This chapter recognizes the importance of signs in the community and establishes regulations intended to protect the public from damage or injury caused by or attributable to distractions and obstructions caused by poorly designed or improperly located signs. These regulations are also intended to stabilize or enhance the overall appearance of the community, preserve and enhance property values, preserve night sky and attract tourists.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.010; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned sign means any sign, including its structure and other components, which is located on vacant property or an unoccupied building for a period of six months or more and which, during that time, is not used for legal sign purposes; or which relates to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies; and/or which has been allowed to deteriorate to become a public hazard or eyesore.

Alteration means any change in the size, shape, method of illumination, position, location, construction or the support structure of a sign.

Area of a sign means the total space or outer dimensions of a sign, including any logos or other artistic or architectural features that are directly related to or an integral part of the sign structure.

Awning/canopy means a temporary or movable shelter (awning) or a fixed rigid shelter (canopy) supported entirely by the exterior wall of the building and generally extending over a pedestrian walkway.

Bulletin board means a permanent sign structure intended to accommodate changeable copy, such as private or public notices, special event information, and other short-term messages, and generally at a scale suitable for pedestrians.

Changeable copy/message center/reader board sign means a permanent sign structure that may be internally or externally illuminated and intended to accommodate changeable lettering, numbering, graphic displays, or other short-term messages. Generally used for commercial advertising or for public service announcements or current or coming events. (Also see Public information/identification sign. )

Freestanding sign means any non-movable sign not affixed to a building that is not a portable sign.

Frontage means the actual length of the front property line abutting a driveway or commercial drive aisle, street (public or private), or alley, or the length of the property line of a flag lot that most closely parallels the street, driveway or drive aisle it most directly relates to.

Grade means the level of the surface of the ground that lies immediately below a sign or proposed sign location. When a slope is involved, the grade shall be the average of the levels at each support member of the sign's structure.

Identification sign means a sign intended solely to inform the public of the use of a property, building, office or premise, and which may typically include the address, suite number, or other identifying information, but that does not include advertising or messages that are not necessary for the identification of the premises.

Illegal sign means any sign erected or altered in violation of the sign codes in effect at the time of such action and which remain in violation of existing codes.

Incidental signs means signs that are intended for the convenience of the public, which are informational only and which are not intended to advertise products or services. Such signs include business hours signs, credit card signs, entrance and exit signs, and similar signs, some of which may be required by law for safety purposes.

Maintain means to allow to exist or continue to exist. Also, where the context indicates, to keep in a safe, neat, and clean condition.

Marquee means a permanent roofed structure with drainage provisions attached to and supported by a building and projecting away from the building which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against weather, typically common to theaters. A marquee itself is not a sign but is commonly used to support signs.

Mixed use structure means a building or groups of buildings under one ownership designed to encourage a diversity of compatible land uses, which include a mixture of two or more of the following uses: residential, office, retail, recreational, light industrial, and other miscellaneous uses.

Monument means a type of structure either explicitly created to commemorate a person or important event or which has become important to a social group as a part of their remembrance of past events. This structure is not used for advertisement, but for use as a memorial.

Moving, flashing or animated sign means any sign that includes action or motion, including flashing lights, color changes, revolving or waving actions other than wind actuated elements such as flags, pennants, banners, and similar devices. These types of signs do not include time/temperature signs, nor electronic or electric reader board or message center signs with messages that change no more frequently than two-second intervals.

Multiple-building or professional complex means a group of structures housing a combination of business, office, residential, or other uses, and which shares a common area, access, parking and/or other facilities.

Multiple-occupancy building means a single building housing more than one retail business, office, commercial venture or other allowed land use.

Nonconforming sign means a sign that was legally established, but no longer conforms to the current sign standards or this chapter.

Portable sign means any nonilluminated sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building, located in the public right-of-way. A sandwich board sign placed outside a business during working hours is a common example of a portable sign in the city. These may be used for events or for adjacent commercial activities. Some examples of where a portable sign may be used are farmer's markets, traffic parking/direction signage, holiday celebration events, or cooling stations.

Projecting sign means a sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building façade and the face of which is not parallel to the building's façade. This sign may be supported by a structure in addition to its building or wall support.

Public information/identification sign means a sign intended solely to inform the public of events that are sponsored by either the city or a city committee recognized by the city council, or to identify the entrance to or exit from the city or a district or neighborhood within the city, and which does not include the advertising or any business, product or service of a commercial nature, nor any logo, symbol, or other indication of a commercial message or sponsorship.

Shopping center means a group of commercial establishments planned, constructed, and managed as a total entity with customer and employee parking provided on-site, provision for goods delivery separated from customer access, aesthetic considerations, and protection from the elements.

Sign. Any communication device, structure or fixture which is intended to identify a building, place, use, business or event, to make a statement, or to promote the sale of products, goods or services using graphics, letters, figures, symbols, trademarks or written copy is a sign. Painted wall designs or patterns of an artistic or architectural nature which do not represent a product, service or registered trademark and do not otherwise meet the definition of the term "sign" are not considered signs and are exempt from review under this section. If a design or pattern is combined with a sign, only that part of the design or pattern which cannot be distinguished from the sign will be considered part of the sign.

Sign, fence, means a sign attached directly to or erected against or attached to a fence or freestanding barrier.

Sign structure means any structure specifically intended to support a sign, and which may include supports, uprights, braces, framework, or other members needed for support.

Sign, real estate, on-site, means a sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises on which the sign is located.

Sign, real estate, off-site, means a readily removable sign announcing the proposed sale or rental of property other than the property upon which the sign is located and providing directions to the subject property. This does not include a boxed cabinet or permanent sign which advertises multiple properties for sale in the form of real-estate brochures or changeable copies.

Temporary/special event sign means a sign advertising display that is temporary in nature is not permanently attached to the ground or sign surface, and is used for special events, such as, but not limited to, grand openings, seasonal sales, political and election signage, signs advertising property for sale or rent, garage/yard sale signs, liquidations, going-out-of-business sales, fire sales, fundraising event, and commercial product promotions.

Wall sign means a sign attached directly to or erected against the wall of a building with the face parallel to the façade of the building and extending no more than 12 inches from the wall.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.020; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

This chapter is intended to maintain a common environment that is visually pleasing and functionally efficient, while promoting local businesses through a common advertisement framework. These regulations are not intended to, and do not restrict, limit or control the content of any sign message. These regulations shall apply to all on-site or off-site signs in all zoning districts and may be subject to additional requirements of certain districts, or to state and federal regulations. In cases of conflict, the most stringent requirement shall prevail.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.030; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

A.

Permit required. No sign shall be placed, erected or displayed without first obtaining a sign permit through the procedures in chapter 16.11, except in the case of signs that are specifically exempt in section 17.38.050.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.040; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022; Ord. No. 1511, §§ 2, 14, 3-21-2024)

The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this chapter, but may be subject to other provisions of the zoning code or building code:

A.

Traffic signs, wayfinding signs, signals, and other traffic control devices erected by the city or other public authority;

B.1.

Community informational signs erected by a special district of the state;

B.2.

Public notices pertaining to public health or safety issues, or for notification of legal or legislative actions of public interest that are erected by the city or other public authority, and of a temporary nature;

C.

Permanent plaques, cornerstones, name plates, antique, or vintage signs on the outside of a barn, shed, garage or even the outside of a residence and other building identification markings carved into the building materials and which are an integral part of the structure;

D.

Signs within buildings, provided they do not include moving, flashing or animated signs (see definition) that are visible from any private or public roadway, or from adjacent properties;

E.

Incidental signs intended for public information or convenience and which consist of no more than ten square feet for a combination of such signs. These may include restroom signs, hours of operation signs, address numbers, help wanted, open/closed signs, credit card signs, and similar signs;

F.

The American flag, state flag, special purpose flags, pennants or banners that are displayed properly and not intended to contribute to a commercial advertising display;

G.

Sign, real estate, on-site;

H.

Public information/identification signs;

I.

Temporary/special event signs are exempt on private property as long as the sign is up no longer than 30 days before and removed ten days after the event:

1.

Any temporary sign not removed by the expiration date may be removed by the city and the poster or permittee of those signs may be charged a reimbursement for labor costs for sign removal;

2.

Any temporary sign that has been removed shall not be replaced by another temporary sign at the same site for a period of at least 90 days following its removal;

3.

A temporary sign shall not be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or to any other structure, other than necessary to secure it to prevent theft or wind damage;

4.

Temporary and special event signs are subject to the same setback and clearance requirements that are applicable to other signs and shall not cause a hazard to public safety or block the visibility of motorists;

5.

Roof. Temporary/special event sign shall be placed on top of a roof or extend vertically above the fascia of the building;

6.

Perimeter street landscaping. Temporary/special event signage shall not be located within required perimeter street landscaping;

J.

Monuments depicting significant events, persons, or accomplishments, as defined in this chapter;

K.

Signs that are a part of a city approved contest for decorations and signage;

L.

Residential district freestanding signs up to 32 square feet in area not more than six feet in height.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.050; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

The following signs are prohibited within the city limits and shall be subject to removal through amortization or other means:

A.

Strobe lights and signs containing strobe lights or any other flashing, moving or animated features that are visible beyond any property line;

B.

Readerboard or message center signs that change copy no more frequently than two-second intervals and time/temperature signs are exempt from this provision;

C.

Signs placed or painted on any motor vehicle or trailer that is not operable and not routinely used to transport or provide the goods or services being advertised, or that is parked with the primary purpose of providing a sign that would not otherwise be allowed;

D.

Any private sign placed within a public right-of-way, including road bulb outs, on a public sidewalk, or overhanging a public right-of-way; except that signs overhanging a public sidewalk may be permitted if there is a minimum of eight feet of vertical clearance between the sidewalk and bottom of the sign and the sign is specifically authorized herein (publicly owned or installed signs not included in this prohibition);

E.

Any sign that is determined by the city council to be an imminent hazard to public safety due to its design, materials, physical condition or placement;

F.

Signs painted, attached to, or otherwise supported by rock formations, utility poles, trees, or other plant materials;

G.

Portable signs within any public right-of-way when obstructing pedestrian walkways, bikeways or driveways on private property;

H.

Signs owned by businesses which are not located either within the city or within a mile of the city limits.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.060; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

A.

The area of sign faces shall include the entire sign area, including any surrounding frames or cabinet edges.

B.

Sign area does not include supports, foundations or structures that are not part of the sign.

C.

Only one side of a double-faced sign is counted in the sign's total area.

D.

When signs are constructed of individual letters or other pieces attached to a wall or other flat surface, the sign area is determined by a perimeter line drawn around and containing all the pieces.

E.

Multiple-copy signs or shopping center signs consisting of several individual signs on the same support structure are calculated as the total of all individual sign components.

F.

A round or cylindrical sign is calculated as the maximum area that can be seen at one time from one position, or 50 percent of the total area, whichever is greater.

G.

The height of a sign is measured from "grade," as defined, to the highest point of the sign or its structure, whichever is higher.

H.

Sign clearances are measured from grade directly below the sign to the bottom of the sign or sign frame.

I.

Street corner signs (at an intersection) shall be assigned to one of the frontages by the applicant and shall conform to the requirements of that frontage only.

J.

Portable signs shall be calculated as part of the total freestanding sign area available to the site.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.070; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

The following regulations apply to signs in all zoning districts of the city:

A.

Wind signs or devices that flutter, wave, sparkle, or otherwise move from the pressure of the wind are considered to be temporary signs or devices and shall be used only for specific promotions or events and not as permanent sign devices.

B.

Extension above rooftop. No sign that is attached to a building shall extend above the parapet or roof/ridgeline except for signs on architectural features that extend above the roof /ridge and are not constructed solely to support the sign.

C.

Incidental signs. Signs within buildings, provided they do not include moving, flashing or animated signs (see definition) that are visible from any private or public roadway, or from adjacent properties are exempt from permit requirements.

D.

Canopies and awnings. Signs placed on projecting canopies and awnings, whether lighted or not, shall be calculated only for the area of the canopy or awning taken up by the sign itself. Lighting of the awning or canopy, whether directly, indirectly or by back-lighting shall have no effect on the sign requirements, unless lighted signs are specifically prohibited in that area or zone.

E.

Sign placement requirements.

1.

All signs, including supporting structures, shall be erected or placed totally within the boundaries of the site and not within any public right-of-way, with the following exceptions:

a.

Public authority and other traffic-related signs.

b.

Approved signs overhanging public walkways.

c.

Portable signs, pursuant to KMC section 17.38.110.

2.

A vision clearance setback shall be maintained a distance of at least ten feet from the edge of any existing roadway or from the proposed edge of a planned road or road proposed to be widened. Any sign located within this strip shall be either:

(1)

Lower than 36 inches above grade; or

(2)

Higher than eight feet above grade.

Any posts or other supporting structures shall have a diameter no greater than 12 inches within this area.

3.

Any pedestrian clearance vertical distance of eight feet from grade or sidewalk to the lowest part of the sign is required for any sign extending over public sidewalks or other walkways.

4.

Any projecting sign may extend beyond the property line and over a public pedestrian walkway for a maximum distance of six feet beyond the property line.

5.

Freestanding signs, other than sandwich board signs, shall not extend beyond property lines.

F.

Removal of signage for a closed business or event conclusion. Unless otherwise specified in this Code, the applicant or property owner must remove all signs within 90 days of the date of the closure or discontinuance of the business, use or within ten days of the event with which the signs were associated.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.100; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

The following regulations shall pertain to signs placed within each commercial zoning districts:

A.

Total allowable sign area is determined in the central business zoning district (CBD) as follows:

1.

Wall and fence signs are subject to the following regulations:

a.

Maximum of one-square-foot of wall sign area for each linear foot of frontage of the primary building;

b.

Maximum of 40 square feet of wall sign area for a business which operates with a frontage of less than 40 feet;

c.

Fence signs shall be permitted as a part of the total allowable square footage authorized for wall signs, but calculated to not exceed one-square-foot of sign area for each five linear feet of frontage. Fence signs, if used, shall be deducted from the overall allowable wall sign calculation:

i.

No one single fence sign shall be greater than ten square feet;

ii.

No one single fence sign shall be less than five square feet;

iii.

Multiple fence signs may be placed up to the combined total square footage of allowable sign area;

iv.

Fence signs shall be placed entirely within the fence area. No sign shall extend beyond the fence location. This includes on top or to the side of the fence;

d.

If more than one business share an entry, an additional six square feet may be added for a multiple-tenant directory;

e.

The maximum sign area includes all types of signs on all sides and all stories of the building or premises. Exceptions: parking lot identification signs, symbol signs, commemorative plaques, window sign letters less than six inches in height, window signs above the first floor, and signs listed as exempt in section 17.38.050 are not included in determining allowable sign area in commercial districts;

f.

Within the total allowable sign area determined above, the total area of signs attached to any given wall shall not exceed the sign area calculation derived from the frontage of that wall, or 40 square feet, whichever is the greater area.

2.

Projecting signs and marquees are subject to the following additional regulations:

a.

Shall not exceed one-square-foot for each linear foot of building façade frontage width;

b.

May project no more than six feet from the building;

c.

Minimum clearance of eight feet must be maintained above the sidewalk and six inches from the vertical wall;

d.

Only one projecting sign or marquee is allowed for each main entry;

e.

Projecting signs may be illuminated only by indirect lighting.

3.

Portable signs are subject to the following regulations within the public right-of-way:

a.

Number authorized.

i.

Single-tenant building. No more than one portable sign shall be allowed for each frontage for any single-tenant building.

ii.

Multi-building complexes or multitenant buildings. For multi-building complexes or multitenant buildings no more than one portable sign shall be allowed per business.

b.

Location of sign. Signs shall be located next to curb edge of a sidewalk, directly in front of the advertising business, in such a manner so as not to interfere with the opening of car doors, loading zones, or pedestrian traffic.

c.

Pedestrian clearance. A minimum of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk area is required. If the pedestrian clearance is not four feet or more in width, the sign is not allowed.

d.

Clear vision area. No sign shall be located as to pose a traffic vision hazard.

e.

Size. No sign may be greater than 24 inches wide and 36 inches tall.

f.

Construction specification. Signs must be professionally manufactured.

g.

Maintenance and appearance. All signs shall be in good repair and neatly painted.

h.

Display times. A-frame signs shall not be displayed during nonbusiness hours.

i.

Owners of such signs shall assume liability for damage or injury resulting from their use, holding the city harmless and indemnifying the city for such resulting loss and/or injury.

4.

Freestanding signs are subject to the following regulations:

a.

Pole signs are subject to the following additional regulations:

i.

Must not exceed 35 feet in height from grade;

ii.

Shall not exceed one square feet for each linear foot of frontage, provided no sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area;

iii.

Minimum clearance of eight feet must be maintained above the sidewalk;

iv.

One freestanding sign is allowed per business; a second sign is permitted if the signs are 100 feet apart.

5.

Illuminated signs are subject to the following regulations:

a.

Signs shall be illuminated internally or indirectly from above the sign toward the ground;

b.

Signs identifying rear or secondary entrances shall be no more than four square feet in area and must not be a freestanding sign.

6.

Fence signs shall be permitted as a part of the total allowable square footage authorized for wall signs, but calculated to not exceed one square foot of sign area for each five linear feet of frontage. Fence signs, if used, shall be deducted from the overall allowable wall sign calculation.

a.

No one single fence sign shall be greater than ten square feet.

b.

No one single fence sign shall be less than five square feet.

c.

Multiple fence signs may be placed up to the combined total square footage of allowable sign area.

d.

Fence signs shall be placed entirely within the fence area. No sign shall extend beyond the fence location. This includes on top or to the side of the fence.

B.

Total allowable sign area is determined in the highway commercial zoning district (HWC) as follows:

1.

Freestanding signs.

a.

Narrow parcels. A parcel having less than 50 feet of frontage may have a single freestanding sign not to exceed 50 square feet in area.

b.

Wide parcels. A parcel having frontage greater than 50 feet may have an aggregate freestanding sign area not to exceed one square foot per linear foot of frontage, provided no sign exceeds 100 square feet in area.

c.

Multiple signs. Lots having more than 100 feet of frontage may have more than one freestanding sign, per function, per frontage.

d.

Spacing. Freestanding signs on the same parcel shall be no closer than 50 feet to each other and no closer than 25 feet from adjacent properties.

e.

Height. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 35 feet from grade directly below the sign to the highest point on the sign or its structure.

f.

Shopping center or professional complex. A shopping center, professional office complex, or similar large multiple building or multiple occupancy development may have an identification sign to a maximum size of 300 square feet, placed along one or more frontages that are longer than 300 feet each, provided the sign is no closer than 100 feet from adjacent property on the same side of the street and no other freestanding signs larger than 50 square feet are placed on the property.

2.

Wall signs.

a.

Maximum aggregate area. The total area of wall signs, projecting signs, and other signs attached to buildings shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of building façade width.

b.

Maximum sign size. Any single sign attached to a building shall not exceed 100 square feet in area unless the total sign area is less than ten percent of the total façade area.

c.

Number of signs. There is no limit to the number of individual signs, provided they are for on-premise advertising in commercial districts and provided the total sign area limitations are maintained.

d.

Illumination. Signs may be illuminated directly, indirectly or internally, provided the lighting is directed away from any residences or other light-sensitive land uses, and away from oncoming traffic.

3.

Projecting signs. On properties where a freestanding sign cannot be erected due to setback requirements or building placement, a projecting sign may be allowed subject to the standards in this section in lieu of the permitted freestanding sign.

4.

Awning or canopy signs. Sign area shall be calculated as part of total allowed area for a wall sign. No canopy sign shall extend above the top of the canopy.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.110; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

The following regulations shall pertain to signs placed within the industrial district:

A.

Freestanding signs, maximum area. The freestanding sign requirements of the highway commercial (HWC) district shall apply, with the exceptions of schools, parks, and similar non-retail facilities which shall be limited to a single 50-square-foot freestanding sign per frontage.

B.

Wall signs (industrial).

1.

Maximum aggregate area. The total area of wall signs, projecting signs, and other signs attached to buildings shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of frontage.

2.

Maximum sign size. Wall signs shall not exceed 12 percent of the building façade area on which it is located or 100 square feet whichever is greater.

3.

Number of signs. There is no limit to the number of individual signs, provided they are for on-premise advertising and the total sign area limitations are maintained.

4.

Illumination. Signs may be illuminated directly, indirectly or internally provided the lighting is directed away from any residences or other light-sensitive land uses, and away from oncoming traffic.

C.

Special sign provisions. Signs for properties within the industrial district that are located within the boundaries specified by Figure 17.28.020-1 shall be allowed as specified for the highway commercial in section 17.38.110B, provided that portable signs are also allowed as provided in section 17.38.110A.3.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.120; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

The following regulations shall pertain to signs placed within the residential zoning district:

A.

Freestanding signs (residential).

1.

Entrance signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted at each street entrance to a neighborhood, subdivision, manufactured home park, apartment/condominium complex, or other homogeneous residential area. Such sign shall be designed specifically to identify that development and is subject to review and approval during the site plan review and/or planned unit development review. Such sign shall be no larger than 50 square feet.

2.

Individual properties. Each residential property may have one freestanding permanent sign, not to exceed 32 square feet in area.

3.

Multiple-family developments. Residential properties having four or more dwelling units may have one permanent sign per frontage, not to exceed a total sign area of four square feet.

4.

Height. Freestanding signs in residential zones shall be limited to the applicable height for accessory structures in the underlying residential zone as listed in Table 17.18.040-1, measured from grade directly below the sign to the highest point on the sign or its structure.

5.

Signs over six feet in height shall also be required to obtain a building permit and comply with all applicable building codes.

B.

Wall signs. Any of the freestanding sign limitations of subsections A.2 or 3 of this section may be applied as wall signs in lieu of freestanding signs.

C.

Other provisions. Special care shall be taken in residential zones to direct sign lighting away from residences and traffic. External sign lighting shall be directed toward the sign and away from traffic. Internally illuminated signs are prohibited. Resident name plaques and address numbers shall not be included in the total sign area calculations.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.130; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

A.

Strict application of sign regulations in the case of mixed use structures may be subject to conditions of approval that are imposed to prevent adverse impacts on the neighborhood or adjacent properties and to ensure land use compatibility.

B.

In zoning districts that permit a mixture of residential, commercial and/or industrial or special purpose uses, the sign requirements of the district in which the permitted use is located shall apply. (For example: An office building in a residential zone may erect signs based on the residential district sign regulations.)

(Code 2020, § 17.38.140; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

The following regulations shall pertain to signs placed within the mixed use zoning district:

A.

Properties in the MU-R sub zone shall be subject to the sign requirements for residential zoning districts.

B.

Properties in the MU-C sub zone shall be subject to the sign requirements for the highway commercial (HWC) zoning district, provided that the freestanding sign area shall be a maximum of 360 square feet and the maximum height for freestanding signs shall be 50 feet.

C.

Properties in the MU-I sub zone shall be subject to the sign requirements for the industrial zoning district.

D.

Properties in the MU-B sub zone shall be subject to the sign requirements for the highway commercial (HWC) zoning district.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.145; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

A.

The city shall have the authority to grant administrative approval for minor adjustments to sign heights through a Type I process as defined in section 16.03.100.10 for numbers of signs, sign placement and sign size, provided:

1.

The adjustments not to exceed ten percent of the basic requirements; and

2.

The adjustment is based on a hardship or problem with the site, existing building placements or poor site visibility.

B.

A variance application for adjustments beyond ten percent shall be presented to the hearing examiner through a variance process as allowed in chapter 16.09.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.150; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022; Ord. No. 1511, § 15, 3-21-2024)

Legally established signs that no longer conform to these sign provisions may remain, subject to the following:

A.

Maintenance, repairs and the changing of changeable copy are permitted.

B.

The sign face may not be enlarged, but may be reduced in size to lessen the degree of nonconformity.

C.

Structural additions to a nonconforming sign are prohibited. Improvements that eliminate nonconformities are encouraged.

D.

A nonconforming sign may be relocated or structurally altered without achieving full compliance with code requirements when the proposed change will bring the sign closer to compliance, will remove a safety hazard, and/or the overall visual/aesthetic impact will be improved.

E.

Any portable or temporary/special purpose sign that is found to be nonconforming shall be removed immediately.

F.

Upon transfer or sale of a business or building, any nonconforming sign shall be brought to compliance with the standards of this chapter or shall be removed. The requirements in this section shall not apply to existing billboard signs.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.160; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)

A.

The city shall be authorized to remove or cause to be removed any abandoned, defective, illegal or prohibited sign, subject to the notice requirements set forth in this section.

B.

A notice describing the sign to be removed shall be prepared by the city and shall include a description of the violation or other problem, and shall specify a time period of not greater than 30 calendar days during which the violation or problem shall be corrected, or the sign removed.

C.

The notice of violation and time limit for correction shall be mailed by certified mail to the owner of the sign, or the owner of record of the property on which the sign is located.

D.

If the problems or violations have not been corrected within the required period and the sign has not been removed, the sign shall be removed by order of the city and the costs of removal and storage of the sign shall be assessed in the form of a lien against the property from which the sign was removed.

E.

A sign which has been removed and held by the city longer than 30 days and not recovered by its owner, shall be declared abandoned and the title shall be vested in the city.

F.

Upon closure or vacancy of a business, signs associated with the business must be removed by the business or the property owner.

G.

The city shall be authorized to remove signs which are an immediate concern to public safety, or placed within public right-of-way without proper permitting, or as authorized by other sections of this Code.

H.

The owner of the sign, the owner of record of the property on which the sign is located or other person having a property interest in the sign which is subject to the notice of subsections B and C of this section may appeal the removal of the sign within 21 days of its removal, per section 17.10.014. The hearing examiner shall determine whether removal of the sign is lawful and shall have authority to direct return of the sign. Hearings shall be in compliance with chapter 2.34.

(Code 2020, § 17.38.170; Ord. No. 1478, § 1(exh. A), 7-7-2022)