Chapter 20.84
SIGN CODE1
Sections:
20.84.010 Definitions.
20.84.020 Applicability.
20.84.030 General.
20.84.040 Permits.
20.84.050 Monument and freestanding signs.
20.84.060 Building-mounted signs and parapet-mounted signs.
20.84.070 Number of primary signs.
20.84.080 Buildings on more than one street.
20.84.090 Incidental signs.
20.84.100 Directional signs.
20.84.110 Temporary and special signs.
20.84.120 Political headquarters signs.
20.84.130 Political signs on private property that is not a headquarters.
20.84.140 Off-premises signs.
20.84.150 Exempt signs or displays.
20.84.160 Repealed.
20.84.170 Prohibited signs.
20.84.180 Repealed.
20.84.190 Repealed.
20.84.010 Definitions.
1. “Area of surface of sign” means the greatest area of a sign, visible from any one viewpoint, excluding sign support structures which do not form part of the sign proper or the display. “Surface area” includes only one face of a multiple-faced sign. The surface area of the sign is determined by the area of the smallest rectangle or circle that will enclose the sign. For signs without a frame or backing, the area(s) of the individual letters or symbols shall be used. See Figure A.
Figure A
– Sign Surface Area Calculation
2. “Billboard” means, generally, a large outdoor advertising sign with two structural supports, containing a message, commercial or otherwise, unrelated or related to any use or activity on the property on which the sign is located but not including attached directional signs (not within the billboard face) as defined herein.
3. “Building-mounted sign” means a sign or multiple-face sign attached to the face of building or marquee. See Figure B.
4. “Canopy” means a structure freestanding or affixed to a building which affords protection from the elements to persons or property thereunder.
5. “Canopy sign” means any sign or awning erected upon, against, or directly above a canopy. See Figure C.
6. “Construction sign” means an informational sign which identifies the architect, engineers, contractors and other individuals of firms involved with the construction of a building, or announcing the character of the building or enterprise, which is erected during the building construction period.
7. “Directional sign” means a single- or double-faced sign not exceeding nine square feet in surface area designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to an area, place or convenience.
8. “Facade” means the entire building front, or street wall face, including grade to the top of the parapet or eaves, and the entire width of the building elevation.
9. “Freestanding sign” means a sign that has one or two (architecturally covered) columns supporting a sign and limited to the height standards established in this code. See Figure D.
10. “Grade (ground level)” means the elevation of the street nearest to the sign.
11. “Height of sign” means the vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of a sign or any vertical protection thereof, including its supporting columns.
Figure B
– Building-Mounted (Wall) Sign
Figure C
– Canopy Sign
12. “Incidental sign” means small signs, nine square feet or less in surface area, of a nonconforming nature, intended primarily for the convenience of the public. Included are signs designating restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation, entrances to buildings, directions, help wanted, public telephone, etc. Also included in this group of signs are those designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic to an area or place on the premises or a business building or development by means of a directory designating names and addresses only. Promotional signs are not considered incidental signs.
13. “Marquee” means a covering structure projecting horizontally from and attached to a building, affording protection from the elements to persons or property thereunder. Also considered an extension of a building-mounted sign.
14. “Monument sign” means a ground-mounted, fixed sign with a height ranging from five to 15 feet above the grade level. The base (not included in the sign surface area calculation) is attached to the ground as a wide base of solid construction. The base shall be included in the calculation of the sign height. See Figure E.
15. “Multiple-occupancy building” means a single structure housing more than one retail business office or commercial venture.
16. “Multiple building complex” means a group of structures housing more than one type of retail business, office or commercial venture, and generally under one ownership and control.
17. “Noncommercial public service sign” means noncommercial signs devoted to religious, charitable, cultural, governmental or educational messages including, but not limited to, the advertisement of events sponsored by either a governmental agency, school, church, civic or fraternal organization, or other organizations engaged in activities for profit.
18. “Parapet” means that portion of a building wall which extends above the roof of the building.
Figure D
– Freestanding Sign
Figure E
– Monument Sign
19. “Parapet sign” means any sign erected upon the parapet of a building/ventilation equipment.
20. “Penthouse” means a structure on top of a building roof which houses an elevator shaft or similar structure.
21. “Political sign” means signs advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office or a political party, or sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot.
22. “Portable sign” means any sign made of any material, including paper, cardboard, wood or metal, which is capable of being moved easily and is not permanently affixed to the ground, structure or building. This also includes sidewalk or sandwich board signs, except those worn by a person.
23. “Primary sign(s)” means all signs which are not exempt from this chapter.
24. “Property line” means the line denoting the limits of legal ownership of a property.
25. “Reader board” means a sign or part of a sign on which the letters are readily replaceable such that the copy can be changed from time to time at will.
26. “Sign” means all surfaces/structures (permitted, exempt, or prohibited) regulated by this chapter that have letters, figures, design, symbols, trademark or devices intended to attract attention to any activity, service, place, subject, person, firm, corporations, public performance, article, machine or merchandise, whatsoever.
27. “Single-occupancy building” means a commercial building or structure with one major enterprise. A building is classified a “single-occupancy” only if:
a. It has only one occupant;
b. It has no wall in common with another building;
c. It has no part of its roof in common with another building.
28. Special Signs. See “Temporary and special signs.”
29. “Subdivision signs” means signs used to identify a land development of a residential nature.
30. Surface Area. See “Area of surface of sign.”
31. “Surface area of facade” means the area of that continuous front, side or back surface, including doors and windows, but excluding any roof area and structures or elevators or air-conditioning equipment thereon.
32. “Temporary and special signs” means a nonpermanent sign intended for use for a period of time; includes any banner, pennant or advertising display constructed of canvas, fabric, wood, plastic, cardboard or wallboard, with or without a frame. Different types of temporary and special signs included in this category are construction signs, grand opening displays, real estate signs, open house signs, residential land subdivision signs and subdivision directional signs.
33. “Window sign” means all signs located inside and affixed to or within three feet of a window of a building, whether temporary or permanent, lighted or unlighted, which may be viewed from the exterior of the building. The term does not include merchandise located within three feet of a window. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.020 Applicability.
The standards contained in this chapter apply to signs located in the office park (OP), light industrial (LI), commercial (C), heavy industrial (HI), neighborhood business (NB), and highway commercial (HC) zoning districts. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.030 General.
A. In general, signs should be scaled to the building to which the sign is related. Accordingly, this chapter contains regulations on area, number and height of signs which are a function of the size of the building to which the sign is related.
B. Each enterprise in a multiple-building complex which is composed of single- and/or multiple-occupancy buildings shall be permitted the primary signs described in PMC 20.84.050 and 20.84.060, and may combine signage needs into a single monument or freestanding sign not to exceed the surface area square footage and height requirements described in PMC 20.84.050.
C. Each enterprise shall display and maintain on-premises street number identification; provided, that a permit shall not be required for number identification.
D. A sign and its projections shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic sight. No sign shall be located so as to be hazardous to a motorist’s ingress or egress from parking areas or any way open to the public.
E. All signs, including signs heretofore installed, shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety and repair. If any sign is found not be so maintained or is insecurely fastened or otherwise dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of the premises on which the sign is fastened to repair or remove the sign within five days after receiving notice from the public works administrator or designee. The premises surrounding a monument or freestanding sign shall be free and clear of rubbish and any landscaping area free of weeds.
F. Landscaping for Monument and Freestanding Signs. All primary monument and freestanding signs shall include, as part of their design, general landscaping and curbs about their base to prevent automobiles from hitting the sign-supporting structure and to improve the overall appearance of the installation.
G. All sign users shall permit the periodic inspection of their signs by the city upon request.
H. All signs shall comply with Chapter 17.22 PMC (mechanical code and sign code).
I. Whenever two provisions of this chapter conflict with regard to size or placement of a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply. (Ord. 1704 § 1, 2008; Ord. 1505 § 13, 2001; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.040 Permits.
A. Except as otherwise permitted by this chapter, no sign shall be erected, altered or relocated without a valid permit issued by the city. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the director, together with the fee established by resolution. The application shall state the content of the sign, shall include a site plan showing the location of the signs, position of buildings and landscaped areas, and the elevation, configuration, and size of the sign, and shall state any other information requested by the city.
B. Legally established signs that include changeable copy are exempt from the permit requirement for altering the changeable copy. (Ord. 1505 § 13, 2001; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.050 Monument and freestanding signs.
A. Any monument or freestanding sign must be “integrated,” that is, all elements of the sign must be incorporated in a single design. Auxiliary projections or attachments not a part of a single design are prohibited. Monuments and freestanding signs may be illuminated through internal and external illumination. Internal or external illumination shall not create glare on adjacent traffic corridors. If external illumination is used, the light source shall be shielded so that the lamp is not visible from adjacent properties or public streets. The director, prior to issuance of a building permit, shall approve the type of external illumination.
B. Setbacks for monument and freestanding signs shall be as follows:
Interior lots
5 feet from the front property line.
10 feet from the side property lines.
Corner lots
5 feet from all property lines.
C. Sign height shall be measured based on street monument grade. The maximum sign height for monument and freestanding signs shall be as follows:
LI, C, HC and HI zones
15 feet.
20 feet for multiple-occupancy buildings and multiple-building complexes.
OP zone
10 feet.
NB zone
5 feet.
D. The maximum surface area for monument and freestanding signs shall be as follows:
LI, C, HC and HI zones
85 square feet per face.
100 square feet for multiple-occupancy buildings and multiple-building complexes.
OP zone
40 square feet per face.
48 square feet per face for multiple-occupancy buildings and multiple-building complexes.
NB zone
15 square feet per face.
E. No signs shall protrude above the height of the building. (Ord. 1704 § 2, 2008; Ord. 1505 § 13, 2001; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.060 Building-mounted signs and parapet-mounted signs.
A. The maximum surface area for building-mounted or parapet-mounted signs shall be as follows:
LI, C, HC, OP and HI zones
10 percent of the area of the facade.
NB zones
20 square feet.
B. In addition, the following conditions apply to building-mounted signs or parapet-mounted signs:
1. In multiple-occupancy buildings, the facade area for each tenant or user is derived by measuring only the surface area of the exterior facade of the premises actually used by the tenant or user. The sign displayed by the tenant or user must be located on the facade that was used to determine the size of the sign, except as provided in this section.
2. Sign Height – Parapet Signs. The height of any parapet sign shall not extend above the highest exterior wall of the building. Additionally, no parapet sign can be extended above the highest roof ventilation structure.
3. Any building-mounted sign shall not project more than six feet from the face of the building to which the sign is attached. Any structural supports shall be an integral part of the design or concealed from view.
4. Any building-mounted signs shall be limited in content and message to identify the building and the name of the firm, or the major enterprise, and principal product and/or service information.
5. All parapet signs must be manufactured in such a way that they appear to be a part of the building itself. (Ord. 1715 § 1, 2008; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.070 Number of primary signs.
A business may not have more than one monument or freestanding sign. The number of building-mounted signs and parapet-mounted signs shall be limited by the surface area of the building facade. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.080 Buildings on more than one street.
A. Buildings located on more than one street are entitled to one monument or freestanding sign per street.
B. When a building is located on intersecting streets, two monument or freestanding signs are permitted if they are located on two different streets and are separated more than 100 feet measured in straight line between signs. Otherwise, only one monument sign is permitted. The setback limitations under PMC 20.84.050 must be met. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.090 Incidental signs.
Incidental signs are not included in the number of primary signs so long as the incidental signs do not exceed nine feet in surface area. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.100 Directional signs.
Directional signs shall not exceed nine square feet in surface area and may be located only on the premises to which the sign is intended to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Off-premises directional signs may be approved through a variance process described in Chapter 20.16 PMC, when the applicant has demonstrated that the property is located or configured such than on-premises directional signs are inadequate to reasonably apprise the public of the location of the enterprise. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.110 Temporary and special signs.
Temporary and special signs or displays are nonpermanent in nature and are intended for use only for a short period of time. The category includes any banner, pennant or advertising display constructed of canvas, fabric, wood, plastic or other semi-durable material, with or without a frame. The director is hereby granted sole authority to permit the installation of temporary signage conditioned upon compliance with reasonable conditions or limitations regarding the character of the sign, the surroundings in which it is to be displayed, and the purposes of this section. The following temporary and special signs are allowed without obtaining a permit under this chapter, with the following limitations:
A. Construction Signs. One construction sign (which may be double-faced) is permitted per construction project for each public street upon which the project fronts. The sign shall be removed upon completion of the construction. No construction sign shall exceed 32 square feet in surface area or 10 feet in height, nor be located closer than 10 feet from the property line or closer than 30 feet from the property line of the abutting owner. The sign shall be removed upon completion of the construction phase.
B. Grand Opening Displays. Temporary signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags, blinking lights, balloons and searchlights are permitted for one week only to announce the opening of a completely new enterprise or the opening of an enterprise under new management. All such materials shall be removed immediately upon the expiration of one week (seven consecutive days). Use of the above-described devices within the limits specified shall be an exception to the general prohibition on these devices in this code. For further limitations on searchlights, see PMC 20.84.170(H). Such displays are not exempt from permit requirements, and are permitted only where the enterprise so advertised is allowed under this code.
C. Real Estate Signs. All exterior real estate signs must be of wood or plastic or other durable materials. The permitted signs, with applicable limits, are as follows:
1. Undeveloped Property “For Sale or Rent” Signs. Signs advertising undeveloped commercial or industrial property “For Sale or Rent” shall be limited to one single-faced or double-faced sign per street frontage. Signs may be displayed while the property is actually for sale or rent. The sign may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area, or a height of eight feet.
2. Developed Property “For Sale or Rent” Signs. Signs advertising developed commercial or industrial property “For Sale or Rent” shall be limited to one single-faced or double-faced sign per street frontage. Signs may be displayed while the property is actually for sale or rent. The sign may not exceed 16 square feet in surface area, or a height of eight feet.
3. Banners “For Sale or Rent.” Properties abutting HWY 167 shall be permitted to display a banner-type sign on premises only. The total sign area for banners shall be as approved by the director.
D. Banners for Advertising Products and Services. The total sign area for banners shall not exceed 32 square feet. No banner may be posted for more than 45 days in any year.
E. Sandwich Boards for Advertising Products and Services. Only one sandwich board sign is allowed per business. Sandwich boards may only be posted during business hours for the business. The height and placement of the sign may not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The sign is limited to only two faces and may not exceed nine square feet per face. (Ord. 1757 § 2, 20102; Ord. 1730 § 1, 2009; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.120 Political headquarters signs.
A. Party Headquarters for Candidate or Ballot Issue. On-premises political signs are permitted on the premises of political headquarters so long as the signs meet the requirements of this chapter.
B. On-premises political signs are permitted on the premises of the headquarters of a candidate for public elective office (whether partisan or nonpartisan) or at the headquarters of persons supporting or opposing a public issue decided by ballot. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the general election. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.130 Political signs on private property that is not a headquarters.
A. Signs, posters or bills promoting or publicizing candidates for public office or issues that are to be voted upon in a primary, general or special election may be displayed on private property without obtaining a permit under this chapter until seven days following the immediately subsequent general election; provided, that signs, posters or bills promoting unsuccessful candidates in a primary election shall be removed within seven days following the primary election. It shall be the responsibility of the campaign officer or responsible campaign official to have the signs, posters or bill removed.
B. Political Signs Not Allowed on Public Property. It is unlawful for any person to paste, paint, affix or fasten on any utility pole, the sidewalk, roadway, or any public building or structure any such sign, poster, bill or other advertising device when such facilities are located on public property or within public easements.
C. Public Notices Unaffected. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the placement of public notices required by law.
D. The display of any political sign in violation of this chapter or any portion or part thereof, shall be presumed to have been done at the direction and request of the campaign officer or responsible official. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.140 Off-premises signs.
All signs shall be located on the property containing the enterprise advertised by the sign, unless the applicant establishes the following criteria:
A. Where the business can demonstrate, by means of a site or location plan that horizontal visibility from the street is impaired by other buildings or structures or due to distance or because exposure to passing traffic is limited;
B. Where the business is not a home occupation or otherwise limited as to signage by this chapter;
C. Only one off-premises sign may be approved per business location or site;
D. There shall be a maximum total of two signs on any affected property at any time;
E. The requested sign shall provide sufficient vision clearance for vehicular and pedestrian traffic; and
F. The requested sign shall be constructed of durable materials and be esthetic in appearance and quality. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.150 Exempt signs or displays.
The following signs or displays are exempt from this chapter:
A. Traffic or pedestrian control signs or signals, or signs in the public right-of-way indicating scenic or historic points of interest which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty;
B. Signs required by law;
C. Noncommercial public service signs, official public notices, official court notices or official police notices;
D. The flag of a government or noncommercial institution such as a school;
E. Signs in the interior of a building more than three feet from the closest window or not facing a window;
F. Plaques, tablets or inscriptions indicating the name of a building, its date of erection, or other commemorative information, which are an integral part of the building structure or are attached flat to the face of the building, which are nonilluminated, and which do not exceed three square feet in surface area;
G. “No Trespassing,” “No Dumping,” “No Parking,” “Private Property” and other on-site informational warning signs, which shall not exceed three square feet in surface area;
H. Reasonable seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season, however, such displays shall be removed promptly at the end of the public holiday season;
I. The flag of a commercial institution; no more that one flag (excluding flags of nationality) is permitted per business premises the flag shall not exceed 20 square feet in surface area, and shall be let loose to fly in the breeze;
J. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics and design features which do not incorporate advertising or identification;
K. Sandwich-board signs worn by a person while walking the public ways of the city;
L. Reasonable temporary decorations and signs for the purpose of announcing or supporting a nonprofit sponsored community fair, festival or event. Such decorations and signs may be displayed no more than 14 calendar days prior to and during the fair, festival or event. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.160 Nonconforming signs.
Repealed by Ord. 1505. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.170 Prohibited signs.
The following signs or displays are prohibited, unless otherwise approved by this chapter. Prohibited signs are subject to removal by the city at the owner’s or user’s expense.
A. Window signs containing material unrelated to the merchandise for sale or service performed by the person or business on whose premises or property the sign is located; provided, however, on-premises signs may call the attention of the public to public holidays or community events, the time and temperature.
B. Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal or which bear the words, “stop,” “caution,” “danger,” “warning” or similar words.
C. Signs which, by reason of their size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of any emergency police, fire or ambulance) or radio equipment vehicle; or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic or street sign or signal device.
D. Signs which rotate or have part(s) which move or revolve except the movement of the hands of a clock.
E. Signs, balloon-signs/symbols or displays or banners, clusters of unauthorized flags, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of lights, spinners, twirlers or propellers, flashing, rotating or blinking lights, chasing or scintillating lights, flares, balloons, bubble machines and similar devices of a carnival nature, or containing elements creating sound or smell. Exception: certain of these devices are permitted on a limited basis as seasonal public holiday decorations under PMC 20.84.150(H) or for grand openings of new businesses under PMC 20.84.110(B).
F. Signs identifying, or window signs advertising activities, products, businesses or services which have been discontinued for more than 60 days on the premises upon which the signs are located.
G. Private signs on utility poles as prohibited by state law.
H. Searchlights, except if:
1. They are used by any business or enterprise once yearly for a maximum period of seven consecutive days or for purposes of the grand opening of a new enterprise or an enterprise under new management for a maximum period of seven consecutive days.
2. The beam of the searchlight does not flash against any building or does not sweep an arc greater than 45 degrees from vertical.
I. Signs for which a permit has been granted under conditions with which the permittee does not comply.
J. Signs for which a permit has been granted and subsequently revoked for cause by the city.
K. Directional signs, except where specifically authorized under provisions of this chapter.
L. Signs erected, altered or relocated (excluding copy charge) without approval by the city of any other governmental agency which require a permit by law.
M. Off-site signs in public right-of-way or located on private property when they exceed the number of signs allowed within that zoning district. Additionally, any incidental sign in regard to off-site signs shall not be permitted.
N. Billboards.
O. Canopy signs. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.180 Appeals.
Repealed by Ord. 1505. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
20.84.190 Enforcement.
Repealed by Ord. 1505. (Ord. 1394 § 1, 1998).
Code reviser’s note: For adoption of the Uniform Sign Code, see Ch. 17.22 PMC.
Section 3 of Ordinance No. 1757, passed April 12, 2010, provides, “This suspension of the PMC provided for by this Ordinance shall expire eighteen (18) months from its effective date of passage, unless re-authorized by City Council prior to that date.”