Chapter 23.119 — Unified Sign Program

The purpose of the unified sign program is to adopt unique and specific design and development standards for multitenant and mixeduse developments. The intent is to integrate a project's signs with the design of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement. A unified sign program provides a means for defining common sign regulations for multitenant projects, to encourage maximum incentive and latitude in design and display of multiple signs, and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this code. (Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.7.010); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-2014 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

A unified sign program shall be required for:

• A. All new multitenant shopping centers, integrated developments, office parks, and other multitenant or mixed-use development of three or more separate tenants/uses that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities;

• B. All redesign, remodel, or redevelopment of existing uses as identified in RCMC § 23.743.030(D)(2) where more than 50 percent of the building square footage or 50 percent of the building facade would be modified if not already covered by a unified sign program; and

• C. Any commercial development within the special sign corridor proposing a unified sign program as allowed in RCMC § 23.743.120(C)(2).

• (Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.7.020); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-2014 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

An application for a unified sign program shall be filed in accordance with RCMC § 23.110.040 (Application requirements). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Unified sign programs are a limited discretionary decision by the director as designated in RCMC § 23.104.030 (Recommending and approval authority).

(Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

No public hearing is required for director determination on a uniform sign program unless requested pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.110 (Notice of pending director determination and opportunity to request hearing). If a public hearing is requested, notice and hearing procedures shall be consistent with RCMC § 23.110.120 (Notice of public hearing) and RCMC § 23.110.130 (Public hearing procedures), respectively.

(Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The notice of decision shall be issued pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.140 (Notice of decision). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The approval authority shall approve, or approve with conditions, an application for a unified sign program after finding all of the following. If the approval authority does not make all of these findings, the unified sign program shall not be approved.

• A. The proposed sign program does not violate provisions of this zoning code and the municipal code.

• B. The proposed sign program is generally consistent with location, size, height, setback and other requirements of the underlying zoning district and applicable design guidelines for signs permitted with or without a unified sign program requirement.

• C. The appearance, scale, materials, design and graphics, and orientation of signs are in keeping with the character of the site and buildings, and the surrounding neighborhood.

• D. Approval of the unified sign program would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare, or materially injurious to persons, property, or improvements in the vicinity in which the project is located.

If the director does not make all of these findings, he/she shall deny the unified sign program. (Formerly 23.119.040; Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.7.040); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-2014 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

In approving a unified sign program, the approval authority may impose any reasonable conditions to ensure that the approval will comply with the required findings as well as any performance criteria and development standards contained within this code. (Formerly 23.119.050; Ord. 12-2014 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Appeal of a unified sign program may be filed pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.160 (Appeals). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Generally, unified sign programs don't expire. However, where a uniform sign program is approved with other entitlements for new construction, the life of the uniform sign program shall coincide with the expiration or extension of said entitlements. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

An applicant may request an amendment to a unified sign program after the final written decision is issued. Amendments shall be processed in accordance with RCMC § 23.110.180 (Amendments). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))