Yacolt City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
85 SIGNS
§ 18.85.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to add sign requirements common to the several zoning districts for the preservation of the character of the areas, structures, and uses; the needs of residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural potential; the need for healthful, safe, and convenient use of all lands, and the conservation and promulgation of values and resources. These requirements include, but are not limited to, standards relating to the number, size, placement and physical characteristics of signs. In addition, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an effective administrative process for the review and enforcement of these standards to protect and improve the aesthetic quality of the community.
(Ord. 371 § 13(A), 1997)
§ 18.85.020 Scope.
The signage covered under this chapter includes, but is not limited to, all commercial signs and wall graphics; professional and business signs; home business and home occupation signs; banners, balloons, flags and other temporary signage. It is not intended to regulate traffic signs or other governmental street signs, doorway identification nameplates, holiday decorations, informational signs, temporary interior window signage or memorial signs. Also, it is not intended to regulate signage which is not visible from adjacent properties or from public rights-of-way. Further it is not intended to regulate the display of the national or state flag.
(Ord. 371 § 13(B), 1997)
§ 18.85.030 Signs prohibited.
Erection or maintenance of signs having any of the following characteristics is prohibited in the town:
A.
Signs which bear or contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene nature;
B.
Signs advertising activities that are illegal under state or federal laws or regulations in effect at the location of such signs or at the locations of such activities;
C.
A sign which does not bear the names of the owner or person responsible for the maintenance of the advertising sign;
D.
Signs artificially illuminated which are of such intensity or placed in such manner as to interfere with, or impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle;
E.
Signs which attempt or appear to attempt to direct the movement of traffic by interfering with, imitating or resembling any official traffic sign, signal or device;
F.
Signs which prevent the driver of a vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of official signs and approaching or merging traffic;
G.
Signs which exceed a height of 35 feet;
H.
Signs located or projecting within the town right-of-way unless a written street use permit has been obtained;
I.
Rooftop and rotating signs;
J.
Portable signs, temporary signs, flags and banners unless a temporary sign permit has been approved by the town;
K.
Signs containing strobe lights which are visible from beyond the property line;
L.
Any sign not specifically permitted by this chapter, excluding those signs identified in the scope of this chapter;
M.
Signs which contain flashing lights which exceed more than 10 percent of the area of the sign.
(Ord. 371 § 13(C), 1997)
§ 18.85.040 Sign permits.
A.
Sign Permits Required. Sign permits shall be required for all permanent signs exceeding 16 square feet. Permit applications shall include description of all proposed signs, as prescribed by the town. Sign permits are required for all signs which are authorized under this chapter. The sign permit shall only be issued if it complies with all of the applicable provisions of this chapter and the building code. One sign permit application may include all signs proposed for the premises. In addition, a temporary sign permit may include all temporary signs proposed within one year.
(Ord. 371 § 13(D), 1997)
§ 18.85.050 Signs unrestricted by zoning district.
The following types of signs are permitted in all zoning districts, unless specifically excluded in a particular zone. In such case, individual regulations for that zone shall apply.
A.
For the purpose of advertising a real estate subdivision, a temporary sign is permitted at each entrance of an officially recorded plat; provided, the sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area.
B.
For the purpose of identifying a subdivision, range, estate, or farm, a permanent sign may be erected as an integral part of a gate or entrance structure; provided, there are not more than two signs; each of which does not exceed 32 square feet in area.
C.
For the purpose of restricting the use of property, signs are permitted along the boundary line of a publicly or privately owned tract of land. Each such sign shall not exceed two square feet in area. In addition, at the entrance of such tract of land, one sign shall be permitted not to exceed 16 square feet in area.
D.
For the purpose of identifying or giving information pertaining to a public or semi-public institution, signs identifying the type of institution or related buildings are permitted. Each such sign shall not exceed 128 square feet in area. In addition, one bulletin board is permitted, not to exceed 32 square feet in area.
E.
For the purpose of identifying the entrance, exit, traffic direction, and parking facilities of public or private property on premises, signs are permitted not exceeding eight square feet in area and eight feet in height.
F.
For the purpose of endorsing political candidates or ballot propositions, or advertising fairs, rodeos, or similar temporary activities, the planning director shall issue a special permit for a temporary sign or group of signs. Such signs shall be removed by the permittee within 15 days following cessation of the activities for which the sign application was made. The maximum area of these signs shall be 32 square feet.
G.
For the purpose of giving directions, off-premises signs may be permitted subject to a conditional use permit, specifying the size, location and design. Such signs shall be limited to 32 square feet or less in area, unless it is sufficiently demonstrated that a larger sign is warranted in order to be adequately seen. Also, signs shall be limited to those which are necessary to direct or inform the public as to the location of publicly owned facilities, historical points of interest, institutions, businesses, or business districts, fraternal orders, and service clubs. No such sign shall be permitted until a public hearing has been held.
H.
For the purpose of identifying the architect, engineer, or contractor of work under construction, one temporary sign is permitted, not exceeding 32 square feet in area.
I.
For the purpose of informing and directing traffic, on-premises directional signs, menu boards and height warning signs are permitted; provided, the signs are not oriented to and not intended to be legible from a street or other private property; further providing, that menu board and on-site directional signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.
(Ord. 371 § 13(E), 1997)
§ 18.85.060 Nonconforming signs.
Nonconforming signs shall be subject to the conditions set forth below:
A.
A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall not be altered or enlarged in any manner unless such alteration or enlargement would bring the sign into conformity with the signs permitted in the zoning district in which it is located; provided, the restriction against alteration does not apply to copy or panel changes where the sign area and shape is maintained.
B.
Any nonconforming sign or sign structure may be maintained with ordinary care.
(Ord. 371 § 13(F), 1997)
§ 18.85.070 Signs facing residential districts.
No sign advertising a business which is not conducted on the premises or a commodity or service which is not the preliminary product of sale or services on the premises shall face or be oriented toward any adjoining or abutting residential district within 200 feet of the premises on which the sign is to be placed.
(Ord. 371 § 13(G), 1997)
§ 18.85.080 On-site interference.
The location and structural design of freestanding signs shall be such as to not interfere with the safe and efficient use of off-street parking and loading areas, including aisle-ways and access driveways.
(Ord. 371 § 13(H), 1997)
§ 18.85.090 Lighted signs as nuisance.
Illuminated signs shall be placed so as not to be a nuisance to any residents or future residents of adjacent residentially zoned property within 200 feet of the sign. A nuisance shall be defined as flashing lights or lights of such intensity which may interfere with the residents' peaceful occupancy of their home. As part of a sign permit or site plan review process, the town may require signs to be screened, shielded, relocated or the lighting adjusted or other measures to mitigate a potential interference with adjoining residentially zoned property.
(Ord. 371 § 13(I), 1997)
§ 18.85.100 Enforcement.
Upon presentation of proper credentials, the mayor or an agent of the town may enter at reasonable times a building or structure, or upon any premises in the town, to perform any duty imposed upon him by this chapter. He or she may inspect or reinspect all signs at his or her discretion.
(Ord. 371 § 13(J), 1997)
§ 18.85.110 Removal of signs in violation of this title.
If the mayor or agent of the town finds that any advertising sign is erected or maintained in violation of these regulations, or is erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he or she may direct Clark County code enforcement to, pursuant to Section 32 of the Clark County Code, send a notice and order to the owner of the advertising sign and/or the owner of the building or premises to bring it into compliance or to remove it within 10 working days; provided, that signs which are deemed to be a health and safety hazard shall be required to be removed immediately. If compliance is not achieved, the mayor may direct Clark County code enforcement to take appropriate action or proceedings to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violation, including fines and enforcement pursuant to Section 32 of the Clark County Code.
(Ord. 371 § 13(K), 1997)
§ 18.85.120 Maintenance and appearance of signs.
All advertising signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition. All advertising signs and the sites upon which they are located shall be maintained in a neat, clear, and attractive condition, and advertising signs shall be kept free from excessive rust, corrosion, peeling paint or other surface deterioration. The display surface of all outdoor advertising structures shall be kept neatly painted or posted.
(Ord. 371 § 13(L), 1997)
§ 18.85.130 Abandoned signs.
Except as provided in this chapter, any person who owns or leases a sign shall remove such sign when either the function has discontinued or business it advertises has discontinued on the premises on which the sign is located; or when the sign is no longer properly repaired or maintained as required by this chapter.
(Ord. 371 § 13(M), 1997)