Bonners Ferry City Zoning Code

   The purpose of this chapter is to:

   A.   Promote and protect the public health, welfare, and safety by regulating existing and proposed outdoor advertising, outdoor advertising signs and outdoor signs of all types;

   B.   Protect property values;

   C.   Create a more attractive economic and business climate;

   D.   Enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community;

   E.   Preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas;

   F.   Reduce sign or advertising distraction and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents and reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way; and

   G.   Provide more open space, curb the deterioration of the natural environment and enhance community development.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Sign Compliance: Signs shall not be constructed, installed, structurally altered, enlarged, or relocated except in conformity with the provisions contained herein, and only after a sign permit issued by the city has been secured, if so required. The changing or maintenance of movable parts or components of an approved sign, or authorized sign, designed for such changes, or the changing of sign copy, business name, lettering, sign faces, colors, display, graphic matter, and/or the content of any sign copy shall not be deemed a structural alteration.

   B.   Sign Defined: For the purpose of this chapter, the word "sign" does not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state, city, religious, fraternal, or civic organization; also, merchandise and pictures or models of products or services incorporated in a window display, works of art which in no way identify a product, or scoreboards located on athletic fields.

   C.   Alteration, Enlargement, Or Relocation Of Signs: No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged, or relocated except in conformity to the provisions herein, and only upon applying for and securing a permit, unless expressly authorized without a permit.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

As used in this title:

SIGN: Any device designed to inform or attract the attention of persons not on the premises on which the sign is located. Any identification, description, illustration, symbol, statue or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, which is visible from any public place designed to advertise, identify or convey information, including any landscaping where letters or numbers are used for the purpose of directing the public's attention to a product or location, with the exception of window displays and state or national flags.

SIGN TYPES:

   ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD, ELECTRONIC MESSAGING CENTER (EMC): Includes those signs displaying time and temperature and also refers to digital or video displays or any sign that can be changed electronically by remote or mechanical means.

   PROJECTING SIGN: A sign which projects from and is supported by a wall or parapet of a building with the display surface of the sign in a plane perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the wall. Including, but not limited to: blade signs, canopy signs, marquee signs, or any other sign that projects away from the building but is not freestanding.

   WINDOW SIGN: Any sign viewable through and/or affixed in any manner to a window or exterior glass door such that it is intended to be viewable from the exterior (beyond the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the window), including signs located inside a building but visible primarily from the outside of the building.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Directional or institutional signs that do not in any way advertise a business. Signage includes, but is not limited to: signs identifying publicly accessible facilities; signs providing direction, such as parking lot entrance and exit signs; and those of similar nature.

   B.   Governmental signs for the control of traffic or other regulatory purposes, or signs of public service companies indicating danger, which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty.

   C.   Addressing numbers/mailboxes.

   D.   Flagpoles that do not exceed a height of thirty-five feet (35').

   E.   Small Signs:

      1.   Small signs shall not include any sign that is over six (6) square feet in area or five feet (5') in height at any point along the existing grade.

      2.   Small signs shall not be illuminated, animated or contain reader boards.

   F.   Wayfinding signs.

   G.   Window signs.

   H.   Temporary signs.

   I.   Sandwich board signs, provided subsection 11-15-6D6 of this chapter has been met.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to provisions of this chapter, and all other applicable provisions of other city ordinances.

   A.   Construction Standards:

      1.   All building permits for applicable signs shall accompany construction quality plans. The plans shall be stamped by a design professional certified by the state of Idaho to do such work. The plan shall illustrate how the proposed sign is designed to be compliant with the minimum design criteria as adopted and shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the building official that the sign will not constitute a public hazard. Exception: The building official shall have the authority to waive the submission of construction documents, calculations or other data if the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to determine compliance with building codes.

      2.   All applicable signs shall comply with the applicable provisions of the national electrical code and applicable building codes.

      3.   Signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and permanently affixed to the ground or building except signs as defined at section 11-15-4.

      4.   Signs and sign support structures, together with their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.

   B.   Lighting:

      1.   Signs may be illuminated from within or from an external source, but such illumination shall be in a manner that avoids glare or reflection that in any way interferes with traffic safety.

      2.   Signs within two hundred feet (200') of a residential zoning district may be illuminated from within or from an external source, but such illumination shall be in a manner that avoids glare or reflection into a residentially zoned property.

      3.   Signs in residential districts shall not be internally illuminated, unless otherwise permitted.

      4.   All illuminated signs shall contain measures to automatically dim at night from a higher illumination level to a lower level of at least fifty percent (50%) change for the time period between one-half (1/2) hour before sunset and one-half (1/2) hour after sunrise to avoid glare and/or reflection that violates subsection B1 of this section.

   C.   Measurement Standards:

      1.   Determining Sign Height:

         a.   The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the base of the sign or supportive structure at its point of attachment to the ground, to the highest point of the sign. A freestanding sign on a manmade base, including a graded earth mound, shall be measured from the grade of the nearest pavement or top of any pavement curb.

         b.   Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.

      2.   Determining Sign Area:

         a.   The surface area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire area within a regular, geometric form or combinations of regular, geometric forms comprising all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed. Frames and structural members not being of advertising matter shall not be included in computation of surface area.

         b.   When two (2) identical sign faces are placed back to back so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and are part of the same sign structure, the sign area shall be computed as the measurement of one of the two (2) faces.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Changeable Copy Signs, Electronic Message Boards, Electronic Messaging Centers (EMC), and Animated Signs:

      1.   Freestanding changeable copy, animated, electronic message board or area shall be no more than fifty percent (50%) of the total sign area or a maximum one hundred fifty (150) square feet, whichever is less. Signs that are fifty (50) square feet in area or smaller may use up to one hundred percent (100%) of the total sign area for electronic messaging.

      2.   Changeable copy and electronic message/digital marquee signs may be used as wall signs subject to the requirements of this section.

      3.   Freestanding changeable copy signs shall not be installed parallel to a right-of-way except in the case of a corner lot when the sign may be parallel to the secondary street/road.

      4.   Electronic message boards/digital/animated marquee signs shall be equipped or designed to accommodate the following:

         a.   Automatic dimming capabilities that adjust with ambient light conditions at all times;

         b.   Limited to 0.3 foot candles above ambient light; and

         c.   Text changes or alternating animation shall maintain a minimum eight (8) seconds second interval time. The transition method from one message to the next shall be instantaneous, or as an option of fade in or out, shall take no more than one second.

      5.   Proof of compliance with the electronic messaging standards shall be submitted with the sign permit application.

   B.   Roof Mounted Signs:

      1.   Roof signs may be internally or externally illuminated.

      2.   Roof signs shall be set back a minimum of three feet (3') from the edge of the exterior wall on which the sign is located.

      3.   Roof signs shall not exceed a maximum height of ten feet (10') from the highest point of the building on which the sign is being placed.

      4.   Roof signs shall not include any animated or moving parts. No oscillating, flashing, rotating, flickering, or blinking lights shall be allowed as part of roof signs.

   C.   Projecting Signs:

      1.   No sign shall exceed twelve (12) square feet per sign face;

      2.   The sign shall allow a nine foot (9') clearance to the walking surface; and

      3.   No sign shall be closer than two feet (2'), measured in horizontal distance, to the curb line of any street, where permitted.

   D.   Sandwich Board Signs (A-Frame Signs): Any premises or principal building may place sandwich board signs on the city sidewalk subject to the following restrictions:

      1.   Any premises, including those containing multiple businesses, shall be permitted to locate only one (1) sandwich board sign per street frontage;

      2.   Any sandwich board sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet per side in area. In addition, the width of the sign may not exceed two (2) linear feet, with a maximum height of three feet (3'). Within these specified maximum dimensions, creative shapes that reflect the type of business being advertised are encouraged;

      3.   Sandwich board signs shall not be lighted and are for displaying during daylight hours only. These signs must be removed each evening at dusk;

      4.   Sandwich board signs may be placed on the sidewalk directly in front of the associated use. The sign must be placed within two feet (2') of the building or structure. No sandwich board sign may be placed where the unobstructed space for the passageway of pedestrians is reduced to less than four feet (4'). Trees, poles, signs, hydrants, trash receptacles, tree grates, etc., are considered obstructions;

      5.   The sign must be constructed of materials that present a finished appearance. Rough cut plywood is not acceptable; and

      6.   Any person erecting a sandwich board sign shall indemnify and hold harmless the city and its officers, agents and employees from any claim arising out of the presence of the sign on city property or rights-of-way. The person erecting a sandwich board sign shall sign an indemnification agreement, approved by the city attorney, prior to placement of sign.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Signs which obstruct or interfere with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.

   B.   Signs which simulate traffic control devices.

   C.   No oscillating, flashing, rotating, flickering, or blinking lights shall be allowed unless otherwise specifically permitted by this chapter.

   D.   Signs on public property or attached to trees, utility poles, public benches or streetlights, unless authorized by the city or specifically permitted within this chapter.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   Authorized Signs: Unless otherwise permitted, those signs not specifically authorized by this title shall be prohibited. The following table provides the signs permitted by zoning district and the required standards:

 

   Standards: All signs shall comply with the standards listed within this chapter. All signs requiring a permit shall do so pursuant to section 11-15-10 of this chapter. The following list contains specific standards appliable to the corresponding sign type and number listed in the Sign Standards Table by Zoning District:

      1.   One freestanding sign that shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet, without a special use permit. Signs shall be no more than six feet (6') in height and setback from all property lines shall be 1.5 times the height of the sign. Signs specially permitted shall be associated with an authorized use as provided for in this chapter, size and location shall be determined by the city council. Affixed or wall mounted signs shall not exceed a combined sign area of twelve (12) square feet per building. All signs shall be externally lit.

      2.   A combined total or combination thereof, of two (2) freestanding or roof mounted sign(s) are permitted per building. Total combined area of freestanding and roof mounted sign(s) shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.

      3.   Each building shall be permitted up to one (1) freestanding on premises sign for each street frontage, up to a maximum of two (2) freestanding signs per lot.

      4.   Each building shall be permitted up to one (1) freestanding sign for each one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of public street frontage or thirty thousand (30,000) square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of three (3) freestanding signs per lot.

      5.   Maximum total sign area of freestanding signs shall be three hundred (300) square feet in area as established by subsection 11-15-5C of this chapter.

      6.   Each freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty feet (30') in height as established by subsection 11-15-5C of this chapter.

      7.   Freestanding signs shall not exceed ten feet (10') in height as established by subsection 11-15-5C of this chapter.

      8.   Sign setback from all property lines shall be ten feet (10') or equal to the height of the sign, whichever is less.

      9.   No sign shall be allowed to project into the public right-of-way or public easements.

      10.   No sign shall be closer than two feet (2'), measured in horizontal distance, to the curb line of any street.

      11.   There shall be no minimum setbacks for signs in the downtown zoning district.

      12.   Right-of-way banners shall be reserved for community events authorized by the city of Bonners Ferry and shall not be used to conduct or advertise private business. Anyone seeking a right of way banner shall first seek approval by the city of Bonners Ferry.

      13.   Signs shall be located at the entryway to a development or property and shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in total sign area as defined in this chapter. Neighborhood identification signs may also include development signs as defined in this chapter.

      14.   Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet and shall not be located or allowed to project into any public right-of-way. Signs shall comply with section 11-15-3, "Definitions," of this chapter.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   A "nonconforming sign" is a sign that meets the definition of section 11-15-3 of this chapter.

   B.   No such nonconforming sign may be enlarged or altered, in a way which increases its nonconformity, but any sign may be altered to bring it into conformity.

   C.   Except for ordinary maintenance, copy changes, or repairs not involving structural, material, or electrical changes, no sign, or part thereof, shall be changed, converted, additionally illuminated, enlarged, or moved unless the entire sign and structure are brought into conformity with this chapter, unless such sign was damaged or partially destroyed by man caused or natural act such as fire, accident, explosion, flood, lightning, wind or other calamity. In such cases, the sign or structure may stay at its current location, provided the sign shall not be improved upon, constructed, altered, changed or re-erected without review and approval by the city. Nonconforming signs shall be required to come into compliance with any building standards relating to such uses, as determined by the building inspector and/or engineer.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   The city has the responsibility to ensure that all measures of this chapter are enforced. The following standards, permit requirements, and procedures shall be met:

   A.   Permit Required: A permit shall be required for all signs, except for those expressly authorized without a permit. Exemption from permit shall not, however, exempt the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner, and in a manner in accordance with all other provisions of this chapter.

      1.   Application: An application for a sign shall be completed on a form provided by the city and shall include at a minimum the following:

         a.   Name of organization and location;

         b.   Contact person;

         c.   Address and phone number for contact person;

         d.   Description of the activities occurring on the site where the sign will be installed;

         e.   Description of any existing signage that will remain on the site;

         f.   Identification of the type of sign/signs to be erected by the applicant;

         g.   Site plan depicting the locations of proposed signage including setbacks from property lines, proposed landscaped areas and existing remaining signage;

         h.   Construction quality plans of the sign and supporting structures stamped by an engineer certified in the state of Idaho to do such work;

         i.   Written description explaining the drawing of the proposed signage, including a detailed description of materials, colors, and letter height, type and style; and

         j.   Any applicable fee as established by the city.

      2.   Standards For Sign Permit Approval: Permit application shall be approved by the city if all of the following standards have been met:

         a.   The sign, as proposed, meets all applicable requirements of this chapter;

         b.   The sign, as proposed, meets all applicable requirements of the city's adopted building and applicable electrical codes;

         c.   The sign, as proposed, does not violate any other applicable chapters or standards of the city, state and federal government.

   B.   Sign Location: The city recommends that all sign locations be reviewed by the city engineer prior to submission of the application. The city engineer or designee has discretion to suggest modification of the location based on driver sight distances or other potential hazards.

   C.   Fees: The city has established by resolution an official fee schedule that includes fees for processing sign applications. Fees are payable at the time of permit application.

   D.   Removal Of Unsafe Signs: Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety of the public or a building, the city administrator/engineer, or designee, shall order that such sign be made safe or be removed. Following receipt of said order, the person, firm, or corporation owning or leasing the sign shall remove the sign immediately.

   E.   Appeals: Any person aggrieved by a decision in this chapter shall have recourse as set forth at section 11-3-3 of this title.

   F.   Enforcement: All matters pertaining to the enforcement of this chapter shall comply with standards listed at the enforcement section at 11-3-6 of this title.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)