Longview City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 19
46 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMERCIAL ZONING STANDARDS
§ 19.46.010 Purpose.
The standards contained herein are supplemental standards that apply to applicable uses in the city's commercial zoning districts.
(Ord. 3202 § 15, 2012)
§ 19.46.015 Mixed-use multifamily residential/commercial developments.
The following design standards shall apply to all new mixed-use residential/commercial multifamily developments in the general commercial district:
(1)
At least one-half (50 percent) of all ground floor building facades facing the street with the highest street classification shall be used for office or commercial uses not associated with the residential uses on the site. (For example, leasing offices, gyms, mail rooms or laundry facilities for residents would not count toward the 50 percent commercial or office use requirement).
(2)
Where the development or hotel is abutting a residentially zoned property, the maximum building height shall be the same as that of the residential zone within a distance of the same number of feet from the property line. Farther from the property line, height may increase by two feet for every additional one foot that a structure is set back from the property line to a maximum height of 60 feet. (For example, where the GC district abuts a residential district with a maximum height of 35 feet, the maximum building height would be 35 feet for the first 35 feet from the property line. The height may then be increased by two feet for every additional one foot the structure or portion of the structure is removed from the property line to a maximum of 60 feet.)
(3)
Site Design.
(a)
Orient the building to the street or an internal courtyard that has direct physical access to the street.
(i)
The main entry shall face the street or internal courtyard.
(ii)
Provide weather protection over building entries: five feet deep minimum for shared entries and 30 inches deep minimum for private entries.
(iii)
Provide transparent windows facing the street (at least 10 percent of the facade).
(iv)
Provide a paved walkway between the building entry and the street.
(b)
Place parking to the side or rear of the building (no more than 50 percent of street/block frontage to be parking or vehicular access).
(c)
Provide landscaping (shrubs and trees) to screen foundation walls, soften the view of the building, and provide a transition between the street and building.
(d)
Provide at least one or more of the following features:
(i)
Private balconies;
(ii)
Shared internal courtyards and/or rear yard space, with easy access to the space from adjacent units and site amenities to encourage use (i.e., seating areas, BBQ grill, community gardening area, planters with sitting ledges);
(iii)
Shared lobby or front porch area; and/or
(iv)
Shared rooftop deck or community room.
(e)
Locate and design service elements, utility meters, and mechanical equipment to minimize negative visual, noise, odor, and physical impacts to the street environment, adjacent (on- and off-site) residents or other uses, and pedestrian areas.
(4)
Building Design.
(a)
Facade Articulation. Include articulation features at intervals that relate to the location/size of individual units within the building (or no more than every 30 feet) to break up the massing of the building and add visual interest and compatibility to the surrounding context. At least three of the following features shall be employed at intervals no greater than the unit interval or 30 feet (whichever is less).
(i)
Use of windows and/or entries;
(ii)
Change in roofline (i.e., use of gables);
(iii)
Change in building material, siding style, and/or window fenestration pattern;
(iv)
Providing vertical building modulation of at least 12 inches in depth if tied to a change in roofline modulation or a change in building material, siding style, or color. Balconies may be used to qualify for this option if they are recessed or projected from the facade by at least 18 inches. Juliet balconies or other balconies that appear to be tacked on to the facade will not qualify for this option unless they employ high quality materials and effectively meet the intent of the standards;
(v)
Vertical elements such as a trellis with plants, green wall, art element;
(vi)
Other design techniques that effectively break up the massing at no more than 30-foot intervals.
(vii)
Window Design. Buildings shall employ techniques to recess or project individual windows on the facade at least two inches from the facade or incorporate window trim at least four inches in width that features color that contrasts with the base building color.
(5)
The community development director reserves the right to approve an alternative design that does not meet the above standards when unique site conditions make strict adherence to the standards of this section impractical; provided, that in doing so, the community development director may levy additional conditions as mitigation.
(Ord. 3421 § 4, 2020)
§ 19.46.020 Regional commercial – Building and site design standards.
The following building and site design standards apply to all structures and sites in the RC zone:
(1)
Parking. Hard surfaces for parking, loading, storage and display shall be set back at least 10 feet from any property line or private drive, with exception provided for neighboring properties having a shared parking agreement.
(2)
Site Circulation. Internal site circulation shall provide for the following:
(a)
Identifiable and safe pedestrian walkways within the site shall be provided that interconnect entrance doors of establishments and connect to transit stops and to the public sidewalk on the perimeter. Pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of five feet in width and of contrasting materials or color for easy identification. Pedestrian walkways shall be maintained and kept clean. When formally requested by the city, bus shelters, transit turnouts and supporting facilities shall be located and designed into the project;
(b)
Amenities such as benches, sitting areas, art, pedestrian squares and varied building facades should be provided along pedestrian routes;
(c)
The auto circulation system and parking shall be designed as an extension of the public street system through the use of continuous sidewalks, landscaping consistent with public streets, utilization of the street elevation and the use of driveways and circulation drives as mid-block connections, subject to review by the city engineer for impacts to city streets;
(d)
Shared parking between users of same or abutting properties shall occur wherever practicable. Users with differing peak periods such as offices and movie theaters are especially suitable for shared parking. Common driveways between users on the same or abutting properties shall be required wherever possible;
(e)
Parking and pedestrian circulation shall be designed to accommodate connections between developments; and
(f)
Site circulation specifications shall be consistent with all other applicable city standards including the current version of the city of Longview access management ordinance. Where conflicting standards exist, the required design shall be as approved by the city engineer.
(3)
Building Design for Large Commercial Buildings. The intent of this subsection is to encourage pedestrian-scale development through creative and innovative building and architectural design. Any structure constructed under this chapter which exceeds 20,000 square feet in size shall be designed to meet the following requirements:
(a)
Main entrances shall be emphasized by a recessed and/or projected facade, by accent materials, change of grade or by pedestrian-scale lighting and other pedestrian amenities;
(b)
Buildings shall provide articulated facades on all street-facing elevations to break up the mass and add visual interest. This criterion is met when an elevation contains at least one of the following features for every 40 feet of building (horizontal length): large windows; primary entrances; weather protection (awnings, canopies, arbors, trellises), building offsets; projections; changes in elevation or horizontal direction; sheltering roofs; terraces; a distinct pattern of divisions in surface materials; ornamentation; screening trees; small-scale lighting (e.g., wall-mounted lighting, or up-lighting); and/or similar features as generally shown in Figure 19.46.020-1 (note: this figure should not be interpreted as a required architectural style); and
(c)
Primary building entrances shall be made visually prominent through the use of architectural details, entrance paving treatments and landscaping.
 |
(4)
Regulation Conflict. Where this section and Chapter 19.75 LMC conflict, this section shall govern.
(Ord. 3202 § 15, 2012)
§ 19.46.030 Landscaping/screening requirements.
(1)
Neighborhood Commercial and General Commercial Districts. Every commercial building erected or altered adjacent to or abutting a lot or plot which is the site for a single-family home shall provide, at the expense of the owner of the commercial building, a sight and sound obscuring screen in the form of a fence, masonry wall or hedge, at least five feet in height but not exceeding six feet and six inches in height, to protect the peace, quiet and rest of the adjoining residents; and further provided, that the height of the screen in the required front yard shall comply with the requirements of other ordinances of the city pertaining to fences and hedges.
(2)
Regional Commercial (RC) District. The following landscaping standards apply to all new development and to the expansion by more than 25 percent of an existing building mass or site in the zone:
(a)
Required Landscaping. The applicant shall professionally landscape the lot, according to an approved landscape plan as a condition precedent to receiving a certificate of occupancy for all commercial uses. Landscape plans shall meet the standards set forth in Table 19.46.030-1. The community development director shall evaluate landscape plans for all permitted uses. Landscape plan approval is a condition precedent to issuance of a building permit for the parcel. All landscaping shall be in place prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, unless seasonal conditions make installation unfeasible, in which case the improvements shall be bonded. A minimum of 10 percent of any site shall be landscaped. Vegetated stormwater management facilities such as bioretention areas and planters, conveyance swales and dispersion areas can be used to satisfy this requirement.
(b)
Landscape Materials and Plant Selection. Permitted landscape materials include trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, nonplant ground covers, and outdoor hardscape features, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions. Soils in all landscaped areas shall be amended, as necessary, to allow for healthy plant growth as well as meet the criteria for soil quality and depth. In general, planting should consist primarily of native plantings and noninvasive species in accordance with any approved planting/species list maintained by the city. Trees and shrubs shall meet the minimum size and spacing standards set forth in Table 19.46.030-1.
(c)
Existing Vegetation. Existing noninvasive vegetation may be used in meeting landscape requirements. When existing mature trees are protected on the site (e.g., within or adjacent to parking areas) the decision-making body may reduce the number of new trees required by a ratio of one-inch caliper of new tree(s) for every one-inch caliper of existing tree(s) protected.
(d)
Nonplant Ground Covers. Bark dust, wood chips, open-graded aggregate, or other approved nonplant ground covers may be used in landscaping, but shall cover no more than 60 percent of the area to be landscaped and shall be confined to areas underneath plants, shrubs and trees, and may not be used as a substitute for ground cover plants. Landscaping shall be designed to contain nonplant ground covers to prevent them from being carried off the site by stormwater runoff.
(e)
Maintenance and Irrigation. The use of drought-tolerant native plant species is encouraged, and may be required when irrigation is not available. Irrigation shall be provided for plants that are not drought-tolerant. If the plantings fail to survive, the property owner shall replace them with an equivalent specimen.
(f)
Parking Areas. Parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with Table 19.46.030-1. Landscaping shall consist of evenly distributed shade trees with shrubs and/or ground cover plants that conform to the criteria in this section. "Evenly distributed" means that the trees and other plants are distributed around the parking lot perimeter and between parking bays to provide a partial canopy. At a minimum, one tree per six parking spaces on average shall be planted to create a partial tree canopy over and around the parking area. All parking area landscapes shall have dimensions of not less than 24 square feet of area, or not less than four feet in width by six feet in length, to ensure adequate soil, water, and space for healthy plant growth. Stormwater bioretention facilities may be incorporated into the parking lot landscaping design and used to satisfy these requirements.
(g)
Parking/Maneuvering Area Adjacent to Streets, Drives and Residential Areas. Where a parking or maneuvering area is adjacent to a street or driveway or a residential zoning district, an evergreen hedge, decorative wall (masonry or similar quality material) with openings, arcade, trellis, or similar partially opaque structure a minimum of three feet in height shall be established between the street or driveway and the maneuvering/parking area. Evergreen hedges used to comply with this standard shall be a minimum of three feet in height at maturity, and shall be of such species, number, and spacing to provide the required screening within one year after planting. Any areas outside of public rights-of-way between the wall/hedge and the street/driveway line shall be landscaped with shrubs, trees and ground cover. Adequate sight distance as determined by the city engineer shall be maintained.
(h)
Residential Buffer. New development shall provide a landscape buffer of 15 feet or greater to separate, screen and buffer commercial uses from adjacent residential areas along side and rear lot lines. The landscaped buffer area shall include a minimum of one tree for every 250 square feet of buffer area. Commercial uses which abut residential zones on side and/or rear property lines shall also provide a sight-obscuring fence or wall a minimum of six feet in height. A chain link fence containing slats does not qualify as a sight-obscuring fence for the purposes of this section. Plantings shall be comprised of a largely view-obscuring arrangement of evergreen trees, shrubs, and similar vegetation not less than six feet in height.
(i)
Front Yards and Frontage Landscaping Improvements. Front yards per the definition of Chapter 19.09 LMC, excluding ingress and egress points, shall be landscaped to include landscaping that enhances the property, softens the building and parking areas and provides an aesthetically pleasing streetscape. Landscaping shall be located within the front yard setback area in accordance with the criteria of this section and Table 19.46.030-1, while providing reasonable opportunity for signage, entrance features, parking and ingress/egress areas. Street trees planted within city right-of-way shall be as approved by the public works director. Adequate sight distance as determined by the city engineer shall be maintained.
(j)
Deviations. Whenever there are practical difficulties in meeting these standards that result from variations of specific property characteristics, a deviation from this section may be approved by the reviewing authority during the review process. This deviation shall not require a variance under Chapter 19.12 LMC. Any such deviation so granted shall be specifically identified in the approval authority decision of a development application. Approved deviations shall not be used to grant a special privilege that is inconsistent with the limitations placed on other properties with similar circumstances.
(3)
Central Business, General Commercial, Office/Commercial and Neighborhood Commercial Districts. The following landscaping standards apply to all new development and to the expansion by more than 25 percent of an existing building mass or site in the zone:
(a)
Required Landscaping. The applicant shall professionally landscape the lot, according to an approved landscape plan as a condition precedent to receiving a certificate of occupancy for all commercial uses. The community development director shall evaluate landscape plans for all permitted uses. Landscape plan approval is a condition precedent to issuance of a building permit for the parcel. All landscaping shall be in place prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, unless seasonal conditions make installation unfeasible, in which case the improvements shall be bonded. A minimum of five percent of any site shall be landscaped. Vegetated stormwater management facilities such as bioretention areas and planters, conveyance swales and dispersion areas can be used to satisfy this requirement. Landscaping required for parking lots per LMC § 19.78.120 or screening per LMC § 19.46.030(1) can also be used to satisfy this requirement.
(b)
Landscape Materials and Plant Selection. Permitted landscape materials include trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, nonplant ground covers, and outdoor hardscape features, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions. Soils in all landscaped areas shall be amended, as necessary, to allow for healthy plant growth as well as meet the criteria for soil quality and depth. In general, planting should consist primarily of native plantings and noninvasive species in accordance with any approved planting/species list maintained by the city.
(c)
Existing Vegetation. Existing noninvasive vegetation may be used in meeting landscape requirements.
(d)
Nonplant Ground Covers. Bark dust, wood chips, open-graded aggregate, or other approved nonplant ground covers may be used in landscaping, but shall cover no more than 60 percent of the area to be landscaped and shall be confined to areas underneath plants, shrubs and trees. Landscaping shall be designed to contain nonplant ground covers to prevent them from being carried off the site by stormwater runoff.
Table 19.46.030-1 – Summary of Landscaping Requirements by Area for RC District | ||
|---|---|---|
AREA | REQUIREMENT | SPECIFICATIONS |
Front Yard | 10' landscaped setback | • 1 tree per 30' (linear) of frontage |
• Trees may be clustered as approved by the city | ||
• Deciduous trees, 2" caliper min. | ||
• Evergreen trees, 6' min. height | ||
Side Yard | 5' landscaped setback, unless greater landscaped area required for residential buffer | • 1 tree per 400 s.f. |
• Deciduous trees, 2" caliper min. | ||
• Ornamental trees, 1.5" caliper min. | ||
• Evergreen trees, 6' min. height | ||
Rear Yard | 10' landscaped setback, unless greater landscaped area required for residential buffer | • 1 tree per 400 s.f. |
• Deciduous trees, 2" caliper min. | ||
• Ornamental trees, 1.5" caliper min. | ||
• Evergreen trees, 6' min. height | ||
Parking Lots | Perimeter landscaping of at least 5' in width with a minimum of 10% interior landscaping with one landscaped island for every 12 spaces | For all parking areas: |
• One tree per 6 spaces (average) | ||
• Deciduous trees, 2" caliper min. | ||
• Ornamental trees, 1.5" caliper | ||
• Evergreen trees, 6' min. height | ||
Overall Site | 10% of site to be landscaped | • 50% of landscaping must be evergreen |
• All irrigation shall be automatic | ||
Residential Buffer – Rear and Side Yards | 15' between residentially zoned areas, existing residences and commercial uses | • 1 tree for every 250 square feet of buffer area |
• Deciduous trees, 2" caliper min. | ||
• Ornamental trees, 1.5" caliper min. | ||
• Evergreen trees, 6' min. height | ||
• 6' sight-obscuring fence between commercial and residential uses | ||
(Ord. 3202 § 15, 2012; Ord. 3351 § 7, 2017)
§ 19.46.040 Signs – CBD, RC, GC and O/C commercial districts.
(1)
For the central business, regional commercial, general commercial, and office/commercial districts, signs are permitted as provided in Chapter 16.13 LMC; provided, that all signs shall relate to the business of the occupant of the premises on which the sign is located and for which a current business license exists.
(2)
Outdoor advertising structures, as defined in Chapter 16.40 LMC, located in the CBD district shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 16.40 LMC.
(Ord. 3202 § 15, 2012)
§ 19.46.050 Signs – Neighborhood commercial district.
Allowable signs in the neighborhood commercial district, NC, shall be as follows:
(1)
All signs shall relate to the business of the occupant of the premises on which the sign is located and for which a current business license exists.
(2)
Not more than two signs, not exceeding four square feet in area for each sign, advertising for sale or for rent the premises upon which such signs are located are permitted.
(3)
No sign shall exceed 75 square feet, and no more than two signs shall be permitted for each building, structure or facility.
(4)
Business Complex Signs. Each business complex may have one freestanding sign available to the businesses within the complex. Each principal business within the complex may have up to two wall, canopy or awning signs. The height of the freestanding sign shall not exceed 16 feet above grade nor shall the allowable sign area be greater than 50 square feet. The total square footage for wall, canopy or awning signs for each principal business shall not exceed 100 square feet; no individual sign shall exceed 75 square feet in area.
(5)
No signs shall extend upwards beyond the highest point of the building, structure or facility to which it is affixed, and shall not extend more than five feet from the wall thereof.
(6)
All signs shall be stationary, and the sign and support structure shall be of permanent construction and attractive in appearance.
(7)
Illuminated signs shall be in keeping with the purpose of the type of zone being created in this chapter and the type of business being advertised, and shall be of constant intensity and color. No flashing signs shall be permitted. Complete plans of such signs shall be required to be submitted to the department of community development. The plans shall show:
(a)
Site location;
(b)
Dimensions;
(c)
Type of material;
(d)
Intensity and color;
(e)
Structural details; and
(f)
Design.
(8)
Signs which restrict the view of adjoining properties or create confusion relative to interpretation of traffic signals or traffic signs shall not be permitted.
(9)
Directional and informational signs in areas normally and customarily found in parks, playgrounds and other recreational areas for the benefit of pedestrians are permitted.
(Ord. 3202 § 15, 2012)
§ 19.46.060 Signs – Downtown commerce district (D-C).
The following signs, when displayed in accordance with this section, are allowed within the downtown commerce (D-C) district.
(1)
Permanent Signs – General Provisions for Permanent Signs. The total area of permanent signs in this district shall conform to the following:
(a)
Maximum sign area per building frontage: The total aggregate area of all signs per building frontage shall not exceed an area equal to one and one-half square feet per each lineal foot of building frontage or 32 square feet, whichever is greater. The total area of all regulated signs within this district shall not exceed 150 square feet per building frontage elevation.
(b)
Maximum sign area per occupancy: The maximum total aggregate sign area permitted for all regulated sign types is 150 square feet per occupancy.
(c)
Unless specifically permitted, the height of a sign shall be measured from the finished ground (grade) level, excluding mounds, berms, etc., to the top of the sign or the highest portion of the sign structure or frame, whichever is greater.
(d)
Unless otherwise specifically permitted in this chapter, reader board signs, reader panel signs, bulletin board signs or similar advertising devices that employ changeable copy are prohibited.
(e)
Conforming and/or nonconforming signs in existence at the time of the enactment of the ordinance codified in this section shall be counted in establishing the permitted area or size of all new signs to be permitted on the property.
(2)
Types of Permanent Signage Permitted.
(a)
Awning, Canopy and Marquee Signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: The maximum number of signs will be limited by the total aggregate sign area permitted.
(ii)
Maximum allowable sign area: The maximum allowable sign area is limited by the total aggregate sign area permitted. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign.
(iii)
Placement: Anywhere on awning or canopy subject to meeting the maximum sign height restriction. For marquee signs, the sign shall be integral to the marquee. There shall be no extension or embellishments past the edge of the marquee.
(iv)
Maximum sign height: 18 feet above grade to the top of the sign or sign structure.
(v)
Illumination: Any type of illumination is allowed. Internally illuminated awning, canopy or marquee signs are limited to 40 percent of the maximum sign area otherwise allowed.
(vi)
Changeable copy: Changeable copy shall be permitted on theater marquee signs only.
(b)
Directional Signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: One per driveway entrance/exit. No advertising copy shall be displayed on directional signs.
(ii)
Maximum allowable sign area: Six square feet. The area of directional signs shall not be included within the total aggregate sign area permitted.
(iii)
Maximum sign height: Five feet above grade elevation to the top of the sign or sign structure.
(iv)
Illumination: Internal or indirect illumination is permitted.
(v)
Additional requirements: Freestanding signs shall contain landscaping at the base of the sign at the rate of two square feet of landscaping per one square foot of sign face area, where practical. At least 50 percent of the landscaped area must contain live plant material.
(c)
Directory Signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: One sign per entrance, limited to wall-mounted signs only.
(ii)
Maximum allowable sign area: Eight square feet. If larger multi-tenant building requires additional signage, each additional tenant allowed 0.375 square foot of signage per lease foot. The area of all directory signs shall count towards the total aggregate sign area permitted.
(iii)
Maximum sign height: 18 feet above grade to the top of the sign or sign structure.
(iv)
Illumination: Direct or indirect illumination is permitted.
(v)
Additional requirements: Directory signs shall be reserved for use on multi-tenant buildings only.
(d)
Freestanding Signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: One sign per business frontage for businesses not located on Commerce Avenue.
(ii)
Maximum sign face area, per side: 75 square feet.
(iii)
Maximum sign face area, total of all sides: 150 square feet.
(iv)
Maximum sign height: 18 feet above grade to top of sign or sign structure.
(v)
Additional requirements: The sign structure may be either pole or monument type. The sign may be illuminated directly or indirectly. No portion of the sign or sign structure shall extend over the right-of-way. Landscaping shall be provided around the base of the sign at a rate of one-half square foot of landscaping per one square foot of sign face area, where practical. At least 50 percent of the landscaped area must contain live plant material.
(e)
Identification Signs – General Requirements. The letters or numerals shall be five inches in height minimum and 12 inches in height maximum. New (not historic) building names may have letters up to a maximum of 18 inches in height. Information on the sign may contain the address and/or the name of building only; the name of business or sign copy affiliated with a business will be addressed as a business identification sign and subject to meeting total aggregate sign area permitted. No permit is required for identification signs.
(f)
Mural Signs – General Regulations. Murals are exempt from the provisions of this code. However, any advertisement of any kind within a mural will be considered a wall sign and shall be regulated as such. Decorative or artistic murals may be painted or otherwise placed on any building or structure without a sign permit. However, a rendition of the mural shall be reviewed and approved by the community development department prior to placement to ensure that it is not considered a sign or advertising device. Proposed murals may also require a certificate of appropriateness from the historical preservation commission.
(g)
Projecting Signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: One sign per business entrance.
(ii)
Maximum allowable sign area: 32 square feet on each sign face, regardless of the number of projecting signs. The area of a projecting sign shall count towards the total aggregate sign area permitted. Exception: Hanging bracket signs no larger than six square feet in size.
(iii)
Maximum sign height: 18 feet above grade to top of sign or sign structure. Hanging bracket signs no larger than six square feet in size may project a maximum of three feet from the fronting face of the building. Hanging bracket signs shall observe a minimum clearance of eight feet above grade elevation.
(iv)
Illumination: Direct or indirect illumination is permitted.
(v)
Changeable copy: Changeable copy shall not be permitted on projecting signs along Commerce Avenue, or on Maple Street, Broadway, Hudson Street, Hemlock Street or Florida Street east of the alley between 14th Avenue and Commerce Avenue, and west of the alley between 12th Avenue and Commerce Avenue; however, changeable copy may be placed on projecting signs located in other areas of the district including both sides of the alleys located between Commerce Avenue and 12th Avenue, and Commerce Avenue and 14th Avenue.
(h)
Roof Signs.
(i)
General provisions: Roof signs are permitted only if the director of the community development department, or their designee, determines that reasonable circumstances exist to permit a roof sign. A special property use permit shall be required. Special property use permits for roof signs shall be approved by the planning commission and the city council in accordance with LMC § 2.27.070.
(ii)
Location: Roof signs are permitted to be located on the edge of roofs of buildings only, and are subject to review and approval by the city council.
(iii)
Maximum number of signs permitted: If approved by the city council, one roof sign may be permitted per business. The area of the roof sign shall count towards the total aggregate sign area permitted. The roof sign must face the main thoroughfare and contain no visible support structure.
(iv)
Maximum allowable sign area: Roof signs shall not exceed a maximum of 15 percent of the area of the building elevation facing the main thoroughfare.
(v)
Maximum sign height: Eight feet above the roof parapet to the top of sign or sign structure.
(vi)
Illumination: Internal and external illumination is permitted. Internally illuminated signs are limited to 40 percent of the maximum sign area otherwise allowed.
(i)
Sandwich Board Signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: One per street frontage per business on private property. The business must possess a current sidewalk business license.
(ii)
Maximum allowable sign area: Six square feet.
(iii)
Maximum sign height: Six and one-half feet, measured vertically (90 degree angle with the ground). [The sign, when set at an angle of 23 degrees from the ground will measure six feet in height.]
(iv)
Minimum sign height: 30 inches.
(v)
Maximum sign width: 30 inches.
(vi)
Illumination: Self-contained illumination is permitted. No other type of illumination shall be permitted.
(vii)
Placement: Each sandwich board must be placed on the sidewalk in front of or within 15 feet of the main entrance of the business or multi-tenant building. Sandwich board signs may be placed near markings separating parking spaces, but not within a crosswalk and not closer than 15 feet from the intersection of the extension of the curb lines (edge of curbs on the vehicular traffic side) of each intersecting street. Signs may be placed within locations shown on the sidewalk usage map, which is on file in the community development department. No sandwich board sign may be placed where the unobstructed space for the passageway of pedestrians is reduced to less than five feet. Trees, landscaping planters, poles, other signs, hydrants, trash receptacles, tree grates, etc., are all considered obstructions. Questions as to the placement of sandwich board signs shall be determined by the community development director or their designee.
(viii)
Display hours: The sign may be displayed during business hours only. Sandwich board signs must be removed when the business closes for the day.
(j)
Wall Signs and Cabinet Signs. Tenant directory signs, projecting signs, marquee signs and incidental signs are not considered wall or cabinet signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: The number of signs will be limited by the total aggregate sign area permitted. Flat signs are preferred.
(ii)
Maximum allowable sign area: 20 percent of the area of the building elevation per business.
(iii)
Maximum allowable sign height: 18 feet to top of sign or sign structure. No portion of sign shall cover or be placed over any window.
(iv)
Placement: Wall signage may be placed on any elevation. Cabinet signs may project from the building elevation a maximum of 14 inches.
(v)
Illumination: Direct or indirect illumination is permitted. Sign illumination shall not result in glare being directed toward surrounding properties. The source of illumination shall not be visible from a walkway or street. Internally illuminated cabinet signs are limited to 40 percent of the maximum sign area otherwise allowed.
(k)
Window Signs.
(i)
Maximum number of signs permitted: The number of signs will be limited by the total aggregate sign area permitted.
(ii)
Maximum coverage of window: Signs shall not exceed a maximum of 25 percent of the glass area, per window.
(iii)
Additional requirements: Neon signs within windows and glass doors shall be permitted. Nonilluminated letterboard signs shall be permitted (see definitions section). Window signs may be separately illuminated. No permit shall be required for window signs.
(iv)
One electronic changeable copy sign is allowed for a business with a ground floor store front. Such sign is subject to the following conditions:
(A)
The electronic changeable copy sign shall be an interior sign located in a ground floor storefront window. The sign shall not be attached to the outside of a building.
(B)
The changeable copy portion (screen size) can be no more than 450 square inches in size (32-inch screen).
(C)
All electronic changeable copy signs shall be turned off when the business is not open for business or by 10:00 p.m. whichever is later. The sign must remain off until at least 8:00 a.m.
(D)
All electronic changeable copy signs shall have automatic dimming controls, either by photocell (hardwired) or via software settings, in order to bring the EMC lighting level at night to no more than 300 nits and no more than 750 nits during daylight hours. Illumination (in nits) shall be measured near the outside surface of the window front. No automatic dimming controls are needed for signs that are incapable of exceeding an illumination level of 300 nits.
(E)
Electronic changeable copy signs shall not project sound that can be clearly heard one foot beyond the window pane.
(3)
Temporary Signs. The total number and area of temporary signs in this district shall conform to the following:
(a)
The aggregate area of all signs per building frontage shall not exceed an area equal to 20 percent of the building frontage elevation, with a total aggregate sign area permitted of 150 square feet. For purposes of calculating this area, the maximum height of the building elevation shall be 18 feet.
(b)
No temporary sign may be displayed at a height exceeding 18 feet as measured to the top of the sign.
(c)
Unless otherwise specifically stated, no individual temporary sign shall be displayed for a period of time exceeding 60 days.
(d)
Holiday lights and decorations, including decorations on windows, are not considered signs.
(e)
No permits shall be required for temporary signs.
(4)
Types of Temporary Signage Permitted.
(a)
Business Promotional Signs. Temporary business promotional signs, posters, banners, advertising flags, streamers, balloons and clusters of pennants are permitted to be displayed for not more than 60 days in any calendar year per business, and not more than 15 successive calendar days per sales event. All such materials shall be removed immediately at the end of each occurrence.
(b)
Temporary Window Signs.
(i)
Temporary window signs are permitted and may be displayed for a period not to exceed 60 days per sales or service event.
(ii)
The maximum area of all permanent and temporary window signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the total exterior window area.
(iii)
Community, civic and service club event announcement posters and signs, and nonprofit announcements are exempt from these requirements.
(c)
Real Estate Signs, On-Premises.
(i)
The maximum number of on-premises real estate signs permitted is two per vacant tenancy.
(ii)
The maximum allowable sign area shall be 12 square feet for signs placed on buildings or within windows, and 32 square feet for freestanding signs erected on vacant lots.
(iii)
On-premises real estate signs shall be attached to an exterior wall or window in such a manner so as to not be a hazard to pedestrians. Signs may be placed adjacent to the property line, but shall not be placed within the right-of-way.
(iv)
All on-premises real estate signs shall be removed within seven days of the property and/or building being advertised is sold, rented or leased.
(d)
Short-Term Construction or Development Signs.
(i)
A maximum of one sign shall be permitted per project. The sign may be freestanding, or be a wall or banner sign attached to the construction fence or structure on the site.
(ii)
The maximum sign area permitted is four square feet, unless legally required by government contractors to be larger. No sign shall exceed a height of six feet.
(iii)
Construction or development signs shall not be posted on the property until after the issuance of a building permit. All signs shall be removed when construction is complete or upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, whichever occurs first. In all instances, the maximum duration any such sign may be displayed is two years.
(iv)
Signs may be placed adjacent to the property line, but shall not be placed within the right-of-way.
(v)
No off-premises signs shall be allowed.
(vi)
Copy and graphics on the sign are limited to identification of the project and participants, and shall only include the site identification, participating professional firms and contractors, and a description and/or purpose of the building or construction project.
(5)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, buildings and structures in the D-C district located easterly of 12th Avenue and westerly of 14th Avenue and fronting on Washington Way, containing a single business occupant, and having not less than 10,000 square feet of ground floor area, may maintain and display signs as permitted in this section, and signs as permitted in LMC § 19.46.040. However, roof signs shall comply with subsection (2)(h) of this section.
(6)
Wayfinding signs, as described in LMC § 16.13.040(73), and as approved by the appeal board of adjustment in accordance with LMC § 16.13.020, shall be permitted in the D-C district.
(Ord. 3202 § 15, 2012; Ord. 3270 § 1, 2014)
§ 19.46.070 Downtown commerce district – Crime prevention through environmental design.
For new building sited in the downtown commerce district, the design professional shall demonstrate to the director by letter and/or drawing demonstrating that crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) concepts were considered and implemented where feasible.
(Ord. 3202 § 15, 2012)
