§ 17.30.030. General sign and street graphics regulations.

A.

Compliance. Each sign or part of a sign erected within the zoning jurisdiction of the city must comply with the provisions of this chapter, other relevant provisions of the this code, and applicable building codes.

B.

Resolution of Conflicting Regulations. This chapter is not meant to repeal or interfere with enforcement of other sections of this code. In cases of conflicts between code sections, state or federal regulations, the more restrictive regulations shall apply.

C.

Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.

1.

Obsolete Signs. Signs that advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.

2.

Signs or sign structures which resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices, which mislead or confuse persons traveling on public streets, or which create a traffic hazard.

3.

Banners, Balloons, Posters. Signs which contain or consist of banners, balloons, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similarly moving devices, except as specifically provided in this section. These devices when not part of any sign shall also be prohibited.

4.

Signs which create a safety hazard by obstructing the clear view of pedestrians or vehicles, or which obscure official signs or signals.

5.

Portable Signs. Signs that are not permanently anchored or secured to either a building or the ground.

6.

Off-premise Signs on Public Property. Off premise signs located on public property is being used for public purposes.

7.

Flashing Signs. No flashing, blinking, or rotation lights shall be permitted for either permanent or temporary signs.

8.

Moving Signs. No sign shall be permitted any part of which moves by any mechanical or electronic means.

9.

Painted Wall Signs. Off-premise signs painted on building walls.

D.

Exempt Signs. The following signs are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of this chapter.

1.

Real Estate Signs. Signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the signs are displayed. One temporary non-illuminated sign shall be permitted on each premises. Such signs shall not exceed a size of nine square feet and shall not extend higher than four feet above grade level in residential developments and commercial developments with less than two acres in parcel size. Such signs shall not exceed eight feet in horizontal dimension and four feet in vertical dimension, and shall not extend higher than ten feet above grade level in commercial developments with more than two acres in parcel size. Such signs shall not extend closer than twenty-five feet to the curbline or edge of pavement unless located on the wall of a building. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the disposition of the premises.

2.

Construction Signs. Signs identifying the architect, engineer, contractor or other individuals involved in the construction of a building and such signs announcing the character of the building enterprise or the purpose for which the building is intended but not including product advertising. One nonilluminated sign not to exceed fifty square feet shall be permitted per street frontage. Such sign shall not extend higher than ten feet above grade level and meet the front yard requirement for a principal structure unless located on the wall of a building on the premises or on a protective barricade surrounding the construction. Such signs shall be removed within one week following completion of construction.

3.

Political Campaign Signs. Signs announcing candidates seeking public political office or pertinent political issues. Such signs shall be confined to private property and shall be removed within one week following the election to which they pertain.

4.

Street Banners. Signs advertising a public event, providing that specific approval is granted under regulations established by the city council.

5.

Seasonal Decorations. Signs pertaining to recognized national holidays and national observances.

6.

Public Signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or upon the order of a public officer in the performance of his public duty, such as safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest and other similar signs, including signs designating hospitals, libraries, schools and other institutions or places of public interest or concern.

7.

Integral Signs. Signs for churches or temples, or names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and other similar signs when carved into stone, concrete or other building material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of the structure to which they are attached.

8.

Window Signs. Such signs which are displayed inside of a window or within a building, provided, however, that neon window signs shall be permitted only in those districts where neon signs are permitted.

9.

Works of graphic art painted or applied to building walls which contain no advertising or business identification messages.

10.

Residential signs under two square feet in size.

11.

Neighborhood or subdivision identification signs under fifty square feet.

12.

Signs which are not visible from a public right-of-way, private way, or court or from a property other than that on which the sign is installed.

E.

Temporary and Civic Signs.

1.

Temporary or portable signs for grand openings, sales, and special events are permitted in commercial and industrial zoning districts, subject to the following requirements:

a.

Such signs are subject to the permit procedures set forth in this chapter.

b.

The size of such signs does not exceed the limitations set forth in Table 17.30C.

c.

No more than one such sign is permitted at any single premises.

d.

Temporary or portable signs may be present at any single premises for a maximum of thirty days per year.

2.

Temporary signs for nonprofit civic campaigns or events, political campaigns, or other non-commercial events are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of this chapter, subject to the following requirements:

a.

Such signs are installed no earlier than thirty days before the date of the event or election and removed no later than seven days after the date of the event or election.

b.

The maximum size of such signs is thirty-two square feet when located in any residential and LC limited commercial zoning district; and one hundred square feet in any other zoning district.

F.

Vision-Clearance Area. No sign may project into or be placed within a vision-clearance area defined by a triangle with legs of forty feet from the point at which the curbs or edges of two intersecting streets, private ways, or alleys, or an intersecting street, private way, alley, or driveway, meet.

(Ord. 1086 §17.1003, 2000)

(Ord. No. 1347, § 2, 12-2-2013)