Jefferson County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

Facilitate the orderly development of properly designed and constructed public and private roadways so as to provide a safe, durable and efficient integrated roadway system;

Protect public rights-of-way, natural resources, and open space from degradation due to poor development practices;

Protect the public interest in management of surface water drainage and related functions of drainage basins, watercourses, and shoreline areas; and

Fulfill the objectives of the comprehensive planning policies of Jefferson County in promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The new sanitary sewer system, extension, or connection is a necessary response to protect basic public health, safety, and the environment; the sewer is financially supportable at rural densities; and the sewer, extension, or connection does not permit urban development;

The new sanitary sewer system, extension, or connection is necessary to support a limited area of more intensive rural development (LAMIRD); the sewer is needed to mitigate a threat to the public health, welfare, or to protect an area of environmental sensitivity caused by existing development; and the sewer is limited to those properties or facilities needed to mitigate the threat to the public health, welfare, or to protect an area of environmental sensitivity;

The new sanitary sewer system, extension, or connection is necessary to provide service to an essential public facility if no practicable alternative exists to site the essential public facility in an urban growth area; or

The new sanitary sewer system, extension, or connection supports schools sited in a rural area that serves students from a rural area and an urban area, when consistent with the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, RCW 36.70A.213, and the following requirements:

The "maximum density" for a parcel is calculated by dividing the parcel area by the total number of residential dwelling units allowed according to the density designation. Only whole density units may be used.

"Parcel area" or "lot area" is the total horizontal land area contained within the boundaries of a parcel.

If a development proposal depends on two or more lots, parcels or combinations thereof to be considered as a site for purposes of complying with the provisions of this title or any other provisions of the Jefferson County Code, DCD may require the applicant to record a covenant to the benefit of the county that requires retention of the lots under common ownership and control for the duration that the use is maintained on the site.

Setbacks from roads shall be measured from the edge of the road right-of-way. Side and rear setbacks are measured from the edge of the property in the same manner as road setbacks.

"Impervious surface" is measured by calculating the horizontal land area of all surface areas that create a barrier to or retard the entry of water into the soil in comparison with natural conditions prior to development. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall not be considered as impervious surfaces. See also JCC § 18.30.070 for storm drainage standards.

The height of buildings and structures shall be calculated by the vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface. Story height is calculated by the vertical distance from the top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces; and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joist or, where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters (cf. International Building Code).

All grading and clearing activities shall be conducted so as to minimize potential adverse effects of these activities on forested lands, surface water quality and quantity, groundwater recharge, and fish and wildlife habitat, adjacent properties and downstream drainage channels.

Grading and excavation to construct ponds and reservoirs shall:

Design and maintain adequate buffers of undisturbed native vegetation to minimize off-site impacts of surface water runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.

Design and construct all graded surfaces that are to be revegetated so that the graded surfaces will hold topsoil and to minimize surface runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.

Selectively salvage the upper six to 12 inches of topsoil, stockpile it, and respread over all disturbed areas to be revegetated. Excess excavated material, if not retained on-site, must be disposed of at a permitted site approved by the administrator.

Any area cleared or graded and not covered with gravel or an impervious surface shall be seeded immediately on completion of the project. If erosion is probable, areas with exposed soil shall be protected by temporary means during and following construction until seeding is established. All disturbances should at least be revegetated with grasses and forbs; including shrubs and trees as appropriate in the revegetation effort. Use of plant species native to the county is encouraged.

Natural vegetation shall be retained to the maximum extent possible in construction and operation of any use. All development shall ensure that soil erosion and sedimentation of drainage ways will be controlled to prevent damage to adjoining property and downstream drainage channels and receiving waters.

Surface drainage shall not be directed to or discharged into county roads or ditches within county rights-of-way unless approved by the county engineer.

A drainage analysis shall be prepared if required by JCC § 18.30.070. Drainage controls may be required to regulate volume, peak flow and velocities of runoff water and to control pollutants, erosion, and sedimentation if it is probable that damage could occur downstream to property or to water quality. Such controls may include landscaping or re-establishing native vegetation, ponds, catch basins, and other control structures.

For effective long-term weed control, it is suggested that the landowner coordinate with the county weed control board to eradicate nuisance species.

Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas. Standards governing development activities in these areas are found in Article III of Chapter 18.22 JCC.

Frequently Flooded Areas. Fills in flood hazard areas as identified on the FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) are not permitted unless the administrator finds that no reasonable alternative exists.

Geologically Hazardous Areas. Standards governing development activities in these areas are found in Article V of Chapter 18.22 JCC.

Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas. Standards governing development activities in these areas are found in Article VI of Chapter 18.22 JCC.

Regulated Wetlands. Alteration (filling, excavating, or draining) of regulated wetlands shall be subject to the provisions of Article VII of Chapter 18.22 JCC.

Project or building permits which involve grading of 500 or more cubic yards are subject to environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) (see Article X of Chapter 18.40 JCC) unless the grading is SEPA-exempt under WAC 197-11-800.

(Note: this does not apply when grading is associated with a development or activity which is categorically exempt from SEPA review requirements. Most minor new construction, including construction of a single-family house and related outbuildings, is exempt from SEPA review; see WAC 197-11-800.)

All grading of 500 cubic yards or more shall be subject to a stormwater management permit, as specified in JCC § 18.30.070(5), with the exception of:

"Redevelopment" includes, on a site that is already substantially developed (i.e., has 35 percent or more of existing impervious surface coverage), the creation or addition of impervious surfaces; the expansion of a building footprint or addition or replacement of a structure; structural development including construction, installation or expansion of a building or other structure; replacement of impervious surface that is not part of a routine maintenance activity; and land-disturbing activities.

Comply with the minimum requirements for development of small parcels in Section I-2.5 of the SMM;

Applicants for all development and redevelopment meeting the criteria for subsection (1)(a) of this section, except for detached single-family residences and duplexes creating or adding less than 2,000 square feet and land-disturbing activities of less than 7,000 square feet, shall prepare a stormwater site plan (or show on other diagrams being prepared for the project, if appropriate) showing:

All new development and redevelopment shall be required to comply with Minimum Requirement No. 2 (Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention) as contained in the SMM.

New development that includes: (i) the creation or addition of 2,000 square feet, or greater, of new, replaced, or new plus replaced impervious surface area; or (ii) has land-disturbing activities of 7,000 square feet or greater shall comply with Minimum Requirements Nos. 1 through 5 as contained in the SMM.

New development that includes: (i) the creation or addition of 5,000 or more square feet of impervious surface; or (ii) converts three-quarters acre, or more, of native vegetation to lawn or landscaped areas; or (iii) converts 2.5 acres, or more, of native vegetation to pasture shall comply with Minimum Requirements Nos. 1 through 10 as contained in the SMM.

Redevelopment that includes: (i) new, replaced, or total of new plus replaced impervious surface of 2,000 square feet or more; or (ii) 7,000 square feet or more of land-disturbing activity shall comply with Minimum Requirements Nos. 1 through 5 as contained in the SMM.

Stormwater Site Plan. Stormwater site plans shall be developed to the standards of Volume I, Chapter 3 of the SMM, and include:

Commercial and industrial developments, subdivisions or other projects requiring stormwater management facilities including collection, conveyance, treatment, detention, and infiltration facilities shall enter into a stormwater management facility maintenance agreement with Jefferson County to operate and maintain the facilities as per the approved plans. The public works department will prepare the agreement after approval of the project stormwater site plan and submit it to the applicant. The applicant shall file the agreement with the Jefferson County auditor prior to final project approval by Jefferson County.

Applications for grading projects or land-disturbing activities which require a stormwater management permit shall include the following information. The administrator may waive specific submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for review of the application.

Transportation facilities shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the following reference manuals and standards of the Jefferson County department of public works which are hereby adopted by reference in this code, including:

Bridges shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the standards of the department of public works identified by reference in this code. Bridge design and construction shall be certified by a licensed engineer.

Road signs and traffic signs shall be installed in conformance with the standards of the department of public works identified by reference in this title.

Drainage, erosion control, and stormwater management facilities shall comply with the requirements of the storm drainage standards contained in JCC § 18.30.070 and the Washington Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual, and any other applicable Jefferson County standards.

The applicant shall submit plans for construction of roads, bridges, stormwater management facilities, and/or land disturbing activities regulated by this code to the department of public works for review and approval prior to commencing construction.

Clearing, grading, and construction of roads, bridges, utilities, and stormwater management facilities shall be inspected by the department of public works. In order to enable the department to conduct inspections in a timely manner, the applicant shall notify the department in a timely manner regarding the project construction schedule.

The following road inspections are typically required:

Additional inspections may be necessary based on site-specific conditions or the nature of the project.

The department of public works may require development applicants to submit a traffic analysis prepared by a licensed engineer in order to determine the potential off-site impacts to public and private transportation facilities from proposed subdivisions.

Subdivision road systems shall provide access to the public road system at two locations, when feasible. One access location may be allowed based on a finding by the department of public works that a single access location is adequate to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

Access to subdivisions from arterial and collector roads shall be restricted. Lots shall be accessed from an internal access road system, unless the lots are accessed from a local access road.

Developments shall make appropriate provision to ensure safe walking conditions for pedestrians and for students who walk to and from school. Construction of road improvements, sidewalks, trails, or bicycle facilities may be required in order to meet this standard.

Subdivisions shall make appropriate provision for transit and school bus stops.

When a proposed subdivision is adjacent to a county road, a right-of-way 30 feet in width from the roadway centerline shall be conveyed to Jefferson County by either statutory warranty deed or dedication in fee simple on the plat, if such right-of-way has not been previously conveyed.

Easements for private roads providing access to and/or internal circulation within subdivisions shall be 60 feet in width. Easement width may be reduced on the recommendation of the department of public works based on a finding that the public health, safety, and welfare will be protected and that the easement width is adequate for the construction and maintenance of roads and utilities. Where reduced access easement widths are proposed, parallel utilities easements may be required.

Access easements from the county road system to the subdivision shall be provided consistent with the requirements of this code. Access from the public road system shall be depicted on the final plat.

Subdivision road names shall be approved by the board of county commissioners based on a recommendation by the department of public works and in compliance with Chapter 12.20 JCC, 911 Emergency Locator System.

Subdivisions shall establish an agreement for the continuing maintenance of private roads either by recording a separate instrument and referencing said instrument on the plat or by declaring a maintenance agreement on the plat. The applicant shall submit the maintenance agreement to the department of public works for review and approval prior to final plat approval.

All required construction of roads, bridges, utilities, and stormwater management facilities shall be inspected and approved by the department of public works prior to final development approval.

Developments proposing access to county collector roads and state highways shall make appropriate access improvements to ensure that mobility on these roadways is not degraded. The design of access improvements shall be reviewed and approved by the Jefferson County engineer for county roads and by the Washington Department of Transportation for state routes.

Subdivision applicants may post a surety guaranteeing completion of subdivision improvements within one year of final plat approval. The surety shall be reviewed and approved by the department of public works. The surety shall be for 200% of the cost of constructing the improvements based on an estimate prepared by a licensed engineer. In the event that the applicant does not complete construction of improvements within one year, the department of public works shall be authorized to complete the construction and pay for the work from the surety account. Surety shall not be accepted for water supply development other than distribution facilities.

A maintenance bond guaranteeing any improvements required by this code for two years may be required by Jefferson County as a condition of final plat approval. Maintenance bonds shall be approved by the department of public works.

Applications requiring review by the department of public works to meet the requirements of this section shall be assessed hourly review fees in accordance with the Jefferson County fee schedule. By making application, the applicant agrees to reimburse the department for its expenses even if the proposal is denied by subsequent action of the county or the proposal is otherwise not completed.

Modifications to design and construction standards for a specific road project may be approved by the county engineer.

General.

Road and Right-of-Way Dedication.

Road Vacations. All applications to the board of county commissioners seeking vacation of a county road right-of-way or any portion of one shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 12.10 JCC, Road Vacations.

Paths shall be visually distinguished from roads, driveways, and parking spaces.

Paths shall have a standard unobstructed width of six feet or the minimum standards contained in the Jefferson County nonmotorized transportation and recreational trails plan, whichever is greater.

Off-street parking shall be established prior to occupancy of any new or expanded building or before a change occurs in the use of an existing building. Parking space requirements shall be determined from Table 6-2, and as follows:

Parking for physically handicapped needs shall be provided consistent with state standards at a rate of not less than two percent of the total number of parking spaces, or a minimum of one parking space, whichever is greater. Single-family residences, including duplexes, are exempt from this requirement. Parking spaces for physically handicapped needs shall comply with the current ADA Design Guide, Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section.

A parking layout plan shall be submitted to the administrator for approval consistent with requirements of Table 6-2 for all multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and small-scale recreation and tourist uses, at the time of application for any permit or land use activity required by this code. The layout plan shall conform to the general parking standards contained in this subsection. The administrator may refer any parking plan to the county engineer for technical review.

Required off-street parking located within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Master Program shall also be consistent with applicable provisions of this section.

Off-street parking areas containing five or more spaces shall be landscaped according to JCC § 18.30.130(6).

The minimum parking space and aisle dimensions for the most common parking angles are shown in Table 6-3. For parking angles other than those shown on the chart, the minimum parking space and aisle dimensions shall be approved by the county engineer.

Owners of two or more adjoining uses, structures or lots may utilize jointly the same parking or loading area when the hours of operation do not overlap. In the event that owners of one or more adjoining uses, structures or lots desire to utilize jointly the same parking concurrently, the total requirement for parking spaces shall be the sum of the requirements for each individual use, unless the applicants can demonstrate to the administrator that a lower number of parking spaces are justified through implementation of transportation demand management strategies, off-peak use, availability and use of public transit or alternative modes of travel or other measures.

If lighting is provided, it shall be designed to minimize direct illumination of abutting properties and adjacent streets.

Joint accesses for commercial, industrial and multifamily residential uses should be utilized whenever feasible.

All ingress and egress to a parking lot accessing an arterial or collector roadway shall be developed so vehicles entering and leaving the parking lot are headed in a forward motion.

Access points shall be located in a manner consistent with the standards of the Jefferson County department of public works or WSDOT, where applicable.

Limited access provisions shall be required when deemed necessary by the Jefferson County department of public works or WSDOT, where applicable.

All required off-street parking shall be provided with an all-weather surface as required by the Jefferson County department of public works.

Grading work for parking areas shall meet the requirements of the International Building Code. Drainage and erosion or sedimentation control facilities shall be provided in accordance with JCC § 18.30.060(2) and § 18.30.070.

Wheel stops, striping, or similar measures are required where a parked vehicle would encroach on adjacent property, pedestrian access or circulation areas, rights-of-way, or landscaped areas.

Any lighting installed in parking areas shall be consistent with the requirements of JCC § 18.30.140.

Environmental impacts resulting from installation or maintenance of utilities should be minimized. Areas disturbed during construction shall be replanted with native vegetation and maintained until firmly established. Clearing shall be confined to that necessary to allow installation and to prevent interference by vegetation once the system is in operation.

Utilities and transportation facilities should be installed in the same rights-of-way when the effect will be to reduce the adverse impacts on the physical environment.

Solid waste transfer and disposal facilities shall be located and designed in accordance with Chapter 173-301 WAC, Department of Ecology Minimum Functional Standards for Solid Waste Handling, and applicable local health, safety, and fire protection codes.

Existing trees, vegetative plantings, undisturbed open space, and/or topographic or natural features which meet or exceed these standards shall be considered to fulfill the landscaping or screening requirements of this section and any other applicable reference to these screening requirements in other sections of this code.

The administrator may authorize variations to the landscaping/screening requirements of this section to:

"Screen-A" landscaping:

"Screen-B" landscaping:

"Screen-C" landscaping:

Ten feet of Screen-B landscaping shall be provided for an industrial development.

Ten feet of Screen-B landscaping shall be provided for all above-ground utility facilities or development, excluding distribution and transmission corridors, located outside a public right-of-way.

Ten feet of Screen-C landscaping shall be provided for all commercial or multiple-family residential development.

Within the highway visual corridor overlay, Article VI-Q, a 30-foot vegetated buffer providing Screen-A landscaping is to be located adjoining State Route 20, along with a 20-foot setback from the buffer, totaling a 50-foot visual corridor meeting the purpose and requirements of JCC § 18.15.574.

Fifteen feet of Screen-A landscaping shall be included in all commercial, industrial, or small-scale recreational and tourist development along any portion adjacent to a residential use or district, except as may be varied by the administrator under subsection (2)(b) of this section.

Ten feet of Screen-B landscaping shall be included in all multiple-family development along any portion adjacent to a single-family residential use and in an industrial development along any portion adjacent to a nonindustrial development, except as provided in subsection (5)(a) of this section.

Parking lot screening shall be provided on each side, front, and/or rear of a parking lot where such side, front, or rear abuts any residential use or district, except that no screening is required where the elevation of the parking area lot line is four feet higher than the finished elevation of the parking area surface.

Parking lot screening shall be kept in good condition and shall meet the following conditions:

The landscape plan shall be drawn on the same base map as the development plans or on a separate sheet properly labeled and shall identify the following:

The required landscaping shall be installed prior to project occupancy. However, a certificate of occupancy may be issued prior to installation of the required landscaping if a bond or other form of appropriate surety is posted in a manner acceptable to the administrator. The time limit for compliance may be extended to allow installation of such required landscaping during the next planting season.

All landscaping and necessary support systems shall be maintained for the life of the project.

All landscape materials shall be pruned and trimmed as necessary to maintain a healthy growing condition.

Landscape areas shall be kept free of trash.

To allow for and encourage the effective use of signs;

To improve and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety by reducing distractions and hazards from signs;

To maintain public and private property values, scenic resources and "rural character" in accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan;

To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected;

To disavow any regulatory distinctions or restrictions on speech based on the content of signs. No part of this section shall be construed to favor one type of speech over another and if any provision of this section is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted as to not regulate on the basis of speech content.

Traffic and standardized public signs installed by a government entity;

Window and merchandise displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as product dispensers, illuminated displays located inside buildings and barber poles;

National flags, flags of a political subdivision, and symbolic flags of an institution or business;

Legal notices required by law;

Historic site plaques and markers and gravestones;

Noncommercial signs on private property;

Structures with messages or lettering affixed and intended for separate use, such as recycling containers and phone booths;

Real estate signs;

Signage of any kind affixed to any licensed motorized vehicle;

Seasonal displays or decorations, which are clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national or local event, occasion or holiday or religious or cultural observance;

Murals or signs consisting solely of paint or other colored media that is applied on existing structures;

Portable signs;

Temporary signs.

Abandoned signs;

Billboard signs;

Moving signs, excepting signs where the movement is induced entirely by naturally occurring causes, such as the wind or human power, and also excepting signs that display changing messages, may be allowed pursuant to subsection (6)(c) of this section;

Off-site signs which advertise a business; except as provided in subsection (6)(m) of this section;

Signs or sign structures which by coloring, shape, working, or location resemble or conflict with traffic-control signs or devices;

Signs which impede or create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicular traffic;

Signs attached to utility poles or traffic signs, except with the permission of the utility or agency;

Signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way, except for governmental signs, portable signs and temporary signs as defined in subsection (3) of this section and as further regulated in subsections (6) and (8) of this section; and

Signs that are not in compliance with this section.

The illumination of signs shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so the light intensity or brightness shall 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.

No sign or part thereof shall consist of rotating, revolving, or moving parts; consist of banners, streamers, or spinners; or involve flashing, blinking, or alternating lights; provided, that exceptions to this standard are temporary signs associated with local festivals, fairs, parades, or special events pursuant to subsection (8)(b) of this section; moving signs where the movement is induced wholly by naturally occurring causes, such as wind or human power; and changing message signs allowed pursuant to subsection (6)(c) of this section.

Changing message signs are allowed only in rural commercial, rural industrial, urban commercial, and master planned resort commercial zones and must be directed away from adjacent property zoned residential or open space, including properties across a public right-of-way; except that changing message signs which are also governmental signs, as defined elsewhere in this code, are allowed in other zoning designations not listed here, through a conditional use permit (C) process, if the parcel where the proposed changing message sign would be built, installed or placed is owned by a municipal corporation or other public entity, and the sign is placed or installed within 150 feet of the logical outer boundary of a LAMIRD. No changing message sign may be located closer than 200 feet from adjacent property zoned residential or open space, as measured from the sign location to the nearest property line of the residential or open space zoned property; provided, that a changing message sign may be closer than 200 feet to a residential or open space zone with review and approval through a conditional discretionary use permit process (C(d)) if proposed by a nongovernmental entity, or with review and approval through a conditional use permit (C) process if proposed by a governmental entity as described above.

For any uses within any rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA land use district, the total square footage of signs shall not exceed 64 square feet; provided, that any sign size may be increased up to 50 percent larger than the standard size, upon approval of the administrator, based on a finding that the larger sign size is consistent with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section. Multitenant developments may have one freestanding sign for each access point, commonly identifying the businesses within multitenant developments, provided such signs total no more than 64 square feet in aggregate. The maximum aggregate size for projection signs placed on a building is limited to one percent of the floor areas of the building, except that each occupant is allowed a sign of at least two square feet. In no case may an individual occupant's sign be larger than 15 square feet. The size of signs in square footage shall be calculated by the outside dimensions necessary to frame the information displayed. Any sign projecting beyond six inches from a perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet above grade as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign.

Signs for any use located in any rural residential district shall not exceed 32 square feet of total sign area, with the exception of government signs, including community signs, which shall not exceed 64 square feet; provided, that any sign size may be increased up to 50 percent larger than the standard size, upon approval of the administrator, based on a finding that the larger sign size is consistent with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.

Uses located in any rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA land use districts shall have no more than two on-site signs, except as allowed in this section for multitenant developments; provided, that the number of signs may be increased upon approval of the administrator, based on a finding that the increased number of signs is consistent with provisions of subsection (1) of this section. In no event shall the number of signs that may be added by the administrator for a particular parcel exceed the lesser of four signs or the least number of additional signs that would equal or exceed 100 percent of the signs that may be lawfully placed at that parcel prior to the administrator authorizing for the first time any additional signs. While an applicant may make more than one request for bonus signs, the maximum number of bonus signs available for authorization at a particular parcel shall never exceed four in addition to those lawfully allowed before the administrator authorized any bonus signs at that parcel.

All signs shall be maintained to be structurally sound, so as to not present a public hazard. Pursuant to subsection (5)(f) of this section, signs that present a public hazard are prohibited and shall be subject to abatement.

The design of freestanding signs shall include measures to restrict vehicles from passing beneath them. All freestanding pole signs or projecting signs shall provide pedestrian clearance to a minimum of eight feet, as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign, where applicable.

No signs located on property immediately adjacent to bodies of water, other than those related to water dependent uses, such as a marina, or noncommercial signs on private property, are permitted to face waterward, excepting governmental signs and signs relating to safety concerns, such as cable-crossing, construction-dredging, fuel area, etc.

No sign shall be placed in a way as to obstruct a driver's vision of motor vehicle traffic, bicyclists or pedestrians, or traffic signs.

Community signs are permitted at each entrance to the community. Said signs are limited to one per entrance, and may not exceed 64 square feet in area or eight feet in height as measured from the ground to the top of the sign. Signs relating to clubs, societies, orders, fraternities and the like shall be permitted as part of the community sign.

Portable sandwich board signs subject to the following criteria:

Off-site signs may only be allowed when they meet all of the following standards:

Banner signs shall be no larger than 64 square feet and not placed on utility poles without the permission of the utility. Banner signs placed over roadways, including the height above the roadway, must have approval of the appropriate roadway managing agency.

Hand held signs shall not exceed 16 square feet; provided, that the size may be increased up to 50 percent larger than the standard size, upon approval of the administrator, based on a finding that the larger size is consistent with provisions of subsection (1) of this section.

Unless otherwise stated in this section, the maximum height in feet above the ground to the top of the sign for any sign attached to a building on any parcel of land zoned rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA is the sum of the square root of the maximum sign size in square feet for the sign type and the land use zone as identified in this section, plus the height of the building at the roof base. For example, for a building 20 feet high to the roof base and an allowable sign size of 32 square feet, the maximum sign height would be: square root of 32 feet = 5.6 feet + 20 feet = 25.6 feet above ground level.

Unless otherwise stated in this section, the maximum height in feet above the ground for any on-site sign not attached to a building on any parcel of land zoned rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, or urban commercial is 35 feet from the ground to the top of the sign.

Unless otherwise stated in this section, the maximum height in feet above the ground for any sign in a rural residential zone is eight feet from the ground to the top of the sign.

Legal nonconforming off-site signs shall be removed within five years of adoption of an ordinance establishing a "wayfinding sign" program, which is intended to provide off-site sign locations where businesses can place signs. Until adoption of a wayfinding sign ordinance, legal nonconforming signs must be continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered. Nonconforming off-site signs may be replaced by off-site directional signs as allowed in subsection (6)(m) of this section.

Legal nonconforming on-site signs may remain provided they are continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered.

Temporary signs shall be limited in size to 64 square feet; except that temporary signs in the public right-of-way are subject to size and height limits of subsection (8)(g) of this section and shall not obstruct safe visibility of any motorist or pedestrian traffic. Temporary signs shall be secured in their location so as to not collapse, become airborne or otherwise cause a safety hazard. Temporary signs, except for banner signs placed across roadways, and signs mounted within the public right-of-way, shall not exceed eight feet in height from the ground to the top of the sign.

Event signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events, and grand openings may be displayed for up to 30 days prior to the event and shall be removed no later than 10 days after the event. The sponsoring entity is responsible for sign removal. Event signs may be located "off site." To ensure consistency with this section, "event" signs subject to the requirements of Chapter 8.20 JCC shall be reviewed by the administrator for a "special event permit."

Garage or rummage sale signs may be displayed for up to seven days prior to the event and shall be removed no later than one day after the event.

Political signs may be displayed upon the date of official filing of a candidate for elective office or upon certification by the county of a ballot measure, and must be removed not later than 10 days after the final election for the candidate or ballot measure.

Real estate signs may be displayed upon execution of a formal listing agreement between seller and real estate agent, or a listing "for sale by owner," and removed within 10 days of either: (1) the date the new owner or lessee takes possession of the property, or (2) the date of the expiration of the listing, and (3) shall not be more than 12 square feet in size and not exceed eight feet above existing grade, as measured from the ground to the top of the sign.

Subdivision Real Estate Sales Signs. Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots or dwelling units located within an approved subdivision shall be permitted; provided, that there shall be no more than one sign per subdivision entrance, and each sign shall be no greater than 32 square feet in area and no greater than eight feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the sign. These signs shall be removed within 10 days following the initial sale of all lots or dwelling units within the subdivision.

Temporary signs and portable signs in the public right-of-way, excepting governmental signs, must not exceed four square feet in size, not exceed three feet above existing grade to the top of the sign and must include the name and contact information of the party posting the sign and must be removed by the party who posted the sign or their agent not later than 10 days after the sign is no longer serving its purpose, including but not limited to the end of the temporary event, festival, election, or sale. All nongovernmental signs in the public right-of-way are limited to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.

Concrete and Asphalt Production at Stationary Sites. This activity applies to any activity that mixes raw materials on-site to produce or enhance concrete or asphalt. It also applies to subsequent activities such as pouring concrete structures, and making other concrete and asphalt products. Mishandling of raw materials on concrete production can introduce suspended solids and heavy metals to stormwater runoff and cause pH increases in receiving waters. In addition, stormwater pollution can result from washing of waste concrete from trucks, forms, wheelbarrows, buckets, and other equipment in the work area. The loose chunks of aggregate resulting from washing of equipment can easily reach storm drains, either in the wash water itself or in stormwater runoff. Asphalt emulsion and chunks of aggregate can easily wash off of equipment used in mixing and production in a similar manner as concrete. Mobile concrete pouring and asphalt application are covered under a separate activity in these administrative rules. Concrete production at mining sites is also covered by this activity.

Storage of Liquid Materials in Stationary Tanks. This section applies to any activity that stores any type of liquid chemicals, waste oils, solvents, or petroleum products in above-ground storage tanks. Leaking tanks on these sites can contribute toxic compounds, oils and greases, heavy metals, abnormal pH, and nutrients to stormwater runoff. In addition, spills may occur during liquid transfer operations to and from the tanks.

This activity does not apply to underground storage tanks or to businesses permitted by the Washington State Department of Ecology to treat, store, or dispose of dangerous wastes. Storage of reactive, combustible, or flammable liquids must comply with the fire code requirements and may need to comply with the Washington State Department of Ecology regulations.

Storage of Any Liquid Material in Portable Containers. This section applies to any activity that stores any type of liquid chemicals, waste oils, solvents or petroleum products in portable containers (such as drums). This activity covers permanent storage as well as temporary storage areas at temporary sites. Spills and drips of these liquids, or overtopping of storage containers, can contribute toxic compounds, oils and greases, heavy metals, abnormal pH, and nutrients to stormwater runoff.

This section does not apply to businesses that are permitted by the Washington State Department of Ecology to treat, store, or dispose of dangerous waste. Storage of reactive, combustible, or flammable liquids must comply with the Washington State Department of Ecology regulations.

Storage of Soil, Sand, Salt and Other Erodible Materials. This section applies to stockpiling erodible raw materials such as soil, sawdust, gravel, sand and road de-icing salts. It covers permanent sites as well as temporary construction sites and other temporary locations. Raw material stockpiles can easily erode due to wind or precipitation and contribute suspended solids, nutrients, heavy metals, and abnormal pH to stormwater runoff.

Engine Repair and Maintenance. This activity applies to operations that conduct engine repair and maintenance in vehicles and other equipment. It also applies to mobile vehicle maintenance operations, such as at construction sites. This common activity can lead to immediate stormwater contamination if it is not done in a controlled manner. This activity can contaminate stormwater with toxic hydrocarbons, other toxic organic compounds, oils and greases, abnormal pH, and heavy metals. Related vehicle maintenance activities are covered under the following activity headings in these administrative rules: "Painting, Finishing, and Coating of Vehicles, Products and Equipment," "Vehicle Washing and Stream Cleaning," "Fueling Operations, and Vehicle and Equipment Parking and Storage."

Vehicle Washing and Steam Cleaning. This activity applies to operations that receive shipments of bulk liquid materials by truck or rail and transfer those liquids into storage tanks or containers or handle the truck or rail loading of liquid materials from tanks. Spills and drips of these liquids can potentially contribute toxic organic compounds, oils and greases, nutrients, heavy metals, and abnormal pH to stormwater runoff.

Optional BMPs. The BMPs listed below are measures that should be considered at all times for improving pollution control. While these BMPs are not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to incorporate them in their plan for implementing BMPs, and the administrator may, in a manner that is consistent with Chapter 18.40 JCC, require that an applicant implement one, several or all of the BMPs listed in this section. Implementing one, some or all of these BMPs may reduce or eliminate the need to implement other more complex or costly BMPs.

The report shall be prepared by, or done under the direction of or designed by, a qualified person with demonstrated expertise in the industry or field as demonstrated by a statement of qualifications.

The report will identify appropriate BMPs and how they will be employed to prevent degradation of groundwater. Examples of BMPs are found in subsection (1) of this section. All necessary technical data, drawings, calculations, and other information to describe application of the BMPs must be supplied.

The report shall identify how the applicant will satisfy the requirements of the Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-303 WAC, in the event that hazardous material is released into the ground or groundwater.

The report shall be reviewed by the department of community development or a consultant hired by the county, at the applicant's expense, for this review. The county may consult with the Jefferson County health department, State of Washington Departments of Health or Ecology, independent reviewer, or any parties as it sees fit.