This section regulates the erection, placement and maintenance of signs to protect and enhance public health, safety, welfare and property, more specifically to:
A. 
Purpose.
1. 
Allow those signs compatible with the character and uses allowed in the zoning district in which they are located;
2. 
Maintain the effectiveness of traffic signs;
3. 
Prohibit certain signs or portions thereof, which conflict with the safe movement of people and emergency services, constitute a public nuisance or hazard, are of unsafe construction, or which demand attention by their dominating size or appearance of motion;
4. 
Maintain and enhance the scenic and other aesthetic qualities of the City.
B. 
Scope. All signs, including sign structures and display areas or building walls with lettering on them shall be erected and maintained only as provided by this section, except for the following:
1. 
Signs inside a building, except for strobe lights, floating lights, or neon lights visible from a public right-of-way, private road or other private property;
2. 
Signs not visible from either a right-of-way or property under different ownership, provided such signs are constructed and maintained in accordance with applicable law;
3. 
Signs attached to, or carried by a person;
4. 
Signs required by law or legal action; or
5. 
Government owned signs.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 582, 3/19/2024)
A. 
Permit Required. No sign shall be erected, constructed, maintained, modified, or relocated, except as provided by this section. This permit requirement applies to all signs, except those specifically exempt by a provision of this section and signs existing on the date of adoption of this Zoning Ordinance, which shall be subject to subsection D of this section.
B. 
Permit Application. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Sign Official. A permit application fee shall accompany the application for it to be processed by the City. The amount of the fee shall be proportionate to the value of the sign proposed and shall be calculated according to a permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council. The application shall include all plans and information necessary to establish that the proposed sign complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter and applicable buildings, structural and life safety codes. The permit shall be valid if the sign is erected and maintained in compliance with the Happy Valley Municipal Code, and the applicant did not misrepresent or falsify any information supplied in the application. Any permit issued under this chapter shall be void if no substantial physical action be taken, in accordance with any conditions of the permit and the applicable requirements of this chapter, within 90 days following the date of its issuance. Any permit issued under this chapter shall remain in effect as long as the sign is maintained in compliance with any permit conditions and all applicable provisions of this chapter.
C. 
A separate sign permit application shall be submitted for each sign erected, constructed, modified, relocated, replaced, face changed or structurally altered and for sign repair that includes these activities. Sign maintenance requires no permit. All proposed work on a sign shall be shown in the sign permit application.
D. 
When required by the Uniform Building Code or the Building Official, a separate building permit shall be obtained from the City for the erection, construction, modification, relocation, replacement, change of sign face or alteration of a sign or sign structure.
E. 
When required by the State Electrical Code or the Building Official, an electrical permit shall be obtained from the issuing authority before connecting an electrical sign to a source of electricity. The electrical components of signs shall meet the applicable electrical standards as shown by certification from those testing laboratories approved by the State of Oregon meeting the testing standards for electrical safety as required by Oregon Revised Statutes 479.510-479.855 and Oregon Administrative Rule 918-330-000, as constituted on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Code or as may hereafter be amended.
F. 
Building and electrical permits shall be applied for in accordance with the procedures of the issuing agency, provided such permits are not issued until a sign permit has been issued.
G. 
The Planning Official or designee may require that a sign permit application be submitted for each sign on a property required to have a permit, if no permit for such sign has been previously issued.
H. 
Appeals. A person aggrieved by a decision of the Sign Official may appeal the decision to the Hearings Officer. The appeal shall be in writing and be received by the City Recorder no later than 10 days after the date the challenged decision is final.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 501 § 1, 2016)
A. 
A person may apply for a sign permit and any required building permit and/or electrical permit concurrently. A decision on the sign permit shall be issued first, followed by a decision on the related building or electrical permits.
B. 
A sign permit application form, checksheet and instruction sheet shall be established by the Sign Official. Sign permit applications which do not provide the information required by this Code, the application form, checksheet and instruction sheet may be rejected by the Sign Official. The Sign Official shall determine if an application provides the required information.
C. 
A complete sign permit application shall be submitted to and reviewed by the Sign Official or designee. The application is not complete unless the application fee is submitted with the application. The application shall be approved, approved with conditions or denied by the Planning Official or designee. An application for a sign that is erected prior to submitting the application and does not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be denied.
D. 
Where a sign permit is required, a sign contractor registered with the State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board shall be the applicant. A person, other than the registered sign contractor, may deliver and submit the application to the Planning Official or designee. The application shall contain or include the following information:
1. 
Completed sign application form;
2. 
Payment of fee;
3. 
Three site plans (8-1/2″ x 11″) to scale. Site plans shall show the following information:
a. 
Placement of sign on property,
b. 
Setbacks of sign from property line,
c. 
Indicate any easements;
4. 
Three drawings (8-1/2″ x 11″) of sign to scale. Drawings shall include:
a. 
Size of lettering,
b. 
Dimensions of sign (height and width),
c. 
How the sign will be mounted or affixed.
E. 
After a complete sign permit application has been submitted and accepted, the applicant may request in writing that the application be withdrawn. The Planning Official or designee may return the application, and reimburse the application fee, less compensation for any work that has already been completed.
F. 
If the work authorized by the sign permit is not completed within 120 days after the date of the sign permit issuance, the permit shall expire and be null and void.
G. 
The Planning Official or designee may revoke any sign permit where there has been a violation of the provisions of this chapter or a misrepresentation of fact on the permit application, the materials submitted as a part of the application, or both.
H. 
The Planning Official or designee may issue a sign permit, if a sign permit is required, to erect a temporary sign on a property with no building, provided the proposed temporary sign meets all applicable regulations.
I. 
The Planning Official or designee shall not issue a sign permit to erect a permanent sign, or to change a sign face on an existing permanent sign, on an unoccupied building.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 582, 3/19/2024)
Variances to the standards of this chapter shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 16.71, Variances. Applications for variances shall be submitted at the same time as an application for a sign permit, and the applications shall be reviewed concurrently.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 406 § 1, 2010; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011)
It is unlawful for the following signs to be erected or to be maintained except as otherwise provided in this section:
A. 
Billboards;
B. 
A sign that interferes in any way with a traffic control sign or device or prevents clear and unobstructed view of official traffic control signs or devices or approaching or merging traffic;
C. 
A sign that contains, includes or is illuminated by any flashing or revolving, rotating or moving light or moves or has any animated or moving parts. This subsection does not apply to traffic control signs or devices and "readerboard" signs less than 24 square feet in size as authorized by this chapter;
D. 
A sign with lighting which is not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the main traveled right-of-way of a State highway, or is of such low intensity or brilliance as not to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle or otherwise to interfere with the operations thereof;
E. 
A sign in excess of three square feet, located upon a tree, or painted or drawn upon a natural feature;
F. 
An obsolete sign;
G. 
Permanent inflatable signs (including "blimp" type signs typically extended from a building roof), permanent streamers, balloons, hulas, flags, banners, pennants, etc., or vehicle mounted signs, excepting traditional holiday decorations or temporary signs pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
H. 
A sign that obstructs free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape, alley, drive or fire lane, or is attached to a fire escape;
I. 
A sign erected or maintained on public property or within the public right-of-way without permission of the public body having jurisdiction. This shall include signs placed on utility poles located within public right-of-way;
J. 
A sign not able to withstand a wind pressure of 20 pounds per square foot of exposed surface, or is insecurely erected, or is constructed so as to constitute a fire hazard;
K. 
A sign not maintained in a safe, neat, clean and attractive condition and in good repair;
L. 
Any sign larger than four square feet on an undeveloped lot or parcel of property other than temporary signs as provided by this chapter;
M. 
A sign not otherwise in compliance with any provision of this Code, Oregon law or the terms and conditions of any valid sign permit issued under this chapter;
N. 
Signs with rotating or moving parts or any portion thereof designed to move unless specifically allowed by the provisions of this chapter;
O. 
Electronic display signs or readerboards, including any video display board of television quality in which the rate of change is electronically programmed that exceed 24 square feet in size. Electronic readerboards of any size are prohibited in residential zones unless authorized by a conditional use permit;
P. 
Signs with exposed lighting or neon tubes on the sign face in residential zones;
Q. 
Roof signs;
R. 
Signs with light intensity in excess of the standards of the sign industry, as provided by the Oregon Electric Sign Association;
S. 
Hazards. No sign, light, electrical cord, streamer, flag, or other apparatus shall be situated or used in a manner which creates a hazard.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 406 § 1, 2010; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011)
A. 
In any commercial or industrial zoning district, the following signs may be placed and maintained without a permit, so long as they comply with all applicable provisions of this section:
1. 
A single, temporary or permanent sign per street frontage where the display surface area does not exceed six square feet per sign face;
2. 
Window signs, up to nine square feet, situated on the indoor side of a window or door;
3. 
Signs attached to, or carried by, a person;
4. 
Signs required by law or legal action, including, but not limited to, signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions on a premises and land use application and hearing notice signs.
B. 
In any residential or institutional zoning district, the following signs may be placed and maintained without a permit, so long as they comply with all applicable provisions of this section and are not illuminated:
1. 
Signs required by law or legal action including, but not limited to, signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions on a premises and land use application and hearing notice signs; and
2. 
Four temporary signs where the display surface area does not exceed six square feet per sign face and sign height does not exceed six feet. A person or entity selling a property or advertising a public election shall remove temporary signs 12 days within the closing of the sale, all other temporary signs shall be removed 12 days after placement.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011; Ord. 422 § 1, 2012; Ord. 545 § 1, 2019)
A. 
Location. Except for traffic control devices, public signs and special event banner signs, signs shall be located on private property outside of the public right-of-way and shall not extend over or into the public right-of-way. Signs shall not be constructed in or extend over or into easements for public sewer, water or storm drain lines or within five feet of such lines, or within the dripline of existing trees.
B. 
Vision Clearance Area. Signs may be located in the vision clearance areas provided they do not extend into the space between 30 inches and 10 feet in height measured from the top of the curb. When no curb is present, measurements shall be taken from the established centerline grade. The following shall be exempt from the clear vision areas:
1. 
Light and utility poles with a diameter less than two inches;
2. 
An existing tree, trimmed to the trunk, 12 feet above the curb;
3. 
Official warning or street sign.
C. 
Pedestrian Clearance Area. Signs erected over or extending over private or public pedestrian walkways or paths shall provide a vertical clearance of at least 10 feet from the surface of the walkway or path to the lowest portion of the sign.
D. 
Signs Incorporated into Fences. Except for signs at subdivision entrances located in a private tract median island within a public right-of-way, monument signs may be affixed to and be part of a masonry fence. Pole signs shall be affixed only to the ground.
E. 
Copy. Copy shall be placed only on the sign face.
F. 
Dedication of Right-of-Way. Signs and their structures and foundations shall be removed from property subject to dedication to the public before such dedication shall be accepted by the City.
G. 
Illumination.
1. 
Lights providing indirect illumination onto signs shall be directed so the source of light is not visible from public right-of-way or from properties in residential planning districts.
2. 
Neon lighting is the only permitted lighting for direct illumination. Neon, incandescent and fluorescent lighting are permitted for indirect or internal illumination.
3. 
The surface brightness of any sign shall not exceed that produced by the diffused output obtained from 800 milliampere fluorescent light sources spaced not closer than eight inches on center.
H. 
Sign Maintenance and Repair. All signs shall be maintained in good order and repair at all times. Signs which have become faded, worn, damaged or are unsafe or pose a danger to the public shall be maintained, repaired, or removed.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009)
The diagrams provided in this section are intended for illustration only. For purposes of this section, signs and building or structure elevations shall be measured as follows:
A. 
Freestanding Pole Signs.
1. 
Height of Sign. The measurement shall be from the grade to the highest point of the sign, including the sign face structure, pole and any projections, decoration or trim of the sign face structure or pole.
2. 
Height of Sign Face. The measurement shall be from the lowest point to the highest point of the sign face, including the sign face structure and any projection, decoration or trim of the sign face or structure.
3. 
Width of Sign Face. The measurement shall extend from the outer edges side to side and include the structure projection, decoration or trim of the sign face or structure, but not the supporting pole.
4. 
Sign Face Area, Single and Double-Sided Signs. Only one side of a sign shall be measured. When the sides of a double sided sign are not equal, the larger side shall be measured. The measurement shall enclose the sign face, including any projections, decoration or trim of the sign face and any direct illumination on the sign pole, within not more than three squares or rectangles or both which touch and sum the areas. The squares or rectangles may be rotated. The minimum dimension of a square or rectangle connecting two sign faces is one foot.
5. 
Sign Face Area for Signs With More Than Two Sides (Multifaceted Signs). The measurement shall enclose the sign faces and structures, including any projection, decoration or trim of the sign faces and structures and any direct illumination of the sign pole, within a square or rectangle and summing the area of the six sides.
6. 
On-site Separation Between Signs. When freestanding signs are required to be separated by a specific distance from each other, the distance shall be measured beginning at the center of the footprint of one sign, then measuring by the shortest route to the nearest property line, then along the property line to the point on the property line nearest to the second sign and then by the shortest route to the center of the footprint of the second sign. If the above directions result in two or more different measurements, the shortest shall be used.
B. 
Freestanding Monument Signs.
1. 
Height of Sign. The measurement shall be from the grade to the highest point of the sign, including the sign face, structure and any projection, decoration or trim of the structure.
2. 
Height of Sign Face. The measurement shall be from the lowest point to the highest point of the sign face, including any projection, decoration or trim of the sign face.
3. 
Width of Sign Face. The measurement shall be from the outer edges side to side and include any projection, decoration, or trim of the structure.
4. 
Sign Face Area. Only one side of the sign shall be measured. When the sides of a double-sided sign are not equal, the larger side shall be measured. The measurement shall enclose the sign face, including any projection, decoration or trim of the sign face, within not more than three squares or rectangles may be rotated. The minimum dimensions of a square or rectangle connecting two sign faces is one foot.
5. 
On-site Separation Between Signs. See Section A.6 above.
C. 
Wall Signs.
1. 
Height of Sign Face. The measurement shall be from the lowest point to the highest point of the sign face, including any projection, decoration, individual letters, cabinet or trim of the sign face.
2. 
Width of Sign Face. The measurement shall extend from the outer edges side to side and shall include any projection, decoration or trim of the sign face.
3. 
Sign Face Area. The measurement shall enclose the sign face, including any projections, decoration or trim of the sign face, within not more than three squares or rectangles or both which touch and sum of the areas. The squares or rectangles may be rotated. The minimum dimension of a square or rectangle connecting two sign faces is one foot.
4. 
Building and Structure Elevations. The measurement shall be of the tenant's owned or leased wall and from the perspective of an architectural elevation.
5. 
Height of Elevation. The measurement shall be from the grade to the highest point, except flagpoles and similar spires, of the building or structure wall, including all vertical surfaces and non-vertical surfaces which have a vertical surface above them as shown below.
6. 
Width of Elevation. The measurement shall be from the outer edges side to side, including all vertical surfaces and non-vertical surfaces which have a vertical surface above them. The following figures illustrate the methods.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009)
A. 
Signs Allowed. In the MUR, VTH, R-5, R-7, R-8.5, R-10, R-15, R-20, and R-40 zones, the following signs are allowed:
1. 
Monument Signs.
a. 
The sign shall be a permanent monument sign.
b. 
Signs are only allowed in a recorded subdivision that has been given approval through the planning process of the City of Happy Valley.
c. 
Signs shall be located on private property, at a subdivision entrance or on a private tract median island within the public right-of-way.
d. 
Only one sign per public street entrance is allowed.
e. 
No more than two sides are allowed.
f. 
Signs shall not extend any higher than six feet above grade, unless located in a private median tract, in which case the height shall not exceed two and one-half feet. In all cases, signs shall comply with the clear vision requirements.
g. 
When a sign is located in a private median tract, the width of the sign shall not exceed 50% of the width of the median measured from curb to curb or, where there is no curb from edge of pavement to edge of pavement, provided the area limitation below is met, and it shall be centered in the median.
h. 
Sign face area shall not exceed 60 square feet. Sign area shall not exceed 20 feet in length and six feet in height.
i. 
Indirect illumination is allowed, unless the sign is located in a median, in which case no illumination is allowed.
j. 
There shall be a minimum of 100 feet separation from other subdivision signs and all other permanent signs, with the exception of directional signs.
k. 
All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of sign.
2. 
Temporary Signs.
a. 
Temporary signs shall not be internally or externally illuminated.
b. 
Temporary signs shall not be located or extend into or over public right-of-way or into the clear vision area with the exception of special event banner signs (please see definitions section for description).
c. 
Temporary signs shall be maintained and kept neat and clean. Materials shall not be allowed to fade, tear, rip or otherwise become unsightly during the period of installation.
d. 
Temporary signs shall not be attached to fences, trees, shrubbery, utility poles, or like items. They shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs on adjacent premises. They shall not create a traffic hazard because of distractive character to motorists of any such device or the cumulative effect of all such devices.
e. 
Temporary signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.
f. 
Only one temporary sign advertising a residential development shall be allowed.
g. 
The Sign Official shall establish a timeframe for placement for each temporary sign approved at the time of permit issuance.
h. 
All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of signs.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011; Ord. 422 § 1, 2012)
A. 
Signs Allowed. In the IPU zone the following signs are allowed.
1. 
Freestanding Signs.
a. 
Freestanding signs shall be supported by no more than two poles, posts, columns, or similar supports. Guy wires and similar stabilization methods are not permitted.
b. 
The poles, posts, columns, or similar supports for freestanding pole signs shall be closed to present a round, oval, polygon or similar exterior appearance. Exposed angle-iron supports such as I-beams are not permitted.
c. 
The poles, posts, columns or similar supports for freestanding pole signs may be covered with a pole-cover as a method of improving the appearance of the support(s).
d. 
The total width, including any pole-cover, of the poles, posts, columns or similar supports for freestanding pole signs shall be no wider than 25% of the sign face's width.
e. 
The poles, posts, columns or similar supports for freestanding pole signs shall be plumb (straight up).
f. 
No portion of a freestanding pole sign shall extend on or over a building.
g. 
The surface display area shall not exceed 100 square feet, with 50 square feet maximum area per sign face.
h. 
The faces of two-sided pole signs shall be parallel to each other.
i. 
All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of sign.
j. 
One freestanding sign per street frontage is allowed, provided no monument sign exists along the same frontage.
2. 
Monument Signs.
a. 
Monument signs shall be erected on grade or set into a hillside. If the monument sign is supported by a pole, the sign shall extend down to within four inches of grade to cover the pole so that no more than four inches of the pole is visible.
b. 
No more than two sides are allowed.
c. 
Signs shall not extend any higher than six feet above grade.
d. 
Signs shall not exceed 60 square feet in area.
e. 
Only indirect or internal illumination is allowed.
f. 
Signs shall be placed in accordance with the clear vision area.
g. 
All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of sign.
h. 
One monument sign per street frontage is allowed, provided no freestanding sign exists along the same frontage.
3. 
Wall Signs.
a. 
Display surface area shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of the wall on which the sign is erected.
b. 
One sign per each owned or leased wall is permitted. This shall not exceed four walls of a building.
c. 
No more than one side is permitted for each sign.
d. 
Indirect or internal illumination is permitted.
e. 
All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of sign.
4. 
Readerboard Signs.
a. 
Readerboard signs are allowed in an IPU zone as a part of another sign. The Sign Official may impose conditions of approval regarding the frequency of copy change, the hours of operation, and the method by which the message is changed in order to assure compliance with the standards of this section and this chapter.
b. 
Readerboard signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in size. The readerboard and associated sign shall not exceed the total allowable sign area for the IPU district.
c. 
The design and placement of the readerboard and associated sign shall not adversely affect vehicular or pedestrian safety.
d. 
The readerboard and associated sign shall comply with all other requirements of this chapter.
e. 
Temporary signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.
5. 
Height. The height of any sign in an IPU district shall not exceed 10 feet above grade, plus five feet for each 200 feet, or portion thereof, of street frontage. In no event shall any sign exceed 15 feet in height.
B. 
Signs Exempt. In the IPU zone, "gateway" signs erected by the municipal government are exempt from area and height restrictions.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 406 § 1, 2010; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011; Ord. 422 § 1, 2012)
A. 
Signs Allowed. In mixed-use, commercial and industrial zones, the following signs are allowed:
1. 
Wall Signs.
a. 
Single-Story Structures with a single tenant.
i. 
Display surface area shall not exceed 10% wall coverage. There is no limit on the number of signs allowed if within the total permitted wall coverage limit.
b. 
Single-Story Structures with Multiple Tenants or Businesses.
i. 
Display surface area shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of the wall on which the sign is erected;
ii. 
One sign per each owned or leased wall is permitted. This shall not exceed four walls of a building;
iii. 
Indirect or internal illumination is permitted;
iv. 
All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of sign.
c. 
Total signage for multi-story structures containing single or multiple businesses shall be limited to 10% wall coverage. There is no limit on the number of signs allowed if within the total permitted wall coverage limit.
2. 
Freestanding and monument signs, so long as a permit is first obtained as required by this chapter and the following standards are met:
a. 
Number. One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of premises, provided minimum lot frontage of 30 feet is met. No sign shall be permitted on the same frontage where there is a projecting or roof sign. Signs on the same premises but on different frontages shall be separated by a minimum of 50 feet distance.
b. 
Area.
i. 
Where the street frontage is less than 50 feet, the maximum display surface area shall not exceed 50 square feet, with 25 square feet maximum area per sign face;
ii. 
Where the street frontage is greater than 50 feet but less than 200 feet, surface display area shall not exceed 100 square feet, with 50 square feet maximum area per sign face;
iii. 
Where the street frontage is 200 feet or greater, the surface display area shall not exceed 200 square feet, with a maximum area of 100 square feet per sign face;
iv. 
In no case shall any sign have a surface display area in excess of 200 square feet.
c. 
Projection. Freestanding signs shall not project over a public right-of-way.
d. 
Clearance. A minimum clearance of 10 feet from grade shall be maintained over pedestrian or vehicular areas, 14 feet over areas of truck access.
e. 
Horizontal Dimension. The greatest horizontal dimension shall not exceed 20 feet for any freestanding sign.
f. 
Height. The height of any freestanding or monument sign shall not exceed 10 feet above grade, plus one foot per 10 feet of street frontage, or portion thereof, in excess of 200 feet abutting the sign location. In no event shall any sign exceed 15 feet in height
g. 
Illumination. Indirect or internal illumination is permitted.
3. 
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs are allowed so long as a permit is first obtained as required by this chapter and the following standards are met:
a. 
Number. One projecting sign may be permitted for each business frontage. No projecting sign shall be permitted for the same business frontage where there is a freestanding sign.
b. 
Area. Sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet per sign face, with total area of all faces not to exceed 32 square feet.
c. 
Projection. Maximum projection from a building wall shall be four feet. No sign shall project within two feet of the curb line.
d. 
Vertical Dimension. The greatest vertical dimension of a projecting sign shall not exceed four feet; provided, however, for any reduction in projection, the sign may be increased in height a like distance. The maximum projection above the wall on which the sign is erected shall be one foot, and the visible supporting structure shall be minimized to the greatest extent possible consistent with safe structural support.
e. 
Clearance. A minimum clearance of eight feet from grade shall be maintained over pedestrian areas, 10 feet from grade over vehicular areas and 14 feet over areas of truck access.
f. 
Separation. The minimum distance from another projecting sign shall be 20 feet in the same horizontal plane.
g. 
Projecting Signs on Other Project Structures. Awnings, marquees, canopies, false fronts and wall extensions, safely constructed and approved by the Building Code Official, may extend beyond the limits for projecting signs. Projecting signs on such structure shall not exceed the limits as to number, area, projection, vertical dimension, clearance and separation as provided for any projecting sign. The only exception shall be for those instances in which a projecting structure would prohibit a projecting sign within sight of pedestrians; in these instances, the clearance under the marquee or other permanent structure may be reduced to eight feet.
4. 
Readerboard Signs.
a. 
Readerboard signs are allowed in mixed use and commercial zones as a part of another sign or as a stand-alone window sign. The Sign Official may impose conditions of approval regarding the frequency of copy change, the hours of operation, and the method by which the message is changed in order to assure compliance with the standards of this section and this chapter.
b. 
Readerboard signs that are part of an accompanying sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in size. Readerboard signs located within window areas shall not exceed 10 square feet in size. The readerboard and associated sign shall not exceed the total allowable sign area for the underlying mixed use or commercial zoning district, a window readerboard sign combined with any other signage shall not exceed the building face signage square-footage allowed by this chapter.
c. 
The design and placement of the readerboard and any associated sign shall not adversely affect vehicular or pedestrian safety.
d. 
The readerboard and any associated sign shall comply with all other requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 406 § 1, 2010; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011; Ord. 422 § 1, 2012; Ord. 468 § 1, 2014; Ord. 539 § 1, 2018; Ord. 582, 3/19/2024)
A. 
Temporary commercial signs may include board signs, canvas signs, plastic signs, inflatable signs, banners, flags, balloons, pennants, streamers, etc., subject to the following:
1. 
Temporary commercial signs shall not be internally or externally illuminated.
2. 
Temporary commercial signs shall not be located or extend into or over public right-of-way or into the clear vision area with the exception of special event banner signs as defined in this title.
3. 
Temporary commercial signs shall be maintained and kept neat and clean. Materials shall not be allowed to fade, tear, rip or otherwise become unsightly during the period of installation.
4. 
Temporary commercial signs shall not be attached to trees, shrubbery, utility poles or like items. They shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs or adjacent premises. They shall not create a traffic hazard because of distractive character to motorists.
5. 
Temporary commercial signs shall range in size from greater than six square feet to a size not to exceed 32 square feet in size.
6. 
The Sign Official shall establish a timeframe for placement of each temporary commercial sign approved. Approval periods shall not exceed 120 days in one calendar year. The sign shall be removed at the end of the approval period. Any costs associated with temporary commercial sign removal by the City shall be at the expense of the sign owner.
7. 
All required permits shall be obtained prior to placement of temporary commercial signs, unless exempted by this title.
B. 
Temporary political signs may include wooden board signs, canvas signs and banner signs subject to the following:
1. 
Temporary political signs shall not be internally or externally illuminated.
2. 
Temporary political signs shall not be located or extend into or over public right-of-way or into the clear vision area.
3. 
Temporary political signs shall be maintained and kept neat and clean. Materials shall not be allowed to fade, tear, rip or otherwise become unsightly during the period of installation.
4. 
Temporary political signs shall not be attached to trees, shrubbery or utility poles. They shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs or adjacent premises. They shall not create a traffic hazard because of distractive character to motorists.
5. 
Temporary political signs shall range in size from greater than four square feet to a size not to exceed 32 square feet in size at a four-foot by eight-foot dimension.
6. 
Temporary political signs shall be permitted for a timeline of 30 days prior to any given election to seven days post the election outcome. Any costs associated with temporary political sign removal by the City shall be at the expense of the candidate.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011; Ord. 545 § 1, 2019; Ord. 582, 3/19/2024)
A. 
Village Townhouse (VTH). See Section 16.60.070, Signs in residential zones.
B. 
Village Commercial (VC).
1. 
South of the designated accessway, only hanging, on-building, or monument signs shall be used. Hanging signs shall be eight square feet maximum, with eight-foot pedestrian clearance.
C. 
Village Office (VO).
1. 
Signs in the village office district shall have a maximum of two colors in addition to black and white.
2. 
Only hanging, on-building, or monument signs shall be used. Hanging signs shall be eight square foot maximum, with eight-foot pedestrian clearance. Monument and on-building signs 24 square foot maximum.
3. 
Except for neon signs, all illumination shall be external.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009)
A. 
Within all mixed-use employment, mixed-use residential multifamily, and mixed-use commercial zones, A-board signs shall be permitted subject to the following criteria:
1. 
May be displayed outdoors during business hours only and shall be removed at the end of the business day.
2. 
The sign is placed within four feet of the main entrance to the building or individual business entry.
3. 
Sign placement shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic nor with on-street parking and shall have a minimum of five feet of unimpeded pedestrian sidewalk maneuvering space for accessibility. It shall not extend into clear vision areas or vehicular circulation areas. The sign shall not be attached to fences, trees, shrubbery, utility poles or like items and shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs on adjacent premises.
4. 
Sign area is limited to 12 square feet per face.
5. 
The applicant provides a notarized statement acceptable to the City assuming liability for a sign on a public sidewalk.
6. 
No more than one sign per street level business is permitted.
7. 
Shall be constructed of wood, chalkboard and/or finished metal. Lettering may be painted or handwritten. Readerboards are not permitted.
8. 
Shall be non-illuminated.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 539 § 1, 2018)
A. 
A sign that was lawfully erected and maintained as of the date of the adoption of this Zoning Ordinance, but which does not meet the requirements of this chapter, shall be regarded as a lawful nonconforming sign if a permit for the same is obtained under this section. The sign may be continued for a period not to exceed 10 years from the date of adoption of this section for the purpose of amortization of investment. A person may request a longer amortization period by following the variance procedures of Chapter 16.71 of this Code. The variance application must demonstrate that the applicant requires a longer period in which to amortize its investment in the sign in question. In the case of an application for a longer amortization period for an alleged nonconforming billboard, the applicant must prove, at a minimum, that the sign structure cannot reasonably be used for a sign with an area smaller than 300 square feet.
B. 
Signs located on premises annexed into the City after the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance and which signs do not comply with the provisions of this Code, shall be brought into compliance with the this Code within a period of time not to exceed six months after the effective date of annexation; provided, however, that a landowner may, within 30 days of annexation, request a variance as provided in subsection A of this section.
C. 
Any sign which is structurally altered, relocated or replaced shall immediately be brought into compliance with all applicable provisions of this chapter; provided, however, that a landowner may, within 30 days of annexation, request a variance as provided in Chapter 16.28.
D. 
All existing signs or portions thereof prohibited in Section 16.45.050, except as provided in subsection A of this section, shall be removed or altered to comply within six months from the date of adoption of this Zoning Ordinance.
E. 
Within one year from the date of adoption of this Code, the Sign Official or an authorized representative may inspect any sign regulated hereunder. The Sign Official shall have right of reasonable entry onto private premises to enforce the provisions of this chapter. After inspection, a notice shall be issued to the owner of the sign or property that lists the signs and identifies those signs which, in the opinion of the Sign Official, need repair or modification to bring them into compliance with this chapter and those which are in violation of the provisions of this chapter and must be removed, including the expiration of the grace period for the particular sign. The Sign Official may repeat such on-site inspections, with reasonable notice, from time to time as deemed necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
F. 
Any sign regulated under this chapter found to be in violation of this chapter shall be deemed a nuisance. Violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a civil infraction, subject to code enforcement procedures of the City.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 501 § 1, 2016)
A. 
In addition to any other provisions hereof, it is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to maintain a sign or advertising structure in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Violation of any provision of this chapter is subject to the code enforcement procedures of the City.
B. 
Signs in violations of this chapter which create a safety or traffic hazard, are located within the public right-of-way, or are located on a utility pole within the public right-of-way may be removed by the City without prior notice and are subject to the code enforcement procedures of the City.
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009)