Chapter 18.30
SIGNS
Sections:
18.30.090 Sign provisions for residential zones.
18.30.100 Sign provisions for commercial and mixed-use zones.
18.30.110 Identification signs for public schools.
18.30.120 Administration – Enforcement.
18.30.010 Intent and purpose.
It is the intent of this code to protect the health, safety, property and welfare of the city, its residents, workers, and businesses by establishing standards for the design, placement, size, and maintenance of all exterior signs and sign structures in the city.
It is a further intent of the regulations, standards, and criteria of this code to permit and encourage the design of signs which are responsive to the needs of the public in locating a business establishment by identification, address, and product and/or services information.
The code will accomplish this intent through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements, including the following purposes:
(1) Balance the public interest and private business needs with the objective to sustain a community that is desirable, livable, and walkable;
(2) Support the economic vitality and well-being of all businesses by providing sufficient means to identify their locations, products, and services;
(3) Ensure consistency with and implement the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan including the economic development element;
(4) Encourage the installation of quality signs that are coordinated and complementary with the buildings and uses to which they relate, and which are harmonious with their surroundings;
(5) Provide for the timely elimination of nonconforming signs;
(6) Recognize free speech rights by regulating signs in a content-neutral manner;
(7) Reduce potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians by reducing signage or visual distractions and obstructions that contribute to limited safety and site visibility;
(8) Protect property values, the local economy, and the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape;
(9) Provide an improved visual environment for residents, workers, and visitors to the city; and
(10) Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.020 Scope.
The ordinance codified in this chapter shall not regulate traffic, directional or other signs installed by a government entity; in building merchandise displays, or in building point-of-purchase advertising displays, such as product dispensers; national flags or flags of a political subdivision; legal notices or signs required by law, city permit or other city authorization; holiday decorations; historic site plaques; gravestones; structures intended for a separate use, such as charity and recycling containers; provided, that their placement shall comply with all applicable setback requirements unless otherwise allowed within this chapter and be done in a manner so that the safe vision and operation or passage of vehicles or pedestrians is not affected; or lettering or symbols painted directly onto or flush-mounted magnetically onto a motor vehicle unless operating in the normal course of business. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.030 Definitions.
“Abandoned sign” means a sign that no longer correctly identifies, exhorts, or advertises any person, business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or available on the premises where such sign is located.
“Advertising copy” means any letters, figures, symbols, logos, or trademarks which identify or promote the sign user, any product or service, information about the sign user, the building, or any other message.
Backlit sign. (See “Illuminated sign.”)
“Banner” means a temporary sign that is made from cloth or a similar lightweight nonrigid material which is secured or mounted to a building or permanent ground sign. This definition does not include a flag, awning sign, canopy sign, window sign or inflatable sign.
“Billboard” means an advertising copy sign that directs attention to businesses, commodities, services, or facilities that are not primarily sold, manufactured, or distributed from the property on which the sign is located, or conveys any other message. The term “billboard” includes both the structural framework that supports a billboard and any billboard faces attached to the framework.
“Changing message center” means an electronically controlled public service time and temperature sign, message center, or reader board where different copy changes are shown on the same lamp bank.
“Directory sign” means a sign listing the names, uses, addresses or location of the various businesses or activities conducted within a multi-tenant building or multi-tenant complex.
“Double-faced sign” means a sign that has advertising copy on opposite sides of a single-display surface or sign structure.
“Electrical sign” means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, and/or fixtures are used as part of the sign proper.
“Facade” means the entire building front or street wall face of a building extending from the grade of the building to the top of the parapet or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation.
“Feather sign” means a vertical sign or similar type of sign that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into the ground for support or supported by means of an individual stand and which is intended to flutter, wave, or otherwise move from the pressure of the wind.
“Flags” means a flexible cloth or cloth-like material printed with decorative image, sign message, or symbol of governmental body or other organization.
“Flashing sign” means a sign or portion thereof which changes light intensity or switches on and off in a constant pattern or contains motion or the optical illusion of motion by use of electrical energy. Changing message centers shall not be considered flashing signs.
“Freestanding sign” means a nonmovable sign attached to the ground by a sign structure and supported by uprights placed on or in the ground.
“Frontage” means the measurement of the length of the property line along the street immediately adjacent to the property.
“Grade” means the elevation as measured at the relative ground level in the immediate vicinity of the sign.
“Illuminated sign” means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
“Incidental sign” means a small, nonelectric information sign four square feet or less in area which pertains to goods, products, services, or facilities which are available on the premises where the sign occurs and which is intended primarily for the convenience of the public while on the premises. Incidental signs may be regulated based on the physical sign type or location of the sign.
“Landscaping” means any material used as a decorative feature, such as concrete bases, planter boxes, rockeries, driftwood, pole covers, decorative framing and shrubbery or planting materials, used in conjunction with a sign, which expresses the theme of the sign but which does not contain advertising copy.
“Mansard roof” means a sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally able to be treated as a building wall.
“Marquee” means a permanent structure attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection from the weather elements, but which does not include a projecting roof. For purposes of the ordinance codified in this chapter, a freestanding, permanent, roof-like structure providing protection from the elements, such as a service station gas pump island, will also be considered a marquee. The definition also includes an awning and a canopy.
“Monument sign” means a ground-mounted, freestanding sign that is above average ground elevation and is anchored to the ground by a wide base of solid appearance, with no open space between the sign and the ground. This definition includes pedestal signs.
“Nameplate sign” means a sign designating the name and address of the resident, residence, or its home occupation.
“Nonconforming sign” means any sign legally existing at the effective date of the adoption of the ordinance or amendments thereto codified in this chapter, which could not be built under the terms of this chapter.
“On-premises directional sign” means a permanent sign that directs the public to a specific place such as an entrance, exit, or parking or service area, or to a particular aspect of a business establishment.
“Perimeter” means the boundary of the square or rectangle required to enclose the sign.
“Person” means an individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, institution, or organization.
“Pole sign” means a freestanding sign that is supported by one or more uprights, poles, pylons or braces in or on the ground, and is not defined as a monument sign.
“Premises” means the real estate (as a unit) which is involved by the sign or signs mentioned in this chapter.
“Projecting sign” means a sign, other than a wall-mounted or marquee sign, which is attached to and projects more than one foot from a structure or building face.
“Reader board” means a sign face consisting of tracks to hold readily changeable letters allowing frequent changes of copy.
“Real estate – directional sign” means a temporary sign containing directional information related to real estate available within the area which is only to be used during the hours of business for a related real estate event.
“Real estate sign” means a portable or freestanding sign erected by the owner or his agent advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located for rent, lease, or sale, or directing to the property.
“Revolving sign” means a sign which rotates or turns in motion in a circular pattern.
“Roof sign” means a sign fully supported by and erected on and above a roof of a building or structure. (Shall not include a sign erected on the face of a mansard roof.)
“Sign” means any visual communication device, structure, or fixture which is visible from any right-of-way and is intended to convey a message such as, but not limited to, promoting the sale of products, goods, services, or events; or to identify a building using graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks or written copy. Painted wall designs or patterns which do not represent the communication of a message but rather are artistic representations such as a design or pattern alone shall not be considered signs. If a design or pattern is combined with a sign, only that part of the design or pattern which cannot be distinguished from the sign will be considered as part of the sign.
“Sign area” means the entire area of a sign on which copy is to be placed. Only one side of a double-faced sign shall be included. Sign structure, architectural embellishments, framework and decorative features which contain no written or advertising copy shall not be included. Sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area determined by the perimeter as previously defined in this section.
“Sign height” means the greater of:
(1) The vertical distance measured from the average finished elevation within the sign outline to the highest point of the sign;
(2) The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the preexisting natural elevation within the sign outline to the highest point of the sign;
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, no sign shall exceed 12 feet as measured from the lowest point of the preexisting natural elevation within the sign outline to the highest point of the sign.
“Sign structure” means any structure which supports or is designed to support any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole or may or may not be an integral part of the building.
“Street” means a public way open to public use, including an avenue, place, drive, boulevard, parkway, highway, roadway, or any similar way, except an alley.
“Temporary construction sign” means a sign jointly erected and maintained on premises undergoing construction by an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or materialman, upon which property such person is furnishing labor or material.
“Temporary sign” means any sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, paper, cardboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited time only.
“Under-marquee sign” means a sign attached to and suspended from the underside of a marquee or canopy.
“Window sign” means any sign that is painted or mounted onto either side of an exterior windowpane, or is hung inside the window with the intent of being visible from the exterior in a more than incidental manner, including advertisements for services or products in the form of decals, emblems, paint, exposed neon, banners, etc. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.040 Permits.
No sign shall hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, posted, applied, or structurally altered, except as provided in the ordinance codified in this chapter, and pursuant to a permit issued by the community development director or their designee. A single permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure installed simultaneously. Thereafter, each additional sign erected on the structure must have a separate permit.
(1) Exemptions. The following shall not require a permit; provided, however, that these exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner from the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this chapter or any other law or ordinance:
(a) The changing of the advertising copy or message on a conforming and lawfully erected painted or printed sign, reader board, or similar sign specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy;
(b) Painting, repainting, or cleaning of a lawfully erected sign or the changing of the advertising copy thereon and other normal maintenance unless structural or electrical changes are made;
(c) Temporary signs erected entirely on private property;
(d) Real estate signs;
(e) Nonelectric, on-premises, directional signs not exceeding eight square feet;
(f) Incidental signs;
(g) Political signs;
(h) One nonelectric, on-premises bulletin board not exceeding 25 square feet in area for each charitable or religious organization;
(i) One temporary construction sign per street frontage;
(j) Temporary signs displayed for 31 days or less;
(k) One nonelectric, portable sign not exceeding 12 square feet located on premises;
(l) Signs required by law, including but not limited to: traffic directional or warning signs and building or site addresses;
(m) Plaques, tablets or inscriptions indicating the name of a building, date of erection, or other commemorative information, which are an integral part of the building structure or are attached flat to the face of the building, which are nonilluminated, and which do not exceed four square feet in surface area;
(n) State or federal flags;
(o) Flags, provided no more than one on-site flag is permitted per parcel, or one per tenant in a multi-tenant building; and further provided, the flag does not exceed 20 square feet in surface area.
(2) Permanent Sign Application Requirements. Applications for permanent sign permits shall be made to the community development director on forms provided and shall be accompanied by the following information:
(a) Two site plans showing the location of the affected lot, building or buildings, and sign or signs, showing both existing sign(s) and the proposed sign or signs. If the proposed sign is a temporary sign requiring a permit, this shall require two maps showing the location of the proposed temporary sign.
(b) Two copies of to-scale drawing of the proposed sign or sign revision, including size, height, copy, structural and footing details, material specifications, method of attachment, illumination, front and end views of marquees, calculation for dead load and wind pressure, photographs of site and building marked to show where sign or marquee is proposed, and any other information required to ensure compliance with appropriate laws.
(c) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or property where the sign is to be erected.
(d) A permit fee as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(e) Any additional information requested by the community development director or their designee.
(3) Temporary Sign Application Requirements. Applications for permit to place a temporary sign in the right-of-way shall be made to the community development director on forms provided and shall be accompanied by the following information:
(a) The total number of temporary signs to be used; and
(b) Proposed sign description, including size, materials, method of attachment (if applicable), and any other information demonstrating compliance with applicable law; and
(c) Written acknowledgment of NPMC 18.30.080, Temporary signs; and
(d) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or property where the sign is to be erected. If it is a temporary sign allowed to be located within the right-of-way, written consent of the adjacent underlying property owner.
All approved temporary sign permit applications will be provided with an approval icon which must be attached to the temporary sign and installed in a visible location at all times. Any temporary sign placed without such approval icon is in violation of this code and is subject to immediate removal.
(4) Exceptions. The community development director may waive submission of plans and specifications when the structural aspect is of minor importance.
(5) Permit fees shall be in accordance with fee schedules set by ordinance of the city council.
(6) Variances. The hearing examiner may permit variances from the provisions of this chapter as provided in Chapter 18.20 NPMC. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.050 General provisions.
(1) Structural Requirements. The structure and installation of all signs shall comply with the latest adopted edition of the International Building Code.
(2) Maintenance of Signs. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, neat, clean and attractive condition.
(3) Illumination of Signs.
(a) Signs with external lighting are encouraged. However, the light directed on, or internal to, any sign shall be so shaded, shielded, and/or directed so that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on private or public property or pedestrians on a public right-of-way.
(b) Backlit logos and individual letters are permitted. Other backlit signs are prohibited.
(c) Signs with neon lighting are permitted.
(4) Clearance. All signs must maintain a minimum of eight feet of vertical clearance over pedestrian ways except for under-marquee signs, which must maintain sufficient clearance (minimum one foot) for pedestrians to pass beneath them; and 15 feet of vertical clearance over areas where trucks may be required to pass beneath them.
(5) Sight Distance. All signage must comply with sight obstruction and sight distance triangle regulations in NPMC 18.35.010(2). For purposes of this subsection signs are obstructions.
(6) Sign Design. The applicant shall demonstrate how the proposed permanent sign or signs is/are architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors, and details of the (primary) building.
(7) The use of symbols for signage is encouraged.
(8) Street numbers should be installed on all buildings and will not be counted towards permitted sign area.
(9) Sign Materials and Construction. All signs, except temporary signs, must be constructed of durable, maintainable materials. Signs that are made of materials that deteriorate quickly or that feature impermanent construction are not permitted. For example, plywood or plastic sheets without a sign face overlay or without a frame to protect exposed edges are not permitted.
(10) Size and Scale. Signage shall be of a size, scale and mass, and height that is in proportion to the facade of the respective building to which the signage applies as well as to the windows and doors of the structure. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.060 Prohibited signs.
(1) Signs which by coloring, shape, wording, or location resemble or conflict with traffic-control signs or devices;
(2) Signs that create a safety hazard for pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
(3) Signs employing moving or flashing lights or video;
(4) Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property; provided, however, that this provision shall not be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its products on a vehicle operating during the normal course of business. Franchised buses and taxis are exempt from this provision;
(5) Any sign affixed to or painted on trees, rocks, or other natural features or utility poles;
(6) Roof signs;
(7) All portable reader board signs not including public project reader boards and reader boards required for construction projects permitted by the city;
(8) Posters, pennants, strings of light, blinking lights, any form of inflated balloons, searchlights and other displays of carnival nature;
(9) Pole-mounted signs;
(10) Visible ballast boxes or other sign equipment;
(11) Cardboard signs;
(12) Backlit signs except as specified in NPMC 18.30.050(3)(b);
(13) Billboards;
(14) Revolving signs;
(15) Signs placed within a sidewalk;
(16) Feather signs or other similar signs that flutter, wave, or otherwise move from the pressure of the wind;
(17) Signs placed on any structure, including but not limited to any pole or fence, located within the right-of-way without permission of the structure owner; and
(18) Twirlers, propellers, and any wind-activated devices whether by natural wind or inflatable source. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.070 Real estate signs.
(1) Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage on the premises for sale, lease, or rent. Real estate directional open house signs may be placed in the right-of-way and shall not exceed four square feet in area and require the written permission of the property owner adjacent to the right-of-way where the directional signs are to be placed. Directional signs are only allowed during hours of business or open house hours. Real estate signs placed in the right-of-way must obtain a temporary sign permit and approval icon under this code.
(2) Real estate signs may be displayed within the front yard setback, outside of the right-of-way, on a temporary basis and must comply with the following conditions:
(a) Limited to one sign per street frontage;
(b) Residential real estate signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall not exceed six feet in height;
(c) Commercial real estate signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and 12 feet in height;
(d) All real estate signs shall be removed within 30 days after closing of the sale, lease or rental of the subject property;
(e) Multi-family or mixed-use properties shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and 12 feet in height;
(f) Real-estate directional signs may be used on a temporary basis, during hours of business and may not exceed four square feet in area. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.080 Temporary signs.
(1) Temporary signs may be placed on private property facing the right-of-way subject to the following conditions as well as those listed in 18.30.070:
(a) The temporary sign may only be placed on private property with written consent of the property owner;
(b) The temporary sign shall not impede access to the property, travel along any sidewalk or street, or otherwise constitute a public safety hazard;
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, each parcel of real property shall be allowed to display temporary noncommercial signage, not to exceed four signs at any one time, for a period not to exceed 90 days per calendar year;
(d) Each temporary sign located on private property shall not exceed 32 inches in width or 36 inches in height as displayed;
(e) Temporary signs on private property shall be professionally lettered, neatly painted or assembled, and remain in good repair;
(f) Temporary signs on private property shall be constructed to avoid being blown from their intended location and to avoid tipping or falling.
(2) Temporary signs may be placed within the right-of-way subject to the following conditions as well as those listed in NPMC 18.30.040(3) and 18.30.070:
(a) Temporary signs may not be placed within any sidewalk;
(b) Temporary signs may not be placed in the driving lanes of a public street, bike lanes, or in parking stalls on the public right-of-way;
(c) Temporary signs placed within the right-of-way shall not exceed 32 inches in width or 36 inches in height as displayed;
(i) Except that temporary banner signs shall not exceed 50 square feet and shall be installed flush with physical infrastructure;
(ii) Written permission from the property owner of the proposed location is required for any temporary sign;
(d) Temporary signs shall be professionally lettered, neatly painted or assembled, and remain in good repair;
(e) Temporary signs shall be constructed to avoid being blown from their intended location and to avoid tipping or falling;
(f) Temporary signs shall not be internally lit, not have moving parts, nor shall any attachment or portion of the sign extend beyond the dimensions established in subsection (c) of this section;
(g) Any site landscaping required by the city shall not be altered to accommodate a temporary sign;
(h) Temporary signs shall not block intersections, impact any sight triangles at streets, corners, or driveways or otherwise constitute a public safety hazard;
(i) Placement of temporary signs on the public right-of-way in violation of this section will result in immediate removal of the sign from the public right-of-way by city personnel;
(j) The temporary sign shall be displayed for a period not to exceed 90 days per calendar year;
(k) The temporary sign may only be placed within the right-of-way with written consent of the abutting property owner;
(l) Temporary signs are prohibited from being placed within: medians; shoulders; travel lanes; and areas of the public right-of-way that are not accessible by a sidewalk or pedestrian walking path. Signs shall be no further away than 100 feet from the intersection. Temporary signs shall not be located in rights-of-way adjacent to city facilities or parks, or any other government-owned facilities and properties;
(m) No sign shall be placed within or adjacent to a stormwater conveyance ditch;
(n) No sign shall be placed within any portion of the city maintained landscape strips or islands along 1st Ave S. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.090 Sign provisions for residential zones.
In addition to the restrictions and regulations contained in the general provisions section, the following provisions apply to residential zones:
(1) Up to two permanent subdivision or development signs (one on each corner of the entry street) not exceeding 20 square feet in size each, inclusive of any logo, shall be allowed for any development, subdivision, multiple-family (apartment) or condominium development with five or more lots or units. Where the subdivision or development has access on two or more streets, or has more than one entrance on one street, up to two identification signs shall be allowed at each entrance. Building signs may contain the name of the allowed structure but shall not extend into any required yard on the lot. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.100 Sign provisions for commercial and mixed-use zones.
(1) Freestanding Signs.
(a) Height Measurement. Freestanding signs shall be measured from the highest point of the sign to the finished grade at the base of the sign support. Finished grade shall be the final grade approved through the site plan review process and shall not be increased for purposes of increasing overall sign height.
(b) Height Standards. Freestanding ground signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
(c) Clearance Standards. Freestanding signs which abut the edge of a sidewalk shall have a maximum clearance of 27 inches.
(d) Maximum Sign Area.
(i) One freestanding monument sign is allowed per lot, maximum size one square foot of sign for each linear foot of frontage adjoining a public ROW up to a sign size maximum of 250 square feet for all businesses and tenants on the lot.
(ii) Residential Development or Institutional Identification Signs. Wall signs for multifamily development identification are permitted. Signs at ground-floor public residential or institutional entrances shall have a maximum size of 20 square feet per such entrance. Additional signs may be permitted on the top floor (below the cornice or roof edge), provided such signs shall be allocated as part of the total allowable sign area per facade by the owner.
(e) Materials. Monument signs shall be designed incorporating natural materials (e.g., granite or basalt stone facing, wood, landscaping), muted colors, and design styles characteristic to the Northwest.
(f) Location. Freestanding signs may not be located on public property or in the rights-of-way. The placement of freestanding signs shall be in such a fashion and location as to not obstruct the view of signs of adjacent property owners.
(g) Density. 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 city manager or designee. Where there is frontage on more than one street, each frontage is treated independently.
(h) Lettering. Freestanding signs should include the business’s street address number in a size that is clearly readable from the street providing access to the business. Lettering style, form, size, dimension, and color shall be consistent on signs identifying multiple tenants.
(i) Landscaping. Freestanding signs must be landscaped around the base of the sign and such landscaping must not obscure the sign area when fully grown.
(2) Wall Signs. Wall signs should not cover windows, building trim or ornamentation. It is a goal of this code to encourage sign design and placement in building design that provides for architecturally integrated signage consistent with the scale and architecture of the building. “Architecturally integrated” shall be guided by comparable Figure 18.30.100.
(a) Maximum Size – Individual Business. Sign area shall be limited to a maximum of 20 percent of the business’s (wall) facade area the sign or signs will occupy.
Figure 18.30.100 Dimensional Requirements for Wall Signs
(b) Maximum Size – Building or Center Name. A wall sign up to 100 square feet or five percent (whichever is less) to identify the name of the building or shopping center.
(c) Maximum Size – Joint Business Directory. A wall sign up to 50 square feet for joint business directory signs identifying the occupants of a commercial building and located next to the entrance.
(d) Maximum Height. Wall signs may not extend above the building parapet, soffit, the eave line or the roof of the building, or the window sill of the second story.
(e) Mounting. Building signs must be mounted plumb with the building, with a maximum protrusion of one foot unless the sign incorporates sculptural elements or architectural devices. The sign frame must be concealed or integrated into the building’s architectural character in terms of form, color, and materials.
(f) Lettering. The maximum height for lettering shall not exceed three feet. The maximum height for logos shall not exceed four feet.
(g) Compatibility. When a building or center provides spaces for signs above window displays, these signs should be compatible in shape, scale of letters, size, color, lighting, materials and style.
(h) Projecting or other wall signs for commercial uses facing a street that project out from the building facade are permitted if the sign meets the following conditions:
(i) Clearance. Shall clear sidewalk by eight feet.
(ii) Projection. Shall not project more than four feet from the building facade, unless the sign is a part of a permanent marquee or awning over the sidewalk.
(iii) Height. Shall not extend above the building parapet, soffit, the eave line or the roof of the building.
(3) Marquee Signs. Marquee signs meeting the following conditions are allowed for commercial uses:
(a) Maximum Size. The sign area shall not exceed 65 percent of the vertical face of the marquee, canopy, or awning.
(b) Maximum Height. The height of a vertical face (valance) of a marquee, canopy, or awning shall not exceed one foot. Signage shall not be placed on the sloping portion of a canopy or awning.
(c) Clearance. The marquee, canopy, or awnings must be placed a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk or walkway.
(4) Under Marquee Signs. Under marquee signs meeting the following conditions are allowed for commercial uses:
(a) Projection. Under marquee signs shall have one-foot minimum between the sign and the outer edge of the marquee, awning, or canopy and between the sign and the building facade.
(b) Clearance. Under marquee signs shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet between the walkway and the bottom of the sign.
(c) Vertical Dimension. Under marquee signs shall not exceed two feet in height.
(5) Window Signs. Window signs meeting the following conditions are allowed for commercial uses:
(a) Permanent and temporary window signs are limited to maximum 25 percent of the window area. Every effort should be made to integrate window signs with window display.
(b) Materials. Window signs constructed of neon, stained glass, gold leaf, cut vinyl, and etched glass are allowed. Painted signs must display the highest level of quality and permanence as determined by the city manager or designee.
(c) An internally lit neon or stained glass window sign is allowed. (Ord. 1054 § 4, 2023; Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.110 Identification signs for public schools.
One monument sign identifying the school name and address using materials that tie the sign to the new school shall be allowed on the Marvista school site. The dimensions of the monument sign shall not exceed 40 square feet and be no taller than five feet. Directional signs shall also be allowed on this site directing the public to entrances and exits. A sign with a maximum 20-square-foot reader board sign area shall also be allowed on the school building or the drive loop drop off area of the interior parking area, no closer than 100 feet from the public right-of-way. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).
18.30.120 Administration – Enforcement.
(1) Removal of Signs. The city manager may order the removal of any sign erected, installed, or maintained in violation of this chapter. If removal is selected, the city manager shall give written notice, by mail, specifying the violation to the holder of the sign permit or the owner of the property where the sign is erected, to correct the violation or remove the sign within 30 days. In the event the violation is not corrected within 30 days, a citation shall be issued to the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located. If, in the opinion of the city manager, the condition of the sign presents an immediate threat to the safety of the public, the code enforcement officer may cause immediate removal of the sign at cost to the owner of the sign. If no approval icon is properly displayed on a temporary sign in the right-of-way the code enforcement officer may cause the immediate removal of the sign.
(2) Penalties. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction and fined no less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate infraction.
(3) Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs that are permanently installed and were legally installed prior to the adoption of this chapter shall be deemed legally nonconforming and allowed to continue in use so long as they are continuously maintained, are not relocated, or are not structurally altered or made less conforming in any way.
(a) Cleaning and Maintenance. Legal nonconforming signs may be removed for cleaning and routine maintenance, i.e., changing of lighting and wiring, and may be replaced without being brought into conformance with the current sign chapter.
(b) Legal nonconforming signs may continue to exist except as follows:
(i) Any legal nonconforming sign that undergoes a name change, or has 50 percent or more of the sign face or structure changed, shall be brought into conformance immediately with the current sign chapter.
(ii) Any legal nonconforming sign that is damaged in excess of 50 percent of the original value of the sign shall be brought into conformance immediately with the current sign chapter.
(iii) Any legal nonconforming sign that is relocated or replaced shall be brought into conformance with the current sign chapter.
(iv) If a business ceases to operate, all existing nonconforming signs associated with the business shall be removed by the property owner within 90 days. If the business had signage on a mall sign or building or related structure, the surface or facade or structure at the previous location of the nonconforming sign(s) shall be repaired at the time of nonconforming sign removal.
(v) A nonconforming sign, when being an accessory to a business operation which changes its use or location, shall no longer be considered a legal sign and shall be removed within 90 days.
(c) Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or owner of the property upon which such nonconforming sign is located, from the provisions of this chapter regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs; provided, however, that any repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or copy in any way which makes it more nonconforming or the sign may lose its legal nonconforming status. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021).