Chapter 18.64
SIGN CODE*

Sections:

18.64.010    Purpose.

18.64.020    Definitions.

18.64.030    Prohibited signs.

18.64.040    Exempt signs.

18.64.050    Sign permits required.

18.64.060    Signs not requiring permits.

18.64.065    Temporary signs.

18.64.070    Sign regulations for the downtown area.

18.64.080    Regulations for noncommercial zoning districts outside of the downtown area.

18.64.085    Regulations for commercial zoning districts outside of the downtown area.

18.64.090    Construction and location specifications.

18.64.100    Sign permit fees, conditions and penalties.

18.64.110    Sign permit application procedure and requirements.

18.64.120    Inspection requirements.

18.64.130    Contractor’s license required.

18.64.140    Maintenance requirements.

18.64.150    Administration and enforcement.

18.64.160    Penalties.

18.64.165    Nonconforming signs.

18.64.170    Administrative modification of sign standards.

18.64.180    Map of downtown area boundaries.

18.64.190    Map of shoreline master plan boundaries.

*    Prior ordinance history: Ord. 84-41.

18.64.010 Purpose.

The purpose and goal of this code is to:

A.    Balance the need for signs with the goal of promoting an attractive and safe environment;

B.    Reduce sign clutter;

C.    Streamline the sign control regulations and make them easier to understand and enforce;

D.    Guarantee equal treatment under the law through accurate record keeping and consistent enforcement. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.010.)

18.64.020 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

1.    “Abandoned sign” means any sign which identifies or advertises a business, lessor, service, owner, product or activity which has been discontinued for a period of six months or for which no valid city of Poulsbo business license is in effect. The definition also includes signs for which no legal owner can be found.

2.    “Area or surface area of a sign” is considered to be the smallest amount of square footage that can be obtained when the entire sign is enclosed within one circle, rectangle, triangle or square. The sign support structure shall not be included in determining the area of the sign unless the structure is designed in a way to form an integral background for the sign/display. Borderless signs shall be measured from a point one foot outside all lettering or graphics. The total area of double-faced signs is determined based on only one face of the signs. Each face of a sign shall be counted in determining the total area of a multiple-faced sign.

3.    “Banner sign” means a temporary sign of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.

4.    “Building official” means the building official of the city of Poulsbo or his designee.

5.    “Changeable copy sign” means a sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or electric, electro-mechanical, or electronic means. Changeable signs include the following types:

A.    Manually Activated. Signs whose alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered by manual means.

B.    Electrically Activated. Signs whose alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered on a fixed display surface composed of electrically illuminated or mechanically driven changeable segments. Includes the following two types:

a.    Fixed Message Electronic Signs. Signs whose basic informational content has been preprogrammed to include only certain types of information projection, such as time, temperature, predictable traffic conditions;

b.    Variable Message Electronic Signs. Signs whose informational content can be changed, altered, or updated on a regular basis.

6.    “Clearance (of a sign)” means the smallest vertical distance between the surface grade beneath the signs and the lowest point of the sign, including framework and embellishment.

7.    “Community announcement sign” means a sign of a noncommercial nature informing the public of an issue or event.

8.    “Construction sign” means a temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor or subcontractor or other party participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.

9.    “Copy” means graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.

10.    “Directional sign” means a permanently mounted on-premises sign intended to guide pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

11.    “Downtown area” means the area delineated by the map in Section 18.64.180.

12.    “Facade” means the entire building front, including the parapet, of the largest side of the building.

13.    “Facade area” means, in single occupancy buildings, the area (length by height) of the largest outside building wall; in multiple occupancy buildings, the facade area of the premises actually occupied by the tenant or user.

14.    “Flashing sign” means a sign which contains an intermittent or sequential light source.

15.    “Freestanding, pole or ground sign” means a sign supported upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building.

16.    “Government sign” means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the city, county, state or federal government or approved designee, e.g., signs for traffic direction or for designation of or direction to a state-licensed or public school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property, or facility.

17.    “Height (of sign)” means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign to the average surface grade beneath the sign.

18.    “Identification sign” means any sign of a business, user, or development which is not classified as exempt or which does not fall within the “incidental sign” or “point of purchase sign” categories. Includes signs identifying residential developments and virtually all signs of a commercial nature.

19.    “Illegal sign” means a sign which does not meet the requirement of this code and which has not received a “grandfather certificate” or a sign which does not have a valid city-issued sign permit.

20.    “Incidental sign” means a small sign, emblem or decal of a noncommercial nature, which is securely affixed to the ground or a structure, intended primarily for the convenience of the public. Included are signs discouraging trespassing, designating telephones, restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation, help wanted, types of credit cards accepted, etc., or giving instructions or facility information, e.g., signs identifying a tow-away zone, no parking area, or giving operating instructions and directional signs. Incidental signs may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy.

21.    “Maintenance” means cleaning, painting, repair or replacement of in kind defective parts needed to keep a sign functioning; provided, that neither the copy, design, nor structure of the sign is altered. The changing of advertising copy or message on a lawfully erected sign specifically designed for the use of changeable copy shall be considered normal maintenance.

22.    “Mansard” means a sloped roof-like facade architecturally comparable to a building wall.

23.    “Moving/animated sign” means any sign which uses movement or change in lighting to depict action.

24.    “Multiple business center” means a grouping of two or more business establishments located in separate structures which share common parking and are generally under one ownership and control.

25.    “Multiple occupancy building” means a single building housing more than one business, e.g., an enclosed shopping mall.

26.    “Multiple-occupancy directory sign” means a single sign, which may be composed of individual cabinets or modules, advertising the businesses located in a multiple-occupancy building or multiple building complex.

27.    “Nameplate sign” means a nonelectric, nonadvertising, on-premises identification sign giving only the name and/or address of the resident(s).

28.    “Noncommercial sign” means a sign which advertises, promotes or informs concerning an event, happening, group, organization, or activity which is not associated primarily with commercial (i.e., profit-making) purposes.

29.    “Nonconforming sign” means a sign which was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign regulations.

30.    “Off-premises sign” means a commercial sign advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the property on which the sign is located or a sign of a noncommercial nature which does not pertain to the use of the property on which it is located.

31.    “On-premises sign” means a sign which pertains to the use of the property on which it is located.

32.    “Owner, sign” means the owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the planning director.

33.    “Parapet” means the extension of a false front or wall above a roofline.

34.    “Pennants/festoons” means a string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags or pinwheels.

35.    “Planning director” means the city of Poulsbo planning director.

36.    “Point of purchase sign” means a small sign advertising a retail item and accompanying its display, e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser such as a gasoline pump, newspaper rack, or pop machine.

37.    “Political sign” means a temporary sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum.

38.    “Portable sign” means any sign designed to be moved easily and/or not permanently affixed to the ground, structure, or building.

39.    “Premises” means the unit of real estate on which the activity or business is located.

40.    “Readerboard” means any 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.

41.    “Real estate sign, on-premises” means a temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.

42.    “Real estate sign, off-premises” means a small temporary sign, located on private property, which advertises and directs traffic to an “open house” for the rent, sale, or lease of the property to which the sign relates.

43.    “Roofline” means the top edge of a roof, mansard or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any minor projections, e.g., cupolas, chimneys.

44.    “Sign” means any device, structure, fixture or placard using, containing, or displaying graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishment, product, occupant, good or service.

45.    “Special event sign” means a temporary sign advertising a grand opening, sale or other special event at the premises to which the sign relates.

46.    “Temporary sign” means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use, including, but not limited to, real estate signs, construction site signs, special event signs, political signs, etc.

47.    “Through lot” means a lot which fronts on two parallel public streets.

48.    “Tourist information sign” means a sign intended primarily to orient and inform the public of the location of local businesses/points of interest with not more than forty percent of the total sign area devoted to advertising/sponsor identification purposes.

49.    “Wall mural, nonadvertising” means a pictorial or graphic representation of a scene relating to Poulsbo’s natural amenities, culture or historic past, containing no advertising text. Nonadvertising wall murals do not directly indicate or advertise the activity or use within (or associated with) the building or structure on which the mural is located.

50.    “Window sign” means a sign installed inside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 1, 2000; Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.020.)

18.64.030 Prohibited signs.

The following types of signs are prohibited within the city limits of Poulsbo:

A.    Abandoned signs;

B.    Pennants, streamers, festoons, balloons, searchlights or other similar devices which are displayed on a permanent basis;

C.    Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals;

D.    Signs causing a vehicular or pedestrian traffic hazard or a distraction to traffic as determined by the police chief;

E.    Off-premises commercial signs, other than those expressly permitted in Section 18.64.040;

F.    Signs placed on city or state property or a right-of-way except:

1.    Official government signs and city-approved community announcement signs, or

2.    Campaign and other political signs placed in the public right-of-way so long as such signs do not create a nuisance nor interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Nothing herein shall be interpreted to permit campaign signs to be placed on any city-owned property other than public right-of-way;

G.    Signs extending over city or state property or right-of-way, except official government signs, signs which have been issued right-of-way use permits and city-approved community announcement signs;

H.    Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign, usually at a location other than the business site. This does not apply to signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business;

I.    Portable signs, including sandwich board signs which exceed six square feet on each side, and readerboards;

J.    Flashing or moving signs and/or signs which make noise. This does not apply to barber poles under three feet in height or time/temperature signs;

K.    Signs in violation of the city’s light control ordinance;

L.    Signs in violation of the city’s shoreline management plan;

M.    Commercial signs in residential zones, except subdivision/residential development identification signs, real estate signs, signs for a conditional use which has received city of Poulsbo approval, and signs specifically exempted by Section 18.64.040;

N.    Any noncommercial sign larger than thirty-two square feet in residential zones;

O.    Changeable copy—variable message electronic sign. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 2, 2000; Ord. 93-31 § 1, 1993; Ord. 89-01 § 1, 1989; Ord. 88-49 § 1, 1988; Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.030.)

18.64.040 Exempt signs.

The following types of signs are exempt from the provisions of this code:

A.    Government signs;

B.    Signs located in the interior of a building and signs which are not visible from a public street or sidewalk;

C.    Nonadvertising wall murals painted directly on a building or structure;

D.    Signs or lettering on buses, taxis or vehicles operating during the normal course of business;

E.    Names and addresses on mailboxes and building-mounted address numbers under two feet in height;

F.    Off-premises real estate signs which are removed by sunset each day, are less than six square feet in area, are located on private property, and do not pose a public safety concern, as determined by the building official. If such signs are to be displayed for a longer period, they must meet the requirements of Section 18.64.065(A);

G.    Community announcement signs that have been approved by the city council, any involved property owner, and the building official;

H.    Tourist information signs that have been approved by the city council, any involved property owners, and the building official;

I.    Holiday decorations. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 3, 2000; Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.040.)

18.64.050 Sign permits required.

No sign or portion of any sign, except those exempted in Section 18.64.040 and those not requiring a permit in Sections 18.64.060 and 18.64.065, shall be erected, replaced, revised, attached, structurally altered, or relocated without a permit issued by the city. No permit shall be required for repair, cleaning or other normal maintenance, nor for changing the message on a readerboard sign, as long as the sign structure is not modified in any way. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 4, 2000: Ord. 89-01 § 2, 1989: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.050.)

18.64.060 Signs not requiring permits.

The following shall not require a sign permit, but must be in conformance with all other provisions of this chapter, Poulsbo Municipal Code, or any other law or ordinance:

A.    Incidental signs which do not exceed four square feet per sign. An incidental sign in excess of four square feet will require a permit, will be deducted from the business’s or development’s total amount of allowable signage, and will be counted as an identification sign;

B.    Point of purchase signs which do not exceed four square feet in area. All point of purchase signs must be securely mounted to the product dispenser. Special exception for fishing boats docked within city limits: one portable point of purchase sign per boat, of six square feet or less, may be placed up to ten feet away from the boat which is selling the advertised product; provided, that neither the marina/public port/yacht club nor the building official objects to the sign’s placement. (A point of purchase sign in excess of these requirements will require a permit, will be deducted from the business’s or development’s total amount of allowable signage, and will be counted as an identification sign);

C.    Indoor window signs;

D.    One nameplate sign per dwelling unit, not to exceeds six square feet in area. Nameplate signs in excess of this size are prohibited;

E.    Signs under five square feet in area identifying and attached to a recycling (newspaper, aluminum, etc.) or donation (clothing, canned food, etc.) drop box. (Drop box signs in excess of this size are prohibited);

F.    Public bulletin boards that contain no permanent advertising copy. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 5, 2000; Ord. 88-49 § 2, 1988; Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.060.)

18.64.065 Temporary signs.

Except as otherwise described under this section, no permit is necessary for temporary signs. Temporary signs are not allowed to continually advertise goods, services or events on a site; permanent signs shall be used for that purpose.

A.    General.

1.    A temporary sign advertising a special event, sale, promotion, opening of a new business or opening of a business under new management shall not be displayed for more than fourteen consecutive days.

2.    Total signage shall be limited to twenty square feet in size.

3.    A permit shall be required if the sign is to be displayed longer than the maximum fourteen days. Signs which are regularly changed but generally present, or otherwise intended to circumvent the temporary sign provisions, shall require a permit and shall be included in the site’s overall signage.

4.    Small pennants, balloons, and streamers may be displayed in conjunction with a special event, but must be removed at the conclusion of the event or within fourteen consecutive days.

5.    Temporary signs shall not endanger the public safety and shall be removed or relocated if the building official determines that a sign is unsafe.

6.    Campaign/political signs, if related to an event or election, shall be removed within seven days after the event or election. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner, tenant or candidate to remove such signs.

B.    Real Estate.

1.    Residential “For Sale,” “For Rent” and “Sold” Signs. Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage not to exceed six square feet in sign area per face, placed wholly on the property for sale, and not to exceed a height of six feet. All real estate signs shall be removed within five days of the final sale or rental.

2.    Undeveloped Commercial and Industrial Property “For Sale or Rent” Signs. One sign per street frontage advertising undeveloped commercial property for sale or for rent is permitted while the property is actually for sale or rent. The sign shall not exceed forty square feet in sign area per side and twelve feet in height. All real estate signs shall be removed within five days of the final sale or rental.

3.    Developed Commercial and Industrial Property. “For Sale or Rent” signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage not to exceed twenty square feet in sign area per side, placed wholly on the property for sale, and twelve feet in height. All real estate signs shall be removed within five days of the final sale or rental.

4.    Construction Signs. Sign copy shall be limited to information about a building under construction or being remodeled. Maximum duration shall be until construction is completed or one year, whichever is shorter. Maximum area shall be thirty-two square feet. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 6, 2000. Formerly 15.20.065.)

18.64.070 Sign regulations for the downtown area.

(See Section 18.64.180 for delineation of the downtown area boundaries.)

A.    Maximum Amount of Signage Allowed per Business or Use.

1.    The total allowable amount of business identification signage per business or use located within the downtown area shall be based on the size of the building facade (see Section 18.64.020). Each business or use shall be allowed to display a total amount of signage equal to twenty-five percent of the facade area of its largest wall up to a maximum upper limit of two hundred square feet. The city’s intent in basing the amount of allowable signage on the building facade area is to scale the signage to the size of the building.

2.    In the case of a residential development (such as a mobile home park, residential subdivision, condominium complex), with no determinable facade area or multiple facades, the total amount of allowable signage shall be based on the lot size. Each development shall be allowed one square foot of signage per one thousand square feet of lot area up to a maximum of two hundred square feet.*

B.    Maximum Size of Signs Allowed Downtown. No single business identification sign within the downtown area shall exceed fifty square feet in area; provided, that permanently displayed portable signs shall not exceed six square feet in area. (Please note that additional size, height, and type restrictions apply to properties which are subject to the restrictions of the shoreline master program. See the map in Section 18.64.190 for delineation of the areas falling within the shoreline master program requirements.)

C.    Maximum Sign Height Allowed for Businesses or Developments in the Downtown Area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of fifteen feet. Building-mounted signs shall not project above the roofline or parapet of the building.

D.    Special Provisions for Multiple Occupancy Buildings and Multiple Business Centers Which Are Located Within the Downtown Area.

1.    In addition to the signs allowed by Sections 18.64.040, Exempt signs, and 18.64.060, Signs not requiring permits, each multiuser building or multiple business center is allowed to display one common directory sign of thirty-two square feet or less in total area. Any individual business identification signs included in a directory sign will be counted as one of that business’s four allowed business identification signs, will be deducted from the total amount of allowable signage for that business, and shall not exceed sixteen square feet.

2.    If the multiple occupancy building or complex is sited on a through lot which fronts on more than one public street, an additional thirty-two square foot directory sign may be allowed; provided, that the property is large enough to allow a one-hundred-foot separation between the two signs.

E.    Special Restrictions for Signage in the Light Business Zone (LB) Located Within the Downtown Area and for Conditional Uses in Residential Zones Located Within the Downtown Area. Each use or business located within a light business zone (LB) and each conditional use located within a residential zone will be allowed only half the total amount of signage provided for in subsection A of this section, half the sign size permitted under subsection B of this section, half the height provided for in subsection C of this section, and, if applicable, half the signage allowed for multiple occupancy buildings by subsection D of this section. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.070.)

*    Note: Businesses with no determinable facade area or residential developments located on lots containing less than twenty thousand square feet are allowed a maximum of twenty square feet of signage.

18.64.080 Regulations for noncommercial zoning districts outside of the downtown area.

(See the map in Section 18.64.180 for delineation of the downtown area boundaries.)

A.    Maximum Amount of Signage Allowed per Business or Development Located Outside of the Downtown Area.

1.    The total allowable amount of business identification signage per business or use located outside the downtown area shall be based on the size of the building facade (see Section 18.64.020). Each business or use shall be allowed to display a total amount of signage equal to thirty percent of the facade area of its largest wall up to a maximum upper limit of four hundred square feet. The city’s intent in basing the amount of allowable signage on the building facade area is to scale the signage to the size of the building.

2.    In the case of a residential development (such as a mobile home park, residential subdivision, condominium complex), with no determinable facade area or multiple facades, the total amount of allowable signage shall be based on the lot size. Each development shall be allowed two square feet of signage per one thousand square feet of lot area up to a maximum of four hundred square feet.*

B.    Maximum Size of Signs Allowed in Areas Outside the Downtown Area. No single identification sign shall exceed one hundred square feet in area; provided, that permanently displayed portable signs shall not exceed sixteen square feet in area. (Please note that additional size, height and type restrictions apply to properties which are subject to the restrictions of the shoreline master program. See the map in Section 18.64.190 for delineation of the areas falling within the shoreline master program requirements.)

C.    Maximum Height Allowed for All Signs Located Outside of the Downtown Area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of thirty feet. Building-mounted signs shall not project more than five feet above the roofline or parapet of the building.

D.    Special Provisions for Multiple Occupancy Buildings and Multiple Business Centers Located Outside of the Downtown Area.

1.    In addition to the signs allowed by subsections A and B of this section, each multiuser building or multiple business center is allowed to display one common directory sign of one hundred twenty-five square feet or less in total area. Each individual business identification sign included in a directory sign will be counted as one of that business’s four allowed business identification signs and shall not exceed fifty square feet.

2.    If the multiple occupancy building or complex is sited on a through lot which fronts on more than one public street, an additional one hundred twenty-five square foot directory sign may be allowed; provided, that the property is large enough to allow a two-hundred-foot separation between the two signs.

E.    Special Restrictions for Signage for Conditional Uses in Residential Zones. Each conditional use located within a residential zone will be allowed only half the total amount of signage provided for in subsection A of this section, half the sign size permitted under subsection B of this section, half the height provided for in subsection C of this section, and, if applicable, half the signage allowed for multiple occupancy buildings by subsection D of this section. (Ord. 2011-02 § 12 (Exh. A (10-11) (part)), 2011; Ord. 2007-56 § 9 (part), 2007; Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.080.)

*    Note: Businesses with no determinable facade area or residential developments located on lots containing less than ten thousand square feet are allowed a maximum of twenty square feet of signage.

18.64.085 Regulations for commercial zoning districts outside of the downtown area.

A.    General. The following sections establish regulations on the area, number and height of the signs; provided, that where design review is required by the city land use code, the allowable area, number and height of signs may be limited as necessary to ensure conformance with the applicable design review criteria.

B.    Wall-Mounted Signs.

1.    Total Area. Fifty square feet or one square foot per one foot of lineal facade area where the sign is affixed, not to exceed two hundred fifty square feet per sign. In no case shall the total length of all signs exceed seventy percent of the lineal feet of the building frontage.

2.    Height. No wall-mounted sign shall extend above the height of the roofline or parapet of the building.

3.    Multi-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. One sign shall be allowed per tenant or user, unless a second face fronts a public street, in which case a second sign may be allowed.

C.    Freestanding Signs.

1.    Total Area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed seventy-five square feet in area per face, and shall not be closer than one hundred feet to another freestanding sign on the same property. Signs which are a part of or comprise a larger sign cannot be extended over separate lots, even if owned by the same person or entity.

2.    Height. The maximum height of freestanding signs shall be twelve feet above grade.

3.    Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted on each street frontage of property on which the business is located. Sites on a corner of two public streets may have one sign on the corner instead of a sign for each frontage, subject to approval by the building official. Commercial properties with more than one thousand feet of continuous street frontage and with more than one entrance may install a freestanding sign at each entrance.

4.    Landscaping.

a.    All freestanding signs shall include landscaping at their base. The planting area shall be a minimum of one square foot for each square foot of sign surface area.

b.    The above requirement may be met by placing the sign in an area that is part of the site’s approved landscape plan.

c.    The above requirement may be met by placing the sign in a raised planter around the base of the sign. Raised planters must be at least eighteen inches high.

d.    All required landscaping must be installed within sixty days of completion of the sign installation, unless the planning director grants an extension in writing for reasons of weather, good planting practices, or unforeseeable construction delay.

e.    Landscaping shall be continually maintained in a healthy growing condition by all property owners. Enforcement of landscaping shall be as prescribed in Section 18.60.060 of this code.

5.    Multi-Occupancy Building or Business Center.

a.    No more than one freestanding sign is permitted per multiple occupancy building unless the building fronts more than one public street.

b.    Each building in a multi-occupancy business center may have no more than one freestanding sign unless the building fronts more than one public street.

c.    Identification or directory signs for multi-occupancy business centers may be erected facing each street frontage.

6.    Directional Signs. Directional signs shall not exceed ten square feet per face and shall be located on the premises to which the sign is intended to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Directional signs are not included in the maximum number of freestanding signs allowed.

7.    Drive-Thru Menu Board Signs. Drive-thru menu board signs shall not exceed thirty square feet in area and a maximum height of seven feet, and shall face away from the street. Menu board signs are not included in the maximum number of freestanding signs allowed.

D.    Illumination.

1.    All operating mechanisms and electrical components shall be encased and concealed from view.

2.    Illumination from or upon any sign shall be located, shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as to avoid undue brightness, glare or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding area, and so as to avoid unreasonably distracting pedestrians or motorists. “Undue brightness” is illumination in excess of that which is reasonably necessary to make the sign reasonably visible to the average person on an adjacent street. (Ord. 2007-56 § 9 (part), 2007; Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 7, 2000. Formerly 15.20.085.)

18.64.090 Construction and location specifications.

A.    Compliance with Building and Electrical Codes. All signs shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the most current editions of the Uniform Sign and Building Codes adopted by the city as well as the National Electrical Code.

B.    Location Specifications.

1.    All freestanding, projecting, awning, marquee and under canopy signs shall have a minimum clearance of sixteen feet over any vehicular use area and eight feet over any pedestrian use area. Exception: Small freeswinging signs, constructed of lightweight materials, may be allowed to project as low as seven feet three inches above a pedestrian use area, provided the sign is no larger than four feet in length by one foot in width and that the proposed method of mounting, construction material, and placement is acceptable to the building official. A right-of-way use permit will also by required if the sign projects over city property or right-of-way.

2.    No sign over three feet six inches in height shall be located within the “triangular sight area” of an intersection or driveway entrance per Chapter 12.12 of this code and/or Sections I, I(K) and I, II(C5) of the city’s Developer’s Guide—Construction Standards and Specifications.

3.    No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening used as a means of egress.

4.    No sign shall be attached in any form, shape or manner which will interfere with any opening required for ventilation, except that signs may be erected in front of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of the provisions of this UBC or UFC.

5.    Signs shall be located in such a way as to maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with National Electrical Code specifications, depending on voltages concerned. It is the responsibility of the sign owner to contact the appropriate utility prior to installation. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.090.)

*    Editor’s Note: The Developer’s Guide is available on the city’s website (www.cityofpoulsbo.com).

18.64.100 Sign permit fees, conditions and penalties.

A.    Sign permit fees shall be as set forth in the Uniform Building Code (most recently adopted addition), Table 1-A; provided, that no plan check fee shall be charged in addition to the basic fee; and provided further, that the fee for a sign or banner to be located on the site along Highway 305 at the intersection with Hostmark Street or on the site along Highway 305 near the intersection with Viking Avenue shall be as set forth in Section 3.12.050(B).

B.    A sign permit will become null and void if work is not commenced within ninety days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for more than ninety days.

C.    If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit, the specified permit fee may be doubled. However, payment of the doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any requirements or penalties prescribed in this code. (Ord. 2003-16 § 38 (part), 2003; Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 97-31 § 2, 1997; Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.100.)

18.64.110 Sign permit application procedure and requirements.

A.    Sign permit applications shall be submitted to the city of Poulsbo planning department upon a form provided by the planning director and shall contain the following information:

1.    Name, address and telephone number of the owner of the sign;

2.    Name of the business that sign is advertising or the name of the group, organization or event the sign is publicizing;

3.    Street address and zoning of the property on which the sign is to be located;

4.    Name, address, telephone number, city business license number, and state contractor’s license number of the sign contractor, if other than the business or development owner;

5.    The total value of the sign or signs;

6.    Dimensions of the building facade or, in the case of a residential development with an undefined facade area or multiple facades, lot size;

7.    Total area of any existing nonexempt signs;

8.    Number and dimensions of proposed signs;

9.    Two copies of a site plan showing the proposed location (relative to property lines, existing structures, and pedestrian and/or automobile circulation area), height and square footage of each new sign along with the locations, heights and square footages of all existing signs on the same premises;

10.    Two copies of a mounting/installation plan. The plan must be drawn to scale and the dimensions, materials, design, and structural supports of each proposed sign.

B.    Once a complete set of plans and an application have been submitted to the planning department, the building official and planning director will review the plans for conformance with this chapter and the Uniform Sign Code and either issue, issue with conditions, or deny the sign permit. The official will determine the permit cost during the review process. Sign permit fees must be paid prior to permit issuance. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 8, 2000; Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.110.)

18.64.120 Inspection requirements.

A.    Any person installing, altering or relocating a sign for which a permit has been issued shall notify the planning department upon completion of the work. The building official will require a final inspection of the sign.

B.    It is the responsibility of the applicant and/or contractor to contact the State Department of Labor and Industries for inspection of the electrical components of the illuminated signs. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.120.)

18.64.130 Contractor’s license required.

No person may engage in the business of erecting, altering, relocating, constructing or maintaining signs without a valid contractor’s license and all required city, state and federal licenses. Exceptions: (A) a property owner or his designee, other than a sign contractor, may install signage at his own property without these licenses, and (B) painting or repainting of a sign may be performed without a contractor’s license. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.130.)

18.64.140 Maintenance requirements.

All signs shall be properly maintained. Exposed surfaces shall be clean and painted if paint is required. Defective parts shall be replaced. The city planning director or his designee shall have the right under Section 18.64.150, Administration and enforcement, to order the repair or removal of any sign which, in the determination of the building official, is defective, damaged or substantially deteriorated. If the city must take action to remove such a sign, the cost of removal shall be charged to the sign owner. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.140.)

18.64.150 Administration and enforcement.

A.    Administration. The building inspector is authorized to process applications for permits and variances and enforce and carry out all provisions of this code. The building inspector or his designee is empowered, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure, or premises in the city for the purpose of inspection of a sign and its structural and electrical connections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency exists.

B.    Removal of Signs by the Building Inspector. Any unlawful sign which has not been removed within thirty days after conviction of a violation or imposition of a civil penalty may be removed by the building inspector or his designee without further notice and the costs charged to the violator. After removal or demolition of the signs, a notice shall be given to the sign owner stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the inspection and removal costs. If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within thirty days of the date of the notice, the city may sell or otherwise dispose of the sign. Any proceeds in excess of the costs shall be paid to the owner of the sign. Signs which the building inspector finds on public streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, other public property, or wheresoever located, which present an immediate and serious danger to the public because of their unsafe condition, may be immediately removed by the building inspector or his designee. The sign owner may reclaim such signs within thirty days of the removal date by paying a twenty-five dollar removal fee per sign.

C.    Neither the city nor any of its agents shall be liable for any damage to any sign removed under this section. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 91-33 § 4, 1991: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.150.)

18.64.160 Penalties.

A.    Violation of Sign Code Provisions. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to violate or fail to comply with any of the provisions of this sign code.

B.    Notice of Violation. Whenever the building inspector or his designee determines that a violation of this code is taking or has taken place, the building inspector or his designee may issue a notice of violation. The notice shall specifically indicate:

1.    Which provisions of this chapter are being violated;

2.    What steps are necessary to correct the violation;

3.    The time in which the violation is to be corrected; and

4.    That failure to comply with the notice will result in an administrative fee of fifty dollars being assessed against the violator.

C.    Delivery of Notice. The building inspector or his designee shall:

1.    Leave a copy of the notice of violation with the occupant or person in charge of the property, or post it in a conspicuous place on the subject property if no one is present, or send a copy of the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the occupant or person in charge of the property on which the violation is taking place; and

2.    Send a copy of the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of the subject property.

D.    Second Notice. In the event that the violation shall not be corrected within the time frame set forth in the notice of violation, the building inspector or his designee shall send a second notice of the violation. The notice shall contain all items specified in subsections (B)(1) through (3) of this section and shall also indicate:

1.    That the fifty dollar administrative fee has been assessed against the violator and will have to be paid in addition to the violation being corrected; and

2.    That failure to comply with the notice subjects the violator to civil and criminal penalties. The second notice of violation shall be given in the same manner as the first notice.

E.    Civil and Criminal Penalties. In the event that the violator does not timely correct the violation and pay the administrative fee, the following penalties shall apply:

1.    Penalty for First Offense. Any person who shall commit any violation of this chapter, where such violation constitutes a first offense and where such person has failed to pay the administrative fee in response to a second notice, shall have committed a civil infraction and, upon a finding by the Poulsbo municipal court such infraction has been committed, shall pay a monetary penalty to the city of Poulsbo in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars.

2.    Penalty for Second or Subsequent Offense. Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this chapter, where such person has been adjudged by the Poulsbo municipal court to have committed a previous violation of such provisions and where such person has failed to pay the administrative fee in response to a second notice of violation, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition, each day or portion thereof during which any violation of this chapter is committed or permitted shall constitute a separate offense.

F.    Additional Remedies. In addition to any other remedy provided by this chapter, the city may initiate injunction or abatement proceedings or any other appropriate action in the courts against any person, firm or corporation who violates or fails to comply with any provisions of this chapter to prevent, enjoin, abate or terminate violations of this chapter or to restore a condition which existed prior to the violation. The violation shall pay the costs of such action including reasonable attorney’s fees. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 91-33 § 5, 1991: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.160.)

18.64.165 Nonconforming signs.

A.    Any sign, lawfully existing prior to June 19, 2000, but does not conform to the specific provisions of this chapter, may continue unchanged.

B.    A legal nonconforming sign may lose said designation if any of the following occur:

1.    The sign is not continuously maintained and repaired as required by Section 18.64.140.

2.    If the sign structure is relocated (at the owner’s initiative), enlarged, redesigned, reworded (except for allowed changeable copy) or altered in any way except to conform to this chapter.

3.    If the cost to repair a nonconforming sign exceeds fifty percent of its replacement cost.

C.    A sign replacing a nonconforming sign shall conform to this chapter. (Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 9, 2000. Formerly 15.20.165.)

18.64.170 Administrative modification of sign standards.

Any person may apply for an administrative modification of sign standards under the requirements of this chapter. The administrative modification shall be processed as an administrative sign modification as prescribed in Title 19 and the application fee shall be as set forth in the fee schedule for land use applications adopted by Section 3.12.010(A). No application for an administrative modification shall be granted unless the following findings can be made:

A.    The modification shall not constitute a grant of a special privilege inconsistent with the limitation in this chapter on the types of signs allowed in the same vicinity and zone;

B.    The modification is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the size, shape, topography, location or surroundings of the subject property, to provide it with use rights and privileges permitted to other properties in the same vicinity and zone, and the enforcement of this chapter would cause undue hardship; and

C.    The granting of the modification will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity. (Ord. 2011-02 § 12 (Exh. A (10-11) (part)), 2011: Ord. 2003-16 § 38 (part), 2003: Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2000-19 § 10, 2000: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.170.)

18.64.180 Map of downtown area boundaries.

(Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.180.)

18.64.190 Map of shoreline master plan boundaries.

(Ord. 2003-10 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 88-42 § 1 (part), 1988. Formerly 15.20.190.)