apply to incidental signs maintained by a public agency providing public information;

(9) Religious symbols;

(10) The American flag, State of Washington flag, and other political or special purpose flags that are not intended to contribute to a commercial advertising display;

(11) Flags displaying the name of a business, provided: (a) no more than one flag per business premises, or one per tenant in a multitenant building, (b) the flag does not exceed 20 square feet in total size, (c) the flag does not advertise a product, and (d) the flag is located on the same site as the business;

(12) Wall graphics of an artistic nature and that do not conform to the definition of “sign”;

(13) Signs intended for general public information, such as bulletin board/kiosk, that accommodate changeable copy such as private or public notices, special event information, and other short-term messages, at a scale suitable for pedestrians and not intended to be read by passing motorists, and not for commercial advertising purposes approved as part of a master signage plan; and

(14) Public gateway entrance signs. (Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.040 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are prohibited:

(1) Portable and signs of limited duration, except as provided for in this chapter;

(2) Signs mounted on utility poles, except for noncommercial signs posted by the utility or public agency owning the utility pole;

(3) Signs in public street rights-of-way, except as provided for in this chapter;

(4) Strobe lights or any other flashing, moving, video or animated features that are visible beyond any property line;

(5) Posters, pennants, balloons, searchlights, and other displays of a carnival nature, except as provided for in this chapter;

(6) Off-premises signs including billboards, except as provided for in this chapter;

(7) Building signs located within a roof plane or projecting above a roof (See Figure 21.44.040);

(8) Any sign that is determined by the Director to be a hazard to public safety due to its design, materials, physical condition, or placement;

(9) Human held signs;

(10) Signs advertising a business that is no longer operating and open.

Figure 21.44.040. Determining Roof Plane

(Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.050 Sign area measurements.

(1) The area of sign faces shall be measured as follows:

(a) Building signs: sign area shall be calculated by measuring the smallest single rectangle which will enclose the combined letters and symbols as illustrated in Figure 21.44.050(1)(a).

Figure 21.44.050(1)(a). Area of a Building Sign

(b) Freestanding signs: sign area shall be calculated to include the entire surface area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate including borders upon which the sign message is displayed or illustrated, excluding foundations and support structures as illustrated in Figure 21.44.050(1)(b).

Figure 21.44.050(1)(b). Area of a Freestanding Sign

(2) Sign area does not include supports, foundations or structures that are not part of the sign.

(3) Only one side of a double-faced sign is counted in the sign area.

(4) Multiple copy signs or shopping center signs consisting of several individual signs on the same support structures are calculated as the total of all individual sign components.

(5) A round or cylindrical sign is calculated as the maximum area that can be seen at one time from one position, or 50 percent of the total area, whichever is greater.

(6) The height of a sign is measured from the grade below to the highest point of the sign. See Figure 21.44.050(6).

Figure 21.44.050(6). Sign Height

(7) Sign clearance is measured from the top of the surface directly below the sign to the bottom of the sign. (Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.060 General sign requirements.

(1) All signs shall meet the sight distance requirements prescribed in WMC 21.40.060.

(2) One off-premises freestanding sign for each business is permitted on private property, provided (a) two or more businesses must be advertised on the sign, and (b) the businesses advertised on the sign must be located on a lot having no street frontage.

(3) If more than one freestanding sign is permitted on a site, the freestanding signs must be separated by a minimum of 140 feet at their closest points.

(4) Illumination and Glare.

(a) To avoid unreasonably distracting pedestrians or motorists, illumination from or upon any sign shall be shielded or directed so as to avoid undue brightness, glare, or reflection of light on private or public property. Illumination shall be adjusted to ensure there is no undue brightness. “Undue brightness” is illumination in excess of 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light conditions.

(b) Internally illuminated signs shall be designed to emphasize the lighting of the sign text, message, and/or symbols while minimizing the lighting of the background of the sign face. The colors of the sign, letters and background shall remain fixed and not changing.

(c) Where indirect illumination is used to light a sign, the light source shall be placed no farther away from the sign than the height of the sign.

(d) Indirectly illuminated signs shall be arranged so that no direct rays of light are projected from such artificial source into residences or any street right-of-way.

(5) All signs, except for signs of limited duration, must be constructed of durable, maintainable materials. Signs that are made of materials that deteriorate quickly or that feature impermanent construction are not permitted. For example, plywood or plastic sheets without a sign face overlay or without a frame to protect exposed edges are not permitted.

(6) When required by WMC 21.44.080, signs are constructed of the following materials (when not required, these materials are encouraged):

(a) Sign frames are wood, anodized metal or concrete;

(b) Sign faces are anodized metal, wood, or bronze.

(d) Plastic is discouraged, except when used for backlit lettering.

(7) Signs that project over pedestrian walkways or sidewalks shall maintain a minimum sign clearance of eight feet as illustrated in Figure 21.44.060(7). If the sign projects over a City right-of-way, permission for the projection from the City is required.

Figure 21.44.060(7). Sign Clearance

(8) When required by WMC 21.44.080, sign face background colors (color behind the lettering and symbols) are prescribed as follows using the Pantone color system as a reference (when not required, these background colors are encouraged):

Color	Pantone Numbers
Red	181, 188, 194, 202, 208, 216, 222, 229, 235, 242, 262, 478, 483, 506, 518 or darker or duller (more black or green added to the color)
Yellow/Brown	133, 140, 147, 154, 161, 168, 174, 464, 469, 478, 491, 499 or darker or duller (more black or violet added to the color)
Blue	269, 276, 281, 289, 296, 302, 309, 533, 540, 548 or darker or duller (more black or orange added to the color)
Green	316, 322, 329, 336, 343, 554, 562, 567, 574 or darker or duller (more black or red added to the color)
Gray	404, 409, 416, 425, 431, 437, 444, 450 or darker or duller (more black added to the color)

(9) Required frame colors around are for use on the frames of freestanding signs and are prescribed as follows using the Pantone color system as a reference.

Color	Pantone Numbers
White/Cream	All
Red	181, 188, 194, 202, 208, 216, 222, 229, 235, 242, 262, 478, 483, 506, 518 or darker or duller (more black or green added to the color).
Yellow/Brown	133, 140, 147, 154, 161, 168, 174, 464, 469, 478, 491, 499 or darker or duller (more black or violet added to the color)
Blue	269, 276, 281, 289, 296, 302, 309, 533, 540, 548 or darker or duller (more black or orange added to the color)
Green	316, 322, 329, 336, 343, 554, 562, 567, 574 or darker or duller (more black or red added to the color)
Gray	404, 409, 416, 425, 431, 437, 444, 450 or darker or duller (more black added to the color)

(Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.070 Special sign provisions.

(1) Signs Advertising Fuel Prices.

(a) The fuel and the price of fuel shall not be included in the sign area calculations, provided the sign area of the fuel and price does not exceed 20 square feet and is limited to one per street frontage;

(b) Signs advertising fuel and the price of fuel only shall not count towards the maximum number of signs allowed;

(c) The fuel and the price of fuel may be displayed electronically, provided it satisfies the requirements of a changing message electronic reader board sign and does not include any blinking or flashing lights.

(2) Reader Board Signs.

(a) Nonelectronic reader board permanent signs are permitted in commercial and mixed-use zones.

(b) Changing message electronic reader board permanent signs are permitted in the Public/Institutional zone, excluding Public/Institutional zone districts adjoining the Central Business District zone, as follows:

(i) May substitute for a freestanding or building sign provided (A) the number does not exceed one, and (B) the total size of the face of the reader board sign including the cabinet does not exceed 32 square feet;

(ii) The electronic message may not change more frequently than every four seconds;

(iii) The sign may only advertise school or community events or activities; and

(iv) The sign lights are limited to a single color and must be a warm-toned off-white or similar color.

(3) Electronic Changing Messages. Changing message electronic signage may be incorporated into a freestanding or building sign provided it displays the date, time, and/or temperature only and is limited to permanent signs in the Central Business District, General Business, Office, Public/Institutional, and Industrial zones.

(4) Window Signs. Window signs are allowed without a permit subject to the sign area not exceeding 20 percent of the transparent area of the window.

(5) Shingle Signs. Each tenant may display a single shingle sign that projects perpendicular to the wall of the building it is attached to, provided the sign (a) is no larger than three square feet in surface area, (b) satisfies clearance requirements, and (c) does not extend more than three feet from the wall, excluding mounts, or beyond an existing weather protection cover. A shingle sign satisfying these requirements does not count towards the number of allowable signs.

(6) Directional Signs. On-site direction signs shall not be subject to the size or number of sign limitation set forth in this chapter, provided the sign does not exceed six square feet in total surface area of the sign and is limited to one for each entrance or exit to surface parking areas, parking structures, drive-through lanes, or as determined by the Development Services Director for safe circulation.

(7) Community Bulletin Board Signs. Community bulletin board signs are allowed as follows:

(a) In residential zones, community bulletin board signs are only permitted at public schools, police stations, fire stations or other public facilities but cannot exceed 32 square feet in sign area;

(b) In the Public/Institutional, Office, Tourist Business and Neighborhood Business zones, community bulletin board signs are permitted but cannot exceed 40 square feet in sign area;

(c) In the Industrial zone, community bulletin board signs are permitted but cannot exceed 60 square feet in sign area; and

(d) In the Central Business District and General Business zones, community bulletin board signs are permitted but cannot exceed 100 square feet in sign area. (Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.080 Sign size and design requirements.

Permanent building and freestanding signs are permitted in each zone, provided they satisfy the size and design requirements set forth in this section. Signs may be subject to additional design standard requirements set forth in the commercial and industrial design standards in Chapters 21.33 and 21.34 WMC.

(1) Building Signs. Building signs are permitted as prescribed in Table 21.44.080(1).

Table 21.44.080(1): Building Signs Size and Design Requirements
Standard	Residential Zones		Mixed-Use/ Commercial Zones	Industrial Zones	Other Zones
Standard	R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8	R-12, R-18, R-24, R-48	NB, TB, CBD, GB, O	I, T/I	P/I, P
Maximum Number	1		• 1 per tenant per building facade not to exceed two signs per tenant • Plus 1 per building		1
Maximum Height	No point of a sign may protrude above the highest point of the roof or break the plane of the roof (see WMC 21.44.040(7))
Maximum Sign Area	8% of building facade area not to exceed 10 sq. ft.	8% of building facade area not to exceed 20 sq. ft.	8% of building facade area
Background Colors	Required (see WMC 21.44.060(8))		Not Required		Required (see WMC 21.44.060(8))
Illumination	Prohibited		Allowed (see WMC 21.44.060(4))
Sign Materials	Plastic prohibited		Sign face encouraged to be constructed of anodized or treated metal, wood, masonry, tile, or neon. Plastic is discouraged.
Mounting Projection	Maximum protrusion from facade is 1 foot
Sign Frames	Frame must be concealed or integrated with the building using similar materials and colors

(2) Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs are permitted as prescribed in Table 21.44.080(2).

Table 21.44.080(2): Freestanding Signs Size and Design Requirements
Standard	Residential Zones		Mixed-Use/ Commercial Zones	Industrial Zones	Other Zones
Standard	R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8	R-12, R-18, R-24, R-48	NB, TB, CBD, GB, O	I, T/I	P/I, P
Maximum Number	One per site entrance		• One per street frontage • Plus, one for each 250 feet of street frontage		One per site entrance
Maximum Height	6 feet		10 feet		6 feet
Maximum Sign Area per Sign Face	20 square feet		• Smaller of 1% of gross floor area tenant/building space; or • One sq. ft. per 4 lineal feet of street frontage; • With a minimum 25 sq. ft. and a maximum 75 sq. ft. allowed		20 square feet
Maximum Number of Sign Faces	2
Background Colors	Required (see WMC 21.44.060(8))		Not Required		Required (see WMC 21.44.060(8))
Illumination	Prohibited		Allowed (See WMC 21.44.060(4))		Prohibited
Sign Frame and Base	Base must be solid, and use City materials and frame colors (see WMC 21.44.060(6) and (9))		Base must be solid, or use double post, and use City frame colors (see WMC 21.44.060(9))		Base must be solid, and use City materials and frame col-ors (see WMC 21.44.060(6) and (9))
Landscaping	One square foot per each square foot of sign area (all fractions rounded up). Landscaping must include living trees, shrubs, and/or floral displays.
Property Line Setback	Minimum of 5 feet

(3) Allowance for Larger Signs. The following allowances set forth in Table 21.44.080(3) may be authorized for signs in the mixed-use, commercial, and industrial zones provided the requirements set forth in Table 21.44.080(3) are satisfied.

Table 21.44.080(3): Larger Sign Allowances
Type	Larger Sign Allowance	Requirements
Building Sign	• Maximum sign area may be increased to 12% of building facade area	• Must use background colors, materials, and required frame colors set forth in WMC 21.44.060(6), (8), and (9); and • Must have no backlighting of the sign, except logos and lettering
Freestanding Sign	Maximum sign area per sign face: • Smaller of 1% of gross floor area tenant/building space; or • One sq. ft. per 4 lineal feet of street frontage; • With a maximum 100 square feet allowed	• Must use background colors, materials, and required frame colors set forth in WMC 21.44.060(6), (8), and (9); • Must have no backlighting of the sign, except logos and lettering; and • Must incorporate two of the following elements into the sign: a) The sign is designed to reflect architectural features of the building or site; b) Two square feet per each square foot of sign area (all fractions rounded up) and include strong vertical elements, such as tall shrubs and/or trees; c) A fountain or other similar water feature that is incorporated into the design of the sign and landscaping
Freestanding Sign	• Maximum height increased to 15 feet

(Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.090 Master signage plan.

(1) A master signage plan shall be prepared for all new commercial, office or industrial projects or any multitenant buildings or group of buildings having four or more tenant or occupant spaces on a lot or combination of lots subject to a common development permit or plan. Existing developments without a master signage plan desiring to achieve conformance with this code may apply for a master sign plan to include existing and future signage. A “common development permit or plan” means any grading, building, sign, or other permit issued by the City which is for the complex, building(s) as a whole or four or more tenants.

(2) Master signage plans shall be evaluated and may be approved based upon the following criteria:

(a) Placement. All signs shall be placed where they are sufficiently visible and readable for their function. Factors to be considered shall include the purpose of the sign, its location relative to traffic movement and access points, site features, structures, and sign orientation relative to viewing distances and viewing angles.

(b) Size. Signs shall be no larger than necessary for visibility and readability. Factors to be considered in determining appropriate size shall include topography, volume and speed of traffic, visibility range, proximity to adjacent uses, amount of sign copy, placement of display (location and height), lettering style, and sign proportions and dimensions. The decision authority may approve height and sign area departures that achieve these purposes pursuant to WMC 21.80.050(3).

(c) Number of Signs. The total number of building and freestanding signs shall not exceed the standards set forth in WMC 21.44.080, except additional monument signs may be approved if any one of the following criteria are satisfied:

(i) There are at least two separate street frontages, excluding curved frontages of greater than 120 degrees;

(ii) There are at least three separate access points with a minimum distance of 300 feet separating an access point from other access points on the property;

(iii) The sign is necessary, and the applicant demonstrates that the business, property, or complex could not be identified without the additional signage.

(d) Additional monument signs authorized pursuant to subsection (2)(c) of this section must be separated by at least 140 feet from all other monument signs on the site and the size requirements for freestanding signs, or as approved by the decision authority as a departure pursuant to WMC 21.80.050(3), may not be exceeded.

(e) Materials. Sign materials shall be compatible with architectural and/or natural features of the project. This may be accomplished through similarity of materials for sign structures and faces, the use of complementary colors, similarity of architectural style, or the use of a consistent lettering style or copy.

(f) Illumination. Sign illumination shall be consistent with WMC 21.44.060(4).

(g) Design. All building signs including those for individual tenants are required to be similar in location, configuration, materials, and construction; must be architecturally integrated into the building; and employ a coordinated color scheme. The background colors and required frame colors set forth in WMC 21.44.060(8) and (9) shall apply to all building signs.

(3) Application. An application for a master signage plan shall include the following information:

(a) A completed application form;

(b) A legal description of the property, property address or a location description from the nearest public right-of-way intersection if an address is not available, and the associated tax parcel number;

(c) Owner authorization form identifying the individual representing the property owner’s interest in the project permit;

(d) A narrative description of the common theme for signage within the development, how it relates to architectural and/or landscaping elements of the development, and how the master signage plan relates to each of the criteria set forth in subsection (2) of this section;

(e) A site plan that includes the following:

(i) A layout of the development including buildings, roads, walkways, etc.;

(ii) Proposed locations and types of signage;

(iii) Standards for size, qualities, materials, and illumination;

(iv) Information showing compliance with WMC 21.44.080;

(f) Other information as required by the Director to determine compliance with this chapter.

(4) Master signage plans are reviewed pursuant to WMC 21.82.070. In conducting review of a master signage plan, the decision authority shall seek architectural compatibility between the subject building(s) and proposed future signage on the basis of location, dimensions, area, illumination and possible limitation on materials and colors.

(5) A proposed master signage plan should not propose to exceed the overall allowed square footage of signage but may include, for example, an increase in the total square footage of building signage with a corresponding decrease in the total square footage of freestanding signs.

(6) After approval of a master signage plan, no sign shall be erected except in conformance with the approved plan, and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter. The approved master signage plan may be amended by filing a new application that conforms with the requirements of the ordinance then in effect. (Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)

21.44.100 Signs or displays of limited duration.

The following signs or displays are allowed on a temporary basis or for a limited duration. The signs set forth in this section are additional to other signs allowed by this chapter. Unless specified otherwise, a sign permit is required, and each temporary sign is required to be on the premises of the use it supports:

(1) Special Event Signs.

(a) One special event sign per premises is allowed to announce grand openings or other special events or promotions not to exceed 30 days for any one event.

(b) Consistent with subsection (1)(a) of this section, a property owner may request one annual sign permit for all special events anticipated to occur on the site over a 12-month period, or a property owner may request a sign permit for each individual special event for each event. Special event signs are allowed on or inside a building, on or adjacent to the premises; none are to be allowed on public rights-of-way, trees, or where prohibited pursuant to WMC 21.44.040.

(c) Temporary signs or banners for organized multitenant on-site special event promotions may be allowed not to exceed five days, with up to two sign permits on the same site authorizing such signage per each calendar year.

(d) Seasonal lights and decorations associated with the current season or holiday, which do not advertise a particular business, product, or commercial service, do not require a sign permit.

(e) A special event sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b) and may be no higher than the building eave or cornice if a building sign, or 10 feet above the ground surface if a freestanding sign.

(2) Construction Signs.

(a) Construction signs that identify architects, engineers, planners, contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the construction or funding of a project and signs announcing the character of the project or the purpose for which the project is intended may be displayed.

(b) One nonilluminated, double-faced construction sign is permitted for each public street upon which the project fronts.

(c) Construction signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b) and may be no higher than 10 feet above the ground surface or located closer than 30 feet from the property lines of adjoining properties.

(d) Construction signs must be removed by the date of issuance of the first certificate of occupancy issued for the site, or cessation of the construction, whichever occurs first.

(3) Political Signs.

(a) Unless specified otherwise, temporary political signs do not require a sign permit.

(b) Temporary signs, posters or bills located at the headquarters of a political party, candidate or public service office, or a public issue decided by ballot are permitted. All such signs, posters or bills shall comply with the size and design requirements set forth in WMC 21.44.080.

(i) Where such signs are located within a public right-of-way, sign area as measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b) shall not exceed four square feet and the sign shall not exceed four feet in height above the ground surface;

(ii) Where such signs are located on private property, sign area as measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b) shall not exceed 32 square feet in size and the sign shall not exceed six feet in height above the ground surface when a freestanding sign or exceed the height allowed for building signs when a building sign;

(iii) Temporary political signs within public rights-of-way may have the height increased, and temporary political signs attached to a building that are made of wood or metal may be allowed, provided such signs obtain a sign permit to verify safety and structural review;

(d) Temporary political signs shall not be divided into smaller signs as a means for circumventing the requirements set forth in subsections (3)(c)(i) and (ii) of this section;

(e) Political signs, posters or bills may be displayed from the closing date for filing for an election until seven days after the general election. It shall be the responsibility of the candidate to have their campaign/political signs removed or the City may remove such signs at the candidate’s expense;

(f) No person, firm or corporation shall post, paint, nail, fasten or affix a political sign, poster, bill, or other advertising device of any kind on any streetlight, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, lamppost, street sign, utility pole, hydrant, tree, shrub, or public building or structure;

(g) Temporary political signs must be installed in such a manner as not to constitute a traffic hazard or impair or impede pedestrian thoroughfares. No political sign placed within the public right-of-way shall be installed within the median of the roadway or create a safety hazard for pedestrians or motorists as determined by the Director;

(h) Temporary political signs shall not include advertisements pertaining to particular businesses, products, or commercial services.

(4) Real Estate Signs.

(a) All temporary real estate signs can advertise on single or double sides of the sign.

(b) Single-Dwelling Unit Signs. Signs advertising an individual residential dwelling unit for sale or rent are allowed subject to the following:

(i) Such signs shall be located on site and limited to one sign per street frontage;

(ii) Such signs may not exceed eight square feet in sign area and, when freestanding, shall not exceed six feet in height;

(iii) A sign permit is not required; and

(iv) Such signs shall be removed within 30 days after closing of the sale, lease, or rental of the property.

(c) Commercial/Industrial Real Estate Signs. Signs advertising commercial or industrial property for sale or rent are allowed subject to the following:

(i) Such signs shall be located on site and limited to one sign per street frontage;

(ii) Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area as measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b) and the sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height when freestanding;

(iii) Such signs shall be removed within 30 days after closing of the sale, lease, or rental of the property;

(iv) A sign permit is required for such signs and shall be issued for a one-year period. The sign permit is renewable for one-year increments up to a maximum of two renewals.

(d) Multifamily/Neighborhood Residential Real Estate Signs. Signs advertising residential neighborhoods or multifamily complexes for sale or rent are allowed subject to the following:

(i) Such signs shall be located on site and limited to one sign per development;

(ii) Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area as measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b) and shall not exceed 12 feet in height when freestanding;

(iii) A sign permit is required and shall be issued for a 12-month period. The sign permit is renewable for 12-month increments up to a maximum of two renewals.

(e) Other real estate signs are permitted pursuant to subsection (7) of this section.

(5) Community Event Signs.

(a) Community event signs shall be limited to announcing or promoting a nonprofit sponsored community fair, festival or a special event.

(b) Community event signs may be displayed no more than 30 days before the event.

(c) Community event signs shall be removed by the event sponsor within 72 hours following the end of the community fair, festival or a special event.

(d) On-premises and off-premises signs for recurring community events may be allowed annually by a sign permit.

(6) Street Banners Announcing Community Fairs, Festivals, and Special Events.

(a) Street banners shall be limited to announcing or promoting a nonprofit sponsored community fair, festival, or a special event.

(b) Street banners shall be permitted only within the Central Business District and Tourist Business zone at locations approved by the City.

(c) Street banners may be displayed for no more than 30 days and shall be removed within five days following the end of the community fair, festival, or a special event. It shall be the responsibility of the event sponsor to remove the street banner, or the City will remove such banner and retain the application deposit.

(d) The event sponsor shall provide a certificate of insurance evidencing commercial general liability insurance as described in the street banner application form provided.

(e) The event sponsor shall submit site placement and street banner mounting plans and specifications with the application.

(f) The minimum street clearance of the banner is 18 feet between the bottom of the banner and the top surface of the street.

(7) Portable Signs in Residential Zones. Portable signs that display information regarding directions to real estate, garage sale, or other events are permitted in all residential zones provided the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) A maximum of six portable signs per destination are permitted;

(b) Portable signs shall be located on the same site as the property it supports, or may be located in the adjoining public right-of-way, subject to the following:

(i) Portable signs shall not be located in a street, on a sidewalk, or where they would obstruct vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic;

(ii) Portable signs may not be placed on public property other than public rights-of-way;

(iii) Portable signs shall not block sight distance requirements set forth in WMC 21.40.060;

(iv) Portable signs placed in public rights-of-way shall:

(A) Not create a traffic safety or maintenance problem. The City may remove and dispose of any signs that do create a safety or maintenance problem;

(B) Be freestanding;

(D) Not be attached to utility poles, traffic signs, or street signs;

(d) All portable signs are limited to a maximum six square feet of sign area, as measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b), and signs may have no more than two sign faces with each face allowed six square feet of sign area;

(e) All portable signs are limited to a maximum height of three feet;

(f) Portable signs may be displayed only during the hours of the event plus an additional half an hour before and after the event to place and remove the signs. It is the responsibility of the sign owner to remove the sign outside the hours of the event. The City may remove any portable sign that is displayed outside the hours of the event;

(g) Limitations.

(i) Portable signs shall be nonilluminated.

(ii) Portable signs in residential zones are intended only to provide directions to events within residential zones.

(iii) No landscaping may be damaged or modified to accommodate portable signs. The City may require replacement of any damaged landscaping.

(h) Portable signs shall be constructed of durable materials by a person skilled in the art of graphic design and shall be well maintained;

(i) Portable signs that do not comply with the provisions of this section may be confiscated by the City subject to WMC 1.06.330.

(8) Portable Signs in Mixed-Use, Commercial, and Office Zones. Portable signs in the Central Business District, Neighborhood Business, Tourist Business, General Business or Office zones are permitted provided the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) Portable signs require a sign permit, which is subject to an annual renewal;

(b) One portable sign per premises is permitted;

(i) Such signs may be placed within a public right-of-way, but shall not be placed within the travel lanes or on a sidewalk;

(ii) Such signs shall be located either on premises or adjacent to the property line for that property where the business is located;

(iii) Such signs placed within public right-of-way shall not block pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle traffic;

(iv) Such signs may not be placed on public property other than public rights-of-way consistent with this section;

(v) Signs shall not block sight distance requirements set forth in WMC 21.40.060;

(d) All portable signs are limited to a maximum six square feet of sign area as measured pursuant to WMC 21.44.050(1)(b), and signs may have no more than two sign faces with each face allowed six square feet of sign area;

(e) All portable signs are limited to a maximum height of three feet;

(f) Portable signs may be displayed only during the hours of operation of the establishment they support. It is the responsibility of the sign owner to remove the sign when the establishment is not open to the public. The City may remove any portable sign that is displayed outside the operation hours of the establishment.

(g) Limitations.

(i) Portable signs shall be nonilluminated.

(ii) No landscaping may be damaged or modified to accommodate portable signs, and the City may require replacement of any damaged landscaping.

(h) Portable signs shall be constructed of durable materials by a person skilled in the art of graphic design and shall be well maintained;

(i) Portable signs that do not comply with the provisions of this section may be confiscated by the City subject to WMC 1.06.330 and may have their sign permit revoked;

(j) The Director may approve departures from the number, location and/or height of portable signs if written findings and conclusions are made and the following approval criteria are satisfied:

(i) The strict enforcement of the standard creates an unnecessary hardship for the property not of the property owner’s own making;

(ii) The departure is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the size, shape, topography, location, or surroundings of the subject property;

(iii) Application of the standard would deprive the property of rights and privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under the same zone; and

(iv) The departure does not create health and safety hazards.

(9) Portable Signs in Industrial Zones. Portable signs in the Industrial and Tourist Industrial zones that display information regarding commercial businesses or services are permitted provided the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) Portable signs require a sign permit, which is subject to annual renewals;

(b) Two signs per premises are permitted;

(i) Such signs may be placed within a public right-of-way, but shall not be placed within the travel lanes or on a sidewalk;

(ii) Such signs placed within a public right-of-way shall not block pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle traffic;

(iii) Such signs may not be placed on public property other than public rights-of-way consistent with this section;

(iv) Signs shall not block sight distance requirements set forth in WMC 21.40.060;

(e) Portable signs are limited to a maximum height of three feet;

(f) Portable signs may be displayed only during the hours of operation of the establishment. It is the responsibility of the sign owner to remove the sign when the establishment is not open to the public. The City may remove any portable sign that is displayed outside the operation hours of the establishment;

(g) Limitations.

(i) Portable signs shall be nonilluminated.

(ii) No landscaping may be damaged or modified to accommodate portable signs. The City may require replacement of any damaged landscaping.

(h) Portable signs shall be constructed of durable materials by a person skilled in the art of graphic design and shall be well maintained;

(i) Portable signs that do not comply with the provisions of this section may be confiscated by the City subject to WMC 1.06.330 and may have their sign permit revoked.

(10) Unless otherwise regulated by this chapter, temporary signs not removed by the applicable post-event deadline will be subject to removal by the City and any and all costs associated with such removal may be assessed against the person(s) responsible for having the temporary signs put on display, the owner of the temporary sign and/or the sponsor(s) of the event or sale for which the temporary signs were put on display. (Ord. 737 § 2 (Att. A), 2022)