A.

Intent. Signs have a strong visual impact on the character and quality of the community. As a prominent part of the scenery, they attract or repel the viewing public, affect the safety of vehicular traffic, and their suitability or appropriateness helps to set the tone for the neighborhood. The city relies upon its scenery and physical beauty to attract commerce, aesthetic considerations assume economic value. It is the intent of the city, through this chapter, to protect and enhance the city's historic and residential character and its economic base through the provision of appropriate and aesthetic signage. In addition, it is the intent of the city to limit the size, type and location of signs in order to minimize their distracting effect on drivers and thereby improve traffic safety.

B.

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements. This chapter has also been adopted to:

1.

Promote and accomplish the goals, policies and objectives of the city's comprehensive plan and zoning code;

2.

To provide minimum standards in order to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare, and promote traffic safety by controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, illumination, size, location and maintenance of sign and sign structures;

3.

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

4.

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;

5.

Protect the beauty of the city's built environment by encouraging signs that are compatible with the architectural style, characteristics and scale of the building to which it may be attached, and to encourage signs that are compatible with adjacent buildings and businesses;

6.

Protect property values, the local economy, and the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape;

7.

Provide consistent sign design standards;

8.

Protect encourage creative and innovative approaches to signage, and signs that are of a quality design, pleasing in appearance and are appropriate in size, materials and illumination to the surrounding neighborhood;

9.

Provide an improved visual environment for the citizens of and visitors to the city;

10.

Adopt clear, understandable regulations which enable the fair and consistent enforcement of this chapter; and

11.

Address emerging trends in digital and electronic sign technologies and provide regulations that facilitate use of such technologies while ensuring protection of motorists and pedestrians from the hazards of glare, startling bursts of light, and use of virtual movement and animation intended to attract driver attention, to hold driver gaze, and/or to otherwise distract drivers from the safe operation of their vehicles. Protect neighborhoods, surrounding development and the night sky from the nuisance factors associated with such glare, movement and animation of digital and electronic signs.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

A.

This chapter applies to all signs as defined in Section 18.710.290 (Definitions), within the city which are visible or audible from any street, sidewalk or public place, regardless of the type or nature.

B.

This chapter is not intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. Any classification of signs in this chapter which purports to permit speech by reason of the type of sign, identity of the sign user or otherwise, shall be interpreted to allow commercial or non-commercial speech on the sign. No part of this chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over non-commercial speech. To the extent that any provision of this chapter is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate speech on the basis of the content of the message.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

The following signs or activities relating to signs are exempt from the permitting requirements of this chapter.

A.

Changes to the face or copy of changeable copy signs, digital signs, electronic messaging signs, provided such changes do not change the material or appearance of the sign as originally permitted by the city.

B.

The normal repair and maintenance of conforming or legal nonconforming signs.

C.

Temporary signs on private property or public property, meeting the requirements in Section 18.710.270 (Temporary Signs).

D.

Building identification numbers as required pursuant to R.M.C. 14.60.020 or any other city or state regulation.

E.

Governmental signs. Signs installed by the city, county, or a federal or State governmental agency for the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare, including, but not limited to, the following:

1.

Emergency and warning signs necessary for public safety or civil defense;

2.

Traffic and/or wayfinding signs erected and maintained by an authorized public agency;

3.

Signs required to be displayed by law;

4.

Signs showing the location of public facilities; and

5.

Any sign, posting, notice, or similar sign placed by or required by a governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.

F.

Flags. Any flags, provided that the vertical staff to which they are attached conforms to all applicable building code standards and base zone standards for structures.

G.

Certain stone or cement plaques and cornerstones with engraved or cast text or symbols and permanently embedded in the building's foundation or masonry siding materials, provided that none of these exceed four square feet in area.

H.

Interior signs. Signs or displays located entirely inside of a building and located at least three feet away from transparent doors and windows.

I.

Non-visible signs. Signs and associated sign support structures not visible or audible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are located, or from any public right-of-way.

J.

Vehicle with signs. Any sign on a vehicle, unless such vehicle is parked or stationed near an activity for the primary purpose of attracting public attention to such activity, unless such vehicle or mobile unit is regularly parked in any prominently visible location for the primary purpose of attracting public attention to the sign.

K.

Temporary signs in windows. Any temporary sign taped or otherwise affixed to the inside of a window, in such a manner as to be easily removed, provided that the total area of such sign in any one window does not exceed the size limitations in Section 18.710.280 (Window Signs) and Section 18.710.270 (Temporary Signs).

L.

Bench signs. Any outdoor bench or furniture with any signs other than plaques one square foot or less in area.

M.

Privately-maintained traffic control signs in a subdivision with private roads, or signs in a parking lot.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1325, § 2(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

No person shall erect, alter, maintain or relocate any of the following signs in the city.

A.

Animated signs. Rotating or revolving signs, or signs where all or a portion of the sign moves in some manner. This includes any sign animated by any means, including fixed aerial displays, balloons, pennants, spinners, propellers, whirling, or similar devices designed to flutter, rotate or display other movement under the influence of the wind, including flag canopies not otherwise allowed in Section 18.710.160 (Awning or Canopy Signs), streamers, tubes, feather flags, or other devices affected by the movement of air or other atmospheric or mechanical means. This does not include historic signs and historic replica signs where the applicant is able to prove, through documentation or other evidence, that the original historic sign produced the same motion/movement and is proposed in the same location.

B.

Rotating signs. Any sign in which the sign body or any portion rotates, moves up and down, or any other type of action involving a change in position of the sign body or any portion of the sign, whether by mechanical or any other means.

C.

Nuisance signs. Any signs which emit smoke, visible particles, odors and sound, except that speakers in drive-through facilities shall be permitted.

D.

Bench or furniture signs greater than one square foot in area.

E.

Flashing signs or lights. A sign that contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or a sign that includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation, or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Flashing light sources are prohibited. Signs with an exposed light source, exceeding the equivalent of twenty-five watts per lamp, including clear light bulbs which do not flash on a theater marquee except for neon incorporated into the design of the sign, are also prohibited. Electronic message center signs and digital signs are allowed under the provisions of Sections 18.710.190 (Digital Signs) and 18.710.200 (Electronic Message Center Signs).

F.

Hazardous signs. Any sign that constitutes a traffic hazard or detriment to traffic safety by reason of its size, location, movement or method of illumination, or by obstructing the vision of drivers, or by distracting from the visibility of an official traffic control device by diverting or tending to divert the attention of drivers or moving vehicles from traffic movements on streets, roads, intersections or access facilities. No sign shall be erected so that it obstructs the vision of pedestrians or by glare or method of illumination constitutes a hazard to pedestrians or traffic. No sign may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

G.

No sign may impede free ingress and egress from any door, window or exit way required by building and fire regulations.

H.

Permanent signs on vacant lots, parcels or easements. No permanent sign shall be located on a vacant lot, parcel or easement. No permanent sign shall be located on a lot, parcel or easement as the principal use of that lot, parcel or easement. Signs may only be established as an accessory use to a principally permitted use.

I.

Portable signs on wheels (trailer signs), changeable copy portable signs and illuminated portable signs.

J.

Abandoned signs.

K.

Signs on utility poles, fences, on poles or trees.

L.

Off-site controlled signs. Any sign that is programmed and/or controlled off-site.

M.

Backlit cabinet signs fabricated from acrylic, plexiglass®, plastic-faced, or injection molded panels with translucent vinyl, film, painted graphics, and/or integrally colored polycarbonate materials.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1290, § 2(Exh. A), 4-25-2019; Ord. No. 1325, § 2(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

A.

Permit Required. No person shall erect, alter or relocate any sign requiring a permit under this chapter without first submitting a sign permit application and receiving approval of the sign permit from the city, unless the sign is identified as exempt under Section 18.710.030 (Exemptions). Some sign types may be regulated under other codes adopted by the city, which may require additional permits that are subject to additional regulations, including, but not limited to, the Building Code (Title 14) and right-of-way use permits (chapter 12.15). Signs for which permits are not required shall nonetheless comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter.

B.

Review Procedures. The following steps shall be followed in the processing of sign permit applications:

1.

Determination of complete application (Section 18.310.040)

2.

Determination of consistency (Section 18.310.050)

3.

Notice of decision by director (Section 18.310.060)

4.

Administrative appeal - if any (open record hearing, Section 18.310.100)

C.

Application Requirements. A complete sign permit application shall consist of the following:

1.

Application form. A completed sign permit application, including the applicant's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. If the applicant is not the property owner, then the property owner must be identified, and the application must include an affidavit from the property owner, verifying that the property owner has given permission to the applicant for the submission of the sign permit application and for the installation/posting of the sign on the property owner's property.

2.

Other permit applications. A completed building permit application, if required under the city's building code; a completed right-of-way use permit application, if required under Chapter 12.15; a completed special event permit application, if required under Chapter 5.40.

3.

Building elevation/site plan. Signs proposed to be mounted on a building require a building elevation drawn to scale that specifies the locations and size of existing signs on the building, the location and size of new signs proposed on the building, the dimensions of the wall plane upon which the signs will be placed, and drawings or photographs which show the scale of the sign in relation to surrounding doors, windows and other architectural features. Free-standing signs require a site plan indicating the proposed sign location as it relates to property lines, surrounding landscaping, adjacent streets, driveways and adjacent buildings.

4.

Detailed description of sign. A scaled colored rendering or drawing of the sign and its associated support structure, including dimensions of all sign faces, and descriptions of materials to be used on the sign and associated trim caps, fixtures, and support structure; description of the sig face illumination and methods used to ensure that only text, graphics and logo shields are internally illuminated.

5.

Scaled installation drawing. A scaled drawing that includes the sign description, proposed materials, size, weight, manner of construction and method of attachment, including all hardware necessary for proper sign installation, and, if applicable, foundation design.

6.

Lighting. A drawing indicating the location and fixture type of all exterior lighting for the proposed signs. The drawing shall specify wattage and lamp type to ensure compatibility with the lighting standards in Section 18.710.100.

7.

Fees. Payment of the appropriate sign permit fee (and all other fees, such as building permit and/or electrical permit fees).

D.

Criteria for Approval.

1.

Sign permit applications shall be reviewed by the community development director for consistency with the standards in this chapter, according to sign type and other applicable regulations. A sign permit shall not issue unless the director makes written findings and conclusions that the criteria applicable to each sign type, as well as the general standards in this chapter, are satisfied. Building permit applications associated with signs shall be reviewed by the building official for consistency with the building code. If the sign uses electrical wiring and connections, a licensed electrician must submit a copy of the electrical permit application to the community development department, with the original submitted for approval to the state of Washington. If the sign requires a right-of-way use or special event permit, the application shall be submitted with the sign permit application for review by the public works director.

2.

A sign permit shall not issue unless the director makes findings that the criteria applicable to each sign type in this chapter are satisfied, and further, that the sign does not exceed the limits in this subsection for the business or use set forth below:

(a)

Calculation of Maximum Size Allowance. The maximum total aggregate sign area of all signs permitted for a business or use shall not exceed one square foot of sign area for each one foot of principal building frontage occupied by such business or use. In addition, one square foot of sign area for each two hundred square feet of gross floor area occupied by such business may be included in the calculation of the total area permitted. The total aggregate sign area is the combined total display area of all types of signs located on the premises measured in square feet, but not including exempt or temporary signs.

(b)

Building Setback from Street. The tenants of a building which is set back one hundred feet or more from the street may increase the wall sign area otherwise permitted to face such street by twenty-five percent, provided that the total sign area on any one building frontage still does not exceed two hundred square feet.

(c)

Buildings with More than One Frontage. Any business which has more than one building frontage may have one hundred fifty percent of the sign surface area permitted on the principal frontage by the provisions of subsection 18.710.050(D)(2)(a). The permitted sign surface area may be distributed in any manner on the front and adjacent sides of the building which have frontage subject to the placement limitations of subsection 18.710.050(D)(3), but in no event shall the sign surface area on any building façade exceed one hundred percent of the sign surface area permitted by subsection 18.710.050(D)(2)(a). Building frontage opposite the principal frontage may have additional sign area calculated in the same manner and subject to the same size and placement regulations as for the principal frontage, as long as two adjacent frontages do not exceed one hundred fifty percent of the permitted sign surface area.

3.

Other criteria for approval. In addition to the above, the director shall make written findings that the sign meets all of the criteria in this chapter for sign placement, maximum height, location on the property, zone, etc.

E.

Notice of Final Decision. A notice of decision incorporating the decision on the sign permit application shall issue not more than one hundred twenty days after issuance of the determination of completeness. This deadline shall not apply if a right-of-way use permit or special event permit is required.

F.

Expiration of Sign Permit. Once the sign permit for the sign issues, the sign must be installed within one hundred eighty days or the sign permit will expire. Building permits and street right-of-way use permits shall expire in accordance with other applicable code provisions. No sign may be erected if the sign permit has expired, even if the associated building permit and/or street right-of-way use permit has not expired.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

A.

Approval Required. A variance may be granted from the strict application of the regulations in this chapter which apply to: (a) sign placement on a parcel or building frontage; (b) sign area; or (3) sign height, as regulated in this chapter. A variance may not be granted to allow any prohibited signs or prohibited sign features, as described in Section 18.710.040, or for any other purpose not listed in this subsection A. Modifications of (a) (b) or (c) above up to twenty percent of the numerical standard shall be reviewed as an administrative adjustment (18.350.020). Requests for modification to (a) (b) or (c) of more than twenty percent of a numerical standard shall be reviewed as a variance (18.350.040)

B.

Need for Sign Permit, Consolidation of Processing. A sign variance application may be submitted before or concurrent with the associated sign permit application. No sign permit application requiring a variance for issuance will be processed without a sign variance application unless the applicant specifically requests that the application be processed without a variance.

C.

Review Procedures. The following steps shall be followed in the processing of sign variance applications:

1.

Determination of complete application (Section 18.310.040)

2.

Determination of consistency (Section 18.310.050)

3.

Notice of decision by director (Section 18.310.060)

4.

Administrative appeal, if any (open record hearing, Section 18.310.100)

D.

First Amendment Exception/Variance. Where an applicant can demonstrate that the strict application of the regulations in this chapter would violate his/her First Amendment rights, the city may grant a variance that does not conform to all of the variance criteria. However, the applicant shall submit an application which provides his/her response to each of the variance criteria. The city need not make findings that all of the variance criteria have been satisfied, but if not all criteria have not been satisfied, the variance may only be granted to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the applicant's First Amendment rights. If a First Amendment Exception is granted, it shall be treated as an approval of a variance for purposes of this chapter.

E.

Notice of Final Decision. A notice of decision incorporating the decision on the variance application shall issue not more than one hundred twenty days after issuance of the determination of complete application.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

A.

Nonconforming signs. Any lawful nonconforming sign may be continued, as long as it is maintained only in the manner and to the extent that it existed at the time it became nonconforming. Illegal signs shall not be considered nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs are subject to the provisions of Chapter 18.340 (Nonconforming Uses).

B.

Maintenance. It is unlawful for any owner of record, lessor, lessee, manager or other person having lawful possession or control over a building, structure or parcel of land to fail to maintain any signs on the building, structure or parcel in compliance with this chapter and the Development Code. Failure to maintain a sign constitutes a violation of this chapter, and shall be subject to enforcement under the provisions of Title 9 and/or Title 15.

1.

Sign maintenance. All signs, whether or not in existence prior to adoption of this chapter, shall be maintained. Maintenance of a sign shall include periodic cleaning, replacement of flickering, burned out or broken light bulbs or fixtures, repair or replacement of any faded, peeled, cracked or otherwise damaged or broken parts of a sign, and any other activity necessary to restore the sign so that it continues to comply with the requirements and contents of the sign permit issued for its installation and provisions of this chapter.

2.

Landscape maintenance. Required landscaped areas associated with an approved sign shall receive regular repair and maintenance. Plant materials that do not survive after installation in required landscape areas are required to be replaced within six months of the plant's demise or within the next planting season, whichever event first occurs.

C.

Removal. Any vacant and/or unused sign support structures, angle irons, sign poles or other remnants of old signs which are currently not in use, or are not proposed for immediate reuse by a sign permit application for a permitted sign, shall be removed. In addition to the remedies in the Municipal Code Chapter 15.24, the Director shall have the authority to require the repair, maintenance or removal of any sign or sign structure which has become dilapidated or represents a hazard to the safety, health or welfare of the public, at the cost of the sign and/or property owner.

D.

Enforcement. Violations of the provisions of this chapter shall be enforced according to Chapter 18.395 and RMC Title 20.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1416, § 1(Att.), 2-22-2024)

_____

A.

General. No temporary sign may be illuminated, except banner signs. No sign located in a residential zone may be illuminated, except that on parcels two acres in size or greater, signs may be halo illuminated or illuminated as necessary for allowable digital signs. Permanent signs allowed by this chapter may be non-illuminated, or illuminated by internal light fixtures, halo illuminated, or have external indirect illumination, unless otherwise specified. All illuminated signs shall comply with the time limitations of subsection 18.710.090(D) below.

B.

Externally illuminated signs.

1.

Except as provided in this subsection, externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare. Light shielding shall ensure that the lamp or light source is not visible beyond the premises and shall further ensure that the light is contained within the sign face.

2.

A light fixture mounted above the sign face may be installed with its bottom opening tilted toward the sign face, provided:

(a)

The bottom opening of the light fixture is flat (i.e., it could be covered by a flat board allowing no light to escape); and

(b)

The uppermost portion of the fixture's opening is located no higher than the top of the sign face, as shown in Figure 1 below. Light fixtures aimed and installed in this fashion shall be considered fully shielded.

C.

Internally illuminated signs.

1.

Internally illuminated signs shall be constructed with an opaque sign face background with translucent text, symbols and/or logo shields. If the sign owner desires to have the entire sign face visible at night, an external light source may be used to illuminate the sign, subject to the illumination standards in this chapter.

2.

In no case may an internally illuminated sign, a digital sign or an electronic message center sign exceed a light output of fifty nits (cd/m ² ) in a residential zone or one hundred nits (cd/m ² ) in a non-residential zone during nighttime hours.

3.

Neon sign lighting is allowed in non-residential zones only and shall not exceed one hundred nits (cd/m ² ) per sign face. Neon signs with solid backgrounds are not allowed in windows in order to ensure maximum light and visibility through windows. An example of a neon sign is shown in Figure 2 below.

4.

Illuminated signs are prohibited in any residential zone (RLD 4, 6, or 8 and RMD 16) and in any Community Neighborhood Business (CNB) zone.

D.

Time limitations. All illuminated signs over three square feet in area shall be turned off by 11:00 p.m., or when the business closes, whichever is later. Signs subject to time limitations are required to have functioning and properly adjusted automatic shut-off timers.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1345, § 2(Exh. A), 7-8-2021)

A.

Temporary signs. The construction of temporary signs is limited to the materials described in the definition of "temporary sign," (Section 18.710.290, Definitions). In addition, the temporary sign must also conform to the requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to Section 18.710.270 (Temporary signs).

B.

Permanent signs. Permanent signs must be manufactured of durable materials that withstand the effects of water and wind. The following additional requirements apply to any permanent signs larger than thirty square feet, except for window signs located inside glass:

1.

Paper-faced sign, including vinyl-coated paper and those applied with adhesives, are not allowed. Canvas or vinyl signs must be made of minimum twenty-ounce materials with polymeric plasticizers for durability.

2.

Sign faces made of canvas, fabric, vinyl or similar pliable materials that are attached to permanent sign structures must be mounted behind a perimeter frame or trim cap so that the edges of the sign face are not exposed, except that flags made of one hundred percent spun polyester are exempt from this requirement.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

A.

City right-of-way. No sign may be placed within the roadway portion of the city right-of-way, except banner signs as defined in 18.710.270 (F) except as otherwise permitted with a city right-of-way use or special event permit. No permanent sign may be placed within the right-of-way except as otherwise permitted with a city right-of-way use permit.

B.

Attached to vehicles on private premises. No sign may be mounted, attached or painted on a trailer, boat or motor vehicle, which is parked, stored or displayed conspicuously on private premises in a manner intended to attract the attention of the public. (This excludes signs that are permanently painted or wrapped on the surface of the vehicle, or adhesive vinyl film affixed to the interior or exterior surface of a vehicle window, or signs magnetically attached to motor vehicles or rolling stock that are actively used in the daily conduct of business. However, such vehicles shall be operable and parked in a lawful or authorized manner.)

C.

Attached to other fixtures. No sign may be painted, attached or mounted on fuel tanks, storage containers and/or solid waste receptacles or their enclosures, except for information required by law.

D.

Freeway-oriented signs. Freeway-oriented signs are prohibited, except in the following instances:

1.

Building mounted wall signs (Section 18.710.170), window signs (Section 18.710.280) and temporary signs (Section 18.710.280) as otherwise allowed by this chapter may face the freeway if:

(a)

they are installed by a business that has its primary customer entrance facing the freeway; and

(b)

the wall, window or temporary sign also faces an intervening parking lot or frontage road that serves the business.

2.

Free-standing signs as otherwise allowed by this chapter are allowed for businesses located on and facing frontage roads along freeways, even if such signs are incidentally visible from the freeway.

3.

Free-standing signs adjacent to the Interstate 5 right-of-way on parcels zoned for commercial regional business (CRB).

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1273, § 2(Exh. A), 10-11-2018)

Sign area for all sign types is measured as follows:

A.

Background panel or surface. Sign copy mounted, affixed or painted on a background panel or surface distinctively painted, textured or constructed as a background for the sign copy, is measured as that area contained within the smallest rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, or circle that will enclose the sign copy and the background, as shown in Figure 6.

B.

Individual letters or graphics. Sign copy mounted as individual letters or graphics against a wall, fascia, mansard or parapet of a building or surface of another structure, that has not been painted, textured or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive background for the sign copy, is measured as the sum of the smallest square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle or circle that will enclose each word, sentence and complete message, and each graphic in the sign.

C.

Illuminated surface. Sign copy mounted, affixed or painted on an illuminated surface or illuminated element of a building or structure, is measured as the entire illuminated surface or illuminated element, which contains sign copy, as shown in Figure 7. Such elements may include, but are not limited to, illuminated canopy fascia signs and/or interior illuminated awnings.

D.

Backlit translucent panels. Backlit translucent panels and spandrels, with or without text or graphics, are measured as the area of the height and width of any internally illuminated translucent panel or spandrel, including the side panels if the structure or spandrel is greater than six (6) inches in width.

E.

Multi-face signs. Multi-face signs, as shown in Figure 8, are measured as follows:

1.

Two face signs: If the interior angle between the two sign faces is forty-five degrees or less, the sign area is of one sign face only. If the angle between the two sign faces is greater than forty-five degrees, the sign area is the sum of the areas of the two sign faces.

2.

Three or four face signs: The sign area is fifty percent of the sum of the areas of all sign faces.

3.

Spherical, free-form, sculptural or other non-planar sign area is measured as fifty percent of the sum of the areas using only the four vertical sides of the smallest four - sided polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure, as show in Figure 8 below. Signs with greater than four polyhedron faces are prohibited.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

Sign height is measured as follows:

A.

Freestanding signs. Sign height is measured as the vertical distance from natural grade at the base of a sign to the top of the sign, including the sign support structure; except that signs within twenty-five feet of an adjacent road may be measured as follows:

1.

If natural grade at the base of a sign is higher than the grade of the adjacent road, sign height shall be measured from the base of the sign as shown in Figure 9.

2.

If natural grade at the base of the sign is lower than the grade of an adjacent road, the height of the sign shall be measured from the top of curb or road-grade elevation, provided that fill is placed between the curb and the sign and extends at least five feet beyond the base of the sign in all directions, as shown in Figure 10.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

A.

Support elements. Any angle iron, bracing, guy wires or similar features used to support a sign shall not be visible.

B.

Electrical service. When electrical service is provided to freestanding signs or landscape wall signs, all such electrical service is required to be underground and concealed. Electrical service to building mounted wall signs, including conduit, housings and wire, shall be concealed or, when necessary, painted to match the surface of the structure upon which they are mounted. A building permit (electrical) must be issued prior to the installation of any new signs requiring electrical service.

C.

Raceway cabinets. Raceway cabinets, where used as an element of building mounted wall signs, shall match the building color at the location of the building where the sign is located. Where a raceway cabinet provides a contrast background to sign copy, the colored area is considered part of the sign face and is counted in the aggregate sign area permitted for the site or business. Examples of raceway cabinets are shown in Figure 11.

D.

Limitation on attachments and secondary uses. All permitted sign structures and their associated landscape areas shall be kept free of supplemental attachments or secondary uses including, but not limited to, supplemental signs not part of a permitted sign, light fixture, newspaper distribution racks or trash container. The use of sign structures and associated landscape areas as bicycle racks or support structures for outdoor signs is prohibited.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

No permit shall issue for an accessory sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Number. A maximum of one sign at each vehicle point of entry or egress, not to exceed four accessory signs per parcel.

B.

Location. Flexible, provided that the number of signs in subsection A is not exceeded, and provided that the signs comply with setback standards for freestanding signs in 18.710.210.

C.

Zones. Not allowed in residential zones.

D.

Design. Non-illuminated or internal illumination only. Any accessory sign with electronic display must conform to all EMC and/or digital sign standards in Section 18.710.190 (Digital signs) or 18.710.200 (EMC signs).

E.

Size. Maximum sign area: three square feet per face; may be double-sided.

F.

Height. Mounting height:

1.

Building mounted wall sign (Section 18.710.170): Maximum of eight feet; must be flat against a wall of the building.

2.

Freestanding sign (Section 18.710.210): Maximum of three feet from grade.

G.

Drive-Through Large Accessory Signs. In addition to the accessory signs allowed for vehicle points of entry and in addition to free-standing signs otherwise allowed under Section 18.710.210, large accessory signs are allowed for each point of entry to a drive-up window, subject to the following standards:

1.

Maximum sign area per drive-up point of entry: forty-five square feet.

2.

Maximum sign size: thirty square feet.

3.

Maximum sign height: Five feet, six inches, including the associated sign structure.

4.

Orientation: Large accessory signs must be oriented so that the sign face is not visible from the view of the street or public-right-of way.

5.

Screening: All sides of large accessory signs must be screened from the view of the street or public right-of-way with landscaping or walls of brick, stone or siding materials that match the principal walls of the building to which the sign applies. If landscaping is used for screening, it must provide full screening at maturity and must be large enough at planting to provide at least seventy percent screening of the sign.

6.

Audio. No sound or amplification may be emitted that is audible beyond the site.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

No permit shall issue for an awning or canopy sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Number. One awning or canopy sign is allowed for each primary entrance to a building or tenant space. In addition, one awning or canopy sign may be allowed on a secondary entrance which faces a public street or on-site parking area. (As used in this subsection, "street" shall include freeways, but exclude alleys and service ways.) The awning/canopy sign may only be placed on the ground floor level facade of the building.

B.

Area. The sign area on the primary elevation shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of awning or canopy width. A maximum of forty percent of an awning or canopy on which signage is proposed may be of an angle greater than sixty degrees from horizontal.

C.

Location.

1.

An awning/canopy sign may not be mounted higher than a maximum of twenty-five feet above the ground floor.

2.

An awning/canopy sign shall not project above, below or beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located.

3.

No part of the sign, as a part of, or displayed on the vertical surface of an awning/canopy, shall project beyond the edges of the awning/canopy surface on which it is displayed. If an awning/canopy is placed on multiple store fronts, each business or tenant space is permitted signage no greater than sixty percent of the store width or tenant space.

4.

The awning/canopy shall not extend horizontally a distance greater than sixty percent of the width of the awning/canopy or valance on which it is displayed.

D.

Zone. Not allowed in residential zones.

E.

Illumination. If sign letters or logos are to be back-lit or internally illuminated, only the face area containing the letters or logos may be illuminated. The sign may also be externally illuminated as allowed by Section 18.710.090.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

No permit shall issue for a vertical banner sign which does not comply with the following standards and receive approval from the city:

A.

Qualified applicants. Applications for vertical banner signs will only be accepted from public agencies.

B.

Minimum requirements. Vertical banners shall be:

1.

Related to the purpose of the applicant organization;

2.

Placed to maintain clearance of fifteen feet above right-of-way surface;

3.

A maximum of twelve and one-half square feet;

4.

Manufactured or produced by a banner company, not homemade; and

5.

Printed on both sides.

C.

Materials. Vertical banner shall be:

1.

Produced using at a minimum an eighteen-ounce heavy-duty blockout banner material;

2.

Finished by pole pockets top and bottom, either sewn or secured by heat weld to work properly with hardware in place;

3.

Printed with a fade resistant ink and process that guarantees a two-year outdoor lifespan;

4.

Attached to utility poles with hardware that is compatible with the existing pole, adjustable in height, with a base made from rust-free aluminum and arms made of fiberglass; and

5.

Warranted to withstand wind gusts up to seventy miles per hour.

D.

Time restrictions.

1.

Vertical banner signs shall comply with the temporary sign removal standards in RDC 18.710.270.B, unless a time extension is granted by the City.

E.

Cost responsibility.

1.

Vertical banner signs hung without prior approval by the city will be removed by the city and the responsible party shall reimburse the city for the cost of having the banner removed at the current billable rate for the public works crew/equipment. The applicant will be responsible for the cost to repair any damage to city-owned property that may result from the installation, attachment, hanging, or suspension of the banner.

(Ord. No. 1290, § 2(Exh. A), 4-25-2019)

No permit shall issue for a building mounted wall sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Residential Zones. The maximum building mounted wall signage allowed in residential zones is as follows:

1.

Size of Parcel or Site. Wall signs are not allowed on sites smaller than two acres, except for address numbers as required by law.

2.

Area. One hundred square feet total, not to exceed three percent of the area of the façade upon which the sign is placed. Width: Not to exceed sixty percent of the width of the wall plane upon which the sign is placed.

B.

Non-residential Zones.

1.

Size of Parcel or Site. No restrictions.

2.

Area. The total signage may be up to five percent of the area of the façade upon which the sign is placed. Width: Not to exceed sixty percent of the width of the wall plane upon which the sign is placed or the width of the tenant space. Height: Not to exceed seventy percent of the height of the blank wall space or fascia on which the sign is mounted.

3.

Location on Building. Signs may not cover or obscure important architectural details of a building, such as stair railings, windows, doors, decorative louvers or similar elements intended to be decorative features of a building design. Signs must appear to be a secondary feature of the building façade.

4.

Illumination, flush or tight mounted. All individual letter signs shall be installed to appear flush-mounted. If the letters are illuminated and require a raceway, the letters shall be installed tight against the raceway, which shall be painted to match the color of the surface to which the raceway is mounted. Where possible - especially on new construction - the raceway should be recessed to allow letters to be flush with the wall surface.

5.

Design. Where more than one sign is allowed for a business, all signs shall be consistent in design, style, color and method of illumination.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

No permit shall issue for a changeable copy sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Number. No more than one changeable copy sign shall be allowed for each parcel, except that additional changeable copy signs are permitted as follows:

1.

the additional changeable copy sign(s) must be placed at least one hundred feet from abutting streets or rights-of-way; and

2.

the additional changeable copy sign(s) must not exceed the maximum area, height, and quantity standards otherwise applicable to any free-standing or building mounted wall signs on the parcel.

B.

Area. No more than twenty percent of the allowed wall sign area or fifty percent of a free standing sign face may be changeable copy (this does not apply to signs required by law). Wall mounted changeable copy signs placed at least one hundred feet from abutting streets may be a maximum of fifty percent of permitted wall sign area.

C.

Height above grade. Fifteen feet maximum. For wall signs, limited to the maximum height for freestanding signs.

D.

Placement/Location. Allowed only as an integral part of a building mounted sign or a freestanding sign. Portable changeable copy signs are not permitted.

E.

Zones. Changeable copy signs are allowed in all zones.

F.

Design. Non-illuminated in all zones. Internally or indirectly illuminated in non-residential zones subject to the illumination standards in Section 18.710.090.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

No permit shall issue for a commercial sign in a public park which does not comply with the following standards and receive approval from the City:

A.

Minimum requirements. Commercial signs in public parks shall be:

1.

Attached to a fence, wall, or other structure marking the boundary of an athletic field;

2.

A maximum of eighty square feet in area, not to exceed the dimensions of the structure to which they are attached;

3.

Manufactured or produced by a sign or banner company, not homemade; and

4.

Printed on one side such that the sign content faces the interior of the public park and the rear side of the sign is white.

B.

Materials. Commercial signs in public parks shall be:

1.

Produced using at a minimum a nine-ounce coated polyester scrim mesh banner material;

2.

Reinforced with hems along the perimeter edges either sewn or secured by heat weld, with grommets placed every twenty-four inches around the perimeter; and

3.

Printed with a fade-resistant ink and process that guarantees a two-year outdoor lifespan.

C.

Cost responsibility.

1.

Commercial signs in public parks hung without prior approval by the city will be removed by the city and the responsible party shall reimburse the city for the cost of having the banner removed at the current billable rate for the public works crew/equipment. The applicant will be responsible for the cost to repair any damage to city-owned property that may result from the installation, attachment, hanging, or suspension of the sign.

(Ord. No. 1290, § 2(Exh. A), 4-25-2019)

A Digital sign is not a separately allowed sign type. The purpose of this section is to regulate the manner in which digital sign technology can be applied to sign types that are otherwise allowed in this chapter. It is not intended to allow more signs or larger signs than otherwise permitted in this chapter. No permit shall issue for a digital sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Maximum size: thirty square feet, or as otherwise limited by the size limits of this chapter.

B.

Density: One digital sign per one hundred feet of street frontage in non-residential zones. One digital sign per two hundred feet of street frontage in residential zones, not to exceed one sign per parcel.

C.

Zoning: Allowed in residential and non-residential zones only.

D.

Maximum luminance: Fifty nits (cd/m ² ) during nighttime hours.

E.

Motion limits: No motion allowed except for instantaneous change of message.

F.

Minimum hold between messages: eight seconds.

G.

Programming: to ensure that digital signs are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, digital signs shall be designed for local on-site control and programing.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1345, § 2(Exh. A), 7-8-2021)

An EMC sign is not a separately allowed sign type. The purpose of this section is to regulate the manner in which EMC sign technology can be applied to sign types that are otherwise allowed in this chapter. It is not intended to allow more signs or larger signs than otherwise permitted in this chapter. No permit shall issue for an EMC which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Maximum size: thirty square feet.

B.

Density: One EMC per one hundred feet of street frontage, not to exceed one per business and tenant space.

C.

Zoning: Prohibited in residential zones.

D.

Minimum parcel per sign. One acre.

E.

Maximum Luminance.

1.

Daytime: five thousand nits (cd/m ² ).

2.

Nighttime (one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise): one hundred nits (cd/m ² ).

3.

Signs shall include auto-dimming features with light-sensory capabilities to dim the sign to allowable luminance levels during nighttime hours.

F.

Motion limits: No motion except for a fade in of the next message with the fade transition being no more nor less than one and one-half seconds. Fade transition is required rather than instantaneous message changes to avoid sudden or startling flashes of light.

G.

Minimum hold between messages: ten seconds, plus one and one-half second transition fade.

H.

Programming. To ensure that EMC's are programmed and continue to operate according to local standards, EMC's shall be designed for local on-site control and programming. The applicant shall provide a written certificate from the sign manufacturer that the nighttime light intensity has been factory pre-set not to exceed allowable levels under this Section, and that this setting is protected from end-user modification by password-protected software or other method that ensures compliance.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1345, § 2(Exh. A), 7-8-2021)

No sign permit shall issue for a freestanding sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Number.

1.

The number and type of freestanding signs for single and multiple tenant uses are derived from the use, zone, location and length of development site frontage as described in this section.

2.

One freestanding sign is allowed for each site frontage. Flag lot sites with frontage on a public street are permitted one sign on the frontage providing primary access to the site.

a.

Parcels adjacent the Interstate 5 right-of-way zoned commercial regional business (CRB) shall be permitted two signs along the Interstate frontage.

3.

Where more than one freestanding sign is proposed on a site with multiple frontages, a minimum of sixty linear feet shall separate each sign.

4.

The permanent sign base shall have a minimum aggregate width of forty percent of the width of the sign cabinet or face.

B.

Location.

1.

No freestanding sign shall be permitted on any site that does not have street frontage.

2.

Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the street side property line, a minimum of twenty-five feet from any interior side lot line and a minimum of thirty feet from any residential district.

3.

No freestanding sign shall be located in the triangular area(s) measured fifteen feet by fifteen feet where a driveway enters onto a street, or in any other area which may obstruct the vision of motorists so as to create a safety hazard. Additionally, all signs are subject to the public works standards regarding sight distances.

C.

Height by Zoning District.

1.

Sign height and maximum area is regulated by zoning district:

a.

Signs in the Commercial Regional Business (CRB) zone shall be a maximum of two hundred square feet in area and shall be no taller than fifty feet above grade.

i.

Adjacent to the Interstate 5 right-of-way signs within the commercial regional business (CRB) zones shall receive a bonus of fifty additional square feet.

b.

Signs in the Community Commercial Business (CCB) zone and Public Facilities (PF) zone shall be a maximum of one hundred square feet in area and shall be no taller than twenty feet above grade.

c.

Signs in the Commercial Neighborhood Business (CNB) zone, the Employment (E) zone, and properties with the Ridgefield Mixed Use Overlay (MX) when proposed for Mixed Use development shall be a maximum of seventy-five square feet and shall be no taller than twelve feet above grade.

i.

Properties zoned Employment (E) that use up to fifteen percent of the gross property area for General Retail uses as defined by RDC 18.205.030.Q [R] and are within one hundred fifty feet of Interstate 5 are eligible for a bonus in sign height up to a maximum of twenty-five feet from the natural grade, and a bonus in sign area up to a maximum of two hundred square feet in area subject to the requirements below:

(a)

The retail component of any employment space using this bonus must be dedicated to the sale of products made on-site. The sign may only be used to advertise one business located on the same parcel as the sign.

(b)

The sign is placed on a monument-style base made of or covered with brick or stone, which extends at least half the width of the sign face and is a least one-fifth of the total sign height. An alternate material may be approved by the director if he or she finds that the material better reflects the materials and architecture of the closest or principal building on the site; and

(c)

The sign face is either non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or complies with both of the following standards for an internally illuminated sign:

(i)

The background of the sign is totally opaque, and only the graphics and/or text are illuminated; and

(ii)

The sign cabinet and the associated trim caps that secure and frame the sign face are dark bronze, black, or an earth tone color which reflects the color of the sign base and/or the color of the siding or trim of the building to which the sign applies.

(iii)

Any change of use or change in ownership to the subject property shall require a type I review of the sign permit to ensure continued compliance with the provisions of this section. Application for review shall be made as soon as practical following the change of use, but in no case shall the formal review take place more than thirty days following the change of use or ownership.

ii.

Properties with the Ridgefield Mixed Use Overlay that are built to the standards of the underlying zone are subject to the requirements of the underlying zone.

2.

In zones other than Commercial Regional Business (CRB) a sign may be awarded a bonus of up to fifteen percent in allowable area, provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied:

a.

The sign is placed on a monument-style base made or covered with a brick or stone, which extends at least the full width of the sign face and is at least one-fourth of the total sign height. An alternate material may be approved by the director if he or she finds that the material better reflects the materials and architecture of the closest or principal building on the site; and

b.

The sign face is either non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or complies with both of the following standards for an internally illuminated sign:

i.

The background of the sign is totally opaque, only the graphics and/or text are illuminated; and

ii.

The sign cabinet and the associated trim caps that secure and frame the sign face are dark bronze, black, or an earth tone color which reflects the color of the sign base and/or the color of the siding or trim of the building to which the sign applies.

D.

Parcels zoned commercial regional business (CRB) and adjacent to the Interstate 5 right-of-way shall comply with the following design standards.

1.

The base of the proposed sign shall be constructed to compliment the appearance of structures associated with the proposed sign. For example, signs must incorporate an exposed beam component. Additionally, if the front façade surface area of the primary structure is primarily faced with brick, the proposed sign must incorporate similar materials in the sign structure.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1253, § 2(Exh. A), 12-7-2017; Ord. No. 1273, § 2(Exh. A), 10-11-2018)

No permit shall be issued for a portable sign (includes sandwich board and pole mounted signs) which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Zone: Allowed only in non-residential zones, except that temporary portable signs are allowed in residential zones, subject to the provisions of Section 18.710.270 (temporary signs).

B.

Design and Materials: Must be designed with durable materials, otherwise they will be regulated as temporary signs under Section 18.710.270. Portable signs must be designed to withstand wind and include a heavy weighted base for pole-mounted signs, and a heavy weight suspended between the opposing faces of a sandwich board sign.

C.

Size and Height. Sandwich board signs: Maximum of four (4) feet in height, maximum of three (3) feet in width. (Note: sandwich board sign height is measured in the flat standing position, rather than in open standing position.) Pole-mounted signs: Maximum of five feet in height, two feet in width.

D.

Number: Not more than one portable sign may be displayed per business, per tenant space.

E.

Location: Must be located no further than ten feet from the primary building of the business, or, if there is only one business or tenant space on the site, it may be located not farther than then ten feet from the site's driveway entrance, unless determined by the public works director that sign location would compromise sight distance and/or cause safety concerns. No portable sign may be located on the city right-of-way (which includes the sidewalk), without a street right-of-way use permit.

F.

Display Hours: Portable signs, including temporary portable signs may be displayed during business or operating hours only.

G.

Type: Portable signs may not be changeable copy signs or illuminated in any manner.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

No permit shall issue for any projecting sign which does not comply with the following standards.

A.

Number. One projecting sign may be allowed per tenant space or building frontage. Projecting signs are permitted in addition to allowable wall signage.

B.

Sign size.

1.

Non-residential zones: The face of a projecting sign shall not exceed twelve square feet in area.

2.

Residential zones: The face of a projecting sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet in area.

C.

Location.

1.

No part of any projecting sign shall be located lower than eight feet above the grade of sidewalk, walkway or driveway which is directly below the sign, or within three feet of the sign.

2.

Projecting signs may extend a maximum of four feet from the building and shall be hung a minimum of six inches away from the building.

3.

No projecting sign shall be located within twenty-five feet of another projecting sign on the same site or on the same building.

4.

No projecting sign shall be located higher than the first story level of the building.

D.

Design.

1.

Non-residential zones: May be illuminated, internally or indirectly. In residential zones, projecting signs may not be illuminated.

2.

Projecting signs shall be perpendicular to the building wall to which it is affixed.

3.

Projecting signs shall not exceed four inches in thickness.

4.

Projecting signs shall be supported by or suspended from solid rods or otherwise tethered or reinforced to avoid movement in wind.

E.

Zone. Residential and nonresidential zones: as limited above.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

Ranch-style archway signs are subject to applicable building permits, and no sign permit shall be issued which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

In any residential zone, one nonilluminated or externally illuminated ranch-style archway sign is allowed per approved access point to a residential property or master-planned residential subdivision.

B.

The ranch-style archway shall not exceed a height of eighteen feet to the peak of the arch measured from the ground below the peak of the arch.

C.

Any ranch-style archway shall not exceed a maximum sign area of forty-eight square feet over an approved access point.

D.

Ranch-style archways and their supports shall be constructed of natural materials such as brick, sandstone, treated-wood, stucco, textured concrete masonry, wrought iron, or other similar materials.

E.

No plastic material may be used for an archway sign.

(Ord. No. 1325, § 2(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

No permit shall issue for a roof-mounted sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Number. No more than one roof-mounted sign shall be allowed for each building.

B.

Area. The area of the roof-mounted sign shall not exceed the total amount of wall sign area that would be allowed for the building elevation on which the roof mounted sign is located.

C.

Location. Allowed on the slope of peaked/sloped roof buildings only, and only on the lowest one-third of the slope of the peaked roof. Roof-mounted signs shall be installed so that the structural supports of the sign are minimized. Angle irons, guy wires, braces or other secondary supports shall appear to be an integral part of the roof or roof-mounted sign.

D.

Zone. Roof-mounted signs are permitted in nonresidential zones only.

E.

Design. Roof-mounted signs may be non-illuminated, internally illuminated or indirectly illuminated, provided that the light is limited to the sign face only.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

No permit shall issue for a service island sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Number and Size.

1.

Island canopies. One sign on the canopy fascia per street frontage, not to exceed twenty percent of the area of canopy fascia to which the sign is mounted.

2.

Spandrel signs and canopy support signs. Spandrel signs shall not exceed twenty percent of the spandrel area, and both spandrel signs and signs attached to canopy support columns shall be deducted from allowable wall signage on the associated principle building on the site.

B.

Zone. Not allowed in residential zones.

C.

Design. Spandrel signs may be internally illuminated, subject to the illumination standards of 18.710.090. Signs attached to canopy support columns shall not be illuminated.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

Sign walkers are allowed, subject to the following standards:

A.

Permit. A permit is not required for a sign walker, but the sign walker shall comply with all the applicable requirements of this chapter.

B.

Number. No limit.

C.

Area. The sign walker's sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area, and shall not exceed eight feet in height when held in place.

D.

Zone. Allowed in nonresidential zones only.

E.

Design. The sign walker's sign cannot be illuminated. Sign walkers shall be limited to daylight hours only. A sign walker's sign may not include any element of a prohibited sign as described in Section 18.710.040.

F.

Location. Sign walkers are restricted to a minimum of thirty feet from a street or driveway intersection, measured from the back of the curb or edge of pavement if no curb exists, and shall not be located in any of the following places:

1.

On any public property or within public right-of-way, although sign walkers are allowed on public sidewalks;

2.

In parking aisles or stalls;

3.

In driving lanes;

4.

On fences, walls, boulders, planters, other signs, vehicles, utility facilities or other structures; or

5.

In a manner which results in a sign walker physically interfering with motorists; pedestrians or bicyclists.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

A.

Permit required. A permit is required for temporary signs in the city right-of-way and shall be displayed on the sign. No permit is required for other temporary signs.

1.

Temporary right-of-way signs associated with a city-approved event shall be reviewed as part of the special event permit.

B.

Removal. Temporary signs shall be removed if the sign is in need of repair, is worn, dilapidated or creates a public nuisance, or within sixty days, whichever occurs first.

C.

Materials. See Section 18.710.100 (sign materials) and the definition of "temporary sign" in Section 18.710.290.

D.

City property (excluding city right-of-way). Temporary signs on city-owned property (excluding city right-of-way) are allowed only in conjunction with an approved special event permit.

E.

City right-of-way outside of the roadway. Temporary signs are prohibited in the roadway, defined in this chapter as the curb-to-curb width of the street. Temporary signs on city right-of-way placed outside of the roadway must comply with the following requirements:

1.

Location. Signs are allowed only between the property line and the back of the nearest curb, or where no curb exists, between the property line and the nearest edge of the roadway pavement. Signs may not be placed on sidewalks, driveways or other paved areas designed for pedestrian or vehicular use.

2.

Permission. The person, organization, or business placing the sign shall provide proof of the abutting landowner's permission. If the person, organization, or business does not provide such proof in a form acceptable to the city, the sign may be removed from the right of way by the adjacent property owner or by the city.

3.

Type. Signs on stakes that can be manually pushed or hammered into the ground are allowed. All other signs are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by an encroachment permit.

4.

Size and height. Signs are limited to four square feet in area and three feet in height.

5.

Dilapidated or nuisance signs. Any temporary sign in the right-of-way that is dilapidated or a nuisance, shall be removed by the person responsible for placement of the sign.

6.

Other signs. The city may allow other signs in city right-of-way with an encroachment permit.

F.

Banner signs within the city right-of-way. Banners are permitted to cross city roadways to advertise special events.

1.

Location. Allowed in the downtown area on Pioneer Street west of S. 9 ^th Avenue and to the intersection of Pioneer and N. Main Ave. and on N. Main Ave. from the intersection of N. Main Ave. and Pioneer St. north to the intersection of N. Main Ave. and Division St. and south along the 9 ^th St./Hillhurst alignment to its intersection with S. 8 ^th Way.

2.

Type. Banner signs are typically affixed to power poles and reach the entire length of the road way and are constructed of flexible, lightweight materials.

3.

Size and height. Limited to five feet in height and a length of seventy-five feet. The banners must be hung a minimum fifteen feet above grade.

G.

Residential zones. Temporary signs may be placed on property residentially zoned in accordance with the requirements of this Section and the following:

1.

Window signs. Limited to no more than one temporary window sign per residential unit, not to exceed four square feet.

2.

Freestanding signs (includes post-mounted, stake and portable signs).

a.

Single-family zones: Temporary free-standing signs shall not exceed five square feet in size and six feet in height, if the sign is mounted on the ground, and not to exceed three feet in height if the sign is stake-mounted or portable.

b.

Multi-family zones: Temporary free-standing signs shall not exceed six square feet in size and six feet in height if the sign is post mounted on the ground, and not to exceed three feet in height if the sign is stake-mounted or portable.

3.

Surface-mounted signs. Limited to sites two acres or larger:

a.

Size. No larger than thirty-two square feet.

b.

Location. Must be flatly affixed to walls below the fascia or parapet line, or flatly affixed to on-site fences either facing or abutting the street, or facing inward to the subject site. Signs shall not be attached or tethered to other site improvements.

H.

Non-residential zones. Temporary signs are allowed on non-residentially zoned property in accordance with the requirements of this section and the following:

1.

Window signs. Limited to twenty-five percent of the window area, subject to the window sign requirements of Section 18.710.240.

2.

Freestanding signs (including post-mounted, stake and portable signs): Size/height. Limited to four square feet and five feet in height if the temporary sign is mounted in the ground, and not to exceed three feet in height if the temporary sign is portable.

a.

Temporary signs advertising a property for sale may be up to thirty-two square feet in size on non-residentially zoned parcels greater than two gross acres. These signs may be affixed to the ground with wooden posts set in concrete or other methods to ensure stability of the sign during adverse weather conditions.

3.

Surface-mounted signs:

a.

Size. Limited to thirty-two square feet.

b.

Location. Must be flatly affixed to walls below the fascia or parapet line, or flatly affixed to on-site fences either facing the abutting street, or facing inward to the subject site. Signs shall not be attached or tethered to other site improvements.

I.

Temporary signs on large properties, residential or non-residentially zoned properties. The following temporary signs may be placed on any site at least two acres in size, in accordance with the requirements of this section and the following:

1.

Type. Any type.

2.

Size/height. Not to exceed sixty-four square feet and up to eight feet above ground level.

3.

Exclusivity. The sign allowed under this subsection is in lieu of and shall not be displayed with or be in addition to other temporary signs allowed by this section.

J.

Violations. Temporary signs in violation of the standards herein are subject to code enforcement under Title 20 of the Ridgefield Municipal Code regardless of whether a permit was required.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1426, § 2(Exh.), 7-25-2024)

No permit shall issue for a permanent window sign which does not comply with the following standards:

A.

Number: No more than one permanent window sign may be placed in a single window.

B.

Window Coverage. Window signs (temporary and permanent) shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the window on which they are displayed.

C.

Location. No higher than second story windows for permanent window signs. (For the requirements applicable to temporary window signs, see Section 18.710.270.

D.

Zone. Allowed in all zones.

E.

Design. Permanent window signs are limited to individual painted or vinyl cut-out letters and graphics, or neon signs constructed with or without a solid or opaque background. Permanent signs with solid backgrounds are not permitted in windows in order to ensure maximum light and visibility through windows. Temporary window signs are exempt from the restrictions in this subsection E.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017)

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The words and phrases used in this section shall be construed as defined in this chapter, unless the context clearly appears otherwise. Unless specifically defined in this section, the definitions set forth in other provisions of this Code shall likewise apply to this chapter.

"Abandoned sign" means a sign, the face of which has been removed or is broken and is not refaced within one hundred eighty days thereafter. Abandoned signs shall also include signs with rusted, faded, peeled, cracked or otherwise deteriorated materials or finishes that have not been repaired within ninety days after the city provides notice of the sign's deteriorated condition under the city's enforcement chapter (18.24).

"Accessory sign" means a permanent, free standing or building mounted sign of limited height and size that provides supplemental opportunity for free standing or building mounted signage on a site.

"Aerial sign" means a free floating balloon, kite or similar object not directly secured to property within the city.

"A-frame sign" see also, portable sign or sandwich board sign, means signs capable of standing without support or attachment.

"Alter" means to change the copy, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction or supporting structure of a sign, not including ordinary maintenance.

"Area of a sign" means the smallest square, rectangle, parallelogram or circle that will enclose the extreme limits of writing, representation, logo, or any figure of similar character, together with any frame, background area, structural trim, or other materials or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed. The supports or uprights on which any such sign is supported shall not be included in determining the sign area. The area of signs with two faces shall be considered to be the area of the largest face. The area of signs with three or more faces shall be considered to be the area of the largest face or one-half the area of all of the faces, whichever is less.

"Awning or canopy sign" means a sign affixed to or imprinted on an attached shelter composed on non-rigid materials such as an awning, or a permanent architectural projection, such as an awning or canopy, composed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework, affixed to the exterior wall of a building, extending over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area.

"Business activity" means an enterprise offering goods, services, or other consideration to the public, in legal occupancy of a site or of a specific portion of a site and under separate and distinct management from any other enterprise located on the same site.

"Business frontage" means the horizontal dimensions of a building or individual business elevation measured at ground level.

"Canopy or awning sign" — See definition under "awning or canopy sign" above.

"Changeable copy sign" means a sign or portion thereof which is designed to have its message or copy readily changed manually or by remote or automatic means without altering or replacing the face or surface. Changeable copy signs support hard-copy text or graphics and do not use digital or electronic text or images.

"Commercial sign" means a sign that advertises goods or services.

"Digital sign" means a changeable copy sign with monochrome LED (light emitting diodes) text, graphics or symbols over a black, non-illuminated background.

"Directional sign" means a sign erected for the purpose of facilitating or controlling the efficient and safe movement of pedestrians or vehicles within a multi-tenant development.

"Electronic message center sign" means an electrically activated changeable copy sign having variable message and/or graphic presentation capability that can be electronically programmed by computer or handheld device from a remote location. EMC's typically use light emitting diodes (LED's) or liquid crystal display (LCD) as a lighting source.

"Elevation" means the visible vertical plane of the side of a building from ground level to the roof line.

"Elevation, primary" means the side of a building directly abutting either a street or a parking area. A business owner may choose which elevation is considered the primary elevation, except that in a multi-tenant building, the elevation which is contiguous to other businesses shall be the primary elevation.

"Elevation, secondary" means any elevation of a building not determined to be a primary elevation.

"Façade" means the elevation of a building extending from the ground level up to the bottom of the fascia on a pitched roof building, and up to the top of the wall or parapet on a flat roof building. The area of a façade for purposes of calculating allowable wall signage includes the area of the windows and doors but excludes openings that do not have solid coverings, such as breezeways, colonnades and gateways that extend to the backside of the building.

"Fascia" means an architectural term for a vertical frieze or board under a roof edge or which forms the outer surface of a cornice, visible to an observer.

"Flag" means a flat piece of cloth, with distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, having one end of the cloth attached to a vertical staff (directly or by rope and pulley mechanism) and all other ends free-flowing under natural movement of wind.

"Flag canopy" means a line of flags, or a series of lines of flags, suspended above a site.

"Flashing sign" means an electric sign or portion thereof except electronic message center signs, which changes light intensity in a sudden transitory burst, or which switches on and off in a constant pattern in which more than one-third of the non-constant light source is off at any one time.

"Freestanding sign" means a sign and its support pole or base standing directly on the ground that is independent from any building or other structure.

"Freeway" means a limited access highway, state route or interstate.

"Freeway oriented sign" means a sign within one hundred fifty feet of a freeway right-of-way that has its sign face parallel to, perpendicular to, angled toward, or otherwise readable from the freeway right-of-way.

"Frontage" means the property line of an individual lot, tract or parcel that abuts a public or private street right-of-way, excluding alleys and private driveways. The number of frontages on a lot is the same as the number of public or private street rights-of-way that the lot abuts.

"Gross leasable space" means area of a single leasable space, regardless of the number of tenants or leases within the space.

"Halo illuminate" means a light source placed behind totally opaque letter or symbol so that the light reflects off the wall or background to which the letters or symbols are mounted rather than emanating through the letters or symbols, creating a halo effect that leaves the letters or symbols viewable in silhouette form only.

"Height of sign" means the overall height of the sign above grade directly below or at the base of the sign.

"Illegal sign" means a sign which does not conform to the requirements and standards of this chapter and which does not meet the criteria of a nonconforming sign as defined in this definitions section.

"Integrated development site" means any commercial or noncommercial development site, regardless of the number of lots or individual tenants, that is developed with common parking, layout, architecture or design features.

"Item of information" means a word, figure, logo, abbreviation or other symbolic representation.

"Logo" means a design of letters, colors or symbols used as a trademark or for identification in lieu of, or in conjunction with, other signs.

"Logo shield" means a logo contained within an area no greater than four square feet, incorporated into a larger sign face or designed as an individual sign or component of a sign containing individually mounted sign graphics.

"Lot line" means a line that separates two lots.

"Luminance" means the photometric quality most closely associated with the perception of brightness. Luminance is measured in candelas per square meters or "nits."

"Mansard" means a roof with two slopes on each side of the four sides, the lower steeper than the upper.

"Monument sign" means a freestanding low profile sign with the sign width greater than the sign height and designed with a solid base and background.

"Motion" means the depiction of movement or change of position of text, images or graphics. Motion shall include, but not be limited to, visual effects such as dissolving and fading text and images, running sequential text, graphic bursts, lighting that resembles zooming, twinkling or sparkling, changes in light or color, transitory bursts of light intensity, moving patterns or bands of light, expanding or contracting shapes and similar actions.

"Multitenant development" means a development consisting of three or more leasable spaces.

"Natural grade" means the topographic condition or elevation of a site or portion of a site over the past five years, or the finished grade of an approved site development plan. Changes to grade or elevation resulting from fill, mounding or berming within five years preceding any requested permit other than a site development plan shall not be considered natural grade for permitting purposes.

"Neon sign" means a sign with illumination affected by a light source consisting of a neon or other gas tube which is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.

"Night-time hours" means from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.

"Nits" means a unit of measure of brightness or luminance. One nit is equal to one candela/square meter.

"Nonconforming sign" means any sign, which at one time conformed to all applicable requirements and standards of this chapter, including all permit requirements, but which subsequently ceased to so conform due to changes in such requirements and standards.

"Nonresidential zone" means, in the context of this chapter, any zone that does not include residential dwelling units except for mixed use zoning districts where residential units are located above or behind nonresidential uses and the ground floor streetscape is characterized by commercial and other nonresidential uses.

"Opaque" means a material that does not transmit light from an internal illumination source.

"Painted sign" means a sign painted directly on a building or on material which is then attached to a building. See also, "wall sign."

"Pan-channel" means a sign graphic that is constructed of a three-sided metal channel, usually having a light source contained within the channel. The open side may face inward, resulting in silhouette lighting, or it may face outward to allow full illumination. The open side of the channel may be enclosed with a translucent material.

"Parapet" means a protective wall or barrier projecting above any canopy, balcony or roof.

"Permanent sign" means a sign constructed of weather resistant material and intended for permanent use and that does not otherwise meet the definition of "temporary sign." Wall mounted sign holders designed for insertion of signs and posters shall be considered permanent signage and subject to all standards of this chapter.

"Pole sign" means a sign mounted on a weighted base, intended to be movable.

"Portable sign" means a free-standing sign that is readily moveable and not permanently affixed to the ground, including A-frame or sandwich board signs, pole signs mounted on weighted bases, and similar signs that are used on more than a temporary basis.

"Projecting sign or projection sign" means a sign attached to a building with the face not parallel to the vertical surface of the building. Projecting signs include signs projecting directly from walls, or signs hanging from porch ceilings or other support structures.

"Raceway" means a box-type conduit to house electrical wires for signs and used to support and/or affix signage on a wall.

"Ranch-style archway signs" means a sign that spans between two independent support structures and has individual lettering located in front of an open horizontal cross-support

"Right-of-way" is the strip of land platted, dedicated, condemned, established by prescription or otherwise legally established for the use of pedestrians, vehicles or utilities.

"Roadway" means that portion of the street improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel and parking, exclusive of the sidewalks and shoulder. Where there are curbs, the roadway is the curb to curb width of the street.

"Roof line" means the uppermost edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, excluding mechanical equipment screens, whichever is highest. Where a building has several roof levels, the roof line shall be the one belonging to that portion of the building on which the sign is located.

"Roof mounted sign" means a sign which has a point of attachment to the roof or mansard of a building. Architectural projections, including mechanical equipment screens, above any parapet or roof line whose sole function is a background for signs shall be considered a sign structure. A sign on such an architectural projection shall be considered a roof sign.

"Sandwich board sign" — See "A-frame sign" definition.

"Service island sign" means a permanent sign displayed on the service island canopy of a gas station, bank, carwash or other use that provides a canopy cover for vehicles. Service island signs are not the same as awning or canopy signs as otherwise defined by this chapter.

"Sign" means letters, figures, symbols, trademarks, or logos, with or without illumination, intended to identify any place, subject, person, firm, business, product, article, merchandise or point of sale. A sign also includes balloons attached to sign structures, products, streamers, spinners, pennants, flags, inflatables or similar devices intended to attract attention to a site or business, as well as architectural or structural forms, illuminated panels, spandrels, awnings and other structural or architectural features not common to classic vernacular or non-corporate regional architecture and that are intended to convey a brand, message or otherwise advertise a location or product, whether or not such features include text or graphics and whether or not they serve other practical purposes such as lighting, covering or enclosure of persons or products. A sign includes any device which streams, televises or otherwise conveys electronic visual messages, pictures, videos or images, with or without sound or odors. Refer to Section 18.710.040 for a list of prohibited signs.

"Signable area" means the area of the largest rectangular portion of a face of a building to which a sign is affixed or proposed to be affixed, which can be included within parallel, vertical and horizontal lines uninterrupted by significant architectural features of the building.

"Sign walker" means a sign carried by a person.

"Site" means a unit of land, together with all improvements thereon, determined as follows:

(1)

A unit of land which may be conveyed separately from any and all adjacent land without the requirement of approval of a boundary line adjustment, short plat or a preliminary plat.

(2)

Two or more buildings or business activities that are or will be related to each other physically or architecturally, such as by sharing off-street parking facilities, so as to form an integrated development, such as a shopping center, industrial park, or office complex.

"Spandrel" means a panel or box-type structure that spans between and/or is connected to the support columns of a porch, colonnade or canopy, usually for architectural embellishment and/or signage purposes.

"Special event sign or temporary sign" means signs or advertising displays or a combination thereof which advertises or attracts public attention to a special one-time event, including but not limited to, the opening of a building or business activity, the sale of goods and services at discounted or otherwise especially advantageous prices or similar event.

"Static" means without motion.

"Story" means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or ceiling next above.

"Suspended sign" means a sign mounted above a sidewalk adjacent to a business, affixed to a beam, overhang, roof or other fixture that is an integral part of a building.

"Temporary sign (which may include special event sign)" means any sign that is used temporarily and is not permanently mounted, painted or otherwise affixed, excluding portable signs as defined by this chapter, including any poster, banner, placard, stake sign or sign not placed in the ground with concrete (except temporary for sale signs as defined in 18.710.270(10)(a), or other means to provide permanent support, stability and rot prevention. Temporary signs may only be made of non-durable materials including, but not limited to, paper, plywood, corrugated board, flexible, bendable or foldable plastics, foamcore board, vinyl canvas or vinyl mesh products of less than twenty-ounce fabric, vinyl canvas and vinyl mesh products without polymeric plasticizers and signs painted or drawn with water soluble paints or chalks. Signs made of any other materials shall be considered permanent and are subject to the permanent sign regulations of this chapter.

"Tenant space" means the entire building which encompasses a building or use on a site; or in buildings designed for multi-tenant occupancy, it is the space between demising walls and which has an independent entrance to common corridors or to the outside. Portions of tenant spaces that are sublet to or otherwise allowed to be used by persons or businesses other than the principle person or business of a tenant space are not considered tenant spaces in the context of this chapter.

"Unshielded lighting" means an external illumination source which is exposed to view.

"Vertical banner sign" means a street banner that is hung vertically on a utility pole.

"Wall sign" means a sign which is attached parallel to or painted on a wall, including parapet or canopy fascia, or a building.

"Width of sign" means the total horizontal dimension of a sign, including all frames or structures.

"Window" means the entire window unit including individual sashes or panes that might otherwise divide the area between the head, jamb and sill; except that in commercial storefront window assemblies, a single "window" is the glass area between each mullion that divides the window assembly, whether installed as a single piece of glass or as multiple pieces of glass divided by muntins.

"Window sign" means a sign that is attached to or is intended to be seen in, on or through a window of a building and is visible from the exterior of the window.

(Ord. No. 1227, § 2(Exh. A), 6-22-2017; Ord. No. 1290, § 2(Exh. A), 4-25-2019; Ord. No. 1325, § 2(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)