The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the size, height, design, location, number and quality of signs in the city in order to: protect the character of neighborhoods; provide a form of communication for businesses without undesirable clutter; and protect public safety and welfare by precluding signs that are visual obstructions to motorists and/or pedestrians. This chapter also encourages signs that are well designed in terms of appearance, spacing and location.

(1994 Code, § 15.24.010)

   Except as otherwise noted in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to erect, build or relocate any sign in the city without obtaining a building permit.

(1994 Code, § 15.24.020)  Penalty, see § 10.99

   The following types of signs shall be exempt from the requirement of this chapter, except any business or person subject to the city's business license ordinance shall obtain or maintain a business license as a condition of erecting or maintaining a sign:

   (A)   Temporary construction signs that identify the architects, engineers, contractors or other individuals or firms are involved with a construction project. These signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be removed when construction is completed;

   (B)   Real estate signs which identify the sale, lease or rental of property. These signs shall not exceed eight square feet. The sign shall remain only as long as some portion of the property advertised for sale remains unsold, unleased or not rented, or for a period of two years, whichever period is shorter;

   (C)   Subdivision signs which advertise the sale of lots or residential units. There shall be no more than two signs on the site. These signs shall not exceed 28 square feet and shall not be allowed for more than one year;

   (D)   Temporary off-site subdivision and real estate signs may be erected that direct prospective purchasers to a subdivision that have lots or homes for sale. These signs shall not be erected for more than four days during any one-month period. The signs shall not exceed eight square feet;

   (E)   Special event displays which are erected for 30 days or less per year and advertise a grand opening or community affair. Business offering sales shall not be considered a special event;

   (F)   Political campaign signs which announce a candidate or political issue. These signs shall not exceed 32 square feet. Removal shall take place two weeks after the election;

   (G)   Show window signs;

   (H)   Institutional and public signs;

   (I)   Flags, plaques and banners;

   (J)   Address signs;

   (K)   Integral signs which have been built into a building when the sign has been carved into stone or fixed to the building using a metal plaque;

   (L)   Small signs which do not exceed four square feet and are fixed flat against a building and only announce the name and corporation of the building tenant(s) or the name of the commercial enterprise located within the buildings;

   (M)   Interior signs; and

   (N)   Garage sales signs. The signs must be removed three days after the sale is over.

(1994 Code, § 15.24.030)

   The following signs are prohibited from being erected in the city:

   (A)   Signs which may imitate an official traffic sign or signal;

   (B)   Signs which may hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal;

   (C)   Portable signs;

   (D)   Off-premise signs, except as permitted under the provisions of this chapter;

   (E)   Signs which project over a public sidewalk and are less than eight feet high;

   (F)   Signs which project over an alley and are less than 15 feet high;

   (G)   Flashing or rotating signs;

   (H)   Roof-mounted signs;

   (I)   Signs on telephone poles, utility poles, trees within the public right-of-way, street light standards and street signs; and

   (J)   Billboards.

(1994 Code, § 15.24.040)  (Ord. 90-101, passed - -1990)

   Signs located in the following districts and that are consistent with the following provisions shall be permissible. A building permit shall be required for the construction of any sign, except those located in the urban reserve, open space, recreation and public facilities; rural residential; single-family residential; and multiple-family residential districts. The standards contained within this section apply to one side of the sign:

   (A)   Urban Reserve; Open Space, Recreation and Public Facilities; and Rural Residential Districts:

      (1)   One sign, not exceeding two square feet, containing the name and address of the resident;

      (2)   Signs identifying the sale of products raised on the property. These signs shall not exceed 32 square feet; and

      (3)   A sign signifying the sale, lease or rental of the property. This sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

   (B)   Single- and Multiple-Family Residential Districts:

      (1)   One sign, not exceeding two square feet, containing the name and address of the resident; and

      (2)   One externally illuminated permanent subdivision or multiple-family entrance sign. This sign shall not exceed 32 square feet nor shall it be located in a public right-of-way. If ground mounted, the top of the sign shall not exceed four feet in height.

   (C)   Office District:

      (1)   One square foot of sign area for each two square feet of linear building frontage not to exceed 30 square feet, unless the use is located on a corner in which case the sign area shall not exceed 60 square feet. These signs may be ground-mounted or wall-mounted, or a combination of both; and

      (2)   Each office building is permitted 12 square feet of sign area in addition to the allotted sign area based on building frontage.

(1994 Code, § 15.24.050)  (Ord. 90-101, passed - -1990)