Chapter 14.29
SIGNS
Sections:
14.29.030 Application requirements.
14.29.040 Maintenance, removal, and nonconforming signs.
14.29.050 General sign regulations.
14.29.090 Commercial business signs.
14.29.100 Signs advertising industrial businesses.
14.29.010 Purpose.
This Chapter regulates the construction, erection, maintenance, electrification, illumination, type, size, number and locations of signs in order to protect the health, safety, property and welfare of the public as well as to ensure that Skagit County retains a neat, orderly and attractive appearance. The intent of these provisions is to preserve and enhance the rural character, unique scenic beauty and the business, recreational, educational, and tourism potential of the County. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.020 Definitions.
The sign definitions in the currently adopted International Building Code (Appendix H) are hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.030 Application requirements.
(1) An applicant must file an application for a building permit, where applicable.
(2) The application must include plans showing:
(a) The location by street address of the proposed sign;
(b) Area of the sign;
(c) Size and character;
(d) Method of illumination, if any;
(e) The exact location proposed for such sign;
(f) In the case of a projecting sign, the proposed method of fastening said sign to the building structure;
(g) The vertical distance between such sign and the finished grade;
(h) The horizontal distance between such sign and the street right-of-way;
(i) In the case of off-premises signs, the written consent of the property owner for the erection of such sign;
(j) A description (size, design, illumination) and depiction of the location of other signs within 1,000 feet of the proposed sign. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.040 Maintenance, removal, and nonconforming signs.
(1) Sign Maintenance. All signs for which a permit is required, including their supports, braces, guys, and anchors must be kept in good condition. Illuminated devices must be maintained in good working order. Permitted signs are subject to applicable landscaping requirements of SCC Chapter 14.25. If the Building Official finds any sign regulated under this Chapter to be unsafe or unsecured, he or she must give written notice of such findings to the owner, agent, or lessee thereof. If the owner, agent or lessee fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein after 30 days’ notice, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the Director at the expense of the owner, agent, or lessee. Such expense constitutes a lien against the property. The Director may cause any sign or other advertising structure that is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed immediately.
(2) Removal of Illegally Established Signs. Signs established in violation of this Chapter may be immediately removed by the Building Official under the authority of the adopted building code if an immediate health and life safety issue is identified.
(3) Removal of Abandoned Signs. If a building, structure, or premises is abandoned consistent with SCC Chapter 14.07, the owner of said property is responsible for removing any commercial sign or signs located thereon with the exception of permitted off-premises signs or advertisements associated with the sale or lease of that facility.
(4) Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs are regulated as follows:
(a) On-Premises Nonconforming Signs. Legally established nonconforming on-premises signs must be allowed to continue consistent with the provisions of SCC Chapter 14.07.
(b) Off-Premises Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming off-premises signs must comply with the provisions of this Chapter within three years from the date of adoption. Upon failure to comply with the sign code within the specified time period, the Director may remove such signs or enforce this provision pursuant to SCC Chapter 14.09. Exceptions:
(i) Off-premises signs established and maintained under a valid special use permit may continue consistent with the conditions of approval.
(ii) Off-premises signs located along State highways subject to the Highway Advertising Control Act—Scenic Vistas Act, including billboards, may continue consistent with the provisions governing such signs under RCW 47.42.107. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.050 General sign regulations.
The following general requirements apply to sign regulations in all zones in Skagit County.
(1) Highway Advertising Control Act—Scenic Vista Act. Signs in areas adjacent to State and Federal highways are restricted by RCW Chapter 47.42.
(2) Conformity to Adopted Building Codes. All signs and other advertising structures must be constructed and maintained in strict conformity with building code(s) as adopted and referenced in SCC Chapter 15.04.
(3) Building Permits. Building permits are required for the erection, alteration, or reconstruction of wall-mounted signs, electrified signs and freestanding signs as required by the currently adopted International Building Code. Freestanding signs less than seven feet in height and wall-mounted signs that do not project from the building do not require a building permit. A change in information on the face of an existing sign does not constitute an alteration.
(4) Identification of Permitted Signs. The number of the sign permit must be painted or otherwise affixed on the sign requiring a permit. The permit number must be in letters of not less than one-half inch or more than three inches in height and must be easily visible to the Building Official.
(5) Sight Distance. Signs must not obstruct road sight distances within the sight triangle of any intersection in accordance with Skagit County road standards and must not be located within a public right-of-way.
(6) Traffic Safety. No sign may be erected or allowed that obstructs the sight distance along a public right-of-way. No sign may by its location, color or nature, tend to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signals or signs, or to be confused with a flashing light of an emergency vehicle. In addition, no sign may, by its nature or moving parts, tend to confuse motorists, or create any potential hazard to motorists, or use admonitions such as “stop,” “go,” “slow,” “danger,” etc., which might be confused with traffic directional signals.
(7) Illumination. Illumination of signs must be consistent with the general provisions of this Subsection and maintain the rural character of the area. Signs must be shaded, shielded or directed so the light intensity or brightness must not adversely affect surrounding properties or public and private rights-of-way or create a hazard or nuisance to the traveling public or to surrounding properties. Illumination must be in compliance with SCC Chapter 14.20, General Performance Standards.
(8) Moving Signs. No revolving or rotating beacon of light that resembles or simulates any emergency light device must be permitted as part of a sign. Flashing devices, strobe lights, and searchlights must not be permitted; however, illuminated signs are allowed which indicate customary public information. Neon lighting or accent lighting may be used to advertise commercial or industrial businesses provided the lighting is compatible with the surrounding rural development, nearby permitted rural signage and all other signage requirements.
(9) Measurement of Sign Area. The following method must be utilized in calculating sign area:
(a) The square footage of a sign made up of letters, words or symbols within a frame must be determined from the outside edge of the frame itself.
(b) The square footage of a sign composed only of letters, words or symbols must be determined from imaginary straight lines drawn around the entire copy or grouping of such letters, words, or symbols.
(c) Double or multi-faced signs must be calculated as the maximum area visible from any single direction at any point in time.
(d) For freestanding signs, the height must be measured from the elevation of the crown of the nearest public street to the highest point of the freestanding sign or its supporting structure.
(e) Signs attached to or painted against the overall structure to which they relate must be computed as a part of the overall total square footage of allowable signage, or the number of signs allowed. Signs painted on buildings must be measured by the smallest polygon enclosing the letters and symbols of the sign. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.060 Exempt signs.
The signs listed in this Section are exempt from the permit requirements and standards of this Chapter but must comply with SCC 14.29.050(5), Sight Distance, and 14.29.050(6), Traffic Safety, and may not be illuminated. If an applicant desires a sign that does not meet the terms of an exemption below, the applicant must apply for a permit for a nonexempt sign and meet the other requirements of this Chapter.
(1) Official Public Signs. Signs that regulate traffic, legal notices and official instruments, signs established by government agencies, signs indicating bus stops and other similar transportation facilities, etc., are exempt.
(2) Community Identification Signs. Community identification signs are exempt, provided they are 60 square feet or less in size. In the Alger Community Planning area, community identification signs must be 40 square feet or less in size.
(3) Temporary Political Signs. Temporary political signs located on private property are exempt; provided, that such signs may not exceed 32 square feet in area nor 48 inches in vertical dimension, and may be located no higher than eight feet above the surrounding ground.
(4) Product Signs. Signs incorporated on machinery or equipment at the manufacturer’s or distributor’s level, which identify or advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily affixed to vending machines, newspaper racks and gasoline pumps.
(5) Real Estate Signs Requirements. Real estate signs are permitted for the sales of individual lots in all zones; provided, they must be located on the property to which they apply. Residential real estate signs may not exceed six square feet and must be removed upon the closing of the home sale. Commercial real estate signs may not be greater than 16 square feet in size.
(6) Attention-Getting Devices. The use of pennants, flags, and banners is prohibited for ongoing continuous use in conjunction with commercial or industrial facilities, but is allowed in conjunction with the opening of a new place of business or for special events for 14 continuous days. Such pennants, flags or banners must be secured to the building and may not be strung across the property.
(7) Temporary Signs Advertising a Special or Community Event. Signs that display the date, time, location, and sponsor of special events of community interest. Such signs must be designed so that they do not hinder the visibility of other signage, are compatible with the surrounding environment and are consistent with community aesthetic sensibilities. Such signs may not remain more than 14 days prior to or seven days after the date of the event.
(8) Miscellaneous Temporary Signs. On-premises nonilluminated temporary signs advertising religious, charitable, civic, fraternal, political or similar organizational events not to exceed 45 days per year. Such signs may be 16 square feet in size. The height may not exceed 15 feet.
(9) Off-Premises Directional Signs. Directional signs must identify the place (e.g., Alger), arrow, and mileage. Such signs may be placed only at critical intersections and may be no larger than six inches by 24 inches.
(10) Open House Real Estate Signs. Open house real estate signs must be installed on the day of the open house and must be removed at the end of the day when the open house is over.
(11) Institutional or church signs provided they are not over 32 square feet in size, not greater than 15 feet in height and limited to only one per lot. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.070 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
(1) Billboards except when specifically permitted per Division 1 of this Title or in the Master Planned Resort zone.
(2) Abandoned signs.
(3) Flashing, revolving, animated or moving signs.
(4) Strobe lights, searchlights, and revolving lights.
(5) Private directional signs except those on site that regulate traffic and parking (exit, entrance, parking in rear) not to exceed four square feet.
(6) Rooftop signs erected upon the roof of a building, or a sign attached to a building which projects vertically above the roof, eave, awning or parapet. This does not include signs attached to the vertical face of a parapet, awning or canopy; providing, that it does not project above the parapet, awning or canopy. Painted rooftop signs are not allowed. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.080 On-premises signs.
(1) On-premises signs display only advertising copy strictly incidental to the lawful use of the premises on which it is located and may contain, unless otherwise prohibited, any or all of the following information:
(a) The name of the owner, occupant, management, or firm occupying the premises;
(b) The address of the use;
(c) The kind or name of the business and/or the brand name of the principal commodities sold or produced on the premises; and
(d) Other information relative to a service or activity involved in the conduct of the business.
(2) On-Premises Sign Requirements.
(a) Signs Associated With Residential Land Use. Residential uses are allowed to post one nonilluminated sign not to exceed four square feet.
(b) Tourism-Related Signs in the Rural Freeway Services Zone. One freeway-oriented advertising sign per business may be permitted in the Rural Freeway Services zone; provided, that the business must establish that it is a tourist-oriented business, i.e., that it satisfies a need of the traveling public and that it relies on the traveling consumer for a significant portion of its business. The height of such signs may be up to 60 feet to accommodate viewing from vehicles traveling on the interstate. Rural Freeway Service signs must be no larger than 168 square feet in size. New RFS signs must be distanced at least 660 feet from other existing RFS signs unless lot configuration would preclude reasonable development of a sign on individual lots.
(c) Tourism-Related Signs Associated With Commercial and Industrial Development. Lawfully established commercial and industrial businesses located along four-lane State highways may be permitted one highway-oriented advertising sign per business consistent with the standards described under Subsection (2)(b) of this Section pursuant to approval of an administrative special use permit.
(d) Seasonal Roadside Stands. Nonilluminated on-premises signs, excluding banners, are allowed to advertise a seasonal roadside stand; provided, that the collective square footage of the signs must be no greater than 32 square feet. Regulations regarding off-premises seasonal roadside signs are outlined in SCC 14.29.110(3)(b).
(e) Subdivision Real Estate Sales Signs. Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots located within a subdivision are permitted; provided, that there may be no more than one sign per subdivision entrance, and each sign must be no greater than 32 square feet in area and no greater than eight feet in height. Real estate signs must be removed upon the closing of subdivision sales. One sign no larger than 12 square feet may also be installed off-premises in order to direct visitors to the property. Regulations regarding off-premises real estate signs are outlined in SCC 14.29.110(3)(a).
(f) Tourism-Related Signs in the Master Planned Resort Zone. Master planned resort developments located along four-lane State highways or State Route 20 may be permitted one highway-oriented advertising sign per business consistent with the standards described under Subsection (2)(b) of this Section pursuant to approval of an administrative special use permit. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.090 Commercial business signs.
Each operating enterprise, institution or business must be permitted to have two on-site business identification signs per building entrance and one off-premises sign as defined and regulated by SCC 14.29.110 unless otherwise provided herein. In the Rural Village Residential and Commercial zones, each operating enterprise, institution or business must be permitted to have one on-site business identification sign per building entrance and one off-premises sign as defined and regulated by SCC 14.29.110 unless otherwise provided herein. Business signs must be incorporated into the landscaping of the site when landscaping is provided and should be designed to reflect the surrounding rural character in design and size. In addition to the other requirements of this Section, business signs are subject to the following size requirements:
(1) Maximum wall sign area must not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of the building wall on which the sign is attached, not to exceed 40 square feet. In the Rural Village Commercial zone in Alger, wall signs may be up to four square feet for each lineal foot of the building wall.
(2) Maximum freestanding sign area must not exceed one square foot for each five lineal feet of street frontage, not to exceed 40 square feet except for tourism-related signs subject to the provisions of SCC 14.29.080(2)(b), (2)(c), and (2)(f). In the Rural Village Commercial and Rural Village Residential areas of Alger, maximum freestanding sign area must not exceed 20 square feet and must be no higher than 12 feet.
(3) Under canopy sign area and dimensions must be one square foot for each lineal foot of the width of the canopy, awning, marquee or similar structure from which the sign is suspended, as measured perpendicular to the wall. Minimum vertical clearance between the lower edge of an under canopy sign and the ground must be eight feet. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.100 Signs advertising industrial businesses.
The following requirements govern signage for industries:
(1) One building identification sign for each building is permitted; provided, that no sign may exceed 25 square feet in area.
(2) Each enterprise, institution or franchise is permitted wall signs, one under canopy sign per street frontage and one freestanding sign each, subject to the following minimum size requirements. (Note: Multiple businesses in the same building must apportion facade length, building, wall and street frontage such that any maximum is not exceeded for a particular property.)
(3) Maximum Size.
(a) Maximum wall sign area may not exceed three square feet for each lineal foot of the building wall on which the sign is attached.
(b) Maximum projecting sign area is one square foot for each two lineal feet of building wall on which the sign projects, not to exceed 64 square feet. The total area of the projecting sign must be subtracted from the permitted total of the facade signs.
(c) Freestanding signs must have a maximum of one square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet.
(d) For under canopy signs, the maximum sign area must be one square foot for each lineal foot of width of canopy, awning, marquee or similar structure from which the sign is suspended, measured perpendicular to the building wall.
(e) The minimum vertical clearance between the lower edge of an under canopy sign and the ground must be eight feet. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))
14.29.110 Off-premises signs.
(1) An off-premises sign is a sign structure or billboard advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment which is sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at a place other than the property of which the sign or billboard is located.
(2) General Requirements. Off-premises signs must conform to the following requirements:
(a) Lighted signs must be effectively shielded to prevent light from being directed at any portion of the highway right-of-way, or be of such intensity or brilliance to cause or to otherwise interfere with or impair a driver’s vision.
(b) Maximum height of 15 feet, except as otherwise permitted.
(c) Only one off-premises sign may be permitted per parcel.
(3) Special Off-Premises Sign Requirements.
(a) Real Estate Signs. One off-premises sign advertising the sale of lots located within a subdivision may be permitted after final plat approval provided the sign is established with the approval of the property owner. Each off-premises real estate sign may be no greater than 32 square feet in area, and may be no greater than eight feet in height. Such signs may be erected no longer than a period of one year unless the subdivision is larger than 40 lots and then the maximum time frame for the temporary sign is two years. Real estate signs must be removed upon closing of the sale of the lots in the subdivision should this occur earlier than the allowed time frame.
(b) Temporary Advertising for Seasonal Roadside Stand. Two temporary off-site signs may be used to advertise seasonal roadside stands so long as the sign is removed after the growing season and is no larger than 16 square feet.
(c) Billboard Sign Requirements. Billboards are outdoor advertising structures advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment which is sold, produced or manufactured and/or furnished at a place other than on the property of which the billboard is located. Billboards must meet the following requirements:
(i) Sign surface area: maximum 300 square feet per face.
(ii) Maximum number of signs: one sign per structure, which may be single- or double-faced.
(iii) Maximum height: 40 feet.
(iv) Minimum setback: 45 feet from the nearest right-of-way line; and 100 feet from the right-of-way line intersection point measured at any angle.
(v) Minimum spacing: 500 feet on the same side of the road from another billboard.
(vi) Only one sign is allowed to face the same direction per location. This allows back-to-back or “V” formation, but prohibits two signs (side-by-side) facing the same location. (Ord. O20250005 § 2 (Exh. A))