Chapter 17.38

SIGNS

Sections:

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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This chapter provides standards for signs to safeguard life, health, property, safety, and public welfare, while encouraging compatibility, creativity, variety, and enhancement of the city’s small-town image. The specific purposes of sign regulation 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. Enable users of goods and services to identify establishments offering services to meet their needs.

• C. Ensure freedom of expression for all sign uses by maintaining a content-neutral approach to sign regulation.

• D. Regulate the number and size of signs according to standards consistent with the purpose of land use.

• E. Encourage creative, well-designed signs that contribute in a positive way to the city’s visual environment and help maintain a small-town image of quality for the city of Wasco.

• F. Ensure that older vintage commercial signs that are commonly looked upon as unique and part of Wasco’s small-town look are protected and able to be reestablished and maintained without meeting the requirements of this chapter.

• G. Ensure the quality of the city’s appearance by avoiding sign clutter. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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A. Signs Allowed. The sign standards in this chapter are intended to apply to all types of signs in the city, except for the downtown (Historic Downtown district), which has a specific and unique set of standards.

B. Exceptions. Exceptions to the standards of this chapter may be allowed through the approval of a sign exception in compliance with Section 17.38.150, Sign Exceptions.

C. Nonconforming Signs. An existing legally allowed sign that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming sign and shall be subject to the requirements of Section 17.38.130, Nonconforming Signs.

D. Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be required for all signs, including change of copy allowed under provisions of this chapter. Content of commercial advertising and/or identification shall be considered only to the extent required to confirm that the sign addresses products, services and/or identification of the premises where the sign is located. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The following signs are exempt from other requirements of this chapter if developed and maintained in compliance with the provisions/limitations of this section. All routine general maintenance and repair of signs shall be exempt from building permit approval:

A. Accessory Signs. Signs manufactured as a standard integral part of a mass-produced product accessory to a commercial or public or semi-public use, including automated teller machines, gasoline pumps, and telephone booths. The signs may contain the company’s name and/or logo only. No advertising message shall be provided.

B. Affiliation Signs. Signs that provide notices of services (e.g., credit cards accepted, trade affiliations). Signs or notices shall not exceed one square foot in area for each sign, and no more than three signs shall be allowed for each business.

C. City-Owned Signs. Signs owned and operated by the city of Wasco for community benefit.

D. Signs Within Interior Spaces. Signs within an interior arcade, courtyard, mall, or similar area and not visible or intended to be visible from an alley, parking lot, or street.

E. Site Address. Limited to two for each street address. Individual numbers and letters shall have a minimum height of four inches and width of two inches and shall not exceed a height of eight inches for residential uses and twenty-four inches for nonresidential uses.

F. Identification Signs on Construction Sites. Such signs shall be limited to one directory or pictorial display sign per street frontage or entrance up to a maximum of two signs, identifying all contractors and other parties (including lender, realtor, subcontractors, etc.). Each sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in area and eight feet in height. Each sign shall be removed prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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G. Future Tenant Identification Signs. One wall or freestanding sign may be placed on vacant or developing property to advertise the future use of an approved project on the property and where contact information may be obtained. One sign per street frontage, not to exceed thirty-two square feet in area and eight feet in height.

H. Residential Real Estate/Open House Signs. For residential sales, signs shall be limited to one per street frontage not exceeding four square feet in area and four feet in height, with no illumination. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are prohibited in all zoning districts except where noted:

• A. Cabinet (can) signs that are mounted flush against a building wall, except for corporate logos. Cabinet signs with opaque backgrounds and illuminated letters are allowed as projecting signs only.

• B. Electronic message signs except time and/or temperature signs.

• C. Signs that advertise an activity, business, service, or product no longer conducted or sold on the premises forty-five days after the discontinuance or abandonment, except signs listed on, or eligible for, the city’s vintage sign inventory.

D. Signs that blink, flash, or move in any manner, have any portions that move, or have the appearance of moving, except for signs listed in the vintage sign inventory, clocks, time and temperature displays, and public service signs.

• E. Balloons, lighter-than-air devices, and inflatable signs and objects, except as may be allowed through a temporary sign permit.

F. Banners, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, or other similar devices, except as specifically allowed through a temporary sign permit.

G. Signs mounted on the roof of a building, including mansard roofs, and similar architectural roof-like elements.

H. Advertisings, banners, bills, cards, notices, placards, posters, signs, stickers, or other devices designed to attract the attention of the public that are posted or otherwise affixed upon any street, street furniture, right-ofway, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, fencing, hydrant, tree, alley, telephone pole, public telephone, lighting system, or other public alarm or communication system.

• I. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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Political signs which shall be erected in accordance with the following provisions (no permit required):

A. Any such sign shall be erected no earlier than eighty-eight days prior to the election and shall be removed within fifteen days after such election. Candidates successful in a primary election are subject to the same provisions and shall remove signs fifteen days following the primary election and may erect signs not earlier than eighty-eight days prior to the general election.

B. Each candidate is allowed one political sign per parcel. On a residential site, the sign may be a maximum of sixteen square feet in area and erected to a maximum height of six feet. On commercial or vacant sites, the sign may be a maximum of thirty-two square feet in area and erected to a maximum height of six feet except as provided in subsection (D) of this section.

1. For the purpose of this provision, “residential site” means a lot or parcel which has a residential use or structure built on it and “commercial site” means a lot or parcel which has a commercial use or structure built on it. Residential or commercial sites are not intended to reflect the zoning of the property.

• C. Political signs may not be attached to trees, fence posts, or utility poles except on private property where written permission from the property owner has been obtained.

D. Portable or temporary A-frame signs are prohibited. V-shaped signs (two surfaces with two edges connected and the other two edges spread apart so that the faces read from different directions) are permitted subject to the criteria that they are supported with a maximum of three posts placed with an interior angle of not more than ninety degrees.

E. No political signs shall be attached and erected on public property or within the public right-of-way and shall not obstruct sight line visibility at intersections.

F. In cases where political signs are not removed within the specified time period, the city planning department shall cause to be removed those signs which remain and the cost and expense of such activity shall be paid by the candidate. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

A. Purpose. A master sign plan is intended to integrate project signs into the architectural design of the site, thereby creating an architectural statement of high quality. A master sign plan provides a flexible means of applying and modifying the sign regulations in this chapter to ensure high quality in the design and display of multiple permanent signs for a project or use and to encourage creativity and excellence in the design of signs. It is expected that the design quality of signs proposed under a master sign plan will be of a superior quality and creativity to those that might result through the normal sign permit process. The provisions of a master sign plan shall not include any types of temporary signs.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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B. Applicability. The approval of a master sign plan shall be required whenever any of the following circumstances exist:

1. Whenever six or more separate nonresidential tenant spaces are created on the same parcel;

2. Whenever six or more permanent nonexempt signs are proposed for a single use; and

3. Whenever the community development director determines that a master sign plan is needed because of special project characteristics (e.g., the size of proposed signs, limited site visibility, a business within a business, the location of the site relative to major transportation routes) or when unique, creatively designed signs are being proposed and certain aspects of the sign’s design (e.g., animation) might not otherwise be allowed.

C. Approval Authority. A master sign plan shall be approved by the community development director before the issuance of a sign permit. In approving a master sign plan, the community development director shall find that the plan’s contribution to the design quality of the site and the surrounding area will be superior to the quality that would result under the regulations of this chapter.

D. Modification of Regulations. A master sign plan may include sign regulations that are, at the same time, both more restrictive in some respects and less restrictive in other respects than the regulations established in this chapter. Allowed modifications may relate to sign area, number of signs, height, and location. Less restrictive provisions in a master sign plan shall not include signs that are otherwise prohibited by this chapter. The applicant may appeal a decision of the community development director to the planning commission.

• E. Application Requirements. A master sign plan shall include all information and materials required by the community development department, and the filing fee in compliance with the city council’s fee resolution.

• F. Findings. In order to approve a master sign plan, the following findings shall first be made:

  1. The master sign plan complies with the purpose of this chapter;

  2. Proposed signs enhance the overall development and are in harmony with other signs included in the plan with the structures they identify and with surrounding development;

3. The master sign plan contains provisions to accommodate future revisions that may be required because of changes in use or tenants; and

4. The master sign plan complies with the standards of this chapter, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, number, location, and/or height to the extent that the master sign plan will enhance the overall development, achieve superior quality design, and will more fully accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

• G. Revisions to Master Sign Plans.

  1. Revisions to master sign plans may be approved by the community development director if the intent of the original approval is not affected.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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2. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a new master sign plan. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

Each sign shall comply with the sign type, area, height, and other restrictions provided by this section, in addition to the provisions of Section 17.38.090, Standards for Specific Types of Signs. Table 3-9 (Sign Regulations by Use Type) prescribes regulations for permanent signs.

Table 3-9. Sign Regulations by Use Type

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Maximum Maximum Maximum Lighting Other
Sign Type Location
Number Sign Area Sign Height Allowed Regulations
Attached Multi-Family Signs
Wall or 1 per street 16 sq. ft. Wall below 5 ft. setback Yes External
Monument frontage eave, 6 ft. for from R-O-W illumination
Signs monument only
Commercial, Office, and Industrial Signs
1 per street 1 sq. ft. per Below eave or Centered on Yes Signs shall be
Wall Signs [1 ]
or parking lot lineal ft. of fascia bldg. wall or placed flat
frontage, plus primary tenant against the
1 per bldg./tenant frontage wall
secondary frontage, plus See
bldg. frontage 0.5 sq. ft. per 17.38.090(G)
lineal ft. of
secondary
bldg. frontage
Freestanding 1 per street 32 sq. ft. 6 ft. 5 ft. setback Yes See
Monument frontage from R-O-W 17.38.090(C)
Freestanding 1 per parcel 50 sq. ft. 35 ft. 5 ft. setback Yes See
Pylon over 2 acres from R-O-W 17.38.090(C)
Awning and 1 per awning 50% of Awning Awnings on No See
Canopy Signs or canopy valance or valance flap 1st story 17.38.090(A)
canopy fascia or canopy window and
with 8-inch fascia only doors only
maximum
height letters
Projecting 1 per tenant 6 sq. ft. Bottom of 1st floor of No See
Signs frontage sign building, 3 ft. 17.38.090(E)
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The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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Table 3-9. Sign Regulations by Use Type

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Maximum Maximum Maximum Lighting Other
Sign Type Location
Number Sign Area Sign Height Allowed Regulations
minimum of 8 maximum
ft. above projection
sidewalk over public
sidewalk
Permanent 1 per 1st 25% of each N/A 1st story No See
Window Sign story window window glass window or 17.38.090(H)
or glass door area. Area is glass door
cumulative
for both
temporary
and
permanent
signs
Commercial Real Estate Signs
Freestanding 1 per street 32 sq. ft. 8 ft. 5 ft. setback No
frontage from R-O-W
Institutional, Churches
Wall or 1 per 32 sq. ft. Wall below 5 ft. setback Yes External
Monument property eave, 6 ft. for from R-O-W illumination
monument only
Service Station Sign
Freestanding 1 per street 100 sq. ft., 20 ft. 5 ft. setback Yes See
Pylon or frontage (fuel price from R-O-W 17.38.090(I)(3)
Monument signs not
counted in
maximum
sign area)
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Notes:

1 Cabinet signs are prohibited. Wall signs shall consist of individual letters only.

(Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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A. Change or Vacation of Business. When the name of a business or the location changes, or upon vacating a business location, the business or property owner shall remove the sign copy that advertised the previous business. At no time shall a sign cabinet remain empty and without a copy panel so that the internal lighting and electrical fixtures are exposed. During any period when a sign cabinet is not being utilized for identification of a business, a blank opaque copy panel (face) shall be installed in the sign cabinet structure.

B. Frontage Allocation Not Transferable. No sign or sign area allowed on one frontage shall be transferred to another frontage.

C. Vintage Signs. A sign designated as a vintage sign (see Section 17.38.120) shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter as to height, illumination, location, movement, and sign area and may be maintained as a legally conforming sign subject to the provisions outlined in Section 17.38.120.

D. Illumination of Signs. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs:

1. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.

2. Signs shall not have exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs exceeding fifteen watts.

3. Light sources (e.g., light bulbs) used for externally illuminated signs shall not be visible within one hundred feet of any residential zoning district. Internally illuminated signs visible from any residential zoning district shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless they identify an establishment open for business during those hours.

4. Electrical raceways and conduits shall be placed so that they are not within public view. Where this is physically impractical or doing so would damage significant architectural features or materials, the community development director may grant a waiver of this requirement, provided all conduits, raceways, and similar devices are kept as small as possible and are painted the same colors as adjacent wall surfaces.

5. Signs with electrical components shall be constructed, inspected, and approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or equal, and a label of approval from the laboratory shall be affixed to the sign in plain view.

6. The use of neon signs and lighting is regulated by Section 17.38.090(D), Neon Signs and Architectural Lighting.

• E. Maintenance, Alteration, and Removal.

1. All signs and sign structures including those otherwise specifically exempt from the provisions of this chapter, including all parts, portions, and materials, shall be maintained in good repair and structurally sound. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust and corrosion.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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Banners shall be replaced if tattered or worn. Any cracks, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy, or other unmaintained or damaged portion of a sign shall be repaired or replaced within thirty calendar days following notification by the city. Noncompliance with the notification shall constitute a public nuisance.

2. Existing signs shall not be physically altered (except for routine general maintenance and repair), moved, or relocated unless the sign complies with all provisions of this chapter. Legal, nonconforming signs shall comply with the requirements of Section 17.38.130, Nonconforming Signs.

3. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that supported the sign shall also be removed. Affected building surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure.

• F. Measurement of Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of the sign to the lowest elevation of the existing grade immediately below and adjoining the sign. See Figure 3-7 (Sign Height).

Figure 3-7. Sign Height

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G. Measurement of Sign Area.

1. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all lettering, background, emblem, logo, corporate branding, representation, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight lines drawn at right angles. See Figure 3-8 (Sign Area Measurement).

Figure 3-8. Sign Area Measurement

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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Lettering with No Sign Board

Lettering with Sign Board

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2. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.

3. Double-faced signs with back-to-back sign faces shall be regarded as a single-faced sign if the distance between each sign face does not exceed two feet at any point.

4. Where a sign contains three-dimensional objects (e.g., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like objects), the sign area shall be measured as the maximum projection of the objects upon a single vertical plane. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

• A. Awning Signs.

  1. Lettering shall be allowed on awning valances only and shall not exceed eight inches in height. Logos, symbols, and graphics that do not include text may be allowed on the shed (slope) portion of an awning and shall not exceed four square feet in area for each awning.

  2. Lettering shall be located within the middle seventy percent of the valance area.

  3. Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the awning or architectural projection shall be allowed. Temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings.

  4. Awning signs shall only be allowed for first-story occupancies.

  5. Awnings shall not be lighted from under the awning (backlit) so that the awning appears internally illuminated. Lighting directed downwards that does not illuminate the awning is allowed.

  6. Awnings shall be regularly cleaned and kept free of dust and visible defects.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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• B. Changeable Copy Signs. Changeable copy signs may be allowed in conjunction with facilities used exclusively for the presentation of cultural, religious, and theatrical activities, and similar group assembly uses including schools.

• C. Freestanding Signs.

  1. Freestanding signs include monument and pylon signs and shall be allowed only for frontages adjoining a public street.

  2. Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from a street property line, a minimum of five feet from an interior property line, and a minimum of ten feet from the edge of a driveway. See Figure 3-9 (Location of Freestanding Signs).

  3. There shall be a minimum of two hundred fifty feet between freestanding signs on the same site or thirty feet between signs on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs.

  4. For corner lots, freestanding signs shall not be located in the required twenty-five-foot vision triangle. On a case-by-case basis, this requirement may be waived by the community development director. See Figure 3-9 (Location of Freestanding Signs).

Figure 3-9. Location of Freestanding Signs

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5. Freestanding signs shall be a minimum of fifty feet from a lot line of any residentially zoned property.

6. Freestanding signs shall not project over any building or over any on-site driveway or vehicle circulation area in a parking facility.

7. No more than six tenants are allowed for each freestanding sign.

8. The supporting structure of a freestanding sign shall not include exposed metal pole(s), but should be surrounded by a decorative pole cover architecturally compatible with the sign cabinet.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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9. Freestanding signs shall contain an address plate identifying the subject property. Numbers shall be a minimum of six inches in height and shall be clearly visible from the public right-of-way. Address plates shall not be calculated against the allowed sign area.

• D. Neon Signs and Architectural Lighting. The use of neon tubes for signs or architectural elements shall be allowed in any commercial zoning district only subject to the following requirements:

  1. Neon signs and linear tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum thirty milliamps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon.

  2. The neon manufacturer shall be registered with Underwriters Laboratories.

  3. Neon tubing shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter.

  4. Neon lighting adjacent to residential uses shall not exceed one-half foot-candle measured at the property line.

5. Neon tubing shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., highly glazed tiles, mirrors, polished metal, or other similar materials).

   6. When used as an architectural element, neon tubing shall be used only to reinforce specific architectural elements of the structure and shall be concealed from view whenever possible through the use of cornices, ledges, or parapets.

   7. Neon signs placed within five feet of a storefront window shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent of the window area.

   8. Neon lighting that completely surrounds/outlines a door, window, or similar architectural element is not allowed.

• E. Projecting Signs.

1. Projecting signs shall not be less than eight feet above the surface over which they project in pedestrian areas. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way shall require an encroachment permit and shall not project closer than two feet to a curb.

2. Projecting signs shall not project into an alley more than three feet and shall not be less than fourteen feet above the alley surface where vehicles are allowed.

3. Projecting signs may have a maximum thickness of twelve inches.

4. Projecting signs shall not be closer than fifteen feet to another projecting sign or to a freestanding sign or five feet from an interior property line or line dividing two separate business frontages. The community development director may waive this requirement where it can be clearly demonstrated that it severely limits proper sign placement.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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5. Projecting signs shall not project above a parapet eave or parapet, including the eave of a simulated hipped or mansard roof.

6. Projecting signs shall not be attached to the sloping face of mansard overhangs or other architectural devices intended to resemble or imitate roof structures.

• F. Signs on Multi-Frontage Lots or Buildings. Signs on buildings with more than one street frontage, or that face onto a driveway, alley, parking area, or internal pedestrian arcade/courtyard/plaza, shall be subject to the following requirements:

1. Signs shall not be placed on a building façade that does not have frontage on a public street or alley, or on a driveway, parking area, or internal pedestrian arcade/courtyard/plaza that is directly associated with and under the control of the subject property.

   2. The allowable number of signs shall be computed for each separate primary or secondary building frontage. Allowances are not transferable from one street frontage to another.

• G. Wall Signs.

  1. Signs shall be located only on a primary or secondary building frontage and shall not extend above an eave or parapet, or above or below a fascia on which they are located.

  2. Signs shall consist of individual letters only and may be either internally or externally illuminated. Cabinet signs are prohibited for use as wall signs.

3. Electrical raceways and conduits shall be placed so that they are not within public view. Where this is physically impractical or doing so would damage significant architectural features or materials, the community development director may grant a waiver of this requirement, provided all conduits, raceways, and similar devices are kept as small as possible and are painted the same colors as adjacent wall surfaces.

4. Signs shall be placed flat against the wall and shall not project from the wall more than required for normal construction purposes and in no case more than twelve inches. The community development director may modify this requirement in special circumstances where a projection greater than twelve inches may be desirable to allow the creation of an especially creative and unique sign design.

Figure 3-10. Sign Location on Façade

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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5. Signs shall be located within the middle seventy percent of the building’s or occupancy’s frontage measured from lease line to lease line. The community development director may modify this requirement where it can be clearly demonstrated that it severely limits proper sign placement. See Figure 3-10 (Sign Location on Façade).

6. Signs shall not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window or cover architectural elements (e.g., cornices, transom windows, vertical piers, and similar elements).

• H. Window Signs, Permanent and Temporary.

  1. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground floor and second story of a building frontage.

  2. Signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of doors and windows except for allowed temporary signs. Loud fluorescent temporary paints will not be permitted.

  3. Signs within five feet of a storefront window shall be counted as a window sign.

• I. Miscellaneous Signs.

1. Vehicle Dealer, Banners, Flags, Pennants, Etc. Banners, flags, pennants, etc., for new or used vehicle dealers may be allowed if approved through a master sign plan. Banners, etc., may be applied for by an association of dealerships or by individual dealers. The banners’ locations shall be limited to light poles or other similar devices as specified on a site plan. An inspection of the site shall be required as a condition of approval based upon the longevity of the materials used.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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2. Theater Signs. A creative sign permit for a cinema or theater may authorize signs deviating from the standards of this chapter, subject to review by the community development director and approval by the planning commission. The creative sign permit may allow brighter lights, marquee signs, and other features not otherwise authorized by this chapter if the modifications are consistent with the type of use.

3. Service Station Signs. In addition to all other provisions of this chapter, the following regulations shall be applicable to service stations:

   • a. A master sign plan shall be approved in conjunction with the application for a building permit to alter, erect, move, or reconstruct any service station sign.

   • b. One freestanding sign per street frontage, not to exceed one hundred square feet in area and twenty feet in height, shall be allowed.

   • c. Prices for fuel are allowed in accordance with state regulations.

   • d. Wall signs and any other types of signs shall be in conformance with the regulations of this chapter.

4. Menu Board Signs. Two menu board signs per business shall be allowed. The maximum allowable size is six square feet per sign. (Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

A. Temporary Use Permit Required. A temporary use permit, issued by the community development department, shall be approved before the placement of a promotional temporary sign in all nonresidential zoning districts as indicated in Table 3-10 (Sign Regulations for Temporary Signs). The community development director may approve a temporary use permit on an annual basis, which allows the applicant to tailor the duration and the number of days of the permit to meet the particular needs of the business, as long as the total number of days in a calendar year does not exceed ninety days.

B. Number and Size Allowed. Temporary signs are allowed in addition to permanent signs allowed for the property. However, combinations of permanent and temporary window signs shall not cover more than twentyfive percent of any window.

C. Table 3-10 (Sign Regulations for Temporary Signs) provides standards under which temporary signs may be displayed. The sign areas allowed are in addition to the sign areas allowed for permanent signs.

• D. Placement of Temporary Signs.

  1. Signs are allowed on private property only. Signs shall not be placed in public rights-of-way or at off-site locations.

  2. Signs may be placed only in locations where permanent signs are allowed.

  3. Signs shall not be attached to temporary structures.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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• E. Illumination Prohibited. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

• F. Durable Materials Required. Temporary signs shall be constructed of durable, rigid material suitable to their location and purpose. Only interior window signs may be made of nonrigid (e.g., paper) material.

G. Temporary Sign Permanent Mounting. Temporary signs for the purpose of advertising current specials may be permitted on an ongoing or permanent basis provided they are mounted in a permanent structure which is architecturally compatible with the building and site and which was designed and is maintained specifically for such purpose.

H. Removal of Signs. Temporary signs and their components shall be promptly removed at the expiration of the temporary use permit.

Table 3-10. Sign Regulations for Temporary Signs

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----- Start of picture text -----
Maximum Maximum Maximum Other
Sign Type Duration
Number Sign Area Sign Height Regulations
Promotional 1 banner sign Banner 32 sq. 20 ft. 30 days at one Temporary
Signs, 1 window sign ft. time, 90 days Use Permit
Nonresidential per parcel Window, annually total required
use within 25%
allowable
window sign
area
Event Sign, No restriction 4 sq. ft. 6 ft. Shall be
Residential removed 10
area days after
event
Event Sign, No restriction 4 sq. ft. 6 ft. Shall be
Nonresidential removed 10
area days after
event
Construction 1 at principal 32 sq. ft. 8 ft. Shall be Location – 5 ft.
Signs, street frontage removed at setback from
Freestanding completion of R-O-W
construction
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(Ord. 706 §3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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This section is intended to provide for the administration of a uniform, coordinated sign program for off-site residential subdivision directional signage utilizing kiosk signs that offer developers of new residential subdivisions a means of providing direction to their projects. The kiosk signs provide for multiple subdivision directional panels on one sign and will minimize confusion among prospective purchasers of new homes to find those

developments, promote traffic safety by removing competing signs from busy streets, and reduce visual blight of incompatible sign types along the major traffic routes within the city. No such off-site directional sign other than those in conformance with this chapter shall be erected or maintained within the city.

• A. Requirements for Kiosk Signs.

1. Kiosks shall be permitted on vacant private land in all zone districts, provided the property owner’s permission has been granted in writing. Written property owner consent shall grant the city, or the city’s designee, the right to enter the property to remove any kiosk signs not in conformance with the provisions of this section. Such written consent shall be filed with the planning director prior to issuance of a kiosk sign permit.

2. Kiosks shall be constructed of wood or similar material with individual panels provided for placement of subdivision or project names and direction. Architectural design, color, letter style, and any other design elements of the kiosk shall be approved by the planning director. All kiosks allowed by this section that are installed within the city limits shall be in accordance with approved design criteria.

3. Kiosk locations shall be approved by the planning director or appointed designee. A kiosk shall not be placed closer than one thousand feet from an existing kiosk or approved site where a kiosk is to be constructed.

4. Kiosks shall not exceed a height of eight feet and a width of four feet. An individual panel shall be limited to a maximum width of four feet and a height of eight inches. No more than five individual name panels shall be permitted on one side of a kiosk.

5. Kiosks may have more than one face. Two faces are encouraged where the kiosk can be sited to serve traffic traveling in opposite directions, or where it would reduce the amount of kiosks needed to provide adequate direction to residential subdivisions. Two-faced kiosks may be approved by the planning director.

6. A name panel shall be limited to a single line of text that may contain only the subdivision, project, builder or developer’s name, or combination thereof. All panels shall include a direction arrow pointing in the direction of the identified project. Name panels shall conform to all design elements as approved in accordance with subsection (A)(2) of this section.

7. Kiosks shall not be internally or externally illuminated in any manner.

8. Kiosks shall not obstruct the use of sidewalks, walkways, bicycle or hiking trails, and shall not obstruct the free and clear vision of motor vehicle operators, cyclists, pedestrians, or visibility of traffic control signs and lights as determined by the public works director or appointed designee.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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9. Kiosks shall be set back five feet from any street right-of-way and a minimum of twenty-five feet from side and rear property lines.

10. Kiosks shall not be placed within a thirty-foot corner cutoff area at street intersections to maintain a safe sight distance for vehicles.

• B. Permits.

1. Any builder or developer of a new recorded residential subdivision which contains approved lots or homes which have never been sold may apply for a permit to install a kiosk or to place a name panel on an existing kiosk to provide direction to their subdivision.

2. Applications for a kiosk or name panel (including name changes to an existing name panel) shall be made on forms provided by the planning director or appointed designee.

• C. Program Administration.

1. The city may delegate portions of or the entire administration of the directional kiosk program to another entity by contract that includes, but is not limited to, installation and maintenance of kiosks, and issuance of permits for kiosks and name panels.

2. Kiosks and sign panels permitted in accordance with this section shall be continuously maintained in good condition by the permit holder or other city-designated entity.

3. The planning director shall maintain a kiosk location plan showing the location of all approved kiosk signs.

4. Sign panels shall be available to all subdivisions selling new homes on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign panels shall be placed on a kiosk beginning with the highest position on the kiosk and progressing downward. Panels shall be grouped based on the direction of travel indicated on the panel.

5. When a panel name is changed or a panel is removed from a kiosk, all lower panels shall be moved upwards so that any new panel is placed on the bottom of its respective directional group on the kiosk.

6. All panel changes shall be approved by the planning director or appointed designee through the permit process.

7. A specific project or builder is limited to one panel for each kiosk. Multiple panels shall not be combined to identify or provide information regarding the same specific project or builder. There shall be no limit on the number of kiosks on which a specific project may be identified.

   8. Within ten days after selling the last lot or home, panel signs that identify said project shall be removed from all kiosks.

• D. Violations and Abatement.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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1. Any permit issued in accordance with this section shall be immediately revoked by the planning director if it has been found that the permit holder has erected and maintained any off-site signage in violation of this section. The planning director shall order any panel currently in place on a kiosk identifying the builder’s/ developer’s specific development to be removed immediately after the appeal period has expired if no appeal has been filed, and that builder/developer shall be prohibited from having any off-site directional signs or name panels on any kiosk for that specific development for a period of one hundred eighty days. After the one-hundred-eighty-day period, the builder/developer may be allowed kiosk panels.

2. Any order of the planning director shall be made in writing, addressed to the permit holder, and shall set forth the findings for revoking any permits and the method to appeal the decision. If no appeal is filed, the decision of the planning director shall be final and conclusive.

3. If the city is not the administrator of the kiosk program, the administrator shall immediately notify the planning director regarding any violations of this section and the planning director shall notify the party in violation in accordance with subsection (E)(1) of this section.

• E. Appeal.

1. Any decision of the planning director to revoke a permit may be appealed. No later than ten days from the date of the planning director’s decision, an appeal shall be submitted in writing, along with any required appeal fee, to the planning commission in care of the planning director, setting forth the grounds for appeal. The planning commission shall hear the objections at a regular meeting no later than thirty days following the filing of the objection. The planning commission may sustain, suspend, or overrule the decision of the planning director, which decision shall be final and conclusive.

2. Pending hearing before the planning commission, all signs, kiosks and/or name panels in dispute may remain in place until a final decision is rendered. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

A. The following signs are exempt from the wall, hanging or projecting sign provisions of this chapter as they are recognized for their historical character:

1. Wasco Liquor corner-mounted sign;

2. McCafferties Cleaners roof-mounted sign;

3. Hoyett’s roof-mounted sign;

4. Fiesta Latina Market pole sign; and

5. Plaza Hotel projecting sign.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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B. Requirements for Vintage Signs. A sign designated as a vintage sign shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter as to height, illumination, location, movement, and sign area and may be maintained as a legally conforming sign subject to the following conditions:

1. All parts of the exempted vintage sign, including neon tubes, incandescent lights and shields, and sign faces, shall be maintained in a functioning condition as historically intended for the sign to the greatest degree possible.

2. Parts of vintage signs originally designed to flash or move may be allowed to continue to flash or move. There shall be no alterations to the historic pattern, speed, or direction of flashing or moving elements.

3. The wording or image of a vintage sign may be altered only if the alterations do not substantially change the historic dimensions, height, scale, style, or type of materials of the vintage sign.

4. Failure to maintain a vintage sign as required above shall be grounds for disallowing an exemption from the requirements of this chapter. The sign shall thereafter be brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter subject to a determination by the community development director.

5. Full reconstruction of a vintage sign shall require the approval of the community development director.

These signs shall not be removed or altered without a historic district design review permit. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

A. Continuation and Maintenance.

1. A legal, nonconforming sign may be continued, except as provided in subsection (C) of this section, or unless ordered discontinued, modified, or removed as a public nuisance in compliance with the municipal code.

2. Routine maintenance and repairs may be performed on a nonconforming sign.

• B. Alteration and Enlargement.

1. Nonconforming signs shall not be altered, enlarged, or moved unless a sign exception, in compliance with Section 17.38.150, Sign Exceptions, is first obtained. Standards exceeding the minimum requirements may be required by the community development director in the conditions of approval in order to reduce the impact that the nonconforming sign may have on the surrounding properties.

2. Nonconforming signs shall not be altered or reconstructed so as to increase the discrepancy between existing conditions and current standards for sign area, height, or setback.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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3. The sign face of an existing wall-mounted cabinet/can sign shall be allowed to be changed if the new sign face will have an opaque background with illuminated letters, numbers, or symbols. No increase in sign area shall be allowed.

4. A sign included in the vintage sign inventory which has been destroyed by fire or other calamity, by act of God, or by public enemy to an extent greater than fifty percent may be reconstructed in a historically accurate manner. Reconstruction shall be authorized only upon determination by the planning commission that the sign is an accurate duplication of the vintage sign, based on review of photographic or other documentary evidence.

• C. Restoration of Nonconforming Signs.

1. Whenever a nonconforming sign is involuntarily destroyed by fire or other calamity, by act of God, or by public enemy to the extent of fifty percent or less, the sign may be rebuilt and resumed, provided a building permit for the restoration is issued and diligently pursued. Whenever a nonconforming sign is involuntarily destroyed by fire or other calamity, by act of God, or by public enemy to an extent greater than fifty percent, or is voluntarily razed or is required by law to be razed, the sign shall not be resumed except in full conformity with the current regulations for the types of zoning district in which it is located.

2. The extent of damage or destruction shall be determined by comparing the estimated cost of restoring the sign to its condition before the damage or partial destruction and the estimated cost of duplicating the sign as it existed before the damage. Estimates for this purpose shall be reviewed and approved by the community development director. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

A. Abandoned Signs Not Including Pole or Pylon. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business that it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises and no new business is located on the site. The sign shall be removed within forty-five days of the close of business. Signs listed on the city’s vintage sign inventory shall be exempt from this requirement.

B. Abandoned Pole or Pylon Signs. A pole or pylon sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business that it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. The sign shall be removed within one year of the close of business. Signs listed on the city’s vintage sign inventory shall be exempt from this requirement. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

• A. Purpose. Sign exceptions are a form of a variance from the sign regulations of this chapter.

• B. Procedures.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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1. The planning commission shall be the applicable review authority for sign exceptions.

2. The procedures for a sign exception shall be the same as for a variance (Section 17.52.090), including those for notice and hearing upon request.

C. Findings and Decision. The planning commission shall record the decision in writing with the findings on which the decision is based. Following a public hearing, the planning commission may approve a sign exception application, with or without conditions, only after first finding that:

1. The proposed sign is architecturally and aesthetically compatible with the major structures on the subject site and adjacent sites and is compatible with the character of the established neighborhood and general environment;

2. Granting the application is in conformance with the goals, policies, and objectives of the general plan and the purposes of this zoning code and would not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity and the same zoning district; and

3. Granting the application would not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity of the subject site, or to the public health, safety, or general welfare.

D. Appeal to the city Council. Any decision of the planning commission pursuant to this section shall be subject to appeal to the Wasco city council. All appeals shall be made in the manner prescribed in Chapter 17.72, Appeals. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).