Except as specified in section 8.234, no person shall erect, construct, alter or relocate any sign unless a permit has been obtained from the building official. A separate electrical permit shall be required for each sign service equipment as specified in the Electrical Specialty Safety Code. Sign permits shall be issued only to contractors licensed in accordance with city and state regulations, or any property owner or a designee erecting a sign or sign structure on their own property, provided the sign erection work is performed by a person regularly and directly under their employ. The following requirements shall be included with each sign permit application:
(1) 
Permit Applications. Two complete sets of plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted with each application for a permit. The building official may require plans, computations, and specifications to be prepared and designed by an engineer or architect.
(a) 
A scaled plot plan with building dimensions, setback and location of proposed signs shall be submitted with the sign permit application. A photograph of each façade of the building shall be submitted.
(b) 
A scaled elevation drawing shall be submitted in addition to the above requirements if a wall mounted sign will be erected.
(c) 
A description of materials, anchors, footings and attachment systems shall be provided.
(d) 
For all freestanding or projecting signs over 20 feet in height above grade, plans shall be submitted, drawn by a registered engineer.
(e) 
Each application shall include photographs of existing signage on the property or associated with the business.
(f) 
If the application is for a billboard, the application must include an approved permit from the state of Oregon under the Oregon Motorists Information Act of 1971 (ORS 377.700 et seq.) prior to the erection of the billboard.
(2) 
Permit Fees. Sign permit fees for permanent and temporary signs, excluding electrical, shall be set by resolution of the council. Only one face of a double-faced sign will be used for calculation purposes. Each sign shall be considered separately when calculating plan review and sign permit charges.
(3) 
Temporary Sign Permit Fees. Four permits on each property shall be permitted per calendar year. The fee for each permit shall be set by resolution of the council. No temporary sign(s) shall be larger than 60 square feet and be erected for a maximum of 30 consecutive days per each permit. The temporary sign(s) shall be located completely on private property and shall be in compliance with the required setbacks as identified in this code. If any temporary signs are erected without first obtaining a permit, the permit fee shall be doubled. This subsection does not apply to temporary signs that are exempted under section 8. 234 of this code.
(4) 
Permit Issuance.
(a) 
Compliance. The building official shall not issue a permit unless the sign and its location are in compliance with the provisions of this code and the Springfield Development Code. No permit issued shall be transferred to another party.
(b) 
Expiration. If the sign authorized by a sign permit is not installed within 180 days after the date the permit is issued, or an inspection requested to verify progress of the proposed installation, the permit shall be void. The building official may extend an unexpired sign permit for a period not exceeding 180 days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond their control have prevented work on the sign. No permit shall be extended more than once.
(5) 
Penalty Fees. The fee for any sign permit where the applicant begins work (and/or erects or re-erects a sign) prior to obtaining a sign permit, shall be double the fee specified by resolution of the city council.
(6) 
Insurance. Every property owner or designee who applies for a permit to erect, alter, or maintain a sign which projects more than 12 inches over public property must carry public liability insurance sufficient in the judgment of the director to save the city and its employees harmless against any injury or damage resulting from the permitted sign. This policy must be maintained in full force and effect during the time the sign remains over public property and must contain a requirement of notice of cancellation to the city.
[Section 8.218 amended by Ordinance No. 6138, enacted August 1, 2005; further amended by Ordinance No. 6008, enacted March 18, 2002; further amended by Ordinance No. 6114, enacted February 7, 2005; further amended by Ordinance No. 6276, enacted March 19, 2012; further amended by Ordinance No. 6389, enacted October 15, 2018]
Signs for which a permit is required shall be inspected by the building official for conformance with this code and the building safety codes. When the building official has reasonable cause to believe that a condition exists which makes any sign, sign structure or sign service equipment unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, an inspection of the site may be performed.
[Section 8.220 amended by Ordinance No. 6008, enacted March 18, 2002]
Whenever the building official ascertains that any sign, sign structure or sign service equipment regulated by this article and the Specialty Codes has become hazardous to life, health or property, the building official shall order in writing that the sign, sign structure or sign service equipment be returned to a safe condition, as specified in section 204 of the Springfield Building Safety Code. The written notice shall fix a time limit for compliance with the order.
Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this article, the Building Safety Codes or any statute, regulation or ordinance of any governmental subdivision of the state, the building official may order the work stopped by notice in writing. Persons performing such work shall stop work immediately until authorized by the building official to resume.
The building official may disconnect any utility service or energy supplied to the sign, or sign service equipment in case of emergency, or where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. The building official shall, whenever possible, notify the serving utility and the owner of the sign or sign service equipment of the decision to disconnect prior to taking the action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner of the sign or sign service equipment, in writing of the disconnection as soon as possible.
No person shall make connection from any energy supply nor supply energy to any sign or sign service equipment which has been disconnected by the building official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the building official until the building official authorizes the reconnection and use of such equipment.
Access to all freestanding signs, roof and projecting signs and wall signs shall be provided for the purpose of inspection.
[Section 8.230 amended by Ordinance No. 6008, enacted March 18, 2002]
(1) 
For the purpose of this section, a non-conforming sign is a sign that was legally established on the effective date of this ordinance, but which does not fully comply with the current sign regulations.
(2) 
Damaged Non-Conforming Signs. Any non-conforming sign damaged by any means to the extent of more than 50 percent of its replacement cost or sign area at the time of damage must be removed or reconstructed in conformance with this code.
(3) 
Enlarging Non-Conforming Signs. No non-conforming sign may be enlarged or altered in a way that would increase its nonconformity.
(4) 
Abandoned Signs. Abandoned signs shall be removed or replaced in conformance with this code.
(5) 
Existing Non-Conforming Signs. When an application is made for new signs on property which has existing non-conforming signs, permits may be issued for the new sign(s) in accordance with the provisions of this code, provided that the new signs together with the existing signs do not exceed the allowable number and types of permitted signs.
[Section 8.232 amended by Ordinance No. 6008, enacted March 18, 2002; further amended by Ordinance No. 6114, enacted February 7, 2005; further amended by Ordinance No. 6276, enacted March 19, 2012; further amended by Ordinance No. 6389, enacted October 15, 2018]
The following signs or operations are permitted without a sign permit, but shall adhere to the standards listed below:
(1) 
Changing of Copy/Face Change. Changing of copy or face change on signs specifically designed to allow for this unless the sign face remains empty for a period of 90 days. If the sign remains vacant for 90 days, it shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed.
(2) 
Maintenance. Normal maintenance and repair of a sign structure or sign service equipment. Normal maintenance and repair does not include structural changes, removal and replacement, copy changes or the addition of electrical wiring.
(3) 
Government Signs. Government signs are signs that are required to be constructed, placed or maintained by the federal, state or local government either directly or to enforce a property owner’s rights and all signs erected by a public employee in the performance of a public duty, including, but not limited to, safety signs, danger signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest, signs constructed or placed in a public right-of-way by or with the approval of a governmental agency having legal control or ownership over the right-of-way, and signs owned or constructed or placed under the direction or authorization of the city.
(4) 
Under Marquee Signs. A sign attached to the underside of a marquee. The maximum height of this sign shall be 12 inches. Such sign shall be permanently attached to the marquee and shall be a minimum of eight feet above grade.
(5) 
Exempt Temporary or Small Signs. Signs exempted under the following provisions shall not be tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to trees, utility or light poles, fences, or other objects not erected, owned and maintained by the owner of the sign.
(a) 
One sign with a sign face no larger than three square feet may be located on a property at any time.
(b) 
One temporary sign not larger than 32 square feet per face may be located on a property for a period of 90 days prior to and five days after an election involving candidates for a federal, state or local office that represents the district in which the property is located or involves an issue on the ballot of an election within the district where the property is located.
(c) 
One temporary wall sign and one temporary freestanding sign, each with a sign face no larger than eight square feet in a residential zone or 20 square feet in a commercial or industrial zone and set back a minimum of 10 feet from the street, may be located on a property when:
(i) 
The property is being offered for sale through a licensed real estate agent or for lease through a property management company;
(ii) 
If not offered for sale through a real estate agent or lease through a property management company, when the sign is owned by the property owner and that property is offered for sale or lease by the owner; and
(iii) 
For a period of 30 days following the date on which a contract of sale or lease agreement has been executed by a person purchasing or leasing the property.
(d) 
One temporary sign with a sign face no larger than three square feet may be located on a property in a residential zone when the property owner is opening the property to the public; provided, however, the owner may not use this type of sign for more than 10 consecutive days or for more than two separate occasions per calendar year.
(e) 
Two temporary signs with sign faces no larger than 32 square feet each may be located on a property when permitted construction work is being conducted on the property.
(6) 
Window Signs. In all areas outside the Downtown Sign District, signs that are permanently or temporarily attached to the interior of a window or exterior door or that consist of paint or adhesive vinyl film applied to either side of a window or exterior door.
(7) 
Stadium Signs. Signs located within a sports stadium or athletic field which are intended for viewing primarily by persons within the stadium.
(8) 
Invisible Sign. The primary purpose of invisible signs is to allow information to be viewed from the interior of the property. Invisible signs are not intended for viewing from any public right-of-way, private right-of-way, or another development site, including, but not limited to, building identification within a large complex, internal directional signs, and safety award signs. All outside locations are to be reviewed and approved by the building official prior to installation.
(9) 
Neighborhood Watch, Drug Free Zone, Business Alert, and Safe Place Signs. Neighborhood watch, business alert, drug free zone and safe place signs shall be located solely on private property. Sign area must not exceed six square feet per sign face. Signs must be located outside the vision clearance area as defined in the Springfield Development Code.
(10) 
Drive-Up Signs. Signs placed in a driveway specified for drive-up transactions shall be located out of the front yard setback and will be located where the primary viewing is to the drive-up customers. Maximum height of this sign will be eight feet and maximum size will be 40 square feet. Each drive-up will be limited to two signs through exempt status, which may include electronic signs. Additional signs in the drive-up area will be counted in the permitted allowable signs for the district (i.e., counted as one wall sign if placed on the structure).
(11) 
Parking Lot Signs. Signs for accessible parking and towing zones on private property shall be allowed without obtaining a sign permit. These signs shall not exceed six square feet in total size, or exceed seven feet in total height above grade. The number of allowable accessible parking signs is based on the required parking for the property. All signs shall be permanently attached either to a building or secured in concrete.
(12) 
Murals. A mural on a wall located in a commercial, public land, or industrial zone.
(13) 
Special Event Signs. Signs allowed as part of an approved city special event license under sections 7.400 through 7.422 of this code.
(14) 
A-Frame Signs. Each business located in areas zoned other than residential are allowed to place two A-frame signs on their property. Each A-Frame sign shall not exceed two feet by three feet per face. A-frame signs shall be located on private property where practicable. When placed in the public right-of-way, A-frame signs must not create a hazard or interfere with pedestrian or vehicular travel. Signs must be placed to conform to all relevant portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and maintain a continuous, clear sidewalk width of 36 inches or more. Signs must be placed to avoid conflict with opened doors of parked vehicles. Signs are allowed only during regular business hours of the business presenting the portable sign. The sign shape, colors and appearance must not be similar to any traffic control device as determined by the city traffic engineer.
[Section 8.234 amended by Ordinance No. 6008, enacted March 18, 2002; further amended by Ordinance No. 6114, enacted February 7, 2005; further amended by Ordinance No. 6276, enacted March 19, 2012; further amended by Ordinance No. 6301, enacted October 21, 2013; further amended by Ordinance No. 6389, enacted October 15, 2018; further amended by Ordinance No. 6403, enacted June 17, 2019]
The following signs are prohibited:
(1) 
Signs Interfering with a Traffic Control Device. Any sign blocking or creating confusion with a traffic control device.
(2) 
Motor Vehicle Signs. Signs placed on or painted on a motor vehicle, trailer or manufactured home which is to be parked on a lot with the purpose of providing additional signs on or for property not otherwise permitted.
(3) 
Rotating or Flashing Signs. Signs in which the sign face moves or lights flash, travel or reflect. This does not include approved, permitted electronic reader boards.
(4) 
Portable Signs. A sign that is not permanently anchored to a building or the ground in accordance with section 8.204 of this code, except a sign allowed under section 8.234 of this code or approved under a temporary sign permit under section 8.218(3) of this code.
(5) 
Posters. Any sign attached to any tree or public utility pole.
(6) 
Emitting Signs. Any sign that emits an audible sound, odor or visible matter.
(7) 
Exterior Fencing. No signs that are viewable from the exterior of the property are allowed to be attached to exterior fencing. Fencing is defined as a structure which serves as an enclosure, barrier or screen that is not part of a building.
(8) 
Signs in the public right-of-way not authorized by a government agency.
(9) 
No sign shall be illuminated or use lighting where such lighting is directed at any portion of a traveled street or will otherwise cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle.
[Section 8.236 amended by Ordinance No. 6138, enacted August 1, 2005; further amended by Ordinance No. 6008, enacted March 18, 2002; further amended by Ordinance No. 6114, enacted February 7, 2005; further amended by Ordinance No. 6276, enacted March 19, 2012; further amended by Ordinance No. 6389, enacted October 15, 2018]
(1) 
Those who wish to erect a sign that is either larger than authorized by this sign code or a sign that is nonconforming in some other respect may apply for a modification permit or variance consistent with this section.
(2) 
A modification is a request for a sign that complies with the provisions of this sign code in all respects except size or height when the modification does not exceed 15 percent larger than the applicable dimension or area allowed by this code. The fee for a modification permit will be set by resolution of the council. The director will issue a decision on a modification permit within 30 days of receiving a complete application.
(3) 
The director may approve a modification according to the following criteria:
(a) 
Locational and/or dimensional problems affecting the ability to comply with height and size standards have been identified; and
(b) 
The proposed adjustment will not cause any of the following adverse effects on neighboring properties:
(i) 
Create a vision clearance hazard for pedestrians, motor vehicles or bicyclists, or
(ii) 
Create a hazard for fire prevention or fire suppression, or
(iii) 
Public safety is compromised; and
(c) 
The applicant’s need for a modification is not self-imposed.
(4) 
A variance is a request for a sign that does not conform to the requirements of this code in respects other than size, or a size modification that exceeds 15 percent larger than the applicable dimension or area allowed by this code. The fee for a variance will be set by resolution of the council. The director will issue a decision on the variance within 30 days of receiving a complete application.
(5) 
The director may approve a variance according to the following criteria:
(a) 
There are unusual conditions associated with the property and structure affecting the ability to comply with the standards of this code; and
(b) 
Granting of the variance would not have any of the following adverse effects on neighboring properties:
(i) 
Create a vision clearance hazard for pedestrians, motor vehicles or bicyclists, or
(ii) 
Create a hazard for fire prevention or fire suppression, or
(iii) 
Public safety is compromised; and
(c) 
The need for the variance has not arisen solely from a previous code violation; and
(d) 
The need for a variance is not self-imposed; and
(e) 
There are not other practical alternatives available that better meet the provisions of the Springfield Sign Code and its purposes as set forth in section 8.200.
(6) 
A decision to approve a modification or variance expires one year after the date of approval if the applicant does not construct, erect, alter or complete the subject sign. The director may grant an extension not to exceed one year, provided that the extension does not conflict with state law regarding expiration of permits, including, but not limited to, the expiration of any building permit.
(7) 
The building official’s decision to deny a sign permit or approve with conditions may be appealed to the director within 15 days of the decision. The director will issue a decision within 30 days.
(8) 
The director’s decision to deny a sign permit, modification, or variance, or to approve such application with conditions, is appealable to the city manager within 15 days of the director’s decision. The city manager will issue a decision within 30 days.
(9) 
The city manager’s decision may be appealed to the city council within 15 days of the decision. The council will consider the city manager’s recommendation and all other evidence presented including oral or written testimony from the applicant. The council will affirm, modify, or reverse the city manager’s decision. The council’s decision and any findings will be rendered in writing. The council’s decision is final.
[Section 8.238 amended by Ordinance No. 6008, enacted March 18, 2002; further amended by amended by Ordinance No. 6389, enacted October 15, 2018]