The purpose of these rules and regulations are to provide uniform sign standards and regulations in order to ensure public safety and to promote a positive city image reflecting order, harmony and pride, and thereby strengthening the economic stability of Kamas' business, cultural, historical, and residential areas.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

1.

General. Signs shall be allowed within Kamas City according to the regulations contained in this chapter. It shall be unlawful to erect or otherwise display a sign, including but not limited to symbols, markings and other advertising devices, without complying with the applicable terms and provisions of this chapter.

2.

Sign permit required. Prior to erecting, constructing, placement, relocation, alteration, and/or modification of any permanent or temporary sign or banner, a sign permit shall be obtained from the city except as exempted in this section. Such application for sign permit shall be subject to standards, procedures, and other requirements of this chapter.

3.

Interest on the premises. Signs in any zones shall identify or advertise only products, services or business establishments that are located, conducted, manufactured, or sold upon the same premises upon which the sign is erected.

4.

Permit exemptions. The following signs are exempt from permit requirements of this section, but shall conform to specifications and definitions as noted:

a.

Signs erected by a government or public agency approved through resolution in the public right-of-way, including but not limited to posting or display of an official notice by a public agency, and public utility signs for directional, warning or information purposes.

b.

Signs and notices required by a public agency to be posted on private property according to local and state code.

c.

Any sign inside a building not visible from the exterior of a building.

d.

Signs, business names or logos affixed to the body or window of licensed, registered vehicles that are used for normal day-to-day operations of businesses, regardless of whether the businesses are located within Kamas City, except as prohibited under this section.

e.

Merchandise displayed in windows that does not involve copy.

f.

Campaign signs located on private property pertaining to a specific election displayed not earlier than 45 days prior to the election and removed within five days after the election.

g.

Holiday decorations that are noncommercial signs or other materials temporarily displayed on the traditionally accepted, civic, patriotic and/or religious holidays, provided such decorations are maintained in safe conditions, and do not constitute a fire hazard.

h.

Incidental signs.

i.

Real estate signs in conformance with this section.

j.

Yard sale signs, community organization sponsored and private residential, limited to posting 24 hours in advance and removed the following day.

k.

One gas filled light tube (neon or facsimile) per business, provided it does not exceed four square feet and it is displayed from the inside of the building.

l.

Other interior signs, visible from the exterior of the building not to exceed four square feet.

5.

Prohibited signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts:

a.

Signs located within any public street, right-of-way, or other public property, except as allowed in this chapter.

b.

Signs with intermittent or flashing illumination or blinking, animated and video/television/computer displays visible from any public street, right-of-way or other public property.

c.

Any sign located so as to conflict with the clear visibility of public devices controlling public traffic or to impair the safety of a moving vehicle by distracting the vision of the driver.

d.

Signs placed in or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity or direct people to a business or activity.

e.

Signs emitting sound.

f.

Any inflatable object used for promotional or sign purposes.

g.

LED lighting in conjunction with signage when the source is visible, except when used with holiday decorations.

h.

Beacons.

i.

Home occupation signs.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

The following shall apply to all signs proposed in all zoning districts:

1.

General sign permit.

a.

Application. A completed sign permit application on a form furnished by the city and applicable fee(s) set by resolution of the Kamas City Council shall be filed by the applicant with the city.

b.

Procedure. The city may request modifications to or additional information for any sign application for purposes of achieving compliance with the sign code regulations. The applicant may be required to meet with the planning commission for review of the sign permit application. The city shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the sign permit application within 30 days of receipt of all requested information.

2.

Master signage plan for new construction.

a.

Application. A master signage plan shall be submitted for any new construction for all hotels, commercial, industrial or mixed use projects.

b.

Procedure. The planning commission shall consider and decide on the master signage plan.

c.

Individual tenant sign permits required. Following approval of a master signage plan, separate sign permits shall be required for all new signs prior to installation following the application and procedure for general sign permit contained in this section.

3.

Existing multi-unit/tenant and commercial buildings.

a.

Application. Existing multi-tenant buildings and other commercial buildings shall submit a master signage plan when any tenant applies for new signage, except when new signage remains consistent with existing signage for the building.

b.

Procedure. Master signage plans for existing buildings shall be considered and decided by the city planner and/or planning commission.

c.

New businesses in existing buildings. A new business in a multi-tenant building must comply with a previously approved sign plan, unless a new sign plan for all tenants is submitted and approved.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

The following shall apply to all signs proposed in all zoning districts:

1.

Safety.

a.

All signs shall be structurally sound and maintained in accordance with all applicable provisions of the International Building Code edition currently adopted by Kamas City.

b.

Signs shall not be located in a manner that interferes with pedestrian or vehicular travel or poses a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.

2.

Computations.

a.

Sign area. Sign area shall be measured as the area contained within the smallest polygonal shape that will enclose both the copy and the background. Sign copy mounted as individual letters or graphics against any part of a building or structure that does not have a distinct background, shall be measured as the sum of the smallest polygonal shape that will enclose each word and graphic.

b.

Sign height for freestanding and sandwich board/A-frame signs. The height of a sign shall include the frame, if any, and be computed as the distance from the base including feet of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.

3.

Size permitted by use.

a.

All signs for each building shall be based on the specific sign type. Businesses will be subject to a total combined area of wall, awning and either monument, pole or projecting signs which will be calculated based on the lots linear street footage. Buildings in an area below 55 mph zone will refer to figure 1 below. Buildings in a 55 mph and above zone will refer to figure 2 below.

Figure 1

Figure 2

4.

Sign lighting regulations.

a.

External illumination of signs shall be designed, located, shielded and directed in such a manner that the light source is fixed and is not directly visible from any adjacent public right-of-way, surrounding property, or motorist's view. Any light used to illuminate signs shall be non-glaring, energy efficient and so arranged as to confine direct light beams to the lighted property by appropriate directional hooding.

b.

Internal lighting or back lighting shall be limited to letters or logos provided the sign background and other sign elements are not so lit.

c.

Gas-filled light tube (neon or facsimile) signs with tubes exposed to view may be utilized inside the premises provided they are not visible from any public right-of-way, street, surrounding property or motorist's vision except as allowed by KMC 15.26.020(4)(k). One gas filled light tube (neon or facsimile) per business, provided it does not exceed four square feet, displayed on the outside of the building requires a sign permit.

d.

LED lighting may be utilized provided the light source is recessed and not directly visible from any adjacent public right-of way, surrounding property, or motorist's vision.

5.

Signs overhanging public rights-of-way. All signs, awnings, and marquees allowed to overhang a public right-of-way shall be subject to building code compliance, release of city liability, maintenance, safety, removal upon demand of the city, and other conditions at the time of permit issuance and prior to installation. The sign permit shall constitute an agreement between the applicant and the city concerning the public right-of-way.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

The following categories of permanent signs shall comply with the applicable specifications and shall be counted toward the total permissible signage specified in KMC 15.26.040(3).

1.

Awning signs (requires sign permit).

a.

Signs are only allowed to be on the valance or front face of the awning.

b.

All awning signage shall be calculated into the total signage allowed per business or service.

c.

The height and width of the awning copy shall be limited to 80 percent of the face of the awning or 25 percent of the entire awning.

d.

Awnings may only contain signage regarding the business or service located within.

e.

Awnings shall not project out from the wall more than eight feet, nor less than two feet. Awnings shall not project above the roof line, defined as the highest vertical wall.

f.

Awnings shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or pedestrian area.

g.

Size of awning signs may be limited in connection with pole, monument or projecting signs.

2.

Wall signs (requires sign permit).

a.

Any building facade shall not have a wall sign larger than three square feet of sign area for each linear foot of the front of the portion of the building occupied by the applicant.

b.

No sign may project above the roof-line of the building to which they are attached.

c.

Wall signs may be mounted or painted on the gable wall as long as the top of the sign does not extend above any part of the fascia.

d.

Each business is entitled to one wall sign. For businesses that front on two public streets, the business may have a wall sign on each frontage, provided that the combined area of the signs does not exceed the sign area allowed by subsection (2)(a) in this section.

e.

Wall signs may extend no more than 12 inches from the wall of the building. Said signs may project over a public right of way. The lowest point of a projecting sign that hangs over a sidewalk, plaza, or pedestrian walkway shall be at least eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway.

f.

Size of wall signs may be limited in connection with pole, monument or projecting signs.

3.

Window signs (requires sign permit).

a.

Window signs may only contain signage regarding the business or service located within.

b.

Any sign located inside a building within three feet of an exterior window shall be counted as a window sign.

c.

Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted for other sign types.

4.

Projecting signs (requires sign permit).

a.

Projecting signs shall not extend more than four feet from the building.

b.

The lowest point of a projecting sign that hangs over a sidewalk, plaza, or pedestrian walkway shall be at least eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway.

c.

Only one projecting sign shall be allowed per store front entrance.

d.

The maximum thickness of a projecting sign shall be six inches.

e.

No sign may project above the roof-line of the building to which they are attached.

f.

Sign copy may change without additional permitting provided the dimensions remain the same as originally applied for and permitted; and shall not be considered a temporary sign or a "changeable copy sign".

g.

A business shall be limited to one pole sign, monument sign or projecting sign limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance.

h.

Businesses shall be limited to one square foot per three linear feet of building frontage not to exceed an area of 32 square feet.

5.

Pole signs (requires sign permit).

a.

Pole signs of the dimensions allowed in this section may be located within the front or side yard of a property. A ten-foot clear zone shall be maintained between any portion of the sign and the property line.

b.

No freestanding sign shall be allowed for any parcel that has less than 50 feet of street frontage. There shall be a minimum of eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or pedestrian area. Maximum height shall be 25 feet measured from normal grade to the highest attached component of the sign.

c.

If the pole sign serves multiple tenants, then the name of the building or the development and the major tenants within the building or development may be provided on the sign. One freestanding sign per street frontage for planned shopping centers with three or more tenants. No freestanding sign shall be allowed for any planned center or parcel that has less than 100 feet of street frontage.

d.

The area surrounding a pole or monument sign shall be landscaped.

e.

A business shall be limited to one pole sign, monument sign or projecting sign limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance.

6.

Monument signs (requires sign permit).

a.

Monument signs may be located within the front or side yard of a property near driveway and pedestrian entrances. A ten -foot clear zone shall be maintained between any portion of the sign and the property line.

b.

Maximum height shall be eight feet including the base measure from finished grade to the highest portion of the monument.

c.

Maximum width shall be eight feet.

d.

If the monument sign serves multiple tenants, then the name of the building or the development and the major tenants within the building or development may be provided on the sign.

e.

Monument signs shall have a character and style that is consistent with the building.

f.

The area surrounding a monument sign shall be landscaped consistent with the existing approved landscaping.

g.

A business shall be limited to one pole sign, monument sign or projecting sign limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance.

7.

Gas stations (requires sign permit).

a.

Sign copy, corporate logos, etc. may be a maximum of 15 percent of one face of the canopy.

b.

Up to three sides of the canopy may be used for signs.

c.

The height to the top of the canopy may not exceed 20 feet from grade and no canopy fascia may exceed four feet in height.

d.

Individual letters, logos, or symbols may not exceed four feet in height or project out from the surface of the canopy more than six inches or project above or below the canopy face.

e.

Gas price signs are allowed on either a pole or monument sign. Refer to figures 1 and 2 in KMC 15.26.040(3)(a), for sizing.

f.

Size of awning signs may be limited in connection with pole, monument or projecting signs.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

The following categories of temporary signs shall comply with the applicable specifications and shall not be counted toward the total permissible signage specified in KMC 15.26.040(3), except as required below.

1.

Sandwich board or A-frame signs (requires sign permit).

a.

One sign per street front with maximum six square feet signable area per side, and limited to two sides.

b.

Maximum two feet in width by three feet in height measured from grade. The feet shall not exceed 12 inches.

c.

Temporary sign area shall not be included in total signage allowed per use.

d.

Placement allows for a minimum five-foot free and clear zone where setback area is required for pedestrian travel.

e.

Such sign shall be displayed not more than 20 days in any calendar year.

2.

Temporary signs, flags and banner signs (requires sign permit).

a.

i.

Shall not be counted toward the total size of permissible signage specified in KMC 15.26.040(3).

ii.

Maximum 50 square feet. No more than one temporary sign, flag or banner shall be allowed per street front.

iii.

Maximum banner height shall not be greater than the second story of the building the sign is displayed on.

iv.

Displayed on private property for a maximum of 60 days in a calendar year.

v.

Located on private property and shall not encroach into any public right-of-way.

b.

Construction site signs (requires sign permit).

i.

Limited to one freestanding or wall sign along one street frontage located on private property.

ii.

Maximum total sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

iii.

Not illuminated.

iv.

Display no sooner than receipt of a valid building permit for the project.

v.

Removed either upon issuance of certificate of occupancy, or on such date the building permit is no longer valid.

c.

Real estate signs (exempt from sign permit).

i.

Real estate for sale, rent or lease and sold signs.

a.

Limited to one unlit sign per unit, building, and parcel of land for sale, rent or lease.

b.

Does not exceed 12 square feet total allowing six square feet on each of two sides maximum in any residential zoning district and 20 square feet total allowing ten square feet on each of two sides maximum in any commercial, industrial or mixed use district.

c.

Removed within ten days of sale, rent or lease.

ii.

Real estate open house sign.

a.

Limited to one unlit sign per site per event per street frontage on-site.

b.

May be sandwich or A-frame type in compliance with specifications in this section or temporary banner type in compliance with specifications in this section.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

A-frame sign. A temporary and/or portable sign constructed with two sides attached at the top allowing the sign to stand in an upright position.

Animated sign. A sign, excluding an electronic changeable copy sign, which involves motion or rotation of any part by mechanical or artificial means or which displays flashing or intermittent colors and lights. Prohibited.

Area of sign/sign area. Writing, representation, emblem or other graphic display, mounted or painted on a distinct background, but not including the supporting structure.

Awning. A roof-like structure constructed of canvas, vinyl or similar material placed over a frame so as to extend outward from a building providing a protective covering for doors, windows and other openings.

Awning or marquee sign. A horizontally oriented sign that is printed on an awning or mounted on a marquee.

Banner, secured. A sign intended to be hung on a frame, secured at the top and the bottom on all corners, applied to plastic or fabric of any kind, excluding official flags and emblems of political organizations.

Banner, unsecured. A temporary sign on plastic or fabric of any kind which is not secured.

Beacon. Any light with one or more beams directed at the sky or at points not on the same lot as the source and also any light with one or more beams that move. Prohibited.

Building identification. A sign that identifies the name of the building only. If the name of any occupant of the building is the same as the building name, the size is included in the total for that business. Building identification signs are limited to one sign per building.

Campaign/political sign. A temporary sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office or soliciting votes in support of or against any proposition or issue at any general, primary, special, school or any other election decided by ballot or a temporary sign expressing political opinion. Exempt.

Changeable copy sign. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.

Conforming sign. A sign that exists as of the effective date of this ordinance which complies with the standards set forth in this chapter.

Construction site sign. A sign identifying individuals or companies involved in designing, construction, financing or developing a site.

Copy. Any graphic, letter, numeral, symbol, insignia, text, sample, model, device, or combination thereof which is intended to advertise, identify, or notify.

Directional sign. A sign which serves as a directional guide through or to areas, events, building uses, or structures and contains no advertising copy.

Electronic changeable copy sign. A sign containing a computer generated message such as a public service, time, temperature and date, or a message center or reader board, where different copy changes of a public service or commercial nature are shown on the same lamp bank or message facility. The term "electronic changeable copy sign" shall not be defined as a type of "animated sign" or "flashing sign".

Face of sign. The area or display surface of a sign on which copy and/or graphics and background is placed.

Fascia and rake fascia. The horizontal member or surface at the edge of a projecting or sloping roof.

Flag, corporate. A flag identifying the name and/or logo of the business or corporation on the premises where the flag is displayed. The dimensions of the flag are to be included in the total signage area allowed.

Flag, official. A flag of a government or governmental agency.

Flashing sign. Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign that exhibits changing light or color effects by any means whatsoever. Prohibited.

Free and clear zone. A portion of a sidewalk that is unobstructed and allows for the free flow of pedestrian traffic.

Freestanding sign. A sign affixed to a supporting structure that is independent from any building or other structure and may be visible on a maximum of two sides.

Government or public agency sign. A sign erected and maintained by the city, county, state or federal government, or required by law, ordinance or other governmental regulation. Exempt.

Height (of a sign). The largest vertical distance from the base, including feet of the sign at normal grade, to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.

Height, sign face. The maximum vertical distance between the top and the bottom of a sign face.

Holiday decoration sign. A temporary sign, in the nature of decoration, clearly incidental to and customarily and commonly associated with any holiday. Exempt.

Incidental sign. A sign generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking", "entrance", "loading only", and other similar directives. Exempt.

Internally lit/back lit sign. A sign wholly or partially lighted by a source that is inside of or behind a sign face made of translucent material.

Master signage plan. A comprehensive signage plan for multi-tenant commercial and industrial, multi-unit residential and mixed use developments that may include but is not limited to directional, way-finding within the development, building identification, and business or tenant identification signage.

Monument sign. A freestanding sign of eight feet or less in height on an ornamental base identifying a subdivision or development which has multiple suites, offices, tenants, lots or units. These signs must be set back at least four feet from any state or city street right-of-way.

Nonconforming sign. A sign that legally exists or was approved on or before the effective date of this ordinance which does not comply with the applicable standards set forth in this ordinance.

Off-premise sign. A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is erected. Prohibited.

Parapet. An extension of a vertical building wall above the line of the structural roof.

Permanent sign. A sign that is permanently mounted or affixed to the ground or a building and intended to be displayed for an unlimited amount of time.

Pole sign. A freestanding sign other than a monument sign, erected and maintained on a mast or pole and not attached to any building.

Projecting sign. A maximum double-sided sign that projects more than six inches perpendicular to a building facade or wall and hangs from a mounted wall brace or is suspended from a covered porch, covered walkway, awning, balcony, arcade or colonnade. Projecting signs are primarily oriented toward pedestrians.

Real estate sign. A temporary sign related to the property upon which it is located and offering such property for sale or lease.

Roof sign. A sign affixed on, above or over the roof of a building so that it projects above the roofline. Prohibited.

Sandwich board/A-frame sign. Signs that are designed to be transported and are not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground. Real estate sandwich board signs. Exempt.

Sign. Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof using graphics, symbols and/or written copy which is used to advertise, identify or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location.

Temporary sign. A sign that is not permanently mounted or affixed to the ground or a building and intended to be displayed for a limited amount of time and does not include sandwich board or A-frame/portable board signs. (See permit requirements. See for specification for temporary signs.)

Unbroken façade. A continuous portion of a wall of a building, located above or beside a window or door and unbroken by doors, windows, or other architectural features, and measured either vertically or horizontally, whichever is less.

Wall sign. A sign that is attached to and erected parallel or approximately parallel to the face of, or erected and confined within the limits of, the outside wall of any building and supported by such wall or building and which displays only one surface for display/advertising.

Window sign. A sign that is applied or attached to the exterior or interior of a window or otherwise displayed for the purpose of being visible through a window from the exterior of a building. All lettering or graphics that cover more than ten percent of the total transparent window and are more than four inches in height or width are considered a window sign.

Yard sale sign. A sign advertising a single private sale generally at a residence or sponsored by a community organization. Exempt.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

1.

Existing conforming signs. Existing conforming signs with a valid sign permit on file with Kamas City may be replaced in their exact form (same graphics, symbols or copy, color, material, size, etc.) or relocated, as is, by amending the existing sign permit, without paying an additional application fee and shall not be subject to the provisions of this section.

2.

Legally nonconforming signs. Any sign conforming to the prior sign regulations which is not in conformance with this chapter:

a.

May not be replaced, except with an approved permit for the new conforming sign;

b.

May not be changed in text or logo (except changeable copy signs or existing projecting signs that are non-conforming solely due to extending above the roofline);

c.

May not be expanded, moved or relocated.

3.

Illegal signs. Any sign that did not comply with sign regulations in existence at the time the sign was erected is an illegal sign and shall be removed within ten days of notice.

4.

Allowable sign types. Sign types not specifically allowable as set forth within this chapter are prohibited.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)

1.

Violations. Violation of this ordinance may be punishable by citations, fines, and/or the loss of a Kamas City business license. Any business and/or person who violates this ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements within the allotted time (ten working days) may be fined in a sum of $100.00 per day with a maximum fine of $1,000.00 per violation. Noncompliance in excess of the ten days will result in the loss of business license.

2.

Responsibility for good repair. It shall be the responsibility of the business and/or property owner to keep signs in a good state of repair at all times. Nonconforming signs may be repaired and maintained provided the repairs are for the sole purpose of maintaining the sign to its original condition and does not increase the degree of nonconformity.

3.

Unsafe signs. Any sign which has been determined to be unsafe by the building inspector and/or the planning department or which has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter, must be repaired, made safe, made in conformance with this ordinance, or removed within ten working days after receipt of certified notice from Kamas City. Failure to respond to remedy the violation is unlawful and the business and/or property owner will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The city reserves the right to remove and seize any sign should it not be in conformance with this ordinance after the final certified notice date.

4.

Interpretation. The Kamas City Planning Commission has the authority and duty to interpret the provisions of the chapter at the request of the city planner or when a written appeal from a decision of the city planner is filed.

5.

Appeals. Applicants may appeal the city planner's decision within 15 days of the date of said decision. The appeal shall be directed to the next regular meeting of the planning commission at which agenda time is available and notice requirements can be met.

(Ord. 2015-04, 11/10/2015; Ord. No. 2022-01, § 1(Exh. A), 1/25/2022)