The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidelines for sign design, location, material, type, size, and manner of display. All signs must comply with the provisions of this chapter; however, only certain types of signs or sign alterations require a permit. These regulations are intended to allow such signs that will not by their size, location, design, construction or manner of display endanger the public safety of individuals, obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, and maintain the city's aesthetic environment. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

AWNING: A shelter projecting from, and supported by, the exterior wall of a building on a supporting framework.

BANNER: A temporary paper, cloth, or plastic sign advertising a single event of civic or business nature.

BILLBOARD: A sign or structure subject to the provisions of the Oregon motorist information act of 1971 and erected for the purpose of leasing advertising space to promote an interest other than that of an individual, business, product or service available on the premises on which the billboard is located.

BUILDING FRONTAGE: The linear frontage of a building measured along a street or alley between two (2) lines projecting perpendicular from the street to the corners of the building.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN: Any information sign, which identifies the architect, engineers, contractors, and other individuals or firms involved with the construction of a building, or announcing the character of the building or enterprise, which is erected during the building construction period.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: An on premises sign designed to be read from within the premises and used only to identify and locate an office, motor vehicle entrances or exits, telephone or similar place, service or route.

ELECTRONIC CHANGING SIGN: An electronic sign upon which the entire copy or message may appear or change from time to time upon a lamp bank, such as time and temperature displays, which by its nature and intensity is not a flashing sign.

FLAG: Any fabric banner usually supported on one edge containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols.

FLASHING SIGN: Any sign which contains or is illuminated by a light source, which produces a flash and darkness on an alternating basis, which results in a pulsating effect designed primarily to attract attention.

FREESTANDING SIGN: A single or multiple faced sign eight (8) or more feet above grade, supported by one or more uprights in the ground and detached from any building or structure.

GRADE: The relative finished ground level within twenty feet (20') of the sign.

GROUND SIGN: A sign which is mounted on the ground and supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground.

HEIGHT OR HEIGHT OF SIGN: The vertical distance from the average grade within twenty feet (20') of the structure to the highest point of a sign or any vertical projection thereof, including its supporting columns.

INCIDENTAL SIGN: Small signs, less than two (2) square feet in surface area, of a noncommercial nature, intended primarily for the convenience of the public. Included are signs designating restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation, entrances to buildings, directions, help wanted, public telephone, etc. Also included in this group of signs are those designed to guide vehicular traffic to an area or place on the premises of a business, building or development by means of a directory designating names and addresses only.

LIGHTING: Any sign illuminated with either an internal or indirect light source.

MOVING SIGN: Any sign which produces apparent motion of the visual image, including, but not limited to, illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, expanding or contracting shapes, rotation or any similar effect of animation which is designed or operated in a manner primarily to attract attention.

POLITICAL SIGN: A temporary sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, or a political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot.

PORTABLE SIGN: Any sign not meeting the anchorage requirements of the uniform sign code and is capable of being transported from one place to another.

PROJECTING SIGN: A single or multiple faced sign which is designed and constructed to be mounted to the wall of a building and which will extend more than twelve inches (12") from the wall.

PROPERTY LINE: The line denoting the limits of legal ownership of property.

READER BOARD OR TRACK BOARD SIGN: A portable sign on which the letters are readily replaceable.

ROOF SIGN: Any sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building, including a sign affixed to any equipment attached to the building.

SANDWICH BOARD OR A-FRAME: A double faced sign hinged or connected at the top, which is spread for stabilization and set upon the ground.

SIGN: An object or device situated outdoors or indoors which is used to advertise, or identify an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location that can be viewed from a public street right of way, or another property.

SIGN AREA: The surface contained within a single continuous perimeter, which encloses the entire sign cabinet, but excluding any support of framing structure that does not convey a message. Where signs are of a three-dimensional, round, or other solid shape, the largest cross section viewed as a flat projection shall be used for the purpose of determining the sign area. Signs visible from more than one direction or without clearly defined sign faces shall be considered as having two (2) faces and each face calculated in the total allowable area.

STREET FRONTAGE: Street(s), alley(s), or public right(s) of way parallel to the property line used to compute the area of sign(s) intended to be located in such a manner as to have primary exposure on that street or right of way.

TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign, banner, pendant, or advertising display that is portable and not permanently mounted to a structure.

VISION CLEARANCE AREA: A triangular area on a lot at the intersection of two (2) public rights of way, a street and a railroad, or point of vehicular access and a public right of way, two (2) sides of which are lines measured from the corner intersection to a distance of twenty feet (20'). The third side of a triangle is a line across the corner of the lot connecting the lines of the other two (2) sides. The vision clearance area should contain no signs higher than three feet (3') or lower than eight feet (8') measured from the grade of the street centerline, though a single pole having a diameter of eighteen inches (18") or less is permitted.

WALL SIGN: A single face sign painted or otherwise affixed to the face of a building and extending not more than twelve inches (12") from the wall to which it is attached.

WINDOW SIGN: A sign placed inside a window or upon the windowpanes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

   A.   A permit for a new sign or an alteration of an existing sign shall be required from the city only when it is either placed in or over the public right of way or when an inspection will be required for building code compliance.

   B.   A sign permit application that does not require planning commission approval shall be forwarded by the city to Columbia County for processing within twenty one (21) days after receipt of a complete application.

   C.   A sign permit application that requires planning commission approval shall be scheduled for a public hearing within thirty (30) days after receipt of a complete application requesting a variance. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

Following a public hearing, the planning commission may authorize variances from the requirements of this chapter. In granting a variance, the planning commission may attach conditions that it deems necessary to protect the interest of the surrounding property owners and otherwise achieve the purpose of this title. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005; amd. Ord. 643, 3-1-2006)

   A.   The application for a variance shall be filed by the business owner or authorized agent, using the city forms prescribed for that purpose. The planning commission may request additional drawings and/or information. The fee for an application requesting a variance from this chapter shall be the same fee as charged for a sign permit. The application shall not be considered complete until the application fee is paid and the following information is provided:

      1.   A description of the variance being requested.

      2.   A plan drawn showing the dimensions and arrangement of the proposed sign placement.

   B.   The planning commission may grant a variance only when the applicant has shown that all of the following conditions exist:

      1.   The granting of the variance will not violate any other provision of this title, and will not create any significant obstacle to implementation of the plan or zoning regulations.

      2.   The granting of the variance: a) will not be detrimental to the public safety, health or welfare or be injurious to the property, adjoining properties, neighborhood or the community; b) will not change the character of the neighborhood or reduce the value of nearby property; and c) will not impose any significant cost upon the city or nearby property owners.

      3.   The granting of the variance will not result in a use that is otherwise prohibited in the zoning district in which the variance is being requested. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

   C.   The planning commission may attach conditions to an approved variance as it deems necessary. The planning commission may require guarantees and evidence that the conditions are being met. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: limitations on the number of signs and locations; sight obstruction compliance; or ongoing maintenance. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005; amd. Ord. 643, 3-1-2006)

   A.   All signs, including temporary and permanent signs, shall be maintained in a proper state of safety, cleanliness, and good repair, including illumination.

   B.   All signs shall comply with the following requirements and those specified by the zoning district:

      1.   Construction shall satisfy the prevailing applicable requirements of the uniform building code, including all specialty codes.

      2.   Except for exempt signs, all signs shall be securely attached to a building or the ground.

      3.   All signs, including exempt signs, shall conform to all vision clearance requirements.

      4.   All signs, including exempt signs, together with their supports, braces, and guides shall be maintained in a safe and secure manner.

   C.   The following signs and devices shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter:

      1.   Directional, warning or information signs or structures required or authorized by law, or by federal, state, county or city authority.

      2.   Memorial tablets, cornerstones, historical site plaques or similar plaques not exceeding six (6) square feet.

      3.   Residential identification signs not exceeding two (2) square feet.

      4.   A sign identifying the name of the occupant or owner provided the sign is not larger than one square foot, is nonilluminated and is either attached to the structure or located within the front setback.

      5.   Structures intended for a separate use such as phone booths, Goodwill containers, etc.

      6.   Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body, person or officer in performance of a public duty or in giving any legal notice.

      7.   Official flags of the United States of America, counties, municipalities, official flags of foreign nations, and flags of internationally and nationally recognized organizations.

      8.   On premises signs not readable from the public right of way, i.e., menu boards, etc.

      9.   Small nonilluminated information signs such as "open/closed", credit card, rating or professional association, and signs of similar nature.

      10.   Temporary political signs, provided such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area in a residential zone or thirty two (32) square feet in commercial/industrial zones or be posted more than forty five (45) days before the election to which they relate and are removed within fifteen (15) days following the election.

      11.   Temporary nonilluminated residential real estate signs (no more than 1 sign per street frontage for each parcel) not exceeding four (4) square feet, provided said signs are removed within fifteen (15) days after sale, lease, or rental of the property.

      12.   Temporary nonilluminated commercial real estate signs (no more than 1 sign per street frontage for each parcel) not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in commercial or industrial districts, provided said signs are removed within fifteen (15) days after sale, lease, or rental of the property.

      13.   Temporary nonilluminated construction and subdivision signs not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area, which are removed when construction is completed.

      14.   Temporary paper signs that serve as public notice when removed promptly after such meeting is held.

      15.   Temporary paper signs that serve as public notice issued by any court, public body, person or officer in performance of a public duty or in giving any legal notice.

      16.   Temporary paper or painted signs placed on the interior windows of a nonresidential building, when such signs do not obscure more than fifty percent (50%) of the window area.

      17.   Temporary banners, pennants and flags advertising civic events, subject to removal within three (3) days after said event concludes.

   D.   The following signs are generally prohibited:

      1.   Signs attached to utility, streetlight, or traffic control standard poles or otherwise located in the public right of way without a permit.

      2.   Signs in a dilapidated or hazardous condition.

      3.   Signs on doors, windows, or fire escapes that restrict free ingress or egress.

      4.   Signs that resemble an official traffic sign or signal which could cause confusion with any official sign, or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic sign or signal.

      5.   Swinging signs.

      6.   Billboards and any off premises sign.

      7.   Signs that contain flashing elements.

      8.   Signs that contain moving, rotating or otherwise animated parts, but do not include digital displays.

      9.   Signs that contain luminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent paint or paper. This includes paints referred to as Day-Glo, hot or neon.

      10.   Signs placed so that the sign extends above a flat roof or the ridge of a pitched roof.

      11.   A public address system, sound system, or similar device, either permanently or temporarily installed exterior to a building, whether or not it is used to advertise a business or product, where the sound is audible from a public street or adjacent property.

   E.   Temporary signage allowed and associated regulations:

      1.   Signs that are a digital display, but not more than one per business.

      2.   Devices or signs such as flags, pennants, streamers, spinners, windsocks or kites, or similar devices that move as a result of air pressure.

      3.   Sandwich board, reader board, track board, A-frame sign or otherwise portable sign, but not more than one per business. Portable signage must contain a message.

      4.   Temporary signs shall be attached in a manner that prevents the sign from being moved or blown from its location.

      5.   Temporary signs shall be nonilluminated and not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.

   F.   All freestanding signs shall comply with the following provisions:

      1.   A freestanding sign shall be placed behind the property line and no closer than ten feet (10') to any adjacent private property line.

      2.   Freestanding signs may project over the public property line, provided they conform to the standards established for projecting signs.

   G.   All ground signs shall comply with the following provisions:

      1.   The bottom of the sign shall not be lower than two feet (2') from the ground.

      2.   The height shall not be more than eight feet (8') from the ground.

      3.   A maximum size of twenty four (24) square feet if placed within twenty feet (20') of the public right of way.

      4.   A maximum size of forty eight (48) square feet if placed beyond twenty feet (20') of the public right of way, but not within twenty feet (20') of any adjacent private property boundary.

   H.   All projecting signs shall comply with the following provisions:

      1.   No projecting sign shall extend above the highest structural component of the building to which it is attached.

      2.   Signs over the public right of way, including freestanding signs, shall conform to the following standards:

 

 

      3.   No projecting sign shall be placed within a vehicular right of way.

   I.   All wall signs shall conform to the following provisions:

      1.   Wall signs placed flat against a building which supports it, not extending more than twelve inches (12") from the wall, and not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the gross area of the face of the building to which the sign is attached.

      2.   Wall signs shall not extend above the height of the wall to which they are attached.

   J.   Any sign that is unlawful may be abated by the city according to the following:

      1.   The city may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter. It shall give ten (10) days' notice in writing to the owner of the sign, structure, or property on which the sign is located, to remove the sign or bring it into compliance.

      2.   The city may remove a sign immediately and without notice, at its discretion, if condition of the sign presents an immediate threat to the safety of the public. Neither the city nor any of its agents shall be liable for any damage to any sign that is summarily abated. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

   A.   Neighborhood identification: One nameplate or identification sign with a maximum of two (2) faces shall be permitted at each entry point to a subdivision. The sign shall not exceed an area of twenty four (24) square feet per sign, nor five feet (5') in height above grade.

   B.   Multiple-family residential and mobile home parks: Where otherwise permitted, one sign of not more than twenty four (24) square feet shall be permitted. A freestanding sign shall be mounted in a planter or landscaped area and shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

A combination of signage consisting of temporary, wall, freestanding, ground, projecting, and window signs are allowed on a per structure basis in commercial and industrial zones in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations in this section.

   A.   Quantity And Size: The quantity and size of allowable areas of signs per structure shall be as follows:

      1.   One ground or freestanding sign.

      2.   A total sign area of one and one-half (1.5) square feet for each linear foot of building frontage or one square foot for each linear foot of lot frontage, whichever results in the larger sign area.

      3.   Freestanding or projecting signs bordering Highway 30 shall be limited to one hundred fifty (150) square feet per side. Such signs shall not exceed twenty four feet (24') in height from grade to the highest element.

      4.   Freestanding or projecting signs not bordering Highway 30 shall be limited to forty eight (48) square feet per side. Such signs shall not exceed twenty four feet (24') in height from grade to the highest element.

   B.   Businesses Within Shopping Centers: Within shopping centers, each individual business shall be allowed a total sign area as calculated in accordance with subsection A2 of this section.

   C.   Shopping Centers: In addition to the sign area allowed for individual businesses, shopping centers with more than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of floor area shall be allowed one double faced sign along each street right of way. Such signs shall neither extend beyond the property line nor be placed in the right of way and shall be used solely to identify the shopping center, shopping area, or business or activities conducted therein. These signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet per face and shall not exceed thirty feet (30') in height from the grade to the highest element of the sign.

   D.   Awning Signage: The maximum sign area shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the awning area. The sign shall be integrated into the design and material of the awning on which it is located. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

   A.   Existing Signs: An existing on premises sign on private property that does not conform to the size or height regulations of this chapter may be continued as allowed by this section.

   B.   Changes Or Alterations: A nonconforming sign shall not be changed, expanded or altered in any manner, which would increase the degree of its nonconformity, or be structurally altered to prolong its useful life, or be moved in whole or in part to any other location where it would remain nonconforming.

   C.   Termination Of Nonconforming Signs:

      1.   Change In Business: Nonconforming signs, which advertise a business no longer conducted, shall be terminated by the city within thirty (30) days after closure of the business.

      2.   Damage Or Destruction: Any nonconforming sign damaged or destroyed, by any means, to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost, shall be terminated and shall not be restored. For the purpose of this regulation, the value of any sign shall be the estimated cost to replace the sign, as determined by the city.

      3.   Termination: Termination shall consist of either removal of the sign or alteration of the sign to eliminate all nonconforming features. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

   A.   Defined: A right of way sign includes every type of decoration, sign, or banner displayed over or upon the public rights of way, including all temporary signage or signs attached to any other structure.

   B.   Permit Required:

      1.   No person, firm, corporation or association shall display or cause to be displayed over or upon the city streets of the city any sign without having first obtained a permit from the city.

      2.   A request for a right of way sign shall show the approximate location of the proposed installation(s), height above street or sidewalk, location on a pole or building, the approximate size of sign to be displayed, whether the sign is to be attached to utility poles, buildings or other structures, and the dates of installation and removal.

      3.   The city may establish additional requirements on the permit relating to use of the public right of way or to ensure public safety.

   C.   Insurance Requirement: The city may require that the permittee obtain a certificate of insurance naming the city and affected property owner(s) as additional insureds at an amount sufficient to the city for protection from injury or property damage relating to the placement, maintenance or removal of the sign.

   D.   Installation/Removal Requirements:

      1.   Right of way signs other than those installed by utility company crews are to be installed from a mechanical hoist or OSHA approved procedures and equipment, so that the individuals making installations do not have to climb utility poles.

      2.   The holder of a permit for a right of way sign shall be responsible for the maintenance of the sign in a safe and attractive condition at all times and for its safe and prompt removal upon the expiration of the permit authorized or in the event the sign may become a hazard or unsightly upon the public right of way at any time.

      3.   The duration of a permit for a right of way sign shall not exceed sixty (60) days, unless the city approves an extension.

      4.   The city shall have the right to remove or cause to be removed any right of way sign that is a hazard without notice to the permittee. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

The city shall notify the owner of the real property where a sign has been abandoned or allowed to fall into disrepair, and shall require reasonable repair, replacement or removal within thirty (30) days. If compliance does not occur, the city may cause the removal of such signs and collect from the owner of the real property from which it was removed any or all expenses incurred by the city in the enforcement of this provision. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)

Any person, firm or corporation, whether as a principal, agent, employee or otherwise violating or upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per offense. Such person, firm or corporation may be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed or continued by such a person, firm or corporation and shall be punishable as herein provided. (Ord. 639, 6-1-2005)