A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is:
1. 
To protect the health, safety, property, and welfare of the public;
2. 
To promote the neat, clean, orderly, and attractive appearance of the community;
3. 
To accommodate the need of sign users while avoiding nuisances to nearby properties;
4. 
To ensure for safe construction, location, erection, and maintenance of signs;
5. 
To prevent proliferation of signs and sign clutter;
6. 
To minimize distractions for motorists on public highways and streets;
7. 
To regulate solely on the basis of time, place, and manner of a sign, not on its content; and
8. 
To regulate the design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification, illumination, and maintenance of all signs visible from public property or from public rights-of-way.
B. 
Compliance with other laws and regulations. It is not the purpose of this chapter to permit the erection or maintenance of any sign at any place or in any manner unlawful under any other ordinance, or state or federal law.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3)
All references made in this chapter to the effective date of this chapter mean November 9, 1983, unless otherwise specifically stated in an ordinance revision.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 18-23 §2)
A. 
Definitions. These definitions are specific to this chapter and are in addition to Chapter 18.30, Definitions.
"A-frame sign" -
See "Temporary sign."
"Abandoned sign" -
A structure not containing a message or image for 90 continuous days or a sign not in use for 90 continuous days.
"Area" -
See Section 18.435.085 for definition of sign area.
"Awning sign" -
A sign incorporated into or attached to an awning.
"Balloon" -
See "Temporary sign."
"Banner" -
See "Temporary sign."
"Bench sign" -
A bench designed to seat people with a sign painted or affixed on the surface.
"Billboard" -
A sign of at least 500 square feet on which space is leased or rented.
"Building face" -
All street-facing wall areas in one or more parallel planes, including windows and building projections.
"Cultural institution auxiliary sign" -
A sign placed and maintained by, or on behalf of, a subordinate commercial use in a cultural institution.
"Cutout" -
Letters, figures, characters, or representations in cutout or irregular form attached to or superimposed upon a sign.
"Directional sign" -
A permanent sign designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction.
"Display surface" -
The area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the message or image.
"Electronic information sign" -
A sign with lighted changeable copy or message that changes at set intervals, each lasting more than two seconds, by electronic process or remote control. This type of sign is also known as an automatic changeable copy sign or electronic variable message center. An electronic information sign is not a reader-board sign or a rotating, revolving or moving sign.
"Entryway sign" -
A sign placed by or on behalf of the city at an entry to the city.
"Flag" -
A sign made of nonrigid material with no rigid internal or enclosing framework, attached to a pole along a single straight side of the sign such that the sign remains unattached along the remaining sides and can move in the wind. Flags are not considered rotating, revolving, or moving signs for the purposes of this chapter.
"Flashing sign" -
Any sign that is illuminated by an intermittent or sequential flashing light source with an interval cycle that is two seconds or less in duration or is animated in any way so as to create the illusion of movement without actual physical movement or the illusion of a flashing or intermittent light or light source.
"Flush pitched roof sign" -
A type of wall sign attached to a mansard or similar type of vertically aligned roof.
"Freestanding sign" -
A sign erected and mounted on a freestanding frame, mast, or pole and not attached to any building.
"Freeway interchange" -
Any intersection of an exit off-ramp of Interstate Highway 5 or State Highway 217 with a city street.
"Freeway-oriented sign" -
A sign primarily designed to be read by a motorist traveling on a highway designated by the Oregon State Highway Department as a freeway or expressway. Interstate 5 and Oregon State Highway 217 are freeways, and Highway 99W is not a freeway.
"Immediate or serious danger" -
a. 
Whenever any portion of the structure is damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood or other cause, and any member or appurtenance is likely to fail, become detached or dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property;
b. 
Whenever any portion of the structure is not of sufficient strength or stability or is not so anchored, attached, or fastened in place as to be capable of resisting a wind pressure of 0.5 of that specified in the state building code for this type structure or similar structure, and will not exceed the working stresses allowed in the state building code for such structures; or
c. 
Whenever the location of the sign structure obstructs the view of motorists traveling on the public streets or private property, and thus causes damage to property or thereby injures persons.
"Industrial park" -
A development in an industrial zone that includes two or more industrial or commercial uses on a campus.
"Lawn sign" -
See "Temporary sign."
"Lighting methods" -
a. 
Direct lighting is where the light source is plainly visible on the sign face and not concealed within or separate from the sign. Examples include neon tube lighting and light-emitting diodes on an electronic information sign;
b. 
Indirect or external lighting is where the light source is separate from the sign face or cabinet and is designed to shine on the sign; and
c. 
Internal lighting is where the light source is concealed within the sign face or cabinet and is designed to illuminate the sign from within.
"Maintenance" -
Normal care needed to keep a sign functional such as cleaning, oiling, changing and repair of light bulbs and sign faces. Does not include structural alteration.
"Nonconforming sign" -
A sign or sign structure lawfully erected and properly maintained that would not be allowed under the sign regulations presently applicable to the site.
"Non-structural trim" -
The moldings, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, letters, and walkways that are attached to a sign structure.
"Painted wall decorations" -
Displays painted directly on a wall, designed and intended as a decorative or ornamental feature. Decorations may also include lighting.
"Painted wall highlights" -
Painted areas that highlight a building's architectural or structural features.
"Painted wall sign" -
A sign applied to a building wall with paint that has no sign structure.
"Premises" -
One or more lots on which buildings or site improvements may exist that are designed as a unit.
"Projecting sign" -
A sign, or any portion of a sign, attached to a building that is not parallel to the building face or that projects more than 18 inches from the wall plane of the building face. A projecting sign may be attached to a wall or a building projection, such as a marquee, balcony, or awning; however, the amount of the projection is measured from the wall plane in all cases and not the building projection to which the sign may be attached. A projecting sign may not extend above the building face to which it is attached, except where there is an existing parapet.
"Reader-board sign" -
A sign with changeable copy or message that is changed manually, not electronically. A reader-board sign is not an electronic information sign.
"Roof line" -
The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, chimneys, or other minor projections.
"Roof sign" -
A sign erected fully upon or directly above a roof line or parapet of a building or structure.
"Rotating, revolving, or moving sign" -
Any sign or portion of a sign that moves in any manner including, but not limited to, movement caused by wind, machines, or persons.
"Shopping center" -
A development of not less than eight business units.
"Shopping plaza" -
A development of between two and seven business units.
"Sign" -
Materials placed or constructed primarily to convey a message with symbols, logos, letters, or other displays that can be viewed from the public right-of-way, another property, or the air.
"Sign projection" -
The distance by which a sign extends from a building.
"Sign structure" -
Any structure that supports or is capable of supporting any sign as described in the state building code. A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may not be an integral part of a building. Sign structures are not buildings.
"Structural alteration" -
Modification of the size, shape, or height of a sign structure. Also includes replacement of sign structure materials with other than comparable materials, for example metal parts replacing wood parts.
"Temporary sign" -
Any sign that is not permanently erected or affixed to the ground or any structure or building:
a. 
A balloon sign is an inflatable, stationary sign anchored by some means to a structure or the ground. Examples include simple children's balloons, hot and cold air balloons, blimps and other dirigibles;
b. 
A banner is a sign made of fabric or other nonrigid material with no enclosing framework;
c. 
A lawn sign is a rigid sign supported by one or more sticks, posts, or rods inserted into the ground or a weighted base; or
d. 
An A-frame sign is a freestanding sign with two possible sign faces supported by a rigid frame in the shape of an "A."
"Wall sign" -
A sign attached to or painted on the wall plane of a building face with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the building face and that projects 18 inches or less from the wall plane of the building face.
"Window sign" -
A sign placed on the inside of a window. A sign placed on the outside of a window is considered a wall sign.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 19-09 §1)
A. 
Compliance required. All signs or sign structures erected, re-erected, constructed, structurally altered, or relocated within the city limits must comply with the standards and provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Sign permits.
1. 
All permanent signs require a sign permit, except those that are exempted by Section 18.435.060. All temporary signs require a temporary sign permit as provided by Section 18.435.100, except those that are exempted by Section 18.435.060. A-frame signs allowed by Paragraph 18.435.130.G.6 are treated as permanent signs for permitting purposes.
2. 
Each sign or group of signs on a single supporting structure, including sign alterations not exempted by Section 18.435.060, require a separate sign permit.
C. 
Retroactive sign permits. The Director may require an application for sign permits for all signage at a given address if no existing permits previously had been approved or documented.
D. 
Encroachment permits. In addition to any required sign permits, Chapter 15.16 of the Tigard Municipal Code requires an encroachment permit for any sign allowed in the public right-of-way by this chapter.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 18-28 §1)
Approval process. Sign permit applications are processed through a Type I procedure, as provided in Section 18.710.050. The approval authority will approve or approve with conditions a sign application when the applicable standards of this chapter and the sign standards of any applicable plan district are met.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 19-09 §1)
A. 
Approval period. Sign permit approvals are effective for a period of 90 days from the date of approval.
B. 
Expiration. A sign permit approval expires if:
1. 
Substantial construction of the approved sign has not begun within the 90-day period; or
2. 
Construction on the site is a departure from the approved permit.
C. 
Extension of approval. The approval authority will, upon written request by the applicant, grant an extension of the approval period not to exceed 90 days provided that:
1. 
No changes are proposed to the original approved sign permit;
2. 
The applicant can show intent of initiating construction of the sign within the 90-day extension period; and
3. 
There have been no changes in the applicable policies and ordinance provisions and state building code provisions on which the approval was based.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2)
The Director is authorized to enforce all of the provisions of this chapter. All signs for which permits are required may be inspected by the Director; upon presentation of proper credentials, the Director may enter at reasonable times any building, structure, or premises in the city to perform any duty imposed upon the position by this chapter.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2)
A. 
Exemptions from permit requirements. The following signs and operations do not require a sign permit but must comply with all other applicable regulations of this chapter and Subsection 18.435.060.B:
1. 
Lawn and A-frame signs in residential zones, with the following restrictions:
a. 
Multiple lawn and A-frame signs are allowed per premises and must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
b. 
The total maximum sign area for lawn signs in the RES-A, RES-B, and RES-C zones is 12 square feet per sign face and 24 square feet for all sign faces per premises. The total maximum sign area for lawn signs in all other residential zones is 24 square feet for all sign faces per premises.
c. 
The total maximum sign area for A-frame signs in all residential zones is six square feet per sign face and 12 square feet for all sign faces. A-frame signs may be displayed only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
d. 
Lawn and A-frame signs in residential zones are allowed only on private property and not within the public right-of-way or the clear vision area as provided in Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas.
2. 
Signs not oriented or intended to be legible from a right-of-way, other property, or the air;
3. 
Signs inside a building, except for flashing signs visible from a right-of-way, other property, or the air;
4. 
Painted wall decorations;
5. 
Painted wall highlights;
6. 
Window signs;
7. 
Directional signs on private property or directional signs in the public right-of-way that are legally erected by or on behalf of a government agency or road authority;
8. 
Flags in nonresidential zones up to a maximum area of 40 square feet per flag, and 120 square feet per site, displayed from permanent freestanding or wall-mounted flagpoles that are designed to allow the flags to be raised and lowered;
9. 
Flags in residential zones with a maximum area of 15 square feet per site, displayed from temporary freestanding or wall-mounted flagpoles;
10. 
Sign repair, maintenance, or change of copy or message that does not involve a change of sign size, height, type, or location;
11. 
Signs affected by stipulated judgments to which the city is a party that is entered by courts of competent jurisdiction; and
12. 
Banner signs in the right-of-way in the MU-CBD zone, with the following restrictions:
a. 
The maximum sign area is 140 square feet per sign face, and
b. 
The maximum length of display is 60 continuous days.
B. 
Requirements for exempted signs. All signs exempted from sign permits in Subsection 18.435.060.A must be placed on private property, and only with the consent of the property owner, except where expressly allowed on utility poles or in the public right-of-way.
C. 
Legally required signs. Nothing in this title prevents the erection, location, or construction of signs on private property where such erection, location, or construction is required by any law or ordinance. Nor is any public agency or utility prohibited from erecting signs on private property when otherwise authorized. No sign permit or fee is required for such signs.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 18-28 §1; Ord. 19-09 §1; Ord. 22-06 §2)
A. 
Unsafe or improperly maintained signs. All signs must be constructed, erected, and maintained to withstand the wind, seismic, or other applicable requirements in the state building code or this title.
B. 
Unauthorized traffic signs. The following signs are prohibited:
1. 
Signs that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or could be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device by reason of position, shape, or color; and
2. 
Signs that make use of the word "stop," "look," "danger," or any other similar word, phrase, symbol, or character that is likely to interfere with, mislead, or confuse motorists.
C. 
Obscene signs. Signs containing statements, words, or pictures in which the dominant theme of the material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in sex or is patently offensive because it affronts the contemporary community standard relating to the description or representation of sexual material are prohibited.
D. 
Obstructing signs.
1. 
Signs or sign structures may not be constructed or located in a manner that obstructs access to any fire escape or other means of ingress or egress from a building or any exit corridor, hallway, or doorway. Signs or sign structures may not cover, wholly or partially, any window or doorway in any manner that substantially limits access to the building in case of fire or other emergency; and
2. 
Signs or sign structures at any street intersection must comply with Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas.
E. 
Roof signs. Roof signs are prohibited, except for temporary balloon signs allowed by Section 18.435.100, flush-pitched roof signs allowed by Subsection 18.435.090.F, and pedestrian-oriented roof signs allowed by Paragraph 18.435.130.G.5.
F. 
Revolving, rotating, or moving signs. Revolving, rotating, or moving signs are prohibited, except for temporary banners or balloons allowed by Section 18.435.100.
G. 
Flashing signs. Flashing signs of any kind are prohibited, including, but not limited to, strobe lights.
H. 
Right-of-way signs. Signs in the public right-of-way in whole or in part are prohibited, except for signs legally erected for informational purposes by or on behalf of a government agency, bench signs allowed by Subsection 18.435.090.B, awning signs allowed by Subsection 18.435.090.E, temporary banners allowed by Paragraph 18.435.060.A.12, or signs allowed by Subparagraph 18.435.130.G.1.c in the TMU and MU-CBD zones. Any sign that projects into or is located in City of Tigard right-of-way is subject to approval by the City Engineer. Signs may not project into or be located in Oregon Department of Transportation right-of-way.
I. 
Billboards. Billboards are prohibited.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 18-28 §1; Ord. 19-09 §1)
A. 
Surface brightness. The surface brightness of any sign is limited to that produced by the diffused output obtained from 800 milliampere fluorescent light sources spaced not closer than 8 inches, center on center.
B. 
No exposed incandescent lamps. Exposed lamps that exceed the equivalent of a 25 watt incandescent lamp are prohibited on the exterior surface of any sign in a manner that exposes the face of such bulb or lamp to any public street or public right-of-way, with the exception of allowed electronic information signs.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 18-23 §2)
A. 
Projecting and freestanding signs.
1. 
The area of a freestanding or projecting sign includes all sign faces counted in calculating its area. Regardless of the number of sign cabinets or sign faces, the total allowable area must not be exceeded.
2. 
The area of a projecting or freestanding sign is measured as follows:
a. 
The area around and enclosing the perimeter of each sign cabinet, face, or module is summed and then totaled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area does not include embellishments such as pole covers, framing and decorative roofing, provided there is no written advertising copy, symbols, or logos on such embellishments;
b. 
If the sign is composed of more than two sign cabinets, faces, or modules, the area enclosing the entire perimeter of all cabinets, faces, or modules within a single, continuous geometric figure is the area of the sign. Pole covers and other embellishments are not included in the area of the sign measurement if they do not bear written advertising copy, symbols, or logos; and
c. 
The overall height of a freestanding sign or sign structure is measured from the grade directly below the sign to the highest point of the sign or sign structure and includes architectural and structural embellishments.
B. 
Wall signs and flush-pitched roof signs.
1. 
The area of a wall sign is measured as follows:
a. 
The area around and enclosing the perimeter of each sign cabinet, face, or module is summed and then totaled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area does not include embellishments such as pole covers, framing, and decorative roofing, provided there is no written advertising copy, symbols, or logos on such embellishments;
b. 
If the sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall as the background with or without added decoration, the total sign area is calculated by measuring the area within the perimeter of all symbols and letters or other decoration including logos; and
c. 
Measurement of the wall area pertaining to flush pitched roof signs is calculated as if the sign were mounted directly on the wall face immediately below the sign.
C. 
Awning signs.
1. 
If an awning sign meets the definition of a wall sign as provided in Subsection 18.435.015.A, it is measured as a wall sign as described in Subsection 18.435.085.B as if the sign were mounted directly on the building face.
2. 
If an awning sign meets the definition of a projecting sign as provided in Subsection 18.435.015.A, it is measured as a projecting sign as described in Subsection 18.435.085.A.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2)
A. 
Applicability. Special condition signs have special or unique dimensional, locational, illumination, maximum number, or other requirements imposed upon them in addition to the regulations contained in this chapter.
B. 
Bench signs.
1. 
Bench signs are allowed only at designated transit stops in commercial, industrial, RES-D and RES-E zones where no bus shelter exists, subject to the following:
a. 
No more than one bench sign is allowed per transit stop;
b. 
Placement of the bench sign must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or be located within a vision clearance area or a public right-of-way except where approved by the City Engineer;
c. 
Application for a bench sign must include the signature of the property owner, proof of liability insurance, and any required permits from the state highway division or Washington County, where applicable; and
d. 
The sign area is limited to a total of 14 square feet.
C. 
Electronic information signs.
1. 
Electronic information signs are allowed only in the COM, MUC, TMU, and MU-CBD zones, and at schools that front an arterial street provided the sign is a minimum of 200 feet from an abutting residential use and is oriented to the arterial street.
2. 
The standards for electronic information signs in TMU and MU-CBD zones are provided in Subparagraph 18.435.130.G.1.a.
3. 
The standards for electronic information signs in all other zones and for schools are provided below.
a. 
The maximum height and area of an electronic information sign are provided in Section 18.435.130 and any other applicable standards of this title;
b. 
Electronic information signs are not allowed to substitute for a nonconforming sign or be mounted upon a nonconforming sign or sign structure, unless the sign and sign structure are brought into compliance with all of the provisions of this title;
c. 
An electronic information sign may be allowed to substitute for one freestanding sign or one wall sign except in the MUC zone where an electronic information sign may only be substituted for one freestanding sign and no other sign type. An electronic information sign is not allowed to substitute for any other sign type, and is not allowed to replace or supplement a billboard, freeway-oriented sign, or any other sign type other than those specifically allowed above;
d. 
One electronic information sign is allowed per premises; and
e. 
With regard to light patterns:
i. 
Traveling light patterns ("chaser effect") are prohibited, and
ii. 
Messages and animation must be displayed at intervals of greater than two seconds in duration.
D. 
Freestanding freeway-oriented signs.
1. 
For signs requiring a permit under the Oregon Motorist Information Act, the city will provide the applicant the affidavits required under the provisions of ORS 377.723 only after a local sign permit has been approved.
2. 
Freeway-oriented signs are allowed only in the COM, MUE, TMU, and IND zones.
3. 
Freeway-oriented signs must be located within 200 feet of Highway 217 or Interstate 5 rights-of-way.
4. 
A maximum of one freeway-oriented sign is allowed per premises.
5. 
The maximum height of a freeway-oriented sign is 35 feet from the ground level at its base.
6. 
The maximum area of a freeway-oriented sign is 160 square feet per face and a total of 320 square feet for all faces.
7. 
Freeway-oriented signs must be oriented to be viewed from the freeway.
8. 
In addition to a freeway-oriented sign, each lot, development complex, or premises is allowed one freestanding sign provided all other provisions of this chapter can be met and both signs are located on separate frontages with different orientations.
9. 
Freeway-oriented signs are only allowed as freestanding signs and are not allowed as any other sign type.
E. 
Awning signs.
1. 
Awning signs are allowed in all base zones. Regardless of how an awning sign is measured, as provided in Subsection 18.435.085.C, the total awning sign area counts toward the total wall sign area allowance as provided in the applicable base zone sign regulations in Section 18.435.130, except for awning signs in the TMU and MU-CBD zones. The total awning sign area in these zones counts toward the total projecting sign area allowance as provided in Paragraph 18.435.130.G.4.
2. 
The standards for awning signs in TMU and MU-CBD zones are provided in Paragraph 18.435.130.G.4.
3. 
The standards for awning signs in all other zones are provided below.
a. 
The copy on awning signs may extend above the upper surfaces of the awning structure, provided it does not extend above the roof of the associated building. They may be hung below the awning if the sign clears the sidewalk by at least 8.5 feet;
b. 
Awning signs may be internally or externally illuminated; and
c. 
If approved by the City Engineer through an encroachment permit, awning signs may extend into the public right-of-way 6.5 feet or 2/3 of the distance to the roadway, whichever is less. However, a sign may not extend within two feet of the nearest vehicle travel lane.
F. 
Flush pitched roof signs.
1. 
Flush pitched roof signs are allowed in all base zones except residential zones;
2. 
Flush pitched roof signs may not extend more than six inches above the roof line;
3. 
Flush pitched roof signs must be parallel to the building face and may not extend beyond the sides of the building face;
4. 
Flush pitched roof signs must be attached to a mansard or other near vertical roof where the roof angle is greater than 45 degrees from horizontal; and
5. 
Flush pitched roof signs are a type of wall sign, and all code provisions applicable to wall signs apply to this type of sign.
G. 
Painted wall signs. Wall signs, including symbols or logos, which are painted directly onto the wall surface may not exceed in gross wall area the percentage allowed for a wall sign in the applicable base zone.
H. 
Entryway signs. Entryway signs are allowed in all base zones.
I. 
Cultural institution auxiliary signs.
1. 
Cultural institution auxiliary signs are allowed in all base zones.
2. 
Cultural institution auxiliary signs are limited to one sign and must be either within the same sign structure as another freestanding sign on the property where the cultural institution is located or on a wall of the primary building of the cultural institution. A wall sign must be consistent in structure and materials with any existing wall sign on the cultural institution. The sign area of a cultural institution auxiliary sign is limited to four square feet per face.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 20-01 §1; Ord. 22-06 §2; Ord. No. 24-05, 4/23/2024)
A. 
Applicability. All temporary signs listed in Paragraph 18.435.015.A.44 require a temporary sign permit except for the following:
1. 
Lawn and A-frame signs in residential zones exempted by Paragraph 18.435.060.A.1.
2. 
A-frame signs in MU-CBD and TMU zones allowed by Paragraph 18.435.130.F.6.
3. 
Banner signs in the right-of-way in the MU-CBD zone exempted by Paragraph 18.435.060.A.11.
B. 
Expiration of approvals.
1. 
A temporary sign permit is issued for a period of 30 days or less. The approval authority may attach conditions to the permit as necessary to ensure discontinuance of the use of the sign; and
2. 
A temporary sign permit may be reissued by the approval authority for two additional periods of 30 days each per calendar year, except for balloon sign permits which may not be reissued.
C. 
Standards. Standards for all temporary signs, except balloon signs, that require a temporary sign permit by Subsection 18.435.100.A above are as follows:
1. 
A maximum of one temporary sign is allowed at a time for each owner or occupant of property or building;
2. 
The maximum total area of a temporary sign is 24 square feet for all faces and 12 square feet per face, except for banners, which have a maximum total area of 24 square feet per sign face;
3. 
Temporary signs must be located on private property;
4. 
Temporary signs may not be located in the public right-of-way or the clear vision area as described in Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas;
5. 
Temporary signs may not be illuminated in any way or utilize electrical wiring;
6. 
Temporary signs may not contain a reader-board or electronic information sign component; and
7. 
Temporary signs may not be permanently attached to the ground, buildings, or other structures.
D. 
Standards for balloon signs that require a temporary sign permit by Subsection 18.435.100.A are as follows:
1. 
A maximum of one stationary balloon or cluster of children's balloons is allowed per calendar year for each owner or occupant of property or building;
2. 
A balloon sign may remain in place for a maximum of 10 days per calendar year;
3. 
A balloon sign may be allowed as a roof sign;
4. 
A balloon sign may not exceed 25 feet in height or float in the air higher than 25 feet above the nearest building's roof line; and
5. 
A balloon sign must be secured to a structure or the ground.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 18-28 §1)
A. 
Applicability. For the purposes of this chapter, non-conforming signs are defined as follows:
1. 
Except as provided in this chapter, signs in existence on March 20, 1978, in compliance with Ordinance Nos. 77-89 and 78-16, which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, but that were constructed, erected, or maintained in compliance with all previous regulations, are considered nonconforming signs that may be continued until March 20, 1988.
2. 
Signs in existence on January 11, 1971 that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, but were constructed, erected, or maintained in compliance with all previous regulations, were regarded as nonconforming signs and could be continued for a period of 10 years from January 11, 1971. All such signs that were not brought into compliance with the standards in Ordinance Nos. 77-89 and 78-16 and the extensions granted, are now in violation of this chapter.
3. 
Signs located on premises annexed into the city after January 11, 1971 that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter, must be brought into compliance with this chapter within a period of 10 years after the effective date of the annexation.
4. 
Any sign that is structurally altered, relocated, or replaced must immediately be brought into compliance with all of the provisions of this chapter, except the repairing and restoration of a sign on site or away from the site to a safe condition. Any part of a sign or sign structure for normal maintenance is allowed without loss of nonconforming status.
B. 
Restrictions. For purposes of this chapter, a sign face or message change is subject to the following provisions:
1. 
A sign face or message change on a nonconforming sign is prohibited when the affected property and sign structure have been abandoned for greater than 90 days;
2. 
A sign face or message change is allowed as an alteration only for existing conforming signs and for nonconforming signs prior to their amortization expiration date; and
3. 
No sign permit is required for allowable sign face or message changes.
C. 
Reconstruction. Should a nonconforming sign or sign structure or nonconforming portion of structure be destroyed or repaired by any means to an extent of more than 50 percent of its replacement cost, reconstruction is prohibited except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
D. 
Requirements for conformance. Signs in existence on the effective date of this chapter that do not comply with provisions regulating flashing signs; use of par spotlights or rotating beacons; rotating and revolving signs; flags, banners, streamers, or strings of lights; or temporary or incidental signs; must conform within 90 days from the effective date of this chapter.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 18-23 §2)
A. 
Conformance required. All signs erected after the effective date of this title that are in violation of any provisions of this chapter must be removed or brought into conformance upon written notice by the Director.
B. 
Removal. All signs that do not comply with this chapter but were erected prior to the effective date of this chapter, must be removed or brought into conformance within 60 days from written notice by certified mail given by the Director.
C. 
Enforcement. If the owner of a sign, building, structure, or premises fails to comply with the written order, the Director may then cite the owner into court subject to Chapter 18.20, Administration and Enforcement. The following exceptions apply:
1. 
Section 18.435.110 provides for certain time limits and other conditions for certain signs as described therein.
2. 
Any sign that by its condition or location presents an immediate or serious danger to the public, by order of the building official, must be removed or repaired within the time the building official specifies. In the event the owner of such sign cannot be found or refuses to comply with the order to remove, the building official will then have the dangerous sign removed and the owner cited for noncompliance and recovery of any damage or expense.
D. 
Responsible party for removal. Any person who owns or leases a nonconforming or abandoned sign or sign structure must remove such sign and sign structure when the expiration of the amortization period for the sign as provided in Section 18.435.110 has occurred or the sign has been abandoned:
1. 
If the person who owns or leases such sign fails to remove it as provided in this section, the Director will give the owner of the building, structure, or premises upon which such sign is located, 60 days' written notice to remove it;
2. 
If the sign has not been removed at the expiration of the 60 days' written notice, the Director may remove such sign at cost to the owner of the building, structure, or premises;
3. 
Signs that are in full compliance with sign regulations, which the successor to a person's business agrees to maintain as provided in this chapter, need not be removed in compliance with this section; and
4. 
Costs incurred by the city due to removal, may be made a lien against the land or premises on which such sign is located, after notice and hearing, and may be collected or foreclosed in the same manner as liens otherwise entered in the liens docket of the city.
(Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2)
A. 
Residential zones. Signs other than the following are prohibited in residential zones:
1. 
Wall signs are allowed, up to a combined total maximum area of 4 square feet, or 1 square foot per dwelling unit, whichever is larger;
2. 
Every housing complex is allowed one permanent freestanding sign at each entry point to the housing complex from the public right-of-way, with the site properly landscaped, up to a maximum of 32 square feet per face in area. Illumination may be approved provided it does not create a public or private nuisance, as determined by the Director considering the purpose of the zone;
3. 
Every platted subdivision is allowed one permanent, freestanding sign at each entry point to the subdivision from the public right-of-way, with the site properly landscaped, up to a maximum of 32 square feet per face in area. Illumination may be approved provided it does not create a public or private nuisance, as determined by the Director considering the purpose of the zone;
4. 
For nonresidential uses, one illuminated or non-illuminated freestanding sign is allowed, up to a maximum of 6 feet in height and 32 square feet in area per sign face. Wall signs must not exceed 5 percent of the gross area of the wall face on which the sign is mounted;
5. 
Directional signs on private property designed solely to identify driveway entrances and exits for motorists on adjoining public streets are allowed. One sign with a maximum area of 4 square feet per face is allowed per driveway. Each sign must comply with Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas;
6. 
Temporary signs in compliance with Sections 18.435.090 and 18.435.100 are allowed;
7. 
Lawn signs in compliance with Paragraphs 18.435.060.A.1, A.6, and B.2 are allowed;
8. 
Special condition signs in compliance with Section 18.435.090 are allowed; and
9. 
Additional allowed signs include awning signs and painted wall signs are allowed.
B. 
COM zone. Signs other than the following are prohibited in the COM zone:
1. 
Freestanding signs are allowed, subject to the following limitations and conditions:
a. 
One multi-faced, freestanding sign is allowed,
b. 
A reader-board assembly may be an integral part of the freestanding sign,
c. 
The maximum square footage of signs is 70 square feet per face and a total of 140 square feet for all sign faces. Freestanding signs may not extend over a property line into the public right-of-way,
d. 
The sign area may be increased 1 square foot for each lineal foot the sign is moved back from the front property line to which the sign is adjacent. If the street is curbed and paved, the measurement is taken from a point that is 15 feet from the pavement. This increase in sign area is limited to a maximum of 90 square feet per face or a total of 180 square feet for all faces, and
e. 
The maximum height of freestanding signs located next to the public right-of-way is 20 feet. Height may be increased one foot for each 10 feet of setback from the property line or a point 15 feet from the edge of pavement, whichever is less, to a maximum of 22 feet in height;
2. 
Wall signs are allowed, subject to the following limitations and conditions:
a. 
Wall signs, including illuminated reader-boards, may be erected or maintained up to a maximum gross area of 15 percent of any building face on which the sign is to be mounted,
b. 
Wall signs may not project more than 18 inches from the wall or extend above the wall to which they are attached, and
c. 
If it is determined through the site development review process that the wall sign's visual appeal and overall design quality would be served, an additional 50 percent of the sign area may be allowed. No copy is allowed in the additional area. For purposes of this subsection, "copy" includes symbols, logos, and letters;
3. 
Directional signs on private property designed solely to identify driveway entrances and exits for motorists on adjoining public streets are allowed. One sign with an area of 4 square feet per face is allowed per driveway. Each sign must comply with Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas;
4. 
Electronic information signs in compliance with Subsection 18.435.090.C are allowed;
5. 
Temporary signs in compliance with Sections 18.435.090 and 18.435.100 are allowed;
6. 
Lawn signs in compliance with Paragraphs 18.435.060.A.6 and B.2 are allowed;
7. 
Special condition signs in compliance with Section 18.435.090 are allowed; and
8. 
Awning signs, flush pitched "roof" signs, freeway-oriented signs, projecting signs, and painted wall signs are allowed.
C. 
MUE zone. Signs other than the following are prohibited in the MUE zone:
1. 
Freestanding signs are allowed, subject to the following limitations and conditions:
a. 
One multi-faced freestanding sign is allowed per premises,
b. 
A reader-board assembly may be an integral part of the freestanding sign,
c. 
The maximum square footage of freestanding signs is 32 square feet per face and a total of 64 square feet for all sign faces. Freestanding signs may not extend over a property line into the public right-of-way,
d. 
The sign area may be increased 1 square foot for each lineal foot the sign is moved back from the front property line to which the sign is adjacent. If the street is curbed and paved the measurement is taken from a point that is 15 feet from the pavement. This increase in sign area is limited to a maximum of 52 square feet per face or a total of 104 square feet for all faces, and
e. 
The maximum height of freestanding signs located next to the public right-of-way is 8 feet. Height may be increased 1 foot for each 10 feet of setback from the property line or a point 15 feet from the edge of pavement, whichever is less, to a maximum of 10 feet in height;
2. 
Wall signs are allowed, subject to the following limitations and conditions:
a. 
Wall signs, including illuminated reader-board signs, may be erected or maintained up to a maximum gross area of 5 percent of any wall face on which the sign is to be mounted,
b. 
Wall signs must be parallel to the face of the building upon which the sign is located, and
c. 
If it is determined through the site development review process that the wall sign's visual appeal and overall design quality would be served, an additional 50 percent of the allowable sign area may be allowed. No copy is allowed in the additional area. For purposes of this subsection, "copy" includes symbols, logos and letters;
3. 
Directional signs on private property designed solely to identify driveway entrances and exits for motorists on adjoining public streets are allowed. One sign with an area of 4 square feet per face is allowed per driveway. Each sign must comply with Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas;
4. 
Temporary signs in compliance with Sections 18.435.090 and 18.435.100 are allowed;
5. 
Lawn signs in compliance with Paragraphs 18.435.060.A.6 and B.2 are allowed;
6. 
Special condition signs in compliance with Section 18.435.090 are allowed; and
7. 
Awning signs, flush pitched "roof" signs, and painted wall signs are allowed.
D. 
Industrial zones. Signs other than the following are prohibited in the IND zone:
1. 
Freestanding signs are allowed, subject to the following limitations and conditions:
a. 
One multi-faced freestanding sign is allowed,
b. 
A reader-board assembly may be an integral part of the freestanding sign,
c. 
The maximum square footage of signs is 70 square feet per face and a total of 140 square feet for all sign faces. Freestanding signs may not extend over a property line into the public right-of-way,
d. 
The sign area may be increased 1 square foot for each lineal foot the sign is moved back from the front property line to which the sign is adjacent. If the street is curbed and paved, the measurement is taken from a point that is 15 feet from the pavement. This increase in sign area is limited to a maximum of 90 square feet per face or a total of 180 square feet for all faces, and
e. 
The maximum height of freestanding signs located next to the public right-of-way is 20 feet. Height may be increased 1 foot for each 10 feet of setback from the property line or a point 15 feet from the edge of pavement, whichever is less, to a maximum of 22 feet in height;
2. 
Wall signs are allowed, subject to the following limitations and conditions:
a. 
Wall signs, including illuminated reader-board signs, may be erected or maintained up to a maximum gross area of 15 percent of any building face on which the sign is to be mounted,
b. 
Wall signs may not project more than 18 inches from the wall or extend above the wall to which they are attached, and
c. 
If it is determined through the site development review process that the wall sign's visual appeal and overall design quality would be served, an additional 50 percent of the sign area may be allowed. No copy is allowed in the additional area. For purposes of this subsection, "copy" includes symbols, logos and letters;
3. 
Directional signs on private property designed solely to identify driveway entrances and exits for motorists on adjoining public streets are allowed. One sign with an area of 4 square feet per face is allowed per driveway. Each sign must comply with Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas;
4. 
Temporary signs in compliance with Sections 18.435.090 and 18.435.100 are allowed;
5. 
Lawn signs in compliance with Paragraphs 18.435.060.A.6 and B.2 are allowed;
6. 
Special condition signs in compliance with Section 18.435.090 are allowed; and
7. 
Awning signs, freeway-oriented signs, projecting signs, flush pitched "roof" signs, and painted wall signs are allowed.
E. 
Additional requirements in the COM, MUE, and IND zones. If it is determined through the site development review process that a sign's visual appeal and overall design quality would be served while maintaining the intent and purpose of this chapter, an additional 50 percent of the allowable sign area and 25 percent of sign height may be allowed. No copy is allowed in the additional area or height. For purposes of this subsection the word "copy" includes symbols, logos and figures, as well as letters.
1. 
Each freestanding sign must be surrounded by a landscaped area set aside to protect the sign from vehicles maneuvering on the site.
a. 
The required site plan must show the size and shape of the landscaped area set aside for the sign, subject to review by the approval authority; and
b. 
On existing sites where a landscaped area is not feasible, the minimum clearance between the lowest portion of a freestanding sign and the ground is 14 feet in any vehicle maneuvering area.
2. 
A freestanding sign may not extend over any portion of a street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way or property unless an exception has been granted.
3. 
When a premises contains more than a single tenant but is not defined as a shopping center, the provisions of a freestanding sign will take into consideration the need for providing a signing system that is harmonious in appearance and legible:
a. 
The building owner must provide, at the owner's expense, a common support for all tenant signage; and
b. 
Up to an additional 50 percent of sign copy area may be allowed through the site development review process so as to adequately identify the separate tenants when determined that the increased sign area will not be inconsistent with the purpose of this chapter.
4. 
Shopping centers or industrial parks must establish a single signing format:
a. 
Up to an additional 50 percent of sign area may be allowed through the site development review process to adequately identify the complex when it can be determined that the increased sign area will not be inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter;
b. 
This increase should be judged according to unique identification needs and circumstances that necessitate additional area to make the sign sufficiently legible; and
c. 
When a shopping center or industrial park has more than one main entrance on separate frontages, a second freestanding sign may be allowed through the site development review process. The two allowable signs must face separate frontages and are not intended to be viewed simultaneously.
5. 
Legal owners or occupants of properties or buildings that are in shopping plazas and are directly located, or proposed to be located, on a commercially- and industrially-zoned corner property (one or more contiguous tax lots located at the intersection of two or more public streets), are allowed to have one freestanding sign along each street frontage when all of the following are met:
a. 
A sign permit is required for each sign prior to its erection;
b. 
The total combined height of two freestanding signs on the premises may not exceed 150 percent of what is normally allowed for one freestanding sign in the same base zone;
c. 
All signs must meet the height requirement of the base zone in which the signs are located;
d. 
No more than two freestanding signs are allowed;
e. 
The two allowable signs must face separate frontages and are not intended to be viewed simultaneously; and
f. 
All other provisions of this chapter apply.
6. 
Shopping centers in the COM zone are entitled to freestanding signage according to the following optional standards:
a. 
A maximum of two freestanding signs are allowed per street frontage provided they can meet both sign area and sign height requirements as provided in this subsection;
b. 
The total combined height of both signs may not exceed 150 percent of the sign height normally allowed for one freestanding sign in the same base zone; however, both signs must meet the height requirements of the base zone;
c. 
The total combined sign area of both signs may not exceed 150 percent of what is normally allowed for one freestanding sign in the same base zone; however, both signs must meet the area requirements of the base zone;
d. 
The signs may not pose a vision clearance problem or project into the public right-of-way; and
e. 
A sign permit is required prior to erection of any freestanding sign referred to in this subsection.
F. 
MU-CBD, TMU, MUC, and IND zones. The following signs are allowed in the TMU, MUC, MUR zones and the MU-CBD zone, except that MU-CBD zoned properties located west of Fanno Creek within the Fanno-Burnham Subarea of the Tigard Downtown Plan District are subject to the residential zone sign standards in Subsection 18.435.130.A and MU-CBD zoned properties north of Pacific Highway or with frontage on Pacific Highway or Hall Boulevard are subject to the COM zone sign standards in Subsection 18.435.130.B.
1. 
General provisions.
a. 
Reader-board and electronic information signs are allowed as follows:
i. 
A freestanding sign, window sign, wall sign, or projecting sign may include a reader-board or electronic information sign component.
ii. 
If a wall or projecting sign includes such a component, the reader-board or electronic information component is limited in size to 50 square feet or 50 percent of the area of the wall or projecting sign, whichever is less.
iii. 
Messages and animation must be displayed at intervals of greater than two seconds in duration. Traveling light patterns ("chaser effect") are prohibited.
b. 
Sign lighting methods are allowed as follows:
i. 
In addition to the sign lighting methods described in Paragraph 18.435.015.A.25, backlighting is allowed as a type of indirect or external lighting where the light source is behind an opaque sign area and not directly visible from the front of the sign.
ii. 
All signs may use indirect or external lighting. All indirect or external sign lighting must be shielded, angled, or located such that it does not shine directly onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way. Signs larger than 100 square feet that use indirect or external lighting must also have shields with a cutoff angle of 90 degrees or greater to ensure that lighting is not directed upward.
iii. 
Only wall signs, window signs, or pedestrian-oriented roof signs may use internal lighting.
iv. 
Direct lighting is prohibited, except for electronic information signs and signs with neon tubes or comparable lighting tubes.
c. 
Wall signs, projecting signs, and A-frame signs may project into or be located in City of Tigard public right-of-way as provided in Subsection 18.435.130.G. Any sign that projects into the City of Tigard right-of-way is subject to approval by the City Engineer. Signs may not project into or be located in Oregon Department of Transportation right-of-way.
d. 
Signs on fences, retaining walls, or walls serving the same purpose as a fence are prohibited except where specifically designed as entryway signs.
2. 
Freestanding signs, but not including freestanding freeway-oriented signs that are allowed as a special condition sign by Paragraph 18.435.130.G.8.
a. 
One multi-faced freestanding sign is allowed per premises. A premises with more than one street frontage may have one sign per frontage.
b. 
The maximum sign area is 32 square feet per sign face or 64 square feet for all sign faces. The maximum sign height is 3.5 feet, except for freestanding signs associated with a public multi-use trail which have a maximum sign height of 8 feet.
c. 
A freestanding sign may be located in the minimum building setback but must not be located in the public right-of-way or the clear vision area as described in Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas.
3. 
Wall signs, including painted wall signs and flush pitched roof signs.
a. 
Multiple wall signs are allowed per building face.
b. 
The total maximum sign area may not exceed 15 percent of the gross area of the building face. The maximum sign height is equal to the height of the building face and may not extend above the building face, except for flush pitched roof signs which are subject to the height standards in Subsection 18.435.090.F. The maximum horizontal projection is 18 inches.
c. 
A wall sign may project into the minimum building setback and public right-of-way. The minimum vertical clearance for wall signs that project into the public right-of-way is 10 feet from sidewalk grade.
4. 
Projecting signs, including awning signs.
a. 
One projecting sign is allowed per building. A building with more than one street frontage may have one sign per frontage. The maximum sign area is 32 square feet per sign face or 64 square feet for all sign faces. A building with more than one street frontage may have one sign on the building corner at the intersection of two street frontages in lieu of one sign per frontage. The maximum sign area for a corner projecting sign is 50 square feet per sign face or 100 square feet for all sign faces.
b. 
A building may have the following additional projecting signs:
i. 
A building may have one or more additional awning signs where awnings are provided on the building face that project at least 4 feet into the public right-of-way and occupy at least 50 percent of the width of the building face. The additional signage may not exceed 32 square feet in size.
ii. 
A building may have one or more additional projecting signs where the signs are perpendicular to the building face, less than 4.5 square feet in size per sign face, and located less than 10 feet from sidewalk grade as measured from the top of sign. The number of additional signs may not exceed the number of first-story tenant spaces in the building.
c. 
A projecting sign may project into the minimum building setback and public right-of-way. For signs that project into the right-of-way, the minimum vertical clearance for awning signs and signs less than 4.5 square feet in size per sign face must be 8 feet from sidewalk grade. The minimum vertical clearance for all other projecting signs is 10 feet from sidewalk grade. The maximum horizontal projection into the right-of-way is 6 feet or the minimum sidewalk width along the building frontage, whichever is less. A projecting sign may not conflict with an existing or planned street tree.
5. 
Pedestrian-oriented roof signs.
a. 
A pedestrian-oriented roof sign is allowed only on buildings with a height of 20 feet or less.
b. 
The maximum number of signs allowed is equal to the number of first-story tenant spaces in the building.
c. 
The maximum sign area is 45 square feet. The maximum sign height is 2 feet above the roof line of the building and may not extend below the roof line of the building.
d. 
The sign must be oriented to the street upon which the building fronts.
6. 
A-frame signs.
a. 
The maximum number of A-frame signs allowed is equal to the number of first-story tenant spaces in the building or the equivalent of one sign for every 30 linear feet of street-facing building facade, whichever is greater.
b. 
The maximum sign area is 6 square feet per sign face or 12 square feet for all sign faces. The maximum sign width and height is 3 feet.
c. 
An A-frame sign may be located on private property or in the public right-of-way adjacent to any premises by the person in control of those premises. Where the sign is located in the right-of-way, it must be located so as to maintain a minimum unobstructed sidewalk width of 4 feet for pedestrian through-travel. It must be located behind the curb or a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the nearest travel lane where no curb is present. It may not be located in the clear vision area described in Chapter 18.930, Vision Clearance Areas, or where it conflicts with the use of any service area, driveway, water quality facility, bicycle parking area, or on- or off-street parking or loading area. It may be located in a landscape strip with approval by the City Engineer.
d. 
Display of A-frame signs is prohibited when the sign owner's business is closed to the public.
7. 
Permit exempt signs, such as directional and window signs, are allowed as described in Subsection 18.435.060.A, except that the total maximum sign area of all window signs may not exceed 25 percent of the gross window area on the building face.
8. 
Special condition signs, such as bench, cultural institution, entryway, and freeway-oriented signs are allowed as described in Section 18.435.090. Freeway-oriented signs are only allowed in the TMU zone adjacent to the Highway 217 or Interstate 5 rights-of-way.
9. 
Temporary signs, such as balloon, banner, and lawn signs are allowed as described in Subsection 18.435.100, except that A-frame signs are allowed as described in Paragraph 18.435.130.G.6.
G. 
Bridgeport Village Plan District Standards. Sign standards for the Bridgeport Village Plan District are located in Chapter 18.620, Bridgeport Village Plan District.
(Ord. 09-13; Ord. 10-02 §2; Ord. 17-22 §2; Ord. 17-25 §3; Ord. 18-23 §2; Ord. 18-28 §1; Ord. 20-01 §1; Ord. No. 24-05, 4/23/2024)