Walla Walla City Zoning Code
Division VI
SIGN REGULATIONS
§ 20.204.010 Intent and purpose.
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 and aesthetic considerations impact 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 and 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 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 electronic signs.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.015 Applicability.
A.
This chapter is not intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message.
B.
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 noncommercial speech on the sign.
C.
No part of this chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over noncommercial 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. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.020 Definitions.
A.
For the purposes of this chapter, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and derivatives shall be construed as follows:
1. "Abandoned sign"
means any sign in ill-repair, including signs with broken or removed faces, signs with rusted, faded, peeled, cracked, or otherwise deteriorated materials or finishes that have not been repaired for more than thirty days.
2. "Billboard"
means a sign which advertises or promotes merchandise, service, goods, or entertainment which are sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than on the property on which said sign is located.
3. "Co-sponsored sign"
means a sign supplied by a second party, not the proprietor of the business, which advertises the product of the sign supplier.
4. Directional Sign.
See subsection (A)(18) of this section, off-premises directional sign, and subsection (A)(20) of this section, on-premises directional sign.
5. "Electrical sign"
means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, and/or fixtures are used as part of the sign proper.
6. "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. EMCs typically use light emitting diodes (LEDs) or liquid crystal display (LCD) as a lighting source.
7. "Flashing sign"
means an electric sign or a portion thereof (except electronic message center signs) which has a pattern of changing light illumination where the sign illumination alternates suddenly between fully illuminated and fully nonilluminated in a strobe-like fashion for the purpose of drawing attention to the sign.
8. "Freestanding sign"
means any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground.
9. "Grand opening sign"
means temporary signs, posters, banners, strings of lights, clusters of flags, balloons and searchlights used to announce the opening of a completely new enterprise or the opening of an enterprise under new management.
10. "Minor repair"
means those usual activities performed to prevent a decline, lapse, or cessation from a lawfully established condition. This does not include any activities that change the character, scope, or size of the originally permitted sign beyond the original design.
11. "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.
12. "Motorist information sign"
means a supplemental sign located in the public right-of-way, for those businesses or activities that qualify for a tourist-oriented directional sign, issued by the State Highway Department.
13. "Multiple building complex"
is a group of structures housing two or more retail, office, or commercial uses sharing the same lot, access and/or parking facilities, or a coordinated site plan.
14. "Multiple tenant building"
is a single structure housing two or more retail, office or commercial uses.
15. "Name plate"
means a sign identifying the name, street address, occupation and/or profession of the occupant of the premises only.
16. "Nits"
means a unit of measure of brightness or luminance. One nit is equal to one candela/square meter.
17. Off-Premises Sign.
In this code, the term "off-premises sign" is synonymous with the term "billboard."
18. "Off-premises directional sign"
means an off-premises sign with only directions to a particular business.
19. "On-premises sign"
means a sign incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which it is located, advertising the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or products produced on the premises or the name of the business, or the name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.
20. "On-premises directional sign"
means a sign directing pedestrian or vehicular traffic to parking, entrances, exits, service areas, or other on-site locations.
21. "Portable sign"
means a sign made of wood, metal, plastic, or other durable material, which is not attached to the ground or a structure. This definition includes freestanding sidewalk signs, sandwich boards, and portable reader boards.
22. "Projecting sign"
means a sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to and projects from a structure or building face.
23. "Public sign"
means an information device placed by duly constituted units or agencies of federal, state, or local government. Also included as public are signs placed by utility companies, railroads, cable TV franchises, and similar quasi-public service providers for traffic control and public safety.
24. "Sign"
means any medium, device, structure, fixture (including the supporting structure and component parts), or any other surface that is used or intended to be used to identify, advertise and/or promote an activity, product, service, place, or business. The scope of the term "sign" does not depend on the content of the message or image conveyed.
25. "Sign area"
means that area contained within a single continuous perimeter which encloses the entire surface, but excluding any support or framing structure that does not convey a message.
26. "Sign height"
means the vertical distance measured from either the grade below the sign or upper surface of the nearest street curb (whichever permits the greatest sign height) to the highest point of the sign.
27. "Sign setback"
means the horizontal distance from the property line to the nearest edge of the sign cabinet.
28. "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.
29. "Street frontage"
means the length in feet of a property line(s) or lot line(s) bordering a public street. For corner lots each street side property line shall be a separate street frontage. The frontage for a single use or development on two or more lots shall be the sum of the individual lot frontages.
30. "Subdivision sign"
means any sign used to identify a land development which is to be or was accomplished at essentially one time.
31. "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 or other means to provide permanent support, stability and rot prevention. Temporary signs may only be made of nondurable materials including, but not limited to, paper, 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.
32. "Tourist-oriented directional sign"
means a sign issued by the State Highway Department, meeting the requirements of Chapter 468-70 WAC.
33. "Unique sign"
means any building, structure, fixture or other device that functions as a sign and which is unique in its material or shape. Examples include inflatable objects or signs imitating the shapes of persons, places or things. Unique signs may or may not have lettering.
34. "Wall sign"
means any sign attached to or painted directly on the wall, or erected against and parallel to the wall of the building, not extending more than twelve inches from the wall.
35. "Window sign"
means any sign in or on a window.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.030 Permit required.
A.
Except as allowed by Section 20.204.040 (Signs subject to ordinance – No permit required), no sign governed by the provisions of this code shall be erected, structurally altered or relocated after the adoption of this code without first submitting a sign permit application and receiving approval of a sign permit from the city.
1.
For New Uses. All on-premises signs readable from the public right-of-way are accessory uses and shall be subject to Level I review subsequent to approval of the principal use.
2.
For Changes or Replacement of an Existing Sign. Structural changes to, or replacement of, an existing sign require Level I review and approval by the building official; except, minor repairs do not require a sign permit.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.040 Signs subject to ordinance – No permit required.
A.
The following signs are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this code. These signs are required to meet all other applicable standards of this code.
1.
Interior signs. Signs or displays located entirely inside of a building and located at least three feet away from transparent doors and windows.
2.
Temporary signs in windows. Any sign taped or otherwise affixed to the inside of a window, in such 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 20.204.190 for commercial businesses for a period not exceeding thirty days. Signs in or on the window which are utilized for more than thirty days are permanent and will be considered part of the overall signing permitted for the business. Such permanent window signs shall require permits.
3.
Point of purchase displays, such as product dispensers.
4.
Gravestones.
5.
Barber poles.
6.
Historical site plaques.
7.
Structures intended for a separate use such as phone booths, Goodwill containers, etc.
8.
Canopies and awnings, except those which incorporate lettering or a design to identify, advertise or otherwise function as a sign. Canopies and awnings which function as a sign are required to meet all applicable standards of this code.
9.
Name plates not exceeding two square feet.
10.
Temporary signs on private property or public property, meeting the requirements in Section 20.204.120.
11.
Traffic control signs and instruments of the state, county, or municipality, provided for public safety, information, way finding, or assistance.
12.
Signs of public utility companies or railroads which aid public safety, or which show the location of underground utilities or of public facilities.
13.
Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body, person or officer in performance of a public duty or in giving any legal notice.
14.
Official flags of the United States of America, states of the United States, counties, municipalities, official flags of foreign nations, and flags of internationally and nationally recognized organizations.
15.
On-premises directional signs not exceeding two square feet.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.050 Prohibited signs.
A.
The following signs are prohibited:
1.
Signs on any vehicle or trailer that is parked on public or private property and visible from a public right-of-way for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this chapter. This provision shall not prohibit signs which are painted on or magnetically attached to any vehicle operating in the normal course of business;
2.
Signs which purport to be, are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, could cause confusion with any official signs, or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic/street sign or signal;
3.
Signs attached to utility, street light, and traffic control standard poles;
4.
Signs attached to trees or rocks;
5.
Swinging projecting signs;
6.
Signs, together with their supports, braces, guys and anchors, which are not maintained in a neat, clean and attractive condition, free from rust, corrosion, peeling paint or other surface deterioration;
7.
Abandoned signs;
8.
Flashing signs;
9.
Signs which are unsafe or hazardous;
10.
Signs on doors, windows, or fire escapes that restrict free ingress or egress;
11.
Unique signs unless specifically approved by the director or by Level II review, or Level III review when deemed necessary by the director. Permits may be approved if the effect of the proposed sign would not contribute to a cluttered, confusing or unsafe condition, or would not be in conflict with the character of the zoning district;
12.
Searchlights or beacons;
13.
Electronic message center signs which display motion or flashing as part of the sign;
14.
Billboards and other off-premises signs, except off-premises directional signs;
15.
Any other sign not meeting the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.060 Sign standards.
The provisions of this chapter regulate the type and number of signs permitted, the maximum sign area and the sign height and setbacks for all signs in each zoning district. All permitted signs are subject to the review procedures of this code and the standards of this section. Signs for Level I, II, III and IV approved principal uses shall be permitted as a Level I use, subject to the specific limitations of approval of the principal use, if any.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.070 General provisions.
A.
All signs shall comply with the following provisions:
1.
Lighting directed on or internal to any sign shall be shaded, screened, or directed so that the light's intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect neighboring properties, the night sky, or motor vehicle safety;
2.
All signs together with their supports, braces, and guys shall be maintained in a safe and secure manner;
3.
A clearview triangle as established in Chapter 20.114 shall be maintained at all street intersections, alleys, driveways, and curb cuts for vision safety purposes. No signs may be placed in the clearview triangle, except freestanding signs with a base of not more than ten inches in diameter throughout the height of the clearview area;
4.
Whenever two provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard to the size, number or placement of a sign, the more restrictive shall apply;
5.
Maximum brightness levels for electric signs shall not exceed eight thousand nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness during daylight hours, and five hundred nits when measured from the sign's face at its maximum brightness between dusk and dawn.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.080 Projecting signs.
A.
Projecting and freestanding signs shall comply with the following provisions:
1.
No more than one-third of the height of any projecting sign shall exceed the height of the building to which it is attached;
2.
All signs projecting over the public right-of-way other than alleys shall conform to the following standards:
Clearance Above Grade | Maximum Projection |
|---|---|
Less than 8 feet | Not permitted |
8 feet to 9 feet | 1 foot |
9 feet to 10 feet | 2 feet |
Over 10 feet | 2/3 the distance from building to curb line or a maximum of 7 feet |
No sign shall be closer than two feet from the curb line.
3.
All signs projecting over alley rights-of-way shall conform to the following standards:
Clearance Above Grade | Maximum Projection |
|---|---|
Less than 14 feet | Not permitted |
14 feet to 16 feet | 1 foot |
More than 16 feet | 3 feet |
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.090 Freestanding signs.
A.
All freestanding signs shall comply with the following provisions:
1.
Freestanding signs shall comply with all the provisions of Section 20.204.080, Projecting signs.
2.
Freestanding signs shall include, as part of the design, landscaping about the base or other approved means to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign and to improve the overall appearance of installation.
3.
Maximum height shall comply with the sign height requirements of the zoning district in which the sign is located.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.100 Roof signs.
A.
All roof signs shall comply with the following provisions:
1.
Roof signs shall be erected so as to appear from all sides as a wall sign applied to an existing penthouse which appears to be a part of the building itself.
2.
The aggregate height of a building and its roof sign must not exceed the maximum allowable height of a structure in that district in which they are located.
3.
All roof signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there is no visual support structure.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.110 Wall signs.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.120 Temporary signs.
A.
No Permit Required. No sign permit is required for temporary signs.
B.
Removal. Temporary signs shall be removed if the sign is in need of repair, is worn, dilapidated, or creates a public nuisance.
C.
Materials. See definition of "temporary sign."
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 under Chapter 10.27.
E.
City Right-of-Way Outside of the Roadway. Temporary signs are prohibited in the roadway, including street medians. Temporary signs on city right-of-way placed outside of the roadway must comply with the following requirements:
1.
Location. 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, or as conditioned in a right-of-way use permit. Approval of the abutting owner is required.
2.
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 a right-of-way use permit.
3.
Size and Height. Limited to four square feet, and three feet in height.
4.
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.
5.
Other Signs. The city may allow other signs in city right-of-way with a right-of-way use permit.
F.
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.
Residential Neighborhood Zone. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed four square feet in size and five 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.
Multifamily Residential Zone. Temporary freestanding signs shall not exceed six square feet in size and five 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.
G.
Nonresidential Zones. Temporary signs are allowed on nonresidentially 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 20.204.190.
2.
Freestanding Signs (Including Post-Mounted, Stake and Portable Signs).
a.
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.
3.
Surface-Mounted Signs.
H.
Temporary Signs on Large Properties, Residential or Nonresidentially 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:
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.130 Portable signs.
A.
Location Requirements.
1.
Central Commercial District. Portable signs may be placed on the sidewalk in front of a business in the Central Commercial District zone as described by the city of Walla Walla zoning code map. The sign shall be located within the area bounded by the curb and the extended lines of the building face, and shall be placed in accordance with city engineering standard plans. Signs shall not interfere with access to fire hydrants, street benches, trash receptacles or other street furniture.
Conditions of the portable sign permit shall include liability insurance in a form and an amount required by the city, and a hold-harmless agreement to the benefit of the city in a form required by the city, before a portable sign may be placed on the sidewalk or on any other public right-of-way.
2.
Other Zones When Permitted by Section 20.204.210, Sign Table. All portable signs located in districts other than the Central Commercial District must be displayed entirely on private property and meet all other applicable standards of this code.
B.
Number of Signs. No business or other approved use shall display more than one portable sign.
C.
Hours of Placement. Portable signs shall be displayed only during operating hours of the business or other approved use.
D.
Materials and Design Standards.
1.
Portable signs shall be made of plywood, dimension lumber, plastic, Masonite or similar weather-resistant material. They shall be constructed so that they do not present sharp edges or protrusions which would present a hazard to pedestrians. Portable signs shall not be electrified and shall not have any mechanical or moving parts except locking wheels on the sign base are permitted.
2.
Any portable sign shall have a maximum display surface of eight square feet per side and shall in no case exceed a total of sixteen square feet, all sides.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.140 On-premises directional signs.
A.
On-premises directional signs viewable from the public right-of-way may contain both directions and the business name or logo provided the business name or logo shall not exceed fifty percent of the sign area. All on-premises directional signs shall meet the general provisions of this section, and shall not exceed ten square feet per sign face.
B.
On-premises directional signs are not included in calculation to determine the number of signs and the allowable sign area per parcel.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.150 Off-premises directional signs.
A.
Off-premises directional signs are permitted where allowed under Section 20.204.210, Sign Table; provided, that:
1.
Each approved use is permitted one off-premises directional sign;
2.
The off-premises directional sign contains only directional information and does not exceed fifteen square feet in area nor fifteen feet in height;
3.
The off-premises directional signs are permanently installed on private property;
4.
Only one off-premises directional sign is permitted on a parcel;
5.
Off-premises signs will be included in calculations to determine the number of signs and the allowable sign area on the parcel upon which the sign is located.
B.
The Walla Walla city engineer may permit placement of a motorist information sign in a public right-of-way of the city of Walla Walla as follows:
1.
An applicant must file a right-of-way permit with the city of Walla Walla.
2.
An activity for which a motorist information sign is requested must be eligible as provided in WAC 468-70-050(1).
3.
The motorist information sign must comply with the signing detail requirements of WAC 468-70-060 and the signing detail requirements of this chapter to the extent that it does not conflict with WAC 468-70-060.
4.
A motorist information sign must be located at least three hundred feet, and not further than one mile, away from the activity to which it gives direction.
5.
Where there is insufficient spacing for both official traffic control signs and motorist information sign panels, the official traffic control signs only shall be installed.
6.
Where there is insufficient space available to install all of the motorist information signs requested by applicants, priority shall be given to existing authorized signs, then, to the earliest complete application filed.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.160 Billboards.
Billboards are not permitted in any district.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.170 Co-sponsored signs.
A.
Co-sponsored signs advertising a product or service which is not the primary product or service of the subject business shall conform to the following:
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.180 Multiple building complexes and multiple tenant building signs.
A.
The following provisions shall apply to signs for multiple building complexes and multiple tenant buildings:
1.
Number of Freestanding Signs. Each multiple building complex shall be allowed one freestanding sign on each street frontage; provided, that, when the street frontage is longer than four hundred feet, two freestanding signs or a single larger freestanding sign can be erected in accordance with the provisions of the district in which it is located.
2.
No freestanding sign shall be placed closer than two hundred feet to any other freestanding sign on the same property.
3.
When a multiple tenant building is included in a multiple building complex, the multiple tenant building is considered a single tenant of the complex.
4.
The allowable freestanding sign(s) may be used to advertise one or more of the uses in the multiple building complex or multiple tenant building.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.190 Window signs.
A.
No permit shall be issued for a permanent window sign which does not comply with the following standards:
1.
Number. No more than one permanent window sign may be placed in a single window.
2.
Window Coverage. Window signs (temporary and permanent) shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the window on which they are displayed.
3.
Location. No higher than second-story windows for permanent window signs. (For the requirements applicable to temporary window signs, see Section 20.204.120.)
4.
Zone. Allowed in all nonresidential zones.
5.
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 (A)(5).
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.200 Sign faces and measurements.
A.
Single-Face Sign. A single-face sign is one with advertising on only one surface of the sign.
B.
Double-Face Sign. A double-face sign is one with advertising on two surfaces back-to-back.
C.
Multi-Face Sign. A multi-face sign is one with more than one sign unit.
D.
Size.
1.
The size of a sign shall be the entire area within any type of parameter or border which encloses the outer limits of any writing, representation, emblem, figure, or character. The area of the sign having no such parameter or border shall be computed by enclosing the entire area within a parallelogram or a triangle of the smallest size sufficient to cover the entire area of the sign in computing the area of the parallelogram or triangle.
2.
With respect to two-sided, multi-sided, or three-dimensional signs, the sign surface area shall be computed by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information that can be seen at any one time by a person from one vantage point. In addition to the general statement above, the following specific standards also apply:
a.
The sign surface area of a double-faced, back-to-back sign shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign, so long as the distance between the backs of said signs does not exceed three feet;
b.
This sign surface area of a double-faced sign constructed in the form of a "V" shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign (the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the angle of the "V" does not exceed thirty degrees and at no point does the distance between the backs of such sides exceed five feet.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.210 Sign table.
A sign table is established and contained herein as a tool for the purpose of determining the specific sign standards applicable in each zoning district or if a sign is permitted or not permitted within a particular zoning district.
Sign Table | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RN | RM | CC | CH | IL/C, IH, and AD | |
Name Plate Number, size, location | 1, 2 sq. ft. | 1, 2 sq. ft. | 1 per business/occupant; 2 sq. ft. | 1, 2 sq. ft. | 1, 2 sq. ft. |
Freestanding Signs Number, size, height, location | 1, 12 sq. ft., max height 10 ft., 15 ft. setback | 1, 16 sq. ft., max height 10 ft., 15 ft. setback | 1 per each street frontage; 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of frontage to a max 150 sq. ft. | 1 per street frontage, 1.5 sq. ft. of area per foot of frontage, up to 200 sq. ft., max height 35 ft., 0 setback except when abutting residential zones | 1 per street frontage, 1.5 sq. ft. of area per foot of frontage, up to 200 sq. ft., max height 35 ft., 0 setback except when abutting residential zones |
Projecting Signs Number, size, height, location | 1, 12 sq. ft., 10 ft. high, 15 ft. setback | 1, 16 sq. ft., 10 ft. high, 15 ft. setback | 1 per business/occupant; 32 sq. ft. | 1 per street frontage, 1.5 sq. ft. of area per foot of frontage, up to 200 sq. ft. | 1 per street frontage, 1.5 sq. ft. of area per foot of frontage, up to 200 sq. ft. |
Portable Signs Number, size, height, location | 1, total sq. ft. ≤ 12, each side ≤ 8, private property only | 1, total sq. ft. ≤ 16, each side ≤ 8, private property only | 1, total sq. ft. ≤ 16, each side ≤ 8, sidewalk allowed, see Section 20.204.130(A)(1) | 1, total sq. ft. ≤ 16, each side ≤ 8, private property only | 1, total sq. ft. ≤ 16, each side ≤ 8, private property only |
Wall Signs Number, size, height | 1, 12 sq. ft., 10 ft. high | 1, 16 sq. ft., 10 ft. high | Number not limited; coverage limited to 25 percent | No limit on number, max size 10% of wall face, 60 ft. high | No limit on number, max size 10% of wall face, 50 ft. high |
Roof Signs Number, size, height, location | x | x | 1 per parcel; 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of frontage to a max 150 sq. ft. | 1, 1.5 sq. ft. per foot of frontage, up to 200 sq. ft., 65 ft. high | 1, 1.5 sq. ft. per foot of frontage, up to 200 sq. ft., 55 ft. high |
Off-Premises Directional Signs See 20.204.150 | x | x | 1, 15 sq. ft. max | P | P |
Internally Lit Signs | x | x | See downtown standards | P | P |
Multi-Building/Multi-Tenant Complex Signs See 20.204.180 | x | P | P, up to 32 sq. ft. | P | P |
Electronic Message Center Sign | x | x | x | 1, 1/2 sq. ft. per foot of frontage, up to 80 sq. ft. | 1, 1/2 sq. ft. per foot of frontage, up to 80 sq. ft. |
Additional Provisions | Only 1 freestanding, projecting, or portable sign allowed – site cannot have all 3. Total area of all signs on site ≤ 24 sq. ft. | Only 1 freestanding, projecting, or portable sign allowed – site cannot have all 3. Total area of all signs on site ≤ 32 sq. ft. | Conformance with downtown design standards for signs in the downtown area is required. Section 20.178.110, Signage. | No combination of sign areas shall be > 200 sq. ft., excluding multi-building/multi-tenant complexes | No combination of sign areas shall be > 200 sq. ft., excluding multi-building/multi-tenant complexes |
Notes: |
"x" Not Permitted |
"P" Permitted |
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.215 Signs allowed in the MHC zone.
Signs in the MHC zone shall be subject to review by the SPRC for appropriateness of size, scale, and surrounding uses. Signs in the MHC shall never be more permissive than what is allowed for the CH zone.
(Ord. 2023-02 § 17, 2023)
§ 20.204.220 Signs allowed in the PR zone.
Signs in the PR zone shall be subject to review by the SPRC for appropriateness of size, scale, and surrounding uses. Signs in the PR zone shall never be more permissive than what is allowed for the CH zone.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.230 Signs allowed in the UPC zone.
Regulations for signs in the Urban Planned Community (UPC) zone shall be determined during the review/development agreement process of a UPC. A sign program for the development shall guide sign regulations within a given UPC. Sign programs shall not be more permissive than regulations for signs in the CH zone.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.240 Legal nonconforming signs.
A.
Any sign lawfully existing under all codes and ordinances in effect at the time this chapter is enacted or amended may continue to be maintained and operated as a legal nonconforming sign so long as it remains otherwise lawful; provided, that:
1.
No sign shall be changed in any manner that increases its noncompliance with the provisions of this code;
2.
If the sign is structurally altered or moved, its legal nonconforming status shall be voided, and the sign will be required to conform to the provisions of this code; and
3.
The sign is not a hazardous or abandoned sign.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.250 Minor variance of sign standards.
Subject to the provisions of this section and Section 20.220.020, Minor variance, the director may authorize a minor variance of up to ten percent of a dimensional requirement of this chapter. The director may attach conditions to the approval to accomplish the purpose and intent of this chapter.
A design plan as outlined in Section 20.204.260 is required as part of the application for a minor variance to a sign standard.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.260 Design plan.
A.
A design plan is required whenever a minor variance from sign standards is proposed, or when required as part of a detailed site plan (Section 20.46.050, Detailed site plan form and contents). The design plan shall include a narrative and graphic representation, including, but not limited to, the following:
1.
The physical components of the sign including sign size, height, shape, color, location and associated landscaping; and
2.
A description of how the sign relates to the immediate surroundings, including existing and proposed structures, other signs, power lines or traffic signals, neighboring land uses and the character of the zoning district; and
3.
For multiple tenant buildings and multiple building complexes a description of how the available sign area will be allocated between tenants or leasable spaces.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.270 Variances.
Except as allowed by Section 20.204.250 no reduction of the standards in this chapter is allowed except pursuant to Chapter 20.220, Variances.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)
§ 20.204.280 Abatement required.
Abatement shall be as set forth in Chapter 8.07, Nuisance Procedures.
(Ord. 2019-38 § 21 (part), 2019)