§ 21.44

This chapter provides standards for on-premises signs to safeguard life, health, property, safety, and public welfare, including aesthetics and the visual environment, while encouraging creativity, variety, compatible design, and enhancement of the City's image. The City recognizes that the location, number, size and design of signs significantly influences the City's visual environment and the perception of the City's economic condition. The specific purposes of this chapter are to:

A.

Provide each sign user an opportunity for effective identification by regulating the time, place, and manner under which signs may be displayed;

B.

Maintain a content-neutral approach to sign regulation so as not to inhibit protected forms of freedom of expression;

C.

Regulate the number and size of signs according to standards consistent with the purpose of the City's various zoning districts and the intent of the Zoning Regulations;

D.

Protect all zoning districts from the adverse impacts of excessive numbers or sizes of signs, and signs of poor quality design;

E.

Encourage creative, well-designed signs that contribute in a positive way to the City's visual environment, and help maintain an image of quality for the City;

F.

Ensure that signs are responsive to the aesthetics and character of their particular location (adjacent buildings and surrounding neighborhood), and that signs are compatible and integrated with their building's architectural character and design (including historic elements), and with other signs on the site; and

G.

Ensure the quality of the City's visual environment and appearance by avoiding sign clutter, signs of excessive size, and signs of poor quality design, and by subjecting certain signs to the necessary discretionary processes.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

On-premises signs are permitted in all districts as accessory uses only, subject to the provisions outlined in this chapter.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

A.

Required. A sign permit is required to display, enlarge, modify, relocate or change in any way, other than to perform general maintenance, repair or complete removal, an on-premises sign in any zoning district, unless such action is expressly exempted by this chapter.

B.

Jurisdiction. The Department of Development Services shall be responsible for reviewing sign permit applications and issuing sign permits.

C.

Filing of Application. Applications for sign permits shall be filed with the Director of Development Services on forms provided by the Department of Development Services. Filing fees, as established by resolution of the City Council, shall be filed with the application. Additional information shall be provided as required by the Director of Development Services.

D.

Time Limit. Permits shall be used within one hundred eighty (180) days of issuance, otherwise they shall be null and void.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

A waiver from the provisions of these sign regulations may be considered through the procedures set forth in this Section. However, any prohibited signs, including those listed in Section 21.44.600 and any sign not specifically permitted, shall not be approved except through the provisions of Division III (Standards Variance) of Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures.

A.

Sign standards waiver. Repealed.

B.

Creative sign permit.

This section establishes standards and procedures for the review and approval of Creative Sign Permits. The purposes of the Creative Sign Permit are to:

a.

Encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and

b.

Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the City, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.

2.

Applicability. An applicant may apply for a Creative Sign Permit in order to request approval of development standards that differ from the provisions of this chapter, but comply with the purpose and findings of this section. However, the Creative Sign Permit process shall not be used to allow any prohibited sign type or feature.

3.

Application. A Creative Sign Permit application shall include all information and materials required by the Department, and the filing fee as specified in a fee resolution to be adopted by the City Council.

4.

Approval authority. An application for a Creative Sign Permit shall be subject to review and approval or disapproval by the Site Plan Review Committee, under the procedures set forth in Chapter 21.25 (Specific Procedures), Division V—Site Plan Review.

5.

Findings. The Site Plan Review Committee shall not approve a Creative Sign Permit unless the proposed sign meets the following design criteria (in addition to the findings required in Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures):

a.

Design quality. The sign shall:

i.

Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

ii.

Be of unique design, and exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and

iii.

Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture.

b.

Contextual criteria. The sign shall contain at least one (1) of the following elements:

i.

Classic historic design style;

ii.

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City; or

iii.

Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.

c.

Architectural criteria. The sign shall:

i.

Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and

ii.

Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's facade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the facade.

d.

Impacts on surrounding uses. The sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.

C.

Sign Program.

1.

This section establishes standards and procedures for the review and approval of Sign Programs. The purpose of a Sign Program is to:

a.

Ensure that all signs on a subject property are of complementary style and design, and are compatible with the architecture and theme of the property,

b.

Provide a process for the review of said signs to ensure that new developments or major remodels achieve the highest quality of design by complementing the development with high-quality signs, and

c.

Establish special sign criteria and standards for a given property when such additional regulation or waivers from the provisions of this chapter are considered appropriate and beneficial.

2.

Applicability. Application for a Sign Program shall be required for the following:

a.

Any sign application submittal for five (5) or more new or replacement signs (not including minor, exempt, or temporary signs) intended to be placed on a site,

b.

Any new commercial, industrial or, institutional building(s),

c.

Any new mixed-use development with three (3) or more nonresidential tenant spaces, and

d.

Any residential project consisting of five (5) or more new dwelling units.

3.

Application. A Sign Program application shall include all information and materials required by the Department, and the filing fee as specified in a fee resolution to be adopted by the City Council.

4.

Approval authority. An application for a Sign Program shall be subject to review and approval or disapproval by the Site Plan Review Committee, under the procedures set forth in Chapter 21.25 (Specific Procedures), Division V—Site Plan Review.

5.

Findings. The Site Plan Review Committee shall not approve a Sign Program unless the proposed Sign Program meets the following design criteria (in addition to the findings required in Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures):

a.

All signs in the Sign Program are designed in such a manner so as to be internally consistent, coordinated, and whole within themselves, and harmonious with any existing signs remaining on the site.

b.

Any existing signs on the site, if they are to remain, are of high quality design and materials, and complement the existing or proposed building and architecture, and will be complemented by the new signs in the Sign Program as well.

c.

All signs in the Sign Program will complement and enhance the architectural theme of the subject property.

d.

All signs in the Sign Program comply with the standards of this chapter, unless specific exemptions have been granted in the interest of enhanced design and compatibility, and such exemptions are not contrary to the intent of this chapter.

6.

Waiver of standards. A waiver from the development standards of this chapter may be granted for signs in a Sign Program if the findings required for a Creative Sign Permit are made by the Site Plan Review Committee, and the waiver will achieve the specified purpose of a Creative Sign Permit. However, prohibited signs shall not be approved through a Sign Program.

D.

Neon Outlining or Architectural lighting of Buildings. Neon tubing lighting, stringed lighting, and other architectural lighting used to outline buildings or emphasize architectural elements of a building shall not be considered signs or sign illumination, but rather an architectural element subject to review and approval through the site plan review process as specified in Division V of Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

21.44.050 - General performance and development standards for all signs.

A.

Signs Subject to Standards. All signs shall be subject to the development standards specified in this chapter. The only exceptions shall be for signs that receive waivers from specific standards subject to the Creative Sign Permit or Standards Variance processes; all other standards shall continue to apply.

B.

Measurement of sign area. Where sign area is required to be measured for the purposes of this chapter, it shall be measured in accordance with the definition of "sign area" contained in Section 21.15.2530. See Figure 44-1.

==> picture [432 x 111] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 44-1. Measurement of sign area.

C.

Maintenance. All signs shall be kept in a well-maintained condition. No sign shall be displayed which, in the judgment of the Director of Development Services, or his or her designee, is not in good repair and maintained in a safe condition. All signs must be kept free from deterioration, free from defective parts, free from burned out lamps and peeling paint, and must be able to withstand the wind pressure for which it was originally designed.

D.

Removal of signs. The following shall apply to removal of signs:

1.

Time limit. Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this chapter, a sign shall be removed within thirty (30) days of disuse of the business, building, or other establishment for which it was emplaced.

2.

Repair of building after removal. Within thirty (30) days of the removal of a sign from a building, the wall of the building shall be repaired to remove any blemish left by the removal.

3.

Complete removal. When a sign is removed, all supporting structures, cabinets, frames and other appurtenances of the sign shall be removed as well.

E.

Prohibited sign copy. The primary purpose of an on-premises sign is identification, and not advertising; therefore no major sign, special major sign, or minor sign subject to this chapter shall display prices for products or services. Changeable copy signs, promotional activity signs, electronic message center signs, and gas station price signs are exempt from this restriction.

F.

Contact information. In addition to other permitted sign copy, up to three (3) square feet of the allowable sign area may be used to display contact information for the on-premises establishment where the sign is located. This may take the form of telephone numbers, email or web addresses, and the like.

G.

Clearance. The vertical clearance between grade and the lowest point of a sign projecting over a pedestrian or vehicular path shall be eight feet (8') for pedestrian use and fifteen feet (15') for vehicular use. No sign shall project over an alley or at-grade parking space.

H.

Light control. No sign or sign lighting source shall cause or allow trespass of light onto any adjacent property, any residential dwelling unit, or into the public right-of-way.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

The following standards shall apply to the design of all signs subject to this chapter, for the purpose of carrying out the intent and achieving the goals of this chapter set forth in Section 21.44.010 - Purpose:

A.

Character. Signs shall enhance the public realm and aid in the creation of a street's character. No sign shall impede pedestrian traffic, block sight lines in the public viewshed, or disturb adjacent residences.

B.

Complementary. The color, material, scale, lettering, and lighting shall complement the surrounding street environment and buildings that the sign addresses.

C.

Size. Signs shall never overpower the building. The sign shall fit comfortably into the architecture and character of the building or storefront. Signs shall be mounted in a manner that does not detract from the building's architectural presence and aesthetics.

D.

Audience. Signs intended for tourists, locals, or different age groups can suffer from poor sign design. Therefore, regardless of the intended audience, sign design shall conform to these design principles.

E.

Concise. Information on signs shall be brief, clear, and simple with appropriately-sized lettering, and a clear information hierarchy. When appropriate, symbols may be used in place of text.

F.

Illumination. Lighting used with signs shall be focused and minimal, especially for exterior-lit signs. Lighting shall be in scale with the sign and building. Design of sign illumination shall make every effort to avoid contributing to night-sky light pollution.

G.

Consistency. Signs shall be consistent across a building or property. If multiple tenants are listed on a single sign or a multi-tenant building, variation between size and typeface of tenant names and color shall be limited to a palette of three (3) or fewer options.

H.

Timelessness. Sign design should convey a timeless character of a street, place, or business, and should avoid design tendencies associated with fleeting trends. Signs also shall be designed with durable, longlasting materials, and shall be well-maintained.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

21.44.062 - Additional design standards for nonresidential signs.

In addition to the design standards for all signs specified in Section 21.44.060, the following design standards shall apply to all nonresidential signs:

A.

Signs should be consistent with the overall design and identity of the building, including the architecture and landscaping. Signs should complement the overall aesthetic of the building and site.

B.

If more than one (1) sign type is necessary on a single facade, all signs shall be scaled in a clear hierarchy and shall address different viewer orientations and audiences.

C.

Buildings with multiple tenants or storefronts shall use the same sign strategy at every entrance, storefront, or tenant suite, in order to reduce sign confusion and present an organized visual environment.

D.

If multiple tenants are listed on a single sign, size and typeface of tenant names shall be kept consistent.

E.

For sites with several buildings, or buildings that are part of an industrial, business, or institutional campus, sign consistency shall be ensured through the following:

1.

Signs shall be visible from the public rights-of-way bounding the site, and shall communicate the necessary information clearly.

2.

Since campuses may house multiple tenants of differing types, the design identity of signs shall be capable of incorporating an array of styles and typefaces for the differing names and logos. However, the size of tenant names, logos, and color palettes shall be consistent with each other.

F.

Pedestrian-oriented signs are encouraged. Signs shall be scaled appropriately, including window signs, projecting (blade) signs, directory signs, and other pedestrian-oriented signs.

G.

Illumination should be used to accent signs, consistent with the building's character. Trespass of light and glare from sign illumination onto any adjacent dwelling units or other property, whether residential or nonresidential, is strictly prohibited.

H.

Signs and wayfinding features shall be incorporated with public art or placemaking objects where possible.

I.

Placement of signs in the public right-of-way should be uniform and designed at the correct scale for the intended reader, for both motorists and pedestrians.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

In addition to the design standards for all signs specified in Section 21.44.060, the following design standards shall apply to all residential signs:

A.

Signs should be integrated with the building's architecture and landscaping. Signs should be consistent with the design approach and convey a clear hierarchy of information.

B.

Signs shall identify primary entrances, the street address, and other necessary information, while maintaining an understated and minimal aesthetic.

C.

Mixed-use (commercial and residential) projects with commercial uses on the ground floor shall comply with the design standards for nonresidential signs specified in Section 21.44.062.

D.

Illumination shall be designed to ensure adequate sign visibility and safety, but shall never create light trespass into residential units or onto adjacent properties.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)