A. Promoting and protecting property values, attracting new residents, and encouraging orderly development; and

B. Recognizing the purpose of signs for identification and economic well-being of businesses in the city of Monroe; and

C. Promoting a business person’s right to identify their business through reasonable and effective methods; and

D. Minimizing dangerous conflicts between signage and traffic control devices; and

E. Minimizing visual distractions between signage and motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians; and

F. Increasing the city’s attractiveness; and

G. Promoting the city’s scenic views, historical assets, architecture, streetscapes, and landscaping; and

H. Regulating the type, number, location, size, and illumination of signs; and

I. Facilitating fair and consistent neutral enforcement; and

J. Recognizing and protecting the use of the public right-of-way as a forum for noncommercial speech; and

K. Allowing for limited temporary commercial signage in the public right-of-way, to provide a flow of commercial information to consumer to enable them to make the vital decision of purchasing a home, and to further the critical public goal of providing for equal access to housing; and

L. Uphold the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan.

A. If no symbol or number appears in the table box at the intersection of the column and row, the sign is not allowed in that category or is not subject to an allowance.

B. If a letter appears in the table box at the intersection of the column and row or in the column or row heading, the sign may be allowed subject to the appropriate requirement and specific conditions indicated in the table footnotes.

C. All applicable requirements shall govern a permanent commercial sign whether or not the requirements are cross-referenced in Table 22.50.020: Permanent Commercial Sign Allowance.

A. Duration. Except as provided in the following table, no temporary commercial sign shall be erected, re-erected, or maintained for more than thirty consecutive days in a year. For the purpose of this regulation, any sign of similar content erected subsequent to the original temporary sign shall be considered as the original sign for the time limitation contained herein.

B. Location. Signs shall be located on site, except as provided in the following table. Temporary commercial signs cannot be affixed or located on utility poles, street signs, fences, trees, stop signs, or other similar structures within the ROW without underlying property owner permission.

C. Illumination. Not permitted.

D. Permit. A no-fee permit is required for temporary commercial signs. A label, issued by the city shall be affixed to all temporary commercial signs.

A. The permanent noncommercial sign allowance table determines whether a specific type of permanent noncommercial sign is allowed. The sign type is identified in the left column and the specific noncommercial sign allowances are located in the rows of the table.

B. If no symbol or number appears in the table box at the intersection of the column and row, the sign is not allowed in that category or is not subject to an allowance.

C. All applicable requirements shall govern a noncommercial sign whether or not the requirements are cross-referenced in Table 22.50.040: Permanent Noncommercial Speech Signs.

A. Illumination. Not permitted.

B. Construction. Temporary signs, other than inflatable and banners, shall be constructed of a durable, rigid, all-weather material (i.e., plywood, plastic, etc.) so as not to lose structural integrity in inclement weather. Signs must be of a sufficient weight and stature to ensure that they will remain in place during high winds.

C. Location. Temporary noncommercial speech signs cannot be affixed or located on utility poles, street signs, fences, trees, stop signs, or similar structures within the ROW without owner permission. Portable signs meeting the definition of temporary noncommercial speech may be erected off premises as set forth in the sign allowance table.

D. Duration. For the purpose of this regulation, any sign of similar content erected subsequent to the original temporary sign shall be considered as the original sign for the time limitation contained herein.

E. Permit. A no-fee permit is required for temporary noncommercial signs. A label, issued by the city, shall be affixed to all temporary noncommercial speech signs.

Permit Required. Murals containing a commercial sign message shall require a sign permit and shall only be allowed on premises in the DC, GC, SI, TC, MN, MM, MG, LI, GI, LS, and IN zoning districts. The commercial “display area” of the mural shall be calculated against the allowed signage for the site and/or tenant. (Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Traffic or pedestrian control signs, signs required by law, or signs indicating scenic or historic points of interest that are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of their public duty.

B. Signs erected or installed by or at the direction of the city, such as traffic signs, legal notices, railroad warning signs, signs showing the location of underground public utility facilities, and other signs of a nonadvertising nature erected for warning or emergency purposes.

C. Signs erected or installed by or at the direction of the city, such as a city-wide system of freestanding directory signs allowing vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding throughout the city.

D. Public safety signs including temporary private ground or wall signs exclusively relating to the safety of the public (e.g., “no parking today,” “use covered walkway,” “do not enter,” “danger,” “loading zone”) may be located as needed for public safety without limitations as to number, size, or location so far as the requirements of this chapter are concerned.

E. Signs directly related to a municipal building, structure or installed by the city or required by a governmental entity.

F. The flag of governmental and public institutions.

G. The flag of a commercial institution not advertising a product to be left loose to fly in the breeze. Not to exceed one per business and twenty square feet in surface area.

H. Decorative flags and bunting for a celebration, convention or commemoration of significance to the community located on public right-of-way, when authorized by the city council for a prescribed period of time.

I. Banners located over the public right-of-way, which display governmental speech including government events and celebrations.

J. Temporary signs and decorations that are customary for special holidays and that are erected on private property.

K. Official public notices of federal, state or local governments; official court notices.

L. Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor, which identify or advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily affixed to vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths or gasoline pumps.

M. Lettering or symbols painted directly onto or flush-mounted magnetically onto an operable vehicle.

N. Advertising signs located on licensed taxicabs and buses or commercial vehicles operating during the normal course of business. Signs on public transit benches and shelters and on and within public transit vehicles.

O. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a sign or theater marquee, reader boards, and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.

P. Painting, repainting, cleaning, repairing or normal maintenance of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertisement copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural or electrical change is made.

Q. Interior signs.

R. Historic signs, typically wall or projecting signs, where the sign is proposed to be restored or authentically recreated as evidenced by historic photographs.

S. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics, and design features that do not incorporate advertising or identification.

T. Identification signs upon recycling collection containers for public, charitable or nonprofit organizations. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Signs that contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character such as will offend public morals or decency under the prevailing statutes or U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

B. Any sign that constitutes a traffic hazard or is detrimental to traffic safety because of size, location, movement, content, or method of illumination. Any sign that obstructs the vision of drivers or detracts from the visibility of any official traffic control device because it diverts or tends to divert the attention of drivers of moving vehicles away from traffic movement on streets, roads, intersections, or access facilities. No sign shall be erected so that it obstructs the vision of pedestrians, or which by its glare or by its method of illumination constitutes a hazard to traffic. No sign may use words, phrases, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse the steady and safe flow of traffic.

C. Signs that are of such an intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist, cyclist or pedestrian using or entering the public right-of-way, or that are a nuisance or hazard to occupants of any property because of glare or other characteristics.

D. Laser signage consisting of light based displays, with beams or wide spectrum lights that result in an image.

E. Signs attached to public vegetation and structures within the right-of-way, including utility poles, traffic control devices, and lampposts, or other city-owned property, except the right-of-way itself, unless otherwise allowed pursuant to state or federal laws, are prohibited.

F. Signs that are in violation of the building, electrical or fire codes adopted by the city.

G. Advertising vehicles. This does not include automobile for sale signs.

H. Portable reader board signs including trailer signs.

I. Signs with visible moving, revolving or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by optical illusion, motion, electrical, electronic or mechanical means, except for traditional barber poles.

J. Signs that emit odor or visible matter such as smoke or steam, or involve the use of live animals.

K. Off-premises signs including, but not limited to, billboards, snipe signs and those signs upon vehicles and trailers, except for those otherwise authorized by this chapter. This prohibition shall not apply to noncommercial signs, or other categories of signage specifically exempted under this chapter.

L. Billboards and all product advertising sponsored flags (including feather banners) and posters except those allowed as interior signs that are not visible from the street ROW.

M. Signs that are painted, pasted, or printed on any curb, pavement or any portion of any sidewalk or street, except house numbers and traffic control signs.

N. Signs painted directly on a sloped or gabled roof surface.

O. Signs for which a permit has been granted under conditions with which the permittee does not comply.

P. Any sign or advertising structure or supporting structure that is torn, damaged, defaced or destroyed.

Q. Abandoned signs or signs in poor repair.

R. Any other signs that are not specifically permitted or exempted by this chapter. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Location. Shall meet the following requirements:

B. Illumination. Not permitted.

C. Construction. Portable signs shall be constructed of durable, rigid, all-weather materials (i.e., plywood, plastic, etc.) so as not to lose their structural integrity in inclement weather. Sign must be of a sufficient weight and stature to ensure that it will remain in place during high winds. Owners of portable signs shall be required to keep their signs legible and well maintained.

D. Additional Permit Requirements. For those signs located in the ROW, the applicant shall provide the city with a letter of indemnification appropriate to the city attorney, holding the city harmless for loss or injury resulting from the sign. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Projection Over Right-of-Way. Only those projecting and suspended and under awning signs located in the downtown commercial zoning district may be permitted to project into the public right-of-way, provided they meet all requirements relating to traffic, construction, safety and size, and are attached to an approved awning, canopy, marquee or porte cochere.

B. Additional Permit Requirements. When deemed necessary due to safety concerns, those projecting and suspended (under awning) signs located in the downtown commercial zoning district, over the public right-of-way, shall require the applicant to provide the city with a letter of indemnification appropriate to the city attorney, holding the city harmless for loss or injury resulting from the sign.

C. The area under the sign free of obstructions to allow passage of pedestrians and vehicles shall be eight feet under awning/canopy fascia, blade, and under-awning signs, and twelve feet under projecting signs. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Only one EMC, EMD, or video sign is permitted per site for each street frontage on which the development fronts and the sign is visible from the public ROW.

B. Electronic message centers and displays (EMC and EMDs) are subject to the following restrictions:

C. Video display signs are subject to the following restrictions:

D. Digital content signs, including message centers and displays, videos, etc., must have automatic dimming capability that adjusts the brightness to the ambient light at all times of the day and night such that changeable message signs cannot exceed the following foot candles (fc) by zone:

E. Permit applications for electronic message centers and displays (EMCs and EMDs) and video display sign permits must include a copy of the manufacturer’s operating manual which includes the manufacturer’s recommended standards for light levels, scrolling or traveling speed and other display operations. EMCs and EMDs are subject to periodic assessment of the sign’s performance and impact on traffic safety, driver and pedestrian distractions, and the other criteria of this code. (Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. General. No person shall erect, reconstruct, alter, relocate or place any sign within the city except such signs as are permitted, exempt, or not specifically regulated by this title. All signs, including the frames, braces or supports thereof, shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with this title, all applicable requirements of the Uniform Sign Code, Uniform Building Code, and all other applicable ordinances of the city.

B. Conflict of Provisions. If any provision of this chapter conflicts with the Uniform Sign Code or the Uniform Building Code, the provision of this chapter will govern.

C. Structure. Structural components of signs are regulated by the currently adopted edition of the Uniform Sign Code.

D. Electrical. Electrical components of signs are regulated by the currently adopted edition of the National Electric Code. All electrical signs must bear the U.L. label and shall receive a permit from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries prior to issuance of the sign permit. All utilities, including electrical service, shall be located underground.

E. Illumination. The light directed upon, or internal to, any sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that the light intensity or glare shall not adversely affect the surrounding or facing premises, or adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas, or adversely affect safe vision of pedestrians on a public right-of-way. Glare and intense lighting of signs shall not shine on or directly reflect into residential structures. Flashing devices are prohibited from use where they are visible from the exterior of a building or location.

F. Sight Obstructions. All signs are subject to review by the city engineer for conformance with view obstruction and clearance triangle requirements.

G. Design and Materials.

H. Inspections. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the city. The permit holder shall notify the city when the following work is ready for inspection and shall not proceed further until such work has been approved:

I. Fire Exits. No sign or any portion thereof shall be anchored to, or attached to, or supported by any fire escape or any standpipe, or erected so as to obstruct or prevent the free ingress and egress from any window, door or fire escape.

K. Property Owner’s Consent. It is unlawful for any person to place, attach or maintain any sign, banner, card, sticker, handbill or other advertising device, within the right-of-way, upon or within any property, whether public or private, without securing the consent of the owner or their tenant or the underlying property owner if placing within the right-of-way, except as otherwise authorized by this chapter or by other applicable law.

L. Projection Over Public Property. Signs supported entirely on private property may extend into the public right-of-way as set forth in the sign allowance table; provided, that in no event shall any sign be permitted to extend beyond the curb line. In the absence of a curb, the curb line shall be established by the city engineer.

M. Clearance from Power Lines. No sign shall be constructed or maintained which would have less horizontal or vertical clearance from communications lines or electric power lines than the clearance prescribed by the Electrical Construction Code of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. In case of conflict, the most restrictive shall apply. Whenever it becomes necessary for workmen to be less than ten feet from any electrical conductor carrying more than six hundred volts, the sign contractor shall notify the proper utility company to provide a standby service crew.

N. Power Source. No sign of any type shall be serviced by an overhead electric or power line from a source other than that which is internal to the sign.

O. Parking Lot Signs. Within parking lots, should be limited to those necessary for safety and identification. Any required signs for individual stalls should be marked on the pavement. Freestanding or wall-mounted signs should not be permitted, with the exception of ADA handicapped accessible parking signs. Entry/exit signs to parking areas are allowed as shown in the sign allowance table. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of every owner of real property and their tenant or other person in possession of such property with the consent of the owner to maintain every sign on such property in strict compliance with this code.

B. Maintenance. Every sign shall be constantly maintained in good structural condition and in a state of security, safety, and good repair at all times including all supports, braces, guys, and anchors. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly posted at all times. If a sign is not so maintained, it must be removed or repaired within thirty days of notification by the city of Monroe. The owner, his agents, or assigns are responsible for such maintenance and compliance with this section.

C. Maintenance Repair or Removal – Permanent Signs. The city of Monroe shall inspect and have the authority to order the owner to paint, repair, alter or remove permanent signs which have become dilapidated. The city may order the removal of any sign on private property that is not maintained in an orderly condition. In such a case, the city may issue a notice and order of code violation in accordance with Chapter 1.04 MMC. The city may abate conditions which were caused by or continue to be a code violation using lawful means, and recover the costs of abatement as further provided in Chapter 1.04 MMC. The order for maintenance or removal of any sign shall be sent by the city to the owner of the sign or property owner. The notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the action requested in the order is not taken within the specified time period, the city may direct the sign to be removed from the premises. The owner of the sign or the property shall be charged an amount equal to the city’s cost for removal of the sign.

D. Maintenance Repair or Removal – Temporary Signs. The city of Monroe shall inspect and have the authority to remove or order the owner to paint, repair, alter or remove temporary signs which are not compliant with this chapter in compliance with MMC 22.50.170.

E. Abandoned and Obsolete Signs. Signs for which the use no longer exists, such as the vacation of a business or business site or a property that no longer remains commercially viable, shall be removed or the sign face covered within ten days following termination of the use or site. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. General. Every permanent sign except historic and landmark signs which, by reason of any amendment to the provisions of this chapter which occurred after the date the sign was installed, or by change of zoning district or by annexation of territory to the city, becomes in violation of or does not conform to the provisions hereof, shall be removed or altered so as to conform with the provisions of this chapter within five years from the effective date of such amendment or change unless the owner submits a written request for an extension to the city at least thirty days prior to the expiration of a five-year period from the date this ordinance was adopted (Ord. 005/2019), and the city approves the same. The city may grant up to two separate extensions for a total of two additional years.

B. Every limited duration and temporary sign must conform to the provisions of this chapter from the effective date of such amendment or change in all zones of the city.

C. Maintenance. Nonconforming signs may be maintained, repaired and repainted without permit or fee during the periods specified in subsection (A) of this section or any extensions granted under subsection (E) of this section, but no structural change shall be made nor shall any increase in area be permitted.

D. Moving or Alterations. In such cases where a nonconforming sign is moved or changed, the sign shall be treated as a new sign and subject to the requirements of this chapter.

E. Appeal. The period specified in subsection (A) of this section may be extended by the hearing examiner upon application of the person maintaining such sign if the examiner finds that such an extension is necessary for the preservation of substantial property rights of the applicant. The application for the extension shall be made in writing within ten days after notice to remove the sign has been issued by the city.

F. Removal of Nonconforming Signs. If the provisions of subsection (A) of this section are not complied with regarding removal or alteration of nonconforming signs, and no appeal is made in accordance with subsection (E) of this section, the nonconforming sign is to be removed, and the cost thereof shall be charged to the owner or tenant.

G. Any Change in Building Use or Classification. Any change requiring change of use or any new sign structure installation will require applicable signage to conform to the provisions of this section. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, re-erect, construct, enlarge, display, alter or move a sign, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a permit for each sign from the city of Monroe as required by this chapter. This section shall not be construed to require an additional permit to clean, repaint, or otherwise perform normal maintenance or repair of a permitted sign or sign structure. If, however, a sign is modified in any way, a permit is required. No permit shall be required to change the message on a changeable message and electronic sign.

B. Permanent Permit Application Procedure – Single-Occupancy Buildings, Complexes, or Properties. A sign permit shall be filed providing completed forms and supplemental information deemed necessary by the city of Monroe to show full compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances concerning single-occupancy buildings, complexes, or properties. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity or location and a separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. Additional signs applied for separately shall require a separate permit.

C. Permanent Permit Application Procedure – Multi-Occupancy Buildings, Complexes, or Properties. A sign permit shall be filed providing completed forms and supplemental information deemed necessary by the city of Monroe to show full compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances concerning multi-occupancy buildings, complexes, or properties.

D. Temporary Sign Permit Application Procedure – Except A-Frame Signs. A no-fee sign permit shall be filed providing completed forms and supplemental information deemed necessary by the city of Monroe to show full compliance with this and all other applicable laws and ordinances. In addition, applications for A-frame sign permits shall comply with the insurance and hold harmless provisions in subsection (F) of this section. The no-fee sign permit shall be affixed to each temporary sign.

E. Electrical Permits. An electrical permit shall be obtained for electric signs. Portable signs shall not be located on any property until such time as a building permit has been issued. No building permit will be issued until there is compliance with other codes and ordinances of the city of Monroe and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has approved the method of electrical power for said portable sign.

F. Insurance and Hold Harmless Provisions. The owners of any signs that are located in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way shall prior to approval of a sign permit execute and deliver to the city a hold harmless agreement in a form approved by the city attorney, holding the city harmless against any and all claims of any nature whatsoever arising out of the presence of such sign in or over the public right-of-way.

G. Permit Processing. All proposed signs other than those requesting a variance from the requirements of this chapter shall be processed by the city of Monroe following review and comment as specified above, and provided the proposed sign(s) is within the intent and purposes of this chapter, complies with this chapter’s provisions, and will not be contrary to the public interest, detrimental to the public welfare or safety, or injurious to property in the vicinity. Signs must be inspected by the city and must conform to the currently adopted International Building Code.

H. Permanent Sign Permit Fees. A nonrefundable fee shall be paid upon the filing of an application for a sign permit in accordance with the sign fee which shall be established by city council.

I. Permanent Sign Permit – Time Limitation. Issued sign permits shall become null and void two years after the date of issuance in accordance with MMC 15.04.070(D).

J. Revocation of Permit. The city of Monroe may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this chapter whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information or whenever the sign is in violation of any ordinance, regulation or provision of this chapter.

K. Change of Copy. The holder of a permit, for the duration thereof, shall have the right to change the advertising copy words only on the structure or sign for which the permit was issued, without being required to pay any additional fees.

L. Permanent Wall Sign and Mural Maintenance. Failure to properly maintain the mediums used within a painted wall sign or mural or artwork as defined herein shall be sufficient grounds to revoke the sign permit.

M. Interpretation. In all applications for permits where a matter of interpretation arises, the most restrictive definition shall prevail. (Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Enforcing Authority. The city of Monroe is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this title in accordance with Chapter 1.04 MMC and to make necessary interpretations subject to appeal under Chapter 22.84 MMC, Permit Processing.

B. Removal of Dangerous Signs. If the city of Monroe finds that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public safety, the sign may be summarily removed in accordance with MMC 1.04.060.

C. Removal of Illegal Signs. If the city of Monroe finds that any sign has been constructed, erected, relocated or altered in violation of the provisions of this title, the city of Monroe is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this title in accordance with Chapter 1.04 MMC.

D. Any sign removed pursuant to this section may be returned to the owner if retrieved within ten days of removal or earlier upon the owner securing a permit. Any sign which is not retrieved by the owner within ten days may be destroyed.

E. Right of Entry. When it is necessary to make an inspection of a sign or business to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, or when the city has reasonable cause to believe that an illegally located sign exists or a condition exists which makes a sign unsafe, the city may enter the premises or building where the sign is located at all reasonable times to perform any duty imposed by this chapter, to the extent permissible by law. If the building or premises where the sign is located is occupied, the city shall first present proper credentials and request entry, and if such building or premises be unoccupied, the city shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the city shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry, including procurement of a search warrant. No owner or occupant or any other person having charge or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made and a warrant is provided, to properly permit entry therein by the city for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this chapter. Any person violating this subsection shall be subject to a penalty or fine established by city council.

F. Confiscation of Signs in Right-of-Way. Unauthorized signs or other advertising devices either in, or fully or partially supported on, or projecting over the public right-of-way are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and in violation of this sign code. The city may remove such signs at any time as a means of abating the nuisance. All signs confiscated by the city shall be held for ten working days, after which such signs may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. The owner of a confiscated sign may recover the sign when it is still in the possession of the city of Monroe upon payment of the recovering fee found in the city of Monroe fees resolution to cover the cost of confiscation and storage.

G. Violation and Penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, hang, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, equip, use or maintain any sign or sign structure in the city, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of the provisions of this title. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this title shall be subject to a penalty or fine established in Chapter 1.04 MMC, Code Enforcement, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this title is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punishable by a penalty or fine established in Chapter 1.04 MMC, Code Enforcement.

H. Nonliability. This title shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility or liability of any party owning, operating, constructing, installing, altering, removing, moving, or controlling any sign in the city. For damages to person or property injured or damaged either in person or property caused by any defect therein, the city or any agent thereof shall not be held as assuming any liability by reason of permit or of the inspection authorized hereunder or certificate of inspection issued by the city or any of its agents.

I. Conflicting Provisions. If any provision of this title is found to be in conflict with any provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code of the city, the provision that establishes the higher standard shall prevail.

J. Severability. If any provision of this title or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected, and to this end the provisions of this title are declared to be severable. (Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))

A. Powers. Recognizing that there are certain cases that may, or may not, be detrimental to aesthetic character, public health, safety and general welfare, and the effectiveness of visual communication in the city, depending upon the facts of each particular case, a limited power to issue variance permits and to interpret any section of the title is vested with the hearing examiner.

B. Administrative Departures. In no case shall a departure be granted for a minimum requirement established in this section. Where specified in this section, the zoning administrator may require or allow departures from certain required standards of this chapter in the following circumstances:

C. Variances. When an applicant requests a departure from the sign code that does not qualify for administrative approval pursuant to subsection (B) of this section, the applicant shall apply for a variance, as set forth in Chapter 22.66 MMC. An application for a variance may be made to the city of Monroe community development department on forms prescribed by the city.

D. Appeals. The action of the decision-making body in granting or denying a sign permit is a final decision appealable to the appeal authority specified in Table 22.84.060(B)(2): Decision-Making and Appeal Authorities.

E. Collection of Expenses Incurred. Whenever there incurs any expense in connection with the removal or alteration of any sign, the cost thereof shall be paid by the owner of the real property upon which the sign is erected or maintained. In the event any other person is in possession of such property with the consent of the owner, the owner and such other person shall be jointly responsible for the payment of such cost.