Soap Lake City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
58 SIGNS
§ 17.58.010 Purpose.
The purposes of this chapter are to: (A) ensure that signs and sign structures are designed, installed, and maintained to prevent personal injury, and to avoid traffic and property hazards and public nuisances; (B) recognize that signs are necessary for public, private, business, community, and other purposes; and (C) impose limited controls on signs so that they are compatible with surrounding property uses and enhance the appearance of the Soap Lake community.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.020 Definitions.
A. "Abandoned sign"
means a sign which no longer serves its intended purpose.
B. "Architectural appendage sign"
means a building sign that is suspended from, attached to, applied to, or part of an awning, marquee, false mansard, canopy, or similar projection from the exterior walls of a building.
C. "Billboard"
means an off-site sign that is substantial in size and construction, usually is owned by an outdoor advertising company, and contains advertising space that is for rent or lease.
D. "Building"
means an enclosed structure for a use or occupancy.
E. "Building sign"
means any sign that is attached or applied to, mounted on, suspended from, painted on, or part of the exterior of a building or architectural appendage, including the roof and facade.
F. "Cabinet sign"
means a sign enclosure which has access for the replacement of one or more sign faces and lamps, if internally illuminated.
G. "Changeable copy sign"
means a sign that is designed to easily rotate or alternate messages by whatever means. Examples of changeable copy signs are reader boards and electronic message centers.
H. "Community sign"
means a temporary sign that promotes, celebrates, or commemorates a community event, public awareness, community service, holiday season, or similar public function.
I. "Construction sign"
means a temporary standing or portable sign that is nonilluminated. A construction sign provides information about a construction project.
J. "Directional sign"
means a sign which only identifies a business or activity and directs traffic to that business or activity.
K. "Directory sign"
means a sign that has space which is limited to the name, address, and logo of the developed site and the names, addresses, and logos of several on-site businesses, organizations, or facilities.
L. "Double-face sign"
means two sign faces which are identical in size and message and either are displayed back-to-back or within a 30-degree interior angle.
M. "Facade"
means one or more exterior walls of a building that face one direction, including parapets and openings such as doors and windows.
N. "Flashing sign"
means a sign that has external or internal lighting which changes intensity, rotates, animates, travels, or switches on and off in a blinking manner. Examples of such lighting are lamp banks with blinking or traveling messages, traveling arrows and revolving beacons.
O. "Freestanding sign"
means a sign that has vertical support which is permanently anchored in the ground. Examples are pole (or pylon), post, and monument signs.
P. "Freeway interchange sign"
means a freestanding sign that is intended to attract the attention of traffic entering or exiting an Interstate 90 interchange. A freeway interchange sign is located within 1,500 feet of the interchange as measured from the centerline of Interstate 90 right-of-way and the intersecting right-of-way centerline.
Q. "Freeway sign"
means a freestanding sign that is intended to attract the attention of traffic on Interstate 90. A freeway sign is located within 250 feet of Interstate 90 right-of-way.
R. "Garage sale sign"
means a temporary sign for the sale of household items.
S. "Home occupation sign"
means an on-site sign that advertises a home occupation as defined in SLMC § 17.55.020.
T. "Incidental sign"
means a nonilluminated, on-site, convenience sign. Examples of incidental signs are credit card, telephone, and restroom signs.
U. "Monument sign"
means a freestanding sign in the shape of a monolith. Usually the sign is vertically supported on a base which is on a pedestal, but the sign may be a pole-covered sign. A monument sign is intended to be viewed at eye level.
V. "Nonconforming sign"
means a permanent sign that was lawfully erected, installed, or otherwise displayed according to the applicable Grant County or city zoning regulations, but does not conform to the sign regulations of this chapter.
W. "Off-site sign"
means a sign that is not related to an activity that is on the same site as the sign, or the sign is on a vacant site.
X. "Official sign or legal notice"
means an official sign or legal notice issued by a court, public agency, or as authorized by law or federal, county, or city authority.
Y. "On-site sign"
means a sign that is related to an activity that is on the same site as the sign.
Z. "Permanent sign"
means any sign which is not a temporary sign as defined in subsection (SS) of this section.
AA. "Pole (or pylon) sign"
means a freestanding sign on one or more upright supports in a foundation. The upright supports may be covered for aesthetic purposes. A pole sign is the same as a pylon sign.
BB. "Portable sign"
means a sign that either is a sign structure or is part of or affixed to a sign structure that is designed to be movable.
CC. "Private warning/directional sign"
means a permanent, portable, or temporary sign that is erected for a private purpose such as KEEP OUT, NO TRESPASSING, RIGHT TURN ONLY, STOP, SECURITY ALARM, or NO DUMPING.
DD. "Projecting sign"
means a type of building sign that either is: (1) mounted at right angle to a facade; (2) suspended under an architectural appendage and at right angle to a facade; or (3) a wall sign that extends 18 or more horizontal inches from the facade.
EE. "Public or recreational identification sign"
means a sign for a public or semi-public facility or area. Examples of such signs are park, school, or hospital signs.
FF. "Real estate sign – other"
means a sign that either advertises a parcel or lot of nonresidential land, or the buildings thereon, or both which is for sale, lease, or rent.
GG. "Real estate sign – residential lot"
means a sign that either advertises a parcel or lot of residential land, or the buildings thereon, or both which is for sale, lease, or rent. Residential land includes land that is vacant and within a residential zone or land that is in residential use, regardless of zone.
HH. "Residential identification sign"
means a sign that identifies a residential subdivision, planned residential development, neighborhood, condominium development, manufactured home park, multifamily residential development, or similar residential developments.
II. "Residential subdivision sign"
means a sign which advertises the sale of lots in a residential subdivision, parcels in a manufactured home binding site plan, or lots in a residential planned development.
JJ. "Right-of-way"
means a corridor which either is reserved for or contains a public street, road, alley, pathway, highway, or freeway.
KK. "Roof sign"
means a building sign that is mounted on the roof of a building as defined in this section. A roof sign does not project beyond the vertical planes of the building facades.
LL. "Sandwich board sign"
means a portable sign that is A-frame, does not exceed four feet in height or two feet in width, and is nonilluminated.
MM. "Sign"
means a visual message that is displayed to attract the outdoor attention of the general public. A sign may be: (1) advertising of a generic or specific product, item, or service; (2) a promotion of an activity or event; (3) any other implicit or explicit message which informs, alerts, directs attention to, or warns; (4) the name of a business, building, place, or organization; or (5) any combination of advertising, promotion, other message, or name. A sign may consist of, but is not limited to, words, pictures, drawings, logos, symbols, other graphics, border, trim, frame, cabinet, background, space, material, or devices which are integral to the visual message. A sign may contain multiple visual messages which are related in content and proximity.
NN. "Sign face"
means one dimension of a sign that contains the visual message.
OO. "Sign height"
means the vertical distance as measured from finished grade at the base of a sign or sign structure to the top of the sign.
PP. "Sign structure"
means the horizontal and vertical support for a sign.
QQ. "Site"
means either: (1) a parcel of unplatted land, a parcel in a binding site plan, a tract, or a lot in a subdivision; or (2) two or more contiguous parcels, tracts, or lots under one ownership without intervening right-of-way and identified or delineated as one development site; or (3) two or more contiguous parcels, tracts, or lots under different ownerships, without intervening right-of-way, and identified or delineated as one development site.
RR. "Street frontage"
means that portion of a site boundary that borders one or more streets as defined in Chapter 17.06 SLMC.
SS. "Temporary sign"
means a sign affixed to, applied on, or made from lightweight material, with or without a frame or backing which is designed to be displayed for a limited time. Examples of lightweight materials are vinyl, cardboard, card stock, corrugated plastic, and fabric.
TT. "Traffic control sign"
means any permanent or temporary traffic control, traffic signal, or construction sign that is subject to: (1) the latest edition of the Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction as published by the Washington State Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Washington State Chapter of the American Public Works Association, as amended by the city community street and utility standards; and (2) the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
UU. "Vehicle sign"
means a sign that is affixed or painted on a vehicle which is primarily used for transportation rather than parked for the purpose of displaying the sign.
VV. "Wall sign"
means a building sign that is painted or flush-mounted on a facade, fascia, or architectural appendage, less than 18 inches horizontal projection.
WW. "Window or door sign"
means a building sign that is suspended or mounted flush with an exterior window, or painted on a window or door, and directed outside.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.025 Calculation of sign area.
The area of a sign is the smallest circle, square, or rectangle that encloses a sign face or the largest plane of a three-dimensional sign. The area of a double-face sign is the area of a single face. The area of a multiple-face sign (other than a double-face sign) is the sum of the areas of all sign faces. Only the sign portion of a structure, material, space, or device is calculated for the purpose of sign area, except that the area of a cabinet sign or sign in a frame or border shall be based on the outside dimensions of the cabinet, frame, or border. The area of multiple signs on a structure, material, space, or device is the sum of the areas of all signs. The area of a sign with multiple messages is the smallest circle, square, or rectangle that encloses all of the messages.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.030 Sign regulations.
A.
Only a sign as defined in SLMC § 17.58.020(MM) is subject to the provisions of this chapter.
B.
A sign type that is listed "A" in the following table is allowed to be displayed, subject to the applicable sign regulations listed in this section and in the table.
C.
A sign type that is listed "P" in the following table is prohibited from display, unless it is a nonconforming sign as provided in SLMC § 17.58.090.
D.
A sign type that is listed "E" in the following table is exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
E.
A sign type that is not listed in the following table is not allowed to be displayed.
F.
A sign shall comply with applicable provisions of the State Building Code and Chapter 15.20 SLMC.
I.
No sign is allowed on or over right-of-way except as approved by city council for city streets. No sign is allowed within right-of-way of the interstate or primary system where there are no curbs. A sign may be allowed within right-of-way of the primary system where there are curbs and other streets, subject to the following conditions and circumstances:
1.
A projecting sign is allowed over a sidewalk in right-of-way in the C-1 zone and in the C-2 zone where the building is not set back from right-of-way; provided, that the sign does not project more than 80 percent of the distance between the right-of-way line and back of curb line, and there is a minimum of eight feet vertical clearance under the sign.
2.
A political sign is allowed in right-of-way subject to the remainder of the applicable sign regulations in this section and in the following table.
J.
No permanent sign is allowed on or over a public utility easement.
K.
A permanent sign may be allowed over but not on a municipal easement, upon approval by the city engineer.
L.
Every sign shall be maintained in a safe and secure manner. A torn, broken, hazardous, dilapidated, or outdated sign, as determined by the building official, shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.
M.
The city engineer or public works director shall review each application for a sign permit for sight distance. The city engineer or public works director shall consider whether a sign would be located or constructed so as to obscure or obstruct an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct a motorist's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic before approving or disapproving the application.
N.
Internal or external sign lighting shall be shaded, hooded, site screened, or directed so that the light's intensity or brightness shall neither adversely affect adjacent or nearby property, nor create a public nuisance, nor create a traffic hazard.
P.
No sign shall be erected or maintained if it is visible from the main traveled way of the interstate or primary system except as permitted by Chapter 468-66 WAC entitled Highway Advertising Control Act or Chapter 47.42 RCW entitled Highway Advertising Control Act – Scenic Vistas Act.
SIGN REGULATIONS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Prohibited, Allowed, or Exempt | Maximum Sign Height | Maximum Sign Area | Sign Permit | Other Sign Regulations |
Abandoned | P | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Architectural Appendage | A | Sign may be flush-mounted or suspended under the architectural appendage. | See Building sign. | R | Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. If the sign is suspended, there shall be at least 8' clearance above grade. |
Billboard | P | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Building | See specific types of building signs. | See specific types of building signs. | The total area of building signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the overall area of each facade. None of this allowance is transferable from one facade to another facade. No individual building sign shall exceed 15 percent of the overall area of a facade. | See specific types of building signs. | Sign allowed in commercial, industrial, agricultural, and municipal airport zones. Allowed in R-3 zone on a site with a conditional use, with review and approval of the planning agency according to SLMC § 17.58.110. |
Changeable Copy | A | 25' for Freestanding, Freeway or Freeway Interchange sign, or wall height for Wall sign. | See Building, Freeway or Freeway Interchange, Freestanding, or Temporary Freestanding or Portable sign. | R | Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. |
Community | A | See Building or Freestanding signs. | See Building, Freestanding, and Temporary Freestanding or Portable signs for other sign area regulations. | R if freestanding sign; NR if building sign. | Sign allowed only in commercial, industrial, and public zones. Sign shall be temporary. |
Construction | A | 8' | 32 sq. ft. per street frontage per construction site. | NR | Sign may be erected a maximum of 30 days prior to start of construction, and shall be removed within 30 days after the end of construction. Sign shall be nonilluminated. Limited to one sign per street frontage per site. |
Dilapidated or hazardous condition as determined by building official | P | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Directional | A | 6' for Freestanding sign; same as for Wall sign. | 8 sq. ft. per sign. | R | Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. |
Directory | A | Same as for Freestanding, and Freeway or Freeway Interchange sign. | See Building, Freeway or Freeway Interchange, or Freestanding sign. | R | Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones, or on a site with a conditional use in the R-3 zone. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, a sign for a conditional use in the R-3 zone shall require planning agency review and approval according to SLMC § 17.58.110. |
Flashing | P | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Freeway or Freeway Interchange | A | 45' | 350 sq. ft. per site. | R | Allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. |
Freestanding | A | 25' | 150 square feet per site in a commercial or industrial zone, except that a site which has street frontage exceeding 300 lineal feet is allowed 150 square feet per increment of 300 lineal feet of street frontage. A site where there is a conditional use in the R-3 zone is allowed any combination of freestanding and building signs not to exceed a total of 12 square feet, except as provided in Other Sign Regulations in this row. | R | Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones or on a site where there is a conditional use in the R-3 zone. A site without street frontage shall be limited to one freestanding sign structure. The number of freestanding sign structures that are allowed on a site with street frontage shall be limited to two per increment of 300 lineal feet of street frontage. If a site exceeds one freestanding sign structure, then the structures shall be separated a minimum of 100 lineal feet. Landscaping (as defined in SLMC § 17.57.030(A)) is required around the base of a new freestanding sign. The landscaping perimeter for a pole sign shall be not less than the largest sign dimensions as vertically projected to the ground. The landscaping perimeter for all other freestanding signs shall be not less than 1' larger than the base of the sign structure. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, a freestanding sign on a vacant site, or where there is a conditional use in the R-3 zone, shall require planning agency review and approval according to SLMC § 17.58.110. |
Garage Sale | A | NA | NA | NR | Sign allowed in all zones. The sign shall not be displayed for more than four consecutive days. |
Government Flags | E | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Home Occupation | A | Same as for Wall sign. | 2 sq. ft. per residential dwelling unit with home occupation license. Signs greater than 2 square feet with a maximum of 3 square feet are allowed consistent with the requirements of SLMC § 17.55.040(F)(3). | R | Sign shall be a nonilluminated wall sign. Limited to one sign per residential dwelling unit with home occupation license. |
Incidental | A | Same as for Wall, Freeway Interchange, and Freeway signs. | 2 sq. ft. per sign. | NR | Shall be nonilluminated and on site. |
Monument | A | 8' | Same as for Freestanding Sign. | R | Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. |
Nonconforming | See SLMC § 17.58.090 for limitations on nonconforming signs. | ||||
Official Sign or Legal Notice | E | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Open, Closed, Business Hours, Address, or Greeting | E | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Political | A | NA | NA | NR | Shall be removed within 10 days after an election. May be located on private property with permission from property owner. May be placed in right-of-way adjacent to the private property of the abutting land owner and only with the permission of the private property owner/abutting land owner; provided, that it is not in a location or condition that is prohibited. |
Private Warning/ Directional | E | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Projecting Sign | A | Same as for Wall or Architectural Appendage sign. | See Building sign. | R | See subsection (I) of this section. |
Public or Recreational Identification | A | Same as for Freestanding or Building sign. | See Freestanding or Building sign. | R | Allowed in commercial, industrial, and public zones. |
Public Zone (other than Public or Recreational Facility Identification signs) | A | Same as for Freestanding or Building sign. | See Freestanding or Building sign. | R | Requires planning agency approval according to SLMC § 17.58.110. |
Real Estate – Other | A | 8' for Freestanding Sign; wall height for Building Sign. | 32 sq. ft. per sign. | NR | Shall be nonilluminated. Shall be removed from display within five days after sale, lease, or rent. |
Real Estate – Residential Lot | A | No limit | 6 sq. ft. per sign. | NR | Shall be nonilluminated. Shall be removed from display within one day after sale, lease, or rent. |
Residential Identification | A | 8' | 32 sq. ft. per site. | R | Allowed in residential zones. Requires planning agency review and approval according to SLMC § 17.58.110. |
Residential Subdivision | A | 8' | 32 sq. ft. per residential subdivision, manufactured home binding site plan or residential planned development. | R | A |
Roof | A | 10' above roof height as measured from intersection of the roof and lowest point of the sign, sign structure, or point of attachment. | See Building sign. | R | Allowed in commercial and industrial zones. |
Sandwich Board | A | 4' | 8 sq. ft. each face. | R | Sign allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. May be located in right-of-way adjacent to the site that is the object of the sign with planning agency recommendation and city council approval. Otherwise, sign shall be on site. Shall be removed from display at the end of each business day. |
Sign which could be confused with or obstructs the view of a traffic sign or signal, as determined by city engineer | P | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Sign which restricts ingress to or egress from a building | P | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Sign on vehicle other than Vehicle sign | P | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Temporary Sign on freestanding structure or Portable | A | See Freestanding if on freestanding structure; 8' height if portable. | 32 sq. ft. per street frontage per site. If no street frontage, then 32 sq. ft. per site. The total sign area shall be restricted to one contiguous designated area per street frontage. The designated area shall not exceed 12 lineal feet parallel to street frontage. | R – one time per location. Ownership change of business license requires new sign permit. | Allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. Sign shall be repaired, replaced, or removed when torn, worn, broken, or dilapidated. |
Temporary Gas Pump | A | NA | 2 sq. ft. per sign, one sign per dispenser. | NR | NA |
Temporary Sign on Wall | A | Same as Wall sign. | See Building sign. | NR | NA |
Traffic Control | E | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Vehicle | A | Flush-mounted to vehicle. | NA | NR | Nonilluminated. |
Wall | A | The sign shall be contained within the outline of the facade. | See Building sign. | R | NA |
Window or Door | A | The sign shall be contained within the perimeter of the window or door. | See Building sign. | NR for temporary sign; R for permanent sign. | NA |
KEY: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A = Allowed | |||||
NR = Not Required | |||||
E = Exempt | |||||
P = Prohibited | |||||
NA = Not Applicable | |||||
R = Required |
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009; Ord. 1151 § 1, 2012)
§ 17.58.035 Community banner sign.
Repealed by Ord. 1325.
(Ord. 1223 § 1, 2015)
§ 17.58.040 Sign work exempt from sign permit.
The replacement of the face or faces of a cabinet sign, maintenance of a sign or sign structure (by repair, replacement of parts, cleaning, or touch-up), and sign removal without any sign installation are exempt from the requirement for a sign permit.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.050 Sign permit requirements.
A new sign or sign structure, or the replacement of an existing sign or sign structure, shall require an application for city review and issuance of a sign permit prior to work, except for types of signs that do not require a permit as listed in Table 17.58.030, or sign work that is exempt from a sign permit. The application shall include:
A.
Two copies of a scaled drawing of the site plan which shows the site boundary, sidewalk and curb, driveways, buildings, other relevant site development or site limitations, and the location of the proposed building or freestanding sign or signs. The location of freestanding signs should be shown as dimension lines from nearest lot or parcel boundaries.
B.
Two copies of scaled plans and elevations of the sign work, including sign and sign structure dimensions, sign height, structural detail, description, drawing, or picture of the sign copy, footing details, method of sign attachment to sign structure, building, or architectural appendage, illumination, specifications, and calculations for wind loads.
C.
An inventory of each and every existing sign on the site, including a description of the sign copy, type of sign, and sign dimensions.
D.
The building official may waive the submission of plans, specifications, and calculations when the structural aspect is of minor importance.
E.
A completed application with an inventory of each and every sign that will be installed or removed, and the type of sign.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.060 Interpretations and rulings.
Recognizing that there may be ambiguities in any chapter and that it may be necessary to obtain an interpretation or ruling regarding intent, interpretation, or definition, the zoning administrator may forward a request to the planning agency for an interpretation or ruling regarding the application of the provisions of this chapter to any existing or proposed sign.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.070 Appeals.
Any decision made by any administrator, officer, board, or agency in carrying out the provisions of this chapter may be appealed as provided for in Chapter 18.11 SLMC.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.080 Variances.
The hearing examiner shall hear and decide any request for a variance from the sign regulations contained in this chapter in accordance with Chapter 2.72 SLMC.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.090 Nonconforming sign.
Any nonconforming sign may continue to be maintained and used in compliance with Chapter 17.69 SLMC entitled, "Nonconforming Uses." Any nonconforming sign which has been abandoned at least six months shall be removed or conform to the applicable sign regulations of this chapter.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.100 Sign for nonconforming use.
Any proposed sign for a nonconforming use may be allowed after review and approval by the planning agency upon a finding that the sign will be compatible with surrounding land uses. Conditions may be attached to an approval.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.110 Planning agency review and approval.
Any sign in this chapter that requires planning agency review may be approved by the agency upon findings that the sign meets the purpose of this chapter and the sign will comply with applicable sign regulations. Conditions may be attached to an approval.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.120 Violation.
Upon occurrence of a violation of the provisions of this chapter, the code enforcement officer shall notify the responsible person representing the sign in violation that a violation of this chapter exists. A notice of violation and order to correct or cease activity as provided in Chapter 17.88 SLMC shall be issued.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.130 Enforcement.
The code enforcement officer may cause the removal or demolition of an illegal sign or for failure to comply with a notice of violation upon seven days' written notice. After removal or demolition of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign owner stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the costs as certified by the building official. If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within 30 days of the notice, the city may institute a civil action to recover its costs. The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the code enforcement officer.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)
§ 17.58.140 Conflict.
If any provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any other provision of any local, state, or federal regulations, the provision which establishes the higher standard shall prevail.
(Ord. 1105 § 1, 2009)