Colfax City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
40 SIGNS
§ 17.40.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote and protect the public health, welfare, and safety, by regulating existing and proposed outdoor signs of all types. It is intended to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, help preserve the historic buildings and areas, preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas, and provide a more enjoyable and pleasing community. It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more open space, and curb the deterioration of natural beauty and community environment. This chapter also intends to contribute to a positive harmony within the community, and allow for the appropriate display of information.
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))
§ 17.40.020 Definitions.
A. "Changing message center sign"
means any electronically or electrically controlled sign where different automatic changing messages are shown on the same lamp bank.
B. "Construction sign"
means a sign used to identify architects, engineers, contractors, or other individuals or firms involved in the construction of a building or structure and to announce the character of the building or the purpose for which it is intended.
C. "Flashing sign"
means any electrified sign that alternates light intensity in a sudden fashion or that switches on and off in a constant pattern. Public service and changing message center signs are excluded from this definition.
D. "Flush-mounted sign"
means any sign attached to the wall or window of a building, or erected against and parallel to the wall of a building, extending less than twelve inches from that wall.
E. "Garage sale sign"
means any temporary sign used to announce a sale including yard, moving, and patio sales of used items.
F. "Ground sign"
means any freestanding sign not over forty-two inches in height above grade.
G. "Illuminated sign"
means any electrical sign that has lighted characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines as part of the sign.
H. "Multiple occupancy building"
means any single structure housing more than one retail business, office, or commercial venture.
I. "Off-premises sign"
means any sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, activity or entertainment not conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.
J. "Outdoor advertising sign"
means any off-premises sign used as an outdoor display for the purpose of making anything known, whether or not a charge is made for advertising thereon.
K. "Permanent sign"
means any sign that is anchored, bolted, erected, or fixed in a way that is designed for long-term placement. Such signs may include pole-mounted signs, ground-mounted signs, projection signs, and fixed wall signs.
L. "Pole sign"
means any freestanding sign wholly supported by a sign structure in or on the ground. Ground signs are excluded from this definition.
M. "Political sign"
means any temporary sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public office, or a political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on any public issue decided by ballot.
N. "Projecting sign"
means any sign that is attached to and projects twelve or more inches from the wall of a building.
O. "Real estate sign"
means any sign pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of land or buildings.
P. "Sidewalk sign"
means any sign placed on a sidewalk or curbside which is held up by frames, supports, or holders which are not fixed to the ground and are meant to be portable.
Q. "Sign"
means any communication device, structure, or fixture, that is intended to aid an establishment in identification and advertisement/promotion of a business, service, activity, or interest.
R. "Sign surface area"
means the entire area of a sign on which copy is to be placed, but only one side of a double-faced sign is included in the calculation of sign surface area.
S. "Temporary sign"
means any sign, banner, pennant, or flag but not including the flag of any nation, state, city, or other governmental agency, or nonprofit organization, searchlights, balloons, or other air- or gas-filled figures, or advertising displays constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only. Types of temporary signs are construction, grand opening displays, real estate, special event, political, and garage sale signs.
T. "Exempt sign"
means any sign that does not require a building permit as outlined in Section 17.40.070.
U. "Personal home decoration"
means ornaments, flags, garden signs, welcome mats, beware of dog, and signs of similar nature which are meant for decoration of a residential property.
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))
§ 17.40.030 General.
A.
The following general sign standards are intended to include all zones in the city. Only signs as described herein and as may be described under "temporary signs" and "exemptions" will be permitted in each particular zone.
B.
If any zone is omitted from this title or if a new zone is created after the adoption of this chapter, this code shall include the new zone.
C.
Permits. All signs shall have a permit issued by the city of Colfax, unless otherwise noted in this chapter.
D.
Application for Permit. An application for a permit shall be submitted and shall contain the following information:
1.
Name, address and telephone number of applicant.
2.
Location of building, structure or land where sign will be erected.
3.
A detailed drawing or plan showing a description of the construction details of the sign including sign wordage, any photos or illustrations, position of lighting or other extraneous devices, a location plan showing the position of the sign on any building or land and its position in relation to nearby buildings or structures and to any private street or highway.
4.
If signs are to be pole-mounted or anchored to a building wall, construction documents detailing anchors and supports must be submitted with the application. Construction documents must include design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design, and must be approved by a registered design professional.
5.
In the event the applicant is not the legal owner of the structure or property on which the sign is to be erected, written consent of the owner shall be provided in the application for permit. If applicant is a tenant renting a structure, a copy of the lease agreement allowing these modifications or installations may be used as proof of written consent.
E.
Fees. Fees shall be in accordance with the current city of Colfax fee schedule.
F.
Process and Issuance of Permit. Upon the receipt of an application for a permit to erect a sign, it shall be the duty of the building and community development associate or designated associate to examine plans, specifications and other data submitted with the application and, if necessary, the building or premises where proposed sign shall be erected. If the application and proposed sign meets the requirements of this sign regulation and is in compliance with all other applicable city regulations, the building and community development associate shall approve and issue a permit.
G.
Permit Exceptions. The following actions shall not require a sign permit:
1.
The changing of a message on an approved sign.
2.
Any maintenance for approved sign including painting, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance. Any structural repairs such as replacing or fixing anchorage and supports shall require a permit and must first be approved by the city.
3.
Temporary signs and exempt signs are exempt from permit requirements.
H.
All signs shall comply with the city development regulations as well as the structural design requirements of the current adopted building code, including but not limited to Appendix H.
I.
Inspections. Signs may be inspected periodically for compliance with the city regulations.
J.
Maintenance. All signs and accompanying components shall be kept in good repair and in a safe, clean, and attractive condition.
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))
§ 17.40.040 Signs in residential zones.
A.
General. The term residential shall apply to all "R" zones designated by this title. Signs in residential areas as allowed by this section do not require a permit. This section also applies to home occupation signs.
B.
Location. Permitted signs may be anywhere on the parcel, except as noted below:
C.
Ground Signs. Ground-mounted signs shall not exceed four feet in height and are allowed during business hours only.
D.
Wall Signs. Signs mounted on the building shall be no more than four square feet and be mounted flush with the wall surface and shall not project above the eave or roof line.
E.
Illumination. Illuminated signs shall not be permitted in residential zones.
F.
Temporary Events. Signs used to advertise temporary events such as a garage sale, yard sale, lemonade stand, bake sale, and/or holiday/birthday parties are allowed and do not require a sign permit. Such signs must be removed within forty-eight hours of event conclusion.
G.
Residential Real Estate. "For Sale" and "Sold" signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage of the property being sold. Signs must not exceed six square feet in area, and must not exceed a height of seven feet. For undeveloped residential areas, area of sign must not exceed thirty-five square feet. Such signs do not require a permit.
H.
Personal decoration signs shall be allowed in residential zones.
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))
§ 17.40.050 Signs in business and commercial zones.
Signs in commercial and business zones shall comply with the following standards:
A.
Wall Signs. The total area for all wall signs on each side of the building shall not exceed seventy-five square feet. In the case of projecting signs, sign area shall be calculated for one side of the sign. Signs flush against the building face may be located anywhere on the surface of the building. Signs projecting from the building must be properly secured and must comply with Section H112 of the IBC.
B.
Pole Signs. Pole- or ground-mounted signs are permitted when the building does not cover the full width of the parcel upon which it is located. The total area for a pole sign shall not exceed sixty square feet. Such a sign may extend up to fifty feet above the ground level at the base of the sign, except as may be required by this title. Pole signs more than thirty feet in height must be at least one hundred feet from any residential zone.
C.
Sidewalk Signs/Sandwich Boards. Sidewalk signs or sandwich boards no larger than twelve square feet per side, containing no moving parts and no lights, may be allowed during business hours. Sidewalk signs must be placed so as not to be a hazard to either pedestrians or vehicles.
D.
Banners. Banners used by a single business on a site shall not exceed fifteen percent of its building store front area and shall not have illumination of any kind.
E.
Business/Commercial Real Estate. "For Sale" and "Sold" signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage of the business/commercial property being sold. Real estate signs may be free standing or may be displayed through a window. Sign must not exceed an area of thirty-five square feet, and may not be placed on the public right-of-way. Such sign does not require a permit.
F.
Illuminated Signs. Illuminated signs may be ground-mounted or wall attached. Light rays from such signs shall shine only upon the sign or upon the property on which the sign is located and shall not spill over the property lines in any direction except by indirect reflection. Areas for such signs shall not exceed sixty feet.
G.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Signs. LED signs may be ground-mounted, wall attached, or displayed through a window. Light rays from such signs shall shine only upon the sign or upon the property on which the sign is located and shall not spill over the property lines in any direction except by indirect reflection. LED signs must not be flashing in a manner that distracts traffic or becomes a hazard to public safety. If sign displays alternating content, said content must be displayed for at least three seconds before changing. The area of an LED sign shall not exceed sixty square feet.
More than one sign may be placed per property; however, the total surface area of permanent signs shall not exceed two hundred square feet per business storefront. |
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))
§ 17.40.060 Nonconforming uses and nonconforming signs.
Signs existing and not conforming to the provisions of this chapter, but which were constructed in compliance with previous regulations, shall be regarded as nonconforming signs. Such signs may be maintained in their present condition unless hazardous but may not be altered, erected, or relocated unless in conformity with the sign code.
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))
§ 17.40.070 Exemptions.
The following types of signs are exempt from all the provisions of this chapter, except for construction and safety regulations and the following requirements:
A.
Public Signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his public duty; such as safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, and the like;
B.
Institutional. Signs setting forth the name or any simple announcement for any public, charitable, educational, or religious institution located entirely within the premises of that institution up to an area of twenty-four square feet. Such signs may be illuminated in accordance with the regulations contained hereinafter. If building-mounted, these signs shall be flat wall signs and shall not project above the roofline. If ground-mounted, the top shall be no more than ten feet above ground level;
C.
Integral. Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets, and the like when carved into stone, concrete, or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type construction and made an integral part of the structure;
D.
Small Signs. Signs not exceeding two square feet in area attached flat against the building, stationary, and not illuminated announcing only the name and occupation of building tenant;
E.
Political. Signs related to political campaigns for public election may be erected on private property with the permission of the property owner; provided, that said political signs are removed within forty-eight hours after the end of the election. Political signs may not be placed in city or state rights-of-way;
F.
Temporary Street Banners. Banners related to city-approved activities or events; provided, that said banners are taken down within forty-eight hours following the end of the event;
G.
Seasonal Holiday Signs and Decorations. Signs or decorations temporarily placed in observance of religious or national holidays (i.e., Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July) shall be allowed in all zones and shall not require a permit; provided, that such holiday decorations/lights do not interfere with traffic or present a hazard to the safety or welfare of the public;
H.
Flags. The flag of any nation, state, city, or other governmental agency, nonprofit organization, educational institution, provided they are maintained and do not constitute a hazard to the safety and welfare of the public;
I.
Historic and Iconic Signs. Signs identified to be iconic or of historic interest by the historic preservation commission shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. However, any alterations or modifications to iconic or historic signs must be approved by the historic preservation commission.
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))
§ 17.40.080 Prohibited signs.
Prohibited signs are signs which:
A.
Contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character;
B.
Are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination which may be confused with or construed as a traffic sign or traffic control device and/or may hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal;
C.
Advertise an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located. Exception: off-premises signs, signs pertaining to 17.40.070(I).
D.
Signs that are specifically designed to move or have parts/mechanisms that physically move;
E.
Contain or consist of pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, or other similarly moving devices. Exceptions to this are temporary event signs, and temporary street banners related to city-approved activities or events;
F.
May cause a safety hazard by swinging or otherwise noticeably moving as a result of wind pressure because of the manner of their suspension or attachment;
G.
Are erected in such a position that it completely covers another sign already in place on either side;
H.
Billboards;
I.
Signs shall not be allowed to be placed on utility poles.
(Ord. 21-03 § 1; Ord. 16-13 § 1 (Exh. 2) (part))