Chapter 15.08 SIGNS

Chapter 15.08
SIGNS

Sections:

15.08.010 Purpose.

15.08.020 Definitions.

15.08.030 Development permit required.

15.08.040 Exempt signs.

15.08.050 Prohibited signs.

15.08.055 Sign maintenance.

15.08.060 Sign standards.

15.08.070 General provisions.

15.08.080 Projection over right-of-way.

15.08.090 Roof signs.

15.08.100 Wall signs.

15.08.110 Temporary signs.

15.08.120 Directional signs.

15.08.130 Off-premises signs and billboards.

15.08.140 Multiple-building complexes and multiple-tenant buildings.

15.08.150 Freeway signs.

15.08.160 Legal nonconforming signs.

15.08.170 Administrative adjustment of sign standards allowed.

15.08.180 Variances.

15.08.190 Violations.

15.08.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter 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 within the urban area shall occur in accordance with this chapter. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.020 Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and derivatives shall be construed as specified herein.

“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.

“Banner” means any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole or building at one or more edges. National flags, state and local flags or any official flag at an institution or business will not be considered banners.

“Canopy sign” means any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area.

“Changing message center sign” means an electronically controlled sign where different automatic changing messages are shown on the lamp bank. This definition includes time and temperature displays.

“Construction 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 is intended.

Directional Sign. See “off-premises directional sign” and “on-premises directional sign.”

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

“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 in which more than one-third of the nonconstant light source is off at any one time.

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

“Freeway sign” means a freestanding sign designed and placed to attract the attention of freeway traffic.

“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.

“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.

“Multiple-tenant building” is a single structure housing two or more retail, office, 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. (See YMC 15.08.140.)

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

“Off-premises sign” means a sign advertising or promoting merchandise, service, goods, or entertainment sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than on the property where the sign is located.

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

“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 or name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.

“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.

“Portable sign” means a temporary sign made of wood, metal, plastic, or other durable material that is not attached to the ground or a structure. This definition includes sandwich boards, and portable readerboards (also see “temporary sign”) if placed on private property. Signs placed on public or street right-of-way, including public sidewalks, require review under YMC 8.20.055.

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

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

“Roof sign” means any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design. See YMC 15.08.090.

“Sign” means any medium, including its structural component parts, used or intended to attract attention to the subject matter that identifies, advertises, and/or promotes an activity, product, service, place, business, or any other thing.

“Sign area” means that area contained within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the entire sign cabinet, but excluding any support or framing structure that does not convey a message.

“Sign cabinet” means the module or background containing the advertising message but excluding sign supports, architectural framing, or other decorative features which contain no written or advertising copy.

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

Figure 8-1

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

“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.

Figure 8-2

“Temporary sign” means any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, paper, canvas, cardboard, or other light nondurable materials and portable signs as defined in this section. Types of displays included in this category are: grand opening, special sales, special event, and garage sale signs.

“Use identification sign” means a sign used to identify and/or contain information pertaining to a school, church, residential development, or a legal business other than a home occupation in a residential district.

“Wall sign” means any on-premises sign attached to or painted directly on, or erected against and parallel to, the wall of a building. See YMC 15.08.100.

“Window sign” means any sign, pictures, symbol or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and visible from the exterior of the window. (Ord. 2010-34 § 4, 2010: Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 32, 1993: Ord. 3106 § 16, 1988: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.030 Development permit required.

No sign governed by this title shall be erected, structurally altered or relocated after the adoption without first receiving a development permit from the building official.

1. For New Uses. All on-premises signs meeting the standards of this chapter are considered Class (1) uses requiring Type (1) review. On-premises signs not meeting the standards shall follow the procedures of YMC 15.08.170, and are otherwise not permitted. Off-premises signs and billboards are permitted as identified in YMC 15.08.130.

2. For Changes or Replacement of an Existing Sign. Structural changes to, or replacement of, an existing sign requires Type (1) review and approval by the building official. (Ord. 2011-12 § 3, 2011: Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 3019 § 33, 1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.040 Exempt signs.

Except when otherwise prohibited, the following signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this title when the standards of this chapter are met:

1. Window signs;

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. 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;

8. Directional, warning or information signs or structures required or authorized by law;

9. 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;

10. Political signs advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, a political party, or promoting a position on a public issue during a campaign; provided, that:

a. All political signs shall be removed within fifteen days following the election, except that in cases where a general election follows a primary election, those signs for candidates whose names will appear on the ballot in the general election may be displayed during the interim period and up to fifteen days after the general election; and

b. No political sign shall be erected upon any private property without the permission of the resident or owner thereof, and, in cases where there is no occupied structure on the property, no political signs shall be placed thereon without the written consent of the owner of the property;

11. Construction and real estate signs not exceeding thirty-two square feet in sign area;

12. All temporary signs (see YMC 15.08.110) except portable signs;

13. Church, school, and community center name and/or readerboards not exceeding thirty-two square feet in sign area;

14. Canopies and awning signs;

15. On-premises signs not readable from the public right-of-way, i.e., menu boards, etc.;

16. On-premises directional signs; and

17. Official public or court notices issued by a government agency or body or required or provided for under adopted statute. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2001-25 § 1, 2001: Ord. 93-81 § 33, 1993: Ord. 3019 § 34, 1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.050 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are prohibited:

1. Signs on any vehicle or trailer 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 painted on or magnetically attached to any vehicle operating in the normal course of business;

2. Signs purporting to be, imitating, or resembling an official traffic sign or signal; could cause confusion with any official sign, or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic/street sign or signal;

3. Signs attached to utility, streetlight and traffic-control standard poles;

4. Swinging projecting signs;

5. Signs in a dilapidated (i.e., having peeling paint, major cracks or holes, and/or loose or dangling materials) or hazardous condition;

6. Abandoned signs;

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

8. Any other sign not meeting the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 34, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.055 Sign maintenance.

A. General Requirements. Signs shall be maintained in good order and repair at all times so that they do not constitute any danger or hazard to public safety, and are free of peeling paint, major cracks and loose and dangling materials. Signs that are not maintained in this manner shall be considered prohibited signs.

B. Nonconforming Sign Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in this title shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign, or the owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located, from the provisions of this section regarding safety, maintenance, repair, and/or removal of signs. (See YMC 15.08.160.) (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 35, 1993).

15.08.060 Sign standards.

The provisions of this chapter and the requirements in Table 8-1, “Type and Number of Signs Permitted,” Table 8-2, “Maximum Sign Area,” and Table 8-3, “Sign Height and Setbacks,” are established for all signs in the zoning districts indicated. All permitted signs are subject to the review procedures of this title and the standards of this section. Signs for Class (1), (2) and (3) uses shall be subject to the same procedural and review requirements as the principal use.

Table 8-1. Type and Number of Signs Permitted
SIGN TYPE		ZONING DISTRICTS
SIGN TYPE		SR	R-1	R-2	R-3	B-1	HB	B-2	SCC	LCC	CBD	GC	AS	RD	M-1	M-2
PERMITTED SIGNS
On-Premises Signs	Nameplate	Permitted as an Accessory Use to an Approved or Existing Use
	Subdivision Identification/Project Identification2
	Roof/Portable Signs	Not Permitted			Class (1) Use
	Freestanding1	Subdivision/Proj. I.D. Only			On-premises signs meeting the standards of this chapter are considered Class (1) uses requiring Type (1) review. On-premises signs not meeting the standards of this chapter shall follow the procedures of YMC 15.08.170, and are otherwise not permitted.
	Projecting	Not Permitted
	Freeway				See YMC 15.08.150
Off-Premises Signs	Directional				Not Permitted			Class (2) Use	Not Permitted		Class (2) Use				Class (1) Use
	Advertising							Class (2) Use
	Billboards
NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED
On-Premises Signs	Nameplate	1 Per Dwelling
	Subdivision Identification/Use Identification2	1 Per Street Frontage				1 Per Street Frontage


	Freestanding1
	Projecting	Not Permitted
	Wall/Roof/Portable Signs					Wall: YMC 15.08.100/Roof: YMC 15.08.090/Temporary: YMC 15.08.110
	Freeway					Freeway: See YMC 15.08.150
Off-Premises Signs	Directional					Directional: See YMC 15.08.120(B)
	Advertising	Not Permitted						1 Sign Per Parcel (Also See YMC 15.08.130)
	Billboards	Not Permitted

NOTES:

1. YMC 15.08.140 has freestanding sign provisions for multiple-building complexes and multiple-tenant buildings.

2. Nameplates and subdivision identification signs permitted in the residential districts may be placed on a wall—See Table 8-2.

Table 8-2. Maximum Sign Area
		Freestanding and Projecting Signs
ZONING DISTRICT		Sign is set back 15 ft. or less from required right-of-way	Sign is set back 15 ft. or more from required right-of-way	WALL SIGNS	FREEWAY SIGNS
ZONING DISTRICT		Sign is set back 15 ft. or less from required right-of-way	Sign is set back 15 ft. or more from required right-of-way	WALL SIGNS	FREEWAY SIGNS
SR, R-1, R-2, and R-3		Nameplates up to 2 sq. ft. and subdivision/project identification up to 32 sq. ft.			NOT PERMITTED
HB and B-1		24 sq. ft.	40 sq. ft.	SIZE OF WALL TO WHICH ATTACHED	WHERE PERMITTED: UP TO 300 SQUARE FOOT
B-2		40 sq. ft.	60 sq. ft.
SCC	Frontage is less than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 100 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.
SCC	Frontage is more than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.
LCC	Frontage is less than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.
LCC	Frontage is more than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 250 sq. ft.
CBD		1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.
GC	Frontage is less than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.
GC	Frontage is more than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 250 sq. ft.
AS	Frontage is less than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.
AS	Frontage is more than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 250 sq. ft.
RD	Frontage is less than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.
RD	Frontage is more than 400 ft. long	1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 200 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 250 sq. ft.
M-1		1 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 100 sq. ft.	1-1/2 sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of frontage up to 150 sq. ft.
M-2
MAXIMUM AREA PER SIGN = 2 TIMES THE MAXIMUM AREA PER SIGN FACE

Table 8-3. Sign Height and Setbacks
SIGN STANDARDS		ZONING DISTRICTS
SIGN STANDARDS		SR	R-1	R-2	R-3	B-1	HB	B-2	SCC	LCC	CBD	GC	AS	RD	M-1	M-2
MAXIMUM SIGN HEIGHT
Freestanding1	Sign is set back 15 feet or less from required right-of-way	5 ft.				10 ft.		15 ft.	30 ft.	30 ft.	30 ft.	30 ft.
Freestanding1	Sign is set back more than 15 feet from required right-of-way	10 ft.				15 ft.		20 ft.	35 ft.	40 ft.	30 ft.	40 ft.
Projecting		Not permitted2				See YMC 15.08.080
Wall						Top of wall to which attached
Freeway						Where permitted: 70 ft.
SETBACKS
Minimum front yard setbacks		Edge of right-of-way
Minimum side yard setbacks		Required setback standards for each zoning district (Table 5-1)
Notes: 1 YMC 15.08.140 has special freestanding sign provisions for multiple-building complexes and multiple-tenant buildings. 2 Nameplates and subdivision identification signs permitted in the residential districts may be placed on a wall. (See Table 8-2.)

(Ord. 2011-12 § 4 (part), 2011; Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 36, 1993; Ord. 3106 § 17, 1988; Ord. 3019 § 35, 1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.070 General provisions.

All signs shall comply with the following provisions:

A. Construction shall satisfy the requirements of the building code;

B. Except for exempt signs, all signs shall be permanently attached to a building or the ground;

C. Signs attached to a building shall not exceed the height of the building, except under the provisions of YMC 15.08.080(1) and 15.08.090;

D. All signs shall comply with the setback requirements in Table 8-3, except when the side or rear yard is a street frontage, then the front setback shall apply;

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

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

G. The ratio of the area of the sign support, framing structure, and/or other decorative features which contain no written or advertising copy to the sign cabinet shall not be greater than 1:1;

H. A clearview triangle shall be maintained at all driveways and curb cuts for vision safety purposes. (See YMC 15.05.040);

I. No freestanding signs shall be placed in the clearview triangle established in YMC 15.05.040; and

J. Any exterior lighting must be shielded and directed away from adjoining streets or residential uses. (Ord. 2011-12 § 4 (part), 2011: Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 37, 1993: Ord. 3106 § 18, 1988: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.080 Projection over right-of-way.

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 shall conform to the following standards:


Clearance Above Grade	Maximum Projection
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 10 feet

No sign shall project within two feet of the curb line. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 3019 § 36, 1987: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.090 Roof signs.

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. Roof signs must not exceed the maximum allowable height of the building within the district in which it is located.

3. All roof signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there is no visible support structure. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.100 Wall signs.

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 twelve inches from the wall.

2. The number of wall signs is not regulated; provided, the total area of the wall sign(s) may not exceed the area of the wall to which attached.

3. Wall signs shall not extend above the height of the wall to which attached. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 38, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.110 Temporary signs.

All temporary signs shall conform to the following:

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

2. Only one temporary sign on each street frontage per parcel or lot is permitted.

3. No temporary sign shall be placed in a required parking space, driveway, or clearview triangle.

4. No temporary sign may be placed in the public right-of-way or an easement unless specifically permitted by the city/county.

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

6. No temporary sign shall be displayed more than fifteen days after the event for which it is intended. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2001-25 § 2, 2001: Ord. 93-81 § 39, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.120 Directional signs.

A. On-Premises Directional Signs. On-premises directional signs readable from the public right-of-way may be permitted in accordance with Table 8-1. On-premises directional signs may contain both directions and the business name or logo, provided the business name or logo shall not exceed fifty percent of the sign area. All on-premises directional signs shall meet the general provisions of this section, and shall not exceed ten square feet per sign face.

B. Off-Premises Directional Signs. Off-premises directional signs are permitted where indicated in YMC 15.08.130(B); provided, that:

1. Each use located in a district where off-premises directional signs are allowed is permitted one off-premises directional sign;

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

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

4. Only one off-premises sign is permitted on a parcel. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.130 Off-premises signs and billboards.

A. Billboards are:

1. Class (1) uses in the M-1 and M-2 districts; and

2. Class (2) uses in the CBD, GC, and RD districts.

B. Billboards may be permitted in these districts after the required level of review, provided they meet the provisions of this chapter and all of the following criteria:

1. The maximum sign area does not exceed three hundred square feet per sign face;

2. There is no more than one product displayed per sign face;

3. There are no side-by-side panels;

4. Required front yard setbacks are met;

5. Billboards between a one-hundred-fifty and three-hundred-foot radius of a residential district shall be restricted to one hundred sixty square feet per sign face and may not be lighted;

6. No billboard shall be located within one hundred fifty feet of a residential district;

7. The billboard is not within five hundred lineal feet of another billboard having the same street frontage;

8. Billboard height standards shall not exceed that permitted for freestanding signs as provided in Table 8-3;

9. The total number of combined freestanding signs, off-premises signs and billboards does not exceed the number of freestanding signs allowed for the property.

C. Off-premises signs are:

1. Class (1) uses in the M-1 and M-2 districts;

2. Class (2) uses in the B-2, CBD, GC, and RD districts.

Off-premises signs may be permitted in these districts after the required level of review, provided they meet the provisions of this chapter and the specific standards for the district in which they are located. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 40, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.140 Multiple-building complexes and multiple-tenant buildings.

A. Purpose. The following provisions shall apply to multiple-building complexes and multiple-tenant buildings in the SCC, LCC, GC, and RD districts.

B. Number of Freestanding Signs. Each multiple-building complex shall be allowed one freestanding sign on each street frontage in accordance with Table 8-2. When the street frontage is longer than four hundred feet:

1. One additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for each additional four hundred feet of street frontage or part thereof; or

2. A single, larger freestanding sign can be erected in accordance with Table 8-2.

If option 1, as set forth in subsection (B)(1) of this section, is selected, no freestanding sign shall be placed closer than two hundred feet to any other freestanding sign or exceed the standards in Table 8-2. These provisions shall also apply to each multiple-tenant building, unless it is a part of a multiple-building complex.

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. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.150 Freeway signs.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to permit hotels/motels, restaurants, service stations and fruit stands near the freeway a larger on-premises sign to inform freeway travelers of their service.

B. Location. A freeway sign may be used to substitute an allowable freestanding sign where there is more than one street frontage, when the use:

1. Has frontage on Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima Avenue, Terrace Heights Drive, North 1st Street, North 16th Avenue, or North 40th Avenue and all or a portion of the lot is within one thousand feet of a freeway interchange; or

2. Is within two hundred fifty feet of the freeway right-of-way.

C. Number of Freeway Signs. Only one freeway sign is permitted on each parcel, multiple-building complex or for each development, whichever is more restrictive.

D. Uses with Only One Frontage. Uses within the area described in subsection B of this section with only one street frontage may install a freeway sign in addition to the permitted freestanding sign.

E. Sign Height. The maximum height for freeway signs is shown in Table 8-3. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 41, 1993: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.160 Legal nonconforming signs.

Any sign lawfully existing under all codes and ordinances in effect at the time this title 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:

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

B. 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 title. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict normal structural repair and maintenance; and

C. The sign is not a hazardous or abandoned sign. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.170 Administrative adjustment of sign standards allowed.

A. Comprehensive Design Plan. A comprehensive design plan is required whenever adjustment of one or more of the sign design standards of this chapter is proposed or when required as part of a detailed sign plan. The comprehensive design plan shall include a narrative and site plan, including but not limited to the following:

1. Site plan which includes the physical components of the sign including sign size, height, shape, color, location and associated landscaping;

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

3. An explanation of why the existing sign standards are not adequate and require adjustment; and

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

B. Review Procedures. The administrative official shall review the comprehensive design plan in accordance with the provisions of YMC Chapter 15.10 and may either approve or disapprove the plan. The administrative official shall approve the comprehensive design plan and/or adjustments in the standards of this chapter when he finds that such approval would be consistent with the character of the zoning district, compatible with neighboring land uses, and create visual harmony between the sign, structure, and the site where it is located. The administrative official may also attach conditions to this approval in order to accomplish the objectives of this section and YMC 15.10.030. (Ord. 2011-12 § 5, 2011: Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-81 § 42, 1993; Ord. 3019 § 27, 1987; Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.180 Variances.

Except as allowed by YMC 15.08.170, no reduction of the standards in this chapter is allowed except pursuant to YMC Chapter 15.21. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).

15.08.190 Violations.

Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter is a violation and punishable under YMC Chapter 15.25. (Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986).