Chapter 17.110 SIGN STANDARDS

The purpose of these standards is to establish regulations for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of all exterior signs in the city of Stanwood in order to:

(1) Balance the right of individuals to identify their businesses and convey their messages and the right of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs;

(2) Further the objectives of the comprehensive plan;

(3) Protect the public health, safety, and welfare;

(4) Reduce traffic hazards;

(5) Facilitate the creation of an attractive and harmonious community;

(6) Protect property values;

(7) Promote economic development; and

(8) Preserve the right of free speech exercised through the use of signs containing noncommercial messages. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D) (1), 1995).

17.110.020 Permit required.

It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, relocate, or structurally alter, within the city of Stanwood, any sign or other advertising structure, as defined in this code, without first obtaining a construction permit from the planning director. All illuminated signs shall, in addition, be subject to the provisions of the electrical code and its requisite permit fees. No permit is required for repair, repainting, or maintenance that does not entail structural change or for change of copy or message. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(2), 1995).

17.110.030 Application for construction permit.

The following information must be included in an application for a construction permit:

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;

(2) Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or constructed;

(3) Position of the sign or other advertising structure in relation to nearby buildings or structures;

(4) Two blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground;

(5) Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is designed to meet the wind pressure and dead load requirements of this and all other laws and codes of the city;

(6) Name of the person constructing the structure;

(7) Written consent of the owner of the building or land on which the structure is to be erected;

(8) Any required electrical permit;

(9) Such other information as the planning director shall require to show full compliance with this and all other laws and codes of the city. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(3), 1995).

17.110.040 Illuminated sign – Approval by building official.

The application for a permit for the construction of a sign or other advertising structure in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall be submitted to the building official along with the development plans. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(4), 1995).

17.110.050 Permit issuance.

Upon the filing of an application for a construction permit, the building official shall:

(1) Examine the plans and specifications and the premises upon which the proposed structure shall be constructed;

(2) Issue a permit if the proposed structure complies with the requirements of these standards and all other laws and codes of the city of Stanwood. If the work authorized under a construction permit is not completed within six months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(5), 1995).

17.110.060 Variances.

(1) Prior to or within 30 days after denial of a sign permit by the building official, a request for variance may be filed with the planning director. The planning director may grant a variance if he/she finds that the unusual shape or topography of the property in question prevents signage allowable under the provisions of these standards from adequately identifying the business or other activity located on such property. The planning director may only grant a variance to:

(a) Allow a setback less than that required under this title; or

(b) Allow the area or height of a sign to be increased by up to 50 percent of the maximum allowable height or area.

(2) The planning commission, with recommendation of the community development director, may grant a variance related to aesthetics for signage which exhibits ingenuity and adds to the character of the city (historic murals, creative wooden signs, etc.).

(a) The variance for aesthetics may be granted by council for variance from height or signage area requirements, including aggregate sign area.

(3) Off-Site Signage. A variance may also be allowed for off-site signs when the business has no other visible alternative for the placement of signage, as determined by the planning director.

(4) Roof Signage. No signage of any type shall be allowed on the roof of any structure, except when the business has no other alternative for the placement of signage. Applicant must obtain written approval from the planning director for placement of roof signage. Such approval shall be granted only after thorough reviews of the site and structure have been completed with a determination that no alternatives are available to the applicant other than roof signage. If roof signage is permitted, it shall conform to all requirements and guidelines for signs. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 1084 § 3, 2000; Ord. 953, 1996; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(6), 1995).

17.110.070 Revocation of permit.

The building official may revoke any permit where there has been a violation of the provisions of these standards or a misrepresentation of fact on the permit application. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(7), 1995).

17.110.080 Wind pressure and dead load requirements.

Where required by these standards, signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 40 pounds per square foot of area and to receive dead loads as required in the latest edition of the International Building Code (IBC) or other documents or other codes of the city of Stanwood. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(8), 1995).

17.110.090 Exemptions.

The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of these standards:

(1) Temporary real estate signs not exceeding four square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located. Such signs shall be removed no later than seven days following the sale or rental of the subject property.

(2) Temporary political signs concerning candidates for public office and ballot issues and not exceeding four square feet in area. Such signs shall be erected no earlier than 60 days prior to an election referendum and removed no later than seven days after the election or referendum.

(3) Temporary signs advertising date, time, and location of garage or yard sales and not exceeding four square feet in area. Such signs shall be posted no more than three days prior to and removed one day after the sale.

(4) Signs attached to the inside of a window which do not exceed 50 percent of the total window area of the business.

(5) Signs that are an integral part of the historic character of a landmark building or historic district.

(6) Public signs regulating vehicular or pedestrian traffic or designating or giving direction to streets, schools, hospitals, historic sites, or public facilities.

(7) Flags of any government or governmental agency or any patriotic, religious, charitable, civic, educational, or fraternal organization not exceeding 40 square feet in area.

(8) Temporary signs in conjunction with special events such as philanthropic campaign or church, circus, carnival, or other community activity. Such signs shall not exceed 60 square feet in area, shall not be erected more than 14 days in advance of the event and shall be removed within three days after the termination of the event.

(9) Temporary displays or decorations customarily associated with any national, state, local, or religious holiday or celebration. Such signs shall be erected no more than 45 days before and removed no later than 14 days after the celebration.

(10) Hand-held signs of a noncommercial nature not set on or affixed to the ground and not exceeding 10 square feet in area.

(11) Temporary signs identifying the architect, engineer, developer, lender, or contractor when placed upon construction sites and not exceeding 64 square feet in area. Such signs shall not be erected prior to approval of a site and shall be removed no later than seven days after completion of the project.

(12) Memorial or commemorative plaques or tablets denoting a building name and/or date of construction or a location of historic significance and not exceeding four square feet in area.

(13) Sandwich board signs. Such signs are subject to the regulations of SMC 17.110.290, but a permit is not required. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(9), 1995).

17.110.100 Permitted signs.

No sign or other advertising structure shall be constructed or maintained in violation of the permit requirements of SMC 17.110.020. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(10), 1995).

17.110.110 Maintenance.

No temporary or permanent sign or other advertising structure shall be inadequately maintained so as to show evidence of deterioration, including peeling, rust, dirt, fading, discoloration, or holes. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(11), 1995).

17.110.120 Outdated signs.

No sign or other advertising structure shall advertise a business or product which is no longer in existence. Such signage shall be removed from the premises within 30 days after close of the business or removal of the product. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(12), 1995).

17.110.130 Signage – Restriction of ingress and egress.

No sign or other advertising structure shall be constructed, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 953, 1996; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(13), 1995).

17.110.140 Traffic hazards.

No sign or other advertising structure shall:

(1) Obstruct free and clear vision at any street or driveway intersection;

(2) Interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device because of its position, shape, or color; or

(3) Make use of the words “stop,” “look,” “danger” or any other word, phrase, or symbol or character in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(14), 1995).

17.110.150 Unsafe signs.

No sign or other advertising structure shall constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair, or maintenance. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(15), 1995).

17.110.160 Illuminated signs.

No sign or other advertising structure shall be illuminated with lights which glare into or upon the surrounding area or any residential premises or distract operators of vehicles or pedestrians on the public right-of-way. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(16), 1995).

17.110.170 Obscene signs.

No sign or other advertising structure shall display any matter in which the dominant theme of the material taken as a whole appeals to a prurient interest in sex, or is patently offensive because it affronts contemporary community standards relating to the description or representation of sexual matters, and is utterly without redeeming social value. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(17), 1995).

17.110.180 Vehicular signs and mobile trailer signs.

(1) No sign or other advertising structure shall be painted on or attached to a motor vehicle used primarily for the display of such sign. This title shall not prohibit the identification of a business or its products or services on its vehicle(s) operated and parked in a manner appropriate to the normal course of business. Any mobile or trailer sign that is either stationary or attached to a vehicle shall be prohibited, except as provided by subsections (2) and (3) of this section.

(2) Readerboard signs that are attached to pole signs and meet the standards of SMC 17.110.190 and 17.110.230 shall be permitted.

(3) Readerboard signs that are converted into monument signs that meet the standards of SMC 17.110.190 and 17.110.235 shall be permitted. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(18), 1995).

17.110.190 Moving and flashing signs.

(1) Moving Signs. No sign or other advertising structure shall have visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any kind, except for the movable hands on street clocks, or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic or mechanical means, except for time/temperature/date signs and except as permitted in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) Flashing Signs. No sign or other advertising structure shall have lights or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity or color, or use intermittent electrical pulsations, except as permitted in subsection (3) of this section. Time/temperature/date signs are not considered to be flashing signs under this title.

(3) Readerboard and electronic signs permitted under SMC 17.110.230 and 17.110.235 shall meet the following requirements:

(a) No more than three lines of text shall be permitted in any approved sign.

(b) Text shall be a minimum of 10 inches in height, utilizing a single color on a black background.

(d) Text shall fade in and out (not scroll or flash) no more than once every 90 seconds.

(e) Electronic signs shall be limited to no more than one per property or group of adjacent properties held by a single land owner.

(f) Electronic signs shall be designed as part of a larger sign with the electronic portion consuming a maximum of 75 percent of the sign face. The remaining 25 percent shall adhere to the other applicable sections of this chapter. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(19), 1995).

17.110.200 Flags, banners, pennants, and balloons.

Flags, banners, pennants, balloons, and other related advertising shall be prohibited, except under the following conditions:

(1) Banners or pennants used for temporary purposes such as carnivals, fairs, grand openings, or other special events not to exceed 30 days in duration;

(2) National, state, and official organizational flags;

(3) Balloons or inflatables may be used for a maximum of three days for the purposes of carnivals, fairs, grand openings, or other special events. Balloons and inflatables are not permitted to exceed the height of the roofline or to be located on top of roofs. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(20), 1995).

17.110.210 Landscaping requirement.

(1) Landscaping shall be used in conjunction with all freestanding and monument signs. Landscaping shall utilize shrubs, flowers, other plantings, and/or other features such as decorative concrete, wood or brick bases, planter boxes, benches, or ornaments expressing the sign theme, but not containing advertising copy. The purpose of this landscaping requirement shall be to encourage well-designed signs that express a complete theme. The specific period of time is not to exceed six months to complete the landscaping project.

(2) All freestanding and monument signs shall include at a minimum 0.5 square foot of landscaping as defined in subsection (1) of this section for each square foot of sign face (as measured from one side). (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(21), 1995).

17.110.220 Aggregate sign area.

Repealed by Ord. 1194. (Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(22), 1995).

17.110.230 Freestanding signs.

(1) Only one freestanding or monument sign per property shall be allowed, unless the property has more than one frontage. For properties having more than one frontage, no more than two freestanding or monument signs will be allowed.

(2) All letters, figures, characters, or representations in cut-out or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure, except for readerboard signs, when lettering is designed to be temporary.

(3) Size, Height and Location.

(a) Height and Setback Requirements. Freestanding signs shall not exceed the following heights and setbacks:

(i) Signs along SR 532 shall not exceed heights greater than 15 feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces, or above the adjoining ground level, if such ground level is above the street level. Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from the property line of the property on which the sign is erected. Freestanding signs may be raised an additional foot in elevation to a maximum of 20 feet for each additional foot of setback provided.

(ii) Signs on commercial streets other than SR 532 shall not exceed heights greater than 12 feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces, or above the adjoining ground level, if such ground level is above the street level. Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from the property line of the property on which the sign is erected. Freestanding signs may be raised an additional foot in elevation to a maximum of 15 feet for each additional foot of setback provided.

(b) Area Limitations.

(i) Freestanding signs for a single business shall not exceed 40 square feet per side in area.

(ii) Freestanding signs advertising more than one business shall not exceed 85 square feet per side in area.

(c) Space Between Sign and Ground and Other Signs and Structures. Freestanding signs shall have an open space not less than two feet between the baseline of said sign and the ground level. This open space may be filled in with a platform or decorative latticework that does not close off more than one-half of the square footage of such open space. No freestanding sign shall be closer than two feet to any other sign, building, or structure.

(4) Construction of Sign.

(a) Braces, Anchorage, and Supports. Freestanding signs shall be securely built, constructed, and erected upon posts and standards.

(b) Wood Preservative. All wooden posts, anchors, and braces that rest upon or enter into the ground shall be treated with a commercially available wood preservative. If creosote or any other restricted-use substance is used, it shall be applied by a state-certified handler.

(5) Landscaping. All freestanding signs shall be surrounded with landscaping per SMC 17.110.210.

(6) Maintenance. Freestanding signs and their surrounding premises shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, and weeds. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(23), 1995).

17.110.235 Monument signs.

(1) Only one monument or freestanding sign per property shall be allowed, unless the property has more than one frontage. For properties having more than one frontage, no more than two monument or freestanding signs will be allowed.

(3) Height, Location, and Size Requirements.

(a) Height. Monument signs shall not exceed six feet, measured from the average ground elevation to the top of the frame.

(b) Location. Monument signs may not be located closer than three feet from any driveway and must meet the sight distance requirements of SMC 17.145.130.

(d) Incentives for Design and Pedestrian Orientation. The community development director may approve an increase in sign-face size up to a total of 60 square feet (per side) and up to a total of eight feet in height for signs utilizing the following design mitigation:

(i) No internally lit cabinets. External lighting from the ground or by lamp attached to the outside of the sign is permitted.

(ii) Architectural frame and base, utilizing architectural features and/or natural materials, such as metal, stone, trellis, etc.

(iii) Muted color scheme approved by the director.

(4) Construction of Sign.

(a) Braces, Anchorage, and Supports. Monument signs shall be securely built, constructed, and anchored to the ground, as approved by the building official.

(d) Base Materials. Monument bases and frames shall be constructed of a durable material, such as concrete blocks, wood, or brick, or other material as permitted by the planning director.

(5) Landscaping. All monument signs shall be surrounded with landscaping either in or around the monument base per SMC 17.110.210.

(6) Maintenance. Monument signs and their surrounding premises shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, and weeds. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000).

17.110.240 Wall signs.

(1) Location.

(a) Limitation on Placement Area. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached. No wall sign shall exceed 125 square feet in area.

(b) Projection Above Sidewalk and Setback Line. No wall sign shall be permitted to extend more than six inches beyond the building line, and shall not be attached to a wall at a height of less than eight and one-half feet above the sidewalk or ground.

(2) Construction of Sign.

(a) Supports and Attachment. Wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall by means of metal anchors, bolts, or expansion screws of not less than three-eighths-inch diameter, embedded into the wall at least five inches.

(b) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All wall signs shall conform to the requirements of SMC 17.110.080.

(3) Mixed Use Buildings. See SMC 17.112.050(17) for additional requirements for signs on mixed use buildings. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1138 § 6, 2003; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(24), 1995).

17.110.250 Gable signs.

(1) Location.

(a) Height and Area Limitations. No gable sign shall have a surface or facing exceeding 125 square feet, nor have its highest point extended above the roof level.

(2) Construction of Sign.

(a) Bracing, Anchorage, and Supports. Gable signs shall be thoroughly secured to the building by iron or other metal anchors, bolts, supports, rods, or braces.

(b) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All gable signs shall conform to the requirements of SMC 17.110.080. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(25), 1995).

17.110.260 Projecting signs.

(1) Construction.

(a) Projecting signs, including frames, braces and supports, shall be designed by a structural engineer or manufacturer and two-faced.

(b) Illumination. Reflectors shall be provided with the proper glass lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the sign and preventing glare upon the street or adjacent property. No floodlight or spotlight nor reflectors of the gooseneck type shall be permitted on projecting signs.

(c) Glass Lettering Requirements. The lettering or advertising designs to be illuminated may be composed of glass. Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety glass or plate glass at least one-quarter-inch thick, and in case any single piece or pane of glass has an area exceeding three square feet, it shall be wired glass. One section, not exceeding three square feet in area, constructed of wire glass or safety glass shall be permitted on each side of a sign.

(d) Movable Parts to Be Secured. Any moveable part of a projecting sign such as the cover of a service opening shall be securely fastened by chains or hinges.

(e) Area Limitations. Projecting signs shall be limited in area as follows:

(i) Horizontal projecting signs shall not exceed 25 square feet on each side.

(ii) Vertical projecting signs shall not exceed 50 square feet on each side.

(f) Thickness Limitation. The distance measured between the principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed 18 inches.

(2) Location – Projection Over Public Property. Every projecting sign shall be placed at least eight and one-half feet above the public sidewalk over which it is extended, no more than two feet from the face of the wall to which it is attached, measuring from the point of the sign nearest the wall, and at least one foot away from the curbline. Every projecting sign shall be placed at least 15 feet above the public driveway, alley, or thoroughfare over which it is erected.

(3) Construction of Sign. Bracing, Anchorage, and Supports. Projecting signs shall conform to the requirements of SMC 17.110.080.

(4) V-Shaped Signs Prohibited. V-shaped signs consisting of two single-faced signs erected without a roof and a ceiling shall not be permitted.

(5) Illumination at Night. Lighting shall be maintained in good repair and not shine toward or onto roads or sidewalks.

(6) Owners of projecting signs shall assume liability for damage resulting from their use and shall provide the city with an appropriate legal document holding the city harmless for such resulting loss. Upon request, the business owner must supply the city with a valid certificate of insurance for liability purposes. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(26), 1995).

17.110.270 Temporary signs.

(1) Construction.

(a) Area Limitations. No temporary sign shall exceed four feet in one of its dimensions or 60 square feet in area.

(b) Weight Limitation. Temporary signs weighing in excess of 50 pounds must be approved by the building official as conforming to the safety requirements of the building code of the city of Stanwood.

(2) Location – Projection Over Public Property. No temporary sign shall extend over or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare more than four inches from the wall upon which it is erected, and shall not be placed or project over any wall opening. A temporary banner would be allowed to extend across a roadway if it is at least 16 feet above the road surface.

(3) Construction, Anchorage, and Support. Every temporary sign shall be attached with wire or steel cables. No strings, ropes, or wood slats for anchorage or support purposes shall be permitted.

(4) Duration Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall be allowed for a period not to exceed 45 days.

(5) Advertising Permitted. The advertisement contained on any temporary sign shall pertain only to the business, industry, or pursuit conducted on or within the premises on which such sign is erected or maintained. This provision shall not apply to signs of a civic, political, or religious nature. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(27), 1995).

17.110.280 Marquees.

(1) Construction.

(a) Materials Required. Marquees, including the anchors, bolts, supports, rods and braces, shall be designed by a structural engineer and illuminated.

(b) Drainage. Marquee roofs shall be properly guttered and connected by downspouts to a storm sewer so that rainwater will not drip or flow onto public property.

(c) Roofs – Use and Construction. Marquee roofs shall be used for no other purpose than to form and constitute a roof, and at least 25 percent of the area of the roof of every marquee shall be of glass or other transparent substance.

(2) Location.

(a) Height Above Sidewalk. No portion of a marquee shall be less than eight and one-half feet above the level of the sidewalk or other public thoroughfare over which it is erected.

(b) Setback from Curbline. No marquee shall be permitted to extend beyond a point three feet inside the curbline.

(c) Width. No marquee shall be wider than the entrance or entrances of the building plus five feet on each side. No marquee shall extend beyond the edge of the facade onto which it is attached. However, where the entrances to a building are not more than 20 feet apart, a marquee may be made a continuous single structure between the entrances.

(3) Construction.

(a) Bracing, Anchorage, and Supports. Marquees shall be supported solely by the building to which they are attached, and no columns or posts shall be used as supports.

(b) Roof Live Load Requirement. Marquee roofs, except the glass area required, shall be designed and constructed to support a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot. Marquees shall be designed to meet the wind pressure requirement provided in SMC 17.110.080.

(c) Anchorage to Wood Structure Prohibited. No marquee shall be erected on any building of wood frame construction unless attached to the masonry, concrete, or steel supports of the building.

(4) Signs Attached to the Marquee. Signs attached to or hung from a marquee shall be completely within the borderline of the marquee outer edge and shall in no instance be lower than eight and one-half feet above the sidewalk or public thoroughfare. No sign or advertising material shall exceed five feet in height, exclusive of the name of the establishment exhibiting such marquee. No advertising material shall be placed upon the roof of any marquee. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(28), 1995).

17.110.290 Sandwich board signs.

(1) Owners of sandwich board signs shall assume liability for damage resulting from their use and shall provide the city with an appropriate legal document holding the city harmless for such resulting loss. Upon request, the business owner must supply the city with a valid certificate of insurance for liability purposes. If the owner does not provide evidence of insurance, the city shall not assume any liability for any accident incurred in conjunction with a sandwich board sign.

(2) Sandwich board signs must be a minimum of 30 inches in height and not exceed 48 inches in height. They must be at least 18 inches in width and not exceed 30 inches in width, and shall not be located within 10 feet of a driveway or other access point.

(3) Any sandwich board sign located on a sidewalk must be able to provide a minimum of five feet of clearance on at least one side for wheelchair and walking access.

(4) No more than one sandwich board per 25 linear feet of property frontage shall be permitted.

(5) No sandwich board sign shall be left in a single location for longer than 14 days. This does not apply to sandwich board signs that are removed nightly. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(29), 1995).

17.110.300 Awnings and canopies.

(1) Construction.

(a) Materials (Awnings). Awnings may be constructed of cloth or metal hood; provided, however, all frames and supports shall be of metal.

(b) Materials (Canopies). Canopies may be constructed of cloth or metal hood; provided, however, all frames and supports shall be of metal.

(2) Location.

(a) Height Above Sidewalk (Awnings). No portion of an awning shall be less than eight and one-half feet above the level of the sidewalk or public thoroughfare over which it is erected.

(b) Height Above Sidewalk (Canopies). No portion of a canopy shall be less than eight and one-half feet above the level of the sidewalk or public thoroughfare over which it is erected.

(d) Width. No limitation on width of awnings; provided, however, full compliance with the wind pressure and dead load requirements of SMC 17.110.080. No canopy shall be permitted to exceed eight feet in width.

(3) Construction of Sign.

(a) Support (Awning). Awnings shall be securely attached to and supported by a building. Posts or columns beyond the building line shall not be permitted for awnings. No awning shall be attached to wood jambs, frames, or other wood members of a building (frame buildings excepted) when such building is less than 10 feet from public property.

(b) Support (Canopies). The frameworks of canopies shall be designed by a structural engineer and approved by the building official and in compliance with the building code of the city of Stanwood. All frames and supports shall be of metal and designed to withstand a wind pressure as provided in SMC 17.110.080.

(4) Advertising. No advertising shall be placed on any awning or canopy, except that the name of the owner and the business, industry, or pursuit conducted within the premises may be painted or otherwise permanently placed in a space not exceeding 24 inches in height on the front and side of the awning or canopy. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(30), 1995).

17.110.310 Street clocks.

(1) Construction.

(a) Regulation of Size of Dial. The dial of such clocks shall be not less than 30 inches, nor more than 40 inches, in diameter.

(b) Glass Requirements. Any glass forming a part of a clock shall be safety glass or plate glass at least one-quarter-inch thick, and in case any single piece or pane of glass has an area exceeding three square feet, it shall be constructed of wire glass, securely held in place.

(c) Movable Parts to Be Secured. The cover or service openings of street clocks shall be securely fastened by metal hinges.

(2) Location.

(a) Clocks Erected on Walls. Clocks supported on the corner of any building or structure at the intersection of two streets shall not be less than 15 feet nor more than 20 feet above the sidewalk and shall not project from the face or wall of the building or structure more than five feet.

(b) Clocks Erected on Sidewalk. Clocks erected on the sidewalk shall be supported upon a post of ornamental design, shall be not less than 15 feet in height, shall be not more than 20 inches from the outer edge of the curb, and shall be at least 20 feet from the point of intersection of the lines of any street, measured parallel with the street.

(3) Construction of Sign.

(a) Clocks Erected on Walls. Clocks erected on the corner of any building or structure shall comply with the requirements set forth in SMC 17.110.240, Wall signs, or SMC 17.110.260, Projecting signs, whichever is applicable.

(b) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. Street clocks, whether erected on exterior walls or on the sidewalk, shall comply with the requirements of SMC 17.110.080.

(4) Limitation on Permits – Clocks on Sidewalks. Any person erecting a street clock on any public sidewalk shall obtain the special written permission of the city council in addition to all other permits required by this title.

(5) Limitation on Permits – General. No person shall be permitted to erect more than one street clock at any one business location.

(6) Must Keep Accurate Time. Street clocks shall keep accurate time and shall be properly repaired or removed if this requirement is not complied with. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(31), 1995).

17.110.320 Billboards and off-premises signs.

(1) Construction Ban. Subsequent to the effective date of this code, no new construction permits shall be issued by the building official for billboards or off-premises signs within the city of Stanwood. Existing billboards and off-premises signs must comply with the requirements of SMC 17.110.330. This ban would not apply to authorized signs that are for public service or community use, direction, or identification. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(32), 1995).

17.110.330 Nonconforming billboards and off-premises signs.

Any billboard or off-premises sign legally in existence on the date of adoption of this code shall be removed, so as to conform with the provisions of this chapter within six years. An unlawful sign is not a nonconforming sign. A nonconforming sign shall not be required to be removed if to do so is otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(33), 1995).

17.110.340 Unlawful signs.

If the building official finds that any sign or other advertising structure is prohibited by the provisions of this chapter, the said official shall give written notice to the permittee or owner of the property upon which the structure is located. If the permittee or owner fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards set forth in this chapter within 30 days after such notice, the owner shall then be fined weekly as provided in the fee schedule. The building official may cause any sign or other advertising structure which presents an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed or altered immediately and without notice. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(34), 1995).

17.110.350 Protection of first amendment rights.

Any sign allowed under this chapter may contain, in lieu of any other copy, any lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit or to a commodity or service for sale and that complies with all other requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(35), 1995).

17.110.360 Leases of city right-of-way.

Repealed by Ord. 1009. (Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(36), 1995).

17.110.370 Existing nonconforming on-site signage exemption.

Any on-site signage that does not conform to this code, but was legally in place before October 11, 2000, shall be considered legal nonconforming signage. Such existing signage may be maintained and/or repaired, but at such time as a merchant replaces signage, then the signage replaced must conform to the requirements of this code. No temporary signage shall be considered as legal nonconforming signage under this section. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2000; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(D)(37), 1995).