Chapter 17.50 SIGN CODE*

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the installation, alteration, relocation, number, size, height, material, and placement of signs within the city through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements. Consistent with the comprehensive plan, the regulation of signs protects the health, safety, and welfare of the residents. It promotes the aesthetic appearance of the city, to maintain and protect the value of property. It encourages quality design that creates an attractive and harmonious community and business environment. It provides businesses with the adequate means to advertise their products and services. It preserves the right of free speech exercised by its residents. (Ord. 2080 § 3, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.020 Definitions.

“Abandoned sign” includes a sign whose face has been removed or is broken and is not refaced within 180 days thereafter. Abandoned signs shall also include signs with rusted, faded, peeled, cracked or otherwise deteriorated materials or finishes that have not been repaired within 90 days after the city provides notice of the sign’s deterioration.

“Accessory sign” means a freestanding or attached sign that provides directions or information, but is not intended to identify or advertise the business.

“Accessory structure sign” means a sign on a freestanding structure housing an activity that is accessory to the principal tenant, such as an ATM kiosk.

“Awning” means any structure made of cloth, metal, or other material with a frame attached to a building. Some awnings can be raised flat against the building when not in use.

“Awning sign” means a sign affixed to the surface of an awning.

“Banner sign” means a sign made of cloth, fabric, paper, flexible plastic or other temporary material. Banners may contain text, numbers, graphic images or symbols. Pennants and flags are not considered banners.

“Billboard” means an off-premises sign that includes both the structural framework that supports a billboard and any message. Although sometimes smaller, billboard sizes often range from 12 to 14 feet in height and 24 to 48 feet in width.

“Building facade” means the exterior walls of a building exposed to public view or that cannot be viewed by those within the building.

“Canopy” means any structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, metal, or other materials with framework attached to a building or carried by a frame supported by the ground.

“Canopy sign” means a sign erected upon, under, against or directly above a canopy.

“Changeable copy sign” means any sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged by hand without altering the face or the surface of the sign: i.e., readerboards with changeable pictorial panels.

“Dangerous sign” means a sign that by nature of its condition is hazardous to the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

“Directional sign” means signs that point the way for pedestrians or drivers when a business is not clearly seen from the entrance to a complex. They can also be called wayfinding signs.

“Double-faced sign” means a sign that has a message on opposite sides of a single display surface or sign structure.

“Electrical sign” means a sign or sign structure that uses electrical wiring, connections or fixtures as a part of the sign, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source.

“Electronic message sign” means a sign that uses computer-generated messages or some other means of changing the words. These signs also include lamps, LEDs, LCDs, or flipper matrix.

“Event or happening” means a sale, activity, election or other occasion that has a limited duration with a start time and a stop time.

“Festoon” means a strip, string or cluster of balloons.

“Flag” means a piece of cloth or other flexible material attachable by one edge to a pole or rope.

“Flag, feather” is a flag supported on a vertical pole, arched or right-angled at the top to keep the flag open. Feather flags are temporary signs.

“Flashing sign” means a sign or a portion thereof that changes light intensity or switches on and off, or contains motion or the optical illusion of motion by use of electrical energy.

“Freestanding letters” means individual letters, characters or marks comprising any portion of a sign or sign structure, whether erected flat against a wall or upon a framework for support.

“Freestanding sign” means a sign supported by poles, uprights, braces, or standards and is not connected to or supported by any other structure. Pole signs and monument signs are examples of freestanding signs.

“Freeway sign” means a pole or monument sign that is allowed by code for those properties that are located along the Interstate 5 (I-5) right-of-way as defined in MMC 17.50.085. Freeway signs are specifically oriented to the traffic on the interstate rather than other state or local roadways.

“Grade” means the elevation or level of the street (or parking lot) closest to the sign to which reference is made, as measured at the street centerline, or the relative ground level in the immediate vicinity of the sign.

“Internal sign” means a sign not intended to be viewed by the public from the street right-of-way and may be located on internal walkways, landscape islands, or buildings. Examples include directional, building or parking regulations, restroom facilities, etc.

“Joint tenant sign” means a structure that displays the various tenants of a business complex or shopping center. It may be freestanding or a wall sign.

“Marquee” means a permanent structure attached to, supported by and projecting from a building, especially a theater or hotel, or freestanding that provides protection from the weather elements. This does not include a projecting roof but does include canopies.

“Marquee sign” means a sign attached to and made part of a marquee.

“Mobile sign” means a portable sign mounted on a trailer. Mobile signs are usually changeable copy signs.

“Monument sign” means a ground-mounted, fixed sign.

“Multiface signs” means signs with more than one sign face.

“Multigroup signs” means signs permitted simultaneously including accessory, directional, portable, and wall signs. Monument signs must be permitted separately.

“Multiple occupancy building” means a single structure with a common building access that houses more than one business, office or venture.

“Mural” means a work of art painted or applied to a wall of a building or other structure.

“Nit” means a measure of brightness that is defined as one candela per square meter.

“Off-premises sign” means a sign that is not located on the property of the business which it is advertising. Also known as a third-party sign or outdoor advertising.

“Parapet” means that portion of a building wall that extends above the roof of the building.

“Pennant” means a sign made of cloth, fabric, flexible plastic, or similar types of material that does not contain text, numbers, images or symbols.

“Permanent sign” means a sign that is erected without restriction on the time allowed for display.

“Planned center” means a group of retail stores, service establishments, offices, industries, or any other businesses planned to serve the public, which was processed through the site approval process as one project or that shares access or parking facilities. Individual parcels need not be under the same ownership to qualify as a planned center.

“Pole sign” means any sign, electric or otherwise, hung, supported or cantilevered from one or more supports constructed of structural steel, pipe, or other materials.

“Portable sign” means a freestanding sign that is readily moveable and not permanently affixed to the ground, including A-frame or sandwich board signs, signs mounted on weighted bases, and similar signs.

“Readerboard” means a sign that allows for frequent changes of copy. A readerboard may be a component of a monument or wall sign.

“Readerboard, mobile” means a readerboard sign that is not permanently installed on site.

“Repair” means to paint, clean, replace damaged parts, or improve the structural integrity of a sign, but not change its size, shape, location, or character.

“Revolving sign” means any sign or sign structure that revolves or partially revolves about an axis.

“Roof” means the exterior surface and its supporting structures on the top of a building. Overhangs extending beyond the facade of the lower wall are part of the roof.

“Roof sign” means any sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or parapet of a building or structure. When permitted, 80 percent of the sign area must be backed by the roof system.

“Sandwich board signs” means a sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame, which is typically in the shape of an A.

“Sign” means any object, device, display, structure, painting, visual image, or part thereof that is used to advertise, identify, direct, or attract attention to a product, business, activity, place, person, institution, or event using words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, logos, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images.

“Sign area” means the calculated area of the smallest geometric shape that can be drawn around the sign face. See MMC 17.50.080.

“Sign face” is the area of the sign on which words, graphics, and logos are placed. It includes a sign panel and any portion that is illuminated. It does not include supporting structures. See MMC 17.50.080.

“Sign graphics” includes all lines, strokes, text, symbols and logos applied to a sign surface, excluding the background to which they are applied.

“Sign height” means the vertical distance measured from the adjacent natural grade at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign face and/or sign structure. See MMC 17.50.080.

“Sign structure” means any structure that supports or can support any sign as defined in this chapter. Any structure that performs an entirely separate use, such as a kiosk, bus shelter, donation container, fence, etc., is not a sign structure. See MMC 17.50.080.

“Sign width” means the horizontal distance. See MMC 17.50.080.

“Snipe sign” means an off-premises sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, utility poles, street furniture, or to other objects, not applicable to the present use of the premises or structure upon which the sign is located.

“Street furniture” is a collective term for objects and pieces of equipment installed along streets and roads for various purposes and is considered government property. It includes benches, traffic barriers, bollards, post boxes, streetlamps, traffic lights, traffic signs, bus stops, taxi stands, public lavatories, fountains, fences, memorials, public sculptures, and waste receptacles.

“Supports” means any structure whose main purpose is to hold a sign, light, power line, low voltage line, or any other government controlled device, e.g., utility poles.

“Temporary sign” means any sign intended to be used for a limited period of time, not for a permanent installation. Temporary signs include any poster, banner, placard, stake sign, with or without frames, constructed of cloth, light fabric, paper, plastic, cardboard, or other similar material.

“Traffic control device” means a sign, signal, marking, or channelization device placed to control traffic as defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

“Traffic island” means a median, roundabout, or other infrastructure element designed to control vehicle movement as defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

“Unlawful sign” means any sign that was erected in violation of any applicable ordinance or law governing such sign or its construction at the time of its placement and that does not comply with all applicable ordinances or laws now.

“Vision clearance area” means an area of unobstructed sight distance as defined by MMC 17.44.060 or as otherwise required by law.

“Wall mural” means an artistic display applied directly to a building’s exterior that does not contain a business name or logo. The mural may be painted or vinyl. Murals containing a business name and/or logo shall be treated as a sign attached to a building and are subject to MMC 17.50.110.

“Wall plane” includes that portion of a facade that is contained on one general plane. A single wall plane may contain windows and doors, but it is generally a solid surface. The fascia of projecting porches or colonnades may be considered part of the wall plane from which the porch or colonnade projects in calculating signage area.

“Wall sign” means a sign painted, attached or erected parallel to and extending not more than one foot from the facade or face of any building to which it is attached. Signs incorporated into mansard roofs, marquees, or canopies will be treated as a wall sign.

“Window sign” means a sign that is painted on, attached to, or suspended directly behind or in front of a window or the glass portion of a door.

“Yard sign” means a small sign that is placed in a yard that faces a street in order to show support or share a message with the public. (Ord. 2080 § 4, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1563 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1474 § 1, 2001; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.030 Administration and enforcement.

A. Anyone installing or altering a sign must comply with all city codes. The land use administrator will issue all permits for the construction, alteration, and erection of signs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and other applicable laws.

B. The land use administrator may approve, approve with conditions, modify and approve with conditions, or deny an application for a sign permit. A sign permit shall be approved when the administrator has determined that a proposed sign will comply with all requirements of this chapter and, when applicable, the requirements of the International Building Code.

C. The land use administrator, or code enforcement officer, of the city of Milton will interpret and enforce this chapter. In addition to complying with the provisions of this chapter, the materials, structural design, construction, inspection, and maintenance requirements for signs must comply with the construction codes administered by the building department and the current National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code. (Ord. 2080 § 5, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1536 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.040 Permits required.

A. No sign shall be erected, reerected, constructed, enlarged, displayed, altered or moved without first obtaining a permit from the land use administrator except as listed in MMC 17.50.070.

B. A separate permit shall be required for each sign or joint tenant sign, unless it qualifies as multigroup sign. Thereafter, each additional sign erected on the structure must have a separate permit.

C. No permit is required for an exempt sign, as described in MMC 17.50.070.

D. No permit is needed to repaint, clean, repair, otherwise perform normal maintenance on a sign or sign structure. (Ord. 2080 § 6, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.050 Permit application requirements.

To obtain a sign permit, the applicant must make application in writing on forms furnished by the community development department.

A. Every sign code application must include the following:

1. Applicant’s contact information;

2. Identification and description of the sign including the type, size, dimensions, height, and number of faces;

3. Description of the land where the proposed sign is to be located by street address;

4. Proof of consent of the owner or person in legal possession of the property upon which the sign is to be erected, or his agent;

5. Sign drawings showing display faces with the proposed message and design accurately represented as to size, area, and dimensions;

6. Site plan drawn to scale containing a north arrow, location of property lines, lot dimensions, location of existing signs, and the location of the proposed sign on the site;

7. Plans, elevations, diagrams, light intensities, structural calculations and other material as may be reasonably required by the land use administrator;

8. Documentation demonstrating that the sign installer has a valid Washington State contractor’s license when a sign requires a building permit unless the sign is being installed by the owner of the sign;

9. A permit fee as adopted in the latest fee ordinance or resolution of the city council; and

10. Proof that a city of Milton business license has been obtained by the sign installation contractor and the company that is utilizing the permitted sign if the company utilizing the permitted sign is required to obtain a business license.

B. Additional permits may be required as follows:

1. An electrical permit is required for any electrical sign; and

2. A building permit is required for any freestanding sign that proposes a footing. (Ord. 2080 § 7, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1837 § 7, 2014; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.060 Prohibited signs.

Unless otherwise permitted, the following signs are not allowed in any zoning district:

A. Signs that pose a hazard to public health or safety other than because of the message delivered;

B. Signs placed without government authorization that resemble, interfere with, or are confused with traffic control devices as identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD);

C. Signs displaying obscene matter. Matter is obscene as described in RCW 7.48A.010, Definitions, and RCW 7.48A.020, Moral nuisances;

D. Signs that obstruct ingress or egress from fire escapes, doors, windows, or other exits or entrances;

E. Signs placed on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign unless otherwise specifically allowed by this chapter (this does not apply to allowed mobile signs or to signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business and excludes signs to advertise the sale of said vehicle);

F. Permanent off-premises signs;

G. Rotating and revolving signs;

H. Pole signs;

I. Signs containing strobe lights that are visible beyond the property line;

J. Abandoned signs;

K. Permanent signs on undeveloped sites;

L. Outdoor, portable or mobile electric signs;

M. Mobile signs;

N. Snipe signs;

O. Blinking or flashing lights, balloons, searchlights, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, and other carnival-like displays except as approved as temporary signs under MMC 17.50.140;

P. Banners except as approved as temporary signs under MMC 17.50.140;

Q. Unauthorized signs located on government property including utility poles, streetlights and other utility equipment;

R. Permanent signs attached to a fence;

S. Billboards; and

T. Any other type or kind of sign that does not comply with the terms, conditions, provisions, and intent contained in this chapter or other applicable law or ordinance. (Ord. 2080 § 8, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1712 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.070 Exempt signs.

The following signs do not require a permit for installation. All other provisions of this chapter apply:

A. Temporary signs;

B. Short-term portable signs that meet the requirements of MMC 17.50.120(A);

C. Legal notices, identification, traffic, or other signs erected or required by governmental authority under any law, statute or ordinance;

D. Signs erected or sanctioned by a government agency;

E. Historic site markers, plaques, or gravestones and signs on or eligible for listing on federal or state historic registers are excluded from this provision;

F. Address numbers, identification;

G. Internal and accessory signs not oriented or intended to be legible from a right-of-way or other property with a maximum area of 12 square feet;

H. Replacement of sign panels in an existing joint tenant sign when no structural changes are required;

I. Painted wall decorations or murals without business names or logos; however, a rendition of the mural shall be reviewed and approved by the community development director prior to placement to ensure that it meets the definition of a wall mural;

J. National, state and city flags; and

K. Locally designated historic signs. The Milton Light and Water sign located on the western building elevation of the Public Works Building at 1000 Laurel Street has been identified as a sign of locally important historical significance. (Ord. 2080 § 9, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.080 General provisions.

A. Sign Area. Sign area for all sign types is measured as follows:

1. Sign Area. Sign panels or channel lettering shall be calculated by measuring the area of the smallest rectangle, circle, triangle or parallelogram that will enclose the sign face, grouping of individual letters and graphics attached to the building, or illuminated surface. For an irregular-shaped sign, the sign area may be calculated by combining two or more geometric shapes. Sign supporting structures are excluded.

2. Multiface signs as shown in Figure 2 are measured as follows:

B. Sign Elements. Sign elements are illustrated in Figure 3.

C. Master Sign Plans.

1. Before a sign permit may be issued for any nonresidential multitenant building constructed after the effective date of this chapter, or for any existing multitenant building whose exterior will be altered to the degree that existing signage will be replaced, a master sign plan shall be submitted to, and approved by, the land use administrator. Master sign plans shall be approved through the site plan review, development plan review, or conditional use permit process, as appropriate.

2. Existing multitenant buildings may have master sign plans approved by the director in order to simplify the permitting process for individual signs at a later date. Individual buildings located within a multibuilding complex may have separate master sign plans.

3. Master sign plans shall indicate the amount, location, and type of signage allocated to each tenant space. The number of sign types, such as awning signs, cabinet signs, individual graphics, pan-channel sign graphics, sandblasted or carved wood signs, flat wood signs with hand painted or vinyl graphics, and neon signs, shall be limited to ensure visual continuity from one tenant space to the next within a building. If more than one sign type is used on a single building, the sign types shall have at least two of the following design elements in common with each other:

a. Common colors on the background or text.

b. Common lettering style.

c. Common size (e.g., a specified height common to each sign).

d. Common materials.

4. Criteria for Approval. All signs in the master sign plan must meet the following criteria:

a. Signs shall be architecturally similar and visually related to each other through the incorporation of common design elements. Up to two sign types may be used on one building. All sign cabinets, trim caps and all sign supports such as poles and braces shall be of a common color.

b. Signs shall be architecturally integrated with the buildings included in the master sign plan.

c. Signs must not obscure the view of other signs that are consistent with this chapter.

D. Signs for a development within the planned development district shall follow the standards for the zoning district with the most closely related uses.

E. Signs must comply with all applicable regulations. If a sign is regulated by more than one regulation, e.g., a temporary sign in the right-of-way, then the sign must comply with all the regulations applicable to the sign unless otherwise provided. (Ord. 2080 § 10, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1474 § 2, 2001; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.083 Signs in the right-of-way.

A. Except for traffic control devices, portable signs, temporary signs, temporary construction signs associated with work within the public right-of-way, and properly authorized banners, no signs may be erected or placed within the public right-of-way.

B. Portable signs and temporary signs (subject to MMC 17.50.120 and 17.50.140) may be placed in the right-of-way outside of the roadway, traffic islands, and vehicular and bicycle lanes. Signs may be placed on the sidewalk if four feet of unobstructed sidewalk is provided. Signs may not block driveways or be affixed to utility poles, trees, or traffic control devices, and may not block vision clearance areas.

C. Signs must not obscure the view of other signs that are consistent with this chapter.

D. Except for government authorized signs, signs must have the approval of the abutting property owner. Unapproved signs can be removed without notice.

E. Vision Clearance Area. Pole signs are permitted in the vision clearance area where the bottom of the sign is at least 10 feet above the elevation of the street grade.

F. Vehicle Area Clearances. When a sign extends over a private area where vehicles travel or are parked, the bottom of the sign structure must be at least 14 feet above the ground. Vehicle areas include driveways, alleys, parking areas, and loading and maneuvering areas. Exceptions are prohibited.

G. Pedestrian Area Clearances. When a sign extends over a walkway or other space accessible to pedestrians, the bottom of the sign structure must be at least eight feet above the ground. Exceptions are prohibited.

H. Signs placed on public property or in the public right-of-way in violation of this chapter are subject to removal by the city without notification. (Ord. 2080 § 11, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1474 § 2, 2001; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.085 Freeway signs.

Freeway signs are located along and specifically oriented toward traffic on I-5.

A. Maximum Number and Spacing.

1. RS, RMD, RM, MX, CF, OS: zero.

2. B, M-1: one per parcel or one per planned center when the parcel or planned center directly abuts the I-5 right-of-way. The parcel or planned center must be a minimum of 12,000 square feet in area, or have been legally created prior to January 1, 2003, in order to erect a freeway sign. The freeway sign is in addition to other allowed signage; it must be located along the side of the property nearest I-5, and it must be oriented toward I-5.

B. Maximum Sign Area. See MMC 17.50.080(A).

1. RS, RMD, RM, MX, CF, OS: does not apply.

2. B, M-1: 125 square feet.

C. Maximum Height.

1. RS, RMD, RM, MX, CF, OS: does not apply.

2. B, M-1: 40 feet.

D. Landscape and Siting Requirements. Freeway signs must be located in a planting bed of equal area to the area of the sign. The planting bed may be included within the planting strips required under Chapter 17.15C MMC, Table of Landscape Regulations. The minimum dimension of the planting bed must be 10 feet measured from inside face of the curb to inside face of curb. The planting beds will be improved with the following:

1. Groundcover: one gallon container planted 12 inches on center; and

2. Shrubs: one two-gallon container per 10 square feet of sign area. Shrubs located within the vision clearance area may not be taller than 36 inches. (Ord. 2080 § 12, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1563 § 2, 2003).

17.50.090 Pole signs.

Repealed by Ord. 2080. (Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1474 § 3, 2001; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.100 Monument signs.

A. Maximum Number.

1. RS, RMD, MX: zero for residential uses; one per street frontage for permitted or conditionally permitted nonresidential uses or multifamily complexes. One subdivision identification sign is permitted per subdivision.

2. RM: one per street frontage.

3. B, CF, M-1, OS: one per street frontage. For extended street frontage, one sign per vehicle entrance at least 250 feet apart.

B. Maximum Sign Area. See MMC 17.50.080(A).

1. RS, RMD, MX: maximum 64 square feet for permitted or conditionally permitted nonresidential use or multifamily use. Maximum of 36 square feet for a subdivision identification sign.

2. RM: 64 square feet.

3. B, CF, M-1, OS: minimum of 32 square feet up to a maximum sign area of 64 square feet.

C. Maximum Height.

1. RS, RMD, MX: eight feet.

2. RM: 12 feet.

3. B, CF, M-1, OS: 12 feet.

D. Sign Structure.

1. The height of the base structure must be a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum equal to the height of the sign face.

2. The width of the base structure must have a minimum aggregate width of 40 percent of the width of the sign face.

E. Landscape and Siting Requirements.

1. The sign face shall be at least one foot above the grade to allow vertical space for the required landscaping elements and enhance the visibility of the sign face.

2. Monument signs must be located in a planting bed of equal area to the area of the sign. The planting bed may be included within the planting strips required under Chapter 17.15C MMC, Table of Landscape Regulations. The minimum dimension of the planting bed must be five feet measured from inside face of curb to inside face of curb.

3. The planting beds will be improved with the following:

a. One gallon groundcover planted 12 inches on center; and

b. One shrub per 10 square feet of sign area. Shrubs located within the vision clearance area may not be taller than 36 inches.

F. Design Requirements.

1. Materials and Design. Signs shall include durable high quality materials and a design that relates to and/or complements the design of on-site buildings and/or is coordinated with other site design elements (such as distinctive lighting, monuments, internal signs);

2. Framing. Signs must include design elements that effectively frame the sign on both sides. Alternatively, signs that have a substantial framing element on one side will meet this provision; and

3. Top/Middle/Bottom. Signs shall integrate a top, middle, and bottom element. The top should include a distinctive sign cap. The middle should include a consistent framing technique for an individual sign or multiple signs in a multitenant center. The bottom should include a distinctive base design with special materials and/or design.

G. Illumination.

1. Monument signs, where permitted in residential zones (RS, RMD, RM), may only be externally illuminated with steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare. Light shielding shall ensure that the lamp or light source is not visible beyond the premises and shall further ensure that the light is contained within the sign face.

2. Where allowed, internally illuminated sign or a digital sign may not exceed a light output of 100 nits during nighttime hours. (Ord. 2080 § 14, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.105 Accessory signs.

Directional, internal, and accessory structure signs (i.e., ATMs, kiosks) are allowed accessory signs.

A. Directional Signs as Defined in MMC 17.50.020.

1. Maximum Number.

a. RS, RMD, RM: zero.

b. MX, B, CF, M-1, OS: one directional per entrance for nonresidential uses.

2. Maximum Sign Area. See MMC 17.50.080(A).

a. RS, RMD, RM: does not apply.

b. MX, B, CF, M-1, OS: three square feet.

3. Maximum Height.

a. RS, RMD, RM: does not apply.

b. MX, B, CF, M-1, OS: three feet.

B. Other Accessory Signs.

1. No limit if not oriented or intended to be visible from the right-of-way.

2. Permit required for signs over 12 square feet.

C. Accessory structure signs count against the maximum total area allowed under MMC 17.50.110(B). (Ord. 2080 § 15, 2024).

17.50.110 Wall signs.

Awning, fascia, marquee, and roof signs are included in wall signs. Wall signs are permitted on wall elevations that are viewable from public rights-of-way or on wall elevations containing public entrances to the building.

A. Maximum Number. No limit within the maximum total area. A limit of one roof sign per wall elevation viewable to the public. See “roof sign” definition.

B. Maximum Total Area.

1. RS, RMD, RM: four square feet or 10 percent of the wall area, whichever is greater for permitted or conditionally permitted nonresidential uses or multifamily complexes.

2. MX, B, CF, M-1, OS: 48 square feet or 15 percent of the wall area, whichever is greater, of the storefront, tenant space, or building.

C. Maximum Sign Area per Sign. See MMC 17.50.080(A).

1. RS, RMD, RM: 32 square feet per sign (roof signs are prohibited).

2. B, M-1: 200 square feet; 24 square feet for a roof sign and the combined sign face and structure area may not exceed 48 square feet.

3. MX, CF, OS: 100 square feet; 24 square feet for a roof sign and the combined face and structure area may not exceed 48 square feet.

D. Wall signs may not exceed 12 inches in thickness.

E. Illumination.

1. The illumination of signs shall not interfere with traffic, traffic control devices or the signs of others.

2. Signs on awnings or canopies may not be illuminated internally if the light illuminates more than the sign.

3. Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated with steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare. Light shielding shall ensure that the lamp or light source is not visible beyond the premises and shall further ensure that the light is contained within the sign face.

4. Internally illuminated sign or a digital sign may not exceed a light output of 100 nits during nighttime hours. (Ord. 2080 § 16, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1474 § 4, 2001; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.115 Electronic message signs.

An electronic message (EM) sign is not a separately allowed sign type. The purpose of this section is to regulate the manner in which digital sign technology can be applied to sign types that are otherwise allowed in this chapter. This section is not intended to allow more signs or larger signs than otherwise permitted in this chapter.

A. EM Signage Integration. Digital signage elements may be integrated into any monument sign or wall sign permitted in this section.

B. Maximum number: one EM wall sign or one EM sign per monument sign allowed in MMC 17.50.100. An EM sign may be visible on both sides of a monument sign.

C. Maximum sign area as calculated per MMC 17.50.080(A): 16 square feet. The square footage shall count towards the maximum total sign area and/or maximum sign area for each type.

D. Hold between messages: minimum eight seconds.

E. Programming. To ensure that digital signs are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, digital signs shall be designed for local on-site control and programming. (Ord. 2080 § 17, 2024).

17.50.120 Portable signs.

A. Short-Term Portable Signs. “Short-term portable signs” are portable signs that advertise a specific event or happening. Short-term portable signs may only be displayed on the day of the event and cannot be set up earlier than two hours before the event and must be removed within two hours after the event. Short-term portable signs are exempt from a sign permit and are allowed if they meet the following provisions:

1. Short-term portable signs shall not be displayed for more than five days in a 30-day period.

2. Short-term portable signs shall have a maximum area of 12 square feet. See MMC 17.50.080(A).

3. Short-term portable signs shall have a maximum height of four feet.

4. Short-term portable signs related to the same event must be a minimum of 500 feet apart.

5. Short-term portable signs located in the right-of-way must have permission from the abutting property owner.

6. Short-term portable signs located in the right-of-way must comply with MMC 17.50.083.

B. Long-Term Portable Signs. “Long-term portable signs” are portable signs that do not qualify as “short-term portable signs.” Long-term portable signs require a sign permit and are allowed if they meet the following provisions:

1. One long-term portable sign per nonresidential or multifamily use is permitted in the RS, RMD, RM districts.

2. One long-term portable sign per business, building, or tenant is permitted in the B, CF, M-1, MX, OS districts.

3. Long-term portable signs shall have a maximum sign area of 12 square feet. See MMC.17.50.080(A).

4. Long-term portable signs shall have a maximum height of four feet.

5. Long-term portable signs must be located within 10 feet of the primary business entrance it advertises.

6. Long-term portable signs may be displayed only during business or operating hours and shall be removed when the business is closed.

7. Long-term portable signs located in the right-of-way must comply with MMC 17.50.083.

8. Long-term portable signs may not block pedestrian, vehicle, or vision clearance areas. Long-term portable signs placed on pedestrian walkways must leave four feet of access.

C. Other Portable Signs. All portable signs that fail to comply with this section are prohibited. (Ord. 2080 § 18, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.140 Temporary signs.

A. Private Property. Temporary signs on private property must comply with the following requirements:

1. No flashing temporary sign of any type is permitted; however, internally illuminated signs, e.g., portable readerboards, are permitted if they conform to the current National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code;

2. Signs must be securely fastened and positioned in place so as not to constitute a hazard to pedestrians or motorists;

3. Sign may not project over or into the traveled portion of a street, sidewalk or way except properly authorized banners installed by the city of Milton;

4. Sign must be owned by the property owner or business on the property. No off-premises signs allowed;

5. Temporary signs, including feather signs, shall not be within 100 feet along the same street frontage of any other temporary sign providing the same information;

6. Blinking or flashing lights, balloons, banners, searchlights, clusters of flags, and strings of twirlers or propellers may be displayed before and during an event so long as the display does not exceed 30 days within any 90-day period;

7. Yard signs and wall signs not exceeding eight square feet of total signage are permitted on all residential properties without time limits; and

8. All other temporary signs on private property are limited to a maximum of 90 days.

B. Right-of-Way. Temporary signs in the right-of-way must comply with the following requirements:

1. Must be in compliance with MMC 17.50.083;

2. Must advertise an event or happening;

3. Maximum of four square feet in area and three feet in height;

4. Signs must be firmly anchored to the ground by a stake or a wire support that can be manually pushed or hammered into the ground without toppling or blowing over;

5. Approval of the abutting property owner is required; and

6. Signs permitted by this section must be removed within 10 days of the event or happening and cannot be up over 180 days total. (Ord. 2080 § 19, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1649 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1474 § 5, 2001; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.145 Uptown standards.

This section applies only to the uptown district. The specific regulations in this section apply only to uptown district but do not supplement or otherwise affect any other regulation in this chapter.

A. Window signs are allowed if they do not prevent visibility into buildings and from within buildings out to the sidewalk.

1. Permanent window signs are limited to individual painted or vinyl cut-out letters and graphics, or neon signs constructed without a solid or opaque background.

2. Temporary window signs may not cover more than 25 percent of the window and are subject to the timelines outlined in MMC 17.50.140(A)(8).

3. A deviation from standards may be granted for permanent vinyl covers if the windows open to storage areas, rooms that require privacy (i.e., medical facilities), or other nonpublic areas. A deviation from standards will not be granted for doors, window sections on each side of the doors, lobbies, customer waiting areas, restaurant seating areas, and the like.

B. Temporary signs are not allowed on the sidewalks, and no more than one such sign per 100 feet of frontage is allowed.

C. A permit is required for long-term portable signs. Portable signs are allowed on the internal sidewalk provided there is four feet of access, and the signs are displayed only during business or operating hours and removed when the business is closed.

D. Perpendicular Wall Signs. Perpendicular signs for pedestrian traffic are permitted, but may not exceed four square feet.

E. Monument signs are required for all new developments or planned centers. (Ord. 2080 § 20, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018).

17.50.150 Nonconforming signs.

A. A sign is legally nonconforming if it is out of conformance with this code and was lawfully erected in compliance with the applicable sign ordinance of the city or county that was effective at the time of sign installation, and a valid permit for such sign exists.

B. A legal nonconforming sign must be brought into compliance with this chapter or removed if:

1. The sign is abandoned;

2. The sign is damaged more than 50 percent of its replacement value, unless such destruction is the result of vandalism or intentional destruction or removal by someone not authorized by the sign owner;

3. The owner seeks to change the sign electrically or structurally, other than minor maintenance or repair;

4. The occupant space(s) to which the sign applies is undergoing an expansion or renovation that increases the size of the occupant space floor area or site coverage by 20 percent or more, or the value of the expansion or renovation exceeds 50 percent of the assessed value of the structure;

5. The building to which the sign applies is demolished; or

6. The sign is more than 20 years old. (Ord. 2080 § 21, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1716 § 1, 2008; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.160 Maintenance of signs.

All signs and landscape, including signs heretofore installed, must be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety, and repair. The owner or occupant of the premises on which any sign is not securely, safely and properly maintained or is dangerous must repair or remove the sign within five working days after receiving notice from the land use administrator. The owner or occupant must repair or remove damaged signs or signs in disrepair within 30 days. The premises surrounding a sign must be free and clear of rubbish and the landscaping area free of weeds. (Ord. 2080 § 22, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.170 Removal of signs.

A. Dangerous Signs. All signs and sign structures that do not conform to Chapter 15.05 MMC, Construction Codes, that are a hazard to life and property, or that by their condition or location present an immediate danger to the public, must be discontinued or made to conform within the time the city may specify. If the owner cannot be found or refuses to comply with the order to remove, the city may then have the dangerous sign removed and the owner cited. The cost of removing the sign plus administrative costs will be charged to the property owner.

B. Abandoned Signs. Any person who owns or leases a sign must remove the sign when it has been abandoned per definition in MMC 17.50.020.

C. If the owner cannot be identified, the city may remove any sign that has been abandoned. (Ord. 2080 § 23, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1663 § 20, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.180 Deviation from standards.

A. Authority. The land use administrator may grant a deviation from the requirements of this chapter using Process II (Chapter 17.71 MMC). In granting any deviation, the administrator may prescribe conditions that are necessary to satisfy the criteria below.

B. Nonconforming Signs. The land use administrator may grant a deviation from standards from the provisions of MMC 17.50.150(B)(4) requiring the removal of a nonconforming sign because of a change in copy only if the circumstances prompting the deviation from standards request do not result from the actions of the applicant. A change in telephone area code or street name are two examples of potential changes in copy that would not be prompted by the actions of the applicant.

C. Standards. The land use administrator may grant a deviation from standards of this chapter only if the applicant demonstrates compliance with the following criteria:

1. The deviation from standards as approved does not constitute a grant that is inconsistent with the intent of the sign code;

2. The deviation from standards 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 vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located;

3. The granting of the deviation from standards will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located;

4. The special conditions and circumstances prompting the deviation from standards request do not result from the actions of the applicant;

5. The deviation from standards as granted represents the least amount of deviation from the prescribed regulations necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the deviation from standards is sought and that is consistent with the stated intent of this chapter; and

6. The granting of the deviation from standards will not constitute a public nuisance or adversely affect the public safety and the proposed deviation from standards does not interfere with the location and identification of adjacent buildings or activities.

D. Other Considerations. The land use administrator will grant deviations that are necessary to comply with MMC 17.50.182. The administrator will also consider deviations necessary to harmonize a sign with any associated structures of a recognized architectural style whether new construction or an existing structure. (Ord. 2080 § 24, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1741 § 23, 2009; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.182 Construction.

A. Not Content-Based. The city recognizes that content-based laws target speech based on its communicative content, they are presumptively unconstitutional and may be justified only if the government proves that they are narrowly tailored to serve compelling state interests. Except where a compelling state interest is involved such as the control of public safety matters, this chapter does not in any way deal with the content of signs other than as expressly stated.

B. Narrowly Construed. This chapter shall be narrowly construed to impose the least impingement on free speech and expression as is consistent with the exercise of the police power of the city.

C. No Criminal Activity Permitted. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting the public display of illegal pornography, or the solicitation for the commission of crimes or treason. (Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018).

17.50.185 Signs of historical community significance.

A. A sign may be designated by the city council as a sign of historical community significance.

B. When a sign of historical community significance is reestablished after a period of absence, the sign must be restored to its historic appearance, height, and width to be classified as historically significant. If the sign is altered, including but not limited to additional messaging that was not historically present, the sign will not be considered historically significant. (Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018).

17.50.190 Penalty for violations.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, improve, convert, demolish, equip, or use any sign or sign structure in the city, or cause or allow the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any provisions of this chapter.

B. Any person, firm, or corporation knowingly violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable as set forth in MMC 9.04.040. (Ord. 2080 § 25, 2024; Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1536 § 2, 2002; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).

17.50.200 Severability.

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such order or judgment shall be confined in its operation to the controversy in which it was rendered and shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any part thereof to any other person or circumstances and to this end the provisions of each clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this law are hereby declared to be severable. (Ord. 1938 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1666 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1437 § 1, 2000).