This chapter of the Napavine Municipal Code shall be called the "Sign Ordinance."

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 1, 8-14-18)

The purpose of this chapter is to establish sign standards and allowances that balance public and private needs. Within this broad purpose are the following objectives:

A.

Recognize the visual communication needs of all sectors of the community for identification and advertising purposes;

B.

Protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the placements, installation, maintenance, size and location of signs;

C.

Promote a positive visual image of the city and protect property values by: (1) encouraging signs that fit surrounding buildings and landscape in both scale and design, and (2) discouraging excessive numbers of signs;

D.

Support and enhance the economic well-being of all business within the city, and in particular recognize the needs of small and/or culturally-diverse businesses to identify their premises and advertise their products;

E.

Assure equal protection and fair treatment under the law through consistent application of the regulations and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations;

F.

Support the goals and policies of the city's comprehensive land use plan;

G.

To recognize free speech rights by regulating signs in a content-neutral manner;

H.

To promote the free flow of traffic and protect pedestrians and motorists from injury and property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting, and/or illegible signage;

I.

To provide an improved visual environment for the citizens of and visitors to the city and to protect prominent viewsheds within the community.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 1, 8-14-18)

Any sign placed, erected, relocated, enlarged, structurally changed, altered in the city must conform to the standards and procedures described herein. As applied in this chapter, a sign is defined as any device, structure, fixture or placard that uses works, letters, numbers, symbols, graphic designs, logos, or trademarks for the purpose of:

A.

Providing information or directions; or

B.

Identifying or advertising any place, establishment, product, good, or service. Other terms relating to signs as applied in this chapter are described in Section 17.62.050, Definitions.

Certain signs are allowed without city approval or a city permit (see Section 17.62.070, Signs allowed without city approval or permits); others are prohibited because they are inconsistent with the purpose and scope of this chapter (see Section 17.62.060, Prohibited signs). All non-exempt, allowable temporary and permanent signs are regulated by this chapter and must meet the specification and city permit or approval requirements described in this chapter.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 1, 8-14-18)

A.

General. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, erect, relocate, enlarge, structurally change, or alter any non-exempt temporary or permanent sign in the city without obtaining written approval from the city.

B.

Discretionary Permits. If the administrator determines that more effective, coordinated signs will result, he/she may require that any signage that is a part of a proposed use or development requires approval through conditional use process.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 2, 8-14-18)

For the purposes of the sign regulations, certain terms are defined as follows:

"Abandoned sign" means any sign remaining in place after closer or vacation of the business or use or a sign that is not maintained for a period of sixty days or more and for which no legal owner can be found.

"Administrator" means the mayor or his/her designated representative.

"Animated" or "moving sign" means any sign that uses movement or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action to create a special effect or scene.

"Area of sign" means the entire face of a sign, including the surface and any framing, projections, or molding, but not including the support structure.

"Awning" or "canopy sign" means a non-electrical sign that is printed on, painted on, or attached to an awning or canopy and is only allowed on the vertical surface or flap. (See "marquee sign.")

"Banner sign" means a sign made of fabric of any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.

"Billboard" means a sign advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment that is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which the sign is located.

"Building mounted signs" means any of the following: Wall mounted signs, marquee signs, under marquee signs and projecting signs.

"Bulletin board" means a sign so designed that the message may be changed by removal or addition of specially designed letters that attach to the face of the sign.

"Center identification sign" means building mounted sign or ground mounted sign that identified the name of a development containing more than one office, retail, institutional or industrial use or tenant and which does not identify any individual use or tenant.

"Changeable copy sign/reader board" means a sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or electric, electronic-mechanical, or electronic means. A sign on which the message changes more than eight times a day shall be considered as animated signs and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter. A sign on which the copy that changes is an electron or mechanical indication of time and/or temperature shall be considered a "time and temperature" portion of a sign and not a changeable copy for purposes of this chapter.

"Changing message center" means a sign, message center or similar device whereby alternating public service information and commercial message are displayed on the same lamp bank.

"City" means unless the context clearly discloses a contrary intent, the word "city" shall mean the city of Napavine.

"Civic event sign" means a temporary sign, other than a commercial sign, posted to advertise a civic event sponsored by a public agency, school, church, civic-fraternal organization, or similar noncommercial organization.

"Clearance (of a sign)" means the smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street, highway, or street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade.

"Clearview zone" means the area of a corner lot closest to the intersection, which is kept free of visual impairment to allow full view of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Typically, such an area is established by marking a point at which the two curb lines intersect, measuring back twenty feet on each street front, and drawing a line across the two-back point to form a triangulated area. No sign in excess of three feet above curb grade nor support pole larger that twelve inches in diameter may be installed in this area. Freestanding sign must have at least ten feet clearance to grade.

"Construction sign" means a temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction of the property on which the sign is located.

"Copy" means the graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.

"Directional/information sign" means an on-premise sign giving directions, instruction, or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy (e.g. parking or exit and entrance signs) provided that the logo may not comprise more than twenty percent of the total sign area. Any signs placed in city right-of-way must be community oriented or recreational in nature and will be approved on a case by case basis by the city planning commission.

"Directory sign" means a sign for listing the tenants or occupants and their suite numbers of a building or center.

"Electrical sign" means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used.

"Electronic changeable message sign" means an electronically activated sign whose message content, either whole or in part, may be changed by means of electronic programming.

"Façade" means the entire building front including the parapet.

"Face of sign" means the area of a sign on which the copy is placed.

"Festoons" means a string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, or pinwheels.

"Flashing sign" means a sign with any portion of it which changes light intensity or switches on and off in a constant pattern or contains moving parts or the optical illusion of motion caused by use of electrical energy or illumination.

"Freestanding sign" means a sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or graces and not attached to any building. Freestanding signs include those signs otherwise known as "pole signs" or "pedestal signs." (Also see "ground mounted sign.)

"Frontage" means the length of the property line along any public right-of-way.

Frontage, Building. "Building frontage" means the length of the property line along any public right-of-way.

"Fuel price sign" means a wall-mounted or freestanding sign displaying the price of fuel for motorized vehicles.

"Governmental sign" means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by city, county, state or federal government for traffic directions or for designation of or direction to any school, hospital, historical site or public service, property or facility.

"Ground mounted sign" means a sign that is six feet or less in height above ground level, having the appearance of a solid base (also known as a "monument sign"). (Also see "freestanding sign.")

"Height (of a sign)" means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, excluding decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street of the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less.

"Identification sign" means a sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a building, institution or person, and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.

"Identification sign (subdivision)" means a freestanding or wall sign identifying a recognized subdivision, condominium complex, or residential development (center identification sign).

"Illuminated sign" means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

"Incidental sign" means a small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises (e.g. a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business).

"Instructional sign" means a sign, which designates public information, such as, but not limited to, public rest rooms, public telephones, exit ways and hours of operation.

"Kiosk" means a freestanding sign with three or more faces used to provide directions or tenant information for a multi-use complex or center.

"Maintenance" means for the purposes of this chapter, the cleaning, painting, repair or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, or structure of the sign.

"Marquee sign" means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee, which is a permanent roof-like projecting structure attached to a building.

"Mobile sign" means any permanent or temporary painted sign or marquee sign mounted on a trailer or on portable supports.

Monument Sign. See "ground mounted sign."

"Mural" means a design or representation that is pointed or drawn on the exterior surface of a structure and that does not advertise a business, product, service or activity.

"Nameplate" means a non-electric on-premise identification sign giving only the name, address and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants.

"Neon (outline tubing) sign" means a sign consisting of glass tubing, filled with neon gas (or other similar gas), which glows when electric current is sent through it.

"Non-conforming sign" means: (1) a sign which was erected legally, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations; (2) a sign which does not conform to the sign ordinance requirements, but for which a variance has been granted.

"Obsolete signs" means a sign that advertises a product that is no longer made, a business that is no longer in operation, or an activity or event that has already occurred.

"Off-site directional sign" means a sign, which provides directional assistance to access an establishment, located within Napavine or its urban growth area, conveniently and safely.

"On-site sign" means a sign, which pertains to the use of the premises and/or property on which it, is located.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, association, firms, partnership or similarly defined interest.

"Point of purchase display" means advertising of a retail item accompanying its display (e.g. an advertisement on a product dispenser, tire display, etc.).

"Political sign" means a temporary sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum.

"Portable sign" means any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building. Portable sign differs from temporary signs in that portable signs are made of durable materials such as metal, wood, or plastic.

"Private advertising sign" means a sign announcing a temporary event, use or condition of personal concern to the sign user such as, but not limited to, "garage sale" or "lost dog."

"Private traffic direction sign" means a sign on private property which provides information for vehicular movement while on that property.

"Projecting sign" means a sign, other than a flat wall sign which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.

Real Estate, Off-Site Sign. "Off-site real estate sign" means a readily removable sign announcing the proposed sale or rental of property other than the property upon which the sign is located and providing directions to the subject property.

Real Estate, On-Site Sign. "On-site real estate sign" means a sign announcing the sale or rental of the property upon which the sign is located.

"Roof sign" means any sign erected over or on the roof of a building.

"Sign" means any device, structure, fixture, or placard that uses works, letters, numbers, symbols, graphic designs, logos, or trademarks for the purpose of: (1) providing information or directions; or (2) identifying or advertising any place, establishment, product, good, or service.

"Snipe sign" means a sign posted on trees, fences, public benches, light posts, or utility poles, except those posted by a government or public utility.

"Temporary sign" means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use. Temporary signs are made of less permanent materials such as paper, fabric, plywood or window whitewash.

"Time and temperature sign" means any sign that displays current time and temperature. No commercial message allowed.

"Under canopy sign" means any sign suspended beneath a canopy or marquee. These signs are intended generally to attract pedestrian traffic.

"Wall sign" means either a sign applied with paint of similar substance on the surface of a wall or a sign attached essentially parallel to and extending not more that twenty-four inches from the wall of a building with no copy on the side or edges.

"Window sign" means a sign applied or attached to a window and intended to be viewed from the exterior of the structure.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 3, 8-14-18)

A.

The following signs are inconsistent with the purpose and scope of this chapter and are therefore prohibited in all zones with the city:

1.

Abandoned. Dilapidated, or non-maintained signs.

2.

Animated or Moving Signs. Including any sign that rotates, turns or moves by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, including normal wind movement. Exceptions: Barber poles; time and temperature or other public informational displays.

3.

Flashing signs.

4.

Obstructing signs, which interfere with free access to or egress from a required exit from a building or structure.

5.

Snipe Signs. Sign posted on trees, fences, public benches, light posts or utility poles, except those posted by a government or public utility.

6.

Parked Vehicle Signs. Any sign attached to or placed on a parked vehicle or truck trailer that is being used principally for advertising purposes, rather than for transportation.

7.

Portable sign, except as expressly allowed in other subsections of this chapter.

8.

Private sign in a public right-of-way.

9.

Searchlights or beacons, except as allowed for special events such as grand openings, etc.

10.

Simulations of Traffic Signs. Any sign using the words "stop," "look," or "danger," or any other words, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 4, 8-14-18)

The following signs are allowed without obtaining city approval or a city permit; however, such signs shall conform to any limitations and requirements described herein. Unless otherwise indicated, all signs are allowed only on the subject property and must be kept out of any public right-of-way.

A.

A-Board Sign. One per business, not to exceed six square feet per face, not to be placed in public right-of way or sight obscuring.

B.

Address identification, with numbers and letters not more than ten inches in height.

C.

Barber poles.

D.

Content identification, for separate purpose devices such as phone booths, product dispensers, recycling containers, collection containers, gas pumps, etc., indicating only the contents or purpose of device.

E.

Construction Project Signs. Such signs shall be limited to one sign per project, identifying all contractors and related parties. Each sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet per sign face and five feet in height. Sign shall not be displayed prior to issuance of a building permit and shall be removed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

F.

Directional signs (on-site), to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic to parking areas, loading area or certain building or locations on the site. Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in area.

G.

Flags (official), of any nation, government, educational institution or noncommercial organization.

H.

Fuel Price Sign. Such signs shall be located on the property where fuel is sold and shall be limited to one sign per street frontage or entrance. Each sign shall be limited to twenty square feet per sign face (aggregate sign area limitations shall apply).

I.

Gravestones or other memorial displays associated with cemeteries or mausoleums.

J.

Historical site plaques and signs integral to a historic building.

K.

Holiday decorations displayed in conjunction with holidays.

L.

Integral design features, when such features are an essential part of the architecture of a building and do not represent a product, service or registered trademark, such as murals or wall-art maybe subject to city approval.

M.

Incidental signs (such as credit card signs) attached to a structure or building, providing that the total of all such signs per use or business shall not exceed two square feet.

N.

Interior signs located completely within a building or structure and not visible from outside the structure (exclusive of window signs).

O.

Nameplates, identifying the occupants of a building, not to exceed two square feet per sign face.

P.

"Open House" Real Estate Signs. Portable or temporary signs with an area no greater than six square feet per sign face.

Q.

Political signs, temporary signs directly associated with national, state, or local elections. Maximum area per sign is limited to six square feet. No political sign shall be displayed later than seven days after a final election.

R.

Private Event Advertising ("Garage Sale," "Lost Dog," Etc.). A temporary sign limited to eight square feet per sign face and five feet in height. Signs relating to the sale, lease or rent of a vehicle to which signs are attached are allowed as well. Sign must be removed at end of event, use or condition. Every private event advertising sign must contain the address of the event or advertiser. Special events shall not exceed thirty days.

S.

Public signs, including traffic signs, directional signs, warning signs, informational signs, and signs displaying a public service message when any of these signs is installed by a governmental agency or public utility.

T.

Real Estate Signs (Off-Site). Portable signs that advertise the rental, sale or lease of properties. The number of such signs shall be limited to one per unit, use or development. For dwelling units, the sign shall not exceed six square feet per sign face; for other uses and developments, the size shall not exceed thirty-two square feet per sign face. All off-site real estate signs shall be removed when property is sold, leased, or rented.

U.

Real Estate Signs (On-Site). Temporary or portable signs placed on subject property that advertise the rental, sale or lease of properties. The number of such signs shall be limited to one per unit, use or development. For dwelling units, the sign shall not exceed six square feet per sign face; for other uses and development, the size shall not exceed thirty-two square feet per sign face. All on-site real estate signs shall be removed when property is sold, leased, or rented.

V.

Warning signs, including "no trespassing," "no hunting" and "no dumping."

W.

Window sign not exceeding three square feet and limited to business identification, hours or operations, address, and emergency information.

(Ord. 392 § 1, 2005; Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 4, 8-14-18)

A.

Signs in Residential Districts.

1.

Identification Signs: Single-Family Dwellings and Duplexes. One identification sign shall be permitted for each occupancy. The said sign shall not exceed an area of three square feet, freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of six feet above the surface of the street and shall be unlighted or provided with indirect illumination. Home occupations shall not be allowed additional sign area.

2.

Identification Signs: Multi-family Dwellings. One identification sign shall be permitted for each development except that multiple-family dwellings with more than one street frontage may be allowed an additional sign for each street frontage of such lot. Each sign shall not exceed an area of twenty-five square feet, may be a wall or monument sign, shall be unlighted or indirectly lighted, and shall not exceed a height of six feet above the ground if a monument sign.

B.

Signs in Non-residential Zoning Districts.

1.

Maximum Sign Area/Sign Type Allowed. The total aggregate sign area allowed and type and number of signs for developments in business, commercial, office and industrial zones shall be calculated using the following information:

a.

Commercial and Industrial Park Zones.

i.

Aggregate Sign Area. The aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed one and one-half square feet for each foot of frontage on a public right-of-way. The aggregate sign area for corner lots or lots with frontage on more than one public right-of-way shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of street frontage. Regardless of frontage each lot is allowed a minimum of sixty square feet of signage.

ii.

Identification Signs. Each business establishment may have one freestanding sign for each street frontage if not located in a shopping center, and three additional signs.

b.

Freestanding Signs. The freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of twenty feet. The maximum sign area permitted is one hundred twenty-eight square feet. No one face shall exceed sixty-four square feet. Said sign may be illuminated.

c.

Three Additional Signs. Three additional signs shall be permitted subject to the following restrictions:

i.

The total area of all signs, graphics, or other advertising shall not exceed ten percent of the building façade which they are attached or displayed.

ii.

On properties where a freestanding sign cannot be erected due to setback requirements or building placements, a projecting sign may be allowed in lieu of the permitted freestanding sign. Said projecting sign may not exceed fifteen square feet on the outside dimension.

iii.

Shopping Centers. One freestanding identification sign, which may list the names of the occupants of the center, shall be permitted for each street frontage of each shopping center. The maximum sign area permitted for a freestanding sign shall not exceed two hundred square feet for the total of all faces. No one face shall exceed one hundred square feet. A freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of twenty feet and may be illuminated.

iv.

Identification Signs: Multi-Tenant Building. Each multi-tenant building may have one identification sign for each street frontage. Said sign shall not exceed a total of five percent of the façade to which it is attached. Said sign shall not name or advertise the individual tenants of the building. Aggregate sign area shall apply. A multi-tenant building will have the option of the sign described above or the following identification signs.

v.

Freestanding Identification Sign. Multi-tenant building may have one freestanding sign on each street frontage. Said sign may not exceed fifteen feet in height. The maximum sign area permitted for the freestanding sign is one hundred square feet for the total of all faces; no one face shall exceed fifty square feet. Multi-tenant freestanding signs shall not name or advertise the individual tenants of the buildings.

vi.

Identification Signs—Occupants. Each occupant of a multi-tenant building shall be permitted two wall mounted signs. Said signs shall not exceed ten percent of the building façade of the individual business. Aggregate sign area shall not apply.

vii.

Identification Signs—Single Tenant Buildings. Each building may have one freestanding sign for each street frontage. Said signs may not exceed fifteen feet in height. The maximum sign area permitted for the freestanding sign shall not exceed one hundred square feet for the total of all faces', no one face shall exceed fifty square feet.

viii.

Three Additional Signs. Three additional signs shall be permitted for single tenant buildings. All signs are subject to the aggregate sign area allowed. The total area of all signs shall not exceed ten percent of the façade to which they are attached or displayed.

ix.

Freestanding Off Site Directional Signs. One freestanding off site directional sign is permitted on each side of the I-5 exits on private property. Signs shall not obstruct sight distance requirements on public streets and must not be located within city rights-of-way. Freestanding sign must not exceed fifteen feet in height or one hundred sixty square feet per face and may be illuminated. The private owner shall be responsible for all agreements between/with local businesses for individual sign placement on the freestanding sign.

(A)

Final responsibility for maintenance, removal of nuisance/abatement issues will that of the property owner upon which the off-site sign is located.

(B)

Individual signs shall be two by four in size and constructed of materials that are hard, durable, weather proof and permanent.

(C)

Individual signs shall be limited to copy, text and graphics of business or facility benefitting use of the freestanding sign.

(D)

Individual signs shall be limited to one sign per exit.

(E)

Two freestanding off-site signs shall be permitted per exit. Additional signs must be approved through city council.

C.

Sign Area Multipliers. The total sign area allowed by using the formulae in subsection A above, may be modified in following instances:

1.

If no signs on the subject property have internally lighted sign fields, then multiply the total sign area allowed by 1.25.

2.

If all signs, other than center identification signs, are building mounted signs, multiply either the product of 1. above or the total sign area allowed by 1.25.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 5, 8-14-18)

Nonconforming signs shall be allowed to remain except that nonconformance shall be corrected when:

A.

The structures housing or supporting the sign is altered either by increasing the gross floor area or making improvements the fair market value of which exceeds twenty-five percent of the assessed or appraised value of the structure;

B.

The property containing the sign is abandoned for ninety or more consecutive days or if the activity conducted on the property ceases for one hundred eighty consecutive days.

C.

The nonconforming sign was removed for general cleaning or maintenance and returned to its original placement within sixty days.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 6, 8-14-18)

A.

Construction Standards.

1.

General Requirements. Every sign, and all parts, portions, and materials shall be manufactured, assemble, and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal and city regulations and the Uniform Building Ordinance.

2.

Structural Components. To the maximum extent possible, signs should be construed and stalled so that angle irons, guy-wires, braces, and other structural elements are not visible. This limitation does not apply to structural elements that are an integral part of the overall design such as decorative metal or woods.

B.

Location. No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any door or exit from a building. No sign shall be located so as to be hazardous to a motorist's ingress or egress from parking areas or any way open to the public. No sign shall be located within the clear-view zone.

C.

Landscaping Around Ground Mounted Signs. An area around the base of each ground mounted sign equal to the sign area must be landscaped to improve the overall appearance of the sign and to reduce the risk of automobiles hitting the sign or supports of the sign. This landscaping must include vegetation and may include other materials and components such as brick or concrete bases, planter boxes, pole covers or decorative framing.

D.

Illumination Limitations on Electrical Signs. No sign may contain or utilize any of the following:

1.

Any exposed incandescent lamp with wattage in excess of twenty-five watts.

2.

Any exposed incandescent lamp with an internal or external reflector.

3.

Any continuous or sequential flashing device or operation.

4.

Except for changing message centers, any incandescent lamp inside internally lighted signs.

5.

External light sources directed towards or shining on vehicular or pedestrian traffic or on a street.

6.

Internally lighted signs using eight hundred milliamp or larger ballast if the lamps are spaced closer than twelve inches on center.

7.

Internally lighted signs using four hundred twenty-five milliamp or larger ballast if the lamps are spaced closer than six inches on center.

E.

Measurement.

1.

Sign Area. Sign area shall be computed as follows:

a.

General Requirements. Where a sign consists of a generally flat surface or sign face on which lettering or other information is affixed, the sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire face of the sign.

b.

Individual Letters. Where a sign consists of individual letters and/or logo affixed directly to a building canopy, awning or building surface, the area of the sign shall be computed by measuring the area of the envelope required to enclose the lettering and/or logo. Neon signs are computed in this manner.

2.

Setback and Distance Measurements. The following guidelines shall be used to determine compliance with setback and distance measurements:

a.

The distance between two signs shall be measured along a straight horizontal line that represents the shortest distance between the two signs.

b.

The distance between a sign and a parking lot or building shall be measured along a straight line that represents the shortest distance between the outer edge of the parking lot or building.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 7, 8-14-18)

A.

Compliance with Other Applicable Ordinances. All signs constructed or altered under this chapter must comply with all applicable state and local regulations relating to signs and signage.

B.

Sign Maintenance and Removal.

1.

All signs must be kept in good repair and in a safe manner at all times. The property owner must repair damaged or deteriorated signs within sixty days of notification of by the city. The area surrounding ground-mounted signs must be kept free of litter and debris at all times. No additional permits are required for maintenance.

2.

Unless otherwise specified in or through this chapter, the property owner must remove all signs within thirty days of the date of the closure or discontinuance of the business, use or event with which the signs were associated.

C.

Inspection.

1.

The city shall inspect all signs for which a permit has been issued. Approval shall be granted only if the sign has been constructed in compliance with the approved plans and applicable zoning ordinance and other applicable regulations.

2.

In cases where fastenings or anchorages are to be eventually bricked in or otherwise enclosed, the sign erector shall advise the city when such fastenings are to be installed so that inspection may be completed before enclosure.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 7, 8-14-18)

The sign regulations shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, building, altering, constructing or moving any sign in the city for damages to anyone injured or damaged either to person or property by any defect therein; reason of a permit or inspection authorized in this chapter or a certificate of inspection issued by the city or any of its agents.

(Ord. 355 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 445, 11-12-08; Ord. No. 576, § 7, 8-14-18)